2. ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS.-The opening of the First Provincial Council of New Orleans, an event that will long be remembered by the Catholics in that section of our country, took place in the Cathedral of St. Louis on Sunday the 20th of January. The Council was composed of the following prelates: Most Rev. Anthony Blane, D. D., Archbishop of New Orleans; Right Rev. Michael Portier, D. D., Bishop of Mobile; Right Rev. John M. Odin, D. D., Bishop of Galveston; Right Rev. Andrew Byrne, D. D., Bishop of Little Rock; and Right Rev. Augustus Martin, D. D., Bishop of Natchitoches, with their Theologians, and five Superiors of Religious Congregation, who took part in the proceedings. The procession was formed at the episcopal residence, and moved thence to the Cathedral, where Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop. After the gospel, the Right Rev. Dr. Portier, Bishop of Mobile, preached in French, and at the conclusion of the Holy Sacrifice, an eloquent sermon was delivered in English, by the Rev. J. J. Mullon, pastor of St. Patrick's. The Council was then opened by the Archbishop, who presided as Metropolitan of the Province. The second public session was held on the Thursday following, when Pontifical Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Archbishop for the repose of the souls of the Prelates who died during the last year, and a sermon in English preached by the Right Rev. Dr. Odin, Bishop of Galveston. The concluding session of the Council was held on Sunday the 27th of January, after which the prelates addressed a Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and Laity of their respective dioceses, replete with paternal admonitions and salutary counsels to Catholics, especially at this period of our country's history. Our space at present will not permit us to speak of this excellent Pastoral, we must therefore defer it to the next number.

3. DIOCESE OF BUFFALO.-An interesting ceremony took place on the 25th of January in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Buffalo city. Brothers Henry, Timothy and John, of the Society of the Holy Infancy of Jesus, made their religious vows to the Rev. Father Early, Superior of this Order, in the presence of the Right Rev. Bishop of Buffalo, who founded this religious society for the protection and instruction of orphans and destitute boys. The Bishop addressed the Brothers and the large congregation present on the sanctity and duties of a religious life, and expressed a hope that the society, thus humbly begun, would rise and expand, and soon become equal to the wants of its institution.

4. DIOCESE OF CHICAGO.-Ordination.-The Right Rev. Dr. O'Regan, Bishop of Chicago, on the 6th of January conferred minor orders on Messrs. Wm. F. Herbert, James Moran, and Patrick Gaffney. On the two following days the Rev. Wm. F. Herbert received the holy orders of sub-deacon and deaconship, and on the 8th the same Rev. gentlemen was raised to the order of priesthood.

5. DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN.-The Right Rev. Bishop of Brooklyn gave the white veil to Miss Julia McKenna, at the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in that city, on Wednesday, January 23d. Miss McKenna is the sister of the Rev. Mr. McKenna of this diocese, and took the name in religion of Sister Mary Frances.-A mission was commenced in the new church, "St. Mary, Star of the Sea," Brooklyn, on the 3d instant, under the direction of Fathers Walworth, Hecker, Hewitt and Deshon, of the Redemptorist Order, assisted by several other clergymen.

6. DIOCESE OF MAINE.-It is gratifying to observe the increase of Catholicity in this diocese, since the Right Rev. Dr. Bacon has been called to preside over it. Many new churches and missions have been erected through the zeal and energy of the clergy, and four or five others are now under contract to be commenced as soon as the weather will permit. At Manchester lately the Right Rev. Bishop confirmed 400 children, and 250 at Portsmouth.

Note. The want of space compels us to omit the balance of our record relating to the affairs of the Church. The most important items will appear in our next number.

OBITUARY.-It is with feelings of deep regret that we record the death of the Rev. Peter B. O'Flanagan, of the Society of Jesus, who departed this life at Loyola College in this city on Tuesday morning, February 19th, in the 49th year of his age.

