Year: 1879

The Boston Advertiser prints a communication
from zone of the most prominent priests" in that
neighborhood concerning the recent discourse of
Archbishop Williams, of the Roman Catholic arch
diocese of New England to assembly of priests
in the Cathedral at Boston. concerning the school
question. The following are extracts from his in
terestng letter.


In view of the discussion carried relation to
the subject, it is time that the truth told
garding the whole matter. In the first place. this
eral times every year to discuss theological sub.
jects. essay on subjects previously assigned
having been read by one OF the priests. and after
ward discussed by all present. On the occasion
of this particular meeting tho Archbishop every
one of expected, took occasion to give a
word Of advice and counsel on the school question.
which had been imprudently handled by one OF
our number 1t can hardly be said that he an
nounced to us anything new. He did, of course, on
passing. alude to tho principle involved in
this question:. respecting which We all know
and believe that SCHOOLS in which children
ut the time secular education equal to
that given in tho public schools to be preferred;
the greatest possible importance the religious and
moral training OF our youth; that the interests Of
eyil society demand such moral training that our
they were in approximate danger of losing their
faith in consequence Of attacks mado their relig-
ion but that in his opinion there were no such at
tacks made on the Catholic faith in the
public schools. and. consequently. that the
children may attend them when superior
schools not provided for them. All this was
said by way of self-detence as reports that he
was opposed to private schools were industriously
circulated by designing and interested party.
Tho only thing said that could in any way be con-
sidered AS new or surprising to those who heard
him was that no priest could denounce people or
publicly refuse them the Bacraments OF the Church
tor refusing to send their children to parish
schools; that he. and he alone, was competent and
had authority to pass on such controversies; that
parents were not obliged to send their children to
such parish schoois as gave secular training ana
education inferior to that given III the public schools


"The truth u.s." continues this correspondent
''that the Archbishop does not wish any priest in
his diocese to follow the example of Father Scully,"
through whose communication of Catholic parents
for sending their children to the free public schools
this controversy began.


We're it necessary to hold up any priests conduct
in this matter tor an example he would be moro
likely to select for this purpose some one of the
many priests of tho diocese who have successfully
established parochia schools without alternating the
affections OF his own people. without creating bitter
feelings of ennity among the different classes of
society and without earning, as Father Scully has,
tho cordial and universal condemnation OF every
priest in the archdiocese OF Boston.


1t pity that this Question has not been reduced
cred simply. rs IL really is, personal hight between
Father Sculy and some of his parshioners. Instead
OF seeing and considering the matter in this fight
been adroity led to believe that Father Sculiy's s
quarrel with his peopic-ot which this is only one
OF u series-was on account OF an attempt ON his
part. in tho face of universal opposition coming
from Protestant and Catholic, priest and people, to
establish private school.


The pubic should not then be any longer led
astray III this matter. nor should Catholic papers
and editors publish and write If right to
tabish private schools had been denied called in
question. nor should Protestant ministers assume
that Father scuy is the organ OF the Pope in this
country. or that he has been selected az tho van
guard OF the great Papal army destined to attack
and demolish the pubic schools. Should the old
ucntlcman of the Vatican ever eutertain such ne
farious and therefore impossible design. God forbid
that he should select means inadcquat and
so opposed to every dictate OF common sense and
common prudence.