USA > New York > Niagara County > History of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels : Niagara University, Niagara County, N.Y., 1856-1906 > Part 11
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"We approximate the official summary by saying that to-day there are in the diocese of Buffalo about two hundred priests, secular
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and religious, thirty churches in the city proper, one hundred and thirty-two suburban or outlying missions, three colleges or semi- naries, four hospitals, twelve asylums, sixty-nine parochial schools, one medical college, of which he is Chancellor, to which he has donated a perpetual scholarship, and whose adoption of a higher course of medical training was largely instrumental in inducing the Board of Regents of this State to insist upon the present high re- quirements for admission to the study of medicine.
" Is not this record redolent of success? Does it not show what long before this date has been recognized and lauded, not only by the religious, but by the secular mouthpieces of public opinion, the papers, that Bishop Ryan has ever evinced himself the patron of religion, the friend of the poor, the afflicted, the ignorant, the fos- terer of sound, Christian, higher education, wherein the head and heart are cultivated for the glory of God and the welfare of human- ity? As we write the list of churches and other institutions we seem to hear what we believe the Bishop loves best : 'Bishop Ryan, God reward you!' and so we close our imperfect but devoted notice on the second Bishop of Buffalo with the echo of that prayer ringing in our hearts."
Father Edward J. Lefevre, C. M., since dead, offered the follow- ing poem as his tribute to the Right Rev. Jubilarian :
GREETING.
Anointed Prince, lift up too modest head! To greet the lovely Bride that thou hast wed With the silver crown of years: Oh! recall nor doubts nor fears; To thy side 'mid angel-cheers She is led.
O happy spouse, greet thy noble Lord! Than whom there is no nobler, in accord All the people now proclaim; If thou hast, fair lady, fame, Yield his great and gracious name Full award.
O grateful hearts of children to this twain! How lovingly we now, and oft will, fain Bless our God, His love repay
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With our love, if many a day Our true friend and Bishop may O'er us reigu.
O man of God, thou knowest a lasting home! Lake Erie laves but the earthly rim of its dome, And her waves that rock on high, In their longing to kiss the sky, But tell thee the other is nigh And will come.
But, oh, not yet! Long live our gentle Lord! Best clothed he in mercy's garb, the sword Of quick justice laid aside; Long may thy peace abide On land, may swelling tide Of joys with thee and Bride
(The Bison city's pride)
For aye and aye reside, Meet reward.
" Thursday, November 9, 1893, was a day long to be remembered at Niagara. For some time previous Niagara was rejoicing in the anticipation of Bishop Ryan's coming jubilee celebration, and her joy was increased when she was informed that the Papal Delegate, in company with the beloved Jubilarian, would visit her halls on the day following the celebration in Buffalo. Great preparations were made for the worthy reception of the distinguished visitors. All the eccle- siastical dignitaries present at the jubilee solemnities, all the Supe- riors of neighboring colleges, and all the priests of the Diocese of Buffalo were invited to meet Pope Leo's representative at Niagara on the memorable occasion of his visit to our Alma Mater.
" The preparations to welcome all these distinguished visitors were carried out in a manner in keeping with the occasion. The interior and exterior of the University buildings were decorated with flags and bunting, the Papal and American colors predominating. The Shakesperian Hall presented a most attractive appearance, the figures '68 and '93 were hung over the stage, and the entire hall was decorated in a manner that did credit to the artists as well as honor to the visitors.
" The special train bearing Archbishop Satolli and those accom-
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panying him arrived at the University about 10 A. M., where all the members of the Seminary and Collegiate departments were awaiting the arrival of the train, and sent up a grand chorus of cheers when it arrived. The cheering was deafening when Cardinal Gibbons, the Papal Delegate, Bishop Ryan of Buffalo, followed by Archbishops Ireland of St. Paul, Ryan of Philadelphia, Walsh of Toronto, Bishops O'Farrell of Trenton, and McGovern of Harrisburg stepped from the train.
" It was expected that the guests would proceed to the Shake- sperian Hall, where they were to be given a reception, but they expressed the wish first to view the world-renowned scenery that sur- rounds our College home, and when they had done so the general verdict was that ours is an ideal site for a seat of learning.
