The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-03-12
THE woRK1Nos OF MoNAsrIclsn.
The Fourth Lentcn Lecture by Bishop
knlu Yesterday.

A large congregation, as usual, listened L
Bishop Kain's lecture at the Cathedral yes
terdAy.
It must be admitted that the life OF monk
and nuns is subject about which very ltttlt
seems TO be known. In his first lecture OF
this subject, 1t will be remembered, tn,
Bishop traced the origin OF monastIcism tc
the Apostolic days developed the principles
rs set forth In the New Testament; comment
ed on the lives and works OF the women who
were co-laborers with the Apostles in preach
ing the Gospel; adduced proofs, from the
early Christian writers, in support OF the fact
that even during the days OF Pagan persecu
tions, there existed very numerous class OIL
virgins conSecrated TO God; and, finally, ht
gave an outline OF the first formation OF re-
ligious communities and sketch OF the work
done In the past and present by
various religious organizations OF Monks and
sisters. Yesterday he took his hearers into
the interior OF q convent, and detailed Its
practical workings He represented the con.
vent as little Commonwealth, with It's fixed
constitution and laws, and as republican in
Its form OF government. No one, he said, is
allowed to assume the obligations OF the re-
ligious life until she Is thoroughly conyers
Years OF probation must precede the taking
tulant or novice Is furnished with printed
copy OF the rule, and frequently hears it ex.
planned, aud constantly sees 1t put into prac-
tical operation. 1
He entered into some Interesting details
regarding the training-its process, purpose
and results. The great object Of the Novi-
ciate is TO correct faults, TO acquire knowl-
edge OF aScetic and spiritual lie, 10 learn the
practice Of the higher Christian virtues, and
TO satisfy the novice herself and the commu-
nifty that she has religious vocation. Many
who enter do not perSevere, and commu-
nifty is always very careful not to admit any
member OF whose vocation doubt Is enter
tanned. Such Que would not be happy in q
cloister, nor would she contribute 10 the
happiness OF others around her, .....
The Bishop described the manner In which
supefiors are elected, and not few who lis.
tened to him were doubtless surprised to
learn that nuns live under democratic form
ot government, and in the election Of their
rulers, enjoy the right OF universal suffrage
and vote by ballot. In most religious orders
the term OF Office for which nuns elect their
superioresS Is three, or at most four years In
very many orders, as for instance among the
Visitation Nuns, the superioress Is not eligi.
BILE for third term, until some one else has
governed for term-in other words, Is not
eligible for three successive terms.
The Bishop also gave some idea OF the
many safeguards which the canons OF the
church prescribe against any usurpation OF
authority on the one hand, or OF violation Of
rule on the other. Though tho whole lecture
seemed TO be delivered in colloguial style,
It was listened to with strictest attention and
manifest pleasure on account OF the novelty
OF the theme, and the able way in which It
was handled.
The Bishop announced that he would con-
tinue the subject next Sunday afternoon,
when he would discourse on: "Monasticism
False Impressions Corrected"