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Serving
Georgia's 88
Southern Counties
DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH EDITION
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH
Published By The
Catholic Laymen's
Ass'n of Georgia
Vol. 40, No. 12
MONROE, GEORGIA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1959
10c Per Copy — $3 a Year
$89,680.87 Final Total
Of Confraternity Drive
SAVANNAH — An “outstanding success” and “a singular achievement” — that is
how Bishop Thomas J. McDonough characterized the Confraternity of the Laity Drive for
Funds, conducted recently throughout the diocese.
Bishop’s
Confraternity Of The Laity
Final Report
| St. Mary, Augusta
; Sacred Heart, Savannah
Blessed Sacrament, Savannah
| St. Joseph, Macon
I Cathedral, Savannah
I Sacred Heart, Augusta
I Holy Family, Columbus
|| St. Francis Xavier, Brunswick, and Missions
| St. Teresa, Albany
|. St. James, Savannah I
I Sacred Heart, Warner Robins
i St. Parick, Augusta
|l St. John, Valdosta
l Nativity, Thunderbolt
I St. Augustine, Thomasville, and Missions —
|l St. Joseph, Augusta
I St. Paul, Douglas, and Missions
I St. Michael, Savannah Beach
I Our Lady of Lourdes, Columbus
I St. Matthew, Statesboro
i^St. Joseph, Waycross
| Our Lady of Lourdes, Port Wentworth
I Immaculate Conception, Dublin
: St. Benedict, Savannah
I Our Lady of Assumption, Sylvania
I St. Mary, Savannah
I St. Joseph, Jesup
I St. Peter Claver, Macon
| Immaculate Conception, Augusta
| St. Anthony, Savannah
St. Mary, Americus, and Missions
| Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Mary
St. Theresa, Cordele
St. Benedict, Columbus
Queen of Peace, Lakeland
Perry Mission
St. Anne, Richmond Hill
St. Julianna, Fort Valley
St. Clare, Albany
St. Michael, Montezuma
St. Francis, Valdosta
St. Jerome, Americus ;
$ 8,721.20
8,562.39
7,724.00
6,569.50
6,000.00
5,015.00
4,370.00
4,276.00
4,244.00
3,975.10
3,023.00
3,000.00
2,720.00
2,500.00
2,100.00
1,777.00
1,704.00
1,600.00
1,500.00
1,274.50
953.00
925.00
910.50
864.20
850.00
550.00
504.00
497.00
450.35
402.25
364.00
301.00
274.00
245.00
200.00
200.00
125.00
120.00
113.08
88.50
50.00
38.30
$89,680.87
Abbot Of Belmont 35 Years
Abbot Vincent Taylor
Dies Of Heart Attack
GREENSBORO, N. C. — The
Rt. Rev. Vincent G. Taylor,
O.S.B., D.D., LL.D., Abbot-
Ordinary of Belmont Abbey,
suffered a heart attack Thurs
day, November 5th, and died
sitting in his car with his rosary
and prayer book in his hand.
Medical examiner Allen B.
Coggeshall said the 82-year-old
Roman Catholic abbot of the
ancient Benedictine Order ap
parently felt the attack “coming
on.” Cause of death was listed
as coronary thrombosis.
Abbot Taylor had served as
president of Belmont Abbey
College during the period of its
greatest growth and was the
only abbot in the country to
hold authority outside his mon
astery as an ordinary — com
parable to a bishop. His diocese
included the 363 square miles
of Gaston County.
“Pie had just left his sisters’
home,” Dr. Coggeshall said. “He
was driving alone and appar
ently felt this coming on. He
pulled over to the side of the
road, carefully . parked his car,
turned off the ignition, took off
his cap, then his glasses and
took out his rosary and his
prayer book.”
Coggeshall said the abbot ap
parently “waited peacefully for
death” and had his rosary in
his hand when found. He was
pronounced dead at Cone Me
morial Hospital in Greensboro.
A passerby had spotted Abbot
Taylor slumped over the steer
ing wheel of his car around
noon near the Summit Avenue
Shopping Center and summon
ed an ambulance.
The Abbot, who had served as
pastor in Greensboro for almost
20 years before his election as
Abbot at Belmont, was visiting
his sisters, the Misses Mary and
Lucy Taylor, Miss Mary Taylor
is secretary to the president of
Jefferson Standard Life Insur
ance Co. in Greensboro.
A native of Norfolk, Va., Ab
bot Taylor was Abbatia Nullius
of Gaston County. His jurisdic
tion also included supervision of
monks of Benedictine High
School in Richmond, Va., and a
military academy in Savannah,
Ga., operated by the order.
