The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-05-17
FATHER HUGHES, OF MANkATO,
DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING
ADDRESS AT THE x. OF c. CON-
VENTlON IN ST. PAUL.

|
| Most Rev. Archbishop, Worthy State
Deputy, Rev. Fathers, and Fellow
Knights:
Representative Of the various coun
ellis throughout the State are again
| convened to transact the important
business of this great and growing
society With no little satisfaction we
have listened to the carefully prepared
reports Of the different State Officers
Nothing more directly contributes to
the health and vigor of a society than
the officers faithful fulfllment of
their duties; nothing more clearly
shows their appreciation Of the dignity
the office confers.
The fond hope of every society, that
has in it the elements of life, is that
it shall live and grow. Every worthy
member of such a society has a deep
rooted faith in its future greatness.
Carried on the swift wings of fancy,
out beyond the horizon of the present,
farther into the future than reaches
the span of mans mortal life, he sees
the society grow in beauty and power
in proportion to its age and pictures
it's benefits to universal mankind linn
tied only by the needs Of the people.
the constitution Of the Knights of
Columbus, wisely founded on prin-
ciples of justice, the aim and pur-
Of L.o oil, i III
conform to every requirement of civic
and Christian virtue, is safe basis
upon which to build magnificent in
stitution. So long as the Order strict
ly adheres to it's first principles and
the members obey in letter and in
spirit the laws which govern the
Society, the knights of Columbus will
live, and grow, and force the world to
recognize their influence for good.
Individual or social life is correctly
measured by its adaptability to cir
cumstances; what scientists call
the power to correspond with envi-
rOnments. In the recent struggle be-
tween Autocracy and Democracy in
which both Church and State were
deeply interested, the worth of the
Knights of Columbus was tested and
to their credit with most Favorable
results. 1t was found that their devo-
ton to the Church in no wise impaired
their loyalty to the Nation. When this
country declared war against the
enemy of her rights and liberties the
Z nj o tC tnI
but rushed, as volunteers, to the de-
Tense of their country. True patriots,
with splendid disregard of the petty
distinctions, dear to the hearts of
small men, even in great crises, they
went where needed most. The JUS
tice Of the cause once decided with
courage they marched to meet the foe
Physical courage, alone, cannot
change a mild hammered gentleman
quietly pursuing peaceful avocations
into a military hero. Inspiration is
necessary to make peace-loVing man
willing and able to heW, with his
sword, a path through the horriC
| scenes OF war to the goal of victory
| A conquering hero must have faith il
| the final triumph of justice He must
know that there are times when the
| Spirit Of Love cOunSelS war, when the
Prince Of Peace puts into the hands
of man the sword and promises vic
tory to him who fights for a righte
| Gus cause 1t was the knowledge O
| these incontroyertibe facts whicI
| I,a of
more than d match for the CAREFUL.
trained legions which opposed them
With the courage that naturally be
| longs to honest. red-bloOded men, an(
| the inspiration which is the gift o
| devout men, the Knights of Columbus
entered the struggle physically ant
mentally equipped to achieve glory
On the battle front, whether as Off
| GERS or privates, their bravery more
than fulfilled the hopes of their ad
mirers. Those to whom was assigned
| the care of the hut, We're ministers o
| mercy bringing comfort to the sicl
and the wounded, and the consola
tons of religion to the dying; al
worthy representatives of a societ,
whose first principles are the princi
pies of true manhood.
! The Catholic Church, whose spirit
ual sons, the Knights of Columbus
are, today, points to them with prid
as the fairest fruit Of Christian civil
ization. The institution of this Sc
ciety was providential, greatly benefit
ing both Church and State. Under tn
conditions in which we live combine
effort is necessary for any grea
achievement. Individual effort, be
cause of the shortness Of life, and tn
many limitations Of human powe
falls short Of the accomplishment {
any great or lasting good. Pious pra
tees and secret silent sentiment, mos
| NNHNNHA1uN