PROHIBITION AND WINE FOR MASS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1911, Page 2

PROHIBITION AND WINE FOR MASS.

Tlie Rev. P. Aubrey, S.M., writes regarding what would seem to be by no means an imaginary danger. ‘There is,’ he says, speaking of the question of Prohibition, ‘more than the right of using wine with moderation, (here is the obligation of using it for religious purposes, and that obligation has been laid upon all Christians by Christ Himself .in these words said at the hast Slipper: “This do in commemoration of Me.” This usage of wine is observed by the Catholic clergy during the Mass, and the Mass is an essential part of Divine worship for Catholics. Whatever may be the theories of certain divines pretending to erudition and stating that the wine used in Judea in the tme of Christ was unfermented, the fact remains that, from time immemorial down to the present, fermented wine is used for Mass. An ounce of experience may dispense with tons of doubtful erudition on this point. Unfermented wine soon becomes sour and unfit for use. As Mass is celebrated frequently and everywhere, wine must be procured. Placing obstacles to the possession of wine is equivalent to interdicting the Mass or making its celebration very difficult. The law at present provides that wine can be obtained for religious purposes. How long will this guarantee last? The authors of this promise may withdraw it, if an excuse is found. Behold the consciences of the Catholic people are at the mercy of a vote of Parliament or at the mercy of a majority who object to the Mass and regard it as an act of idolatry. Catholics who vote for Prohibition or regard it with favour, beware. Prohibition with regard to wine may lead to prohibition of the Mass at a future date. Religious persecution may come in through the Prohibition door.’ —Al 9.