The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-01-31

The children of light, therefore,
should not remain idle, but do their
best to counterfeit this evil influence
by concerted action.
F'reemasonry is one of the societies
condemned by the Church. A Catholic,
therefore, forgetting himself so far as
to become a member of the Freema-
sons, incurs accommodation from par
ticipation in the benefits of the Church.
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and
Sons of Temperance are forbidden soci-
cites. Lady organizations, affiliated to
the above named societies, are under
the same ban. Catholics who refuse
to withdraw from these societies, can
not receive absolution, even at the
hour of death, nor a Christian burial.
The case of Catholics, who cannot re-
linquish membership in forbidden So
cieties without great detriment, must
be referred to His Excellency, the
Apostolic Delegate, or His Grace, the
Archbishop of the Province. A mere
passive, or nominal membership may
then be allowed under conditions laid
down by the Holy See, namely: LIST,
that such members had actually
joined the society in good faith, not
knowing that it was wrong; I'd, that
the retention of membership in the
forbidden society would not become a
source of scandal to others, or at
least that an adequate statement be
made to the effect that membership
is retained solely for the purpose of
attaining the benefits to which the
member is entitled in equity and that
such member has no intention of par
ticipating in the activity of the So
ciety by attending it's regular meet
ings; Sd, that the absolute withdraw
al from membership would be real
hardship to the parties concerned;
finally, that there be no danger of the
parties thus benefited being drawn
away from their faith, or of being
forced to accept non-Catholic burial
service. Catholics in general are for
hidden to join any society, which by
it's constitution requires absolute Sc
crecy regarding the motives and acts
under the authority of such society;
second, if the constitution of the socl-
ETY. demands from it's members blind
and unconditional obedience to those,
who represent the authority in the So
ciety; third, if the societies organize
for the purpose of making open or
secret opposition to Gods Church, or
against lawful civil authority; fourth,
if the society has it's own Protestant
minister, it's own ritual and it's own
ceremonial All secret societies are
forbidden, whose object and character
are essentially subversive of good or
der and religious principle and which
are dangerous to the Church and
State.
The Church in her wisdom cries out
against secret organizations, which of
their very nature are hostile to true
union because of their secret work
ings. Secret organizations not only
initiate against the Church, because
of her staunch conservatism in the
right, but also against the State, to
whose spirit they are directly opposed
because of their absolute secrecy and
absolute blind obedience. Their oaths
are destructive of personal liberty by
enslaving individuals, in having them
give blind obedience to unknown
principles and leaders. No obedience
can be lawful before God, which pre-
tends to so control the individual as
to refuse him the right to submit his
will to the legitimate authority of the
Church or State. What plots, con-
spiracies and evil they may contrive
in secret, both injurious to the Church
and State. Secret societies, whose
solidarity and mutual sympathy
throughout the world are not doubted,
persist in their nefarious, though flu
tile efforts to destroy Catholicity.
Through their wicked Vaccinations,
odious laws have been framed to en-
slave the Church. Their tenets ruin
authority and order and foment crime
and anarchy. Shame on the Catholic,
who, tramping under foot his sacred
baptismal VOWS and the teaching of
the Holy Faith, would dare enter
those secret lodges and as traitor
associate himself to the enemies of
Gods Church. No material prefer
ment, not even ignorance can justify
such treachery.
Neutral Societies.
There are but few Catholics, who
become members of neutral societies,
who will not grow cold, Indifferent
and weakened in their Holy Faith.
Failing to tako liNnlu intaraCt in