Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 2 GEORGIA BULLETIN THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1966
TESTIMONIALS
Auxiliary Bishop Bernardin Is Welcomed To Georgia
MAYOR ALLEN
Auxiliary Bishop Is
Welcomed To Atlanta
The following is the text of Mayor Ivan Allen's speech wel
coming Bishop Bernardin to Atlanta, given at the reception
held last Wednesday evening at the Mariott Motor Hotel.
It is a deeply appreciated personal privilege to extend on be
half of the City of Atlanta. . .a warm welcome to the new bishop
of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta.
We greet Bishop Bernardin. . .not as a stmager. . .but as a
good neighbor.
In addition to Bishop Bernardin many other eminent qualifica
tions,. . .1 think, it is noteworthy that he brings the fresh view
point and vigor of youth to his new high position.
He is the youngest Bishop inhis church in America; and Arch
bishop Hallinan is the youngest Archbishop.
As Bishop Bernardin enters upon his new duties, I would like
to emphasize that over the span of four centuries the Catholic
clergy and laity have been prime movers in the development
of Georgia.
This has been particularly evident in Atlanta. . .where, the
Roman Catholic clergy and laity.. .have done so much to improve
education, to foster the arts and culture, to help create and
maintain a climate of racial amity.
For example, our first hospital was St. Joseph’s, established
in April 1880. Over the ensuring 86 years St. Joseph’s time and
again has expanded its facilities to provide increasing service
to our growing population.
Again, Marist was the pioneer which blazed the trail for pri
vate secondary education.
Again, it was Archbishop Hallinan who showed us that racial
discrimination can be abolished in grammar school and high
school education. One of his first acts in assuming his duties
here was to integrate all the church schools.
Now the Catholic Church is building a great new institution
to serve boys and girls who are bereft of their parents. This
is the “Village of St. Joseph’s, an investment of a million and
a quarter dollars-to care for orphaned boys and girls.
On the drawing board are plans fora shining new ornament
to our central city. This is the Catholic Center which will rise,
upon the site which Marist School occupied for so many years
before moving to its magnificent new campus.
To list all the notable Catholic contributions to the all-around
advancement of Atlanta would take much more time than we can
spare tonight.
Let me conclude by saying whenever I look out of my office
in City Hgll I am reminded of how much the Catholic Church
means to Atlanta.
As I look toward “Five points’’ I see the impressive square
tower of “Immaculate Conception’’. . .the oldest of Atlanta’s
nineteen Catholic Churches.
As I glance toward our State Capitol, I see the marble memo
rial which commemorates the Brave stand taken by Father
Thomas O’Reilly during the "War between the States”.
It was his protest that caused the then City Hall and Court
house and four Protestant Churches. . .as well as his own to
be saved from destruction when Atlanta was burned by a con
quering army.
So it is with remembrance of great Catholic contributions to
Atlanta’s past and present, and with confident expectation of
even greater contributions to Atlanta’s future, that we wel
come Bishop Bernardin.
Recognizing
By Rev. James F. Scherer
(The following is the first of four articles by Father James
F. Scherer on the subject of mental retardation. Father Scherer
was ordained in 1964. He is presently studying at the University
of Georgia for a Master degree in Social Work. He has been
elected the student president of the graduate school of Social
Work. His previous assignment was as assistant pastor at Im
maculate Heart of Mary parish.)
The mentally retarded are children and adults who, as result
of inadequately developed Intelligence, are significantly imparied
in their ability to learn and to adapt to the demands of society.
According to the Report to the President on Mental Retardation,
an estimated 3 percent of the population, or 5.4 million children
and adults in the United States, are afflicted, some severely,
most mildly. Assuming this rate of prevalence, an estimated
126,000 babies born each year will be regarded as mentally
retarded at some time in their lives.
Mental retardation ranks as a major national health, social,
and economic problem. It affects twice as many individuals
as polio, cerebral palsy,' and rheumatic fever, combined. Ac
cording to the lastest reports, there are only four significant
disabling conditions - mental illness, cardiac disease, arthritis,
and cancer - having a higher prevalence; they tend to come late
in life while mental retardation comes early. It is estimated that
about 400,000 of the persons affected are so retarded that they
require constant care or supervision, or are so severely limited
in their ability to care for themselves that assistance will be
necessary for their entire life span. The remaining 5 million-
are individuals with minor or mild disabilities. The untold human
anguish and loss of happiness and well-being which result from
mental retardation blight the future of millions of families in
the United States. An estimated 15 to 20 million people live in
families in which there is a mentally retarded individual. Costs
cannot compare with the misery and frustration and realiza-
Laity Welcome Bishop
By G. Albert Lawton
It is my happy distinction to welcome you, Bishop Bernardin,
in the name of the laity of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. I am there
fore attempting to speak for the 44,000 Catholics resident in
the 71 counties of North Georgia —- a formidable assignment.
