The Cross Annual 1923-1928

--- Page 1 --- Imprimi Potest : # Ed. J. Byrne , archier . Dubliney . Facing Page 1 . 36 . 20 16 37 . 28 44 45 . 29 53 . 21 . 52 . 17 " " " " 99 " " facing . By P. J. O'Connor Duffy When The Rosary Had Been Said . THE Theology of the Incarnation . Christmas Greetings . By Rev. Michael Palmer , C.P. Augustine Monk . By Patrick Walshe , B.A. SUDTON DEO ( Poem ) . By Rev. H. E. G. R Book Review . # Ghost of Rootcross . By Magdalen Rock By Rev. By Rev. Christmas : A Charm in the World . THE AVERAGE CATHOLIC MAN. By Rev. Wilfrid Brodie , C was . By Louise M. Stacpoole Kenny from an Indonesian Moments . Urban Young , CHESTNAS STAR STORY . By M. Barry O' Delany 1924 ... By Eleanor F. Kelly ... c.p. LESS ( Poem ) . By Lillian M. Nally ... stral Phenomena . By Rev. Leonard Maccabe , C.P. ... Link That Binds . By Kitty Fitzgerald ... ... ... 000s . ... Beatification of Ven . Fr. Dominic Barberi , ... By Muipir as Mons . 000 000 " ... ... c.p. ... ... ... ... For Our Young Readers . By " Francis . " ... ... "000 By multipur- By Kitty Fitzgerald ... Spectre's Secret . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... By M. Barry O' Delany ... ... ... ... ... ... na Mons . 000 ... 1923 - " The Cross " ... Spectre's Secret . By Eleanor F. Kelly ... . ... illustrations . --- Page 2 --- and he lay quite still , his thoughts an expression that was quite eloquent had always a quality of decision that he was like the sound of the sea . He neither , perhaps because the singing of which the voices were at times lost . thought of it as a surge of sound in of a boy's respect and love . They were being nineteen , and rather like a mother It was at this point that Colm began to to him . She was very clever and wise while he listened to the girls' voices . chief emotion one of utter contentment , both older than he , Maire , the eldest , while , and then his eyes closed again , He watched them happily for a little very helpful at games . glancing across at his two sisters , with And it was restful , too , like a song that thought that was Christmas , and his hovering around a shining central He could hear Maire's more distinctly than Una's . Now and then he heard liked , a quality that suggested strength , the wind in the trees outside the window to be a nun . Una was seventeen , and would bring sleep . listen . He heard Maire's voice , which INOR Duffy . and inspired confidence . Christmas bells ringing . annual . ' It will be Christmas , " Una said , three hours ... . We shall hear the " But , " she said , " it will not be had been said . and good , he thought . ' She was going " when the clock strikes twelve ... ... and good , he thought . " But , " she said , --- Page 3 --- foresaw so clearly the conversion of England , races of the Catholic character from one of the ghost . When Doctor Newman , Father ever uttered , or than men may read even in the most powerful enemies of the Church in the None who saw Father Paul Mary will ever Paul Pakenham . Upon Father Paul Mary , grace ordered that many of the most remarkable of ful and happy ways of Providence . It was by their teaching , entered the Church , it was conversions to the Church . ' Hardly could the Pusey , as it was said , had constituted himself England and in Ireland his humble Retreats looked down the road , and saw there shining with predispositions manifestly determined . catastrophe in the Protestant Church . Dr. by slow degrees , after long delays , with Holy Cross and Passion . The holy Father himself , whose heart implored so fervidly , and seems to have fallen like the flash which smoke should be , as it were , inaugurated by two such supernatural eye of St. Paul of the Cross forget that most touching spectacle which of clerical and lay converts who were influenced sermon than the Holy Spirit within him had was the most miraculous of all the English the Apostle at Damascus , and in the yet preached a more inspiring and a more eloquent them , clerics and laymen , should either enter tendencies which gradually developed , and extraordinary conversions out of that race of the sign-post from Oxford to Rome , and many fair turrets of the City of God . In the wonder- Doctor Newman , Father Dalgairns , and the through the dew of prophetic ecstasy , have Catholic , and predicted as a certain Saint Paul's bare-footed Clerks of the Most the Church , or receive the earlier and moulding world , as Father Ignatius Spencer , and Father prefigured the singular fact , that both in unabated glow of his first fervour gave up nobles who have been , for three centuries , the Dominic , of that Order , received , in one day , Faber , Provost Manning , and the long series Their conversion had been prayed for in the beyond sandy tract and darksome marsh the marvellous moral of his life . His , perhaps , 20 --- Page 4 --- descended and the glory grew about his head . is said in the " Imitation of Christ , " whom he the Rector and the Founder - and a certain loving and living among the vulgar and the thousands who gazed on the shell of a soul so imitiated in all things and even unto the end . the sanctity of his nature , of the great hope as everyone else did who went thither-not The last was made first-the novice became lowly poor , and mortifying even the natural in which he was held . Then as death drew regular discipline , as he had undertaken it , feel that a Saint had gone home to the House the fiery fanatic you might imagine , but more and went to see him in his cell-finding him grace and flow of his rich intellect , that he gentle , and genital , and graceful in all his not heard of the sacrifices he had made , of hoped Charles would go through with the death struck him in a day , like a revelation , diffused itself over all who saw him . When ways than he used to be in the drawing-rooms whole city-and of all the thousands and might speak to them in the plainest and nigh , even in the eyes of men , the crown certain that he must lead a dying life , " as it Fame utterly stunned him . Until almost his name and his virtues became familiar to the mild sovereignty and unworldly attraction of all that was mortal in him - " knowing for holy , there was not one who did not seem to God's Cross . He had one external reward only-priceless to one of his perfect humility . immediately before his death , the world had RST Great Sorrow . And so he lived the life of a long , slow agony could comprehend this most singular sten . He humblest words the great living lesson of of St. James . of God . 21 # --- Page 5 --- at all appeal to Mrs. Delafeld , who was inor- for a considerable time as if turning over tisement for one . Scarcely had she made it appeared , had become engaged to a gentle- as friends , for she had travelled much and spacious rooms and beautiful grounds was whom she had been a favourite , and as she numbers of her friends to stay with her there . Europe . She had now the intention of having into possession of Lydmore Castle . ready for despatch than a servant entered the room with her morning's nail . One of the make up for those defects by always having gray and frivolous disposition . Barbara , it stood on a promontory of the wild Galway a special pet of hers , for she had all her own piece , Barbara Blake , a young lady who was morning a look of satisfaction over spread her that another maid would be necessary and so and there were multitudes whom she claimed man of whom her mother strongly disapproved for he was a non-Catholic and they knew little visitors whom she expected she considered back in her opinion was its situation , for it she now went to her desk to write an adver- letters was evidently out of the ordinary , for was well-known in many of the capitals of something to be proud of . " The only draw- coast , and remoteness and isolation did not its contents in her mind . ' It was from her of his antecedents , of whom he was peculiarly she re-read it and held it in her hand through the death of a relation with dinately fond of society . But she resolved to surveyed her new inheritance on this December with the Castle , but in view of the array of a house-warming at Christmas , and so many nore Castle , with its antique turrets and reticent . As Mrs. Blake had set her face guests had been invited . All the old servants had descended to her countenance . " Yes , " she thought , " Lyd- RS. DELAFELD had recently come By eleanoi . in the Noon the cross . countenance . --- Page 6 --- the housekeeper , will show you all over it if dim December light as if they might have been Protestant , and if he is everything you say aunt being still busy with her correspondence in wandering through its intricate corridors , give you in charge to her now as I shall be for she had passed nearly all her life there , and to her it was the pivot of the universe . used to be there in the olden days , and so he castle and its departed occupants . Susan limbing its quaint stairs , and " peering into mows that you are here . I shall certainly she went to the housekeeper's room with a so I shall invite him here for Christmas . He you wish . She has been here for ages and is will be sure to accept the invitation when he dead . Her curiosity being satisfied , and her old-world rooms , many of which looked in the view to hearing something of the history of familiar with every inch of the place . I must astle , and so she spent a considerable time Long she dilated on the great gatherings that lonely , " answered Mrs. Delafeld . " Susan , is just the very nicest man living . I could not object to him because of his being a never even dream of giving him up . " was only too delighted to talk about the place , he is , then we'll have here the nicest wedding the scenes of tragedy or romance in days long my old tale books . I do congratulate you on mother without good reason . ' on myself to encourage a girl to disobey her ter journey she was eager to explore the old It reminds me of the beautiful , fairy castles of But there is good reason , auntie . Cecil " Well , " said her aunt , " I cannot take it busy for some hours sending out invitations being its owner , auntie . ' make , " said Barbara , giving her a hearty for Christmas . ' When Barbara had refreshed herself after I must see for myself what he is like , and Yes , it is a charming place , though a bit Oh , Auntie , you're the very best they picturesque old castle will be for my wedding . caress . " And what a lovely setting this ever . ' make , ' And what a lovely setting this --- Page 7 --- ng herself the happiest girl in all the world before turning in . Excitement prevented her rad not drawn the blinds , for it seemed to rom sleeping more than ftfully , and , just reached her ears that he had been heard he preliminaries for the wedding were him before she gave him her approval as a tive . This lady gave vague information as midnight hour , she woke up from a sleep of nake everything look ghostly . An eerie feel- place immediately after Christmas . Barbara listinguished air aided by the little delicate Castle were also to be wedding guests . to his being the owner of rich , sugar planta- with silvery moonlight which suited well her von. In addition , one of her guests , a Mrs. door were pushed softly open . She was now removed and that the course of true love had Arbuthnot from somewhere in the West End of attentions which he was constantly paying her and all the Christmas guests at Lydmore into her room , and now she felt sorry that she tions in Sumatra and of mines in Australia , been made so smooth . Her room was flooded short duration . The moon was still peering dreamy mood , and she did not draw the blinds London , appeared to know him well , and when approval of her choice ; beautiful presents her answer was emphatically in the affirma- husband for Barbara . His courtly manners and was in captures at her aunt's enthusiastic his she thought she heard a noise as if her as one of the Castle clocks was striking the much as the niece , her favour was completely soon made a favourable impression , and when The night before the fateful ceremony was to take place , Barbara retired to rest , think- Mrs. Delafeld approached her to know if she considered him an " eligible " for her niece . ng took possession of her , and as she lay began to pour in for her immediately , and all It was arranged that the wedding should take to say that he admired the aunt almost as so that , before long . Mrs. Delafeld was actu arranged . It was to be in Christmas week , ally congratulating Barbara on her conquest . that all the difficulties in her way had been 1961 62m.0006 in the United States --- Page 8 --- [ALTO file: no text lines] --- Page 9 --- mount Argus . another view . Present house and church . --- Page 10 --- ter references . No sooner had she glanced eassured him by saying that Barbara would woman whom he met on his way and who was answer to Mrs. Delafeld's advertisement for urned , and then , by the doctor's orders , she morning and heard what had happened his distress appeared so deep and genuine that giving him a keen , scrutinizing glance she Hearing that she had come , Mrs. Delafeld he had to content himself , and leaving the summoned her to her own room and bidding her pre-occupied air . So absorbed was he in his rest . However , when she found herself alone passed on and made her way into the Castle Castle he walked down the avenue with a very her references she had brought them with her . Mrs. Delafeld felt quite sorry for him , so she own thoughts that he scarcely noticed a Cecil Delamere had gone to Dublin to make changed colour and turning to the servant said with her aunt she told her what had happened . wedding , and when he returned early that she saw him she seemed quite startled , and be seated proceeded at once to look through and been warned of my danger . ' vas ' something ' in it . I feel just as if I coming towards the Castle . But the moment ome purchases which he required before the by the servants' entrance . She had come in you imagined you saw the dog . ' " And , auntie , " she added , " I feel there was asked no questions , but allowed complete a maid , and not having had time to send on in a voice which spoke of suppressed amaze- that story of Susan's got on your brain and be herself again in a day or two . With that at the very first one she opened than she It was hours before Barbara's senses re- ad been on the brink of an unseen precipice Nonsense , child , " answered her aunt ; ' Poor girl ! How very sad , " said the " Then her wedding must be postponed . " doctor ; " but it cannot take place for the -or rather to-day . ' said her aunt . " It was fixed for to-morrow present . ' ment : - doctor ; --- Page 11 --- in The Cross Annual are establishments a which had a habit of wandering through the way of leaving her door slightly a jar , when and I hope it always will be , " answered Mrs. on in the Delamere cupboard , " I'm sure it was the spectral dog of the Castle that Bar- ghost for she had a pet , black Pomeranian Delafeld , with considerable warmth . night of the apparition , for Barbara had a she retired , " as a precaution , " she said , tismissal as a suitor for her niece's hand , and when that lady had informed her of the skele- not have quite agreed that the dog was a ne and generous help by giving them their when he asked for an interview with Barbara bara had seen , and that his coming was a came in answer to them . ' Without delay she gave Cecil Delamere his in case of fire . " But in view of the conse- was mother's prayers that saved me from such corridors and peering into the various rooms . be impossible to bring out this Magazine at quences this lady kept her own counsel and one and all , as very practical benefactors . quarters during the remainder of her stay at A lady who was a guest at the Castle would Lydmore Castle . Oh , auntie , " said she to Mrs. Delafeld , velcome opportunity of urging our friends and also kept her dog closely confined to her own was he who entered Barbara's room on the tions concerning him had cured her of her at , without their co-operation and readiness in infatuation . tishonour , and that that mysterious warning and she had more than a suspicion that it Susan , however , stoutly maintains that it serself she declined to see him for the revela- spectral or not . vertisers . well . warning to her . Perhaps it was , whether Perhaps it was , whether warning to her . --- Page 12 --- nature that sin may be . Looking back on the to have the same melancholy outlook on life . mere children , and even to a number of boy he principle of " do as you please " still generation of well-mannered , disciplined boys strive to instil into the minds of their children of these appalling facts , but are we justified home life to its normal state . Yet , what is , lessness for the last five or six years bear as a matter of fact , the case to-day ? No children , accustomed all their young lives to in blaming the war for everything ? Domestic faced " " Christianity , they expect their children While they themselves are apostles of " long- to drown upon joviality , and by their Phari- have their own way , surrender to the first little or no real , practical training which will adjustment has been attempted , and the salcal rigourism and bigoted lob-sidedness attitude towards their children , giving them impertinent little autocrats ! The over-coddled during the years of carriage , but surely suffi- testimony to the number of thefts and stand the test of life's trials . They foolishly housebreaking expeditions " performed by during war-time may be responsible for some prepare the young for the blows of a hard past few years one sees how juvenile delin- quency has increased . The records of law- enticing sin that comes along , of whatever discipline was allowed to lapse for a while formation of a so-called home-life based on image that a " sloppy " sentimentality will murderers ! The neglect partially inevitable They seek to capsize every innocent pleasure , continues . Parents adopt a short-sighted such scant respect that instead of rearing a and girls we have a generation of ungoverned , are advocates of a " domestic militarism . " cient time has elapsed since then to restore aid Brodie , C.P. On the other hand , there are parents who world . Bitter memories ? 27 --- Page 13 --- cradled in the cold straw of the manger with the breath of an ox and according to Ireland's time . " beautiful at any time , isn't it ? We'll an ass to make the night air warm for Born in a cave that was a stable , and ringing . ' Why , yes . Rineing with glad tidings Him . " the bitter chill of the be standing ... ... at the very thres- were keeping watch . choirs above the hills where the Shepherds hold of Christmas . ' . To think of thinking . Christmas will come in Ireland . " ... of great joy . O , I always love to hear ' His not of that time we'll be the Christmas bells ... . like a all ... ... of all who will be waiting because of the Time will be less than a prayer in the night . And a prayer is thought then . . The Birthday of like the music of the church bells ... ... the bells of the long waiting . lock-towers ... ringing ... ... Time ? and . five minutes later ... . In England , una . bells . thought them . not until twenty- A great silence , and then of course , in London . And a prayer is the " Magnificats . canticles . But the bells , " said Una. " the at home here ... ... because of the before the came . change in the time . " And said Una , " the at home here . the prayers ... ... the five minutes later . but not . prayer in the night . But the bells , " years . change in the time . him . Una ... like the music of the four thousand . A great silence , and then ... ... the of course , in London . ... but not Christmas then ... not until twenty- It is , . like the long , Why , yes . Christmas then long waiting ... . four thousand church bells . In England , It is The memories . christ . Christ . " The memories ... . bells ... ... the prayers ... ... the lock-towers . " ringing of great joy . Canticles . " the Magnificats . Ringing with glad tidings ringing . the bells of the 9 9 --- Page 14 --- tennis , or some other healthy pastime , while , parents have the serious obligation of giving to much rigourism and domestic tyranny that nagging " at her husband , how can children much the other way , and then will come moral ot so much what father or mother told them good Christian example if home-life is to be poken never convinced a single man , never hey will , so to speak , determine to " make up the peculiar doctrine that a sour face is one if the young dance at all , they are supposed of the necessary passports to Paradise ! They well hope for good music from an orchestra good example . " We must practise before we Christian , unless the man who spoke was a youth will , in time , produce a reaction . The and think for themselves , it is the most natural complain that outside of school-hours , their love . All the verbal instruction in the world young come to an age at which they can act essential principle of love , then when the forever crossing swords over a hundred and preach . All the preaching that ever yet was hing in the world that they will have had and excessive rigourism in the training of will avail nothing without the guidance of their ordinary daily lives . While parents are fault with his wife , or the wife is continually one matters , while the father is forever finding parents do not realise that any over-strain children take too much interest in football , young man or the young woman remembers When boyhood or girlhood is past , the plunge headlong into a lawless state of self- for last time " and , casting aside all restraint , pendulum will , sooner or later , swing too to be jazzing to perdition ! It is a pity that despair of harmony and peace . One might as living illustrator of the word . ' to do , but rather what they actually did in Where such circumstances prevail one may what it should be a place of happiness and converted a single soul , never made one chaos . If the home-life of the child lacks the look upon home-life with respect and love ? Besides the correct training of children , gratification . --- Page 15 --- such shops knew that such literature would ott , even in Catholic cities , of shops which condemn , wherever it be published . If in which comes to their country from foreign comprising newspapers which gloat over trange subtlety , and which advocate the have not yet heard of any widespread boy- to supply . If one walks through the streets of t works almost so unaided that its supporters to demand for such literature there could be meaning phraseology are presented with a cations are on view ! If the managers of some of our shops have to fall back upon and novels in which degrading plots are thinly Protestant England good Catholic news- For a while it gained the support of a few . because of their immoral nature . " We are even fewer than formerly and one would of certain book-shops one is confronted with inued ? . Is public opinion on this matter have been warned against the evil literature Welcome good literature from wherever it eiled in popular and pleasing language directed against that organisation itself ! The organisation still exists and works , but rational , political and other reasons , but we plenty of this film . ' It is not merely for the purpose of window-dressing that such publi- lead ? We hear of certain boycotts for circulation , what is wrong in Ireland that ands . We condemn certain publications Time and again the Catholics of Ireland was a movement on foot for this purpose . 1 mockery and faith in the supernatural a may come . But evil literature we likewise was because they come from elsewhere , but apers , periodicals and books can find a wide wherein the suggestiveness and double- rade in immoral literature . ' In Ireland there ime-worn' superstition . magine that at present the chief boycott was not get a sale would the supply be con- Catholic cities and glances into the windows lectrine that love means licence , marriage livorce cases and other immoral proceedings , It is undoubtedly true to say that were there considered worth while reading is of that type --- Page 16 --- Mr. Polder " minded when " The Swan with to think " as it was like a country shop . ' possibly not been improved by that embrace . Mr. Polder , who claimed to be the oldest in- of venerable antiquity , and why it was of a octopus-arms of London , and had counter as a " Hair Loom . " He liked , said he , Polder kept shop ; he had indeed inherited the business from his step-mother , and was in the habit of describing the scales on his miscellaneous character . For he dealt in pomatum , lamp-oil , ladies' blouses , three- Perhaps that was why some of his stock was habitant , said he minded when it was in the heard Mr. Polder make this statement to another customer of riper years . For Mr. groceries , boot-laces , stationary , - potatoes , penny novels , " kindling , " cheap sweets , saucepans , and brown earthenware teapots . had by that time fallen into the Geeny Backus , on one occasion when she over- Mrs. Di. KOPE , How was it brought up ? " demanded country . By John . WILD'S End , where Mrs. Backus lived , ness for the family find by experience that the of true home-life , as exemplified in Nazareth , happy home . But owing to the spread of the should never be forgotten . That cottage among the hills of Gallilee was a home of greatest pleasures of life are to be found in a obstacles enumerated above , the love of home place worthy of its sacred name . The model ' Back to Home-Life ! ' should be one of all to pause and consider , and as a result of such reflection , strive to reinstate the sacred- the slogans of Catholics to-day , while every- labour , a home of poverty , but always a home ness of home to the place intended by God . one should strive to the utmost to make it a strive to make home a place of healthy happen- is quickly decreasing . It is surely time for --- Page 17 --- the world know ? And she might have called grown up and has married perhaps , " agreed on to Mr. Polder's and , ultimately , home , where she reported the new arrival at St. clava , and when she turned forty , didn't all varies . I know some high folks are always o' them local names . I'd an empty called Bala- of a name as tells her age . That's the worst be indicative of family consequence , " things be bridesmaid in a tissue-paper comet . grandmother , ' it's the name you set on me has keep ' me single . ' ' Not as her ma would to be a bridesmaid , in white with a comet in have it . ' No , Bally , it's your squint , ' she'd cated would prove to be illegal , and later in and got married . ' Ma , ' she'd say to my that aren't families at all would never think Wingle's Tower , and that Alexandra was to up , " Alexandra remarked casually , " and I'm herself eight-and-twenty for years together , Mrs. Backus opined that the costume indi- Mrs. Torkins : " and she'll be none so proud Mrs. Backus added , enviously . silver tissue in my hat . " Mrs. Backus , of a bridesmaid at a christen- have jobs in their weddin' rings . ' say : " young men like to know which of ' em buried at night , midnight mostly and some thought o' such a name for an innocent baby ? " There'll be a christening as soon as ma's ngs , " objected Geeny jealously . the day took Mrs. Torkin's opinion on the a girl's lookin' at . ' lies that are families have customs that those disavow acquaintance with customs alleged to Somewhat depressed , Geeny Backus went " Well , " replied Mrs. Torkins , unwilling to " Did you ever hear tell , " queried Mrs. " Ay , and it'll be her name when she's They don't have bridesmaids at christen- ' And ' Cometta . ' too ! Who'd ever a ion the title of " Nosey Hall " for the Wingle subject . evidence . " We do , " insisted Miss Wingle . " Fami- in't ? " of . ' --- Page 18 --- t , if they make a doing of it Wingleses ' I like received , an hour or two later , per favor of he neighbours to see . I shall call round to And Mrs. Backus resolved to give a touch might send Geeny or Tossy with a message if bit o' salary , for I've seen her . Depend upon a suitable inscription . That lady accordingly to his place of business . ) Above which inscrip- tion , in manuscript , rather crowded together Torkins , who owned a little cottage-property , husband's business cards to " Mrs. Wingle with and she determined to despatch one of her to cover up the point of a thumb , was added : mission to elevate the local social standards , to accept a cup o' your tea , and a shrimp , or ask how she and the baby are doin' ; and you buy up Wingle and not feel it . ' verbal message she thought would be common . did not decide this message , but saw in it a yourself ? Mrs. Wingle has never been too high laudable consciousness of the existence of It was , indeed , commonly reported that Mr. not insist on chimneys being sent for cleaning a regular party for the christenin' . Miss Frank lieved I was proper married . ' you're too busy with your wash . ' ring like that - I shouldn't feel as folks be- Compts . to Mrs. Wingle and latest , hopping " Nor me . I suppose Wingleses'll be having could sell a neighbour up and feel it as little your doing Nicely . the following legend in print : Georgina and Thomasina , a blue ticket with ( as if to assure the public that Z. Backus did as might be . 