£torg of A (Utmnbt Other sheep I have that are not of this fold. Them also I must bring , and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.—John X. , 16. His Holiness Pope Benedict XV, grants the Apostolic Ben- diction to the Promotors and Benefactors of the new Mission. At-J % Q\x? Mr&t fears of the QUitnojajo JHisaum gwetetij ‘ 4 While we lay as if buried in sleep the spirit of God has passed over Ireland in an extraordinary manner. We woke one morning to find at our doors the strangest sight imaginable, a band of young priests, the finest and most gifted we had, begging for assistance. And for what an enterprise ! That they may be allowed to go and preach the Gospel to the heathen millions of China. They are young, mere boys in years compared with us. They are gifted, they have prospects before them according to our human ways. They have affec- tions, they have friends and a country they love, but all these things they have put off like a loose garment when called by Christ to follow His standard in a land far away. ’ ’ Thus wrote a distinguished Irish Prelate, Most Rev. Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe, in May, 1916, of the new missionary movement that then was stirring the heart of Catholic Ireland, and making it throb with a new zeal. The story of the beginning of that movement is a long one and will undoubtedly be written fully at some future time, now we can do little more than try to tell it briefly. In February, 1912, Rev. Edward J. Galvin, a young Irish priest, then attached to the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, sailed for China to preach Catholicity. He landed there when the old regime was giving place to the new. The Republic had just been established and guaranteed full freedom of worship. It was a happy augury and filled the young i missionary with hope. For five years he worked zealously among the people of Western Che Kiang, and during that time two things especially struck him, as they must strike every missionary in China, first the appalling need of priests, and secondly the golden opportunities that were every day being lost because of that need. He found there a people anxi- ous for Christianity and a Government prepared to give every facility for Christian education, but there were few priests to avail of the opportunity. In the diocese where he worked there were over 9,000,000 pagans and only 20 priests. He wrote frequently to his friends in Ireland and America to tell them of the need. He wrote for the Catholic press all over the world. He appealed for priests and funds. He did everything that a man could do to make the needs of China known. A few Irish priests answered his appeal and left for China in 1915, but what were these few lost in the vast mil- lions that knew not God? Then the war came and the conditions became worse. Quite one-third of the already too few mis- sionaries were drafted by the French Government and immediately left for France. They were the young active missionaries who had volunteered to give their young lives to reap the Master’s harvest; they left only the old and the weak who had already borne the burden of the day and the heats. And all this at the most favourable moment for Christianity that has occurred in the whole history of China. Every other religion but Catholicism seemed to be alive to these opportunities. Every year hundreds of non-Catholic missionaries arrived. Schools and colleges were being raised everywhere. The Catholic Church alone seemed at a standstill. Father Galvin and the other Irish priests decided 2 3 that something must be done. They must get priests for China before it became too late. China was moving fast. They had the example of Japan before their eyes. China must be saved from a similar fate. They naturally turned to their own country where they knew there were enough vocations to save China. They thought of the hundreds of Irish priests that went year after year all over the world, to America, Africa and Australia. Asia alone seemed to be forgotten. The English speaking world must know of China’s need, and so placing a firm trust in God, Father Galvin left China in June, 1916, bring- ing the message of China’s need across the world. Passing through the United States he met many distinguished Bishops and Priests who gave him a message of encouragement to bring with him to the Irish Bishops. He landed in Ireland towards the end of August, and there he found that a few other priests had al- ready decided to devote their lives to the conversion of China. Soon the little band offivebeganto lay their plans. They made representations to a number of prominent ecclesiastics, who were so struck with the worthiness of the cause they advocated, that they formed themselves into a committee, and decided to present for the young missionaries a memorial to the Irish Bishops. When the project was laid before the meeting of the Irish Bishops held on October 10th, 1916 they gave it their unanimous approval. “We joyfully approve and bless the pro- ject,” they said, “and earnestly commend to the generous help and support of the faithful the establishment of a College for the training of missionaries for China, who in a spirit worthy 4 Most Rev. Dr. Cohalan, Bishop of Cork, Chairman of the Committee of Ecclesiastics who presented the memorial to the Irish Bishops. 