USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > History of the diocese of Hartford > Part 22
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On the completion of his theological studies, Thomas Galberry was ele- vated to the dignity of the holy priesthood by Bishop Neumann on December 20th, 1856, in St. Augustine's church, Philadelphia. After his ordination, Father Galberry was assigned to a professor's chair in Villanova College, a position he filled with eminent success for two years. From the college he entered into the practical work of the sacred ministry, having been appointed rector of St. Denis' church, West Haverford, Pennsylvania, a short distance from Villanova. This little church has acquired a unique prominence from the nuin- ber of illustrious priests who have been its rectors, or who have served it, no less than seven of them having been elevated to the episcopal dignity: Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes of New York, Most Rev. Peter Kenrick, Archbishop of St. Louis, Right Rev. Michael O'Connor, Bishop of Pittsburg, Right Rev. Thaddeus Amat, Bishop of Monterey and Los Angelos, Right Rev. William O'Hara, Bishop of Scranton, Right Rev. Michael Domenec, Bishop of Pitts- burg, and Bishop Galberry.
In this peaceful and congenial field, Father Galberry labored until Janu- ary 27th, 1860, when he was transferred to Lansingburg, New York. Here the metal of the young priest was to be tested. The church which he found there, old St. John the Baptist's, was a time-battered structure and falling
1 Lives of Deceased Bishops.
2 Ibid.
الساد لاية مالـ
Chemas Salvery use Opus Acroffert ausis
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
into ruin. It was not an edifice suitable for the celebration of the divine mysteries. He determined to erect a temple that would be a fitting abode for Him who dwells amid the silence of the tabernacle, a prisoner of love. His financial prospects were poor, but confiding in the unfailing assistance of heaven, he appealed to the generosity not only of his own little flock, but of Catholics elsewhere. His confidence and zeal were rewarded; the corner- stone of the new church, which he placed under the patronage of the founder of his beloved order, St. Augustine, was laid on June 17th, 1869, by Bishop McCloskey of Albany, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop of New York. In December, 1865, the magnificent edifice was completed, and the first service within its walls -- a service of joy and gratitude to the Giver of all gifts-was a midnight Mass on the feast of the Nativity. To crown the success of the indefatigable pastor all the indebtedness incurred had been liquidated when the first service was held. "This church, I think," writes the distinguished historian before quoted, "is the most beautiful of its kind, Gothic, so greatly does it excel others I have seen in its perfect proportions, its delicate though simple decorations, and the almost uncontrollable spirit of devotion it breathes, as it were, into the worshipers at its altars. This may be an inappropriate eulogy. However, take it as the sincere conviction of your humble servant, who has seen many wonders in architecture, but was never really in love with any so much as with St. Augustine's at Lansingburg." 1
But the erection of this beautiful temple was not the only work that redounds to the honor of Father Galberry during his pastorate at Lansing- burg. He introduced the Sisters of St. Joseph from Carondolet, Missouri, for whose use he purchased a spacious dwelling. He enlarged his school and purchased a cemetery known as "St. John's-on-the Hill." In the midst of tliese exacting labors he received notification of his appointment to the re- sponsible position of Superior of the Augustinians in the United States, No- veniber 30th, 1866. His official title was " Superior of the Commissariat of our Lady of Good Counsel." Of Father Galberry as Superior, a confrère said: "His old-time, business-like traits seemed to improve. He was very watchful as Superior, very self-sacrificing and industrious. He, aimed some- what high, in fact, higher than was expedient in his requirements from can- didates for the Order, and from us all he expected prompt, thorough and unwavering obedience: While his hand was pretty heavy, 10 one called into question the rectitude of his views; he was too hard a worker himself, and never asked one to do what he would not do himself; he was very correct in his own conduct, very punctual in his hours of appointment of duty, and very mortified. I really think he wore himself away to death." 2
Though Superior of the Augustinians, Father Galberry retained his position as rector at Lansingburg until February 24tl1, 1870, when he stic- ceeded the Rev. L. M. Edge, O. S. A., as rector of St. Mary's church, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1872, Father Galberry became President of Villanova Col- lege, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Stanton, O. S. A. As President he infused new
