In a gathering of intellectual discourse and spiritual contemplation, Cardinal Logue addressed a faculty of theology in connection with the University during the annual conference of the Catholic Truth Society held yesterday in historic Limerick. The Archbishop of Tuam, later Cardinal, presided over the distinguished event, which featured insightful papers delivered by eminent speakers.
The topics covered in the conference spanned a range of thought-provoking subjects. Notable presentations included “Some Errors Incidental to Democratic Government” by the Very Rev. A. Murphy, P.P., of St. Munchin’s, Limerick; “Responsibilities of Catholics” by Sir Henry Bellingham; and “The Irish Home and Abroad: A Contrast” by Rev. P. Dowling from Sydney.
The conference, a convergence of theological wisdom and contemporary societal concerns, culminated in an address by the Archbishop of Tuam. The engaged and attentive audience witnessed a rich intellectual exchange, where the intersection of faith, governance, and civic responsibilities took centre stage.
After the conclusion of the main event, the annual Catholic Truth Society conference resumed its proceedings in the Mansion House’s Supper Room. Presided over by His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr Healy, Archbishop of Tuam, the gathering included esteemed figures such as Most Rev. Dr Donnelly, Bishop of Tuam; the Right Rev. Mgr. Fahey, PP, V.G.; Rev. Philip Doherty, P.P.; and Sir Henry Bellingham, Bart., among others.
A pivotal point of the conference revolved around the intricate relationship between democracy and religion, as expounded by Very Rev. A. Murphy in his enlightening paper. Murphy delved into the remarkable growth of democratic power in recent times, prompting a closer examination of democratic constitutions compared to other forms of governance.
The cardinal underscored the essential point that the power of making and unmaking the legislature, as vested in the constitution, lies in the votes of the people cast in elections. The democratic constitution, regardless of whether it features a Constitutional Monarch or a President, places the authority firmly in the hands of the electorate. This power, the cardinal argued, is the kernel of democratic governance.
However, Murphy did not shy away from discussing the inherent dangers of democratic governance. He emphasised that these dangers are not inevitable but rather incidental and avoidable. Quoting St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, he stressed the fundamental truth that all power derives from God, cautioning against the tendency of democratic systems to obscure this divine basis.
The cardinal warned against the error of assuming that the source of authority is solely the will of the people, characterising such a belief as a denial of God and a rejection of the Divine Will. In the context of a democratic state, the superficial observer may easily assume that the power originates solely from the will of the people, neglecting the divine basis on which all human authority rests.
In his nuanced exploration, Murphy acknowledged the dangers but also highlighted the means to mitigate them. He argued that danger is minimised when the people are forewarned, and error becomes impossible when armed with the truth. The cardinal concluded by underlining the duty to investigate closely, armed with clear knowledge to navigate the intricate interplay between democracy and divine authority.
Limerick thus became a crucible of ideas and reflections, where theological insights met the challenges of contemporary governance, leaving attendees with much to contemplate and discuss in the ongoing pursuit of truth.
Freeman’s Journal – Friday 13 October 1911
