CP_Box136_Sys036254639 Messenger of the Sacred Heart WITH MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT, Pilgrim of our Lady of Martyrs Richly Illustrated Devotional Magazine, Official Organ of the Apostleship of Prayer. 24 NUMBERS A YEAR. Subscription, $2.00 a Year in Advance. A HANDSOME PREMIUM PICTURE OF Our Lady of Lourdes (Size, II x 16 Inches) Beautifully printed on ivory card-suitable for framing-will be given to EVERY NEW SUB­ SCRIBER who pays in advance during 1894. Address. APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER, 161 I Girard A venue, PHILADELPHIA, PA. BELLAK'S, PlANes .. $8 Monthly and Upwards. DRGAN,S .. $3 Monthly and Upwards. Tuning and Repairing a Specialty. BELLAK'S, 1129 Chestnut Street. r�···a:::--;::"'·PEPP1�iR.·····D, PHILADELPHIA: I CHICAGO:Eighth and Locust Sts. 149 Wabash Avenue. fias B Groat Stock o� mUSICal J. w. �H��:'!�PH�A�'LD'NG.IHST8UmEHTS. O{j� IlE.AOE�S: VIOLINS-$3.80, $5.40, $8.50, $13.20l with Bow. BAN,TOS-$3.?0, $5.00, $7.75, $10.95, �15.00, $17.50. GUITARS-$iJ.90, $7.75, $8.50, $9.70, $12.50. TRIMMINGS FOR INSTRUMENTS AT IMPORT PRICES. O er $20 000 OUR OWltI MAKE V , Band In§trurnents sold to the U. S. Government since May, 1891. Pronounced superior to all other makes. Publisher of Band and Orchestra Music. Catalogues lYlailed Ftree. ti. ". PEPPER, 8t�H�L��E�pOH�����.ts., CHICAGO BRANCH :-149 Wabash A ve. I Full and Compl�te Stoek � et both a,ouses • ..........u IIIIII un n•• J. B. DIDINCER & CO., CHURCH ORGAN BUILDERS,' 1022-28 Buttonwood Street, Philadelphia. , Tubular PQeuJI\ati, Or�al) A SPEClALTY, ALLEN e. RORKE, GaRt� etmlt JOHN F. WALSH'S SONS, Successors to JOHN F. WALSH, Wall � Decorations, 246 SOUTH EIGHTH ST. We can do your ... PAPER HANGING cheaper now than later. Let us estimate. JOHN F. WALSH'S SONS. c--- .. mm � FOR. SALE. PHILADELPHIA. DREXEL BUILDING. CRAS. W. NAULTY.W. WELSH. BE A UTIFUL 11, 10,9, 8 and 7 room Houses, fin­ ished in first-class style, with everyconvenience; crystal gas fixtures, wardrobes. cabln-ts, f>tC. 'I'he neighborhood is one of the best in Phila­ delphia, with very best accommodations of rail­ road and street cars. Can be purchased on terms to suit the purchaser. a story corner t;tore, t ì rooma, location un­ excelled tor a .first-class drug store, - $7000 a-story Dwellìugs, 11 to 9 rooms, 16 x 67 ft - - - - - - $5000 to 4300 2-st()ry Dwel lìng=v S rooms. ]5 ft. 6 x 67 ft. 3500 2-story Dwellings 7 rooms, 14 ft. 6x49 ft. $2200 and 2100 FOR INVESTORQ NOTHING CAN BE BETTERTHANTHESESPJ...ENDID7ROOM HOUSES AT $2100_ ALREADY RENTED WITl-i SUPR:RIOR TENANTS AT $16 PER MONTH. Salesmen on ground. Apply to JOHN LOUGHRAN'S Office, Seventeenth and Cumberland Sts. We]�h . & �auItg, R(!lI?e�eI . Qil®e@t0�@) and ERp1:><:lIrT2e]®�, N. E. Cor. Third and Pine Streets, PHILADELPHIA. �22222222222222R22�2222222� � PHIL. J. WALSHJS ESTATE. � G1 YOU OAN HAVE � m Clothing, Dry Goods, Cloaks, Dress Goods, Millinery, Hat3 m Ln and Caps, Furniture, Carpets, Chinaware etc., etc. ni rn MOTTO. If the goods are not as represented come to us and � � we will allow all reasonable claims. Ii], TERMS: On a bill of $10.00, I MRS. PHIL. J. W�LSH, �ru Q1 00 d Q100 k EDWARD H. BRENNAN, Executors.III 'il' OWD,'iI'. perwee. WILLIAM GORMAN, • � . 2BI 301 82 AND 84 S. SEOOND STREET, MJ ��������������������������� QU owK f/!. D. SUCCESSOR TO �YRUS dORON£R, BOR6lIEH&{jBRIEII � 23DSJ:ABOVE,P'AC£ P#/LAIJÆPA.//,£A, Fi EERfCK ,'. ]:fND · CLAyRETORTS::: ' CALL OR WRITE FOR SAMPLE CARDS. 322 RACE ST., PHILADELPHIA. I� dealing with illese our friends you help us; J. GILL N, and Builder, JOB Carpen er General Office,102 S. Twenty-Second Street Residence and Office, 522 S. Ninth Street, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 'B N inspection. of the work done �t. Joseph's House will give an idea ri of style and quality of work executed by me. Estimates cheer­ fully furnished. ESTABLISHED 1857. FEATHERS A. & J. McKINLEY, Wholesale Grocers Feather Beds s. W. Cor. Second and Buttonwood Sts. Bolsters Pillows PHILADELPHIA. 14RI� lVIATT�ESSBS Aull �UAllITIES Paltn and flaitt Top lVIattttesses fiusk and fiaitt Top :{VIattttesses ..Atl liusk :{'Æa.tttfesses Rlll.t }\Ifi:DS OF SP�I1'1Ci :BEDS BROOAN & SMITH, STEAM AND HOT- WATER 'wegl�:������etl?�� :u;�t.����n��g F���aO�o��� . 'VE Manufacture all t he Bedding we sell and -":- HEA.TIN G . guar.antee allruaterials to be of the best� • • i laVIS, Dat)lè\reQ 8 "aVIS,Steam Fitting In all Branches. "5 1603-05 COLUMBIA AVENUE. flo. 810 �gCB ST�EET. 1 2332 NORTH FRONT STREET. CO TO (lonway's Reliable Catholic Supply House and Picture Frame Manufacturer. LL Religious Goods under regular prices. Picture Frames in a11 the Latest Designs; Gold Work a specialty; Mantel and Parlor Mirrors; Crayon and Pastel Portraits. Stop and see me; it win give me a pleasure to show you my goods and prices before pur- chasing elsewhere. P. B. CO First house below Gesu Church . WAY, EIGHTEENTH AND STILES STS. . In dealing with these our friends you help us. �allaf]�uf5 5f]oes �re tf]e Best Only large Manufacturer of Fine Shoes in Philadelphia Selling at Retail. HALLAHAN'S 8 �h AND FILBERT STS., Philadelphia. RSK VOVR GROCeR FOR Manufactured only by W M. H. RYAN, 1609-11-13 S. 19th STREET, Philad�lphia.. John Haugh & Co. s 111-113 S. Water St., I PHILADELPHIA. TELEPHONE No. 1465. 723 W1\LN z rn en o ,., o c ::o œ o -< en z o ::o r r REV. EUGENE V. McELHONE. THE MESSENGER OF SAINT JOSEPH, FOR THE HOMELESS BOYS OF PHILADELPHIA. PATRON AND PROTECTOR OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH� ���/�Æ-�.�7 /k.�d-- 4�.���� -I-¥� Cathedrat.Januarv I, I894. DEAR FRIEND OF THE HOMELESS BOY: It is with heartfelt gratitude that we send to you, our supporters and sympathizers, the report of our institution for the year 1893- Our work has labored under difficulties unforseen and obstruct­ ing our advancement somewhat, yet our resources have kept fairly proportionate to our pressing needs, though not enabling us to lay aside anything of our debt of 1892. Our books, delayed by circum­ stances some months beyond the usual date of issue, have brought us in a sum that barely defrayed our current expenses up to Novem­ ber r st, the two months following being a source of further debt . to us. That our friends may truly understand how much was to be done and has been done, we invite a careful perusal of our MESSENGER. The information it contains will, we trust, secure for us many new and earnest supporters and make our former friends doubly zealous in our behalf and pleased with the results their generosity has helped to secure. More could have been accomplished had the opportunity favored-but we are truly grateful for what has been done-e-and in the name of Him who is the Father of the poor and forsaken we tender our gratitude and that of the . boys of St. Joseph's House to all who have extended to us a helping hand and sympathy. It is our earnest prayer that their reward may be exceeding great here and in the hereafter. Yours in the cause of the Homeless Boy, D. J. F1TZGIB130N, C.S.Sp. 2 THE llIESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. We may at times lull our conscience to sleep with the argument that our individual efforts count for but little after all in furthering any charity; yet, when thousands of people argue in the same way it amounts to a grave dereliction of duty. This is a practical view of the matter, for there is on the part of the public the onus of sup­ plying us with the means of carrying out to a successful culmination our work, which is an absolute necessity in this city. Our plans are the natural outcome of the actual condition of affairs. They will speak for themselves, and must carry a conviction to all hearts of the necessity on their part of interesting themselves in regard to the solution of the difficulty respecting our homeless children. Since our home has been started we have been beset by applica­ tions for admission on behalf of three classes of boys, viz., boys who will not work or do anything reasonable requested of them; boys destitute and homeless who can work and are willing to do so, and lastly friendless boys who are too young to work, or unable for various causes to follow any calling. With the ill disposed boys we could do nothing, as yet; they have to take their chances of the reformatory or house of refuge, or mend their ways. They are a class, who, we trust, for the honor of our Catholic name, will soon be attended to. To begin with the class in hand, viz :- DO WE MEET THE NECESSITIES OF DESTITUTE CHILDREN AS WE OUGHT? THE WELL DISPOSED BOYS, able and willing to work if opportunity and a home be given them; for them, thank God, we have an institution equipped in the best manner, sheltering nearly one hundred boys, and conducted on such principles as to sow in almost every instance the promise of a harvest of future uprightness. yet for even the homeless working boys such as these, we have not enough of room as the home stands. We have more applica­ tions from friendless grown boys than would fill another .house if we had it. Yet the room that we have is even further diminished by the forced admission of boys w ho are too young to wor k,· and yet with no place to which they may go. This brings us to the consideration of a class of children who are so numerous that it is a grave problem indeed to provide for them, viz., the young- and helpless. The fact is that our orphan asylums are so full that it is impossible for them to receive more inmates. The surplus of Catholic children, DESTITUTE AND YET TOO YOUNG TO WORK, cannot be properly disposed of by our present system of