SERVING SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
t eanc 0 VOL. 22, NO. 51
FALL RIVER, MASS., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
20c, $6 Per Year
Church Urged To Promote Catholic Political Action
THE INFORMAUTY of a pope who swings toddlers into the air and, as here, laughingly covers his ears against an uproarious welcome from Roman schoolchildren "has captured the imagination of m~ch of the world," writes Father Andrew Greeley. (NC Photo)
Letter to a New Pope Dear Jan Pawla II: Nyeh binje pohvalony Jezus Christus! People are saying that you're the most gifted pope we've ever had. I've gone through the history books about the last 500 years and I think they're right. Philosophers we've had before, but not philosophers with enough published articles to guarantee a faculty position at almost any university in the world. Poets we've had; your predecessor Leo XIII wrote lovely sonnets (and any number of other things about which the Catholic history books are rather silent). A man of great public presence we've had before, but in the nature of things, never a man who sparred with the press, kissed babies, and spoke on world television in 11 languages. Heroes of the faith we've had before, and those aplenty, but you're the first one who ever literally risked his life to save Jews from anti-Semitic murder-
ers. In your modesty you would doubtless laugh it off but the charge of being the most gifted pope in history seems on the record to be irrefutable. Nor, since you emerged on the balcony of St. Peter's on that gorgeous moonlight evening in October, have you made any wrong moves. From the first "praised be Jesus Christ" in Italian to a befuddled Roman citizenry, you have with ease and elegance done just exactly the right thing. To express it in American terms, you have pleased the readers of both the "Sunday Visitor" and the "Commonweal," the left and the right, almost without exception. It is the "honeymoon" time, of course, the beginning of a new administration when the press and public are enthused automatically about everything a new leader does. This time will not last; and you can exTurn to Page Thirteen
By Jim Castelli WASHINGTON (NC) - The National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors has urged that "the church. actively promote the participation of Catholics in the political process." "Individuals are to be encouraged to run for office and to donate their talents to organizations involved in the political process," the association said. The association also said the state Catholic conferences and the U.S. Catholic Conference should develop education about "the moral obligations and duties of citizenship, how public policy is made, the role of the Church in shaping just public policy and the issues facing the. citizens on the local, state and national leveL" The directors made their recommendations in a statement responding to a call by the U.S. bishops for them to develop pro路grams to promote "a greater understanding of the way public policy is made and the duties of citizenship." The bishops had also supported establishment of a justice education center within the USOC. AlthQugh no action has been taken on that request, the ,State Catholic conference directors recommended that education about the making of public policy and the duties of citi-
zenship be included in such a center. The association outlined the responsibilities of good citizenship and possibilities for action at five levels. . They said individuals must evaluate issues "in the light of political, social and moral criteria. The individuals must then both exercise their right to vote and 'also voice their informed convictions to the community by public and private expression of opinion, letters to the editor, open support of issues and candidates and through other appropriate channels." The association said local community organizations such
as parishes or parish organizations "may take part in civic affairs through adult education programs, homilies, speakers, political candidates' forums and publication in the local communications organ, such as the parish bulletin. Dioceses and diocesan-level organzations may establish a public affairs or justice and peace or advocacy office, the statement said. "These organizations should utilize diocesan newspapers whenver possible when promoting understanding of issues, moral responsibility and education for justice," the association said.
Father A. Castelo Branco To Retire from Pastorate Father Asdrubal Castelo Branco, f.or 22 years pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford, one of the largest parishes in the diocese, will retire from active ministry Wednesday, Jan. 3. Noted for his quiet and un-
assuming manner, Father Branco is equally well known for his unremitting devotion to his people, especially the children of his large flock. During his pastorate, said a fellow priest, "he has helped the poor in seTurn to Page Five
Msgr. Regan New Episcopal Vicar Effective immediately, Msgr. John J. Regan has been named Episcopal Vicar for the Fall River and New Bedford areas of the Fall River diocese. In this capacity, he will aid Bishop Cronin in a special manner within the areas designated. Msgr. Regan last month assumed the pastorate of St. ThomTurn to Page Five
The Anchor wishes its readers and advertisers a New Year filled with hope and joy.
FATHER ASDRUBAL CASTELO BRANCO
year路 of jubilee