ution
of the French political difficulty, the Bishop of Angers says: "When I
spoke of the affairs of French Catholics, and, above all, of those of my
diocese," said his Lordship, "I was within my domain. But of the future
of Catholic France the less conversation and the more prayer the better.
I believe that Providence will bless the Apostolic spirit of our
missionaries, and the obscure zeal of our Sisters of Charity. I believe,
with Monseigneur Dupanloup, that the French Church, with fifty thousand
priests, and more, daily saying Mass, and hundreds of thousands of
innocent children praying in her churches, must emerge triumphant from
this terrible crisis. Ask me nothing of Pretenders or of the Republic.
The work of a Catholic Bishop in France is too absorbing to be
overwhelmed by difficulties of political detail. We must be patriots,
worthy citizens, and faithful Catholics, and leave the rest to God. The
great bulk of the French people is not deceived. A cloud is passing
over the nation; but the bright sun will soon pierce through that cloud,
and a reaction will set in. The sooner the better, say I."

* * * * *

CATHEDRAL T. A. & B. SOCIETY.--The Cathedral Total Abstinence and
Benevolent Society is making extensive preparations for its third annual
social, which takes place in Parker Fraternity Hall, Wednesday evening,
February 10th. Tickets are selling very rapidly, and the committee of
arrangements will spare nothing to make the occasion an enjoyable one to
all who attend. The officers of the society are as follows: Spiritual
director, Rev. James F. Talbot, D.D.; President, John F. Marrin;
vice-president, William J. Keenan; recording secretary, James P. Gorman;
financial secretary, Jeremiah Conners; treasurer, Patrick Cooney;
sergeant-at-arms, Dennis Desmond.

* * * * *

ABSTEMIOUSNESS AT CHRISTMAS.--The following circular was issued by the
Cardinal Archbishop of Westminister:--A Plenary indulgence may be gained
by all persons who--besides making a good Confession and received
worthily the Holy Communion, and praying for the intention of his
Holiness--shall, on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day, and on the
following day, abstain from all intoxicating drinks. The faithful are
earnestly exhorted to endeavor to obtain the Plenary Indulgence; and to
offer up this little self-denial as an act of intercession, reparation,
and expiation for those who sin agains