Printed circular letter of Bishop Wood to the clergy and laity of his diocese. He states that they know that the Catholic church through the Sovereign Pontiff has again and again censured and condemned all secret societies, properly so-called, as dangerous to society and to religion and has threatened excommunication ipso facto for joining them. It is also known that efforts are being made in various parts of the diocese of Philadelphia to deceive the faithful into joining such societies. Besides the Masons, Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance, he mentions the National Brotherhood, condemned by the Bishops of Ireland, the Fenian Brotherhood and the "Mollie Maguires," Buckshots and others. He urges the clergy to admonish their faithful to conform to the commands and desires of the Church in these matters. The letter is sent by Father Augustine J. McConomy, secretary, who asks that the pastors read this pastoral at all the Masses on the next Sunday. In the papers of Bishop Francis P. McFarland. :: I-1-b Printed Circular 1p. 4to.