In the death of the worldling, of one who has lived in open violation of his duty to his God, there is something truly terrible; but when the just man is called to sever the ties that bind him to earth, he hears the summons with serenity and joy. To him death is but the gateway that opens to the joys of a better world. Beneath the shadow of the tomb he beholds, with the eye of faith, the beauty and the splendor of the eternal mansions. Such in truth was the death of our lamented friend. Having in early life bid adieu to the vanities of the world, he consecrated himself to God, devoting himself to the practice of those sublime lessons of poverty, chastity and obedience, in the society of which he was an exemplary member.

Father O'Flanagan was born in the county of Fermaugh, Ireland, on the 25th of June, 1807. Shortly after his arrival in this country, he took the holy resolution of consecrating himself to God in the Society of Jesus, and entered upon his novitiate at White Marsh, Prince George's County, in this State. Amidst the many trials which young novices experience, Father O'Flanagan retained an unbroken cheerfulness, affability, and mildness of disposition: virtues which endeared him to all and attended him through life. Being ordained after four years probation, he was appointed to the charge of Trinity Church, Georgetown, D. C., where his name and virtues are still held in grateful remembrance. His health for several years past was seriously affected, and every effort to stay the ravages of disease proved ineffectual. Fortified by the sacraments of the Church, he calmly breathed his last almost without a struggle. His remains were conveyed to Georgetown for interment, attended by the Professors of Loyola College and a large number of friends, who, on arriving in Washington, were joined by an immense concourse of persons. As the funeral cortege moved towards Georgetown, it was met by a procession of about 300 children attached to Trinity Church School, who had come to testify their respect for the remains of their former Father and friend.

Sister Mary De Sales Kelly died on the 3d of February, at the Convent of Mercy, Providence, Rhode Island, after a protracted illness, in the 21st year of her age.

Died, of consumption, on Sunday, 3d February, at the Ursuline Convent, Brown county, Sister St. Clare, aged 22 years. Deceased was a native of London, and a convert to the Catholic faith.

We are pained to announce the death of the Rev. Father McCaffray, late pastor of Richwood, in the diocese of St. Louis. The lamented deceased left home on the 5th of February to administer the last sacraments to a sick woman, and on crossing the Merrimac river on the ice he was accidently drowned. May they rest in peace.

SECULAR AFFAIRS.

THE SPEAKER ELECTED.-Congress organized on the 2d of February, after a two months' contest, by the election of N. P. Banks, of Massachusetts, to the office of Speaker. This was accomplished by adopting the majority rule, and under this, Mr. Banks received 103 votes, Mr. Aiken, the Democratic candidate, 100, and a few scattered. Mr. Banks is a strenuous abolitionist, and a member of the American party.— Minister to England.—The Hon. George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Buchanan, at the Court of St. James. The Senate has confirmed the appointment, and the Hon. gentleman will shortly sail for London.

OUR LEGISLATURE AND THE CONVENT PETITION.-We regret exceedingly to behold that spirit of hostility to our holy religion and the institutions of the Catholic Church, which has of late years manifested itself in various sections of the country. We knew that there were rancor and bitterness in the minds of a few, quite sufficient to lead them to speak against Catholics, and even to traduce their institutions, but we scarcely

believed that there was in our midst a single individual with hardihood and effrontery enough to become the bearer of a petition to the Legislature of our State, invoking that body to violate the sacred rights of its citizens, and invade the homes of defenceless females. In this however we have been mistaken. A petition to that effect was borne to Annapolis by the Rev. Andrew B. Cross, and presented in the House of Delegates. It was indignantly objected to by Mr. Harris as an insult to the House. Upon this an animated discussion ensued, during which the Hon. Mr. Merrick, the able and eloquent champion of civil and religious liberty, made the following remarks:

"Mr. Merrick-Here is a great indignity offered this body-a false charge against a large, pure and respectable portion of our community, introduced and intended as a fire-brand, to excite malevolence, bitterness and ill-feeling, and is an insult to the House, to the community, and the State. It is false in every statement-in every inference, and those who are supporting the reading of it know it. The case of Olivia Neal, which is mentioned therein, is wholly false. I knew her from her birth, through her childhood and school days, and knew that she was deranged. Her family is subject to derangement and she had this infirmity, and yet Mr. Cross asserts that she was imprisoned against her will, and subjected to outrage, and all that, when he knew it to be false. This petition ought not to be received; it has been originated and introduced here for vile purposes-to excite fanaticism, encourage bigotry and intolerance, and engender a war of religion and persecution. I brand it as it deserves, an infamous proceeding.

