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Fervor, Charity, Sacrifice

Our Province

*ALL ABOARD FOR JOHANNESBURG'

Courtesy of NCWC

JANUARY, 1947

VOLUME 16

NUMBER I

Our Province

Official

January, 1947

Vol. 1 6

No. I

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Plunkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W..
Washineton 11. D. C U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc.. 1511 Guilford Ave..
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official 2

Hemet Dedication 2

The Spiritual Directory 3

Sidewalk Sermons:

\. Flowers In The Window 4

News From Washington 6

Duquesne Doings 6

Paris, Rome 7

Poland 8

Our Levites 8

Ticker Talk 9

Bulletins:

Mission Procurator and

Vocational Director 10

Holy Ghost Missionary College.. ..12

Holy Ghost Novitiate 13

Our Mother of Consolation

Parish 14

St. James', Alexandria, La 15

THE POOR

Fear not, my son; we lead indeed
a poor life, but we shall have many
good things if we fear God, and de-
part from all sin, and do that which is
good. (Tob. 4, 23).

Let not the humble be turned away
with confusion; the poor and needly
shall praise thy name. (Ps. 73, 21).

The rich and poor have met one
another; the Lord is the maker of
them both. (Prov. 22, 2,)

When a rich man is shaken, he is
kept up by his friends, but when
a poor man is fallen down, he is
thrust away even by his acquain-
tance. (Ecclus. 13, 25).

The poor man is glorified by his
discipline and fear. (Ecclus. 10. 23).

Father Leonard Trompeter made
his consecration to the apostolate at
Ridgefield, Conn., Dec. 8, 1946. He
will say Mass for our Most Reverend
Father General on the tenth of the
month.

Arrival :

At New York, on the S.S. He de
France, Dec. 11, 1946, Brother Jean
Issler en route to Canada.

Air travellers:

Fathers Edward J. Bernacki, Remo
J. Bonifazi and Anton M. Morgen-
roth, from La Guardia Field, N. Y.,
Dec. 12, 1946, via chartered plane
(Robin Line) Douglas C4, Skymaster,
en route to Johannesburg, South
Africa, with stops at Trinidad, Natal,
Ascension Island and Leopoldville, ar-
riving in Johannesburg Dec. 16, 1946
and Moshi, Tanganyika Territory,
January 2, 1947.

Father Joseph Horgan, from New
York, Dec. 14, 1946, on the SS. Queen
Elizabeth, for Ireland via Southamp-
ton.

Father Auguste Delisle from New
York, Dec. 21, 1946, on the SS.
Royan (French Line) for the Came-
roons, West Africa.

Fathers James A. Mangan and Her-
bert J. Prueher, from Pier 3. Erie Ba-
sin, Brooklyn, N.Y., January 10, 1947,
on the SS. Roswell Victory (Robin
Line) for Daressalaam, East Africa.

Promotion to Major: Chaplain Ed-
ward A. Curran, U.S.A.R., Ft. Sill,
Oklahoma.

The Doves Flies South by Father
James A. Hyland will soon appear in
a German translation.

Pray for Msgr. Eugene Merio, In-
ternational Director of the Pontifical
Association of the Holy Childhood,
who died in Paris, France, last month
and for Mrs. Frederick Ruppert, sis-

ter of Father Louis A. Dietrich, who
died Dec. 6, 1946, in Chippewa Falls,
Wisconsin, and Mrs. Joseph Woll of
Ardsley, Pa. R.I.P.

Bishop Buddy Dedicates
Hemet Catholic Church

Marking official establishment of
the Catholic church in Hemet, dedi-
cation ceremonies were conducted last
Saturday afternoon by His Excel-
lency, the Most Reverend Charles F.
Buddy, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese
of San Diego, of Our Lady of the
Valley Catholic mission church at
South State Street and Whittier Ave.

With only the present simple chap-
el building in evidence as the result
of a year of work and planning by
Father James A. Hyland, C.S.Sp., pas-
tor of the church, and his assistant,
Father Paul J. Lippert, C.S.Sp., both
of whom are members of the order of
the Holy Ghost, Bishop Buddy never-
theless stated, at the conclusion of
the forma! dedication ceremony, that
they have accomplished far more than
was expected.

With special emphasis he said: "We
rejoice in the fact that, at the close
of our tenth year as bishop of this
diocese, we have realized a long
cherished desire to bring the Holy
Ghost Fathers to this diocese."

"In all the diocese," he said, "no
one of our churches has a more beau-
tiful name than that of Our Lady of
the Valley, and we confidently expect
this church to grow and flourish."

—Hemet News, Dec. 20, 1946

FEBRUARY THE SECOND IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH
OF OUR VENERABLE FATHER LIBERMANN.

In our prayers for all our deceased confreres during the month of
February we give special remembrance to the following who were members
of our Province:

Name of Confrere

Father John Quinn

Father Louis Ward

Father John Otten

Brother Peter Joseph Shortis

Brother Jacob Immekus

FatJitr Eugene Gillespie

Requiescant in Pace

Died

Age

February 7,

1895

47

February 7,

1935

63

February 8,

1926

72

February 17,

1930

63

February 25,

1899

70

February 26,

1938

29

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

The Spiritual Directory

VII (1) Religious Life Means of Growth in Holiness

Advantages, Rule and
Common Life.

Not only has God called us to the
apostolic life, which demands a high
degree of holiness of a priest but He
has called us also to be members of a
Congregation to live the religious life.
This is an additional proof that God
wishes to raise us to that fulness of
holiness belonging to our state in life
as missionaries because of all the
means of sanctification the religious
life is the most eiTicacious.

We must admit that we have re-
ceived graces in abundance and that
during our years of formation we
have been trained thoroughly in their
development. All things in our life
are conducive to the acquisition of
great holiness. And yet, in spite of
all this, we see only too well how
difficult it is to succeed. Upon analy-
sis we shall discover what holds us
back, why we fall short of our goal.
We shall see that if we were faith-
ful to our rule, all obstacles would
disappear, and we would grow in
holiness without fail.

We know that our heart, ever bent
toward pleasure and satisfaction,
must be checked and held under con-
trol. The influence of the things
around us and of all that feeds our
passions must be curtailed as much as
possible. Disorderly desires and the
ease with which they can be fostered
and gratified, too often lead us to
turn off from the appointed road and
prevent us from attaining the exalted
degree of holiness essential for the
missionary priest. Only in so far
as our worldly and purely natural
life has been crushed by mortification
can we expect a real growth in holi-
ness.

A missionary who does not belong
to a community or society depends
solely on his own counsel and good-
will and on the ordinary graces which
are given lavishly to those chosen by
God. He is however in great danger
of falling short even of the most me-
diocre sanctity and he will experi-
ence the greatest difficulty in living
up to the exalted standard of his
calling. His soul is like a field upon
which precious seed has been scat-
tered, but which, having no fences, is
difficult to protect. The seed is
trampled underfoot and remains bar-

ren; enemies may come and sow
weeds; wild beasts may work further
destruction. If added to all these ob-
stacles the soil itself is poor, it is
not difficult to see that the gardener
will be only too inclined to become in-
creasingly negligent. Tillage will be
neglected, and the land instead of
good fruit will yield but thorns and
briers.

Quite different is the situation of
the missionary who is also a religious.
Effectually supported by the com-
mon life and the example of his con-
freres, finding strength to overcome
his own inclinations and defects, shel-
tered against danger from without,
receiving special graces by the mere
observance of the rule, the Religious
has only to exercise goodwill to re-
main f.uithful to the graces of his
priestly state. His soul is like a well-
kept garden surrounded by walls. The
precious seed sown by the owner falls
on rich and well irrigated soil, bear-
ing fruit a hundredfold. And even
should the soil be inadequate special
care will be lavished upon it and it
is bound to improve. If the gardener
is watchful few weeds will come and
these will be eradicated with care.
Watchfu'ness can prevent the enemy
from planting even the tiniest weed,
and unless there be a break in the
wall, no outsiders, no wild beasts will
intrude to destroy the Divine seed.
Applying an Allegory

But should the wall surrounding
the garden of religious life be broken
the disaster is great indeed. Tres-
passers will smother the tender plants,
thieves and wild beasts will strive to
lay waste the beautiful garden. And
while the wall is broken, the garden
receives no attention or watering, and
may easily become a dry and barren
wilderness. But even now a cure is
possible, provided the gardener has-
tens to repair the wall. This must be
done at once, and when it has been
done the gardener must set to work
immediately, and keep careful watch
all the while quickly rooting out what
does not belong in the garden. He
must take care of the soil and of
what has been planted. Even though
there are no signs of growth, the
seed may still be good. Thus the ori-
ginal condition can be restored. At
times this is extremely wearisome

and laborious work, but it must be
done without delay and with great
zeal. Then at the sight of the per-
severance and the eagerness of the
gardener, the owner of the garden
will grant again his original favors,
and take upon himself the greater
part of the work.

Although this allegory is easily ap-
plied, still I want to repeat its truth
in ordinary language.

It is true that the grace of our
state possesses great powers of sanc-
tification and is followed by many
particular graces which lend strong
support to us in our weaknesses. Be-
sides, our priestly functions, such as
work among souls, preaching, the ad-
ministration of the Sacraments, and
above all Holy Mass, offer us inesti-
mable assistance and should suffice to
keep us on the road to holiness. On
the other hand, we must remember
that the great number of and excel-
lence of our graces and helps exacts
of us in turn a higher degree of holi-
ness, and a more perfect concurrence
with the Divine Will than is ex-
pected of the ordinary servant of
God. Thus it is that actually our
difficulties increase, the greater bene-
fits we receive from God, and that
the tendencies of our weak and fal-
len nature must be restrained and
controlled by an extraordinary effort.
This is precisely what is so difficult
for the missionary who is on his own,
while for us who live the religious
and common life, it is our very
strength.

THE FOLDED FLOCK

I saw the shepherd fold the sheep,
With all the little lambs that leap.

0 Shepherd Lord, so I would be
Folded with all my family.

Or go they early, come they late.
Their mother and I must count them
eight.

.\nd how, for us, were any heaven
If we, sore-stricken, saw but seven ?

Kind Shepherd, as of old Thou'lt run
And fold at need a straggling one.

-Wilfrid Mevnell

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

Sidewalk Sermons

of Michael A. Kelly, C.S.Sp., Ph.D.

X. FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW

li^UCH has been written in the liter-
atures of all peoples, much too
that is exquisite, about birds and
about flowers. The universal compli-
ment that is paid to the birds I can
understand, however, far less easily
than the tribute, universal also, that
is given to the flowers.

There is no test under the sun by
which one can be made certain that
the soaring and the so-called singing
of the birds are a proof of the endless
joy that is attributed to them. For
the birds, in common with all things
of flesh and blood, must be subject
to all the ills and inconveniences that
from flesh and blood arise, with
possibly the exception of the tooth-
ache. And they have, in all proba-
bility, sorrows all their own which
are spared to the rest of us; I allude
to the intimate difficulties which must
come with the wearing of feathers.
To soar and sing, were there never a
bird to show us how it is done, would
alw^ays be one of the pleasant dreams,
one of the tantalizing hopes of our
heart. It is because there is literally
something so airy about this ges-
ture of taking flight, spurning the
lazy earth and winging an unfettered
way to the blue, that we must all
needs look up when a lark mounts
higher and higher into the sky. And
because there is something so care-
free and altogether meaningless in
the shower of melody that falls upon
the fields and trees from the liquid
throat of thrust or nightingale, one
can be pardoned when one's heart is
heavy, — and hearts are nearly always
heavy, — for longing thus to be able
to relieve a pent up spirit in the spon-
taneity of song. We have read our
own long, long thoughts into the mo-
tions and the music of the birds; but
no one can ever say with certainty
that the birds ever feel as we think
they ought to do about either their
soaring or their singing.

For that reason the appeal of the
flowers is far more subtle. They
neither soar nor sing; nor do they
aught else that our heart craves to
do. To be aware of their charm all
one needs is one's eyes and the glory
of a summer day. Flowers most
nearly resemble poems. They are the
poetry of the dust, the brave, beauti-

ful words which the proud sad heart
of the earth, so torn and so disfigured,
utters when it speaks to itself. Full
many a grievous hurt has been given
to the earth. Not content with de-
spising it and calling it dirt, men have
wielded terrible weapons against it.
They have burrowed into it with
steam shovels, battered it with guns,
worried it with gold sticks, wounded
it with spades. And the only answer
earth ever makes to ruthlessness or
to contempt is the answer that is
graven in the deep heart of the violet,
or whispered on the red lips of the
rose. Left to herself the earth has a
flower for the stream as well as for
the sand and one for the snow; but,
above all, she remembers, as no one
else remembers, all the lost battle-
fields and all the forgotten graves.
Wherever, under her broad bosom,
men lie buried, or cities, or civiliza-
tions, the earth has always hastened
to send flowers. And when, therefore,
out of the silent clay made bitter with
the rain of many tears, made gory
with the blood of many fights, the
earth unfolds her banners and waves
them in the sun, we have understood
that there is no such thing in life
as ultimate defeat, although there
must be always such a dreadful thing
as death.

Where I live I hardly ever see a
flower. I see lots of birds, — sparrows;
and many, too many a "harmless
necessary cat." I look out upon roofs
that are bare and black. I look also
into backyards that are gay enough
sometimes with fantastic fabrics that
flaunt their damp glory where trees
only should ever stand swaying in the
sun; backyards that are gaudy al-
ways with the reds and oranges of
the labels of discarded cans in corners
where one might expect carnations.
And were it not for two little subter-
fuges of mine, two childish artifices
of which I refuse to be ashamed, I
think that I should be deprived for-
ever of the benediction of loveliness
to which I feel that even I am en-
titled.

I have a picture hanging here be-
side my desk, a ravishing picture of
an old garden. High up in the evening
sky, faint purple clouds are trailing
like the loose ends of a pleasant

dream. Across a heaven of diminish-
ing gold and blue, the haze of a still
twilight is falling on hills and fields.
And of course there is a gate; a gar-
den could not be a garden without a
gate, a gate with a latch that clicks,
a gate that opens in. My hand is often
upon that latch and I go sauntering
down my garden. Under my feet,
slabs of old gray stone, all mottled,
have broken ranks for mosses with,
here and there anemones. All around
me, larkspur and laburnum, hollyhocks
and jessamine lift up their heads to
welcome me. In the shadows near
the ground where the little grasses
are, the red sage is nodding and the
fuschia drooping down; and when I
choose to listen, I can hear the music
of the trumpet flowers and the tinkle
of the Canterbury bells. Although
they are few and far between to whom
I ever open wdde my garden gate, I
sometimes feel that the whole world
walks there with me; because some-
times, in the dusk, I hear strange
whispers and the sound of tears, and
sometimes I hear the laughter of
children that never were. All those
who, since the beginning of time, have
walked in gardens of their own will
surely know exactly what I mean.
And I will not be parsimonious. All
those who have never known the grace
of a garden and the sweet compan-
ionship of flowers, come, come, some
evening before the stars are out, and
I shall unlatch the gate. I have no
fear for my flowers. No one can steal
them from me. They are only paint.
I walk thus any time in my garden.
But it is only a certain day of the
week, and at a certain hour of that
day, that I can practise my other
heart-consoling ruse. Every Sunday
afternoon at three o'clock, rain or
shine, around the corner of de Lan-
cey Street there comes the most
stately man I have ever seen. Of
course I do not know who he is. I do
not want to know. He is not a young
man; this I do not know either; but,
under his well modeled and expen-
sive hat I can see that his hair is
white. He is straight and slender. On
his face the tan of health looks deeper
and, somehow, cleaner, for the white
of his close-cropped moustache and
the startling color of his eyebrows, —

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

jet black. To say that he is well
dressed would be to speak an un-
truth; to say that he is ill dressed
would be to utter a calumny. There is
an expression which I have read
somewhere and which I never did
really understand until I saw him:
cap-a-pie. Cap-a-pie he is perfect, a
symphony in black and white with the
faintest of over tones in gray; gray
spats, gray gloves. The walking
stick in his hand and the hat on his
head are carefully carried at equally
balanced angles. He moves with the
easy grace of a thoroughbred. I of-
fer no apology for him. I offer no
explanation of him. But at three
o'clock on Sunday afternoons I stand
at my window to see him pass. And
for one short moment that dingy
street is made suddenly sweet and
fair. Ke wears a white gardenia at
his buttonhole.

This must not be understood to
mean that it pleases me at any time
to see flowers cut. The most piti-
ful gesture in the world is, 1 think,
that by which women, and some men
too, seek to purloin as it were from
gardens a sort of vicarious loveliness
for themselves or for their homes by
the slaughter of the flowers. Books,
pictures, old silver, I can understand;
lights, shaded in amber and rose,
rugs, draperies, and fine linen I can
appreciate. But flowers! Flowers do
not belong in a house. At least not
in a house in which people are living.
Because the moment the flowers have
entered that house, they have begun
to die. They are dying in the crystal
vases on the dining-room table; they
are dying in that bowl in the hall. The
only unlovely thing of which these
lovely flowers can ever be accused is
that they hung their heads and wilted
in an artificial light, drooped and
choked in the heavy atmosphere of
rooms; and yet, tomorrow, the poor
dead things will be gathered up like
rubbish and tossed into the discard.
If people really loved the flowers
by the sacrifice of whose life and
beauty they sought for an hour or
for a day to make their small world
gaudy, or their smaller, their much
more insignificant selves glad, they
would have as much reverence for the
flowers in their death as they show
for them while they keep them slowly
dying in their homes. They would at
least, and it would not be too much,
throw the vases with them into the
garbage can. But nobody ever does
this. And so flowers in the house will
never be appropriate until there is,

also in the house, a funeral; until
there is someone in the house all ready
to go where the dead flowers, where
all dead things, in the end, must go.
For, whether they be flowers or men,
it is certain that there is no room
for the dead in any house in which
living people are.

One of my favorite recreations is
to go walking along Chestnut Street
on the south side, out as far as Broad
Street, and back, along the north side,
home. When one has looked all morn-
ing on brick walls and shabby fences,
looked upon straddling clothes lines,
and bedspreads hanging out to air, it
is at once a comfort and a joy to
walk in this clean and jewelled thor-
oughfare. As I walk along, I often
puzzle over the name of the Street;
and I replace, in my imagination,
every lamppost and every street-car
pole with a spreading chestnut tree
until, in a glorious arch of green, I
see the flowers stand up in clusters
pink and white, over my head. And
I know what the poor, tired city
man meant when he said the only
moon he ever saw was the gas light
that flickered at the corner as he
trudged home in the fog. But Chest-
nut Street has compensations for the
anomaly of the name. It might be
called Treasure Street instead. The
great plate glass windows of the,
shops are like so many eyes that
smile. Behind them there is all the
witching allurement of pretty things,
beautiful things, gorgeous things;
things that beckon and beseech you
you to stop and look at them. 1 am
afraid that my walk is hardly a walk
at all most of the time, for it is be-
ing forever punctuated with full stops.
But the most frequent and the longest
of all the pauses that I make is at a
certain window I pass on my way
home; and it is not because of the
thing that is within the window, but
because of the thing that is without.
Inside that window every known mu-
sical instrument is on display. I
love music and I have profound rev-
erence for all the instruments, but I
am always deathly afraid that, some
day as I stand on the sidewalk there,
all these now silent makers of sweet
sounds will burst into one hideous
discord and drive me from the street
forever. And then I should miss for-
ever the great charm among all the
many charms of Chestnut Street. For
I would have looked my last upon
what I stand there now to admire.
The flowers! The owners of this shop
of potential discord have done the

most exquisite thing that any shop-
keeper has ever done. They have ar-
ranged along the lower sills of the
great windows, on the outside, boxes
of flowers; but flowers that grow,
flowers that push up from the brown
earth, flowers that bud and blossom
and bloom and make even that spark-
ling, sunlit street still more gay.

I thank them. Because in this, too,
they are very human as well as very
kind. Like the rest of us, no matter
on what street we live, they are prac-
tising the oldest of all the arts, older
even than music. For, whatever may
be the wares that lie heaped up in
the inner storehouses of our spirit,
whether they be sterling or only
shoddy; whether our heart is heavy,
or our life is dreary, or even our
head is empty, we like anyhow, all of
us, to have Fowers in the Window.
We are all neighbors on Vanity
Street.— Michael A. Kelly, C.S.Sp.,
Ph.D.,

"And finally, Venerable Brethren,
and Beloved Sons, by the well-known
, zeal with which you burn for religion
and the salvation of souls, receive,
with minds that are docile and pre-
pared to carry out promptly, this last
and most important recommendation.

"The territories confided by the
Holy See to your laborious care, that
they may be added to the Kingdom of
Christ the Lord, are for the most
part vast in extent. It may, therefore,
happen that the number of mission-
ers belonging to your particular in-
stitute is much smaller than your
needs require, and in such a case, just
as in well-established dioceses there
are accustomed to come to the aid of
bishops those belonging to various re-
ligious families, either clerical or lay,
and nuns of the various congregations,
so you likewise, when there is question
of the propagation of the Faith, of
the education of the native youth or
other similar undertakings, ought not
to hesitate to notify and to receive
as companions of your work religious
missioners although of another insti-
tute, whether they be priests or mem-
bers of lay institutes, as they are
called.

"The orders and religious congrega-
gations may indeed be proud of the
missions given to them among the
pagans and of the conquests for the
Kingdom of Christ made by them up

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

to the present day but let them re-
member they do not possess the terri-
tories of the missions by a certain
peculiar and perpetual right, but that
they hold them at the discretion of the
Holy See." — Pius XI, Rerum Ecclesiae

News From Washington

Too late to be classified: Two rooms
in the basement, front, are being
renovated. The renovators started out
with a bang. At present all work has
stopped but we hope it won't be for
long. One room will serve as head-
quarters of the Labor Department
(day workers) and the other as a
storeroom.

Father Bill Keown stopped in on the
way to his new Army post, Vint Hill,
in the horsey country around Warren-
ton, Virginia (called horsey because
of the fact that there are a lot of
horses there.)

The old storm windows have been
replaced by more practical ones. An
ad in a local paper brought about the
sale of some of the old ones. A few
in assorted sizes still left. Mail or
phone orders accepted.

Dinner out was the order of the
day for Thanksgiving, after a visit
to the partly constructed church of
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Arling-
ton. After a minute inspection and
multitude of suggestions, the party
was ready to do justice to the turkey.
(We've really become oblivious to
time — talking about Thanksgiving
when it's also Candlemas Day!)

Father Ed Leonard returned a few
days before Christmas from seven
weeks safari in the Diocese of Scran-
tun, where he visited about eighty
schools, all but three of the total in
the diocese. He had the pleasure of
putting the first 3,000 miles on the
new Dodge. (Did someone say that
that was an old dodge?) Bishop
O'Connor, newly appointed rector of
the North American College, Rome,
arranged a place for him to stay dur-
ing his visit to Wilkes-Barre. Return-
ing to Washington, Father Ed man-
aged to make a few stops in the Dio-
cese of Harrisburg to arrange some
mission collections for 1947.

A few members of the community
formed part of the audience for a
talk by Clare Booth Luce at Catholic
University. Mrs. Luce was intro-
duced by Monsignor Fulton J. Sheen
as "the most brilliant convert in the
United States since Orestes Brown-

The recent embargo on freight, be-
cause of the coal strike, created a
space problem for goods prepared for
shipment to the missions abroad. The
end of the strike was cheered by our-
selves as well as the neighbors, in the
garage of one of whom we had put
a few overflow crates and kegs. An
African shipment of nine pieces was
finally gotten off. A Puerto Rican
shipment will be sent a-sailing short-
ly. A dearth of wooden boxes has
driven us to undertakers for help.
With the aid of Father Joe Kirkbride
we got the boxes. Now to fill them
and send them off!

With the post-Christmas season,
the mission procurator staff moves on
to greener (they hope) lands. In
case this column doesn't appear in
the near future, we'll try to tell you
how they made out by at least next
Thanksgiving.

The annual bishops' meeting in
Washington brought the annual bish-
ops' visits to the Lane. Again this
year Archbishop Byrne of Santa Fe,
Bishop O'Brien of Hartford, and Bish-
op Davis of San Juan were our guests
for the duration. Bishop Willinger, of
Ponce, but since named Bishop of
Monterey-Fresno (California), and
Bishop Greco, of Alexandria, sampled
the local cooking.

The Community was represented at
the investiture of Monsignor John
Reilly, of the Diocese of Hartford
and diector of the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception, Washington,
as a domestic prelate. The ceremony
preceded the pontifical mass cele-
brated by the apostolic delegate in the
Shrine on the feast of the Immaculate
Conception.

6

Duquesne Doings

AS THIS star-crossed semester
drags to a welcome close. The
Fathers breathe a collective sigh of
relief. The deluge of students, the
crowded conditions, the dearth of in-
structors, the unscheduled two and a
half weeks recess of classes because
of the power strike, the illness among
the Fathers, have not made the past
months a time to look back upon with
satisfaction. We have managed to
"muddle through" somehow and we
thank God for it. The university
strains at its seams and cries for
"Lebensraum." Pray God to send us
good fortune in the way of additional
space, capable instructors and funds
for expansion.

Penicillin, "the wonder drug," oc-
casionally reacts in violent ways. Our
Community experienced two such un-
fortunate reactions when Fathers
Francis Smith and William Hogan
took *-he treatment, the former for a
sinus mfection, the latter for a heavy
cold. The reaction on Father Smith
resulted in a near-fatal collapse of the
heart and confined Father Hogan to
his rooin for several weeks with suc-
cessive atiacks of hives. Thank God
b(!th Fathers have fully recovered.
Father Hogan has already returned to
his desk and at this writing Father
Smith prepares to leave Mercy Hos-
pital and resume his presidential du-
ties.

Basketball fans among our readers
will want a first-hand "line" on the
latest Davies machine. Well, Con-
freres, they do not "look" good; they
probably will not "look" good all sea-
son, but they will lose few if any
games! If you should have the oppor-
tunity to see them in their travels,
do not go out expecting to see the
smooth, smart Davies team of old.
Chick Davies has made his 1946-47
edition strictly up-to-date in the way
of offense and has changed his zone
defense to a leech-like man-for-man.
This team excels at the foul line (20
out of 29 against Neveda), its accur-
acy from long range draws out the
defense and paves the way for lay-up

;,hots hy timber-topping forwards
who keep possession of the ball for
the greater part of the game by their
domination of both back-boards. Pre-
war returnees are: Camic, Barry,
Lacey, Votyko, Penselik, Karpinsky,
Fowle, Paffrath and Canterna. Among
the newcomers, Ed Dahler, freshman
farm boy from Hillsboro, Illinois, and
Charley Cooper, a colored, 6 foot 5

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

inch center, who is a miracle of gi'ace
and poise, are outstanding.

When a team can look as bad as
this one did against an aggregation
of the class of Nevada and still win
the ball game, you can count on it for
a near-undefeated season. It doesn't
know the word "quit", it has the na-
tion's greatest coach, and when it has
worked together for another year, it
will become the talk of the country.

A DUQUESNE STUDENT WRITES

Dear Father:

On Saturday afternoon, at three
o'clock, I am to be baptized at St.
Benedict's. I am taking this time
out to ask you to send up your pray-
ers and rejoice with me for this is a
serious step in my life. I am giving
up quite a few things to become a
Catholic and I hope I shall never live
to regret it.

Two years ago when I came to Du-
quesne I was just getting over a bit-
ter experience which almost caused
me to lose confidence in God and man.
Coming to Duquesne was one of the
best things I could have done. Every
moment that I have spent at Du-
quesne has been delightful. Really, I
am just beginning to live. I never
knew life could be so beautiful, so
sweet, until I obser\'ed how you folks
lived. The things I have gained at
Duquesne could not have been ob-
tained anywhere else in the world.
Call it what you will — spirit, Christi-
anity, Catholicism or culture; what-
ever you may call it, it is divine.

In a small way, I should like to
show the world my gratitude for hav-
ing received the most valuable thing
in the world, a clear conception of
Catholicism. . .

Paris

'T'HE first time I saw Paris — in early
October — I was not surprised. Any-
one would recognize it easily. The
cute little taxi cab we drove in
(doubled-up) from the station at St.
Lazare to the Mother House carried
us from the noisy sophistication of the
Opera district to the Latin Quarter
where rue Lhomond is, and what we
saw was just what we would have ex-
pected to see. But the things we
caught only a glimpse of at that time
have become much more familiar to
me, who have remained in Paris, than
anything I have known in America.

It is all here, around any corner:
the narrow, obscure streets, the ter-
rible old houses, the monuments, the
cathedrals, the Champs Elysee, the
Seine, the perfume counters, the book-
stalls, the Arc de Triomphe, the
stained-glass at Sainte Chapelle, the
broken-faced gargoyles. And it is
all here for any one to look long at
every day; he need only walk to it.
As Madame Granoff, the Russian wo-
man, said in her gallery near the
Seine: "the man who can walk is a
king in Paris."

The Mother House conducts its in-
ternational activities from a little side
street in the old section of the city
located on the south bank of the
Seine. This section is considered "old"
inasmuch as it has not been so exten-
sively modernized as the Place de
I'Opera or the Madeleine district. For
that reason the Latin Quarter is more
satisfying to the visitor who comes to
Paris seeking the charm of a near-
medieval atmosphere. Most of the
homes are apartment houses built in
the form of a quadrangle with a court
in the midst. On the ground floor of
each of these establishments, in two
or three rooms just inside the huge
front door, dwells the concierge, the
usually despotic queen of the place
who, like the intrepid woman who
collects the subway tickets, has be-
come as authentic a French institu-
tion as Bourbon or the Marseillaise.
There are also a large number of
schools and convents in this sector,
and, of course a multitude of bars
and bookshops. The whole arrange-
ments is rather crowded, and the
Maison Mere, though large, is con-
sequently not only not conspicuous but
is hardly even noticeable. The ap-
proach to the house from rue Lho-
mond measures not quite three feet,
the width of the sidewalk, so that
any American Holy Ghost Father
who has ever seen Femdale would
be rather stretching a point if he in-
sisted on finding any great similarity
in the physical properties of the two
establishments. Our buildings here,
true to the pattern, surround a court,
where grow a number of French
bushes out of the French earth. The
buildings are all old, except one sec-
tion, which is not; and being old they
enclose an atmosphere that is not
quite so bright as that found in the
average American sun parlor; but
there is a genuine quality about it
that takes one right back to the be-
ginnings of the Order, and if the con-
venience of central heating is present

(as it is, new,) one may enjoy the ex-
perience of living here as a pleasant
change from post-present America.
He can come to prefer stone and wood
to brick and steel and chromium
piale.

As I write this Paris is preparing
for Christmas. It begins its prepara-
tion rather early — as early as Phila-
delphia, where each year Thanksgiv-
in:^' Santa Claus risks his immortal
neck and climbs up a ladder to Toy-
land on the seventh floor of Gimbel's.
The huge department stores here in
Paris, especially Printemps, are rich-
ly decorated for the holidays and are
surprisingly well stocked to meet the
throngs of luxury-seeking shoppers
who apparently are very willing to
pay post-war prices for perfume, silk,
and Limoges procelain. The Marion-
ette displays in the show windows are
wonderfully ingenious, as Father Wer-
sing also can testify, for we saw them
together when he visited Paris for a
few days. I had half expected that
Christmas in Paris would be marked
only by another election or by the
nativity of a new Socialist party.
However, Pere Noel evidently weath-
ered the Occupation.

And speaking of Christmas, Merry
Christmas to you. — Father Heim,
C.S.Sp.

Rome

"^HE Italian people are really re-
markable. It seems that most of
them have nothing to do all day long.
Everywhere you go, especially in the
region of the Piazza Colonna, the un-
ofi'icial money exchange mart of
Rome, you find crowds upon crowds
of them idling. Perhaps it can be de-
fined in this, that there is nothing
for them to do. There seem to be
more people than jobs. Yet through-
out one can find them always spirited,
in no way despondent. They have suf-
fered a great deal through the suc-
cessive occupations of the Germans,
and of the Allies, with the consequent
destruction in between. They are re-
sourceful enough, in what they do
have. We can feel amused at their
makeshifts and devices, but they are
all a means of ekeing out a living.

I think that a word must be said
about the so-called "Black Market"
of Italy, Rome in particular. The
Italians do not call it a black mar-
ket, but a "free market." In the
Piazza Colonna, there are always men
ready and eager to change money,

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

Italian lire for dollars and pounds.
The rates they offer are generally
double that of the so-called official
exchange rate. The financial news-
paper, II Globe, prints a daily column
on the prices in the market, includ-
ing this. Another means of livelihood
for many is the open air sale of to-
bacco and cigarettes. There are in-
numerable stands all over the city,
sometimes three or four, or even
more, in one block, containing Itali-
an, English, and American cigarettes.
There are no restrictions, it seems,
by the police. I have heard it said
and argued that if the police did put
an end to such practices, a sizeable
percentage of the Romans would
starve. It is true. What else could
they do? The same goes for other
rationed articles as bread. You can
find it in the open air markets too.
The prices of these articles are higher
than can be found in licensed stores,
but they are here for those who are
not satisfied with the government ra-
tion.

The people use any pretext under
the sun for gathering together. It
may be a very poor puppet show, it
may be some vendor discursing on
the merits of his razor blades, it
may be a travelling group of acro-
bats. Each has its crowd of follow-
ers, both men and women, seeming-
ly enthralled in the vendor's oratory,
but showing no inclination to buy.
Here is an example of what I mean.
Recently, two young boys started
fighting in the street. Almost imme-
diately there were about fifty adults
surrounding them, with no inclina-
tion to stop the fight, but desirous
only of seeing a spectacle.

The shops of Rome are full of all
types of wares, from whole pigs and
goats, to the most expensive type of
German camera (Leica Rolloflex, etc.)
imaginable. Every dry goods store
has innumerable bolts of cloth, all
seemingly good quality. There are
items here which were almost im-
possible to get in the United States,
when I left. There is good chocolate,
plenty of it, in all candy stores. The
only drawback is that the prices are
high, too high for the average Ro-
man. Starving in the midst of plen-
ty, one might be inclined to say. No,
they are not starving, but they can
not afford these comparative luxuries.
The Italians can not buy them, but
their initiative will carry them along
through the period of Reconstruction.
— Father Bushinski, C.S.Sp.

IN POLAND

Bydgoszcz, Poland
December 3, 1946

Dear Father Provincial:

Not knowing English very well, I
am addressing you in French for you,
like me, must have spent several
years in France.

The Mother House has confided to
me the re-establishment of the Vice-
Province of Poland, which was so
severely tried by the war, as you
probably know through our Polish
confreres. I arrived in Poland at the
beginning of October to find our
house at Bydgoszcz in a sad state
indeed. Except for the Brothers'
house, which remained intact, there
was not one room in the principal
house which was habitable.

Father Janiuk, the first of the
Fathers to return, having been in
Poland all during the war, was living
in poor quarters in the Brothers'
house. He had with him one Brother,
two postulant Brothers and two mis-
sionary students.

At first I had to sleep at the home
of my family (my relatives live in
the same town). At the beginning of
November I was able to move into our
religious house. Because of its pover-
ty, my room recalled to mind that of
the Venerable Libermann at La Neu-
ville, where I was chaplain for the
Poles: a bed given by my relatives, a
couch and cupboards given by some
other people. I won't speak of the
chairs for they hardly deserve the
name, nor the wash stand. The desk
is very simple. On it I have placed
all my wealth: a beautiful crucifix, a
bust of Christ (The Ecce Homo), a
grotto of Massabielle — Jesus, Mary
and Bernadette. Has anyone even
seen such great paupers? In such
company, just the same, one feels
quite happy.

We are trying to fix up quarters in
the principal house. Up to the pres-
ent we have established the parish
office and the econome's office there.
Right now we are renovating the su-
perior's room. The work goes very
slowly, for we must count each hard-
earned zloty.

Thanks to our Brothers and two
older missionary students, we will
have food for the winter from our
farm.

What to tell you about our chapel,
which serves as the parochial church?
The crib of Bethlehem couldn't have
been more lowly than the tabernacle
of our altar, the dwelling place of our

8

Lord. The altar is made of plain
boards, painted; for the moment we
can't do any better. The chapel itself
still bears the scars of war. The
Nazis used it for a garage and trac-
tor house.

But this poor chapel will be the
scene of a great religious celebration
on December 8. On that day our two
postulants will receive the habit and
another Brother will take his perpet-
ual vows. This will be the first re-
ception for us since the annual retreat
in 1939. May God bless our efforts
and may this encourage us to perse-
vere in our hard job.

Recently Father Janiuk received a
letter from Father Zaborowski, in-
forming him of your efforts to help
us. As Superior, I take it upon myself
as a very special duty to thank you
from the bottom of my heart. How
consoling it is to know that our Amer-
ican confreres are thinking of us! In
return we will pray for you and your
province. When we receive the pack-
ages, I will send you word.

Thanking you again for all that you
have done and will continue to do for
us, I remain cordially united in Our
Lord. ■ — Father Stanislaus Forys,
C.S.Sp.

Our Levites

(^ORN WELLS: As the Thanksgiving
interlude gave way to the familiar
class routine, the mid-term marks
were posted, and the second half was
underway. Now, short but intense
activity, punctuated by the clos'ng of
the football season and the opening
of the basketball season, by prepara-
tion for the Christmas play, and, of
course, details such as Latin exercises,
marked the time till the more ample
and joyous Christmas vacation.

The moratorium being pronounced
on football, basketball showed prom-
ise. Father Sheridan, urged repeated-
ly, assumed the coaching responsibil-
ity, which fact alone added glamor.
A few victories have already been
"chalked up" and no defeats.

We mentioned Latin exercises. Fa-
ther Mangan has become active in a
teaching capacity, relieving a few
overloaded schedules. Father Henry
Schoming joined the faculty on De-
cember 1 and is helping in the Latin
department.

On December 18, our stage took up
the annual chant of "Bah! Humbug!"
as Scrooge once more lived. The play
was well done. The players exerted

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

themselves with a finesse that elicited
comments such as this: "It's the best
I've seen here yet." The Schola
lengthened the intermissions with
carols, quite ably rendered, and ably
directed by one of its own number.
Father Kettl not yet having com-
pletely recovered his wonted activity.
On December 19 the scholastics
began to desert the premises for their
homes, and now the faculty rests in
the luxury of a series of peaceful
breaths, awaiting with ease the New
Year and another term and a half.

piDGEFIELD: All the novices have
been quite busy with various pro-
jects around the property. Sawing
wood has occupied a great part of our
time.

On November 29 we were very hap-
py to have as our guests at dinner
and for the afternoon eleven scho-
lastics from Ferndale.

The joy with which we celebrated
the Feast of the Immaculate Concep-
tion was increased by the return of
Father Quinn from St. Mary's Hos-
pital, Waterbury, after a stay of
eight weeks.

At present we are practicing the
Christmas Mass and carols in two
parts. The annual Christmas retreat
opened at benediction on December
16.

FERNDALE

'X'HE first Disputatio of the current
scholastic year was conducted on
November 23. One of the Fourth Year
theologians ably presented his ideas
on the Pauline Privilege only to dis-
cover that his sentiments were by
no means common to all the moralists
present in the auditorium. The ensu-
ing discussion not only proved aca-
demically interesting but succeeded
in precising our notions regarding the
fine points of the Pauline Privilege.

Father Chachere, M.SS.T., a son of
our parish in Opelousas, Louisiana,
and one of the twenty some Colored
priests in the country, entertained the
C.S.M.C. with an enlightening talk
on the Negro on November 27.

Thanksgiving was duly celebrated
according to honored New England
traditions. . A solemn mass set the
spirit of the day and the other two
features of every Ferndale Thanks-
giving, a sumptuous dinner and an
evening smoker, rounded off the feast.

On December 11 we bade farewell
to Fathers Morgenroth, Bernacki and
Bonifazi who departed by plane from
New York the following morning. Un-

doubtedly they hold the record for
the quickest missionary expedition to
the Dark Continent thus far recorded
in the annals of the American prov-
ince. Their rather untraditional meth-
od of departure might have set a
precedent for those of us who are to
follow. Rumor has it that they were
taken for representatives of the U.N.
upon their arrival in Brazil. Our
prayers and best wishes for a long
and fruitful ministry in Africa at-
tend them.

Besides those already mentioned,
our visitors this past month have in-
cluded Fathers FitzGerald, Stanton,
Zaborowski, Kirkbride and James
O'Reilly.

The monthly recollection day for
the diocesan priests of the neighbor-
hood was held on December 19 with
Father Cyril Meyer, CM., dean of the
College of Arts, St. John's University,
Brooklyn, giving the conferences.

"This Sacred Congregation (of the
Propaganda) has noticed that, when
dealt with in mission periodicals,
books and public discourses, the cus-
toms, culture, character and condi-
tion of peoples who are being evan-
gelized are often depicted in such a
way that their shortcomings rather
than their favorable qualities are
stressed.

"No one will question that this is
done without hostile intent and solely
for the purpose of obtaining greater
support for works of religion and
charity. Still, when one stops to con-
sider how he himself would feel if
others spoke of his country in a
similar manner, it at once becomes
clear that such a procedure violates
equity and justice and evokes the re-
sentment of the peoples in question.

"This mode of action ought to ba
("arefully avoided the more because
it may easily create a wrong im-
pression, one that will be harmful
to the missionaries and their ministry.
This impression is that, in their ap-
proach to other nations, they are not
actuated by the charity of heart.

"Accordingly, this Congregation
recommends to all who deal with the
subject of missions in speaking or
in writing that they refer always to
other nations with the same delicate
discretion which they would expect
of others were their own country
concerned."

9

Ticker Talk

COME of the information for this
column is being received written
by the new under-water fountain
pens. For us who live above water
the reading of this written matter is
at times very difficult. Use an over-
waterman! At Helena, Ark., Father
Hanichek is conducting a special con-
vert class for his school children
whose parents have consented to their
becoming Catholics. Of the total of 22
enrolled about 12 will be ready for
baptism within two months. . .The
house that stood on the property of
the Church of the Holy Spirit, River-
side, California, has been converted
into a chapel by Father Therou. It
seats 125, and is adequate for the
present. Father Therou has about 13
acres of surplus property to dispose
of. Due to real estate conditions in
California this calls for much pru-
dence and foresight. . .Father Murray
is planning on a movie machine or
slides to make his instruction class at
Sanford, North Carolina, a "going
concern." . . . The baptisms at St.
John's, Dayton, Ohio, went from 19
last year to over 50 this year. Father
J. A. Pobleschek sends this good news.
. . .Father Wilson has installed new
heating equipment in St. John's, Fort
Smith, Arkansas. And better still, the
debt is all paid. Congratulations and
a warmer future. . .Father Reckten-
wald is trying to get much needed sup-
plies for his school and church at Lake
Charles, Louisiana. . .The Newman
Club Convention at the University of
Alabama was a great success accord-
ing to reports received from Father
Mulvoy. A Catholic men's club is
now being formed by Father Mulvoy
in St. John's, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. . .
After suffering severe damage from
an earthquake the church building at
Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, was struck by
lightning and considerable damage
was done to the dome. The old Spanish
method of construction is not fully
understood and Father Milford tells
us that repairs in such cases are not
always the best. . .All the damage
done to our property by the earth-
quake at Puerto Rico a few months
ago is covered by insurance. The
damage in Arecibo was not as great
as first reported; the church was only
slightly damaged according to word
received from Father Boyd. . . Father
Dellert tells us that Father Stark is
well on the way to complete recovery
after an accident suffered while riding
a motor cycle. . . Father Wei-sing

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

visited the Mother House recently.
He met Fathers McAnulty and Haley
in Germany and had dinner with
them. . .Father Curran has taken up
his work again with the army. He is
stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. . .
Father McAnulty, now stationed in
Germany, arranged for Christmas
Mass in the local church. He has not
said Mass in a church for a long time.
. . .Father David T. Ray is now a
major. Congratulations. . .In Japan
Father Burns has just moved into a
new camp where he is busy finishing a
beautiful chapel. . .In Jayuya, Puerto
Rico, the attendance at Mass is very
satisfactory. The country districts
are in need of chapels but there is
construction and repair work to be
done in town first according to a re-
cent letter from Father Ford. . .Fath-
er Eberhardt, Hato Rey, reports an
enrollment of 462 children in his new
school. The children are delighted
with the new school and the Sisters
are thrilled with the new convent. . .
Out in Del Mar, California, Fathers
Donohue and Charles Trotter have
moved into a house purchased recent-
ly. . .Father Francis Duffy is busy
with sociology lecturing around Pitts-
burgh. . .At Mansura, Louisiana, Fa-
ther Mumaghan is meeting great suc-
cess. He has secured the materials
needed for his new building and the
cooperation of the people of the par-
ish is inspiring. . .The Knights of
Peter Claver, New Orleans (Holy
Ghost Parish) picketed a neighbor-
hood theater in protest of the showing
of the film, "The Outlaw," condemned
by the Legion of Decency. This ac-
tion seems to be a "first" in the
South. A substantial number of people
who had intended to see the picture
changed their minds. . .Father Dan
Bradley gave a lecture on the
"Colored" to the students of Tulsa
University. . .The people at Holy
Spirit Parish, Kansas City, are
thrilled with their new church Father
Roach tells us. . .Father Cassidy is
busy arranging a building program
for the new parish in Moreauville,
Louisiana. . .Father Hannigan, New
Iberia, Louisiana, is awaiting the de-
cision of the Supreme Court regard-
ing the case of a Willie Francis who
was sentenced to death in the electric
chair but, for the first time in the his-
tory of this famous chair, it did not
work. Should another attempt be
made to electrocute Willie Francis
is the question before the Supreme
Court. Father Hannigan who is the
chaplain to the jail in New Iberia had
five men who were charged with mur-

der to deal with since November last.
But the case of Willie Francis is the
most unusual in the long list of hang-
ings and electrocutions witnessed by
Father Hannigan. Bishop Greco con-
firmed thirty-four at Shreveport, all
save seven being converts, writes Fr.
Lundergan. . . .The interior of Holy
Ghost church. New Orleans, has been
renovated, with three new marble al-
tars, new marble pulpit, etc. . .The
main altar was consecrated on Decem-
ber 11. . ."The ceremony went off
beautifully," writes Father Huber. . .
"The archbishop was most impressed.
. . .The chancellor remarked: 'Corpus
Christi is now the Holy Ghost of
downtown'.". . .A box of Dr. Snickers
to the same Father Ivan for getting
in on the ground floor of a surplus
property deal in blankets. . .Ferndale,
Cornwells and the Provincial House
profitted. . .to the extent of a total
of 270 blankets.

BULLETINS

MISSION PROCURATOR AND
VOCATION DIRECTOR

In October, 1942, the Mission Pro-
curator's office was transferred from
the Missionary College at Cornwells to
the Provincial Residence in Washing-
ton. At the same time the office of
Vocation Director was created, the
two to work in conjunction with each
other.

MISSION PROCURATOR

The work of the Mission Procura-
tor's office is to assist the missions
of the Province, both home and for-
eign, and to obtain aid for the edu-
cation of the future missionaries of
the province. The means employed
for such an undertaking are both di-
rect and indirect. Of the former the
principal are, on the one hand, col-
lections, appeals by mail, soliciting
gifts and mass stipends, and, on the
other, transferring the funds and ma-
terials gathered and making pur-
chases and performing other sers-ices
for the missionaries. The indirect
means consist in general publicity and
propaganda, the use of movies, sup-
plying of information and participa-
tion in various missionary activities.

Mission Collections

An increase in the mission con-
sciousness of the faithful of the
United States is reflected in the in-
crease in the number of collections be-

10

ing granted in this country to mis-
sionaries generally and to the Holy
Ghost Fathers in particular. From
January 1, 1943, to December 31, 1946,
collections for our missions have been
taken in 242 parishes (This number
includes several donations given by
pastors in lieu of collections.)

A number of dioceses have adopted,
in one form or another, what is known
as the Missionary Cooperation Plan,
whereby the diocese is divided into
groups of parishes, large, medium-
sized and small, and each group as-
signed to a different missionary agen-
cy each year for a collection. No
other collection (besides, of course,
the annual appeal for the society for
the Propagation of the Faith) may
be taken, but this one is of obliga-
tion; no pastor may refuse to permit
it nor may the agency refuse to take
a particular one, because of the small-
ness of the parish, for example. Un-
der this plan each parish, no matter
how small, has a visiting missionary
each year; but no parish, no matter
how large, has more than one such
visitor. (There are a few exceptions
to this, in dioceses where the pastor
must have one collection but may
have no more than two.)

The general procedure is for one
of the fathers of the office to visit
the parish, speak at all the masses
and take the collection himself, when
feasible. The money is sent by the
pastor to the diocesan director of the
Society for the Propagation of the
Faith who, in turn, forwards it to the
office. (As a general rule a deduction
of 29^ is made for necessary ex-
penses.)

In some dioceses where this plan
is followed, the Holy Ghost Fathers
have participated each year, in others
every second year. Several other bish-
ops have announced their intention
of adopting the plan for their dio-
ceses in the near future.

The net collected is divided among
the houses of training, the home mis-
sions and the foreign missions.

Appeals by Mail

Two appeals are made each year,
one prior to Christmas for the sem-
inaries, the other in preparation for
Pentecost in behalf of the missions.
With the Christmas appeal letter is
included a calendar, and with the Pen-
tecost letter, a leaflet containing
prayers to the Holy Ghost, with a
request that the recipient make the
Pentecost novena.

Approximately 12,200 letters were
sent in the latest mailing, that of De-

01 R PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

cember 2, 1946. Of those who have
responded in the past, a small num-
ber have pledged monthly contribu-
tions in varying amounts for the sup-
port of a student. A few of this num-
ber contribute $250.00 annually for
such support.

Gifts and ]Mass .Stipends

Through the generosity of many in-
dividuals and organizations, various
items have been obtained for the mis-
sions. Several tabernacle societies
have shown splendid cooperation by
answering almost every request made
of them. As a result, all sorts of
things from life-size statues, church
bells and tabernacles to pyxes and ate-
brine tablets have been supplied to
the missions.

The Mission Unit at Ferndale has
been especially helpful in gathering
material, and in arranging shipments
to the missions.

An activity that has proved very
profitable to the missions is the col-
lecting from churches of discarded ci-
boria, candlesticks and other metal
ware. If the articles are basically
sound, and require it, they are re-
plated. Occasionally, too, old statues
are received and are redecorated by
professional artists to provide an at-
tractive image for a mission chapel.

Purchases are made for the mis-
sions at their expense of items for
which donors cannot be found.

Mass stipends, for the most part,
come from the national and diocesan
offices of the Society for the Propaga-
tion of the Faith, which in this as
in other matters, treat with the Mis-
sion Procurator's office as the official
collecting agency for the province's
missions. Of course, individual mass
offerings are received but these are
comparatively few in number.

During the war, the Provincial Pro-
curator turned over all excess mass in-
intentions from our own communities
to be distributed directly to the mis-
sions. As a result, the number dis-
tributed was abnormally high, the
largest amount in stipends for one
year, 1944, being 8159,124.00.

With the cessation of hostilities and
the re-establishment of communica-
tions with the Mother House, the Pro-
vincial Procurator once more sends
all mass intentions not needed by the
Province's missionaries directly to the
General Procurator. However, in-
tentions specifically designated for
missions of another province are
transferred directlv to the missions.

Indirect Aid

When photos and news items of in-
terest concerning the missions are
received, an effort is made to publicize
them in organs other than those of
the province. All the cooperation
possible, including the free use of mis-
sion movies, is extended to schools
and organizations fostering mission
exhibits. It was principally for such
purposes that a map of the Holy
Ghost Fathers' missions throughout
the world was published in 1944.

Devotion to the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost Mission League
has as its chief aims the fostering
of devotion to the Holy Ghost and
the securing of aid for our missions.
All members are enrolled in the
Archconfraternity of the Holy Ghost.
Literature dealing with the Third
Person of the Blessed Trinity and
medals struck in His honor, are dis-
tributed. A perpetual membership cer-
tificate was imprinted in 1944.

In preparation for Pentecost, 1946,
a letter was sent to every Catholic
school, high school and college, and
to all the diocesan superintendents of
schools, — over 11,500 letters in all —
asking that they encourage their
charges in devotion to the Holy Ghost,
and particularly in the making of the
Pentecost novena. A leaflet of prayers
to the Divine Spirit prepared especi-
ally for .students was enclosed with
the letter and an offer made to supply
additional copies of the leaflet upon
request. A total of 160,000 copies
have been distributed and are still be-
ing sent out at the rate of approxi-
mately 500 a week.

VOCATION DIRECTOR

The purpose of this office is to re-
cruit vocations for the province. The
principal means of so doing is by
talks given in the schools of the
country. Vocation exhibits, displays
of literature, newspaper articles, mo-
vies are used for the same purpose.

The general procedure is as follows:
permission is obtained to visit schools
from the bishop or the director of
education, then arrangements arc
made with the respective pastors and
principals of the schools for a date
for the talk. The vocation talk con-
sists of an explanation of the nature
of a vocation, then an explanation of
the history and work of the Holy
Ghost Fathers. Mission maps are
left in each classroom and leaflets
given to each pupil. The leaflets ex-
plain the requirements for admission
to the Congregation and contain a

blank to be filled out if further in-
formation is desired. The interested
pupil sends this to the Vocation Direc-
tor and receives the information. An
application blank for admission to the
junior seminary is enclosed. When
this is returned, the application is
forwarded to the Director of Corn-
wells. The Vocation Director, or a
representative of his office, visits the
interested boy as soon as possible to
determine whether or not he is a suit-
able applicant. The parents are inter-
viewed and all questions ansv.ered
and difficulties explained. The boy's
pastor and teacher are also consulted.
The Director of the Missionary Col-
lege receives a report of this visit.
Thus he is enabled better to determ-
ine the fitness of the candidate.

Another method used to interest
candidates is visits to Cornwells and
Ferndale. The boys are taken in
groups, spend a day or so at the sem-
inary, meet the priests and students
and see seminary life for themselves.

In the course of the year the in-
terested boy receives copies of the
Mission News and personal letters, all
destined to foster and suctain his in-
terest.

Visits to Schools

In 1943, 120 schools were visited in
the dioceses of Rochester, Syracuse,
Grand Rapids, Buffalo and the arch-
diocese of New York. From 1944 to
1946 visits were paid to schools in
the archdioceses of Baltimore and
Washington, New York, and Chicago;
and in the dioceses of Albany, Brook-
lyn, Buffalo, Youngstown, Erie, Al-
toona. Grand Rapids, Hartford, Tren-
ton, Saginaw, Dubuque, Wilmington
and Scranton.

Literature

Individual copies of the Mission
News are mailed to all schools in
the country having a Mission Crusade
Unit. Packages of twenty-five copies
are mailed to over 1,200 grade schools
in nine dioceses. The copies sent to
schools contain a blank which is filled
out by those who desire further in-
formation about the Congregation.
Thirteen of the students who entered
the Missionary College in September
1946, were first interested through
the Mission News. (An attempt is
made to record the source of interest
of each inquirer).

During the war years a pamphlet
entitled: "How Would You Look In
This Uniform" was published by the
Vocation Director's Office. Eighty
thousand copies were distributed to
men in the armed forces in all parts of

11

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

the world. Many requests for further
information were received as a re-
sult of this pamphlet, and vocations
were secured for our own Congrega-
tion and for the diocesan priesthood
as well as other congregations and
orders.

A- new vocation booklet will be is-
sued before the year ends. Copies of
this will be mailed to all bishops, di-
rectors of the Society for the Propa-
gation of the Faith, superintendents
of schools and to schools in the coun-
try. The new booklet consists of twen-
ty-four pages.

The costs of these publications, as
well as all other vocation work, are
borne by the Provincial Procurator's
office.

Exhibits

Vocation exhibits in schools, and as
part of conventions, are a fruitful
source of vocations. Exhibits depict-
ing our work are sent wherever possi-
ble. A display is kept at Cornwells,
one at Ferndale and one at Washing-
ton. In 1946 we participated in twen-
ty such exhibits.

The Mission Unit at Ferndale pre-
pared and distributed a large vocation
poster. Copies were sent throughout
the country. The Unit is now spon-
soring a Vocation Club for interested
boys in the vicinity of Ferndale.

Each year letters are mailed to the
bishops from whose dioceses we have
vocations. They are informed of the
number of our seminarians and the
number from their dioceses. The di-
rectors of the Society for the Propa-
gation of the Faith and diocesan su-
perintendents of schools are also in-
formed. These letters are well re-
ceived and prompt many of the re-
cipients to send letters of thanks and
congratulations.

The Mission News

Published four times during the
school year, the Holy Ghost Mission
News has aided both the mission and
the vocation work. Single copies are
mailed to over 15,()(K) individuals and
packages to schools, as described
above.

Were the publication much larger,
the expense involved might make such
an undertaking impossible, but since
it is but four pages, the costs of such
widespread distribution are not pro-
hibitive.

The first issue of the Mission News
was published from Ferndale in June,
1941, having been originated there
by Father Lechner. Since 1943, it
has been published from Washington.

The latest printing, that of October

1946, was of 57,000 copies. Of these,
2,000 copies are distributed from
Ferndale.

Although formerly issues appeared
each year in Lent, in the time just
prior to Pentecost, in October and
in December, beginning in 1947 an
issue in January will replace that of
December.

Including the Mission News, over
1,000,000 pieces of literature have
been distributed during the past four
years in the mission and vocation
work. (Not included in this total are
the various publications undertaken
by the Provincial Procurator: Another
Paul, Thoughts For Meditation, The
Miracle of Fatima, etc.

Personnel

With the establishment of these
offices at the Provincial Residence,
Father Charles P. Connors was named
mission procurator, Father Eugene E.
Moroney, vocation director, assistant
mission procurator and editor of the
Mission News. In September, 1943,
Father Joseph G. Noppinger was ap-
pointed assistant mission procurator
and was replaced, upon his return to
Africa in April, 1945, by Father John
R. Marx. Father Joseph P. Lucey
was engaged in the work for a very
short time in 1945. In January, 1946,
Father Edmond J. Leonard succeeded
Father Marx.

Several vacationing missionaries, as
well as fathers from parishes, the
seminaries and the Mission Band, have
assisted in both the collection and
school work when the regular person-
nel was not sufficient to cover all as-
signments.

Southern Concession

The Eucharistic Celebration of Oc-
tober 20, 1946, at Lake Charles,
Louisiana, was sponsored by the
Knights of Columbus. In their
monthly bulletin they had this to say
about the procession: "The well dis-
ciplined colored group from Sacred
Heart parish marching in step
throughout the route of the parade
served a dual purpose — the edification
of the Colored as well as the white
population of Lake Charles which
makes one proud to live in a city
where white and colored can partici-
pate in a joint parade without flares
of racial hatred. The other, and more
important purpose of the colored par-
ticipation in the parade is the public
demonstration that Christ is King of
all, white as well as colored."

The colored were allowed in the

12

procession after Father Recktenwald
had protested their exclusion and then
only in the last place. However, for
this to happen in the South, will be
considered a long step in the right di-
rection.

HOLY GHOST MISSIONARY

COLLEGE

Cornwells Heights, Pa.

1940 — 1946

Personnel:

Fathers Frederick T. Hoeger, su-
perior, Stephen J. Bryan, James J.
McGurk, Valentine J. Fandrey, Jos-
eph L. Duffy, bursar, Stanislaus M.
Zaborowski, John P. Stanton, Leo J.
Kettl, director, Thomas R. Jones,
James J. Sheridan, subdirector, James
A. Mangan, August P. Weigand, John
C. Pergl, Henry J. Scheming, Robert
N. Puhl,

Brothers Gottfried, Gangolf, Hya-
cinth, Matthew and Michael.

Missionary Student enrollment De-
cember, 1946: 94.

The period of this historical sketch
corresponds very closely with the end
of a national period of financial de-
pression and the beginning of a new
era of progress. These facts account
for many phases of the development
of Holy Ghost Missionary College
(known before 1940 as Holy Ghost
Apostolic College). Our enrollment,
like that of two neighboring junior
seminaries of religious congregations,
had fallen to the lowest level toward
the end of the depression. When,
about 1939 and 1940, the nation be-
gan to raise its head from the de-
pression, a greater interest in the
foreign missions took hold of the
Catholics of the land, the cooperative
mission collection plan was adopted
more generally in various dioceses.
With this came the permission and
often even the invitation to mission-
aries to address parochial school chil-
dren on the missions and on mission
vocations. This necessitated the ap-
pointment of vocation directors in
many religious congregations, includ-
ing our own. The following table of
enrollment at the end of each year,
1940 to 1946, with the number sent
to the novitiate, will show the results:

Sent to

Year

Enrollment

Novitiate

June 1940

73

22

June 1941

48

13

June 1942

45

12

June 1943

63

21

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

June 1944

72

17

June 1945

73

*9

June 1946

80

*9

December 1946

94

*Note. — The small number sent to the
novitiate the last two years is ac-
counted for by the depletion of the
middle classes during the acceleration.

When the United States passed the
universal draft act this law exempted
clerical students but on condition that
the courses would be accelerated for
the purpose of supplying quickly
more priests for the morale of the
country and for the ranks of military
chaplains. Thereupon the courses were
accelerated in Cornwells and all va-
cations, except one month in sum-
mer, were forbidden for students 18
years of age and over. In September
1945, the acceleration was discon-
tinued and by February 1, 1947, all
students affected by it will be again
in normal grades. With the end of the
acceleration came another problem,
that of grading belated vocations of
former service men. Cornwells had 8
GI students on December 1, 1946.

Another minor set-back was ex-
perienced by all institutions in our
vicinity including our own. It was
caused by a severe and odd epidemic
of influenza, which proved to be very
weakening to the students and caused
the community physician to request
the suspension of classes the entire
month of December 1945. Thank God
no deaths resulted.

During the entirr; perioa of which
we are writing two deaths occurred in
the community. Brother William
Rudzki died in Nazareth Hospital,
Philadelphia, December 8, 1944, and
Brother Artheme Valleix died there
March 2, 1945. The following con-
freres were buried in our commun-
ity cemetery: Father William F. P.
Duffy, March 25, 1942; Father John
F. Dodwell, April 17, 1942; Father
Aloysius J. Roth, June .3, 1942; Father
Thomas J. McCarthy, April 29, 1943;
Father Patrick J. McCarthy, Novem-
ber 3, 1943; Father Patrick J. Bren-
nan, July 7, 1944; Brother William
Rudzki, December 11, 1944; Brother
Artheme Valleix, March 5, 1945;
Brother Columba Leddy, April 26,
1945; Father Thomas J. Park, No-
vember 18, 1946.

Material maintenance and improve-
ments were also hampered for years
by the depression. Each year the
community bursar asked the provin-
cial council for funds needed for these
purposes; each year his request had
to be refused entirely or at least par-

tially. With the end of the depres-
sion the province was able to give to
Cornwells a new deal. This was helped
considerably by the income resulting
from very much more parochial min-
istry, done by the Fathers of the staff,
who never spared themselves when
called upon for week-end work, as
well as when called upon to preach
series of sermons for Forty Hours'
Devotions and conferences to Sisters.
A full schedule of summer ministry
and Sisters' retreats further increased
the community income.

At first the entire heating and
water system were reconstructed.
When the boiler and coal bins were
removed from the main building and
placed under the kitchen, there was
ample room for a large recreation
hall, modern showers and a more or
less odorless locker room. With the
elimination of soot and coal dust
from the main building fresh pairi
remained clean and the new linoleum
and asphalt tile floors created a
a cheerful atmosphere. This in turn
made discipline easier among the stu-
dents, who were also made more
mindful of their state of life by con-
stantly v.earing a cassock.

The power house for spiritual
warmth, zeal and discipline, the chap-
el, was not neglected. The old tem-
porary combination gas-electric fix-
tures, which remained temporary for
about a quarter of a century, were
replaced by concealed lighting, which
floods every inch of the chapel. New
entrances to the chapel were con-
structed on the first and second floor.
Stained glass windows were installed
in those windows where they had been
stopped years before for lack of funds.
Vestment cases were built for all
the side chapels. And the decorators
added the finishing touches to the
house of God.

Early in this period the cow barn
burned down and this became the oc-
casion to do away with the cows and
remove all farm buildings from the
vicinity of the college to a field to
the right and nearer to the recreation
grounds. The open spaces in front of
the building then lent themselves to
professional landscaping, which lead
up finally to the reconstruction of the
cemetery for 150 graves, with a cen-
tral Tyrolese crucifix and stations of
the cross and uniform granite head-
stones for all our departed confreres.
The property was finally squared out
on the railroad side by the purchase
of a small parcel of woodland from
the defunct Badenhausen corporation.

Gardening, however, has not been
discontinued. Every year for the past
four year about 1,000 gallons of our
own garden products have been canned
in gallon tins at a neighboring Cath-
olic cooperative cannery.

We could go on telling of many
more changes in our buildings such
as the installation of gas ranges in
our kitchen, electrification of our
tower clock, the furnishing of our in-
firmary with all standard hospital
equipment and of many other changes,
but let us close with giving credit for
all this first, to the zeal of the con-
freres of the province, who send what
they can save from their income to the
province that it might be able to
educate their successors in our semin-
aries; then to the zeal of the provin-
cial administration which takes such
a constant interest in the cradle of
the province, then to the Fathers of
the Cornwells community, who bear
the burden of the day in season and
out of season at teaching and pas-
toral ministry; and finally to our
Brothers, most of whom have spent
many years in the service of our fu-
ture priests. It is interesting to note
that our five Brothers now in Corn-
wells have rendered a combined ser-
vice of 176 years to the Congregation.

— F.T.H.

HOLY GHOST NOVITIATE
1940 - 1946

Personnel: Fathers Francis J.
Smith, superior and master of No-
vices; Andrew M. Bednarczyk, bursar;
Edward J. Quinn; Leonard Trompeter.
Brothers Novatus Ebberg and Cantius
Szurszewski.

The Holy Ghost Novitiate, nestled
in the Berkshire Hills of Ridgefield,
Conn., affords the novices an ideal
place for the formation of their char-
acters for the religious, priestly and
missionary life.

From every side of the property
may be seen distant hills giving one
the impression of scenes found in
mountainous countries of the world,
though on a smaller scale. Ridgefield
is perched on one of these hills and
is approximately one thousand feet
above sea level. On clear days Long
Island Sound may be seen from parts
of the town. A railroad originating
in Ridgefield makes its way down be-
tween the hills to join the main
branch at Branchville. Through this

13

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

valley flows the Little Norwalk river.
Trees and rocks abound everywhere.
Many of the wealthy make Ridgefield
their home for here they find a health-
ful atmosphere free from the dust of
cities and factories. The entire town
is residential. No factories or indus- •
tries are here.

The regular novitiate studies are
pursued; canon law on religious, his-
tory of the Congregation, ascetical
theology, liturgy, plain chant. Rules
and Constitutions, Scripture.

The novices help to a great extent
in the beautifying of the property.
They have shown their interest in
various projects accomplished through
the years. With the help of a steam
shovel a lake was dug out of a ravine
on the property. An otherwise use-
less parcel of land now affords swim-
ming and skating, a place of recrea-
tion and a beauty spot. A road was
laid from the Grotto down to the
lake. Paths along the upper hillside
give one a beautiful view of the ad-
joing hills. The building of a new
barn, across from the present recrea-
tion ha'l, has been started. This will
replace the old one at the south end
of the property, known as the Wil-
liams' barn. The site where the latter
stood will become a ball field for the
novices and postulants.

A substantial donation from Miss
Katherine M. Connery of Ridgefield
has enabled us to erect outside Sta-
tions of the Cross in memory of her
brother, James Connery. These Sta-
tions consist of plaques of aluminum
silver placed on a cross of spruce
wood. They wind along the paths on
the hillside to the Twelfth Station
placed on a rocky knoll to the rear of
present chapel. The Fourteenth Sta-
tion is just off the knoll, on the side of
a rock cliff. The Grotto has also been
enlarged to include a recessed altar.
Recently a wrought iron railing has
been added, as well as a bronze tab-
ernacle, aluminum silver candlesticks
and crucifix, together with vases in
front of the statue of Our Lady.
Small votive lights protrude from the
rocks and two all-weather votive
lights protrude from the rocks and
two all-weather votive stands have
been added. Around the Grotto the
land has been beautifully landscaped
with hemlocks, rhododendrons and
mountain laurel.

In 1944 a strip of property to com-
plete our property to the railroad
tracks was purchased from Mrs. Bau-
man. This contains about three and
one half acres of land and a residence.

Father Francis J. Smith took up
his charge as Master of Novices and
superior in February, 1940, with
Father James J. Clarke as socius and
bursar. Father Michael Martin, who
was in his novitiate year and who had
been very ill for some time, died in
February, 1940, at St. Vincent's Hos-
pital. Father Clarke went to the hos-
pital for pleurisy in April, 1942. Op-
erations were performed and then it
was found that he had cancer. An
operation for this at St. Vincent's
Hospital, Bridgeport, so weakened
him that he died on October 7, 1943.
Father Maguire arrived here in July,
1940. He took care of the ministry
at the neighboring church of St.
Mary's, Ridgefield. In August, 1945,
he left for Ferndale. Father Bednar-
czyk was sent here as bursar in Sep-
tember, 1944. Other Fathers who
stayed but a short time were Fathers
Lavin, Clifford, Malek. Father Quinn
came in December, 1945. Father
Danner arrived in November, 1941.
Retired, he led a quiet peaceful until
his death on April 4, 1946.

Brother Novatus has been here since
193S and continues to make himself
useful in his tailor shop, sewing and
writing articles. Brother Columba
came in 1939. He died in June, 1945,
Brother Cantius came to help in the
general maintenance in 1945. He has
proved himself valuable to the com-
munity. However, an accident befell
him in August, 1946. Whilst mowing
hay he got his foot caught in the
mower blade when the horses bolted
after being stung by bees. He lost his
right leg and received other injuries.
At present he is in St. Vincent's Hos-
pital.

From 1940 to 1946 ninety-nine no-
vice-clerics made their religious pro-
fession and three novice-brothers were
professed. At the present time there
are ten novice-clerics and five postu-
lant-brothers.

Jubilees have been quite frequent
during the past years. Father Ma-
guire celebrated the twenty-fifth an-
niversary of his ordination on No-
vember 6, 1941. Father Clarke cele-
brated his silver jubilee on No-
vember 14, 1942, whilst in the hos-
pital in Shelton, Conn. Brother Nova-
tus Ebbers celebrated the golden jubi-
lee of his profession on September 8,
1943. Father Trompeter, while still a
novice, celebrated the golden jubilee
of his ordination to the priesthood on
October 27, 1945.

The new outside Stations of the
Cross were blessed by Father Francis

J. Smith at a ceremony on Sunday
afternoon, October 20, 1946. At the
same time the new adornments for
the altar and Grotto were blessed. At
the ceremony Father Hoeger said the
rosary and preached. Father Joseph
M. Griffin, president of the diocesan
seminary, gave the Benediction of the
Blessed. Sacrament at the Grotto. On
August 18, 1946, we were privileged
to have a visit from our bishop, the
Most Reverend Henry J. O'Brien,
D.D., of Hartford.— F.J.S.

OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION

PARISH

Mt. Carmel, Pa.

Personnel

Some changes took place between
1940 and 1946. On September 13,
1941, Father Joseph J. Skibinski was
appointed pastor, succeeding Father
Joseph A. Pobleschek. The following
assistants have worked in this par-
ish since 1940: Revs. John Janczukie-
wicz, Frederick Lachowsky, Chester
Malek, Stanislaus Grondziowski and
Hubert Dalkowski. The last two
named are the assistants at present.

Material Improvements

The beauty of the granite gothic
church of Our Mother of Consolation,
built by Father Ladislaus Alachnie-
wicz in 1905, has been enhanced by
recent improvements in its interior.
In March, 1943, the steps at the
communion railing were covered with
heavy, green carpeting. A few months
later the floor of the sanctuary was
covered with thermoplastic.

In April, 1946, the floor of the body
of the church was covered with the
same material and non-destructible
riarbelized tile-nosing kneelers were
installed. Necessary repairs were
•nade to the exterior of the building.

The parish hall was renovated in
1943 and in 1946 two corridors, one
leading to the hall and the other to
the refreshment room, were painted.
Tlie refreshment room, where the
youth of the parish meet three times
a week, was completely done over.
The exterior of the school building,
built in 1924 by Father C. Tomas-
zewski, was painted in 1945. Repair
and paiiiting of the convent, which is
large enough to allow each of the
eighteen Felician Sisters a separate
cell, was also done. The rectory was

14

OUR PROVINCE, JANUARY, 1947

remodeled in 1941 and its exterior re-
paired and painted in 1946.

The parish cemetery is in good
condition. Improvements were made
on the landscaping and cross, and the
fence was painted in October, 1946.

On January 1, 1940 the debt on all
parish buildings was $211,054..35 The
debt as of November 15, 1946, was
only $131,475.71.

Spiritual Life

The spiritual life of the parish-
ioners is noteworthy and reception of
the sacraments is frequent. Annual
communions average between 39,000
and 45,000.

The parish census, completed on
November 15, 1946, showed a total of
722 families with 2,729 souls. Between
1942 and 1945 1,358 young men and
women left the parish to ser\'e in the
armed forces or to take up work in
defense plants. Nearly all have re-
turned.

The people are known for their gen-
erous assistance to those in distress.
This generosity is maintained in their
contributions to the parish and to the
diocese, as is evident from the annual
reports.

Time of Church Services
Masses:

Sundays 7, 8, 9, 10:30

Holy Days of Obligation 6, 7, 8, 9,

10:30
Week Days 7, 7:30, 8.
Confessions are heard daily from

6:30 A.M.
Saturdays from 3 to 5:30, and from 7
to 8:30 P.M.

Statistics

Baptisms — Infants 385; Adults 10
Marriages — Catholic 207; Mixed 26.
Funerals — 167.

Special Activities

A total of 676 parishioners ser\'ed
in the armed forces up to VJ Day. Of
this number, twenty-five were killed
in action.

From January 1, 1942, to January
1, 1946, the seven o'clock Mass was
offered each Sunday by the pastor
for their welfare and safe return.
Public prayers were offered daily for
them, as well as for peace. Regular
correspondence was maintained with
them by the pastor, more than 1,500
letters having been sent to him by
them from all over the world. Before

entering service, practically all had
come to receive prayer books, medals,
rosaries and copies of the New Testa-
ment, all gifts of the parish.

No stipend was accepted for the
baptism of children of those in ser-
vice.

Because there was no U.S.O. in the
city, dances were held every Tuesday
and Saturday in the parish hall, with
those in service enjoying free ad-
mittance and a free lunch. The semi-
weekly dances have been continued
but a charge is now made for the
lunches. From January 2, 1942, to No-
vember 12, 1946, a total of 7,386 men
ai'd women of the armed forces were
entertained in the parish hall. All
have signed the visitors' book.

At the Christmas Midnight Mass,
all soldiers on furlough took their
places in the sanctuary. Four Marines
served the mass.

Children

This year we have 160 boys and
164 girls in school. Forty eight at-
tend public schools, since a great num-
ber are far away from parochial
school.

Every Monday Father Grondziow-
ski gives religious instructions for an
hour in the Locust Gap Public High
School, under the provisions of the
Released Time Plan. The Sisters, un-
der the direction of the pastor, do
the same work in the elementary pub-
lic school for an hour each Wednes-
day. Enrollment in these combined
classes is 128 boys and 112 girls, with
seldom an absence recorded.

The pride and joy of the parish is
Boy Scout Troop 61, which in 1946,
for the third successive year, re-
ceived honorable mention at the Boy
Scouts' annual celebration at St. Pa-
trick's Cathedral, Harrisburg, as an
active, progressive troop. Each year
the scouts attend this celebration, at
which the principal speaker is Bish-
op Leech. The journey is made by bus.
Father Grondziowski is in charge
of the troop.

Parish Societies

Boy Scouts , 48

NCCW 25

Holy Name 135

Holy Rosary .395

Third Order of St. Francis 58

Sodality 154

St. Vincent de Paul 8

Youth Council 142

—J. J. S.
15

ALEXANDRIA, LA.: ST. JAMES

Much water has passed under the
Red River bridge since 1941, many
things have happened in and around
Alexandria affecting the congrega-
tion of St. James.

The war put us in the center of
five camps with their thousands of
soldiers. White and Colored, good and
bad. Besides our daily tasks in church
and school we were able to give ef-
ficient service in the camps, and many
instructions at the rectory. Fathers
J. B. Donahue and Campbell did fine
work among the soldiers. Father
Campbell had some real war experi-
ence, when with the traditional
prowess of the Campbells, he crawled
into a crashed burning bomber, fire
extinguisher in one hand and the
holy oils in the other, to minister to
the dying boys. This is our credit
side.

On the debit side we could point
out the demoralizing effect on our
young people, especially the girls.
Beer joints with their questionable
back rooms sprang up mushroomlike
in quiet, peaceable neighborhoods.
There were bloody clashes, hasty and
ill considered marriages, many of
them on the rocks within a few
weeks, scattering our girls to all the
points of the compass. There is our
debit side.

However, church and school con-
tinue their work. The school attend-
ance is well over 600, and we could
have more pupils, had we accommoda-
tion and teachers. Our societies are
flourishing and doing much good.
Father Campbell would have me to
say that his basketball team won the
district championship, and Father
O'Rourke that his convert work is as
successful as ever, and the old pas-
tor would have me to say to those who
expected his early demise: "Mighty
sorry to disappoint!"

We lost our good friend and pro-
tector Bishop Desmond. We owe him
a great deal. R.I. P. Our new bishop
seems well disposed towards our work.
He promises a new high school build-
ing in a year or two. May we live to
see the plan realized.

We are popular with our neighbor-
ing confreres (or is it our cuisine?).
They are always welcome.
1941-1945 (inclusive)

Baptisms: Infants 222

Adults 89

Confirmations 207

Marriages 107

Communions 51,243

—J. H. C.

Holij Ghost Fathers

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII— Xo. 1

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washineton 11. D. C.

HOW TO FIND A TAPEWORM—

BUT quick:

Somewhat over a year ago a kind friend
in Brooklyn sent us, through the diocesan
director of the Society for the Propagation
of the Faith, the sum of $100.00 towards a
microscope for the hospital in Kilomeni,
East Africa, in answer to a request from
Father Samuel J. Delaney, C.S.Sp., of Sea
Isle City, N.J.

The microscope was ordered immediately;
but you know how things are these days.
After many months of waiting it was even-
tually delivered. Then a few strikes in the
shipping business delayed its departure
for African shores. But patience paid off
in the end and the microscope finally
reached Kilomeni.

Was it well received after so long a
wait? Just read what Father Sam has to
say:

"At long last we have the microscope and
it would take reams of paper to let you
know the immense good it is doing already.
Our hospital is becoming more crowded
every day. Just to give you one instance
of the utility of the microscope: A young
boy came to the hospital a few days ago
claiming he had hookworm. The microscope
revealed no hookworm but did reveal tape-
worm. When the lad was told he had a
tapeworm, he laughed the Sister and our
little dispenser to scorn. Sister laughed and
said, wait and see. So she started the treat-
ment for tapeworm and the boy, the follow-
ing day, was dumbfounded. The laugh was
on him — he had a good big tapeworm and
got rid of it."

FIFTY-FIVE YEARS A PRIEST

Rev. Thomas J. Park, C.S.Sp., for twenty
years director of St. Joseph's House for
Homeless Boys, Philadelphia, Pa., died on
November 16 in St. Mary's Hospital, that
city, at the age of 78. He had been a
priest for fifty-five years.

Bom in Pres-
ton, Lancashire,
England, Father
Park made his
first profession m
the Holy Ghost
Fathers in 1892
at G r i g n o n,
France, a year
after his ordina-
tion.

In the same
year he came to
the United States
as subdirector of
scholastics at Du-
quesne Universi-
ty, Pittsburgh.
From 1893 to
1896 he served Father Park

as parish assist-
ant in Detroit, Mich., and Chippewa Falls,
Wis. In 1920, he was appointed director of
St. Joseph's House, where he remained until
1940, when he was named spiritual father
at the Holy Ghost Mission Seminary, Nor-
walk, Connecticut. For the last few months
he was in residence again at St. Joseph's
House.

JANUARY, 1947

Tlie new church of Holy Spirit parish, Kansas City

CALIFORNIA MISSION CHAPEL

HONORS OUR LADY OF

THE VALLEY

Most Rev. Charles F. Buddy, D.D., Bishop
of San Diego, recently dedicated the new
chapel at Hemet, Cal., named in honor of
Our Lady of the Valley. In his address at
the conclusion of the dedication ceremony
Bishop Buddy predicted that the parish
would flourish.

"We rejoice," he added, "in the fact that,
at the close of our tenth year as bishop of
this diocese, we have realized a long cher-
ished desire to bring the Holy Ghost
Fathers to this diocese."

Father James A. Hyland, C.S.Sp., is pas-
tor of the parish, founded just a year ago,
and Father Paul J. Lippert, C.S.Sp., form-
er Army chaplain, is his assistant.

THREE MISSIONARIES LEAVE BY

PLANE FOR KILIMANJARO,

EAST AFRICA

Boarding a plane for Johannesburg, South
Africa, from La Guardia Field, New York,
three Holy Ghost Fathers began their jour-
ney for their mission posts in the Vicariate
of Kilimanjaro, East Africa, on December
12, 1946.

The three are Reverend Edward J. Bern-
acki, C.S.Sp., of Pittsburgh; Anton M.
Morgenroth, C.S.Sp., of Long Island, N.Y.;
and Remo J. Bonifazi, C.S.Sp., of Fitchburg,
Mass.

With stops at Natal, Brazil, Ascension
Island and Leopoldville, the plane arrived
at Johannesburg in five days. From there
they made their way up 'the East coast,
arriving at their final destination January 2.

This marks the first time that any of our
missionaries have gone to Kilimanjaro by
plane, although Very Reverend George J.
Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, flew there for a
visit of seven weeks last summer.

Several Fathers, as well as officials of
the Robin Line, which chartered the plane
especially for this trip, were on hand to
see the mlssioners off.

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN K.^SAS
CITY DEDICATED

The new Holy Spirit church^t 25th and
Euclid, Kansas City, Kanodq) was recently
dedicated by Most Reverend Edwin V.
O'Hara, D.D., Bishop of Kansas City. The
parish was begun in August, 1945, with
Reverend Clement A. Roach, C.S.Sp., as
pastor. It was under his direction that the
new church was built within less than
eighteen months after the foundation of
the parish.

The ceremony of dedication began with
a procession of the clergy. Knights of St.
Peter Claver, and the Holy Name societies
of Holy Spirit and St. Joseph parishes.
Reverend Richard J. Schumacher delivered
the sermon.

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers
at the Provincial House, 161B Manchester Lane. N.W.,
Washington 11. D. C. to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the Missions.

THE HOLY GHOST
MISSION LEAGUE

THE FIRST AFRICAN PRIESTS IN THE
COLLEGE OF PROPAGANDA FIDE,

ROME.

By Rev. Joseph Sipendi, Kilimanjaro,

East Africa

The Sacred Congregation for the Propa-
gation of Faith has one of the most import-
ant seminaries in Rome, known as the
Pontifical College of the Propaganda. This
college was founded by Pope Urban VIII
in 1627, having for its aim the formation
of students of all missionary countries for
the secular priesthood. From that time to
the present, a period of over 300 years
more than 6,000 priests of all nationalities
have been educated there.

The first African students for the priest-
hood made their appearance in the College
of the Propaganda in 1937. These were five
in number from various seminaries of Africa
and four of them were from the missions
under the care of the Holy Ghost Fathers.
In 1938 and 1939 eight more students
joined the group. The war prevented more
students coming to Rome from Africa and
other distant parts of the world. In 1942
a group of seven African students were or-
dained priests; the first authentic African
priests to appear in the College of the
Propaganda in Rome. In 1946 two more
were ordained.

The African students found the life in
the College of the Propaganda to be very
interesting and fitting for them, where
young men of many nationalities live to-
gether in perfect harmony. The College
of the Propaganda is in reality a wonder-
ful living mosaic of different colors.

Purpose

1. To foster greater devotion to God the
Holy Ghost, thereby to obtain more abun-
dant graces for the conversion of the pagan
world.

2. To support the missions of the Holy
Ghost Fathers, especially the missions in
Southern United States, Puerto Rico and
Kilimanjaro, East Africa, which have been
entrusted to the I^ly Ghost Fathers of
the Province of the United States.

Membership

1. Besides the annual membership dues
of $1.00, each member will endeavor to en-
roll seven new members, in honor of the
Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

2. Life Membership: a donation of $10.00
entitles the donor to all benefits for life.

3. Deceased persons may be enrolled
either as Ordinary or Perpetual Members.

Benefits

1. Members share in all the prayers and
merits of the Holy Ghost Fathers through-
out the world, including remembrance in a
Mass offered monthly for their benefactors
by each of the more than two thousand
priests of the Order.

2. Special prayers are said daily for
benefactors in each community of the Order.

3. Each member wiH also be enrolled in
the Archconfraternity of the Holy Ghost
and will participate in all the spiritual bene-
fits of membership in that association. . , ,., ,■ i. c t,

We enjoyed the summer climate ot Kome,

which was not less hot than our tropical

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN Africa and in winter we were provided
THE HOLY GHOST MISSION LEAGUE with suitable clothes and the building was

nicely heated.
Dear Father: We took our lectures in the Athenium

Please enroll in the HOLY GHOST of the Propaganda near the college. This
■«iTc.oT/-.-vT Tir\r'TTc oc o Athenium, which is provide-d with the best

MISSION LbAGUl!. as a ...^. professors of Rome, has university facul-

(Anirual -Perpetual ^.jgg ^,f philosophy, Theology, Missionology

Member) ^^^^ Canon Law for the Missions, and it is

Deceased frequented by many other students from

Living different seminaries and institutions of
Rome. The ordinary course of studies is
Send certificate of membership to: two years Philosophy and four years The-
ology. Students are then allowed to stay
longer in the college if they wish to con-
tinue their studies for the doctorate in

different subjects.

The students of Propaganda College spend

their summer vacation near the Pope's villa

(Mail this application to: The Mission at Castelgandolfo, about 15 miles from
Procurator, 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W., Rome. There we enjoyed lovely times in
Washington 11, D.C. sport, trips, and did practical studies of

African priests with Archbishop Riberi,
former apostolic delegate to the missions of
Africa, pictured in Rome. Left to right:
Father Njoroge, Kenya Colony; Father
Joseph Sipendi, Kilimanjaro; Archbishop
Riberi; Father William Omio, Nigeria; and
Father Henry Cikuse, Nyassaland.

THE MISSIONS NEED . . .

A Baptismal Set

Father John Heelan is in need of
a baptismal set for his mission at
Frilot Cove, Louisiana. Cost:
$22.50.

Candelabra, Tabernacle

Father Francis X. Schillo asks for
a set of seven branch candelabra
for St. Peter Claver Church, Ok-
lahoma City, Oklahoma. He is
also seeking a tabernacle for the
main altar of the church. Price
of the latter: $200.00; of the for-
mer: varying.

Missals

Father Anthony J. Walsh is look-
ing for a missal for St. Daniel's
church, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Price: $30.00

BISHOP McCarthy consecrated

FOR vicariate APOSTOLIC OF
ZANZIBAR

Most Reverend John J. McCarthy, C.S.Sp.,
D.D., recently appointed Vicar Apostolic of
Zanzibar, was consecrated titular Bishop of
Cerina on October 20 at Nairobi, Kenya
Colony, East Africa.

Most Reverend David Mathew, D. D.,
apostolic delegate to the missions of
Africa, was the consecrator and co-conse-
crators were Most Reverend Joseph Ki-
wanuka, D.D., of Uganda, and Most Rever-
end Bernard Hilhorst, C.S.Sp., D.D., of
Bagamoyo. Most Reverend Joseph Byrne,
C.S.Sp., D.D., of Kilimanjaro, preached the
sermon.

The newly consecrated prelate's territory
includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba
and a large section of Kenya Colony. He
succeeds Most Reverend John W. Heflfer-
nan, C.S.Sp., D.D., who retired last year
because of ill-health.

missionary problems. The vacation is closed
by the annual retreat of one full week.

During the war the conditions were not
easy even in Rome. Most of the priests or-
dained each year during the war could not
depart and now students could not flow
in regularly. At one time there were about
100 priests in the College of Propaganda;
the largest group of priests in a single
house of Rome. Since the war, most of
these priests have been able to return to
their respective countries. The first group
of five African students returned to their
missions in 1945 and the rest are still in
Rome continuing their studies. Now the
College of the Propaganda, which is capable
of holding 200 students, is almost empty
and it is awaiting to receive new students
in large numbers from Africa and else-
where to carry on its important mission.

Therefore, the first attempt to send
African students to Rome was not at all a
failure. There is need of increased en-
couragement and support for sending more
and more from Africa to the College of the
Propaganda for the best interest of estab-
lishing solid foundations of the Church in
Africa and in view of the fundamental mis-
sionary principle: an indigenous clergy
from every nation, people or racial group
which is converted to the true faith.

TRAGIC DEATH OF A MISSIONARY

On Tuesday, September 24, 1946, the feast
of Our Lady of Mercy, the Very Reverend
Stanislaus Tessier, C.S.Sp., Superior of
Gare Mission, died between 9:45 and 10:00
A.M. His death was due to an accident
which occurred while he was felling trees
with a group of workmen. He was fortified
before death with the rites of Holy Church.

It was Father Tes-
sier's custom when at "
home in the mission
to look after the work
connected with the
new hospital he had
built these last years.
There were growing
near the hospital a
number of trees that
might be a danger to
it; he decided to re-
move them.

After his Mass,
breakfast and Office Father Tessier
on the day mentioned
above. Father Tessier went to direct the
felling of the trees. He directed five work-
men and help them. After one tree had
been felled and brought to the ground they
began work on a second, a tall tree, sev-
enty feet high and about one foot in diam-
eter at the base. They finished the cutting
at the base and then all joined in pulling
it dovm with the rope in the direction
chosen. They pulled. The tree yielded
and started to fall. Father Tessier ordered
all to safety. All ran, including himself.
He ran downhill to the shelter of the trees
in line with the one that was falling. In
falling the tree swer\'ed quite a distance
from the course planned for it and
caught Father Tessier just before he
reached safety. He was sixty feet from
the base of the falling tree when an upper
branch, lU inches thick, struck him. A
small broken stub pierced his head, made
a large gash on the right side, penetrating
to his brain. He also had a wound on the
crown of his head. The falling tree bounced
on a large stump and lay clear of Father
Tessier.

Nobody actually saw the accident. The
workmen returned after the tree crashed
and found Father Tessier lying wounded.
He never uttered a sound. His eyes were
closed and blood was flowing from his
mouth and nose and the deep wounds in his
head. He never regained consciousness.

One of the workmen, Morisi, urgently
called Father Moroz who gave Father Tes-
sier absolution. Father Joseph Sipendi was
told also and he went for the holy oils and
administered Extreme Unction.

The workmen went to the hospital and
got a bed on which they placed Father
Tessier and took him to his room. The
Sisters came and dressed the wounds. Fath-
er Moroz sent all the school children, who
were just at recess, to say the Rosary for
Father Tessier in the church and wrote to
the doctor to tell him what had happened
and to ask for his help, to a trained nurse
at Kongei to secure her services, and to the
District Commissioner. In the meantime.
Father Sipendi completed the sacrament of
Extreme Unction, gave Father Tessier the
last blessing and recited the prayers for
the dying with the Sisters and other help-
ers present. Father Tessier expired during
the prayers at about 9:45 A.M.

The news of the accident spread rapidly
and the people of Gare crowded the house,
wailing and weeping. To calm their emo-
tions the Fathers said the Rosary with

them. In the meantime the Sisters pre-
pared the body for burial. All day the
people of the neighborhood kept coming
to pay their respects to Father Tessier and
pray for the happy repose of his soul.

The Requiem Mass was sung on Wednes-
day, September 25, by Father Moroz.
Father Victor, O.S.B., of Ndanda, Father
Remers, C.S.Sp., of Morogoro and Brother
Timothy, C.S.Sp., came from Kivungilo
for the Mass and funeral. Mother Renata
and several of the Sisters from Kivungilo
also assisted. Father Tessier's body was
laid to rest in the Gare Cemetery after the
Mass, Father Moroz presiding at the burial.

Father Tessier was born January 10,
1887, at Monbert, Loire Inferieure, France.
He was ordained priest October 28, 1912,
and came to the Vicariate of Zanzibar in
1913. The First World War found him at
Bura and, called to the colors, he left for
France in 1914. He served all through the
war in France and Italy. On being de-
mobilized he left again immediately for
East Africa and, assigned to Kilimanjaro,
arrived October 5, 1920, in this vicariate and
has been here since. After spending a
short time in the Pare Missions, Kiswani
and Kilomeni, he came to Kilema.

He was assistant to Father Auguste
Gommenginger until 1929. His great work
in Kilema was the finishing of the church
and the building of the present school.
Both are great monuments to his zeal. His
work for souls, known only to God, is visi-
ble however in the splendid progress of
Christianity in Kilema, Kirua and Marangu.

In 1929 he left Kilema for Kondoa Iran-
gi, and there, too, he never spared him-
self. The marks of his labors there with
Father Krieger, founder of the mission,
are many — Mondo and Haubi and the many
schools. The piety and devotedness of the
faithful are an evidence of his spiritual

work. The progress of the evangelization
and education of the people was always his
aim everywhere.

In February, 1934, he was recalled to
Kilema and was charged with the duties of
pro-vicar and vicar delegate. He was at
the same time superior of Kilema and its
annexes. He worked day and night. He
was indefatigable. In 1937 he celebrated his
Silver Jubilee at Kilema.

After Italy entered World War II in
1940 and the Vicar Apostolic of Kiliman-
jaro assumed the administration of Dodo-
ma Prefecture, Father Tessier went there
as vicar delegate. He labored devotedly
and generously all during these hard years
in Dodoma, not only carrying the work
along but helping the Passionist Fathers
to advance it. He helped to finish the church
at Kurio and build a beautiful convent at
Kondoa, a school at Ikasi, encouraging the
activities of the Passionist Fathers in the
foundation of the African Sisters' Congre-
gation and the training of seminarians.

Father Tessier left Dodoma March 23,
1943, to take up work at Gare Mission in
the Usambara Mountains. He labored hard
in his new field for schools and for the
children. He built a very serviceable hos-
pital in Gare. He was planning a convent
for the Sisters of Our Lady of Kilimanjaro
and a large school. The Gare Mission will
be blessed by the sacrifice of his life.

His last words were words of charity for
the welfare of others. His last work was for
the sick and the suffering. He tried to
save the hospital from the tree. That tree
was his last cross, the last thorn to pierce
him. He had said Mass in honor of Our
Lady of Ransom that morning. God per-
mitted the accident and Father Tessier went
to his Father, his Master, his Sanctifier;
to Mary, his Mother, to receive the great
reward he so richly deserved. All feel that
a saint has passed from us and say so.

Student body of Holy Ghost Missionary College, Cormvells Heights, Pa. Father
Kettl, director, is in the center.

NEWS ITEMS trom the MISSION FIELDS of the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

PUERTO RICO

TOA ALTA— "Many thanks for the do-
nations for the three places. The Holy Ghost
really does take care of us here in Puerto
Rico. The check arrived at a very oppor-
tune moment; now we can pay some of our
debts and still have a little in the bank.

"They say that troubles always come in
a bunch and I believe there is some truth
in the matter. On November 27, the day
before Thanksgiving, a bolt of lightning
struck the dome over the main altar of the
church of Toa Baja. What the full extent
of damage is or will amount to I am un-
able to say; however, I have talked to the
insurance people and they told me to send
in a report of it." — Rev. Kenneth Milford,
C.S.Sp.

ARECIBO— "Many thanks for the $400.00
you sent for the chapel in Arrozal. I could
not get the chapel started as anticipated
but will definitely start next week. I have
all the supplies on hand (things that just
couldn't be had for any price before), and
the money, thanks to you. Father Hoeger
and the Extension Society. I finally re-
ceived the permit to build from the Civil
Construction Board in San Juan."- — Rev.
Joseph Sweeney, C.S.Sp.

HATO REY — "I received your very gen-
erous check and wish to express our deep
gratitude for same. It means so much
also in the way of encouragement. The
few windows that were missing for the
completion of the new school are now be-
ing installed." — Rev. R. J. Eberhardt,
C.S.Sp.

SANTANA— "Father Boyd has notified
me that you have sent me $.350.00 towards
the chapel of St. Ann to be built in the
mission of Santana. I am most grateful to
you and your office for this very generous
help.

"Prospects for building are at the pres-
ent rather remote. Conditions were ex-
pected to improve within a few months, but
now the coal strike will hurt considerably."
— Rev. Roland Cookson, C.S.Sp.

EAST AFRICA

MLINGANO — "The mission was closed
during the war. It's a tremendous thing in
space — nearly 800 acres. It's surrounded
on all sides by sisal plantations, miles and
miles of them. These plantations are as big
as the cattle ranches at home. There are
twelve plantations in this mission district,
each having a thousand or more natives
working on them. Mostly young men from
the wilds, they live in camps and therein
lies our work. Only a hundred are Chris-
tian— that's a fair average — in each plan-
tation.

"My present needs are few as this was a
regular mission. For the church is needed
an aspergillum, censer and boat, Mass cards
and for Easter, a paschal candle." — Rev.
F. X. O'Reilly, C.S.Sp.

WEST AFRICA

LUANDA — Archbishop Pinho will ordain
two native priests this month. The first of
the new native brothers to finish their
period of training will soon receive appoint-
ments. A new mission has been opened at
Lombe.

Recently enlarged chapel of Our Lady of
Hope, Esperanza, Puerto Rico

UNITED STATES

MANSURA, LA.— "Many thanks for the
fine donation from your office to this
growing mission.

"The building is coming along fine. Were
it not for a couple of days of rain last
week and this week, it would be roofed in
already. The kiddies are all waiting for
a big marble tournament inside in a fort-
night."— Rev. J. A. Mumaghan, C.S.Sp.

SANFORD, N.C.— "Things are beginning
to more here. I have a class of four men
taking instructions. Started last Thursday.
They came to Mass the last two Sundays
and I am hoping they will persevere. I
am expecting the class to grow!" — Rev. Wil-
liam P. Murray, C.S.Sp.

EDEN GARDENS, CALIF. "Many thanks
for your check. It will come in very handy.
Within the next week or so, we will begin
the escrow process for the church land in
Eden Gardens. The sum that you sent us
will be used to buy the land, thus saving
us from contracting a new debt. The price
of the land will be around $800. So we will
have two hundred left for other uses.

"Our new house is located, as you know,
about five minutes ride in a car from Eden
Gardens. We are getting closer to our par-
ish. Our next jump will be to Eden Gar-
dens. When that will be, your guess is as
good as ours. For a while, we were afraid
that we would have to go back and warm
the stalls for the racing season next year,
where we lived last year. But we were very
fortunate to get this house.

"I have everything that I need for the
celebration of mass and the administration
of the sacraments. Father LeGuyader sup-
plied me with practically all that I needed.
So we are, at present, fairly well equipped.
When we begin our new church, then I will
be at your door knocking. Until then you
can rest and get ready to hear from us." — ■
Rev. John T. Donahue, C.S.Sp.

HOLY GHOST FATHERS

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Washington 11, D.C.

MISSION NEWS

Postmaster: If undeliverable for any
reason, notify sender on Form 3547.

SEC. 562 P. L. a K.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT 5708

Holi| Ghost Fathers

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII— No. 1

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washineton 11. D. C.

JANUARY, 1947

HOW TO FIND A TAPEWORM—

BUT quick:

Somewhat over a year ago a kind friend
in Brooklyn sent us, through the diocesan
director of the Society for the Propagation
of the Faith, the sum of $100.00 towards a
microscope for the hospital in Kilomeni,
East Africa, in answer to a request from
Father Samuel J. Delaney, C.S.Sp., of Sea
Isle City, N.J.

The microscope was ordered immediately;
but you know how things are these days.
After many months of waiting it was even-
tually delivered. Then a few strikes in the
shipping business delayed its departure
for African shores. But patience paid off
in the end and the microscope finally
reached Kilomeni.

Was it well received after so long a
wait? Just read what Father Sam has to
say:

"At long last we have the microscope and
it would take reams of paper to let you
know the immense good it is doing already.
Our hospital is becoming more crowded
every day. Just to give you one instance
of the utility of the microscope: A young
boy came to the hospital a few days ago
claiming he had hookworm. The microscope
revealed no hookworm but did reveal tape-
worm. When the lad was told he had a
tapeworm, he laughed the Sister and our
little dispenser to scorn. Sister laughed and
said, wait and see. So she started the treat-
ment for tapeworm and the boy, the follow-
ing day, was dumbfounded. The laugh was
on him — he had a good big tapeworm and
got rid of it."

FIFTY-FIVE YEARS A PRIEST

Rev. Thomas J. Park, C.S.Sp., for twenty
years director of St. Joseph's House for
Homeless Boys, Philadelphia, Pa., died on
November 16 in St. Mary's Hospital, that
city, at the age of 78. He had been a
priest for fifty-five years.

Born in Pres-

ton, Lancashire,
England, Father
Park made his
first profession in
the Holy Ghost
Fathers in 1S02
at G r i g n o n,
France, a year
after his ordina-
tion.

In the same
year he came to
the United States
as subdirector of
scholastics at Du-
quesne Universi-
ty, Pittsburgh.
From 189.3 to
1896 he ser\'ed Father Park

as parish assist-
ant in Detroit, Mich., and Chippewa Falls,
Wis. In 1920, he was appointed director of
St. Joseph's House, where he remained until
1940, when he was named spiritual father
at the Holy Ghost Mission Seminary, Nor-
walk, Connecticut. For the last few months
he was in residence again at St. Joseph's
House.

Tlie new church of Holy Spirit parish, Kansas City

CALIFORNIA MISSION CHAPEL

HONORS OUR LADY OF

THE VALLEY

Most Rev. Charles F. Buddy, D.D., Bishop
of San Diego, recently dedicated the new
chapel at Hemet, Cal., named in honor of
Our Lady of the Valley. In his address at
the conclusion of the dedication ceremony
Bishop Buddy predicted that the parish
would flourish.

"We rejoice," he added, "in the fact that,
at the close of our tenth year as bishop of
this diocese, we have realized a long cher-
ished desire to bring the Holy Ghost
Fathers to this diocese."

Father James A. Hyland, C.S.Sp., is pas-
tor of the parish, founded Just a year ago,
and Father Paul J. Lippert, C.S.Sp., form-
er Army chaplain, is his assistant.

THREE MISSIONARIES LEAVE BY

PLANE FOR KILIMANJARO,

EAST AFRICA

Boarding a plane for Johannesburg, South
Africa, from La Guardia Field, New York,
three Holy Ghost Fathers began their jour-
ney for their mission posts in the Vicariate
of Kilimanjaro, East Africa, on December
12, 1946.

The three are Reverend Edward J. Bern-
acki, C.S.Sp., of Pittsburgh; Anton M.
Morgenroth, C.S.Sp., of Long Island, N.Y.;
and Remo J. Bonifazi, C.S.Sp., of Fitchburg,
Mass.

With stops at Natal, Brazil, Ascension
Island and Leopoldville, the plane arrived
at Johannesburg in five days. From there
they made their way up the East coast,
arriving at their final destination January 2.

This marks the first time that any of our
missionaries have gone to Kilimanjaro by
plane, although Very Reverend George J.
Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, flew there for a
visit of seven weeks last summer.

Several Fathers, as well as officials of
the Robin Line, which chartered the plane
especially for this trip, were on hand to
see the missioners off.

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN KANSAS
CITY DEDICATED

The new Holy Spirit chu;;cKat 25th and
Euclid, Kansas City, IfniffinB, was recently
dedicated by Most Reverend Edwin V.
O'Hara, D.D., Bishop of Kansas City. The
parish was begun in August, 1945, with
Reverend Clement A. Roach, C.S.Sp., as
pastor. It was under his direction that the
new church was built within less than
eighteen months after the foundation of
the parish.

The ceremony of dedication began with
a procession of the clergy. Knights of St.
Peter Claver, and the Holy Name societies
of Holy Spirit and St. Joseph parishes.
Reverend Richard J. Schumacher delivered
the sermon.

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers
at the Provincial House, 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washington 11, D. C, to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the Missions.

THE HOLY GHOST
MISSION LEAGUE

THE FIRST AFRICAN PRIESTS IN THE
COLLEGE OF PROPAGANDA FIDE,

ROME.

By Rev. Joseph Sipendi, Kilimanjaro,

East Africa

The Sacred Congregation for the Propa-
gation of Faith has one of the most import-
ant seminaries in Rome, known as the
Pontifical College of the Propaganda. This
college was founded by Pope Urban VIII
in 1627, having for its aim the formation
of students of all missionary countries for
the secular priesthood. From that time to
the present, a period of over 300 years
more than 6,000 priests of all nationalities
have been educated there.

The first African students for the priest-
hood made their appearance in the College
of the Propaganda in 1937. These were five
in number from various seminaries of Africa
and four of them were from the missions
under the care of the Holy Ghost Fathers.
In 1938 and 1939 eight more students
joined the group. The war prevented more
students coming to Rome from Africa and
other distant parts of the world. In 1942
a group of seven African students were or-
dained priests; the first authentic African
priests to appear in the College of the
Propaganda in Rome. In 1946 two more
were ordained.

The African students found the life in
the College of the Propaganda to be very
interesting and fitting for them, where
young men of many nationalities live to-
gether in perfect harmony. The College
of the Propaganda is in reality a wonder-
ful living mosaic of different colors.

Purpose

1. To foster greater devotion to God the
Holy Ghost, thereby to obtain more abun-
dant graces for the conversion of the pagan
world.

2. To support the missions of the Holy
Ghost Fathers, especially the missions in
Southern United States, Puerto Rico and
Kilimanjaro, East Africa, which have been
entrusted to the Holy Ghost Fathers of
the Province of the United States.

Membership

1. Besides the annual membership dues
of $1.00, each member will endeavor to en-
roll seven new members, in honor of the
Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

2. Life Membership: a donation of $10.00
entitles the donor to all benefits for life.

3. Deceased persons may be enrolled
either as Ordinary or Perpetual Members.

Benefits

1. Members share in all the prayers and
merits of the Holy Ghost Fathers through-
out the world, including remembrance in a
Mass offered monthly for their benefactors
by each of the more than two thousand
priests of the Order.

2. Special prayers are said daily for
benefactors in each community of the Order.

3. Each member will also be enrolled in
the Archconfraternity of the Holy Ghost
and will participate in all the spiritual bene-
fits of membership in that association. ■ j xi, r ^ <■ n ,„
m,» yjL lii-; f -yy^ enjoyed the summer climate of Rome,

^1^=^====-^==^==^=^= which was not less hot than our tropical

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN Africa and in winter we were provided

THE HOLY GHOST MISSION LEAGUE with suitable clothes and the building was

nicely heated.

Dear Father: We took our lectures in the Athenium

Please enroll in the HOLY GHOST c-f the Propaganda near the college This

,,Tc.cTrMvT TTTAf-TTTT Athenium, which is provided with the best

MISSION LEAGUl:. as a professors of Rome, has university facul-

( Annual-Perpetual tjgg of Philosophy, Theology, Missionology

Member) ^n^j Canon Law for the Missions, and it is

Deceased frequented by many other students from

Living different seminaries and institutions of

Rome. The ordinary course of studies is

o J i-c * „f ^o^v^K^r-oViir. tn- two years Philosophy and four years The-

Send certificate of membership to. ^^^^^ Students are then allowed to stay

longer in the college if they wish to con-
tinue their studies for the doctorate in

different subjects.

The students of Propaganda College spend

their summer vacation near the Pope's villa

(Mail this application to: The Mission at Castelgandolfo, about 15 miles from
Procurator, 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W., Rome. There we enjoyed lovely times in
Washington 11, D.C. sport, trips, and did practical studies of

African priests ^vith Archbishop Riberi,
former apostolic delegate to the missions of
Africa, pictured in Rome. Left to right:
Father Njoroge, Kenya Colony; Father
Joseph Sipendi, Kilimanjaro; Archbishop
Riberi; Father William Omio, Nigeria; and
Father Henry Cikuse, Nyassaland.

THE MIS.SIONS NEED . . .

A Baptismal Set

Father John Heelan is in need of
a baptismal set for his mission at
Frilot Cove, Louisiana. Cost:
$22.50.

Candelabra, Tabernacle

Father Francis X. Schillo asks for
a set of seven branch candelabra
for St. Peter Claver Church, Ok-
lahoma City, Oklahoma. He is
also seeking a tabernacle for the
main altar of the church. Price
of the latter: $200.00; of the for-
mer: varying.

Missals

Father Anthony J. Walsh is look-
ing for a missal for St. Daniel's
church, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Price: $30.00

BISHOP McCarthy consecrated

FOR vicariate APO.STOLIC OF '
ZANZIBAR

Most Reverend John J. McCarthy, C.S.Sp.,
D.D., recently appointed Vicar Apostolic of
Zanzibar, was consecrated titular Bishop of
Cerina on October 20 at Nairobi, Kenya
Colony, East Africa.

Most Reverend David Mathew, D. D.,
apostolic delegate to the missions of
Africa, was the consecrator and co-eonse-
crators were Most Reverend Joseph Ki-
wanuka, D.D., of Uganda, and Most Rever-
end Bernard Hilhorst, C.S.Sp., D.D., of
Bagamoyo. Most Reverend Joseph Byrne,
C.S.Sp., D.D., of Kilimanjaro, preached the
sermon.

The newly consecrated prelate's territory
includes the" islands of Zanzibar and Pemba
and a large section of Kenya Colony. He
succeeds Most Reverend John W. Heffer-
nan, C.S.Sp., D.D., who retired last year
oecause of ill-health.

missionary problems. The vacation is closed
by the annual retreat of one full week.

During the war the conditions were not
easy even in Rome. Most of the priests or-
dained each year during the war could not
depart and now students could not flow
in regularly. At one time there were about
100 priests in the College of Propaganda;
the largest group of priests in a single
house of Rome. Since the war, most of
these priests have been able to return to
their respective countries. The first group
of five African students returned to their
missions in 1945 and the rest are still in
Rome continuing their studies. Now the
College of the Propaganda, which is capable
of holding 200 students, is almost empty
and it is awaiting to receive new students
in large numbers from Africa and else-
where to carry on its important mission. ^
Therefore, the first attempt to send
African students to Rome was not at all a
failure. There is need of increased en-
couragement and support for sending more
and more from Africa to the College of the
Propaganda for the best interest of estab-
lishing solid foundations of the Church ir
Africa and in view of the fundamental mis-
sionary principle: an indigenous clergj
from every nation, people or racial grout
which is converted to the true faith. j

TRAGIC DEATH OF A MISSIONARY

On Tuesday, September 24, 1946, the feast
of Our Lady of Mercy, the Very Reverend
Stanislaus Tessier, C.S.Sp., Superior of
Gare Mission, died between 9:45 and 10:00
A.M. His death was due to an accident
which occurred while he was felling trees
with a group of workmen. He was fortified
before death with the rites of Holy Church.

It was Father Tes-
sier's custom when at
home in the mission
to look after the work
connected with the
new hospital he had
built these last years.
There were growing
near the hospital a
number of trees that
might be a danger to
it; he decided to re-
move them.

After his Mass,
breakfast and Office Father Tessier
on the day mentioned

above, Father Tessier went to direct the
felling of the trees. He directed five work-
men and help them. After one tree had
been felled and brought to the ground they
began work on a second, a tall tree, sev-
enty feet high and about one foot in diam-
eter at the base. They finished the cutting
at the base and then all joined in pulling
it down with the rope in the direction
chosen. They pulled. The tree yielded
and started to fall. Father Tessier ordered
all to safety. All ran, including himself.
He ran downhill to the shelter of the trees
in line with the one that was falling. In
falling the tree swerved ijuite a distance
from the course planned for it and
caught Father Tessier just before he
reached safety. He was sixty feet from
the base of the falling tree when an upper
branch, lU inches thick, struck him. A
small broken stub pierced his head, made
a large gash on the right side, penetrating
to his brain. He also had a wound on the
crown of his head. The falling tree bounced
on a large stump and lay clear of Father
Tessier.

Nobody actually saw the accident. The
■workmen returned after the tree crashed
and found Father Tessier lying wounded.
He never uttered a sound. His eyes were
closed and blood was flowing from his
mouth and nose and the deep wounds in his
head. He never regained consciousness.

One of the workmen, Morisi, urgently
called Father Moroz who gave Father Tes-
sier absolution. Father Joseph Sipendi was
told also and he went for the holy oils and
administered Extreme Unction.

The workmen went to the hospital and
got a bed on which they placed Father
Tessier and took him to his room. The
Sisters came and dressed the wounds. Fath-
er Moroz sent all the school children, who
were just at recess, to say the Rosary for
Father Tessier in the church and wrote to
the doctor to tell him what had happened
and to ask for his help, to a trained nurse
at Kongei to secure her services, and to the
District Commissioner. In the meantime.
Father Sipendi completed the sacrament of
Extreme Unction, gave Father Tessier the
last blessing and recited the prayers for
the dying with the Sisters and other help-
ers present. Father Tessier expired during
the prayers at about 9:45 A.M.

The news of the accident spread rapidly
and the people of Gare crowded the house,
wailing and weeping. To calm their emo-
tions the Fathers said the Rosary with

them. In the meantime the Sisters pre-
pared the body for burial. All day the
people of the neighborhood kept coming
to pay their respects to Father Tessier and
pray for the happy repose of his soul.

The Requiem Mass was sung on Wednes-
day, September 25, by Father Moroz.
Father Victor, O.S.B., of Ndanda, Father
Remers, C.S.Sp., of Morogoro and Brother
Timothy, C.S.Sp., came from Kivungilo
for the Mass and funeral. Mother Renata
and several of the Sisters from Kivungilo
also assisted. Father Tessier's body was
laid to rest in the Gare Cemetery after the
Mass, Father Moroz presiding at the burial.

Father Tessier was born January 10,
1887, at Monbert, Loire Inferieure, France.
He was ordained priest October 28, 1912,
and came to the Vicariate of Zanzibar in
1913. The First World War found him at
Bura and, called to the colors, he left for
PVance in 1914. He ser\'ed all through the
war in France and Italy. On being de-
mobilized he left again immediately for
East Africa and, assigned to Kilimanjaro,
arrived October 5, 1920, in this vicariate and
has been here since. After spending a
short time in the Pare Missions, Kiswani
and Kilomeni, he came to Kilema.

He was assistant to Father Auguste
Gommenginger until 1929. His great work
in Kilema was the finishing of the church
and the building of the present school.
Both are great monuments to his zeal. His
work for souls, known only to God, is visi-
ble however in the splendid progress of
Christianity in Kilema, Kirua and Marangu.

In 1929 he left Kilema for Kondoa Iran-
gi, and there, too, he never spared him-
self. The marks of his labors there with
Father Krieger, founder of the mission,
are many — Mondo and Haubi and the many
schools. The piety and devotedness of the
faithful are an evidence of his spiritual

work. The progress of the evangelization
and education of the people was always his
aim everywhere.

In February, 1934, he was recalled to
Kilema and was charged with the duties of
pro-vicar and vicar delegate. He was at
the same time superior of Kilema and its
annexes. He worked day and night. He
was indefatigable. In 1937 he celebrated his
Silver Jubilee at Kilema.

After Italy entered World War II in
1940 and the Vicar Apostolic of Kiliman-
jaro assumed the administration of Dodo-
ma Prefecture, Father Tessier went there
as vicar delegate. He labored devotedly
and generously all during these hard years
in Dodoma, not only carrying the work
along but helping the Passionist Fathers
to advance it. He helped to finish the church
at Kurio and build a beautiful convent at
Kondoa, a school at Ikasi, encouraging the
activities of the Passionist Fathers in the
foundation of the African Sisters' Congre-
gation and the training of seminarians.

Father Tessier left Dodoma March 23,
1943, to take up work at Gare Mission in
the Usambara Mountains. He labored hard
in his new field for schools and for the
children. He built a very sen'iceable hos-
pital in Gare. He was planning a convent
for the Sisters of Our Lady of Kilimanjaro
and a large school. The Gare Mission will
be blessed by the sacrifice of his life.

His last words were words of charity for
the welfare of others. His last work was for
the sick and the suffering. He tried to
save the hospital from the tree. That tree
was his last cross, the last thorn to pierce
him. He had said Mass in honor of Our
Lady of Ransom that morning. God per-
mitted the accident and Father Tessier went
to his Father, his Master, his Sanctifier;
to Mary, his Mother, to receive the great
reward he so richly deserved. All feel that
a saint has passed from us and say so.

>St»rte/i< l>o<ly of Holy Ghoat Mis.-iwnuri/ Culleyt. CuiiiatlU Heii/lit^. i'u. Fniiitr
Kettl, director, is in the center.

NEWS ITEMS trom the MISSION FIELDS of the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

PUERTO RICO

TOA ALTA— "Many thanks for the do-
nations for the three places. The Holy Ghost
really does take care of us here in Puerto
Rico. The check arrived at a very oppor-
tune moment; now we can pay some of our
debts and still have a little in the bank.

"They say that troubles always come in
a bunch and I believe there is some truth
in the matter. On November 27, the day
before Thanksgiving, a bolt of lightning
struck the dome over the main altar of the
church of Toa Baja. What the full extent
of damage is or will amount to I am un-
able to say; however, I have talked to the
insurance people and they told me to send
in a report of it." — Rev. Kenneth Milford,
C.S.Sp.

ARECIBO— "Many thanks for the $400.00
you sent for the chapel in Arrozal. I could
not get the chapel started as anticipated
but will definitely start next week. I have
all the supplies on hand (things that just
couldn't be had for any price before), and
the money, thanks to you. Father Hoeger
and the Extension Society. I finally re-
ceived the permit to build from the Civil
Construction Board in San Juan." — Rev.
Joseph Sweeney, C.S.Sp.

HATO REY — "I received your very gen-
erous check and wish to express our deep
gratitude for same. It means so much
also in the way of encouragement. The
few windows that were missing for the
completion of the new school are now be-
ing installed." — Rev. R. J. Eberhardt,
C.S.Sp.

SANTANA— "Father Boyd has notified
me that you have sent me $350.00 towards
the chapel of St. Ann to be built in the
mission of Santana. I am most grateful to
you and your office for this very generous
help.

"Prospects for building are at the pres-
ent rather remote. Conditions were ex-
pected to improve within a few months, but
now the coal strike will hurt considerably."
—Rev. Roland Cookson, C.S.Sp.

EAST AFRICA

MLINGANO — "The mission was closed
during the war. It's a tremendous thing in
space — nearly 800 acres. It's surrounded
on all sides by sisal plantations, miles and
miles of them. These plantations are as big
as the cattle ranches at home. There are
twelve plantations in this mission district,
each having a thousand or more natives
working on them. Mostly young men from
the wilds, they live in camps and therein
lies our work. Only a hundred are Chris-
tian— that's a fair average — in each plan-
tation.

"My present needs are few as this was a
regular mission. For the church is needed
an aspergillum, censer and boat. Mass cards
and for Easter, a paschal candle." — Rev.
F. X. O'Reilly, C.S.Sp.

WEST AFRICA

LUANDA — Archbishop Pinho will ordain
two native priests this month. The first of
the new native brothers to finish their
period of training will soon receive appoint-
ments. A new mission has been opened at
Lombe.

Recently enlarged chapel of Our Lady of
Hope, Esperanza, Puerto Rico

UNITED STATES

MANSURA, LA.— "Many thanks for the
fine donation from your oifice to this
growing mission.

"The building is coming along fine. Were
it not for a couple of days of rain last
week and this week, it would be roofed in
already. The kiddies are all waiting for
a big marble tournament inside in a fort-
night."— Rev. J. A. Mumaghan, C.S.Sp.

SANFORD, N.C.— "Things are beginning
to more here. I have a class of four men
taking instructions. Started last Thursday.
They came to Mass the last two Sundays
and I am hoping they will persevere. I
am expecting the class to grow!" — Rev. Wil-
liam P. Murray, C.S.Sp.

EDEN GARDENS, CALIF. "Many thanks
for your check. It will come in very handy.
Within the next week or so, we will begin
the escrow process for the church land in
Eden Gardens. The sum that you sent us
will be used to buy the land, thus saving
us from contracting a new debt. The price
of the land will be around $800. So we will
have two hundred left for other uses.

"Our new house is located, as you know,
about five minutes ride in a car from Eden
Gardens. We are getting closer to our par-
ish. Our next jump will be to Eden Gar-
dens. When that will be, your guess is as
good as ours. For a while, we were afraid
that we would have to go back and warm
the stalls for the racing season next year,
where we lived last year. But we were very
fortunate to get this house.

"I have everything that I need for the
celebration of mass and the administration
of the sacraments. Father LeGuyader sup-
plied me with practically all that I needed.
So we are, at present, fairly well equipped.
When we begin our new church, then I will
be at your door knocking. Until then you
can rest and get ready to hear from us." —
Rev. John T. Donahue, C.S.Sp.

Native home in Tanganyika Territory,
East Africa

Do You Wish To Become a Missionary Priest or Brother?

Send for information about the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

Dear Father:

Please send me information about the Holy Ghost | ^^^'^^""^ '-' | (Check one)
and the requirements for admission. '- ^""others U J

Name Age

Street address Phone:

City and State Zone

School Grade

(Tear off and send to the Vocation Director, Holy Ghost Fathers,
1615 Manchester Lane, N. W., Washington 11, D. C.)

Our Province

Volume 16 FEBRUARY, 1947 Number 2

FATHER THOMAS J. PARK (1868-1946). . .

In him the dreamer and the worker met. . .

THE PERSONAL TAX . . .

On the province. . .not on the individual. . .The well oflF contribute. . .the less well off take
back with one hand what is paid out by the other. . .

RETURNED MISSIONARIES . . .

Are to be assigned to a definite community for the duration of their stay in the province. . .

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER . . .

We take legal root in sunny California. . .

OURSELVES, INCORPORATED . . .

A new department where we meet to glorify in our infirmities and to record good work
well done. . .combining the "new" of a post-war world with the "old" of the war years. . .
Puerto Rico, Africa, and Fribourg will also be here when their correspondents get organ-
ized. . .

AVIS DU MOIS . . .

It took only one instance to vow ourselves to perfection. . .but we must keep up this
throughout our lives. . .this we must not forget. . .

FERVOR

CHARITY

SACRIFICE

Our Province

Official

February, 1947

Vo". l6

No. 2

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Plunkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washineton 11, D. C. U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc., 1511 Guilford Ave.,
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

OSfcial I'J

Avis Du Mois 19

The Personal Tax 20

Returned Missionaries 22

California Charter 23

Fr. Thomas Park (1868-1946) 2.S

New York to Moshi, 1946 26

Act of Abandonment 27

Ourselves, Incorporated 28

Ticker Talk 30

The A No. 1 Nurse 31

Vatican Felicitates Holy

Childhood 32

Bulletin:

St. Stanislaus, Pittsburgh, Pa 32

Personal Tax Form 33

Arrivals:

At Moshi, Tanganyika, East Africa,
December 26, 1946, by plane, Fathers
Anton P. Morgenroth, Remo J. Boni-
fazi, and Edward J. Bernacki.

