Gilpin observer., 1912-03-21


ers whilst admitting his real exist
| ence in this world of ours at the
same time deny that he was a
Cathoiic.
In answer to these opinions can
only say that IL St, Patrick mever
existed as some contend, then surely
he was and is today the greatest no
body that ever lived. For to his
memory, more tribute and honor has
been paid by people OF all times
than perhaps to any other great char
acter the world has ever known.
Furthermore, If the Great Apostle Of
Ireland was not Papist, or a Cath
olic properly speaking, then surely
he raised fine family of them and
l fer one would be perfectly willing
to have great many more such nom
Catholic leaders provided they would
accomplish the same results.
One marvels at the wonderful re-
suits accomplished by st. Patrick dur
ing the so years OF his apostolate
amongst the Irish people. They ac-
cepted the faith and teachings of
Jesus Christ from him, as a people
with willing and earnest hearts and
labors amongst them, was a drop of
blood shed in bringing to them the
light of Gods trust
st. Patrick built 1865 churches in
different parts of the Emerald Isle
and in the course of his labors as
a missionary ordained 5000 priests
baptised 10000 souls and restored life
miraculously to sixty persons. Schools
colleges and monasteries were es-
tablished everywhere whose teachers
were so famed for their learning and
sanct.ty that the land CT Erin re-
ceived the appellation of the 'Island
OF Saints and of scholars" From all
parts Of Europe, people seeking
scholarship came to Clonfert, Clon-
macnoise, Bangor, Armagh and scores
of other schools where well recog
nized teachers dispensed learning,
which in those days could not be
had elsewhere. The great teachers in
those schools are today venerated
Saints in Gods Church. A Saint
ColCmkille, and ST. Bridget are
types of the learned and sanctified
men and women who not only as
teachers but also as leaders Played
most prominent part in the devel-
opment of the great monastic system
who afterward went through Europe
teaching the Gospel OF Jesus Christ
and establishing schools and moncst-
cries, out of which at later date
grew the universities.
Ireland since the days of st. Pat
rick aud st. Columkille has been a
missionary sending forth thousands
of her noblest sons and daughters
into all parts of the known universe
to bring the teachings and message of
Christ and Him crucified to men. AS
race then We are proud of our rec
ord both as Celts and as Christians.
AS race it has been well said that
it never wronged a weaker one or
feared a stronger one. Though for
seven centuries at the absolute mer-
cy of a powerful alien government,
it has never failed to protest against
injustice and outright tyranny. AS
Christian PEOPLE it can trace its
lineage in an unbroken line Of faith
back through fifteen centuries. And
no Just accusation Of infide!!ty to
the Gospel preached by st. Patrick
can be brought against them. Her
sons and daughters have gone forth
as missionaries say and as adopted
sons and daughters, exiles to other
climes and everywhere they have
borne with them, as a race, a love
for the Cross and the Shamrock
the twin loves of the human heart,
love CT God and their native land.
Their religious influence has been
characterized by an unflinching 10y
atty and undying devotion to the faith
St. Patrick brought them, the teach
ings Of the Roman Catholic Church.
They have always moreover, dis.
played in their national characteris'
tics, spirit Of opposition to mater
ialism and ever been found on the
side of those who stood for the
highest principles of justice. good
government, law and order. And in
the same manner as they have been
loyal and true to the faith Of their
fathers and Great Leader St. Pat
rick; in the same way they have al
ways given unreservedly the bes'
love Of their hearts to the land o.
their adoption and have never failed