Solemn Inauguration of the New Assembly Hall for Catholic Associations in Innsbruck

Austria.

Innsbruck, 29 July. Yesterday evening, the Catholic Association and the Associations of St. Vincent and St. Elizabeth solemnly celebrated the inauguration of their assembly hall, granted to them by the builders of the new building on the Sill canal. The entrance of the house was tastefully decorated with garlands of foliage and the inscription beneath the cross: "All one heart and one mind – in omnibus charitas", flanked by fluttering flags bearing the Austrian and Tyrolean colours. A large audience had gathered in the hall and on the galleries. The Governor, the Prelate of Wiltau as representative of the Prince-Bishop of Brixen, the President of the Higher Regional Court v. Hofer, FML v. Roßbach, General Lang, Colonels Martiniez and Dondorf, Major Benkießer, Chief of the Gendarmerie, and many other distinguished guests, including the Canon and City Pastor of Frankfurt, Beda Weber, graced the celebration with their presence. The assembly was presided over by Dr. v. Pulciani and Dean Kometer, as the present directors of the Catholic Association. After the latter opened the meeting by reciting the Apostles' Creed, the former gave a lecture on the founding and previous work of the associations, whereupon the Prelate of Wiltau expressed the gratification of our aged supreme shepherd with the associations' accomplishments and assured them of his blessing. This was followed by an address by Professor v. Moy on the nature of associations in general, and then a warm, eloquent speech by Father Magnus Perzager. Each of these addresses concluded in turn with cheers for His Holiness the Pope and His Majesty our Emperor Franz Joseph, Their Majesties Emperor Ferdinand and Empress Maria Anna, the land of Tyrol, the Governor, the Prince-Bishop, FML v. Roßbach and the imperial army, the municipality of Innsbruck, and the benefactors of the associations—cheers in which the assembly joined enthusiastically each time. The conclusion was formed by a graceful and uplifting Marian hymn sung in six parts.

The assembly had flattered itself with the prospect of also hearing a few words from the eloquent mouth of Pastor Beda Weber; however, as the scheduled speeches had completely exhausted the allotted time, the association and the assembly unfortunately had to forgo this rare pleasure. Under the impression of the beautiful hymn, the gathering dispersed in visible enthusiasm. The hall is handsome, acoustically well-built, and excellently suited for celebratory assemblies and musical productions.