Rare Periodicals

The Cross

Media

Part of The Cross

Title

The Cross

Description

CROSS National Catholic Magazine Official bi-monthly organ of the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS in the Philippine

Issue Date

Volume VII (Issue No.12) December 1952

Publisher

Knights of Columbus

Year

1952

Language

English

Subject

Catholic Church--Philippines--Periodicals.

Rights

Place of publication

Manila

extracted text

Dear sir, For at least a year now, an unknown good Samaritan keeps subscribing the CROSS for me. I considered it a real gift, for there is much of the spiritual gain within its pages that every Christian should know and live for. Through this magazine, I am gratefully thanking him for all these gifts he made me share. I have nothing to give him except my prayers for God's blessing on his kindness. Ernesto V. Mamaid Dear sir, Most sincere congratulations on Your EXQUISITE Nov. issue. Your "COVE R" is a perfect gem! Your tributes, editorial and others, to that great. Man-of-Gcd, the late Archbishop Gabriel, just what we, your readers, expected from our best Philippine, Catholic Publication. Perusing page 64... . the Sworn Statement.... where / find.... 5,600 subscribers out of IB million Philippine Catholics. . . .1 feel like suggesting as a Christmas' gift to every Philippine Catholic:" the minimum dose of common sense to back up a glorious Catholic publication like the Keep them flying. . . . Editor. The Cross is doing fine! Rev. Carlos Schreiner' M.H .M. San Miguel, Prov. Iloilo Dear sir, Here's a word of praise for the editorial “Shall We Teach Communism or Catholicism?" It should prick the conscience of those who are "apathetic and indifferent’1 to instructions on Religion in public schools. DECEMBER, 1952 A light shall shine upon us this day: for Our Lord is born to us; and He shall be called wonderful, God, the prince of peace, the father of the world to come; of Whose reign there shall be no end. Ps. 92, 1. The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and'hath girded Him­ self. (From the Introit of the Second Mais at Christmas. Is. 9, 2-6.) December, 1952 Cross NATIONAL CATHOLIC MAGAZINE Regina Bldg., Escolta, Manila, Philippines TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIALS: Are Our Courts Stupid .................... 5 Speed—Like o Tortoise......................... 6 Speed—Like on Eagle ......................... 6 A Victorious Loser ................................ 7 Does Uncle Sam Cause Our P. I. Crime Wave ....................................... 7 U. S. Crime Wave.................................. 8 Young Christian Workers are Blessed . . 8 Protestant Lies About the Bible .... 9 Help the Sick and the Hungry ... 10 ARTICLES: Religion and the United Nations Rev Leo A. Cullum, S.J.................. 13 Christmas in the Home ..................... 16 The Lost Letter to St. Francis Xavier Rev. Francis X. Clark, S.J............... 17 On Sanctity ......... Alice V. Guerrero 20 Better Harvests from Soil Tests ........................... Hadley Read 27 What About Church Music ................ Nicolas LI. Rosal 37 California Favorite Son Rev. Noel F. Moholy, O. F. M. 48 Dear Fathers. . . . Mothers Alfredo G. Porpon, S.J..................... 59 STORIES: Sunshine and Shadows Ma. Aurora B. Agustines ................ 21 Romance at the SSCA Rev. Herbert O'H. Walker, S.J. . . 54 POEMS: Sancian .... Alfredo G. Parpon, S.J. 3 Song of the Stubborn . . L. F. Hyland 29 Silent Creation Antonio Ledesma, S.J. 31 Be Not Afraid Beloved . . Abel Guevara 41 Destiny .................. Estelita M. Juco 62 COLUMNS: Cross-pondence ....................................... A Thinking With God Froncis P. LeBuffe, S.J.................... 30 Heart to Heart ........... Lily Marlene 32 Maria Clora of 1952 . . Pete ond Pat 42 The Chaperone ................ Aunt Luisa 46 Movie Guide ........................................... 63 Vol. VII No. 12 Jose Galan Blanco to the Crone are weioome, pro­ vided they are In line with the policy and etandarda adopted by thia magaaine. All submitted manuaoripta meat be typewrittea In duplicate and accompanied by return postagei otherwise no rejection. Subscription rated: One year — local: 94.00; for­ eign: St.00. Printed by R. P. GARCIA Publlahlng Company, 999 Dapltan, Manila. Regiotared the Manila Poet Office on March 6, 1940. DECEMBER, 1952 This month, we dedicate our December issue to St. Francis Xavier the greot Apostle of the Foreign Missions, who died four hundred years ago at. . . . SANCIAN Alfredo G. Parpan, S. J. A lonely palm hut on a lonely isle And a man lay dying in the dawn; Pale face ashen in the candle light Sputtering in the misted morn; The tired hands tight on a crucifix, The shining eyes transfixed on the nailed Form. Once more he sees. . . Red drops dropping from Hands and Feet And the ugly gash on the bloodied Breast. Once