Catholic Problems in Western CanadaDaly, George Thomas
Religion
Catholic Problems in Western Canada
Daly, George Thomas
Catholic Church -- Canada
We are not to go to the Catholics of the West with an appeal in one hand
and an apology in the other. A straightforward, self-respecting
presentation of our cause will bring a no less straightforward and
self-respecting response. To make this appeal an unqualified success
there must be also concerted action. Intensive efforts alone bring
results. This means the canvass of the West for this single purpose, at
a stated time. But any canvass of this kind, to be effective, must be
prepared by an educational campaign. Give the Catholics, we maintain,
the vision of their duty, sound the call . . . and they will respond.
For indifference, profound and widespread,--fruit of ignorance more than
of ill-will,--would be the greatest obstacle to overcome. Arousing
interest will be the initial task. In Australia, Archbishop Mannix
organized a campaign, in co-operation with his suffragan bishops, for the
purpose of the Catholic College of Melbourne and from June to December,
1916, half a million of dollars was collected. The Catholics of Western
Canada are just as ready, we claim, to furnish such annual payment as
would be wanted: if only they are properly called upon. But this proper
calling involves first a systematic and periodical recommendation of its
claims by the clergy and influential laymen.
System will avoid a conflict of claims for other great causes equally
worthy of our generous support. The war has in this matter taught us at
home a great lesson. There were appeals for the Patriotic Fund, the Red
Cross, the Belgium Relief, the French Aid, etc., etc. They all came to
us in rotation. No apology was made, every one felt in duty and honor
bound, and the money was always there with an extraordinary readiness.
Organization is the first element of success.
* * * * * *
Who will be the promoters of this great work? Naturally the Hierarchy of
the West will be its inspiring and moving spirit. But, should not the
Knights of Columbus, that body-guard of Catholic laity, be called to the
honour of "seeing it through." This great undertaking would be a most
appropriate background for all the activities of our valiant Knights in
Western Canada.
A society, Catholic in principle and membership, must, to last, and be an
asset to the Church, have a definite programme of action in harmony with
its aim and constitution. If it keeps its energies pent up behind the
walls of the council-chambers and only finds them an outlet in social
functions and friendly gatherings, it will soon go to seed or die of dry
rot. When on the contrary an organization, such as the Knights of
Columbus, throws the full weight of its energies in the forwarding of a
great cause, the possibilities of its influence are limitless. The war
activities of the Knights and their splendid results for the Church and
the nation are a tangible proof of it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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