At Miami, Florida, January 15,
1947, via "The Defender," P.A.A.,
from Kingston, Jamaica, B.W.I.,
Fathers Peter Becker, Wilhelm Blass,
Siegfried O. Eckert, Peter Gross, Ja-
cob G. Grossmann, Arnold Humpert,
Martin Kirschbaum, Hugo Kuster,
Heinrich Lemmens, Martin J. Ling-
scheidt, Johannes M. Schreier, Albert
O. Schroll, Gerhard A. Seifried, Gott-
freid Thelen, Johann Vonderwinkel,
Joseph H. Wehning, and Brothers
Baldomir (Franz R.) Hermanns, Ful-
rad (Franz) Poensgen, Remigius (An-
ton F.) Kney.

Legal change of name:

Father John P. Janczukiewicz has
been granted the legal right to change
his name to Father John P. Janczuk.

Promotion:

Fathers Paul J. Lippert, and John
\. Strmiska, to Major, USAR.

Pray for Mr. Thomas O'Reilly who
died in Waterbury, Conn., January
15, 1947. He was the brother of
Fathers F. X. O'Reilly of East Africa
and James P. O'Reilly of Puerto Rico.

I nder date of January 28,
1947, the Very Rev. Francis
Griffin, councillor general, was
appointed Visitor to the Pro-
vince of the United States.

In Residence:

Father John L. Hasson, Philadel-
phia, Pa., Our Lady of the Blessed
Sacrament.

Father Simon J. Stark, Detroit.
Mich., St. Mary.

Father Colman C. Watkins, Phila-
delphia, Pa., St. Joseph's House.

In our prayers for all our deceased during the month of March we re-
member especially the following confreres who were members of our Province.

Brother Artheme Valleix
Father Matthew Heitzmann
Father Joseph Boehr
Father Michael Ward
Father Stephen Zarko
Brother Ludolf Schoenrock
Father Lawrence Farrell
Father Thomas Molloy
Father Anthony Jaworski
Father Theodore Maniecki
Father Francis J. Vomdran
Father Robert Tobin

March 2, 1945

March 3, 1917

March 3, 1945

March 7, 1908

March 9, 1942

March 13, 1927

March 14, 1934

March 19, 1928

March 24, 1909

March 25, 1929

March 25, 1946

March 28, 1900

Requiescant in Pace

76
79
74
42
44
60
65
59
64
52
38
44

Avis Du Mois

(October-November 1946)

■pjY OUR religious profession wc
bound ourselves to belong entire-
ly to God, not only by abandoning
external goods and renouncing sensu-
ual pleasures, but above all by giving
to God, in the person of His represen-
tative, what, in us, is best and most
intimate, our will, our liberty.

We did not act blindly. We had
received adequate instruction during
the twelve months of our novitiate.
We understood full well that pro-
fession is a contract between God
and our soul. And this contract is
primarily concerned with God's rights
over us, but also with our own true
interest. For, to obey God is to serve
Him, and this enables us to merit
eternal life. Again, having been called
by God to a higher perfection of love,
we promised Him formally to obey,
not only His commandments, but His
counsels in regard to the three vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience.

It took only one instant to vow our-
selves to perfection, and that was
easy! But we must keep this up
throughout our life, and this is what
many religious lose sight of. They
forget that those who have embarked
in the service of God, in the company
of Our Lord Jesus Christ, must stick
to it unto the end, in spite of storms
and tribulations. We realize that the
life we have chosen is not a life of
complete repose. On the contrary, it
is a warfare, a life of interior strug-
gles, and victory will not be won, ex-
cept by means of renunciation. This
is the teaching of Our Lord, "If any
one will come after Me, let him re-
nounce himself, take up his cross

19

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY, 1947

daily and follow Me!" This renuncia-
tion of worldly pleasures is not ac-
complished without much suffering;
it involves the carrying of the burden
of daily crosses.

But these crosses of religious life,
often heavy and numerous would be
of no avail, if we did not bear them
with love, following in the steps of
our Master. Now, to follow Our
Lord means to obey His lawful
representative, the Superior, when he
commands us or recalls to us the re-
spect due to the Rule.

In Religious life, obedience is full
of merits and advantages: It makes us
act for God, since through obedience
we submit to men for His sake;

It actuates the virtue of humility,
for obedience prompts us to subordi-
nate our will to another human will,
to accept the direction of another re-
ligious, whose only title to superiori-
ty may be, not any personal worth,
but mei'ely his actual position in auth-
ority;

It is, above all, a source of tran-
cjuility and security, for it gives to
him who obeys, an assurance that he
is not mistaken and that he is pleas-
ing God.

Does that mean that this virtue is
"asy to practice? By no means, but
that is one reason why it is so meri-
torious.

Many are the obstacles in the way

of obedience:

Pride, inborn in man, and which obe-
dience tries to curb and subjugate;

Presumption, which makes us imag-
ine that we do not stand in need of
obedience;

The spirit of independence, which is
manifest all around us, and poses
with an air of superiority;

Human respect, which makes us

afraid of showing obedience, of ap-
pearing as subjects;

Softness of will in the presence of
duty.

To combat these obstacles, a re-
ligious needs proper weapons: A
spirit of faith, which makes him see
God in his Superiors and in his Rule;

Humility which teaches him self-
distrust;

The example of Our Lord, Who was
"OBEDIENT UNTO DE.A.TH."

*L. L. H.

The ichole of government consii^ts
(»; the art of being honest. — Jefferson.

The Personal Tax

On December 4, 1945, the Genera!
Council, in virtue of the powers
granted it for this purpose by the
last General Chapter, made the fol-
lowing decisions:

1) The Personal Tax levied on all
members of the Congregation, both
Fathers and Brothers, is increased to
4,000 francs a year.

2) The method of collection is de-
termined as follows: Payments are
to be made every three months, in
amounts of 1,000 francs at a time, in
the currency in use in the area in
which the paying Province or District
lies, and on the basis of 50 francs
per dollar or 200 francs per pound
sterling.

3) This ruling takes effect as of
.January 1, 1946. Further directions
will be given later regarding the
methods of accounting to be adopted.

3) All Fathers and Brothers are
included under this decision, whatso-
ever be their circumstances or the
state of their health, be it good or
bad. Further determinations, if neces-
sary, will be made on this point later.

5) One-half of this tax goes to the
Province of origin; one-fourth is
turned over to the General .Adminis-
tration; and one-fourth reverts to the
district in which the individual Father
or Brother is working.

Some remarks and clarifications are
called for in explanation of this rul-
ing. For the moment the following
may be of use to our confreres as a
practical guide.

It was the General Chapter of 1896
that first decided upon the Personal
Tax as the only means of making it
possible to carry out certain arrange-
ments of our Constitutions. The task
of devising some workable method of
collection was entrusted to the Gen-
eral Procure. All this was fifty years
ago, at a time when there was a total
of 800 Fathers and Brothers subject
to the tax.

The system then devised is now no
longer practicable; today we number
almost 3,000. Transfers of funds are
no longer free of controls; foreign
exchange rates are unstable. Hence
arises endless work and troublesome
complications. It is the proper time,
now that the war is over, to set up
a new system that will, we trust,
work out better for all concerned.

Henceforth the tax is to be paid
every three months, in the proper
currency of each country, for every
member of the Congregation under 70
years of age, sick or well, and re-
gardless of his function, whether it be
in administration, in teaching or in
parish work. Payments are no longer
recorded daily, installment for each
quarterly period is to be paid in a
lump sum. These simplifications will
not require any additional work; on
the contrary, they will reduce the
number of necessary accounts.

However, it must be emphasized
that, as the General Chapter of 1896
viewed it, the Tax is not levied on
individual members but on the Prov-
inces, Districts and Principal Com-
munities in proportion to their sizes.
But in what other way could their re-
spective sizes be justly estimated than
by taking the numbers of confreres
working there as a basis ?

The new element introduced in this
latest decision should be to the ad-
vantage of all concerned. For Pro-
vincial Superiors and Principal Su-
periors other than Superiors of Prin-
cipal Communities, the new ruling
establishes an income, one-fourth of
the Tax, which assures them of in-
dependence and assists them to meet
their general expenses.

Once these points are clear, the de-
tailed analysis of the new decision
should prove much easier.

COM.AIENTARY ON THE DECREE

Article 1: The tax for the Brothers
is exactly the same as that for the
Fathers. Otherwise there would be
required a disproportionate increase
in the tax for the Fathers, a step
which would have worked out badly
for the most common type of house in
the Congregation, the Residences. The
Superior General's closing remarks on
this decree bring out clearly the fact
that this arrangement is no imposition
on anyone.

Article 2: a) The Tax is to be paid
at the end of each quarter; this rul-
ing is for the general good. It is
easier to make the payments in four
installments and the treasuries of the
various provinces of origin will there-
by be guaranteed a more steady in-
come.

b) Up to now a daily record of pay-

OUR PROVINCE. FEBRUARY. 1947

20

merits was kept; this meant that
more than a million entries had to
be checked through each year.

Hereafter the quarterly payment is
to be made in one lump sum.

On the sixteenth of each of the
months of February, May, August,
and November of each year Superiors
will make out a list of the person-
nel under their jurisdiction as of that
date and will send this list in to the
General Procure.

Nothing is to be paid for confreres
whose names have been deleted from
the list because of death or changes
during the first six weeks of the
quarterly period. On the other hand,
if a change or death should occur dur-
ing the second six weeks of the peri-
od, payment is due for that entire pe-
riod. It is apparent that one of these
determinations compensates for the
other. The same rule, applied in re-
verse, holds for new members. Con-
freres on leave outside their Province
or District are bound to the tax.
Changes are effective only when they
are published in the Official Bulletin
of the Congregation or of the Prov-
ince. Hence it is to the advantage of
Superiors to set in order as quickly
as possible the exact status of con-
freres who leave their jurisdiction
without planning to return. The young
Fathers are not subject to the tax un-
til six months after they have made
their Apostolic Consecration. New
Brothers are not included until six
months after their appointment.

For example, the young Fathers
who made their Consecration in July,
1946, are included in the list of per-
sonnel for February 16, 1947, even
thcugh they may not have reached
the place to which they have been ap-
pointed; their tax is due for the first
ouarter of 1947.

c) Payment of the tax is to be
made in the money of the country in
which the District, Province or Prin-
cipal Community is situated, except
where particular circumstances de-
mand otherwise. Any other proced-
ure would cause injustices; some
would be taxed too heavily, others too
lightly; some Provinces would re-
ceive too much, the portion received
by others would be ridiculously small.
In many cases the Mother House is
unable to collect funds and further-
more, even when it can obtain pos-
session of the money, it is prevented
from redisbursing it to foreign coun-
tries. Heiico instructions of the Gen-
eral Procure must be awaited as to

viieie, when and how the tax is to be
paid.

For the Congregation as a whole
this tax corresponds to an average
levy of 80 Masses per year on each
confrere. It is worth noting that in
1896 the tax corresponded to 150
Masses per year. Perhaps some will
think that advantage is being taken
of them. For such the General Pro-
cure will try to obtain stipends large
enough to cover the amount involved
in the tax.

The accompanying chart of com-
parative charges gives a picture of
just v.hat is demanded by this ses-
sion of the General Council, Decem-
ber 4, 1945, and shows that, when ex-
ch.inge rates have been considered,
the amounts levied are for all practi-
cal purposes the same for everybody.

The exchange values have been set
so as to make the work of redistribu-
tion and accounting as light as possi-
ble; decimal fractions have been
dropped so as to eliminate extra work
for everybody. It is of course to be
understood that any drop in exchange
rates will call for a reevaluation of
the tax as soon as circumstances per-
mit; for example, when stipends in-
crease.

The General Procure has Masses
available at 50 colonial francs for
any of the French Colonies interested.
From 1946 on, the tax from these
colonies is to be paid in colonial
francs, to the amount of 4,000.

Article 3: The Tax has been col-
lected on this basis since March .31,
1946, under the supervision of the
General Procure, in such a way as to
count towards the quarterly pay-
ments. A list of personnel for Febru-
ary 16, 1946, was sent in by each Su-
perior and was used as a starting
point.

Henceforth the General Procure
will take complete charge of all cal-
culations relative to the tax. As was
stated in Article 2, on the sixteenth of
the months of February, May, August
and November of each year, the Pro-
vincial and Principal Superiors will
draw up according to the new form
given in Appendix I a list of their
personnel as of that date and will
send it on by air-mail to Paris. Those
who are late will be taxed as we judge
proper.

This system is very simple and re-
duces the work entailed to a minimum,
provided a careful record is kept in
a separate book of changes in person-
nel through deaths, departures, re
appointments, etc., just as they occur-

It will be necessary to give particular
care to the listing of Provinces of ori-
gin— a relatively simple matter for in-
dividual Superiors and a very difficult
one for the General Procure.

Provinces which have very large
communities can ask local bursars to
make up the list of personnel for their
respective houses. Then the Provin-
cial can draw up the list for the Pro-
vince.

Article 4: All members of the Con-
gregation— Bishops, Vicars and Pre-
fects Apostolic, Fathers and Brothers
— are included under the Tax. The
mentally ill, the canonically exclaus-
trated, and scholastics doing work as
Prefects are not included, nor are
Brothers who have made their first
vows but are not yet appointed. In
addition, confreres who are in their
seventieth year are exempted from the
tax — hence all those born in 1876 or
before, even though they are still
active.

The members of the General Ad-
ministration and the sick are not ex-
empted. The Mother House has its
own funds and it has the obligation
of contributing to the Province of
origin of its various members. And
as for the sick — there are very few
Fathers who are no longer able to say
Mass and very few Brothers who are
in capable of doing at least some work.
Furthermore the individual dues will
be that much lessened in this way, and
besides, all the aged are exempted
even though they are still working.

With respect to houses of train-
ing. Principal Superiors have been
pointing out to us some serious dis-
proportions. Those who are well off
have the duty of contributing towards
the common good; those who are less
well off will take back with one hand
what they have paid out with the
other. The same is true of the new
Provinces.

The tax is paid by the Procurator
of the Province or District and not
directly by individual confreres, even
if they are off on leave, (cf. Art. 5-b).

Article 5: a) It is the General Pro-
cure that collects the ta.x, and it is
up to it to redistribute it to the prop-
er parties. One-fourth is turned over
to the General Council to be disposed
of as permitted by the Constitutions.
One-half goes to the Province of ori-
gin for the training of aspirants and
the care of the sick.

The remainder is allotted to the
Superiors of Provinces or Districts.
They are now beginning to be respon-
sible for rather large expenditures on

21

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY. 1947

travel, their own residences, propa-
ganda, and so forth. It is fitting that
the General Administration come to
their assistance by assuring them in-
dependent and personal funds for
which they are responsible to their
council only, under the supervision of
the General Procure, under whose con-
trol all funds of the Congregation ul-
timately lie. The Superiors of Dis-
tricts will request this money from
the General Procure, which will for-
ward it to them.

Needless to say, this does not in-
volve Superiors of Principal Commun-
ities nor ecclesiastical superiors who
are at the same time Religious Su-
periors in smaller missions. They do
not have the expenditure referred to
above. In their case the last fourth
of the tax reverts to the Genera!
Council sub titulo boni, as explained
in Constitution 2(12.

Religious Superiors will make an
annual report to the General Procure
on the use they have made of their
portion of the tax.

b) As soon as they have received
word from the Mother House concern-
ing the amounts to be paid in. Pro-
vincial and District Procurators begin
to work on the determination of the
tax due for each community.

The Provincial and his Procurator
are charged with the task of allotting,
according to needs, the half of the
tax which goes to the Province for
training of aspirants and care of the
sick. They will restrict these allot-
ments to houses of training or re-
treat houses which cannot support
themselves.

This commentary seems to have an-
swered all possible questions. In prac-
tice certain exceptional cases and per-
haps some difficulties regarding ap-
plication will arise. These should be
presented to the General Procure
which will give them careful study
and will make every effort to find a
fair solution.

(Signed) Jean Letourneur, C.S.Sp.
General Procurator.

Paris.

August 20, 1946.

For Form and Comparison of
Charges see page 33

Returned Missionaries

'X'HE General Procurator has re-
ceived requests for more specific
directions regarding returned mis-
sionaries. It may be worthwhile to
bring together the pertinent refer-
ences to be found in the Constitutions
and in the General Customary.

Returned missionaries awaiting re-
appointment are those who have left
their mission district without any
hope of going back to it but who
are still without any definite new ap-
pointment. These are considered to
be attached to the Province or Dis-
trict in which they are actually liv-
ing. The religious superior sends them
to a community, to which they then
belong. This community is responsi-
ble for their personal tax. Mission-
aries in this category are to turn in
to the bursar an account of Masses
said outside community as well as
of their receipts and expenses.

Those who have permission to live
outside community deal directly with
the Provincial Procurator, who is to
receive their accounts and pay their
personal tax.

Missionaries back on temporary
leave are those who have come home
only for a rest and who are to go back
to their mission. These belong to their
Mission District and it continues to
pay the personal tax for them.

Sometimes it happens that con-
freres return from the missions with-
out knowing whether or not their
health will allow them to go back
again; only after a prolonged stay
are they able to know what they can
do. These are still considered to be
missionaries back on temporary leave
and the mission continues to pay their
tax. However, at the end of a year the
religious superior and the provincial
will arrange with the Superior Gener-
al to have these made available for
another appointment if there is no
hope for their early return to the
Missions.

Article 344 of our Constitutions
states that in all that concerns the
religious life missionaries back on
temporary leave are subject to the
Superior of the Province in which
they are staying.

The General Customary, in speak-
ing of this point, directs that, after a
fitting stay, with their families, re-
turned missionaries — those on tem-
porary leave as well as those back and

awaiting a new appointment — are to
be assigned by the Provincial to a
definite community for the duration
of their stay under his jurisdiction.

The house which in this way re-
ceives a returned missionary is to pro-
vide him his ordinary maintenance.
If he is a priest, it gives him Mass in-
tentions and keeps the stipends; it
gets all that he earns by his indus-
try in particular work, ministry, and
so forth, with the exception of what
has been given him for his Mission.

The Mission continues to be respon-
sible for only extraordinary expenses,
such as rest cures, operations, medi-
cal care. As regards expenditures for
travelling, these should, as far as
possible, be charged to the families
visited.

However, if a confrere on tempor-
ary leave or awaiting reassignment
should be given a new appointment,
from that very date these extraordin-
ary expenses become the responsi-
bility of the Province or District to
which he is sent.

Formerly Missions were not re-
quired to pay the personal tax for
missionaries away on temporary leave
(Constitution 344), but these individu-
ally, by way of recompense, had to
turn in to the General Procurator the
stipends for the Masses they had said
while outside community. (General
Customary, 497:3)

From now on, according to the new
arrangement, the stipends for Masses
said during prolonged stays outside
community go to the Mission, which,
in turn, pays the tax.

According to these rulings, every
missionary, whether Father or Broth-
er, after being assigned to a particu-
lar community by the Provincial or
the Principal Superior, is considered
to belong to that house and is entitled
to the free and complete upkeep guar-
anteed by the Constitutions, which in-
cludes laundry, repair of clothes, writ-
ing paper and stamps, pocket money,
ordinary small travelling expenses,
and so forth. A priest does not have
to pay board for the days on which
he offers Mass for the Superior Gen-
eral, for the dead of the month, and
for his own intentions once a month.
Expenses for slight passing illnesses,
such as colds, are paid for by the
community. If he be a Brother who
cannot work or a Father who cannot

OUU PROVIN'CE. FEBRUARY. 1947

say Mass, his boarding expenses do
not thereby revert to the Mission; the
community still pays these expenses,
but it will be assisted, if necessary, by
the Provincial Procurator who receives
for this purpose half the personal tax.

The Mission continues to be respon-
sible for only extraordinary medical
care required by an illness or disabil-
ity contracted on the missions. In
the case of missionaries who are
awaiting reassignment, this responsi-
bility does not continue beyond a year;
after this time has elapsed they are
considered to be permanently reat-
tached to the Province.

If missionaries back on temporary
leave should do some work of out-
standing value for the community in
which they are living — for example:
teaching, propaganda work, or an im-
portant manual labor project, — it is
fitting that, when leaving, they be
given compensation in the amount of
the tax paid out for them by the Mis-
sion during their stay.

Should a missionary back on tem-
porary leave occasionally spend a few
days in a community other than that
to which he has been assigned by the
Provincial, he has his choice of say-
ing Mass for the intention of the bur-
sar or of paying his board and keeping
the stipends for his mission. (General
Customary 497). This latter will of-
ten be the preferable procedure as, on
the books, missionaries are frequently
charged for inordinately high ex-
penses.

Bursars are urged to make their
charges reasonable; some give the im-
pression of having extra charges for
the very vegetables from their gar-
den— which, after all, cost them noth-
ing. It is enough for them to concern
themselves with their real expendi-
tures; missionaries will respect them
for not being too grasping and it will
be a nice way for bursars to do
something for the missions.

On the other hand, in the real
Procures of the Congregation, where
the continual coming and going of
confreres causes heavy expenses, con-
freres will follow closely the rules in
effect in each of these houses regard-
ing charges for board.

This arrangement seems as though
it should satisfy everyone. It should
be acceptable to the Missions which
must pay the personal tax, since mis-
sionaries awav on temporary leave
will say enough Masses outside Com-
munity to cover the tax. And it should
satisfv the Provinces inasmufh as
they will receive a portion of the tax

California Charter

MINUTES OF FIRST MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE CONGREGATION OF THE

HOLY GHOST AND OF THE
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

The first meeting of the Board of
Directors of THE CONGREGATION
OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OP
THE IMMACULATE HEART OF
MARY was held in the City of River-
side, California, on the 31st day of
December, 1946, the following Di-
rectors being present: James A. Hy-
land, Paul J. Lippert, Maxim T.
Therou, John T. Donohue, Charles F.
Trotter.

Upon motion duly made, seconded
and unanimously carried, the follow-
ing officers were declared duly
elected :

President: George J. Collins,

Vice-President: James A. Hyland

Secretary-Treasurer: Paul J. Lip-
pert

The code of By-Laws was then pre-
sented to the meeting for considera-
tion and upon motion duly made, sec-
onded and unanimously carried, the
said code of By-Laws was adopted
as the By-Laws of this corporation.

There being no further business to
come before the meeting, the same
was declared adjourned.

Paul J. Lippert,

Secretary
.\TTEST:

George J. Collins
President.

BY-LAWS

of

The Congregation of the Holy Ghost

and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility. Membership
in the corporation shall be limited to
not less than five nor more than ten
priests who are members in good

for returned missionaries more than
sufficient to pay the upkeep of those
who cannot say Mass or do any work.
(Signed) Jean Letourneur,
General Procurator.
Approved by the General Council
October 12, 1946.
Countersigned by:

^Louis Le Hunsec, Superior General.
Paris, November 30, 1946.

standing, in the United States of
America, of the ecclesiastical Society
established under the Canon Law of
the Roman Catholic Church under the
name of The Congregation of the
Holy Ghost and of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary, and who are appointed
as members of the corporation by the
Superior of said Society in the United
States of America. Rights of member-
ship in the ecclesiastical Society above
named are separate from and not in
any way connected with the rights of
membership in this corporation, and
the fact that one is a member of the
aforesaid Society does not, per se,
give him any right or rights of mem-
bership in this corporation.

Section 2. Termination of Member-
ship. Any member of this corpora-
tion who shall withdraw or resign as
a member or who may be relieved by
the Superior of his duties as a mem-
ber, or who may be expelled or other-
wise relieved from his obligation to
the Society, shall immediately, with-
out any action on his part or on the
part of the corporation or its officers,
forfeit all rights of membership in
the corporation.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The

annual meeting of the members of the
corporation shall be held on the last
Thursday of the month of May in
each year at such time and place with-
in or without the State of California
as shall be named by the President
of the corporation.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special
meetings of the members of the cor-
poration shall be called by the
Secretary whenever ordered by
the President and shall be held at
such place within or without the State
of California as the President may
designate.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings. No-
tice of the time and place of the an-
nual and of each special meeting shall
be given to each member of the cor-
poration by written or printed no-
tice delivered to such member in per-
son or sent by prepaid registered mail
addressed to such member at his post
office address as it appears on the
records of the corporation. Such no-
tice shall state the time and place of
meeting and shall be delivered or de-
posited in the mail as aforesaid at

23

OUK PROVINCE, FEBRUARY. 1947

least five days prior to the date of
the meeting, unless such notice shall
have been given in person.

Section 4. No notice of the time,
-place or purpose of any regular or
special meeting shall be required if
every member entitled to vote is pre-
sent or if such members entitled to
vote as are not present waive such
notice in writing. Any meeting may
be adjourned from time to time and
no notice need be given of any ad-
journed meeting if the adjournment
be to a certain time and place. Only
such business shall be transacted at
an adjourned meeting as might have
been transacted at the original meet-
ing, unless new notice in accordance
with these By-Laws is given.

ARTICLE III

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Appointment. The Board
of Directors shall be composed of not
less than five members of the cor-
poration who shall be members of
the Society and who shall be elected
by the members annually.

.Section 2. Vacancies. Vacancies oc-
curring in the Board of Directors
shall be filled by appointment by the
remaining Directors and any Director
so appointed shall hold office for the
unexpired term and /or until a succes-
sor is elected or qualified. Any Direc-
tor who shall cease to belong to the
Society either by leaving said Society
or by being dismissed therefrom, or
who shall permanently be removed
from the United States and the -Ameri-
can province of said Society, shall
forfeit his office.

Section 3. Powers and Duties. The
Board of Directors shall have the
power generally to conduct the busi-
ness and manage the property of the
corporation in accordance with the
laws of the State of California and
these By-Laws. The affirmative vote
of a majority of the Board of Direc-
tors shall be sufficient approval of
any action of said Board taken at any
meeting thereof. In the event that
the vote upon any matter before a
meeting of the Board of Directors is
equally divided, the President shall
have the right to cast a second and
deciding vote. The Board of Directors
shall have full authority to exercise
all the powers of the corporation and
shall have like authority in employ-
ing and removing such persons and
agents as it may deem necessary and
in determining and fixing their com-
pensation. The Board of Directors
may from time to time and as they

may deem necessary or advisable dele-
gate authority as they may deem
necessary to any one or more mem-
bers of the Board acting as a com-
mittee in order that business may be
transacted with promptness and dis-
patch. The President shall ex officio
be a member of all standing commit-
tees.

Section 4. Meetings. Regular meet-
ings of the Board of Directors shall
be held as soon as conveniently may
be after the first meeting of the in-
corporators and at such other times
as the Board shall by rule provide.
The Directors may hold such meet-
ings whenever called together by the
President. All meetings shall be held
in such place within or without the
State of California as the President
may determine.

Section 5. Notice of Meetings. No
notice need be given of regular meet-
ings of the Board of Directors. Rea-
sonable notice of the time and place
of every special meeting of the Board
of Directors shall be given by the
President or upon his order by the
Secretary either personally or by
telephone or by prepaid registered
mail sent addressed in each case to
each director at his last known place
of residence not less than five days
prior to said special meeting. Any
director may waive notice of any
meeting and the presence of a direc-
tor at any meeting shall be considered
as such waiver.

Section 6. Quorum. The attend-
ance of a majority of the Directors
in office, either in person or by proxy,
shall be necessary and sufficient to
constitute a quorum at any meeting
of the Board for the transaction of
business, but less than a quorum may
adjourn a meeting from time to time.
Any director may vote by proxy in
writing upon any matter coming be-
fore a meeting of the Board of Di-
rectors.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

Section 1. Enumeration of Officers.

The officers of the corporation shall
be a President, a Vice-President, a
Treasurer and a Secretary who shall
be members of the corporation. The
officers of the corporation shall be
elected by the Board of Directors. The
offices of Secretary and Treasurer
may be filled by one person.

Section 2. Vacancies. Vacancies in
any of the said offices may be filled
for the unexpired term by appoint-

ment by the President, and such ap-
pointed officer shall ser\'e until the
next annual meeting and until his
successor has been elected and quali-
fied.

ARTICLE V

POWERS AND DUTIES OF

OFFICERS

Section 1. President. The President
shall have the general management
and direction of the property and busi-
ness of the corporation. He shall pre-
side at all meetings of the corpora-
tion and Board of Directors. With the
Secretary, he shall execute, in behalf
of the corporation, when authorized
by the Board of Directors, all deeds,
mortgages, leases and conveyances,
transfers and contracts of the cor-
poration.

Section 2. Vice-President. The Vice-
President, in the absence or disability
of the President, shall exercise all the
duties and functions of the Presi-
dent, and shall perform such other
duties as may be assigned him by the
President.

Section 3. Treasurer. The Treasurer
shall collect and receive all moneys
that may be due the corporation and
shall have the custody of all the funds
and securities of the corporation. He
shall sign all checks, promissory
notes and bills of exchange of the
corporation. He shall keep books of
account in which shall be entered the
receipts and disbursements and all
financial transactions of the corpora-
tion. He shall make reports of the
financial condition of the corporation
at the annual meetings. He shall per-
form such other duties as are incident
to this office or as may be prescribed
by law.

Section 4. Secretary. The Secretary
shall, except as othenvise provided
in these By-Laws, attend to the giv-
ing of all notices of meetings to the
members and to the Directors. He
shall attend such meetings and shall
act as clerk of the same and shall
keep the minutes of the proceedings
thereof. He shall be the custodian of
the seal of the corporation and shall
affix the same to all instruments re-
quiring a seal after the same shall be
executed as required by these By-
Laws. He may be empowered by the
Board of Directors to sign or counter-
sign checks of the corporation.

ARTICLE VI
CORPORATE SEAL

The Corporate Seal of the corpora-
tion shall be circular in form and shall
bear the name of the corporation and
the place and date of incorporation.

OUR PROVINCE. FEBRUARY, 1947

24

ARTICLE VII
WAIVER OF NOTICE

Any member or director of the cor-
poration may in writing waive any
notice required to be given to him by
these By-Laws. Notwithstanding any
want of notice of the time and place
and the business to come before any
meeting the action taken at such
meeting shall be legal if the same is
assented to in writing by all entitled
to vote with respect to said action or
if at said meeting all entitled to vote
are present in person or by proxy.

ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be added to,
amended or repealed at any meeting
of the Board of Directors by a ma-
jority vote, provided that written no-
tice shall have been given to each di-
rector in person or by letter sent by
registered mail to his place of resi-
dence at least five days prior to the
meeting that it is proposed to add to,
amend or repeal a provision of the By-
Laws, as the case may be, and pro-
vided further that such notice shall
state the substance of the proposed
addition or amendment or of the pro-
vision which it is proposed to repeal.

ARTICLE IX

NOMENCLATURE

It is hereby provided that where-
ever the word "Corporation" is used
in these By-Laws, it shall refer to
"The Congregation of the Holy Ghost
and of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary," incorporated under the laws
of the State of California, and where-
ever the word "Society" is used in
these By-Laws, it shall refer to the
"ecclesiastical Society."

The foregoing were duly approved
and adopted as By-Laws of the cor-
poration at the meeting of the Board
of Directors held on the 31st day of
December, A.D., 1946, by the vote
of the majority of the members of
said Board.

George J. Collins, Pres.

James A. Hyland, Vice-Pres.

Paul J. Lippert, Sec'y-Treas.

Maxim J. Therou

John T. Donohue

Charles F. Trotter

Resistance to tyrants is obedience
to God. — Jefferson.

Father Thomas J. Park^ C. S. Sp.

(1868-1946)

PATHER Thomas Park was one of
the simplest and most childlike
men one could ever meet, although his
simplicity and childlikeness were of a
class by themselves. At any and all
times his active mind was engaged
in thinking up plans for the better-
ment of the entire world and for any
particular part of it and it mattered
not to him that often times his plans
did not work out as he thought they
should. Some of his schemes were
those that had been sold to him by
some talker or by some honey-tongued
self-seeker, for he was in many ways
the most gullible of men, and at times,
he was led into paths of action that
were not always for the best inter-
ests of the charge he held.

There can be no doubt but that
Father Park was a pious man, a good
priest and a fervent religious. He kent
his religious rule and attended his
religious and priestly exercises with
a regularity that was at all times ex-
tremely edifying. As for so many
others his expression of his piety was
done in his own particular way, so
it is not to be wondered at that he
took special means to spread his own
favorite devotions, and it mattered
not to him that others might not feel
the impact of these devotions. But
the devotions he fostered were al-
ways those which had the sanction
and approbation of the Church.

There were as many facets to the
character of Father Park as there are
to a finely cut diamond. He could
when he wanted be as humanly wel-
coming as a mayor's reception com-
mittee and on the other hand he could
when he wanted be as distant and
impersonal as a Western Union mes-
senger boy. He could assume the
grand manner when he thought the
occasion warranted it and he could
be as icily correct as tail coat and
white tie. From whatever source his
mannerisms stemmed, he nevertheless
was at all times himself and his in-
dividualism was as basaltic as the
ridges of a mountain. In him the
dreamer and the worker met and
commingled, with, perhaps, just a
little more of the dreamer than the
worker. Withovit any auestion of
doubt in his long life of priestly zeal
he accomplished many thing.s, but he
had far more expansive visions than
those he brought to fruition. It may

be that Arthur O'Shaughnessy is
right when he says that dreamers
must ever live a little apart and cer-
tainly Father Park lived a little
apart from the confreres, not in the
physical manner of his life but in the
inner recesses of his own private life.

It may well be that some of the
explanation of Father Park's charac-
ter might be found in the fact that
his native town was Preston, Lanca-
shire, England, the town which is re-
puted never to have given foothold
to the Protestant Reformation. Per-
haps the ruggedners of the battle
against error and change came down
to him from the forebears who held
out so valiantly against the various
onslaughts made on their faith. May-
hap the atmosphere of his native
land so entered his blood that ho
never overcame it. It was on Febru-
ary 26, 1868, that he first saw the
light of day in his native Preston. It
was in the schools of that town, too,
that he received his primary educa-
tion, and upon his completion of the
grammar grades, he entered Stony-
hurst. Fpr two years he pursued his
studies there and then took up the
study of philosophy at Chevilly with
the intention of becoming a member
of the Congregation. On October 28,
1891, he was ordained to the priest-
hood and on August 15, 1892, he made
his religious profession at Grignon
and consecrated himself to the apos-
tolate.

He was assigned to the province of
the United States and he began his
work in this province as subdirector
of scholastics in Pittsburgh, although
he remained such only until 189.3 when
he was made assistant in St. Mary's,
Detroit, and found ample scope for
his energy and zeal. In 1896 he be-
came assistant in Notre Dame, Chip-
pewa Falls, Wisconsin, and in 1903
he w'as appointed pastor of that par-
ish. In his latter days. Father Park
looked back with a great deal of pleas-
ure to the days he spent both as cur-
ate and pastor in the parish in Chip-
pewa Falls. During his time there he
saw the parish plant renovated and
expanded, a new high school building
erected and the work of the parish
continued and kept robust. In the
declining years of his life, Notre
Dame gave place in his affections only
to St. Joseph's House. In 1910 he was

25

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY, 1947

transferred from the pastorate of No-
tre Dame to that of the Church of
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, a
parish lately given to the Congrega-
tion's care in Philadelphia. The
plans that Father Park had for tho
parish were great. He visualized a day
nursery, a school, a shrine to Our
Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and a
constant progress in the work of the
spread of the faith among the colored
of the northern section of Philadel-
phia.

The work dearest, however, to the
heart of Father Park came to him in
1920 when he was appointed Director
of St. Joseph's House in Philadelphia.
From the day of his first assignment
to it until the day of his death he kept
an abiding love for it and the home-
less boys it sheltered. His predeces-
sors in the office of Director of the
Houre had done a commendable and
beneficial work and had solidly laid
the foundations. They had been ani-
mated by the thought that there
should not be about the House any at-
mosphere of an institution and for
that reason had been content to have
it housed in a number of adjoining
buildings which from the outside
looked what they were, private
homes. Father Park considered that
the expanding influence of the House
needed expanded facilities and he
therefore set about the task of ac-
qumng a new site and erecting a new
plant which would be modem and up-
to-date in every respect. The mod-
ern plant of St. Joseph's House is the
result of his work and his planning.
For twenty years he directed the in-
stitution and in that time his accom-
plishments are written in the history
of the printing department he estab-
lished, the high school he founded, the
tailoring shop he inaugurated, the car-
pentering shop he organized, the shoe-
repairing shop he began and the
manifold plans he promoted to bring
the institution to the benevolent at-
tention of thousands of people. In
1938 the Golden Jubilee of the House
was celebrated with a gathering of
friends and former residents and gave
evidence of the lasting influence which
the House has and has had on the lives
and characters of the young men for-
tunate enough to have been residents
of it.

In 1940 the numerous calls made
upon his time and energy began to
take their toll of Father Park and he
began to find the control of the in-
stitute more and more difficult. His
Superiors thought it best to relieve

him of the burden, although he him-
self did not feel that it was too much
for him. In that year he was ap-
pointed Spiritual Father to the scho-
lastics of Ferndale and took up his
residence there. As he did in all his
charges. Father Park brought to the
now task great plans for the spiritual
and intellectual advancement of the
young scholastics. For four years he
remained in Ferndale, promoting de-
votion to the Little Flower, to St.
Joseph and in every way urging the
scholastics on to more and more spirit-
uality. But he was convinced that he
war, capable of far more work and
he refused to recognize the limita-
tions placed upon him by advancing
age. In 1941 he celebrated the gold-
en jubilee of his ordination, but there
was no indication that he bowed to
the inevitability of lengthened years.
His heart and mind, however, were in
St. Joseph's House and he longed to
go back there. He deeply but religious-
ly resented his being changed from
it and he saw no reason for the change
and made known his mind on the mat-
ter. His Superiors sent him to Corn-
wolls where he would be r^-nr the 'r"^'!
of his heart's desire. In June of this
year he went to live at St. Joseph's
House, but his days were numbered.
On November 16, 1946, he died in St.
Mary's Hospital, Philadelphia. His
funeral was held from the Church
of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacra-
ment with Father Provincial singing
the Mass and Father Valentine J. Fan-
dray, speaking the last words over
him. Father Park's body was laid
to rest in the community cemetery in
Cornwells where he sleeps in the
peace his long life deserves for him.
R.I. P.

New York to Moshj,
1946

PRAYER

To thoe, 0 Lord, I turn my face, to
thee I direct my eyes. — (Tob. 3, 14).

Prayer is good with fasting and
alms, more than to lay up treasures
of gold. (Tob. 12, 8).

When thou didst pray with tears,
and didst bury the dead, and didst
leave thy dinner, and hide the dead
by day in thy house, and bury them
by night, I offered thy prayer to the
Lord. (Tob. 12,12).

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek
and you shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened to you. (Matt. 7,7).

\Jf/E HAD good flying weather after
leaving La Guardia Field. Little
can be seen from the big planes
especially when one is sitting on the
middle aisle above the wing. We ar-
rived in Trinidad about 10 o'clock and
left shortly before midnight for Natal.
Some of us caught some sleep during
the night but many found it trying.
Before Natal we had half an hour
of rough flying due to the hot air
rising from the coast. Natal is about
I') miles from the airport. We were
put in former oflticers' barracks on the
field. I found it quite comfortable but
many of the passengers, represent-
ing the worst elements of South
Africa, made it difficult for the crew
of the plane. The immense airfield is
now very quiet, the Americans having
withdrawn. It looks depressing and
brutal.

We left the following morning for
Ascension Island, where we arrived
about 4 o'clock, losing time constant-
ly while going east. The Island is a
bare extinct volcano, with a small
town on the other side from where
the airport is cut into the mountain.
On the airfield are about 60 American
soldiers. The medical officer, a Cath-
olic from Boston, was begging to
have Mass said, but we had no kit,
and would hardly have had time.
Their lives are difficult on this hot
and desolate island. (Missionaries
know this. Ed.). They see the same
movies over and over again. Most
were young men, new in the army.
.■Vt least we could hear some confes-
sions.

We left before sunset, and after
another night of flying with little or
no sleep for most, arrived in Leopold-
ville the next morning. The town is
a few hundred miles inland, on the
left bank of the Congo, opposite Braz-
zaville, where our Fathers are sta-
tioned, and where, as I was told, there
is a statue of Bishop Augouard, one
of the great pioneers of our order,
of whom we know so little in the
States. (Some know him well. Ed.)
After long and annoying formalities,
we left for the hotel in town. The
town is well laid out, with many
trees and flowers, but apparently not
too healthy. There are many swamps
around, and the river is very wide,
just below Stanley Pool. We saw
the Fathers, Beligian Scheut Fathers,

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY, 1947

26

who thought it would be better if we
stayed at the rectory, in view of a
regulation by the Apostolic Delegate,
that all priests passing through should
stay there. They had about a thou-
sand Fathers passing through during
the year, for and from the immense
territory of the Beligian Congo. The
Fathers were very kind and gener-
ous. We had the first taste of Cath-
olic African hospitality.

We left the following morning. The
flight to Johannesburg, about nine
hours, was a little rough, due again
to the hot air rising from the bare
country of Angola and the Kalahari
desert of Bechuanaland. We arrived
in the afternoon and after about two
hours of waiting and formalities we
went by car to the city, about 12
miles away. This ride gave to the
other two Fathers a foretaste of the
excessive ugliness of Johannesburg,
since we were passing constantly
through mine dumps and slums (of
Africans and poor whites), of which
the richest city in the world has
quite a few, to understate the case.
We could not stay at the cathedral,
where four priests were already visit-
ing, and we were taken to the Good
Shepherd Sisters, a few miles from
the center of the city, in the suburbs
of the rich. I hope it did not impress
the other Fathers too unfavorably
with South Africa, and Johannesburg,
in particular, since the supremacy of
of the white master race is built on
the most shameless slavery of six mil-
lion Africans. (Father Morgenroth,
the writer of this, lived and worked in
Johannesburg as a layman, before he
became a Catholic. Ed.) They did
get some idea of conditions, and from
a visit to Alexandra Township, a na-
tive settlement outside the city. The
violent language of the Prophets or
of Leon Bloy would still be too mild
to speak of this location. It is the
logical result of a civilization built
on stupidity, greed, pride, untempered
by any true values.

Two attempts to leave South Africa
failed, due to sickness of a pilot and
bad weather. We finally left on a
chartered plane returning to England,
built for five passengers, with one
other passenger besides us. The first
day we did not go further than
Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, due to
bad weather ahead. We slept in a
hotel, but were able to say midnight
Mass in two Dominican convents. The
English Jesuits there again took won-
derful care of us. Southern Rhodesia,
too, is cursed by white supremacy in-

terests, blinding, as in South Africa,
the master race to justice and charity.
It requires heroic sanctity to see the
the truth and act accordingly, when
one's temporal interests are bound
up with existing conditions. It is a
real tragedy if people have a vested
interest in injustice, murder and rob-
bery. It should make life very un-
comfortable for Catholics aware of
the implications of the Incarnation.
I hope criticism of these things will
not be the monopoly of Communists,
who are living on our sins.

The next day the weather was bad,
and we had to wait until two o'clock
before we could take ofl'.] We flevy to
Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, a real
African town, with about 800 Europe-
ans, who pass their time sleeping,
working, and drinking. It is quite
tropical there, and during the wet
season now very green and unhealthy.
We were able to say Mass the next
morning in the small church, in
charge of Italian Franciscans. The
Prefect Apostolic there received us
well. It seems that Ordinaries in the
missions put their hands to anything.
(In the U. S. also! Ed.) He was help-
ing us in the morning at .5 o'clock in
getting ready for Mass, lighting the
candles, etc. It was Christmas day,
and people were still celebrating
shortly before we rose for Mass.

Due to bad weather in the morn-
ing, we left only about 10 o'clock the
next morning, and after stopping for
lunch in Kasama, Northern Rhodesia,
we had to stop over again in Tabora,
Tanganyika. The Bishop came to
the hotel to take us to the mission,
in charge of the White Fathers.
Again we found a very generous re-
ception. The Bishop, a French Cana-
dian, was bom in Chicago. The Fath-
ers were Irish, English, Dutch, Swiss.
The country there is flat and hot.
There are all sorts of unpleasant
beasts, such as lions and buffalo.

The next morning we went on the
last hop, 2 1/2 hours, to Moshi. This
was by far the most enjoyable part
of the journey. We flew over high
mountains, and began to see Kibo
when about 150 miles away. The
view of Kibo, Meru and Mawenzi,
when close, is magnificent.

We landed safely in Moshi, Decem-
ber 27, where Father Costelloe was
waiting at the airport. He took us
to the police for immigration formal-
ities. There was no difficulty. Then
he took us to the mission in Moshi,
where some of the Fathers greeted

us. Then we went right on to Ki-
bosho, to see the Bishop.

1 do not have to describe the coun-
try. There are men in the States now
better qualified to do so. But even
Belloc would not be able to give an
idea of the grandeur and beauty of
the country around the mountain,
and of the missions of Kibosho and
Kilema.

The Bishop and the Fathers, among
them Father Garstkiewicz, received
us well. It seems that any new face,
however ugly, is a pleasant interlude
in the missions.

The next day we drove to Kilema-
Chini. Two of us are staying at the
Minor Seminary, Father Bernacki at
Kilema, until further notice. I do
not know when we will get our ap-
pointments. It may not be before
retreat next month.

It would be too early to make any
observations. The two things which
so far struck me most are the mar-
vellous hospitality of all Fathers and
Sisters we met so far in Africa, and
the beauty of the country around the
mountain, and the tremendous work
that must have gone into building up
these great missions. — A.M.

AX ACT OF ABANDONMENT TO
GOD

My sweet Jesus, Thou knowest well
that I am nothing, am capable of noth-
ing, am worth nothing. Behold me as
I am!

In Thy great mercy, take me, if it
be agreeable to Thee. I abandon, 1
deliver myself into Thy hands; I de-
sire naught besides.

Will for me and in me! Lord Jesus,
act in me! Turn me this way or that
way, according to Thy own good plea-
sure!

If, sometimes, I resist Thee, pay
no attention, my good Master. It is
not I who wish to withstand Thy love,
hut this wretched wicked flesh of
mine.

I renounce it, and will to renounce
it for ever and ever!

Be Thou blest! Well beloved of my
soul, because in Thy unfathomable
charity, it is Thy wish to receive and
take me, a vile and despicable man.

But since Thou favorest me with
this grace, I intend, henceforth, to
live and move only in Thee and for
Thee, my Master, my King, and my
Life! — Venerable Libermann, C.S.Sp.

27

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY. 1947

Ourselves, Incorporated

Our Levites

CORNWELLS— Christmas in Corn-
wells was peaceful because the noise
makers were indulging their talents
elsewhere. Too much peace, however,
is not good for the nerves, so in ac-
cordance with plan, the scholastics
returned on January 3 and 4. Bodily,
that is; their minds took a few ex-
tra days at home. Some poet would
do well to write an ode on the mighty
courage of junior scholastics return-
ing from home after the holidays to
the prospect of January examinations.

During the holidays Brother Gott-
fried was taken to St. Agnes Hos-
pital to attempt a convalescence from
a persistent weakness and some
rheumatism. We are happy to report
that he is again with us, improved
somewhat. Brother celebrated his
82nd year during this month.

On January 5, Father Mangan bid
his adieu to the community. On Janu-
ary 10, he embarked for Tanga, East
Africa. Part of his stay in the United
States was spent on our faculty teach-
ing the elements of English and Latin
grammar, an endeavor fully the di-
mensions of anyone's missionary zeal.
Comwells thanks him for his help
and will pray for his success.

Mr. Raymond Schenkel, C.S.Sp.,
of Femdale, joined our teaching staff
temporarily. He is recuperating from
an illness and expects to continue in
Femdale next year.

Our gym is vibrating to the bas-
ketball during every recreation. Two
leagues, junior and senior, have been
formed, each being composed of five
teams. The teams bear the names of
well-known collegiate teams. An ela-
borate schedule is in effect. The vars-
ity has lost not a game yet, one of
its notable victories being that over
the Lambertville Elks, the home-
team of Coach Father Sheridan.

The scoop of the month is, of
course, the arrival in our midst of
sixteen fathers and three brothers,
formerly of Benue and Onitsha,
Southern Nigeria, all members of the
German province.

(Seven years ago these confreres
together with some 1,500 other Ger-
man and Italian Nationals were trans-
ported from West Africa by His Ma
jesty's Government to Up-Park In-

ternment Camp, Kingston, Jamaica,
B.W.I. , December 3, 1940, after hav-
ing been in protective custody in
Port Harcourt, etc., since June 13,
1940.

On January 11, 1947, they were
finally released unconditionally after
long, tedious, technical, difficult and
complicated negotiations between our
Department of State, the British Em-
bassy, the Colonial Office, the Holy
See, Cardinal Griffin, Bishop Emmet,
S.J., (of Jamaica) and the provincial
of the Province of the United States.

Ten fathers still remain interned
in Jamaica up to this writing. They
will leave for England Feb. 8 on tho
British troopship Carthage for even-
tual retransfer to Germany.

Fathers Provincial and Joseph B.
Hackett accompanied them by rail di-
rect to Comwells on the "Florida
Special" from Miami, Florida, where
they arrived Januarv 15. by PAA
plane "The Defender." Father EuTcre
L. Lavery, captain. Chaplain at Pratt
General Hospital, Coral Gables, Flori-
da, was also on hand at the Miami
airport to greet them. Ed.)

In the name of the province, the
Cornwells Community is very happy
to welcome these nineteen confreres.

RIDGEFIELD— The few days re-
maining after the Christmas retreat
were spent in cleaning and decorat-
ing the house. Then came the event
long anticipated, Midnight Mass in
the Novitiate. Everything tended
to make the ceremonies impressive.
The singing made one think of the
angels singing on the first Christmas
morn.

The novices went to Femdale dur-
ing the vacation, an event in their
lives. We wish to express our ap-
preciation for the fine entertain -
inert we received. It is undeniable
that the spirit in Ferndale cannot be
L eaten; but to say that Ferndale is
luore beautiful than Ridgefield is fal-
lacious.

Sledding and ice-skating were the
favorite pastimes during the vacation.
Ice-skating held the spotlight during
the first days, but had to surrender
it to sleddmg when old man winter
gave the new year a birthday gift of
a white mantle of snow.

The community was gladdened by
the return of Brother Cartius from
the hospital after a long absence of
four months. He manages the
crutches well, but claims that he will
do wondei-s when he gets his artificial
leg.

The weatherman would have a
tough time if he had to predict the
weather according to the sky over
Ridgefield. Looking out from one
side of the house it may look like a
spring day, but on the other side it
would probably look like snow. The
other day during "Tu autem" some-
body made the remark that it looked
like snow; somebody else on the other
side exclaimed, "Hey. isn't that a
ger.'.niule on that tree?"

FERXD.VLE — With examinations
only two weeks in the offing our holi-
day spirits have been somewhat
chilled by the thoughts of approach-
ing disaster. Now that every room
in the house boasts a new calendar,
however, we like to feel that the
back of the current school year is
broken and short is the time before
June rolls around, bringing with it
achievement in one form or another
to all of us-

On December 21 we enjoyed a dog-
matic disputation in the assembly
hall. One of the Fourth Year the-
ologians did a masterful job in de-
fending the thesis that Christ's death
on the cross was not a strict com-
mand. Despite divergent opinions in
regard to the thesis itself, we all left
the hall with very precise notions and
a keen realization of the problem.
Those members of the Fourth Year
who had been out on ministry the
first Sunday of December followed a
retreat rule for the rest of the day.
This counted as their quarterly day
of recollection prescribed by our Rule.

Christmas vacation began after
the last afternoon class on December
23. The following day was spent in
cleaning and decorating the house in
traditional Ferndale fashion and the
Nativity was ushered in by the chant-
ing of Matins at 3:30 P.M. Carols
were sung through the corridors to
call us to the chapel for meditation
at the crib. Midnight Mass, celebrated
by Father Lechner, was followed by
Lauds and, after a lunch, we retired
in the early hours, of the morning.

During the vacation we enjoyed a
novel evening, technically termed
"monster stamp nite," by its promo-

OUn PROVINCE. FEBRUARY. 1947

23

ters. Not only did we succeed in
sorting all the stamps on hand but
we were entertained for an hour or
so with a "radio program," originat-
ing in the hallway leading from the
recreation room to the porch and
broadcasted over the public address
system.

An old and much missed custom
was revived when the novices jour-
neyed down from Ridgefield to spend
December 30 with us. Movies were
shown during the afternoon and a
lunch was served before they left. We
sincerely hope they may be able to
repeat their visit before coming over
to stay in August. Prom past experi-
ence we all know the tonic effects of
an occasional trip to Femdale dur-
ing the novitiate year.

Regular classes were resumed on
January 2, and no time was lost in
renewing our acquaintance with dog-
matic theses, proofs from reason, and
term paper techniques. Our first
recollection day of the new year was
held on Jan. 5, the vigil of the Epip-
hany. Solemn Compline was chanted
at 8:30 that evening.

On January 9 the diocesan priests
gathered here for their monthly day
of recollection. Father Edward Lodge
Curran gave the conferences which
the Fourth Year Theologians were
privileged to attend. Father Curran
spoke to the assembled Community
at 4:00 P.M., and, despite his rather
spirited delivery, convinced most of
those present of the prevalence of
shallovi- thinking in the world today.
His talk exemplified the statement
of the classic orator: Si vis me flere,
dolendum est primum ipsi tibi.

In addition to those already men-
tioned, our visitors this past month
have been Fathers Fitzgerald, Kirby,
Leonard, Eugene ■ Moroney, McHugh,
James O'Reilly, Petersen, and Dia-
mond. Father Kirkbride recently as-
sumed his duties as director of the
Femdale Retreat League. We wish
him every success in his work.

Duquesne

Retreat League he founded there in
1935. He took with him our warmest
wishes and prayers for success.

Several administrative appoint-
ments made last week just about
complete our official family organ-
ization. Father Lauritis assumed the
post of director of University pub-
lic relations and executive secretary
of the alumni federation; Father
Holt took over the office of director
of student welfare; Father Federici
added the portfolio of faculty mod-
erator of athletics; Mr. John Davis,
associated with Duquesne athletics
for the past twenty years, is the new
Director of athletics and Kassian
Kovalchek the new football coach.

Our basketball team continues to
have the angels with it, much to the
universal joy out here. All our fu-
ture opponents have already tasted
defeat and the chant "On to Madison
Square Garden, N. Y.", increases in
volume with each new victory. The
fact that the team won its first elev-
en games on eleven different floors
has the experts digging into the rec-
ord books.

No doubt you've heard the notorie-
ty surrounding our cancelled games
with Tennessee and Miami. We've
nothing sensational to report at this
end beyond the fact that we decided
to stand on principle at the expense
of two fat box-office checks.

We haven't closed our 1947 foot-
ball schedule to date, although you
may have read of our booking the
University of San Francisco on the
coast for October 5. By the time you
read this, you may already know
that we will also play Geneva, West-
ern Reserve, Detroit, Mississippi
State, N. Carolina State, and possi-
bly Vanderbilt and two other oppon-
ents.

^■O bad news this month, thank
God. All Fathers feel fit, in-
terested in their work and contented.
At this writing, examinations occupy
the major part of their time and
thinking.

Father Kirkbride has left us to re-
turn to Femdale as Director of the

Rome

During the Octave of the Immacu-
late Conception, the first disputation
of the academic year was held at the
Gregorian University. A young Sa-
lesian of the fourth year (my class)
defended the Thesis "The Assumption
of our Blessed Mother into Heaven
is formally contained in Revelation,
and therefore proximately defineable,"
amid a setting of unwonted publicity
and ceremony. An elaborate program
had been arranged. The Polyphony
choir of the University gave a stirr-

ing rendition of an ancient chant in
honor of our mothers to commence
the exercises, and aptly closed with
a hymn in honor of our Blessed Lady;
there was a violin solo between the
arguments of the two objectors, the
piano accompaniment of vi'hich was
rendered by Father Deiss, C.S.Sp., an
Alsatian scholastic of the French Pro-
vince (a remarkable musician he is).
It was a public disputation because
the question is now being discussed
throughout the Catholic world. In-
vitations had been sent to all the Uni-
versities in the city: the Angelicum,
the Lateran, and the Propaganda.
The Dominicans present were there,
in my opinion, not to defend the
great Garrigou-Lagrange, who was
one of the objectors, but to sabotage
the place. We mentioned this to one
of them, and he enjoyed the joke. In
all there were nine Cardinals present,
together with over thirty bishops. It
was the greatest gathering of clerics
of all ranks and families that I have
ever seen. There must have been
well over four thousand seated and
standing in the hall itself and thi'
gallery which surrounds it.

The young defendant carried him-
self well. His Latin was very fluent,
and his enunciation clear. There was
no diffculty in hearing him because
there were loud speakers all over the
vast hall. The exposition of the
thesis, although it contained nothing
essentially new was coherent and lo-
gical. His refutation of the objec-
tions was apt and satisfying.

Father Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.,
was the center of attraction, for it is
well known here in Rome that he can
pick the flaw in any argument no
matter how involved, and is always
a formidable opponent. His objection
on this occasion was very much to the
core of the problem. He presented it
with spirit and assurance. Everyone
admired the skill with which the de-
fendant parried and solved the prob-
lem. The other objector, a professor
from the Lateran University also
bore himself well.

The question of the definition of the
Assumption as a dogma of Faith,
according to Father Larnicol, C.S.Sp.,
is in its last stage. Perhaps we will
be given a decision on the matter,
even in our life time. Much work has
been done in uncovering the sources
in Tradition, particularly in the writ-
ings of the Fathers, during the past
fifty years. Since the definition of
the Immaculate Conception as a dog-

29

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY, 1917

ma of faith, this question has been
agitated in the schools. It seems that
the opinion of the Bishops of the
world has been, or will be asked in
the near future. This is indeed the
last step before the authoritative de-
claration of the Successor of Saint
Peter. Some think that it flows im-
mediately from the dogma of the Im-
maculate Conception. There are not
lacking some authors who use the
text of Genesis to prove the matter;
others who invoke the Apocalypse.
At all events the question is one of
vital interest to us, the clients of
Mary. To a theologian it is also of
great interest, in that we can trace
the process of a definition of a dogma,
in our own lifetime.

The Feast of the Immaculate Con-
ception is the patronal Feast Day of
the French Seminary. We celebrated
it with fitting solemnity. At 9:00 we
had a solemn Pontifical High Mass,
the first celebrated by Archbishop
Gillct, O.P., the former Superior Gen-
eral of the Dominicans. In the after-
noon we had an entertainment m
honor of our Blessed Lady, which
took the form of a my story play of
the Middle Ages, depicting the mirac-
ulous intercession of our Lady in
favor of Saint Basil, against the
machinations of the Emperor Julian.
It wac a simple, and even naive play,
but appreciated by all. All the fea
tures of a typical Mydance over the
dead body of the Emperor. Represen-
tatives of the French elements in
Rome were present, including French
Jesuits from the Vatican. In the
main corridor of the second floor
there was an exhibition of books and
pictures, depicting the devotion of
France to our Blessed Lady, under
the title: "Come and See how our
Blessed Mother is Honored in France.''

— Father Leonard A. Bushinski,

C.S.Sp.

Paris

T IKE the other members of the Con
gregation here at the Mother
House, I played no great role in ush-
ering out the Old Year in Paris
and ushering in the New; but the
New Year is undoubtedly here any-
way and France is all the more close
to what the Communist newspaper
"L'Humanite," "Mouthpiece of the
French Renaissance," calls the French

Renaissance. Various agencies for the
resurrection of France place emphasis
on diff'erent ideals. The Catholic
press urges "le grand retour des
ames a Dieu par Marie et par le pre-
tre." More common is the urge to ef-
fect the grand return of the franc,
which is still falling in value. M.
Leon Blum, the Premier, who will
soon bow out of office so that a red
der, more representative government
may bow in, has just ordered a gen-
eral 5 per cent, price cut. Till now,
not many shopkeepers have paid much
attention to it; they are unconcerned
ly waiting to see what will happen
to them for refusing to comply. On"
of the street-vendor's who sells
roasted chestnuts (ten francs for a
bag about the size of a small bag
of American peanuts) did cut his
price, and when a reporter hurried
to interview him and asked him
whether business was suffering much
as a result of the cut, the chestnut
vendor said: "No, I put three chest-
nuts less in every bag."

Street-vendors, by the way (-side),
contribute mu^^h to the Parisian local
co'or. Especially picture-'- uo (and
puzzling) are the glass sellers: men
who carry panes of glass on their
backs, supported by a ladder-like con-
traption. At first I though that per-
haps they were perambulating fire-
men, but discovered the truth when T
listened to them and found that they
were not shouting "Fire!" but
"Glass!"

In the morning on Sundays, which
is market time, the market places (re-
tail) are crowded with vendors who
drag thither whatever they lay their
hands on and think they can sell. In
the market proper are improvised
stalls where conventional articles
like goose, potatoes, and Brussels'
sprouts are sold. But on the pave-
ments round and about are spread
wares of a more unusual sort, as di-
versified as the complete stock in an
average department store, only not
so new. If one be in a purchasing
mood when one walks through that
arrangement, one may find oneself
carrying home a leg of lamb, a kilo
of potatoes, a pair of used shoe-
strings, a secondhand bird cage, a
broken picture frame, a fish, and,
appropriately, a bag of chestnuts. He
will have to make another trip to
pick up the priceless, seatless Louis
XIV chair.

French winter weather in this sec-
tion is somewhat mild, although it
rains almost daily. The moisture is

of course unhealthy, but when a cold
dry spell comes, as one came right
before Christmas, the poorer Parisi-
ans are really miserable, helpless, be-
cause of the lack of fuel; and they
die. Even the wealthy are unable
to heat more than a few rooms in
their homes. The churches are
glacial, though most pastors did man-
age to heat them for the midnight
Mass on Christmas, perhaps as a wel-
come-back gesture to the Christmas
Catholics. It is said, however, that
spring conies early to Paris, and if
what the song writers say about it
is true, that should be something to
see.— Father Robert L. Heim, C.S.Sp.

Ticker Talk

pATHER Garesche, S.J., Director of
the Medical Mission Board, was
glad that Father Collins visited the
medical missions in Africa. A special
article for the Medical Mission News
may be in the offing. . .Father Wat-
kins has left Addis Abeda for the
States, but with several stop-overs he
may not be here before May. . .Du-
quesne is opening a graduate de-
partment of Social Studies. Father
Francis R. Duffy has been named head
of the new Department. . .Around
Christmas time Father McAnulty
helped out with the entertaining of
some German children. To one party
2,000 were invited but about 3,500
showed up. At another party of 4,000
children 250 gallons of ice cream and
20,000 candy bars were consumed. . .
Father Marx spent some time at the
Blain Clinic, Detroit, where he went
for an operation. He recovered rapid-
ly and is doing well again. . .Father
Rossenbach has benefited too by his
stay in the hospital. . .Disregarding
the "don't-fence-me-in"' philosophy
Father Brooks is wire-fencing the
property at St. Monica's, New Orleans
. . .As a representative of the Cath-
olics on the Detroit mayor's inter-
racial committee Father McGinn has
given a good account of himself. . .
The Missionary Cooperative Plan has
been introduced in the Archdiocese
of New York. Five New York par-
ishes have been assigned to our Mis-
sion Procurator for collections. The
Columban Fathers get St. Mark's thi:-
year — for the collection, of course. . .
Father Thiefels is giving the annual
retreats in Puerto Rico. . .Two items
of particular interest just in froni

OUR PROVINCE. FEBRUARY, 1947

30

Puerto Rico: An immense meteor that
fell in the ocean near San Juan
caused some local excitement. It
passed too fast for Father Thiefela
to get a picture but he managed to
photograph the long white streak it
chalked in the sky. The other phen-
omenon was Father Eberhardt's raf-
fle of a $12,000 house which was a
tremendous success, but no one won
the house. "It's an odd fact,"
writes Father Eberhardt, "that no one
won. It simply means that no one who
bought a ticket held the winning
number." This strange situation is
explained thus by Father Eberhardt:
"The raffle was run off with the
Extraordinary Lottery of Puerto
Rico. The winning number was a very-
high one and it simply happened that
in our raffle we didn't get around to
selling the real high numbers." No
wonder a poet said: "Under the
bludgeonings of chance My head is
bloody, but unbowed." . . -With the
the addition to the rectory at Jay-
uya Father Ford is enjoying more
room. . .The Christmas collection at
Arecibo was twice that of former
years. . .Father Hanichek has ac-
quired some additional property for
St. Cyprian's, Helena, Ark. . .The
financial situation at St. Catherine's,
Little Compton, does not permit a
janitor, so Father Mullen is kept
busy on Sundays between Masses. . .
Father Connors is an uncle for the
22nd time. (Never heard it reported
that way before). . ."We have special
good relations, I mean the Domini-
cans from Holland, with your Fath-
ers here, (Puerto Rico) who are do-
ing splendid work, for the salvation
of souls." — Father Hyacinth Oor-
sprong, O.P. An unsolicited testi-
monial. . .A congregation of non-
Catholics (12 of them) attended
Father Bradley's mid-night Mass at
Salisbury, N.C. . . .Father Bradley
(Tulsa) finds the cooperative partici-
pation of the laity very helpful in
making converts. . .Two local semin-
arians are to be ordained in Arecibo
this summer. . .Father Smith (Ridge-
field) reports many applications for
the brotherhood. . .At the new parish
in Hartsville, S.C, Father A. J. Hack-
ett will soon begin building operations
. . .Father Joseph B. Hackett (Arling-
ton, Va.) is in the midst of a building
program. . .The big quake in Japan
got Father Burns out of bed at 4:30
a.m. Evidently it was a shake-up
great enough to scare even the Ameri-
cans. . .From Geiger Field, Washing-
ton, Father Kilbride reports a very
pleasant winter and an increase in
the number of men at the camp. The

number is now 6,000. . .The Sisters
of the Holy Family are now teaching
at Marksville, La. . .The confirmation
class at Barceloneta, P.R., numbered
1,076. . .The Provincial of the Germ-
an Province acknowledges with thanks
the CARE food packages sent him by
the Mission Procurator One of our
German Fathers is still a prisoner of
tht Russians. . .The Mistletoe Monop-
oly of Muskogee is operated by Fath-
er Montambeau. The past season has
been most successful. Prior to
Christmas about 1,200 lbs. of the ro-
mantic parasite were shipped North
to Catholic schools and colleges.
Among them were some of our best
known and most exclusive colleges
for women. The object of this unique
enterprise is to raise funds. It is a
plan that has proved itself most pro-
fitable but requires a high degree of
delicate skill to make it workable.
Without doubt Father Montambeau
has the required skill.

The A No. 1 Nurse

"yHE art and profession of nursing
is indeed singular. A chemist
walks into his laboratory, performs
experiments, records data. A pilot
pushes buttons, pulls the stick, and hi-,
plane is off. The dressmaker studies a
pattern, cuts material, sews, and pro-
duces a new evening gown. The chem-
ist, pilot and dressmaker are pro-
fessional men and women in their
own field and far be it from us to be-
little them in any way whatsoever.
But there is an outstanding differ-
ence between them and their profes-
sion and the nurse and her profession.
The work and functions of the chem-
ist, pilot, and dressmaker center
around nothing but inanimate ob-
jects of the universe. How different
from the functions performed by the
nurse. Her work centers around one
of the chief living creatures of God —
man. Her duties are not expended on
lifeless objects. It is her privilege to
serve the entire human personality
as it comes from the Hand of God. In
particular, it is her duty to seek con-
stantly, vigilantly, to secure for her
patients the comfort and good health
they so eagerly desire- She is not
dealing with equations or mathemati-
cal problems; with dash-boards or al-
titude indicators, sewing machines
and thimbles; she is dealing with hu-
man beings: real living people like
herself. People who would like to be
up and about as she herself is; people

who are anxious to help themselves.
Her labor calls for a deep insight into
human nature. At a glance, her good
sense of judgment must tell her just
what her patient requires at any par-
ticular moment: a sympathetic word,
a hypodermic needle, or a simple
little tucking in of the sheet. We
could go on and on enumerating es-
sential characteristics and qualities
required by the A No. 1 Nurse, how-
ever, we shall consider but one more.

We agree that the nurse must have
at heart the general welfare of her
patient. The A No. 1 Nurse knows
that men are made "to the image and
likeness of God," and that image and
likeness is more in our souls than in
our bodies. That means, for one
thing, that all men are made to live
forever, that we shall continue to live
beyond the grave. Realizing, then,
that her patient was created by God,
not for this earth but for heaven, she
will be most eager to attend to her
patient's spiritual needs. She will find,
if she hasn't already, that after the
patient has received the consolations
of his faith, he will possess a peace of
conscience and ease of mind which will
make him much more receptive to her
ministrations and suggestions. We are
happy to say that the nurses of Har-
lem Hospital have always had a won-
derful reputation regarding this all
important quality of the A No. 1
Nurse, caring for not only the mortal
body of their patients, but also for
their immortal souls. The assurance
of a reward from God for your chari-
table deeds is found in Our Lord's
words that, ". . .not even a cup of
water given in My name will go un-
rewarded."

The Holy Ghost Fathers at St.
Mark's unite in their congratulations
and felicitations to all the Graduates
of the Harlem Hospital School of
Nursing, 1947. Our prayers go with
you as you begin your career as a
Graduate. Prayers that you may not
be the ordinary good nurse but pray-
ers that you may be nothing short of
the best, an excellent, A No. 1 Nurse;
that the final blessing in the closing
words of this nurse's pray be yours:
When we lay down our caps and cross

the bar
Oh Lord, will you give us just one

little star.
To wear in our ctowns with our uni-
forms, new
In that city above, where the Head
Nurse is You.

— Father Francis E. Stocker in
Harlem Hospital Schcool of
Nursing Year Book 1947.

31

OUR PROVINCE, FEBRUARY, 1947

Vatican Felicitates
Holy Childhood

(Officml)

SEGRETERIA Dl STATO
di
SUA SANTITA

Vatican City, Dec. 9, 194fi

Dear Father Ackcrman:

It is my honored duty to acknowl-
edge the receipt of the beautiful
volume of the ANNALS of the Holy
Childhood together with your exten-
sive Report on the activities of that
admirable organization which for the
past six years you have so ably and
successfully directed in the United
States of America.

His Holiness Pope Pius XII, who
was deeply interested in the contents
of the Annals, bids me convey to you
the expression of His paternal grati-
tude for the volume and also for the
Report, both of which afforded Him
very special consolation and genuine
satisfaction.

The pages of the Annals, so pro-
fusely and touchingly illustrated, evi-
dence the splendid organization and
accomplishments of the Pontifical As-
sociation of the Holy Childhood, while
the Reports reveals the generous zeal
and enthusiasm of Directors and As-
sociates for the noble cause of sav-
ing innumerable souls of the little
ones through their support of the
self-sacrificing missionaries.

His Holiness cordially felicitates
you and your worthy cooperators, on
the noteworthy expansion of the Holy
Childhood, fruit of an untiring energy
and enlightened effort to make the
Association operative in every Dio-
cese in your great and generous Na-
tion.

From the depths of His paternal
heart the Pontiff prays that this en-
deavor to which you so lovingly dedi-
cate your priestly zeal, may continue
to flourish and extend ever more wide-
ly its beneficent activity and, as assur-
ance of bountiful abiding divine assist-
ance. He most gladly imparts to you
as National Director, to the Diocesan

Directors and to all, Cooperators,
Benefactors and Associates of the
Pontifical Association of the Holy
Childhood in the United States of
America, His special Apostolic Bless-
ing-
Assuring you of my sincere regard
and high esteem and with every good
wish for the success of your devoted
efforts in the cause of the salvation
of souls, I remain,

Very devotedly yours in Christ,
(Signed) G. B. Montini
Very Rev. Richard H. .\ckerman,

C. S. Sp.

Pontifical Association of the
Holy Childhood
949 Lincoln Ave., N.S.,
Pittsburgh, Pa.

.ST. STANISLAUS CHURCH
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Sairt Stanislaus is the oldest Poli'li
church is Pittsburgh (1875). This par-
ish at one time had 1,500 families and
800 children in school. Today it has
22fi families and 88 children in school.
The district is becoming industrial. It
is a question how many homes will re-
main in this district, and whether the
city will allow new homes to be
erected in the vicinity of the church.
The future will tell. In the mean-
time, we are living in the hope of a
better future and keeping the differ-
ent buildings, viz., church, rectory,
school, convent and parish homes in
good condition.

On December 5, 1941, Saint Stanis-
laus was awarded $20,000 for the
damage caused by the Pennsylvania
Railroad and the Pittsburgh Banana
Co. explosion of December 17, 193(i.
The defendants asked for a new trial.
The motion was refused, but the
church's award was cut down to $14,
749.09. The case was appealed to
the State Supreme court and the ver-
dict of the Common Pleas court was
upheld. The parish received $10,891.47
on April 29, 194.3.

In 1942 flourescent lights were in-
stalled in the church. In 1943 the
church was pointed and windows and
stones painted. In 1944 stokers were

installed, one for the rectory; the
other for the church, school and con-
vent. In October and November,
1945, the roofs of the school and con-
vent were repaired and altered.

On Octobered 25, 1945, the Holy
Family Institute at Emsworth, whose
co-founder was Father Cesar Tomas-
zewski, C.S.Sp., paid its debt of $6,-
750.00 in full.

In March 1944, a mission was con-
ducted by the Franciscan Fathers,
Ben Avon, Pa. April 17, 1944, fifty-
eight were confirmed by the Most Rev.
Ralph L. Hayes, now bishop of Dav-
enport-

On October 1, 1944, the Most Rev.
Johannes Gunnr.rsson, Bishop of Ice-
land, said ir.aES in Saint Stanislaus
Church.

On August, 16, 1945, Father Peter
Lipinski, former pastor, who died at
Saint Francis Hospital, was buried
from Saint Stanislaus Church.

On Sundays we have four masses:
7:30, 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00. At the
12:00 mass the church is three-
fourlhs full. Peop'e come for this
mass from other parishes. The Gos-
pel is read, and prayers after mass
are said in English. We also preach
in English at the 9:00 Mass.

On Sunday afternoons we have bap-
tisms at 1 o'clock and Vespers at 3
o'clock- Every Monday night we have
novena devotions for the Poor Souls
and on every Tuesday night the no-
vena to Saint Anthony.

On November 3, 1946, we an-
nounced at the cemetery that all
mounds and hedges are to be levelled,
and that the "Flu" hollow will be filled
in. We are hoping that the old-coun-
try people will cooperate with us in
our efforts to have a clean cemetery.

Saint Stanislaus' football team,
coached by Father Zydonowicz, won a
football trophy this year (1946). The
girls of the parish have bowling
teams.

Father Joseph B. Zydanowicz, and
Father John P. Janczuk, are
working hand in hand for the good of
the church, school and cemetery and
they take good care of the spiritual
and the material side of the parish.

—J P. J.

OUR PROVINCE. FEBRUARY. 1S47

32

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Our Province

Volume 16 MARCH, 1947 Number 3

YAOUNDE WAR YEARS . : .

No Americans . . . no English ... no famine . . . no epidemics
. . . but plenty other troubles.

THE MAN IN UNIFORM . . .

The last of a series of interesting essays by the late Father
Michael A. Kelly, C. S. Sp., Ph. D.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE . . .

The General Bulletin's resume of the latest news from our
Provinces and Missions.

AND

Ourselves Incorporated [Africa — Mashati outrage; in Rome, strange
fireworks; an ominous overture from Paris; Hebrew grammars in
Fribourg; a glee club pops up in Ferndale; Duquesne handles the
basketball and academic casualties; Ridgefield— still one precious year;
New York, incessant planning there, too; from Washington, some side-
line 'printables."), Ticker Talk and Bulletins.

Fervor

Charity
Sacrifice

Our Province

March, 1947

Official

Vol. 16

No. 3

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Pliinkett. C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchefiter Lane, N.W.,
Washington 11, D. C. U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc., 1311 Guilford Ave.,
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official 35

Side Walk Sermons:

The Man in Uniform 36

Yaounde War Years 38

Bulletins:

Fort Smith, Ark 41

Detroit, St. Benedict 41

Barceloneta,lR/P.\ 42

Carencro, Louisiana 42

Emsworth, Sacred Heart 43

Glenfield, Pa 43

New Iberia, Louisiana 44

The International Scene 44

According to the Book (Poem) 46

Ourselves Incorporated 46

A copy of the

New Directory, 1947-48

has been mailed

to each Father

and Brother.

Appointments:

Father John A. Bums, Duquesne
University.

Father Richard F. Wersing, Sacred
Heart, Detroit, pro teni.

Father Anthony F. Fromniholz, Our
Mother of Consolation, Mt. Carmel,
Pa.

In Kilimanjaro: Father D. J. Mor-
ley, Kishimundu, Father J. G. Nop-
pinger, Singa-Chini, Father S. J. De-
laney, Tanga, Father J. F. Pergl,
Rombo, Father A. F. Woehrel, Kilema,
Father E. J. Bernacki, Maua, Father
R. J. Bonifazi, Useri, Father A. P.
Morgenrcth, Kiletna-Chini.

Brothers' Retreats:

Cornwells, March 9-16. Father J.
B. Hackett u'ill give the conferences.

Ferndale, March 12-19, Father L.
N. Schenning will give the confer-
ences.

Ordinations at Ferndale:

March 12: tonsure, minor orders,
subdiaconate.

March 13: diaconate, priesthood.

Change of Address:

Father Joseph T. Keown, U. S.
Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va.

Arrivals:

Brother Bonaventure Cresson, at
New York, March 1, from Havre, on
the SS. John Ericsson (United States
Lines).

Fathers Laurent Henninger, Al-
phonse Gosse, Pierre Le Bihan, at
New York, March 4, from Port au
Prince, Haiti, via AAXICO.

Fathers John L. Hasson and Simon
J. Stark, at Brooklyn, N.Y., March
10, from Mombasa, on the M.S. Af-
rican Rainbow (Amsaline).

Departures:

Brother George de Bonnault, from
New York, February 11, on the SS.
Bresle (French Line) for Martinique.

Brother Bonaventure Cresson, from
New York, March 7, National Airlines

via Miami for Port au Prince, Haiti.

Fathers Julien Peghaire, Laurent
Henninger, Alphonse Gosse and Pierre
Le Bihan, from New York, March 8,
on the SS. Wisconsin (French Line)
for Le Havre, France.

Father Hubert A. Dalkowski, from
Hoboken, N. J., March 14, on the M.
S. Falstria (Gdynia, American Line,
Inc.) for Gdynia, Poland, via Copen-
hagen.

"L'Ami du Clerge"

This publication is being printed
again. Those who wish to subscribe to
this review will advise the provincial
procurator and their subscriptions
will be entered for regular delivery.

Pray»» for Mr. John E. Nader's
father who died last month in Detroit,
Michigan, R.I.P.

Pray for Father Charles P. Con-
nors' mother who died at her home in
McDonald, Pa., March 9, 1947. R.I.P,

Ticker Talk

From Shreveport, La., Father Lun-
dergan reports that many children
in the school wish to become Catho-
lics. . . Father F. Lachowsky has be-
gun a vigorous campaign to rectify
bad marriages in his parish at Marks-
ville. La. . . Father Cassidy, Moreau-
La., was presented with a new Ford
by the Bishop. . ."Cheer for your
children during the game rather than
jeer at them in jail," is the slogan
Father M. Kanda coined under the
strain of a heavy basketball schedule.
. . ."It would be nice and useful if we
could have the feast of the Patroness
of the State of Louisiana announced in
our Ordo," writes Father A. J. Sheri-
dan. But even the feast of the Nprth
American Martyrs (September 26)
for all the United States is not in
our Ordo! ... A new high school
(Continiced on page 49)

In our prayers for all our deceased during the month of March we re-
member especially the following confreres who were members of our Province.

Father Francis A. Danner
Father John F. Dodwell
Brother Francis O'Brien
Brother Congal Gleeson
Father Henry Muespach
Brother Columba Leddy
Father Thomas J. McCarty
Brother Antoine Willms
leather John Haas

April

4,

1946

April

14,

1942

April

16,

1932

April

19,

1899

April

23,

1930

April

23,

1945

April

25,

1943

April

26,

1922

April

27,

1914

78
52
73
57
72
77
44
76
58

Requiescant in Pace

35

OLE PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

Sidewalk Sermons

of Michael A. Kelly, C.S.Sp., Ph.D.

X.— THE MAX IN UNIFORM

NO human being possibly has ever
as largely contributed to the
mirth of mankind as has the police-
man. No doubt he has done this un-
wittingly as well as unwillingly be-
cause, as a matter of common knowl-
edge, a policeman is a very serious
man. He has to be. Policing is a seri-
ous trade. How serious is not for me
to determine; surveying the staid,
sober and unsuspecting earth, foun-
tains of laughter have opened up and
fallen in sparkling showers upon the
spirits of all the children of men.
Any man not nearly so remote and
aloof as a policeman imagines him-
self to ■ be could not, in the end, be
otherwise than funny. We do not
laugh at a mountain. But for the
same reason that we do not we quite
often smile to ourselves at this man
who, at the street corner, has achieved
something of the rigidity and, it
seems to me, all of the loneliness of
a lamp post- The policeman's feet
must surely lead him sometimes into
the sordid byways of life, but his
soul remains for ever candid and un-
sullied; his eyes must inevitably peer
sometimes into the secret corners
wherein the comedy of life turns
all too often to tragedy, but his face
wears forever and ever the troubled
placidity which we associate only
with the faces of the blind. Haste,
eagerness, curiosity, never disturb a
true policeman's equilibrium; fires
and floods and earthquakes leave him
tranquil; robberies, murders, col-
lisions only accentuate his calm. He
is shielded from all turmoil and tur-
bu!£nce. He wears a uniform. He is
uniform. In fact one might say that
he is a uniform which at some stage
of its evolution was suspected of be-
ing a man; and then the evidence was
only circumstantial.

To be distinguished and at the same
time extinguished is the fate reserved
to the man, whosoever he be, who
consents to wear a uniform. Because
the uniform is a sign to all the be-
holders that the man who wears it is
no longer a common man. He is a
marked man in the most literal sense
of the word- But it is also a sign
that the wearer, pressed into some
sennce or pledged to some ideal, has
smothered his own individuality for

the sake of the cause that is greater,
or the purpose that is higher than he
himself, clad in the urbanities of muf-
ti, could ever hope to be. In any
ca.se so well does the uniform extin-
guish the man, it is always with gen-
uine surprise that we discover that
the Man in Uniform lives and con-
ducts himself like a normal human
being, has affections and home ties,
pays rent and trims Christmas trees,
raises asparagus and goes fishing,
attends prize fights, sings tenor, says
his prayers, drives a Ford car. The
discovery not only surprises us but
even somewhat shocks us. In fact it
leaves us with the feeling that some-
how we have been cheated. Because
deep down in our hearts we are per-
suaded that the Man in Uniform has
no longer any right to be a man.

This is partly true- For there are
uniforms the wearing of which is
like a consecration. Across the street
from me there is an immense city
hospital wherein, night and day, hun-
dreds of sick poor are cared for.
Sometimes I see the doctors in their
white uniforms crossing the yard as
they go from one ward, from one bed
of pain, to another. Sometimes, morn-
ing or afternoon, I see nurses in
seemingly endless processions moving
through the gates. They are going on
duty or they are being relieved. They
look jaunty in their red and blue
cloaks, and they wear their sen-ice
caps with an air. And I often wonder
about them, these doctors, these
nurses, wonder if they ever talk about
the weather or tell a joke or catch
the measles or get hungry.

There is no more mysterious place,
to me at least, in the city or in the
world, than a hospital; and every time
I pass by a hospital that sense of
mystery grows deeper. I know that
within its walls, behind those win-
dows with the drawn blinds, suffer-
ings are endured which I could never
bear- Poor heads are aching, poor
bruised bodies are on fire; some are
gasping for breath, some are weary
with pain, some are silently weeping.
Little children perhaps. But, most of
all, as I pass by, I have a vision of
someone in a white uniform, some-
one with cool capable hands, some-

times it is a doctor, sometimes it is
a nurse, bending over a cot and lay-
ing siege to the citadels of disease,
fighting a determined battle against
pain. And as I pass I see that battle
renewed a thousand times in the day,
a thousand times in the night; and I
wonder about these doctors, these
nurses, wonder if they are entirely
human, if they ever lose courage, if
they ever rest.

And then sometimes in the dead of
the night I hear the clang, clang of
the ambulance, — the mad race with
Death. They know him, those doctors,
those nurses, and they go out to
meet him unafraid. There is a hur-
ried rush through the gates; lights
are blazing somewhere; a poor suf-
ferer is carried to the table. And
the battle is on. I think I can under-
stand the impulse of the man who
leaps into the river to rescue some-
one who is going under- I think I can
understand the devoted daring of the
man who, cool, calm, and deliberate,
plunges a knife or a forceps into a
quivering human body to save it from
itself. Yet it is done daily across
the street, done with love and patience
done with skill and tenderness; and
because it is, I think I know why
those who do it wear a uniform. They
are sworn to the noblest cause; they
are pledged to the bravest devotion.
And I think I know too why their
uniform should be white. For there
are indeed some things which are too
splendid for any other color. And
the whitest of these is valor.

I believe that deep down in the
hearts of all men, even the most
humble, there is a yearning to be
thus heroic. Whenever I see a Pull-
man conductor wearing his cap at a
rakish angle, much as might do a
general in the marines, I feel that in
the tilt of that cap he has given ex-
pression to this fundamental secret
which tortures us all. And while he
and I might differ in our opinions
about many things, ritualism, evolu-
tion, or antiques, we are blood broth-
ers in this that in the hidden places
of our spirit, where we are most our-
selves, we do like to strike an atti-
tude- Some, in this, are braver than
others; they go farther and they wear
a uniform. To be sure it does not

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH. 1947

36

much matter what relation that par-
ticular uniform may bear to life;
but a man's heart is most content
when he can swagger. A silk hat and
morning coat, a dinner jacket, a
sword and baldric with a plumed
chapeau carried under the arm, a
well-tailored golfing suit, or whip-
cord riding breeches — any of these
things is better calculated to assist
sloping shoulders to attention than
even the most rigid brace, because
they release the submerged instinct
that is in everyman and give him a
chance to swagger. One is neither ex-
pected nor inclined to throw out one's
chest while" wearing overalls.

Last year this quiet city was turned
into a fairy story for a week when
men came swaggering in from all
points of the compass. At home, I
suppose, they were all well meaning
citizens who paid their income tax
and wrote letters to the editor, solid
citizens who ran for accommodation
trains and talked baseball, worthy
citizens who voted and taught Sun-
day School. But when they stepped
off the trains here they did so, each
one of them, with the air and in the
garb of Haroun al Raschid, one time
Caliph of Bagdad. Scimitars and
crescent moons, splendid silk sashes
and irridescent hose, neat plush jack-
ets splashed with gold buttons and
trimmed with colored braid- but most
of all. most gallant and gorgeous of
all, billowy balooning trowsers (not
trousers) that rustled and glistened
as the ex-citizens swaggered in one
liuge panorama of color. I envied
them; especially the fat men, and
very many of them were very fat-
IIa:dly any costume becoi.ies a fat
man as well as the uniform of a
lurk; it is sympathetic. When they
went away I, for one, was soiry. For
they went finally, and that last swag-
ger of theirs, their going, was also
intended to be brave. Instead it was
only melancholy. They were going
back to the overalls, back to their
inhibitions; and they knew it. Yet, as
in other things of far less import-
ance to men, they may have had,
even in their going, one consolation;
they did not wear their uniform en-
tirely in vain. They can cherish the
remembrance, denied to so many of
us, of how much better it is lo have
swaggered at least once, and van-
ished, than never to have clowned at
all. Main Street may do its worst;
but it can never erase totally from a
man's memory the thought Ihat he
was once, for a whole week, a Po-
tentate instead of a plumber, a Grand
Vizier instead of a greengrocer, and

was called Achmed or perhaps Ab-
dullah instead of Jones.

For there are some whose unhappy
lot it is to wear a uniform in vain-
The heroic thing which a uniform
ought to be has, upon them, no sym-
bolism at all. That is one of the many
reasons for which I dislike hotels.
That aloofness, that isolation of
spirit, that glorious effacement of self
which the wearing of a uniform con-
notes, is, in hotels, travestied into a
menial parody by him who, resplend-
ent in the uniform of an army cadet,
takes your bag from your hand and
pushes the button of an elevator. T
have often wondered what a hotel at-
tendant would do if he heard a bugle
sounding the charge or a hundred
pound shell explode. On the side-
walk, in front of one of our oldest
and finest hotels in the city — a hotel
that has a canopy spread over the
heads, and sometimes a carpet spread
under the feet of the guests when
they arrive — there is stationed a
giant of a man in uniform. In stature
he has all the six cubits and a span
which were attributed to Goliath; and
only for one thing he might, in a
suit of armor, be mistaken for Rich-
ard of the Lion Heart. He has the
largest hands and I think, the larg-
est feet with which I have ever seen
a human being gifted; and at the
same time his head seems entirely out
of proportion to the bigness of him.
In any case it looks diminutive under
his immense goldbraided and efful-
gent cap. All his gestures are paci-
fic, but I shudder to think of what
might happen on that sidewalk if he
ever forgot his dignity and lost his
temper. His uniform is, of course, a
tremendous thing, elegant particular-
ly in the display of buttons, but re-
markable especially in the splendor of
epaulettes- His white gloves fascinate
me; but they discourage me, for they
are slightly too white; and of all the
things in the world I feel that gloves
have no right to be white, at least
so white. And all that this much uni-
formed person does, besides looking
pompous and therefore ridiculous, in
an effort not to appear uncouth, is
open and close the doors of limou-
sines and, occasionally, in sweeping
gestures, touch his cap. He is pic-
turesque, but he is irritating. If,
some day when I am passing, I see
him dusting his gloves after having
thrown some bounder sheer across
the street. I shall acknowledge that he
has justified his existence. And per-
haps I shall speak to him. But until
then I feel that for him to wear a
uniform is in the same order of ideas

as who should attempt to write an
epic poem on the graciousness of door-
mats or the courtesy of a turnstile.
And until then too I am afraid that
I shall have to continue to ignore him.

One charming effect of the wear-
ing of a uniform must be the anony-
mity which it bestows upon the
wearer. I do not know, of course,
whether the Man in Uniform would
agree that he is anonymous, but he
gives me that impression. And it
is a delightful impression. For it
must be a kind of sinister and, at
the same time, elfin joy to be able,
when the curiosities or the clever-
nesses of some people grow, as they
often do, importunate, to retire, like
a sensitive and sensible univalve re-
tiring into the hidden protection of a
shell, into the impersonalities of a
uniform. I have often thought what
an immense boon it would be if we
could thus, at will, put on our spirit
a cloak of elusiveness to save it from
prying eyes, to shelter it from the
cold steel of the rapiers which even
friendly hands are forever seeking to
thrust into it. Anyhow I have the
greatest reverence for the men who
can maintain even in their friend-
ships that which a friend of mine
once, with the rare intuition of friend-
ship, called, "personal impersonal-
ity." Because, after all, some of that
sense of wonder which is so profound
an element in love must also be one
of the feeders of friendship. I have
no patience with the kind of friend-
ship that knows no reserve but must
pour itself out like a torrent. Friend-
ship, like worship, ought to be cour-
teous and full of humility. It ought
never to be necessary for a friend to
roar. But still less ought it to be
necessary for a friend, at least one
could think so, to be compelled to
shroud his soul in the armor of anon-
ymity- Whoever it was who wrote:
"The shy heart, so lonely and so gay,

The sad laughter and the pride of
price"
knew exactly what it is that friend-
ship can never exact from a friend
because it is not permitted even to
friendship to intrude into all the
sanctuaries or all the solitudes of
another's soul. And although I should
deem it little friendship if one or all
of my friends should go through life
shielded under an invisible uniform
of aloofness, I deem it the loveliest
thing of friendship to have learned
never, however kind the purpose, but
never, to thrust a hand among the
heartstrings of a friend.

37

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

Yaounde War Years

(This information was obtained
chiefly from Father Hurstel, C.S.Sp.,
vicar delegate to His Excellency, Bish-
op Graffin, vicar apostolic of Yaounde
(Cameroun). The crisis which is de-
scribed in these notes is not special
to Cameroun; it has come to other
mission fields of Africa. Belgian Con-
go, for example, is likewise sufi^er-
ing from the immorality and the idle-
ness which accompanied the war. The
Africans were prompted to abandon
the constraint imposed by customs,
and to seek what they think is full
emancipation)-

War In The Vicariate

^N July 1, 1945, the apostolic vi-
cariate of Yaounde numbered
235,400 Christians against 208,310 in
1939. This comparison shows that the
six years of war did not seriously af-
fect the progress of evangelization.
True enough this progress did not
keep the triumphal stride which
caused all to admire the "Christian
multitudes of Cameroun", but it is
also true that the progress is far
from being arrested.

We may remark that the number
of catechumens has fallen from 91,-
000 in 1939 to 58,236 in 1946, but the
reason is that in the region which
lies around Yaounde (a city of 30,-
000 inhabitants, counting in the sub-
urbs about 700 Europeans, and is the
the most populated and most easily
accessible of the vicariate), the mis-
sion has almost reached its full de-
velopment, four-fifths of the Negroes
being now Christians. At Nsimalen
(10 miles from Yaounde) out of 9,232
inhabitants, there are 7,374 Christi-
ans and 526 catechumens. The work
of evangelization is presently attack-
ing a zone offering more difficulties
to the missionaries, because it is
more sparsely populated, and is at a
greater distance from the center in
an eastern direction, and also because
the people are more opposed to the
Gospel. Therefore it cannot be main-
tained that the war was responsible
for slowing up the work of conversion.
The war had small influence on the
African population, although the
Africans were required to labor hard
in furnishing nabber and other articles
needed in the war effort. After those
who were mobilized had left for
Europe, the general mentality re-
gained its balance- We saw neither
Americans nor English; only some

French who worked at the develop-
ment of the aviation camp of Yaoun-
de. And during the war the Camer-
oun suffered neither from famine nor
from epidemics.

Missionary Personnel

Generally speaking however, we
have suffered from a lack of mission-
aries. In September, 1939, of about
50 Holy Ghost Fathers, almost all
were mobilized, and most of the sta-
tions were without priests. However,
as it had been possible to foresee the
events from afar. Bishop Graffin had
taken measures so that no post was
left without the ser\'ice of European
or African priests. It took only two
months for a certain number of
priests to be appointed for the ser-
vice of the various posts. The younger
fathers who had not been mobilized,
were brought back to Yaounde where
they took up residence and from which
they spread out into various missions.
When the Le Clerc army was organ-
ized, three chaplains were drafted
from each of the three vicariates- This
seemed excessive, for the Catholic
soldiers were not very numerous in
this first contingent. These chaplains
came back after one year. We lost
only one e.xperienced missionary, who
died in 1944 in the Normandy cam-
paign.

What constituted the greatest dif-
ficulty for the staff' of the vi-
cariate was the absolute impossibili-
ty of getting relief (from 1940 on).
Only two Holy Ghost Fathers suc-
ceeded in reaching the Cameroun,
coming through Belgian Congo. Af-
ter the liberation, relief came very
slowly on account of the lack of
ships. In 1945 we obtained only three
fathers; recently we got six more.

African Clergy

Fortunately the African clergy had
a good start even before the begin-
ning of the war. To our 14 African
priests of 1939 were added, every
year, several new ones so that now
in 1945 (inspite of two deaths, one
from diabetes and the other from
tuberculosis) we are proud to have
with us 25 African confreres-

The major Seminary of Yaounde
has done excellent work. It has been
in the charge of Swiss missionaries
and Benedictines of the Abbey of En-
gelberg (numbering seven since the

death of Father Charles). Neither
studies nor discipline have suffered
from successive mobilizations. This
year the number of seminarians has
reached 80, comprising philosophers
and theologians; there are also a doz-
en clerics who are on probation in
work appointed by the Bishop.

No doubt everything is not perfect
in our major seminary, but the re-
sults are encouraging. The lack of
missionaries has made us attempt
what in other circumstances we would
not have dared to conceive, namely
to place African priests at the head
of a post and to leave them there with
only African confreres for compan-
ions. I append a list:

(1) (2) (3)

Oveng 8,602 6,580 319

Nkoumou . 5,688 4,600 665

Atega 6,170 4,134 640

Tala 22,479 4,568 4,808

Yangben ..18,000 3,393 1,980

(1) Inhabitants; (2) Christians;
(3) Catechumens-
Each one of these five stations is
administered exclusively by two
African priests, one pastor, the other
assistant. It is true that the two first
posts are in the neighborhood of
Yaounde where the majority of the
population is Christian. But at Yang-
ben, the African priests are more
isolated.

The director, whom we may call
the pastor, is chosen by the Bishop ac-
cording to his ability, without con-
sideration of age or seniority. The
rule of life for African priests is the
same as for European missionaries:
their diet of food, following their own
wishes, may be either European or
African. They live with us as con-
freres, eating at the same table and
taking their places according to
seniority by virtue of ordination.

In principle African priests are not
employed in a mission of their own
tribe or race. The inconvenience of
living near one's family is more pro-
nounced in Africa than in Europe.
There is however, no real harm fol-
lowing from it- The African priests do
not feel that they are far away from
their own, for in our mission, there
is no difference of native language,
the Yaounde is used for preaching
and for Catechism. It is learned at
school as a second language for half
their years of study. This is a writ-
ten language. Catechisms, gospels,

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH. 1947

38

manuals of sacred history, hymns,
are printed in Yaounde.

African Sisters

More astonishing even than the
progress as regards African priests
is that of sisters. In 1939 there were
15 in the vicariate. Today there are
44. Formed by the Sisters of the Holy
Ghost, they are still under their ad-
ministration as regards the superior
general and mistress of novices. But
our six communities have each an
African superior- If the aim of the
Congregation of the Daughters of
Mary is, primarily, teaching, for
which task, we must confess, they
show no great liking, there is plenty
of other work for them in mission-
ary stations. The Africans are proud
of them and the Europeans respect
them. They are true religious. They
may be admitted to perpetual vows
after nine years of profession. The
novitiate lasts two years, the second
year being devoted to practical works.
At present there are a sufficient num-
ber (24, i.e., 12 for each year) to in-
sure an excellent training.

African Brothers

As regards the African congrega-
tion of the Brothers of St- Joseph,
we have made less progress. The rea-
son is that a religious vocation, which
demands humility, seems difficult to
our recent converts. The Congrega-
tion of Brothers which was canonical -
ly erected in 19.36, had in 194(5, 19
religious. These were still together
in one community at the beginning of
the year, but very soon a small group
is to be detached to begin a second
community. These brothers are not
destined to serve as coadjutors in mis-
sion stations where they could be em-
ployed, for example, as architects or
farmers. Such jobs have no attrac-
tion for them. Their ideal is to con-
secrate themselves to teaching and
they are very studious in preparing
themselves for degress required by
the State. Six of these religious are
already engaged in school work.
Others work in the printing shop or
are occupied in the construction of
buildings needed by the mission-

The School

The taste of the Brothers of St.
Joseph for teaching gives us hope
that there will be no lack of teachers
for the schools of the vicariate. This
is a grave problem although the
schools of the vicariate are more
flourishing than ever. Whereas there

were 20,345 children and youths in

1939, now there are 26,372. The de-
crease in the number of schools from
372 to 336 is merely the result of the
new official policy regarding teach-
ing, which required a new distribution
of the teaching staff. There are
many schools all over the country,
and on many a road one will meet
groups of children for whom distance
from school is no deterrent. They will
go as far as 7% miles and make sure
they arrive on time. The teachers, be
it understood, are Africans and most
of them have their diplomas as teach-
ers or their certificate of studies. Wit-
nessing the success of their pupils in
the examinations, we must recognize
the excellence of their teaching- In

1940, 15 out of the 32 presented at
the examination received the certifi-
cate; in 1941, 19 out of 64, in 1942,
46 out of 123; in 1943, 123 out of
248; in 1944, 126 out of 344; in 1945,
428 received their certificates. This
last figure is most remarkable, for it
is almost half of the total of 977 stu-
dents, presented by the schools of the
mission, of the state, and of Protest-
ant missions.

This evident success comes at a
time when the problem of the free
school is most acute and grave. The
school war is on in Cameroun be-
tween public schools and religious
schools (especially in the vicariate
of Foumban where secular schools
are very numerous). It so happens
that a state school has been opened
near a mission school. And recently
a public school was built to satisfy
the resentment of an African chief
against the missionaries who had
reproached him for his immorality.
Naturally, in Cameroun, as well as
in France, it is impossibe for private
schools to compete with state schools
in regard to wages paid to teachers
and this has much bearing upon the
decision taken by our teachers when
they enter the service of the mission.
More than one falters because of the
increased cost of living.

Our school budget comprises three
sorts of receipts: subsidies grantei
by the administration (4,000 francs
a year for teachers with a diploma
and nothing for those that have sim-
ply a certificate); secondly, the
school fees, and thirdly, the school
pence- School fees come from pupils
or their parents; they vary from 15 to
80 francs a year and they are there-
fore easy to obtain, at least in popu-
lous districts where the Africans
can work for Europeans and receive
a substantial salary. (In Yaounde,

the children cut up wood which they
gather from neighboring forests.)
The school pence is merely the religi-
ous tax which the pupils would have
to pay to the mission and which is
fixed by the bishops, viz., 20 francs
for an adult and 10 for a child. The
mission uses this money for the
school. In spite of all this there is a
considerable difference between the
scale of salaries established by the
administration (800 francs a month
with increase at the end of three
months) and those that are paid by
the mission (250 to 700 francs a
month.) When the minimum salary of
the staff employed in private
schools will be fixed by a decree of the
high Commissioner of the republic,
the burden for the missions will be
even greater. There is, however, a
good side to this question, for the
low salary prompts our teachers to
obtain a diploma without which it is
impossible for them to obtain a high-
er salary (among Protestants there is
no such question of African teachers
as among us. Their schools which
are supported by American mission-
ary societies have no difficulty in
paying salaries equal to those of the
administration )-

There are others, besides the teach-
ers of our schools, who are troubled
by the competition of the administra-
tion. Their pupils also are at a dis-
advantage in comparison with those
of the State schools. The latter are
dispensed from the personal tax and
from other taxes which are due from
the age of 15, and increase each year
to a total of 161 francs. In spite of it
all, our schools are progressing.
Henceforth our schools will refuse
admittance to retarded pupils, i.e.,
boys 15 or over, because we have so
many candidates beginning with the
normal age of 6 to 10. Luckily our
schools are not bothered with the
problem of boarders, for the students
can easily obtain lodging with their
parents or with persons of their
own tribe. No doubt it is less the pre-
occupation of a Christian education
than the dream of a lucrative posi-
tion that prompts them to leave their
villages- And there are many who, as
soon as they have obtained their cer-
tificate, leave their native land where
the life of a peasant has no more at-
traction for them, and seek any sort
of employment in the service of
Europeans!

In this lies a grave danger for the
new society now rapidly evolving in
Negro Africa. The parents them-

39

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

selves have never known the intim-
acy of family life, nor understood
the value of its discipline, and they
are thus unable to procure its bene-
fits for their offspring. And this con-
dition is aggravated by the public
school. The older these students of
the public schools are, the less will-
ing they are to attend catechism class.
Let us admit that this is not so much
the fault of the teachers as that of
their parents. This caused the Bish-
op of Yaounde to write a pastoral
letter on the education of the chil-
dren and the Christian family, in
which he has solemnly warned the
parents about the obligation of giving
to their children an education that
conforms to the doctrine of the
Church.

African Women

In Cameroun, as well as elsewhere,
the question of schools is one that is
intimately related with the question
of the family, and, therefore, of the
mother and the woman. But here the
question of the woman is more com-
plicated. We are acquainted with the
"sixa," the sort of boarding-schools
for future housewives, in which the
mission protects, instructs and edu-
cates the "betrothed" who, under the
shelter of the cloister and the sur\'eil-
lance of European and African sis-
ters, are awaiting the hour when they
shall be able to enter upon an hon-
est and Christian marriage- This in-
stitution is a source of great worry
and heavy responsibility for the mis-
sionaries. In 1932, be it remembered,
this system cost us the life of Father
de Maupeou, C.S.Sp. The importance
of future husbands is always natural,
but in Cameroun there is, most of the
time, the additional trouble of dis-
putes about the dowry. For if the
Negro woman is a human person to
whom the French law has restored
liberty, she is still unemancipated as
regards the servitude of the dowry.
In Cameroun, one does not say that
the woman is bought, but one admits
"that she costs much. . ■" The par-
ents will not consent to the marriage
of their daughter as long as the
dowry they demand has not been en-
tirely paid to them. Remember that
in Cameroun the dowry comes from
the young man and not from the girl.
Now the amount of the dowry is con-
stantly rising. Today it is between
2,000 and 10,000 francs, a consider-
able sum for young men whose daily
wage is not above ten francs. Outside
of government employees or colon-
ists who receive high salaries, the

prospective husbands have to wait at
the door of the "sixa," while the par-
ents are looking for candidates offer-
ing a higher dowry. Betrothals are
therefore occasions for what may be
called an auction. The down payment
of a certain sum suffices to give to
one fiance a provisional right, and
then again to other successive fiances-
We readily see that morality has noth-
ing to gain from such a system. The
young girls are more and more eager
to leave the "sixa" as soon as they
have received some instruction, to
go back to their homes where they
yield to every occasion for satisfying
their love of money.

Concubinage and debauchery are
becoming the plague of Cameroun so-
ciety. This instability of the woman
who is delivered to the lusts of men
who have abandoned the restraint
imposed by the rudimentary morality
of the primitive tribe, has already re-
sulted in a frightening depopulation.
Sterility as a consequence of venereal
disease is spreading. There are vill-
ages around Yaounde which are 85^
contaminated. The figures made
known by Dr. Aujoulat have caused
a sensation in France. Entire re-
gions are depopulated- The health
service of the administration is un-
able to find a remedy for it, and what
can be done by the mission alone?
Being emancipated, the young Camer-
oun woman refuses to marry. She will
remain the prey of the rich polyga-
mous man who offers to take care of
her, and she will know how to for-
give his passing escapades with
others. Our statistics show a very
noticeable decrease in the number of
marriages (2,583 in 1945, against
4,064 in 1939), and they serve to show
the general crisis in morality of fam-
ly life. Bishop Graffin has remarked
that in one "sixa" of his vicariate, out
of a population of 5,000 baptized
persons, only about ten (girls
were found capable of contract-
ing marriage according to Chris-
tion standards of morality. That
is why the head of the mission is
campaigning against the crying
abuses caused by the practice of the
dowry. It is true that this is an an-
cient evil. The decrees of Mandel,
we must admit, have had some good
results, but we are very far removed
from our goal, namely to have the
truly Christian marriage and to ob-
tain genuine liberty for the young
woman.

Catholic Action

We shall have to battle. In one of
the latest numbers of "Flambeau," a

small weekly edited at Douala (port
town and capital of French Camer-
oun) by a group of emancipated men,
an article has dared to defend openly
the practice of polygamy and a re-
turn to the traditions existing be-
fore the arrival of the missionaries-
If we are to believe the editor we are
preaching a doctrine and an Ethics
which are unsuitable to Negro men-
tality.

Luckily such errors are opposed and
counterbalanced by the press of the
Mission and by the activity of mili-
tant members of Catholic Action. Wo
must not confuse the Catholic Action
of the Whites, which has been in full
swing since 1942, at Yaounde and
Douala, and African Catholic Action.
The latter had already been started
before the war, thanks to the activi-
ty of Doctor Aujoulat. (Dr. Louis
Aujoulat, a member of the French
Delegation to the UN had planned to
call at the Provincial residence in
Washington but was prevented.) To-
day four missions have organized
groups of African Catholic Action,
namely at Yaounde, Bofia, Efok, and
Douala. At Yaounde and Douala
there are potentialites of specialized
Catholic Action. To speak of our vi-
cariate, let us remark that the Cath-
olic group at Yaounde which com-
prises 40 members, promises good
results. The youth organizations,
which are not yet plentiful, are ready
for development. We need these, for
State secularism is doing a lot of
damage in Cameroun. This is plain
from the fact that catechumens are
proportionally more numerous as
they are less educated in public
schools. As regards rich Africans,
they are inclined to bow to the pres-
tige of American Protestants, hence,
value of the aid to the mission by the
foundation "Ad Lucem." Hospitals
and dispensaries organized by that
work, at Efok, Guvan, Tala, Mvolye,
are making constant progress. The
war has accentuated their necessity
for the health of the colony. The
opening of a Christian Normal School
at Makak (vicariate of Douala) will
be no less valued, for it will prepare
African Christian teachers. Lastly,
in the face of the revolutionary pro-
paganda, which has recently found
echoes in the press, it is from Chris-
tian labor organizations that the Ca-
meroun may legitimately hope to be
saved from grave social troubles.

OUR PROVINCE. MARCH. 1947

40

The Piety of the People

In 1945, the priests of the vicariate
distributed 3,287,648 communions; in
1939, only 2,781,623- The comparison
of these figures shows why the mis-
sionaries are full of hope for the fu-
ture. The thirst for God among the
baptized has not diminished, what-
ever may be the cause. The war
years have of course affected the pro-
gress of confraternities, which the de-
vout Bishop Vogt had established or
favored, among which is the Confra-
ternity of the Five Wounds, which was
directed against the abuse of the
"dowry." Space prevents our develop-
ing this point. Suffice it to say that
the life of piety will nourish the en-
thusiasm of Catholic action and social
action.

Besides the African clergy and the
sisters, we have our catechists: there
were 2,333 in 1945, against 1,946 in
1939. Besides our primary schools
we have 344 schools in the bush, with
12,447 pupils in 1944.

The time will come when the pres-
ent pernicious fever will subside and
when there will be an end to the trou-
bles occasioned by the political re-
gime of a territory under Mandate-
I am sure that Cameroun will come
out of this crisis having a greater at-
trachment to the Holy See, and to the
Church whose patience and wisdom
and motherly heart they have learned
to know and appreciate — Father Hur-
stel, C.S.Sp., "Union Missionnaire du
Clerge de France," July, 1946.

TRIBULATIONS

And because thou wast acceptable
to God, it was necessary that tempta-
tion should prove thee. (Tob. 12,13).

Blessed is the man whom God cor-
recteth ; refuse not therefore the chas-
tising of the Loi-d. (Job. 5, 17)

But we glory also in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation worketh pa-
tience; and patience, trial; and trial
hope; and hope confoundeth not; be-
cause the charity of God is poured
forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost,
who is given to us.( Rom. 5, 3-5)

And lest the greatness of the reve-
lations should exalt me, there was
given me a sting of my flesh, an angel
of Satan to buffet me. (2 Cor. 12, 7)

But whilst we are judged, we are
chastised by the Lord, that we be not
condemned with this world, (1 Cor.
11, 32)

Bulletins

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Fort Smith, Arkansas

Like all parishes throughout the
country, St. John's suffered its hard-
ships during the war years- Father
John T. O'Brien, who was pastor in
1941, began service with the army
as chaplain. The army took about
thirty of the young men from the
parish, which meant the parish was
reduced in numbers by twenty-five
percent. Up to the present, only a
few of these have returned to Fort
Smith. Upon release from the army
they have gone to other cities where
employment is more profitable to
them. Whole families have moved
away for the same reason.

In spite of the difficulties caused
by the war, we have tried to carry
on and to keep the plant in good
working order. The troublesome roof
of the school was finally fixed. New
automatic gas floor furnaces have
been installed in each classroom- Be-
cause of the increased enrollment the
auditorium had to be made into a
classroom.

New heating equipment was in-
stalled in the house. In 1946 there
were seventeen baptisms, fifteen of
them converts. Seven of the fifteen
moved away. All the buildings have
been painted and the parish debt paid.
In spite of everything, we are getting
on well.

.2

>

o

u

2

c

3
fa

1941 ..

8

6

0

0

1942 ..

0

0

0

2

1943 ..

2

1

4

3

1944 ..

3

0

1

2

1945 ..

2

1

1

1

1946 ...

17

15

0
— E. F.

0
W-

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR

Detroit, Michigan

1941 to 1946 Report

Unless something of great mom-
ent breaks the even tenor of an or-
ganization, whether it be a war in
the world, a new building in a parish
or a litter of pups in the average
household, a report of that organiza-
tion usually makes for dull and pro-

saic reading. With nothing more
"moving" than a change of staff,
the report of the parish of St. Bene-
dict the Moor in Detroit for the years
1941 to 1946, cannot expect to make
the "Hit Parade."

St. Benedict's was like the typical
American wartime family during
these years. It reproduced itself
through a normal rate of baptisms
and converts- Forty-nine of its sons
and daughters answered the call to
the colors, of whom two made the ■
supreme sacrifice. The exacting war-
work at home disrupted many of its
normal activities, but a spirit of co-
operation was evident. All of the
parish socials were administered by
the Colored themselves, and although
social affairs became increasingly
difficult to hold, the people realized
this difficulty and responded whole-
heartedly to the annual drive that
substituted for the annual bazaar.
There was very little sickness.

Like the normal family we were
able to save during these years so
that at the end of 1945 the parish
had a bank balance of $40,000.00, a
debt-free church and rectory as well
as a site for its proposed new parish
buildings, a comer lot 150 feet by
144 feet bought and paid for at the
cost of $5,000.00 in 1943.

Yes, like the average family we
dreamed and planned during the war
years; dreamed that the postwar pe-
riod would give to St. Benedict's a
fine new church and school, but with
the average family we are still dream-
ing and still making the most of our
inadequate antiquated pre-war facil-
ities. On Mission Sunday, 1945, a new
mission was started in the Colored
community of Inkster, about twelve
miles from the parish. Fruitlessly we
searched for a dwelling, a store, a hut
where we could offer the Holy Sac-
rifice every Sunday. For a while we
were permitted to use the hall in the
Administration Building of the Hous-
ing Project, but then even this was
denied us and a good Catholic family
opened the doors of its parlor to us.
But, in spite of the handicaps, this
mission is flourishing. It is hoped that
the regular Sunday attendance of six-
ty will be able to assemble in an
aluminum prefabricated chapel for its
Christmas Mass of 1946.

41

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

STATISTICS

W

K

U3

OJ

w

he
.5

2

%4

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>

'Sm

(U

cd

n.

c

im

c

0)

rt

o

c<

3

>H

ca

O

s

fc.

1941 ..

42

28

18

9

1942 ..

30

18

12

5

1943 ..

42

17

8

7

1944 ..

41

12

5

4

1945 ..

37

. 22

7
— C- J.

8
D.

BARCELONETA, PUERTO RICO

On Christmas Eve, 1942, Father
Edward J. Kingston, newly appointed
pastor of Barceloneta, and Father
Paul S. Ford, assistant pastor, cele-
brated Mass in the towns of Barce-
loneta and Florida for the first time.
Needless to say, both towns were out
in force to see the Padres Americanos
and the Masses were well attended.

1943

The New Year found very few peo-
ple at Mass. Fathers Kingston and
Ford were busy painting the parish
house. Due to the war a number of es-
sential articles were hard to find.
There was no furniture at all in the
house. Little by little second-hand
beds, desks, chairs, etc-, were ac-
quired.

February. The attendance at Mass
in both Barceloneta and Florida was
very poor. This was to be expected,
however, for the Fathers had been in-
formed by the bishop that Barceloneta
had a very bad reputation.

April. As Holy Week approached
there was the usual annual influx of
people from the country, who felt sat-
isfied that they had fulfilled their ob-
ligations as Catholics by visiting the
the church. The ignorance of the
people is a great obstacle to the work
of the Fathers.

July. The Patronal Feast of Our
Lady of Mt- Carmel, July 16, reminded
one of Holy Week. The crowds were
large but orderly. About 3,000 people
took part in the procession at five
o'clock in the afternoon. Baptisms
were many. In Barceloneta it is a cus-
tom of years' standing to bring the
children to the church for baptism
at this time of the year.

The Fathers had been preparing a
large number of children for First
Holy Communion. Up to this time the
number of communions in both Flor-
ida and Barceloneta had been dis-
couraging. The Children of Mary
numbered about 40. The Holy Name

Society ceased to exist in the parish
several years ago- The Associates of
the Sacred Heart numbered less than
15. Little by little these three socie-
ties are being revived.

November. All Saints' Day and All
Souls' Day reminded the people that
they should go in mourning for a
brief two days. Visits to the ceme-
tery were frequent.

December. This year we celebrated
a novena of Masses previous to the
feast of Christmas. Masses were well
attended. The war tended to make
the season anything but joyous-

1944

January. Attendance at Mass dur-
ing the past year improved consider-
ably. Two Masses were said in the
parish church instead of one. Florida
continued having one Mass every
Sunday, said by Father Ford.

Marriages had been at a minimum
in Barceloneta since the year 1920.
Civil marriages greatly outnumbered
canonical ones. We had repeatedly
told the people that if they were not
disposed to be married by the Church
we were not interested in baptizing
their children.

Easter. The number of Holy Com-
munions increased steadily during the
past year- Numbers of people who
had been remiss in receiving the sac-
raments the past few years returned.
We had about 130 Children of Mary.
Tne Holy Name Society will be re-
vived just as soon as we have enough
men to reorganize it.

July 16. Bishop Davis made his
first visit to Barceloneta on our Pa-
tronal feast. He sang the Mass and
preached. After the Mass he pro-
ceeded to bless the ground where Our
Lady of Victory Chapel will be built.
.\ large crowd attended the blessing.
The site of the chapel is ideal- The
Bishop frankly admits that he does
not like Barceloneta.

1945

January 12. Father Ford left Bar-
celoneta for his new post as pastor of
Jayuya. Father Kingston received
faculties to say three Masses on Sun-
day.

May 5, Father Roy Burkhart was
appointed to Barceloneta as assist-
ant pastor. The people, as usual,
were overanxious to get a glimpse of
the new father.

June. Father Burkhart took charge
of the choir. On the feast of St. John
the Baptist the girls sang a high
mass for the first time. Ninety chil-
dren were baptized in one day, which

probably establishes a record for Bar-
celoneta.

October. The Holy Name Society
was reorganized with an enrollment
of thirty-two men, all faithful Catho-
lics. About 200 children made their
First Holy Communion during the
past months. On the Feast of Christ
the King a beautiful and impressive
procession took place after the High
Mass.

November. On November 14 work
on Our Lady of Victory Chapel was
begun. When finished it will meas-
ure 72 feet long by 30 wide.

December 9. A field Mass was
celebrated on the site of Our Lady
of Victory chapel. The new beauti-
ful statue was solemnly blessed. A
large reverent crowd attended the
ceremony.

Midnight Mass was celebrated as
usual on the feast of Christmas. The
church was overflowing. The custom-
ary novena of Masses was celebrated
previous to the feast.

1946

February 20. Father Burkhart was
transferred to Toa Alta. Father Marx,
a veteran African missionary, re-
placed him.

Our Lady of Victory chapel is tak-
ing shape. The walls are all up. The
roof will soon go on. People are ask-
ing what date will be set for the
solemn blessing.

December 1. The date for the Pas-
toral Visitation is set for December
6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The Bishop will
bless Our Lady of Victory chapel on
Sunday, December 8. The chapel is
as large as some of the churches in
Puerto Rico. It is completely furn-
ished and painted. Newspaper and ra-
dios are bringing the news of the
chapel to the public in general. A
large crowd is expected, a record
breaking crowd in fact, to attend the
blessing. — E. J. K.

ASSUMPTION CHURCH
Carencro, La.

Staff: Fathers Andrew J. Sher-
idan, pastor and Joseph E. Landy,
assistant pastor.

Assumption parish was founded in
1927. Much has been done through
the years to bring these good simple
people to a knowledge and practice
of the true Faith. It is hard uphill
work as all who have labored in Car-
encro will testify. It is only the knowl-
edge that it is God's work and a neces-
sary work that keeps us at it. Besides,

OUR PROVINCE. MARCH. 1947

42

it is not an individual work; it is
the work of the Holy Ghost Fathers.

There are three parochial build-
ings: a good frame church; a rather
dilapidated frame School; and a solid
suitable frame rectory. At the pres-
ent time there is question of building
a convent. Money for that purpose is
being laid aside, including a generous
contribution of one thousand dollars
from our Mission Procurator. A
suitable site for the convent has not
yet been decided upon.

This year we have 231 pupils regis-
tered on the school rolls but to date
less than half that number has been
present any one day. Our school
year extends from October 1 to May
31. The days all pupils are present
are few and far between. In October
it is work in the fields, in November
there is too much rain, in the Spring
is planting time. As a matter of fact,
the people take very little interest in
book learning.

Last year we had butane gas sup-
plied to the school. This was a needed
improvement. Many of the children
walk quite a distance in all kinds of
weather, often in mud. And we often
get cold weather in Louisiana.

The recent bad weather has held up
the work of painting the exterior
of all three buildings. Part of the
rectory had been done before Bishop
Jeanmard came for confirmation No-
vember 9, 1946. Nothing has been
done since.

We have two Masses at Assumption
Church on Sundays and holydays. The
first is usually well attended, except
when the roads are impassable. But
those who stay at home at that time
to mind the baby or a sick person do
not come to the second Mass, saying
two trips to church are too much for
"old Dobbin." Attendance at the sec-
ond is not so good. Seldom is there
anyone at Mass on week days except
when the Mass is announced for
some deceased person. The one big
day in the year when all attend Mass
and many receive holy communion is
All Saints Day. It is a bigger feast
than Christmas or Easter. It is not
All Saints they are thinking of but
All Souls. The graves are cleaned and
bedecked with flowers, people coming
from all the countryside for the pray-
ers for the dead and for the blessing
of the graves on the afternoon of All
Saints Day. In these parts there is
no work at all on holydays.

The population is almost one hun-
dred per cent. Catholic. We have no
Protestant church of any kind to con-

tend with. Neither is there a public
school for Colored. Nor have we tru-
ant officers to compel parents to send
their children to school.

The mission at Prairie Basse is well
cared for by Father Landy. He says
Mass there every Sunday and holy-
day. Prairie Basse mission has forty
one families and fifty six children in
school. Just now they are contribu-
ting for repairs and improvements on
the buildings: St. Teresa's Church
and St. Elizabeth's School. And here,
too, we have to thank the Mission
Procurator for a generous ofl'ering of
two hundred dollars for the work.

Statistics for Carencro and Prairie
Basse:

c

c o

m

'^ -M «n t- +j

ca fa o s Q

1940 99 104 279 22 37

1941 117 70 — 44 38

1942 91 29 85 28 24

1943 86 66 — 36 39

1944 79 40 105 24 35

1945 86 75 — 16 21

—A. J. S.