2 . Backus , of distinction to her inquiries . An unassisted Mrs. Wingle , who liked to think she had a ' Lor ! I shouldn't feel respectable wi ' a Well , " said Mrs. Torkins , " and why not " Well , I will . " Families waited on at their own Residences . Chimneys Cleaned . Mrs. Backus , weekly . " Mr. Torkins could they'll invite for sure - ' " Oh , and you , Mrs. Torkins , " protested Mrs. Backus , ' weekly . --- Page 19 --- father Dominic ( O'Neill ) . (1869-72 ) . (1872-75, 1875-78 , 1882-84 , 1890-93 ) ( First Rector-1856-57 ) . father pins ( Devine ) . (1857 . father . father Paul Mary ( Paken- father . --- Page 20 --- father Richard ( FOY ) . (1884-86 ) . ( 1886-89 ) . ( 1889-90 ) . father Austin ( Hawke-sims ) . (1879-82 ) . father Gabriel O"Hanlon ) . (1878 ) . father Gregory Callaghan ) . father Jerome . ( Smith ) . father Gregory The RECTORS of MOUNT ARGUS. - II . --- Page 21 --- offered to herself , while she inclined her majes- I stunned wedding cake and had a silver lorkins , though no one was surprised . Mr. sactly to the circumstance that he had painted ladder had further enriched the upper surface representing it as situated in a spacious park ) . its upper surface hovered a cherub ( or angel ) nurmured , " We both of us in Cometta's Cometta on her christening day . " with silver wings , and real hair alleged to have miscellaneous articles might be expected to to be some hundred and fifty feet in height . piece of cake , and specially crooked her in which the actual tower or handle appeared already crooked little finger . I've one just the size on a ebonized stand , of a necklace of dinner pills . In the centre of Centirely ignoring any adjacent houses , and tening cake was her own and the compliments . gathering was that cake itself . It resembled with chenill round . It shall be my present to of the cake by a picture of St. Wingle's Tower been cut from Cometta's own head . Mr. tic cap , elevated the hand that held her would be a pretty thing to keep till Cometta's All felt how handsome this was in Mrs. Mrs. Wingle glanced at her husband , and Torkins being a pawn-broker , all sorts of Mrs. St. Ropes bowed , as though the chris- marriage , and make it the top of her wedding " I'll give you the glass shade Mrs. Wingle . edging or beading round the top , suggestive Not the least distinguished feature of the inverted , and carved , so to speak , from the the christening cake . be in his possession . Mrs. Torkins , " I'd keep it under a glass So should I , " agreed Mrs. Spint , " and it " If I was you , Mrs. Wingle , " declared his cuffs . Not to injure this work of art the cake was bottom . " And what's' more , " said Mrs. Torkins , Mr. Madder looked gratified , and pulled up shade . ' cake . is already very high collar and pulled down --- Page 22 --- of mentioning a name ; if pressed for one , as pressed Mrs. St. Rope's foot with his own observed in a lofty aside to Mrs. St. Ropes , mating that even his skill could hardly prolong Hen Gagement , as well as a fortin and a Hemblem has done its office , where'll Miss lown was merely a rather sharp and scratchy are like dreams , and goes by contrairies . ' formula used by the club-doctor , when inti- dashed : " I said Miss Frank ! When that a patient's life ; and she said in a low voice : her name ( thus by implication imperilled ) , her public of a plain hoop-ring . marriage in the cake ! " Praps it'll be a turn frant be then ? There won't be any such own , he would have been extremely at a loss . portion of the " icing " of the cake . mind of Mrs. Backus , associated with the Frant among us long , it seems . " ' Lor ! I suppose these Amens ( opens ? ) now . Setting where I do , " and he slightly without foreseeing it ; " We shall have Miss Polder , who found himself suddenly a wit screamed , " I've swallowed the engagement . " Mrs. Spint , chuckling , and tying up her Ten But it was a false alarm ; what had gone The expression unfortunately was , in the To do him justice , Mr. Polder had no notion Thousand a Year in a corner of her funeral person . She'll be another lady altogether . Miss Frank assumed some dignity of handkerchief . that for which Miss Frank would relinquish her " Sol " chuckled Mr. Polder , " there's a under the table . " I feel like being Hen Strange to say , Mrs. St. Ropes , in spite of demeanor . No names , please , Mr. Polder ! " begged it would not have been to become Mrs. " Tut , tut ! " cried Mr. Polder , a little Gaged . ' " Dear me ! " cried the humorous Mr. " Oh , Mal " Alexandra Wingle almost and resulted in the appearance before the ' Had I ever cared to change , ' she Anything ... ... " Mrs. - person . person . --- Page 23 --- had a slight scar across it , the result of an accident in her infancy , and would not go up . ) Mr. Polder climbed glasses with Mrs. St. -and unconsciously allowed Mr. Polder to fill unconnected with the family . was left in uncertainty . her glass , to drink her own health . Drink up Cometta first and join me , and me her ; she perceived his feigned forgetfulness . of health or of further Comettas the company ably , " that's too much to go in one glass ! and Wingle in another . " She hardly relished such a lapse of memory . But a glance of Mr. Polder's eye reassured to include their distinguished ma and ma-in- Mr. Polder's vitals were clearly warned . somewhat heady brand . So everybody had a couple of wine glasses , the only other gentleman in the company and many of them-whether of various sorts something . " Mr. Spint had said to himself . so much of Mr. and Mrs. Wingle that I forgot Mrs. St. Ropes raised an eyebrow ( the other except Alexandra , who was accommodated " Oh , but . " protested Mrs. Wingle hospit- Mrs. St. Ropes bowed - with urbane majesty " Hear , hear , " applauded Mr. Madder , as ( " I'll let ' em feel that they're drinking with an egg cup . St. Ropes deserves a toast to herself . ' No one had the least objection . The second Ropes , and boldly proposed Cometta's health was but a " room . " oast was drunk in sherry , a " stout " and I'll warm their rituals . " ) " And couplin , " he added , " the 'ealths . Not , " said Mr. Polder , " but what Mrs. of Cometter's pa and ma , and likewise the sherry . What's tea to drink an innocent baby's health in ? ' " Law ! " said he , " If I wasn't thinking grandma . ' " Gone ! " murmured the widow , in a Siddons-like aside . " I lifts my glass , " cried he , " to the earth and "appiness - law . ' No one had the least objection . --- Page 24 --- who captained the McDonagh Football milked , and to talk with Micil Clandillon , passed by he had felt a desire to go into the big old byre to see the cows being the happenings between one Christmas Indeed , there is an act of adoption in Club , and was a great authority on place ; a great solemn white mark set had not been Maire's voice ) brought with times sad happenings and sad memories ( Colm remembered vividly that as he ( Colm opened his eyes suddenly and in time and in memory . We reckon And when Brigid . and the next . . And there are some- think of the Stable . thoughts , " said Una . fishing-tackle . ) looked across at Una ; but of course it thoughts , too . For it is a dividing- the faith of little children . Christmas brings a million glad " Birthday gifts for a child they are and because light on her sad face . it is the Christmas-time " And sad thoughts , wistful little of them . . But there is beauty simplest associations . They are each one of our Christmas customs . And I did there is sanctity . " in even the . came to the doorway two others within And Christmas in Ireland . That is just how it honour ... . they are reverence ... . of the Madonna . but with the lantern . looked to me , Una . of Bethlehem . and pictured . I thought . mystery . of the Madonna . " and pictured know why ... ... but with the lantern I do not . # " mysterious . looked to me , Una ... ... mysterious came to the doorway . " I do not thoughts , wistful little . simplest associations . know why mysterious . 10 . --- Page 25 --- we must ( for the present ) illude to as-Mrs. crumpled , but shining , object , " does that specially by Miss Frant , who rose from table veddin' ring . Do grudged it her ? Not me ; ook like ? I can't guess . I found it in my and fumbled in his waistcoat pocket . tively , " Britons " as Highs " - and he turned Thus encouraged , Mr. Polder chuckled again , intended he was singularly well understood - his own eyes gallantly on the lady named - as though they had been the dust from her with a toss of her head , and a certain trembling as though in confidence to the company at we can ' ardly believe as Mrs. St. Ropes will of which the roasted swallowed her cherry Polder ( with whom Miss Frant did not deal . ) be her title long . ' St. Ropes . While , " he proceeded argumenta- appiness , " said Mr. Polder " of the lady as if you haven't been and got the engage- " Nor me , " agreed her husband . What , " asked he , holding up a slightly If Mr. ' Polder spoke less lucidly than he of it too , and shook the crumbs from her lap Very well , then . ' second piece ... ... Can any lady oblige by " Dear hearts ! " cried Mrs. Backus . Truty ridiculous ! " sniffed Miss Frank , Polder , " no more'm for Miss Frant to get the ness to her hostess , " another engagement , " I never did ! " murmured Mrs. Torkins . no , nor yet envied anybody so I didn't . " Why , Mr. Polder ! " giggled Mrs. Wingle ment ring in your second piece ! ' naming the harticle ? " Nothing ridiklus about it , " quoth Mr. Mrs. Wingle , I hope you will excuse my There was immense applause , under cover ropes . retiring . ' Why should you ? " wondered Mrs. St. To the perpetual health and record Another engagement ! " commented Mr. " Having . " she said , with crushing sweet- large . " Oh , I don't know , ' cried Mrs. Wingle . feet . --- Page 26 --- adorned and unfinished ; and might be more which were divinely intended to shape the built . Its history dated back to patriarchal there also David was born , and kept his was ultimately called from the pasture and the of the surrounding country , and which in the tion which it derived from the singular fertility mountain stone , which , according to the This Khan was a low structure of rough destiny of the chosen people . For there gleaned in the harvest fields of Booz : and father's sheep from the lion and the bear , and scene of many of those remarkable events imaginative language of the East became signified the " House of Bread , " a designa- Rachel died and was buried : there Ruth had could be no matter of surprise , therefore , of the outstanding features of Bethlehem . to the weary traveller and pious pilgrim . It that the Khan or inn-a necessary adjunct to peculiarly suggestive of rest and hospitality every Oriental village of importance - was one distance from the highroad to simple requirements of the age , stood un- Rock and anointed king . The name Bethlehem Hebron , the ancient town of Bethlehem was times ; and its environment had been the miles south of Jerusalem , and a short N the summit of a grey ridge about five By the Very Rev. BONI 0.11 in been less unimpeachable , it would have been woman neither ; and gentlemen ; a figure-lead , tained afore movin' a step after her . And the as you might say . And Alexandra shall be to her by the first venture . Not a unpleasant bridesmaid-it'll be not , and rather striking . furniture where she lives all her own leggicied It was goodish port - I shouldn't mind a dozen " Eighty-five pounds sterling , as I've ascer- ubt about the Nuity : payable in pounds avoidupois . ear , eighty-five pounds . Mrs. St. Rope's annuity r. Polder ! How you've this . Eh. Mrs. St. " he dwell on the w can I help under- d home he said to him- of it . ' --- Page 27 --- gaze on the starry firmament and the majestic laily invitations of hunger and thirst and which were fostered so tenderly in the un- djacent chalk hills , and commonly used as a table for cattle . And there in that cold and and loneliness they made a diligent search for grandeur of the " mountain and the flood " ; sullied purity of their secluded homes ; their night , the Eternal Son of God stopped to the the bleating of sheep , the living of cattle and and by night with the view of saving them from scanty clothing . Their range of thought was tidings of great joy which was to be to all ments and festivities of the outside world was brough the night . They were simple , unlettered the murmuring noises of the pine woods : their was miraculously born . scarcely sufficient to make them discounted beasts of prey and from robbers . While this exposed to all the inclemencies of the weather ; nen ; doomed to a life of toil and hardship ; stone round about them ; and they heard the condition of suffering humanity , and Christ worship , concord and unity was entoned refuge in a cave that was excavated in the he Saviour of men and the light of the world people . " Christ the Saviour was born in the city of David and He might be seen wrapped in engaged they were suddenly confronted by an desolate spot , veiled by the darkness of mid- nured to patience and resignation , by the hearts rested on those unchangeable affections contracted : their knowledge of the amuse- some other resting-place ; and at length took will . " And the shepherds immediately said one for the first time : " Glory to God in the their ears were used to the barking of dogs , angelo visitant , whose heavenly radiance with their own lot ; their eyes were want to occupation was to guard their Rocks by day resently they were surrounded by a multitude highest and on earth peace to men of good swaddling clothes and laid in a manager . And It so happened that certain shepherds were voice of the Angel announcing " the good of the angelic choir , and the new anthem of guarding their Rocks and keeping the watches --- Page 28 --- houghtful and silent adaptation bending over to Joseph and Mary and the inhabitants of to another : " Let us go to Bethlehem and see which took the form of a luminous body , and nd glorifying God . After their departure the with the rapidity of lightning ; - and wonder Babe , and having done the work of Evan- for the reception of the Holy Family . But of the Khan they made their way to Bethlehem , mysterious story of the shepherds aroused and the people of Bethlehem were then enabled their curiosity and inspired them with ' holy obscurity to comply with the ordinary legal and there found the cave , and the Babe lying normal once more ; and Joseph and Mary and having thus borne testimony to the divine gelists , they returned to their Rocks praising joy , and their minds were filled with super- to give a more practical expression to their bowed down and offered the divine Child the awful amazement had abated , the congestion and modulated the speech of the excited vil- the divine infant were left in peaceful what has come to pass . " Guided by the lamp had heard that night from the Angels ; and homage of their grateful hearts ! They related fear and reverence . This commotion was not the census was to a great extent relieved ; natural faith and charity . They reverently in the manager , and Joseph and Mary in all in vain ; for by the time the ardour of sentiments by providing a house in their midst and astonishment marked the countenance enactments , and to await the arrival of the Him . Their souls were transported with a holy Bethlehem what they had seen and what they caused by the visitors who had come up for their hearts , and elicited their sympathy : the had been previously notified of the birth of The Magi were already on their way . They the Redeemer by means of a sign from heaven , Bethlehem . The surprising news circulated having done so much their emotions became agers . The ungentle surroundings of the irth appealed to their humanity , softened birth of Christ was no longer a secret in Magi . Bethlehem . --- Page 29 --- Creator , and their Redeemer , they were and around Bethlehem should be slain . Then They entered the house and profoundly adored pprehension that a king was coming , decreed history to aid him in the elaboration of his above a whisper , was powerless to quell the ntensified by the unexpected frustration of surely Herod , whose hands were seeking with the blood of his own sons , was not to be out- as an acknowledgment of His divinity , and concerning the star ; and , without further oligarchy . He therefore made a calculation own downfall haunted him , he sought in the as a symbol of His royalty , and frankincense effect to the fell purpose of his heart . Unfor- condemned all their male infants to be drowned delay , he issued an order that all the " men in the Nile ; and it was likewise recorded Angitious conduct had never been spoken of done in savage cruelty by any despot or to what he had been told by the Magi myrrh in recognition of His human nature . that the Roman Republic , under a superstitious promise to Herod by being miraculously do ; for they had been divinely instructed depiths of his despair for other means to give Pharao , desiring to rid himself of the Israelites , in a certain year should be abandoned . And hesitation on their part as to what they should their minds ; and there was no longer any were heard ; and that hoary monarch , whose And having thus fulfilled their duty to their beforehand in the mystery of the Incarnation . children from two years old and under " in tunately there were not wanting examples in warned to return to their own country by as to the probable age of the Child , according the " Word made flesh , " offering Him gold that all the male children who might be born it was that lamentations and great mourning another road . relieved from the inconvenience of their wicked scheme . Thus it was narrated that his plans ; and while gloomy visions of his to Bethlehem and " stood over where the Child was . " All doubts then vanished from After they had gone , the fury of Herod was --- Page 30 --- (1905-08 ) . ( 1899-1902 , 1902-05 ) . father Michael ( Watts-Russell ) . father Wilfrid ( O"Hagan ) . ( 1893-96 ) . father Philip ( Coughlan ) . (1896-99 ) . ( 1893 ) . father Albert . ( McKILLOP ) . Hilary ( MARA ) . father . father Hilary ( Maria ) . r Philip ( Coughlan ) . --- Page 31 --- (1920-23 ) . (1917-20 ) . father Francis ( Kelly ) . father Richard ( Curran ) . --- Page 32 --- neglect of his once happy home resulted in but he would have none of it ; so they had to bit of life in the lonely picture is a fair-haired , up his duty to his God and his Faith . Utter sad-faced child of no more than nine or ten the sad picture of this Christmas Eve . girl away from her miserable surroundings , table-telling only too clearly in that neglected a practising , regular Catholic , completely gave back ; drinking himself out of work and into started on the downward way , never drew half vaguely to the roaring winds and draws a poverty , and now for almost ten years giving Kindly neighbours wished to take his little Only the kindly old priest saw with real way when his young wife died , and , once man , though under his wife's gentle influence faith , and bade them not to worry , saying that God would watch His innocent lamb and , be content with watching as well as they could cabin that there is one most undesirable thing perhaps , she was the weapon He was using tiny brown cape more closely around her its trials . Her father , never a very steady in Killavee-a public-house . that she was not starved or ill-treated . young mother had left it-and her to battle to win the singer's soul . Her eyes are full of tears , as she listens On Mollie's entry into this weary world her An empty , black bottle stands on the little And this is her story and this she is listening shoulders . Seated on a tiny stool by the fire-the only years . mas Eve . McGarvey . for . tyrant's hands . spoke to Joseph in sleep and counselling him to from Bethlehem to Egypt , and so escaped the ne days . and took the Child and His Mother " and fled Ay with the Child into Egypt ; and " he arose er tomb . discon- bbed of r Angel . --- Page 33 --- p. a quaint , pathetic figure , with the fire- his surroundings - and the care supplied by al of Christmas , and it is this return that For , roughly , the man loved his motherless ght shining like a halo in her soft , fair hair ache of an overwhelming loneliness . this great Night after night this last week he had come Child , so long ago , but unheeding , in her Biddy told me of to-day . Oh ! I'd love to see roundings . Now she is at the open door and home storming and raving in drink , always see Fr. John's Crib-if only he had taken me . overcome him , drink's curse sat so heavily the wind is whirling in around her in great upon him , that he was blind to his neglect and child , but his lower nature had so completely Maybe I'd meet him if I run to the turn . ' bringing the hated black bottle with him . It was his preparation for the coming festi- festival-eve-cold , as was that other " Fair Then her tears flowed again and she stood gusts . Darkness has almost , though not night , dreading far more than the storm bottle-when he takes it , he gets so fierce , ' outside the wild hilarity of his homecoming . clad feet pattern feeding on the rocky road , he signed , talking childishly to herself . And now Mollie is hurrying on , her tiny ill- almost everyone goes to-night , that's why ' If only he didna' bring the ugly , black the turn , or maybe now he's gone to the whispers to herself . " Maybe he's comin' up take me to see Fr. John's lovely Crib. that it , only I'd never find my way ! ' Suddenly Mollie is out in the storm , her her motherless loneliness . anxiety for the company of the one human his kindly neighbours was unheeded by him . tiny troubled mind and innocent soul one great a lovely vision amongst her gloomy sur- sad-eyed Mollie is listening wistfully for to- ' How I hate it ; if only he'd come and she's left me so long . Maybe he's went to Chapel " poor , innocent child - " Biddy says quite , descended . ' His go an' meet him , I'll do , " she eing who ought to have been with her now in 42 . --- Page 34 --- It is surely some women going in to shop at curses - the drunkard was a pitiful spectacle ness is intense now , but he staggers on them have her , they want to keep her from knocks his shoulder and sends him lurching , him-they think him a beast ; well , a beast mingling with a very small crowd and drawing through which a glow of light floods . the bottle flying and crashing in atoms on the he has drawn the black bottle from his pocket where he spends so much of his wasted time . blown wider open with a wild gust of wind , ( as little Mollie dreaded ) when the " door , he'll be , he'll go back to Killavee and get more Mollie of the days of long ago ? looks down and then a more bewildered look some neighbours , " he thinks . " " Well , let Then , before he is well aware , they are in drink , he might as well . ' faced figure in blue ? Mollie must be with those d-dmeddle- fills his heavy eyes - a strange , wild look . ness , cannot grasp the scene ! He goes nearer ( as little Mollie did ) and the light , and - he puts his ' hand to his Mollie trod such a short while ago . ' The dark- leaves ; what white-robed , white-winged stone flags at his feet . On out stumblingly , down the path little drink-sodden brain coming in from the dark- blindly ; when , presently , he finds himself Another great curse and he has turned out . of humanity this Christmas Eve . In a moment towards a dark building and a doorway It is her brown cape , of that he is sure , but " Well , it mustn't be so late as he thought . the general store in Killavee . " The store What lights ; what softness ; what green One he knew as fair . Could it be his sweet Great God of heaven ! . Where is he ? His " This is not , surely , Mollie lying there-his with a strange mixture of endearments and if this is she , she is waxen and still- mas Eve . little Mollie ! ' bewildered head- forms are these . And over all , what sweet- 43 . --- Page 35 --- Maire had thought , and of what he had Aaxen hair and slumber in her bright Family to the hearts of Catholic Ireland . words , " A great , solemn white mark ' gold with sick reindeers in the sky ? And he thought , not of Santa Claus , but of Brigid Clandillon standing at the Christmas for Colm was , to use his sister's from the doorway , and a child , with door of the cattle-shed , and of what ' Cauthe you didn't tell me the car of discussion that arose between Maire and Colm listened for a little while to the eyes , entered the room to say good-night . said Una . " It is the coming of the Holy " Did you tell Kevin , " said he , " that thought as they passed it . And that set in the memory of a boy-and deep Declan . Then : Thanta Claudhe will come in a car of The festival we love the best of all , ' And over each lintel a prayer . " To-morrow , " he said to himself , will be Christmas Day . ' Ina ... Go Dtigidh Do Rioghacht . " in the heart of a man . Bethlehem , " said Una , " the hearths in gold . ' Bethlehem . " if Bethlehem had ... It is Faith , Una ... ... It is Christ's " Maire ! " a voice came abruptly mass . ' It is custom given a divine soul . Go Brath . ' And the hearths in CHRISHAS . A CITAIN IN THE W.W.D. it is Christmas . known . Bethlehem , ' Go Brath . oh And from the despotism of the world , benign freedom and security , a blessi in happy anticipations . At the approach of the holy season a great buoyancy peace . In the great festival there is perennial charm . A soothing calm see the strife , a bright interval of joy a existence a rest is necessary , a lull hilaration , a hopeful rejuvenence . comes into our lives , a refreshing ex- promise , with its exhortation to half metaphorically expressed by t cast worries to the wind , to rejoice from the endless struggle to maintain Peut rendre l'homme savant . " Sans accent et sans parole , to come over the world - the spirit planets strike , Ou ce tre-divin Enfant , abroad , HRISTMAS always comes with its By Patrick And then , they say , no spirit can we " Cette crochet une ecole , walshe , B.A. The nights are wholesome ; then poet . Christmas : a chair RM in the world . --- Page 36 --- vision of heaven , had fallen forward , and her dulled brain . But Fr. John was gentle , and her father into heaven , Mollie had surely fallen Killavee-aye , in all that wide peninsula of his child , his hope in the mercy of God to for the labour of his love for his people , when got it , and in the dim Chapel when the lights there was an ugly , dark mark , and her baby Guardian Angel that kept him strong when great Catholic Faith , bought by the loss of there herself , and because the heavenly child it was Christmas Eve , and in rushing to get singing had ceased , Fr. John got his reward the heaven of his loved ones . was not going to let her innocent charity pass pardon his past and bring him , after all , to able when his great loss became real to his were out but for the one red glow , and the had been dreaded as the wildest drinker