dren. "Half a dozen of us will go down through the lake this very moment, and you wait here till we come back. Then we will tell you what we have been doing." "Very well," said Leo. "That will be capital." "I shall take a snow-storm with me," said one of the children. "And I, a flood," said another. "And I shall bring frost to nip the fruit blossoms," said a third. "Oh, dear," said Leo, "can you do nothing but mischief?" "We intend to bring gentle rains and dew," said the other three children, "and we will tell you what we do with them as soon as we come back." As they spoke, all six of them rolled into the gloomy lake, and they kissed hands to Leo, just as the waters closed over their heads. Leo gazed after them as long as a vestige of them was to be seen, and then he sat down, quite still, in profound astonishment. "To think of all these things going on up here," reflected he, "and how little about anything we know down there in that foolish world of ours! It ought to be put in the Geography, it ought! I'll ask papa to write to the newspapers about it, as soon as I go home." Leo sat waiting in anxious expectation of the return of his clever little friends. He took care not to quit the spot where they had left him, lest he might miss them in the crowd and never be able to find them again. He amused himself, meanwhile, by watching the movements of the other people round him, and the time passed so quickly that it seemed only a few minutes till he saw them coming racing towards him over the hills of mist, themselves all softened into mist, and melting and rolling about in the strangest manner possible. "Why, you don't mean to say you have been down on the earth, since?" said Leo. "Haven't we, indeed ?" cried the children. "We think we have, rather!" "Well, there is one thing," said Leo, "you cannot have been doing much, either good or bad, while you were away, after all your boasting, for you have not had time." "Oh, didn't we, though? And why shouldn't we have time in the course of a year?" 66 A year!" cried Leo. "Why you are only gone from here about a quarter of an hour." A wild chorus of their own peculiar pattering laughter broke from the rain-children, and they rolled about and spread themselves over everything, so dreadfully like mere fragments of mist that Leo became quite nervous lest they should never be able to pick themselves up and gather themselves together again. However, his mind was soon relieved in this respect, for they presently not only settled themselves into proper shape, but hardened themselves gradually into ice. Then they all sat round him to tell their adventures. OUR RECEPTION AT PORT ELIZABETH AND GRAHAMS WE TOWN. BY A MISSIONARY. VE left Dartmouth on Thursday, September 23, 1875, on board the Edinburgh Castle. Touching at Madeira, where we availed ourselves of the few hours' stay to visit the cathedral and other places of interest, we again proceeded on our way; and after a pleasant and prosperous voyage, we at last arrived at Cape Town about three o'clock on Sunday evening, October 17. Here we were met by his lordship, Dr. Leonard, and his clergy. The Bishop conducted us to his own residence where a sumptuous dinner had been provided. We remained at Cape Town until the following Thursday the guests of Dr. Leonard, who entertained us with that warm-hearted hospitality which is characteristic of the Irish nation. We visited the convent adjoining the Bishop's house, where the children gave a very pleasing little entertainment in honour of Dr. Ricards and those whom he had brought with him from Europe. We also visited the good nuns at Springfield, in the Wynberg district, where there is a flourishing convent and boarding school; and we found time likewise to inspect the Observatory, the Museum, and the Botanic Gardens, of which Cape Town is justly proud. Nor did we forget to call upon the good Marist Brothers, who, besides having the care of the parish schools, have also an excellent Academy with ninety-eight pupils. On Thursday evening the Edinburgh Castle set sail for Port Elizabeth; and after a rapid and delightful passage we arrived in Algoa Bay at about eight o'clock on the morning of Saturday, October 23. At Cape Town we had heard some faint rumours of the preparations which were being made at Port Elizabeth for the reception of Dr. Ricards and his companions; but the event far surpassed all expectation. As soon as the steamer was signalled from the lighthouse, the bell of St. Augustine's Church announced the fact to the hundreds that were expecting her; and immediately a deputation of clergy and laity proceeded to the steamer. As soon as they came on board, they warmly welcomed his lordship and the priests and nuns whom he had brought with him. Meanwhile the members of St. Patrick's Society assembled in St. Augustine's Hall, and, having donned their green and white sashes, marched down to the jetty, ready to meet his lordship as soon as he set foot on shore. They were indeed a splendid sight, those fine stalwart Irishmen, their faces beaming with sincere and enthusiastic joy at again seeing him who truly reigns as a father among his devoted and loving children. As soon as the anchor-boat *Our readers will recognise one of the three names recently submitted to the Holy See by the clergy of Ferns as worthy to fill the void left by the death of their saintly Bishop, Dr. Furlong. This mention of Ferns accounts for the appearance of St. Aidan at Grahamstown later on. 192 Our Reception at Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. bearing the long expected company had left the Edinburgh Castle, with three times three for her excellent captain, and had come within hail from the shore, a cheer of welcome rose from those who thronged the shore; and the good priests and nuns who had just finished their long voyage felt that they had come amongst a people who knew right well how to love those who devoted themselves to the care of their souls. As soon as all were landed, the Sisters and ladies seated themselves in the carriages that had been prepared, while the Bishop and clergy, arranging themselves in order, walked at the head of the procession to St. Augustine's. They were soon met by the boys and girls who had formed themselves at the entrance of the church. Ample room had been provided in the church by the removal of all the benches. As soon as his lordship entered, he was greeted with "See the conquering hero comes !" The services were short: Benediction and solemn Te Deum in thanksgiving to God for the safe return of his lordship and for the success of his mission to Europe. And then the procession formed again and moved on to visit Rosary Convent, where the school-children sang a very pretty hymn of welcome, and presented an affectionate address to his lordship. In the evening, about eight o'clock, a long procession issued from the doors of St. Augustine's Hall, nearly all bearing lights of some kind or other-Roman