"I ask now what members here are ready to bring upon themselves and their fellowcitizens, by receiving and considering this petition, the eternal and unenviable disgrace which now shrouds the State of Massachusetts! Is the State of Maryland, heretofore distinguished in the nation for liberal sentiments and enlarged views upon religious toleration, is it to be stained by the act of the Legislature in receiving a petition whose foundation, argument and prayer, is a direct attack upon the religion of others? Do you mean to go on in the diabolical work already begun in the United States, of interfering in matters of conscience, invading private property, insulting defenceless women, and engendering a strife which will desolate the land in misery and woe? If so, go on-the world will know why this petition was introduced, and who it is that are disposed to fan the flame of religious persecution, which will destroy all that is free, tolerant or noble in humanity?

"As every man has the right to petition the Legislature, so the House has the prerogative of refusing it after being made aware of its contents. But is this a petition of citizens for the removal of a cause of grievance? No! It is a prayer made by a single open, avowed, bitter and bigoted enemy, to enter into the private houses of quiet, respectable and orderly citizens, of whom he is the open persecutor, and to do this in open violation of the law and the constitution. Persons who meddle with the affairs of no one, who neither annoy the public or deprive any of their privileges, who are known only by their good deeds of charity; who acted at Baltimore in the cholera season as nurses for the afflicted; who never disturbed the peace, but willingly sacrificed their lives for the public weal; and those who became aware of the perishable nature of all things, and feel the necessity of religion; who sacrifice themselves upon the sacred altar, and pass their days in penitential prayers, and in doing charities to all within their reach; (the fact of wrong by them being done to any man, Mr. Merrick defied to be mentioned), whose very lives are a reproach to us, these are to be hunted down, villified and persecuted because a malevolent foe should make a sweeping charge against them!” After some further remarks from Mr. Travers and others, the petition was received and then laid on the table by a vote of 49 to 13.

PETITION TO REPEAL THE LAW EXEMPTING CHURCHES AND LITERARY INSTITUTIONS FROM TAXATION.-A petition to this effect was presented in the Senate of this State on the 29th of January, by certain citizens of Frederick County. Mr. Semmes, Senator from Allegany county, being absent when the petition was offered, subsequently directed to have it entered on the journal that had he been present he would have voted against the petition for the following reasons:

"1st. Because exemption from taxation is a vested right belonging to the churches and literary institutions of our State, and that therefore it is not within our constitutional power to disturb that right, even though we were sufficiently barbarous in our tastes to will it.

"2d. Because by the 41st Article of our Declaration of Rights it is made our duty to encourage the diffusion of knowledge and virtue, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, &c., and that the policy of the State in exempting churches and literary institutions from taxation as uniformly illustrated by the past records of her Legislature, is one of those modes of encouragement entirely just and fair to all competitors, which cannot degenerate into partialities and is most universally acceptable and popular amongst our constituents."

TO LEONARD CALVERT is due the honor of having been the pioneer and founder of the third permanent and successful colony within the original limits of the United States, and his, too, is the proud distinction of having been the first to plant in our soil the tree of civil and religious liberty. His life was devoted with extraordinary disinterestedness to the service of his brother and employer, Lord Baltimore, to the nurture of the infant colony committed to his care, and to the cause of liberty, conscience and religion. History scarcely presents another case where such preeminent public services were rendered, without a selfish thought of leaving behind monuments and evidences to perpetuate and emblazon them before the eyes of posterity. The individual and private life and character of Governor Calvert are thus beyond the reach of the historian at this day, but we know from the most authentic sources, that he was a good and just man, a wise and enlightened statesman, and a zealous and sincere Catholic. His great public acts and policy are still bearing fruits in the permanence and prosperity of the free institutions of our country, but tradition has not rescued from oblivion his personal and individual history,

"The best portion of a good man's life,

His little, nameless, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love."

