The Irish standard., 1918-07-13

utterly disabled fighters, to be con
Quoted under Catholic auspices. "Such
a home y" says the Tablet
MAY 15), has come distinctly nearer
actually, largely through the efforts
of Lady Anne Kerr, her daughter,
Miss Margaret Kerr (now nursing in
a Plymouth military hospitaD, and
Mrs. Cicely Passmore. Funds have
been raised, and, though more are
needed, Sir Arthur Griaith-Boscawen
of the Ministry of Pensions, accom-
panied by Sir John Collie, Director of
Medical Service, was able to be re-
ceived by gathering of promoters Of
the project and sympathizers
when he inspected the premises OF
the fine old country house, with some
acres of ground and with historic as
sociations, out at Castle Bar, Ealing
which he declared seemed to him to
combine just what was necessary
*" Bishop Keatinge, a represen-
tative Of the admiralty, several Catho-
lie priests and members of the laity
were present. "Conspicuous forms
fitting to and fro were those of the
Franciscan Sisters Of Mary, who are
to devote their lives to the tender
care Of the helpless heroes who find
rest within the home.'
"The home-it is called St. David's
Home-complies with official regula-
tions, and is recognized by the Min
istry Of Pensions. Sir Arthur Griffith
Boscawen explained that the Ministry
Of Pensions was also concerned with
the care of wounded and disabled
men, that the number Of such was be-
ing added to by the present terrible
fighting, and he regarded it as a per-
feet godsend to the ministry to have
another place like this specially adapt
ed to cases of hopeless paralysis and
similar ones. He described
the pension allowances and
explained that while the Ministry was
glad to recognize and accept this home
for treatment which was provided by
the generosity of Catholics, and was
prepared to give preference to Catho.
lie patients that they should come
thither and have the ministrations of
their own religion, it was at the same
time bound to make the rule that
there must be no exclusiveness, and if
beds were required for others, they
would be permitted to come there and
receive the same loving care as Catho-
lies themselves. Sir John
Collie said, no class of sufferers
claimed more sympathy than the per.
manently disabled. *"
The news Of the founding of this
asylum for hopelessly disabled fight.
ers by Catholics in England should
prove to be new incentive to Ameri
can Catholics to increase their inter
est in Soldiers Welfare Work We
dare say, thousands have donated to
funds collected for this sort of work
out of a spirit of good-fellowship, of
charity, and of patriotism, without
realizing the full scope of the work.
The founding Of st. David's Home
should illustrate need which is little
thought of. 1t should also quicken
our interest in the objects nearer at
hand. 1t is important that fruitful
Soldiers Welfare Work must COM
prise:
/. Care of the spiritual and intel
lectual needs of the men in camp and
field, including the support of chap
lains in a manner corresponding to
their wants and good judgment;
2. Rehabilitation after the war of
those who come back with unimpaired
health and whole limbs; they will
need guidance in the matter of return
ing to old or taking up of new occupa-
tons;
8. Rehabilitation of the crippled,
who will have to be prepared to re-
sumo some sort of occupation com.
patible with their strength and abili-
ties; (The Red Cross is at present
arousing interest in this phase of
charity, by urging the foundation of
schools for the re-education of war
victims); and
4. Provision of asylums for the
completely disabled.
In view of such tasks, no one should
be wanting in active interest in Sol
diers' Welfare Work. The entire field
is worthy of the most energetic efforts
on the part of Catholics, and none
should claim exemption from the duty
of cO-OperatiOn.