The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-24
CARDINAL MANNING'S IDEA.
Interview with the Great ChurChman
Concerning a Catholic Congress.
The Points of Discussion To Be Popular De-
yOtiOns, WOrkingmen, Music and Educa-
ton, and Growth of Social Evils.
London Letter in New York Herald.


that the latest brilliant idea to which Cardinal
Manning lends his powerful aid is proposition
TO hold in London a congress or convention of
English-speaking Catholics from every portion
of the globe. His EmiDence entered into the
spirit of the proposition with enthusiasm. He
hoped the English speaking Catholics of the
United States would support the proposition
as readily as it would be supported
in England, where his Eminence
gave assurance it would be met
with mo st lively Endorsement. He vouched for
the sanction-with the blessing-of the Holy
Father to the undertaking, as we'll as the ap-
prevail of Cardinals Newman Howard and
Moran, and the whole British Roman Catholic
hierarchy. The cooperation of Cardinal New
man was particularly emphasized by his Emf
nence The references hereafter made by
Cardinal Manning to English popular devotion"
in Roman Catholic churches may, perhaps, be
regarded as highly significant and suggestive of
church methods that may be as much appreciat-
ed by members of that faith in the United States
as here. Indeed, so popular is the idea here that
when recently the vespers were rendered in a
prominent Roman Catholic cathedral in Eng
land, they attracted great crowds of non-Catho
lies
Yes, think very highly of the proposition"
said the CARDINAL lit would result in the greatest
possible good to the church at large, and in an
especial manner to the church in England.
Nothing could be more opportune as testimony
to the world of the unity and vitality of the
church. Here in England there is every
hand dissension and all sorts of chickering's
among those of the Pan-Anglican Church Our
coming together in congress of this kind would
be living proof of the oneness of our faith
throughout the whole world, though we be of
the same tongue with them. While the Ques-
tions that would before the congress-or
convention, you please to call it-wOuld be
indeed of mOmentous import, yet should
meet a happy family, coming from every side
Of the earth, and treat them in spirit of peace
and unity that can only come from an undivided
and divine interest"
''Would the Holy Father sanction such an
undertaking?' was asked.
"Oh, by all means, and give it his blessing. In
fact, such congresses are not unknown right
under the very eye of His Holiness though of
they are not of such vastimport as this one
proposed, which sincerely hope to see carried to
a successful issue. l refer to the meetings held
in Italy called Congressi degl Interest," Cattolici
that Is, congresses to consider Catholic inter
ests. One year they are held in Naples and the
next in Turin, and so on Such meetings have
also been held IN Belgium. This one, however.
would surpass III general interest any held since
that of Maines, which was held in 1860 or
Whereabouts. This was, however, conducted in
the French language. Cardinal Wlseman
there, the present bishops of Leeds and Stafford,
and myself. Among prominent civilians were
Count de MOntaembert. the Due de BrOglie
and an Italian clergyman. This congress was
conducted as the Italian assemblages | have
mentioned
Now" continued his Eminence, ''I would
suggest so as to escape the sings and arrows Of
those who question the propriety of this con
gress, that we take for model those held in
Italy, most assuredly, as they are held by the
sanction of the Holy Father. They are, to be
sure only local affairs. We should take in half
a world But by avoiding all railing contro
verses against those that are without our unity,
and by presenting our views on the many inter
ests that must necessarily come before US i'll
prepared papers, and with friendly discussion,
should be fully within the bounds as good
Catholics, and still exercise the fullest freedom
to conduct our business to our own satisfaction,
and to the lasting welfare of English-speaking
Catholics"
Would your EIninence state the most impor.
tant matters that would come before such con-
gress?'
well. l would be in favor of dividing it's la
bors with au allotted time to each of the princi-
pal questions"
"First-We should look for the statistics OF
the church and its progress among the several
English speaking peoples of the nations repre-
scented.
"Second-Our views on English popular de-
votions.
'Tnird- Ecclesiastical music OF which we
should undo ubtedly fall out, though agreed
on one faith.
Fourth-Education, taking in ecclesiastical,
the higher and primary education.
Fifih-A full consideration of the working
mans interests and our families generally.
''SiXth-The subject of social evils Here
our labors would be of incalcuabe value. You
have no doubt heard Of the painful consideration
Of this subject that has been recently forced
upon this country.
"Seventh-The subject of emigration would
be field for much needed enlightment. Through
ignorance on this subject vast amount OF
misery is worked every year aud chiefly among
those Of our own church. Where to emigrate,
when to emigrate and when not to emigrate are
points on which much enlightenment is needed,
and have not the least doubt that in such
great gathering as this congress would be this
matter would receive the fullest and most relia-
BILE ventilation.
Zone of the great works of good the congress
could accomplish would be to formulate some
system of international correspondence and
cooperation among English speaking Catholics.
But these are only the heads Of some of the
subjects that would come up for considerations"
What does your Emnence mean by English
popular devotions?' was then asked
II mean the using Of vernacular devOtionS, or
devotions in English in our churches. 1t is
matter that is receiving great care and study by
our bishops in this country. and even now, after
long and careful preparation, we have in the
press work of about 100 pages, which comprises
many devotions rendered in the English Ian
guage. We have collected some of the fine old
hymns, many of them over 800 years old, and
translated such devotions as the 'Psalter of
Jesus, the fine old litanies for the four seasons
and several Offices This will no doubt
be stepping stone. The Bishop of Stafford has
now service approxlmating somewhat to the
vespers, such as the singing of the psalms and
various hymns in English 1t is in very great
favor in his cathedral"
Cardinal Manning was reminded by the Herald
representative that the late Archbishop Hughes.
OF New York, was strong advocate of having
the services of his church celebrated in English.
Il had not heard of that" said his Eminence.
''English-speakng people all over the world
dare say, are quite the same as they are here
they want everything that is worth saying to
De said in their own language. 1t is this that
gives our language its strongly aggressive char
acter. But will have to move slowly and
carefully in this matter, and have no doubt