Evening journal., 1912-06-12
RICH GIFTS
FOR PASTOR
AT JUBILEE

CONTINUED From First Page.)
"Ecce Sacerdos Magnus," composed
by Mr.. Finnan, organist of the Ca
thedral The character song by Pat
rick j. Shields, Then, Here's
Health to You, Father O'Flinn," was
a veiled compliment to Father Con-
nelly, and was encored by an appre-
ciative audience.
The Rev. Francis Mahoney, chair
man Of the evening, the Rev Father
Fromentin. Of the Salesianum and
visiting priests occupied seats on the
platform with Father Connolly.
The crowning features of the even
ing came when the presentations Of
gifts TO the pastor from his people
we're made. Miss Esther Connolly,
prefect of the Children Of Mary, on
behalf Of the sodality members. pre-
sented Father Connolly with solid
gold. jewelled ostensorium, of large
size and massive workmanship, valued
at $780,
William j. Gibbons, for the parish
toner's, all OF whom had contributed
90 II, presented the pastor with a
purse amounting TO 81 900 as an ex-
preston OF the deep esteem in which
he was held by his people. In an
eloquent presentation speech. MIR. Glib
bons spoke Of the loyalty to country
that was furthered by the Catholic
Church. Turning to Father Connolly
he continued:
The sentiment that prompted the
meeting of st AIMS congregation to-
night is evidence enough of the good
feeling, the esteem and high regard
we have for our pastor We honor him
as a courageous an upright and just
man. AS a citizen. we regard him with
the highest honor We respect him
and reverence him as a priest. His
hand is seen in everything that has
brought St. AIMS from what II was
when he took charge twelve years
ago. to what it is today. His path
way through all these twenty-five
years has been marked by labors
worthily performed His holiness of
life. his charity, and his strict ad-
herence to the divine teachings of our
church, and his ability to lead his
flock from the ways of evil to the paths
OF righteousness. has endeared him to
his congregation.
you may ask for his monument I
point to these beautiful buildings and
landscape second to none In the dio-
ceses. / point to yonder building par
ticularly. the home of our good Sis
ters. by the aid and sanction Of our
worthy bishop, this is the latest
achievement OF our pastor and is as
nearly perfect home as human hands
can make II. and while that building
stands II will tell better than words
OF mine can tell, of his value and
worth"
Father Connolly was so deeply
touched by the overpowering testi-
monials paid him, that 1t was with
difficulty he could speak. He declared
II was a red-letter day In his career
and that II came as complete sur
prise.
He generously declared that an,
success that has marked his work II
ST. AIMS parish has been due TO thu
love and devotion, the hearty cooper
alton and the generous assistance al
ways given him by the people Of th'
parish He thanked the people for thu
gifts they had showered upon him
and he solemnly promised that a:
long as he is spared TO them he viii
devote all his energy to their spir
itual and temporal welfare and hap
piness Father Connolly was ap
plauded for several minutes at tn
conclusion of his address.
Mr.. Gibbons was chairman OF tn
general committee that arranged tn
details OF the celebration. Hugh A
Garland was the treasurer and Mar
tin Lawler was the secretary. Tn
remaining members we're most OF tn
prominent men OF the parish.