The New York herald., 1872-03-18
BROOKLYN CHURCHES.
ST. PETERS RonAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Persecution Of tho Catholic Churc h-The
Remedy Against Scandal-.Sermon by the
Rev. Father FransioIL
The fast falling snownakes that greeted the eve
yesterday forenoon and caused the more timorous
to shrink from facing churchward through the
storm, cast no apparent camper upon the zeal OF
the congregation OF the parish Of St Peter, Judging
from the gOOdly numbers seated in the handsome
edifce Of divine worship, corner Of HICKS and War.
Streets South Brooklyn, at the principal service
The sacrifice OF the mass was offered by the curate
Rev. Father Murphy, and the pastor. Rev. Father
Fransiol, preached o lengthy and ad.
mlrable sermon, reading for his text and
as the text OF the Catholic Christians duty
the gospel OF st. John viii, from the
tnrty-th third verse to the end OF the chapter. The
Scribes and Pharisees challenged Christ when He
was approached by Mary Magdaen, the woman W no
was caught In adultery as they Interpreted from
the Law OF Moses. He should not have hearkened to
the poor sinful creatures penirence. But when He
SAID "Let he VINO Is without SIN throw the first
stone at nern they all lett the temple ana did not
dare TO modest her. (Which OF you convlcteth me
OF sina Verify, 1 say unto you, before
Abraham was 1 am. Then took tney up stones to
cast at Him." What is the meaning OF the calumny
we hear against the Church every day9 Are we
not the children OF q slnless mOtners And yet we
stones cast at ner. How eau we OLSON
STOP THE SToNING OF THAT PURE AND HOLY
MOTHER,
the catholic Churchs The reverend speaker said he
would eadeavor to show them how. as good, prompt
aud afYeclionae children Of that mother, they could
come forward 10 ner rescue. She was always sub
ect to abuse and persecution 1t true. But at this
period there Is q sort OF general revival or
combination OF evil machinations at work against
public meetings, 10 olicai assem- olages and by In.
dIviduals. what Is the provocatlon for this out
burst Of animoslty against 80 holy mothers Is The
God An, no. my brethren, said lie, but the Phari.
sees are jealous OF Its strength. lt must DO the
caumny and ndIgnIty Is cast at her. II there be q
arunkard, tnlci conspiracy, rings for plumber,
do not our enemies point TO such and say that they
are Cathoicsf And will they not pretend also,
that the Church Is responsible for the acts OF indi
vldassf But tnls cannot Do; The Church stands
established by Christ Himself, and Is, therefore,
without sin. Her doctrines are clear, pure and
holy, and her sacraments are free to oursh her
children II they but
We believe that the Catholic Church has alone the
power to bring persons TO heayen--not, OF course,
attempting, however, TO measure the Infinite mercy
OF God. Her sacraments, which forms the sactiiy:
eIlIcation OF her memoers. and we assert tnat
ANY CATHOLIC CAN BE A HOLY NAN,
TO the teachings OF the Church. People who meet
sinners, public sinners, and know OF them as
see tn, conduct OF such and such persons who are
members.n II we comply with tho precopts OF the
Church we Will present such body OF noble
citizens tnat no possible ground can exist for
calumny against Us. But there are some minds so
ignorant by prejudice against the Catholic Chuch
that they would always have some fault 10 ind
and some excuse to den0unce u.s. 1he Churcn de.
nounces drunkenness impuriy. sensuality, IN every
phase; lies, caumDy detraction, anger hatred and
w will; cheating stealing ana every vice tnat goes
10 make up the Catalogue Of the chains OF the devil
she tells surely, IN loud voice. tnat there is God
OF justice above and tnat He will hold us TO str.ct
accountability for each and every violation OF HIS
law and Judge accordingly. How can the faith
ful child OF such mother become scandal ana q
sinner lie may not he free from venial p0iats; bu!
the perfection OF The grace OF freedom iron mortal
sin Is by him atiainabIe. AL should then be Tree
from grievous sin aud scandalous acts, ana nc
| Catholic should be $500
ON THE LIST OF THE CRIMINAL.
The true children OF the Church must rcacn nat
OF perfection, not only IN faitn, put IN as's wnH tSS
will challenge respect and admraIion ~ nnr "a % ,hs
speaker defled any man IN creation 10 Gvmp n conif
rules OF the Church andsay that It's cn,u.0u arrs !"
| not be perfect. Let us then remember ue Mn,aa
| God Himself to the Prophet Jeremiah I'm ~ snss I
| Elias Isaac and the apostles ~ am matter w mo how
In the moment OF temptation, no ma''eu m Ia rvm w,,
dazxllng tho ai!urement W SIN may uc, .. mU W. -
| nerve and strenQtheu US to keep HIS hou command