St. Tammany farmer., 1915-05-22

They, too, are known to God. The
Deaf Mute Institute, at Chinchuba,
has been beneficiary of his charity,
and the Benedictine fathers have
profited from his unselfish support.
He it was who was directly instru-
mental in guiding the Benedic'tine
to a suitable location for their Abbey
when it was decided to remove from
the old site at Gessen. Father Roeg-
erl had been a true friend and bene-
factor"
From the discussion of the good
deeds of the reverend jubilarian the
Right Rev. Abbot then diverged to
an eloquent and thoughtful commen-
tary on the ol.!co and functions Of
the Catholic priest. The need OF
priests was great in this Southland.
he said; hitherto the supply came
chiefly from Europe; it was becom-
ing daily more evident that hence
forth Louisiana would have to de-
pend on her native sons. He ex-
horted parents to inculcate self-de-
nial on their sons; to see to their
education ON virtue and religion;
and to brng themselves to realize
that the priesthood is a high and
holy ambition.
The conclusion OF the Ahbot's SER
mon was peculiarly striking and ap-
propriate. That CLINT of high poetic
Imagination which sparkles at times
SO beautifully in his discourse was
allowed to burst forth into full re-
fulgence. From the soft and mel
0h of ix~h
preacher looked forward to the rich
glisten Of the approaching golden
jubilee of Father Koegerls priest
hood.
At one in the afternoon the din
ner given by the Knights OF Column
bus to their pastor and their guests
was served in St. Scholastica's Con-
vent. A profusion of good things
tempted the appetite, while the spirit
Of jubilation and enjoyment inter-
yened the agreeagle duty of discuss
ing the viands. The Daughters of
Isabella served the banquet some of
them sitting with the knights and
their guests, so that spear and spin
die united in giving prestige to the
function. Dainty favors in shining
silver were distributed to the diners,
sweet emblems of the occasion.
After the good things OF the din
ner had received satisfactory atten-
ton, j. Louis Smith, Grand Knight,
acting as toast-master, called the
tables to order and in neat speech
rendered the fluctuations of st. Tam
many Council No. 1880, knights of
Columbus to Father Koegerl. The
Knights had found in him con-
slant friend; the pastor and con-
stant friend Of the larger number Of
the members of the order then pres
ent. He had sustained and encour-
aged them in every way.
Among the instances of the Rev.
Fathers generosity, the speaker
cited the fact that he had supplied
them with most convenient hall of
meeting. In various other ways
scarcely less serviceable the Rev.
Father had shown both orders con-
slant evidences of his good will. TIE
Deputy Grand Knight then introduce
ed Mrs. l. A. Alfonso, State Deputy
of the Daughters of Isabella, who in
an address mellifuous and daintily
pointed presented the felicitations
of her order and, with them, a beau
tiful Holy Water sprinkling font Of
solid silver.
Hon. Jos. B. Lancaster, Past Grand
knight, was then called upon to
speak for the Knights of Columbus.
Judge Lancaster's address was an
exquisite bit of extemporaneous ora
fo OF he ;c
sentative of the sixth generation of
an old Catholic family of Covington
made his words the more impressive.
The Judge said, among ether things,
that although accustomed to public
speaking he was never SO much at
loss for words most suitable to voice
his feelings as on this occasion. He
assured the revrend jubilarian of the
depth ani sincerity of the affection
which they all entertained for him.
During twenty-five years he had been
the father, consoler and guide of the
young manhood and womanhood Of
Covington. He had spent himself in
their service. 1t was mere gratitude
therefore for all, young and old, to
unite together in one unmistakable
chorus of felicitation; to voice their
feelings in words that would be ade-
quately expressive of the general
feeling.
Judge Lancaster then established
a comparison between the deeds of
public men, seeking their own ag-
grandizement only, and the life and
acts of the modest, retiring priest
who without thought OF self devotes
all his energies to the welfare of his
fellow man. There was contrast.
there could be no comparison. Pag-
an literature, with all its wealth OF
thought and beauty, had no concep-
ton OF such character as that of
the man who gives up all for the
service of his fellow man. Christi
anlty alone could produce him and
The blessing of Heaven alone could
give effectiveness and fertility to his
labors. 1t had been the especial
coed fortune of the Catholics Of Gov
ngton during these twenty-five years
% be blessed with the ministrations
of such select servant Of God, and
he speaker prayed that. for many
tears to come CoVington would still
lave Father Koegeri to lead, guide.
console and sanctify them.
In fitting words the Judge conclud-
I'd by rendering to the Jubilarian d
;et OF breviaries, the joint gift OF the
Knights of Council 1880.
Father Koegerl on rising to his