SACRED HEART,
Emsworth, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Since our last report in 1940, we
are happy to state that Sacred Heart
parish, Emsworth, Pa., has made con-
siderable progress. There has been
a steady increase of families from
211 to 295. The debt which in 1940
stood at $41,200.00 and which for
years seemed to defy anything more
than a few trimmings finally yielded
to the heavier blows of my worthy
and capable predecessor. Father Se-
bastian J. Shiffgens, who in four
years succeeded in hewing it down to
$15,750.00.

In April 1945, Father Shiffgens was
transferred to Duquesne University
as treasurer, and was succeeded by
Father Henry J- Thessing. With
everything running smoothly, the par-
ish steadily increasing and working
conditions quite favorable, there was
no difficulty in lopping off another
$8,000.00 in 1945. Our ambition is,
Deo volente, to shake off all financial
fetters in 1946.

During these five years many re-
pairs and improvements have been
made in church, school, convent and
rectory, as well as on the grounds. A
new heating system has just been
installed in the Church, and those in
the school and convent improved. All

buildings at present are in very good
condition.

The steady growth of the parish
makes a new and bigger church a
necessity, but since building is out of
the question for some years to come,
we are adding an extra Sunday Mass
to our present schedule. Father Rich-
ard H. Ackerman, National Director
of the Pontifical Association of the
Holy Childhood, has been kind enough
to assist us on weekends and holy-
days-

Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual
Help are held on Tuesday evenings
and Holy Hour, the Thursday before
First Friday.

The newly founded Catholic Youth
Clubs are functioning very satisfac-
torily.

Each year has seen an increase in
parochial school attendance, at pres-
ent the number being 172. The Sis-
ters of Saint Francis have continued
their splendid work of the past five
years and we are grateful to them.
Confirmations were administered in
1942 annd 1945.

Statistics 1941-1946

Baptisms: Infants 158

Baptisms: Adults 12

First Communions 128

Total Communions 69,080

Marriages:

Catholic 23

Mixed 14

Sick Calls 505

Confirmations 180

Burials 46

ST. MARY

Glenfield, Pa.

St. Mary's in Glenfield, the mission
attached to Sacred Heart, Emsworth,
has increased very little in the num-
ber of parishioners since 1940, but
has succeeded in paying off its in-
debtedness of $4,400.00. In addition
the church has been redecorated in-
side and painted outside. The school,
too, has been given a new lease on
life by way of a painting. A new car-
pet was laid in the Sanctuary and
rubber cushions on the kneelers. The
heating system was repaired.

Confirmation was administered in
1942 and 1945.

St. Mary's is attended from Sacred
Heart in Emsworth, and the Fathers
in charge during the past five years
were: Father Bernard J. Appel, Fath-
er Eugene L. Fisher, (July 1940 to
September 1941); Father Jerome E-
Stegman, (September 1941 to July
1943); Father Joseph E. Landy (July

43

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH. 1947

1943 to June 1945); Father Edward C.
White succeeded Father Landy in
June of 1945. (Several gallant but un-
successful attempts have been made
in recent years to have Glenfield set
off as a separate parish with its own
resident pastor. Ed.) — H. J. T.

ST- EDWARD
New Iberia, La.

Some changes, progress, and im-
provements have been made at St.
Edward's between 1941 and 1945.
Father Joseph P. Lonergan, the pas-
tor was transferred to St. Paul's,
Lafayette. In April, 1945, Father
Jerome E. Stegman was appointed
pastor at St. Edward's- Father
Charles B. Hannigan remained as as-
sistant pastor.

During the war 225 boys from the
parish were inducted into the service.
Four of them died overseas.

Our church and school are in one
building, preventing expansion of the
school. Lately two more class rooms
were opened temporarily in the par-
ish hall. We have now nine class
rooms which accommodate twelve
grades. In September of this year,
410 children were enrolled, the larg-
est enrollment by far since the found-
ing of the parish in 1918- Six Sisters
of the Blessed Sacrament and two lay
teachers make up the faculty.

Improvements on the church have
been made. The interior has been
lined with celotex and painted a buff
color. New appointments have been
added in the sanctuary; two new
standing sanctuary lamps; credence
table; and a scaninum. All the brass
articles have been chromed; candle-
sticks; candelabra; censers and boats.
The statuary has been repainted in
beautiful colors. This year, 1946, the
exterior of the church and school has
received two coats of white paint.

In 1944 a distant section of the par-
ish at Olivier, La., six miles from
New Iberia was made into a mission-
There are 67 farmer families at that
place. Mass is said for them in a
small room, formerly a school house.
One and a half acres of land were
bought for $401). in Olivier as a site
for a future church. A small hall will
be erected this year at the mission if
materials are available, to sei've as a
temporary church and as a place for
instructions, socials and meetings.

Statistics

Baptisms 569

Confirmations 397

Marriages 214

Funerals 217

—J. E. S.

The International Scene

MOTHER HOUSE. It is now easier
for our superiors, provincial and
principal, to visit us. We already re-
ceived the provincials of the United
States, Portugal, Belgium and Hol-
land; and the provincials of Ireland
and Germany promise to come soon.
Deo gratias!

The Mother House had a "full
house" for the last month. . .De-
partures for the missions are becom-
ing easier, too. Since September 1
there is perfect liberty for French
West Africa, the West Indies, French
Equatorial Africa and Madagascar;
a "sailing permit" is still required
by the Colonial ministry, but after
that is obtained the Procure can make
arrangements directly with the steam-
ship companies, and the sailing dates
are known in advance. In October,
we have had numerous departures for
the West Indies, French West Africa,
French Equatorial Africa and Mada-
gascar. There remain now only the
missionaries returned from their mis-
sions who will leave at the end of
their vacations. The Colonial Semin-
ary has an extraordinary enrollment
of students this year: 42 in all, of
whom 13 are from Reunion, 12 from
Guadeloupe, and 7 from Martinique.

FRANXE. At Chevilly, the retreat at
the beginning of the year was
preached by Bishop Wolff. The ordin-
andi to the priesthood are no longer
very numerous at the beginning of
the fourth year since Rome grants
this privilege only to candidates who
have reached their twenty-sixth year.
The others must wait until the middle
of their fourth year in accordance
with the Code. There is already an
improvement in the recruiting of new
students. The provincial bulletin just
printed gives the following figures:
Junior Scholastics 1938: 829, 1945:
291, March 1946: 397. There are at
Cellule: 64 novices plus 29 novices
from other Provinces (of whom 7
are from Belgium, 6 from England).
There were several Jubilees: In Octo-
ber Father H. Le Floch celebrated his
sixtieth year in the priesthood and
at Chevilly Brother Fabian celebrated
the fiftieth anniversary of his re-
ligious profession. The Province has
begun the Recollection Period for
the Brothers. They spend this time
in Pire where they are under the
direction of Father Comu. Much good
will and enthusiasm are in evidence.

It is hoped that other Provinces will
follow this example.

IRELAND: Father Provincial has
made a visitation of Trinidad. Upon
his return he found the houses well-
staffed and the year well started.
There are 140 philosophers! There is
a notable increase in vocations among
'i.e day students. Bishop Heffernan
has arrived in Ireland.

GERMANY. Father Hoffmann, who
celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of
his entrance into the Congregation,
has resurrected the provincial Bulle-
tin. The May number reviews the
situation of our confreres who have
remained prisoners of war. Since
January 1, 1945, 5 Fathers, 3 Brothers
and 2 clerical novices have been lib-
erated. In May 27 still prisoners: 18
fathers, 3 senior scholastics, 5 broth-
erer. Remain to be accounted for (dis-
appeared without trace): 13 fathers,
9 senior scholastics, 11 brothers and
1 novice brother.

PORTUGAL. Father Oliveira has
succeeded in reaching Paris, making
the journey by plane and train, and
meeting with great difficulties in
Spain. Father Clemente, who preached
the retreat at the beginning of the
year in the Senior Sscholasticate of
Viana, is also waiting to come to
Paris.

UNITED STATES. Father Collins,
has returned to the United States,
satisfied with his trip to Paris and
to Kihiiianjaro. Several young Fath-
ers and scholastics from Ferndale
have come to Fribourg or to Rome
to continue their studies and obtain
degrees. One is studying art in Paris.

BELGIUM. The new Provincial,
Fr. Fryns, has brought us news of
his province. 9 senior scholastics who
finished their philosophy at Ingel-
munster have joined the 26 theologi-
ans of Louvain. In spite of the fears
of parents and the difficulties, there
were about twenty new students at
Lier (57 in all), and a dozen at Gen-
tinnes (62 in all). At Lier, the stu-
dents have begun once more to follow
the courses at the diocesan college,
beginning with "tertia latina," in or-
der to receive recognized diplomas.
At Gentinnes, it is hoped that we
shall obtain direct recognition of our
diplomas. The novices of the Pro-

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

44

vince are at Cellule. At Nijlen, near
Lier, a fine property has been ac-
quired where our missionaries on
leave are able to recuperate. The ten
missionaries destined for Katanga
have reached their mission. Father
Buyse has received special honors and
decorations for his stand during the

HOLLAND. Father Strick, who ac-
companied Father Stam, principal su-
perior of Bagamoyo, has likewise paid
a visit to Paris. Weert begins its
school year with 209 junior scholas-
tics.

ENGLAND. This Province has sent 6
novices to Cellule.

POLAND. Father Forys, who has
visited this Province, has sent us an
account of the situation. At Byd-
goszcz, the Chapel is in a pitiful con-
dition but it is being used for re-
ligious services. Father Janiuk is
the bursar. The Bishop has estab-
lished six new parishes and entrusted
one to us. Father Krzoska has taken
up residence at Wloki since Janu-
ary. An attempt is made to have the
houses reopened for beginning anew.

ROME. The French Seminary begins
the year with more than hundred stu-
dents. The scholasticate has also in-
creased in numbers: 20 scholastics, of
whom 4 are from Ireland, and 5 Fath-
ers making special studies.

FRIBOl^RG. The scholasticate of Fri-
bourg, under the direction of Father
Defranould, has now 27 scholastics
from Switzerland, France, Ireland,
the United States. The school year
has begun with good prospects of
success.

AUTEUIL. The Orphans — Appren-
tices of Auteuil celebrated the feast
of their patroness, St. Therese of
the Child Jesus, on the anniversary
of her death, 30 September, in virtue
of an indult obtained for them
through the good offices of Father
Hoegy. This year the Pontifical Mass
was celebrated by His Eminence,
Cardinal Suhard, Archbishop of Paris.
He likewise presided at the procession
in the evening.

The sermon was preached by Father
Delaire of the French Seminary of
Rome. He had already preached the
Triduum during which he had shown
that St. Therese was indeed a "daugh-
ter of the Church." This Institute has
recently opened new houses; but they

are far from sufficient for the needs
and the demands for admission.

TRINIDAD. Three scholastics of
Trinidad, who had made their novi-
tiate in Canada, during the war, have
arrived in Ireland to continue their
studies. Trinidad has also sent one
student to the Colonial Seminary.

MARTIN IQUE.The Most Rev. H. de la
Bruneliere has organized a new par-
ish for the Bellevue Quarter. This
section was formerly part of the par-
ishes of the Cathedral and of Schoel-
cher. Father Giraud is pastor. The
church, which will be dedicated to
the Holy Heart of Mary, is under
construction. For some time there has
been a great deal of work done on
the churches of the diocese in spite of
all sorts of local difficulties. The
churches of Terres-Sainville and Trin-
ite, damaged by an earthquake, are
now repaired.

TEFFE. Upper Jurua. The Very Rev.
J. Hascher, Visitor, continues to visit
these two Districts. The young Dutch
Fathers have arrived. They are learn-
ing the language and will soon reach
their posts. Monsignor de Lange is
expected from Angola.

DAKAR. The Most Rev. Auguste
Grimault was to leave Dakar on Octo-
ber 27 to take a rest at Misserghin.
In the absence of Father Catlin, who
is presently in France, Father Salo-
mon is Vicar Delegate.

CAPE VERDE. "Portugal em Africa"
gives an interesting survey of our
works in Cabo Verde. We have 9 par-
ishes in the island of Santiago and
one in the island of Maio. The Fath-
ers' residence is at O. L. of Grace,
at Praia, and at St. Laurence-dos-Or-
gaos, 24 kilometers from Praia. The
Fathers of Praia take care of the
parishes of O. L. of Grace (7,000
souls), St. Nicholas — de Tolentino
(5,000), and 0. L. da Luz, island of
Maia (2,000). Those of Orgaos take
care of St. Laurence (5,000), of M. H.
Saviour (6,000) and of St. James
Major (5,000). We have also charge
of the parishes of O. L. da Luz de
Santiago (1,000)), H. Name of Jesus
(1,000), St. John the Baptist (1,000).
Total: .33,000 souls. There are about
sixty catechists, mostly volunteer. The
people are very ignorant in religious
matters. Their practice consists al-
most exclusively in receiving baptism
and burial from the church. Of 742
baptisms in 1944, 494 were those of

illegitimate children. Nevertheless
there is an increasing number of
Christians who are returning to more
serious religious practices and the
work of our Fathers has already pro-
duced excellent results and gives
great hope for the future.

FRENCH GUINEA. Brothers Anselm
and Irenaeus are finishing the build-
ing of the chapel of Kouroussa. They
will then go for the same purpose to
Basse-Guinea. At Balouma plans are
being made for the construction of a
beautiful church dedicated to Christ
the King.

BENOUE. Father Murray, who has
been delegated by Bishop Heerey to
direct the Prefecture Apostolic of
Benoue, writes that progress is still
slow in this vast region but that there
is good hope for the near future.
There are at present 9 Fathers and
2 African priests; 2 young Fathers
will be added during the coming year.

NOVA LISBOA. Monsignor de Lange,
the new Prefect Apostolic of Teffe,
has secured a passage for his return
to Europe at the end of October. Fa-
ther Estermann, principal superior,
has gone to the hospital of Luanda;
his condition, although improved, will
demand special attention and necessi-
tate a return to Europe. At Sambo, on
May 28, took place the opening of
a large and beautiful dispensary. The
Governor of the Province of Benguela
was present as well as Bishop Jun-
queira.

ZANZIBAR. Bishop McCarthy was
consecrated in the Church of St.
Peter Claver, Nairobi, Sunday, Octo-
ber 27, Feast of Christ the King. Con-
secrating prelates: Most Rev. David
Mathew, Apostolic Delegate, assisted
by Bishops Kiwanuka, Vicar Apostolic
of Masaka, and Hilhorst, Vicar Apos-
tolic of Bagamoyo.

KILIMANJARO. Death of Father
Tessier, September 24, through acci-
dent. Laborers were felling a tree;
Father Tessier was wounded in the
head: he received the last sacraments
and expired twenty minutes later. A
great loss for the Vicariate.

BAGAMOYO. Father de Vries, van
de Kimmenade, Verstappen, and
Brother Gerard, who had done service
for the Prefecture of Meru, have re-
turned to their Vicariate. Father
Peeters is the only one now at Meru;
he is to stay until the situation oft he
Italian missionaries is regulated.

45

OUK PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

MADAGASCAR. Father Streicher has
made a visitation of the Districts
of Diego-Suai'ez and Majunga in Sep-
tember and October. Unfortunately
he was prevented from reaching a
certain number of stations for which
"neither plane, nor car, nor boat were
available. . ." He had to leave for
Reunion, October 14.

REUNION. The Theological confer-
ences, which were begun a year ago,
continue to be held and are helpful
to all. Father Raimbault is at work
on a cure for leprosy. He is obtaining
excellent results. A certain number
of his patients are cured or on the
way to health. His church, which
the Governor and the Council General
wanted to be constructed in fine style
and at the Government's expense, is
in the finishing stages of construc-
tion. But the funds are not coming in
with equal rapidity, and this may
cause delays.

MAURITIUS. Archbishop Leen has
finished a ten days visit in the island
of Rodrigue. Pontifical masses in the
three parishes, to the great delight of
the people. At St. Gabriel more than
3,000 were present, and Archbishop
Leen was agreeably surprised hear-
ing them sing, most perfectly, the
Mass "Fons bonitatis," and then Ves-
pers in "faux-bourdon"! Fathers Wolff
and Gandy and working there for
more than 12,000 inhabitants — From
the General Bulletin, Oct. - Nov. 1946.

ACCORDING TO THE BOOK

Junior bit the meterman — Junior

kicked the cook.
Junior's "antisocial" now — 'cording

to the Book.

Junior smashed the clock and lami) —

Junior hacked the tree.
"Destructive trends are treated

In Chapters II and III."

Junior threw his milk at Mom —

Junior screamed for more.
"Notes on self-assertiveness,
Appendix, Chapter IV".

Junior set Dad's pants on fire,
Salted Grandpa's Schnapps —

"That's to gain attention,"
Quotes from Dr. Grapps.

Granpa seized a slipper

Slapped Junior 'cross his knee.
Grandpa hasn't read a book

Since 1893.

— C.S.Sp.

Ourselves, Incorporated

AFRICA

Reparation

A sacriligeous theft was committed
at the Mashati mission before Christ-
mas. The tabernacle was stolen and
broken open near the church. The
Sunday before Christmas was a day
of public adoration in reparation for
the Mashati outrage. This crime has
of course caused much concern in the
missions and has caused many mis-
sionaries to be apprehensive.

Fathers Morgenroth, Bonifazi, and
Bernacki have received their appoint-
ments. They are the latest arrivals in
Africa and are now giving serious
hours to the study of the native lan-
guage. Great hopes for the future are
theirs and they have been very much
impressed by the vast amount of phy-
sical labor and missionary skill that
have gone into building our great
African missions.

The black-out of news during the
war and the post-war difficulty of
tapping the news sources of Africa
these, and other obstacles too, have
resulted in a situation whereby the
Fathers "back home" are not up to
date in their ideas of Africa. The
vast amount of work accomplished
and the method used to bring about
a most fruitful missionary han'est is
a startling achievement that remains
a closed book to most of us here in
the U.S. I am sure most of us would
be surprised to know that about 2,400
Communions are distributed on an
important feast day in one of our
missions in Kilimanjaro. This is by
no means the most flourishing of our
missions. In the big missions the num-
ber would be proportionately greater.

There is no doubt of course but
the editors of Our Province in co-
operation with those who will send in
alert, resourceful and interesting re-
ports from the missions will be in-
strumental in giving our African mis-
sionaries and their work a place of
importance in a bulletin we all love
so well. This will no doubt bring an
end to the unhappy situation referred
to in the preceding paragraph. It is
manifestly clear that Our Province
cannot do anything of a positive na-
ture to dispel the African black-out
unless full cooperation is received
from the "men in the field." It is they
who have on the spot information; it
is they who know what they write
about.

ROME

A bullet in the spaghetti

One can very easily let oneself
judge the Italian people rashly. If he
takes the actions of certain people
only into consideration, he can give a
rather false impression. The same
holds true for living conditions here
in Rome. You can go through the
slums of the Trastevere section, par-
ticularly, and ignore completely the
fine, modern buildings of the new
Rome, the Monte Pincio and Porta
Pia section. But it is in the actions
of human nature that we are liable
to get a wrong impression.

After New Year's Day, a short
column in one of the newspapers gave
a very interesting account of Rome's
celebration for the turn of the year.
It can be summarized as follows:
If a stranger were to have come to
Rome on New Year's Day, he would
have thought that the revolution had
already begun, or was in its final
stages. Because of the shortage of
fire-works, a capable improvisor, dug
down deep into his arsenal, for a
substitute. Hand-grenades, rifles, pis-
tols, and even mortar shells were
produced and used. They were pres-
ent in such proportions that II Tempo,
the conservative newspaper of the
city, in an editorial, spoke of the ad-
visability of a new check-up on arms
by the city government. A father of
a family about to offer a fam-
ily toast to the New Year,
saw, a bullet graze his arm and
fall spent into the plate of spag-
hetti before him. Another man had
his back grazed by a tommy-gun
burst. The hospital authorities an-
nounced that about twenty-five per-
sons lost one or more fingers from
defective "fire-works." And in con-
clusion the article stated that fifteen
persons died, seven babies were born,
and no one got married on New
Year's Day. No, this is not a record
for the whole of the Roman Province,
but for the city alone.

Another example to show the dif-
ference in temperament between the
Roman and ourselves is that taken
from the vicissitudes of the Black
Market, immediately after Premier de
Gasperi left for the United States.
The police officials ordered a raid
on the "Free Market" in food. In
one day of raids they confiscated three
tons of Pasta (spaghetti and maca-

OUR PROVINCE. MARCH. 1947

46

roni in all forms), several tons of
bread, and untold quantities of meat,
all of which are rationed. Whereupon
the Black Marketeers immediately
took to cover, selling their products
from back doors. After continued
threats of raids by the police, the
members of the Black Market pro-
claimed a strike. They would sell no
more products, until the police ban
was lifted. The police capitulated af-
ter two days. This example shows the
hold that illegal food operators have
over the food here. It can be applied
as well to the rest of war-torn
Europe. What can be done about it?
It is difficult to answer.

The center for American troops in
the city is in the Foro Mussolini on
the edge of the new Rome, just beyond
the Tiber. Mussolini intended this
vast playground to be the site of the
Olympic Games of 1942. The stadia,
of which there are several, all capable
of holding many thousands of people,
are all monuments of art. He thought
of everything, including an indoor
swimming pool in a modernistic build-
ing. The very bridge across the Tiber,
leading to the playground was especi-
ally constructed for the purpose of an
attractive entrance. In considering
this, and the other projects which still
exist of his beneficence for "Roma"
and the "Romans," one can not but
feel sorry that he made the big mis-
take of his life, by joining with Ger-
many in the Axis.

The Roman winter is of a very
short duration. It generally begins
about the middle of December, gath-
ers momentum for the middle of Janu-
ary, and by the beginning of Febru-
ary is on its way out again. Only
last week we had the coming of the
"Sirocco," a warm wind from the
Sahara desert. The days were char-
acterized by an overcast sky, with
everything feeling "mucky" but de-
lightfully warm. I had a tendency
to go out doors without any overcoat
but checked it, on being told that it
is very dangerous during this weath-
er. Now it is not quite as cold as our
peak cold of the sixth of January,
nor yet as warm as the balmy spring
days of last week. — Father L. A.
Bushinski, C.S.Sp.

PARIS

Ominous overture

For the first time this winter,
Paris had a snowfall. It was a rath-
er nice, clingy snowfall that raised
the temperature, relieved the depress-
ing gloom-gray, and hung white mou-
taches on pictures of grim, horn-
rimmed Communists on street posters.
It was also a troublesome snowfall
that intensified the supply crisis al-
ready made acute by the previous
freeze. Parisians continued to feel
the lack of fuel and food, and at least
one American, dwelling in Paris now
for the first time, was still unable to
imagine how this could ever have
been a comfortable, pleasureful city.

The season of spring, which I
cheerily anticipated in my last com-
munique, still seems to be far off
somewhere in the indefinite future.
Maybe France is not going to have a
spring this year; it depends on the
mind of Moscow in the matter. Mean-
while the government, a somewhat
nondescript harlequin dressed in mot-
ley (predominantly rouge) fights
doggedly on, led presumably by M.
Vincent Auriol, the new, unhappy-
looking President of the Fourth Re-
public, but led actually by Commun-
ist boss Duclos, an influential person
who resembles Hardy of Laurel and
Hardy but who is clearly a steel-heel.
This has doubtless been said before,
since it is so obvious; but the whole
present arrangement may be sym-
bolized anew by the 1812 Overture of
P. I Tchaikovsky whose theme is a
conflict between the Marseillaise and
the Russian National Anthem, with
the latter winning by a nose.

The picture on the other side, rep-
resenting the Church's endeavors, is
not heartening. In a New Year's ad-
dress to his priests, the Archbishop
of Paris sadly informed them that
four-fifths of the Catholics of France
are non-practicing, and three-fifths
are almost totally ignorant of the ba-
sic doctrine of the Faith. Especially
in certain country districts and in the
•'Red suburbs" of Paris, is the Church
back against the wall. One of the
reasons: lack of parish priests. Much
hope, however, can be placed in the
really heroic one-fifth not accounted
for above. They may possibly take
advantage of the gap left by what
Belloc calls the negative Asiatic Pa-
ganism and prove to France that only
Catholicism can answer the peoples
groggy plea: what can you do for our
despair?

On February 2 we naturally cele-
brated. Before dinner Pere Gabon de-
livered a lecture on the Venerable
Founder, and at dinner we had white
wine and red wine and most of the
other items that are enumerated in
the customary. Several Fathers came
from Chevilly and Auteuil and from
other points round and about. It was
decidedly an inspiring occasion and
reassuring: the Holy Ghost Fathers
in France are very much alive and
flourishing.

Father Griffin (Of Ireland, resi-
dent here, whom many of you know)
has just revealed that he is going to
be the official visitor to America this
coming April. The Superior General
will not make the journey as he had
intended; he has been ill recently. —
Father Robert L. Heim, C.S.Sp.

FRIBOURG

Their ways are strange

The inter-provincial scholasticate
of the Holy Ghosi Fathers, under the
direction of Father Defranould, is
once again filled to capacity after sev-
eral years of little or no activity be-
cause of the war. Father Defranould
spent many years on the missionary
fields of Equatorial Africa. The lines
of communication are again open and
we shall endeavor to continue the
practice of former scholastics and
give you, from time to time, a glimpse
of our life here at Fribourg. Here is
our first attempt.

Our first Christmas in Fribourg
was unique in some respects but in
other ways it was similar to the ones
we used to know. The feast of Christ-
mas in Switzerland is strictly of a
spiritual nature. The exchange of
gifts and best wishes, which is one of
the secondary marks of Christmas in
the States, here is reserved for the
feast of St. Nicholas, December 6.
Christmas cards is another item still
to be introduced. New Year's cards,
however, are obtainable with difficul-
ty. On Christmas Day we attended
midnight Mass celebrated by the Su-
perior. The Mass, of course was pre-
ceded by the chant of the Divine Of-
fice. During the Christmas vacation
period we had the opportunity of
skating on the famous roving Sarine
of Switzerland. We really enjoyed
the vacation period which afforded a
well-deserved rest to mind and body.

Following the dinner on Christmas
Day each nationality was expected to
serenade the community with some
appropriate song of their respective

47

OUK PKOVINCE, MARCH, 1947

country. We, the American delegation,
oflfered "White Christmas."

Well, the vacation period terminated
and once again we began to finger the
pages of our Hebrew grammars and
chant the verses of Genesis in our
sleep. Much time, indeed, is devoted
to the study of the ancient language
of the Israelites but its importance is
frequently impressed upon our minds
by our benevolent professor. French
also takes much of our time and ef-
fort but we are learning to have pa-
tience with the verbs, althought at
times their ways are strange". We
will get used to them by and by as
little Swiss children do.

At present, nine nationalities of the
Congregation are represented here at
Fribourg; twenty-eight scholastics
two Fathers. On the feast of the
Epiphany the ordinations for the Uni-
versity students were held in the
church of Saint Michael, Fribourg.
Four from our number received Sub-
diaconate and three the first two min-
or orders. The majority of us are
looking forward to receive tonsure
in March in the Cathedral of St. Nich-
olas here.

The effects of the war on neutral
Switzerland are evident. Many articles
which contribute to variety are not
very easily obtained. The stable food,
however, is plentiful. Prior to Christ-
mas we were honored by a visit of
Bishop Wolff of Madagascar. We
solicit your prayers for the repose of
the soul of Fr. Rutche, C.S.Sp., uncle
of one of our scholastics here, who
passed away just recently — Wm. J.
Maguire, C.S.Sp.

WASHINGTON

Yielding place to new

Some have been asking: "Where is
the news from Washington?" Natur-
ally we in Washington love to hear
that question. It reminds us of what
Marcus Cato said: "I would much
rather have men ask why I have no
statue than why I have one." Trans-
lating that to suit our owti purpose
(a course of action not uncommon in
our times) we would say: "I would
much rather have men ask why there
is no news from Washington than why
there is."

The change from a Democratic to
a Republican Congress left Manches-
■ter Lane practically untouched save
for some lively community comment
which such political change occasioned.
In fact any change comes in for a

critical examination here. Recently a
member of the community gave a
very vivid demonstration of a very
simple change: the relative time tak-
en to freeze hot and cold water. But
change has always held a captivating
interest for man. Those who know, or
should know, claim that the "changes"
under official is the most interesting
and widely discussed part of Our
Province. A mere two lines under
this heading are worth more in in-
terest value than two full pages of
any Our Province. But let us change
the subject!

Father Thiefels returning from
Puerto Rico where he preached the
retreat gave us some very interest-
ing comment on that fair Isle. Cer-
tainly he was admirably enthusiastic
about the spirit of the Fathers there
and the great work they do. He has
taken some very interesting pictures.
When he left here we all felt more
proud of Puerto Rico.

The Provincial Procure is satisfied
with the results of the new form for
the annual accounts. The blanks of
the new form were issued for 194fi
in temporary format. This gave every
bursar an opportunity to say what
he thought of the change and to offer
some suggestions. Some were very ob-
liging in this matter. The information
gathered will be put to good use in
making up the permanent final form.

The Mission Procurator's office has
been very busy with collections, voca-
tion and publicity work. Satisfying
success niarke the efforts of the
Fathers attached to this office. How-
ever, the vocations for the Brother-
hood show little sign, if any of in-
crease. Special steps are being
planned to try to do something about
this.

The Directory 1947-1948 is in the
press. A copy will be mailed to each
Father later on. There is a slight
change in the format of this new
issue. Most of us will consider it a
big improvement over past issues.
The back cover will carry a list of the
phone numbers of all our houses hav-
ing a telephone. Since the last issue
(1946-1947) 7 members (G Fathers
and 1 Brother) have died. R.I.P.; 7
new houses have been added; the num-
ber of chaplains has been reduced
from 29 to 12; the Brothers have in-
creased from 16 to 17; the junior
scholastics from 7.3 to 96; the senior
scholastics from 70 to 81; the Fath-
ers from 271 to 287.

FERNDALE HERALD

Between the scenes a glee club

It is with more relief than news
that this scribe faces his typewriter
this month. February in Ferndale is
a blustery month, but the New Eng-
land gales carry only rumors and
no nevi's. Only this can be said in its
favor, that it sees the end of a sem-
ester, with the inevitable and inexor-
able exams. Of these, nihil nisi bonum
de mortuis; but the results really were
not too bad. Already we are deep into
the second semester with the usual
variation in manual labor charges, re-
fectory sittings, etc.

The spectre of examinations having
killed initiative in every other field,
we can report only plans for our ex-
tra-curricular activities. A very pleas-
ing silhouette performance on Feb. 2,
recalled scenes from the life our
Venerable Father Libermann. Between
scenes a budding glee club made an
auspicious bow. Super-colossal plans
are afoot for a Shakespearean re-
vival and an expectant audience waits
and wonders and hopes. We hope to
settle once and for all (!) the business
of a just and living wage in the Phil-
osophical Disputation scheduled for
this Saturday.

Snow and ice are everywhere ex-
cept in the right places, and in con-
sequence neither tobogganing nor
skiing nor skating is possible. A doz-
en brave souls cycled to Ridgefield
after the exams in the face of adverse
and cold winds, and were rewarded
with the usual splendid hospitality
and home cooking. But for the rest,
it is shuffle-board, checkers, chess,
bridge or just plain walking.

Father Kirkbride has been wel-
comed to Ferndale since our last re-
port, and a spacious office is being
prepared as the base of Operation Re-
treat— a concerted drive for the new
retreat house. Guests of honor this
month were Father Diamond who re-
viewed the Neuremburg trial for us;
Father E. Lodge Curran of Brooklyn
who prolonged his stay after the dio-
cesan priests' recollection to address
us; Monsignor Dillon in his annual
retreat. Brief birds of passage:
T^ather=; Ackerman and Reitan, Fa-
thers T. J. Wrenn and J. J. Manning,
Fathers FitzGerald, Leonard, J. P.
O'Reilly and E. Moroney.

RIDGEFIELD

February 2, 1947 was honored as
the 9.5th anniversary of the death of
our Venerable Father, Francis Mary
Paul Libermann. The enjoyment of
this memorable day was greatly en-

OIT. PROVINCE, MARCH, 1947

hanced by the visit of a number of
Scholastics from Ferndale. It was
decidedly spiritual in character. Each
novice, reanimated and quickened by
the spirit of our Saintly Father, ap-
plied himself anew to the fulfillment
of his greatest and most important
task, that of imbibing and cultivating
in himself those sentiments of fer-
vor, ardent charity and true self-
sacrilice peculiar to Father Libermann
and his spiritual sons in the Congre-
gation. In truth, since Venerable Fa-
ther Libermann followed our Divine
Model so closely, nothing could be
more conducive to the maintaining of
his spirit and that of his Master than
for us, his children in Christ, to walk
constantly in the path marked out for
us by his life of solid virtue and sin-
cere piety.

Winter staged what might possi-
bly be its last struggle to regain the
crown of mastery of which it usually
has undisputed possession from De-
cemoer through March. As a direct
result of the mercury's sudden drop,
wcrk on the barn has been temporar-
ily suspended in favor of the Broth-
ers' quarters in the old building which
are being given a much needed face-
lifting by a few of the more skilled
painters among the novices. The
heaviest snow fall started some of
the novices scurrying after their
rusty snow shovels, others for their
trusty cameras. We enjoyed our first
toboganning of the season suffering
no fatalities and only one minor me-
chanical break, a dislocated runner
on one of the toboggans.

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes,
a joyous event for the devotees of
her Immaculate Heart found Mary's
faithful children even more faithful
in praying and paying Our Lady at
the Grotto the respect and reverence
due her on this occasion.

Congratulations and sincere wishes
for new and continued success were
the keynotes of the Seventh Anni-
versary of Father Francis J. Smith as
Novice Master.

With over half of the precious year
behind them, the novices are earnestly
preparing to spend the holy Season of
Lent in a manner most in keeping
with their privileged calling and most
conducive to the attainment of their
sublime goal.

Duquesne Doings

Our basketball team has won so
often without defeat (19 at the mo-
ment) that our satisfied emotions re-
fuse to react to anything less than a

national championship. "Chick" Da-
vies' now-famous description of the
season sums up the history so far:
"All we can do is win."

We still lack complete second sem-
ester registration figures but to
judge from the volume of students, no
appreciable change has occurred. A
special late afternoon — evening pro-
gram admitted 275 new freshmen, to
cancel out the graduation of the 61
seniors and the dismissal of the cus-
tomary first semester academic casual-
ties.

Alumni will like to know that a
senior yearbook will make its ap-
pearance this spring after an ab-
sence of 17 years. It will bear the
name of the first yearbook. The Grand
Duke.

Father Edmond Leonard's voca-
tional duties in this sector enabled
us to renew a too-long interrupted
and very pleasant acquaintanceship.

Brother Gaudens spent his 9()th
birthday on February 18 with the
same outward good humor and sim-
plicity that have characterized his
entire life. His happy heart seems to
ignore the terrible fact that the light
has gone out of his eyes. We out here
feel, with cold unsentimentality, that
his prayers have much to do with our
continued welfare and that when he
has left us, we will have to carry
on "on our own."

NEW YORK, ST. MARK
Incessant planning

Since our hall had received a much
needed coat of paint, and since our
basketball teams were in shape, a
benefit basketball game and dance
were held on Friday evening, Dec. 27,
to help defray the expense of redec-
orating. Seven games have been play-
ed in the hall since, on either Friday
or Sunday evenings. There is no
dancing Sundays! And if anyone
should happen to ask you, we have
several fine teams.

The Closing of the Crib Ceremony
was well attended on Sunday evening,
January 12.

A new instruction class was begun
with twenty-six candidates appearing
on the scene for the opening session.
We hope to maintain and even in-
crease the number.

Our Senior and Junior Holy Name
Societies are growing. Altogether,
about thirty new members were re-
ceived on Sunday morning, January
12. Since I came here in September
194:5, the number of men receiving
Holy Communion on the second Sun-

day seems to have doubled. At that,
many are missing and we are in-
cessantly planning new ways and
means to attract them to Our Lord's
table.

Tickets, raffle books, advertise-
ments, and the dance program are a
few of the items digging into our
twenty-four hours. The entire par-
ish is hard at work to insure both a
financial and social success of the
annual parish dance on the night of
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12.

At this point, it might be well to
add something concerning our work
in Harlem Hospital. With the ever
increasing number of colored people
embracing the Catholic Faith, our
work in the hospital increases pro-
portionately. One of the Fathers
spent ten hours in the hospital the
other day; and on another day, a
Father was called to the hospital on
eight different occasions. All in all,
it is a good sign.

Innovation: A Memorial Mail-box
on the Northeast corner of West 138th
Street and Lenox Avenue.

TICKER TALK

(Continued from page 35)

and auditorium are being planned by
Father A. Lachowsky, Conway, Ark.
. . .The Boy Scout movement is being
encouraged at Opelousas, La. Father
T. C. Dooley tells us that the parish
has been presented with the regular
charter. . .In the Official Diocesan
Catechism examination one of the
girls in the instruction class at St.
Cfj^^an's, Helena, Ark., made the
highest mark. Father Hanichek is also
pleased with the results of a plan to
acquire more parish property. Four
lots recently bought will make room
for the desired expansion when the
time comes. . .Growing pains of a
parish are also noted in a letter from
Father John Haines. St. Gabriel's, Hot
Springs, Ark., needs a new Church. . .
Father F. X. Walsh, Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
is seeking a way to overcome a seri-
ious difficulty in the rectory. In
wet weather the floor heater
gets flooded thus cutting off the
heat for three or four (days
sometimes . . . Father Kilbride,
Geiger Field, Washington, has a
convert class of 12. The boys he has
met from Boys Town are a credit to
the place he tells us. . .One of the
Fathers referred to this column as
"Ticker Tape." I suppose we have
our ups and downs here too.

49

OUR PROVINCE, MARCH. 1947

Holii Ghost Fathers

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII— No. 2

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washineton 11. D. C.

APRIL, 1947

ARMY BARRACKS FOR SCHOOLS AT

$75.00
By Rev. Joseph Noppinger, C.S.Sp.

I made a tour of the schools in the Vi-
cariate. It was difficult to squeeze in the
visits between the work in Kibosho and
Singa Chini.

I regret to say that we had to stop the
work on the new church in Kibosho because
of lack of funds. We had a heavy building
program and kept the work on the new
church going till November, at great ex-
pense and difficulties; putting over $2,000
in the Umbwe Church, the new school in
Uchau (now completed) cost over $600.00;
repairs to the convents, etc., amounted to
over $.300.00. The cost of the new church
was about $150.00 each month. So the funds
melted away.

Another reason for stopping the work
was that we wanted to build more schools,
which were needed more urgently than
the new church.

We bought three army barracks in Moshi,
tore them down, had them transported to
school sites, and at present are rebuilding
them. We obtained the whole barracks —
concrete block foundations, wooden walls
and roofs — and transported the barracks
about 13 miles.

We were also able to buy concrete blocks
18" X 9" X 9", for five cents a piece. These
concrete blocks can be used for the founda-
tions of the schools. We are anxious to
push this work, as we need the schools; our
old ones are of mud and are falling down
and the new ones are cheap and will last
for years.

The total cost to re-erect each school will
be about $75.00. Could you help me to
finance these schools? We need at least five
immediately.

(Perhaps some mission organization
woud like to purchase one of these schools.
Contributions may be sent to the Mission
Procurator, 1G15 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washington 11, D.C.)

GOING AND COMING

Rev. James A. Mangan, C.S.Sp., and Rev.
Herbert J. Prueher, C.S.Sp., sailed from
Brooklyn, New York, on January 8, 1947,
aboard the SS. Roswell Victorv, for the
port of Mombasa, East Africa. Both Father
Mangan and Father Prueher are veterans
of African missionary ser\'ice and are re-
turning to their mission posts in Tangan-
yika Territory; the former to Kilema, the
latter to Kibosho.

They arrived at Mombasa, East Africa,
after a record trip of 32 days.

On Monday, March 10, Rev. John L. Has-
son, C.S.Sp., of Philadelphia, Pa., and Rev.
Simon J. Stark, of Clawson, Mich., arrived
in New York from Mombasa. Both Fathers
Hasson and Stark spent long years of mis-
sion service in East Africa.

u *^''lt''o'o''^ ^"*' ^'"'2/, Queen of Peace, Arlington, Virginia. Rev. Joseph B.
Hackett, C.S.Sp., pastor, expects to have it dedicated shortly after Easter.

DETROIT MISSION SOCIETY HAS
COMMUNION BREAKFAST

The Holy Ghost Mission Society of De-
troit recently gave a breakfast at St.
Mary's School, following assistance at Mass
and reception of Holy Communion in a
group.

More than seventy-five members attended
the breakfast, at which the financial report
for 1946 was read. Many of the members
did not realize the extent of the aid that
they had given the missions and to several
needy institutions in Europe during the
past year until they heard the summary of
the Society's activities.

Rev. Edward J. Knaebel, C.S.Sp., pastor
of St. Mary's and director of the Mission
Society, spoke, as did Rev. Charles Connors,
C.S.Sp.. mission procurator of the Holv
Ghost Fathers in the United States.

Several affairs to raise funds for the mis-
sions are planned by the Society for the
current vear.

THREE MORE PRIESTS

Rev. Francis J. McGowan, C.S.Sp., of
Philadelphia, Pa., Rev. Clemence F. La-
chowsky, C.S.Sp., of Conway, Arkansas and
Rev. Stephen J. Lasko, C.S.Sp., of Noroton,
Conn., were ordained on March 13, 1947
by Most Rev. Henry J. O'Brien, D.D., Bish-
op of Hartford, Conn., at the Holy Ghost
Mission Seminary, Norwalk, Conn.

NEW BISHOPS

Most Rev. Pierre Bonneau, C.S.Sp., has
been named Vicar Apostolic of Douala,
French Cameroons, West Africa. The new
Vicar Apostolic, bom in France in 1905,
was ordained to the priesthood in 1929. He
was stationed in Yaounde, West Africa,
prior to his elevation. At his former mis-
sion at Muolye, 6,000 Christians received
Holy Communion on Christmas Day.

The Vicariate of Douala, on the West
Coast of Africa, has a population of 450,-
000 of whom 100,000 are Catholics and 69,-
000 catechumens. The new Vicar will be
in charge of 32 Holy Ghost Fathers, 6
African priests, 4 Holy Ghost Brothers, 5
African Brothers, and 22 Sisters of the
Holy Ghost.

Most Rev. Jean Baptiste Fauret, C.S.Sp.,
is the new Vicar Apostolic of Gabon, French
Equatorial Africa. He succeeds the late
Bishop Louis Tardy, C.S.Sp., who died in
Paris last month. Bishop Faui'et was born
in France in 1902 and was ordained to the
priesthood in 1926. For many years he has
labored as a missionary in (jabon. This
Vicariate has over 70,000 Catholics, thirty
one Holy Ghost Fathers and ten African
priests.

Most Rev. Jean Batiot, C.S.Sp., has been
appointed as the new Vicar Apostolic of
Majunga, Madagascar. Bishop Batiot is a
native of France. He was bom in 1898 and
became a priest in 1927. The Vicariate of
Majunga has 30,000 Catholics.

MISSION NEWS

THE ORPHANS OF FRANCE

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers
at the Provincial House, 1616 Manchester Lane. N.W..
Washington 11. D. C. to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the Missions.

01 R DEVOTION TO THE
HOLY GHOST

"We must strive that our love of the Holy
Ghost be of such a nature as not to con-
sist merely in dry speculations or external
observances, but rather to run forward to
action, and especially to fly from sin, which
is, in a more special manner, off'ensive to
the Holy Ghost." (Leo XIII).

We would not stoop so low as to insult
a distinguished guest who has deigned to
accept hospitality under our roof. The
meanest insult we can offer to our divine
Guest, the Holy Ghost, who dwells in our
poor souls, is to commit sin. By committing
mortal sin, the Christian drives out the
Holy Ghost, and invites his archenemy, the
devil, to take possession of his soul. It may
seem difficult to serve God always and keep
the temple of the Holy Ghost within us
spotless, but if w-e serve Satan and sin, we
will fall into the most abject slavery. There-
fore, St. Paul tells us: "Grieve not the Holy
Spirit of God. Let all bitterness and anger
and indignation be put away from you with
all malice. And be you kind one to another;
merciful, forgiving one another, even as
God hath forgiven you." The first step to-
wards devotion to the Holy Ghost should
consist in consistently flying from sin, when
the Holy Spirit warns us of its presence,
through the voice of conscience or of our
elders. We may not be able to spend long
hours in vocal prayers in honor of the Holy
Spirit, but every hour of our lives we can
honor him, by hearkening to his voice, and
then, with determination, fleeing from evil
or doing good. "Today if you hear his
voice, harden not your heart."

(From "The Holy Ghost Prayer Book".)

MISSION LEAGUE NOTES

Members of the Holy Ghost Mission
League are asked to pray for the re-
nose of the souls of the following
members who died since the last issue
of the Mission News:

Mrs. F. J. Beier, Lancaster, Pa.
Jane A. Murphy, Stamford, Conn.
Mrs. Fred Wellinger, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mrs. Frederick Ruppert, Chippewa

Falls, Wis.
Mrs. Joseph Wall, Ardsley, Pa.
Mr. Thomas Reilly, Waterbury, Conn.
Mr. Frank Callaghan, Philadelphia,

Pa.
Mr. Frank Klesel, Gamer, Iowa.
Miss Georgina Logue, Baltimore, Md.
Mrs. Ellen G. Connors, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mrs. Elizabeth Leonard, Philadelphia,
Pa.

Eleven years ago, February 28, 1936,
Father Daniel Brottier, C.S.Sp., died; but
the results of his life work are today loom-
ing more and more important in the re-
covery of his native France. For the Or-
phans' Institute of Auteuil, Paris, of which
he was Director for 1.3 years, seems destined
to help that country solve, to a large ex-
tent, the problem of its war orphans.

The Institute recently ac-
quired its nineteenth building,
giving it a total capacity of
5,000. The buildings are lo-
cated in various sections of
France and in them orphan
boys continue to receive what
the Institute has always prom-
ised: "shelter, food, a trade."

It still is unable to meet all
the demands made upon it,
turning away an average of
200 applicants a month (in
1945 alone it was forced to re-
fuse over 10,000), but hopes
are strong for the spread of
the work. In the last two years Father

five new buildings have been
acquired.

The unique worth of The Institute lies
in the thoroughness of its efforts for the
rehabilitation of the destitute boys con-
fided to its care. Besides providing its
charges with primary education and the
usual vocational training — printing, carpen-
try, tailoring, radio work, etc.. The Institute
places boys (at present to the number of
450) with private families in rural districts
to learn farming. Contact is maintained
with these boys by letters and visits. It
also has its own convalescent home at
Restigne.

The boys are divided into two classes.
Those from 6 (minimum age requirement)
to 14 attend school; those from 14 (none
are accepted who are over 15^2 years old)
to 18 learn a trade or skill. Four branch
orphanages are devoted exclusively to train-
ing in agriculture, and three in horticulture.
At present, 700 of the boys are learning
farming.

The original establishment of the Insti-
tute, that of Auteuil, in Paris, houses 525
boys of the older group, learning twenty
different trades, from shoemaking to book-
binding. They operate stores and a movie
theater for public patronage.

Brottier

The largest branch is that of St. Michel,
in Brittany, with 450 students and appren-
tices. For those with a priestly vocation, a
special seminary has been opened in Paris.

In order to provide sisters devoted ex-
clusively to this work. Cardinal Suhard,
Archbishop of Paris, gave permission on
July 2, 1945, for the establishment of The
Congregation of St. Theresa
of The Orphans of Auteuil,
more popularly known as the
Little Sisters of The Orphans
of Auteuil.

It was at Auteuil, that Fath-
er Brottier took charge in 1923.
At that time, the Institute was
57 years old but had only 170
orphans. Starting a new career
was an old story to him. He
had been ordained to the
priesthood for the diocese of
Blois in 1899, and appointed to
the faculty of the college at
Pontlevoy. A few years later,
longing for the more active
life of a missionary, he joined
the Holy Ghost Fathers and
was sent to Senegal, in West Africa.

In 1911, bad health sent him back to
France, where he organized a campaign
for funds that made possible the building
of the St. Louis Cathedral in Dakar, now
so well known to Army Air Force person-
nel who used the airport in that African
city during the war. In World War I, he
served for four years as chaplain in the
French Army and won several citations, in-
cluding the Croix de Guerre and the Legion
of Honor.

That he had lost none of his zeal soon
became apparent at Auteuil, for within
two years he had erected a beautiful chapel
in honor of St. Theresa. By 1932 he had
constructed entire new quarters. At his
death in 1936, the 170 orphans had increased
to 1,400.

On May 31, 1946, an ecclesiastical tribunal
was astablished under the authority of the
Cardinal Archbishop of Paris to examine
the matter of Father Brottier's beatifica-
tion. It is continuing its work up to the
present.

NEW CHAPEL, ARROZAL
PUERTO RICO

"This evening I arrived home from a pro-
tracted but enjoyable stay in the country.
Myself and the maestro of the work were
giving the finishing touches to a chapel
that was just built in one of our cainpos,
Arrozal. Through the magnificent aid of
the Catholic Church Extension Society,
plus might fine donations from various
benefactors, a rather nice little chapel was
built. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart
under the special protection of St. Joseph,
and the help of the latter was tremendous.
Building at a time when prices were sky-
rocketing and material scarce, the Good
Carpenter's hand was almost visible, direct-
ing the work and securing the material.

"In 1943 the people of the barrio asked
that a permanent chapel be built, since all
religious services were being held in a

converted stable and garage, dirt floor,
straw walls and zinc-roof. By this time the
attendance at Mass overflowed the crude
shelter and oftentimes the poor faithful had
to stand in the blazing hot sun or in a tropi-
cal down-pour whilst fulfilling their religi-
ous duties.

"Now we have our chapel. The people
come very well. The communions and con-
fessions are increasing, and that is the real
means we use for judging progress. Bap-
tisms, Confirmations, Marriages, all these
are relative, since everyone is baptized and
confirmed and if convenient married by the
church, but few are prepared to confess well
and receive the Blessed Sacrament.

"The solemn blessing is to take place
Sunday, May the eleventh." — Rev. Joseph F.
Sweeney, C.S.Sp.

XEVVS FROM POLAND

The following news was received in a
letter from Rev. Stanislaus Forys, C.S.Sp.,
Bydgoszcz, Poland: "The Mother House has
confided to me the le-establishment of the
Vice Province of Poland, which was so
severely tried by the war, as you prob-
ably know through our Polish confreres.
I arrived in Poland at the beginning of
October to find our house at Bydgoszcz in a
sad state indeed. Except for the Brothers'
"house, which remained intact, there was
not one room in the principal house which
was habitable.

"Father Janiuk. the first of the Fathers
to return, having been in Poland all during
the war, was living in poor quarters in the
Brothers' house. He had with him one
Brother, two postulant Brothers and two
missionary students.

"At first I had to sleep at the home of
my family (my relatives live in the same
town). At the beginning of November I
Avas able to move into our religious house.
Because of its poverty, my room recalled
to mind that of the Venerable Libermann
at La Neuville, where I was chaplain for
the Poles: a bed given by my relatives, a
couch and cupboards given by some other
people. I won't speak of the chairs for they
hardly desen'e the name, nor the wash
stand. The desk is very simple. On it I
have placed all my wealth: a beautiful cru-
cifix, a bust of Christ (The Ecce Homo),
a grotto of Massabielle — Jesus, Mary and
Bernadette. Has anyone ever seen such
great paupers ? In such company, just the
same, one feels quite happy.

"We are trying to fix up quarters in the
principal house. Up to the present we have
established the parish oflfice and the
econome's office there. Right now we are
renovating the superior's room. The work
goes very slowly, for we must count each
hard-earned zioty.

"Thanks to our Brothers and two older
students, we will have food for the winter
from our farm.

RECLALMING CATHOLICS

The work of reclaiming souls in the Cape
Verde Island, of which Most Faustino
Moreira Dos Santos, C.S.Sp., D.D., is bish-
op, continues to show progress.

Most of the inhabitants of the islands,
which are under the rule of Portugal, are
nominally Catholic, but their knowledge of
their religion is very limited. In practice
it has been reduced, for many, to a matter
of baptism and burial. The resultant lower-
ing of morality is quite evident. In one
year, for one section, out of 742 infants
baptized, 494 were illegitimate.

However, because of renewed missionary
activity in recent years, including the ever
growing use of catechists, who now number
about 60, the Church is becoming more
firmly established there and hopes are high
for the future.

"What to tell you about our chapel, which
serves as the parochial church ? The crib
of Bethlethem couldn't have been more
lowly than the tabernacle of our altar, the
dwelling place of our Lord. The pltar is
made of plain boards, painted; for the mo-
ment we can't do any better. The chanel
itself still bears the scars of war. The
Nazis used it for a garage and tractor
house. But this poor chapel was the
scene of a great religious celebration on
December 8. On that day our two postu-
lants received the habit and another
Brother took his perpetual vows. This
was the first reception for us since the
annual retreat in 1939. May God bless our
efforts and may this encourage us to per-
severe in our hard job.

"Recently Father Janiuk received a letter
from Father Zaborowski, informing him of
your efforts to help us. As superior, I take
it upon myself as a very special duty to
thank you from the bottom of my heart.
How consoling it is to know that our Amer-
ican confreres are thinking of us! In return
we will pray for you and your province.
When we receive the packages, I will send
you word." (Ed. note: I'ackages were re-
ceived early this month.)

THE MISSIONS NEED . . ,

A Small Ciborium

Father Clement A. Roach, C.S.Sp.,
wants a small ciborium for his new
church in Kansas City, Mo. Cost:
$23.50.

Pews for New Chapel

Father William P. Murray, C.S.Sp.,
has a new combined chapel and rec-
tory at Sanford, N. Carolina. Pews
are needed for the chapel. Cost:

$125.00.

Candlesticks, Tabernacle

Father Francis X. Schillo asks for a
set of seven branch candlesticks for
St. Peter Claver Church, Oklahoma
City, Okla. He is also seeking a
tabernacle for the main altar of the
church. Price of the latter: $200.00;
of the former: $27.50.

OUR THANKS

To: The students of Marjwille Col-
lege, St. Louis, Mo., for donating
a baptismal set to Fr. John
Heelan, C.S.Sp., Frilot Cove, La.

To: Mr. William J. Jordan, Stam-
ford, Conn., for donating a mis-
sal to Father Anthony Walsh,
C.S.Sp., Shreveport, La."

Convent grounds, Hiiruma, East Africa, on Profession Day. African Sisters of

Our Lady of Kilimanjaro

FAMINE— AND LIONS

By Rev. John Kelly, C.S.Sp.
Korogwe, E. Africa

We may be living deep in the heart of
Africa, but we have our own troubles, even
though we are surrounded by a large Chris-
tian family and scores are following in-
structions, hoping one day to be Christians.
The grace of God is wonderful. Young
boys have come here to work from afar
on European plantations. Each day they
work from morning until evening and then
are delighted to spend two hours and more
in school learning the rudiments of our holy
religion. On their baptismal day, they
carefully shave their heads completely, be-
fore baptismal water is poured on, and seek
for a Godparent they like. The baptized
from his day of baptism, always calls the
one who stood for him in baptism baba
which means father, and there is always a
great friendship between them.

Presently, however, fear fills our hearts,
because the annual rains have been insuf-
ficient, and famine on a large scale is just
around the corner. The chief foods for the
Africans are maize, sweet potatoes, and
manioc. Manioc, when cooked, tastes some-
what like a potato. It is dug out of the
ground, a long bulb, peeled and dried in
the sun, and finally pounded into flour.

Besides the famine staring us in the face,
a number of lions are roaming the coun-
tryside, seeking whom they may devour.
Thus far, they have caught and carried deep
into the forest six men who were on their
way to work. A passing train killed one
big lion. He simply refused to get off the
track. The witch doctor has been called
and has arrived in regal splendor, filling
the hearts of many with great expecta-
tions. He is indeed most picturesque, with
bells on his bare ankles, wearing a costume
that must be seen to be appreciated, and
having upon his fuzzy wuzzy head a crown
of startling feathers, all colors of the rain-
bow. Aye, even in our saddest moments,
we are sometimes forced to smile.

NEWS ITEMS from the MISSION FIELDS of the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

WEST INDIES

MARTINIQUE— The Most Rev. Henri de
la Bruneliere, C.S.Sp., D.D., has organized a
new pansh for the Bellevue Quarter. This
section was formerly part of the parishes
of the Cathedral and of Schoelcher. Father
Giraud is pastor. The church, which will
be dedicated to the Holy Heart of Mary,
is under construction. For some time there
has been a great deal of work done on the
churches of the diocese in spite of all sorts
of local difficulties The churches of Terres-
Sainville and Trinite, damaged by an earth-
quake, are now repaired.

SOUTH AMERICA

TEFFE— The young Dutch Fathers have
arrived. They are learning the language
and will soon reach their posts.

FRENCH OriNKA— Brothers Anselni
and Irenaeus are finishing the building of
the chapel of Kouroussa. They will then
go for the same purpose to Basse-Guinea.
At Balouma plans are being made for the
construction of a beautiful church dedicated
to Christ the King.

WEST AFRICA

BENOUE — Father Murray, who has been
delegated by Bishop Heerey to direct the
Prefecture Apostolic of Benoue, writes that
progress is still slow in this vast region
but that there is good hope for the near
future. There are at present 9 Fathers
and 2 African priests; 2 young Fathers will
be added during the year.

NOVA LISBOA— At Sambo, on May 28,
the opening of a large and beautiful dis-
pensary took place. The Governor of the
Province of Benguela was present as well
as Bishop Junqueira.

PUERTO RICO

ARECIBO— "I want to thank you for
the generous offering you sent for the
chapel in Aibonito. Some of my friends in

the States are going to run a raffle on a
season ticket to the Phillies. They have
promised to send me $1,000.00 towards the
chapel. I hope that the prices on building
materials come down before the summer
months."— Father John P. McHugh, C.S.Sp.

TO A ALT A — "The boxes arrived in good
condition. Many thanks for shipping them
to us. The statues, altar vessels and vest-
ments will be put to very good use." —
Father J. O'Reilly, C.S.Sp.

EUROPE

BELGIUM — At Nijlen, near Lier, a fine
property has been acquired where our mis-
sionaries on leave are able to recuperate.
The ten missionaries destined for Katanga
have reached their mission. Father Buyse
has received special honors and decorations
for his stand during the war.

Masai Tribesman

EAST AFRICA

TANGA — "The boxes from Washington
plus another load from the Medical Board,
totaling 24, arrived together and have kept
me busy. The customs here make great
trouble as regards medicine. Very many
thanks for the prayer books, medals and
medicine. They are very welcome and are
sufficient for some time to come. It was
a very pleasant surprise to see the num-
ber. The material for the other missions has
been packed into six boxes and dispatched
to the right places. Father Hasson was
delighted with his vestments and bene-
diction set." — Father Dennis Morley,
C.S.Sp.

KILOMENI— "I'm trying hard to get car-
penters from Kilimanjaro in order to finish
our hospital — it is unbelievable the diffi-
culty we are having. The people will not
come to work and those who will demand
exorbitant salaries. In Mombasa, there is
a labor strike on and those on strike are
preventing others who agree to work." — ,
Rev. Samuel J. Delaney, C.S.Sp.

REUNION— Father Raimbault is at work
on a cure for leprosy. He is obtaining ex-
cellent results. A certain number of his
patients are cured or on the way to health.
His church, which the Governor and the
Council General wanted to be constructed in
fine style and at the government's expense,
is in the finishing stages of construction.
But the funds are not coming in with equal
rapidity, and this may cause delays.

MAURITIUS— Archbishop Leen has fin-
ished a ten days' visit in the Island of Rod-
rigue. Pontifical masses in the three par-
ishes, to the great delight of the people. At
St. Gabriel more than .3,000 were present,
and Archbishop Leen was agreeably sur^,
prised hearing them sing, most perfectly,
the Mass "Fons bonitatis," and then Ves-
pers in "faux-bourdon!" Fathers Wolff
and Gandy are working there for more than
12,000 inhabitants.

Do You Wish To Become a Missionary Priest or Brother?

Send for information about the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

Dear Father:

Please send me information about the Holy Ghost | ^^'-'^®''® '^ \ (Check one)
and the requirements for admission. ^ Brothers D J

Name Age

Street address Phone:

City and State Zone

School Grade

(Tear off and send to the Vocation Director, Holy Ghost Fathers,
1615 Manchester Lane, N. W., Washington 11, D. C.)

Church at Kibosho, East Africa under
construction for several years.

Our^^/^SSlottWork

Diocese of Harrisburo

Vol. XXII

APRIL, 1947

No. 10

THE HOLY GHOST FATHERS

The Congregation of the Holy Ghost, known to the
Mission World as the Holy Ghost Fathers, was founded on
the Feast of Pentecost, 1703, by a young nobleman from
Brittany, Clau|t Poullart des Places. He came to Paris to
study law, remained to embrace the priesthood, and to found
a society of missionary priests to labor among the most
abandoned peoples.

The Society of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was founded
in 1841 by the Venerable Francis Libermann, who was con-
verted from Judaism at the age of 20. Burning with zeal
for the faith, he determined to become a priest and found a
society of missionaries for the conversion of Africa. His
ambition was realized only after a miraculous cure from
epilepsy. In 1841 he sent his first missionary, Father Laval,

ASIA

■tOKT lOlHS
"— SIKWS

The he gill 17 i It gs

Soon after his death in 1709, his missionaries had made
their way to China, Canada and Africa. The French Revo-
lution left but a few survivors to face the task of caring
for the French Colonies. God came to their aid by inspiring
a young Jewish convert to found the Society of the Immacu-
late Heart of Mary, a society having in view a similar object
and imbued with like ideals. Union with this society in 1848
rejuvenated and perpetuated the Congregation of the Holy
Ghost.

to Mauritius. Two years later finding his missionaries with-
out a mission field he turned to the Mother of God, and at
the Shrine of Our Lady of Victories in Paris offered his mis-
sionaries to Mary for the most neglected souls in the world.
Mary answered his prayer.

The beginnings in Africa

On the day after Libermann had confided his sons to Our
Lady of Victories, Bishop Edward Barron, newly consecrated
for the African Vicariate of the Two Guineas came to ask

OUR MISSION WORK

Bishop O'Hara of Kansas City, Missouri, dedicates Holy
Spirit Church in that city.

God's Mother to send him missionaries. Bishop Barron was
an American, from Philadelphia. He had volunteered in
1841 to found a Catholic Mission among the liberated slaves
who had returned to Africa. The Pastor of the Shrine
brought these two men together and the prayer of both was
answered. The gentle hand of Mary gave to the sons of
Libermann their African heritage.

The bcgiuiiiugs in Europe and America
The opportunity for founding a province in America came
in 1872, when Bismarck expelled the Holy Ghost Fathers
from Germany. The Congregation in time established prov-
inces in other countries of Europe and America — in 18 59 in
Ireland, in 1863 in Germany, in 1872 in Portugal, in the fol-

First Grade Graduates of St. Gabriel's School, Hot Springs,
Arkansas, conducted by Holy Ghost Fathers.

lowing year in the United States, and, in the twentieth
century in Belgium, Holland, Canada, England and Poland.

Tod a y

The Holy Ghost Fathers count amongst their 5,000 mem-
bers: 3 archbishops, 31 bishops, 4 prefects apostolic, 2,100
priests, 900 brothers, 1,056 scholastics or major seminarians,
212 novice clerics, 198 novice and postulant brothers, and
more than 2,000 missionary students.

Although noted principally for their missionary work.
Holy Ghost Fathers today conduct seminaries, colleges and
charitable enterprises in many parts of the world. In our
own country, they conduct Duquesne University in Pitts-
burgh, several orphanages, two seminaries one in Norwalk,
Conn., the other in Cornwells Heights, Pa., and a novitiate
in Ridgefield, Conn., direct the National Office of the Pon-
tifical Association of the Holy Childhood, and are in charge
of sixty-nine colored parishes and missions and twenty-nine
other foundations in six archdioceses and eighteen dioceses of
the United States. One of their latest undertakings in this
country is work amongst the Mexicans of the Diocese of San
Diego, California. There are 242 Holy Ghost Fathers
stationed in this country.

During the war years thirty Holy Ghost Fathers served
their country as chaplains in the Army, Navy and Marine
Corps. Eleven are still members of the armed forces, the
others have resumed their missionary duties.

True to the missionary traditions of their order, Holy
Ghost Fathers from the United States have gone and will
continue to go to mission fields in Africa and Puerto Rico.
In the course of the past two years, fifteen priests were sent
to Africa. They are the only priests from the United States
who have charge of a vicariate, the mission equivalent of a
diocese, in Africa, at present. Today there are thirty Ameri-
can Holy Ghost Fathers in Africa and twenty in Puerto Rico.
In Africa they labor in the Vicariate of Kilimanjaro, East
Africa, under Bishop Joseph Byrne, C.S.Sp., D.D., and have
eighteen main missions; innumerable out missions and
stations are also in their care. In Puerto Rico they are in
the Diocese of San Juan and the Diocese of Ponce, having
seven parishes and over seventy missions and stations.

Tomorrow

The Holy Ghost Fathers will continue their labors among
God's poor everywhere.

During this year a Father of this Missionary Society makes
an appeal, according to our Missionary Cooperative Plan, in
the following parishes of our Diocese:

OUR MISSION WORK

^yw^^

Native Students for the Priesthood at Kfleiiia, East Africa,
under care of Holy Ghost Fathers.

1. Chambersburg, Corpus Christi and Missions of Doyles-
burg and Shippensburg.

2. Elizabethtown, St. Peter's and Mission of Mount Joy.

3. Gettysburg, St. Francis Xavier.

4. Hanover, St. Vincent de Paul.

5. Lewisburg, Sacred Heart of Jesus.

6. Littlestown, St. Aloysius.

7. Locust Gap, St. Joseph.

8. Milton, St. Joseph.

9. Mount Carmel, St. Joseph.

10. McSherrystown, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.

11. New Freedom, St. John Baptist.

12. Shamokin, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

13. South Enola, Our Lady of Lourdes.

The people of these parishes have an opportunity to help
this splendid work of the Holy Ghost Fathers. If there is
anyone else in the Diocese who is persuaded to help them in

a particular way, donations may properly be sent direct to
the Holy Ghost Fathers, 1615 Manchester Lane, N. W.,
Washington 1|,D. C.
God will bless you!

Store Installs Chapel

New Yorkers would undoubtedly blink and rub their
eyes if they learned that Macy's was advertising " Come to
our store and go to Mass. Then do your shopping."

That's what is happening here in Tokyo. Rev. John
Murrett, a Maryknoll priest from Buffalo, reports that
Tokyo's largest department store has remodeled the entire
top floor of its store into a Catholic church. The new church
was blessed by the Archbishop Doi of Tokyo, while a crowd
of Japanese people and American military personnel assisted
at the Holy Sacrifice which followed the blessing.

Elevator service to the seventh floor makes it possible for
shoppers to visit the new chapel. Catholic attendants are
on hand each day, including Sunday, to give visitors infor-
mation regarding Catholic teachings and practices.

Tokyo's largest department store is learning that its top
floor is a better drawing card than its bargain basement.
* * * *

Shusha Boys

Young Catholics of Kilimanjara, Africa, in a Holy Ghost
Fathers Mission.

Hundreds of " Shusha Boys " who, orphaned and home-
less, had attached themselves to the American Army are
wandering about Italy. They got their name from their
desire to be "Shoeshine" boys for American soldiers in return
morsels of food and chocolate.

They were forming into gangs, turning to anti-social activ-
ities. The Salesian Fathers, in the tradition of Don Bosco,
gathered the boys together but lacked food and shoes and
clothing to care for them adequately.

From the Catholics of the United States came thousands of
pairs of shoes, and suits of clothing, hundreds of thousands
of pounds of food. The Salesian Fathers were able to mould
the characters of hundreds of abandoned little boys, whom
they were able to take into their institutions.

A Mission in New York

Deep in the heart of Harlem, a section of New York City
is St. Charles Borromeo's parish of which Right Reverend
Monsignor William McCann is Pastor. In ceremonies
strongly reminiscent of Apostolic times, 100 converts were
received into the Church recently in a mass baptism admin-
istered by 17 priests and presided over by the Most Reverend
Stephen J. Donohue, Auxiliary Bishop of New York. In
this neo-Gothic Church of St. Charles Borromeo 26 men and

OUR MISSION WORK

74 women who had completed a 4 months' course in CathoHc
doctrine recited in unison the profession of faith and received
the Sacrament of Baptism in the presence of a congregation
of more than 700 friends and relatives, the majority of
whom were non-Catholic. One week earlier in the neigh-
boring Church of St. Aloysius an additional 74 converts had
been received in similar services.

Unique among Catholic Churches on the Eastern seaboard,
if not in the country at large, these two parishes under the
direction of Monsignor William McCann have compiled an
impressive record of conversions during the past 13 years,
during which time more than 6,000 adult converts have been
received into the Church.

In 1933 Cardinal Hayes appointed Monsignor (then
Father) McCann to take over the parish of St. Charles, once
a flourishing center of Catholicity in what is known now as
West Harlem but at that time reduced to a congiegation of
less than 300 souls. Since the area of the parish had become
an exclusively Negro district. Father McCann who, for 17
previous years had been a member of the Apostolate Mission
Band of Preachers of the Archdiocese of New York, imme-
diately began a campaign of convert-making in a field ripe
for the harvest.

Surrounding himself with a group of zealous and mission-
minded assistants who volunteered for this work, he initiated
a series of public instruction classes held twice weekly over
a period of 4 months. Three classes are thus held each year,
supplemented by innumerable private instructions, and at the
end of each class a mass baptismal ceremony is held. In
1936 the nearby parish of St. Aloysius which had been re-
duced to a membership of 18 parishioners was also assigned
to Father McCann and a similar program was begun there.
Once each year the Sacrament of Confirmation is adminis-
tered in both parishes to a combined total of converts
averaging over 500 adults a year.

Monsignor McCann estimates that during the past 13 years
at least 6,000 others have come very definitely under the
influence of the Church by following the instruction classes

and associating with the priests but because of invalid mar-
riages, instability of temperament and other causes, it has
not been possible to receive them into the Church.

Monsignor McCann points out that he and his assistants
have devoted themselves exclusively during the past 13 years
to convert work and have not concerned themselves directly
with the problem of interracial integration, feeling that their
mission is a purely religious and spiritual one and that the
interracial problem, as it is called, will eventually take care
of itself.

A Special Member or Perpetual Member of The Society for the Propagation
of the Faith has the holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered up for the repose of his
or her soul, as soon as possible after notice of death reaches this office, Box 3 23,
Carlisle, Pa.

Holder of Mass Certificate

Mrs. James H. Weaver St. Patrick's York

York

Holder of Annuity Bond
Mrs. James H. Weaver St. Patrick's

Perpetual Members

During the past month the following deceased were enrolled:

Mrs. Bertha B. AUwein of St. Joan of Arc, Hershey by her husband, Mr.
Herbert I. Allwein.

Gregory and Mary Zilka of Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Lebanon by their daughter
Mrs. Julia Fittery.

Mrs. Catherine Skibinski by her son, the Rev. Joseph J. Skibinski, CS.Sp., of
Our Mother of Consolation parish in Mt. Carmel.

Sebastian Hovanec and Anna Hovanec Sharvais by their daughter, Mrs. Theo.
J. Hirsch of St. Anthony's parish, Lancaster.

George W. Newman and Catharine M. Newman by their daughter, Miss
Elsie C. Newman of St. Aloysius parish, Littlestown.

Ferdinand Strosser by Mrs. Anna Strosser of St. Ann's Home, Columbia, Pa.

Carmela Lupo of St. Joseph's Milton parish, by her sister Mrs. Mary Sunseri.

Ordinary Members

Mrs. Herbert L Allwein

St. Joan of Arc

Hershey

Anna C. Melbert

St. Rose of Lima

York

Mrs. James H. Weaver

St. Patrick's

York

Leo Livelsberger

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Conewago Chapel

Mrs. John Glessner

St. Edward's

Locust Gap

Mr. Thomas Lee

St. Joseph's

Shamokin

{

Pray for them, please
Relatives or friends of the deceased are asked to send
to this office the names of members who have died.

OUR MISSION WORK is published monthly except July and August by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Home and
Foreign Missions. Diocesan Office, Box 323, Carlisle, Pa. Subscription Price $1.00 a year. ■

Admitted as second-class matter at Carlisle, Pa., October 7, 1927, under Act of March 3, 1879.

OUR MISSION WORK

Box 323

CARLISLE. PA

1

1

I

Our Province

Volume 16

APRIL, 1947

Number 4

Holy Ghost School, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

Fervor

Charity
Sacrifice

Our Province

Official

April, 1947

Vol. 1 6

No. 4

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Plunkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washineton 11, D. C, U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc., 1511 Guilford Ave.,
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official 51

General Bulletin 52

Avis Du Mois 52

Ourselves Incorporated 53

The International Scene 55

Our Lady of Guadeloupe 57

Ticker Talk 57

Bulletins:

Salisbury, N. C 58

Little C'ompton, R. 1 58

Detroit, Mich., Holy Ghost 59

Morrilton, Ark 59

Marksville, La 60

The Orphans of France 60

Devotion to the Holy Ghost 61

Mission Procurator's Appeal 61

Former Internees (Picture) 61

Appointments:

Father J. A. Correia, Duquesne Uni-
versity.

Father P. I. Maciejewski, 'He-w
Iberia, La., bursar.

Father T. F. Rodgers, Abbeville,
La., bursar.

Father J. A. Griifin, Millvale, Pa.,
St. Anne, bursar.

Father G. Thelen, Chippewa Falls,
Wis., Holy Ghost, bursar.

Father W. Blass, Detroit, Mich., St.
Mary.

Father P. Becker, Sharpsburg, Pa.

Father M. Kirschbgum, Millvale,
Pa., St. Anthony. ^^*^^>i^^^

Father M. Lingscheidt,-^L)etroit,
Mich., St. Joachim.

Father P. Gross, Detroit, Mich., St.
Mary.

Father H. Lemmens, Duquesne Uni-
versity.

Father J. Vonderwinkel, Dayton,
Ohio, bursar.

Father J. D. Manning, Washington,
D. C.

Father S. 0. Eckert, Chippewa
Falls, Wis., Notre Dame.

Father J. J. White, Cornwells.

Father H. C, Schuster, Sharpsburg,
Pa., bursar.

Father W. R. Hurney, Lafayette,
La., bursar.

Father A. S. Kliche, Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Immaculate Heart.

Brother Baldomir, Cornwells.

Brother Fulrad, Ferndale.

Brother Remigius, Ridgefield.

First Tonsure and Ordinations:

First Tonsure, at Ferndale, March
12, 1947:

Messrs. John C. Kees, Edward J.
Jepson, Humphrey J. Smith, William
F. Crowley, Daniel B. De Dominicis,
George A. Crocenzi, Francis A.

Requiescant in Pace

Father Charles Leroux

May

1,

1915

Father Charles Steuer

May

14,

1918

Father M. Mayer

May

15,

1936

Father John Moran Ville

May

16,

1918

Brother Pius Blueni

May

16,

1939

Father John Desnier

May

19,

1909

Father John Wietrzynaski

May

20,

1902

Father Francis Schwab

May

2.3,

1903

Father Michael Kelly

May

31,

1931

59
92
63

80
52
27
58
50

Wright, Dennis V. Durning, William
R. Graves, Louis F. Dolan, Vincent
J. Niederberger, John E. Nader, Ger-
ald Bouthillette.

Porter and Lector, at Ferndale,
March 12, 1947, and Exorcist and
Acolyte, at Ferndale, March 13th,
1947:

Messrs. Joseph V. Otto, Stanley I.
Otto, Joseph T. Taminey, Norman F.
Lord, James J. Beagan, Daniel P.
Conklin, Constantine J. Conan, Tosel-
lo O. Giangiaconio, Edward J. Kelly,
John J. Walsh.

Subdiaconate, at Ferndale, March
12, 1947, and Diaconate, at Ferndale,
March 13, 1947:

Rev. Messrs. Ernest F. Kempf,
John M. Jendzura, Edward J. Raszew-
ski, Martin F. Connolly, Francis A.
Greff, Philip C. Niehaus, Michael J.
Carr, Albert J. Bullion, James A.
Phalen.

Priesthood, at Ferndale, March 13,
1947:

Fathers Clemence F. Lachowsky,
Francis J. McGowan, Stephen J.
Lasko.

The ordaining prelate was Most
Rev. Henry J. O'Brien, D.D., Bishop
of Hartford.

Perpetual Voivs, at Ferndale,
March 9, 1947:

Mr. Ernest F. Kempf.

Change of Address:

Chaplain Henry J. Haley, 501st
Air Service Group, HQ Comd., APO
633, New York, N.Y.

Arrival:

At New York, March 17, Brother
Theodorus Kwakman, on the SS. Wes-
terdam, Holland America Line.

Correction :

Father Julien Peghaire sailed from
New York for France on the SS.
Marine Marlin, March 10, and not on
the SS. Wisconsin, March 8, as re-
ported last month.

Pray for:

Brother Wojcieeh, of the Province
of Poland who died at Bydgoszcz,
March 11, 1947.

The mother of Fathers F. X. and
James P. O'Reilly, who died in Water-
bury, Conn., March 25, 1947;

The mother of Father Daniel P.
Dougherty, who is seriously ill.

51

OUR PROVINCE, APRIL, 1947

General Bulletin

Acta Apostolicae Sedis
Decree in regard to Confirmation

The Acta Apostolicae Sedis of Oc-
tober 3, 1946, publish a Decree of the
Sacred Congregation of the Sacra-
ments of September 14, 1946, promul-
gating new legislation for the ad-
ministration of the sacrament of Con-
firmation.

This decree recalls that Confirma-
tion may be administered to those who
have reached the use of reason, and
even before if there be danger of
death. Since it is impossible for the
Bishop, who is the ordinary minister
of this sacrament, to reach all the
subjects of his diocese, many die with-
out having received Confirmation. To
remedy this situation the Sacred Con-
gregation of the Sacraments formu-
lated a rule later confirmed by the
Holy Father. Canon 782 foresees
cases when a priest is the extraordin-
ary minister of Confirmation, and it
is the pastor and the other priests
having the rights and the duties of a
pastor over a territory, who are per-
sonally designated as extraordinary
ministers of this sacrament, in cases
of grave sickness with danger of
death. These powers extend to the en-
tire territory of their parish compris-
ing hospitals, seminaries, even ex-
empt communities, etc., and they can-
not be delegated to others. The ad-
ministration of this sacrament is an
obligation incumbent upon pastors,
and it must be done gratuitously.

Pastors must inform the Bishop
about each individual case and the
Bishop will in turn make a yearly re-
port of the matter to Rome.

An Instruction recalls the principles
which must govern the administration
of this sacrament, in conformity with
the Apostolic Indult: this concession
holds only for the Latin rite, one male
sponsor is required for boys and one
woman sponsor for the girls; no one
should be sponsor for more than two
children, — conditions required for the
sponsor, — duties of sponsors, etc.

Finally the Acta Apostolicae Sedis
reproduce the liturgical rules for the
administration of Confirmation by a
priest, as published in the Roman Ri-
tual in 1925.
Editions of Liturgical Books

The same number of the Acta Apos-
tolicae Sedis publishes a Decree of
the Sacred Congregation of Rites, of
August 10, 1946, proclaiming that the
official editing of liturgical books is
reserved to the Vatican Press. This
ruling is destined to prevent fanciful

changes in form and content some-
times found in the publications of
other publishers. Henceforth other
editors will need to obtain, each time,
an authorization of the Sacred Con-
gregation of Rites, and will have to
follow the regulations prescribed by
the Administration of the Property
of the Holy See. Ordinaries will
authorize printing only after carefully
revising the texts and after verifying
that they are in perfect accord with
the Vatican edition.
Resignations and an Appointment

The Most Reverend Bishop Gri-
mault, Vicar Apostolic of Dakar, re-
signed due to poor health. Father
Salomon has been named Pro-Vicar.

The Sacred Congregation of Propa-
ganda also accepted the resignation
of Monsignor Faye, Prefect Apostolic
of Ziguinchor, the reason being the
poor condition of his health.

His Eminence, the Cardinal Prefect
of Propaganda, announced the ap-
pointment of Most Reverend Pierre
Bonneau as Vicar Apostolic of Duala.
Father Bonneau was Principal Supe-
rior of the District of Yaounde. Bish-
op Bonneau becomes titular Bishop
of Tehmisonium in Phrygia (Karao-
jTjkpazar).

Notes et Documents

Our Most Reverend Superior Gen-
eral sent a complete collection of the
"Notes and Documents on the Life
and Work of Venerable Francis Mary
Paul Libermann," to the Sacred Con-
gregation of Propaganda and received
the following acknowledgment :

Sacra Congregatio De Propaganda
Fide. Prot. N.B. 46. Rome, December
6, 1946. Most Reverend Father Gen-
eral:

It is with sentiments of deep grati-
tude that I have received the collec-
tion 'Notes and Documents on the
Life and Work of Venerable Francis
Mary Paul Libermann' which Your
Excellency has so kindly offered to
the Library of the Propaganda. This
invaluable collection of documents is
doubly precious because of the ex-
ceptional influence which Venerable
Libermann has in the African mis-
sions. His missionary principles har-
monize perfectly with those of the
Propaganda. His views concerning
an African clergy, his perfect obedi-
ence to the directives of Rome, his
wisdom manifest in his instructions to
his missionaries, his competency in
giving spiritual direction to his evan-
gelical laborers, make this collection,
published under the auspices of Your

Excellency, not only a monument to
the honor of your Venerable Father,
but an extremely rich treasury of mis-
sionary doctrine. Our librarians who
publish the "Bibliotheca Missionum"
are most happy to be able to draw
from this mine. The desire expressed
in the preface of the first volume has
been well realized. This collection has
greatly contributed toward spreading
the knowledge and the love of your
Venerable Founder and his Congrega-
tion.

Accept, Your Excellency, the ex-
pression of my sentiments of highest
respect and entire devotedness.
^Peter Card. Fumasoni-Biondi,

Prefect of the Propaganda.

Avis Du Mois

HOLINESS - CHARITY

Our Divine Lord not only commands
us to be holy, but He gives us Him-
self as a perfect model of holiness,
and puts at our disposal sacramental
means for our sanctification.

This holiness to which God calls us
already here on earth must manifest
itself by a radiating charity. Our
Lord's desire in binding us together
is that our souls should become one
living unity: Sint uniim!

Saint Paul compares this union
with that which exists among the
members of one same body (Rom.
XII,5): "So we being many, are one
body in Christ; and every one mem-
bers of another." All cooperate in
the general functions of life, but ob-
ser\'ing due subordination. They as-
sist one another, they keep the place
assigned to them in the hierarchical
order, they fulfill their ofl'ices in their
respective spheres of activity.

This admirable organization applies
to the Church and in a particular
way to religious families. It serves to
maintain good order, peace, moral
well-being. Where the bonds of union
suffer injury, the body is weakened
and the life of the community declines.

This disorder usually springs from
self-love, which wants to draw every-
thing to itself and seeks to foster its
own interests rather than those of the
Community.

At the beginning of this year, let
us resolve to avoid singularity, self-
regard and self-centeredness, and to
sanctify ourselves by a broadminded
charity, practiced generously.

Whatever the place we occupy in
the Congregation whether we be the
arms or the feet, the eyes or the
(Continued op page 55)

OUR PROVIN'CE. APRIL. 1947

52

Ourselves, Incorporated

FERNDALE

As usual, the proximity of Spring
has not intimidated the New England
weather man, and the usual February
and March "snow and blow" hold
sway in Ferndale. Getting twenty
Fathers out to ministry and back
again, not to speak of the baker, the
butcher and the — milkman, is no little
chore for chauffeurs and the Fern-
dale highway men.

Normally Spring at Ferndale be-
tokens Ordinations: tonsure, minor
orders, subdiaconate and diaconate.
This time, however, we add another
order to the list, the priesthood for
Rev. Messrs. McGowan, Lachowsky
and Lasko, whose age prevented the
usual dispensation for early ordination
last June.

The lot fell to the Philosophers this
time to command the rostrum in the
auditorium and explain, defend and
object to the ethical problem, "The
absolute, i.e., average family wage is
due (by the employer in normal cir-
cumstances) ex justitia commutativa."

Profitable extracurricular activities
still have their place at Ferndale.
"The Legion of Mary" has been pro-
gressing for the past two years, hav-
ing a meeting every month; "Catho-
lic Action" began a few months back
in a humble way, and several cells are
functioning at the present time; a
Philosophical Study Club was in-
augurated a short while ago, the pur-
pose of which is to broaden and deep-
en one's insight in this fundamental
science; the "Spiritus" publication
continues to make its regular appear-
ance, thanks to a very active and zeal-
ous staff; the Dale's new delineator
in the lighter vein is the up and com-
ing "Ferndale Crier," sent to recent
graduates and to all who desire it.

On his way to his assignment in
Haiti, Brother Bonaventure Cresson,
(from the French Province) stopped
here for a few days. Here is one who
was really in the war, or rather I
should say who was drawn into the
maelstrom of its horrible effects.
Brother Bonaventure was in thirteen
prison camps and managed to escape
from five of them. He still bears the
marks of his painful experiences. Al-
though he missed the famous "Dachau
Camp," he did not escape similar
treatment. His new assignment should
not prove very difficult for one of
his stamina.

CORNWELLS

This could go down as "casualty
month." An interesting experiment
in open-air cooking resulted from a
fire at the plant that sells us our
cooking-gas, and a doubtful fight has
been fought with the water-pumps,
its high-point being a waterless Sun-
day. For the main pump finally suc-
cumbed to old age. A new pump, out
of our foresight, snugly resting in
the basement for this eventuality, was
triumphantly brought forth. Rigging
was constructed, the old casing was
drawn up, installation began. But the
discovery of a missing part called a
halt, somewhat melodramatically. For
the missing part, hard to get, we are
still waiting. At the old well, the
emergency pump chugged tremulously
through the house until one day it
dropped part of itself down a hun-
dred and fifty feet of pipe. A frenzied
day's fishing regained the vital piece,
and once more the little pump valiant-
ly but frantically vibrates every pipe
in the building.

January was brought to its custo-
mary shuddering stop by examina-
tions. They began on the twenty-sev-
enth and ended on the thirtieth. A
free day intervened in the interest
of the sanity of all concerned, and
the new term began on February 4.

February 2, the anniversary of our
Venerable Father Liberman, and visit-
ing Sunday, was a day of rare events.
There was a striking mission exhibit,
at which was featured a gallery of
miniatures of African subjects,
painted by Father Gross while in-
terned. There was an original one-
act play entitled. The Conversion of
Liberman, written by two scholastics
of last year, now novices. This was
followed by a raffle of money prizes,
the proceeds of which increased the
local C.S.M.C. treasury.

We celebrated the transferred
feast of the Purification with a solemn
mass and a free day. Free days being
the life-blood of any school, we men-
tion as relevant the half-day on
Shrove Tuesday and the full day on
the birthday of George Washington.

Our new German confreres are at
home by this time. The brothers are
(xercising their considerable talents
in various projects of improvement,
notable among which is the renovation
of the plaster in the scholastics' rec-
reation hall. Some of the fathers are

doing some of the difi'icult work of
assisting students advanced in age
but not in Latin. Father Eckert and
Brother Remigius are assisting at the
chapel organ, and Father Eckert is
also aiding in the teaching of singing.
F'ather Gross has inaugurated an art
class. The whole group has broken in-
to local society by a dinner given in
its honor at the Shrine of the True
Cross.

Basketball has suffered considerable
restraint this month by the lack of
suff'icient water for showers, since no
unnecessary strain can be put on the
temporary system. There was only
one day of skating, for what cold
weather there has been, brought its
own blanket of snow. These items
have conspired with the disheveled
state of the recreation hall to bring
about an-unwonted lack of recreation-
al features, but the scholastics have
proven by it all, their growing manly
stride.

Our distinguished visitor of the
month was Father Robert J. Eber-
hardt, back from Puerto Rfco for a
short rest.

RIDGEFIELD

Work on our new barn is proceed-
ing satisfactorily. We are awaiting
the arrival of warm weather before
commencing work on the cement
floor. Completion of the floor will
finish the work on the interior for all
practical purposes.

The winter has passed and the
snow, the snow shove! and the tobog-
gan have contributed their varied
share to the making of a novice. We
look forward to a more pleasant and
gentle treatment at the hands of
spring.

The Ridgefield herd is now down
to two. "Rosy" (in case you know
her; she was a gallant calf) outlived
her uselessness and was butchered.
She gave every promise of turning out
to be a lovable beast and no doubt
would compare in every way ( if given
a chance) with the cow that inspired
R. L. Stevenson to write:
The friendly cow all red and white,

I love with all my heart;
She gives me cream with all her might

To eat with apple-tart.

WASHINGTON

We decided a little more and better
grass on the lawn would give a better
setting to things on Manchester Lane,
so at the first sign of spring workmen
were on our lawn again. We are get-
ting a new top thereon. New soil is
being hauled in and a good supply
of high grade seed has arrived. Two

53

OUR PROVINCE. APRIL, 1947

or three experiments in trying to
grow a lawn without the proper soil
convinced us that this cannot be done
even in Washington.

Conditions and circumstances
brought us about the usual number of
guests this month. Improved taxi-
cab service in the Nation's Capital
has helped us considerably to "Wel-
come the coming, speed the parting
guest."

The cold logic of the Not-^%t Club
not to hold their annual meeting at
The Lane has been received here like
a spring snow.

AFRICA

1927 for me, 1947 for you.

Oftentimes out here, I would like
to call upon you confreres at home
to render us an account of your mis-
sionary, priestly and religious lives
as you do of us. (O.P. has been doing
just that for going on fourteen years.
Ed.) Some day we may organize
"Our Vicariate" and wheedle some
literary contribution, entitled "From
Back Home."

Just returned from a few days'
visit to Kibosho and Kilema. I at-
attended the ordination of two priests
in the former place and acted as arch-
priest for a first solemn high Mass in
the latter.

After twenty years it is a conso-
lation to share in the offering to God
of two priests, who were boys in my
first years of sen'ice out here in St.
Patrick's Teachers' Training School.
To Father John Kifunguomali I re-
marked, "1924 for me, 1947 for you."
He had written me a very grateful
letter in good English recalling what
had come from the lump of clay we
had to mold. Little we thought in those
early days that he would one day
join our ranks in the priesthood.

Father John's first Mass was quite
like our own. Father Neville preached;
Father Danaher was deacon; and Fa-
ther Andrea, one of the African
priests, was subdeacon; I was arch-
priest. The church at Kilema is
small but certainly over 1,000 were
present at the Mass and about 900
received Holy Communion. Wilhelmi
and Catharina, Father John's par-
ents, was there, his paternal grand-
mother, Marsellina, and two aunts
both awaiting the Grace of Baptism.
We had a picture taken which I may
send you later.

After the Mass school children
gathered around the priests' house to
sing and read addresses and present
Father John with envelopes contain-
ing humble gifts. Heads of societies

did likewise. It was a great day for
him and his sentiments were those of
the grateful children: "God is too
good."

For the first Mass of Father Joseph
Babee we were like Moses and the
Promised Land. A very heavy rain
with thunder started on Saturday af-
ternoon just at the time we had
planned to leave the Senior Seminary.
I was to take Father John to Uru
in our car. At about 4 o'clock we
decided to start as the rain had ceased.
Though the distance is only about 15
miles the road however is very rough.
Father Manning was to take His Ex-
cellency to the Mission of Umbwe,
about 15 miles in the opposite direc-
tion. He went ahead of me, but I bene-
fited by his misadventure, for his car
slipped and stuck in the mud. We put
on chains. He did that also, but later.
Farther on he slipped off the road and
into a water furrow. We all decided
that we should stay at St. Patrick's
Training School for the night. Only

4 miles from Kibosho, we should do
well to reach there safely. We did at
about 6 P.M. Food and lodging for

5 unexpected guests was the greet-
ing we brought Father Joseph P. Nop-
pinger. Later we dressed Father Jos-
eph in a rain coat and hood and sent
him off with a few boys. Father Kor-
nips and I would have gone also if
we had the protection against wet
clothes. We hoped to follow in the
morning but we could not. Fathers
Neville and Danaher were likewise
"rained in" in Moshi. Such was the
bitter-sweet of our first-fruit offer-
ing from St. Patrick's. — Father Mar-
ron.

PUERTO RICO

New Chapel at Arrozal

We have just given the finishing
touches to a chapel in Arrozal.
Through the magnificent aid of the
Catholic Church Extension Society
plus mighty fine donations from Fa-
thers Hoeger and Connors, a rather
nice building was constructed. It is
dedicated to the Sacred Heart under
the special protection of St. Joseph.
The Good Carpenter's hand was al-
most visible directing the work and
se''uring the material at a time when
prices were sky-rocketing and mate-
rial scarce.

Arrozal is a barrio that always be-
longed to the parish of Arecibo, but
not until 19.39 was any regular mis-
sionary labor done there. True, many
trips, both on horse and afoot, were
made from the beginning in the days
of Fathers Plunkett, W. Duffy, Guth-

rie and Boyd, but due to the distance,
the bad roads and mainly the lack of
missionaries, Mass was not said regu-
larly nor was catechism taught. How-
ever in 1939, Father Kingston began
to say Mass there several times a
year.

In 1943 the people of the barrio
asked that a permanent chapel be
built, since all religious services were
being held in a converted stable and
garage, dirt floor, straw walls and
zinc roof. By this time the attend-
ance at Mass overflowed the crude
shelter and ofttimes the poor faithful
had to stand in the blazing sun or in
a tropical down-pour whilst fulfilling
their religious duties.

Now we have our chapel. The peo-
ple attend very well. The Commun-
ions and the Confessions are increas-
ing, and that is the real means we use
for judging progress.

The solemn blessing is to take
place on May 11. Bishop Davis will
officiate.

ROME

Rome In Spring

The Roman spring is here. The
glorious Mediterranean sun is shin-
ing in a cloudless sky. Gone now are
the frosty breath and the cold feet.
It is a saying among the Romans that
the severe cold in Rome never lasts
over fifteen days. It was true, at all
events, this year. The real cold struck
us towards the end of December, and
began to leave about the fifteenth of
January. Now at the middle of Febru-
ary, the cold is a thing of the past.
The people bask in the sunshine, at
every piazza, and at every open spot
in the city.

Perhaps living conditions in Rome
are going to improve somewhat. The
rather gay and carefree "buccaneer-
ing" which goes by the name of the
Roman Black Market is being checked.
There are many evidences of it. At
the front of the Pantheon, in the piaz-
za before the Senate Building, before
the Main Post Office, there are po-
lice patrolling now, with no food or
cigarette stands in evidence.. The
law is being enforced. The papers
too give stories of checkups on groc-
ery stores, restaurants, and tobacco
shops. Over two hundred business
establishments have been fined for not
complying with city regulations.

In keeping with this tendency there
is an edict commanding all foreigners,
under pain of deportation, to regis-
ter with the city "Questura" before

OUR PROVINCE. APRIL, 1947

54

the end of March. All aliens are to
carry a card of identity with them at
all times. This for us means another
long wait in a line to have our papers
checked. The Italian is notorious for
never being in a hurry. The reports
seems to have in mind the many
D.P.'s, and even hunted criminals,
who have flocked to the city, as a safe
refuge.

The city papers have been rather
outspoken in their criticism of the
Treaty of Peace enforced on the coun-
try. Even the two most conservative
journals "II Tempo'" and "II Mess-
agero" openly voiced their dissatis-
faction. Their arguments were that
the clauses had been drawn up with-
out any consideration for the ethnic
and economic consequences to Italy.
It seems to me that their criticism
to a certain extent is very just. For
example, Briga, which had been ceded
to the French, is the source of most
of the electrical power for the in-
dustrial north. The direct result of
this now is that the Italian industry
must buy its power from the French.
In Pola, a city of twenty-seven thou-
sand people, there is a mass evacua-
tion, before it is turned over to the
Jugoslavs. A census shows that twen-
ty-five thousand people are leaving,
or desirous of leaving the city, if they
had the means.

Italy in itself is a very poor coun-
try. Much of the land is unsuitable
for farming. Where there are farms,
in many instances, their productivity
is not sufficient to support the many
people in the country. One of Italy's
greatest assets, if not the greatest,
is its surplus man-power. One often
wonders what the crowds of men and
boys on every street corner in the
city of Rome do for a living. This
brings up the question of the colonies.
It seems only natural that there be
some outlet for the excess population.

The International Scene

Avis Du Mois

(Continued from page .52)

hands, our life and our happiness will
be proportionate to our fidelity to
community life. Life in common
does indeed demand self-abnegation
and the sacrifices of particular attrac-
tions. The degree of blessedness re-
served for us by God will not be mea-
sured by our duties and positions in
the present life, but by our fidelity
in fulfilling them.

May we therefore have one only
ambition namely to be in God's Hands
pliable, faithful, docile instruments. —
(JL. Le Hunsec.

Mother House: The cold spell at the
end of December and the beginning
of January caused a number of colds,
grippe, etc. Our Most Reverend Su-
perior General was also forced to re-
main in his room for a few days. With
the coming of milder weather we ex-
pect these ills will soon depart. Be-
fore Christmas Most Reverend George
Haezaert. Vicar Apostolic of Katanga
and Father John Fryns, Provincial of
Belgium, visited us. On Sunday, Janu-
ary 12, the Mother House made its
traditional pilgrimage to Our Lady
of Victories, in the name of the entire
Congregation. The sermon was
preached by Father Bunot, missionary
of French Guinea. He showed us the
difficulties met with by the mission-
ary, especially in Guinea, and recom-
mended to the prayera of the Arch-
confraternity a new mission which
he plans to found among the Moham-
medans of Fouta-Djallon.

France: Tours for arousing voca-
tions and spreading missionary inter-
est have been resumed. During the
holidays Father Cosse, Superior of
Euitz organized several of these with
the aid of scholastics. They were able
to reach a great number of institu-
tions, and in particular, twenty-two
bof rding schools and about 1,200
children. A pilgrim band travelled
through Lorraine and gave confer-
ences in about twenty boarding
schools. This reawakening of mis-
sionary interest should have excellent
results, both as regards vocations and
help for the missions. In Brittany it
was Father Le Chevalier, returned
from Loango, who was in charge of
these missionary trips, but more dif-
ficulties were met there from the ec-
clesiastical authorities. Father Barre,
professor at the scholasticate of Che-
villy, gave conferences to the men at
the National Marian Congress of La
Salette. The novitiate for Brothers
has been installed at Pire.

The Brothers with first vows re-
main at Chevilly where they form a
separate group under the direction of
Father Cornu. Bordeaux will cele-
brate the centenary of its foundation
on March 2. Neufgrange is succeed-
ing in putting its buildings in order;
there are already .34 junior scholastics
and 4 aspirant Brothers. At Bouveret,
the golden jubilee celebration of Fath-
er Mucker was observed. The latest
Provincial Bulletin announces that
Father Joseph Bouchaud has been

nan;ed director of the "Annales"
which will soon resume publication.

Ireland: Seven young Fathers left
for the West Coast of Africa in the
beginning of December, and thirteen
others were to follow at the end of
the same month. Those for the East
coast were also to go to their mis-
sion a little later. Rockwell has 500
students, of whom 12 are French, one
Spanish, one Italian, two American
(U.S.), one from Trinidad and a few
from Great Britain.

Portugal: Father Hascher is mak-
ing a visitation of the Province. Por-
tugal has 25 novices, 225 junior scho-
lastics and 43 aspirant Brothers. At
Braga there was an epidemic of ty-
phoid fever; 27 students were stricken,
but fortunately there were no casual-
ties. At Porto the municipality
changed Nogueira Street to Father
Jose Pacheco-Monte Street. This is
a fitting tribute to our confrere who
did so much for that section of the
city where his influence was so great.
Father Provincial, accompanied by
Father Rego, who was returning to
his post of Principal Superior, visited
our works in Cabe Verde. Both re-
ceived a warm welcome.

Germany: The house of Knechtste-
den has finally been evacuated by the
Polish refugees who had occupied it
almost entirely. The work of restora-
tion was immediately begun so that
the building may once more serve the
senior scholasticates and the various
other works sheltered in this great
house.

I'nited States: The work for voca-
cations, organized by the Province,
has had beneficial results. At the
junior scholasticate in Cornwells,
there were at the beginning of the
school year 102 students, of whom 44
were newcomers. The 7 novices who
made their profession August 15, 1946,
have been replaced by fifteen others.
There w ere also four postulant Broth-
ers. Of the 7 Fathers who made their
Consecration to the Apostolate in
194G, three went to Kilimanjaro, two
to parishes in the Southern part of
the Province, one to Rome and anoth-
er to Paris. Duquesne University has
an enrollment of 4,108 students. On
September 22, was celebrated the
sacerdotal golden jubilee of Father
Wuest at St. Mary's, Detroit. Father
Collins, after long negotiations, final-

55

OUR PROVINCE, APRIL, 1947

ly succeeded in liberating some of our
German confreres of the Prefecture
Apostolic of Benoue who were in-
terned for six years in Jamaica.

Belgium: Christmas celebration was
resumed with due splendor, as before
the war. Bishop Haezaert, together
with the returned missionaries of Ka-
tanga and Angola, are keeping alive
the missionary spirit, while resting
and recuperating. Six of these mis-
sionaries now occupy a house recent-
ly bought at Nylen. There is again
some difficulty in obtaining passage
for missionaries desiring to go to the
Congo. At Lier there are almost
100 students. Father Declercq gave
a conference at Louvain during the
XVIIth Week of Missiology.

Holland: In December 1945, of 90
Missionary Institutes established in
Holland, 35 Congregations for men
had 807 Fathers ready to leave for
the Missions (of whom were 105 Holy
Ghost Fathers); the ten Congrega-
tions for Brothers had 100 Brothers
ready for mission work (of whom 16
were Holy Ghost Brothers); and the
50 Congregations of Sisters, had 163
Sisters destined for the missions. Of
the 121 Fathers and Brothers of the
Congregation, appointed to the mis-
sions, 116 left for their posts in 1946;
only five remain to be sent. It is this
Province which has sent the greatest
nun-.ber of reinforcements to the mis-
sions. Of 240 Fathers belonging to the
Province of Holland 173 are in the
Mission Field.

England: On December 3, two
young Fathers left for Sierra Leone
and two others for the Prefecture of
Benoue. Father Whiteside, who was a
military chaplain, was demobilized.
He visited Paris and is ready to return
to the Missions.

Poland: The work of reconstruction
is in progress. Father Forys has been
able to occupy (since December 4) the
room formerly used by Father Tomas-
zewski. The Red Cross has promised
to return at least part of our house
at Puszczykowko, which it occupied
since it was exacuated by the Ger-
mans.

Rome: On December 8, patronal
feast of the French Seminary, Pon-
tifical Mass was celebrated by the
Most Reverend Martin Gillet, Arch-
bishop of Nicaea, former Superior
General of the Dominicans. There was
later a Marian Exposition and a re-
enactment by Father Lecuyer of the
"Mystery of Emperor Julian." On De-
cember 22 the students of the semin-
ary and our Roman scholastics were

on St. Peter's square with the im-
mense crowd come to acclaim the Holy
Father. The voice of His Holiness was
heard clearly over the amplifiers
throughout the vast place and even
far beyond. The seminary was honor-
ed by the visit of their Excellencies,
Bishops Wolff of Majunga and Marie
of French Guiana, Monsignors J. de
Lange, Prefect Apostolic of Tefl'e and
J. Faye, Prefect Apostolic of Zin-
guinchor.

Guadeloupe: On December 8, Bishop
Gay organized a great Fair for the
benefit of the work of St. John
Bosco of Bisdary. There were more
than 20,000 visitors and financial re-
turns were most satisfactory. It will
be possible to take care of twice as
many children in this establishment.

Martinique: On December 3 took
place the inauguration of the Pavilion
of the Catholic Youth Organization
at the Cathedral. Father Simon, who
underwent an operation, is getting
better.

Amazonia: Father Hascher, after
finishing the visitation of the two Dis-
tricts of Teffe and Upper Jura, left
in the beginning of December for Por-
tugal. He was accompanied by Father
.'Mbuquerque. Monsignor J. de Lange,
after his return to Holland at the end
of his visit to Rome, expects to leave
for Teffe.

Dakar: Father Boutrais writes that
he has about 400 persons attending dai-
ly catechism at Mont Roland; at Fan-
dene, there have been 343 Commun-
ions; this whole region of Nones,
where the people keep alive the mem-
ory of Cardinal Verdier, is now in our
hands.

Gambia: In his annual report. Fath-
er Farrelly gives interesting details
concerning the apostolate in Gambia.
A modern kindergarten school has
been opened at Bathurst in September
1945. It is under the direction of the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny and it
is the first of its kind in Gambia. It
accommodates 340 children between
the ages of five and seven. In the in-
terior of our mission we are realizing
more and more that many Mohamme-
dan Negroes are only superficially
converted to the Faith; they are not
practicing it but have rather kept
their pagan beliefs. They are not as
much opposed to Christianity as was
formerly supposed. Even Mohamme-
dan chiefs are giving land to the Mis-
sion for the foundation of our schools
and they send their own children to
these schools. On the other hand a
new law authorizes the opening of

schools placed under the direction of
Mohammedan chiefs. The Missions
have the right to open Catholic
schools, but not in places where Mo-
hammedan schools are already estab-
lished. It is therefore a question of
acquiring as much land as possible be-
fore the Mohammedans establish
their schools.

Ziguinchor: There are four African
novice Brothers at Temento; two pos-
tulants have received the habit and
three others are preparing for their
Oblation.

Onitsha: The Status Animarum re-
ports more than 50,000 baptisms dur-
ing this year. The Vicariate has 1,434
secondary stations. There are pre-
sently 9 African priests, 2 Brothers
and 8 African postulant Brothers, two
Religious Sisters and twelve African
aspirants for the Sisterhood.

Douala: The nomination of the Most
Rev. Pierre Bonneau was announced
at Douala before Christmas. His con-
secration will take place at Douala,
where it will coincide with the tenth
anniversary of the foundation of the
organization "Ad Luceni." Cardinal
Lienart, Archbishop of Lille and Pre-
sident of "Ad Lucem," will go to
Douala for this event and will be
the consecrating prelate.

Yaounde: Beautiful celebration of
Christmas! At Mvolye there were
6,000 Communions, of which 200 were
received by Europeans. In East
Cameroon, the field of labor of our
Dutch confreres, there are actually
20,000 Christians and 15,000 catechu-
mens. The Vicariate of Yaounde now
had 26 African priests, 20 African
Brothers and 43 African Sisters. And
the process of getting vocations is
kept going, for there remain 28 seni-
or seminarians and 110 junior semin-
arians, 9 novices and 36 postulant
Brothers, 16 novices and 138 postulant
African Sisters.

Gabon: The Most Rev. Louis Tardy,
whose health has not improved since
his return to France, remained for a
while at Chevilly. Operations and
treatments failed to help. In spite of
new arrivals Gabon has seen more
missionaries depart for Europe dur-
ing the last two years than it has re-
ceived. It is true that most of those
who went to Europe will return to
the mission.

Brazzaville: Bishop Biechy is now
visiting the missions in his Vicariate.
In November he made a visit to Ya-
ounde where he acted as delegate of
the Red Cross. Two African priests.

OUR PROVINCE, APRIL. 1947

56

candidates for the elections, failed to
receive the necessary number of votes.

Bangui: The Abbe Boganda, of Ban-
gui, has been chosen for the Legis-
lative Assembly and he has arrived
in Paris where he will take up his du-
ties in the Chamber of Deputies.

Luanda: We expect in the near fu-
ture to open a new junior seminary
at Cabinda. We shall also open a new
station at Lombe.

Nova Lisboa: The Catholic diocesan
paper "Traco de Uniao," in its Octo-
ber issue, describes a visit to the ma-
jor seminary which has been under
construction for several years at Nova
Lisboa. Judging from this article the
Seminary of Christ the King is near-
ing completion. It will comprise four
wings. The Mission of Bailundo cele-
brated the 50th anniversary of its
foundation in August.

Zanzibar: Present at the consecra-
tion of the Most Rev. John McCarthy
at Nairobi, on October 27, were the
Most Rev. David Mathew, Apostolic
Delegate, consecrator and his two as-
sistant consecrators, their Excellen-
cies, Bishops Hilhorst and Kiwanuka;
Most Rev. Edgar Maranta, of Dar-es-
Salam Amann of Ndanda, Mathews of
Dodoma; the preacher was the Most
Rev. Joseph Byrne of Kilimanjaro.
About 100 priests and more than 2,000
loy persons filled the church. After the
ceremony Bishop McCarthy went out-
side, where he was enthusiastically re-
ceived by more than 5,000 persons.

Diego-Suarez: On October 27, there
took place at Vohemar the blessing
of the church which is the work of
Fathers Britschu and Irigaray.

Mauritius: Father Streicher finish-
ed his visitation after assisting at the
feast of All Saints in the parish of
St. Ann at La Reunion; he has now re-
turned to Mauritius.

Ticker Talk

At Del Mar, Cal., attempts are be-
ing made to secure some government
material for the building of a tem-
porary chapel. . .In Puerto Rico re-
pair work is still being done on the
damage caused by the earthquake. . .
Father Haley has managed to see
conditions in the French and British
zones in Germany. He also visited Ire-
land. . .St. Mark's Rectory, N. Y., re-
ceived a new coat of paint on the in-
side. . .Fathers Kanda and Conners
are doing part time chaplaincy work
amongst war veterans in the nearby
clinics at Hato Rey, P.R. . .Some
landscaping work still remains to be

done around the enlarged rectory at
Jayuya, P. R. . .The Sisters Adorers of
the Precious Blood with Mother House
at Columbia, Pa., are scheduled to
take charge of the new school at
Hartsvilie, S. C. The school has not
yet been constructed but plans are
ready. . .At Carencro, La., a plot has
been purchased for a convent. . .Fath-
er Wersing secured a donation of
$1,000 for the proposed convent cha-
pel at Muskogee. . .Father F. Nolan is
teaching at Rockwell College, Ireland.
"A whiff from the warm South would
be most welcome now," he writes from
snow-bound Ireland . . . Father Mc-
Anulty, too, got a chance to see
France, England, and Eire. He had
planned to see Rome, but could not.
In County Mayo he found his mother's
birthplace and he was delighted with
the reception given him by the Irish
confreres. . .A high school is needed
at St. Gabriel's, Hot Springs, Ark.,
and Father Haines is planning on buy-
ing some property with a view to
building. . .The Journal of Religious
Instruction (December, 1946) gave a
favorable but rather late review of
"A Tryst with the Holy Trinity.". . .
There are 8,000 men at Fort Sill,
Okla., where Father Curran is sta-
tioned. A large number of bad mar-
riages remains to be taken care of. . .
Father Lundergan had a very success-
ful Forty Hours Devotion. Several of
the neighboring priests attended the
closing exercises and dinner. . .Fath-
er Gilligan is doing chaplaincy work
at the Veterans' Administration Hos-
pital in Arecibo. . .At Muskogee, Okla.,
the Express Company found itself in
trouble when it was unable to account
for the loss of two shipments of Fath-
er Montambeau's mistletoe. . .Father
Hoffmann, provincial of Germany, ar-
rived at the Mother House in Febru-
ary. . .Sacred Heart, Detroit, has
about 90 taking instructions. . .Fr.
Leonard is busy covering the schools
in Pittsburgh Diocese. . .Fr. Walsh
(St. Daniel's, Shreveport) is working
hard on the building fund campaign.
. . .A lady from New Canaan, Conn.,
writes telling us that a Mission given
there by Fathers Brannigan and Mc-
Caffrey was very inspiring. She asked
for more information about us. . .
Some C.A.R.E. food packages have
been sent to our Fathers in Germany
and also to some of their relatives.
Father Kreuter, superior at Heim-
bach, tells us that the house was bad-
ly damaged during the war and that
one of the Brothers was killed there.
He confirms the newspaper reports of
the severe shortage of food and fuel.

Our Lady of Guadeloupe

(Preface by Archbishop Cantwell to
the new edition of Our Lady of Gua-
deloupe by Rev. George Lee, C.S.Sp.)

We are gladdened to have this ad-
mirable narrative of the story of Our
Lady of Guadeloupe from the pen
of Father Lee. Devotion to the Blessed
Mother knows no frontiers. Every na-
tion cherishes Her in its own unique
way. It is significant that Almighty
God should have smiled on the be-
ginnings of colonization on this con-
tinent. As always He signifies His
blessing by the visitation of Her who,
in His human walking among us, was
His dearest possession, and who now
reigns Queen of all the Angels and
Saints. She is the Dawn of which
Christ is the Sunrise. She is the Moon,
the reflection of His Light. She is the
Mystical Rose. She is terrible as an
army in battle array.

By solemn pact of dedication Our
Lady of Guadeloupe has been invoked
the Patroness of the Americas. No
treaty or doctrine of continental unity
can ever bind us strongly as the faith
we possess. Over the pampas plains
of the Argentine, over the wilderness
of mountain barriers, interlacing the
islands of the intervening seas, at
home in the village communities and
metropolitan cities of our nation. She
spreads the mantle of Her protection
and calls to Her queenly side the
young and old, the lowly and the
lordly.

She has, too, her band of troubadours
who sing Her songs. These pages by
Father Lee form another voice of
that chorus that constantly resounds
in Her praise. It is high time that
all of the Catholics of the land should
know and venerate Her under this
ancient title. May this little work find
access to many a home, to announce
once more the glad tidings that the
winter is over and gone, and that the
flowers have again appeared in our
land. — * John J. Cantwell, D.D.,
LL.D., Archbishop of Los Angeles.

Many follow Jesus to the breaking
of bread, but few follow the ignominy
of the His cioss. — The Imitation.

57

OUR PROVINCE, APRIL, 1947

BULLETINS

OUR LADY OF VICTORIES
Salisbury, N.C.

In 1941 on the invitation of His
Excellency, the Most Reverend
Eugene J. McGuinness, the Holy
Ghost Fathers entered the diocese of
Raleigh, North Carolina, to begin
mission work amongst the colored
population of the State, first in Salis-
bury, later in Sanford.

In February, 1942, Father Joseph
A. Griffin was appointed pastor of the
first mission. Our Lady of Victories,
in Salisbury, North Carolina. Upon
his arrival he took up residence with
Rev. Cletus J. Helfrich, pastor of the
Sacred Heart Church. The two colored
Catholics in the town had attended
Sacred Heart Church for several
years.

Father Griffin found a suitable site
for the new mission in the Northwest
section of the town. The property and
building on it belonged formerly to
the Marsh Mills, but had been aban-
doned for a numbers of years. This
property is located on Fisher and
Lloyd Streets.

The Congregation of the Holy
Ghost was duly incorporated in the
State of North Carolina on September
9, 1942. The official title is. Holy
Ghost Fathers of North Carolina, Inc.
The deeds of the purchased property
were transferred to the Congregation
in November, 1942.

Father James J. Bradley was ap-
pointed to replace Father Griffin who
entered the Military service. The for-
mer arrived in Salisbury on October
2, 1942.

Because of the strict regulation
concerning the erection of new build-
ings, a condition brought on by the
war. Father Bradley found it impos-
sible to build as had been planned. A
store was rented at 1122 W. Horah
Street and the first Mass of the new
mission was offered on Christmas
Day, 1942. Because of the sale of
this property. Father Bradley was
forced to move out five months later.
Mass was then offered in the home
of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Ferron, 630
W. Monroe Street. Mrs. Ferron was
a convert of many years and original-
ly from Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Fer-
ron was received into the church
years ago by Father C. J. Plunkett,
C.S.Sp., when he was pastor of St.
Mark's parish. New York City.

Mr. Perron died on October 13,
1943, and was buried from Sacred
Heart Church. Mrs. Perron returned

to New York after selling her home.
Mass was then discontinued be-
cause no suitable place could be
found. Father Bradley continued to
live with Father Helfrich.

Periodically during this time the
War Production Board was petitioned
for the proper permits to begin con-
struction of a small chapel but each
time the petition was rejected. To-
wards the end of the 1944 two more
lots were purchased beside the prop-
erty already owned. In this way ample
room was guaranteed for future ex-
pansion.

In May 1945, Mr. Dan Nicholas, a
non-Catholic, offered the use of a
house he owned in the Negro section
to Father Bradley, rent free, to be
used as a residence and a place to of-
fer Mass. The Women's Club of the
Sacred Heart Church presented a
purse to Father Bradley to help de-
fray some of the expenses incurred
in furnishing the house. One room
was set aside for a chapel and Mass
was offered here for the first time on
Trinity Sunday, May 27, 1945. Fath-
er Bradley then moved from the Sac-
red Heart Rectory to his own resi-
dence in June, 1945. This house is
numbered 216 South Craige Street.

An Information Class was formed
to interest the Negroes of Salisbury
in the Catholic Church, of which they
know very little. The first convert
of the new mission, Miss Carmen
Mouzon, a student in Livingston Col-
lege was baptized and received her
first Holy Communion on Low Sun-
day, April 28, 1946. The first marriage
was performed on June 16, 1946.

Converts are few at present but it
is a distinct advantage having a
small house and chapel in the Negro
section. Prejudices are breaking
down, people are becoming more
friendly and much interest is being
shown in the Information Class. At
present, efforts are being made to
raise a building fund in preparation
for the day when it will be possible
to begin our first building. — J. J. B.

LITTLE COMPTOX, R.I.
ST. CATHERINE

At the beginning of the New Year
comes the pause that enlightens. We
look both ways, backwards and for-
wards. To the rear we see all the
good that has been accomplished, in
the front lie hope and anticipation.
Between past and future stands the
actuality, which none cares to appraise

too closely, or much below the statis ■
tical levels. St. Catherine's is little
better or little worse than any other
little country parish laboring under
like conditions.

Thirty-five years ago it was won-
derful to get this little church built.
At that time the fathers often hitch-
hiked here to say mass. Still there
were disadvantages. It was necessary
to give ail the instructions in cate-
chism, in this little 45 by 26 building.
Little tots and high school youths had
to be all crowded together. Little
could be done. A few generations so
educated makes us marvel at the
grace that supports the faith.

At the moment the problem of edu-
cation is the same here as every
place where there is no Catholic school
namely, how much solid doctrine can
the children stand? How much does
it have to be diluted with natural in-
terests, and how long can this pro-
cess go on V How to overcome the
condition where the child never hears
a word aboui religion except the three
quarters of an hour that you have him
weekly, and where he is not infre-
quently reluctant to hear much about
it then ? Another problem is to over-
come the tendency of the young to
follow in the footsteps of the old and
receive the sacraments only semi-
annually.

The prevalent vices of the day
have made their way out to this iso-
lated place too. St. John would find
too many of whom he might say: "It
is not lawful for you to have her" —
or him; and Rachel would find reason
to bewail "because they are not." On
the other hand, the many who are
faithful in attendance at mass and
the sacraments bring joy to temper
the tribulations.

The Rosary Society is active in
every way. The Holy Name Men are
lagging. Every farmer here does two
days' work in one day, and it is not
possible to get them out to meetings.
Days set aside for communion of the
different groups are not successful
because of the transportation prob-
lem. Consequently, we try to encour-
age the entire family to go to com-
munion at least every month.

Father T. Joseph Wrenn gave a
very successful mission here last Lent.
During the year 31 children received
First Communion; 78 were confirmed;
we had 8 baptisms, 8 marriages, and
4 funerals.

On the material side, we were able,
through the help of St. Catherine, to
purchase ground for a new church,
school, convent, rectory and a large
plot for a cemetery. — W. J. M.

OUB PROVINCE. APRIL, 1947

58

HOLY GHOST
Detroit, Mich.

An account of the progress of this
parish from 1940 to date would actu-
ally amount to a complete history of
the foundation as it was established
only a year before that time, April
1939. The parish is an outgrowth of
a study club conducted by several
ladies who had busied themselves by
giving religious instruction to several
interested families in the area. The
parish is located in a highly developed
residential neighborhood, wherein
most of the residents are property
owners and whose pride in their com-
munity is reflected in the manner in
which they maintain their homes. The
community, known locally as Conant
Gardens, furnishes ample proof of
what Negroes can, and are anxious
to do for self-betterment if but given
the opportunity.

For two years prior to its estab-
lishment as a Mission of Sacred Heart
parish in Detroit, catechetical classes
were conducted in private homes of
prospective converts. When the num-
ber of those taking instructions be-
came sufficiently large the ladies ap-
proached Father Henry P. Thiefels,
pastor of Sacred Heart parish and
requested that he take the group in
charge. Having assured himself of
the group's potentialities. Father
Thiefels approached His Excellency,
Archbishop Edward Mooney and ob-
tained permission to start a Mission
which, at the suggestion of the Arch-
bishop, was to be called Holy Ghost
Mission. Father Thiefels then rented
a house in the neighborhood where
Mass could be offered and instructions
given; it was here at 18531 Norwood
Street that the first Mass was offer-
ed on Easter Sunday, 1939.

In June of 1941, the house was sold
and the site of the Mission was moved
to the only place available in the lo-
cality, a store-front situated in the
basement of a private home. The pro-
gress was extremely slow because of
the very poor location; so much so,
that the handful of parishioners al-
most developed an inferiority com-
plex at having to attend Mass in such
poor and inadequate surroundings.
However, despite the obstacles and
the impossibility of acquiring a more
suitable place for worship, quite a few
converts were made during the period
of three years spent in the store-
front. During this time instruction
classes were held each Monday even-
ing in the home of a parishioner, as
the store-front was available only on
Sunday mornings.

As the patience of the handful of
faithful parishioners w-as slowly be-
coming exhausted (for several pros-
pects of a new location failed to ma-
terialize), we finally were able to pur-
chase (with the aid of the Archdio-
cese) a portion of land ideally lo-
cated and sufficiently large for future
as well as present needs. When an at-
tempt to move a building on to the
newly acquired property failed, plans
were immediately begun for the con-
struction of a new church. In this
many difficulties were encountered
because the country was at war and
construction of all types was virtually
at a standstill. After much wrangling
and the refusal by the War Produc-
tion Board of permission to build a
church with a full basement, construc-
tion was finally begun on a basement
church on April 30, 1944. The church
was completed early in August and
dedicated by His Excellency, Arch-
bishop Edward Mooney on Sunday,
August 12, 1944. The funds necessary
for its erection were supplied by the
Archdiocesan Development Fund and
tho St. Peter Claver Mission Guild.
Within a year after the dedication
the number of those coming to Mass
increased from about thirty to one
hundred and twenty-five souls. The
number of people takine; instruction
also increased considerably, thus jus-
tifying the work and expense entailed
in the erection of the new church.

So rapid was the progress of the
Mission following its dedication that
it was decided to make it an independ-
ent parish by giving it boundaries and
appointing a resident pastor. This
took place on March 23, 1946, when
Father Thomas J. Clynes, C.S.Sp.,
(formerly stationed at Sacred Heart
Church) received his appointment as
pastor. Fortunately, Father Clynes
was able to rent a house very near
the Church where he now resides
pending the construction of a rectory.

