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PUBLISHED W E E K L Y . 20 Pages.
No. 8
S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
10 cents.
1935.
GIANT STATUE OF CHRIST r
*?OW I N P O S I T I O N I N F R O N T O F T H E C H U R C H O F T H E S A C R E D H E A R T A T T H E S U M M I T O F M O U N T T I B I D A B O W H I C H LOOKS B A R C E L O N A SPAIN. The statue is of bronze and is 33 feet high and the w o r k of the sculptor Frederico M a r e s .
SOLE
AGENTS:
S I M E D A R B Y & CO., L T D . SINGAPORE
&
BRANCHES
On the summit of M o u n t T i b a dabo, overlooking the city of Barcelona dominating the landscape for many miles around, is the sanctuary of the Sacred Heart. There, as the accompanying picture shows, a m i g h t y and impressive figure of Our L o r d has been set u p ; and the crowds m a k i n g t h e i r way i n t h e photograph are the rear-guard of a multitude who took part recently i n the u n v e i l i n g ceremony. A m o n g Spanish cities, Barcelona has long been known for
OVER-
a somewhat turbulent a n t i - r e l i g i ous spirit i n certain sections o f its population. It is the more s i g n i ficant, therefore, t h a t i n these days that centre should have w i t nessed such a s t r i k i n g demonstration of faith. T h i s great statue o f the Sacred Heart, rising to a height of t h i r t y three feet, is of bronze, the w o r k of a noted sculptor, Senor F r e d e rico Mares. W i t h extended a r m s , (Continued on page 3)
MALAYA
2
" A n d do you find m a n y changes here in I r e l a n d ? " The g i r l was l e a n i n g back i n her c h a i r , t h o u g h t f u l l y regarding the man she had not seen for ten years. P o l i t i c a l l y , yes, but otherwise, I can't say I do." " Y o u are changed."
CATHOLIC L E A D E R , SATURDAY,
F E B R U A R Y 23rd
1935.
A F T E R T E N YEARS By
JOHN
KEVIN
44
come aroused and c a r r y one away w i t h t h e m i n spite of oneself." H e r dark eyes flashed fire. "Amir " Sympathies ?" she cried. " You are changed both outward" W h y should I arouse y o u r syml y and i n w a r d l y . Then, you were no one; now, y o u are someone w i t h p a t h i e s ? " " I don't know exactly, but, somea Colonial career a n d a l l that." She looked at h i m for a moment how, I always feel s o r r y f o r girls like y o u , who have to give way to in silence. " I wonder," she said at last, a younger generation." H e r hands fell to h e r sides. The " i f you find me as m u c h changed e n o r m i t y of his words seemed to as I do y o u ? " H e took advantage o f the oppor- stun her. " Y o u are very k i n d , " she broke t u n i t y she gave h i m and looked out, w i t h well-governed w r a t h , l o n g at her f a i r face. I g n o r i n g her question altogether, " b u t w i l l you please remember I "Why: have y o u never m a r r i e d ? " dc not require y o u r compassion, t h o u g h I can never properly exhe asked. press m y gratitude f o r y o u r pious S h e clasped her hands at t h e disinterestedness i n a s k i n g me to back o f her beautiful head w i t h a m a r r y y o u to save me f r o m such little yawn. an e n d ! " m " I have been unfortunate," she " P r a y , don't mention i t " — s a i d . " A l l the m e n w h o w a n t e d calmly. to m a r r y me were m e n I d i d not " I m a y be old, and shelved for care for, and those I cared f o r d i d not w a n t to m a r r y me. It i s the evermore," she said as he rose, "but general ' c u s s e d n e s s ' of F a t e , I I have not yet sunk quite so low suppose," she finished w i t h a low as to need y o u r c h a r i t y . There are at least four good m e n and true laugh. * who would m a r r y me to-morrow i f " * Cussedness/ " he answered g r a v e l y , " i s not a n E n g l i s h w o r d , — i f I consented—men who really nor i s * F a t e ' a n I r i s h o r a C a t h o - want to m a r r y me." " I don't doubt i t , " he said gravelic one. W e said Providence, mostly, i n Queensland, and the poor l y . " and I hope you w i l l forgive me o v e r here—the ones who know best i f I have said a n y t h i n g w h i c h . r—say G o d . B u t m a y not the t r o u - wounded you. One's sympathies ble o f the single state be due more are often misplaced. Y o u w i l l let to t h e waywardness o f y o u r o w n me come again, won't y o u ? " " I s h a l l b e pleased to see y o u , " nature?" w i t h f r i g i d f o r m a l i t y , and then she H e r dark eyes t w i n k l e d . " I a m a f r a i d y o u are still a lay- placed a listless hand i n his. B u t when he had gone she went preacher," she said, " a n d decidedly out o f practice i n m a k i n g p r e t t y a n d peered i n the m i r r o r . "Do I look so o l d ? " she cried speeches. A n d w h a t are you g o i n g w i t h a catch i n her breath, but she to do, now y o u are home a g a i n ? " " I haven't decided about m y f u - looked f o r wrinkles', a n d grey hairs ture—except i n one respect. I hope i n v a i n . " W h e n I refused h i m before," to m a r r y . " she said reflectively " he cried. ToS h e t u r n e d to h i m i n surprise. " A r e y o u engaged t h e n ? " she day—he laughed," a n d she sighed as she turned away. asked. * * * " H e shook h i s head. i " I w a n t t o k n o w i f you w i l l be " I t is a long w h i l e since you my wife?" came to see me," she said, as she A little colour crept into her sat down i n her c h a i r after receivcheeks. ing him. " I w i s h y o u wouldn't," she said. " Y e s , a long while. B u t I have " Y o u should remember you were h a d so much to do t h a t I really a l w a y s one of the m e n I d i d not haven't had time. w a n t to m a r r y . " "No?" She smiled, but her " T h a t was i n the old d a y s , " fingers were beating an impatient quietly. tattoo on the a r m of her chair. " W h y should there be a n y dif" I saw you at the Sacre Coeur ference n o w ? One could not bazaar on Wednesday," she went change one's opinion d u r i n g a n on. " Y o u were m o v i n g about hour's call." w i t h one g i r l the whole afternoon. " N o , " he s a i d ; " i t was not so W h o is she?" m u c h any change i n me t h a t I " O h ! you must mean little N e l t h o u g h t would make you give me lie N u g e n t . D i d you ever see such a different answer f r o m the one I a p r e t t y g i r l ? " * received ten years ago as the " J u s t up from the country, I change i n yourself and y o u r cir- suppose?" cumstances." " Y e s , from K i l d a r e . Anyone " M y circumstances are unalter- could tell that at once by the fresh ed," she said wonderingly, " and as colour i n her cheeks." to m y s e l f " " I t was not h e r cheeks that " Y o u are a good deal older t h a n made me t h i n k s o " — s c a t h i n g l y . y o u were ten years ago." " It was her hat." S h e flushed. " H e r h a t ? " he repeated blankly. " T h e n , i f y o u t h i n k I have aged " Yes, and the w a y she had put so m u c h , " she cried sarcastically, " why do y o u want to m a r r y me ?" it on. Instead of the hat being on " I never said I wanted to m a r r y her head, the head was rammed i n y o u , " he p u t i n cooly. " I made a side her hat. C a n she take it off mere request f o r i n f o r m a t i o n . A n d w i t h o u t a headache, I wonder?"— o c c a s i o n a l l y one's sympathies be- t h i s w i t h scorn.
M A G N E R .
He shook his head i n a mystified way. " Men, don't notice such t h i n g s , " he said. " Don't they ?"—sceptically. " I t h i n k they know p r e t t y well i f a w o m a n looks s m a r t or not." " M o r e Americanisms! Smart? T h a t means fashionably dressed, does i t not? O h ! yes. I dare say men notice that. B u t , then, one would never associate such a word, or words—yours or m i n e — w i t h N e l l i e Nugent. Simplicity—sweet simplicity—is her style." She tossed her head contemptuously. " Y o u called me old the other d a y , " she said, " and now I discover i t is you who have aged most. It is only old men who discover such c h a r m i n girls j u s t out of convent school." " Nellie has left the Ursulines some months," he said, i n somew h a t casual self-defence, but she only tapped her foot on the ground w i t h a trace o f i r r i t a b i l i t y . " D o n ' t you t h i n k we have talked enough about M i s s N u g e n t ? " she said. " L e t us s t a r t a topic of some interest." " T h e n we w i l l t a l k about you " — v e r y promptly. She smiled f a i n t l y . " I don't t h i n k t h a t w i l l be an absorbing subject either," she said. " Besides, i t m i g h t tempt you to be as uncomplimentary as y o u were last time, and y o u could not be so amusing twice." " D i d I amuse y o u , t h e n ? " " Y o u always amused me—even i n the old days, w h e n " — w i t h u n necessary emphasis " y o u and I v/ere y o u n g . D o you remember how y o u wept t h e n ?" " A n d did t h a t amuse y o u ? I t r y now i f i t w i l l give you any pleasure." " N o ! I do not believe you could s u m m o n a t e a r now i f you t r i e d . I wonder—I wonder " " A n d w h a t do y o u wonder?"* he asked, as she paused. " I wonder w h a t you would have done i f I h a d accepted you the other day." " Perhaps I shouldn't have asked you to m a r r y me i f I had not been quite certain y o u would refuse." H e r eyes flashed d a r k l y . " I w i s h I had said yes." " I m i g h t have kept you to your word, and w h a t would you have done t h e n ? " H e was w a t c h i n g her very closely, and she wished her colour were more under her control. She laughed as naturally as she could. " I would have m a r r i e d you out of revenge," she said. " Well " — i n a tone of much relief. A n d t h e n : "Maybe, all things considered, i t is much bett e r you answered as y o u d i d . " " Infinitely so," she replied, w i t h perhaps, too m u c h emphasis. A n d she watched h i m afterwards as he walked away f r o m the house, straight and t a l l .
" H e is too good for Nellie N u gent," she said, w i t h a deep l i t t l e sigh.
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" Come out on the balcony," she s a i d ; " it is so stuffy inside." " Y o u look t i r e d , " he said, as she t h r e w herself into a chair. " I am t i r e d , " she cried, " tired of e v e r y t h i n g , of the eternal treadm i l l . Surely, s u r e l y " — w i t h passionate earnestness—" the chief, t h e only comfort is to belong to a r e l i g i o n w h i c h keeps rubbing it, r u b b i n g i t i n , t h a t one was made for something better and! higher than all this." " H a v e y o u only j u s t found that o u t ? " he s a i d slowly. " O n l y j u s t ; and I have had ten years of it, and yet—and yet—I expect I shall plunge into it again n e x t season, i n L o n d o n as well as i n D u b l i n here—and do the round j u s t the same." will have "Perhaps things changed then—perhaps you w i l l be married." " N e v e r "—restlessly. " I shall never m a r r y . " " W h a t have become of the four who wanted to m a r r y y o u ? " ' T h e y have gone, thank goodness H e looked at h e r intently. " I wonder i f ever d u r i n g your l i f e , " he said, " y o u w i l l regret any of the men y o u have refused and w i s h — y o u had answered differently?" She laughed w i t h o u t m i r t h . " T h a t would be a j u s t retribut i o n for m y sins, y o u t h i n k ? Y o u were always a r a t h e r r i g i d Catholic." don't suppose retribution "I would follow. A m a n who loved you once would love y o u always." She laughed again. " I am a f r a i d y o u k n o w little o f h u m a n nature," she said. " Men o n l y too soon console themselves. T h e r e is an instance of that close at hand. L o o k at yourself!" " I have not consoled myself," he said quietly. She looked a w a y f r o m h i m . " H o w is N e l l i e N u g e n t ? " she asked suddenly. " N e l l i e is v e r y happy. She is j u s t engaged." H e r eyes looked even darker i n contrast to the w h i t e face she t u r n ed to h i m . B u t h e r voice was quite firm. " Accept m y congratulations," she said. Y o u are v e r y k i n d , but—I don*? see w h y I a m to be congratulated." " I n d e e d ? " i n a colourless, even voice. " Y e t , M i s s Nugent's engagefnent implies yours too." " I t does not," he said a little w h i m s i c a l l y . " Y o u see, you were r i g h t . I was not old enough for Nellie. H e r fiance, who is a fine, good fellow, b y the by, is a man of forty-five, ten years m y senior." " I a m so s o r r y for your disappointment," she said gently. " A little help is w o r t h a world of p i t y , " he said. " A n d how can I help you ?" " B y t a k i n g the disappointment away." H e leant over the flowers on tne balustrade, t h a t he m i g h t look the better into her face. " I a m t i r e d of the treadmill, too," he said. " Y o u touched upon religion a moment ago. A m o n g other things, it teaches us that, b a r r i n g the call (Continued on page 3)
M A L A Y A CJATMUAjAC LEAUEK,
On Win$s |from The
S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
.Albion
C o m i n g Canonizations.
W e l d was L o r d M a y o r of London. A week ago, when this corres- It was by the generosity of a Weld pondence began its flight f r o m t h a t the Jesuits came into possesEngland, the Catholics of the sion of Stonyhurst, the Society's country were on the tiptoe of ex- most famous College i n E n g l a n d . pectation: t h e y awaited the news L u l w o r t h Castle, bought by S i r that the Sovereign Pontiff had ap- H u m p h r e y Weld's grandson i n proved the canonization of Bless- 1641, is a place full of Catholic meed John C a r d i n a l F i s h e r and B l e s s - mories. The Catholic C h u r c h , i n ed S i r Thomas M o r e . On S a t u r d a y the Castle grounds, goes back to the glad news was made k n o w n the year 1787, four years before definitely. H i s Holiness had ap- the passing of the "Toleration proved and a l l was thus assured. A c t " made i t legal to build C a A f t e r four hundred years, there- tholic chapels again i n E n g l a n d . fore, E n g l a n d is to see two of i t s The shape o f the church, and its sons raised to the Church's altars. general exterior appearance, is The exact date for the ceremony a n y t h i n g but ecclesiastical. A is not yet officially announced, b u t story goes that K i n g George the it is expected to be i n M a y , w h e n T h i r d remarked to the W e l d of many notable p i l g r i m s , clerical and that time, when the question was lay, will go to R o m e for the great raised as to building a church, occasion. t h a t though such an erection was not strictly legal, there could be no The knowledge that there is soon to be a St. J o h n F i s h e r and a S t . h a r m in building a mausoleum,— Thomas M o r e is already stimulat- and the h i n t , i t is said, was taken. ing interest i n the many places W h e t h e r the story be t r u e or not associated w i t h the lives of these makes no difference to the fact two m a r t y r s . Catholics at O x f o r d t h a t at L u l w o r t h is one of the first (More) and Cambridge ( F i s h e r ) and most interesting post-Reforare certain to have their celebra- mation Catholic churches i n the tions ; and the same may be said o f land, a b u i l d i n g w h i c h i n its t i m e Beverley, w h e r e Blessed J o h n has witnessed historic ceremonies, Fisher was b o r n , and of course as among t h e m the consecration, i n tc London where both m a r t y r s 1790, of B i s h o p C a r r o l l , the first suffered. A t C h a t h a m , a p a r i s h member o f the H i e r a r c h y of the which includes B i s h o p F i s h e r ' s dio- U n i t e d States. cesan c i t y , Rochester, a new sanctuary w i l l be blessed as a local memorial to the m a r t y r . The Place o f Martyrdom. F o r some t i m e past there has been a movement, sponsored chiefly by a C h u r c h o f E n g l a n d clergyman, the Rev. P . B . C l a y t o n , to altar the face of T o w e r H i l l . A t present t h i s historic spot, j u s t outside the w a l l s of the T o w e r o f London, is disfigured by hideous warehouses a n d other eyesores. The ancient church of A l l Hallows B a r k i n g , where Blessed J o h n F i s h e r ' s body found its first grave after h i s m a r t y r d o m , is hidden from view b y one of these monstrosities. T h e Tower H i l l Improvement Scheme, Catholic papers to w h i c h the have j u s t devoted much attention, proposes to altar a l l that. W h a t i s more i m p o r t ant, for Catholics, is the f a c t that the acual site of the scaffold upon w h i c h the two Blessed M a r t y r s died—at present enclosed within a semi-private square— would, under the scheme, be brought p r o m i n e n t l y into the open and marked b y a memorial structure. P i l g r i m s , i n that case, would be able to v i s i t the place of m a r y r dom in great numbers.
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The Welds. The death of a W e l d of L u l w o r t h Tarings to m i n d the renown of one of the most ancient and noteworthy Catholic families i n E n g l a n d . M r . Herbert W e l d , famous as a t r a v e l ler, geographer, and archaelogist, has died at L u l w o r t h Castle at the age of eighty-three. The W e l d s claim to be descended from E d r i c The W i l d " i n the time of K i n g Harold. O n sure historical ground, there is the knowledge that W i l liam W e l d was Sheriff of L o n d o n in the fourteenth century; another Weld went w i t h K i n g H e n r y the F i f t h to H a r f l e u r ; and early i n the sixteenth century S i r H u m p h r e y
M r . Weld's last years were saddened by the recollection of a sad calamity. A n outbreak of fire practically gutted the major part of L u l w o r t h Castle. T h e great walls and towers withstood the flames, however, so to t h a t extent L u l w o r t h was saved. H a p p i l y the famous church was undamaged. # * * * Mount St. Bernard. The s i g h t of monks as c h u r c h builders is not new i n E n g l a n d , as witness the case of B u c k f a s t Abbey, where the great church, now nearly completed, was raised b y the labours, over m a n y years, of a small band of the brethren. N o w it is the t u r n of the C i s t e r c i a n community at the A b b e y of M o u n t St. B e r n a r d , i n Leicestershire. There the monks are to m a r k the centenary of t h e i r monastery b y completing the abbey c h u r c h , a building begun b y a n architect w i t h a famous name, P u g i n . A t present a number of the commun i t y are engaged i n clearing the site and preparing the foundations for the extension. There are at present about seventy monks at M o u n t St. B e r n a r d , so t h a t the need for a larger church has become imperative. Between this monastery, and L u l w o r t h , mentioned above, history has forged a l i n k . A t the time of the F r e n c h Revolution a community of T r a p pists from France settled at L u l w o r t h and remained there for many years. I n 1817 they went back to t h e i r own country, to an abbey, near Nantes, f r o m w h i c h the M o u n t St. B e r n a r d monks came some eighteen years afterwards.
1935.
C i t y Catholic Police G u i l d . The occasion was honoured by the presence of the L o r d M a y o r and L a d y Mayoress and a number o f the highest police officials both of the C i t y and the Metropolitan body. The Catholic Police g u i l d is now upwards of fifteen years old, and its membership includes, i n the Metropolitan area alone, a thousand Catholic policemen. Liverpool, also, has a s t r o n g and well-organized Catholic Police Guild, a body which has already given generous help towards the great Metropolitan Cathedral now in course of erection. A Convert Methodist M i n i s t e r . So many clergymen of the E s t a b lished C h u r c h have become Catholics during and since the O x f o r d Movement t h a t i t is apt to be overlooked that N o n c o m f o r m i t y , also from time to t i m e gives members of its m i n i s t r y to the F a i t h . The latest instance is that o f the R e v . T . S. Gregory, a Methodist m i n i s t e r of Sidcup, K e n t . M r . G r e g o r y has resigned his m i n i s t r y ,after nearly fourteen years' service, a n d has announced h i s intention of undergoing instruction for reception into the Catholic C h u r c h . A n o t h e r conversion f r o m the N o n c o n f o r m i s t ranks that w i l l come to m i n d is that of t h e well-known Dr. Orchard, who made his submission a few years ago. A n o t h e r f o r m e r Nonconformist m i n i s t e r i s now a prominent Catholic j o u r n a l i s t . * * * *
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To be a perfect timepiece, a watch has to be beautiful and accurate, Now, everyone can say whether a watch is to one's liking or not, but it is difficult to estimate the quality. Only experts can judge • ! the finish and precision of a mechanism as delicate as that of a watch. There remains for those who love accuracy a means of eliminating: disappointment-choose a V U L C A I N watch, acknowledged the best by thousands of people all over the world. With a V U L C A I N you have the satisfaction of knowing that you possess a timepiece of unequalled | accuracy and refined beauty. i
G I A N T S T A T U E O P CHRIST. (Continued from page 1.)
the figure m a y be judged by a A T r a g e d y at Q u a r r . comparison w i t h the h u m a n beings The Benedictine monks at Q u a r r on the steps o f the pedestal, who A b b e y , i n the Isle of W i g h t , have seem but t i n y specks against the been plunged into g r i e f b y the colossal monument. t r a g i c death o f a member o f t h e i r Those readers o f the Leader who community. F a t h e r E l i e Calmels, know Lourdes, w i l l note i n the O.S.B., was d o i n g some w o r k i n the general " l a y o u t " o f this S p a n i s h monastery cloister w h e n h e acci- C h u r c h a broad resemblance to the dentally fell f r o m a ladder and scene at that famous shrine. struck the g r o u n d w i t h such force F l a n k e d b y its ascending ways a n d t h a t he died soon afterwards. corner turrets, the great s e m i F a t h e r E l i e was a genial, active, circular entrance i n the lower p a r t much-liked priest, and his death i n of the picture m i g h t be the L o u r these grievous circumstances is a des C h u r c h of the R o s a r y ; w h i l s t the building above, beyond the sad blow f o r the abbey. * * * 4c statue, could be imagined as the Lourdes B a s i l i c a i n process o f c o n B i r t h - C o n t r o l : A Catholic V i c t o r y . struction. T h e landscape too, The Catholic congregations at shows points of s i m i l a r i t y w i t h Stockport, a large Cheshire centre t h a t i n the Pyrenees. not far f r o m Manchester, have reason for congratulation. T h e demonstration o f protest w h i c h they AFTER T E N YEARS. held recently against a proposal to set-up a birth-control clinic i n the (Continued from page 2.) town has proved successful. W h e n the matter came before the Council at its meeting after demonstration to the higher life, w h i c h has not had taken place, the proposal was come to either o f us, i t is not good to live alone. D o n ' t you t h i n k we heavily defeated. In Stockport m i g h t bear life better i f we faced there are thousands of Catholic it together?" writers, solidly united on this question; and the local Councillors She clasped and unclasped h e r had received f a i r w a r n i n g o f what hands nervously. they might expect at the next elec" I did not mean to arouse y o u r tion i f they voted in favour o f tho compassion a g a i n , " she said w i t h birth-controllers. They heeded the a sob i n her voice. warning, and there will be no clinic. " Y o u have never aroused a n y W h a t Stockport has done so well, other places also are prepared to t h i n g i n m y heart but—love." do. There w i l l be no p a l t e r i n g w i t h " Y o u said I was old and passee this matter. 99
silence of ten long years. W o n ' t you trust me now?" Her dark eyes were s h i n i n g London's Catholic Police. L o n g ago, W . S. Gilbert's Burles- through a m i s t of tears. " I was afraid—I was a f r a i d / ' que told us that " a policeman's ft>t is not a happy one." Nobody could she cried, " that you h a d gone have been of that opinion who was away from me for ever, and, u n t i l present lately at the annual dinner, I had lost you, I never k n e w how in L o n d o n , of the Metropolitan and I loved you—how I wanted y o u ! "
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It's not only a matter of taste
" W i t h o u t dreaming that you were. A r e not men of our race comedians? Could you not see t h a t I was a c t i n g ? " He took her t w o restless s l i m hands i n his. " Dear heart," he said, " m y love has survived the weariness and (Continued at foot of column 3.)
