The Irish standard., 1902-02-01
RT. REV. BISHOP McFAUL.
National Officers OF A. o. H. Return
Thanks.


Thanks.
The national officers of the Ancient
Order of Hibernians in recognition
of the valuable services rendered the
society by Rt. Rev. Bishop McFaul of
Trenton, have adddessed to him let
ter of thanks. 1t was presented to
the Rt. Rev. Bishop by Hon. John I.
Kcating, National President; Hon.
James P. Bree, National Secretary,
and Patrick O'Neill of Philadelphia,
National Director of the Ancient
Order of Hibernians. The presenta-
ton took place at the Bishops resi-
dence in Trenton. where the officers
were most cordially welcomed by the
right reverend gentleman. The ad.
dress was presented on behalf of the
order as token Of gratitude to
Bishop McFaul for his noble efforts in
the past in the cause of unity in the
ranks Of the organization. National
president Keating made the prescnta-
tion speech, which was brief, and the
Bishop responded, after which he
presented each of the officers with
his photograph as n souvenir Of the
happy occasion. The address. a CODY
of which appears below, is very
beautiful as well as unique and in-
teresting gift.
10 the Rt. Rev. James A. McFaul,
Bishop Of Trenton, From the United
Ancient Order of Hibernians in
America:
Right Reverend and Dear Sir:
"Wllen the page of Ireland's history
was written in blood; when the story
of Ireland's people was laden with
sorrow; when the hopes for Ireland's
future were dim; when all others had
deemed Ireland's cause lost and
broken in those hours of sadness the
true friend Of a suffering people, the
staunch defender of the weak against
the strong, the unselfish champion Of
n wronged nation was the faithful
the true, the noble Irish priest.
1--WE look back with loving pride
over the long years priest and people
have journeyed, toiled and prayed to-
gether, and dwell with affectionate
remembrance on the long history of
gentle kindness which was the sole
gleam of sunlight that pierced the
darkness of penal days. We recall
with fond regard the devoted and un-
tiring zeal Of the Irish missionary
following his flock over seas and con-
tinents.
Eyes, all the great, If sad, story of
the past inspires us with feelings of
affection for the "Soggarth Aroon"
who ever remained steadfast to his
people. We turn from contempla-
tive gratitude of our priests labors
in the past to you, our guide and ben
factor Of the present. For years,
Rt. Rev. Bishop, our ranks We're di-
vided by factions; errors kept our peo-
pie apart and quarrels rendered them
powerless.
"Our great society, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, for many years
had labored for our exiled people, but,
alas, under two heads. The hearts Of
all true lovers of Ireland's freedom
were uplifted in prayer that some
power would join the severed links Of
fraternity.
"At last, under the guidance Of
wise leaders, we came to you and be-
sought you to assist us in the great
work of uniting our severed ranks.
Your splendid efforts and noble self
sacrifice accomplished what all hoped
for, and with your blessing the
brothers of the Ancient Order of Hi
bernlans Joined hands and hearts in a
union we are confident will be per-
petual.
'sIn the name of the reunited order,
we thank you, Rt Rev. Bishop, for
your noble zeal and successful work
in our behalf. AS our society pro-