USA > Kansas > Rawlins County > Beardsley > Souvenir commemorating the dedication of St. John's Church, Beardsley, Kansas, May 31st, 1917 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
27
old, entered the Jesuit order in Rome in 1585. Away from the noise and the temptations of the world, he wished to serve God as a priest, and accordingly he took up the studies which pre- pare for this state.
In 1591 the pestilence raged in Rome and caused death to tens of thousands. The Jesuits arranged a hospital, in which many sufferers were cared for. The young seminarian reques- ted his superior, that he may also be allowed to attend the sick. On account of his delicate constitution his superiors con- sented to the noble wish only after repeated requests. Several fellow-brethren had already become victims to their charitable work; and the tender body of Aloysius could also not resist the sickness for any length of time; he was infected by the disease and after suffering for 3 months he died a victim of charity to- wards his plague-stricken countrymen. He died yet in 1591 at the age of 23.
St. Aloysius is like St. Stanislaus a patron for the young people. Both are eloquent proofs that it is possible for the young to lead pure and pious lives, even in the world, but they admonish us also that this is possible only for those, who do not expose themselves to its temptations and dangers.
SIXTH SOUTH WINDOW: ST. AGNES.
The life of St. Agnes, like that of St. Cecilia, recalls to us those dreadful times of the first three centuries, when it was a crime to be a Christian. Paganism, hideous worship of idols, was the religion of the state. A person could not buy, draw water or appear before court, without professing paganism in some manner; a Christian was placed before the alternative, either to deny holy faith or give up his life. Millions of Chri- stians prefered death to the shameful practice of paganism, even though they had to end their life amidst fearful tortures. These sad conditions lasted in the Roman empire with smaller interruptions until 313, when Constantine the Great gave freedom to the Christian worship.
St. Agnes was likewise a victim of the terrible persecu- tions of the early Christians. She lived towards the close of these sad times; her death is recorded in the begining of the fourth century. Agnes was about 13 years old when she was brought before the Roman court to profess paganism. Most flattering promises were made to her, if she would deny the Christian faith, but she remained firm to the teaching of Christ. When all endeavors to change the maiden's conviction proved to be in vain, she was condemned to death, as countless
28
brave Christians had suffered it before her. The executioner was moved by pity and hesitated to behead the young maiden, standing before him in angel-like serenity, but Agnes bowed courageously to receive the stroke that was to end her life.
The young saint is usually represented as carrying a lamb upon her arms, which she presses fondly to her heart. This lanib is a symbol of the youthful purity and innocence, in which Agnes died ; being only about 13 years old when she was executed.
Since she was nevertheless so firm in her holy faith, that no threats and no promises could influence her, she serves in- deed as an earnest model of holy resoluteness, which we ad- mire all the more in her, a young maiden of only 13 years.
FIRST CENTRE PANEL: MITRE AND KEYS.
The first centre panel begining from the sanctuary shows the Papal ensign, a triple mitre with two keys. The triple mitre signifies the threefold dignity of the Pope as the highest tea- cher, priest and pastor of the Catholic Church. The keys point to a special gift, with which he is endowed as the spiritual ru- ยท ler of the Church; it is the gift of infallibility; and since this word is sometimes misunderstood, it shall be briefly explained in these lines.
When speaking of the infallability of the Pope we mean to say, that the Pope as the supreme head of the Catholic Church can neither change the teaching of Jesus Christ, nor misunder- stand the true meaning of what He has commanded or forbid- den to us to attain eternal salvation. This is a most important gift of the Pope; because Jesus Christ has revealed His doc- trine for all mankind. However, in order that all generations to come might have occasion to learn the doctrine which Jesus declared to His listeners as the only means of salvation, He conferred upon His Church and her supreme ruler the gift of infallability which enables him to discern and teach the truth in matters of faith and morals, thus preserving the doctrine of Christ in its original identity for all times. Christ said to St. Peter, the supreme head of the newly established Church : "Thou art Peter, a rock, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her." However, if the Pope could at any time err in his teaching, the promise of Jesus would have failed, the Evil Spirit would have overcome the Church, and the gates of hell really prevailed against her.
