Lawrence McMahon returned to Hartford

Following the service, McMahon went to his residence to personally greet the diocesan priests.

Rev. Father Harty was probably William A. Harty, but there’s always a chance that he was Andrew Harty.

Yesterday at 6:00 PM, multiple Catholic organizations met to plan for today’s parade.

McMahon arrived this morning in New York City aboard the City of New York.

1. Apparently, McMahon travelled abroad at least in part to seek medical treatment for his eyes. The article noted “the affliction which made necessary his absence from his flock” and that he had been “treated successfully by the most eminent oculists of Europe.”
2. McMahon also had an audience with Pope Leo XIII, who asked him whether the Cathedral of Saint Joseph had been consecrated yet.

1. “A liberal display of fireworks illuminated the march, and the bishop’s home was decorated with lanterns and gas jet designs.”
2. Father Harty “referred to the magnitude of the task which Bishop McMahon undertook at the beginning of his administration, of raising $500,000 to build the magnificent cathedral of St. Joseph. Th bishop’s words ten years ago, ‘We have no money and we have no debt,’ can now be supplemented with ‘St. Joseph’s Cathedral is ready for consecration.’”

1. The organ was played by “Mr. Hughes,” who isn’t “Vicar-General Hughes,” and this highlights the difficulties inherent in identifying individuals when the Courant did not give first names.
2. William M. Redfield was the leader of Colt’s Band.

Unattributed.  “Bishop M’Mahon at home,” Hartford Courant, November 20, 1891, page 1.

Unattributed.  “The bishop’s reception,” November 19, 1891, page 1.