As president of Belmont Ab
bey College in the period 1924-
1956, he directed the planning
and establishment of the school
as a 4-year institution.
As ordinary of Belmont Ab
bey Nullius, he also directed the
construction of churches and
schools and the expansion of
the Sisters of Mercy of Bel
mont, who conduct Sacred
Heart College in Belmont and
schools in Charlotte, Newton
Grove, Salisbury, Wilmington,
the Catholic orphanage at Naz
areth near Raleigh, and a mis
sion on Guam.
Fellow monks of the abbey
elected him Abbot in 1924 and
he was blessed as Abbot the
following year after papal con
firmation. From his ordination
in 1902 until his election he
served as pastor of St. Bene
dict’s Church in Greensboro.
In 1956 he resigned his ad
ministrative duties as superior
(Continued on Page 8)
In a letter to the people of
the Diocese (see center, this
page), Bishop McDonough ex
tended “warm appreciation for
the support and encouragement
you have given me in my apos-
tolate to souls.” A Novena of
Masses will be offered each
month for the next twelve
months for all contributors to
the fun d-raising campaign
which raised $89,680.87 for Dio
cesan development.
Final reports were returned
to Chancery on Sunday, Octo
ber 25. It is expected that some
more contributions will be
made within the next few
weeks. Minimum goal of the
Drive was $110,000.
Bishop McDonough empha
sized that even though the min
imum goal was not reached,
nevertheless the fund-raising
drive was “a triumphant suc
cess” ... I am fully cognizant
of the many sacrifices made by
the faithful of the Diocese. Per
haps one of the most important
aspects of the Drive was the
willingness of our people to
help one another in the Charity
of Christ. The drive will bring
about a greater solidarity
among our people — who be
lieve in the words, “Charity is
the very lifeblood of our Faith,”
so to all — a fervent thanks and
“God Bless you.”
In an interview last week,
Bishop McDonough expressed
his “particular gratitude” to
the pastors and assistant priests
“who presented the heeds of
the Diocese so intelligently and
convincingly to their people.”
Reports from pastors through
out the diocese indicated more
than average cooperation of
laywoi’kers who canvassed their
parishes. In smaller mission
areas the priests, themselves,
made the door to door canvass
of the parishioners.
A chancery spokesman indi
cated that many persons con
tacted during the drive were fi
nancially unable to make the
suggested minimum contribu
tion of $20.00 but promised that
they would be better prepared
next year.
Some pastors expressed be
lief that the fund-drive in Oc
tober of 1960 will be even more
successful because people,
knowing that the Confraternity
of the Laity Drive will be con
ducted every year at the same
time, will have more time to
prepare for it.
Three years ago a drive was
conducted throughout the Dio
cese in an attempt to raise
$750,000.00 over a two year pe
riod. It is hoped that an annual
drive such as the one just con
cluded will obviate the neces
sity of large-scale drives in the
future.
BISHOP'S
CONFRATERNITY
NOVENA
The (monthly) Novena of
Masses for the Donors to the
Bishop's Confraternity of the
Laity will be offered in Sav
annah this month.
Rt. Rev. Vincent G.
Taylon O.S.B.
BISHOP'S HOUSE
222 East Harris Street
Savannah, Georgia
November 6, 1959
Dearly beloved in Christ:
The outstanding success of the “Bishop’s Confraternity
Drive” convinces me once more of the loyalty, devotion and
love of our priests and people for Holy Mother Church.
To date we have received $89,680.87, which represents
a singular achievement. May Our Divine Savior return your
gift a thousandfold, and may Mary, His. Immaculate Mother,
continue to be your daily inspiration.
Through such concerted sacrifices made annually in be
half of the needs of the Diocese much good work will be ac
complished in your name for the honor and glory of God.
Words, at such a time, seem so inadequate in trying to ex
press to you my warm appreciation for the support and en
couragement you have given me in my apostolate to souls.
The most lasting way will be in the Novena of Masses which
will be offered each month for your intentions.
Begging God to protect you and your loved ones, and
assuring you of my prayers, I am,
Devotedly yours in Christ,
// f/
Auxiliary Bishop of Savannah.
NEW HIGHLIGHT OF
CAPITAL’S SKYLINE
1
From miles in many directions one may see this magnifi
cent dome of multicolored tiles which is atop the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D. C. It
is visible from many points in Maryland and Virginia. The
dome is 108 feet in diameter and the cross above it is 239
feet from the ground. The figures in the tiles are symbols
of the Blessed Virgin—Tower of Ivory, Fleur de lys, Cedar
of Lebanon, etc. The Shrine is to be dedicated on Novem
ber 20. Photo by Reni. (NCWC)
2)ecLe & DJ{.
