The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-09-07

muck was interestingly told last night by Rev. Father Andrew Kornara, the pastor, at the silver anniversary of the church body. The discourse by the pastor, reviewing the struggle of a quarter of a century. told a story of self-denial and perseverance that was an object to the several hun dred present.
 Rev. John Kubasek. of Yonkers, also spoke, as did Mayor Clifford B. Wilson. There was concert pro- gram by the choir of the church.
 The address of Father Komara fol- lows: .N
 'sThere are times in the lives of men and of organized bodies of men, when the memories of the past years rise before them. And as they look back rover that long period of life and count the many blessings that have been showered down from heaven. a feel ing of deep and true gratitude rises in their hearts.
 My friends, just such an occasion has come into the life of the Slovaks Of Bridgeport. For to-day with fee1- ings of love and gratitude we com memorate the. 18th year of our pa rish life, and with joy and happiness we celebrate the silver jubilee of the oldest Slovak community in Connec- ticut- .
 "A little over 25 years ago, forced either by national oppression in thetr own fatherland. or by lack of oppor- tunfties to realize their higher asp1ra- tions and self development, or forced by the necessities of life, they left their homes and gradually began to settle here. The beginning was hard, being strangers in a strange land. But they had a right to live and live they would. They came here seeking she1- ter for their body and shrine for their souls. But they came only to give the best there is in them in return for their -opportunities they, found. They brought with them two things to. en- rich the promised land, namely; their honestv-the pride of the Slovak na- tfon-and their strong faith. It is precisely that faith that prompted them to make such. heroic, financial and moral voluntary sacrifices in orr der to fit themselves and their ehil-s dren to be loyal citizens of God and of their adopted country. Thay were but a small group at the beginning, now. they count by thousands The seed they. had planted in trials and watered in tears has grown into a mighty tree which already bears fruit.
 .eFory who could have said 25 years ago that those who cast their lot among the people of this city, now would take their place side by side with it's best citizens in the love for this country, in the bearing of it's bur-. dens and obedience to it's laws x
 Their Catholic faith only helped them the more in the duty which the American citizenship imposes upon them. As they must be devoted and loyal children of their church. so must they prive by their civic acts and lives that they are grateful for the privi- lege of this country's citizenship, that they yield to no one in their al1egiances ,-<i ffr1Y1zs 1ax1 a they are ready-if need be-tol die. in the defense of the land, under the Stars and Stripes; whose opportunity and freedom we all enjoy. 'sYes, my friends, we are Catholics | by faith, Americans by allegiance and SlovalSs by birth and we are proud of. all threes because each one of these in it's own sphere only helps to perfect the other. Here we can readily see how no one can reasonably expect of SlovaISs coming from other cou1i-s tries to strip themselves of their na- tional traits and to forget that coun- try entirely.
 seNor is it true that their love for America is divided or its intensity di- unfinished by the love they still cher iSh for their own. For well do we know that a husband can truly and eariestly love his wife. his heart may passionately cling to her and yet he
  membrance and continue to help his old mother, living in a far off land where he himself was born.
 1tAnd as his hlial love only helps to perfect his love for his wife, so the national love of Slovaks only helps them to appreciate the grandeur and the ideals of this country and love it more They do believe that they. should put America first. and be real Americans in thought and deed
 4tAnd if it is true that their love. for what is best in their national Ideals does not interfere with their loyalty and love for this their adopted Catholic faith. Little do some reaI- ize that that strong faith of theirs which stood many a test of indiffer-. ence, of scorn and of ridicule helps them to become better and more loy-, al citizens Of America.
 tsIt is because they are good Cath oIics, that of necessity they must be ences and serves God faithfully ac- cording to his conscience. will live mo- l bfy, act courageously end prove faith fuI and true. f
 t'In fact all intelligent men realize that religious inf1uence is a necessary element of civil society. Americans as rule, are God believing people. Well do they realize this principle, this every day necessity in 8 politt- cal, social and cornmercian life, Their trust in God is expressed on the very dollar we handle to re- mind us of Him. The fact that o,lr religion, or belief in God if you will is a necessary element of civil socie- ty, has induced the legislature of our country to exempt church property from taxation. For we'll those wise | legislators knew that churches are greater bu1wark against the danger ous elements which threaten grad ua1ly to undermine the health of our Republic than are all our police and military forces or even our education al institutions.
 Force from without is able at times only, to hold back the will from exterior manifestations of it's intent,