The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1919-08-30
A LITTLE CLASSIC IN THE ANNALS OF
FRATERNITY AND HUMANITY.

A noteworthy instance of the strength of the fra
ternal spirit of the Knights of Columbus has been
brought to light in the finding of the body of Thorn
las ]. Enwright of New York, member of the crew
|of United States submarine chaser stationed at
Sydney, Nova Scotia who had been reported miss
ing since November IL last, the day OF the armis-
tice Enright had been swept into the sea while
engaged in the performance of dangerous part
of his duties, and with the exception of his cap no
trace of him could be found by those who sought to
rescue him.
But his mother in New York was deeply grieved
that she could least have the consolation Of
having the body of her son brought back home for
interment in the home cemetery. In her distress
she sought the aid of the Marquette Council of the
Knights of which he was member, and the Grand
Knight of that council Joseph J. Sheetan, imme-
diately communicated with the Grand Knight of
the Sydney council, w. R. Hearn with the result
that the latter council organized the entire member
ship into searching party that patrolled the icy
coasts of the North Atlantic in relays for period
of six months until at last the body was found. The
work was kept up night and day in three-hour shifts
through the narrowing rigors of the Canadian Win
ter but the Knights 1inched in their service
and sacrifice until at last crowned their
arduous labors.
| Then the cheering message of consolation was
flashed to New York and the sorrowed mothers
anguish was in a measure assuaged by the thought
ing that her sailor boy would have a Christian
burial. But the service of the Sydney knights was
carried still further for they secured undertaken
and two of the members, one of whom was accom-
panied by his wife, journeyed with the remains to
New York. bearing number of floral wreaths from
the women of Sydney to Mrs Enwright, the mother
OF the dead sailor, as an expression of gratitude
from the people of Sydney for her sacrifice in the
common cause. And for all the expenses the coun-
ell at Sydney had undergone they refused to accept
any refund whatsoever.
The gallant young sailor was buried with full
naval honors at Calvary cemetery, the services be-
ing attended by large concourse, including a
i squad of twenty-five navy men; the whole
incident bearing out what Chairman William ].
/ Mulligan, chairman of the K. of C. committee on
war activities has always been the aim of the or
ganization in the service to afford help wherever it
was needed for the men and for their families.
Such deeds of friendship and benevolence are Of
the kind that make hearts in glad surprise to
higher levels rise" They rebound the credit not
only of those who are immediate participants in
them but to our common humanity. They consti-
ltute vivid exemplihcation of the true spirit of
fraternity, which stands out as an inspiration and
uplift to nobler standards and ideals The men who
made such heroic efforts in behalf of member Of
la like service under the stress of similar circum-
Tor famine they could be depended upon for service
in the first line of relief work In this case the
Organization but the instrumentalty for more
: efficient and more systematic effort. The spirit
that lies beneath it constitutes reservoir of benevo
lence that is sure to respond to the common call
of humanity whenever and wherever the need arises
: r.