FRENCH PRIEST-SOLDIERS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2540, 14 August 1915, Page 14

FRENCH PRIEST-SOLDIERS.

"OVER 600 HAVE FALLEN ON THE FIELD OF HONOUR'.", Addressing an Irish deputation which receiitly visited Paris for the purpose of showing the sympathy of the Irish people with. France in the present war, Cardinal Amette made referonco to the French priest-soldiers. He said: ■ "Tho clergy set ail example of loyalty and devotion. Without complaint, and with the permission of the Church, they submitted to the law which, contrary to the pledge of secular immunity, compelled them to do military service. Priests and levites, almoners, and stretcher-bearers, all took their places in the ranks of the army. Over 600 havo fallen on the field of honour, and in tho opinion of their chiefs their influence lias contributed not a little in maintaining the moral of the troops. That which' religion has just done for the country has not been lost in the cause of religion. Our priests in the army reawakened faith and prayer, and led back many souls tc God. We may say with truth that to-day the French Army is not only an admirably courageous army: it is a Christian army as a whole; and that is not one of the least important motives for our confidence in victory. Without a doubt, wo have confidence in tbe strength and bravery of our troops and in those of our Allies; we havo conlidenco in the ability, coolness, and firmness of our generals; but 1 venture to say we have still more conlidenco in the help of Him who,' sconor or later—you know it well, you Irishmen—assures the triumph of justice. Our onemy dare on all occasions vaunt the name of God: they declare that Ho is with them; but their acts contradict their words. God is not on tho side of barbarity, injustice, cruclty, impiety, and—swlese: ~Gbd js.-jiith

those who fight and suffer for righc., justice, and liberty. And that is why tho confidence which yon oxpressfd just now is also ours. Wo liavo tho hope and certainty that we shall soon ho able to aing together a 'To Deum' of tory."CHAPLAIN TO THE FORCES. "I have once more to remark upon the devotion to duty, courage, and contempt of danger which has characterised the work of tho chaplains of the Army throughout this campaign."—Sir John French in the Neuve Chapelle Dispatch. Ambassador of Christ you go, Up to the very gates of Hell, Through fog of powder, storm of shell, To speak your Master's message: "Lo, The Prince of Peace is with you still, His peace be with you, His goodwill." It is not small, your priesthood's price, To be a man and yet stand by, To hold your life whilst others die, To bless, -not share the sacrifice, To watch tho strife and take no part— You with the fire at your heart. | ,W.. M. Lett 3, in the "Spectator."