5 of our missionary race offer their lives for the propagation of the Faith in that pagan coun- try. ’ ’ The news of the new movement was immediately flashed from pulpit, platform and press. The five pioneers travelled through the country, pleading everywhere, the cause of China’s neglected millions. Bishops welcomed them into their dioceses, priests gave them their pulpits, sisters gave them all the wealth of their prayers. The people answered their appeal with a generosity that until then had been unprecedented in the history of any Irish movement, religious or political. In less than six months they had raised over $200,000. A few months after the m.ovement had begun His Holiness Pope Benedict XV, sent it his approval and blessing. Bishops and priests from all parts of the world wrote congratulating the promoters. Priests, sisters and students began to volunteer. Pro- fessors resigned their chairs, pastors their parishes, and before the end of the year the young movement numbered 20 priests, 100 sisters and over 50 student volunteers from the various ecclesiastical colleges in Ireland. In November, 1917, a little over a year after the approval of the Irish Bishops had been granted, a large mansion and 200 acres of land were acquired near the shores of Lough Corrib, 20 miles North of Galway City, and there, on the 29th of the following January, the Society with 20 of their students took up residence. The remaining students remained to finish their courses in their respective colleges. The new Seminary was placed under the patronage of St. Columban, the greatest of the early Irish mission- aries, who converted in his day Belgium, Southern Germany, Austria, and North Italy. 6 His Grace Archbishop Harty, Omaha, who invited the Chinese Mission Society to make its headquarters in his Diocese. 7 • At the present time the Society numbers 30 priests and 50 students. These students are taken from every class. Most of them are students already advanced in their course in other colleges, many of them have graduated with the highest honours that the Universities could give them, others are teachers who have left their schools, and one is a medical doctor, who has seen service in the recent war, re- ceived the Order for Distinguished Service, and was twice torpedoed in a hospital ship. He left a prom- ising practice and the prospect of wealth and fame to answer the call of Christ. Through the kindnes of Archbishop Harty of Omaha, the Society has recently established a foun- dation in the United States—St. Columban's Mission House, Omaha, Neb. Some distinguished American priests have, as in Ireland, left their parishes and professorships to devote their lives to the missions in China and many others have signified their inten- tion of doing so. In order to keep the Catholics of America in touch with its movements and to make the needs of China better known, the Society publishes a monthly magazine, THE FAR EAST. This maga- zine is supplied to any address at one dollar a year. It deals with missionary work in all parts of the world but especially China and Japan. The work that lies ahead is a big one, contemplat- ing as it does, the conversion of a great, quickly de- veloping nation like China, with its 400,000,000 people. What the future has in store for the young Society is God's secret. It is evident at least that hitherto the guiding hand of Providence has been with it, and who can place a limit to God’s Omni- potence and the efficacy of the instruments He selects to weave His designs in the hearts of men. 8 JBljat |Irontuumt ErrlemaattrB Biixh of tip* £faro Mnmmmt Approval of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and distinguished Priests from all parts of the world. From the beginning Providence has marked the organization of this mission with great suc- cess. The Catholics of Ireland, England and Scotland answered with generosity the appeal of the Bishops. Within two years it has re- ceived the approval and blessings of Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops from all parts of the world as the following extracts from their letters and sermons testify. Official Approval from the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda, Rome. We have learned with great joy of the project recently inaugurated by distinguished ecclesi- astics to establish in Ireland a college for the Foreign Missions. The time is most opportune, for while it is at all times desirable that the Church should have a plentiful supply of mis- sionaries for the fulfilment of the Divine Com- mand to teach all nations, in these days es- pecially when so many serious losses have be- fallen the holy missions, every effort should be made that her reserves be enlisted for this work. When the Supreme Pontiff was made aware of the project he expressed his warmest approval and wished that the good work should be im- mediately begun. 