USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Woonsocket > History of the Catholic church in Woonsocket and vicinity, from the celebration of the first mass in 1828, to the present time, with a condensed account of the early history of the church in the United States > Part 11
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the world is better for all these things and we cannot refuse to acknowledge the debt of gratitude it owes to Christian institutions. I am happy for one to proclaim this evening the grandeur of that Christian ministration and influence, and to encourage you all in your commendable efforts to render that ministration and influence more and more fruitful.
" Believe me, my friends, a Church, or a building as is dedicated this day, will help to raise better children, make good citizens-and good citizenship is what the American Republic expects and demands. It is a patriotic motive, indeed, which planned this undertaking. The youth of St. Ann's needed a place where they could meet and rest after the labors of the day to breathe in an atmosphere of refinement and tranquility ; they needed something to coun- teract the dangers of the street and of our present tene- ment system, and here we have this splendid edifice built for that purpose. I see in this project a promise of better, more enlightened citizenship, and in common with all, I rejoice.
" My friends, he is not a patriot who does not try to check, in the measure of his ability, the individual or group tendencies for wrong which exist in this country. He is not a patriot who cannot see or cares not to see, while en- joying the plenitude of freedom, protection and security under our liberal institutions, the dangers of bad, vicious or ignorant citizenship ; who does not see in the rapacity of monopoly, in the blindness of the ignorant classes, in the disregard of law, a menace to the republic ; who does not, when the remedy is found, help its application by bis vote or influence. Manhood unfettered by prejudice or ignorance-real manhood-is needed for the permanency of our system. The interest manifested by the parishioners of St. Ann's shows that they understand their duties as citizens, and that they will endeavor always to fulfill them
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well for the glory of their country and the honor of their race.
" Let me add here, ladies and gentlemen, that I believe myself to be the interpreter of my race and of many whom emigration has not sent to these hospitable shores, when I say that, while respecting the past, none of us or of then wish to introduce or perpetuate ideas or systems which are contrary to our American system. Men who have basked in the sunlight of American freedom have no desire to re- turn to or uphold any other form of government than the one under we live prosperous and happy. Having once tasted the sweets of freedom and enjoyed its blessings, it would be impossible, nay unnatural, to adopt any other conditions but those compatible with our progress. The mingling of races may alter more or less the temperament of our people, may soften down the asperities of our social life, it will not affect our political life and tendencies. These are in the line of greater liberty, of greater emanci- pation. All insinuations against any class of our citizens, all questionings about their devotion to our institutions are unjust, and only good to breed rancor, which all fair-minded Americans must regret. Our flag floats to-day over a united people, the proudest flag of all, because it is the emblem of freedom, the most powerful because it is the flag of a vigor- ous and loyal nation. We owe respect to the past, but loyalty to this Republic, to its Union, is our only great duty. That duty, fellow-citizens of foreign birth, you have understood. Your blood has been given to prove this and no one has a right to question your patriotism.
" It may seem strange to some that the new elements which are forming our composite nationality, should worship the traditions of their respective races. Is not this natural, specially at this stage of our national development ? Should it be a reproach for a man to love the traditions of
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his family ? Can we reproach the descendants of the Puri- tans, those sturdy pioneers of New England, if they cherish the memories of old England, if they love its literature, its chivalry, if they take pride in their blood? Is the Irish- American to be despised because of his emotions when he reads of his country's wrongs, when he hears the plaintive notes of the bards of Erin, when he glories in the achieve- ments of his race? Is the British-American to be con- demned because of his attachment for England, because of his admiration for a country which has attained such a com- manding position in the world and which has produced a Shakespeare, a Bacon and a Newton? And the French- American whose birthright and ancestry entitle him to a first place on this continent with the descendants of the Pil- grims, whose forefathers were amongst the earliest pioneers in the new world, should they be blamed for their pride in that glorious past, when that past tells of the sufferings. privations and martyrdom of the missionaries of France, tells of the heroism of her soldiers at Yorktown?
