Roman Catholics and the 20th Century.

Thames Star, Volume xxx, Issue 8381, 26 June 1899, Page 4

Roman Catholics and the 20th Century.

* London newspapers give some particulars of the special observances that i are projected by the Catholic Church in connection with the beginning of the twentieth century of the Christian, era. As distinguished from other branches of the church, which are to signalise the event by great subscription lists, the Catholic Church intends to mark the occasion with acts of devotion and religious effort. Cardinal Vaughan stated, at a meeting of the Catholic Truth Society in London in April last, that the project to spend tlie last year of this century and the first year of the next century in a (solemn international and world-wide aob of homage to the Saviour had taken its rise in Home, had been blessed by the Holy See, and was being taken up in the various countries of Christendom. Preaching, praying and pilgrimages were to be the chief means employed. The pilgrijmages are to include visits to Loretto, Jerusalem and Rome. Crosses are to be erected in cathedrals and all the principal -churches, bearing a Latin inscription commemorating the movement. The Blessed Sacrament is tobe solemnly exposed from the evening of December 30,1900, till the corning of January 1, 1901, when it will be administered to the people. On the same night, in. country places, and especially on lofty eminences, bonfires are to be lighted to attest mankind's gratitude to, and adoration of, the Redeemer. Rome is to be the crowning point of the celebration, by solemnities which will take place at that time. The Roman Pontiff will celebrate the beginning of the new century, when he will raise the precious blood of the lamb in a golden, chalice, which is to be given by the clergy and laity as a sign, of the perfect loyalty binding the Catholics of the world tc their supreme pastor and infallible teacher. The solemn act' of homage is to conclude with Epiphany of 1901. No doubt New Zealand Catholics will take some part in this world-wide movement by the church to which they are attached.