Bishop Buddy Scrapbook 1937 (2)

''I Have Work to Do"

CHIMES

but from the standpoint of the church, the school and the family, control of freedom by all nations will mark the spiritual death of civilization. In the Western Hemisphere there are thou- sands of institutional reservoirs of liberty, churches, schools, civic and social groups, labor, agricultural and industrial organiza- tions. In Europe and Asia practically all of the reservoirs built by successive civilizations have become spiritual and intellectual "dust bowls." But there is one oasis in the military "dust bowl" of the Eastern Hemisphere which we, the privileged citizens of North and South America should unite in safeguarding for ourselves and for future generations. I refer to Vatican City, not alone because it is the headquarters of the Catholic Church but because it is a world symbol of spiritual lib- erty, which the most powerful military and political forces in the world are endeavoring to destroy. The freedom of the Vatican today is direct- ly related to the freedom of the press, not simply to the freedom of newspapers but to the freedom of the religious press. This situation was recognized in one of the most important editorials published recently in any newspaper on this subject. "The accusations made against a free press," wrote the editors of OSSERVATORE ROMANO, "are aggravated by the fact that equal freedom is not given to both sides. Free- dom is not given to good and evil alike, to truth and error, to justice and injustice, but only to the side that faithful Catholics have good reason to consider evil, erroneous, un- just, insulting and libelous. "The Christian faith has been attacked by all forms of negation and criticism, its moral teaching is derided with innuendoes and ob- scene pictures; intentional falsehoods are hurled at the clergy and Catholic associations up to the point of accusing them of betraying their country and its spiritual unity." While the editors were referring specifically to Germany their observations may be ap- plied to other countries, including the United 106

States. In our own country some politicians are opposing equal freedom to both sides of a public question. In some newspapers and periodicals the Christian faith is being de- rided by editorial practices which are a dis- grace to the profession of journalism and a threat to its liberty. The freedom of the religious press is bound to the freedom of the secular press. We can- not have freedom of religion where freedom of printing is extinguished. For this reason the firm stand of the Vatican and the nation- wide efforts of the Catholic press in the United States to raise journalistic standards of ethics and practices, point the way to the method of defending and of extending the spiritual fortitude of humanity. In one of his first important debates at the University of Paris Friar Thomas Aquinas ad- vocated the liberty of teaching. At that time liberties were determined by an intellectual minority. Today they are subject to the de- cision of public opinion or to the obsession of a dictator. Pope Pius XI, I think, recog- nizes this situation in world affairs. Like Saint Thomas Aquinas he is appealing to the source of authority. In the Thirteenth Cen- tury it was the church and the university. To- day it is international, in the press, the radio and the cinema. The Pope has become a world leader of public opinion because that is essential to the preservation of our spiritual and our intellectual liberties and resources. In an Encyclical letter on the occasion of the Sixth centenary of the canonization of Thomas Aquinas, Pope Pius XI expressed an ideal of liberty, which, if it were universally recognized, could serve as the foundation for the security and peace of humanity. "We desire that the lovers of Saint Thomas be incited by an honorable rivalry," I am quoting an excerpt from the letter, "by an honorable rivalry in a just and proper free- dom which is the life-blood of studies." That phrase, "a just and proper freedom" is also the life-blood of civilization. Guard it as you would a child in your own home. JUNE, 1938

Baccalaiweate sermon delivered by th e lJ,f ost R everend Charles Francis Buddy, D.D. , Bishop of San Diego, Cali- fornia , in the Chapel of th e Holy Ghost, Saint nfary's Col- lege , Notre Dame, Jiwe 3 , at 9 a. 111. f 13~

I N accord with the thoughts so eloquently expressed last evening, there is related in the second book, first chapter, of "Parali- pomenon" that Solomen went before the

May we also felicitate the distinguished parents of the graduates who with prayer and sacrifice have dreamed and longed that they might live to see this day. They see it and

Altar, the tabernacle of the Lord and prayed and offered sacrifice ... and God appeared to him that night say- ing: "Ask what thou wilt that I should give to thee" ... and Solo- mon said to God: "Thou hast shown great kindness to my Father, David, and made me king in his stead, give me wisdom and knowledge ..." and God was pleased with the request and said to Solomon, "Be- cause this choice hath pleased thy heart a~d thou hast not asked for riches, nor glory, nor for the lives of them that hate thee, nor length of days, but hast asked wisdom and knowledge, wisdom

are glad. The confer- ring of academic hon- ors also rejoices the Church of God be- cause of the possibili- ties for moral and cul- tural leadership in those who, shielded with the breastplate of truth, go forth cour- ageously from this of- ficers' training school. My dear graduates, the very fact that you are here, that you had the sand to make the grade, proves the met- tle of your back- ground. It indicates a home where every member of the house- hold can look straight and keep his soul un- sullied. The years will deep- en your affection for the sterling character of your own beloved

Bishop Buddy

and knowledge are granted thee, and also riches and glory." Reverend Fathers, Venerable Sisters, graduates and friends a:11- Let me warmly congratulate the Class of 19 38, who, in their quest for wisdom and knowledge, have in this bright haven of learn- ing reached another milestone along the way -per aspera ad astra. JUNE, 1938

father who guarded you so tenderly through grade and high schools, and who was capable of self-abnegation to provide the best for you, -a well-balanced college education. As you pass from lovely girlhood into mature and even more lovable womanhood, you will rec- ognize in the sweet face of your mother- since the time she bent over your cradle- 107