USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 14
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Sec. 11 .- JUBILEES .- The year 1888 is mem- orable in the history of Notre Dame, by reason of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of ordination to the holy priesthood of her venerable founder. Father Sorin was born, as we have already noted, on February 6, 1814; his first mass was said on June 9, 1838; his founding of Notre Dame dates from No- vember 26, 1842; he became Provincial of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in America on August 15, 1865; and was elected Superior- General of the Congregation July 22, 1868. Now, after holding his last high office for twenty years, he attained that honor so sel- dom reached by the hard-working priest, the
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celebration of the Golden Jubilee of his priest- hood.
An added, saddening recollection is pre- served of this honor, as it was destined to be the last public manifestation in his veneration during his life. It was fondly hoped that he should live until 1894, when he might unite in the Golden Jubilee of the charter date of the university. Some, however, of the wiser ones were anxious that the Golden Jubilee of the university should be reckoned from the date of its founding, and be therefore celebrated in 1892, fearing that the glorious life of the founder might not be prolonged beyond that date. Their presentiments were well founded; he died, as we shall see, in 1893, and this Gold- en Jubilee of his priesthood was the last for him. Perhaps it was better so. Great as was the founder, the priest was greater; and it was as a priest that he shone for the last time upon the vision of the world where he had served his God and his fellow men so well.
The first celebration was private, in the presence only of his beloved children of the Holy Cross and of the Faculty and students of the university, on the 26th and 27th days of May, 1888. On the evening of the 26th there was an appropriate entertainment in Washington Hall, consisting of music, poems and addresses, prepared expressly for the oc- casion. At the close of this entertainment, Father Sorin did what was unusual with him -ascended the stage to address the assembled priests, brothers and students, instead of re- turning his thanks from his place in the audience, as he had been accustomed. His happy response was taken down at the time; and, both on account of its sweet, religious felicity, and also by reason of the pathetic circumstance that it proved to be his last ex- tended public utterance, we give it here entire. The aged patriarch, venerable in aspect as in years, spoke to his children as follows :
"In the light of divine faith a Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee, or the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of a priest to the sacred office of minister of the Most High, to which
nothing on earth can compare in real eleva- tion, is assuredly worthy of due commemora- tion, not alone on the part of one who was raised to such an unparalleled dignity, but also and likewise among those of his friends who can properly appreciate the signal bless- ing commemorated in this telling anniversary. Were it only to remind him of the eighteen thousand holy masses offered for the living and the dead, since the day he was first al- lowed to stand before the altar of the living God, what an inspiring cause of unbounded joy and gratitude to heaven this fact alone would reveal to faithful souls!
"In the sacred ministry, few, comparative- ly, are spared full fifty years to discharge the sublime function for which every priest is ordained. Far from being the rule, it is, I may say, a rare exception. Indeed I consider it for myself a most special blessing, for which I feel the more grateful, as it is evidently gra- tuitous and unmerited.
"But my joy is increased beyond expres- sion, when I see how heartily you share in it yourselves. Your filial congratulations never penetrated my inmost soul as they do this evening. Were it any way possible, they would undoubtedly and sensibly increase my esteem and my love for such a noble family, whose every feeling seems so deeply permeated with a perfect appreciation of the heavenly blessing we now contemplate.
"It is true, you are not the first to manifest the delight of your hearts on the occasion of a Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee. This very year, 1888, has witnessed, all over the globe, on the occasion of the great Jubilee of our Holy Father, Leo XIII, a universal acclamation of loving accents, never known or heard of be- fore. But, eclipsing, as it does, all the mani- festations of the past, this marvelous event does not, in the least, weaken or impair the merit of your own exhibition of happiness and delight on this commemoration-however insignificant, comparatively, may be the poor individual just now the object of your atten- tion. You join with me in thanking God for
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the uncommon and gratuitous gift of fifty years he has mercifully deigned to keep me, unworthy as I am, in his sacred ministry. In- deed I am glad to see my ever increasing debt of gratitude divided among so many gener- ous souls. What a relief to my heart! I was not ordained a priest for my personal benefit alone, but also for the good of many others. I really delight in seeing the same so beauti- fully acknowledged here by so many intelli- gent and happy countenances, beaming with the best aspirations for future usefulness.
