The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1954-03-05
Spiritual UnderpriyiIeged

Long close to the hearts OF the American HER
archy Deen the development oi missionary
activity within the continental limits of the United
States Home missions from year TO year have
taken on a growing importance in the life of the
Church in America, and great strides have been
made in this continued growth through the generOS-
ity of American Catholics toward their spiritually
underpryileged brethren who lack the consola-
tion OF the true Faith.
Two distinct groups figure high in the apostle
late to bring the light of Gods Grace to every
citizen Of this country: the Negroes and the Amer
lean Indian
Every year for 10 years, according 10 decree
of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, the Ca
tholc population of this country has on the first
Sunday of Lent given generously TO collection
enabling the Bishops of the country to further the
work OF the missionaries TO the Indian and Negro
population OF the country.
This special mission activity, from small be
ginning, now flourishes in 81 states and Alaska.
During the past year alone. is churches were
required TO handle the converts in Negro com
muniteS These Is churches were built through
the proceeds OF last years Indian and Negro Mis-
sion Collection. The spread of the work among the
Negroes also necessitated the assignment of 25
additional missionaries to this activity bringing last
years missionary total TO 46l persons engaged in
this work These dedicated apostles receive a large
part OF their support solely from the Indian and
Negro Mission collection.
The effectiveness of this spostolae to the
Negroes is evidenced In the H,163 adult converts
that came into the Church in 1883 This seems like,
and Is a great number. but when viewed in rela-
ton the work yet TO be done IL is just beginning
among the 100000 Negroes in America only
425,000 Catholic
Another heartening fact that should make all
of us assured OF the worthinesS of generous CON
tribution TO this collection is that two out Of every
three Negro missions include Catholic elementary
school The total present enrolment is over $4,000
pupils and over 1000 Sisters staff these schools.
This Negro apostolate is also carried on through
Il hospitals and twice that number of well-equipped
medical clinics operated in Negro communities
under Catholic auspices Another important adjunct
of this work the % institutions of special train
ing for Negro youths.
On the Indian reservations five chapels
were built and equal number replaced with de.
cent structures from the proceeds of last years col
lection With this went the upkeep Of 400 existing
chapels 80 Indian reservations in % States and
Alaska
Caring for the Indians is the full time task OF
go priests who are assisted in this noble work
BY 500 nuns and 20 brothers They are all looking to
for help
Today there are sixty Indian schools with ar
enrolment Of 1000 pupils. Far from being anymore
the vanishing American" this number of Indian
children Is bound to increase from year to year
and the need for more classrooms is Immediately
demanding.
Our present Holy Father Pope Plus XII hai
strongly commended this holy work
I'VE cannot refrain from public expression q
praise for those missionary enterprises proper Il