more he hears . . . The cry of thirsting Lips Water could not relieve. And he A helpless wreck, lying on this beach . . . Not yet. Not yet. A broken sob. Tired eyes pleaded: not yet! Rome's command was yet undone, The cold world lay unlit; Only his heart was burning. But soft the Master's Voice was calling . . . Soft. Insistent. Home. Home? When ripened fields lay waiting in the sun? "I have hoped in Thee, O Lord, I shall not hope in vain"— The listening breeze caught up the words THE* CROSS And bore them to the shore, Sharing its secret with the moaning surf That sent some rippling waves up an inland stream To rock a sampan moored And wake an infant wailing . . . The breeze sped on to mock The temple bells to sullen peal: in vain! And the poppies roused in drowsy murmurs echoed: in vain! But "not in vain" the bamboos heard Rustling by the Yangtze banks, protesting. They heard the message clear dropped by the whispering breeze The mandarin stirs on his silken couch . . . And the farmer in his mud hut, smiling, Dreams of rice fields, someday, heavy with grain . . . Back to the misted isle the breeze sped, Back to the palm leaf thatch on the shore, Whispered on the dying man's ear Its finished task; cooled the flushed brow And blew the candle out. The gasping breath has ceased, The shining eyes to shine no more. The watcher rose to pray, his vigil ended. F.l padre santo was dead, and Dawn was breaking op the east. A few years ago, the late Bishop of Buffalo, the Most Rev. John A. Duffy, was taking an afternoon walk and met a little girl, who bowed courteously to him. The Bishep stopped and asked the youngster her "Mary," the girl answered, and promptly added, "What's your name?" "John," the Bishop replied. Some time later Bishop Duffy was walking along the street with o dignified Monsignor, busily engaged in o serious conversation. There was an abrupt pause in the discussion of the Bishop and his clerical companion, when a certain little girl stopped before them and very politely said, "Hello, John." DECEMBER, 1952 Editorial ARE OUR COURTS STUPID? Recently, Mayor Lacson of Manila was accused of having libelled one of our judges. The impulsive and zealous Mayor, anxious to clean corruption from the city, allegedly had hurled some epithets such as "stupid," etc. at the judge with whose decision fie disagreed. Are our courts stupid? Frankly, our impression is otherwise. Witn much pleasure we have noted quite the opposite,—that many of our judges are blessed with the intellectual acumen and serenity of judgment that is on ornament tc> their profession. But if we were to be asked another question, our answer might not be so favorable. To the question, "Are our courts too slow?", our answer would be an emphatic affirmative. Only too often, civil and even criminal coses which should be decided within a few weeks or a couple of months, drag on for one or several years. We remember well a certain criminal case in which justice was delayed for four years. Because of various legal technicalities, changes of juris­ diction, etc. incredible postponements occured.. . Finally, the case came before a certain judge who, after careful but expeditious consideration, sentenced the criminal to a seven-year prison term. The judge later commented thatnever in all his years of court experience had he come across a case in which the evidence was so crystal-clear for conviction. There was not a scintilla of doubt, he said, about the guilt of the man. And still that case had dragged on for four long years. If this were on isolated case, we could forget about it. But un­ fortunately, delays are rather the rule than the exception. THE CROSS What is the cause? Are our judges too few, too heavily burdened with too many cases? If so, let us insist that Congress establish additional judges. Or ore our judges underpaid? In Manila and perhaps in other important cities, we find members of the judiciary, even of the higher courts, engaged in teaching to increase their legitimate personal income. Instead of using all of their available energies in clearing up the crowded court calendars, they apparently are forced to take one or perhaps several daily hours of teaching in order to support their families. Apparently then, we should increase the salaries of our judges, in order that they be not forced to spend their strength, so badly needed in the business of the courts, for lucrative sidelines. No, we don't agree with the alleged charge thot our courts are cursed with stupidity. But we do feel that our courts ore slow, lamentably slow. Far slower for instance than those in the United States, ond especially in England. Justice delayed is justice denied! Something must be done about it. SPEED-LIKE A TORTOISE! Another instance of tortoise-like slowness we find in some of the boards of professional examiners. Recently, we noticed a news