"But what intensifies still more my grati- tude to God for my elevation to the sacred priesthood is the selection by God himself of the rich field where I was to labor; oh, how often it has filled my soul with joy! It is not for me to state here the unspeakable con- solations which awaited me in this new world, which I loved so dearly long before I landed upon its happy shores; and, above all, on this glorious domain of the Queen of Heaven. You have yourselves expressed them in terms, for which I would try to thank you from my heart, were it not for the delicacy one feels naturally, when he sees himself the direct object, or target, of undeserved praises. Allow me then to declare here honestly that I claim but a very small fraction of the merits you assign me, but justly return it all to the Blessed Virgin herself, and to the devotedness of my modest and faithful co-laborers in the field already promising such an abundant harvest for the advance of science and the sal- vation of immortal souls."
In the evening, after supper, a gift of horses and carriage was made to Father Sorin in the name of the students, past and present, and of the Faculty of the university. The speech of presentation, a most felicitous one, was made by Professor John Gillespie Ewing. An elec- tric illumination of the buildings and grounds followed.
The next day, the 27th of May, was Sunday, and Father Sorin himself celebrated solemn high mass, an eloquent sermon being preached by Very Rev. Father Corby. The day was
farther commemorated by the laying of the cornerstone of Sorin Hall, since become one of the most interesting and useful of the col- legiate edifices. (This fine hall was completed during that season, and was thrown open for use on New Year's day, 1889.) A public ban- quet at which Father Sorin presided, fol- lowed in the senior refectory, at which appro- priate responses to toasts were made by Father Zahm (acting president of the univer- sity, in the absence of Father Walsh, then in Europe), Professor Hoynes and Mr. Brown- son, of the class of 1888. In the afternoon the rival boat crews contended for honors upon the beautiful St. Joseph's lake. Afterwards there was a competitive drill between com- panies A and B, Hoynes' Light Guards, the excellent military organizations formed in the junior and senior departments by Colonel Hoynes. Thus closed the first, or private, festival of the Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of Father Sorin.
Far surpassing all celebrations hitherto at Notre Dame, was the public celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Father Sorin's priesthood on August 15, 1888: The weather was perfect; the attendance of cardinal, archbishops, bish- ops, clergy and other friends of the venerable founder was unprecedented; the religious ser- vices were the most august ever witnessed in the Church of the Sacred Heart; and the ser- mon of Archbishop Ireland was a glorious epitome of Father Sorin's life work, the build- ing the university and the establishment of the church in this part of the west, with the consequent wide influence for good all over the land.
The most striking souvenir of the day was a photograph of Father Sorin and Cardinal Gibbons with the archbishops and bishops in attendance, taken out in front of the college, the main college building and the Church of the Sacred Heart forming a framework or background for the picture. Those appearing in the picture are: Father Sorin: Cardinal Gibbons; Archbishops Ireland, of St. Paul, and Elder, of Cincinnati; Bishops Dwenger,
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of Fort Wayne; Gilmour, of Cleveland; Wat- terson, of Columbus; Keane, of Richmond; Spalding, of Peoria; Ryan, of Alton; Ryan, of Buffalo; Burke, of Cheyenne; Richter, of Grand Rapids; Jansen, of Belleville; and Phelan, of Pittsburg.
Speaking of the gifts received by Father Sorin on this solemn Jubilee feast, the Catho- lic "Telegraph" of Cincinnati beautifully said : "But richest of all the gifts is that which Father Sorin has himself given to religion- his own life. And this gift, like the grain of mustard, has grown, flourished, and sent forth leaf, bud, blossom, and fruit, until Notre Dame today is among the fairest of all the beautiful gardens planted in the wilderness of America. It is to men like Father Sorin that the United States owes her prosperity-men who have toiled, suffered, sacrificed all for religion and' the education of youth; silently but surely they do their work, asking no reward but the salvation of souls, and the approval of their Divine Master. Self is left out entirely, and in its place Jesus, and He crucified, reigns. To plant the cross, to instruct the ignorant, to preach the gospel to the poor, these have been the objects of such men as Father Sorin, in this country; and it is due to them that the forests have been cut down to make place for the grains and fruits; for city, town, and vil- lage; for the church and schools; for the arts and manufactures. Everywhere the cross was planted, and from it were reflected rich bless- ings on those who settled under its shadow, and looked up to it morning, noon and even- ing. We wish Father Sorin many years of usefulness in the beautiful temple he has built. The priests who have labored with him and the students who have had the benefit of his counsel and example will speak of him in tones of love and veneration to those who shall come after them. Thus the good he has done will live after him, and serve to fructify other wildernesses. May God reward him and all of the pioneers of the west-those who sleep, and those who still work and weep."