4
Y o u n g People's P a g e Short
Story
C H A R L I E ' S CHOICE. It a l l began at the B r a n c h C o n vent Concert. A small company of friends finding t i m e h a n g i n g idle, decided to spend the evening at the Convent entertainment. T h e several items on the programme were gone t h r o u g h w i t h o u t a h i t c h and happiness and satisfaction were clearly registered on everyone's face. A splendid rendering of the violin solo b y a M r . Sequeira was paradoxically the cause and the o r i g i n o f our troubles f o r a good m a n y days to come. C h a r l i e o f our company, was noticed to be rapt i n ecstasy w h e n the v o i l i n solo was underway. I was the closest to h i m i n the h a l l and was therefore able to notice t h a t f r i e n d C h a r l i e was swayed by some m y s terious emotion. I touched h i m on his shoulder but there was no response. E v e n after the solo and f o r a good while after, C h a r l i e sat i n ominous silence. T o distract h i m from his reverie I said t h a t the h a l l in w h i c h we were was not a n ideal place for meditation. M y r e m a r k had the effect of d r a w i n g out a few words from Charlie. H e simply replied, " F m g o i n g to do i t . " I d i d not want to let h i m stray f u r t h e r away from h i s thoughts and f r o m the solemn inspirations o f the m o ment. The performance being over we returned to o u r respective rooms i n St. Paul's. C h a r l i e then came to m y apartment. H e was n o w more communicative. I allowed h i m to t a l k and t h i s is what he said, " F r i e n d , I have decided t o master a s t r i n g instrument. Y o u k n o w , a knowledge o f music is a social accomplishment w h i c h every y o u n g man should possess. A mandoline is an appealing instrument and is quite easy to manipulate." K n o w ing Charlie well and his sense of music better, the prospect of l o n g evenings w i t h C h a r l i e s t r u m m i n g on the mandoline and I m a k i n g heroic efforts to concentrate m y attention on a book, was indeed gloomy. A t last to dissuade h i m I said that he could no more m a s t e r the mandoline t h a n a chimpanzee the piccolo. H e flared up. T h a t was j u s t l i k e C h a r l i e . The next step Charlie took was to read a l i b r a r y full o f books on the subject of mandolines. H e next visited several musical stores in search of a good mandoline. T h e local firms such as M i s q u i t h s , C a l lards and Sen B r o t h e r s could not satisfy h i m . H e at last managed to get a secondhand, " v e r y cheap " as he puts i t , " f r o m a dear f r i e n d . " I subsequently found out t h a t he had paid a ridiculously h i g h price for his i n s t r u m e n t w h i c h was excellent firewood. If his music-tutor had told h i m at the outset t h a t C h a r l i e had as much m u s i c i n h i m as there i s i n a n iron-foundry, he w o u l d have spared t h a t y o u n g m a n m u c h unnecessary energy and a l l o f us a good deal o f annoyance. One day, after three m o n t h s of strenuous practice, C h a r l i e strode into m y r o o m w i t h his inseparable instrument. He insisted t h a t I
s h c u l d listen to his first attempts at m a k i n g melody on his mandoline. F o r a full h o u r he continued to make w e i r d noises on his strings. A t the end of t h a t hour n o t i c i n g the puzzled look on m y face, he volunteered to e x p l a i n to me that the piece he had j u s t played was the f a m i l i a r " H o m e Sweet H o m e . " I gently told h i m t h a t it sounded to me like one of Beethoven's long d r a w n sighs. H e was exasperated at t h i s r e m a r k and indulged i n a masterpiece of expressive diction. He t h r e w away his mandoline on m y table and flung himself out of my room. A f t e r a f o r t n i g h t I received a letter f r o m C h a r l i e , t e l l i n g me t h a t the change to the quiet neighbourhood had greatly soothed his f r a y e d nerves a n d t h a t a t o t a l change of outlook h a d taken place w i t h i n h i m for where he once hungered for the plaudits of the populace i n his dreams of a talented m u s i c a l artiste he now was filled w i t h a keen desire to r e t i r e f a r f r o m the m a d d i n g crowd and devote his life to the greater g l o r y and honour of G o d either as a R e ligious Teacher or Preacher, the f r u i t i o n of w h i c h could be laid only at the doors of his intense v a n i t y to eclipse the already b r i l l i a n t stars i n the g a l a x y of the musical F r o m t h i s i t can be firmament. already seen t h a t even f r o m an i n ordinate desire to acquire w o r l d l y fame there havo been m a n y occasions where the greatest good has s p r u n g therefrom and t u r n e d a w o r l d l y consideration i n t o a celestial ideal. M a y C h a r l i e persevere i n the steps that he has t a k e n and i n t h e meantime m a y he be strengthened by the grace of God i n h i s endeavours to rise to heights Sacerdotal.
YOJUR D E B T TO F A T H E R A N D MOHER. The Example of the Child Jesus. On J a n : 12 we kept the feast of the H o l y F a m i l y . A s the quiet, simple life of Jesus, M a r y and Joseph i n the little house at N a z a r e t h is intended by God to be the model of our own, we cannot do better than study it f o r a little while to-day. The Gospels w h i c h teach us a l l we really can k n o w for certain about the life of O u r L o r d tell us in two short sentences how Jesus behaved i n the home circle. " H e went down to N a z a r e t h , and was subject to them." He, of course, being God as well as man was infinitely greater than M a r y , H i s immaculate M o t h e r , or St. Joseph, His foster-father,
All young people need milk every day: for
preference
"MILKMAID MILK.
LOOK O U T for Our
Free Entry
Puzzle Competition on 9th March.
both of w h o m H e had H i m s e l f created. Y e t since H e was at the same t i m e M a r y ' s Son H e paid her all the respect and obedience due to a m o t h e r ; while to the less p r i vileged S t . Joseph H e submitted as entirely as H e would have done had he been really H i s o w n father. A l l this was, we know, to teach all J. P E T E R S . children i n a l l the ages to come, {The Voice) the duty t h e y owe to t h e i r parents or guardians who stand to t h e m i n the place of G o d . L e t us t h i n k for a moment how may little by l i t t l e improve i n our utterly a little c h i l d depends for conduct a n d show the f r u i t we have gathered from H i s example and e v e r y t h i n g on its mother or father. f r o m the Sacraments w h i c h give How k i n d l y and quickly i t s mother us such abundance of grace i f well attends to its least cry H o w gently its father soothes i f when it rims received. to h i m i f danger threatens. H o w Obedience. patiently they both work day after There is one v i r t u e w h i c h stands day for i t s comfort and well-being. They never complain of the "hard out a m o n g all those a child should practise w h i c h alone can make its work t h e y sometimes have to do parents' life a j o y — t h e v i r t u e o f in order to keep things going. Is Obedience. Disobedience brought it not the d u t y then o f the child into the world s i n and unhappiness who has received all t h i s loving A s A C h i l d . L i v e hidden i n y o u r own littleand suffering and death. Obedi- care i n i t s babyhood to show love ence alone can b r i n g peace and and reverence and willingness to ness. B e humble and simple like s t r e n g t h and u n i o n of our hearts obey as soon as i t is old enough a c h i l d ; and the most loving Jesus w i l l cause you to participate in w i t h the C h i l d Jesus of N a z a r e t h . to make some r e t u r n ? Honour t h y F a t h e r and t h y t h a t D i v i n e Peace, w h i c h the anIt was because Jesus k n e w t h i s t h a t H e spent H i s short earthly Mother are no empty words. T h e y gels promised to men of Good Will. life teaching us by example that it are one of God's commandments, H e w i l l give you the tender caresis the one v i r t u e above a l l others and the C h i l d Jesus at N a z a r e t h ses of a child. t h a t H e considers most important. teaches us how to put t h e m into St. Paul of the Crots. Remember H i s own w o r d s : practice. * * * * In spite of the fact t h a t Our "Seek first the K i n g d o m of G o d L a d y knew that she was r e a r i n g and H i s j u s t i c e . " A r e we not Love Of Mary. doing t h i s by c a r r y i n g out H i s ex- her little Son as the V i c t i m of the C h i l d r e n should be taught from press w i s h that we should honour future supreme sacrifice of C a l - t h e i r earliest years to love their (by obedience) o u r father and our vary, t h i n k of her j o y as she heavenly M o t h e r and fly to her in m o t h e r ? A n d let us never forget watched H i m advance d a y by day all t h e i r needs; then later on, F o r God when the temptations and difficult h a t b y obeying, i n all t h a t is not in wisdom and grace. sin, those who are set over us, we allowed the gifts of H i s all-perfect ties o f life press upon them, it will are exactly fulfilling what we p r a y Nature to appear - g r a d u a l l y , to be n a t u r a l and sweet to t h e m to for i n O u r L o r d ' s own p r a y e r : teach us how, b y copying H i m , we call on her for help. " T h y w i l l be done on earth as it Mother M. Philip, LB.V.M. is i n H e a v e n . " — M . M . E . (Continued at foot of C o l . 2.)
Duller Cream.
I E E B I / C U I T / II?
MALAYA
CATHOLIC LEADER,
SATURDAY,
F E B R U A R Y 23rd
1935.
Unconditional Obedience Due To Church's Authority The Authority O / The Church Comes From God. Lay In a, prelvious article we have that a u t h o r i t y in the stated Church is a positive, divine i n s t i tution. T h e C h u r c h is the Society established by C h r i s t to teach us H i s doctrine and guide our lives. Nor did C h r i s t confine H i m s e l f to determining the broad, general lines of this organisation; H e designed the chiefs and designated them by name—Peter, and the eleven. It was to Peter H e said, " F e e d my sheep." It was to the apostles that H e said, " G o and teach," and "do this i n remembrance of me." The divine constitution o f t h e Church implies therefore the duty of obedience. T h e C h u r c h remains the supreme power on earth i n the moral order. T h e C h u r c h is commissioned to speak i n the name of God and no one, therefore has any right or any m i s s i o n to sit i n j u d g ment on the C h u r c h itself. The C h u r c h by its m a g i s t e r i a l authority i n f a i t h and morals is above every temporal power and above the C h u r c h there is only God. W i t h i n the C h u r c h there i s recourse from the lower a u t h o r i t y t o the h i g h e r ; one can appeal f r o m the p a r i s h priest to the B i s h o p , and from the bishop to the sovereign Pontiff. B u t when the u l t i mate a u t h o r i t y has given j u d g ment, no other redress is possible. The voice o f the church is the voice of G o d and the faithful must submit to i t . E v e r y t h i n g comes from C h r i s t , authority, doctrine and rule o f life. The faithful are recipients only and have no r i g h t to direct or cont r o l i n a n y w a y whatsoever. Obedience and F a i t h . To those outside the f a i t h this doctrine of obedience m a y seem a monstrous one. E v e n to the tepid C h r i s t i a n i t seems like a n exaggeration. T h a t is because the tepid C h r i s t i a n regards C h r i s t i a n i t y less as divine t r u t h and more as a k i n d of h u m a n society. The doctrine of obedience to the Church can be understood only i n the l i g h t o f f a i t h . A lively f a i t h i s the d i v i n e i m press. I t sees i n C h r i s t i a n i t y a reality o f another kind, something on a different plane from the state . or any other society. C h r i s t i a n i t y transcends because it is devine and the divine is transcendant. B y transcendance we mean superiority to a l l other things i n a degree that admits no comparison. C h r i s t i a n life, therefore, dwells on a plane t h a t has so equivalent and the a u t h o r i t y of the C h u r c h shows i n this transcendence. Now the a u t h o r i t y of the C h u r c h can be seen i n a very different light according as we consider it as an i n s t i t u t i o n divine or human. It is not always easy to consider the C h u r c h i n its divine character, because the C h u r c h is also h u m a n . It is to m a n t h a t C h r i s t has confided H i s work and man retains his liberty. W h a t e v e r rank a man m a y holld m the hierarchy and hower important his function, each one remains free to commit s i n ; a priest, a bishop even a pope can be corrupt B
Apostolate.
can have weakness of character or intelligence w h i c h lead h i m into imperfections and faults. A l l t h i s is visible. W h a t we see in the C h u r c h i s not God, but man. Our f a i t h assures us that Christ lives i n H i s C h u r c h and acts t h r o u g h i t , but we do not see H i m , we see m a n . Hence the law of obedience to the C h u r c h is acceptable only i f our f a i t h is l i v i n g and intense. T h i s f a i t h reveals to us the other aspects of the Church, the divine aspect. T h r o u g h f a i t h we behold i n the C h u r c h the mystical body of C h r i s t a society of souls i n w h i c h C h r i s t lives by H i s grace and w h i c h H e animates w i t h H i s s p i r i t . The action of the s p i r i t is revealed i n t h e first place b y the grace w h i c h the sacrament of H o l y Orders confers on priests and more p a r t i c u l a r l y on bishops. In the case of the pope this assistance is manifested, amongst other ways, b y the g i f t of infallib i l i t y i n matters of f a i t h and morals. Infallibility is indeed the supreme guarantee but i n the ord i n a r y course of affairs, as who hold a u t h o r i t y i n the church, receive f r o m C h r i s t i n eminent degree the help w h i c h t h e y need to guide the C h u r c h i n the way t h a t the M a s t e r wishes i t to go. Obedience and C h a r i t y . I f obedience to the C h u r c h is inconceivable without f a i t h , i t is no less so without c h a r i t y . A C h r i s t i a n who sees the C h u r c h w i t h the eyes of f a i t h cannot but love i t and this love takes a cent r a l place i n his life. T h i s love of the C h u r c h extends to those C h u r c h institutions w h i c h C h r i s t has willed, and i n particular to the priesthood, the Episcopate, and the Papacy, to w h o m C h r i s t has confided the Government of the C h u r c h . A C h r i s t i a n , therefore, must have an attachment, a veneration for the a u t h o r i t y t h r o u g h whom the w i l l of C h r i s t is expressed. He should strive to develop a catholic spirit, a catholic outlook and seek in every way to be infused w i t h the s p i r i t of the C h u r c h , to give the C h u r c h a joyous obedience, a disinterested co-operation. Correction of Abuses. The correction of abuses i n the C h u r c h is not brought about by resistance but by collaboration; it is not effected by struggle against the authority established by C h r i s t , but by sanctity. We see reforms i n the C h u r c h r e s u l t i n g from the influence of sanctity. St, F r a n c i s of A s s i s i and St. Ignatius L o y o l a were great reformers, not by r e v o l t i n g or by r e s i s t i n g the authorities, but by creating w i t h i n t h e C h u r c h centres of sanctity w h i c h exercised great influence upon it. Every problem of reform i n the C h u r c h is a problem of sanctity. T o the extent t h a t those directing the C h u r c h are united w i t h C h r i s t , in the degree t h a t they live H i s life, the s p i r i t of C h r i s t reigns over t h e i r souls and the direction which they $ v e to the C h u r c h is H i s direction.
Co-operation of the Faithful. Now, sanctity is not that act of the members of the h i e r a r c h y alone; i t is the common good of a l l . A l l C h r i s t i a n s can be saints and all are called to become so. The influence of the faithful ora the church rules lies not i n mean, suspicious c r i t i c i s m , but i n collaboration i n the sanctity of the Church. In whatever degree sanctity is developed i n the universal body of the C h u r c h , the C h r i s t i a n sense is purified, and the men w h o are vested w i t h directive functions w i l l be influenced by this g r o w t h of sanctity. E v e r y t h i n g depends or rather e v e r y t h i n g stands on sanctity. I f one has an impression t h a t the C h u r c h is t a k i n g a w r o n g course, the remedy lies not i n revolt but in self-sanctification and co-operation w i t h the C h u r c h . H e r e is the positive action by w h i c h one is united to the C h u r c h , instead of separated from i t . Opposition w i t h i n the C h u r c h can shake the belief of numbers of the faithful, can check the conquering advance of the Church, and cause disorders worse than the abuse i t is sought to remedy. T t e government of the C h u r c h belong to the apostles and t h e i r successors, under the direction of Peter and his successors. Outside t h e i r control no one has authority i n the C h u r c h . N o w C h r i s t knew t h a t the apostles could make mistakes and t h e i r successors also and being aware of this fact, he gave them a u t h o r i t y i n the C h u r c h but H e promised to be w i t h them and to guide them t i l l the end of time. If we have faith i n the promise of C h r i s t l i t us place our t r u s t i n H i m and reject the foolish illusions that H i s work can be corrected.
A CARDINAL WHOW O N T BE HONOURED! Opinion is steadily g r o w i n g i n intellectual circles i n P a r i s , we are told, that H i s Eminence Jean C a r dinal V e r d i e r , A r c h b i s h o p of P a ris, should be persuaded to accept a c h a i r i n the Academie Francaise. Heretofore H i s Eminence has refused all suggestions of a candidacy, but m a n y journals assert that, in the face of all the pressure that is being brought to bear upon h i m , the eminent prelate w i l l be forced to weaken. H i s Eminence would be a candidate to succeed the late President Poincare. T h e chair of L o u i s B a r thou is officially solicited for the great Catholic poet, P a u l Claudel, F r e n c h Ambassador at Brussels. There is at present one prelate among the forty members of the Academie, the Most R e v . H e n r i B&udrillart, t i t u l a r A r c h b i s h o p o f Melitene and Rector of the Catholic Institute of P a r i s .
PRIEST SAYS MASS W H I L E CHURCH BURNS. W h i l e firemen fought flames i n the basement and smoke spread t h r o u g h the C h u r c h of the I m maculate Conception, at T o w s o n , U . S . A . , the R e v . Stephen Helzlsour, assistant priest, continued ' the celebration of M a s s and d i s t r i b u t ed H o l y C o m m u n i o n to 75 o f the 150 members of the congregation present. P a t r i c k Quinn, a 13-yearold altar boy, remained at F a t h e r Helzlsour's side throughout the M a s s and helped to escort h i m from the building. (N.C.W.C.).
REVEREND FATHER MATHEO CROWLEY. "Apostle of the Sacred H e a r t . " L a s t Saturday 16th F e b r u a r y , there passed t h r o u g h Singapore b y S. S. A t h o s II. R e v . F a t h e r M a t h e o Crowley on his w a y to Japan. The Rev. F a t h e r (well k n o w n i n all Catholic countries of E u r o p e and A m e r i c a as the "Apostle o f the Sacred H e a r t " ) is answering a pressing call f r o m the Bishops of Japan, K o r e a and Manchukuo, who have invited h i m to preach retreats to t h e i r priests, religious c o m m u n i ties and catholic schools. In spite of his being 60 years of age and broken i n health, the zealous apostle of the Sacred H e a r t has joyfully accepted this m i s s i o n after kneeling down at the foot of the H o l y F a t h e r from w h o m he has obtained an autograph blessing for all missionaries and Catholics of the F a r E a s t . It is expected t h a t Rev. F r . Matheo w i l l come to M a laya after his mission i n J a p a n and northern parts of A s i a . In the same ship was the wellknown F r . B r e u i l anthropologist and Professor of the College o f France, P a r i s , on his way to P e i p ing where he w i l l stay f o r two months. H e has been called to help solve the m y s t e r y w h i c h s t i l l surrounds the prehistoric man's skull found at C h u K u Tien and is known as the skull of the S i n a n thropos.
C U R E S A T L O U R D E S IN 1933. Fourteen Ratifications After Observation. Fourteen Lourdes cures w h i c h took place i n 1933 have been r a t i fied after a year's observation, and declared inexplicable by n a t u r a l causes, it is announced b y ' D r . Vallet, President of the L o u r d e s B u r e a u des Constations. Seventy-four cases i n w h i c h persons formerly sick were able to present themselves to the B u r e a u in good health were not accepted for ratification. T h e rejection of these cases is decided either because the instantaneity o f the cure was not sufficiently certain, or because the medical certificate d i d not provide sufficiently s t r o n g e v i dence, or because the cure w a s i n complete at the end of 15 months. Of the 14 cures w h i c h the Bureau has authenticated, five concerned Pott's Disease, f o u r p u l monary or peritoneal tuberculosis, one tumour of the b r a i n , one ulcer of the stomach, one bacillary enteritis, one angiomatic tumour, and one pyelonephritis. In the past year 797 doctors took part i n the work of the B u r e a u ; this is slightly fewer than i n previous years. T h e membership of the International Medical Association of Lourdes increased b y 178.
M A L A Y A C A T H O L I C L E A D E R , S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
NOTES
ON
1935.
EDUCATION
G E O G R A P H Y IN
EDUCATION
(Concluded from the previous issue).
