THE NEW BISHOP OF PUERTO RICO.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 September 1899, Page 10

THE NEW BISHOP OF PUERTO RICO.

THE RIGHT REV. DR. BLBNK, S.M.

A new period in the annals of the Catholic Church, a new era in the tide of human events, arid a new epoch in the history of the nations were marked yesterday at the St. Louis Cathedral, Sew Orleans, in the solemn elevation to the episcopal sees of Cuba and Puerto Rico respectively of Archbishop Barnada of Santiago de Cub*, and the Right Rev. James Blenk, S.M., of New Orleans (writes the Daily Picayune, July 3.) the ceremony of consecration was a Tcry impressive one, and was carried oat with all the pomp and splendour appropriate to suoh an eveut. The ancient Cathedral was magnificently decorated From the entrance hung the flags of the United States and Cuba entwined. The enterior was hnng with the flags of the nations and the archieprecopal shields of Louisiana and Cuba* and the episcopal shield of Puerto Rico. The high alt r was a brilliant picture of light and colour, and from the arched marble columns above draped the United States and Papal colours. The scene was the most magnificent and imposing ever witnessed in, the ancient cathedral. It was full of significance of the marked change in the tide' of national history. Many minds reverted almost anconsciously to the early history of the Catholic Chnroh in Lousiana, when the bright and beautiful land was a Spanish Colony, and from the then flourishing see of Havana, nearly 200 years ago, there came a Spanish bishop to preside over the recently erected see of Hew Orleans as its first bishop. The see of Cuba was then a part of the see of Puerto Rico, the oldest of all the North Amerioan sees ; and now, after the lapse of ages, the Archbishop of Cuba Domes to New Orleans to be consecrated and invested with the plenitude of power, and a New Orleans boy goes to the ancient see of Puerto Rico as its first American bishop in the wonderful change that a year's events in the world's history has wrought. The cathedral was thronged to its utmost capacity with a distinguished and interested atten* dance. The seats just in front of the grand altar were reserved for the judiciary, the foreign consuls, and city officials. There were senators of the United States, judges of the supreme court, distinguished members of the Bar, and learned men of every prof—ion iv that vast gathering. There were also the humble and simple ones of earth gathered to offer their prayers for the happiness and success of the newly consecrated bishops. From the hoar when Bishop Blenk was first named for the episcopal see of Puerto Rico legions of friends have been rallying to him, endeavouring to show by every means in their power the high esteem and love in which they have ever held him and their desire to have an abiding place in his heart. The grand demonstrations of the past four days in honour of Bishop Blenk reached a beautiful climax yesterday morning. At an early hour the presbytery grounds of the church of the Holy Name of Mary, in Algiers, where Bishop Blenk has been stationed for the past two years, was besieged by the congregation and members of every Catholic church organisation in Algiers. The people were led by Judge P. K. Hennessey, a faithful friend of Bishop Blenk's. A handsome carriage, drawn by two beautiful white horses, drew up to the presbytery door, and Bishop Blenk, robed in his royal garb of purple silk, was escorted to the carriage by Judge Hennessey, grand marshal of the demonstrat'on. >-; The ceremony of consecration was performed by his Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Chapelle, and there were present a large number of prelates and clergy. After the ceremony a banquet was held, when Archbishop Chapelle paid a high tribute to the work of Arohbi»hop Barnada in Cuba, who, he said, was the fifty-fifth Bishop of Cuba, and the first native Cuban Archbishop. Turning to Biahop3l«nk, Archbi»hop Chapelle said that he was called to fiU the mos&anoient See in North America. His Grace continuing, said that the mission of both prelates would, of course, be difficult, for radical changes must be made, growing out of the new order of things ; but he had no fear. They were called to the episcopal chair at a wonderful period in the world's history. Bishop Blenk replied in the most felicitous manner, thanking the Archbishop for his kindness and love. He had been a- 1 true father, both to him and Archbishop Barnada, and in the name of the latter and himself he would lay at his feet the hearts of the Cubans and the Puerto Ricans. Bishop Blmik said that tbeae people already hailed the Archbishop as their saviour, their friend, and concluded by pledging fidelity and love from tue bishops and people to the delegate whom the Holy Father had appointed. During the day B'shop Blenk received many telegrams of con* gratulation, among others one from his Grace the Archbishop of Wellington, New Zealand. The newly-appointed Bishop of Puerto Hioo had been closely connected with St. Mary's College, Duttdaik, for many years, and was ordained priest by his Grace Archbishop Redwood.