Prime Minister Welcomes Papal Legate at Reception
Prime Minister Welcomes Papal Legate at Reception
" Peace through Prayer " is theme at brilliant reception at Chateau
Only Christianity can save the world from doom in this era of the atom bomb Prime Minister King declared yesterday afternoon in an address of welcome to James Cardinal McGuigan, the official representative of Pope Pius at the Marian Congress.
Stressing the importance of the roll of Christianity in saving the world from destruction the prime minister developed a "peace through prayer' theme as he warned:
We stand today at the crossroads of the world. The release of atomic energy marks the opening of a new age. Whether the new era will be one of unprecedented progress in human welfare or of unparalleled destruction depends, more than all else on whether the affairs of nations are to be based on a Christian or a pagan philosophy
He continues: "If we cease to be Christian countries we are doomed . The atomic bomb will settle nothing. It can mean the end of everything.
Premier King welcomed the Papal Legate on behalf of the people of Canada at a brilliant reception at 5:15 at the Chateau Laurier
Relying on Canada
Cardinal McGuigan in replying to addresses of welcome by the premier, Mayor Lewis and Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent declared his holiness had instructed him to tell all at the Marian Congress that the Holy Father was counting greatly on Canada for the rebuilding of all things in Christ and the re-establishment of a confused and troubled world to a state of prosperous order.
The ceremony was one of the most colourful ever witnessed in Ottawa, with six cardinals, dozens of bishops, hundreds of members of parliament and senators present. All the age-old pageantry that the Catholic Church can lend to a formal occasion was blended with the pomp of ambassadors, the row on row of politicians, and completely surrounded by the lesser clergy, while leaders of Church and State had expressed their gratitude that the Marian Congress had come to Ottawa.
Ottawa, too was not overlooked, and Mayor Stanley Lewis in chains of office offered a common welcome to the brilliantly gowned hierarchy as well as the humble pilgrims who have come from all the continents, from the ends of the earth itself to worship God in Ottawa.
Presiding over it all like a super master of ceremonies was Archbishop Vachon the man who inspired the Marian Congress and who saw a great dream become a great reality yesterday.
Archbishop Vachon told the Citizen:
" First of all" he said, "I am grateful for your cooperation " Then he continued, " Things have gone very well, very well indeed.. I am most gratified."
Prayer and Welcome
Premier King's speech was a prayer as well as a welcome. He quoted the apostle James who proclaimed that "Prayer without works is dead" While making it plain that he was a continuing Presbyterian, the Prime Minister pointed out that "unless we have the spirit of brotherhood and that spirit is made to prevail among nations, there is no hope for a lasting peace. "
Cardinal McGuigan, who is also the special Legate of Pope Pius at the Marian Conference, was quick to support the sentiments of the Prime Minister. What impressed many present was that his Eminence not only emphasized the religious aspect of the Congress, but he insisted that a loyal Church also encouraged a loyal Canadianism.
Quite apart from the speeches, the occasion glowed with colour. There were the papal knights with their full dress, replete with silk top hats and handling their swords in ritualistic style There were the bearded bishop from India, the swarthy prelate from Latin America.
You saw for instance rubbing shoulders with Pious Catholics, the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of British North America Col. Thomas Ashmore Kidd M.P.
Or it might have been the Tass Representative, former Colonel in the Red Army Col Simeon Shcherbatykh. Then too, Protestant clergy inadvertently got into groups of Catholics. For instance, Rev. George Extence formerly of Cushman Memorial Presbyterian Church walked just ahead of Archbishop Vachon and received many friendly smiles.
There were local personalities from all walks of life, ambassadors and high commissioners, from the British Dominions over the seas. Monsignor John D'Alton Primate of all Ireland was there with Father Quinn, having his first look at Ottawa and heading back to Eire tomorrow.
Hon. John J. Hearne, Eire High Commissioner was guiding the Archbishop and his secretary around. There was General Charles Foulkes, chief of staff, army and a lone figure in Khaki. Hon. Ray Atherton, United States Ambassador, Hon. Constantine Sekelarapoulo, Greek Ambassador and Hon. Alfredo Benavides, Ambassador for Peru, were among those noted.
There were John Bracken, Leader of the Opposition, and deputy ministers such as Dr. W.C. Clarke, Finance; Walter Woods, Veterans Affairs; Emmet Murphy, Public Works. There were coloured people from far away countries, inside and outside the empire.
Local figures like Herb McElroy, Controllers Gren Goodwin and E.A. Bourque were noted, as well as local members of Parliament, George McIlraith M.P. for Ottawa West and Jean Richard, M.P. Ottawa east. For one who knew his official Ottawa, this was a most impressive turnout.
People remarked that they had never seen six cardinals all together before, never expected to see six together again. Many people live and die without seeing a cardinal. Yet the brilliant red roves of these princes of the Church further brightened a scene made already vivid by the presence of three dozen bishops and archbishops.
