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Vol. XXXII, No.4 April, 1950

Charity, Industry and The Welfare State The Most Rev. Bartholomew J. Eustac~

THE WORLD PRESS CONGRESS SOCIAL ACTION-THE LAYMAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TWO DECADES OF THE CATHOLIC HOUR GOQD .. WILL TOUR IN R TROSPECT

Encyclical Letter A.nni Sacri In tructions on Interfaith Meetings

A NATIONAL MONTHLY PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC WELFARE CONFERENCE

Price: 30e TABLE OF CONTENTS MONTH BY MONTH WITH THE N.C.W.C. Monsignor Walter Carroll of APRIL, 1950 Vatican Secretariate of State Dies The Rt. Rev. Msgr. WalterS. Carroll, brother of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Howard ]. Carroll, general secretary of the National Catholic Welfare Conference, and the Rev. Dr. Coleman Carroll, pastor of St. Maurice's parish, Pittsburgh, died PAGE in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D. C., on February 24. Mon­ Month by Month with the N.C.W.C. 2 signor Walter Carroll, who had served in the Papal Secretariate of State in Vati­ The Third World Congress of the can City since 1940, was home on a visit and had entered the hospital for a Catholic Press ...... 3 physical check-up. He was well known on three continents and in more than Charity, Industry and the Welfaro a score of countries for his work with the Papal Secretariate of State, with the State ...... 4 Papal Mission for relief in war-torn countries, particularly among refuge s; as By The Most Rev. Bartholomew Vicar Delegate to the American Armed Forces in World War II, and as f. Eustace founder and director of the American Catholic Club operated by the National Catholic Community Service in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Social Action-The Layman's Respon­ Monsignor Carroll's burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Pittsburgh, followed sibility (Article VIII of N.C.W.C. a Solemn Pontifical Mass offered by His Excellency Archbishop Amleto Forum Series for 1949-50: The Lay Apostolate Today) ...... 7 Giovanni Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, in St. Matthew's By Rev. George G. Higgins Cathedral, Washington, on February 27, and a Solemn Pontifical Mass offered by His Eminence Edward Cardinal Mooney, Archbishop of Detroit, in St. Paul's National Council of Catholic Women 10 Cathedral, Pittsburgh, on March 2. A Good-Will Tour itz Retrospect May his soul rest in peace. -Notes 012 Meetings Attended by Headquarters Staff-Bless­ ing of New N.C.S.S.S. Build­ Jesuit Provincial of New England ings- N.C.C.W. Visitors­ To Be Vicar Apostolic of Jamaica With Our Nationals. The Holy Father named the Very Rev. James J. McEleney, S.J., New Eng­ land Provincial of the Society of Jesus, to be Titular Bishop of Zeugma in National Council of Catholic Men .. .. 14 Two Decades of the CetthoJic Syria and Vicar Apostolic of Jamaica, B.W.I. Hour- N.C.C.M. Ann u a I Bishop-elect McEleney was born in Woburn, Mass., is 55 years old, and Meetit1g-Radio Schedule is the only son in a family of seven. One of his sisters is a religious of 1he Sacred Heart. His Excellency was ordained in 1930 and became the founder Calendar of Scheduled Catholic Meet- and first rector of Fairfield College in Connecticut in 1942. He has been ings and Events .. . 16 New England provincial since 1944. Congratulations and best wishes are extended to His Excellency. Anni Sacri ...... 17 Text of Encyclical Letter of Pius National Catholic Conference XII, given at Rome, March On Family Life, March 13-15 11, 1950 The 18th annual meeting of the National Catholic Conference on Family Instructions on Interfaith Meetings . 18 Life was held this year in Detroit, Michigan, from March 13-15, under the Text of the Holy Father's "ln­ sponsorship of the N.C.W.C. Family Life Bureau with the cooperation of the strtJction to Local Ordinaries Lay Organizations and Youth Departments of the National Catholic Welfare about the 'Ecumenical Move­ Conference. Its sessions presented principles of Catholic family living in a ment/" February 28, 1950. series of factual and inspirational talks by specialists in the field of family relationships. Subjects discussed in the 19 convention sessions included pre­ marital preparation, marriage counseling, parent education, devotions in the home, movements for chastity, family health problems, teen-age problems, family The contents of CATHOLIC ACTION are economics, vocations, and the family life apostolate itself. His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Mooney, host to the convention, told the indexed in the Catholic Periodical Index. participants that "today religion alone can build a home strong enough to CATHOLIC ACTION has granted per­ withstand the stress of modern living." He said the Catholic religion seeks to mission to University Microfilms, 313 "build God-given strength into the inner sanctuary of the home-founding it on N. First Street, Ann Arbor, Mich., to the bedrock of Christ's social Sacrament of Matrimony, binding its walls with produce volumes of CATHOLIC ACTION the mortar of unselfish love, buttressing it with sanctity, unity, fidelity and in microfilm form. permanence". (Turn to page 6)

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[2] CATHOLIC ACTION CATHOLIC ACTION

Vol. XXXII, No.4 April, 1950

The Third World Congress of the Catholic Press

T IS NO MEAN FEAT when a large gathering International Union of the Catholic Press, founded I speaking many different languages, in four days in 1935 at Marseilles to coordinate the organizations reconstitutes three international organizations after of journalists and publishers, was once more set up. a dormancy of a decade, and launches a fourth. It was voted to launch an International Federation This is what the Third World Congress of the of Catholic Press Agencies, to take its place as a third Catholic Press did at its Rome sessions February 16-19. component under the International Union. These The Congress also: bodies, the first three of which had virtually been Provided the occasion for a new and extremely valu­ non-existent since the beginning of World War II, able set of counsels by His Holiness Pope Pius XII, were now officered and are immediately setting about together with praise and warm encouragement from the revision of their constitutions and the mobilizing the Vicar of Christ; of membership. Got together, in lively and cordial conference, 400 As Count Dalla Torre observed further, the Con­ Catholic journalists from 32 countries (the largest gress had, in a way, the character of a pilgrimage number ever assembled), giving them opportunity to rather than a proper business meeting. But it did get acquainted and come to know each other's prob­ lay the foundations, and discuss general directives. lems; Its value lies in future developments, and these in Was helpfully and earnestly addressed by the Car­ turn will depend on the officership. The new presi­ dinal Secretary of the Sacred Consistorial Congrega­ dents of the four bodies represent a forward-looking tion, by the Premier of Italy, and by the Italian For­ and practical group of men: For the publishers, Abbe eign Minister; and Gabel, director of the great Bonne Presse which is­ Expressed itself in no uncertain terms on several sues La Croix in Paris and many other journals; for leading issues of the day. the journalists, Marc Delforge, editor of the vigorous It cannot be thought that this Congress will imme­ Avenir of Namur, Belgium; and for the agencies, diately set in motion a tremendous world-wide re­ Abbe Haeck, director at Rome of the world-wide vitalization of the Catholic Press in all parts of the mission agency Fides. The veteran Count Dalla Torre globe. Many sections of this press were all but wiped again heads the World Union. out by the war and the rigors succeeding it. Count "An outrage against the natural rights of man," Dalla Torre, distinguished editor of the Vatican City was the vigorous characterization Pope Pius XII ap­ daily Osservatore Romano, and the President of the plied when he discussed the suppression of public Congress, warned against such a roseate view. He opinion in totalitarian states, in his message to the said: "The Congress could have been nothing more journalists. His Holiness added: "Wherever public than the first meeting after the trials of war, in which opinion ceases to function freely, there peace is in we had opportunity to get to know each other again, peril." He declared that the task of the Catholic to pick up the threads snapped or destroyed, and to Press is to serve public opinion, rather than make bring up to date our organizations under emergency public opinion or dictate to it. He counseled avoid­ circumstances.'' ance of anything offensive to faith or honesty, and But for the future, with all its potentialities, these renunciation of the quest after vulgar and cheap things were done: The International Bureau of Cath­ popularity. He gave assurance that a Catholic Press olic journalists, founded in Paris in 1926, was re­ which follows this policy ttwill gain in intrinsic worth, established. The Permanent International Commis­ will finally win esteem and trust, and will justify the sion of Publishers and Directors of Catholic Journals, oft-repeated motto 'A Catholic paper in every Cath- begun in Cologne in 1928, was reconstituted. The olic home.' " {Tttrn to page 6)

April, 1950 [3] Charity, Industry And The Welfare State The Most Rev. Bartholomew J. Eustace Bishop of Camden

In December 1950 the Mid-Century White House Conference on Children and Youth will be held in Washington. Preparatory meetings and studies have been underway for months and will continue. Since many readers of CATHOLIC ACTION are vitally interested in the forthcoming Con­ ference. we are planning a series of background articles that may prove useful in evaluating the findings of the Conference when finally they are released. First in this senes is a talk on the principle of subsidiarity given by Bishop Eustace last November at Atlantic City to the Na­ tional Conference of Catholic Charities.-Editor's Note.

