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EVERY MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION SHOULD GET THIS NOTICE, AND READ IT ATTENTIVELY. * CONTENTS. ^' PAGE To Benefactors of the Holy Childhood, 3 Eesults of the Holy Childhood, ] ] 4 Importance of the Holy Childhood, , 7 Influence of the Holy Childhood, 9 Encouragement given to the Holy Childhood, 13 II. The Holy Childhood in the States of America, 17 Answer to some difficulties,..' 23 Practical solutions, 07 Indulgences granted to the Holy Childhood, 31 To the Associates of the Holy Childhood, 33 lis mourront, si vous les d6laissez ! (St. V. de P.) TO PKESENT FRIENDS AND FUTURE BENE- FACTORS OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. The progress of the Holj Childhood throughout trance and other cmhzed countries has afforded much edification; as yet, however, little has been said of the happy results of this Association in the United States, hence this Report has been drawn up with the hope that It may^ tend to inspire additional zeal for the success of this charitable undertaking aud enable us to record some new triumph. I Une grande moisson, mais peu d'ouvriers.— (Luc, 10, 2.) RESULTS OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. The eod of the Holy Childhood is, as every one knows, to succour mfidel children by means of catholic children. These are the results obtained till this day by this admirable work. We will find them deposited in the Manual of the Holy Child- hood. 1st. children saved ; died after baptism. Nearly 3,000,000!.... The number of baptisms in later years are as follows 1852 193,000 1853 216,414 1854 277,950 1855 329,388 1856 324,826 1857 400,000 1858 313,575 to Id- 5 II. CHILDREN EDUCATED. Nearly 10,000, bvbry year I They are divided in the following aayluma : China.— Hong-Kong, Sisters of Charity. " Chang-Hai, Jesuit Fathers. " Ning.Po, Sisters of Charity. India.— Penang, Sisters of the Infant Jesus. " Singapore, " « " Malacca, " « ** Karikal, Sisters of St. Joseph. " Patna, The Order of Capuchins. Walgache in Africa, Jesuit Fathers. Red River in America, Oblates of Mary. III. ASSISTED MISSIONS. 49 in Asia, 5 in Africa, 4 in Oceania, 2 in America. Foreign Missions 22 Propaganda ig Society of Jesus *j Lazarists 7 Societies of Jesus and Mary 2 Oblates of Mary 2 Congregation of the Holy Ghost 1 Missions of Lyons 1 Without doubt we will be asked how we obtained such grand results. It is by means of the collections offered by catholic children of all parts of the world. Here is the amount of the collections : 1843 22,900 francs. 1849 95,834 « 1850 248,252 " 1852 383,740 " 1853 1,031,691 « 1859 1,254,267 « 6 The last amount is thus divided : Francs. France 670,002 l^elginm 119,222 Prussia 103,157 Germany 90,655 Pontifical States 57,723 Piedmont 55,272 United States & Canada 49,498 Holland 32,373 Switzerland 26,945 Naples 12,893 Austria 6,215 Central America 5,789 We remark with pleasure that the States of America occupy the seventh rank in this magnificent receipt. Thanks then to the Bishops and houses of education who have so well understood and encouraged a work that does so much good!.... Francs. England 3,863 Maurice Isle 2,430 Turkey 1^439 Pondicherry 911 Spain 543 Oceanica 572 Greece 88 Portugal 85 Persia 70 Sweden 30 Russia 20 Si quelqu'un ne renatt de Veau, 11 ne pent entrer dans le Eoyaume des Cieux. (St. Jean, 3, 4,) IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. To form a just idea of the importance of the Holy Childhood, it suffices to know what is its end, what are its means, and what are the results. What is the end of the Holy Childhood ? It is as we have already said, to succor the unfortunate m/d^e? children that perish every year by thousands and hundreds of thousands. And what more sublime end ! it is the end proposed by Our Lord, it is also the end proposed by the missionaries. What are its means f The most trifling tha. could be, they are only a few coppers, and they are asked of those who are most ordinarily without them. Nevertheless with those children, and their few coppers, we intend to save all forsaken children. Are the means proportioned to the end? Humanly speaking they arc not, but this proves that the work is divine, since it is with small things that God performs great ones. It was with twelve poor fishermen that He saved the world; so it is with the poor little catholic children that He wishes to save the infidel children that perish victims of the brutality of their parents. What are the results ? They are incredible. We have indeed seen the Society gathering and baptizing not less than 300,000 children each year. What work ever obtained such results ? Could Alexan- der with his phalanxes, or Napoleon with his battalions realise such a conquest ? But those conquests are very difierentj they are peaceable conquests; conquests not- withstanding, which are worth more than empires, since they are immortal souls that are snatched from hell, and conducted to heaven. Who after that could hinder himself from liking such a work, and doing all in his power to propagate it!.... •^v^c elle tous les Hens me sont venus^—iSap. 8, 11.) INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. In the beginning it may be thought that this work does good only to the injMJel children whose salvation is the principal object. But it is remarked that the Holy Child- hood does not less good to catholic children. What work indeed contributes more to soften the hearts of children, and to fill them with good sentiments ? " Among the many consolations which the Lord is pleas- " ed to spread with profusion on those that are charged '' with the noble, and sublime, but difficult task of the " education of youth," writes a Brother of the Schools of the Christian Doctrine, " it seems to me that we can place in " the first rank that of seeing the pupils correspond to the " care lavished upon them, abandoning themselves to the " practice of all kinds of good works, and walking with a '' firm step in the road marked for them. " Now among all the means in use to do good among a2 10 a {( ^* children I have not found one more efficacious, after " devotion to the Most Holy Virgin, than the beautiful '• work of the Holy Childhood. " I am happy then to say that our pupils are much '' attached to it ; and that all, even the poorest, give with " great eagerness the small annual contribution, and im- " pose on themselves, if necessary, certain privations, so as to be able to come to the succor," as they say, ''of the poor little Chinese." Is not this testimony alone of a skilful man worth all the arguments that can be raised ? We are yet to find a work that has exercised such a powerful action on children. From all parts we hear wonderful things on this sub- ject J the annals furnish us with striking examples. Such is the influence of the Holy Childhood on the hearts of children that it transforms them and makes new children of them. The houses of education understood this, and that explains their aflection for the Holy Childhood^ and their ardor to establish, and propagate it. Useful as the Holy Childhood is to children, it is not less so to other worksj and in this some persons grossly deceive themselves who under the pretext that they have other works to sustain, trouble themselves but very little about the Holy CLildhood ; they fear even to establish it, as if the Spirit of God could not breathe where He wished, as if turning hearts from charity, was not drying up the source ? Indeed this work makes others reflect. In seeing children so charitable and zealous, they reproach themselves for doing less than they. There is a result that cannot be denied. Nay more, in accustominsr children to chari- 11 table works, the Holy Childhood prepares for these works powerful support from those children when they are grown up. " How indeed can those children after having been so generous in their youth " as the Director of the work says a little farther on " after having tasted the happiness of doing good, how can they in a more advanced age refuse practices that were for them a source of so much joy and grace? " Thus the Holy GhUdhood which was instituted to do so much good among infidel children, is not destined to do less to catholics^ and to other works. Laissez venir a moi les pet its enfants /—(St. Marc, 10, 14-.) ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN TO THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. The ffoly Childhood requires only to be known in or- der to be blessed, and encouraged. Founded in France in 1843 by His Lordship Forhin ds Janson Bishop of JVanci/, the Holt/ Childhood was po sooner revealed than it was adopted immediately by cities and hamlets. From France, it passed in the twinkling of an eye, to all parts of the world, and to day it is establish- ed in Europe, in America, in Africa, in Asia, and even in iVta Cin'p AfiTTn A Tot a xtt-voi A3 14 It counts its associates by thousands, and hundreds of thousands in the different countries. No family, no aca- demy, no