The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-13

ucN. March ~, 1912 ranks with the
s'athedrals conservation as the most
imposing church event that has over
aaken place within the diocese Tho
ceremonies were presided over by His
Eminnnce. James Cardinal Gibbons.
Archbishop of Baltimore, while there
were present representatives from
practita ally every dfocese IN the coun-
try. including many bishops monsG-
nori. presidents Of various universe
.5es. colleges and scminarieS, tho Gu
+ rirp tacuity of tf1e t'utt1Ui1G I'ujver-
stty. Washington many Alumni Of the
North American college tome. of
St Mary's Seminary. Baltimore and
r St Charles College EuIcolt city
Md, making a total Of more than
500 priests LIS ENcellency. Cover.
I opr Mann of Virginia His Honor.
Mayor Ajnsiie, of Richmond, judges
of iha several courts and people from
vafious walks Of 1ifc, including dele
..4tps from aiftcreh Catholic societies
~ the State we're IN attendance.
AMONGST the distinguished laymcn
eslia s'thrne from afar was the Mar
,s,as lbs Nee. Papat Chamberlain of
t@.3e pus the Tenth
m hls eloquent sermon at the in
at4uatlon. The ltet Edward NJ. Tear
ey, trcmovahle rector of Holy cross
Church. LAnohlurg, said. THE Dio-
sc@e Of Richnopd has been .ucruS-
toned to great bishops, Some have
} gone forth INTO wider fields and have
attained the highest distinction with
4 10.
: church. to hestow Others have
WORKED ana ended their days amongst
las. you, he sand. addressing the
bishop, will pcrpetuate the diS'inc-
ton which has from the beginning
characterized the bishops office in
he Richmond diocese. and viii even
bring 10 II neG honer." e.
y Right Rev T. j Shahan. d. D..
! rectol OF the Catholic University,
having read the papal bulls, the
bsho, feclinEly addressed in order the
cardinal, the bishops. the clergy and
the people, during the last address
ia y4tt-a glowing tribute ~ Mr. and
Mrs Thomas T. Ryan, the unequaled
donors Of costly cathedral and of
other churches and religious institu-
lions throughout the diocese.
Cardinal Gibbons, in his usually
happy and appropriate style, in the
closing address to the people, said:
Your bishop appears before you to-
Gay, not a stranger whose ability
and availability are to be pat TO the
test but as an old friend, with his
familiar face, aa al. elder brother
whose merits have. Dee. tried and
apr ,ved by the bishops, clergy and
the ATTY. Bishop O'Connell has
filed many varied and important
~ TIA
homo to the Church OF God. And
now my dear friend" he continued,
turning 80 the bishop, after many
trails and vicissitudes and labors en-
dured for sod and Holy Church, YOU
return as a weary pilgrim, father to
I the first scenes of -yeHr missionary
Ilifo The people of tho Old Domin-
ION without distinction of faith. well
come Xnu-not- onlX-as an enlight-
ened churchfnan. but also as a pa
triotic citizen, who Will take an ac-
tive interest IN the Commonwealth.
/ Ijay your reign he prosperous.
How truly have been verified the
two above prophetic addresses dur
ing the three years that Bishop
/ o'Coanell has ruled over the Rich
nond diocese Is now a matter Of
history. Not only has he utilized his
remarkable brilliancy of mind and
/ lis splendid executive abilities in the
rapid advancement Of things spirit
ma. but he has also shown himself
10 be one OF Nirginia's most dstin-
guished patriots and citizens. FIRE.
ouently called upon to take con-
spicuous part IN important civic and
state affairs, ne has shown himself
q marked factor in all that makes
for progress of municipality and Com
I n onwealth. His church ministrations
are not confined TO the diocese his SER
vices aud varied experiences being in
constant demand at national gather
iirgs pertaining to the general develop
trent Of the church and to educational
and social questions throughout the
states
/ Tn taking charge OF the diocese
( the bishop found himself seriously
/ andlcapped by an unusual shortage
/ If priests Heavy. indeed, had been
the toll of death III the ranks OF the
Virginia clergy. For several years
the demise Of priests had far exceed
"a the number OF the newly ordained
''he ,oss, especially TO the city OF
( Richmond by the recent death of
TWO amongst the greatest pastors of
the diocese was 'depiored ~ all. Sc
gardless Of creed reference is made
to Rev. James NJ O'ReilIy, first pas
tor OF the new Sacred Heart Cathe-
j lral who during twenty-five years
tilci"nt labor la Richmond proved
himself a tower of strength. both as
f. charchnlan and Is a citizen. and
Ito Very Rev Edward Meyer, o. S. b., |