9 His Excellency Most Rev. John Bonzano, D. D., Apostolic Delegate to the United States. 10 He has been pleased moreover to grant the Apostolic Benediction to all who help in the work either as Promoters or Benefactors. The Late Cardinal Serafini, Secretary of Propaganda. Ireland, the home of missionaries and martyrs, has on many former occasions given of its best to the pagan. His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate to the United States. I offer you my congratulations on what the Irish Mission has been able to accomplish dur- ing the first year of its existence and I beg to assure you of my prayers and good wishes for its continued success. Invoking God’s choicest blessings upon all those associated in this work and upon all its benefactors. The Late Cardinal Farley. All true lovers of the Foreign Missions will welcome this new foundation. I recommend it to all those who desire to see another glorious chapter added to the wonderful history of Irish missionaries in spreading the Faith. His Eminence Cardinal O’Connell. It is a genuine pleasure to recommend the wel- come movement of the Irish Mission to China and I bid you God speed in your endeavour to promote its interests. 11 12 His Eminence Cardinal Logue. A movement has been lately started in Ireland which recalls the missionary spirit of the early Irish Church. A number of young priests, giv- ing up, for the purpose, leading positions, have banded themselves together to provide priests for China. . Their project has been cordially ap- proved by the Irish Bishops and is warmly sup- ported by the clergy and people. It is deserving of the most generous support and is brimful of promise for the spiritual weal of untold mil- lions. The Late Archbishop of Philadelphia. Any kindness or favour shown to these devoted missionaries will he personally appreciated by us who have the success of this great enterprise so close to our hearts. Archbishop Mundelein of Chicago. I see the guiding hand of Providence in this movement and I truly believe that Ireland is destined to furnish the latest, the best-equipped, and perhaps the most successful reinforcements that the Lord brings forward in the great drive for souls in that land of mystery, but of great spiritual promise. To the blessing of the Irish Bishops I would add my own and I would send a message of encouragement with theirs to the zealous priests and students who are preparing to be the pioneers in this great missionary work. 13 Archbishop Harty of Omaha. The Irish Mission to China is a religions move- ment inaugurated by the Bishops of Ireland and blessed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XV. Its representatives have come to the United States to interest the Catholics and non-Cath- olics of this country in behalf of the great work of bringing Christianity to the pagan millions of China, who seem to be more eager than ever before, indeed, to be in a receptive mood, for the Good Tidings. Due to my knowledge of, and abiding interest in the conditions of China, for during twelve years I was associated with missionary work in the Far East, I have invited the Society to print their missionary journal in our own city of Omaha. The invitation has been accepted. I commend the missionary work to the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese. Any kindness or favour shown to its representatives will be per- sonally appreciated by me. The Archbishop of Cashel, Ireland. These heroic missionaries are leaving every- thing—home, friends, country—at the call of Christ. Our hearts go out in sympathy to them in their vast undertaking. We pray that God may bless them and their grand work for Him, and we are confident that the Catholics of the world will respond generously to their appeal. The Archbishop of Tuam, Ireland. The Chinese Mission represents the highest work that a man can co-operate with in this world, the work of propagating the Gospel of Christ. The Archbishop of Glasgow, Scotland. It was a great pleasure to me to hear of the Irish Mission to China and to know that this work in the Par East is being taken up by Irish priests who have already helped to carry the Gospel into so many parts of the earth. His Grace Archbishop Mannix of Melbourne, sends his blessing to the new Mission. Archbishop Redwood, Wellington, New Zealand. Ireland, the home of missionaries and martyrs, is going to renew in our day, on a vaster scale, the best missionary achievements of such heroes and saints as her Columbanus and Kilian and a host of others. China opens her arms to accept the Gospel of Christ. A benign Providence seems to have preserved her so long in order 15 Most Rev. Dr. McRory, Bishop of Down and Connor. 