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| INTERIOR, ST. JARLATH'S CATHEDRAL, TUAM. -This fine interior recalls some of the grandest of the olden abbeys and cathedrals of England and the continent of Europe. In daylight it has an aspect of shadowy solemnity that invites the spirit of man to commune with its Creator, as if in the depths of some great primeval forest, where the interlacing branches of the umbragous trees almost shut out the direct rays of the sun. At night, when fully illuminated, it presents a splendid spectacle, as the thronging congregation joins in the vesper devotions, particularly in the seasons of religious festival. It has been remarked by many writers that the Irish and the Spaniards are the most indefatigable church-builders among the nations. This fact goes far to prove their common origin-their devotion to the olden faith being absolutely invincible. Wherever the Spaniards have gone, the church or the monastery has been the milestone of their march, as not alone Spain but Spanish America, from the Rio Grande almost to the straits of Magellan, abundantly testify. So also has it been with the Irish. In the English speaking countries of the world they have been foremost among church-builders, and this holy passion of theirs has not diminished from the days of St. Patrick to our own times. |
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