charities. The Childrens' Aid Society and the Society of Prevention of çruelty to Children have to deal with them �t pres�qt, We t THE MESSENGÉ.k OF ST. JOSEPH. have had, in common humanity, to extend our shelter to many whom we should send into other institutions of ours, were there any place for them. As there is no place, however, we prefer to let the older ones take their chances for a while, rather . than turn the boys of tender age on the world, or to the state societies, to be cared for by them. It is not within the power of the human heart to withstand the . appeal of their misery if humane we be at all. We had therefore .to let many working boys wait, giving preference to miserable and for­ saken boys of younger age. Besides these poor little boys there are many old enough to work but yet incapable of working in the city: children who are CRIPPLED OR OF LESS THAN ORDINARY INTELLIGENCE. Of these quite a number exists. These poor boys need care if any do. Many institutions will not receive them under any considera­ tion, and they should by right receive special help,-some place safe and comfortable where they might learn something to prove of use to them in after vears ; not left with their infirmities, subject to every. misfortune. WHAT IS TO BE DONE for children of these two classes? Our asylums cannot care for them; they must go into the hands of strangers not of their own religion. No solution remains but the establishing of some industrial and protective country house, whither they may be sent and cared for, educated until they are old enough to learn a trade, and taught some useful occupation when of proper age; in the meantime watched over and preserved in their faith. When able to work for their living and to support themselves at some calling, they will have that to fall back upon when sent to the city and will be sure of a welcome at our working boys' home, here already flourishing. Thus they may do well and have that guidance and home of which such boys have so decided a need. They will then prove a blessing to the state and a crown of honor to their religion, which in the past, alas! has through no fault of its own, lost so many thousands of them. We feel that our plans must com­ mend themselves to all. They are based on commori sense and the cause of humanity. Some one must take care of the classes of children we have named. Whatever be the cause, thousands of them are without homes and protection. Labor as you wilJ SUITABLE HOMES CANNOT BE FOUND for more than a vel y small percentage cf such children. What then is to become of the rest? They have no natural guardian who can preserve their faith and morality from destruction. Some one must accept the burden. Society demands that it 3 A DAY IN ST. JOSEPH'S HOME. 4 JYE MESSENéER OF S1: J()SEPH. should be done, and the State will do this for us if we do not do it ourselves. Few with the love and honor of their religion at heart will think for a moment of letting these children go as circum­ stances may determine; all right minded people believe in our holding our own with the forces that will undermine the religion and morality of our children if left unopposed. The state cannot fight them single handed; it looks to us, as becomes our number and influence, to do our part towards educating our own children and not letting them drift into channels of life that must result in their ruin. We know that no matter w hat methods are taken in the non­ Catholic State Homes, no matter how earnestly those in charge may labor to secure the best results, their labors go for nothing in the end UNLESS RELIGION CAN BE BROUGHT TO BEAR. Our boys cannot be directed properly if their conduct be not regu­ lated and strengthened by the practice of their religion. Take away its influence from their hearts and they become lax and deceptive. The outward deportment may be ostensibly good, but the mind and heart become corrupt, and it needs but the opportunity to have their real sentiments portray themselves in action. We see the conduct of boys in their own homes, where they may have every good influence brought to direct them. Let them neglect their religious duties and what comes of it? In spire of all their good surroundings they go from bad to worse, until confirmed in their evil . courses. How then expect our boys to progress in virtue, when placed among the mixed class in our reformatories and the homes of the State? It is impossible for them to be religious and virtuous, as every man should be to be a good citizen. Let but our fellow Catholics pon­ der on these few facts and take up the matter in the line that com­ mon sense, true citizenship and their Catholicity demands. THE WORK TO BE DONE. There are few, even among the many that admire and help our work, who have an idea as to how it is carried on. Few ask them­ selves what steps are taken to ensure the best results in preparing our boys for lives befitting good men. The very idea of friend­ less children being in a Home and being provided for is all the gen­ eral public cares to know. Beyond this it does not seek to inform itself. The amount of labor and judicious treatment children, and boys especially, need to bring out their good qualities and direct each character into the proper channel, is rarely appreciated. To look upon boys in a Home as something akin to plants, is the not 1 at um­ ling llity rem r·ce, I::� nay the idea generally prevalent. You have only to keep them nourished and comfortable, teach them to be good and your success is assured. An easy task, indeed-on paper; but let us see how easy it is in reality. It is the cultivation of the spiritual sense that is bound to make the man, and church or state can do nothing for a man of weak mor­ ality. Putting aside all speculation or theorizing as to the methods of developing character in the right direction, all accept it as a fun­ damental principle that the character to be formed must have PLENTY OF LEGITIMATE OCCUPATION to keep it out of crooked paths. There is an old saying that "idleness is the mother of mischief;" no one needs to be argued into accepting the statement as true-our prisons and other institutions are proof enough. Plenty to do, in propor­ tion to the strength and years of the worker, means health to soul and body, and the child who is trained from its earliest days to occupy its time for a good purpose is the one that will spend the happiest life,and do the most good while spending it. It is on this idea as a basis that our treatment of our boys rests. Unfortunately cir­ cumstances forbid our having as yet everything that we see could secure the best results, but with imperfect means and a blessing upon our work, we have succeeded well. We have two classes of boys on our hands at present, all destitute, but some not able to work, whose admission to our Home has been the outcome of our desire to save them from being handed over to the State societies. . They scarcely belong by right to our institution, HOMELESS WORKING BOYS ALONE BEING FIT CANDIDATES; but better save a young soul when you can and let the older ones try to struggle on, as they are the more able to do so. Of these poor boys we have about twenty-five. They have day school just as any school children, and though a source of onerous duty, they must have every proper precaution taken with them until they are old enough to work. They are only asked to do some small tasks about the Home, which from their very nature prove more of a variety than anything else. For all who can work SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT IS PROCURED and within as easy a distance from the Home as is possible. At 6 o' clock in the morning, winter and summer, all the household rise, sufficient time being allowed for preparation for morning prayers. At 6.30 A. M., the boys proceed to chapel, their de­ votions being followed by breakfast. After breakfast the DEPARTURES FOR WORK are in order, and the boys leave at a time sufficient to enable them to reach their places of employment, but not enough to give opportunity THE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. gu­ ake md od, the III res, ect nes om ben the t is aan on­ nn- our pm- ing nd­ en­ rm md teet To the 5 6 THE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. for loitering or street play. There is a special charge assigned to one of the officers of the institution of looking after the conduct of the boys while at work, that at home and away from it they may be carefully guarded from beginning conduct that imperceptibly might lead them to destruction. In this we succeeded in enlisting the aid of the employers without distinction of creed; and we must compliment our business men on their readiness to assist us in our work, whose merits and success they realize and approve. With this CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE which is sure to bring good to all concerned, the employers and em­ ployed, there is rarely any flagrant breach of discipline on the part of the boys. It is carefully provided however, that their places of work are as healthful to soul and to body as possible. Necessity compels our sending the boys into shops to work, since of trade-shops of our own we have none; but few will think otherwise than that our system is directed to good results as far as human prudence can forsee. It must not be imagined that the boys labor for the support of the Home. They do not; they work for themselves, the Home being solely for the purpose of helping them to acquire habits of industry and uprightness. Their wages are small, but that they may not be foolishly spent and