The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-09-11
official
Bishop Asks Prayers
During Reds Visit
Dearly beloved Priests, Religious and
Members of the Laity:

CilOC Vi eAS AnAtgr
Russian Soviet Premier Khrushchev is to arrive
in our country on Tuesday, September Is. He comes
by invitation of our government, to talk with Presi-
dent Eisenhower about the complex international rela-
tons which touch the lives and happiness of every
one of us.
The ten days of Mr.. Khrushchev's visit may af-
feet the history of the world. During these fateful
days we must intensity our prayers to Almighty God,
most especially that our President and his advisors
may have the guidance of Divine Wisdom and may be
strengthened by the fortitude of the Holy Spirit.
Accordingly, we hereby direct that during Mr..
Khrushchev's stay:
/. The Prayer for Peace be included IN all Masses
rs an CRATIC pro re gravi;
z. The Prayer for Peace, eusfomarily recifed on
Sundays, be said after all Masses daily, and that also
the Memorare be added, recited together by ceIebranf
and people, beseeching Our Blessed Mothers inter
eession before God for our continued peaceful wei
fare and the liberation Of the Church of Silence and
Of nations behind the Iron Curtain;
3. Archbishop carrolFs Prayer for Civil Auihori-
ties be reeited al Benediction and all other devofions
and religious services during these days, especially
for our President.
The world is divided between atheistic Soviet
Russia and the United States. Mr.. Khrushchev has the
power of deciding whether or not there is to be anoth-
er world war. He represents an theology and way of
life opposed to ours In many ways. He processes dis
belief in God; we believe in Him and guide our lives
by His Ten Commandments. Mr.. KhruShchev is the
leader of a professedly atheistic government; we call
ourselves a Christian nation. He seeks world domino
ton and holds many smaller nations enslaVed by force
or fear; we strive for independent %self-rule as free
men for all nations. To him the State is first and
supreme; we jealousy defend God-given rights for
ourselves as human beings, which no civil government
can give or may ~rightfully take away.
Mr.. Khrushchev represents our deadly enemy of
atheistic Communism, which seeks to rule the world,
to destroy our democratic form of government, to
persecute us for our Faith, to oppose God Himself.
The world is watching and waiting TO see the re-
suits of this meeting. Our allies, our enemies, the
friendly neutral governments, and, most especially,
the captive nations will Judge US by what happens that
concerns them.
On this Feast of her Birth, we prayerfully COM
mend to- our Blessed Mother our President and all
who, with courage and honor, strive for a lasting
peace, based on justice and charity among govern
ments and the true freedom of human beings In all
countries of the world.
We ask pastors and priests please TO read this
letter al all Masses on Sunday, September IS, and TO
encourage all to be mindful of these intentions also
in their private prayers and devofions.
Invoking Gods blessings on all of us that we may
pass our days in peace, | am
Faithfully in Christ,
+ CLARENCE G.. ISSENMANN
Bishop of Columbus