Opened by Archbishop
The gathering which had convened in the main ballroom of the Chateau Laurier came to order when Archbishop Vachon in a brief speech both in French and in English welcomed the visitors. He then called upon the Prime Minister to speak. Mr. King said:
" Your Eminence, ladies and gentlemen:
I thank his excellency, the archbishop of Ottawa for inviting me to be present and to say a few words at this reception in honour of his Eminence Cardinal McGuigan, Papal Legate to the Marian Congress which is now being held in the Capital of Canada. You Excellency's invitation affords me an opportunity not only to extend a special welcome to his Eminence but also to welcome to Ottawa the other distinguished Prelates who have come from many countries as well as from many parts of our own country.
" Cardinal McGuigan will not need to be reminded of the cordiality of the approval with which, a little over a year ago his fellow citizens of all religious denominations in all parts of our country received the announcement of his appointment to the College of Cardinals- the first cardinal in English speaking Canada. Today, his Eminence will perhaps allow me to congratulate him as having been designated as Papal Legate to the present great Congress of his Church in Canada. This further recognition of the place Cardinal McGuigan holds in his Church will also be warmly welcomed by his fellow countrymen.
" Last week Canada was honoured with a visit from the President of the United States of America. It was the visit of a good and friendly neighbor. In his address to the Members of parliament the president spoke particularly of the interests which our two countries have in common. Above all, Me. Truman stressed the need at this time for nations everywhere to unite in seeking to build and maintain an enduring peace. He reminded us that peace, like freedom was one and indivisible, that the wellbeing of each nation is bound up in the security of all. These sentiments were warmly applauded by those who listened to them. They found an echo in the hearts of the people in all parts of Canada.
From Many Countries
" The visit of our president to our capitol a week ago was the visit of a leading representative of a great State from a single country. Today we welcome leading representatives of an ancient Church from many countries. Our distinguished visitors have come to Canada to participate in a vast religious gathering which has as a main purpose, prayer for peace throughout the world. In prayer for peace, men and women of all faiths can join together. If there is any aspiration which men and women of all nations share today, it surely is that peace may become the common possession of all.
"With Tennyson I firmly believe
"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of ...
For what are men better than sheep or goats
that nourish a blind life within the brain
If, knowing God they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God
Watchful eye needed
Having spoken of the efficacy of prayer, I should perhaps say a word about something else which is essential to the preservation of peace: that is the need to supplement prayer with action. I cannot do better than to recall the words of the Apostle James , "faith without works is dead" As one who had had some experience in government , may I say that in these critical times, " the watchful eye and the strong arm" are, I believe are more than necessary to protect us from injustice and wrong.
" In March last I was invited by members of the House of Commons and Senate who belong to the United Church to join in a welcome which they were extending to the newly elected Moderator of the United Church of Canada. The welcome took the form of a luncheon in one of the rooms of our Parliament Buildings . I was careful to let those present know that I was still a "continuing Presbyterian." At the same time I was anxious to assure them that I was at one with them in support of the crusade which their church was undertaking to have men and women of Canada, and of other countries as well affirm anew the fundamental ideals of Christianity. What I said on that occasion I would like to repeat this afternoon.
Cross Roads of World
We stand today at the cross roads of the World. The release of atomic energy marks the opening of a new age. Whether the new era will be one of unprecedented progress in human welfare or of unparalleled destruction, depends more than all else on whether the affairs of nations are to be based on a Christian or a pagan philosophy. In many parts of the world under the strain and stress of two world wars, the spirit of Christianity has been crushed and its placed usurped by atheistic materialism This is a terrible menace. If we cease to be Christian countries we are doomed. The atomic bomb will settle nothing. It will be the end of everything. What mankind needs to learn is that ours is a moral , not a mechanical universe: that true progress will be made not through a material interpretation of life but through a spiritual. Unless we have the spirit of brotherhood and that spirit and that spirit is made to prevail among nations there can be no hope of lasting peace.
Centenary of Diocese
In concluding may I say to Archbishop Vachon, the citizens of Ottawa would find these few remarks in one particular if I would fail to remind all present that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the diocese over which you preside. You have undertaken a great task by seeking to mark this centenary by bringing to the capitol of Canada representatives of your Church from many countries. You are contributing to the ideal of human brotherhood by seeking to turn the minds of men towards the aspirations of peace.
"The common ground of Church and State is to the bringing into being of a World order based on Justice and Peace. In these times of social unrest and general disturbance throughout the world, a union of minds and forces in necessary to the accomplishment of this great end. The Marian Congress has chosen as its theme the restoration of peace and the security of nations against another world conflict. Whatever their political and religious affiliations may be, all men of good will can surely unite in seeking to further this mighty task."
Welcomed by Mayor
Mayor Stanley Lewis in a brief and effective speech welcomed the visitors, officially, as mayor, and said that the Marian Congress also gave the city a chance " to pay tribute to its beloved Canadian Cardinal, James Cardinal McGuigan."
