Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-26
Pomp and Grandeur
Keign at Christmas
Mass at st. Francis

CHRISTMAS was ushered in ~ c.
.s ahcis de Sales church last n;oh.
WIZ pomp and grandeur which eho
a.tenoants will not soon forget
erer IN the history of the parish hos
en tnrong invaded the precincts
ta ~ ms church. and this faithful ar
ha naance was in response to a service
Az past the usual hour for masses,
$40 lor almost two hours they wor-
the Savior of Mankind. A>'''e'
a strange lady of the poorer class
met the writer at the close ne ths
services and said: mo cbristr me
frees nor gifts adorn NV homo 70
night; but what were all the pifts of
TINS world as compared with ~
dressings Of this never-to-be-fo forgotten
midnight mass"
At precisely IL o'clock tb. .,.,r
chimes solemnly announced N tba "a
mense gathering that Christm.s ~
come. Immediately the strains of
Midnight, Christians" heautifu,I,,
rendered by Harry Marcoux, re-echoed
rom the organ loft and thrilled the
worshippers. TIC
The second verse had no sooner .,a
ed than group of 100 convent girls
garDed In white gowns, emerged from
.ne vestry and circled the church
singing, as they proceeded, a series Of
oeauti1ui Christmas carols. Thew were
accompanied by string orchestra un-
DER the direction Of the Misses Mar
coux. The smaller girls were dressed
as angels, the four tineiest ones car
rylng in triumph the image of the In
rant Jesus. Such a scene sayored ~
the ancient grandeur, and abundant
tears were shed.
Inc church was handsomely decorat-
ed; an abundance of steamers drooped
gracefully from the ceiling to the edge
Oh the balconies. Myriads of lights
ana beautiful flowers covered the al
lars. the disposition and color effect
testifying to the exquisite taste of
the sisters.
Then came the Solemn Mass. with
the Reverend Pastor. Father Martin
as celebrant. Father Fredette and
George Cyr, clerical student at
washington, and son of John Cyr of
this city, officiating in the capacity
or deacon and sub-deacon respective
iy All wore golde vestments of rare
quality. The beauty of the setting
was further enhanced by the appear
ance of fifty altar boys in red cas-
socks and surplices, the immediate
servers wearing white cassocks and
red sashes and lace surplices.
The choir, under the leadership of
Harry Marcoux, rendered with telling
egect Perreaults beautiful Christmas
Mass. Entwined with a number of
captivating melodies could be discov-
cred some of the most popular carols
of our Christian Hymnal.
Carolus Langlois performed at the
organ with efficiency. Following the
Gospel powerful sermon was de-
livered by Father Olivier of the
Dominican Order of Lewiston. The
preacher is well known here in Wa
terville. so his appearance at this
distinctive ceremony was a most
pleasing feature.
Holy Communions were distribut-
ed to over seven hundred faithful by
both Father Martin and Father Fred
cite.
The church was practically filled
at eleven o'clock. It is estimated that
at least two hundred persons failed
to gain entrance. No less than two
hundred and fifty succeeded in find
ing room in the vestries, far away
from the center of interest, yet, all
were satisfied and perfect order pre-
vailed.
A man of seventy five exclaimed as
he reached the doorway at the close
of the ceremonies: "And to think
that must wait full year for the
next one" True 1t is that a service
of this description is welcome and
refreshing, and the most hardened
heart is swayed by its salutary in
fluence.
During these services Reverand
Laval Landry, one of Waterville's
own. who is pursuing a special
course of studies at the Catholic I'm
fyersity at Washington, was cele-
brating Midnight Mass at Mount
NE.r{oS