candles, Chinese lanterns, &c. Headed by the Volunteer Band they proceeded to the front of the presbytery, where they commenced a fine display of fireworks, and then marched along Main-street and the other chief streets of the town, which were brilliantly illuminated. The steamers in the bay took part in the general rejoicings, sending up their rockets and blue lights. not until within an hour of midnight that the town returned to its usual quiet. The next day being Sunday, there was solemn High Mass at St. Augustine's, celebrated by the Bishop, who preached a most eloquent and touching sermon on the Gospel of the day, defending the Church from the charge of superstition, and showing the necessity of that child-like faith manifested by the woman who did but touch the hem of Christ's garment and was healed. In the afternoon an address was presented to his lordship by the members of St. Augustine's congregation, in the Town Hall, which was filled to overflowing. Those at home may perhaps not be aware of the state of things in South Africa; but certainly if they had witnessed the meeting in the Town Hall of Port Elizabeth, they would have seen that South Africa can compare well with the best congregations in Europe. Soon after three o'clock, the Bishop, wearing the insignia of the episcopal office, appeared on the platform, and was greeted with an enthusiastic outburst of cheering. At the conclusion of the address Dr. Ricards spoke at great length, describing all the difficulties which he had encountered in the accomplishment of the objects for which he had gone to Europe. Those objects were to procure a new supply of missionaries and nuns, and to secure a staff of professors for the college of St. Aidan's in Grahamstown. Thanks Our Reception at Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. 193 to the prayers of those present and of the rest of the Vicariate he had been eminently successful in everything that he had proposed to himself. After the speeches usual on such occasions, the whole audience knelt down and received the episcopal blessing. Nothing indeed could express the kindness and generosity with which the Catholics of Port Elizabeth welcomed the new priests and students. The convent at the north end of the town, to which the sisters from the other end go daily to teach, was given up to them, and strict orders were given that they were not to pay any of their own expenses until they were safely settled in Grahamstown. The entire party, to the number of thirteen, were guests for a whole week, and they had nothing to do but to enjoy themselves. One of the most charming entertainments provided for them was given by the children of the convent. English, Irish, Scotch, Dutch, and Italian airs were played to welcome the priests and nuns of different nations, and, among the rest, some beautiful verses in honour of St. Ignatius, were recited to welcome the Fathers and Brothers of the Society of Jesus. At last we set out for Grahamstown, which is about eighty miles distant from Port Elizabeth, and spent Friday night at the bazaar, or hotel on the road. Unfortunately the next day was rainy, our first rainy day since we left England; and so our entry into Grahamstown was not all that had been intended. About two miles from the city we were met by St. Patrick's Society of Grahamstown and the boys of the school. An address was read welcoming their beloved Bishop home again; and, after a few words of reply, all ascended the carriages which had been provided and a triumphal procession was formed. The whole city came out to meet his lordship. On arriving at the Church where the convent children assembled, the cavalcade of horsemen accompanying the procession drew up in fine order, and passing through the enthusiastic crowd the Bishop and priests entered the church where a solemn "Te Deum" was sung. At the conclusion of the service the procession was again formed, and conducted the Bishop and his clergy to the episcopal residence. "God bless our Bishop," "Welcome home," was seen all along the road. Banners and flags floated everywhere; and amid enthusiastic cheering, the new-comers entered the Bishop's house. Towards night a torchlight procession marched from the Albany Hall to the Bishop's residence to escort the newly-arrived professors to St. Aidan's College. In the distance the college could be seen, in the midst of a perfect blaze of light. At the entrance into the college grounds a magnificent triumphal arch had been erected, decorated with flowers, evergreens, flags, coloured lanterns, &c. On the left of the archway was a full-length transparency of St. Ignatius, and on the right one of St. Aidan. Over the archway in large letters, profusely decorated with birds, flowers, trees, and shrubs peculiar to South Africa, the word “ Welcome" was seen. Banners, flags, and streamers of every variety and colour and in great profusion floated in the air. The windows of the college were lit up with transparencies, the most beautiful of which were the work of a good Protestant lady. In the window on the right of the front entrance was one representing St. Francis Xavier preaching the gospel to the heathen; on the left was another representing St. Aloysius, the patron of youth; and in another window was a life-size transparency of his lordship, Dr. Ricards. Over the entrance in the central window of the upper story was an exquisite transparency with the letters "I. H. S." surmounted by a cross and surrounded by a wreath of thorns and passion flowers. Various appropriate mottoes were to be seen everywhere. On arriving at the college, the processionists lined each side of the avenue, and the Fathers drove up amid deafening cheers. The Bishop, standing at the door, received and welcomed each Father and Brother in turn with that cordial and fatherly kindness which has endeared him to so many hearts. This account of a Catholic bishop's "welcome home" to his flock, minute as it may seem, has omitted many matters as important as the circumstance that at least in two instances-with Father Farrelly's congregation at the Dutch town of Uitenhage and with the conventchildren of St. Catherine's and St. Joseph's*-the addresses of affectionate welcome were accompanied by offerings of seventy and eighty pounds. Our little sketch will help at least to show the warmth of Catholic hearts and the strength of those bonds of love that bind the children of the Church to their pastors not only at home in the dear old country but down here in Southern Africa and all the world over. HEAVEN. WITHIN the archives of my mind are stored The mem'ries sweet of blissful days gone by; And never miser guarded glittering hoard Since found but bubbles in life's morning beams: How shall we sound the depths of that above, D. G. *These, and Rosary Convent mentioned earlier, are flourishing offshoots from St. Catherina's Dominican Convent, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. |