The progress of the newly estab-
lished parish during the past year
has been fair. The usual parish so-
cieties have been organized and have
in turn sponsored quite a few social
affairs in the way of dances and par-
ties in an effort to raise much needed
funds. We had our First Holy Com-
munion group of eight children in
May; there were four marriages (two
Catholic and two mixed), and twelve
converts were received into the
Church. Through the kindness of a
parishioner we were given five lots
not too far from our present proper-
ty and through the co-operation of
the Department of Parks and Recrea-

tion an outdoor basketball court and
ice-skating rink were erected.

As for the future prospects of this
parish, they are good. The people of
the neighborhood are, for the most
part, well educated, cultured and
quite intelligent. Their attitude to-
ward a Catholic Church in their com-
munity has been most favorable, and
slowly but surely they are being at-
tracted to it. — T. J. C.

SACRED HEART
Morrilton, Ark.

The last bulletin of Sacred Heart
parish appeared in April, 1940. Since
then there has been no change in
staff. No new buildings have been
erected. None were needed since the
parish plant is complete. But the old
"Academy" which houses the grade
school and the Convent is beginning
to show its age — it dates back to 1878
— so, in the not-too-distant future it
will have to be rebuilt — Deo volente.

The parish is going its way, quietly
and unostentatiously. The war was
rather hard on us; it took away all
our young men. All but three returned.
The membership is not increasing for
the young people leave to seek a live-
lihood elsewhere, since Morrilton, a
small town, has little to offer for fu-
ture home-making.

We take great pride in our schools,
both grade and high, so ably directed
by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
A good reputation has been estab-
lished in the past. We strive to main-
tain it. It's now twenty-five years
since Father Goebel, the then pastor,
opened the high school. It's nice to
have him now as our neighbor in
Conway. The parish and the city have
not forgotten either, that Morrilton
is indebted to Father Goebel for St.
Anthony's Hospital, a splendid insti-
tion of which we are all justly proud.

Visitors to our out-of-the-way
place are always welcome, even from
faraway Washington, D. C. One of
the confreres dropped in on us just
before the haying this year and
dubbed us "decaying," but, brother,
a good stand of hay is not necessar-
ily a sign of decay.

Our cemetery, where some of our
pioneer Fathers and Brothers are
buried, has been improved by the
building of a Roman Road style drive-
way all around the plot and the erec-
tion of a stone altar, Crucifixion
group and campanile in the central
section. — C. W.

59

OLK PROVINCE. APRIL, 1947

HOLY GHOST

Marksville, La.
Hickory Hill,

St. Catherine

During the past five years, four
pastors have ser\'ed Holy Ghost
Church, Marksville; Father John F.
Dodwell to January 1942, Father Wil-
liam L. Lavin to September 1942, Fa-
ther Francis X. Walsh to June 1944,
and Father George P. Rengers to
April 1946. Father Rengers was suc-
ceeded by Father Frederick C. Lach-
owsky. Assisting them up to May
1944, when the Mission of Our Lady
of Prompt Succor in Mansura was
constituted a separate parochial unit,
were, in order, Fathers E. F. Wilson,
F. X. Schillo, and Francis L. Mullin.
These Fathers worked arduously
for the spiritual and physical well-be-
ing of the Negroes of the locality.
Their task was neither easy nor plea-
sant. Their efforts to overcome an
entrenched attitude of indifference to-
ward, the carelessness regarding re-
ligion on the part of the people here,
were not limited nor sporadic. They
went out looking for souls, a fact
which is borne out by those returning
to the Church and by those present-
ing themselves to become Catholic.
The patience and perseverance which
they exercised in their work will al-
ways be to their credit.

It was chiefly through their in-
strumentality that the vestments, sa-
cred vessels, and statues, to mention
a few of the items, were procured
from friends and relatives for Holy
Ghost Church and St. Catherine's.
New desks were purchased for at
least half of the school. The interior
of the rectory was refinished. That
of the church was renovated for the
Silver Jubilee of the parish, cele-
brated on December 20, 1944, so that
now it presents a beautiful picture of
attractive simplicity. The interior of
the school was repaired and painted
as far as circumstances permitted.

In the latter part of the summer
of 1946, a notice was received to the
effect that the Daughters of the Cross,
teachers in Holy Ghost school, would
be withdrawn. At the request of the
Most Reverend C. P. Greco, D.D., our
Ordinary, three Sisters of the Holy
Family were sent to staff the school.
This necessitated a change of resi-
dence for the pastor. The present ar-
rangement, however, was not intended
to be, and will not be permanent. The
Sisters arrived in Marksville, August
29, 1946.

The following is the status anim-
arum for 1946.

Holy Ghost, Marksville

Families 93

Souls 612

Marriages 11

Baptisms 43

Deaths 3

Communions 2203

St. Catherine, Hickory Hill

Families 38

Souls 167

Marriages 5

Baptisms 4

Deaths 0

Communions 441

— F. C. L.

The Orphans of France

Eleven years ago. February 28,
1936, Father Daniel Brottier, C.S.Sp.,
died; but the results of his life work
are today looming more and more im-
portant in the recovery of his native
France. For the Orphans' Institute of
Auteuil, Paris, of which he was Di-
rector for 13 years, seems destined
to help that country solve, to a large
extent, the problem of its war or-
phans.

The Institute recently acquired its
nineteenth building, giving it a total
capacity of 5,000. The buildings are
located in various sections of France
and in them orphan boys continue to
receive what the Institute has al-
ways promised^ "shelter, food, a
trade."

It still is unable to meet all the
demands made upon it, turning away
an average of 200 applicants a month
(in 1945 alone it was forced to refuse
over 10,000), but hopes are strong
for the spread of the work. In the
last two years five new buildings have
been acquired.

The unique worth of The Institute
lies in the thoroughness of its efforts
for the rehabilitation of the destitute
boys confided to its care. Besides
providing its charges with primary
education and the usual vocational
training — printing- carpentery, tail-
oring, radio work, etc., The Institute
places boys (at present to the num-
ber of 450) with private families in
rural districts to learn farming. Con-
tact is maintained with these boys by
letters and visits. It also has its own
convalescent home at Restigne.

The boys are divided into two
classes. Those from 6 (minimum age
requirement) to 14 attend school;
those from 14 (none are accepted
who are over 15^4 years old) to 18

learn a trade or skill. Four branch
orphanages are devoted exclusively
to training in agriculture, and three
in horticulture. At present, 700 of
the boys are learning farming.

The original establishment of The
Institute, that of Auteuil, in Paris,
houses 525 boys of the older group,
learning twenty different trades,
from shoemaking to bookbinding.
They operate stores and a movie the-
ater for public patronage.

The largest branch is that of St.
Michel, in Brittany, with 450 stu-
dents and apprentices. For those
with a priestly vocation, a special
seminary has been opened in Paris.

In order to provide sisters devoted
exclusively to this work. Cardinal
Suhard, Archbishop of Paris, gave
permisswion on July 2, 1945, for the
establishment of The Congregation of
St. Theresa of The Orphans of
Auteuil, more popularly known as The
Little Sisters of The Orphans of
.\uteuil.

It was at Auteuil that Father
Brottier took charge in 1923. At that
time. The Institute was 57 years old
but had only 170 orphans. Starting a
a new career was an old story to
him. He had been ordained to the
priesthood for the diocese of Blois in
1899, and appointed to the faculty of
the college at Pontlevoy. A few years
later, longing for the more active life
of a missionary, he joined The Holy
Ghost Fathers and was sent to Sene-
gal, in West Africa.

In 1911, bad health sent him back
to France, where he organized a
campaign for funds that made possi-
ble the building of the St. Louis Ca-
thedral in Dakar, now so well known
to Army Air Force personnel who
used the airport in that African city
during the war. In World War I, he
served for four years as chaplain in
the French Army and won several
citations, including The Croix de
Gaene and The Legion of Honor.

That he had lost none of his zeal
soon became apparent at Auteuil, for
within two years he had erected a
beautiful chapel in honor of St.
Theresa. By 1932 he had constructed
entire new quarters. At this death
in 1936, the 170 orphans had increased
to 1,400.

On May 31, 1946, an ecclesiastical
tribunal was established under the
authority of the Cardinal Archbishop
of Paris to examine the matter of
Father Brottier's beatification. It is
continuing its work up to the present.

OUR PROVINCE, APRIL, 1947

60

FOSTERING DEVOTION TO
THE HOLY GHOST

The following letter with the enclos-
ures indicated has been sent from the
Provincial Residence to all the pas-
tors in the archdioceses and dioceses
of Baltimore and Washington, Boston,
Pittsburgh, Hartford, New York,
Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Detroit, Chi-
cago, Cleveland, Davenport, La
Crosse, St. Paul, Los Angeles and
Kansas City, a total of 4,067.

April 14, 1947

Dear Friend in Christ:

This year marks the fiftieth anni-
versary of the publication of Pope Leo
XIII's encyclical on the Holy Ghost,
"Divinum lUud."

In that penetrating letter he points
out the necessity of devotion to the
Holy Ghost. How timely today is his
concluding hope that "in the midst
of all the stress and trouble of the na-
tions, those divine prodigies may be
happily revived by the Holy Ghost,
which were foretold in the words of
David: 'Send forth Thy Spirit and
they shall be created, and thou shall
renew the face of the earth'."

In these days when truth is treated
with contempt, we need to invoke the
Spirit of Truth to guide our leaders
as well as ourselves; when such things
as wisdom and counsel — yes, and for-
titude— seem sometimes to be un-
known virtues, we need to ask the
Holy Ghost for His seven gifts.

With the hope that you will find
it possible to hold the novena in
preparation for Pentecost (this year.
May Ifi to 25) which Pope Leo ordered
held annually in all parish churches, I
am enclosing a new Pentecost novena
booklet arranged for congregational
recitation. Also enclosed is a novena
leaflet adapted for private devotion.
We shall be happy to supply you with
any number of either or both of thesr
upon request. We find it necessary to
charge .$4.00 per hundred, including
postage, for the booklets. There is no
charge for the leaflets.

I ask only that you send me your
request no later than April 25.

We all condemn Russia's atheism.
Perhaps we would accomplish more by
having our people during the Pente-
cost Novena this year implore the
Holy Ghost to rain upon that nation
the grace of conversion.

Yours in Christ,

MISSION PROCURATOR'S APPEAL

April 28, 1947

Dear Friend in Christ:

Missionaries are not allowed to
starve to death, for a dead mission-
ary can't do much work.

If a priest can't be supported in a
mission — even if he is the only one
for a huge territory — he is taken out,
until he can be supported.

In other words, when you contribute
to a missioner's support, you make it
possible for a whole community of
people to learn about God and His
goodness, about the true religion and
tlie way to salvation, a knowledge
which otherwise they won't attain.

That's why I have no hesitation in
calling upon you for help. Support-
ing my plea are millions of voices
from souls yet to be saved, if only
we can supply them the chance.
Both at home and abroad, the Holy'
Ghost Fathers battle to win souls for
Christ. In Africa alone over 1,000 of
them have laid down their lives in

the struggle. But they have not died
in vain; for today there are in Africa
over 10,000,000 Catholics.

Won't you help to spread Christ's
kingdom even further by sending us —
now — whatever you can ? Not to save
starving missionaries, but to save
starving souls! Perhaps, even, you
will find it possible to give something
regularly to insure steady progress in
the work. I ask you to do what lies
in your power.

At the same time I invite you to
send me your intentions to be re-
membered in the Masses to be offer-
ed in our two mission seminaries dur-
ing the annual Pentecost Novena,
from May 16 to May 24.

With the hope that you will join us
in this Novena, I am enclosing a
copy of our new booklet. Please ask
the Holy Ghost, in your own Novena,
to guide and strengthen all of our
missionaries.

Sincerely yours in Hia Name,

Charles Connors, C.S.Sp.

Mission Procurator.

Former Internees From Jamaica, B. W. I.

^A. 9. £

f f * ft
f f ♦ f . •

A *• » /» ♦*

# <%

Front Row: Left to Right: Bro. Fulrad, Frs. Blass, Grossman, Eckert, Vonder-
winkel, Lemmil

Second Row: Left to Right: Frs. Lingscheidt, Gross, SehroU, Becker, Kuster,
Kirschbaum, Bro. Baldomir.

Back Roiv: Left to Right: Frs. Wehning, Humpert, Thelen, Seifried, Schreier,
Bro. Remigius.

61

OUR PROVINCE. APRIL. 1947

Our Province

Volume 16 MAY, 1947 Number 5

ROCK CASTLE, VIRGINIA . . .

Back, ia old ^a^niUan, te^iAAio^.

MOTHER HOUSE "WAR BULLETIN " . . .

STATUS ANIMARUM . . .

239,228 S<udi . . . 1,025 aduU LofitUm^,.

Fervor

Charity
Sacrifice

Our Province

May, 1947

Official

Vol. l6

No. 5

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Fonnded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Plunkett. C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washinston 11. D. C. U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc. 1511 Guilford Ave..
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official 6.3

By-Laws of .St. Joseph's House 65

Jlother House "War Bulletin" 66

.Status Animarum 68

Ourselves Incorporated 73

Pentecost Thoughts for the

Priest 75

Ticker Talk 77

What No Man Knoweth

When I am lying cold and dead,
With waxen tapers at my head,
The night before my Mass is said;

And friends that never saw my soul

Sit by my catafalque to dole.

And all my life's good deeds unroll;

O Jesu, Jesu, will it be

That Thou wilt turn away from Me?

Appointments

Father M. J. Sonnefeld, Ridgefield,
Conn.

Father V. J. Fandrey, Moreauville,
La. (Summer)

Father J. A. Correia, San Diego,
Cal. (Summer)

Father C. L. Diamond, Philadel-
phia, Pa., St. Peter Claver.

Father H. Kiister, Little Compton,
Rhode Island, bursar.

Father E. L. Lavery, Miami Fla.,
SS. Peter and Paul (Summer).

Father W. J. Keown, Cornwells
Heights, Pa., Pa., pro tern.

Father J. A. McGoldrick, Bordelon-
ville. La. (Summer).

Father J. H. Wehning, Jayuya,
Puerto Rico.

Father J. G. Grossmann, Arecibo,
I'uerto Rico.

Father A. Humpert, Toa Alta,
Puerto Rico.

Father D. T. Ray, Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
St. John.

Father G. A. Seifried, Toa Alta,
Puerto Rico.

Father E. R. Supple, San Diego,
Cal. (Summer).

Father J. J. Walsh, Mt. Vernon,
New York, (Summer).

Father F. R. Duffy, Washington,
D.C. (Summer).

Father J. G. Walsh, dean of studies
for the province.

Father R. A. Burkhart, Barceloneta,
Puerto Rico, bursar.

A translation of the Customary of
the Visitor appeared in Our Province
for May-.iune, 1941, pp. 76, 77, 79,
.■-0, 81.

The provincial Council held its an-
nual meeting in Washington, D. C,
April 29, 30.

The annual meeting of the Pontifi-
cal Association of the Holy Childhood
was held May 23, at 10 A.M., at the
office of His Eminence, Dennis Car-
dinal Dougherty, D.D., 225 North
Eighteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

The annual meeting of the Cor-

poration and Board of Directors of
St. Joseph's House for Homeless In-
dustrious Boys was held at 16th
and Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia,
Pa., May 27, at 4:30 P.M., with His
Eminence, Dennis Cardinal Dougher-
ty, D.D., presiding.

Ordinations to the holy priesthood
will take place at Ferndale, June 3.

The Departure Ceremony will be
held on June 8 in St. Patrick's Ca-
thedral, New York City, at 4 p.m.,
with His Eminence, Francis Cardinal
Spellman presiding.

THE ANNUAL RETREATS

Ferndale, June 15 to 20, and June
22 to 27.

Kansas City, Missouri:

October 6 to 10 and October 13 to
17.

Father Vincent G. Kmiecinski will
give the conferences.

The retreat for the Fathers in Cali-
fornia took place at Hemet, California,
April 21 to 25. Father Joaquim A.
Correia gave the conferences.

The retreats for the Fathers in
Puerto Rico will take place in Jay-
uya, the weeks of January 11 and 18,
1948. Father Joseph J. Sonnefeld will
give the conferences.
Arrivals:

Fathers Francis Griffin, Visitor, and
Richard H. Ackerman, at La Guardia
Field, New York, April 18, via TWA
"Star of Switzerland" from Orly,
Paris, France.

Father James J. White at Phila.,
Pa., May 22, from Mombasa, East
basa, East Africa, on the SS. Thomas
.Sumter.

Departures:

Father Alain Strullu, from New
York, April 25, for Le Havre, France,
on the SS. Ernie Pyle.

Fathers J. G. Grossmann, G. A. Sei-
fried, A. Humpert and J. H. Wehning,
from New York, May 23, for San
Juan, Puerto Rico, on the SS. Marine
Tiger.

Requiescant in Pace

-Father Hugh F. Blunt

Father Patrick J. Brennan

Father Francis A. Retka
Father John J. Schroeffel
Father Martin A. Hehir
Father Francis Gres
Father Raymond A. Wilhelm
Father Eugene J. Caron
Father Albert B. Mehler
Father Paul Kwapulinski
Mr. Michael Kenny
Father Theophile Meyer

Mr

June

9

1944

June

6,

1938

June

6,

1925

June

10,

1935

10,

1940

June

12,

1945

June

18,

1945

June

20,

1942

June

22,

1927

June

25,

1916

June

.30,

1938

46
61
48

80 ^

41
65
68
52
25
81

63

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

Rock Castle, Virginia

With the official approval of His
Excellency, the Most Reverend Peter
L. Ireton, D.D., Bishop of Richmond,
and of our Most Reverend Superior
General, (May 6, 1947) the province
will assume on July 1, 1947, the di-
rection and supervision of the St. Em-
ma Military Academy, Rock Castle,
Virginia (founded in 1895 by Colonel
Edward de V. and Mrs. Morrell, as
an academic, agricultural, military
and trade school for colored youth
and incorporated under the laws of
the State of Virginia as St. Emma In-
dustrial and Agricultural Institute,
June 29, 1917).

Historical Xote

Father William S. Healy, C.S.Sp.,
was the first chaplain at Rock Castle,
Va., 1895 to 1899; the priests of the
diocese of Richmond were chaplains,
1899 to 1903; the Holy Ghost Fathers
were chaplains, 1903-1928; the Chris-
tian Brothers were administrators of
the school, 1903-1923, a lay faculty
conducted it from 1923 to 1929; the
Benedictine Fathers of St. Vincent's
Archabbey, Latrobe, Pa., have been
in charge since 1929.

The Holy Ghost Fathers are going
back to old familiar territory where
they did missionary work throughout
the countryside for twenty-five years
building and taking care of Holy
Cross Mission (1903), the State Farm,
an anne.x of the Richmond Penitenti-
ary, Jefferson Post Office, Powhatan
Court House, Maidens, Guinea Mills,
Farmville and the scattered Catholics
of the James River Valley generally.

In Bishop Van de Vyver's time
Rock Castle was a missionary center
and not a mere chaplaincy. Our terri-
tory had Rock Castle as its center
with its quasi-parochial church and
included all the surrounding country
without any definite limit.

New Addresses:

Chaplain E. L. Fisher, Hdq., USAR,
Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chaplain J. M. Lang, Casual Pers.
Sec. 14th BPO, APO 815, San Fran-
cisco, California.

Your prayers are requested for
Father Dellert's father who died in
Sharpsburg, Pa., April 24; for Father
Diamond's brother who died in Phil-
adelphia, Pa., April 25; for Mr. Kir-
win Flannery's father who died in
Pittsburgh, Pa., May 5; for Father
Nebel's father who died in Philadel-
phia, Pa., May 11; for Father Doug-
herty's mother who died in Philadel-
phia, Pa., May 13; and for Father
Cleary's mother who is seriously ill.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (new edi-
tion) by Rev. George Lee, C.S.Sp.,
384 pp; $2. Catholic Book Publish-
ing Co., 257 West 17th Street, New
Vork 11, New York.

Remarks concerning the Personal
Tax

In 1946 we put into operation a
new method for the collection of the
personal tax. It was necessary to ex-
periment a little while getting things
under way; we trust that no one was
surprised a*, that.

Recall that on the 16th of each of
the months of February, May, August
and November, Procurators are to
fill out the blank indicating the num-
ber of Fathers and Brothers in their
Province, District or Principal Com-
munity and send it in to the General
Procure.

Most Procurators have correctly
understood what is wanted and have
turned in a perfect report. Others still
have mistaken notions or else they are
totally disregarding the form that
was sent to them.

We repeat that we want to have
the figures showing the distribution
of members according to Provinces of
origin. This counting is very easily
done by a Procurator on the spot and
becomes a very complicated task when
attempted at the General Procure.

Canada and Switzerland are Vice-
Provinces. Canadian and Swiss con-
freres are no longer to be listed as
belonging to the Province of France.

All confreres born in 1877 are sev-
enty years old in 1947 and are ex-
empted from the contribution for the
entire year.

The General Procure has not yet
been able to make up the accounts
concerning the Personal Tax for the
last quarter of 1946; the General Pro-
curator and his two assistant Broth-
ers all took sick at the same time in
January and only current affairs could
be taken care of. As soon as possible
this task will be completed and there-
after, we trust, everything will go
along on schedule.

As a result of this setback, the
"Bursar's Handbook," which has been
under way since September and which
will explain the changes in our sys-
tem of accounting, has not yet been
completed. We ask pardon for that
and hope that by Easter we will have
it in the hands of our confreres.

In closing, may we remark that
some Procurators have misunderstood
the decision of December 4, 1945. The
tax is calculated on the basis of the
exchange value of eighty dollars or
twenty pounds. The equivalent amount

that we are to receive each year is as
follows:

in French francs: 9,600 francs

in African French francs: 5,600
francs

in pounds: 20 pounds

in dollars: 80 dollars

in Belgian francs: 3,520 francs

in escudos: 2,000 escudos

in florins: 208 florins

in Swiss francs: 320 francs

In this way the sum asked is the
same for everyone everywhere.

Masses can be obtained from the
General Procure to cover the Tax.
(signed) J. Letourneur,

General Procurator

Paris

February 12, 1947

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Office of the Provincial,
Washington 11, D.C.

May 1, 1947.

Dear Father:

This is to announce to you that the
sum of Five Thousand Dollars
($5,000.00) has been donated to the
Bishops' Committee for the comple-
tion of the Nat'ional Shrine of the Im-
maculate Conception in the name of
all the members of the Province. This
donation covers any appeal which may
be made to you personally by the
Bishops' Committee.

Any collection ordered by the Bish-
op for this purpose is purely paro-
chial.

With all kind wishes, I remain.
Faithfully yours,

George J. Collins, C.S.Sp.,
Provincial

GOOD EXAMPLE

But the path of the just, as a shin-
ing light, goeth forwards, and in-
creaseth even to perfect joy. — (Prov.
4, 18).

But they that are learned shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament;
and they that instruct many to jus-
tice, as stars for all eternity. — (Dan.
12, 3).

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye
followers of me, as I am also of
Christ.— (I Cor. 4, 16).

For we are the good odor of Christ
unto God, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish. (2 Cor. 2,
15).

But with modesty and fear, hav-
ing a good conscience; that whereas
they speak evil of you, they may be
ashamed who falsely accuse your
good conversation in Christ. (I Peter
3, 16).

OUB PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

64

BY-LAWS

OF

ST. JOSEPH'S HOUSE FOR

HOMELESS INDUSTRIOUS BOYS

ARTICLE I
Office

The registered office of the cor-
poration for the transaction of busi-
ness shall be at the St. Joseph's House,
16th Street and Allegheny Avenue,
Philadelphia, or at such other place
in the City of Philadelphia as the
Board of Directors shall determine.

ARTICLE II
Members

Section 1

Those persons who are elected as
Directors of the corporation imme-
diately following the adoption of these
By-Laws shall be deemed the only
members of the corporation. The
Board of Directors shall be entitled
to extend membership to such addi-
tional persons as they may choose,
whose selection, however, must re-
ceive the approval of the Roman Cath-
olic Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Section 2

The annual meeting of the members
shall be held on the last Tuesday of
May in each year.

Section 3

Special meetings of the members
may be called at any time by the
President upon five days' written no-
tice to the members. Special meet-
ings must be called upon written re-
quest addressed to the President by
three or more members.

ARTICLE in
Directors

Section 1

The directors shall be seven in num-
ber and shall be elected at the annual
meeting of the members to serve for
a term of one year and until their
successors are chosen and qualify.
Vacancies in the Board may be filled
by the vote of any two or more of
the remaining members of the Board
at any regular or special meeting.
Section 2

The Board of Directors shall meet
annually on the last Tuesday of May.
Special meetings may be called at
any time by the President upon five
days' notice to the Directors and must
be called upon written request of three
or more directors addressed to the
President.

Section .3

The Directors shall have full power
to manage the affairs of the corpora-
tion and to do and perform every and
all acts within the legal capacity of
the corporation. The Board shall have
the power to appoint an Executive

Committee with full authority to man-
age the affairs of the corporation.

ARTICLE IV
Officers

Section 1
The officers of the corporation shall
be elected by the Board of Directors
on the meeting held at the time of
the annual meeting of the members.
They shall be a President, Vice-Presi-
dent, Treasurer and Secretary. They
take office immediately upon their
election and hold the same for a term
of one year and until their successors
are elected and qualify. The officers
need not be chosen from the Board of
Directors nor from the membership.
Section 2
The President shall preside at all
meetings of the corporation and shall
be fully empowered to act for the cor-
poration in all matters pertaining to
the management of the corporation
unless authority has been delegated
to the Executive Committee. In the
latter event, he shall exercise all exe-
cutive authority not specifically dele-
gated to the Executive Committee.
He shall have full authority, after
presentation by the Very Reverend
Provincial of the Congregation of the
Holy Ghost, to appoint the Director
of the St. Joseph's House and either
directly or by delegation to the said
Director, to select the members of
the faculty, all employees or other
office holders in the Institution and
to determine and enforce the policies
governing operation of the Institu-
tion. He shall appoint all committees
and his approval must be obtained for
all disbursements of corporate funds.

Section 3
The Vice-President shall preside in
the absence of the President and exer-
cise full executive authority over the
corporation whenever the President
by reason of absence, illness, or for
other cause, is unable to do so.

Section 4
The Secretary shall maintain all
corporate records including minutes
of all corporate meetings. He shall
have custody of the corporate seal and
conduct all correspondence for the cor-
poration.

Section 5
The Treasurer shall be the custo-
dian of the corporate funds. He shall
keep proper records of all receipts
and disbursements, submitting his
books to audit whenever required by
the Board of Directors. He shall re-
port to the members concerning the
financial condition of the corporation,
at each annual meeting, accounting
for all financial transactions during
the preceding year.

Section 6
The President and Secretary may
not be the same person. Any other
two offices may be held by the same
person.

ARTICLE IV
Notices

Any notice required to be given by
these By-Laws shall be deemed to
have been given if sent by mail to the
person to be notified at his last known
address reflected in the books of the
corporation. Any such notice may also
be waived in writing by the person to
be notified.

ARTICLE VI
Canon Law

Section 1
To the full extent permitted by
the Civil Law, the business of the cor-
poration shall be conducted, its po-
licies formulated, and its assets ac-
quired, held or transferred in full
compliance with the Canon Law and
discipline of the Roman Catholic
Church.

ARTICLE VII
Meetings

Section 1
A majority of those persons living
and entitled to vote at any regular
or special meeting of either the mem-
bers or the Board of Directors shall
constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of all business.

Section 2
Meetings of either the members or
the Board of Directors may be held
within or without the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania at such place as the
President may designate.

Section 3
The purpose of any regular or spe-
cial meeting of the members or the
Board of Directors need not be stated
in the notice of such meetings.

ARTICLE VIII
These By-Laws may be amended by
the Board of Directors at any regu-
lar or special meeting.

The mighty pyramids of stone
That wedge-like cleave the

desert airs,
When nearer seen, and better

known,
.•\re but gigantic flights of

stairs.

— Longfellow

65

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

Mother House "War Bulletin"

1. The Mother House 1939-1945

It is the third time, in three quar-
ters of a century, that the Mother-
Houses publishes its "War Bulletin."
The first (1870-1871) described the
minor incidents during the siege of
Paris; this was petty history. In the
second (1914-1918), personal facts
were overshadowed by the preoccupa-
tion of the city of Paris. In the last
which we are now to give to our
readers, they will find impressions of
a general order which reflect the at-
mosphere of the entire country. We
have borne the burden of these six
years of war under the impression
that the trial would never end. Weeks,
months and years followed one anoth-
er bringing most sorrowful events
with occasional elements of hope for
the future.

The Staff and the Work

No. 30, rue Lhomond houses the
General Administration and the vari-
ous ser\'ices of the Secretariate and
the Procure, the Community of the
Holy Ghost and the Seminary of the
Colonies whose activities were slowed
up but never interrupted by the war.
General Administration. The Most
Reverend Superior General.

He wanted to remain at his post. In
June 1940, he went, as we shall see,
to Bordeaux, but returned quickly to
Paris where he remained. In 1941,
he made a tour through the diocese
of Vannes administering Confirma-
tion. In 1942 he went to Switzerland
and to Rome, and, in 1945, he visited
a few communities in France and in
Switzerland. Throughout the war he
stayed at the Mother House, always
ready to welcome the rare visiting
members of the Congregation, giving
to all an example of courage and con-
fidence. His health, thanks be to God,
remained generally good.

General Council

After the Chapter of 1938, it com-
prised Fathers Janin, and Jolly, as-
sistants; Gabon, Miiller, Monnier and
Griffin, councillors. Two of its mem-
bers were replaced by others. First
Father Monnier, named Rector of the
French Seminary in Rome, left Paris
in June, 1939. In October Father Bara-
ban was chosen in his place. The sec-
ond, Father Emile Miiller, arrested
on February 28, 1944, in circumstances
which we shall describe later, died in
Germany, at Bergen-Belsen concen-
tration camp on December 11, 1944.
His successor, chosen October 30,

1945, is Father Clemente Pereira,
formerly Provincial of Portugal, pre-
sently Visitor of our Districts of An-
gola.

All the members of the Council con-
tinued their work. Father Janin, the
first assistant, confined to his room
through sickness, was fortunately able
to continue his work. From his inde-
fatigable pen have come, after his
volumes on the history of the Ancient
Colonies and the Life of Father Gri-
zard, several smaller works destined
to make our Congregation and the
Colonial Seminary better known.

On account of the isolation of Paris
from the rest of the owrld, the coun-
cillors who were correspondents for
the provinces and mission districts
saw their work considerably lightened.
And yet, through kind and courage-
ous complicities, for which we are
deeply grateful, and thanks also to
the enlightened devotedness of Fath-
ers Collins and Correia, our isolation
was never complete. To get in touch
with the Congregation, the Most Rev-
erend Superior General made use of
Circular Letters which managed to
cross the frontiers. The series of
these writings, begun on October 7,
1940, stopped at No. 28, dated De-
cember 8, 1945. They contain father-
ly counsel, suggested by the difficul-
ties of the hour; they recall souvenirs
of the past, reminding us of the Ven-
erable Father, and especially of the
various centenaries which we should
have liked to celebrate with due so-
lemnity. They also published the rare
items of news of the Congregation
which its representative in the French
free zone managed to send to Paris.

The General Secretariate

This liaison ser\'ice was organized
by the General Secretary. This, at
first, was Father Gay, later raised to
the dignity of Coadjutor Bishop of
Guadeloupe; Father Navarre became
his successor as General Secretary at
the beginning of 1943. The work of
the General Secretariate, entries, clas-
sification of documents, etc., was ad-
ministered by Father Herbiniere. Be-
sides the routine work, which he did
with devotion and ability, he took
charge of the publication of the vari-
ous documents which could no longer
be printed, for example, the Circulars
of the Most Reverend Superior Gen-
eral. The greater part of the arch-
ives was safely deposited in the ex-

tensive cellars of the Orphanage of
Vemeuil-sur-Indre, which is an annex
of the Orphanage of Autueil. And
we are most grateful to the General
Director of Autueil for this service.
Father Greffier, archivist, brought
back these archives to Paris, in Octo-
ber, 1945.

Although slowed up by the war,
the activity of the General Secretari-
ate was never interrupted, for in
Paris as well as in the free zone, it
was able to keep in touch with the
various ecclesiastical and civil ad-
ministrations.

General Procure

Its staff was almost entirely changed
during the war. In September 1940,
Father Salomon, called to other du-
ties, was made Visitor to Guinea. He
was replaced by the assistant pro-
curator. Father Duval, but not for
long, for the latter was to succeed
Father Le Retraite, in the beginning
of 1942, as General Director of the
Works of Autueil. He was replaced
by Father Letoumeur in July of the
same year. The latter spent the major
part of the two war years in Switzer-
land. During the last months of 1945
he visited, in the name of the Most
Reverend Father General, Canada,
and then also went to the United
States.

Father Sigrist, who in spite of his
age and infirmities, continued as con-
troller, was sent to the Abbey of Lan-
gonnet at the beginning of the war,
and died there on November 17, 1943.
Father Ehrhart, treasurer, always
alert in spite of his eighty years, still
renders service to an honorable family
in the neighborhood of Laval. Of the
staff of 1938 there remained only
Father Buisson, who acted as treas-
urer with his well known skill and
prudence. On Holy Saturday, 1946,
he died suddenly, at rue Lhomond,
after undergoing a minor operation.
Father Guibert, formerly procurator
at Dakar, is now assistant procurator,
Father Maas is treasurer and Father
Auger is in charge of the stores.

The Brothers, who play such an im-
portant role in the various depart-
ments of the procure, shipping, pur-
chasing, etc., were (some of them)
retired and replaced by others. Broth-
ers Clement and Desire, after giving
long and valued ser\'ice, were sent
to Langonnet. Brother Clement died
there. The beloved Brothers Lin and
Austinius also died in Paris. At Pire,
death robbed us of Brother Jules.
Faithful Brother Gerard is still with
us assisted by Brother Christian;
Brothers Camille, Damianus, Martin
and Constant are our faithful messen-

OUR PROVINCE, MAY. 1947

66

gers; Brothers Antonin and Bernard-
us look after the stores; Brother
Faustin replaced Brother Acacius in
the tailor shop. The staff of the pro-
cure, now completely rejuvenated, will
again be able to do its work with its
former thoroughness.

The Community of the Holy Ghost

In the administration of the Com-
munity, one alone, the bursar. Father
Munck, continued his burdensome of-
fice throughout the war. A serious
surgical operation, courageously un-
dergone in the Spring of 194.3, did
not interrupt hi s role of foster-
father of the house. On the other
hand the house has had a succession
of four Superiors since 1938. The
first, Father Louis Bernhard, installed
in October 1938, died suddenly in
February, 1939. He was replaced by
Father Eniile Miiller, who returned
from his visit to Canada, on the eve
of the war of which he was to be a
victim. He was replaced by Father
Marce! Navarre, General Secretary,
in October 1944. The latter was soon
tired out because of his numerous of-
fices and replaced by Father P. J.
Bonhomme, who had been called to
Cellule in April 1945 to reorganize the
library. These frequent changes did
not affect the regular march of events
in this house where every post, un-
der the direction of the Superior
General, has well-defined duties.

The staff of the Community serves
the general interest of the Congrega-
tion, and annexed to it are our prop-
er work of the Colonial Seminary as
well as assistance of Fathers and
Brothers passing through the Mother
House. We have had as residents in
the house Fathers who were in semi-
retirement, for example. Fathers
Groell and Ganot, and Fathers re-
turned from the Mission and tempor-
arily attached to the General Secre-
tariate: Father Piveteau, Vauloup,
Avery, Faou and Gulhaud.

Besides the Brothers already men-
tioned we have with us Brother Arn-
mand, our carpenter always ready to
help. Brother Wiro who has made su-
perhuman efforts to obtain the neces-
saries of life for us. The community
of Neufgrange has given us Brother
Edelbert, to serve as infirmarian,
Gerard-Majella, a cook, who was as-
sisted for a long time by Brother
Polycarp and lately by Brother Au-
bert.There came to us from various
houses of the province of France,
Brothers Lambert and Gerand to
serve as porters. Brothers Antoine,
Lucas, Evariste and Gaston for house-
work, and for the sacristy Brother

Jean-Louis, who works also in the
linen-room with his agrege, Mr. Jos-
eph Liger. We will not forget Brother
Aquilin, who, over eighty of age,
went to Chevilly and then to Lan-
gonnet. Brother Sebastien, who was
obliged to go for a rest to a sanatori-
um. Brother Marie-George, killed on
the Eastern front, and the Hollanders,
Brothers Rufus, Theophilus and
Panacritius, who left for the missions
or returned to their province.

.Services

The external ministry of the Com-
munity has not changed. The chap-
laincy for the Little Sisters of the
Poor of rue Saint Jacques was tem-
porarily suppressed, the Little Sisters
having been forced to leave their
building which was requisitioned for
the hospital of Val-de-Grace for the
duration of the war. But the Com-
munity continues its ministry in the
chapels of the neighborhood; Sisters
of St. Joseph of Cluny of rue Me-
chain. Sisters of Adoration Repara-
tion of rue d'Ulm, Benedictines of the
Blessed Sacrament of rue Tournefort,
Sisters Servants of the Holy Heart of
Mary of rue Lhomond, Oblates of St.
Benedict of rue Vauquelin. We need
not mention in detail the ministry
done by one or other confrere in
Communities of Paris or in the par-
ishes of the archdiocese. In our
chapel we witnessed the gatherings
of various groups of Catholic Action,
like those of the School of France in
Foreign Lands or of the Higher Nor-
mal School: these assisted at Masses
followed by meetings. Suffice it to
mention two services which depend
upon the Mother House: the chap-
laincy of Pasteur Hospital, taken care
of Father Lena, and that of the Vi-
lettes, at Courbevoie, served by Fath-
er Riedlinger. The clinic of the Vio-
lettes, suppressed on account of the
war, saved several of our confreres
through its intelligent care, and we
want to express our wholehearted
gratitude to this work and its direc-
tors.

The Seminary of the Holy Ghost

In the short period which we are
reviewing the Seminary has had four
different directors. Fathers Lecocq,
Diemunsch, Martin and Caroff, The
inconveniences of these changes,
brought about without the will of ma-
jor Superiors, were lessened by the
presence of the Most Reverend Father
General, who followed the life of the
Seminary with considerable interest.
The faculty also underwent changes.
Two of its veteran teachers. Fathers
Kuntzmann and Thomann retired, the
first to Langonnet, after having been

chaplain at Lagny and confessor at
Allex, and the second, to Saint-Ilan,
after doing service at Ballainvilliers.
Father Gedeon Douce was transferred
to the senior scholasticate of Viana
do Castelo. They were successively
replaced by Fathers Martin, Caroff,
Barassin, Littner, Bondallaz and Zim-
mermann. Of the professors who
taught before 1939, the Seminary now
has only the Fathers who willingly
teach minor courses. Fathers Jolly,
Gabon and Tastevin. When Monsignor
Martin was made Prefect Apostolic
of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, he was
replaced as director of the Seminary
by Father Caroff.

Alithough Mr. Thoze, killed in May
1940, was the only war casualty
among the students, their number fell
to less than twenty during the war,
because France was cut off from the
provinces beyond the seas. They most-
ly belonged to the diocese of Saint
Denis de la Reunion. At the begin-
ning of the school year of 1946 the
seminarians numbered 43, which was
due to the influx of students from the
Antilles, whose previous training had
been received at Martinique and at
Guadeloupe. The work is satisfactory
on the whole. The seminarians who
have been educated at Allex and at
Saint Ilan are generally capable of
beginning the study of philosophy.
Each year there were ordinations to
priesthood, three at the most, one in
1944, two in 1945.

It was found necessary to provide
for the vacations of these young men
who come from colonial dioceses.
Some went to the Abbey of Langon-
net, to St. Michael en Priziac, to Ba-
zoehes in the Nievre, to St. Laurent
sur Sevre. The others were sent to
vacation camps organized by ecclesi-
astics, and they found there, besides
a necessary distraction after the
school year, experience which will
serve them well for youth organiza-
tions.

Province of France

Until 1943 the Provincial of France
and his administration lived at rue
Lhomond. In order to conform to the
desire of the General Chapter of 1938,
Father Aman took up residence at 393
rue des Pyrenees, in the Northern part
of Paris. He tok with him the staff
of the provincial administration, the
young Fathers preparing at the In-
stitute Catholique and at the Sor-
bonne for higher diplomas, and Fath-
er Lavenu, who for several years has
been at the disposal of the pontifical
missionary works.

The headquarters of the "Annales

67

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

Apostoliques," organ of the province
for the educated public, remains at
rue Lhomond and Father Briault is
still director. On account of the short-
age of paper, the "Annales" have not
yet been able to resume publication
which was interrupted in May 1940.
Father Bouchaud, returned from Ca-
meroun, is now Father Briault's as-
sistant, and we believe that aided by
his youthful energy, the "Annales"
will once again take the place it for-
merly occupied among missionary re-
views. The Parisian Worshop of the
Work of the African Missions, which,
each week, met in the large parlor of
the Community, was forced to discon-
tinue its labors, on account of the
scarcity of materials. We firmly hope
that it will soon be able to resume this
activity appreciated so much by our
confreres in the missions.

Archconfraternity of the Holy Ghost

In October 19.38 Father Monnier re-
placed Father Lena as its director.
Father Gabon took charge during the
former's absence in Rome, in July
19.39, and in turn when the latter went
to Rome in July 1940, Father Baraban
took over and directed the meetings
of the Archconfraternity. These
meetings were held regularly through-
out the war, but the small paper which
served the interests of the associates
was forced to suspend because of the
censorship. We hope that with the
return of peace it will be published
again and will reach an ever growing
number of friends of the Holy Ghost;
for the number of faithful associates
has never exceeded twenty.

Material goods.

On the eve of the war, the Mother
House was provided with the neces-
saries to shelter the administration,
the Seminary, with its annexes, and
to receive confreres who came on a
visit. Notable improvements had been
riade during several successive years.
The rooms of the "Holy Ghost Cor-
ridor" destined for the members of
the General Council, the Superior and
the bursar of the Community had been
provided with wash basins and run-
ning water. New modern furniture
had been installed in the General Sec-
retariate and the Procure. The Chap-
el of the Seminary, become, during
the winter, the Chapel of the com-
munity, had been cleaned and painted,
a work done in great part by the
Brothers.

But there is still much work to do
for the Seminary and the Brothers
quarters, for a great number of
paintings, ceilings, etc., which have
suffered on account of the lack of
heating and upkeep for the last six

years. (Bulletin: October-November,

1946).

Our Devotions

The war has not prevented the hold-
ing of our traditional devotions. Each
year we have made our pilgrimages
to Our Lady of Victories, to St.
Genevieve, to St. Theresa of the
Child Jesus, at Autueil. Fathers Tas-
tevin, Lecocq, Baraban, Jaffre, Lave-
nu, Keller, Verhille have in turn
given the sermon at Notre Dame des
Victories. Throughout the war a
lamp was kept burning at the en-
trance of our house, before the sta-
tue of "Marie Preservatrice." In
March 1943 the Mother House, in
union with the Catholic world, re-
newed its Consecration to the Im-
maculate Heart of Mary. Finally, on
the first Friday of November 1944,
Our Most Reverend Superior Gen-
eral enthroned the Sacred Heart in
the large hall of the community.

Our Retreats

In conformity with the desire of
the General Chapter of 1938, the trim-
estrial retreats, fixed for the vigil of
Christmas and for Holy Thursday, are
made in common. Since 1940, the exer-
cises of the annual retreat were fol-
lowed in Paris by all the members of
the community, during the first two
weeks of July. They were preached
by Fathers Tastevin, Lithard, Emile
Miiller, Yves Pichon, Jolly, Cosse and
Engel.
Our Feasts

We now have the habit of celebrat-
ing in Paris the anniversary of the
death of our Venerable Father. The
following Fathers spoke to us in
turn, on February second: in 1940,
Father Gay; in 1941 and 1942 Father
Gabon; in 1943, Bishop Gay who,
through the good offices of Father
Herbiniere, gave us a chapter of his
thesis on the missionary spirit of our
Venerable Father; in 1944, Father
Briault; in 1945, Father Baraban and
in 1946, Father Greffier.

Pentecost, celebrated quietly in 1940
for fear of air raids, was celebrated
more solemnly from 1941 on. With
the exception of 1943, when he offi-
ciated at the Church of the Holy
Ghost, the Most Reverend Superior
General celebrated a Pontifical Mass
for us on that day. Their Eminences,
Cardinals Suhard and Baudrillart,
their Excellencies, the Apostolic Nun-
cio and the Auxiliary Bishops of
Paris, the Superiors of missionary
Congregations, the Directors of Mis-
sionary Pontifical Works have, as
much as possible, taken part in our
feast and celebration on that day.

The Feast of Pentecost of 1945 was

unique in this, that the new Apostolic
Nuncio, His Excellency, Archbishop
Roncalli, celebrated a Pontifical Mass.
After Mass he announced that the
Holy Father had conferred on our
Most Reverend Superior General the
title of Archbishop of Marcianopolis,
and he communicated to him an auto-
graphed letter of the Supreme Pon-
tiff, on the occasion of his episcopal
Jubilee. He concluded with most ami-
able and flattering words for the hon-
order Prelate.

Another ceremony very dear to us
was the consecration, at St. Therese
of Autueil, of His Excellency, Bishop
Gay, as titular Bishop of Aesani and
Coadjutor of Guadeloupe, under the
presidency of His Eminence, the Car-
dinal Archbishop of Paris and of His
Excellency, Archbishop Valeri, Apos-
tolic Nuncio.

The Mother House also took part
in the devotion shown by Paris to St.
Therese of Lisieux and to St. Francis
Xavier in February and March 1945.
Conferences, etc.

Let us mention the conferences of
Father Briault at the Sorbonne, con-
ferences given at the invitation of the
Maritime and Colonial League, that of
Father Barassin, at the Institut Gath-
olique on "Saint Thomas and the can-
onists of his time"; the theses de-
fended at the Institut Gatholique by
Father Felix Simon on "Affective
Prayer according to Venerable Liber-
mann," and by Father Navarre before
the Faculty of Letters of Clermont,
on "the Revolt of the French Squad-
ron of the Cape in June 1793."

Our Dead

They are numerous. First the con-
freres who died at the Mother House
or in the hospitals of Paris: Father
Louis Bernhard, Superior (February
28, 1939); Father Gamille Gontret
(July 4, 1942); Father Lin Le Madec
(January 27, 1942); Father Aime
Ganot (November 25, 1942); Father
Augustinus Frey (January 30, 1945);
all carried off in a short time.

We were not able to pay our last
respects to Very Reverend Emile
Miiller, councillor general, Superior
of the Community, who died at the
concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen
on December 11, 1944.

The members of the community
who died away from the Mother
House, or others who had left us after
retiring: Father Stercky, November
15, 1944 at Joue-les Tours; at Lan-
gonnet Fathers J. B. Sigrist, Novem-
ber 17, 1943; J. B. Pascal, February
27, 1945 and Brother Clement Ulrich,
May 16, 1944; then Brother Marie-
( Continued on page 71)

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

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George Werner who died on the Rus-
sian Front.

We should also mention Canon
Humez, agrege, our guest since 1921
who died at Lamalou-les-Bains in
July 1941.

Relations with the Religious and
Civil Administrations

In spite of difficult communications
we were able to receive regularly the
more important messages of Roman
Congregations. The Apostolic Nuncia-
ture and the Archdiocese of Paris, who
had ample powers during the war,
showed us great kindness. His Emin-
ence Cardinal Suhard, on several oc-
casions, recalled his attachment to
the Congregation because of the edu-
cation he had received at the French
Seminary, and also because of the
good accomplished in his archdiocese
by the Work of the Orphans-Appren-
tices, both at the rue La Fontaine
and in the various branches of the
Parisian district.

The civil administration showed its
habitual deference and sometimes did
even more than that. In 1939, Mr.
Mandel, minister of the Colonies, sent
back to their missions the mission-
aries who were on vacation, consider-
ing their presence more important in
those fields than their military ser-
vice in France. Throughout the time
of the occupation of France the rep-
resentative of our Superior General
obtained assistance and even benevo-
lent complicity from the French civil
puthority enabling him to send to
Portugal or to receive from that
country news for or from the Mis-
sions. For the last two years, in
spite of all sorts of difficulties, the
Congregation was able to send from
France more than 350 missionaries,
something unique for missionary so-
cieties.

Our Guests

We would not be able to fill a para-
graph on this subject if we confined
ourselves to war years. In 1939 and
1940, a few Bishops passing through
Paris were our guests: Bishops Du-
parc of Quimper, Pic of Valence, Re-
mond of Nice. After that year the dif-
ficulties of obtaining food made it
impossible for us to be hosts to the
members of the clergy of Paris who
formerly came of their own accord
to make their spiritual retreat. Sever-
al confreres of the German Province,
conscripted for military service, paid
us a visit. Since the liberation we have
had the pleasure of meeting the Pro-
vincials of Belgium, Holland, the
United States, Portugal, England; our
Vicars Apostolic who were able to re-
turn: Bishops Biechy, Grandin,

Heerey, Wolff, Tardy and Pichot;
Monsignors Faye and de Lange, Pre-
fects Apostolic of Ziguinchor and
Teffe; but until now, only two of our
principal Superiors, Fathers Balez and
Stam. We also received a short visit
of our confreres, chaplains in the
American, English and French armies.
Their visit was often our first chance
of direct contact with their respective
provinces or missions.

II. The War

Throughout the war the Mother
House was able to preserve at least
an outward appearance of serenity:
but the individual members, while
keeping full confidence in God, felt
nevertheless most keenly the shock
of that extraordinary conflict.
War Declared

The coming of the war was not a
surprise. Since September 1938 it
was everybody's opinion that we were
enjoying a precarious peace. Hence
we had quietly taken the necessary
precautions for the Archives and the
Procure. On August 20, 1939, the an-
nual retreat, preached by Father La-
cocq, had begun at Chevilly, when we
were informed of the first official mea-
sures of military and industrial mo-
bilization. The Superiors returned to
their communities, and the mobilized
for military service departed in great
numbers. The missionaries on leave
went as fast as possible to a port of
embarkment to return to their Vicari-
ates. On the fifth of September, at
3:10 P.M.. we had our first air raid.
Henceforth we had to get used to
wearing gas masks. The Fathers and
Brothers, whose presence in Paris was
not indispensable, were sent to Lan-
gonnet, together with the confreres
come from the evacuated houses of
Alsace. There were no more solemn
offices in our Chapel, for lack of
numbers needed for the ceremonies.
The Seminarians had also either been
mobilized or had been sent to Lan-
gonnet. And at table we began a re-
stricted fare.
1939-1940

The winter of 1939-1940 was very
cold, but the Mother House, thanks
to the foresight of Father Bursar, was
sufficiently heated and did not suffer
too much. In November 1939 and in
January 1940, soldiers, seminarians
or lay members of Catholic Action
gathered at the Mother House for
one day periods of Recollection. We
had no solemnities for Holy Week.
In April we lost our Cardinal Arch-
bishop of Paris, His Eminence, Car-
dinal Verdier. Our Most Reverend
Superior General was absent during
a couple of weeks, administering Con-

firmation in the diocese of Meaux
whose Bishop was incapacitated by ill-
ness. From Pentecost on began the
litany of bad news and air raids. The
crates containing the archives and
precious articles belonging to the sac-
risty, were sent to Vemeuil-sur-Indre.
The cellar under the refectory, which
was considered solid and safe, began
to serve as a shelter during air raids
for school children and people of the
neighborhood, Father Superior be-
ing in charge of "the island."

Exodus and Return

June 1940 brought the exodus and
the armistice. From the end of May,
our confreres arrived from Belgium
and Holland, sought refuge in Paris
and brought us most alarming news.
On June 11, with the threat of the
advancing German forces came our
planning for the abandonment of the
Mother House. A few Fathers and
Brothers left for Cellule. The General
Council forced our Most Reverend
Superior General to leave Paris and
seek refuge in the South. Our Superior
General accepted only on condition
that at least two Fathers would ac-
company him. Hence, on June 12, our
Superior General left Paris with
Father Le Retraite, Director of the
Orphans-Apprentices of Auteuil, for
a house which this Institute has at
Verneuil-sur-Indre. Others tried to
reach the Communities of the Center.
On the thirteenth we formed the staff
which should guard the House: Fath-
ers Jolly, Griffin, Ganot Greffier,
Herbiniere, Buisson and a few Broth-
ers. Fathers Miiller and Baraban who
were to join our Superior General,
went to Bourg-la-Reine to take the
"hippomobile" of Chevilly and they
were sucked up by the pitiful mass
of refugees who crowded the road
to Orleans. In the city all shops were
closed and the air was poisoned with
the sickening fumes of gasoline re-
leased by the destruction of the re-
fineries of Port-Jerome.

Paris was taken on the fourteenth.
At every crossroad armed platoons
stopped travelers who were attempt-
ing to flee the city. Brother Sebastien
tried to cross a barricade, but was
energetically repulsed. Fathers Miil-
ler and Baraban, who had met the
German troops at Arpajon, returned
to the Mother House, tired and sad-
dened by the terrible scenes they had
witnessed in their short odyssey.

Calm returned after the signing
of the armistice, but the food situa-
tion became most difficult; no more
milk, or butter, little meat and vege-
tables. Brother Camille, helped by a
pastor of Paris, a friend of the Con-

71

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

gregation, succeeded in obtaining for
us the indispensable articles of food.
In the meantime our Superior Gen-
eral and Father Munck, under the gui-
dance of Father Patron, succeeded in
returning from Bordeaux to Paris, and
reached the Mother House on July 10.
Life returned gradually to a degree
of normality: office work, ministry in
the chapels of the vicinity, but there
was little ministry outside.

From the 18th of August to the
25th we had the annual retreat of the
community, and a Solemn Mass of
Requiem for our deceased confreres
of the year; it was the first missa can-
tata in fourteen months. On Septem-
ber 19 the students of the Colonial
Seminary returned from Langonnet.
The interior life of the House returned
to normal. October October 3 was the
date for the beginning of classes for
Feventeen Seminarians. But signs of
the wretched economic situation began
multiplying. There was no more oil
for the sanctuary lamp and we had
to use electric light to honor the
Blessed Sacrament. Mass was cele-
brated with one candle, and the Arch-
bishop even recommended omitting
wine for the ablutions.

Restrictions

Official restrictions began in the
Fall of 1940: restrictions for food,
heating, lighting, clothes, etc. . .It was
quite a task for Father Bursar who
was obliged to make many trips and
to keep most complicated accounts to
observe the rulings and the system of
ration cards. His devotion and that of
Brothers Wiro and Antoine succeeded,
after a hard time, during the winter
of 1940-1941, in providing the neces-
saries. We are most grateful to our
devoted friends who sent us packages
of food during this period of semi-
starvation. The Mother House has no
garden and could not very well supply
for its needs by cultivating a piece of
land.

As regards the heating, w^e must
thank God for having been privileged.
The Mother House always used four
boilers for the entire establishment.
We found it easy to suppress three of
them and to use no more than four
stories of the central building, into
which we all managed to find quarters.
This part was easily heated, and apart
from a few mishaps, the service and
the coal did not fail us.

In the matter of clothing, the Pro-
cure possessed the necessaries; but
the lack of coal and soap prevented
a weekly change of linen.

We could have suffered very much
more and we are grateful to divine
Providence for having taken such

good care of us. But we suffered wit-
nessing the spread of real wretched-
ness, which public authority and pri-
vate initiative did their best to al-
leviate; and we sorrowed seeing the
development of one of the worse
plagues of the war, one born of greed
and fittingly branded "black market."

The Liberation

In this way we spent the war years,
years weighted with affliction of soul,
worries, and at times, perhaps, im-
patient eagerness to reach the end of
this nightmare. The landing of An-
glo-American troops on the Contin-
ent, June 6, 1944, gave us hope. We
looked at maps, we listened to ap-
proaching gunfire, we imagined the
advance, at first so difficult, of allied
troops. Finally in August we knew
they were nearing Paris, for there
were more air raids, the Paris police
went on strike, there were restrictions
on electricity, the Metro stopped its
ser\'ice and almost all bakershops
closed.

On August 15 took place the tra-
ditional procession at Notre Dame,
in which a crowd more numerous than
ever before took part. On the 16th,
no more gas was available, and the
population had to be fed by popular
kitchens. On the 17th barricades
sprang up in the streets; there was
gunfire in the city and the German
troops began their exodus. Fighting
continued during the following days.
Daily rations for bread reached the
new low of 130 grammes, but the
French flag was flying from the
tower of the Ecole Normale, our
neighbor. On the 21st the Republican
Guard took the St. Michel Boulevard,
on the 22nd there was fighting at rue
SoufTlot, and on the 24th, at 11:00
P.M., the bells of all the churches of
Paris announced the entrance of the
Leclerc Division and of the American
Army. The twenty-fifth was a
troubled day. There was mopping-up
fights at Gobelins, rue Soufflot, and
even in the new building of the Ecole
Normale. In the afternoon we had
the joy of meeting confreres, our
military chaplains Fathers Houchet
and Dehon. The former was to give
his life gloriously three months later,
when the French troops entered Stras-
bourg. The following day, after a
brief skirmish at Notre Dame, which
was desecrated by the shedding of
blood, French troops and American
divisions marched through liberated
Paris. The nightmare was over, but
our joy was not complete, for our be-
loved Superior, Father Emile Miiller
and two Brothers, were already pris-

oners of the Gestapo for several

months.

The Gestapo at the Mother House

The most heart-breaking event of
the entire war was the arrest on Feb.
26 and 28, 1944, of Father Emile
Miiller and of Brothers Rufus and
Gerand. Until then we had been
spared the house search, the inquest,
and other vexations which had been
inflicted on several other communi-
ties. And yet, nothwithstanding the
advice of Superiors, and without the
knowledge of the community, strang-
ers had been too readily admitted
within our walls, in a section not
occupied by us. At the end of Febru-
ary we were, unknowingly, giving re-
fuge at 28, rue Lhoniond, to individu-
als who were eagerly sought for,
namely, the crew of an American
bombing plane. It is probable that
their hideout was reported to the
authorities. On the 26th Brother Rufus
was arrested and was led handcuffed
to the place and asked to explain the
situation. In the meantime the refu-
gees, duly advised of the danger, had
left the house. Brother Gerand, who
acted as porter, was arrested, as ac-
complice in evasion. On the 28th Fa-
ther Emile Muller, the Superior, was
arrested as officially responsible for
the crime, and the entire community
was threatened with expulsion.

Our confreres were first interned in
the prison of Cherche-Midi, then at
Fresnes. We learned from one of his
companions in captivity who was lib-
erated at the beginning of May, and
from the German prison chaplain, how
Father Miiller had comforted his fel-
low prisoners, but we were also told
that both he and his two companions
had been sent to Compiegne and
thence to Germany. No news was re-
ceived from them until May 1945. At
Pentecost of that year. Brother Rufus
announced his liberation. On the Feast
of Corpus Christi, Brother Gerand
returned to Paris in good health and
in good spirits. Finally, at the end
of June, Dr. Fregafon, medical colonel
announced in a letter, which was re-
produced in Circular 26, that Father
Aliiller had died on December 11, 1944,
in the concentration camp of Bergen-
Belsen. Until the end our heroic
confrere had edified his companions in
wretchedness, by his piety, his cour-
age and his charity. The Lord took
note of his sacrifice, for our commun-
ity, much threatened following his ar-
rest, was no longer to be molested.

Finis

The war ended in August 1945, but
it was not to spell the end of all anxie-
( Continued on page 77)

OCR PROVINCE. MAY, 1947

72

Ourselves, Incorporated

FERNDALE HERALD

We seem hardly to have recovered
from the mid-semester examinations,
and here we are again drawing near
to the end of the term. The examina-
tions this time are scheduled for mid-
May, with the Priesthood Ordinations
date set for June 3. This earlier than
usual time for the exams calls for a
readjustment to both the professors'
plans and to our own.

The last Ordinations on March 12
and 13 embraced every stop from Ton-
sure to Priesthood inclusive. There
are now three more priests, nine dea-
cons, ten acolytes and twelve tonsur-
ites.

Again it was our privilege to have
and participate in all the Solemn
Ceremonies of Holy Week. The real-
ization that once we leave here the
chances of having all the Solemn Holy
Week services are slight deepens our
appreciation of seminary life and its
advantages. The ceremonies and chant
this year were done exceedingly well.
The parishioners of St. James
Church in Stratford were once more
treated by a group of the scholastics
to one Nocturn and Lauds of Tene-
brae on Wednesday evening. Did the
people appreciate it? Well, the
church was filled (in spite of the
rainy weather) with 700 people, just
one hundred more than the church
normally seats. Several groups
chanted the Passion in neighboring
churches and convents.

Spring springs the lock on nature's
storehouse of pent-up splendors and
Ferndale's grounds will soon receive
their share of new life and beauty.
The winter scene here, as a rule, is
desolate and drab, but this creates
such a contrast to the Spring-through
Autumn period that this latter ap-
pears the more lush and colorful to
our eyes.

And with Spring in "for keeps" and
the goal posts hidden away now for
months to come, we turn to baseball.
Yet, our zest for this sport is tem-
pered by the closeness of the exams
and the Spring planting to be taken
care of. Whether we play Maryknoll
or not before the summer depends on
a number of conditions. Let's hope
for favorable conditions.

RIDGEFIELD

The fast from feasting is ended,
the fast from fasting begun. The long
period of Lenten austerities was sol-
emnly brought to a close with the an-

nual Easter Retreat and the cere-
monies of Holy Week. Despite the
lack of facilities, there was relative-
ly little deviation from the Liturgy
prescribed for these sacred cere-
monies. With the exception of the
singing of the Passion, on Good Fri-
day the Ritual of Holy Week was per-
formed in its entirety.

We now look forward to a week's
vacation from our wonted activities,
which serves the two fold purpose of
a respite from things past and a pre-
paration for things to come, Spring
manual labor. Canonicals and the May
festivities.

On March 12, Bishop O'Brien, down
from Hartford for the Ordinations at
Ferndale, honored us with his pres-
ence at dinner. Father Provincial and
Father Hackett, the Bishop's Secre-
tary, accompanied him.

Other visitors of note, during the
past month were Fathers Grossmann,
Thelen and Blass, three German con-
freres, recently released from the
British Interment Camp, in Jamaica,
B.W.L Their week long sojourn in
our midst proved most cogently the
beauty and significance of our motto.
Cor unum et Anima Una. All were
glad to have them with us, and equally
sorry to see them depart.

"If you don't like the weather, wait
a minute." Fairfield County has tossed
consistency of climate to the winds
and has adopted the quick change
technique of fickle Philadelphia,
where atmospheric vicissitudes have
elicited the pithy proverb mentioned
above for many a sarcastic soul. "It
hasn't acted like this in years," we
are told and so we hope for better
things. (Same said about every city.
Ed.)

If there is one torch which the
novices of "47" do not intend to throw
0 the Novices of "48", it is the task
of finishing the construction of the
new barn. The Novices of "47" claim
this honor for themselves. Gigantic
strides are being made daily and we
expect the official house warming to
take place some time in May.

Brother Novatus, the Community
tailor and statistician returned
home from the Brothers' Retreat at
Cornwells with a severe cold which
developed into a serious case of
pleurisy and intestinal flu. Tis con-
dition grew steadily worse until fin-
ally on the Feast of Saint Joseph,
it was necessary for him to be re-
moved to Saint Vincent's Hospital,

Bridgeport. He is back again with
us with new life and vigor.

Brother Novatus fared very poor-
ly on Saint Joseph's Day. Such was
not the case with the other Brothers,
who were granted a day's outing at
Ferndale. The Novices were given
the same during the Christmas Holi-
days and consequently were well
able to appreciate the all round good
time derived from such an occasion.

Easter marked the end of the Len-
ten Season and the beginning of
Paschal Time. For two young as-
pirants to the Brotherhood, it also
marked the end of postulancy and the
starting of the novitiate year. They
were received and given the Habit, in
a solemn reception ceremony on
Easter Sunday morning. Your pray-
ers are requested for the continued
perseverance of these two Novices.

CORNWELLS

Our March began auspiciously
enough, with the strong silent beat of
a new water pump gurgling the vital
fluid through the veins of the build-
ing. In fact, the month was notable
for material improvements. Father
Sheridan began some leveling and
other operations on the baseball dia-
monds. Father Pergl, our zealot for
natural beauty, began a landscaping
process of an old eye-sore, namely,
the former pasture adjoining the
front lawn. Eager volunteer aid
proved the desirability of the pro-
ject.

There were many comings and go-
ings during the month. To make
room for the brothers' retreat, some
of the German confreres made tem-
porary sojourns in other housese.
Brothers Gerard, Stephen and Nova-
tus arrived for the retreat, which was
given by Father Joseph Hackett.
Fathers Gross, Schreier, and Lem-
mens went to Washington on the
18th, to help welcome His Eminence
Conrad Cardinal von Preysing, Arch-
bishop of Berlin, Germany. Father
Meenan, in the course of his retreat
to the students of St. Francis, Ed-
dington, visited us. On the 23rd,
Father Lemmens departed for a tem-
porary post in Saint Elizabeth's Par-
ish, Detroit, and Father Kiister left
to assist at Blessed Sacrament Church
Philadelphia. A few days later. Fa-
ther Schreier left us to assist at
Saint Mary's, Detroit. We received
visits from Fathers E. Moroney, Dia-
mond, and Clifford. On the 23rd,
Father Coonahan, president of the
Catholic Total Abstinence Union of
America, gave a lecture to the Scho-
lastics. And our Solemn Mass on
Saint Joseph's Day was celebrated

73

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

by Father Francis McGowan, newly
ordained, and home for a few days
after his first solemn Mass.

If the month began auspiciously, it
did not end so. Mid-term examina-
tions, an evil in themselves, were
complicated by a very nasty epidemic
of influenza that did not spare the
faculty. At one time, twenty-three
scholastics were down with it. Class
was called to a halt prematurely on
April 1.

PUERTO RICO

On March 30th we had a very suc-
cessful religious fiesta for the coun-
try people. The Catholics from the
neighboring districts and chapels
were invited to Bayaney for a Field
Mass and Manifestation of the Faith.
By happy coincidence the day decided
on for the manifestation was Palm
Sunday — a factor which in no way
lessened the enthusiasm or attend-
ance. The difficulty of distributing
the palms to the satisfaction of
everyone was easily solved by ad-
vising each one to search out their
favorite palm tree and bring all or
part to the Mass. Although some
brought formidable-looking branches
and others showed their artistic taste
in designs the majority were content
with small pieces which they had evi-
dently borrowed from their more en-
terprising neighbors.

The people began arriving about
eight o'clock. Those from more dis-
tant parts came in cane trucks while
the greater part came on foot with
the grim determination to make a
day of it. The Mass was held in an
open ranchon which offered shelter
from the sun for several hundred
people and an opportunity for the
majority to do a little penance under
a tronical sky. For two hours be-
fore the Mass, four priests. Fathers
Sweeney, Reardon, McHugh, and Ne-
bel, heard confessions in what priv-
acy and seclusion was possible in a
room containing four hundred peo-
ple milling around in a festive spirit.

By 10:30 we started the ceremon-
ies. With the help of a loudspeaker
Father Sweeney read the Passion
and led the singing. More than two
thousand people had gathered by this
time and they followed the ceremon-
ies and the Mass devoutly and rev-
erently. With surprisingly good or-
der some two hundred came to the
altar to receive Holy Communion.
The usual few announced at this time
that they would like to go to con-
fession first. They were quickly and
judiciously shriven by Fathers Mc-

Hugh and Nebel who were standing
by for such an emergency.

Immediately after Mass w-e started
the procession down the main road.
We successfully blocked all traffic
for at least an hour with a very im-
pressive and orderly procession. Walk-
ing according to their Societies and
with banners flying the estimated
crowd of 2,500 was a spectacle that
warms the heart of the jibaro and
causes doubts and repentance in the
few that have abandoned the faith
of their fathers. Such a manifesta-
tion means more to them than all
the apologetic arguments of the the-
ologians and has the practical results
of rekindling the spark of faith in
those who have become indifferent to
their religious inheritance. — Fr. Geo.
C. Reardon, C.S.Sp.

FRIBOURG

Once again it is time to inform
our confreres at home of our life and
times here at Fribourg. the home of
the inter-provincial scholasticate of
the Holy Ghost Fathers. News is
scarce here at present as we have
reached that part of the cycle which
is marked by inactivity. Yes, we are
on vacation.

The long winter semester, which
seems to be one of the characteris-
tics of the University of Fribourg,
finally came to an end in the early
part of March. It was a long grind
and the exams were not easy, to il-
lustrate— one exam was an oral which
consisted of a half-hour conversation
in Latin with one of the Dominicans,
and the student was expected to keep
the conversation moving.

Along with the vacation period
came the rain. For the past two
weeks we had a period of incessant
rain and wind. The past winter was
rather severe. At present we are
waiting the arrival of Spring and
the past few days we heard and saw
a number of its harbingers.

The ordinations to the Diaconate,
Subdiaconate, and Tonsure are
scheduled for the latter part of
March. His excellency. Bishop Car-
riere will officiate.

Father Mientki, a Polish Holy Ghost
Father, has returned to continue his
studies after a seven year absence.
He served as a Chaplain with the Po-
lish parachute division during the
war and has many an interesting tale
to relate of his experiences. We are
happy to have him with us and know
that he will become orientated short-
ly-

We were grieved to learn of the
death of Mr. Nader's father and we

pledge to remember him in our pray-
ers.

During the month of March, Father
Rigault, provincial bursar of the pro-
vince of France paid us a visit.

During this vacation period we ex-
pect to enjoy and occasional hike
through the Swiss countryside which
is known the world over for its beau-
ty.

By the time this goes to print we
will be well into the summer semes-
ter. This semester is much shorter
than the winter semester. Classes are
scheduled to terminate about the 18th
of July, and then — Vacation. What
the summer will bring still remains
a mystery. — W. J. Maguire, C.S.Sp.

ROME

Since my arrival in Rome, I have
had the privilege to be present at
three Beatifications in St. Peter's.
They were those of Blessed Marie-
Therese Soubiran, Therese Verzeri,
and of Contarddo Ferrini. The last
mentioned of the three was beatified
on Low Sunday. It is interesting to
note that he was a professor of Can-
on Law, a layman, at the University
of Pavia. In all respects it was a typ-
ical ceremony of beatification.

Apart from the long process, re-
quired by Canon Law, which takes
many years, the actual ceremony of
Beatification is divided into two
parts. In the morning of the day
appointed, there is the reading of the
Papal Bull; in the evening, there is
a solemn Benediction of the Most
Blessed Sacrament, and the venera-
tion of the relics of the newly Beati-
fied.

The morning ceremony is a long
and rather tedious rite. It takes
place before a gathering of Cardin-
als and Bishops and Canons of St.
Peter's, with a little more than a
sprinkling of the Faithful. An of-
ficial of the Sacred Congregation of
Rites reads the Bull through, which
generally takes about forty minutes.
Then, at its conclusion, the picture
of the new beatified is unveiled above
the altar, and a solemn "Te Deum" is
chanted. Following this, a Pontifical
Solemn Mass is celebrated.

But it is in the evening, that the
people throng to the world's largest
Basilica. An hour before the actual
ceri^mony the vast Church is filled
with people, most of whom stand for
several hours. It is during this cere-
mony that our Holy Father is carried
into the Basilica on the Sedia Gesta-
toria, down the center aisle of the
vast Church. He passes through the

OUR PROVINCE, MAY, 1947

74

Palatine Guard which stands at at-
tention, on both sides of the aisle.
The Swiss Guards precede him, and
the Cardinals present, follow. For the
whole duration of the procession, up
to the time the Pope alights from
the Sedia Gestatoria, for the Bene-
diction, the famous silver trumpets
give out the stirring notes of the
Papal March.

One has but to see our Holy Father
once to appreciate the fact truth of
his name, and sense the sublimity of
the occasion. He continually blesses
the people present, now on this side,
and now on that, with an air of lov-
ing kindness. Even though we all
shout "Vive il Papa", "il Papa," and
wave handkerchiefs, or our hands in
the air, as an expression of our de-
votion and loyalty, a stronger senti-
ment of respect, and awe, certainly
is nresent in the hearts of each one.
Before he leaves the aisle, on his re-
turn to his chambers, our Holy Fath-
er stands on the platform, and gives
the "Orbis et Urbis" Blessing.

There are many interesting human
sides to this event. Even though the
Church is n:enerally jammed to the
doors, mothers insist on bringing
their smallest children, without the
slishtest chance of many of them to
see the Pope. Special "Biglietto's"
are required to enter as a check to
the number allowed to come in. Cler-
ics are given a certain section for
themselves. I had only to be present
there once, to vow that I would never
go to the same place again. Here one
gets a good view of the High Altar,
b'jt little more, and nothing of the
actual ceremony. The talk that goes
on in St. Peter's on these occasions
seems shocking at first to us who
counsel strict silence in our Churches.
Here It is frankly conversational in
tone, with all the noise accompanying
a vast throng.

There are to be several other Beat-
ifications, and even some Canoniza-
tions this year. Of especial interest
to us as members of the Holy Ghost
Fathers is that Blessed Grignon de
Montfort is going to be canonized
July 20.— Father Bushinsky, C.S.Sp.

DUQUESNE DOINGS

We missed our letter to you last
month when we went down in the
local "flu" epidemic which the Board
of Health, taking a cue from the
California Chamber of Commerce, re-
fused to dignify with the proper signs
of alarm. The local papers, going
along with the Chamber, failed to
capitalize on subsequent national find-

ings that last winter was the U. S.
worst for "flu" since 1918. At any
rate, our two-day "flu" holiday
proved effective and student and fa-
culty health soon returned to normal.

A blessed windfall in the persons
of three new confreres gave the com-
munity that always much-needed mid-
dle-of-the-second term "shot in the
arm." Fathers Lemmens, Burns and
McNamara came to our open arms
and we hope to keep them with us for
a long time. The record experts may
not corroborate our opinion, but we'd
like to go out on a limb with the
statement that Duquesne now have
the largest priest-faculty in its sev-
enty-year history. And that fact
speaks volumes: the confidence of the
Province in us and the continuing im-
provement in the educational prep-
aration of our young priests.

Maurice Murphy, registrar, has re-
leased second semester enrollment
statistics:

Full time attendance 3,078

Part time attendance 949

Men (full time) 2,617

Women (full time) 416

Men (part time) 392

Women (part time) 557

Men (total enrollment) 3,009

Women (total enrollment) 1,018

Veterans 2,700

Total attendance

(part and full time) 4,027

With only 200 graduating in June
and 1000-odd entering in September,
the race for professors and space has
already started.

After a year of swollen enroll-
ments and prospects of continued in-
definite expansion, it begins to ap-
pear certain that Duquesne will no
longer be denied its right to "Big
Time" status. Duquesne needs help
of all kinds to acquit itself of its new
responsibilities and Providence is sup-
plying some assistance in its own
ways. Pray God to inspire more people
to come to our aid and to continue
His blessings.

WASHINGTON

The Capital's early and brief spring
has passed into summer. The Cherry
Blossom Festival, a springtime color-
ful occasion for Washington, was
sandwiched between the last snow-
flakes of winter and the first hot
days of summer. The trees that line
most of the streets of the Nation's
Capital reached out in leafy splendor
to welcome President Aleman of
Mexico. The trees of Washington have
looked down perhaps on more notable
visitors than the trees of any other
famous city.

For two days the provincial coun-
cil was in session to look over
the life-is-real-life-is-earnest situation
here and elsewhere. Unconcerned were
the robin that is sitting out a clutch
of eggs in a nest over the front door
and a big brown cat that daily and
stealthily threads a matinal search
for drowsy birds in the woods by the
house.

We were happy to welcome Father
Francis Griffin of the Mother House,
Visitor to the Province. His Irish wit
is as fresh and green as the day it
first saw Paris fourteen years ago.
A confrere we say he is who will be
loved and appreciated by all of us.

THOUGHTS FOR THE PRIEST

from the Encyclical of

Pope Leo XIII,

"Divinum Illud"

(May 4, 1897)

Prepared by the Holy Ghost
Fathers

This Pentecost marks the fiftieth
year since publication of Pope Leo
XIII's encyclical on the Holy Ghost.
Some excerpts of especial interest to
priests are herewith presented with
the hope that they may awaken a de-
sire to read the document in its en-
tirety.

The Role of the Holy Ghost in the
Redemption of Mankind

That divine office which Jesus
Christ received from His Father for
the welfare of mankind, and most
perfectly fulfilled, had for its final
object to put men in possession of
the eternal life of glory, and proxi-
mately during the course of ages to
secure to them the life of divine
grace, which is destined eventually
to blossom into the life of heaven.
Nevertheless, He did not will to en-
tirely complete and finish this office
Himself on earth, but as He had re-
ceived it from the Father, so He
transmitted it for its completion, to
the Holy Ghost. He gave as the
chief reason for His departure and
His return to the Father, the advan-
tages which would accrue to His fol-
iowuis from the coming of the Holy
Ghost. At the same time He made it
clear that the Holy Ghost would com-
plete, in His office of Intercessor,
Consoler and Teacher, the work which
Christ Himself had begun in His
mortal life. For, in the redemption
of the world, the completion of the
work was by Divine Providence re-
served to the manifold power of that
Spirit Who, in the creation, "adorned

75

OUR PROVINCE. MAY, 1947

the heavens" and "filled the whole
world."

(The Holy Father then dedicates
all the work of his pontificate to the
Holy Ghost, states his intention of
delineating the action of the Holy
Ghost in the Church and in the in-
dividual souls of its members, dwells
on the mystery of the Blessed Trin-
ity, and proceeds:)

The Holy Ghost and the Incarnation

Among the external operations of
God, the highest of all is the mys-
tery of the Incarnation of the Word.
Now this work, although belonging
to the whole Trinity, is still appro-
priated especially to the Holy Ghost,
po that the Gospels thus speak of the
Blessed Virgin: "She was found with
child of the Holy Ghost," and "that
v'hich is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost." And this is rightly attri-
buted to Him Who is the Love of the
Father and the Son, since this "great
myctery of piety" proceeds from the
infinite love of God towards man, as
St. John tells us: "God so loved the
world as to give His only begotten
Son."

By the oneration of the Holy Spir-
it, not only was the conception of
Christ accomplished, but also the
sanctification of His soul, which in
Holv Scripture is called His "anoint-
ing." Wherefore all His actions were
"performed in the Holy Ghost," and
e<-necially the sacrifice of Himself:
"Christ, through the Holy Ghost, of-
fered Himself without spot to God."
In Him were all the treasures of wis-
dom and knowledge, and all other
gifts signified in that miraculous dove
which aopeared at the Jordan, when
Christ, by His Baptism, consecrated
its waters for a new sacrament.
Bv the conspicuous aoparition of the
Holy Ghost over Christ, and by His
invisible power in His soul, the two-
fold mission of the Spirit is fore-
shadowed, namely. His outward and
invisible mission in the Church, and
His secret indwelling in the souls of
the just.

The Holy Ghost and the Church

The Church first showed herself
before the eyes of men on the great
day of Pentecost. On that day the
Holy Ghost began to manifest His
gifts in the mystic body of Christ.
For He Who is the Spirit of Truth,
inasmuch as He proceedeth both from
the Father, who is the eternally True,
and from the Son, Who is the sub-
stantial Truth, receiveth from each
both His essence and the fulness of
all truth. This truth He communi-

cates to His Church, guarding her
by His all-powerful help from ever
falling into error, and aiding her to
foster daily more and more the
germs of divine doctrine and to make
them fruitful for the welfare of the
peoples. And since the welfare of the
peoples, for which the Church was
established, absolutely requires that
this office should be continued for all
time, the Holy Ghost perpetually sup-
plies life and strength to preserve
and increase the Church. As Christ
is the Head of the Church, so is the
Holy Ghost hej- soul. "What the soul
is in our body, the Holy Ghost is in
Christ's body, the Church."

The .Action of the Holy Ghost
in Individual .Souls.

The manner and extent of the ac-
tion of the Holy Ghost in individual
souls is no less wonderful, although
somewhat more difficult to under-
stand, inasmuch as it is entirely in-
visible. It is true that in those of
the just who lived before Christ, the
Holy Ghost resided by grace, but
the communication of the Holy Ghost
after Christ was much more abund-
ant, just as the price surpasses in
value the earnest, and the reality
exceeds the image. Wherefore, both
in Holy Scripture and in the writ-
ings of the fathers, men are styled
regenerated, new creatures, partakers
of the divine nature, children of God,
god-like. Now these great blessings
are justly attributed as especially be-
longing to the Holy Ghost. He is
"the Spirit of adoption of sons,
whereby we cry: 'Abba, Father.' He
fills our hearts with the sweetness of
paternal love: "The Spirit Himself
giveth testimony of our spirit that we
are the sons of God."

The beginnings of this regenera-
tion and renovation of man are by
Baptism. In this sacrament, when the
unclean spirit has been expelled from
the soul, the Holy Ghost enters in
and makes it like to Himself. "That
which is born of the Spirit, is spirit."
The same Spirit gives Himself more
.^bundantly in Confirmation, strength-
ing and confirming Christian life. He
not only brings to us His divine gifts
but is the Author of them and is
Himself the supreme gift, Who, pro-
ceeding from the mutual love of the
Father and the Son, is justly believed
to be and is called "Gift of God most
high."

The Indwelling of the Holy Ghost
in the Souls of the Just.

By His grace, God resides in the
just soul as in a temple. From this
proceeds that union of affection by

which the soul adheres most closely to
God. Now this wonderful union, which
is properly called "indwelling," differ-
ing only in degree or state from that
with which God beatifies the saints
in heaven, is attributed in a peculiar
manner to the Holy Ghost. ^^ For,
whilst traces of divine power and
wisdom appear even in the wicked
man, charity, which, as it were, is
the special mark of the Holy Ghost,
is shared in only by the just. In
harmony with this, the same Spirit
is called Holy, for He, the first and
supreme Love, moves souls and leads
them to sanctity, which ultimately
consists in the love of God. Where-
fore the Apostle, when calling us the
temple of God, does not expressly
?>''ention the Father or the Son, but
the Holy Ghost.

The fulness of divine gifts is in
many ways a consequence of the in-
dwelling of the Holy Ghost in the
souls of the just. Among these gifts
are those secret warnings and in-
vitations which from time to time
are excited in our minds and hearts
by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
Without these there is no beginning
of a good life, no progress, no arriv-
in,g at eternal salvation. More than
this, the just man has need of those
seven gifts which are properly attri-
buted to the Holy Ghost. Lastly there
are those blessed fruits, enumerated
by the Apostle, which the Spirit, even
in this mortal life, produces and
shows forth in the just; fruits filled
with all sweetness and jov, inas-
much as they proceed from the Spir-
it, "Who is in the Trinity the sweet-
ness of both Father and Son, filling
all creatures with infinite fulness
and profusion."

Love and Devotion towards the
Holy Ghost

These sublime truths, which so
clearly show forth the infinite good-
ness of the Holy Ghost towards us,
certainly demand that we should di-
rect towards Him the highest hom-
age of our love and devotion. Chris-
tians may do this most effectually
if they will daily strive to know
Him, to love Him, and to implore Him
more earnestly. There are certainly
many who are very deficient in their
knowledge of the Holy Ghost. They
frequently use His name in their re-
ligious practices, but their faith is
involved in much darkness. Where-
fore all preachers and those having
care of souls should remember that
it is their duty to instruct their
people more diligently and more fully
about the Holy Ghost. What should
be chiefly dwelt upon and clearly

OUR PROVINCE. MAY. 1947

76

explained is the multitude and great-
ness of the benefits which have been
bestowed, and are constantly be-
stowed, upon us by this Divine Giv-
er, so that errors and ignorance con-
cerning matters of such moment may
be entirely dispelled, as unworthy of
"the children of light".
We owe to the Holy Ghost, love, be-
cause He is God. He is also to be
loved because He is the substantial,
eternal, primal Love, and nothing is
more lovable than love. And this all
the more because He has overwhelmed
us with the greatest benefits, which
both testify to the benevolence of the
Giver and claim the gratitude of the
receiver. Yet we must strive that
this love should be of such a nature
as not to consist merely in dry spec-
ulations or external observances, but
rather to run forward towards action,
and especially to fly from sin. which
is in a more special manner offensive
to the Holy Spirit. Nor is it enough
to fly from sin; every Christian ought
to shine with the splendor of virtue
so as to be pleasing to so great and
so beneficent a guest: and first of all
with chastity and holiness, for chaste
pnd holv things befit the temple.
Hence the words of the Apostle:
"Know you not that you are the
temple of God, and that the Spirit of
God dwelleth in you? But if any
man violate the temple of God, him
shall God destroy. For the temple of
God is holy, which you are" — a terri-
ble, indeed, but a just warning.

Lastly we ought to pray to and
invoke the Holy Spirit, for each one
of us greatly needs His protection
and His help. And chiefly that first
requisite of man, the forgiveness of
sins, must be sought for from Him:
"For He is the remission of all sins."
We ought confidently and continually
to beg of Him to illuminate us daily
more and more with His light and
inflame us with His charity; for thus
inspired with faith and love, we may
press onward earnestly towards our
eternal reward, since He "is the
pledge of our inheritance."

The Blessed Virgin — Spouse of
the Holy Ghost

Such are the teachings and exhorta-
tions which we have seen good to
utter, in order to stimulate devotion
to the Holy Ghost. We have no
doubt that, chiefly by means of your
zeal and earnestness, they will bear
abundant fruit among Christian
peoples. Wherefore, We decree and
command that throughout the whole
Catholic Church, this year and in
every subsequent year, a novena

shall take place before Whit-Sunday,
in all parish churches, and also, if the
local ordinaries think flt, in other
churches and oratories.

At your exhortation let all Chris-
tian peoples add their prayers also,
invoking the powerful and ever-ac-
ceptable intercession of the Blessed
Virgin. You know well the intimate
and wonderful relations existing be-
tween her and the Holy Ghost, so
that she is justly called His spouse.
The intercession of the Blessed Vir-
gin was of great avail both in the
mystery of the Incarnation and in
the coming of the Holy Ghost upon
the Apostles. May she continue to
strengthen our prayers with her suf-
frages, that, in the midst of all the
stress and trouble of the nations,
those divine prodigies may Le happi-
ly revived by the Holy Ghost, which
were foretold in the words of David:
"Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall
be created, and Thou shalt renew the
face of the earth."

Ticker Talk

On May 15, John .1. Killeen, a nep-
hew of Father Daniel J. Killeen, was
ordained at St. Joseph's Cathedral,
Hartford, Conn. . . Father Clynes
(Holy Ghost, Detroit) baptized eigh-
teen converts recently. . .On April
29, Father Cassidy commenced work
on the new school building at Mo-
reauville, La. . .Father Ackerman re-
ports extraordinarily good receipts
for the Holy Childhood for the past
year. . .The Annual French Mission
at St. Joachim's, Detroit, was excep-
tionally well attended this year. . .
By July Father Joseph B. Donahue
hopes to have his chapel at Kaplan,
La., completed. . .At Barceloneta,
P.R., Father Kingston's Sunday calls
for three Masses. . .Father McAnuIty
is now stationed at the Headquarters
of the European Air Materiel Com-
mand, Frankfurt, Germany. . .A con-
vert and widow of an Episcopalian
minister writes us: "I find in the
teachings of the Venerable Father
Libermann a concise, easy to under-
stand, way of life.". . .And from Mil-
waukee: "I am a student at Mar-
quette, and I am doing practice teach-
ing at Holy Angels Academy. I told
a group of Sophomore girls I would
give them each a leaflet prayer to the
Holy Ghost which the Holy Ghost
Fathers put out.". . .Father Stark
who surt'ered a fractured leg in Africa
is doing well at home in Clawson,
Michigan. . .At Lafayette, La., Fath-

er Lonergan hopes to have enough
funds on hand soon to commence
building a gymnasium. . .Father
Stegman (New Iberia, La.) just fin-
ished a hall at the mission in Olivier.
. . .Father Mumaghan is supposed to
have "the best altar boys in the
world" at Mansura, La. . .The com-
munity room at St. Mark's, New
York, has been renovated and a com-
plete renovation of the basement has
been planned. . .Father Pobleschek
reports very good results with his in-
struction classes. . .Fathers Acker-
man and Heim visited Father Bush-
inski in Rome. . .A new school is
much needed at Toa Alta, P.R., but
lack of funds is holding up a splendid
project. . .Father Bushinski was one
of the chanters at Santa Croce, Rome,
on Good Friday last. He also gave
two ten minute talks on the Catholic
Hour over the American Radio in
Rome. . .At St. Mary Magdalene's,
Tuscaloosa, Ala., general progress has
shown up even in the collections.

ST. MARK'S NEW YORK

Forty-one adults were baptized on
the completion of the old instruction
class. Eighteen have already ap-
peared for the new class.

The Senior Sodality held its annu-
al retreat at the Helper's of the Holy
Souls Convent. Fifty-four ladies at-
tended.

About one hundred are expected to
receive Confirmation on Pentecost
Sunday.

The Basketball team lost the City
Championship due to the illness of
two star players. Record: 17 won; 1
lost.— Father Stocker, C.S.Sp.

(Continued from page 72)
ty. Restrictions remain, and the task
of reconstruction will be long and
tedious, and our works need reorgan-
ization. Our hearts nevertheless are
full of confidence for the future. To-
day as yesterday we are under the
egis of Our Lady Preservatrice, whose
motherly protection has never yet
failed us in any trial or trouble. — M.N.
(Bulletin: December 1946-January
1947.)

Fame

We toil for fame.
We live on crusts,
We make a name,

Then we are busts.

— Robbins

77

OUR PROVINCE. MAY, 1947

Holu Ghost Fabhers

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII_Xo. .3

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washington 11. D. C.

JUNE, 1947

FIFTEEN RECEIVE FIRST ASSIGNMENTS

Father Backer
Africa

Father Behl
Isle Brevelle, La.

Father Behr
Africa

^^^P^^r^^ SPELLMAN PRESIDES AT CEREMONY
IN ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, NEW YORK

Fifteen Holy Ghost Fathers, making their Apostolic Consecra-
tion, were given their first appointments on Sunday, June 8, in
a ceremony held m St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York.

His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman, Cardinal Archbish-
^L° i^''''' :?'"h; P^'^sided at the consecration to the apostolate
and addressed the young missionaries at the conclusion of the
ser^aces His Eminence stressed the opportunity that is theirs
m laboring for souls both at home and abroad.

KilimIn?.5*T' ^'^ht have been assigned to the Vicariate of
Kilimanjaro, Tanganyika Territory East Africa, six to the
United States and one tojiuiada. 3^«<A.ce, .

The following will leave in the fall for East Africa: Fathers
o/Th^H f ^^?<'"-^"' Jost-ph A. Brennan and James J. White aU
of Philadelphia; Anthony A. Bacher and Joseph A. Behr of
(Continued on Page Two)

Father Brennan Father Juliano Father Kellu F„/; t , ,

Africa Kock Castle, Virginia Rock Castle, Vii^inia "^"''c'ornwellT''^'^

Father Lasko
Africa

Father Marshall
Alexandria, La.

Father McGowaii
Africa

Father Murray
Dayton, Ohio

Father Philben
Africa

Father Roberge

Father Trahan
Africa

Father White
Africa

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers
at the Provincial House, 1616 Manchester Lane. N.W.,
Washington 11, D. C, to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the Missions.

NINETEEN FORMER INTERNEES ASSIGNED

THE HOLY GHOST
AND OURSELVES

Fifty years ago Pope Leo XIII issued
his famous encyclical on the Holy Ghost.
The concluding paragraphs point out how
deep and constant should be the devotion ot
each of us to the Third Person of the
Blessed Trinity:

"We owe love to the Holy Ghost, because
He is God. He is also to be loved because
He is the substantial, eternal, primal Love,
and nothing is more lovable than love. And
this all the more because He has over-
whelmed us with the greatest benefits,
which both testify to the benevolence of
the Giver and claim the gratitude of the
receiver. Yet we must strive that this love
should be of such a nature as not to con-
sist merely in dry speculations or external
observances, but rather to run forward
towards action, and especially to fly from
sin, which is in a more special manner of-
fensive to the Holy Spirit.

"Nor is it enough to fly from sin;
every Christian ought to shine with the
splendor of virtue so as to be pleasing to
so great and so beneficient a guest: and
first of all with chastity and holiness, for
chaste and holy things befit the temple.
Hence the words of the Apostle: 'Know
you not that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ?
But if any man violate the temple of
God, him shall God destroy. For the
temple of God is holy, which you are' — a
terrible, indeed, but a just warning.

"We ought to pray to and invoke the
Holy Spirit, for each one of us greatly
needs His protection and His help. And
chiefly that first requisite of man, the for-
giveness of sins, must be sought for from
Him: 'For He is the remission of all sins.'
We ought confidently and continually to
beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and
more with His light and inflame us with
His charity; for thus inspired with faith
and love, we may press onward earnestly
towards our eternal reward, since He 'is
the pledge of our inheritance.'

Our Lady and the Holy Ghost

"Let all Christian people invoke also the
powerful and ever acceptable intercession
of the Blessed Virgin. You know well the
intimate and wonderful relations existing
between her and the Holy Ghost, so that
she is justly called His spouse. The inter-
cession of the Blessed Virgin was of great
avail both in the mystery of the Incarna-
tion and in the coming of the Holy Ghost
upon the Apostles.

"May she continue to strengthen our
prayers with her suffrages, that, in the
midst of all the stress and trouble of the
nations, those divine prodigies may be hap-
pily revived by the Holy Ghost, which
were foretold in the words of David: 'Send
forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.'

Front Roiv: Left to Right: Bro. Fulrad, ffTrs. Blags, Grossmami, Eckert,
Vondericinkel, Lew mens. ., ^ r, , ,, r, 7 r^ *

Second Row: Left to Right: Frs. Lingscheidt, Gross, Schroll, Becker, Kuster,
Kirschhaiim, Bro. Bnldomir. o t ■ j o 7 ■

Back Row: Left to Right: Frs. Wehning, Humpert, Thelen, Seifried, Schreier,
Bro. Remigius.

Sixteen Holy Ghost Fathers and three
Brothers of the German Province, recently
released from an internment camp in Ja-
maica, British West Indies, have been as-
signed to various posts in the United States
and Puerto Rico by Very Rev. George J.
Collins, provincial.

Father John Vonderwinkel has been ap-
pointed assistant pastor in St. John's par-
ish, Dayton, Ohio; Father Martin Kirsch-
baum, St. Joachim's, Detroit; Fathers Peter
Gross and William Blass, St. Mary's De-
troit; Father Siegfried Eckert, Notre Dame,
Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Father Martin
Lingscheidt, St. Anthony's, Millvale, Pa.;
Father Peter Becker, St. Mary's, Sharps-
burg, Pa.; Father Gottfried Thelen, Holy
Ghost, Chippewa Falls; and Father Hugo
Kuster, St. Catherine's, Little Compton,
Rhode Island.

Father Henry Lemmens has joined the
faculty of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.
Father John Schreier and Brothers Baldo-
mir Hermanns, Remigius Kney and Fulrad
Poensgen are assigned to Rock Castle, Vir-
ginia. Father Albert Schroll has been named
assistant pastor at St. Benedict's, Detroit,
Mich. J

Four of the priests will worfcin Puerto
Rico: Fathers J. G. Grossmarv; Arecibo; G.
A. Seifried and Arnold Humpert, Toa Alta;
and J. H. Wehning, Jayuya.

The priests and brothers were mission-
aries in the Prefecture of Benue, West
Africa, before their internment. After more
than six years of confinement, they were
permitted to enter the United States.

HOLY GHO.ST FATHER APPOINTED
BISHOP

Rev. Daniel Liston, C.S.Sp., rector of
the seminary and college of the Diocese of
Port Louis, Mauritius, has been appointed
coadjutor bishop of that diocese.

It was in 1937 that the newly nominated
prelate went to Mauritius, an island in the
Indian Ocean. Most Rev. James Leen,
C.S.Sp., is Archbishop of Port Louis.

APPOINTMENTS

{Continued from Page One)

Pittsburgh; Stephen J. Lasko, Noroton,
Conn.; Stanley J. Trahan, Bay City.; and
Francis M. Philben, of Boston.

Named to posts at St. Emma's Military
Academy, Rock Castle, Virginia, are Fath-
ers Alfred A. Juliano and James P. Kelly,
both of Philadelphia.

Father Charles T. Behl, of Philadelphia,
goes to St. Augustine's, Isle Brevelle,
Louisiana; Father David J. Marshall, of
Norwich, Conn., to St. James', Alexandria,
Louisiana; Father John J. Murray, of Phila-
delphia, to St. John the Baptist's, Dayton,
Ohio; Father Clemence F. Lachowsky, of
Conway. Arkansas, to Holy Ghost Mission-
ary College, Comwells Heights, Pa.; and
Father Rodrigue A. Roberge, to Canada.

HOLY GHOST MISSION LEAGUE

By means of membership dues re-
ceived during the past year, the Holy
Ghost Mission League was able to
help in the spread of devotion to the
Holy Ghost through the Pentecost
Novena. More than .'50,000 leaflets
were distributed free in time for the
novena this year through parishes in
various parts of the country. A num-
ber of pastors assisted by contribu-
tions for the leaflets.

Members of the Mission League can
help spread the devotion by obtain-
ing free leaflets for distribution to
their friends. Just write:

Mission Procurator

Holy Ghost Fathers

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.

Washington 11, D. C.

Please pray for the repose of the
souls of Miss Rose Keating, Norris-
town. Pa.; Miss Marie L. Hartman,
Baltimore; and Miss Mary Dean,
Pittsburgh, deceased members.

CATHOLICS IX BRITISH AFRICAN
MISSIONS

"The progress of Catholic Missions
through the war years in British Africa is
striking," states Archbishop Mathew, Apos-
tolic Delegate to English Africa, issuing
statistics that show an increase of more
than 6:37,000 Catholics since 1939.

"The work of the African pi'iests is de-
veloping very well and it is a great encour-
agement to Africans all over the eastem
teiTitories that Rome should have made an
African Vicariate in Uganda in 1939."

The chief statistics for this important
mission field, corrected up to June, 1946,
are given below.

TANGANYIKA

The eleven vicariates and four prefec-
tures in Tanganyika contain 599,377 Cath-
olics, whoBi form 10.1 percent of the total
population of the territory. They are sensed
by 500 European and American priests,
237 European Brothers, 403 European nuns,
88 African priests, 16 African Brothers and
312 African nuns. These figures show an
increase of 170,196 Catholics over the fig-
ures for 1939.

UGANDA

The five vicariates in Uganda contain
816,394 Catholics who form 22.2 percent of
the total population of the Protectorate.
They are sen,-ed by 316 European priests,
84 European Brothers, 220 European nuns,
114 African priests, 83 African Brothers
and 582 African nuns. These figures show
an increase of 209,112 Catholics over the
figures for 1939.

KENYA

The three vicariates and one prefecture
in Kenya contain 247.903 Catholics, who
form 7.1 percent of the total population
of the Colony. They are ser\-ed by 197
European priests, 33 European Brothers,
316 European nuns, 6 African priests, and
97 African nuns. There are no African
Brothers. These figures show an increase
of 102,772 Catholics over the figures for

1939.

7'

NYASSALAND

The two vicariates in Nyassaland contain
230,644 Catholics who form 11.5 percent of
the total population of the Protectorate.
They are ser\-ed by 112 European priests,

14 European Brothers, 54 European nuns,

15 African priests, 7 African Brothers and
57 African nuns. These figures show an in-
crease of 74,352 Catholics over the 1939
figures.

GOLD COAST

The four vicariates and one prefecture
in the Gold Coast contain 246,397 Catholics
who form 6.8 percent of the total popula-
tion of the Colony. They are sei-\-ed by
146 European priests, 8 European Brothers,
76 European nuns, 8 African priests, 3 Af-
rican Brothers and 9 African nuns. These
figures show an increase of 80,826 Catholics
over the figures for 1939.

SIERRA LEONE

The vicariate of Sierra Leone contains
7,853 Catholics who form .35 percent of the
total population of the Colony and Protec-
torate. They are served by 27 European
priests, 2 European Brothers, 22 European
nuns and one African priest. These figures
show an increase of 572 Catholics over the
fiures for 1939.

— Catholic Times of East Africa,
March, 1947

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF NOVITIATE
OBSERVED

The fiftieth anniversary of the founda-
tion of the Holy Ghost Fathers' clerical no-
vitiate in the United States was celebrated
on Tuesday, May 20, with a solemn high
mass at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield,
Conn.

This also marked the twenty fifth anni-
sary of its establishment in its present lo-
cation.

«

The Novitiate, Ridgefield

Very Rev. Francis Griffin, C.S.Sp., from
the Mother House in Paris, councillor gen-
eral and delegate of the superior general.
Most Rev. Louis F. Le Hunsec, C.S.Sp., D.D.,
Archbishop of Marcianopolis, was celebrant
of the mass. He was assisted by Very Rev.
George J. Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, and
Very Rev. Francis J. Smith, C.S.Sp., pres-
ent master of novices. Former masters of
novices attended.

The novitiate was canonically erected at
Cornwells Heights, Pa., on August 27,
1897. Father John J. O'Gorman, C.S.Sp.,
who was later consecrated bishop and ap-
pointed Vicar Apostolic of Sierra Leone,
West Africa, was then master of novices.
Two members of the first class sui'V'ive,
Father Alphonsus D. Gavin, C.S.Sp., of
Femdale, Nonvalk, Conn., and Father
Henry J. Goebel, C.S.Sp., of Conway, Ar-
kansas.

In November, 1906, the novitiate was
transferred to Norwalk, with Father
Eugene Phelan, C.S.Sp., as master of no-
vices. He was succeeded in 1910 by Father
Joseph J. Byrne, C.S.Sp., now Bishop Byrne,
Vicar Apostolic of Kilimanjaro, East Africa.
It was in May of 1922 that the novitiate
was transferred here.

In its fifty years' existence the novitiate
has had 470 professions, of which 327 were
made in Ridgefield.

The novitiate for Brothers is also located
here, although it was originally established
in Perrysville, Pa., in 1876.

THE MISSIONS NEED . . .
A Piano

Did you know that African mission-
aries need pianos? Read this: "A
piano would be invaluable here at
the seminary." (St. James Seminary,
Tanganyika Territory, East Africa).
"It would be useful not only for teach-
ing singing but especially to train
those who show interest (and there
are many) to practice for later use
in the missions. The harmonium we
have here is very poor, and it is not
too good to practice too much on an
organ. Last year eight students
'practiced' the organ. Most of those
who do not reach major orders will
eventually be teachers in some mis-
sion.s, and a fair knowledge of music
is immensely useful. It is also good
(o counteract the influence of what
now goes by the name of music on the
radio, which sooner or later will be
available to the .Africans." — Father
Anton ^lorgenroth, C.S.Sp.

We can obtain a used piano, crated,
for S125.00. Can you give something
towards its cost? (Perhaps you or
your club can cover the whole cost.)

.Another African missionarj- asks
for (new or used) flutes, trumpets,
clarinets for his boys' band.

Easter is just over but we're pre-
paring for next Easter already. A
number of missions in Africa need
paschal candles. If we are to get
them to the missions in time, we must
begin to act now. Price of each:
$3.00, delivered in an African mis-
sion.

Contributions to cover the total or
partial cost of any of the above may
be sent to:

Mission Procurator

Holy Ghost Fathers

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.

Washington 11, D.C.

HOLY GHOST FATHERS WILL DIRECT

ST. EMMA .MILITARY ACADEMY,

ROCK CASTLE, VIRGINIA

With the approval of Most Rev. Peter L.
Ireton, D.D., Bishop of Richmond, the Holy
Ghost Fathers will assume the direction
and supervision of the St. Emma Military
Academy, Rock Castle, Virginia, on July 1.

The Academy, an academic, agricultural,
military and trade school for colored youth,
was founded in 1895 by Colonel Edward
de V. and Mrs. Morrell.

Father William S. Healy, C.S.Sp., was the
first chaplain at Rock Castle, from 1895 to
1899. For the next four years the priests
of the Diocese of Richmond were chaplains;
and from 1903 to 1928 various Holy Ghost
Fathers ser\-ed in this capacity.

The Christian Brothers were administra-
tors of the Academy from 1903 to 1923 and
were succeeded by a lav faculty. Since
1929 the Benedictine Fathers of St. Vin-
cent's Archabbey, Latrobe, Pa., have been
in charge of the Academy.

In taking up the direction of St. Emma's,
the Holy Ghost Fathers are returning to
old familiar territory where they did mis-
sionary work throughout the countryside
for twenty-five years, establishing and car-
ing for Holy Cross Mission, as well as ad-
ministering spiritually to the Catholics of
the State Farm, an annex of the Richmond
Penitentiary, Jefferson Post Office, Pow-
hatan Court House, Maidens, Guinea Mills,
Farmville and those scattered through the
James River Valley.

NEWS ITEMS from the MISSION FIELDS of the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

WEST AFRICA

GXTISHA-OWERRI: In 1906 this vicariate
had 2,500 Catholics; in 1926, 58,000; and
at the end of 1946 the number had reached
250,000!

During 1946 alone there were 50,000
baptisms. There are now 11 African priests
in the vicariate.

The three Catholic hospitals are bene-
fitting from the ser\'ices of five doctors
recently arrived from Ireland.

SIERRA LEOXE: Despite the opening
of a teachers' school in Freetown, which
will provide about fifteen instructors every
two years, the Church's diff'iculties increase
with the spread of Islamism. The mission
of Pujehan, in the southern section of the
vicariate, is almost completely surrounded
by Mohammedans.

BRAZZAVILLE: The minor seminary at
Mbamou now has 57 students. A new sem-
inary now under construction at Djoue, will
be ready for students in October.

BANGUI: Father Hemme has resigned
as Principal Superior to become chaplain
to the lepers at Bambari. He has been suc-
ceeded by Father Morandeau.

NOVA LISBOA: Eight La Salette fath-
ers have been assigned by Most Rev. Daniel
Junqueira, C.S.Sp., D.D., vicar apostolic, to
the missions of Ganda and Quilengues. The
two missions include a vast territory which
will eventually be erected into a separate
ecclesiastical district.

KATANGA: Recently Bishop Hazaert
blessed the new church at Manono. The
spire is 125 feet high. It is the most beau-
tiful church in the colony.

The medical center at Nkulu-Malemba
since last August has been under the di-
rection of Mother Miriam of the Daugh-
ters of the Cross. Mother Miriam is a
physician.

LOANGO: Bishop Friteau confirmed .320
Catholics in the Dolisie, Mossendjo and De-
venie regions, which have had missionaries
for only ten years.

NORTH AFRICA

MISSERGHIN (ORAN): Bishop Lacoste
of Gran recently ordained two voung men
to the diaconate in the Holy Ghost Fathers
chapel here.

Father Hyland ctUbratm;/ Mass in
tempoiary Chapel of Our Lady of the
Valley, Hemet, California.

PUERTO RICO

BARCELONETA: "It is a little after
one in the afternoon and I have just re-
turned from my usual third mass at Flori-
da, some ten miles away. Saying three
masses in three different places is a pleas-
ant workout. Anyhow, while the cook is
getting my breakfast ready here is what I
wanted to say:

"A million thanks for the unexpected
but most welcome check. I promise you
that it will be used entirely for the care
and education of children." — Father E. J.
Kingston, C.S.Sp.

EAST AFRICA

KILIMANJARO: "The shipment of sheets
and pillow cases and towels comes at a
very propitious moment. Normally, I should
be able to get these goods here, but just
now cloth cannot be had.

"I cannot find a bolt of ordinary cotton
cloth in any shop. The staple cloth is
'Merikani'. That is the accepted name and
it originated from 'Americani', as the cloth
probably came from America first. There
has never been any of the original cloth
in my time out here, but Japan and In-
dia supplied the 'Merikani', which we used
for sheets and pillow cases and which our
people were glad to have for clothing."—
Father James Marron, C.S.Sp.

XYERI (KENYA COLONY): "Nobody
seems to know v.-hen the new bishop, still
to be nominated and consecrated, will make
his appearance here.

"As administrator of a vicariate, I find
that life was much more interesting in the
bush. Far away from the highroads and the
'high-places in Israel', I passed the happi-
est years of my life. Twice I stayed for at
least a year alone in a new place where
there was neither Christian or Catechumen
to start with. One of those places, called
Kabaa, which means bald head, eventually
got covered with quite a luxurious crop
without any patent medicine. She is now
the mother of several lively daughter-mis-
sions.

'"But that sort of pioneer's work is over
and of the past, for new foundations to-
day as a rule are made by cutting off al-
ready important centers of Christianity.
Not at all like good eld Kabaa! And how
those little Wakambas, with their beauti-
fully filed teeth and artistically shaven
heads, made an attractive show, first in
the school, then in the church! Then, like
now, it was and is: 'through the school ta
the Church.'

"After years of ruling a vicariate you
think it may be difficult enough for me to
become a simple priest again ? Not if I
might start once more in the backwoods." —
Father Michael Witte, C.S.Sp.

Do You Wish To Become a Missionary Priest or Brother?

Send for information about the HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Dear Father:

Please send me information about the Holy Ghost | ^^^'^^''^ '-' | (Check one)
and the requirements for admission. L Brothers D J

Name Age

Street address Phone:

City and State Zone

School Grade

(Tear oflf and send to the Vocation Director, Holy Ghost Fathers,
1615 Manchester Lane, N. W., Washington 11, D. C.)

Holi| Ghost Fathers

MISSION NEWS

Vo\. VII— Xo. 3

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washington 11, D. C.

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

JUNE, 1947

FIFTEEN RECEIVE FIRST ASSIGNMENTS

Father Backer
Africa

Father Behl
Isle Brevelle, La.

Father Behr
Africa

CARDINAL SPELLMAN PRESIDES AT CEREMONY
IN ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, NEW YORK

Fifteen Holy Ghost Fathers, making their Apostolic Consecra-
tion, were given their first appointments on Sunday, June 8, in
a ceremony held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York.

His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman, Cardinal Archbish-
op of New York, presided at the consecration to the apostolate
and addressed the young missionaries at the conclusion of the
services. His Eminence stressed the opportunity that is vheirs
in laboring for souls both at home and abroad.

Of the fifteen, eight have been assigned to the Vicariate of
Kilimanjaro, Tanganyika Territory, East Africa, six to the
United States and one to Oa»ada< J^.g^^^^ -, rs .

The following will leave in the fall for East Africa: Fathers
Francis J. McGowan, Joseph A. Brennan and James J. White, all
of Philadelphia; Anthony A. Bacher and Joseph A. Behr of
{Continued on Page Two)

Jr *»*• *

Father Brennan Father Juliana Father Kelly Father Lachowsky Fatlier Lasko

Africa ttock Castle, Virginia Rock Castle, Virginia Cornwells Africa

Father Marshall
Alexandria, La.

Father McGowan
Africa

Father Murray
Dayton, Ohio

Father Pliilben
Africa

Father Roberge

•eairaaar

Father Trahan
Africa

Father White
Africa

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers
at the Provincial House, 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washinuton 11. D. C, to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the Missions.

NINETEEN FORMER INTERNEES ASSIGNED

THE HOLY GHOST
AND OURSELVES

Fifty years ago Pope Leo XIII issued
his famous encyclical on the Holy Ghost.
The concluding paragraphs point out how
deep and constant should be the devotion of
each of us to the Third Person of the
Blessed Trinity:

"We owe love to the Holy Ghost, because
He is God. He is also to be loved because
He is the substantial, eternal, primal Love,
and nothing is more lovable than love. And
this all the more because He has over-
whelmed us with the greatest benefits,
which both testify to the benevolence of
ihe Giver and claim the gratitude of the
receiver. Yet we must strive that this love
should be of such a nature as not to con-
sist merely in dry speculations or external
observances, but' rather to run forw-ard
towards action, and especially to fly from
sin, which is in a more special manner of-
fensive to the Holy Spirit.

"Nor is it enough to fly from sin;
every Christian- ought to shine with the
splendor of virtue so as to be pleasing to
so great and so beneficient a guest: and
first of all with chastity and holiness, for
chaste and holy things befit the temple.
Hence the words of the Apostle: Know
you not that you are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
But if any man violate the temple of
God him shall God destroy. For the
temple of God is holy, which you are —a
terrible, indeed, but a just warning.

"We ought to pray to and invoke the
Holy Spirit, for each one of us greatly
needs His protection and His help. And
chiefly that first requisite of man, the for-
giveness of sins, must be sought for from
Him- 'For He is the remission of all sms.
We ought confidently and continually to
beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and
more with His light and inflame us with
His charity; for thus inspired with faith
and love, we may press onward earnestly
towards our eternal reward, since He 'is
the pledge of our inheritance.'

Our Lady and the Holy Ghost

"Let all Christian people invoke also the
powerful and ever acceptable intercession
of the Blessed Virgin. You know well the
intimate and wonderful relations existing
between her and the Holy Ghost, so that
she is justly called His spouse. The inter-
cession of the Blessed Virgin was of great
avail both in the mystery of the Incarna-
tion and in the coming of the Holy Ghost
upon the Apostles.

"May she continue to strengthen our
prayers with her suffrages, that, in the
midst of all the stress and trouble of the
nations, those divine prodigies may be hap-
pily revived by the Holy Ghost, which
were foretold in the words of David: 'Send
forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth,'

£

r 1

o

f f f I ♦
ft t f .f

-% ^ # ^

%#

# Hh

Front Row: Left to Right: Bro. Fulrad, Frs. Blass, Grossmann, Eckert,

Vonderwinkel, Lemmens.
Second Row: Left to Right: Frs. Lingscheidt, Gross, Schroll, Becker, Kuater,

Kirschbaum, Bro. Baldomir.
Back Row: Left to Right: Frs. Wehtiing, Humpert, Thelen, Seifried, Schreier,

Bro. Remigius.

Sixteen Holy Ghost Fathers and three
Brothers of the German Province, recently
released from an internment camp in Ja-
maica, British West Indies, have been as-
signed to various posts in the United States
and Puerto Rico by Very Rev. George J.
Collins, provincial.

Father John Vonderwinkel has been ap-
pointed assistant pastor in St. John's par-
ish, Dayton, Ohio; Father Martin Kirsch-
baum, St. Joachim's, Detroit; Fathers Peter
Gross and William Blass, St. Mary's De-
troit; Father Siegfried Eckert, Notre Dame,
Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Father Martin
Lingscheidt, St. Anthony's, Millvale, Pa.;
Father Peter Becker, St. Mary's, Sharps-
burg, Pa.; Father Gottfried Thelen, Holy
Ghost, Chippewa Falls; and Father Hugo
Kuster, St, Catherine's, Little Compton,
Rhode Island.

Father Henry Lemmens has joined the
faculty of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.
Father John Schreier and Brothers Baldo-
mir Hermanns, Remigius Kney and Fulrad
Poensgen are assigned to Rock Castle, Vir-
ginia, Father Albert Schroll has been named
assistant pastor at St, Benedict's, Detroit,
Mich, /fV

Four of the priests will wobk in Puerto
Rico: Fathers J, G, Grossmai/ Arecibo; G.
A. Seifried and Arnold Humpert, Toa Alta;
and J, H. Wehning, Jayuya.

The priests and brothers were mission-
aries in the Prefecture of Benue, West
Africa, before their internment. After more
than six years of confinement, they were
permitted to enter the United States,

HOLY GHOST FATHER APPOINTED
BISHOP

Rev. Daniel Liston, C.S,Sp., rector of
the seminary and college of the Diocese of
Port Louis, Mauritius, has been appointed
coadjutor bishop of that diocese.

It was in 1937 that the newly nominated
prelate went to Mauritius, an island in the
Indian Ocean. Most Rev. James Leen,
CS.Sp,, is Archbishop of Port Louis,

APPOINTMENTS

(Continued from Page One)

Pittsburgh; Stephen J, Lasko, Noroton,
Conn,; Stanley J, Trahan, Bay City,; and
Francis M, Philben, of Boston,

Named to posts at St. Emma's Military
Academy, Rock Castle, Virginia, are Fath-
ers Alfred A, Juliano and James P. Kelly,
both of Philadelphia,

Father Charles T, Behl, of Philadelphia,
goes to St. Augustine's, Isle Brevelle,
Louisiana; Father David J, Marshall, of
Norwich, Conn,, to St, James', Alexandria,
Louisiana; Father John J, Murray, of Phila-
delphia, to St. John the Baptist's, Dayton,
Ohio; Father Clemence F, Lachowsky, ol
Conway, Arkansas, to Holy Ghost Mission-
ary College, Comwells Heights, Pa,; and
Father Rodrigue A, Roberge, to Canada,

HOLY GHOST MISSION LEAGUE

By means of membership dues re-
ceived during the past year, the Holy
Ghost Mission League was able to
help in the spread of devotion to the
Holy Ghost through the Pentecost
Novena. More than .50,000 leaflets
were distributed free in time for the
novena this year through parishes in
various parts of the country. A num-
ber of pastors assisted by contribu-
tions for the leaflets.

Members of the Mission League can
help spread the devotion by obtain-
ing free leaflets for distribution to
their friends. Just write:

Mission Procurator

Holy Ghost Fathers

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.

Washington 11, D. C.

Please pray for the repose of the
souls of Miss Rose Keating, Norris-
town. Pa.; Miss Marie L. Hartman,
Baltimore; and Miss Mary Dean,
Pittsburgh, deceased members.

CATHOLICS IX BRITISH AFRICAN
MISSIONS

"The progress of Catholic Missions
through the war years in British Africa is
striking," states Archbishop Mathew, Apos-
tolic Delegate to English Africa, issuing
statistics that show an increase of more
than 637,000 Catholics since 1939.

"The work of the African priests is de-
veloping very well and it is a great encour-
agement to Africans all over the eastern
territories that Rome should have made an
African Vicariate in Uganda in 1939."

The chief statistics for this important
mission field, corrected up to June, 194G,
are given below.

TANGANYIKA

The eleven vicariates and four prefec-
tures in Tanganyika contain 599,377 Cath-
olics, who* form 10.1 percent of the total
population of the territory. They are ser\'ed
by 500 European and American priests,
237 European Brothers, 403 European nuns,
88 African priests, 10 African Brothers and
312 African nuns. These figures show an
increase of 170,196 Catholics over the fig-
ures for 1939.

UGANDA

The five vicariates in Uganda contain
816,394 Catholics who form 22.2 percent of
the total population of the Protectorate.
They are ser\-ed by 316 European priests,
84 European Brothers, 220 European nuns,
114 African priests, 83 African Brothers
and 582 African nuns. These figures show
an increase of 209,112 Catholics over the
figures for 1939.

KENYA

The three vicariates and one prefecture
in Kenya contain 247.903 Catholics, who
form 7.1 percent of the total population
of the Colony. They are ser\-ed by 197
European priests, 3.3' European Bro'thers.
316 European nuns, 6 African priests, and
97 African nuns. There are no African
Brothers. These figures show an increase
of 102,772 Catholics over the figures for
1939. /

NYASSALAND

The two vicariates in Nyassaland contain
230,644 Catholics who form 11.5 percent of
the total population of the Protectorate.
They are served by 112 European priests,

14 European Brothers. 54 European nuns.

15 African priests, 7 African Brothers and
57 African nuns. These figures show an in-
crease of 74,352 Catholics over the 1939
figures.

GOLD COAST

The four vicariates and one prefecture
in the Gold Coast contain 246,397 Catholics
who form 6.8 percent of the total popula-
tion of the Colony. They are served by
146 European priests, 8 European Brothers,
76 European nuns. 8 African priests, 3 Af-
rican Brothers and 9 African nuns. These
figures show an increase of 80,826 Catholics
over the figures for 1939.

SIERRA LEONE

The vicariate of Sierra Leone contains
7,853 Catholics who form .35 percent of the
total ponulation of the Colony and Protec-
torate. They are served by 27 European
priests, 2 European Brothers, 22 European
nuns and one African priest. These figu'-es
show an mcrease of 572 Catholics over the
fiures for 1939.

— Catholic Times of East Africa,
March, 1947

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF NOVITIATE
OBSERVED

The fiftieth anniversary of the founda-
tion of the Holy Ghost Fathers' clerical no-
vitiate in the United States wa^ celebrated
on Tuesday, May 20, with a solemn high
mass at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield,
Conn.

This also marked the twenty fifth anni-
sary of its establishment in its present lo-
cation.

Novitiate, Ridgefield

Very Rev. Francis Griffin, C.S.Sp., from
the Mother House in Paris, councillor gen-
eral and delegate of the superior general.
Most Rev. Louis F. Le Hunsec, C.S.Sp., D.D.,
Archbishop of Marcianopolis, was celebrant
of the mass. He was assisted by Very Rev.
George J. Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, and
Very Rev. Francis J. Smith, C.S.Sp., pres-
ent master of novices. Former masters of
novices attended.

The novitiate was canonically erected at
Cornwells Heights, Pa., on August 27,
1897. Father John J. O'Gorman, C.S.Sp.,
who was later consecrated bishop and ap-
pointed Vicar Apostolic of Sierra Leone,
West Africa, was then master of novices.
Two members of the first class survive.
Father Alphonsus D. Gavin, C.S.Sp., of
Ferndale, Norwalk, Conn., and Father
Henry J. Goebel, C.S.Sp., of Conway, Ar-
kansas.

In November, 1906, the novitiate was
transferred to Norwalk, with Father
Eugene Phelan, C.S.Sp., as master of no-
vices. He was succeeded in 1910 by Father
Joseph J. Byrne, C.S.Sp., now Bishop Bynie,
Vicar Apostolic of Kilimanjaro, East Africa.
It was in May of 1922 that the novitiate
was transferred here.

In its fifty years' existence the novitiate
has had 470 professions, of which 327 were
made in Ridgefield.

The novitiate for Brothers is also located
here, although it was originally established
in Perrysville, Pa., in 1876.

THE MISSIONS NEED . . .
A Piano

Did you know that African mission-
aries need pianos? Read this: "A
piano would be invaluable here at
the seminary." (St. James Seminary,
Tanganyika Territory, East Africa).
"It would be useful not only for teach-
ing singing but especially to train
those who show interest (and there
are many) to practice for later use
in the missions. The harmonium we
have here is very poor, and it is not
too good to practice too much on an
organ. Last year eight students
'practiced' the organ. Most of those
who do not reach major orders will
eventually be teachers in some mis-
sions, and a fair knowledge of music
is immensely useful. It is also good
to counteract the influence of what
now- goes by the name of music on the
radio, which sooner or later will be
available to the Africans." — Father
Anton .^lorgenroth, C.S.Sp.

We can obtain a used piano, crated,
for .S125.00. Can you give .something
towards its cost? (Perhaps you or
your club can cover the whole cost.)
Another African missionary asks
for (new or used) flutes, trumpets,
clarinets for his boys' band.