Who are these 44,000? Like people anywhere, they are a mix
ture -- a mixture of young and old, colored and white laborers
and professional men, foreign born and native; they include
children in school, the teachers of these same children, cor
porate executives, doctors, merchants, farmers, sick people in
hospitals, young men and women in colleges and universities,
.and even the Catholic prisoners in the Federal Penitentiary.
We are not a homogenous group. While this dissimilarity makes
it difficult to describe the laity, it does offer one advantage; I
am sure you can find among us companions in whatever your
hobby might be as we have ardent enthusiasts in every avo
cation from water skiing to stamp collecting, so you cannot
possibly lack fellowship no matter what your interests might be.
I reiterate, however, that we cannot be classified into a con
venient pattern so that I can say to you: “This is our laity —
it is they who welcome you”.
The Church in Northern Georgia was small and struggling
until all too recently. It was only 40 years ago that Sacred
Heart Parish in midtown Atlanta was the northernmost parish
in the State of Georgia, extending all the way to the South Caro
lina border. It was not until 10 years ago — 1956 — that Atlanta
became a separate Diocese. In an area of 22,000 square miles,
over 4 times the size the State of Connecticut, until recently
possessing such a small Catholic population, and so few priests
and churches, one wonders how we came to be 44,000 strong
today and how we can today enjoy a status and prestige with
persons of other persuasions rarely duplicated in other Ameri
can cities.
The answer, I believe, lies in the dedication of the clergy
in earlier decades — men like Monsignors Cassidy, Moylan,
O'Connor and Archbishop O’Hara who worked under the most
difficult circumstances to foster the Faith. And it also lies
in the few great families like the Paynes and Smiths, the
Havertys, the Lamberts, the Spaldings, the de Gives, the Gatins
and the Kanes who over the years by their personal example
and preeminence made Catholicism a badge of distinction in this
area. These people, both clergy and laity, of the previous genera
tion built a foundation on which, as the economy and popula
tion of our section of the State grew, Catholicism could flourish.
Over the years Northern Georgia became the distribution
center of the entire Southeast. Naturally, the largest northern
industries sent their people here as branch managers and district
managers. These were families from Boston, Chicago, De
troit, New York and other cities where Catholics constituted
35% or more of the total population. As a consequence, with
the growth of this area, the Catholic population enlarged dis
proportionately until now it is approximately 2% for the 71
counties and perhaps as high as 3% for Greater Atlanta. Very
quickly, the new arrivals were assimilated and infected with the
enthusiasm and zeal of the longer term residents.
As a matter of fact, it-was only recently that our own Arch
bishop-came to us, as;you-know, and he, too, just lilje th»Im
migrating laity, has been completely and wholeheartedly taken
into the community — and not merely the Catholic community,
as he has endeared himself to men of all faiths. The affection
in which we hold him is but one more reason we are gratified
to have you at hand because we know you will relieve him of
some of his burdens.
And we are especially pleased that you come to us at this
particular time when we are shortly to have a Lay Congress
which will develop recommendations for the Synod. We look
forward to your guidance in our deliberations, particularly
since many of our suggestions involve the areas of respon
sibility you have so ably discharged in Charleston.
Today these 44,000 people spread throughout 22,000 square
miles possess only one common denominator and that one is;
each of us is genuinely joyful to have you among us and each
pledges his untiring cooperation, service and obedience.
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
Bishop’s Talk
At Reception
In late February I made arrangements to visit Archbishop
Hallinan as well as Msgr. O'Connor from whom I wanted to obtain
some information regarding the vocational program of the arch
dioceses. The plane reservations were made for 3:00 p.m.
March 2. At 9:00 that morning the letter arrived from the Apos
tolic Delegate informing me that I had been appointed Auxiliary
Bishop of Atlanta but that it could not be publicized until further
notice. Naturally, 1 went through with the trip but no one, either
in Atlanta or in Charleston,will believe that the trip was honestly
planned for the announced purpose. When I tell them that the
trip and the appointment were in no way connected, they simply
look at me and say "We understand.”
