The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-23

itself in the notice which il preiixed to
the essay In its published proceedings said
The careful and reverent criticism with
which this scholar examines the origin and
growth OF these popular legends, demon
strating by means of trustworthy DOCUMENTS
their want of solid truthfulness, and at the
same time, the reasonablencss of the worship
paid the sacred painting, always to be held
in respect, even If il never appeared in tho
way alleged is wholly in keeping with the
reserve and distrust with which the Holy
See looked upon the popular belief" In
close II surprising keeping with this is the
pastoral of the Mexican Bishop of Tamauli-
pas, dated October 10, 1851. Its material
parts are as follows:
"lnasmuch rs certain priests have asked
what they ought to say 10 those believers
and skeptics of their respective parishes who
inquire. of them il the inspiration Ct Cur
Lady OF Guadalupe must be considered
dogma Of faith defined by Benedict XIV, or
at least by the present archbishops of Mex
leo, these priests saying that the difficulties
raised by the Protestants on these points are
causing great harm TO the faithful, the Most
lllustrious and Reverend Bishop makes the
following reply:
1.-THE Catholic Truth is as clear as noon
day, aud 50 should be its preaching and
teaching to all believers. We desire and
command that all priests initiate the Apos-
tie Paul In knowing only Jesum Christnm
ct hume crucilixion Il Cor, H. p. Neither
we nor any other bishop, except the Roman
PontiH can give definitions Of faith. Bene-
diet XIV. simply conceded, what was be-
sought, that by the mediation of Our Lady
Of Guadalupe our prayers might be offered
before the Throne of God assigning also the
proper Offices; which act signifies only that
such a service is pous and good, without
saying anything in reference to private
belief. Therefore our priests must not con-
found n private faith, nor hesitate TO say,
when the circumstances call for IL, that be-
levers are not required TO accept the appa-
rition. Let them honor with solemn ser
vices the most holy Mother Of God, under
the national name of Guadalupe as our
patron and protector, but in their converse
ton and preaching. let them not speak Of
the apparition Of Tcpeyac.'
This pastoral letter was called forth amid
the general excitement aroused year ago
by the proposed temporary transfer of the
Guadalupe painting TO the Cathedral of Mex
leo. Archbishop Labastida desired to make
extensive repairs in the Guadalupe Church,
aud afterwarl 81 restore the sacred figure TO
its bcautiGed resting plac. lie had prece'
dent for such action in the similar measures
taken In 1886, when the painting OF the Nir-
gin was for time in the convent Of the
Capnchins. But it was strongly suspected
that the Archbishop was determined Ia give
the great demonstrations sure TO be made
on such an occasion, political turn. IL was
| feared that the scheme was a trump card of
the rcactionary party. Consequently great
opposition 10 the plan was manifested. Prom
| incnt Liberals pCttiOned the government u
prohibit the intended public procession,
erection OF triumphal arches, coronation OF
the Virgin, etc. What steps the government
took is not accurately known; but the Arch
| bishop was, in some way, led to defer the
socmnity, which had been fixed for the 3lsi
/ Of hist December, until n time when, TO usC
/ his own words found in the cdict which lac
| issued. "thc public mind shall have calmed. "
IL only remains TO add that the Bishop VI
| Tnmaulipas has been compelled To eat his
own words A second pastoral letter on thu
Guadalupe Virgin appeared under date Of
| August 3, lSSs. IL runs as follows;
Ills EXccllcncy, Cardinal Monaco, Score
tary of the Sacred Congregation OF Rites o
! the Roman aud Universal inquisition, In AZ
official note Of July ., just received, write
m follows: Their Exccllcncies the Cardin
| ais Fquistors General. have severely con
dcmncd thy manner OF conduct and spcecl
| In opposition 10 the miracle or the appari
ton OF the Most Holy Virgin Mary Of Guada
| lupc.' Aud innsmuch n We have never IN
tended 10 separate ourselves by 20 much as
bot from the teaching. and determinations o
the Holy See, or it, worthy Tribunals o
Congregations. we say 10 all those who ma!
have read our writings that We also sevcrcl!
condemn our manner of conduct aud spcccl
IN opposition TO the miracle OF appariti0n o
the Most Holy Virgin Mary OF Guadalupe
and that we recall annul. and disown all on
writings in which anything may have ap
pcarcd, express or implied against TIA
miracle or apparition Of our Lady Of Guada
| iupc."