p. 242 | Romish Superstitions

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 16, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 16.

Romish Superstitions.

It has sometimes been said that the Roman Catholic Church is not suited to this age and clime. We have indulged that suspicion ourselves, but we take it all back. This very day on which we go to press is an indication of its especial adaptability to the needs of this catarrh-cursed lake region. To-day, February 3, is observed the "Feast of St. Blaise," on which all devout Catholics should have their throats blessed against diseases which affect that organ. So says our well-informed contemporary, the Catholic Mirror. Would any such provision have been made, think you, if that faith were designed solely for sunny Italy? These preventive measures would be so valuable at this season that we quote the rules for their observance: "The candles must be held in the form of a cross. They must be blessed by the priest. They must be genuine beeswax. They must actually touch the throat." In these days of adulteration we tremble at the third condition. The skilled therein manufacture honey-comb out of a mixture of paraffine, tallow, and glucose, bleach it white, and deceive the very elect—that is, the bees. But if this blessing fails, we shall conclude St. Blaise is shrewder than they, for we are assured that "unless all these requirements are fulfilled the rite is a mere mockery."—Advance.