I must admit, however, that my perspective changed entirely.
Because of that letter, Atlanta changed from a wonderful city
which 1 always liked to visit to the city which would be my per
manent home. And, as a result, 1 am afraid that I must have
seemed very inquisitive to my hosts because I was anxious to
learn as much about Atlanta as I could.
Of course, I already knew a great deal about the city. Just as
everyone knows where Charleston is because of its location be
tween the two great rivers, the Cooper and the Ashley, which form
the Atlantic Ocean, so I knew, as did everyone else, that Atlanta
is located north, south, east, west, over and under Peachtree
Street.
I also knew that Atlanta is one of the finest cities in America
a city which is progressive, forward-looking, yet very warm and
sensitive to the needs and feelings of its people. It is a city
which has a charm which makes it irresistable. It is a city
which has given extraordinary leadership to the South.
And the vitality of the city is reflected in the life of the Church.
In every field but especially in the liturgy, ecumenism and
human relations, the archdiocese has given practical and lively
expression to the renewal for which Pope John and the Second
Vatican Council have called. In so many ways, the Church of
Atlanta exemplifies the openness—the new spirit which is at
work today among God’s people.
I knew, too, that Atlanta was the new home of the Braves, but I
didn’t know what to say to my many friends who asked whether
the Auxiliary Bishop would have a permanent box in the new
stadium.
I was also aware of the fact that clergymen are well respected
in Atlanta, thanks to a Methodist minister by the name of Rev
erend Sam Jones who flourished around the turn of the century.
As I heard the story, the Reverend gentleman was very much op
posed to whiskey. Once he spoke out against whiskey in a town
where liquor interests were powerful and the mayor took his
cane to the evangelist. Forgetting his clerical dignity, Sam
wrestled the cane from the man, threw it aside and beat him with
his fists. To the astonished bystanders he explained: “If I had
let him whip me, everywhere I went some mayor would be jump
ing on me. 1 decided to nip that pastime: in die bud.”
Tonight, I pay tribute to those who are responsible for making
the city of Atlanta and the archdiocese what they are: I salute
Archbishop Hallinan and the priests of the archdiocese for their
leadership. I consider it a privilege to be associated with them
and I promise to help them in every way I can.
I also salute the leaders of other faiths - Orthodox, Protes
tant and Jewish. In these troubled times in which we live it is
imperative that men of strong religious convictions stand to
gether so that in their lives and ministry the goodness, the mer
cy and the love of God will shine forth. For only in this way
will men be effectively drawn toward God and encouraged to
live morally good lives themselves. I am anxious to meet the
religious leaders of the area personally so that I can join my
efforts to theirs for the spiritual well-being of the community.
I pay tribute also to the civic leaders who are so responsible
for the direction which the 'city and the state have taken.
The Problem
Is First
tion that one’s child will be Incapable of living a normal life or
fully contributing to the well-being of himself and to society in
later life. The key to prevention and correction of mental re
tardation is an adequate understanding of its causes. Medical
and social science have made a substantial beginning In this
direction. Rapidly growing interest and awareness in the pro
blem of mental retardation are producing a growing accumula
tion of data on the general conditions with Which mental retarda
tion is associated. Much of the long road to'full understanding of
the complex phenomena involved lies ahead and indeed is not
clearly defined as to the directions it may take. Research from
many directions is casting light into deep shadows.
Whatever the cause, thefailure of mentally retarded individuals
to adjust successfully to social and economic conditions of our
society constitutes a severe and growing problem. This is a
handicap for the individuals, their families, andfor society. This
is a handicap for both you and me.
As our competitive society becomes more complex and fast
moving, the demands for Intellectual capacity and for adapta
bility Increase. Thus in an age of automation, individuals with
minimal skills and abilities become doubly handicapped. Not only
do they face an increasingly competitive society, but, hampered
as they are, they must keep pace with people of increasingly
higher capacities. Thus they become more easily submerged
by the vicissitudes which others can surmount.
Until 'comparatively recently, it was generally assumed
that 60 percent to'80 percent of all mentally retarded persons
had inherited this condition. More recent studies have brought
to light ample evidence to prove that more than half of all cases
of mental retardation come from causes which have nothing
to do with inheritance. Many of these causes involve children
of normal or superior parents, children whose reduced mental
capacities are the results of brain tissue injuries, or from
atrophy of such tissue or from other damage.