Over the years scandals involving corruption and 1
venality in certain phases of the entertainment world
have been exposed. And, although only sections of the
| baseball, racing and boxing world were implicated, the 1
| entire nation was shocked and angered. One could well
wish that the shock and anger aroused by the recent
| revelations of “fixing” in the TV Quiz field were as
§ universal.
For embroiled in this Television race for “Dollars-
§ at-any-cost” are doctors, teachers, clergymen, house-
| wives, military personnel—yes—even children.
But there seems to be a small but vociferous ele-
| ment of the American public which thinks that the ||
Congressional Sub-committee which is currently in-
11 vestigating irregularities in the television industry is 1
| “raising a lot of fuss about nothing. After all, these i
| people were merely entertainers.” (So were the “Black
' Sox” and the “crooked” jockies and the “diving” box- 1
| ers.) This group seeks to exonerate the participants of |
1 these “rigged” shows by saying, “Everybody knows
1 that TV wrestling is ‘fixed’ and they don’t complain, I
| so why get all hot and bothered about Quiz shows?” |
Even if it were not true that TV wrestling matches 11
| are plainly announced as “Exhibitions” and not as
| “Contests,” the objection, as well as the dishonesty of
certain producers, advertising agencies, sponsors and
1 program participants is an alarming indication of the 1
|| extent to which the moral fibre of the nation has been
If damaged in recent years. It is time to get worried.
No one can force another to be honest and upright.
!! But there are ways of preventing dishonesty. One way II
I* is for decent and honest people to be deeply concerned |H
|| and to make known their concern to TV executives, §
|| and the Federal agencies charged with proper admin- 1
|| istration of the Radio and Television industry. These 1
| men hold tremendous power in their hands. They can II
|| see to it that these powerful media of mass com muni- |
|| cation strengthen the virtues enjoined on all by the
§ Ten Commandments, or they can, by cynicism and ridi-
| c ule of traditional morality, contribute to the “Decline ||
| and Fall of the American Republic.” Which do you
g| want them to do? Well, then, let them know.
Consecration Of Catholics
Of II. S. To Blessed Mother
Set For Friday, Nov. 20th
National
Shrine
Dedication
WASHINGTON — Catholics
throughout the United States
will be consecrated to the Moth
er of God in a great nationwide
act of homage on Friday, No
vember 20.
It will be part of a period of
national prayer and a highlight
of a Day of Dedication to be ob
served in the 16,500 Catholic
parishes of the country. All of
the nation’s more than 39,000,-
000 Catholics are being invited
to take part.
The Day of Dedication has
been called for by the Bishops
of the United States to mark
the dedication of the great up
per church of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Con
ception in Washington, D. C.,
on that same day.
Although it has been 113
years since the Catholic Bish
ops of the country selected the
Blessed Virgin Mary to be pa
troness of the United States un
der the title of her Immaculate
Conception, this will mark the
first time there has been a na
tional dedication of Catholics to
her.
Archbishops and Bishops
across the country are naming
priests to serve as diocesan di-
Diocesan Triduum
Of Prayer
SAVANNAH — At the di
rection of His Excellency
The Most Rev. Thomas J.
McDonough, D.D., J.C.D.,
Auxiliary Bishop, a triduum
of prayer will be held in ev
ery parish of the Diocese on
November 18, 19, 20.
These three days of prayer
will culminate in an act of
consecration to Mary on No
vember 20th, day of Dedi
cation of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Concep
tion.
Text Of Act Of Consecration
Catholics Throughout U. S.
Will Recite On November 20
WASHINGTON — The text of the prayers to be recited
when Catholics of the United States are consecrated to the
Blessed Mother on November 20 has been made public here.
On that date the National Shrine of the Immaculate Con
ception will be dedicated in this city. The prayers will be re
cited, not only in connection with the dedicatory ceremonies
at the shrine itself, but also in parish churches throughout
the nation to permit as many of the faithful as possible to
participate personally in the day of dedication.
The text of the prayer follows:
MOST HOLY TRINITY: Our Father in Heaven, who
chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who
chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as
your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty
and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and au
thority.
Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America
into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may
present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank
you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom
which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary,
have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us
peace. Have mercy on our President and on all the officers of
our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice
and charily. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor.
Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the innocence of
our children. Grant the precious gift of many religious vo
cations. Through ihe intercession of our Mother, have mercy
on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners — on all who are
in need.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our
land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you.
Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always
according to your will and ihe Will of your Divine Son, we
may live and die pleasing to God,
rectors for the Day of Dedica
tion observance in their re
spective Sees. More than 100 di
rectors have been named to
date; others are being appoint
ed daily.
