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PAGE 4 GEORGIA BULLETIN THURSDAY, NO\~EMBER 28, 1963
the
Archdiocese of Atlanta
GEORGIA BULLET!
SERVING GEORGIA S 71 NORTHERN COUNTIES
Official Organ of the Archdiocese of Atlanta
Published Every Week at the Decatur DeKalb News
PUBLISHER - Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan
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J. F. K.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the
35th president of these United St
ates, lies buried on a quiet hill
in the cemetery of heroes at
Arlington, Virginia. What more
can now be said? The assas
sin’s deed is done, and all the
world has mourned the loss of a
new found youth and vigor, exe
mplified in the person of the
dead chief executive.
No need to repeat the eulo
gies of the past week, ortodes-
pair for the future. But there
must be an examination of the
nation s individual and collec
tive conscience. We all share
some blame for the assassin’s
bullet. This, because we have
allowed passion to override re
ason; hate to override love; and
violence to supplant peace
ful dialogue.
The alleged-assassin was a
child of turbulence. An avowed
Marxist, he saw violence as the
solution to the problems whirl
ing through his twisted mind.
As a result of his actions, a
President lay dead and a world
was disrupted from its chosen
task of establishing peace and
tranquility in the hearts of man
kind.
It would be comforting, in
some ways, if we could lay the
philosophy of violence solely at
the door of the Marxists and
their world. But who will cast
the first stone? We, as a nat
ion, are not warlike. Yet we are
suffering from a dreadful mal
ady which now seems to have
struck at the vitals of our body
politic. At both ends of the pol
itical spectrum there are indi
viduals and groups wishing to
impose their views on the nat
ion-- by violence if necessary.
Both elements of the extremist
cause claim patriotism as their
motive, and scoff at the dissi
dent view. Physical violence
seems to be the answer if they
cannot succeed in overwhelm
ing the majority viewpoint by
insiduous propaganda.
These extremists of the Right
and the Left do not reflect the
American way. They are serv
ants of alien causes whose mas
ters seek either a dictator
ship of the Proletariat, or a
master race, nurtured on vio
lence and disorder.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy saw
things differently. He belonged
to a new generation of Ameri
cans who saw war as the lea
st suitable way to accomplish a
peaceful world. He was a man of
courage, who had been tested in
battle and had earned “a profile
in courage”. Although born to
riches, he possessed a compas
sion for his fellowman which
knew no bounds. His constant
goal was peace at home and pe
ace in the world. But when the
time came to stand up to the
enemy, he never flinched, and
won the day. No need for him
to rattle a sabre, because
he was seeking plows to till
the valleys of peace. He wanted
the American dream realized
through brotherly love, rather
than hate . It was a lot to ask
of this disturbed nation, but he
had faith in its people, whose
generosity of heart had been
proven so many times before.
It is tragic that only through
his death could the real se
ntiments of the majority of our
people be given witness. The
genuine expressions of horror
and disgust from leaders of both
our main political parties was
carried through to the millions
of members throughout the
land. The extreme Right Wing
and extreme Left Wing could
only be isolated in this hour of
national travail. Their mockery
of our patriotic values could
only be laid bare at such a
time.
What better memorial to John
Fitzgerald Kennedy could there
be than to arrest the cancer
of the philosophy violence in
our body politic? Let us peal
out the bells of patriotism as
envisioned by the Founding Fa
thers. There will be obvious
disagreements among us, but
let them be couched in terms of
charity and understanding; let
these disagreements be found
ed on sincere conviction rather
than on mere hate and preju
dice; let truth be the loadestar
for our actions; let us elimin
ate the half-truths and false
innuendo from our political
propoganda; let us put Ameri
ca first, and self last.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s
sacrifice in the line of duty
will mean much to the maturing
of our people, if we can close
ranks on the essentials of our
democracy. We are reminded
of this as Lyndon Baines John
son assumes the awesome task
as our new Chief of State. We
should be fervent in our pray
ers that the new President will
measure up to the burdens of
his office. He has dedicated
himself to an America strong
but peaceful; rich but ever-
mindful of the poorer nations.
An America in which inequality
is rampant, but in which the go
al is equality for all of every
race, color, and creed.
President Johnson has rei
terated his belief in the aims
of his slain predecessor. The
re no doubt will be changes in
the personnel of government,
but its goals remain the same;
lasting peace and justice thro
ugh freedom, not only for our
own citizens, but for all throu
ghout the world. John Fitzger
ald Kennedy laid some of the
foundations through his oft ex
pressed love of God and love of
Country. He must surely now
rest in peace.
GERARD E. SHERRY
added viewpoint
Women And The Council
BY REV. LEONARD F. X. MAYHEW
A November 2 news release from Rome ser
ved notice that the Vatican has decided "in
principle" to add five women to the delegates
invited to the ecumenical council. Up to that date
there had been at least two references by spea
kers at this session to the important role play
ed by women in the organized works of the
Catholic laity. There had also been at least
one specific demand that they be represented am
ong the delegates "not only to listen but to be
heard." Needless to say, if this decision is car
ried out, it will be an historic first for the Ch
urch. Pope Paul has already set something of a
precedent by inviting ten lay
men to attend the Council at the
beginning of the present
session. It is to be hoped that
the logical next step of inviting
the laywomen delegates will
soon follow.