16 that her conversion, at the eleventh hour, may consolingly contrast with the lamentable defec- tion of other nations. The Bishop of Killaloe, Ireland. While we lay as if buried in sleep the spirit of God has passed over Ireland in an extraordinary manner. We woke one morning to find at our doors the strangest sight imaginable, a band of young priests, the finest and most gifted we had, begging for assistance. And for what an enterprise ! That they might be allowed to go and preach the Gospel to the heathen millions of China. They are young, mere boys in years compared with us. They are gifted, they have prospects before them according to our human ways. They have affections, they have friends and a country they love, but all these things they have put off like a loose garment when called by Christ to follow His standard in a land far away. We have not the exaltation of spirit which would enable us to follow them in their perilous mission. Ours is not the grace of martyrs and apostles, but we can, everyone of us, identify ourselves with and share in their apostolic work. He has but a sick and dying faith who looks askance at a supernatural mission of this kind and thinks he satisfies his part by giving half a crown or five shillings out of abounding wealth. Millions are being daily spent in the war. Have we noth- ing for Christ? I hope every man, woman and child will do themselves the sacred privilege of contributing to these heroic Apostles of Christ. 17 The Bishop of Clogher, Ireland. During the course of the past year we were privileged to witness and take a generous part in the beginnings of a movement manifestly in- spired by God, which with God’s blessing, promises to bring the light of Faith to the count- less millions of a mighty nation that still sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. The mission of the secular clergy to China is des- tined, we hope and pray, to be fraught with the choicest blessings of heaven, as well for ourselves as for the poor people of China. The Bishop of Meath, Ireland. I look upon this mission as of great importance, not onlv to China but to Ireland also. Its sue- «/ cess is certain to he a source of countless bless- ings to the Irish Church. I shall be glad to take advantage of every oc- casion to promote an object so holy and so worthy. «/ The Bishop of Harrisburg, U. S. A. I commend this great Avork to the charitable and generous consideration of the priests and people of the Diocese of Harrisburg. A deep and practical interest on the part of the faith- ful in the missions develops a truly Catholic spirit and enriches parish and diocese. The Bishop of Ardagh, Ireland. We have some of the best intellect of Ireland banded together at present for the evangeliza- 18 tion of China. It is a noble work in a material age. Hundreds of millions cry out for the sal- vation of their souls. Their cry is being heard in the land of Columbanus and Gall. Let us help in every way we can these enterprising missionaries. The Bishop of Down and Connor, Ireland. A number of very able and distinguished young priests fired with zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls have banded them- selves together resolved to do all that men can do to spread the light of faith in China, where at present out of four hundred million of peo- ple not quite two million are Catholic. It is a truly heroic and Apostolic enterprise, and one that is sure to touch the hearts of our mission- ary race. The Bishop of Raphoe, Ireland. Again the vineyard of the Lord at a distance claims our thought. More and more as the war drags on, do the Foreign Missions feel the strain. Many of the missionaries have been called to the battle field; and many of the sources of supply are dried up. We cannot turn a deaf ear to the call which reaches us from races that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. But the Lord who blesses Ireland with so many vo- cations to the priesthood will put it into their hearts to hearken to the divine call that di- rects them once again to take a leading part in preaching the Gospel to the heathen. The return of the evangelizing spirit is the best sign of the return of our golden age. 19 >>43 d +* > © © Q •!