story in which a certain board announced that five of the candidates under their supervision hod successfully passed the professional examination. Looking further, we noticed thot the examination was given in July. The results were announced in November. How terribly overworked these' examiners must be if it takes them four months to do their jobl We know that in some instances, such as the bar examinations where the number of candidates amounts to several thousands, many months of careful work are required before the results can be announced. But in other occasions, where the examinees are few, a little more speed could reasonably be expected. SPEED-LIKE AN EAGLE! Over on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, we noticed an agreeable example of speed after the recent presidential election. The polls closed at 9:00 p.m. More than 60 million people voted over a vast expanse of territory. Still, three hours later, by midnight, the results were known and the decision announced. DECEMBER, 1952 Reminds us of our own election polls! So different! To soy nothing of the "speedy" decision on our electoral protests. Thot only takes two or three or four years! And even more consoling in the American elections was the sportsman­ ship of the losers. The campaign had been bitterly fought. Charges and countercharges were hurled and parried for months over the length and breadth of the whole country. Nevertheless, as soon as the results were known and the decision announced, the leading candidate of the losing side, Gov. Adlai Stevenson, cabled his congratulations to his victorious rival with a generous message of true democratic sportsmanship. A VICTORIOUS LOSER Many of us who, six months ago, had never heard of Gov. Adlai Stevenson have, as a result of his campaign, grown to consider him as a truly great American. His acute thinking, his profound grasp of governmental problems, his felicitous literary expressions, his wit and quiet charm make him stand out head and shoulders above most of the contemporary political figures of the world. A pleasant and refreshing exception to the cheap demagogues and name-callers so often found in modern political life. On election night when radio and telegraph announced his decisive defeat by Eisenhower, Gov. Stevenson was asked how he felt. His answer was typical. He said that he felt like the little boy who stubbed his toe in the dark. He was too old to cry,—and it hurt too much to laugh. The apt anecdote, borrowed from the great Lincoln, was worth a thousand words. DOES UNCLE SAM CAUSE OUR P. I. CRIME WAVE? Not all impressions of the United States, however, are so favorable to oil people. In a recent public address, one of our most prominent ladies in public life, Mrs. Pilar Hidalgo Lim, presented a novel reason to explain the present criminality in the Philippines. To blame, she said, was the United States, because of its contributions of money and other gifts to the Philippines. She said these have weakened the moral fiber of the Filipino people. Fortunately, this is one problem that can be solved quite easily. If our government authorities or even some of our leading citizens would just THE CROSS send a brief note to the American Congress, we are sure that it will be easy to persuade them to stop all gifts and loans to the Philippines. Thus, presto! according to this theory, our crime wave should cease. U.S. CRIME WAVE Speaking more seriously, the crime situation in the United States itself is very serious, especially the juvenile crime situation. Recently, J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) reported that during the first six months of 1952, mare persons aged 18 years were arrested in the United States than of any other age group. He reported thot during the same six months period, over one million major crimes were committed. Persons less than 21 years of age presented more than 30% of the 95,600 arrested for crimes against property. Persons under 25 years of age represented one half of all persons arrested for such crimes. Another discouraging fact is that crime among women is increasing tlvice as fast as We do not have available at the moment parallel figures about criminality in the Philippines. But it is undeniable that our Filipino youth also, both male and female, are only too frequently finding their way to the criminal courts. Juvenile deliquency is rampant. Once again we repeat what we have frequently noted in the past, that religious education in the schools, apart from achieving its primary purpose of bringing the children closer to God, is also a most powerful antidote to the lawless inclinations that may take root in any youthful character. Most earnestly, we urge all prominent citizens in and out of the government to unite that this Christian country may soon have public schools that are truly Christian and God-fearing. YOUNG