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PAGE 4—THE BULLETIN, September 29, 1962 THE COUNCIL AND US Asking for It As the opening day of the forthcoming Ecumenical Council approaches, it seems that the whole Christian world has been caught up in the fer vor which has characterized the past two years of its preparation. Non-Catholics as well as Catholics have found their hearts and their thoughts turning, almost instinctively, to the great Basilica of St. Peter’s in Rome, hoping that perhaps this Solemn Council may be the beginning of the fulfillment of Our Lord’s prayer, “Holy Father, keep them in thy name, whom thou has given me; that they may be one, as we also are . . . That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou has sent me.’’ (John 17; 11 & 21). Indeed, religious leaders of many denominations have called upon their people to put aside old enmities, and in the spirit of true Charity, to pray for Divine guidance for the Council’s participants, and for the fruitfulness of its work. Catholics, the world over, rejoice at such an outpouring of good-will, and at the long ing of Christendom for the unity Christ so ardently de sires. But, desirable as it is, unity is not the first or most im portant purpose of the twenty- first Vatican Council, and it will not be advanced by so much as a day, unless Catho lics thoroughly understand and are wholeheartedly dedicated to the Council’s purpose, as announced by His Holiness, Pope John XXIII. “The aim of the Council is to make the clergy on every level shine with a new holi ness; to bring the main points and precepts of Christian Doc trine to the people of God in the best possible way; to give to young people . . . sound training in how to live as they should; to foster the ac tivities of the social aposto- late; and to nourish a deep missionary spirit.” It is to promote such un derstanding and dedication on the part of our people that our Bishop, The M ost Reverend Thomas J. Mc Donough has urged all to more frequent and fervent prayer, and to the generous sacrifice entailed in more frequent at tendance at daily Mass and evening devotions. We feel that we speak for every Catholic in the Diocese of Savannah in assuring our Bishop that our daily prayers and sacrifices will follow him when he leaves to take his place as a successor to the Apostles, in a Solemn Coun cil which seeks, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to “Renew the face of the earth,” and that we shall strive - by increased holiness, of life, by a better knowledge and deeper appreciation of our Holy faith, and by the exer cise of Christ-'iike Charity, and Understanding toward all - to be the first fruits of a new epoc in the life of Christ’s Church. KILL THE MOSQUITO OR DRAIN THE SWAMPS? Sum and Substance REV. JOHN B. SHEERIN. C.S.P. Will the Organization of Am erican States take strong meas ures to dismantle the commun ist bastion in Cuba? Many dip lomatic experts feel that Castroism is a Latin Ameri can problem that should be handled by Latin Ameri cans. The wisdom of a U.S. naval blockade to cut off communist aid is highly risky business. Another in vasion of Cuba 4s also a dub ious venture. We have no desire to repeat the first fiasco at the Bay of Pigs. But is there any ground for hope that the O.A.S. can be persuaded to act in concert against Castro? Any positive moves by the O.A.S. would cer tainly embolden the budding revolutionaries in Cuba and there does seem to be a vast amount of discontent on the un happy island at this time. Late this month the O.A.S. members are to meet in New York. What will they decide to do? My own guess is that they will mouth some oratorical gen eralities about the perils of foreign intervention but will make no significant moves. Brazil and Mexico have al ready accommodated themsel ves to the fact of a Cuban com munism and they won’t be anxi ous to start any trouble. The other nations will prob ably feel that while the So viets in Cuba constitute an em barrassment- to American pres tige there is little chance that Kruschev will risk a global war for the sake of a confederate as unreliable as Castro. Nic aragua, Costa Rica, Guatem ala and Venezuela may clamor for aggressive action butlthink most of the others will pursue a policy of extreme caution. Why the hesitation? The reluctance of these Latin Am erican nations is due, I believe, to the force of pub lic opinion in their countries. There is in Latin America gen erally the revolution of “ris ing expectations” and the peo ple want social and economic reforms. To many of these people, Castro symbolizes reform. Moreover, they have been prop agandized by the communists into believing that the United States has exploited them in the past and they admire Castro as one of their own who talked back to the imperialist monster of the North. The American stu dent who attended the Helsinki Youth Festival this year found an amazing amount of anti-Am ericanism and fidelism even among the neutral Latin Amer icans. The two big facts in Latin America, and we have to keep them in mind in discussing Cuba are 1 ; the increasing activity of communists and 2; the Latin American’s emotional commitment to social and econ omic reform. (I refer of course to the masses, not the tight - fisted millionaires who are banking their wealth