The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1918-10-05

MIN lew years ago: John Ireland
is one of the country's greatest citi-
zens, one of his church's greatest
prelates'
He knew America, he understood
its people, he loved it's ideals, he was
passionately devoted to it's aspirations
and hopes. America tried him and
knew him. 1t had confidence in him,
it trusted him, it honors him.
Defended Holy See.
Ellis loyalty and devotion to the See
of Peter was genuine, beautiful, in
spring. He treasured every word of
direction, of exhortation, of command,
that issued from the source of apos-
tolic authority. His best literary work
was done in defense of the rights of
the holy see, and no prelate of his
day did more than he to inspire obedi-
ence, reverence and love for the per-
son of the reigning pontiff.
He enjoyed the confidence of sue
cessive popes, and the deep personal
love and highest esteem of at least
one. The Archbishop of St. Paul.
said Leo KILL, in my own hearing, is
truly great and good man. Give
him my deepest love- The same pom
tiff sent him to France as unofficial
envoy to win the heart of France to
the republic. Some of the leading men
in several European countries prized
the privilege of his friendship, and of
regular correspondence with him;
and most distinguished visitors to our
shores sought to meet Archbishop Ire
land.
'He preferred great cause to his
own. He loved the church and his
country. Religion and patriotism
were twin passions with him. Re-
ligion was not merely one among sew
eral thoughts, convictions, preoccupa-
tions 1t was the very essence of his
soul, the breath of his life. So too
with him patriotism was not mere
sentiment or an affair of expediency.
1t was duty enjoined by Divine COM
mand and seized upon by noblest hui
man instinct.
He was lifelong, consistent, wise
and uncompromising advocate and
promoter Of Christian education One
would look far for diocese better
provided with buildings and teachers.
He leaves rich heritage of care.
fully studied program and a Won
derfully adequate equipment for the
: further development of this great
Catholic work.
Material buildings cannot be
great bishops highest achievement.
Built for Religion. i
Archbishop Ireland would say:
'T'were better for man to live an
hour and enrich the world with one
great, inspiring thought and die, than
to live a thousand years to duplicate
the Egyptian pyramids. And yet he
built we'll for religion This Cathedral
Is the crowning achievement of his
work in this line 1t is worthy of him,
true symbol of his great faith, and
an enduring witness to his zeal and
to his power over the wills and hearts
of men.
Great talents are, as the Gospel
insists, for use. It is natural that a
man of large, bold, enterprising mind
and strong, generous love should seek
to exercise such powers for others
gain.
1--WE are not born for ourselves, but
for our neighbors, our country. Arch
bishop Ireland might have become a
distinguished specialist in theology,
in history. or in social science. He
was called by the circumstances of
time and place not to the quiet of
study, but to the active life of pio-
neer bishop, of an apostle. He count
ed it a law to him to labor as st.
Paul, his great patron, enjoins, as a
good soldier of Christ Jesus
He longed to realize his ideal of
the church in contact with human
society, and, conscious of great pow.
/ frNvtfMs,aH m