Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-08-09
NATIONAL CONVENTION.
Catholic Total Abstinence Union Opens
Annual Session.

Providence, r. l., Aug. 8.-The ma
tiOnal convention of the Catholic Total
Abstinence Union of America, began
today when majority of the 500 dele
gates, many of whom have been in the
city for several days engaged in COM
mittee work in connection with the
convention. assembled in Music hall
for the formal opening exercises. The
delegates represent membership of
about 100000 in the United States and
they are headed by Bishop j. F.. r.
Canevin of Pittsburg as president,
while leading lights of the Roman
Catholic church throughout the coun-
try are included in the list of those who
are expected to participate in the de-
liberatiOnS.
Prior to the formal opening of the
convention. a solemn pontifical mass
was celebrated at the cathedral by
Bishop Matthew Harkins of the Provi-
dence diocese. who is the spiritual di-
rector Of the Rhode Island Branch Of
the c. L. a. L. In the absence of Rev.
James III. Cleary of Minnesota, who
was to have preached the sermon at
this mass, but who was prevented from
Walter Stanley of Danbury, Conn.
would deliver the sermon. Rev. Father
Stanley was formerly national presi-
dent of the organization.
A letter which had been received
from the Vatican at Rome was read
by President Bishop ]. Regis Caneye-
vim of Pittsburg.
The Pope expressed the hope that all
members of the Catholic church will
become total abstainers ard as an en-
courag2ment granted several indulg-
ences. The letter says in part
I'VE desire to encourage the efforts
of the union by a tender of spiritual
gifts and for this reason we confirm
the privileges accorded the union BY
Leo XIII of happy memory and grant
especially those which follow:
IA plenary Indulgence on the usual
conditions TO each member on the ami
versary of his admission; furthermore.
those who join the union in the future
may gain the same grace on the day
of their admission in fulfilling the pre-
scribed condition.
2-TO all present or future members;
we grant Il plenary indulgence at the
hour IF death. provided they have con-
fessed and received the Holy Eucharist,
or if this be impossible, provided they
invoke the name of Jesus orally, or at
least in their hearts,
3-A plenary Indulgence likewise. on
the principal feast day Of the union,
determined by the vote of the members
and approved by the bishop Of the
place which is the center of the union,
to all present and future members. pro-
vided they observe the due conditions
and visit each his parish church at
any time between the first vespers oc
the feast and shutdown of the following
day.
Am Indulgence also of seven years
and seven times 10 days to present and
future members on five days in the
year. selected in the above manner by
the bishop. provided each one visits
his parish church and prays for the in
tention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
5-We permit ali these indulgences
to be applied as sufferages to the souls
in purgatory. 1t is our hope that by
comforting such abundant favors not
only bishops. priests and men of re-
ligious orders but also the rest of the
faithful may resolve to bear witness
to their regard for the union and he
come members of it; and that the evi.
dence of our approval may move them
to do this most cordially in the Lord as
a presage of heavenly reward and a:
a pledge of our will bestow on you and
on all who have Joined the union oui
apostolic blessing.
(Signed) Plus P. P. x.