Easter is just over but we're pre-
paring for next Easter already. A
number of missions in Africa need
paschal candles. If we are to get
them to the missions in time, we must
begin to act now. Price of each:
$3.00, delivered in an African mis-
sion.

Contributions to cover the total or
partial cost of any of the above may
be sent to:

Mission Procurator

Holy Ghost Fathers

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.

Washington 11, D.C.

HOLY GHOST FATHERS WILL DIRECT

ST. EMMA MILITARY ACADEMY,

ROCK CASTLE, VIRGINIA

With the approval of Most Rev. Peter L.
Ireton, D.D., Bishop of Richmond, the Holy
Ghost Fathers will assume the direction
and supervision of the St. Emma Military
Academy, Rock Castle, Virginia, on July 1.

The Academy, an academic, agricultural,
military and trade school for colored vouth,
was founded in 1895 by Colonel Edward
de V. and Mrs. Morrell.

Father William S. Healy, C.S.Sp., was the
first chaplain at Rock Castle, from 1895 to
1899. For the next four years the priests
of the Diocese of Richmond were chaplains;
and from 1903 to 1928 various Holy Ghost
Fathers served in this capacity.

The Christian Brothers were administra-
tors of the Academy from 1903 to 1923 and
were succeeded by a lay faculty. Since
1929 the Benedictine Fathers of St. Vin-
cent's Archabbey, Latrobe, Pa., have been
in charge of the Academy.

In taking up the direction of St. Emma's,
the Holy Ghost Fathers are returning to
old familiar territory where they did mis-
sionary work throughout the countryside
for twenty-five years, establishing and car-
ing for Holy Cross Mission, as well as ad-
ministering spiritually to the Catholics of
the State Farm, an annex of the Richmond
Penitentiary, Jefferson Post Office, Pow-
hatan Court House, Maidens, Guinea Mills,
Farmville and those scattered through the
James River Vallev.

NEWS ITEMS from the MISSION FIELDS of the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

WEST AFRICA
ONITSHA-OWERRI: In 1906 this vicariate
had 2,500 Catholics; in 1926, 58,000; and
at the end of 1946 the number had reached
250,000!

During 1946 alone there were 50,000
baptisms. There are now 11 African priests
in the vicariate.

The three Catholic hospitals are bene-
fitting from the services of five doctors
recently arrived from Ireland.

SIERRA LEONE: Despite the opening
of a teachers' school in Freetown, which
will provide about fifteen instructors every
two years, the Church's difficulties increase
with the spread of Islamism. The mission
of Pujehan, in the southern section of the
vicariate, is almost completely surrounded
by Mohammedans.

BRAZZAVILLE: The minor seminary at
Mbamou now has 57 students. A new sern-
inary now under construction at Djoue, will
be ready for students in October.

BANGUI: Father Hemme has resigned
as Principal Superior to become chaplain
to the lepers at Bambari. He has been suc-
ceeded by Father Morandeau.

NOVA LISBOA: Eight La Salette fath-
ers have been assigned by Most Rev. Daniel
Junqueira, C.S.Sp., D.D., vicar apostolic, to
the missions of Ganda and Quilengues. The
two missions include a vast territory which
will eventually be erected into a separate
ecclesiastical district.

KATANGA: Recently Bishop Hazaert
blessed the new church at Manono. The
spire is 125 feet high. It is the most beau-
tiful church in the colony.

The medical center at Nkulu-Malemba
since last August has been under the di-
rection of Mother Miriam of the Daugh-
ters of the Cross. Mother Miriam is a
physician.

LOANGO: Bishop Friteau confirmed 320
Catholics in the Dolisie, Mossendjo and De-
venie regions, which have had missionaries
for only ten years.

NORTH AFRICA

MISSERGHIN (ORAN) : Bishop Lacoste
of Gran recently ordained two young men
to the diaconate in the Holy Ghost Fathers
chapel here.

Father Hyland celebrating Mass in
tempoiary Chapel of Our Lady of tlie
Valley, Hemet, California.

PUERTO RICO

BARCELONETA: "It is a little after
one 111 the afternoon and I have just re-
turned from my usual third mass at Flori-
da, some ten miles away. Saying three
masses in three different places is a pleas-
ant workout. Anyhow, while the cook is
getting my breakfast ready here is what I
wanted to say:

"A million thanks for the unexpected
but most welcome check. I promise you
that it will be used entirely for the care
and education of children." — Father E. J.
Kingston, C.S.Sp.

EAST AFRICA

KILIMANJARO: "The shipment of sheets
and pillow cases and towels comes at a
very propitious moment. Normally, I should
be able to get these goods here, but just
now cloth cannot be had.

"I cannot find a bolt of ordinary cotton
cloth in any shop. The staple cloth is
'Merikani'. That is the accepted name and
it originated from 'American!', as the cloth
probably came from America first. There
has never been any of the original cloth
in my time out here, but Japan and In-
dia supplied the 'Merikani', which we used
for sheets and pillow cases and which our
people were glad to have for clothing." —
Father James Marron, C.S.Sp.

NYERI (KENYA COLONY): "Nobody
seems to know when the new bishop, still
to be nominated and consecrated, will make
his appearance here.

"As administrator of a vicariate, I find
that life was much more interesting in the
bush. Far away from the highroads and the
'high-places in Israel', I passed the happi-
est years of my life. Twice I stayed for at
least a year alone in a new place where
there was neither Christian or Catechumen
to start with. One of those places, called
Kabaa, which means bald head, eventually
got covered with quite a luxurious crop
without any patent medicine. She is now
the mother of several lively daughter-mis-
sions.

"But that sort of pioneer's work is over
and of the past, for new foundations to-
day as a rule are made by cutting off al-
ready important centers of Christianity.
Not "at all like good old Kabaa! And how
those little Wakambas, with their beauti-
fully filed teeth and artistically shaven
heads, made an attractive show, first in
the school, then in the church! Then, like
now, it was and is: 'through the school to
the Church.'

"After years of ruling a vicariate you
think it may be difficult enough for me to
become a simple priest again? Not if I
might start once more in the backwoods." —
Father Michael Witte, C.S.Sp.

HOLY GHOST FATHERS

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.

Washington 11, D.C.

sec. sez p. l. a R.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT 5708

MISSION NEWS

Postmaster: If undeliverable for any
reason, notify sender on Form 3547,
postage for which is guaranteed.

Our Province

Volume 16 JUNE, 1947 Number 6

OFFICIAL . . .

Ma4d and Office o/ t/te cMoUf, Jtea^ o/ yf/c^ . . . QcuUe o^

"SACRIFICARE " ...

" ^Uu uaoaA, ltXHue4xe/i,, oamJUne^ luUU UmpiidUf, a*id iolid utfo/t-

PICTURES . . .

Fervor

Charity
Sacrifice

Our Province

June, 1947

Official

Vol. l6

No. 6

Official montUy bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933. by Father C. J.
Plnnkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W..
Washincton 11, D. C, U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press. Inc., 1511 Guilford Arc,
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official:

General Bulletin 79

Assignments, Appointments 87

Avis Du Mois 80

The International Scene 80

"Sacrificare" 81

Ourselves Incorporated 82

Bulletins:

Muskogee, Oklahoma 83

Opelousas, Louisiana 84

Sanford, North Carolina 86

THE GENERAL BULLETIN

Mass of the Holy Heart of Mary

On several occasions we asked the
favor of having the Office of the Holy
Heart of Mary on the first Saturday
of each month, just as we have that
of the Holy Ghost on the first Mon-
days. This favor has always been re-
fused, but finally we have obtained
permission for all the houses of the
Congregation to celebrate ONE Mass
of the Holy Heart of Mary on the
first Saturday of each month.

Let us hope this is the first step to
a wider concession.

The Mass of the Holy Heart of
Mary to be said henceforth is the one
promulgated for the universal Church.
This Mass is now permitted on each
first Saturday, except on the follow-
ing days:

a) double feasts of the 1st and 2nd
class.

b) a privileged feria, vigil or oc-
tave.

c) on vigils, feasts, or octaves of
a feast of the Blessed Virgin.

Sacra Congregatio Rituum
No. C. 1/947.
Congregationis -Sancti .Spiritus Et
Immaculati Cordis Beatae Mariae
Virginis
Quo pietas ac religio erga Beatis-
simam Virginem Mariam in dies auge-
atur inter religiosos Congregationis
Sancti Spiritus et Immaculati Cordis
B. M. v., Rev. mus P. Augustus
Brault, eiusdem Congregationis Pro-
curator Generalis Sanctissimum Do-
minum Nostrum Pium Papam XII
suppliciter exoravit ut, in unaquaque
domo suae Congregationis, primo
cuiusvis mensis sabbato, una saltem
Missa de Immaculate Corde B.M.V.
celebrari valeat. Sacra porro Rituum
Congregatio, utendo facultatibus sibi
specialiter ab ipso Sanctissimo Dom-
ino Nostro tributis, benigne annuit pro
gratia juxta preces cum unica Missa
de Immaculato Corde B.M.V. primo
cuiusvis mensis Sabbato in unaqua-
que domo praefatae Congregationis
celebranda; dummodo non occurrat

Father Patrick McDermott
Brother Rudolph Goeckler
Father Basil Kuhn
Father Anthony Thome
Brother Placidus Nohr
Brother Adolphus Wolfe
Brother Wenceslas Senger

Requiescant in

Pace

July

3,

1918

July

5,

1902

July

11,

1897

July

12,

1936

July

22,

1905

July

22,

1909

July

28,

1882

59
74
43
65
34
64
45

duplex 1, vel II. classis, feria, octava
et vigilia quae sint ex privilegiatis,
nee non vigilia, festum et octava
ipsius Deiparae Virginis; servatis de
cetero Rubricis. Contrariis non obstan-
tibus quibuscumque. Ad proximum
quinquennium. Die 19 Januarii 1947.
L. S. -j-Carolus Card. Salotti,

S. R. C. Praefectus
A. Carinci, Archiep.

Seleucien., Secretarius.

Office of the Holy Heart of Mary

The new Office of the Holy Heart
of Mary which was granted to us by
the Rescript published in the Bulletin
of last October is identical with the
office granted to the "Missionary Sons
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(Claretians)." The procure is at work
on the edition of this Office in leaflet
form. The text of the Mass with
musical notation has already been
published. That of the Office will be
published later.

In houses where confreres desire to
sing the Vespers of the Feast, August
22, the text of our old office can be
used for the antiphons and for the
hymn of first Vespers (which is the
same for first and second Vespers);
the Capitulum and versicle have been
changed. The Oration now reads "Im-
maculati Cordis" instead of "Purissimi
Cordis."

The cause of Father Laval

In February 1947 we received a
decree dated June 5, 1936, on the
"Validity of the Process" conducted
at Mauritius and Evreux, concerning
the cause of Father Laval. The text
is printed below.

This process regarding the he-
roic character of the virtues of Fath-
er Laval has been going on for the
last seven years. The first advocate
of the cause died. Then came the war
and the new advocate was mobilized.
The printer mislaid the documents.
Finally the work was completed and
Father Brault, postulator, was able
to transmit to the Promoter General
of the Faith, a bound volume of 700
pages.

The objections ("Animadversiones")
of the Promoter General are now in
order. Then will come the reply of
the advocate. After this the Decree
on the heroic character of the virtues
of the Servant of God will be ready
for publication. If all goes well, all
this can be accomplished within one
year, and then we shall have a second
"Venerable" in our Congregation.

79

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE, 1947

Decretum Super Validitate
Processuum

Instante P. Augusto Brault, Con-
gregationis Spiritus Sancti et Im-
maculati Cordis Beatissiinae Virginis
Mariae Procuratore Generali, necnon
Causae Beatificationis ac Canoniza-
tionis Servi Dei Jacobi Desiderati La-
val, praedictae Congregationis Sacer-
dotis Missionarii, postulatore legitime
constitute, Emus et Rev. mus Dnus
Januarius Cardinalis Granite Pigna-
telli di Belmonte ipsius Ponens seu
Relator, in Ordinariis Sacrorum Ri-
tuum Congregationis Comitiis Partic-
ularibus subsignata die ad Vaticanum
coactis, sequens dubium discutiendum
proposuit: An constet de validitate
Processuum tarn Apostolica quani Or-
dinaria auctoritate constructorum;
testes sint rite recteque examinati et
iura producta legitime compulsata, in
casu et ad effectum de quo agitur?.
Et Eminentissimi Patres, post rela-
tionem Emi Ponentis, audito etiam
voce et scripto R. P. D. Salvatore Na-
tucci, Sanctae Fidei Promotore Gener-
ali, rescribendum censuerunt: Suppli-
candum esse Sanctissimum pro obtin-
enda sanatione quoad constitutionem
Tribunalis processus inchoativi turn
Portus Ludovici turn Ebroicen; — et
expungendum esse testem R. D. Caro-
lum PifFoux in Apostolico Processu, eo
quod partes egerit Judicis in Processu
inchoative, "ut constare possit de
validitate Processuum". Die 26 Martii
1936.

Facta postmodum de his omnibus
Sanctissihio Domino Nostro Pio Papae
XI per infrascriptum Cardinalem
Sacrae Rituum Congregationis Prae-
fectum relatione, eadem Sanctitas Sua
petitam sanationem benigne indulgens
resolutiones Em.orum Patrum ratas
habuit et probavit.

Die 5 Junii 19.36.

C. Cardin. Laurenti,

S. R. C. Praefectus.
A. Carinci,
S. R. C. Secretarius.
New Vicars Apostolic

A letter from Rome announces that
the Sovereign Pontiff in an audience
of February 13, has transferred the
Most Reverend John Wolff, former
Vicar Apostolic of Majunga, to Diego
Suarez.

During the same audience the Very
Reverend Jean Baptiste Fauret, the
present Pro-Vicar and religious su-
perior of Gabon, was appointed titu-
lar Bishop of Arassa and Vicar Apos-
topic of Loango.

usual the feast of our Venerable Fath-
er on February 2. We recalled his vir-
tues, his deeds, his words.

You have done likewise according
to the best of your ability.

Here at the Mother House Father
Gabon spoke of the appointment of
Msgr. Truffet in 1847 as Vicar Apos-
tolic of the Two Guineas. Drawing on
his exceptional knowledge of our ar-
chives. Father Gabon pointed out the
qualifications sought for by our Ven-
erable Father in a candidate for the
episcopacy. For it was our Venerable
Father who proposed Father Truffet
to the Sacred Congregation of the
Propaganda.

In general the qualifications neces-
sary for a bishop are those required
for a religious superior, and for all
who are working for the good of
souls.

To fulfill such a high office as that
devoted to the salvation of souls, it
is necessary, according to our Vener-
able Father, to possess above all the
three virtues of piety, humility, and
mildness.

In one who has to guide his fellow
man piety insures contact with God
from whom all authority is derived.
It gives to him who commands the
true sense of the authority he exer-
cises. His authority no doubt should
be fatherly, but he must not hesi-
tate to impose obligations in the name
of the vow when necessary, under
pain of grave sin, for a subject who
would refuse obedience.

However high his position humility
enables a man to estimate his true
worth — how he stands before God
and how he should be with regard to
his confreres. Man of himself is noth-
ing; as representing God he is every-
thing.

Finally mildness practised in daily
life actuates the other two virtues.
However, it does not exclude firmness,
but it prevents violence in word or
deed and every form of rudeness.
"The smoking flax he will not extin-
guish." His government will be aimed
at the glory of God and the profit of
souls among whom there is no in-
equality before God. ^L.L.H.

AVIS DU MOIS

At the Mother House and in neigh-
boring communities we celebrated as

THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE
Mother House: Most Reverend
Father General, who suffers habitual-
ly from diabetes, had a bad attack
of the grippe during the severe win-
ter. He was finally compelled to take
a rest at Courbevoie. He recovered
from the grippe rapidly and was able
to return to the Mother House on Feb-
ruary 14, but he must follow a fixed

diet for some time. Father Pereira has
arrived to take up his duties as Coun-
cillor General. His Eminence, Car-
dinal Lienart, paid a visit to our Most
Reverend Superior General before
taking the plane to Douala for the
consecration of Bishop Bonneau. On
February 2, Father Gabon gave the
traditional conference. He showed
how and why the Venerable Father
chose Msgr. Truffet for the episco-
pacy, having him in mind even dur-
ing the novitiate. Father Hoffmann,
Provincial of Germany, arrived Feb-
ruary 25 and obtained permission to
remain in Paris for a few days.

France: Most Reverend Louis Tar-
dy, Vicar Apostolic of Gabon, died
January 28, 1947. He returned to
France for an operation but due to the
concerous condition of his stomach the
operation was not a success. He was
buried at Chevilly. The Colonial Min-
ister and other high ranking civil
officials were present.

Ireland: A severe winter and a
rainy summer made it impossible to
save the turf for a "rainy day." Twen-
ty will make their Apostolic Conse-
cration. About 250 Senior Scholastics
will be attending when the next term
opens in October. The Christmas
Masses at Kimmage were broadcast
over the national network.

United States. Our Province gives
an interesting account on the number
of vocations: At Comwells there were
73 students in 1940; 45 in 1942; 72 in
1944 and 94 in 1946. At the novitiate
there were 22 novices in 1940; 12 in
1942; 17 in 1944 and in 1945 and
1946 only 9. However these figures
were influenced by the accelerated
course of study due to war-time legis-
lation. Eight war veterans entered
Comwells during the year. At Fern-
dale a disputation on some points of
the Pauline Privilege was conducted
successfully by the Fourth Year the-
ologians. Three young Fathers who
left for Kilimanjaro on December 12,
1945, arrived on January 2, 1947.

Germany: Christmas in poverty
and cold, but true joy despite all that.
At Knechtsteden some outside build-
ings are being used as a hospice for
old men and for people expelled form
Eastern Germany. The school at
Broich will be transferred to Knecht-
steden.

England: A fine house in the sub-
urbs of London has been bought.

Poland: Two novice Brothers at
Wloki, two Junior scholastics at Byd-
goszcz and a senior scholastic at the
diocesan seminary. The winter was
most severe. At Bydgoszcz we were
fortunate in obtaining coal in ex-

OUR PROVINCE. JUNE, 1947

80

change for ice taken from the lake
adjoining our property. The tradi-
tional feast of February 2 was cele-
brated in our two houses.

Gaudeloupe: On January 28th,
Father Girard ended his visitation.
Father Guilhermier departed to take
up his post as Principal Superior of
Guyana.

Martinique: The cornerstone of
the new church of The Holy Heart
of Mary, Bellevue, was laid January
26. The work of enlarging the col-
lege buildings has been completed.

Haiti: A solemn reception was
given at Saint Martial for the new
Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency,
Bishop Paccini. The tenth annivers-
ary of the founding of Catholic Ac-
tion was observed with a great feast.

Zinguinchor: The medal known
as "Benemerenti" was awarded by
the Holy Father to a gentleman for
his 36 years of faithful service given
to our mission.

Sierra Leone: During the war the
mission of Ascension was occupied
by the army. An important building
constructed near the mission during
the war will be taken over as a sec-
ondary school. The prestige of the
mission at Freetown has increased
considerably due to the influence ex-
erted through the secondary school
there. Islamism is still making rapid
progress.

Onitsha-Owerri: In 1906, 2,500
Christians; in 1926, 28,000; in 1946
250,000. The baptisms for one year
reached the 50,000 figure. Over 130,-
000 children are being taught in 800
primary schools. State subsidies have
erased the school financial worries of
former years. The secondary schools
are enabling us to train and to main-
tain an intelligent Catholic laity.
From Ireland have come 5 doctors
and the 3 Catholic hospitals are open
again. There are now 11 African
priests. A junior seminary will be
established soon. There will also be
2 colleges to train teachers for work
in the primary schools and a normal
school for teachers of the secondary
schools.

Benue: News of the release of the
German Fathers interned at Jamaica,
B.W.I., has been received. Ten who
were appointed to Haiti failed to re-
ceived the approval of the Governor
of Haiti. They have returned to Ger-
many.

Douala: Cardinal Lienart on his
visit here was accompanied by Father
Letoumeur, Procurator General.

Brazzaville: Two violent tornadoes
did considerable damage. Repair work

is slow due to shortage of materials
and wages are continually increas-
ing. The junior seminary has 57 stu-
dents. People here suspect that they
are being kept at a low intellectual
level. They have asked if the French
being taught here is the French of
France. The new seminary will be
ready by October.

Loango: Father Olsthoorn is open-
ing an annex at Sibili. Father Michel
is in charge of Dolisie, a small but
growing community with 200 Europe-
ans and 7,000 Africans.

Bangui: Father Hemme, in the ca-
pacity of Principal Superior, has tak-
en charge of the Leprosarium of Bam-
bari.

Luanda: Archbishop Pinho ordained
two priests and one subdeacon.

Nova Lisboa: Eight missionaries of
La Salette arrived June 4, 1946, and
were given the missions of Ganda
and Quilengues by Bishop Junqueira.
These two missions are in the middle
of an immense territory where the
zeal of the newcomers will find an in-
teresting field.

Mauritius: The government of Mau-
ritius requested the services of a chap-
lain for the Mauritian soldiers in
Egypt. Father Legault was appointed
to fill this post.

Abyssinia: Fathers Devenish and
Watkins completed their mission here
and departed for England.

Indo-china: In an ambush Father
Hirlemann, chaplain of the Foreign
Legion, escaped miraculously. His
chauffeur was killed. The jeep in
which he was riding was hit seven
times "and blood and gasoline flowed
freely." The legionnaires arrived at
the scene of ambush and engaged in
a regular battle. Father Barbolin,
another chaplain, was hit while bring-
ing back a wounded soldier.

"SACRIFICARE"

The following letter was addressed
to the directors of sixty major sem-
inaries:

Catholic Book Publishing Co.,
257 West 17th Street,
New York 11, N.Y.

Dear Father:

Acceding to the repeated requests
of several Directors of Major Semin-
aries, we are pleased to announce our
new publication, "SACRIFICARE"
(Ceremonies of Low Mass), a com-
plete guide in the celebration of Holy
Mass. Under separate cover we are
sending you a copy for examination
with our compliments.

We believe that young levites pre-
paring for the priesthood will find
this book a sure and complete guide
for their initiation in the rites of Holy
Mass. This edition is an excellent
English translation of the original
French by Rev. Leon Le Vavasseur,
C.S.Sp., Rev. Joseph Haegy, C.S.Sp.,
and Rev. Louis Stercky, C.S.Sp.

"SACRIFICARE" will also be of
inestimable value to priests in their
personal piety, as it guards against
inevitable forgetfulness and provides
a remedy for unfortunate habits
which even the best are liable to con-
tract.

We are certain that having reviewed
"SACRIFICARE" you will recom-
mend it highly to the Seminarians
committed to your guidance.

A priest's library is NOT COM-
PLETE without a copy of "SACRIFI-
CARE" on its shelves.

Additional copies are available
NOW at your favored RELIGIOUS
GOODS DEALER.

Respectfully yours,
Catholic Book Publishing Company

A copy of the book was also mailed
to the Ordinaries. Many of them wrote
to say how pleased they were with the
book. Some gave an order. Archbishop
Murray of Saint Paul ordered 1,000
copies.

Here are excerpts from a few of
the letters: "I look forward to receiv-
ing great aid from this worthwhile
work." — Archbishop Byrne (Santa
Fe). " 'Sacrificare' has been thorough-
ly enjoyed and appreciated by the
clergy." — Bishop Greco (Alexandria).
"I expect to present a copy of 'Sacri-
ficare' to all our priests." — Archbishop
Rummel (New Orleans). "The trans-
lation from Haegy must prove very
useful: it is clear, well printed and
complete. You deserve our thanks for
having made available what I think
is the clearest manual of liturgy." —
Archbishop McQuaid (Dublin). "We
have mailed a copy to our 550 priests
making it the subject of the spring
conference." — Archbishop Murray
(Saint Paul). "It was most kind of
you to send to me a copy of that most
interesting and illuminating book on
the Liturgy of the Mass. Very often
works on this subject are so profuse,
that they are not apt to be practical
for one who wishes to make a hurried
review of the important subjects.
This work, however, combines both
simplicity and solid information." —
Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen (Catholic Uni-
versity.) "I have found it splendid and
I am sure it will be useful for our
priests whose attention I intend to

81

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE, 1947

call to it." — Bishop Gorman (Reno).
"Thanks for the very practical book."
— Archbishop Gushing (Boston). "I
shall read the little book for my own
advantage and make it a point to
have our priests acquainted with it at
the next clergy retreat in June." —
Bishop Thill (Salina). "It is a volume
that I am pleased to have on hand be-
cause it gives the answer to questions
that come up from time to time." —
Bishop McNamara (Washington,
D.G.) "I know that I shall find the
same very pleasurable and profitable
reading. In fact it will exert a whole-
some and timely influence in my life
while enjoying the most sacred privi-
lege of celebrating Holy Mass." —
Bishop Molloy (Brooklyn). "I know I
shall find it very useful." — Bishop
O'Brien (Hartford). "I shall encour-
age its adoption in African Semin-
aries," writes Archbishop David Mat-
hew, Apostolic Delegate of British
East and West Africa.

The Reviews were very favorable.
Here is a typical one:

^'
Sacrificare, the Ceremonies of .Low

Mass, by Leon Le Vavasseur, Joseph

Haegy, and Louis Stercky, of the

congregation of the Holy Ghost, N.Y.

Catholic Book Publishing Company,

pp. 128, $1.00 (paper), $2.00 (cloth.)

The Manuel de Liturgie et Cere-
monial selon le rit Romain of these
three authors enjoys an enviable re-
putation and needs no introduction.
For this little work one need only add
in its approbation that it is an extract
from the larger work, done into Eng-
lish and thus placed at the disposal of
many more readers. It cannot be
rated too highly. Seminarians
should not be without it — and, of
course, will not fail to note the at-
tractive price. Priests, too, will find
it quite as valuable not only as a
handy reference but as an adjunct to
the annual retreat. — The Priest (Oct.
1946).

From one of "ours" came the fol-
lowing: " 'Sacrificare' is well done and
very useful. Those, however, who
need it the most will be the ones who
will not look at it. There are some
who thing it useless to observe cere-
monies of any kind whether for Low
or High Mass. I hope I'm not one of
them."

In the world you shall have dis-
tress; but have confidence, I have
overcome the world. (John 16, 33)

Ourselves, Incorporated

FERNDALE
When it rains it pours

Starting with the arrival of Father
Francis Griffin, the Visitor, there
followed a torrent of events which
finally culminated on June 8: Father
Visitor's directions, the Feast of the
Ascension with our ball game at
Maryknoll that day (score — Maryknoll
0; Femdale 3), examinations, Pente-
cost with the sawdust carpets for the
Procession and a large gathering of
the faithful, then came June 3 with
ordinations to the priesthood followed
by the Feast of Corpus Christi with
its colorful display of carpets, and,
finally, Apostolic Consecration at St.
Patrick's Cathedral, New York, His
Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman,
presiding.

During the month the captains of
the Laymen's Retreat League were
busy arranging the Summer Retreat
Schedule. The scholastics will be a
little busier this summer because of
the second Fathers' Retreat, but it
will be a pleasure to welcome so many
"old grads" back to the Dale.

CORNWELLS

.Some potpourri

We sponsored a card party on a
visiting Sunday — a success according
to Father J. L. Duffy. A newly or-
ganized faculty Softball team has
gained two victories out of two. A
multigraphed scholastic publication
has made its debut.

We are back in the community
room. The result of the renovation is
well worth waiting for. The scholas-
tic library and the chapel floor have
been painted recently.

The departure of our German con-
freres to their various appointments
created a miniature Grand Central
Station here.

ROME

"Vive, il Papa"

"The numerous pilgrimages to Rome
fascinate me. I saw a taxi with an
elderly couple going along the busy
Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. They were
looking from side to side in an ef-
fort to see everything and thus they
were advertising themselves as stran-
gers in the Eternal City. A stroll into
the Vatican Book Shop will bring one
into close contact with a cross sec-
tion of these pilgrimage groups and
help him realize more vividly the need
of the Vatican Polyglot Press. Near
the entrance to the Vatican grounds

I saw an ever-present pedlar dang-
ling a cheap pair of rosary beads be-
fore three elderly non-Italian ladies.
No doubt the magic word 'Roma' was
on the back of the crucifix; however,
only one of the ladies seemed fascin-
ated with the performance. The other
two were frankly sceptical.

"A Swiss pilgrimage arrived in
Rome for the canonization of St.
Nicholas de Flue, the first Swiss saint
in five centuries. About 15,000 were
estimated to have come to Rome from
Switzerland for the canonization. In
general, the Swiss stood tall and
erect when compared with Italians.
The red glow of health on his cheeks
and the substantial clothes on his
back also distinguished the Swiss
from the Italian, hungry and poorly
clad.

"There have been tw'o Italian pil-
grimages during the past year. The
first for the beatification of Contardo
Ferrini, the canon lawyer who taught
in the University of Padua; the other
for the beatification of Maria Goretti,
virgin and martyr. This was a unique
gathering of about 50,000, mostly far-
mers, for she was one of their own.
They took over the Piazzi di S. Pietro,
and surrounding streets, squatting on
the ground and setting out the meals
for the day. When the doors of the
Basilica were opened they made a
rush for the interior and quickly filled
the place. Outside other thousands
looked on great doors that kept them
out. Inside the jammed multitude
was shouting 'Vive, il Papa'." — Fath-
er Leonard Bushinski, C.S.Sp.

FRIBOURG

One unchanging impression and two
levels

"Just living in Europe, I am told,
is an education. That is probably so,
but as yet I have not learned much
that I can pass on. Since we came
here we have been too busy readjust-
ing ourselves and keeping up with
our classes to mix with the people
and to learn their thoughts and cus-
toms. The impressions that I have re-
ceived keep changing, but the one im-
pression that keeps coming back is
the contrast here between the old
world and the new. Each city has its
old and new sections. In Fribourg, for
example, the Cathedral was started
fifty years before America was dis-
covered. St. Peter Canisius, the Pa-

OUR PROVINCE. JUNE. 1947

82

tron of the Diocese, is buried under
the altar in the church of St.
Michel. Not far from the town
there is a Cistercian Monastery which
was founded while St. Bernard was
alive. On the other hand, the uni-
versity is ultra modem in design,
and there are any number of modern
apartment houses. The new residential
district is almost American.

"Although the town is almost en-
tirely Catholic, the socialist party is
fairly strong. May 1 was "Labor
Day" for the socialists in Europe.
The socialists of Fribourg had a pa-
rade. The parade would not give any
competition to the mummers' parades,
but it was interesting. The band lead-
ing the way was followed by six or
eight flag bearers, each carrying a
big red flag. After the flags came a
group of socialists, each wearing a
red ribbon on his lapel. Then came
a wagon drawn by two horses. On
the wagon was a small cottage with
a sign on it asking the people if they
would like to have a home like that.
The parade ended in a square in the
middle of the town.

"The town is built on two levels.
The upper town is very nice, the
houses are new and the people seem
prosperous. But on the lower level,
the houses are very old and the
people are very poor. All over the
prices are exceptionally high and it
is easy to understand why the poor
people are dissatisfied and ready to
cling to any movement that will prom-
ise to ease their plight.

"The university is state-owned, and
therefore its administration is only
incidentally in the hands of the Dom-
inicans. The student organization,
composed of representatives from the
various national groups, is very
strong. I do not know much about
student governments in the States but
I am sure they are not as strong as
the 'Academia' here. Not long ago
they voted on the issue of the stud-
ents being consulted more. The result
was a one vote victory of the organ-
ization over the Dominican Rector.
I do not know whether they will be
consulted, but they do not expect to be
ignored." — J. Ward Loughlin, C.S.Sp.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, un-
less it abide in the vine, so neither
can you, unless you abide in me. (St.
John 15, 4)

BULLETINS

St. Augustine, Muskogee, Oklahoma
1940-1946

Prospects for a Catholic Mission
parish for the Colored in Muskogee
(and in Sapulpa, too) were talked
about and debated for several years
before Father Daniel P. Bradley,
C.S.Sp., pastor of St. Monica's parish,
Tulsa, finally persuaded Bishop Kelley
in 1940 to allow him to make a start.
(The Sapulpa project is in abeyance
but not forgotten.) In the summer
of 1940 Father Richard F. Wersing
was sent from Tulsa to survey the
situation thoroughly, the result of
which made him so enthusiastic that
he desired to tackle the job at once.
However, it was not until November
3, 1940, the evening of the dedication
of the Blessed Martin de Porres new
parochial school (built by Father Cle-
ment A. Roach, C.S.Sp., in St. Peter
Claver's parish, Oklahoma City) that
Bishop Kelley, after much good-na-
tured prodding by the Fathers at the
festive gathering, at last gave oral
permission to undertake the work in
Muskogee as a separate parish.

In the summer of 1940 Father Wer-
sing accepted an invitation to join
Father Stephen A. Leven (director of
the Confraternity of Christian Doc-
trine in the diocese), Msgr. Albert L.
Fletcher (now Bishop of Little Rock)
and Mr. John Craig, K.C.S.G., of Tul-
sa, in a street preaching campaign.
Day classes were held in Muskogee at
St. Joseph's Prep School and sur-
rounding towns were visited nightly
for two weeks.

With Bishop Kelley's approval.
Fathers Leven and Wersing together
with the Messrs. Craig, Sr., and Jr.,
spoke for the first time to an all Ne-
gro audience on South 2nd Street,
Muskogee, August 28, 1940, feast of
St. Augustine. Four such sessions
were held in Muskogee. Prospective
converts and interested persons at-
tended. As a result Father Wersing
(whose idea it was) began giving in-
structions every Tuesday night, no-
tifying those interested in advance of
the time and place of the meetings.

It was not until January 1942, how-
ever, that Father Wersing was canon-
ically appointed pastor due to a pre-
carious state of affairs (1940-1941)
caused by a number of conflicting in-
terests.

Meanwhile Father Wersing had im-
mediately set out to find a suitable

place for Mass and devotions. It hap-
pened that there was a colored Cath-
olic funeral director in town at the
time and he gladly offered the funeral
parlor for services. Mass was said
here regularly each week until a
church building was erected in time
for Midnight Mass, 1942.

During this time the new pastor be-
gan writing innumerable letters to
various individuals, societies, etc., all
over the country. Through donations
and a check for $4,500 (from Bishop
Cushing, then director of the Society
for the Propagation of the Faith in
Boston), he was finally enabled to
erect a small, attractive yellow brick
church at the edge of the downtown
district. All the timber came from
Camp Gruber, 18 miles from Musko-
gee.

In this instance as in every other
the usual hubbub ensued prior to the
actual start of operations.

When the church was about to be
built, a well known Catholic in tovkoi
offered to purchase a lot for the site
of the proposed building on the cor-
ner of Seventh and Fondulac, five
squares from the present location.
This offer was gladly accepted and the
deed shortly turned over to the pas-
tor. Immediately all the whites of
the locality began complaining. They
sent a petition to the Bishop asking
him to please have the church built
elsewhere since such an edifice would
decrease property values and because
there were already too many colored
churches in the same area.

After considering a few more of
these complaints the Bishop decided
that plans should be changed to avoid
further trouble. Father Wersing then
set about looking for a new location.
This was obtained quickly, but not
without work and worry. Soon work
was begun on the church building in
this new place. A few in this neigh-
borhood, too, complained for a while
and petitions were sent to the Bishop
once more, but when the pastor saw
that the new neighbors were not quite
so vociferous as the first ones he went
on with his plan. On Christmas 1942
he saw the first big step of his work
completed and a pretty church graced
the corner of Fifth and Denison. The
neighbors were quite surprised to see
the beauty of the structure and all
opposition automatically ceased. The
church, seating about 100, was closer

83

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE, 1947

still to the downtown section and mid-
way between the two colored sections
of the city. An ideal spot for the fu-
ture.

Since that time progress has not
been phenomenal with regard to con-
vert-making, for the same lack of en-
thusiasm on the part of the colored
non-Catholics around our other newly
formed missions was evident here
too. The idea of such "early" ser-
vices, not much singing, a little too
much silence in the church, as well as
strict marriage laws, etc., all these
factors are not conducive to mass
conversions. When a person has been
accustomed to the heavenly preroga-
tive of sleeping in on Sunday morn-
ings, he doesn't rush to join the
Catholic Church once he finds out that
he won't be able to "develop pictures"
any more on Sunday mornings.

Today there is a gradual turning to
St. Augustine's on the part of many
non-Catholics. They attend the Sun-
day Masses and some of the special
functions from time to time. Letters
of invitation as well as pamphlets for
prospective converts have been sent
out regularly along with personal
calls on the families, as a means of
drawing them closer to us. Announce-
ments in the colored newspaper, etc.,
have also been resorted to.

Recently a Discussion Club for non-
Catholics was inaugurated with meet-
ings each Tuesday night, but it was
not as well attended as expected. It
served, however, to put us in the lime-
light a bit more since it was adver-
tised very properly in the newspaper
and through placards all over town.

An unusually large number of visi-
tors comes to the Midnight Mass each
year and quite a noticeable number for
various special occasions throughout
the year. We make it a point to see
to it that they are informed of these
affairs. On such occasions we remind
them that St. Augustine's was built
for the colored of Muskogee in par-
ticular and that it is their "home."

It has been our good fortune to have
a teacher at the local High School
train a group of colored boys and
girls for us whenever we desire special
singing. She is very favorable toward
the Church and gladly does this each
time. Every member of the choir is
a non-Catholic, but they consider it
quite an honor. I give them a little
party after each special occasion.
Their singing is truly beautiful and
they usually sing everything in Latin.
Bishop McGuinness was surprised and
pleased when he was here for Confirm-

ation and praised them to the skies
for their unusual interest in St. Aug-
ustine's. Afterward, w-hen the people
were passing him at the entrance to
the church one of the choir girls very
politely extended her hand and said:
"Hello, Mister." She was quite un-
accustomed to the formality of greet-
ing those of episcopal rank and did
what she thought was most fitting.
The Bishop got quite a thrill out of
it and chuckled about it for quite
some time.

It is about time for a notable in-
crease of converts now for the period
of introduction should be about over.
On the basis of rumors, this year
should be bringing in a few more than
usual. During the past week three
High School girls have expressed their
desire to take instructions. That might
be an indication of things to come.

Since 1941 we have had 35 converts
and while this is too small to satisfy
our yen for a bigger flock, neverthe-
less no opportunity has been missed
in our effort to scout for prospects.
Each time there are doings of a pub-
lic nature I am there to "spectate"
and make myself seen by all. I always
make it a point to meet as many as
possible before leaving said places.

By now they certainly all know
about St. Augustine's and that is
why I feel things should be popping
soon. — H.J.M.

HOLY GHOST
Opelousas, La.

The past five years have seen many
changes in the staff (due in great
measure to illness, wartime demands
and "for the good of the service." Ed.)
In 1940 Fathers William J. Long,
Thomas F. Rodgers, Francis J. Coon-
ey and Andrew J. Sheridan comprised
the staff, the latter suffering from
arthritis that left him well nigh help-
less. In February 1940 Fathers Long
and Rodgers were transferred to Lake
Charles, Father James J. McGurk and
John M. Heelan replacing them. In
August 1940 Father James D. Sulli-
van came to help. In February 1942
Fathers Sheridan and Sullivan were
transferred owing to poor health, and
Father James A. Mumaghan was as-
signed until he replaced Father Fran-
cis X. Walsh as pastor at St. Mary's,
Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Later Fathers
George P. Rengers and John'J. Friel
came to complete the parish staff.
Father McCurk was assigned to Corn-
wells and Father Francis J. Cooney
became pastor. In 1944 Father Ren-
gers went to Marksville as pastor and
Father Francis L. Mullin replaced

him here. In October 1945 Father
Cooney suffered strangulation of the
bowel necessitating an emergency op-
eration at Hotel Dieu, New Orleans.
Meanwhile Father Francis L. Mullin
was appointed administrator. In
January 1946 Father William J.
Keown was appointed pastor. In
April Father T. C. Dooley, recently
returned from the war theatre in
Burma, India, replaced Father Mullin
who was transferred to Chippewa
Falls, Wisconsin. It was most un-
fortunate that Father Keown's health
broke, due, no doubt, to his long war
service. He was forced to take a com-
plete rest. Father T. C. Dooley be-
come pastor in July and Father Anth-
ony Kliche came in September, later
to change places with Father E. F.
Dooley in Lafayette.

On the material side, there have not
been many changes, due to the war
and lack of essential materials and
labor. All the buildings have been
kept in good repair and the Fathers
have lent their talents and time to
the redecoration of the altars and
sanctuary of the church. Father
Cooney erected a very modem and
well-equipped kitchen, with two din-
ing rooms attached, where a warm
lunch is served on school days to an
average of 400 students under the
Federal School Lunch Program. This
important work is now efficiently di-
rected by Father Friel who recently
purchased a dish-washing machine to
lighten the work of those who cook
and serve the meals. Father Cooney
also built what we call, an "outdoor
gymnasium," a cement playing court,
suitable for both basketball and ten-
nis, with stands for the spectators on
the sidelines. Negotiations are now
in progress with the Mayor to have
poles placed in strategic spots to hold
the large spotlights (floodlights is
more proper) that will enable us to
have night basketball games. During
Father Keown's short tenure of office
a bus was bought that has since
proved its worth in carrying our
teams and rooters to the various out-
of-town games and bringing the peo-
ple from the out-lying districts to
Mass. A shelter for the bus was built
by Father Dooley alongside the pres-
ent garage. To go back a bit, an ora-
tory was added to the Convent by
Father Long, completed and blessed
a few months after his departure for
Lake Charles (where he has since
built a new brick church, relocated
and modernized the rectory, improved
the hall and landscaped the grounds.
Ed.).

Opelousas has been more blessed

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE. 1947

84

with vocations for the sisterhood than
for the priesthood. At this writing-
there are nineteen nuns from the par-
ish with two of our girls at present
in the novitiate of the Holy Family
Sisteri in New Orleans. We can boast
of two priests, the Chachere brothers,
Fathers Carmen and Austin. Father
Carmen, S.V.D., was taken by death
less than ten days after his first
solemn mass here. Father Austin is
now active in the affairs of the Trin-
itarians in and around New Jersey.
We have three boys "in via" and
hope to see them reach their goal.

In the parish there are the usual
number of Societies and Sodalities:
Children of Mary, Knights and Ladies
of Peter Claver, Ushers' Club.
Holy Name Society, Legion of Mary,
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine,
Altar Boys' Society, etc. All are active
in their own way and in their own
field. The sports program is directed
by F'ather Friel and there is evidence
of gredt interest in every department.
The social side is not forgotten, with
dances, entertainments, movies and
the like, at regular intervals. Father
T. C. Dooley, through his Post of
Catholic War Veterans (organized by
him shortly after his arrival here),
has recently acquired a charter for a
parish Boy Scout Troop. It will soon
be formally established by the local
diocesan priest in charge of such ac-
tivities in the diocese.

On Pentecost Sunday 1946, the Sil-
ver Jubilee of the parish was cele-
brated. (Father Cooney's illness pre-
vented its proper observance in the
fall of 1945). There was a solemn
high Mass on Pentecost Sunday, cor-
am episcopo, followed by a dinner for
Bishop Jeanmard and the large num-
ber of clergy who attended. Pente-
cost Monday there was a high mass
for the religious of the parish and
another high mass for the people and
children on Pentecost Tuesday. A
very attractive booklet was issued for
the occasion, tracing the interesting
history of the parish since its begin-
ning under our own Father James A.
Hyland, now pastor in Hemet, Cali-
fornia.

At present there is a "drive" on to
raise funds for a new Church here
in town. The present structure, a
combination Church and school, built
in record time in 1920, is totally in-
adequate for oar present needs. Ope-
lousas is facetiously (?) referred to
as "The Diocese," since it embraces
an area that measures 125 sq. miles,
seven to eight thousand souls and

seven out-missions in four of which
Mass is said every Sunday and holy-
day. It is hoped that soon these four
will become self-supporting. Chapels
are the real need in all but one of
these four. (One new chapel has been
promised by Archbishop Gushing of
Boston. Ed.). The real need at the
moment, however, is a new Church
here. A fund of nearly forty thousand
dollars has been raised to date. Con-
struction work would be started at
once were it possible to obtain the ma-
terials and labor at a reasonable
price. With the help of God and

the labor unions we

hope to

begin

early in 1947.

Statistics

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

1940 .... 263

70

322

65

1941 .... 288

55

—

79

1942 .... 249

58

331

63

1943 .... 294

65

—

96

1944 .... 309

71

556

62

1945 .... 306

64

—

83

1946 .... 327

48

410

113

Total ..2036 431 1619 561

(1) Baptisms; (2) Deaths; (3) Con-
firmations; (4) Marriages.

— T. G. D.

|«SB

i.I.iiri:!.!.! .

..i.l n I U.IW Ill JHi

High Altar (netv) San Fernando Parish, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico.

85

OUR PROVINCE. JUNE, 1947

THE MISSION OF 01 R LADY OF
LOURDES

Sanford, X. C.
1942-1947

This short history of the Holy
Ghost Fathers and the mission of
Our Lady of Lourdes in Sanford, N.C.
begins in April, 1942, with the cor-
respondence at that time, between the
Very Rev. Provincial of the Holy
Ghost Fathers, Father George J.
Collins, and the then Ordinary of the
Diocese of Raleigh, the Most Rev.
Eugene J. McGuinness, D.D.

This correspondence was concerned
with the advisability of opening a mis-
sion for the colored in Sanford. A
colored lady of Broadway, ten miles
west of Sanford, had previously writ-
ten Monsignor Fulton J. Sheen, that
she and some others had, through lis-
tening to his lectures on the radio,
become interested in the Catholic
Church, and were seeking instruction.
Monsignor Sheen in turn, had ad-
vised Bishop McGuinness of this and
now, as we say, 'steps were being
taken'.

Indeed they were, and on the 16th
of April, Father Joseph B. Hackett
was appointed to the work. He was
given charge of Lee County, N.C,
which included both Sanford and
Broadway. Father Hackett came to
Sanford and took up his residence at
St. Marcella's rectory, with the Rev.
Father George A. Watkins, the priest
in charge of the white Catholics of
the territory. Monsignor Sheen, con-
tinuing his interest came to Sanford
a little later on, and on June the 17th,
18th, and 19th, gave a three day mis-
sion to the colored of the district in
the hope of interesting some of them
in the Church. A large number at-
tended and heard the distinguished
preacher, but none of the people ap-
peared at the moment further in-
terested. Monsignor Sheen on leaving
gave the Mission a donation of $5,000.
to start it off financially and asked
to have the work dedicated to Our
Lady of Lourdes. This was agree-
able to all concerned although the ori-
ginal dedication was to St. Patrick.

There were difficulties from the
start. Residing in the Rectory belong-
ing to the white parish, distant and
segregate, was inconvenient and pro-
bably in other ways detrimental. A
house in the colored district was not
to be had. Neither could a suitable
property be secured to build on. The
war was on, and building was out of

the question anyhow. Father Hackett
did what he could by visiting among
the people confided to him but was
not encouraged by the results. In
July of 1942 he became ill and after
doctoring for several months was
forced by his condition to give up,
and on December 16, 1942 Father
Kenneth F. Dolan was appointed to
succeed him. Father Dolan continued
the work of Father Hackett, finding
the same difficulties and making little
progress. The colored people of San-
ford were not interested in the Cath-
olic Church. Even those through
whose inquiries the mission came in-
to existence had gone away to work
in other localities. Only the Broad-
way lady who had written Monsignor
Sheen remained, and she, Mrs. Viola
Hadley, seemed to have grown cold
towards conversion because the work
she had brought about was taken up
in Sanford instead of in her own town
of Broadway.

Father Dolan became an army
Chaplain in 1943 and on September
3, 1943, Father Herbert J. Frederick
was appointed to succeed him. Again
the succession to difficulties. Resi-
dence away from the colored people,
no place to meet with them conveni-
ently and little hope of being able to
make a change.

However, a break was to come
eventually and in July, 1944, at Fath-
er Frederick's invitation, Fathers
Collins, Guthrie and McGurk came to
Sanford to look at a property which
could be bought if the owners did not
know that it was to be purchased for
the Catholic Church. This property,
almost seven acres in extent, suit-
ably located and reasonably priced,
was approved of, and purchased by
Father Frederick through a Mr. Crab-
tree, a local druggist and real estate
operator.

This land purchase was a step in
the right direction of course, but it
was only a step. Since no building
could be put up (the war restrictions
were still in force) it did not make
much change in the immediate situa-
tion. Father Frederick was meeting
with some people, children and adults,
in the home of two colored families,
but there were no converts yet.

In October 1945 Father Frederick
was made bursar at Femdale and
Father William P. Murray came to
Sanford in his place. Again the
succeeding pastor falls heir to resi-
dence with the pastor of the white

church and to the difficulties that
meant. In the beginning of 1946 Fath-
er Murray found he could build a
little house. It had to be little, for
material and labor were both hard to
get. And it might be years before
better could be done. So, a house big
enough to provide a room to live in
and a room for a little chapel was
commenced ,in February 1946. Delays
in obtain **n)kterials and in con-
struction stowed the work up so that
it was not until June 1946 that the
house was finished. The first Mass of-
fered in the Chapel was celebrated
on the Feast of the African Martyrs,
and the first Sunday Mass was that
celebrated on Pentecost Sunday,
1946. At this last Mass there was
present only one other than the cele-
brating priest, a Catholic colored lady
from Greensboro visiting in Sanford.

Since coming to live among the
colored people a change is noticeable.
Friendliness and curiosity grow and
real interest in the Church, as a
Church, begins to appear. As yet
there are no converts, but a number
have come to instructions, and al-
though not one is regular in coming,
not one but intends to continue. So,
there are hopes at least.

While it could not be said, perhaps
that our efforts in Sanford have been
successful, it would be a mistake to
conclude that they have been a fail-
ure. The unusual conditions during
the initial years here, brought about
by circumstances far beyond our con-
trol, and very far from normal, hin-
dered normal work and usual results.
Moreover, North Carolina is a difficult
field to work in. Catholics are few
here and their influence scarcely felt.
It can be expected that progress in
convert work will be slow. That is not
to say that we should be discouraged.
It is something that a start has been
made. There is a chapel to the honor
of God and dedicated to His Blessed
Mother where there was not one be-
fore. And Mass is said there daily.
Surely more will be accomplished.
The beginning is not particularly pro-
mising, but the end might be glorious.
That is in the hands of God.— W.P.M.

OITR PROVINCE, JUNE, 1947

86

Oflficial

Summer Assignments

Father H. J. Frederick, New York,
N.Y.

Father R. L. Heim, New York, N.Y.

Father R. N. Puhl, Duquesne Uni-
versity, Summer School.

Fathers J. A. Behr, J. A. Brennan,
F. J. McGowan, J. J. Murray, J. J.
White, Cornwells.

Father A. A. Bacher, S. J. Lasko,
F. M. Philben, Ferndale.

Fathers C. F. Lachowsky and D.
C. Marshall, Duquesne University,
Summer School.

Father S. J. Trahan, Bay City,
Mich.

Appointments

Father A. A. Bacher (1), Kiliman-
jaro, East Africa.

Father C. T. Behl (3), Isle Brevelle,
La.

Father J. A. Behr (7), Kilimanjaro,
East Africa.

Father J. A. Brennan (10), Kili-
manjaro, East Africa.

Father A. A. Juliano (11), Rock
Castle, Va.

Father J. P. Kelly, (12), Rock Cas-
tle, Va.

Father C. F. Lachowsky (13),
Cornwells Heights, Pa.

Father S. J. Lasko (14), Kiliman-
jaro, East Africa.

Father F. J. McGowan (15), Kili-
manjaro, East Africa.

Father D. C. Marshall (16), Alex-
andria, La.

Father J. J. Murray (17), New
Iberia, La.

Father F. M. Philben, (18), Kili-
manjaro, East Africa.

Father R. A. Roberge, Benue,
Southern Nigeria, British Equatorial
Africa.

Father S. J. Trahan (19), Kili-
manjaro, East Africa.

Father J. J. White (20), Kiliman-
jaro, East Africa.

(Figures in parentheses indicate
dates of the month when the Fathers
will say Mass for our Most Reverend
Father General.)

Father E. J. Knaebel, Shreveport,
La., Our Lady of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, pastor, bursar.

Father J. A. Pobleschek, Hot
Springs National Park, Ark.

Father J. M. Lundergan, Dayton,
Ohio, pastor.

Father H. P. Thiefels, Rock Castle,
Va., superior, director.

Father C. Wolffer, Tarentum, Pa.,
pastor.

Father F. J. Haas, Detroit, Mich.,
St. Mary, pastor.

Father T. A. Murphy, Philadelphia,
Pa., St. Peter Claver, pastor.

Father J. L. Hasson, Philadelphia,
Pa., Our Lady of the Blessed Sacra-
ment.

Father J. F. Zehler, Detroit, Mich.,
Sacred Heart, pastor.

Father W. L. Lavin, Ridgefield,
Conn.

Father L. A. Dietrich, Morrilton,
Ark., pastor, bursar.

Father W. F. O'Neill, Pittsburgh,
Pa., St. Benedict, pastor, bursar.

Father M. N. Kirschbaum, Detroit,
Mich., Sacred Heart.

Father W. J. Keown, Rock Castle,
Va., chaplain, St. Francis de Sales
High School.

Father J. M. Schreier, Rock Castle,
Va.

Father S. J. Stark, Detroit, Mich.,
St. Joachim.

Father A. O. Schroll, Cornwells.

Father R. F. Wersing, Paducah,
Ky., pastor, bursar.

Father P. J. Haggerty, Isle Bre-
velle, La., bursar.

Father J. F. Rengers, Rock Castle,

Va.

Father F. E. Stocker, New York,
N.Y., bursar.

Father W. J. McElroy, Rock Castle,
Va.

Father — ¥-. — 9-. — Moonan, — Fomdalor

Father H. S. McNeil, Detroit,

Mich., St. Benedict, bursar.

Father A. A. O'Rourke, Rock Cas-
tle, Va., dean of studies.

Father J. C. Pergl, Rock Castle, Va.

Father F. P. Meenan, Ferndale, bur-
sar.

Father R. F. McGinn, Detroit, Mich.
Sacred Heart, bursar.

Brother Baldomir, Rock Castle, Va.

Brother Fulrad, Rock Castle, Va.

Brother Remigius, Rock Castle, Va.

Retreat

June 9-14, Community of Duquesne
University. Father W. E. O'Donnell
gave the conferences.

Addresses

Provincial Residence (English pro-
vince/ Hadlow, Woodlands Road,
Bickfey, Kent, England. Telephone:
Imperial ?55. "" '^'3'^i?

Father E. A. Curran, Repl. Regt.,
Camp Kilmer, N.J.

Father J. M. Lang, Unit 4, Div-
Arty, APO 6, San Francisco, Calif.

Father H. J. McAnulty, Hdq. Rhein
Main Air Base, APO 57, New York,
N.Y.

Father R. F. Wersing, %116 South
Sixth St., Paducah, Ky.

Cable Address

Spiritus, Arecibo (Puerto Rico).

New telephone numbers

Del Mar 169R (Eden Gardens,
Calif.)

Barceloneta 13 (Barceloneta, P.R.)

Canon Law Degree

Father John J. Walsh received the
Licentiate in Canon Law at the Cath-
olic University, Washington, D.C.,
June 11, 1947.

Arrivals:

At Boston, Mass., June 4, 1947,
from Southampton, on the SS. James
B. Moore of the U. S. Lines, Fathers
Kevin L. Devenish, and Colman C.
Watkins.

At Miami, Fla., via PAA, May 31,
1947, from Port of Spain, Trinidad, en
route to Ireland, Father Thomas
Kennedy.

At New York, N.Y. June 26, 1947,
from Le Havre, France, on the S.S.
Marine Jumper, U.S. Lines, Father
Robert L. Heim.

Departure

From Miami, June 17, 1947, for
San Juan via PAA, flight 215, Fath-
ers Francis Griffin and Francis P.
Trotter.

Pray for

Father Kirk, Father Strmiska's
mother and George L. Rockwell, who
died May 27, and for Fr. Cleary's
mother who died June 6, 1947. R.I. P.

Father John M. Haines died
in St. Joseph's Infirmary, Hot
Springs National Park, Ar-
kansas, June 27, 1947, following
an appendectomy. R.I.P.

87

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE. 1947

FIRST ASSIGNMENTS

■i^^S^H

|k^

■

*• ,.<,^^tfS|^UAadlir ^^^^^^B

Bl

Father Backer
Africa

Father Behl
Isle Brevelle, La.

Father Behr
Africa

Father Brennan
Africa

Father Juliano
Rock Castle, Virginia

Father Kelly Father Lachowsky Father Lasko

Rock Castle, Virginia Cornwells Africa

Father Marshall
Alexandria, La.

Father McGuwan
Africa

Father Murray
New Iberia, La.

Father Philben
Africa

Father Roberge
Africa

Father Trahan
Africa

Father White
Africa

OUR PROVINCE. JUNE, 1947

88

EDUCATION

Education fits a man for living.
Man exists in a universe; man is;
other things are; successful living
means a right relation between man
and all else that is . . .The mind's part
is to come to the knowledge of that
right relations. An educated man is
one whose mind is responsive to be-
ing, to everything that is. It will be
noted that the words "all" and "every-
thing" have kept recurring in this

paragraph. This is of the very es-
sence of education. You cannot fully
know anything until you know every-
thing; less cryptically, the parts get
their significance from their place in
the totality. If you know only a
part but not the whole, you do not
even know the part.

. . .Scholarship is necessary to edu-
cation and an educational system
which claims to mould character and
neglects learning is charlatanism. Yet

a great scholarship may fail to
achieve that right mental relationship
to all that is, which is of the very
definition of education. The explana-
tion has already been suggested; he
knows an enormous amount about
something or other; but he does not
see the totality; to any other it is, in
greater or less degree, an eccentricity.
Only the educated mind is at home
in the universe. — From Ground Plan
for Catholic Reading, F. J. Sheed.

Hunima, Tanganyika, East Africa — Sisters of Our Lady of the Snows, Kilimanjaro,

Profession Day, August 5, 1946.

89

OUR PROVINCE, JUNE, 1947

Our Province

Volume 16 JULY, 1947 Number 7

IMPRESSIONS . . .

^at. l^ee tnett eiMn^Uinc^ io- Aee^ unoMedea, and pXent^ul.

FIRST YEAR . . .

*JUe. i^eoAA, make. lUtU, cUcaUf^.

THE VALUE OF CRITICA . . .

Ott tUe pAacticcU o^tJte'i tlte. tUeo^ieticcU takei, a loah ano*utd.

Fervor

Charity
Sacrifice

Our Province

Official

July, 1947

Vol. l6

No. 7

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November 1933, by Father C. J.
Plunkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washington 11, D. C, U.S.A., and printed at
Publication Press, Inc., 1511 Guilford Ave.,
Baltimore 2, Maryland, U.S.A.

In This Issue

Official 91

Impressions 92

Dedication at Arlington, Va 92

First Year 93

Ourselves, Inc 93

Ticker Talk 94

A Glance At Our Books 94

Bulletins:

Arecibo, Puerto Rico 95

Toa Alta, Puerto Rico 96

Philadelphia, St. Peter Claver 97

Torresdale, St. Michael 98

Millvale, St. Anthony 98

Tarentum, Sacred Heart 99

Detroit, St. Mary 99

The Value of Critica 101

I See His Blood Upon The Rose

I see his blood upon the rose

And in the stars the glory of his

eyes,
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;

The thunder and the singing of the

birds
Are but his voice — and carven by his

power
Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn.

His strong heart stirs the ever-beat-
ing sea,

His crown of thorns is twined with
every thorn,

His cross is every tree.

— Joseph M. Plunkett.

Examen Neomissionariorum

Religiosi sacerdotes, iis tantum ex-
ceptis qui a Superioribus majoribus
gravem ob causam fuerint exempti
aut qui vel sacram theologiam, vel
jus canonicum, vel philosophiam
scholasticam doceant, post absolutum
studiorum curriculum, quotannis, sal-
tern per quinquennium, a doctis gra-
vibusque patribus examinentur in var-
iis doctrinae sacrae disciplinis antea
opportune designatis (Can. 590).

MONITA

1. Superior provincialis vel princi-
palis, incipiente anno religiose, puta
post exercitia spiritualia in communi
peracta, neomissionariis denuntiabit
obligationem subeundi examinis simul-
que ad illud se accurate praeparandi;
indicet insuper in quas partes discip-
linarum doctrinae sagrae fiet hoc anno
periculum, examinisque praefiniet
tempus

2. Neomissionarius quisque totam
materiem sic determinatam cura de-
bita apud se reviset.

3. Examen scripto conficietur
(Const. 254). Opportune tempore Su-
perior provincialis vel principalis uni-
cuique examinandorum tres aptas
quaestiones proponet, scilicet una ad
theologiam dogmaticam pertinentem,
una de re morali, una de Scriptura
Sacra : cuilibet trium quaestionum
harum suffici poterit alia de re can-
onica vel liturgica.

4. Quae tamen eligentur, si placet,
ex libello a Domo Primaria ad rem
quotannis edito.

5. Pensa diligenter scripto exarata,
Superiori remittentur sine mora, tem-
pore ab ipso praefixo, acceleranda
quam primum ad domum scholasticam
in qua unusquisque examinandorum
cursum implevit studiorum; ibi, cura
Praefecti Studiorum provincialis, di-
judicata, nota conveniente munientur
(10, optime; o, nihili); quam Adminis-

trationi generali communicabit Prae-
fectus.

CONSPECTUS ANNUUS
disciplinarum examini subjiciendarum

A. Theologia dogmatica. De vera re-

ligione — de Ecclesia — de fontibus
Revelationis.
Theologia moralis. De actibus hu-
manis — de conscientia — de vir-
tutibus theologicis.
Scriptura Sacra. Introductio gen-
eral is — Pentateuchus.
Jus canonicum. Liber primus :

Normae generales.
Liturgia.

Missale: Rubricae generales I-

IV, Additiones I et II.
Breviarium: de Anno et ejus
partibus. Rubricae speeiales
diversorum temporum.
Rituale: Tit. I et II. Appendix
de Baptismo et Confirmatione.

B. Theologia dogmatica. ..De virtuti-

bus — de Deo uno et trino — de
novissimis.
Theologia moralis. De 1, 2, 3, 4, et

6 Decalogi praecepto.
Scriptura Sacra. Vetus Testamen-
tum (Pentateucho excepto).
Jus canonicum. De personis, Pars
prima: de Clericis.
Liturgia.

Missale: Rub. gen. V — Add. et

Var. Ill — Ritus servandus

in celebratione Missae XIII.

Breviarium: Rub. gen. I-XIII.

—Add. I-VI.
Rituale: Tit. VI.

C. Theologia dogmatica. De Deo cre-

ante et elevante — de Verbo in-
carnate.

Theologia moralis. De 5, 7, 8, de-
calogi praecepto — de praeceptis
Ecclesiae.

Scriptura Sacra. Evangelistae sy-
noptici.

Jus canonicum. De personis: Pars
secunda: de Religiosis; Pars ter-
tia: de Laicis.

Requiescant in Pace

Father Francis A. Schwab

Brother Methodius Lobos

Brother Aloysius Kapp

Father August Rumbach

Father John Simon

Father Peter A. Lipinski

Father Dominic Salles

Very Rev. Christopher J. Plunkett

Father Andrew Feger

Father John Kelly

Brother Liberate Rena

Father James MacEneany

Aug.

1,

1938

Aug.

5,

1915

Aug.

5,

1920

Aug.

9,

1924

Aug.

12,

1920

Aug.

12,

1945

Aug.

13,

1884

Aug.

17,

1939

Aug.

18,

1923

Aug.

24,

1912

Aug.

25,

1912

Aug.

30,

1888

55
37
35
72
35
56
45
72
61
37
24
31

91

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

Liturgia.

Missale: Rub. gen. VI et VII. —

Add. IV et V.
Breviarium: Rub. gen. IX-XII

—Add. VII.
Rituale: Tit. Ill, IV, V.
D. Theologia dogmatica. De gratia —
de Sacramentis in genere — de
Baptismo et Confirmatione.
Theologia moralis. De Sacramentis
in genere — de Baptismo, Con-
firmatione, Eucharistia, Poeni-
tentia.
Scriptura Sacra. Scripta Joannis

et Epistolae catholicae.
Jus canonicum. Liber tertius: de

Rebus.
Liturgia.

Missale: Rub. gen. VIII-XIX.—

Add. VI-IX.
Breviarium: Rub. gen. Xlll-

XVII.
Rituale: Tit. VII.
cl. Theologia dogmatica. De SS. Eu-
charistia, Poenitentia, Extrema
Unctione, Ordine, Matrimonio.
Theologia moralis. De Extrema

Unctione, Ordine, Matrimonio.
Scriptura Sacra. Actus Apostolor-

um et scripta paulina.
Jus canonicum. Liber quintus: de

delictis et poenis.
Liturgia.

Missale: Ritus ser\'andus in cele-

bratione Missae; de defectibus

Breviarium: Rub. gen. XVIII-

XXXVI.— Add. VIII et IX.
Rituale: Tit. VIII-XII.

IMPRESSIONS

(Contrary to the request made in
the following letter, there has been
no "polishing up" of the script. It is
published as received for the simple
reason that any change would detract
from its eloquence — Editor's note.)

When I promised you to write about
our impressions at Cornwells I didn't
think for a moment that it was go-
ing to be simple, but now I find it is
even tougher than I thought. How-
ever, I'll try to do my best, but should
be grateful if you would polish up
my script, in case you have still the
intention to pass it on. Here it goes.

It was rather a strange experience
when, after many tedious and trying
years behind barbed wire, we stepped
into the plane, crossed the ocean and
landed in this country, where every-
thing is so free, unaffected and plen-
tiful. It was all so new, exciting and
somewhat unreal. I'm afraid that
more than once we didn't only act
but really were the "Innocents
Abroad."

What most of us needed was to get
readjusted and accustomed to the new
life in a new country after the some-
what unnatural life in camp. For that
reason Cornwells w-as a well chosen
place. There we found a wonderful
community. Fathers, Brothers and
boys were helpful, understanding and
cheery. They did everything to
make our "homecoming" as nice as
possible. I purposely said "homecom-
ing" for though up to now we were
all strangers to one another we felt
at home from the first moment we en-
tered the house. I guess that is the
Holy Ghost Fathers' spirit surround-
ing us. It is the heartening spirit so
familiar to all of us. After the monot-
onous (in German we would call it
"spirit-killing") life in camp, this life
among our confreres was really re-
freshing and it certainly did us good.

All the Fathers from Father Su-
perior down stood by with deed and
helpful advice. They corrected our
poor English. They made us acquaint-
ed with the mysteries of the modern
traffic system of a big city. They ex-
plained to us the rules of basketball.
The younger ones even initiated Fath-
er Wehning into playing baseball, the
game of games. Father Kettl our
special protector was tireless in his
kind way to help us along, although
we must have bothered him a lot. The
Brothers, chiefly Brother Gangolph
in his kitchen, looked well after our
bodily well-being. And the boys were
just grand. They helped us in more
than one way. They lent their
overcoats or rubber shoes to the
needy. They sen-ed us at table. They
took us out for a walk, and they used
us as welcome targets for their kid-
ding.

To be short, everybody and every-
thing did us good. To be poetic, we
could bask in this fine community as
we basked in the tropical sun in Ja-
maica.

Therefore we should like to thank
every one at Cornwells for his frater-
nal spirit and cheerful assistance to
lead us up the road into the new
life in America.

DEDICATION AT ARLINGTON,
VIRGINIA

At ten o'clock on Sunday, June 15,
1947, His Excellency, the Most Rev.
Peter L. Ireton, D.D., Bishop of Rich-
mond, blessed the cornerstone and
dedicated the new church of Our Lady
Queen of Peace in Green Valley, Ar-
lington, Virginia.

Following the dedication. His Ex-
cellency offered the holy Sacrifice of

the Mass in the new parish church.
At the Mass the chaplains of honor
were: The Very Rev. George J. Col-
lins, C.S.Sp., Provincial of the Holy
Ghost Fathers and Rev. Leonard Ros-
ter, pastor of St. Rita's, Alexandria,
Virginia. Rev. Justin McClunn was
Master of Ceremonies. The Right Rev.
Msgr. Edward L. Stephens preached
the sermon. The pastor of the new
church. Rev. Joseph B. Hackett,
C.S.Sp., assisted in the sanctuary.

The Knights of St. John acted as a
guard of honor for His Excellency.
The choir which sang the solemn mu-
sic of the dedication and the Mass
was made up of Franciscan Friars
from Holy Name College, Brookland,
Washington, D.C.: Fraters Conall
Hart, Joachim Mahler, Gregory
Toomey, Bemadin Jeskie, and Dom-
inic Cascia.

In his sermon Monsignor Stephens
emphasized the fact that the work
of the church as teacher, and minis-
ter to the spiritual needs of man is
but an extension of the mission of
Christ all exercised through the min-
istry of His Sacred Priesthood. Mon-
signor Stephens stated that peace can
only come to nations as to individuals
by a complete conformity with the un-
changeable principles of equity and
charity which flow from Christ. Christ
came to establish peace and left the
necessary means of preser\-ing that
peace between men, and between men
and God. Conflict and turmoil arise
between men and nations and be-
tween men and God because man has
rejected, or at least failed to use the
means God has given for the security
of peace.

A large number of the clergy and
Sisters and laity attended the cere-
monies. The National Council of Cath-
olic Women from the Northern Dean-
ery were represented by a large dele-
gation.

The clergy in attendance were: Rt.
Rev. Msgr. Edward L. Stephens, Fa-
thers Leonard Koster, Arthur Taylor,
Edward Mullarkey, Martin Quinn, Ro-
bert F. Beattie, R. Dixon Beattie,
Harold Nott, William McGonigle,
Ernest Unterkoefler, Justin McClunn,
Michael McDermott, Hubert Motry,
Dean of the School of Canon Law,
Catholic University, Thomas 0'-
Keeffe, M.S.SS.T., Provincial of the
Missionary Servants of the Most Holy
Trinity, Patrick Moore, M.S.SS.T.,
Stephen Quinn, M.S.SS.T., Clement
Kovacsik, M.S.SS.T., Gerald Swift,
M.S.SS.T., John O'Shea, S.S.J., George
J. Collins, C.S.Sp., Provincial of the
Holy Ghost Fathers, Regis C. Guth-

OIR PROVINCE— JULY. 1947

92

rie, C.S.Sp., John P. Stanton, C.S.Sp.,
William J. Holmes, C.S.Sp.

Sisters from the following Religi-
ous Communities attended: Sisters of
the Holy Cross, Sister Servants of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary and the
Oblate Sisters of Holy Providence.

After a short address given by His
Excellency the three hundred of the
laity joined with the choir to close
the ceremonies in singing "Holy God
We Praise Thy Name."

First Year

(The following compositions were
submitted by students of the first
year class at Cornwells as part of
their June examinations in English.
They are published as submitted —
Editor's note.)

I.

I came to the Junior Seminary of
the Holy Ghost Fathers to study for
the holy Priesthood in this religious
Order. One, however, might say:
"Why don't you stay home and be a
secular Priest?" "You would please
your parents very much." Yes, I could
stay and be a secular priest; they are
very fine, and as for pleasing my
parents, I do in a way, owe them
something. But, God has blessed me
with a religious vocation, and I have
no choice but to follow the will of my
heavenly Father. It is not my will, but
God's. Therefore, I am here to be a
member of a religious community,
which I am quite sure is God's will.

My progress here at school has been
"so-so." Often one gets discouraged,
and tired of the same thing (rule)
"day-in-and-day-out." That is why
we should pray to God, the Holy
Ghost, for perseverance. If we ask
His help earnestly, he will give it to
us. If we say a prayer to Him often
during the day, and read about Him,
we will get better acquainted with
Him, who is the patron of our Order.

Here at school we rise in the morn-
ing at 5:30, and the first thing we
do is offer a slight prayer to God.
We then attend Morning Prayer and
Holy Mass. Within fifteen minutes af-
ter Mass we eat breakfast, and for
some this period ends their spiritual
life for the day. This should not be.
One should make many visits to the
chapel, during the day, and ask God's
help in his many crosses. We should
try to say the "Act of Consecration to
the Holy Ghost" every day not only
on Mondays. If we live a good spirit-
ual life here at school, we will do
the same at home during the summer.

I do not have any close "buddys"

at school because I think we are all
closely connected with one another.
We live as a large family, working
and playing together. Yes, we might
argue with each other once in a while,
but this is only normal. We should,
however, always try to remember
that we are in a religious community,
united under God, and thus live and
act as brothers.

All in all I think my vocation is
quite firm. I also hope that I am liv-
ing up to the standards of this sem-
inary, and that I am pleasing in the
eyes of God.

II.

The points I wish to make are: (a)
Why I came; (b) my progress; (c)
spiritual life; (d) companions (e) my
vocation-firmness.

My reason for coming to the Holy
Ghost Seminary was naturally to be-
come a priest of God. When I was
home, I wanted to do something ex-
tra for God and of course being a
priest is the highest way of serving
God. I was often asked why I wanted
to become a missionary. It was al-
ways difficult to explain, but my main
reason I always said was I wanted to
help the poor and abandoned souls es-
pecially the Negroes.

Looking back over the school year,
I can see I made progress in my stu-
dies and in my spiritual life. During
the year I did my studying as I was
told and then at examination time I
left the rest up to God the Holy
Ghost. God will always help us if we
ask Him and if we do our part of the
work and not just leave it all up to
Him. I believe God is inspiring me
during these exams because when I
can't think of an answer I say a small
prayer to God and soon after that I
think of the answer.

In our conferences it is always
stressed to take good care of our vo-
cation. I can see now that my vocation
is much stronger than it was at the
beginning of the year. My professors
and director always help me in my
slightest difficulty.

I have made very many companions
here during the course of the year.
Every student is always cheerful,
kind and helpful. I think we have
wonderful spirit here in Cornwells.

As I mentioned before, my vocation
has been getting stronger every day.
Now that vacation is here I must
pray and work hard so that I don't
lose my vocation. A vacation is al-
ways a test for your vocation. We
must be on guard at all times for at-
tacks from the devil. I have made all
my plans for returning in September.

Ourselves, Inc.

FERNDALE HERALD

Examinations came and went, and
another scholastic year becomes his-
tory in Ferndale. An innovation in
the oral examinations this year found
each student appearing before each
of his professors for a five minute
quizz. Fourth year students, however,
were subject to their canonical exam-
ination in the traditional fashion be-
fore the assembled faculty.

Another innovation of greater mo-
ment is the Departure Ceremony
which is customarily held in Fern-
dale in the Fall. The Departure Cere-
mony was held on June 8th in St.
Patrick's Cathedral, New York. His
Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spell-
man, presided and addressed the de-
parting missionaries, fifteen in num-
ber.

Ordinations to the priesthood were
held on June 3, and our Most Rever-
end Ordinary, Bishop Henry J.
O'Brien, D.D., elevated to the sacer-
dotal dignity nine of our scholastics:
Messrs. Kempf, Jendzura, Raszewski,
Connolly, Greff, Niehaus, Carr, Bul-
lion, Phalen.

The feast of Corpus Christi, com-
ing two days after ordination, was
observed privately, but in all its ac-
customed ceremony. The traditional
carpets were seen by few other than
God and ourselves, but they were
made with no less care and skill. The
Pentecost Pilgrimage, which has now
become an annual feature in Ferndale,
was carefully planned by Father
Kirkbride, but the persistent rain kept
the pilgrims to a few hundred fervent
souls.

We record regretfully the death of
Father Kirk on May 27 after a linger-
ing illness which forced his retire-
ment a year ago. The end came more
quickly than anticipated, but for
three days the community kept vigil
at his bedside and were edified by his
holy death.

Speaking in lighter vein, our base-
ball and tennis greats departed for
Maryknoll on Ascension Thursday
with high hopes after the decisive vic-
tory of last Fall. In the baseball
game at least these hopes were real-
ized, and another victory, 3 to 0, was
chalked up, thanks to a smooth-work-
ing and efficient battery. The game
could have been called after the first
pitch, for it turned out to be a re-
sounding home run.

A new asphalt-concrete road now
adorns the property, and for the first

93

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

time in years the visitor can roll up
from the lake without picking his
way amid road hazards. The handball
and tennis courts have been readied
for an asphalt surface. All in all, next
winter ought to bring much more
joy and far less grief.

A very welcome newcomer to our
community is Brother Fulrad, lately
come to this country from Africa via
several years in Jamaica. We hope he
will be long with us. A busy summer
is anticipated with two retreats for
our Fathers, seven for laymen and
one for boys. Thirteen scholastics
have been detailed for Summer
School, eleven at Duquesne and two
at Pius X School in N.Y. Two others
will attend the Catholic Action Con-
gress in Montreal. With fifteen young
Fathers making their Apostolic Con-
secration and only eight novices look-
ing toward Profession, our ranks
will be thinned out temporarily next
year, especially if several more scho-
lastics are sent to Fribourg. It looks
as though we shall have to find some
way of defeating the old scholastic
principle: The greater the comprehen-
sion, the less the extension. Mean-
while we shall enjoy a pleasant vaca-
tion, and we wish you the same.

CORNWELLS

We opened our Forty Hours de-
votion on Sunday, May 4, and closed
on Tuesday with Solemn Benediction
and the customary procession. Guests
of the occasion were Fathers J. J.
Manning, F. P. Trotter, Strahan,
Ford, and Stanton. The first three did
us the honor of conducting the ser-
vices.

During this month there was a sec-
ond grand exodus of the German
Fathers. Father Kiister was appointed
to Little Compton, R.I., and Father
Seifried, Wehning, Grossmann, and
Humpert left for Puerto Rico.

Father Francis Griffin, C.S.Sp., the
Very Reverend Visitor from the
Mother House, arrived here the day
before Ascension Thursday, and spent
the next week with us. Father J.
White is attached to the community.
Newly returned from Africa, he ar-
rived here on Pentecost Monday.

We celebrated as free days Foun-
der's Day, Memorial Day, and Pente-
cost Monday. Final examinations be-
gan on May 22. The scholastics de-
parted for home on June 6.

Visitors of the month, besides the
ones mentioned were Fathers W. J.
Keown, F. Stocker, E. Moroney and
Mr. Coffey. The last, a scholastic from

Femdale, arrived one Sunday with a
group of students from Connecti-
cut. On the same day. Father E. Mor-
oney brought a group of students
from New York city.

PUERTO RICO

The new Fathers Frs. J. G. Gross-
mann, G. A. Seifried, A. Humpert and
J. H. Wehning, arrived on the SS.
Marine Tiger. The trip was pleasant
and the accommodations good. There
was no difficulty when they arrived
other than the ordinary routine de-
lay in getting all their luggage off
the ship. Judging from the short time
they have been here, they are going
to fit in very nicely. I believe they
will have little difficulty in learning
the language.

Work will be started shortly on re-
pairing the outside of the church of
Dorado. Father O'Reilly has a fine
group of people working with him and
so far they have raised seven hundred
dollars to start. Father Burkhart had
a benefit in Sabana Seca and made
four hundred and fifty dollars with
which he is going to paint the chapel
there.

At the chapel of San Jose in Arro-
zal the Bishop confirmed 243.

Ticker Talk

During the summer Father Lunder-
gan is going to continue his convert
instruction classes. . .St. Mark's, New
York, had a convert class of 40 in
May. . .Father Kilbride was ordered
to report at Madigan General Hospi-
tal, Tacoma, Washington, for medi-
cal attention. . .Buffalo, N.Y.: "Just
a line of gratitude for your leaflets.
I distributed most of them to the
clergy and it may please you to know
that they were used in a number of
churches for the prescribed novena to
the Holy Ghost."— Father William J.
Snyder. . .At St. John's, Dayton, Ohio,
Father Pobleschek is expecting about
100 for Confirmation in the fall. . .
The diocese is going to buy eight
acres of the parish property at River-
side, California, for a high school at
some future date. . .Father Fisher has
been called to overseas duty. . .In
preparation for the Pentecost No-
vena over 60,000 novena leaflets and
over 45,000 novena booklets were
mailed from Washington. . .A plot of
ground 94 x 150 was donated to St.
Edward's, New Iberia, La., by a neig-
boring pastor for a mission church

at Delcambre. . .The second and suc-
cessful attempt to electrocute Willie
Francis brought our Father Hanni-
gan of New Iberia, La., into the
news as a member of the Society of
St. Joseph (Josephites). At least one
editor (Catholic News, New York)
received a telephone call regarding
this error. Father Hannigan was
chaplain to the condemned man. . .
St. Catherine's, Little Compton, R.I.,
is going through a very busy pro-
gram of selling, moving, building and
collecting. . .Bishop Fletcher and
Father Hanichek are considering
plans for a new high school at St.
Cyprian's, Helena, Ark. . . A new
school and rectory are near comple-
tion at Hartsviile, S.C. The mission
procurator sent $1,000 to speed up the
work. . .The new school at Hato Rey,
P.R., is already filled for next year. . .
Two boys from Uganda Martyrs
Church, Okmulgee, Okla., have ap-
plied to Comwells for admission; two
more are entering the Society of the
Divine Word Seminary; one of the
graduating girls is joining the Car-
melites and another is going to the
Oblates. . .The Knights of Columbus
State Convention Mass was cele-
brated at St. Joseph's, Bay City,
Mich. Cardinal Mooney and Bishop
Murphy were in attendance at the
Mass. . ."The pamphlets for the No-
vena to the Holy Ghost are first class,
well gotten up, well printed and at-
tractive. More power to the authors
and compilers." — One of Ours. . .
Father Haley visited Knechtsteden
and found the Fathers rebuilding the
rooms that had been ruined by the
Displaced Persons. Outwardly the
buildings are undamaged but the in-
terior is being reclaimed room by
room. . .Father Schillo is going to
sponsor a dance and dinner to raise
funds for the improvements planned
for St. Peter Claver's, Oklahoma City.
. . .St. John's High School, Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, graduated ten this year;
one of the largest classes thus far. . .

A GLANCE AT OUR BOOKS
Companion to the Study of
Shakespeare: Macbeth

A textbook likely to be of interest
to all teachers of English literature is
"A Companion to the Study of Shake-
speare: Macbeth," by Rev. Reginald
F. Walker, C.S.Sp., M.A., Rockwell
College, Ireland.

It is a commonplace in publishing
notices to say that a book strikes an
entirely new note. In this particular
instance, however, the claim may be
made without any hesitation. For all

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

94

the commentaries on Shakespeare,
there is no text available in which a
Shakespearean tragedy is analysed
scene by scene, the philosophical
issues elucidated on the level of the
average Leaving Certificate student,
and the great principles emerging
marshalled in such a manner as to
provide the student with a permanent
equipment of intellectual armour
against current errors in thought and
living. That is what this text does,
simply, forcefully and briefly.

While Father Walker's book has not
been written directly with a view to
examinations, it may well be regarded
as indispensable to teachers and stu-
dents who wish to make a thorough
study of their Shakespeare, and a
careful study of it cannot fail to pay
dividends in the examination results.

The published price of the "Com-
panion" is two shillings, from the
Publishers: Browne & Nolan, Ltd.,
Dublin, Eire.

BULLETINS

San Felipe, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
1940-1946

In 1940 the community in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico, consisted of the follow-
ing Fathers:

Fathers Joseph T. Quinlan, pas-
tor, Francis P. Trotter, bursar,
Joseph D. Boyd, Edward J.
Kingston, Kenneth F. Milford
and Robert J. Eberhardt.

In the course of the year the follow-
ing changes took place: Father Quin-
lan was assigned to Ferndale; Fath-
ers Trotter, Milford, and Eberhardt
to the new parish of Hato Rey with
Father Trotter as pastor. Father
Boyd became pastor of Arecibo;
Father Kingston went to Wichita,
his home diocese for a year. In the
course of the year. Fathers Paul S.
Ford, John T. Donohue and Charles
F. Trotter joined the community.
Father Donohue became bursar.

In 1941 Father Charles F. Trotter
returned to continental United States
because of failing health and was re-
placed by Father John S. Rondeau.

In 1942 the community welcomed
three new Fathers in the persons of
Fathers Joseph F. Sweeney, George
C. Reardon and Edward J. Wolfe.
During the year one of the pioneers
of the community. Father William
F. P. Duffy, died.

In 1943 Father Kingston was ap-
pointed pastor of the parish of Bar-
celoneta with Father Ford assistant
pastor. Father Sweeney was named
bursar. Three new Fathers were as-
signed to the community: Fathers
John P. Gilligan, John J. McHugh
and Roland T. Cookson.

Bishop Edwin V. Byrne was ap-
pointed Archbishop of Santa Fe, New
Mexico and Most Rev. James P. Da-
vis, Bishop of San Juan.

In 1944 Father Rondeau was tem-
porarily assigned to Hato Rey,
(February to September). Father
Donohue was rushed by plane to
the United States, a very sick man.
Father William J. Nebel came to re-
place him.

In 1945 Father Wolfe was ap-
pointed assistant pastor of the new
parish of Jayuya. A few months la-
ter Father Walter S. Mroz came to
Arecibo.

Pastoral Visitations

From March 8 to 18, 1940, Bishop
Byrne made the accustomed parochial
visitation administering the Sacra-
ment of Confirmation to 4,210 souls.

From January 27 to February 8,
1945, Bishop James P. Davis ad-
ministered the Sacrament of Con-
firmation to 6,202 souls. The Fathers
assisted in the pastoral visitation of
the following places:

1942— Vega Baja; 1943— Quebradil-
las; 1944— Camuy; 1945— Manati;
1946 — Hatillo, Lares, Barceloneta.

Visits

During this period we received the
following visitors: 1942 — Father Des-
pres, C.S.Sp., of Martinique; 1943—
Very Reverend Father Provincial and
Father Regis C. Guthrie; 1944—
Father Raymond V. Kirk, Bishop Jean
Gay of Guadalupe; 1945— Very Rev-
erend Father Provincial and Father
Regis C. Guthrie, Monsignor Hawks
of Philadelphia; 1946— Father Anth-
ony F. Lechner and Father Frederick
T. Hoeger.

During the war many members of
our Armed Forces called to see us.

Retreats

From June 18 to 24, 1944, Father
Robert J. Eberhardt conducted in
Arecibo the annual retreat. This was
the first retreat held in common for
our Fathers in Puerto Rico.

From January 13 to 25, 1945, the
annual retreat was conducted by
Father Anthony F. Lechner, superior
of Ferndale.

Father Edward J. Wolfe gave a re-
treat for the Sisters of Divine Pro-
vidence and Father John J. McHugh

a retreat for the Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth in Rato Rey.

Parochial Activities

In 1940 the men of the parish had
a meeting to determine how to raise
funds for the repair of the Church.
In the course of the year the roof
of the church was repaired and new
windows made.

In 1942 a new orphanage was dedi-
cated by Bishop Byrne and the old
orphanage became an asylum for the
aged. Daily Mass was said in both
homes. The missions of Bayaney,
Quebrada, Cibao, Aibonito and San-
tana were attended regularly. Fath-
er Wolfe was appointed chaplain at
the Army Air Base in the Mission of
Santana. A new zinc roof and a new
front door were the improvements
made to the chapel of Santa Cecilia
in the mission of Hato Viejo. Re-
pairs were also made to the chapel in
the mission of Factor, the chapel of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the
city church (Arecibo) a nine o'clock
Mass on Mondays in honor of the
Holy Ghost was begun.

In 1943 the roof of the chapel in
Factor was painted as well as the
roof of the chapel in Hato Viejo. The
chapel of the Immaculate Conception
in the Mission of Miraflores got a
new roof.

In 1944 an eleven o'clock Mass was
added on Sundays in the parish
church to accommodate the increasing
number of parishioners. On the Sun-
days the Masses are as follows: 7,
8, 9:30 and 11. Masses are also said
in the mission of Calichosa, Hato Ar-
riba and in Islote. The atrio of the
church were cleared of the beautiful
pine trees because they were destroy-
ing the concrete work. The Centen-
ary of the church was celebrated with
a Solemn Pontifical Mass sung by
Bishop Davis with over eighty priests
in attendance. A new chapel, that of
Our Lady of the Assumption, was
built in the mission of Quebrada. Fa-
ther Rondeau was appointed director
of the Confraternity of the Sacred
Heart; Father Reardon, director of
the Holy Name Society, and Father
Boyd remained as director of the
Children of Mary.

In 1945 the chapel of Our Lady of
the Assumption in the mission of
Quebrada was blessed by Bishop Da-
vis on the occasion of the Pastoral
Visitation. Two new chapels were
built, one in the mission of Bayaney,
dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, and the other in the mission of
Calichosa, dedicated to St. Joseph.

95

OUR PROVINCE— JULY. 1947

The atrio of the church (Arecibo)
was completely renovated; the out-
side of the church was p'astered and
beautifully painted. San Felipe is
the pride of the city.

In 1946 the chapels of Our Lady
of Perpetual Help in the mission of
Bayaney and St. Joseph in the mis-
sion of Calichosa were blessed. The
chapel of St. Teresa in the mission
of Hato Abajo was repaired. In
March the Radio Program, La Hora
del Espiritu Santo, was begun on
Sundays at seven P.M. The hour was
later changed to 6:30 P.M. Father
Joseph F. Sweeney, C.S.Sp., became
director of the radio program. The
Mera estate was purchased for the
Sisters' convent and site of the new
school. The old convent building is
now being used for the high school.
The boys who attend our elementary
school are now welcomed to our high
school. Two new Sisters of Divine
Providence has increased the local
community to nine members. Sunday
Mass in the mission of Miramar was
begun.

The following figures show the re-
sults of the past seven years:

1 2 3 4 5 6

1940 2,811 36,410 257 490 65 4,210

1941 2,389 39,451 154 696 30

1942 2,696 41,100 170 688 47

1943 2,734 43,236 178 793-53

1944 2,833 44,786 256 986 73

1945 3,434 43,560 306 894 57 6,202

1946 2,984 46,705 357 807 57

1 — Baptisms; 2 — Communions; 3 —
Marriages; 4 — Sick Calls; 5 — Burials;
6 — Confirmations.

— R. T. C.

Toa Alta, Puerto Rico
1943-1946

In February 1943, the Bishop of
San Juan, Most Rev. Edwin V. Byrne,
D.D., invited the Holy Ghost Fathers
to take over the three abandoned
parishes of Toa Alta, Toa Baja and
Dorado. Before they could do so
Bishop Byrne was transferred to New
Mexico where he became Archbishop
of Sante Fe. His successor in San
Juan was Most Rev. James P. Davis,
D.D., who was delighted with the
prospect of the impending rescue and
rejuvenation of the Toa Alta section
of the diocese.

'< September of 1943, the Holy
■'host Fathers took up their new du-
ties in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, hav-
ing at that time three parishes under
one pastor and two assistant pastors:
Father Milford, pastor, was in charge
of Toa Alta, Father O'Reilly of Do-

rado, and Father Curtin of Toa Baja.
Many repairs were clamoring to be
attended to but had to await a more
important need, that of furnishing the
parish house with beds, dressers,
desks and so forth. Soon after, how-
ever, in October, a temporary wooden
altar (mensa and gradines) replaced
the very poor one found here, too
poor a one in fact to permit the say-
ing of Mass on it. This temporary
one ser\-ed for the first Forty Hours
Devotion. The priests in attendance
for the devotion the first year num-
berered about 30, with the Vicar
General, Msgr. Vassallo, presiding.

By December of the first year, the
two new Fathers were somewhat on
their own, hearing confessions and
reading sermons as well as giving
Catechism Classes in the two nearby
towns and their country sections.
Three churches were cleaned up a bit
during this time but no repairs were
begun.

In March, 1944, Most Rev. James P.
Davis, D.D., the new Bishop of San
Juan, off'ered Mass at the blessing of
ground for a new chapel in Sabana
Seca, country section of Toa Baja. In
April, the first real repairs began with
the work on the roof of the church in
Toa Alta which had been leaking
badly and took three new tar sur-
faces before the leaks were sealed
up. Then following the repairing of
the sacristies in the same month: new
cement floors, new electric wiring and
a coat of paint.

May brought 206 First Commun-
ions, a surprisingly good number.
Soon followed Patronal Feasts in Toa
Alta, then in Toa Baja and Dorado
giving us some additional income to
meet our obligations. June of 1944
brought one of the highlights of the
past three years when Father Alvaro
Diaz celebrated his first Solemn Mass
in Toa Alta — a native son of the
town, he was marvellously welcomed
by the people. A legal holiday was de-
clared by the Mayor of the town.
Bishop Davis presided in mitre and
rochet. Helping out in a neighboring
parish for a month during the ill-
ness of its pastor kept everyone well
occupied.

On July 25 repairs began on the
church of Toa Baja, and by Novem-
ber 3 it had a complete new concrete
roof $3,100). Not all the money need-
ed was obtained here but the people
did help with about half.

On September 29 the real work of
completely redecorating the church in
Toa Alta was begun. A new imitation
marble altar was installed and the
walls done over in cement, for the

first time since the church was built
some 200 years ago. All of this took
some time, (the altar was blessed on
June 17, 1945) and some money —
$15,000. Forty Hours could not be held
this year due to repairs and renova-
tions.

A new chapel was begun in No-
vember on the ground blessed by the
Bishop the year before, and was com-
pleted on March 18, 1945 with a sol-
emn blessing by the Bishop. The total
cost of the chapel was $6,000, donated
by the people and the E.xtension So-
ciety.

1945. On March 10, Pastoral Visita-
tion began and after the eighth day
the confirmed numbered 2,209. The
Bishop was well pleased, and so were
the Fathers to have it over and with
only a minimum of diflFiculties.

First Communion (276 in 1945),
another try at Patronal Feasts and
the painting of the interior of the
house filled in the time until June 5
when the repairs were begun on the
roof of the church in Dorado.. End-
ing in September, the church now has
a new roof and organ loft, all of con-
crete, and has paid oflr $2,700.00 the
entire cost, with the cooperation of
the people of the town and the Bish-
op's generous help.

From 1943 to 1945, two hurricane
threats added some spice to the work
but fortunately no damage was done
to any of the churches or chapels.
Only once did the rising rivers come
to the level of the church floor in Toa
Baja, the lowest of the three, but did
not enter. The several hundred peo-
ple who fled to the churches for safe-
ty breathed prayers of relief and
went home to sweep the water out of
their homes.

The closing months of 1945 saw
several new country sections opened
to Mass and Catechism Class, bring-
ing to 21 the total number of places
being attended. Many have only small
groups who care to attend but some
run close to 100 and all have possi-
bilities of grovrth through the years.

The C.Y.O. was not the least im-
portant of these new beginnings in
1945. Sponsored by the Bishop, it
has brought many young men and
women closer to the church and to
Holy Communion, always a real sign
of progress in the best sense of the
word.

1946. Two new chapels were com-
pleted in January, one by Father Mil-
ford and one by Father O'Reilly,
bringing the total to seven, one of
which was built almost single handed
by one of our most active women par-

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

96

ishioners in a country section of Toa
Alta. She collected money all over
the countryside, begged a day's work
from the laborers if they could not
give money and in general did every-
thing but mix cement. She would
have done this had it not been for
the sick she was visiting and the
novena of rosaries she was saying for
each of the dead.

What might be called the second
real highlight was the appointment of
Father Burkhart to the Community
in February making us four now, two
attending to Toa Alta and one to each
of the other two towns.

Soon afterwards, in March, a new
cement altar was built for the chapel
in Sabana Seca and the new benches
scraped and varnished; now only
paint is lacking to complete the chap-
el. In April a new concrete balcony
was added to the house in Toa Alta
at a cost of $1,200.00 to be paid by
the parish out of ordinary income.
This new balcony is now used as the
community room and measures (i4 feet
by seven feet. In this same month we
prepared for our third try at Pa-
tronal Feasts in the three towns,
hoping once again to pay off a few
debts. This year the share of the
three churches combined was approxi-
mately $500.

The blessing of Father O'Reilly's
new chapel took place in June and on
Sunday, June 2, the town of Toa Alta
had a public celebration in the plaza
to declare Father Milford an "adopted
son". The Mass for the occasion was
sung by Father Boyd with Father
Burkhart as deacon and Father O'-
Reilly as subdeacon. The sermon was
preached by Monsignor Grovas, Chan-
cellor of the Diocese, and various
talks were given by the mayor, the
local representative to the Lower
House in San Juan and several other
local officials. The purpose of this
very impressive ceremony was to ex-
press publicly the appreciation of the
people of the town for Father Mil-
ford's work here in the past three
years.

July and August were "headache
months." The new concrete roofs in
Dorado and Toa Baja started to leak
a bit and to complete the damage an
earthquake on August 4 caused more
cracks to appear. Toa Alta's thrice-
repaired roof will have to be done
again. The insurance company has ap-
proved the statement of damages on
the three churches, but at present we
are still waiting for materials. A
new "Catholic Club" was rented in

April and had its official opening in
August; but as the Journal says for
this date: "very orderly, nice music
but few people."

An island-wide Convention of the
Holy Name was held in the Ponce
Diocese on September 2 as a public
demonstration of Faith and attended
by about 12,000 men from both dio-
ceses. One hundred men left from Toa
Alta at 4:00 A.M., with Fathers Mil-
ford and O'Reilly by bus to partici-
pate in the largest religious proces-
sion on the island for many years.
Solemn High Mass was held in the
Cathedral at 11:00 o'clock with the
two Bishops of Puerto Rico presiding.

On November 4, Father Milford
took up his new duties as chaplain in
the Veterans' Hospital near San Juan,
formerly the Naval Hospital, where
he now spends 20 hours weekly car-
ing for the spiritual needs of the pa-
tients. At present he has about 125
men in a 200 bed hospital.

November 27 was not a happy day
for us. Lightning struck the roof of
the Church in Toa Baja and cracked
the dome severely. The danger of
collapse is not immediate but some-
thing will have to be done soon to
repair this damage.

As the year ends we can look back
with gratitude to the good fortune
we have had trying to improve the
temporal conditions and the generous
help afforded by the Extension Society
and others to finance these improve-
ments.

Looking ahead, we hope that the
day is not far off when we shall have
a parochial school to care for the
spiritual needs of the children in this
section. All of them are now attend-
ing public schools and the results are
very evident in their poor religious
training. If their home-education were
better, the school would not be as
necessary as it is. — F.P.C.

St. Peter Claver, Philadelphia, Pa.

In 1940 Father Clement A. Roach
was succeeded as pastor by Father
Kerry O'C. Keane. Fathers Francis J.
Nolan and Francis J. Cooney were
replaced by Fathers Mellitus T.
Strittmatter and Joseph E. Landy as
assistant pastors. Later, Fathers An-
thony J. Walsh and Joseph A. Griffin
came. In 1941 Father Griffin was ap-
pointed first pastor of Salisbury,
North Carolina, and Father Charles
L. Diamond succeeded him. In the
summer of 1942 Father Diamond en-
tered the army as a chaplain and he

was succeeded by Father Edward J.
Quinn. In September 1942, Father
Francis J. Haas was appointed pas-
tor. Father Philip J. Haggerty, assist-
ant pastor. (Father Keane under-
went a serious surgical operation).
After three and a half years. Father
Haggerty was assigned to Dayton,
Ohio. Father James D. Sullivan came
in April 1946.

Spiritual Development

It is well known that the mentality
of the parishioners is far from being
one hundred percent catholic. The
majority of them are converts and,
consequently, their background and
even their present home atmosphere
is anything but Catholic. To remedy
this protestant spirit, a plan was
adopted that demanded three years
of probation for children and one year
for adults before they were allowed
to receive any of the Sacraments.
Naturally, the number of converts de-
creased, emphasis being placed on
quality rather than quantity. The
plan has proven successful.

The devotions at the Shrine of Our
Lady of Victories, the oldest in the
country, are still held on Thursday
and Sunday evenings. But the "latin
quarter" of Philtadelphia in which the
church is located, has been the rea-
son for the decline in attendance of
the whites. After four years of con-
stant and insistent encouragement
these devotions are mostly attended
now by the parishioners only.

Financial

In September 1942, the average
Sunday collection was $28.00 from a
congregation numbering 1,561 souls.
It is only natural, therefore, that so
little was found in the church treas-
ury and some financial obligations
were in arrears for several years.
During the past four years, not only
were all these financial obligations
satisfied, but the mortgage on the
parish and on the mission was paid.
At present, the only money due is
on the diocesan assessments of twen-
ty years standing. These assessments
are annual and cumulative against
the day when a windfall comes to
the parish by way of a legacy.

Material Improvements

The generosity of the people of the
parish during the last four years has
made it possible to make necessary
improvements. An entire new heat-
ing system has been installed in the
school, church and rectory. The school
yard has been paved. The entire in-
terior of the school and rectory has
been repainted and the leaking roofs

97

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

of the church and school have been
repaired.

Contrary to general opinion these
financial obligations were met and
the above improvements were made
possible, not by outside help, but sole-
ly through the generous and zealous
cooperation of the faithful members
of the parish. — F.J.H.

St. Michael's Mission Center

Shrine of the True Cross

Philadelphia 14, Pa.

1942-1946

Nearly five years ago, the Holy
Ghost Fathers were assigned to the
Chaplaincy of St. Michael's Mission
Center (Shrine of the True Cross) at
Torresdale, by His Eminence, Dennis
Cardinal Dougherty, D.D., Archbishop
of Philadelphia.

On August 1, 1942, Father Provin-
cial, appointed Father John P. Stan-
ton the first Chaplain, resident at St.
Michael's while attached to the Com-
munity, of Cornwells.

During the period 1942-1946, the
Holy Ghost Fathers have had a major
part in the work of the Mission Cen-
ter of The Sisters of the Blessed Sac-
rament, viz., retreats for women and
girls, the latter including those of
school years. Father Frederick T.
Hoeger has given a number of re-
treats. In succession other retreats
were given by Fathers T. Joseph
Wrenn, Thomas R. Jones, Stanislaus
M. Zaborowski, Francis H McGlynn,
and Louis N. Schenning. Father
George J. Collins gave a Day of Re-
collection for an Interracial Group.
Father John P. Stanton gave many
Retreats for the Junior Groups.

The Fathers in Cornwells have been
gracious and generous in their assist-
ance at St. Michael's replacing the
Chaplain when he was away making
Mission Appeals for The Sisters of
the Blessed Sacrament through the
Propagation of the Faith Missionary
Co-operation Plan. Both the Fathers
and the students of Holy Ghost Mis-
sionary College have taken a notable
part in the solemn Ceremonies at
the Shrine, on the Altar and in the
Choir.

There is a prime missionary work
here on the original site of Very
Mother M. Katharine's Congrega-
tion of the Sisters of the Blessed
Sacrament. Miracles of soul and body
are recorded among the Retreatants,
and the people who come for the Holy
Hour on Sundays through the grace
of the Sacraments and the veneration
of the Relic of the True Cross. Re-

cently, the Chaplain and the Sisters
had the happiness of seeing a Colored
man (employee at St. Michael's), his
wife and five children receive Bap-
tism and assist at Midnight Christmas
Mass.

A summary statement of the sta-
tistics of the activities at St. Michael's
within the past five years:
Women's and Girls' Retreats.. ..10,581
Nocturnal Adoration before

First Friday 1,918

Pilgrimages of Colored Women
and Girls from Philadelphia,

New York and Trenton 2,250

Priests' Days of Recollection
(Priests of Archdiocese of
Philadelphia) 255

The Mass of the Annual Commun-
ion Breakfast Gathering of the Wo-
men of Torresdale in 1946 was cele-
brated in St John's Church at 1.3th
and Chestnut Streets by Father Stan-
ton; the breakfast was held in the
Adelphia Hotel nearby, at which
Father Zaborowski was the guest
speaker.

Besides the work proper, there is
a quasi-parochial unit of Polish peo-
ple invited by Mrs. Morrell years ago,
with ecclesiastical approbation, to at-
tend Mass at St. Michael's Chapel,
when these people had no local church.
Whilst there is a diocesan Polish
priest (Chaplain of the neighboring
Academy of Nazareth) in attendance
on Sundays, he requires the assistance
of the Holy Ghost Fathers for Con-
fessions and Mass. Father Joseph L.
Duffy has been most helpful.

The funeral of Mrs. Louise D. Mor-
rell was held in the Shrine Chapel on
November 9, 1945. His Eminence,
Dennis Cardinal Dougherty, cele-
brated the Mass; Father Hoeger gave
the sermon.

Cn January 19, 1946, the Catholic
Interracial Group sponsored a Mem-
orial Mass for Mrs. Morrell. The
High Mass was celebrated by Very
Reverend George J. Collins; the ser-
mon was given by Father John La
Farge, S.J.

Mrs. Morrell's body rests in a vault
of the Crypt Chapel near those of
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis A.
Dre.xel. The beautiful Shrine Chapel
was erected by Mrs. Morrell to the
memory of her father and mother.
It is consecrated. — J.P.S.

St. Anthony, Millvale, Pa.

Since our last report, a new roof
was put on the rectory and lyceum.
A new roof was started on the
church but never completed because

materials were lacking. However, it
will be done soon.j Cushion kneelers
have been installed in the church.
Recently a new Public Address Sys-
tem was installed to replace the old
one which had become obsolete and
unsatisfactory.

The lyceum building is at present in
fine condition. It was recently painted
throughout. The bowling alleys were
re-surfaced, pool tables recovered,
and new equipment purchased. The
auditorium is equipped with a P.A.
System over which the latest record-
ings of famous dance bands are pro-
duced for the pleasure and enjoyment
of the five to six hundred high school
boys and girls who attend the week-
ly dances held there, sponsored by
the Young Ladies Sodality.

The school building was recently
equipped with a new fire escape. Plans
have been drawn up for a new en-
trance, two additional rooms and re-
location of the lavatories. The school
band, of which we are justly proud,
is still tops among grade school bands
in this area. It is under the direction
of our music teacher, Sister Ruth, and
Mr. Pierre De Backer, member of the
Pittsburgh Symphony. Mr. De Backer
also directs the parish orchestra which
owes its origin to Father August 0.
Reitan who was assistant pastor here
from September 1942 to January
1946.

The cemetery is in excellent con-
dition. The caretaker's house was re-
modeled, a power mower was obtained
and about a year ago the road was
resurfaced with a permanent pave-
ment at considerable expense. The
financial condition of the parish is
very gratifying.

On January 1, 1940, the parish debt
was $24,000.00. Now there is a sur-
plus of over $80,000.00 invested in
U. S. Government bonds. This is due
to the entire membership who give
consei-vatively and consistently. This
fund will take care of the new mod-
ern convent planned for the Sisters.
At present they occupy the old rec-
tory which was too small for three
priests but big enough for ten sis-
ters!

The Spiritual condition of the par-
ish is very satisfactory too. About
five hundred sick calls are attended
each year. That doesn't include the
many visits which are made to the
sick in their homes and hospitals.
Status Animarum (1940-1946)

Families 9.35

Souls 3,620

Baptisms:

Children 515

Adults 43

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

98

First Communions 542

Confirmations 557

Marriages 285

Deaths ^ 242

Total Communions 317,600

On September 13, 1942, Father
Louis S. Spannagel, who had labored
here so zealously as pastor for thirty
years, died at the age of 82. No
doubt his prayers before the throne
of God are greatly responsible for
the success of the parish.

Present Staff: Father Charles
A. Kapp, pastor, George F. Rengers
and John R. Muka, assistant pastors.
— C.A.K.

Sacred Heart

Tarentuni, Pa.

1940-1946

The years that preceded this pe-
riod were indeed trying for us here.
The result was that the debt in-
creased and the property had to be
neglected in major matters. The
first step was to undertake ways and
means of obtaining outside help to
supplement the little the parishioners
could afford at that time. This was
done in the main by organizing an
Annual Fair and other sources of in-
come on a smaller scale.

The First Big Fair was that of
the Golden Jubilee of the School,
which was begun in 1890 as St. Peter's
School under Father John Often,
C.S.Sp This event brought together
many old timers from far and near.
It was successful in every way. It
likewise paved the way for many
other activities in the years that fol-
lowed all of which were a great help
in obtaining the means to carry on
many repairs and improvements and
above all of reducing the debt and
saving on the annual interest.

The recent Fair which commemor-
ated the Fiftieth Anniversary of the
establishment of the Sacred Heart
Parish as such, was the most success-
ful. It netted $2,000.00 with which we
were able to make the final payment
for the recent work done which cost
almost $10,000.00. The buildings are
now in a good condition.

The Spiritual life of the parish has
followed tradition. Besides the week-
ly novena to our Mother of Perpetual
Help which Father A. B. Mehler in-
augurated in the parish, other noven-
as, tridua and other means have
been employed to foster devotion.
Several young Fathers were invited
here to celebrate mass and impart
their first blessing to the congrega-
tion. Our purpose in this was to stim-
ulate vocations.

In addition to the above the Annual
Corpus Christi Procession which is
held outdoors on the property has
taken on a new aspect. Through the
zeal of the assistant pastors, aided
by men of the parish, beautiful car-
pets, much similar to those of Fern-
dale, cover the paths for the occa-
sion. This has caused much surprise
among the faithful who come in large
numbers for the procession. The cele-
bration this year was combined with
that of the Golden Jubilee of the
parish. Twenty-seven priests, our
Sisters and many lay people wit-
nessed an excellent tribute to our
Euchanstic Lord.

During the war the parish was sec-
ond in doing its part in the Commun-
ity. Of the twenty-two schools in the
Scrap Drive ours took fourth place.
With part of the money realized from
the sale of scrap a large, beautiful
American Flag was purchased and
presented to the Borough Officials for
the newly erected Municipal Flagpole
in the center of town. This was the
first flag so honored.

The Clothing Drive sponsored by
the town found willing workers in
our Altar Society. These ladies re-
ceived commendation and honorable
mention in the local paper not only
for the clothes they collected but
also for the excellent way they were
prepared for shipment overseas. . .
This was likewise true of the other
undertakings for Our Country during
the war.

In 1940 there were ninety children
in our school. One room was closed.
It was necessary to give some relief
to the Sisters having three grades in
one. Steps were taken to invite non-
parishioners to send their children to
our school and to convince our own
of the importance of Catholic School
education. Today there are 146 child-
ren in school and another Sister in
charge of the fourth room. The pas-
tor of St. Peter's Church willingly
sends children of the parish here and
pays their tuition each month. We
anticipate a larger number next Sep-
tember.

The Sacred Heart Cemetery under
Father Mehler saw several improve-
ments. Circumstances hindered him
from carrying on as he intended. At
present much of the work is done.
With the annual fee that a number
of the people pay for the care of their
lots and graves we hope to accom-
plish and complete the plans under-
way.

The annual census, taken up by the
Fathers, disclosed the following fig-
ures:

Families, 283; Souls, 868; Baptisms,
25; Converts, 5; Marriages, 12;
Deaths, 13.

Staff: Father Julius F. Zehler,
pastor, 1940-1946; assistant pastors.
Fathers Joseph E. Landy, 1940-1943;
James F. McNamara, 1943-1945;
Charles F. Flaherty, 1945-.

— J.F.Z.

St. Mary
Detroit, Michigan

For more than three decades St.
Mary's has ceased to function as a
regularly constituted parish. Of the
numerous faithful German families
that once dwelt in the neighborhood,
only four remain today. The Church
itself is located on the borderline be-
tween the downtown business section
and what today is known as the
blighted district: an area of factories,
small shops, vacant lots and deterior-
ating houses. The dwellers in the im-
mediate vicinity are predominately
Greek on the one side and Colored on
the other, with Italians, Syrians and
Mexicans interspersed amongst them.

Fortunately some 275 families that
once lived within the parish boun-
daries, have retained their pews in
St. Mary's. These constitute the main
body of our regular attendants in
spite of the fact that they live at
great distances and have their local
parish obligations. The rest of those
who attend are transients, nurses and
doctors from the two neighboring hos-
pitals, and those working in the
downtown section of the city.

As St. Mary's is still officially a
German National Church, it is only
natural to find ma.ny among the "Old
Timers," and the members of St.
Elizabeth and St. Stephen Societies
(both German Hungarian groups)
who prefer to go to confession in
German, a facility which they rightly
expect the priests of the parish to
provide.

Staff:

On February 1, 1940, Father Fred-
erick T. Hoeger, who had been pastor
since 1929, was appointed president
and superior of Holy Ghost Mission-
ary College, Cornwells Heights,
Pennsylvania, and mission procurator
of the province. His successor at St.
Mary's, Father Edward J. Knaebel,
who was mission procurator since
1934, arrived on February 13. Fathers
Joseph Wuest, Richard H. Ackerman,
August P. Weigand and Francis X.
Walsh were assistant pastors. Fath-
er F. X. Walsh was transferred to
Carencro, La., March 30, 1940. He
was replaced by Father Joseph R.

99

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

Kletzel. On July 7, 1940, St. Mar>''s
sustained a great loss in the transfer
of Father Ackerman who had been a
most devoted and helpful assistant
pastor since 1935. He became Nation-
al Director of the Holy Childhood
Association, with headquarters in
Pittsburgh. Father Vincent N. Deer
helped at St. Mary's from October
12, 1940 to December 15, when he re-
turned to Kilimanjaro. On March 1,
1941, Father George P. Rengers
came. In September of the same year,
Father August Weigand was trans-
ferred to Lake Charles, La., and was
replaced by Father Andrew M. Bed-
narczyk. On April 18, 1942 Father
George P. Rengers was assigned to
Opelousas, La. Early in September
Father Kletzel was recalled to Corn-
wells Heights, Pa., and Father Joseph
F. Rengers received his appointment
to St. Mary's as bursar of the com-
munity. At the same time Father
Edward C. White took up residence
at St. Mary's, whilst continuing as
assistant pastor at St. Benedict the
Moor on the West Side. In Septem-
ber 1944, Father Bednarczyk was ap-
pointed bursar at the Novitiate,
Ridgefield, Conn., and Father White
became pastor of Assumption parish,
Carencro, La. They were replaced at
St. Mary's by Father Daniel P.
Dougherty and Father Thomas F.
Rodgers.

Important Events:

The One Hundredth Anniversary of
the founding of St. Mary's parish was
the most important event to take
place during the period of this Bulle-
tin. Preparations for the centenary
were started early in the fall of 1940.
A contract for redecorating the
Church was awarded to Conrad
Schmidt of Milwaukee. Actual work
on the interior of the Church began
early in January 1941. In the mean-
time a complete repair job on the
roof of the Church was started, in-
cluding calking of all window frames
and masonry, as well, as cleaning the
stained glass windows. The decorating
of the Church was completed late in
May. The floor of the Church was
then sanded and covered with lino-
leum under the pews, and rubber
tile in the aisles. The pews were then
varnished, carpet laid in the sanctu-
ary and finally St. Mary's was clad
in new beauty and ready for the great
day.

The celebration of centennial week
began Sunday, June 8, 1941, with a
solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving
at 10:30, the Most Rev. Edward
Mooney, D.D., Archbishop of Detroit,

presiding. The ministers at the Mass
cal background of Old St. Mary's. The
were chosen to highlight the histori-
celebrant. Father Donlon, C.S.B., from
from St. Anne's Church, the Mother
Church from which St. Mary's ori-
ginally developed; Father Schutter,
C.SS.R., the deacon, was a member of
the Redemptorist Fathers who were
so closely connected with the early
history of the parish (1847-1872); and
Father Wilberding, O.S.F., of the
Franciscan Fathers who were in
charge of St. Mary's for 18 years
(1872-1890); the Holy Ghost Fathers
who took charge of the parish in 1902
were represented by the assistant
deacons, Fathers Thiefels and Acker-
man. The sermon was delivered by
Father F. X. Kuhn, C.SS.R., a form-
er pupil of St. Mary's School. Fes-
tivities convTnued throughout the en-
tire week, with a high Mass each
morning for the various groups and
societies of the parish.

Another noteworthy event in the
annals of St. Mary's occurred on Sun-
day, June 21, 1942, when Father
Francis B. Stocker, C.S.Sp., cele-
brated his first solemn high Mass, in
Church to which his family has been
devotedly attached for several gener-
ations. Father Stocker was or-
dained June 19, at Holy Ghost Mis-
sion Seminary, Norwalk, Connecticut.

The year 1946 marked another im-
portant date. It was the celebration
of Father Joseph Wuest's fiftieth an-
niversary of his ordination to the
priesthood. The day was fittingly
commemorated on Sunday, Septem-
ber 22, 1946. There was a solemn
high Mass of Thanksgiving at 10
o'clock; a dinner for the clergy at
the Detroit Athletic Club and a re-
ception in the afternoon for mem-
bers of the parish, when they ex-
pressed their gratitude and apprecia-
tion to the venerable Jubilarian for
his forty years of devoted service at
St. Mary's.

Schools:

St. Mary's grade school operates
as a free school. At present the en-
rollment is down to 70 children; they
represent eight different nationalities
and only about half are Catholic. The
problem of closing the grade school
after eighty years of ser\-ice to the
Church and community is one not
easy to face, but is none the less in-
evitable. The Chancery has left this
decision to the discretion of the pas-
tor. It would involve no hardship to
the few Catholic children attending
here, as all could be taken care of by
other nearbv Catholic schools.

St. Mary's Commercial High School
started in 1928 under the direction of
the School Sisters of Notre Dame, is
perhaps the most important and pro-
mising phase of our parish work. It
is no exaggeration to say that it is
the best Catholic Business School for
girls in these parts. The course of
studies, besides including a thorough
religious training, provides the stu-
dents with a complete knowledge and
practical understanding of modern
business methods. The school is high-
ly regarded and enjoys an enviable
reputation among the industrial and
business men in and around Detroit.
In consequence our graduates are al-
ways in demand and most of them
hold very responsible positions
throughout the city.

The Commercial School has built up
a very fine Alumnae Association num-
bering more than 400 active members
who take a loyal and helpful interest
in all parish affairs.

Mission Support:

The people of St. Mary's have es-
tablished an admirable record for
active mission interest, and it is with
pardonable pride that we publish the
total amouKt contributed to the Mis-
sion Apostolate during the past seven
years.

From St. Mary's Holy Ghost Society:
To Holy Ghost Fathers

Missions $4,770.00

To Ferndale and Comwells 1,330.00
From individuals for Student
Adoption:

To Ferndale 6,185.00

Father Wuest's Golden Jubilee
purse:

To Puerto Rico and mis-
sions in the South 2,000.00

From Grade and Commercial
Schools:

To the Holy Childhood 1,870.50

To the Propagation of the

Faith 256.00

From the Parish:

Mission Sunday Collec-
tions 1,610.00

Collections by

Missionaries 1,857.50

Mass Stipends for our

Missionaries 21,565.00

Fr. Hoeger's Memorial

Burse for Comwells 1,743.00

Bequest 1,000.00

Total $44,187.00

Spiritual Data:

We like to think of St. Mary's as
Downtown Detroit's Favorite Sanc-
tuary. Though the spacious Church is
never crowded, except at the Christ-
mas Midnight Mass and on Feasts of
Obligation occurring on week days, it

OUK PROVINCE— JULY. 1947

100

is a place of quiet devotion and pray-
er at all times. At any hour of the
day you will find a number of faith-
ful souls praying before the Altar or
seeking solace at one of the many
Shrines. One of the Fathers is on
duty throughout the day to answer
the Confessional bell and the calls
are many. Confessions are heard re-
gularly before all Masses, weekdays
and Sundays alike, and also during
the daily Mass at 12:15.

Four popular Novena devotions
are held during the week. At the
Noon Mass, on Mondays to the Holy
Ghost; on Tuesdays to Our Lady of
Perpetual Help; on Wednesdays to St.
Frances Cabrini; and on Saturday
afternoon to Our Lady of Lourdes.
During the year special Novenas are
held in preparation for the feasts of
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pentecost, St.
Ann, the Sorrowful Mother and the
Immaculate Conception.

Untold spiritual good is accom-
plished by the priests of the parish
who attend the City Receiving Hos-
pital and who are on call for emer-
gencies night and day. The number
of Sacraments administered in ex-
tremis averages about 1,600 each
year. It might be remarked that there
is no compensation for this extra pa-
rochial service from any source.

1940-1946

Baptisms 325

Adult Converts Ill

First Communions 115

Holy Communions 182,576

Confirmations 73

Marriages 244

Deaths 201

Sick Calls 15,740

Confessions 208,480

The administration of St. Mary's
parish presents a unique problem
owing to the vastly different groups
and types of people who attend here.
In giving impartial service to all,
preference must be given to the "Old
Timers" for whom St. Mary's still re-
mains the church of their childhood
days.— E.J.K.

THE VALUE OF CRITICA

Ideas are weapons. The tongue is
mightier than the sword. Speech, and
as far as that goes, the thought which
provokes that verbal utterance, is
a powerful weapon. The more embrac-

it is, the more powerful it is. From
this it follows that those statements
which are all-embracing, are at the
same time all-powerful. The pagan
sages of old were fully conscious of
the potency of a universal statement.
"Ab uno disce omnes." The prophets
realized the utility of a general
pronouncement. What could be
more potent than those dicta of our
Lord which applied to all creation, in
the past, in the present, and even ex-
tend to the future ? The alchemist of
yore, the scientist of nineteen hun-
dred; the astrologer of yesteryear,
the astronomer of today; the peasant
of Europe, the proletariate of Asia,
the capitalist of America; all indulge
in this form of universal expression.
Matter is neither created nor de-
stroyed. History repeats herself. All
planets move in an elliptical orb
around the sun. The diagonal of a
rectangle is the common hypotenuse
of the two triangles formed thereby.
All Catholics are Fascists. All Ne-
groes are lazy. What are these? They
are culled from the classroom, the
laboratory, the office, the home, the
street. They are laws, theorems, and
gossip. But more important than
their source, or their meaning is their
epistemological value, for they are
all universal statements.

In his "The Story of Philosophy"
Durant said: "Philosophy still makes
its bow in epistemological dress.
Some day when the middle ages are
really over, philosophy will come
down from those clouds and deal with
the affairs of men." Thus one of our
modem American philosophers ex-
presses his opinion about the value of
the science of Critica. I ask what
could be more practical than that very
science which establishes the exist-
ence, the means and the certitude of
man's inmost thoughts? Now, since
men revel in generalizations both in
speech and thought, what should be
more natural than for philosophers to
conclusively establish, if at all possi-
ble, this universal mania in a truly
reasonable manner.

In all things we seek some type
of good. Our intellectual quest for
the universal, then, must be a search
for some kind of good. And what is
this good ? It can be no other than
truth. What then, is truth? Truth is
the conformity of intellect and reality.
To confirm the use of universals, we
need to establish their epistemological
value. We need to make evident the
fact that universals give us new
knowledge and that this knowledge
is based upon things found in reality.

From this universal which we have
acquired, we are constantly making
conclusive statements. We deduce;
if all the members of a class act this
way; this particular member of that
same class must, of necessity, act in
the same manner. Now this deduction
brings up another question: Can a
valid deduction be drawn from a
universal premise to a particular con-
clusion ? If it can, does it give us new
knowledge concerning that particular
object? If we do, is that knowledge
objectively real and certain ? Bacon
and Mill, and their followers, say
that such a conclusion cannot be valid-
ly drawn from such a premise. Scho-
lastics say that it can. It remains for
the science of Critica to settle this
dispute existing between these two
rival factions.