in Switzerland and at the same WIFE’S EXAMPLE, PRAYERS FINALLY GET RESULTS Sharing Our Treasure DORIS REVERE PETERS <2 rnAwerA YOUTH Rigorous Requirements For Accredited Actuary L- r. HERE COMES THE COUNCIL It Seems to Me time fighting land reform at home.) Many Catholic leaders in Lat in America, fortunately, are promoting these much needed reforms. TeodoroMoscoso, co ordinator of the Alliance for Progress, recently praised the Chilean bishops for their work in planning land reform and many religious orders in Chile are following the lead of the bishops and distributing church owned farmlands to tenant far mers. IP The coming weeks will re veal what positive steps the Ad ministration at Washington will take with regard to the pres ence of Soviet military tech nicians, advisers and material in Cuba. With the Castroites manufacturing charges about U. S. Marine “provocations” at Guantanamo, the Administra tion may have to forestall a takeover of the Naval Base. But no matter what happens we ought to retain a proper perspective on Cuba and I think Moscoso has phrased it aptly in a recent statement: “I have long felt that in building up Castro as an arch enemy of the U.S., we may well have magnified a mosquito into an eagle.” To use the flit-gun on the Cuban mosquito will not solve all the problems of Latin Am erica. That may become nec essary but it won’t get to the source of the troubles. The only cure-all is to drain the swamps of social and economic injustice that have spawned the mosquito. I have inside In some cases the grace of faith comes with lightning velo city, as it came to Saul when he was traveling on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. In other instances it comes slowly, and only after many years, as in the ca ses of Ores- t e s Brown- s o n, G. K. Chester- ton and Car dinal Newman, portant never to despair of the Hence it is im- REV. JOHN A. O'BRIEN grace coming to someone you love. Monica never ceased to pray for conversion of Augus tine and her perseverance was richly rewarded. If you have a non-Catholic husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter or friend, pray perseveringly for his conver sion and set the proper exam ple, and your efforts will not be in vain. This is illustrated in the conversion of Charles E. Lentz of South Bend. “I grew up in Poplar Bluff, Mis souri,” related Charles, “where I attend the Presbyter ian Church and Sunday School. When I came, as a young man, to South Bend I was fortunate to meet Henrietta Kearns. “A lovely Catholic girl, she not only believed in her religion but also lived it each day. We were married in 1913 by Father John DeGroot, C.S.C. at St. Patrick’s Rectory after I received a brief instruction on marriage. As I was a dyed- in-the-wool Protestant, it took me a long time to get a true insight into the Catholic religion and to appreciate it. Both of these I got from my (Continued on Page 5) Our preparation for the world council of the Church ought to be mental and emotional as well as spiritual. We must make ready not only for expected or half-expected things, but also for the unex pected, not to mention the startling and even the in- c o n v e n- ient and the unwelcome. I am not s uggest- ing that information about proposals to be made. I have not. But I have heard in a general way that some of them are likely to come as a bit of a jolt to the more conser vative among us. There will be suggestions as unanimously acceptable as that of inserting the name of St. Jospeh in the Mass. I can hard ly imagine anybody objecting to that. Surely, it is high time that this humblest of men be drawn, at least a little, out of the obscurity which he and the Holy Spirit, for reasons valid at the time, chose for him. Besides, the idea of putting Joseph in the Mass as the first of the saints after only the Virgin Mary was on the agenda of the First Vatican Council of 1870, which pronounced him patron of the Universal Church, but was abruptly suspended in the face of invading troops before it could decree this other honor for him. I do not think anybody will be upset if the honor, which seems long overdue, is given now. But among the thousands of proposals before the Second Va tican Council, there are cer tainly some which are likely to cause lifted eyebrows among those who like things as they are, and do not relish marked change. It will surprise nobody, of course, if the council decides for much more use of native tongues in the Mass. That might annoy some, but it will not be unexpected, because the ques tion has been widely discussed. But what if the Fathers vote to make, in the Mass, changes which will seem almost revolu tionary—even if, in fact, they are only a return toward early- Christian practices? This may happen, and if it does, some of us may be tempt ed to do a bit of muttering, or at least wondering, to the general effect of asking what in the world the bishops are up to. Aren’t Masses thronged every Sunday? Isn’t the percent age of attendance high? Isn’t the liturgical life of the people going along very well? The answer, in large part, is yes—if you are talking, say, about the U.S. But the answer is no if you look at France JOSEPH BREIG and Italy, and Latin America, and some other parts of the world. There the people in gen eral have got separated from the