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MEN oF MALVERN
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VOLULIE 1 PHILADELPHIA. PA. NUBIBER 4
THE RETREAT MASTER SAYS
Two reasons for real gratification to all friends of St. Joseph's-in-the-Hills
will stand out in the history of the retreat movement in 1924. One, the beginning
of work on the new dormitory building, largely due to the zeal and splendid
initiative of Mr. Henry Johnson, of Oak Lane, will be appreciated more fully as
time goes on. The other, the blessing of our Holy Father, Pope Pius XL, on
our work and workers, deserves consideration at this time.
We have received a large photograph of the Holy Father containing the
message in illuminated lettering: “Our Apostolic Benediction on St. Joseph’s-in-
the-Hills and on the men of Malvern," and signed “Pius PP. XI.” in the Holy
Father’s own handwriting. The history of this picture dates back to July l9tl1
of this year, when the retreat master had the honor of being received in private
audience by the Holy Father.
It was a real pleasure to have so goodly a story of the sterling service of
Catholic men, as it was my privilege to relate to the Supreme Pontiff of the work
achieved by your efforts at St. ]oseph’s-in-the-Hills. It was possible to tell the
Holy Father that not only was our retreat house in complete accord with l1is own
recommendations for such centres of devotion, but that the men of Malvern had
the honor of having even anticipated the wishes of the Holy Father, and were
able to claim the proud distinction of making the first complete response to his
desire for the founding of such houses. The Holy Father expressed his pleasure
and earnestly called down God's blessing on every worker in the measure of the
individual’s co-operation.
I found on my arrival in Rome that circumstances had compelled the Holy
Father to decline all requests for his autograph. Consequently, it was with great
diffidence, and with a courage inspired only by my anxiety to achieve the extraor-
dinary for the noble men who have made Malvern possible, that I ventured to
say to the Holy Father at the close of my description of your work: “Therefore,
Holy Father, I am asking for these men a great favor which I have been told is
now very rare; in fact, which I have been told not to ask, and that is that you
sign with your own hand a message to them of approval and blessing.” The Holy
Father very graciously then said, smiling, “VVe shall see,” and told me I might
send the photograph. VVhile very confident because of this kindly reception. I
had no further assurance until I received the notice which I announced at the
Captains’ Meeting after my return that the photograph had been shipped. It is
being framed and will shortly be given the place it deserves in the Retreat House.
The Holy Father did, however, then and there, as I have said, call down
God's blessing on all workers for Malvern and as a pledge of that heavenly favor
sent to every retreatant a very special blessing. Every individual man of Malvern
has, therefore, the personal knowledge of the blessing of the Holy Father on his
part in this important work, and should find in this knowledge the inspiration to
fidelity in his own participation in the retreats and at the same time to real zeal
in the spread of the helpful influence of a retreat to the Catholic men with whom
he comes in contact. In an especial manner I believe that this blessing will hearten
the captains in the difficult and exacting, but nevertheless essential, part they take
in the work of the retreats. Finally, I wish to use this occasion while speaking
of the Holy Father’s interest, to recall to all the retreatants the trust we have
in the help to be obtained for this good work through their prayers and their
remembrances in the Holy Mass and in their Holy Communions.