As novels as it may appear,
there should be nothing particu
larly surprising in this recent
development to anyone who has
observed at all carefully recent
trends in the policies of the Holy See. Ever since
the decision of Pius XI to consecrate native
bishops for missionary areas, the Holy See has
been embarked on an attempt to set an example
from the top for the whole Church. The inter
nationalization of the hierarchy and the College
of Cardinals, the freedom of speech enjoyed by
the Council Fathers and the invitation of die lay
delegate are three instances of this effort. A
desire that the organizational structure of the Ch
urch reflect her true nature as accurately as
possible underlies these moves and seems very
much in the ascendancy with the majority of bis
hops in the Council.
The role of the lay delegates at the Council
is a little uncertain, at least to the outside ob
server. If their presence there is supposed to be
an operational and realistic symbol of the post-
conciliar Church, then there must exist some
mechanism through which they are able to speak
as well as listen. The situation is a bit ambiv
alent. The only authentic responsibility for the
decisions of the Council remains with the bishops
by divine law. At the same time, part of the bis
hops* responsibility is to serve the needs of the
faithful as they are actually felt according to var
ious sets of circumstances. For this reason, it
.seems only reasonable that representative mem
bers of the laity be invited to enter into the bis
hops’ discussions, comment on the issues which
are raised and express their hopes for the ult
imate decisions to be reached.
From this viewpoint, the invitation to the women
delegates is a very hopeful sign. If the Coun
cil is to give due consideration to all the rich
variety within the Church, it must take cogni
zance not only of cultural and geographical dif
ferences but of the different viewpoints of the
sexes as well. Women do represent various fac
ets of life which are not ably proposed by males.
So many of the current moral problems which
plague us are of particular concern to women.
•This is true above all of the many questions which
concern marriage and the family in one way or
another. Within the area of the lay apostolate,
which is sure to receive a great impetus from
the Council, the place of women will continue to
be of essential importance. IT is only reasonable,
then, that they should be consulted before the fin
al decisions are reached.
liturgical week
Meaning Of Incarnation
BY REV. ROBERT W. HOVDA
DEC. 1, FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Both
the last Sunday of the season after Pentecost and
today are Impressed with a brand that the Church
of Jesus Christ can never lose. They are stamp
ed with the conviction that the redemption of cre
ation, its being drawn to a happy conclusion, is
an event (rather, climax to a series of events)
which has its origin beyond time and space, in God,
however much time and space and matter may con
tribute in His providence to this production.
We hear, happily, more talk about the meaning
of incarnation, about the "materialism" of Chris
tianity with its God-man, its
Church, its sacraments and all
that goes with them. Many of us
need more of this talk and more
of this balancing.
Today's liturgy contributes to
the other side of the balance;
salvation is coming to time from
of time. It Is coming in
the power of God, in ways mys
terious perhaps to one who looks chiefly at the
human side of the covenant.
MONDAY, DEC. 2, ST. B1BIANA, VIRGIN,
MARTYR. "I have understood your testimonies,
O Lord," the Church sings in the Entrance
Hymn. To be able to recognize the treasure, the
fine pearl, to be able to separate the good gish
from the bad (Gospel)-this Is in one sense the
reason we gather around the altar for Mass.
In hope and prayer and confidence that Christ's
Word and Sacrament as we celebrate them here,
with more and more attention to participation and
intelligibility, will give us the understanding, the
comprehension of which the Gospel speaks.
TUESDAY, DEC. 3, ST. FRANCIS XAVIER,
CONFESSOR. As the Church is now bursting out
of her European cocoon, we see more easily the
great grace possessed by Francis despite the li
mitations of his age. Today, then, we pray for the
Church’s speedy realization of a cultural as well
as geographic catholicity, we pray that Catholics
of Africa and the Orient will be making Increas
ing contributions to Christian thought and letters.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4, ST. PETER CHRY-
SOLOGUS, BISHOP. CONFESSOR, DOCTOR. All
through this Mass of a "doctor" or "great
teacher" of the Church, we honor the teacher as
an instrument of God. It is God who "opens his
mouth," "fills him with the spirit," loves,
adorns, clothes him. It is the L orc j who sets him
"over his household."
However much we may feel our prayers for such
voices to have been answered thus far in Vati
can Council II, it has much yet to do in the way of
prophetic utterance for our time andwemightuse
the occasion of Peter's Mass to make a special
supplication.
THURSDAY, DEC. 5, MASS AS ON SUNDAY.
Ours is a religion of covenant and the word "you"
is always strong in it. But it seems especially
pointed and emphasized in this Advent Mass.