Mass and from some of the sacraments especially Penance and Holy Communion. And for that matter, even in America many of us have not yet grasped the social mean ing of the Mass—that the Holy Sacrifice is not simply for per sonal sanctification, but a wor ship of the people which, each time, should be a new Pente cost, a new breathing of the Spirit, sending us forth to trans form the world in the image of Christ. We ought to make ourselves ready, therefore, to welcome whatever the council decides is for the common good not only of Christians, but of all mankind. We must try to under stand not only what is done, but why it is done so that we may cooperate wholeheartedly. Many of the French bishops, it is known, will urge upon the council a “modernizing of the structure of the Mass.” Non- essential parts which have grown out of antiquity, they say, should be replaced by “new forms rooted in contemporary life.” We may see the council making some rather astonishing 'decisions. All right. Bishops in France would not propose alterations-: without good reason. If such changes can serve to bring the Mass and the people together again, then that is for the gen eral welfare, and should be ac cepted with good cheer. This is the spirit we should be cul tivating at this time. TRIBUTE TO NUNS EVERYWHERE Jottings By BARBARA C. JENCKS Perhaps Sisters will ever be unsolved mysteries and wonders of the world. A movie like “Come to the Stable” or a book like the “Nun’s Story” and pictures of a Sister on a roller coaster or at a ballgame do little to give the public the true picture of what a Sister is. Perhaps our world can never conceive what it is that makes a nun out of a woman. The idea persists even among Catholics that a Sister is not quite a real person but a sort of grown up child who just does not know what the world is all about. Recently the Holy Father asked the Sisters of the world to assist him by their prayers and by leading even greater lives to sanctity to assure the success of the coming ecumenical council. For those who believe that nuns are “out of it,” the Pope’s words may be startling. In speaking to the Sisters, Pope John said: “You may not be alien to any disaster, to any mourning or calamity. Let no scientific discovery, cultural convention, social or political assembly lead you to think ‘These things do not concern us’. . .you are present wherever your spiritual contribution is needed for the good of souls as well as for real human progress and for universal peace.” In short, Sisters are very much part of this world. Their contributions are not recorded properly in the head lines of the daily press but only God can fathom and properly headline, so to speak, their tremendous contributions by prayers and works of charity. With few exceptions those closest to me in this world have been religious. They have been guides, examples, powerful intercessors and friends. Yes, religious who live a life completely apart from our restless strivings are most capable of friendship! They make the most ideal friends because they are interested first of all in the welfare of our souls. It is no little thing to have a friend who will remember you daily before the throne of God and whose works and prayers and sufferings include you in a particular way even as they include those whom she has never seen or met. My life has been blessed by those whom I have known in the secular life and who have entered a variety of orders—Carmelites, Trappistines, missionary and teaching orders. But there have also been those whom providence destined me to meet after they were well formed in re ligious life with years of prayer and apostolic life behind them. I admire nuns more than any other people in this world. It is not a little thing in this day and age to put the world behind you, to strike out the words “me and mine”, and substitute “Thee and Thine.” There are very few who understand the vocation of a nun, very few Catholics even. In a few days a former student of mine will enter the ranks of those in black who in giving all, find All. In our time, there is a particular lack of vocations to the Sister- continued on Page 5) Dear Doris: Could you tell me something about what an Actuary is and what he does? At a career day in high school last spring I heard this was a good field for someone with a flair for math. But no one I talk to seems to know much about it. I’m just starting college. Mike (New York) An actuary is a unique com bination of mathematician and businessman. To define it: “an actuary determines the pre mium rates and benefits of life insurance, health insurance, pension plans and other types of insurance.” He works with statistics in insurance companies. He com piles mortality rates which tell him how long people have lived. He devises plans through which people can pool their principal resources for mutual pro tection. Lest all this sound tedious an actuary also works with people. In developing insurance plans he works with doctors, lawyers, economists and in vestment specialists. Job opportunities are excel lent but the requirements are rigorous. To be recognized as an accredited actuary you must pass eight examinations given by the Society of Actuaries. However, some of these exams you can take while you are still in college if you choose the proper