THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF FATHER CURCI.
No more significant political event, or ecclesiastical, has occurred of late in Italy than the excision of Father Curci from the Society of Jesus. He is a Jesuit of the most pronounced character, a writer of the first class, a very eloquent and popular preacher, but he is also a patriotic Italian. He has been anxious to reconcile the papacy with the government. He has clearly apprehended the improbability of the recovery by the pope of his temporal power; and he has convinced himself, and sought to convince the pope and Curia, of this “accomplished fact.” At first the pope seemed, at least, not to be disturbed by his propositions, but under the influence of his counsellors, he finally became greatly incensed against the brave and patriotic Italian, who had the impertinence to ask the Curia to make a formal renunciation of temporal power, and to be reconciled to Victor Emanuel. The pope at once demanded of Father Beckx, the general of the Jesuits, that the bold priest should be disciplined. Although he had been over fifty years a member of the society, he was commanded to retract, and pledge himself never to open the matter again, or tender his resignation. The intrepid old man sent in his resignation, and left Rome for Florence. It is understood that a large portion of the members of the Society of Jesus are in sympathy with Curci, as well as the great body of liberal Catholics in Italy. The brave old man is by no means discouraged. He enters more resolutely upon his work. The door of the Inquisition cannot now be so readily opened as in the days of his great predecessor, Savonarola and in the free struggle between light and darkness there can be no doubt as to the result.—Zion's Herald.