The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1916-08-21
HIGH DIGNITAR|ES
OF ROMAN CHURCH
IN NEW YORK
Notable Body Opens Convention Of
American Federation
CATHEDRAL CROWDED BY 5000
Twice That Number Gathered on
Sidewalks to View Procession
Which Preceded Mass.

New York, Aug. 21.-Three princes
of the Roman Catholic church, the
apostolic delegate to the United
States, the papal nuncio to Brazil,
scores of bishops and other dignitar-
les, several hundred priests and thous
ands of laymen participated yesterday
in the celebration of a solemn pontifi-
cal high mass at st. Patrick's cathe-
dral The occasion was the formal
opening of the 18th annual convention
of the American federation OF Catho-
lie societies and the 61st annual con-
vention OF the national federation OF
German Catholics. Seldom in the
history OF the church has there been
so notable gathering of ecclesiastics
outside OF Rome.
1t was estimated that more than
5000 persons crowded into the ca
thedral, while twice as many more
congregated in the streets surround
ing the great edifice to view the pro-
cession which preceded the mass.
At the opening of the ceremonies
Mgr. Michael J. Levelle, rector of
the cathedral, read message from
Cardinal Gasparri, papal secretary of
state. in which he said:
THE holy father will watch with a
loving and paternal eye the fedora
tion of Catholic societies of the United
States holding their annual conven'
ton in New York. He sends earnest
wishes that their friendly discussions
shall accomplish much for the wei
! fare and honor of the Catholic name
| In your favored land. And while
hoping for the most consoling results
| from your concord, activity and wis
dom, he granted most heartily the
| apostolic benediction to the fedora
ton and to all who take part in it."
Admission to the cathedral was by
ticket with reservations in the cen
ter aisle for the lay delegates. Ameri
can and papal flags were hung above
the cathedral entrance, with grea
streamers of yellow and white, tn,
papal colors, suspended from eacl
! arch inside. High above all the dec
orations hung the red hat of the lat,
Cardinal McCloskey, suspended from
the arched ceiling over the chancel
Three temporary canopied throne
were erected within the chancel 70
Cardinals Gibbons and OConnell an,
Archbishop Bonzano, the papal dele
gate to the United States. Cardina
Farley, who sang the mass, occupie
the permanent throne within the char
ce!.
Each of the princes of the churc
was attended by an assistant prizes
and two deacons Of honor. TIL
bishops, each attended by two SUI
pliced priests, occupied seats abou
the thrones. The monsignori renal
ed outside the chancel rail with tn
Knights of ST. Gregory and the un
formed rank OF the Knights of Colun
hu:.
The lay delegates led the proce
sion into the cathedral and sewers
hundred priests in black cassocks an
white surplices lined the center aisl
while the cardinals, archbshops, bi
hops and monsignori. with their a
tendants. filed past. Fifty altar boy
and the officers of the mass attende
Cardinal Farley. The cathedral cho
OF Pittsburg. numbering $50 ma
= voices, assisted the high choir of S
? Patrick's in chanting the ordinary
the mass from the chancel.
Bishop Thomas +. Hickey of r
chester preached the sermon, takir
G for his text: For this was | boz
+ and for this came | into the worl
j that | should give testimony to Il
truth"
J. Among the church dignltaries pre-
c ent besides the three cardinals, we
$ ArchbLshops Aversa, papal nuncio
T Brazil, and Bruchesi of Montrea
u Bishops Currier of Havana, Cuba, |
Il Silva of Portugal and Shahan of 4
n Catholic university. Prior to d
+ ceremonies at the cathedral the de
5. gates were met and welcomed to t
d city by Actor Mayor Bowling.
lUe hlluud IcFoIN VI JoScPu rrt
president OF the German Rom
Catholic central yerein, made pub
yesterday, referred to the swayi
attitude of our government" with
,e srect to Mexico. and declared that
the opinion of our best thinkers a
10 leaders, our so-called prosperity. chi
m ly due to traffic In munitions of W
10 will meet with an abrupt terminati
n when peace shall have been est
rs lished."