ROMAN CATHOLIC VIEW OF UNITING AGAINST ENEMIES OF GOD

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 September 1950, Page 5

ROMAN CATHOLIC VIEW OF UNITING AGAINST ENEMIES OF GOD

LONDON, Sept. 7 (Recd. 6pm).— The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that two important articles, which are believed to represent in some sense the reply of the Vatican to the rec-it Anglican comment upon the new Roman Catholic Dogma of Assumption of the Virgin Mary, have appeared in the Jesuit journal “Givilta Cattolica.” The articles deny that the new uogma will be a dividing influence among Christian churches and affirm the legitimacy of co-operation "in a civil sense,” between the different Christian or even pagan communities against the dangers of atheism and materialism.

“Civiita Cattolica” points to the world-wide influence and physical manifestations of the Madonna, which, after the misfortunes of recent times, should tend to create an atmosphere of hope and expectation. The Soviet Union alone has remained hermetically closed to the visits of t’ne Virgin. “Only after the iron curtain has been broken,” it states, “will it be possible to calculate the degree to which the Madonna has secretly worked for her victory in satellite countries.”

“Contrary to the opinion of our separated English brethren,” the article continues, “who exhaust themselves in useless and, for them, dangerous protests against new dogma, we believe firmly that, as in the case of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Doctrine of Assumption will have the effect of consolidating further the intangible positions of the faith.”

“To enable men at such a moment in the world’s history to raise their eyes and see in Mary their common Mother, is,” says the article, “a benefit and almost a necessity.”

On the question of union between the churches, the articles refer to an alliance, “perhaps a Holy reliance,” against the enemies of God which cannot, however, be a “resolution of the intimate problem of conscience, nor a guest for the true church of Christ, nor a fusion of hearts ant? spirits.” Within the limits of honesty collaboration with erring Is certainly legitimate, and Christians, Jews, Muslims and pagans rightly group themselves together. Indeed collaboration, in its civil sense, is lawful with all, even with atheists and materialists, so long as honesty and tru/i are not sacrificed in any way.