Many of these men still held on to their faith throughout their lives of crime, how did they square that life life with the teachings of the Lord?

I'm an an Irish Catholic from Co. Tipperary, IRA volunteers in our country were given absolution by certain Priests for Murder in this country during the War of Independence in the early 20s. It's only a pity the filthy fcuks didn't stop with it after the war had ended.

What type of relationship in general was there with the mob and RCC in the US over the years? I presume many mobsters still practiced the faith.

I remember reading that Dean O'Banion in Chicago was given a great send off at his graveside by Fr Daniel Molloy a good friend of his even though his local RCC diocese had denied him a Funeral Mass because he was a gangster.

"One Good Turn Deserves another" Molloy speaking in reference to all the genuine good O'Banion had did in his life for the poor and destitute of his local area.