A STUDY OF LEO XIII.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 51, 23 April 1897, Page 17

A STUDY OF LEO XIII.

§11 E distinguished French litterateur, Vicomte dk Vogue, contributes a brilliant article to the January number of the Forum, in which, at the request of the editor, he undertakes " to speak to Americans of that European whose thoughts are most engrossed by America — his Holiness Leo XIII." The writer's frequent visits to the Vatican, and the high esteem in which he is held by the Pope, give unusual weight and importance to his article. Yicomte dk Youue begins by tracing briefly, but with perfect freedom, the successive developments of this lofty genius, and the corresponding increase in the prestige and moral power of the Papacy throughout the world. At the period of its inauguration the Pontificate of Leo XIII. gave little promise of being filled with the splendid achievements which have now made it so illustrious. It was the unanimous opinion of Catholics at the time that the loss of temporal power condemned the Pope to absolute political impotence, and to a religious activity of little moment. The successor of Pius IX., ascending the pontifical throne at an age when one is generally more fitted to complete than to inaugurate, presented the appearance of a saintly man who would but feebly trim the sanctuary lamp whilst waiting for better days. "It was doubtless due to our lack of discernment," says Vicomte de Vogue, " that nothing in his personality revealed a man born to mould and lead the world ; " and it appeared as if this austere priest had issued from the shadow of the Perugia n palace for no other purpose than to throw the lean and lofty silhouette of an ascetic into the historic gallery of pontifical portraits. Nine years later (1887) the writer of the article made another v sit to Rome, and the changes which he found were very striking. The most prominent feature was the feeble old man whom he had met nine years before. His figure loomed higher each day upon the horizon of the Eternal City. " Now, not only devout pilgrims came to have a chaplet blessed, but people of every creed and notorious unbelievers, the guardians of European interests, monarchs, princes, ministers, ambassadors, publicists — all were anxious to hear that voice which had already found a

universal echo. All the diplomatic negotiations between the Powers had their ramifications at the Secrefairerie cPEtat ; the arbitration of the Pope was asked in international differences ; he intervened to facilitate reconciliation and a good understanding " In a word, Leo XIII. had taken rank among the great politicians of the world. As yet that was all ; but there remained a still higher step in the development of the Pope's genius. His ripened judgment soon perceived the comparative uselessness and barrenness of mere political successes. He saw that everywhere social questions were taking precedence of political questions, and that everywhere popular opinion — democracy — was becoming sovereign mistress of the nations. To regain, then, the confidence of the people, hostile to the Church since she had identified her interests with those of thrones ; to group together the unguided masses, espousing their legitimate aspirations and imposing a bridle on their brutal revolts ; to give to democracy a rallying point and the most respectable of patronages, here was an aim worthy indeed of a great Pontiff, and to the attainment of this object Leo XIII. devoted all the resources which his genius could suggest or his exalted position could command. From the period of this change in his policy the characteristics of his pontificate became determined, enlarged and complete. Acts and documents of significance follow one another without intermission. The encyclical on the condition of the workingman attracts the attention of the whole civilised world, and almost equally important encyclicals are issued to the French and American peoples. To speak directly to the masses, and to draw them to him by every means in his power, was his constant thought, and the loftiness of purpose and the breadth of the aims of Leo XIII. are now generally recognised by the world. "Disinterested witnesses, opposed to his views or adhering to other creeds, have with one accord proclaimed him the greatest man of our time." It appears that the mind of the Pope is haunted by several all-absorbing projects. One is the reunion of the Eastern Churches, to recall whom to the fold he has made so many paternal advances. Another is the reconciliation of parties in France, and the return of that country, with new political and social forms, to its former position in the Christian vanguard. A third is the future of the United States, where European civilisation assumes new aspects and opens out new paths to humanity and to the Church. " A steadfast conviction shows him France as the field where the harvest for the coming summer will ripen ; the United States as that in which he is sowing seed for harvests in years to come. . . . The ultimate course of the United States, and to what extent it will justify the expectations of Leo XIII. , is the secret which history will divulge, lint, happen what may, the historian will pay due homage to the Pope, who, like a new Christopher Columbus, was the first to reach out to the transatlantic world." The following account of the impression produced in the mind of a visitor by an audience with the Pope gives such a lifelike portrait of the Holy Father that we cannot forbear from quoting it in full :—: —

