Norwich bulletin., 1917-06-11
A High and Holy Calling.

l The preacher laid stress upon the high and holy calling of the priest goes forth to bear the divine message l to whatever corner of the world duty may send him. Who, after prayer and fasting and the fullest preparation mentally and spiritually, at last re- ceives from his bishop the supreme commission to go forth as the earthly ] representative of His Divine Master In the earlier dispensation, the pro- phet called down the fire of heaven | upon the victime of sacrifice. Under I the new law, the priest, duly conse- l crate, performs the stupendous miracle of calling down the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Christ, Who is God, to become daily sacrifice upon 1 the altar. for the spiritual food of men, 1 in the dread solemnity of the words, This is My Body"
 The priest, too, not only ministers to the living, but to the dying. proves the bridge, as is were, between earth and heaven, his sole aim. as was that of his Divine Redeemer, the salvation of souls
 A Day of Rejoicing. Father McGrath referred in felici- tons manner to the great joy of the young priest who has so lately re- ceived his commission to continue the labor for men which Christ Himself began. to the happiness of his family and relatives and of the entire parish, thus signaily honored by God in hay ing chosen within the local church one worthy of this high commission. He besougl1t the sincere prayers of his listeners that Father Portelance might be spared and strengthened to continue his career, abundantiy fulfilling the promise of his earlier years in the service of God.
 Blessing Received.
 Following the mass, nearly every person in the great congregation wait ed to receive the first holy blessing of hands of his friends also, as congratu- lations and good wishes for his sue cess in his holy calling were expressed. Father Portelance is a native of Norwich and was graduated from St Fatricks school, later from St. Thom- as Seminary, Hartford. He made his theological studies at Grand Seminary. Montreal, going thence to Niagara Uni fit him for work in the West. he is to labor in the diocese of Bishop Ward. of Leavenworth, Kansas.
 He was ordained at Buffalo Cathe- drai on Pentecost Saturday.
 He will spend short vacation at the home of his mother. but is holding himself in readiness for summons to the Kansas diocese at any time.
 His aged mother. his sisters and brothers occupied special pews during the service in the church where the young priests father was a devolt and regular attendant up to the time of his death.
 Informal Dinner.
 Following the mornings services there was a dinner for the young priest and his family and clerical friends at the Wauregan.
 The tables were decorated with ap- pie blossoms and other dainty flowers and the company numbered about thir- tv Rev Father iRrOdericlI presided Informal, brief addresses were made, i after the following dinner had been served with the customary excellent Wauregan style:
 Little Neck Clans.
 Horseradish.
 Cream of Fresh Asparagus.
 Croutons Souff1e
 Stuffed Olives. Roast Vermont Turkey, Sage Dressing. l
 Rosette Potatoes.
 Shell Beans.
 French Bread.
 Neapolitan Ice Cream.
 Fancy Cakes.
 Demi Tasse. A pleasing feature was the reading ] of a congratulatory poem by Miss l Elizabeth Denison.
 Reception at Parish School. This (Monday) afternoon Rev Fa- | ther Portelance is to be tendA~ed a l reception at St. Patrick's school, of 1 which he is an alumnus, by the pupils | of the different grades.