1 Clark's Lives of Deceased Bishops.
II-II
2 Ibid.
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life into the college. The growing importance of the institution demanded better and more modern accommodations. To provide these he began the erection of suitable buildings on April Ist, 1872, and which he had the hap- piness to see ready for occupancy early in 1874. He restored the strict yet paternal discipline of the Augustinians, and by his systematic methods, his well- directed energy and his intelligent counsel, brought the course of studies to a high educational standard. "This was his greatest work, and though perhaps better enabled to prosecute his designs, still the anxiety and toil entailed on him, soon began to imprint their seal on his years. One would believe that after so many years of constant labor-of almost ceaseless vigilance over the affairs of his several positions, that even now a respite from work would have been grate- ful to him. But Providence had not so ordained. He had scarcely begun a life of comparative quiet-hardly had he confined himself to the enjoyment of his college home, than a demand upon his services came from elsewhere."' '
On September 14, 1874, a letter was received from Rome from the General of the Order notifying the Fathers at Villanova of a change in the form of government of the Augustinians in the United States. The Com- missariat of Our Lady of Good Counsel, founded in 1796, was by a resolution of the General Council, transformed into a province. Accordingly, the first chapter of the newly-created province convened at Villanova December 15, 1874. For the first time in their history, the Augustinians in the United States could select their own Superior. The unanimous choice of the electors was Father Galberry ; and this free selection was a graceful and spontaneous tribute to the manner in which he had hitherto governed the Order.
But other and still greater honors were to fall upon the devoted religious. His work for Christ and souls was to be crowned with the dignity of the episcopate. As a reward for his fidelity to his sacred calling, for his zeal and uninterrupted successes in the Master's cause, he was to receive the plenitude of priestly power. He was to leave the ranks in which he had served with so much distinction to be numbered among those whom the Holy Ghost has appointed to rule the church of God. Professor, parish priest, superior, and provincial, he was to become an honored member of that distinguished body that traces its origin in an unbroken line back to the apostles.
In February, 1875, he received, unofficially, the intelligence that he had been nominated by the Holy Father to the See of Hartford. The official noti- fication of his election soon followed. "And now in his own estimation was the cup of his sorrow filled. Too retired and unassuming, he desired not the purple. He was a religious, and as a religious sought not dignity nor honor. His wish was to remain with his confreres enjoying the sweets and peace which monastic life alone can bestow. Notwithstanding his reluctance to accept the honors and responsibilities of the episcopal dignity, still he judged not hastily, he acted not alone. He gave this important subject mature deliberation ; he counselled with those in whom he could confide, hearkened to their words and besought their sympathy."
1 Connecticut Catholic Year Book, 1877.
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
The appointment of Father Galberry to the See of Hartford was hailed with delight by all, and by none more than by the clergy of the diocese. Those who knew him regarded the Bishop-elect as a worthy successor of the apostolic men who had gone before. Among the first to extend a cordial welcome to the diocese was the Very Rev. Administrator ad interim, the Rev. James Hughes, V. G .:
"VERY REVEREND AND DEAR SIR : From telegraphic news to the Freeman, we are informed of your appointment to the See of Hartford, and, being personally acquainted, I hasten to offer you my personal congratulations and tender you a inost cordial wel- come. I believe the priests of the diocese are almost strangers to you ; but, nevertheless, I am sure you will find them earnest and zealous workers and obedient co-operators in all your desires.
"We shall look every day for the arrival of your Bulls, and hope either to see or hear from you soon after.
"Wishing you every blessing of your office, and a long and happy life in the epis- copate, believe me, dear Father Galberry,
Yours very sincerely, JAMES HUGHES, Administrator, Diocese of Hartford.
HARTFORD, Conn., Feb'y 22d, 1875.
VERY REV. THOMAS GALBERRY, O.S.A."
Rumors of his contemplated intention to decline the honor conferred upon him began to spread abroad, and, in consequencce, no little anxiety was created among the priests of the diocese. His brethren appealed to him to bow to the will of the Sovereign Pontiff and accept the burden he had placed upon him. Unwilling to sever the holy ties of brotherhood, humanly speaking, they, nevertheless, recognized in his election the call of God. The finger of God was there. From the diocese was despatched a letter from two of the senior clergy urging his acceptance of the episcopal office :
" VERY REVEREND AND DEAR SIR :- Hearing it reported and seeing it extensively circulated in the newspapers that you contemplate resigning the charge of the Diocese of Hartford, we, the undersigned, being among the oldest priests of the diocese, take the liberty of addressing you a few words in reference to the subject.
" In the first place, we assure you that your appointment gave universal satisfaction to the priests of the diocese. They lived in peace and harmony with our late revered and saintly bishop. They sincerely loved him and gave him a hearty co-operation in everything he undertook for the good of religion. From the accounts received from various sources they hoped to find in you a worthy successor of Bishop McFarland, and were anxiously looking forward to the day of your consecration in Hartford. These, we assure you, are the sentiments of the priests of the diocese towards you.