home of education that has knowledge of its interests, would wish to be a stranger to an association whose mission is so beautiful. Profoundly penetrated with the good which the Holy Childhood does to catholic children as wel! as to infidels the Sovereign Pontiffs Gregory XVI and Pius IX, have approved of, and enriched it with numerous indulgences. Pius IX, has lately placed it among canonical works along with the Propagation of the Faith, and gave ifc a PROTECTOR in the person of the illustrious Cardinal Eeisach. " We consider the Holy Childhood worthy to be " sustained by a special act of our authority," writes Pius IX in his Brief to the Catholic Universe, 18th of July, 1856. " We invite our Venerable Brethren the Bishops, " to introduce, each one into his diocese, and to cul- " tivate with care this tender plant. We give worthy " praise to the Directors of the Holy Childhood, and " we exhort them, as also the associates, to persevere " with unshaken constancy." " Indeed, while on one side it is devoted to the salva- " tion of the unfortunate children of China, and other " idolatrous countries, condemned by the barbarity of their " parents to a premature end, redeems them from a cruel " death, and purifies them in the salutary waters of bap- " tism ; on the other hand it animates catholic children to " unite all their efforts to save those little abandoned ones ; 15 ^ thus by the exercise of this noble act of charity, to be " grateful for the privileged grace, by which God has " deigned to call them to the admirable light of faith." Replying to the wishes of the supreme head of the church more than 120 Bishops have published Pastoral letters in favor of the IToli/ Childhood, recommending it in the strongest terms. " The Propagation of the Faith, and the Roly Child- " hood,'' says a Bishop of America, "are two works that " naturally lend each other the hand for the good of hu- " manity. " The rapidity with which they are established in all " countries, proves that everywhere their excellence is " understood." " This Association so prosperous to day," says another, " is 0*^6 of those works blessed by Heaven, with which the " Holy Ghost has inspired the earth, for the salvation of a " great number of souls. Indeed by means of a copper " given in charity, each month, by children, the mission- " aries of part of Asia, can take care of, baptize, and " educate hundreds of poor children, who, without them, " would die in paganism, victims of the cruelty of their " inhuman parents." " In forming children to the exercise of corporal and « spiritual charity," adds another, "the Holi/ Childhood " associates them in the regeneration of ii.fidels ; it finds " protectors for them in the little angels for whom their " charity and prayers opened the gates of heaven, and it " prepares them to become one day zealous members of '* the beautiful work of the Propagation of the Faith of " which it is the auxiliary and the complement. And for 16 " Christian parents, what sweet consolation for the present II and what hope for the future, in seeing their children ^^ follow the Infant Jesus, to save the souls redeemed at the price of this divine Saviour's blood." The Apostolical Vicars, the French, Spanish, English, Italian, and German missionaries do not write a single letter without recommending it with earnestness. To second such praiseworthy efforts the Central Bureau, established at Paris and which has correspon- dents in all parts of the globe, has printed in nearly all languages, in English, in French, in Gennan, in Italian, in Spanish, and in Flemish, annals destined to reproduce the letters of missionaries and the most touching scenes that have taken place among catholic children. At this moment the French annals are drawn to the number of 100,000 copies, andn-ther those publications nor pictures drawn to the number of 800,000 will suffice' so great is the ardor to be enrolled in this grand and beautiful Association. Evidently the finger of God is there ! ' 1 f THE HOLY CHILDHOOD IN THE STATES OF AMERICA. So well understood and so well received everywhere the Holy Childhood would not fail being equally well received m the States of America, in that land which is as an assemblage of generous ideas, and where as the A^ent of the Bol^ Childhood at Montreal writes, we see each day coming to light and growing as if by enchantment, these great works which Catholicism alone can produce. Time has shown us this. Pastors and flock have welcomed the Holy Childhood and view with each