The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1918-08-17

showing tIl(CiCSS III S'N -
our own Church.
When it suits the purpose Of a
certain class of Americans, they Will
thunder anathemas at the Catholic
Church for her alleged interference
in politics: then the wind of public
opinion veers somewhat, and the same
class will denounce the Church with
eoual yehemence for not taking part
in politfcal movements. SO the Catho-
lie Church prefers to so her way, do
her work. and accomplish more last
inc GOOD. Prohibition is but one
Dhase of the liquor question. TOO
many persons imagine that it is the
nroner thing to accuse the Church
for lack of interest. The position
Of the Catholic Church in Amer
lea on the liquor question is so we'll
known that to accuse the Church OF
auathv and indifference is 10 betray
cuIpable ignorance or blind bigotry.
The Council of Baltimore has spoken
with sufficient clearness and authority
80 satisfy intelligent and tair-mlndeI
people. The words OF the Council are
so we'll known through frequent quo
tation that it would be waste OF space
to repeat them. The Council eXhortS
Catholics to keep out of the liquor
Dusiness: it urges those engaged in
the business to choose some more
honorable way of making a living,
uastors are strongly recommended to
preach the cause of total abstinence,
and the laity are encouraged with
spirituaI blessings to become total
abstainers. The question Of drink IS
n moral one. 1t should rest on a
firmer foundation than legislation.
Excessive use of liquor leads to sin,
and sin is not to be fought and con-
uuered by the enactment OF more
laws. The Catholic Church in Amer
lea would bless the day when all
saloons are closed, when all people
are total abstainers; but that result
will come from a sense OF sacrifice
in honor of the thirst of our Blessed
Redeemer and in atonement for the
many sins of drink. Moreover, IN
too many places, religious bigotry
has entered into the movement for
prohibition. The attempted abolition
of wine for Mass-purpOses is proof
of this. Catholics must have the
Mass at all costs, and any enactment
tending to abolish the Mass is not a
law. but an injustice, and must be
treated as such. At the same time,
the Catholic Church has taken no
stand on the question of prohibition.
Many Catholics favor the movement,
especially as a war measure, and
others are not persuaded that pro-
hibition will accomplish its purpose.
For some time | have been DESTROYS
of reading about the Reformation
Could you suggest some histories or
books?
would suggest, first of all, that in
this. as in number Of similar prob,
lens, you consult your pastor, whose
library will probably contain the very
books you are seeking. There are
libraries written about the "RefOrma
ton" and columns might be filled with
the names Of work and authors.
would recommend the following
History OF the Protestant Reforma
ton" by NJ. J. Spalding, published by
John Murphy, Baltimore, Nd, and
History of the Protestant Reforma
tion," by VIM. Goblet. published by
P. J. Kennedy & Sons, New YOrl
City. The Communion of Saints, b!
c. F. McGinnis. Also, THE Fact!
About Luther"
How far must person live from
church to be excused from going L
Mass on Sunday?
If a person lives a distance of Over
three miles from the church and tx
has no way of reaching church eXcep
by walking, it is generally conceded
that he is excused from the obliga
ton of hearing Mass. In the case tina
he can secure transportation b!
vehicle or train without too great eX
pense, it is the common opinion tina
he must live more than ten miles tt
be excused from hearing Mass. While
in such cases one may not be obliged
to go to Mass every Sunday, one Ger
tainIy would be obliged to hear Mas
at least occasionally. The only wa.
TO decide a question of this kind is t
consult your pastor or confessOr, Wht
knows the local conditions and you
position.
Why were the Catholics driven on
of France?
The Catholics were not driven OIL
of France. If the Catholics lef
France, there would be no Franc
remaining. 1t is true that few
thousand Free Masons of France droy
the religious orders out of France a
far as it was in their power and cor
fiscated the Church property, convent
and schools The present war ha
brought a new light to the Frencl
Government They realize that tn
Catholics are the best patriots an
that the truest friends of France ar
the priests and religious. Both ar
welcomed back by the French Govern
ment.
Have souls ever returned from tn
grave?
Yes. Lazarus was restored to lif
by our Lord (Cf. John KID; whe