Tag: Tay Creggan

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Archbishop Beovich, Episcopal Chairman of YCS

THE first combined function of the Young Catholic Students’ Movement in Melbourne took place on the 14th inst, when nearly 200 leaders of the movement gathered at “Tay Creggan.”

They came from practically every one of the boys’ and girls’ colleges in the diocese. The rally was given additional prestige and significance by the presence of four members of the Episcopacy—the Archbishop of Melbourne (Most Rev. D. Mannix, D.D.), the Archbishop of Sydney (Most Rev. N. Gilroy, D.D.), the Archbishop of Adelaide (Most Rev. M. Beovich, D.D.),and the Bishop of Toowoomba (Most Rev. B. Roper, D.D.).

These members of the Bishops’ Committee on Education were holding a conference in Melbourne, and generously accepted the invitation to be present at the Y.C.S. gathering.

It was announced during the afternoon that the Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Action had asked Archbishop Beovich to become the Episcopal Chairman of the Students’ Movement, and that he had generously undertaken to guide the destinies of this youthful organisation.

He is the first member of the Hierarchy to assume this active leadership of a specialised Catholic Action Movement following the example of Bishop Henschke in the National Catholic Rural Movement, Bishop Gleeson in the National Catholic Girls’ Movement, and Archbishop Mannix in the National Christian Workers’ Movement.

SOURCE

Archbishop Beovich, Episcopal Chairman of YCS (Southern Cross, Friday 30 October 1942, page 3) / Trove

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Four Bishops Attend Demonstration

THE first combined function of the Young Catholic Students’ Movement in Melbourne took place on Wednesday of last week, when nearly 200 leaders of the movement gathered in the lovely surroundings of “Tay Creggan.” They came from practically every one of the boys’ and girls’ colleges in the diocese.

The rally was given additional prestige and significance by the presence of four distinguished members of the Episcopacy—the Archbishop of Melbourne (Most Rev. D. Mannix, D.D.), the Archbishop of Sydney (Most Rev. N. Gilroy, D.D.), the Archbishop of Adelaide (Most Rev. M. Beovich, D.D.), and the Bishop of Toowoomba (Most Rev. B. Roper, D.D.).

These members of the Bishops’ Committee on Education were holding a conference in Melbourne, and generously accepted’ the invitation to be present at the Y.C.S. gathering.

ON OFFICIAL BASIS

It is only during the last school year that the Y.C.S. has been placed on an official basis, and that all of the Melbourne schools have agreed to cooperate and to work on the one set of programmes specially prepared by the Secretariat of Catholic Action.

The results have been most satisfactory. The students have proved that they are capable not only of understanding clearly the purpose of Catholic Action, but of organising and controlling their own movement and of setting in motion a plan of varied and useful activities.

Archbishop Beovich commented particularly on this fact when addressing the leaders, and expressed his satisfaction with the high degree of initiative and responsibility which they had shown.

EPISCOPAL CHAIRMAN

It was announced during the afternoon that the Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Action had asked Archbishop Beovich to become the Episcopal Chairman of the Students’ Movement, and that he had generously undertaken to guide the destinies of this youthful organisation.

He is the first member of the Hierarchy to assume this active leadership of a specialised Catholic Action Movement, following the example of Bishop Henschke in the National Catholic Rural Movement, Bishop Gleeson in the National Catholic Girls’ Movement, and Archbishop Mannix in the National Christian Workers’ Movement. Following the arrival of the dis-Rev. W. P. Hackett, S.J., the Y.C.S.

leaders listened attentively to a full report of the activities of the boys’ secondary schools (by Mr. Frank Presa) and to a similar account for the girls’ schools (by Miss Nanette Kelly). They dealt with the organisation of kaders’ groups—the members of which received special training and conducted their own investigations

into the problems of school life—and with the numerous activity groups which had been established.

NOT FOR “ELITE”

They were resolved that Catholic Action must not be confined to a small group of “elite” or to those generally regarded as very pious or very learned. Their efforts this year had been directed to getting the whole senior school interested. The response had been far greater than they had expected.

There was no difficulty about securing the co-operation of their fellow-students once they had seen for themselves just what the Y.C.S. was trying to do with and for the students.

The leaders realised that there was no cause for pride or self-satisfaction. Only the foundations had been laid, and an immense amount of building remained untouched.

They all hoped that the knowledge of Catholic Action they had gained would fit them for the fierce struggle that awaited them when they went out into the modern world.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

Following the arrival of the distinguished visitors, Mr. F. K. Maher explained to them the purpose of the Y.C.S. and the methods which it had adopted. He pointed out that they had proved the value of the accepted Catholic Action technique and that there was every prospect of the movement now spreading into every State. Archbishop Gilroy congratulated the two representatives of the Y.C.S. on their eloquent addresses. He told the students that he was glad to hear they realised that there was a tremendous struggle for them to face “in their crusade for Christ, but he knew that they would tackle it with courage andl a fine fighting spirit. He knew that the Y.C.S. would be capable of facing any odds.