in But he had two other things that he cherished he pronounced absolution over the soul of read head had struck the sharp step of granite form was as still and cold as the waxen one at the great Cross . drunkard's soul from his heavenly Father . He He had not bright-haired Mollie , and his inside over which her little brown coat was laid unmarked-so , when He pleaded for the cabin and his heart were desolate with an above all on earth : He had his faith-his . temptation raged . It was a tiny , ragged , He had that and he had also a strange The drunkard's grief was almost uncontroll- awful loneliness . Now , where the fair hair blew over the temple . Mollie's convert . so gently . And he never looked back - the man who brown cape that covered the Child Jesus one Fanad . Christmas Eve . --- Page 37 --- love for things that are beautiful and apart , things which are in their essence divine , things most spiritual form of literature is poetry . than Babylon of old , though they mine a seriously to heart . " If there is one antidote people , though they send their ships round article I have had , regretfully , to put aside minds of our people in these days of stress phase of Irish literature we are confronted memory of the modern materialistic world Irish literature ? " For the purposes of this which is capable of combating the poisonous poetry or whose poets have forgotten the literature are , indeed , little else than " a dark THE CALIPH. - " Ah , if there shall ever anything written in the Gaelic tongue . The the vast majority of us in this generation Taprobane and their armies across the hills poet who died during the Great War . at the outset with the question , " What is all idea of dealing , however lightly , with and turmoil , it is surely the cultivation of a which we in Ireland would do well to take which cares not for poetry . It is a warning chief character , Hassan : food or rainent . The people without a native cynicism which seems to be darkening the of Hindustan , though their city be greater league into the earth or mount to the stars which , in the final analysis , are more than reason for this is sufficiently obvious . For the East written by a young English patch upon the world . " And the highest and on wingswhat of them ? arise a nation whose people " have forgotten The Caliph of the drama is speaking to the poet , an indictment that remains in the When we set out to discuss any period or upon the world . ' ' HERE is a striking passage in a play of HASSAN . " They will be a dark patch tere we have , in the moving language of a irish poetry By M. J. I. 45 --- Page 38 --- melodious outpourings of a youthful genius , from the pen of Standish O'Grady - a curi- literature , at all events , is safe . The beauty tion are at fault , that his place in English new literary revival into being . Soon there heroic literature of our early Gaelic civilisa- of W. B. Yeats and George Russell , and the dead , and the period embraced will be , there- fore , roughly the last thirty years . About For the purposes of this article , I propose notably those in his early volume , " The dramatic work of J. M. Synge and Lady and by his infectious enthusiasm brought a produced writers of genius who took that tion . He breathed new life into the old sagas whatever , unless all the critics of this genera- by time . It was a heart that hungered after obvious as the same qualities in a rare jewel . standing " " Irish " in the sense which we the beginning of this period there appeared who are now living or who are only recently a series of romances founded upon the old Wind among the needs " ( 1899 ) are as have already explained . There is no doubt and perfection of many of his earlier lyrics - language and discovered in it hidden beauties . writers , the most remarkable being the poetry thrust upon us , we should nevertheless have a genius as yet unspoilt by Battery or dimmed which were not before suspected . appeared notable work from other younger the fact that , having had our own language They are , like all the best lyrical poetry , the too great to be told ; Gregory . With the latter we are not , how- Yeats in Irish literature , always under- beauty which inspired the mood in which the ously lonely figure in Anglo-Irish literature - green knoll apart , ever , concerned here . to deal only with the poetry of Irish writers . destroyed and the language of the foreigner It is difficult to assign a definite place to " The wrong of unshapely things is a wrong poet wrote : I hunger to build them anew and sit on a --- Page 39 --- Nothing is whole that could be broke , no mountainy places and deal with the men and women the poet has met in his journeyings ertain harshness , even crudeness , is visible To every listening sedge ; these lines we have the spirit of the older Down to the water's edge . ven to one who ( like the present writer ) has His songs breathe the fine air of the high over highland , bogland and seashore . A poem wonderfully preserved . In a holy place , with in any account of present-day Irish poetry . O'Sullivan and Joseph Campbell , poets of those work it can be said at once that they ' I whispered my great sorrow But she stands and laughs lightly Gaelic tongue , it is somehow apparent that in Of an aged face . yrics are cast in a delicate mould and are And her thoughts as still Her brood gone from her full of an elusive and feeling beauty , as in : And they bent , bowed with my sorrow , So is the beauty To see me sorrow so , only the most superficial knowledge of the With her travail done . Of the same period is the work of Seumas . in some of his work , but at his best it is very Four women poets who must be reckoned Joseph Campbell's verse is more robust . Of a winter sun , As the spent radiance are distinctly Irish . Seumas O'Sullivan's As the waters . Across the water go . ' So is a woman . thing . Under a ruined mill . ' Remains to us of all that was our own . ' Like the light winds that laughing quoting : " The Old Woman " is worth As a white candle beautiful . that laughing . --- Page 40 --- and who by the great epic poem of their final sincerity is the life-breath of poetry . As Father Brown has said beautifully in his intro- sacrifice have left an undying source of inspira- the realisation of Ireland . Pearse's name and The Heavenly Child as the swept by The Magi watched the heavens afar , come to the reading of this book as to a kind familiar matter of their early reading . Let deeds will be taught by mothers to their be learned in school histories . " We may add Plunkett signed their work with their blood , are without doubt nearest to the hearts of the and passionate utterances in poetry of that Pearse , Thomas MacDonagh and Joseph Lay innocently in the manager . ' the final and abiding test of sincerity . And poets of the Anglo-Irish war , the poets who Of little towns in Connacht , mood , for there is a high radiant beauty in to this the hope that not only will his life and them be made acquainted with his every of Itinerarium Mantis ad Deum , a journey to But He whose playthings planets are present generation of Irish men and women , death be made a familiar theme to our children ' Generations of Irishmen yet to be born will Saw in the blue a starry stranger ; found , however , for Susan Mitchell's precious tion for the generations to come . Padraic As through the glittering zones He came , duction to Pearse's Collected Works : of sorrowful foreboding as in this : His presence set the skies affame I have left to the last a consideration of the little poem of Christmastide , " The Child in white-sould patriot will also become the everything he wrote , whether it be the mood children long before the time when they will Of some etched sea , or playing in the streets Things young and happy . and our children's children , but that the pure man than they are to us . Space must be Snatched one bright battle from the sky . Children with bare feet upon the sands the Manger " : Seventory . 48 . --- Page 41 --- hillings on the imported garbage of the ace . This is only a half-truth at best , and I importance at all at the present time . The ruest sense of the word . Let us then cherish f only we agree to let the poet be our guide appetite for more . If I succeed in doing this oetry on the market . Of a similar anthology be " a dark patch upon the earth , " for he great thing to be aimed at is to try and get to the High King-let us buy their beautiful half-a-million copies have been sold . A tenth ing . " Perhaps at the outset I insisted too things of civilisation . Indeed , without poetry help enormously to divert the energy which when the band held the place of honour next can call himself educated who is not familiar there can be said to be no civilisation in the with all the best things our native singers have books . Our publishers could develop this prising publisher many times over . The pub- much part of our lives as the more material has been expended so lavishly in other direc- taste for fine reading were they to put cheap strongly on holding a distinction between those Poetry and all that it stands for should be as to the high hills of beauty and culture . yrical gems as Yeats's " Song of Wandering of this number sold here would repay an enter- lengus , " Column's " Cradle Song , " or cherished and treasured in the golden days and inspired songs instead of wasting our written , who does not know by heart such our people " to read the poets and to buy their who did not . That is not of paramount and attractive anthologies of modern Irish tions upon which we are now entering will tions towards the paths of light and learning . will lead us out of the valley of darkness on am convinced that the more peaceful condi- which may help to create in the reader an I feel that I shall have been well rewarded . English grutter-presses . Let no man think he and take our hand , our country will no longer Katharine Tynan's " All of an April " Mom- lishers will tell us that we are not a reading published in England a few years ago over and treasure our poets as they were irish poetry of to-day . --- Page 42 --- on the earth . All fears and disappointments . to higher levels . Looking into the coming through the ages have greeted the first mom tion of a fresh suggestion , of a fresh begin- honoured . The Catholic Church has made it Like birthday anniversaries , the New Year to hear the music and the hymns which down ning , and the optimism that tends to raise us arena of life , and shining prizes placed con- earth with an immaculate robe . They like our enthusiasm for all the interests of Life . of the opening year . They realize how wisely glories of her ritual and the splendours of her a Feast-day , and surrounded it with the exercises a quickening influence and renews year , that has always an alluring fascination the effort to reach the joys we longed for . endows home with greater charms and attack- n New Year's morning , when the frost has Year draws men more closely together , and Like a worthy guest , it seems to urge us to all obstacles seem to vanish from the broad vity dominates . Like Christmas , the New invitation that encourages languishing hopes . We feel the need of being more vigilant , more brooding over ill-spent time , but with a joyous ceremonial . People delight in going to Mass castles in the air but solid beautiful castles Throughout the day the spirit of joy and festi- spicuously in our view , as in the heroic days of eneas , tempt , persuade and compel a renewal new era , and go home happy and comforted . The New Year is always welcomed and the Church gives her blessing to the dawn of a bution to the world's progress and happiness . make another venture , to build not merely of our efforts . The New Year has the inspira- cleared the air or the snow has covered the come nearer to our ideals , to give some contri for the alert and the sunguine , we hope to Valshe , B.A. arnest and determined in our pursuits , in Pes and joys . 50 . --- Page 43 --- a minimum , SC must also known as modlary as orutorm . came agus as our sios are an Morolarz , agus is no learn signs no lesbian pern at his respect . mart an scest . ' Oh most frost as son ' quite pre sceal & bi an central so as came so bringman beag came desnparois . Dionn scat mar sin longnato . Mr Cutgesnn na'dsome more ns'dsome Mora , signs glionour ' no guild , ' is fear from ar parish room become more , signs in hson beaza de gnat , signs cuiresnn said naire signs agus cisci deasa , can son amras , " area Matrin . an Mools15 no son cast rifle ten blism . An smain SCs 50 raid outline fasts in slice Leo , is bionn nios mo petrini signs nios mo miles in ceann-fe orra nusir a neosann siao escort ARSA DIRRMUTO , ago MION-SAIRE AIR . sc ni mar gesll ar na ruosi suo a dionn an Hell , is wait from ferrini asus milsesin agus nios mo cisci deasa Le Fail again na son leac-sa , a Matrin ? " area Diasamuto . agus Vios Fem as eisreach Leo . arsa Polaris15 , a driver . Moolsig com taitnesmac san . Mr. Feroir from a Mi fans usim an Moolsig snois " area An E sin an fat go written on Mools15 15 Fearr Lion-sa i " area Nora , " mar Mi raid fios scs me belt as Eiscescr Leo , 50 pass , mall , Reno , " CE 50 draftness Inc. fearr last-ss i , a matrix ? usir else . ' is ca an glocaire is no in Eirim , a Nora , " Caro'na tsold sur Pearr lib an Moolais ? " crat lion . ' 15 Fearr , 50 detrim , " soubstre Matrin , destiny , to the necessity for a truly satisfac- oad Atlantic . It reinforces the good-will and an interchange of greetings between serious thought-it can , and does , arose istmas and becomes another golden link tory ambition , for co-operating with God in mankind to a clearer consciousness of its at home and their relatives separated by great chain binding men with their It brings about a renewal of friend- making His creation a success . Maker . The New Year can awaken very NOOLAIS NA LEANDAI . 51 . Nools15 ns Leanbsi . --- Page 44 --- Passionist : is they world one world with ours ? Time , a like heart ? They very soul the Where guilty eyes read what each blossom How much pain goes to perfecting the stands then our life in so forlorn a state ? Red with the sun , and with the pure dew Nay , but thou wrongest us ; thou wrongest Our eyes behold the dreams of death and our youth , Where divine sorrow triumphed two' years . These passion-flowers must blossom to the About our thrones and pleasances they cling , Lionel Johnson . Praise the still changing beauty of this Celebrant of one Passion : called by name Purple they bloom , the splendour of a king : pearled ; Canst thou be right ? ' Is this the very truth ? Clad in a vastment wrought with passion Crimson they bleed , the Sacrament of Though pleaded an eternal sorrow : we And yet ! and yet ! O' Royal Calvary ! 10 A Passionist . They stern soul feels , after the sun withdrawn , Who does our happiness compassionate . Passionate good and evil thou does see : could ages how before more memory ? flowers : earth . We love the joys of men : we love the dawn , past ; world . Death : same ? saith . last . birth . a a 52 . --- Page 45 --- Church primarily independent of the trend of city , Jerusalem . The first picture is dark , for ing . It does not recall at superficial contrasts ; it is midnight ; the other is bright with the first hours of His beautiful human life : while calendar . The Great Mother can , on one day , sistently place them side by side in her angel-voices sing : " Glory to God in the like the Gospel woman , rejoice that a man her infallibly consistent , broad , divine teach- satch of ground beyond the city walls . Here glare of day . The cave , though rough , is will " ; there gruff and shrinking human highest and on earth peace to men of good- has been born into the world-the God-Man ; around the cave ; men , not angels , hold that it never borrows colour from cheap , topical Bethlehem ; in the other , outside the capital the strong man is stretched on the ground , laid outside the quiet little village , allusions ; it is ever the liturgy of a divine Church's liturgy is the outward expression of contrast a lifeless , without beauty , pommelled to death Nevertheless , Holy Church can quite con- compact ; the open country outside " Terusa- Ash , the God-Babe , lies in a manger in the under the blue sky of the East . Angels hover blasphemy , sorrow , blood , death . death of her first-born 'martyr . ' For the with stones . the blood of a martyr . ' And the Word made By the Rev. MIC. perfect . In one feast , the scene is The two feasts are , indeed , at first sight , Christmas day and tion , joy , divine life ; to-morrow : strife , on the next , she can keep bitterly over the a perfect contrast : to-day : peace , adora- em appears very spacious in the clear air and voices read the air : a human mob bowls for THE contrast is apparently almost 53 . --- Page 46 --- Sabbath , an unfettered opportunity to future . ' Gifts , too , are sent to dispel to men , a check to the grasping material - and great in the hearts of men . It brings like an inspiration to let love and co- and ceremonies , in the joy and happiness troubled world like a greeting from God , of millions . Christmas is a splendid gift the helpless , to show that the reign of Then Faith celebrates its triumph in the ism of the world , an encouragement to welcome , worship and praise the Creator . Ce Maitre venu de Cieux . " come messages of affection , wishes that brotherhood . From place to place operation away men into an enduring Christmas awakens all that is generous a world-wide freedom , a great Christian gloom from sorrowing hearts , to relieve homage of nations , in exultant music Approchez-vous de Sa creche hope and joy may brighten the coming which noble ones hoped for and inspired freshness , beauty and courage into the ones sung of . Christ could be the real golden age A chant sublime , Avares , ambitious ; The Christmas bells ring over the Ecoutez ce que vous preche the noble impulses of our nature . government of mankind . It proclaims world . And so The world revolves from day to day Of peace on earth , good will to men . " A voice , a chime , --- Page 47 --- same or whole men . If to-day we are to watch as just died , yet we can again look below the sion in a creature : similarly , true human emotional contemplation of Divine Love in the upernatural plane and to examine on this natural life but from our experience of every- a practical Christian and Catholic . Such death , we can look below the surface and see and ugliness , endeavour and rest , joy and he true Faith to look down at times from the Bethlehem and Jerusalem , birth and death , involves work and leisure , the vision of beauty between idealism and realism , between theory an infant lying in a human manger and the strong in infirmity : the omnipent God as Incarnate God but likewise to view . It trans- election will help us to appreciate more Divine Love in both . Here is newly incarnate oint the human , rational parallel to the teach- nen have also realized that there are many lated into action in a creature , the Church , consider the exhortation quite reasonable , not he development both of a perfect man and of joy and sorrow , on consecutive days , we can the modulating and co-ordinating power of and practice , between the mentality of the exactly the wonderfully reasonably method of sorrow . A superfluity of either element would affairs men , too , recognise the possible gulf if we are not simply to rest in a pleasing , Divine Love itself ; there is its highest expres- g of the Church in natural life . It is bene- be positively unnatural ; we would not be few and the multitude . Though the Divine merely from our direct knowledge of the super- strong man stretched helpless , beneath stones : day life which , if well-ordered , necessarily the first signs of life and to-morrow cruel religionists , is very reasonable ; for in human love finds expression in life and death . Again , surface and see the unity of power made Child has just begun to live and St. Stephen salvation expounded by Jesus Christ through icial to realize that similar principles govern unlike some of the sects and individual human If Holy Church wishes us to contemplate His Church . --- Page 48 --- there will not be the shadow of unorderly vicissitude ; no necessity for balance or ith or hope , but only love ; or mid-day , for the Himself shall have passed away . God speaking so supernaturally and naturally -morrows in the mansions . modulation , for we shall be confirmed in through His Church . t ; no tears or bloodshed , new order of creation , all tion according to the decrees of that same thousand years are as one Meanwhile , we must work out that salva- onger than brute force . but eternal love ; no apparent contrasts , for glory . Eak backs - A disease common to many Catholics . 55 . attitude of downright inattention , laxity , a haps the idea of obligat irreverent in this very common practice , but a beam in his own , there is something not merely gleaming chastely-white even , and this may as I one finds them at Mass any Sunday morning , to recline , at ease , two be indignant ; in fact , one may safely advance in his neighbour's eye to the exclusion of the The Mass usually is a matter of a half hour practice of kneeling-sit- layman with neither the official authority nor Sacrifice proceeding then said to suffer from this spinal weakness , but Frequently enough - transient interval of a half hour , say , once a perfunctory fulfilling of the desire to preach a sermon , they must be day conditions , to snatch physically and spiritual upon his knee-not upon his spine . number of professing Catholics who manifest their religious duties , standing of the Mass and or less . As a mark of respect during this regard assisting at it a symbol of man's recog that he was a spineless invertebrate in for it in adults pledged the opinion that he would find it a rather practically universal cus week , one might suppose that the professing chronicled with regret-mostly sitting down . scarcely be associated matters of religion , he would naturally representative Catholic . Catholic youth , but one intended to kneel , in a devotional attitude , on their knees , indeed , but - and it must be And since these are the observations of a in one's arms , perhaps Catholic would kneel at least as he was difficult thing to turn the other cheek . this undevotional symptom , or who may be Appreciation of the N something connoting a corresponding mental is that , my brothers ! imagine , some measure This appears to be re To slouch down in one's Respect and revered and with charity toward all . " taken as such , " with malice toward none , the knee is the first and it with shame as a stu Statistics are not available as to the actual For , to the writer , not observing the note forty winks at one time weak backs . A disease common to man mere toleration of his ob r F one were to tell a professing Catholic or otherwise ! By Hamilton Craigie . --- Page 49 --- time or the inclination-just yet . There will game of poker , especially on a Saturday night , practice of approaching the Sacramento once he dozes through most of it . There were a in the middle twenties . He is known once in a while with people known as " wild " gets away " with it . Under the circum- as a " regular fellow , " a " mixer , " an awful few drinks - on the side , " and Thompson is a month . He might go with the Sodality every Sunday morning . Then Thompson can just convenience ) is a Catholic young man pretty much " all in . " , He also " steps out " about " make " the last Mass ; sometimes and often the game continues until very early these things if he can help it . He hasn't the three months , but he doesn't belong . He societies ; doesn't want to get mixed up with doesn't want to bother with the parish stances , Thompson cannot " see " at all the women , " and congratulates himself that he " good scout . " He likes to sit in for a little The case of HOMPSON ( we will call him that for B. S.C. of his attitude at Holy Mass . posture time and again , so that a congregation borrowing a variation of the latest jazz is not same weak-backed , spineless , and indifferent thus almost universally engaged will appear a maximum of undignified ease . Surely , were devotion as if he were doing a new jig-step , or such a one to bend the knee before any dual who hears Mass , if he is not asleep during the ceremony , with a minimum of devotion and earthly sovereign he would not perform his and everybody knows that a turtle has very of privilege in our thought of the Mass . so culpable , by far , as the weak-backed indivi- And yet , Sunday after Sunday one sees this from the rear mostly as a collection of turtles , The genuflector who performs his act of just a li to inter devoirs in anything approximating the manner of our t in an at let the upright say , Mo . little reg of a der . temptat and war . to God . THE CROSS ANNUAL but whi . Let u a revere Lastly We a : rathe 56 . --- Page 50 --- 0 0 0 0 --- Page 51 --- ( Dublin ) . IPHOTO by Keogh Bros . ) . Mary O' Byrne ( Dublin ) . Pattie Shelley . Nelly Anderton . Vera Wickens . Enniskillen ) . ( St. Helen's , England ) ( St. Helen's , England ) E'bhlin Ni Mheadhra . ry . J. McManus . cathy ) . Felim Kelly . ( Dublin ) . --- Page 52 --- three months , you will find you can go every month . Check up the inventory with your into the life beyond sometime during the night , keep on fooling Nature all the time . Go to proper time , and get some sleep . You will grand and glorious feeling to " turn in " at are the sharpest tools that Satan wields to- works , you know , is dead . Cut out the " wild free from mortal stain , and that you could conscience , and see how you stand ! " Mix chair , if you can sing . Be a worker in some feeling that , should you by accident - and tion . Now then , Thompson , are you ready ? acquainted with the parish priest , or his assis- meet God face to face with joy and satisfac- up " with the girls of the parish ; get night after saying your prayers , with the tant . You will find they are also " regular fellows , " but of another kind . A little game High Mass and hear a good sermon . Join the of poker is all right , but " lay off " at the women , " and the " smug " shows . They activity of the parish . Faith without good you could do so knowing that your soul was accidents are quite numerous nowadays - pass feel better in body and in spirit . You can't day . And , remember , Thompson , it is a Let's go ! . works , you know , is dead . Cut out the " wild St. Stephen . J. Carson Miller . That I , like there , might walk through life , Cast then on me thy blamless eyes , And be one of God's chosen band . I would press my heart to thy blameless heart stones of the pagans crushed him down , with a martyr's crest . hate of the pagans rose like a wind And touch my hand to thy stainless hand , ds were raised to aid and bless : And , O.St. Stephen , when once my days By a wind of hatred fanned . And on my faltering steps attend . And hail me " friend . ' For the fires of sin still scour the earth , v. St. Stephen , I make a prayer , phen's eyes were friendly , the flame of his loveliness . Unwind at last to a certain end , a blameless heart in his breast , I pray with me thou't walk beside , thee I confess ; then's words were kindly , him down in his youthful blood , it to rest . --- Page 53 --- like their other publications , has been very credited nuinely historical information can be compressed st. The names , for instance , of Columban . Gall. nental Europe . ( VI . -XII. Cent. ) By Don Louis the days that have been . " The work is , indeed Little Flower Calendar contains notes for each And therein much to encross their thoughts a do not hesitate to say that a lamentable amount Gougaut , O.S.B. 150 pp. Price 7/6 . The work is not confined to the lives and labours Influence of Irish Monks and Saints in Conti- ' Gaelic Pioneers of Christianity . " The Work and bring them pleasure as well as fresh knowledge Fursa , and Brendan are more or less familiar to all emain but an indefinite memory of the ages that are It is extraordinary what an amount of accurate and to the lives of these Gaelic