He also paid tribute to Archbishop Vachon and he said that "of those who had brought great honour to the capital city, not the least of those was Ottawa's own Archbishop Msgr. Vachon. "Who initiated and sponsored the Marian Congress"
"Peace", he concluded "is the hope and prayer of a war weary world. I am happy to send a civic greeting to this great Marian Congress."
The privilege of welcoming the visitors in the French language went to Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent Secretary of State for External Affairs. He was enthusiastically applauded for his gracious speech.
Then came the time for the special delegate of the pope, His Eminence Cardinal McGuigan to speak. As he gathered his crimson robes around him, the whole conclave rose to a man, and did honour to Canada's first English speaking cardinal.
Papal Legate's reply
Cardinal McGuigan said:
"Mr. Prime Minister
"Your gracious welcome as head of the government of the Dominion of Canada, and the kind and noble sentiments to which you have given fitting expression , fill me with a sense of profound satisfaction and gratitude. The feeling will be shared by all Catholics who glory in their Canadian name and birthright, and I can say with confidence that they will give joy to the heart of our Holy Father Pope Pius XII who has wished to show his great affection and esteem for Canada by appointing a legate to represent his august person at this National Marian Congress which we have the happiness of holding in Ottawa. It is. I believe , because the Holy Father wished to identify himself in the closest possible way with Canada, that the sublime privilege of presiding as Legate in the Pope's name and with the Pope's authority over the solemnities of the Congress, has been conferred upon my unworthy self as a Canadian member of the Sacred College of Cardinals.
" The cordial reception you have given me as Apostolic Legate is but one of the many courteous services that the Dominion Government has rendered at the Congress in Ottawa. We rejoice in this attitude of hospitality and co-operation on the part of civil authorities because it shows that religion is held in public honour, that Canada enjoys those harmonious relations between Church and State which are proper to a Christian Country.
An Act of Worship
"The congress at which we are now assisting is essentially an act of public worship of Almighty God and of humble prayer to Him from whom all blessings flow and who holds in His hands the destinies of all nations.
We honour Mary because it is from her that the Eternal Son of God took human flesh and became man for man's salvation. It is her prerogative to be the Morning Star which heralds in the Son of Eternal Justice. She does not shine for herself or from herself but she is the reflection of her and our Redeemer, and she glorifies Him who became her Son. When she appears in the darkness we know that he is close at hand. He alone is the Alpha and the Omega the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
" Your own long experience in office, Mr. prime Minister, has given you an understanding, far above the ordinary of the difficulties and problems and dangers which now beset the nations of the world . You have expressed your appreciation of Christian conceptions as the basis as what is most valuable in civilization. I venture to believe that you will be disposed to concur with the thought that the Holy Father has directed me as his interpreter and, as he is pleased to say, as his voice at this Congress, to impress on the minds of all who listen. The Holy Father's message to this congress is that liberty is dependant on truth. The Holy Father quotes the Divine Word. Truth is the mother of liberty; truth is its light, its means, its glory. Liberty is not impunity in error or wrongdoing, it is a special gift of heaven by which man freely submits to the law of God and then becomes the architect of his own nobility and happiness.
A Sacred prerogative
"Liberty, subject to law, has ever been in a special manner the inspiring ideals of the English speaking peoples which has directed their political development. Our Canadian institutions have been notably successful in realizing this ideal which we do not regard in any sense as a paradox or a compromise , but as a natural unity.
Liberty is the sacred prerogative of the human person to reach it's divinely appointed end. and law, when it is according to reason , which makes it true law, is a statement of the means to that end. We cannot have the right ideas of liberty or of law unless we have the right ideas of the nature of man, and we cannot know the nature of man without reference to God, and when we know the nature of man, we know how indispensable is the help of God to keep Him in the way of moral progress and true peace.
Twin fires kindled
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's. Fear God, honour the king. These are the teachings of the Church, at all times and in all places. Catholic parents kindle the fires of religion and patriotism in the hearts of their children from earliest infancy. Canadian Catholics are proud of the influence that religion has exercised in the making of this nation; they are proud of the high place that Canada has attained among the nations of the world: their dearest ambition is to serve Canada: to make her advance in all that constitutes true greatness, and they are animated with the conviction that the service of God and the service of country cannot be separated without disaster.
"The supreme Pontiff, whose central and elevated position in the world and paternal solicitude for all peoples, are recognized by men of all creeds, has expressed in his letter to me his appreciation of the importance of Canada. He has instructed me to tell all at the Marian Congress he is counting greatly on Canada, so vigorous and flourishing in the present project of rebuilding all things in Christ, and repairing according to the law and the spirit of the gospel and of re-establishing a confused and troubled world in a state of prosperous order.
" As Legate of the Holy Father, I thank you Mr. Prim Minister, for your generous good will and sympathy in this work we have undertaken for God and Country.