The Irish standard., 1907-12-07

mother generally-far from being aided
and seconded by her husband, will have
against her, in most cases, to say the
least, his passive influence. In fact,
what zeal can Protestant father be
expected to show in educating his son
in religion which he disdains or at
least which he does not accept.
Should a mother die. leaving very
young children, what will become Of
these poor little ones? Do we verify
believe that the father will take every
means necessary to have them brought
up In the faith of their baptism? Sad
experience once more answers the ques-
tion negatively
Tho Lure Of an Easy Belief.
But let us lay aside this mournful
hypothesis and suppose the father and
the mother to be living with sons and
daughters growing up under their care
When these children have reached the
age of discretion, they can understand
compare and Judge. They will then
quickly note the ontradiction which
exists between the religious acts OF
their father and mother. They love both
equally. But which of the two is in
possession of the truth? Whom must
they follow and initiate? What their
mother proposes to them as a holy OBJ
legation or as a venerable practice is
perhaps neglected, ridiculed and de-
spised by the father. One religion
seems broader and easier than the
other; 1t demands neither assistance at
Mass nor abstinence on Fridays;
neither fast nor confession; it does
not speak Of rosaries, scapulars nor or
hard observances: and nevertheless it
prevents no one from being good, hon
est and generous-why not embrace
It? In the course of time, what must
not be the effect of these reflections on
the mind and the heart of a. young
man especially! He will end by adopt
ing the religion Of his father-an apos.
tacy which the world will try to jus
tify by invoking liberty Of conscience
These are not, as you know, dear CO.
workers. imaginary suppositions, but
rather sad realities. Can we. in pres
ence Of such a spectacle, remain indif-
ferent-ws who have charge Of souls
we who have received the mission to
teach and uphold the truth?
But it is not suh1cient for us to show
the many drawbacks of mixed mar
riages; we must forestall them in their
causes. and for this reason it is neces-
sary to warn parents of the duty which
rests upon them and to urge them to
watch over the social relations of their
children.
We are aware that our present social
conditions bring us necessarily into
contact with persons ignorant of our
tain circles too frequent and too inti-
mate? Are there not many who seem
to seek it without thinking Of the con-
sequences 1t may have upon the young?
Are not the admonitions given by our
regretted predecessor, Archbishop Fa-
bre, few years ago, more opportune
than ever? "If the Catholics" he said,
are not careful in the intercourse
which the use Of common language
may sometimes introduce, it will be-
impossible to prevent frequent visits
that end in projects Of marriage. Cath
oltcs who understand their duty and
their responsibility towards their chill
dren must therefore be vigilant and
cut the evil in Its root by never favor
ing these too intimate relations with
Protestants. If they do not prevent
this In the beginning, they will have
to repent later on, and will carry be-
fore God the burden Of their negli-
senos in such grave matter" (Cir-
calar No. ss.)
Yes. dear co-workers, insist particl-
LARRY on this capital point in your in
struetions and advice to mothers. Let
them forbid their young daughters to
enter into these relations of which we
have just spoken. and let them oppose
all such at the very beginning. After
frequent visits, company keeping toll
Grated for months and years, Of what
avail will their advice and reprimands
be? Whom once the heart is strongly
attached, no argument can change the
decision taken.
TO the sxhortations delivered from
the pulpit you will add those given in
the holy tribunal of penance. When
you meet any one who is tempted to
contract, a mixed marriage, make him
understand his error and the dangers
he is incurring. Use at first all the
means suggested by persuasion and |
rnildness. then even defer absolution,
should you deem it an efficient way of
his obstinacy