tapers. About thirty other altar boys, also carrying tapers and walking two by two, followed immediately after. Next came the ladies of the sodality, their features partially obscured by long white veils, and after them the children of the Society of the Infant Jesus, dressed in white, each little girl carrying flowers to be laid at the new shrine of the saint. That portion of the pageant which attracted the greatest share of attention, however, was that which next appeared within the door of the edifice and slowly advanced up the centre aisle while the organist played a mournful dirge. First came about twenty priests, habited in black gowns and surplices, followed by four members of the order bearing on their shoulders a couch of yellow silk, ornamented with gold, lace on which reposed a life-like wax figure of St. Benedict, clad in a richly embroidered purple tunic and polished morocco sandals. In the right side of the neck, directly under the ear, a gaping wound, from which blood appeared to have escaped, was perceptible. Immediately to the rear of this bier followed other priests, carrying the glass-encased relics, literally covered with rare exotics and evergreens. Next came Right Rev. Bishop Corrigan and the officiating priests and chanters. The couch on which reposed the figure was placed on an elevated dais near the railing on the epistle side of the sanctuary. Branches of lighted tapers were placed at the head and foot, and there were large bouquets of flowers along the sides. The celebration of Pontifical vespers was next proceeded with, Bishop Corrigan officiating as celebrant, Father Victor as assistant priest, and Fathers Joseph, Dwyer, and Enscioniences as deacons of honor. Several visiting clergyman and Passionist students assisted. Previous to the benediction the Bishop preached a sermon, in which he gave a history of he finding of the remains of St. Benedict and a sketch of the lives and sufferings of the early Christian martyrs. The relics were left exposed to view in the sanctuary throughout the afternoon and evening, and were viewed by a large number of persons. To-day they will be informally placed in the receptacle under the altar dedicated to the honor of the saint.
