The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1894-12-21
Odd Fellows, Sons Of Temperance and
Knights of Pythias Condemned by the
Catholic Church,

AuASutS Vi ytnlaS condemned by tne
Catholic Church.
To the Clergy and the Faithful of the Do
ceSe OF NltcheZ,
Rev. FATHER AND DEAR Brothers: We
hasten to lay before you the following pre-
amble and decree, which we have received
through the regular channel:
MOsT ILLUSTRATORS n REV. SIR. Your Ex-
c~ellence is. no doubt aware that the Most
Rev. Archbishops placed over the ecclesias-
teal provinces Of that Federal Republic
have, in their meetings, treated of three So
cieties that have grown up there, viz: the
Odd Fellows, the Sons Of Temperance, and
the knights Of Pythias, and that their Graces
have unanimously deferred the matter to
'he Judgement OF the Apostolic See. Now the
Most Holy Father has turned over the ques-
ton to be examined by the Most Eminent
Cardinals who, together with me, form the
General lnquisltion. Their Eminences in a
general Congregation, held June 20, 1894, con-
firming II Judgment pronounced elsewhere
against these same societies, have decreed:
THAT ull the Bishops of that country must
endeavor by all means to compel the faith
full to leave all and each of the three afore-
mentioned societies; that The faithful them
selves are to be admonished of this matter;
and II, Notwithstanding the admonition, they
still wish to adhere to those societies, and
will not efectually leave them, they are to
be denied the use of the sacraments.'
THE Holy Father has fully confirmed and
ratified this sentence, which by these pres
ents, is made known to Your Excellence. in
order that you may impart it to all the Arch
bishops, Bishops and other Ordinaries of
that country, and that it may be put in
effect for the good government of souls.
Meantime | beseech Almighty God to be-
stow upon you all good gifts"
r, CARDINAL MONACO.
Rome, August 20, 1894.
To the Most Illustrlons and Rev, T. Satolli
Delegate Apostolic"
1t is needless to say that we rejoice Mt the
above decree. All uncertainty is now set a,
rest, and pastors and focks know where to
stand with regard to a matter but too long
held in suspense. 1t is therefore a pleasur re
for us, rather than a duty, to publish the de-
cree which condemns, for Catholics, the three
societies of Odd Fellows, Sons of Temper.
ance, and Knights OF Pythias. No Catholic
can any longer remain a member of any OF
these societies; he must retire from them,
under penalty of being cut Off from the life
giving sources OF the
And In this matter, the true Catholic will
not hesitate a moment lie will readily obey
the Church, which speaks to him in the name
Of His redeemer. The interests OF his soul
will predominant over all other interests;
and in order not to be debarred Of the sacra-
ments, so necessary to make him partake In
the graccs of his Savior, he will willingly
make any sacrifice and remove every OBJ
stacle. The salvation Of his immortal SOU
will be for him the one thing necessary! =
For what shall it profit a man II he gain the
whole world, and suffer the loss Of his soul?
or What shall a man give In exchange for his
soul?' Mark viii 80.
The above shall be read to the faithful on
the Sunday following its reception.
Given at Natchez this l2th OF December, A.
ID. 1874. THOMAS HEsLIN,
Bishop of Natchez.