From our Netherlands Correspondent rAA JOINT Pastoral was read in all Dutch churches last Sunday in which the Bishops commemorate the 12th centenary of • the Martyrdom
of St. Boniface at Dokkum.
The Bishops point out that this great Apostle was not only martyred in this country, but also supported the first Archbishop of Utrecht, St. Willibrord, in his missionary work and actually administered the diocese for some time after St. Willibrord's death.
"We cannot fail to see." the Pastoral continues, that the church planted by St. Boniface in these parts has suffered and is still suffering from the schism that has been inflicted upon her. In our days she is threatened by a rising tide of unbelief. After the loss or weakening of their faith, many people are torn apart by doubts about their own existence and live in a mood of dull des pai r.
"We can only help this world by a strong faith that directs our lives towards the goods that are not of this world."
In conclusion the Bishops appeal for funds for a memorial church or monastery to be built in honour of St. Boniface somewhere in Western Europe. for which the money will he handed to the Society for Supporting Priests in the Eastern Zone of Europe, who will probably build this church near the Eastern Zone of Germany.
Special services are also to be held all over the country on Sunday, while a Pontifical High Mass will he celebrated in Utrecht Cathedral by the Coadjutor-Archbishop, Mgr. Alfrink, in the presence of all the Hierarchy and many Bishops from abroad.