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 7
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named Pontiff proved that he appreciated his merit by selecting him to write his official life.
This most. learned, as well as most widely esteemed Pontiff, in 1887 appointed Father O'Reilly Domestic Pre- late to the Papal Throne.
This distinguished priest, when in Europe several years ago, was honored by the close friendship of two of the most famous women of modern times, namely, Queen Isabella II. of Spain and the Empress Eugenie of France. When in Madrid in pursuit of learning, he was father con- fessor to Queen Isabella, and when subsequently in Paris he was father confessor to Empress Eugenie. These two positions gave him a thorough insight into the government and court life of Spain and France.
This widely known and exalted former pastor of St. Charles' Church was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1823. He came to Canada while quite young and entered the Grand Seminary at Quebec, connected with the Laval University, founded by Most Rev. Bishop Laval of Quebec in 1663. Here the young student studied theology and at the same time stored his mind with knowledge by the study of works in the University library, which contains 85,000 volumes. On completing his theological course he was or- dained a priest, after which he labored for several years on the Canadian mission, devoting himself particularly to the interests of those of his countrymen who were forced to emigrate by the famine of 1848. He also engaged in a plan for promoting Irish colonization, which was only par- tially successful.
Father O'Reilly came to the United States about the year 1851 and accepted the chair of Rhetoric in St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y., which he filled for several years. Resigning the professorship he left for Europe in order to pursue an advanced course of studies. That he was suc-
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cessful is demonstrated by the fact that he acquired knowl- edge of the Spanish, German, Italian and other European languages. Before going to Europe he was a fluent speaker and writer of the French language, as well as being profi- cient in Latin, Greek and the Gaelic language. On return- ing from Europe he was attached to the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City. It was while there that the war of the Rebellion broke out, and in order to prove his patriotism to the country of his adoption, as well as devotion to his own race and religion, Father O'Reilly ac- cepted the office of Chaplain of the New York Sixty-ninth Regiment, of which Colonel Michael Corcoran was in com- mand, and attached to which was a company of zouaves, commanded by Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irish patriot and brilliant orator. Meagher, who was a close personal friend of the devoted and heroic priest, in his narrative of the Bull Run Campaign, describes his fearless devotion and bravery, as well as the devotion and bravery of Father Scully, in the following language :
Were it not for the visit of Father Sculley, the young and de- voted Chaplain of Col. Cass' Irish Regiment from Boston, who, having heard of Thursday's fighting, dashed across from Wash- ington, over five-and-thirty miles, to see and learn all about us, Saturday, despite all of the glaring sunshine, would have been a gloomy day indeed, His hearty words and presence lit up afresh the life and fire of the Sixty-ninth ; and he eame in good time, and most kindly stayed long enough to relieve our own beloved Chap- lain, Father O'Reilly, at the confessional. There were few of the Sixty-ninth who failed to confess and ask forgiveness on that day. Every one, officers as well as privates, prepared for death. Sin- cerely and devoutly they made their peace with God. This is the secret of their courage, and the high, bright spirit with which they bore all the hardships, the privations, the terrors and chastisement of the battle. It was, in truth, an affecting sight-that of strong, stalwart, rugged men-all upon their knees, all with heads uncov- ered, all with hands clasped in prayer and eyes cast down, ap- proaching, one by one, the good dear priest, who, seated at the foot
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of an old bare tree, against which some of our boys had spread for him an awning of green branches, heard the confessions of the poor fellows and bid them be at ease and fearless. Long as I live I shall never forget that scene. It was not less impressive than that of Father O'Reilly's passing along the line, as we knelt within range of the enemy's batteries on one knee, with bayonets fixed, expecting every minute to be swept upon. and the final bene- diction was imparted.
The Father Scully referred to by Gen. Meagher in his narrative was Chaplain of the Ninth Massachusetts Regi- ment, commanded by Col. Cass. At the present writing he still lives. He is Rev. Thomas Scully, pastor of the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, at Cambridgeport, Mass., and widely known as a fearless and indefatigable worker in the cause of religion and total abstinence.