missioners , not to mention great an abundance of historical facts relating classical one , and what makes it all the more welcome chapter , experiencing in its perusal a healthy charm day by day . Besides the list of daily feasts , the narrative show an enormous amount of research month , a syllabus of the indulgences to be gained . which , from every point of view , it deserves . W.B. lore " and affords fascinating reading . suitable for all minds and tastes . Christianity " and their work in other lands may are willing to become more conversant with At the present day especially , one expects state- Irish , but how few know of the great achievements into a volume of some 150 pages . This fact is borne and fascination . The many references made in the We wish this publication that very wide circulation turned out . secure almost forgotten , while their names may ments to be backed up by facts . Hence , those who of these saints . Dom Gougaut's work brings before is the fact that its style is such as will be from introduces the recluses who , by their penances and ignorance exists regarding this matter . Those will Saints , " Patrick , Brigid , and Columcille . mutations from the autobiography of " The Little flower . ' statements . upon other peoples are expected to bring forward classical work of Dom Gougaud . which is justly styled " heavy " and " dry " Such of active Gaelic missioners . for the author also a paragraph on the " Devotion of the Month . " and " Gaelic Pioneers of Christianity " will welcome the so to speak . " carried alone " from chanter to a danger that the illustrious " Gaelic Pioneers , We heartily command this work to all . ' A distant lands . cannot be said of the volume in question . ' One is work . while they prove the accuracy of the author light in boasting of the influence of Irish saints The second portion of the volume treats of " the students of Catholicism . especially to such as a The publishers are M. H. Gill and Son. and the nravers . spread " the good odour of Christ " some historical data in proof of their assertions " We place of Irish Saints in Continental religious Folk- Historical books are often found to furnish reading a dissertation on the " Three Great National out in the above-named publication . ' There is always w.p . w.b . lassical work of Dom Gougaud 58 . --- Page 54 --- membership lend a greater zest to the reading of our comes alone telling how the writer has watched out the meaning of it is : " May we live until this every reader of The Cross , young and old , rich success , and has been a pleasant link between young need of in this life and the happiness of Heaven thronicler. every grace and blessing we stand in attence , in humility and in the love and grace of A year has sued by on swift wines since last we when this life comes to a close . " And if the Chili are sure to be happy . us may be , a year hence , richer in kindness , in years ) and are no longer eligible to take part in The Guild of St. Gabriel in " The Cross . " Three handsome prizes are offered every month . work of which The Cross is the herald and the and heart , and I am quite sure that any request Gabriel , The Cross , Mount Argus , Dublin . There The Congo river which old Francis has the great made to Him by a child is granted . In that belief the competitions . They may seem to forget Francis The Babe of Bethlehem loves in an essential a friendly word from Francis . even when they have passed over the age limit ( to people in many lands who may never meet ever in its pages . Members come into it and pass out , ish to join should write to Francis . Guild of St. manner all who are children and childlike in mind ment and charity . their photographs in The Cross Annual . and the Guild for a time , but eventually a letter one , I feel certain , who does not remember with to the young Passionist Saint , has been a wonderful door , and to it I add the wish that every one and their friends , and for all who help in the good of us , for all the members of the Guild of St. Gabriel wilege of presiding . and very few of those who join forget us completely . is a hearty welcome awaiting every girl and boy , and Jesus grants those graces and blessings to us we and the lucky winners have the privilege of seeing season of Christmas is coming over the hills to us ask you all , when you knew before the Crib on 'd it out through the medium of our own Annual members have come to us during the present year , Go underpinid been an am so as ! That is an twelve years ago , the Guild of St. Gabriel , dedicated young men and young women , but there is scarcely Guild as keenly as in the days zone by when active GUILD OF SINGADRILL TO rain-the season of peace and generosity and home son comes round again . " Right heartily do I deasure every hour spent in that sunny corner of appiness and golden memories , of joy and merri- since the day of its inception , some eleven or the morning of His Nativity , to beg of Him for all or The Cross every month . and has enjoyed the old Irish wish , always expressed at Christmas , the Guild of St. Gabriel is an organisation that grows from month to month . Hundreds of new A Review of the Year . it in the pages of the Annual , and the beautiful Those of our readers who are not members and By " FR. year after year , some of its first members are now sod . ison of Christmas is coming over the hills in " Guild as keenly as in the days gone by when active 59 . --- Page 55 --- been able taken by Nina Browne , who writes very fully with a pen held in her toes , and all her letters address of Francis . He is very lonely for a letter five new members into the Guild . " and several of goodness to her . Any girl who reads this and who ton . London . Not a single month passes that does St. Louis . Kiltimach . Co. Mayo. some months ago . active and faithful of our members , and hardly a grown up and has gone out into the world and we writing letters and composition too tiresome a task , where several girls and boys are always spreading of their work before Christmas . ' There's a very centre is at Bolton . but I do not hear from the seem to have known every one of the girls there from the talented girls who are taught there . ' I'ma thing in their power to make its influence felt Nelly Anderton , of St. Helen's , is ( she has no arms ) and one of the best is at St Helen's , in Lancashire , willows . I trust many more will find their way had a big influx of members from the Consent of are being recruited every day . A medal of St. activities , their progress in the Schools' League . cheerfulness and humility what a pleasant old they have been working hard there of late and Newton-le-Willows , in Lancashire , where there is a their man-successes in the school as well as on the but of late they seem to have forgotten the name and often and whose letters are always welcome . We everywhere . Some members in other places find are " prose poems of thanksgiving to God for His Listowel , Co. Kerry , have been among the most the name and fame of the Guild and doing every- and I am kept regularly informed of all their school their successes at matches and at exams , until I cheeks grow hot with shame . It is the Nellv'Ander- that's a longer time than I'd care to say . ' They are these medals have gone already to Newtown-le- only hear news of her occasionally . Her place has at least ought to write to the Headquarters of the members there as often as I should wish . Perhaps once she actually succeeded in walking away with from them and hopes to hear good news of them and Cross is well known in America and in many other month passes without a letter or a competition paper haven't had time to write , but I'll be on the look-out Gabriel is awarded to the boy or girl who brings and if we could all bring ourselves to imitate her Enright was our great promoter there . but she has there in future , until every boy and girl in the place ince I was a little boy going to school myself - and tons of the world who make life sweet and beautiful , big and very clever group of them there and a few for a batch of letters in the near future-and some they might have some excuse . ' Nellv writes beauti- not bring a big group of competitors from St. John's . mighty host of active members and where new ones thinks it is a face to write letters should feel her where is situated in St. John's Girls' School . I slide- a prize from about a score of competitors . The always bright and hopeful , and that accounts for new members as well . but if they were afflicted as my dear little friend . For years the pupils of the Presentation Convention . world it would be ! Another great English centre is Other centres . In England there are several very active centres . One of the best and busiest centres we have any- field of play . is a member of the Guild . Another Lancashire Our English Members . Guild of St. Gabriel every month countries as well . --- Page 56 --- Book Reviews . THE MIDNIGHT Footsteps . Eleanor F. Kelly His Happy Christmas . Brian O'n'Uiginn Her Inheritance . Minnie ' Mortimer The Path for Mr ( Poem ) . F. B. Straitwell The Ireland of To-morrow . M. I. McManus The Cross-1926 . Christmas and the Young . Patrick Walshe , B.A. THE Irish Labour . P. Ivers Rigney Bethlehem's Star ( Poem ) . Maurice R. Cussen The Two Ellens . Nora Di Chathain Where His Glory Dwelleth . P. J. O'Connor Duffy Memories of the Coelian . Anonymous To My Love the Crucified ( Poem ) . Maisie Mortell Zenobia is Sad . L. H. Dyer . Rome the Wonderful . " Rev. Vincent Logan The Apostolate of the Cinema . Mary Pages for our Young Readers . " Francis An Fest too bi spi Secrini . Muipir ns Mons The Isle of White . Rev. Raymond Saunders , C.P. j. Stubbs . An fest too bi . Imprimi Potest : archiep . Dublinen . # Ed. J. Byrne , Istern Valletta , Malta . te Opera House , Malta . he Chapel of Bones , Malta . intributors to The Cross - I . illustrations . eneral Chapter of the Passionists intributors to The Cross-II . he Temple of Hagiar Kim , Malta he Grand Harbour , Malta ie Mother House of the Passionists Facing page 1 oval Road , Valletta , Malta usta Dome , Malta . 16 17 24 terior of St. John's Cathedral , 25 . 32 . 33 . 40 . 41 . 56 . " 9 " " 57 . Malta . 8 . lene in St. Peter's , Rome , " Strambi . " ... ... ... ; ' ... " ' 15 ... ... 99 ... ... ... --- Page 57 --- comfortable farmhouse at Carrowduff , on shaven , with a somewhat stern and for- before all , it appeals to everyone of us . Iustrated papers . As a matter of fact , the kind that croakers tell us fill the and a woman , starring into the leaping novelists , and generally depicted in after all , come fine or stormy weather , alent in Green Erin-a green Christmas however , an ideal Christmas Eve , the snow-white , frosty , glistening appy memories , such joyful meetings , because it is the birthday of our little things bright faces , glad laughter , kind work , of daily , may , hourly toil . was the sort of Christmas most pre- come hail or snow , or balmy winds and pleasant and very delightful , though wrinkled faces , and upon their toil-worn Jesus , the Son of God . churchyards , but is , nevertheless , very hristmas Eve beloved of poets and each side of a blazing turf fire , sat a man and they bore upon their creased and greetings , good cheer , but above all and was dark-skinned , dark-eyed , clean lowing colours on picture-cards and They were no longer young , bright sunshine . Christmas is always pleasant and delightful . It brings such was Christmas Eve . It was not , In a big , spotlessly clean kitchen , in a and knotted hands the marks of strenuous The man had clean-cut features , and By Louise M. S. " Ch. chris . --- Page 58 --- her to its heavy odour , it still had power shaded it with his hand while he lighted . Why should I not pray for him , " and turned on her furiously . " Bother- ation to the woman , " he vociferated , a discoloured clay pipe . Then he noisily she continued , not heeding the inter- It's bad enough to listen to the priest to irritate her throat , bring the water were Katey , instead of a hard-working rated atmosphere had not accustomed one would think it was a fine lady ye sermon you are by way of preaching me ? ruption , " when the angels are singing wench , the wife of a hard-working Christopher heard the stiffled sound peace and good-will , when Our Blessed to her eyes and make her cough . farner . What fault do ye find with me puffed and blew clouds of grey smoke Katey , " he thundered , rising from his a cough . Thirty years of tobacco satu- He stopped over the fire , lifted a sod , discoursing , let alone to have me wife ' Haven't I told you a hundred times seat , his face distorted with rage . dinning it into my ears . ' not to mention his name - and is it a and proceeded to cover it with a snow- with brutal insistence . " " Stow that , Mrs. Sheehan endeavoured to suppress Again the man interrupted , this time None , Chris dear , " his wife answered She went over to the polished oak table . into the air . meekly . smoking ? " Lord- --- Page 59 --- Katey me dear , " he said with finality . gave them the go-by , and ye wanted I can't forgive Chris , there's something inside me won't let me . Oh , wisha ! and then when they came to grief ye The man shook his head . " I can't , and he walked towards the door , he to-do ye were keen enough on the match , said the woman leaning over his shoulder ; wisha ! why did he marry that reckless ' a wind from the south and no rain . business " he spluttered , but under her opened it , and looked out into the hadn't a penny , " interrupted his wife her father lost all his money , and she a calm , moist night ; the stars shone selves will have to-morrow morning going with subdued radiance in a sky of darkest Sure it's wonderful . ' Praise be to God " Honourable ! " sneered Christopher , Chris to do the same , but he was too pleasant walk the neighbours and our- and His Blessed Mother . ' It's the to early Mass . ' There was nothing again her , save that vehemently . " When they were well- Nothing disturbed the stillness , it was " It will be a soft morning , thank God , " darkness . Step in and take your tea , " ordered late for you to do so . Surely are going to Holy Communion aren't ye ? And you Chris ? " she asked wistfully . honourable , me generous boy- blue . The man glared . " It's none of yet her husband gruffly , " or it will be too her husband gruffly , lass- or it will be too lass ? " chris . --- Page 60 --- shawl from her head and shoulders , and stood white robed , golden haired , rose complexioned , holding a golden-haired , threshold she dropped the heavy black and opening the little gate , glided up figure stepped lightly across the grass , rose complexioned baby close to her steady gaze he reddened beneath his nodded and pointed in the direction of She smiled upon it , and as she smiled her exquisite face grew inexpressively Mary , " she whispered softly . open-eyed and open-mouthed . At that moment a slender , graceful the man , staring at this lovely vision in her arms , and as she crossed the Holy Mary , Mother of God , " gasped Katey also gasped for an instant , then a slow smile flickered across her face , upon the child in her arms . the short , narrow path to the open door little Christy , " she added , smiling down eager unspoken appeal , again Mary amazement . He came forward , bluster- the hay shed . tanned skin . Christopher had recovered from his of the cottage . She carried something serenely . A heavy scowl weighed down the man's tender . heart . shouted , Mary Moriarty - haggy knows . " Don't I know it , worse Katey's eyes held an ing , threatening , Mary . ing , threatening , " So it's you , " he The lovely apparition nodded . " And Sheehan ' shaggy amazement . So it's you , " he And- And shaggy knows . 7 brows . --- Page 61 --- most Rev. FR. Sylvius , C.P. superior-General of the Passionists . --- Page 62 --- [ALTO file: no text lines] --- Page 63 --- provincial . very Rev. FR. Malachy , O.P. --- Page 64 --- arms and little Christy leaped into them . his grandfather's thick neck : he pressed He twined his soft , chubby arms round thirsty and , oh , so heavy ! I can't hold suppressed triumph : " I have eaten and him and at the same time boil the milk his dewy mouth against his grandfather's Sheehan , and I wish my boy-your it oftener than any other word , and thus She rose , gave a deep sigh , and looked grandson-to eat and drink . He is nearly a year old , and he is hungry and drunk under your roof , Christopher Involuntarily Christopher held out his rugged face ; he said in a clear voice in some mysterious way he lisped it at very quietly , though with a touch of his father by that name . He had heard straight into the man's angry eyes , said and crumb the bread for him . You will be audacity of her actions to endeavour He had often heard his mother call the crucial moment . She thrust the baby towards the astonished man . hold him . ' Chris . ' out up her . " Chris . " chris . I stagger and my gifts are overthrown . Sudden unask occasions overtake , Still dreaming sacrifices yet to make , Still planning gifts of choice and form mine --- Page 65 --- sight of this fact , imagining that his thing from Individuality ) , who thinks Individualism ( which is quite a different activities of Catholicism , such a one is this world , although not of this world . fighting for His glory and triumph , in those who have talent and ability to take which the Church fosters for the spread not , in the full sense of the term , an religion is to be confined to a selfish that if he succeeds in saving his own soul impedes from a life of activity , but they active soldier of Christ's militant society . whatever be his station in life , who loses Satan in the world . without interesting himself in the cannot be taken as a general rule for part in these societies and organisations who only stand and wait " - are true only The words of the poet - " they also serve of those whom some natural infirmity not only against " the spirits of wicked- but it is a militant society , God's army The average Catholic man , then , ness " but also against human agents of of sanctity , charity and truth amongst is not a sort of " spiritual hot-house , " generous with God brings sufficient beings , and engaged in a constant warfare Catholic man . Scripture to remind us that " man's life We scarcely need the words of Holy on earth is a warfare . " The slightest Brodie , C.P. evidence of this fact . Christ's Church , effort to be honest with ourselves and men . 18 . --- Page 66 --- wists , and wherever it is to be found , organisations exist and flourish in these We have reason to rejoice that Catholic was of Mammon-worship and greed . continuation of Christ's Labours of love society of St. Vincent de Paul , the be St. Vincent de Paul Society begrudge the splendid organisation , the sincere , sterings of humanity , the members of Life . " Imbued with the charity of realise that although they may , Whose life on earth was spent not sequently registered only in the " Book in to the Sacraments , helping them mongst the poor who are always dear and the untold effects for good it achieves There is , for example , the world-famed neither time nor energy towards the apostles of Christ succeed in re- Men's Society . " In many places it guard against loss of Faith . The Again , we have the " Catholic Young chaps , be human failures , it does not ly for the redemption of souls , but the decline . They strive to bring tholic clubs and amusements , these umbers hear of those whose religion is a parish , are facts of which Catholicism so with a view of lessening the corporal mselfish enthusiasm of its members , low that they are outcasts from their actical means as good literature , eavenly Father's Home . By such undling the smouldering embers of rik of whose members can be There are societies , too , instituted o His Sacred Heart . be justly proud . active faith . --- Page 67 --- strength which overthrows the enemies at least , in the power of all . There are many laymen who think nothing of spending themselves and being spent in is due to them and God's blessing is active membership of such societies be heart , advance for the glory of God and impossible , help and encouragement is , surely theirs . But the percentage is mystical Body of Christ , calls upon those agents of good we say : Keep steadily the interests of Catholicism ; all praise you continue to be apostles of Christ , very small , while the number of those in and for Catholicism , you will march her children , but her very members , not who say , if not in words , at least by forward undaunted by obstacles and citizens a government , but as the hands Brightly and manfully continue your the interests of His Church ! Thus shall Young man , I say to thee , arise ! " who look to her to become , not merely noble work ! Hand in hand , heart to regarding Catholic activity , we may say and eyes and feet obey a brain . " United unity with Christ's Church begets the to obey her as soldiers obey a leader or on ! Much remains still to be achieved ! indifference , " Am I my brother's keeper ? " is pitifully large . for " she , as the coherent and organic in the words of Our Divine Master : sleeping the sleep of Indifferentism difficulties . " Unity is strength , " and To those who have been thus active Lastly , to those who have been of souls ! . The cross annual --- Page 68 --- Rector of Mount Argus . very Rev. FR. Sebastian , C.P. --- Page 69 --- P. J. O.Connor Duffy . Photo by D. C. Glenn ) J. Mulvenna . --- Page 70 --- other , and the early death of his parents begin the work of rebuilding and re- and lit his favourite pipe she put a made a hearty meal off the cold meat , When the tired-looking , elderly man actively engaged in the Sinn Fein move- neighbouring farmer . awyers ; the government lawyers tried to make it out that the burning of the An accident in the football field had left pushed back his chair from the table the glens of Antrim . He had not been had left him owner of a large farm in and still while her brother , ' Michael , his sister had any doubt as to whom had home-manufactured bread , and tea . been designed in his youth for the Church . fred stables and byres , and rather than one leg stiff and rather shorter than the purchasing fresh stock the train had ment , owing perhaps to his infirmity , the defendants are the judges . " ' Little beyond what will pay the Well , Michael , what compensation stables and cattle sheds was an accident . " By MAGDA You won't appeal ? ' but he had given the cause sympathy question . Only waste of money , my dear , when farm had already been sold to a much younger than her brother who had the ghost FLINOR BOHUN had sat patiently Elinor nodded assentingly . was allowed ? resolved to emigrate . The acres of the THE GHOST She was and financial support . Neither he nor and financial support . Neither he nor resolved to emigrate . --- Page 71 --- sounds attractive . Funny if the Bohuns no one remains long at Rootcross . ' It was a tradition of the family that were interviewing the lawyer and later was the lawyer noted the reddish brown go back after long centuries to England . " faithful to the old religion , though for generations back the head of the family Elinor's enthusiasm over the house which A week later Michael and his sister had crossed to Ireland " in Strongbow's the Bohuns they were de Bohuns then the auctioneer entrusted with the sale are certain to hear the old tale I may as loneliness , " Elinor cried , and old as he Roodcross is in a lonely situation , " Mr. well tell you that Rootcross is supposed hair and the dimple in her ivory pale of Rootcross . The former smiled at for electrical lighting , and society . had tilled his lands and bowed and reaped like the surrounding farmers . Michael and she had visited on the Perhaps they craved for modernity , cheek with a little admiration . Well , " said the lawyer , " since you the farm , " he observed . " And the land Oldham said . n . " Anyhow they had remained sold such a dear old house . ' is good . ' " Oh , we shouldn't mind oil lamps or " We are not asking a high price for previous day . But why has it not sold ? " Michael to be haunted . ' I can't know why the former owners asked . " We were told yesterday that van . ' asked . We were told yesterday that 22 . --- Page 72 --- Oh , yes , certainly , our offer holds good put the kettle on to boil in preparation for the advent of Mary Boyle , and added ment of the family for years had lingered big brass lamps in the old living-room , The brother and sister accompanied by Hilda Remy visited Roodcross that Irish servant who had been in the employ- in the metropolis to see a sister's child . Elinor over the old house . that on the day of their setting in , Michael things . As the darkness fell she lit the come , and at last Elinor decided that she be delightful for me to spend a week-end had to pay a visit to London where he would be detained for the night . The a few logs to the fire . Still Mary did not I wish Mary had come along direct , " ' And the price of the farm is ridicule- must have missed the train . in possession of Roadcross . It chanced wintry day Elinor was busy settling evening . Hilda was as enthusiastic as with Elinor now and then . " train . Harry , Michael , or you will miss lously low , " said Hilda . " Besides it will In six or seven weeks the Bohuns were " However , I'll just say the Rosary Michael said . During the remaining hours of the your train . ' Oh , she will arrive on the evening till to-morrow . " Goodness ! Have you ever known You won't be lonely or afraid ? ' Michael remarked . " You will always be welcome , " me either ? 23 . --- Page 73 --- Through the medium , then , of these new pages , we send Christmas and a Prosperous New Year . warmest of greetings and the best of good wishes for a Happy to all our readers and friends , known and unknown , the istmas to All ! that awaited its appearance . decided to break away from old traditions and enter the arrived of applications for copies , bespoke the warmth of the welcome For fourteen years the good wishes of those responsible something better . Since January last our readers have more when the announcement was made , and the unbroken stream for The Cross have been conveyed through its popular and than trebled ! ' To signalize this wonderful advance , it was well-known pages . But the great revival of 1923 calls for of the Annuals . The enthusiasm of our promoters 1923-24 . THE CROSS ANNUAL --- Page 74 --- said as he sat down by Elinor's side . priest's appearance had been told . When the lawyer , to whom the story of the at Rootcross . So , too , was Mr. Oldham , for a few Christmas , " Mr. Oldham dinner was over , the lawyer pledged his priest of the parish , and when Christmas Michael and Hilda Remy moved away . look forward to being entertained here came round Hilda Remy was a guest The Masses were duly said by the when I saw the priest I knew I had to Masses said immediately . ' renovating Rootcross . ' always wanted to be , but since that night host and hostess . I'm a lonely old man , but I shall serve God in this way . ' fortune too , which will be useful in You will have another hostess though , Mr. Oldham , " Elinor said . " Don't you Mr. Oldham coughed and wiped his think that Michael and Hilda will make ' But you , Miss Elinor ! " the old man a likely pair ? They are not young , but Hilda loves Michael . She has a small ejaculated . ' Elinor touched his wrinkled 0004000ed 000000000 hand . was something . We must have the " God bless you ! " eyes . ' I am going to be a nun . I think I I am going to be a nun . was something . 