prove a source of evil instead of good A BANK EXISTS IN THE HOME where the boys deposit their earnings upon their pay days, and where they are kept for the owners until such time as they leave St. Joseph's House. Many of our boys are already WELL LAUNCHED IN CAREERS OF USEFULLNESS and in most cases within our three years of existence the foundation has been laid of future and present success in life. Only a very small percentage of the boys have not developed careful habits, the remainder argue well for our system and already realize the value of honest thrift and how honorable is manly labor and self­ support. The COMFORT OF OUR BOYS is not in the least neglected. As we have stated all their places of work are within easy distance of the Home, and at mid-day a hot dinner is served for those who have time to come to it, between the hours of 12 and 1.50 P. M., that they may suffer no privation. To those who cannot for want of time come home at mid-day, a substantial lunch is given to take with them and a hot dinner is ready when they return in the evening. THEIR LIFE IS NOT" ALL WORK AND NO PLAY." The large playground attached to the Home is well patronized at 7 l to one of the nay be r might vithout ben on success ndem­ part of rfworkòmpe]s [lOPS of �at our I forsee. t of the � being ldustry not be s, and r leave :e the Only careful realize id self- lees of a hot etween ation. day, a ready �ed at THE ME --.sENGER OF ST. JOSEl�H. every opportunity, and when tired of the open air the boys have a gymnasium, one of the best appointed in the city, in which to spend their free time. Those of a studious turn of mind and inclined to reading, can find all sorts of interesting boys' books in the WELL SD:!?PLIED LIBRARY, and a large room, cosy in winter and cool in summer, in which to enjoy themselves. Each evening, Saturdays and Sundays excepted, the boys have night school for an hour from 8 tillg o' clock, school how­ ever being dispensed with during July and August, their day's work being arduous enough for such weather. In the different classes the boys are taught the branches of know­ ledge most useful to them and best suited to their capabilities. Too much commendation cannot be given them for their earnest and patient efforts toward self-improvement, and they manifest qualities that must make them self-reliant and worthy men in the future. As giving greater zest to their ambition there has been organized a BOYS' LITERARY SOCIETY, with an and more than such societies us-ually mean. I t well deserves the name, as anyone who has assisted at or been assisted by its entertainments will testify. Membership to - this literary society is allowed to those boys alone who can sing, recite, debate or contribute in some way to the advance­ ment of themselves and their companions. As a result no fewer than twenty-three entertainments were given to different parish societies during the year to aid them in procuring funds. Good conduct is a requisite for membership, no one being allowed any office in the society who is not of specially good standing in that regard. Meetings are held on Sunday evenings and are most en­ joyable, and the source of great good to the boys. Besides this literary society A CADET COMPANY HAS BEEN FORMED, and drill is practiced once a week. As a diversion and a means of physical development it is a decided success, and in their uniform (only donned on state occasions) the boys are an attractive picture. So much for the routine of study and work. As the young delight in brightness and recreation, our. boys have both. School is sus .. pended during the heated term and they may spend all their even­ ings in play. Besides this, every Sunday during the year between 9 A. M. and 4 P. M. they are free to go and come at will. In winter this freedom is not much availed of by them', but the sum­ mer makes up for it. Not a Sunday of July and August and part of J une passes without a picnic into the country. Whether at the expense of the Home or tendered by kind friends not a holiday 8 THE MESSENCER OF ST: JOSE?H. but is spent among the green fields where they may enter with the ardor of youth into all pastimes relished at their age. As regards THEIR MORAL TRAINING it receives as it merits the principal attention. The boys an, shielded as much as is humanly possible from outside influences that could mar their advancement in virtue. Each character is guarded and guided as its needs demand; and this is done by a method that conduces to the good of the individual and to the entire family of boys, viz., THE PUBLIC WEEKLY REVIEW OF CONDUCT. Those in charge of the boys, their teachers and prefects, make in public their remarks on the general conduct of the household and their suggestions of reform, each one of the boys commented upon having an opportunity to be heard if anything can be offered in excuse for his misconduct. This constant watchfulness keeps the boys on the qui-vive and brings an air of discipline into their life which without galling guards them against great faults. Nothing is omitted that could foster kindness toward each other and the promotion of that brotherly feeling which family life tends to inspire. To rule BY KINDNESS RATHER' THAN BY HARSH MEANS, is the idea of those in charge. Severity is rarely necessary, and we delight in saying that trustworthy reliance on those set over them is the outcome of the entire system. Their religious training is calculated to produce sound practical Christian endeavor. Short but earnest prayers morning and evening, the morning Mass with benediction on Sundays and holidays, regular catechetical instruc­ tion and their monthly Communion, is the fixed religious routine of St. Joseph's House. l t must be said of the boys that THEIR FAITH IS DEEP, and their surroundings made such that it is not lessened. A few exam­ ples will best illustrate what we mean; one of the boys who had em­ ployment in a mill ventured too near the machinery; his clothing being caught, he was whirled into the very heart of the immense piece of mechanism, only to be found unhurt after the engineer had stopped the wheels' revolutions. His immediate response, on being asked how he came to escape a horrible death, was, " l made a good Holy Communionon Sunday last." Another lad, by a similar accident, had his leg hurt, and he said, ' , Well, no wonder some misfortune should happen me, for I didn't half say my prayers this morning." � f ti [l e s TUE ME.s'SElvCER or sr. jOSEPll. 9 What a spirit these two boys evinced can be appreciated by any one, especially when we remember that they were poor boys wbo who had known the hardship and misery of the street. Many boys who had not for years received the Holy Sacrament, many who were never at Confession, though of Catholic parentage, have been received and are now kept at the Home; and if these regenerated ones alone be counted, how great a work has already been done. Considering besides, the innocent ones who were about being launched, through misfortune or death of parents, into the street temptations of a great city, how much evil has been prevented. Could each of us say that we had prevented one young character from being perverted and led into evil ways how much we could feel we had done for humanity and religion. Weare not asked to take such poor boys into our own home; we are not asked to bring them up with care and anxiety; that is to be done for us if we but furnish others with the means of doing the good work. The bene­ fit and credit in God's sight will be to him who supplies the means, as well as to him who employs them. IT IS A CAUSE THAT SHOULD APPEAL TO ALL HEARTS. To the heart of him who has had a home, because he knows the blessing that such a possession is, and how great a happiness a peaceful childhood can bestow; to the heart of him who has himself been homeless, because he knows the hardships and the temptations offriendless boyhood, and how sadly the young crave for bright­ ness and encouragement. Upon every ground then kind help and consideration should ever befriend the homeless, friendless boy who has only the thoughtful charity of those about him to rely on-to save him from the downward path he is certain to be forced into following unless we rescue him, our younger brother, from the un- . happy fate that threatens him. \Ve have so little to do to accomplish this, that but a slight exer­ cise of interest on the part of each will result in com bined forces of such magnitude as will sweep all obstacles from the path. Only let us not think our own particular endeavor counts' for nothing; rather let us work as if all depended on us. Then will our success be a marvel to men and a glory to God-in whose service our smallest effort will gain force a thousand fold, while winning for us a thous­ and fold reward. BOOKS FOR BOYS. There is an an act of kindness which every family has it within its power to perform, and which involves no sacrifice or annoyance to anyone. It is nothing more than a gift to ST. JOSEPH'S HOUSE LIBRARY of such boys' Looks . as are not only useless to many fam- ìo TllE MESSENGER or ST. JOSEPH. ilies, but which many a housekeeper would gladly see out of her way. We do not mean the old school books, the tattered geogra­ phy or the dog-eared grammar-these are practically useless unless they come by the dozen-but we speak of the boys' story book­ which has wiled away many an hour of your own son's youth, while ever leaving behind a pleasant reminiscence. I ts days of usefulness are not yet oyer, and even though its beauty of binding may be faded its contents can still be, to a boy, the source of much