The Catholic Times, 1962-12-28

Here is faith I accept, I believe, I see. "And seeing they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this Child." God has come into the world, which He made, in the visible form of man, whom He also made. He joined our human nature to the Divine nature in the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John I, 14). "It is not for His own sake that the Son of God became man, but in order to make us, as it were, gods by His grace," writes St. Thomas Aquinas. Not all men will go to heaven because Christ came into the world, in order to be their promised Messias and Saviour. Some reject Him and His teachings some will have no part with Him and His grace. "But to as many as receive ed

The Bishop said, "In the tnidst of the blessings and happiness of this holy sea seaion, - ion, seaion, we must be mindful of Ihe millions who are not free lo practice their faith and, If they make such an at attempt, - tempt, attempt, are liable to severe penalties. "DURING THE first ses session - sion session of the Second Vatican Council, some Bishops from the persecuted Church were permitted to attend the de deliberations, - liberations, deliberations, while others were Hot permitted by their goven govenments - ments govenments to leave their coun countries," - tries," countries," the Bishop pointed

THIS LIGHT of Christ Christmas - mas Christmas inspires a living faith. It is the faith of the shep shepherds - herds shepherds watching their sheep on that first Christmas night, who acted upon the angelic message with rapid decision: "Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord has showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the In Infant - fant Infant lying in the manger. And seeing they understood of the word that had beery spoken to them concerning this Child." (Luke II, 15 ff.)

EXPECTED to be some somewhat - what somewhat eased by the Council is the debate that has been go going - ing going on ab6ut the place of the laity in the American Church. The liberal con conservative - servative conservative controversy which was the biggest issue at the beginning of the year has disappeared into Limbo. Per Perhaps - haps Perhaps Fr. Cronin's booklet, "Communism: Threat to Freedom" was more of a so solution - lution solution to the debate than one of the causes.

happy developments in na national - tional national and international af affairs, - fairs, affairs, seen simply as the be beginning - ginning beginning of a new chapter in the history of the modern world, it is most pleasing to observe the part played by Our radio message, spok spoken - en spoken as it was in harmonious and exultant chorus with the voices of the bishops of the Catholic Church from every part of the world, who were gathered here in Rome for the work of the council."

In his Christmas message belaid: "The recollection of tfrUs appeal is all the more joyful for Us, venerable brothers and dear children, because of the clear signs of deep un understanding - derstanding understanding which show that the words were not wasted on the air, but touch touched - ed touched minds and hearts and are serving t6 open up new prospects of brotherly trust and to hold out bright hopes of true social and interna international - tional international peace."