courses. Check this with your college or class advisor. Take as much math as you can, Economics, accounting and business administration will help. And don’t forget the hu manities, English in particular. Actuaries believe, “an actuary should be a man of general culture with a knowledge of both books and men and the more he has of both the better.” For further information write for the free booklet, “Should You Be An Actuary?” New York Life Insurance Co., New York, New York. BAD MANNERS Dear'Dbris: My father got mad because the boy H.,dated at the beach this summer always honked the horn of his car when he came to pick me up and never bother ed to come in for me. Is this so wrong? Diane It’s bad manners, and it’s rude, so I guess it’s wrong. I’m surprised your father allowed the whole summer to pass without suggesting an ul timatum. And I’m surprised you didn’t get mad too. Or at least tell him after the first time that you expected a little courtesy. Boys are expected to come into the house and meet your parents. This doesn’t have to take more than three or four minutes and after the first time even less than that. Don’t com promise on common courtesy Diane. It can mean a lot. FOR TEENAGERS ONLY Dear Doris: I’m a sophomore in a Catho lic high school. I’m 15 and I have two younger brothers, one three and one seven. My mother doesn’t agree that I should go to a party or dance without one of them. I don’t mind too much but I don’t enjoy myself as they want me to stay with them or go home early. These are par ties or dances for teens and there are no children for them to play with. Boys are such little Indians. There are adults to supervise the parties and priests as chaperones at the dances. What should I do? Alice Maria Little boys three and seven do not belong at a teenage party. They should be home in bed. Perhaps one of the chaperones could help you con vince your mother of this. Or you might try a solution on your own. Refuse to go to the next dance. Simply tell your mother you would rather sacri fice your fun than take little boys out at night. This might seem mean and not fair for you. But then it just might work the first time and you will miss only one dance. It’s worth a try. WOULD ENTER CONVENT Dear Doris: I want very much to become a nun. But I can’t discuss it with my parents as we don’t get along together and I know they would say they can’t afford it. I am only 16 but isn’t there some way I could leave without their permission? Thank you for your kindness. Kay Anyone who wants to enter the convent needs the ability to get along with people-even pa rents. This is just as impor tant in the convent as in any vocation or job. And our very first learning experience in human relations as it is refer red to, takes place within the family circle, at home. It is at home we learn to be under standing and tolerant of others— particularly parents. It would be wise, Kay, to discuss your vocation with your pastor or a priest he recom mends. He will probably sug gest that you finish high school first. Besides spiritual gui dance he will also help you work out any problems you may have at home. (Doris Revere Peters ans wer's letters through her col umn, not by mail. Please do not ask for a personal reply Young readers are invited to write to her in care of THE BULLETIN. ! QUESTION BOX (By David Q. Liptak) Q. I read a recent edito rial to the effect that the coming ecumenical council will reflect the universality of the Church more so than previous councils have, because this time around the cardinals who have been assigned to preside at the va rious sessions are from throughout the world, and one is even from the Eastern Rites. The implication is that previous ecumenical councils have been controlled by Western European personalities. But this isn’t at all true, is it? A. To say that the twenty ecumenical councils so far have been dominated by Western Eu ropeans is to ignore the fact that the first eight councils, which spanned the first 1,000 years of the Christian era, were held either in Eastern Europe or Asia Minor, and that the principals during these eight councils were for the most part Greeks, Egyptians and Syrians. The initial general council con vened in the West and concern ed chiefly with Western disci plinary problems was the (Continued on Page 5) 416 8TH ST.. AUGUSTA, GA. Published fortnightly by the Catholic Laymen’s Association of Georgia, Inc., with the Approbation of the Most Reverend Bishop of Savannah; and the Most Reverend Archbishop of Atlanta. Subscription price $3.00 per year. Subscription in cluded in membership in Catholic Laymen’s Association. Second class mail privileges authorized at Monroe, Ga. Send notice of change of address to P. O. Box 320, Monroe, Ga. Rev. Francis J. Donohue Rev. R. Donald Kieman Editor Savannah Edition Editor Atlanta Edition John Markwalter, Managing Editor Rev. Lawrence Lucree, Rev. John Fitzpatrick Associate Editors, Savannah Edition Vol. 43 Saturday, September 29, 1962 No. 9 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS GEORGE GINGELL, Columbus President MRS. DAN HARRIS, Macon Vice-President NICK CAMERIO, Macon Secretary JOHN T. BUCKLEY, Augusta Treasurer ALVIN M. McAULIFFE, Augusta Auditor JOHN MARKW ALTER, Augusta Executive Secretary MISS CECILE FERRY, Augusta Financial Secretary