est upon some one's
shoulders as a responsibility, and that load cannot be very suddenly
laid down. Unfortunately, for the poor people, they are not blessed,
generally speaking, with the guidance of the good priests they knew in
their own country, and having too much confidence in every man who
claims to be a priest, they are easily led by the designer. The danger
will pass over in a few years, when the Polish churches will be supplied
with men as priests every way reliable, and men not forced from any
country to seek a livelihood amongst strangers.

The Catholic Mirror.

The _Catholic Mirror_ of Baltimore, Md., is now the leading Catholic
journal of the United States. Its recent achievement in being the first
paper to publish the Pope's Encyclical _Immortale Dei_ was something
remarkable. Its Roman correspondent is a gentleman in the inner circles
of the spiritual authorities of the church, while its Irish
correspondent enjoys the confidence of the National party leaders. Among
its special contributors is numbered Dr. John Gilmary Shea. In all
respects it is a model Catholic newspaper, and it promises further
improvements for this year.

* * * * *

Shortly after we commenced the publication of our MAGAZINE, we received
a similar letter to the following from Mr. P. S. Gilmore. After more
than a quarter of a century's acquaintance, the friendship of our old
friend is as fresh as ever. His congratulations, we assure him, are
cordially reciprocated:

NEW YORK, DEC. 19, 1885.

MY DEAR MR. DONAHOE:--Enclosed please find check for $10.00 which place
to credit for MAGAZINE, and may I have the pleasure of renewing it many,
many times, to which, I am sure, you will say, "Amen," which is equal to
saying, "Long life to both of us." Wishing you a merry Christmas and
many a happy New Year, I remain, dear Mr. Donahoe, always and ever,

Sincerely yours,
P. S. GILMORE.

* * * * *

RT. REV. JAMES A. HEALY, Bishop of Portland, Me., sailed for Europe in
the Allan Steamer Parisian, from Portland, (accompanied by his brother,
Rev. Patrick Healy), on the 31st of December. The brothers will spend
most of the winter in Naples, and will proceed to Rome.

* * * * *

THE LATE FATHER MACDONALD.--We give an extremely interesting article in