other to render it prosperous. Among the prelates who have encouraged it and sio-- nalized themselves, to the attontJon of the Directors of the Holy Childhood, we will first notice the illustrious Arch- bishop of Cincinnati who, not content with approving of and recommending it to his diocesans, made the Provin^ daJ (Jnn.nn.i7 a^onrkf ii- ««J i.i,« _• i* » . ^ ^' ^^^^t^" ^") a"u Luv uHSisung Disiiops separated a4 18 with the desire to introduce it in their dioceses. His wor- thy successor has no other sentiments for the Holy Child- hood. Already Detroit, Louisville, and Fort-Wayne are at the work. Likewise, the indefatigahle Archbishop of New Orle- ans, Bishop Blanc, of holy memory, whose apostolical heart expands at the thought of the good that this new fruit of benediction would produce among his flock. The better to assure the future of this precious plant, he confided the care of it to his Grand Vicar, the confidant of his projects, and the companion of his labors. Furthermore he speaks of it in the Prooinclal Council in such flattering terms, that the Fathers of the Council^ convinced that the best means to assure the future of the Propagation of the Faith was to cultivate the Holi/ Child- hood, united together to establish it in their respective dioceses. Then we saw Mobile and Galveston active, with the hope of being soo.i followed by the others. It is also the eloquent Archbishop of New York, the glory of the American church. His Lordship is happy to preside in person, at the feasts of the Holi/ Childhood which take place at the schools of the Brothers of the Christian Doctrine at Manhattanville. That prelate praises this magnificent work and only asks for its entire success, the benedictions of heaven. His example finds a follower in the inheritor of the zeal and virtues of Bishop de Chevrus. The Bishop of Boston delights in being present at the feasts of the Soli/ Child- hood, and not long ago in a church of the German congre- gation His Lordship was pleased to relate the happy in- fluence of the work on some members of his family. 19 Albany, Brooklyn and Newark do not intend to re- main behind. There is also an admirable outburst of zeal there for the Holy Childhood, Again there is the learned Archbishop of the church which was the cradle of catholicity in the States, the suc- cessor of the Carroll and Eccleston. The Archbishop of Baltimore loves and appreciates the Hohj CldWiood, at its just value, and if he has not yet given it the movement which his heart desires, it is because circumstances will not permit him. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Charles- ton, and Wheelinq range themselves under the banner of this work, destined to cast a new lustre upon the church of America. His Lordship the Bishop of Philadelphia has so much sympathy and affection for the Holy Childhood that one of his most ardent desires is to see it flourish all over his diocese. Soon his wish will be shared by all his illustrious colleagues of the episcopacy. Finally it is the eminent Archbishop of St. Louis who has no other sentiments for the Holy Childhood th^n those of the Pope, and other bishops. In truth he cannot give to this work the sum it merits, but he rests on the zea? of the houses that constitute the riches of his vast diocese. The thoughts of the august prelate were understood, and a great number of communities hastened to cultivate "this tender shrub " confided to the careful solicitude of the Bishops, as Pius IX said. The other dioceses thai belong to the Province do not show less favor towards a work that exercises such a salutary influence on the education of children, and on other works. Chicago has already given an idea of what it intends to do. Milwaukie, .^-^^^^bxi, aiiu a.TAoxi\ii.jjE pfomise 10 do as much. ^ Tf we descend from this elevated sphere of the ecclesias- tical hierarchy to the pastors of an inferior rank, we find the same esteem for the Holy Childhood; here we find the same zeal to establish and propagate it. In New York the Rev. Mr. Gamboville who occupies himself with in- comparable ardor together with Mr. Lafond ; at Balti- MORE, first, Father Ilenchy, next, the worthy president of the college. Father Clark; at Cincinnati an indefatigable missionary. Father Wlnmger, as also the worthy pastor of St. Francis Xavier, the Rev. Mr. Driscoll ; at New Or- LEANS the able compiler of the Catholic Propagator, the Rev. Mr. PercU, who never ceases to recommend it ; at St. Louis the Rev. Father Ryan, superior of St. Mary's seminary ; at Louisville the pious and zealous abb^ of La Trappe, as also Father Virdin of Bardstown; at Boston the Rev. Fathers 3fcElroy and Reiter, as also the Rev. Mr. Shahan at Salem ; at Washington in turn Father Williger, Father Strong, and Father Hamilton; at Philadelphia, it was Father Sumner; at McSherrys^ town, Father Haller ; at Conewago the excellent Father Cattani; at Detroit, the Father Hespelein who is sue- ceeded by Father Magerius ; at St. Mary's in Indiana, ^Bihev Letourneau ; at Mrwalk the Rev. Mr. Dolweek ; at Ogdenshurg the venerable Mr. Lemercier. Thus it is the most eminent priests that talro the cause of the Holy Childhood in hand, and if we were to named them, all these pages would not suffice. But it is above all, the directors of the Holy Childhood who have such marked tenderness for this work. They know that this association does not less good to their catho- lie children than to infidels, and for that reason they oxi i,xxv iiuic Lu it lixiii mey can dispose of. 21 The worthy children of .S'^ Tgnativ,, and the sons of St Vincent dc Paul in particular who know so well liow to • brini,^ up youth, do not cease to patronize it. The thought of their brothers in the priesthood em- ployed on missions, is constantly before them, to stimulate their ardor. They know that it belongs to them above all, to aid them, by associating their children in their labors. What a magnificent spectacle ! While the apostolical workers, after having left a!l, parents, friends, to evangelize infidel countries, other workers, brothers in the sacred ministry, organize an army of young crusaders to succour them It is catholicity in what is purest and most amiable, rising as a single man, to reach a generous hand to bar barism and infidelity ! Such beautiful dispositiouL, and such noble sentiments are divided among the houses of education. Under the active and persevering impulse of those souls devoted to the most precious portion of the country, the Holy Cluldhood makes rapid progress. It is, who will do most, who will have \hfi nicest feasts, who will present the largest collec- tion. Thus while the parents by a larger ofiering, that of the Propagation of the Faith, concur to propagate the Gospel and civilization at the same time, the children by an offering more modest, but not less worthy of heaven that of the Holy Childhood, work to open for a number of abandoned children, a road to eternal happiness; and by that means render to God and to religion a just tribute of gratitude. In what houses is such devotedness inspired where the most holy thoughts are changed into the most touching acts of charity? They are those houses which hold the first rank in education, those which are the firm sup- port of the countiy, and the sweetest hope of religion. It is on one side the colleges of the Jesuits ; the seminaries of the Lazarists, the schook and academies of the Brothers of the Christian Doctrine, the academies of the Franciscan Brothers, &c. It is on the other side the convents of the Visitation, the Sacred Heart, the Ursulines, the boarding- schools of the Sisters oi Notre Dame, the schools and aca- demies of the Sisters of Our Lady of Loretto, of the Holy Cross, of St. Joseph, of the Presentation, of the Precious Blood, of Mercy, the Franciscans, the Dominicans, and even the o/^7ia?t as^/Zwms of the Sisters of Charity, &c. What charming emulation among those pious asylums! Without ever seeing each other the angels of these terres- trial abodes, hear and understand each other, and act to- gether. From all hearts rise the same raptures of love, from all purses fall treasures that seem never to be ex- hausted. Oh it is the burning breath of Catholicism ani- mating those souls. It is there they desire from the bottom of their hearts, what their lips repeat every day : Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed he thy name thy kingdom come, thy will he done on earth as it is in heaven ! ^ "hariU est bienfaisante.— {I. Cor. ia,i.) ANSWEE TO SOME DIFFICULTIES. We are asked perhaps how, in the midst of this general enthusiasm and eagerness to receive and propagate the Jio% Childhood, there are still some generous hearts who have not adopted this liberal work. It is because they are hindered by pretended difficulties which are in reality but phantoms. We are not rich they say ; we have other works ■ we are afraid to do harm to the Propagation of the Faith] we have no time ; we find difficulties ; we receive no en- couragement; we do not like to assist strange missionaries we do not find constancy enough. A word in answer t.o these objections, and we will see them disappear of them- selves. 