The Morning herald., 1877-07-11
TO THE IRISH CATHOLIC BENEvo.
~g :" LENT UNION. "a" "'a1

1
September, the delegates to the Ninth Annu.l
Convention of the Irish Catholic Benevolent
Union will assemble in this city to legislate
for the common benefit of nearly four hum
dred affiliated societies, - -,
Although all political themes are forbid.
den topics among us, it can offend no preju-
dice to congratulate you upon the happy
circumstance that we meet in the Capital
City of one of the belligerents in our late
Civil War, not only in period Of profound
peace, but in the first year of the complete
self-government of all the Commonwealth
of our country; with not only eur fag, but,
let us hope, our fraternity restored. r .t.4,
Alta moment when the dread footsteps, Of
war menaces the remainder of Christendom,
our happier condition, in this regard, must
be cause of peculiar rejoicing. . - ~,
We meet, also, in year of exceeding in
terest to every Catholic-the year of the
Episcopal Jubilee of the Holy Father, whose
life, M iarked by so many wonders, furnishes
none more surprising than the almost mis
raculo us vigor with which IT seems endowed
an endurance which, regardless of precs-,
dent and defylng prophecy, disappointing
the bate of foes and the fears of friends,
enable this Venerable Pontif, at period
when infrmity4 Of will, feebleness of body
and imbecility of mind, are the usual lol ef
man, to bear the burdens and discharge the
duties of his august Office with strenuous
energy, courage, wisdom and holy zeal
not unworthy the noblest in the list Of
Saints, and Martyrs, and Doctors, and Con-
fessors, who preceded him in his sacred
rust -I' .."" ut ..I.a. -. ,ts
We meet, also, in period Of happy au-
Jury for our Association. Never inits pre-.
vious history has 1t, in numbers or influence
cquallsd lis position at this moment; and
yet there is every reason to believe that IL IL
,uly on the threshold of Its career, and
tnat new fields Of usefulness will continu-
ally open 10 challenge its labors In the cause
of Catholic charity '"-
Under these circumstances, respectfully
summon the societies throughout the coun-
try to make every exertion that our next
gathering may, in Numbers and character,
prove worthy of the strength and imports
an:e Of "the Union" and OF the subjects
which will engage the attention of the con-
vention, .. ,....,. .............
The ratification of our arrangement with
the German Catholic Verein; the report of
our first endeavors in Coloniz, alton ; the pre-
sentation of new scheme of Life Insur-
ance, are among the more prominent and
interesting topics that will be presented.
They are all of great interest and demand
for their consideration the attention Of our,
wisest members. ..r q ,. Ia 49,,
In the discharge of the official iabors of
the convention, pleasant personal associa.
tions will be removed, the links that bind
us will be frightened and strengthened ia
the Interchange of friendly greetings, and q
new impulse will be given to that spirit Of
unity which, as 1t is one of the great marks
of the Church, should be one Of the most
distinguishing characteristics Of her child,
rem. ''-.'A H-'" p
venture, then, to indulge the hope that
our Richmond convention may answer these
wishes and expectations, and its proceed.
ings and results may do credit to the Union
may serve the holy cause of Benevolence,
and may do honor to our common Faith. .s
To effect these good ends, nothing IL
needed but the same interest, harmony and
good will which have ever distinguished
our meetings, and little self sacrifice on
the part of the constituent societies to en-
sure large and useful representation.
A. M. KELLEY,
President !. q. B. u.
RICHMOND, July 1st, 1877, NJ *ASC Il