24 --- Page 75 --- bad spirits on expeditions of destruction And yet , caprice is absent . No fairy of the unseen world to exit or ruin man . were shut up in a world walled by infini- triumphant , whilst vice lies in abysmal fairyland has made , virtue isternally angels . The topsy-turvydom of madness They set going the colossal machinery can characterise any scientific diagnosis . tradition of the human race of a de- supernatural . One must allow the widest find the genesis of folklore in the primitive populated paradise , and an exalted and of Michael and Lucifer in a multiplicity believe that these good and bad spirits national folklore we find the scriptural allegory of the battle between the armies tale is immoral . Some truth is vividly , embodiments of the good and fallen tastic creations the human race in its of humanity's visualisation of the giants , ogres , etc. , are really the human ruined celestial host . In almost every scope to the wildest thing in the world One may with a degree of certificate dramatis of folklore , fairies , pixies , spells on people with eerie exactitude . of disguises . People have been obsessed picturesquely taught . " Whatever fan- enomena . the imagination . People did not tude . They roamed the world : the by the supernatural . The personae Maccabe , C.P. ruin . could-and more . They Along their 25 . --- Page 76 --- astral fluid , a cloudy substance that is with the dullest stories , often ludicrous in England to-day . A successful medium There is a great boom of spiritistic stunts The gullibility and curiosity of people is gauche , so primitive ! Cloudy , vaporous spirit world . Catholic teaching emphasis a popularity as wide as a cinema star . tacularly satisfied . But , unquestionably The supernatural , rejected by the nation vapourings , securities , profanities of the likeness of a person deceased : can hit can command substantial fees , and win off his or her eccentricities , mannerisms . and facial , of the life beyond the grave . A new field has been opened up by at-large , has left an abyss which nothing and voice innovations : can conjecture most delicately cultivated and spec- can fill . Spadefuls of spiritistic rubbish furiously repudiated by Spiritists - has cally holds it as diabetic . The inanities , seance rule out the intervention of good there is actual communication with the by psychologists that " ectoplasm " is immortality . There is a colossal fraud . latent in every human being . Why not ? convinced many of the reality of con- are being flung in to fill it up : but , - spirits . A fallen spirit can take the This ectoplasmis a sort of condensed incidents in his or her life on earth . shapes have come from the " vasty deep " sciousness after death-albeit , a historic ectoplasm . " We are solemn told may come good . This diabolist cult- " that way madness lies . " Out of evil the " discovery " of the " aura " and 26 . --- Page 77 --- point a few days ago with a Catholic and so common amongst the Hindoos . called telepathy . Two people in a room , drowned in the Indian Ocean . Another the same thing : or , people at a distance bury one's dead in the sand of mystery ? British Army . One day , sitting in her after , the War Office reported him will know , in rare cases , the needs , thinking of his friend at the time he in a town in England , he ( apparently ) eddies of the Indian Ocean . Some days after a silence , will suddenly speak of writing desk of a friend of his in a hotel Scientist . He told me of a case that came this amazing phenomenon . Why flourish knowledge of this phenomenon : he was wishes , circumstances of the other . One Then , there is a common phenomenon exultantly supernatural explanations , or , walked into a room and stood by the in a city in England had a son in the under his own observation . A mother About a week after he received news of in a big continental city . He had no fascinating study , unravelling the tangled explanation given is : one brain sets in case was told me by a priest . Although apparently walked into the room . ' and saw her son disappear in the whirling notion the other waves which carry the may be a preternatural quality like second sight , sometimes in Celtic people , message to the other brain . It is a house , she heard the mad rush of water sense , technically called " allergen . " It skein of astral phenomena . Scientists put these phenomena down to the sixth --- Page 78 --- Perhaps there is some quality , dormant from their hiding places to haunt the ghost ? A lecturer I heard the other day in most , highly developed in a few that Destructive phenomena may be safely around empty houses : doing a sixphean But , is there really such a thing as a selections like a jazz band ; practising scenes of byegone days . The ghost is an emphatically denied it : his audience small percentage may be taken seriously . plainly showed its disapproval . The pierces the battered phenomena of con- It is putting too big a strain on human credulity to believe in ghosts ramping immemorial , a democratic institution , sciousness , gets feeling glimpses of things which shun the light of day in a the heirloom of forgotten generations . reason he alleged was : the insufficiency know whether all the ghosts in the world stunt on a staircase ; giving nocturnal and doubtfulness of the data . I don't the firstic art on peaceful sleepers . on them ! It would be rashness to flag terrorism him that night for his outrage realm whose confines are guarded by The most common species of astral into the limbo of groundless superstitions how we were held in fearful fascination one hears are sheer nonsense . A very immaterial creations . nights meant a revelry in the ghost world . Christmastide drew all the ghosts phenomena is the ghost . As children , by the ghost story ! The long winter the universal belief in the reality of ghosts . Yet , half of the ghost stories 28 --- Page 79 --- M. Barry O' Delany . M. Barry O' Delany . magdalen Rock . contributors to ( Photo by Keogh Bros . " Dublin ) annie M. P. Smithson . MAGDALEN ROCK . Louise M. Stackpole Kenny . 1930s- --- Page 80 --- ( Photo by " College , Studios , Dublin ) . REV. Wilfrid Brodie , C.P. Rev. Pius O'Carolan , C.P. det. Dr.Acto Stevens C.P. Rev. Placid Stevens , C.P. Rev. Michael Palmer , C.P. to " the cross . ' --- Page 81 --- the stars still singing , even in their sleep . like flowers of the shade , the bright was thinking " of the quantity-carved mother kept a package of time-yellowed has been dead for ages and ages ? He He heard them more distinctly in the letters , tied with discoloured silk ; and he heard them singing still . ' Is not the perfume of flowers so long dead there was no reason why he could not hear it seemed to him that if he could smell the and doll's-house doors , where his grand- night when they once more showed their shining faces ; that was all . a Christmas . sweetness of the violet felt even after it cabinet with its funny little drawers stars dimmed and faded in the dawn , By M. Barry ITTLE Gilbert Darcy said that when , 29 thinking by the mysterious , host is an automation of the glory of Revealed Religion , into the yet lead humanity back into knowledge of psychic problems ; he Catholic psychologist's position . He seeks , opments and discoveries of The writer has only a man-in-the-street's repudiates any idea of stating the tortuous , fascinating questions . But , bterfuges and substitutions . mted by weird cries and paritions in abysmal dark- does not pose as an expert ; he utterly after adrift from the mind . sche first consoling sign of belief of the Communion of Saints . s . For the most part they rather than gives information on these Religion . We are on the It has led humanity into its attitude to the super- ater discoveries . Science is study of astral phenomena will startle he believes that the denouement of the humanity like a catastrophe ; it will hasten the Millennium . --- Page 82 --- had not been lighted yet ; which was , their voices since then , you may be sure , " thousands of years ago , dear , " Mrs. logical explanation of the subject , and little grandson too young for a theo- I think the angels must have sung like perhaps , why the old woman covered her Darcy answered briskly ; thinking her emphatically , as she stroked his golden dim eyes with her hands and gave up and there was a curious twinkle in the doubt , in their busy youth ; but a Gilbert to her knee and laid a loving curls . " The poor old stars have lost kind eyes gleaming through the glasses resting on the high-bridged nose , once yet not wishing to encourage his dream- star after star twinkled through the thousands of years ago , " she repeated and the brighter they grow the sweeter cracked bell has more music in it now uncurtained window . it , " said Mrs. Darcy stoutly as she lifted Christmas is so near , " laughed the boy , Twilight was closing in , and the lamps deepened over the snow-roofed houses " They are trembling with joy because " Oh , but that was thousands and that on Christmas night ! ' counting the stitches . As darkness now didn't they ? ' No , no , granny ; the stars sing still . they will sing . " Trembling with joy ! Not a bit of now ? The stars did sing together- on a time . " It was all very well , no iness . " That was thousands and than they have iness . That was thousands and 30 --- Page 83 --- slyly at the countless failings of mankind . should not a mere baby who looks as if Or it may be that they are blinking to asked abruptly , taking the little thin keep back the tears that fill their poor did think my singing days were over , it is when the stars shed tears . But they answered promptly , and with the un- your poor old grandmother . " old eyes when they see how sin and sorrow no other song could be so happy . ' look over a hundred , " her grandson anyway . But since the stars sing , in " How old does granny look ? " she they ; but laughing , as they wink so have blackened the fair world they once He shook his head . he placed a finger on granny's shrivelled hands between her withered ones and sang on that first of all the mornings ; blushing candour of his years . trembling with the palsy of age , like " They are singing the very song they spite of their thousands of years , why " Now I understand why the rain falls ; Ahem ! " - pretending to be offended . They are singing quite loudly now . " man . Well , well , whatever my age , I " Oh ! " drawing a deep breath . forcing a smile . hand upon his golden curls . How old-do-you look ! Why , you you are no flatterer , young gentle- rejoiced in . ' are not weeping now . Listen ! " and lips . ' But ! tut ! singing-now ! not man . They 31 . --- Page 84 --- peasant life in romantic Donegal , tinted with sadness and sunshine , has held us spellbound Miss Smithson's name is a sufficient guarantee of the treat that this story holds in store for us by Margaret McGarvey , will come to an end with our April issue . This fascinating story of to instant and so marvellous . For this we are indebted not only to the practical sympathy and them . Another improvement contemplated by us was to increase the number of pages ; but here to our pages during the year , it may be mentioned that while in the early numbers there was but will be introduced with the first number of our fifteenth volume next May . " The mere mention a expenses ; nevertheless , as long as they are appreciated by our readers , it is our intention to promoters . Each month the list of postal subscribers mounts higher and higher , while the number again an obstacle confronts us . While the postal rates remain as they are , so must the pages of generous support of friends from far and near , but also the untiring efforts of our loyal and We did not dare to hope , when it appeared in its new form last January , that its success possible to reduce still further the price of The Cross ; but we reckoned without the printers ! " sort of production is as prohibitive to-day as it was twelve months ago . We must , he beginning . The gifted authors has given us vivid per-pictures of rustic Northern life which The Cross . To add another page or two at the present time would raise the cost of postage from if voluntary promoters corresponding increases . The result is a circulation hitherto undreamed of have still to appear . Though a Scriptural exposition of real merit and lasting usefulness - the first In the beginning of the year , we expressed the hope that , with an increased circulation , it might first prize in the Irish Novel Competition - has consented to write a new Serial for The Cross , will long remain a treasured memory ; and there will be real regret when the pages of The Cross Serials for our readers is , we are glad to say , with us still . All will rejoice we are indeed fortunate in being able to count such a distinguished writer among our value ! Our more studios readers will be pleased to know that many chapters of " In the Land of the Bible no advance . In addition to the many distinguished writers , clerical and lay , who have contributed first contribution , and has secured for the writer many grateful friends . this ambition of ours a little longer ; but we assure our readers that it shall not be relinquished one illustration , since there have been five . These " art insects " add considerably to our close upon its final chapter . But the good fortune which has hitherto attended our efforts to secure the best of ive articles under the title " Facts versus Fallacies . " This series leaped into widespread favour with three halfpence to twopence - a serious matter for the great body of our subscribers . The unparalleled progress of The Cross during the past year has been little short of a revelation . Our next item of news will not be so welcome . The serial story - " The Heart o' contributors . It will be welcome news to all that Fr. Wilfrid has consented to continue his interesting -000000000 realised . In spite of this temporarily faded hope , however , it cannot be said that we have 1923 - the CRUSS -1924 Irish novelist-Miss Annie M.P. Smithson , whose recent book ( " The Walk of The Cross . To add another race of two at the present time with the cost of existence a twopence a serious matter for the great body of our subscribers . Irish novelist-Miss Annie M.P. Smithsonian , whose recent book ( The Walk of a Queen --- Page 85 --- telling the glory of God , and the song of butterflies , horses and dogs , and cats the Star of Bethlehem to come down to the singing of the stars , he had a Mrs. Darcy whispered as she looked at Bethlehem , and that as it fell mortally soothing certainly that small boys were and birds , or-as in the present instance better judges than their elders . Nor not to be questioned , of course . But- such as fairies and flowers , bees and ' The biggest and brightest of all the nearer every night , because Christmas is as in the ages past , the heavens are wounded at my feet , I began to cry . the stars is as harmonious as on that in his sleep , and , bending down , she first morning of a young and sinless when it came to out-of-school matters , world ; but only the child-like of heart Next day she asked him what he meant . was he so far wrong , after all . Now , Do not cry ' said the star ; ' for I am so I dream that I had shot the Star of Last night I had a fearful fright , Granny ; stars ; the one that comes nearer and coming nearer and nearer , is the one I call old that I am glad to die . ' I often ask his face in the moonlight . He stirred Greek or Latin went , their opinion was caught the words : Star !-Oh , dear Star of Bethlehem ! grammar , geography and-above all ! - the Star of Bethlehem , " he announced . " He needs but wings to be an angel ! " Have I killed you ? So far as reading , writing , can hear it . elders . the cross annual --- Page 86 --- stars sing of it always . The memory brought her hope and liness ; happy with a happiness too loved to have the children near Him the Star of Bethlehem first shore , Who comfort now ; for with it came sweet upon earth , and Whose Kingdom none thoughts of the Child in whose honour could enter who had not the trusting that made her happy even in her lone- darling himself called it . ' little known on earth ; although the faith and innocent love of children . Gilbert was having his Christmas Day the " way of life . in Heaven ! It was a blessed certainly " The Star of Bethlehem ! The Star of Bethlehem ! . That was what my 33 . generosity to heap them upon the head by which his merit or desert humanity . Now of all these God-given of ours from nothing and fungi it into gifts that man enjoys , his liberty is God is good , His law right , all are ever before us , each vying it for His glory and their own that they may select the thing gauged . Good and evil , right a that are worthless and wrong . Creator has endowed His creatures with undoubtedly one of the greatest . The drawing unspeakable favours from the gifts of grace . Even from the very dawn use or abuse of his liberty is the of creation , when He called this world other for first place in the hu- best and nobles and put as of an undeserving and even ungrateful God's gifts to man-gifts of nature , On one side we have God and the other mammon and miser being , even from then has He been and wrong . A choice must this faculty of choice that they treasure-house of His boundless PRICELESS and countless alike are THE Catholic Church By Rev. Augi stine monk . # THE " WAY of L --- Page 87 --- same respect . We often find in this world but to all , did they only realise it , it is once penetrated ever after guarded ; to some a subject of the deepest interest , the problem which to some has proved verting some and apostatising others ; go ? Thou hast the words of eternal that there are several ways - all of them dictionary cannot be true , for one excludes a riddle left unsolved , to others a secret the other ; in a word , one is true and the which has worried many a mind , con- is the problem which may well be styled . is right , and what is false is wrong . which is the true and right one ? This ancient yet ever new " ; the problem useful and lawful - of approaching one God always . " Lord , to whom shall we right and wrong . Though settled long shall be ours ? Let it be God first and there is option , but in truth there is none . Two things which are contra- religion as good as another ? and if not , indivisible , and without an equal in the and the same end . In many things forth a new answer , and it is to the task to others a matter of cold indifference ; other false . Right , like truth , is one . They are in fact identical : what is true which deals with truth and falsehood , ago , its discussion is still in the months Now , there is a time-worn question betake ourselves . It is this : Is one of men , as if further dispute would call life ! " ( John VI , 69 . ) . of once more debating it that we now Truth is one : that is , singular , Truth is one : that is , singular , 34 --- Page 88 --- pendent of every other society . We shall dark and threatening clouds of heresy now see that the Catholic Religion fulfils and persecution which so often overhung age of the Apostles , regardless of the functioned uninterruptedly even from the as it has , under God , all the needs of its enemies ( as they themselves admit ) . It is complete and independent inasmuch . it ; and to-day it still persevere and even visible ruling power through which it increases in spite of the efforts of its is the Catholic Church , the Bride of Christ means of uniting its children-visible requiring nothing from the powers of to bend it under their yoke . Yes , such this earth , and resisting all interference Pontiff , whom all Catholics obey . It has a teaching authority which enjoys a God- down through the ages has she nourished given infallibility never known to err. It body of bishops , subject to the Roman inasmuch as it has flourished and spiritual life and vigour within itself : Sacraments which confer grace , and a from those who have tried and still try society inasmuch as its members tend is visible inasmuch as it has external exercises its authority . It is endurance towards a common end , employ the same means in so doing , and obey the same supreme authority . It has its hierarchy inasmuch as it is ruled by a the true Church of Christ . It is a real all these conditions ; in other words , strong , beautiful and invincible . All we shall see that the Catholic Church is be visible , enduring , complete and inde- infallible teaching authority ; it must THIS VARIOUSIC O.VANCES . 35 . --- Page 89 --- the Sacraments , and the abiding presence is to be found in every part of the world , whom Christ Himself appointed even to and extending its kingdom . Further- out a break even from the days when and even still it is spreading its roots in the chair of infallible authority with- a different way , but the Catholic religion the present day , and the Popes have sat and there and in almost every place in Catholic Church have succeeded those unbelief with no shepherd to guide their are not of this fold : them also I must as many think , that no non-Catholic can of Christ Himself . They are not uni- the barren wilderness of heresy and straying feet - " Other sheep I have " said the Good Shepherd , Christ , " that versal inasmuch as they exist but here Apostles ? " Whereas the pastors of the more , can any one non-Catholic sect salvation " ; but it is an assertion which St. Peter sat there too and shepherded bring , and there shall be one fold and there still outside the fold , wandering in and authenticity and excellence of the not ' apostolic , for which of them can It is said , and with truth , that may need a word of explanation , for other arguments all go to show the truth compare with it in numbers ? They are heart ? " ( John vi , 61 ) . Does it mean , trace its origin back to the time of the ' outside the Church " there is no this saying is hard ; and who can Catholic Church . Yet how many are his neophyte flock . These and many one shepherd . " ( John x. 16. ) . Catholic Church . his neophyte flock . 36 . --- Page 90 --- Passionist Bishop . ven . Vincent Strambi . Founder of the England . VEN. FR. Dominic , Passionists . barberi . ( A hitherto unpublished photograph . ) FR. Charles ( HOUBAN ) of Mount Argus . passionists . --- Page 91 --- 1930s . German Born 1878 - Died 1903 German os . Born 1878-Died 1903 Born 18.s-Died 1913 . References . father Charles 93. Born 1821 - Died 1893 ) . --- Page 92 --- Lord , being a bondsman , is the freeman locked in the fetters of the friendship of praise for joyfulness of heart , and you ( I Cor.vii , 22 ) . Strictly speaking , we are , Christ-fetters which loosen us from the chains of sin - " He that is called in the be of equal avail in attaining eternal bondage of freedom , by which we are is but one true Church , outside of which happiness . We know , however , that there bondage rather than freedom , coercion howl for grief of spirit . " ( Is. LXV. , be our freedom , the misuse of it can bring rather than liberty ? Yes , but it is the shall rejoice , and you shall be con- founded : behold My servants shall of the Lord . Likewise he that is called , punishment upon us will be justly severe . being free , is the bondsman of Christ ' for if we are perverse enough and blind shall cry for sorrow of heart , and shall truth we abide not by it , we shall weave even in the matter of religion , free : shall be thirsty : behold My servants fellowship with the children of the enough , we may still refuse to share the web of our own woe , and God's hands an eternity of bliss or of misery . shall eat , and you shall be hungry : for if we were , all religions would then religion , we are not , in a sense , free ; behold My servants shall drink , and you 13-14 ) . Yes , our destiny is in our own Catholic Church . But , if knowing the us to a woeful end . ' In the matter of liberty . But however great a boon may for the shall say : " Behold My servants there is no salvation . But is not this displaystyle with a few bit from a 1940s , 37 . --- Page 93 --- shabbily-dressed girl of eighteen stood by friends who had come to the station Christmas and the glad spirit of the won't be lonely . And I'll send on your she was still solitary . Presently , however , heartily greeted and taken possession of what you were used to and if Mr. Vernon were intended for contributions to the Delford for the night or hiring a vehicle parcels which one might readily guess by herself on the platform gazing about its being so late . It will be quite dark the quiet little station was filled with a the next minute the platform of to take her home , for he surprised , and in a little time , the crowd had dispersed , bravely on her two miles' walk . The her purse . She thanked him for seeing season was making itself felt in every hadn't died suddenly without having time coming festivities , while nearly all were train here goin' along that road , so you I don't mind the distance , but I do mind she knew , but without result , for when , alighted from the train were going home for the holiday and were laden with to make a will it's not she that would be mistress in the place to-day , but your however , a sweet-looking , though rather shades of night were falling fast as she correctly , that the price might overtake plenty of people who got out of the to her portmanteau and then set out a porter came along bearing a small , bustling , merry crowd , for it was nearing her as if expecting to see someone that heart . Most of the passengers who had " I suppose I'll have to walk home . she treats you , " he replied . " It's not box in the morning by some wagon that's ' You'll be all right , Miss . ' There's battered portmanteau which was labelled long before I get there . ' " Miss Mary Vernon , Passenger to forgotten me . " " It's a shame the way own self , I'll be bound . ' to meet them . One among them , He did not suggest her staying in goin' your way . ' it is rather late , but I fear Mrs. Dingle has THE train steamed into Delford and By Eleanor Author of " Our Lady Intercedes , " " The Thre Requests , " " Blind Maureen , " etc. , etc. f. Kelly . 