24 "We are not rich !— But is it necessary to be rich to belong to the Holy Childhood f What do we ask ? A COPPER each month, with a Hail Mary every day. What child so poor but is able to fulfil these conditions ? We see orphans every day who do not miss them, and if the poor child can, why cannot the rich ? We have other works !— Very well, but is the Iloly Childhood an obstacle? On the contrary have we not seen, and do we not see daily that in place of charity abat- ing, it only increases. You are afraid it will take a few farthings from you ; but have you forgotten that it is written : G-ive and it loill he given to you. Was it not for following this counsel that the widow of SarejJta saw her house filled with abundance. We fear to harm the Propagation of the Faith ! But is it not a fact that is proved, that where the Holy Childhood is most honored, the Propagation of the Faith obtains also the greatest success. Let us compare their figures. And how could it be otherwise. The Holy Childhood is addressed to a different class of persons; it addresses children, while the Propagation of the Faith addresses itself to adults. Again are these two works distinct ? Have they not the same end ? You cannot then like the Propagation of the Faith without liking the Holy Childhood. We have no time !— And what time does the Holy Childhood require ? Is it not the collectors placed at the head of sections that do all ? A few words from time to time to encourage them and no more. Can we ask less ? But if more were required who would dare exclaim against 25 it ? We are yet to find a person who regrets the time given to the Holy Childhood. We find difficulties !— So much the better; it is the character of the works of God. What work has not got them ? If the Holy Childhood never found any, we would fear for it. And since there are difficulties must we des- pond? Is it not a reason why we should have more courage? What would become of the infidels, if the missionaries would allow themselves to be overcome by obstacles ? We receive no encouragement.— Is it on the part of children that this encouragement is wanting? It is your place to stimulate them. Is it on the part of parents ? Can you not gain them? Of all works it has the greatest empire over the hearts of parents. Is it on the part of pastors ? Overcharged as they are with occupations, can they always give to the Holy Childhood the time that is necessary ! for the rest, is not the approbation of the Pope and Bishops sufficient ? We do not like to assist foreign missionaries ! Are there any such for the children of God ? And who deserves more compassion than those unfortunate children exposed to perish for time and eternity. We do not like to as- sist strange missionaries. What would have become of ourselves if we had not been assisted ? What would be- come of the missionaries if we thought of keeping the money of the Propagation of the Faith for ourselves instead of sending it to its destination ? We do not like to assist strange missionaries. He who could speak thus is only a nominal catholic. 26 We do not find constancy enough! — But what work can sustain itself equally throughout and not need being reanimated. In the accomplishment of our own duties, do we not feel that we require to be reanimated, zeal is cooling I Let us revive it, and indeed means are not wanting. One time it is a lottery, at another it is a FEAST, while at another it is a drawing for baptismal names. Let us own that when there is question of a work that saves each year more than three hundred thousand children, there is no plausible motive, in these pretended difficulties, capable of stopping us. s t L'aumone dMivre dup4chi et de la mort.--{36b 4, 11.) PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. 1. Who can belong to the Society of the Holy Childhood 1 All catholics so long as they fulfil themselves or cause to be fulfilled by others the prescribed conditions. 2. What are the prescribed conditions of the Holy Childhood? The conditions prescribed by the Holy Childhood are, to gire six pence a year, and to say a Hail Mary every day, with this invocation : Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph pray for us, and for the little infidel children. 3. To whom are these collections remitted ? 28 The associates hand their subscriptions to a head, called a collector ; this collector gives them to a director, who sends them to the Council of the Institate by means of correspon- dents. 