New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1917-06-23
Written for The Enterprise.

little town TOOK on Sucn joyous
expression that every man, wo-
man and child seemed bubbling
over with delight What was the
occasion? Why, the much be-
loved Rector of st. Peters, Cath
Ollie church was to celebrate the
Silver Anniversary of his consc-
Grafton to the Priesthood. and
during those twenty-five years
this thoroughly consecrated man
has showered benedictions on ev-
cry side as he has journeyed down
life's pathway with his eye fixed
upon the Star of Bethlehem. St.
Peters church was beautifully
festive in it's artistic decorations,
and of course, the addresses IL
French and English and the music
were all full Of interest and con
graduation, and as excellent IN
every particular as the happy oc-
casion could demand. There
were visitors from all the sur
rounding country, distinguished
clergymen, and laymen. In the
afternoon. Mount Carmel Con
vent was waving her wealth OF
flags in the breeze and autos
crowding the streets hurrying to
st. Berchmans' Hall, where the
decorations in bunting, flags and
flowers told the story Of rejoicing.
At the first note of the "Star
Spangled Banner" every tiny
tot sprang to his feet and the
grown folks quickly followed,
"and little child shall lead
them" says the book. The add
dresses in French and English
followed, and music by the
orchestra, and patriotism taught
in every cord. The drill of the
army and navy men, with flags
and guns was an inspiring spec
tacle. Young Monk was the drill
sergeant, who looks like a soldier,
and gives command like an Off
Ger, but of course the very gifted
Mother Augustan is the inspira-
ton of all these charming enter
tainments, and don't forget that
dear Mother Valery was there
with her beautiful soul beaming
through her eyes, and shedding
a benediction upon all around,
and the genial brilliant Bishop
Laval who is as witty as he is
wise, and our own Father From,
in whom New Iberia will always
claim proprietorship, ever
should he go to the end OF the
earth. And there were a great
number of very distinguished
clergymen whom Ito our regret
we did not happen to know. But
we unfortunately came in late.
which give us an opportunity 10
see how the children are taught
to be very courteous and to twist
themselves into little cork screws
to make room in the front row
for a little old lady who could
not hear verv well, and who could
only return their kindness by low
ing them all. We have often
heard Senator Burke speak, but
never so charmingly eloquent as
in paying tribute to his beloved
Rector Father Langlois. He
gave short but very compre-
hensive description of what the
Priesthood meant to a conscien
tious Christian, what self-kacrl-
flee, what perpetual service,
night and day, wind or weather,
no thought Of self is allowed to
influence the call of duty, and
that is the kind of Priest our be-
loved Rector has always been.
The subject was so dear to his
heart, the beautiful sentiments
dubbed up spontaneously, and he
omitted nothing that could be
said excepting that while st.
Peters congregation love and
revere dear Father Langlois, all
the rest Of the town are in full
sympathy with them, and rejoice
heartily in the privilege in hav
inc in orr midst so good and cap
able a man and Rector. we caught
a glimpse of the Rev. R. R. Digos,
and he looked as if he heartily
endorsed every word said.
Father Langlois replied to Mr..
Burke's address in a few well
chosen words. He said when
Moses was praying for the
stopping Of a plague, the priests
at his side upheld his hands TO
inc,1ro tho Succass of hic aDnpal