Fenianism in the Cathic Church
In the Catholic Church, Fenianism found its most dangerous foe As regards secret societies, that Church has always been uncompromising She condemns them both on moral and on social grounds. Fenianism was denounced from the altars, and individuals were refused Absolution if they declined to withdraw from the Brotherhood. The Fenians retorted by condemnation of clerical interference in political questions or by sneers at the timidity of the ecclesiastical authorities. Undoubtedly the attitude of the bishops and priests deterred great numbers of Catholics from joining the organisation. The hostility of the Constitutional Nationalist party in Ireland, though much resented by the Fenians, had less influence. The failure of the Tenant Right movement had discredited it with the country, and the new ” National League ” did not find much favour.