" We hope, therefore, you will not be discouraged nor deterred from assuming the charge of this diocese, where you will receive the liearty welcome and faithful co-opera- tion of a united and devoted priestliood.
Very respectfully yours,
JAMES LYNCH,
Pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, Conn.
THOMAS J. SYNNOTT,
Pastor of St. Augustine's Church, Bridgeport, Conn.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn., April 30, 1875,
VERY REV. THOMAS GALBERRY, O.S.A."
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
The humility of the monk, the disinclination to leave the classical shades of his alma mater, and with which he had now become so intimately associated, and, above all, the fear of his unworthiness to enter the episcopal ranks overcame all solicitations, and Father Galberry forwarded his resigna- tion to Rome with the reasons that impelled him thereto. Rome gave due consideration to the reasons advanced for his resignation, and on February 17, 1876, a mandamus-a Papal mandate-was forwarded by Cardinal Franchi, Prefect of the Propaganda, to the Most Rev. Archbishop Williams, of Boston, the Metropolitan, enjoining the acceptance of the See of Hartford by Father Galberry. The contest with self was at an end. He who had commanded obedience from others, now bowed to the command of the Supreme Pastor. The clergy and laity of the diocese breathed a sigh of relief and sent up fervent prayers of thanksgiving that God, through His Vicegerent, had bestowed upon them so worthy a ruler.
Right Rev. Thomas Galberry was consecrated Bishop of Hartford, the fourth in succession, in St. Peter's church, Hartford, on March 19, 1876. The officers of the Solemn Mass of Consecration were as follows :
Consecrator-Most Rev. John J. Williams, D.D., Archbishop of Boston.
Assistant Bishops-Right Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, D.D., Bishop of Springfield, and Right Rev. E. P. Wadhams, D.D., Bishop of Ogdensburg.
Archpriest-Very Rev. James Hughes, Administrator.
Notary-Very Rev. P. A. Stanton, O.S.A.
Deacons of Honor-Rev. M. Hart and Rev. L. Daly.
Deacon of the Mass-Rev. James Lynch.
Sub-Deacon-Rev. Thomas Walsh.
Master of Ceremonies-Rev. M. A. Tierney and Rev. M. F. Kelly.
Assistant Chaplain-Rev. T. J. Synnott.
Cross Bearer-Rev. P. F. Goodwin.
Chanters-Rev. J. F. Campbell and Rev. E. Gaffney.
Censer Bearer-Rev. J. F. Campbell.
The preacher on the occasion was Right Rev. P. N. Lynch, D.D., Bishop of Charleston, S. C., who selected his text from the Acts of the Apostles, xx. 28: "Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The Bishops in attendance were the Right Rev. Bishops Lynch, of Charleston ; De Goesbriand, of Burlington ; Loughlin, of Brooklyn ; Conroy and McNierney, of Albany; O'Reilly, of Springfield; Wadhamns, of Ogdens- burg; Corrigan, of Newark; Hendricken, of Providence, and Healy, of Portland. In addition there were about one hundred and twenty-five priests from this and other dioceses, besides large delegations of sisters of various communities. The newly consecrated bishop sang Pontifical Vespers, during which Bishop Healy of Portland preached the sermon.
Bishop Galberry selected St. Peter's church, Hartford, as his pro-cathedral. The erection of a cathedral suitable to the dignity of the diocese over which he had been placed, now became the object of his thoughts. To stimulate the zeal of the clergy and laity of the diocese, he issued a Pastoral Letter in which he set forth the urgent need of a Mother Church, and recounted the
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
work accomplished in this direction by his lamented predecessor. The new cathedral would be placed under the patronage of the Spouse of Mary Im- maculate, the Patron of the Church Universal, St. Joseph.
On May 5, 1876, Bishop Galberry sailed from New York en route for Rome to make his visit ad limina Apostolorum. While abroad he visited the Grotto of Lourdes, whither he journeyed as a devout pilgrim of our Blessed Lady. His return to the diocese in the autumn was accompanied by many demonstrations of joy, affection and thanksgiving on the part of his devoted priests and people.