Donegal, the county in which Father O'Reilly was born, is the Tirconaill of the past, the land of the O'Donnells, the O'Boyles, the O'Doughertys, the O'Gormleys, and other noble families. It was there the celebrated Red Hugh O'Donnell became a formidable opponent of the govern- ment of Queen Elizabeth. It was there also that "The Annals of the Four Masters" were compiled in 1632 by Michael O'Cleary and his coadjutors. It is there also that the purest pronunciation of the ancient Keltic language is preserved. This language, of which the Hon. Felix Car- bray, M. P., of Quebec, in a recent lecture in tracing its Aryan origin, says :
A thousand years anterior to the days of Homer, and before the Greek was matured in Southern Europe and on the coast of Iona, the second sprout of the Greek-Italo-Keltic branch was planted in the Italian peninsula, and there, like the grain of mustard seed, grew into a large tree, the branches of which ultimately filled the whole earth.
This county is also famous for the ruins of round towers, churches and abbeys. Here St. Patrick spent a good portion of his time. St. Patrick's Purgatory on an
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island in Lough Dery, is a place of annual pilgrimage for religious Catholics from all over the world.
After resigning the pastorate of St. Charles' Church in 1869 Father O'Reilly proceeded to New York, where he was engaged by the Appletons to compile all articles con- nected with the Catholic Church for the American Cyclope- dia. One of the articles contributed by him was on Ice- land, its people, their language, customs and manner of living. He again, about the year 1879, left for Europe, where he traveled extensively, and during these travels con- tributed a series of interesting articles to the New York Sun and other periodicals. He finally took up a residence in Rome, after which he was honored in various ways by Pope Leo XIII., among these honors his being raised to the dignity of Domestic Prelate of the Papal Throne. This now venerable, highly honored and widely esteemed rev- erend gentleman is, at the present writing, filling the office of Chaplain at Mount St. Vincent Seminary, New York.
Among his principal published works are the following : "Mirror of True Womanhood," (New York, 1876) ; "Life of Pius IX.," (1877) ; "True Men," (1878) ; "Key of Heaven," (1878) ; " The Two Brides," a novel, (1879) ; " Life of Leo XIII.," (1887).
The half-tone picture of Father O'Reilly, which appears in connection with this sketch of his life, is taken from a photograph of him as he now appears, and differs from his appearance when he was pastor of St. Charles' Church. At that time he was aged 45, and in the full vigor of man- hood. He is now 76, and therefore the wrinkles of Time's " effacing fingers " show upon his countenance.
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CHAPTER XIV.
REV. GEORGE T. MAHONEY, SUCCESSOR TO THE LATE FATHER M. MCCABE, V. G .- CELEBRATION OF HIS SILVER JUBILEE-PRE- SENTED PURSES OF MONEY AND A TESTIMONIAL VOLUME.
The late Rev. John T. Lynch remained in charge of St. Charles' parish as administrator from the death of Very Rev. M. McCabe, on December 14, 1893, until the appoint- ment by Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, Bishop of Provi- dence diocese, of Rev. George T. Mahoney as Permanent Rector, on Wednesday, February 7, 1894.
Rev. Father Mahoney was born in Providence, June 26, 1851; was educated in the public schools of that city ; graduated from the High school at the age of 14 years ; entered St. Charles' College, Baltimore, where he completed a classical course ; studied philosophy in a college in Mon- treal for two years ; studied theology in the Grand Semin- ary, Montreal, for three years and was ordained a priest by Right Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken in the old Cathedral, Providence, on the twenty-fourth anniversary of his birth, namely, June 26, 1875.
After serving as assistant pastor at churches in Olney- ville, Taunton, Fall River, the Church of the Precious Blood in this city, and being in charge of a church at Cen- terville for six months, he was appointed by Right Rev. Matthew Harkins pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish at Central Falls, from which parish he was trans- ferred to Woonsocket.
The reverend gentleman made an impression on the people on arrival here, an impression which grows in strength as the years advance ; ever faithful to duty, ever quietly performing that duty and ever alive to the wants of his people. Broad minded and liberal in his views, so far as the world is concerned; strictly adhering to the teachings
REV. GEORGE T. MAHONEY, Ninth Pastor of St. Charles' Parish.