The problem of deduction is not one
which can be separated from other
epistemological queries and solved
by itself. Of its very nature it in-
volves and necessitates a solution
of most of the problems of the entire
science of Critica. Deduction is a
way of acquiring knowledge. It pre-
supposes a knowledge of the other
method, induction. Induction involves
abstraction. Abstraction produces uni-
versals. Now that we have acquired
some knowledge by means of induc-
tion, we want to use it in a profitable
manner; and in such a way that we
gain yet more knowledge, which is
at the same time new, objective and
certain. Syllogistically we deduce
from the universal to the particular,
and predicate of the particular that
which we had already predicated of
the universal. Is such an inference
valid ? To established this answer we
must establish the syllogism as a
valid means of acquiring true objec-
tive knowledge.

Now in all these, we have not only
the importance, but even the genesis
of the science of Critica. Hence, after
learning how the mind functions, it
is of the utmost importance to criti-
cize these functions. This criticism is
the scientific study of Epistemology,
the most practical of all practical
philosophy — Egbert J. Figaro, C.S.Sp.

101

OUR PROVINCE— JULY, 1947

Our Province

Vol. 16 - No. 8

^>€.

0 ii_ r^,

£/f ^

August, 1947

Father Raymond V. Kirk, C. S. Sp., 1901 - 1947

A tlamboyant, thiobhing youthfulness cloaked a mature
and well developed mind.

Missiology

A new theological science is taking its place
among the branches of dogma.

FERVOR

CHARITY

SACRIFICE

/02

Our Province

August, 1947

Vol. 16

No. 8

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November, 1933, by Father C. J.
Pluakett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N. W.,
Washington 11. D. C. U.S.A.. and printed by
West land Printing and Stationery Company,
8414 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland

In This Issue

OflSeial 103

Father Raymond V. Kirk

(1901-1947) 104

Spiritual Directory 105

Ourselves Incorporated 106

Missioiogy 109

Bulletins:

Bay City, Mich. St. Joseph 111

Chippewa Falls, Wis. Our

Lady of the Falls 111

Dayton, Ohio. St. John 112

Portsmouth, R. I. St. Anthony 112
Tiverton, R. I. St. Christopher 113

Ticker Talk 108

Thanks From Poland 103

Chips from the Rock 108

Ridgefield 106

Kilimanjaro 107

Cornwells 108

Femdale 107

OFFICIAL
Appointments

Father W. J. Long, Hot Springs
National Park, Arkansas, pastor, bur-
sar.

Father J. T. Kilbride, Rock Castle,
Virginia.

Father S. J. Delaney, Cornwells.
New Address

Father E. A. Curran, 97th General
Hospital, APO 757, New York, N. Y.
New Telephone Numbers

St. Mark the Evangelist, New York,
N. Y., Wadsworth 6-0670.

Rock Castle, Va., Powhattan 4004,
4000.
Arrival

At Montreal, Canada, on July 5, 1947,
Father James D. Manning on the SS.
Joliet Victory of the Robin Line,
from Mombasa, East Africa.

ATTENTION

Travelers Near India
A priest from Goa, Portu-
guese India, has forwarded to
Washington a Holy Ghost Fa-
ther's breviary which he re-
ceived from a sailor who re-
ceived it from a Mohammedan
aboard ship. It is a Pustet edi-
tion of 1929.

Only identification is a ho-
ly card inscribed: "A happy
Christmas and a prosperous
New Year, with an abundance
of celestial blessings and fa-
vours. Fr. William Smith, 19-
XII-41."

Owner may have same by
writing to the Provincial Sec-
retary.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Name of Confrere
Father Eugene Schmidt
Father Charles Laengst
Father Louis S. Spannagel
Father Cornelius O'Rourke
Brother Geran Rauscher
Father Paul Sztuka
Brother Clemens Becker
Father Patrick Dooley

Died

Sept. .5.
Sept. 5,
Sept. 13,
Sept. 1.5,
Sept. 18,
Sept. 21,
Sept. 26,
Sept. 29,

1895
1899
1942
1932
1907
1930
1882
1918

Age
41
44
82
71
-46
42
56
39

NOTICE— MISSIONARIES

1. The IMission Procurator's
office will not pay bills for
items ordered from business
houses unless the order, or at
least notification of the order,
is sent through the office. The
same applies to subscriptions to
magazines, etc. In the future,
payment will be refused on all
such transactions unless the
office has first been informed
by the individual placing the
order.

2. In any such transactions
involving the use of Mass sti-
pends for payment of accounts,
authorization from the bursar
or procurator must accompany
request. The missionary who
does not hold such a position
is not free to assume on his
own authority Mass obligations
for the mission, district, or
vicariate.

THANKS FROM POLAND

Bydgoszcz, Poland,

June 17, 1947.
Dear Father:

I am happy to inform you that
this morning we received the three
boxes shipped to us. They arrived
intact.

We lack words to thank you prop-
erly for this shipment. You will
easily understand our joy at sight
of so many and such precious things.
From the bottom of our hearts we
say to all of you — a thousand thanks.

I understand now your anxiety
about the shipment when you had
received no news from us about its
arrival.

We thank you particularly for the
material for cassocks and for shirts,
as well as for the three chalices, a
ciborium, two candelabra, two mis-
sals, two boxes of candles, commun-
ion paten, bell, surplices, the albs,
altar linen, vestments, etc.

Please convey our profound grati-
tude to Father Provincial for all that
he has done for us and assure him
that our prayers accompany him in
his undertakings and labors. Final-
ly, to all our benefactors express our
appreciation and assure them of our
remembrance of them and their in-
tentions before God.

With kindest fraternal regards.

Father S. Forys, C.S.Sp.

103

OUR PROVINCE, AUGUST, 194-;

Father Raymond V. Kirk, C. S. Sp.

1901 - 1947

Ti

HE death of any confrei-e
is an event which we all feel more
or less intimately, ami whilst we are
alway glad to know that our Heav-
enly Father has called home for re-
ward one of His children who has
sen-ed Him well and long, it is al-
ways with a slight feeling of regret
when the call comes to one young in
years. Father Kii-k was one of those
young in years when the call to go
home came to him. It found him
ready, of cour.se, for he had had the
premonition of it for a long time
and he had prepared for it. His go-
ing, however, has left a vacancy in
the thoughts of those who knew him,
a feeling that a friend has passed
and will not pass this way again.
We do not, naturally, begrudge him
to God, and we know that he is far
better off than ever he was on this
earth, but we still feel his passing.

It was on May 3, 1901, in Mt.
Pleasant, Pa., that Raymond Kirk was
born. A few days after his birth, he
was baptized in the parish church of
St. Joseph and it was there, too, that
in the course of time he received his
First Holy Communion and was con-
firmed. The lessons he learned in
the school of the parish bore fruit
in the desire to dedicate himself to
the work of God in the priesthood
and so, on his completion of his
grade school, he entered the Apostolic
College of Comwells. That was in
1915. He finished the course in due
time without any serious difficulty
and in August, 1920, he entered the
novitiate in Ferndale. On August
15, 1921, he made his religious pro-
fession and took his temporal' vows.

During the course of his philosophi-
cal and theological studies in Fern-
dale, he advanced step by step
towards the sacred priesthood. On
May 20, 1925, he pronounced his per-
petual vows and on August 29, 1925,
he was ordained to the priesthood in
the chapel of Ferndale. The follow-
ing June 21, 1926, he made his apos-
tolic consecration and received his
appointment to the parish of St.
Mark in New York City, one of the
busiest parishes into which a young
man can be thrown. For a year
Father Kirk did eff^ective and well re-
membered work in that parish and

then was assigned to Duquesne Uni-
versity, Pittsburgh, Pa.

After his arrival at Duquesne, Fa-
ther Kirk lost no time in identifying
himself with the work of the insti-
tution and it was not long before ho
manifested his great ability to organ-
ize when he set up the School of
Education and became its first dean.
The realization came to him as he
exercised the functions of his office
that he could do much more effective
work if he were better acquainted
with the advances in the techniques
of education as demonstrated in other
schools. He accordingly asked and
received pemiission to enroll in New
York University and at the end of
his course there received the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy in Education
in 1933. He thereupon returned to
Duquesne and entered with renewed
enthusiasm into all the varied and
manifold activities of the institution.
As Dean of the School of Education,
he labored long hours to keep his
school foremost in the field of educa-
tion, not only in Pennsylvania but
throughout the whole country. Dur-
ing the early post-depression days,
when finances were precarious, he de-
voted his untiring energies not only
to running his school but also to the
task of regnlating the finances of
the university. In 1933, however, his
superiors felt that he should be given
a rest from his arduous tasks, and
so they sent him to Cornwells. He
remained there a year and then re-
turned to Duquesne.

In 1940 Father Kirk became pi-esi-
dent of the university and a new
era dawned for that institution. One
after another mighty projects for
the betterment of the physical and
intellectual life of the school were
begun and gradually brought to com-
pletion. Father Kirk's outstanding-
gifts for organization, administra-
tion and execution made themselves
felt from the first moment of his
taking office. Living quarters were
renovated, dining rooms were bright-
ened up, common rooms were made
comfortable, the property outside and
in was beautified. The surroundings
of the various buildings were land-
scaped; walks were laid, trees plant-
ed and the whole e.xternal appear-

ance of the Bluff was changed and
for the better. Every department of
the university derived from him new
\-igor and renewed energy and, al-
though his youth was the occasion
of some slight opposition, he went
his unswerving way to make the uni-
versity a better and more beautiful
Duquesne. Wholeheartedly he un-
dertook to put the financial affairs of
the institute on a sound basis and
night and day, even to the detriment
of his own health, he worked for a
bigger, more efficient, better Du-
quesne.

The years of the war came and like
heavy oxen dragged their slow way
along and brought with them the
problem faced by every school: how
to keep going with a reduced enroll-
ment and a decreased faculty. Father
Kirk had his plans ready. Journey
after journey he made to Washing-
ton until he succeeded in having Du-
quesne recognized as one of the in-
stitutions at which the men of the
armed ser\'ices would be given spe-
cialized training. That necessitated
the rearranging of practically the en-
tire administration building, but it
was done without any interference
with the classes. The presence of
the military personnel added consid-
erably to the administrative burdens
of the president, but he assumed them
with a steadfastness that was ex-
emplary. He carried on the work of
the university until in 1942 he col-
lapsed from ovei-work. The physician
to the university advised him to
forego his manifold duties, but the
driving energy within him put him
back at his desk as soon as his
strength had just barely returned.
In September, 1945, the strain be-
came too much and he was compelled
to relinquish some of the functions
that had drained his resources so
much, but the work and the worry
and the ceaseless planning had taken
their toll of the strength of this
young man who had been can-j'ing an
okl man's burden through such try-
ing years, and in 1946 Father Kirk
laid down the honos et onus of his
oft'ice to retire to Femdale in an ef-
fort to find in quiet and in care a
measure of health. Despite all the
tender care given by solicitous con-
freres, devoted physicians and skill-
ful nurses, his condition day by day
grew steadily worse until on May
27, 1947, he died an edifying and
happy death.

The funeral of Father Kirk was
held from the chapel of Duquesne
University, where on May 31, Very

OUR PROVINCE, AUGUST, 1947

104

Reverent! Father Provincial, assisted
by Fathers Francis P. Smith and Se-
bastian J. Schiffgens, sang the Sol-
emn Mass of Requiem in a chapel
filled to ovei-flowing with confreres,
clergy, sisters, fomier students,
friends and well-wishers. The body
was laid to rest in Calvary cemetery,
the body of the young man who at
the early age of forty had been
called to direct the destinies of a
great institution and who had spent
himself and been spent in that task.

If one were asked to give a one-
word description of Father Raymond
Kirk, he could find none more suita-
ble than the word "youthfulness."
That was the impression Raymond
Kirk gave to every one who met
him for the first time, flamboyant,
throbbing youthfulness, but one had
to talk to him only for a few min-
utes to realize that his youthful ap-
pearance cloaked a mature and well-
developed mind. Vision was another
of his characteristics, the vision of
beauty which should surround God's
houses, whether in Femdale or in
Pittsburgh, beauty which he did his
best to bring about, as the campus
of Duquesne bears witness. Men
would use that youthfulness and
vision to bring petty accusations
against him but the hurt and the
sorrow and the anxiety of such trials
were kept carefully hidden by him
who in his heart of hearts was sensi-
tive to a high degree. His sense of
humor was a delight to all who
knew him and helped him keep the
balance of his life on a steady beam.
Energy aplenty he had, the driving
energy which made him throw him-
self wholeheartedly into every task
given him to do. His interest in Du-
quesne University never lagged, and
the Student Loan Fund is richer be-
cause of his interest. When in fu-
ture days the beadroU of Duquesne's
presidents will be called, the name
of Father Raymond V. Kirk, the sixth
of the glorious leaders, will rightly
stand high among those who accom-
plished great things for the institu-
tion.

Depend not upon thyself, but place
thy hope in God. Do what thou canst,
and God will be with thy good will. —
Imitation 1,7.

When Jesus is present all is well,
and nothing seems difficult; but when
Jesus is absent, everything is hard. —
Imitation 2,8.

The Spiritual Directory

VII. (2) Religious Life, Means and
Growth in Holiness

Difficulties

JL HE independent missionary
can only with great difficulty come
to a knowledge of the high degree
of sanctity to which he is called; and
even at best his knowledge will be
vague and often superficial.

Free to dispose of his time and
work and to regulate his relations
with others, his soul is fully exposed
to the attacks of sloth, carelessness
and levity. He becomes easily en-
tangled in awkward relations with
others, and there are numerous things
to impede his spiritual growth and
release his passions. His soul, con-
cerned more with things outside than
with its own life, is like to the field
without fences, and even under the
most rigorous sui-veillance it is dif-
ficult to avoid dissipation in his or-
dinary relations with men, and to
safeguard those exiiuisite plants, the
lofty virtues of priestly holiness.

The missionary who is on his own,
and who is free to use his resources
and to obtain whatever brings pleas-
ure will not be easily able to deny
himself natural comforts and grati-
fications whenever they are within
reach. Love for privations and sor-
row becomes increasingly difficult and
a spirit of mortification and sacrifice
for the salvation of souls is almost
impossible of attainment.

Master of his own will, he becomes
the plaything of every obstacle and
caprice, and pride with ingenious cun-
ning will pervade all his activities.
His relations with the world, unless
regulated, infallibly lead to dissipa-
tion. How difficult it is to keep one's
vices and passions in check, when
left alone to control one's own nature.

When a man is not bound by rule
in the use of his time, in his work
and aspirations, what a formidable
task it is to spur his piety, to sharp-
en his faith, to nourish an interior
spirit, to think often and earnestly
of his priestly work and to fulfill his
duty in the spirit of God! It can be
done only by the aid of regular ex-
ercises, joined to many other precau-
tions, all of which is unfeasible for
the independent missionary. He may
take firm resolves in this regard and
even practice them for a time, yet

nature will win the upper hand, and
his fidelity will weaken.

Considering all these difficulties
and our human frailty, we can un-
derstand why so few priests attain
a consummate sacerdotal holiness.
Not grace, but fidelity is at fault.
Advantages

We cannot regard too highly the
grace of being called to the religious
and common life. In our vocation to
the apostolate we are receiving not
only the most powerful graces which
can serve as sources of very great
sanctity, but we have been surround-
ed by most efficient safeguards
against our purely natural leanings,
our predominant passions and the
mortal dangers particular to our type
of work.

The religious life has taught us
the nature and the value of true
apostolic sanctity. It is God Him-
self Who stands guard over our soul
when, by His Holy Will, He regu-
lates the use of our time, our work,
and our relations with others. Thus
we are defended against all bad
habits and dangers arising from con-
tact with outsiders, dangers that
would lead us back to our former
life, which was purely natural and
dead to Divine grace.

The vow of poverty and its prac-
tice prevents us from desiring, or
even from considering comforts, grat-
ifications and conveniences where we
might othei-wise be tempted. Not pos-
sessing anything, and being obliged
by our vow to become perfectly de-
tached even from the few things we
seem to have, we are not at all af-
fected by the things around us.

The practice of obedience is the
means by which God eradicates all
iniquity from our souls and destroys
the source of so many infidelities that
arise from our independence of will.
No longer are we subject to our own
caprice or to the obstinate faults of
our own character, as we were when
we governed our owti will and our
own doings. Moreover, obedience
most efficaciously aids us in rooting
out our pride from its most secret
recesses, and protects us against be-
ing carried away by the heavy as-
saults it makes upon us. Egoism re-
ceives its deathblow because obedi-

105

OUR PROVINCE, AUGUST, 1947

ence makes us practise the most ba-
sic and essential form of self-denial,
namely, the sacrifice of our intellect,
which touches the very source of
egoism. Should some selfishness re-
main, it would be only in a few de-
tails, easily overcome by goodwill
and vigilance. The regularity of our
religious life is a safeguard against
dissipation; for by it all our exter-
nal actions and relations, already
chastened by obedience, are restrict-
ed, and ordered and directed in con-
formity to general as well as to par-
ticular rules of the Institute. Nat-
ural zeal is tempered and mortified,
and our vices and perverse inclina-
tions cannot grow beyond our con-
trol or become dominant. Some ear-
nest effort to grow in perfection will
easily overcome any remaining ob-
stacles.

Moreover, when we live in an at-
mosphere of religious integrity and
eagerness for sanctification with con-
freres whom we love and whose ex-
ample can edify us; when we are
aided by the prayers and good works
of the whole Congregation, and are
bound to regular daily exercises
which ser\'e to perform our sacerdo-
tal duties as it befits men of God;
when we earnestly practise poverty,
obedience and strict regularity, it
needs but an ordinary amount of
goodwill to assure us of a steady
flow of abundant graces. In this way
we shall come to possess a strong
faith, a fii-m wish to grow in holiness
and in a sound religfious spirit. We
shall find strength and courage to
accept pain and sorrow with love
and to endure them in the spirit of
the saints.

Thus could we compare the soul of
the religious missionary to a garden
filled with precious plants, well kept,
abundantly v\atered, antl surrounded
by a wall which sen'es as a protec-
tion against the outside world.
Fidelity

Fidelity to the Rule is absolutely
necessary to realize the benefits of
the religious life. Once we cease to
observe our rule, the wall is broken,
all of God's blessings are soon scat-
tered, and all our prerogatives as
religious are lost. As missionaries
we would not be able to persevere,
our souls would be harrassed by as-
saults from w'ithout, and all the good
that may have been developed would
be ruined: "And the last state of
that man is worse than the first."
(St. Luke, 11; 26). But there is a
remedy should such a thing happen.

We must raise the wall again, close
the breach, and once more practise
our rule in all its points, and with
new fer\'or. This is not an easy and
painless task; but it is only proper
that we should have to pay for our
disreganl of the holy rule, the guard-
ian of our soul. But when we actual-
ly do make a new eff'ort and begin
again to adhere firmly to our rule,
when we refuse to give in to those
momentary weaknesses and illusions
by which our laxity seeks to persuade
us in small matters that we have
quite sufficient reason to yield to
temptations against the rule, when
we stand fii-m. Divine aid will not be
refused. God will give us again the
facility to remain faithful, and with
our new resolve, the work of our
sanctification will continue as before,
and the prerogatives of our religious
life will be restored.

Once we have removed the greater
number of those obstacles which Di-
vine grace ordinarily encounters in
our weak and fallen nature and in
the circumstances of our life, we will
find less difficulty in remaining faith-
ful and we can feel justified in being
more certain of peiseverance. If God
encounters less resistance. His grace
will expand in our soul with great
vigor, and if we continue to perse-
vere in our resolve to grow in holi-
ness, we shall attain the sanctity that
befits a missionaiy pi'iest.

There is one more consideration
that will give us an additional proof
of the importance of keeping the rule.
The apostolic and priestly life de-
mands a degree of sanctity surpass-
ing even that of privileged souls.
This sanctity must be rooted in the
graces of our sacredotal state. But
in order for this giace to unfold, our
souls must possess the virtues and
supernatural vitality which the grace
of baptism already tends to supply.
Only if our baptismal grace has fully
unfolded does the grace of our priest-
hood find us in the necessai-y dispo-
sitions, so that it can develop as in-
tended by God and in conformity with
our particular assignment. But to
acquire the full supernatural life that
is due to baptism and which is es-
sential for the gro\rth of priestly
and apostolic graces, we cannot find
better aid than in the religious life,
where the mere observance of our
initial promises almost suffices for a
relatively perfect spiritual expansion.
Conclusion

If we consider all this, can we doubt
Continued on page 113

Ourselves
Incorporated

RIDGEFIELD

Wi

ITH the canonical examina-
tions over, one feels more at ease in
the Novitiate. All seem to agree
wholeheartedly with the old adage:
"Live and Learn." As usual the No-
vitiate is teeming with activity. One
is tempted to add, even more so this
year. The long awaitetl Fiftieth An-
niversary of the Novitiate in the
United States, and the Twenty-fifth
in Ridgefield, were duly obsen-ed.
Father Collins, assisted by Fathers
Hoeger and F. J. Smith, celebrated
the solemn high Mass. Father Gavin
preached the sermon. A goodly num-
ber of our o^^Tl Fathers and quite a
few of the diocesan clergy were
present. A dinner was sei'\'ed for
the Fathers and guests.

Our much talked of bam will soon
receive its occupants. Despite dif-
ficulties in hiring contractors, the
project has gone according to plan.
The novices like to think they were
helpful in a humble way.

The crops, like the novices, are
progressing nicely, despite a late
start.

A visit from twelve scholastic
priests on the feast of Corpus Christi,
cheered and edified us. We wish them
success in their ministry; and to that
enil, we offer our prayers.

Our medical-history-making novice
is back again with us after a dan-
gerous stay in St. Vincent's hospi-
tal, Bridgeport. We call him the
miracle man and so do the over-
worked doctors, nurses and others
who saw him go breathlessly close
to death. His cure is attributed to
the prayers of his friends. All he
needs now is plenty of rest. (He had
tetanus. — Ed.)

Father Michael J. Sonnefeld joined
our community during the month.
Brother Remigius was transferred to
Rock Castle, Va., after a brief stay
here. Father Thiefels spent a few
days with us. Fathers Kirkbride,
Bryan, Williams, Kennedy and Jaw-
orski visited us for a few welcome
hours.

OUR PROVINCE. AUGUST. 1947

106

KILIMANJARO

X^T last the shipment of which
yovi advised me in your letter of
March 13th have been accounted for
by Father Albrecht and I can give
you assurance that the Fathers in-
dicated on the list of contents have
received their boxes. As this ship-
ment was for the general welfare of
confi-eres, I have instructed Father
Albrecht to pay the expenses of rail-
age and customs from the District
Funds of the Principal Superior. It
will please you all to know that the
shipment is a complete gift even
for the Fathers who had special as-
signments. Father Morgenroth grate-
fully assured me that he received his
box in good condition. Fathers Nop-
pinger and Moroz send their grateful
assurance through me.

Sending me a Bill of Lading makes
for great efficiency. The Fathers in
Tanga have no bother with ship-
ments any more, as Father Albrecht
has the clearing in Customs and the
shipment taken care of by Thomas &
Co., at either Tanga or Mombasa. It
is at least three weeks since the
boxes came into port.

Father Morgenroth has just given
me the good news that he preached
hi.s first sermon on the 15th. That
occasion is like a baby's first step.
I hope to hear the same of his two
confreres of this year.

Father Bonifazi had a good ses-
sion of experience while Father Del-
lert was away in Tanga for nearly a
month. Planning on three weeks, the
forces of nature added another as
the railway was out of order for a
week. The Father from Mashati
helped for the week-end ministry,
but one week-end he could not get
there, so Father Bonifazi had to take
care of things himself. It has been
the heaviest rainy season in years.

Corpus Christi was accompanied
with ideal weather. Usually it is
very windy, but this year it was fine.

A rain at night here makes the
roads so slippery that a car usually
cannot travel them safely. If heavy
trucks ' have passed, a touring car
bogs down in the deep rut. A car
slides around in mud out here just
as treacherously as on icy roads back
home. Huvuma, the novitiate of the
African Sisters, is only three miles
and Mengwe, our out-station, is only
five miles, but travel was hard driv-
ing work during all of March, April
and May. Just now, as the roads
are being repaired, there is almost

a sense of elation in smooth riding.
That is one view of life here. There
is plenty of foot-work also in places
where you just slog in nice oozy
mud; other places where you tread a
washboard formation made by cows.
If the crests are dry you think of
walking the railroad ties at home;
if they are muddy, you pick your
steps very cautiously permitting no
memories to interfere lest you add a
new memoi-y that will be forever
damp.

Visiting schools takes up a large
part of our time. We have five dis-
tricts where there are schools which
must be kept up to Government
Standard. These each have the equiv-
alent of the four grades of our pa-
rochial schools at home. Teachers
require constant supervision in their
work. In other places there is mere-
ly elementary instruction in the three
small "rs" and insistence on the big
"R". Great work is done in these
simple schools. They always remind
me of stories of the hedgerow school
of Ireland long ago or the one-room
school of log-cabin days of the coun-
try districts in many places at home
even yet. In one of these simple
schools, you realize what an attain-
ment it is to form letters, the thrill
of leaniing to recognize a word, even
the joy of seeing your name in print,
for we use a system of very nice
print-writing even in the humblest
school. It is the l)ook and slate
stage but without the nostalgia of
singing "In the Little Red School
House."

We are in the transition period
that will hallow the memory of these
schools. The great advantage of
them is that a large number can be
cared for in a small space. The
standardized school has the tang of
birth control — one is allowed only a
certain number in a class room.

The remainder of our work is much
the same as at home. In fact you
can carry on as at home if you do
not have the push to go places and
meet the folks in their homes. It
is much easier to do that hei'e. And
as at home it is productive of great
good. — Father Marron, C. S. Sp.

FERNDALE HERALD

With unprecedented splendor the
Departure Ceremony this year was
carried out at St. Patrick's Cathedral,
New York, with His Eminence, Fran-
cis Cardinal Spellman, presiding, and
in the presence of Bishop Metzger of
El Paso, Texas, and Blomjous of

Mwanza, Tanganyika, East Africa,
several Monsignori, many priests and
the student body. Despite an all day
rain, the entire center of the cathe-
dral was occupied. The scholastics
sang the Vespers alternating with
the Cathedral choir at which Very
Rev. Father Collins, provincial, pre-
sided. Fifteen scholastic priests
made their Apostolic Consecration,
nine of whom have been assigned to
Africa. The Cardinal spoke briefly,
but to the point and with his accus-
tomed graciousness.

The Summer schedule finds us with
the scholastics scattered, some at Du-
quesne University Summer School,
others at Pius X School in New York,
several attending the Catholic Action
Congress in Montreal, the majority at
home on vacation, and the minority
still in Femdale, waiting their turn.
Scai-cely had the first group of scho-
lastics left for vacation when forty-
five Fathers took their place for the
first retreat. The following week
the number of guests increased
slightly, affording the visitors a bet-
ter opportunity to shatter our dia-
mond aces. But opportunity was deaf
to numbers and the home team took
the laurels of the day. The first of
seven lay retreats is already a pleas-
ant memory, and after one more
week-end retreat the guard will be
changed.

In between playing hosts to the
regular retreat groups of men, we
do our best to catch up with the sea-
son's chores, and then weekly "get
away fi-om it all" at Keyser Island.
The weather man has been very much
on our side for both swimming and
soft ball games.

Some time ago this column intro-
duced "Muffler," our canine mascot,
who found a home here under the
pretense of being a pure bred Dalma-
tian. (Actually, she was nothing but
a Heinz dog with all 57 varieties.)
Towards the end of April she gave
the chef six more worries. The pups
finally opened their eyes, snooped
around inquisitively and gazed upon
their progenitor. They all gasped;
three took a second look and then
dove into a bucket of water. The dis-
consolate Muffler, after seeing that
the others had a fair start in life,
ended it all with the exhaust pipe of
the old Ford truck. The remaining
trio stuck by one another for a while
until two were adopted by visitors.
Now all that remains is an expand-
ing chunk of ebony. His name?
Well, it had to be one of which Mufl"-

107

OUR PROVIXCl^, AUGUST. 1947

ler could be proud. So, we'd like
you to meet BUMPER.

Since your substitute scribe had
affiliation with another publication —
The Ferndale Crier — he takes the
risk of never again receiving an in-
vitation to contribute to this column
by slipping in a reply to several let-
ters from interested readers of that
competitive journal. Because the staff
had to participate in the final exami-
nations and lend a hand with the or-
dinations and Pentecostal activities,
we were compelled to skip an issue.
However, we promise to make up for
lost time when the regular year be-
gins. Our thanks for the orchids
contained in the number of notes
received.

CHIPS FROM THE ROCK
Rock Castle, Va.

Time marches on. More than half
a century has passed since the com-
ing of the first Holy Ghost Fathers
and the present group to take com-
mand of our new community, St. Em-
ma Military Academy, Rock Castle,
Virginia.

. On July 1, at various intei-vals,
four Fathers and three Brothers re-
ported to their new Superior, Father
Thiefels, and his assistant Father
Joseph Rengers. Brothers Fulrad,
Remigius, and Baldomir coming di-
rectly from Cornwells via the Nor-
folk and Western. Fathers Juliano
and O'Rourke preferred the air-con-
ditioned Seaboard Lines. Having
heard and read so much about Bel-
mead, they set out to see the beau-
ties of the James River, eventual-
ly arriving by way of Powhatan.
Father Keown took full advantage of
Bishop Ireton's gracious invitation
and drove in from Richmond with
Father Hickman of the Chancery Of-
fice. The gem of the day was the
arrival of Father McElroy. Having
purchased a thi'ough ticket from Isle
Brevelle to Rock Castle, he did not
realize that he was in for a boat ride.
The daily mail run consists of a row
boat jaunt from the east side of the
James River. This sudden change of
transportation did not stop Father
Mac. He has been fighting the dan-
gerous Cain River and has been de-
livering the mail down Isle Brevelle
way these past few years.

After night prayers Father Supe-
rior called the first official meeting
of the new community and briefly
revealed his present plans. The very
next dav work began in earnest. Un-

der the supervision of Brother Baldo-
mir the many repair jobs throughout
the entire house got underway. "Ora
et labora" will be the program for
the rest of the summer.

July 4 was declared a holiday. In
the evening Father Thiefels gave the
community a little travelogue program
with his movies of Puerto Rico and
Detroit. A, surprise birthday party
was given Father Keown in the of-
ficers' club. This is the prize room
of the castle. It is really our com-
munity room, with Father Superior's
collection of Madonnas adding to its
attractiveness. The club is wide
open every evening from 2000 hrs.
to 2230 hrs.

The names of Fathers Leonard and
F. Duffy head the list of our first
official visitors. They paid us an
overnight call. However, they were
not prepared to help with the paint
and plaster.

Fathers John Pergl, James Kelly
and James T. Kilbride, will report
later and they will complete our
present roster. Rock Castle stands
high above the picturesque James
River. You can't miss it. Come see
us, won't you?

CORNWELLS

The school year closed June 5. In
the afternoon the junior scholastics
took part in the annual solemn pro-
cession of Coi-pus Christi at the
Motherhouse of the Sisters of the
Blessed Sacrament. On June 6, af-
ter Benediction all left for vacation.
Ten will report to the Novitiate at
Ridgefield on August 1.

Early in July the community had
the sad task of once again opening
a grave for a departed confrere.
Father John M. Haines was laid to
rest in our cemetery on Thursday
afternoon, July 3. Out of deference
to his family, which is entirely non-
catholic, the solemn funeral Mass
was celebrated in Our Lady of Mt.
Carniel Church, Berlin, N. J., their
home town. It was attended by
many Protestants and Catholics. We
express our gratitude to Rev. Thomas
F. Kirk, pastor of Berlin, N. J., for
his extreme kindness to the family of
Father Haines and to all our con-
freres on the occasion of the funeral.
About 30 priests were present to
sing the divine office. The celebrant
of the solemn Mass was Father Pro-
vincial; the deacon was Father Jo-
seph L. Duffy, and the subdeacon.
Father Thomas R. Jones.

For the next six weeks Father
Kettl will be passing on new appli-
cants whose transcripts of credits
from their respective schools are al-
ways superlative. The class sched-
ule for the next year will have to
conform, as usual, to the require-
ments of the State Department of
Education for Secondary Schools,
which are on the anti-classical side.
The courses here must be kept in
line with these requirements so that
the A.B. degree may be granted at
Ferndale, permitting the Fathers in
the Missions and in the parishes to
teach in and preside over the pa-
rochial high schools under their
charge.

Ticker Talk

OT. MARK'S, New York,
N. Y.: Twenty-seven converts were
received into the Church here a few
weeks ago. We were surprised but
well pleased to have twenty-six new
candidates appear for the new in-
struction class. Surprised because
we have found it rather difficult to
get people for instructions during the
hot summer months. About one hun-
dred and sixty received Confirmation.
The annual Parish Pilgrimage to
Graymoor was a grand success.
About three hundred and seventy-five
made the trip. Matinee dances chiefly
for the youngsters have been intro-
duced with success thus far. Our
Drum and Bugle Corps walked off
with a cup at the 369th Regiment
Competition. — Father Stocker.

Wiesbaden, Germany: I spent the
first week of June at Lourdes. It
was a very fine trip and we are now
arranging to take a pilgrimage there
from this area for the Feast of the
Assumption. I hope to crash in on
the local pilgrimage. I have my
sights set on a trip to Rome and
I have hopes of spending a few days
there soon. All is well and we are
now finishing a permanent chapel
that should be ready for dedication
in August. Our ball team is doing
very well and we will meet Father
McAnulty's outfit soon. We play
them at Rhein Main. — Father Haley.

St. Benedict's, Detroit, Mich.: The
Village Council of Inkster voted
unanimously to transfer the title to
the plot of ground comprising ap-
proximately thirty lots on the west

OUR PROVINCE. AUGUST, 1947

108

side of Harrison near Annapolis to
the Archdiocese of Detroit. This
property is in a modern development.
We have, therefore, cancelled our
bid on property elsewhere. The first
class of the summer vacation cate-
chism at Inkster was held recently. —
Father Dietrich.

Rhein/Main Air Base, Germany:
This base is still in the process of
construction. When completed it will
be, perhaps, the largest in Europe.
My work here is spread out over
four communities and it looks as
though I am going to be kept as
busy as I was at Ma.xwell Field in
Alabama when I often had to work
until ten and eleven at night. Cath-
olic chaplains are still a critical item.
At present we have only fourteen
Catholic chaplains in the Air Corps
in Europe and just about the same
number in the States. — Father Mc-
Anulty.

St. James, Alexandria, La.: We
are negotiating to purchase a for-
mer theater for a hall. The Bishop
and I inspected it. If an agreement
can be reached he will pay the bill-
Father Cronenberg-er.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Moreauville,
La.: The Catholic Center is really
beginning to take shape. I am very
pleased with the results. I decided
to add a third class room so that I
might start right out with eight
grades. — Father J. J. Cassidy.

Maryknoll Sisters' Mother House,
Maryknoll, N. Y.: We are most
grateful for all the material you
sent in answer to our request for in-
formation about your missions. The
map is very attractive. We like it
very much. The Holy Ghost Fathers
Mission News is coming now too,
and we are very grateful to receive
it. Africa has become quite a cen-
ter of interest here, now that the
Maryknoll Fathers have begun work
in Tanganylika, but it is so vast and
has such a variety of peoples, cli-
mates, and cultures that we find it
a very big field for study. — Sister
Mary Paul.

New Rochelle, N. Y.: We are
grateful for the letter that you sent
to us concerning the Novena in prep-
aration for Pentecost. We held the
Novena in a simple fashion this year,
but God willing, will do better next
year. — Father F. X. Shea.

Catholic University, Washington,

Continued on page 113

Missiology

Translated from the French of Canon

L. Caperan by Edward McGinley,

C. S. Sp.

w

ITHIN the past twenty-five
years we have witnessed the rise of
a new theological science known as
Missiology. Prior to this, Missiology
as such had no place in the standard
manuals of Theology. The missions
were treated only in as far as they
pertained to the salvation of souls.
But this is no longer so. Missiology
has now begun to take its place among
the branches of Dogma.

In France, three interesting pam-
phlets on this very subject appeared
almost simultaneously. The first, by
Father Henry de Lubac, S.J., is called
"The Theological Foundation of the
.Missions." .The second, written a
short while later by Father Alexan-
der Durand, S.J., is entitled "The
Theological Problem of the Missions."
Canon Glorieux wrote the third,
"Why Must All Catholics Be Mis-
sionaries?"

Synthesis of Father de Lubac, S.J.

Ancient Israel was a living con-
tradiction; on the one hand she pos-
sessed a religion that sought univer-
sal expansion, while on the other she
so guarded herself against outside
influence that her religion became
national. Israel could not sui-vive
unless she undei-went a total trans-
formation by dying to the letter and
being reborn to the spirit. The new
Israel, fruit of this total transforma-
tion, is the Church. In sending His
Apostles to preach the Gospel to
every creature and confiding to them
the mission He had received from the
Father, Jesus spoke as the Son of
God, it is true, but at the same time
He spoke as the son and heir of Mis-
sionary Isi-ael.

In answer to the questions, Why
the missions ? and what is their theo-
logical foundation ? two theories have
been proposed. Both agree that ba-
sically the missionary apostolate is
founded on Christ's command to His
Apostles. It is in their development
that they differ. According to the
first solution, the sah ation of pagans
would be impossible were it not for
the missions. But this seems most
improbable in the face of certain
Church teachings. "The Word en-

lighteneth every man coming into the
world." The second answer is that
missions only make salvation easier.
If we admit this, how can we then
believe that Christianity is absolute-
ly necessary? May Christians con-
tent themselves with making less
effort than pagans? Canon Glorieux
says that the missions bring with
them not only salvation from eternal
death, but also the fulness of life,
which is not something added but is
of the very essence of salvation.

As Pius XI said, the missions are
a work of charity toward God and
toward our neighbor; and we might
add that they are a Christian duty
towarti ourselves. It is the duty of
the Church which is the body of
Christ on earth, to spread the fire of
charity everywhere. And the Chris-
tian participates in the life of the
Church only in as much as he pos-
sesses this same desire . . . "Woe be-
tide me if I preach not the Gospel."
It is only as missionary that the
Church can exist. She must go to all
peoples regardless of person or nation,
to the civilized and the uncivilized.

Divine Charity cannot exist unless
it seeks to exist everywhere. The
Christian, whom the Fathers called
the "Ecclesiastical man" — that is, the
man who is in full accord with the
sentiments of the Church, seeks to
spread this divine charity every-
where. He knows that he can have
it only if he shares it. The infalli-
ble sign, we might say the only sign
by which he can know that he has
this charity is that it impels him to
share it.

The missions have as their imme-
diate object not the conversion and
salvation of souls but the spread of
the Church. Then, where the Church
has been firmly rooted, there men
will find the means necessary to sal-
vation. The final purpose of the
missionary apostolate is the estab-
lishment of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Critical Exposition of Father
Durand, S.J.

As opposed to Father de Lubac's
entirely positive treatment, Father
Durand's is that of a critical exami-
nation. His article on "The Theo-

109

OUR PROVINCE, AUGUST. 19<I7

logical Problem of the Missions" is
divided into two parts: Inquiry and
Discussion, and Positive Justification
of the Missionary' Office.

"Apart from Christ and the Church
there is no salvation." If by this we
are to understand that salvation is
possible only for the faithful who
believe and are baptized, then the
imperative necessity of the missions
is manifest and all discussion is im-
mediately closed. But were that the
case, namely, that only those who
believe and are baptized are saved,
the dogma of the universality of re-
demption would stand in jeopardy.
Faced with this quandary the author
presents three theological solutions
to the problem of salvation for infi-
dels which, he says, "will only re-
echo the problem of the missions."

The first solution: We cannot say
that explicit knowledge of Revelation
is a necessary condition for those
who in fact cannot know it; nor can
we say that it is an optional condi-
tion for those to whom it has been
revealed. For these latter, explicit
adherence to the divine message and
external membership in the Church
becomes a necessity since they see
their obligation. And as to those
others, although the visible Church
is the normal way to salvation, sal-
vation is nevertheless possible with-
out external membership in that in-
stitution, "for there are possible sub-
stitutes for mission activity just as
there are for the sacrament of bap-
tism." But this raises the question
that, though the missionai-y function
is useful, is it really necessary ?
"Why the inescapable duty to preach
Christ and to baptize, if without
these, souls can be saved?"

The second solution: The object
of the missions is to render salvation
more secure and easy. The Chris-
tian has more chance with the grace
he receives from the sacraments and
priestly ministration than the pagan
who is left to himself. This, how-
ever, proves to be but a secondary
and questionable reason, for it is not
the role of the sacraments to dis-
pense with effort nor are they meant
to make the road to heaven less la-
borious. "The gifts of God are re-
ciprocal; more is demanded of him
to whom more has been given."

The third solution: The question
is not one of merely escaping death,
that is, of assured salvation with a
minimum of risks. It is rather a
question of the plentitude of life to

be received, and this plentituile of
life can be realized only if there are
missions, the mission being the con-
tinuation of the work of Redemption.
This solution is more complete than
the others and more satisfying to
the mind.

A Difficulty Arises

But there arises a difficulty com-
mon to all three answers. All three
try to explain the necessity of the
missions by basing it on the utility
of the missions in view of the suc-
cess of the work of redemption. Now,
the salvation and sanctification of
souls depend on the work of man
which is joined to the work of God.
But God's work and man's are not
commensurable; man's part is vastly
inferior to God's. From this Father
Durand draws three conclusions: (1)
God uses the Apostle as an occa-
sional, not an indispensable cause.
(2) The missions are but relatively
necessary and only in view of their
spiritual fruit; in no case are they
absolutely necessary. (3) We cannot
say that the missions are absolutely
necessary because mission activity by
its very definition is neither an ef-
ficient cause nor an indispensable
condition for salvation nor the sole
standard of its spiritual fi-uit.

This profound inquiry induced the
author to base the necessity of the
missions on the fact and on the
economy of the Incarnation. The
Word became flesh that we might be
saved and sanctified; apart from
Christ there is no salvation. The
Incarnation is the mainstay of the
Church; she is the Sacrament of the
Word Incarnate in perpetuating His
Person and in continuing the work
of Redemption. Accomplished on Cal-
vary, the work of Redemption is
continually carried out by the appli-
cation of Christ's merits. The work
of Redemption is an unfolding and
the Church, the society of the Re-
deemed and the insti-ument of salva-
tion, is itself an unfolding. As the
Sacrament of Christ and after His
example, the Church ought to con-
tinue to increase and grow integral-
ly, that is, in body as well as in
soul. And upon these principles is
based the positive justification for
the missionary function.

Considering the Church in its en-
tirety, the necessity and obligation
of mission activity spring from this
principle: "Become what you are."
As the Sacrament of Jesus Christ
she must become not only a haven

for pure spirits and separated souls
but at the same time she must be
a human reality embodied in a visi-
ble institution able to be seen and
kno^^^l by all. It is by missionary
activity that the body of Christ is
progressively expanded. By their veiy
nature the Church and the imposing
fact of the Incarnation require mis-
sionary activity.

Obligation of Individual Christian

Now with reference to the indi-
vidual Christian, the missionary apos-
tolate brings to bear upon each and
everyone an equal obligation. First,
for the sake of that supernatural
brotherhood which should be of con-
cern to each member of the Mystical
Body. Secondly, for the sake of the
economy of Redemption as it was
established by Christ for the salva-
tion, not of each individual person
as such, but of society made up of
individuals. And finally, for the sake
of that all embracing charity de-
maniling our human cooperation in
the divine work of Redemption. The
essential end of the missions is to
incarnate or embody the Church and
to extend it in this visible form all
over the world.

In order to complete his positive
justification of the missions, the au-
thor has but to include in his thesis
the fundamental truth contained in
the three solutions already given.
What relation is there between the
missionary function and the accom-
plishment of Redemption ? Doubtless,
apostolic action has a positive influ-
ence on Redemption's success and is
the normal means of saving souls.
But, although it is necessary and
therefore obliges us it does not oblige
God, Whose action is not subordinate
to ours and Who can at any time
dispense with our help. But our re-
fusal to help would seriously stay
the economy of Redemption, because
its accomplishment depends upon our
accidental help.

(Concluded in next instalment.)

Life is long if you know how to
use it. — Seneca.

One pound of learning retiuires ten
pounds of common sense to apply it.
— Persian Proverb.

A learned man without work is a
cloud without rain. — Arabian Prov-
erb.

OUR PROVINCE. AUGUST, 1947

110

Bulletins

BAY CITY, MICHIGAN
St. Joseph

B

ETWEEN the years 1940-
1946, quite a few changes have taken
place at St. Joseph's, Bay City. Fa-
ther Francis Gres passed to his eter-
nal reward on July 10, 1941, at the
age of 86 years, of which 62 years
were spent in the priesthood. He
had spent 46 years at St. Joseph's
Parish and was indeed beloved by all.

During the year 1941 additional
property was purchased and the con-
vent moved to the new location and
considerably improved and enlarged.
This was done in order that new
classrooms could be added to the
school building and an auditorium
also erected adjoining the present
school building. However, the war
delayed any building and so the fol-
lowing year another building was
purchased and turned to school pur-
poses. At present our first and sec-
ond grades are well taken care of in
this building. In the meantime we
are preparing to go ahead with our
building- program just as soon as
conditions are favorable, as both our
grade and high school are overcrowd-
ed. In addition to the building fund
generous donations have been I'e-
ceived for redecorating the interior
of our church and a conti-act has been
signed with the John Kirsch Co. of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Memorable was the two weeks Mis-
sion conducted by the Holy Ghost
Fathers in Lent 1942. Each year the
Novenas in honor of Our Mother of
Perpetual Help and St. Anne are
sources of untold spritual benefits.

During these five years our Com-
munity has had the chaplaincy of
Mercy Hospital, Bay City. In April,
1942, Father Aloysius J. Roth was
sent here to take over this work but
he was here only a short time when
a fonner illness caused his death.
Father Thomas A. Wrenn was then
appointed chaplain at the hospital
and is still with us. Other changes
in our community took place in 1941
when Father Peter A. Lipinski was
appointed to the Orphanage at Ems-
worth and Father Arthur J. Demers
to St. Joachim's, Detroit. Fathers
Thomas F. Rodgers and Patrick J.
Brennan were then appointeil to
Day City. In 1944, Father Rodgers

was transferred to St. Mary's, De-
troit, Michigan. We, of course, knew
that Father Brennan was not well
but no one realized the seriousness of
his malady until his sudden death on
June 2, 1944. In the Fall of 1944,
Father Paul V. Murray was assigned
to our communiiy and a year later
Father F. X. Williams came. Dur-
ing the war 344 of our boys and 12
gii'ls served in the armed forces of
our country and nineteen of these
boys made the supreme sacrifice.

The work of redecorating the
church was begun in October of this
year and the nave of the church was
completed, new Stations and electric
fixtures installed for Christmas. The
sanctuary will be completed during
January 1947.

Assuredly God has blessed us dur-
ing these years and we are confident
He will continue to do so in the years
to come.

The following statistics from 1940
to the close of 1946 give a rather
accurate picture of the Parish.

Statistics
Families, 840; souls, 3035; mar-
riages, 342; baptisms, 990; converts,
109; confirmations, 6.56; deaths, 340.
— V.G.K.

* * *

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

Our Lady of the Falls

x\. FTER twenty years as pas-
tor of Notre Dame, Father James J.
McGurk was appointed pastor in Ope-
lousas, Louisiana, in 1940. Father
Eugene N. McGuigan came from
Millvale, Pa., to replace him. Father
Albert M. Mehler was also assigned
here. Father James J. Sheridan
served the parish until September
1941. He was succeeded by Father
Edward A. Malloy who remained un-
til June 1942. Father Mehler died
June 20, 1942, frm a blood clot fol-
lowing an operation. His Excellency,
Most Rev. William Griffin, D. D.,
celebrated the solemn pontifical Mass
and spoke the eulogy. Father Henry
J. Montambeau came as assistant
pastor in July 1942. In the fall of
1943 Father Peter I. Maciejewski
raised the staff to three priests.
Father Montambeau was sent, in
.April 1945, to take charge of St.
Augustine's Church in Muskogee, Ok-

lahoma. He was succeeded by Father
Edward J. Recktenwald who remained
until April 1946, then going to Lake
Charles, Louisiana, as pastor. He,
in tuiTi, was replaced by Father
Francis L. Mullin. Notre Dame has
always been very attached to all its
priests.

Notre Dame consists of McDonell
High School with 328 students in at-
tendance, a teaching staff of 10 nuns
(the School Sisters of Notre Dame)
under the direction of Sister M. Ba-
sil, superior and principal, and one
lay teacher, Mr. George Frederick,
athletic director. Since 1940, 464 stu-
dents graduated from the high school,
many of whom advanced to collegiate
and university studies for a variety
of professions. Over 400 from the
parish served in World War II, 9 of
whom made the supreme sacrifice
and one of whom was honored with
the Congressional Medal of Honor
for gallant sen'ice at Leyte.

The grade school, built in 1924,
consists of 16 classrooms and a large
gymnasium. At present 336 stu-
dents attend with 8 sisters on the
faculty.

Each year the plays and oratorical
contests held in our high school au-
ditorium help to bring out the fine
talents of our pupils. McDonnell
High School has won many school
and athletic trophies. They have ex-
celled in debates, apologetics and
Latin contests held under the aus-
pices of the diocese.

The two most important and im-
pressive events of the year are First
Communion Day, the first Sunday of
May, and the annual May Procession
and Crowning of the May Queen
which takes place on the last Sun-
day of May on the church lawn. The
entire student body of both schools
participates in this beautiful cere-
mony, with the First Communicants
numbering about 55, in white, and
the members of the graduating class,
in traditional cap and gown, form-
ing the guard of honor.

The present church, built in 1870,
consecrated and dedicated in Novem-
ber 1S&7, by Bishop Flasch, during
the pastorate of the Very Reverend
F. X. Goldsmith, was called Notre
Dame, Our Lady of the Falls. It has
a seating capacity of 900. The con-
vent, built in 1915, is commodious
and well appointed. The chapel,
renovated recently, is a gem of litur-
gical beauty. The present rectory,
completed in 1936, was built under
the direction of Father McGurk.

11

OUR PROVINCE, AUGUST, 1947

Our winters are especially note-
worthy with the temperature many
degrees below zero. This makes the
heating plant of prime importance.
New underground tunnels have been
constructed and with the aid of the
new steam lines the two Detroit
stokers provide ample heat and pro-
tection to all our parish buildings,
at an annual cost of $3,500.

Besides their religion classes and
other school work, the Fathers have
charge of the County Home for the
poor and give aid elsewhere when
needed. A large parish means many
confessions but, with the Sundays
divided the various societies are able
to approach the Sacraments reg'ular-
ly. Communions average 48,000 a
year with Lent and Advent, May and
November, times of special devotion.

The new shrine in front of the
church, dominating the surrounding
countryside, dedicated to Our Lady
of the Falls in memory of Sister M.
Eligia, who spent her entire re-
ligious life here at Notre Dame, is
a mecca for prayers and good works,
a spiritual powerhouse, and natur-
ally Our Blessed Mother is not slow
to return her graciousness in many
favors.

The final payment ($8,000) on the
debt was made this year. In addi-
tion, improvements costing $44,000
were made during the past three
years through the generosity of the
people and the zeal of the priests.

Notre Dame, Our Lady of the
Falls, high on Catholic Hill overlook-
ing the proud Chippev.a River, is
our ever-loving Mother and power-
ful protectress. To her we owe our
progress in tlie past. Our future is
safe in her keeping. — E. N. McG.

DAYTON, OHIO
St. John

O T. JOHN'S has weathered
the crucial period of its existence.
For many years the Fathers and Sis-
ters lived on charity. However, the
indefatigable zeal of the Fathers, es-
pecially Father Henry J. Thessing,
made possible the present flourishing
condition of the mission.

Since the last account of St. John's
in 1941 Father Thessing had the
school roof repaired at considerable
expense, stokers installed in the
church, school and rectory, eliminat-
ing a great deal of work for himself
as janitor, and redecorated the church

with the aid of two volunteers. All
the buildings were put into excellent
condition and the debt reduced for
the first time.

Father Thessing was ti-ansferred
April 1945 to the genuine sorrow of
his parishioners and the host of
friends he made for the mission.
Father James J. Bradley had assist-
ed the pastor in 1941 and 1942,
Father Ambrose M. Leech, 1942-1943.

Father Joseph A. Pobleschek suc-
ceeded Father Thessing, April 1945.
During his tenure of office the spa-
cious school grounds were covered
with black-top, eliminating both dust
and mud, the buildings w-ere all
painted and a further reduction of
('ebt was made. Father Philip J.
Haggerty was assigned as assistant
in April 1946.

Much of the success in St. John's
is due to the great interest taken by
t'^e Catholics of the 20 parishes in
Dayton, thanks to th efforts of Fa-
thers Edward A. Malloy and Thes-
sing.

The Most Reverend Archbishop's
opinion will soon be sought concern-
ing the establishment of a catecheti-
cal center in the government housing
project about one and one-half miles
away. Eventually a mission chapel
can be erected there. The Lutherans
have already built a church in that
vicinity.

Statistics

Con-

Bap-

Marriages

verts

tisms

Cath.

Mixed

1941 -.

._ 16

4

1

1

1942 __

._ 9

6

2

6

1943..

.. 29

17

2

4

1944 . -

-- IS

10

1

1945 . .

.. 19

13

6

1946- _

- 53

36

1

3

The number of souls is approxi-
mately 340. The enrollment in the
school for several years was capac-
ity, 190; there are now 58 Catholic
children in the school. Thirteen of
our girls and four boys attend the
city's Catholic High Schools. The
first graduates will come out this
year.

St. John's was honored with vis-
its from Fathers Kirk, Schiffgens,
Thessing, Timothy Murphy, Griffin,
O'Brien, Leech, Dwyer, and E. Mo-
roney. Needless to say we appre-
ciated these visits. Let us hope that
in the not too distant future we will
have several communities in the
neighborhood. — J. A. P.

PORTSMOUTH. RHODE ISLAND

St. .\nthony

O INCE our last bulletin, there
have been many happenings in this
as in e\-ery other parish. The at-
tack on Pearl Harbor had its effect
on this as on every other parish. The
poignancy of the war was early
brought home to us by the fact that
among those who lost their lives at
Pearl Harbor was a young man who
had grown up in this parish and
whose mother and brothers and sis-
ters are still members of it. Even
before the entrance of the United
States into the war, we here in
Portsmouth felt the repercussions of
the conflict, for we saw all around
us the daily expansion on a gigantic
scale of the various military and de-
fense plants in the district. More-
over, for a year and a half the Fa-
thers of the parish said Mass each
Sunday and holyday in the Melville
Fueling Station until in 1942 Father
Howard Sammon took up his duties
there as regular Navy Chaplain.

During this period the war effort
brought a large increase in the num-
ber of parishioners with the atten-
dant necessity of increased parochial
work. Many of these newcomers
were employed in the defense plants
of the district and now that the war
is ended, the numbers in the parish
will diminish. It was thought best
during these years to omit the an-
nual Lawn Party which used to be
an outstanding financial and social
event of the summer season. In its
place we conducted a drive for par-
ish funds each year and with grati-
fying success. The usual catechism
class, the vacation religious school,
the work of the Holy Name Society
and the Rosary Society, the annual
Catholic Charity Fund Drive for the
diocese and the usual routine paro-
chial woi-k along with the ministra-
tions of the St. Vincent De Paul So-
city and the Catholic Women's Club
were all well and efficiently con-
ducted. The Most Reverend Bishop
visited the parish in October 1941
and again in May 1944 to administer
the Sacrament of Confirmation to
large classes. In the class of 1944
there were fourteeen converts from
the Naval Station at Melville. It is
also with a great deal of pleasure
that we can lecord that 1945 saw the
last of the debt on both St. An-
thony's and Stella Maris Chapel, and
this without hindering the repairing
and painting necessary on the church
and rectory.

OUR PROVINCE. AUGUST. 1947

112

THE MEMORY OF THE
WAR DEAD

On Pvlay 30, 1946, two side altars
in the church were dedicated as me-
morials to the young men of the
parish, fourteen in number, who lost
their lives in the war. These altars
were presented to the parish by the
returned veterans of World War II.
Each Ai-mistice Day since the close
of World War I the military and
civic organizations of the town turn
out in a body to attend the Memorial
Solemn High Mass and in 1946 they
were joined by most of the returned
veterans of World War II who at-
tended in uniform.

The tradition of hospitality in St.
Anthony's has been carried on and
the hand of welcome has been extend-
ed not only to the confreres in the
district but to those from far and
near. Visitors, clerical and lay, have
been welcomed and we take special
gratification in recording the visits
of Father Provincial, of many of the
Military Chaplains stationed in the
district, of Father Murphy, Provin-
cial of Ireland, and his companion,
Father O'Loughlin, of the Most Rev-
erend Bishop and that of Governor
and Mrs. J. Howard McGrath who
dropped in on us of a Sunday for
an informal cup of coffee after Mass.

The Crib, which during the Christ-
mas season is erected beneath a pine
tree on the lawn outside the church,
attracts many visitors each year.
During the war years the dimout and
blackout forced us to forego the il-
lumination, but with the lifting of
restrictions, we could once more
string rows of colored lights over
the tree and spotlight the figures in
the Crib.

Father James T. Kilbride early
in the war entered the Army as
chaplain and later Father Joseph T.
Keown received his commission as
chaplain in the Navy. Father Daniel
J. Killeen took up his abode in St.
Anthony's and continued his classes
in philosophy and moral theology for
the Benedictines of the Priory. In
October 1945 Father Killeen cele-
brated the silver jubilee of his or-
dination. Father Edward J. Quinn
was with us until failing health com-
pelled him to seek hospitalization. —
D.J.K.

TIVERTON, RHODE ISLAND
St. Christopher

O T. CHRISTOPHER'S, for-
merly a mission of St Anthonv's,

Portsmouth, became a separate par-
ish in 1926.

Starting with some 80 families, the
number has now increased to 210.
There is a slow but steady accre-
tion each year, so that our Catholics
bid fair soon to outdistance in num-
bers and importance the members of
the two sects here. Baptist and Epis-
copalian. Our people are scattered
over a wide area, but, as practically
all have cars, this inconvenience is
considerably lessened.

Our Catholic population is made up
of people of Irish, French-Canadian
and Portuguese descent, the Irish
forming the majority.

Since the last bulletin there is lit-
tle unusual to record. Needless to
say we have the usual parish soci-
eties for men, women, and the young;
and though they all suffered a set-
back during the war years they are
now functioning at full capacity in
numbers and activities.

The Perpetual Novena in honor of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal,
established in 1940, now conducted
by Father Joseph P. Lucey, is well
attended and has brought many fa-
vors and blessings to the parish.

Where there is no Catholic school,
the religious instruction of the chil-
dren is always a source of anxiety.
We meet the situation by taking our
children by bus direct from school,
twice weekly, for an hour of instruc-
tion, given by two Sisters of the Sa-
cred Hearts and four lay teachers,
supervised and aided by Father
Lucey.

Many necessary improvements had
to be made in the rectory and the
Church. The rectory, untouched since
it was acquired in 1926, had to be
renovated room by room. A much
needed oratory was added, where,
with the Bishop's approval, we say
Mass (luring the winter months and
in bad weathei'. New deep-well pumj'
and hot water systems were installed.

The Church was badly shaken by
the last hurricane. Practically the
entire plastering of walls an<l ceiling
had to be renewed, and the whole
interior i-enovated. Kneeler cushions
vvfere installed and rubber tile floor-
ing laid. A new Hammond electric
organ was purchased. The basement
hall was furnished with a public ad-
dress system and rest rooms. Fur-
thermore, the last thousand of an
original debt of thirty thousand was
paid off.

All the above was made possible
largely by the receipts from weekly
benefit parties held in the basement
hall, as the ordinary parish income
would not be sufficient for these pur-
poses.

THE DONKEY

When fishes flew and forest walked
And figs grew upon thoni,

Some moment when the moon was
blood
Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening-
cry

And ears like errant wings.
The devil's walking parody

On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,

Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am
dumb,

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;

One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,

And palms before my feet.

— Chesterton.

Ticker Talk

Continued from page 109

D. C: I have written a review of
"Sacrificare," which you sent me so
kindly. This notice will soon appear
in "The Ecclesiastical Review." I
need not add that the review is a
favorable one — and it is honestly so.
I have been recommending the book
to my studeiits here. — Father Wil-
lian J. Lallou.

Spiritual Directory

Cnnlinued jrom /lage 106

even for a moment the immense
blessing of a vocation to the re-
ligious life? This is a clear indi-
cation of God's desire that we become
saintly priests and saintly apostles.
Can we fail to realize the extreme
importance of a perfect obsei-vance
of the rule ? f^inally, how could we
be filled with joy, zeal and courage
without being ready to forego all
rather than fall short in points of
the rule or fail to have the proper
religious attitude!

113

OUR PROVINCE. AUGUST, 194-;

Our Province

Vol. 16 - No. 9 ^p? ^|f X September, 1947

8^

AVIS DU MOIS . . .

A strange idea of obedience.

JESUS CHRIST AND THE MISSIONARY IDEAL

An ideal is eveything in life: the moving principle,
sustaining iorce, guiding star.

NOTES AND STUDIES ON EAST AFRICA . . .

A trip tilled with uncertainty that led to a mountain
covered with snow.

AND

The Spiritual Directory (Self-abnegation) . . . Missiology
(Reiteration and interpertation) . . . A
Glance at our Books . . . Ticker Talk . . .

FERVOR • CHARITY • SACRIFICE

Our Province

TICKER TALK

September, 1947 D

Vol. 16

No. 9

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November, 1933. by Father C. J.
Plu;ikett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane. N. W..
Washington 11, D. C. U.S.A., and printed by
Westland Printing and Stationery Company.
8414 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland

In This Issue

Ticker Talk 115

Jesus Christ and the Missionary
Ideal 116

Avis Du Mais 117

Notes and Studies on East Africa. 118

The Spiritual Directory 119

Missiology 121

Ourselves Incorporated 122

A Glance At Our Books 124

Official J25

EL MAR, Cal,, (St, Leo's),
The Catholics here are very happy
to have a church building of their
own. A marine barracks building
was purchased and remodeled. The
job was done in about four weeks.
The Protestant minister said that
the Holy Ghost Fathers had arrived
to stay only for a year, sufficient
time in his estimation to take the
people's money from them. He is
not saying that now . , ,

Tulsa, Okla,, (St, Monica's), There
will be a class of twenty-six for bap-
tism about the middle of August , . .

Tuscaloosa, Ala,, (St, Magdalene's).
The school here took first prize in
the activity pictures requested by
Monsignor Byrnes, diocesan director
of schools. Also the school has the
best record in the city of Tuscaloosa
for fire drill in May, The entire
school of over one hundred and fifty-
four children was emptied in thirty
seconds , . .

Chippewa Falls, Wis., (Holy Ghost),
The confirmation class numbered one
hundred and eighty; about thirty of
them converts , , ,

New Orleans, La,, (Holy Ghost),
The sanctuary is about now complet-
ed. New doors and railing add con-
siderably to its beauty , , ,

New York, N. Y, (St, Mark's),

REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Name of Confrere
Father David Fitzgibbon
Brother Marcus Fuchsloch
Father James J. Clarke
Father John Baptist Descours
Father Patrick Carey
Father John Griffin
Father Prosper Geopfert
Father James Richert
Brother Fulbert Heim
Father Joseph A. Baumgartner
Father Xavier Lichtenberger
Father Fridolin Frommherz
Brother Gaudens Schneider
Father Emil Reibel
Father Anthony Rachwalski
Father Patrick J. McCarthy
Father Donat Schloesser

Died

Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.

Oct,
Oct.

1, 1928

6, 1908

7, 1943
9, 1917

Oct. 10, 1886
Oct. 10, 193,5
11, 1914
11, 1918
Oct. 12, 1926
Oct. 12, 1943
Oct. 14, 1921
Oct. 18, 1902
Oct. 23, 1888
Oct. 27, 1907
Oct. 28, 1920
Oct. 29. 1943
Oct. 31, 1914

Age
67
74
50
58
35
79
72
75
64
66
64
29
52
45
55
46
55

Work is proceeding slowly on the new
basement and kitchen in the rec-
tory . . ,

Mansura, La., (Our Lady of Prompt
Succor). One hundred steel folding-
chairs for the new hall were pur-
chased for $5,75 from the War As-
sets Administration, A cement walk
two feet wide and 365 feet long now
runs from the back door of the con-
vent to the school, A Scotph convert
paid for this strip. Two priests sent
donations to help pay for a new
shower bath and to decorate the re-
ception room , , .

Lake Charles, La, (Sacred Heart),
The First Communion Class num-
bered ninety-five. The difficult work
of collecting prizes and supplies for
the annual fair (August 16, 1947)
was taken care of by Father Colvard.
If the fair is a success it will mean
an important addition to the Building
Fund , . .

Grange-over-Sands, England, Fa-
ther Bushinksi is enjoying his vaca-
tion here, A little hay making gives
him the physical exercise he missed
in Rome , . ,

Arecibo, P, R. A new law on raf-
fles will take about $3,000.00 off the
total receipts of our annual raffle.
It was hoped that about $12,000,00
would be made this year. But with
the new tax we will not be able to
reach that goal , . ,

Alexandria, La., (St, James), A
building has been purchased for an
auditorium. It will be named the
Stritch Auditorium , , ,

* * *

Official : The Community at Rock
Castle, Va,, has been named the
Community of the Holy Ghost.

* * *

Pray for Father Bonifazi's mother
who died on July 4, 1947,— R,I,P,

* * *

Father Thomas A. Wrenn died in
Mercy Hospital, Bay City. Mich,,
August 10, 1947. He had been chap-
lain there since 1942. — R.I.P.

115

OUR PROVINCE. SEPTEMBER, 1947

JESUS CHRIST AND THE MISSIONARY IDEAL

x\. LL great men have been
men of great ideals; and, conversely,
great ideals have always been the
mark of great men. Small souls
never conceive ideals because ideals
demand sacrifice as a primary requi-
site, and small souls are incapable
of sacrifice. Sacrifice for its own
sake is senseless. Sacrifice means
something only when directed to a
definite end, and that end is the ideal,
which will demand more sacrifice the
greater it is.

An example. A boy of seven at-
tended a hearing in the forum. "I
will be a great orator," he decided.
This is the ideal. Today, after 2300
years, he is still considered the
world's greatest orator — his name:
Demosthenes. This is the realization
of the ideal.

Between those two shining rings,
however, what a long chain of links
forged in pain and sacrifice. In or-
der to scale those heights he had to
overcome his natural shyness, his
stuttering, weak voice. Before thrill-
ing to the sensation of commanding
a crowd by his words he had to drink
the dregs of failure, ridicule and
scorn. In short, he had to fight in
order to win; to feed his ideal on
sacrifice before bringing it to reali-
zation. Generally speaking, wherever
we see a great sacrifice, a great ideal
usually lies hidden, just as strong
roots are buried beneath a big tree.

If, then, in the life of Jesus Christ,
we notice a great sacrifice: that of
His life, what is the great ideal mo-
tivating it and what its realization?

One author has defined an ideal :
"a kind of mysterious object whose
force attracts and impels us; more,
it disturbs us without our being able
to get away from its constant drive.
It is the invisible, perceived through
the visible and known."

An ideal is everj-thing in life: the
moving principle, sustaining force,
guiding star. Accordingly, in the life
of Christ what is that object whose
force attracts and impels us; more,
speak, torments Him constantly?
Since, discovering this we shall have
found His ideal.

One attentive reading of the Gos-
pel is enough to preclude any possi-
ble error in answering. Christ never
tried to hide it. On the contrary. He
repeated it in season and out of sea-

son: "I came down from heaven not
to do my will but the will of Him
Who sent me (Jo. 6, 38). I do not
seek my will but the will of Him
Who sent me (Jo. 5, 30). In the be-
ginning of the book it is written of
me: I have sought, my God, to do
Thy will, and Thy law is in my
heart (Ps. 29, 9)." Could anything
be clearer?

There is no room for doubt: the
objective, the ideal of Christ is to
fulfill the will of His Father Who is
in heaven. The will of the Father,
then, in sending His Only-begotten
Son into the world is perfectly clear.
He wants the whole human race that
fell in Adam to receive salvation
through His Son. And Christ on
His part in absolute conformity with
the Father desires nothing more than
the redemption of the human race.
That, then, is the main desire, the
ideal of Jesus: to save, and to save
all men.

And since the ideal is eveiything
in life: the moving principle, the sus-
taining force, the guiding star, we
can infer from this that, granting
Christ's ideal was the missionary
ideal : To save every soul — Christ
was as much and more a missionary
than Paul, Xavier and Lavigerie, who
had the same ideal. Even more,
Christ was the one who conceived
this great ideal, who inspired it in
them and in all the Apostles. There-
fore, having the missionary ideal is
identifying oneself with Christ. And
if Christ, "the unsurpassable," as
Renan calls Him, had this ideal, it
must be the most sublime one there
is. And if He consecrated His life
to it and offered His death for it,
no life or death can be more glorious
than the one offered for this ideal.

We could never list all the conse-
quences. Suffice it to say that the
missionary ideal is the very ideal
of God Himself. Can we want more ?

We now have the first shining ring
of the chain: we know Chi-ist's ideal.
Let's look now for the other: the
realization of that ideal. In order to
find it we must count the long line of
links both of pain and of sacrifice —
the necessary condition for realizing
a great ideal.

"The missionary idea — says Fr.
Poulin, S.J. — on God's side is an idea
of redemption, on man's side one of

apostolate. An idea of light and con-
quest. Light which illumines all na-
tions. Conquest which leads all sheep
to the fold."

The ideal, when it is really such,
has a wonderful efficacy because it
is a power that demands realization;
because it is an object presented to
us not as a good that might be but
as a g'ood that must be. Moreover,
if Christ wanted to do the will of
His Father, the salvation of souls. He
wanted also the means to that end:
namely, redemption on the part of
God, apostolate on the part of man.
Light and conquest.

Redemption was God's part; and
Christ was God since His was the re-
demption. Christ could have redeemed
the human race with a single sigh, a
single desire. Yet He sought to re-
deem it by death — on the cross. He
would have performed perfectly the
Father's will by redeeming us from
heaven. Why, then, did He become
man? Because Christ loved. the hu-
man race not only because it was
the will of His Father but because
He Himself loved humanity and con-
tinues to love it with an intense, per-
sonal, unique love which resembles the
human love in man. It is so disin-
terested, so deep, so great! With a
master stroke St. John in his Gospel
paints the love of Christ: "As He
loved His own who were in the world
He loved them to the end (Jo. 13, 1)"
that is, to the limit, to madness . . .

When we love a person, the first
requisite of the heart is to share with
him everything that is given to us,
to make him equal to us. And if it
be impossible for the person to rise
to the level of our demands then the
human heart has a need which does
it honor, for it forgets temporarily
its selfish stand and obliges by de-
scending to the loved person. But
there comes a time when every gift
appears inadequate to love; when it
discovers nothing in all that sur-
rounds it worthy of the loved one;
when, having run through all its
gifts, it finds only one satisfactory
solution, and that is to give itself
entirely, thus exhausting all resources
of its generosity.

The same happened to Our Lord.
His ideal was to accomplish the will
of His Father, or, what amounts to
the same, the salvation of souls. The

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

116

drawing power of this genuine ideal
required only the placing of the nec-
essary means: redemption. But His
infinite love for men required that
He become man, live as man, and
die — less than man, as the worst of
criminals hanging on a cross. Thus
Christ redeemed. Thus the God-man
realized His part in the great ideal.
As for the counterpart, the aposto-
late, He wanted to leave that in the
hands of men, His brothers. He could
Himself have perfected His redemp-
tion in souls. Yet He wanted their
salvation to depend upon men: more
apostles, more souls.

Jesus besides being God was also
man and as such there belonged to
Him a portion of souls that He was
to save by His own apostolate. Was
Christ an Apostle ? The question is
almost silly, knowing as we do that
the three last years of His life on

earth were light and conquest. What
floods of light inundate the earth
from the Sermon on the Mount! What
a conquest was that of the famous
sinner of Magdala; that of the thief
saved during his last moments on
the cross! And at the bottom of it
all: sacrifice: separation from His
Mother, long journeys, hunger, pov-
erty, bitter disappointments . . .

But there remained after the death
of Christ that nearly infinite number
of men not present at the time or
in the place of Our Saviour's minis-
try. In favor of them, Jesus left as
His last testament to His own: "Go
and preach the Gospel to all men all
over the world." And since then hu-
man littleness has been shining with
divine light: to it belongs the task
of making Christ's redemption fruit-
ful through the apostolate. It was
to carry the splendid torch of faith

to the ends of the world. By the sac-
rifice of itself, it would conquer many
other sinners of Magdala, many other
thieves, and lead them to the fold
of the Church.

From this comes the indescribable
greatness of the missionary ideal.
It is the cooperation, human and very
small if you like, but after all neces-
sary according to the divine plan, in
realizing Christ's ideal: the salvation
of souls. It is a sharing in the ideal
of Christ. It is identification with
Christ. It is the means for making
Christ reign in the world.

May these thoughts, and above all
the example of Our Leader, help us
to realize His ideal by means of a
fruitful apostolate: fruitful in souls
and in sacrifice, like every great
ideal. — Xavier Ortiz Monasterio, S.J.
("Nuestra Vida," May 1, 1947).

OPRING and summer bring us
to the time of delayed vacations when
our missionaries, tired in body and
in spirit, return to their native land.

Since the end of the war many
have already taken advantage of this
opportunity. Others will follow from
month to month.

Needless to say, we are pleased to
see them again, we, that is, the
Mother House and the Provincial Ad-
ministrations, and it goes without
saying that, with our meager re-
sources, we do our utmost to give
them a cordial reception, and to
make their stay amongst us as
pleasant as possible. It is neces-
sary, however, in order to avoid all
misunderstandings and all uneasiness,
to remind certain confreres who are
rather forgetful, that there are points
of rule or of custom which they ought
not to break; because — why pass it
over in silence ? — there are some
whose general behavior and conduct,
consciously or not, touches on griev-
ous fault.

There was brought to my atten-
tion, e.g., the case of a confrere who
was authorized by his Superior to
give conferences and collect funds for
the benefit of the house where he
was stationed. I must note, to his
credit, that he achieved excellent re-
sults, but in Cauda venenum; on his
own authority the aforesaid confrere
assigned the amount thus collected,
not to the house for which it was
intended, but to another place with

AVIS DU MOIS

(General Bulletin April-May 1947)

which he had not been connected for
more than ten years. And to cap the
climax, after having disposed of his
money without proper authorization,
this confrere then took things into
his own hands, changed his appoint-
ment on his own authority, anil to
bring everything to a fitting conclu-
sion, after he had carried out his
plans, and crossed over from Amer-
ica to Africa, he then informed his
Superior General by letter of his
decision.

A strange idea of obedience, since
everyone knows — and ought to know
— that according to the Customary
and the Constitutions, it is the right
of the Superior General alone, or of
a Superior delegated by him, to as-
sign individuals to districts and Prov-
inces.

Fortunately this is an extreme case,
for if there were many such the In-
stitute would become impossible! It
would mean simply chaos.

For such wild behavior, the Supe-
rior General had not the heart to
give a penance equal to the offence,
considering that the best punishment
for the culprit was to let him go
scot-free and allow remorse of con-
science to take care of him, for if
any penance, even a severe one,

were once imposed and perfoimed,
the one guilty would almost think
he had a right to do it again.

A sad recital! We should all pray
that a similar brainstorm does not
occur again, that after bitter but
salutary reflections, the guilty party
may atone, by exemplary conduct, for
the bad example given to the con-
freres, for the great anxiety given
to the Superior General, and for his
more or less culpable disobedience in
the sight of God. Let us keep watch
over ourselves! Let us be on our
guard against the spirit of the world,
this spirit of independence and re-
volt, which at the present time dis-
turbs States, Congregations and even
the Church herself.

May our obedience be noble in its
principle, in the sense that, filled
with the spirit of faith, we may be
careful, in doing the will of men —
our Superiors — always to serve our
Father in Heaven, as did Jesus, our
model. "In his quae patris mei sunt
oportet me esse."

And then should we have to suf-
fer, even if almost unto death, we
shall have the courage to work,
wherever we may be, whatever be
our task, as long as it is where God
had placed us. — L. L. H.
* + *

For the lips of the priest shall keep
knowledge, and they shall seek the
law at his mouth; because he is the
angel of the Lord of hosts. — Malach.
2, 7.

117

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER. 1947

NOTES AND STUDIES ON EAST AFRICA

The Discovery of Kilimanjaro (1848)

Ri

.EVEREND J. REBMAN left
the mission of Rabai-Mpya on April
27, 1848, to visit the country of the
"Djaggas". He got nine men to go
with him into this unknown land. He
knew of these Djagga people only
from the natives who came to the
coast for trading purposes. No doubt
these easy mannered natives aroused
his sympathies and made him curious
about their country. Nobody had
mentioned anything to him about
mountains; but he had certainly heard
them speak of the little kingdom of
Kilema and its chief Masaki. Kilema,
then, was his objective.

It is a matter of interest for us
to know that, when our Fathers from
Zanzibar made their first trip to Kili-
manjaro in 1890, their guide took
them directly to Kilema, to their
chief "mangi", who at that time was
Fumba. We can conclude from this
that even at that time, Kilema was
more important than the other dis-
tricts.

The trip was filled with uncertainty.
The country had never been explored
before except by Arab slave-traders.
The two missionaries of Rabai were
the first white men to penetrate these
regions, a long time before the ex-
plorers Burton and Speke, who left
only in 1857 to discover Lake Tan-
ganyika, and who, moreover, were
guided by the information that the
missionaries had gathered from the
Arabs.

(Later, we will mention how these
two missionaries, the only two Euro-
peans on the mainland, lived in Mom-
basa and then in Rabai.)

The year before, they had made
two attempts at penetrating into the
interior. Rebmann went to Kadiaro,
also called Kisigao, and Krapf in Oc-
tober was able to reach the moun-
tains of Taita.

They had to go on foot, under a
boiling sun, across a difficult desert
terrain. They did not know what
harm they might incur from wild
animals and men.

The Arab Governor of Mombasa,
who ruled the coast in the name of
the Sultan of Zanzibar, very reluc-
tantly approved of the trip. He had
his doubts. Nevertheless, seeing that

he was unable to hinder the expedi-
tion, he did what he could to help.
He gave a document, drawn up in
Arabic, which served as a passport
and silenced the opposition of two
Wanyika Chiefs.

Rebmann prepared to leave on April
27th. He had the enthusiasm and
strength of his age (being only 28
years old) and the sincere desire of
spreading the kingdom of God.

The following are some extracts
from his account. (N. B. — His diary
of the trip was published in English
at Lonilon by the Church Missionary
Society, of which he was a member.
I was unable to obtain the original
text. What follows is taken from
a translation printed in 1850 in the
Bulletin of the Paris Geographical
Society.)

April 27 (1848): "After saying a
prayer for the Lord's protection, I
left Rabai-Mpya for Djagga accom-
panied by nine men who had been
engaged for the purpose. I took the
same patli I had followed when in
Kadiaro (Kisigao) and we travelled
west to the vicinity of the moun-
tain; arriving there we turned toward
the northwest, toward another part
of the Taita country called Bura or
Kilema Kibome (the big mountain).
The road leading to it passes by
Baguda, a smaller mountain thickly
wooded and uninhabited. We ar-
rived there on May 1st quite worn
out because my guide took the wrong
road . . .

These regions had for a long time
been overi-un by the Gallas who had
come for water which abounds there
the year round . . . We spent the
night on the exact spot where the
Gallas and Taitas, ten years before,
had slaughtered one another. But
the Wakawa, having been driven out
of the place, the Gallas, who came
there only because of these latter,
remained within their usual boun-
daries, so that now thei'e is no longer
anything to fear from those tribes
wluch had been the scourge of all
East Africa . . .

May 3: "I hoped to reach Bura
Mountain in a few hours . . . From
Maungu the land rises slowly ':owards

Bura . . . Crossing the Madade we

ended our seven-day trek across the
desert and entered the territoiy of
Mt. Bura. . . .

May 4: "We started at 7 o'clock
and for nearly a half hour climbed
the Bura. We were then near their
farms. . . Off to the south and
southwest we noticed the mountains
of Pare and Ugono ( Ugweno ? ) , about
three days hike away. . .

May 10: "We had left Mousag-
nombe (the 9th) about four in the
afternoon in order to continue our
trip towards the "Djagga". Six Tai-
tas accompanied us. . . . We ar-
rived at the small river "Guaro" . . .
We left the banks of the Guaro at
bleak of day and tramped across the
desert, following no fixed path be-
cause my guide, Bwana-Heri, who
was on bad terms with the king of
"Dafeta" (Taveta), was afraid of
entering the territory which has the
only road between Taita and Djagga.

The eleventh of May was the date
on which a white man saw for the
first time the magnificent view of a
huge mountain covered with snow in
the region of the Eijuator.

In the morning of that day the
mountains gradually appeared clearer
and higher. At about ten o'clock
Rsbmann noticed something white
and very conspicuous on the top of
a high mountain. He supposed at
first that it was a very white cloud,
and the gviide was of the same opin-
ion. After walking farther he did
not feel satisfied with that explana-
tion. He asked the guide again. He
replied that there was really a cloud,
but that he did not know what the
white thing could be; perhaps only
the cold. . . Suddenly the missionary
realized that it was — snow!

Having looked at the mountain for
some time, he sat down, took his Bi-
ble and chanced upon a reading in
the Psalms that made a great impres-
sion on his mind.

The scenery at that place was real-
ly grand. In front of him was the
imposing Kilimanjaro, covei'ed with
snow; to the southwest, the massive
mountain of "Ugweno"; on th;^ north-
west the long range of mountains of
"Kikumbulu", the boundary of the
country of Wakamba.

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

118

The young missionary, full of hope
and joy, continued his journey toward
the base of the mountain and Kilema,
the country ruled by the Mangi
Masaki.

(Note — Johann Rebmann, born 1820 in
Gerlingen (Wurtemberg), joined the
Church Missionary Society in Eng-
land, was educated at their college at
Islington and in the summer of 1846
joined Rev. Mr. Krapf who had ar-
rived at Mombasa two years be-
fore.)

The First Relations of the United

States with the East Coast

of Africa

In the first half of the nineteeth
century, a remarkable Iman, or Sul-
tan, ruled the country of Oman in
the southeast of the Arabian Penin-
sula. His name was Seyyid Said, and
his capital was Mascate. He had ex-
tended his authority to the East
Coast of Africa, and made the Is-
land of Zanzibar a kind of colony.
Since 1811 he had a Governor in Zan-
zibar who levied taxes on imports,
consisting mainly of slaves and ivory.
Later on, in 1817, he took up his
regular residence in Zanzibar, re-
taining at the same time control of
Mascate. He developed the island
considerably. Under his administra-
tion, vast plantations of coconuts,
sugar cane and cloves were made

with the help of 8,000 slaves. He
was the owner of several boats built
in Bombay.

The United States Government was
following with interest the begin-
nings of the development of East
Africa. It was quite a new country,
full of possibilities. Already in 1822
the English had made a treaty with
the Iman. It was agreed upon that
English agents could settle in Zanzi-
bar and that the Arabs would not
sell slaves to Christians nor transport
them to European countries.

In 1830 the first American ship ar-
rived in Zanzibar. The Americans
introduced into the countr.v an article
that was to have the most wonderful
success: cotton cloth, universally
known in Africa as "merikani". Thou-
sands of tons have been imported
since that day to clothe the natives
of the interior. "Merikani" has been
for many years an article of exchange
for our missions. Even today "meri-
kani" is still sold in all the Indian
"dukas" throughout the country. It
may come from other countries: the
name will remain. It has been a
great benefit to the natives.

The most remarkable event at Mas-
cate in the year 1833 was the ar-
rival of two American ships the "Pea-
cock" and the "Boxer". On one of
them was a diplomatic agent, Mr. Ed-
mund Roberts. He had charge of

opening negotiations with some coun-
tries in Asia in favor of American
commerce, and was commissioned to
go to Mascate in order to talk with
the Sultan. Commercial operations
had been extended to the coast of
Africa but heavy taxes were levied
on goods and extortions were prac-
ticed by Arab authorities.

The Sultan of Mascate and Zanzi-
bar willingly accepted the American
proposals. A treaty was drawn up
and I'atified in September, 1835. The
American traders received full au-
thorization to settle and trade, and
were granted conditions even more
favorable than those granted to other
foreigners.

.-American consuls were appointed,
first at Zanzibar (1835), then at Mas-
cate, at the end of 1837.

A treaty witli England was signed
May 31, 1839, at Zanzibar and rati-
fied" at Mascate, July 24, 1840. The
first Consul was Captain Hamerton,
appointed in 1841.

A similar treaty was signed with
France, November 4, 1844, and a
French Consul was appointed at the
same date.

The growing importance of the Sul-
tanate had been noticed by the na-
tions. Consequently it was deemed
necessary to establish official and
diplomatic relations. — J. Soul, C.S.Sp.

THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY

If man had neveer fallen
from his original state of sanctity,
we could without hesitation take
pleasure in all the created things
around us and could freely exercise
our powers of mind, will and body,
not only without danger to the life
of God in our souls, but even to our
advantage. For the earth has been
given to man that he may delight in
its gifts while he sojourns here.
"Terram autem dedlt filiis hominum."

God conferred upon man the spirit
of life in order that man might be-
come a creature of living activity. At
first man could face all things not
only with perfect innocence, but all
things actually became for him the
image and likeness of His God, and
served to develop in him the super-
natural life of His Heavenly Father
and Sanctifier.

But after the fall of our first par-
ents and its consequent disorder of

VIII. (1) Further Means of Sanctifi-
cation — Self-Abnegation

nature, all this has changed entirely.
All creation has become for us a
menacing danger, drawing us away
from God, and sowing death in our
soul. Thus, our greatest adversary
is within our very selves, namely, our
evil habits and our unbridled and per-
verted faculties.

Ever since the fall, the use of
creatures holds two dangers for us,
two which will infallibly overcome u.s
if we must depend on our own
strength alone. Either we will suf-
fer spiritual death through the total
loss of the divine life in our souls,
or we will suffer at least a partial
loss, which quite often leads ulti-
mately to a complete separation from
God. To oppose these evils and to
overcome their trends to perdition,
God gives us the powerful aid of

His grace. And that we may fight
with profit and be assured of suc-
cess. He gives us in addition the
means to remain faithful to His
grace. To conquer death and even
to rise again when we have fallen
away from Him through our perver.se
use of creatures, He gives us His
laws. "If thou wilt enter into life,
keep the commandments." And He
said, "Thou shalt not kill; thou shalt
not steal, etc." (Matt. 19, 18). These
laws are minimum requirements, they
are like fragments of bread that pre-
vent a starving man from dying.
They serve as a fence, as exti-eme
limits between life and death, as
curbs on our vices and passions to
keep us from the abyss.

But assure us against a spiritual
death, and to help us recover from
the ills and infirmities of our soul,
to restore the divine life in us in all
its perfection, God has taught us the

119

OUR PROVINCE. SEPTEMBER, 1947

practice of total self-abnegation and
of denying to ourselves any pursuit
of gratification in creatures. "If any-
one wishes to come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his
cross and follow me." (Mark 8, 34).
Let us examine now how abnega-
tion can be efficacious against all the
ills of the soul; why it leads to per-
fect holiness, and to what objects it
is to be extended.

Disorders of the Soul

Self-abnegation is an efficacious
remedy against sin, which is the man-
ifestation of disorder of the soul.
Those who are content with merely
observing the commandments are in
great danger of falling frequently
into sin. They are like men walking-
above a precipice, upon a slope so
steep, that they are constantly drawn
downwards and may easily slide into
the abyss. They do not see, and they
risk mistaking a shadow for a piece
of firm ground. They are unstable
and weak, they stagger, and cannot
keep themselves erect when coming
upon a dangerous pass. They have
no suspicion of danger, or that they
are walking on the edge of an abyss.
They are gay and without misgivings.
Indeed, what a coincidence of fortu-
nate circumstances if they should es-
cape disaster.

But this is the picture of those
who are content with just avoiding
sin, who do not hesitate to permit
themselves every pleasure and grati-
fication, as long as no grave sin is
involved, they actually walk on the
edge of a precipice. They forget that
the lower passions, highly responsive
to pleasure, expose them to frequent
falls into sin in their pursuit of
gratification and enjoyment. This in-
clination is always strong. If even
the most vigilant experience it, how
much more those who, by giving way
to every pleasure have sharpened the
susceptibility of their senses and
quickened their bent for evil! Oc-
casional falls tend to produce habits
of sin, lesser sins are soon followed
by grave sins, which generate per-
manent vices, and soon God will be
abandoned entirely.

The evil is intensified by a darken-
ing of the intelligence as the natural
consequence of attachment to pleas-
ure and gratification. This clouding
of the intelligence often leads to il-
lusions, to blindness of danger, even
if the danger is immediately threat-
ening and overwhelming. The un-
happy man will persuade himself that
there is no sin at all involved, or

only a small fault, while actually the
sin is considerable and staring him
in the face.

Moreover, a certain slackness of
soul soon sets in. All of us, to a
greater or lesser degree, are frail
and infirm of soul. But habitual
seeking of gratification aggravates
our state. Every gratification saps
the strength of our soul, and habits
of self-indulgence enervate us more
and more. With our power of re-
sistance undermined, with our innate
tendency towards evil and with our
intellect darkened by vice, how can
we expect to evade sin when danger
arises The only certain protection
against falling into sin and losing
one's soul is abnegation of self and
of all creatures.

Some there are who say that they
abhor mortal sin and would die rather
than commit even one; that they are
continually on their guard, and that
they scrupulously shun all pleasures
that are forbidden under pain of mor-
tal sin. They would not admit, even
to themselves, that they are actually
indifferent toward venial sin, that
fundamentally, though without being
quite clear about it, they give little
attention to so-called "light" sins.
These people are in real danger, and,
if they continue to hold this attitude,
they may suffer a frightful surprise
when they face their Sovereign Judge.

What is the cause of this ease with
which people ignore venial sin? Is it
not that they refuse to forego the
pleasures of this life, that they wish
to be undisturbed and to gratify ev-
ery whim ? And yet there is only
one certain way of salvation — self-
denial.

Attachments of the Heart

Others aim highei-. They make
firm and lasting resolutions to avoid
even venial sin. If they were told
that what they are about to do was
a venial sin, they would not do it,
even if it meant pain, sadness or
murmurings. But they do not want
to offend God in any way. As a rule
people in such dispositions would re-
fuse to commit imperfections. How-
ever, notice that they do not wish to
renounce pleasures and licit gratifi-
cations. They allow themselves as
many of these as circumstances per-
mit. Moreover, they do not really
make an earnest war against their de-
fects. Well, such fall every day into
numerous venial sins, and they may
easily commit grievous faults, which
to their minds, are merely light faults
or pei'haps even only imperfections.

They pay no attention to the at-
tachments of the heart, they do not
advert to the sources of pride and
selfishness, nor to the defects of their
character. Hence, as they advance in
age, they become more attached to
themselves, they become more and
more imperfect and wanting in every
way.

If we consider the entanglement of
all the evils that strive to overwhelm
us, would we not look for more ef-
ficacious means to weed out sin from
our souls? Now there is one means
and only one — abnegation. It is
true, we can save ourselves by keep-
ing- God's law, but the means of ob-
serving His law is abnegation.

Two Defects

There are two defects in such a
calculating attitude, which would de-
cide human acts merely in view of
their not constituting a mortal or
venial sin or an imperfection, and
it is just such a frame of mind,
which dooms to failure even those
who would work earnestly at their
perfection and who would never want
to offend God.

First, such a disposition remains
purely theoretical, and is maintained
through semi-conscious imagination,
without giving rise to any practical
application. The desire to be per-
fect exists together with a disregard
for one's attachments, defects ami
shortcomings !

The second defect lies in this that
while really wishing to become per-
fect, we pay attention only to acts
which are forbidden under pain of
mortal or venial sin, or which are
clearly imperfect. But we totally
disregard the fact that it is almost
impossible to remain free from fre-
quent venial sins, and even from oc-
casional mortal sin, while we remain
attached to ourselves, bent on enjoy-
ing the world without trying to root
out our pride and overcome our faults
of character; instead of firmly and
constantly resisting the disorders of
the lower appetities, we give free
rein to the restless cravings of the
soul, even for things that are lawful.

In this war which we must wage
against the enemies that are within
us, we cannot limit ourselves to
half-measures. We must fight ener-
getically and generously on every
point where the enemy's presence is
felt or may be found. In short, the
only really powerful remedy we can
apply to all our ills is self-abne-
gation.

Continued on page 124

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

120

MISSIOLOGY

I.

[N SUMMARY, the basic rea-
son justifying the necessity and obli-
gation of the missions is that they
have foK their purpose the formation
of a visible Church, with the I'esult
that an essential element in the re-
demptive economy is constituted. The
salutary fruitfulness of the missions
is only an added reason for granting
the exercise of that function.

Reiteration of the Problem
Of the Missions

An analysis of these two works
("The Theological Foundation of the
Missions," by Father Henry de Lu-
bac, S. J., and "The Theological Prob-
lem of the Missions," by Father Alex-
ander Durand, S.J.), discovers im-
mediately their difference. The theo-
logical synthesis of Father de Lubac
is chiefly a religious history: he
pictures for us the great brilliant and
piercing shafts by which the unpar-
alleled spiritual revolution of Chris-
tianity resolved the living contradic-
tion of ancient Israel by vivifying
missionary expansion, essential to
the very being of the Catholic
Church. From this point of view
the last command of the risen Christ
says all. This command is peremp-
tory and the missions were founded
by the same charter as the Church;
the will of Christ must be executed.
The author considers the necessity
of the missions for the salvation of
infidels only to explain the causes of
the work of the missions and not the
causes of their existence.

The synthesis of Father Durand pre-
fers to consider the dogma of the
Incarnation. For him the problem
of the salvation only reechoes the
problem of the missions. His an-
swer emphasizes the sovereign inde-
pendence of God in dispensing the
fruit of Redemption, without at all
diminishing the necessity of mission
activity which is the normal but not
the only means of redemption. Yet
we regret to say that in his explana-
tion of the expression "outside the
Church there is no salvation" the au-
thor lacks a pi-eciseness demanded
by dogmatic truth as well as by his
own doctrine. But to have revived
the exact meaning of this phrase is
an improvement in the theology of
the twentieth century. It means that
one must belong to the visible Church
— to the very body of the Church —

not only from necessity of precept
but also from necessity of means.
It is with the Church as it is with
baptism, by which we enter the
Church.

But we cannot be content with
saying as Father Durand does in two
instances, that one can belong to the
soul of the Church and so be saved,
without belonging to the body. Al-
though we will say, and with good
reason, that a man can be saved by
faith and charity without belonging
officially to the Catholic communion,
we will not venture to state that it
suffices to belong to the soul of the
Church. Even though he be igno-
rant of the Gospel, implicitly he
wishes to be incorporated in Christ
and to belong to that Church which
Christ founded for the salvation of
all. Father Durand urges us to es-
chew both the christological and ec-
clesiological doctrines. Since the true
Church is not a haven for pure spir-
its, we would be dangerously misled
were we to address ourselves to the
soul without wishing to pass through
the body. In the same way the su-
pei-natural life takes to itself those
men of good will who cannot know
the Gospel. Therefore they partici-
pate in the life of grace and belong,
by desire, to the body of the Church.

Interpretation of Canon Glorieux

Father Durand had a predecessor
in his woi-k on the problem of the
missions and the problem of the sal-
vation of infidels in the person of the
Dean of the Facult.v of Theology at
the Catholic University of Lille. Canon
Glorieux had already, twelve years
before, treated of these two subjects
in their relation to each other. He
entitled his work, "The Necessity of
the Missions, Or the Problem of the
Salvation of Infidels," a work whose
title might better have been, "The
Necessity of the Missions and the
Salvation of Infidels." Yet to<lay the
thought of nearly one billion and a
half non-Christians preys upon the
apostolic soul of Canon Glorieux, and
in the new booklet which he gave
to the Auxiliary Society of the Mis-
sions puts forth the burning ques-
tion: "Why Must All Catholics Be
Missionaries?" Of course he does
not say that all are called to the mis-
sionary apostolate in its specific form
but all do have a mission vocation

and are obliged to an active part in
spreading the Church throughout the
world.

The author begins by recalling a
noteworthy article by Father Hugue-
ny on the informative report of a
missionary statement. But informa-
tive is hardly the word here; it
would be better to say astounding or
calamitous. To think that after two
thousand years of Christianity there
are only 770,000,000 Christians to
1,350,000,000 non-Christians, and 400,-
000,000 Catholics to 370,000,000 non-
Catholic Christians! Ought not the
heart-rending considerations and
plaintive cries which Peguy sent up
to his Joan of Arc at the thought of
eternal damnation take on a more
tragic accent at the thought of mil-
lions of men left unenlightened by
the Gospel ?

Happily, the teaching of the Church
on the salvation of infidels consoles
us with some heartening truths. First
there is God's will whereby He saves
those who do what they can. God
never refuses the grace necessary for
salvation. Then in reference to the
necessity of baptism in communion
with the visible Church, there is the
adequacy of an implicit desire in-
cluded in the general intention to
carry out the Divine Will. Finally,
there is the possibility for the soul
in good faith to supply, even without
a knowledge of Christ and the Gospel,
the conditions requii-ed for salvation.
In faith and love are implied the de-
sire to do all that God wishes and
hence to accept salvation from. Christ
and to be incorporated in Him. All
that is necessary in the revealed
truths can be known by all, if not by
Christian i-evelation at least in those
disclosures made by a primitive reve-
lation to man. All these are not the
gratuitous suppositions of theologians
dismayed at the alarming statistics
of missionary reports, but the consol-
ing doctrine of the Church.

And yet by the very fact of its re-
assuring character this doctrinal
presentation raises an objection to
the missionary apostolate. If it is
true that infidels receiving the grace
necessary for salvation can arrive at
the true faith, why speak of an obli-
gation for mission activity ? And
is it not wrong in some cases to bur-
den a pagan with new responsibili-
ties when it would seem better to

121

OUR PROVINCK. SEPTEMBER. 1947

leave him in good faith? Instead of
avoiding the difficulty, Canon Glo-
rieux makes use of it to put the
question of the missions and their
necessity in a more interesting iight.
What are the dogmatic and theologi-
cal foundations on which the Church
bases her vigilant determination to
promote the work of the missions and
on which she bases the formal pre-
cepts binding on all of the faithful to
take an interest and an active part
in the missions ?

The fundamental doctrine of the
missionary apostolate is that its pri-
mary end is the eternal lot of bil-
lions of human beings. Then there
is the question of the plentitude of
life here and in eternity. Were we
to reduce the problem to the alterna-
tive of life and death we woulti per-
haps hesitate to say that the mis-
sions were necessary, seeing that pa-
gans can find elsewhere the means
necessary for salvation. But we can-
not hesitate when we consider the
eternal life positively and see the
necessary union and correlative pro-
gression of these three terms: life,
happiness, and the glory of God. The
problem of the missions is then
grasped in its fullest force.

The immense riches possible in the
life of grace and therefore in the
life of glory are oftentimes found
to be jeopardized where the mission-
ary effort is lacking.

Then Canon Glorieux returns to
the question of life and death. With-
out taking back what he has said on
the possibility of salvation for all
men of good will: "According to
what we see in practice," he says,
"there is a great distance between
theoretical possibility and effective
salvation." Privileged in all re-
spects, with a know-ledge of Christ
and the Gospel, with the help of the
Church and the sacraments, with the
benefit of twenty centuries of Chris-
tianity, we see how difficult it is for
a son of man to live as a child of
God. But think of the plight of the
pagan! The absence of the mission-
ary activity might well mean eter-
nal death for him; at any rate a pre-
carious and poor spiritual life. How-
ever, the Savior has given all that
He possibly can that mankind might
be saved. All, and especially His
Church, the last element in our prob-
lem. It was not for us alone that
Christ instituted the Church as the
principle of unity and the dispensa-
trix of life; it was for the whole of
mankind. According to the Divine
plan the Church must be spread

throughout the whole world and make
every place her home. She must
place herself entirely at the sen'ice
of men by continuing Christ's mis-
sion; and she must bring them to
their home, this being the work of
Redemption.

We come now to the author's main
proposition: That establishment of
the Church with its whole salutary
organization, that implantation of a
visible society with invisible riches,
a teniler answer of Christ's love to
the needs of men, is properly speak-
ing the work of the missions. The
missions will last until the Church
is spread throughout the whole world
and even then they will continue to
implant it more fleeply in the hearts
of men by Catholic Action.

This conclusion is one which would
be expected from the master and
apostle of Jocist spirituality in
France and who is deeply imbued
with the doctrine of the Mystical
Body. As members of the Mystical

Body we are bound in chai-ity to do
all in our power to help the pagan.
We would fail in our duty to Christ
and to our neighbor if we failed to
interest ourselves in the work of the
missions; we would fail as well in
justice. The body of Christ does not
admit of members who are merely
parasites. We have received; we must
give in return. And finally there is
the duty of religion. To extend the
body of Christ is incumbent not only
on the Pope, on priests, and on mis-
sionaries, but upon all. We must
as far as we can cooperate in its
growth. The Church has life and is
the bearer of life. The lofty idea of
the Mystical Body ought to induce
those who love Christ the Head to de-
vote themselves to the whole Christ,
and in a special way to the most
poor and remote. Knowing all this,
these missionary statements ought to
provoke not depressing and sterile
dismay but rather profitable stimula-
tion and fruitful resolutions.

Ourselves Incorporated

DUQUESNE DOINGS

At a special convocation on May
2.5, Governor James H. Dulf, of Penn-
sylvania, and Eugene Cai'dinal Tisse-
rant, Cardinal Protector of the By-
zantine Rites, were presented with
honorary degrees. Bishop Hugh C.
Boyle, chancellor of the University,
conferred the degrees.

At the regular annual commence-
ment on June 9, the University con-
ferred degrees upon United States
Senator from Maryland, Herbert R.
O'Connor and Major General Thomas
J. Hanley, Jr., commander of the
Eleventh Army Air Force. 250 stu-
dents were graduated in course.

The funeral of Very Rev. Raymond
V. Kirk, former president, was held
in the University Chapel on May 31
with Father Provincial as celebrant.
The month's mind mass was cele-
brated on July 1, with friends, alum-
ni, relatives, the entire student body
and faculty in attendance.

The University is the beneficiary
of several wills. Father Kirk's es-
tate bequeathed $5,000, Louis C. Bih-
ler, former assistant to the presi-
dent of the Carnegie Steel Company,
$3,000, and Rev. Dr. James A. W.
Reeves, late president of Seton Hill
College, and friend of the Holy
Ghost Fathers, an undisclosed sum.

Official Summer School statistics:
total eniollment for the six, nine- and
twelve-week sessions was 2,433, 1,313
of them veterans. The three-weeks
post-session, beginning August 10,
is expected to add to this already
record-breaking figure.

Summer Commencement took place
in the University Chapel on August
8. Father William E. O'Donnell
preached the baccalaureate sermon as
degrees were conferred on 76 stu-
dents. Seventeen of the degrees were
for master's work.

Construction has begun on three
temporary buildings to accommodate
the 4,000 veterans expected to en-
roll at Duquesne University in Sep-
tember. Two buildings, 130x29'^
feet, two stories high, have been
transported from Fort Washington,
Md. One building will be used as a
laboratory for chemistry and biology
and the other for a Student Activities
Lounge. A third building, 229x40,
two stories high, will be transported
from the Susquehanna Ordnance Sub-
depot at Williamsport, Pa., and will
be partitioned into 25 rooms for
classes.

Under the Lanham Act, which pro-
vides for Veterans Educational Fa-
cilities, the Federal Works Agency
is authorized to dis-assemble, trans-

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

122

port and re-erect existing temporary
buildings. This is done witliout cost
to tlie scliool except in cases wliere
substantial structure changes are re-
quested. The FWA also equips the
buildings with whatever material is
available as surplus government pro-
erty.

RIDGEFIELD

We have now entered upon the last
month of the novitiate year. Every-
thing is coming to a climax. The
most unique, strange and wonderful
year of our young lives is drawing
to a close. It all seems like a dream,
retreat, reception, Rodriguez, Christ-
mas holidays. Holy Week, the Jubilee
and now profession. A whole year
as if squeezed into an amazing dream.
At last the tempo has quickened, the
focus has centered on the feast of
the Assumption.

In June we entered upon the sum-
mer rule. July seemed so short, and
yet a great deal was packed into
tliat last heave. After a solid year
of sweat and blood and brain power
and mortar mixing, the animals
moved into the new bam. Perhaps
Father Master could have been ex-
cused a pardonable smile of pride
as he raised his hands in blessing
over the barn and livestock — "Benedi-
cite omnes bestiae et pecora. Dom-
ino," he said, and our hearts echoed
the prayer.

The farm work, the garden work
and all the work had to give way as
we novices had our last innocent
splurge before profession, before the
new postulants arrived — our picnic at
Ustace's, our hike to Lake Mama-
nasco. Ridgefield memories will be
the sweeter because of them. Tanned,
tired and happy we returned from
both of them, just a little more re-
freshed for what remains, just a lit-
tle more eager for profession.

And finally it was time to spruce
up the house and grounds for the new
arrivals. We sincerely welcomed the
new postulants, as they arrived at
the novitiate. We watched them en-
ter, bewildered, amazed, just as we
did one year ago. It did not take
them long to get into the swing of
things. And fresh from the world
as they were they proved a little too
much for us in the soft-ball series.
Likewise, used to exercise as we are,
our walks proved a little too much
for them. After a few joyous days
of simple and innocent gaiety, peace
and quiet once again settled down

over the novitiate as the big retreat,
our last one here, began. And now
there are but few days left. In a
little while we will leave this heaven-
haven in the foothills of the Berk-
shires. The day of our self-annihi-
lation is at hand.

FERNDALE HERALD

A very pleasant but busy summer
best characterizes these days in Fern-
dale, with ideal weather and numer-
ous large retreats. Cut to the pro-
verbial skeleton crew by summer
schools and vacations and graduation
in the form of Apostolic Consecration,
the first group of scholastics effi-
ciently served two retreats for our
Fathers and two retreats for laymen
before taking their turn on vacation.
July 17th found the road to Ferndale
laden with two-way traffic, and a
new group of scholastics ready for
their stint. Five week-end retreats
of formidable size plus one for boys
falls to their lot. Onerous as are the
duties of these retreats, so great is
the satisfaction of the men and so
productive of good are they, that no
one would begrudge his best efforts.
Included in those efl'orts, however, is
the fervent prayer that time and cir-
cumstance will hasten the day of a
separate retreat house.

Perpetual Vows were taken by our
First Theologians on July 16, who
were professed out of due season af-
ter an accelerated war-time course.
Present novices are back on schedule,
and we await August 1.5 to welcome
to Ferndale eight newly professed
scholastics. Eight can hardly replace
fifteen who made their Apostolic Con-
secration last June, not to speak of
Messrs. Malinowski, Feeley and
Bushinsky who will go to Fribourg
in September, but we'll struggle
along. If less hands for work, there
will be less mouths to feed.

Keyser Island may not be the most
wonderful watering place in the
world, but it still rates highly with
the scholastics, and succeeding weeks
find us enjoying the hospitality of
the Jesuit Fathers and pleasant as-
sociation with the Jesuit scholastics.

My people have been silent, because
they had no knowledge; because thou
hast rejected knowledge, I will re-
ject thee, that thou shalt not do the
office of priesthood to me; and thou
has forgotten the law of thy God,
I also will forget thy children. — Osee
4, 6.

CHIPS FROM THE ROCK

Our first month here at the "Rock'"
is now a part of its ever growing
history. Within a short space of
thirty-one days many things have
been accomplished. Father Superior's
orders have been carried out to the
letter. The roof of the castle was the
first big job; then the interior of the
house, and finally the big kitchen of
the school. This was more than a
man's size job and Brothers Baldomir,
Remigius, and Fulrad deserve a world
of praise for their efforts. Fathers
Schreier, McElroy, Juliano, and
O'Rourke proved to be very helpful
assistants. As we go to press we are
very happy to announce that the work
program is far ahead of schedule.

Our list of visitors has increased a
hundredfold. During the past month
the Very Rev. Father Provincial and
Father Eugene Lavery spent two
pleasant days with the community.
Fathers V. Gallagher, W. Hogan, and
F. Duffy stopped in on their way to
Norfolk. We had to hide a lot of our
\aluable antiques from this group.
They are picking up anything and
everything for a greater Duquesne.
Nice work boys. Father William P.
Murray from Sanford came up for a
few days rest and more than enjoyed
the atmosphere of the castle. Father
"Jerry" Walsh is with us at present
lending a very helpful hand in lining
up the various classes and schedules
for the coming school year.

September is the month for real
ripe and tasty Virginia corn. We had
planned to invite as many down as
possible for a real corn roast. These
plans were suddenly changed a few
weeks ago when a terrific hail storm
destroyed most of our crop. Of course,
don't ever let a little thing like a
special invitation stop you from com-
ing down to see us. The James River
Local leaves Richmond at 5:15 p.m.
daily. Our boat sei'vice from St.
Emma's to Rock Castle station has
no set schedule: so just give us a ring.
You will more than like the "Rock".

But I chastise my body, and bring
it into subjection; lest perhaps when
I have preached to others I myself
should become a castaway. — 1 Cor.
9, 27.

For we preach not ourselves, but
Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves
your servants through Jesus. — 2 Cor.
9, 27.

123

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

A GLANCE AT OUR BOOKS

Latest Thoughts of Two Great
Spiritual Writers, by E. Leen, C.S.
Sp., and J. Kearney, C.S.Sp. (Clon-
more & Reynolds, Dublin, Price
10/6).

If we weigh books both by their
subject matter and by the revela-
tion they make of the minds of their
authors, this work is of outstanding
interest. As regards the subject-
matter, we have here the latest
thoughts of two great spiritual
writers on the most sublime of God's
creatures, — we have here their expo-
sition of the role of our Blessetl
Mother in the spiritual life, their ap-
pealing description of her maternal
care and power and of the nature of
devotion to her Immaculate Heart.
The light thus thrown on the minds
of the authors is reinforced by Fa-
ther Fennelly's valuable Foreword,
which also indicates the principle of
unity in the volume.

Father Fennelly presents the work
"as a wreath laid on the tomb of
two departed friends in a sincere but
inadequate attempt to give effect to
their holy wish of communicating to
the world their thoughts on Our
Lady."

While Father Leen is a leader
among the writers who treat of the
intellectual aspect of the spiritual
life, Father Kearney may be said
to be a "liaison officer" linking to-
gether by his simplicity, clarity and
sympathy many of the average peo-
ple who might remain apart from
the more intellectual appeal of his
confrere. The kinship and unity of
purpose that existed between these
two saintly authors emerges impres-
sively in the present volume. It is
a single, distinct message about the
glory of Mar>', and our relations
with her.

Part I is a series of "Talks" de-
livered by Father Leen on various oc-
casions. The chapter titles give some
idea of the various facets that are
presented — "The New Eve," "Spouse
of The Holy Ghost," "Mother and
Child," "Mother of Sorrows," "Queen
of Apostles," are some of these ti-
tles. To survey the varied merits of
each chapter would be impossible,
each has its special appeal, and
throughout, in the frequent iteration
of the main theme — the reality of
Mary's Motherhood — appears the ma-
turity, completeness and simplicity of

spiritual vision which constitutes Fa-
ther Leen's fundamental claim to
greatness as a spiritual writer.

In Part II are reproduced Father
Kearney's Conferences on the Im-
maculate Heart of Mary given to va-
rious audiences. The nature of De-
votion to the Immaculate Heart is
treated in chapters of remarkable
beauty, and in two concluding chap-
ters ("Mary, Full of Grace, Humble
of Heart" and "Mary, Blessed
Amongst Women") we find combined
in unusual harmony, delicate spiritual
perception and clarity and Doric sim-
plicity of style.

It is the special praise of this vol-
ume that it combines the merits of
all that is best in the writings of
two distinguished spiritual writers,
while it recaptures the zest and unc-
tion of their spoken words. Father
Fennelly is to be thanked for this
invaluable contribution to Marian de-
votion; and the publishers are to be
congratulated on the production of
this "book of all time." — M.C. The
Standard (Dublin, June 6, 1947).

The Ragpickers' Priest, by Fr. Jo-
seph A. Mullins, C.S.Sp.; Cork: Mer-
eier Press Ltd., 1946, pp. 103, $1.50.

This is the biography of a priest of
our own times whose life is curi-
ously like that of St. John Vianney.
Father Edouard Lamy (1853-1931)'
was the parish priest of La Cour-
neuve, an industrial slum on the out-
skirts of Paris. There he lived in
poverty, among a people, indifferent
both to God and anyone claiming to
teach in His name. Years of prayer,
and suffering among them finally
convinced them of the sincerity of
Fr. Lamy's message to them. The
story is an inspiring one. It ^\^ll re-
new the faith of the secular priests
in the greatness of their vocation.
It will encourage them when their
work seems to fail. For every priest,
it can be a repetition of the age-
old "An alii, cur non ego." — J.O.M.
The Priest (August, 1947).

Our Lady of Guadalupe, by the
Rev. George Lee, C.S.Sp. (N. Y.,
Catholic Book Publishing Co., S2).

Our Lady of Guadalupe was in-
tended to be, and should be, the pa-
troness of all the Americas, not sim-

ply of Mexico or of Spanish America.
With this aspiration Father Lee has
given to U. S. Catholics in a com-
pact and readable little volume, based
largely upon Mexican records, the
story of Guadalupe, from the appear-
ance of Our Lady to Juan Diego in
1534 to the present day. Included
are an extensive account of the mira-
cles worked in the shi-ine through the
centuries, the pronouncements of the
Holy See in their regard, and the
attitude of present-day Mexicans.
This, as far as we know, is the only
popular book in English dealing with
all aspects of this devotion. — The
Register (June 1, 1947).

Spiritual Directory

Continued from page 120

Even if we undertake such a fight
sincerely and effectively, we must
always remember that it is a de-
fensive warfare. If we were in a
well-fortified place which an enemy
had great difficulty in taking, we
would be justified in contenting our-
selves with remaining on the defen-
sive. But this is not the proper
strategy against spiritual enemies.
Our soul is a camp which the enemy
desires to take. We are defending
the camp, but we are on an incline,
with the enemy holding the heights.
If we content ourselves with remain-
ing on the defensive, we shall lose
ground continually and will be in
danger of being hurled down.

In such a difficult position, facing
numerous and powerful enemies, we
can be victorious only if we take
the offensive. "The kingdom of God
suffers violence, and the violent bear
it away." We must attack and pur-
sue the enemy until he is destroyed.
"I will pursue my enemies and will
not go back till they are vanquished."
That means that we must apply our-
selves to complete abnegation as an
attack on the entire enemy camp in
all its points; it means constant and
persevering abnegation until the en-
emy is completely routed.

(To be continued)

It takes 65 muscles of the face to
produce a frown and only 14 muscles
to produce a smile. — Anonymous.

OUR PROVINCE. SEPTEMBER. 1947

124

Father J. A. Pobleschek, Bay City,

Mich., Mercy Hospital, chaplain.
Father E. N. McGuigan, Tuscaloosa,

Ala., St. John, pastor, bursar.
Father H. P. Thiefels, Rock Castle,

Va., superior (July 29, 1947).
Father A. M. Bednarczyk, Hot

Springs National Park, Ark.
Father C. B. Hannigan, Philadelphia,
Pa., St. Joseph's House, athletic
director.
Father T. J. Wrenn, Detroit, Michi-
gan, St. Mary.
Father F. H. McGlynn, Ferndale, su-
perior (July 29, 1947).
Father M. F. Mulvoy, Tuscaloosa, Al-
abama, University of Alabama,
chaplain.
Father T. C. Dooley, Ft. Smith, Ark.,

pastor, bursar.
Father J. J. Manning, Chippewa Falls,

Wis., Notre Dame, pastor.
Father J. A. Strmiska, Opelousas, La.,

pastor.
Father J. F. McCaffrey, Alexandria,

La.
Father E. L. Lavery, Natchitoches,

La., pastor.
Father J. A. McGoldrick, Natchitoches,

La., bursar.
Father E. F. Dooley, Ft. Smith, Ark.
Father H. J. Frederick, St. Mary,

Detroit, Mich., bursar.
Father E. F. Wilson, Ridgefield,

Conn., bursar.
Father E. J. Leonard, Detroit, Mich.,

Sacred Heart.
Father J. P. Lucey, Ferndale, assis-
tant mission procurator, assistant
director of vocations.
Father J. F. Sweeney, Juncos, Puerto

Rico, pastor.
Father D. P. Dougherty, Washing-
ton, D. C, assistant mission procu-
rator, director of vocations.
Father J. J. Friel, Toa Alta, Puerto

Rico.
Father E. F. Kirkwood, Ferndale.
Father E. E. Moroney, Opelousas, La.,

bursar.
Father P. A. O'Donnell, Isle Brevelle,

Louisana.
Father J. J. McHugh, Juncos, Puerto

Rico, bursar.
Father J. J. Gallagher, Lake Charles,

La., bursar.
Father R. F. Shanahan, Tiverton,

R. L, bursar.
Father W. S. Mroz, Arecibo, Puerto

Rico, bursar.
Father R. L. Heim, New York, N. Y.
Father C. T. Behl, Opelousas, La.
Father J. J. Murray, New Iberia, La.

OFFICIAL

New Addresses:

Cable address: Episcopus, (Bishop
Byrne) Tanganyika, East Africa.

Our Lady of the Valley, 309 E.
Whittier Avenue, Hemet, Calif.

Father E. L. A. Fisher, APO 958,
San Francisco, California.

Arrivals:

Newark Airport, New Jersey, July
17, via PAA and EAL, from Haiti
via Miami, Brothers Gabriel Ber-
thaud, Leonce Fidaniel, Cosme La-
guerre and Messrs. John Claude Ba-
jeu.x and Gerard Bissainthe, novices,
en route to France.

St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada,
July 20, on the SS. Wesleyan Vic-
tory, Robin Line, Father S. J. De-
laney, from Mombasa, East Africa.

New York, New York, July 22, on
the SS. De Grasse, French Line,
Brother Pierre le Tiec, en route to
St. Pierre et Miquelon via Montreal,
Canada.

Departures:

La Guardia Field, New York, July
8, via PAA Flight 203 for Port of
Spain, Trinidad, B. W. I., Father
Kevin M. Devenish.

New York, New York, July 18, on
the SS. Colombie, French Line, for
France, the three Brothers and two
Novices above mentioned.

To Mombasa, East Africa, Septem-
ber 12, 1947, from Brooklyn, N. Y.,
on the SS. Rock Springs Victory of
the Amsaline, Fathers A. A. Bacher,
J. A. Behr, J. A. Brennan, S. J. Las-
ko, F. J. McGowan, F. M. Philben,
S. J. Trahan, J. J. White.

Pray for Father S. J. Delaney's
mother who died July 16, for Father
L. A. Bushinski's mother who died
July 25, for Father J. A. Degnan,
pastor of Assumption parish. West-
port, Connecticut, friend and benefac-
tor, who died July 24, and for Father
T. Joseph Wrenn's father who died
August 7.— R.I.P.

VOWS AND APOSTOLIC
CONSECRATION

The following scholastic priests
made their Apostolic Consecration in
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York,
N. Y., on June 8, 1947:
Fathers James Joseph WHITE
John Joseph MURRAY
Joseph Aloysius BRENNAN

Alfred Anthony JULIANO
Joseph Andrew BEHR
David Coughlin MARSHALL
Francis Joseph McGOWAN
Clemence Francis LACHOWSKY
Stephen John LASKO
Anthony Andrew BACHER
Stanley Joseph TRAHAN
James Patrick KELLY
Charles Theodore BEHL
Francis Michael PHILBEN
Rodrigue Alphone ROBERGE

The following scholastics pro-
nounced vows on July 16, 1947:
At Ferndale:

Perpetual Vows:

Edward John JEPSON
George Anthony CROCENZI
Francis Warren WRIGHT
Dennis Vincent DURNING
William Robert GRAVES
Louis Francis DOLAN
Vincent John NIEDERBERGER
John Edward NADER

Renewal for One Year:

Joseph Humphrey SMITH

At Duquesne University, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania:

Perpetual Vows:

Daniel DeDOMINICIS

Renewal for Three Years:

William Francis CROWLEY

NEW PROVINCIAL HOUSE FOR

ENGLISH PROVINCE

The Holy Ghost Fathers (English
Province) have acquired a property
at Bickley, Kent. This is the sec-
ond house to be opened within two
years. It will serve as the head-
quarters of the Provincial Superior
and his staff. At the same time there
is sufficient accommodation to re-
ceive missionaries on vacation from
Africa. It is proposed also to open
at Bickley, next September, a course
of studies for late vocations for
those who feel drawn to the religious
and missionary ife. This should be
of great help to certain ex-service-
men. Young men, who would wish
to try their vocation are requested to
communicate with the Very Rev. Fa-
ther Provincial, C.S.Sp., Hadlow,
Woodlands Road, Bickley, Kent. Tele-
phone, Imperial 3555. — Catholic Her-
ald (London, Friday, April IS, 1947).

* * *

To love life through labor is to be
intimate with life's inmost secret. —
Gibran.

125

OUR PROVINCE, SEPTEMBER, 1947

Our Province

Vol. 16 - No. 10 '^B, ^^ A October, 1947

m^W

THE VENERABLE LIBERMANN

"Behold and Isiaelite in whom there is no guile.'

A PLAN FOR EDUCATION

Not acceleration, but an unoidinary way to
achieve extiaoidinary results.

THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY

Selt-ahnegation must bring about in us the
triumph of the lite ot grace.

AND

Bulletins, Ourselves Incorporated, Ticker Talk,
A Glance at our Books, The International Scene.

FERVOR • CHARITY • SACRIFICE

Our Province

October, 1947

OFFICIAL

Vol. 16

No. 10

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November, 1933. by Father C. J.
PJunkett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N. W.,
Washington 11. D. C, U.S.A.. and printed by
Westland Printing and Stationery Company,
8414 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland

In This Issue

Official 126

Tile Venerable Libermann 127

A Plan For Education 128

The Spiritual Directory 129

A Glance At Our Books 1.30

The International Scene 131

Bulletins:

Philadelphia, St. Joseph's House 133

No. Tiverton, Holy Ghost 134

New York, St. Mark's 134

Tiverton, St. Madeleine Sophie 134

Ourselves Incorporated 13.5

Ticker Talk 136

Appointments

Father A. J. Wingendorf, Sharps-
burg, Pennsylvania.

