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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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wrong train. He had got in on the boat, taken the wrong train and was an hour later than expected. Anyhow it arrived. MacDonald was waiting for it. MacDonald stalked down the aisle of the church bearing the papal blessing in a great scroll. He proceeded right up through the chancel to the altar and handed it to one of the acolytes with instructions. It reached the proper priest at the proper time, so that after the marriage ceremony the papal blessing was read over the couple and all was well. Everybody was relieved.

Al particularly was relieved. That was the high point and he wanted that. It was a distinction that not every Catholic could get. It was a special distinction and he coveted it. He wanted it. It meant a great deal to him. It meant more than a congratulatory message from the President would have meant. I don't remember whether the President sent one or not. I don't remember even who was President then. It was probably Harding or Coolidge and they probably didn't.

The wedding in the church was so elaborate. For instance, Rose Pedrick worked for a florist called Fleischmann in New York, now out of business. He was related to the same family that ran the Fleischmann bakery and cafe, long since





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