p. 222Mgr. Martinelli on the Secret Society Question

In a criticism of the (12th) edition of Father Sabetti’s Moral Theology, the book reviewer of the American Catholic Quarterly Review, October, 1896, wrote:

“We are not certain that we fully understand the author’s interpretation of the clause in the decree of January 18, 1896, which reserves to the Apostolic Delegate the decision regarding the verification of the conditions which justify a confessor in granting absolution without exacting a formal renunciation of the three societies lately condemned. If we remember rightly, the decree does not prescribe this reference to the Delegate in singulis casibus, as the learned author seems to imply, but in casibus particularibus, which is generally interpreted to mean in cases where there exists a doubt as to the application of the four conditions demanded by the Holy See. As the majority of these cases meet us at the death-beds of penitents, it is obvious that the recursus to the Delegate toties quoties is absolutely impossible. Nor will the ‘desired uniformity’ be lacking if confessors adhere scrupulously to the terms of the decree. This appears to us so self-evident that we are convinced it is also the author’s view, and we refer to it merely for the purpose of putting our readers on their guard against a possible misinterpretation of his words.”

The Catholic Standard and Times publishes the following letter, dated November 10, 1896, and addressed to the managing editor of the Quarterly, Father Loughlin:

“Rev. Dear Sir: My attention has been called to the criticism of Father Sabetti’s ‘Moral Theology’ in the last number of the Quarterly. I desire to say that Father Sabetti is right regarding the necessity of applying to this Delegation in every case for the permission to remain an associate member of the forbidden societies, and your critic is wrong. With regard to the hour of death of the penitent, every confessor must surely know that in such cases absolution is given after the penitent promises to apply to the proper authority for the permission in case he should recover his health and life. With sentiments of highest esteem and fraternal charity, I remain most faithfully yours in Christ.”

ҠSebastian,
Abp. of Ephesus, Ap. Del.”