Here and There

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 37, 30 September 1925, Page 45

Here and There

War Hero to Minister to Lepers. Father Peter Henri d'Orgeval, war hero of France, five times .cited for bravery in action, has arrived in Molokai, "Isle of the Lepers," to bury himself in possibly the most courageous service known to man—the care of the unfortunates who dwell there. He is one of a group of French priests recently arrived in the island. Known as the "fighting chaplain of France," Father d'Orgeval never spared himself in his ministrations on the battlefield. Marshal Joffre was so impressed by his record that he recommended him for the Legion of Honor. It is sacrifices such as this which bring cheer to those experiencing a living death. They have seen it before in Molokai in Father Damien, first apostle of the island, and in the now aged Brother Dutton, who forsook the life of a dashing cavalry , officer to live beside, aid, and comfort them. Father d'Orgeval has entered on his life there with the same smiling fortitude as his heroic predecessors.

Vindicating Catholic Italy,—Father Paul of the Atonement, of Graymoor, New York, long an Anglican, minister, after a recent trip to Italy, writes in The Antidote this vindication of Catholic Italy: “I have visited for the first time in my life a country that has known nothing but the Catholic religion and the Catholic Church from the very days of the Apostles until now. The whole atmosphere of Rome, the strong, deep Faith of the people, their industry, 'their domestic virtues, and the moral tone of society has been impressed upon me profoundly. I have discovered by actual contact with the Italian people how false and untrue the representations are which prevail in Protestant circles concerning their alleged superstition, ignorance, and immorality. In material wealth and prosperity just at present we excel the people of Italy; but when it comes to morality and virtue, the Italian people can set us an example which America would do well to follow. The records of the divorce courts are but one evidence among many which reveal how honeycombed the social life of America is with domestic infidelities, making it to stand out in marked contrast with the purity of the Italian home. In spite of stringent prohibition laws, we know to what extent intemperance and dissipation still exist in the United States. Yet, without any prohibitory laws, the Italian people are almost entirely free from the sin of drunkenness.”

Old Monastery ' at Constance Trained Saints.—Tourists who take a little trouble to go out of the beaten track in their journeys through Switzerland } may visit Constance and its ancient little church which is [intimately linked up with the history of the Faith in early ages. Sacred legend says that St. Pirmin, the Irish Monk-Bishop of Meaux, was called by the Earl of the district to make a foundation in this section. Legend also says that the saint was another St. Patrick, in . that he drove the serpents forth from the land. The little church has been fre-

quently restored. Some ancient frescoes are still preserved as reminders of the monks' of old. ; Wars and dissolutions, in the Napoleonic period have robbed the- chapel and surroundings of many treasures, but some are still preserved in their pristine integrity. The monastery was once the trainingschool of saints and nobles. It can also boast of 18 archbishops, 60 bishops, and 25 men of eminent learning, while 29 of its monks were elected abbots of other monasteries: The Council of Constance, 1414 to 1418, saw the abbey at its best. Recently an historical pageant was held on the premises. ■:]

Virtues of First Martyrs Recalled. —Since the solemn Beatification in the Vatican of the Martyrs of Corea, heroes of Christ who, in that distant country, suffered and died for the Faith so dear to them and to all loyal Catholics, devotion to the early Christian Martyrs who shed their blood in the streets, the amphitheatres and fields of Rome has increased very greatly. The Holy Year exercises have attracted to Rome a great multitude of pious pilgrims as well as tourists and sight-seers, who take advantage of this unusual time and tie opportunities offered them, of viewing the spots made sacred by the heroic deeds and the life offering of so many who have glorified the Sacred Name of Christ. In particular has devotion to the Apostle St. Peter become marked. The spots which during his lifetime were consecrated by his accomplishments for the Faith, and which in sacred history and legend have become endeared to the Christian heart the world over, have 'been visited by thousands who kneel to pray and venerate the traces of the first Pontiff, the Visible Head of the Church. In all the Christian churches of Rome, devout pilgrims have attended the solemn functions held especially in their interest, when the clergy; clothed in the sacred vestments, have conducted exercises in honor of the particular saint or saints whose relics repose there or for whom the church or chapel is named.

Native Priest to Work for Japanese. — Father Totsuka, a newly-ordained Japanese priest, has recently left Rome to return to his native city of Tokyo. His ordination was the cause of great rejoicing among the Japanese Catholics of the latter city who welcomed him with great enthusiasm when he reached their midst. The new priest was formerly a pupil at the famous Morning Star School, and is the first from that institution to become a priest. This distinction sets him apart for especial esteem on the part of his countrymen. Before studying theology, Father Totsuka was a surgeon of known repute. In early years, as a student at the Brothers' School, he used to throw snowballs at a statue of St. Joseph which stood in a corner of the school yard. His conversion was a work of grace, and in thanksgiving it is the intention of the young priest to lay the foundation of a Catholic religious society for the conversion of the Japanese. Recently another Japanese student was ordain-

ed: at the .Cathedral -of vSt. ■ Mark in Venice. 7 Father I wash it,a is- the son of a prominent ;" Japanese, banker and has been professor of ;* philosophy in the preparatory department; of the University. of Jagoshima. He is a convert also, and a. former pupil of the Morning Star School. The increase in vocations '-■to. the sacred' priesthood in Japan of late is very encouraging to the missionaries, who rely upon a strong native priesthood in the not distant future to effect what 'they desire for the Japanese people, conversion to the one true Faith. ; [We print on .- page 13 of this issue ‘an article descriptive of the great work for the conversion of Japan undertaken by Father Totsuka—Ed. N.Z.T,'] .