The Irish standard., 1913-05-24
GREAT INTEREST
MANIFESTED
In the Proposed National Shrine Of
the immaculate Con-
eeption.

The Catholic women OF the United
States are taking a very lively inter-
est in the National Shrine OF the
Immaculate Conception that it is pro-
posed to build on the grounds Of the
Catholic University. Large associa-
tions have been already formed at
Washington, New York and Balti-
more under the name Of the National
Organization of Catholic Women, for
the purpose of building to the honor
of Mary Immaculate a most beautiful
shrine at the National Capital. AL
ready ten thousand dollars have been
contributed, mostly in small sums,
from ten cents to a dollar, and it
seems certain that by a nationwide
participation the holy enterprise will
be successful. From one lady. who
desires to remain anonymous, was
received a contribution of five hun
dred dollars. Many OF the letters con-
cerning the Shrine betray great JOY
that public monument Of this ma
ture should be built al Washington
in honor of the Immaculate Concep-
tion, to which not only the Univer-
slty but the whole Catholic people
are soternnly icohsecrated.' Many
bishops and priests have signified
their cordial approval. and from some
parishes have already been sent in
modest contributions, the voluntary
Offering Of priests and people.
The great Shrines of Our Lady in
Europe, described by Canon North
cote in his "Celebrated Sanctuaries of
the Madonna" we're due to popular
enthusiasm for the Mother Of Jesus
Christ, and in their construction
brought out a multitude of virtues.
while they fed habitually the faith
| and hope of entire nations. Whoever
has seen the touching scenes in the
| wonderful Shrine of Lourdes or in
,, that of Fourvieres at Lyons easily
| forecasts the influence for good that
a lovely Shrine Of Our Beloved Moth
er at Washington would exercise.
| In her own great and beautiful
shrine we may hope to experience a
very special outpourng Of those
graces that her Divine Son never fails
/ TO grant at tho request OF His Mother.
Amid the splendors of architecture.
! painting and sculpture, the voice of
this holy shrine will one day he heard,
! through orator and musician, in ev-
/ cry part of our broad land. Indeed,
every part of the church will be
made to declare the honor and glory
of Mary Immaculate, proclaim her
! praise and her merits, and invoke her
intercourse and succor. The sanct-
'ty and the goodness Of Mary will find
/ in this monumental church broad
! spaces on which, in many charming
ways their influence will be exhibited,
while the ingenuity of love will surely
add new features distinctive of this
| shrine above all others.
Contributions to the National
Shrine may be made in any sums
from ten cents upwards. and may be
sent to Miss Fannie Whelan 1717
Goth ST., ~ W., Washington. D. c.;
Mrs. F. b. Hoffman, SO East 10th St..
New York City, or to the Rector Of
the University Collectors can obtain
from the aforementioned ladies, books
Of ten dollars or one hundred dollars,
and it is hoped that many will vol
unfairly solicit the honor of aiding
in the creation Of the National Shrine.
! The names of deceased relatives or
friends may be inscribed, and the
holy sacrifice of the Mass is offered
OH Mondays and Saturdays for all
benefactors.