Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1911-09-16
Beautiful Edifice Erected for the
COI0red Catholics of
Louisville.
A Monument TO the Zeal and Energy
of the Rev. Father
Felten.
ELOQUENT SERMONS PREACHED

Last Ou0udy was q 6iOdb uoJ hci
the Catholics of Louisville, and
notably so for the Catholic colored
people of this city, as 1t marked the
dedication and blessing of the Church
of st. Augustine at Thirteenth and
Broadway, just erected under the di-
rection of the Jealous and energetic
pastor, Rev. Francis Felten, to whom
it will long stand as monument. st.
Augustine's is perhaps the handsom-
est church for colored people in the
United States, and its beauty and
perfection throughout was a surprise
to all who attended the ceremonies.
With solemn ceremonies Right
Rev. Denis O'Donaghue, attended by
Fathers John O'Confior and Charles
Ratio, as deacons of honor, dedicated
and blessed the new church, which
was thronged to the doors, many be-
ing unable to gain admission. Fol-
lowing the dedicatory ceremonies
there was a solemn high mass, cele-
brated by Rev. Francis Felten, with
Fathers Bachman and Jerome as
deacon and subdeacon, Rev. Father
Assent officiating as master of cere-
monies. After the gospel Bishop
O'Donaghue preached an able but
feeling sermon, which had a marked
effect upon his hearers. The Bishop
dwelt upon the church and what IL
stands for, and in closing expressed
his interest in st. Augustine's congre-
cation and its welfare. The music of
the mass was we'll rendered and COM
pared favorably with that of many of
the larger churches.
In the evening there was solemn
vespers and benediction of the most
blessed sacrament, and despite the
rain the church was again taxed to its
utmost capacity. There were myriads
of electric lights and the illumination
exceeded all expectations. Bishop
O'Donaghue honored the occasion
with his presence, attended by
Fathers Melody and O'Connor. The
clergy proceeded from the parochial
residence and entered the church
through the main aisle, all being
seated within the sanctuary. Rev.
George Sohuhmann, of st. Johns,
was the celebrant of the vespers, as
sisted by Rev. Thomas White and
Rev. George Weiss as deacon and
subdeacon, Father Felten acting as
master of ceremonies. Preceding the
benediction the Rev. Charles P.
Raffo delivered the sermon, in which
he forcefully and eloquently dwelt
upon the Catholic church and its mis-
sion. The Catholic church, he said,
recognized no distinction in the
administration of the sacraments,
which were alike for rich and poor
and all nationalities the world over.
Here the sin laden soul will receive
relief and grace, and here only can
they partake of the blessed body and
blood of the Lord and Savic-- Jesus
Christ. At this altar they woI hear
the word OF God, not the individual
opinion of the priest. but the teaching
OF God, unchanged from the time of
the Apostles to this day. The Cath
olic church and its bishops and
priests were preaching the mission
and doctrine given by Christ himself,
always saying what was said by
Christ and his apostles. Father
Ratio pointed out that the priest re-
peated the same words for all in
baptism, that there was but the one
form of marriage. and that in receiv-
ing holy communion all knelt side by
side, no distinction being made be-
tween prince and pauper.
After the benediction the Bishop
and priests returned to the new
parochtal residence, where they were
entertained by Father Felten in a
most hospitable manner.
The parochial school has been
opened for the colored children, and
from present indications the attend
ance Will be larger than ever before