our parents by the imitation of their good example: to study the life of another, as a model for imitation, is the highest mark of esteem. We honour them when we not only ask but follow their counsels; and also when we relieve their necessities, supplying them with necessary food and raiment, according to these words of the Redeemer: " why do you also transgress the commandments of God for your tradition? For God said: Honour lather and mother; and he that shall curse father or mother dying let him die. But you say; whosoever shall say to father or mother, the gift whatsoever proceedeth from me, shall profit thee; and shalt not honour his father or his mother; and you have made frustrate the commandment of God for your own tradition." [1]
But if at all times it is our duty to honour our parents, this duty becomes still more imperative, when they are visited by severe illness: we should then pay particular attention to what regards their eternal salvation, taking especial care that they duly receive the last sacraments, consoling them with the frequent conversation of pious and religious persons, who may strengthen their weakness, assist them by their counsel, and animate them to the hope of a glorious immortality; that having risen above the concerns of this world, they may fix their thoughts and affections entirely on God. Thus blessed with the sublime virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and fortified by the sacraments of the Church, they will not only look at death without dismay, for death is the lot of all men; but will hail it as the bright opening to a blessed immortality.
Finally, we honour our parents when, after they have been summoned from this world, we discharge the last offices of filial piety towards them, giving them an honourable interment, attend ing to the celebration of their obsequies, their anniversaries, the oblation of the holy sacrifice for the repose of their souls, and faithfully executing their last wills.
But we are bound to honour not only our natural parents, but also those who are entitled to be called fathers, such as bishops and priests, kings, princes, and magistrates, tutors, guardians and masters, teachers, aged persons and the like, all of whom be are entitled, some in a greater, some in a less degree, to share our love, our obedience, our assistance. Of bishops and other pastors St. Paul says: "Let the priests that rule well be Bishops esteemed worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." [2] What proofs of ardent love for the Apostle the Galatians must have given may be inferred from the illustrious testimony in which he has recorded their benevolence: " I bear you witness," says he, " that if it could be done, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and would have given them to me." [3] The priest is also entitled to receive
