Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-26
THE DEGREES.
Marriage and Education Clergy ana
the Laity-Pie-Nies ana
Sunday Excursions.
,nal,,more Americana


Ever siuce the November Of 1884,
vhen Baltimore witnessed pageants Of
ecclesiastical splendor which carried
one back to the palmy days oil
the classic Leo ", members OF
All the religious denominations have
been eager to learn the enactments then
made regarding Catholic discipline by
the venerable and learned men in coun-
ell assembled. More than a year mas
eiapsed since that famous convention
held its last session. The DEGREES nave
been scrutinized by cardinals specially
selected by Leo KILL, and the COM
ple,e results are now published to
the Catholic world bearing the seal
and appreciation Of the reigning
pontiff. The aim Of the Council was 70
promote uniformity Of discipline IN
matters pertaining to government, and
10 devise new regulations to meet the
exjsencies arising from the enormous
increase in Catholic population, for the
great progress OF Catholicity had made
II evident TO the bishops of this country
that IL was necessary to examine tho
roughly preceding legislations win the
purpose Of adapting them to present
circumstances. The DEGREES, with the
appendix. extend over 800 pages, while
the minutes occupy about 100 add'-
tional pages, written in Latin, and dis
n,ay great ability on the part of those
engaged in formulating the proceedings
THE TITLES OF THE DEGREES.
The DEGREES are contained under
eleven titles. The opening decree Is on
Faith, followed by DEGREES on Eccle-
s;as,ical Persons, Divine Worship, the
sacraments, the Education Of the Cler-
ry. the instruction Of Catholic Youth,
Christian Doctrine, Zeal for Souls,
Church Property, Ecclesiastical Courts,
and Ecclesiastical Tribunals. There Is
a PREDATORY exhorting all to faithfully
obserye the enactments Of the Second
Plenary Council of Baltimore, and
final title regarding the PRONUNCIATION and
publication Of these DEGREES. Many
of the DEGREES under the first three
titles will be Of little or no interest to
the public, as they affect the inner
workings and organizations OF the va
rious dioceses, and refer to the relations
existing between the Bishop and his
clergy. Special enactments are made
to meet all possible contingencies, and
these wise and timely regulations Will
largely contribute to place the dioceses
on a sure footing. Some Of these regu-
la,ions are very eloquent in their ex-
pressions on the dignity Of the prestly
state. The clergy should remember, 1t
saws. that this sublime dedication OF
themselves to a cause which excludes
thoughts of worldly advancement and
power, making them advocates and
champions Of the doctrines of the
Prince of Peace, is that which should
save them from even thought OF
wrong. doing. Sanctity and science are
10 be the objects Of their labors, and
this is to insure them lasting intlu-
epce over the ilocks intrusted to their
care. Since, however, human nature
isweak and may at times fail in the
proper observance of the duties OF
ones state, it is earnestly recommended
that a special house, in the charge OF
some religious order, should be erected
for the reception Of those priests who,
having been suspended from the exer'
else of their functions for serious faults
vet give hopes Of correcting their VI
cious inclinations, that they may have
an opportunity of regaining their lost
privileges.
CHARACTER OF THE MUSIC.
Special attention is to be paid to th'
music adopted in the churches to ado
solemnity to the sacred services
Worldly, irreligious, and sensual strains
are positively TO be excluded from
church exercises. Those production
also which mangle the words of tn
sacred liturgy, and which, by indefinite
repetitions, render the hymns ar'
psalms meaningless, are not to be tole
rated. but the music must be of such
stamp as to elevate the soul and aid
in It's efforts to unite itself to the Crea
tor.
TIE DECREE on MARRIAGE.
One of the most important DEGREES
that concerning matrimony; Tor u
strength and durability Of the Christia
Church depends, in a great measur
upon the Christian family, and the
can be no Christian family witho
Christian marriage--that is, marrlal
entered into according to the teachin
OF religion and hallowed by Gods ben
diction. Since marriage was raised
the new law to the dignity of
sacrament, it belongs solely
the Church, to whom the administl
ton of the sacrament was intruste
TO pass Judgment on the validity, righ'
and obligations Of marriage. III
being the case, and the marriage
being indissoluble, it is obvious II
there is no power on earth which C
dissolve Christian marriage. Gre
indeed, is the sin Of those Cathol
who, infatuated with modern ideas a
Sp:nions, regard matrimony as mat
Of business, and seek by legal diyQl
to have the marrias'-''" ,,otosened
even :. contract new union. Agai
such as infringe these laws severe pen
ties are to be enforced. No legal divo
has the slightest power before Goa
loose the bond Of marriage and max
subsequent one valid. Even adolte
though it may justify " separation fr
bed and board" cannot loose the n
riage-tie so that either Of the par
NAV marry again during the life OF
other. nor is the legal separation Il
obtained without first comforting '
the ecclesiastical authorities. The Gle
are frequently to praise those who'
lowing the customs Of the Church,
tract marriage with the blessing OF
nuptial mass. Though the Church SC
times permits the marriage Of Ca
lie with non-Catholic, she never
SO without the deepest regret, and
the explicit understanding that
children Of those parties must be bro
up in the Catholic faith.
VIEWS on EDUCATION.