The Washington times., 1913-08-03
HIGH HONOR GIVEN
PR|EST:-OF CAPITAL
Power to Bestow Benediction
of Pope Conferred on Rev.
E. A. Hannah. 49,: ~.

One of the most extraordinary. nrivi.
leges conferred by sovereign pontiffs OF
the Catholic church upon the member,
of the clergy throughout the world. thai
| of imparting the papal benediction. has
just been conferred by Pope Plus X upor
the Kew. Eugene A. Hannah, rector OF
st. Martins Church in this city. and
one of the most prominent clergymen OF
the diocese.
The announcement of the signal honor
bestowed on Father Hannah reached
Washington today through the Right
Rev. Charles Warren Currier. formerly
a priest Of this city, and recently ele-
waited to the bishopric by Pope Plus,
Bishop Currier and Father Hannah have
been warm and intimate friends for
years, the former having been in the
custom of celebrating mass in ST. Mar
tins Church daily for several years up
to the time of his appointment an
bishop.
The papal benediction, when bestowed
by Father Hannah, will carry the iden-
tical spiritual force as though the bless
ing were given in person by Pope Plus,
according to the belief Of the Catholic
church. 1t is naturally considered by
Catholics as privilege of extraordinary
Importance to be present at a ceremony
at which a priest or prelate having the
necessary power confers the papal ben
ediction, to which is ATTACHED plenary
indulgence.
Privilege Is Unusual.
II Is said that, with the exception
of the hierarchy of the church the
power of giving the papal benediction
is usually given only to certain mis-
sionary priests, who exercise the priv
ilege at the conclusion of great mis-
sions.
The news of the. honor given to
Father Hannah by the supreme head
of the Catholic church aroused wide
spread interest today in Washington,
and the priest was the recipient OF
congratulations. Gratifica-
ton was particularly apparent in st.
parish, where the pastor is
held in the highest esteem.
The Rev. Eugene A. Hannah estab-
hshed st. Martins Church about ten
years ago, holding the first services in
a private dwelling. With the support
Of small congregation, he subse-
quently erected the church which
now stands on North Capitol street,
between 7 street and Rhode Island
avenue. He Is now planning the cele-
bration of the first mass in the base
ment OF the New ST. Martins" which
is being erected at the corner of North
Capitol and T streets, and which will
be one of the most attractive Catho-
lie churches in the diocese.
Active In Society Work.
Father Hannah is spiritual director of
st. Martins Holy Name Society, which,
under his direction, has become one, of
the most active church organizations in
He is aiso director of the,
sodaIity Of the Blessed Virgin in his
parish. "' ~
Father Hannah was formerly pastor
of st. A1thony's Church, In Brook
land. He has also been associated with
st. Paurs Church, in Washington, and
with st. Martins Church, in Baltimore.
In the latter city he served as chap plain
70 the Little Sisters of the Poor, and
to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
He has always been conspicuous fo- his
zeal IL behalf of the church. and the
honor which has come 10 him is recog-
nized as a recognition of his services
1t is expected that Father Hannah will
confer the papal benediction upon mis-
in the near future.