1902 03 The Spectre's secret . I. secret . --- Page 94 --- sundry , that she was to be his heiress . and so I must be resigned to my lot . friends , and repeated by them to all and either the will or the permission of God , after your journey from London . " he had , so the tale ran , taken her from word , heard by the circle of his intimate an orphanage , given her his name , and While she was yet little more than a child brought her to Pinetree House to be in But I cannot conceive how I am to set Perhaps something good might turn up . generally understood , and on very good foundation , that of his own expressed all things to him as his own offspring . trace a resemblance in her features to county generally , as the adopted daughter Delford and its environs , and to the And as he was past the meridian of life and a professed woman-later as far as of Cecil Vernon of Pinetree House , a wealthy landed proprietor . And it was own sitting-room where she soon placed about supporting myself . I've never possible , and not go to meet trouble . But come along and have some refresh- he seemed ardently attached to her . Miss Mary Vernon was known to all Saying which , she took the girl to her Some people insinuated that they could is the last Christmas I shall ever spend been trained to anything . I suppose this an appetising meal before her . that she would inherit his wealth , for " Then we must make it as happy as matrimony was concerned , few doubted ment . You must be in need of it now here . " 39 . --- Page 95 --- of sixpence . We regard them , one and all , as very practical benefactors . we have , nevertheless , procured a goodly array of which we are very proud . he publishes each month as much as is sent to him by those responsible for so doing . whom the page from the pen of Muiris na . Mona is highly appreciated . doing we rely upon their continued support in the future . to contribute during the coming year . called in question . of the Sacred Passion . iability . We therefore take this welcome opportunity of urging our friends and readers The section devoted to the interests of the members of the Archaeoinfraternity will also continue Land has made Mr. Placid a master of his subject ; on no occasion has any of his When improvements of other nations and a man with numerous friends and St. Gabriel's Guild , we are glad to announce , shows a vast increase in membership and much We shall , of course , continue to cater for the lovers and learners of our native tongue , by is a most gratifying record , and we foresee great activity in the ranks of the Guild during 1924 shown as regular writers ; others have contributed from time to time . " All , however , have promised We regret that it has not been possible to publish the photos of all our promoters and prisoners ; It is only fair to our Advertisers to state that , without their co-operation and readiness to appear , and in the near future we hope to dwell in brief detail upon the scenes and characters run our Retreats " - news which we warmly welcomed . During the coming year accounts of oderately satisfactory , but now " FRANCIS " finds himself confronted with no small task from time to time that the news on this page was rather scant , but for the Editor is not We know quite well that the photographs of our contributors will please all our friends . Some beir advertisements with us , it would be impossible to bring out this Magazine at the modest sum us moderately satisfactory , but now " Francis " finds himself confronted with no small task in iasm among its members . At the beginning of the year the number of young Gabriel Cross that its pages have been selected for its first publication . A long residence in the Our advertisers . is happenings at our monasteries will be given as far as possible . It may have been All the firms whose advertisements appear in " The Cross Annual " are establishments of repute with the refreshing deluge of correspondence which continues to swell month by month . " I Reports have frequently come from far and near telling us of the popularity of ' -000 our . bice more our hearty thanks go out to all who have helped us through the year , and to contribute during the coming year . of sixpence . We regard them , one and all , as very practical benefactors . he publishes each month as much as is sent to him by those responsible for so doing . -1924 . --- Page 96 --- The housekeeper loved the girl for her whom he had been estranged since the except Mrs. Dease who had shown herself that Mary Vernon was a person of no and she immediately took possession of time of her marriage of which he did not not been for the surreptitious kindness she managed in various ways to do her Mrs. Dingle's dislike of poor Mary own sake and could not be prejudiced . sacked by her in search of a will . None openly show her regard for her , though for poor Mary , for instead of being queen was found to her unconcealed delight , in contrast with Mary Vernon's sweetness all her brother's property , his adopted with several daughters , plain and unpre- of Mrs. Dease , the housekeeper , her life too valuable to be done without , and daughter having , of course , no legal against her , but even she dared not approve , and the whole house was ran- treated now like its pariah , and had it her with indifference and even contempt . many kindnesses without the knowledge account and were encouraged to treat All the old servants had been sent away would have been almost intolerable . of the household as heretofore , she was and loveliness . A sad change now came possessing , and seeming even more so of her mistress or her four lynx-eyed the new ones were soon made to see came , his nearest surviving relative , from Mrs. Dingle was at that time a widow daughters . with that vital organ . Then his sister claim . 40 --- Page 97 --- sort of spy for Mrs. Dingle would be sure repose for he was very good to me , and to tell-and all the others are occupied except the haunted room , and of course no use . I daren't put you in any of their bad attack of neuralgia was going down white figure come out of it , although we I shall have Mass said for him . " there could be no question of putting they say he walks . But I forgot you've rooms-one of the maids who acts as a it was in the dead of night-and she saw of course , have heard of it . It's the room have been the master's ghost . " with all my heart for his happy eternal brought home dead from the race- to the kitchen for something to ease it - the door of that room open and a tall outline of the figure in the fickering the floor and the candle she was carrying surely wasn't one in my time or I should blown out . She could only see the dim in which he was laid out after he was light , but everybody agreed that it must she came to she found herself lying on all knew that it was empty . She got such a fright that she fainted , and when meeting . One of the maids who had a been away all the time and wouldn't , that there was a haunted room . ' There indeed , he , " said Mary . " I shall pray the moment I have money of my own It's since the master died , Miss Mary have heard of it . ' you there . ' Mary . The haunted room ! " explained ' Then God rest his soul if it was , " Why , I didn't even know " Then God rest his s The 41 . --- Page 98 --- " Why , you talk like a Catholic , Miss thing which I knew already , but had a very good religion which makes women forgotten . Even the prayers , especially claimed from the housetops , it has made decidedly Low Church , was too good- Desmond , an Irish girl that I once knew , Mary ! " said Mrs. Dease , who , though nothing to Mrs. Dingle about it , for it Mary . That's the very way that Norah the ' Hail Mary , ' seemed familiar , but soul , I have a suspicion that Hell is full like that . And so I asked them all about the girl . " And the strange part of it all I found the Nuns at the convent where I was , so sweet , that I thought it must be In fact I shouldn't mind if it were pro- will set her more against you than ever . natured to be a bigot . " You'd better say was that when the Nuns were explaining and she won't think it respectable . it and they gave me books to read and She has so much regard for appearances Catholicism to me it seemed like some- respectability so dear to Mrs. Dingle's and very happy I am to be one . " Why , I am a Catholic , Mrs. Dease . of " respectable " people . " I forgot that , of course , you know nothing Well , to think of that now , Miss used to talk about her dead friends . " I don't mind in the least if she knows . " Funny , but perhaps true , " answered me feel so happy . And as for the told me everything I wanted to know , " You do say funny things , Miss Mary . " with the result that I became a Catholic , about the ' Hail Mary . ' 42 . --- Page 99 --- to make a Novena to Our Blessed Lady she fell into a sleep so deep and tranquil days , and if God sees that what you pray pillow , oblivious of the morrow's cares , up to the door to be immediately followed returned quite unexpectedly . A case of that she did not hear a carriage drive about this time and I know my unfortu- It's just this-you say special prayers . seeing the housekeeper's perplexed look . Mrs. Dingle and her daughters had Dease , " said the girl pressing her hand , the girl a good night's rest she left the know what a Novena is , " she continued soon as she had laid her head on the to help me . " She was homeless herself forget to start her Novena , which she Christmas I shall be homeless and without for what you want for nine consecutive did with much fervour . Then , almost as nate position will appeal to her . " way out of my difficulties . I'm going for is really for your good . He answers is over . But I'm going to do something will no longer shelter me , once Christmas ' But I forget that of course you don't either money or friends . Mrs. Dingle has made it quite clear that this roof often in the most wonderful way . " but still I cannot forget that after own beliefs , " said Mrs. Dease , and wishing which I feel confident will show me a by a tumult of noise and confusion Mary was tired out , but she did not " I'll try not to worry , dear Mrs. Well ! well ! everyone and their downstairs . S. Suzuki . room . 43 . 43 . --- Page 100 --- On unfolding it she read with strange into position . The figure now turned to standing on a table near , and in its light the face was revealed . It was that of take up a hand-lamp which had been set but with the earliest morning light she Mrs. Dingle ! The next moment , with for she had not yet slept off her fatigue : it and saw a small roll of white paper . what it might mean to her , but gradually seen the night before . She peeled into noiseless footsteps , she had vanished . it covered , was the identical hole she had recurred to her with startling vividness . She looked around the room and saw the awoke and the scene of the night before said the girl to herself as she lay in the fingers do by twisting them round and a dream within a dream , ' of which I Surely I must have dream it all , " the nails just as she had seen the long a hundred miles away . ' picture fastened to the wall just as she have so often heard , in which people unfastened and there , in the place which dream that they are really awake . It the full significance of the record and of round . In a few minutes the picture was must be so . for Mrs. Dingle is almost between Cecil Vernon of Pinetree House remembered it . Somehow it seemed to went towards it , and tried to pull out and Mary MacMorrogh of a certain place sensations the record of a marriage her first bewilderment she did not grasp in the County of Wicklow , Ireland . " In darkness . " Yes , that's what it was And soon she was again in slumber attract her irresistibly . She got up , attract her irresistibly . 44 . --- Page 101 --- Miss M. Cannon . Belfast . mount Argus Promoters . ( Photo by Mr. J. McDonnell ) group i . our . --- Page 102 --- M. Malone . J. K. MASLEN. some Bradford Prizewinners . some Bradford . Mr. HANNEY . c. M. Geoghegan . --- Page 103 --- spectre which was believed to haunt the pectedly last night and I don't want her mystery and solved the question of the the picture , with sinister design , by Mrs. the paper and carefully replaced the she thought it better not to do so for the to know that I put you here . She won't returned threw a flood of light on the she might tell her of her discovery , but present . The fact that Mrs. Dingle had her possession had been hidden behind was a knock at the door and Mrs. Dease that the document which was now in room . As Mary dressed she reflected on the matter and came to the conclusion ' I'm glad you are awake , Miss Mary , for Mrs. Dingle came back quite unex- impulse urged her in her sleep from time to time to see if it were still safe in its Dingle herself and that some strong she'd keep it locked but that it might in the attic so that it will be all right to allow anyone into this room . I believe No sooner was it fastened than there her a somnambulist . " If there was a possible despatch . ' And if you wish , come to my room hiding-place . A bad conscience had made Mary thanked her and wondered if entered . I'll be out of here with all sleep in now . ' How kind of you , Mrs. Dease , " said picture . seem peculiar . I've done up the hole there . " Mary . it was borne in upon her . She retained when you're dressed . ' There's a fire seem peculiar . it was borne in upon her . I've done up the hole . when you're dressed . She retained . 45 . --- Page 104 --- Mary MacNorrogh , who died in giving put you in the position of being disloyal birth to Mary . Her parents refused to Mary to Mrs. Dease as that worthy soul searched for a will , and by some un- it was on the ninth that I came into my to her , by helping me against her , " said Our Blessed Lady that I found it and that client of Our Blessed Lady . of the paper at first as you were in Mrs. convent orphanage to which her father privately , a beautiful peasant girl named in Ireland , had met and married , though Catholic belief which , a little later she wonderful indeed and began to study Dingle's service , and I didn't want to was congratulating her on her good traced her and from which he brought Protestant , but they died a few years it was on the first day of my Novena to later and then Mary was sent to a her with him to Pinetree House as his unravelled was that Cecil Vernon , when adopted daughter . a young man on a visit to some friends . give up the child to him as he was a had been told about it . Eventually but merely concealed it . said , was not in the least like what she Mrs. Dease agreed that it was very accountable prompting had not destroyed she became a Catholic and a devout I didn't tell you about the discovery inheritance ? The story which Mr. Longton fortune . " But isn't it wonderful that " But isn't it wonderful that 46 . --- Page 105 --- attitude , as we can see by the rules laid have considered convincing has , as a and over again , evidence that critics company of devout souls who always through and his writings examined . Congregation of Rites at Rome . apparently , remembrance of him died matter of fact , been rejected by the but should be proposed , in no uncertain Dominic's Cause was formally " intro- down by Benedict XIV . in his work on most valued spiritual possessions . duced " in 1889 and the so-called voice , as an object for the veneration of Especially as regards miracles the Catholic Church is most careful in her Fr. Dominic Barberi , C.P. By degrees interest was reawakened the Faithful . As a result , Father ordeal of Rome's examination we may lator-were held in Rome , Lucca , Processes or the minute examination of and it was felt that such a life should not The Canonization of Saints . " Over FR. Dominic Barberi , C.P. treasured his holy memory as one of their too in a short time , if we except a small Father Dominic died in 1849 , and , well say " Palmam qui meruit , ferat . " be allowed to " waste its sweetness " witnesses brought forward by the Postu- ' Informative Processes " were gone nd how we can help . and of our veneration . After the fiery young , c.P. . --- Page 106 --- are usually times of special thought the principled and the unprincipal , the classes - all . The occupation is , of course , e sane person may possess a keen no one would think of imposing an art , as expounded by the Catholic Church ; scholars , artists and investigators ; and ay naturally be directed to some of is religion . But at Christmastide , it must appeal , in some way , to the Christianity and His religious system . must engage all : the thinker and the Most men with human minds have set a soul with faculties and of a body complex by nature , for we are composed we the power of deep thought and heterogeneous mass if it must be the re first principles of our practice . pacity for manual work ; others may there is one spiritual occupation which must be , in some degree , adapted to all ; Being human they fall into the two broad grades of the upper , middle and lower telligence but a weak will , or vice talker , the idealist and the sentimentalist , hen we commemorate the fundamental vel in visible , material things while the development of these powers : usa ; he may have a perfectly trained religion . And its system and practice ith senses ; complex , again , by reason learned and the ignorant ; the various r but Jack an artistic eye . Some may such her teaching on the Founder of Such is the religion of the Incarnation ith a view to a more exact practice of rang resolution without the slightest hystery of Christianity , our reflections trade , science or profession on all . But ything immaterial or abstract makes appeal to them . We are , indeed , complex beings . professional men and business men ; and resolution for the fervent Catholic the intellectual and the business man , pursuit of all . up Christs according to their own ideas . THE chief festive seasons of the year However , this varied mass of humanity classes dismissed above the intallan . the cross annual By Rev. Michael The religion of the incarnation . By REV. MICHAEL PALMER , C.P. Palmer , C.P. --- Page 107 --- in England with Birmingham as centre , something extraordinary to tell , or unless People are under the false impression resumed and , to be precise , we are now where Dominic had lived and worked . and many witnesses of first-class impor- him the title of Venerable , and in 1912 ated by the Holy See , and not any the Apostolic Processes or those initii- dioceses in which he had lived . Through- Paris , Tournay and , in these countries , additional witnesses . Here again we are at the exact stage known as the " Con- Viterbo , and the other dioceses of Italy Later , investigations were extended to depositions of witnesses were taken in tinuation Apostolic Process . they know a great deal about the World War , the work was afterwards tance were heard . Interrupted by " the diocesan authority , began in the various that they are not and cannot be witnesses Servant of God , etc. This is a great The great thing now is the finding of out 1912-1913 , these Processes were held Belfast and Liverpool . often asked what is a witness ? in such " a " Cause unless they have On the 14th June , 1911 , Pius X. gave Lilian M. Nally . To save the world from death . I'll through the winter wild . To let the great light in . To guide them on their way ; To welcome Him with love . for God's own little one . for Mary and her child , With frozen hearts of sin . to place His Head to lay . With gentle , baked breath , Now when on Christmas mom He comes ught but the misty stars above for Mary and her Son ; Down from His Heaven above , Their minds were dark , they knew no grace room for Jesus in the town Let us find room within our hearts The ox and ass to keep Him warm ught but a stable old and bare to room , no room , " the thoughtless cried ; room for Mary in the Inns , d they must wander east and west The little King that came on earth homeless . " No room , no room , " for Him they said , the cross annual --- Page 108 --- and a great bowl of white allies on the polished oak truth dawned on his baby brain , the bright colour Better not see him , for he was terribly injured . ' bold or not learning my lessons , or giving you any time he noticed the big blue bruise on one side he whispered sadly , " Poor Ben , did you suffer lighting candles at each side of the snowy bed , awed little face she walked away . statuary , climbing roses and vivid masses of pink when he entered , but after a single glance at his the further end of the hall . " Ben can't come to of the magnificent demesne , and the other looking but he was past all help when they arrived . slipping from the shelter of her arms , went quickly and scarlet geranium . There was a branch of his voice as he asked softly : " Is he dead ? all over with the delicious eagerness and tireless table . " The housemaid was arranging the latter upstairs to the man's room . down on the terrace with its gleaming marble difference whatever , " he said abruptly , and The good soul put a kind arm about his tiny much ? " Then without waiting for an answer he continued : " I'm terribly sorry for ever being Ben has met with an accident and he will never Joe looked her full in the face . " That makes no Where is he now ? " he asked dully . large windows , one commanding a choice view marble cheeks , ' shivering as he'd so . " Ben , ' In his own room , Master Joe , " she replied , him . The room was full of sunlight . ' It had two He walked up to the bedside , and touched the Ben . " " his voice trailed off , for the first you , alanna , " she said in her motherly war . Yes . alanna . he is . God rest his spirit . " As he entered , a strange awe took possession of both the priest and doctor have been with him . trouble at all , I will be real good from this out , answer mortal call again . ' shoulders . his childish face the colour of a rose , pulsing left his cheeks , there was even a time of awe in The housekeeper came from her little room at in his voice . The boy started . " Why ? " he asked slowly . why can't he answer ? ' Then as the terrible OE MCCABE ran up the long flight of steps . By Kitty . energy of childhood's precious years . again , there was a barely concealed impatience THE LINK There was no answer . " Ben , " he called yet " Ben , " he called yet upstairs to the man's room . Ben . Ben , " he cried . " Ben . " . Ben. " " Ben , " he cried . " There was no answer . 49 . --- Page 109 --- problem over and over in his mind . He had often ears , to-day he is twenty-two . Ireland was and this was the first big shock in his smooth are to remain under the parental roof even for a sallor , and guessing the reason thereof , the young until the young night shadows spread their pro- think of you laddie , " he had said , " anyhow , when t had been a perfect day , but all things perfect stealing the light from the sky . It would not be Joe McCabe ( baby Joe the boys called him on little life . Far on into the night he turned the land . His name was whispered with awe through- mother's face visibly whitened . ' Where would she account of his fair hair and ' pinkish , childish there were always the traitors . So Joe waited the best way for showing how sorry he was ? of a thing Ben had said more than once . for the specials " knew him right well and in tecting wings to shield him in his flight . Then into the child's mind there fitted the memory terrace , the three of them , father , mother and son . have an end and twilight was already swiftly single night : he had enemies in many parts and been wilful and bold with Ben : what would be complexion ) had done a lion's share for the old time flees . Yesterday Joe McCabe was twelve and all through his boyhood years he never once Captain rose to his feet . " Now adieux , my dears , ' passing through the " Reign of Terror " and those terrible days a disguise was not always a was a big price on his head , so he had to lie low , As the time drew high for his departure . He under the tall beech-tree , " Dear Lord , have mercy at the spot where the accident had taken place , Book of Life was Never ? ... Noticing her It was his mother's birthday and he had risked guarantee of a safe passage . The years ran away . You know how rapidly joyous returns . " They were seated on the he said heartily , making his voice as careless as commenced to pray for Ben. Next morning he see him again ? . What if the answer in the possible , " by all accounts this warfare canot last When you're dead and gone nobody will appiest of all happy days and ever so many all for the joy of wishing her in person " the I'm gone there will be nobody to cry or pray , for passed the place without saying , on his knees Nobody to pray for him . The little lad jumped I've not got a single relation or friend . ' got the gardener to put a Black Wooden Cross out of bed , and burying his face in his hands The first link in the Chain that cannot be on poor Ben- out the length and breadth of two countries , there Broken . chapter II . guarantee of a safe passage . 50 . --- Page 110 --- rim with satisfaction . They recognised him and still in the clear moonlight , not daring to stir umped over the ditch in pursuit . The bullets bav , courageously turns to face the pack of hounds . he terrible risk he was running he did a desperate them-the dreaded " Specials " pouring over the His foot caught in something and he fell heavily lace of Ben McHugh's accident , and where he had gaining ground , he would have no earthly chance the turn things had taken . For twenty minutes ivides humanity from the Eternal . His blue eyes and all the while Joe McCabe stood fright and ears as he ran , he heard their wild causes as they gave Joe , a single smile of eternal gratitude and his feet and turned to face them as a fox-driven to the moonlight like a living flame . grass , was the plain Black Wooden Cross which Ben as of vote , but different in the sense that baffled at the escape of their much-desired victim , with their bayonets , fired shots in all directions , he recognised them . every single one of them . He six of them raced past him looking to the left and Stiffly he moved his limbs . half dazed still by the in his boyhood days he had erected to mark the knew what to expect at their hands , so heedless of afraid of capture , too stunned with amazement at Involuntarily the words came to his lips : " Dear by foot , in less than another minute they would urn the bend of the boreen and be upon him . opposite hedge , armed to the teeth . their evil faces him where is he , he disappeared just here . " Up when to ! his heart leaped with incredulity , the McHugh , the friend of his childhood days , the same still flew about him , he could hear them steadily to the ground ; with difficulty he raised himself to lev searched high and low in vain , and finally , Lord , have ' mercy on poor Ben . ' thing-He Ran Away . The bullets grazed his began to expand . Larger and larger it grew , and When the echo of their footsteps had died away spent many a minute in heartfelt prayer . and down the lane they ran , blaming each other miraculous escape that was his . He looked down As he whispered the prayer the Cross at his feet Half dazzled , he watched this phenomenon , and the ground , and there , half-hidden in the thick and they in pursuit , gained inch by inch , then foot right , on all sides but where he stood . they walked away grumbling at the loss . were lit with a very sunrise of joy , one smile " he for his disappearance , they provided the hedgerows he strange trance-like feeling fell from Toe . against the six of them-still . ' On he ran , ' Where the Hs he " they shouted , " curse lo ! as it increased in size , the black cross slowly as he watched , ' there came to him a vision of Be turned to purest gold , glowing and sparkling in The link that binds --- Page 111 --- not , an own slunn too Dionispi as Fogluim dress lstrom spur spot near 1 500minute size neipinn an topar o'fissime an forsect Force b'arm , been Mr. Upon , spur too blow longnato 18PEP 15 550611 cmcas11 in office in 15up catsom's impier to curb car is come . ' Den- Of cutgest msc sick spur son ingen smain , Ouell , point illustrates a form , by been ' as fusp.fluic " ran sempio , toirc san a best Mac Opart , couples in palm Novolas . " Nap must Mrs Dohnall , " soup sunpin nsc neoparo in resp gombionn an Muipe Matsip satur Naom sp 15011 1 500pp ns MONS5 , " Apps " Dominsell re from 50 mph , " supra Domnall . " Ni h-son appesnitz ; no , perseule , 50 drasann outline sp resns rosound . Taples , nusin's bi reiresn Di an cisespna calman fem 1 mbun na h-ordne . an woman optimism as the ring of cato na taou commure in size thin " ran exposure toasp 45ur di Munpur , an buscail as fine ' na buscail before up fast star . sharp snorr com G. " " Suppocato , a msimi , " Neorso , a mic , " supra Maimi . " Duell , reo so dragann an Muipe Matsipirreac ' via visitid e15in a blorn 1 accused car can revise " ran scustsorp . an pseudoo gesulta com map spell up for sign ? " Since 50 Left , a Maimi , spur catchwissann to face . " Can map gestl sp an visual snoir , 50mbio'0 in boon 45ur sn solar com from rest # too stop ? ' times11 face blisosin to' sort 5up castest smac subsites an cior o'ioc . MONSS , COMNEST TO LAPSO' ,S DFUTNNEOS Muse , by Matt , a Domnallin , a coffee , out snoir : " ' Duell , rurde com ns come from a temb , syrup asur must too connaic re an best door , 55 ingaro e rim , ' re an own ir oeire too costs me " 0 ! a maint. a maint. as no an extra strain in aimman naso1 vifts , so'd into no matship an pseud sp fast down 'ta't also so about resns nor szain annpo rean bean agur a leap up took an obtain a Maimi ? " To Haiti red hammer as horn 52 . --- Page 112 --- assunta grassi . that a tattoo s. Islington . semi-final net-Ballers for Prizewinners from Islington , I Julia Burkett . clementine marsh . --- Page 113 --- nell Shelley , Photo by Keogh Bros . , Dublin. ) Harold's Cross , Dublin . annie Hilton , Mount St. Joseph's , Bolton . Kimmage , Dublin . seosaimh MAC Suibhne , Later : Fr. Newman , c.8 . ( Photo by Keogh Bros . " Dublin ) . other prizewinners . --- Page 114 --- Christmas with its hallway memories and fully in membership , and has friends in many lands . From far and near , East and West , North and and to ask of Him to lead her into the ways of to plead with Him for our sorrow-stricken country peace . For myself I also ask a fervent little prayer . joy and thanksgiving because Christ , the Friend Remember , too , our dear and kind Editor who , for the children of the world . " Suffer the little of Our Lord , the " feast of feasts , " the season of children