-! S3 d d O «*— i o © o CQ S3 o *1— < 02 02 ft ^ O S3 43 .2 02 'd •fH »fH QQ 02 d 0-i 02 ^ f? >% 43 o go 02 43 02 02 02 S3 U Q > 02 tf -M 02 O «t3 d O © S o S3 0 T3 •fH CQ 02 S* CLh S3 O S3 d O > © «* © © O CQ S3 o •r^ © © © 02 © S3 © > © .33 © 43 *3 O £ O J*H m S3 43 O *”3 s ®* bfltf *H «W © 'd S3 d 43 © 43 o © +J 02 © •H Sh CL, © 43 H S3 O © © Sh +J S3 © © © 43 S3 O T3 S3 d © fcJD © FH o O 20 Rev. J. P. O’Leary Rev. M. Dolan Priests of the Society working in the United States Rev. M. J. MeeRev. E. J. Galvin 21 The Bishop of Ogdensburg, U. S. A. Ireland became the mother of Catholic mission- aries after the destruction of the old Roman civilization and now after taking care of her own emigrated children all over the civilized world it is meet that she should assume her place in the conversion of the pagan nations. The Bishop of Kilmore, Ireland. Moved by the appeal from the pagan millions of China and by the command of Christ to preach the Gospel, a heroic band of young priests have resigned their positions and given up all for the salvation of the Chinese. Give them your prayers that God’s blessing may make their work fruitful; give them what help you can to train the children of even the poorest to be priest and nuns for this noble work. The Bishop of Derry, Ireland. To bring the light of the true faith to these poor benighted people, millions on millions of whom have never yet heard of the God Who died to save them. I am confident that everyone possessed of the true Christian charity and love of his neighbour will deem it a privilege to take part in a work calculated to bring so much glory to God. In such times as these when God seems to be forgotten, and when the spirit of the world dominates all human activities it is a great re- lief to find the apostolic spirit spring up anew and seek fresh fields in which to labour. 22 Rev. Paul Waldron, S. T. L. f who resigned his professorship of Theology at St. Paul Seminary, Minn., to become member of Chinese Mission Society. 23 The Late Bishop of Limerick, Ireland It is a work that will touch the hearts of our people and appeal to their deepest feelings as Catholics, and I have no doubt that in every parish the clergy and the people will regard it as a sacred privilege to be allowed to co- operate with it. The Bishop of Cork, Ireland. The conception of an Irish Mission to preach the Gospel in China and the methodical and earnest preparation for the realization of the project in the midst of a great war cataclysm, is an historical event of the first importance. We salute the soldiers of the Cross—the band of young priests who imitating the example of the early missionaries are preparing to leave home and friends and country to win the Chinese Nation to the Kingdom of Christ. The Bishop of Wheeling, U. S. A. The Irish Mission to China strikes one as being decidedly a divinely inspired movement. It is a magnificent tribute to the zeal for souls and Catholicity of the children of St. Patrick. The Bishop of Ross, Ireland. It is a glorious undertaking to make an effort to convert half the pagans of the world. We should thank God that the Catholic Christian spirit is so strong that these missionaries should band themselves and go forth to teach the na- tions. It is a blessing from Providence that this movement is amongst us. We know that 24 25 The Priests and Students of the Society at the opening of the new College January 29, 1918. the world is becoming more and more selfish and we are far too anxious to promote our own interests. It is the work of Almighty God and will bring a blessing on all who co-operate with it. The Bishop of Elphin, Ireland. The extension of the Kingdom of Christ on earth through this enterprise is a work that will evoke sentiments of enthusiasm and benevolence in the mind and heart of every Catholic. The Bishop of Clonfert, Ireland. The Yellow and Black races are waiting, and we may hear their voices in the night wind asking for the Divine gift. Those who cannot become actual missionaries can still in one way or an- other do much. Those who have the means can do much that is tangible and practical. We can all pray. The Bishop of London, Ontario, Canada. May God grant that this mission may soon see the rebirth of the apostolic energy of our race in a new field. The Bishop of Galway, Ireland. The conversion of the huge Republic of China is so grand and heroic an undertaking and so much in keeping with our missionary history that it cannot but command the fullest possible support and sympathy now and in the future. I know of nothing more likely to bring a blessing than to help this mission. May the faithful be not wanting in generosity necessary for its suc- cess. 26 27 The Bishop of Maitland, Australia The movement of Irish missionary zeal towards «/ the evangelization of China