The Irish standard., 1911-03-04
Catholic church.

SuIAOl1S SAu1 I'll.
She told me I should be "as well
kim as the flowers of May" there, and
offered me share of her pew, but
preferred to go alone. limped out in
| to the street, and after a somewhat
painful seven minutes, found myself
outside the chapel ratings amid a fine,
sturdy body of men who were calmly
watching the other sex as they passed
into the church.
But what is this? Down the mar
row street dashed two or three farm
ers' carts and brake. They stopped
right opposite the church and deposit
ed their passengers-close on twenty
dashing looking, sun-browned young
fellows.
What is this about?" l feebly ask
ed an onlooker.
They're goin' TO hurlin'," he re-
piled; these boys are the Cahirmona
team and they'll hurl today over at
Knock They're only stopping here
for Mass"
Are they going into church like
that?" asked.
account Of a hurin they would" he
said.
at hardly seems a fit dress for
church" said l.
"Arrah, 'tisn't at their clothes, but
their hearts tn Almighty will be look
in" said my friend, and l felt re-
buked.
The clergyman was middle-aged
and rather worn man, who spoke with
more than a touch OF the brogue.
II would ask the boys who are 60
ing to this hurting match today" he
said, "to behave as becomes Irishlnen
and Catholics. Let there be no des-
ecration of the Lords Day. Do your
best for your side and enjoy your
selves, but don't disgrace yourselves
and your country either by quarres
or by drunkenness" The priest did
not think harmless enjoyment a desc
Grafton Of Sunday. / venturcd to ask
my landlady if the priests allowed secu-
lar music on Sundays.
"Why not? What harm is it?' was
the reply.
"They don't like it in England and
Scotland" said |.
maybe they like worse things" she
retorted.
Eevening came, and the sound of live
ly music again drew me from the
house. Led by it, 1 arrived at some
crossroads.
About twenty-four young men and
maidens were dancing on the white
limestone road while, seated on the
fences, an old man was evoking Won
drous music from {; violin, whose age
apparently rivalled his. Other couples
were awaiting their turn, laughter
rang out, badinage was lightly tossed
from one to the other. A horseman
came galloping along the road, and
the dancers moved aside as clergy
man came near. He was evidently
we'll known.
Are you having dance, young peo-
ple?' he called out, cheeriy. That's
right; that's right; but be home be-
fore dark now, girls, or your mothers
will be looking for YOU"
l watched fascinated-so would any
one to whom the vim and life OF Irish
dancing is a new thing. Six o'clock
came, and the church bell tolled again.
The couples paused in the middle OF
the wild Jig; the young men barred
their heads, the old fiddler and the
others seated on the fence stood up. |
saw them make the sign of the cross,
saw their lips move in prayer for a
few minutes; then the men dancers
covered their heads again.. and dane.
ing was in full swing.
When l want continental Sunday
again shall go westward to the Green
Isle, where the simple people seem to
enjoy themselves on the day Of rest
and yet always find time to attend to
their religious duties.
PROBATE NOTICE.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF
| HEN NEPlN. PROBATE COURT