Australian Catholic Federation

New Zealand Tablet, 4 January 1912, Page 15

Australian Catholic Federation

No greater proof of the popularity of the Catholic Federation movement 1 be supplied ; than by the monster'; gathering which assembled ; in ; the Cathedral Hall Tuesday evening, December 12 at the inaugural meeting (says the Melbourne Tribune) ;.V? The chair was occupied by Mr. J. E. Ferguson, District President of' the H.A.C.B.- Society. In his introductory remarks the chairman said the objects of the society, ;as set forth in the constitution, would prove to them that' the originators of the movement were actuated by i the highest ideals. ! 'lf their organisation were to do} no-> thing else but achieve (one, of its objectsthe killing of bigotry would be accomplishing a work of the noblest character. (. Sectarianism or bigotry was the most pernicious- influence of modern times, :' and (there was no reason why religious animosity should be transplanted from the old world into their young and sunny land. ; ";"- ..;(/(:-(;•";-, : -'~: l .^/v : '..>■:'■ The ' following resolutions were unanimously adopted 1 :; L : - That this meeting of Catholic citizens heartily, approves of ; the formation of an Australian Catholic Federation, on the lines of similar organisations which have been'so'successful inEngland, America, Germany^ ':■ and other countries.' ;•:_: - "-*".', •■•■'. That the draft constitution and rules "as submitted to this meeting be approved of, and that a .provisional committee be appointed to (carry on the work of- the Federation pending I the formation of the various councils.' , : •-.; ..>../' ' '" ' That steps be taken to / form Parish Councils throughout the State, and that the cordial co-operation of the ' clergy be ( heartily invited in the formation of these bodies in the general work of the Federation.' ; :; Mr..; W. P. McMahon in proposing the (* second resolution briefly outlined the objects of the Federation as ; laid i down- in '; the constitution, the speaker referring especially to the fact that party politics find no place in the constitution. Indeed, politics are en-

tirely eliminated, except where they touch religion. It matters not what brand of politics a Federationist ad-, vocated. He might be a Freetrader or- a Protectionist, a Liberal, a Laborite, or a Conservative the Federation asked him or her to be a Catholic all the time, to stand for the Christian life of the nation; for the proper observance -of Sunday; : for the Christian education of youth for the repression of intemperance : for the sanctity and indissolubility of Christian marriage; for the safeguarding of the Christian home; for the spread of Catholic newspapers and literature; and for the suppression of indecent and infidel literature. Moreover, the Federation is prepared to operate with i all. citizens, and with alb civil and social agencies, which work for truth and virtue j. . The Federation is ,open... to all Catholics (male and female),' and the subscription is fixed at 2s per year. The Federation will' embrace a Central ; Council, Diocesan f Councils, and Parish 1 Councils. / / After explaining the work of these bodies, Mr. McMahon dwelt at some length on the importance of the Parish Councils, which were the foundations on which the organisation would be built. ;