The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-07-09
CARDINALS APPEAL
FOR WAR PRAYERS
Mgrs. Gibbons, Farley and
OCOnncll Issue Call to
American People.
STAND BEHIND PRESIDENT
Leaders Of Catholic Church in
L. s. See Victory in Arms
Backed by Justice.

An anpeal to the American people by
Cardinals Gibbons, Farley and O'Connell
to pray three times daily "for the guid'
ance OF our rulers, the success or our
arms, the unity OF the nations and the.
welfare OF heroes" was made public
yesterday.
The appeal was entitled Fight and
Pray" and read in part as follows
From the moment when our country
made its momentous decision TO enter
this tremendous conflict the whole Cath
olic population of America has enthu-
siastcslly and Fundamentally accepted
It's full share OF work and sacrifice. ana
has unstintngly put forth all its re-
sources to stand with all other Ameri-
cans in the defence OF our sacred princi-
pies OF right and national duty.
We need scarcely record this obvious
fact The whole world knows 1t and
realizes its efficacy and Importance. The
Catholics OF America are in the van
guard OF the nations service on land and
sea, in the trenches and in the works
And unth this fierce combat Is finished
and the cause for which we night has tri-
umphed their efforts will increase.
stand with the President.
"Our President has clearly stated the
| high principles upon which that sacred
cause rests-they are as universal as
| Il ey are unselflsh We battle for the
welfare of men of every nation, asking
4 N epncial ipdarDpitias oiir sacrifices
other than those which all free men al
ways seek Surely this raises our aims
and purposes up to the noblest standard
| Of action and sets the soul OF the nation
above the meanness and pettiness OF
selfish conquest or uncf ristian hate.
! Just for this reason, may we turn
with fullest confidence to the God OF
Justice and mercy. beseeching him TO
accept our sacrifices, guide our rulers
I and give success to our arms.
From every corner of America arises
the cry Of souls to God The nation is
on its knees tn the King OF kings. That
is the surest sign II at America will lead
the nations OF the earth to the victory
over mere might. For God is our surest
help, as he must be our strongest hope,
And the prayers o. nation fighting. not
for gain but for good, will certainly be
| answered
Eight ~ Heroes. Fray as saints
"lf we fight like heroes and pray like
saints. soon will America overcome mere
force by greater force and conquer lus,
OF power by the nobler power OF sacri-
fee and faith
Animated BY this undaunted spirit
let the whole nation turn to God In
prayer while our army courageous y
confronts the foe IN battle. While We
utilize every possible source of material
power, let us forttfy II all by the great
est OF all spiritual power-prayer Blu,
recently our holy father set aside the
feast OF SITS. Peter and Paul as a spe-
cial day OF prayer. Let us continue
our obedience to his request and fer
vently offer our petitions to our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. that all the
nations may see the way to mutual con-
cord and understanding
Let US, moreover, each day. until the
peace for which We fight crowns our eff
forts. say dali. three times morning al
rising noon and in the evening the An
Relus, for the guidance of ouY rulers
tie success of our arms, the unity of The
nations and the welfare OF heroes.
And may the Almighty and E;erna
God hearken to the prayers of a united
nation and grant speedily that paC,
which surpasseth understanding