CHRISTIAN WORKERS ARE “BLESSED” Without forgetting the primary importance of the home in youth training, we also recommend the encouragement of the fine youth organ­ izations already started in the country such as the Catholic Boy Scouts, Catholic Youth Organization and the Young Christian Workers. Of this lost named, which is possibly the least known in the Philippines, we have noted with joy the growth in many parts of the world. Recently in Central America, the Costa Rican Hierarchy characterized the Young Christian Workers' movement as "the living Gospel of modern DECEMBER, 1952 times", in a joint pastoral commemorating the movement's establishment in that country. tenth anniversary of the "Blessed is the hour in which the Young Christian Workers' move­ ment took root in Costa Rica," the Bishops said. "It has been an advancing movement for the triumph of goodness." The Young Christian Workers number about 8,000 in Costa Rica, which has a population of slightly less than a million. They have established a Youth Home in the capital city, equipped with training shops for young men and women, recreation halls and sleeping headquarters. They also publish a labor weekly, "El Luchador", and a Catholic almanac. The Young Christian Workers, together with our other fine Catholic organizations for youth, deserve the wholehearted support of all citizens who are interested in our young people. PROTESTANT LIES ABOUT THE BIBLE For centuries, the lie has been preached that the Catholic Church frowns Church on the publication of the Bible. It has even said that our Catholic people are forbidden to read the Bible. To prove their charge, our enemies say that in some Catholic churches and institutions the Bible was chained to a desk so that the common people could not have access to it. Even in the Philippines, we find thot this lie is still being spread. But we think that many of the Protestant liemongers are really only clouded with ignorance and not malicious. The fact is that it was the Catholic Church that preserved the Bible and brought it down to posterity through the early Christian Era and the Middle Ages, centuries before Protestantism was born. As to the statement that in some monasteries the Bible was choined to a desk, probably that is true. But there was a very good reason for the use of a chain. It must be remembered that in those days, before the advent of the printing press, all Bibles and other literature, either profane or sacred, were written by long-hand. To produce a single book wos a long, laborious process, consuming months of toil. Consequently every book was precious and had to be guarded or even chained so that it would not be lost. Along came the printing press and the time of Guttenberg. And we know from historical facts that in the Germany of Guttenberg, it was not Luther or any other Protestant who first published the Bible in German. Actually, the Catholic Bible appeared in German long before Luther's, one 10 THE CROSS having been published in 1478 and the other in 1483, the year Luther was As to our present-day Philippines, we are hoppy once again to en­ courage our readers to purchase and use the splendid new editions of the New Testament in the local vernaculars. The Cebuano edition by His Excellency, Mons. Manuel Yap, Bishop of Bacolod, is a model of scholar­ ship. For the Tagalog readers, the edition by the late lamented Father Trinidad, S. J., and his associates includes a personal lecommendation of His Holiness, Pope Pius XII. Thus our people will be fulfilling the wishes of another Pope, Benedict XV, who in his Encyclical Spiritus Paraclitus wrote “Our one desire for all the Church's children is thot, being saturated with the Bible, they may arrive at the all-surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ." HELP THE SICK AND THE HUNGRY Not long ago an old lady came to our office with a little boy of six. The good woman, with quavering voice, told us that the little fellow was a complete orphan. With neither fat'her nor mother nor other relatives to care for him, he had no place to live. Would we, she asked, take care of the boy and allow him to stay with us? It seemed brutal to refuse this request. But we were forced to do so. We already were helping some destitute people to thq very limit of our ability. In addition we lacked not only material means but we knew of no place to send the boy where he could receive the education and the affec­ tion which small children so desperately need. But care of the destitute young is ohly one of the fields of charity in w’hich we are lacking. Admittedly, there is much magnificent work now being done by many people in many places. But there is still much room for improvement. Following are some specific suggestions, (which arc mentioned with no Intention of excluding other organisations unknown to us and possibly of equal or greater