The Value of Catholic Literature

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 18, 2 May 1907, Page 33

The Value of Catholic Literature

The Very Rev. J. Ryan, S.J., in- concluding a mission in the # Brisbane Cathedral recently, impressed on the people the great importance of subscribing to Catholic newspapers, as it was by this means that truth was propagated in Catholic homes. The tone of the Press was anti-Christiaif, and should be avoided The secular Press of Queensland— what he had seen of it— iwas a vast improvement on the general Press of Australia, • and the Southern Press should take an example from the ideal fairness which characterised the Brisbane papers. The Catholic paper was an essential element in every good, Catholic home, and should be supported every way. Oftentimes Catholic papers suffered from> carelessness of Catholics in not paying un their subscriptions. Oftentimes, said't'he preacher the paper was sent for years, and, when the bill for payment came, very often a post-card was sent, stopping the paper altogether. This was a shameful and disgraceful action on the part of Catholics-an action which was due to neglect. Catholic papers contain matter out of ordinary news, chiefly about tto Catholic Church, and it was the oounden duty of all to subscribe for a Catholic paper, which would brine; a blessing to the home. Many of those who grumbled at the Catholic papers were poor specimens of Catholics and these neyer subscribed for a paper, yet they talked most Catholic libraries should also demand the attention of Catholics and the publications of the ?u<l\ c Truth s o ci ety were extremely interesting Then the 'Messenger of the Sacred Heart,' as well as the Annals of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart '—all most inexpensive, yet most interesting, channels of devotionshould find a place m every Cat'nolic home, as they would foster paety, and be a means of extending and" kindling the love of God in many sunless hearts