Newspaper Clippings

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A.O.H. AND FUNERALS. LETTER FROM MGR. HALLINAN, D.D. We have been furnished with a Press proof of the following letter, which has been sent to the "Munster News" for publication:— Sir—In a recent issue of your paper I noticed an account of the last funeral that took place in the parish, given by your correspondent, in which he says, "The Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which her (the deceased's) father is a respected member, in accordance with universal principle, participated in the funeral as a body, and formed a very edifying sight indeed." The partial and incomplete nature of this report makes it imperative on me to supply your readers with some further important details. It is a duty which I cannot now shirk, and though in the performance of it I have to do some violence to my personal feelings, I cannot allow these to sway my action, where there is a question of high and holy interests at stake. If the case has been now brought into the Press the responsibility rests not with me. About a fortnight ago I had an interview with the County President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who happens to be a prominent member of my flock. I told him that I could not allow the members of that Society in the parish to repeat what they did a few months ago, namely, to go to Communion as a body wearing their insignia, and that without my permission or any reference whatsoever to me, I further told him that I could not allow in future any procession of them as a body at funerals, and that, if any such were attempted, the clergy would not attend the funeral. Four days after that interview I received the following letter:— Newcastle West, May 11th, 1912. Very Rev. and Dear Monsignor.—With reference to the interview on Tuesday evening re attendance of members, A. O. Hibernians, at funerals, I find I have no authority to act in the matter as it appears this is one of the obligations of the Order. Therefore I regret I cannot take any action in the matter to meet your wishes.—I remain, sincerely yours. W. PHELAN. THE SEQUEL. On the following day the funeral about which your correspondent wrote took place. The members of the Order formed themselves into a procession. The priest who was present to attend the funeral protested, and informed them that if they persisted he could not attend the funeral. They did persist, and he left. Thus it happened that the remains of a saintly girl, the daughter of good honest parents, were lowered into the grave without the rites of her Church. Whether under such circumstances the procession of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was "a very edifying sight indeed" is for your readers to judge. From this statement of what occurred it is evident that this event can no longer be regarded as one of mere local importance. Principles of high and far-reaching consequences are involved. For, arising out of Mr. Phelan's letter the following questions naturally suggest themselves:— 1. Is there in reality an "obligation" binding the members of…