The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-12-22
Something About the Ban
Placed by the Pope.
An Old Subject Affecting the Named
Societies Very Little.
General Lodgeroom News Cleaned
From Many Sources.

At the regular quarterly theological
conference oil the priests Of the archdio-
cese OF New York, held Thursday afternoon
in New York, announcement was made py
Arch bis hop Corrigan that three secret
societies, the Odd Fellows, the Knights OF
Pythias and the Sons of Temperance, had
been put under the ban by Pope Leo. NO
formal document on the subject was read;
The archbishop merely said that he had
received letter from Mgr. Satolli
announcing that an edict mad
been issued against the societies
named by the Pope, and that the priests
OF the diocese were expected TO warn the
members OF their congregations against
Joining those organizations. At the reg.
ular quarterly conference OF the priests OF
the diocese OF Long Island, held on Tues,
day last in Brooklyn, Bishop Mcdonnell
made q similar announcement.
The subject of placing these three soci-
cites under the ban has been under dis
cussion by the archbishops OF this coun-
try for several years. At the annual meet
Ing OF the arch bishops held in 1892 the
matter was discussed, but no definite con-
clusion was reac he'd. The societies hadtheir
defenders among the archbishops, and
by their efforts compromise was enected.
1t was decided TO examine into their con-
ntitutions and rituals before deciding
whether the organizations should be con-
demned. The subject came up again for
discussion at the meeting of all the arch
bishops of the United States in Chicago in
Septem ber, 1898. The objects and methods
of the three societies were discussed at
length and the verdict in favor OF
their condemnation Is said TO have been
anything but unanimous. A majority of
the arch bishops, however, decided that
they should be included among the secret
societies either affiliating directly with
the Hasons or following closely their
methods, and as such they were inimical
e. The d,.b Roman Catholis ,atorS.d Church N shs
College OF Cardinals at Rome,
and committee from the lat
ter was appointed to act upon II. After a
long and exhaustive examination this
committee ratified the decision of the
Archbishops, and later Pope Leo gave tho
edict his official sanction. The decision
was recently mailed TO Mgr. Satoili by
Cardinal Rampolli, secretaryvf the Col
legc of Cardinals, with instructions to
promulgate 1t TO the priests Of the United
States.
There is nothing new, to the societies
mentioned, in all this. Ii has long been
recognized by leaders in secret societies
member of any secret order. When he
becomes a mem Der he makes oath never to
reveal any part of what he has heard, and
this Is in direct controversy with his
duty as Catholic because he is
obliged to attend confession and tell
the truth upon matters that he may be
urged to. That is all right and no one
objects to Ii, but to be consistent the
Catholic should refrain from affiliating
with organizations that are oath bound.
A most dignified and intelligent sum-
ming up of the position was made by
Grand Sire Q. I. Campbell OF the Odd
Fellows In his report at the opening OF
the Sovereign Grand Lodge at Milwaukee,
Sept. IS, 1888. He said regarding tho re-
iaficns with the Catholic church:
"During the year was informed that the
authorities OF the Roman Catholic Church
had appointed committee of bishops to
inquire into the character OF benevolent
and other organizations, with o view
90 deciding whether Catholics might
be allowed to apply for admission
therein, and a letter was written, by
one of the committee, in which he asked
permission to examine our books and
rituals. While advising that all possible
information be given the committee, /, of
course, declined to allow them pcrusal
OF our rituals-a privilege belonging solely
TO those who have taken the obligations
Of the order.
II have beard nothing further on this
subject, aud have made no inquiry. The
matter Is one which does not materially
concern us. Our doors are open TO Catho-
Lies as well as Protestants, IL they are
properly qualified. With disputed ques-
tions OF creed we have nothing to do. IL
the authorities of the Catholic
Church forbid their adherents
seeking admission 10 our order, the
loss is theirs. The position Odd Fellow
ship occupies renders 1t unnecessary for
us TO seek the recognition OF any particu-
lar sect or party, though we will be
be pleased at all times to have the support
Of all good men, of whatever race or creed,
who reverence God and seek the advance
<afh Inn