" As an American, I fear not men whose hearts are still warm to the memories of their race's past. I fear not the rising generation of Americans who are formed in an atmosphere such as the youth of St. Ann's will henceforth breathe. Their place will be, I hope, with the truest and staunchest lovers and defenders of this their country. The great Archbishop Ireland of St. Paul has said : . America is the age !' It is provided every American is educated to bear nobly the responsibility of citizenship. This educa- tion, young men of St. Ann's, you will receive under this roof. Our best wishes are for you."
Major James W. Smyth and Hon. Philippe Boucher followed with addresses and after an orchestral selection Rev. Father Bourgeois introduced Right. Rev. Bishop Harkins as the apostle of the youth, and the Bishop said in French :
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" Twice this evening have I heard that title of apostle of the youth coupled with my name. While I am grateful for the title I am not worthy of it, but I am always glad to do what I can for this part of my flock. It was a great pleasure for me this evening to offer this edifice to God. You might think it peculiar that I would offer to God a thing which in appearance is profane, but it is in appear- ance only, for while you are using this building and its complete gymnasium and other equipments you will develop physical strength, intellectual strength and moral strength, which will help you to become good Christians and upright citizens. Considering these facts it was my plain duty to offer it to God. By virtue of it you will acquire bodily strength, and the body is but the instrument of the soul, which commands us to place our various attainments at the altar of justice and of God. The erection of this building is in line with the doctrine of the Catholic Church that we educate and develop man by all his faculties."
The Bishop then called on the young men to profit by its use. He said he hoped that they would be faithful to their mission, to their parents and their spiritual directors, who were doing so much for their welfare, and thereby be- come good American citizens, a title which means much and entitles them to the highest political places within the gift of the city and State.
" You have a striking example here," he said, "in your city, where one of your race will soon enter on his second term as the chief magistrate of your municipality. Young men, if you cannot all become mayors or governors, you can at least become good, loyal citizens, and your gymna- sium and the directors will help you in attaining this."
The Bishop also spoke in English, during which he praised the work of the pastor, a work he had requested him to enter upon, and which he nobly carried out. In
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this work he was well assisted by the assistant pastors, par- ticularly by him who came here to take particular charge of young men ; was also assisted by the architect who so ably planned the building ; by the builder who carried out the plans, and in fact by all who did work in connection with it, all of which was well and ably done. He hoped all interested would improve the facilities here offered, to the end that good citizenship might be the result, so that the dangers to our beloved country, referred to by the mayor, might be averted. He hoped the spirit of religion would be the guide and mainstay of all, so that God in His mercy and goodness might bestow His blessing on all to the final end.
Church of the Sacred Heart.
The Sacred Heart Parish.
CHAPTER XVIII.
NEW CATHOLIC PARISH-BISHOP HARKINS MAKES A DIVISION OF ST. CHARLES'-MAJOR PART OF THE SECOND WARD SET OFF -REV. JOHN W. MCCARTHY OF PROVIDENCE, THE PASTOR.
On Sunday, September 10, 1895, Rev. Father Mahoney, rector of St. Charles' Church, announced that during the week just past a division of St. Charles' parish had been made by Right Rev. Bishop Harkins. He said no doubt this was a surprise to many as well as himself. Very few were prepared for such an announcement. However, in the judgment of the Bishop such a division was deemed necessary and all were bound to willingly submit. In the end it would be for the greater good of the old as well as for the new parish. The people of the western section of the parish had labored under disadvantages for a long time, on account of being so far distant from the Church. The Church was no longer central. The matter of a division had been talked about for several years. Father McCabe emphasized the fact that such a division was necessary by purchasing a site for a Church in the western district sev- eral years ago. The people of that section saw the im- portance of having a priest in their midst and the Bishop deemed it necessary to gratify the desire of the people. Respect for Father McCabe's age and infirmities caused the Bishop to postpone action on the division during his life, and after the speaker's appointment to the parish of St. Charles hard times set in, which again caused a postpone- ment of the division.
