The call of the North. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1923-1924, 1923-12-05
WHY the MASONIC LODGE IS forbidden By
The CATHOLIC CHURCH
Ecclesiastical Review, Feb. 1929


, this sublunar world (since Masonry
does not concern itself with any
other) is humanity, or, in the con-
crete, Man.
The preceding Masonic PROPOSE
lions are. taken from the works of
Albert Pike, which are, as it were,
the Bible of Masonry.
The above list could be indefinite
ly prolonged with propositions rela-
tive to the private and public life of
individuals, from which the idea of
God is eliminated; relating also to
mortality, education, amusements,
matrimony, divorce, etc., in all of
which Masonry holds doctrines dia-
metrically opposed to the Catholic
faith.
1t being plainly impossible to be-
.ieve contrary doctrines, it follows as
consequence that it is impossible
to be at the same time a Catholic
and Mason.
From the pamphlet of Lucian john
stone we quote the following:
Attitude of Freemasonry Towards
Catholicism, Page Is.
$50 much is always said about the
hostile attitude of the Catholic
Church against Freemasonry that it
may help to clear matters if we in
quire also into the attitude of Free
masonry towards Catholicism. It is
necessary to do this in order to en-
tighten those well-meaning Masons
for whom this writing is chiefly in
tended. And right here let me state
that I am referring to the attitude
of the leading Masonic writers and
speakers of the official publications
Of the craft. And am sorry to say
to my Masonic personal friends that
Freemasonry, even here in America,
measured by such standard is seen
to be bitterly and irreconcilably hos
tile towards the Catholic church.
Really, I say this with deep regret,
knowing what a shock it will be to
those many Mosans who have the
highest regard for the Church, some
of whom are married to Catholics and
are rearing their children Catholics.
But, painful as it is to say so, it is the
truth that this hostility to the church
is practically universal among the
leading men and official organs of
Freemasonry, and it is a hostility
which is bitter in the extreme.
Now could give innumerable
quotations from the leading Masonic
writers and Masonic, magazines. But
I will confine myself to two, because
of the prominence Of their sources
and their frankness. The first is
from the famous Albert Pike, who,
both in America and Europe, is &C
claimed by Masons as their greatest
authority-the Prophet of Freema-
sonry,' the Masonic Pope to quote
their own expressions of reverence for
him. So that after he has spoken
it is practically unnecessary to 60 to
others for an opinion about Masonry.
Well, then, listen to Pixies estimate
of Catholicism versus Freemasonry.
1 quote from the Catholic Encyclo-
pedia >(7S3): In long letter Of De-
cember %, 1886, for instance, he con-
jures the Italian Grand Commander.
Timoteo Riboldi, % the init
mate friend of Garbaldi, to do all in
his power in order to unite Italian
Masonry against Vatican. He writes:
The Papacy has been for
thousand years the torturer and
curse of humanity, the most shame
less imposture, in it's pretense to
spiritual power of all ages. With its
robes wet and reeking with the blood
of half million Of human beings,
with the grateful odor Of roasting
human flesh always in its nostrils, it
IS exulting over the prospect Of re-
newed dominion. It has sent all over
the world it anathemas against con-
stitutional government and the right
of men to freedom of thought and
conscience Again: In the presence
of this Cobra di Capello, this deadly
treacherous, murderous enemy, the
most formidable power in the world,
the unity of Italian Masonry is of alb
solute and supreme necessity etc.
Note that herein Pike expresses the
bitterest hatred Of Catholicism along
with ardent sympathy with Italian
Masonry, which has always been the
bitterest foe of the Pope. Now, then,
after reading such words from the
greatest Of all Masons, how can any
Mason still maintain that Masonry
is not opposed to Catholicism?
Against such an utterance from the
Masonic Pope is it not downright
childish to argue for the tolerance Of
Masonry in regard to The Catholic
Church 2"
This will give a satisfactory ans
/ wer to such as ask the question: Why
lis Masonry Tor any Lodge for that
matter) forbidden by the Church?
The Church, as the fdivinely institut-
ed Teacher Of Mankind, cannot permit
her children to Join any organiza-
ttion which is hostile to her work.