The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1961-09-08


"In this document the Holy
Father notes the seriousness
and the widespread nature of
the problem. and he takes a
constructive approach to it.
He sets forth the social prln-
ciple as we'll as several prac-
teal measures for dealing
with it. These principles and
measures do not constitute
a detailed blueprint for &C.
ton but they do indicate the
direction in which we must
move if we are to meet the
present crisis and preserve
the human and spiritual
values which we treasure"
Pope John believes that a
position OF greater dignity
and responsibility for work
ers is needed, Father Gearty
noted.
THE HOLY FATHER de-
precates that type of pater-
nalism wherein workers are
reduced to simple and silent
performers who are com
pletely subjected to the will
of others On the contrary
he insists that the workers
in industry should have their
say in, and make their con-
tribution to, the efficient run
ming and development Of the
enterprises
Similarly he gives added
emphasis to the recommen-
datlons OF Pope Plus XI that
workers be allowed TO share
in the ownership and profit
of medium sized and large
industries. And he repeats
the recommendation of Pope
Plus XII that smaller enter
priSeS in the arts and crafts,
as we'll as in agriculture,
should form cooperatlves TO
give them the strength Of
large enterprises while main
tanning their liberty and self
determination"
Father Gearty observed that
one of the more far-reaching
and basic subjects treated by
Pope John in the new en-
cyclical is the matter OF so
cializatlon."
THE TERM 'SoclALIZA.
TON he notes has nothing in
common with the term social
ism as used by Karl Marx.
Socialism is based on a
completely erroneous concept
OF human life which denies
the spiritual nature of mans
soul, and consequently denies
the dignity, the rights and
the responsibilities that flow
from It,"
The term socializatlon on
the other hand, as used by
Pope John, refers simply 10
organized action on any level
whatsoever.
THE ACCEPTANCE of the
principle Of Specialization is
simply a recognition Of the
fact that many things that
were formerly achieved BY in
dividuaf action must now be
done socially in an organ
lied manner. Pope John
points out that because OF
the completely of modern
life, organized or social action
is frequently necessary to Sc
cure basic human rights.
Among the advantages pro-
vided by Specialization would
be the fulfillment of the right
to a decent livelihood, health
services, higher education,
housing and several others"
Father Gearty reminded
however that the Pope also
mentioned the dangers OF ex-
cesive sterilization
THERE IS THE DANGER
for example, of unnecessarily
restricting the liberty of in
dividuals. of %lessenlng the
opportunity to think and act
independently and Of limit
ing personal initiative and
responsibility. All these are
dangers but they can be min
imized by establishing effec-
tive intermediary organiza-
tons between the individual
and the state. Examples OF
this type of organization
would be labor unions pro-
fessional societies, coopera.
tives and industry councils.
Such organizations should he
given the widest area Of free,
autonomous action that is
consistent with the common
good"
Another important area of
modern social problem which
was discussed in the latest
encyclical is the right OF
peoples in underdeveloped
countries and the obligation
of more prosperous nations
to aid these people, Father
Gesrty said.
JUST AS THE WORKERS
of the United States justly
claim the right to share In
the progress, prosperity and
common good OF our nation
so also the peoples of les
developed nations have Tho
right to share in the progress
prosperity and common gooC
of the community Of nations
1--WE may not be isolation