The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-03-08

A REMARKABLE CASE IN ROME.-A very
singular instance of ecclesiastical discipline
is now, again, being much talked of in Rome.
1t is that of the COptic Patriarch, Abraham
Cascuir, whose history is almost romantic.
He first came to Rome in 1927, under the
Pontifcate of Leo XII, being then only
twenty-five, and studied at the College of
the Propaganda. Though not remarkable for
his intelligence, he had plenty of astuteness.
One day a forged letter was received at the
Vatican, purporting to come from Mahomet
Ali, informing the Pope contidentially that
the schismatic patriarch of the Copts was
dead, and that the Copts only waited for n
Catholic patriarch to be sent them to de-
young Cascuir as specially meet for the Of
fee. So we'll was the forgery carried out
that the Court of Rome did not discover it,
but acted in accordance with the advice
given. By means of other forgeries Cascuir
had likewise given himself out to be son of
man of substantial means, and lately en-
nObled. Under the circumstances, the dis
ability regarding his age was dispensed, and
he was ordained priest, then c1nsecrated
bishop, and finally was economically invested
with-the dignity of United Patriarch of the
Copts, with residence ut Alexandria. His
rank was acknowledged by Interchange of
visits with other members of the prelature,
rand furnished with the ornaments and in
sigma of his exalted Office he started to take
possession of his new province. Up to this
point all his schemes had been worked out
with an even flow of success. Ecclesiastical
prudence, however, provided a safeguard on
which he had not counted. Having regard
for his youth and inexperience, and the diff
culties of the attending work he had under
taken to, accomplish, a Roman prelate, Mgr.
Canestrari, was ordered to accompany him
in the character of an adviser. The uneasi-
ness which this addition to his staff occa-
stoned could not but attract the notice of
Mgr. Canestrari, and this embarrassment in
creased as they approached their destina-
ton. Arrived in port, Cascuir hesitated to
disembark. Puzzled how to act, Mgr. Canes
trari landed, and begged the French consul
to acquaint the Pachs with the arrival of
the new patriarch. Mahomet Ali, who, of
course, expected nothing of the sort, was
furious at the news, and declared that he
would have Cascuir's head if he ventured to
set foot in Alexandria. This, of course,
brought about an explanation, and inquiries
discovered the fact that his father, instead
of being q great man, was merchant in
very small way of business. There was
nothing left for Mgr. Canestrari but to bring
his man back to Rome, where, at his trial.
he was condemned to imprisonment for life,
after being deposed Gem-the sacred office
into which he had thrust himself by such
unworthy means. The Republican govern
ment, in 1913, opened his prison doors, and,
moreover, sought to make him their tool by
inducing him to take the POpe's part in the
Easter functions at st. Peters, which they
wished to parody in his absence, in order to
impose upon the people. But SCascuir, in
the meantime, had become wiser and a
better man. He not only refused to have
anything to do with their scheme, but the
moment the Pontifcal government was re-
established testified the sincerity of his re-
pentance by returning, of his own accord, to
fulfill the remainder of his sentence. Plus
IN, RENTED it, and gave him permission to
live at large, provided he lived retired
life. Having stood satisfactorily the test of
this further probation, he has lately re-
'ceived permission to resume the ecclesias-
teal costume, and to celebrate mass Vest
minister Gasette.