The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-03
PRIEST VS.. CARDINAL.
Wiliinmsport Case in Irelnnd-Father
O,Keafc Sues His Bish0p for Libel-He Re-
fuses 10 Obey Order Of Suspension.


O'Kesfe Sues His Blshop for Libel-He Re-
fuses 20 Obey Order Of Suspension.
II Is little remarkable that at the present time
when the right OF q bishop OF the Roman Catholic
Church TO remove priest from charge OF parish
is pending before the civil tribunals OF Pennsylvania
case OF q similar character has arisen In Ireland.
The Bishop OF Scranton (Dr O'Hara), in the ex'
ercse OF power hardly ever before questioned in
the United States, suspended Father Stack on the
ground OF alleged maladministration OF the affairs
OF the Church, ana the latter, 1t appears, has 80
far successfully resisted by aid OF the secular arm,
his ordinary or superior The case IN Ireland IL
somewhat different, but 1t diners In the respect OF
peing more nagrant defiance OF authority, AMI
that IN the person OF mis- eminence Cardinal
Cullen, Archbishop of dublin, and the Pope's egate
In Ireland.
CAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY.
1t appears that two months since the bishops OF
Ireland held meeting, mainly for the purpose OF
considering the educ .tonal scheme proposed by the
government. Resolutions were adopted denOunc-
ing any system not based upon religion and that
did not practically recognize the pastoral authority
the faith and morals OF the children IN accord
with the doctrine and discipline of the Catholic
Church. Cardinal Cullen Is jealous supporter or
UNCONVENTIONAL cducatIon; but 1t appears that Rev.
Father O'Keefe parish priest at Callan County Kill
kenny, spoke at different times strongly In favor
brought out reprimand from the Cardinal, but 1t
had no effect on Father O'keele, who continued TO
oppose the unanimous recommendations OF the
Irish prelates. His bishop Right Rev. DIR. Walsh,
now lnteriered to stop Inc recalcltrant clergyman,
and the matter proceeded until Father O'Keele
brought an action for LIBEL against his diocesan.
This last extraordinary proceeding excited the
strong dispeasure OF the Cardinal, who issued no.
uces suspendlng the priest TO wnicn the latter paid
no attention.
THE PRIEST DEFyING THE CARDINAL.
The order OF suspension was read IN one or the
following Sunday december ~ large demOnsira-
ton took place In the Town, at whlcl about eight
thousand persons were present The meeling Was
In favor Oh the parish priest, who was present In
aaaressing tne people ne sad tnat me , aagncent
| man or suspended priest Alluding " the latest
notice OF suspension he said it mad been posted on
the door OF the chapel with four nalls they should
have added another III order to make cruclX OF II.
He did not know whether Cardinal Cullen was
was then he should pay for It. Father Okeeie then
read copy OF letter he had forwarded 10 Cardinal
for Inc sixth time ana behi1d his back, censured
HIM "wlthout any trial or citation, and Without al
leging any crime as far a. he haI been able to learn
except tnat he went 10 law with Doctor Walsh. u
Under these circumstances, the letter proceeds he
thinks that no one can reasonably expect
apology Tor going to law with His Emlnence. lie
had proposed 10 leave the whole case to the pro-
iessoIs or canon law and theology az Maynooth,
and he proposed now to leave 1t 10 the saying Of
the three Archbshops. The letter concludes, 81
Court, and In virtue Of my love for peace and re-
| ligl0n make this final effort TO Keep this presen;
one out OF Court Also No doubt another nalI dozen
| suspensions Will he haunted before my lace, but
my Lord CARDINAL tell you plainly that until de-
grade myself first by the commission OF some
crime laugh at the folly OF the attempts OF Others
| to degrade me-" Resumlng his address 10 the
multitude said, al tell my Lord Cardinal that he
has not yet succeeded, nor never Will succeed, III
| introducing the tyrannlcal law that no man could
proceed against an ecclesiasic III The civil Courts
country" At The close oil the address Rev. Edward
| ODwyer proposed q resolution to the effect that
| the parshiOners were entirely opposed TO the
tyrannica conduct or Cardinal Cullen towards theiI
revcred parish priest.
| THE CANON LAW.
There can be nc doaht that the canon law entities
| a clergyman TO trial or hearing before suspension
winch in Ireland Is one OF the severest penalties
that can be Inflicted; but IL case OF parish priest
| he holds his beneflce curing what may be called
| good behavior. The rule Is somewhat different in
| the United States, winch Is to some extent con-
quence the bishops are granted greater degree OF
authority over their SUBJECTS. il was on this ground
or custom, hardly ever before questioned, that the
Bishop OF Scranton proceeded In the Of Father
In u mucn mllder way, the course OF FatneI OKeeie
| Both cases happening at the same time and the
| American one being Of the greatest importance t,
| the Church, we may expect that they will be laiC
before the Propaganda 10r final decision. AS far al
| Father Stacks case IS concerned, he may succee,
Ing Bishop UHara to Withdraw his letter Of suspen
| sion; but 1t will prove nard matter 10 obtain o
| hold together q number OF Catholics, II any at all
| who would accept his minlstrationl. There nigh
| be pastor and church in WilIlamsport, but tner
| would probably be nOn.German congregation
| The Callan priest has undoubtedly the law on III
side but his words and actions cannot be CONSIDERS
| temperate or edilyinG.