The Irish standard., 1913-07-12

cations which have had their birth in
the capital Of the nation, but we have
one which should be known from the
north to the south, and from the At
iantic to the Pacific. as it is probably
not only the largest body of men con-
nected with any one church in the
United States. but in the world.
This society is identified with Saint
Aloysius Church Zone Of the Oldest in
Misunderstanding founded in 1850,
and Is the Mems League of the Sacred
Heart, but commonly known as the
Third Sunday Brigade"
1t was founded In 1905, by Rev. Eu.
gene Del. Mcdonnell, Society of
Jesus, with a membership of forty
men, which has increased until now IL
reaches 2,025, which number, with
very few exceptions, receive commu.
MON every third Sunday of the month
It's wonderful to see the results oh.
tanned by one priest: by the adoption
OF a few simple methods.
In the first place, on the third Sun
day of each month, when these men
have their Mass, no one else is ad-
mitted, a Mass being provided in the
basement for the remainder of the
congregation desiring to attend early
service. The Thursday before the
Sunday they are to meet, a postal is
sent to each man, reminding him, NOT
of communion, but just to attend the
Mems Mass. Never once has com.
munion been mentioned to these men.
And these cards! Not the old ster-
eotyped expressions on them, but ev.
cry month is the most important one
of the year, andsthe one before Trim.
ity Sunday reads. My Dear Sir: Last
Call! Last Call! For Easter duty.
Trinity Sunday is next Sunday and
the last day on which you can make
your Easter duty. Be with us next
Sunday. Go out and bring the men
you know have not made their Easter
duty. I will look for you. Do not fail
to be there and bring your friends.
Yours very truly, E. Del. Melon
nell, S. ]. 's8Es,f
During the Mass several priests are
In the confessional, so no one can
lose an opportunity for receiving Holy
Communion. Hymns are printed espe-
cially for these men which they sing
during the service, a short practical
sermon is Iraaeheds and at the close
Of the Mass one OF the members re-
cite two or three prayers, with an
Ours,Father and. Hail Mary.
The only obligations on the men,
bers are to make the morning offer
Ing, and attend the Mems Mass on
Mems Sunday Every year there is
a retreat held. and every three years
a mission.
It's the most edifying sight to see
this large church filled to its very
doors with men-very few boys or
youths--but men. !. It can't be said
there are any high officials among
them, but Just big most of men from
the common walks OF life.
And the founder of this organization
Is Rev. Eugene del. Mcdonnell, of
the Society of Jesus, one Of the great
est workers in the Catholic Church
today-a priest who not ony conceives
great things, but accomplishes them.
AS preacher, he possesses good
voice, an effective pulpit presence.
and thoroughly confident manner.
His reasoning is clear, his logic is
simple, his bearing earnest and digni.
fed. With the stoutest loyalty to the
teachings of his Church, he couples a
personal sincerityE that enhances re-
spect for the preacher himself. The
fact is clearly revealed that his posi-
ton as a leader Of common men, as
well as a noted preacher, is due to no
accident Of opportunity or organiza-
ton, but to innate qualities of leader
ship possessed by the man.
When the Sunday for chs men" Gas
he calls them), rolls around, he is at
the door Of the church to greet them.
invariably breaches the sermon, and
at the entrance again to say kind
word as they leave the church.
When any special services are be-
ing held in Washington, as on the &C.
casion of the Field Mass, this full
Third Sunday Brigade marches; and
when Cardinal Gibbons celebrated his
golden jubilee, Father Mcdonnell
brought Is car loads to Baltimore in
trains in two sections each. This so
ciety will aflliate with the Holy
Name Society in the near future.
Father McDonnell had a large mart