JAMES GIBBONS

We are not able to give approval to those views which, in their collective sense, are called by some "Americanism." But if by this name are to be understood certain endowments of mind which belong to the American people, just as other characteristics belong to various other nations, and if, moreover, by it is designated your political condition and the laws and customs by which you are governed, there is no reason to take exception to the name. But if this is to be so understood that the doctrines which have been adverted to above are not only indicated, but exalted, there can be no manner of doubt that our venerable brethren, the bishops of America, would be the first to repudiate and condemn it as being most injurious to themselves and to their country. For it would give rise to the suspicion that there are among you some who conceive and would have the Church in America to be different from what it is in the rest of the world.

Taking your life as a whole, I think you now occupy the position of being the most respected and venerated, and useful citizen of our country.

The nation is too brave, too strong, too powerful, and too just to engage in an unrighteous and precipitate war.

Like all valuable commodities, truth is often counterfeited.

A civilian ruler dabbling in religion is as reprehensible as a clergyman dabbling in politics. Both render themselves odious as well as ridiculous.

American Catholics rejoice in our separation of Church and State, and I can conceive no combination of circumstances likely to arise which would make a union desirable for either Church or State.

The primary duty of a citizen is loyalty to country…. It is exhibited by an absolute and unreserved obedience to his country’s call.

To-day the whole Christian world prostrates itself in adoration around the crib of Bethlehem and rehearses in accents of love a history which precedes all time and will endure throughout eternity. As if by an instinct of our higher, spiritual nature, there well up from the depths of our hearts, emotions which challenge the power of human expression. We seem to be lifted out of the sphere of natural endeavor to put on a new life and to stretch forward in desire to a blessedness which, though not palpable, is eminently real.

Our country has liberty without license and authority without despotism.

Mother Earth is not only a fruitful mother, she is also a grateful mother and repays her children for every kindness and tenderness.

We do not attach any intrinsic value to the Cross; this would be sinful and idolatrous. Our veneration is referred to Him who died upon it.

Every man has a mission from God to help his fellow beings.

American Catholics rejoice in our separation of Church and State, and I can conceive no combination of circumstances likely to arise which would make a union desirable for either Church or State.

Our country has liberty without license and authority without despotism.

Reform must come from within and not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue.

A civilian ruler dabbling in religion is as reprehensible as a clergyman dabbling in politics. Both render themselves odious as well as ridiculous.

We will prove to our countrymen that the ties formed by grace and faith are stronger than flesh and blood. God and our country – this [is] our watchword. Loyalty to God’s church and to our country – this [is] our religious and political faith.

Mother Earth is not only a fruitful mother, she is also a grateful mother and repays her children for every kindness and tenderness.

The nation is too brave, too strong, too powerful, and too just to engage in an unrighteous and precipitate war.

The primary duty of a citizen is loyalty to country…. It is exhibited by an absolute and unreserved obedience to his country’s call.

Like all valuable commodities, truth is often counterfeited.

To-day the whole Christian world prostrates itself in adoration around the crib of Bethlehem and rehearses in accents of love a history which precedes all time and will endure throughout eternity. As if by an instinct of our higher, spiritual nature, there well up from the depths of our hearts, emotions which challenge the power of human expression. We seem to be lifted out of the sphere of natural endeavor to put on a new life and to stretch forward in desire to a blessedness which, though not palpable, is eminently real.

We do not attach any intrinsic value to the Cross; this would be sinful and idolatrous. Our veneration is referred to Him who died upon it.

Every man has a mission from God to help his fellow beings.