The Pioneer Magazine has been in circulation for more than 50 years and is a most interesting and entertaining monthly publication. Currently the Pioneer Centre in Beaufort sells approximately 20/25 copies and we would like to increase circulation throughout the parish. Information on the Pioneer Magazine is available from any member of the Pioneer Council.
A PARENT GIVES TEN REASONS FOR BEING A PIONEER
IF MY WIFE and I could be sure that our boys and girls would go through life wearing the Sacred Heart emblem of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, we would be very happy indeed. We wouldn’t have the slightest worry about them. That’s the importance we attach to being Pioneers.
For that reason, easily the most important thing, which could happen in Ireland in future, would be a massive revival of the Pioneer Movement. The chances would be that our children would be helped by fashion to become and remain Pioneers, as was the case when we were growing up.
The advantages for them would be manifold.
FIRST, they would remain Catholics with a special devotion to the Sacred Heart. This remaining Catholic was something our parents could take for granted – or, at least, thought they could, which was the same for their peace of mind – about their children. It is no longer so today.
SECOND, they would be spared the horrors of extreme forms of alcohol psychosis. Their minds and bodies would be free of the ravages of that dread disease. Their dependants, relatives and friends would be spared much anguish and suffering.
THIRD, they would be spared the consequences of addiction of every kind. They would not run to tablets and drugs to relieve tension and escape, temporarily, from worrying problems. They would have accustomed themselves from an early age to face problems squarely and see in them the opportunities they indicate.
FOURTH, they would benefit greatly from studies during childhood, adolescent and later years, simply because they would have the time, alertness of mind and body and ambition to make the most of their talents and opportunities. Their hobbies, games and socialising would complement their studies.
FIFTH, they would have the courage to be different, to do the correct thing, regardless of what is fashionable among their peers and in their community generally. They would feel serene and value remaining so.
SIXTH, they would recognise the signs of a vocation to religious or priestly life and respond accordingly. They would have the freedom to give of themselves generously.
SEVENTH, should they marry, they would most likely choose well in their partners and prepare appropriately for it.
EIGHTH, they would never be short of money, as they would always have something in reserve, without the regular of alcohol. They would have sound priorities in their spending.
NINTH, they would be resilient when faced with changes such as employment and technological, and even if migration is involved, they know how to make the best of things, how to unlearn and relearn, no matter where and at what steps of life they may be.
TENTH, they would be unselfish in giving of their time and resources, to benefit others. It would be the most natural thing in the world for them, besides being most rewarding.
This is not to say that all present and past Pioneers have been paragons of foregoing virtues. However, the vast majority of them have been a credit to their families and their faith. They feature very prominently in key positions in our community. Their families lead healthy lives.
The key to it, to my mind, lies in the realism forced on people who eschew alcohol, who stay away from that first alcoholic drink. They remain fit and healthy, responsible and aware. They give God’s Grace a chance to work through them. They face life squarely, find they can succeed. They have their setbacks. But they bounce back to the fray, dutifully and more often than not, joyfully.
Nothing that modern preventive medicine has to offer can compare with the Pioneer Movement.
Published by Pioneer Association
27 Upper Sherrard Street
Dublin 1.