The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-03-10

What are the spiritual ana HlalSiia'
conditions of the state of Texas along
the Rio Grande, and particularly in
the neighborhood of San Juan?
There is no Catholic Church IN san
Juan. The nearest one is some miles
west, at Phare, Texas, which from
time to time is visited by priest
whose residence is chiefly on the road.
The territory referred to in the
above question comes within what is
called the Riparian Rights district.
The cost of irrigating this land from
the Rio Grande river has been at
tached to the property. The pur-
chaser of the land buys also the rights
to use this water. The flat surface
of the land is we'll suited to irriga-
ton, and some sections are of con-
siderable value. A popularity about
the country, which is not readily eX-
planned, is that one piece of land may
be worthless, though it joins quite
fertile soil. This may be owing to
the fact that the surface soil has been
formed from deposits made by the
overflow of the Rio Grande.
The staple products are of an alto
gether different nature from what We
in the Northwest are accustomed to-
Those acquainted thoroughly with the
laws governing scientific irrigation
and the planting and caring for
Southern fruits, succeed in raising
good crops of citrous fruits, sugar
cane and various kinds of garden
truck. Those living there are free
from the severe winter climate of the
North, but in their country the flea is
perennial.
4 very practical and timely question
came to hand, the answer to which
must be reserved until we will have
received the signature of the writer,
as an evidence of good faith. The
name will not be used for publication.
May two Catholics who are children
Of first cousins secure a dispensation
from the church to contract marriage?
The impeachment against marriage
arising from blood relationship is
based both on the positive law of the
Church and on the natural law, &C
COrding to the degree of kinShip. In
the case proposed the impeachment is
created by the positive law of the
Church. Various reasons, of course,
have urged the Church to this legisla-
ton; her desire to extend the spirit
of love for one another farther than
the limits of those already related, her
wish to avoid possible Inheritance of
physical or other defects and to
strengthen the moral and social rela-
tiOns existing among those near of kin.
The law, however is subject to the au.
thority of the Church and the Church
for sufficient reasons may set the law
aside in some particular case. If the
Church finds 4 sufficient reason in the
above case to justify her in granting
a dispensation the parties then will be
free to marry.
If a Catholic attends Mass without
either Rosary beads or prayer book
does he receive any benefit from the
Mass?
The Mass is an act of sacrifice anC
those who assist at the sacrifice share
in its fruits. The more intimately We
unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, the
High Priest and Victim of the sacrifice
the more fully the graces of Calvary
will come to us. The more practical
way to keep ones mind on the grea
act Of sacrifice and it's purpose is tC
follow or accompany the priest in the
Mass. The Mass book is gotten up fol
this purpose. Some elect souls may
be SO spiritually minded that they cal
succeed in this difficult task withou
the aid Of any book. We believe, how
ever, that the great majority need al
the help available to keep their minds
occupied with heavenly truths ever
for half hour once a week. But W.
do not imply that books and Rosary
beads are absolutely essential to as
sisting at Mass. If one keeps one.
mind directed towards the Mass a
least during its essential parts, the of
fertory, the conservation and the com
munion. he obtains some benefit from
the Mass, but not in the same degret
as does he who follows the Mass de
youtly, i'll the spirit of Christ who of
fers the act of sacrifice.
In what manner do the Bishops ruiz
the Church?
They rule it in the following man
ner: /. Each Bishop governs thu
diocese or bishopric assigned to hin
by the Pope. 2. They occasionally
assemble from the various dioceses O
their province, or of their country, o
even of the whole Church in orde
to make DEGREES and regulations sub
iect to the appreciation and sanction
of the Bishop of Rome, Our Hol
Father the Pope.
Shall all men rise from the dead?
Yes, all men, the good and also tn
wicked John V, 1920.
Why is false oath looked upol
as great sin?
Perjury, especially in a court o
justice, is one of the greatest crimes
because lie who commits it: Ca
NJockc Gods omniccipnea canctity