E NOTE with considerable concern a drift conduct which has until now obtained not only in towards sociali m advancing under proposals America, but in the whole world of many yesterdays. W to have the state provide more and more Without these voluntary agencies it is to be feared measures of social security. For our own part, we that the welfare state will not be a state of welfare. should be the last in the world to say that social security, in however great measure, is not both a good Since everyone admits that the state should supply and desirable thing, but at the same time it must be some means of social security, we may ask ourselves admitted that anything, save Heaven and the Lakes of to what extent it should do so, and at what point Killarney, can be purchased at too high a price. If should it begin to do so. If it were a question of mili­ we are not vigilant as to the direction from which tary security, it is obvious that the state should social security comes, we may some day awake to find instantly, and at the outset, provide such security. ourselves with perfect social security indeed, but with­ Similarly in certain other matters of great number. out a vestige of liberty. Should this ever come to But with social security the case is greatly different. pass, I think it will then be agreed that we have in Wher as there is no real possibility of voluntary asso­ very fact paid too high a price. ciations supplying adequate military protection, there are already in existence many voluntary entities of Were we asked how possible forfeiture of liberty charity ~ hich have freely assumed, and until now nters into the matter, the answer to the question is faithfully discharged, the obligation of contributing to not difficult to formulate. Social security, as a sta.te the security of those who, through life's misfortune, effort, is made possible by taxing. The power to tax have been left without support in a dismal present, is, as has b en well said, the power to destroy. Hence and without protection against a dubious future. we must be on guard lest social security or any other project of the State, be pushed to such extremes as to We are anxious not to be misunderstood. We do demand the extreme of taxation. To be taxed not say that the state should provide no social security excessively is but another way of being deprived of at all, but only that the state should not attempt to do economic freedom, and perhaps of other freedoms as so when there are at hand voluntary agencies both well. capable and willing to assume the sacred trust of ensuring to men the essentials of modest well-being. The unhappy results we have just mentioned as To encourage these agencies, and, on occasion, to sup­ possibilities can be brought about by several causes, plement their efforts is the role proper to the state. prominent among which will be the failure of industry to observe the dictates of social justice. Observance On the basis of what has been outlined, we venture of social justice would remove in great part, we are to formulate a principle which will serve, we trust, to convinced, the temptation to look to the state for guide us between the extremes of exaggerated indi­ varied and numerous subventions. After industry will vidualism on the one hand, and socialistic collectivism have done its part, the state may then consider what­ on the other. The principle is this: Nothing in these ever malady still lingers in the body economic or social matters should be attempted by the state which can be -but not with intent to exclude the agencies of volun­ done by individuals, or by industrial managements tary charity and private philanthropy. To rule out cooperating with labor, or by voluntary associations of these latter, would be to depart from a way of social charity. Conversely, anything affecting the common [4] CATHOLIC ACTION good should be taken up by the state, if proven that The pension plan of the International Ladies Gar­ that thing can not be done by a voluntary agent. To ment Workers Union is another outstanding example this, we should perhaps add that if voluntary agents of what we mean. Finally, the efforts of the Standard are able but unwilling, it will then be time enough for Oil Company of New Jersey to provide continuous the state to consider the matter. employment for its workers demands commendation. It is r ported that nin ty p rcent of its mployes Permit me now to make some application of the (hourly-rated as well as salaried) have been continu­ principle just formulated, but before doing so I ask ously employed since they were first hired. permission to invoke the blessing and the high author- ity of Pope Pius XI. "It is true, as history clearly All these are instances of lesser groups providing proves," says that Pontiff, "that owing to changed for welfare in an acceptable way. A spreading of circumstances much that formerly was performed by such efforts will do much to stay the advent of the small associations can nowadays be accomplished only welfare state. Let industry, then, look to it; and there by large ones. Nevertheless, just as it is wrong to are unmistakable indications that industry is looking take away from individuals what by their own ability to it. and effort they can accomplish, and commit it to the community, so it is an injury and at the same time both I may at this point perhaps be pardoned a refer­ a serious evil and a perturbation of right order to ence to a matter which, while not strictly personal, is assign to a larger and higher society what can be per­ nevertheless of local significance only. We have re­ formed successfully by smaller and lower communities. cently had in this Diocese of Camden a campaign for ... The reason is that all social activity, by its very funds with which to build two hospitals. We asked power and nature, should supply bel p to the members for, and received, a considerable sum of money-over of the social body, but never may destroy or absorb two million dollars, as I remember. The Radio Cor­ them." poration of America, and the Campbell oup Com­ pany were heavy contributors to the campaign, giving The above being in mind, we fear that the theorists between them both nearly a hundred thousand dollars. of the so-called welfare state unwisely propose, on Other smaller industries were proportionately as gen­ present indications, to tak~ over certain functions erous, and in some instances even more generous. Is which by right belong to, and can successfully be not this episode a sign that industry begins to acknowl­ performed by, lower societies. We feel, on the other edge its philanthropic obligations? It is only fair to hand, that economic security for instance, can be best add that organized labor was quite as open-handed and in large part, provided by industry itself. Com­ in the campaign-due proportion being observed as to plete social security coming from the state would be a relative resources. dangerous gift. We regard, therefore, the threat of a welfare state as a challenge to industry. It is not much After citing these examples, and narrating these to the P.oint tha~ in the past ind~stry has not provided instances in which groups less than the state have been economtc secunty for the maJority of workers. It contributory to social well being, it may now serve us should h.a~e don.e s?; and it is most highly pleasing to to repeat our principle, namely: Nothing in these see that 1t 1s begmnmg to do so. matters should be done by the state which can be accomplished bJ individuals, or by industrial manag~­ The New York Times for November 12 of the ments cooperating with labor, or by voluntary chan­ current year reports in its columns a welfare-offer table associations. We call once again to mind the made by the International Harvester Company, to wise utterance of Pius XI to the effect that it is both cover some. fifty t~ousand of that company's em­ a serious evil and a perturbation of right order to ployes. Thts offer mcluded social security and pen­ assign to a larger and higher society what can be per­ sion features, and although it is not for us to pass formed successfully by smaller and lower communi­ j~dgm~nt on the s~ecific proposals of the plan ( espe­ ties. The truth of this dictum is the solvent of the ctally tn regard to 1ts adequacy), it is permitted us to say that by it industry moves in the right direction. problem. The activities and theories which until now we A further example of a successful pension plan is have been discussing are concerns of justice, with an th~t of the Sears Ro~buck Company. The employe of added consideration of a philanthropic nature. Charity th1s company contnbutes five percent of his yearly rises in queenly superiority above all such conside~a­ salary up to two hundred and fifty dollars, and the tions. Philanthropy is but the love of man. Chanty company itself contributes five percent of its net is the love of God, and of man for the sake of God. annual profits before federal taxes and dividends. A It therefore transcends all other virtues, natural and huge fund of two hundred and sixteen million dollars supernatural. ~hich owns nineteen percent of the company's stock 1s the result. The retirement benefits, in many in­ Christ instituted us in charity. Saint Thomas un­ stances, go much beyond the minimum requirements folded for us the hierarchy of charity. We should of security. first of all love God, the .Angelic Doctor instructs us.

April, 1950 [ 5] Secondly, we should love our own souls, for they are "love"; but it knows the word for love in every lan­ the points of principal contact between God and our­ guage. It can ask only one question "Is there need selves. Thirdly, we should love the soul of our neigh­ here?" It receives but one answer to the question it bor, even preferring its good to the good of our own asks, and the answer is always "Yes, there is need." bodies. Lastly, the material needs of our neighbor The need to love, and the need to be loved, always deserve our affectionate attention. All these things are exist, and for those who love God there is always to be done simultaneously, just as a man loves all the love to give to man. Wherefore, charity will abide parts of his country simultaneously. (Summa Theo­ for ever, and remain when everything else has passed. logica, II, II, q. 26) Charity will survive even the death of our threat­ How sublime, then, is charity! Surely philanthropy ened liberty. The threats against liberty arise from is only the false coin of charity, as Chateaubriand two main sources. One source is of strength, the says. Yet both of these they want to destroy, saying strength of the powerful and the ambitious; the other, there should no longer be need of philanthropy, nor is of weakness, the weakness of the poor and hungry. place for charity; even hinting that therein is more Let us then listen to, and be guided by, what Lord than a touch of immorality. How wrong they are! Acton has to say. Certainly, no more apt quotation Justice need never fear charity. As long as the need could be found to warn us of the dangers threatening to love exists, charity will live! America today. Writing of liberty, Lord Acton as­ serts: I occasionally come across the implication that some­ "In every age its progress has been beset by its how or other it is debasing to receive a gift from natural enemies, by ignorance and superstition, by charity. How can this be? Since when has it become lust of conquest and by love of ease, by the strong debasing to be the beneficiary of a noble love? Char­ man's craving for power, and the poor man's craving ity is like mercy twice blessed. It blesses him that for food. During long intervals it has been utterly gives, and him that receives. Unless one exercises it, arrested, when nations were being rescued from bar­ both with respect to giving and receiving, hardly shall barism and the grasp of strangers, and when the he enter the Kingdom of Heaven. perpetual struggle for existence, depriving men of all interests in politics, has made them eager to sell their How gentle, then, should be the hands by which birthright for a mess of pottage, and ignorant of the charity's gifts are given; how grateful the hands by treasure they resigned." (The History of Freedom which its gifts are received. How quick the tongue in Antiquity) should be to impart the first charity which is, Saint Augustine tells us, to instruct others unto truth; how We see, therefore, from what Lord Acton has said, slow the tongue should be to offend against truth, that the threat to liberty comes not only from the and so diminish charity by weakening its foundation. rich, the powerful, and the ambitious. It comes also Being of the kindly heart, charity knows no coldness. from the poor, the weak, and the basely contented. Not well instructed in many worldly sciences, its We shall be able successfully to resist both threats if vocabulary is restricted, and it talketh not overmuch. charity sufficiently prevails among us-which may God It knows principally one word, and that word is grant.