worth) : a. Greater attention to the organization of Conferences of St. Vincent de Paul in the parishes. b. Additional clinics for the sick poor. c. Orphanages for destitute children, especially for boys in large centers of population. DECEMBER, 1952 d. Adult Education classes in the parishes to help the illiterate and to draw them closer to the Church. (The Government is ready to assist such classes, at least, in some small degree). e. Free Schools for the poor, similar to the schools now conducted by some parishes, some religious orders and congregations and the YLAC. f. Youth Clubs, similar to those now being conducted by the Catholic Boy Scouts, the Young Christian Workers, the Catholic Youth organization, etc. g. Additional free hospital beds, similar to those in Manila in the U.S.T. Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, etc. h. Cooperation with the Columbian Farmers' Aid Association, founded in 1951 by Manila Knights of Columbus to assist our rural population. In addition, some form of regional Catholic charity associations could be very helpful to stimulate activities, aid coordination and prevent over­ lapping. We fee! that such intensification of the works of mercy would be an undoubted boon to the Catholic life of the country. From a study of local conditions, we find that history is repeating itself. Just as the Communists in the Philippines are now slandering the Catholic Church, so a century ago the atheists of France hurled taunts at young Frederic Ozanam, with "Show us your works!" The inspired young man responded by organizing the magnificent St. Vincentde Paul Conferences for laymen, which have now spread throughout the world. Their plan is "to join action to words and to offirm by works the vitality of their faith." And in doing so they are only following the blessed example given to us by our Divine Lord while here on earth, only heeding the magnificent exhortation of the Apostle of the Gentiles who told us "If I speak with the tongue of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals." (Corinthians.) Todcy in the Philippines, the Communists are pretending to be friends of the poor, and unfortunately are achieving at least partial success <n winning converts by their specious promises. To combat them, we must, most of all increase the spiritual life of the people with greater mortifi­ cations and prayers. Admittedly, we must strive to instruct them with carefully planned sermons and instructions. It is vital that we endeavor to put into practice the principles of Social Justice expounded in the 1950 Pastoral Letter of our Hierarchy. 12 THE CROSS But in addition we feel that greater attention should also be given to lhe corporal works of mercy. And this, not merely because our enemies taunt us with "show us your works," but primarily because our Divine Lord and Master has taught us by word and example that these words are a most beautiful and most important element in the life of any true Christian. Let us tell Him, this Christmas, that we will try to do more in the THE LOWLIEST ANIMAL It is a significant thing, proving how precious is humility in the eyes of God, that the ass or donkey, lowliest of beasts, plays such a prominent role in the story of Christ. The Golden Legend says that on the journey to Nqzareth from Beth­ lehem Joseph "brought with him an ass and an ox." Mary rode on the donkey, and the ox Joseph meant to sell for the support of 'the holy Family' In the typical representation of the crib, both animals appear standing placidly in the background near the manger upon which lay the holy Child. The ass is the animol of the flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth, ond great artists have beautifully commemorated both scenes. At the end of Christ's life, it was the humble beast that our Saviour chose for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, ond accord­ ing to folk-lore, it is in memory of this last event that the cjonkey bears a cross upon his back. All this made such an impression upon the faithful in the Middle Ages that they went so far as to institute a popular "Feast of the Donkey," with appropriate songs and a pageont. NO HARD FEELINGS A fellow was telling us about a friend of his in college, who, like all the others, had to toke his mid-yea'r exams shortly after Christmas. One of his questions was: "What causes a depression?" Spurred on by some impish impulse or other, he answered: "God knows! I don’t! Merry Christmas." But the professor was equal to the situation, for when the paper wos returned, he found the following notation from the learned man: "God gets 100, you get zero. Happy New Year! DECEMBER, 1952 13 Religion and the United Nations by Rev. Leo A. Cullum, S.J. In the recent United Nations Week, religious services in Catholic churches constituted a part of the program. This was very appropriate