The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-05-12
BISHOP OF ST. CLOUD
LETTER OF THE RIGHT REVER-
END BISHOP,

To the Priests and People of the Dio.
cese Of ST. Cloud.
Beloved Brethren:
Since the Honorable Representa-
tives of our government have deem
ed II proper and necessary to official
ly declare a condition of war because
OF the invasion of rights considered
vital to our well-being and national
| honor, it becomes my duty as one of
the appointed shepherds of the flock
of Christ to offer 10 all the subjects
of my pastoral solicitude the consol-
ing assurances and secure guidance
! of the supreme Good Shepherd. He
| taught us to turn to Our Father Who
is in heaven, asking Him to deliver
| us from evil. He also reminded us
| that not even a sparrow falls from
the roof without the will of our heav-
/ emily Father Again He said: Have
confidence in Me- l have overcome
| the world"
Since the universe is the product Of
| Gods infinite wisdom and is guided
absolutely by His merciful Provi-
dence, whatever befalls us is sent to
us as part of Gods positive plans
make us holy and ultimately happy,
| if we accept it with a Christlike mind
and heart
Like the tragedy of the Cross, this
trial has come upon us on Good Fri
| day to remind Christians that as Cal
vary was but the gate to Christ's glo-
| rious Resurrection, SO this threaten
ing situation will be to all who accept
it in a spirit of Christian fortitude a
means of triumphant victory.
Ultimately sin is the cause Of all
| the distress andrsorroW in this world
| and danger is warning to us to pur-
ify our souls by sincere contrition and
| worthy penance! The season of Lent
has aided us in thus purifying our
| selves: there remains, however, the
| necessity OF making amends for our
shortcomings, Of suffering the tenn
poral punishments due to sin which we
must either choose voluntarily or &C,
cept as they come from the hand OF
| God.
This world upheaval is one sign
that men have been too slow in max
ing voluntary sacrifices. If we then
wish to forestall the impending dan
gers we would do we'll to anticipate
the Establishments of Providence
Self-denial is the best form of prepar
edness and charity covers multitude
of sins. These therefore are our SAT
est refuge in this hour of danger
these are recommended to all during
these days of anxiety.
Let each from the fruits Of his self
denial make an Offering on the las1
Sunday of every month while present
conditions continue. One-half of the
proceeds of this offering will be useC
for works of charity in the parish un
der the direction of the pastor witt
the approval Of the bishop, the othel
half will be sent to the bishop TO be
used for general works of charity a:
, he may determine.
In order to strengthen this appea
and to prove the sincerity of my con
yictions and sentiments in this mat
ter. in obedience to the Saviours ad
vice: "if thou wouldst be perfect, e
sell all thou hast and give it to thu
, poor and then come and follow me,
Il I have disposed Of all my persona
possessions and have devoted thu
proceeds to such works of religion
and charity as seem most necessar.
, and deserving at this time and | pra
God to accept this small Offering as
propitiation for my own shortening
: and as a petition for grace to guild
II and comfort those committed to m
spiritual care according to the min
J. and heart of the Saviour, and to dis
pose the hearts of us all to accept tn
: dispensations of Gods Providence i
J. the spirit of resignation, docility an
o fortitude eyemplified by Christ tn
:, Master.
r ask the faithful also to unite wit
:. me in PRAYER that the light Of Christ
o gosnel and the comfort of His grac
+ NAV be granted to all our fellow cit
d zens without distinction, so that quiz
. ed 7by Christ's Truth and strengthen
r cd by His rover, we may all soon b
. eranted the blessings of a speedy an
al permanent peace in this world an
= the still greater blessings Of etern;
I. peace and everlasting happiness
heaven.
e Yours in Christ,
e + JOS. F. BUSCH,
l. Bishop of st. Cloud.