A picturesque description of what was seen at Notre Dame the evening of the 14th, and the day of the 15th of August, was written by Miss Mary J. Onahan, of Chicago, and is here given :
"There have been many red-letter days in the history of Notre Dame, but none more memorable than the Golden Jubilee of the priest who founded and still directs it. A great day, truly! South Bend, as well as Notre Dame, was in its gala dress; no cottage so small that it might not let fly its flag, and words of welcome in more than one language greeted the guests who came from all parts to congratulate the hero of the day.
"The stately avenue lined with trees that leads to the college had become a sort of Ap- pian way; triumphal arches in the papal and national colors stretched over the roadway; lanterns and streamers swayed in the breeze, while above all shone the gilded dome of the university like a miniature St. Peter's, crowned by the figure of the Madonna, radi- ant in the sunshine.
"The train bearing Cardinal Gibbons was several hours late, so that he did not arrive until eight o'clock in the evening; but the de- lay was in one respect an advantage. The night was beautiful, the great electric lights encircling the figure of Our Lady on the dome seemed like a rosary of stars in the sky; the myriad lanterns swinging among the trees, the expectant throng on the porches and the grounds, the sound of distant music, all formed a picture which had about it, to the imaginative, something of the gleam of fairy- land. There were false alarms, of course- first it was Archbishop Ireland, of St. Paul- again it was the genial Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland, who seemed to enjoy the mistake of being taken for the cardinal, but who was evi- dently welcome for his own sake, too, judging from the round of applause given him. But at last it was he. The lights came nearer; it was the escort of his Eminence.
"Along the great avenue of trees they came; now they had passed under the last
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arch. the air was soft with the dear old Irish melodies. First was the band, then the Ancient Order of Hiberians, then the Polish Lancers, reminding one of the knights of old returning from the Crusades. All this we saw as the procession wound out from the avenue, around the green lawn up to the broad steps of the college. Everybody was watching for the Cardinal. A delicate, gentle-faced prelate came up the steps, of medium height, but seeming smaller, clad all in black, save for the odd, flat little scarlet cap, which we saw as he bowed to the people. It was Cardinal Gibbons. He looked very kind and humble, pleased at the affection shown him, but evidently fatigued from his journey. His face lighted up as he saw the many bishops awaiting him ; he embraced Archbishop Ireland warmly and the others who were near him. Then came a Latin address of welcome, read by Father Walsh, the President of the University. The Cardinal listened attentively, and at its con- clusion bowed his thanks and disappeared to his room. Everything was over for the night.
"In the morning of the feast day bright and early, Bishop Dwenger began the long ceremony of consecrating the church. From five until eight the consecration went on with closed doors. At nine o'clock the church was opened, and the people thronged to assist at the Mass said by the Very Rev. Father Sorin, to the hearing of which the Holy Father had attached a special indulgence. The venerable priest seemed all unconscious of the signs of festivity and rejoicing. At ten o'clock every one went back for the solemn celebra- tion of the day. The beautiful gothic church was a blaze of color and light, streaming out from the high bronze altar and the rich stained glass of the windows, from the faces of the angels and the prophets and the saints that thronged the walls. Flowers everywhere, their many hues scarce richer than the tints of Gregori's palette; votive lamps swinging before the Tabernacle, one of solid gold stud- ded with gems, the great gold crown, the gift of the Empress Eugenie, the cross presented
by Napoleon III. It was almost too distract- ing, this church with its twelve altars; archi- tecture vying with sculptor, the painter scarce outdoing the goldsmith. Meanwhile the cere- mony was beginning.
