THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 188, 3 November 1876, Page 14

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.

Lowell, Mass, June 28, 1876. EfcllOß os THE Phot,— The universality of the Catholic religion, and the attraction of the sign of the cross by which its members recognize each other throughout the world, is finely illustrated in the following occurrence: "It will be recollected that a few Sundays ago some thirty-seven Polish immigrants, men, women, and children, were landed in Boston, entirely destitute, and unable to speak English or any other than their own tongue. They had been induced to leave their homes by representations of a swindling agent that they would receive farms in Brazil 5 but, of course, these promises were never fulfilled. Through the kindness of a fellow-countryman, Mr. Isaigi, of Boston, himself not well off in this world's goods, they were cared

for during Sunday, and next day they were removed to the State almshouse at Tewksbury. At this institution one of tlie Oblate fathers from, this city says Mass once a month, and Eev. Father Barber, 0.M.1., has at present the spiritual care of the Catholic inmates. On his first visit to the house after the arrival of the Poles, Father Barber had prepared everything for Mass, and the usual attendants were all m their places. The Poles, however, who learned the rules of the house with some difficulty, had not answered the summons of the bell, a nd remained in the doorway of the building -where they^leep. Ot course the priest was anxious to have the poor emigrants prSgnt, but was in a quandary as to how information should be conveyed to thW that Mass was about to be celebrated, as there was no one who knew their language. He communicated his trouble to the sacristan, his invaluable assistant in preparing the altar, etc., and who is a witty and ingenious Irishman, and said he was afraid the sacristan must draw one in by the collar, show him the lighted altar and vestments, and let him go to his friends and tell the news. " Leave them to me, your reverence," said the sacristan, " and I'll bringb hem in." Stepping then into the yard, he drew himself to his full height, and made the sign of the cross upon his breast, -with a wide sweep of his hand, that left no doubt of what he was doing. The effect on the Poles, who were still standing in the distant doorway, was wonderful. They instantly ran down the steps and over to the chapel, and their delight at finding Mass going on can be imagined. The superintendent of the house, and other non-Catholics who witnessed the exibition of the sacristan's faith in the sign of the cross, were favorably impressed, and doubtless edified by its results. Father Barber found the Poles very attentive worshippers, and says their piety is truly beautiful. One woman who lost her prayer-book -was almost inconsoluble until it was found. It is to be hoped that some measures may be adopted for sending these emigrants to a locality in the West where their countrymen are numerous, and where, as they are competent and willing farmers, they would bs sure of employment. H.F.G.