Father E. J. Beriault, Ferndale,
pio tem.

Arrivals

At New York, Father J. Bettem-
bourg, on the S.S. Oregon, French
Line, en route to Haiti.

At La Guardia Field, New Y'ork,
August 26, Father Maurice Seijs by
P. A. A. plane from Brussels en route
to Trinidad.

At Staten Island, N. Y., pier 1,
September 9, Father A. J. Wingen-
dorf, on the S.S. Virginia City Vic-
tory, Robin Line, from Mombasa,
East Africa.

Departures

From La Guardia Field, N. Y., for
Haiti, via P.A.A., Father J. Bettem-
bourg, August 25.

From La Guardia Field, N. Y., for
Trinidad, via P.A.A., Father Maurice
Seijs, August 26.

From New Orleans, La., for Haiti,
on the S.S. Gatun, United Fruit Line,
Father Alfred Monteil, September 13.

From New York, N. Y., for Le
Havre, France, on the S.S. Ernie
Pyle, United States Lines, Messrs.
Edwanl Bushinski, Gerald Feeley,
Francis Malinowski, September 26.

New Addresses

Father E. L. A. Fisher, Fort Shaf-
fer, Honolulu, Oahu, T. H.

Father J. T. Keown, U. S. Naval
Hospital, Chelsea 50, Mass.

Telephone

Muskogee, Okla., 546.

Pray for Father C. C. W;itkins'
mother who died August 30, 1947. —
R.I.P.

Name of Confrere
Father William Healy
Father .Michael Danj;elzer
Father Joseph Burgess
Rt. Rev. Monsignor

William F. Stadelman
Brother Tertullian Moll
Father Thomas Joseph Park
Brother Daniel Tuerkes
Father Martin O'Donoghue
Brother Engelbert Wisser

Died
Nov. 2, 1920
Nov. 3, 1912
Nov. 4, 1923

Nov. 6, 1928
Nov. 10. 1922
Nov. 16, 1946
Nov. 17. 1942
Nov. 24, 1924
Nov. 24, 19.30

Age
75
62
43

59
60
78
74
54
91

GENERAL BULLETIN

Change of Title for the Apostolic
Delegation of Africa

In the Acta Apostolicae Sedis for
March a Decree of the Sacred Con-
gregation of the Propaganda is pub-
lished determining that the "Apos-
tolic Delegation of Africa," with see
at Mombasa, shall henceforth be
called "Apostolic Delegation of Brit-
ish East and West Africa."

The New General Director of
The Holy Childhood

The Sovereign Pontiff has appoint-
ed to succeed Msgr. Merio, Msgr.
Adrien Bressolles, Vice Rector of the
Catholic Institute of Paris and Mili-
tary Ordinary of the French Fleet.
Born in 1893, Msgr. Bressolles has
always been in the Catholic Institute,
where he entered as a student in
1919. He became General Secretary
there in 1926, then Vice-Rector in
1938. He was always the active and
devoted collaborator of Cardinal Bau-
drillart, and contributed greatly, with
his Rector, to the noteworthy ad-
vancement of the Catholic Institute
during the past twenty years. A very
good administrator, he will be able
to develop the work, so well begun
by Msgr. Merio, of the Holy Child-
hood. The Vice-President of this
work is Father Ackerman, C.S.Sp.,
National Director of the Holy Child-
hood in the United States. (April-
May, 1947.)

FATHER EDWARD J. QUINN

died at St. Vincent's Hospital,

New York, N. Y.

September 13, 1947

R. I. P.

Pray for Mr. Vincent Niederber-
ger's father who died recently. R.I.P.

126

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

THE VENERABLE LIBERMANN

A HESE are some of the facts
which, as we think, make the Vener-
able Libermann a God-given teacher
for our age: He is a Jew, the son
of a Rabbi; he is co-founder of the
Holy Ghost Fathers, a society dedi-
cated to the conversion of the Negro;
and he teaches a doctrine of peaceful
penance. Perhaps these things, taken
in themselves, do not seem especially
remarkable. But let us bring them
together with certain other facts to
which they appear related.

Freud, too, is a Jew who teaches a
doctrine of peace; but his is a peace
which removes the conviction of guilt
by denying the reality of sin; hence
he must deny the rationality of man
which is the root of human responsi-
bility. Freud, as the competent stu-
dents of contemporary thought recog-
nize, is the moral teacher of our
time.

Marx, too, is a Jew. He brings
good tidings to the Negro and to all
the underprivileged. It is a doctrine
of hope founded on hatred, as Freud's
is a doctrine of peace which must
deny reason. And so, as Freud is
the authority in the realm of personal
ethics, so Marx is the contemporary
authority in politics and economics.
(Our present difficulty with Russia
is only a sign that we have not ca-
pitulated completely to these doc-
trines— also God's way of calling us
back to the truth and to Himself).

But the roots go deeper. There is
something common to the teaching of
Freud and of Marx which, I am con-
vinced, is the secret of their power
over us; they exploit our hidden fear
of evil, our sins against Faith. Be-
cause we know that, without God,
the evil in ourselves, and in others,
is too much for us. And we do not
turn to God in this knowledge; so
that we are pretty much convinced
that evil is too much for us — with-
out qualification. Freud and Marx
would teach a way to attain happi-
ness for men who are convinced that
evil is too much for them. As long
as they admit it to be an evil, they
will not know peace. And thus Freud
would teach us how to deny it in
ourselves; Marx shows us how to
exploit it in our neighbor.

That is why, in Communist doc-
trine, it is necessary to bring about
happiness through hatred, the hatred
of the "class-struggle"; and so their

method must be revolutionary in
just this sense, that it is founded
on hatred. On the surface it looks
like "the end justifies the means,"
which is bad enough in itself. But
in truth (though it is not expedient
that this be knowTi to many) tlie end
is more evil than the means, and
that is why it uses evil means. For
the end is to glorify Lucifer, the
enemy of God. Similarly Freud
teaches that happiness must be at-
tained by an evil means, the denial
of sin. (I do not mean that the
means are admitted to be evil, but
that they are in fact. But these
teachers, measuring everything by
the end they adduce — which they as-
sume to be good, and the ultimate
good — hold that means to it must
be good.) Thus, where Communism
is ordered to the adoration of Luci-
fer in political anarchy, so Freudism
tends to a kind of pei-sonal anarchy,
a false peace which removes anxiety
by removing the conviction of guilt
instead of the guilt. These are the
successful doctrines of our time then,
because they are devised to bring
the simulation of peace and of hope
to the guilt-ridden, tortured con-
sciences of our time. They do this,
unbeknown to their victims, by a
complete and utter capitulation to
evil. Hitler was only a figure held
up to us by God, our image in a
mirror. We sought peace by smash-
ing the image; now we have another
image threatening us, and the like-
ness is harder to deny.

For all that, men are not devils,
and they still seek God. They do
not embrace Freud because he de-
nies God and the soul; on the con-
trary, they drink eagerly of his doc-
trine because they thirst for peace
of soul, a peace which will dissolve
their guilt. Neither do they embrace
Communism because it denies God
and private property but because it
appears to make hope and charity
really attainable, for all our evil.

The point is that men turn away
from despair as by an instinct. And
if they embrace these false doctrines,
it is because they "have not so much
as heard" that there is a Spirit of
Mercy, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of
peace and of love. I do not mean
that men are innocent of sin. The
very opposite: they are so guilty
they are unable to face their guilt,

because their hearts have grown hard.
And yet, even as I write these
words, I cannot give my assent to
them unless they are qualified. True,
forgetting Christ, we may say the
hearts of men have become hardened.
But to permit this, even, was in Di-
vine Providence, as it w-as decreed
by God that His Church shoidd be
founded on a human rock, so hard
that he could deny his Lord three
times, and publicly. But God was
not embarrassed to found His
Church, which was to save sinners,
upon a sinner.

Even more, while it is true that
men, considered as a whole, as a
race that is, have been turning more
and more away from God, it is also
true, assuredly, that successive gen-
erations have become more and more
confused — by the very errors of their
parents — so that the culpability of
successive generations seems in some
way to have diminished proportion-
ately, even as their acts have become
more grossly sinful, considered ma-
terially, and even as the race was
turning more and more from God. I
do not mean to be excluding culpa-
bility; but I do maintain that the
degree of culpability is proportioned
to clarity of knowledge, and it is
evident enough how confused our un-
happy generation is.

However that might be, viewing
things naturally, as we see men in
Christ it becomes evident that ours
is the beginning of a time when Our
Lord is calling us back to Himself,
pitying His poor stray sheep beguiled
and led astray by bad shepherds, lov-
ing our generation for all its weak-
nesses because it was denied so much
by its fathers. And if this is true,
then it is a time for the Gentiles to
see that what the Jews did long ago
in denying their Messias, they too
have done, this in order that the
Jew and the Gentile may, like the
lion and the lamb, lie down together
before their Lord. The Jews are par-
ticularly important at this time, then,
because it is becoming clear that St.
Paul's warning to the Gentiles has
not been heeded, so that now, what
happened to the original branches
has happened to the engrafted ones.
Now both Jew and Gentile may ac-
knowledge together that they have
crucified the Christ. For that rea-
son, Jew need no longer fear Gentile

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

127

as bearing a guilt unshared; and the
Gentile need no longer be tempted
to judge the Jew in the illusion of
his own innocence. For the trouble
with the world now seems to be, in
principle, not so much that they deny
Christ as that they no longer know
how to bear the burden of their guilt
in relation to Him.

Yet He Himself has taught us
from the Cross how to bear this bur-
den. He assures all men who will
look into themselves to see what they
have done, that He pleads for them
with His Father: "Forgive them,
for they know not what they do."
But this consolation is only for those
who acknowledge what they do. The
burden becomes light because Christ
bears it, for those who will look upon
their sin as their burden.

But in practice the order is re-
versed. We do not turn to Christ
to help us after we have acknowl-
edged our sins by our own strength.
Rather, we do not so much as dare
to look upon ourselves until we are
abundantly reassured that, whatever

we shall find (even before we have
looked, we fear the worst, and right-
ly), we are loved without measure,
that is, by God Himself. Mary, the
Mother of God, is the pledge of that
reassurance, of a love that becomes
greater, not less, as the need is
greater. Thus it was that Mary
Magdalen loved much because she
was forgiven so much, and her sor-
row for her sins was great as her
love.

The Venerable Libermann first
founded a Society which was dedi-
cated by name to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary. Then it was assimi-
lated to the Congregation of the Holy
Ghost — as if to show our generation
that the Spirit of Mary is the Holy
Spirit, and that God is pleased now,
after these many generations, to be-
gin to call back His people, and to
manifest Himself, once again, through
their instrumentality. The writings
of the Venerable Father have most
wonderful unction to quiet and reas-
sure the anxious children of our age,
to convince them that, for all their

apprehensions and conviction of sin,
they are acceptable to God, yes even
more acceptable, if only they will
come to Him through His Son. God
is indeed a God of justice, demand-
ing penance therefore. But above
every other, He looks for the pen-
ance of a contrite heart. And even
now He stands ready to make hearts
contrite by an incredible pouring out
of His mercy. Sinners that we are,
we find it hard to believe these good
tidings. Yet what is sin, finally, if
it is not the instrument by which
Our Father fashions His humble lit-
tle children ? Like orphans we look
up incredulously when we are told
how much we are loved. Therefore,
our hearts need to be thawed; and
now once again God has chosen a
Jew to communicate His waiTnth.
The Saints among the Gentiles have
won grace for the fallen people, and
now we are beginning to see what
their conversion will bring, whose
falling away was redemption to the
Gentiles. — Herbert Thomas Schwartz,
T.O.P., Integrity, August, 1947.

A PLAN FOR EDUCATION

W)

HEN the United States en-
tered the war and self-preservation
became a pressing reality, expedient
measures were initiated to mobilize
for victory. We know how thorough-
ly this was accomplished in the field
of armaments; we know how accu-
rately America organized her com-
mand, but what we have failed to
ponder seriously was the method in
which the Army and Navy educated
her officers and trained men. All
emphasis was placed on time; the
men were trained to acquire in three
months what would ordinarily have
taken two years in a College or Uni-
versity. We ask why such a pro-
gram is not in more general practice
and we endeavor to prove its ad-
vantages.

Time spent in academic training is
only a foundation on which a man
will build his future. A certain
amount of intellectual and moral
maturing is needed before he be-
comes whole. With the knowledge
that he has acquired from his formal
education he builds his foundation.

Any unnecessary prolongation of this
education only serves to delay devel-
opment since the knowledge can be
attained in less time. So what can
be done in less time, in what we
conceive as a more efficient way is
preferable to what takes more time
to acquire and gives no better results.

The case against the present sys-
tem is this: each day the student is
responsible for three to five sub-
jects . . . over a period of a week
for five to seven subjects. Natural-
ly under such circumstances he will
reluctantly stress one or two to the
detriment of the others. He really
cannot devote the time that he would
prefer to each of the subjects. The
professor who flaunts a mighty hick-
ory, though he teach a minor sub-
ject will achieve better results than
his pacific brother teacher. Being
responsible for a variety of subjects
may serve to dispel monotony but
it also interrupts sequence, vitiates
interest, and dissipates the efforts of
the student; the questionable guer-
don being a dangerous sciolism which

hardly compensates for the energy
expended. The overall picture is not
too encouraging and we sympathize
with the student who consoles him-
self with the oft chimerical intention
of supplying the deficit later on in
life.

The method that we propose would
proceed in the following manner: Let
us suppose there are seven sub-
jects in the curriculum. Each subject
will be taught in successive and in
uninterrupted order until it has been
completed. In the case of History
for instance five classes a day would
be given to that subject, including
the undivided efforts of the student
outside the class. This will continue
until the matter for that term has
been covered. Examinations could
then be given which comprehend the
year's work. Whether it would be
preferable to employ the complete
time ordinarily allotted for any one
subject or whether the course should
terminate when the student is pre-
pared to pass the state examination

428

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

can be left to the discretion of the
educators; we prefer the latter policy.

The principal object of this plan
is not acceleration; acceleration we
believe will be a natural consequence;
the object is to treat the ordinary
subjects in an unordinary way to
achieve extraordinary results. With
this yearly abbreviation the student
will come forth intellectually equal
to the present-day graduate prepared
for an early training in any field for
which he might have penchant. The
maximum period in which high
school or college should be completed
ought not to exceed two and one-half
years.

Mr. Hutchins of Chicago University
has revolutionized the curriculum at
that school in a novel way. But Mr.
Hutchins seems to shy away from
the word "acceleration"; although he
gives a B.A. degree at the termina-
tion of the sophomore year he insists
that it is not an acceleration course.
The line of demarcation between an
acceleration course and one putatively
not accelerated but which residts in
accceleration seems to be a mental
distinction.

The objections against our method
seem futile when one considers the
advantages that accrue from it. It
is said that the student will forget
at the mid-term what he had sup-
posedly learned at the beginning of
the year. Subjects have been for-
gotten in the past and will continue
so no matter what new device is in-
augurated. With personal review he
will easily evoke the composite but
dormant picture of what has been
studied. The picture conjured will
not be a series of disconnected facts
but a unified whole. The retentive-
ness of any study is due not only to
its manner of presentation but also
to faithful repetition. The Latin ad-
age has it "repetitio est mater studi-
orum." The student should not be
obliged to review more often in this
course than he would in any other,
but it does not dispense with review.
Another objection is that concentra-
tion causes boredom and hence dis-
interest. If the reader will grant
that certain pupils would be bored
and certain others interested if tea
and biscuits were served with each
class we will leave it to the discre-
tion of the teacher to spice the time
with condiments that will retain in-
terest.

The many activities which serve to
promote social life in colleges are not
absolutely necessary for education of
the student. He goes to college for
an academic or technical education;

every social device which distracts
him from this goal may be good fun
but is not essential. College life may
need its power to attract for those
who are not primarily interested in
education but who only seek a di-
ploma; for the sincere student all
this serves only to prolong his course,
consume money, delay his profes-
sional life and rob him of valuable
experience.

That the proposed method has not
been employed to any great extent
in our colleges and high schools is
not a point in its favor or disfavor.
Mr. Hutchins, who should know, gives
some practical reasons why his sys-
tem is not in general practice; to do
so would require a radical change in
the whole educational system; any
change in the educational system
would necessitate a corresponding up-

heaval in the economic field and of
course the educators of America are
not particularly in favor of such a
basic revolution.

We do not flatter oui-selves that
we have a panacea for all educational
foibles but we do postulate it with
all sincerity and feel that the plan
devised will prove its own merits. We
are fully cognizant of the physical
and psychological limitations of the
species man but we do not think
that any unreasonable demands have
been made on his nature.

We leave it to the discretion of
the reader to examine and weigh the
issue with open mind. Do not be
swayed by what road education has
taken in the past, but be convinced
that new vistas still lie ahead. —
Charles Steer, C.S.Sp.

THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY

VIII. (2) Self-Abnegation Is Indis-
pensible to Growth in Holiness

r

F A PURELY defensive at-
titude is inefficacious for the mere
avoidance of sin, how much more is
it so for those who sincerely desire
evangelical perfection, or who are
bound by their state of life to aim
for it.

When a person says that he will
spare no efforts towards becoming
a saint and reaching perfection ac-
cording to God's design in his re-
gard, and that he will avoid venial
sin and imperfections, but that for
the rest, he will permit himself all
lawful gratifications, thus making his
life hardly different from the lives
of others, sin and imperfections ex-
cepted, that person is deceiving him-
self and cannot mean anything. He
speaks and acts contrary to what
was said and done by Our Lord Je-
sus Christ, Who said, "If anyone
wishes to come after me, let him de-
ny himself, and take up his cross
daily and follow me." (Luke: 9, 23).
Now to follow Him is to wish to be
perfect. "If thou wilt be perfect,
go, sell what thou hast, and give to
the poor, . . . and come, follow me."
(Matt.: 19, 21). To be perfect there-
fore, we must have renounced self
and become detached from creatures.

If what has been said holds true
for any soul that desires to be per-
fect, what shall we say about our-

selves, men of God, priests of Jesus
Christ, who follow Him in the strict-
est sense of the term! What pre-
posterous folly it would be for us
not to practise perfect abnegation,
not to labor relentlessly to destroy
the evil tendencies of our fallen na-
ture, to conquer all our defects! How
grotesque the apostle who, following
Jesus Christ, goes to war against de-
mons, sets out to conquer souls, while
he himself is filled with self, and
seeks amusement and gratifications,
and is still under the sway of his
vices and defects! An officer in the
army of the great King cannot go
to war, following his Sovereign, while
he still wears his old rags; he can-
not boast that he will gain a victory
over the demon, barring him from
the heart of others, while he leaves
opened wide the gates of his own
heart.

But if we cannot avoid sin and
practise perfection without abnega-
tion, it is much more necessaiy for
us to uproot the evil tendencies of
our hearts, to blot out our defects
and to bring about in ourselves the
triumph of the life of grace in all
its fullness and power.

To want to avoid all faults, to
practise virtue and to grow in holi-
ness, but at the same time a live a
natural life, lef.ving unchecked the

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

129

disorders and evil tendencies of our
nature and in this way keeping alive
the sources of sin, is like preserving
the roots of weeds while striving to
prevent them from sprouting again.
There can be no holiness whi'e our
inclinations for evil are still vigorous
and our defects are still manifest.

That is why it is absolutely neces-
sary for us to apply ourselves with
all the fervor of our soul towards a
complete abnegation of self. This
alone will enable us to uproot these
tendencies to evil and to destroy
these defects. Abnegation alone will
produce in us a perfect development
of God's grace and its perfect do-
minion, so necessary for true super-
natural life of the soul and for at-
taining real priestly and apostolic
holiness.

Saint Paul has said, "Caro con-
cupiscit adversus spiritum, et spiri-
tus adversus carnem." Two masters
are at war for the possession of our
soul; the Holy Spirit, Who has set
up His throne in the inmost depths
of our soul through sanctifying
grace; and sin, dwelling in our flesh,
and spreading its influence over the
entire life of our passions. Sanctify-
ing grace tends to fill our whole life
with its warm radiance, while sin
tends to pour forth its darkening and
contagious vapors.

The rays of grace strive to filter
into our very passions to purify them
and to give them light and strength.
Sin strives to permeate the soul with
its fumes, to darken the light that
shines within, to chill its ardor and
thereby to extinguish, or at least
weaken in us the life of the Holy
Spirit. Our soul stands between two
camps. Our will and conduct will
decide the issue.

We desire complete victory on the
side of grace and have consecrated
ourselves to God for that purpose,
and therefore our practical conduct
must be in absolute harmony with
the Holy Spirit. To keep to a mid-
dle road, to grant part to nature and
part to grace, is to open the foi-t of
the true master to the enemy. More-
over, when we give to nature its part
at the same time desiring to serve
God perfectly, we arrest the action
of grace, impose limitations upon it
and prevent its influence over the
passions. Little by little the lower
passions will gain new strength,
spread their influence over our intel-
ligence and will and weaken them,
and the supernatural life of tlie soul
will decay correspondingly.

In fact, the life of nature is the
proper sphere of all our depraved
tendencies, defects and imperfections.

And our natui-e is so well suited to
them that they grow of themselves
without cultivation, and any eff'orts
to extirpate them are made in vain.
Natural sentiments, afl'ections and
gratifications serve as a most effica-
cious nourishment to make them
grow rapidly and in abundance.

If then, in opposition to the word
of Our Divine Savior, we seek to
serve two masters, if we desire to
remain faithful to grace and to grow
in holiness and at the same time
continue to seek purely natural con-
solations, pleasures and gratifications,
we can be sure that we will remain
throughout our whole life, imperfect,
deficient and wholly natural men;
the sovereignty of grace over us will
diminish from day to day. And who
knows where this decline will lead
us, who are called to true and full
sanctity ?

Therefore, in this confiict between
nature and grace there can be no
middle way. Grace must be the ab-
solute master of our soul, it must
quicken all our activities, dominate
our passions, and temper and regu-
late our whole course of conduct. But
for this it is absolutely necessary, at
all times and under all possible cir-
cumstances, that we renounce any-
thing which gives contentment, pleas-
ure and consolation to our lower na-
ture. The reason for this is clear,
and easy to understand. Grace has
been given to us to fill us with su-
pernatural life. It tends by its very
essence to inform all operations and
reactions of our soul. It renders our
spiritual faculties receptive for the
supernatural, and bars whatever is
opposed to God. If this result is not
obtained, it is only because of the
obstacles offered by our tendency
towards evil and by our defects which
are fed by purely natural habits of
mind and body.

Moreover, a purely natural life will
keep the soul on a level, where grace
cannot act, for low habits of action
and reaction fix the soul outside the
sphere of grace. When therefore, a
gratification at all times and under
all circumstances, he withdraws from
contact with all that is foreign to
divine grace, and leaves the very
channel of his soul open to the su-
pernatural. And since it is of the
nature of grace to expand, and to
permeate all activities, the soul will
become filled with it as a result.
Moreover, this renunciation removes
the roots of the evil and defective
tendencies of the soul. No longer
will grace meet any obstacles in the
way of its action.

(To be continued)

A GLANCE AT OUR BOOKS

SACRIFICARE, CEREMONIES OF
LOW MASS. By Le Vavasseur,
Haegy, and Stercky, of the Congre-
gation of the Holy Ghost. Trans-
lated by a member of the same Con-
gregation. New York: Catholic Book
Publishing Company, 1946. Pp. 126.
$2.00.

This little book is fundamentally a
translation of the Le Vasseur-Haegy
Manuel de liturgie et ceremonial se-
lon le rite romain. It is a clear and
well-arranged conspectus of the cei'e-
monies of Low Mass after the pat-
tern of Zualdi's Caeremoniale missae
privatae, which is perhaps better
known in this country in its English
version by O'Callaghan. After a sum-
mary of the general rules concerning
the position of the body and of the
hands, the bows and genuflections,
there is a detailed description of the
ceremonies of Low Mass, the text
of the rubrics of the Missal (Ritus
servandus in celebratione missae)
being given in translation, to which
is added the author's commentary,
supported by references to the de-
crees of the Sacred Congregation
and to recognized authorities. Bina-
tion, the distribution of Holy Com-
munion, purification of the ciborium
and lunula, and the variations to be
observed in Masses coram Sanctissi-
mo and in the presence of prelates
form the subjects of special chapters.
Useful addenda are the sections
which summarize the actions of the
celebrant, point out the faults most
often committed in the celebration
of Mass, and describe the procedure
to be followed when defects or acci-
dents occur.

This manual may be confidently
recommended as a text-book for semi-
narians learning the ceremonies of
Mass and for priests, both for an-
swers to difficulties which may arise
and for review, which often leads to
the discovery of incorrect practices,
long unsuspected. — William J. Lal-
lou (The American Ecclesiastical Re-
view, September, 1947, pp. 238-239.)

Consecration to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary, by Rev. P. O'Carroll,

C.S.Sp. (Mercier Press; 2/6.)

"Make it known everywhere, for it
is the work of God." So Pius IX
was frequently heard to say of De-
votion to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary: and it is in this spirit of ar-
dent Apostolate that Dr. Patrick
O'Carroll C.S.Sp., has written his
booklet Consecration to the Immacu-

130

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

late Heart of Mary. This is a de-
velopment and enlargement of an
earlier pamphlet of the same name.

Devotion to the Heart of Mary is
as old as the Church, but it has re-
ceived an impetus in our times in
such a way as to convince us that
God has divinely appointed that it
be the special means of salvation to
oui sinful times. It is significant
that the first public impulse to the
devotion in the last century came in
a parish that was a miniature of the
world conditions today; the parish
of Our Lady of Victories, Paris,
where public sinning and unbelief de-
fied the labors of the priest. The con-
secration of the parish to the Im-
maculate Heart, which was made by
the parish priest on the instruction
of a strange, unearthly voice, result-
ed in an astonishing visible inflow
of divine grace. The hearts of sin-
ners were touched, unbelievers were
converted.

Then came the Apparitions of Fa-

tima in 1917, and the striking words
of Our Lady to the children after
they had been shown a vision of Hell:
"You have just seen Hell, where the
souls of poor sinners go. To save
them the Lord wishes to establish
in the world devotion to my Immacu-
late Heart" — and — "I will ask for the
consecration of the world to my Im-
maculate Heart."

In concluding the Silver Jubilee
celebrations of the Apparitions, Pope
Pius XII consecrated the world to
the Immaculate Heart. This conse-
cration was followed by consecrations
all over the world of individual dio-
ceses, parishes and religious houses;
and the faithful were everywhere ex-
horted to consecrate themselves indi-
vidually.

The consecration called for is some-
thing more than a mere isolated rite:
it means the beginning of a new life.
It is indeed the handing over to Our
Blessed Lady of a great part of the
responsibility for our lives, but this

cannot be done unless we surrender
to her our rights.

In his little book, Fr. O'Carroll
urges with fen'or, the reasons for
the consecration. Those who are al-
ready attracted by devotion to the
Immaculate Heart will find renewed
inspiration in his words and those
who have yet to heed the appeals of
the Holy Father and of Our Blessed
Lady herself, will find here a clear
explanation of, and a warm enthusi-
asm for this most potent devotion.

Of the devotion it can be said
again in the words of Pope Pius IX,
"It is a divine inspiration: it will
bring many blessings on the Church."
— S.G. The Standard (Dublin, May
9, 1947).

Therefore, neither he that plant-
eth is anything, nor he that water-
eth, but God that giveth the in-
crease.— 1 Cor. 3, 7.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Mother House. At the beginning
of spring there were many visitors.
March 21, the arrival of Fathers Bar-
aban and Letourneur from French
Equatorial Africa; then their Excel-
lencies, Bishops Graffin, Bonneau,
Batiot and Fauret. We were glad
to see Fathers Murphy, provincial of
Ireland, Fryns, provincial of Belgium,
Strick, provincial of Holland, Parkin-
son, provincial of England, L. Vogel,
Visitor of the Districts in East Afri-
ca, Ackerman, Director of the Holy
Childhood in the United States. Sun-
day, March 23, thirty students of the
School of Colonial France, made their
Easter duty in the Community
Chapel.

The Superior General, completely
recovered, ordained at Chevilly on
Holy Saturday. Bishop Pichot, who
is feeling well again, is making a
confirmation tour of the Paris dio-
cese.

On May 25, our patronal feast of
Pentecost, Bishop Batiot was conse-
crated new Vicar Apostolic of Ma-
junga in the Chapel of the Orphan-
age at Auteuil, better adapted to
the ceremony than that of the Mother
House. His Eminence, Cardinal Su-
hard, Archbishop of Paris, had joy-
fully accepted to perform personally

the conseecration of "his first mis-
sionary Bishop". Unfortunately, due
to complete loss of voice, the doctors
obliged His Eminence to remain in
absolute silence and seclusion for sev-
eral weeks. The Superior General
then became consecrating Bishop, as-
sisted by Bishops Masse, auxiliary of
Lucon, Bishop Batiot's diocese, and
Bonneau, Vicar Apostolic of Yaoun-
de, a Vendean like Bishop Batiot. M.
Letourneau, minister, several parlia-
mentarians of Vendee and Madagas-
car, a representative of the Director
of Political Affairs of the Ministry
of Colonial France, numerous French
personalities of Majunga and a group
of Madagascar students attended the
ceremony. The Scholastics from Che-
villy sang with their usual perfec-
tion. Auteuil which, besides a fine
chapel, has a large refectory and an
excellent chef, did itself proud. His
Excellency, Archbishop Roncalli,
Apostolic Nuncio, presided with his
customary good grace and noble sen-
timents. A very fine day!

Ireland. Father Provincial for the
first time since 1938, came to spend
two weeks at the Mother House. By
plane, the trip from Dublin to Paris
was less than six hours. Father
Connaughton also paid us a visit

while getting information about the
Works of Catholic Action.

Germany. At hte beginning of
March the Fathers of the province
had their first Retreat in common.
Father Jolly, second assistant Gen-
eral, spent two weeks in Germany
where he was able to note the cour-
ageous work undertaken by Father
Hoffmann and our confreres to rees-
tablish the province. At Knechtsteden
there are eighteen senior and one
hundred junior scholastics.

United States. Father Griffin, Gen-
eral Councilor, Visitor of the prov-
ince of the United States, left by
plane with Father Ackerman on
Thursday, April 17. They arrived
in New York Friday evening a few
hours late, due to an unscheduled stop
caused by bad weather. Father Grif-
fin began his visitation with the Com-
munity of Ferndale after the Provin-
cial Council which took place April
29-30.

Portugal. There were several cele-
brations in the Province. Last De-
cember, with Bishop Hascher, then
Visitor, and Father C. Pereira pre-
siding. Captain Monteiro Pinto, for-
mer student of our College at Braga,
celebrated his twenty-five years as
professor at Fraiao. Having remained

OUR PROVINCE. OCTOBER, 1947

131

quite attached to his fornier teach-
ers, he has been teaching mathe-
matics and natural sciences in the
Junior Scholasticate for a quarter of
a century. January 19 was the Sil-
ver Anniversary of the establishing
of our house at Godim. Finally, on
February 23, His Eminence, the Car-
dinal Patriarch, paid a visit to our
house of Lisbon. Strongly in favor
of missionary activity, he encouraged
and approved for his diocese the
League for the Increase of Mission-
ary Activity, organized by the Propa-
gander Center of the Province and
spreading throughout scholastic cir-
cles in Portugal.

Belgium. At Lierre a new wing
of the building is under construction;
it will comprise chapel, stuily hall
and dormitory. Sea and air connec-
tions with Belgian Congo have been
considerably improved: 45 passenger
airplanes leave Belgium five times a
week. Our missionaries can now get
to their Vicariate normally.

England. Father Parkinson on
March 25 was able to move into the
new Provincial Residence of England,
dedicated to St. Therese. The ad-
dress is: Hadlow, Woodlands Road,
Bickley, Kent, England. Father T.
Finan has been named Superior of
Castlehead.

Canada. From Sunday, March 2,
to Tuesday, March 4, all the roads
were blocked by two and a half feet
of snow. The students, having left
for their monthly holiday, were un-
able to return. Father Peghaire of
the Senior Scholasticate of Montreal,
highly esteemed Professor of Phi-
losophy at the University of Mon-
treal and the College Stanislas in the
same city, arrived in France for a
rest.

Rome. Father Perbal, an Oblate,
preached the Easter Retreat. The
Scholastics spent the Easter holidays
visiting the Franciscan shrines in the
Valley of Rieti,

Guadeloupe. Following only four
days of sickness. Father Delisle died.
He was chaplain of the College of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of "Ver-
sailles" at Basse-Terre. Bishop Gay
presided at the funeral. Father was
buried in the small cemetery of "Ver-
sailles" next to Father Vanhaecke.

Martinique. Father Girard has
just finished his visitation of the
District. A large fair oi-ganized by
Father Delawarde for the benefit of
the College, was very successful. De-
spite the scarcity of building mate-
rials the Church of N. D. de Bellevue
is going up according to schedule

and the other churches are being re-
paired.

Haiti. On April 21 a Postulancy
for Brothers was opened at Saint-
Martial with five aspirants. Father
Girard, the Visitor, was expected in
May.

Teffe. After a fast tiip by plane.
Bishop de Lange arrived in Teffe,
where he was cordially welcomed by
Father Barrat, the clergy, the school
children and the local authoi'ities.

Dakar. Brother Fulgence, a vet-
eran of the Mission, celebrated the
sixtieth anniversary of his profes-
sion at Ngasobil on the Feast of the
Patronage fo St. Joseph.

Cape Vert. In 1946 there were 2,-
148 baptisms in the parishes en-
trusted to our Fathers. For lack of
priests there are only 4,000 practic-
ing Catholics out of 74,000 baptized.
Rain has been scarce this year and
the Cape is threatened with famine.

Gambia. Evangelizing goes on
methodically in this Mission. Three
new Residences are in preparation at
Bwiam, Bula Bantang and Mansa-
jang at 115, 280 and 384 kilometers
from Bathurst. In February the Sis-
ters of St. Joseph started a board-
ing school for girls at Basse.

Ziguinchor. Father Faye left at
the end of April to return to Casa-
inance after a rest and treatment
which restored his health. Father
Doutremepuich, vice-Prefect, arrived
in France for the Feast of Pentecost.

French Guinea. At Mongo, Febru-
ary 15, baptism and First Commun-
ion for 70 adults; the next day, First
Communion for 70 children; over 1,-
200 Christians crowded into the
church. On Sunday, February 23,
Bishop Lerouge blessed the chapel of
St. Dominic of Guickkou in pi'esence
of the entire European population
and a hundred Africans. The Ordi-
nation of the second African priest
of the Vicariate was scheduled for
Pentecost. Two new stations are in
preparation at Labe and Faranah, on
the railway line.

Onitsha. In April, His Excellency,
Archbishop Mathew, Apostolic Dele-
gate of British Africa, visited the
Vicariate Apostolic of Onitsha and
the Prefecture Apostolic of Benoue.
In a letter to the Superior General he
expressed his complete satisfaction
with the work of our Fathers in these
regions.

Benoue. After the nineteen who
were admitted to the United States,
the rest of our missionaries interned
at Jamaica, arrived in Germany at
the beginning of March. In the Pre-

fecture there were in 1946 nine Fath-
ers and two African priests. There
were 1,156 Baptisms; Easter Com-
munions were 2,313 as against 1,925
the previous year.

Gabon. When Bishop Fauret left
for Loango, Father Neyrand was
named pro-Vicar. In the region of
Franceville, the arrival of young
Fathers will soon make possible the
opening of Stations among the Be-
kotas where evangelizing is going on
apace.

Loango. It was at Efok (Came-
roun) following the consecration of
the Church by Cardinal Lienart that
Father Fauret received his appoint-
ment as Vicar Apostolic of Loango.
Before returning to France where he
will be consecrated at Lourdes by
Bishop Theas, Bishop Fauret visited
his Vicariate for two weeks. Father
Zimmermann received the Cross of
Knight of the Legion of Honor for
his fifty years in Equatorial Africa.

Brazzaville. Following the torna-
does of October and January which
caused considerable damage, a ty-
phoon ruined the boarding school of
Ouesso on March 28; the chapel, com-
pleted since Christmas, is destroyed
together with its new furnishings.
Providentially, no one was injured.

Bangui. Bishop Grandin after a
Confirmation tour of 3,000 kilometers
brought to the Leprosarium of Ban-
gassou the four Holy Ghost Sisters
who had come for that work. Fath-
er Hemme is the chaplain there.

Bagamoyo. The return of the
Fathers from vacation has begun.
Father G. Brouwer who left by plane
April 28 escaped a very serious acci-
dent; in it he lost all his baggage!
Father L. Vogel, Visitor, left Mar-
seille for Bagamoyo on May 9.

Diego-Suarez. Our two missions
of Andapa and Ambatondrazaka were
temporarily blockaded by the insur-
gents at the time of the recent trou-
ble. Happily everything ended with-
out mishap. Bishop Wolif, new Vicar
Apostolic, has arrived at Diego-Sua-
rez, his former mission. He was en-
thusiastically received. — General Bul-
letin, April-May, 1947).

* * *

And I will give you pastors accord-
ing to my own heart, and they shall
feed you with knowledge and doc-
trine.— Jer. 8, 15.

* * *

An automobile is always rational
to the limits of its machinery, but a
human being, seldom. — A. E.
Wiggam.

132

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

BULLETINS

St. Joseph's House

I.

.N RECORDING the events
of the past few years at St. Jo-
seph's House, our first obligation is
to acknowledge the unfailing help of
Divine Providence so visible in a
work of this kind and the all-power-
ful protection of our Patron, St. Jo-
seph, Chaste Spouse of the Immacu-
late Mother of God.

Under the patronage of Saint Jo-
seph our work has indeed expanded
and has been visibly blessed. It is
most fitting that St. Joseph is the
Patron of the House because he is
the protector of the homeless and
forsaken youth. The Catholic spirit
of true devotion to St. Joseph is in-
dicated by the paternal interest of
the members of the Congregation in
the boys under their care.

The boys at St. Joseph's House
are preeminently desei-ving. They are
homeless, many of them orphans and
friendless. These include boys who,
at one time, had excellent homes and
good parents but lost these blessings
through sickness, misfortune or ac-
cident. There are others who have
been cast upon the world by indif-
ferent parents or relatives and aban-
doned to degrading environment.

The rescue of such boys alone would
be a meritorious and humane act;
but when such rescue is accomplished
by conditions that with the average
well-disposed boy would, anywhere,
mold him to an honorable self-re-
specting character, it becomes almost
divine in its beneficence. As is evi-
denced by the present-day wave of
juvenile delinquency, many a poten-
tially noble character goes to perdi-
tion through evil environment and ex-
ample and want of gentle sympathy
and kindly understanding which char-
acterizes life at St. Joseph's House.

It is consoling to record how thou-
sands of our boys have succeeded af-
ter leaving St. Joseph's House. In
the recent World War II we had a
record of two hundred past boys in
the Armed Sen-ices; eleven of these
made the supreme sacrifice. One of
our former boys was ordained to the
priesthood last year, w^hilst a num-
ber are studying in various semina-
ries. The efficiency of our high
school was in evidence each year by
our high average among the other
schools in the archdiocese and the

fact that our boys on graduation all
qualified for civil ser\-ice posts.

The present building on Allegheny
Avenue reflects in great part the
administration of the late Father
Thomas J. Park, who for twenty
years was Director of St. Joseph's.
It was under his guidance that funds
were collected and the building erect-
ed in 1929. One of Father Park's
last acts before leaving the Director-
ship in June 1940 was the erection
of a modem gymnasium building
(annex). Besides giving recreational
facilities to the boys, it is also a
source of revenue, since it is often
rented for outside entertainments.

Father Francis J. Nolan was ap-
pointed to succeed Father Park in
July 1940. By wise guidance and
economy, Father Nolan paid off the
entire debt on the buildings, leaving
St. Joseph's in its present envious
condition of being free of debt. Fa-
ther Nolan's policy of making the
Institution more homelike was very
successful. He did not spare himself
in the interests of the boys and their
neat appearance and the cleanliness
of the house was a general reflection
on his improvements.

Father Nolan was assisted in 1940
by Father Edward A. Curran who
brought a great deal of sympathy
and understanding to the boys and
their problems. It is still marveled
at that his "Painting Crew" did so
much with so little.

Brother Dominic Reardon was also
appointed to St. Joseph's in 1940,
having come from the Irish Province.
He assisted with the teaching in the
high school and took charge of the
office. When the contract of the
Corbin Company (a collection agen-
cy) expired, he took over the cam-
paign and mailing office which up
to the present time is his busy
charge.

In 1941 new steel lockers were pro-
vided in the dormitories. There was
also a unification of the heating sys-
tem. New stained glass windows
were placed in the Chapel and in the
vestibule.

The war years were difficult ones
in many ways but in particular by
the lack of efficient help. A great
many of the staff were drafted, leav-
ing us very short of help and the
temporary help that was available
proved very incompetent. It was dur-

ing this time that Father Nolan asked
for the assistance of some of the
scholastics who helped with prefect-
ing and teaching during the emer-
gency. During this time we were
fortunate in securing the services of
a Nursing Sister who took care of
the sick in the absence of the In-
firmarian who had joined the U. S.
Navy. Many of the former stafl' re-
sumed their services with St. Joseph's
after the war and we are most grate-
ful to them and to all the employees
who are sending so faithfully and
well in our household.

When Father Curran joined the
Army in 1943 he was succeiled by
Father John A. Burns who was also
appointed principal of the high school.
His zeal and good humor was a
tonic to all with whom he came in
contact. It was with regret that we
saw him leave for a Chaplaincy in
the U. S. Army in 1945.

Father Raymond F. Shanahan was
appointed in May 1945.

Father John C. McGlade was ap-
pointed Director in July 1945 to re-
place Father Francis J. Nolan, who
had been appointed pastor at Natchi-
toches, La. Father McGJade had
served as a missionary and pastor in
Louisiana for twenty-six years and
brought to his new office a great
deal of zeal, experience and under-
standing. He lost no time in study-
ing local conditions. New By-Laws
in conformity with the regulations of
the archdiocese were adopted. Father
McGlade's interest in construction
work was soon in evidence. Under
his supervision a bridge-corridor was
made between the Infirmary and the
main building. To cope with the in-
creased numbers attending the "Sun-
day Socials" a new entrance and ves-
tibule has been built to the .A.nnex.
At the time of writing, new toilet
facilities and a lai-ge locker room are
being installed in the basement. These
necessary alterations are a result of
Father McGlade's practical interest
in the welfare of the boys. The high
school boys were sent out last year
to the Northeast High School and
on the withdrawal of the Sisters of
St. Francis from teaching in the
grade school, our high school teach-
ers took over the grade school. It
is hoped that soon we will have the
assistance of the Sisters of St. Jo-
seph of Cluny in caring for our boys.
His Eminence, the Cardinal Arch-

133

OUR PROVINCE. OCTOBER. 1947

bishop has graciously given permis-
sion for their undertaking the super-
vision of the domestic needs of the
house and ultimately for providing
teachers also for the grade school.

Since the appointment of Father
McGlade we have had the assistance
of Father Edward D. Clifford and
Messrs. Robert J. McGrath and Vin-
cent J. Cronin, scholastics.

No record of St. Joseph's House
can be complete without a reference
to the benefactors who from time to
time help us financially. Our con-
stant pi-ayer is that their charity
will be rewarded a hundred-fold. Our
gratitude goes out, too, to the Cardi-
nal Archbishop of Philadelphia for
his unfailing and fatherly interest
in St. Joseph's House, together with
each member of the Board of Direc-
tors. Amongst our many friends a
brief tribute must be paid here to
the Trinitarian Sisters at the Catho-
lic Bureau, to Dr. Yates, our House
Physician, and to the many doctors
and nurses of the city hospitals and
clinics who take care of our boys,
when necessary, free of charge. — D.R.

NORTH TIVERTON, R. I.

Holy Ghost

Di

'URING the past six years
some changes have taken place in
Holy Ghost Parish, North Tiverton,
R. I. In May, 1943, Father Kerry
O'C. Keane was appointed pastor suc-
ceeding Father Joseph J. Boehr, who
was then in ill health after a long
life of service and sacrifice. There-
after Father Joseph spent his re-
maining days in prayer and medita-
tion in immediate preparation for his
holy death, which took place in St.
Ann's Hospital, Fall River, Mass., on
March .3, 1944. In May, 1943, Father
Thomas R. Jones was assigned to
Cornwells Heights, Pa., and was re-
placed by Father J. Gerald Walsh.
After a year Father Walsh contin-
ued his philosophical studies at Mon-
treal, Canada, where he received his
Doctor's degree with high honors.

Father Henry C. Schoming was ap-
pointed assistant pastor, September
8, 1944, and later joined the Com-
munity of the Holy Ghost Parish,
Chippewa Falls, Wis., being replaced
temporarily by Father Michael A.
O'Connor who later returned to Ire-
land. In January, 1946, Father Fran-
cis J. Cooney came here from Ope-
lousas, La., as assistant pastor.

Financially, the parish is in good

condition. Indeed, in this respect
Father Boehr made things easy for
his successors. By hard work and a
strict economy he built up a splen-
did parish, and in spite of hard times
succeeded in paying off all debts.
Time, however, does take its toll.
Buildings do not stand up forever,
and so in 1944 we repaired and paint-
ed the buildings at a cost of some
$10,000. Last year we installed a
new church organ. Finally, the di'eam
of the founders of this parish will,
with God's blessing, be realized,
namely, a new Catholic, English-
speaking school; for this purpose we
have now on hand some $40,000.

When the new building program
gets under way, we expect an in-
crease in the population of this par-
ish. The following is taken from
the Status Animarum of 1946:

Souls, 1957; families, 427; baptisms,
46; marriages, 39; deaths, 14; con-
verts, 1.— K.O'C.K.

NEW YORK, N. Y.
St. Mark's

l^INCE the last report from
the parish of Saint Mark the Evan-
gelist in New York City the staff
has changed but the spirit of
Our Venerable Father — fervor, char-
ity, sacrifice — is everywhere. Its ef-
fects are clearly seen in the parish.
The high spirituality of St. Mark's
can be credited in great part to the
good example and holiness of its
priests from the beginning.

Father William P. Murray was .ip-
pointed pastor in February, 1940,
succeeding Father Michael F. Mulvoy
who was assigned as pastor to St.
John's parish, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Father Charles P. Connors became
Mission Procurator in the fall of
1942. Father Dayton D. Kirby suc-
ceeded him. In August, 1943, Father
Edmund R. Supple went to Ferndale
to teach dogmatic theology. Father
Francis E. Stocker replaced him. In
September, 1945, Father John J.
Walsh began graduate studies in Ca-
non Law at the Catholic University,
Washington, D. C. He was replaced
by Father Francis P. Meenan. In
October, 1945, Father Murray, who
had so ably directed the parish and
endeared himself to the hearts of
the people, was assigned to even
more arduous work in Sanford, North
Carolina.

The records of the past six years
show that 1,341 were baptised and

of these 767 were converts. There
were 136,400 devotional communions.
Confirmation took place every other
year and a total of 656 were con-
firmed. There were 249 marriages,
187 mixed and 62 Catholic. The sick
calls recorded M-ere 12,348 and buri-
als 228. Hai'lem Hospital accounts
for the great number of sick calls.

The original debt on the parish was
$122,500.00. Today it is $2,244.64.
In spite of many handicaps a new
organ was installed, the high altar
rebuilt liturgically, the Shrines of
the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of
Victories remodelled and decorated,
the clerestory windows replaced, the
hall greatly improved and the rec-
tory repaired and tastefully deco-
rated.

The various parish societies are
flourishing. Father Francis J. Fitz-
Gerald is pastor. — F.J.F.
* * *

TIVERTON, R. L

Mission — St. Madeleine Sophie

In October 1940, St. Christopher's
took over St. Madeleine's mission
church. It was formerly adminis-
tered from Little Compton. Belong-
ing to the mission there are one hun-
dred families spread over a large
area. They are mostly Portuguese
with a sprinkling of French-Cana-
dians. Here there is a nice little
church and hall, with a five-room
house adjoining the church on a
three-quarter arce plot. This cot-
tage (now rented) was purchased
recently to sei-\'e as a future rectory
in the event of St. Madeleine's be-
coming a separate parish.

The following improvements were
made: New stations of the cross by
Pustet; new confessional; church ex-
terior painted; altar and sanctuary
renovated; new heating system in
church and hall; hall enlarged to
twice its size and provided with a
kitchen is now suitable for parties
yielding a neat little revenue each
week.

Three Sisters of the Sacred Hearts,
four lay teachers and Father Lucey
take care of the religious instruction
of the numerous children. The chil-
dren are conveyed to church for Mass
and catechism in our own bus.

The Tiverton district in recent
years has been assuming a new im-
portance. The old conservative Yan-
kees are dying out or losing their
infiuence. A new and progressive
crowd has taken hold of affairs. Thus
we have recently formed an up and
(Continued on Page 136)

134

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER, 1947

OURSELVES INCORPORATED

FERNDALE HERALD

Ri

.ETREATS are over; vaca-
tions are completed; the com is
green; the grapes are ripe; the po-
tatoes are ready; and Ferndale slow-
ly but surely takes on the character
of a new school year.

Last month's HERALD related our
two-way traffic program — one vaca-
tion gi-oup going and the other com-
ing. This month it was all one-way.
The newly professed scholastics, ex-
pected on August 15, had to remain
in the Novitiate two extra days be-
cause of the 106 Bridgeport men on
retreat here. They arrived on the
seventeenth and were soon made to
feel at home with outside manual
labor, trips to Keyser Island, soft-
ball games, and cards and conversa-
tion under the porch. Those of the
second vacation group returned on
August 22; the summer school stu-
dents on the twenty-fifth. Finally
on September 1 the last of the vaca-
tioners were in and the house
"bulged" with its sixty-one scholas-
tics.

On August 27 the community had
the opportunity of attending a mass
in the Ruthenian Rite, con-celebrated
by two priests from St. Basil's Sem-
inary, Stamford, who were here for
a few days' retreat. This might be
considered as our participation in the
Church Unity Octave, belated be-
cause we were unable to have our
usual Eastern Rite mass during that
period this year.

The aforementioned Keyser was
visited for the last time on August
28. Poor weather dissuaded many
from the water, but the aftei-noon
was taken up by two softball games
between the Philosophers and Theo-
logians. They split.

We were happy to hear of tlie new
appointments affecting Ferndale — Fr.
McGlynn, as Superior, and Frs. Lu-
cey and Kirkwood as new members
of the community. The former we
congratulate; the latter we welcome.

The August column was used — by
the kind permission of the Editor — ;
to introduce to the Congregation the
only remaining heir ("Bumper" by
name) of our late doubtful dalma-
tian, "Muffler. May we — by that
same kind permission of the Editor
— use this October column to an-
nounce that "Bumper" too has since

become late. Shot, stolen or strayed,
we'll never know.

Mr. John McAndrew, newly pro-
fessed scholastic, arrived from the
Novitiate on September 5.

Our annual retreat began on the
evening of Labor Day, September 1,
and continued till the morning of
September 8. Fr. Watkins gave the
conferences. While he was gone for
the funeral of his recently deceased
mother, Fr. Meenan filled in.

Then classes began . . .

WASHLNGTON NEWS

DUQUESNE DOINGS

D,

Nc

OW that the local heat—
which is just like heat ever\ where
else — has somewhat abated, this col-
umn sprouts anew.

Worthy of note in the recent past
is Father Provincial's twenty-fifth
anniversary of ordination to the
priesthood. The celebration was
strictly spiritual, with the community
assisting at mass and benediction,
both celebrated by the jubilarian.
Well, not entirely spiritual; an ex-
tra special dinner was enjoyed by
local residents. Fathers Jim Bradley,
Bill KeowTi and Juliano stopped in
during the day by accident. Father
Juliano presented Father Provincial
with a portrait.

Changes affect even the Little
White House. Father Leonard, af-
ter a year and a half here, left for
Sacred Heart, Detroit, and Father
Moroney, after five years, for Ope-
lousas. Father Dougherty replaces
the latter as vocation director and
assistant mission procurator.

Returned missionaries have chipped
right in to help in the mission col-
lections. Father Jim Manning is do-
ing a tour (mostly by bus!) of
Green Bay diocese and a week-end
in Indianapolis. Fathers Jimmy
White and Kingston spoke for the
mission cause in Fall River diocese.

More collections are being arranged
for next year in the Diocese of Kan-
sas City, Kansas (formerly the Dio-
cese of Leavenworth), with several
Southern missionaries promising to
lend a hand.

:H * *

But I chastise my body, and bring
it into subjection; let perhaps when
I have preached to others I myself
should become a castaway. — 1 Cor.

9, 27.

'EVELOPMENT of unexpect-
ed shortages and delay in transporta-
tion of materials in the construction
of three temporary buildings caused
a two-week postponement of the
opening of the fall semester. Classes
will begin October 6 to an expected
enrollment of 5,000 students. This
figure surpasses the previous high of
4,027 registered last fall. About 3,-
500 of the number will be veterans.

We begin our seventieth year with
many other material changes: the
renovation of the bookstore to a mod-
ern, streamlined thing of beauty, the
construction of a new stone and
wrought iron stairway entrance to
the rear of the Administration Build-
ing, sound-proofing and re-decorating
of the School of Music Building, and
a face-lifting job on the facade of
St. Mary's Hall, a residence for the
Fathers.

The university returned to football
on September 20, when it met Geneva,
its oldest rival, at Forbes Field un-
der the lights. The following Satur-
day the Dukes met Western Resei-^'e,
also at Forbes Field. Then they take
to the airlines in their privately char-
tered PC A plane to fly to San Fran-
cisco on October 5, Alabama on Oc-
tober 11, Mississippi State on October
18, Detroit on October 24. They re-
turn home in November for games
with Maryland on November S, and
with Clemson on November 15. They
close the season with Wake Forest,
November 21, and St. Louis on No-
vember 27.

The team is green (5 seniors and
.39 sophomores) but the material is
good and in Kass Kovalcheck and
"Doc" Skender, the coaching is su-
perlative. The opponents have some
surprises in store for them.

The addition of six lay Ph.D.'s to
the faculties of the department of
mathematics, history, English, chem-
istry and to the School of Pharmacy,
will strengthen the University aca-
demically and add prestige to our
olferings.

The work of Fathers Vernon Gal-
lagher and William Hogan in the
procurement of War Surplus Mate-
rials has brought much material gain
to the University and attracted the
attention of diocesan financiers to en-
list their aid in setting up a bureau
to handle the purchasing of similar
supplies for their own institutions.

OUR PROVINCE, OCTOBER. 1947

135

RIDGEFIELD

E,

'LEVEN novices made their act
of oblation and received their habits
on August 14 upon the completion
of an eight-day retreat. The follow-
ing day, the feast of the Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin, seven novices
made their profession. Another nov-
ice made a belated oblation and re-
ceived his habit on September 8.

Father Bednarczyk assisted by
Fathers Lechner and Flynn celebrat-
ed his Silver Jubilee with a Solemn
High Mass on August 26. After the
Mass a dinner was held in his honor,
attended by several of the diocesan
clergy and Fathers from Femdale.
Father then left for his vacation and
for his new assignment at Hot
Springs, Arkansas.

Father Master celebrated his 20th
anniversary of ordination on August
27 on which occasion he was pre-
sented a spiritual bouquet by the
novices.

The wooden barn, one of the oldest
landmarks on the property, is now a
thing of the past. It has been torn
down to make room for our new ball
field which may be graded this month.

We welcome Father E. P. Wilson
to our community as our new bursar
and wish him success and happiness
in his new assignment.

OFFICIAL: RETREATS

The annual retreat for the
Fathers in Arkansas, Kentucky,
Missouri and Oklahoma will
take place at Gethsemane Re-
treat House, 2015 East 72nd
Street, Kansas City 5, Missouri,
October 6 to 10.

Because of travel complica-
tions and other serious incon-
veniences the Fathers in Alaba-
ma, Louisiana and Wisconsin
are hereby excused from going
to Kansas City, Missouri. How-
ever it is recommended that
they make a private retreat
either the week of October 5
or of Otcober 12. Obviously it
is altogether too late to make
arrangements at Grand Coteau,
Louisiana.

TICKER TALK

New York (St. Mark's): The new
Riverton Project Houses around the
corner is an important addition to
the parish. There are seven build-
ings in all. Some 1,250 families of
20,000 applicants will find space. To
date we have found approximately
one hundred families at home, about
fifteen of whom are Catholic; about
eight practicing, four marriage cases
and three on the fence. A big op-
portunity for St. Mark's and we
don't intend to miss it. During the
summer five buses carried the Holy
Name men and their friends to a
picnic at Belmont State Park, L. I.
The members of the Junior Societies
had their outing at Rye Beach. A
Pilgrimage to Stirling, N. J., is
planned for October 12.

Little Compton, N. I. (St. Cathe-
rine's) : The property on Willow Ave-
nue has been sold. It was not suited
for our pui-pose. Work on the new
church building is progressing favor-
ably. The exterior is almost com-
plete. The summer visitors to the
sea shore helped considerably the
building fund.

Detroit, Mich. (Holy Ghost): Con-
struction of a new hall will begin in
the very near future. The estimated
cost is $13,000.00. There is every
indication that this sum will not be
too great a burden for this new par-
ish. Apart from the genero.=ity of
the people of the parish and the an-
nual donation from the Mission Guild
the revenue such a hall generally
produces will help considerably in
clearing the debt.

Rhein/Main Air Base, Germany:
Recently Father McAnulty had an au-
dience with the Pope. It was ar-
ranged by Msgr. Carroll. Fr.
McAnulty also reports on the suc-
cess of a retreat he gave for enlisted
men at Rest Center about twenty
miles in the Taunus mountains. A
small Catholic church nearby was
very convenient for the conferences
and for the devotions. Thirty-six
men attended, one from St. Mark's,
New York. The retreat was a grati-
fying success. Father McAnulty is
stationed near Father Curran.

General Roundup: Father Sheri-
dan (Carencro, La.) found that insu-
lating the new convent was more
than the parish could afford, but
some kind person came to the rescue
and paid the bill . . . The new church

building in Kaplan, La., (mission of
Abbeville) will be dedicated to Saint
Cabrini ... At Lafayette the con-
vent was renovated during the sum-
mer months . . . The sanctuary at
St. Edward's, New Iberia, La., has
been decorated and the bell tower has
been repaired . . . The school opened
at St. John's, Dayton, Ohio, with 196
attending and many others turned
away because of lack of sufficient
accommodations ... A wonderful re-
sponse is reported to the mission held
at Hickory Hill, La., (mission of
Marksville) . . . Episcopal approval
has been received for the building
plan at Salisbury, N. C. . . .

TIVERTON

(Continued from Page 134)

coming chamber of commerce, out to
put Tiverton on the map by publi-
cizing its many scenic, residential
and industrial advantages. They have
their planning, welfare, building, zon-
ing, etc., committees. They have
erected street names. Many new
homes are to be built. Work is
started on a new water system to
replace the individual wells. There
is talk of a branch bank. We are to
have a new half-million dollar bridge
spanning the Seaconnet River from
here to Portsmouth, and so on. This
is all to the good for the future of
our two Tiverton parishes. — J.J.O'R.

* * *

For we preach not ourselves, but
Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves
your servants through Jesus. — 2 Cor.
9, 27.

* * *

And I will give you pastors accord-
ing to my own heart, and they shall
feed you with knowledge and doc-
trine.— Jer. 8, 15.

^ * *

My people have been silent, because
they had no knowledge; because thou
hast rejected knowledge, I will re-
ject thee, that thou shalt not do the
office of priesthood to me; and thou
hast forgotten the law of thy God,
I also will forget thy children. — Osee
4, 6.

* * *

For the lips of the priest shall keep
knowledge, and they shall seek the
law at his mouth; because he is the
angel of the Lord of hosts. — Malach.

2, 7.

* * *

To love life through labor is to be
intimate with life's inmost secret. —
Gibran.

136

OUR PROVINCE. OCTOBER. 1947

Holi| Ghost Fathers

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII— No. 4

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washington 11, D.C.

OCTOBER, 1947

HOLY GHOST FATHERS ASSUME
CHARGE OF PARISH IN PUERTO RICO

At the request of Most Rev. James P.
Davis, D.D., Bishop of San Juan, Puerto
Rico, the Holy Ghost Fathers on October 1
assumed charge of Immaculate Conception
parish, Juncos, Puerto Rico.

Father Joseph F.
Sweeney, C.S.Sp., has
been named pastor
and Father John J.
McHugh, C.S.Sp., as-
sistant. Both priests
were formerly sta-
tioned in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico, and both
hail from Philadel-
phia.

At the request of
the editor of the
Mission News, Fath-
sr Sweeney supplies the following informa-

Father Sweeney

tion about Juncos and his parish, the only
one in the town:

"The parish was founded in 1797 by
Bishop Juan Bautista de Zengotita y Ben-
goa de la Arden de la Merced. He named
it the Immaculate Conception parish. It
has, beside the town, eight country dis-
tricts.

"The town has roughly 7,000 inhabitants,
plus an additional 12,000 in the campo
(country districts). Out of these 19,000,
the Sunday Mass attendance comes to about
200 to 250 people, of whom only 25 are
from the campo.

"The country section is amazingly low
spiritually. There are no chapels and Mass
has not been said there for years. The bap-
tisms for the entire parish are only sever-
al hundred yearly. There are hardly ever
any church funerals, even though they have
to pass the front door going to the ceme-

(Continued on page 4)

OCTOBER IS MISSION MONTH

This month, more than ever, you
are asked to be generous to the So-
ciety for the Propagation of the
Faith, a papal organization for all
Catholic missions, at home and
abroad.

In many dioceses. Mission Sunday
is observed this month, providing you
with an opportunity for increased
charity.

YOU NEED THE MISSIONS AS

MUCH AS THE MISSIONS NEED

YOU.

FAREWELL TO AMERICAN SOIL

Eight Holy Ghost Fathers take their last
look for some time at the New York sky-
line as they prepare to depart for the
African missions.

They are, left to right. Fathers Stanley
J. Trahan, C.S.Sp., Bay City, Mich.; Steph-
en J. Lasko, C.S.Sp., Noroton, Conn.; Fran-
cis J. McGowan, C.S.Sp., and James J.
White, C.S.Sp., both of Philadelphia; George

J. Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, on hand to
see them off; Francis M. Philben, C.S.Sp.,
Boston; Joseph A. Behr, C.S.Sp., Sharps-
burg, Pa.; Anthony A. Bacher, C.S.Sp., Mc-
Kees Rocks, Pa.; and Joseph A. Brennan,
C.S.Sp., Philadelphia.

They arrived in Mombasa, British East
Africa, on October 14 and went immediately
to begin their work in the Vicariate of Kili-

manjaro, Tanganyika Territory.

On the same ship, in what is believed
to be the largest group of missionary
priests ever to leave the United States for
Africa, were two Paulists, Fathers James
F. Cunningham, superior general, and John
J. O'Keefe; as well as two White Fathers,
Fathers Ferdinand Bellemare, of Canada,
and Charles Tardiff, of Hartford.

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers at
the Provincial House, 1615 Manchester Lane. N.W..
Washington 11. D. C, to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the missions.

THE NEED OF GOD THE HOLY
GHOST

At this hour we have reached the point
where it is absolutely necessary for all
Christians to unite in real Christianity to
preserve it against the anti-Christian
forces which would destroy it. Amid the
confusion that grips the nations of the
world one thing is certain: real peace will
never be ours until the men and women of
all nations return to God.

Nearly two thousand years ago, God the
Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, filled the
hearts of the disciples of Christ with the
wisdom of God — the truth that set the world
free from the dark superstitions of pagan-
ism.

History is repeating itself today. In
September, thirty young men entered our
Junior Seminary, swelling the number of
those studying for the priesthood in the
Holy Ghost Fathers, United States Province,
to one hundred and seventy-five. The world
has need of them, for soon they, too, will
have the Spirit of Truth that can set the
world free from its modern paganism.

Elsewhere in Catholic colleges, high
schools and grade schools young men and
women are once more pursuing the aim and
end of life and all education: "This is eter-
nal life; that they may know Thee, the
one true God, and Him whom Thou hast
sent, Jesus Christ."

It was God the Holy Ghost who gave to
the ignorant, timid, first Apostles of Christ
the knowledge of God "that surpasses all
understanding," converting them into fear-
less and energetic "lights of the world."

May we suggest to all our readers and
especially to students to use our prayer
leaflet to God the Holy Ghost to implore
His aid and giiidance. Copies may easily be
procured by writing to us in Washington.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY HAS RECORD
ENROLLMENT

PITTSBURGH— Authorities at Duquesne
University here announced that the school
year begun on October 6 had a record
number of over 5,000 students enrolled.

The opening of the Fall term was de-
layed to permit completion of three build-
ings erected on the campus. The largest
of the three has twenty-seven classrooms.
Of the other two, one is serving as a stu-
dent lounge and activities building and the
third as a chemistry and physics laboratory.

The University is under the direction of
the Holy Ghost Fathers, of whom twenty-
six are on the faculty.

MISSION LEAGUE NOTES

Members of the Holy Ghost Mission
League are asked to pray for the re-
pose of the souls of the following
members who died since the last issue
of the Mission News:

Mrs. Margaret Langan, Brooklyn,
N. Y.

Mrs. Margaret M. Gallagher, Allen-
town, Pa.

Mrs. Alice Q. Donovan, Detroit,
Mich.

Mr. Martin T. Convery, Philadel-
phia, Pa.

NEW VOCATION DIRECTOR
APPOINTED; ANNOUNCES
ENROLLMENT FOR YEAR

Father Daniel P. Dougherty, C.S.Sp., has
been named to succeed Father Eugene E.
Moroney, C.S.Sp., as vocation director for
the Holy Ghost Fathers in the United
States.

Father Moroney is
now stationed in Holy
Ghost parish, Opelou-
sas, Louisiana. He
was director of voca- Jlfc ^^

tions for five years.

A former Philadel-
phian. Father Doug-
herty was ordained in
1941 and was as-
signed to teach in
Holy Ghost Mission-
ary College, Corn-
wells Heights, Pa. Father Dougherty
After two years at

the College he served as . assistant pastor
of St. Mary's parish, Detroit, for three
years.

This week Father Dougherty announced
tht figures for this year's enrollment in
the Holy Ghost Fathers' seminaries in the
United States.

Thirty new students were accepted this
year, bringing the total to one hundred and
seventy-five. Of these, sixty-one are in
the Mission Seminary, Ferndale, Norwalk,
Conn., six in the International Scholasticate,

THE MISSIONS NEED. . .

Missals

Several missions in East Africa are
in need of missals. We can have them
delivered for the following:

Large Missal $30.00

Requiem Missal 5.00

If you can contribute in whole or
in part towards the purchase of a
missal, send your contribution to:
The Mission Procurator
Holy Ghost Fathers
1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Washington 11, D. C.
Please give your name and address
so that we can inform the mission-
ary to whom the missal is sent. He
can, in turn, send you his personal
thanks.

Fribourg, Switzerland, ten in the Novitiate,
Ridgefield, Conn., and ninety-eight in Holy
Ghost Missionary College.

The International Scholasticate has mem-
bers of most of the provinces of the Con-
gregation of the Holy Ghost in its student
body, all of whom attend the University of
Fribourg. Three from the United States
began their studies there last year and
three more this month.

Twenty-six dioceses and sixteen states
are represented in the aspirants of the
United States province.

Ordination Class at Ferndale

^w*^.-.

Members of the latest ordination class at
the Holy Ghost Fathers' Mission Seminary,
Ferndale, Norwalk, Conn., greet the world
with smiling faces after being elevated
to the priesthood.

One of their number, Mr. Robert N.
Roach, C.S.Sp., has not reached the re-
quired age but will be ordained very soon.
They are, back row, left to right: Father
Edward J. Raszewski, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia;
Mr. Roach, New York; Fathers John M.
Jendzura, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia; Albert J.

Bullion, C.S.Sp., Pittsburgh; Michael J.
Carr, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia; James A. Pha-
len, C.S.Sp., Port Arthur, Texas. Front
row: Fathers Ernest F. Kempf, C.S.Sp.,
Detroit; Francis A. Greff, C.S.Sp., Mt. Car-
mel, Pa.; Philip C. Niehaus, C.S.Sp.,
Sharpsburg, Pa.; and Martin F. Connolly,
C.S.Sp., Boston.

Upon completing their course in theology
next June, they will receive their first ap-
pointments.

MISSIONARIES APPRECIATE YOUR HELP?

Read These Letters - And Smile Broadly!

(We are constantly receiving letters from
our missionaries thanking us for our kind-
ness to them. We sometimes blush with
shame because no credit is due us; we
are merely passing on to them what our
many benefactors provide. Hence these ex-
cerpts from some of the missioners' letters
are published here with the hope that you,
the ones to whom thanks are really due, will
find some return therein for your charity.)

KISHIMUNDU, EAST AFRICA

"When I opened your airmail letter and
saw the check, I expected it was for
Masses; but when I read your letter say-
ing that the $500.00 was for the mission —
it is hard to describe the joyful thoughts
that ran through my mind.

"I can assure you that the money will
be well spent, as this place has' to be built
up right from the ground. We need even
knives, soup plates, beds, a house, etc.

"Word just reached me that the battery,
mission supplies, etc., have arrived. I
haven't seen the box yet but want to assure
you of my sincere thanks.

"I hope that one of the new fathers
comes here, although he will have to rough
it until the house is finished. I have the
foundation almost completed and expect
to build the whole house of stone. Luckily,
there is a stone quarry at the foot of the
property. I help a few men to quarry the
stone which is carried up a very steep hill
by girls, a tough job. I figure about 1400
cubic meters of stone will be necessary. I
have made arrangements for the beams
and rafters but haven't decided whether to
use tin sheets or tiles for the roof." — Father
Dennis Morley, C.S.Sp.

HARTSVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

"Your check arrived this morning. I
need not say that it has given me great
courage to go ahead in the plans for our
mission here.

"I note especially that $500.00 of this
contribtition comes from the appeal you
made at Pentecost. I am sure that those
who gave in this appeal will fe glad to
know that they are sharing in this and
other of our missionary enterprises.

"Our school building will be one of the
finest in the South, a modern fireproof
structure, which will last indefinitely and
be very inexpensive in upkeep. It is also
prepared for a second story, which tvill be
comparatively inexpensive when it is added
later."— Faiher A. J. Hackett, C.S.Sp.

KIENZEMA, EAST AFRICA

"Yesterday I received a letter with
check for the Masses enclosed. Sincere
thanks for your goodness. You wrote: 'This
may not be very much response. . .' I don't
know if you were ever in a position of one
who is starting a mission. This morning
during Mass I had a special memento for
you and your benefactors. May God grant
you what I asked for you.

"I have permission to build a provisional
chapel. You know the type — poles, sticks
and mud, covered with grass. Fortunately,

I got some books from Lisieux about St.
Teresa so my library is no longer merely
a possibility; but no study books, nothing
of the sort. I asked in Holland for some
but Holland is closed; nothing comes from
there at present." — Father G. v.d. Veer,
C.S.Sp.

TRINIDAD

"Thank you very much for the medals
and badges, u'hich arrived safely and which
are most acceptable." — Father J. H.
Ryan, C.S.Sp.

USERL EAST AFRICA

"A shower of roses in a dandelion patch!
That's how I'd like to describe the receipt
yesterday of the red, white and blue en-
velope carrying the raft that will float
Useri on easy waters between the financial
monsoons. We just needed something like
that to keep the wolf from having a litter
just outside the grass covered little bunga-
low. A million thanks for throwing out the
life line. It will ease the work immensely
and help in finishing off the new, long
needed Fathers' House here in Useri.

""The foundation for the new house is in
and we have begun making cement blocks.
It will be quite a large house, Africanally
speaking, but the district is quite large
and has good prospects for the future. We
are beginning to build on virgin soil, so to
speak. It is on a mission-owned plot. The
evergrowing small church here and the
grass covered bungalow is on native prop-
erty. The present building program will be
more in the center of the population and
that's the aim out here. Get in the middle
and the hoofing around will keep you with-
in a convenient radius. God knows when
we will become mechanized, so we leave
that to Him. A very large church must
also be in the divine plan if we do not
want the ever growing Christian population
making a sort of market place of the
House of God."— Father Sylvester Dellert,
C.S.Sp.

Father Dellert administers holy com-
munion to one of his parishioners at home.

ST. JAMES SEMINARY, EAST AFRICA

"The piano arrived yesterday in good
condition, and little out of tune; much less
out of tune than any piano during my time
in Ferndale. We were able to get it into
the country free of duty, to be used for
educational purposes. And it will be used
by the hoys, about ten of whom practice
the harmonium, and who will now be able
to devote twice the time to practicing; that
is, four half hoiirs a week.

"During August, while the school was
closed, I gave a retreat in German to the
three Sisters in Kilomeni, took Father
Albrecht's place in Moshi for a week, and
went for a few days to Arusha to visit
Father Varga. I found Kilomeni and Aru-
sha very cold this time of the year, and
heard xvith envy of the pleasant heat you
were having in the States. The highest I
experienced in the seminary during the hot
season was 87 degrees." — F.ather AntoN
MOBGENKOTH, C.S.SP.

MOREAUVILLE, LOUISIANA

"Thanks for the Mass intentions you sent
me. They will be taken care of during the
next month.

"The Catholic Center I have been work-
ing on for the past six months is just about
completed. The painter left today. We
still have a couple of bills out and I am
trying to raise funds for a Butane system.
That's one of the problems building in the
country: we must install our own water
works, sewage disposal plant and heating
system." — Father Joseph J. Cassidy, C.S.Sp.

(Editor's Note: Father Cassidy, a Navy
chaplain during the war, has obtained the
former officers' mess hall at Camp Clai-
borne, Louisiana, and will use it for a
school and Catholic Center.)

SINGA CHINI, EAST AFRICA

"The ciborium has arrived. Many thanks.
I have written a letter of gratitude to the
donors. I also received the magneto and
the projector.

"We are building a new store room which
will cost over $1000.00. The walls and
floors are completed and we are awaiting
roofing materials, which are scarce and ex-
pensive. 1 also want to build a new kitchen.
There is no end of work here.

"Two new schools are being built with
funds received as gifts and earmarked for
this purpose. The gentleman in Long Island
seems pleased with the school I named
in memory of his daughter." — Father
Joseph G. Noppinger, C.S.Sp.

KIBOSHO, EAST AFRICA

"/ wish to acknowledge receipt of the
statue, ciborium, tabernacle, etc. for Umbwe
Mission.

"Umbwe is still an out-station of Kibosho,
even though there are more than 3,500
Catholics there. Since Father Wingendorf
has gone. Father McGuire is attending to
Umbwe. Accept our sincere thanks for all
the articles.

"The statue had the Christians guess-
ing. Nearly all said or thought that it was
St. Michael, but when I asked: 'Where are
the wings?' they realized it must be a sta-
tue of some other saint. They were very
pleased with it and now that they know
it is St. George, they are very proud to
have it." — Father Herbert J. Prueher,
C.S.Sp.

NEW MISSION OPENED IN
PADUCAH, KY.

The Holy Ghost Fathers have recently
started their missionary work in a new
locale. The Most Rev. Francis R. Cotton,
D.D., Bishop of Owensboro, invited them
to begin the Rosary Mission in Paducah,
Kentucky.

Father Richard Wersing, C.S.Sp., a chap-
lain during the war, has been assigned to
this difficult mission. The following letter
was recently received from him in acknowl-
edgment of the aid that your generosity
enabled us to send him:

"Many thanks for the fat check. Be
assured of our remembrance of the donors
in our Masses and prayers.

"Have been real busy the past three
weeks; but then that's been true of all my
days here so far. Am on the job from
8:30 to 5:20, out of the dirty laborer's
clothes for 5:30 supper, then back to the
job for night work, except for three nights
of Inquiry Classes at private homes. Often
after that I scurry back to the church or
school to help the men, who volunteer on
the sanding, painting and papering.

"Somehow, we did get the chapel opened
for its first Mass on Sunday, August 24,
and somehow school opened for first, sec-
ond and third grades on Monday, Septem-
ber 8."

WEST AFRICA

DAKAR: Most Rev Marcel Lefebvre,
C.S.Sp., D.D., is the new vicar apostolic of
Dakar.

For thirteen years he did missionary
work in the Vicariate of Gabon, French
Equatorical Africa. Since 1945 he has been
director of the Holy Ghost Seminary at
Mortain, France.

LIBREVILLE: Most Rev. Jerome Adam,
C.S.Sp., has been named vicar apostolic of
Gabon and titular bishop of Rhinocoluris
by Pope Pius XII.

According to the 1946 figures, the Vicari-
ate of Gabon has 91,000 Catholics out of a
total population of 425,000.

HAITI

A Postulancy for Brothers has been
opened at Saint-Martial, with five aspir-
ants.

POLAND

Bydgoszcz, Poland
Dear Fathers:

I am happy to inform you that this morn-
ing we received the three boxes shipped to
us. They arrived intact.

We lack words to thank you properly
for this shipment. You will easily under-
stand our joy at sight of so many and such
precious things. From the bottom of our
hearts v»e say to all of you: "A thousand
thanks!"

I understand now your anxiety about the
shipment when you had received no news
from us about its arrival.

We thank you particularly for the ma-
terial for cassocks and for shirts, as well
as for the three chalices, a ciborium, two
candelabra, two missals, two boxes of can-
dles, communion paten, bell, surplices, the
albs, altar linen, vestments, etc.

Please convey our profound gratitude to
Father Provincial for all that he has done
for us and assure him that our prayers ac-
company him in his undertakings and la-
bors. Finally, to all our benefactors ex-
press our appreciation and assure them of
our remembrance of them and their in-
tentions before God.

With kindest fraternal regards,

P. H. Forys, C.S.Sp.

CAPE VERDE ISLAND

In 1946 there were 2,148 baptisms in the
parishes entrusted to our Fathers. For lack
of priests there are only 4,000 practicing
Catholics out of 74,000 baptized. Rain has
been scarce this year and the Cape is
threatened with famine.

SENEGALESE NAMED PREFECT
APOSTOLIC

Monsignor Prosper Paul Dodds, C.S.Sp.,
has been named Prefect Apostolic of Zi-
guinchor to succeed Monsignor Joseph
Faye, C.S.Sp., who was forced to retire be-
cause of sleeping sickness.

The new prefect was born in Senegal,
West Africa, just thirty-two years ago.
He was ordained in Fribourg, Switzerland,
in 1939 and has since been on the missions
here.

PARISH IN PUERTO RICO

(Continued from page 1)
tery. The reason for all this seems
to have been the lack of more than one
priest in the parish. Despite its spiritual
poverty, Juncos holds very good promise
for the future.

"Financially we are in the red. A school
that was just finished still has a debt of
about $4,500.00 The school is a two grade
affair built on to the back and the top of
the church. The first floor starts on the
top of the roof of the church and the second
floor is still above that. It is obvious that
the building cannot be enlarged in the fu-
ture. There are ten pupils in kindergarten
and twenty-five in first grade.

"The church has just been painted and
repaired. Vestments and so on are not
the best, but they are all right. Every-
thing in the church is clean.

"The house also is in good condition. It
has an ice box, stove and hot-water heater
and enough furniture to hold us for the
present. There are few dishes, no silver-
ware or cooking utensils, and also no cook.

"The parish funds go out as fast as they
come in — teachers, sexton, bank-note, etc.
Sunday collections average from $7.00 to
$8.00 weekly.

"The town is very progressive; some say
it is the most progressive small town on
the island. Its people are noted for their
hospitality. Besides sugar cane, they have
several industries, among them an iron
works. They won the Double A champion-
ship in baseball. This was quite noteworthy
here."

We are happy to announce that, because
of the generosity of numerous friends of
the missions, the Mission Procurator's office
has been able to send Father Sweeney
$1,000.00 to help establish a chapel in the
country section of his parish in Juncos.
Other gifts for his work can be sent to the
Mission Procurator, 1615 Manchester Lane,
N.W., Washington 11, D. C.

SOUTH AMERICA

TEFFE. After a fast trip by plane. Bishop
de Lange arrived in Teffe, where he was
cordially welcomed by Father Barrat, the
clergy, the school children and the local
authorities.

Do You Wish To Become a Missionary Priest or Brother?

Send for information about the HOLY GHOST FATHERS

Dear Father:

Fathers D

Please send me information about the Holy Ghost -I „ , p-.

and the requirements for admission. *- '^'■"•-"^''s 1—1

}

(check one)

Name Age

Street address Phone:

City and State Zone

School Grade

(Tear off and send to the Vocation Director, Holy Ghost Fathers,
1615 Manchester Lane, N. W., Washington 11, D. C.)

Back to the books! The school year gets
under way at the seminary, too.

Holii Ghost Fathers

I kAlC C tr\Kl KIC\A/C

MISSION NEWS

To foster

devotion to the

Holy Ghost

and

promote interest

in the

Missions.

Vol. VII— No. 4

HOLY GHOST FATHERS
Washington 11, D.C.

OCTOBER, 1947

HOLY GHOST FATHERS ASSUME
CHARGE OF PARISH IN PUERTO RICO

At the request of Most Rev. James P.
Davis, D.D., Bishop of San Juan, Puerto
Rico, the Holy Ghost Fathers on October 1
assumed charge of Immaculate Conception
parish, Juncos, Puerto Rico.

Father Joseph F.
Sweeney, C.S.Sp., has
been named pastor
and Father John J.
McHugh, C.S.Sp., as-
sistant. Both priests
were formerly sta-
tioned in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico, and both
hail from Philadel-
phia.

.A.t the request of
the editor of the
Mission News, Fath-
er Sweeney supplies the following informa-

Father Sweeney

tion about Juncos and his parish, the only
one in the town:

"The parish was founded in 1797 by
Bishop Juan Bautista de Zengotita y Ben-
goa de la Arden de la Merced. He named
it the Immaculate Conception parish. It
has, beside the town, eight country dis-
tricts.

"The town has roughly 7,000 inhabitants,
plus an additional 12,000 in the campo
(country districts). Out of these 19,000,
the Sunday Mass attendance comes to about
200 to 250 people, of whom only 25 are
from the campo.

"The country section is amazingly low
spiritually. There are no chapels and Mass
has not been said there for years. The bap-
tisms for the entire parish are only sever-
al hundred yearly. There are hardly ever
any church funerals, even though they have
to pass the front door going to the ceme-
(Continued on page 4)

OCTOBER IS MISSION MONTH

This month, more than ever, you
are asked to be generous to the .So-
ciety for the Propagation of the
Faith, a papal organization for all
Catholic missions, at home and
abroad.

In many dioceses. Mission Sunday
is observed this month, providing you
with an opportunity for increased
charity.

YOU NEED THE MISSIONS AS

MUCH AS THE .MISSIONS NEED

YOU.

FAREWELL TO AMERICAN SOIL

Eight Holy Ghost Fathers take their last
look for some time at the New York sky-
line as they prepare to depart for the
African missions.

They are, left to right. Fathers Stanley
J. Trahan, C.S.Sp., Bay City, Mich.; Steph-
en J. Lasko, C.S.Sp., Noroton, Conn.; Fran-
cis J. McGowan, C.S.Sp., and James J.
White, C.S.Sp., both of Philadelphia; George

J. Collins, C.S.Sp., provincial, on hand to
see them off; Francis M. Philben, C.S.Sp.,
Boston; Joseph A. Behr, C.S.Sp., Sharps-
burg, Pa.; Anthony A. Bacher, C.S.Sp., Mc-
Kees Rocks, Pa.; and Joseph A. Brennan,
C.S.Sp., Philadelphia.

They arrived in Mombasa, British East
Africa, on October 14 and went immediately
to begin their work in the Vicariate of Kili-

manjaro, Tanganyika Territory.

On the same ship, in what is believed
to be the largest group of missionary
priests ever to leave the United States for
Africa, were two Paulists, Fathers James
F. Cunningham, superior general, and John
J. O'Keefe; as well as two White Fathers,
Fathers Ferdinand Bellemare, of Canada,
and Charles Tardiff, of Hartford.

MISSION NEWS

Published quarterly by the Holy Ghost Fathers at
the Provincial House, 1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.,
Washington 11, D. C, to foster devotion to the Holy
Ghost and promote interest in the missions.

THE NEED OF GOD THE HOLY
GHOST

At this hour we have reached the point
where it is absolutely necessary for all
Christians to unite in real Christianity to
preserve it against the anti-Christian
forces which would destroy it. Amid the
confusion that grips the nations of the
world one thing is certain: real peace will
never be ours until the men and women of
all nations return to God.

Nearly two thousand years ago, God the
Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, filled the
hearts of the disciples of Christ with the
wisdom of God — the truth that set the world
free from the dark superstitions of pagan-
ism.

History is repeating itself today. In
September, thirty young men entered our
Junior Seminary, swelling the number of
those studying for the priesthood in the
Holy Ghost Fathers, United States Province,
to one hundred and seventy-five. The world
has need of them, for soon they, too, will
have the Spirit of Truth that can set the
world free from its modern paganism.

Elsewhere in Catholic colleges, high
schools and grade schools young men and
women are once more pursuing the aim and
end of life and all education: "This is eter-
nal life; that they may know Thee, the
one true God, and Him whom Thou hast
sent, Jesus Christ."

It was God the Holy Ghost who gave to
the ignorant, timid, first Apostles of Christ
the knowledge of God "that surpasses all
understanding," converting them into fear-
less and energetic "lights of the world."

May we suggest to all our readers and
especially to students to use our prayer
leaflet to God the Holy Ghost to implore
His aid and guidance. Copies may easily be
procured by writing to us in Washington.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY HAS RECORD
ENROLLMENT

PITTSBURGH— Authorities at Duquesne
University here announced that the school
year begun on October 6 had a record
number of over 5,000 students enrolled.

The opening: of the Fall term was de-
layed to permit completion of three build-
ings erected on the campus. The largest
of the three has twenty-seven classrooms.
Of the other two, one is serving as a stu-
dent lounge and activities building and the
third as a chemistry and physics laboratory.

The University is under the direction of
the Holy Ghost Fathers, of whom twenty-
six are on the faculty.

MISSION LEAGUE NOTES

Members of the Holy Ghost Mission
League are asked to pray for the re-
pose of the souls of the following
members who died since the last issue
of the Mission News:

Mrs. Margaret Langan, Brooklyn,
N. Y.

Mrs. Margaret M. Gallagher, Allen-
town, Pa.

Mrs. Alice Q. Donovan, Detroit,
Mich.

Mr. Martin T. Convery, Philadel-
phia, Pa.

NEW VOCATION DIRECTOR
APPOINTED; ANNOUNCES
ENROLLMENT FOR YEAR

Father Daniel P. Dougherty, C.S.Sp., has
been named to succeed Father Eugene E.
Moroney, C.S.Sp., as vocation director for
the Holy Ghost Fathers in the United
States.

Father Moroney is
now stationed in Holy
Ghost parish, Opelou-
sas, Louisiana. He
was director of voca-
tions for five years.

A former Philadel-
phiaii, Father Doug-
herty was ordained in
1941 and was as-
signed to teach in
Holy Ghost Mission-
ary College, Corn-
wells Heights, Pa. Father. Dougherty
After two years at

the College he served as assistant pastor
of St. Mary's parish, Detroit, for three
years.

This week Father Dougherty announced
the figures for this year's enrollment in
the Holy Ghost Fathers' seminaries in the
United States.

Thirty new students were accepted this
year, bringing the total to one hundred and
seventy-five. Of these, sixty-one are in
the Mission Seminary, Ferndale, Norwalk,
Conn., six in the International Scholasticate,

THE MISSIONS NEED. . .

Missals
Several missions in East Africa are
in need of missals. We can have them
delivered for the following:

Large Missal $30.00

Requiem Missal 5.00

If you can contribute in whole or
in part towards the purchase of a
missal, send your contribution to:
The Mission Procurator
Holy Ghost Fathers
1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Washington 11, D. C.
Please give your name and address
so that we can inform the mission-
ary to whom the missal is sent. He
can, in turn, send you his personal
thanks.

Fribourg, Switzerland, ten in the Novitiate,
Ridgefield, Conn., and ninety-eight in Holy;
Ghost Missionary College. i

The International Scholasticate has mem-'
bers of most of the provinces of the Con-|
gregation of the Holy Ghost in its students
body, all of whom attend the University o|
Fribourg. Three from the United States)
began their studies there last year an(|
three more this month.

Twenty-six dioceses and sixteen state^
are represented in the aspirants of the!
United States province.

Ordination Class at Ferndale

Members of the latest ordination class at
the Holy Ghost Fathers' Mission Seminary,
Ferndale, Norwalk, Conn., greet the world
with smiling faces after being elevated
to the priesthood.

One of their number, Mr. Robert N.
Roach, C.S.Sp., has not reached the re-
quired age but will be ordained very soon.
They are, back row, left to right: Father
Edward J. Raszewski, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia;
Mr. Roach, New York; Fathers John M.
Jendzura, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia; Albert J.

Bullion, C.S.Sp., Pittsburgh; Michael J.
Carr, C.S.Sp., Philadelphia; James A. Pha-
len, C.S.Sp., Port Arthur, Texas. Front
row: Fathers Ernest F. Kempf, C.S.Sp.,
Detroit; Francis A. Greff, C.S.Sp., Mt. Car-
mel. Pa.; Philip C. Niehaus, C.S.Sp.,
Sharpsburg, Pa.; and Martin F. Connolly,
C.S.Sp., Boston.

Upon completing their course in theology
next June, they will receive their first ap-
pointments.

MISSIONARIES APPRECIATE YOUR HELP?

Read These Letters - And Smile Broadly!

(We are constantly receiving letters from
our missionaries thanking us for our kind-
ness to them. We sometimes blush with
shame because no credit is due us; we
are merely passing on to them what our
many benefactors provide. Hence these ex-
cerpts from some of the missioners' letters
are published here with the hope that you,
the ones to whom thanks are really due, will
find some return therein for your charity.)

KISHIMUNDU, EAST AFRICA

"When I opened your airmail letter and
saw the check, I expected it was for
Masses; but when I read your letter say-
ing that the $500.00 was for the mission-
it is hard to describe the joyful thoughts
that ran through my mind.

"I can assure you that the money will
be well spent, as this place has to be built
up right from the ground. We need even
knives, soup plates, beds, a house, etc.

"Word just reached me that the battery,
mission supplies, etc., have arrived. I
haven't seen the box yet but want to assure
you of my sincere thanks.

"I hope that one of the new fathers
comes here, although he will have to rough
it until the house is finished. I have the
foundation almost completed and expect
to build the whole house of stone. Luckily,
there is a stone quarry at the foot of the
property. I help a few men to quarry the
stone which is carried up a very steep hill
by girls, a tough job. I figure about 1400
cubic meters of stone will be necessary. I
have made arrangements for the beams
and rafters but haven't decided whether to
use tin sheets or tiles for the roof." — Father
Dennis Morley, C.S.Sp.

HARTSVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

"Your check arrived this morning. I
need not say that it has given me great
courage to go ahead in the plans for our
mission here.

"I note especially that $500.00 of this
contribution comes from the appeal you
made at Pentecost. I am sure that those
who gave in this appeal will be glad to
know that they are sharing in this and
other of our missionary enterprises.

"Our school building %vill he one of the
finest in the South, a modern fireproof
structure, which will last indefinitely and
he very inexpensive i?i upkeep. It is also
prepared for a second story, which will be
comparatively inexpensive when it is added
later." — Father A. J. H.\ckett, C.S.Sp.

KIENZEMA, EAST AFRICA

"Yesterday I received a letter with
check for the Masses enclosed. Sincere
thanks for your goodness. You wrote: 'This
may not be very much response. . .' I don't
know if you were ever in a position of one
who is starting a mission. This morning
during Mass I had a special memento for
you and your benefactors. May God grant
you what I asked for you.

"I have permission to build a provisional
chapel. You know the type — poles, sticks
and mud, covered with grass. Fortunately,

I got some books from Lisieux about St.
Teresa so my library is no longer merely
a possibility; but no study books, nothing
of the sort. I asked in Holland for some
but Holland is closed; nothing comes from
there at present." — Father G. v.d. Veer,
C.S.Sp.

TRINIDAD

"Thank you very m.uch for the medals
and badges, which arrived safely and which
are most acceptable." — Father J. H.
Ryan, C.S.Sp.

USERI, EAST AFRICA

"A shower of roses in a dandelion patch!
That's how I'd like to describe the receipt
yesterday of the red, white and blue en-
velope carrying the raft that will float
Useri on easy waters between the financial
monsoons. We just needed something like
that to keep the wolf from having a litter
just outside the grass covered little bunga-
low. A million thanks for throwing out the
life line. It will ease the work immensely
and help in finishing off the new, long
needed Fathers' House here in Useri.

"The foundation for the new house is in
and we have begun making cement blocks.
It will be quite a large house, Africanally
speaking, but the district is quite large
and has good prospects for the future. We
are beginning to build on virgin soil, so to
speak. It is on a mission-owned plot. The
evergrowing small church here and the
grass covered bungalow is on native prop-
erty. The present building program will be
more in the center of the population and
that's the aim out here. Get in the middle
and the hoofing around will keep you with-
in a convenient radius. God knows when
we will become mechanized, so we leave
that to Him. A very large church must
also be in the divine plan if we do not
want the ever growing Christian population
making a sort of market place of the
House of God." — Father Svlvester Dellert,
C.S.Sp.

^9

Ml

^Be^V

Wi* ' ^^^^H

H^^P ^1

^^^^^^H
^ ^^^^H

^v^^^B^I

^IH

Father Dellert administers holy com-
munion to one of his parishioners at home.

ST. JAMES SEMINARY, EAST AFRICA I

"The piano arrived yesterday in good
condition, and little out of tune; much less
out of tune than any piano during my time
in Ferndale. We were able to get it into I
the country free of duty, to be used for
educational purposes. And it will be used
by the boys, about ten of whom practice
the harmonium, and who will noiv be able \
to devote twice the time to practicing ; that
is, four half hours a week. ,

"During August, while the school was
closed, I gave a retreat in German to the
three Sisters in Kilomeni, took Father
Albrecht's place in Moshi for a week, and
went for a few days to Arusha to visit
Father Varga. I found Kilomeni and Aru-
sha very cold this time of the year, and
heard with envy of the pleasant heat you ;
were having in the States. The highest I
experienced in the seminary during the hot
season was 87 degrees." — F.\ther Anton

MORGENROTH, C.S.SP.

MOREAUVILLE, LOUISIANA

"Thanks for the Mass intentions you sent
me. They will be taken care of during the
next month.

"The Catholic Center I have been work-
ing on for the past six months is just about
completed. The painter left today. We
still have a couple of bills out and I am
trying to raise funds for a Butane system. ]
That's one of the problems building in the
country: we must install our own water '
works, sewage disposal plant and heating
system." — Father Joseph J. Cassidy, C.S.Sp.

(Editor's Note: Father Cassidy, a Navy i
chaplain during the war, has obtained the \
former officers' mess hall at Camp Clai-
borne, Louisiana, and will tise it for a
school and Catholic Center.)

SINGA CHINI, EAST AFRICA '

"The ciborium has arrived. Many thanks.
I have written a letter of gratitude to the
donors. I also received the magneto and
the projector.

"We are building a new store room which
will cost over $1000.00. The walls and
floors are completed and we are awaiting
roofing materials, which are scarce and ex- j
pensive. 1 also want to build a new kitchen, i
There is no end of work here.

"Two new schools are being built with
funds received as gifts and earmarked for
this purpose. The gentleman in Long Island
seems pleased with the school I named
in memory of his daughter." — Father
Joseph G. Noppinger, C.S.Sp. |

KIBOSHO, EAST AFRICA

"/ wish to acknowledge receipt of the
statue, ciborium, tabernacle, etc. for Umbwe
Mission.

"Umbwe is still an out-station of Kibosho,
even though there are more than 3,500
Catholics there. Since Father Wingendorf
has gone. Father McGuire is attending to \
Umbwe. Accept our sincere thanks for all
the articles.

"The statue had the Christians guess- ',
ing. Nearly all said or thought that it was
St. Michael, bxit when I asked: 'Where are
the wings?' they realized it must be a sta-
tue of some other saint. They were very
pleased with it and now that they know
it is St. George, they are very proud to
have it." — Father Herbert J. Prueher,
C.S.Sp.

NEW MISSION OPENED IN
PADUCAH, KY.

The Holy Ghost Fathers have recently
started their missionary work in a new
locale. The Most Rev. Francis R. Cotton,
D.D., Bishop of Owensboro, invited them
to begin the Rosary Mission in Paducah,
Kentucky.

Father Richard Wersing, C.S.Sp., a chap-
lain during the war, has been assigned to
this difficult mission. The following letter
was recently received from him in acknowl-
edgment of the aid that your generosity
enabled us to send him:

"Many thanks for the fat check. Be
assured of our remembrance of the donors
in our Masses and prayers.

"Have been real busy the past three
weeks; but then that's been true of all my
days here so far. Am on the job from
8:30 to 5:20, out of the dirty laborer's
clothes for 5:30 supper, then back to the
job for night work, except for three nights
of Inquiry Classes at private homes. Often
after that I scurry back to the church or
school to help the men, who volunteer on
the sanding, painting and papering.

"Somehow, we did get the chapel opened
for its first Mass on Sunday, August 24,
and somehow school opened for first, sec-
ond and third grades on Monday, Septem-
ber 8."

WEST AFRICA

DAKAR: Most Rev Marcel Lefebvre,
C.S.Sp., D.D., is the new vicar apostolic of
Dakar.

For thirteen years he did missionary
■work in the Vicariate of Gabon, French
Equatorical Africa. Since 1945 he has been
director of the Holy Ghost Seminary at
Mortain, France.

LIBREVILLE: Most Rev. Jerome Adam,
C.S.Sp., has been named vicar apostolic of
Gabon and titular bishop of Rhinocoluris
by Pope Pius XII.

According to the 1946 figures, the Vicari-
ate of Gabon has 91,000 Catholics out of a
total population of 425,000.

HAITI

A Postulancy for Brothers has been
opened at Saint-Martial with five aspir-
ants.

POLAND

Bydgoszcz, Poland
Dear Fathers:

I am happy to inform you that this morn-
ing we received the three boxes shipped to
us. They arrived intact.

We lack words to thank you properly
for this shipment. You will easily under-
stand our joy at sight of so many and such
precious things. From the bottom of our
hearts we say to all of you: "A thousand
thanks!"

I understand now your anxiety about the
shipment when you had received no news
from us about its arrival.

We thank you particularly for the ma-
terial for cassocks and for shirts, as well
as for the three chalices, a ciborium, two
candelabra, two missals, two boxes of can-
dles, communion paten, bell, surplices, the
albs, altar linen, vestments, etc.

Please convey our profound gratitude to
Father Provincial for all that he has done
for us and assure him that our prayers ac-
company him in his undertakings and la-
bors. Finally, to all our benefactors ex-
press our appreciation and assure them of
our remembrance of them and their in-
tentions before God.

With kindest fraternal regards,

P. H. Forys, C.S.Sp.

CAPE VERDE ISLAND

In 1946 there were 2,148 baptisms in the
parishes entrusted to our Fathers. For lack
of priests there are only 4,000 practicing
Catholics out of 74,000 baptized. Rain has
been scarce this year and the Cape is
threatened with famine.

SENEGALESE NAMED PREFECT
APOSTOLIC

Monsignor Prosper Paul Dodds, C.S.Sp.,
has been named Prefect Apostolic of Zi-
guinchor to succeed Monsignor Joseph
Faye, C.S.Sp., who was forced to retire be-
cause of sleeping sickness.

The new prefect was born in Senegal,
West Africa, just thirty-two years ago.
He was ordained in Fribourg, Switzerland,
in 1939 and has since been on the missions
here.

PARISH IN PUERTO RICO j

(Continued from page 1)
tery. The reason for all this seems '
to have been the lack of more than one ,
priest in the parish. Despite its spiritual
poverty, Juncos holds very good promise i
for the future.

"Financially we are in the red. A school ]
that was just finished still has a debt of
about $4,500.00 The school is a two grade i
affair built on to the back and the top of '
the church. The first floor starts on the !
top of the roof of the church and the second
floor is still above that. It is obvious that I
the building cannot be enlarged in the fu- 1
ture. There are ten pupils in kindergarten !
and twenty-five in first grade. '

"The church has just been painted and ■
repaired. Vestments and so on are not
the best, but they are all right. Every-
thing in the church is clean.

"The house also is in good condition. It "
has an ice box, stove and hot-water heater
and enough furniture to hold us for the
present. There are few dishes, no silver-
ware or cooking utensils, and also no cook. '

"The parish funds go out as fast as they
come in — teachers, sexton, bank-note, etc. '
Sundav collections average from $7.00 to I
$8.00 weekly.

"The town is very progressive; some say
it is the most progressive small town on
the island. Its people are noted for their
hospitality. Besides sugar cane, they have ^
several industries, among them an iron ;
works. They won the Double A champion- i
ship in baseball. This was quite noteworthy |
here." j

We are happy to announce that, because
of the generosity of numerous friends of I
the missions, the Mission Procurator's office 1
has been able to send Father Sweeney ■
$1,000.00 to help establish a chapel in the
country section of his parish in Juncos. ^
Other gifts for his work can be sent to the
Mission Procurator, 1615 Manchester Lane, '
N.W., Washington 11, D. C. '.

SOUTH AMERICA i

TEFFE. After a fast trip by plane. Bishop
de Lange arrived in Teffe, where he was !
cordially welcomed by Father Barrat, the
clergy, the school children and the local
authorities. i

HOLY GHOST FATHERS

1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Washington 11, D.C.

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3UR PROVINCE

Vol. 16 - No. 11 415 ^^ SB November, 1947

8f- ^

ABNEGATION . . .

We are under a strict obligation to tend towards
perfection, and we must press towards it by
abnegation: this is the will ot God.

AMERICA'S NATIONAL DISGRACE .

The period which prepared the soil and engendered
racial prejudice was the Civil War and the
so called Era ot Reconstruction.

IT IS SNOW ...

When the kingly Kibo snowed under the scientists.

AND

Ourselves Incorporated, Bulletins, Lineup of Our
Levites, Mail Box, The Holy Ghost Fathers.

14TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

FERVOR • CHARITY • SACRIFICE

Our Province offical

November 1947

Vol. 16

No. 11

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November, 1933. by Father C. J.
Pluakett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N. W.,
Washington 11, D, C, U.S.A.. and printed by
West land Printing and Stationery Company,
8414 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland

In This Issue

Official 139

Abnegation (The Spiritual

Directory) 140

The Holy Ghost Fathers 141

America's National Disgrace . . . 142

It Is Snow 144

Ourselves Incorporated 145

Lineup of Our Levites 146

Bulletins:

Shreveport, La. O.L.B.S 147

Abbeville, La 147

Isle Brevelle, La 147

Mansura, La 148

Lafayette, La 148

Lake Charles, La 149

"THIS AGE AND .MARY"

In summary we may say that there
is expressed the need of the Catholic
Church at the present moment. If
her members in increasing numbers
live her full doctrine in a full life,
the universal gloom will begin to dis-
solve. Those who are tempted to
leave her ranks will take heart and
repent of their impending betrayal.
Gradually their strength, accumulat-
ing through fusion and mutual e.x-
change, will overflow and have last-
ing influence about them. The
Church will grow and lead mankind
to God.

HOW can all this come to pass ?

I wish here to state the thesis that
it can happen through the widespread

Appointments:

Father D. T. Ray, Ferndale.

Father J. J. Walsh, Washington,
D. C, bursar.

Father A. F. Frommholz, Pitts-
burgh, Pa., Immaculate Heart.

Arrival:

Father Marcel Crittin, Sept. 19, at
New York, from Haiti, via P.A.A.

Departure:

Father Marcel Crittin, Sept. 23,
from New York for Le Havre, via
S.S. De Grasse, French Line.

New Address:

Father M. F. Mulvoy, 1003 Eighth
Street, Box 627, University, Tusca-
loosa, Alabama.

Expression of Thanks

Father Dellert wishes to thank all
the Fathers who were kind enough to
attend the funeral of his father.

revival of devotion to the Blessed
Virgin Mary. I mean dedication and
not merely the repetition of formulae
or religious practices. If Mary be-
comes a living, magnetic force for
each Christian then the tide will be-
gin to turn. . . .

The full Marian renaissance for
which we hope will not be an abrupt,
unheralded arrival. It will be the
culmination to which events have
been rising for the past hundred
years. The 19th century was marked
by the great public apparitions — the
Miraculous Medal, La Salette, Lour-
des. These formed focal points of
collective popular piety. Likewise,
that age brought the dogmatic defi-
nition of the Immaculate Conception.
This is the intellectual foundation in-
dispensable to a structure of endui'-
ing (|uality. Not that the doctrine

thus infallibly proclaimed was new.
The official declaration, however, did
two things. It lifted the truth above
the level of debate, giving it stabil-
ity, and it turned minds more direct-
ly towards Our Lady's person. Hith-
erto she had appeared in imagery
and prayer very closely associated
with her divine Son. From Him un-
unquestionably proceeds her entire
greatness. But this greatness is now
considered more in its own fullness,
not as independent of Him but as a
singular and very beautiful reflection
of His infinite power.

She is the one who can heal the
ills of our generation. The human
family has suffered in our time an
intermittent urge towards self - de-
struction. The idea of destruction is
perilous. Once let loose it strikes
in any direction, now striking for-
ward, now hitting back on those who
unleashed it. When there is added
the might of technical power barely
controlled, the process will move in
its frightening circuit with still great-
er waste and desolation.

To this downward trend there must
be opposed the very highest insis-
tance of fruitfulness — that is the di-
vine maternity of Mary. The idea of
fruitfulness in family life is nature's
protest against the destruction in-
herent in war. It acts as a check. It
is a time when nations have degrad-
ed family life that they have missed
that check and the destruction of
war has run its riotous, unbridled
course. To stem it the example
of a woman fruitful to the very
height of the deity is given to men.
Prayer follows need. It is best when
it rises spontaneously out of need
and goes to one who matches and
meets that need. Prayer to Mary is
now in tune with mankind's deepest
need. It will for that reason be ef-
ficacious.— Father Michael O'Carroll,
C.S.Sp., D.D., in "This Age and
Mary."

REQUESCANT IN PACE

Brother William Rudzki
Father Emil Knaebel
Father Amos Johns
Brother Oelsus McCabe
Brother Hieronymus Schneider
Father Edward Schmitz
Father Francis Olfen
Brother Vincent Pietrucik
Father Peter Breindenbent

December
December
December
December
December
Deremher
December
December
December

8, 1944

9, 1933

10, 1914

12, 1928

13, 1931
16, 1901
19, 1927
23, 1938
3], 1892

66
63
33
101
79
49
63
73
29

139

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER, 1947

ABNEGATION

X HE practice of abnegation
will never be a complete success un-
less it extends to every evil that is
within us, unless it attacks the strong-
hold of evil at every point of its de-
fense. As regards those defenses that
cannot be carried immediately by
storm, we must at least press them
closely and carefully blockade them.
Moreover, in the ensemble of this
general attack we must gather all the
energy and perseverance required for
an undertaking of such importance
and against such powerful enemies.

By all this I mean that it is neces-
sary for us to renounce all the objects
of which we can deprive ourselves, in
order to shut out the natural and
harmful impressions which these ob-
jects make upon us. As regards those
objects which the order of God's Will
prevents us from renouncing, or which
go with our state in life, neither our
soul nor our senses must take any de-
light which their possession might
entail. We must also be on our guard
against attachment to these objects.
The enemy being thus surrounded, we
need only exercise a peaceful vigil-
ance over ourselves. As regards natu-
ral gratifications, this is the way to
attack and to blockade the enemy.

As for defects and vices, there are
some that can be cut out entirely and
this we must do with a vigorous hand.
There ai-e others, like pride and the
defects rooted in our character, which
are not so easily nor quickly removed.
Before all else it is necessary to hem
them in, to cut off their nourishment
by the practice of abnegation, which
is to be exercised here in two ways.
First, by cutting out whatever may
nurture character defects and what-
ever we may find as giving us satis-
faction. Next, by accepting in a spirit
of abnegation not only the continual
shocks which we may have to endure
during this process, but also the labor
demanded of us in constantly offering
resistance to them. On this point we
must be on our guard against dis-
couragement which may come to any
soul not yet truly mortified. If we
add to this a peaceful vigilance, the
victory is assured.

Finally, throughout this combat, we
must be full of fervor, full of energy
and constancy, trusting in God and
His divine grace. Whoever under-
takes to walk in the way of perfect
abnegation, but does so in a listless,

easy-going or superficial way, will not
make progress. He mil even fre-
quently practice only an imaginary
abnegation, one that has no existence
in reality.

This total war holds nothing that
should frighten fervent and energetic
souls, who understand the need of be-
longing entirely to God, who know
that since the coming of the Saviour
and His precursor, the kingdom of
God endures violent assault, and that
the violent have been seizing it by
force. But there are souls attached
to the pleasures of this world, and
others who are pusillanimous. They
find everywhere unsurmountable ob-
stacles which exist only in the weak-
ness of their heart or in their imagina-
tion.

Two Objections Against This Doctrine

There are souls of little generosity,
who lose courage at the thought of
renouncing forever all natural satis-
factions. They cannot see how such
a hard life, stripped of any pleasure
or satisfaction could be borne. They
see nothing but sadness and gloom.
Their courage gives way and they run
again after human consolations, at the
same time trying to justify their con-
duct by persuading themselves that
not all men are called to such great
perfection, or that they will be able
to become perfect simply by the prac-
tice of the virtues, while permitting
themselves at least some lawful sat-
isfactions. They plan to keep the
latter within bounds so as to run no
danger of laxness.

We must determine to set ourselves
against all such thoughts should we
ever feel in our heart this enei-vating
weakness. For, even though every-
one is not called to perfection, none
of us can ever consider himself as be-
longing to this category. The very
fact that we have been called to the
apostolate proves that we are called
to perfection. The words of our Lord
are too explicit in this regard: "If
anyone wishes to come after me, let
him deny himself." (Mark, 8, 34).
These divine words brook no objec-
tions. God's all-powerful voice im-
pels and draws us towards perfection.
I-et us march forward with courage
and generosity, refusing to consider
our weakness. He Who has called us,
will give us the strength to reach our
goal. Each of us must say to him-

self: "I can do all things in him who
strengthens me." (Phil. 4, 13).

These words of our Lord and of the
Apostle silence all objections and
allow, of no evasion. We are under
a strict obligation to tend towards
perfection, and we must press towards
it by abnegation: this is the will of
God.

Besides, all those who do try to
evade it, deceive themselves anil will
discover their costly error only when
it is too late. They have to suffer in-
finitely more for giving in to the
weaknesses of their nature. Their
heart is not filled with joy, with that
energy which is experienced by gener-
ous souls in the service of God. They
haggle with God, and God bargains
with them. They are so easily be-
wildered and troubled, whenever they
feel that God demands a sacrifice of
them. Now they are willing and now
they are not. Their defects, so long
uncurbed, cause them to commit nu-
merous faults. They are like sick
people living on refined and dainty
food, which does not contribute to
their well-being, and which leaves
them easily fatigued after the least
bit of woi-k. They would be much
better off if they could be rid of their
sickness and live on dry bread. At
least they would enjoy serenity of
mind and vigorous health.

It is only he who completely casts
off this sickness of soul, and who
generously and manfully embraces a
life of perfect self-denial, who will
come to know profound peace, and at
the same time burn with zeal. He
will be a thousand times happier than
those who in their weakness permit
themselves to be overcome and con-
trolled by creatures. Divine grace
will renew and strengthen them, and
they will find a consolation unknown
to those who fear to lose all in aban-
doning the consolations of earth. Our
Divine Lord has promised a hundi-ed-
fold to him who leaves all creatures
for love of Him, and all who have
tried it have found how true are the
promises of Eternal Truth.

Sometimes another objection is
made by souls that are attached to
the things of eai'th. They say: "You
want me to obtain perfection by an
entire abnegation of self and by re-
nouncing all things. Therefore you
mean that I should at one and the
same time embrace all virtues. Now

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER, 1947

140

spiritual authors tell us that we must
not undertake too many things at
once, but that we must begin by ac-
quiring one virtue, and then another."

But it is not I who pieach abnega-
tion; it is our Lord Himself who has
set down the conditions under which
He will receive us as His followers:
"If anyone comes to me and does not
hate his father and mother, and wife
and children and brothers and sister,
yes, and even his own life, he cannot
be my disciple." (Luke, 14, 26-27).
No doctrine has ever found more
forceful expression in the Gospels.
And to make evasion impossible, the
Savior adds: "And he who does not
carry his cross and follow me, cannot
be my disciple." (Luke, 14, 27). In
other words, it is not sufficient even
to renounce all these things; but it is
also necessary to carry behind our
Lord the pains and adversities which
will befall us. Right after this Christ
tells us the parable of the man who
builds a house, and of the man who
goes to war; how they consider their
resources, and whether or not they
will be able to meet the requirements,
so that, should they be deficient, they
may abandon their plans. This teaches
us that unless we renounce every-
thing, we do not possess sufficient
equipment to follow Christ our Lord
to battle. If we are not generous
enough to prepare ouselves to re-
nounce everything, we should not fol-
low Him.

The words of our Savior allow of
no quibbling. They are not contra-
dieted by the views of masters of the
spiritual life, who agree that, if we
wish to follow our Lord, we must
make a firm and efl'ective resolution
to renounce all things and to practice
abnegation; we must apply ourselves
with perseverance to this task. While
we might generously resist with all
our power, we might also meet parti-
of our inclinations. Without ceasing
cular difficulties with a certain few
to oppose all our faults, we will give
special attention to our outstanding
defect, and fight vigorously until it
has been eradicated. After this we
will deal with our other faults in the
same way. It is in this manner that,
during many long years, St. Frances
de Sales and St. Vincent de Paul com-
bated— the one combating the defects
opposed to meekness, the other com-
bating those opposed to humility. But
it is quite certain that both of these
saints practiced abnegation at the
same time on all other points.

The Extent of Abnegation

It is essential that self-denial be
practiced particularly against a dis-
orderly love of ourselves. "If anyone
wishes to come after me, let him deny
himself . . . For he that will save his
life shall lose it; and he that shall
lose his life for my sake, shall find
it." (Matt. 16, 25). This is perfect
abnegation, and it omits nothing.
Once made, everything has actually
been surrendered to the Will of God,
for self-will is the root of all our vices.
And yet, along with taking such a
resolution, we must contend also with
our particular faults, which also
spring from self-love.

But above everything else it is
pride, the first fruit of self-love, that
we must attend to. We must deal
with concupiscence of the flesh, the
cause of sensuality, and of an un-
bridled imagination. Concupiscence of
the eyes must be curbed, for they are
the source of that mental gratification
which external objects seem to give.

Yet, all this is insufficient. Abnega-
tion must extend even to the very
activities of the mind and imagination,
though they are merely internal. For
we should adhere to nothing save God
and the fulfillment of His Will in our
regard.

The way of perfect abnegation will
finally serve as a powerful corrective
to the defects of our character, for
these cannot endure in a soul so
thoroughly renounced.

You see that there is a considerable
task before us, and that we must set
to work with persevering firmness.
But have faith and courage; God is
with us. He asks only our constant
and active goodwill. Having this, suc-
cess is assured.

(To be continued)

THE HOLY GHOST FATHERS

The current issue of the Catholic
Digest contains an article on the Holy
Ghost Fathers by a member of the
Congregation, the Rev. Charles Con-
nors, C.S.Sp. It is of particular in-
terest to Catholics of the Hartford
Diocese because the scholasticate of
the American province of this world-
wide religious group is located at
Ferndale, near Norwalk, Connecticut,
and its novitiate is at Ridgefield. The
Fathers have given yeoman service to
the various parishes of the Diocese,
in addition to carrying on their task
of preparing young men for the work
of the missions, all with an unassum-
ing spirit of cooperation that has

made them welcome to every priest
and in every rectory.

Father Connors brings out a num-
ber of odd facts about this religious
society, whose full title is the Congre-
gation of the Holy Ghost and of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary. One is
that the salvation of the institute in
the middle of the nineteenth century
was due to a Jew, Jacob Liberman.
Converted to the Catholic faith about
the time he had reached his majority,
young- Libermann determined to be-
come a priest. The difficulties of the
road to his goal make an interesting
story by themselves.

A second fact brought out by Fa-
ther Connors is that the future Fa-
ther Libermann was helped, even be-
fore his ordination, by the Holy See
and particularly by the Sacred Con-
gregation of the Propaganda. The
Congregation encouraged his eff'orts
to found a missionary institute for
the conversion of Negi'oes, an insti-
tute to be dedicated to the Blessed
Mother under the title of Holy Heart
of Mary. Its first missionary field
was the west coast of Africa, and
the assignment was received from an
American priest, Fahter Barron, at
the time Vicar General of the Arch-
diocese of Philadelphia. Work among
the Colored people is still a major
project with the Holy Ghost Fathers
in every pai't of the world.

Under Father Libermann, the So-
ciety of the Holy Heart of Mai-y and
the older Holy Ghost institute were
united to form the piesent Congrega-
tion. Father Libermann was elected
the first superior general. Thereaf-
ter, as in previous years since the
founding of the Holy Ghost Congre-
gation at Paris in 1703, the history
of the institute has been one of se-
vere ti-ials undergone and major dif-
ficulties overcome. As Father Con-
nors says, the encountering of great
obstacles appeal's to be a characteris-
tic of the Holy Ghost Congregation.
But the aid of Mary and the inspira-
tion of the Holy Ghost have been
enough to insure the Congregation's
growth and the persistence of a bvirn-
ing missionary spirit to an eminent
degree among its members. — (Edito-
rial in The Catholic Transcript, Hart-
ford, Connecticut, September 18,
1947).

Carefully study to present thyself
approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
handling the word of tnath. (2 Tim.
2, 1.5).

141

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER, 1947

AMERICA'S NATIONAL DISGRACE

JNI EGROES lynched in Georgia,"
was the curt introduction of the news
commentator as he prepared his radio
audience for a disagreeably embar-
rassing piece of news.

Racial prejudice can be charactei--
ized as America's National Disgrace,
America's particular disease, a can-
cerous growth which has been eating
away at the very core of our Great
Democracy for almost a century. This
racial prejudice has taken a peculiar
form in America, particularly in the
South. It is essentially a social mal-
ady. It has cleft the people of the
South into two distinct groups, one of
which dominates the other — so much
so that the so-called inferior class is
considered as not belonging to the
social body to which every person be-
longs by his very nature.

It is not the purpose of this article
to dilate upon racial prejudice with
all its concomitant evils and the pos-
sible i-emedies. That is left to the
sociologist. Rather the purpose is an
attempt to show the historical origin
of this evil which afflicts our nation.
The period which prepared the soil,
and engendered racial prejudice was
the Civil War and the so-called Era
of Reconstruction.

The War was begotten of hatred
and political jealousies, although the
surface cause was social injustice. It
was waged with relentless fury and
destruction, and the "Prisoners'
Camps" foreshadowed the infamous
and detestable concentration camps of
the more recent war. The period
immediately following the war was
one full of deceit, fraud, corruption,
malice, and hatred. In short it was
a period that brings a blush of shame
to the face of every honest American.
The end of the War, then as now,
did not mean peace nor did it mean
justice, much less charitable and ami-
cable relations which one would ex-
pect to find among reconciled brothers.
No, the end of hostilities had diverse
meanings for the war-torn sections
of the bleeding country. To the North,
it meant the realization of its aims;
to the South, it meant what the South
always feared, subjection to an alien
power. Only the territorial integrity
of the nation was preserved; new
forces made the restoration of the
ante-bellum Union impossible.

The immediate problems confront-
ing the various regions of the Country
were distinct in the three main sec-

tions. The victorious North was in-
terested in ridding itself of the mili-
tary regime and in returning to a
normal way of life. This has become
a distinct Ameiican trait as witnessed
again after V-J Day. The Border
States, gravely ravaged by the in-
tense heat of the conflict, wanted the
opportunity to rise again and regain
their place in the Union. In the South
there was universal chaos. The cha-
grined and beaten and ravished South
was chiefly interested in keeping soul
and body together. Besides obtaining
the sustenance of life, it had to face
other problems: the adjustment of
three million slaves to a shattei'ed
Southern economy, and the re-estab-
lishment of state governments. These
two problems planted the seeds that
have frucitfied into bitter anti-racial
prejudices. All that these seeds needed
were husbandmen to cultivate them.
These husbandmen came "as wolves
in sheep's clothing" and they have
become known in history as the "Cai--
pet-baggers."

Prior to the Civil War, anti-racial
feelings in the South were practically
non-existent. Some species of it did
exist between the Negroes and the
"white-trash" element, but this did
not have the terrible consequences
that are rampant today. The slave
holders, contrary to the popular con-
ception, treated their slaves with kind-
ness. Yes, there were exceptions, but
these were precisely the "exceptions."
True, for the majority of the slave
owners, the reason behind their decent
and kind treatment of their slaves
was not the dignity of the human
person but rather the preservation of
property, and at that a valuable and
wealth-producing piece of property.
It was to the advantage of the slave
owner to see to it that his slaves were
well treated and contented.

This attitude of mind of the average
Southern planter was the result of
Calvanistic doctrine, which empha-
sized the fact that wealth was taken
as a token of God's blessings. Hence
the planter could well afford to be
kind and generous to his slaves so
long as they produced. Also, was it
not a virtue and a token of gratitude
to the all-merciful God to see to it
that the slave was taken care of so
that he could produce still more
wealth ? Understanding this attitude,
we can easily see why there was a
sudden change of mind toward the

Negro once he ceased producing and
ceased being merely a piece of proper-
ty, and began to exercise his God
given rights as man. The Negro was
no longer the submissive slave, but
rather a potential opponent in all
fields of human endeavor. Once this
began to be asserted in the political
field in a pronounced degree, the white
man resented it and the result we
know only too well. Thus, the cause
behind racial prejudice is the Calvin-
istic mentality, truly, decidedly un-
christian. This cause was propelled
to excessive fury by the famous fac-
tors which follow and which have been
the occasions of America's national
tragedy.

President Lincoln had begun the
wholesome policy of re-establishing
state governments, basing himself on
the conviction that there were many
statesmen in the South who were loyal
to the Union. By the time of his
tragic death, Tennessee, Louisiana,
Arkansas and Virginia had been re-
organized under his plan of mercy
and reconciliation. It is well to note
here that Lincoln was of the firm
opinion that the South had not seceded
since, according to him, secession was
unconstitutional. Hence his policy of
gentleness and mercy is understand-
able. All his policies toward the
South during the War were based on
this conviction. At the same time, the
radical members of the Republican
Party considered the South as rebel
and hence to be punished for its crime.