Leonard Calvert was the second son of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. His father was born at Kepling in Yorkshire, England, in 1582, graduated at Trinity College, Oxford, in 1596, and, after making the tour of Europe, was appointed secretary to the celebrated Robert Cecil, in whose service he remained until Cecil was made Lord High Treasurer, when Calvert was appointed one of the clerks of the Privy Council. In 1617 George Calvert was knighted by the

* Compiled chiefly from Bozman's, McSherry's and Bancroft's Histories; Dr. Burnap's Life of Leonard Calvert in Sparks' American Biography; Father White's Narrative in Force's Historical Collection; Mr. Davis' Day-Star of American Freedom; and other sources.

18

VOL. IV. No. 3.

king; in 1618 was appointed one of the principal Secretaries of State, and in 1620 received a pension of a thousand pounds. Having about this time abjured the errors of Protestantism and become a Catholic, he immediately confessed his faith to his sovereign, resigned his offices and pension, and retired into private life. In 1625 King James, who did not cease to regard him with favor after his conversion, bestowed upon him the Barony of Baltimore in Langford, Ireland. Failing in his efforts to plant a colony in Newfoundland, Lord Baltimore visited Virginia in 1628; but meeting with no encouragement there, he turned his attention to the country about the Chesapeake Bay, of which he readily obtained the requisite grant from the king. He prepared a charter for his projected colony; but before its execution he died on the 15th of April, 1632, leaving three sons, Cecil, Leonard and George.

Cecil, the eldest, inherited his father's virtues with his titles and estates, and succeeded in having the charter, prepared by his father, executed to himself on the 20th of April, 1632. The first name thought of for the colony was Crescentia. Mariana was then suggested in compliment to the Queen of King Charles the First, Henrietta Maria, but that name was objected to, because it was also the name of a Spanish Jesuit who had written against kings. The name of Maryland was finally selected in honor of the Queen, who was a pious and devoted Catholic. The charter was the most liberal granted in those days by any sovereign to a subject. Justly regarding religion as essential to the welfare of states and colonies, Lord Baltimore secured the services of two zealous Jesuit missionaries to accompany the expedition, Fathers White and Altham, whose heroic labors among the Indians, form the most beautiful and attractive chapter in the early history of Maryland. It had been the intention of Lord Baltimore to lead the expediton in person, but his intentions were suddenly changed just before the time for embarking, and resolving to remain in England to watch and protect the interests of the colony there, he confided the care and government of his people to his brother, Leonard Calvert, whom he commissioned as Lieutenant-Governor. On the 22d of November, 1633, the colonists, consisting of the Governor, Leonard Calvert, his younger brother George, his counsellors, Jerome Hawley and Thomas Cornwallis, named with the Governor in the commission, Fathers White and Altham, and about two hundred pilgrims and their families, mostly Catholics, embarked for the Western Continent in two vessels, the "Ark" and the "Dove," prepared and equipped by the Lord Proprietary. At the outset of the voyage the Ark and Dove were joined in company by a freighted merchant ship, called the "Dragon," of much greater size and strength. A violent storm soon overtook the three vessels, and proved how stronger in the breasts of the pilgrims was the love of freedom, than was even the love of gain in the breast of the merchant. The “ Dragon” fled from the dangers of the sea, while the weaker Ark and Dove, trusting in God, dashed onward through the tempest. Governor Calvert endeavored at the Fortunate Islands and at Barbadoes to relieve his brother Cecil from some portion of the immense expense incurred in fitting out the expedition, by taking in a cargo of merchandize for sale, but was defeated in this purpose by the unsettled condition of those countries. The vessels arrived in sight of Point Comfort in Virginia on the 24th of February, 1634; then steering for the mouth of the Potomac, and sailing up the stream, the pilgrims landed and solemnly took possession of St. Clement's Island, now known as Blackstone's, on the 25th of March, the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. A thanksgiving mass was solemnly offered up under the trees, after which a procession was formed by the entire company,

66