The Third World Congress of the Catholic Press National Catholic Conference on Family Life (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 2) A small group registered as delegates from the The Church, the Cardinal said, "carries the plan to com­ United States. Frank A. Hall, director of the pletion in her demand that God have His place in the daily N.C.W.C. News Service, served as a Vice President, life lived in the home, and finally, the Church guards the presiding over some sessions, and delivered an ad­ home with her insistence on the virtue of social justice, which demands a family wage for the head of the family and the dress in which he brought out that the Bishops' opportunity to raise that family in decent, modest circum­ Service in the United States now serves publications stances". Family Action awards for 1950, recognizing out­ in 48 countries. The Rev. Alfred J. Barrett, S.J., standing work in the Catholic family life field, were given executive secretary of the Catholic Press Association to two married couples, a single woman, a nun and a priest. of the United States, told the delegates of the several The convention closed with a Family Holy Hour at which activities of the C.P.A. From the Orient came the all married couples present renewed their marriage promises. Rev. Patrick O'Connor, S.S.C., N.C.W.C. correspond­ The Holy Hour served to unite Catholics in various sections ent for the Orient, and from Switzerland came Dr. throughout the nation as the observance was paralleled in Max Jordan, correspondent for Germany. other churches across the country.

[6] CATHOLIC ACTION Social Action- The Layman's Responsibility

Rev. George G. Higgins, Ph.D.

China but d~es. li~tle or nothing in an and of employers, to select them with prudence and ~rgan1ze~ manner to C~nsttan~ze.. the economic prac­ to train and instruct them properly." ' tices of hts own profess10n. It 1s superficially under­ Strictly speaking, therefore, social reconstruction is s~ood" by the employer or management representa­ tive who knows more about the mistakes and the d~rectly the responsfb_ilfty of the layman and only in­ duectly the responstbtltty of the priest. An American abuses of the AF of L and the CIO than he does theologian develops this conclusion as follows: " ... 1 O'Connor, William, The Laymatz's Call, (P. J. Kenedy & ons New York), Pp. 144·145. ' the laity are called in a peculiar way to take the ini­ A layman, writing in the February, 1950, i sue of Catholic Men tiative in social reform . . . Authority does not and ~dds an appropriate little. flourish to this . theoretical conclu ion: cannot initiate such reforms. It is the function of The curr~nt te~dencr to s1t around .and wa1t for a Bishop to lead the way (u; soc1al act.ton~ must be discarded. I have the conviction authority to supervise and regulate, to point out ex­ that our B1shops and pnests w~>Uld welcome some self-starting by cesses and dangers and to encourage the down-trodden th~ rank and file; e':en a few mtstakes would be appreciated." Emmanuel Cardtnal Suhard, Growth or Decline (Fides South to hope and to struggle for a better day. Social Bend), P. 69. ' '

April, 1950 [7] 1949-1950 Forum Series present at union meetings and meetings of employers' associations, not merely to help correct the mistakes JHE N.C.W.C. Forum Committee, representative of these groups, but, far more important, to help them of the departments of the National Catholic contribute more effectively to the general economic Welfare Conference, offers its 1949-50 series of eight articles, month by month, under the general w !far. title "The Lay Apostolate Today." These have been This is not to say that the "apostolate of like by prepared for general use and should be especially like"-of worker to worker and employer to employer helpful to organization and educational leaders. -is the only answer or the total answer to the social Use the articles: problem. The layman has all sorts of other obliga­ For your own information As texts for discussion clubs, forums, round tables, tions in the field of social reform, not the least of radio talks them being an obligation to participate actively in As aids for organization and school programs politics and in public affairs in general. He has an For informal discussion at home and abroad obligation to foster good legislation (we still need a Use the questions at the end as guides for reading lot of social legislation at the federal and state levels) and discussion. and to interest himself in its administration. But if social legislation is necessary, it is not a panacea. It about the mistakes and abuses of the Chamber of should not be looked upon as a substitute for the Commerce and the NAM. It is "superficially under­ greatest possible measure of economic self-government stood" by the trade unionist who fancies himself through the organized cooperation of voluntary eco­ a crusader for social justice ("thank God I am not nomic associations. More than that, legislation itself like the rest of men!") but somehow or other never should be consciously aimed at the encouragement of gets around to attending the meetings of his local industrial self-government through an organized sys­ union. It is "superficially understood" by anyone who tem of industry councils. "First and foremost" says does not realize that his principal social responsibility Pope Pius XI, "the state and every good citizen ought is to be physically and spiritually present as a witness to look to and strive towards this end: that the con- to Christ in his own environment and among his own flict between the hostile classes be abolished and har­ confreres, whatever his occupation or profession. He monious cooperation of the industries and professions can carry out this responsibility in our kind of society be encouraged and promoted. The social policy of only by actively participating in his own appropriate the state, therefore, must devote itself to the reestab­ economic organization-his union or his employers' lishment of the industries and professions" -to the association. He cannot carry it out as an isolated establishment, that is, of a system of industry councils. individual, nor can he satisfy his social obligations In any discussion of the lay apostolate in social by passing resolutions at the meetings of fraternal (or action it would seem altogether appropriate, there­ even religious) organizations, necessary and impor- fore, to center attention principally, though not ex­ tant as these organizations arc in their own right. clusively, of course, on the all-important responsibil­ Let us look at the problem from a different angle ity of the layman, be he worker or employer, to work for a moment. There is a great deal of talk today through his own economic organization towards the about the dangers of "big government." We need reestablishment of the industries and professions. This not attempt to decide here and now how much of is the major emphasis of the social encyclicals, as we this talk is well-founded and how much of it is merelv have already indicated, and it is likewise the major ''political." It is important to point out, howeve;, emphasis of the official statements of the American that "big government" (in the bad sense of the word) Bishops. does not develop in a vacuum nor as a general rule But whether our emphasis at any given time be is it imposed upon an unwilling people by a handful centered on economic self-government, or on federal of tyrannical bureaucrats. It develops largely because welfare legislation, or on community planning at the of the failure of voluntary economic organizations to local level (they all go together in a well-rounded work out their own problems cooperatively and dem­ program of social action), the responsibility is always ocratically. the layman's. The moral is obvious. If we are afraid of too much How effectively is the American Catholic layman government, we can do one of two things: 1) We fulfilling this responsibility? Father John La Farge, can pass resolutions against it or dissipate our ener­ S.J., asked this question of himself in a recent analysis gies in other ineffective ways; or 2) We can roll up of the impact of Catholicism upon the life of the our sleeves and try to get our own economic organi­ United States. His answer is rather encouraging: zations to follow sound policies and to cooperate Catholic social action, in its different manifestations, among themselves- under government supervision, has made perhaps the most marked impression upon the but free from government domination-as the natural non-Catholic world of any form of Catholic activity during the last few years, chiefly because it grapples organs of social control. directly with problems in which non-Catholics are al­ This means lay responsibility at the grass-roots ready deeply interested. Examples of this would be level, and it means specialization. It means being the interest displayed in Catholic concern with the popu-

[8] CATHOLIC ACTION la~on problem a_nd the refugees, the Church's splendid in this country"-to repeat the warning of Father relt~f program tor Europe and the East, Catholic dis­ La Farge--"than to wait for non-Catholics to take ~sswns of social_ se~urity a~d other social-welfare ques­ a!l t~e risks, wit~ the hope that we may some day tions; the Catholtc mterest m the cooperation of labor and management and the problems of organized labor; nde 1nto populanty on the crest of a friendly wave." and th Catholic tand on intcrr ci 1 ju ticc,a We have only touched upon a few of the more obvious phases of the problen1 of social reform. Others These are encouraging words, indeed, but lest we will suggest themselv~s to the lay reader-but only be tempted to give way to complacency, Father La to the extent that he ts persuaded that social reform Farge has~ens ~o ad.d that "nothing is less apt to get is primarily his responsibility, and only secondarily us a heanng m th1s country than to wait for non­ the responsibility of his Bishop or his parish priest. Catholics to take all the risks, with the hope that we may some day ride into popularity on the crest of a Now is the time for lay action. Humanly speaking, friendly wave." The implication is-or seems to be we can almost say that it is now or never-so serious -that our laity is too timid, too hesitant about ini­ is the breakdown of social morality in the world at tiating necessary measures of social reform. large. Our own country, to be sure, is temporarily at least more favorably situated than some of the other Be that as it may, what are some of the principal steps to be taken to round out the Catholic social nations of the world. All the more reason, then, for action program in the United States? Here are a our taking the initiative and setting an example to few suggestions. the rest of mankind. May we be the first to respond to the most recent challenge of Our Holy Father who 1. Every Catholic worker in a Catholic labor school has again reminde~ us (March 11) of the terrifying ~nd. every Cath~lic employer in a Catholic employer's urgency of more 1ntens1ve lay action. "And since rnstttute. Is th1s too much to expect of our Catholic the priest," he says, .. can reach neither everybody or laymen? Is it utopian? Perhaps. But obviously the everything, and as his work is not always able to layman .can~ot apply Christian principles to economic and soClal ltfe u?less he knows these principles him­ meet adequately all needs, those who serve in the self. And he will not absorb them by osmosis. He Catholic Action ranks must offer the aid of their needs to be instructed in them. own experience and activity. No one must be idle and lazy in the face of so many evils and dangers while At t~e present t~me only a~ infinitesimally small proportwn of Amencan Cathollc laymen are receivinrt those in the other camp strive to destroy the very formal tr~ining in Catholic social teaching. We hav~ ?asis of Catholic religion and Christian worship. Let a scattenng of perhaps a hundred Catholic labor 1t never come to pass that .. the children of this world schools acros~ the country and probably less than a are .wiser than the children of light" (Luke 16:8); dozen educat10nal programs for Catholic employers let 1t never be that the latter are less active than the and management representatives. The bigger part former."" of the job remains to be done. QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION ~· Every Catholic w~rker an active member of a 1. Why is social reform primarily the responsibility of the umon and every Catholtc employer an active member layman? ?f his employers' associati~n. (It goes without say­ 2. What is meant by "specialization" in the social apostolate? tng, of course, that everythmg that is said here about 3. Why is "specialization" necessary? the ~ocial responsibilities of workers and employers 4. Give examples from your own experience of failure to apphes equally ~o farmers and professional people.) understand the importance of ''the apostolate of like The very first thtng to note about the virtue of social to like." justice, as we have already indicated, is that it cannot 5. Survey your own locality to determine the degree to be performed by individuals as individuals but only which Catholic laymen are fulfilling their social re- by indi~iduals as member~ of groups. Thu~ the para­ sponsibilities. mount tmportance of un1ons and employers' associa­ 6. Make an inventory of the facilities which are available in tions as organs of social reform. The Catholic laity your own locality for the training of lay apostles among therefore, ought to take the lead in promoting mem: workers and employers. bershtp in these organizati.o?s ~d ought to set an BIBLIOGRAPHY example to others by parhctpattng actively in their On Reconstructing the Social Order-Pope Pius XI day-to-day affairs. Above all, they ought to encourage (N.C.W.C. Edition) their respective or&anizations to work together among Growth or Decline-Emmanuel Cardinal Suhard (Fides, thems~lves and w1th the governme~t in an industry South Bend, Indiana) counctl system, for the more effective promotion of Catholic Social Action-Rev. John F. Cronin, S.S. (Bruce, the general economic welfare. Milwaukee) 3. Greater Catholic participation and Catholic Introduction to Social Justice--Rev. William Ferree, S.M. leadership in wort~while ~om.mu?ity projects for bet­ (Paulist Press, New York, N. Y.) ter. h~ustng, .. for t~ter~actal 7usttce, and for similar A Code of Social Principles (Catholic Social Guild, Oxford, ob7ecttves. Nothmg ts less apt to get us a hearing England)