" At about 11 A. M. the students assembled in the hall to await the entrance of the visitors. They had not been there long when Mgr. Satolli, followed by Cardinal Gibbons, accompanied by Very Rev. P. V. Kavanagh, President of the University, entered. Then came the other ecclesiastical dignitaries and the majority of the priests of the Diocese of Buffalo. As soon as Mgr. Satolli's entrance was announced the entire body arose. Cheer after cheer was given; then came the college yell; and this was continued till the most distinguished of the visitors had been conducted to seats on the stage.
" Quite a lengthy programme had been prepared for the occasion. It was opened by the orchestra playing some national airs. Father Kavanagh next welcomed the Apostolic Delegate, the distinguished members of the hierarchy and the assembled priests to Niagara, and thanked them for the honor conferred on her by their presence. Rev. R. H. Albert then read the following address to Cardinal Gibbons : " The happy opportunity has fallen to me to express how highly honored we feel on this occasion by your presence. First, because it gives evidence of your high esteem for our dear Bishop, and, sec- ondly, we wish to mingle our voices with others who have given with special pride expression of respect, love, and gratitude for those who to-day are acknowledged leaders in the great cause for the advancement of religion, education, and society. Though neither praise nor dispraise may affect men whose intent is to benefit the classes in the diffusion of principles human and divine, we must be pardoned on this occasion when we unite in the universal appro- bation and concurrence extended to Your Eminence because of the benefits flowing through your instrumentality upon the present generation. You have realized ideas broad and loyal, and sympa-
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thized with whatever is calculated to elevate. We live, 'tis true, in an age when mind and matter engage all the powers of scholars; sciences, arts, and inventions vie for the mastery, but amidst these there comes the glow of brightest hopes and the stimulus to a laud- able ambition while we review what you have done to allay preju- dices, to alleviate the condition of our people more than the dreams of economists, to clarify the teachings of Mother Church, and thus spread peace and good will amongst the citizens of this great Republic.
" That which you preach and teach from a higher point of view, we do likewise in a more secluded manner within the sacred pre- cincts of this college and seminary where noblest aims and highest aspirations are fostered. Since, then, you have been so kind as to extend us this visit, it will aid to lessen the sharpness of sacrifices made in behalf of God and man. With the torch of faith and sci- ence in hand, we ask you to bless the work, as here it is we wish to form men of heroic virtue, men of character, and to keep alive a deep-glowing fervor of admiration and ambition blosoming like the leaves and flowers of spring in the hearts of the young, that they may reach the highest type of perfect and Catholic manhood.
' To live for common ends is to be common. The highest faith makes still the highest man ; For we grow like the things our souls believe, And rise and sink as we aim high or low.'
" In conclusion, not to lengthen the programme, we welcome you with deepest affection, yes, we welcome you with that spirit and warmth characteristic of him who is a native of 'My Maryland,' where was first breathed the pure air of freedom and religious toleration."
Cardinal Gibbons's response was characteristic of that great Prince of the Church. It was replete with love of country and love of his religion. He was proud to be an American citizen and a Catholic - the two greatest titles that man can enjoy. In the days of ancient Rome's glory, the proudest distinction a man could know was to be a Roman citizen. St. Paul himself, when hard pressed, claimed the rights guaranteed by his Roman citizenship. Why, then, should we not proudly and loudly proclaim ourselves American citizens and Catholics? Love of country and love of religion should ever go hand in hand.
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The Cardinal's words drew forth great applause, after which Rev. L. A. Grace read a Latin address to Mgr. Satolli. We print this address in full :
" REVERENDISSIME ET ILLUSTRISSIME DELEGATE : - Ab adventu tuo ad oras Americanas usque ad tempus praesens, per omnes fere civitates a majoribus Ecclesiae et dignioribus Reipublicae laudes et honores recipisti. Episcopi et Archiepiscopi, immo et illustrissimus Cardinalis noster, sese invicem prevenerunt ut tibi, Delegato Apo- stolico, omnimodum darent honorem. Oratores et scriptores, illi linguis melle fragrantibus eloquentiae, hi stylis amore fidei nostrae praeacutis, dotes tuas et sublimem missionem tuam perpulchre nunti- averunt.
" Ephemerides religiosae, et plerumque etiam saeculares, con- spiraverunt, ut ita dicam, sapientiam summi Pontificis vindicare, te delegando ut his in partibus Ecclesiae Dei consuleres.
