The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-04-10

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posts. This matter was put in
its proper perspective when
it was learned that Protestant
and communist complaints,
not the action of rebel lead
ers, had caused the friction.
Actually several chapIsins
If The losses arrangement of
caring spiritually for troops
and prisoners without appoint
ment or pay gives them that
iitIe-are still holding relig-
iovs services in army bar
racks.
These priests and the rebel
command are waiting for the
return of Father Guillermo
Sardinas, the first priest to
Join the rebel forces as a CHAP
lain. to %regularize the sitna-
ton.
The Protestants pulled their
two chaplains out OF the Cas-
tro forces as soon as the
fighting was over, saying that
the Cuban army, like the state,
should be strictly secular.
However, both soldiers and
prisoners have insistently ask
ed for the priests services
and the rebel command has
acceded to their requests.
Other requests from catho.
lie circles have also been
granted by Castro. Gambling.
for example. while still per-
mitfed in the big tourist Ca
sinos, now operates under
strict regulation and heavy
taxes on profits 90 into ie-
Ultimate charities. Prostitution
is likewise being cvrtsiled.
Catholic workers have asked
for more school, vocational
training, fair wages and SINH
lar things. Action in this re-
gard has been postponed but
is in the governments plans
for the future.
A final Church-state issue
concerns the Catholic Uni
versity of Villanueva, oper-
ated by American Augustin-
ian Fathers. Its degrees have
been affected by 2 law which,
in an attempt to annual dip
Tomas granted by pro-Batis-
ia institutions, has dealt a
blow TO those given by lcgiti-
mate colleges and universities.
Private negotiations are now
under way 10 find a fair means
of aiding pro-Castr0 students
who left their classes TO fight
against Batista and of declar-
ing invalid the degrees of the
pro-Batista schools.
There are, OF course, many
internal problems testing the
energy and endurance Of the
youthful Castro regime, but
Catholic opinion in Cuba holds
that the overall result of the
revolution has been a return
to respect for the natural law,
for the dignity of the indivi.
dual, for justice to the poor,
for freedom, honesty and
patriotism.
In this return to respect for
the natural law. Catholics see
a wide field for their apostle
late.
Moreover, Castro realizes
that his revolution owes much
to militant cooperation of
Catholics in all walks of life.
He is willing to receive this
cooperation although, while
born and educated as a Catho-
lie, he does not practice the
Faith.
He also knows, Catholic
leaders realize, that as a po-
litical leader at a difficult
time in a country with a strong
secularistic past, national uni
ty is a necessity for rebuild
ing the country. He will there
fore avoid any issue which
threatens on religious grounds
to disrupt such unity.
These considerations, Cath
Ollie leaders believe, call for
their continued support of
the Castro regime. They be-
lieve that they must con-
tribute to the national re-
construction and by their con-
tributions show the enemies
of the Church their strength
and watchfulness.
II they continue their back
ing, they say. a Christian at
mosphere can be strengthen
ed in Cuba. Ii they stand aside,
they fear, the Marxists will