Going to Rome by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 11.

Going to Rome.

By Editor

THE Christian at Work (New York) of Feb. 18, 1886, contains the following item:—

“A requiem high mass for the repose of the soul of the late Father McWalter Bernard Noyes was celebrated at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, this city, on Saturday before last. He was formerly its assistant pastor, and died in Rome on December 6. The church was thronged. In the center of the chancel there was a dais covered with purple drapery on which there was a scarlet cross. On either side of the dais were four lighted candles. The altar was brilliantly lighted with many candles. Verdi’s mass was selected for the occasion. During the recitation of the Confiteor, the altar was incensed. The choir consisted of thirty voices in addition to the twenty choristers, and was assisted by a string band and the organ. Father Marlow read the gospel for the day. The ante-communion prayers were then said, followed by the oblation, consecration, and elevation, the bell in the belfry being tolled. The celebrant, Father Brown, partook of the sacraments, neither the assisting priests nor congregation being asked to join in the communion. Lest some of our readers may be misled into thinking this occurred in a Roman Catholic church, we will add that this was in a Protestant Episcopal church in this city, and that though previous notice of this Romish ceremony had been given, there was no interference in its celebration on the part of Assistant-Bishop Potter.”

It will evidently not be long before the Catholic church regains all that it lost by the Reformation. That church can well afford to wait, knowing that there is a rapidly growing tendency to grant all that it claims. But its triumphing will be short; for the time when “that Wicked” shall be consumed is fast approaching.