South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-21
PRIEST WRITES Of
HISTORIC FRANCE
Rev. c. L. 0'0OnneII, c. S. c.,
Poet Laureate of State,
Gives Impressions.

First experiences in France in
preparation for spiritual work
among the American soldiers Of the
American expeditionary forces, are
told BY the Rev. Charles L. ODon-
nell. c. s. c.. the poet laureate of
Indiana. one OF the six Notre Dame
priests who volunteered Lieut.
O'Donnell. now with the 42nd di-
vision. known az the Rainbow
division. writes an interesting letter
10 Fr. Cavanaugh. The letter reads:
Somewhere in France"
Rev. John Cavanaugh. c. s c.,
"Notre Dame. Ind.
Dear Father:
Saying mass this morning i'm a
cathedral that St Patrick proba bly,
saw, felt close TO ireland and 10
home and you. II IS part Of France
that has both witnessed and made
history for centuries. Kings and
saints and revolutionists have had
their day here, and left more or less
eloquent testimony Of their passing
We Rad a delightful ocean voy-
se. I was not sick and did not
miss a meal. We had mass on ship
board and crowded attendance. also
many confessions and cOmmunions
There was one first communion. that
OF a young soldier who had been
baptised in camp. but had not. owing
10 quarantine. been able afterward
20 get TO mass. Never have I seen
"A more beautiful soul. He was like
John the Evangelist or the Polish
trooper found dead upon the battle
feld-you will recall the incident
described in French Windows"
only this lad was in perfect physical
condition his martyrdom yet before
him. felt fl would be that
Honestly, there was about him the
conservation and the sanctity OF in
cocence. and death. and paradise
An Interesting Town.
THE port where we left the ship
IS one OF the most interesting towns
imaginable. though the streets are
most abominably muddy and billy.
and hotel accommodations not
quite a Ia Blackstone or Belmont
Besides there weren't any. BY the
time I had told the pathetic story
al least my French was pathetic-of
who we were and why we were at
large. the estimable ladies in charge
ladies are in charge or every
thing here nOw-Of the last hostelry
we reached were ready TO give US
the town. They gave me their
brothers room-soldat au trout
and got rooms for Fr. Davis
and FIR. Bennett at a friends home
nearby. Meals are excellent and
food seems abundant.
After leaving the harbor city we
travelled inland by rail through
country as historic as picturesque.
Everywhere we are Cheered BY the
people, the children being especially
friendly. Good morning" they
sweetly urge, with profound disre-
gard for the actual time OF day. Last
night. in promenade. we were fire.
Ouently greeted thus-but that is
little matter OF language between
friends.
Will Go 10 Front.
We are resting here. prepare
tory to action. our real. big work.
We are keen 10 20 forward: we shall
find our places naturally there. The
priest needs no introduction 10 the
men; they have known him always.
Personally I have met no y. d.
men as yet-we are too far in the
rear. perhaps. for that. but 7 have
heard OF a Stephens and a Kirby in
this neighborhood.
The knowledge that we are
Dame Is a consolation and a joy
Those prayers are being answered
hourly in our regard. Providence is
so visibly with as. Ahectionate
greeting 90 the community and to
ali the boys (not forgetting the
minims).
Your devoted son in Christ.
Lieut.. Charles L O'DonneIl. q. s. c. -"