to come to . Me , " He said , and they A holy fragrance ever fingers round the Crib. glorious associations is here . It is the Nativity out of the goodness of his heart , has given you so many precious thoughts during the year , and , now , should approach the Christ-Child in the Manager . happiness . The caresses of Jesus were especially seeking admission to the joys of St. Gabriel's the realisation of your dearest hopes . beside the little Infant King on Christmas morning , crowded round Him with love in their eyes , in For the young it should be a season of great their hearts and in their whole being . Thus it one of you , and may you all have a very joyous of all , has come into our midst . so many pages of the beautiful " Cross ANNUAL " South , Many letters come to Francis every month May the Babe of Bethlehem bless each and every The Guild of St. Gabriel , for boys and girls . I ask of you , my little friends , when you kneel God is near . for your very own . Christmas , and may the New Year bring to you is an ever widening circle . It has increased wonder- is with exceeding love within your hearts you The Guild of St. Gabriel in " The Cross . " corner . for 53 . --- Page 115 --- ever thankful . I am afraid the Southern Capital go , but we have not seen their names since . them up ! ' Is the West asleep too ? Our friends Seosaimh Mac Suibhne during the coming year . is not as active as it should be . Thomas J. P. in the Presentation Convention Convention Convention Convention Convention , Athenry , whose that we shall hear a good deal of himself and Marion Watters . With their first attempt they sisters don't make their brothers join our ranks . to make a long story short , I shall be very dis- ssays were so promising , need to be aroused . boys in the Guild . I can't understand why the Daly brought us some new recruits a few months . from my Irish speaking friends from Listovel . The latter is a new and earnest member whose essay on Hallow Eve carried off the prize . I'd old and faithful cross-channel friend , but we would like to see her competing oftener . Her letters I haven't heard from them for ages . In fact , get on the track of prizes . both old and new , very soon . Islington , Bolton and Bradford . The competition Sean O"Brain promised to write " every month . month I get piles and piles of letters from results for the past year reflect great credit on numerous as we would expect . Mollie Mont- Katie Darcy ( though a Western ) isn't asleep ! during the coming year . Eileen Glynn is another great girls . We hope to hear from them constantly but he must have left his promise in his pocket . Two more new members are Nell Shelley and etter tell the girls to beware ; they won't have I am looking forward to hearing soon again My English friends are very active . Every off a prize too . it all their own war when Sean , and Secsaimh However , he is not too bad , and I am certain appointed if I don't hear from all my friends , Now , Thomas , look into this matter and waken contests next year . are always welcome , but an essay would be more became prize-winners , and if they continue as It has often struck me that we have far too few both their teachers and themselves . They are welcome still . The Northern members of the Guild are not as hey have begun , we'll have some very keen She is a great recruter for the Guild and carried --- Page 116 --- She has not been inside its portals for many years . stumbles up the cobbled street muttering inco- herently . The hour is late , and she is in search until she finds herself within the precincts of the take Him in my arms , " said Deirdre wiping away of straw . It is coming from the crib. She moves wigs leaning patiently over the manger , while church . Where did this sobbing come from ? " if you love Him . He will give you all you ask , " a few remaining penitents are still grouped outside There is a violent struggle going on within the from within a child's voice falls upon her car . no one near . At the farther end of the church the gentle nurse glided out of the ward leaving her in that direction and a moment later sees her provincial town a weary , bitter-faced woman she finds herself at the open door of the old , grey- inward prompting draws her onward and eventually are especially dear to His kind Heart . ' sorrow-burdened child crouching in the rough of her missing child . Some invisible power , some woman's soul . Unconsciously she is drawn onward kind mother like His own . ' come from that quarter-it is nearer . Again a Where is her child ? Looking around she sees low solo breaks the silence-there is a rustling as Sin-laden , she is hard and unrepentant . Suddenly small charge to converse with and tell her troubles . to the little infant Jesus to whom no pleading Then I will love that little Baby , and I will of the great festival of Christmas . ' In a small her tears , " and I will ask Him to give me a nice , sobbed Deirdre . washed church . Pausing on the threshold she fears to enter . is made in vain . the Canon's professional . The sound has not her tears fall upon the tender Face of the Infant Caressing the touzled curls , and whispering " He loves all little children , but little sufferers as she sobs and moans in recurrent refrain . A year has passed away . It is again the eve help a lame child that couldn't play with Him ? " teach her to love me ! " your mother to love you too . " Oh , little Jesus . ' little Jesus give me a mother like Your Mother . ' Oh , little Iosagan , " But would He mother like Your Mother . 55 . --- Page 117 --- of the Incarnation , for in . It , He still these visible signs the Blessed Sacrament dwells amongst us , with His real body mental system instituted by Him . ' Of is in complete harmony with His Incar- church upholds in its entirety the sacra- practice , as expounded by His Church , through these visible channels is con- nation . He founded a visible church the divine economy of the Incarnation . Church has a complete liturgy , but every especially has been called a perpetuation . ponding to the humanity of Jesus ; and language . He notified the bestoval of He is a Divine Personality in whom are at times during His earthly life . He with a visible Head as His vicar . That They all have a visible element corres- divine invisible grace by human words . radically contained all the attributes of and blood , soul and divinity ; yet in a manner . His Divinity is invisible but His humanity was always visible . His human nature with a powerful , indi- manifests Its power by visible miracles ; thefulness of the Godhead , all the divine perfections and attributes ; He individual human being , an individual vidualistic human character , disposition , ferred divine grace as God came on earth . His religious system , in theory and all its senses , a soul with all its faculties . has a perfect human nature , a body with human personality ; so He possesses an clothed in our human nature . His doctrine is divine , yet during His incar- broader sense all the sacraments reflect nate life He clothed it in human 1961 1957 --- Page 118 --- To pay this claimant stern of heart ? But now ! ( Sighs . ) . Our little ones , applauding ( May the Lord pardon his transgressions ! ) Of tidings ill this Christmas Day ! No , Madelaine , we will not part With any of your patient boarding f500 to pay ! A blessing Yet , what to do ? Husband , your grief confide . ( Lays her hand on Maurice's ) Madeline ( sorrowfully ) : Ah woo ! that I should be the bearer What ? Part with our hard-earned possessions Husband , just now-following fatal News I fear me to confide Some childish project-pleasure new . Saving is sweet as honey ! Madeline : Day of Teresa-Christmastide . Ay , what to do ? hands letter . ) Of your distress ? Speak , speak , I pray ! Our savings we can't spare . ( She pauses . ) ( Reflects . ) . If we possessed one half . ' A trifling sum I've saved with care , - How shall we raise the mortgage money ? He approaches Madelaine , leans over her chair , ( Loud clapping MADELATIVE ( reading from letter ) : What's that ? Maurice : Read ! gives a cry of distress . ) Ay , true ! Am I not wife and helpmate ? Share Tis the natal Maurice : This is distressing ! Maurice : Madeline : Madeline : Maurice : of hands heard off stage . ) " Mortgage called in " I The children's scheme . What to do ? How shall we meet it ? ( She peruses letter : Sharer . How shall we meet it ? What to do ? 56 . --- Page 119 --- The little one was so delighted . Her brother Peter is coming , too . HERE , to partake of cakes and tea , When I consented to her plea Forget His coming at Yuletide . And share our children's sport right merry . This day our cares , dear , we must bury , ( Madelaine nods approval . ) She'll soon be here-clear little Dolly ; That two small guests should be invited Rejoicing that the Lord is high . His Heart is merciful and wide , Teresa " ( laying cloth ) : Haven't you got a kiss for me ? Are you displeased ? Did you hear naughty Jamie drumming TERESA ( approaching her mother ) : ( They chap their hands . ) Maurice ( to Jamie ) : ( She kisses him . ) . ( Madelaine strokes her hair . ) Even to those who , in their blindness , Upon the window panel ? about the stage . Oh , mother , put that work away ! Jamie ( mischievously ) : Jamie ( clapping his hands ) : Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Our guests are coming ! Maurice ( to Jamie ) : Be careful , sunny . Come , Teresa , Yes ! Let us trust in God's dear kindness ; We're going to have some nice games Maurice ( shaking his head ) : No , not I ! Don't tease her . Dear mother , may I get the tea ? ( Jamie pulls her hair . ) TERESA ( to her father ) : Madeline : children : Enter James and Teresa joyously . They comp I'm six to-day ! Teresa ( to Jamie ) : Oh , don't ! Teresa ( proudly ) : ( Jamie pulls her How jolly ! Teresa : Two play ! 57 . --- Page 120 --- And I , a beggar child , to you unfold We wouldn't be so well and rosy , Guests ( to Maurice and family ) : But pale and thin , if we'd to roam I pity beggars who come pleading For warmth and shelter , food-poor things ! A life of poverty . The snow would cover up your hair ! What should we do without a home ? Abroad like beggars ! . Peter ( thoughtfully ) : ( A voice heard singing outside . ) Jamie ( tittering ) : Maurice and his wife exchange significant Jamie ( with assurance ) : Maurice ( glancing towards window ) : This winter weather Yet some content are to be leading See me in rags-and with no cap on ! Fancy if rags we had to wear ! The snow lies on the ground the wind blows cold How nice it is to be so easy ! Beggar ( outside ) : Who sings ? glances . ) Greetings to you ! That won't happen ! A little warmth I crave a little cheer : Teresa : Dorothy : ( Madelaine rises , goes to the window and looks . Madeline : snow begins to fall . Peter : Peter : Dolly : A tale of sore distress ... Come and behold ! Is pleasant . out . ) . ground . ' ) the first of a number of ( All listen . II listen . Air : " The snow lay on the I. 11 . " The snow lay on the 58 . --- Page 121 --- He's welcome . It's got golden hair . To have it - and it gives him pleasure Boys don't like dolls - but if he'd care This squared cake is for you , too . ( Beggar smiles , sits next to her . ) Gave to me , on Christmas Day . I'll give it to the beggar boy . little Teresa's blue jersey . ) And I have got a hoop and drum , too So the new one I'll give away . Jamie ( aside to Teresa ) : And will you drink this cup of tea , please ? TERESA ( handing him her tea ) : He shall have both ; they'll bring him joy ; warmly clad in some of Jamie's clothes , and I've got a woollen jersey . Mother Dorothy ( joyfully ) : I've got a top that spins and hunts , too I love you little boy - I do I It is my birthday . Jamie ( proudly ) : You have a penny each ? I have many ! He shall have all ! I have got nine ! How nice he looks ! Beggar ( to Teresa ) : Teresa ( to beggar ) : Twill keep him warm ! I have another , Sit next to me , please ! I've got a doll-such a treasure ! I thank you . Pray , what is your name , dear ? Beggar ( thoughtfully ) : ( Enter Madelaine , leading beggar child . He is He shall have it ! And mine ! Mine , too ! . Teresa : Teresa . I am six to-day . Teresa : I've a penny . Teresa : Jamie : Dorothy : Peter : 59 . --- Page 122 --- their dwelling in search of the beggar , when Teresa suddenly perceives in vision the wonder . The children gather around them A needy one wholeheartedly , Who can the little stranger be ? That which we gave unto another- Amen , ye did it unto Me ! The hillside , valley , and the tea . eagerly forward , flings wide the curtains , and He promised she should be his bride ! ( They both gaze pensively at Teresa . ) Maurice ( to Madelaine ) : It was with lowly folk to hide . Who visited his creatures lovely ! It was a shame to let him go ! I never more shall find another Ye gave unto your loving brother . Maurice ( to Madelaine ) : Holy Family , outside the window . She runs Maurice and family , etc. , are about to quit To find him must our patient care be gives a cry of surprised joy . ) Our Lord ( to Maurice and family ) : in great excitement . ) vision and fall on their knees in worship . ) ( Maurice joins her , they gave at cheque in joyous , TERSA ( Sorrowfully ) : Dear Heaven ! It was the Christchild fair Come , let us search the woodland , prairie , E500 . The mortgage sum ! To Him we owe our fortune rare ! Examining cheque again ) Acheque ! A cheque ! Haste ! we must find A prince ! whose pleasure ( She wheels in adoption of Holy Child . All see Who is this child ? ( She clasps her hands together . ) He's there ! He's there ! And Holy Mary ! Ah , where is he ? Pray find him mother ! Madeline : ( curtain . ) Teresa is his pet-his treasure . Teresa : him ! Madeline : He blesses them . All continue to adore Him. ) So sweet , so kind ... . I love him so ! I love him so ! He blesses them . So sweet , so kind . 60 . --- Page 123 --- CHRISTMAS AND THE GAEL . By Brian O'Higgins ... Mrs. St. Rope's Bridesmaid . ' By John Ayscough IN THE NOOD OF NIGHT . By Eleanor F. Kelly St. Stephen ( Poem ) . By J. Corson Miller WON by LOVE . By Louise M. Stacpoole Kenny WEAKBACKS. By Hamilton Craigie THE GLORY of OVADA ( Puem ) . By Brian O" Higgins Book Reviews . now long out of print . NODLAIG ( POEM ) . By Lillian M. Nally Bethlehem . By the Very Rev. Boniface Connolly , C.P. NODLAIG NA LEANDHAL . ' By Muiris na Mona TO A PASSIONIST ( POEM ) . By Lionel Johnson THE Passionists in Ireland . By the Rev. Joseph S Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day . Mount Argus-Its First Great Sorrow . By THE CASE of Thompson . By B. Square ... Guild of St. Gabriel for Our Young Readers . " ONE CHRISTES " Eve . By Margaret McGarvey New YEAR Hopes and Joys . By Patrick Walshe Home-Sweet or Bitter Memories ? By the Rev. Irish Poetry of To-Day . By M. I. McManus Articles marked thus # have been reproduced by " THE FOUNDER OF THE PASSIONISTS . , By the Rev. Raymond Saunders , Brodie , C.P. ... John Cashel Hoey iii . ir . ... ... 1000 ... special request from Ovada , into ... ... Smith , O.P. ... ... is . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Rev. into . ... ... ... ... ... ... " ... ... ... ... 500 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ii . ... Michael Palmer , ... " Francis " ... . By the Wilfrid Brodie , ... " ... ... ... Wilfrid , Br. Palmer , C.P. 000 is : ... ... ... ... By c.p. el Palmer , ... the late irr . " Francis ' ... ... ... iii . ... ... ... ir . ... " micha . ... ... ... request from Ovada , wilfrid . ... illustrations . Imprimi Potest : Dublinen . archiep . # ed . # Ed. J. Byrne , St. Gabriel's Guild-Prizewinners , 1924 Scala Santa , Rome . Old Mount Argus . The Rectors of Mount Argus . - The Rectors of Mount Argus . Ovada-Native Town of St. Paul of the Cross The Rectors of Mount Argus . Contributors to the cross The Rectors of Mount Argus . - annual . Mount Argus of the Present -iv . St. Paul of the Cross-Founder of the Passionists iii . Mount Argus in the Making day . -ii . iii . ... Where He Died Where St. Paul was born : ... ... '000 making . -i. ooo . Where St. Paul was born : Where he'd i. ... ... over iii . ... iii . ... ... ... ... " ... " ... ... ... " ... ... --- Page 124 --- founder of the Passionists . St. Paul of the Cross . --- Page 125 --- she will shield him from bodily ill ! Once , it with every portent and promise of sanctity . January , 1694 , he came into life . behold a beautteo given to greet the birth of that flower of the towards him and ; the stars , " and among the favoured few . unfolding , like some opening flower . divinest union to God , " set his soul among Francesco Danei-Saint of the Crucified , divine vision and even ecstasy bind his soul in Scarce a dozen years are passed , and to ! ever appreciate the to be devout to N In imagination one fingers to recall the God's protecting hands above him , a unstained , his infant years verge to youth feasts with manife till his twenty-sixth and Castellazzo , I'll mother's loving arms about him , unsullied and above the fairest Vale that even Italy and broken ? to hear his tiny lips , like birds at morning . Paul of the Cross ; for here , on the 3rd of ness of a Saint of God . from the bank , and path , for it was he story of his earliest movements towards God , Passion , that rose of the Cross-Paolo years of happy ch youth-lasting da . shining in the blue , raises its head lisp his primal prayers , to watch his soul by the river's bri- Ovada , heaven's appointed place , to it was Lord , torn with soo dews throughout the world , the odorous sweet- Castellazzo shines . God's own mother becomes his protectress : penance-but pens this soul for sufferi Ovada , like a flow Fasts , and prayer Ovada , like a Ac imposed-not merit verily like a flower , Ovada , distils in fragrant Ten years of life From that hour , til safety once more . Flying on with fr " Where suns unclouded shine thro' purest is recorded , when a By the Rev. RayMund Saunders , c Then the scene . soul to due knows . In that lovely land , VADA , like a flower , scented , sunlit . himself tells us , THE FOUNDER OF THE PA air , ' --- Page 126 --- were his continual exercises . When the silent at Castellazzo by night or day , till he had eeling himself called by God to institute in December , 1720 , and finished it on the 7th. was the motive of all these days and nights of Christ , he began now in obedience to his as fast as if there had been one in a professor's written under Divine inspiration . Castellazzo task : in other paths and under other skies we vigil with the stars ; when the needless town morsels of coarsest food , and yielding himself white cross on his breast , and under the cross bishop , to write the rule of the new institute . town lay sleeping , he was waking , keeping penance . Truly a Passionist he was in antici- was destined to see the beginning of his life's pation long before he became one in designa- constant thoughts ; this was the secret as it In what manner he wrote he thus tells : " I chair dictating to me . I felt the words come wounds of his Saviour , till he could truly say soon afterwards in reality , on the 22nd of the most holy name of " Jesus , " written in white letters , and , at the same instant , heard to the Cross . " This was the image ever from my heart , a particular inspiration from to practising and preaching the Passion of come to bear at last in his own body the very November , 1720 , in his twenty-seventh year . was feasting , he was facing hard on scanty black dress reaching to the ground , with a This habit , first seen in vision , he received these words addressed to him : " This is most holy Name of Jesus . ' to his thirsty soul . " with Christ I am nailed to scourges , long and gory ! Never did he rest I wish you to know that when I wrote , I wrote us , that he saw himself in vision clothed in a began to write this holy Rule on the 2nd of the Church an Order of men , especially devoted The Passionist's habit was therefore seen tion and dress . Thus it was here , as he tell : be which has to bear engraved upon it the before his eyes ; this was the subject of his in Divine vision : the Passionist's rule was or a sign how pure and white that heart must God . " --- Page 127 --- to confession and wonderful conversions Congregation of the Passion is the last to come Nepi , Montefiasco , Corneto , Ovieto , Orte , fifth year , which was his age , when he gave everywhere as crowding to the sermons and his Lord and his deep interior love of the given of his missions describe the people same acknowledgement , for we read how on knew , was his absorption in the Passion of extraordinary words about him : " He is a one occasion , when a person possessed was Cross . The Evil One himself even made the and example . He carried his labours into the surely sunk under such labours . The reports Popes , viz. : Benedict XIV. , Clement XIII. , the latter's question as to what displeased him moreover , had admitted to their closest inti- moral aspect , as the result of his moving words Passionist Order has been confirmed and fixed Ferracina , Piperno , and many others . In this dict XIV. , who had confirmed and approved been the first ! " It is worthy of note that the upon my person a letter I once received from most in Father Paul , the answer came furiously saint , and I never go about without bearing Paul of the Cross . Clement XIV. spoke very ordinary grace to support him , he must have him . I trust to his prayers almost more than great work he continued even till his seventy- macy and confidence the holy and humble Clement XIV , and Pius VI. ; and all these , anything else to save the Church of God . ' being exercised by a holy priest . in answer to produced by St. Paul's missions . Pope Bene- his last mission in Rome itself . The secret of his power thus to move men dioceses of Viterbo and Toscanella . Sutrio and Porto , Sabina , Perugia , Camerino , Ferentino , Grosseto and Masso : without an extra- ensuing , with entire towns changing their for ever in the Church , by no less than four into the world , but ought , as it seems , to have the new institute , was heard to explain : The this work in the dioceses of Acquapendente , What wonder that on hearing of the effects and frequently , " the Passion-the Passion ! " of all classes and ranks , as he himself well the passionists . --- Page 128 --- occupy them : they love to consider Him , the plain , watching Him fondling the power . They are ever following Him on weeping at the tomb of Lazarus , but do the loud call and the exercise of divine , little children , giving bread to the tired not sufficiently ponder on what followed : Father thundering in the clouds . They their fathers requested God to speak to His head and the Voice of the Eternal the senses ; but do these people reflect Holy Mass and Benediction ; both dislike of things tangible to religion . But and hungry multitude ; but they do not look at Calvary but forget Thabor . An at the other a blessing given ? During of Sinai . The people locked to hear the that at one ceremony a sacrifice is offered , the Jordan with the Holy Spirit above often enough picture Him standing in a visit to a church they may kneel for half-an-hour before a statue and for half- modern life they are driven to extend their fully to our entire nature than the God on account of the superficial materialism of comprise exterior actions appealing to the ways of God are not the ways of men ; regard the externals of religion . Probably a-minute before the Blessed Sacrament . unbalanced practice follows naturally is not a merely human affair . They must the Church is not the world ; religion words of the God-Man . Jesus Christ : from this one-sided view . They attend Others are sometimes inclined to dis- as well as divine ; and that the God of the Incarnation can appeal more power- remember that Jesus Christ was human the cross annual --- Page 129 --- over this last tribute of affectionate approval must have afforded his heart , coming as it did from he mark his approval of Paul's work than by himself , and to which , though dead , he still the Chair of Peter ! It was indeed as if the wait for the summons on the Celian Hill , for Holy Father knew that in no better way could gives himself , in the persons of his faithful Church , to whose service , while living , he gave his happiness when , at the invitation of the on the 18th of October , 1775 , the Feast of St. passing as it were into a tranquil sleep , full of Luke , having received as Viaticum that Holy his daily food , comforted , resigned , peaceful , giving him thus a house for his new Congre- Rome , where every Order of standing must have a Mother house . Who then can imagine sons , whom he has gathered round him , to canonised as such in 1867 by the Voice of that this fading world to open them upon the unfad- Communion which ever through life had been with God . " But two short years had he to Sovereign Pontiff , he took up his fixed abode gation in the heart of Christendom itself - days and rich in merits , he closed his eyes upon preach to the world the ignominies and the ripe and ready and restless to be " at home in his name and fame as a Saint of God , ing Vision of His God and eternity . For him , Paul . Now content indeed could be lay himself down to die eighty summers past and gone , Congregation at the Basilica of SS. John and for the remaining days of his life in Rome , for , though dead , he was still to live - to live glories of the Cross and the Passion . making on the Celian Hill a retreat for his loved Life's best thing gathered round its close , indeed : - to a --- Page 130 --- each house in which peace and goodwill dwell , than guesses , and so the true meaning of the should be made to keep them alive where they Mother of God and her little Babe , came into where is this simple belief so beautifully illus- rough roads through darkness , and against Christmas than our own land , and every effort was believed , too , that at midnight , the are still to be found , and to revive them where , hearts that never in this land of hospitality and left their blessing there for evermore . No- the door wide open until midnight , and all who came the way were sure of food and rest . It trated as in An Mkathair ( The Mother ) by Irish name of the world's greatest Feast re- like many other priceless possessions , they whom every door in the town of Bethlehem was should there be a wanderer , no matter how the holy Wayfarers who made their way over they placed the candle in the window and left Padraig Pearse . The story which gives its honour of the first Christmas Night , and of have been thrown away . One of the novelist shut . Our Gaelic ancestors vowed in their mains enveloped in mystery . title to the book is of a heart-hungry , childless without food or warmth or shelter , and so was the custom of placing a lighted candle beautiful customs and beliefs connected with Eve , waiting to present her petition to the in an unshuttered window at the front of each mother who sat by the friends on Christmas poor or lowly , abroad at the holy season , pen-picture than that story in the literature of house on Christmas Eve , in memory and in Mother of God . There is no more poignant Perhaps no country on earth had more the world . Christmas and the Gael . Christmas and the Gael By Brian O'Higgins . --- Page 131 --- soldiers of Herod appeared next day , pursuing did not understand , and they gave up the people , while the wren is hated and hunted but the hunting and killing of the wren is not ing wheat . Our Holy Mother and the Divine cowardly thing for men and boys to hunt to another story as to how she got it , but that how the robin got her red breast ( there is men if strangers came enquiring whether such robin , all the time they were questioning the does not concern us now ) and why she is called full ripeness during the night . And here is to the workers , and by this the soldiers might red spots the way he walked . He asked the wheat which had miraculously grown to its travellers as they had passed the way , to say : rough , stony ground , while the blood from Mary's little one , " and is loved by