We have indeed also the Holy Bible, which contains most
29
of Christ's teachings; however, it contains neither all doc- trines, nor are its actual sacred contents expressed so plainly, as to be clear to every one. It must be said of this book to this very day, what the servant of the queen of Ethiopia said to St. Philipp : "How can I understand unless someone show me ?" And the many religious denominations, which originated since Martin Luther began to teach the principle of the private in- terpretation of the Holy Bible, are the sad proof; all claim to draw their teachings from the Bible, nevertheless they differ in many and essential articles, so that it would be blasphemous to say that all these conflicting explanations of the Bible were inspired by God.
How necessary, therefore, that there be a supreme tea- cher, who with infallible certainty proclaims the teaching of Jesus, defends truth against error and solves any possible doubts ! It is the Holy Father, the Pope; the keys of his infalli- bility will ever disclose to us the treasury of the true faith, and if we conscientiously follow it, they will once open to us the kingdom of heaven.
SECOND CENTRE PANEL: LAMB RESTING UPON A BOOK.
The painting in this panel represents a lamb resting upon a book and apparently holding a banner with the sign of the cross. This lamb is a symbol of Jesus Christ. The lamb was considered a type of the Messiah throughout the Old Law. This connection took its origin from the Paschal Lamb, which the Jews killed and prepared annually since their deliverance from the bondage of the Egyptian kings.
When Pharao would not allow them to leave, as he had been repeatedly requested, God sent an angel to kill all the first-born in the land of Egypt in punishment for such tyran- ny. The Jews, however, had been instructed to mark their door-posts with the blood of a lamb. The Angel of death went through the villages and cities of Egypt and struck all the first-born of the Egyptians with sudden death, whereas at the homes of the Israelites, marked with blood, he graciously pas- sed by. We know, that this terrible event brought about the de liverance of the Jews from the bondage of the Egyptians. From this year the anniversary of these miraculous events was observed as a feast-day for which a lamb was prepared just as on the day, when they left Egypt. This feast was called the Pasch, and the lamb, the Paschal lamb, which was afterwards always looked upon as a type of the Messiah. It was fortold
30
that "He would be led to the slaughter as a sheep, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer"; the Messiah would be killed and shed His blood for the sins of mankind, thereby de- livering us from the bondage of the Evil Spirit and eternal death, as the Jews found safety from death by the blood of the Paschal Lamb. Hence the God-inspired precursor, St. John, when beholding Jesus, exclaimed : "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him, who taketh away the sins of the world"; and his words are repeated in the Church to this very day.
The lamb on our painting appears as lying upon a book and holding a banner with a cross; this book, of which we read in the Revelation of St. John, refers to the book of life, con- taining the sins of mankind. And the Paschal Lamb of the New Law, that is, Jesus Christ, has died for the sins of the world, thereby making atonement for them and wining a victory over the powers of sin and hell; of this victory upon the cross the banner with the sign of the cross is the significant emblem. Eternal thanks and praise to the Lamb of God for such infi- nite mercy and love towards mankind.
THIRD CENTRE PANEL: STAR.
Ever since that miraculous star led the three Magi to the poor cradle of the Saviour of the world, it has remained of special religious significance as the star of our holy faith. To many this star has appeared in early infancy already, to others it became visible only in later years. And as the heavenly light in Holy Scripture led the Magi to Jesus, so holy faith draws us to the places, where He still abides to this very day; they are the Catholic churches, which Jesus Christ has chosen as His special dwellings here on earth, where we may visit Him and open our heart before Him.
Especially on Sundays the star of holy faith invites us to visit our Lord in His churches, to speak to Him in devout pra- yer, and meditate upon the sacred truths, which He has taught while here on earth; we partake in the holy sacrifice of Mass, which is the mysterious renewal of the sufferings and death of Jesus for the redemption of the world; during our visits in church we finally apply to ourselves the graces, which the death of Jesus has made accessible to us, by receiving the holy sacraments, which He instituted for our sanctification.