4. How can they send this money ? They can send this money by express, if it is in gold or silver, by letter if it is in bank bills, but always after having taken care to have a receipt delivered for it. 5. When should they send the money ? They can send it at any time, but it is always better to wait until there is a considerable sum so as not to multiply the cost. 6. jlt whose expense are those charges of the Institute incurred, ? The cost for the conveyance of money and annals, as also that of the letters, having been incurred by the Institution rests on its account, and we take note of it. 7. To whom should we address ourselves to have the Annals, Pictures, Medals, ^c. ? To have the Annals, &c., we address the correspondents to whom we sent the collections; the conveyance of the Annals is in proportion to the amount collected. N. B.— As it is difficult for the correspondents to send the Annals to the Directors number by number, it is the duty of the latter to keep them and distribute them one after the other. 8. What use should we make of the Annals, Pictures and Medals 1 The Annals are given to the collectors, who take care to read them, and to cause them to be read. We distribute them number after number. The pictures an,d medals, are given, if we prefer it, to the associates once for all, when they enter the Society. 9. What should we do with the objects that remain send which we do not use ? We can keep the objects in deposit until they are reclaimed, or send them to zealous persons who will make use of them to propagate the work= 10. How can tve propagate the ivorJc ? 29 We can propagate the work by speaking or writiug in its favor, and in circulating the Annals, and pictures among our acquaintances. 11. What are the best means to maintain the work ? It is to have good collectors who are exact in collecting the subscriptions of their Associates. It is to have a feast every year, as also a lottery, and a drawing for baptismal names, which animate their ardor. 12. In what does this feast j this lottery j and this drawing consist ? The feast can consist in a reception of new associates, and a general consecration to the Infant Jesus, with a collection ; the lottery is made by means of objects furnished by the children, or which are sent to them along with the Annals, and of which we keep a separate account. The drawingtakes place in the fol- lowing manner : twelve pieces of paper are placed in an urn, on three of them is written " Holy Childhood " the three of the dozen who get these papers, are those who gain, and they have the privilege of giving one of their baptismal names, to the infidel children. 13. Who can be invited to these interesting reunions ? ' The parents and friends of the Holy Childhood, can be in- vited to enhance the ceremony by their presence ; as also the directors ^f the children, if their occupations will permit. We then send a short account of the ceremony to the correspondents which they insert, if they wish, in the journals of the Institu- tion. med, m to F!Pl-BlrHp Mle est utile a tout.—{l Tim. 3, 16.) INDULGENCES GRANTED TO THE HOLY CHILDHOOD. I. PLENARY INDULGENCES. 1. From Christmas till the Presentation of Our Lord in the temple. 2. From the second Sunday after Easter till the end of the month of May. N. B.— This indulgence is applicable to the souls in Purgatory, and can be gained by assisting at a mass said for the institute; it can also be gained by children who have not yet made their first communion. 32 3. Also on the patronal feasts of the institute, the Presentation, the Holy Guardian Angels, St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Vincent de Paul, on condition of praying for the increase of the Holy Childhood. N. B.— These indulgences can be changed by the Bishops, and with their consent, by tlie Directors of the work, to other more favorable times. 4. On the anniversary of the baptism of the associates, and also by their father, mother, brothers and sisters. (AppUcable to the souls in Purgatory.) n. PARTIAL INDULGSNOES. 1. Indulgence of seven years to all the associates who on the feasts of the Institution receive solemn benediction, given accord- ing to the particular form. 2. Indulgence of a year to the members of the committee of the Institution for each reunion at which they assist. 