Senator Rodrigo on ecumenism

Title

Language

English

Year

1967

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

SENATOR RODRIGO ON ECUMENISM Speaking at the Scottish Rite luncheon on March 18, 1967, Senator Francisco Soc Rodrigo, past president of the Catholic Action of the Philippines and leading Catholic layman, told his audience how happy he was to have been invited as guest speaker and say something about ecumenism, the most dynamic movement in the Catholic church today. lie informed his audience that when the matter of ecumenism was put to a vote in the Second Vatican Council last year, it received 2,137 votes in favor and 11 against among the votaries of cardinals, archbishops, priests and lay delegates in the council. In telling about Pope John XXIII, the moving spirit behind the ecumenical movement, the Senator informed his audience that Pope John XXIII was thought to be a hold-over Pope and one least likely to succeed, but he surprised everybody by his thought and action on a matter of transcendental importance to the Christian world. And in consequence, his successor, Pope Paul VI, continues to implement the plans for Christian unity laid down in his own time. Senator Rodrigo stressed the fact that ecumenism stresses that which unites, not that which divides on the basis of the fact that Christ himself founded one church and that at the beginning there was unity among Christians, although now the Christians are divided. Hence, more than ever, there is a great need for unity. During the question-and-answer period, Senator Rodrigo was asked if a Mason, who is asked to be a sponsor at a wedding or baptism in the Catholic church, may do so now. The senator prelimmed his answer with the fact that though he does not speak for the Church, he was of the opinion that established rules of the Church may in time be amended so as to allow such a thing. The senator also revealed that ranking Masonic and Catholic authorities are now in dialogue about matters that will put Masonry and the Catholic church at a close distance. He is of the opinion that the dialogue will result in better understanding and tolerance. A GRAND MASTER'S MESSAGE. . . From P.Se 1 of their weakness for recognition, power, and prominence but rather determine the sincerity of purpose manifesfed in each case. When a man speaks and acts only for himself, there is no sincerity of purpose in him and he is most certainly not a responsible Mason. But, when a Brother speaks and acts with courage and without reference to self solely for the enhancement of our Order, he is most certainly a responsible Mason. Within a few weeks we shall convene form all parts of this* Masonic Jurisdiction for the Fifty-first Annual Communication. In many was it appears that it may be the most important Communication in the history of this Grand Lodge. What we want to make certain is that it is the best Communication in the history of this Grand Lodge. Most certainly it will be if every delegate and Master Mason present will speak and act with sincerity of purpose. APRIL, 1967 11

Media