Johnson, Lincoln's successor, fol-
lowed his predecessor's plans, appoint-
ing provisional governors to revive
local administration and to assemble
constitutional conventions. These con-
ventions were to nullify the Ox'dinance
of Secession, abolish slavery, repudi-
ate all state debts, and reorganize the
state governments. This plan was
merciful and just, but because it was
merciful and just it was to be repu-
diated. Its rejection struck the death
knell to the old Union and cultivated
the seeds of hatred and racial ani-
mosities.

No sooner were the presidential
policies announced than the country
was convulsed with the most demoi-al-
izing political conflicts. The Union
Party, headed by the radical element,
sought to entrench itself firmly in
power, while the president wanted
restoration of the Union and the old
constitutional relations. This policy

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER. 1947

142

meant a clear and proniising party
readjustment. This readjustment the
radicals did not want, for it would
mean the end of their power. As a
consequence the radicals led by
Stevens, Summer, Wade and Butler,
blocked the president on every major
issue. The South was thus made to
bear the brunt of the conflict and to
suffer grave injustices.

The Republican Party was not
united in the policy of reconstruction.
This lack of unity afforded the mi-
nority group, the radicals, the oppor-
tunity to take the initiative and to
formulate the policies. Complete
break between the president and Con-
gress came when Johnson vetoed the
"Civil Rights Bill." This bill de-
manded for the freed men the same
civil rights that the whites enjoyed.
Johnson argued that the bill embodied
unheard of intrusion of the Federal
Government within the sphere of the
states. In this he was correct. John-
son's veto meant nothing, for the bill
was passed over his veto and from
then on all other reconstruction poli-
cies formulated by Congress were
passed over Johnson's vetoes.

On March 2, 1867, the Congressional
Reconstruction policies were inaugu-
rated. All that had been done was
brushed aside and a new start made.
The South was divided into six dis-
tricts, five of which were under a
rigorous and comprehensive military
rule. Restoration of statehood could
be eff'ected solely on the basis of
general Negro sufi"rage. On the sur-
face this appears just. But in reality
the harmful consequences were mani-
fold and their effects are still keenly
felt by the Negro himself. The theory
was just, but the time for its enact-
ment was not ripe.

Was there any reason for this mea-
sure of Congress? Yes, there was a
reason for this severe action. The
"Black Code Laws," enacted by the
Southern states, gave the radicals rea-
son to act, but not to the extent to
which they did. The "Black Code
Laws" were conscientious and
straight-forward attempts to bring or-
der out of chaos. On general lines
the laws corresponded to the actual
situations to be remedied. Some of
them did bear the taint of oppression,
but even this is excusable when one
considers the circumstances of the
time. Rigorous control was necessary
till the Southern economy was suffi-
ciently restored to absorb the freed
men gradually, without further dis-
asters. It was this that the radicals,

removed from the actual scene, failed
to understand. Their minds, flooded
with one-sided propaganda and en-
cumbered by jealousies and preju-
dices, interpreted every action of the
Southern legislators as attempts to re-
enslave the Negro. This conclusion
was not justifiable from the evidence
produced.

The Southerners were convinced
that the unintelligible proceedings of
Congress in the Reconstruction poli-
cies had no purpose save the extension
of the power of the Republican Party
by means of Negro suffrage. This
fact was clearly evidenced by the
Africanization of South Carolina's
state government. The recently freed
slave was in no position to exercise
the vote, much less political power.
Don Sturzo emphasizes the fact that
only an enlightened citizen can wield
the vote in a democracy for the ad-
vantage of the community. How true
this is in the light of the Recon-
struction period! True, the Negro
voted; but for whom and for what?
He was told what ticket to vote. He
had no choice of his own. He either
voted as he was told or he didn't vote
at all and starved besides. This
method of voting is not healthful for
a democracy, as we know only too
well from the recent elections in the
Russian - dominated countries of
Europe. Abuse of the voting privilege
is not freedom nor is it any longer a
privilege. It would have been per-
fectly just for the Southern states to
establish certain qualifications as
requisite for the voting privilege.

As a result, many new state govern-
ments organized by the unscrupulous
Northern agents were corrupt to the
very core. The power of government
was in the hands of the inexperienced
and the incapable; whereas the ex-
perienced and the capable were cast
aside by means of political measures.
Fraud, bribes, wholesale corruption
were widespread. Heavy taxation was
levied upon the property owners who
were already I'educed to penury. These
same property owmers were for the
most part not permitted to run for or
hold office.

Many of the freedmen went beyond
bounds in the exercise of their new
found freedom. The whites, since they
could not count upon their oppressors
for protection, organized secret socie-
ties in self-protection against the ex-
cesses of both the Carpet-baggers and
the Negroes. The K.K.K. was one
such organization and its explicit pur-
pose was to preserve the social and

political ascendency of the white race.
All these things sen'ed to fan the em-
bers of hatred and prejudice. The
whites and the Negroes of the South
were not solely to blame, for they had
proved for three hundred years that
they could get along. But, one may
object, there can be no free compati-
bility between masters and slaves.
True; but there is still the fact that
the chief elements fanning the fires
of racial prejudice, fanned too long at
the wrong time. There is no denying
the fact that slavery was wrong. There
is no denying the fact that the abso-
lute abolishment of slavery with one
stroke of the pen at a time of eco-
nomic disaster was also inopportune.
Had President Lincoln not been forced
by political and international pressure
to issue his famous Emancipation
Proclamation, the slaves would have
been freed gradually. Lincoln was a
practical man and he fully realized
the consequences of the sudden eman-
cipation of slaves. He himself wanted
a gradual emanicipation, but the fates
had decreed otherwise. On what were
the slaves to live ? The radicals didn't
provide for them out of their own
pockets. The North didn't invite the
Negroes to come North where the
economy was on a secure and stable
basis. It is one thing to remove an
evil and another to supply a just
remedy for it. There was no just
remedy provided, hence the Negroes
had to shift for themselves; and when
three million people begin to shift for
themselves, animosities and hatred are
jjound to result.

The result might have been differ-
ent. Pe)'haps this unchristian outlook
towards our fellow man might have
never germinated had the Reconstruc-
tion policies been different. Had the
presidential plans been adopted the
results, no doubt, would have been
other then they were. The Negro
would have been restricted in his acti-
vities in the political field till he was
able to take an intelligent and bene-
ficial part in them. In the end he
would have acquired his political privi-
leges and been able to put them to
great advantage for himself and
others without giving occasion for
antagonism. What has the Negro
gained by the radical plans ? Not
much, for even in recent elections
there were attempts made to restrict
Negro registration for voting in Ala-
bama. Truly, the Negro has been
sinned against and is being sinned
against. We offer no solution for the
problem but we do hope that this arti-

( Continued on page 149)

143

OUR PROVINCE, NOVKMBER, 1947

IT IS SNOW

I

T was on May 11, 1848, that the
Reverend Johann Rebmann, of the
Church Missionary Society of Eng-
land, discovered snow on the top of
Mount Kilimanjaro. This was the first
time that a white man had seen a
snow-capped mountain in the region of
the Equator. The reverend gentleman
was unable to make a close check of
his discovery; he merely sat down at
the foot of the kingly mountain and
read his Bible. When he finished he
headed for Kilema to announce his
discovery to the world.

On the following day, May 12, 1848,
he had reached the Lumi River and
that afternoon he was resting on the
banks of the Gona River. Because a
dense jungle lay before him he decided
to remain where he was and wait until
morning to break his way through.
On May 1.3, Mr. Rebmann, then about
28 yeai's of age, found himself far
from his birthplace of Gerlingen, Ger-
many. After overcoming the jungle
in a fatiguing encounter lasting
several hours, he and his party
reached the first ditch protecting the
Kingdom of Kilema, a small territory
ruled by a chief called Masaki. The
protecting ditch was estimated to be
about eight fest deep and from twelve
to fifteen feet wide. A "bridge" was
located which was crossed with diffi-
culty because it consisted of only a
single tree. Then a large piece of
land was reached which was com-
pletely free of bush. Presently it was
discovered that here was located the
camp for the guards. Several young
men, clothed with skins, were en-
countered. These were the "soldiers"
of the Mangi, or chief.

They conducted their white visitor
for a distance of about half a mile
adn then requested that he wait un-
til Masaki was informed. Beneath
a shady tree Rebmann waited for
about an hour. The time was spent
in admiring the beautiful and fertile
country and no doubt some of the time
was passed in reading the Bible. Then
the soldiers returned and led their
visitor to the residence of Masaki.

The entrance to the royal village
was protected by a ditch and wooden
barricade. The ditch here was similar
to the one encountered at the frontier
but the wooden bridge was wide. The
reception at the palace was very hos-
pitable. The "king" was very anxious

to see a white man, for the chiefs of
Kilimanjaro had heard of the power
and skill of the white man and were
desirous of enlisting his services. In
fact, it was reported that some chiefs
had sent some of their warriors in
search of white men with a view to
introducing in their territories some
of the white man's progress. At the
reception a sheep was killed and a
piece of the skin of the dead animal
was wrapped around the middle of
the right hand in the form of a large
ring. This was part of the ritualistic
ceremony by which Rebmann was de-
clared a "Son of Masaki." Another
and important part of the ceremony
was the presentation of gifts by the
new "son." These gifts would cost
about twelve dollars today and con-
sisted of cotton, clothes, beads, etc.

Johann Rebmann remained in Kile-
ma until May 29, 1848. Whether it
was the hospitality or his sore feet
that prompted him to remain in Kile-
ma for two weeks we do not know-.
Anyhow he had come primarily to
speak about religion; and perhaps he
was of a mind to make certain of the
truth of his discovery. However, he
started to "give religion" to his kingly
host, but apparently with no success.
Johann could surmount the jungle,
but not the ignorance that shut out
his biblical religion from the palace
personnel. "Do you know the coun-
tries where the sun rises and sets?"
asked Rehani, an attendant of the
king. Rebmann took a candle and a
calebash and proceeded with the class-
ical demonstration, but without any
satisfaction either on his part or on
the part of his imperial audience.
Then he attempted to explain the
movement of the sun from the point
of view of "what appears to be." Just
what that explanation was and with
what success it met we do not know.

His rest in the palace in the bush
soon cured his tired feet. His failure
to convince Masaki did not dampen
his interest in crowns. He was most
interested in how real was that white
crown on Kilimanjaro. With feet
again ready for action he made several
trips to view the mountain and the
surrounding country. He was, how-
ever, informed to keep away from the
great plain that lies between Kiliman-
jaro and the other mountains he could
see in the distance because this land

was occupied by the hostile tribes of
Wakwafi. On leaving Kilema this is
what Rebmann wrote about Masaki:
"He is a young man, very lively, who
looks very intelligent and kind; his
appearance gives the impression of
a real chief." No doubt the missionary
had the failure of his demonstration
of the movement of the sun, and some
other failures too, in mind when he
wrote the word "looks" in the above
sentence.

After his departure from Kilema
we next find Rebmann at Rabai and
the date is June 11, 1848. We also
find a partial record of the impression
Johann Rebmann's discovery caused
on the world of science.

When the report of the extraordi-
nary discovery was published it caused
a real sensation throughout Europe.
Some gave the news a sympathetic
reception. For others the presence of
snow in the region of the Equator was
considered impossible.

One review said: "We have not here
the observation of a man of science,
but the impressions of a simple and
pious missionery. The account given
by Dr. Rebmann is, however, a valu-
able document despite its numerous
deficiencies. There is a point in the
account that calls for some investiga-
tion; namely, the repoi't of the exist-
ence of perpetual snow on the top of
Mount Kilimanjaro. . ."

The review further quoted the ob-
jections of Desborough Cooley, Presi-
dent of the Royal Geographical So-
ciety of London, a recognized man of
science: "A mountain covered with
perpetual snow in the neighborhood of
the Equator could not have an eleva-
tion less than 20,000 feet. Such a
peak should be visible for a distance
of at least 150 miles. . . But Mr. Reb-
mann, who could distinguish the peaks
of Wassin near the sea at a walking
distance of seven days, could not see
Kilimanjaro at a lesser distance. His
imagination has been greatly excited
by all he had heard about a 'great
mountain' in the Chaga country.

"When he was in Taita," continues
the London scientist, "at a five day
walking distance, he climbed a hill in
order to see the famous mountain. . . !
Is it credible that, from such a dis-
tance a colossal peak could not be
seen ? . . . The description he gives is
very indefinite and obscure. . . He per-

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER, 1947

144

ceives it for the first time at a dis-
tance of twenty five miles; he sees
'something white,' and he concludes
that 'it is snow.' This idea develops
with astonishing rapidity. The 'some-
thing white' grows into 'a beautiful
snowy mountain;' then the snow be-
comes 'eternal' and 'a perpetual win-
ter' is found! When the mind of a
traveller is entirely occupied by a
dominant idea, all his observations
are inevitably falsified by that ex-
clusive thought.

"To conclude," goes on the commen-
tator, "I deny completely the existence
of snow on Mount Kilimanjaro. The
proof of its existence depends entirely
on the evidence of Mr. Rebmann,
which is opposed to that of the na-
tives. He has gathered it not by sight
but by induction, and in the visions
of his imagination."

A very interesting and scientific
book on Kilimanjaro, was written by
Archbishop Le Roy, and therein the
author notes that another German
traveller. Baron von der Decken, made
a visit to Kilimanjaro some years
later, in 1861, and saw the mountain
that "the anathemas of science had
not crushed to pieces." In the follow-
ing year he climbed the mountain for
a distance of over two miles and drew
a pretty good outline map of the coun-
try. But it was another German
traveller. Dr. Hans Meyer, who, with
an Austrian Alpinist, named Putschel-
ler, finally reached the dome of Kibo.
—J. Soul, C.S.Sp.

OURSELVES INCORPORATED

THE MAIL BOX

Singa Chini: Gare mission had
the Golden Jubilee of its foundation
on September 12th. — Father Noppin-
ger, C.S.Sp.

* * *

The Chancery, Buffalo, N. Y.: With
my grateful acknowledgement of your
letter I wish to express my own sin-
cere thanks for the participation of
your community in the Mission Ex-
hibit which formed such an important
part of our Eucharistic Congress.

Monsignor McDonald tells me that
the Exhibit drew three hundred thou-
sand visitors. We thank God for the
opportunity to help so many people
learn something about the missionary
activities of the Church. — Bishop O'-
Hara, C.S.C.

* * *

The sound word that cannot be
blamed; that he who is on the con-
trary part may be afraid, having no
evil to say of us. (Titus 2, 7, 8).

RIDGEFIELD

r ROM high on this foothill of
the Berkshires, we have watched
thirty more suns climb above the op-
posite wall of a yawning abyss. And
now as we pen another page in the
Ridgefield diary, the autumn wind is'
weaving a plaided blanket from the
falling tinted leaves.

On September 5, we once again
listened to the voice of a clerical
novice solemnly take the three simple
vows of religion. Our hearts leaped
with joy, for within a year, if it be
God's wish, we too will be kneeling
before our Blessed Lord and pro-
nouncing those sacred words. Three
days later on the feast of the Nativity
of the Blessed Virgin, there was bom
another clerical novice. His oblation
was a renewal and reminder of the
promises we have made. Pray that
we may be ten more of His chosen
sons.

The advent of Father Wilson to
Ridgefield filled the vacant bursar's
chair. Happy is he as would any bur-
sar be, to know that his flock will not
go hungry this winter. Our bins are
replenished with a copious supply of
potatoes. The empty jars of this past
year once again are filled with good
home-canned vegetables and fruits.

With the setting back of the clock,
we cast off the summer rule and
donned the rule of winter.

During the month Fathers Holmes,
Schroll, Frommholz, J. Walsh and
Stocker visited the community. Father
Francis Trotter also paid us a visit —
his periodical visit as our extraordi-
nary confessor.

* * *

CORNWELLS

l^PRING and summer change
not only a young man's fancies.
Father Bryan changed his red pencil
and copybooks for a lawn mower. He
was seen cutting the grass at the
cemetery nearly every day. In fact,
all the fathers helped the brothers
keep the property in good shape:
Father Sheridan on the ball field,
Fathers Jones, Kettl and Schoming on
the lawns (Father Duffy had bought
two new power mowers); Father Za-
borowski gathering flowers for the
altars. Father Duffy picking the vege-
tables— and Father McGurk in the
berry patch. Father Weigand reno-
vated the floors of the Fathers' rooms.

One hundred and six students
arrived to start the new scholastic
year. A Solemn High Mass on the
feast of Saint Peter Claver, Septem-
ber 9, officially marked the opening.
Fifteen minute classes in the morning
enabled all to ease into the routine.

Among the missed was Father J. C.
Pergl, whose table wit and enthusiasm
for work around the property and in
the science laboratory cannot easily
be forgotten. His new field of labor
is in Rock Castle, Virginia. We wel-
come in Father Pergl's place. Father
Glemence Lachowsky, another enthu-
siast for work and study.

The new front entrance is taking
shape and the fathers' lavatory on
the second floor is just about finished.
It's new arrangement is very practi-
cal and modern.

Father Lechner visited us over night
after seeing the young fathers off for
Africa. Very Reverend Father Griffin
and Father Francis Trotter dropped
in for a short visit. Father Provincial
and Fathers Connors and Dougherty
brought Father Wingendorf (just re-
turned from Africa) to see us. Mr.
Francis X. Malinowski and Mr. Ed-
ward A. Bushinski came to say good-
bye before departing for Fribourg.

Seeing the winter coal going into
the cellar brings the football season
to mind. The baseball season ended
on a blue note — a defeat handed us by
Saint Charles, Cornwells — 13 to 6.
Errors, we said!

Father Lachowsky has registered
at La Salle for work in science, and
Fathers Puhl and Schoming are taking
classes in General Education at
Temple University.

Father Kettl returned from his
home in Ford City, Pa., with the news
that his mother is paralyzed as a re-
sult of her recent shock.
* * *

FERNDALE HERALD

y^ LASSES began on Septem-
ber 9 but the speed of the course has
been slowed up somewhat by the many
incidents recorded in the journal
throughout the month.

On September 12 High Mass was
celebrated by the African mission-
aries. During the morning they all
left cheered on by the community
gathered in the courtyard. The rest
of the day was free.

Another day — September 16 — was

145

OUR PROVINCE. NOVEMBER, 1947

set aside for Father Quinn's funeral.
His body arrived the evening before
and the Office for the Dead was sung.
The mass was celebrated by Father
Provincial, assisted by Father Francis
Smith as deacon and Father Superior
as subdeacon. Quite a few of the
Fathers of the Congregation — as well
as those of the diocese — were present,
and a few relatives.

The celebrated Father Vann, O.P.,
gave us a talk on Saturday morning,
September 20. He treated very in-
terestingly and very clearly the topic
of seeking perfection by means of
purifying and perfecting our evei-y
level of being — sensitive, intellectual,
and spiritual. It is of the ut-
most importance to have a correct
philosophical and theological concept
of man so as to be able to arrive at
sound ascetical principles, which prin-
ciples then will be rightly ordered as
adequate means to the one ultimate
end — charity. With regard to detach-
ment, it is not a killing of the creature
that we should seek but rather the
killing of the ego which insists upon
a misuse of the creature in the form
cf possessorship. Typically English,
he was possessed of a vital personality
and clarity of thought.

Almost in the shadow of the World
Series was our own semi-annual en-
gagement with Maryknoll. We are
proud to announce that we did it
again, this time to the tune of 6 to 2.
These victories seem sweeter in light
of the long string of wins by Mary-
knoll up to last year. May they (our
victories) continue for many years to
come.

On the evening of September 25 we
smoked and sang good-cheer to the
three destined for Fribourg — Messrs.
Bushinski, Malinowski and Feeley.
Then on the following morning the
community again gathered in the
courtyard to give farewell. The after-
noon was free.

The chapel was invaded by a group
cf professional painters on September
29 and now a new cheerful color
scheme presents a brighter setting for
future liturgical functions.

And with it all the manual labor
program proceeds. The corn was
attacked; the tomatoes were canned;
the apple trees were stripped; plans
for the grapes are being laid. The
long winter months offer no hazard
to the tables of Femdale. Eleven
hundred bushels of potatoes were har-
vested and now await their cooking,
boiling, frying, etc., completely at the
mercy of the cook (a new one again).

WASHINGTON NEWS

X HE present members of th(
Capital Community got together for
the first time at the beginning of Octo-
ber, but the get-together was of short
duration, lasting exactly five days; be-
ing terminated by Father Provincial's
departure for the retreat in Kansas
City. Father Guthrie joined him there
later. We expect to be united again,
however, before Christmas.

Father Griffin, Visitor from the
Mother House, made his September
visit an official one, leaving here for
Rock Castle, Salisbury, etc. We hope
to have him back before he leaves the
country.

Fathers Connors and Dougherty, to-
gether with Fathers Lucey and James
J. White, took part in the Mission
Exhibit held in Buffalo in connection
with the Eucharistic Congress of the
Province of New York. Through the
kindness of the scholastics at Fern-
dale, the African Hut was displayed
at the Exhibit and proved to be, ac-
cording to those present, a great at-
traction.

Incidentally, a problem has arisen
in regard to the two Fathers White,
both of whom are James J., both from
Philadelphia, and both attached to
Kilimanjaro. One suggested way out
of the difficulty is to use the names
Wimpy and Ypmiw (which is not
Kiswaheli — nor cricket, either — but
the first name spelled backwards).

We have little to report on the do-
ings of the Not Yet Club. A few in-
dividuals have forfeited their mem-
berships. Worthy of note is the fact
that Father Dougherty was a member
in good standing until he received his
appointment here.

Visitors have been many, with all
sections of the Province, including
Kilimanjaro and Puerto Rico repre-
sented. No, v.e correct that: Califor-
nia has yet to send a delegate. How-
ever, if the mountain won't go — .

Some of the priests from the NCWC
residence, just two blocks away, drop
in occasionally. Members of various
religious communities: Benedictines,
Oblates, Immaculate Heart Fathers,
White Fathers, etc., have put in ap-
pearances.

Although the usual Sunday ministry
continues. Father Holmes is no longer
chaplain to the Madames of the Sacred
Heart. They have transferred their
school from the center of the city to
Bethesda, a suburb in Maryland. A
priest from a religious house near
them is now chaplain. The nuns re-

quested that Father Holmes continue
as chaplain but the distance was too
great. Father Holmes will have no
trouble at all getting letters of recom-
mendation from them any time he
wants.

^ H: *

LINEUP OF OUR LEVITES

Dioceses

c
u
o
O

•a

5

1

13

Philadelphia

14

3

21

4

42

Pittsburgh

16

1

11

1

29

Hartford

15

3

4

22

Boston

8

5

13

Buffalo

7

1

8

Detroit

4

4

8

New York

6

1

7

Brooklyn

3

5

8

Altoona

5

5

Providence

3

2

5

Harrisburg

2

1

3

Rochester

3

3

Camden

2

1

3

Syracuse

2

1

3

Trenton

1

2

3

Fall River

2

2

La Crosse

1

2

Baltimore

Grand Rapids

San Francisco

Saginaw

Youngstown

Charleston

1

Galveston

1

Oklahoma City

1

Springfield (Mass.)

1

Totals

98

10

61

6

175

OH MY GOD

TRINITY

I ADORE

(Translated from the Flemish)

Higher than my eyes are lifting me
Farther than the winds are hasten-
ing
Deeper than the deepest caverns of

the sea
God alone o'er all is i-uling mightily.
The One Triune substantial Entity.
God is, God was and ev'r will be,
Non' u.nd yesteryears and through the
morrows.
And speaks His Name,
I AM,
Throughout eternity.

— Guido Gezelle.

So let your light shine before men
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father who is in
heaven. (Matt. 5, 15).

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBER, 1947

146

BULLETINS

SHREVEPORT, LA.
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

A HE year 1940 saw a change
in pastors; Father Joseph J. Cassidy
was called to the Mission Band after
six years of fruitful service, and
Father John M. Lundergan, (former
master of novices) replaced him.
Later that year Father Joseph A.
Baumgartner came to reside here till
his death in 1943.

That same year saw the construc-
tion of the new convent for the sisters.
Up to this time the nuns had been
living in quarters cut off from the
school building. The nevi^ building, a
frame structure, covered and sided
with asbestos shingles, is large enough
to accommodate seven sisters. The
convent cost nearly six thousand
dollars. There is no debt.

In May, 1941, His Excellency,
Bishop Desmond, of happy memory,
administered confirmation to a class
of 90. In November Father Clarence
Howard, S.V.D., gave a mission, which
was much appreciated by every one.
It was quite a novelty for the people
of Shreveport to see a colored priest.
Much good was done by the presence
of Father Howard during that week.
Later two other colored priests came
for the same purpose and with similar
results.

In 1943 Bishop Desmond returned
and confirmed a class of 67. In Octo-
ber, 1944, Father Anthony J. Walsh
came to start a new mission in the
Hollywood section of the city, St.
Daniel's.

During the war over sixty of our
boys were called to the service of our
country and, thanks be to God, all
leturned safely.

Towards the end of 1945 we lost our
great benefactor. Bishop Desmond.
Early in 1946 Monsignor Charles P.
Greco was appointed Bishop of Alex-
andria. On his first visit to Shreve-
port, he said the late mass for our
people and it soon became evident
from his fatherly talk that day, that
we had another true friend in the per-
son of our bishop.

During the war years, and since,
with plenty of employment and high
wages, the enrollment of our school
has greatly increased. We were able
to secure the services of another sis-
ter, and so open a kindergarten. Now

with the five Holy Ghost Sisters, we
have every available space in the
school occupied with pupils, mostly
(that is, two to one) non-Catholics.
There have been several conversions
from amongst the scholars.

The rest of those si.x years were
rather routine in their course and may
be summarized as follows:

Baptisms: Adults, 123; Infants, 114.
Marriages: Catholic, 8; Mixed, 40.
Funerals, 25. Confirmations, 191.

This year (1947) is the twenty fifth
anniversary of the establishment of
this mission. It is planned to have an
appropriate celebration later in the
year. — J.M.L.

=1= * *

ABBEVILLE, LA.
Our Lady of Lourdes

1 HE years from 1940 to 1946
have been marked by steady progress
at our Lady of Lourdes parish. In
1944, before relinquishing his pastor-
ship to serve as chaplain with the U.
S. Navy, Father Joseph J. Cassidy
paid the final installment of the debt
on the rectory, thus leaving the parish
entirely free from debt. We now have
a church, school, and rectory, and a
hall which was built by the St. Joseph
Society before the parish was formed.
Our only need at present, and it is
a grave need, is for a convent and
sisters to teach our young people. We
hope to raise sufficient funds for this
purpose in the not too distant future.
The development of the school has
kept pace with the rest of the parish.
From 116 pupils in 1940, the enroll-
ment increased to 166 in 1946. Last
year the entire building was renovated
on the inside, and an additional class
room was built to provide for the
growing attendance. This year we in-
stalled a fully equipped cafeteria for
the convenience of the pupils, and
about one hundred hot lunches are
served there every school day. The
people in this vicinity have an oppor-
tunity to attend one of three Masses
on Sunday, two in Abbeville at 6:30
and 9:30, and one at the nearby mis-
sion in Kaplan at 7:45. There is also
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
on Sunday evenings; and devotions in
honor of our patroness. Our Lady of
Lourdes, are held every Thursday
night. Once a month, on the first Fri-
days, we have a Holy Hour of repara-
tion from 7-8 P.M. Our parish study

club, which now has thirty active
members, meets every Sunday night.
At the' present time we are studying
the history of the Church.

Kaplan, our recently acquired mis-
sion, has made remarkable progress
in a short time, although, because of
the scarcity of materials, we have not
as yet been able to build. Mass is said
at the mission every Sunday in the
public school, and catechism classes
are conducted there every Wednesday
afternoon. This year there are forty
children preparing for first Holy Com-
munion in Kaplan, four of whom are
converts.

Statistics: Baptisms, 208; Confirma-
tions, 109; Private Communions, 191;
Solemn Communions, 116; Converts,

17; Marriages, 85.— J.B.D.

* * *

ISLE BREVELLE, LA.

St. Augustine

A HE full meaning of Decem-
ber 7, 1941, was brought to the minds
of the members of St. Augustine's
parish when one hundred and seventy
one young men were called to the
services. Immediately the entire
parish proclaimed its reliance upon
God by recourse to prayer for victory
and peace. The price demanded for
this forced six members of the parish
to make the supreme sacrifice. It is
hoped that throughout the years their
saci'ifice will never be forgotten and
all will remember them in their
prayers.

It was during the trying times of
the war that a great sorrow entered
into the heart of the parish. For in
1943, Father Joseph A. Baumgartner
passed to his eternal reward. Twenty-
five years of priestly ministry were
given by him to St. Augustine's. Dur-
ing all this time he was loved by
everyone. Today when his name is
mentioned, it seems to be always
spoken with a note of reverence.
There can be no doubt that as long as
St. Augustine's continues in existence
the name of Father Baumgartner will
live.

In spite of the shortages brought
about by the war some improvements
were made. New roofs were put on
the school and church. These roofs
are the best to be had and should,
barring any upheaval of nature, last
for years. The interior of the church
has been lined with insulating board

147

OUR PROVINCE. NOVEMBER. 1947

and the ceiling with insulating tile.
Due to this, the church is a few de-
grees cooler in the summer months.
The winter needs of the church and
rectory are now taken care of by gas
heaters. Their installation is a vast
improvement over the wood stoves
which tried for years to give some
warmth with little success. Last year
saw gas installations made in the con-
vent, which are deeply appreciated by
the sisters.

The great flood of a year ago will
never be forgotten in St. Augustine's.
One mission chapel felt the full effects
of the raging waters, but being of
strong construction, it was not
seriously damaged. Many members of
the parish saw their homes and prized
possessions competely destroyed. Be-
cause of this, some families, especially
those living in the mission areas, have
moved to other sections, claiming that
they do not care to live in constant
dread of another such catastrophe.
Even those who are remaining in the
parish fear that a flood may come
again.

The returning veterans have shown
to the parish a deep love for their
faith. No doubt the things they saw
and experienced made them realize
the nearness of God. At this time
more and more, especially of the
younger men, are moving to the large
cities. Very few have returned from
the war plants to make their homes
once again in the parish. It seems
that the future of St. Augustine's will
depend on whether the cities can off'er
the necessary security to those who
have left or are leaving the parish.

Parish Statistics
Year Baptisms Marriages Funerals

1941 E6 12 18

1942 3.5 6 26

1943 47 8 11

1944 45 12 17

1945 26 13 8

1946 41 24 16

— J.J.G.
* * *

MANSURA, LA.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor

1 HE Church of Our Lady of
Prompt Succor was built ten years ago
by Most Reverend Daniel F. Desmond,
D.D., Bishop of Alexandria in Louisi-
ana. Prior to the erection of Our
Lady's Church, the Colored Catholics
of Mansura attended Mass in St.
Paul's with the Whites.

Very Reverend M. P. Nothofer, still
pastor of St. Paul's, received $5,000.00
from Father Cushing (now Arch-

bishop) of the Propagation of the
Faith Office in Boston, to build the
church for the Colored people of Man-
sura whose population was growing
rapidly.

When the fine church was built
Father Nothofer had some money left
so he added a class room to the two
room school for Colored children.

Though built in 1937, the Church
was ofl^cially dedicated by Bishop Des-
mond on May 26, 1938. Present at the
ceremonies were Father Thomas A.
Wrenn, pastor of Holy Ghost Church
in Marksville, the first priest to ad-
minister to the new congregation;
Fathers Cronenberger, Long, Keane,
Wilson, Frederick, Edward Dooley,
Campbell, Huber, Vorndran and the
diocesan clergy, Father Nothofer,
Monsignor Van der Putten, Fathers
James E. Howard (present chancellor),
S. J. DeKeuwer, Herman Couvillon,
Vincent Couvillon, and M. L. Plauche.

Father Wrenn, smiling, jovial, in-
terested, patient, soon won the hearts
of the new congregation and put in a
fine circular cement walk from the
main entrance of the church, with two
outlets to the road. He also had two
(modern for Mansura) outhouses built
to take care of the emergency needs
of his flock.

Father Wrenn had the first baptism
in the new church on September IS,
1937, eight months before the official
dedication.

In December of 1939, Father John
F. Dodwell inscribed his name for the
first time in the baptismal register.
During Father Dodwell's sojourn in
Avoyelles Parish the first confimation
in the new Church took place on May
12, 1940. Bishop Desmond confirmed
the class.

The name of the third priest to care
for Our Lady's people, Father William
L. Lavin, appears in the baptismal
register for the first time on Septem-
ber 13, 1941.

The first pastor appointed to the
newly formed parish of Our Lady of
Prompt Succor was Father F. X.
Walsh, who administered baptism for
the first time on September 19, 1942.
Father Walsh released for war work
the Colored girls who taught in the
school, and obtained the excellent
services of three Sisters of the Holy
Ghost from San Antonio, Texas. He
also acquired more land and a home
for the sisters with the help of Bishop
Desmond. Father Walsh had the sis-
ters' home beautifully remodeled. He
also had the church painted, and a

beautiful fence built along the road
in front of the church.

Father James A. Murnaghan was
appointed second pastor of the new
parish in July, 1944. His first task
was to furnish the convent for the
sisters coming in September.

Bishop Desmond appointed Father
Murnaghan to care for the Colored
Catholics in Moreauville, seven miles
southeast of Mansura. On November
1, 1944, Father Murnaghan said the
first mass there in the newly built
church. On February 12, 1945, Father
Murnaghan moved from Holy Ghost
Rectory in Marksville to reside in the
parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
in Mansura. The new house (quite
small) sei-\ung as a temporary rectory
was purchased for $1,400.00, obtained
through donations from friends of the
pastor up Boston way.

The school enrollment increased
rapidly when the sisters arrived. At
the end of the first school year some
young men and women 20 and 21 years
of age graduated from the seventh
grade. That was in 1945. There will
be no graduation this year as an
eighth grade is to be added.

There is no public school for Colored
children in Mansura. A new assembly
and lecture hall, with an adjoining
classroom and a kitchen was erected
in 1946. The new facilities were neces-
sary and will prove an assurance
against encroachment of secular edu-
cation in this very Catholic town.
(Father Muniaghan himself designed
and built the hall. Ed.)

On August 15, 1946, Moreauville
was made a separate parish with
Father Joseph J. Cassidy, returned
Navy chaplain, as first pastor. There
are two Masses in Our Lady of
Prompt Succor church on Sundays and
holydays, in the winter at 7:30 and
9:30, and in the summer at 7:00 and
9:00.

The first mission, in the spring of
1945, in Our Lady of Prompt Succor
parish was preached by Reverend
Cornelius McGraw, C.P., who gave a
renewal in the spring of 1946. — J.A.M.
* * *

LAFAYETTE, LA.
St. Paul

Father John O. McGlade was pas-
tor of St. Paul's from 1935 to 1945.
In 1940 the assistant pastors were
Fathers Anthony D. Ray and William
J. Keowii, Father Ray having come
the same year. In 1941 Father
Keown became an Army chaplain and
his place was taken by Father Wil-

OUR PROVINCE. NOVEMBER. 1947

148

Ham G. Marley who remained here
for three years. Father Edward F.
Dooley was appointed in 1944. In
1945 Father McGlade became direc-
tor of St. Joseph's House in Pliila-
delphia, and Father Joseph P. Loner-
gan succeeded him at St. Paul's. Last
year Father Edward F. Dooley went
to Opelousas and Father Anthony
Kliche replaced him here.

1940 was a year of "high water."
The colored refugees, about twelve
hundred in number, were housed and
taken care of in St. Paul's School,
Holy Rosary Institute and the colored
public shcool. Father McGlade was
in charge and his efficiency in han-
dling a difficult situation won high
praise from the National Red Cross
officials and from His Excellency,
Bishop Jeanmard.

In 1940 Father McGlade rented a
hall in a distant part of town. The
hall is now Good Hope Chapel and
mass is said there daily. In 1942
Father Marley established a mission
in Long Plantation, a settlement six
miles east of Lafayette. Mass is
said there in a school house on Sun-
days.

During the past six years a number
of improvements have been made.
All the buildings have been painted.
Property in the neighborhood of Good
Hope has been bought and all debts
paid. New Stations of the Cross
have been erected, the many statutes
have been painted, a new hand-
wrought bronze communion rail has
been installed. A little house, thirty
feet by thirty feet, was built on the
premises for Preston who has been
factotum here for nineteen years.
Last year the rectory was painted
on the inside. Just now painters are
busy on the dome of the church.

A drive was begun last year for
funds for a gymnasium. The Catho-
lic War Veterans (the commander of
the local unit serves on the National
Board of Directors) help in making
a success of "St. Paul's Youth Prog-
ress Program."

Baptisms First Communions Marriages

1940 92

1940, . . .74

1940 . .

. .24

1941 93

1941. . . .39

1941. .

. .33

1942 68

1942. . . .87

1942. .

. .15

1943 64

1943. . . .69

1943. .

. .31

1944 83

1944. . . .62

1944. .

. .17

1945. . . .85

1945. . . .47

1946 . .

. .30

1946.. .113

1946 72

1946. .

. .45

Deaths

Confirmations

1940. . . .38

1940. . .128

1941. . . .28

1942. . .115

1942. . . .28

1944 78

1943. . . .36

1946.. .119

1944. . . .41

1946 30

1946. . . .46

-J.P.L.

LAKE CHARLES, LA.
Sacred Heart

The war years brought boom days
to Lake Charles and to Sacred Heart
parish. Reports of higher wages and
better living conditions in California
were heeded to such an extent that
many families migrated westward. On
the other hand, lured by war-born in-
dustries in our own city, many fam-
ilies from the rural sections of the
central part of the state, and es-
pecially around Opelousas and Eunice,
settled in the Highland Addition de-
velopment on the outskirts of Lake
Charles. A returned service man
emphasized this increase by remark-
ing that he could not find his home.
Where there were a few scattered
houses in 1940 there was now a popu-
lous district with new streets lined
with modest frame dwelling houses
and many grocery stores and the in-
evitable taverns. A census taken in
the spring of 1946 disclosed 200 Cath-
olic families with 997 souls living in
this district alone and entirely out-
side the city limits, although imme-
diately contiguous to it.

Work on the new Sacred Heart
church was begun on July 26, 1941.
On February 16, 1942, our Most Rev-
erend Bishop, Jules B. Jeanmard,
D.D., dedicated the neat, brick-tile
church. The debt is long since liqui-
dated.

To make room for the church, the
small rectory was moved from its po-
sition fronting on Mill Street to
Louisiana Avenue. It was completely
renovated and enlarged by the addi-
tion of a bedroom. The church yard
was beautifully landscaped under the
capable and artistic direction of Fa-
ther William J. Long.

Father Long succeeded Father
Charles B. Hannigan as pastor of
Sacred Heart parish in February,
1940. It was under his direction that
the new church was built, the rectory
enlarged, and other improvements
made during the major portion of
the period covered by this bulletin.
Father Long celebrated the silver ju-
bilee of his ordination on November
18, 1942.

The Reverend Harold Perry, S.V.D.,
the first young man of the parish to
be raised to the dignity of the priest-
hood, celebrated his first solemn mass
in Sacred Heart church on June 4,
1944. Six young men of the parish
are at present studying in the various
houses of the Society of the Divine

Word, promising a succession of

priests, sons of the parish.

In 1944 the silver jubilee of the es-
tablishment of the parish was fit-
tingly celebrated. A large statue of
the Sacred Heart was erected between
the church and the rectory to com-
memorate the joyous event.

Father Anthony J. Hackett re-
placed Father Long in April, 1945.
In April, 1946, Father Edward J.
Recktetnwald was named pastor. The
present assistant pastors are Fathers
Paul A. O'Donnell and Francis T.
Colvard.

Year Baptisms Marriages Deaths

1941

150

32

29

1942

127

39

31

1943

171

50

28

1944

177

38

31

1945

180

36

22

1946

226

61

36
—E.J.R.

America's National
Disgrace

(Continued from page 143)

cle has given a background for a
clearer understanding of the situation.
There was another way out of the
difliculty and that was the gradual
abolishment of slavery. Had this plan
been adopted the slave owner would
have been reimbursed to some degree
for the loss of his slaves and the newly
freed slaves would have had the occa-
sion to fit into or establish themselves
in an unstable economy gradually
without disrupting it entirely. In this
way hatred would not have been
fanned to a blazing inferno, the heat
of which is felt to this very day and
will be felt for many more years un-
less men will soon learn to love one
another. — Tosello 0. Giangiacomo,
C.S.Sp.

You are the light of the world. A
city seated on a mountain cannot be
hid. (Matt. 5, 14).

Lord, who shall dwell in thy taber-
nacle ? or who shall rest in thy holy
hill ? He that walketh without blem-
ish, and worketh justice; he that
speaketh truth in his heart who hath
not used deceit in his tongue; nor hath
done evil to his neighbor; nor taken up
a reproach against his neighbors. (Ps.
14, 1-3).

149

OUR PROVINCE, NOVEMBKR. 1947

)UR PROVINCE

Vol. 16 - No. 12

December, 1947

AVIS DU MOIS . . .

"Because thou art lukewarm. . ."—Tepidity.

THE EPIPHANY ...

The world depends on you and me to show it Christ.

PRACTICAL UNION . . .

The grace ot the Holy Spirit quickens and governs
all our activities when we have renounced all natural
activities and reactions— The Spiritual Directory.

MAY THE PKACE OF GOD,

WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING,

KEEP YOUR MIND AND HEART

IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.

FERVOR

CHARITY

SACRIFICE

Our Province

OFFICIAL

December, 1947

Vol. 16 No. 12

Official monthly bulletin of the Holy Ghost
Fathers of the Province of the United States.
Founded in November* 1933. by Father C. J.
Plutikett, C.S.Sp. Published (for private cir-
culation) at 1615 Manchester Lane, N. W..
Washington 11, D. C. U.S.A., and printed by
Westland Printinpr and Stationery Company,
8414 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland

In This Issue

Official ' 151

The Epiphany 152

Spiritual Directory:

Practical Union 153

Ourselves Incorporated 155

Blessed Babe (Poem) 156

Bulletins:

Tuscaloosa, St. John 157

St. Mary Magdalene 158

Shreveport, St. Daniel 158

Statistics of Congregation

1914 - 1947 161

The Queen of Harmony (Poem) .161

Avis Du Mois 162

Letters 163

General Index for Volume 16 165

Appointments:

Father A. F. Wingendorf, Heiiiet, Cal-
ifornia.

Father E. N. McGuigan, Ferndale.

Father C. Wolffer, Conway, Arkansas.

Father E. J. Beriault, Tuscaloosa, Ala-
bama.

Father E. F. Dooley, Ft. Smith, Ar-
kansas, pastor, bursar.

Father G. P. Rengers, Tarentum, Pa.,
pastor.

Father D. T. Ray, Cornwells.

Father E. F. Kirkwood, Arecibo, Puer-
to Rico.

Father W. L. Lavin, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
(See page 163)

New Addresses:

Box 41.5, Juncos, Puerto Rico.

Route 1, Box IS, Hemet, Calif oi'nia.

St. Catherine's Rectory, East of Com-
mons, Little Compton, R. I.

Father Charles L. Diamond, chaplain
(Major), 2128th Army Service Unit,
Station Complement, Foit Knox, Ky.

Arrivals:

September 30, at New York by
KLM plane from France, Father Lau-
rent Henninger en route to Haiti.

October 8, at New York, from
France, on the SS. Oregon of the
French Line, Fathers A. Gosse and
W. Bihan en route to Haiti.

October 8, at Norfolk, Va., from
France, on the SS. Beauvais of the
French Line, Brother Leonce Fidaniel
en route to Haiti.

October 24, at New York, via KLM

REQUESCANT IN PACE

Father John Willms
Father Joseph B. Kelly
Father Anthony Schmodry
Father Francis Roth
Brother Rupert Pollonais
Father Henry McDermott
Brother Arnold Printz
Brother Burchard Thome
Brother Frederick Schmitt
Mr. Edwin Woll (scholastic)
Brother Leon Schuster
Father Joseph Sabaniec
Father Patrick O'Connor
Father Aloysius Schmitt
Father Francis X. Roehrig
Father George Lee
Fr.ther Joseph Strub

January

3,

1914

January

4,

1946

Januarv

5,

1936

January

6,

1914

January

7,

1908

January

9,

1931

January

12,

1907

January

11,

1932

January

16,

1916

January

16,

1918

January

17,

1937

January

16,

1926

January

20,

1917

January

20,

1919

January

21,

1919

January

23,

1921

January

2!,

1890

65

63
67
72
43
68
65
81
62
23
40
89
38
48
34
68
57

plane from Haiti via Miami, Father
Etienne Grienberger.

October 27, at New York, from Can-
ada, en route to France, Father Mar-
cel Delisle.

October 28, at Philadelphia, Pa., via
SS. Isigny of the French Line, Father
J. J. Morvan and Brother Tudy Ker-
viel en route to Haiti.

November 16, at New York, from
Canada, Fathers Lionel Grondin, An-
dre Vigneault and Brother Robert de
Carufel en route to Benoue, Equatorial
Africa, by steamer via New Orleans,
La., (November 19).

Departures:

September 30, from New York, via
KLM plane for Haiti, Father Laurent
Henninger.

October 8, from New York, via
AAXICO plane for Haiti, Fathers A.
Gosse and W. Bihan.

October 9, from New York via
AAXICO plane for Haiti, Brother
Leonce Fidaniel.

October 29, from New York, via SS.
America, of the United States Lines,
Father Marcel Delisle en route to
France.

October 31, from New York for
Haiti, via AAXICO plane. Father J. J.
Morvan and Brother Tudy Kerviel.

Secretary General, Father Marcel
Navarre:

The information asked for on Form
No. 27, mailed recently to all the pro-
fessed members in the province should
be typed or block printed rather than
hand-written to insure accuracy and
to make the copyist's task easier and
the files of the Secretary General as
complete as possible.

New Publication:

"Listen To This!" Retreat Read-
ings for Catholic Youth by Rev.
Charles P. Connors, C.S.Sp., J.C.D'.,
126 pp.. Catholic Book Publishing Co.,
New York, N. Y. Price $1.25.

Profession:

Ridgefield, Conn., October 11, 1947,
Brother Thomas Joseph (John Sloan).

151

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. IP"?

THE EPIPHANY

E.

MCH event of Our Lord's life
is a mystery, or as Dom Marmion put
it: "a visible song of an invisible
divine reality." Every one of Christ's
actions merited for us particular
graces; and the graces merited were
different according as the actions per-
formed were different. Thus His
nativity merited for us one grace, His
passion another.

Moreover, Christ's actions are not
merely historical facts; but coming
from a divine Person, they bear within
themselves a certain note of eternity.
To quote our own Father Leen: "They
are quasi-sacramental in character . . .
They possess a divinizing power . . .
They are not dead, static, historical
happenings that have been. They are
living and dynamic." It is significant
that Father Leen uses the carefully
chosen term, "quasi-sacramental." In
former days, the terms mystery and
sacrament, seemed to be almost con-
vertible. St. Paul's words regarding
marriage come to mind: "Hoc est
magnum mysterium." And as we all
know, they were until recently trans-
lated officially into: "This is a great
sacrament."

Christ's mysteries then, are objecive
realities, existing independently of our
minds and possessing a certain power
anti character of their own. Many
Church Fathers refer to this "power
and character" as the "vis mysterii."
But how are we to contact this power ?
How are we to tap these sources of
grace? Dom Mai-mion and Father
Leen both give us the same answer:
"Through contemplating them in
faith." When we exercise our faith
on a particular mystery, that mystery
itself is said truly to act upon us, and
this in a more than merely pyscholo-
gical way. It becomes our life work
therefore, to allow their power (which
is the power of Christ) to replace more
and more completely our own natural
power, until finally, having entirely
lost our own , life and found a divine
life, having cast off the old man and
put on Christ, in other words, having
undergone a complete transformation
into Christ, we can say truly, "I live
now not I, but Christ lives in me."

Now the best way to establish this
transforming contact with Christ's
mysteries is to take part in His Mys-
tical Body's re-enacting of them. For
although they are always present, and

can therefore be contacted at any time,
still, when the Church re-enacts them,
they do (in some mysterious, inexpli-
cable manner or mode) become pre-
sent and operative "in a very special
way," that is, "really and objectively,
though sacramentally." Thus the par-
ticular graces merited for us by the
Nativity are indeed "tapped" when we
recite and "contemplate-in-faith" the
third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
But these graces are contacted in a
very special way (and they therefore
influence us much more) when during
the Christmas Season we take our
part in the Church's celebration ( re-
presentation in its most real sense)
of this mystery.

This is precisely why the Church
can attach such importance to a parti-
cular day in the year. This is why she
will spend weeks in preparation for a
particular feast. This is why at Easter
time she can repeat so often the
thought: "Haec Dies," and why
throughout the whole Christmas oc-
tave, she repeats daily: "Hodie
Christus natus est; hodie Salvator
apparuit; hodie in terra canunt angeli,
laetantur archangeli; hodie exultant
justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo."
The repetition brings out clearly
enough how important "today" is.

Similar importance is given to our
present feast of the Epiphany. "Hodie
the star led the Magi to the manger;
hrdie Christ willed to be baptized by
John in the Jordan, hodie water was
changed into wine at the wedding
feast." Let us look into the nature of
this feast (to which the Church at-
taches such importance) and discover
its meaning and message.

Christmas has presented to us the
simple fact of the Incarnation, that
the Son of God has become the Son
of Man: Verbum caro factum est. To-
day the Epiphany takes us a step
farther. It adds a new note. He not
only became man, but He appeared to
us. He was active among men, and He
worked with us. We cannot stop at a
mere contemplation of the Baby in the
cave. We have to sea also the man.
showing Himself to the Gentiles, and
beginning His active public life. His
mission of changing the world. (It is
a wise order the Church follows here.
She would have us spend twelve quiet
days contemplating the simple but
overwhelming truth of the Nativity

before rousing us to the action of the
Epiphany.)

Everybody tells us: "Today more
than ever the world needs Christ."
Yet the statement is not exact. A per-
son can not be said truly to "need that
which he has already; and truly, the
world today does have Christ. But
although it has Christ, it does not see
Him. Once again, there is one in their
midst whom they know not.

Yes, is not this precisely the mean-
ing of the mystery we are presently
reliving? Christ is manifested: He
appears to the world: He is seen by
the world — or at least. He should be.
But the crux of the situation is this,
that in 1948 Christ is, according to
His own plan, unable to manifest Him-
self. We have Him bound, hand and
foot! For we are His hand. We are
His foot. If we do not move. He can-
not move. And thus is He bound! Poor
world! Its only chance of seeing
Christ depends on whether or not you
and I feel like showing Him to it!

Today, therefore, it is not enough
for the Christian to live His own life,
however, good it may be, and to get
himself into heaven. It is not enough
to live a good private life which the
world does not see. All that is won-
derful. It is the Nativity. But two
thousand years ago Christ was not
content with a Nativity. He insisted
en being seen. Moreover, He is the
same yesterday, and today, and for-
ever. He still insists on being seen.

We must then, as Father Vann puts
it, be "outward-turning." We must
have a mind not merely to save our-
selves, but to save the world. Despite
our unspeakable unworthiness, weak-
ness, and general incompetence, God
has decided for some reason or other
that we (of all people) should be
lights of the world, that we should
shine before men. He has placed on
us the awful responsibility of the
Epiphany, of manifesting Christ to the
world.

Is this Pharisaism? Is this "doing
good in order to be seen by men?" It
certainly could be that, easily enough.
And for many of us, it no doubt will
be that. But among Americans today
(especially those of the male sex)
Pharisaism is not a common fault.
Rather the opposite extreme is com-
mon. We constantly see men in all
states of life who boast of their faults,
(Continued on page 156)

OTIR PROVINCE, DECEMBER, 1947

152

PRACTICAL UNION

O.

'UR souls are united to God
when His grace has become the life-
giving principle that directs our acts
towards Him as their end. Union with
God can be found in two ways, in
practical union, in reference to our
common acts and habits, and in the
contemplative union of mental prayer.

Practical union, of which we will
treat in this chapter, is a state in
which we have renounced all natural
activities and reactions, so that the
grace of the Holy Spirit is able to
quicken and govern all our activities.
Once nature has ceased entirely to
rule our life, and has been supplanted
by the supernatural life of grace, we
enter into a habitual state of union
with God. Sanctifying grace will then
grow considerably and increase its
control over our inclinations, which
are turned more and more towards
God, bringing us ever closer to Him.
The degree of union with God is deter-
mined by the extent and intensity of
grace in ruling over our activities.

When grace predominates, not only
will things offensive to God be in-
stantly and forcefully cast aside, but
man will tend with joy to that which
God expects of him and even to those
things which would increase God's
friendship. Then too will the manner
in which we perform our tasks be-
come more perfect. If the Spirit of
God fills the soul in every instant of
life, every phase of our conduct is
marked by the supernatural. In con-
forming to the Will of God, the small-
est detail is carried out with the same
perfection as great things; the most
insignificant and indifl'erent acts are
divinized, without any special inten-
tion, by the lofty dispositions ruling
all our conduct. Truly may we say
that supernatural life has now, as it
were, become natural.

This practical union, which gradually
transfigures not only our religious
activities, but every act of our life,
resides in the intention. Such inten-
tions are formed, when the disposi-
tions and activities of the soul, through
adherence to the divine life of grace,
are centered in God.

An intention, as the term indicates,
is a tendency of the soul towards an
object, and to render the dispositions
and actions of the soul truly meritor-
ious, its tendencies must be directed
by free will. In other words, practical

union with God, rooted in the inten-
tions, demands a deliberate correspon-
dence with the workings of sanctifying
grace, the means by which we come to
possess God. Thus, by the very fact
of clinging to grace in every deliberate
act, the soul reaches out towards God;
without it there could be no union with
Him.

We speak of actual union when we
correspond to every impulse of grace
only after a particular choice; when
we are constantly disposed to be guided
by grace we call it habitual.

Obstacles to Practical Union

Whenever we, living in a state of
practical union with God, act from
natural motives alone, we blunt this
source of life even if the act as such
is good or indifferent. When evil
enters, our union with God is broken
off. If we are prompted by both grace
and nature, the influence we allow the
latter to wield will correspondingly
weaken our union with God.

These observations hold true also if
we live in habitual union with God.
But this state we may add, cannot en-
dure if nature still holds sway over
us, even in matters of great woi'th,
unless we fight vigorously against the
pressure of nature. This can be done
by reverting often to deliberate acts
of actual union, at the expense of na-
ture, and thus giving grace the ascen-
dancy in all our actions.

The reason for this is found in the
struggle between these two principles
for mastery. Unless grace predomi-
nates, we are more open to the pres-
sure of nature because of our great
v.eakness, which comes frojii the con-
trol nature has over our dispositions.
Furthermore, our lack of recollection,
so common among us who live an ac-
tive life, is not conducive to constant
correspondence with grace, and it is
exceptionally difficult to keep nature
from gaining the upper hand and from
controlling almost all we do. When
this happens, we can no longer con-
sider ourselves as being in active union
with God.

We have yet to consider our bad
halJts and defects of temperament,
which will certainly play a great part
in drawing us from God. Whenever
our union with God is impeded, it is
quite difficult trying to enter into it
again, because grace has lost its hold

on the soul and can restore us to our
former state only with great effort. In
other words, neglect of God, particu-
larly if it is habitual, destroys in the
soul, little by little, all docility to the
movements of grace, which were pre-
viously followed with great facility.

How Practical Union with God is
Intensified

We see how important and even
how necessary it is to reduce as much
as possible the influence of natural in-
tentions in determining our activities,
and still more in determining our gen-
eral habits of character. We accomplish
this by frequently reverting to the
principles of faith and of love in order
that the influence of grace which unites
us to God, may become more and more
prevalent and dominating. Moreover,
we must not omit to watch over our
vices and defects, and to this end the
spirit of meditative prayer is of great
importance in maintaining the soul in
its habit of considering all with the
eyes of faith, and in disposing the
heart to love.

Now we can see the absurdity of a
mere pretense of piety, which, al-
though desiring union with God, re-
fuses to cast off one's natural affec-
tions and self-seeking, one's vices and
defects. Only God matters, God alone
in all things, "and let the earth keep
silence before Him." (Habacuc: II, 20).

We cannot attain to habitual union
with God without applying ourselves
with much zeal to the observance of
the precepts of evangelical perfection,
and, above all, to the practice of per-
fect abnegation, stressed so much by
our Lord.

Besides, we must be very faithful
to the action of interior grace, per-
forming all our acts through faith and
love and with the sole desire of pleas-
ing God. "If anyone love me, he will
keep my word," (St. John: 14, 23).
This word of our Lord refers to the
precepts of the gospel, as well as to
faith and love, which are expressions
of sanctifying grace, which again is
the expression of Jesus Christ. "And
my Father will love him, and we will
come to him and make our abode with
him." (St. John, 14, 23).

Therefore, in onr individual acts,
and in our general attitude, our inten-
tion really becomes a means of union
with God, provided faith, love and hope

153

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER, 1947

enter into it, and if the will adheres
to these. Faith, hope and love are
necessary, because it is in these three
that the action of grace resides. Ad-
hesion of the will is required because
it is in the will that the practical
activity of the soul lies. Intentions
are sanctified and tend towards God
through faith, hope and love, and
therefore, through determinations of
the will. If the will acts without be-
ing affected by the supernatural vir-
tues, there is no union.

It seemed necessary for me to give
these explanations, as a protection
against erroneous ideas, or rather
against illusions which one meets fre-
quently in this question of intention.

Illusions as regards Intentions

Whenever we want to perform a
good action in co-ordination with our
natural inclinations, we try to form
our intention in such a way as to raise
the act to a supernatural level. When
we attempt to perform an action which
is g'ood in itself, but feel prompted by
an evil consideration, by one of our
weaknesses, or by our passions, we
try to purify our intention.

Now in forming and in purifying
our intention, we can easily fall into
illusions. As regards the first, when
we form our intention, and try to see
with the eyes of faith and try to act
through our love for God, we are con-
tent with building up in our minds a
false supernatural consideration. At
other times we make, as it were a
mental effort which seeks to put our
intention in the direction of God. This
eff'ort, though physical, is entirely in
our mind, a mere mental straining,
while at bottom, our soul still remains
attached to nature. The action pro-
ceeds from a movement of nature and
terminates in one's own satisfaction.
We are actively united with ourselves,
and our interior action has only the
attire of a supernatural intention, and
this in our eyes alone. The only good
found in such an effort is a certain
amount of good will which gave rise
to it. More often it is but the product
of a self-love which seeks to be able
to say to itself, "This deed was done
with perfection." At other times it
is only a mere natural desire for holi-
ness.

In the second case, while pretending
to purify our intention, we leave the
roots of our evil tendencies untouched,
without seriously fighting against
them. Content to hide them from our
eyes we permit our passions their or-
dinary play. We may elicit a contrary

act, but this is usually a mere figment
of our mind. We convince ourselves
that we are acting with a pure inten-
tion, when we say to ourselves, "My
God, I do this for Thee, and not to
satisfy my own evil promptings," or
"I reject this bad intention." But all
the time the evil motive remains mas-
ter of our heart. The will adheres to
it, and the whole trend of the soul in
performing the action is evil, since
the disposition of the heart has re-
mained unchanged.

Means of forming and of purifying
our Intention

Now then, how can we act with a
pure and right intention ? We must
try to develop in ourselves an habitual
disposition of all our spiritual faculties
towards God. We must form a per-
manent and unwavering disposition of
faith and of pure charity, making our
will pliant for God and adhering to
everything that is agreeable to Him.
With this end in view, we must try to
break down the evil inclinations of our
soul, striving to become indifferent to
whatever is purely natural, and sup-
pressing any feverish movement that
results from a natural attachment, or
from the prospect of pleasure or grati-
fication. It is only by such radical
means that we will reach a constant,
supernatural disposition towards God,
entirely free from natui'al desires and
passionate cravings.

But since this is a long and tiring
occupation, we must take a resolution
which will be not only general and
practical, but firm and lasting. And
should we meet with a difficulty, we
must not satisfy ourselves with an in-
sincere or superficial intention, but
must carry our attack on the evil
down to the very bottom of our heart,
and there by practising total abnega-
tion with a resolute purpose we will
root out its natural tendencies in its
ultimate sources. Therefore we must
repress any action arising from our
depraved or natural inclinations and
lacking a motive that would make it
necessary or truly useful. But should
utility or necessity require such an
act, we should remain calm, renew
ourselves in the love of God, and strive
to look upon what we are about to do
with calm detachment as regards its
attractiveness. For while the passions
are stirred, we have to act with moder-
ation and peace. There is always so
much to be gained by such a deter-
mined and sincere way of acting. Still,
we cannot expect complete success, un-
less we practice complete abnegation.

extending over all our powers. That
is the only truly efficacious means of
controlling and offsetting the inclina-
tions of nature.

An example will make this clearer.
A priest experiences a natural, at
times disorderly affection for a person
whom he directs, and is thus inclined
to converse with this person. Some-
times the inclination is not a good
one, though we would not brand it as
an altogether evil one. He receives
this person to speak with her. Her
coming has satisfied him, either by a
tendency of nature which is not really
evil — and union with God is then sus-
pended— or by an evil inclination —
which would block union with God.
How then does he proceed? He wants
to converse with this person, because
he finds a satisfaction in such conver-
sation, and still, he would reproach
himself for surrendering to a purely
natural desire. He wants to be always
united to God and realizes that by thus
giving satisfaction to his heart he
draws away from God and becomes
displeasing to our Lord. Or, should
the satisfaction be entirely out of or-
der, he would reproach himself for
abandoning God. And so he begins to
think, on receiving this person, that
he is obliged to do so in order to pro-
cure the glory of God by speaking to
her of holy things, and sanctifying
her soul by spiritual advice. He even
makes some effort to feel this desire
of seeking God's glory or this soul's
sanctification. He reflects and sees
how he foiTned and purified his inten-
tion. But all the time the original
disposition remains, and his heart is
unchanged. He is suffering from an
illusion. The purity and holiness of
his intention is entirely imaginary.
He has fabricated a superficial idea of
an act inspired by faith. And yet no
genuine love of God motivated him,
it is only the love of man that prompts
him. The will is adhering to its object
not because of pure or selfless love,
but because flightly imagination guides
the heart. It is the disposition of the
heart which always determines
whether or not an act be supernatural.
If a supernatural attraction dominates
the heart, supernatural acts will fol-
low; and if the will is drawn by
natural or evil attractions, natural or
evil acts will follow.

How then should we act in such a
situation ? If actually the conversa-
tion is neither necessary nor useful,
we should avoid having it. And in
order to know this, we have to recol-
lect ourselves, putting our heart in a
(Continued on page 162)

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

154

OURSELVES INCORPORATED

CORNWELLS

X WE new entrance to the build-
ing it getting its finishing touches.
The steps lead up to a double door.
The passage inside the door up to the
octagon figure on the first floor has
been laid in tile of different colors.
Outside in the courtyard, four parts
of the outside of the cement circle
have been taken out in preparation
for new shrubbery. A big ti-ee has
been felled to start work on making
the entrance to the front drive wider.
The pavilion outside the gymnasium
is getting a cement base and columns.

Fathers James White and Delaney
came to take up their residence.
Father Ackerman brought Father
Fussenegger, pastor of St. Basil's
church, Pittsburgh, for an over-night
visit. Father Sweeney and Father
Conner brought the latest news from
Puerto Rico. Fathers Watkins and
J. Hackett also visited.

The scholastics' retreat was
preached by Father Shanahan. A
group of scholastics attended devo-
tions in honor of Our Lady of Fatima
at St. Michael's, Torresdale. On Mis-
sion Suntlay thirty-four scholastics
attended services at Sts. Peter and
Paul Cathedral in Philadelphia. They
were seated in the sanctuary.

The college department presented
Hallowe'en entertainment in the form
of an old time minstrel show. Father
Delaney accompanied on the piano.

RIDGEFIELD

L

. N tearing September's page
from the calendar we began the win-
ter rule. It would be needless to add
that we have been striving to keep it
with the same fidelity as our prede-
cessors. October had many pleasant
occasions in store for us. Above all
we enjoyed the pleasure of daily Bene-
diction of the Blessed Sacrament and
Rosary devotions.

On October 2 was celebrated with
due solemnity the anniversary of the
death of our Founder, Father Claude
Poullart des Places. It was a free
day for us, so we opened our football
season. It is quite a task for the
Master of Games to distribute equal'y
between the two five man teams our
strength and ability.

Father Jose Uribe was welcomed at

the Novitiate as a postulant on Octo-
ber 6. Father comes from Tepic,
Mexico.

On October 11 Brother Thomas
Joseph Sloan made his profession.

Columbus Day was celebrated with
due patriotism on Monday, October
13. A game of football was enjoyed
in the afternoon.

During the month we have had the
pleasure of entertaining several pro-
spective applicants for the Brother-
hood. We also enjoyed short visits
from Fathers Kirkbride, Lucey, King-
ston and Milford.

FERNDALE HERALD

bit to the chapel. They painted the
benches and also the figures on the
stations. An amateur job of our own
on the floor just about completes its
new appearance.

L

.N the form of a far-fetched
parody on the well known "Cuckoo
Song" one might write: "Winter is
icumen in". The skies are gray; the
winds are blowing; the leaves are
down; the green grass is gone. The
house shivers and the big boilers once
more become impoilant.

The autumn daily manuel labor pro-
gram came to an end on Wednesday,
October 29, when the last of the large
corn crop was conquered. This leaves
only such odds and ends as may well
be taken cai'e of on Wednesday after-
noons until the snows come.

Mr. Joseph McDonough, who entered
the hospital on September 9, returned
en Thursday, October 30, very fit after
his long illness. Some time of rest
and he'll be able as ever.

Many months of hard work are
finally culminating in the completion
of the various projects in the field of
sport. The handball courts — up long
ago and already the scene of a tourna-
ment— are now receiving their last
touch, a coating of cement. The new
combined tennis and basketball court
is lined. All it needs now are back-
Loai-ds and these are being worked on.
In the meantime it has lent itself well
to the many who have appeared with
a new-found interest in volley ball.

The football league began on Octo-
ber 30. The teams — Five of them,
made up of six men each — were chosen
so as to fall more or less into class
teams promising thereby a little more
spirited game.

The painters returned to add another

FRIBOURG

Wi

E passed our vacation last
summer in France and had a very en-
joyable time. Our visit to Lourdes was
very enlightening. During our short
sojourn there over sixty thousand pil-
grims from the various countries of
Europe arrived to honor our Blessed
Mother. All the hotels were filled to
capacity. Consequently we had to
rough it a little but it was really
worth while. We also visited the
houses at Bordeaux, Marseilles and
Paris. We spent the last few weeks
of our vacation at Allex, one of the
Junior Scholasticates.

Messrs. Malinowski, Feeley, and
Bushinski arrived at the Interprovin-
cial Scholasticate a few days befeore
the opening of our annual retreat.
They were accompanied by Father
Bushinski who spent his vacation in
Ireland and England. The newcomers
entertained us with all kinds of sea
stories for a few days and told us
all the latest developments in the
States in general and in the Province
in particular.

The retreat this year was conducted
by the Rev. H. Hering, O.P., one of
our professors here at the University.
We really enjoyed his conferences
which were extremely practical.

At present we are well into the
winter semester which runs up to the
middle of March. Some of us expect
to take the baccalaureate exam next
summer. This exam covers two years
of theology and hence requires much
preparation. It is an oral exam in
Latin.

We are very sori-y to learn of the
death of Mr. Niedei-berger's father and
that of Mr. Bushinski's mother. We
shall remember them in our prayers.

We wish you all a very happy and
holy Christmas. We would appreciate
a remembrance in your prayers —
William J. Maguire, C.S.Sp.

Get your principles right; then 'tis
a mere matter of detail. — Napoleon.

155

OUR PROVINCE, DECEMBER. 1947

PUERTO RICO

T.

HE first time I met Don Bal-
bino was in the front of the Casa Par-
roijuial, standing in amazement at the
little black button on the door. It was
the door-bell, but to him it could have
been anything. He was from the
country, and never before in his life
had he seen such an up-to-date appara-
tus for summoning someone to answer
the door. I explained to him that all
he had to do was to push the button
with his finger, and a little bell would
ring inside, and that soon someone
would open the door. He scratched his
head in amazement, and a bit timorous
and incredulous, he touched the button.
Again he did it the second time, but
this time with a little more daring.
Almost immediately the servant girl
opened the door and inquired as to
what he wished. He wanted to speak
to a priest. "Any particular priest?"
questioned the girl. "No one in par-
ticular", he replied. As I was just a
step in back of this strange man, I
asked if I could be of any assistance
to him. "Well", he began in the slow
ceremonious manner of speaking of
the jibaros, "Su bendicion." Then he
made a half genuflection and attempted
to kiss my hand up to the elbow, as I
gave him the blessing. "I am from
the country, away up in the mountains,
very far away. I came to see if you
would come to my house to say Mass.
There will be many baptisms, and I
have some children who are prepared
for their First Holy Communion. I
know of one old lady who is sick anil
has been asking to see the Priest.
Perhaps, too, you will be able to fix
up some marriages." Finally, we
settled on a Saturday, a week hence.
During the meantime, he was to arouse
and advise the gente about the great
forecoming event.

Came the follpwing Saturday, wet,
rainy and dreary. After a forty
minute drive in the automobile, I ar-
rived at the meeting place. Here I
was met by a ten year old boy leading
a horse. As soon as the boy saw me
he dropped to his knees and begged a
blessing. I immediately knew he was
the son of Don Balbino. "I am Fran-
cisco," he introduced himself to me,
"I came to meet you with the horse
and to help you carry the baggage.
I will show you where the house is."
I clumsily mounted the horse and after
a few words of encouragement both
to myself and to the horse, we finally
started on the road up thru the moun-
tains, journeying past sugar cane
fields, winding thru the hills with their

compact plantings of plaintains, yams,
and pigeon peas. Francisco carried
the mass kit, kept up a running con-
versation on the various kinds of
flowers and birds, pointing out houses
as we moved on our way. The horse
seemed to be in a hurry. But I didn't
like the way he was bouncing me
around, so I had to put all my attention
trying to hold the horse in. In the
end, he won, and away he went run-
ning and bouncing thru the sometimes
dangerous rocky paths. It had been
drizzling before but now the rain was
beginning in earnest and the path be-
came a muddy track. Now we were
splashing along in the mud. Stopping-
only now and then to bless pictures
and crude statues which the camesinos
made. Many of the children had never
seen a priest before, but all rushed to
the doors of their houses to see the
priest on the horse. Nearly all asked
for a blessing. Some like Francisco,
knelt in the road to receive it. After
an hour's ride, we arrived at Don Bal-
bino's house. It was like the country
houses, constructed in the same man-
ner as they were centuries ago. Raised
a few feet from the ground on stilts,
they are made of palm thatch, with
one or two or occasionally three rooms.
Sometimes there is a lean-to kitchen
in which the natives do their charcoal
cooking. Their beauty comes not from
the magazine illustrations tacked on
the walls, but from a profusion of
flowering vines which veritably hide
the huts from view.

Upon entering the house, all fell up-
on their knees asking for a blessing.
There were cries and greetings on all
sides. Groups of people, entire fami-
lies, shouted salutations. Here I met
Dona Panchita, and all the children —
Eladio, Francisca, Jose, Felipe, Cleope,
Luz Selenia and Carla. Soon a line
began to form with those eager to
confess their sins. About 11:30 the
Sacrifice of the Mass was begun.
Thruout the Mass, they prayed and
sung as tho they were in the world's
finest cathedral. Jesus came down
from Heaven that morning among his
poor people. His throne was a kitchen
table; his castle, a shed; his audience,
poor, ignorant jibaros who had
tramped for hours over sodden fields
and stony paths. Their loyalty to Him
was proclaimed in their every action
during the Mass. Some were intro-
duced to Jesus for the first time;
others renewed their acquaintance af-
ter a long period; and all promised to
assist at this Drama of Calvary in the
near future. After the Mass, a number
of babies were baptized, catechisms

were distributed to the children, and
the oldsters took this opportunity to
talk about the weather and whatever
else old people talk about. Soon it
was all over. The people began to de-
part for their homes. I was mounted
again on my charger, looking back and
waving adios to Don Balbino.

THE BLESSED BABE OF
BETHLEHEM

He might have been born a young
Caesar in Rome,
with an empress, as nurse, at His
cradle of gold;
In palace of porphyry, fi.xing His home,
With princes, His sceptre, to hold.
He might have come forth in the glory
of June,
'Mid zephyrs and singing-birds,

sunbeams and flowers.
Gliding the summer's green bower.

Ah! No, in His meekness. He chose
for his shrine
The manger of beasts in a stable
forlorn.
With a poor little Maid for His
Mother divine.
And shepherds to hail Him, new-
born.

In th . dead of the night, in the year's
cheerless wane ,
In the darkness and cold, with the
brutes in the straw.
He hath come to redeem us. All
praised be His reign.
Who brought us Love's light and
Love's Law!

— Eleanor C. Donnelly

THE EPIPHANY

(Continued from page 152)

and are embarrassed by their nobler
deeds and aspirations. Chesterton said
somewhere that the saint is a man who
goes against the crowd, who "exagger-
ates what the world neglects." Today
the crowd (I speak of Christians)
neglects to manifest Christ. May we
do our utmost to show Him forth,
openly and avowedly setting about our
task of restoring the world to Him by
restoring Him to the world! — Robert
Noel Roach, C.S.Sp.

Pray for Father Edward J. Reckten-
wald's mother who died at her home
in Pittsburgh, Pa., November 28,
1947.— R.I.P.

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

156

BULLETINS

TUSCALOOSA, ALA.
St. John

X HE parish of St. John the
Baptist is located in the diocese of
Mobile, a diocese in area twice the
size of Ireland and greater than the
combined areas of the States of New
York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The city of Tuscaloosa has a popu-
lation of thirty-five thousand. The
core of the parish is here, extending
si.xty miles to the borders of the State
of Mississippi in a westerly direction
and forty miles northeast towards
Birmingham, Ala.

Tuscaloosa is a beautiful city, with
wide streets along the borders of
which flourish a wealth of luxuriant
flowering shrubs. Like a number of
cities in the Southland, Tuscaloosa is
a University city, being the site of the
University of Alabama. Many of our
parishioners are connected with it
directly or indirectly.

The Catholic population of the State
and city is comparatively very small.
However, in a little over a century
this portion of the Lord's vineyard has
slowly struggled upwards to the point
where it has now five hundred sotils.
Their faith is decidedly strong as it
must be here, evidenced by their fre-
quent reception of the Sacraments and
their whole-hearted cooperation with
the Bishop and priests.

The parish church is a small white
brick building with steeple and bell
which has already weathered the heats
of a hundred summers. In the last
five years a new coat of paint within
and without has given every indica-
tion that it may well last another cen-
tury or until a larger building is
necessary. In this overwhelmingly
protestant town the .\ngelus bell peals
forth thrice daily to proclaim the
poet's prayer of praise of our Blessed
Mother: "at mom, at noon, at twi-
light dim; thou shalt callem blessed."

The men of the parish belong to the
Holy Name Society. In addition they
have formed a Catholic Men's Club
which has a dinner meeting once a
month. The purpose is to increase in
the knowledge of their faith and it's
practice as well as to engender a
lively interest in the life of the parish,
the diocese and the Church in general.
Prominent Catholic speakers are
brought in to inspire and sustain the

interest of the members. The women
cooperate by preparing the dinner.

The women of the parish, each and
everyone in the diocese, are expected
to belong to the Alter Society which
is affiliated with the National Council
of Catholic Women. This society re-
presents for them the plan of religious
work in which the Bishop is vitally
interested. Here in St. John's, besides
sponsoring affairs to buy all the reli-
gious goods for the alter, the women
engage in extensive confraternity
eight weeks in the fall and spring,
work. Throughout the diocese, for
the women of the Altar Society study
a prescribed work on Christian doc-
trine. Here our women are divided
into six bands. Every quarter dele-
gates are sent to the deanery meeting
and there is a quarterly day of recol-
lection. Once in the past five years
we were hosts to the women of the
deanery.

Our young people belong to the
diocesan Catholic Youth Organization.
Although small in number they meet
weekly in our auditorium. A young
man, majoring in physical education
at the University, assists them in their
games and a couple from the parish
chaperon their parties, etc. Each year
delegates are sent to the diocesan con-
ventions at Mobile and Birmingham.

The parish has been blessed with a
parochial school and Sisters for many
years. In the last decade a high school
was added with beneficial results all
around. One hundred and sixty pupils
attend both schools. A number of non-
Catholics send their children to our
pai'ochial school and pay the fees asked
which helps considerably. Both schools
have been painted, and an excellent
cafeteria has been installed where the
pupils have hot lunch daily. The Bene-
dictine Sisters who teach here attend
the summer sessions at the University
to obtain higher degrees.

The local pastor is in charge of the
Catholic students and teaches a course
in religion at the University. Nearly
five hundred Catholic young men and
women follow courses at the Univer-
sity. A chapel is located contiguous
to the campus where Holy Mass is
celebrated every Sunday and some-
times during the week. Devotions to
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal are
held weekly. Students serve at the
Altar, act as ushers and sing in the
choir.

The chapel was built in honor of St.
Francis of Assisi. It is of Spanish
tlesign, painted flamingo; the interior
has been redecorated and colored
windows installed.

The Newman Club (the Catholic
Club of the University) has its acti-
vities in a twelve room rented house
where a house mother presides and
ten students live. The purpose of the
club is to have a central place where
our Catholic young men and women
can meet and associate with those of
their own Catholic tradition and cul-
ture. Here religious and educational
discussions are held, instructions for
prospective converts given, dinners
prepared and parties sponsored. In a
word, it is intended to be a place where
the I'eligious life of our Catholic stu-
dents is preserved and nurtured, where
our Catholic student body is solidified,
and where ti-aining is given in Catho-
lic leadership in the hope that later on
our educated young people will be a
powerful influence in Catholic life,
public and pi'ivate. The Newman Club
is affiliated with the National Federa-
tion and Regional Conference. It was
host recently to the Gulf States New-
man Club Conference with delegates
from seventeen Colleges and Univer-
sities.

Thirty five miles out in the country
at Reform is a little mission of fifteen
people. The little chapel which is the
pride of this small group of isolated
Catholics has been painted and re-
paired and a new altar installed. Holy
Mass is offered monthly. Here, too,-
the faith is strong and the women
have their altar society like the Mother
church. And despite its non-Catholic
atmosphere, this little mission' has al-
ready given two to the service of re-
ligion.

The State Hospital for the Insane
is situated in Tuscaloosa. Of the forty-
five hundred patients, a little over a
hundred are Catholic. They are visited
regularly and monthly Mass is ofi"ered
for them. The Veterans' Hospital has
thirteen hundred patients of whom
fifty one are Catholics. Five years
ago an altar was set up in the institu-
tion where Holy Mass is off'ered
monthly. The visitation of the pa-
tients is weekly.

The parish rectory is a small two
story frame house which has been re-
paired and painted recently.

Generally speaking, the spiritual

157

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER, 1947

condition of the parish is gratifying.
Most of the parishioners approach the
sacraments monthly as well as a re-
presentative number of the students
from the University.

All our Catholic children, with the
exception of four, attend our parochial
and high school. Of our University
students nearly one hundred percent
attend Sunday Mass and make the
annual mission to the great admira-
tion of the non-Catholic University
President.

Physically, all our buildings are in
good condition. Perhaps in a few years
it might be wise to enlarge our parish
church since our parishioners are
slowly increasing. I believe we have
reached a stage where a permanent
Catholic Center for the University
students should be provided .

Financially, our parish is sound. In
the last five years we have reiluced
our debt fi'om nearly eighteen thou-
sand dollars to twenty-five hundi-ed
dollars.

Increasingly the church is winning
the respect and admiration of the
people of this section where it has
always been the smallest religious
minority group. At least fifty or more
converts have come into the church in
the past five years.

All things considered we feel our
work has been blessed by God. Yet
the fields are white with the harvest.
Vast opportunities remain for the
spread of our holy faith. Large num-
bers still hunger here for the bread of
eternal life.— M. F. M.

TUSCALOOSA, ALA.
St. Mary Magdalene

o.

'N January 5, 1937, Father
Joseph B. Hackett came to St. Mary's
as pastor. His first concern was the
school for without the school he real-
ized the future of the parish was
doomed. With the permission of Most
Rev. Thomas J. Toolen, D.D., Bishop
of Mobile, he invited the Sisters of
the Holy Ghost from San Antonio,
Texas, to replace the lay teachers in
the small parish school. Three Sisters
arrived with their Superior, Sr. Im-
maculata, early in September 1937.

Father Hackett turned over the
rectory to them as there was no con-
vent. He, himself, went to reside with
Father Anthony J. Hackett at St.
John's until a small four-room rectory
was built in 1939, by Mr. Talty O'Con-
nor, a local contractor. The Bishop

considers this rectory a model of its
kind and proclaims its modest cost
$1,.500, to all and sundry on every
occasion.

The wisdom of having School Sisters
soon became evident in the greatly in-
creased enrollment requiring the addi-
tion of another classroom in 1939,
built by Mr. O'Connor.

From 1937 to 1942 Father Hackett
recorded 3G baptisms, 35 of which were
of convei'ts, 23 confirmations, 9 first
communions, 5 mixed marriages and
one death.

Father James A. Murnaghan suc-
ceeded Father Hackett as pastor late
in 1942, Father Hackett having been
assigned to found the new mission
parish in Sanford, North Carolina.
With a generous donation from Bishop
Cushing of Boston, Father Murnaghan
was able to repair the roof on the new-
school room and repaint the convent
outside and in.

Meanwhile the Holy Ghost Sisters
were recalled to Texas. In September
1943, three Sisters of the Resurrection
arrived from Chicago to take charge
of the school through the good offices
of Fr. Harold Purcell of the City of
St. Jude, Montgomery, Ala., and the
hearty approval of the Bishop. Father
Murnaghan had 14 baptisms, all con-
verts, and two funerals.

In 1944 Fr. William L. Lavin came
as Fr. Murnaghan went to Mansura,
La., as pastor of the newly established
parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

In March 1945 Father Francis X.
Walsh was appointed pastor of St.
Mary's. Immediately he set about
making many improvements with
funds collected in his home diocese of
Hartford, Conn. A concrete side walk
running four hundred feet, the entire
front of the property, was laid, to-
gether with a wall of concrete block
construction set off by eight pillars.
Concrete steps and platform replaced
the wooden structure in front of the
Church. Arbor vitae were planted.
The outside of the church, convent and
rectory were painted and interior im-
provements made.

A fourth Sister came with the open-
ing of the eighth grade. In May 1946
ten pupils graduated, the first grad-
uates in years. A fifth Sister came as
housekeeper but soon had to return to
Chicago because of failing health. Up
to this she has not been replaced. In
less than a year and a half the enroll-
ment has almost doubled, from 85 in
March 1945 to 155 in September 1946.

A national campaign to raise funds

to erect a new school, a day nursery,
a clinic and an orphanage got under
way in November 1945. Since that
time Fr. Walsh, with the generous
help of the Sisters, has mailed over
100,000 letters to all parts of the
country.

In September 1946 the entire school
building was repainted, four new
toilets installed, twenty new desks
bought for the upper grades and over
three hundred feet of piping laid to
take care of the new drinking foun-
tain and sanitary facilities. A small
garage with concrete driveway was
built and an enclosed porch was added
to the rectory.

At this writing the convent kitchen
is being refurnished with a new elec-
tric ice-box, a built-in cabinet, inlaid
tile floor, kitchen sink, table and chairs
to match and the walls are being re-
paired, replastered and painted.

A perpetual novena in honor of the
Infant of Prague and Blessed Martin
de Forres takes place on Tuesday eve-
nings, whilst one in honor of the
Miraculous Medal and St. Mary Mag-
dalene is held every Friday evening.
The perpetual novena prayers in honor
of God the Holy Ghost are recited
every Sunday after Mass. A special
Mass is said every Friday morning at
which the Catholic children receive
Holy Communion.

In 1946 there were eight baptisms,
seven converts, seven first com-
munions, one marriage and one re-
validation. The hard work of the past
is beginning to bear fruit. — F. X. W.

SHREVEPORT, LA.
St. Daniel

Father A. J. Walsh arrived in
Shreveport on Sunday, October 15,
1944, to establish St. Daniel's parish
in the southern part of the city. The
Holy Ghost Fathers came at the re-
quest of Most Rev. Daniel F. Desmond,
D.D., Bishop of Alexandria, since de-
ceased. It might be added here that
at the outset. Father Provincial gave
§1,000 to the pastor shortly after his
arrival and Bishop Desmond in grate-
ful acknowledgment allowed us to
name the parish St. Daniel. The
Bishop, in a mixed spiritual, jovial
mood, remarked to the pastor at the
time, "I'm more than glad to let your
Provincial name the church for $1,000
and, at the same time, I'm a bit
flattered by the compliment."

TJie Bishop left the drawing up of
the parish lines to Father John M.
Lundergan and Father Walsh. Father

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

158

Lundergan is pastor of Our Lady of
the Blessed Sacrament parish. To-
gether they surveyed the southern
part of the city and Kingshighway
was decided on as the median bisect-
ing the city equally, north and south.
All south of Kingshighway was to be
the future St. Daniel's parish.

The central point of the southern
part of the city is Hollywood and Lin-
wood Avenue. So, before the arrival
of Father Walsh and at the request
of the bishop, Father Lundergan
sought a suitable location in that
neighborhood. A sufficiently large plot
of land at the intersection was avail-
able and the purchase price was rea-
sonable but Father Lundergan was
told that the white oposition in the
neighborhood might be insurmount-
able, so he acquired the present site,
Linwood Ave. and Lucky Street, 130
by 270 ft. for $2,850.00, paid for by
Bishop Desmond. Since his arrival,
Father Walsh bought 66 by 660 ft.
for $600.00 to assure enough property
for future development.

In an interview with Bishop Des-
mond, before reporting to St. Daniel's,
Father Walsh was told to canvass the
new parish for a residence and place
of worship. Since the new pastor had
no money, he, the bishop, would pay
expenses.

World War II being in progress, a
month of reconnaisance woi'k showed
no room of any kind, anywhere. Then
out of a rainy, murky, cloud-filled sky
on a cold November mormn, a parish-
ioner, Mrs. Annie Lee Roque, called
Father Walsh on the phone. The new
pastor nearly lost his staunch heart,
which had been heavily burdened
since his arrival.

Annie Lee informed him, amid pro-
fuse apologies, that her grocery store
man and wife, Mr. and Mrs. S. P.
Tuminello, had a combination chicken-
brooder and rabbit-warren that we
could fix up and use, if we found it
satisfactory. ' It was a bit dilapidated,
to say the least, having not been used
except for trash, for nine months. To
call it even a shack was to dignify it.

Well, what to do? Here it was
November 15, 1944, one month after
my arrival. No funds. I looked out
at the pelting rain, the dank drabness
of the houses in the neighborhood, the
dirty pools of water on the dirty wet
street, gallons of the aqueous sub-
stance propelled as if by a churning
motor, tumbling and splashing down
the hill at the side of the rectory. It
was with heavy step (galoshes), over-
burdened heart ("How long, O Lord,

how long") — and sorrowful mind (?)
that the pastor set forth to inspect
what was to be his future church for
the next nineteen months. This was
no choice for the sympathetic vibra-
tions that might be elicited, no grand-
stand play to a charitable public, it
was the grasp of a drowning man at
a straw. One hour, two trolley cars,
and twenty minutes walking time
later, he saw the chicken-brooder for
the first time. Disgusted ? Disheart-
ened ? That's putting it mildly. To
describe his feelings as he looked over
the shack, in the backyard of Sam's
store, would be futile. Nature, the
elements, the human race itself, all
seemed conspirators in this strange
drama.

Hat, overcoat, trouser-legs sopping
wet, the pastor stood in the midst of
the chicken-brooder, Mrs. Tuminello,
Mrs. Annie Lee Roque, and Mrs. V. F.
St. Ville, hushed spectators. A lugu-
brious looking rooster in a Mars-like
stance, surrounded by his five amo-
zonian, cackling consorts, registered
vociferous offense at the clerical in-
trusion. There was no doubt it was a
chicken-house, "anybody's nose would
know that." A heap of earth in the
warren pen and a gaping hole in the
ground close by, indicated the modus
operandi of the last of the inhabitants.

Now what? No money. (The Pro-
vincial's gift arrived in December,
Mass intentions helped pay board at
O.L.B.S. lectory, my month's salary
$30.00 for assistance in the work at
Holy Trinity Church not yet due.)
No friends. No opinions. No kibitzers.
No — yes there was one ally, my priest-
hood, a follower of the meek and lowly
Galilean. Christ was bom in a stable,
this was at least a chicken-brooder,
and the irony of the whole situation,
St. Daniel's parish dedicated to the
spiritual and moral advancement of
the colored people! What a plot for
a story!

A meeting of the men of the parish
was called the follov. ing evening at
t::2 home of Mr. 'Bud" Chevalier.
Tv»enty-one attended. Some ladies
v.-ere present. A collection was taken
up ($27.50) and Mr. Georga Martinez,
a parishioner, was appointed foreman
in charge of rehabilitation. Assis-
tants: Tony Roque, Armand Roijue,
Hugh Lacour.

In cfF hours during the day, Sun-
days and Tlianksgiving included, the
chicken-brooder gradually gave place,
and St. Daniel's first church was bom.
Scraps of lumber, discarded packing-
cases, two worn linoleum art squares,

two and one-half pieces of celotex, all
from Schumpert Sanitarium. Tin can
tops to cover small holes, 100 ft. of
shiplap and flooring, $10.00 worth of
tar-paper roofing, a bit of splicing of
one by fours to support the sagging
roof, 20 ft. of electric wire, 2 light
bulbs, a few pieces of pipe, 2 used
gas heaters, laying of the usable parts
of the linoleum to cover the floor and
with a hearty prayer to St. Daniel for
protection, the building took shape.
The architecture was in no way
changed; when finished the interior
was a nightmare of contrasts. The
ladies arrived with brush and pail,
soap and water, and accomplished a
very satisfactory chore on the floor,
walls, and ceiling of the interior.
"Any nose now would know the dif-
ference."

Now to beg for furnishings. An
assortment of chairs, including four
rockers, twenty-seven in all, painted
white, blue, and brown, were found
at Schumpert Sanitarium by the Irish
Sisters of the Incarnate Word. A
county public .school was deprived of
two reading benches. Two picnic
benches somehow arrived. All were
duly arranged and set. A folding con-
fessional with removable kneeler was
made from a nylon stocking packing
crate. A hospital bed-table became a
credence table; 28 pieces of lumber
fashioned as crosses became the Sta-
tions. A vinegar and olive oil glass
table set became the cruets. A piece
of lumber, cruciform, holding a small
soup-dish, became the holy water font.
A tiny throw-away souvenir bell of
the first hundred years of Shreveport
became the alter warning bell. A
small ancient missal from St. Vin-
cent's Academy became the Mass book.
A missal stand to fit the book came
from the buffet in Father Lundergan's
dining room. The steps of the altar
from an old sardine box. The taber-
nacle from St. Mary's Convent. The
chalice from Father Lundergan, the
alter cloths, vestments, alb, etc., of
immediate necessity from Monsignor
Plauche, a true friend and benefactor,
The host box from Sister Lawrence,
O.L.B.S. School, the altar cricifix, an
heirloom of 100 years, from Mrs. Edith
Roque. The platform and altar made
of bought shiplap, (21 men helped
build it), designed by the pastor,
painted white and light blue in honor
of the Immaculate Mother of God.
No, no kneelers and no altar railing.
Seating capacity 69, size 21' ,x 24'.
Smiles all around. We are now ready,
after remodeling at the cost of $41.46.

On Friday night, December 8, 1944,

159

OUR PROVINCE, DECEMBER. 1947

seven weeks after Father Walsh's
arrival, the feast of the Immaculate
Conception at 7:30 P. M., under the
stars, in the backyard of Sam Tumi-
nello's Grocery Store, 5828 St. Vincent
Ave., Monsignor J. V. Plauche, Dean,
representing Bishop Desmond, now in
failing health due to a stroke, blessed
St. Daniel's Church. Monsignor then
gave a rousing sermon on "The
Church", the center of all activity,
stressing the smallness of our num-
bers against the sacrifices ahead. "One
for all and all for one", he stressed as
our motto. This sermon was very en-
couraging to the pastor as before his
arrival a delegation called on Father
Lundergan to try and stop the be-
ginning of the new church. A certain
few were critical of all undertakings.
But God's grace gradually working is
beginning to bring all to the "Cor
unum et anima una" attitude.

Present for the blessing were 69
parishioners; the following friends,
Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Hebert, Mrs. Gen-
eva Couvillion, Mr. and Mrs. Sam
Tuminello and five children and Father
Lundergan and the Holy Ghost Sisters
of the Blessed Sacrament School.
Altar boys were Don Kirkland, Joe
Roque and Joseph Metoyer. The pas-
tor, master of ceremonies.

Mass was offered for the first time
in St. Daniel's Church Sunday, Decem-
ber 10, 1944, at 8:00 with 73 parish-
ioners present, 27 of whom received
Holy Communion. Collection $8.32;
to begin the parish 27 families, 110
souls, and no debt.

During the sermon at the first mass
in the chicken-brooder church, in look-
ing over the congregation, I noticed
the four rocking chairs occupied by
four very lucky parishioners, non-
chalantly rocking away as though in
their own parlors. Certainly satisfied
spiritual contentment and ease were
theirs. To help marshal the small
force of parishioners and establish a
semblance of parochial stability to
start the mission of St. Daniel's, a
series of meetings was held in private
homes, the first of which was held on
Eunday evening, October 29, 1944, at
the home of the "patriarch" of the
group. Bud Chevalier, on Hollywood
Avenue.

As a result of these gatherings, the
Altar Society was organized Novem-
ber 22, 1944, The Holy Name Society,
November 26, the Sans Souci, a Social
Club, December 20, and the Teen
Agers, January 21, 1945. Oflficers
were appointed in all societies except
the Teen Agers, by the pastor. The

Teen Agers are sponsored by the Al-
tar Society, Mrs. Marie Metoyer, Mod-
erator. The next important function,
usually of primary importance, the
gathering of funds for the mission,
was not neglected.

The Shreveport Court, CD. of A.
has a restaurant booth at the Shreve-
port State Fair, held during the latter
part of October. The last day of the
Fair is Neg:ro Day. It had been cus-
tomary for them to turn over the
booth on that day to Father Lunder-
gan. Father Lundergan suggested
that they turn it over to St. Daniel's.
Thus the first money for the new
mission, $215.45, was realized and put
in a building fund.

It then became the task of the pas-
tor to get a list of the names of
friends, relatives and former parish-
ioners and twice a year send them
letters begging for help. By the end
of 1916 he had mailed some 2,000
letters and cards; 900 Self-denial Len-
ten Banks; 500 pictures of the Chicken
Brooder Church and the number of
"Thank you letters" was well over
2,000.

During 1945 an acre of land was
bought for $600.00 to assure sufficient
room for development, $35.00 was
spent on surveying to straighten out
property lines. The church property
now runs 196 ft. front on Linwootl
Avenue by 270 ft. on Lucky Street,
tlie upper 66 ft. on Linwood being 660
ft. in depth.

In February, 1946, Mr. and Mrs.
Sam Tuminello notified Father Walsh
that they would need their chicken-
brooder by the end of May. In the
meantime, Bishop Desmond had died.
He was succeeded March 19, 1946, by
Bishop Charles P. Greco, D.D.

So as not to dissipate the funds
accumulated, the pastor decided on a
structure that could serve as a tem-
porary church and future garage and
laundry. So was bom St. Daniel's
new chui-ch. The men of the parish,
under the supervision of Mr. Edward
L. Lammons, dug the foundation in
two days, then the rains came, and
before work could be resumed, due to
World War II, building construction,
unless about % undei-way, was frozen.
With the help of Attorney Charles B.
Emery, a friend of St. Daniel's, the
necessary government papers were
obtained. The questionnaires were
duly filled out and forwarded to Re-
gional Headquarters at New Orleans,
La. After a very miserable month of
waiting, the 0. K. arrived and work
was resumed.

A thousand dollar permit was issued
by the City Building Inspector, a cer-
tificate of approval was attached by
Uncle Sam, the various city depart-
ments issued permits without charge
and were very cooperative. We were
all set to go, and again the rains came.
Then there was the little question of
sufficient materials. After trying the
top men of five lumber companies,
the sixth said he would do his best but
we would have to use what he could
get. But he had no nails. The nail
situation cleared, then there was no
roofing. That cleared up. Then all
windows and 75% of new doors were
G. L; a member of the parish, Armond
Roque, supplied the necessary 5 win-
dows. The city was scoured for doors
to no avail. Then the pastor decided
to elicit the help of Monsignor Plauche
pastor of Holy Trinity Church, who
gave two very beautiful cypress doors;
and the third was made by the work-
men, as were all door frames. Then
came the final hunt for white outdoor
paint, which was as scarce as hen's
teeth. After many headaches all was
ready. Plumbing and electricity were
installed in the fall. The plumbing in-
stalled at a cost of $78.75 was donated
by Mr. Camille Richardson, of the
Richardson Plumbing Co. of Shreve-
port.

The big day finally arrived, July 4,
1946. At four o'clock in the afternoon,
the bishop being on a trip to Rome for
the canonization of St. Frances Xavier
Cabrini, Monsignor Plauche, blessed
the new Church of St. Daniel. Present
were Fathers Clarkson, Coyle and
Dornier, all Jesuits of St. John's High
School, Father Lundergan, two Sisters
from Schumpert Sanitarium and four-
teen Daughters of the Cross from St.
Vincent's Academy, twenty-four mem-
bers of the K. of C, nineteen ladies
from the Catholic Daughters and other
friends and parishioners. The little
church was filled to overflowing and
God gave us beautiful weather. The
pastor was master of ceremonies.
Monsignor Plauche preached on the
text: "Go, teach all nations."

In keeping with the spirit of In-
dependence Day, 16 of our returned
service men in uniform acted as a
Guard of Honor. A temporary flag-
pole was erected in front of the church
and Old Glory was unfurled to start
the ceremonies. Appropriate patriotic
and religious hymns were sung by all,
before, during and after the ceremo-
nies, led by the pastor. The Star
Spangled Banner fittingly climaxed
the blessing on a new phase of the
life of St. Daniel's. Like a baby we're

OUR PROVINCE, DECEMBER. 1947

160

now creeping; please God, it won't be
too long till we start to walk.

A few days after the blessing, a
local insurance man, Louis Matthieu,
called me and told me he would give
me my first year insurance free. God
and the people of Shreveport, relatives
and friends have been good to St.
Daniel's.

The actual cost of St. Daniel's as
it stands today is $895.12. It is 20' x
30' X 12', frame and concrete con-
struction with weatherwood insula-
tion. It has light, heat and water. All
labor, except cement finishing and
electricity, were donated. Contract
price for this building at the time of
its construction was $2,500.00. It seats
96.

This brings us down to the closing-
days of 1946. When the pastor arrived
he had no money. Father Lundergan
opened his heart and home to the new
arrival, furnishing a pleasant room for
his occupancy. The priests of the city,
the people, the Fathers, all have been
wonderful.

Father Walsh has spoken in the
interest of his work to the K. of C.,
C. D. of A., St. Vincent's Sodality,
St. John's High School, at several
banquets and gatherings, and when-
ever called upon. In October, 1945,
a collection was taken up at Holy
Trinity Church here, where Father

Walsh assists Monsignor Plauche, and
these good people at the urging of
their pastor, contributed $890.00 to
the cause.

In October, 1946, through the aid of
Lawyer Charles E. Emery and An-
dress Motors, the pastor purchased
a new 1947 Ford Tudor.

Monsignor Plauche, who is the
foster father of St. Daniel's, has been
zealous and kind, completely selfless
in his interest, a wise counsellor, a
just advisor, a true and loyal friend.
May God grant him many more years
of devoted service to the Church.

May the next bulletin, God willing,
have bigger and better things to re-
cord of St. Daniel's and her loyal
parishioners.

STATUS ANIMARUM
October 1944 — December 1946

Number of families 28

Souls 114

Baptisms 7

Marriages 1

Funerals 0

May God bless all, living and dead,
who have helped St. Daniel's, and in
His benevolence may He in a special
manner shower His choicest gifts and
blessings on Mr. and Mrs. Sam P.
Tuminello, Monsignor Plauche, pas-
tor of Holy Trinity, Charles B. Em-
ery, and several anonymous frienas. —
A.J.W.

STATISTICS OF THE CONGREGATION
before and after the two wars.

1914 1919

Bishops 14 ig

Prefects Apostolic 7 e

Fathers 850 856

Scholastics 27.3 187

Brothers 628 .524

Aspirants 500 i,085

Residences (Europe) 26 40

Residences (U. S.) 27 35

Residences (Missions) 190 189

Fathers in Mission 487 426

Brothers in Mission 236 147

Catholics in our Missions 199,133 345,787

Catechumens 41,232 112,544

1939

29

5

1,700

980

915

2,572

62

55

397

961

236

2,466,540

600,500

1947

32

3

2,280

925

751

1,698

80

70*

493

1,361

219

3,263,932

550,884

The residences of Puerto Rico are included in the residences of Missions.

THE QUEEN OF HARMONY

When dawned creation's morning

bright
Harmony, thou heavenly flower
Enveloped in effulgent light
Attendest God, the Lord of power.

The call resounde<l: "Let there be!"
And God sent thee, fair flower, to

earth.
To beauty, order, unity
Thy graceful touch imparted worth.

Celestial bodies, sun and star.
Submitting to thy regal sway.
Traced orbits wide and swift and far.
And raised on high their symphony.

And all that chanced thy glance to

meet
Was clothed in beauty, heavenly.
The fragrance of thy breath, so sweet
Reflected the divinity.

Thy rallying cry: "God's will be done"
Now governed all in sweet accord:
All creatures praised the Holy One
Whom they adored as sovereign Lord.

In wrath the cunning serpent swore
Revenge on thee, spirit of bliss,
He whom the Lord from Heaven's

shore
In justice hurled to hell's abyss.

Through mortal man, mere child of

dust,
With will to choose God's light — or

slime,
The fiend by sin's enticing lust.
Disturbed thee, harmony sublime.

Thou didst wander plaintive, seeking.
Through the dark dread night of sin,
'Mid the shadows and the weeping
Thy ideal once more to win.

Dirges mournful 'round thee wailing.
Thou didst wander anxious, peering.
Fearing, dreading, doubt assailing,
Hope retreating, quest dispairing.

Wandering thus in quiet sadness
Thou didst meet a maiden lovely,
At whose beauty, joy and gladness
Thou diilst ponder long and deeply.

Perfect features ileep expressing
Wisdom keen — nobility.
Peace of soul her charm confessing
Breathing goodness, purity.

161

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

In accents soft her lips were singing
Sacred cliants of psalmody.
Tender words sweet solace bringing
Unprecedented harmony.

Her joyous hymns, her pure refrains
Ascend unceasingly to heaven;
Shafts of love are those true strains
And God's own heart with hers was
even.

Blessed with happiness unbounded,
Praising God, her clear voice rang.
When with bitter woe surrounded
Then too "Magnificat" sang.

"Welcome" thou sayest, "Gift of

grace,
God's gem was lost, O maid serene:
Thou hast restored it to its place.
I choose thee now its noble queen."

Her hand reached forth in gracious-

ness,
She thus to poor humanity
Restored Thy peace and happiness.
Thy beauty, power — harmony.

E.xalted Virgin, teach, I pray,
Thy nobleness of soul to me.
So that I, too, may humbly say:
"Just as God wills, so may it be."

Attune my will to the Divine,

Celestial harp, I fly to thee!

Blend thou with God's this heart of

mine,
O queen of perfect harmony!

— M.B. (Translated from the German)

AVIS DU MOIS

V.

PRACTICAL UNION

(Continued from page 154)

state of detachment and indifference,
and examining the question before
God. If the inten'iew is neccessary,
as for example for the person's con-
fession, or if it is really useful, as for
example the direction demanded by
the soul's condition, we should receive
her, though only to the extent and in
the way dictated by necessity or use-
fulness. We must constantly watch
over our heart, check any disorderly
anxieties we may feel, and resist any
satisfaction which might result from
these meetings. These same principles
will dictate the proper conduct for us
in other circumstances of a similar
nature.

ACATION time brought with
it in our houses and provinces the re-
treat period; in the missions, the an-
nual retreats extend over the months
to come. These exercises must be not
only a reminder of our obligations,
but a serious examination of the state
we are in : are we now in a state of
fei-\-or as regards all of our duties, or
in a state of tepidity, or of culpable
negligence which borders on grave
sin?

We know well the curse hurled by
our Lord against the tepidity of the
Angel of Laodicea and, through him,
against tepidity for all time: "Because
thou are lukewarm, neither cold nor
hot, I will begin (that is, I am ready)
to vomit thee out of my mouth."

He who is tepid — I am not speaking
here of habitual mortal sin, and I do
not want even to suppose it in speak-
ing to all of you — he who is tepid, if
he persists in his state without the
desire of changing, of reforming, is
on the road to perdition.

Now a man is lukewarm in God's
regard when he habitually performs
his duties towards Him without recol-
lection, without attention or piety;
when he loves himself more than God.
Doubtless fatigue or sickness can take
from us the feeling of attachment to
God; we are often subject to dryness
without thereby being lukewarm; but
for the soul thus tried, God and His
service remain nevertheless the domi-
nant, fundamental preoccupation,
whereas the tepid soul in its distaste
makes no efforts to draw closer to
God. It becomes inured to its state
before Him to whom it owes every-
thing and seems quite content to ig-
nore Him entirely.

We are tepid in our religious life
when we are more at ease away from
the company of our confreres, when
we go visiting solely for amusement.
In this way one quickly loses a sense
of the common life, becomes bored
in community and is for the com-
munity a cause of boredom. Such a
one attends the exercises in common
when he can't decently excuse him-
self and when he is afraid of being
reproached for his absence. He no
longer knows how to practice poverty;
he surrounds himself with everything
his heart desires, never taking into
account this virtue. He loses the
sense of obedience; superiors are now
for him only annoying censors and
fervent confreres are innocents who
believe in myths.

The lukewarm individual shows his
tepidity in the ministry, in zeal for
the salvation of souls. He won't put
himself out to serve them, he invents
all sorts of pretexts to exempt him-
self from what he calls the drudgery
of confessions, catechism classes, or-
dinary instructions, visits to the sick,
administration of the sacraments. He
even goes so far as to justify his
negligence by letting it be understood
that he is saving himself for really
important duties and occasions!

Even in the matter of his soul, he
he gives evidence of his tepidity. He
makes life easy for himself; he never
thinks of death nor of eternity. His
infirmities, instead of reawakening
him from his torpor, become a cause
of constant complaints and laments;
poorly does he bear disappointments;
he thinks others are favored by luck,
that happiness comes to them with-
out their knowing what's going on,
without them deserving it, and that
their smile in the face of adversities
proves that they are narrow-miniled
and are incapable of feeling human
misery.

We are tepid when we are full of
self-esteem, when we exaggerate our
abilities, our merits. Tepidity feeds
on self-love, pride, vanity. These
vices draw a curtain between God and
ourselves, between us and our broth-
ers. We substitute ourselves for God
by placing a higher value on our-
selves than we are worth. We de-
spise our equals, we no longer show
them any respect.

On the other hand humility rends
the veil and brings us face to face
with truth. Truth alone creates in
us a disposition favorable to fervor
because, thanks to it, everything in
and about us assumes its proper
worth.

Let us then examine ourselves care-
fully and make the resolutions which
common, elementary loyalty suggests
to us. — L. L. H. (General Bulletin,

June- July- August, 1947)

* * *

The world grown weary of wasting

strife.
Had called for the Christ to rise;
For sin had poisoned the springs of
life
And only the dead were wise.
But, wrapped in a dream of scoiTiful
pride.
Too high were its eyes to see
A Child, foredoomed to be crucified.
On a peasant Mother's knee.

— Teresa Brayton.

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER, 1947

162

CHIPS FROM THE ROCK

The sudden arrival of the cold wave
here at St. Emma's sent the faculty
scurrying to the basement only to
find the insides of our huge boiler
unequal to the untimely chill. It was
apart, in pieces and being repaired.
So we had to fall back on the "para-
tus ad omnia" and coax warmth out
of some damp logs in fire-places a
long time forgotten. The officers'
club lost its identity as the flames
on the hearth brought back images of
long ago. Old "Belmead" was alive
again and General Cocke himself
would have been at home in our midst
with old muskets and dueling pistols
on the mantle and even the jokes
that went 'round would have been fa-
miliar. The only drawback would
have been those dang northern Yan-
kee officers in his good old southern
home, that is.

Things are shaping up here after
a month of tinkering with the mili-
tary machine, juggling the schedules
that embrace all three schools, ar-
ranging an athletic program, and
keeping pace with the social propen-
sities of 134 cadets and 160 girls
from St. Francis de Sales over yon-
der. Only now is the faculty gradu-
ally emerging from a frenzied igno-
rance into a moderate bewilderment.
There was lots of work figuring out
the demerit system followed here, the
military procedure (and there is vol-
umes of that, suh!), the scholastic
set-up that had to be worked in with
the shop and agricultural depait-
ments. All these entailed a great
amount of work and patience. How-
ever, all goes well, thank God, and
we look forward to a bright future.

We found a veritable gold mine in
the salvage department of the Navy
Yard in Norfolk. St. Emma's netted
thousands of dollars worth of machin-
ery at a great saving: drill presses,
lathes, power saws, barber chairs,
generators and enough small tools
and gadgets to make us feel we have
already sabotaged any Naval effort
the country might be called upon to
put forth within the next five years.

Father George P. Rengers dropped
in to check a rumor that his brother
had joined some brown-shirt organi-
zation. Father Alfred Monteil was a
welcome guest over a September
week-end. Father Anthony Lechner
and Father Francis Conrad, a class-
mate of Father Keown, paid a visit
and were happy to take away with
them the memory of a cozy evening
over a log-fire.

Father James Kelly joined the com-

munity this month. After looking
over the agricultural situation he as-
sures us that the the high cost of
gastronomical living will not take
any chips off our rock.

* * *

YAOUNDE-CAMEROUN

Dear Father:

I am herewith returning the receipt.
I have discharged the 125 Masses, the
stipends of which you used to pay the
expenses of the shipment.

I am happy to inform you that the
yarn an-ived. I can't thank you
enough for your kindness and the
service rendered.

All goes well here. We hope to
build a magnificent cathedral in the
city of Yaounde. The cost is esti-
mated at 15 million francs.

Yours in the Holy Ghost,

P. Hurstel, C.S.Sp.
Vicar Delegate.

* * *
POLAND

Dear Father:

It is just a year since I arrived in
Poland. At that time we were three
Fathers, several Brothers and postu-
lants. Our house at Bydgoszcz was
not habitable for a long time. Va-
rious friends helped us a little. I
wrote to you and you have greatly
assisted us. The procurator has sent
us several cases of valuable objects as
well as Mass intentions. The scho-
lastics at Cornwells also sent us some
packages. All of this has been of
great assistance to us.

Betweeen times we have all worked
to relieve the situation in our prov-
ince. Today I want to thank you in
particular for all that you did for us
during the past year. I can assure
you that we pray faithfully for you
and your province.

During a few days of rest that I
was able to take recently, I had the
happiness of making a pilgrimage to
Our Lady of Czenstochowa. There
before the altar of the miraculous
image I said Mass for our benefac-
tors and friends and I thought es-
pecially of you.

I believe that you will be happy to
learn what we have been able to do
during this year, thanks to the as-
sistance of our benefactors. The
house at Bydgoszcz has been partly
i-epaired and is now occupied by the
community. Our chapel has been en-
riched by the beautiful candelabra,
sent by the procurator, and the sac-
risty by the beautiful vestments. The
confreres can protect themselves

against the cold, thanks to the linen,
habits and shoes received from you.

But there is still much to do be-
fore we can receive students at the
college. We need beds and the ward-
robes have no doors. The classrooms
do not have the necessary furnish-
ings and, above all, the central heat-
ing system still has to be repaired.

The house of Wloki is in need of
brothers, and since the war, vocations
are rare. All of the congregations
complain of the same thing. Our
house at Puszczykowko has finally
been returned to us. Since we could
not send our candidates to the No-
vitiate in France, the Mother House
authorized us to start a course in
philosophy.

The house was not badly damaged,
but the furniture for the most part
was carried away, so we have to buy
more of it, piece by piece. Winter
coming and we haven't much coal.
Since there is only a small garden
here, the problem of feeding our
scholastics is very grave, but we put
our confidence in Divine Providence.
P. Forys, C.S.Sp.

ST. JAMES SEMINARY, KILEMA

Dear Father:

We wei-e very pleased to hear dur-
ing conference that you had forward-
ed through Reverend Father Fusan
a very generous gift for the building
of our new refectory and classrooms.

We are very pleased indeed and
we are very grateful to you for your
thoughtfulness of us and your deep
interest in our welfare here. We wish
to sincerely thank you and through
you, all the kind benefactors in the
United States of America, who con-
tributed to that generous gift.

We again assure you, Reverend
Father, that you and all those bene-
factors will be daily remembered by
us in our prayers here at St. James.

Yours very sincerely,
The Students of St. James

Junior Seminary.

OFFICIAL

(Continued from page 151)

Father T. C. Dooley, Okmulgee, Ok-
lahoma, administrator pro tem.

Father A. M. Leech, Ridgefield, Conn.

Committee on Studies in the ,Prov-
ince (effective January 1, 15)48):
Fathers J. G. Walsh, A. F. Lechner,
L. J. Kettl, C. P. Connors, G. A.
Harcer, J. J. Walsh.

163

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Holy Ghost Fathers,
Mission Procurator
1615 Manchester Lane, N.W.
Washington 11, D. C.

December 1, 1947.
Dear Friend in Christ:

Every year you hear read in church
the Gospel story of the unjust stew-
ard who said: "To dig I am not
able, to beg I am ashamed."

While my days of digging are about
over (although not quite), unlike the
steward I am not ashamed to beg;
for the cause for which I appeal is
one which begets glory, not shame.

It is the cause of the education of
our students for the priesthood, fu-
ture Holy Ghost Fathers who, one
day, will become ambassadors of
Christ to those, both near and far,
who know Him not.

This year we have 17.5 young men
readying themselves for the day when
they will offer the sacrifice of the
Mass for all mankind, when they
will go to Africa, to Puerto Rico, to
the missions here at home, to teach
men the truth that alone will make
them free.

Won't you share with us the bur-
den of their training by contributing
to our Seminary Fund ? You may
think your aid negligible, but "many
hands make light labor." In fact, you
may be surprised how easy you will
find regular contributions to the sup-
port of an "adopted" seminarian of
your own. I shall be glad to send
you further details of our plan of
"adoption" if you will check the
square indicated on the enclosed slip.

But whether or not you follow this
plan, I know that you will do now
what you can to help.

May our Blessed Lady and her
Divine Child keep you and yours now
and ever. Sincerely,

Father Charles Connors, C.S.Sp.,

Mission Procurator.
* * *
Dear Father:

It is with sentiments of sincere
gratitude that I sit down today to
write this letter to you. It is very
encouraging for us here at the Semi-
nary to know that you have not for-
gotten us and our needs. Just last
Sunday I received a letter from Fa-
ther Connors with a check enclosed
for one thousand dollars to be used
for the building of a dining room for
the Seminarians. I do not know how
even to begin to express my thank-
fulness to you for such a grand and

generous gift. We were so pleased
that Father Danaher immediately
told the Seminarians of your extreme
kindness, and you can be sure that
since then, you have been remem-
bered all the more in their prayers,
together with all those who had any
pai-t in giving or obtaining this dona-
tion. The Seminarians themselves
have asked to express their appreci-
ation, and so, I am enclosing the let-
ter they have written for you.

Regarding the building, perhaps
you may be under the impression that
we have not even considered the mat-
ter because you have not heard from
us in the meantime, but such has not
been the case. We began working
on the plans immediately after your
offer to help us financially in this
undertaking. Then later, the thought
struck us that it would be more eco-
nomical, considering the most im-
portant needs of the Seminary, to
erect a two-story building with the
dining room on the ground floor and
class rooms above it. We have been
at this plan for some time and have
now submitted it to the Bishop for
his approval. At first sight of the
plans, he seemed favorably impressed,
and now we are anxiously awaiting
the "nihil obstat" and will get start-
ed on the actual building as soon as
possible, having confidence in God
and our benefactors for the remain-
der of the funds required to com-
plete it.

At present the general idea of what
we would like to see accomplished
here is this. We are seriously handi-
capped for space. We cannot receive
all the boys who make application
to enter. Last year we could only
accept two-thirds of the number of
those applying. This year the per-
centage may even be lower. In or-
der to increase our capacity, we have
thought it better to put up new class
rooms and convert the present rooms
into a dormitory. That would give
accommodation for about one hundred
and fifty boys, while at present we
can take care of only eighty. This
building is something of which we
are direly in need and we are earnest-
ly hoping and praying that we may
be able to see it through. As soon
as our Bishop gives his approval, and
we feel confident that he will, I will
make a copy of the plans and for-
ward them to you so that you may
know just what is going on here in
Kilema Chini.

Now I think that I must bring this
to a close. All are well here and
anxiously awaiting the arrival of the
new Fathers who are due next week.

So, with best w-ishes from Fathers
Danaher and Morgenroth and many
thanks from all of us, I remaein.
Fraternally in the Holy Ghost,
Father Sylvester B. Fusan, C.S.Sp.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

Dear Father Collins:

I was sorry that I did not have the
pleasure of meeting you last week
when in company with Father Acker-
man I visited your Provincial House.
After leaving Washington we stoppeci
for a night at Cornwells and then
journeyed to Ferndale where we spent
two days. I was taken, also, to
Ridgefield that I might see the No-
vitiate.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my visit
to each place anil was received most
cordially and graciously, and I have
brought with me impressions of the
Holy Ghost Fathers that are most fa-
vorable. I feel that I should convey
some of these impressions to you, for
I believe that you will welcome them.

First, the hospitality of your Fa-
thers was wholehearted so that I felt
right at home with them. Their re-
ception was of the kind that a secu-
lar priest notices readily; a hospital-
ity, namely, without an air of su-
periority. I felt regrets, indeed, when
the time of departure arrived.

Second, I was impressed in each
place with the spirit among the men
themselves. There seems to be a
friendliness among the pnests that
makes for familiarity among them
without the loss of respect for any-
one. "Cor unum et anima una" does
not appear to be a dead motto; and
that unity embraces the visitor as
well.

Above all, however, I was impressed
with the genuine piety of the priests
and students, and I returned home
truly edified. I was pleased to ob-
serve the exactness and uniformity
of the religious exercises in each
house, and I felt myself privileged
to participate therein. I say truly
that I gathered personal spiritual
benefit in each place.

I also inspected the plans which
Father Kirkbride has for the new Re-
treat House and I hope that the day
is not far distant when the project
becomes a reality. The type of build-
with its site and its proximity to the
centers in Connecticut and New York
should make it a favorite spiritual
resort for the men.

I pray that God's blessing may con-
tinue to enrich the work of the Con-
gregatio Sancti Spiritus.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Edwin P. Fussenegger.

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947

164

GENERAL INDEX, VOLUME 16, 1347

Articles :

A No. 1 Nurse, 31

America's National Disgrace, 142

Arlington Dedication, 92

Christ and the Missionary Ideal, 116

Critica, Value of, 101

East Africa, 118

Education, Plan for, 128

Epiphany, 152

First Year, 93

Holy Ghost Fathers, 141

Impressions, 92

Libermann, Venerable, 127

Missiology, 109, 121

New York to Moshi, 26

Orphans of France, 60

Our Lady of Guadeloupe, 57

Rock Castle, Va., 64

Tax, The Personal, 20

Snow, It Is, 144

War Bulletin, Mother House, 66

Yaounde War Years, 38

Book Reviews:

Companion to the Study of Shake-
speare (Macbeth), 94

Latest Thoughts of Two Great Spir-
itual Writers, 124

Ragpicker's Priest, 124

Bulletins of Work:

Abbeville, 0. L. Lourdes, 147
Alexandria, St. James, 15
Arecibo, San Felipe, 95
Barceloneta, V. del Carniel, 42
Bay City, St. Joseph, 11
Chippewa Falls, 0. L. Falls, 14
Carencro, Assumption, 42

Cornwells, 12
Dayton, St. John, 112
Detroit: Holy Spirit, 59

St. Mary, 99
Ft. Smith, St. John Baptist, 41
Glenfield, Pa., St. Mary, 43
Isle Brevelle, St. Augustine, 147
Lafayette, St. Paul, 148
Lake Charles , Sacred Heart, 149
Little Compton, St. Catherine, 58
Mansura, O.L.P.S., 148
Marksville, Holy Ghost, 60
Mission Director, 10
Morrilton, Sacred Heart, 59
Mt. Carmel, O.M.C., 14
New Iberia, St. Edward, 44
New York, St. Mark, 134
No. Tiverton, H. Ghost, 134
Oklahoma, St. Augustine, 83
Opelousas, Holy Ghost, 84
Philadelphia:

St. Peter Claver, 97
Shrine of True Cross, 98
St. Jose^ph's House, 133
Pittsburgh, St. Stanislaus, 32

Sacred' Heart, 43
Portsmouth, St. Anthony, 112
Ridgefleld, 13
Salisbury, O.L. Victory, £8
Sanford, O.L. Lourdes, 86

Shreveport, O.L.B.S., 147

St. Daniel, 158 1 ':

Tarentum, Sacred Heart, 99

Tiverton, St. M. Sophie, 134

Toa Alta, San Fernando, 96

Tuscaloosa, St. John, 157
St. M. Magdalene, 158

Vocation Director, 158

Deceased Confreres:

Kirk, Fr. Raymond V., 104
Park, Fr. Thomas J., 25

Documents:

Avis Du Mois, 19, 52, 80, 117, 162
California Charter, 23
Examen Neomissionariorum, 91
General Bulletin, 52, 79
Holy Ghost Fathefs, 141
Laval, Father, Cause of, 79
Levites, Lineup of, 146
Missionaries, Returned, 22
Mother House War Bulletin, 66
Status Animarum, 69
Tax, The Personal, 20, 64
Statistics of Congregation, 161
St. Joseph House, 65
Vatican, Holy Childhood, 32

Letters:

Holy Ghost, Devotion to, 61

Kilema, 164

Mission Procurator's Appeal, 61, 164

National Shrine, 64

Poland 8, 103, 164

"Sacrificare", 81

Yaounde-Cameroun, 163

Pictures: ^

Assignments, First, 88
Fathers fti'om Jamaica, 61
Johannesburg, 1
Huruma, Profession Day, 89
Internees, 61
. Toa Alta, High Altar, 85

Sidewalk Sermons:

Flowers in the Window, 4
Man in Uniform, 36

Spiritual Directory:

Growth in Holiness, 3, 105
Practical Union, 153

Self-Abnegation, 119, 129, 140

165

OUR PROVINCE. DECEMBER. 1947