3. Indulgence of forty days, for the associates, and promoters of the work. Each time that by word or action they augment, favor, or defend, the T^ious association and by it procure love of the Infant Jesus, and the salvation of souls. PRIVILEGES GRANTED TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION. Paculty for five years, with the consent of the ordinary, to bless medals, beads and statues of the Infant Jesus, as also medals, beads and statues of the Virgin Mary, with the apphcation of the ordinary indulgences, and even those of St. Bridget. SPIRITUAL ADVANTAGES. I. Eaeh month two masses in one of the twelve sanctuaries dedicated to Mary, or to the Holy Infancy of Our I/ord ; celebrated for the intention of the associates, especially of those who have not yet made their first communion, and of Christian mothers to obtain for them that all their children may Uve to receive the grace of taptism. II. Two masses yearly for the associates living or dead. D til m de hi E Travaillez comme un bon soldat de Jesus-Christ— {2 Tim. 1, 3.) TO THE ASSOCIATES OF THE HOLY CHILD- HOOD. Dear and kind little associates, Words are inadequate to congratulate, and at the sarne time thank you for all your exertions in favor of the ad- mirable Institution of the Holy Childhood. Each day, we know it, by our indefatigable correspon- dents, you contrive new means for augmenting the contents of your purses, to help more effectually your little infidel brothers. What a beautiful sight for heaven and earth ! How happy we are to offer you for example to the children of JUViYOpe 'in UTUiur u/ Tcunvinmv iiiz,i,T aiz,\xI / 34 Undonhtcclly you could not testify you gratitude to God in a more lovely manner. And ivhat do yon not owe to a God 80 good f If you are hlest with excellent parents^ worthy pastors, clever masters and able mistresses are you n/)t indchted to Him for all f But by thus endeavouring tA) make Him known and loved by His creatures you dis- charge your debt as far as it is in your power. You do more ; by such generous conduct you draw dmon on you and on the persons who arc dear unto you, new graces, new favours. And will not God bless children who already glorify Him, when others scarcely hnoiv Him f children who devote to the most noble of institutions, year9 which others pass in dissipation and frivolous amuse- ments. In short, beloved children, allow us to say it, in tlwse euil times, you are the hope of religion and society. What imleed should we not expect from children who thus early evince such charity ? How, after having manifested such admirable zeal when young, will you not still be the suptport of good works at a more advanced age? After having been the resources of brothers unfortunate and unknowny mil you not be the protectors of others nearer and dearer ? They who refuse to concur in a work the object of which is so noble, the destiny so sublime, little understand then their own interest and that of their country. As for you, be- hved children, esteem yourselves happy to be born in a c/mntry which has witnessed the foundation of the Holy Childhood, an institution the most interesting and perhaps the most wondcrfid of modern times. Consider yo^irselves still happier for having been called by Divine Providence to take part therein. For patrons ^ you have the eupremi^ 35 Head of the Church in the person of his v)orthj represen- t/itive, the entire episcopacy and all zeahus priests ; far brothers and confederates^ the most pious amiong christian children. Your conquests are conquests of peace. But, dear kind little friends, for hairts such as i/cnrrs, U w not sufficient to do good ; you must also engage others to do likewise. Not satisfied then with belonging to thcU aarmy which numbers soldiers all over the world, induce children, who are not members, to enrol themselves under its hvely standard. Turn to good account all the mil pretexts which can be alleged to ojypose you and others ! And when will you act in a more appropriate time 9 Th you not see that the harvest is rijye ! that numberless anm- trles are but waiting for the arrival of a missionary to emlyrace Christianity ! Even China, compelled by powerful bayonets, is throwing open its gates t and in wretched Syria, what ruins to repair. Courage then, my kind and dearly loved little associates. Strengthen your ranks, multiply your collections, and ixic- tory is ours, the triumph of truth over error j of life over death, of God over the devil. With a heart full of this hope also will we awail, through the medium of your zealous directors, ymir com- munications and your offerings. The Director of the Holy Childhood. ^iiiml P Tl tdmts ,,.i,n Hi