UNITED WE STAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 10, 5 July 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

UNITED WE STAND.

TO THE EDITOH. Slß,—Catbolics seem the only class in this Colony who lose sight of the old adage that—" Union is strength." If unity— united action - might be expected anywhere, one might hope for it among us, seeing we are united bo closely by a common bond of faith and ecclesiastical discipline. I wish much you would exert your influence to get established in this Colony a general Catholic Union, or Congress, upon a similar plan to that of the English Catholic Union. Let us have a central body, with which local societies in every parish shall be amliated. The office of this general association and its branches should be to encourage and promote all kinds of undertakings, having for their object to advance Catholic interests, whether religious, literary, charitable, or political. Among the objects of such an Union or general Congress and its branches, ought to be to promote the interests, that is the circulation, of the Tablet, and get members to join the Hibernian Benefit Society. We want leaders, and must look to the clergy. The laity are well disposed, but timid, and averse to move in any matters of this kind unless they ccc the clergy in the front. True, it may be imprudent or unbecoming in the clergy to meddle in party or petty political questions. But is not the Catholic Church, after all, from its very nature a political as well as religious institute ? She is destined to influence human affairs in every department, and may not confine her power within the sanctuary alone Her ministers must go forth to the world and boldly battle against injustice and wickedness everywhere, not shrinking on suitable occasions to appear even in the political arena for that end. Auckland. • J W