The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1918-02-02

Evening OF the week mas It's fea-
lures Of Interest-Many Distin-
guished Visitors at Camp.
Camp Dodge, Iowa,
Jan. ~, 1918.
To the Editor:
Commenting on the work of the
knights of Columbus at the various
camps, an old army officer, who had
seen service notably in the Spanish
American war, contrasted life in the
army, past and present. The most not
able point Of difference was the op-
portunity now offered i'm the pursuit
of things spiritual. The War office
always recognized the value of re-
ligion and consequently sanctioned the
appointment of chaplains. Frequently
the chaplain's duties in the past were
varied. He looked after not only the
regiment, but also acted in various
and varied capacities, such as post
MASTER officer of the mess and such
kindred duties. He was the bone and
sinew of the army and was vitality
interested in all its concerns, spir-
itual as we'll as material. His scope
was limited, confined to his regiment,
chaplain at the post. Under past con-
ditions, too, the men were somewhat
restricted in their religious duties.
They usually congregated for divine
service, whether of their own denom-
ination or not, under orders. Then
the church parade was in vogue. A
spiritual environment did not exist as
it were, making doubly difficult the
arduous duties of the chaplain. The
army heretofore was not place where
religion was attractive, where oppor-
tunities were conducive to the free
and easy discharge of ones religious
obligations.
"And here" said the old army of.
ticer, els where the work of the
Knights of Columbus is most appar.
ent" Building are set aside at stated
times and definite hours for men to
assemble for divine worship without
external compulsion. They have full
opportunity to seek spirituality and to
enjoy the same blessings of religion
which they experienced at home. They
are privileged to attend Mass, receive
the Sacramento and participate at re-.
ligious services under normal condi-
! tions. In the spiritual realm there is
no change for the men from what
they had at home. The ordinary rou-
tine of Catholic worship-Mass, Sac
raments, sermons, etc.-is at their dis
posal. The practice Of religion is as
much part of soldier life nowadays
as drill, trench work or gunnery "And
from personal observation" con-
tinued the old army officer, "the av-
erage soldier, especially the Catholic,
seems to realize it." This change has
been brought about speaking human
ly, through the efforts ofthe knights
of Columbus. Officially recognized by
the government, it has become the
agent of the Mother Church, which
rejoices to the full in the opportun-
ity afforded to equip our soldier boys
spiritually. Cooperating in this work
undertaken by the Knights of Column
bus, the regular army chaplains are
not restricted to activity in their re-
spective regiments. Satisfying the or
binary regimental demands they are
free, thanks to the courtesy of their
commanding officers, to assist in all
the Catholic work being undertaken at
the camps. A much wider scope is
theirs under present conditions to ad-
minister things spiritual and jealous
ly and genially they have taken up
the work. "Tell the Knights of Column
bus for me-" concluded the old army
officer, that the organization is doing
great work and that it has been &C.
cepted as potent factor in making
real men of our soldiers and in shap-
J ing them splendidly for the battle in
behalf of democracy and we hope also
for the future battle of life when nor.
NAL conditions are restored in the
world"
Last week building No. 2 again
staged the majority of the attractions.
Sunday afternoon Lieutenant Cakes
and his famous quartet, assisted by
talent from Des Moines under the
chaperonage of Mrs. Cornell, rendered
a very high class program. Wednes-
day evening the regimental band of
the Three Hundred and Fifty-second
infantry discoursed an hours program
of excellent merit. Thursday evening
the most popular and most appreci-
ated entertainment yet had at the
camp was given. It was in the nature
of stag party in honor of the Ordi-
nance Unit. The building was packed
to the doors. Ginger ale, doughnuts
and cigarettes were distributed free
with the compliments of the Knights
of Columbus. You should have seen
them tackle the eats. It was the
period of school days revived. We
know they will fight in the same spirit.
When Lieutenant Cakes gives the
word Of command those boys will un.
finchingly back up the first line when
the boys are going 'over the top"
An interesting program followed, the