M. VEUILLOT ON THE KENMARE PUBLICATIONS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 150, 17 March 1876, Page 7

M. VEUILLOT ON THE KEN MARE PUBLICATIONS.

(Translated for the ' Pilot' from the 'Univers' of Sept. 12.) The ancient kingdom of Kerry is situated at the extreme western point of Ireland. It is famous in hislory, and celebrated throughout the world for its exquisite scenery. Its shores are for ever in conflict with the angry ocean ; its mountains are nob unworthy of comparison with the Alps, its Uh.es graduate one above another like the platforms of an amphitheatre ; but we would now show how the genius of a woman has made a marvellous literary fame for one of its obscure villages, a furnace from which the flames extend to every English speaking country, a Catholic propaganda. This extraordinary woman to whom we are indebted for this is called Miss Cusack in the world, in religion she is known as Sister Mary Francis Clare, by her innumerable admirers as the '• Nun of Kenrnare." She belongs to an ancient Irish family, but was born a Protestant, and being touched by the grace of Jesus Christ she was received into the Church by Cardinal Wiseman, and immediately after entered the Order of the Poor Clares, casting aside as a worthless garment the pleasures of youth and considerable worldly advantages. The Convent of Kenmare was founded in 1831, by the Rev. Mother Mary O'Hagan. But she knew not that she had to bear the burden of human honors here, where she had only thought to practise penance, yet God had so ordained, she was gifted with a rare talent for authorship, and her superiors desired that she should employ it in the service of religion. She obeyed — a brilliant success made perseverance a duty. Her works had no sooner issued from the press than they were scattered far and near. The Catholic journals welcomed this inspired champion of the Faith with a cry of joy. Her Protestant friends rendered homage to her rare talents and mental powers. To have paused in such a career would have been to abandon the holiest of causes, and Mary Francis dare not even think of it. Her works grew rapidly ; she well understands the essential needs of society for which she writes. She instructs alike the child, the young girl, the wife, the mother, and the citizen. Each is offered advice suitable to her situation, every line breathes love to the Church, and devotion to her country. A narrow cell extends itself to the utmost limits of the earth, and the ■« orld is instructed by the inexperience of the cloister. Wo have not space to notice " The Spouse of Christ," the " Life of St. Gertrude," the " Manual of Devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart," the " Life of O'Connell," but as we cannot do more on account of the vast field which is open to us, we must only notice out of the Kenmare Series the "Life of St. IV trick," and the "History of Ireland." " The Life of St. Patrick " is honored with the highest of all praise. Pius IX. has recognized its profound learning and eloquence; lie is amazed " that an undertaking which appears beyond the power of a woman," has been brought to such perfection ; and he has declared that the author " has deserved well of the whole Church." After such praise, we dare not add another word. " The History of Ireland "is a model narrative. It covers the period from Pagan times to the days of O'Connell; it unfolds an immense number of events, yet the reader never wearies fora moment. Confusion is avoided, and yet no useful detail is omitted. Each object has its own place, and each object is considered in proportion to its merit. JNevcrtheloss, the chief merit of this admirable composition is not in the erudition of research, nor the skill with which it is put together, nor the elegance of the style ; it consists in the spirit which animates it. The glories and the sorrows of Ireland arc felt as they are related. Mary Francis has made them living realities, and has communicated to them the very life of her noble heart — this is the secret of her power. It is to this heart, sanctified by the love of the Church, that she owes the honor paid to her by the Vicar of Jesus Chi'ist. It is to this heart, thrilling with love of her country, that she owes her popularity, and the verses of a poel of her race, not unworthy to take his place in the foremost ranks of our modern bards ; — As long as there are hearts to feel For Ireland's woe, for Ireland's weal, This glorious tribute of their zeal Will earn the grateful prayer. Henceforth be sung w ith loud acclaim, Be writ upon the scrolls of fame, The last, the dearest Irish name, Of Mahy Francis Clare.