Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-12-19

lxhAcULArH CONCEPTION xCKLEBRArroS-Ws
learn from the Trenton Gazette that Bisbon
Bailey, Of tho Roman Catholic Diocese. NJ
Newark, which comprises the state of New
Jersey, has appointed iridium, or three da,,
service, to be held in the month of December.
to celebrate the doctrine of the immaculate
conception, which was promulgated at Rome
last winter. The Bishop defines that doctrine
to BE- that ssschich holds that tAe Blessed Virein
Mary, at the first instant Qf her conception. by a
singular grace 0nd prtriiege Of the O,nnipotsnf
God, andi rirsae Of fhe merits Of Jesxs Chris.
The Saviour Of Mankind .cas preserred imn,acu-
late from all Stain Of original ssh, had been re-
reaied by God" This doctrine he eulogises st
length, and recommends it to the implicit
faith Of all true Catholics. He says that no
thing is ssmore remarkable an connected with
the revival Of piety in our days, than the in
creased devotion of all good CRyisticns towards
the blessed mother of God" Those whose de-
votion has not inreased in this respect are not,
1t would seem, in the opinion Of the Bishop TO
De included under the title Of good Christians
lie diiates upon the merits and influence Of
the Mother of God in heaven and on earth
and then proceeds TO give directions coucsrn
ing the observance Of the iridium Auy tbr,,
successive days of the month may be selected
by the pastors OF tbs churcheh. The Bishop
then makes this important announcement:
'To all who assist dcvoutly at the religious
exercises on any of the three days, the HOLY
Father grants 4 partial indulgence of sersn
years, and as many times forty days; and q
plenary indulgence to those who attend during
the Iridium, confess their sins with humility
and contrition, receive the Holy Communion.
and on the last of the three days offer prayers
TO God according TO the intention Of the Holi-
ness. These indulgences may be applied. by
way of suffrage to the souls in purgatory.'
The dogmatic definition of an Indulgence 10
the release from the temporal punishmen. due
to sin after the guilt has been remitted by
penance. Catholics earnestly contend that in
dulgences are not licencesto to sin if so what is
the meaning OF the defnitiona If release OF
seven years from the temporal punishment Of
sin confessed and absolved, can be attained BY
attending the services one day, it 10 rather an
easy method Of fgetting rid of the penalties at
tached to guilt. The latter clause in the
above quotation may need little explanation.
One Specification of the word "sufirage" il.
aid, assistance; SO that the favor made with
heaven by attending the services connected
withithe proposed celebration win be adequate
not only for relieving those .who may avail
themselves of the opportunity, froM the pun
ishDent OF their own sin, but also for ASSISTING
their friends IL pnrgatory. This idea OF "suF-
frage' is Illustrated by the following extract
from Catholic ma nual. Perhaps many II
our readers were not aware Of tine aGy&ntsys
OF having friends in purgatory:
'.What claims our compassion csu pos
sibly equal those of the souls III purgAtory
By intsrceding for them We consult our own
interests; for though they are unable so prsy
for themselves, God does not refuse to hear Meir
entreaties for Us. When St. Catbarine sf Be-
logna desired to obtain any particular fssoE.
she habitually REQUIRED to the interccssion OF
the souls in purgatory, and nerer failed 70 re-
ceirs the grant Of her request. Gratafu! to
those who helped to shorten the period OF
their separation from God, they will not for
get their benefactors when they shall have
been put in possession of the glory Of tho
saints. depends upon oarselres 10 secgre thir
infercession for the time rheH shdH so mach
need IL.