Here the line of division was given as beginning at the southern boundary line of St. Paul's parish in Blackstone,
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and run down River street to the bridge crossing the Black- stone river northwest of the Alice rubber mill. The line will then be through the center of the Blackstone river to the bridge below Woonsocket falls, and thence through the center of South Main street and Providence street to the North Smithfield line. After explaining the lines he said the new parish contained 350 of the finest families in the city. They had made many sacrifices to attend Mass and their children had made sacrifices to attend Mass and Sun- day school. They have always manifested the strongest Catholic faith and a commendable devotion to religion. The new pastor has a people on whom he can rely. No people in the diocese were so well trained in a devotion to the Church as the people of St. Charles' Church. All the people were devoted to the Church, and only desired a change when a change was a necessity. An honor was conferred upon the new pastor by having these 350 good Catholic families as his parishioners. His hands will be lifted up and held up by the devotion of his, people. If this parish of St. Charles had been central, said Father Mahoney, he would have protested against a new parish, but the people were drifting westward in the city, and priest and Bishop must submit to the wish of the people. As a general thing new parishes surpass the old ones in progress and enterprise, and he thought the new parish just made would not be an exception.
There was always a certain sadness and sorrow for separation, and certainly it was a cause of sadness to him in having so many excellent families leave the mother Church. What happens in every family happens in the Church. The children grow up to manhood and womanhood and are loved and cherished by their parents, but in manhood and woman- hood they leave from under the parental roof and go off and start homes for themselves. In such a separation the heart-
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strings of the parents are often torn. So it is with a pas- tor and his people. Here the first communion was made by many who are now leaving and that time and the asso- ciations formed here cannot be forgotten. This separation and this division, the pastor said, had upset plans he had formed. These plans were formed because he did not ex- pect a division so soon. After the division there will be the same expenses as before. The same schools and the same Sisters will have to be supported and the same light and heat will be necessary in the Church. With more than one-third of the parish cut off the burden will be greater on those who remain. A greater effort is needed in order to meet expenses, but he knew the people would understand their position. He bespoke for the new priest every assist- ance, and what was in his power to do for him he would do. The people of the new parish were honored in having such a good priest placed over them. The object of all the work of a priest is for the good of the people. He felt that the people of the new parish would do all in their power to encourage and assist their pastor. This people go forth with his best wishes as well as his good will. He hoped God would prosper priest and people. He gave his bless- ing to the departing people willingly and cheerfully.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE NEW PARISH-LARGE CONGREGATIONS WORSHIP IN HARRIS HALL-REV. FATHER MCCARTHY'S ADDRESS TO HIS FLOCK- THE ORGANIZATION OF A SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The first services in the new Catholic parish were held Sunday, Sept. 22, 1895, in Harris Hall, and the words of the new pastor, Rev. John W. McCarthy, were well cal- culated to gain for him the esteem and confidence of his people, which had already been made manifest in various
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ways. The Irish Catholic people have at all times and un- der all circumstances rallied around their pastor. The ten- der and indissoluble tie of affection between the people and their priests, has come down through the ages from the days of St. Patrick to the present, and to-day is as strong and durable as ever. The suffering of that people in their own land and the suffering of the priests with them knit the band that will never be severed.
This new priest, coming here with the authority of the Bishop of the diocese, was received with that reverence, love and respect which the true Catholic is ever ready to generously give the pastor. There were fully 800 people at the 8 o'clock service, and more than that number at the 10:30 service, so that the new parish turned out in all its strength.
The Hall bore all the appearance of a place in which to worship God. An altar was erected on the platform, this being tastefully decorated. The white chasuble of the priest worn at this season of the year, indicated the purity of the sacrifice he offered, as well as the message of peace and good will he brought his people. He addressed the . people at both services, the language at each service being in substance similar. Following is the text of his address at the 10 :30 o'clock service :
MY DEAR PEOPLE :
"In presenting myself to you this morning, as your pastor, I do so in obedience to the wish of my superior, the Right Reverend Bishop of the diocese, who has seen fit to honor me with greater responsibility, and assign me to the material and spiritual work of a new parish in your midst.
