Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-06-28
ST. JOHNS DAY.
Local and Winooski Societies Join in
Fitting Observance.


Fitting Observance.
st. Johns day was fittingly observed
yesterday when an attendance that taxed
the capacity Of st. Josephs Church was
present for the solemn high mass said
by Monsignor Jerome NJ. Cloarec. He was
assisted by the Rev. L. M. Total. S. S. E..
Of st. Michael's College. as deacon, and
the Rev. j. A. Lacouture as sub-deacon
Bishop Joseph J. Rice was present and
addressed the assemblage following the
service. Father Total spoke on the life of
st. John. He demonstrated the good
life of st. John the Baptist, declaring
that even before his birth the Blessed
Virgin told st. Johns mother that her son
was to become remarkable among men:
that his destiny was blessed and she
would be made happy because of his
noble deeds. st. John fulfilled the
prophecy by leaving his parents while
quite young to lead an austere life in the
desert, preaching to all to make penance
and prepare for the coming of the
Messiah. When delegations were sent to
him to find out who he was he answered
that he was neither Christ nor Elias nor
a prophet: that he was not even worthy
to unite the shoes of Him who would
soon come to save mankind.
| st. John proved himself courageous by
| asking King Herod to lead a better life
| and expel his brothers wife from his
| palace. Herod did not dare to impose a
I severe sentence upon him but the unholy
woman ordered John beheaded. thus end
ing the life of our patron saint who gave
us the example of poverty. penance cour-
age and sacrifice, and We should try to
initiate him by giving up luxury and
pride and exhibiting courage by sacrificing
20 &c.
| vanities and leisure.
Father Total ended his sermon by say
ing that it is nothing but ambition that
has led Europe into the conflict which is
costing a great amount Of the lfe-blood
of the world.
| During the service special program
was rendered by st. Joseph's Church
choir, led by Choirmaster f. j. Beaupre.
The singing was accompanied by Cabana's
orchestra of Ave pieces and the organist.
F. J. Beaupre. Delegations from six Bur
lington and three Winooski societies were
present The Burlington societies were
the Society of st. John the Baptist, st.
Annes society of st. Joseph's Church. St.
Joseph's Court, Catholic Order of For
esters, st. Joseph's society, and the
women's and mems Councils of L'Union
iSt. Jean de Baptiste. The Winooski deiega.
lions were those from st. Icons society
the Council of st. Laurent and st
Pierres society. The societies went in a
procession both to and from the services
In the evening st. Johns hall was filled
when exercises in honor of the day were
held. Zotique Gravel, acting as toast.
master. introduced Father Pouliot o.
Essex Junction, who spoke In happy
and witty manner Of the life and economy
Of the French families in Canada He wa.
followed by Frederick Girard. we'll
known orator from Rutland who address
. ed those present on THE Life o.
Lafayette" Mr. Gravel then called upor
! the various presidents of the societies tina
aided in observing ST. Johns day.
fine musical program, rendered b,
st. Joseph's choir, and refreshment:
added to the pleasure of the evening
The choir sang the following selections
Federation" "Restons Francois" ant
ia Marsellaise." finishing with the "Stal
Spangled Banner"