The Washington herald., 1909-02-22
SPEAKS TO LEAGUE
st. Patrick'S Congregation
Hear Father Russell.
CEREMONY AN IMPOSING ONE
Cardinal Gibbons Words of Proph-
eey as TO Present Rector's Place
Are FuIdIIed-Preaehes Brief Ser
mon = Religion should Not Be
Based on Mere Sentiment.

One year ago yesterday St Patrick's
ceremony, when Cardinal Gibbons pre-
sided a, the installation Of the new pas
tor. Rev William T Russell
Services in that church last evening.
conducted by Rev DR.. Russell. for the
League Of the Good Shepherd. which he
organized In October. and the reception
OF new members that followed. recalled
20 many persons the events Of that Sex
sgesima Sunday. and brought forcibly 70
mind Cardinal Gibbons words on that
occasion.
Cardinals Words.
Introducing Father Russell as "the
pastor who would worthiiy HI DR.. stat
ford's place and satisfy all reasonable
snticipations.~ the cardinal that day
said: You win find IN him an apostle
that viii preach 10 you the Word Of God
with dignity and persuasive power You
viii find in him a pastor who VIII be
jealous for your souls. You viii find in
him q friend who viii love and cherish
you
"The better you know him the mora
you will love and cherish him. and you
viii soon be able TO say that our shsp-
herd who was lost IS found: having been
dead, he is come 10 life again"
Within the year the cardinals prophecy
seems 20 have been realized The pastor
jealous for souls. has founded a So
ciety OF men known as the League OF the
Good Shenherd, and the anniversary of
his instaIatiOI.- finds Dr. Russell presid-
ing at the reception OF go members. which
gives to the organization. formed only
four months ago, a total membership
OF 500.
Simplicity and Devotion.
The middle aisle Of the church and one
half Of each side aisle were occupied
last evening by the men CT the league.
The ceremonies were characterized By
simplicity and devotion.
The Veni Creator. the league hymns.
and the Tantum Ergo were sung in
chorus BY the men. The professional. re-
cessional. and % Salutaris'- were sung
by the sanctuary choir OF men and boys
the choir organized by Rev. DR.. Russell
last spring
Are Men ReIigiouss
DR.. Russell preached brief and efec-
tive sermon. After congratuIaiing the
men, he said;
"A general belief prevails 10 some ex-
tent that men viii not attend church
because they are naturally not as re-
ligious as women The rapid growth OF
this league in four months Is an srgu-
ment to the contrary.
las long rs religion Is based on mere
sentiment, as long as emotions alone are
appealed 70. we may expect the false
idea 10 prevail that women are more re-
ligious than men Religion 70 appeal tc
men. must give a reason for the hops
that is in Il The moment we give q
reasonable basis for our faith and hope
We enter the domain Of dogmatic tf-th.
No religion viii ever receive the stten-
ton OF men which Is not founded on
d0gnatic truth appealing TO their inteIIi-
gence. II is an insult 70 mans intelIi-
geHce 10 ask him TO be religious without
giving him a solid ground Of truth upon
which 10 build his faith and hope"
New Members Received.
The reception Of new members took
place al the conclusion OF Dr. RusseITs
address. Rev Father McGuigan assisted
Or. Russell in distributing the badges.
The service closed with Benediction OF
the Blessed Sacrament, bestowed by Rev
Father Michigan.