"THE BLACK VEIL."

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 45, 22 November 1882, Page 3

" THE BLACK VEIL."

An extraordinary scene (says Truth) was witnessed at Llauthony Abbey, when Father Igtiatinx admitted a novice to the mysteries ot rhe '•Black Veil." Opposite the principal .-brine was a black funeral bier, covered wiih a velvet pail, with wbite cross, and with a huge candlestick at each corner. 'Ibe novice knelt by its side, /-.iter Ma-s and n sermon, th•- -'• Father Abbot" sat down in hischrir by tbe altar, arrayed in gorgeous robe embroidered with angels aud saints, with a richly-jewelled mitre on hi* shaven head, and a crosier in his hand The nuns in their grated gallery sang a chaut, while " the Father" cut off the hair of the novice, two acolytes holding a towel to receive it. Then she was cad in her nun's robes, with a crimson veil and a wreath ol flowers, and, after a vari ty of intricate ceremonies, she was placed on a throneike chair before ihe altar, and the whole of the monks, nuns, sisters, anu uco-st.-s prostrated themselves brtor* her, and as they kissed the hem of ber »ariuf* , nt sbe placed ber hands on ili-'ir h ads. After th" procession -he w;;s laid on the bier and covered with a pall, and the abbot and acolytes came forward in a magpie-like cosunie of black and wnite, the "Father" wirh a hiLih caul-cap. like linen mitre on his head. Th<-n the funeral service was diluted, a muffled bell wounded, and the monks bore away bic-r a.ii.l nuu behind the gratings. ! hese strange mummeries have excited coLsiderable comment in the district.