Most mentally retarded children do not look or act very dif
ferently from other children. But a small percentage do have
different characteristics. These include a number of types of
mental deficieny which are known to be not inherited. "Brain
damaged” children is a term at present loosely used, to cover
a number of types of retardation. Many children whose mental
deficiency is not inherited fall inthis category. The term usually
refers to damage to brain tissue which affects intellectual func
tioning.
Diagnosing mental retardation is a highly technical matter.
In more difficult cases the diagnosis must come from the coor
dinated studies of pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psy
chologist, and educator.. A small proportion of the retarded
are sufficiently stigmatized physically at birth. But most others
lack physical signs. It remains then to discover the degree and
the cause of the retardation so that the best estimate for future
potentials may be established. Many studies have been made of
the growth of normal children physically and socially. Physical
signs of growth are easiest to see. Scales have been developed
to measure such growth by noting the time when the child ba
lances his head, grasps objects within reach, rolls over, sits
unsupported, and so on. Social growth involves such things as
the ability of the Infant to occupy himself, to play while un
attended, to demand personal attention, and so on. Studies have
been made of child growth in other technical fields but as yet
no scales exists which satisfies the professional worker or which
he is content to plac^ in the hands of parents for self-investiga
tion. In light of the difficult/ of early recognition it is unwise
for a parent to try to make a diagnosis of his child’s condition.
One may ask how the broad objectives for the retarded differ
in kind or degree fromdesirable goals of others. They do not
differ fundamentally, but the retarded do not presently’receive
either the attention or the services accorded to other groups
with special needs.
MAYOR and BISHOP...Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. and Auxiliary Bishop
Joseph L. Bernardin are pictured last Wesnesday evening at a
dinner given for the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and
the Diocese of Charleston. Mayor Allen extended the welcome
on behalf of the City of Atlanta to the new Auxiliary to Archbishop
Hallinan.
PARTICIPANTS in the welcome banquet given to honor the new
Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Hallinan are (left to right) Bishop
Ernest L. Unterkoefler of Charleston; Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. of
Atlanta; Archbishop Hallinan of Atlanta; Bishop Thomas J. Mc
Donough of Savannah; Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin and the Rt.
Rev. Msgr. Patrick J. O’Connor. Bishop Bernardin’s mother,
Mrs. Maria Bernardin is pictured in front.
Finally, I salute the people of Georgia themselves. For they
are the ones who, through their industry, their loyalty and their
enthusiasm for everything which is good and just, make the
Church, the city and the state what they are.
I am grateful to everyone who has come this evening to share
with me the happiness of this o^c^sion: especially Apchbish-
op Hallinan, Bishop Unterkoeflei? Who has been so good to me
during the time he has been Bishop of Charleston and Bishop of
McDonough who has been a close friend for many years. I want
to thank Mayor Allen and the other civic officials for their wel
come; the priests and laity Of the archdiocese for their warm
reception; the representatives of other churehes for honoring
the archdiocese and me by their presence.
I want to express my gratitude, too, to the priests of the
Diocese of Charleston, to my relatives - especially my mother -
and to my lay friends from South Carolina who are here this
evening. 1 thank them for coming, but more importantly, I
thank them for everything which they have done for me in the
past.
They say that if a person is successful, much of the credit
should go to the people behind the scenes who guide and sustain
him. I think that the same is true of priests. If men are good
priests, it is usually because they have good people behind them:
Good people who cooperate with them; good people who assist
them; good people who make it easier for them to perform in a
fitting; and fruitful way their priestly ministry. So if I have
something to offer the Church, next to God’s grace, it is due
to the people of South Carolina who have influenced and helped
me and for this, I will never forget them.
About an hour before the Consecration last week, my mother
asked me if everything was going well. When 1 assured her that
it was, she gave this advice to me: “Now, Joe, walk straight
and don’t look as if you are too pleased.’ ’ I think that is good
advice for all of us. Let us walk straight, because we have noth
ing to fear. But at the same time, let us not look as if we are
too pleased; let us not become complacent because no matter
what we accomplish, there is still so much more to be done. From
what I know of Atlanta - both the Church in Atlanta and the city
- I suspect that this advice is already known and has been fol
lowed. This is the reason why Atlanta is already great. This
is the reason why, in the future, it will become even greater.
electric
cooling/heating
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY