In Diebus Illis . . . “A Remarkable Occurrence” From the Chronicles of St. Michael’s Retreat West Hoboken, New Jersey 1895
One of the perks that goes with archiving is the freedom to dip into the documents of our past and see how it was for our brethren of yesteryear. Thus we experience the connection with those who went before us which stems from being “Passionist” as they were. Believing that our readers would be interested in these peeks into our past, we shall, on occasion, print some of these stories in the Passionist Heritage Newsletter.
Morgan P. Hanlon, C.P.
Provincial Archivist
“An unusual occurrence took place April 21. It seems that about 9 o ‘clock in the evening, John Laly, one of our servants, was under the influence of drink. A policeman, Michael McLauglin, saw him near the Church, and probably told him to go home. It may be that John said or did something which induced the policeman to wish to take him up. This John would not consent, and said he belonged to the Monastery—which the policeman did not believe. John tried to get away from the officer. There was a struggle all the way from the street to the Monastery door. In the effort to escape the latter, the former well nigh broke in the door, when the door was opened by Bro. Basil. In tumbles John in the grip of the officer. The latter threw him down, trying to chain his hands, but could not succeed. When both got up the policeman went again for John. The latter in the struggle threw him, clutched his throat and pounded him. Meanwhile Fr. Rector, Frs. Philip, Lawrence & Anthony, & Bros. Basil and Sebastian tried very hard to put an end to all the fray. They all strongly & earnestly insisted upon the officer to let the man go and the matter drop, and not to bring discredit on the Monastery, by arresting one of its servants, especially as John had always been well behaved. The officer was at last prevailed upon and departed. Just think of such a tussle in the Monastery parlor between an officer and our man[!]”