because the United Nations are fundamentally a religious movement. This may seem a strange statement to those familiar with the work of the United Nations. Certainly the men who are most active in them do not consider religion of any consequence at all. And yet it is in their own statements that we discover this religious basis. The United Nations have drawn up and adopted a DECLARATION OF UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS. In that declaration we are told: "Rec­ ognition of the inherent dignity ond of the inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world;" that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights..." This is the most fundamental principle of %the United Nations and th,s principle is religious. It is true that the word "God" is net here, but to anyone who knows the history of our civilization the Declaration is eloquent throughout with the thought of God. . . This Declaration is an echo of the constant Christian tradition regarding the dignity of man. Men ere so used to this idea—at least as an idea—that they take for granted that this concept has always been found wherever man has been found. And even the esteemed representatives at the United Nations, are, without ^cognizing it, by force of racial habit, using language and employing con­ cepts that are Christian, theologically, philosophically, and historically. The concept of the dignity of man is one of the many treasures received from Christ. In a pre-Christian world, even in a Greek and Roman world, and much more so elsewhere, might was right. There were a few philosophers who escaped this universal error, but their voice was a whisper in the overwhelming roar of oppression, slavery and hate. But with Christ 14 THE CROSS things became different. All men, every man, was held precious. This was basic in His teachings. Slave and poor were immediately admitted on equal footing with ruler and rich. St. Paul summed up this Christian posi­ tion in his letter to the Colossians (3, ll) when he described Christ's fol­ lowing: "Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircum­ cision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all and in all." And this teaching of Christ concerning the worth of the individual as a man, His Church maintained through century after century, opposing the power of tyrants, the deepest Justs of the human heart, the fierce •resistance of cruelty, greed, pride. The battle was not always a victory, but the IDEA never died. Joseph Leighton, Professor of Philosophy at Ohio State University de­ clares that the Medieval Church aimed to put morality and refinement into the the world and to a large degree succeeded by "infusing it with the sense of the inalienable worth of the human soul." And by infusing it with this spirit the Church infused that same world with the spirit that in our times has given birth to the United Notions. And Professor Arthur Hadley of Yale University says: "Not only was the Church of the Middles ages the most democratic institution of Europe, but the ideals of the Church had taught men to exercise the sort of liberty which makes democracy possible." And the sort of liberty thot made the United Nations possible. And it was this spirit which the scholastic philosophers analyzed and proposed as a system of political science, and which was token over and incorporated into the constitutions of our modern democracies. Thus it is thot Walter Lippman the political Philosopher says: "The liberties we talk about defending today were established by men who took their conception of man from the great central tradition of Western civilization, and the liberties we inherit can almost certainly not survive the abandonment of that tradition." And what is this conception of man, and what is this great central tradition of Western Civilization? This concept is the Catholic concept that man was singled out among the creatures of God and given a unique dignity, that he is the possessor of inalienable rights and is bound by corresponding obligations before the tribunal of his own conscience which is the voice of God. And the centrol tradition which was the vehicle of this concept was Catholicity. The United Nations are not conceived primarily to keep armies idle, food cheap, money safe, men housed, life secure and pleasant. Those purposes are good and desirable, but they are secondary. The United Nations, as they themselves insist in their Declaration of Human Rights, have for a DECEMBER, 1952 15 task to create a world in which men will live in a manner worthy of their high dignity. This means, of course, creating material conditions in which such a life is possible, but it means first of all recognizing the dignity itself. And therefore the appropriateness of a United Nations celebration in a Church, before the altar of God. For the dignity of man is precisely in