New-York tribune., 1918-07-09
Fight and Pray,'' -
Cardinals Appeal
To Americans
Catholic Prelates Urge
Three Services Daily for
Success of Allies

An appeal to the American people bv
Cardinals Gibbons, Farley and O'Con-
nell to pray three times daily "for the
guidance of our rulers, the success Of
our arms, the unity Of the nations and
the welfare of heroes was made pub
lie here yesterday. The appeal was en-
titled Eight and Pray" and read as
follows:
"From the moment when our coun-
try made its momcntous decision to en-
ter this tremendous conflict the whole
Catholic population Of America has en-
Enthusiastically and wholeheartedly ac-
cepted its full share of work and
sacrifice, and has unstintingly put forth
all its resources to stand with all other
Americans in the defence of our sacred
principles Of right and national duty.
In War to the End
I'VE need scarcely record this oby-
Gus fact. The whole world knows it
and realizes it's efficacy and Importance
The Catholics of America are in the
vanguard of the nations service on land
and sea, In the trenches and in the
works. And until this fierce combat is
finished and the cause for which we
tight has trlumphcd their efforts will
increase
"Our President has stated clearly the
high principles upon which that sacred
cause rests-they are as universal as
welfare of men of every nation, ask
ing no special indemnities for our
sacrifices other than those which all
free men always 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 un-
Christian hate.
Gust 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
and give success to our arms.
Nations Before High Throne
"From every corner of America
arises the cry Of souls to God. The
nation is on its knees to the King of
Kings. That is the surest sign that
America will lead the nations of the
earth to the victory over mere might.
j VI dOO 10 OOE SQIeSL nclp, DIS ne UlUSt
be our strongest hope. And the pray
ers of a nation fighting not for gain
but for good will certainly be answered.
"If we fight like heroes and pray like
saints. soon will America overcome
mere force by greater force and con-
quer lust of power by the nobler power
of sacrifice and faith.
animated by this undaunted spirit,
let the whole nation turn to God in
prayer while our army courageously
confronts the foe in battle. While
we utilize every possible source Of ma
terial power, let us fortify it all by the
greatest Of all spiritual power-prayer.
But recently our Holy Father set aside
the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul as a
special day of prayer. Let us continue
our obedience to his request and fer
vently offer our petitions to our Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that all the
nations may see the way to mutual con-
cord and understanding.
Daily Prayers Urged
"Let us, moreover, each day, until the
peace for which we fight crowns our
efforts. say daily, three times, morning
at rising, at noon and in the evening,
the Angelus, for the guidance of our
rulers, the success of our arms, the
unity of the nations and the welfare of
heroes.
"And may Almighty and Eternal God
hearken to the prayers of united ma
ton and grant speedily that peace
which surpasseth understanding.