The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-31
THE CATHOLIC BULLETIN, AUGUST 81, 1912

sidered mark of vulgarity and
Ignorance to apply them to Cath
olics.
It is needless to say that the
use of the words "Papist'' and
"Romanist" cannot be defended
on the plea that they are "needed
for proper definition of the
Church. The claim is absolutely
false. The Church never needed
such terms to differentiate her
from other religious bodies. For
centuries prior to the time these
words were coined she was known
to the world as the 'Catholic"
Church and since then. "Catho-
lic,'' or, if you will, "Roman Cath
olic' has suffced to distinguish
her from the sects. It is most
absurd and unwarranted assertion
to declare that it was necessary to
apply such "nicknames'' as
"Papist' and "Romanist" to her
followers "for proper definition
no matter how convenient and
expressive" they may have been.
Furthermore, it is fact that
these names were coined by her
enemies in the mint Of religious
prejudice and were deliberately
adopted because Of their oppro-
brious Specification. In other
words, they were used as terms of
opprobrium with the intention of
giving offence to Catholics. AS
such, they were resented, and
have always been resented by
Catholics, and as such they are re-
sented today. Those who use
them nowadays, knowing the Of
fensive meaning with which they
are inseparably linked, cannot be
excused on the plea of custom
which never existed, for centuries
of use has not robbed them of their
sting. Whosoever applies them to
a Catholic gives evidence of a
bigotry which stamps him as I'M
worthy of the respect, not only of
Catholics, but Of decent Protes-
tants.
It can scarcely be denied that
Catholics themselves have been
somewhat to blame for the con-
tinued use of these opprobrious
epithets. In the past, they tamely
submitted to such insulting names
instead Of hurting them back into
the teeth of their defamers and
resenting, by word and deed, this
unwarranted reflection on their
faith. But times have changed
and give promise Of changing still
more. People feel that they must
respect the rights Of their fellow
citizens, however much they may
differ On the question Of religion.
It is no longer fashionable, be-
cause it is no longer safe, to insult
Catholics on account of their
creed. Bigots have learned to
their sorrow that it cannot be
done with impunity. Catholics
have begun to assert themselves
and to aspire to their rightful
places in all the walks of life; and
those who would speak disparag-
ingly Of Of them need seek no
favors at their hands, but must
be prepared to pay the penalty for
their disregard of the ordinary
amenities of life.
No Catholic, and much less a
leader of Catholic thought, should
so far forget what is due to his
co-religionists as to attempt to
defend the indefensible. It is hard
to imagine what could have in
duced the writer Of the article to
which we refer to take up the cud-
gels on behalf Of such insulting
epithets. His misplaced zeal will
not change the situation, how
ever, nor will his dictum take the
sting from words which a decent
regard for the rights of others
have banned among all who make
any pretentions to even a
modicum Of learning and refine
ment.