168 State Papers and Addresses

world today, surely there can be but one answer to their appeal. And, knowing
the generosity with which the Jewish people of Maryland ever have responded
to calls of distress, no matter from what source they come, I know that the
appeal that is being presented here today will find a magnificent response.

And this is as it should be. For, unless we who are more fortunate come
to the aid of those who are so much less fortunate than we, to whom shall
they turn? Our three centuries of tradition in Maryland call aloud to the
people of Maryland today, as these appeals for aid come to us from one per-
secuted source and another. We must not, we cannot discriminate. We can-
not sanction the oppression of any minority group, we cannot attempt to justify
persecution of race, or creed. For, such is the ideal upon which our nation is
founded, while any one group is oppressed, no other group is safe.

LEAGUE OF LAYMEN'S RETREAT—ANNUAL BANQUET

Lord Baltimore Hotel, January 31, 1940
Baltimore

SEVERAL circumstances combine to make our slight participation in this
interesting event a most welcome one to us. Doubtless, against his wishes,
but necessarily in view of his unsurpassed leadership and great inspiration, we
are here to do honor to the shepherd of our flock. Not only is it fitting that this
year's assemblage should be signalized by a tribute to the spiritual head of
this Archdiocese but, marking as this year does his Silver Episcopal Jubilee as
well as of his elevation to the new Archdiocese of Washington, everyone grasps
the opportunity to accord him deserved tribute.

Just recently this city witnessed one of the greatest demonstrations of
affection and loyalty which any man could receive. I use the term "man" ad-
visedly, although upon reflection it will be obvious to the analytical observer
that the recipient of such a tribute is more than a man. In every undertaking
and movement, interrelated with the furtherance of different phases of religious
effort, his genuine and inspirational guidance and leadership have commanded
the respect and love of all committed to his spiritual care.

In the near future, our Archbishop will be installed as the head of the
youngest archdiocese in the Country, the Archdiocese of Washington. But
he will continue as the head of the oldest archdiocese in the Country, that of
Baltimore, which because of its premiership enjoys prerogative of place in the
Catholic Church of the United States. The approbation that this dual honor
carries is patent to all. It is a recognition of a life devoted to the supernatural.
Near to his heart, along with the many urgent requirements of his position,
is the Layman's Retreat movement and his helpful efforts for Manresa and its
followers. Therefore, no more fitting occasion could be imagined than this
and no more natural expression could be voiced than that which we seek to
give utterance to by our presence in tribute to our guest of honor, His Ex-
cellency, Archbishop Michael J. Curley.

In this presence I consider that it would be presumptuous in me to under-
take the emphasis of the value of the Retreat movement from the spiritual
side alone. I might be privileged to express the sincere conviction that, while