The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-09-11


fears which are called into being by the
Franco russian war, there 10 one supreme
thought which should occupy the minds
and Interest the hearts OF all true Catho-
lies, viz, the duty which they owe to that
Supreme Pontiff, who is at once their
like his Divine Master, is truly I" not OF
this world" albeit the world will justly be
held responsible for it's prOfane but futile
attempts to limit the prerOgatives OF the
Vicar of Christ. In the present grave
crisis in European affairs, the enemies of
and an opportunity, looked for by them in
vain for the last nine years, to strike a
blow at the centre of Catholic unity, by
destroying the independence of the Holy
See. The position is most serious one,
but we have confidence that they will fail.
The withdrawal of the French troops from
Rome is a deplorable circumstance, but
more SO for France thanfor Plus TX, whom
God can protect by means of other instrn-
ments of His own selection, if such be His
holy>will. But, if those who have been
and are>conspiring against the Holy Fa-
ther think that France, as Q nation, will
ever permit asecond "Castelfdardo," they
will undoubtedly find themselves mistaken.
The glorious memory Of Montana forbids
the supposition. The recent sanction given
to the French officers in>the Pontiical
Zouaves, by the Emperor, to- remain at
their post, renders the idea impossible that
Frenchmen would ever tamely submit to
their being secretly sacrificed to the crafty
designs Of an Unsuitable revolutionary
rabble! But, of one thing we may be GER
tain. The expenses entailed upon the
Pontifical Government will henceforth be
considerably increased by the urgent ne
cessity of it's holding itself in state of
The duty of Catholics is therefore very
clear. They have an organization, vol
unteer movement of their own, in their
very midst, and they have only to avail
themselves of it without delay. The Con-
fraternity of st. Peter was established for
the express purpose of defending the Holy
Father, by means of pray er, Peters Pence,
and the exercise on the part of all it's mem
bers Of their personal influence, example
and ability, in his service. The repeated
expression of approval accorded to it by
Plus TX, who described the work, as ''dear
| to his heart" and the numerous spiritual
blessings granted to all enrolled members,
sufficiently testify to it's past usefulness,
and events themselves clearly indicate the
duty which devolves upon all Catholics,
to maintain and develop so noble and pious
a work. We appeal then with confidence
to all who have not as yet enlisted them
selves in the rank of the Holy Fathers de-
| tenders to do so without delay. We live
| in an age when events march rapidly, and
better or for worse. The voice of Catho-
lie Christendom, which has not been raised
without effect in the past, will not be with
out it's influence in the present or the flu
ture. Let us make it then our pride, not
to be silent or inactive, at the present
time, but to unite ourselves in sympathy,
| in spirit, and in action. with those who
represent in our own cold age the principles
which inspired the Crusades, and shone
victorious at LepantO-the spirit which
animated Pimodan and Lamoriciere, which
kept Spain Catholic and inspired faithful
Ireland with an invincible devotion which
enabled it to brave an ordeal of fire and
blood, while nnfiinchingly resisting the
savage inroads of detestable heresy. Let
us show ourselves worthy of such splendid
recollections, if not by our valor in the
field, at least by perseverance in defence
of those principles which we profess and
fondly cherish, and with an altered mean
ing, but firmer voice, fling back to the
revolution and it's satellites their own>mis
cradle menace, I" Roma o Mofte!"- Catho-
lie Times.