instruction and recreation. We therefore strongly urge the fathers and mothers who read this to send us at least one such book to aid in a pleasant way our work for the prevention of crime. It may seem farfetched to put it so forcibly, but can it be really called so? Our boys, like all others, must have something to read, and it is a choice between cheap novels and instructive books. The latter they cannot purchase, nor can we afford to buy them. Bills for more pressing necessities have to be met. The CUT-THROAT LITERATURE OF THE DAY abounds at every turn, and is well patronized and perused by all children when opportunity offers. Deprive them of reading altogether and you have them longing for the trash to which they have been accustomed and you force them into the com­ pany of undesirable playmates. Substitute something healthy and interesting and the contrast of the good and pleasing, with the false and sensational is bound to cause a revulsion of feel­ ing in favor of what is best. GOOD BOOKS ARE A BLESSING, and should be looked upon by parents as such; and if they prove so to children reared at horne, what must they be to poor boys whose visions of the horne fireside exist very vaguely, or not at all? Deprived of a good horne when they were just beginning to appre­ ciate it, or left without any before, they knew t.he difference, or worse yet, having had a home that belied the name, our boys need doubly and should have all the safeguards, and all the small pleasures which make a happy boyhood. One such pleasure a story book is. Every house has at least one. If you have that one to spare, send it to us. It helps God's work wonderfully to supply our boys with interest­ ing reading. Pure ideas and an instructed mind are a wealth to any one, and doubly so to a friendless boy, and every pleasing book stops a loop-hole against the enemy and strengthens the soul against vice's inroads. Lack of mental diversion and the ever present hardship of life is bound to cause ruin if not relieved by some such recreation as a good book. Instill but the love of sound reading, and a boy will be proof against evil company and evil principles, for he will find them but a poor substitute for the books s ? s 1 a T THE .MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. he loves and the happy, soul-ennobling aspirations which they awaken. We therefore urge all those who are interested in the young and their proper train�ng,. to supply our poor boys wit� suitable books, that they may imbibe from them moral strength and mental food. Forgetting in the pages of some absorbing tale their own lot, hard as it has been, some sunshine will visit these children, so early deprived of nearly everything that could make the spring time of life enviable . For their unfailing kindness to our boys, kindness that it is beyond our power to repay, the thanks of all within St. Joseph's House are sincerely given to Dr. Lawrence F. Flick and Dr. Joseph M. Spellissy, both of 730 Pine St. DUTIES TOWARDS CHILDREN. There is no sentiment more universal than the love of home. So deep-seated is this attachment to our kith and kin, and the place that either holds or has held them, that the heart will ever cling- to childhood's scenes. It will seek out the bright spots, no matter how few, often lingering with delusive tenderness on the memory of a home that but poorly deserved such remembrance. The recol­ lection of childhood's joys is one of 'the most consoling legacies a parent can leave a child, and it is that more may share such an inheritance that we would make a few suggestions to the fathers and mothers in our midst. A child's heart has depths that affection alone can sound, and its impulses for good may be checked by unreasonable methods of treatment on the part of the parents. Too much may be expected from children, and often is, and it is to this that may be attributed so many failures in life. Extreme severity without any relieving features, or too much liberty without proper restraint, is the tenor . of too many households, which either take the form of prisons in the eyes of those they should attract, or leave free to go their own untutored way the hearts they should mould into nobility of charac­ ter -. It is bcause HOME IS NOT MADE ATTRACTIVE that our boys turn elsewhere for that element of excitement and companionship so necessary to their enjoyment of life. Had these children cheerful, attentive parents, guiding them with kindness and consideration, all would be well; but how many are the�e who in their selfishness are wrapped up in themselves and the�r own world, and leave the boys and girls outside the pale of their �ympathies and thoughts as regards companionship. Children feel more keenly than their elders any slight put upon them. The. fretful insistence on quiet, the demanding of conduct m:xe befittiriv old people than children, without anything sup­ plied that will interest their mind and divert their attention into us�ful c�anneIs,. makes boys enemies of home. Or, if not kept in pr 0_ -lil e restncuon , they perhaps are let run on the streets .at all II 12 THE lJ1ESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH hours and to all places, anywhere so that they may not be the source of annoyance to their elders. . As a result of either method of treatment our boys become con­ vinced that they are not desired at home: that they are a nuisance at best and that the less their parents see of them the better they are pleased. Becoming daily more discontented and uncontrollable and finding at street corners, with all that such resorts imply, that semblance of brightness their own home lacks, they thus receive an education calculated to make them a source of danger to ,the state and a disgrace to their religion. . We have here but briefly outlined the general faults against children. WE WISH NOW TO CALL SPECIAL ATTENTION to a few instances in which boys are most flagrantly neglected. I t is said that no one profits by another's experience. Be that as it may, we feel it our duty to bring certain observations to the knowledge of parents. Our labors among children have made us capable of expressing an opinion as to what is best and what, is worst for children, boys especially. Among the things that are worst, we name as the enemies of boyhood, THE DIME NOVEL, THE CIGARETTE AND THE LOW THEATRE. How much ruin these carry in their train no one can fully estimate; how much of this ruin we ourselves have seen is certainly appalling. We know it is the fashion to pooh-pooh the outcry against cigarette smoking, but it may be set down as a first principle that the boy cigarette smoker will turn out to be a devourer of the pernicious compositions sown so broadcast now-a-days, and that the low theatre will put a climax to a sad career thus begun. The cases coming under our notice sadly confirm this as also they do the fact that parents and guardians are daily becoming more careless of their duties towards their young charges. Parents are very often blind to what everyone else sees is hurtful to their children; and, they exercise little or no precaution regarding the boys, provided they be not noisy or offensive. If these be reading quietly they must, of course, be doing well; whereas, in reality, from the blood curdling narrative over which they are bent absorbed, they are drinking in more poison than many a day will be able to eradicate. Respectable literature should alone be tolerated. We have an abundance of cheap and interesting periodicals which will make a boy's mind turn with disgust from the false and evil lessons instilled by the tales usually served up in our "Boys' Story Paper." Awakeuing as wild tales do in the young mind, a taste for unnatural and unusual excitement, they make their readers crave for the theatre and the surroundings that go to make up the Dime Novel hero, with the result that boys form their ideas and character after his, elevating him to the pinnacle that should be occupied by a more exalted ideal. . A boy's plan and views of life are to a very great extent the reflection of his surroundings; and what a prospect to look forward to if the boys follow the examples portrayed in the publications they' find thrust upon their notice from every side. Bad books, late hours and the cigarette that leaves a thirst that must be quenched by excitement of some sort, are in out: estimation the chief rocks It it he S IS re l�y IS he er 'a he rd ey te ed ks FRONT VIEW OF 727 AND 729 PINE S�RE.ET, ST. JOSEPH'S HOUSE. Cf) >­ o co o::: ::::> o u, o CL ::::> O o::: o <{ T-HE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. upon which our boys first come to wreck, and it is a misguided judgment that will look upon it as a sign of promising manliness to have boys follow out such courses of action, Better in almost every instance, the death of the boy than his survival to torment and mayhap break the hearts of his parents. A love of horne, the enjoyment of a good book and of those recreations that can give the mind necessary diversion, are tastes that in most boys can be awakened. If not, at least the opposite unhappy ones can be prevented, and other healthful amusements so plentiful now-a -days, be substituted. In any case, evil can be more generally prevented than it is, and it will pay the parents, even in happiness here, not to speak of the reward hereafter for duty done, to have a care of their children that they imbibe not the poison with which life now-a-days is reeking. Resist small beginnings if you would have your son the man .you pictured he might be, when as a child he was the object of your ambitious dreams, and