The Irish standard., 1904-01-23

customs and habits that bound tn,
past with present was in danger of be
ing broken asunder. On the othel
hand, new relations were springing up
new necessities felt; new horizon hae
dawned, the people came in touch witt
the outer and larger world and the
bonds OF isolation were snapped anc
destroyed forever. Woe to the prizes,
who, in such circumstances, depends
! on local customs to preserve religious
traditions! His work is vain, the
country is lost! Then it is that he
must arise and become pastor in a
manner more intense, SO to speak, and
act as the living soul OF the parish
active here, there, everywhere and al
ways.
The young curate took in the situa-
ton at one glance. He lost no time
i'll calculating and rejecting; he SIM
ply gave himself.
Every family in the village was Wis
lted-brlef visits, animated by win
ming jovialty, and-where there was
need OF it--proftabe to the extent OF
small aims syly given, to relieve
case OF worthy Indulgence. Then he
would be off with parting witticisrn,
lighter i'll pocket, but richer in a
healthy and frank popularity.
That was his characteristic; broad in
his sy1npat,ies, the idol OF his people,
who soon gave him the name OF Don
Bepi (mcaning, little Father Joseph),
he retained, however, with all his easy
and informal manners, the reserve and
dignity which made him respected bv
all and everywhere. He was often
seen with the children, taking part in
their games, and apparently enjoying
himself as much as they. Here it was
that he became alive to the peculiar
dangers to which young boys are ex-
posed when left to themselves. The
charity, too, that led him to help the
poor urged him to instruct the ignor-
ant, And the next thing he does is
to open night school. He divided
his pupils into several classes, secur-
ed number of co-laborcrs-for he
was an adept at prying out and stir
ring up latent gencrosity-and he kept
tor himself fine beginners. The SUR
PRISE was expressed at this singular
choice OF his, he replied that this work
belonged to him because it was the
hardest.
In the midst of his innumerable oc-
equations, the young curate neglected
none oil his regular duties. He pre-
pared with care his catechetical in
struction and his sermons, for Don
giuseppe Sarto preached often. Not
only did his pastor prophesy some
thing out OF the ordinary for his
young curate, but he urged him af-
fectionatcly to let himself out And
already the neighboring parishes we're
familiar with the young priests
preaching, which was remarkable for
its clearness and its vigor and simplic-
lty OF style. And it is said that be-
sides this he found time, while at
Tombola, to study, with view to
strengthen his preaching, the whole
dognatic part Of the Sunma of St.
Thomas work at once personal and
very extensive. His brilliant intel
lectual qualities, and above all his
Kindness and charity, won for him
love and generation that last to this
very day.
A venerable old man of Tombola re-
lated the following incident:
well" said he, chow could l ever
forget Don Bepi? One day, remem-
Der, l called on Don Bepi and said to
him: 4 have work in Verona and
must get there, have no money Can
you help me out of my troublc? Don
Bepl answered.: Neither have I any
money just now, but we will fix the
matter all right. Come with me-
Il went home with him. He led me
to the cellar There said he, is nv
winters supply OF corn. take half. I'll
keep the rest for myself.''
In November, 1864 Don Giuseppe
was named pastor of Salzano. This
parish enjoys something of repu-
tation in the diocese of Trevisa. AL
though the population is little more
than $500 souls, the faith and piety of
the people is such that two curates are
necessary o assist the pastor in the
work OF spiritual ministrations. And
none but priests OF high rank had ever
been chosen for the position. Until
Don Giuseppe came it had been I'm
heard of that any one was named pas
tor without the title Of archpriest. But
these explanations are unnecessary.
The population delighted in hearing
the word of God. Don Giuseppe Sarto
who had so we'll prepared himself at
Tombola-carred them away with his
eloquence. Lent came, and Don
Giuseppe preached it entire, alone.
The church was filled every day.
On Easter Sunday, after giving the
benediction OF the blessed sacrament,
Don Giuseppe was leaving the church
by the door in the rear through the