New-York tribune., 1910-10-02
LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP
Directs Mass of Thanksgiving to
Mark Cathedral Conservation.

E,verv Catholic priest in the Diocese of
New York received letter yesterday from
Archbishop Farley, stating that the conse-
Grafton of ST Patrick's Cathedral is to
+aks nlace on Wednesday, October ), and
directing that on Sunday. October g. in all
the churches of the diocese a mass of
Thanksgiving be offered and the Te Deum
sung, in honor of the freeing from debt OF
the cathedral The letter also asks that
all churches, schools and houses of the
people of the diocese be decorated Arch
bishop Farley directs that the letter be
read at all the masses in the Catholic
churches of the diocese to-day.
The letter follows:
AS you are aware, We are looking for
ward with confidence TO the happy con-
summation of more than half century
Of toll and anxious care-the conservation
of our grand cathedral-to take place, God
willing, on Wednesday. October B. when
three members of the Sacred College of
Cardinals, who by reason of their exalted
dignity Will unite US IN a special manner
with our beloved Holy Father. Plus X
and When more than sixty members OF the
hlerarchy or this and other countries will
that all the clergy and faithful may share
in the grace and JOY of the great event.
10 the marvellous generosity of our peo-
pie " is due that so much has been ac-
1t possible that this greatest temple Of God
on our continent be made a free gift offer
ing to the Most High. 1 am simply over
wnelmed with deep sense of gratitude
toward my devoted clergy and people for
the noble and large hearted response that
has come, in reply to my appeal, and still
from every portion of the diocese, es-
peci3lly as the Importance of this great
Catholic act of religion is more fully borne
in on the minds of all. When We call TO
0la 90
rather to rob than 10 enrich the house OF
God, this is an inspiration for the present
generation, and we pray that it will prove
a fruitful source of inspiration to genera
tions 10 come.
This latest act Of devotion to the head
Of the diocese, in enabling him TO release
is also another mark of our peoples strong
faith in the divine fact that the Holy
Ghost has placed His bishops to rule the
Church of God. One needs no better argu-
ment to prove that the members Of the
flock suffer and sympathize with their
spiritual head. as well that they rejoice
in his joy; that the heart Of the humolest
OF the flock beats in unison with that Of
their shepherd. This IS only as II should
be. The cathedral is the heart Of the
diocese 1t is the seat of authority the
chair of truth. the centre from which rad1-
ates that discipline which is so essential
for the preservation of spiritual and social
order.
Hence I thank God. reverend and dear
father. for an occasion like the present.
which affords such happy opportunity Of
drawing closer the bonds of charity. bind
ing the chief pastor OF the diocese TO his
fold giving each in turn the means of eX-
pressing our mutual love and of fulfilling
our common obligations to one another
Not only now but for all time will the
faithful have a constant reminder of their
duty to and dependence on their cathedral.
For from the day Of its conservation. on
each recurring year. will he kept solemnly J
the anniversary of this event in each parish
Of the diocese as a feast of the first class.
That anniversary we have fixed for the
second Sunday Of October of every year.
An occurrence. therefore, full of con-
ISOLATION to us all calls for a return of graft
tude to the Giver Of all good gifts Hence
II Is hereby directed that on Sunday, OCto-
Der O. this year, In all the churches OF the
diocese. a mass Of thanksgiving be offered
and the Te Deum solemniy sung.
| would earnestly urge also that public
evidence be given of our general rejoicing
bv displays of decorations on churches,
schools and residences of the people, as
recommended in the circular letter sent 10
YOU by the committee in charge
Finally. let me ask that you DO all III
your power to help make most impressive
demonstration in the cathedral on the part
of the men Of the diocese on Sunday even
ing. October g.
Please read this letter at all the masses
on Sunday, October ,