Besides the Sundays the Church has in the course of time, introduced a number of feast-days in honor of our divine Sa- viour, which picture to us His holy life in the most touching manner; we are here always reminded again, how the gentle
31
Saviour went about doing good to everyone, even though it would require a miracle; so that also now no one need be a- fraid to appear before Him and implore His aid.
We have also feast-days in honor of such, who have in an extraordinary manner distinguished themselves in following the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and who have thereby become saints. Such feasts recall to our mind their virtuous lives, they remind us, that the saints have lived in the same world, as we are now, that they were exposed to the same, if not to greater trials and difficulties as we are, so that we see plainly, if they in spite of all this could attain such high virtue and holiness, we can also lead edifying and pious lives, if we only have the resolute will to do so. All this we learn in our churches, and the star of holy faith invites us together, just as it led the Magi to the first dwelling of the Saviour of the world; thus this world and follow His teaching, and if we faithfully per- serve, it will lead us to His heavenly abode.
FOURTH CENTRE PANEL: CROSS, ANCHOR AND HEART
These three objects point to the three divine virtues : faith, hope and charity. The cross signifies holy faith; in this connection we find the cross prefigured in the Old Law by the pole with the brazen serpent, which Moses at the command of God erected in the desert, when many of his people were killed by the bite of poisonous snakes, whoever was bitten and looked upon the brazen serpent was saved from death. This pole with the brazen serpent is a type of the cross in the New Law, upon which Jesus was raised and died for the salvation of man. St. John refers to this when he says: "As Moses lifted up the ser- pent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believith in Him, may not perish but have life ever- lasting". By the death of Jesus superabundant graces have been merited for us, that by the conscientious use of them, which is practical faith in Jesus, we may not be hurt by the bite of the infernal serpent, but be saved for life everlasting.
Such faith must be combined with firm hope, which is re- presented by the anchor. The anchor is, as we know, used by the sailors to hold a ship at a safe place and to prevent storms from carrying it away upon the wild sea. Hence the very na- ture of the anchor makes it an expressive emblem of hope and trust in God. St. Paul was the first to express the similarity when writing that we have hope set before us, as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, and he means hope for eternal salva- tion. The first Christians likewise carved the anchor frequent-
32
ly upon their monuments as an expression of their hope in a blessed life, beyond the grave. Also during life hope is like an anchor, which will prevent the storms of their life from ruin- ing the ship of our soul, it is our safety in sickness, in need and in disappointment until we happily reach the harbor of our eternal destination.
The heart on our painting signifies love of God; naturally already, the heart is the centre of love, in the heart are casted our affections and our wishes ; hence Jesus taught that we love Him from our whole heart. God is our creator, we owe to Him our life and we are dependent from Him for every hour of our life ; and He has destined us for an eternal happiness after this life ; hence to God should belong our innermost affections, our mind should be frequently occupied with the thought, that God is ever present to us ; religious subjects should be interest- ing for us in our conversation, the law of God the rule for our life and the principles for our actions. The whole painting ex- presses therefore the noblest and highest affections and ac- tions, of which man is capable, pointing to his relation with God, as his creator and final end.
FIFTH CENTRE PANEL: A TRIANGLE.
This picture may at first sight seem to be somewhat strange, but at closer examination it is found to have a deep meaning. It shows a large triangle, the angles of which ending each in a circle with the Bohemian names of the three divine persons respectively : "Father, Son, Holy Ghost". The double lines combining the three circles, bear the Bohemian inscrip- tion : "is not", so that the sentences are formed: "The Father is not the Son", "the Son is not the Holy Ghost", "the Holy Ghost is not the Father". In the centre of this triangle another circle appears, containing the word "God"; from this circle, a double line, bearing the word "is", leads to each of the three other circles, so that the sentences appear: "The Father is God", the Son is God", "the Holy Ghost is God". The picture is, therefore, a symbolical representation of the Most Blessed Trinity, an as far as we can picture this divine mystery to our- selves.