8 America, January 7, 1950. 4. Pope Pius XII, Encyclical Letter Anni Sacri, March 11.

April, 1950 [9] A Good-will Tour in Retrospect­ NATIONAL COUNCIL Meetings Attended by Headquarters Staff- Bless1ng of New N.C.S.S.S. CATHOLIC WOMEN Buildings-With Our Nationals

A GOOD-WILL TOUR IN RETROSPECT

ALICIA GoENNER

F OUR German visitors of last summer made a "I was impressed by the political knowledge of the very good impression on their hostess Councils, teen-agers and the women, and the universal sense of I the reports they were required to submit to Mili­ responsibility." Another visitor reports, "The general tary Government show that the Councils and America public-mindedness and feeling of responsibility for the found equal favor with them. This, incidentally, community are remarkable. This attitude, combined augurs well for the N.C.C.W. project under which with real freedom of speech, combined too with con­ additional German women will be the guests of Coun­ siderable political knowledge, is an immensely valu­ cils of the Middle West and South this Spring. able olitical asset and a safeguard against corruption One of the most striking and welcome traits discov­ and incompetency in public life." ered by these visitors was the habitual politeness of This observer sees a dark side to the picture, how­ Americans. ..Even a child is taken seriously and ever, for "every man and woman in the public eye is treated politely," one visitor reports. ..Teachers and exposed to everyone's criticism, including ·smearing', pupils, priests and parishioners, parents and children and this can scare the ablest people away from public are not separated from one another by concepts of service." authority." A method of developing political knowledge and This politeness has an even deeper manifestation in interest was noted approvingly: "It seems very good to the home: .. It is a pleasure to observe how husband me that pupils attend sessions of their governmental and wife help and support each other within the agencies and are given opportunity to gain experience household and the family." in this line." Another member of the group noted approvingly The extent to which Americans support Church in­ "the cordial and easy way American women have with stitutions was a revelation: "It is admirable how every one another. The readiness to help one another is faithful Christian supports his church financially. J taken as a matter of course, and this readiness extends observed this particularly with the Catholic Church." beyond themselves to others far away. It cannot be Another more comprehensive treatment of this same sufficiently prized." subject was given in a report to one visitor's organ­ When exercized toward the child, American polite­ ization: ness signifies respect for the uniqueness of human personality. ..It is chiefly attitudes which I learned in "Using their own means, the Catholics have built America: To be polite to children, not merely kind, a tremendous school system, extending from kinder~ and to demand more politeness from child to child, garten to college, in which about 50

[ 10] CATHOLIC ACTION diffi~ult social problems do exist and are being fought Two In titute -June 11-17, 1950 out. The Fourteenth Annual Institute on Industry and As concerns the position of women, the visitors the Sixth Annual Institute for Social Action Chair­ were struck by American freedom from household men, under the joint auspices of the Social Action drudgery by reason of mechanical helps. The Euro- Department, N.C.W.C., and the N.C.C.W. Commit- p an impr ion f Am ri an as v ry practi alp opl tee on Social Action, will be held in Washington, D. C., at the Agnes G. Regan Memorial Hall, Na­ was confirmed by what these visitors saw. They felt tional Catholic School of Social Service of the that erman w men "can learn mu h ab ut beit g Catholic University of America, June 11-17. For practical from Americans. In spite of our lack of further information and registration write to the money much could be achieved if we learned to reflect Director, Miss Linna E. Bresette, 1312 Massachu­ on how to make things easier instead of just doing setts Avenue, N.W .• Washington 5, D. C. them as they have always been done." There were some reservations on the extent to which American women seem to have exchanged concern for Community settl ment houses made a very favorable home and family affairs for outside interests, however. impression-one of the group would like very much "I think that not all women have as yet succeeded in to establish them in Germany. All favored increased adapting themselves, and with household bondage public-mindedness in German women, and would like have thrown too much of home-centered mentality to inculcate a feeling of courage and a sense of respon­ entirely overboard. Much as I would like to see Ger­ sibility that would prompt them to intervene in mis­ man women blessed with the ease of their American management in public life. The sense of responsibility, sisters, I should feel they had lost the best they pos­ in one observer's view, "excludes any possibility of sessed if they also developed an out-of-the-home exist­ blaming someone else for his membership in church ence." or party." A very unfavorable impression was made by the Germany, it was felt, could gain much "if the art many divorces. Also, while the respect for the child's of discussion were more highly developed. Among us personality was admired, it was feared that this might one too frequently listens to lectures. The cooperation lead to lack of discipline. Without proper safeguards, gained from questions and answers struck me very the child might become self-indulgent, which in later favorably. Cooperation all around, group mentality, years might be manif sted in selfishness and lack of good manners, more ease of converse, also with offi­ character. It was felt that this might underlie many cials, would surely make things work more smoothly." marriage failures. The tour as a whole was summarized in the follow­ Racial inequality, a seeming lack of adequate public ing enthusiastic terms: "Our mental gain was immense. assistance for the sick and aged, were other unfavor­ Most of all I feel that the mutual trust, understanding able impressions. Despite great and good libraries, and liking-both for us who traveled and for the an apparently greater interest in movies rather than in many friends we made--are a very real blessing that books, the theater and other higher cultural oppor­ one can hardly overrate. It really succeeded in being tunities was noted. a Good-Will tour:'

NOTE ON MEETINGS ATTENDED BY HEADQUARTER STAFF

Mid-Century White House Conference on Children and Clearing House is designed to facilitate inter·organ­ Youth-A meeting of the steering committee of the izational cooperation in four major areas: civil rights, Advisory Council on Participation of National Organ­ civil liberties, preservation of freedom in academic izations in the Mid-Century White House Conference fields, and recognition and establishment of funda· on Children and Youth was held on February 21. mental human rights within all nations. It provides Robert E. Bondy of the National Social Welfare As­ a forum through which groups from varying fields­ sembly was elected chairman of the group. Discussion educational, religious, minority advancement, labor, centered around criteria for membership in the Ad­ veterans, farm, civic, and social welfare-come to­ visory Council and the most effective way for national gether for discussion and exchange of information an~ organizations to participate in special projects perti­ opinion in these four areas of common concern. I~ ts nent to the theme of the Conference. Project materials a clearing house and does not attempt to take actton relating to the emotional, mental and spiritual devel­ on issues, work for legislation or attempt to direct the opment of the child which are in progress under the direction of national organizations will be made avail­ policies of the coopera~g ~~encies .. It does act as an able to the Conference for study and evaluation. instrument through which JOtnt act10n may be taken. Conference on Civil Liberties-The Third Annual Con­ At the Conference civil rights were reviewed from ference on Civil Liberties, sponsored by the National the half-century mark from the point of view of na­ Civil Liberties Clearing House, met in Washington, tional legislative action and the status of state action. February 23 and 24. The National Civil Liberties The effectiveness of loyalty tests, the ethics of wire