this, that he possesses a peculiar, a unique relation to God. If the purpose of the United Nations Week was to cause the interest of all the citizens of the world, then most appropriately authorities undertook to do this in a Catholic Church. There, if any place, men will recall the bond of unity by which human beings throughout the world are members of a great family, because children of the same God, endowed by Him witn the same rights and obligations, all brothers in Jesus Christ. And in a Catholic Church, if anywhere, men will remember that the United Nations in their preoccupation with the oppressed are but voicing Christ's love and respect for the individual, and have received- inspiration from Him, though perhaps unaware of the impulse. Only one thing is regrettable, that the United Nations, 'which in so many things are carrying on work begun by Christ and under the inspiration of principles established by Christ, have no place in their deliberations for the person of Christ. The United Nations have gone a long way. They will succeed only if they go all the way. St. Paul, as mentioned above, described the Christian iife as one: "where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncirtumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all and in all." The United Nations have accepted part of that definition by espousing the equal dignity of men, of all men, "nor Gentile nor Jew" "nor bond nor free." It only remains for them to accept the rest: all men equal in dignity, in rights, in peace because "Christ is all and in all." TOO BUSY He worked so hard before the feast The Christmas profits reaping. He had no time to think of Christ And spent the feast doy sleeping. L. M. H. 16 THE CROSS Cfjrfetmag in tfje $ome In every Christmas home there should be certain definite ways of preparing for Christmas. The mem­ bers of the families should work to­ gether for the spiritual welfare of one another, and one of the easiest and most appealing ways of doing this is by uniting in common, externol observances of the season of Advent. Among such observances, the follow­ ing three are recommended to all. 1 . Special family prayers during Advent. This would be a good time to start the family rosary, if it had not been the custom throughout the yeor. In reciting the rosary during Advent, the joyful mysteries should be used. If it is a daily custom to soy the family rosary in the home, the litany of the Blessed Virgin may be added just for the four weeks preceding Christmos. It will help the family to think of Christmas if a little altar Is prepared in the home, with statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph enshrined, before which the prayers are said. 2. Special practices of self-de­ nial. For example, all members of the family can agree to do with­ out dessert on three days of the week. Or oil can agree to give up candy, or eating between meals, or staying away from movies, dances, etc. during Advent. The important thing is that something be chosen os a penance thot can be agreed on by all, so that it is a family affair, and not something adopted separate­ ly by each individual. 3. Special gifts to the poor. Christmas has, throughout the oges, been a reminder of the great bless­ ing attached to giving to the poor. If an Advent altar is prepored in the home, a box may be placed upon it into which each member of the family is encouraged to drop a coin now and then, destined for the poor. Even very small children may be given coins for little chores done, with the urging that they place them in the family poor box. Then short­ ly before Christmos the sum gathered may be handed over to an organiza­ tion that works for the poor, or used to provide something needed by a poor family. Children brought up in a home that thus prepares for Christmas will never lose their awareness of the spiritual significance of the feost. And older members of families will possess far greater and deeper joy on Christmas day if they have thus awaited the renewed coming of Christ. (Liguorian). DECEMBER, 1952 17 The Last Letter To St. Francis Xavier by Rev. Francis X. Clark, S. J. The purpose of this article is mere­ ly to reproduce the exact words of St. Ignatius Loyola in his last letter to St. Francis Xovier on June 28, 1553. However, the letter cannot be understood unless a few historical de­ tails are first explained. Only then can one see why St. Ignatius wrote the letter, and what he means throughout it. In previous correspondence from India and Japan, St. Francis Xavier had explained to St. Ignatius two moin points:—the kind of missioners needed for the work, ond his plan to go to China. For in his travels throughout the Far East, Francis Xa­ vier had observed what kind of men mode the best missioners, and now they should be prepared before leav­ ing Europe for India. Further, the voyage to China seemed