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of the Church, and in his pulpit sermons always eloquent in propounding the doctrine and Dogmas of that Church he thus fulfills his whole duty to God and man. He endeared himself to all Comrades of Smith Post, G. A. R., and all others who heard his patriotic sermon on Memorial Sunday, May 26, 1895. On assuming charge of the parish he made a rule to hold services at the grave of every Catholic vet . eran soldier and sailor at the time of interment in St. Charles' cemetery. When Right Rev. Bishop Harkins heard of this rule he complimented Father Mahoney and made it general throughout the diocese. This reverend gentleman has made many improvements in Catholic Church property since coming here, the greatest of which was the building of St. Charles' School, which is unsurpassed in beauty of design and completeness of finish in the whole of Providence diocese.
Work on the foundation of this beautiful educational institution was begun on May 1, 1897. It is of a mixed order of architecture, is 105 feet in length by 75 in width, and three and one-half stories high above the basement. The materials used in construction are brick, with brown- stone and copper trimmings on entrances, windows and eaves, with the best quality of slate on the roof. The basement is set apart for use as a gymnasium, cooking kitchen, bath rooms and bowling alleys. The first and second stories above the basement are devoted to school- room uses, there being four such rooms on each floor with a wide corridor running between. The third floor is fitted up as a theatre, the stage of which is handsomely equipped with scenery. The whole cost of construction and equip- ment was about $60,000. This substantial and stately building was solemnly dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Harkins on July 4, 1898. A solemn High Mass was sung on that morning in the Church of which Rev. Thomas P.
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Grace of St. Mary's Church, Providence, was celebrant ; Rev. Father Bourgeois, the assistant pastor of St. Ann's Church, Woonsocket, Deacon, and Rev. Father Hurley of Worcester, Sub-Deacon. The sermon was preached by Rev. Father McGrath of the Redemptorist mission, Boston. Among the priests present were Rev. George T. Mahoney, Permanent Pastor of the Church; Rev. Thomas E. Ryan, Assistant Pastor ; Rev. Father Corr of the Redemptorist mission, Boston ; Rev. William A. Power of St. Paul's Church, Blackstone ; Rev. Charles C. Dauray, Pastor of the Church of the Precious Blood; Rev. J. A. Fitzsimmons, Pastor of Ashton ; Rev. P. Farrally, Central Falls ; Rev. P. A. McLoughlin of St. John's Church, Slatersville, and Rev. Mederic Roberge, Assistant Pastor of St. Ann's Church, Woonsocket.
After the Church services the School building was solemnly blessed throughout by Right Rev. Bishop Harkins. On reaching the theatre in the third story, the Bishop, accom- panying priests and altar boys took seats on the stage, the seats in the auditorium being occupied by the Sunday school children.
On the Bishop taking his seat Miss May Mulholland read an address, after which the children sang " The Star Spangled Banner." Bishop Harkins responded to the ad- dress in a brief, felicitous and well worded address. He said "That the blessing the School had received made it a religious institution, and the day on which it was blessed (Fourth of July) made it a thoroughly American school. While we are praying for the success of our arms in the field of battle in the war now going on we should consider the training of the future citizen. The United States is approaching a crisis in its history, when she emerges from retirement she has so long occupied as a colony and an in- dependent nation on this side of the Atlantic to a promi-
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hent place in the field of international politics, a known and recognized power among all the nations of the earth. To make statesmen to occupy these positions there is no edu- cation more fit than that which shall be imparted by the Church under whose auspices this school is dedicated. The education which takes hold of the whole individual, morally as well as mentally, is the only true education. There is something lacking in the education which trains and fosters only one side of the boy or girl." In closing he compli- mented the pastor of the parish and the priests who labored with him and the persons who helped toward the erection of such a fine building. At the close of the Bishop's address the children sang " The Red, White and Blue." A boys' chorus sang "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name."
About 600 children attend the schools in this building, which range from primary to grammar grade. The pupils graduating from the grammar school have had no trouble in being admitted to the Woonsocket High School when they desire to do so. All who have so far presented them- selves for admission have invariably passed a very satisfac- tory examination.
Rev. Father Mahoney is an untiring worker and has several projects under consideration for the benefit and ad- vancement of the young people of the parish, all of which it is hoped God will grant him length of days and good health to see realized.
