The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1961-07-28
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EDITORIALS
Mother and Teacher

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There seems to be little need to add another
voice to the chorus of praise that has sounded in the
public and diocesan press for the new e%ncychcal,
Mater and Magistra, of Pope John xii recently
issued.
THE CONSENSUS IS THAT it is one of the most
important documents that the Holy See has issued In
years and that it may well become the most important
pronouncement on the social question that any Pope
has ever published.
1t is in the tradition of Rerum Novarum of Pope
Leo XIII and Quadragesimo Ammo of Pope Plus XI and
was published TO the anniversaries of
these two famous @encyclicals. 1t is to a great extent
based upon them but the surprising thing is how far
beyond these documents it goes both in development
OF principle and application to new areas of human
activity. The problems of farming and underdeveloped
countries are treated along with that Of industrialism.
IT BEEN REMARKED that the e~ncyclical
has ashigh degree of economic sophistication. This is
certainly true. Taxation administered prices, planning,
investment, all get some notice. The Holy Father has
no fear of economic theory.
What may surprise many is the liberal tone of the
encycfIcal There were certainly those who hoped for
some reversal or denial of the doctrine that has its
foundation in Leo XIII and Plus XI.
They will not find it here.
THIS IS A SOURCE of satisfaction to those who
had awaited an extension of the traditional doctrine
and application to evolving conditions of a rapidly
changing world.
The whole encyclicaI is charged with the Holy
Fathers concern for the poor. whether they be indi-
Vduals, classes or whole peoples. He wants men TO
live as men, with the dignity of the sons of God. He
wants them treated with justice and charity. He at.
tackS the problems that cause or perpetuate poverty
whether for the individual or a class or a nation and
ne offers remedies, not simply economic, but infused
with justice and charity.
n LIBERAL TONE is NOWHERE more evident
than when he speaks of the role of government. lis
role Is ALWAYS tn nrOmufp and prOfprf tho aGu1pop
good and the Holy Father stresses especially as one of
It's functions the reduction of inequalities among the
various sectors of the economy or among nations. He
sees Specialization as a means to the satisfaction of
personal rights to health services, housing, and hui
man maintenance.
PhiS is not an approval of Socialism but rather
Of a form and structure Of economic activity which the
Holy Father sees as natural and even desirable IN a
society which has evolved through scientific and tech
biological advances. It is remarkable how easily and
with what approval he treats of ideas and concepts
that some view with suspicion.
CONTROVERSIES OVER FOREIGN aid and as
sistance would seem to be laid to rest by the HOLY
Father. He says, "The solidarity which binds all men
and makes them members Of the same family requires
political communities enjoying an abundance of ma
terldl goods not To remain indifferent TO those politi-
cal communities whose citizens suffer from poverty,
misery, and hunger and who lack even the elementary
rights OF the human person.
This is particularly true since, given the growing
interdependence among the peoples of the earth, it
is not possible TO preserve lasting peace if glazing
economic and social inequality among them persists. -
HE GOES ON TO MAKE clear that this is not the
nature OF the emergency and but is of a continuing
type. 1t is given from justice and charity and can bind
no nation politically to the giver.
The scope of the e~ncyclical is tremendous. 1t treats
at length of the problems of farming and calls for pro.
lection and help for the small family farm.
The Pope sees the answer to the problems of an
expanding population in increased production and
the use of advances in science for the land to bring
about an equitable distribution of the eartb's goods to
all @
ALL or THIS is 10 to remain sterile doctrine
IT. is TO become the living teaching of the Church
through a knowledge and practice of it by all mem
bers of the Church. The Pope calls on all, religious and
laity, to renew and increase their personal Christian
commitment TO the world.
n HOLY FATHER LEAVES no doubt that this
is a directive to action from which no Catholic is free.
May the spirit that moved him to write it, move every
Christian TO the action he calls for.
FATHER AUGUSTINE /. WlNKLER
Diocesan Director of Social Action