Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1920-02-19

We are confident that the good
sense of our people will find way
out of the present situation. AS the
confusion occasioned by war sub
sides, calmer Judgment will prevail
Men will see that internal peace and
the cooperation of all classes must
be secured, If our country is to en-
joy prosperity at home and respect
abroad. Americas great oppor-
tunity must not be sacrificed to sell
fish aims or partisan interests. We
made war upon greed and selfish am
bition. We shall not let them tri-
umph within our own borders.
Reorganization
Catholics will do their full share
toward the complete restoration of
peace. With one mind and heart
they will labor for our country's adj
vantage. AS their patriotic efforts
were united to such good effect thru
the National Catholic War Council,
we have determined, for the ends Of
peace, to maintain the spirit of
union and coordination through the
National Catholic Welfare Council.
Under its direction, our needs and
problems in the several fields of ed
ucation and social reform will be
carefully studied Means will be
taken to secure and publish correct
Information on all matters affecting
the church and Catholic life. The
work of our organizations will be
developed and directed toward the
fuller attainment of Catholic aims.
Foreign Missions
The growth of the church in our
country is due, principally to mis-
sionary labors. We are now enjoy
ing their fruits, and we are deeply
concerned that the harvest should
increase. But we cannot forget
that we owe a duty to the missions
in other countries. Freely we
have received: let us freely give in
return.
Quite recently, Pope Benedict XIV
made eloquent appeal to all the
faithful in behalf of the foreign mis-
sions. To cooperate with his noble
endeavor, we have established spe-
cial department which has for its OBJ
ject the care and furtherance of our
missionary work. The problems
which confront 1t are more serious
now and the need of action more
urgent, on account of the changes
and losses which the war has oc-
casioned. We, therefore, look for
generous response to the Holy
Fathers appeal, and to that which
we are making, for the support and
extension Of our Catholic foreign
missions.
Needs Of the Holy See
r.. Al - III 80
the Holy Father gave his thought
and energy without reserve to those
in every country who were suffering
and helpless. With the restoration
Of peace, he has redoubled his eff
forts In our filial devotion he finds
comfort and reason to hope for the
future. aOur assistance at the pres
emit time will give him special con-
ISOLATION, owing to the fact that, in
so many other countries, his chill
dren are no longer able to share
with him their scanty means. Let
us on our part fulfill their loyal de-
sire. Let 1t suffice for American
Catholics to know that the Holy
Father with numberless demands
upon him, Is in need.
The National Shrine
In this regard we cannot refrain
from expressing our gratitude to the
Holy Father for his unfailing coun-
sci, direction and announcement,
particularly in his recent letter to
the bishops of the United States, in
which he commends most cordially
to our Catholic people the happy
completione of the national shrine OF
the Immaculate Conception at the
national capital, as a noble monu-
ment of our love for Mary. Immacu-
late, the Celestial Patroness of the
church in the United States and the
glorious Queen of Peace
We have thcs set befocs you, dear
ly beloved the more striking feat
ures of our situation its opportuni-
ties and most urgent needs. We
have indicated the principles which
must shape and develop our Catholic
life il. order that we may render eff
fectual service to the church and to
cur country.
Let us once more remind you OF
two essential duties. The first, that
you continually offer up prayer and
for all men, beseching
the God Of Mercies to direct their
hearts in the way of peace and con-
cord. The second, that you show
forth in your own lives, in your |
homes, your social intercourse and
your dealings with others, the beau |
ty of our Catholic faith, its power to |
the soul in trial, its eff
ficacy for the accomplishment Of the
duties which charity and justice pre-
scribe.
Doing these things you will adj
vance the Kingdom OF God, upon
earth and give honor to our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Given at Washington. September
26, 1919.
JAMES CARDINAL GIBBONS,