January 15, 2016

What was in the news on Jan. 14, 1966?

A new name for the Rhythm Service, prayer in public schools discussed, and the Index of Forbidden Books

Criterion logo from the 1960sBy Brandon A. Evans

This week, we continue to examine what was going on in the Church and the world 50 years ago as seen through the pages of The Criterion.

Here are some of the items found in the Jan. 14, 1966, issue of The Criterion:
 

  • Commissions established to implement the council
  • Addresses diplomats: Pope Paul VI pledges all-out peace effort
  • Mission ‘project’: Scecina students aid refugee family
  • Rhythm Service expands programs, changes name
    • “Aided by a significant grant from the Indianapolis Foundation, the archdiocesan-sponsored instruction program in family planning techniques has launched a major expansion in services. …The organization’s name has been changed from Rhythm Instruction Service to Natural Family Planning Service. There are 12 Catholic couples presently available to offer counselling to individuals and groups. In addition to classes at the Catholic Information Center in downtown Indianapolis, instructors are available for parish-sponsored sessions and hospital classes.”
  • Chancellor to take part in unity rite
  • Nothing official on Fr. De Pauw, Baltimore says
  • St. Meinrad monk scores plastics breakthrough
  • Text of Church in Modern World schema
  • Says Spain is awaiting Rome view
  • of concordat
  • Lutheran is ordained as Orthodox priest
  • List rates of tuition
  • Priest at strike accused by bishop of ‘disobedience’
  • Editorial: Prayer furor
    • “New efforts will be made in this session of Congress to push through a constitutional amendment ‘putting God back in the public schools,’ although the ecumenical spirit generated by Vatican II has done much to rid this movement of whatever relevance it once had. The furor began in 1962 and 1963 when the Supreme Court ruled that devotional prayers, Bible reading and similar religious exercises were unconstitutional if they were prescribed by the state as part of the regular educational program. … The best-known of the constitutional resolutions to restore prayers and Bible readings to public schools was the celebrated ‘Becker amendment.’ It and similar proposals were rejected after lengthy hearings in 1963, thanks in large measure to the testimony of eminent church leaders of a wide variety of faiths. … There is no objection ‘to study of the Bible or religion presently objectively… Eventually, the Supreme Court’s decisions may well be looked back upon as landmarks in the everlasting search for a proper balance between church and state in a pluralistic society.’ ”
  • Become more involved, U.S. Sisters are urged
  • Mission letter: Dueling is still practiced in Peru
  • Pyschoanalysis still being used in Mexican priory
  • Holy Name vies with St. Gabriel for Quiz title
  • Actor to priest to actor
  • Latest in spiritual bouquets
  • Conditions are clarified for gaining indulgences
  • Future of Index deemed uncertain by Vatican official
    • “VATICAN CITY—The Index of Forbidden Books as it now stands may become ‘simply an historical document,’ an official of the recently renamed Doctrinal Congregation has asserted. The official said that in giving a new shape and name to the former Congregation of the Holy Office, Pope Paul VI abolished the office of the censor of books. However, he did specify that the reorganized congregation would still examine books, and if necessary disapprove of them formally.”
  • Asks interfaith effort on behalf of the laity
  • Pontiff ordains 62 priests in rare ceremony
  • Indianapolis Brother serving unique educational internship
  • Wounded priest faces prosecution
  • Missionary bishop honored by queen
  • Parish to host Rights session
  • No approval given: Did not back Traditionalists, Catholic Spellman declares
  • Pontiff may still visit Poland, officials feel
  • Indianapolis DCCM slates quarterly meeting Jan. 19th
  • Cardinal Wyszynski denies Red charges
  • Two universities given Ford grants
  • Author Barrett McGurn is speaker at the Woods

(Read all of these stories from our Jan. 14, 1966, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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