MIXED MARRIAGES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 500, 28 October 1909, Page 4

MIXED MARRIAGES.

A PRIEST ON BISHOP NELIGAN’S REMARKS.

Speaking at St. Patrick's Cathedral in reference to mixed marriages, Father Holbrook said the Church, in the words of Pope Benedict XIX., had always referred to them as detestable, and had always condemned and interdicted them. The words of the Anglican Bishop at the recent synod in warning the people against the dangers of mixed marriages found an echo in Catholic heart, but why Dr. Neligan should warn his people especially against contracting marriages with Catholics under the conditions imposed by modern Roman Catholic laws was best known to his lordship. Was it a better thing in his Lordship’s estimation that some of his people should marry outsiders, even pagans, rather than they should Catholics, who at least knew how to bring up her children with a knowledge of the true faith ? “ The modern Roman Canon Law referred to by Dr. Neligan,” proceeded the preacher, “is not very modern, unless the year 1545, in which the Council of Trent was held in which clandestine marriages were forbidden, is modern. The decree of Pius X. is but an extension of that law to these parts of the English-speak-ing world. By vindicating the unity, the sanctity, and indissolubility of marriage, the Church has •conferred the grearest boon on the female sex. The holiness of the marriage bond is the Palladium of woman’s dignity.”