has seized the fancy of Australians and calls on our sympathy and assistance. I have no doubt that the inherited spirit of apostolic zeal will bring from Australia into the promising movement money and mis- sionaries. The Bishop of Achonry, Ireland. A devoted band of young priests have been in- spired with zeal to carry the lamp of faith into far distant China. The project is surely a noble one and all must wish it a hearty God-speed. All can help by their money and prayers, and beseech Heaven to bless an undertaking that promises so much spiritual fruit, and that bids fair to bring back to our sainted land the great- est of her bygone glories and the brightest of the ornaments that have gilt with undying fame her imperishable past. Right Rev. Monsignor Hogan, President Maynooth College, Ireland. Ireland does not grudge her best sons for such an enterprise. The marvelous response made by the country, to the appeals of these young missionaries, shows how thoroughly in keeping with our best and noblest traditions is this or- ganized effort. There is something strikingly supernatural in the whole movement. There are indications already that the scattered Gaelic race will take up this object as their own and back it by their sympathy, their material help, 28 Rev. Peter Chan, S. is enthusiastic J., a native Chinese Priest, who about the new movement. 29 and their prayers. If success crowns their work in China, as we all hope and pray that it may, who will put a limit to the progress of the Gospel of Christ and to the audacity of its Irish messengers. Very Rev. President All Hallows College, Dublin. We wish to convey to you and your colleagues a practical expression of our appreciation of your noble undertaking. Engaged as we too, are, in missionary work, our sympathy natur- ally goes out to you, but the aspect of your col- lege which particularly arrests our attention and respect is what I may call its orientation. We rejoice that from among the students here, you have already, and no doubt will have in the future, volunteers, and in fine we are gratified to think that each new advance, every fresh success that crowns your efforts will be cordi- ally appreciated and supported by the generous- hearted sons of All Hallows in whatever part of the world they may happen to be. Very Rev. Edward Dunn, Prefect-Apostolic, North Borneo. China has lost so many missionaries on account of the war that this splendid movement to re- place them by Irish Missionaries is indeed provi- dential. Rev. Peter Chan, S. J. To the Catholics of America and Ireland we look with hope to save our country from materialism and irreligion. Your great movement has come 30 Other Chinese Friends, Fathers Leo and Luke Ting, brothers. 31 undoubtedly under the divine inspiration just at a time, when China most needs missionaries. I pray that God may bless your noble work. Rev. Pere Morel, Kiangsi, China. Such a foundation will benefit China not only because it will send missionaries but because such missionaries coming from the British Isles will prove that Catholicism is not the exclusive privilege of a single nation. For my part I shall make it a duty to pray often for the Irish Col- lege for foreign missions. 4 Rev. Luke Ting, Hangchow, China. I wish to convey some expression of the joy, the delight, and the gratitude which animate my countrymen towards the Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland, because of their love and compassion for my dear fatherland and because of their zeal in founding a Mission which will save so many unhappy victims of paganism. The kindness and goodness which the people of Ireland have shown towards us render them more dear to us than ever before. Other na- tions seek our friendship for their own aggran- disement, but you work for a far more noble end—the propagation of the Faith, the com- munication of your Christianity. You send us ambassadors of the Gospel and hence our grati- tude flows forth to you Irish Catholics even as water flows from the fountain. 32 Mtlp tn Min (Ebttta fnr tljr #an*pii iieart You may do it in any of these ways: BY PRAYER—Become members of the League of Prayer for the conversion of China. Write for leaflets and cards of membership. BY SYMPATHY—Make our work known. Become readers of our missionary magazine, The Far East. Tell your friends about it. BY CO-OPERATION—Either as Promoters for our various organizations—the League of Prayer, or the Irish Mission League, or as benefactors. Write for free pamphlets, leaflets and cards. Address : The Chinese Mission Society, St. Columban’s Mission House, Omaha, Neb. B B ONE DOLLAR A YEAR / Ask YourFriends toRead It! Read It! „ ahr Jar East ^ Magazine tells you all about the Missionaries in China b a b B B St. Columban’s Mission House Omaha, Nebraska m V