The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-26
MGR. SATOLLPS LETTER,
He Announces the Ultimatum
in Reference to Secret
Societies.
Original Committee to Report
to Rome.

The decree against Catholics becoming
members or retaining membership in GER
tain secret societies, forbidden by papal
decree issued last December, which was
promulgated in number of dioceses in
the United States, will now have to be en-
forced in this diocese. Instructions to that
effect have been received here through
Mgr. Satolli, in the form of letter which
has been addressed to all archbishops and
Catholic papers of the country
Ever since the decree was issued there
has been much discussion as to the force
and effect of the decree. Sixty DAYS time
was given when it was first made public
lates, among whom were Cardinal Gibbons,
Archbishops Feehan of Chicago, ireland of
st. Paul, Riordan of this City and Chap
pelle OF Santa Fe, did not give it publicity.
Mgr. Satollis letter, which was issued in
Washington last week, addressed to each
archbishop, is as follows:
Your E1cellency: His eminence, Cardinal
Monaco, in q letter of May 27, announces to
me that ne has learned that several American
papers have asserted, on the authority of pre-
lates, that the PRONUNCIATION of the decree of the
Holy Ofice concerning the three societies, Odd
Fellows, knights of Pythias and Sons of Tenn
perance, is not obligatory, but left to the
judgment OF the Bishops as disciplinary and
variable matter; moreover, the same journals
affirm that this prom lgation has, by superior
authority, been discouraged and suspended at
least in some dioceses His eminence greatly
deplores this state of affairs, and again recon-
mends that the decree be published and en-
forced in every diocese in such way as the
respective Bishops shall deem most expedient
/ had assured the Holy See so long ago as
last February that the decree had been pub
ilshed In all the provinces of this country, but
| II by chance your excellency should know
that in any diocese of your province this obi
gatory PRONUNCIATION has not been made, in
the name of the Holy Office and by the author
ity OF the Holy See I beg your excellency to
see that it be imme diately and faithfully done.
BY this letter OF his eminence the obliga-
ton OF the decree and its publication is put
beyond all doubt, and it is no longer lawful
for any Catholic journal to question it.
With sentiments of highest esteem and
fraternal charity l remain most faithfully
yours IN Xt. FRANCIS, ARCHBISHOP SAToLLI,
Delegate Apostolic.
Archbishop Riordan was one of the
committee of prelates upon whose recon-
mendation and suggestion the decree was
authorized. The Archbishop's confreres
on the committee were Archbishops Ire
land, Feehan, Katzer and Corrigan. This
recommendation was "that all ordinaries
OF that country must by all means en-
deavor to keep the faithful from the afore-
said three societies and from each one of
them; and that the faithful themselves
must be admonished to this effect, and if
| upon such admonition they will still re-
1lidih III tucsc SOCiSIlcS, Cucy are TO De de-.
barred from the reception of the sacra-
ments"
| What action will be taken in this de-
cree; in view of the late Developments, is
as yet undecided. During the absence of
Archbishop Riordan in Rome, Very Rev.
Father Prendergast, V.G., is acting as
administrator of the diocese. When seen
| inclined to believe that the PRONUNCIATION
OF this decree was beyond the powers en-
trusted to him.
81 Think said Father Pendergast dur
ing the course of an interview, sthat it is
beyond my power to make the decree pub
lie. will simply lay the matter aside until
the Archbishop returns and let him de-
termine what course he will persue. I
think that the other dioceses in this
province will await the action of San Fran
| CISCO"
In reply to question as to the effect of
the decree on those Catholics already mem
bers of the interdicted societies, Father
Prendergast was not prepared to answer.
That is a matter that will be settled by
! the action of the Bishop said Father
Prendergast. "If there is difference in the
Interpretation of the decree in various
dioceses: that will be all Strengthened out,
and the rule adopted in the majority will
govern
1t is reported that Archbishop Riordan
will not return until September, and per-
haps later. 1t is not likely, in view of
Father Prendergast's statement, that the
decree will be published in this province
before that time. In three of the four
dioceses of the province there is only an
acting head. Bishop Montgomery, the
coadjutor of the Monterey diocese, is act
ing during the absence of Bishop Mora ;
! Very Rev. Father Grace is administrator
| of the Sacramento diocese pending the APP
pointment of a Bishop; and Father Prem.
| dergast is the administrator in this diocese.