Phenix Gazette

Catholic Provincial Council.—This Assembly is now in session in this city—it was opened formally yesterday in the Cathedral. The Most Rev. Doctor Whitfield, of course, presided, as Archbishop of Baltimore, and celebrated the Mass of the Holy Ghost on the occasion. The other Bishops present were the Right Rev. Doctor David, from Bardstown—the Right Rev. Doctor England, of Charleston—Right Rev. Doctor Rosati, of St. Louis—Right Rev. Dr. Fenwick, of Boston—Right Rev. Doctor Dubois, of New York—Right Rev. Doctor Kenrick, from Philadelphia—Right Rev. Doctor Rese, of Detroit, and the Right Rev. Doctor Purcell, of Cincinnati. The only Bishops entitled to seats who were not present, are the Right Rev. Doctor Portier, of Mobile, (who arrived this day,) and the venerable Doctor Flaget of Bardstown, the Senior Suffragan, whose delicate state of health did not permit his travelling hither. A large body of priests, selected by the prelates as advising Theologians, filled the Chancel. The appearance of the Sanctuary was exceedingly striking: the bishops wore capes and mitres, and were seated at each side of the altar; the priests in their sacred vestments occupied the front before the platform. After Mass, the Bishop of Charleston delivered a discourse on the nature of church government, the object and utility of councils, and the peculiar benefits likely to arise from their celebration in this country. The Prelates hold their legislative session daily every morning at nine o'clock; the consultation of the Prelates and Theologians take place in the afternoon at four o'clock.—Ball. Gaz.