Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-26
AFFLICTED APPEAL
TO 0ST.ANN FOR CURE
Groups Of Sufferers, Many From
Long Distances, Kiss Relics
on Feast Day
PATHETIC CHURCH SCENES

Ever since the sun climbed into the
SKY enrly this morning. the Catholic
Church Of st. Ann, Lehigh avenue and
Memphis street. has been the center OF
groups Of afflicted, who came from near
and far to kiss the relic Of St. Ann
possessed by the church.
Further color was added to the scenes
usually attending the celebration Of the
Feast of ST.. Ann by the presence of
beautiful bronze statue of that saint
in front of the church, before which
men, women and children Frustrated
themselves.
Cripples were wheeled in chairs, aged
persons were led from vehicles at the
curb. parents brought Ill and MANNED
children. and all, before passing into
the church to kiss the, relic, knelt o
moment before the new statue. It will
by the Rev. Matthew A. Hand, rector
of st. AIMS, and will later be placed
in a niche In the front wall Of the
church.
Trollcys brought most Of the crowd f,
but others came in automobiles from
upstate and from country districts of
New Jersey.
Afflicted Kneel at Altar Roll
AS has been the custom for so many
years, series of masses was cclo-
brated in the church beginning at 3 80
o clock. The afflicted persons knclt
along the communion rail while a priest
put to their lips or to their foreheads
reliquary in which were several small
bones believed to have come from the
wrists of the saint. Then, In the ma
jority Of cases, the priest would lay
his hand on the afflicted spots indicated
by each person.
Among those who went to the church
was Felix Galecki, eleven years old :,
2G46 Mayfeld street. Crippled, but
plucky, this youngster stopped, as did
the others at the statue, before he went
in the church.
Just as pathetic. and now a familiar
figure at st. AIMS on this feast day,
was Patrick McGovcrn. seventeen years
old, who looks not more than thirteen
He was wheeled in chair by his
mother.
Patrick fell off high stone embank-
ment near his home, 3109 Gaul street.
several years ago, and has not been
able to walk since. Not only both legs.
but the base of his spine was crushed
and for long time he could not even
move.
Mrs. McGovcrn and Patrick. too, are
very hopeful. Tho boy Is much i'm
proved, he says, and feels that the holy
rclir has done it. Next year he hopes
to be able to get about without his
wheel chair.
Other Children Seeking Cure
Other children who went to the
church. sober faced but hopeful. were
Joseph Gill, Almond street near Lehigh
avenue. hunchback, and James Doris.
Huntingdon street near Almond, who
was struck and badly injured by an
automobile several months ago.
Mrs. j.. 7. Melick, who said she lived
near Iansdowne, was brought by
friends. and an aged woman who re
fused to give her name went to the
church in an automobile with a Mary
land license.
The entire family Of 7. J. Jones,
living on farm near Hatboro, ar
rived in their small car. crowded on
the running board. and sitting on each
others laps in the seats. One of the
little girl named Muriel. il
Il pnralytic. and this was her first visit
to st. AIMS. Her grandmother, who
also came in the small auto. has been
for many years sufferer from acute
4 little blind boy named Peter
Mellon. was led by his mother. His
face, which had been wistful and sad /.
frightened instantly when he heard the
band music which hcralded the ap-
proach of the procession of members of
the Italian Society of st. Ann. who
to the church.
Doctors have expressed little hone
for Peters recovery of his sight. but
the mother is confident that the relics
will do what the physicians have failed
to do and that he will be able to join
his comrades at play again.
Up until 9:30 o'clock tonight the
relics will be shown.