April, 1950 [11] tapping, the right of loyalty investigation, freedom of N.C.C.W. also had the pleasure of welcoming thought in our schools were reviewed by such speakers Mrs. Albert Spillman, president of the Brooklyn as Honorable Francis Biddle, Honorable Philip Perl­ D.C.C.W.; Mrs. Albert Trageser, BrooHyn Diocesan man, and Dr. Ralph Himstead. Council program chairman; and Mrs. Anthony J. The Heywood Broun awards were made at the Scholter, former president of the Milwaukee A.C.C.W. opening banquet for outstanding contributions in the .field of journalism. BLESSING OF NEW N.C.S.S.S. BUILDINGS National Committee for Traffic Safety-The report pre­ N APRIL 20 the National Catholic School of sented at the annual meeting of the National Commit­ O Social Service will mark an event of great mo­ tee for Traffic Safety, held in Washington, D.C., ment in its more than thirty years history of March 9, showed marked progress in the coordination achievement. This will be the formal blessing of the of activities throughout the country in promotion of buildings erected on the campus of the Catholic Uni­ traffic safety. The traffic fatality rate of 7.4 at the close versity of America to house the unified N.C.S.S.S. and of the year 1949 shows a gratifying continuation of the C.U. School of Social Work, merged in July, 1947 the reduction trend started in 1946 at the time of the to form the National Catholic School of Social Service President's .first Highway Safety Conference. This of the Catholic University of America. A glimpse of Conference assigned responsibility for coordinating the significant events and outstanding personalities the problems of national, non-official organizations to connected with the School's history is given in the the National Committee for Traffic Safety. N.C.C.W. article, "N.C.S.S.S. Milestones," by Frances Engel in is one of the eighty-five national organizations pres­ the February issue of this magazine. ently represented in the Committee. John W. Stude­ The new construction includes an administration baker, vice-president of Scholastic Magazine, was and classroom building, a chapel with a seating ca­ elected chairman at the meeting. pacity of 460, and a dormitory for 100 students of the School. The dormitory has been named the Agnes G. Middle Income Housing Conference-organizations in­ Regan Hall in memory of the late Miss Regan, forD?-er terested in housing, particularly in housing for the assistant director of N.C.S.S.S., who was executtve lower middle income group, roughly about one-third secretary of the National Council of Catholic Women of any community's population, met in Washington, at the time the social service school was established February 23-24, to discuss ways of achieving the goal under the Council's auspices. of better housing for this group. Helpful from the The white limestone administration and classroom standpoint of exchange of ideas with individuals from building is located on the main campus; the dormitory religious, welfare, public interest, labor, minority and chapel, of red brick with limestone trim, on the groups, and those presently active in the cooperative northern portion of the University grounds adjacent housing .field, the Conference brought out the fact to the new Nursing Education Building. The chapel that through the cooperative housing device, housing is the central feature, being connected by arcades with costs for the lower middle income group could be low­ the dormitory and nurses building. Thus the tradition ered considerably and brought within this group's of the original N.C.S.S.S. continues with resident reach. Principal item in lowering cost is lower cost student life centered in the chapel. of financing. Other facts stressed by participants, especially those who have had experience in coopera­ With Our Nationals tive housing, were that cooperatives utilize the services of private firms in purchasing land, for architectural plans, in building-important at this time since it Catholic Daughters of America . . . Continued support would increase work opportunities during a period of of the program of the National Catholic Resettlement falling employment. Council was pledged at the recent semi-annual meet­ ing of the Board of Directors of the C.D.A. The N.C.C.W. VISITORS Board also promised to bel p promote the cause for Three foreign students of the National Catholic beatification of Venerable Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, School of Social Service of the Catholic University of foundress of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de America visited N.C.C.W. headquarters recently. Paul in this country. Two are Religious, Mother M. Elizabeth, foundress International Federation of Catholic Alumnae , .. The and superior of the native Japanese Order of the Light I.F.C.A. sponsored a Southern Conference in St. Au­ of the Gospel, and Sister M. Dolores of the same gustine, Florida, March 25-26. Most Rev. Thomas J. Order. These Sisters are from the orphanage estab­ McDonough, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Augustine, and lished at Hiroshima for children orphaned by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Jordan, vice-rector of the bombing. The third visitor was Senorita Lelia Car­ Catholic University of America and director of the rera of Quito, Eucador, whose sister-in-law, Senora I.F.C.A., were the principal dinner speakers. I.F.C.A. Lucila Carrera, also attended N.C.S.S.S. and who is officers, chairmen, chapter governors, alumnae mod­ now conducting a Catholic school of social service in erators and circle regents attended from eleven South­ Quito. ern states.

[ 12] CATHOLIC ACTION To Our Beloved Daughter MRS~ ALFRED S~ LUCAS President of the National Council of Catholic Women

It has been to Us a source of paternal gratification to learn that the National Council of Catholic Women is conducting during Holy Year, on behalf of Our works of charitable relief, a special campaign for clothing. This gesture, so intimately bound up with the sacred significance and purposes of this Holy Year, is particularly consoling to Us in the thought that, in extending at this time through Our means to so many thousands of poor and afflicted persons the healing balm of Christian charity, a further effective contribution will have been made towards the increase of that spirit of universal understanding and sympathy among peoples, which is at the basis of the establishment of permanent and enduring peace.

We are pleased to avail Ourselves of this occasion to express Our heart­ felt gratitude to all your membership for the bountiful measure of relief mater­ ial, which their generous zeal, in collaboration with War Relief Services ,._ N.C.W.C., has already placed at Our disposal, enabling Us to satisfy, even in distant lands, so many of the urgent demands that daily pour in upon Us from Our needy children for aid and assistance.

With the confident and consoling assurance that the response to this Holy Year appeal will do honor to the truly Catholic spirit of charity that has characterized your associates in the past, We cordially impart to you, to the devoted members of the National Council of Catholic Women, and to all cooperating in this worthy cause throughout the United States, Our special Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, January 19, 1950

April, 1950 [ 13] NATIONAL COUNCIL Two Decades of the Catholic Hour­ N.C.C.M. Ann u a I Meeting-Radio CATHOLIC MEN Schedule

TWO DECADES OF THE CATHOLIC HOUR

HE CATHOLIC HOUR was given a rousing 1930. Communists stage unsuccessful riot of unem­ T send-off as it embarked on its third decade of ployed in New York. Senators demand $50 million service to the Church and to the nation as a fund for jobless and needy. Prosperity is just around whole. a faraway corner. And in thousands of American The special documentary-type 20th anniversary homes there's a proud new gadget: the radio set! program held at the regular broadcast time on Sun­ For many of these families radio is still a strange day, March 5, was cheered by a studio audience of novelty just out of its crystal set days . . . a nov­ 1,250 persons. A radio executive commented later elty so exciting that the Martin's Sunday evening that the program was a well-balanced combination of meal is no longer leisurely.'' tribute and salesmanship, bestowing praise upon the Then the scene moved to the supper table of a National Broadcasting Company for its 20 years of family called the Martins-dad, mother and young cooperation with the National Council of Catholic son Paul. The location of their home was not men­ Men in putting the Catholic Hour on the air, and tioned, but it could have been any town in the U.S. at the same time demonstrating how the program "Don't eat so fast, Paul," said the mother. "The had advanced the interests of Church and Nation. radio will keep another few minutes." The son an­ The entertainment industry's trade weekly, Variety, swered: "I wanna see what's on tonight, Ma." The had this to say about the jubilee broadcast: "Half­ father, checking his impatient son, said: ''You see I hour comprised a workmanlike presentation of 'the knew getting that contraption was a mistake," and bold experiment in pushing back the religious fron­ then gave the order that the radio be set for the tiers of the United States .. : Major Bowes show on NBC. Though that program "Monsignor Fulton J. Sheen brought it to a mov­ was not due to be on for more than an hour, Mrs. ing climax with one of the most sweeping endorse­ Martin told the son to do as he was instructed. ments of radio's and NBC's policy of free time for The gentle voice of Cardinal Hayes of New York, religious programs ever uttered by a spokesman for a as re-created by actor Ross Martin, was then heard major faith. saying: "This radio hour is for all the people of the "The Monsignor said that broadcasting companies United States. The purpose of the national Catholic have done something which 'no other industry since Hour is not to triumph or to boast; not to attack or the beginning of time' did. They have 'given religion to blame; but to serve. With good will, with kind­ a free ride.' NBC. he continued, has donated to ness, with Christ-like sympathy for all this work is 'Jews, Catholics and Protestants millions of dollars inaugurated . . ." in radio time, freely, wholeheartedly and sincerely.' The listeners in the Martin home took over again. Monsignor Sheen said that God would bless NBC The father said: "Now don't tell me they're on the for 'helping to glorify Him.' " radio too!" Mrs. Martin said in answer: "Please, The anniversary program was held in NBC's main John. So long as you won't go to Mass Sundays the studio at Rockefeller Center, New York City. The way a good Catholic should, you could at least listen current series of talks by Monsignor Sheen on "The to something like this." Mr. Martin remarked: Rock Plunged Into Eternity" was interrupted in order "Martha, I promised never to interfere with you and to mark the 20 years of virtually continuous weekly the child. But that's all. I don't have to stand for broadcasts by the Catholic Hour. The program orig­ it on the radio." The son broke in to say: "We'd inated Sunday, March 2, 1930, with 18 stations on like to hear it, dad. Please?" The father conceded: NBC's former uRed" network. The first regularly "Can't see how you two can take so much religion. scheduled speaker was Monsignor-then Father­ You get it in the morning at church and now you Sheen of the Catholic University of America. He has want it at night-over the radio. Well, go ahead and been on the program each year since. listen, but don't drag me in on it." It was Eddie Dowling, Broadway actor and pro­ With that as a background, the anniversary pro­ ducer, who narrated the special anniversary script by gram moved ahead, combining action in the Martin Robert C. Healey. Stirring memories in millions at living room with summary comments by the narrator, radio sets across the country, he began: "March 2nd, Mr. Dowling. Monsignor Sheen's role as a Catholic

