The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1910-10-01
THE MIDNIGHT MASS.

Never before in the history of
Catholic America has such q marvel
ausly gorgeous scene been witnessed
As that which took place at the mid
night Mass at Notre Dame church in
Montreal during the Eucharistic Com
gress.
II is scarcely an eXageration to say
that Europe never surpassed it that
italy and the other Latin countries.
accustomed as they are to great cere-
monials, could never more than equal
it, and that this city will probably
never see its like again. II was a
revelation a marvel of its kind, a
perfect masterpiece.
And vet the supreme material beau
~ of ii all was overshadowed by the
wonderful tribute which the many
thousands present had assembled 10
nay 10 the Lord Of Hosts. It was a
wonderful manifestation of love and
devotion 10 the God Of the Eucharist
manifestation which could leave no
doubt as to its sincerity and to its
enduring loyalty 1t taught q lesson
10 The rest Of the world which cannot
20 upheeded. 1t was a glorious nom
age paid by loving subjects TO the
King Of Kings.
A great deal was expected from the
SUlpicians in charge Of Notre Dame.
for the fame Of the church and of its
service has found its way over the
seven seas. But all expectations fell
far short Of the reality When the
Mass was over and the street was
reached, dominating the thoughts
which crowded ones brain was one
ut absolute amazement and bewild-
ermont. What effect it must have had
on The minds of the thousands of wish
tors can hardly be imagined.
Notre Dame can probably seat
more than any other church in Amer
lea. its capacity being $4,000. In the
aisIes 5000 people can stand, and last
night the great edifice was packed
from alter rail to holy water font
Immense crowds gathered IN front of
the church long before midnight, seek
ing admission TO the Mass Vast as
is The sacred building, it could not
contain half the people anxious to
enter. and many had to return home
disappointed. The vast throng in the
church was handled expeditiously and
without the slightest confusion. this
being the best evidence possible that
an plans had been carefully thought
out long ahead Of time.
Promptly at midnight the officiating
I'i tlct tS, llltNSCCu DN ATOnDlSIOD
Bruchesi and about 125 archbishops
and bishops. entered the church from
the seminary in procession, proceed
ing up the main aisle to the high al
ter.
His eminence, Cardinal Vannutelli,
was unable to be present owing to
the slight indisposition which neces-
STATED his curtailing the reception in
the Windsor Hall earlier in the eve
ming. but he sent his blessing to the
people.
Communion was given by six bish-
ops and thousands thronged the COM
muniOn rail to partake of the Bread
Of Life. This probably was the most
impressive sight of an exceedingly
impressive ceremony. For almost two
hours the lines OF devOut communi-
aants wendell their way to the sane
tuary. IN apparently a never-ending
processing they came and it was after
$50 before the last communicate had
been given the sacred Host.
The view from the alter was one
which will ever remain in the minds
of those privileged to obtain it, The
brilliant lights shining from tapers
and through colOred bulbs. the mag
nificence of the Vestments of the off,
ating priests. the clouds of incense.
the glorious music and the immense
sea of faces seemed almost unreal in
its very mag -icence and prandeur.
The sermOi IS preached by Mgr.
Roy auXiliar o hop of Quebec. who
dwelt on tn nj renee of the Blessed
Sacrament pom citing the spiritual
life Of the c tNCliC lurch.