The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1910-07-02
OUR MISSIONARIES.

OUR MISSIONARIES.
Contrast Is perhaps the most effec-
tive method of presenting an idea. We
never think of the value of q hand or
an eye until we are brought into con-
tact with those who have suffered such
a loss. And we who live within easy
access of a church never think of how
fortunate we are until we read the
accounts which missionaries give of
their lives among savage people. The
July number of Catholic Missions has
many interesting accounts given by
missionaries in Africa, China and 9TH
er lands. Father Allier, writing from
Africa says The mission station
founded amid many trials six years
ago already has consoling number
of baptized Catholics and catechumens.
Our little church, however, is only a
mud-walled cabin rooted with old zinc
and the building is falling to ruin. The
roof leaks so badly that when the day
is rainy, the native boy who serves
my Mass has to hold an umbrella over
my head during the celebration of the
Holy Sacrifice"
Father Louipas who was murdered
very recently in Africa wrote a let
ter as full of optimism as of hardships.
He said: Three weeks ago cholera
broke out here, in the vicinity Of
Ruaza Mission, South Nyanza, Equa-
torial Africa, and from that time I'M
til the present thirty-four of our
Christians in the immediate neighbor-
hood of the mission house have died Of
the awful disease. The terrible WISH
tation has not, however, been without
its consultations. All those victims of
the scourge received the last sacra-
ments, and, in their dying moments
evinced a faith and resignation that
gave much edifcation."
An amusing superstition of the Tan
Camilla negroes is related by Father
Duchene: Twins are supposed to pos
sess the strange power of sorcery, and
to be capable of injuring themselves
at a very early age. From the time
they are able to walk, great care s.
taken to prevent them from becoming
jealous Of each other. They are treat
+; ed as much alike as possible, and
their food is invariably Of the same
quality. If one performs meritori-
GUS action, both are rewarded, on the
other hand, If one is guilty of fault
both are punished"
Bishop Augouard writing from West
Africa relates some interesting stories
of cannibal life. Betou, the chief Of
the tribe. attempted the life of Father
Allaire and afterward regretting his
act wanted to enter into a peaceful
alliance with the Bishop. When told
| by the Bishop that man was not per-
mitted to kill and devour his fellow
man Betou replied, II know, I know.
Still human flesh is very tender. To
eat flesh that speaks, surely that is a
great honor" The savage then put
his hands on the Bishops shoulder
and turning to those around him. re-
parked, 1.-THE flesh of the White Chief
would taste we'll with our bananas"
| Our missionaries are doing Jealous
work in many different fields. In Japan
schools are being established and
Catholic publications are being circu-
lated. In the Philippines missionaries
are experiencing difficulties and yet
they are making progress in building
up churches and educating the ma
tives. In China the people are so dense
and superstitious that the work Of
Outstanding them Is a most dif1icult
task.
Those who are carrying on this
great work must endure hardships and
risk their lives in order to spread the
light of the Gospel in foreign lands.
They need our support and any aid
that is given to the Society for the
Propagation of the Faith surely IS
money we'll invested.
Early Irish Scholarship.