The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-21
LEO'S INTEREST IN AMERICA.
Father A. r. DOyie's Memorable Meeting
with the Pope.

The Rev. A. p Doyle of the Paulst
fathers, speaking yesterday of Pope Leo
KILLS interest in the Catholic Church in
America. said;
My keenest remsmbrances of Leo Kill
are of an audience had with him in 1855
II was in his own suite Of rooms. There
were present Mgr. Kirby, the rector Of the
Irish College, who was a classmate of the
Holy Father; a Bishop from Ireland and
myself. After transacting some business
of interest with the Bishop he turned to
me. and when he learned that | was an
American he paid his customary compli-
ment to America and the American people
"In all this there was no mere formal
passing ofcompliments, He was profoundly
impressed with the youth and vigor OF the
new people in the Western world, and more
than once did he emphasize his hope for
the Church in the United States.
when he learned that was not only
an American. but a Paulist, his eyes seemed
to kindle with renewed interest. He
knew Of the Pauliste as a religious COM
munity that was organized by converts
from Professionalism. and. while in no sense
confined TO converts. yet had for its mis-
sion the exposition of Catholic truth to non
Catholics. He came close to me and put
his arms about my neck in a most fatherly
way and not saying word for some mo-
ments his look seemed to penetrate the
future. Then he said: 'Paulists-Amerca-
converts az though he saw a prophetic
vision.
Yes he said: many minds freed from
the prejudces of a bringing up that was
hostile to the Church will eagerly seek the
truth and love it with all their hearts. 1t
will be your duty to present the teachings
OF the Church TO all those who know her
not
And in other words Of similar import
he looked forward to great return to tho
old mother Church of thousands Of tho
AnGlo-Saxon people.
THE organized mission movement in
America. which has for its chief purpose
the preaching Of missions to non-Catholcs.
received it's impetus from Leo XIII. When
1t was in its beginnings, about the time OF
the Columbian Exposition, Leo wrote 10
Cardinal Satolli. then Apostolic Delegate:
While We consider 1t incumbent upon our
apostolic office. venerable brother. TO bring
this TO your attention. We are also pleased
10 promote by our recommendations tha
practice of the Psust fathers, who prudentlv
think At TO speak publicly to our dissenting
brethren, both in order to explain Catholic
doctrines and to answer any objection against
such doctrines.
III every Bishop in his own diocese vii
promote this practice and a frequent at
tendance at these sermons IL will be very
= LII
adent that not a small benefit for the welfare
Of souls will arise therefrom.
1T was these words that smoothed away
all obstacles from the path of the new en-
terprise. They silenced the objections Of
narrow minded people, who desired TO con
fine the activities of the Church to the old
grooves, and they made friends for the
missions to non-Catholics in places where
friends were valuable
And since those days Of a decade sso
Leo has watched with eager interest IBIS
work. The Spanish war came and the
American spirit and valor We're pressed IN
the front. and not a few enemies we're made
among the peoples Of the Old World, but
the great work went on serenely and $40
cessfully. 1t had Leo Kill. behind It
When the Holy Father wrote hls reply
to the address of Bishops i'll this country
on the occasion Of his recent jubilee ~
took particular care TO mention this non
Catholic mission movement which he haa
fostered so carefully, as one Of the Erea'
causes of the progress Of the Church IN 'hs
United States. He said to tho Bishops
To tho intent Of nstrucling and draTTns
Nhn trNtNh AZ ~
wisely chosen learned and worthy men amoHs
the clergy who traverse every region ,aH4
publicly in the churches and elsewhere hor
as il n familiar conversation and tss"r'
the objections advanced, q thorough e',
cellent institution indeed and ono "N'h'
abundant results have proceeded
There was no project closer To his hNei,
than this, and there il none in which h'
encouragement has produced more. ao'"'
dant results"
rakirs Right on Time with souvenirs