[ 14] CATHOLIC ACTION Hour orator wa d scrib d, follow d by a bit f con­ Pr ent at the broadcast in addition to Mr. Blaes, versation in which Mr. Martin stated: ~~This Father were N.C.C.M. vic -pr sident, tewart Lynch of Wil­ hecn fellow make orne sense. I like him." U ing min ton D 1., and treasurer James H. McCaffrey, of one of radio's tricks, the microphone then picked up Dallas, Texas. Also in attendance were James S. the filtered voice of Mrs. Martin, composing a letter Mitchell, N.C.C.M. executive secretary, John G. to the National Council of Catholic Men in Wash­ Bowen, assistant, and William H. Shriver, Jr., ington, D. C. She sought a copy of Monsignor N.C.C.M. radio director. Sheen's talk. N.C.C.M. ANNUAL M ETING APRIL 15-16 The narrator put Mrs. Martin's letter in perspec­ HE 30th annual meeting of the National Council tive: "Her letter came, and others, 15,000 of them T of Catholic Men will be held this April 15 the first year and then in an ever-swelling stream . . . and 16 at national headquarters, 1312 Massa­ Almost four million pieces of mail in 20 years- re­ chusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D. C. quests for talks, pleas for information, touching Emmet A. Blaes, of Wichita, Kansas, N.C.C.M. stories of conversion or return to the practice of reli­ president, will open the sessions Saturday morning gion from both Catholics and those of other faiths." at 10 o'clock. He will call upon Very Rev. Msgr. He went on to tell how the Catholic Hour had Paul F. Tanner, assistant general secretary of the Na­ warned of the oncoming menace of world communism tional Catholic Welfare Conference, to outline the -though few heeded those words in the 1930's­ worldwide picture of international and national prob­ and how the war affected the program and its listen­ lems in the fields of public morals and social rela­ ers. The Martin boy was shown going off to war. tions. This will be the keynote of the convention. "Stories of the triumph of the world of tht spirit Msgr. Tanner is ex officio a member of the N.C.C.M. over the world of war" were dramatized in a Catholic Board of Directors. Hour series by Father Timothy Mulvey, O.M.I. The e Officials of some of the various departments of the stories, it was mentioned, won national honors for N.C.\V.C. will be speakers during the meeting, with the program. The moving "Letter to Jackie" by naval appropriate times being set apart for audience partici­ officer John Shea, who died in the sinking of the pation and forum type discussions. aircraft carrier Wasp, was read again on the program, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen, Catholic Hour as it was read on the Catholic Hour in wartime. Its speaker, will give an address at the traditional annual effect on Mr. Martin was shown in a scene in which banquet Saturday evening at the Carlton Hotel. he decides to return to the practice of his religion. Archbishop Robert E. Luc y, episcopal chairman of Eddie Dowling then summarized the mission of the the Lay Organizations Department, N.C.W.C., will Catholic Hour in the concluding words of the letter: speak at the dinner, as will Rt. Rev. Msgr. Howard J. "Be a good Catholic, and you can't help being a Carroll, N.C.W.C. general secretary. good American." He said: "That's the heart of it­ Sunday afternoon national directors will be elected, to make better Catholics and consequently better following whKh the new board will meet for the Americans; to bring to non-Catholics better under­ purpose of electing officers for the ye.ar 1950-1951. standing of Catholic belief and worship; to pierce the RADIO SCH ·DULE darkness of all confused human souls with rays of love and understanding." N.C.C.M. produces three nationwide radio shows. Here is the schedule for April. All times given are Then~ before ~onsignor Sheen brought the program Eastern Standard. to a cllmax w1th the messag~ quoted by Variety, Catholic Hour: (NBC, Sundays, 6:00-6:30 p.m.) Emmet A. Blaes, N.C.C.M. pres1dent, presented Niles April 2 and 9, Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen, "The Rock Trammell, chairman of the board of NBC, with a Plunged Into Eternity." April 16, 23 and 30, Rev. citation which read: Joseph Manton, C.Ss.R., Roxbury, Mass., "Sanctity "The National Council of Catholic Men, on behalf on the Sidewalk." of its member organizations and the 29,000,000 Cath­ The Hour of Faith: (ABC, Sundays, 11:30-12 N) olics in the United States, presents this citation to the All Sundays of April, Rev. Vincent F. Holden, C.S.P. N at~onal Bro~dcas~ing Comp~ny and its independent of the Detroit Mission Band, "The Catholic Church affiltated stat10ns tn recognttton and appreciation of and Modern Man;" discussions with prominent lay 20 years of the most generous and cordial coopera­ guests. tion in the presentation of the Catholic Hour-Sun­ Faith in Our Time: (MBS, Thursdays, 10:15- day, March 2, 1930 to Sunday, March 5, 1950. Given 10:30 a.m.) All Thursdays of April, Rev. David J. this fifth day of March in the year of Our Lord Nine­ Coffey, Providence, "God and the Things of God." teen Hundred and Fifty, the 25th Holy Year." (The Music on the Catholic Hour will be provided in citation also bears an appropriate quotation from April by the Choral Group of the Catholic Guild for Psalms 18, verse 5: ~~Their utterance fills every land: the Blind in Brooklyn, N. Y., under the direction of their message reaches the ends of the earth.") John DiFrancesco, who himself is blind.

April, 1950 [ 15] CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED CATHOLIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS

April, 1950 lO-ll-CATHOLIC RENASCENCE SociETY-annual symposium, Chicago, Ill. 10-14-CATHOLIC LIBRARY AssociATION-24th annual conference, Washington, D. C. 11-12-AMERICAN CATHOLIC PHILOSOPHICAL AssOCIATION-24th annual meeting, St. Paul, Minn. 11-14--NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL AssOCIATION--47th annual convention, New Orleans, La. 11-15-NATIONAL FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC COLLEGE STUDENTS-7th national congress, Pittsburgh, Pa. 13-NATIONAL CATHOLIC BusiNESS EDUCATION AssOCIATION-5th annual convention, New Orleans, La. 15-16-NATIONAL CouNCIL OF CATHOLIC MEN-annual meeting, Washington, D. C. 18-19-ADMINISTRATIVE BoARD, N.C.W.C.-annual spring meeting, Washington, D. C. 21-23-NATIONAL CATHOLIC LAYMEN's RETREAT LEAGUE-international convention, Los Angeles, Calif. 21-23-NEWMAN CLUB FEDERATION, CENTRAL NEw YoRK PROVINCE--convention, Syracuse, New York 28-30-CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DocTRINE-regional congress, Grand Rapids, Mich. 28-30-NEWMAN CLUB FEDERATION, CENTRAL STATES PROVINCE-convention, Pittsburg, Kansas. 29-May !-CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DocTRINE-regional congress, Lexington, Ky.

May, 1950 4-7-NATIONAL CouNCIL OF CATHOLIC NuRsEs-5th biennial convention, Los Angeles, Calif. 24-26-CATHOLIC PRESS AssociATION-40th annual convention, Rochester, N. Y. 28-NATIONAL CATHOLIC TRIBUTE TO THE WAR DEAD-12th annual ceremony, Tomb of the Unknown Sol­ dier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Jt~ne, 1950 12-Sept. 2-SUMMER ScHOOLS OF CATHOLIC AcTION-series of lectures in St. Louis, Erie, Chicago, New York, St. Paul. 15-18-NEWMAN CLUB FEDERATION-annual convention, Cleveland, Ohio

July, 1950 11-14-CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA-national convention, Asheville, N.C.

August, 1950 8-11-DAUGHTERS OF IsABELLA-biennial national convention, Cincinnati, Ohio 24-27-CATHOLIC STUDENT MISSION CRUSADE-14th national convention, Notre Dame, Ind.

October, 1950 6-8-CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DocTRINE-regional congress, Syracuse, N.Y. 6-8-NATIONAL LAYWOMEN'S RETREAT MOVEMENT-annual congress, Detroit, Michigan 14-18-NATIONAL CouNCIL OF CATHOLIC WoMEN-25th national convention, Cleveland, Ohio 13-18-NATIONAL CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE CoNFERENCE-annual convention, Belleville, Ill. 18-19-CoNFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DocTRINE-regional congress, Little Rock, Arkansas 24-26-CoNFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DoCTRINE-regional congress, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

November, 1950 4-5-THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANas---provincial convention, Cincinnati, Ohio

'

[ 16] CATHOLIC ACTION THE Holy Year, which is in the course of passing, has already furnished Us more than one reason for joy and consolation. To Rome, whence the light of the Gospel teach­ ing radiates since the origins of the Church, multitudes of the faithful have streamed from all parts of the world. They have come to the See of Peter not only to redeem their own faults, but also to expiate the sins of the world and implore the Text of the Encyclical of the Holy Father given at Rome on return of society to God, from Whom March 11, 1950. Although intended primarily as an appeal for alone can come true peace of heart, public prayers on Passion Sunday, which will have passed when civil concord and the well-being of CATHOLIC ACTION is off the press, the encyclical is printed nations. here because of its permanent value. And we know these first groups of pilgrims form the vanguard of those who will come more frequently and We must above all deplore with in the Catholic Action ranks must in greater numbers during the favor­ overwhelming sadness that in not a offer the aid of their own experience able season. Therefore, the hope is few nations the rights of God, Church and activity. No one must be idle warranted that from this still more and human nature itself are outraged and lazy in the face of so many evils salutary and abundant fruits will be and trampled upon. Sacred ministers, and dangers while those in the other harvested. Nevertheless, if these even those invested with high digni­ camp strive to destroy the very basis sights have given Us gentle comfort, ties, are either driven from their of Catholic religion and Christian reasons are not lacking for anxiety and proper sees, exiled and imprisoned, or worship. Let it never come to pass anguish which grieve Our paternal impeded in a manner preventing them that "the children of this world are heart. And in the first place, al­ from exercising their ministry. In the wiser than the children of light" though war has almost everywhere field of education, whether of lower (Luke 16:8); let it never be that the ceased, nevertheless the longed-for or of university level, as well as in latter are less active than the former. peace has not come--a stable and solid publications and the press permission But human efforts are ineffective peace which might happily solve the to explain and defend the doctrine of unless strengthened by Divine Grace. many and ever-increasing reasons for the Church either is not given or it is We exhort you therefore, Venerable discord. Many nations are still op­ so restricted and subjected to such Brethren, to begin a veritable crusade posed to each other; and as confidence surveillance by official censor hip of prayer among your faithful to im­ lessens an armaments race begins, that the arbitrary proposition that plore from the Father of Mercies and leaving the hearts of all overcome by · truth, liberty and religion must submis­ the God of Consolation ( 2 Cor 1 : 3) fear and trepidation. sively serve only the civil authority suitable remedies for the present evils. That which seems to Us not only seems to be the established principle. We intensely desire that, united with the greatest evil but the root of all evil Since these innumerable evils sprmg, Us, they offer public prayers on :March is this: often the lie is substituted for as We have said, from one source 26, Passion Sunday, when the sacred the truth and is then used as an in­ only, the repudiation of God and con­ rites of the Church begin to commemo­ stmment of dispute. On the part of tempt for His law, it is necessary, rate the bitter sufferings by means of not a few religion is passed by as a Venerable Brethren, to offer to God which the Divine Redeemer liberated thing of no importance, and elsewhere fervent prayers and recall all to those us from slavery to the demon and led absolutely prohibited in family and principles whence alone can come en­ us back to the freedom of the sons of social life as a remnant of ancient su­ lightenment for minds, peace and God. It is Our intention on that day perstitions; public and private athe­ concord for souls and well ordered to descend into the Basilica of St. ism is exalted in such a way that God justice between the various social Peter to unite Our prayers not only and His law are being abolished and classes. with those present but-as We hope­ morals no longer have any foundation. As you know once religion is taken with those of the whole Catholic The press also too often vulgarly re­ away there cannot be a well ordered, world. Let those who, because of viles religious feeling while it does well regulated society. In this point illness or old age or other reasons not hesitate to spread the most shame­ lies the urgency to spur on priests cannot come to church, offer to God ful obscenities, agitating and with in­ under your guidance in order that, calculable harm leading into vice with humble and trusting heart their especially during the Holy Year, they tender childhood and betrayed youth. sufferings and their fears so that the spare no efforts so that souls entrusted prayer of all, the yearning of all and By means of false promises a people to them, with their false prejudices and the wish of all may be one. is deceived and provoked to hatred, erroneous convictions cast aside, and rivalry and rebellion, especially when hatreds and discords settled, may Let all, united with Us in prayer, im­ the hereditary faith, the only relief nourish themselves on the teachings plore from Divine l!!ercy that a new in this earthly exile, is successfully of the Gospel and thus participate in order, based on truth, justice and torn from its heart. Disturbances, Christian life so as to hasten the de­ charity, may arise from the longed-for riots and revolts are organized and sired renewal of morals. restoration of morals. May the Heavenly Light illuminate the minds fomented in continuing series, which And since the priest can reach of those who have in their hands the prepare for ruin of the economy and neither everybody nor everything, and cause irreparable harm to the common as his work is not always able to meet destinies of peoples; may they realize good. adequately all needs, those who serve (Turn to page 20)