"In the sanctuary were the Cardinal, clad in all his princely robes, Archbishops Elder and Ireland, Bishops Gilmour, Keane, Watter- son, Spalding, Dwenger, Jansen, Burke, Ryan of Buffalo, Phelan, Richter, and Ryan of Al- ton. Opposite the Cardinal sat Father Sorin. In the chapel back of the main altar were 600 sisters, on the sides the brothers and guests, and in the body of the church the societies and congregation. Outside the altar rail were ranged the Polish Lancers with drawn swords, as a sort of military guard, their scarlet uni- form and nodding shakos giving a dash of color to the whole which enraptures the painter, but passes beyond the penman.
"The music was Haydn's Third Mass, Mr. Rohner at the organ, assisted by the choir from the Jesuit Church of Chicago, and the sweet-voiced soprano, Mrs. Maguire. The Car- dinal pontificated, and after the gospel, Arch- bishop Ireland ascended the pulpit to deliver the sermon.
"At the conclusion of the sermon the car- dinal descended from his throne, and the organ sounded the solemn tones of the Credo. At the elevation the Polish Lancers presented arms. The High Mass over, there was a great banquet which was served without wine. The toasts were : 'Our Holy Father,' responded to by Bishop Dwenger; 'The Hierarchy of the United States,' by Archbishop Elder; and 'The Founder of Notre Dame,' by Bishop Gil- mour. In the afternoon the entire University building was solemnly blessed by Bishop Wat- terson. At five o'clock Bishop Spalding de- livered a speech from the porch of the college, in his usual eloquent manner. He spoke of the beauties of Notre Dame; it was a place where poets could dream, where philosophers could hold high discourse. He spoke of its work, which lay not in brick and mortar; in colleges, however stately; in churches, how-
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ever beautiful; but in the young souls that had been nurtured within its walls. This was the work-the highest work of man-to educate to perfection. To make the perfect man, perfect physically, intellectually and morally, this was the dream of the greatest in the world from the days of Attica, when Christianity was but a promise, to the present, when it had become so great a power for the elevation and enlightenment of man. 'God was beauty as well as truth; man was like him by his intellect as well as by his conscience. Add the influence of Christianity to the old love of knowledge of the Greeks, then we shall have perfect education.' The Bishop was at- tentively listened to, and often applauded, as the position afforded more freedom than could be taken in a church. The reverend clergy evidently enjoyed his sallies of wit, especially when alluding to the disposition to hero wor- ship among the young, he said that to a boy even a tinsel hero was to be revered; 'put a bit of purple on a man, he is a hero,' said he, this with a gleam of saturnine humor. The theology and the wit were especially appre- ciated.
"At the conclusion of Bishop Spalding's remarks, the Cardinal said a few words rela- tive to the subject of the day. His manners were simple and dignified, his voice clear, though not loud. Father Sorin had been com- pared to Moses, he said; but God had favored him more than the prophet of old, for to Moses, it had been given only to look over into the promised land, but the modern Moses had passed within its bounds. The respect and love shown the Cardinal by the people was very touching. The Cardinal then gave the' people his blessing, after which was solemn benediction in the church.
"In the evening the college and all the buildings of the university were illuminated by electricity, the Chinese lanterns were light- ed in the trees, and a grand display of fire- works took place. With this Father Sorin's jubilee was over."
After the celebration of his golden jubilee,
Father Sorin continued quietly to attend to his great cares as General of the order. In May, 1891, he went again to Europe, accom- panied by Father Zahm. This proved to be his last journey over the wide Atlantic whose waves had borne him for so many times upon their bosom. He had visited on those occa- sions chiefly Paris and Rome, in the work for the community. But he had also visited Bel- gium and other places where business called, going even more than once a year when occa- sion required. On his later journeys he had been accompanied, as on his last, by Father Zahm, for whom he had a particular affection. The most notable of these journeys was that made by him to the Holy Land, where he reverently followed the steps of Our Lord in His passion. He had also visited Lourdes and other shrines of Our Lady, towards whom his devotion was so tender.