the Irish story says , and when he heard the reply of the should be discontinued . Our Lord for gave the have tracked the Holy Family had not a little by them ever since because of his treachery ( " yesterday , yesterday " ) , but the soldiers in keeping with the spirit of Christmas , and in reply to their questions : " No such persons ir most grievous sins , and I am sure . He has Infant were seated on the back of an ass , creet than treacherous or vindictive . It is a a chafer-comes in to the story . reapers , he squeaked out : " " indie , inde " penitent thief on the Cross ; He forgives us Yes , when we were sowing the corn . ' The bloodstains with leaves , so that they were ing the corn " ; and they pointed to the was , after all , more loose-tongued and indis- have passed here since the day we were sow- ground where St. Joseph had paused to speak long since forgiven the poor little wren who whose steps St. Joseph directed over the reapers , busied herself covering over the his own poor , travel-bruised feet stained with hidden from the gaze of the soldiers . That is to the Babe of Bethlehem . It is a nice story , the Holy Family , but the men in the field said He was seated on a branch close by , the chase . The blood was still fresh upon the where the drawill or even-sometimes called --- Page 132 --- symbol of God's mercy - the Crucifix , so long yearned to bring the message of salvation to of the Congregation there is also an institute of Sisters engaged in charitable works , which Argentine Republic , Australia , as well as in Congregation of the Passion as with its estab- much with the world-wide development of the close of his career , and several Congregations Austria , Germany , Poland , China , Palestine , Spain , France , Belgium , Holland , Bulgaria , darkness and in the shadow of death . He sionist monasteries in existence in various and Great Britain and Ireland . And scarcely a of Nuns devoted to the contemplative life , founded by St. Paul of the Cross towards the long life St. Paul of the Cross had looked with the United States , Mexico , Chile , Peru , the longing towards the missionary opportunities there are considerably over a hundred Pas- widely separated parts of the world : in Italy , lishment in our own land . Throughout his afforded by northern lands , where the nefarious work of the sixteenth century year passes in which one or more new founda- But we are not concerned in these pages so s in Ireland . those peoples , to uplift again among them the by the Passionist Fathers . tions are not made . Besides the male branch have been established at one time or another " Reformers " had left the nations sitting in and continual that at the present moment eph Smith , C.P. d and perpetrated , that the time may bird that cannot utter a word of protest the lighted candle in the unshuttered window ve allowed to fall into abeyance will be st their cruelty or offer the least resis- sends forth a welcoming glow , telling them and that all the old beautiful ones which sides all those wanderers of the night to whom at the festive season and welcome to our fire- that Christmas in Ireland is a time of hospi- to their blows . us hope that this custom will soon die tality , of kindliness , of peace and of love . The Passionists in Ireland . and glory in doing so , the poor , weak soon come when we can throw wide our doors --- Page 133 --- of everything Catholic , and where the light felt a vivid imitation that he was destined to whom he was destined to receive into the of faith that had once alone so brilliantly had he was simply under obedience , our peasant ment was brought about in a very remarkable dishonoured and disowned . Especially did his preach the Gospel under the northern sky . Yet , though no external means appeared , the ever , by any determination of his own , but by of time , instead of the dim north , England of this century , whose mind had early been of old looked out for a new world to conquer ; yet , that he should cross the strait was as one day , late in life , he saw , in vision , his day would ever come when he should be of St. " Paul of the Cross was inherited in full was engraven on his heart . And , strange to peasant should be turned into a missionary ; children working in England his joy was full . Church . " On the Apennines , near Viterbo , measure by the Venerable Dominic of the found himself , first a lay-brother , then a nor did the prospect open , when this youth say , as years went on , without his seeking , for Mother of God . His story may be briefly thoughts and prayers turn to England , where trary , it became more definite , and , in process drawn heavenward ; and one day , as he prayed before an image of the Madonna , he little likely as before . However , it was as carried over them . And come it did , not , how- the Reformation had made such a clean sweep there dwell a shepherd-boy , in the first years sketched in the words of Cardinal Newman , Father , in the Congregation of the Passion . of the stormy northern sea , whence Caesar There appeared no means by which a Roman likely as that he should ever have got so neat Three-quarters of a century was to pass inward impression did not fade ; on the con- been almost totally trangled out . And when before the vision became a reality . Its fulfil- found himself at length upon the very shore waves , and wonder with himself whether the it ; and he used to eye the restless , godless way by a very remarkable man . The desire --- Page 134 --- [ALTO file: no text lines] --- Page 135 --- ded . non re --- Page 136 --- tunity of entering the religious state . These hough the Archbishop expressed himself not or the delay . But soon a man appeared who ast about for a suitable foundation for the was daunted by no difficulties . Father Vincent tions could be entered into for its purchase . the Church itself : there is scarcely a country elected Provincial , in 1854 , he again visited asked Father Vincent why his Order had no Ienerable Dominic's death . He quickly Doubtless the pressure of work on the English mission and the paucity of subjects accounted their visit , however , Mrs. Byrne , the proprie- Dublin , on the subject . The difficulty of find- endeavour to extend the Order to Ireland . house in Ireland . Hearing of the difficulty of of remarkable powers in many respects , who obtaining a suitable site , Father Collier men- and conceived a boundless admiration and under the sun in which they are not to be Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese of Viterbo , life-long and valued friend of the Passionists , so that we find him already , in 1852 , in corre- Ireland , and had the good fortune to meet with men seem to possess a spirit as universal as spondence with Dr. Cullen , then Archbishop of apostolic labours he frequently visited Ireland , the death of Venerable Dominic we hear of no tress , was absent from home , and no negotia- ing a desirable site led to further delay . affection for its people . He at once began to the Rev. Matthew Collier , then a curate in the in his diocese . When Father Vincent was an able missionary . In the course of his had been a secular priest and a canon of the arish of Rathmines . In the course of con- joined the English province shortly before Grotti , a religious of striking personality and Father Vincent to see it . On the occasion of Passionists in the country of his predilection , tioned the property , then called Argus , near Harold's Cross , and subsequently brought mastered the English language and became only willing but anxious to have the Passionists During the ten or twelve years that followed versation , this worthy priest , who remained a found . ' --- Page 137 --- Church has in all ages produced to defend the day when he was to have spoken for the first time to his countrymen from a pulpit of Dublin , same to Ireland poor , like the rest of us : people , and thus qualify him to do them good . ind poor he died . ' It was in other far more do not speak of peculiary loss . This loss might entrance , as an Order , into Ireland . It might cause of God and truth . Fervent , devoted time was not given him to show what he was Had it not been that we possessed a subject preserve his life and health , he would , I most remarkable way the spiritual necessities calculated to be as a missionary . He died , work-and which might also be used as a his rectorship it was decided to build a monas- thing , we may say , in him which would tery which would accommodate a larger staff believe , have taken a worthy place among the fitted for the undertaking as he was , it is very us on purpose to be the leader of our first of priests - the then small community being noble army of apostolic men whom the Catholic respect his death does not affect us here . He a missionary . This he had , and it was in a probable that we should not have ventured , as it is known , on the morning of the very colony in this country . There was every- zeal for souls is the first , the vital quality of the city of his birth . " Had it pleased God to to be in his own character and at home . The recommend him to the affections of the Irish easily be calculated and repaired , and in this unequal to the rapidly increasing demands of important respects that he was valuable to us . of his own dear country people which most at least at this time , to attempt our first Mount Arens , and had assisted in giving at least peculiarly interested him . ' seem as if Providence had called him amongst college or schoolasticate for the students of the province . The first stone of the new as Rector by Father Osmund Maguire . During ... . He was indeed what a Passionist ought Father Paul Mary Pakenham was succeeded # This is scarcely correct as he had preached at one mission in Dublin . The Cross Annual . --- Page 138 --- occasion being preached by Father Anderdon . June 29 , 1866 ) , until Father Dominic O'Neill building was laid with great ceremony and in architect , Mr. J. J. McCarthy , who followed with the church , of three sides of a quad- the temporary chapel and had a new organ the 28th of April , 1873 , and by his and his carried out the task of building themselves - presence of an immense concourse of people the climate and circumstances of the country . solemnly opened and blessed by Archbishop erected . But practically nothing was done Cullen on September 8th of the same year . It plainness of character and simplicity of style , toward the erection of the present church erection , was completed in 1863 , and was proportions , its beautiful site , and the magni- stance , as ' it added very considerably to the Early in the course of the work the builder repudiated his contract , through some mis- it may still be said , considering its admirable call for detailed description here . It consists , opening , as " the nobles religious house recommenced the building of the church on on June 13th , 1859 , the sermon on the was built from the designs of the well-known of Mount Argus in 1872 . He courageously stead . The new Rector considerably enlarged finely chiselled granite , and although of great ( Father Alphonsus' brother ) became Rector Italy , with some modifications of detail to suit except the laying of the foundation stone transferred from Mount Argus and Father of the morning papers at the time of its The monastery , which occupied four years in understanding , and the Fathers undertook and erected in these countries since the Reforma- The monastery is perhaps too well known to ficent prospect it commands , not to be the general plan of the Passionist Retreats in range . The whole of the exterior is built of In 1866 Father Osmund Maguire was in one respect a rather unfortunate circum- Alphonsus O'Neill appointed Rector in his undeserving of the praise bestowed on it by one cost . tion . ' --- Page 139 --- mysticism unintelligible to the multitude mankind , to every type and class and nation ; an uplifting to a higher life ; and balancing of every natural power of Jesus Christ showing the wonderful natural narrowness of all ; a restraining within us . A complete unbiased view nor a melodramatic show repulsive to the counteracting and at the same time religion inspiring and preparing every a broadening at least in essentials of the day ; a religion that is not a wild religion not vague and abstract , but exposing the gross materialism of our Incarnation . In short , an appeal to all divine economy of the Incarnation . A few . A service neither cold nor calcu- clear-cut and concrete ; capable of Church's ceremonies which help to main- power of body and soul for the eternal This is the broad religion of the tain the interior spirit . lating nor merely sentimental . A glorification of both . LESS SAVUSLANCEDANCED A And the tears steal down His face , While the stars keep out on high . But around His neck my arms entwine And I wipe the tears away , And my heart throws loud with joy He unfolds His sufferings of the day And my soul is bathed in holy light , As I rest in His embrace , And He smiles with love and gratitude In the nearby verdant glade ; As the shadows round us play . As I nestle in his loving arms . In the twilight's kindly shade , Whilst the blackbird thrills his mellow notes And I hear each boat of Jesus' Heart To my friend I come at eventide . By MAISIE . the quiet hour . mortell . By MAISIE MORTELL . --- Page 140 --- disappoint the admirer of its graceful and and deeply made . The memories clinging with the church and grounds of Mount Argus , Donnelly , Conway and Fallon . ' Nearly a Lordships the Most Rev. Dr. Leahy , Gillooly , Most Rev. Dr. Leahy , Bishop of Dromore . the magnificent pile which had deprived it of and had to go . Where it stood there is now a and struggles of Mount Argus and whose many who were associated with the early trials good odour of sanctity , in the hearts of the its usefulness . The last remaining relic of a place on April 28th , the feast of St. Paul of the sacred to the memory of Father Charles . stered to His poor , are the mortal remains of beautiful cemetery , in every respect in keeping But in 1893 a movement which had been set holy past , it was clung to tenaciously by both turbed , and so for fifteen years it was spared . priests and people . Many of the Fathers had hundred of the secular and regular clergy , around it were too sacred to be rudely dis- gan , Archbishop of Armagh , and by their the Retreat . The old church was in the way with the Lord Mayor of Dublin , were present . their childhood when impressions are so easily where they had preached His word and mini- memories are still fresh , and fragrant with the many a spiritual consolation from the days of enlarge and enclose the cemetery attached to held its place in the grounds side by side with where they had once laboured for God's glory , seen ordained within its walls or had cele- was assisted by the Most Rev. Dr. McGetti- Father Charles resulted in the decision to Cross , 1878 . His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. people had knelt and prayed and received The solemn dedication of the church took There , resting in peace beneath the very spot The dedication sermon was preached by the For many years afterwards the old chapel imposing exterior . McCabe , afterwards Cardinal , officiated , and on foot to honour the memory of the revered brated their first Mass there . There , too , the --- Page 141 --- From out the awful darkness of the tomb , Was struggling once again into the sunshine , The sons of Paul came o'er the seas to Eirinn , The little , dreamy town of far Ovada . Went willing hands to till the virgin soil . To toil like him of Monte Argentaro , Brian O'Higgins . standard , was meant for hermit , in the Maker's plan , And where Mount Argus looks upon the And here did Paul upraise the saving of OVADA , And when the Lord said : " Rest , thy day is That came with day of famine and of gloom , In obloquy , in suffering and in sorrow Till forth each day from Monte Argentaro Through darksome days , in suffering and of Calvary , Within the holy shadow of the Cross ! Had won , through him , a never-dying fame . His sons went forth to triumph in his name ; May His strong Hand uphold them in the And win for wandering souls a peace eternal , mourning . God bless the work ! God bless the tireless That silent hill above the placid waters . When our dear land , emerging from the That work went on , till others shared his And set , each day , their souls affairs with And here his holy work for God began . Beneath its shade to succour souls in pain . in loss , ended , ' plain , fervour , They made their home , and raised the Cross To keep the olden Faith for ever warm : toilers ! . storm , toil , The Glory of Ovada . --- Page 142 --- senses . She knelt down in the narrow little incense mingling with the perfume of St. smile was sunny , and the words , though in- love him clearly , and I wouldn't have bought trifle rasping , and his accent rough , but his under the assumed sternness , she added : the shadows of the chancel , the faint smell of altar appealed strongly to her devotional being down on and scolding him when he's and he'll have plenty to cross and worry him reading the sympathy and kindness hidden come night to trouble him . He's very young , Joseph's allies and red and white roses on the before he joins his father-God have mercy on tended to reprove , held an undertone of cordial delightful smiles . " You are right , " he as- his brow cleared , and he smiled one of his rare , Father Mick Daly , thoughtfully . Suddenly like to make things harder for John Dan by She lifted her eyes to the priest's face and , ardour of his soul triumphed over the fragility tional woman , and the dim lamp burning in Killourie , ' he repeated . His voice was a only a goshoon . ' Yes , you spoil him , spoil him sadly , Mrs. Perhaps you are right my child , " said and , maybe , I do spoil him- of the body . Sure love never spoils anyone , Father . I to the church . Kate was a somewhat emo- poor Dan John's soul , and " - she crossed herself with much fervour - " and I would not Kate Killourie blushed , her eyes grew happy was really stern only to himself , and that the cpoole Kenny . geniality . the grass-bordered , tree-shaded path that led Mrs. Killourie and her boy walked slowly up Father , " she replied , half apologetically , serted with conviction . Love never spoils as she looked at her boy . " He's my only one , anyone . ' Love never spoils . serted with conviction . 14 --- Page 143 --- pew that had belonged to the Killouries , father The congregation were on their knees with The vision owed and dazzled , but in some Holy Mother , that never before had she High God , and as such lift up his hands to and stand before the altar a priest of the Most she would ask . She would pray with all the came to her lips or to her mind , but half God of heaven and earth was offered up . Soon Daly came out and vested and proceeded to when the little bell rang for the Elevation , the become a priest , a soggarth a room - the rosary lad might become meek and gentle and holy , fervour of her loving mother's heart to the her prayer - " Ask , and you shall receive " - her . Yes , it would be so . John Dan would then turn and bless the congregation . supplications to the Son of God and to His fingered her beads and offered up voiceless mechanically she took out her rosary and lov- gives joy to my youth . ' receive blessing from the Divine Saviour , and hear the angels sing . Son of the Mother of Divine Love to protect ingly fingered the beads . le would come to her to her a poor' humble her boy , and if it might be His Holy Will that earth to men of good will . " Yes , it was true one day that wild mischievous high-spirited widow . He would come and He would grant Glory to God in the highest and peace on scious of what she said . Presently Father voice and the voice of the server broke the strong unaccountable way it became real to Hail , Mary , " she murmured , scarce con- It was borne in upon Kate Killourie as she and the server answered : " To God who realised the ineffable beauty and unspeakable of her tears would gain her this supreme holiness of the Mass . She fancied she could I will go to the altar of God , " he said , and son , for many generations . No words happiness . silence . the altar . bent heads , praying silently , only the priest's No words . --- Page 144 --- grew ashen grey . " John Dan struck the tepped in at the half-open front door , passed placed at one side of a black table toque . She As she spoke , the offender himself sprang Miss Drew off her chair . laid a tightly-gloved hand on the widow's arm . when I said I did not he kicked me and called hand to her heart to still its tumultuous beat- my duty to tell you - " she hesitated and each word slowly and distinctly . Kate Killourie turned imploring agonised bearer of very bad news , but I felt it to be ing . " Oh , it can't be true . it's not true . " gently pushed the hand aside . spoke in a mining voice , and she pronounced master . Why its almost as wicked as striking He-old Fleming said I told a lie and Kate Killourie motioned her to go on , and ciously cut casement cloth skirts away from him as though she feared contamination , schoolmaster , " she gasped , and then put her she moaned in sore distress . The boy flushed and his eyes slashed . through the kitchen and entered the parlour . eyes towards him . " It's not true ; oh , it is very lamentable , and I regret to be the sniffed audibly . She rose and drawing her tight-fitting atro- Daly , a trifle currily . Dan actually struck him-struck a school- Father , asthore say it's not true . John Dan did not strike the schoolmaster . ' Dan in his clear young voice , and he looked Her voice and her uplifted hands and eyes fearlessly into her sad eyes . At that moment Father Michael Daly expressed unbounded horror . Kate Killourie I didn't , it's God's truth , I did not ; and me an informal liar , and I lost my temper and " Mr. Fleming himself told me that John Yes , dear Mrs. Killourie , " she was saying , " It's absolutely true , mamma , " said John a priest . ' " Oh , wisha ! wishal " she moaned . brough the open window , nearly knocking " Why did you do it ? " enquired Father hit out- The Cross Annual . --- Page 145 --- scala Santa . ' Holy Staircase in charge of Passionist Fathers in Rome ) . --- Page 146 --- 0 0 0 --- Page 147 --- darling , ' he was whispering in a choked ceremony , bundled her out of the room . twinkle , and in order that she should not return ooked white and haggard , and the big , black walked with her to her own door , and left nothing amadhaun , that's what I am , but I You are my joy , my blessing , but , oh , John rupted Father Daly with portentous solemnity . break your heart . I am a wicked good-for- " You should not have done so , " inter- and furiously farming herself . Mick could not keep a suspicious glint out of wretch , " commented Fancy Drew had called me a liar and kicked me . ' The poor Miss Drew sniffed and tossed her head . She was about to make a spiteful remark when his face in his mother's lap . lines round her eyes looked bigger and blacker us be without His grace ? ' I had better leave mother and son together . " murmured , gently stroking his curly hair . her seated in a wicker chair , hot , breathless , would not hurt you for all the world , and I'll voice . " I am sorry , I did not think it would his age if anyone even my schoolmaster- in authority over you . ' It was very wicked , John Dan , you should fashioned leather-covered armchair . She lad . God help us all . What would the best of his deep-set eyes , and his sensitive lips Father Mick , divining her intention , sans in contrast with her ashen face . Drew , " he said with icy politeness , " you and In spite of his assumed severity , Father John Dan knelt beside her . " Oh , mother , ' Two is company , ' he observed with a " My darling , my own dearest boy , " she twitched nervously . Kate Killourie was lying back in an old- Then he returned to Meadowsweet Cottage . He is not a bit sorry , the naughty treat with deference and respect those who are self , " I fear I would have done the same at His voice broke in his throat , and he buried " God forgive me , " he was saying to him- The priest turned to her . " I think , Miss do anything you like- --- Page 148 --- gratitude filled his soul as he laid the Sacred dulged in its of idleness and mischief : how glance . " Oh , thank God , I thank you my ntense happiness shining in her glowing eyes , gratitude and penitence , he had turned over a pure joy , her glad eyes met the priest's scene Lord and my Redeemer , " the voice of her Eucharist , they were sharing together the whose toil and prayers he owed the inestimable of all , he had a warm , loving heart , and a thin intellectual face alone with the joy that is ceaseless effort he finally succeeded . An errant ray of sunshine fell upon his rudey darling son , was about to give her the Holy devil humour , and by dint of unremitting and wreathing her slightly parted lips . Holy Mary with all my heart and soul and certainly not deficient in brains ; also , and best Daly's kindness and forbearance . Full of a very human boy , he had relapsed and in- head as he came down from the altar , it fell John Dan had plenty of grit , and he was new leaf-several new leaves-because being did his utmost to conquer his reckless dare- soul cried to her Creator , " I thank you and loyal , generous spirit . When he realised the Particle upon the tongue of the mother to Sacred Mystery , and he-ah ! what love and on earth to men of good will . ' was more quickly and energetically turned . Shyly , reverently , for one brief moment of ain his wild pranks caused his mother , he worn features transferred , the iridescence of strength for You have heard my prayer . Love not of earth but of heaven . ' Glory to God in the highest , and peace ever , they did not last long , and each new leaf grace of his vocation . less lad's heart had been touched by Father upon his mother's table-silvered hair as she Kate Killourie knelt in her pew , her tired , A great gladness filled their hearts , he , her Later on in the bleak yard where the bare knelt at the rails . Yes , Love had won . The high-spirited fear- has won . ' --- Page 149 --- certain gentle awe by all who knew him , splendid scarlet of the Household Troops , and in 1849 " all clinquant , all in gold . " in the this world and the next , as the Very Reverend Earl to the Dean , welcomed their kinsman to ton , even evinced a degree of affection for him , Father Paul Mary of St. Michael , the relatives - for the old Marshal had his instinct temptations , he had kept the " whiteness in him . When the Queen came over to Ireland for the rare angelic amiability and purity his native city-welcomed the Honourable which he was slow to show to his other Amid that gay , glittering London world , Majesty's Coldstream Guards-since known in camp-and all the house of Longford , from the promising officers in the Guards . the rich aiguilettes of the royal staff , he came of his soul , " and was beloved with a of his nature . His uncle , the Duke of Welling- with all its splendours , and dissipations , and Passionist , buried before the altar of his in her train as one of her Majesty's aides-de- Captain Charles Reginald Pakenham , of her nald Fakenham was one of the most of the true and staunch heroic metal that was mount Argus - its F THE Honourable Captain Charles Regi- By the late job that loveth is born of God , and knoweth God . " answered Father Daly , gravely , then he raised s my spoiled boy now , us love one another , for charity is of God , mount argue its first great sorrow . his head and spoke slowly and impressively . ring countenance ; then nor in tongue , but in deed and in truth . Let s , she , too , smiled into smiled into the kind , worn " My little children , let us love not in words , d note of triumph in her and everyone that is of God , and everyone of speech . the strength of his emo- thing to you and to her , ' Father , agree . Wasn't I right ? Didn't I tell you love spoils no one ? ve a little low cry of un- " You were right , Kate , my child . " 19 . 19 .