PRACTICAL
ASPECTS.
Geography is m u c h further r e a c h i n g i n i t s f u n c t i o n s ; its w o r k does not finish w i t h t h e development o f the brains o f those l i t t l e creatures w h o c r a w l about over the surface o f i t s e a r t h . W h e n i t has t a u g h t t h e m to t h i n k and act r a t i o n a l l y i t calls t h e m to a p p l y the i n f o r m a t i o n i t has g i v e * t h e m i n t h e conduct o f t h e i r affairs, and so w o r k out t h e i r p h y s i c a l s a l v a t i o n . F o r geography i s essentially a subject o f p r a c t i c a l knowledge. It explains most o f the major events a n d conditions o b t a i n i n g to-day, a n d offers p u r e l y n a t u r a l principles f o r t h e i r r e g u l a t i o n . I t i s associated t h r o u g h o u t i t s l e n g t h a n d b r e a d t h w i t h t h e p r a c t i c a l aff a i r s o f l i f e ; i t deals w i t h t h i n g s , not m e r e l y w i t h a r e m o t e connect i o n , b u t w h i c h are o u r d a i l y i n t i m a t e concern, a n d w h i c h are i n t h e interest o f a l l a n d n o t t h e few. L e t us endeavour t o substantiate this claim. Our first material need i s food. F o o d means t h e b r e e d i n g o f cattle, sheep, p i g s , f o w l , etc., a n d t h a t i n i t s t u r n -calls f o r pasturage. I t means the r a i s i n g o f crops a n d f r u i t s , w h i c h depend o n t h e arable q u a l i t i e s o f 1 a n d . These conditions' are b r o u g h t about b y favourable tupes of c l i m a t e a n d suitable soil a n d w a t e r supply, knowledge o f a l l o f w h i c h i s obviously a n essential p a r t o f t h e equipment o f t h e prospective breeder a n d a g r i c u l t u r i s t . T h e n a m e o f t h i s knowledge i s P r a c t i c a l G e o g r a p h y . F i s h e r y demands a familiarity w i t h types of fishing g r o u n d , w i t h tides, c u r rents, a n d w i n d s : once a g a i n , Practical Geography. O u r clothi n g also means t h e b r e e d i n g o f a n i m a l s a n d the c u l t i v a t i o n o f plants f r o m w h i c h to obtain the r a w m a t e r i a l . O u r h o u s i n g necessitates knowledge o f r o c k s and s o i l s ; t h e i r advantageous o r disadvantageous q u a l i t i e s a n d t h e i r distribution; i t means that iron Has t o be converted i n t o steel, slate quarried, a n d forests cleared f o r t i m b e r . I n m o r e difficult lands i t means t h a t trees m u s t be allowed t o g r o w instead o f b e i n g felled, o r t h a t p r a c t i c a l use m u s t be made of snow and ice. I t means t h a t s k i n s m u s t provide r o o f as w e l l as rainmet.—Practical Geography— m a n ' s adaption .of h i m s e l f to the p h y s i c a l conditions around h i m . C o a l , peat, o i l , w o o d are t o be c l a i m e d f r o m n a t u r e on account of m a n ' s need o f fuel. W a t e r must be h i s slave to p r o v i d e h i m w i t h m e c h a n i c a l power. I t must* also be harnessed f o r t o w n supply and f o ^ i r r i g a t i o n a l purposes. Sites f o r factories?, m i l l s , power-stations, s a w - m i l l s , etc., h a v e geographical reasons f o r t h e i r selection. P a r t i c u l a r i n d u s t r i e s flourish i n p a r t i c u l a r l o c a l i t i e s : c u t l e r y a t Shefield o w i n g t o t h e presence o f gritstone o n the P e n n i n e s ; wool i n southw e s t e r n Y o r k s h i r e , as a r e s u l t o f
of countries. N a t i o n s the existence of suitable sheep pas- destinies tures i n t h a t v i c i n i t y , and t h e pe- are not influenced at the present culiar p u r i t y of t h e water w h i c h time so m u c h by past happenings results form the impermeable as they are by this modern "good." same r o c k . H i s name is W e a l t h . W e a l t h is character of the Should the gritstone become the r e w a r d o f successful enterexhausted a serious set back w i l l prise, and statesmen are—or ought be p u t to both those industries. $o be—the directors o f national H o w is i t that Glasgow and B e l - undertakings. W e have already fast are two of the most i m - seen t h a t many o f these underportant s h i p b u i l d i n g centres of the takings r e s t on purely geographiw o r l d ? T h e map can explain bet- cal bases, so that the conclusion w i t h r e g a r d to the nation's leaders ter t h a n words. Dundee is a great is obvious. Moreover, w h e n w a r j u t e centre, but i t s importance as breaks out—and i t has a disagreea p o r t has i n v i t e d Indian competiable h a b i t o f d o i n g so!—where tion. would t h a t nation be t h a t h a d an inadequate knowledge o f its eneP r a c t i c a l geography i s evident m y ' s t e r r i t o r i e s ? i n s u r v e y i n g : t h e measurement of land area and the r e c o r d i n g o f d i s Then comes the paramount t r i b u t i o n o f h i l l a n d dale, etc. Once topic o f transport, to w h i c h brief a g a i n t h e process has a far-reach- allusion has already been made, i n g effect, for w h a t commercial w i t h i t s d i v e r s i t y of methods and concern, estate owner, u r b a n au- m u l t i p l i c i t y of problems. W a t e r t h o r i t y , land-development board, transport i s b y sea, r i v e r , or canal. or n a v i g a t o r has never an occasion W e have already seen t h a t the to use a m a p ? A n d how would first t h i n g a navigator of t h e sea the a r m y , navy, a n d a i r force fare requires i s a knowledge of geograw i t h o u t t h e p r a c t i c a l geographer? p h y . H e must k n o w h i s winds, A r e o u r towns t o g r o w i n a n y tides, a n d currents, the usual b l i n d , haphazard manner, o r be tracks o f icebergs b o t h i n w i n t e r sensibly extended i n accord w i t h and s u m m e r , t h e localization o f the dictates of n a t u r a l conditions? ports, a n d the conditions o f t h e i r W h y was the west end o f L o n d o n approaches, direction and great developed as t h e residential dis- circle s a i l i n g , t h e principles o f t r i c t , l e a v i n g t h e i n d u s t r i a l quar- local t i m e and t h e altitude o f the t e r o n i t s east? S i m p l y because s u n so t h a t he m a y k n o w h i s exact of t h e p r e v a i l i n g westerlies w h i c h position at sea h o u r b y hour. w o u l d c a r r y smoke a n d g r i m e into These school-geography m a t t e r s drawing-rooms i f t h e positions are t h e framework o f h i s j o b . were reversed. H o w i s i t t h a t N a t u r e sometimes helps man's some o f the towns o f E a s t A n g l i a , t r a n s p o r t difficulties b y p r o v i d i n g f o r instance, are 'ladder-planned"? deep, w i d e , and navigable r i v e r s ; F o r p u r e l y geographical reasons, but she has a vexatious side to her s u c h as t h e shape o f a r i v e r bed. character i n p r o v i d i n g r i v e r s w h i c h A s h i s t o r y explains t h e shape of are m o r e o f a hindrance t h a n a some of the older towns, so is help to h i m , as is i l l u s t r a t e d i n the geography b e h i n d t h e deliberate r i v e r s o f N e w Zealand, and, to a town-planning o f to-day, b i r t h of great extent, o f A f r i c a . C a n a l s — n e w towns a n d t h e remodelling of those artificial w a t e r w a y s w h i c h h i s t o r i c a l centres. have l o n g fallen into almost comGeographical dictates m u s t of plete disuse i n t h i s country—have necessity be acceded t o i n t h e pro- an obvious geographical foundablems o f colonization. F o r posi- tion i n t h e i r economic construct i o n , n a t i v e a n d imported popula- tion. A s have also bridger-buildt i o n , n a t u r a l o r t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of ing, r a i l w a y s , and roads, for artificial advantages, climates, months o f s u r v e y i n g are necessary strategy, disposition towards or before the first stone, sleeper, o r i m m u n i t y f o r m pestilence, a n d so ton o f macadam can be l a i d . I n on, are paramount considerations lands o f difficulty animals must be upon w h i c h t h e success or f a i l u r e specially bred and trained for transo f such a n enterprise depends. port purposes; i n T i b e t the yak, i n A large percentage o f y o u n g A n d e a n countries the llama, i n people necessarily enter commer- Sudan the camel, i n India the c i a l life after l e a v i n g school. C o m - elephant, etc. The breeding o f merce i s the interchange o f mer- these useful beasts again depends chandise, and means t h a t r a w on the geographical conditions prem a t e r i a l has t o be obtained and v a i l i n g i n each region. A n d , supplied, manufactured i n t o sale- finally, transport by a i r needs the able articles a n d placed o n the closest possible f a m i l i a r i t y w i t h m a r k e t . T h e u n d e r l y i n g principle certain phases of physical geogo f t h i s process i s based on geogra- r a p h y , and dire results await h i m p h y — t h e localization of t h e r a w who neglects i t ! m a t e r i a l ; the s u i t a b i l i t y b y reason A n d so for an attempt to trace, o f climate, water, soil, fuel, and very briefly, the mental discipline position, of the d i s t r i c t o f manuprovided by modern geography, f a c t u r e ; and the d i s t r i b u t i o n of and to show how i t directly bears likely markets. T h i s i n its turn on almost every phase of h u m a n b r i n g s up the questions o f motive a c t i v i t y , how we are geographically power a n d transport, b o t h esseninfluenced at almost every t u r n o f t i a l l y geographical. A smaller our lives. Y e t there s t i l l r e m a i n percentage w i l l engage i n politics. one o r two points i n connection T o these especially should i t be w i t h the subject i n school. One i s pointed out t h a t there i s one b i g practical work, the value of w h i c h force to-day w h i c h controls the
i s i n the t r a i n i n g i t affords i n exact observation, a n d i n a further urge to reasoning things out. It will deal chiefly w i t h weather observat i o n , recording, and forecasting, elementary survey methods, and v i s i t s , w i t h the camera or sketchi n g block, to local examples (where such exist) or things studied in class. A second point is the length of the geography course. Exceedingl y l i t t l e justice can be done to it i n less t h a n about five years i n the secondary school. The first year w i l l be fully occupied w i t h the elementary principles of physical geography a n d a study of the B r i t i s h Isles. T h e second year will be concerned w i t h further physical work, followed by Europe. 0 . S. map reading, the m a k i n g of maps (from observation and self-supplied data) o f the school d i s t r i c t , and the construction o f relief maps of the countries studied, followed by the geography of the Americans w i l l fill to the full the allotted time d u r i n g the t h i r d year. I n the f o u r t h the various projections will bo studied, a n d regional w o r k on A f r i c a pursued. The fifth w i l l cover the two r e m a i n i n g continents. E v e n t h i s scheme w i l l g i v e very l i t t l e room to the instructive and quasi-revisional work of "compar a t i v e " geography, or to a more detailed study o f the B r i t i s h E m pire as a political and commercial unit. T h e t h i r d and final point touches equipment. I n j u s t the same way t h a t a good instrument is not a l u x u r y , but a necessity, to the serious and thorough-going music student, not the geography room, w i t h i t s maps (not political ones), pictures^ and specimens, is an essential p a r t o f the geographical outfit. T o be h i g h l y recommended are Wheaton's sets o f pictures, w h i c h illustrate a wide range of h u m a n undertakings and physical phenomena. T h e pictures of the E m p i r e M a r k e t i n g B o a r d are also exceedingly useful. Johnston's outline maps on a black ground, which can be chalked and afterwards erased, are also exceedingly useful; and no geography room is complete w i t h o u t t h e i r exquisite relief maps of the continents and the B r i t i s h Isles. A class scrap-book for collected pictures and articles from the newspapers, and for* pupils' own sketches. and photographs; the black-and-white and bathyorographical globes, film projector and screen, lantern slides, epidiascope, and l i b r a r y are necessary i f the work is to be done w i t h any pretence of thoroughness. In conclusion let us look once again at a part of the opening sentence of t h i s a r t i c l e : "Geography as a school subject is not one which can boast of a 'glorious tradition, w o r k is to be done w i t h any present i n w h i c h to get busy on the foundations of one, so that future generations.... e ^ e t e . „ g
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E
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MALAYA
C A T H O L I C L E A D E R , S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
1935.
CORRESPONDENCE [The M . C . L . does not necessarily equal d i s t r i b u t i o n of this imperishendorse the opinions expressed by cor-able wealth treasured i n Catholic I can respondents. Correspondents are re- culture and its education? quested to adhere to the topic of their not do better i n t h i s connection letters and to avoid long rambling t h a n to reproduce here from the epistles. Ten names may be used but, K i n g ' s R a l l y , of the forceful words in every case, the name and address of of the Honourable Rao Bahadur T . Pannirselvam, a leading the writer must accompany each con- A . tribution, not essentially for publication Catholic and H o m e M e m b e r to the Government of M a d r a s , at the A l l but as a token of good faith.']
The E d i t o r , Malaya Catholic Leader. Non-Catholic B o y s i n C a t h o l i c Schools. Sir, Y o u r comment r e l a t i n g to 'nonChristian boys i n C a t h o l i c schools' in your issue of S a t u r d a y last opens a very great problem o f ' t h r o w i n g open o u r doors to non-Catholic pupils i n C a t h o l i c schools' and prompts me to ask whether the present t i m e is opportune to take this laudable step i n M a l a y a . The C h r i s t i a n B r o t h e r s — t h a n k s to their great pioneer w o r k s i n the educational field i n m a n y parts of the world—have so f a r i n M a l a y a confiend t h e i r activities m a i n l y to the needs o f C a t h o l i c boys. U n i que though t h e i r achievements are in this respect one is prompted to suggest a change i n t h e i r policy, that would redouble the fruits of their labour.
India Catholic Congress held recently i n Poona, India. H e defended the policy of opening our doors to a l l , not only as being actually possible but as justified by its results: i.e., g i v i n g Catholics a chance of rubbing shoulders w i t h non-Catholics, of competing w i t h them amicably from the start and of being able to meet them i n political or business life on a footi n g of equality. Besides i f a l l our
All correspondence and literary contributions should be addressed to The Managing Editor, Rev. R. Cardon, 73, Bras Basah Road, Singapore. non-Catholic brethren w i l l not go so far as to avail themselves of the doctrinal treasures we hold out to them, they will be benefited by the clearly defined, secure m o r a l p r i n ciples which w i l l guide them t h r o u g h life and some of them, drawn b y the examples seen round them w i l l fully acknowledge the K i n g s h i p of C h r i s t . Does t h i s action of b r i n g i n g souls nearer to t r u t h not come under the province of Catholic action? I f i t is, is this too early for Catholic A c t i o n Societies i n M a l a y a to m a k e a united move to the proper authorities? yours etc., S. D .
W i t h the exception o f a few well-informed there i s a w r o n g notion prevalent a m o n g non-Catholic parents p a r t l y due to our g i v i n g preference to catholic boys t h a t catholic schools conducted b y the Christian B r o t h e r s do not generally admit boys other t h a n of Catholic f a i t h . T w o possible reasons could be cited to dispel t h i s erroneous idea, one is the lack of school accommodation to cope w i t h (Our correspondent attempts to the annually i n c r e a s i n g demand suggest that the C h r i s t i a n B r o from the C a t h o l i c parents for t h e i r thers here m i g h t do well to propachildren and the other is to safegate the f a i t h to non-Catholic guard the catholic character and pupils w i t h a view to conversion. atmosphere by restricting the T h i s is not quite i n keeping number o f non-Catholic pupils i n w i t h t h e i r aims and objects. T h e Catholic schools. Catholic teaching bodies are p r i m a r i l y here to educate e x i s t i n g Plausible though t h e y are how Catholics without scouring the long are we to r e m a i n silent and grounds to w i n over new members brood over the destiny o f the hun- to the f a i t h . dreds of souls who w i l l otherwise be the cause o f happiness i n o u r T h e y have earned the confidence fold? H o w l o n g are w e to hold and appreciation o f non-Catholics back the lustre of C a t h o l i c educa- by the quality of the secular edution f r o m these y o u t h s w h o are cation and the m o r a l tone w h i c h 'groping i n darkness' ? V e r y r i g h t - they have u n s t i n t i n g l y imparted to ly you have r e m a r k e d t h a t there is their pupils both b y precept and still a wide scope f o r t h e Catholic example). schools i n t h i s part o f the w o r l d E d . M . C. L . in view o f the g r o w i n g , number of non-Catholics who seek admission to them. AN INTERESTING EDUCATIONAL E X P E R I M E N T IN M a n y non-Catholic parents recognise the t r u e value o f Catholic POLAND. education w h i c h b r i n g s along a In many countries there seems beneficial and peaceful atmosphere m after*-school-life. V e r y m a n y to be well defined distinction bep r i m a r y and secondary have expressed t h e i r profound tween gratitude t o w a r d t h i s great i n s t i - education. If, however, the best tution i n w h i c h t h e i r c h i l d r e n were brains can claim a r i g h t to the norbrought up under the tender care mal development o f t h e i r faculties, of its teachers who have g i v e n up no doubt that others have an equal the world to serve a w o r t h y cause. r i g h t to a sufficient instruction up A r e the demands of these parents to the time of choosing a profesnot justified i n c l a m o u r i n g f o r an sion.
In Italy and Germany, there are systems of education w h i c h are vitiated b y political interference. Poland, though old as a nation, is on the map of Europe as quite a new state. D u r i n g the last centuries, she had to bend under the yoke of foreign powers; but since her restoration to freedom, her progress, especially in the matter of pedagogical methods, has been a wonderful one. T o f o r m a correct idea of her attainments i n this matter one must visit the W a r s a w Museum of Pedagogy. A new and original system has recently been introduced which has, as its first aim, to bring a rational progression between the various degrees of education. A s State monopoly has been rejected, private schools are to be found together w i t h Government schools, and, i n both of them, t i m e is given to religious instruction according to the f a i t h of the pupils. The opportunity of such a regulation is made clear when one realizes the importance of keeping i n good feelings and perfect harmony the different races w h i c h f o r m the P o l i s h nation and t h e i r various creeds. P R I M A R Y S C H O O L i s compulsory for a l l children. T h e y must, for six years, or about, stay i n this school where they are taught the three R ' s . T o t h i s p r i m a r y programme must be added a foreign language and, as said already, religious teaching. A s f o r children who have not the intention of m a k i n g t h e i r classical studies, they are compelled to spend another year i n the p r i m a r y school and, provided they obtain a diploma, they are admitted to T E C H N I C A L S C H O O L S . I n case of failure, or i f they do not want to go further, they must attend EVENING S C H O O L S t i l l their eighteenth year. P r i m a r v schools may also lead to the L Y C E U M , but" only after passing a special examination. D u r i n g the first cycle o f studies i n the U N I Q U E L Y C E U M (Preparat o r y School) w h i c h lasts four years, they are taught classical authors, science, etc., and then a diploma is granted them by which they are qualified for preparation to a M I L I T A R Y or any other S P E C I A L S C H O O L . However before being allowed to have their name put down on the rolls of the U N I V E R S I T Y , they must continue i n the L Y C E U M for another two years. T h i s second cycle, the S P E C I A L L Y C E U M , is so called because the students, instead of being m i x e d together, as i n the U N I Q U E L Y C E U M , are classed according to the subject they choose: literature, sciences, history, pedagogy, etc., and, at the end of t h e i r t e r m , they must get a corresponding diploma. In a l l this well elaborated machinery the most interesting part is the U N I Q U E L Y C E U M (first c y c l e ) . N o student is considered as h a v i n g sufficient knowledge who has not gone through its course successfully. Indeed, this U N I Q U E L Y C E U M is no less
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t h a n a master-piece of psychology and pedagogy. A s we cannot give here, i n full, the weekly prog r a m m e followed d u r i n g the first cycle, i t is enough to say t h a t besides the teaching of P o l i s h and foreign literature, of L a t i n and of sciences, two hours are given to Religious Instruction. There is also a fixed time, for boys and g i r l s as well, to practise athletics and sports; and all are decently dressed. Y e t the most original side of the programme is the practical t r a i n i n g g i v e n to the students i n A R T S and C R A F T S . D u r i n g the first year, c a r p e n t r y ; d u r i n g the second, i r o n - w o r k ; d u r i n g the t h i r d , glass-making. In the fourth y e a r they are t a u g h t the m a k i n g and r e p a i r i n g o f class-room furniture. T h a t , of course for the boys. A s for the g i r l s they are trained i n housekeeping, needlework, etc. In a l l other countries, Secondary Schools are preparatory to liberal professions excluisvely, hence the actual overcrowding o f these professions, and unemployment. The which new educational system is now experimented i n Poland seems to remedy this inconvenience, as children who have passed t h r o u g h the U N I Q U E L Y C E U M are prepared to make excellent w o r k e r s as well as doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, etc. F u l l independence and grantsin-aid conferred o n private schools w h i c h follow the same educational programme as State Schools, a perfect harmony between the different parts o f the educational system and a general knowledge w h i c h is a preparation to a l l kinds o f professions are the three characteristics w h i c h make the experiment of the E d u c a t i o n a l Department of Poland, of world interest.
M A L A Y A N C A T H O L I C L E A D E R , S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
8
Woman's WOMAN'S
PART.
