These are but a few instances of the hundreds of ways which may be employed by enlightened teachers who hold it to be their main duty and highest privilege to make their pupils know and love their religion. A Catholic school is not worthy of the name if religious instruction is not imparted therein as thoroughly and attractively as possible, "all the teaching being interpenetrated with faith, all colored by its light." If we really vivify all our lessons in Church history, making use of such illustrative helps-picture, map and story-as will arouse and sustain interest, our pupils will leave our schools with the most pleasant memories of these instructions, recalling not only the facts they have learned, but the never-failing enthusiasm of the teacher. Though they have but an elementary knowledge of this important subject, they will be able to deny some of the more common accusations against the Church and cite authority for their denial, to admit other charges and explain as the result of human weakness or secular interference those scandals which occurred as our divine Lord had foretold. Pupils who have been thus instructed will, if reproached with the ignorance and disorders of the "Dark Ages," have something to say in defence of "the Popes who converted and civilized the wild barbarian. hordes that rushed in from the North on the decaying Roman Empire; who covered Europe with churches, cathedrals, colleges, universities and beneficent institutes for every case of misery; who saved Europe from the Turks; who, above all, upheld the light of faith with undimmed splendor in every age." Only let our teachers be animated by the spirit of their vocation, let their minds be full of this subject of Church history, let them begin early to teach it; and the work will be doneoften unconsciously-and done for all time; for a true enthusiasm for the history of religion will be awakened; and-what is of the highest importance in these days when the world is flooded with irreligious and demoralizing literature-a love will be enkindled for Catholic reading, which will imbue the mind with the principles of Christian philosophy, captivate the heart. with a love for virtue, and insensibly draw the soul to higher and higher levels.

Should worldly motives cause some of these children, despite our best efforts, to go astray, to deny our Lord before men by abandoning the practice of their holy religion, we can be consoled by the reflection that we have done all in our power to hold them to their Faith, and by the hope that they will some day return to the religion that they have once known and loved.

DEAF-MUTE SECTION

PROCEEDINGS

FIRST SESSION

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2:30 P. M.

The Rev. F. A. Moeller, S. J. called the meeting to order and directed attention to the privileges recently granted by our Holy Father to the deaf, and to all those who in any way devote themselves to their welfare.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer, Rev. S. Klopfer, having presented his report, read a paper entitled "Caring for the Deaf in St. John's Institute, St. Francis, Wis." An interesting discussion followed the reading of this very instructive paper.

As the result of suggestions received in the course of the year the following topics were submitted by the President to the consideration of the members: Uniformity in Signs, A Uniform Catechism, The Oral and the Sign Methods of Instruction, Backsliders and How to Recover Them.

Adjournment then followed.

SECOND SESSION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 9:30 A. M. This session was mainly occupied in the consideration of two topics: First, the President submitted, as the result of observation and study on the part of experts, a basis of calculation on which to estimate the number of deaf-mutes in each diocese; secondly, the adoption of ways and means for best securing uniformity in signs which are intended to convey religious knowledge.

Towards the close of the session the members were honored by a visit from His Excellency, the Apostolic Delegate, who encouraged the efforts and blessed the labors of the conference. The session then adjourned.

THIRD SESSION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2:30 P. M.

The President announced the appointment of the Revs. Thomas A. Galvin, C. SS. R., S. Klopfer and P. M. Whelan as a Committee on Resolutions.

The Rev. Michael A. Purtell, S. J. read a paper on "Caring for Deaf-Mutes in Baltimore." In the discussion which followed, the conference advocated the desirability of seminarians and novices acquiring a knowledge of signs, with the view of promoting the spiritual welfare of the deaf. The question, why there are not more Catholic teachers in the State schools, was also discussed.

The Rev. Timothy B. Barrett, S. J. addressed the conference on "The Moral Responsibility of the Deaf." His remarks were very valuable and of great practical utility to those engaged in the education of the deaf.

The meeting then adjourned.

FOURTH SESSION

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 9:30 A. M. On the motion of Rev. Thomas A. Galvin, C. SS. R., seconded by Rev. Michael A. Purtell, S. J., the present officers— Revs. F. A. Moeller, S. J., S. Klopfer and P. M. Whelan-were unanimously re-elected.

A paper descriptive of the sad condition of our deaf-mutes and suggestive of motives well calculated to create and arouse a practical interest in their behalf was read by the Rev. Thomas A. Galvin, C. SS. R., before the large audience composing the Parish School Department. The title of the paper was "A Call to Action."

The following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, In this the fourth year of our existence as the National Conference of Deaf-Mute educators, we rejoice at the evi

dences of activity displayed in certain places in behalf of our deaf; and

WHEREAS, We recognize that much remains to be done in this long-neglected portion of the vineyard; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the members of the Deaf-Mute Conference, humbly suggest,

First, That the Bishops of the country appoint a priest in their respective dioceses, to look after the welfare of the deaf.

Secondly, That on the eleventh Sunday after PentecostEphpheta Sunday-which our Holy Father, Pius X, has graciously appointed as the patronal feast of the deaf, a penny collection be taken up in every diocese; and

Thirdly, That there be appointed a National Bureau which shall have for its principal object the speedy establishment of Catholic schools for the deaf.

THOMAS A. GALVIN, C. SS. R.,
S. KLOPFER,

P. M. WHELAN,

Committee on Resolutions.

The meeting then adjourned.

P. M. WHELAN,

Secretary.

A translation is here given of a petition sent to the Holy Father, and the autograph letter of reply:

Most Holy Father:

According to the United States census, there are in that country 89,287 deaf, of whom there are, at least, about 17,000 of Catholic origin. I doubt, however, whether of all the deaf of Catholic parentage, 3000 have kept the Faith. Nearly all are losing the Faith in non-Catholic schools and missions. Alas, not a few of the Catholic deaf are engaged as Protestant ministers. No wonder! There are few priests capable of giving catechetical instruction to the deaf, or of disposing them at the hour of death for an act of contrition and the proper reception of the sacraments Would that there were a sufficient number of priests, Sisters and, especially, Brothers to take in hand the education of deaf children, particularly the boys!

In order that priests, Brothers, Sisters and others who are working for the salvation of the deaf may with greater joy, zeal and perseverance continue in the good work which is so necessary yet full of labors, may it please Your Holiness to grant: