The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-06-10
London, May 81, 1911.

London, May 81, 1911.
Despite the impasse with the Vati-
can, and the un-Christian attitude of
the Spanish Government, preparations
for the Eucharistic Congress in Mad
rid are proceeding with undated en-
thusfasm. The news that Cardinal
VannuteIli would not journey to Spain
for the Congress led to the fear that
no Papal Legate would be present in
consequence of the utter disregard
paid to the Vatican in connection with
| the matter of the Associations Law,
an action unprecedented in this most
Catholic kingdom. But the fatherly
heart of the Pontiff hopes for great
things from this national act of devo-
ton to the Blessed Sacrament, and he
has therefore appointed as his Legate
Cardinal Aguirre y Garcia, Archbishop
of Toledo, and Primate of Spain. This
great Prelate is well known through
out the country, and greatly beloved.
He is a Franciscan and carries his
seventy-six years vigorously. He is
a native of Leon, in the Diocese of
Oveido, and after his ordination was
stationed for time in the Philippines.
When he was made Bishop of Luga, in
1885, he at first desired to decline the
honor, owing to his high imitation of
the humility of his Seraphic Father,
St. Francis, but he was constrained
under obedience to accept, and like
our present Holy Father he then as
tonished the country by his firmness,
decision and gift for government. On
his removal to the See of Burgos he
held most successful Catholic Con-
gress in that historic city, at which
very valuable rules were drawn up
for the direction of Catholic action in
the Peninsula. Moreover, he estab.
lished in the city Pontifical Univer.
sity which comprises the faculties OF
philosophy, theology and canon law
and also built new Seminary dedi.
eating it to st. Joseph. Since he re-
ceived the Cardinals hat i'm 1907
His Eminence has continued to occupy
himself with rule and study, to the
admiration and edifcation of the
Bishops, the clergy, and the laity OF
his Archdiocese. Such is the Legate
who will preside over the Congress.
Contributions for Municipal Decora.
The Spanish Committee of the Con.
gress has already received more than
100000 pesetas for the decoration OF
the streets through which the process.
sion of the Blessed Sacrament will
pass on the Feast of SITS. Peter and
Paul. In addition to this, the mem
bers of the Royal Family have given
10000 pesetas, the Bank of Spain
5000, and several individuals 1000
apiece. The chapters of the various
Cathedrals have chosen representa-
tives to attend the Congress in their
name, and the ladies of Spain are
combining to assist in the decorating
and in the hospitality to be shown the
many visitors.
Protests Against Religious Oppression
Yet side by side with all this goes
on the combat against the unjust per
secution of the Religious Orders. The
Secretary of the Congress was the
first to make public protestatior
against the law. Following this comes
vigorous protest from Carolina
Aguirre himself, declaring that the
Law must be submitted in accordance
with the terms of the Concordat
which provides for mutual agreement
between the Vatican and the Govern
ment before any legislation is at
,, tempted. Three well-known gentle
men have come forward and demand
ed that, in accordance with ancien
: usage, their objections be heard be
fore the Commission which must nov
be appointed to make public enquiry
into the position of affairs regarding
the Associations. In addition, the
Spanish Hierarchy has issued join
protest against the new Law, while
the various Catholic societies of SPAR
are deluging Canelejas with protests
! and not them alone, but the variou!
political parties are also subjectins
. the Governments proposals to sewers
examination. The Committee of So
cial Defence declare their intention
to combat the project by every means
|, in their power, while the traditional
lists announce that they will be guided
entirely by the action of the Holy See
Meanwhile Senior Iglesias, the Social
list, is laying the train for a genera
strike all over the country, in various
trades.
| The Palace of the EscuriaI.
Though the great outdoor procession
is regarded as the central feature o
the Congress there il another cere
mony which should be as imposin.
{ and unique In its magnificence ant
t solemnity. This il the Midnight Mas
!, at the Palace of the Escurial. Thi
| ancient palace is in reality an oil
> monastery standing in lonely, desc
!, late country amongst the mountains
! The monastery was originally dedi