“It is important that every
Catholic in the United States
should both know the meaning
of the Shrine and be proud of
it,” Archbishop Joseph E. Rit
ter of St. Louis, chairman of the
Episcopal Committee for the
Shrine, said in calling upon his
fellow Ordinaries to name dio
cesan directors for the occasion.
Archbishop Ritter said the
National Shrine “should become
a center of sound devotion to
Mary, a center for pilgrimages,
a source of grace to each dio
cese and to the whole nation.”
He added: “It is important that
f h a .Qkrinn o r»'f 11 a 11 XT' npr.
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form the function for which it
is being built.”
“In order that every Catholic
in the country may participate
in the dedication of the Shrine,
the Episcopal Committee re
spectfully proposes that in each
parish in the country there be
a Triduum of prayer on Wed
nesday, Thursday and Friday,
November 18, 19 and 20,” Arch
bishop Ritter announced. “The
Triduum will culminate in an
act of consecration to Mary
made all over the country on
the Day of Dedication.”
In stressing the religious sig
nificance of the dedication of
the National Shrine, the Bish
ops hope to make November
20 one of the most memorable
days in the history of the Cath
olic Church in the United
States. The dedication will
come at the time of the annual
general meeting of the Catho
lic Bishops of the country, and
more than 200 Cardinals, Arch
bishops and Bishops will take
part in the exercises.
The National Shrine, started
some 39 years ago, is being built
by all the Catholics of the Unit
ed States under the leadership
of their Bishops. The largest
church in the United States and
one of the seven largest ed
ifices anywhere in the world, it
is being erected as an act of
homage to the Mother of God,
and as a plea for her interces
sion and protection.
It gives the City of Washing-
★ ★ ★
ton a great new place of pil
grimage.
At the time of dedication, the
exterior of the National Shrine
in all of its principal details
will be complete. The interior,
however, will be incomplete,
now lacking most of its final
ornamentation. The baldachin
for the main altar will not be
ready for another six months.
Nevertheless, the Shrine will be
greatly impressive and ready
for services. A crypt church
has been the scene of colorful
ceremonies for 30 years and
some 2,000 priests from all parts
of the country have been or
dained there.
★ ★ ★
FOUR AMERICAN CARDINALS
WILL HAVE ACTIVE ROLES
AT DEDICATION OF SHRINE
(N.C.W.C. News Service)
WASHINGTON — The four
American cardinals will take ac
tive part in the three days of
ceremony attending the dedica
tion of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception
here.
His Eminence Francis Card
inal Spellman, Archbishop of
New York, will dedicate the
shrine and offer a Solemn Pon
tifical Mass on the morning of
Friday, November 20. Cardinal
Spellman is chairman of the
board of trustees of the shrine.
Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter
of St. Louis, chairman of the
Bishops’ Committee to Com
plete the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception, will
preach the sermon on this oc
casion.
His Eminence Richard Cardi
nal Cushing, Archbishop of Bos
ton, will preside and preach the
sermon at a Pontifical Low
Mass to be offered at 8 p. m., on
the day of dedication. Bishop
Bernard J. Flanagan of Wor
cester, Mass., will be celebrant
of the Mass.
His Eminence James Francis
Cardinal McIntyre, Archbishop
of Los Angeles, will be cele
brant of a Solemn Pontifical
Mass for Religious on Saturday
morning, November 21. Arch
bishop Rail J. Alter of Cincin
nati will preach the sermon at
this Mass.
His Eminence John Cardinal
O’Hara, C.S.C., Archbishop of
Philadelphia, will preside at a
Solemn Pontifical Mass for the
laity to be offered in the shrine
at 4 p. m., on Sunday, Novem
ber 22. Bishop Stanislaus V.
Bona of Green Bay, Wis., will
be celebrant of the Mass. Bishop
Charles P. Greco of Alexandria,
La., will preach the sermon at
the Mass.
Officers assisting Cardinal
Spellman at the Mass on the
day of dedication will include:
Father Raymond J. Hunt,
O.M.I., of Boston, provincial of
the Eastern Province of the Ob-
lates of Mary Immaculate, dea
con; Father John P. McCor
mick, S.S., rector of the Theo
logical College of the Catholic
University of America, sub-dea
con; Msgr. William J. McDon
ald, rector of the Catholic Uni
versity of America, assistant
priest; Msgr. John J. Reilly of
Norwich, Conn., and Msgr. Pat
rick J. O’Connor of Decatur,
Ga., deacons of honor. Both
Msgr. Reilly and Msgr. O’Con
nor are former directors of the
national shrine.
Msgr. Bernard A. McKenna
of Philadelphia, first director of
the shrine, will be seated in a
place of honor in the sanctuary,