The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-17
BISHOP AND CATHEDRAL.
POSSIBILITIES GROWING our OF
CATHOLIC GROWTH IN THIS CITY.
A New Diocese, With Memphis as the
Center and Site for Bishopric and
Cathedral, suggested--A Few Main
Reasons Therefor.

This is st. PairiclS's Day and the pa
triotic lrishmen and faithful Catholics will
naturally allow their thoughts TO dwell
largely upon these two essential features
in this nineteenth century OF civilization.
While rejecting upon the affairs OF the
church, which in this part of the country
are thriving to q wonderful degree, no
doubt more than one will revolve in his or
hermind the many considerable advantages
that would follow the creation OF new
diocese, with headquarters at Memphis.
There has been a remarkable growth in
the number OF communicates in the
Catholic Church in this part OF the coun-
try during the past ten years. But one
city in the whole South, il is believed,
leads this in that respect, that one being
New Orleans. The membership here, in u
large measure, is from among the wealthy,
intelligent and influential classes, people
with whom an alliance, whether reli-
giously, socially or in business way, is
greatly 10 be esteemed and regarded.
Their sincerity in and devotion TO the
Catholic faith, Is beautifully cxempliledin
tho nuniliccnt liberaity out OF which has
gone up church edliccs, school buildings,
parsonagcs, etc. In the support Of the very
reverend Fathers stationed here, Sisters
OF Charity, and other good souls who are
devoting their time aud best energies TO
the fostering promotion ol the churoh's in.
tcresls. In this respect also is Memphis
ahead OF all other Southern cities, except
that Of New Orleans having moro churches
aud schools under Catholic control, nu.
mcrcally speaking, and the value Is in
proportion.
The unusual growth OF the Catholic
cause in Aemphisaud this section calls for
and will no doubt receive attention from
the church authorities IL has been quiz
city suggested that the creation Of now
diocese will probably result. The diocese
could, II is said, include West Tennessee,
Western Arkansas, North Mississippi aud
North Alabama. These sections are now
50 closely connected with Memphis through
the ten railroads radialing from here TO all
important points in them as TO be, strictly
speaking, Memphis territory. Any point
in the diocese can be reached in one day.
This is in itself an important item when 1t
il remembered that the bishops principal
business is officially visiting and excrcis-
ing tender supervision over his church's
Affairs.
Another strong point In favor OF the
formation OF now Catholic diocese, with
the Episcopal Soc located in Memphis, is
the fact that this is the only city in the
state that has n Catholic college aud hos
pital, which goes TO show that the energy
aud zeal OF the Catholics Of this section
are fully in keeping with the progressive
spirit Of this thriving metropolis. The
Christian Brothers College has contrbu-
ted more 10 the educational advancement
OF the Catholics OF the South than any
other like institution In the country.
In matters apperlaining TO the progress
OF Catholicism, Memphis unqucslionably
takes the lead. No better illustration OF
this IL needed than the recent founding OF
the only Catholic hospital in Tennessee,
which will open, under tho management
OF the Sisters Of Charity, on next tuesday,
the Feast Of ~. Joseph.
Aside from the many other essential feas-
ons for which II would be advantageous that
Memphis be selected ~ the center Of a
new bishopric, u is quite probable that tho
Rev. Father Ncalc, pastor Of 81. Patrick =
Church. the senior priest Of the Nashville
Diocese, would bo the ono chosen ior the
NNAANAf ~ wv AhAAhn NNNA w '
Glccson In the line Of clerical promotion.
Tennessee Is too large for the supervision
of one Catholic prclaie, and portions of
the adjoining States would doubtless be
glad Ui an opportunity 10 form part Of
more centrally located diocese.
Tho citizens la general, irrespective OF
creed, would rejoice In the creation OF the
new diocese aud welcome the new Bishop
10 their midst. II would bring into exist.
once a handsome aud costly cathedral.
with all the display aud dignity that at.
iachcs locally, and the importance before
the world al large. That It would cxcr.
else more than rcmuneratiyo influence
for the Church In adding to It's member
ship aud wealth, the wisdom characterize.
ing those intrustcd with the responsibility
In such matters, may be- rlied upon 10 do
tcrmino nilirmaiiyoly To call their alien
ton 90 the facts Is all that Is necessary,
aud this fnE ArrEAL does.