As evidence of the high esteem in which this good pastor is held by his parishioners, it may be stated that when it became known that the 25th anniversay of his ordination to the priesthood was near at hand a number of representa- tive men of the parish waited upon Rev. Thomas E. Ryan, assistant pastor of St. Charles' Church, and asked him to call a meeting of the men to make arrangements for a pub- lic manifestation of the devotion and affection felt by the
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people of the parish for Rev. Father Mahoney, the pastor himself being ill in Providence. Father Ryan at first hesi- tated, but finally yielded to repeated solicitations and in the early part of May, 1900, the first meeting was called. Sev- eral hundred men were present in St. Charles' Hall, when Col. F. L. O'Reilly called the assembly to order. Col. O'Reilly was elected permanent chairman of the organization, or the the parish committee, so-called, Major F. M. Lally was elected secretary and James Mullen treasurer. A ways and means committee was appointed with Patrick J. Bresnahan chairman, Maj. Lally secretary, James Mullen treasurer, and including the following prominent men of the parish : William F. Norton, William H. Kelley, Luke Gilleran, M. J. Gleason, Richard Herrick, jr., Michael A. Martin, W. H. Houghton, John F. O'Rourke, T. B. Mclaughlin, Den- nis O'Reilly, John F. Murphy, Patrick O'Donnell, James W. Burns, Michael P. Griffin, John Gray, Richard F. Pad- den, Thomas Fenley, Thomas F. Scanlon, Andrew Kennedy, Daniel Sheehan, Michael McDonald, Edward L. Mee, Ald. Peter B. Mulvey, Stephen F. Gahan, Michael McCaffery, Dr. M. W. Maloney, Dr. William F. Barry, Michael Owens, John J. Heffernan, Esq., James O'Donnell. The committee was instrumental in securing the gift of the parishioners, which was presented to Rev. Father Mahoney on Sunday evening, August 19, 1900.
At at a later meeting Rev. Thomas E. Ryan, Patrick J. Bresnahan, James Mullen, Maj. F. M. Lally and Maj. James W. Smyth were instructed to arrange the testimonial exercises and also to procure a memorial in commemoration of the event.
On June 26, 1900, occurred the twenty-fifth anniversary of Rev. Father Mahoney's ordination and the forty-ninth anniversary of his birth. It was intended to have the ex- ercises take place on that evening, but the reverend gentle-
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man was ill at the home of relatives in Providence and it was postponed. As soon as the committee heard of his arrival home in August the date was fixed for the observ- ance. The affair was nicely arranged and carried out in a most excellent manner. St. Charles' Hall never presented such a scene of beauty. The center of the stage was liter- ally lined with choice potted plants and ferns. On the left, in a beautiful frame, made up in the papal colors, yellow and white, pleated and shirred on the front, were the large silver figures " 1875." On the right of the stage reposed a similar frame, containing the figures "1900." Both of these pieces were surrounded by the national flags. Stream- ers and festoons in the national colors hung suspended from the chandeliers and from every conceivable opening along the wall. The papal colors were also conspicuous. The front of the gallery was the resting place for two large festoons of the red, white and blue. At 8 o'clock the available space in the large and commodious hall was taken by a gathering which represented every family in the parish. Dennis O'Reilly and Michael McCaffrey of the committee were selected to escort the honored jubilarian from the rec- tory to the scene of the celebration. On their arrival at the door they were met by Rev. Thomas E. Ryan, Chair- man Col. F. L. O'Reilly, Secretary Maj. F. M. Lally, Treasurer James Mullen of the committee and Maj. J. W. Smyth, and ushered down the center aisle to the stage. Meanwhile Houghton's orchestra, W. H. Houghton, direc- tor, played " The Caliph of Bagdad " (Poieldeau), while the entire assembly arose and broke into loud applause. In the center of the stage a large easy chair was reserved for the honored pastor. On his right a table was placed and on this rested a huge bouquet of flowers. John J. Heffer- nan, Esq., was seated at the right of the table, and on Rev. Father Mahoney's left was Col. F. L. O'Reilly, who was to
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preside over the evening's exercises. Seated on the stage, in addition to the committee, were Rev. John W. McCarthy, pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, Rev. Charles C. Dauray, pastor of the Precious Blood Church, Rev. Napoleon Le- clerc, pastor, and Rev. Mederic Roberge, assistant pastor at St. Ann's Church.
The formal exercise opened with the singing of a jubilee hymn by the Children of Mary Society, comprising several hundred young ladies. Miss Mary E. Kelly, organist of the Church, presided at the piano for this and all the musical numbers. The jubilee song was as follows :
Let us chant a rapturous lay. Glad Te Deums, joyful singing. And with grateful strains outringing Celebrate this glorious day.
