Cat tidied the kitchen in the convent and was about to put a newspaper into the corner to be used for lighting the boiler when a headline caught her eye. She picked up the newspaper but it was in French and she had no idea what it said, other than the fact the Pope’s name was mentioned.
She scrutinised the article trying to make sense of the words:
L’Oest-Éclair 22 Mars 1937
Le Nouveau Kulturkampf
Energique prostestation du Pape contre la persecution des catholiques en Allemagne…
It was hopeless! She couldn’t read it; but it alarmed her. Were Catholics being persecuted somewhere in the world and the Pope had heard about it? Or was the Pope in danger of persecution?
And what in the name of God’s was Allemagne? She folded the paper and thought for a moment. Mother Superior may be able to read it she decided, so took off her apron, smoothed down her skirt and headed for her office.
Cat tapped gently on the door and when she heard Mother Superior call for her to enter she opened the door and went inside.
‘Good mornin’ Mother, I’m sorry to disturb ye, but I happened to see this newspaper in the kitchen and wonder if ye can make sense of it for me?’
‘Ah, I see you’ve picked up Sister Cecile’s paper from France. Bring it here and we’ll see.’
Mother Superior took the paper from Cat and stared at the headline, then folded the paper and laid it on the desk.
‘I can’t tell you word for word what it says Cat, but I do know what it’s about as I was discussing this today with Sister Cecile. As you know she’s French and her relations send the paper over here regularly.’
‘Well, is the Pope in trouble, Mother?’
Mother Superior smiled, ‘No. No, Cat. It’s about an important message he sent out in his summer encyclical to all churches of the Reich encouraging the faithful to resist violating the 1933 concordat in the Catholic churches of Germany.’
‘So what does it mean exactly?’
‘It’s a reminder to have faith in God, in Jesus Christ and the Church, and to remember Christian morals. He implores divine forgiveness for all those that are persecuting and said that it went against the preachings of Christ.’
‘Is this about what’s happenin’ to Jews and the like over there?’
‘Yes, it is Cat.’
‘So that’s all ’tis about then?’
‘More or less, but he did end by saying, if I can remember Sister Cecile’s translation, that St. Peter prays for them and all who suffer for their faith, in prisons and concentration camps, and asks Catholics everywhere to resist physical force.’
Mother Superior looked at Cat. ‘Does that help to explain the article, Cat?’
‘Sure, in a way it does, Mother.’
‘You sound doubtful, Cat. What’s going through that mind of yours?’
Cat laughed, ‘Ye know me too well.’
‘So, Cat. Come on tell me what’s worrying you.’
‘Well, Mother. I’m hearin’ certain talk that’s makin’ me uneasy. I hear folk sayin’ the likes of people in Germany, and over there generally, are bein’ tipped out of their houses and businesses and that in some towns, Jews are bein’ made to scrub the streets. Now why in God’s name would anyone want to make them do that?’
‘I think you are right to be concerned, Cat. I don’t like what I’m hearing either and I deplore people who get so swept up in, well whatever you like to call it, politics, power, greed, or wanting something someone else has, that they have to torment the life out of others. I fear for us all, there are movements going on even in this country that I just don’t agree with. It causes disharmony, brain-washes people into thinking they are part of some super-race that sets them apart from the ordinary folk.’
‘Mother, I think I know what ye mean and that’s somethin’ else I’ve been meanin’ to discuss with ye.’
Mother Superior took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose where they had left indentations and little red marks.
‘You can talk to me about anything you wish, Cat. You know whatever you say to me will be treated in complete confidence.’
‘Anna has been goin’ to meetin’s with Laura Kennedy, and I’m worried about it.’
‘Oh. What kind of meetings are these, Cat?’
‘Well, they all wear black shirts and ’tis some kind of political party, one I’m not acquainted with, but I don’t like the sound of it.’
‘You don’t have to say any more, Cat. I know exactly the party you are talking about, Mosley’s fascists - and you are right to be worried.’
‘I’m glad ye agree, Mother.’
‘What I suggest you do Cat, is persuade Anna to stay away from such company and if she needs any guidance about it, she can either come and speak to me or Father Fitzgerald after work one evening.’ She replaced her glasses. ‘I must say though I’m surprised at Laura Kennedy, I would have thought she would have more sense than to get mixed up with that sort of thing.’
‘Right then Mother, I’ll do that. I’m mighty relieved ye understand the problem. I had experience myself of so-called political parties back home when I was a girl, and I don’t want anythin’ like that creepin’ into our lives now. We’re away from it here and I fear for my girls gettin’ mixed up with any trouble.’
‘You’re a good mother, Cat. You’re on the right side of things, and if I can help you in any way, just ask. I’ll be glad to help.’
Cat looked at the clock. ‘I must let ye get on now Mother. I’m away home as I’ve finished work.’
‘Good night then, Cat. And we’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘Good night Mother, and thanks for the advice.’
All the way home, the talk she had with Mother Superior went round and round in her mind. She would have to tell Anna not to go about any more with Laura Kennedy and just hope she had the sense to see that getting mixed up with that lot would only lead to trouble.