try to lay the foundation of a good future life in one who may at any time be deprived of your guiding hand and counsel. " COLD AS CHARITY." When we wish to typify the want of warmth manifested by any­ one, we sometimes say: ,� Oh, such a person is as cold as charity." The expression aptly portrays the mental attitude of some in the matter of supporting charitable institutions. Their charity is cold. There is nothing warm-hearted about it. To give unwillingly takes . half the good out of an act, otherwise kindly in its nature; while to give with promptness, no matter how trifling the amount, is to double the gift in the eyes of God and man. I t is certainly an insti­ gation of the evil one that prompts some people to look upon any sum, even the smallest, given in charity as immeasurably large, while the same sum spent for a wasteful purpose would be deemed a trifle unworthy of mention. Why this should be is beyond understand­ ing, unless it has its foundation, as in fact it has, in downright material selfseeking, Even many who are generous on other occasions, become niggardly if approached on the score of charity. They seem to forget, what is absolutely certain, that no one ever gave for God's sake and in support of His poor, who did not obtain his reward, even in the return many times over of the amount donated. MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING IN T�IS WORLD, though many act as if it were. It must be left behind when death . calls; and though it cannot purchase health or exemption from death, if properly used, it can be made to prove a source of great good. It is an instrument for our salvation, not the end for which we were put in this world . . Knowing how great an amount of sin charity towards those in distress covers, it is no wonder the powers of evil stri ve to distract the heart of man from earning the reward which even the cup of cold water given in our Lord's name is sure to bring. What in the gen­ eral estimation is more valueless than water, and yet if bestowed properly, it is precious as the diamond. There is, too, another way of looking at this grudging attitude towards the poor. It is a sad forgetfulness of a duty that should be THE MESSENCER OFSTJOSEPH. pleasant to perform, for such conduct in us involves a trait which is in God's sight most displeasing. We are wont to inveigh against ingratitude in the strongest terms. We are ready to condemn the one who fails to go into transports over some small act of kindness on our part. Not one of us but has this weakness, and yet we never revert to what a pitiable spectacle of black ingratitude we must be in God's sight. TAKING ALL HIS BLESSINGS WITHOUT so MUCH AS ONE GRATEFUL THOUGHT, we are in fact ready to deny His goodness even for the smallest pre­ text. Rich in the possession of gifts, yet accepting them as our due, and not as gifts from a bountiful Father, we keep as much as we can for ourselves, and take pride in our businesslike cunning in doing so. Christ's words to the solitary leper who came back to thank Him for having cured him of leprosy, might well be applied to most of us; "And were not ten made clean? and where are the nine." We are anxious to gain our own point, and having gained it we practically tell the Almighty that we have what we want, and will thank His mercy for the next gift He gives us. Instead of showing our appreciation by sharing our plenty w..ith those who are less fortunate, their appeals to us only irritate us by their presumption. At least that is more or less our general feeling. It is true in our case, as it is in the case of every charity, that the greatest willingness to help us is manifested by those who them­ selves are poor, and have, therefore, most excuse for refusing to give. Far from refusing, however, they not only give willingly and fully in proportion to their means: but, confident in God's generosity that He will not see them want, they never seem to feel that they have given enough. This confidence has never been mis­ p1aced. Very often, accepting under protc st, the offering made by the laborer, who, not at any time in comfortable circumstances, has borne and is perhaps sti111aboring under some reverse, we are met with such faith in God's goodness, as to put any objection or demur on our part out of the question. We rejoice, however, that most people give freely and with a good heart. The very few grumblers are the exception, yet if we let our generosity grow cold, the tendency to cut off expenditure in God's service will quickly exercise its influence. Let us not narrow our better feelings.. Rather let us deny ourselves now and again some luxury than togive way to selfishness in bestowing a trifling charity, making the money of more value than the good we can do our fellow beings. It requires but the checking of some small habit to give us enough to help many good projects, and no distress need be felt by anyone in' fair circumstances from any amount of aid bestowed on the various good works in our midst. What should animate the heart of every man, is exemplified in the expression used by a gentleman whom we met lately. Becoming interested in some of our boys, he came to see if he could procure them anything that might increase their comfort. Being thanked {or his" charity," he replied: " I beg of you do not use the word. It is cold and harsh, in the signification it usually bears. These children are but our younger brothers, and there is no giving in charity between sons of the same Father." A beautiful thought coming from a mind that penetrated and a heart that loved the lessons of the He of our Divine Redeemer. THE MESSENGER OP ST. iOSEPH. FATHER McELHONE. Many institutions, the outcome of plans of noble hearted men, have sprung up in our city, but a more practical charity was never inaugurated than that of sheltering and providing for our homeless boys. The credit of its existence is due to the efforts of a most worthy priest, who we are happy to say is still living in our midst. Of his life of charitable endeavor we will give a brief sketch, that he may receive from those who have not hitherto known him that honor and just com­ mendation which his character has long since won from those with whom he has been associated. Struck with the DANGERS THAT BESET YOUTH w hen poor and friendless, the Rev. Eugene V. McElhone, the zealous chaplain of the Philadelphia Alms­ house, with the apostolic spirit for which he has been remarkable, under­ The first St. joseph'» House, 732 Pine took a movement in behalf of this Street, now our annex. class of children. Laboring for years among the unfortunate inmates at Blockley, he was taught by experience w hat direful spiritual and physical results must of necessity follow on a boyhood spent in idleness and evil company. He recognized, as every man anxious for the future of our race must recognize, the absolute importance of sound moral training in the young. Too many he found who under a guiding hand had done well enough, but want of sympathy and kind direc­ tion had caused them to enter on a career ill begun and ill ended. Inclined at first to industry and self-support, they had been unable to eke out more than a miserable subsistence. To the youth, with meagre wages and no settled home, one can readily see that idleness and theft are far more attractive than hard work and starvation wages; and it cannot be wond�red at that so many boys when left to themselves, choose the dishonest rather than the honest alternative. To enable them to live comfortably and save something out of earnings that do not as an average go beyond $2 . .)0 a week, was the only way out of such a state of things. fi This, however, could not be done, save in isolated cases, in our city ; hence . FATHER M'ELHONE'S PLAN w�s to establish a working-boys' home, where all their necessities being provided for, well intentioned boys might still be able to save something as an encouragement to their industry and honesty. T? give oneself to such an undertaking demanded a spirit of sacnfice and persistence; how eminently Father McElhone pos­ sessed these necessary qualities, and a depth of charity rarely found, will be evident from a brief review of his career. 