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Show DISLOYAL CATHOLICS. (Contributed.) Absurd as it may'appcar, it is a deplorable fact that a number of once loyal Catholics have grown lukewarm, and occasionally absolutely disloyal and openly antagonistic to the . teachings and practice of the Mother Church through real or fancied grievances griev-ances against individual members of the clergy. A slighting word or act, ofttimes unintentional and always unimportant, has turned whole families from, religious duties, and incalculable harm has been worked to present and future generations in the loss of precious f aith and truths. While in many instances blame might justly be attached to the thoughtless priest, it is slight compared com-pared to the blame which must attach to the head of a family who for a personal affront, let it be ever so serious, will shipwreck his own devotion and the faith of those given by God "to his guidance. guid-ance. Supposing for an instant that -a priest would maliciously insult or injure a member of his congregation, con-gregation, is it fair or just to retaliate upon the Church and faith? Because a priest has.broucht to the priesthood shortcomings, weaknesses and deficiencies de-ficiencies of character, must religion be contemned, truth denied and duty neglected on account of that individual priest ? If the religion was the true religion re-ligion of God before his alleged indiscretions, is it not still the true religion? If he should happen to bo unworthy of the dignity of his holy; order, how can that reflect upon a religion which he misrepresents mis-represents and which urges him night and day to a nobler life ? His unworthiness is not an account of religion, but in spite of it. It should not be forgotten for-gotten that the priesthood does not change human nature, and that evil inclinations must be curbed" in the priesthood as well as out of it; that roughness, of training may manifest itself in the sanctuary as anywhere else. But for whatever shortcomings may be manifested mani-fested in the priest, the man, not the priesthood, should be censured. In the vast majority of cases in which offense has been taken, no offense whatever what-ever was intended, and pride has exaggerated both intention and act to the detriment of souls. For the perversion of whole families, it will indeed be but a sorry excuse to offer in palliation, that a priest jvas unkind or harsh. Faith does not depend upon the perfection of ecclesiastics, and the Catholic who foolishly makes it so dependent is in imminent danger of losing his immortal soul. Faith is a gift of God, and to God are we accountable ac-countable for its preservation. LAUDAMUS. |