The Irish standard., 1907-06-08

mas much occasion for pride in the
record made by her sons upon the bat
tlefields of the Civil War. She finds
greater cause for exultation, however,
IN the fact that in our educational
progress she. lead. all of her sister
states: and when this structure shall
finally rear her proud spires and dome
heavenward., and shall shed radiance
over the great Father of Waters, it
will ever remind us and the countless
generations which are to come that
there are some things which are eter-
nal and do not fade away. and that
among these are the religious institute
tions which have contributed so much
to the uplift of humanity
| Senator Moses f. Clapp. represent
ing the country at large, made a short
address. He said
| LAS it was the vivifying spirit Of
Christianity which awakened man to
| that recognition of his rights which
found fruttion in free government. so
1t is the spirit of Christianity which
must Keep alive that sense of duty
which in the function of citizenship
we call patriotism. but which in its
last analysis is mans recognition of
his obligation to his fellow. which is
essential to- the welfare and perma-
nency of free government itself.
View the subject, then, as we may,
morals, ideals, sense Of duty and will
llngness to serve mankind-the essen
tials of citizenship. historically and
presentiy-haye been and are INSOFAR
ably interviewer with the Christian re-
llg'on. Thus related to the develop
ment of the highest in citizenship. we
cannot overestimate it's influence over
the character of our people and the
spirit of our institutions. 1t is thus
fortunate, indeed, that as a nation the
great truths of Christianity are ever
deepening their hold upon the hearts
Of our people.
This occasion is one of civic as we'll
as religious interest. How fitting. then
that we should gather here, without
regard to creed. to participate in these
services! We may we'll rejoice in that
growth and strength of religious spirit
which is manifested in this great UNI
dertaking. while. those whose devotion
al zeal shall rear this structure NAV
justly regard it with special emotion
and feel in. i. a special interest. and
the influence of that spirit which dedi-
Gates another temple to the worship
of God becomes a common heritage"
The last speech of the afternoon was
made by Judge w. L. Kelly of the dis
trict court. He represented the Cath
olic laity and made an address emil
nently fitting as coming from a rep e.
sentative member of the Catholic
church. He said:
My duty. teildw Catholic 1aymen,
is to try to talk to you. This is our
day of jubilee! Looking over this vast
throng-at least eight legions of Cath
Ollie laymen--1 am sure that when one
lays his hand on st. Paul today he
must feel the heart Of this archdiocese
throb responsive to the touch.
Fellow laynen. you need neither
advocate nor orator. This MAGNIFICENT
gathering OF earnest men: these clear,
eager, generous faces. aglow with
faith and hope: as they crowd about
the central figure at this ceremony-I
our teacher. our leader our friend, the
archbishop Of ST. Paul--furnish the
real inspiration. speak the real eIo-
quence. present the real proofs of re-
sistless power
This Cathedral will. after all. have
it's chief Importance. not from it's mas
sive walls. not from it's sky-pointed
domes, not from it's imposing exterior
or splendid setting. but from tn, fact.
first in Importance (but shared with
the humhest rhapeD that the ho!-
sacrifice will be daily offered there,
and from the special distinction THAI
within it stands the teaching chair of
a bishop of Gods church.
This is all as simple to us as the
little ratechism. hut to grasp it's vast
meaning the mind must sweep from
Calvary. in the thirty-third year oil
Christ. to the catacombs in Rome, and
from the catacombs of st. Paul. in
Minnesota, the first decade of the
twentieth century. 1t begins with St
Peter and extends unbroken to Plus
x. 1t will exist until the end
When falls the Coliseum Rome will
fall, and when Rome Falls. the world.
This was written of the material
temple and the material city. but to
the spiritual life. centered at the vati-
can. 1t has apter application.
Mr.. Emerson wrote truly when he
spoke of an overpowering faith. IT.
was just such faith that promnted