The Irish standard., 1919-02-15
THE NEW ARCHBISHOP OF ST. PAUL.

Surprises the rule rather than the exception in
the distribution Of honors from the Vatican. This
has been the in the filling of the vacancy in the
headship of the St. Paul archdiocese left after the
death of the late amented Archbishop Ireland of
happy memory. Few of those who are init
mately familiar with the probabilities in such mat
tiers would have prophesied that the choice of Rome
in this instance would fall upon the modest but
capable leader in the diocese of Des Moines Rt Rev.
Austin bowling. No one taken with greater
surprise by the appointment that the honored pre-
late himself, who was constrained to say regarding
1T: Il don't know how l feel l appreciate the
honor conferred upon me, but don't like to leave
Des Moines l have my work planned and it is
not done'
For seven years Bishop Bowling has administered
the Diocese of Des Mones, which is one of the
smallest in the country: Its Catholic population is
only about $4,000 which is sparsely scattered over
one-tourth of the of the state. 1t was not
over-fruitfu vineyard in which he took up his epis-
copal abors and yet he entered into the task with
vigorous zeal and energy. During the brief period
of his administration he has succeeded in strengthen
ing many of the struggling parishes and infused new
energies into both pastors and people. He has es-
tablished Diocesan College which is entirely clear
ot debt, and provided it with substantial nucleus
OF an endowment fund. From this excellent inst-
tuition he hoped to provide sufficient number of
priests tor his Diocese the lack of whom was one
OF the greatest difficulties he was forced to en-
counter He has been specially active in pron1ot-
ing the educational work of the parishes and in
In his capacity as the metropolitan of ST. Paul the
new Archbishop comes into an entirely different
condition OF affairs, viewed from the standpoint
OF population and material resources. In general
way 1T may be said that the scope of his iursdic-
tlon has been multiplied tenfold. The Catholic
population OF the Archdiocese is Approximately
55OOOO and the number of religious institutions
orders and communities is correspondngly large
1t is one OF the most prosperous and progressive
tlons OF the whole country and it's Catholic men,
bershp is devotedy attached to the welfare and ad-
vancement of the interests of the church. The seed
that was sown by Archbishop Ireland has yielded
an abundant and glorious harvest for in no part of
and alert body of clergy more sincere and de-
voted laity.
lhe Twin Cities, with population of about three
quarters OF million population constitute one of
the greatest and most important civic centers of
the country and of the world and in the future they
are destined to become increasingly populous and
influential In this vast metropolis of the North
west the Catholic church and the Catholic people
are strongly intrenched, and are powerful factor
in public life and institutions There exists between
pastors and people a strong mutual attachment and
a splendid unity OF purpose, is often attested
when appeal is made from the pulpit to the pew.
Both the Archbishop and the people of the Arch
diocese may we'll be feicitated upon the new ap-
pointment The prelate-elect combines in his life
and experience the culture of the east and the broad
ness and fellowship of the west. He is a scholar
OF rare attanments. He has labored strenuously
IN difficult field and has we'll merited by reason
OF his executive ability, the high seat in which he
is now to be placed. He comes to people who
will appreciate his past labors in the vineyard and
will be eagerly receptive of his counsel and mes
sages IN relation to their objective the ad-
vancement of the holy cause of religion and the
sedulous care of the universal fold.
Welcome Archbishop Bowling!