Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-02-22
Roman Catholic Discipline.

Roman Catholic Discipline.
HOW THE CHURCH VIEWS FREEDOM OF
SPEECu-THE REV. THOMAS FARRELL RE
MOVED FROM HIS CHURCH FOR SPEAKING
IN FAVOR OF ITALIAN LIBERTY.
The following letter from Rev. Father
Farrell, was read before the recent Italian
Unity meeting, New York
ST JosEPH $, Jan, 12, 1871.
THEODORE ROosEyELT-D5n Sir 4:
regret that | cannot be present at the meet
ing in favor of Italian Unity. Italy divi-
ded has long been the prey of the foreigner.
As | would not like to see foreign soldiers
on my own native soil, nor would consider
it an evidence Of the contentment and hap
piness Of the people, so | would not wish
to see Italy occupied by foreign troops nor
could L consider their presence there as an
evidence OF the cOGtentment OF the people.
According to the old theory and practice Of
European nations, people may be given and
taken away without their consent. All that
must be changed before the people can be
contentcd. They must own themselves.
Standing armies must be abolished. Navies
also, except few vessels furnished by each
nation for the protection of commerce on
the high sets, must be got rid OF. 1t is a
menstrOus injustice to tax and oppress DeO-
PIE beyone endurance, to crafty the policy
and ambition of kings.
How long ignorance willkeep reople from
seeing bow easily they might get rid of their
grievances aud the cause of them, 1t is hard
to tell; but | am convinced that it cannot
be long. Though it is not for me to predict
what the destiny of united Italy will be- still
| do not believe that she will stop where she
is Tncy have yet a great deal to learn and
practice The people of the Old World
don't understand what equality before the
law means for, if they did they would
soon get rid of aristocracy by inheritance or
patent, which, like caste, is the greatest
curse OF the world.
The people, too, Of every country and Of
every creed have so long been prosecuted
on account Of reii gion that they do not un-
der>tand orr theory and our practice of civil
and religious liberty. When they come to
understand and practice It the world over,
one Of the great causes Of human slavery
and oppression TiI be removed forever.
That all men throughout the world may
soon enjoy civil and religious liberty aud
equality before the law Is the sincere wish
Of yours truly, THOs FARRELL.
John D. McGrath, Esq, OF New York
city. upon reading the letter Of Rev. Far
rell, in the Tribune, wrote to the editor Of
that paper the following
To the Editor of the T1'june-Dear SIR:
Even the mild spirit OF iiUeraiity pervadIng
this letter was repugnant TO some of the
Catholic powers OF this city, and it was re-
solved that Father FaTellmust be removed.
Outside-and | have good grounds FOR be-
iieving Observation-Disclosures was brought to
bear on Archbishop McCloskey, and he sum
moned his coulcil TO try the case Feeling
the unusual importance Of the subject, the
Archbishop called III as additional council
Fathers Riley OF St. Mary Church, Curran,
OF y. Andrews, and Dounelley, Of St. Nil
chaels Enc result was q vote in favor OF
removing Father Farrell from his church,
the three outside counsellers voting unani-
Inouslv for the motion. Father Farrell re-
ceiyed note rom the Bishop last Tuesday
informing him OF the action of the co uncll,
and informing him thath must retract or
De removed. He JcjU not retrdct.
Father Farrell was placed over st. JO-
seph' Church some fifteen years ago, sue
ceeding Father McCarron The church was
then heavily in debt Under his efficient
management it has become independent and
is now d large owner o! real estate, and IN a
better condition than any church in the city.
All this has been accomplished without
pressing the people IN any way tor money,
and solely bv the nooie lessons of truth, lib
erality, and progress which he has taught.
!. as member OF his church and congrega-
tioD. an Lrishman aud Catholic, born in
Catholicity, while admitting the prerogative
of the Bishop to remove any priest, with or
without cause. beg 70 enter my protest not
so much against his removal as the cause
! which has led TO an event 50 much to be de
! Dlorgd by all true Catholics sud lovers OF
/ liberty the world over; namely, the free ex'
/ ercise and expression of his opinions on the
present political position OF Rome and Italy
! 1t matters not whether | agree with Father
| Farrell opinions or not the right which
| claim for myself OF giving expression to my
| opinions, will ever insist on for others, a.
| Catholic. In this instance, [ fully agree
with Father Farrell What is the opinion
| of priest worth, if he Is to be punished
and persecuted for giving it expression?
/ A few days ago New York turned out tc
! do honor TO the Fcnian exiles, their sol,
virtue being an adherence to principle anC
/ the faith that was in them, aud because
/ thew opposed the views and policy of th'
rowers that be, they were incarcerated il
! British prisons. To-day a man remarkable
/ for his piety. his age, his sanctity, his learn
ing-all that adorns the Christian ministe
is struck down at our feet for an act II
every respect similar. How long is the en-
! lightened spirit of the Nineteeth Centur
| 10 continue pandering to such narrow bigo
try and prejudice as this? Yours faith
fully, JOHN u. MCORATH.
- Repyick ST., New Y York, Feb. IL 1871