THE ARCHBISHOP’S APPROVAL

The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. D. Mannix, D.D., when addressing the rally, expressed his approval of the progress of the Y.C.S. Stressing the importance of this movement in the schools, he declared that he had always been of the opinion that unless Catholic Action was/firmly rooted in the schools, it would possibly fail and certainly would never do what otherwise it might hope to do. He said also that, just as the Church in Australia owes its success to the -excellent system of Catholic education, Catholic Action, if it~~is to be- lasting and binding, must capture the schools. They had done splendid work in the short time they have been working with the Secretariat, and he personally had not listened with more pleasure to any address than to those of the boy and girl who spoke on behalf of the movement.

His Grace concluded by thanking the Secretariat, the Ladies of the Grail and particularly the superiors of the colleges—all of whom had co-operated with such happy, results.

Bishop Roper told the students that in Toowoomba, also, there was a very strong and flourishing movement in the schools. He said the students there were also very keen and active.

They, too, owed much to the National Secretariat, which had supplied them with programmes and either help in starting this movement in his diocese. He encouraged the Y.C.S. leaders to go ahead steadily. He had seen many striking examples of the magnificent apostolic work which had been performed by men and girls trained in such groups.

INSPIRING AND ENJOYABLE

The rally, as well as being an inspiring demonstration, proved to be a most enjoyable social event for everyone. The addresses were interspersed with .a short play on the Resurrection presented by members of the girls’ groups and by an informal afternoon tea and games on the lawns.

The walls of the Tudor Hall (in which the rally was held) were decorated with an excellent display of posters contributed by various schools as the work of members of their Poster and Propaganda Activity groups.

The rally ended with Solemn Benediction, which was given by- the Archbishop, Most Rev. D. Mannix, D.D., assisted by Rev. Fr. Hackett and Rev. D. Conquest. This was an impressive and inspiring finale’ to the afternoon. The altar, framed in the great windows of the Tudor Hall, was flanked on either side by the gaily coloured banners of the Youth Movements.

Six stalwart lads served Benediction, while at each side of the hall stood five boys and five girls bearing banners which they lowered in salute to the Blessed Sacrament. . . .

Kneeling behind their Bishops, they renewed their determination to labour for the Kingdom of Christ in their native land and pledged their loyalty and energies to the Hierarchy of Australia to accomplish, now and in the future, whatever apostolic work might be committed to them, for the youth of the whole nation.

MOST REV. M. BEOVICH, D.D., Ph.D., Archbishop of Adelaide, Episcopal Chairman of Young Catholic Students’ Movement

SOURCE

Four Bishops Attend Demonstration (Advocate, Thursday 22 October 1942, page 4)

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Catholic Action and Vocations…

A fear, which has been expressed, that “Catholic Action” may hinder vocations to the religious state is considered in the following article by Rev. W. P. Hackett, SJ., ecclesiastical assistant to the National Secretariat of Catholic Action. Fr. Hackett shows that, far from hindering vocations, the lay apostolate, as the Holy Father has remarked, has proved a fruitful seed plot for vocations.

P EOPLE sometimes feel a little uneasy about modern movements— such as the Grail, the. J.O.C., the Rural Movement and other Catholic Action bodies. They fear that these new developments may hinder vocations.

In fact, some people here in Melbourne have told me quite definitely that seminaries and religious Orders, particularly Orders of nuns, were suffering. I am glad to be able to reassure such people.

Both here and elsewhere these movements have fostered vocations. In fact, some of the results are startling. It must be very consoling to the Sovereign Pontiffs to know that not merely are the laity helped by these movements, but, as a result, the number of vocations has enormously increased.

It is interesting to note that the Holy Father himself foresaw this result, and used it as an argument for a more general adoption of Catholic Action.

“VOCATIONS CONTINUE TO FLOURISH”

“And here,” he declares, “Our thoughts turn gladly to that Catholic Action so much desired and promoted and defended by Us. For by Catholic Action the laity share in the Hierarchical Apostolate of the Church, and hence it cannot neglect this vital problem of priestly • vocations.

Comfort has filled Our heart to see the associates of Catholic Action everywhere distinguishing themselves in all fields of Christian activity, but especially in this. Certainly the richest reward of such activity is that really wonderful number of priestly and religious vocations, which continue to flourish in their organisations for the young.

This shows that these organisations are both a fruitful ground of virtue and also a well-guarded and well-cultivated nursery, where the most beautiful and delicate flower may develop without danger. May all members of Catholic Action feel the honour which thus falls on their association.

Let them be persuaded that in no better way than by this work for an increase in the ranks of the secular and regular clergy can the Catholic laity really participate in the high’ dignity of the’ ‘kingly priesthood,’ which the Prince of the Apostles attributes to the whole body of the redeemed.” No one who fully understands Catholic Action is surprised. If you explain

the full beauty of the Apostolate and the priesthood to able young men it is but natural that many, aroused by the wonder of participating to some degree in the Apostolate and sharing in the royal priesthood, will be eager to become full apostles and to become candidates for the full priesthood.

