The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-07-21

i
FUNCTIONS, MoNTMARTRE AND
NoTRE DAME = ASSOCIATIONS
HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW MEN
TALLY MORE IN ACCORD WITH
THE MIND OF THE CHURCH ON
SOCIAL QUESTIONS.
In Paris recently two solemn cere-
monies, held at the same time, brought
together, one at the Basilica of the
Sacred Heart and the other at the
Cathedral of Notre Dame, great
and reverent multitude. The services
are worthy of note. By their religious
character and the large attendance
they attest the Catholic vitality
of which Paris continues to give
proofs, and of which it bears witness
especially on Sundays.
They also indicate once more, by
their special significance, the impor-
lance of the works that occupy our
attention, for both services were or
ganized by associations of workers,
distinctly Christian - associations
which were founded before hostilities
commenced, and the eXertions of which
the war may have made less concen-
trated, but of which it has in special
manner strengthened both the equip
ment and the spirit
For some years past many associa-
tions of this kind have been estab-
lished in our country. They are the
expression of a new mentality and the
outcome of earnest labor. At the same
time they have helped to make that
mentality more robust and more clear
ly outlined and to impart more in
tense activity and greater extension
to this work. Finally, without sus
pecting that the time was so near,
they prepared our youth for the trial
of the war. These are things of which
account must be taken and which
must be borne in mind if one desires
to understand France at the present
moment and to judge surely of the
destinies that await her.
Catholic Associations.
This Catholic associations movement
amongst the ranks of the people is one
of the motors of the Christian revival
the growth of which became manifest
at the mobilization, and which still
retains powerful vitality. 1t is a
mistake to think that this revival was
a phenomenon of spontaneous gener-
alton. 1t has been only result. No
doubt grace was necessary to make
the germ fructify, but the germ ex-
listed.
And inasmuch as this revival has
been result we have the right to
hope that in it's turn it will become a
cause. The blade of grass will be-
come a seed. The current which has
set this religious revival in motion will
still sustain it after the war, and the
works which have inspired our Chris
tian heroes with their ideals will sur
| round and fortify those who return and
the converts" after the great trial.
In this there is for us a motive of
| confidence and hope based on sure
facts.
The association which organized
the ceremony at Notre Dame is well
known in the Catholic circles of Paris
| under the name of the Syndicate of
| the Employees of Commerce and In.
| dustry 1t is one of the oldest OF
/ the works which have given evidence
| of and extended the Catholic social
movement amidst the difficulties and
trials through which we have been
passing. 1t was founded in 1887.
The inspiration first came to Broth
ers of the Christians schools. Seven
teen young Partisan employees boldly
/ took the initiative in the matter-a
mere particle in mass Indifferent OF
hostile to religion, but particle ami
mated by the spirit of God, that is ,to
say, something stronger and more fer
tile than an inert mountain. The
seventeen have become S,479.
They have established quite a net
ployment agencies, which find work
in 1,400 cases on an average each year
Il juridical councils at which on an aver
i age five hundred trade quarrels are
annually composed; banks for lend
i ing and affording help; cooperative
stores, etc. But the syndicate has no
confined its role to the material pro
Election of it's members. 1t has
considered it a duty to improve theil
minds. 1t has been anxious to make
of them a social and business elite.
| Commissions for study, courses O
| study, conferences, special groups ant
| libraries have been installed within
| the radius of it's energy, one aftel
Ianother. And these different institu