By His Grace The Archbishop
of
Liverpool. N e v e r , perhaps, has woman been called upon to play a more v i t a l part i n s h a p i n g the destinies of mankind than the present moment. I n t h i s age, w i t h its peculiar problems and perplexities, t h e r e r i n g s i n o u r ears anew the challenge w h i c h has echoed down the ages, " W h o s h a l l find a valiant woman?" A n d b y t h i s is not meant an E s t h e r , a J u d i t h , o r a J o a n of A r c , w h o shall rise up f o r the deliverance o f h e r people, but the V a l i a n t W o m a n of the Script u r e s . H e r characteristics are set f o r t h i n the B o o k of Proverbs w i t h compelling force and c h a r m . S h e is the helpmate of her husb a n d , h i s treasure beyond the price of rubies, so t h a t he stands i n no need of spoils. She is the m o t h e r whose c h i l d r e n rise up and c a l l h e r blessed. S h e is the angel o f the home, solicitous f o r the welfare of h e r staff, and considerate o f those placed under her. T h o u g h she be mistress o f a l l , she spends not her days i n idleness o r mere futilities. She understands the n o b i l i t y of w o r k . "She h a t h opened h e r hand to the needy, and stretched out h e r a r m to the poor." She i s unselfish, anxious to share h e r happiness w i t h others less fortunate t h a n herself. She is the wise w o m a n w h o buildeth u p h e r house—the noblest t a s k i n the w o r l d . T r u l y i t is well said o f h e r t h a t she h a t h put out her hand to s t r o n g t h i n g s . N e v e r at a n y time i n h i s t o r y has i t been easy f o r w o m a n to fulfil the requirements o f the Book o f Proverbs. B u t the V a l i a n t W o m a n o f Solomon's day h a d at least, t h i s advantage, t h a t she had the b a c k i n g o f public opinion. She was a c t i n g u p to the universa l l y recognized standard of r i g h t conduct. She was looked up to as the l i v i n g embodiment of w h a t a w o m a n should be, an example and a model, the a d m i r a t i o n and envy of others. She was, i n the best sense of the t e r m , a leader of
1935.
Page
fashion. B u t nowadays the V a liant W o m a n is r a t h e r she who can stand up against current views, w h o is not caught b y shibboleths and catchwords, not swayed b y l a x conventions, not dazzled by the glitter and g l a m o u r of a smart set, nor seduced into l i g h t and frivolous behaviour. She i s , of course, looked upon b y the gay and g i d d y as being something of a k i l l - j o y and even of a f r u m p , t h o u g h the f r u m p notion gains little support f r o m the Book o f Proverbs, where we are t o l d t h a t the V a l i a n t W o m a n " h a t h made for herself clothing o f tapestry." Conscious of the d i g n i t y of h e r position she dressed w i t h becomi n g taste and modesty. If, indeed, the V a l i a n t W o m a n of the B i b l e be out o f date the same can h a r d l y be said of the foolish who is described as clamorous, full of allurements, and k n o w i n g n o t h i n g at a l l , talkative and wandering, not b e a r i n g to be quiet, not able t c abide still at home, but p u l l i n g down w i t h her hands t h a t w h i c h also i s built. T h a t p o r t r a i t of the female home-wrecker has lost none o f its actuality. In fact, i t would seem t h a t fashions i n folly have v a r i e d l i t t l e i n three thousand years.
#
It is well for w o m a n to remember t h a t i t is only i n comparatively recent times t h a t she has won her emancipation, and been free to mould h e r own life and, as i t were, set h e r own pace. S h e has had to pass t h r o u g h m a n y stages before a t t a i n i n g to her r i g h t f u l position i n h u m a n society. I n the earliest phases her degradation was absolute, h e r status t h a t o f a slave. E v e n i n the civilizations of ancient Greece and R o m e she was kept i n subjection. A r i s t o t l e , the father and founder o f the science of biology, regarded w o m a n as a k i n d of imperfect man, w h i l s t m a n y psychologists contented t h a t she was devoid o f soul, h e r function being merely to contribute to the well-being of her l o r d a n d master — m a n . B u t w i t h t h e advent of C h r i s t i a n i t y she acquired a new d i g n i t y , and attained to a position of honour, reflecting the g l o r y of M a r y , the M o t h e r o f G o d .
CP*
is the time to lay the N O W i of Baby's future health foundation —on Cow & Gate he will grow to strong and healthy manhood ! v Cow & Gate builds bone, flesh and tissue in correct and normal proportions. !: is a complete Food —rich in Vitamin * D."
C O W & G A T E MILK F O O D THE BEST MILK FOR BABIES WHEN NATURAL FEEDING FAILS
Agents for South Malaya, Borneo & Sarawak:
J A C K S O N & C O . , L T D . , Singapore.
L a t e r , i n the ages of c h i v a l r y , w o m a n was placed on a pedestal of sorts, idolized and flattered, but was kept to her pedestal b y the v e r y honours w h i c h circumscribed her. L i b e r t y of speech and action were still a long w a y off; but f r o m the beginning of the nineteenth century she has fought h e r own battle bravely, and w o n for herself the citizen r i g h t s w h i c h h a d so l o n g been w i t h - h e l d f r o m her. B u t , we m a y w e l l ask, how is she u s i n g her new-found l i b e r t y ? D o we find i n her a V a l i a n t W o m a n ? O r does she not i n m a n y cases seem to be intoxicated b y her emancipation to the extent of m i s t a k i n g licence f o r l i b e r t y ? She is o n t r i a l at the g r a n d assize of the nations. O n her use o f l i b e r t y depends the fate o f m a n k i n d . It has l o n g been recognized t h a t the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, for most m e n are w h a t t h e i r mothers, or t h e i r wives, or t h e i r sisters make them. W o m a n is the real educator of the h u m a n race, since h e r influence is paramount d u r i n g the child's most impressionable years, and i t is f r o m her t h a t m a n learns the most v i t a l lessons of his life. I t is essential, then, woman shall realize her powers and her responsibilities, so t h a t she m a y exercise to the full the God-given influence f o r good w h i c h is hers and hers alone. (To be continued.)
Mothers should remember that "SIMPLE
growing
children
need 'jmilk - every
day: for
preference
MILKMAID MILK
FIRST AID."
Cold in the Head. T h e symptoms are too f a m i l i a r to need description. The prevention of colds m a y be effected w i t h some success b y an open-air life, sleepi n g w i t h the window open, cold baths i n the mornings, plain diet, and by suitable clothing and sound boots; the stuffy room is the place i n w h i c h the cold is caught. The following wiH sometimes check a cold i n the early stages: a hot lemon d r i n k made w i t h the juice of a large lemon, a pint of boiling water, and sugar to taste—drink as hot as possible; menthol snuff, and camphor pillules to suck. A n attack m a y also be treated b y i n haling menthol or eucalyptus.
RECIPES. BRIDESCAKE. Ingredients:— 1 lb. butter. 1 lb. sifted castor sugar. 8 eggs. 14 lb. candied peel. 1 lb. flour. 2 lbs. currants. A little brandy. M e t h o d . Beat b u t t e r to cream w i t h the h a n d ; add sugar and well-beaten y o l k s ; beat whites to f r o t h ; next add the flour and currants and brandy. B a k e 4 hours i n moderate oven. N.B.—This makes a nice C h r i s t mas c a k e ; cover w i t h l a y e r of a l mond icing, then h a r d i c i n g .
CHRISTMAS
OR P L U M
CAKE.
~~% l b . flour. i/ l b . butter. V% l b . castor sugar. *4 l b . ground almonds. 8 eggs. 1 teaspoonful b a k i n g powder. *4 l b . glace cherries. 14 l b . sultanas. 14 l b . c i t r o n peel. G r a t e d r i n d of a lemon. i/ glass brandy. 9
9
B e a t the b u t t e r and sugar to a cream, add the eggs and other ingredients (the cherries cut in h a l f ) ; pour t h e . m i x t u r e into a paper-lined t i n , a n d bake i n a moderate oven for 3 hours.
FAMILY
CAKE.
1 l b . flour. Y2 l b . sugar. 14 l b . butter o r d r i p p i n g . 1 s m a l l teaspoonful bicarbonate of soda. P i n c h of salt a n d m i l k to m i x . ^ 4 ft>- raisins. 2 ozs. candied peel. A l i t t l e nutmeg. 1 teaspoonful ground ginger. 1 teaspoonful cinnamon. M i x d r y ingredients, make into l i g h t dough w i t h m i l k , B e a t well 20 minutes, the lightness depends on t h i s . B a k e about 2—2y hours. 2
MALAYA CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION. Queen Street. The A n n u a l General M e e t i n g will be held on Sunday, 24th February, 1935, at 9.30 a.m., at the Association's premises. Agenda. 1.
To confirm minutes of the Fourth Quarterly General Meeting. 2. To pass Report and Statement of Accounts of the Committee for the year ended 31st December, 1934. 3. To elect a Committee of Management f o r the ensuing year. 4. To transact any other business that may be brought forward. It is hoped t h a t members w i l l make a special effort to be present. T E O K I M SONG, H o n . Secretary. Singapore, 14th F e b r u a r y , 1935.
CATHOLIC
LEADER,
SATURDAY,
R e - U n i o n D i n n e r : — T o Commemorate the feast of St. de la Salle, F o u n d e r of that noble Order of C h r i s t i a n B r o t h e r s , the Tenth A n nual R e - U n i o n Dinner, was held at the G . H . Cafe on Tuesday 15th M a y , 1934. There were about 90 Old Boys of the C h r i s t i a n Brothers Schools present, the guests being :H . E . T h e R i g h t Rev. A . Devals,' D . D . , B i s h o p of Malacca, The R i g h t R e v . P . Ruaudel V . G . Rev. Fathers Deredec, Quintas, Verbois, S y and K o h . Rev. B r o t h e r V . A u gustus, R e v . B r o t h e r Stephen and M r . D . R . Swaine, Inspector of Schools. Y o u r Committee thank all those who helped to make the occasion a success.
F E B R U A R Y 23rd 1935.
9
M A L A Y A ' S HEALTH F O O D
C o m p l i m e n t a r y : — T h e thanks of the Association are due to the Rev. Brothers V . A u g u s t u s and Stephen, for the courtesy and assistance accorded to the Committee, for the use of the Schools for meetings. Y o u r Committee also thank M r .
Note:—Owing to lack of space, the F . R . L ' A n g e l l i e r for his services annual report of the C . Y . M . A . as H o n o r a r y A u d i t o r . is held over for publication in our next issue.—[Ed: M . C . L . ] .
T. W I L F R E D PRINS, Hon.
SAINT JOSEPH'S O L D BOY'S ASSOCIATION.
Singapore, 18th January, 1935.
Singapore.
PITY.
REPORT. Gentlemen, Your Committee beg to submit their Report and Statement of A c counts duly audited for the year ending 31st December, 1934. Management:—The Office B e a r ers for the year were as f o l l o w s : — President— Mr. A . J . Braga. Vice Presidents— D r . H . T . Wee, J . P . and M r . F . C. James. Hon. Secretary & Treasurer— M r . T. W . P r i n s . Hon. Assistant Secretary— M r . S. D . P f f l a y r " Hon. Sports Secretary— Dr. B . J . Ess. Committee M e m b e r s — D r . P. C. Fernandez, Messrs. C. 0. L i m , W . H . Mosbergen, M . F . Gomes, L i m Seng K i a n g and Clarence D'Souza. - M e m b e r s h i p : — T h e number of members for the year was 270 members 2 h a v i n g resigned d u r i n g the year. Y o u r Committee have not pressed members out of employment for their subscriptions d u r i n g the period of unemployment. Y o u r Committee record w i t h deep regret the deaths of the M o s t Rev. B r o t h e r A d r i a n , Superior general of the B r o t h e r s of the Christian Schools and the following members M e s s r s . V i n c e n t F . d ' A l nieida, and J o h n W . Bheem. A c c o u n t s : — T h e Accounts show an excess of Income over E x p e n d i ture of $106.54. S p o r t s : — O w i n g to the present depression y o u r Committee decided not to hold the A t h l e t i c Meeting. We must t h a n k the School A u thorities for k i n d l y allowing us the use of t h e i r field for games.
Secretary.
Slowly he walked suburban w a y
by
the
dark
A n d past the house where a score of lamps were alight. Someone was s i n g i n g : the voice, resonant, gay, Reached the cold road, breaking the h u s h of n i g h t . T h e song ended: and came to the listener The clapped applause; next saw shadows d i m
he
M o v i n g across the blinds to a r a g time a i r A n d he thought how surely the dancers were p i t y i n g h i m Who
stood without. F o r they shuddered to t h i n k of a life
T h a t w o u l d lack t h e i r lamps and songs and chatter and ease A n d yet they had naught but fever and i n w a r d strife A n d the lights and the dance and the music were not peace. T h e y d i d not dream of the songs that t h r i l l e d i n his heart
For health, sleep and
bright
awakening
They d i d not guess the l i g h t to his eyes revealed A n d he who knew, thanked God as he walked apart F o r the sacred lot that his tremulous fingers held. A n d he went his way under the stars of his K i n g — A n d after h i m , f a i n t l y , the j i n g l i n g music came A n d none of the dancers knew of this marvellous t h i n g — T h a t he was p r a y i n g to Heaven — i n p i t y for them. (Cosmopol).
Cadbury's
B O U R N k V l T A
"lis better for you MA AS—1A.
10 N o w , speaking o f ourselves i n R A T E S O F SUBSCRIPTION this matter, we have not quite o r ganised o u r forces i n M a l a y a , like Post Free, Local and Abroad: the L e g i o n o f D e c e n c y i n U . S . A . 12 Months ... $6.00 o r i n I n d i a : nevertheless, we v e n 6 Months ... $3.00 t u r e to make an appeal o n the same 3 Months ... $1.50 lines to the same end. W e do n o t All correspondence and literary propose to h o l d a mass meeting to contributions should be addressed denounce the evils o f unclean films to The Managing Editor, Rev. a n d to sign pledges to refrain f r o m R. Car ion, 7 3 , Bras Basah Road, salacious shows. C a t h o l i c s , i n this Singapore. c o u n t r y , f o r m a m i n o r i t y and are TeL 7376, Singapore. scattered a m o n g others whose creed and m o r a l standards m a y n o t e n t i r e l y c o n f o r m w i t h those o f €ni\xxtlh ours. A t all events, even a m i n o Saturday, February 23, 1935. r i t y has the r i g h t t o take the lead a n d to guide others b y force o f example.
C L E A N FILM CAMPAIGN.
T h e O u t b u r s t against o b j e c t i o n able films is n o t the result o f a s u d d e n r e a c t i o n . It has n o t c r o p ped u p over n i g h t like N o a h ' s g o u r d . T h e r e has been g r o w i n g f o r quite a w h i l e a feeling o f a n t a g o n i s m t o w a r d s that t y p e o f s h o w w h i c h d o u b l y offends, first b y conflict w i t h E t h i c a l p r i n c i p l e s , a n d secondly b y s m o o t h i n g over v u l g a r entertainments w i t h filthy anecdote a n d u n s e e m l y suggestion. I t seems m u c h easier t o arouse disordered emotions t h a n to i m press the m i n d w i t h genuine art. The H o l l y w o o d magnates a n d theatre p r o d u c e r s are w e l l aware o f this i g n o b l e taste a m o n g t h e i r patrons a n d are prepared to cater for them ad nauseam. The A m e r i c a n C a m p a i g n against u n c l e a n films, i n w h i c h is reflected m u c h a c u m e n o f the C a t h o l i c A c t i o n Society o f that country, has wisely refrained f r o m appeali n g to the m o r a l sense o f the p r o d u c e r s . T h e success o f the C a m p a i g n is d u e to the strategy i n l a u n c h i n g the a t t a c k at the o n l y v i t a l p o i n t — t h e b o x office. M o n e y f o r m s the l i f e - b l o o d a n d aim of entertainment o f this n a t u r e ; so the C a t h o l i c C a m p a i g n o n the A m e r i c a n C o n t i n e n t is p e r f o r m i n g some scientific b l o o d l e t t i n g w h i c h m a y i m p r o v e the h e a l t h o f the film i n d u s t r y . 9
9
O n e does n o t d o u b t that this m o v e m e n t w i l l meet w i t h a great measure o f success, as i t is not associated w i t h a n y p o l i t i c a l p a r t y o r p a r t i c u l a r d o g m a . It unites the energies o f the c l e r g y and the l a i t y i n fighting t h a t vicious canker t h r e a t e n i n g t o destroy all m o r a l decency a n d restraint. I n any case, t h o u g h the t a c t i c a l scheme o f t h e battle m a y be laid out b y the c l e r g y , yet i t devolves o n the laity t o f o r m their phalanx and make the actual onslaught. E v e r y selfrespecting person, we feel sure, w i l l join this noble crusade. I t is g r a t i f y i n g to see that other religionists have also pooled their i n terests w i t h o u r s b y j o i n i n g hands i n a w o r t h y cause.
W e feel it i n c u m b e n t o n us, as a C a t h o l i c o r g a n designed to u p h o l d C a t h o l i c standards o f m o r a l c o n d u c ? , to appeal t o the f a i t h f u l t o r e f r a i n f r o m seeing such films as m a y endanger their s p i r i t u a l a n d m o r a l w e l l - b e i n g . It is p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h i n the p r o v i n c e o f parents and teachers to influence the minds o f their c h i l d r e n a n d p u p i l s to this end. I t is u r g e n t l y i m p e r a t i v e that school and h o m e should co-operate closely i n a m a t t e r that i n v o l v e s the greatest moral welfare of the rising generation. A film that has been i n the o r d i n a r y course, p r u n e d a n d p u r g e d b y the censors m a y s t i l l have traces o f undue sex appeal lor i m p r o p r i e t i e s o f c o n duct. S u c h a film, seen b y a g r o w n - u p person w h o k n o w s his m i n d more o r less, w i l l n o t a d versely affect his m o r a l tone; b u t , i t m a y serve as unwholesome food for thought i n y o u n g minds i n t h e i r f o r m a t i v e a n d impressionable stage. I n the face o f these facts, i t is the b o u n d e n d u t y o f those responsible f o r m o u l d i n g the c h a r a c ter o f the y o u n g , t o exercise s t r i c t c o n t r o l over; t h e i r wards a n d w i t h o l d t h e m f r o m seeing those pictures w h i c h m a y tend t o t h e i r m o r a l set-back.
We should have insisted on F r a n c e and G e r m a n y reaching a n understanding b y direct negotiations before either o f t h e m approach us. I f they h a d failed to agree we could have preserved o u r neutral i t y . N o w we are caught up i n the interminable F r a n c o - G e r m a n quarrel again w i t h our preferences declared.
Pensionnat N O T R E D A M E for European C h i l d r e n at Cameron Highlands. E u r o p e a n P a r e n t s resident i n M a l a y a w i l l s h o r t l y see the realisation of a long-cherished hope i n the Opening of the N e w B o a r d i n g School at C a m e r o n H i g h l a n d s . The B u i l d i n g w i l l be complete and fully equipped for the reception of P u p i l s i n M a y . T h e School is intended exclusively for E u r o pean c h i l d r e n of a l l N a t i o n a l i t i e s , and w i l l be undenominational. B o y s and G i r l s up to the age of twelve w i l l be admitted, and should Parents so flesire, arrangements can be made later on f o r the continuance of G i r l s ' studies after the specified age. A s only a l i m i t e d number of pupils can be admitted, Parents are requested to apply f o r registration numbers at t h e i r earliest convenience. T h e y w i l l oblige by s t a t i n g the age, and g i v i n g details of size a n d measurements of the children, as the School U n i f o r m w i l l be made to order. F u r t h e r p a r t i c u l a r s m a y be h a d on application to the L a d y Super i o r o f the P e n a n g Convent. H i t l e r T h e A r b i t e r of O u r F a t e . Our fate is now i n the hands of A d o l f H i t l e r . I f he decides t h a t G e r m a n y i s to come i n w i t h us the danger o f w a r w i l l be averted. I f he decides against G e r m a n y ' s participation—what t h e n ? W e l l , first o f a l l , he w i l l not sit t w i r l i n g h i s thumbs. H e w i l l continue to a r m G e r m a n y to the teeth and w i l l look for other alliances. J a p a n - h a s made an alliance w i t h Poland, a n d General G o r i n g has made contact w i t h P o l a n d on Germany's behalf. T h e Japanese are looking f o r a E u r o p e a n friend, and G e r m a n y w i l l fill the role i f she is annoyed w i t h F r a n c e .
