The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-17
PRONUNCIATION of the Decree 10 the
. Diocese of Newark.
THE ABLEGAYES PREDICTION FULFILLED
Bishop McQuaide Address to
His Clergy.
OPINIONS OF NEW YORK PRIESTS.

Wy missiou 10 tnls country Is designed 10 lay
the foundation of canon law were the memorable
words of the late Papal Ablegate Right Rev. Bishop
Conroy, uttered to HERALD representative exactly
sixteen months ago. His premature death in New
foundland four months afterward occasoned wide
spread feeling of regret among the prize It's through
out the country. whose grievances had aroused the
attention of the Propaganda. But the Ablegate had
paved the way for those sweeping reforms
in ecclesiastical discipline for which the clergy
had petitioned Rome in vain for years
The celebrated "Instructio" was issued, where
by the bishops enjoined to appoint
in every diocese council of five priests to be known
as "Judces Causarum," for the trial of delinquent
priests. This new departure was very distastefu to
the bishops. whose authority the priests was
almost absolute. and the operation OF the order
attended with much bitter feeling till another appeal
to Rome became 1t held by the priests
that trial before even council OF "Judices" would
afford little protection to accused Clergyman if
the right OF the latter to be represented by ad
vocate, who would be of course priest, were ques
toned. But the bishops already aggravated at the
curtailment of their sway denied the claim. test
case happened to occur in neighboring diocese,
and the accused prieat insisted ON his right
He was supported in his demand by several
OF the older priests in his diocese and by prom
inent theologians Of the archdiocese Of New York
peaed to Rome. and. Notwithstanding the efforts Of
we'll known prelate of this State, whose opposition
to the claim brought him to Rome ut the time. the
Holy See decided in favor Of the priest. and to pre-
vent further troubles and appeals in regard to the
"Instructio' supplementary order issued to
the bishops throughout the country. 1t was init
mated by Cardinal Franchi that repeated disputes
might arise. permanent Ablegate to North Amer
lea would become necessary for the Interpretation
and strict enforcement of the order Of "Instructo"
in order to obviate continual appeals to the Holy
See.
Thus by the answering perseverance and nfexi-
BILE determination of few priests whose rights
invaded laid in this country the foundation of
canon law. which has already become accom-
plshed fact in at least diocese. and thus Alb
legate Conroys prediction been fulfilled. The do
in which the troubles occurred Immediately
preceding the appointment of the Ablegate and the
PRONUNCIATION or the "Instructo" were Louisville,
Detroit and Newark. and in each the grievances Of
the priests declared to be well founded that
the bishops were required TO make reparation to
the injured priests In one instance public apology
from the pulpit was ordered by Rome. The surprise
created by this new movement In eccesast dis
cipline may be judged from the incredulity OF the
clergy wnen the announcement made
in the HERALD several months ago that the Catholic
Church in this country was on the of the estab-
lsnment OF law. This being then q mis-
to it the full operation OF law is only another proof
of the wisdom and sound policy OF the present
Pope, who several occasions has expressed
his admiration at the rapid advancement of the
Catholic Church in the United States.
BISHOP coRhIGAN's INITIATIVE.
The diocese OF Newark has been the first in which
canon law has been proclaimed. Although the
youngest prelate In this country, Bishop Corrigan
has displayed wonderful activity in the management
of the affairs OF his diocese His Emincnce Cardinal
has Sesn & few es Of sas
and it is secret among the priests of the Newark
diocese that a recommendation has been forwarded
to Rome in favor OF the appointment OF Bishop Cor
rgan coadjutor to the Cardinal juye succesonis
The question was mooted when the Cardinal also
retired few weeks to Seton Hall the occasion
of his indispositiona year ago. The PRONUNCIATION
OF canon law in that diocese just at this time ac-
quires more than ordinary significance.
STATUTES.
The new statutes of the diocese of Newark are
now in the hands OF the clergy. They were promul-
gated in the Synod held in May, 1878. and en-
BRACE rst the statutes OF the diocese proper;
the of the second Provincial Council of New
York third the DEGREES OF the last Plenary Council
OF Baltimore, and fourth the Laws OF the Supreme
Pontifs and of tho Synods of the Universal Church
by the admonition on page l6 of the statutes
these various sources form the supreme law for
pastors OF the Lords flock in his diocese. The
Bishops words are very emphatic. l,-rticpary when
he the phrase, 'ta hdc regone supreme norma
This is the entire corpus Juv7s under which the an
cent laws and discipline Of the early fathers to be
restored.
vIsIrArIoNs OF BISHOPS.
In accordance with this charge the Bishop has
commenced the visitation of all the churches and
congregations OF MS diocese. which, by the way.
are designated In the new statutes by the strict
canoncai term pdrochd, or parishes, while the pas
tors are styled pdrocht or parish priests. In fun
Keeping with the ancient customs In his visitation
oil the churches Blshop Corr'gan follows the pre-
scrptions OF the Pontifcal and the Old Canons SUBJ
Jectng the parish priests to the most rigid inspec
tion ana cstecnesis. ana specially insisting that
their libraries shall be supplied with the best works
on canon law. In this matter OF visitation Bishop
Corrigan may be considered the pioneer,
since hitherto the Catholic bishops in the
United states have been content with
an informal inspection on the occasion
OF their visits. This PRONUNCIATION of the entire
body OF canon law in his diocese by Bishop Corri-
gan marks an era In the history OF the Catholic
Church IN America ana his action, II initiated by
his brother prclates, cannot fail to achieve vast
amount OF good, as 1t has been commended in ad-
vance by the Holy See. which will also certainly
tain its operation 1t s also set forth in the Bishops
book OF instruction TO the clergy that by the late
.lnstructio OF the Holy See that portion of the
of w regu