Bishop Galberry's unceasing labors and responsibilities as an Augustinian monk with the additional burdens of the episcopal office soon began to under- mine his health. To obtain much-needed rest, he set out on October 10, 1878, for his beloved home of many years, Villanova College. On the train to New York he was taken suddenly ill with hemorrhages of the bowels. Arrived at New York he was tenderly carried to the Grand Union Hotel and surgical and spiritual assistance dispatched for. Very Rev. Dr. Neno, O.S.A., Provin- cial of the Augustinians, was soon at the bedside of his stricken colleague. The last sacraments were administered by priests who had been summoned from neighboring parishes. With perfect resignation to the holy will of God, and realizing that death was nigh, lie imparted his episcopal benediction to his diocese and to those wlio knelt sorrowfully about him. He sank rapidly, and died in the evening of October 10th.
A Sister of Mercy thus wrote of him : "Bishop Galberry was a saintly prelate. He seemed to resemble Bishop McFarland in his untiring zeal in the cause of religion and in the cducation of children. I often heard it said, ' Bishop Galberry acts so like Bishop McFarland ;' you would think he lived with him, studied his life, copied his virtues, particularly his gentleness of heart, his zeal for souls, his love for the poor, and untiring kindness and anxiety for the welfare of our dear Parent House and Boarding School on Farmington avenue."1
During his brief episcopate of twenty months, Bishop Galberry accom- plished much for his diocese. He founded the Connecticut Catholic, the first number of which was issued on April 29, 1876, and which recently became the Catholic Transcript. He made one visitation of the diocese, during which hie confirmed 10,235 persons, besides administering confirmation in St. Denis' church, Haverford, Pa. (July 30, 1876). The number of priests in the diocese was increased by seventeen.
Bishop Galberry's vicars-general were Rev. James Lynch, rector of St. Patrick's church, New Haven, and Rev. Thomas Walsh, rector of St. Rose's church, Meriden1.
A contemporary drew this pen picture of Bishop Galberry: "His digni- fied appearance, his very look and bearing call to mind thic old prelates of the early church. . .. The expression of liis countenance is that of cheerfulness and buoyancy of spirit, still having something about it denoting a love of
1 Lives of the Deceased Bishops.
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
retirement. He is of a practical turn of mind, his long experience on the mission considerably inclining him to business pursuits. He has displayed great taste in building. Oftentimes with a low treasury at the outset, he has by wondrous exertion filled it before completing his designs. The strong and noticeable trait of his character is his deep reflective turn of mind; it is this which gains him success in whatever he undertakes. As a pulpit orator he is plain and impressive, never seeking ornament nor figure to express his ideas. In conversation he is cheerful and frank, nay almost familiar in his converse with his friends, and his company never leave his presence without a new love, a new sympathy towards him. With all under his care he is gentle, yet firm when necessary; forgiving, yet inflexible if called for, and fatherly and lenient to all who strive to do good. It is to this combination of manly virtues that prosperity and success have attended all his enterprises. And were it not for the influence of a deep, unshaken faith in the Omnipresence of God, he would never have ascended, step by step, the royal road of holiness and perfection."
The obsequies of Bishop Galberry took place on October 15th. The celebrant of the Mass was Most Rev. Archbishop Williams, of Boston; assistant priest, the Rev. Hugh Carmody ; deacon, the Rev. P. A. Murphy ; sub-deacon, the Rev. P. P. Lawlor. The deacons of honor were Very Rev. P. A. Stanton, O.S.A., and .Rev. T. J. Synnott. Right Rev. Bishop De Goes- briand of Burlington, preached the funeral sermon. Present in the sanctuary were :
Right Rev. John Loughlin, D.D. Brooklyn. Right Rev. L. De Goesbriand, D.D. Burlington.
Right Rev. P. N. Lynch, D D. Charleston. Right Rev. W. O'Hara, D.D. Scranton. Right Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, D.D. Springfield. Right Rev. Francis McNeirny, D.D. Albany. Right Rev. M. A. Corrigan, D.D. Newark. Very Rev. John E. Barry, V.G., of Portland, representing Bishop Healy, who was in Europe.
Priests were present from the arch-dioceses of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, and from the dioceses of Hartford, Albany, Buffalo, Scranton, Providence, and Springfield.
RIGHT REV. LAWRENCE STEPHEN McMAHON, D. D.,
FIFTH BISHOP OF HARTFORD. 1
B ISHOP McMAHON was the second child of Owen and Sarah McMahon, and was born in St. John, N. B., on St. Stephen's Day, December 26, 1835. He was brought a child in arms the following May to Charlestown, now part of Boston, where he resided until he entered Holy Cross College, Worcester.
