The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1912-06-14
Confirmation at St. Paur. Church.

Beautifully impressive were the
ceremonies that marked the admins
tering of the sacrament of confirma-
ton upon 1875 boys and girls at St.
Paul's Catholic church Sunday morn
ing by Right Reverend Edward d.
Kelley of Ann Arbor, auxiliary bis.
hop of the diocese.
The church was crowded with peo-
pie, relatives and friends of the
young people who were assembled to
receive the sacrament. The three
affairs were prettily decorated with
cut flowers, dotted here and there
with a score of lighted candles that
cleaned out in rich effulgence.
Bishop Kelley arrived while high
mass was being sung by Rev. FIR. S.
A. Wittliff of Detroit. He appear
ed in the beautiful purple robes of
his office and occupied place before
the altar until mass was over. He
then addressed those present, ex-
planning the sacrament, it's institu-
ton and purpose. He took a posi-
tion Immediately in front of the main
altar, and the candidates for the sac
rament came from the balcony in
twos, and marching up the center
aisle were received by the bishop
with the words: 81 anoint thee with
the chrism of salvation and l sign
thee with the sign of the cross" Up
on each. candidate, the bishop made
the sign of the cross on the fore
head, after dipping his thumb in
chrism. The significant ceremony of
giving each slight, tap on the cheek
was also carried out.
Bishop Kelley was assisted by Rev.
FIR. P. j. Slane, pastor of the local
Rev. FIR. Taylor of Laings-
burg and Rev. FIR. Witliff and anoth-
er Detroit priest who is in the city to
conduct the forty hour devotion
which opened after the last mass.
Those who received the sacrament
in size from the small school
child, ten or eleven years old, to
The girls wore flowing
wells, with a spray of smilax fastened
on the head. The class, which in
cluded 70 boys and SIS girls. has been
for the event for several
weeks under the instruction of Rev.
FIR. Slane and the Sisters of st. Do
mimic of the local parochial school.
The candidates presented a pleasing
and impressive scene as they filed
the crowded church to the
altar to receive the sacrament.
I'D Nro pnn1 Siacc Of This
city acted as sponsors for the class,
Mr.. Siess for the boys and Mrs. Sless
for the girls.
After the last candidate had been
Bishop Kelley delivered
an eloquent sermon, urging them to
be ever loyal to their religion, to
earn and practice strict obedience
10 their parents, and declared that
IN doing so, they would make OF
themselves the very best of American
citizens. He took occasion, also, to
warn them against Socialism and an
archy, which, he declared, in his
opinion, are one and the same thing.
eve must learn to obey the laws
We already have" said the bishop.
If we do this, We will not be as the
Socialists and anarchists, ever look
ng for something or other to COM
,lain about. No government can be
perfect. We are all human, and our
Is guided by human
lands, and for that reason cannot be
perfect. 1t Is an assured fact, how
,ver, that We have a government that
S nearer perfection than any other.
ITO you l also desire to say, be
lssiduous in prayer. Address your
elf to your Maker every morning
md every night, without exception.
You have received sacrament that
-our catechism tells you has made
'ou soldiers of Christ. In Baptism
-ou were cleansed, but something
more is required to fit you for the
,attles of life.' Confirmation supplies
his want. by providing strength
With which to combat evil. Pope Pr
Is X, our present pontiff, urges daily
and the recommendation
# the pope is good one"
Bishop Kelley left soon after the