April, 1950 I [ 17] HE CATHOLIC CHURCH takes T no actual part in "ecumenical" conventions and other assemblies of a similar character. Yet, as numerous pontifical documents show, she has, .9~ lu, the c11o4 gee despite this fact, never ceased, nor will she ever cease to pursue with deepest concern and promote with assiduous {Uf;J~M~ prayers to God every endeavor to bring about what was so close to the Heart of Christ the Lord, viz., that all who Official English translation of the "Instruction to Local Ordi­ believe in Him, "may be made perfect naries about the 'Ecumenical Movement,'" issued by the su­ in one." 1 Indeed she embraces with preme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office, February 28, truly maternal affection all who return 1950. to her as the only true Church of Christ. Hence any plans and enter­ They should therefore not only care­ ings and study circles, spiritual re­ prises, which, with the consent of the fully and efficaciously keep this move­ treats and other exercises of piety. ecclesiastical authority, have been un­ ment under vigilant observation, but II. As to the manner and method dertaken and are being carried out to also prudently foster and guide it unto of procedure in this work, let the enlighten converts properly in the the twofold end of assisting those who Bishops themselves prescribe what is Faith or to impart a more thorough are in search of the truth and the true to be done and what to be omitted, instruction to those already in the Church, and of shielding the faithful and take measures that the ordinances Church, can never be sufficiently ap­ from the perils which readily follow are observed by all. They will also proved or given too much encourage­ in the tread of the movement. be on their guard, lest, under some ment. Consequently they shall first of all false pretence, for instance by stressing At this time in many parts of the thoroughly acquaint themselves with things on which we agree rather than world, owing partly to various external what has been accomplished and is those on which we disagree, a danger­ events and changes of mental attitude, actually being done under cover of this ous indifferentism be fomented, par­ but, under the inspiring grace of God, movement in their dioceses. For this ticularly amongst those who are less due chiefly to the common prayers of purpose let them appoint suitable thoroughly grounded in matters theo­ the faithful, a desire has awakened and priests, who, in accordance with the logical and not so well trained in their is growing daily in the hearts of many, teaching and the directions of the Holy religious .practice. For they must be­ who are separated from the Catholic See, as found, for example, in the ware, lest, from a spirit of "irenicism," Church, that a reunion be accomplished Encyclical Letters Satis Cognitttm,a as it is called nowadays, Catholic tenets, among all who believe in Christ the Mortalittm Animos 4 and Mystici Cor­ be they dogmas or questions connected Lord. Assuredly to the children of the poris Christi, 5 shall give close atten­ therewith, in a process of comparative true Church this is a source of holy tion to all that concerns the movement study and from a delusive design of joy in the Lord as well as an induce­ and make a report about it at the time attaining a certain progressive assimi­ ment to lend their assistance to all and in the manner prescribed. lation and approximation among the who are sincerely seeking the truth, With special care shall they exercise various professions of faith, are so by entreating light and strength for their vigilance and urge the observance whittled down and somehow made to them from God in fervent prayer. of the sacred canons "on previous cen­ conform to heterodox teaching as to Certain attempts, that are being des­ sorship and prohibition of books" (can. jeopardize the purity of Catholic doc­ ignated by diverse names in different 1384 ff) with regard to the publica­ trine or obscure its clear and genuine countries, have hitherto been made by tions, which are edited by Catholics in meaning. various persons, either individually or any form whatsoever concerning this Furthermore Bishops will not allow in groups, to effect a reconciliation of matter. The same holds good with recourse to a perilous mode of speaking dissident Christians with the Catholic reference to non-Catholic publications which engenders false notions and burch. Such initiatives, however, do on this subject, insofar as these are raises deceitful hopes that can never not always rest upon correct principles, intended to be edited, read or sold by be fulfilled. Such would be, for ex­ although inspired by the best of inten­ Catholics. ample, the allegation that what is tions, and even when prung from taught in the Encyclical Letters of the Likewise they will diligently provide sound principles, they do not avoid Roman Pontiffs about the return of what may be serviceable for non-Cath­ particular besetting dangers, as past dissidents to the Church, or about the olics who are seeking to know the experience has shown. For this rea­ constitution of the Church, or about Catholic faith. They will appoint per­ son this Supreme Sacred Congregation, the Mystical Body of Christ, need not sons and set up offices that non-Catho­ which has been charged with the care be so rigorously taken, inasmuch as not lics may visit and consult, and yet of defending and preserving intact the all things are of faith, or, what is worse more will they be intent upon making deposit of faith, has seen fit to call still, in matters of dogma not even provision, that converts may have with­ to mind and enjoin what is here set the Catholic Church is already in pos­ in easy reach the ways and means of forth. session of the fullness of Christ and obtaining a more basic and complete hence others are still in a position of I. The work of "reunion" belongs instruction in the Catholic faith and of contributing towards its perfection. above all to the office and charge of carrying their religion into actual life, They should scrupulously take precau­ the Church. Hence it behooves Bish­ especially by means of seasonable meet- ops, whom "the Holy Ghost hath placed tions and firmly insist that, in rehears­ to rule the Church of God," 2 to be­ a Acta Leonis XIII, vol. XVI, a. 1897, ing the history of the Reformation or stow upon it their special attention. pag. 157 ff. the Reformers, the faults and foibles " Acta Ap. Sedis, vol. XX, a. 1928, of Catholics are not overemphasized, pag. 5 ff. whilst the blame and defects of the 1 John, XVII, 23. 5 Acta Ap. Sedis, vol. XXXV, a. 1943, 2 Acts, XX, 28. pag. 193 ff. Reformers are dissimulated; nor that

