The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1911-05-11
Confirmation Exercises at
St. Agnes Catholic Church


Agnes Catholic church, the occa-
sion being marked by the presence
or the Right Reverend John d.
Morris. bishop Of Little Rock, who |
came for the purpose Of Episcopal
visitation and for the administra-
ton OF confirmation.
At 1880 the bishop celebrated low
mass and communicated between
ninety and one hundred persons. II
was truly an edifying and impress
sive scene to witness so many,
young and old approaching the
holy table and also showing their
filial respect for their bishop and
acknowledging his authority and
spiritual supremacy by so rever-
entity kissing his ring, which is the
symbol Of his dignity in the church
as a successor of the apostles.
All 10 o'clock, the hour appointed
for the solemn services, the bishop
and priests, preceded by the confir-
nation class bearing lighted can
dies, walked in professional order
from the parochial residence to the
church. their coming being herald
ed to the large congregation by the
choir jubilantly singing the "Ecce
Sarcedas Magnus."
On the entrance of the clergy to
the sanctuary, the bishop having
given the blessing, high mass was
Immediately begun by the Rev. P.
II. Boyle of Texarkana, at the con-
clusion of which the bishop pro-
nounced the benediction or absolu-
ton of the dead previously ex-
planning to the people that as the
Catholic church always reveTs the
memory of her departed children,
so this rite takes precedence of
others and is never omitted during
the canonical visitation to impress
upon the living the necessity of
remembering their deceased friends
and OF their obligation of helping
the suffering souls in purgatory by
their prayers and charitable deeds.
Then followed the visitation of the.
Blessed Sacramen, after which the
bishop delivered an eloquent dis
course, which was listened to with
rapt attention. Practicability seems
to be a strong point with Bishop
Morris, and it was fully evidenced
in his appeal to parents to maintain
their responsible positions as high
priests" Of the family, to exercise
their parental authority in the
training Of their children in love
and obedience; in his call upon the
men Of the parish to be true, stanch
citizens and upholders of right and
justice, to cast their political votes
with prudence and discretion, not
considering the religion of the cam
didate for Office, but his ability and
morality: to avoid the inconsistent
cies Of Socialism, as its tendencies
are more to the destruction of har-
monious workings between the
classes rather than to unity and
concord; in his special address to
those to be confirmed, urging them
to live up to the high standard re-
quired of them by the church, to
be ever faithful to it's teachings,
true soldiers of Christ, never for
getting that they had been signed
with the sign of the Cross and
anointed with the oil of chrism in
the sacrament of confirmation.
The bishop also referred TO the
excellent work done by Father Gal
lagher, his remarks on the inn
provement of the parish and the
large increase of its members We're
very complimentary, and he as
sured the congregation of the high
esteem in which he held their pas
tor, and that although he was at
one time on the point of removing
him to larger parish, he will now
allow him to remain with them to
continue the good work so well be-
gun.
After confirmation the ceremon-
les We're brought to a close by the
singing of the "Te Deum" by the
choir and congregation.
In the afternoon the bishop, ac-
companied by Father Aretz, Father
Boyle and Father Gallagher visited
st. Joseph's Academy, where they
were entertained by the pupils with
an admirable program of vocal and
instrumental music. Miss Irene
Thinnes. in the name of teachers
and pupils. presented the bishop
with a beautiful address aTtistieal-
~ designed in white and gold. At
ter greetings and welcomes, the
graceful young speaker briefly
touched upon the great undertake
ings of the bishop accomplished
since his coming to the diocese, ex-
pressing the keen appreciation for
the honor of having such a grand
man as spiritual ruler, guide and
bishop.
At the conclusion of the program,
Mr.. ]. Collins, in behalf of the con-
gregation, offered another address
assuring the bishop of their loyal
ty and obedience, and of their
hearty cooperation and assistance
whenever called upon in any neces-
sity. The bishop, in a brief re-
Spouse. thanked both speakers and
expressed himself as greatly |
pleased with their greetings and ex-
presslons of good will, thanked the |
pupils for the enjoyable program,
assured the people of his perfect |
satisfaction with the progress of |
the parish, and with regrets that |
his stay in Mena was so limited, and
with -.