CORPUS CHETSTI IN MONTREAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 180, 8 September 1876, Page 12

CORPUS CHETSTI IN MONTREAL.

-HTo the Editor of the 'Pilot.' Sib, — In perhaps no part of the Christian world was the feast of Corpus Christi celebrated with more pomp and solemnity than it was on that day in Montreal. Among all the nations of the earth the Canadians alone escort in triumph the Blessed Sacrament through their cities in triumph, and to their honor be it said that they considered this ritrht more sacred than even that of liberty, since, in the treaty between the Canadians and the English, there exists a clause to the effect that on the first Sunday after Corpus Chvisti the Catholics have throughout the city full right of way, and that those who t-ike part in the procession receive the protection of the civil authorities Hence it is not surprising that the people turn out in great numbers to take part in it, for one feels secure from the taunts and jeers, aye, and even insults, that would be offered in many of our American cities on such an occasion. At nine o'clock, the time appointed for the commencement of the procession, not less than ten thousand persons were standing patiently in line, some with heads uncovei'ed and leading their prayer-books, while others slowly told their beads, as if shut up in j their room with naught to disturb them. A few minutes after nine o'clock the largo bell of Notre Dame tower gave warning to the city that the Sacred Host was leaving the church, and immediately all heads were uncovered, and the bands, which accompanied the schools and colleges of the city, began playing joyous strains. The ostensorium, containing the Blessed Sacrament, was borne by his Lordship, Bishop Faber. who walked beneath a magnificent canopy, which was carried by eight men. Around the canopy were acolytes "bearing incense and. lighted tapers, while in front and behind -walked a lai-ge number of clergy, who chanted hymns appropriate to the occasion. After leaving the front of the parish church, the procession passed through the principal streets of the city.; and it is worthy of notice to remark that at various points of the streets "beautiful arches were erected, tastefully decorated, bearing such

inscriptions as " En passant, O Jesus, Benissez vos enfants," and the like.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given on one of the squares, and during this time all knelt along the line of the procession. This scene was very striking, and naught, beside the solemn intonation of the " Tantum Ergo," or the slow chime of a neighboring tower bell, was heard to mar the awful silence of themoment. After Benediction the procession returned by a circuitous route to the church, where again Benediction wa3 given. For an American the above scene was wonderfully striking ; and one can scarce refrain from saying that surely a country is blessed where such humble faith is shown, and where the name of Christ is thus triumphantly praised. An American Visitor.