Catholic World

New Zealand Tablet, 20 October 1921, Page 39

Catholic World

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS FOR CHINA. The Far East, the organ of the Irish Mission to China, referring to the acceptance by the Irish Christian Brothers of the invitation to open* a house in connection with the mission, writes: "The need in China is schools. This is the constant demand made upon our priests. It is, therefore, with joy that we announce the entrance of the Irish Christian Brothers into Ireland's spiritual army. "We cannot emphasise the importance of this step taken by the Superiors of the Brothers in thus opening a new vocation for Irish boys. "We welcome the first little band of four Brothers. - We are sure they will maintain the record of the high service achieved by their Society the world —in Rome, Newfoundland, India, America, Australasia. "The Chinese are craving for primary and secondary education. We pray that this decisive step may mean the entrance of more Irish boys into that body of men who deserve so well of Ireland and of the Church," NEW ARCHBISHOP OF BALTIMORE, U.S.A. Right Rev. Dr. Curley, Bishop of Si. Augustine (Florida, U.S.A.), elevated to the Archbishopric of Baltimore, in succession to the late Cardinal Gibbons, was born at Golden Island, near Athlone, in 1881. He is the second eldest son of the late Michael Curley, who died three years ago, and Mrs. Curley, Golden Island. Of three brothers, only one, Denis, survives, and of three sisters, one is a nun. Sister Mary Cecilia, of La Sainte Union, attached to the American Province of the Order. A nephew is Rev. W. Fallon, C.C., Summerhill, Athlone. From 1885 to 1896, the new Archbishop was a pupil in the Marist Brothers' Schools, Athlone, where Mr. John F. McCormack, the famous Irish tenor, was honored in having him as a class-mate. In 1897 he entered Mungret College, where he remained for four years, winning many distinctions and honors. He further studied in Rome -"Trout 1905 until 1909, when he was ordained for the diocese of St. Augustine. There he labored until 1914, when, on June 30, he was consecrated Bishop. In reply to an address of congratulation from the Marist Brothers, their pupils and past pupils, the Bishop wrote that not one of the numerous addresses he had received had' meant more to him or given him greater pleasure than that expression of esteem and affection coining from his native town, from the devoted Brothers who *o sedulously guided his early steps, and from the dear companions whose friendship he cherished in his schooldays from 1885 to 1896. Whatever success was his during those eight years of continued studies he attributed to the solid foundations laid and the excellent teaching received in tho Athlone sphools conducted by the Marist Brothers. "We, Athlone boys," he said, "came forth out of your schools proud of the history of our native land, loving that land in her smiles and her tears, in her, joys and sorrows, looking forward with buoyant hope to the day when from off : her crushed and bleeding limbs would be shaken the cruel shackles of persecution, and Ireland should come forth undying and unconquered from the catacomb dug for her by hatred of her noble'faith, and by the greed of her would-be conquerors." THE CHURCH IN BOSTON, U.S.A. One of the most inspiring ceremonies that has ever taken place at the Cathedral was witnessed on a recent Saturday, when over fifteen hundred converts were confirmed by his Eminence the Cardinal (says the Boston Pilot). From every part of the archdiocese came these new-born children of the faiths Men of every station in life as well as women were present to receive the * great Sacrament of Confirmation. v , I Year by year the growth in" the number of converts , in this diocese has been in the increase, testifying in a powerful way to the zeal and interest manifested in spread-

ing God's Kingdom among those who are in search of God's Church. Long before* the ceremony began every available seat in the sacred auditorium had been occupied. After the celebration of the Mass, his Eminence advanced to the altar rail whence he administered Confirmation to the largest number of converts ever confirmed in the history of this diocese at one time. After confirmation the Cardinal made the following address to those assembled in the Church: ' . "Our first duty is to express to Almighty God our gratitude for the grace He has given you through Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in calling you to the faith of the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. In that Church you have solemnly received the great Sacrament of Confirmation to-day. This makes you strong Christians and true soldiers of Jesus Christ, ready at all times and at all risks to profess your faith in God and fight under the banner of Christ. . "This wonderful spectacle witnessed here this morning is a fruitful source of gratification to all. Year by year, as we have administered this holy Sacrament, within the octave of Pentecost, the numbers have constantly grown until this morning we see the greatest number yet confirmed'. This number would be sufficient to constitute" a fine congregation, a new parish in the diocese. Certainly we all have good reason to. thank God fervently that, the Holy Spirit is at work so actively and efficiently among us. "Now that.you have received so bountifully of God, your duty is no less clear. Through the merciful goodness of God you have become members of Holy Mother, Church. It is your solemn duty to safeguard that faith, come what may. It is God's most precious gift, opening the eye of the soul to eternal values and rating material things at their true price. To conserve that gift, you must correspond with the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. "You must be true to the Sacraments of Holy Church, which keep your hearts and minds pure and free and high, which keep your thoughts above mere worldly considerations, your purposes noble and your spirit courageous to face the difficulties of life and overcome the doubts and dangers that beset your path here below. "Remember that you have entered the Kingdom of God on earth to become workers not alone for your] own salvation but for the sanctification of others. You 'must labor incessantly for the greater glory of God and further those sacred purposes for which Christ instituted' His Church. Stand faithful and strong before all worldly influences. Be faithful unto the end. "God has begun this work in your souls. You must co-operate with the spirit of God to see that it is completed. Rise ever to tho spiritual heights to which the Church points. Give the best that is in you to God and His Church. Let your faith be fervent and active. "Be prompt in the practice of your Christian duties, setting a high example not only of loyalty to God but of service to your fellow-men. Those who are most highly privileged should become the exemplars of society. Obstacles will be strewn over your path at times. They will threaten your peace of mind and seek to weaken your faith. But whatever tribulations or dangers arise, lift up your. hearts to God and the strength that came to you to-day in the Sacrament of Confirmation will be renewed. " ; "Beloved children of Christ, deeply moved by this glorious scene, from my heart I thank God for His benefits, for this increase in His sacred family, for this enlargement in His eternal kingdom on earth. "I pray to Our Lord and Saviour to guide you, preserve you, and bless you. May the Holy Spirit of God which dwells in your hearts this morning, remain with you always and may the blessing of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and abide with you forever . . ' \ ~; ..■;•• ■'-, ■ ■: IRISH SISTERS .OF CHARITY ANOTHER FOUNDATION IN ENGLAND. The Irish Sisters of Charity have taken up residence in their convent, St. Brigid's, The Drive, Walthamstow, Essex, diocese of Westminster. The people of Walthamstow gave them an official welcome. The Bishop of Brentwood called upon them and expressed his great pleasure that they had come to work in his diocese. ?>>'•'"":,:>. ."•vW< :