The Irish standard., 1918-05-04
cathoIiey Of the Discovery
Of America and the Cath
olic Genius Of Columbus

olic Genius Of Columbus
(By Rt. Rev. Timothy Corbett, Bishop
of Crookston, Minn.)
Honor of Discovery Of America Be-
longs to Rome.
Unprejudiced humanity must CRATE
fully accord to the Church of Rome
the signal honor and well-earned cred
it of the discovery of America. Per
petual gratitude to the Catholic
for the execution of so sublime and
telling an enterprise. Catholic was
the prime and real motive thereof
The glorification of the Reedeemer
of mankind, the propagation of true
Christianity and the extension of the
Catholic Church constituted the fund
amental reasons in the noble mind of
the originator of this paramount de-
sign. The cause of the Catholic
religion was to be principally promot-
ed and fostered. The treasures, more
over, to be acquired, were to be util-
lied in the formation of new crusade
to rescue the Holy Sepulchre from
pagan dominion, and in the support of
the Holy See. The heather inhabit-
ants were to be converted to Christian
ity. The evident aim, therefore, of the
wonderful project has distinctly re-
ligious aspect.
Catholic Initiatives and Auspices.
Cof1 IN,
faith dominated, accomplished the
marvellous event of the discovery. A
Catholic monk successfully encour-
aged the magnificent enterprise, with
out whose influence the crew of sailors
would scarcely be secured. A Catholic
Cardinal interceded for the daring
undertaking; Catholic queen would
pledge her jewels and Catholic king
fitted out the vessels in aid of the
grand purpose.
Under the roof of a Catholic mon
astery, with the knowledge and advice
of Catholic monks, Columbus matured
his plans and made preparations for
the yenturesome and momentous voy-
age.
Catholic was the action when Col
umbus, prior to embarking, received
holy communion with his band of
sailors and assisted at the holy sacri-
flee of the mass, offered up in the mon
astery of La Rabida by the worthy
priest, Juan Perez.
Landing Made With Catholic Hymns
and Ceremonies.
At the sight of land, Columbus and
his crew reverently fell on their knees
and sang the Catholic hymn, "the TIE
Deum". Catholic was the first Christ
ian chant, therefore, that enhanced
was the ceremony in taking formal
possession of the new soil in the name
of the Catholic sovereign of Spain, the
devout discoverer kneeling on the
shore and kissing the earth with tears
of joy in grateful recognition to God
for the successful coronation of his
gigantic labors. Catholic was the
divine assistance, when Columbus err
ected the true emblem of Christianity
and mans redemption, the memorable
and blessed cross of Christ, amidst the
chanting of the 'Vexilla Regis, and
christened the ever-unforgotten spot
San Salvador in honor of the Holy
Saviour Catholic was the announce
ment of the discovery to the Spanish
Sovereign, Columbus simply request
ing Spain "to exhibit holy joy. for
Christ rejoices in earth as in heaven,
seeing the future redemption of souls"
Catholic was the incident in giving
due notice of the discovery to the
Pope, who issued two bulls. establish
ing line of demarcation for Spain
and Portugal.
Early Life and Studies Of Columbus.
Born about the year 1435. of parents
without wealth in the beautiful Italian
city Genoa, with it's delicious air,
proudly built on the side of a mountain
and gently sloping towards the sea,
Christopher Columbus naturally began
his seafaring life at the early age of
fourteen. Subsequent to studying at
the University of Pavia, he wandered
to Lisbon about 1470, which city at
that period was known as the center
of maritime adventurers.
The study of astronomy, ancient
documents, maps, charts, and his con-
versations with sea-men and sea-voy-
ayers made the youthful Columbus
practical navigator. His conclusions
were that the earth was round, while
the world believed it fiat, and that an
immense undiscovered territory exist
ed beyond the known world. The the
DRY of Columbus was that the East
Indies could be reached by shorter
Ocean route in sailing westward,
which endeavor resulted in the dis
covery of America. His great plan,
the product Of giant mind, was re-
ceived with ridicule, scorn and I'M
belief. The learned of the age judged
Columbus as simple visionary and a
daring adventurer,
Con}7dAneA In A1a Objective.