In the interest of truth

Title

Language

English

Year

1952

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

MAY, 1952 Feature Editorial “IN THE INTEREST OF TRUTH” Last April 27, the Philippine Catholic hierarchy published a statement in defense of Papal Nuncio Egidio Vagnozzi, who was much maligned in the press. Individuals responsible for those statements in the press have found it more expedient to attack the Papal Nuncio at his back when he left for a vacation, just when his enemies were sure he would not be in a position to defend himself. The statement of the Philippine Catholic hierarchy follows in full: In the interest of truth and justice, and considering that it is our duty to defend the representative of the vicar of Christ against unjust attacks, we members of the Filipino hierarchy, vigorously voice our spontaneous protest against the editorial of a local newspaper, which appeared on Wednesday, the 23 rd of April, 1952, attacking the Most Reverend Egidio Vagnozzi, papal nuncio to the Philippines entitled: "The Powermad Nuncio." The article in question is not only false, but it is unfair and harmful. The papal nuncio is made to appear as unfriendly to the Filipino clergy and as antagonistic to their aspirations. Facts, however, contradict the charge. The three years' stay of Msgr. Vagnozzi in the Philippines has been entirely dedicated to increasing the prestige and influence of the Filipino clergy. During his office, for the first time in the ecclesiastical history of the Philippines, a' Filipino wos appointed were not sympathetic to the aspirations of the Filipino ciergy, certainly the papal nuncio could not have shown so much interest in the creation of new archdioceses and dioceses. end in the appointment of more Filipino archbishops and bishops. Another proof of the papal nuncio's interest and sympathy for the Filipino clergy is found in the construction and opening of modern seminaries in the Philippines where future Filipino priests ore educated. Never before in the history of the church in the Philippines have so many magnificent seminaries been erected where the Filipino clergy can find, not only proper living facilities but greater educational advantages. THE CROSS The papal nuncio has throughout been the moving spirit in the erection of these seminaries. His interest even moved him to give his p-jrsono! contributions to aid in their help support students for the priestBesidcs giving impetus to seminary buildings, the papal nuncio has been most anxious to place minor seminaries in the hands of the Filipino clergy, which means that he recognizes the ability of our priests to run seminaries. In the editorial, the papal nuncio is also presented os an enemy of the Filipino people. To refute this preposterous contention it is sufficient to state that in the creation of new archdioceses and dioceses, the Pope's representative, besides enchancing the prestige of the church in the Philippines, has wished to give facilities to the Filipino people to fulfill not only their spiritual but also their social and material obligations, a desire which is a proof of real interest in the welfare of our people. Let us add to this, his efforts in helping the poor and needy as shown in his exhortations to the hierarchy, and his whole-hearted endorsement of the Red Cross Drive, which he manifested by using his influence to have a special circular read in all the churches of the Philippines. He also wormly supported the Anti-Tuberculosis Drive and many other charitable activities for the benefit of the people. He gave substantial contributions and relief to the typhoon and Hibokhibok victims. Lastly, cognizant of the high position which the Filipino Republic holds in the Orient as the only Christian nation, and wishing that the Philippines receive its due place in the family of nations, the papal nuncio left no stone unturned until diplomatic relations should be established between the Vatican and the Filipino government. Would an enemy of the Filipino people do this? Sympathy and love for another is shown by ^eeds. THE PHILIPPINE HIERARCHY Gabriel M. Reyes, Archbishop of Manila; Julio Rosoles, Archbishop of Cebu; Sontiago Sancho, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia; James T. Hayes, Archbishop of Cagayan; Pedro P. Santos, Archbishop of Nueva Caceres; Jose M. Cuenco, Archbishop of Jaro; Cesar M. Guerrero, Bishop of San Fernando; Luis del Rosario, Bishop of Zamboanga; Manuel Mascarinas, Bishop of Togbilatan, Manuel Acebedo, Bishop of Calbayog; Mariano Madriaga, Bishop of Lingayen; John C. Vrakking, Bishop of Surigao; Alfredo Obviar, Apostolic Administrator of Lunsna; Juan C. Sison, Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva Segovia; Rufino J. Santos, Apostolic Administrator of Lipa; William Brasseur, Vicar Apostolic of Mt. Province; Alejondro Olalia, Bishop of Tuguegoroo; Vicente P. Reyes, Auxiliary Bishop of MAY, 1952 Manila; Manuel Yap, Bishop of Boco'od; Peregrin de la Fuente, Prelate Nullius of Batanes-Babuyan; William Duschak, Vicar apostolic of Calapan; Lino Gonzarga, Bishop of Palo; Antonio Frondosa, Bishop-Elect of Capiz; Clovis Thibault, Apostolic Administrator of Davao; Leandro Nieto, Prefect Apostolic of Palawan; Flaano Ariola, Apostolic Administrator of Bacolod; and Patrick Cronin, Apostolic Administrator of Ozamiz. A CHICK BECOMES A QUACK Once upon a time, there was a little chick, a nice promising chick. Everybody hoped he would develop in a big way. But when he grew up, sad to relate, the little chick could do nothing but quack. Quack, quack! And once upon o' time, t^ere was a guerrilla and we all hoped that after the war he would become a fine ond helpful citizen. But alas, this promising Chick Parsons also seems able only to quack. One of his loudest quacks appeared in the April I Oth issue of the Manila "Evening News". This paper is controlled by Chick Parsons if not owned by him. On this quiet evening of April, the placid air of Manila was violently shattered by the horrendous quack of Chick's paper. "No priest", he said, "is permitted to interfere in labor affairs." And more of the same for two or three columns. We understand that Chick Parsons is a Catholic. But how Stalin and Marx would rejoice to hear him talk in thot vein. And how Pope Leo XIII, and the other great labor popes, must have turned in their graves, ond also St. Peter, if tqs heard about it. It is sad to find grown up chicks who can only quack. But let us hope that Chick Parsons was only quacking in his sleep and that, wher. he wakes up, he will talk differently. For he was a great and glorious guerrilla leader and we like to think thot he is really a gotid Catholic. QUE VALIENTE EL MANILA CHRONICLE! After thfee busy and zealous years in the Philippines, His Excellency, Mons. Egidio Vagnozzi, the Apostolic Nuncio, on April 14th, left Manila for a short visit to Vatican City, Europe and the United States. Eight days later, April 22, the Manila Chronicle erupted with a violent front-page Editorial against His Excellency, accus'ng him of being antiFilipino, arrogant, etc. How strange that the Chronicle should not have uttered one single word of criticism against His Excellency during his three years stay in our

Media