The San Francisco call., 1909-12-19
Especial Dispatch 10 The Call

NEW YORK. Dec. 1S.-Francis Quan
of California has, ri the request of
Archbishop Christie, written pleasing
description of a recent visit TO the
monastery of Our Lady of Jordan, es-
tablished in Oregon by Trappist monks
from France.
He said that these monks have set
tied down in the beautiful valley of the
Jordan, Linn county, Oregon. They
have cultivated 400 acres ofgland, be-
sides. caring for a parish and for sew
eral outside missions.
He declared that they were perfect
democracy. The most unlettered lay
brother sits down to table with the
mitered abbot, the man of genius and
high birth. He continued: II was
amazed to see the abbot working a
sewing machine, putting a patch on a
lay brothers habit. / was told it is no
uncommon thing to see him serrbbfng
the floors in his turn. And. mind you.
this abbot belongs to a grand family
in France. He is a mitered and ero-
siered prelate Of dhe church, and can
confer minor orders on his subjects.
Let no one tell me any more fairy
tales about the Trappists,'' he contin-
ued They don't dig part OF their
grave every day, but they prepare for
death every day, and every moment.
They never eat meat. but look at their
rosy cheeks and healthy gait. and per-
feet ease in the performance of hard
manual labor They are robust on veg
etable food. A few weeks spent here
would incline one to become a vegeta-
rian.~
The monks in this community are as
yet very poor. The infdel government
of Paris took from them their beautiful
possessions in Fontgombault, France
and they began in oregon with moth
ing, and are struggling hard to pay
their debts. Although here only a few
years, they have already done wonders.
II Is their Intention 10 make this new
home the great Trappist Cistercian
center Of the far west, whittier untold
numbers viii come TO live with God for
few days in retreat. or to make a pill
grimage TO the shrine of Our Lady of
Jordan.
The Trappists make a speciality of
receiving men for retreat. Such men
are housed and fed on the best mate
rally: but who can tell the important
landmark retreat in Trappist mon
astery makes in their lives!
In Mount Melleray, ireland. five
priests hear confessions every day in
the secular church for visitors. There
IS a continual pilgrimage thither from
all parts OF the world. To establish
such place in Oregon IS Mount Mel
leray is in ireland is the wish OF
Archbishop Christie
Guam declares emphatically: i know
the life Of Jesuit, a Franciscan.
Dominican, Christian Brother
and l must say that the life
OF a Trappist is easier and more peace
ful. Strenuous parish work, preach
ing, teaching and the rush and hurry
OF the busy world are far more wear
ing on the human frame than is the
sweet tranquil life of the Trappist
here in the foothills of the Cascades" :"
The question of supplying the
spiritual needs of 100000 Catholic
Ruthenians in the Canadian northwest
is a vital issue for the Catholics of
that region, and it was very seriously
discussed at the first plenary council
of Canada, just closed. 1t is under
stood that the bishops pledged them
selves to contribute $4,000 a year for
10 years. 1S10-1920, for this purpose.
At the close OF the council the
fathers, a special mark OF their
esteem and gratitude, presented Mgr.
Sbarretti. the apostolic delegate who
had presided at the council, with a
purse OF 81 l.000, which he Immediately
turned over TO the archbishop of st.
Boniface 10 be used for the Ruthenian
mission, certainly a most opportune
and acceptable donation.
Ia connection with the movement to
raise a memorial to Father Corby on
the spot where he gave general abso-
luton to the members OF the Irish
brigade, just before they rushed to the
relief of General Sickles at Gettys
burg, it is interesting to note that the
flag OF this brigade, borne in so many
hard fought battles OF the civil war.
and III sight Of which thousands of
brave men laid down their lives, is
treasured possession OF the University
Of Notre Dame. Indiana. 1t was pre-
sented to the Grand Army post COM
posed of priests and brothers, founded
by Father Corby few years before
his death. the surviving veterans of
the brigade declaring that this precious
relic should be preserved where lived
the old chaplain who had loved and
long ministered TO the men that fought
beneath its folds.
Rev. John B. Tabb. the poet priest,
who died November 20 at St. Charles
college. Ellicott City, Md. entered the
confederate service during the civil
war and became captains clerk Of the
Robert L. Lee. one of the successful
blockade runners commanded by Lieu
tenant Wilkinson. In June, 1854. he
was captured and sent to Point Look
out, where he remained prisoner un-
til the following February.
Becoming a Catholic in September,
1872, he entered St. Charles college,
where he graduated. was ordained to
the priesthood and remained as one of
the faculty. becoming instructor in
English at that institution OF learning.
He was for many years contributor
OF poems to the current magazines.
About is months ago he was stricken
with blindness, but never lost his equa-
nimity nor that playfulness and joy
BUSINESS of spirit that were his chief