The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1913-08-28
GROWTH OF THE MUSTARD SEED.


Just as in the life of each individual,
30 also in the history of every commu-
ity, there are epoch-making days.
Such q day came to st. Patrick's par
ish, Maple Grove last Sunday, Aug. "a,
when transpired the greatest event in
its history. For many long years have
the people of this parish looked hope
fully forward to the time when their
grounds would be graced by school
building in keeping with their church
and rectory.
What wonder then that with yelling
hearts they gathered about their below
ed Bishop who honered them by CON-
ing in person to bless their new school
and dedicate it to God Their euthu-
siasm was caught up by friends ard
neighbors to such an extent that the
church was filled to overlooking. ASS
listing the Rt. Rev. Bishop in the dedi-
cation were about ten clergymen from
the vicinity, and Mgr. Seubert, phone.
err pastor Of the parish, and Rev. w.
Fitzmaurice, who was the orator of the
day.
At the high Mass the congregation
had the pleasure of hearing the Rt.
Rev. Bishop himself who took for his
text the closing words of the days ep-
istle: Therefore, whilst we have
time, let US work good to all men, but
especially to those who are of the
household of the faith" With much
warmth his Lordship spoke of the good
work done by the parish in the past
and showed how the magnificent school
building was the browning act, it being
a greater evidence of their faith than
even the beautiful church; for through
the school the household of the faith is
perpetuated.
Following the dedication, which took
place in the afternoon, came that per-
iod of breathless stiffness in the church,
which always signifies that the multi
tude expect something worth while lis
tening to. Nor was this multitude dis
appointed. In eloquent terms Father
Fitzmaurice reminded his hearers that
they were Catholics, that they had re-
ceived the faith as glorious heritage
from their Irish ancestors; that Maple
Grove was but one small part of that
whole world into which the Irish had
gone and carried with them the faith
and the love for learning bequeathed to
them by the second greatest saint in
heaven; that from the beginning of St.
Patricks work in Ireland education
went hand in hand with religion, earn
ings for the country the title of elsie
of Saints and of Scholars" even in the
lifetime of their patron saint. With
the skill OF an able pedagogue, Father
Fitzmaurice explained the meaning of
the term education, and showed the
difference in principles and results of
the two systems of education-Catholic
and non-sectarian. Next came a fine
tribute to the parish, followed by an
earnest and powerful appeal to the PEG.
pie for their moral support so necessary
to the success of the Catholic school in
is working. After services our es-
teemed friend was bombarded with
men and women who wished to shake
hands with him, or to tell him how per-
fectly they agreed with every word he
said.
Perhaps the most touching incident
of the days ceremonies was the pres
ence of Mgr. Schubert in the sanctuary.
There were few in the church who
were able to restrain tear when the
venerable old man arose and related
how, with the aid of the sainted men
and women sleeping in the neighboring
cemetery, he had planted the mustard
seed of Catholic education in Maple
Grove by putting up the first little
frame school house there some forty
years ago, and what priestly pride and
consolation he now feels in that small
beginning.
The ceremonies closed with solemn
Benediction with the Blessed Sacra-
ment given by the Rt. Rev. Bishop.
~