Bishop Buddy Scrapbook 1937 (3)

Though we may leave the question for a decision to coming gener- ations, it will not be amiss to review some of the spiritual and material benefits which resulted from or followed the advent of the Friars to California. Most all great achievements· are preceded by or ae:com- panied with annoyances either mental or physical or both. We can easily appreciate the feeling of homesickness the Friars experienced when they saw these barren fields, these lonely deserts, these rude Indian huts, these desolate and dreary wildernesses. Their thoughts went back to their lovely Spain, to the elegant and massive castles, to their firesides and happy homes. They arose from their sad reflec- tions of the task before them, "Aut vincere, Aut mori" wes emblazoned on their foreheads and they possessed the qualities which enable men to meet and overcome difficulties. The thought of winning souls to God gave them courage and strength and perseverance. Could they awaken from their graves and stand by Father Jaime's cross, they would see what has happened to their beloved California during these one hundred and seventy years. No other state in the union has paid allegiance to so many coun- tries, for over California has flown the flag of Russia, of Spain, of England, of Mexico, of France, of Argentine, of the Bear, anJ of the Stars and Stripes. Sixty cities and towns bear the names of their Saints or companions. In the rotunda of our National Capital stands the statue of their Leader. They have given us a unique style of architecture unknown to the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans. They are accredited with bringing the first orange tree to our shores. They would be amazed at the marvelous transformation of barren wastes into fields of orchards and alfalfa and clover. Oh, dear Padres, your work has not been in vain; your labors and sacrifices have merited and won the holy ambtiions of your dreams, "the saving of souls and the spread of the Gospel of Christ"; and while we stand with you in spirit by the cross, we can pluck a bud from the garden of your deeds, which will ever be an inspiration to us to follow along Christ's High- way, which the poetry of your faith named Camino Real. Your motto, "avise la fin" will ever be before our minds. "Old Mission Bells, Old Mission Bells, bring back, ring back old mission times. "Say not that Serra sowed in vain; his work sdil stands and will remain." (Bells of Santa Inez-Father Vincent}. C. NORMAN RALEY, Priest of the Diocese of San Diego.

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