[ 18] CATHOLIC ACTION rather accidental circumstances be faithful shall be prudently kept away Concerning local conferences and placed in such a light that the main and the meetings them cl ves shall be conventions, which, according to the fact, con isting in the defection from suspended in due time or gradually directions specified in the foregoing, the Catholic Faith, is allowed to brought to a do e. Larger common fall within the purview of th Moni­ dwindle from sight and mind. Finally assemblies may not be permitted ex­ tum, local Ordinaries are empowered they will take care, lest, by an excessive cept upon most careful scrutiny, since with fa ulties for a period of thr e and misleading extrinsic display and experience bears out the fact that such years from the date of publication of imprudence, or by clamorous methods conversations are wont to be fraught this Instruction to grant the requisite of procedure and treatment, more harm with dangers and produce but little previous authorization of the Holy See than good may result in reaching the fruit. on condition that: end desired. For colloquies engaged in between 1. all communication in sacred rites The whole and entire body of Cath­ Catholic 1nd non-Catholic theologian , be utter! y eschewed; olic doctrine is therefore to be pro­ priests only may be sent and these mu t 2. the discu sions and proceedings posed and explaine.d. Nothing ~m­ have proven themselves truly qualified be duly supervised and directed; braced in the Catholic truth concernmg to take part by their knowledge of 3. at the end of each year a report the true nature and means of ju tifica­ theology and staunch adherence to the be made to this Supr me Sacred on­ tion the constitution of the Church, principles and norms laid down by the gregation, spe ifying the place where the 'Roman Pontiff's primacy of juris­ Church in this matter. uch assemblies were held and what diction and the only real union cffectu­ IV. All such conference and con­ experiences were gathered from them. at d by a return of the dissidents to ventions, whether public or otherwise, As to theological colloqtJies, which the one true Church of Christ, must small or large, are subject to the pre­ were mentioned above, the same fac­ be passed over in silence or cloaked scriptions of the Church, which were ulty for an equal period of time is under ambiguous language. Non­ called to mind in the Monitum, Cum extended to the Ordinary of the dio­ Catholics may certainly be told th~t, compertum, issued by this Sacred Con­ cese, where the conver ations are held, in returning to the Church, they will gregation on June 5, 1948.6 The ~up­ or to that Bishop whom the other Ordi­ forfeit none of the good that the grace position ts that th7 were orgamzed naries have appointed by common con- of God had hitherto wrought in their as a result of previous agreement to ent to a sume the direction. The con­ souls but that the return will bring have the parties, Catholics and non­ ditions remain the same, as particular­ thi to its perfection and final con­ Catholics alike, on a ba is of p rfect ized above, plus the further provision summation. Yet this must not be rep­ equality, treat matters of faith and that in the annual report to this Sacred resented in such a fashion as to create moral and give an expo ition of the Congregation mention be made what in them the impression that by their teaching proper to their religious creed questions were treated, who were pres­ return they were making a . contribu­ for the sake of discus ion. Mixed ent and who were the participants and tion to the Church of somethmg essen­ gathering are not then forbidden ~ut­ speakers on both sides. tial that she lacked in the past. All right, but they are not to be held wtth­ For convoking interdiocesan, na­ this must be truly set forth clearly and out the previous sanction of the com­ intelligibly for the double reason that tional and international conferences petent ecclesiastical authority. . Not and C01l1'entions a previous consent, to they are really seeking the truth ~nd subject to the Monitum just mentioned that out ide of the truth no true umon be procured specially from the Holy are catechetical instruction , even when can ever be attained. See for each individual case, is neces­ imparted to several persons imultane­ sary. The petition for the permission III. Ordinaries will need to employ ously; nor conference in which the mu t set forth what que tions and is­ altogether exceptional watchfulness and Catholic doctrine is explained to pros­ sues are to be discussed and who the control as regards mixed conventio.ns pective converts. This hold good even speakers will be at the proceedings. and meetings held between Catholics if on such occasion the li teners al o Before this permit ha been obtained and non-Catholics, which in recent expound the teaching of their chur h no one is allowed to initiate preliminary times have come into vogue in many for the purpose of a certaining clearly external preparations for such conven­ places to foster "reunion" in the Faith. and accurately in what it agrees and tion , nor to collaborate with non­ If in truth these offer a desirable oc­ di agrees with atholic truth. Nor Catholics who are engaged in de ign­ casion for spreading a knowledge of does the arne Monitum refer to mixed ing imilar plans. Catholic do trine with which generally assemblies of Catholics and non-Cath­ V. Every species of communication non-Catholics are not sufficiently con- olics, in which nothing touching faith in sa red rite is forbidden at all con­ ersant, on the other hand they also and morals is under con ideration, but ventions and as emblie of this kind, readily conjure up no sli.ght danger discussions are held to take coun cl as as has already been stated. Yet it is of indifferentism to Cathohcs. Where to the ad isable ways and mean of not discountenanced to open and close orne hopes of good results appear, defending, by concerted action, the the meetings with a common recita­ the Ordinary will b~ solicitous ~o sec~re fundamental principles of the natural tion of the Lord's prayer or some their proper direction by destgnatmg law and the Christian religion against other prayer approved by the Catholic for them priests, who are best fi.~t~d the enemie leagued together against Church. for such gathering and show abthty God; or of ree tablishing the social to expound and defend Catholic doc­ order, or of dealing with and settling VI. Each individual Ordinary has lrine in a suitable and competent man­ questions of a similar nature. the right and duty to study, favor and ncr. The faithful, however, shall not Even in these assemblies, as is evi­ preside at this work in his dioce e. as ist at uch asscmblie without a spe­ dent, Catholics arc not allowed to ap­ Nevertheless, the cooperation of sev­ cial permission from the ecclesiastical prove or concede anything that i not eral Bishops may be timely and even authority, which should be given only in accord with Divine revelation and nece ary in setting up the offices and to tho c who arc known to be well with the Church's teaching, including organs to ob erve, examine and guide in ~tl· .md firmly e~tablished in the her teaching on the social question .. the whole activity in this field. Con­ Faith. Where no prospects of good sequently upon Ordinaries rests the responsibility, after having taken coun­ rc ults arc apparent, or if for some rea­ 6 Acta Ap. edis, vol. XI, a. 1948 pag. son special perils are to be feared, the 257. sel mutually, to decide in what way

April, 1950 [ 19] suitable uniformity and well concerted action can be attained. VII. It is incumbent upon religious superiors to give heed and take meas­ ures that their subjects strictly and (Continued from Page 17) May He, then, especially during this onscientiou ly abide by the regula· Holy Year, benignly look down upon tions laid down upon this matter by that just as peace is the work of wis­ dom and justice so war is the fruit of humanity, oppressed by so many mis­ the Holy Sec and local Ordinaries. fortunes, assailed by so many fears This excellent work of "reunion" of blindness and hatred; let them con­ sider that one day they must render and by waves of so many discords. all Christians in the one true Faith account not only to history but to And as one day, by His divine sign, and Church should daily become more God's eternal judgment. He calmed the tempest on the Lake of integrated as a distinguished portion Galilee, so today may He quiet human in the universal pastoral charge and be Those who profusely sow the seed storms. made an object of concern that the of hatred, of discord and of rivalry; whole Catholic people take to heart those who secretly or openly arouse Let the lies of the wicked be ex­ posed by His light, let the surly ar- and recommend to God in fervent sup- the masses and provoke rebellions; rogance of the proud be humbled, let plications. Much progress will be those who deceive with empty promises made, if the faithful are appropriately the easily agitated masses, even they the rich be led to justice, generosity enlightened, for example by means of must understand that the justice de­ and charity, let the poor and wretched Pastoral Letters, about these questions manded by Christian principles, which take as their model the family of Naza­ and issues as well as the measures gives birth to equilibrium and fraternal reth, which also earned its bread taken with regard to them by the concord, is achieved not through force through daily labor; finally, let those Church and the reasons prompting and violence but with the application who hold the government of state be persuaded that there is no more solid them. All indeed, but mainly priests of the law. and religious, must be admonished social foundation than Christian teach­ Guided by the supreme light gained and encouraged to seek to fecundate ing and the safeguarding of religious by collective prayer, let all be per­ and promote the work by their pray­ liberty. suaded that only the Divine Redeemer ers and sacrifices. Finally all must We desire, Venerable Brethren, that be made conscious of the fact that, can compose the many and formidable you make these things known to the for those wandering outside the fold, conflicts; only Jesus Christ, We say, faithful entrusted to your care and there is no more efficacious means of Who is the Way, the Truth and the that you exhort them to pray fervently preparing the way to embrace the truth Life (John 16:6), Who bestows with Us to the Lord. and the Church than the Faith of the celestial clarity to clouded minds and Confident that all will respond to Catholics associated with a good moral Divine strength to doubtful and in­ Our exhortations with loving willing­ conduct and an edifying life. dolent wills (Imitation of Christ III, ness, with fullness of heart We impart Given at the Palace of the Holy Of­ 50 8,5); He alone can rule earthly to each one of you and all your fai~h­ fice in Rome, the 20th day of Decem­ events with justice and compose them ful Our Apostolic Benediction, pledge ber, 1949. in love; He alone can set on the road of Our benevolence and token of Francis Card. Marchetti-Sel vaggiani, to eternal happiness the souls of men heavenly favor. joined by the bond of brotherhood. Secretary. Given at Rome at St. Peter's March Alired Ottaviani, With faith, love and hope, there· 11, 1950, twelfth year of Our Pontif. Assessor. fore, We address to Him Our prayers. kate.

CATHOLIC ACTION-MoNTHLY PuBLICATION oP THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC WELFARE CONFERENCE

"We have grouped to~ether, under the National Cath­ copal chairman of the Department of Catholic Action Study; olic Welfare Conference, the various agencies by which Most Rev. Patrick A. O'Boyle, Archbishop of Washington, epis­ the cause of religion is furthered. Each of these, contin­ copal chairman of the Department of Social Action; Most Rev. uing its own spuial work in its chosen field, will now Michael ]. Ready, Bishop of Columbus, episcopal chairman of derive additional support through general cooperation." the Press Department; Most Rev. Emmet M. Walsh, Coadjutor -From the 1919 Pastoral Letter of the Bishop of Youngstown, espiscopal chairman of the Legal De­ Archbishops and Bishops of the U.S. partment.

OFFICERS OF THE RIGHT REv. MsGR. HowARD J. CARROLL, S.T.D. N.C.W.C. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD General Secretary Most Rev. John T. McNicholas, O.P., Archbishop of Cincin­ VERY REv. MSGR. PAUL F. TANNER nati, chairman of the Administrative Board and episcopal chair­ Assistant General Secretary man of the Executive Department; Most Rev. Francis P. Keough, Archbishop of Baltimore, vice chairman of the Administrative VERY REV. MSGR. PAUL F. TANNER Board and episcopal chairman of the Department of Education; Editor Most Rev. John Mark Gannon, Bishop of Erie, treasurer of the Administrative Board; Most Rev. John F. Noll, Bishop of Fort EDITH H. JARBOE Wayne, secretary of the Administrative Board; Most Rev. Robert Assistant Editor E. Lucey, Archbishop of San Antonio, episcopal chairman of the Opinions expressed in articles published in this mt~~gttzine are Department of Lay Organizations; Most Rev. Richard J. Cushing, to be regarded as those of the respective contributors. They do Archbishop of Boston, episcopal chairman of the Youth Depart­ not ~e~essa~ily carry with . them the formal approval of the ment; Most Rev. Joseph E. Ritter, Archbishop of St. Louis, epis- Admrnrstratrve Board, Natrona/ Catholic Welfare Confere11Dlt:.-. .)