F u r t h e r t h a n that we w i l l not speculate, except to point out t h a t there w i l l be no shortage of occaGLEANINGS. sions for m a k i n g trouble. ANGLO-FRENCH AGREEMENT. W e have no p a r t i c u l a r affection W h e n the R o m e Pact was sign- for some o f the N a z i chiefs, but ed we said t h a t it would prove to we cannot but p r a y especially for be a blessing only i f G e r m a n y them these days, that they may be could be induced to endorse it. given the grace to swallow a little G e r m a n y has not endorsed it. W e pride and resentment, i f need be, say the same of the A n g l o - F r e n c h and come i n w i t h F r a n c e and E n g agreement: i f G e r m a n y acceptts land. the invitation to become a partner Europe w i l l go to bits i f there is w i t h E n g l a n d and France, i t w i 1 another E u r o p e a n war, and statesbe a blessing. manship is required to keep an eye I f she refuses, then the A n g l o - i n these days on the menace of F r e n c h P a c t is a blunder, and a Godless Russia and the I m lamentable one. W e have moved perialistic E a s t e r n race rather too quickly. S h i n i n g through the than foment discord i n E u r o p e . terms published on Sunday night is the scheme for an A n g l o - F r e n c h H a r s h W o r d s from B l a c k b u r n . defensive alliance, and alliances The A n g l i c a n Bishop o f Blacklead to war. burn, D r . P . M . H e r b e r t , has been T h i s hint or suggestion, which saying some very h a r s h things Germany may regard rather as a about our m i x e d marriage legislathreat, was premature, just as any tion. In his F e b r u a r y "Diocesan w i t h France or Ger- L e t t e r " he calls our attitude " i n agreement many would have been premature tolerant" and " u n - C h r i s t i a n . " in the circuhistances. In view o f the fact t h a t so many W e have tied our hands when A n g l i c a n s have seen the wisdom of we should have kept them free. preventing discord i n families by
discountenancing m i x e d marriages,, we can e x p l a i n t h i s and similar outbursts only by the success of the Ne Temere legislation. In other words, too many non-Catholics are acquiescing i n the Church's conditions. W e have commented before on A n g l i c a n attempts to make things difficult. T h e y are t r y i n g to rouse t h e i r people to resist our pressure, a n d to get t h e m to refuse to sign the promises. W e w i s h t h e y would have the sense to avoid a t r i a l of strength i n which they are bound to be discomfited. W e have no objections to the closing o f avenues to fixed marriages. W e prefer our people to m a r r y Catholics, but we do not fear a tussle between Catholics and Anglicans f o r the faith of the offspring of m i x e d marriages. * * * * A F e w S t r a i g h t W o r d s i n Return. W e have never known a really fervent Catholic m a n or woman who did not prefer the Church to any offer of m a r r i a g e , no matter how p r o m i s i n g . W e are sure -of our good ones, and we are sure t h a t they are the majority, and the vast m a j o r i t y . W e m i g h t lose some of our weaklings i f opposition is roused, as D r . H e r b e r t desires, but, much as we should deplore the loss it would not deflectus. W e shall not alter our legislation on mixed marriages because of A n g l i c a n objections. E v e n our weak Catholics are not such fools as the Bishop's siren enticements w o u l d make them appear. " N e v e r m i n d i f you are excommunicated b y the Roman Church," he gently murmurs, "Come to us. W e may not be Roman, but we are Catholic. Break w i t h y o u r o w n C h u r c h , so that y o u r children can be Anglicans, and you w i l l lose nothing. You w i l l still be a C a t h o l i c . " Has the B i s h o p not learned yet t h a t when Catholics, real Cathol i c s — R . C . ' s , g i v e up t h e i r own C h u r c h they have usually done w i t h c h u r c h - g o i n g altogether? Siren calls l i k e t h i s usually leave t h e m cold. , \
*
*
*
*
A Scientist's C h r i s t i a n i t y . Science properly pursued should lead men nearer to God, f o r God is T r u t h , and a l l reality is but a fragmentary expression o f God, the infinite and transcendent reality. The search for t r u t h is for the r i g h t - m i n d e d the search for God in his creation. Pride and self-conceit unite with a materialist fashion to make science i n these days commonly a n t i - C h r i s t i a n . F o r that reason we compliment S i r A m b r o s e Fleming, O . M . , the distinguished scientist, on his vigorous profession of faith delivered on M o n d a y . S i r A m b r o s e is 85, years of age. H e attained great eminence as an electrical engineer long before some o f the noisy materialists, whose gospel is evolution, had attained the d i g n i t y of beard and moustaches. H e need not fear when he ignores the intellectual fads of the moment. He struck h a r d at anti-religious and a n t i - C h r i s t i a n evolutionary theories, and, though his words lack the a u t h o r i t y of a specialist i n anthropology, they carry weight as the verdict o f a learned man, a C h r i s t i a n and a gentleman. (Ca thol h • 77 mtes)
ii
Browsing Among Books ST. F R A N C I S . When a book by F r . G e m e l l i , Rector of the U n i v e r s i t y of M i l a n , appeared recently, w i t h the t i t l e H Francescanesimo, it was recognized at once as deserving of an E n g l i s h translation. - T h a n k s to Fr. Hughes, II Francescanesimo is available, i n an excellent E n g l i s h translation. T h e title, T h e F r a n ciscan Message to the W o r l d is apt, because, as the author is at pains to point out, this is not j u s t one more book on the Franciscans, or vet another h i s t o r y of the Order, or treatise on Franciscan thought. " M y intention," writes F r . Gemelli, in the preface, " has been to outline broadly the historical development of F r a n c i s c a n s p i r i t u a l i t y and explain i t s ever present and universal value, without dwelling on isolated, Jiistorical facts or stopping to discuss points of philosophy o r theology. W i t h this purpose i n view the author divides his book into three parts. St. F r a n c i s and the T i m e s he lived i n forms the subject of Part 1; f a m i l i a r , well-worn ground, it is t r u e : but i t would be a great undervaluing of F r . Gemelli's talent to f a n c y he can merely state the old facts i n a new and forceful w a y . It is new l i g h t which he t h r o w s upon the old facts: witness his treatment of what is so often misunderstood— Franciscan p o v e r t y ; his emphasis on the influence of F r a n c i s i n transforming men's view of the world from the vallis l a c r y m a r u m mood of the t w e l f t h century into that of the thirteenth w h i c h saw in the w o r l d beauty and a m i r r o r of beauties b e y o n d ; and supremely the value o f the views of F r a n c i s on how sanctification m a y be found, not o n l y i n prayer, but i n business, i n action of every k i n d , and not simply—as had long been taught—in m a n u a l labour. Of Part II there is no space to say more t h a n t h a t i I is a b r i e f u n d masterly s u m m a r y of F r a n c i s c a n Spirituality dowm the centuries; with some f a s c i n a t i n g peri sketches of various saints t h r o w n i n . P a r t I H , S t . F r a n c i s and O u r Own Time, has a value all its o w n ; it forms as fine a piece of general apologetic as can be found anywhere. T h e diagnosis w i t h w h i c h it opens, of modern moods and ills, is p a r t i c u l a r l y fine—very clear, well-balanced and penetrating. It is followed b y chapters dealing with suggested methods of defence and approach. The F r a n c i s c a n Message to the W o r l d : A g o s t i n o Gemelli, O. F . M . Translated and adapted by H . L . Hughes. (B. O . & W . , 7s. 6d.). * * * * MORE. In w r i t i n g a life of S i r T h o m a s More, M r . H o l l i s was at once confronted by the problem implied i n what has been described as his " brilliant but h o s t i l e " study of Erasmus. H o w could the saint and future m a r t y r have been the close and affectionate friend of such a m a n ? The problem is solved more o r less satisfactorily • contending that E r a s m u s was able to hide some of his least lovely characteristics from More, and that the l a t t e r defended E r a s m u s
against charges which Hvere not true, w h i l s t loyally remaining silent about other defects. T h o u g h M r . Hollis gives us here, briefly but well, the story of M o r e ' s life and death, his chief attention is paid to More's writings. W e are informed that he has tried, as f a r as possible, to give us a " p a r a p h r a s e in the language of modern controversies." The difficulty about such w r i t i n g is that it is not always clear how m u c h is S i r Thomas More's and how much M r . Hollis's. Sometimes indeed it is obvious that after q u o t i n g his author, M r . H o l l i s gives us an essay of his own. H e says, indeed, some excellent things and says them w ell. W e like especially his wise w ords about B y z a n t i u m and the E a s t (p.18. etc.), about Platonism and Greek philosphy (p.21), about death (p.113) and on the Utopia. B u t elsewhere, though he professes to give us More's argument, we cannot recognize it as authentic, as when he speaks of R o m a n Catholics and non-Romans (p.129), or of the authenticity of the Scriptures (p.140). N o r do we t h i n k that he makes it sufficiently clear t h a t M o r e never doubted about the p r i m a c y o f the Pope, but only whether its ground was i n divine or i n ecclesiastical law (pp. 240-1). r
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It is not correct to say that the Carthusians die^ w i t h Fisher (p.281). It was three days earlier, as stated on p.284. "The priests' portes " is on p.271 w r o n g l y glossed as " d o o r s . " It i s a v a r i a n t of " portas " and means a A l s o " evil " portable breviary. on p.54 should be " s o i l , " " signam e n t u m " on p.276 should be " figmentum " and " confirm " on p.289 " c o n f o r m / W e hope that the book w i l l be widely read, for i t contains m a n y s t r i k i n g passages from the m a r t y r ' s w r i t i n g s w h i c h are not v e r y f a m i l i a r ; and M r . Hollis's o w n words are always interesting, frequently v e r y helpful and sometimes b r i l l i a n t . S i r T h o m a s More, by C h r i s t o pher H o l l i s . (Sheed and W a r d , 7s. 6d.).
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THE BIBLE FOR E V E R Y D A Y . A r c h b i s h o p Goodier here gives us three hundred and s i x t y extracts from the Bible. M u c h t i m e and thought must have been g i v e n to the selecting of these passages w h i c h supply the faithful w i t h thoughts for prayer, meditation or instruction. The extracts are such that a study of them is sufficient to give the reader a sense of the whole spirit of the Bible, ass u m i n g of course that the reader has some knowledge of the history of the Chosen People. In his introductory chapter H i s Grace explains his method of selection. The prophetic element necess a r i l y dominates since the main i n terest of the Old Testament lies on its bearing on and its anticipation of the N e w . ' T h e prophecies, the types, the parallel passages, where the O l d Testament throws light on the N e w , have been allowed to Hraw for us, as much as possible, C h r i s t O u r L o r d and H i s work as they were seen before H e came.
H i s Grace has chosen the great prayers to express the developing relationship between God and man. These prayers show the r e g a r d for God displayed by leaders such as Moses, D a v i d and Jeremias and by the people themselves i n times of t i i b u t i o n or rejoicing. T h e g r o w t h of the M o r a l Code is illustrated by passages selected from the Books of W i s d o m and Ecclesiasticus. A prominent place is given to the Pslams because of their i n t r i n s i c merit. T h e y are the great national hymns of the Chosen People who, unlike all other races, managed to retain their unique character to the end i n spite of slavery and conquest.
GOSPEL
(From the Sower)
(Continued
from Col. 4)
will become r i c h fall into temptation, and into the snare of the devil, and into many unprofitable and h u r t f u l desires, w h i c h draw men into destruction and perdition." M a n y are the examples of God's service, H o l y F a i t h , religion, a l l choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of t h i s life. Let us, therefore, be good ground, w h i c h receives and keeps the seed, so that we m a y b r i n g f o r t h f r u i t i n patience. " B e ye doers o f the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas. 1. 22). T h e w o r d of God is a safeguard to us, a guide, a comfort w h i c h w i l l impart the strength of obedience t h a t we may go on, day by day, and keep it more and more. B u t fervour and a l a c r i t y merely w i l l not suffice, for we must b r i n g f o r t h f r u i t i n patience. Don't, therefore, lose heart i n that work of patience. W e g r o w weary of our o w n selves; we seem no better, no nearer heaven than we were years ago, we may not see the corn growing. Possibly, but G o d can. A l l our lives we must h u m b l y hear the word, steadfastly keep it, and patiently w a i t for the hundredfold. FATHER
A N D SON.
SEXAGESIMA
SUNDAY. ( L u k e V I I I . 4-15.)
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B y the most R e v . A l b a n Goodier, Sd., A r c h b i s h o p of H i e r a p o l i s (Burns, Oates and Washbourne. pp. 286, 5s.).
FOR
A t that time, when a v e r y great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities u n to h i m , he spoke by a s i m i l i t u d e ! The sower went out to sow his seed. A n d as he sowed, some feB by the w a y s i d e ; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the a i r devoured i t . A n d other some fell upon a r o c k ; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. A n d other some fell upon good g r o u n d ; and being s p r u n g up, yielded fruit a hundredfold. Saying these things, he cried out, H e that hatTi ears to hear, let h i m hear. A n d his disciples asked h i m what this parable might be. T o whom he said, to you it is given to know the m y s t e r y of the k i n g d o m of God, but to the rest i n parables; that seing, they may not see, and hearing, m a y not understand. N o w the parable is t h i s : The seed is the word of God. A n d they b y the wayside are they that hear: then the devil cometh, and .taketh the word out of t h e i r heart, lest believing they should be saved. N o w they upon the rock are they who, w hen they hear, receive the word w i t h j o y ; and these have no roots, for they believe for awhile, and i n time of temptation they fall away. A n d that w h i c h fell among thorns are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked w i t h the cares and riches and pleasures o f t h i s life, and yield no f r u i t . But t h a t on the good ground are they who i n a good very good heart, hearing the w o r d , keep i t ; and b r i n g f o r t h f r u i t in patience. r
Explanation.—The sense of the parable w h i c h H e spoke to his disciples is g i v e n by o u r divine L o r d Himself. The seed is the word of G o d ; the sower is none other than C h r i s t ; and the ground upon which the seed falls is an image of our souls. " T h e y by the wayside" are the Catholics who give an inattentive ear to the exhortations of t h e i r pastors, who do not care much, i f they care at a l l indeed, for what they are told f r o m the p u l p i t . A s soon as they are gone out o f the church, the sermon is out of their heart. The w o r d of G o d is lost, as t h i s seed b y the wayside. The devil does not want it to be r e membered, practised, lest a good beginning should be made and believing they should be saved.
B o t h Calles N o w P a t i e n t s i n Catholic Hospital. It was previously announced that General Plutarco E l i a s Calles, the M e x i c a n dictator and intensifier of the persecution o f the Church, had been operated upon i n a C a t h o l i c hospital i n L o s Angeles conducted b y nuns. Now, another message f r o m L o s Angeles informs us, Rodolfo E l i a s Calles, one o f the arch-persecutors and Secretary of Communications "They upon the r o c k " receive in the M e x i c a n Cabinet, has enter- the word of G o d w i t h j o y . They ed the same hospital to receive believe for a w h i l e ; but i n time of treatment f o r the recurrence of temptation they fall away. In an old disorder for w h i c h he once these Catholics, there was feeling, underwent a n operation. sentiment, but no depth of characRodolfo Calles, who, as Gover- ter, no w i l l . T h e y give up what nor of Sonora, w h i c h is one of the they have begun, they abandon 14 States w i t h no priests w i t h i n God and yield to temptation. their l i m i t s , inaugurated and furthered a particularly oppressive " A n d that which fell a m o n £ persecution of the Catholic C h u r c h , thorns" represents the soul enchose the same hospital i n w h i c h slaved by his passions, by the his father is a patient—St. V i n - t h i r s t for pleasures and riches— cent's Hospital, conducted by the " T h e v are thev who hear the Daughters of C h a r i t y of St. V i n - w o r d , " says St. M a r k ( I V 18, 19)* cent de P a u l . "and the cares of the world, and Rodolfo, who closed the Sisters' the deceitfulness of riches, and the hospital along w i t h other Catholic lusts after other things, entering: institutions i n Sonora, occupies i n , choke the word, and i t is made St. P a u l w r i t e s to the room next to that i n w h i c h fruitless." his father is recuperating from T i m o t h l y : (I. VT, 9) " F o r they that (Continued in Col. 3) his serious operation.
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Catholic Affairs from Far and Near EUROPE. M i s s i o n s w i l l have a place at the Brussels Exposition. B R U S S E L S . — A t the Internafional Exposition of B r u s s e l s , w h i c h w i l l be f o r m a l l y opened by K i n g Leopold III A p r i l 27, t h e r e w i l l be a section set apart f o r Catholic missions. In t h i s respect i t w i l l follow the policy c a r r i e d out at: the International Colonial E x position o f P a r i s i n 1930 a n d at t h e E x h i b i t i o n o f Colonial A r t bow open at Naples. A specially constructed chapel w i l l be b u i l t i n the " Palace of Catholic L i f e , " w h i c h w i l l be used daily f o r M a s s and ceremonies. Conference-rooms and) e x h i b i t i o n Italls w i l l be on either side o f the chapel. T h e Pontifical M i s s i o n A i d Associations w i l l have a special place i n t h i s Palace. C a t h o B c missions w i l l be represented also i n the " Palace of the B e l g i a n Congo." ( F i d e s ) .
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T h r e e N e w Aeroplanes for the Missions. AIX - L A - CHAPELLE (Germ a n y ) .—Three new aeroplanes destined f o r service i n C a t h o l i c m i s i s o n fields have been acquired By the M I V A , a German Catholic association, w i t h headquarters at £ix-Ia-Chapelle, which supplies missionaries w i t h modern means o f transport. T h e machines are to be blessed a n d t h e n shipped overseas. H i s E m i n e n c e C a r d i n a l Schulte, A r c h b i s h o p o f Cologne, w i l l bless t w o o f the new aeroplanes a t the Cologne aerodrome F e b r u a r y 24. One o f these, a three-seater, w h i c h S a d been named " S t . P e t e r , " is f o r t h e Prefecture A p o s t o l i c of Garip, South A f r i c a . H e r r Jakob Esc&bach, o f the Dusseldorf F l y mg-School, w i l l acompany t h e m a chine as pilot and mechanic. T h e second plane, " S t . P a u l , " is a t w o seater and w i l l be sent t o the Divine W o r d Missionaries of Eastern N e w G u i n e a , the district where t w o missionaries m e t violent death recently at the h a n d s of l o s t i l e natives. Herr Wilhelm Scafhausen w i l l accompany the machine. T h e t h i r d plane, w h i c h w i l l be Blessed on W h i t s u n d a y b y H i s E m i n e n c e C a r d i n a l F a u l h a b e r of M u n i c h , is a D o r n i e r A m p h i b i a n ; its destination has not yet been made k n o w n . ( F i d e s ) .
ASIA. Second Group of Priests Ordained at Mill Hill Fathers' Seminarv in India. Nellore ( I n d i a ) . Three y o u n g m e n t r a i n e d at St. John's Semin a r y , Nellore, were raised to the p r i e s t h o o d December 13. T h i s is the second g r o u p o f priests to leave t h e s e m i n a r y o f the M i l l H i l l F a thers, w h i c h was founded i n 1926 By A r c h b i s h o p A e l e n . There were 48 students at the seminary d u r i n g the scholastic year which has j u s t closed, 36 from Nellore, six f r o m H y d e r a b a d , three from Vizagapatam, two from JFadras and one f r o m P a t n a .
B i s h o p B o u t e r of Nellore reports t h a t t h i s has been an exceptional y e a r at the seminary i n as m u c h as the b u i l d i n g suffered no serious damage f r o m hurricanes. H a r d l y a year passes on the Coromandel Coast w i t h o u t a cyclone d u r i n g the w i n t e r months. In 1927 the semin a r y suffered extensive damage, and last year hundreds of tiles were lifted into the a i r to r e t u r n to the e a r t h in worthless pieces. (Fides).
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MILLION CHINESE FOREIGN LANDS.
IN
PARIS.—The Committee on Chinese Oversea A f f a i r s has compiled statistics, published i n the December 1934 issue of L ' A s i e F r a n c a i s e , w h i c h show that almost eight m i l l i o n Chinese live abroad. T h e M a l a y A r c h i p e l a g o a n d the countries of southeastern Asia have the largest numbers, 2,500.000 i n S i a m , 381,417 i n F r e n c h Indoc h i n a , 193,598 i n B u r m a , a n d 15,000 i n India. T h e Chinese population of the M a l a y States i s 1,709,392; i n B r i t i s h . Borneo i t i s 75,000 a n d i n the Netherland Indies 1,232,650. I n H o n g k o n g there are 825,635 Chinese i n M a c a o 119,875 a n d i n T i m o r 3,500. T h e P h i l i p p i n e s have a Chinese population o f 110,500, H a w a i i has 15,500, N e w 27,179, A u s t r a l i a Z e a l a n d 2,854, and South A f r i c a 4,500. A p p r o x i m a t e l y 1,200 Chinese l i v e o n the t i n y isles scattered over the Pacific and 5,000 on the islands o f the I n d i a n Ocean. Chinese i n the U n i t e d States are estimated at 74,950, i n C a n a d a 42,100 a n d i n M e x i c o 25,000. I n t h e countries o f C e n t r a l A m e r i c a there are 9,400 Chinese. P e r u has 5,704, C h i l e 2,700, B r a z i l 820, Argentina 600, a n d Venezuela 2,826. T h e r e are 100,000 Chinese i n the Japanese E m p i r e , 10,074 i n J a p a n proper, 46,691 i n F o r m o s a a:nd 41,303 i n K o r e a . Soviet R u s s i a has 251,500, and T u r k e y , 7,000. A relatively s m a l l number o f Chinese live i n E u r o p e . F r a n c e , w h i c h has the largest group, has only 17,000. G r e a t B r i t a i n and H o l l a n d follow w i t h 8,000 each. G e r m a n y has 1,800, S w i t z e r l a n d 149, P o r t u g a l 1,200, D e n m a r k 900, B e l g i u m 550, I t a l y 274, and P o l a n d 139. T h e r e are about 100 C h i n e s e i n each of the B a l t i c Countries, w h i l e i n each o f the S c a n d i n a v i a n nations there are less t h a n t e n Chinese^ Religious assistance for Chinese emigrants is difficult to organize and m a i n t a i n , and a l t h o u g h attempts i n t h i s r e g a r d have i n some cases been deficient o r unsuccesful, it must be noted, nevertheless, t h a t i n countries and cities where Chinese are numerous, wellconducted parishes for t h e m do exist. ( F i d e s ) .
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A w a k e n i n g o f Religious Mind in China. I n a n address w h i c h created quite a sensation a y o u n g Chinese general o f the K a n s u province did not hesitate to speak h i g h l y i n praise o f C h r i s t i a n missions and to
acknowledge their salutary i n In a remarkable way, he fluence. m^de comments on the natural law contained i n God's T e n C o m m a n d ments and asked the people to t r u s t h i m i n his efforts 4to restore order and peace in the country and give labour, trade and industry an efficient protection. H e pointed out straightaway the necessity of fighting against vices reproved b y conscience and w h i c h are repugnant to a sane m i n d . Therefore, ancestral customs, i f commendable, are to be kept, but not superstition w h i c h denotes a feeble m i n d .
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S H A N G H A I . — F i f t y tons of paper are used annually i n the p r i n t ing-house of the T'ou-se-we Orphanage, Zi-ka-wei, near Shanghai. S i x t y books i n Chinese, or a y e a r l y average of 300,000 copies, and 50 European works, approximately 50,000 volumes, are printed here each year. The orphanage is a Catholic i n s t i t u t i o n directed by the Jesuits. The orphanage was founded i n 1849, but closed i n 1860 d u r i n g the T a i p i n g uprising, after the D i r e c tor, F a t h e r M a s s a , S.J., had been killed. It was opened again i n 1864, and at present 650 boys are housed here and t r a i n e d i n someuseful craft. Besides the p r i n t i n g shop, there is an elementary school, a foundry, a goldsmith's shop, an electro-plating laboratory, a school of c a r v i n g , stained-glass factory, a carpentry shop a n d a studio for sculptors. (Fides)
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M u k d e n . — A c c o r d i n g to a plan formulated b y the K o r e a n Government-General, 5,000 Koreans, or 1,000 families, w i l l be sent into the L i a o R i v e r basin i n T i e h l i n g hsien-Manchukuo after the s p r i n g thaw has set in. Investigations of the p r a c t i c a b i l i t y of this mass e m i g r a t i o n are bei n g conducted b y y the G o v e r n ment-General t h r o u g h the E a s t A s i a t i c Industrial Company. C a tholic missionaries report that the h i g h emigration and proportionatel y low i m m i g r a t i o n affect noticeably the increase of the Catholic body i n K o r e a . A l t h o u g h more than 1,000 persons were baptized by the G e r m a n Benedictine m i s sionaries i n the single mission of Yengheung, W o n s a n V i c a r i a t e , dur i n g the last two years and a half, the Catholic body has increased by only 336; the others emigrated to M a n c h u r i a where economic conditions are said to be more favourable. ( F i d e s ) .
