Our Catl,olic If eritage in Texas
180
of Santa Fe, who had pioneered in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico and was much interested in the problem of the missions, was approached first. He declined on the grounds that he, a prospective beneficiary, could not very well lead the movement. Father Kelley turned next to Arch- bishop John Farley of New York, who became a Cardinal in 1911. He suggested that the matter be presented to the next meeting of the arch- bishops. Father Kelley realized that if he had not been able to sell his idea to one archbishop, he could hardly expect to win approval for his plan by the assembled archbishops of the country. He believed, too, that such an undertaking would involve long waits and possible abandonment of the project. The crusading pastor of Lapeer next approached Arch- bishop John Ryan of Philadelphia. The aging Metropolitan was sympa- thetic but considered himself too old to start the venture. He promised, however, to give the matter consideration. Archbishop Ryan, in a sub- sequent consultation with Bishop Foley of Detroit-Father Kelley's own bishop-was told, "Father Kelley would do better to confine his attention to his parish, and let national Church affairs alone." When the pastor of Lapeer heard this, he hesitated for a moment, and almost lost hope of ever being able to realize his cherished dream. But Father Kelley was not so easily dissuaded. He seemed to be driven by a will greater than his own. Since he had learned that Archbishop Quigley had shown interest in his article in the Ecclesiastical, Review and had long been a strong supporter of projects to aid home missions, he decided to make a personal appeal to the new Archbishop of Chicago, James E. Quigley. Shortly before receiving this encouraging news, Father Kelley had accepted an invitation from the Knights of Columbus to speak at Cedar Point, Ohio, on his favorite subject, provided he would be permitted to take up a collection. He took advantage of the opportunity to make an eloquent plea for the idea of a home mission society, and saw his enthusi- asm rewarded by a collection of $200-a liberal amount for that time and the largest sum he had yet received in support of his idea. With this money to defray his expenses, Father Kelley immediately entrained for Chicago to plead his cause. He was informed that Arch- bishop Quigley had just left for the University of Notre Dame to make the annual Retreat, as was long customary for the clergy of the Chicago Diocese. Father Kelley, in the company of Bishop Peter S. Muldoon and the Reverend Edward Kelley went to the South Bend Institution. There he met Archbishop Quigley, who was a dinner guest of the
Powered by FlippingBook