The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-09-14
THE LIFTED HAT.

LII the hurry ana DuSLl6 OF OQern
life we seldom find time to mark the
outward u~nassuming indications of
abiding faith in those we pass on the
street. BY some of a more observant
nature W. have occasionally been
asked why some men in passing a
church door raise their hats. 1t is a
significant tribute to the strong prac-
tical faith of those thorough-going
Catholics and a practice which must
be commended by all devout believers.
The daily recurrence of this act of
Faith inspired and prompted the fol
lowing beautiful poem by Mary Sars-
field entitled THE Lifted Hat"
We deplore the age of Treason" that
demands a human sign
To affirm the faith that sees not, yet
believes the Word Divine.
We denounce the world as goddess,
and bewail Christ's sighted love
But I think the Angels chide us as
they gaze from skies above
For a Church has been my neighbor,
and my outlook day by day
44oo OOCA LCdSulhS Lax CAC AOSSOA LAAoI
faith has not died away;
And my proof that modern Christians
keep the fervent souls of yore
Are the men whose hats are lifted as
they pass the church's door!
From the schoolboy with his satchel
to the old man with his cane,
From the rich man in his carriage, to
the tramp that all disdain;
From the coal carts smutty driver to
the youth in fashion neat;
From the postman on his circuit to
the officer on his beat;
From the child whose heart is spot
less to the man whom sins defle;
From the mourner bowed with sorrow
to the jester with his smile;
From the strong with life before him
to the weak whose span is DER
One and all lift hats in homage, as
they pass the church's door.
Now and then a boy looks shamefaced
and a blushing youth looks shy;
Here and there a man lags backward,
till his comrades have passed by
Or a timid hand is lower'd ere it gain
that hat brim's height,
For the laughter of the wording puts
the craven's faith to flight
Yet the grace of God suffices natures
cowardice to shame,
And the courage of conviction" is but
Honor's better name!
For the human loves the loyal, and
it's glory bides in store
For the men whose hats are lifted as
they pass the church's door!
o, I think reward turks even in the
revrent action done!
For the schoolboy's eyes are happy as
he passes on a run;
And the rich mans face is softer, and
the vagrant stands erect;
And the coal cart driver whistles, and
the dude gains self respect;
And the postman's step is lighter,
and the officer looks mild;
And the man of sin smiles gently on
the sinless little child;
And the sad and glad seem kindred,
who were aliens before;
And the strong n weak are brothers,
as they pass the church's door.
o surviving sign of worship, mute
acknowledgment of Christ,
Present on the mystic altar of the
Holy Eucharist!
By thy witness, Faith is victor; and
it's least and humblest sons
Are the noblest human heroes
C~hristianlife's immortal ones!
Blessed are the hands uplifted, be
they palms of king or slave!
Blessed are the manly forheads barred
and bowed in tribute brave!
Welcome to my Fathers mansions
Christ shall say, when life is DER,
To the men whose hats are lifted, as
they pass the church's door.