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S A P P O R O ( J a p a n ) . — A n association f o r the diffusion of r e l i gious thought was started a few months ago at K u t c h a n , Japan. Bonzes and Protestant preachers have given numerous conferences at the association's assembly-hall. In December the Catholic mission of Sapporo, w h i c h G e r m a n F r a n ciscans direct, was represented by F a t h e r Peter T a k e m i y a , Japanese Franciscan, who addressed 50 teachers and Government functionaries on the subject: W h a t M u s t I Expect of R e l i g i o n ? A lively discussion followed, d u r i n g w h i c h F a ther T a k e m i y a explained several difficulties. ( F i d e s ) .
AFRICA. Missionary K i l l e d by L i g h t n i n g i n Tanganyika. Tabora ( T a n g a n y i k a T e r r i t o r y , British East Africa).—Lightning struck the corrugated sheet-iron roof of the Catholic mission at N d a l a , T a n g a n y i k a T e r r i t o r y , duri n g the n i g h t of December 13—14, and killed R e v . P . M a r t i n , aged 64, o f the W h i t e F a t h e r s . H e had been a missionary i n this region 35 years. It was commonly believed that sheet-iron roof serves as protect i o n d u r i n g thunder-and-lightning storms but since the tragedy at N d a l a the authorities have ordered a n investigation of the question, a n d lightning-rods are being placed on a l l important buildings. (Fides).
Sister meets death on mission-trip. A l i w a l N o r t h (South A f r i c a ) . — A l l the shops o f Indwe, South A f r i c a , were closed J a n u a r y 3 during the funeral of S i s t e r M a r y Philippa Oberlander, of the Dominican Sisters of K i n g w i l l i a m s t o w n , who died suddenly while r e t u r n i n g from a v i s i t to the native kraals of Guba. T h e M a y o r and the T o w n Council of Indwe, the Magistrates and a large representation of Europeans a n d N a t i v e s gathered around the Sister's grave. E a r l y i n the m o r n i n g of January 2, Sister P h i l i p p a and Sister Concordia, of the same congregation, went f r o m Indwe to G u b a where t h e y worked f r o m nine o'clock unt i l two o'clock, p a s s i n g from hut to h u t under the b l a z i n g mid-summer sun, c l o n i n g a n d bandaging sores and dispensing medicines. When t h e y were r e t u r n i n g i n the evening t h e y were overtaken by a storm. T h e i r motor-car stuck i n the mudd y road, and after assisting in p u s h i n g the machine from the rut, S i s t e r P h i l i p p a suffered a heartattack and asked for a priest. A few moments after receiving absolution she died. She was 63 years of age and had been a nun 39 years. (Fides).
B a m a k o ( F r e n c h West A f r i c a ) . Three W h i t e Sisters have responded to the appeal issued by " L ' l n s t i t u t C e n t r a l de l a L d p r e " of F r e n c h W e s t A f r i c a and are now l i v i n g at B a m a k o , F r e n c h Sudan, where they supervise the nursing and direct t h e dispensaries and laundry. The Colonial authorities of F r e n c h W e s t A f r i c a , where the number of lepers is estimated at 150,000, have adopted a system in t h e i r campaign against the disease w h i c h differs somewhat from the usual practice. Lepers are not forced to leave t h e i r homes. Lepers in an advanced stage of the disease are advised to go to the central hospital, but coercion is not used. The establishment at Bamako, where the W h i t e Sisters are engaged, serves as centre for the anti-leprosy campaign. Medicines are prepared, special cases are treated, and doctors return there for supplies and research work. (Fides).
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MALAYA DIETETIC V A L U E SEAWEED. (Agar-agar)
CATHOLIC
LEADER,
SATURDAY,
F E B R U A R Y 23rd 1935.
13
OF
Sydney. Professor Josephine Tilden, a n American who has studied seaweed for 30 years, has found t h a t a l though i t m a y be a nuisance t o surfers and fishermen, i t is a plant of considerable food value f o r human beings. " T h e soils of both the U n i t e d States and A u s t r a l i a are l a c k i n g i n something," she said, i n a n interview. " In fact, there is no soil in the world w h i c h contains as r i c h a store of minerals as the w a t e r of the sea does. Therefore, no land plants can compare i n m i n e r a l content w i t h seaweed, w h i c h should be used as a food, especially b y mothers and t h e i r children. Seaweed is now pressed into tablets i n the U n i t e d States and lused considerably. It contains minerals w h i c h prevent some forms of sickness, and is a remedy for deficiency diseases. Seaweed is the same the w o r l d over, as f a r as its richness i n mineral content is concerned." Professor T i l d e n is professor of botany at the U n i v e r s i t y of M i n ^ nesota, Minneapolis, U n i t e d States, and leader of a p a r t y of 11 American scientists who have j u s t completed a comprehensive study of seaweed on the coasts of Australia. WIT OF GIOACCHINO ROSSINI. Once, as some admirers of Rossini were discussing before h i m the project of erecting a statue to him,
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" W e l l , said the Maestro who was sometimes of a m i r t h f u l disposition, " well, would you k i n d l y tell me w h a t w i l l be the cost of this s t a t u e ? " — " A b o u t 20,000 francs." — Is t h a t so?, t h i n k had better give me 10,000 and sure I w i l l climb up the pedestal." u
A t other times, R o s s i n i would assume a look of innocence and crack terrible jokes c u t t i n g to the quick. W h e n Carafa, a fellow musician asked for his opinion on a funeral m a r c h he had j u s t w r i t ten for the obsequies of M e y e r beer: — " T h a t funeral m a r c h ? old chap, splendid! awfully s p l e n d i d ! . . . . though, you know, it's a p i t y that it's not you the deceased and Meyerbeer the composer."
On another occasion, a pianist offered Rossini to play h i m one of his latest musical compositions. Rossini, who k n e w his m a n , did all i n his power to escape the ordeal i n perspective and to keep the piano out of the reach o f his v i s i tor, but a l l to no purpose. The virtuoso sat a t the piano and for a full h a l f an hour struck the keyboard i n successive fits of passion, of frenzy, of fury. T h e n he got up pale as death and all i n a perspiration.
— " W h a t do you t h i n k of t h a t ? " he asked. — " W h a t do I t h i n k o f t h a t ? " answered Rossini, w i t h a smack of good-natured taunting, " I think it simply marvellous. U p o n my f a i t h ! you are m i g h t i e r t h a n God who made t h i s w o r l d i n s i x days . . . Y o u ! w i t h i n h a l f an hour, you have positively made chaos."
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G r o w i n g side b y side w i t h the world-wide movement of C a t h o l i c [Readers are kindly invited to send in A c t i o n there is the ever-spreading questions on religious dogmas or l i t u r g i c a l r e v i v a l . T h e y are but standards of moral conduct. Such two aspects o f t h e one fact—the questions must be put in good faith with m u t u a l co-operation o f t h e f a i t h a view to obviating any ^dubiety or ful a m o n g themselves a n d w i t h adjusting any inaccuracy in periinent t h e i r p a s t o r s ; a n d they differ i n matters of faith or morals. All ques- t h a t C a t h o l i c A c t i o n , of i t s v e r y tions, must be accompanied by the nature, includes t h e l i t u r g i c a l names and addresses of questioners, not movement. Catholic A c t i o n i n necessarily for publication, but as a cludes corporate a c t i v i t y both a d guarantee of good faith. The Editor i n t r a a n d ad e x t r a : the sanctifireserves the right to reject any question, cation o f i n d i v i d u a l s and the dewhich in his opinion, may appear trivial fence a n d advance o f C h r i s t i a n i t y or frivolous.] i n a semi-pagan w o r l d . OUR
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Q u e s t i o n : Could y o u tell me i f , aftier c o m m i t t i n g a s i n a n d before g e t t i n g a chance of confession I can get back again into God's g r a c e ? (JL.D.)
03 B
To p u s h o n the external m a n i festation o f Catholic A c t i o n Without p a y i n g due attention to the p r e l i m i n a r y o f personal s a n c t i t y i s to make b r i c k s w i t h o u t s t r a w : N i s i A n s w e r : T h i s is a question D o m i n u s aedificaverit domum, in t h a t appeals t o a l l catholics. M a n y v a n u m laboraverunt qui aedificant F u r t h e r m o r e , the i n t e r i o r a r e troubled i n the same w a y and earn. are i g n o r a n t o f the means of life m u s t be looked into, t o provide reconciliation w i t h God t h a t c a n be I n s p i r a t i o n and s t r e n g t h as t h e cause progresses. There i s one used i n s u c h circumstances. o u t s t a n d i n g practice o f t h e f a i t h Let me tell t h e m : ful w h i c h gives t h e m a perennial ' u n i t y w i t h o u t u n i f o r m i t y / namely 1. T h a t a n act of perfect con- the fundamental a c t of public ext r i t i o n w i l l b r i n g t h e m i n t a God's t e r n a l w o r s h i p o f G o d , as expressgrace a n d friendship a t once. ed i n t h e sacrifice o f t h e M a s s . P e r f e c t c o n t r i t i o n i s a n act o f love For, as F r . P e p l e r puts i t : 'when w h i c h G o d cannot resist. we speak o f the l i t u r g y , w e mean 2. T h e r e i s a n obligation, that, p r i m a r i l y the M a s s ; a n d t h e M a s s a s soon as t h e y can, t h e y w i n sub- becomes t h e essential l i n k o f m i t m o r t a l s i n to the sacrament o f C h r i s t i a n u n i t y / ' A t t e n d a n c e at this ceremony has been imposed penance. as a n obligation o f membership, so 3. I n t h e meantime, the s i n is t h a t theoretically t h e whole C a f o r g i v e n , a n d they are i n God's tholic w o r l d i s present at least once grace. a week. T h i s i s t h e m a i n symbol 4. T h e m a i n fact i s this, t h a t of t h e c a t h o l i c i t y o f the C h u r c h . C a t h o l i c s , j f fthey {fall should at once, m a k e a n act o f contrition. * T h e Pope has urged t i m e a n d I t i s not so v e r y difficult. It con- again t h a t Catholic A c t i o n i s a n It procures not only s i s t s i n t e l K n g G o d f r o m t h e i r apostolate. h e a r t t h a t t h e y are s o r r y f o r hav- the personal sanctification o f h i m i n g offended a G o d who i s infinitely who participates i n i t (although this i s t h e foundation), b u t t h a t good a n d m e r c i f u l . also o f others. The hierarchy 5. W h e n t h a t has been done, alone exercises t h e apostolate—the t h e sinner i s a friend o f God again faithful participate i n i t . T h i s a n d should he die before he i s able p a r t i c i p a t i o n i s explained b y the t o confess h i s s i n , he is safe w i t h fact t h a t i n b a p t i s m they acquire God. a k i n d o f priesthood, a s p i r i t u a l o r ' i n t e r n a l ' priesthood (of w h i c h the . Q u e s t i o n : Is the A s s u m p t i o n C a t e c h i s m of t h e C o u n c i l o f T r e n t of t h e Blessed V i r g i n a d o g m a of speaks), w h i c h i s founded o n the t h e f a i t h ? C a n a.man deny i t and words o f S t . Peter. A s t h e A n g e l i c D o c t o r p u t s i t : I t is clear t h a t ^till remain a Catholic? (W. L . ) the sacramental character is j A n s w e r : T h e A s s u m p t i o n o f the specially t h e character o f C h r i s t , to Blessed V i r g i n has never been de- whose character t h e f a i t h f u l are fined as a dogma of t h e f a i t h and likened b y reason o f t h e sacra$o, s t r i c t l y speaking a m a n m a y mental characters, w h i c h are nodeny i t a n d s t i l l r e m a i n a Catholic. t h i n g else than certain p a r t i c i p a i A C a t h o l i c must keep i n m i n d tions o f C h r i s t ' s priesthod flowing t h a t t h e A s s u m p t i o n o f the Bless- f r o m C h r i s t h i m s e l f . A n d a g a i n : fd V i r g i n i s one o f t h e fifteen every sacrament makes a m a n a i n y s t e r i e s o f t h e H o l y R o s a r y , and p a r t i c i p a t o r i n C h r i s t ' s priesthood, t h a t i n most Catholic countries the f r o m t h e fact t h a t i t confers on Finally, feast o f t h e A s s u m p t i o n is obser- him some effect there. P i u s X I has said o f Catholic A c ved as a d a y o f obligation. \ I t i s therefore a general belief t i o n : A sacerdotali munere haud | n t h e C h u r c h t h a t t h e B . V . M a r y longius abest. Was preserved from corruption o f #ie t o m b o n account o f h e r I m m a c u l a t e Conception. S u c h belief fs revealed i n numerous petitions made r e c e n t l y b y C a t h o l i c s t h e World over, w h o are a s k i n g f o r a definition o f t h e dogma o f t h e A s s u m p t i o n . I t seems probable t h a t the P o p e o r a general C o u n c i l w i l l one d a y e o m p l y w i t j i t h e request.
The supreme act of t h e priests of G o d ' s C h u r c h i s to offer sacrifice—to celebrate M a s s . I t thereforce follows t h a t t r e supreme act of t h e f a i t h f u l i s to participate i n this act o f sacrifice, offering i t by and through t h e priest. Moreover, it w o u l d seem t o be a duty, ' B e cause everyone is bound to use the grace entrusted t o h i m , when opp o r t u n i t y serves, according' to 2
Cor. v i , i : W e exhort y o u t h a t y o u receive not the grace o f G o d i n vain/ Now i t is obvious f r o m t h e rubrics o f the M i s s a l t h a t t h e l a i t y are not expected merely to attend Mass. T r u e it i s t h a t 'passive' presence is sufficient t o fulfil the obligation, but f o r the bene esse there is needed 'active' presence. 'Passive' presence means being present i n so f a r as we stand f o r the t w o gospels, stand a n d genuflect w i t h the priest d u r i n g the CreedJ an(i f o r thel rest o f t h e time kneel w i t h perhaps b u t little advertence t o what is being done at the altar. T h e rubrics envisage the fact of the people r e p l y i n g to the priest, f o r they speak o f 'those who are! present/ respondSng i n contradistinction to the m i n i s t e r or ministers. T h i s , then, is w h a t we would call 'active' presence a t M a s s . T h i s practice i s becoming increasingly common, especially on the C o n t i n e n t ; e.g., i t has been a source o f great edification a t recent P a x R o m a n a -congresses. There i s no doubt o f i t s lawfulness, for t h e Sacred Congregation o f Rites, w h e n questioned on the matter, allowed t h a t i t w a s ; a l t h o u g h t h e y pointed out t h a t i t was not always expedient because of the inconvenience t h a t could easily arise. A c c o r d i n g l y they decided t h a t i n cases where the f a i t h f u l were to r e p l y i n a l l parts of t h e M a s s , to w h i c h the server is accustomed to respond, t h e permission o f the O r d i n a r y is necessary.
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responses made b y the Mass s e r v e r ; the latter includes over and above these, the Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, A g n u s D e i , as well as the Confiteor and Domine non sum dignus, w h i c h precede the peoples C o m m u n i o n . W e authorize these two methods/ (Ephemerides Liturgicae)
To t h e objection that t h i s is n innovation, we can make the same reply as does M g r . C i v a r d i to those who s a y t h a t Catholic A c t i o n is an innovation, namely t h a t i t s form T h i s active p a r t i c i p a t i o n b y the may be new, b u t i t s substance, is l a i t y i n t h e sacrifice o f t h e M a s s certainly not, as i t has existed has been gven t h e name o f M i s s a f r o m Apostolic times. T h e Church dialogata. It w i l l easily be seen says t o t h e l a i t y : Ascende seperk t h a t t h i s is the first step towards us, a m i c e ; and the priest supplel i t u r g y f o r the masses—not every- ments t h i s w i t h h i s exhortation: T h e response: one c a n s i n g P l a i n C h a n t (pace the Orate fratres. Suscipiat D o m i n u s sacrificium de e x p e r t s ) , but anyone w h o i s not dumb c a n s a y : E t c u m s p i r i t u tuo. manibus tuis ad laudem et gloriam People are always f a r more inter- nominis s u i , ad u t i l i t a t c m quoque ested i n a n y t h i n g i f they are given nostram, totiusque Ecclesiae suae a part to play—here is t h e means sanctae, acknowledges at once the of a r o u s i n g and h o l d i n g t h e inter- subjection of the f a i t h f u l to the est o f m a n y people, to w h o m the h i e r a r c h y and the intimate union of I n the Mass, obligation has become a m a t t e r o f priest a n d people. then, i s t o be found the most glorir o u t i n e ; a means o f t u r n i n g what some m a y regard as a burden into ous expression of u n i t y of action on t h e p a r t o f a l l members of the a pleasure. C h u r c h ; surely a n earnest of their united a n d victorious advance T h e r e are not l a c k i n g texts i n towards the peace of C h r i s t in the the S u m m a Theologica t o support r e i g n o f C h r i s t . and e x p l a i n t h i s p r a c t i c e ; e.g., 'There are other words w h i c h the By Antony Timmins, (From Blacky priest, a c t i n g as i n the person o f friars.) God, begins a n d t h e people take up; t o show t h a t the t h i n g s they denote have come to t h e people t h r o u g h D i v i n e revelation, such as I C A N T H E L P IT. f a i t h a n d heavenly g l o r y ; and H o w frequently when the questherefore the priest intones the t i o n o f moral t r a i n i n g a n d social Creed a n d the G l o r i a i n excelsis r e f o r m presents itself, do we Deo/ g a t h e r from quite well-meaning worldlings such discouraging reThe A r c h b i s h o p o f R o u e n , i n m a r k s a s — " I cannot help my commending t h e use o f t h e M i s s a temperament," " O n e cannot redialogata, gives a good description constitute oneself," " I t i s not my of w h a t i t is i n practice. He s a y s : fault i f I a m as I a m , " " Y o u must 'We authorize o u r priests to bear w i t h me and take m e as you organize i t o n l y w h e n t h e y are find m e . " These observations, and sure t h a t i t w i l l be done corectly— t h e i r l i k e , drummed daily into our i.e., w i t h u n i f o r m a n d r e g u l a r pro- ears, a n d at times under the guise nunciation of all the L a t i n words, of scientific dicta, are proofs of a and w i t h careful attention to t h e f a c t : t h e readiness w i t h which, in self-justification, we grasp at any words o f the priest, so as n o t to t h e o r y that tends to excuse our delay h i m . A l l t h i s w i l l suppose n a t u r a l intertia, and permits us to careful preparation, a n d co-operabecome the prey o f o u r passions t i o n w i t h the priest at t h e altar. instead o f attempting to elevate There are two k i n d s of 'dialogues' t h e m into new and better ways.— the m a x i m u m a n d the m i n i m u m . (Rev. M . S. Gillet, O . P . ) . The former includes t h e o r d i n a r y
MALAYA CATHOLIC LEADER, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd 1935.
15
A GREAT SURGEON. MIRACLE OF MODERN SURGERY In these days o f clean surgery it is not easy to conceive t h e dreadful dangers o f hospital practice seventy years ago. N o w a d a y s , when a patient enters a hospital for treatment or a n operation, he knows that he w i l l find there a n immaculately clean operating room. N u r s e s a n d surgeons a r e dressed i n sterilized g o w n s ; t h e i r hands are covered w i t h sterile rubber gloves; every dressing, every instrument is absolutely, surgically clean. A p a r t f r o m exceptional cases, i n w h i c h some grave a n d unpardonable m i s t a k e has occurred, the surgeon knows t h a t h i s patient w i l l have a d r y , odourless and comparatively painless operation wound, w h i c h w i l l be healed in about ten days.
But i n the bad old days, before Joseph L i s t e r began experimenting s with antiseptic surgery, what a d contrast! L i t e r a l l y , the hospital , was the most dangerous place i n e the world f o r a n operation or f o r m an expectant mother, because i t s was reeking w i t h infection. It w a s e far safer—but surgeons d i d not s know i t ! — t o c u t a man's l e g off i n the open field t h a n i n a hospital. Nurses a n d surgeons were a posin tive menace, b e a r i n g u n w i t t i n g l y e the germs o f a l l diseases from one e patient to another o n t h e i r i n s t r u n ments, on t h e i r infected dressing, on t h e i r clothes, on t h e i r unclean s hands. A s a result, pus a n d stench were everywhere, i n every w a r d and practically i n every wound. T o k heal w i t h o u t pus w a s so rare a n occurrence t h a t surgeons were i n variably pleased t o see "healthy pus", t h i s being a sign that t h e wound h a d some chance o f eventually healing.
