EMPIRE DAY IN FIJI

New Zealand Tablet, 17 June 1915, Page 55

EMPIRE DAY IN FIJI

On Sunday, May 23, the interior of the Catholic Cathedral, Fiji, was neatly decorated with the flags of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Dominions (says the Western Pacific Herald). These flags, together with the flags of our gallant Allies, gave a touch of color to the grby stone walls of the Cathedral, and made it look very gay indeed. The Union Jack floated proudly in the breeze over the Cathedral and over the convent. The 10 o’clock Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Fox, who gave an eloquent and touching address on loyalty and patriotism, in the course of which he referred to the momentous struggle now taking place in Europe, ; a struggle upon the result of which the very existence of our Empire depends. Hence the serious and solemn thought which Empire Day would suggest to every reasonable man this year. Loyalty and patriotism are the virtues which distinguish every good man, every good citizen. Catholics, more than others, had a special reason to see that they are second to none in practising these virtues. The reason is this: That as Catholics they recognise the Pope as the head of the Church, and they obey him in spiritual matters, but in spiritual matters only. Nevertheless they might be suspected of being less loyal than others in temporal matters to the lawfully constituted Government of their country. Such is not the case, as every Catholic knows. Although we do not recognise the jurisdiction of the King in things spiritual, yet in things temporal we should be second to none in showing our love and devotion for his Majesty. Father Fox then went on to speak |of patriotism or love of one’s country —a sentiment placed in the heart of man by God himself—like the love of a child for his mother. It would be an unnatural thing in a child not to love his mother ; in the same way the man who did not love his country was not worthy of being called a man. This love could not be ordered or commandeered, but springs spontaneous in the human heart. A year ago many pessimists imagined that our grand old Empire was falling to pieces; some parts were supposed to be on the verge of rebellion ; others were credited with wishing to ‘cut the painter.’ These pessimists did not understand human nature. They did not take into consideration that love for the Mother Country which existed in the hearts of Britishers throughout the Empire. And when our Mother Country drew her sword, to protect a small but heroic nation, and to keep her pledged word to gallant France, our brave ally, then her sons from the most distant parts of the Empire, even from little Fiji, hastened to go and help, if necessary at the cost of their lives. There was no law to oblige these men to do so ; no more than a law is required to make a child love his mother. Father Fox concluded by recommending all present to ask the Almighty to long preserve our Empire, and to maintain her traditions of liberty and justice which . are the foundation of her true greatness. > a:- - -