The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-15
HONORS
BELGIAN PRIMATE
Cardinal MERCER Centre of I'M
posing Ceremonies in His
toric Cathedral.
MANY NOTABLES ATTEND
Prelate Pays Tribute to New
Worlds Most Glorious Wit
ness of Catholicity.
MANY NOTABLEs ATTEND
spsoia, pespatch 10 Tnr sux.

Spec7d DesputcN 70 IHE GUN
BALTIMORE, Sept. 14.-Clothed in the
rich crimson of his rank that so appro-
priately symbolized the martyrdom Of
his motherland in its heroic struggle for
right against might, Cardinal MERCER,
primate of Belgium, before a notable
congregation in the Baltimore Cathedral
to-day, taught a great lesson in simple,
dauntless faith.
In halting English he told the great
story of Belgium, or Its supreme conf
dence in the justice of Providence, and
its emergence from the seethlng crucible
of war from the stain of apostacy. and
bathed in the blood of sacrifice.
American relief and later the cru
as Gods answer to his prayers-the
word Of simple dependence upon divine
aid.
The Primate Of Belgium was the CEN
trail figure to-day of a ceremony as his
toric as that of 1887 when before the
hewn cross at st. Mary's the first mass
was celebrated in Maryland. the cradle
of Catholicity in the new world.
Notable AssembIage I'm Church.
There has not been so notable an as
sombly in the cathedral since the Third
Plenary Council The splendid cere-
monial In honor of the Belgian Primate
was attended by prelates, statesmen and
diplomats, including representatives of
, the Belgian Legation at Washington
and members of Congress. The vast
IAl ~ a
seminarians.
No additional decorations had been
introduced except for two huge clusters
of red roses on the high altar that re-
peated in exact degree the color Of the
altar lamp and of the hangings of the
two Cardinals there. That Of Cardinal
Gibbons was in its usual place, while
| the throne erected for Cardinal Mercier
was on the right.
Cardinal Mercler preceded Cardinal
| Gibbons in the procession into the ca
| thedral. He wore the pontifical robes
with a great golden cross suspended
from his neck, whereas Cardinal Glib
bons had on the ermine cape. Directly
behind the prelates followed a number
of visiting papel noblemen and other
dignitaries in uniform. some of them
| blazing with decorations The Gre
gorian Choir of st. Mary's Seminary
chanted the professional The mass Sc
! lected was Beethoven's sublime work in
c major and 1t was sung In a way that
made higher standard than ever for
the cathedral soloists and chorus.
Cardinal MERCER was attended by the
Rev. Albert Smith and the Rev. E. j.
Connolly. while Cardinal Gibbons was
attended by the Rev. Edward Leonard
and the Rev DR.. Destrycker. the Belgian
! Primates ecclesiastical secretary.
The celebrant was the Rev. Louis r
Stickney, rector of the Cathedral. and
the sermon was preached by Bishop
| Donohue of Wheeling. w. Va.
Tribute to Cardinal Gibbons.
Preceding the sermon Cardinal MERCER
made his first public address in America
} 1t was simply an expression Of thanks
and a tribute to Cardirsl Gibbons.
II know" he said, 'Shat you are the
successors Of the best of those who
founded the Catholic religion in the new
! world. This is, In fact, the cradle OF
| the Catholic faith in, the new world
and I have the honor Of being the guest
of that wonderful man who is the most
glorious witness of Catholic faith in the
new world. I have a great appreciation
for his company"
Only for a brief space In his address
/ did Cardinal MERCER refer to the in
| vasion of Belgium. Then he deplored
! the sacking Of Louvain, but there was
no bitterness in his words. He paid a
splendid tribute "a .he Belgian soldiers
who. he said, were the saviours of moi
only Europe but of the world.
| Cardinal Mercier spoke with great ex-
preston and at times his voice was
filled with emotion, particularly when
he spoke OF that sad moment" when
| the Germans entered beautiful I,ouvai in