•'A lengthy conversation with Leo XIII. leaves the impression of a very broad and clear intelligence, truly Roman in the former sense of the word ; of a gently inflexible will, persistent in the way it has outlined for itself ; of a sincere Liberalism which covers no clerical hypocrisy : of a hardy though enlightened faith, respectful of the faith of others ; of a heart still warm, free from hatred toward his adversaries, without meanness, very affectionate toward friendly persons, paternally divided between the nations in his charge beyond his Italy. It is impossible to forget the look, the gesture, the ring- of the voice, with which he follows you, as you retire backward, your fingers already grasping the door-knob ; the hand extended with a sudden propelling- of the whole body from the chair ; the inflection of those last words which linger in the ear of the visitor returning to his own land : ' Courage I Work I Come back to see me again ! ' Never a melancholy word ; never one of those allusions, so customary in the aged, to the lessening chances of meeting a friend once more. On leaving this man of eighty-eight one carries away a singular impression ; it is, that he does not wish to die, so long as there is a battle to fight ; that he does not think of death ; that he will not die I"

The Most Rev. Dr. Verdon left Dunedin for Sydney on Tuesday la&t by the Mararoa. The object of his Lordship's visit to the other side is to take part in the celebrations in connection with the episcopal jubilee of his Eminence Cardinal Moran. His Eminence put himbelf to great personal inconvenience in order to take part in lii.shop Verdon's consecration at Dunedin, and his Lordship feels it is the least return which he can make for such great kindness to be present at the jubilee celebrations. His Lordship hopes - o be back again in about five weeks.

"We regret to announce the death (sayß the London Unircrxe) of Dr. Fitzgerald, a distinguished Catholic Irishman, who, after a brilliant professional career in the far ends of the British Empire, settled down a few years ago in Ramsgate, to spend his remaining: days in peace. Dr. FitzGerald was one of the pioneers of the South African colony and did most valuable work, both medical and political, in New Zealand. He was a trusted friend and colleague of Sir George Grey, the Governor, and the influence which his skill and kindliness gained for him among the disaffected Maoris was of great use to the Governor in those troubled early days. It cannot be said that Dr. FitzGerald received the full measure of reward to which his work and character entitled him. But he was naturally a happy man. His own generous nature made him see good in everyone and everything ; wherever he went he made troops of friends : he was one of those men who never feel impelled to ask the doubting question, ' Is life worth living ? ' He made his own life worth living and he helped everyone he knew to the same solution. He was a man of beautiful simplicity and piety of life — an example to all men. He will be deeply regretted by friends all over the world." — E.I.P.

We take the following from the Catholic Times of March 0 :—: — The Most Rev. Francis Redwood, Archbishop of Wellington and Primate of New Zealand, who occupied the pulpit of St. Anne'sj Spitalfields, on Sunday evening, is, says the Daily Chronicle, generally accounted the finest orator of the Catholic Church in the colonies. It was at Stainnes that he received episcopal consecration at the hands of Cardinal Manning, on March 17, 187-1. The Archbishop acknowledges a weakness for the violin, which he plays with more than average amateur skill, and he is the possessor of a very valuable Stradivarius. The Archbishop has recently blessed the new school of St. Joseph, founded by the Marist Fathers, on the Boulevard Beausejour, near the Bois de Boulogne. Paris. The school, which is in a most healthy stituation. has already received a good contingent of pupils belonging to the best French families.

THE Nelson Evening Mail pays the following tribute to the late Mr. M. J. Hunt whose death was referred to in our last week' s issue : — The late Mr. Hunt had been connected with the Magistrate's Court in various capacities ever since his arrival here from Otago 22 years ago. Officially he was ever diligent, courteous, and considerate. and when it was in his power, he would always avoid extreme measures as bailiff by giving a little kindly advice which many a time has been accepted with the most satisfactory results. As a private citizen he was held in the highest esteem and in many instances he did with his might what hit. hand found to do in any

