Fiftieth Anniversary 1881

this selection was originally printed in the parish bulletin the weekend of December 1, 2019

The end of 1881 brought about a special anniversary for the people of Saint Mary’s of Milford.  The Milford Journal of December 21, 1881 announces that the following Wednesday, December 28, 1881, will be the 50^th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Cuddihy.  A special celebration has been planned for 10 AM and the ‘Music will be provided by the Cathedral choir of Boston, with Mrs. O’Neil, formerly of Milford, among the singers.' 

In A Tower of Strength:  Patrick J. Cuddihy, Friar & Pastor, Ignatius Fennessey, OFM, recounts these details from the diary of Fr. Cuddihy himself:  Over 50 priests attended, coming in a special carriage on the Boston & Albany Railroad.  With them were three bishops, Patrick Thomas O’Reilly of Springfield, Laurence S. MacMahon of Hartford and James A. Healey of Portland.  Also there were the presidents of Holy Cross and Georgetown Colleges.  At the solemn high Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C was sung by a double quartet from the cathedral choir in Boston, with Frank Donahue on the organ and Fr. Cuddihy’s nephew John O’Neill as director.  His wife sang the ‘Ave Maria’ at the offertory; and a Mr. Mahoney, who had just arrived from Cork, sang a bass solo.”

The Milford Journal, of January 8, 1882, remembers the event as “the exercises incident to the observance of the golden jubilee … were of an interesting as well as impressive character.”  The local paper preserves the days events as prior to the service, the clergy assembled at the pastor’s house (situated on Winter Street where the current Parish Center is now).  Forming a procession, two by two, Fr. Cuddihy, accompanied by Frs. Haley and Purcell, the latter being the eldest priest present who had been associated with him as a curate, the made their way to the church.  Bishop O’Reilly who gave the sermon was seated under an elegant canopy of crimson.  In days when there was no such thing as concelebration, Fr. Cuddihy was the main celebrant, Fr. John Lee was deacon, Fr. James Supple was sub-deacon, and Fr. Canavan was master of ceremonies.  Bishop O’Reilly gave the sermon, “an interesting one, briefly going over the life work of Fr. Cuddihy, and extolling him for vigorous and effective work he had done for the church, not alone in Milford, but in all his other pastorates.”  The church was “handsomely decorated by Beals of Boston.” 

Following the end of the sermon, “the clergy again formed a procession and marched to the pastor’s house, where a superb banquet was served to the guests under the supervision of the caterer Roberts.  The Milford Brass Band played several selections outside.  Fr. Cuddihy presided at the banquet, Bishop O’Reilly was the toastmaster.”

During the meal, among the other details of the festivities, a letter of congratulations from John Cardinal McCloskey of New York was ready by Bishop Healey of Portland.  Besides the three bishops and several dozen priests, present were the editor and proprietor of the Boston Pilot, J Murphy of Providence, and the architect of the church.  Fr. Cuddihy shared his personal perspective of the changes his priestly ministry had wrought, even recalling several instances of a personal nature.  It is worth noting, that still to come during his tenure in Milford would be the construction of the bell tower, the expansion of the cemetery and the building of the Round Tower there.  Already in his seventies, there is much that Fr. Cuddihy would still achieve as the pastor of the parish. 

The Milford Journal observed that, “The occasion throughout was a grand one, in every way befitting the event it commemorated.  The immense church was crowded, every inch of standing room being utilized, while many remained outside, unable to gain admission.  The event was one which will not soon be forgotten by the congregation of Saint Mary’s.”  From all accounts it was a golden day for a golden anniversary - a day of pride and affection shared among the pastor and the people of Saint Mary’s Parish.  Though time has past, it is a moment that should be remembered and cherished by subsequent generations.

this article was orginally published in the parish bulletin of December 29, 2019

The Milford Journal of August 7, 1878 carried an interesting article concerning the sermon given by Father Canavan the previous Sunday in which he announced that Fr. Cuddihy had taken leave of the parish for a vacation in Europe.  Fr. Canavan explained, “I am the parish priest, and will se that justice is done to all.  I expect to live and die here among you.  The church belongs to the parish, and are all welcome.  Its doors are open to all of you, night and day.”  He expressed his desire to retire the parish debt of $40,000 that had lingered over the parish for several years by encouraging parishioners to pay their back owed pew rent and that he would institute a fair in the fall or early winter.  When parish officials were pressed about whether Fr. Cuddihy would return to the parish before Christmas, no one seemed to really know when, and if, he would return.

  On March 19, 1879, The Milford Journal reported that Fr. Cuddihy had returned from his six month sojourn in Europe to the parish house.  He arrived straight from New York despite reports that he would land in Boston and arrive by railroad.  His arrival at 6 pm on Saturday was met with a warm reception and the depot grounds ‘presented an animated appearance.’  He was driven by carriage to the parsonage where he was welcomed home by Fr. Canavan and Fr. Lee, his assistants.  At 7 pm, a large number of parishioners had gathered and there were musical selections provided by the Milford Brass Band.  At that time, Maj. Matthews presented the pastor with an “elegant gold-headed cane and easy-chair.”  His presentation ended with this recognition, “We offer you these gifts, venerable father, as a token of love and affection, know that no consideration will actuate you in their acceptance, save that of a father’s love for his children.”  Fr. Cuddihy accepted the tokens with gratitude, made a few remarks and then retired, fatigued from his journey.

Over a decade later, The Milford Journal would chronicle yet another homecoming for the beloved parish priest with their September 30, 1892 edition.  In this instance when Fr. Cuddihy arrived at the depot from New York, he was met with “an ovation in very send of the word, and one of which the reverend gentleman may well feel proud.”  There was a “procession made up of the Catholic-American societies of the town, which marched up Central Street, down Main and up Winter to the church.”  The streets along the route were lined with parishioners and ablaze with “colored fire and illuminations.”  Winter Street, from Main to the parish house, was lined with 350 Chinese lanterns to greet the returning priest to his home.  Upon arrival, there were 2000 people, not all of whom could fit the church, so they crowded the doors and lawn to hear the proceedings.  The exercises opened with a quartet rendition of ‘Welcome Home,’ followed by Maggie Broderick reading the poem, ‘A Pastor’s Return,’ written by James Gilmore.  Then “on behalf of the congregation, Representative John McLoughlin presented a horse, carriage and outfit” a token of both esteem and appreciation of the parish for the leadership that Fr. Cuddihy had provided as their pastor through the years. 

Fr. Cuddihy expressed his gratitude with the recognition that even if he “possessed all the virtues attributed to him by his friend Mr. Loughlin, he could feel no better than at that moment.”  He spoke of his travels and the political situation in Ireland and his hope that better times would come to that troubled land, and that he returns to the parish improved in health and spirits.  The applause first at his arrival and for his remarks was spontaneous and long lasting.  Fr. Cummins ended with complimenting “the priest in having such a parish and the parish in having such a priest.”