All nature proclaims, that it has been created at some time, and that by some being, existing before the universe. This being we call God, the creator of the world; and every one, who is not blinded by pride or prejudice, believes in Him and considers the world as His work. Positive revelation, how- ever, teaches us furthermore, that this creator of the universe
33
was not alone, but that there were from all eternity three bearers and owners of the nature of God, distinct from one another by their personality, they are the three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; but they have all three one and the same nature, the nature of God; there is therefore one God in three persons; this truth is a mystery for us, we cannot fanthom it; however we know it to be true, since Jesus Christ taught it to us. Looking about us, we find many ordina- ry laws in nature, which we do not understand, but neverthe- less believe and observe ; hence it is but logical, that we bow in reverence and faith to the mystery of our God in three per- sons. The fact, that Christ has revealed it, is sufficient reason for us to believe it, and our mind can furthermore under- stand, that the doctrine does not contain anything contradicto- ry ; as to further reasoning the devout beliver in God realizes, that to fully comprehend Gods nature, we would need a mind as penetrating, as keen and great, as is God's own infinite mind.
On the contrary, we should be thankful, that He revealed Himself only to a small degree, lest our mind be completely overcome with His infinite greatness and majesty, as our eye is dazzled when trying to look into the sun. However, what we know of God is sufficient for men of good will, to learn their relations towards Him, love Him and long to be forever united with Him in heaven.
SIXTH CENTRE PANEL: LYRE.
This emblem is painted above the gallery ; it is to turn the observer's attention to the purpose for which the gallery serves ; this place is reserved for the exercise of sacred music during divine services.
Music, vocal as well as instrumental, has a very important part in the church. It is especially the organ which, besides vocal music, is used in practically every Catholic church at the solemn religious functions. Accompanied by the sublime peals the singers should add their part to the divine worship; they are, as it were, to imitate the angels and saints in heaven, of whom we read in Holy Scripture, that they sing the praise of God. The grand text of many prayers, used at the solemn services, are associated with music, so that they bring forth in a still stranger manner, the sentiments of the sacred functions, brighten and increase their solemnity, thus making them all the more like to the sublime worship which the angels and saints offer to God in heaven.
34
It is evident, that such grandeur of sacred music exercises a powerful influence upon the devout worshippers assembled in church ; and this is the second object, for which music is em- ployed in church. The prayers, thus expressed in the thrilling language of music, tend to raise the hearts of the congrega- tion above the things of this world to the lofty heights of hea- ven, penetrate them vividly with the meaning and intention of the sacred functions, thus aiding them also to a deeper under- standing of them. In consequence, the faithful will partake at the religious services all the more piously, feel greater spiri- tual joy and relish for religion in general, raise their soul more readily to God in fervent prayers, and hence derive the greater spiritual benefit from their visits to the house of God.
Sacred music has, therefore, assuredly very sublime ob- jects ; and every parishioner, to whom God has given musical talents, should consider it an honor, to use them for the in- crease of the solemnity and splendor at divine worship and the edification of the faithful.
FIRST NORTH PANEL: EMBLEM OF THE "CATHOLIC WORKMAN."
This painting shows the emblem of the organization called "the Catholic Workman", to which many of the parishioners belong. The purpose of the society is to assist its members in time of material need, visit and support them in time of sick- ness and help to provide for the widows and children of its de- ceased members. Furthermore it is the aim of the "Catholic Workman" to preserve and foster among the members practi- cal faith, by requiring of all the express promise, to conscien- tiously fulfill the various duties of holy religion.
The society is placed under the patronage of St. Joseph ;for this reason its emblem appears above the side altar dedicated to this saint, as a sign that our members wish to consecrate themselves to him and choose him as their model for their dai- ly life. To his honor they also receive the holy sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist on or about his feast-day.
From all this it is clear, that the society of the Catholic Workman has high ideals; its main principle being, that our Lord's great commandment of love towards God and the neigh- bor be fulfilled among its members. They bind themselves by a special promise to practice towards one another works of Christian charity, in temporal and spiritual lines. The society tends to banish more and more of this selfishness, which con- cerns itself only about its own comfort, and to create greater
35
friendship and true sympathy towards the needs and suffer- ings of its fellow-members; thereby making life in general more pleasant and cheerful. In the spiritual line the members pledge themselves to give a good example in fulfilling the du- ties of holy religion, to correct lax members in true fraternal charity and remind them of the earnestness and importance of holy faith.
