Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-03-18
REAL ST. PATRICk'S DAY
OBSERVANCE BY HOLY NAME
SOCIETY OF ST. MARY'S

the st. Mary's Catholic church at a
rousing meeting of the members at
st. Mary's hall on State street, Mon
day evening. Martin Carroll who
celebrated his eighty-eighth birth
day on the anniversary of the Patron
Saint of Ireland, was the honor
guest at the observance last even
ing, and Mr.. Carrolls presence was
one of the most enjoyable features
Of the evening to the large number
4 Of the men Of the parish present. as
well az to this genial gentleman
himself.
| The decorations were reminiscent
! Of the Emerald isle" and were car
ried out with a bold display OF the
green. and tiny shamrocks. harps,
, and clay pipes. Refreshments were
served. and the program included
musical numbers as we'll as brief
and informal talks by several men,
bers.
Reverand Father Joseph r. Nc
Gowan was the speaker Of the eve
ming and in n splendid speech, which
was enthusiastically received by his
hearers pointed out the bond Of
sympathy and understanding which
should exist between Ireland and
America.
Father McGowan's talk on THE
irish Issue in It's American Aspect"
vas as follows:
The history Of the world is the
history of its great men. These men,
these world heroes. have accom-
pilshed much for mankind. Leaders
in great works and accomplishments,
they are held before us as models.
The world has her heroes. each ma
ton has hers. No sooner are their
bodies placed in the tomb than
grateful people start demonstrations
in their honor. Monuments are
erected. statues set up. everything Is
done to keep their memory green.
AS the world has her heroes on the
battlefield, in the forum, in litera-
ture, etc. so the church has hers.
! bid you turn your attention this
evening to that island across the sea,
ilessed with natural beauty, once the
Inspiration Of the civilized world, the
island OF saints and scholars. later
the victim Of might. struggling I'M
der the oppressive hand of tyranny.
and In IT'S ranks OF heroes behold IL
youth who-lived and died, the great
hero of the church and Christianity.
the servant of Jesus Christ, Saint
Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland.
Born in Gaul towards the close OF
the fourth century. he lived with his
parents until his 10Th year. when he
was captured by pirates and taken
az a slave to Ireland. a stranger
in strange land, he viewed with
horror the spread of paganism in
the land. AS he tended his flock on
the hillsdcs, he prayed God to send
someone that would save the Irish
people. After six months he sue
ceeded in escaping and returned to
his native country. Though far
away from the Emerald Isle. he con-
tinued to think OF those poor people
stepped in paganism He prayed for
them lie dreamed Of them. He
heard the cries of the unborn call
ing for someone to bring them the
light OF faith. He resolved with
Gods help TO 20 to them. lie was
ordained ana consecrated and, Mt his
request, was sent to labor among the
people of ireland. For 10 years he
went about the country preaching
the Gospel and we know well how
they received the word. Like spring
following II severe winter the whole
island changed from paganism to
Christianity and the lessons taught
by Patrick have never been forgot
ten by the Irish people.
Today we look back through the
centuries. to the time of this great
apostle. through those years dimmed
with many n tear. stained with many
"A drop OF blood. and we see that
despite all persecution. sufferings
and hardships they always kept the
faith.
Today we honor tho apostle that
hrnnyhf Faith IN ireland
Whether Irclard's sons or sons OF
ireland. we Will remember this great
servant OF Christ. And IL II not
o'"0Ngc that his memory should be
kept green 5000 miles from the Is
mad OF his lahors when we consider
that three fourths OF those honoring
him have never visited the shores OF
ireland. nor seen the shamrock grow
ing in its native heath? And still we
turn, with hearts that burn. In ten
der love to YOU. dear land. In tender
love TO you"
The world owes n great debt OF
gratitude to ireland that II can never
repay. When science was on the
point OF extinction throughout the
rest OF Europe, when the Northern
l,nrbarians under Alaric. Genseric
and Attila swept from the face of
italy every trace VI
when tho BurEundians. Nisigoths
and others descended on the rest of
Europe: when the Mahometans were
rl'~Ni"" over the fair plains OF Asia
and Africa. when monks were muir
u,rcd. libraries destroyed. ana
schools burned. il was then the torch
OF science blazed forth with lustre
in ireland. attracting attention OF
the whole world. From the sixth to
the ninth century 1relands schools
and universities attracted scholars
from the north. south, east ana west.
rni wherever 1reland's sons cast
their lot they always gave their la
i,ur, their treasures, and their blood
Tor the benefit of their adopted
country.
What has ireland done for Amer
icar What aspect should our coun-
NV take concerning the issue In Ire
land? Let us see.
About 100 wears ago. when the
American States felt ii inconsistent
with their rights to submit TO Colo
NAL bondage any longer. they read
lily perceived n community OF inter-
est with ireland. the oldest OF Eng
lands dependencies. Not that the
American States, 5000 miles from
England. had experienced the weight
of the yoke which Ireland. on the
threshold of England. endured. the
principle Of both was the same.
Recall the visit OF Franklin 70
Ireland. seeking their help to weak
IN England. immediately after MS
return, the first General Congress
met In Philadelphia on September
fth. 1714
Recall how the American Fathers
(iTH71J md hnuINn