"Per totum hoc tempus, nos sacerdotes, Dominae Nostrac Angelorum degentes, gavisi sumus, Delegatum videntes Sanctissimi Patris Nostri Leonis Tredecimi tam apud omnes honoratum. Corda nostra exsultaverunt ; palmas nostras ad coelum tetendimus, Spiritum precantes sanctum qui regit Ecclesiam Dei, ut omnes tuas dirigat actiones ad majorem Dei gloriam, ad prosperitatem, et concordiam populi Catholici nostri.
" Hic quasi ligati propter officia nostra, - officia humilia quidem, sed Sanctitati suae et Delegato ejus acceptissima, - officia nempe Christi electos docendi,- non potuimus cum turbis com- miscere tibi undique gratulantibus. Diem tamen enixe desideravimus quum nobis permitteretur te sub tectum nostrum recipere, et cordibus erga Sanctam Sedem et te devotione plenis, tuam petere benedicti- onem. En tandem dies tam diu desiderata! Te apud nos jam viso, videmus per fidem et illum illustrissimum Pontificem cojus nomen super omnium labia, fama cujus totum implet orbem, qui per te, admodum illustrem Delegatum suum, plenius illustrat quam chari sint Catholici Americani cordi suo paterno.
" Quando olim ad oras aliquas veniebat Delegatus auctoritate Papali indutus, et principes et aulici illi obviam venerunt, populo fideli concurrente; signa regalia apparebant, et cantus, et saluta- tiones, et gaudia, per totum aderat tempus. Ad limina nostra, Illustrissime, venisti, ad Domum Dominae Nostrae Angelorum,- nomine a Papa Pio Nono felicis memoriae dato,- ut renovares, si ita dicam, et pleniores efficias benedictiones super opera nostra antea pronuntiatas.
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" Dies fausta, Illustrissime, diu memoria retinenda! Gratias tibi permaximas agimus quia nobiscum manere etiam aliquantulum dig- natus es. Loco ornatuum regalium, accipias, quaesumus, nostrum ' Multoties Salve!' Ad Sanctissimum Patrem Nostrum simplex sed sincerum deferas testimonium, nos, sacredotes et alumnos Dominae Nostrae Angelorum, et Ecclesiae et Pontifici et ejus illustri Delegato filios devotissimos esse."
Mgr. Satolli replied in Latin. He expressed himself as pleased with the reception and the institution. He advised the students to cultivate the sacerdotal spirit, the sciences, and to so learn the truths of their religion as ever to give a reason for the faith that is in them to those among whom they live.
Father Rosa next read the following address to the beloved Bishop of Buffalo:
" It is my privilege, Reverend Bishop, to greet you in the name of 'Old Niagara ' on this most joyful occasion, and to express the love, the honor, and devotion borne toward you by her students and her faculty.
" Though well aware that the most profuse expressions of grati- tude sometimes mean the least, and that the love and veneration which are constantly flowing on the surface are the least truthful and the most insincere; still there are occasions that require, nay, de- mand from truly grateful hearts, every protestation of love, re- spect, and veneration. Need I say that this is one of them? Twenty-five years have come and gone since first you assumed the burden of your sacred office.
" Twenty-five years a bishop! Looking forward, what a life- time; looking backward, how brief. Twenty-five years of troubles, trials, and ceaseless labors! But not even here does 'Niagara ' stop in tracing her relations with you. In the earlier days of her his- tory, and while she was yet struggling through the trials and hard- ships that must ever be associated with ventures of the kind, the name of Stephen Vincent is found as that of one of her warmest and most devoted supporters. If, as learned men have maintained, the good that the child performs must be attributed to the parent, with the same reason the good 'Niagara' may have done is in a great measure attributable to you.
"Of that band of noble and heroic men who were associated with you in the foundation of this college few indeed remain. In this time of rejoicing, however, it is not fitting to call up sad recollections, except as a passing tribute to transcendent merit.
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" I speak to you to-day, not in the name of our faculty alone, not in the name of her present student body, but in the name of all, priests and laymen, who in the past twenty-five years have left their walls and gone forth to battle with the world equipped with the arms that she has given them. During the last twenty-five years how many priests have gone forth from her protecting walls to follow their sacred calling in the vineyard of the Lord. How few there are of that number on whom your hands have not imposed their sacred character, and to whom you have not said in the name of the Lord of hosts, ' I will no longer call you friends but brothers.'
