JFK SPEAKS AT MILTON SEMINARY BENEFACTOR'S DAY
Milton, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On September 1, 1957, Senator John F. Kennedy spoke at the Milton Seminary Benefactor's Day because of the importance of the work of the St. Columban's Foreign Mission Society.*
In his address, Senator Kennedy recalled his rescue & that of the crew of the PT109 by natives of the Solomon Islands during WWII. JFK credited the efforts of rescue on the part of the natives to the "good work of the Christian missionaries" who taught them to be "willing to save the lives of total strangers at the risk of their own."
Senator Kennedy said...
"We
came from the powerful United States, (the native) from a jungle home
on the islands. (He & his fellow natives) had learned well the
teachings which the Columban fathers have helped to spread around the
world--teachings on the brotherhood of all men under God."
The Senator made the point that it is our responsibility, through works & example, to "stimulate a revival of our religious faith."
*St. Columba, recognized as one of the great pioneers in Western European civilization, is the patron of the Missionary Society of St. Columban.
St.
Columba was born in Leinster, Ireland in 543. He left to proclaim
Jesus Christ & His Gospel in Western Europe & founded
missions in France, Germany, Switzerland & Italy.
St. Columba
Illustration by John R. Skelton
1906
