The New York herald., 1870-12-12
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

Father LnfOnt the Infaliibility OF the
Pope-The Occupation Of Rome un Outrage
Upon tho Catholic World.
The French Catholic church In Twenty.third street
was well filled yesterday by fashionable congrega-
tion the greater part Of whom OF the fair SEX
The interior Of the church since Its renovation has
cheerful aspect, and the
STATUED BAND OF SAINTS
along the walls present very fine appearance The
beautiful painting above the altar representing St.
Paul in devout attitude surrounded by angels and
seraphim, Is one OF the principal ornaments OF the
church. The music and singing were very fine.
After the usual exercises and readng OF the lesson
OF the day, Father Lafont mounted the pulpit and
discoursed on the
AVAILABILITY OF TIE POPE.
In aluding to the recent events that have cumi
mated In the occupation OF Rome he dwelt
on the injustice Of Victor Emmanuel, who, with
out any cause provocaton, Invaded the states of
the Church and deprived the Holy Father OF his
patrlmony. He cannot now exercise his func-
tlens with the independence required by the pastor
OF the Charcn Of God. BY this 0verbearing act an
outrage has been committed upon the rights of the
the reverend gentleman expatlated at consider.
able length on the love and veneraton that Catho-
THE SOVEREIGN HEAD OF THE CHURCH
He said the Psntncal establishment is founded on
the love OF God 1t Is necessary that there should
"
could rally. In building His Church on q rock our
Lord plainly declared that there should be but one
nock and one infallible pastor. Jesus Christ ia the
Invisible rock upon which the mother Church is
founded. In reposing upon this immutabie founda-
ton the chief Of the Church, though feeble man
by nature, becomes infalliDle. He cannot be de-
ceived for Jesus Christ speaks through him to His
faithful 11ock.
THE POPE IS THE FATHER ON EARTH
OF the true children OF God. He has the power to
pardon and to condemn. BY the occupation Of Rome
the Catholic world has been deprived Of its legit
mate centre. The undivided possession indispen-
SADLY necessary to the Holy Father for the free use
OF his beneficial influence, because he must have
temporal means to represent the exterior dignity Of
the Church.
In conclusion the reverend gentleman exhorted
the faithful to pray, that God should sustain the
Church In her present affection and restore the Holy
Father 10 his patrimony.
LIN tho Evening stt
French meeting to protest against the usurpa-
ton Of the Papal territory was held the church.
Though the object OF the reunion was partly con-
nected with the Catholic worship, stili in order to
leave more freedom for debate should there be
address to the Pope, the sacred particles
were removed. Father Laront declared that
IN virtue Of his authority Of pastor he was de dron
president, and accordingly took the chair. He ap-
pointed as secretary Monsieur Jean Baptiste Albert
and as inspector OF the voting, Mr. Joseph Laurent
The reverend gentleman then dilated on the
unite with their fellow Catholic citizens In pro-
testing against the iniqutous invasion OF the Popes
domini0ns, which, he said, was contrary to the
plighted faith OF Italy and all international and
already traversed BY his brothers In the ministry
When he desired the congregation to stand up, II
they were In favor OF tue protest. all with the excep
tton OF one Immediately stood up. And when he de-
sired again that those who were in favor OF IL should
remain seated the same individual boldly stood up
to ayow bis political fatth. whi2R. u UnneCesssKI