Laboring long and faithfully, Thou hast toiled for our salvation, Now, to-day, with exultation Do we hail thy jubilee.
Twenty-five eventful years Since thou first began to labor ; Works for God and for thy neighbor,
Speed the hours in smiles and tears,
Praises sing to God, our Lord, May He still in blest affection Keep thy name in benediction, And thy zeal it crown award.
At the conclusion of the hymn, Miss Katie McLough- lin, in behalf of the Children of Mary Sodality, made a striking address, in which she wished the reverend gentle- man long life and continued happiness. Miss McLoughlin is possessed of much elocutionary ability, and her address must have been pleasing to the honored pastor. Miss Mc- Loughlin had hardly concluded when two little misses, Vin- cent Quinn and Sadie Kirby, gowned in white, marched on
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the stage and placed in Rev. Father Mahoney's hand a silver tray containing $250 in gold, the gift of the Children of Mary Sodality.
Rev. Father Mahoney was almost overcome by this un- expected interruption, and rose to thank the members of the Sodality. He said that after 25 years of priesthood he could look back and say that he had always tried to teach the Children of Mary obedience. It was a virtue which he had preached much about. " After all my talk they have shown disobedience to my express wish. But it is only in a personal matter. When there was a question of any good to be performed for the Church then there was no disobedi- ence. They have always been my support, and have been ever ready to assist the priests in any way. I am thankful for all they have done in the past, and know that I can rely on their co-operation in the future. I will forgive their disobedience, but expect obedience in all things that con- cern the Church hereafter."
Col. F. L. O'Reilly, the presiding officer, said, in open- ing the parish exercises :
Rev. Father, Rev. Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlemen :
As chairman of the parish committee to arrange for a testi- monial to be tendered to our pastor, Rev. Father Mahoney, on the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. it is my esteemed privilege to preside at the happy event. We are assembled here to show respect and veneration for our beloved pastor, and to con- gratulate him on the most important epoch of his life. Also to ex- tend to him our hearty congratulations on his recovery from a pain- ful and serious illness. We all rejoice to have him with us to-night in partially restored health. When Rev. Father Mahoney assumed charge of the parish, on the death of another beloved pastor, Very Rev. Father McCabe, he did not come here as a stranger, for he had been a priest in Woonsocket 24 years ago, as assistant to Rev. Charles C. Dauray, who honors us with his presence to-night. When he came here he was well known to the French and English- speaking Catholics of northern Rhode Island. When selected by
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the Bishop to take charge of this parish he found hosts of friends. It would be a waste of time to speak of the labors that he has accoli- plished here. This Parish Building. which provides for all the wants of the parish, speaks in far stronger terms than any words of mine. When we have all passed away ; when our places will be filled by our children's children, the work of Rev. Father Mahoney will stand out as a monument to his genius and labor. We are glad that he is with us to-night and glad that he will be with us in the future.
Col. O'Reilly then introduced John J. Heffernan, Esq., who was selected to make the presentation address. Mr. Heffernan was eloquent and powerful in his remarks and his tributes to Rev. Father Mahoney were many and beautiful. He spoke as follows :
Reverend Father, Respected and Beloved Pastor :
Your parishioners have gathered here to-night to commemorate in a fitting manner the 25th anniversary of your ordination as a priest of the Catholic Church. I am empowered in their name to congratulate you upon that glad event : to assure you that they fully appreciate the fact that they have as permanent rector one whose many admirable qualities of mind and heart have been broad- ened and cultivated in a school of experience, and to further testify that each and all express the earnest wish that you be spared for many years to continue and perfect the good work you have so happily begun.
It is generally embarrassing to a self-respecting man to hear himself praised in public, and on first thought you might desire that to-night we should show our love and respect in some less public and effusive way. There are some occasions, however, when the course we take is not only proper but eminently called for : that the present occasion is such all your parishioners feel and maintain. We celebrate the silver jubilee of your priesthood. This implies that in the ordinary course of nature two-thirds of your life has passed, that you have done something in this world, and perhaps it indicates that your more arduous work is done, you have well-nigh reached that age when a man finds pleasure in reviewing his years of strenuous and successful toil ; and probably appreciating timely words of praise from those whom such constant and ennobling efforts have made his sincere and faithful.
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