15 16 1'l-1E ll/ESSENcE!? OP S1� JoS_E'Pl-i� Born in Mamore, parish of Disercate, County of Tyrone, Ireland, Father McElhone from his childhood had ever the INTENTION OF BECOMIN\�' A PRIEST. To succeed in this 'was the hope of his boyhood and youth) so much so that with unswerving confidence ip our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, whose work he was to do, he never omitted for one day in twenty years the recitation of the Thirty Days' Prayer, that God might see fit to accept him as one of His servants at the altar. Coming to the United States in 1866, Father Elhone very soon after his arrival began to prepare himself for his chosen calling by a life of study and devotedness in the cause of God, entering in time St. Charles' Seminary at Overbrook. A part of his course" however, was spent in St. Charles' College, Ellicott City, Md., his ordination finally taking place at Overbrook on the fifteenth of March, 1874. I t will be interesting to mark how HIS SEMINARY LIFE imbued Father McElhone with noble intentions regarding his future work as a priest, and how Providence directed his steps according to these desires. The Almshouse at Blockley had, up to the time of Father McElhone's ordination, been without any chaplain, the law not having permitted religious attention to be given to the Catholic inmates of the institution. In discussing the fields most ripe for the harvest of souls, the students of St. Charles' would often speak of the Almshouse and the work to be done among the poor and unfortunate there. Naturally full of tenderness towards those who had known distress, and ANIMATED BY ZEAL FOR SOULS, Father McElhone resolved that should opportunity ever offer he ' would labor for the poor and friendless adults and children in the institution above mentioned. His offering was to be accepted, but not at once. Ordained as we have said, in March, 1874, without having to spend a single day as an assistant, Father McElhone was assigned by the late Archbishop Wood to do duty as Pastor at Laureton. Special among his many works at Laureton was the building up of religion at Wetherby. He there erected a Church, paid for it, and had everything free from debt and flourishing, when Archbishop Wood was granted the privilege of establishing a CHAPLAINCY AT BL�CKLEY. Acting on his own impulse and certainly providentially directed, His Grace sent for Father McElhone, and asked him to accept this post of heroic duty. Thus after many years the zealous priest's prayers were answered, and his offering accepted. Needless to say, Father McElhone responded with joy to his Archbishop's request, and entered immediately on his duties at Blackley in October, I8n. How great a labor the work in the Almshouse contained may be judged from the consoling words of a poor old woman, who, thus addressed Father McElhone on the Sunday after the first Mass ever celebrated at Blockley had been said: "Father, may God's blessing ever attend you; for eighteen years I have prayed to see this happy day." tt e e g e e e t e s e' e t t s THE J'IfESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. Of Father McElhone's labors no one can speak in terms of sufficient praise. His attention was given to all classes, young and old, who came within his sphere, and from these duties sprang his second noble ambition, viz., TO PROVIDE FOR HOMELESS BOYS. Witnessing in the hospital the number of boys brought there suffering from exposure and want he found their sufferings resulted very often fatally. The spiritual destitution of these poor waifs, more startling than even their physical misery, astounded him, and Father McElhone resolved that should he ever be free to do so he would establish an institution in their behalf.. About this time some prominent members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, came to him promising that should he accept the charge of the work, they would see that a home would be provided for the friendless boys. Encourged by a coincidence so favorable to his project Father McElhone ìn the .Spring of 1881, visited New York to consult the saintly Father Drumgoole in regard to the undertaking. Father Drumgoole received him most kindly, and encouraged him, advising him to begin work at once if Archbishop Ryan favored it. Every large city, he said, had absolute need of such a home as Father McElhone desired to provide for the desti­ tute boys of Philadelphia. Action in regard to establishing it how­ ever was interrupted by a circumstance which should be a conso­ lation to Father McElhone and is a glorious tribute to his work at Blockley. HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP RYAN' having come to give Confirmation and scrutinizing with the eye of the ever appreciative, vigilant chief pastor, Father McElhone's work, the gigantic amount of good done by him and the happiness of the inmates from his ministrations, was convinced that the Alms­ house was his true place for the present, and so the project for a home for boys was temporarily postponed. After some years further spent at Blockley, Father McElhone was requested by the Archbishop to give his attention to the parish of Bristol. Here he stayed ten months, and finding that he could do so, now that his work was done in Bristol, Father McElhone requested from the Archbishop permission to establish St. Joseph's House. His Grace to whose heart the project had ever been dear, gladly availed himself of the opportunity given. He purchased the house No. 732 Pine street, in the Spring of 1888, but it was not taken possession of till the 21St of November, 1889, the Feast of the Visitation. Mass was celebrated there for the first time on the 27th of the same month. The fitting up of the home prevented, however, its being occupied, and it was not until Palm Sunday, 1890, th�t St. Joseph's House was formally declared open and blessed by HIS Grace the Most Rev. Archbishop Ryan, for the poor boys it was designed to shelter . . Father McElhone by his energy and zeal gathered many kind fnends about him, too few however, to bear the burdens of so heavy an undertaking. . WHAT STRUGGLES HAD TO BE ENDURED �an only be realized by those who have had to launch a new undertak­ mg and find all the means of securing its success. Wantof funds, want IS 'l'HE J.1fES;.SENGE.R OP.$ T. JOSEPl-J. of sympathy of the practical kind, except in a few noble instances; absence of all that could spur a man to heroic efforts, were wanting; yet, true to his character, Father McElhone's efforts were always forthcoming, and the success of his work at times would seem astounding. Beloved by the boys, he won all their affection and confidence, for who could help loving the kind father that he proved to be towards them, and the only friend many of them had known? The Home was al ways ready to give its assistance to them. N one so . bad, but found some kindly help, none showing good dispositions but were gladly kept and cared for. Some of the boys remain there to the present day, a credit to the work inaugurated to help them, and bearing by their conduct a lasting testimony to that Father's care who gladly welcomed them on their arrival. St. Joseph's House launched in its career, and the CHAPLAINCY AT BLOCKLEY AGAIN BECOMING VACANT through its incumbent becoming a pastor, our Most Rev. Arch­ bishop knowing how great a source of reliance Father McEl­ hone was, requested him to again assume charge there. Promptly responding he returned to the scene of his former great labors and has continued there, the apostle of charity and messenger of peace to many a soul that sadly needed such care as his. During his residence as Chaplain, Father McElhone has had three Confirmation classes of adults, in all numbering about 200, and what this work alone implies, not counting his regular charge of the 5000 inmates with all the instructions, sick calls and other spiritual exercises, is known only to God, Who will give him his reward. His SYMPATHETIC INTEREST IN THE POOR BOYS of the city, though not manifested by labor solely given in their cause, yet remains as vigorous and as fresh as ever. Generous sums which his noble nature has received as a tribute from others, he in his turn HAS BESTOWED IN HIS CHARITY UPON US. His advice and encouragement, always at the disposal of the home, have been gladly availed of by those in charge; and the institution which his charity longed to see established, and which his zeal and energy were mainly instrumental in calling into existence, feels still his fatherly, helping hand. . For deep and inexhaustable sympathy in connection with work for the destitute and unhappy, Father McElhone will ever continue dear to the hearts of those who know him, and prove a blessing to the poor and lowly to whose service his life has been and is unspar­ ingly dedicated. REASON FOR THE FAITH WITHIN US. It is a common occurrence for our young people when confronted by some cleverly put insinuation against religion to stand confused, silent, for want of a reply. It is' not to be expected that everyone should be skilled in theology; only long study can bring about any such knowledge. But it is to be expected that we be able to give some reason for the faith that we profess, and not bring our religion into contempt by the want of acquaintance we show with its history OS; g; ys m ld ed rI? so ns re 111, 's h­ :1- e. r ty re as ut ar œd m e, h on 11 a [l k e ti THE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. and teachings. No man, if he can read at all, is excusable for ignor­ ance of his Catechism. Deliberate misrepresentation of Catholic doctrine can be at once refuted by a plain statement of facts, yet how many young men, or young women either, can give an intel­ ligible explanation of the doctrine of indulgences, of Papal Infalli­ bility' or of any of the matters a fairly well educated Catholic should know? We see it continually charged against Catholicism that it is the enemy of human progress. SPECIOUS REASONS ARE GIVEN FOR THE STATEMENT, and allegations that have been refuted again and again are served up as freshly as if they had not been answered a thousand times over. Blind bigotry will continue in some measure so to malign our Holy Church, until the millenium dawns; but it is beyond dispute that much of the prejudice existing against her, is due to Catholics themselves. . N o one respects or thinks worthy of investigation or toleration that religion which seemingly has so little to say for itself that its young men and women are dumfounded when anysilly objection is raised against it. True, if sacrifice, even of life itself were demanded, many would be glad to make it for their faith. This proof, how­ ever, is not required of us. Readiness to confound the vainglorious and flippant objector, and manly straightforward reasons to satisfy the yearnings of the earnest seeker after information, these are weapons sadly wanting among our young men and women. Meeting in daily life so many persons of different creeds, Catholics fail, in too many instances, to make