Evening journal., 1907-07-13
BIG GATHERING
OF CATHOLICS
American Federation Of So
CietieS Opens Its Sessions
at indianapolis
POPE BLESSES DELEGATES

INDIANAPOLIS. Ind. July 1s.-
Through the apostolic delegate to the
United States. the Most Rev. d. Fall
COMO. Pope Plus has extended "a bless
ing to the hundreds of his loyal fol-
lowers gathering here today for the
annual convention OF the American
Federation OF Catholic Societies. In
a communication from Cardinal Merry
del Val, the sovereign ponun says;
THE Holy Father expresses the wish
that the labors Of the federation, be-
gun with the prudence worthy OF the
highest praise, may be crowned with
the blessing and assistance of God,
and as a pledge OF his benevolence, he.
with all his heart, imparts to each OF
the associated societies his apostolic
benedictlon. May they carry out the
purposes for which the federation was
| instituted; namely, 10 extend a help
ing hand to the clergy in safeguarding
Catholic interests; to strive for the
Christian education OF youth, which
is the safeguard Of the church, TO
further peace and morality IN families;
TO eXpound Catholic truth in books
and periodicals and TO combat errors;
TO foster established works Of char
ity and establish new ones; finally,
to endeavor 10 renovate American pub
lie and private life in conformity with
the teachings of Jesus Christ"
\ Among the problems TO be taken up
by the federation during the coming
week and which will be fully discussed
are divorce, socialism, improper pos
ters, bad theatricals and the Indian
question. The associate membership
] afn III
great central bureau will likely be es-
tablished. Another important matter
coming before the convention is the
organization of a Young Mems Catho-
lie Association along the lines Of SINH
lar Protestant bodies. A committee ap-
pointed at the Buffalo session last
year consisting OF prominent Catholics
in various parts OF the country, has
prepared a report on this subject,
which will be submitted to the dele
gates.
The convention will open tomorrow
with pontihcal high mass at the cath
edral. The Most Rev. James H. Blenk,
archbishop of New Orleans. will preach
the sermon. In the afternoon there
1, will be a big parade OF the Catholic
societies of Indianapolis. Two mass
. meetings win be held IN Tomlinson
hail. the first tomorrow evening and
the other Tuesday evening. Addresses
viii be delivered by the Right Rev
Mgr. Joseph Schrembs. of Grand Rap
ids the Most Rev. S. G. Messmcr
archbishop Of Milwaukee and the Right
Rev. James A. McFaul bishop OF
Trenton. n. j.
The federation is strictly a laymen's
} movement, and was founded in Cincin-
] natl six years ago IL Is composed OF
/ IA national organizations. IL state fed
} erations and 400 county declarations
I Total membership Is approximate,
100000 including 10000 Catholic In.
dians. Representatives Of several tribe.
are here as delegates. The federation
also has societies in Hawaii and Port,
Rico. international bonds OF unioI
Y exist with federations i'm Italy, Ger.
/ many, England. South America and tn,
r Philippines Among the prominen
American societies represented in thl
D federation are the Catholic Order o.
Y Foresters. with 10000 members: IN,
- Ancient order of Hibernians. with 200.
z 600 members; the Catholic knights o
: America, the knights Of ST. John an,
/ numerous other societies.
Among the accomplishment OF tn
federation, the following are set fortl
: by Secretary Anthony Matre, OF ST
Louis, in his report; Repeal of thl
obnoxious marriage law in Cuba. Bet
= terment Of conditions of the churcl
in the Philippines. Appointment O
Catholics on the Indian commission
and on the Philippine commission
Permission for the celebration OF Hol,
Mass In the navy yards, prisons, re
form schools and other public insti
tutions. appointment Of Catholic arm,
and navy chaplains. introduction o
Catholic books into public Libraries 4
movement toward more strict divorc
laws Restoration by the governmen
1 of rations 10 Catholic Indian Scholars