The object of the meeting is to give to Catholic life, by the perfect organization and coordination of all its moral, social and religious activities, its maximum of efficiency.  This necessitates the study of the problems of the day in their relation with Catholic principles.  Therefore the Congress is a readjustment of our vision to the everchanging conditions of society; desuete methods are dropped and methods more in harmony with the necessities of the times are examined, approved of and adopted.  It affords an opportunity to discuss public questions, to educate and crystallize public opinion on the Catholic view-point of pending problems.  This readjustment is, in our estimation, one of the greatest benefits of a Congress, for without it there is waste of energies and danger of compromise on the part of the most zealous.

The development and co-ordination of energies will be the natural sequel of this general exchange of ideas, of this universal consultation of the Catholic body.  When we shall have counted our resources we shall then easily marshal existing forces, create new battalions for the defence and peaceful promotion of Catholic doctrine, liberties, and influence.

To give unity of purpose to the various Catholic organizations, to direct the loyal active co-operation of every unit towards the greatest welfare of the Church, in one word, to create Catholic solidarity, is the ultimate aim and supreme triumph of a Catholic Congress.

This congress therefore, stands for the mobilization of the Catholic army for manoeuvres, and does not mean a mere pageant, a complacent exhibition of our numbers, the platonic rehearsal of our past glories and great achievements.  “We are here to do a work, and not to make a show,” should we say with Cardinal Manning.

The Golden Rule that presides over, and directs this exchange of thoughts, this study of problems, this marshalling of our forces, has always been:  In necessariis unitas, in dubiis, libertas, in omnibus charitas—­Unity in essentials; liberty in non-essentials; charity in all things.  There is no reason whatever why a Congress should be ever aggressive.  Destructive criticism leads nowhere.  But there is every reason why a Congress should be perpetually active and “destructively constructive.”

Should We have a Catholic Congress of the Western Provinces?

The utility and necessity of a Catholic Congress will be an adequate answer to this question—­

Utility of Catholic Congresses.

Benedict XV in his letter to the American Hierarchy, March, 1919, underlines very strongly the utility of these Catholic Meetings, “We learn,” says the Holy Father, “that you have unanimously resolved that a yearly meeting of all the Bishops shall be held at an appointed place in order to adapt means most suitable of promoting the interest and welfare of the Catholic Church and that you appointed from among the Bishops two commissions, one of which to deal with social questions, while the other will study educational problems, and both will report to their Episcopal brethren.  This is truly a worthy resolve and with the utmost satisfaction We bestow upon it our approval.”