THE PAPAL DECREE.
In connection with the interest taken m the colonies on the subject of the recent cablegrams concerning the Pope and the Plan of Campaign, the following remarks by His Holiness to the Irish pilgrims who recently visited him may be of interest to our readers :— " And well, indeed, may you rest assured that our feelings of goodwill towards you are unchanged ; for, as is meet, we shall always hold m affection the children of Ireland, and perseveringly labour for their peace and prosperity, so that we shall ever be deemed to justify the confidence that you have reposed m us. To this feeling of affection we have recently given abundant expression m sending our venerable brother, the Archbishop of Damietta (Monsignor Persico) with certain instructions bearing upon the present state of affairs, that we may be aided by his report m ascertaining the aotual condition of things, and the steps that m your interests it may be desirable to take. But m the difficulties that beset you, let what is contained m the letters addressed by us some years ago to the Archbishop of Dublin be taken aB a safe and sure rule of action. This is demanded of you, not only by religion, which has been the chief glory of the Irish race, but also by J.he public good^ inasmuch as m no circumstances could the interest of the commonwealth be promoted if justice, which is the foundation of order and all good things, were transgressed. Recently, as is known to you, the Catholics of Germany, acting with moderation, and with regard for law, hafe under our guidance and through our intervention come safely out of a trying position. Why may not a like result, through God's mercy, bo obtained m Ireland m a similar way ?" In a letter to Archbishop McCabe, his Holiness says : — " We unhesitatingly declare that it is their (the Catholics m Ireland) duty to be carefully on their guard not to allow the fame of their sterling and hereditary probity to be lessened, and not to commit any rash act whereby they may seem lo have cast aside the obedience due to their lawful rulers ; and for this reason, whenever Ireland was greatly excited m guarding and defending her own interests, the Roman Pontiffs constantly endeavored by admonition and exhortation to allay the excited feelings, lest by a disregard of moderation justice might be violated, or the cause, however, right m itself, might be forced by the influence of passions into the flame of sedition. These counsels were always directed to the end that the Catholics of Ireland •should m all things follow the Church as a guide and teacher, and, thoroughly conforming themselves to her precepts, should reject the allurements of pernicious doctrines. . . , This manner of thinking, and acting is entirely conformable to the ordiances and laws of the Catholic Church, and we have no doubt that it will conduce to the interests of Ireland. For we have confidence m the justice of the men who are placed at the head of the State, and who certainly, for the most part, have great practical experience, combined with prndence m civil affairs. Ireland may obtain what she wants much more safely and readily if only she adopts a course which the laws allow, and avoids giving causes of offence. Therefore, venerable brother, let you and your colleagues m the episcopate direct your efforts to the end that the people of Ireland, m this anxious condition of affairs, do not transgress the bounds of equity and justice. We have assuredly received from the bishops, the clergy, and the people of Ireland many proofs of reverence and affection ; and if now, m a willing spirit they obey these counsels and our authority, as we are certain they will, they may feel assured that they have fulfilled their own duty and have completely satisfied us."
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1838, 11 May 1888, Page 2
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650THE PAPAL DECREE. Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1838, 11 May 1888, Page 2
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