The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-07-31
RELIGION AND THE WAR
AN ACTIVE BISHOP IN FRANCE.

1t is astonishing that rank secta-
rianism can still find supporters after
the great good already accomplished
by the war in bringing men back to
God. Not only in the trenches have
the Priest soldiers won golden opin-
ions and been the cause of many con-
versions, but even amongst the mu-
nicipal authorities a change has been
brought about through the courage
GUS conduct and assistance given in
the hour of need by more than one
priest and by several Bishops in the
invaded districts. A remarkable let
ter has just been received from Mon
signor Charost, Bishop of Lille, in
which he speaks of his experiences
during the past few months. He says
ut is not | who have acted, it is the
hand of God which has directed me.
The mayor named me as hostage to
the Germans, and the first intimation
had of this was when | saw my
name at the head of the list of hos
tages of the city of Lille posted up in
the streets. | had also to form part
of the official commission that was
commanded three times a week to
wait on the General Governor, the two
other members being the mayor and
the prefect. The prefect desired to
efface himself completely, while the
mayor often asked me to be his repre-.
sentative. Thus. | was able to obtain
relaxations for the prisoners, exemp-
tion from sleeping at the citadel for
the hostages, diminution of the
crushing requisitions and some miti
cation of fines and penalties inflicted
on suburban communes; five or six
persons sentenced to death, were par.
doned, permission for the distribution
of flour, meat, milk and coal was
granted and lists of prisoners were
obtained from Germany. The popu
lation touched by these concessions
began to attribute to me power with
the Germans which did not possess
This became embarrassing when they
began to ask things impossible Of at
tainment. A more durable advantage
however, is the good and even excel.
| lent relations which now exist between
the Bishop and the Municipality
while the prefect is amiable and sym
pathetic.
Indeed / have obtained from the
vast majority of the municipalities
of the region an official demand fol
public prayers made in the name oi
| the people. This was the signal for q
grand and moving ceremony which
took place on March 25th when all the
public bodies were represented II
large numbers, amongst them being
the Municipality of Lille. the State
University and the magistrates of tht
city. have constituted a COMMITTEES
called the Committee Of Patriotic
/ Union which holds its meetings a
the Bishops house, and includes thu
heads of government departments
thus placing the Church in closer con
tact with society. The two Socialis
and Revolutionary Deputies Of Lille
Il have announced their intention of Wis
fitting me at the head Of a deputatiOl
to thank me, after the Germans hay.
taken their departure. / am doint
| Ieverything possible to keep up thesl
lgood relations. Congresses an,
| speeches in our Catholic gathering
have not sufficiently efficacious re
| suits in the society of today. w
must first serve the people in order
8 little by little, with tact and disinteI
estedness to be able to instruct an
win them, for their hearts are neare
Ito US than their minds"