The Irish standard., 1918-04-06
Holy Week Mission
At Camp Dodge
Continued from Page ~

OI our UOyS is truly duulFdUl0 IL Was
an inspiration to the Missionaries as
it has been to the Chaplains. Each
evening the services grew in popular
ity, especially with the non Catholics.
There is always something appealing
about the Benediction service. Friday
evening the Way of the Cross was SOL
EMMY recited, the services ending
with the public Veneration of the
Cross. Easter morning the Mission
was brought to a close. On that morn
ing nine Masses were celebrated, the
attendance being over two thousand,
and the number of Communions being
six hundred. At the main building at
10 o'clock High Mass was celebrated
by Lieutenant Father Higgins. Music
was furnished by choir of soldier
boys under the direction of Secretary
Benjamin, who also presided at the
organ.
Father Stritch Delivers Closing Ser
mon.
Father Stritch, ST., delivered his
closing sermon, a beautiful discourse
on the great Feast of Easter. He also
impaired the Papal blessing to all who
had made the Mission. Benediction
of the Most Blessed Sacrament by the
Post Chaplain was the closing scene.
The altar was beautifully decorated
for the occasion, potted palms, Easter
lilies and all the floral trimmings max
ing the sanctuary spot of loneliness
and an object of admiration. The work
of decorating was done by Secretary
Benjamin, who has been unanimously
voted some artist.
A SodaIity Formed.
At building No. Father Garesche,
ST., brought the services to sue
cessful conclusion. There he inaugu-
come camp-wide-a sodality for SOL
diers. Realizing the special needs of
soldiers, he has formulated this sodal-
ity under the protection OF the Mother
of God, and is propagating it wherever
possible. He expects through the so
dality to train legion of lay apostles
who will be at hand to help the chap
lains in any work they eesire to under
take, to inspire the leaders and use
them to help to take care of others; to
promote devotion, encourage frequent
Communion, help on every good work
for troops and secure, besides, the
powerful protection OF the Mother of
God. Before concluding the exercises
of the Mission, Father Garesche in
vited those present to form the nu-
cleus of sodality and was gratified
to have over one hundred respond. We
trust the good work Will continue At
building No. 3, Father Leahy, ST., had
charge of the services, delivering
very inspiring sermon and imparting
the Papal Benediction to very large
crowd. Throughout the entire week
Fathers Higgins, Chuse and Noll were
assiduous in their labors and did every
thing possible for the success of the
Mission. We are indeed grateful to
Fathers Stritch, Garesche and Leahy
in coming here to conduct the work of
the Mission, making the patriotic sac
Nfice that they did for God and coun-
try. ....
Minneapolis X. Of c. Member to Act
as Field Man.
A new departure in the work of the
Knights of Columbus here is the ap.
pointment of Secretary Benjamin to
act as field man at the base hospital
There he will maintain an office, keep
in touch with the sick, correspond with
friends and relatives, supply station
cry, stamps, books, etc. Major Todd,
commanding officer at the hospital, is
in hearty sympathy with the move
ment and pledges full cooperation.
Mr.. Benjamin has been located at the
main building for almost three months
where he has earned for himself the
sobriquet, "The reincarnation of the
Gold Dust twins" he has renovated
and painted the interior of the main
building, adorned the windows with
curtains and the walls with pictures.
He halls from Minneapolis and is a
member of Hennepin- Minneapolis K.
of G. Council, 435. Formerly he taught
music at st. Thomas College, st. Paul,
and prior to his advent here was or
ganist and instructor of music at the
Catholic Boys Orphanage, Minneapo-
lis. 1t is interesting to record that
Secretary Benjamin is a direct de-
scendant of Lieutenant Samuel Ben
jamin, who was at one time personal
aide to Washington.
Keep the Home Pens Writing.
In conversation with some of the
boys at the hospital it was stated that
the crying need is letters and home
newspapers. They do not seem es-
pecially to care for flowers, fruit candy
or other eatab les. All these they
would gladly sacrifice for letter from
home whether friend or relative, or
for a newspaper. Keep the home pens
writing then-send the boys lots of
mail-letters and newspapers.
Fraternally yours in Christ,
PATRICK N. McDERMOTT,
K. of G. Post Chaplain.
FATHER kIRWIN OBLIGED TO ne.