Father McCarthy here referred to the wisdom and fore- sight of the Bishop in regard to all things ecclesiastical, and progressive in all things and therefore entering into
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the spirit of the wants of the people deemed a new parish necessary. The reverend gentleman then continued :
" I need not tell you that I welcome the work, for it is the great and glorious work of the priesthood, I realize to some extent the arduous work that is mine, the duty of watching over, teaching, encouraging and guiding you on- ward and upward in the works of God, but especially the difficult labor of erecting at the earliest moment a suitable temple of the living God. Be that as it may, I am pre- pared to engage in the work before me at the expense of every sacrifice of means, health and strength that God may give me to insure success.
" A glance at the work of the Church hitherto done in Woonsocket is the strongest evidence of your Faith and piety, and gives eloquent testimony of the zeal and self- sacrificing labors of these devoted priests who have labored among you, particularly your late lamented pastor, Vicar General McCabe, whose saintly life will ever linger in your memories, and also the present zealous and respected pastor who succeeded him. For a continuation of a part of their good work I have been chosen, and with all the ardor and undiminished strength of twelve years of active life in the ministry I come to you to place at your disposal for the re- mainder of my life, if God wills it, my very best efforts. I cannot hope to be what your former pastors were, but in as far as I can I will be all to you. Be assured that with God's help, I shall be a true priest, friend, counselor and guide. In your prosperity I shall rejoice, in your sorrow I shall be your sympathetic friend and your spiritual and temporal needs shall be my needs and thoughts at God's altar. In return I shall expect of you kind consideration, generous co-operation and unwavering loyalty-three char- acteristics of good Catholics. Indeed, I have been con- vinced that you possess these qualities in a remarkable de-
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gree. Our Right Reverend Bishop has assured me that you are a good, generous and virtuous people, and his opinion has been confirmed by those priests who have labored in your midst.
" Stranger, then, though I am, and unknown to you, I feel that you recognize in me one of those to whom Christ said : ' He that receiveth you receiveth Me,' and that the reception you give me this morning is because I come in His name. Christ bid His disciples salute the city and house into which they entered with the salutation of peace. With those words on my lips I come to you. To each in- dividual here in this parish I say ' Peace to his house.' I come to you in the name of the living God, and I claim in His name, in virtue of my office, your allegiance and your love.
" You expect, perhaps, that I should allude to my plans for the material and temporal necessities of the parish. As yet I have no plans, except as you are all unknown to me my first duty is evident, which is to obtain that knowl- edge so necessary for the successful beginning of my work -to make myself known to you and to know you. In a word to be able to say with Christ, 'Mine know Me and I know Mine.'"
The reverend gentleman stated that he would very soon make a visitation of the parish from house to house, and in this way hear the opinions of the people and learn their wants.
" With the end in view of building up the Church of God, with humility then, yet not faltering, I begin my work with you to-day, trusting to God and to you for assistance, without which I cannot but fail. Recognizing the great- ness of the task before me and my own insufficiency, I ask of you the favor of your prayers, that I may be faithful to my trust and responsibility. It will be my constant prayer
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that my efforts may be so directed that with God's help, I may win from year to year from you a measure of your confidence and trust. And reverting as my mind does this morning to another parish and another people with whom I closed forever on last Sunday the sacred relations of priest and people, I feel that if in coming years I can win from you a fraction of the love and trust they gave me, I shall be content. With you and me rests the duty of faithful- ness, the consequences belong to God, and so we begin life together. I pray that God's choicest blessings may be yours."
At the close of his discourse Father McCarthy an- nounced that services would be held in the hall each Sun- day until further notice, the hours being 8 and 10:30. The 8 o'clock Mass would be children's Mass, but adults were also expected to attend. Communion would be received at this Mass by those prepared for the sacrament. Baptisms, marriages and funerals would, for the present, take place at St. Charles' Church, where confessions would also he heard.
