THE FIGHT FOR THE FAITH IN FRANCE

New Zealand Tablet, 25 July 1912, Page 43

THE FIGHT FOR THE FAITH IN FRANCE

| The Association for the Defence- of Primary Catholic Schools in France has a brilliant record to show for its' nine years of existence:' 7600 schools have been aided, 10,000 teachers of both sexes have got appointments, and members of disbanded communities have boon provided with. a means of livelihood.

;, This is but one of numerous manifestations of practical belief among French Catholics since the nefariously planned separation of Church and State. The Archseoiogical Society for the care of historical monuments will, through the intermediary of the deputy, Maurice Barres, call on the Government to regulate the question of the confiscated churches by providing for their preservation; and whatever the answer to this natural demand, the question will be treated at length in the French Chamber. A new organisation for the promotion of Christian education and instruction, which has branches in every diocese of the land, held its general assembly recently under the presidency of Cardinal Amette. The report shows that one-third of the schools tyrannically closed by the Government have been re-opened through the activity of the society. Such a splendid record of faith and sacrifice is the best refutation of the pessimistic legend that religion is dying out in France. Upwards of a million sterling has been voluntarily contributed in ten years by the French laity desirous of safeguarding their children's heritage of faith and patriotism. The movement was indispensable to the development in the desired direction of souls exposed to the deteriorating influence of atheism and materialism.

The promised neutrality of public schools in matters of morals and creed has proved illusory. The children of Christian parents are daily exposed to the loss of all that has made France great and good in past ages. The Bishops are so convinced of the danger that they are prepared to sacrifice their churches, rather than the schools, now inaugurated and flourishing, for the preservation of the right atmosphere.

Fresh struggles and temptations, however, await the student when he leaves the primary schools, and Freemasonry is busy drafting new projects of law in order to regain, through the intermediate colleges, what has been lost through the Catholicity of the primary schools. Redoubled efforts are therefore necessary to combat new evils, and the Catholics of France are arming to the task with a vigor and determination that may well serve as an example to the rest of the Christian world.