The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1954-08-27

Congress has adjourned and its accomplishments
are being extoled or lamented, according to ones
evaluation of It's legislative activity Whatever our
opinion, there is one piece of legislation passed
by this Congress which gives us an added oppor-
nity 70 help our less fortunate brothers in Christ
The Refugee Relief Act of 1858 passed just
year ago. This Law permits 2l4OO0 persons TO
come into the United States from the crowded
camps and novels in which they are now living
after fleeing from Communist countries. major
ity of these refugees are Catholic Since they know
that under Communism, they would be robbed OF
the priceless heritage of their Faith they have pre-
ferred to give up their homes rather than their
Religion.
The Catholics of the Diocese Of Columbus gave
a generous response to the Displaced Persons pro-
gram which was in effect from 1948 TO 1882. They
we're responsible for bringing 800 of these people
into the Diocese and aided them further IN their
adjustment to a new and strange environment. We
have wellfounded hope, therefore, that our Ca
holic people viii not be found wanting In this new
program TO help the refugees.
The entire program under the Refugee Relief
Act has been slow in its early stages. BY the END
of 1858 only four persons had come into TINS coun
try under its provisions BY now, this number mas
noticeaby increased but still only small percent
age of the 214O00 have entered the United States
Some people in the Diocese have already offered
assurances for refugees Five assurances have been
submitted requesting total of twelve persons
Although this is commendable it is obvious that
more must be done if are to meet our opngs-
tions in Charity toward these people.
The new law requires that home and lop De
nroyided for the refugee before he can immgrats
Assurance against becoming public charge IS also
necessary and transportation costs from Europe
must be provided All of these do not have to be
provided by the same party. Everyone is eneour'
aged TO offer whatever help he can provide
The sponsorship under the Refugee Relief Act
must be specific and personal. It is not possible
for an agency to be a sponsor nor can blanket as
surances be given without specifying the actual
home and Job being provided. In these provisions
the new program differs from the Displaced Per
sons Act.
Further details about this program can be pro
yided by the Catholic Welfare Bureau. 24o East
Town Street Columbus, Ohio. All who can help IN
this program are being urged to call or write thst
agency. .t. :.
The resettlement of the homeless refugees ls
admittedly huge undertaking-one which eVokes
score from the hardhearted and brings discourage
nent 10 the fainthearted From the true Christian
however il should bring forth Christ-like CnarlV
or love for the poor and homeless 1t should arouse
sympathy and courageous resolve to help the
suffering members of the Mystical Body OF Christ.
We should rest uneasy under our protective ROOF
and on our comfortable bed as long as We know
that IL is still true that THE foxes have dens ana
the birds OF the air have nests, but the Son OF Man
has nowhere to lay His head