The Morning Star And Catholic Messenger

Religious Reception.

Thursday of last week, the 24th ult., a most interesting ceremony took place in the church of Notre Dame de Bon Secour, on the corner of Jackson and Constance streets, in the Fourth District. A young lady, Miss Matilda Gourrier, of St. Gabriel, Iberville parish, the only daughter of the late Dr. Gourrier, in accordance with the rules regulating so solemn a ceremony, made a profession of her desire to enter upon the prescribed novitiate of the Order of the Sisters of Mercy. The ceremony commenced at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the church was crowded, many desiring to witness a scene so interesting in a religious point of view, some from mere curiosity, on account of its novelty to them, and others from personal interest in the welfare of the young lady who was about to take so decided a step in life. Among the latter were her four brothers, and some of the first people of the State.

In presenting herself first before the altar the young postulant appeared very handsomely dressed as a bride, accompanied by Mr. T. Henderson's little daughter as an angel, and by eight girls as brides-maids. Afterwards, when all the worldly finery had been laid aside, and she appeared before the altar in the simple costume of the Order, as Sister Theresa, the name she had assumed in religion, the sympathy of the congregation became visible.

The celebrant in this most solemn and interesting ceremony was the Rev. H. Giesen, pastor of the church of the Assumption, and the Superior of the Redemptorists in this city. He preached the reception sermon, which one of our city contemporaries speaks of as "one of the most appropriate, eloquent, touching and beautiful oratorical efforts it has been our fortune to hear." He referred to the words of our Lord, when, reproving Martha for the care and trouble which she gave herself about worldly matters, he said that but one thing was necessary, that Mary had chosen the best part, and that it should not be taken from her. He spoke of the sacrifice of all worldly goods, pleasures, and associations then made, and of the promises that Christ held out to those that devote their lives to His service, and do all that they do in His name. Of the many that were present there could have been few that left the church without feeling that what they had seen and what they had heard were good.

The clergymen assisting at the ceremony were: The Revs. J. Flanagan, pastor of St. Patrick's; V. C. D. D'Hemecourt, pastor of St. John's, Iberville parish, Plaquemine, and J. B. Bogaerts, pastor, Gretna; also the Rev. W. S. Murphy, S. J., of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, together with the Revs. A. de Ham, W. V. Meredith, A. Svicovitz, and E. Smulder, Redemptorists; and the Rev. P. F. Flynn, from the diocese of Waterford, Ireland.

W.