Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
June 18, 1962
The Adak Sun
Adak, Alaska
What is this article about?
Chaplain's reflection on divine forgiveness, using Christ's example, Saint Maria Goretti's prayer for her murderer, and President William McKinley's plea not to harm his assassin after the 1901 shooting at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, to urge avoiding feuds and offenses.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM"
To err is human; to forgive is divine, reads the old adage. Christ's forgiveness is always divine, His charity all encompassing.
There are wars not waged between countries or factions, but in our very midst. Among those who have once been friends, some real or fancied wrong has disrupted a sacred tie. These persons are now enemies. Even in families we find some of the members at odds with the others. Always, these feuds arise from inconsiderable causes, in comparison with Christ's wrong and He forgave!
In our day, a little Italian Girl, Maria Goretti furnishes the example of this forgiveness, as, on her death-bed, she prayed for her murderer, wishing for him a place in heaven, won through repentance and amendment.
Among other saints there are many examples of this Christ-like spirit, no matter how grievous the wrong has been.
On the afternoon of September 6, 1901, a public reception was in progress at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. It was being held in honor of a distinguished guest and amidst a great throng of his admirers and well-wishers.
A long line of visitors passed before him. To each he gave his hand, with a benign smile and a murmured greeting.
Finally, a young man approached. But, instead of accepting the proffered hand, he drew from his sleeve a revolver and fired two shots into the figure before him. There came a dull thud of a body, falling to the floor, and the horrified screams of the onlookers.
Only those closest to the wounded man heard the words he murmured, as he pointed to the assassin, held by several men.
"Don't let them hurt him!" he said.
A few days later, President William McKinley passed from earth.
Don't let us hurt any one of our fellow creatures. Most of all, don't let us offend Christ.
By Father Keefe
"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM"
To err is human; to forgive is divine, reads the old adage. Christ's forgiveness is always divine, His charity all encompassing.
There are wars not waged between countries or factions, but in our very midst. Among those who have once been friends, some real or fancied wrong has disrupted a sacred tie. These persons are now enemies. Even in families we find some of the members at odds with the others. Always, these feuds arise from inconsiderable causes, in comparison with Christ's wrong and He forgave!
In our day, a little Italian Girl, Maria Goretti furnishes the example of this forgiveness, as, on her death-bed, she prayed for her murderer, wishing for him a place in heaven, won through repentance and amendment.
Among other saints there are many examples of this Christ-like spirit, no matter how grievous the wrong has been.
On the afternoon of September 6, 1901, a public reception was in progress at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. It was being held in honor of a distinguished guest and amidst a great throng of his admirers and well-wishers.
A long line of visitors passed before him. To each he gave his hand, with a benign smile and a murmured greeting.
Finally, a young man approached. But, instead of accepting the proffered hand, he drew from his sleeve a revolver and fired two shots into the figure before him. There came a dull thud of a body, falling to the floor, and the horrified screams of the onlookers.
Only those closest to the wounded man heard the words he murmured, as he pointed to the assassin, held by several men.
"Don't let them hurt him!" he said.
A few days later, President William McKinley passed from earth.
Don't let us hurt any one of our fellow creatures. Most of all, don't let us offend Christ.
By Father Keefe
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Forgiveness
Christian Charity
Maria Goretti
Mckinley Assassination
Moral Exhortation
Saintly Examples
What entities or persons were involved?
Christ
Maria Goretti
William Mckinley
Father Keefe
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Exemplars Of Christian Forgiveness In Personal Feuds And Historical Wrongs
Stance / Tone
Exhortative Call To Emulate Christ's Forgiveness
Key Figures
Christ
Maria Goretti
William Mckinley
Father Keefe
Key Arguments
To Err Is Human; To Forgive Is Divine
Feuds Arise From Minor Causes Compared To Christ's Wrongs, Yet He Forgave
Maria Goretti Prayed For Her Murderer's Salvation On Her Deathbed
Saints Exemplify Christ Like Forgiveness Regardless Of Grievance Severity
Mckinley Urged Not To Hurt His Assassin After Being Shot
Avoid Harming Fellow Creatures And Offending Christ