" The priests of your own diocese, indeed, have expressed in a manner becoming both themselves and you the deep love and vener- ation they feel for you, and their appreciation of that love that has taught them to regard you as a father indeed. But there are others, too, who wish to show their love to whom the chance may not be given. It is in the name, then, of all 'Niagara,' students, priests and laymen, wherever they may be, from Rio Grande to Penobscot's flood, that we congratulate you to-day.
" And on what do we congratulate you? First on being for twenty-five years a member of the hierarchy rendered glorious by many an illustrious name. We congratulate you on your successful works of charity that have thrown a protection around every misery from the cradle to the grave, and placed the Diocese of Buffalo among the foremost of the land. We congratulate you on the splendor of your churches, and the magnificence and efficiency of your schools. We congratulate you on the co-operation of a de- voted, loving self-sacrificing clergy. We congratulate you, finally, on all the blessings both temporal and spiritual that God in His in- finite mercy has bestowed upon you.
" The labors of the past, the glories of the present, give brilliant presage for the future. May the labors and works you have begun increase and expand in the future even as in the past. May you long, if such be God's good pleasure, be still spared to enjoy the fruits of your labors and still watch over us with paternal care. May every blessing, spiritual and temporal, still be yours - is the wish of those who greet you not only as their Bishop but as a for- mer Missioner, a confere in Christ, a brother disciple of Saint Vin- cent de Paul."
Bishop Ryan responded in a few well-chosen words. He thanked Niagara for this celebration in his honor. He was ever happy to meet devoted priests, in every part of the country, who
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looked upon Old Niagara as their Alma Mater. He concluded by bidding her go on in her grand work of education.
After Bishop Ryan had concluded, Father Kavanagh an- nounced that the programme would have to be shortened, as the Apostolic Delegate's time was limited. Hence the other addresses, the song of welcome, etc., could not be given. The visitors then ad- journed to the dining rooms, where a banquet was given them. Considerable after-dinner speeches were here indulged in. After the banquet the special train took the distinguished party to the Falls, where they spent some time in beholding the far-famed scenery of that place, and in visiting Loretto Convent, where a most delight- ful musical and literary programme was rendered in their honor. And we doubt not but that the 9th inst. was a great day for Loretto, as it truly was for Niagara.
Two years and a half after Niagara's outburst of joy over Bishop Ryan's Silver Jubilee our institution was called upon to mourn the death of her beloved Chancellor. Under date of April 15, 1896, the Niagara Index voiced the tearful sentiments of all within the walls of Alma Mater when it said:
" A mournful duty is that which devolves upon us - to chronicle the death of 'that excellent grand ' prelate, Bishop Ryan. After twenty-seven and a half years in the episcopal chair of Buffalo, he receives the final summons from Him who does all things well. Aged, broken in health, yet courageous to the last, he peacefully lays down the burden of life, and goes out from among his people who, alas! are to know him in their midst no more forever.
" For some weeks prior to his death the public had been aware of the Bishop's failing health, but it was not until about a week ago that all hope for his ultimate recovery was abandoned. On Friday morning, the 10th inst., shortly after 6 o'clock, surrounded by the priests of his household, he breathed his last. The esteem in which he was held, not only as an ecclesiastic but as a man, was evidenced by the glowing eulogies published of him in the secular papers throughout the city, close upon the announcement of his death.
" Society recognizes in his demise the loss of a public spirited citizen ; the widowed diocese of Buffalo laments over her sad bereave- ment. We of the University mourn for him as for a father whose voice, whose presence, whose saintly personality, we have been so long accustomed to regard as a something inseparable from Niagara. With us from the beginning, it is difficult to realize that at length
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a light has been taken from our midst, a father has been removed from his children, a ' safe and sure guide ' has been torn from the helm.
" We cannot hope to add anything to the high esteem in which the dead prelate was held by all who knew him, regardless of political or religious affiliations. His saintly deeds have won for him a lasting place in the hearts of all with whom his sacred office brought him in contact, and have left behind a record that neither time nor prejudice can mar. The remembrance of these deeds is the best and most soothing consolation for those who weep for him, and the strongest personal assurance we can have of the executive ability and sanctity of him who but a few short days ago wore the mitre.
" Few will miss the dead prelate more than the students at Niag- ara. Though he seldom visited our Alma Mater more than twice a year, the offices he discharged on those occasions have led us and the students who have graduated or have been ordained before us to associate with him our holiest and happiest recollections. It will be hard to think of commencements without the venerable presence of him who for so many years presided at them. It is difficult to realize that we shall no more see him anoint our fellow students or hear his tremulously musical voice pronounce those words that make them a ' priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.'
" Never before in its history has Buffalo felt the death of one of its citizens as it did that of Stephen Vincent Ryan, C. M., D. D. Catholics and Protestants alike vied with each other in paying hom- age to the memory of one who was such a potent factor in their community for upholding virtue and dethroning vice. Nor were grief at his death and praise of his life confined to the city which had the honor of being his home; the fame of his sterling virtue and intellectual accomplishments had made his name well known in all parts of the country, and brought to his obsequies numerous sym- pathizing prelates and fervent laymen. What nobler tribute could be paid to the memory of a departed prelate than was witnessed in Buffalo Sunday afternoon when the funeral cortege solemnly wended its way from the episcopal residence on Delaware Avenue to the Cathedral? It is estimated that fully 100,000 people witnessed the sorrowful pageant, while at least 6,000 men, most of them in uniform, showed their love by taking part in the procession. The march was led by Capt. Ryan with his policemen, followed by Col. John L. Schwartz, grand marshal, with his staff. Miller's 74th Regiment band came next, playing dirges for the dead. Then followed the
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Uniformed Catholic Knights, the various church organizations being distinguished by the difference in their handsome uniforms.
" The Polish societies were next represented, and made a fine showing. The uniformed companies of the A. O. H. followed, then came the students of Canisius College, with representatives from the different city churches. The fourth division was composed of branches of the C. M. B. A. and councils of the C. B. L. Branch 20 C. M. B. A., consisting of 400 men, and presenting a splendid ap- pearance, acted as body guard. Then came the mourners and the faculty of Niagara Medical College, led by Dr. Cronyn, Dean. There were forty-six carriages for the clergy and near relatives. All this array told better than words of the love and esteem in which the dead bishop was held. This was but the beginning of the solemn ceremonies that were resumed at the Cathedral yesterday morning. It was after 9.30 when the clergy came in two by two, followed by the officers of the mass: Archbishop Corrigan, celebrant; Rev. James E. Quigley, deacon ; Very Rev. P. J. Cannon and Rev. P. Hoelscher, deacons of honor; Rev. N. A. Gibbons, subdeacon; Rev. James F. McGloin and Rev Fr. Mooney, masters of ceremonies ; Revs. Edward T. Gibbons and John J. Nash, chanters.
" The long and impressive ceremonies were begun with the office for the dead, in which the voices of over 300 priests, lifted in response to the chanters, filled the cathedral with psalmody. The requiem Gregorian mass was sung by over 100 male voices selected from the different Catholic choirs of the city under the direction of Prof. Borget, director of the Cathedral choir. At the conclusion of the mass the Most Rev. John Ireland, D. D., the far-famed archbishop of St. Paul, Minn., delivered perhaps the most touching and eloquent sermon that ever fell from his lips. The breathless interest aroused and the tearful eyes that might be seen here and there through the audience were evident effects of the heartfelt emotion which prompted the gifted prelate's words. At times the speaker in referring to the dead Bishop's life reached an eloquent pitch, and the delivery was enhanced by perfect gesticulation. It was indeed an eloquent tribute from eloquent lips, and will long be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to be present.
" In speaking of the action taken by the Protestant ministers of Buffalo on the Bishop's death, he said: 'Beautiful evidences of this true Christian spirit have been given within the past few days, when numerous representations of kindly sympathy were received from the Protestant clergy of Buffalo. In this manifestation they bear testi-
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mony to his virtues and pure Christian life. Beautiful in him who merited the testimony, and beautiful in them who gave it! And do we not in such facts see the coming rays of that approaching Chris- tian unity which all hope for? Ah, brethren, great in the pulpit of to-day is the language of Christian charity as it was used by Bishop Ryan, and the generous recognition of it on the part of his non-Catholic brethren. Charity conquereth where argument oft- times fails. Its place in the minister's mission cannot be overesti- mated. Let it be ours as Catholics and non-Catholics to labor for the accomplishment of the unity for which Christ prayed when on earth.'
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