ÆäÀÌÁö À̹ÌÁö
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][merged small][subsumed]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

It will be seen that the denominational strength is as follows:

[blocks in formation]
[graphic][merged small]

CATHOLICITY IN WORCESTER.

S

EVENTY-TWO years ago the first Catholics came to Worcester. They were chiefly Irish immigrants, and were brought here by the contractors of the Blackstone canal. This work was in progress two years, and many of the laborers settled in town. As time went on and the number of Catholics increased, they felt the need of their religion to enable them to combat the difficulties that surrounded them in their new home, and accordingly petitioned Bishop Fenwick to send them a priest.

In response to this appeal, the bishop, in 1834, appointed the Reverend James Fitton to visit the Catholics of Worcester once a month. The joy that filled the hearts of those early settlers at this welcome news can well be imagined. Father Fitton, at the time of his appointment, was journeying through the scattered settlements of New England, where, in God's own time, "little churches with devout congregations rose to show where his feet had rested."

The holy sacrifice of the mass was first offered in this city in the old stone building on Front street which now stands west of the viaduct. When Father Fitton visited his little flock in Worcester, the people gathered about him and heard mass as devoutly, wherever it was said, as if they were in a consecrated temple. It often happened that in pleasant weather, masses were said on the large rocks near the entrance to the "deep cut" on the Boston & Albany railroad.

On such occasions a rude altar would be erected on the side of the rock, with spruce boughs, brought by willing hands from the woods, hung overhead.

There in nature's own cathedral worshiped the pioneers of Catholicity in Worcester. During one of these outdoor masses a storm came up. At the first sign of its approach, three of the congregation hastened to procure umbrellas. These they held over Father Fitton, and moved as he moved in the progress of the mass. The kneeling congregation was thoroughly drenched, yet not one of the devout assembly moved.

The foundation of Christ's Church, the first Catholic church in Worcester, was laid July 6, 1834, and to the great joy of the people,

« ÀÌÀü°è¼Ó »