MATERIALISM

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1928, Page 2

MATERIALISM

A WORLD TENDENCY

CARDINAL CIvIUtK'ITTS VIEWS

AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. The many years ho has spent in different countries as a diplomat to the Church of Rome have encouraged Cardinal Cerretti to become a keen student of world affairs. In an interview to-day, he dealt chiefly with the tendency towards materialism and lib views on world pence. “There is undoubtedly n tendency toward materialism,” be stated “yet man cannot leave one broad alone. He needs something else which will uplift his spirit. Much good as well as evi’ has come from the war. After th long period of sorrow and sacrifice i was only natural that people desire' 1 to enjoy life, but it is a fact that ii evory ‘country especially in those which were directly affected by the war, there has been an increased spiritual movement and religion has made great progress.” Cardinal C'orretti dealt with an interesting aspect of post-war activity which, he said, had an undoubted influence for spiritual good. In the countries of Europe, especially France Germany and Italy, sports had developed to a remarkable degree. The young men and young women of these nations were now taking part in all manner of open air pastimes, which developed them physically. From hi? Observations, lie knew the youth oi France was better physically and spiritually than ever it was. “This tendency is a very good one,” proceeded Cardinal Cerretti. 1 A healthy body tends towards a- health? .mind. Before the war the youth of the countries I have mentioned wn too a.pt to look askance at healthy ex .ercise.”

On the subject of world peace. Car cliiial Cerretti said there was no doubt people generally detested war, and he was quite convinced that although wai was not made impossible, it was mad< very difficult: “There is a tendency to settle international disputes by ar bitration,” be said, “a.nd in this direction the League of Nations has dour splendid work. Already the League has prevented three or four wars that otherwise would have been inevitable. The League is not perfect, but wc ■must recognise that it is achieving good results.” Eucharistic Congresses such as tlic one recently hold at Sydney were a power for peace. Representatives of all nations gathered together and they were animated by brotherly love and a spirit of peace and goodwill. Eucharistic Congresses were occasions which spread the pacific spirit among men. “And you must not forget that people who attend these Congresses are not the only ones who become imbued with this spirit of peace,” he added. “The priests return to their parishes in al! parts of the world and disseminate this spirit among their people.” Cardinal Cerretti believes that it is imperative that the peoples of English speaking countries, particularly those of America and Great Britain, should co-ordinate in their efforts toward pence. The English speaking races formed a great portion of the civilised World, and they carried with them great traditions, which were invaluable. In conclusion. Cardinal Corrotti dealt for a moment with the race that was being bred in New Zealand. “Aon have here a. splendid stock of man L hood,” lie said. “This is due probably to your wonderful climate, the good food, and abundance of healthy exercise. I feel this country has a great destiny.”