Plenary Indulgence

The history of the 650 years of the Holy Name Society (TIME, Sept 22) was printed in 175 U. S. newspapers. It was retold in gorgeous pomp before 100,000 members assembled in Washington.

Not the youthful Archbishop Michael Curley of Baltimore but the venerable senior Cardinal-Archbishop William O’Connell of Boston was the centre to which and from which honor flowed. For the Boston prelate had been appointed Papal Legate by the Pope. Never before has a non-Italian been personal representative of the Pope in this country. The letter of pontifical authority began:

To Our Beloved Son, William of the Title of Saint Clement*, Cardinal O’Connell, Archbishop of Boston:

Our Beloved Son: Health and apostolic benediction.

Blessed is that people among whom is held in highest honor and in public devotion the Divine Name; for surely that people will be enriched by celestial favors and will progress prosperously along the road of happiness.

It concluded:

In order, therefore, that this happy event may bring forth, in the souls of all, worthy fruit, privilege we of grant to blessing you, those our beloved present in son, our the name and of proclaiming a plenary indulgence on the most solemn day of this reunion under the usual forms and conditions.

Meanwhile to all those who have given their aid to this important work of the convention, especially to Father Joseph Ripple, O.P., proof of we our gladly give particular our blessing, benevolence and to as you, a our beloved son, to other Cardinals and Bishops and to the clergy, likewise to the whole people of America, we lovingly impart in the Lord our Apostolic benediction.

Given at Rome at St. Peter’s, the 30th day of August, in the year of our Lord, nine teen hundred and twenty-four, and of our pontificate the third.

Pius PP. XI.

The Cardinal Legate made a speech condemning radicalism. Holy Name men, said he, are “a great army in battle array, strong with the strength of God, a bulwark against anarchy.” He concluded:

“And here under the protecting shadow of the dome which crowns the halls of national legislation, we salute at the same time the cross of salvation and the banner of our nation. And while we send over the wide ocean our signals of love, devotion and loyalty to him who sits upon the throne of the Fisherman, we send also our respect ful salutations and our firm pledge of civic loyalty to the President of these United States.”

President Coolidge said: “Your great demonstration … is a manifestation of the good in human nature, which is of tremendous significance.”

So, after inspections and parades, masses, blessings of the Unknown Soldier tomb, giving of prizes, repetition of clean speech and clean heart vows, the 100,000 dispersed to their homes.

Meanwhile, there was being prepared an almost equally gigantic celebration of the Holy Name in San Francisco in conjunction with the welcome-home to that great churchman, Most Rev. Edward J. Hanna, Archbishop of San Francisco, who, it was erroneously believed some months ago, would be created Cardinal this year.

*Name of small church in Rome of which, as Cardinal, O’Connell is parish priest.

†Full removal of the poena, or temperal punishment, due the sinner after the culpa, or guilt, has been forgiven.

‡Throne of St. Peter—according to the Gospels, a fisherman.