In 1892, he took a short trip to the Atlantic seacoast, his health having failed sensibly. He was however, able to return in time to pre- side at the General Chapter of the Congrega- tion of the Holy Cross which opened at Notre Dame on August 15, 1892. Fatigue from at- tendance at the meetings of the Chapter again brought him down, and he was seriously un- well for some days, after which he rallied and enjoyed comparatively good health.
On the 27th of November, 1892, there was another jubilee celebration at Notre Dame, at which Father Sorin was able to be present. It was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Notre Dame, fifty years from the day when Father Sorin and his Brothers first looked upon snow-covered St. Mary's Lake, Novem- ber 26th, 1842. An eloquent and feeling ad- dress was made to the venerable founder on the part of the students by Mr. M. A. Quin- lan, after which Father Sorin's long-time friend, Mr. William J. Onahan, of Chicago, offered his felicitations on the memorable day.
Father Sorin, though feeble, was able to re- ply in a most interesting manner, recalling vividly the first days and the marvelous growth of Notre Dame; and closed, as ever
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was his wont, by returning all the honor to God, to His most holy Mother and to his co- laborers. It was indeed an affecting occasion. We are sorry that the most feeling and pa- thetic address has not been preserved.
Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Archbishop Riordan, of San Fran. cisco, a former and well beloved student of Notre Dame. The sermon on the occasion was delivered by that eloquent priest, the Rev. Timothy O'Sullivan, of Cummings, Illinois, a former student and professor at Notre Dame. No one knows better the history of the early days of Notre Dame than Father Sullivan, and his discourse on this occasion was not only an eloquent sermon, but a mine of historical value, and also a brilliant defense of a true Christian education, as illustrated in the his- tory of the University and its founder.
On February 6, 1893, Father Sorin entered upon his eightieth year, but without having fully regained his health. On the 6th day of June he was able to receive the Apostolic dele- gate, Archbishop Satolli, who on that day hon- ored Notre Dame with his presence, on his way from the Columbian Fair, at Chicago.
It was indeed a touching sight to witness the meeting of these two men, each eminent, each crowned with well-won honors, each of originally keen mind; but one old in years and feeble health, the other in the full rich bloom of his manly vigor. One standing high in the immediate favor of a power older and mightier than any dynasty ; the other working in a land remote from the common Master- has been the spirit and guiding genius in the founding of an institution which is an honor to himself and to the age in which he lives.
But the shades of evening were gathering fast about the venerable patriarch, darker, alas, for his beloved Notre Dame than for him. For two or three years the health of Father Thomas E. Walsh, the brilliant and successful president of the University, had been giving alarm to the friends of the institution. A visit to France seemed to restore him to his old-time vigor for a time; but it was but for a
time. In the spring of 1893 he took a trip to Texas, partly on business for the order, of which he was also Assistant General, and part- ly for his health. He returned no better; and those who saw Father Walsh at the commence- ment in June knew that the days of the be- loved president were numbered. Patient as a sage and pleasant as a child, he himself re- marked quietly to his friends that it was his last commencement. After the close of the session he went to Wisconsin for change, and possible relief. Both came to him; but they were brought by the blessed Angel of Death.
Father Walsh died on July 17th. On the 26th of the same month died Father Alexis Granger, the life-long companion of Father Sorin, vice-president of the University at its founding, when Father Sorin was first presi- dent, and for all his life here the saintly pre- fect of religion, the guide of souls to thous- ànds.
The shades were indeed darkening about the Founder of Notre Dame. The brilliant young president, in whom so many hopes were centered, the aged saint, his life-long com- panion, passed away together, in the good providence of God.
Quietly, submissive to Almighty God, as had been his habit all his life. Father Sorin bore the great losses to Notre Dame suffered in the deaths of Father Granger and Father Walsh. Father Granger's death was. to be expected. But the saintly founder was likewise resigned to Heaven's will in taking also the noble young life of Father Walsh. He might well, indeed, feel that even the young priest had filled out a glorious life. Though but forty years of age at his death, Father Walsh in his twelve years' presidency had made Notre Dame a grand institution of learning; and Father Sorin doubtless believed that though young in years Father Walsh had rounded out a great full life's work in that brief period.
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