This wave of vocations is found in many places simultaneously. From the early days of the J.O.C. and similar organisations there were numerous vocations. It was not long before the J.O.C. was being assisted by chaplains who had themselves been, once upon a time, workers in these young workers’ movements. Similarly, from the Women’s Youth Federations and other girls’ organisations, such as the Grail, there came a splendid increase in vocations to women’s communities.

STRIKING DEVELOPMENT IN SPAIN

Perhaps the most striking development has been in Spain. The following extract from the “Catholic Herald,” February 6, 1942, shows that “more than 1000 of the 100,000 members of the Juvantud Catholica, the Catholic Young Men’s Organisation of Spain, have entered the seminary within the last two years. Among them is Manual Aporici, who for seven years has acted as national president of the youth groupings.”

Of the 1000, the majority are aspirants to the diocesan clergy. In this way will be carried out the idea of Angel Herrera, Catholic Actionist and journalist, who gave up his career to become a priest.

“Catholic Action will only then be properly understood when it has as ecclesiastical assistants priests who themselves have worked in the ranks of Catholic Action.” Here in Australia, though Catholic Action is still in its infancy, there have been many vocations. A large number of former members of the Campion Society have either been ordained or are studying for the priesthood.

The present chaplain of the Campion Society in Melbourne is a former Campion member, the Rev. Vincent Long, O.F.M. In one year alone six members of the Campion Society in Sydney left to take up religious life. Several of those who attended the Quests at “Tay Creggan” have already joined religious Orders; others have enrolled themselves in the ranks of the Grail.

This is good news, and a movement which produces such results is obviously a valuable one. When a Pope speaks about Catholic Action as Pius XI. did—”not without inspiration,” he says more than once—we others must take notice. Moreover, if we apply the test Our Lord gives, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” we must take even more notice.

AMAZING BY-PRODUCT

Amazing and widespread as this byproduct of Catholic Action is—for its main work is to influence the laity themselves—no one need be surprised. One of the chief means used by Catholic Action is to get people of all sorts to appreciate all the splendour and reality of Christ’s kingdom.

It is no wonder that this fuller realisation produces such striking results. Apart from these considerations, it must be obvious to every thinking Catholic that the hold we have on the principles of religion should be tighter than ever before.

Mere passive acceptance of religion is not enough. Indeed it is a negation of true religion, which is meant to be dynamic, to do things, to help others, to give service, to perform the various works of mercy. When we see concerted action being taken to draw the youth away from the Church we must make greater efforts than ever to safeguard our youth, which is coming into maturity in the midst of a cataclysm.

Everyone, priest or layman, who would not give ready obedience to the words of command issued from the Vatican incurs a tremendous responsibility. Yet some people allow doubts about the meaning or methods of Catholic Action to produce partial or total paralysis. They neither do anything, nor encourage others to do anything.

If only they grasp the fact that a movement which produces so many vocations must be, in some special way, blessed by God, good results should follow even in places where hitherto no massed movement of Catholic Action has been set on foot. In Australia in the past few years the inspiration of priests, the energy of laymen, have given rise—under the direct leadership of the Bishops—to a number of flourishing organisations of Catholic Action.

These have not sought publicity because they wished first to test their methods and lay sound foundations; consequently, the Catholic public does not fully appreciate what is being done.

APPROPRIATE ORGANISATION

Now there is for all farmers the National Catholic Rural Movement; for all girls the National Catholic Girls’ Movement; for all young workers the Young Christian Workers; for adult workers the Nationaf Christian Workers’ Movement; for students in colleges, the Young Catholic Students’ Movement— and so on.

There are few members of the Catholic community for whom an appropriate organisation does not exist or is not being built up. All these are capable of enormous expansion; all have programmes and other literature available for those who wish to join them; all offer magnificent opportunities for apostolic energy.

Information about these movements will be sent to anyone who applies to the Australian National Secretariat of Catholic Action, 379 Collins-street, Melbourne, or to any of the diocesan organisers in the various dioceses.

The lay leaders of these movements are themselves well aware of the need to stimulate vocations among their members and take every opportunity in this direction. At meetings, and during retreats, arranged for Catholic Action bodies, priests are able to depict the beauty and dignity of religious life to highly sympathetic auditors.

Thus the words of the late Holy Father, spoken in a Consistorial Allocution nearly ten years ago, hold true of Australia to-day: “On this Catholic Action, God Himself, by sure signs and in proof of His approbation and love, has seemed to bestow a sweet smile, since in its midst —that is to say, among its different organisations, to which we are -becoming more and more attached—He has mysteriously and abundantly sown the choice seeds of eccfe^iastical vocations.”

REV. W. P. HACKETT, S.J.

SOURCE

William Hackett SJ, Catholic Action and Vocations... (Advocate, Thursday 3 September 1942, page 21) (Trove)