New Britain herald., 1929-07-27
N0VENA ATTRACTS
 MORE THAN 10000
Relic Is Applied to Many From
 Other States
REPORT NO CURES YET
ImprOy ements On Boulevard Nearly Completc-Nleat Store Robbed In Noon Hour - Brothers Meet First Time in 31 Years.

While no accurate count was kept of the number attending the cele- bration of the Feast of St. Anne, which marked the closing of the an Hual noVena at St. Joseph's church yesterday, it was estimated that dur ing the day the relic was applied to at least 10000 persons, many of whom journeyed from neighboring states. Rev. William P. Laflin, pas tor of the church, stated last night that the noveua had been a distinct success and he was highly gratitied with the attendance at all of the services. which opened on Thursday, July IS.
 Necessary to Lock Church Doors
 Because of the immense throngs seeking admission to the church dur ing the day and evening, it was necessary yesterday to lock the doors on several occasions until those in side had had the relic applied. Last night ar hour before the closing services were scheduled to open al 7:30 o'clock. the church was throng- ed 10 capacity and in spite of the fact that additional seats were plac- cd in the aisles and balcony many were obliged to remain on the grounds outside,
 The devOtions last evening con- sisted of the recitation of the rosary, papal benediction, benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and sermon by Rev. James Gallagher of the Oblate ordsr of Lowell, Mass, who was in | charge of the novena services.
 Many Cripples Attend
 The number of cripples seeking relief by their demonstration of faith and the application of the relic was unusually large this year. The more seriously afflicted were segre- gated and ushered into the Guild hall in the basement of the church. where the relic was applied. This arrangements facilitated the hand ling of the crowds in the church, who were directed to the altar rail- ing by eight members of the regular fire department in uniform.
 No cures were reported during the novena, Father Iaf1in stated last night, although this is not unusual, due to the fact that cures are not definitely announced unless confirm ed by family doctors of the afflicted. Such announcements are often times not made until several days after the close of the novena. In past years ,J later verified and the pile of crutches, canes and braces at the foot of St. Anne's statue attest to the truth of such claims.
 Many Priests Assist
 At yesterdays exercises consist ing of masses at 5:30, 6, I. $, and 2 a. m., and the application of the relic between the hours of a. m, and 1 1 a. m, 3 D. m and ] D. m. and to D. m, many visiting priests from other parishes in the diocese assisted Fathers Latiin, Gal lagher and stephen Carr. the last named assistant pastor of St. Jo- seph's church.
 The services, particularly those of the closing day, while lacking the pomp of former years. were impress sive by their solemnity.
 Eiremen'S Annual Outing
 The annual outing and barbecue of the Bristol regular and volunteer departments will be held at Lake CompounCe on Saturday, September :, it was decided at a meeting of the board Of fire commissioners last evening. That date was set so that the affair would not conflict with the annual field day of the New De- parture Manufacturing company, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 14.
 In accordance with the custom of