The m o r t a l i t y was appalling. A t times as m a n y as 6 0 % and even f more of the serious surgical cases died; the average death-rate r a n g ed from 15 to 50 p e r cent. T h e operation f o r appendicitis, f o r example, nowadays the simplest and safest o f operations, was i n pre-Listerian days usually f a t a l . e Frequently nearly h a l f the mothers succumbed to puerperal fever, and a large majority of y patients, even o f those who eventually recovered, developed desperate complications, such as septicaemia, hospital gangrene, lockjaw or erysipelas.
on life, a n a b i d i n g seriousness, an earnest i f quite vague religious faith, a generous philanthropy. W o r k , especially work f o r others, was a holy t h i n g ; time was a treasure, not to be wasted idly. There can be little doubt t h a t Joseph L i s t e r owed much of his moral purity, capacity for work, singleness o f a i m and attention to detail to this narrow but t r u l y conscientious upbringing. His father, a m an o f considerable means and of scholarly mind, at first frowned on his son's aspirations to become a s u r g e o n ; he looked upon surgical interference w i t h nature as something to be deprecated, i f not absolutely condemned. B u t the boy's persistent bent f o r medicine as a career finally conquered the father's objections, and a l l through h i s student days Joseph L i s t e r never failed to find his father a prudent counsellor and a generous patron.
t e r
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b
H e r e is a description, taken from a n article by the distinguished A m e r i c a n doctor, K e n n e t h P a r menter, of one o f L i s t e r ' s first successes:
" A m o n g those treated b y the new method was a ten-year-old L i s t e r qualified i n 1852, and was boy brought i n w i t h a badly fracat once elected to the R o y a l Col- tured a r m . T h e s k i n a n d muscles lege o f Surgeons. D u r i n g h i s time were t o r n a n d h a n g i n g i n shreds, as a student he gained a reputation and three bones protruded t h r o u g h for u n f a i l i n g industry, conscien- the s k i n . H e r e indeed was a test tiousness and exact observation, at hand. Before antisepsis immewithout, however, revealing a n y diate amputation offered the only remarkable brilliancy. T h e y were hope, w i t h a possible t w o chances just t h e qualities w h i c h enabled in five of recovery. Deciding to him i n later life to make practical r i s k e v e r y t h i n g , L i s t e r applied application o f the epoch-making carbolic acid freely to the s k i n and researches of L o u i s Pasteur. lacerated tissues, a n d even to the ends o f the bones. T h e n a l l was It was L i s t e r ' s intention t o set- covered w i t h a dressing soaked i n tle a n d practise i n L o n d o n ; but s t r o n g carbolic. fate sent h i m to E d i n b u r g h . A "Instead o f the body developing visit w h i c h he meant t o last a chills, fever, and blood-poisoning, a month lengthened into a stay of seven years, d u r i n g w h i c h time he " m i r a c l e " happened. None o f the became assistant to t h e great dreadful complications occurred. Scottish surgeon, James Syme. Slowly and beautifully the tissues F r o m S y m e he learned m u c h , and began to heal. N e w flesh formed, in 1856 Syme's daughter became and a new skin grew i n from the his wife. Three years later he sides. N o fever, no poisoning, no was appointed Professor of Sur- gangrene! gery at the U n i v e r s i t y o f Glasgow. "In our day of clean surgery we It was here that his life's true work was accomplished. A s so can scarcely conceive the astonishoften happen, the clue w h i c h start- ment o f the nurses a n d assistants ed L i s t e r o n the road t o fame, and at such a r e s u l t ; but we can which has revolutionized hospitals imagine the satisfaction and deall over the world, came to h i m l i g h t o f the m a n who had laboured almost accidentaly. I n 1865, his so long to b r i n g this about."
friend D r . Thomas A n d e r s o n , P r o fessor o f C h e m i s t r y , advised h i m one day i n conversation to read up the work of the F r e n c h scientist, Louis Pasteur. This great man, after laborious investigations lasting over years, had proved concluThe amazing change that has sively t h a t many diseases were taken place i n seventy years is due caused by t i n y l i v i n g organisms, so primarily to t w o men, L o u i s small t h a t they -could be seen only Pasteur and Joseph L i s t e r . These after special preparation and w i t h two names w i l l go down the cen- the a i d o f a powerful microscope. turies together, t h a t o f the m a n Pasteur , had shown that l i v i n g who first discovered t h a t disease microbes were always present in y ^;as caused b y t i n y organisms pus and matter, that soiled dressvisible only under a powerful ings, hands, surgical instruments u microscope, and t h a t of the great were laden w i t h them. H e had surgeon who first grasped the i m - even demonstrated t h a t certain mense significance of this dis- diseases were caused b y specific covery. germs, and that germs i n general - • • '• ft were killed only by heat (e.g. boiling) or b y the action of certain *fk°^S£ ? o m on A p r i l 5th 1827 o f a Quaker f a m i l y o r i - chemicals. ginally from Yorkshire. His Parents were people of culture a n d To L i s t e r , the reading o f P a s - . education a n d t h e y gave to t h e i r teur's discoveries was a revelation. children the true Quaker outlook He had always believed that in L i
some way the air was the carrier of disease. Incidentally, i t may easily be imagined into what ghastly errors, ill-ventilation, etc., this wide-spread fallacy had led the doctors of the period. B u t if, as he now learned, diseases were caused by l i v i n g organisms, w h y , the remedy was s i m p l e : destroy these organisms! Dressings, i n struments, t h e surgeon's hands, everything w h i c h came i n contact w i t h wounds must be freed by chemicals f r o m these microscopic germs. T h e chemical w h i c h L i s t e r first used, at the suggestion of his friend Anderson, and to w h i c h he later came to p i n h i s f a i t h , was carbolic acid.
A f t e r three years, L i s t e r h a d the fine record o f t h i r t y - t w o cases of compound fracture cured without infection, and t h i r t y - f o u r successful amputations o t i t & f f o r t y , at that time a n uninmaginable figure. One m i g h t have thought that after these revolutionary successes the case f o r antiseptic surgery was won. It was not s o ; the fight for clean operating was only begining. To quote D r . P a r m e n t e r a g a i n : — " A certain type o f m i n d refuses to break from old-established customs, and f o r months L i s t e r was deliberately misunderstood, misrepresented and subjected to the most cruel persecution. Bitter anonymous letters were frequently sent to h i m . Spiteful attacks appeared both i n the public press and in reputable medical journals. A m o n g the v o r s t o f his accusers was the eminent surgeon o f E d i n burgh, S i r James Simpson. W h i l e his own wards continued to be
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hotbeds of infection and he knew definitely o f t h e remarkable results under antisepsis, both cpenly and anonymously he attacked L i s t e r at every opportunity." L i s t e r at first endeavoured to answer these attacks and to convert h i s c r i t i c s ; b u t finally he i g norged them, a n d left his successes to be h i s vindication. I n 1869 he returned to E d i n b u r g h as Professor, i n succession to h i s father-inlaw, Professor S y m e ; and w i t h the death shortly afterwards o f h i s most b i t t e r critic, Simpson, the final t r i u m p h of h i s methods wps assured. S t r a n g e l y , L i s t e r never accepted the l a t e r developments o f h i s o w n s y s t e m . To t h e end o f h i s operating days he c l u n g to antisepsis, and refused to use the simpler and more elegant aseptic methods . o f later investigators. Perhaps i t w;as j u s t as well t h a t he d i d so*, H i s own vigorous chemical antisepsis may have retarded healing i n somie cases, but at least i t made up,..in a rough-and-ready but effective way, f o r many faults i n cleanliness and technique. H a d he declared antisepsis before the medical w o r l d of h i s day h a d been won over i o see i t s value, he m i g h t have r u i n ed h i s own g r o w i n g reputation, and thus delayed the final appearance o f clean surgery. Despite ^1 defects, his methods were beyond all comparison superior tp a n y used before his time. Sir Joseph Lister died o n February 19th, 1012, r i c h i n honours and merits, recognized by the medical profession and b y the public at large as the greatest surgeon o f his century. D. D O N N E L L Y , S.J. ( F r o m the R o c k )
MALAYA
16
AROUND SINGAPORE. Feast of our Lady of Lourdes, Singapore. T h e C h u r c h of Our L a d y o f L o u r d e s was en fete on Sunday 17th F e b r u a r y . T h e C h u r c h was very tastefully decorated i n blue and w h i t e (Our L a d y ' s Colours) and a pleasing s i g h t i t was. T h e M a s s of the feast was not solemnised as i t was Septuagesima Sunday.
C A T H O L I C L E A D E R , S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd
T H E PARISHES
W h e n t h i s school is opened, a priest would have to be i n r e s i dence at the sanatorium to m i n i s t e r to the s p i r i t u a l wants of those i n t h e school and i n the neighbourhood. There is a chapel at the sanatorium, w h i c h for the moment would suffice as a place for s a y i n g M a s s on Sundays and where r e l i gious services could be held. <£
T h e Serangoon S t . Joseph's D y i n g A i d Association."
Speeches were made by the President, M r . G o h L y e K h i a m , Messrs. K u a Sein Y o n g , G o h Y e w Mok, N g K w e e K e n g and S n g K i a n Ho. Ret'. M . K o h eulogised (the good work the association has done for the community since its foundation i n 1935, w i t h the help of the A l m i g h t y and t h e i r P a t r o n Saint, St. Joseph, and thanked the C o m mittee for h a v i n g brought off anot h e r successful year. H e also reminded them of t h e i r parish-priest, Rev. E . Becheras, w h o is away on leave, and to w h o m they a l l owe a debt o f gratitude for founding the association; though, f a r away, he was w i t h t h e m that day, s h a r i n g in a l l t h e i r joys and i f present, would h i g h l y appreciate them a l l and commend them to the A l m i g h t y . L a t e r i n the evening a cinema treat was given by M r . L i m Joo Seng of Chop L i m Seng K h o o n , and was greatly appreciated b y the audience, especially the local-news, taken b y M r . L i m . T h e function terminated w i t h a Vote o f thanks to the C h a i r m a n . L o u d , hearty cheers were accorded to R e v . F r . M . K o h , the P r e s i dent and Committee and M r . L i m Joo Seng f o r the fine entertainment given. A F l a s h l i g h t photograph was taken before the T e a - P a r t y . * * * *
The Tenth Annual General M e e t i n g of the above association T h i s d i d not however prevent was held a t the H o l y Innocents numerous communicants offering School, Serangoon, on Sunday, the up t h e i r devotion and gratitude to 9 t h F e b r u a r y , 1935. T h e r e w^s a good attendance o f Our Heavenly M o t h e r . m e m b e r s / T h e Office Bearers f o r A M i r a c l e of O u r L a d y indeed i t the ensuing year resulted as f o l was t h a t the procession could be lows : — carried out at all. R a i n threatened S p i r i t u a l D i r e c t o r — j o pour down every minute, but, Rev. M ^ K p h . t h a n k s to O u r H o l y M o t h e r , the President— evening was the best that could be. M r . Goh L y e K h i a m . T h e crowd t h i s year was the Vice-President— M r . Yeo K o h M e n g K w a n g biggest that ever attended a n d the p i e t y and reverence shown, per- H o n . Secretary— M r . K u a Sein Y o n g haps go to prove that O u r L a d y ' s followers are increasing a thousand H o n . A s s t . S e c M r . Teo L e n g T h i a m . f o l d — i t was a most i n s p i r i n g sight. H o n . Treasurer— A solemn Benediction d u r i n g M r . N g Leng Teck. w h i c h the Te Deum was s u n g i n and a committee of 15 members. t h a n k s g i v i n g terminated the N o T h e T e n t h A n n i v e r s a r y was v e n a to O u r L a d y of L o u r d e s . celebrated i n the H o l y Innocents TELUK ANSON. T h e R t . R e v . M g r . A . Devals, E n g l i s h School on Sunday, t h e B i s h o p o f Malacca officiated d u r i n g Rev. M o t h e r S t . B e r t h e ' s V i s i t to the evening service assisted b y 17th instant. the Convent. T h e School H a l l was p r e t t i l y Sev. F r s . L a w r e n t and T r o m p . F r i d a y the 8th inst. was r a t h e r decorated w i t h b u n t i n g s and flags. The V e r y Rev. Father Ruaudel returned last Saturday f r o m the C a m e r o n H i g h l a n d s where he went on a f o r t n i g h t ' s holiday. H e appears to have benefitted somewhat by the change, w h i c h i n h i s case was m u c h needed, i f one k n o w s the arduous nature o f the duties attached to his office as Vicar General. ^\ T h e priests o f the F o r e i g n M i s sion have now a sanatorium on t h e C a m e r o n H i g h l a n d s where those of t h e m i n need of rest or change could go to recuperate t h e i r health. It i s situated on one of those hills that f r o m p a r t of the' H i g h l a n d s or i n the portion, known as T a n a k Rata and is about 4,600 feet above sea level. T h e average temperature i n that locality, it is learned, veers round a point not v e r y m u c h above 50 F . T h e climate i n t h a t region, therefore, is cool a n d bracing enough to have a beneficial effect on those h a i l i n g f r o m a comp a r a t i v e l y colder country, who have to endure, on the flat, the sweltering heat of M a l a y a for the greater p a r t of the t i m e , year in and year out, they m a k e t h e i r s o j o u r n here. F a t h e r R u a u d e l and h i s companion priests were a m o n g the first to a v a i l themselves o f the opp o r t u n i t y of s p e n d i n g t h e i r holiday at that sanatorium, as i t h a d been just ooniplet^d and fitted out w i t h electricity and w a t e r w h e n they want to tnaidii t h e i r stay there. The s a n a t o r i u m is close to the site of the b r a n c h of the Convent School f o r E u r o p e a n c h i l d r e n t h a t is b e i n g established on the Cameron H i g h l a n d s . T h e school building, now i n course o f construction, is expected to be ready some time in M a y .
1935.
S u p e r i o r General of thei Institut i o n o f the H o l y Infant Jesus, Paris. On the m o r n i n g i n question, the c h i l d r e n donned t h e i r best clothes a n d w i t h the staff awaited the a r r i v a l f r o m 8 a.m. It was not t i l l 9.30 or a l i t t l e over that the I c a r a r r i v e d w i t h the Rev. Mother St. Berthe accompanied by Rev. M o t h e r St. D o m i n i q u e f r o m Japan a n d the R e v . M o t h e r Superior of t h e Ipoh Convent. T h e Sisters of t h e local Convent went to meet t h e m as they came i n . W h i l e they were refreshing themselves a little, I the children were being assembled i n the H a l l w h i c h was very elaborately decorated for the occasion by the Sisters and the Teachers of the Convent. A s soon as the v i s i t o r s took t h e i r seats, the child r e n i n communion gave a Welcome song i n F R E N C H . Immediately after this the Disting u i s h e d V i s i t o r was presented w i t h a bouquet and an address was read i n F R E N C H followed by a song i n E n g l i s h . A f t e r t h i s the children went to t h e i r respective classes. . T h e R e v . V i s i t o r s then went round the classes where Compliments were read i n each class b o t h i n E n g l i s h and F r e n c h . The D i s t i n g u i s h e d V i s i t o r then distributed sweets a n d a H o l y picture to each of the C h i l d r e n as a souvenir of the occasion. A group photo was then t a k e n w i t h the Visitors i n the centre after w h i c h Cheers were called out b y one of the teachers and w i t h H o o r a y i n their lips the happy children wended i 1
F H
a t p
p
t t a
w L w t
The above photo was taken o n the occasion of R e v . Mother St. B e r t h e ' s A n s o n Convent. Invitations were sent out to more than 200 of its members and there was a v e r y large g a t h e r i n g of members and friends to the T e a P a r t y given by the association.
a gala day for the children of the Convent of the H o l y Infant Jesus here, w h e n they had the honour of having as t h e i r v i s i t o r the Rev. M o t h e r St. Berthe, the A s s i s t a n t
visito
to
Teluk-
w F
t h e i r way home as a Half-holiday was given t h e m . T h e three Rev. M o t h e r s then left Teluk A n s o n by M car for Ipoh at about h a l f past t three i n the afternoon. ^ J
MALAYA
AROUND T.
*
*
*
Her many friends w i l l be glad to hear t h a t M r s . P . C . B a p t i s t who was v e r y i l l i n P e n a n g has returned to T e l u k A n s o n in good health.
*
*
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SATURDAY,
F E B R U A R Y 23rd
1935.
17
T H E PARISHES
ANSON. M r . R . V . Moore, o f R u b a n a Estate, T e l u k A n s o n , a p a r i shioner o f St. A n t h o n y ' s has proceeded H o m e on L e a v e .
* I
CATHOLIC LEADER,
*
In welcoming the subject for dis- the Cross and exhorted t h e m to cussion, D r . Gabriel invited Rev. enter fervently into the s p i r i t o f Father Fourgs, Spiritual Director, penance for the expiation of t h e i r happy ceremony i n the Church of to express his views. F a t h e r sins d u r i n g the whole season. St. M i c h a e l on 9 t h February, 1935, Fourgs said, the subject certainly BIRTHS. when 11 children and 5 adults were merited the special attention of baptised—Rev. M o t h e r St. Berthe the Society. In bigger parishes, I p c h . standing Godmother to a l l . as in Penang, the work is systeOn the 3rd. F e b r u a r y , 1935, to matically done by the St. Vincent M r . and M r s . S. Saminathan of A m o n g the neophytes were the de Paul Society, but he did not the Chief Goods Office, Ipoh—a two daughters of Towkay Chin think the time had come to start son. C h a n F o n g , a well-known t i n - such a Society i n Ipoh. In the B o t h Mother and child are doing miner of Menglembu. The Tow- absence of the S. V . P., it would be w e l l . kay, who was present at the Bap- a good t h i n g i f their Society could T h e child was baptised at the t i s m , has signified his desire to be muster its forces enough to start c h u r c h of Our L a d y of Lourdes, converted together w i t h the othe>* doing something for the poor. Tho Ipoh, on F r i d a y the 15th inst. by subject evoked keen discussion members of his family. the Rev. F r . J . E d m o n d . T h e
Dr. M . D o r a i R a j who was away on leave i n India has now returned to this place and has resumed d u t y as D o c t o r in Charge of t h e Cicely G r o u p Hospital, T e l u k A n s o n . H o was entertained to a dinner by a number of h i s friends on Sunday last.
I d 1
IPOH.
The Feast of our L a d y of Lourdes, Ipoh. The feast of O u r L a d y of L o u r des was celebrated as usual this morning. There was a low mass at 6.15 o'clock followed by a h i g h mass at 8 a.m. which was sung b y the Reverend F a t h e r J . E d m o n d , p a r i s h priest of O u r L a d y of Lourdes, Ipoh. There was a l a r g e r congregation i h a n usual and a good number of faithful received H o l y Communion. In the evening vespers took place at 5.30 o'clock followed by the procession of the statue of Our L a d y of Lourdes round t h e church compound. Reverend F a t h e r B u l l i a r d of Salem, India, who has been oriviner a Mission i n T a m i l i n the C h u r c h , since Wednesday last, preached a sermon after w h i c h the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. The church was tastefully decorated and the choir was ably conducted. A n interesting a n d instructive sermon was preached by the Rev. Fr. Bulliard i n the course of the High Mass t h i s m o r n i n g . H e pointed out the numerous evils of taking drink i n excess. R e m a r k i n g about the after-effects of drinks, the Rev. F a t h e r went on to compare a drunkard first, to a monkey, secondly, to a tiger and lastly to a pig. Finally the R e v . F a t h e r advised those who were addicted too m u c h to drinks to get r i d of the habit as soon as possible. On the 11th instant a H i g h M a s s was celebrated at the grotto of O u r Lady of Lourdes a n d the service was attended b y a large congregation. The mission g i v e n at this c h u r c h was brought to a close on Tuesdav, February 19th.
Madame St. Berthe's V i s i t . The canonical v i s i t of R e v . Mother St. B e r t h e f r o m P a r i s to the Convent of the H o l y Infant ^ u s , Ipoh, was marked b y a
J
The above photo was taken on the occasion of the second visit of of Madam St. Berthe, the Asst. Superior General to Taiping Convent. Seated on the right of the distinguished visitor, the centra! figure, is Rev. Mother St. Etienne, the Lady Superior of the Taiping Convent, on the left is Rev. Mother St. Dominic from Japan, who we understand, will accompany the Asst. Superior General, when she sails for Trance on the close of her second tour through Malaya.
Rev. Kuala 13th.
Mother St. Berthe left for L u m p u r on Wednesday,
Catholic A c t i o n Society. T h e Catholic A c t i o n Society of the P a r i s h of St. Michael, Ipoh, held its 6th m o n t h l y meeting, on Sunday, 18th F e b r u a r y , 1935, for the first time at the Old Michaelians' Association. T h e late Catholic Club, which was closed down in December last, used to be the venue of the Society's meetings. In the absence of M r . W . J . B . A s h b y , J . P . , the President, who was away i n P e n a n g for an eye operation, D r . V . R . Gabriel, vicePresident, took the C h a i r H e l p i n g the Poor. D u r i n g the course of the meeting, M r . C . J . S k e l c h y addressed the members on some good works Catholic A c t i o n i s t s are expected to perform i n d i v i d u a l l y and as a body. H e had lately been asked what the Society had done i n helping the poor of the parish, and had, therefore, brought up the subject to see i f something could be done.
and eventually a s-ih-Committee of four was appointed to go into the matter and make suggestions and recommendations to the next meeting. " C . A . S. Badges." M r . L i p Seng Onn brought up the subject of special badges for C. A . S. members. H e was of opinion that members of the Catholic A c t i o n , when performing duties i n public, should be identified by appropriate badges. H e suggested that unlike the K . B . S. badges, C. A . S. badges should be worn only on occasions. The meeting was unanimously in favour of M r . L i p Seng Onn's suggestion and requested the Spiritual Director to take up the matter w i t h his L o r d s h i p the Bishop. The Lenten Season. Rev. F a t h e r Fourgs addressed the Meeting on the Lenten season which begins on 6th M a r c h . He reminded those present of their special duty as members of the Catholic A c t i o n to be exemplary i n their observance of the Lenten rules. H e recommended to their unflagging practice the special devotions of fasting and the W a y of
sponsors were M r . and M r s . G . A . Savarimuthu. Teluk Anson. Pereira—On Sunday, 3rd F e b r u a r y , 1935, to Eveline A n t o i n e t t e (nee Guest), wife of B a s i l P e r e i r a , a daughter—Beatrice Constance Isabel. Rajendram-Aloysius—On T h u r s day, 24th. January, 1935, to Josephine, wife of B . Rajendram A l o y sius, a son—Anthony George Jayaratnam. OBITUARY. W e regret to record the death of M i s s Mona R u t h E s t r o p who passed peacefully away on Monday, the 11th February, 1935, from cerebral embolism at the General H o s p i t a l , Taiping. M i s s Estrop had been unwell for some #ime. H e r illness was not considered serious but on the m o r n i n g of the 11th F e b r u a r y , she collapsed and was taken to the hospital in a semi-conscious state. A l l efforts to restore her to consciousness failed and at 7.15 p . m . she expired peacefully, fortified b y the rites of the C h u r c h . (Continued
on page 18)
MALAYA
18
AROUND
CATHOLIC LEADER,
SATURDAY,
F E B R U A R Y 23rd 1935.
