We Catholics Have a Duty.

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  • Author(s): O'Keefe, Ruth E.
  • Source:
    Nation. 5/27/1939, Vol. 148 Issue 22, p612-614. 3p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      AMERICAN Catholics; CLERGY; UNITED States legislators; CLERICALISM; CATHOLICS
    • Subject Terms:
      UNITED StatesReport Available
    • Abstract:
      The conflict between conscience and clerical dictation was strikingly apparent when Cardinal O'Connell set out to defeat ratification of the Child Labor Amendment in Massachusetts. A letter from the Cardinal condemning the amendment was read in nearly all the churches of the archdiocese. Catholic legislators who had been for the amendment changed their position overnight. It was the first open display in the U.S. of the power of the clergy and the docility of the laity. Non-Catholics who were aware of what had happened were startled and dismayed. The effect on the Catholic community was curious.