The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-06-07
THE PAPAL CAUSE.

TIE RAPAL cAUAE.
Tevis's' last letter to the New York Evee-
mans Journal. We hope it win serve to
stimulate those who have not risen to the
level which their faith requires, and the
imminence of the danger which threatens
the Holy Father;
It was with sentiments of real pride that
/ have listened to the thanks of the Holy
Father for the assistance sent to him from
4" across the sea-" He knows and feels that
every cent was contributed through pure de-
votion to the sacred cause, and affection for
his august person, whereas France, Holland,
Belgium, and even England, have repre-
sentatives in the ranks OF his army, and
natural sympathy with them, as well rs
religious fervor, had opened the hearts and
united the purse STRINGS of their compatri-
OTIS. But do not slacken in the good work,
for the time is at hand when America must
send her tribute not only Of money, but of
blood. Offers of service and petitions for
authority to raise troops come in from all
parts of the United States. The Holy
Father feels that he cannot check the lauda-
BILE desires Of his American children, and
before long the much wished-for permission
viii be granted.
But the movement will need great deli
cacy of management, and perfect unity of
action among it's leaders. In the first place,
the full and cordial approval and co-opera-
ton of the bishops and clergy of America
must be secured; without their assistance,
would be willing to act; without them, it
would be difficult to obtain proper guaran-
tees for the sincerity and morality of vol
unteers; and without them the necessary
funds for the maintenance of the corps
could not be raised. The Holy Father is
A<& 4o~ -
must be contributed. Large as the sum
will appear in the aggregate, it is mere
tride when the number of the Catholic
population of the United States is consi-
dered. But it is not consistent with the
dignity of the successor of St. Peter to make
any direct appeal for assistance; he can
only, through ministers, speak such words
as cannot but point out to all our Catholic
cOuntrymen their duty, and then let us hope
that patriotism will assert her rights-for is
not Rome the common fatherland of all
who profess the Roman faith7
But enlistment and service in the army of
Plus TX is no trifling matter, nor should it
be entered into without due consideration.
The actual pay of q Roman soldier is but
three baiocchi g cents) day; his food less
than any American, not q pauper, has been
accustomed to the discipline is and must
be severe; but the cause is most glorious.
Those who would come must know their
oAuO pOoAVlVu1 duO LlUbU UO pICpdTcu 10 5uU-
NIT to privations and annoyances, relying
only for support in their trials upon aid
from Above.
Great prudence must be observed in the
movement, for we must look for opposition
from all anti Catholics, particularly as the
Italian Government will spare no endeavors
to provoke the interference of the United
States authorities with what, it will pretend,
is q violation of neutrality, although it ia
certain that a Garibaldian expedition would
be attended with drums and trumpets down
to the very steamer in which it was to be
embarked for a crusade against Catholicity.
Still, in spite of all the difficulties, there
is little doubt but that we will be success
full. During the late civil war, few weeks
sufficed to recruit, equip, and put into the
field a battalion it seems as though three
months should be enough to raise the money
and the men necessary to support and COM
pose a battalion in the cause of the Church.
1t is true that in 1864 thousands of dollars
were offered as bounty to patriotism
now, the sole inducement will be an Old
Mans blessing and a crown of eternal glory
in Heaven.