Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-12
FATHER KARAM's JUBILEE.
Editor of Transcript Pays Him a
 Glowing Tribute.

The Rev Michael A. Karam's silver jubilee in the priesthood is calling forth from the Italian Catholics of Waterbury expressions of heartfelt congratulation. The keen eyes of the faithful of other nationalities long since discerned in the jubilarian the qualities that proclaim the real apostle. Nor is it surprising that among the felicitations that have reached the central figure in these rejoicings should come a message from Plus x, who, while patriarch of Venice, was proud to number Father Karam amongst his most devoted priests.
 Those who know him we'll realize that the pastor of the parish. of Our Lady of Lourdes has not courted the plaudits of men. Modesty is so much a part of the makeup of the man that commendation on an occasion like the present becomes no easy task.
 Nine years ago emigrants from Italy were pouring into Waterbury. In the new conditions that confronted them there was special need of shepherd who knew their customs, their characteristics and their mother tongue. They were indeed scattered flock and apt to stray into strange and forbidden pastures Prudence, vigil lance and consuming zeal were de- manded of the pastor who undertook to lead them. Providentially. as we believe, there then came to the di- ocese of Hartford one who had rem dered notable service in Mantua and in Venice. For eleven years he had made fine studies under the Pa triarch of Jerusalem. He had spent fifteen years in his native Nazareth consecrated by the youth and early manhood of the Master whose love he drank in with every wind that blew across those blessed hills.
 With heart steeped in such ten- der associations and a mind stored with the learning of the schools, with an experience gleaned in the very fields from which his new people came, Father Karam began his min- istry in Waterbury. A commodious parish school and convent there tes- tify to the success of his labors. A stately edifice now being built will, when completed. be the fitting crown to Father Karam's pastorate in Wat erbury. The visible monuments of his zeal are not, however. compar- able with the triumphs he has won in other spheres of action. He has made his the model Italian parish of the diocese. In the magnificent att tendance of his people at mass on Sunday and holidays of obligation, in their reception of the sacraments. in their loyalty 10 the church the ven- erable jubilarian finds to-day his joy and consolation. For almost a de- cade he has lived like another Cure of ATS. dividing his hours between the confessional, the pulpit. the altar and the sick chamber. And throughout 1t all he has been content with a mere plttance. preferring to be the least among his brethern. if thereby he could win another soul to Cod or further enhance the beauty Of His tabernacle with men.
 Father Raram's eonfreres in the priesthood revere him for his algolute self-sacrifice. his genuine humility. his skill as an administrator. his deep spirituality. his thorough devotion to duty. His people reverence him. Sterling priest that he Is. reviewing his twenty-five years in the sacer- dotal ofiee and noting how singular ly fruitful has been his mission. clergy and laity unite in the cordial wish ''Sic Semper Floreat." May He Ever Flourish Thus"