The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-12-04
JOSEPH BREIC-
Pope Johns
Big Work

With the hope that it will be of service to read
erS, allow me to give a brief report on the status of
Pope Johns movement for better understanding
among Christians, and for their eventual reunion.
To begin with, the Holy Father wants to eliminate
human failings which might tend to keep any one from
seeing the Faith for what it really is, in all its super
natural attractivenesS.
Pope John expressed this desire by saying that
he wishes to present the Church to the World with
out spot or wrinkle" as the %scriptural phrase goes.
The first step is the synod in the diocese of Rome.
THISW WILL BEGIN, the Pope has announced, Jan.
rs next the feast OF the conversion of st. Paul, and
the final day of the yearly Chair of Unity Octave of
Prayer for reunion of Christians.
Selection of this date gives every one a chance to
make q real contribution by taking part with special
fervor in the Chair of Unity Octave, which opens Jan.
18, the feast of ST. Peters Chair at Rome.
We can do our part also by learning from Pope
John the %gentleneSs and love-the unaSsuming love-
which we should have for our %fellowmen, especially
for those who like us are believers in Christ.
OUT OF THE great heart of him, Pope John
voiced this love and gentleneSs in beautiful words
as "those peoples who under different names carry
the sign of Christ on their foreheads."
The purpose of the Rome synod is to renew the
spiritual, moral and religious life of the Rome diocese,
removing insofar as possible every stumbling-block
between the see of Peter and "others who carry the
sign of Christ"
This is the primary objective also of the world
council of the Church, The date for which has not yet
been fixed because preliminary arrangements are
still being made.
CONCERNING the council, there was a perplex-
ing problem about inviting persons of other denomi-
nations. If invitations were issued, to whom should
they go, and how could selections be made without
offending any one?
The only possible solution, it seems to me, was
chosen. Domenico Cardinal Tardini, Vatican secretary
of state, said the Church will announce that it expects
whoever wishes to attend as an observer to do so.
eve are letting them know he said, that they
are welcome and that they will be treated with due
kindness and every possible regard We look on
them as brothers because they are also the sons of
God"
THIS METHOD, Cardinal Tardini remarked, will
obvlate IAN unWelcome form of insistence.'' Those
present from other denominations will have "oppor-
tunity to make known their views through personal
contacts.
No longer will there be the problem of dealing
with representatives of governments, as at other coun-
ellis of the Church. Cardinal Tardini put the matter
in this way:
This time we shall do il alone. Times have
changed. At one time, communications also depended
on princes. But today the Church can move freely.
The participation of heads of states would create a
somewhat comic effect"
Whether bishops from iron curtain countries will
be allowed by their government to attend is not
known. Every effort at least will be made to keep
them informed.
Bishops all over the world are asked to suggest
subjects for consideration. More than 900 responses
already have come in, and are being catalogued.
Finally, a principal concern of the council will be
the position of the laity in the Church, in view of the
Importance they have come to have in its organized
life.