A Convert's Impressions

New Zealand Tablet, 8 June 1911, Page 1043

A Convert's Impressions

; The , conversion of the Rev. J. H. Steele, formerly Protestant rector at Crom, County Fermanagh, and late chaplain to the Earl of Erne, was announced some time ago, "and excited much interest and not a little comment. Mr'., Steele is at present studying in Rome for the Catholic priesthood.. The following is an extract from a letter of lis dated March 13. He says: 'I have good progress to report. I received Minor Orders, all four, yesterday in our chapel here" at the hands of our President, the Archbishop ; of ; Armida,. and had the great joy of commencing my studies to-day . for the first of the sacred orders, the sub-diaconate, which I hope to receive at Pentecost; so that before "we break up here for the summer months I shall be vested in the Maniple and taking my part at High Mass. The privilege is altogether beyond my deserts, and is one niore among the many signs .of his loving kindness granted me by our gracious God.' The rev. gentleman concludes his letter as follows: 'Asto my feelings since I was received into the Church on the eve of All Saints, I need only say that my happiness is complete, and seems to increase every day. It is a wonder to me now that I did not recognise how untenable on Catholic principles my. f>osition was previously- to that; the greatest event in' my ife," long before I did; but thank God that He has enabled

me to see straight at last, and given me strength to trample upon all obstacles in my way, and now He is granting me my heart's desire and fulfilling all' my aspirations so rapidly and completely as to fill me with wonder arid praise. I have been placed already on the steps of the altar, and if it please Him to terminate my life I could, I think, submit to His will with joy and resignation. . : , : -u