New-York tribune., 1921-01-01
Give Cardinal
Gibbons Last
,Sacranents
Church Administers Final
Rites After Prelate Has
Severe Relapse; Condition
Slightly Improves Later
Special Prayers Ordered
Petitions for Recovery or
Happy Death To Be Asked
i'm Archdiocese Churches
Special Dispatch to The Tribune

BALTIMORE, Dec. 81 Cardinal
Gibbons had a severe relapse this
afternoon at the home of Robert T.
Shriver, Union Mills, Carroll County
He sank steadily, and after con-
sultation OF his physicians, who are
greatly perturbed by his extreme
weakness, the last sacraments of the
church were administered to the preI-
ate. These rites had been said two
weeks ago during a sinking spell, but
after that attack the Cardinals con-
dition continued to improve until to-
day.
Late tonight it was said at his bed
side that he had rallied somewhat
after the relapse, although his condi-
tlon was still grave.
1he turn IN the Cardinals condition
prompted the Right Rev. Owen Is. Cor
rigan, Auxiliary Bishop of baltimore,
who is associated with St. Gregory's
Church, to issue tonight an Official
notice to the Catholic c.ergymen Of the
archdiocese, and through them to their
congregations, directing prayers for
the recovery of the prelate, or IN lieu
OF tins for happy death. The notice
follows:
The condition of His Eminence to-
day has been less favorable than at
any time during his illness. He has
received the last sacraments and the
reverend pastors are requested to urge
their people to offer prayers for His
Eminence's speedy recovery or happy
death. All pastors will please have
the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
reclted after each mass until further
orders for that intention. All the
priests of the diocese will add in every
mass, when the rubrics permit, the
prayers from the mass Pro Infirmis,' >
reciting the same in the singular
number, Pro Famulo Nostro Infrmo.
These prayers are to be recited until
further orders. The religious COM
munities are also asked to redouble
their prayers that Almighty GOD will
restore His Eminence speedily, if so
be His holy will. to strength and good
health. 0. B. CORRIGAN.
Bishop Of Macra, Vicar General"
With the Cardinal at the Shriver
home are his secretary, the Rev. Albert
E. Smith, Archbishop Bonzani, papal
delegate, and his secretary. Monsignor
George A. Dougherty, and the Very
AeSN' IL "a HSC, VI LIS OdtIlOliC y NJ
versity.
At the home it was said that the re-
lapse had not affected his mind, which
is clear. His age, his physicians said,
had been in part responsible for the
setback. Hopes that he would soon be
sufficiently strong to be moved into
Baltimore vanished with to-day's crisis.
The Litany and prayers for the Car
dinal were recited in many Of the
churches here tonight.
This morning, before the relapse
came, the Cardinal issued New Years
message to his friends. 1t said:
Il wish to give New Years greetin,
and blessing to my friends in my own
city Of Bal ltimore and throughout our
country, and to thank them for their
innumerable kindnesses and for their
prayers for my health in the last few
weeks.
"Particularly do I wish to extend a
greeting to my friends of MARYLAND
and Washington, who for so many
years I have greeted in person on tho
first Sunday Of the new year. deeply
regret that cannot greet them face to
face this New Year Sunday. l ask their
continued prayers. and give them nv
blessing and my best wishes for nj iost
happV year"