The Irish standard., 1918-09-28
The Pope
And ireland
Cordial Letter to the United
nierarchy---Tribute to FL
deity Of the Irish
People

Under date of August Goth, our spe-
cial correspondent in Rome sends us
the following translation of the Holy
Fathers Letter to the Irish Bishops:
"To Michael Cardinal Logue, Arch
bishop of Armagh, and to the other
Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland.
Beloved Son and Venerable Breth-
rem,
Health and Apostolic Benediction-
1t was with feelings of genuine sat
isfaction that We learned from your
joint letter of June 25th that the de-
cree proclaiming the martyrdom Of
Venerable Oliver Plunkett was re-
ceived with exultation by the whole
Irish people.
OF that We were confident, Veneer
able Brethren, knowing as we do the
generation in which that unconquer-
able champion of the Faith is held
amongst you. A Jealous guardian of
the Church, he did not hesitate to
shed his blood for the sacred patri-
mony of the Faith left to you as a
glorious inheritance by st. Patrick,
showing himself in this worthy rep
resentative of the Irish people, which
has ever been strenuous defender
of the Faith at home and it's jealous
propagation in the remotest lands.
The sentiments you express in the
rest of your letter. Venerable Breth-
rem, likewise bear witness to the
strength of your Faith and the devo-
ton of your attachment to this CEN
ire of truth, the Apostolic See. The
expression of your gratitude for the
New Code and your protest against
the insidious campaign of calumny
and hatred directed against Our per-
son and Our work gave Us particular
qualification.
Very opportunity, indeed, Vener-
able Brethren, do you recall in this re-
gard what We have done since the
beginning of Our Pontificate to re-
lieve the painful consequence of the
present struggle, and to bring the
frightful butchery to speedier con-
clusion. No campaign of injustice
carried on against Us can lesson Our
fervent will and untiring effort for the
good of the whole human race, and
We rest in the assurance that when
these stormy times shall have passed
and calm of soul shall have returned
once more, the nobility and imparti-
atty of Our charity will be everywhere
recognized.
Meanwhile it is your duty, as it is
of the other Bishops, to see that in
the midst of manifold dangers the
faith of the Christian people may al
ways remain unsullied, and that all
be united in the closest bonds of at
tachment to our Holy Mother the
Church and to the Supreme Pastor.
We are we'll aware of the many and
serious difficulties under which the
episcopate and clergy of the Catholic
fold labor today; but We trust that,
with the Christian courage of which
Venerable Oliver Plunkett gave such
a wonderful example, Joined to that
wise prudence and moderation which
the apostolic ministry requires, espec.
tally where the situation is more del
icate and more serious, they shall be
able to accomplish their sacred mis-.
sion faithfully and prepare better
times for the Church of God.
AS a pledge of the help of God,
which for this end We invoke from
Heaven, and in attestation of Our par
ticular good will, We impart most
heartily to you, and each of the faith
full entrusted to you, the Apostolic
Benediction.
Given in Rome at st. Peters on the
Vatican, July 31st, 1918, the fourth
year of Our Pontificate.
-. BENEDICT XIV, POPE.