The Catholic World

New Zealand Tablet, 21 May 1914, Page 53

The Catholic World

ENOXAND FOR THE FIRST TIME. For the first time in England, a Lord Mayor took part in a procession of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, March 28. This was the Lord Mayor of Manchester (Aid. McCabe), who attended in state at the evening service of St. Mary's, Mulberry street, and joined in the procession of the Blessed 'Sacrament, which was held in connection with the Quarant' Ore devotions. CARDINAL BOURNE ON WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE. At the annual general meeting of .the Catholic Women's League, which was held at Birmingham on March 26, Cardinal Bourne presided over a crowded attendance, his Eminence being supported by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Mgr. Parkinson, and the Abbot of Erdington. In his address Cardinal Bourne, referring to the subject of women's suffrage, urged the members of the League to exercise any power they might possess to counteract the very dangerous influences which were undoubtedly at work among women to-day. Of course, Catholics were free to take whatever view they chose; they could admit or deny the expediency of allowing women to vote at Parliamentary, elections. He urged those who believed in the equity or expediency of the vote to guard against any participation, direct or indirect, in any methods which were contrary to the law of God. In particular did he refer to those acts of violence to persons and property which had disgraced the movement, and which were contrary to justice and charity. Dealing with another important subject of the day, his Eminence' called upon Catholics to check by their influence any departure from traditional Catholic modesty, and reticence. Young persons of both sexes, as they grew up, should be duly warned and instructed of the temptations, difficulties, and dangers which might arise from their own lower nature, or from contact with evil-minded persons. The importance of this could not be gainsaid, but he urged that such advice and warning must be given with all prudence and circumspection by the right persons. Such matters were not fit subjects for public discussion, added his Eminence. ROME A CATHOLIC VICTORY. After a struggle, which has lasted for over three years in this city (writes a Rome correspondent), victory has finally sat on the banner of -those who were determined that religious instruction should be given again in connection with the public schools from which, by a vote of the fallen municipality, it had been banished. With an astuteness worthy of a better cause the late Syndic, Signor Nathan, contrived to evade the regulation which authorised fathers of families to have the use of the buildings at certain hours in the week for the religious education of their boys and girls. Never did "red tape serve irreligious servants of the public more effectually in .thwarting the just demands of the people. It was only when the Socialists were defeated at the last election that a prospect of justice appeared. Application to the Commissario Regio, Signor Aphel, who will conduct the affairs of the city until the elections next June, has met with success. Over a hundred ladies, who have volunteered their services, are now engaged for an, hour each Saturday in explaining Christian doctrine to children whom the late Municipal Council wished to see brought up as pagans. Among the volunteers is Princess GiustiniBandini, President of the Union of the Catholic Women • of Italy; a society/which; does much to thwart the efforts 'of men of the Nathan type. 1 '""■"* _

- THE HOLY FATHER'S NAME-DAY. : * March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, the name-day of his Holiness Pius X., was a day of much rejoicing at the Vatican (writes a Rome correspondent). His Holiness celebrated Mass at an, ; early hour in v his private chapel, while his sisters, his niece and nephew, with a few intimate friends, assisted. After assisting at another Mass of thanksgiving, the Holy Father kindly spent some time with his sisters and his two devoted private secretaries, Mgrs. Bressan and Pescini, and a few other intimate friends. The latter all presented their reverent and sincere greeting to his Holiness, and, while they recalled with trepidation the anxiety they entertained at this period last year for his life, they congratulated him on the splendid health he at present enjoys. The offices of the Vatican, the museums and galleries were closed in honor of the feast of the Pope. At 8 a.m., Mgr. Callochia, chaplain of the Pontifical Army, celebrated Mass for the soldiers under arms. At the large entrance door the special banner of the Swiss Guard was displayed, while the white and yellow banner was exposed in the Cortile San Damaso. The Diplomatic Body to the Holy See was dispensed from paying an official visit to the Pope, but nevertheless many of them drove to the Vatican to present their private greetings. About 11 a.m. the Cardinals began to arrive, and his Holiness received them in his private library. The Dean of the Sacred College, Cardinal Seraphino Vannutelli, read a short address in which he presented to" the Pope his-own greetings and those of the other Cardinals for the happy occasion. " Numerous telegrams containing filial kind wishes for the common Father were sent to the Secretary of State and to the private secretary of his Holiness from illustrious. personages and Catholic associations throughout the world. SCOTLAND DEATH OF THE BISHOP OF DUNKELD. The deepest sympathy must go out to the Catholics of Scotland- since they are one great whole, to Catholics generallywho have been greatly shocked at the death of Bishop Fraser of Dunkeld, which occurred on March 28, after a few days' illness (says the Universe), Unlike many members of the hierarchy, Bishop Fraser was not borne down by the weight of years, for he was only fifty-six. It seems but a few weeks ago since we were chronicling his appointment to the See of Dunkeld, and it seems but yesterday since he was reminding the Catholics of Galloway of the great works done by their Bishop, whose remains lay before the Cathedral altar awaiting burial. Scottish Catholics regarded Bishop Fraser as a pastor only beginning his career as one who had great deeds to accomplish. The Protestants of Dundee regarded him; as a new citizen *whose labors were destined to make for the welfare of the whole community. Although he had only been about nine months in occupation of his See since his consecration in May last, it may be said that there are few bishops who are so intimately known 1 to the people as Bishop Fraser was. . His death leaves trwo Scottish Sees bereft of their bishops. The vacancy in Galloway has not yet been filled, and no announcement with regard-to a successor is expected for some weeks yet. The diocese of Dunkeld comprises a Catholic population estimated. at about 35,000, served by about forty priests, exclusive of the Redemptorists attached to the monastery -at Kinnoull. i , 1 '