any intelligible answer to ques­ tions concerning the principal truths of their faith. There are handy little volumes of instructive reading which can be procured of any church library, and which every average man can read and master. How necessary it is that those who lack proper infor:mation upon any point should equip themselves, is manifest to us from what our boys have to undergo in keeping their faith and holding their own against the cowardly attacks made upon it. Mixing with the world, our boys in employment have questions and sneers of all kinds hurled at them. Do they let them pass? Not at all. After their usual Catechism lessons have been gone through in their Sunday school class and explained, there is a perfect storm of inquiry. Knowing in their hearts that they are in the right, THEY SEEK THE WEAPONS OF TRUTH to defend what is dear to them and to confute their antagonists. If children need to do this, how much mO,re should young men be ashamed to fail of their duty in this regard. Their age makes them blameworthy for want of knowledge, and though a boy may be ex­ cused, a man is guilty of scandal very often by his neglect. CATHOLICS HAVE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF IN THEIR RELIGION. It has numbered amongst its most devoted sons the greatest minds the world has ever known, no matter what walk in life we may men­ tion. The Catholic Church has been the benefactress of the human race;. and the long roll of giant intellects that have gloried in their allegIance to her, should be to any man, save the most mentally benighted, argument enough in favor of her greatness, and should stimulate every Catholic to be as they were, jewels in her crown. 20 THE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. Her sons as scholars, statesmen, jurists and generals are not the less brilliant because of their Catholicity. Take their deeds away from the history of the world since Christianity dawned and that his­ tory makes a poor spectacle indeed, being a record, for the most part, but of darkness and of horror. It is only downright ignorance of facts that can see anything in our religion to be ashamed of. In­ dividuals may have used her name to shelter their misdeeds, but her doctrines in their holiness are not affected by individual failings in those professing them. Her eternal claim to the submission of all hearts to her teachings is not disproved by the disobedience of un­ ruly children. Knowing that you are right, will not, however, sat­ isfy others that you are so. Truth spoken kindly and in time will go far to aid our holy religion in its march among men, and woe to us if an opportunity of bringing a soul into the haven of peaceful, reliant faith be lost through culpable ignorance and neglect on our part. There is no excuse for anyone of us' who does not know how grand, how ennobling, how reasonable, are the doctrines of our Holy Church. REASONS WHY St. Joseph's Home for homeless boys should be specially cared for by the charity of the faithful: First. ....--Because on our own efforts in enlisting charitable aid de­ pends our income. No money is given us from any collections or orphan's fund of the diocese. Second. - Because if we Catholics do not take care of our own boys' the State and the societies of the city will look after them for us, and we will have ourselves to blame if they are lost 'to the Church. Third.-Because it is against reason to guard a soul during the period of childhood, only to expose it to danger at the most critical stage of life, between the ages of 12 and 16. It is this St. Joseph'sHouse is bent on remedying. Four/h.-Because our work is to prevent crime, and the only way to succeed in doing so, is to save our boys from the streets and criminal company, the sure highway to the prison. Fifth.-Because those who have few friends need more consider­ ation than those who have many and earnest ones. Our friendless boys have not at all sufficient provision made for their wants; while every other class of children is well cared for, Our poor boys have therefore the greatest claims on the public, as their needs are greatest and most liable to pass unheeded. Six/h.-Because it is our duty to give charity, and what greater charity than giving to the forsaken children, exposed to moral de­ struction? Seventh.-Because the boys are our own in faith-and we must be answerable for them to God-who has given them to us to be cared for. TO OUR SOLICITORS. Our gratitude is due and is heartily tendered. To our friends of long standing, who from the very beginning of our Home's existence "have borne the burden and heat of the day /' helping us in our most trying difficulties, never flaggin� in �h�performance of God's work for His little ones. ' , he �y r THE lUES.S'ENGEl? OP SI. JOSEPJ-J. To our new solicitors, who, hearing of our work for the first time, have voluntarily come forward and given their services to our cause. To our kind friends of I 892, w ho helped us w hen they could, but w ho, for various reasons, have not been able to exert themselves in our favor this year. Their former generosity cannot be forgotten by us-a generosity they will manifest again when possible for them to do so. Yet we cannot suppress a regret that the solid ranks of our former friends should have at all been broken, and that instead of our new members forming a second army, they should be but substitutes for those who took a rest from labor. Death of relatives and other reverses prevented many attending to our yearly petition for help, but this does not indicate any want of sympathy with our work. Of this we are certain, and look to the coming year to find all our old advocates at work again, and acting the part of parents to our poor. friendless boys. As is evident to everyone, we claim but little from the individual. Weak threads go to make up the strong cable. Yet in each thread by itself there is but little strength. So, 100, the personal exertion . required in our behalf is so small as to appear insignificant. Yet when these threads of interest are gathered up and woven into a united power they form the life-line that saves many a young soul from the waters of destruction. No one feels the strain upon himself individually, and yet let him but do his share, and he will see our institution grow and flourish until it is the delight of his eye and the pride of his heart as a Catholic. This interest will be the more readily manifested towards us when it is realized how truly dependent we are. We have no source of income save the steady flame of charity which dies not in the heart of the faithful. No means of providing for our boys exist, except such as we can think of and apply for ourselves. It may be thought that we, like other Church institutions of the city, can count on a share of the funds raised for orphan children. Such is not the case with us. These funds go to the institutions sheltering children under II years of age. Our Home is expressly for boys too old for the asylums, and yet without friends, home, or means of subsistence. They are boys, poor but deserving, who plead for an opportunity to show their willingness to do well and S?Pport themselves. Shall we deny them this boon? Shall we con .. tmue to close our ears to their prayers and turn them adrift in their forlorn condition, to become a prey to misery and sin? To refuse to help them is to sacrifice them, soul and body, to destruction. If th� means are put in our hands we can save them. As a warrant of this let our solicitors, members, or sympathizers, come at any time, Sunday. or other day, between the hours of 9 A. M. and 6 P. M. and �ISIt the institution as it stands. They will see what their energIes. have accomplished, and what like efforts may, if continued, a�comphsh in the future. The State Board of Charities, through its kind representatives, have declared our Home one of the most perfect. of its kind in the State. The majority of our fellow­ Cathohcs yet remain uninformed of what they have done and can do, and we ask them to corne and see our boys in their Home, and they cannot remain unmoved and uninterested. An object lesson such as our House is, pleads our cause with efficiency. No one com�s to inspect it but goes away convinced that the future of the multitude of poor boys in our city will be amply provided for THE lJ1EsSENGER OF ST. JOSEP11. 20 00 if we be but furnished with the means of reaching those who need our assistance. COUNTRY WEEK. We are indeed grateful to those kind friends who remembered our appeal in regard to the much desired "Catholic Country Week." Quite a number of benefactors were found who took as many as three or four boys at a time for ten days or more and let them have the benefit of their home comforts. We trust that many more well to do residents of the countrv districts will be found to come for­ ward and give an outing, next summer, to some of our little boys. Those generous Christians w ho have so truly befriended us in the past will, we earnestly hope, be most bountifully rewarded in return by Him who has promised to never forget those who assist His friend .. less little ones. Exposed as our boys are to accidents in shop and street, we have had on many occasions to appeal for assistance to the Pennsy 1- vania Hospital. We have met with the greatest consideration from the Medical Staff and Attendants of that institution, and are truly grateful fer their assistance, ever promrt and unflagging. DONATIONS. We regret that want of space prevents our publishing the entire list of those who remembered us by donations of money and clothing on our last Donation Day, March roth. Their names having been published in the newspapers at that time and since, we fed that our friends will be satisfied with this acknowledgement. Rev. E. V. McElhone • • : $550 00 Mr James Flanagan • . . . 