"Upon you I have set my heart; in you, my God,
I put my trust...show me your ways, teach me
your paths" (Entrance, Gradual, Offertory
Hymns), as well as the Collect's "Putforth your
power, Lord, and cornel" Itcanmakethe "you"
of our Eucharistic celebration more rich and
meaningful if we increase our awareness of the
fact that we expect ultimately a "vou," not an
"it."
FRIDAY, DEC. 6, ST. NICHOLAS, BISHOP
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
ASSASSINATION
The Unbelief
In Rome
BY GERARD E. SHERRY
ROME, ITALY - Friday was an evening of
unbelief. No one could grasp the reality of the news
— President Kennedy had been assassinated in
Dallas, Texas.
I had just finished dinner, a routine affair most
evenings, with a group of newspaper men. We
were prophesying on the future course of the
second session of the Council when the news came
in. We thought at first it was a joke— and in bad
taste at that. Alas, it was true, but we did not
want to believe it. We sadly dispersed, each tc
his own thoughs and a sleepless night.
Outside the hotel,
the Vio Della Con-
ciliazone 1 o oked
the same. It was a
brisk Rome even
ing, and little knots
of people gathered
for their vino or
cafe espresso. And
on the broad side
walks of the avenue
walks of the avenue
tican there was still a familiar sight bish sfrom
various parts of the world taking thcir ven ing
constitutional. Some were habitually al a » some
were with their confreres or secretar 5 * was
a scene which had been repeated ght after
night since the Council started.
But there was only one subject o the minds
of all; the bishops meditating alone he bishops
in conversation as they strolled alor the strada;
the Roman citizens drinking their vfi or coffee.
Kennedy is dead, and what in the orld are we
going to do?
On the Corso, the Veneto, the l azzo San Sil-
vestro, the Republic, the Bar bar 0 — indeed all
over Rome, it was a converse of unbelief.
There were tears from the ho^wl^ 8 and the
husbands. Not only women, bualso men, wept
unashamedly — and all roads id to the Ameri
can Embassy. Here rich and ?or, the great and
the unknown, made pilgrimag to sign the spec
ial book of condolence vhich had been set
up in the main lobby.
The chief mourners werehe American colony
in Rome, now swelled by bme 200 U. S. Coun
cil Fathers and newsmen fi>m all over the coun
try. It was indeed a night <unbelief and much too
hard to take. Our bishops vere scattered all over
Rome, and most had he'd it before the even
ing was out. Dinners -'ere left uncompleted,
and. the nearest churcl or the silence of one’
room was the target, il over the world count
less prayers were offced, yet here in the cen
ter of Christendom tRy seemed to have an ac
cumulation and the p4gnancy of more than spe
cial merit. Pope Pau’heard the news and imme
diately retired to bs private chapel. When the
news agencies phon-d Cardinal Spellman of New
York for a statement, they had merely inteiup-
ted his recitation of the Rosary for our dead hief
of State. The unbelief had turned Princes 1 die
Church and the ordinary faithful, of whatev< nat
ionality, to the oily source of consolatieln an
hour of grief — prayer.
To an American, the sense of pers<al loss
was overwhelming . Our tears, our gr*f» were
real. But so were the tears and the gef of the
ordinary Roman citizen. This, too, wt gratify
ing if only because it gave a sense pride to
the chief mourners. It is surprising suddenly
discover that the President of the Ur-ed States
had moved, not only his own country-on, but the
citizens of the whole world.
On the morn after the sleeple.® night of in
belief there were further consola'Ons to allevi
ate the personal sense of loss, /*1 of us mersly
picked at even the meager coJnental bre.k-
fast. And while we sat alone reding the detiils
of the shcoking event, the bis»ps living inthe
same hotel came over to express their fel-
ings. It was the same little statement from »is-
hops from Canada, Engind, Scotland, re
land, Australia, and New Zealand; "It is tfri-
ble news, a great shock, and a loss to the wrld.
You will be pleased to knpw that 1 offere< this
morning's Mass for the repose of the soult yodr
President."
The American bishops scattered aroundarious
residences and hotels in Rome had arra^d for
rush deliveries of black vestments, Onortable
altars, in hotel rooms, and the high ‘tars of
magnificent Basilicas Requiem Masses^ere of
fered by the U. S. Hierarchy for the epose of
the soul of John Fitzgerald Kennedy,did while
they remembered the dead President, aere were
also the special prayers to alleviate le anguish
of the temporary separation of th Shepherds
from their flocks in this hour of - ed . There
was a special remembrance by al^ or Bishop
Thomas Gorman of Dallas, in who; diocese the
dastardly deed had been perpetrate It was con
soling to him to note that one of I s priests had
been present when the President d^*
Today I will be leaving this nournin 8 ci ty.
heading back to Atlanta, still J a state of un
belief, Yet, the realityis there,.< m y plane wings
across the Atlantic, it will carr 1 * 16 President of
Ireland, accompanied by his P ,Tie Minister and
the contingent of Irish Cadets lose attendance at
the funeral had been requested/ Mrs, Kennedy. *
REAPINGS
AT
RANDOM
latJSJd straight upto e Va-
