Columbus Day by K. C. R.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1911

Columbus Day

By K. C. R.

There would seem to be no reasonable objection to recognizing in some way so great an event in the world's history as that of the discovery of this continent. Owing to the fact that Columbus was a Catholic, however, the query has come to some as to whether, if Columbus day were made a national holiday, it would not lapse into a sectarian holiday. It is natural to suppose that the Catholic Church would wish to make the occasion contribute to the extolling of itself, rather than to the honoring of Columbus. No one can fail to observe how every opportunity is being seized upon by them to make the Roman Catholic Church prominent.

This position is in harmony with the view presented by the New York Independent of Oct. 11, 1911, which says:—

“There is coming to be one serious objection, we are sorry to say, to the celebration of Columbus day as a holiday, and that is that it is being made a sectarian day. There is nothing sectarian about Independence day or Labor day or Thanksgiving day. They are good for Protestants and Catholics and Jews alike, and even Jews make the Christian Christmas seem one of their celebrations. So Columbus day might be and should be a day for all of us to honor the discoverer of America; but it is being perverted into a specially Catholic holiday, a day to magnify the glory of the Catholic Church. Although the Catholic order of the Knights of Columbus has sought the enactment of it as a legal holiday in thirty-four States, it was not presented to these legislatures as sectarian. Not only do the Catholic organizations devise the great processions of the day, but we observe that the Catholic newspapers are treating it as specially their day. Thus the Boston Pilot, owned by Archbishop O’Connell, says:—

“Every Catholic man who is in a position to do so, should take part in the great parade of Columbus day. It should be a source of pride thus to make public profession of the faith that is in him. He should not be deterred by false human respect. In honoring the great discoverer, he is paying tribute to the faith that prompted and still prompts greatness of character, high ideals, and noble achievements.’

“In a second editorial the Pilot urges the value of the day for Catholics, saying that ‘to us as Catholics it bears a special significance,’ and that to the Catholic it brings ‘a special thrill of enthusiasm.’”

K. C. R.