The joyous commemoration of St. John’s Cathedral consecration anniversary took place on Sunday with a grand celebration. The sacred sanctuary was filled to capacity for the 12 o’clock High Mass, presided over by the esteemed Most Reverend Dr O’Dwyer. The high altar was adorned with exquisite decorations, creating a picturesque display of lights and flowers. The highlight of the event was the Mass, featuring the Gregorian Chant, reintroduced to Limerick since the Church music reforms initiated by His Holiness the Pope. A remarkable male choir performed the music in its entirety.
Rev. S. Connolly, cc, served as the celebrant of the High Mass, with Rev. J. Keane of St. Munchin’s College as the deacon and Rev. D. Kelly also serving as the sub-deacon. Rev. J. O’Shea, cc, officiated as the master of ceremonies. Rev. E. O’Leary and Rev. D. O’Driscoll served as the deacons at the throne, with Very Reverend A. Murphy as the master of ceremonies at the throne. Rev. J. Griffin, Adm, served as the assistant priest at the throne.
Following the First Gospel, a captivating sermon was delivered by Very Reverend Father Lyons, the Provincial of the Dominican Order in Ireland. He drew inspiration from the Book of Psalms, quoting, “Appoint a solemn day with shady boughs, even to the horn of the Altar. This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein.” Father Lyons eloquently described the splendor of God’s house, emphasizing that no reverence or opulence bestowed upon the sanctuary could be deemed excessive.
The musical rendition was presented by a special choir, consisting of approximately 30 boys and 15 adult voices. Among the adult voices were Rev. R. Fitzgerald, c ¢, Rev. J. O’Connor, cc, Rev. Father Devane, Rev. Father Devane, and Rev. Father Wallace. The Gregorian chant, with its tranquil and subdued character, might initially challenge those accustomed to livelier styles. Nonetheless, Mr C. K. Irwin and the choir deserve immense credit for their performance, particularly considering their practice period since September. As a first attempt, Sunday’s effort proved to be an unequivocal success, greatly pleasing Bishop O’Dwyer, an ardent advocate of the new style.
The Kyrie commenced with the Chanters, Rev. M. Murphy, o ¢, Director of the Cathedral choir, and Rev. W. O’Shea. Subsequently, the boys joined in, followed by the full choir. This order was maintained throughout the other parts, with the adult voices leading the proper of the Mass. The overall effect was truly solemn and sublime. It should be noted that Mr Irwin painstakingly ensured the effective and accurate rendition of the new version. He even travelled to the Isle of Wight to study the specialized musical arrangement by the expelled Benedictine Monks from Solemnes, who settled there a few years ago. Their version has received authorization from the Holy See. The remarkable vocal performance during Sunday’s Mass splendidly rewarded these dedicated efforts.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 11 October 1904