About 100 boys and 140 girls attended the Sunday school session in St. Michael's school house on River street at 2 in the afternoon. Thomas F. Howe was in charge as superintendent, with John Smith as assistant and William F. Degnan clerk. William J. Ferris, Bernard J. Denneney, Bernard Brennan, Peter Smith and William Smith were the teachers. Father McCarthy was present and addressed the schools. The teachers in the girls' department were Miss Kate Walsh, Miss Annie Canning, Miss Annie Degnan, Miss Aggie Marrah and Miss Mary Byrne.
The beautiful vestments worn by Father McCarthy at the services and gold chalice used at the sacrifice were pres- ents to him from the late Rev. Father Maguire, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, Providence. Father McCarthy spoke in high terms of praise of what Rev. Father
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Mahoney had done for him since coming here, and is de- lighted with the hearty reception accorded him by the en- tire people of the parish.
Father McCarthy immediately set about looking up a suitable site for the erection of a Chapel and after viewing several sites purchased the land on Second avenue, now owned by the parish, and on October 20, 1895, the founda- tion of a new Church was commenced. Just three months after the celebration of his first Mass in Woonsocket, Dec. 22, Rev. Father McCarthy sang his first Mass in the new Church. It is a plain but substantial structure, 90x60 feet, and capable of comfortably seating 832 people. Improve- ments were made at various times until to-day the Church is more spacious as well as beautiful.
CHAPTER XX.
FATHER MCCARTHY'S FAREWELL-SAD LEAVE-TAKING OF PASTOR AND PEOPLE-DEPARTING PRIEST REVIEWS WORK OF PARISH, BUT, OVERCOME BY EMOTION, HE BREAKS DOWN WHILE THE CONGREGATION ARE IN TEARS.
On Friday, February 9, 1901, Rev. Father McCarthy received a letter from Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, Bishop of Providence diocese, containing his appointment as pas. tor of St. Mary's Church, North Attleboro, to succeed Rev. Charles J. Byrnes, deceased. The appointment came as a surprise to Father McCarthy, and a shock to the entire parish.
The following Sunday, Feb. 11, Rev. Father McCarthy, pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, preached his farewell sermon at the 10 :30 o'clock Mass. The entire adult congre- gation was present and listened to his parting words. Sad, indeed, was the leave-taking of pastor and people. The sobs of the large gathering could be heard when he com-
REV. JOHN W. MCCARTHY, First Pastor of the Sacred Heart Parish.
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menced, and before many words of farewell had been spoken every face expressed the grief of parting and few eyes but felt the "rush of tears." "In the silent manliness of grief " strong men wept, while the women expressed their sorrow in sobs. Rev. Father McCarthy was unable to finish his discourse, and broke down when about to utter the final farewell. Never was such a scene witnessed in Woonsocket ; perhaps in few places has there been such an exhibition of love and affection shown between a priest and his flock. Being the first and only pastor of the young parish, everyone naturally felt an overpowering interest in the departing clergyman. His own devotion and loyalty for his congregation, his joy in their joys and sympathy in their sorrows, linked stronger than any earthly removal can separate the undying love between Rev. Father McCarthy and the faithful of his parish. On the other hand, their support and encouragement extended to him in all his trials and labors made him feel that he was among friends and that in leaving them he was giving up one of life's choicest pleasures. But as he himself said, he was obeying the mandates of his superior and doing nothing but his plain duty. Hundreds of parishioners remained to have a final handshake, for the beloved clergyman was so affected that his voice choked and he was unable to say good-bye. His sermon was full of touching allusions to the people of the parish and his work among them, and no one present could check the feeling of grief at his final leave-taking.
At the 8 o'clock Mass Rev. Father McCarthy bade good-bye to the children, though his eyes filled and his voice throbbed with emotion. As at the last Mass the scene was affecting, and the little ones were moved to tears. At even- ing vespers not a word was spoken, but sobs could be heard, and the singing of " Lead, Kindly Light," by the boys' sanctuary choir was in such a mournful vein that
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