Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-01
CARDINAL GIBBONS PROCLAMATION
Catholic Church to Celebrate the Discovery
OF Columbus.

Catholic Church to Celebrate the Discovery
OF Columbus.
Cardinal Gibbons has issued the following
proclamation, which win be read from all the
pulpits Of the archdiocese on the second Sum
day in September, regarding the Columbian
celebration in October:
Attention in various ways has been already
called to the approaching Columbian celebration
in October next, when it is thus proposed to
commemorate the fourth century of the die
covery on this vast country of ours No one
can well avoid entering heart and soul into
these festivities.
As patriotic citizens Of this most glorious and
free of the republics and governments Of the
new world we can most readily appreciate the
! benefits that have, from the discovery. accrued
to the civilization and betterment of the human
family. Her liberty, SO long enthralled beyond
the seas, has found a congenisl home. Here
has been afforded the spectacle of q nation
which enjoys freedom without license and
authority without despotism the purest democ-
and happiness as far, perhaps. as is attainable
on earth, result from most favorable conditions
Climate, SOIL vegetation and mineral products
found in almost endless variety and profusion,
| all conspire to make our country the most de-
sirable in the world.
Nor can we forget to note with love for our
religion as strong and true as that for our
country, The magnificent expansion il has been
pleased to grant the church. and how sturdily
and how beautifully this flower of Christian
faith has grown, untrammeed under the benign
influence of our republican institutions. At the
birth of this continent on the world vision our
fathers came bearing the cross of Christ and
the torch Of enlightenment, waving the banner
OF liberty and sowing the seeds OF commerce
and religion.
In the civilization Of the country and in the
perpetuation of the benefits they have taken
prominent and decisive part, and have joined
hand and heart with their fellow citizens ire
spective of creed. They have aided in explor-
ing and in colonizing it and in developing its re-
sources. They have spent their life's energies
toward Its prosperity, and many their life
blood in defense of its liberties.
Moreover. the glory of the discovery is our
glory. He was born and reared in the Catholic
faith. which he illuminated by his virtues and
ornamented by his interchangeable zeal and
conspicuous intellect.
As Christian Europe gave praise to God when
this continent was revealed to her. now 1t is
meet that Christian America. whose children
are the chief benefciariss Of the discovery,
should commemorate the 400th anniversary Of
the event by hymns Of Thanksgiving and pub
lie festivities. And as ours is the most favored
nation Of the American continent. it should be
our privilege as well as our duty to set a gener-
GUS example of enthusiasm to our sister COM
monwealths. and to surpass them as much by
our religious and civic demonstrations az we
excel them in wealth and material prosperity.
Awaiting ourselves of the option of dates left
us by the Holy Father we order that on Sun
day, October 16 the mass of the blessed trinity
be solemnly celebrated in the cathedral, with
sermon appropriate to the occasion, the divine
service to conclude with tie deum in thanks
giving to God Of the blessings are to COM
memorate. We request also that on the same
day similar services be held rs far as practical
Bile in all the churches of the archdiocese.
Finally. that we may be in hearty accord with
the President, who has appointed the 2lst as
the national holiday. We desire that each parish
do its utmost to have a creditable display in the
grand procession which will take place on the
night of this latter date. We are confident that
both the reverend clergy and the laity will cor
respond with wishes and our hopes. and in
spirit Of deep patriotism and Of heartfelt
gratitude to the All-good and All-wise will cele-
brate the day in a manner worthy of their faith
and of their devotion to their beloved country