What more appropriate model could they have chosen in their noble endeavors, than St. Joseph, the foster-father of Je- sus ? The very position and vocation of St. Joseph is eloquent proof of his love towards God and his personal holiness, since he was continually united in familiar company with Jesus, the source of all holiness ! He is at the same time also a shining ex- ample of true charity towards his fellow-men, because all his cares and labors for his foster-child Jesus were borne only in consideration of our salvation, which was prepared in the little cottage at Nazareth.
Hence the society of the Catholic Workman, which in so many zealous ways works for the true welfare of its members. is indeed deserving of our respect and hearty recommendation, that it may always grow in membership and preserve faithful- ly its high ideals.
SECOND NORTH PANEL: SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
Every Catholic is familiar with the picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; flames of fire are breaking forth from it, and a crown of thorns surrounds it; also the wound is visible, which the lance of the soldier inflicted to it, when Jesus hung upon the cross, and drops of blood seem to be trickling from the opening.
This picture reminds us of Christ's infinite love towards mankind, this divine love is expressed on the picture by the flames of fire. This love was the motive for all that Jesus did and suffered for us; it prompted Him to leave the glory of heaven and come upon the earth to point out to us again the road to our eternal destination; man had gone astray amidst the sins and vices of the world and had made himself very un- happy ; Jesus however, teaches the holy truths which will bring peace to man's heart again. Peace, rest, happiness, lasting hap- piness, these were the gifts, for which man's heart was long- ing and sighing, Christ offers them saying: "Peace I leave un- to you, my peace I give unto you".
It was sin, that robbed man of this heavenly peace, Jesus came to restore it by satisfying for sin; He gave up His very
36
life and blood offering it to His heavenly Father as atonement for sin. Upon the cross His heart, throbbing for us in infinite love was truly pierced by a lance in continual, touching me- mory for all of us, that out of love for us He shed His very heart-blood. The crown of thorns about the heart on the pi- cture reminds us of the crown of thorns, which was pressed upon the head of Jesus ; in general however it points to all the pains and insults inflicted upon Jesus, and borne by Him out of love towards us.
This picture of the Sacred Heart is therefore a most touch- ing object for our meditation; we find three vividly described God's love towards man; His works of penance, His wander- ings after the erring sheep and the final death of the Good Shepherd for His flock. How earnestly does this picture also exhort us, to show ourselves thankful for such great love of the Sacred Heart! We will show our acknowledgement in the best manner, when we endeavor by a pious life to preserve in our soul the peace and grace, which Jesus merited for us, thereby we will also secure for ourselves eternal peace and rest after our death.
THIRD NORTH PANEL: NATIVITY GROUP.
This painting is the first of a series of pictures, pointing to the redemption of the world and its application to the indi- vidual Christian. We are here reminded of that ever memor- able night, in which our blessed Lord Jesus Christ came into this world for its redemption; it shows to us the humble crib, which served as a cradle for the divine Infant; the Blessed Virgin mother Mary and St. Joseph are kneeling beside the crib and offering the first homage to the sacred child Jesus.
This picture is most dear to every one of us, and we never become weary beholding it and meditating upon the sacred truths, of which it speaks to us. We derive from it continually new hope, new joy and new courage; for these three holy per- sons remind us of the merciful way, how Jesus wished to raise mankind again from the misery, which sin had brought upon it. He became a little child; and what is more lovely than a child ; there is nothing about Him to excite fear in us, nothing to indicate that a judge had come to severely punish the sins of mankind; no, this lovely child does not even seem to think of our sins ; His very first message, sent out by the lips of angels, is one of kindness, of grace to all men of good will, that men might without fear approach His crib, learn to know and love Him and become familiar with Him, who wished to adopt us as His brethren.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.