The Irish standard., 1904-12-24

The personality of the Apostolic
Delegate to the Philippines is sure to
he of interest to all Americans. Arch
bishop Agius, o. S. b., is of Maltese
and was born in Alexandria,
Egypt, somewhat more than forty
years ago. At the age Of twelve he
moved to England and entered the
Order OF Saint Benedict. After his or
dnatiOn he was sent by his superiors
to found II Benedictine house in Malta.
Some twelve years ago he was made
Frocurator General of his Order and
since that time has had his residence
in Rome. While there lie was fav-
orite preacher and confessor in the
English and American colonies. The
duties of his Office, too, brought him in
close contact with the Roman curia
and occasioncd many visits to the
Pope. 1t was during these interviews
that the Holy Father came. to rccog-
nizc and esteem the piety, zeal and
practical wisdom together with the
many other admirable qualities of
MOnSignOr Agius that so well recon-
mend him for the difficult mission on
which he is now sent. In person the
Apostolic Delegate is of somewhat
less than medium stature, though of
wcll-sct frame, with smiling benevo-
lcncc Of countcnancc and charming
simplicity of manner. He is now on
his way to the Philippines and, stop
ping at places of interest in this
country, he made Il visit to Notre
Dame.
a reception was given to Monsignor
in the University opera house on the
eve of the Feast of the immaculate
Conception. After a musical program
and an address of welcome read on
behalf of the students by Mr.. Lyons,
of the law class, the archbishop nd-
dressed the assembly in one of the
most interesting diScourscs ii has ever
been their fortune to listen to- Mgr.
Agius referred to his address as mot
a discourse, only Il familiar talk" Fa-
mliHr and confidential and altogether
delightful it was, indeed but il Ills
EXccllcncy meant to apologize for its
uualty-thcrc was not one of the more
than 100 students who hung upon his
words for more than an hour but was
his devoted friend and admircr when
he had finished.
In opening, the Apostolic Delegate
referred pleasantly to the satisfaction
he felt in being able to address tho
students in English, coming, as he did
direct from Rome. lie further ex.
pressed gratitude for the cordiality and
Spcndor of his reception and paid
tribute to what he called "thc wonder
full way Americans have Of meeting /;
stranger and making him feel per
fcctly at home" Early in his address
Mgr. Agius appealed to the students
of the University to 80 to the Philip
pines as teachers and professional
on, but he took great pains to en-
phasize the fact that they must 20 as
peaceful emissaries not as soldiers.
"As you say, am going to the Philip
pines to undertake great work. l an
going to work under the American
flag, in the name Of the church; but
it is not sufficient to have your con
lidencc: want likewise your support
No doubt l see amongst you young
men growing up who may later come
to the Philippines; and l want theil
support. Some may come out as law
ycrs-and they will be necessary
there; some may come as engineers
many l hope will come as teachers
some perhaps in the army. But let me
say to those that come in the army moi
to bring arms and ammunition will
them: we want no more guns and gun
powder in the Philippines. The doors
of the Delegation will be always opcr
to them; but they must come as
friends, not as fighters. The program
that 1 bring with me from Rome il
pcacc-the motto of our Order-writ
ten in large letters in our monasterie:
-paX--peace to all; and this is my
J program"