August 17, 2012

What was in the news on August 17, 1962?

Some rules on using the ‘pill’ clarified and a priest refuses absolution over a voting issue

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 August 17, 1962, issue of The Criterion:

  • Pope says effects of council will begin on parish level
  • New pamphlet issued: Ground rules clarified on ‘contraceptive pills’
    • “WASHINGTON—A leaflet published under Catholic auspices sets forth the moral ground rules governing the use of the ‘contraceptive pill.’ The leaflet states that the drug ‘may never be used as a contraceptive. It may, however, be used as a medicine under certain circumstances to correct malfunction or disease.’ The leaflet was published by the Cana Conference of Chicago and was prepared in consultation with moral theologians and doctors.”
  • Polish Reds evict Sisters and children
  • Protestant official urges more ‘dialogue’
  • World Catholic bodies call for social reforms
  • Italy court backs priest
    • “ROME—The Italian Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled that a priest who denies absolution to a Catholic who has voted for leftist political parties does not infringe on electoral freedom. The case goes back to 1956 when…Passionist Father Francis of Naples refused absolution to two women… The priest refused to give absolution on the ground that the women had deliberately ignored the Church’s warnings about voting for parties collaborating with communists.”
  • In South African see: Use English for sacraments
  • Asks laity’s views for coming council
  • 4th centenary rites planned at Carmel
  • Polish paradox: How to mix fire and water
  • Report shows progress: Africa, Asia missions advance despite crises
  • Envisions secularism as official religion
  • News for all media: Public information office to ‘cover’ council
  • Protestant women invited to parley
  • Diocese to inaugurate new burial procedure
  • Radio series on council is scheduled
  • Military chapel built of ice
  • Marian nun’s book to be microfilmed
  • Bishops’ group to sponsor migrants’ housing project
  • Priests forbidden to buy large cars
  • Bp. John Wright sees possibility of ‘common’ Bible
  • Meet the Pirtles: Family welcomes 2nd ‘twindition’
  • Communism study lag is reported
  • Plan catechism for Dutch adults
  • U.S. Catholics aid farmers in Mexico
  • Sees Protestants alerted to school religion issue
  • Religion, psychiatry links are emphasized
  • Requiem offered for slain priest; killer is lynched
  • For public school pupils: St. Louis Archdiocese plans religion school
  • Confirmation rite indulgence given

(Read all of these stories from our August 17, 1962, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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