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O'Callaghan, Father E. M., Rome, Italy, to James Alphonsus McMaster, New York, New York, 1870 February 26

 Item
Identifier: CMMA I-1-n

Scope and Contents

Father O'Callaghan says that this will be the last letter from Jus to the readers of the Journal. He feels that he has caused McMaster trouble and exposed him to danger, but hopes that they will both live long enough to see their hopes flourish, He asks McMaster not to speak of O'Callaghan anymore as one who may yet be a bishop. He has no such aspirations, and is content to be a humble priest, for the responsibility of the Bishop he feels would be too great. Moreover, his writing against the arbitrary power of the bishops of the American Church has been too great a sin. He assures McMaster that the absence of a mitre will cause neither his head nor his heart to ache much. He has no news of any value to relate. The Council is still in session and will be for a long time yet. The question of the "Infallibility" has not been introduced, but is convulsing the assembled prelates considerably. It has strong oppositions and will give rise to much bad will. The French and German bishops seem opposed to the opportuneness of any declaration of Papal personal infallibility, or of infallibility "ex cathedra" other than the present indeterminate belief. O'Callaghan is able to catch rumors now and then, but they are of little use. If he gets any information which can be sent on to McMaster, he will do so. He asks that McMaster, read the last part of his Jus letter before it is published, so that any conflict concerning the manner of sending the petition can be corrected so that no contradiction will appear in the paper. Otherwise, he feels that his presence in Rome will become known, or at least a contradiction between the views of McMaster as expressed in the last issue of the Journal which he has not as yet received, and Jus, will be evident. He has written on Feb. 3, and 9th, as to his views on the manner of handling the petition. He hopes that the petition will soon be ready. :: I-1-n A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.

Dates

  • Creation: 1870 February 26

Language of Materials

English.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Notre Dame Archives Repository

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