After completing the grammar-school course, he entered the Charlestown High School at the age of twelve years, and was one of two boys who com- prised the first graduating class. United States Senator, the Hon. Samuel
Yours Truly an Christ Si & Commence Y . the Makone
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
Pasco, of Florida, was a pupil of the school at the same time, but was graduated later. In 1898 the school celebrated its golden jubilee ; just before that there was mnuch discussion about closing the school and transferring the pupils to the Boston High and Latin schools. Mayor Quincy, the present Chief Executive of Boston, in a speech opposing this transfer, said that a school which could graduate two such scholars as Bishop McMahon and Senator Pasco had justified its erection and existence by the useful and splendid careers of these early graduates, and it would be a great wrong to close it.
At the age of fifteen young McMahon entered Holy Cross College, Wor- cester, but was forced after a brief stay to leave there on account of a fire, which destroyed the main building of the college. He then entered Mon- treal College, where he won the first prize in all his classes, taking even the honors in French from his Canadian classmates. He was then sent to St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, where he remained for a short time. In that year Bishop Fitzpatrick, of Boston, who was making his ad limina visit to Rome, arrranged that Mr. McMahon should enter the College of the Propa- ganda Fide, there to continue his studies ; but at that time political troubles were so rife and revolution and political feeling so hostile to the Pope-King, that the young student changed his destination to Aix, in the south of France, near Marseilles, where he studied theology for three years. While at the Seminary of Aix he, with many of his fellow-seminarians, paid a visit to the Rev. Jean Baptiste Vianney, known the world over as the Cure d' Ars, and since pronounced blessed by the church. The Cure singled him out from the others, and told him that he had a true vocation to the priesthood, and would be of great service to the church of God in America, a prediction which was amply and fully verified by the after life of the young ecclesiastic.
As he was too young to be ordained to the priesthood, he asked and obtained permission to make an additional year of study at Rome. While here he lived at the French Seminary of St. Clara, as the American College was not yet open, and attended the lectures at the Apollinare, the diocesan seminary of Rome, and also at the Gregorian University, better known, per- haps, as the Roman College, the highest teaching institution in the world, taught by the Fathers of the Society of Jesuis.
While preparing for the doctorate examination he was peremptorily suin- mnoned home by Bishop Fitzpatrick, who was in great need of priests for the mission. He was ordained in the cathedral of Rome, St. John Lateran, by Cardinal Constantine Patrizi, the Vicar-General of His Holiness, Pope Pius IX., on March 24, 1860.
On his return to Boston, Father McMahon was appointed an assistant at the Cathedral, to which was attached the Succursal Church of St. Vincent on Purchase street, which was attended by nearly 5,000 Catholics. In one or the other of these churches he preached every Sunday, and in one or the other lieard confessions three days in the week ; also in either one or the other lie conducted a first communion class of children and adults twice a weck. The sick calls were numerous, and as many of the parishioners lived at a great
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
distance from the church, this was a laborious and trying duty, as there were no means of conveyance, and all journeys had to be made on foot, and not a night passed without some, and often urgent cases. The number of priests in the diocese was small, and few of the churches had assistants. In case of a sudden illness, one of the cathedral priests was despatched to assist on Sun- day the sick pastor, and he was expected to keep up at the same time, as far as possible, his own work at the cathedral. Father McMahon attended also the penal and pauper institutions in Boston harbor.
Shortly after his return to Boston the Civil War broke out, and he under- took, as a voluntary duty, the work of visiting the Catholics of each regiment in the camps around Boston, hearing their confessions, speaking words of cheer and comfort, and administering holy communion before they went to the front.
Early in the war there came to Bishop Fitzpatrick an urgent letter from the officers and inen of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, lying in the swamps of South Carolina, saying that they were dying in large numbers and more sick who were soon to die, and begging for a chaplain. The administrator of the diocese, in the absence of the bishop, read the letter at table, and said that as it was beyond the limits of the diocese and out of his jurisdiction, he could not order any one to go. Father McMahon, the youngest of the clergy present, waited modestly for the others to speak, but hearing no response to the administrator's appeal, placed himself at the disposal of his superior. This was Friday night. The next day lie received his commission from Governor Andrews at the State House. The following day, Sunday, he preached at the High Mass, and that same night went to New York to embark on the gov- ernment transport, and within the week was landed at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Almost immediately on his arrival was fought the battle of James' Island. Before the forward movement began, the tent of Father McMahon, the only Catholic priest present, was filled with soldiers who had been pre- vented for a long time, through no fault of their own, from attending to their spiritual duties. All that night and early next morning he heard confessions until the drum beat had called the men to move forward; and he went with them. After the battle of James' Island, as the only Catholic chaplain in the command, he ministered to all the Catholics.
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