MARY KNOLL AND THE FAR EAST.

New Zealand Tablet, 13 November 1919, Page 23

MARY KNOLL AND THE FAR EAST.

- High on the hills that crown the eastern bank of i the Hudson ; River;-near Ossining, stands the institution;: of Maryknoll (says the Catholic World for.. September, iiv an editorial). It has found not what Hudson failed to find, but what he never sought a ; true enduring passage through the Western "world to that of the East. From its hills may be seen the silver sweep of the Hudson, backed by the stern, immovable curtain of the Palisades. To- -the south it opens into the gateway of the New. World. ' From the first day of its finding that gateway has been circled with the rainbow of hope for the Old World. In a new land the old might be reborn and know the vigor and the daring of youth. With love for every country and with invidious distinctions, towards none, the missionary leaving his beloved Maryknoll for the Far East may, even as did its founder, carry with him the " picture-'of home —and let that tender spot of his native land, have its ..share, in .sustaining him and guiding him in his supernatural labors. Maryknoll —its consecrated, name,, its sacred soil, s . its hills, its starcrowded sky, its chapel, we well know that these will dwell with the : missionary afar who has gone out from her. "Dreams of these haunted his full heart; Their love inspired his songs and prayers .. ,-... Bidding him play his part." American Catholics, must .realise that -the-soil and the work of Maryknoll is. theirs : that the men who. go out from it are theirs that the inspiration, the glory,' and the responsibility- of the work -are theirs.- :'.:....■'. They, must rouse their, souls to a living, personal interest ' and sacrifice. The hour for increased Catholic" opportunity has struck. The needy of the nations cry out to us. It is our work —not simply to read about, not simply to contribute a pittance towardsbut a work that demands full generous sacrifice: the contribution of money:' the. offering of prayers, and, if we be so blessed, of our sons and our daughters. The old Faith is still the redemption of the world. No power can alter it. No power can bring achievement without cost nor victory.- without; sacrifice. Wo may rejoice at our country's growth and her good fame and her prestige. ,We may rejoice and be grateful because of the increase "and prosperity ' of" the ' Catholic , Church in our own land.. But While we rejoice; the corresponding truth looms large,"the sense of responsibility grows aliWost fearful. Are 'we prepared ' to" fulfil the i "spiritual mission for which Cod had opened to us the opportunity?'"That question the present generation of Catholics must'answer;" It will need the sacrifice to" God, to Christ, and to' His Church, of all that we possess. China will tell 'its in'part the answer; and she will know because "of; those'.who f f6lh" Maryknoll have traversed the ' parage • from vthe : Western; to the Eastern world. . ;,,>,.< "'.-.. ■-. -.-.. ..;•»" '"-., <'. V. K^'XYU.'.''':'