500 00 A Friend . . . . . . . . . 500 00 Residue of estate of Miss Augusta Peterman. . . 450 00 Mr. James Tully . . . . . . 100 00 A Friend (Mrs. R.) 100 00 Miss Doolan. . . . . . . . ICO 00 In Thanksgiving (statue) .. 100 co Mrs. VV. V. McGrath. . . . 100 00 Mrs. M. Shortiss � ..... 100 00 In Thanksgiving (unknown) 50 00 Mr. B. Farren • • . . 50 00 Dr. J. V. Kellv •... 50 co Miss Bridget Mahoney 50 00 Mrs. Mary Kline. . . 40 00 Mr. C. Lane . Mr. Horace Haverstick Mr. M. M. Jennings ... Mr. James Dougherty . Co. B, H ibernian Rifles Miss Brazier. . . . . . Mrs M. Devine . . . . N. Snellenburg . Mrs. A. M. B. McGarge e .. Mrs. M. A. Harold Mrs. Unity Farren . . . .. 20 00 Miss Annie M. Fa11 . . .. 20 00 Received in amounts smaller than $20. • • • • . .. • . 643 00 $25 00 25 co 25 00 25 00 25 00 25 00 25 00 25 00 20 00 We regret also that there was some misunderstanding in regard to what we term Donations, Many thought because they made a re­ turn on the collecting books of our association, that they should have been credited as giving a Donation. Whereas we class as Donations only such gifts as are sent us above and apart from sub­ subscriptions on our Association books. If a return was made by anyone to whom a book of certificates had been sent, we simply recorded the money received as forwarded in response to that book, deeming such to be the desire of our correspondent, unless it was distinctly specified to the contrary. ed ur " m ly re g n at 00 co 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 THE JIlES.SENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. 23 Hence our seeming mistake in the eyes of many. It is obviously im­ possible for us to credit publicly all who join our Association, though It would give us the greatest pleasure to do so if it were at all feasible, and it would be a mark of gratitude which they truly deserve. Then again many received two books of certificates-because when giving us their subscriptions they gave a second address with­ out telling us to erase the first one with which they had supplied us. As a result they had communications from us forwarded to the new as well as to their former residence. Such mistakes will be pre­ vented if in the future our friends, when sending any subscriptions, will inform us of any change of residence on their part. No one is authorized to call and receive their collections from our Solicitors, and they are requested to communicate directly with the Home. Many have waited this year for us to send an authorized collector to them to receive their returns, but we ask them to save us this extra work in future and send us their subscriptions by registered letter. We beg all Solicitors to put their names on their books, whether sending them by mail or by messenger or when making the return in person. HOW TO BECOME A SOLICITOR OF ST. JOSEPH'S ASSOCIATION. Any person who secures twenty subscribers to our Association, or fills one book, becomes a Solicitor and is entitled to all the bene­ fits attached to that office. As, on the first Friday of every month, a Mass is specially offered up in honor of the Sacred Heart for the intentions of our solicitors, we earnestly recommend to each one the monthly Communion on this day-and ask a momento for the success of our work. SPECIAL NOTICE. Each Solicitor has a right to one beautiful large diploma, and those who did not receive it last year will kindly inform us of the [-lct-many diplomas having failed to reach solicitors because of change of residence or inadequate address given by them to us. HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER. Anyone subscribing 25 cents a year becomes a member of our Association�and will receive a card of membership and a copy of our paper" St. Joseph's Messenger." SPIRITUAL BENEFITS. �esides the prayers of the boys at an their exercises-and the dally Mass of the Rev. Father Director for the solicitors, this year we are enabled to have FIFTEEN HUNDRED additional Masses offered up for all the members of our Association. All of these benefits are applicable to the souls in Purgatory-and dead friends may be benefitted by securing card of membership in the name of the deceased-for whom special Mass will be offered on each of the last three Fridays of every month, NOVENAS. 24 THE MESSENGER OF ST. JOSEPH. As a preparation for the principal feasts we will have Novenas for Masses closing as follows : . I.-Ending on the Feast of St. Joseph. 2.-Ending on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. 3.-Ending on the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady. 4.-Ending on All Souls' Day. s.-Ending on Christmas Day. ST. JOSEPH'S CORD. Besides the foregoing benefits we have, by special privilege of the Holy See, the faculty of blessing and giving the Cord of St. Joseph with all the special indulgences attached thereto. The members of the Association wearing the "Cord" are re­ quested to say daily an Our Father, Hail Mary and Gloria, etc., with the ejaculation: "St . .J oseph, our Patron, pray for us," for the success of our work. BEQUESTS. Thos.e desirous of benefiting our institution by bequest, should carefully c�py its proper title" St. Joseph's House for Homeless Industrious Boys," bequests for this purpose to be made to the Most Rev. P. J. Ryan, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Pa. Anyone who by large donation, helps our good work will share as long as our Association exists, in all the spiritual benefits it bestows. Solicitors will kindly notify us regarding the number of copies of St. Joseph's Messenger required for subscribers, and we will be saved great expense in postage, if those who can conveniently do so, will call in person to receive these Messengers. HOW TO SEND MONEY. The best way to send money is by registered letter, Post Office order or draft made payable to REV. D. J. FITZGIBBON, C.S.Sp., P. O. Box 1214. 727 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. DONATION DAY. All donations will be gratefully received on our " Donation Day" -Feast of St. Joseph, March 19. Articles of food, clothing, etc., will be most welcome but-as can be readily supposed-money will be the most useful and acceptable gift. as LY. "e . , +---------------------+ SPECIAL NOTICE TO OUR SOLICITORS. Just as our MES5ENGER was going to print we succeeded in making the arrangements for purchasing another new house, 733 Pine street, and we feel that the news will rejoice the hearts of our friends who will see in this blessed advancement the promise of pro­ tection to many a young soul. Though deeply in debt, and having no funds to encourage us to take this step, we yet felt that this our further effort to relieve suffering children would have the earnest support of our solicitors. It needs but a few more efforts from each to secure us friends, and the year 1894 will quickly see the $I5,000 additional expenses, incurred by purchasing and fitting up our new house, wiped out. We are poor, very poor, but we must not let .our homeless children go to destruction. We leave the issue in the hands of our members and solicitors. They have never failed us yet, and never will. God's work neverTacks friends, and our caring for the destitute boys among us has prospered, with His blessing, until we begin to see a bright future. Every boy res cued from degrading surroundings is a soul saved from the danger of destruction. Every boy shielded from evil courses means a heart kept pure and a criminal the less. Every young mind taught to exercise its power for its own benefit and that of its fellow-man, is a useful element added to the ranks of good citizens, and not an idle, useless drag turned loose upon the community. All this means good to our religion and the State-and it will be our prayer and pride to have this exemplified in everyone of our friend­ less boys. We know our friends, with this before them, will not relax their efforts in our behalf Let them keep "up that zeal and generosity which they have manifested in the past, and let them make friends for us when they can. We cannot have enough help.' Our demands - increase daily, and the more atten tion is attracted to our holy crusade, the more assured will be the rescue and salvation of our poor boys. For the honor of the religion we love, and for the sake of suffering humanity, let all our old solicitors who have always helped us, and those who suspended their endeavors last year, put forth an earnest effort in our behalf during 1894. The young hearts that yearn for a home and protection from evil cannot have or enj oy these blessings unless their brethren extend their charity to them. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS . �1rs. McGlensey, $roo: Miss M. A. F. Toner, $50; Miss E. S Thackara, $33.50; Mrs. I. J. D?han, $25; W_m. J. McCloskey, Esq., $25: A. A. Hirst, E!'q., $25, Miss J M Guillou and friends. $25: PIerce Archer, Esq., $25: Patrick Duffy Esq., $25; Misses Koecker, $20 ; J. H .. McLean , Esq., $20; John Loughran, Esq., $20; 'Miss A. J. Meigs, $20; Rev. Cho .l Ton IS, $20. emoved�� to our New Building D. J. GALLAGHER. GEO. W. GIBBONS. D. J. Gallagher & CO., , "'-."'" � • I e Blank Book Manufacturers Special nachinery and Extensive Facilities for MAGAZINE AND CATALOGUE WORKo 245=247 North Broad Street, PHILADELPIiIA. lp dealing with these our friends you heIr US. s. J05EP.H ZENTMAiEK, OPTICIY\N, MANUFACTURE" dB' Microscopes, S. peetacl es, AND �y