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Show I I 9 4 3 s 25th Anniversary Celebration July 25, 1968 Father Wayne ....• distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much, Father Wayne and Mr. David Yanito, for your very kind introduction. Rudyard Kipling, at the height of his career, was reputed to receive a crown for each word that he wrote. Hearing of this a group of students at Oxford University wrote Mr. Kiplinga letter in which they asked him to give them the benefit of one of his words and they enclosed a crown for payment. In due course a reply was received from Mr. Kipling containing the word requested by the students, "Thanks". The English language is rich in its vocabulary, but I know of no better way to express my feeling for your flattering introduction, Father Wayne, than simply to say "thanks". It is, indeed, an honor and a pleasure for me to occupy this forum today. I have had occasion to speak to groups and organizations throughout the United States, but I want you to know that I have never received a request which I am more pleased to honor than this today. Twenty-five years is an appreciable span in our lifetime. It is no less an appreciable span in the lifetime of St. Christopher's Mission. So very much has been accomplished by your Mission during the past 25 years and I feel tempted to list them for you at this time, but should I do so I would still be talking at midnight and would only cover the highlights of your accomplishments. I sometimes wonder why it is that St. Christopher's has had such an outstanding record of achievement in the field of Navajo service when so many groups have from time to time spent as much effort in attempting to accomplish the same results but have not been as successful. I am convinced that your success lies in the dedication of your leaders - in the enthusiasm of Father Liebler and Father Wayne and in the true love and understanding that you have for t he Navajo People, and the Navajo People have for you. There is a well-known story of the city official in Italy who when strolling down the street happened upon a rather sizable construction project. As with all sidewalk superintendents he paused to watch the men at work. He noticed two men whose job it was to chip away at the many stones about them shaping them for use in the building. One worker, he noted , was surly and frowning and openly discontented with his work. The other was smilin g and happy and jovial and he wondered at the di fference and attitude of the workmen. He asked the rather surly worker what he was doing and he received the reply, "All I do the entire day is chip away at these stones. It's hard work and is tiring and monotonous" . He turned to the other worker and asked, "What are you doing?" and he , with a sweep of his hand at the edifice before him, replied, "Why, can't you see, I am building a cathedral!" Yes, atti tude means a great deal in the success of any project. Attitude has been responsible to a great degree for the success of St. Christopher's Mission . Your people came among us 25 years ago with a spirit of service and dedication that made a great impression on the Navajo People of the area. The Navajos soon found that if they needed spiritual guidance there was the Word of God and prayer here that would be offered th em; if they su ffered death or tragedy there was solace at the hands of t hose who really understand . At St. Christopher's Mission there is peace and contentment - an oasis for the weary traveler - a h aven of rest. And now you have reached your Silver Anniversary - 25 years of devoted service. How can I, as Chairman of the Navajo Tribe, adequately thank you for what you have done for the Navajo People . Any effort I may make would fall far short of its mark. But let me say with all the fee ling of a grateful people - thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your kindness and help. I know that the Lord of all of us will reward you amply when you stand before His judgment seat. This commemoration is but a pause in your busy schedule. I know that you are looking forward to an even greater service in the years to come. I want you to know that all Navajos stand ready to lend their help and assistance to any project which you may envision. Thank you and God Bless You. - address giuen by The Honorable Raymond Nakai, Chairman, The Nauajo Tribe , at St. Christopher's Mission, July 25, 1968. |
