The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1918-06-29
ARCHBISHOP KEANE.

Tue Ucdlll vi SICdI JlSldIG.
For the past forty years Arch
bishop keane of Dubuque has
stood for all that was noblest
and grand in the Catholic Church
III this country. On the pages
of history Of the American
Church he will take his place
beside such names as Carroll,
Spaulding, Hughes and several
other ecclesiastical giants who,
thank God, are still with us. AS
a priest, a prelate, a citizen, John
Joseph keane lowered over and
above the vast majority of men.
From 1878, when he became BiSh-
OPP of Richmond, Va, down to the
day on which he retired from ac-
tive service, the life of Archbishop
keane was replete with works ac-
complished for God and country.
The attitude of this great pre-
late was distinctly that of Angus
tine and Ambrose, of Basil and
ChrysoStom of the early Church.
Eloquence, power, faith: these
were the weapons he used in
uphOlding the honor of Catholicity
and the prerogatives of the Su-
preme Pontitf. His writings, rep
resented III various forms of en-
deavor, would fill many volumes.
His pen was ever poised ready to
strike at error and miSrepresenta-
ton wherever and whenever they
reared their pestiferOus heads.
His accomplishments as rector of
the Catholic University are a mat
ter of history. The present sue
cess Of that great institution is
due i'll no small measure to the
broad and lofty ideals which the
distinguished ehurchman left it
as priceless heritage.
AS an orator, a speaker Of bril-
liant eloquence and convincing
power, Archbishop Keane had few
equals. His lectures in this cOln-
try on religion and science re-
minded one wildly of a similar
crusade inaugurated by the dis
tinguiShed Cardinal Wiseman in
England. During the three years
of his sOjOurn in Rome Archbish-
OPP keane gave several series of
diScOurseS III the Church of San
Silvestro i'll Capite. On every oc-
caSiOn when the brilliant Ameri-
can prelate was announced as the
speaker the old Roman church
was found inadequate to accom-
modate the large numbers who
hastcned to hear him.
AS an American citizen Arch
bishop Keane stood for all that
was highest and noblest in civic
life. No movement for the well
fare or the betterment Of his fell
low men but felt the strong in
tiuence and forceful support of
this energetic preIate. Realizing
as he did the debt which the
Church owes to the American con
stitution, Archbishop Keane omit
ted no opportunity to emphasize
the gratitude which Catholics feel
towards this government and their
constant, steadfast loyalty TO our
free institutions. He was one of
the most uncompromising foes of
intemperance, and the temperance
cause counted him as a veritable
pillar Of support.
Despite the honors and dignities
which came to him, despite the ex-
allied position which he held in
Church and state, the great Arch
bishop was one of the kindliest OF
men. Absolutely free from that
aloofness which frequently sur
rounds men placed in authority
Archbishop Keane was man OF
most affable. lovable and simple.
hearted disposition. His sanity
character was a source of edifica
ton and a well Of inspiration fol
all those who were so fortunate as
to come i'll contact with him. Dur
ing the years of his recent retire
ment, owing to ill-health, he spoke
each Sunday at the Cathedral Of
Dubuque Old and young, learned
and illiterate, were constantly
struck by the genuine simplicity
and sterling faith, as well as thu
quiet eloquence and intense ear
nestness of his discourse.
Distinguished churchman, fer
vent orator, learned prelate, pa
triotic citizen, sanity priest: thes'
titles sum up the character Of tn
| Most Reverend John JOSEPH
Keane, late Archbishop of Du
buque. 1t is one of the glories o
the Catholic Church in this coun
try that she has produced such
| type of priest and citizen wh'
ever stood forth as the champion
and defender Of religion and tn
| government, while at the SAM
thine exemplifying in his own per