cause that lacked assistance." He will be missed in connection with Church devotions at St. Mary's, and also as a collector for the annual picnic for the boys of the Stoke Orphanage. There were very few people who did not know Mr. Hunt, and who had not many a time enjoyed with him a chat about •' the good old times" o* Nelson and Otago, and of the Old Country and other places, about which he always had something interesting to tell. Deceased \\ as a native of Sligo, and after leaving Ireland 40 years ago, whore he was in the Royal Irish Constabulary, he came to Victoria, serving in the police there and also in Otago. During his service in the South he late Mr. Hunt distinguished himself in a capture of some gold robbers, and received a reward for his services. Deceased, who was 68 years of age, leaves four daughters (two of them nurses in the Wellington Hospital) and two sons to mourn the sudden loss of both parents. The Nelson Colonist of April 12 gives the following account of the funeral of the deceased. The funeral of the late Mr. Michael James Hunt was Very largely attended yesterday afternoon. The body was conveyed to St. Mary's Church, where a service was held. The Very Rev. Father Mahoney, in an excellent address, referred to the deceased as one who had faithfully discharged hi b duties, and in doing so had secured the esteem of his fellow citizens. Deceased's kindheartedness and solicitude for the orphans was also referred to. The reverend gentleman concluded by urging hi s hearers to be prepared for death. Orphans from the Stoke Orphanage and St. Mary's marched in front of the hearse. Judge Robinson, his Worship the Mayor and some City Councilors, some of the local Justices of the Peace, Government and Court officials, the Polic c staff, and a large number of other citizens were present. Besides those on foot there were over twenty carriages in the procession.

We regret, says the Dunxtun Times of April 10. to have to record the death of Mr. M. Keliher, a very old resident of this district, who died at his residence, Waikerikeri Valley, last Wednesday afternoonMr. Keliher has been about 26 years in the Waikerikeri Valley, having come to the Colony about 3."> years ago. He had attained the good old age of 70. and leaves six of a family to mourn his loss — three boys and three girls. His wife died about fourteen years ago. The deceased had not been ill for very long, but had been laid up for the past three weeks with inflammation, though no one expected the end was so near. Dr, Hyde was in attendance and did all he could for Mr. Keliher prior to his death. — R.I.P.

The services at St. Maiy's, Milton, on Easter Sunday were attended by large congregations. At 1 1 .30 solemn Mass was chanted, the choir singing Est's devotional and pleasing composition. Kelner's beautiful duet, " Ecce Panis," was sung as an offertory by Mrs. T. King and Mr. J. A. Scott, and Lambilotte's " 0 Salutaris," by Miss O'Neill. The Very Rev. Father O'Neill officiated at morning and evening services, and Miss Scanlan presided at the organ. The altar of the church was very tastefully decorated for the occasion. — Bruce Herald.

Unbek the heading of " A Graceful Tribute " the Greymouth Evening Star of April 14 has the following : — As most of our readers are aware the Rev. Father Servajean has been transferred to the Ahaura. While stationed at Greymouth he took a great deal of interest in the welfare of the Catholic Brass Band ; indeed to his exertions are mainly due the present excellent position of the band. This week the members presented the rev. gentleman with a fine fowling-piece in recognition of his services, accompanied by the following illuminated address, very artistically written by Mr. R. Phillips: — "To the Rev. Father Servajean. Dear and Rev. Father, — We, the members of the Greymouth Catholic Brass Band, beg to express our sincere regret at your departure from amongst us. We are sure you will be missed, not only by us, but also by the large number of friends with whom you have come in contact during your stay here. As director of our band you have endeared yourself to us by your kindly ways and gentlemanly disposition. Our success, both musically and financially, has been due mainly to your untiring efforts in procuring new members and promoting concerts, etc., from which we always derived a substantial benefit. As our secretary, you have performed your duties with the utmost satisfaction, being always ready to assist in all business matters in connection with the band and attend to all correspondence. In consideration of the valuable services rendered by you, we ask you to accept a small token of our esteem. Therefore, Rev. Father, wishing you every health and prosperity in your new sphere, — We remain, yours faithfully, the Members of the Greymouth Catholic Brass Band."

We are informed that the new illuminant, to which referenoe is made in our Science Column, is soon to be introduced into New Zealand. A New Zealand Acetylene Gas Co. has been formed, with head offices at Nelson, and Mr. W. Tyree, managing director, is now making preliminary arrangements for placing the new gas before the public.