T H E PARISHES
{Continued from page 17)
OBITUARY. The funeral took place at the Catholic C e m e t e r y at T a i p i n g on Tuesday, the 12th F e b r u a r y , at 5 p.m., where a large g a t h e r i n g of relatives and /friends testified to t h e popularity o f the deceased. T h e last rites at the c h u r c h and t h e grave-side were performed by Rev. F r . D u p o i r e u x . Among the many beautiful wreaths were those f r o m h e r sorr o w i n g father, mother, brothers a n d sisters, V i n c e n t , B a b y B e r t i e , W i n n i e , E m i l e and M a r i n a , the Rev. M o t h e r a n d C o m m u n i t y , J e a n , M r . and M r s . A . S. R e a d , M r . a n d Mrs. D . G . D o r a l , M r s . V a n der Gucht, M r s . Koenitz, M r s . Claire, Mr. and M r s . R a n k i n e , T e d d y Davidson, M r . a n d M r s . G . L e s s l e r , t h e Taveiras, M r . and M r s . and the Misses A r u l a m p a l a m , M r . a n d M r s . C . Speldewinde a n d f a m i l y , M r . and M r s . V . C . Jeremiah, M r . and Mrs. Hatton and Louise, M r s . L . N i c h o l a s and f a m i l y , D r . a n d M r s . Tan Cheng L e n g , Messrs. Charles Muthu, Yee Y u k Pun, Patrick D e l p h i n and m a n y others. Teleg r a m s and letters o f condolence were received f r o m m a n y r e l a t i v e a n d close friends.
(
W e extend o u r deepest s y m p a thies to M r . and M r s . P . A r u mugam, on the loss of t h e i r second son Michael. T h e i r child died at S i m p a n g A m p a t , S i t i a w a n , on 10th F e b r u a r y at 4.30 p.m. after a n i l l ness l a s t i n g about four days. T h e funeral took place at T a i p i n g on 11th from A s s a m K u m b a n g to t h e Roman Catholic Cemetery at K l i a n Pau. R e v . F r . M . Olcomendy conducted the service both at t h e C h u r c h and at the graveyard.
E t e r n a l r e s t g r a n t unto h e r , O L o r d , and let perpetual l i g h t shine on her.
MALACCA. " ENGAGEMENTS." The E n g a g e m e n t of M r . M . M . Carvalho, V e h i c l e E x a m i n e r a n d Foreman Municipality, Malacca, son of the late M r . J . C a r v a l h o o f Singapore and M r s . L . C a r v a l h o of L i m b o n g a n , M a l a c c a to M i s s H . D e Rozario, daughter of the late M r . and M r s . F . D e Rozario and t h e m a r r i a g e w i l l t a k e place s h o r t l y . M r . C a r v a l h o hails f r o m the wellknown f a m i l y of boxers a n d he was at one t i m e a top-notcher i n the flyweight d i v i s i o n . H e i s also the holder of t h e N a t i o n a l R i f l e Association M e d a l . * * * # * The engagement i s announced and | the m a r r i a g e w i l ^ S h o r t l y t a k e place between M i s s Ida R o d riguese daughter o f Capt. and M r s . E . V . Rodriguese, Senior A s s i s t a n t Superintendent, Monopolies, M a l a c ca to M r . Clement D e S i l v a , H e a l t h Inspector, F r a s e r s H i l l son o f M r . & M r s . M . De Silva of K u a l a L u m p u r and a relation of R e v d . Father De Silva. M r . Clement D e S i l v a i s a v e r y keen sportsman a n d represented Selangor i n t h e M a l a y a C u p several times. H e also represented M a l a y a at Soccer d u r i n g t h e v i s i t o f t h e A u s t r a l i a n s some years ago at Singapore.
M r . and M r s . C . L . E s t r o p t h a n k a l l those w h o sent wreaths, teleg r a m s and l e t t e r s of condolence a n d who attended the f u n e r a l o f t h e i r beloved daughter M o n a R u t h .
Rev. F r . F r a n c o i s , V i c a r o f S t . F r a n c i s C h u r c h , Malacca, intends to proceed v e r y shortly to T o n g k i n g and C o c h i n c h i n a for a holiday. D u r i n g h i s absence, his assistant, F r , Dubois w i l l assume charge of the P a r i s h . ( E d . â&#x20AC;&#x201D; M . C . L . )
Mona R u t h was the t h i r d daughter of Mr. and M r s . C. L . Estrop of T a i p i n g . S h e w a s i n the t w e n t i e t h y e a r at the t i m e o f h e r decease. A n ex-pupil o f the Convent, she often took t h e leading p a r t s i n t h e i r m a n y successful concerts. S h e was also a member o f the Sodality o f t h e A s s u m p t i o n o f O u r L a d y . P o s s e s s i n g a v e r y cheerful disposition she was loved b y a l l w h o k n e w her.
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th js J o c u b | p c ca Ig 'bi a s s !q a c ti q re th th to th li m
OF THE HOLY
TELUK-ANSON.
INFANT JESUS
MALAYA
CATHOLIC LEADER,
FEMINITY A N D CATHOLIC TRAINING-
IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING THE FACTS OF S E X TO T H E Y O U N G . ( F r o m "Psychology of C h a r a c t e r " by Rudolf A l l e r s , M . D . ) We must not be misunderstood , in the sense o f b e i n g thought to j advocate the t o t a l exclusion o f a l l so-called sexual e n l i g h t m e n t ; quite the contrary. W e hold s t r o n g l y that a knowledge o f the facts o f j sex is essential, and that t h i s I knowledge must be imparted to [the child before he acquires i t [unsuitably f r o m unqualified sources. This enlightenment is the duty o f the parents a n d not t h a t of the j school authorities. O f course i f J the parents are incapable of t h i s , or i f they do not possess the child's confidence, it devolves upon others. B u t i t m u s t always be given by w a y o f individual ex| planation, never i n t h e f o r m o f class-room t e a c h i n g ; the latter can, at most, only prepare the I ground by careful i n s t r u c t i o n i n 'biology. Sexual i n s t r u c t i o n can and should only take place b y stages, the moment f o r its necessity being shown b y relevant ! questions on the part of the child, always assuming t h a t the requisite confidence is not l a c k i n g . Questions of this k i n d , l i k e a l l children's questions, must be answered; the remark, " Y o u cannot understand that," is more out o f place here than anywhere. It would lead us too far astray were we to deal w i t h this matter i n detail, but we believe that we have hinted at the main points. [
You see m y husband is a n intellectual, so he d i d not t h i n k i t fair to force a n y k i n d of religion upon his s o n . . . . Indeed, M a d a m , but i t was your husband w h o forced h i m to come to life, to have a nurse, and milk, and a language, and a fatherland, and all sorts o f t e a c h e r s . . . . Why, then, d i d not y o u r husband ofj go on a little f u r t h e r a n d have a sh] religious belief t a u g h t h i m ? * * * * hg-| Little things are most wonderful and difficult. It is possible for human enterprise to make a mountain, but impossible for i t to make a fly.
To The
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A creditor wrote to the proprietor of a small business, complaining that his account was long overdue. T h e reply he received to his request for prompt payment was:— " A t the end of every month I place a l l m y unpaid accounts on the table i n a pile. T h e n I draw six out. Those six are paid. I f I have any more of y o u r impudence, you won't be i n the shuffle next m o n t h . "
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We also stock a large Selection of Statues. made in Plaster of Paris and artistically POSTAGE
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S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd 1935.
All Statues are finished.
EXTRA.
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F r . Peter In the Leper A s y l u m of Molokai. A n A m e r i c a n missionary of the Apostolique Prefecture of P e n g yang (Corea), on his r e t u r n from the U n i t e d States, paid a v i s i t to the famous Leper A s y l u m w h i c h was founded some s i x t y years ago by F r . Damien, the Apostle of the lepers, and thus had the occasion to witness the marvels of c h a r i t y done by a holy priest, who is also a scholar, a refined artist, and, above a l l , of a never f a i l i n g k i n d ness to the lepers. These poor people can't conceal how deep is their grief at seeing surgeons and dressers approach them w i t h the greatest precautions, wearing rubber masks and gloves while the priest, on the cont r a r y makes a profound impression on their m i n d b y his neglect of t h i s apparatus when he touches and dresses t h e i r hideous sores without manifesting the least repulsion. None can resist long such great kindness. Once, a patient newly admitted absolutely refused to be talked to about religion. E v e r y time the priest came to h i m , he would pour upon h i m the most outrageous insults. One day he saw the priest by his bed-si£e looking at h i m w i t h tender compassion, and then, the priest, without a word bent down towards h i m , and t a k i n g h i m in his arms, kissed his forehead. The poo*, man, completely disarmed, began to cry and on the spot asked to be baptized. This holy priest is F a t h e r P i e r r e of the Picpus Congregation.
(Continued from page 20) dependent s p i r i t i t shows the disorderly a n d ill-conditioned m i n d ; the " h e r d " instinct r a m p a n t yet s e r v i l e N o t of such comes the disciple—whose m a k i n g is d i s c i pline. Those who heard the address and those who have since read it, w i l l alike endorse Miss Strudwick's assertion t h a t " w h a t we do need to be concerned about is the quality of the r a n k and file." W e have left the consideration of M o t h e r Hutchinson's paper t o t h e last because not only (as the President observed) is i t s beautiful content i n accord w i t h the principles declared by the eminent ecclesiastics who had spoken, but also its exposition recognized " the a r t and practic part of life " treated by t h i s distinguished l a y women. A n y thoughtful adult w i l l allow t h a t i f teaching other people's children was ever an easy t a s k it is so no longer. M o t h e r H u t c h i n s o n touched briefly upon the v a r i e t y o f the preparation demanded f o r the g r o w i n g g i r l today, i n contrast to the less exacti n g one of filling a sheltered niche i n the home o f past d a y s ; and the difficult environment, w h i c h modern conditions and l a x standards of thought and conduct provide, t h a t confronts her on l e a v i n g school. N o r does the c u r r i c u l u m — as ordained by State authorities and e x a m i n i n g bodies—offer satisfactory scope for developing h e r best powers. M o t h e r H u t c h i n s o n ' s reference rpminds us t h a t weare rea p i n g the tares-bestrewn sowing of the ardent pioneers of H i g h e r E d u c a t i o n f o r women. T o dissipate the notion that no real i n tellectual w o r k was w i t h i n a woman's scope, and to combat the ideal of feeble attainment i n t r i v i a l accomplishments as a becoming grace, they (necessarily) felt themselves impelled to insist upon l i k e subjects and methods of study for women as for men. A s a consequence, the early secondary schools for girls modelled t h e i r c u r r i c u l u m on that of the Public Schools f o r boys, w i t h the unspoken a i m o f preparation f o r U n i v e r s i t y w o r k . N e v e r i n accordance w i t h a c t u a l i t y t h e assumption became grotesque w h e n the academic a i m was adopted i n the m u l t i f o r m secondary schools o f M u n i c i p a l A u t h o r i t i e s . F o r some years the headmistresses—who i n v e r y t r u t h stand in loco parentis to hundreds of y o u n g girls—have agitated f o r modifications in the various examinations w h i c h , while not p a r t i c u l a r l y suited for the boys concerned, are s i n g u l a r l y valueless for t h e g i r l s . M o t h e r Hutchinson's reflections and counsels deserve wide and attentive reading. She recognizes t h a t beyond the frontiers o f the home the special gifts and characteristics of the woman are needed and have t h e i r place; and shows t h a t the educator, i n seeking to t r a i n and develop them for the opportunities and responsibilities o f life, has " the whole nature o f the woman on her side." T h i s supposes that the education is not only C h r i s t i a n but C a t h o l i c ; for only so can we hope for the " women s t r o n g i n principle, balanced i n judgment, restrained and purposeful in action," to quote M o t h e r Hutchinsons eloquent conclusion. (By S. Cunnir.gton
in the
"bouer")
OFFICIAL
ORGAN
O F CATHOLIC
PUBLISHED
ACTION
WEEKLY.
S A T U R D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 23rd 1935.
Feminity and Catholic Training A
Sensible and Stimulating Concept of Moral and Intellectual Standards P o r Catholic Educationalists.
A t the N i n t h Council o f t h e International U n i o n o f Catholic Women's Leagues held i n Rome i n A p r i l , 1934, representing the constituent Leagues of Europe, A m e r ica, a n d Canda, were laid d o w n some general lines o f study f o r t h e years 1935-—8. A m o n g those i n dicated f o r C o m m i s s i o n I V , whose indicated, f o r Commission I V , whose province is " Intellectual W o r k , w i t h special regard to U n i v e r s i t y Studies," are t w o concerned w i t h : " T h e A d a p t a t i o n o f Catholic F e m i n i n e T e a c h i n g to t h e particular role o f women," a n d " T h e specifically feminine t r a i n i n g of the intellectual w o m a n . " Although the English-speaking Leagues are few, a n d their m e m bership comparatively small, t h e i r contributions to t h e discussions, especially on special, i n d u s t r i a l , a n d educational subjects, are f o l lowed w i t h interest a n d attention. A survey undertaken b y the U n i o n i n 1932 revealed t w o features ap^ parent i n most o f t h e E u r o p e a n countries w i t h w h i c h we are f a m i l i a r i n E n g l a n d . One, the i n creasing secularization of school teaching, a n d the other the i n creasing number o f women compared w i t h t h a t o f men, engaged i n the actual work, especially i n the P r i m a r y and the lower r a n k s o f the Secondary Schools. A n d w i t h regard to the influence o f U n i v e r s i t y studies on the y o u n g women e m b a r k i n g o n such, most of the testimony was to the effect t h a t " t o o frequently the u n i v e r s i t y milieu brings about profound disharmony between t h e i r C h r i s t i a n f a i t h a n d t h e i r intellectual outlook and convictions. W e are, o f course, f a m i l i a r w i t h the same clash i n mental and s p i r i t u a l development i n our lads and g i r l s i n school a n d college; and at t h e moment [With the general, abandonment o f r e s t r a i n t and seriousness perhaps there is displayed a r a t h e r excessive want o f ballast. In ' T h e S o w e r ' (Oct.—Dec., 1934) b y a thoughtful writer, herself a U n i v e r s i t y woman, w a s an article o n " C a t h o l i c G i r l s a t O x f o r d . " T h e m a i n point f o r t h e consideration o f parents (and i n deed also f o r those w h o stand in loco parentis) i s t h a t only a g i r l w h o is r e a l l y studious, w h o loves
study f o r i t s own sake, or who i s p l a n n i n g to enter a profession where a U n i v e r s i t y degree i s essential, i s w i s e l y sent to O x f o r d . Apparently there are already signs t h a t f o r daughters, as w e l l as sons, t h e l o w estimate o f value held as to residence a t one of t h e older U n i v e r s i t i e s , w h i c h has so dishonoured t h e privilege, i s merel y t h a t o f a social cachet, or a frivolous interlude f o r adolescence. T h e enquiries o f the International U n i o n served to show t h a t i n Continental countries Catholic y o u t h , b o t h lads a n d g i r l s , a r e often found attending the neutral, or State Universities, though there are Catholic U n i v e r s i t i e s e x i s t i n g . Hence the grave peril t o t h e i r m o r a l a n d s p i r i t u a l development. Here, o f course, there is no choice, b u t ecclesiastical a u t h o r i t y a n d responsible well-wishers unite i n p r o v i d i n g certain safeguards. Hence t h e satisfaction with w h i c h w e note the proceedings o f the A s s o c i a t i o n o f Convent Schools at t h e i r A n n u a l Conference i n M a y , 1934; i n w h i c h are enrolled more t h a n 70 Religious Orders c f women, m a n y h a v i n g a large n u m ber of schools. H . E . the late C a r d i n a l B o u r n e presided at the opening, and to commemorate the G o l d en Jubilee of h i s priesthood was presented w i t h & illuminated a d dress b y the A s s o c i a t i o n and a purse o f £ 2 0 0 . H i s L o r d s h i p t h e B i s h o p o f L a m u s gave the inaugural address, w h i c h dealt w i t h t h e " Problem o f Education in the M o d e r n W o r l d " ; when among the m a n y changes i s " t h e separation of r e l i g i o n a n d l i f e . " Hence t h e need f o r emphasis on points t h a t w i l l first produce a n d then sanctify s t r o n g personal conviction, a n d t h u s lead to action, not passivity. I l l u s t r a t i n g t h e present secularization o f life, t h e B i s h o p instanced the morality without religion, economic life on non-Christian lines, literature and a r t u n t r a m melled b y m o r a l and religious restraints, a n d above a l l the disastrous secularization o f the teachi n g i n t h e schools. A f t e r some trenchant paragraphs indicating how the C h r i s t i a n i t y t h a t is known but not lived has no inspiration for, and i s no leaven w o r k i n g i n , h u m a n i t y ; a n d t h a t the habitual n
separation o f r e l i g i o n f r o m daily life is p a r t l y t h e outcome o f f a u l t y teaching, h i s L o r d s h i p described the symptoms of the incomplete m o r a l i t y t h a t h a d perhaps been l a i d down. S u c h i s found i n t h e stress upon n e g a t i o n ; what not to t h i n k , not t o desire, not to d o ; t h e remedy w o u l d be to dwell upon t h e p o s i t i v e ; w h a t to love, what to will, w h a t to c a r y out, especially avoiding mere p r o h i b i t i o n w i t h i t s p a r a l y z i n g effect. T h o u g h these counsels m i g h t seem of general application, i t i s probable t h a t o w i n g to the greater (external) docility of girl-pupils, prohibition, avoidance, p a s s i v i t y , have been unduly emphasized; moreover i t fits i n w i t h t h e attitude of aloofness, restraint, a n d d i s c r i m i n a t i o n w h i c h inspire t h e ideal o f " good f o r m . " T h e R e v . James O'Mahoney, O . F . M . Cap., P h . D . , D . L i t t . , read a w e i g h t y paper on the " C h r i s t i a n P h i l o s o p h y o f E d u c a t i o n , " showi n g i t s absolute reality and t h e need o f recognizing t h i s ; when, as at the present moment, a separat i s t philosophy accompanies t h e divorce of religion f r o m social life. I n a forcible paragraph Father O'Mahonev quoted the words o f P r o f . A . E . T a y l o r : I t m a y quite well be that the future philosophical student o f h i s t o r y w i l l y e t find the most significant and disquieting of a l l t h e social changes o f the V i c t o r i a n A g e to be the C o m b i n a t i o n o f Stateenforced p r i m a r y education w i t h the transference o f the work of the teacher to the hands o f l a y m e n under no effective ecclesiastical or theological control." I n a later section the reverend F a t h e r dwelt upon the concept o f personality, and t h a t to the teaching of Jesus C h r i s t is due the recognition o f a man or woman as " an autonomous being o f infinite worth " ; whence it follows t h a t i t is for E d u c a t i o n to help the individual being " t o realize t h a t perfection f o r w h i c h nature evidently intended h i m . " T h i s is a strongly consoling p r i n ciple w i t h w h i c h to oppose t h e loose theories about self-realization and self-expression being left unimpeded and unrestrained. Three profoundly interesting and oratical papers were contributed by women; one b y Mother
Genevieve H u t c h i n s o n , R . S . C . J . , on " T h e T r a i n i n g of the G i r l for H o m e L i f e , " a n d t w o on " The S i x t h F o r m i n the S c h o o l " : Miss Hewetson, H . M . I . , treating i t in its academic aspect, and Miss Strudwick, M . A . , H i g h Mistress of St. Paul's School, i n i t s social aspect. M i s s Hewetson's eminently practical a n d constructive address contained some wholesomely astringent counsels. A p p a r e n t l y the " l e c t u r e " system s t i l l holds in some schools, described b y Miss Hewetson as consisting i n the givi n g " a weak paraphrase o f a textbook." In t h e vivacious rendering of a V I F o r m g i r l t h i r t y years ago i t meant that, instead of the pupil learning the lesson a n d s a y i n g it to the mistress, " the mistress just learns i t a n d repeats i t to u s " ! M i s s Hewetson considers that " m o s t g i r l s are conscientiously overtaught," a n d the opportunity, value, the necessity o f directed private study b u t little regarded. Certainly i t m u s t be allowed that how to use a book, and how to master a subject a r e enterprises quite beyond the power of m a n y Seconda r y school leavers. M i s s S t r u d w i c k ' s contribution was equally practical, and at once original and o f far-reaching import. A s H e a d o f one of the largest schools for girls i n the country, w i t h a well-established t r a d i t i o n o f sending forth girls equipped f o r intellectual work, trained i n a r t i s t i c and aesthetic appreciation i n specialized duties belonging to Social Science, and also i n the domesticities—with moreover, a consciousness of responsibility—the speaker brought together the essentials of teaching and learning. Especially m a y be welcomed h e r emphasis on concent r a t i n g less o n developing the very few w h o are fit for " l e a d e r s h i p / ' and more on pr6ducing " intelligent and w o r t h w h i l e followers." The present poor equipment of the rank and file, t h e average l a d and g i r l , is evident i n the uncontrolled readiness to question, to oppose, to thwart—openly or secretly—any measure or proposal issued under authority. So f a r from such being the manifestation of a free and i n -
Published by Rev. F r . Cardon and Printed by Lithographers Limited, 37/38, Wallich Street, Singapore, S.i
Contd. on page 19)