New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-20
A LETTER TO CATHOLIC PASTORS.
TO BE READ IN THE CHURCHES TO-DAY.
WARNING CATHOLICS NOT TO ATTEND THE
ANTLPovERTY sERvIcEs--THE PENALTY
FOR SUCH AN ACT.


FOR SUCH AN ACT.
The circular which has been sent to each Of the
Roman Catholic pastors In the Archdiocese Of New York
by Archbishop Ccrgan, and which VIII be read to-day
by his direction In all Of the Catholic churches In the
Archdiocese, has again stirred up good deal OF
the strong feeling among the followers of the Rev. Dr.
Edward McGlynn which existed during the heat OF the
controversy, than year ago, but which has
quetcd good deal since Their owing to tho lapse
of time and tbs decay Of public interest in the matter
as it was generally believed that the
sentence of accommodation was ths
final pronounccment Of the Church author
tiles and settled the controversy so far as any
further interference the part of the Archbishop was
concerned DIR. McGlynns attitude, however, ana his
organization Of the Anti Poverty Society," of which he Is
president and which continues 10 hold weekly meetings
at each OF which his speeches arr as strongly denant ss
bishop Corrgan has taken another and In us way even
extreme step than that Of the excommunoa,l9n
affect directly person alone, and not all OF thc
affect directly not only Tho those C PoTerty
Meetings but also other Catholics, who, whether
members or not, also attend these meeting s. ~.
Anti Poverty society has been almost two years IN
existence tho Archbishop has RETAINED nom INT taxing
experience would lead its votaries 10 wiser counseis
and that the members, If left to themselves, would
That what was hoped for in this respect is thought
IN largo at least to have taken place may %
the effect that this policy Of silent and patiea waiting
has already produced consong results and would would
30 rendered souls But ADVANTAGE has been taken .;
of this charity OF silence to mseaa the ginas bs
voice Of authority had not spoken on the subject the
the Holy See IS habituay reviled and sacred persons
and thincs exposed TO rdlcule IL Is almost past
belief that at This late day any G n sga ssans
OF attending such meetings. and stu more painful ,has
any priest should countenance such ignorance OF MIS-
apprehension
Tho circular continues
In the first place. the successor OF ST. Peter, ad-
a ssnsd saa iSss4e 9'
the law OF nature" The founder OF the Anu-Povery
Spsndsd the Doctrines Of this unhappy leader false
and pernIcous." Ho has stated that no VIII never
s ss spres tribunal of the Holy ONCE Of which he
himself IS the president, has declared attendance at
jolndef OF the excommunlcate will not repeat
After reference to the " vile and abusive Language
habltualy employed in these weekly assemDlages
against the authority of the Holy See and its accredited
representatives. the circular ends follows;
In order, therefore, TO safeguard the interests OK
souls for whom ] must render an account on inc
day OF Judgment, hereby mako and declare attend
served case need not exhor you, Reverend dear
sir, should occasion require, 70 use an yor eeh h
who may have strayed from the path Of duty. Be
instant In season. out Of season. reproye, enfrest re-
a o tbe IN v a ~ Christ from obedience viii spring
forth peace aud true happiness Remember the warn
ing M the Holy Spirit 90, that thou hadst hearks
ened TO NY commandments; thy peace had been as
d river, and Thy justice as tho waves of the sen"
A reporter of The Tribune inquired yesterday among
some priests as what the possible outcome Of the
circular would be and the theological definition Of .
reserved case.' One OF the oldest and most ex,,
perenccd Of them, and who is especially posted
on matters of theological controversy, sah The
srcnIar means simply war to the knife with the Anti
Poverty Society. The members OF that peculiar OF,
canlzatiOn or majority of them. who were pracucM
Catholics up to tho breathing out OF the trouble have
since been blatant and defiant but VIII venture 20
say that before another year they will have iefr
McGlynn. The. circular. which VIII faithfully
DO carried out by all the priests. VIII DC. not 70
operate upon their fears. but upon Tie consciences
OF the wrongdoers. Making attendance a. ne meet
ines "a reserved case means practically tnat those
who go confession and who confess g lhels attend
anee at these meetings. 10 their membership IN tbs
society," win not receive absoution unless they promise
10 sundcr all connection with H.
q Al present do not some priests refuse absolution
10 such persons and others pos'' suggested the
That may be so,' was tho reply, but II they
the palm Of dsobedience and In violation Of thse
ordination VOWS