The Irish standard., 1913-10-11

sIAsDARD 9EURDAY, ooTeB
We must regulate also the peint Of
view of social reoblems understanding
ly. lenientays and authoritatively, max.
ing distinctionssIc Iear and reconciling
the divergent views of COED Catholics;
pointing out that the Catholic cannot
cater to the spirit that is professedly
Pagan but must sand courageously for
4 the principles ofsdivine truth.
The clergy of washington, in accord
with Ills Excellency, the Most Rev.
Archbishop Bbhxano, Ap. Del. are pre-.
! pairing to take united action with re-
gard to social evils. Viewing the
matter from the side of the laity we do
not believe 1t can be wholly remedted
from the pulpit nor by penalties and
refusal Of absolution. There are yasffi-
f! culties that must first be removed.
/! The influence Of the pulpit is oppos-
ed and counteracted by the overwhelm-
ing tide of popular laxity, and custom
approves matters directly evil, the In
diTidual lacAang moral courage TO
maintain his convictions against a
current sweeping away the foundations
of Christian belief.
We must provide moral support to
sustain the individual in a public pro-
fession Of his principles. The conytc-
fions OF 4 man may be practically
worthless when expressed under pres.
ent conditions taken in the aggregate:
but they will count greatly in his spe-
cial environments; In his family. among
his business associates. his parish con-
nections. and his social circle. Urging
him, therefore. to express his princi-
pies boldly among his intimates end
thus publicly and honorably commit
ting him. many will rally to his sup
port The agreement Of leaders in q
parish will form a standard OF conduct
and will emphasize a needed distinc-
ton between the good and lax Catho-
lie and its salutary effects will spread
far beyond the parish limits.
." Tho Paroehial Movement.
The pastor would feel encouraged to
realize that the whole problem may be
worked out 'easilyin his own field. He
has not the time to come into close
personal touch with all his people, and
must reach all Glasses, all characters
! from the pulpit In general terms, rely
ing on parish sodalities to cover the
situation more Intimately. He would
be greatly aided by social movement
which would bring his people into
closer touch with each other and with
him and which would extend. his
methods without making him directly
| responsible for that extension. While
all. individuals and classes cannot be
reached on the same social plane, it is
possible to gafn each circle separately
| and to bring them to act in harmony.
Certain women In the parish have a
social influence which Ii paramount in
their aeiEelsa HH6sfe are various cotAries
of young girls, voting men, and young
married people. The Children Of Mary
unites company Of young working
girls. A few leaders In each circle
would develop amaxing courage and
zeal IL given official recognition in a
! parochial movement All that is nee
essary would be to gather the various
circles under their respective leaders
outside of the church building and to
give them a thorough understanding
OF the situation, the; lines of concerted
action, and the authority to extend the
movement under the supervision Of
their pastor, individual representation
being given them Id the civic board.
1t is a more hopeful measure to point
out worthy plays and educate young
people to discriminate AMI choose
them than to stimulate their curiosity
| by denunciation. fc 80
The card catalos5 of white" plays
can easily be made up at civic head
1 quarters in each city, and lists of COM
ing attractions be exchanged. To form
the conscience to normal sensitiveness
In regard to one problem IS to form it
with regard to all. Widespread pub
lie action is necessary to rouse our
people and public sentiment has al
ready turned In direction to favor it.
We must correct Wholesale evils by
remedies that react on wholesale lines
and to make our own people the nu-
cleus of public movement is to make
them realize their own dignity and in
fuence.
4 II mn r RaRD Y70~~