We would say to our laity what the editor of the ‘Columbiad’ wrote in the October number:  “The vista of the glory of service that opens before the mind musing on the power for good within our grip is sublime.  To each the image rises.  An army, a host of faces keen with knowledge, calm with contentment, eager with honest ambition looks up.  Men, women, boys, girls—­humanity gazes at the beholder.  The eye does not glimpse the last face, far out beyond the faint horizon of the panorama. . . .  The vista is unending.”

Yes, the apostolate among the Ruthenians is, we claim, a necessity of the hour; its possibilities are beyond realization.  Procrastination in this matter is nothing short of treason and will prove a disaster to the Ruthenians, and to the Church.  Turning to the Knights of Columbus in Canada and pointing to the feverish and unceasing activities of other agents among this our people I say:  Go and do likewise.

* * * * * *

Our conclusion is obvious.  The Ruthenian Question stands to-day as a religious problem to solve and a national duty to fulfill.  Church and Country present a united and pressing claim for our co-operation.  This appeal to the two strongest feelings of the human heart should awaken patriotic sympathies and quicken Catholic conscience into action.  The issue is serious and far reaching in its consequences.  Only organized opinion with united and determined action can successfully meet it.

[1] This chapter was the matter of a series of articles in the “North West Review,” of Winnipeg.  The Editor prefaced them with the following remarks, to give emphasis to the importance of this Problem: 

“We wish to draw the attention of our readers to a series of authoritative articles now appearing in the Northwest Review on ’The Ruthenian Problem.’

“The writer is one of our foremost educationalists and knows his subject thoroughly.  Furthermore his manuscript has passed through the hands of Bishop Budka and other members of the Hierarchy of the West who have given it their warm approval.

“It is, we think, very essential that the Catholics of this country should thoroughly understand the problem before them, so that when called upon to perform their duty in the matter they may be able to act promptly, wholeheartedly and with conviction.

“Our thanks are due to the author, ‘Miles Christi’ for having put before us such a clear presentation of the problem which sooner or later we shall be called upon to solve.

“The matter is one that to a very large extent concerns the laity and we think it should be thoroughly discussed in every council of Knights of Columbus throughout Canada.  In districts where this society is not organized, any other existing Catholic societies might very appropriately co-ordinate in this good work.

“The question is also one of national as well as Catholic moment and so entitled to its due share of any ‘forward movements’ now anticipated.”