neces­ sary, since he could see no way of converting the Japanese unless the Chinese were first brought to Christ. In Rome, on the other hand, Igna­ tius had his own difficulties. After reading Xavier's letters on the type of missioners needed, he could see only one solution. Xovier himself should return to Europe for a while, explain in complete detail, and choose the missioners himself. Then there was another very im­ portant point. Ignatius knew from first hand experience that the King of Portugal and the Apostolic See needed to be much better informed on the situation in the Orient, be­ fore they could be expected to give their maximum cooperation to the work of Xovier. Single letters a year or two apart were not enough to enlighten them on conditions, nor to move them to carry out what was best for the work of the Missions. So on June 28th, 1553, not long after he had received Xavier's letter about going to Chino, Ignatius, ma­ turely considering the whole panora­ ma from Rome through Portugal to the Indies and beyond, realized that the many problems could be settled only by bringing Xavier back to Eu­ rope for a time. At least once be­ 18 THE CROSS fore, about the beginning of 1549, Ignatius had pionned the same move. Now he actually sends the command. Here translated from the original Spanish, is the letter which he "May the abundant grace and love eternal of Christ Our Lord alwoys help and favor us. Most Dear Brother in Our Lord: We have received here your letters of January 28, 1552 later than we should hove, because of the difficulty of travel from Portugal to Rome; and for this reason you will not have had a reply as quickly as I would wish. We understand that God Our Lord has opened the door for the preaching of His gospel and for the conversion of the people in Japon ond China by your ministry, and we are greatly consoled in His divine majesty, hoping that the knowledge of Him ond His glory may every day be further extended, and among people who can perpe­ tuate and carry forward with the divine favor what they have acquired.. It has likewise seemed to me the proper thing that you hove sent there ond to Chino Master Gaspar and others. And if you yourself have already gone to China (where you say you ore thinking of going, if things in Indio do not prevent you), that also I will approve, since I am persuaded that it is the Eternal Wisdom that is guiding you. All the same, as far as the situation can be understood from here, I judge God Our Lord will be better served in you if you will have remained in India, sending others and directing them, that they may do what you would have to do; for in this way you will accomplish in many places whot you yourself would do in only one. Still more I say: considering the greater service of God Our Lord and the help of souls in those regions, and how much their good depends on Portugal, I have determined to command you in virtue of holy obedience that, in the midst of your many journeys, you now make this journey to Portugal at the first op­ portunity of good passage. And this I commond in the name of Christ Our Lord, though it be to return promptly to India. And that you con inform those who might wish to detain you there for the good of the Indies, I will tell you the reasons that move me to this decision, os I view the situa­ tion from here ond consider likewise the good of the Indies themselves. First, you know how important for the conservation and growth of Christianity in those regions and in Guinea and Brazil is the good order which the King of Portugal can give from his kingdom. And a prince with such Christian desires and holy intentions as the King of Portugal, once informed by one who from ex­ perience knows conditions out there as well as you do, you con well think he will* be moved to do mony things for the service of God Our Lord and the help of those regions, for which you will be the representa­ tive before him. Secondly, it is important thot the DECEMBER, 1952 19 Apostolic See should hove certain and complete information about con­ ditions in the Indies, and from a person in whom it has full confid­ ence. Thus proper provision may be made for spiritual things, neces­ sary or very important for the good of this new Christian settlement and of the old Christians who live in it. Now once again you would be more suited for this task than any of the others, because of the knowledge which you have and the knowledge which others have of you. Likewise, you know how import­ ant it is for the good of the Indies thot the men who ore sent there be fitted for the work to be accom­ plished in various places. Now for this your coming to Portugal and here would help much. For not only would many more be moved to de­ sire to go there, but even among those who are moved you would see who are fit to go and who not; who would be suited for one place, who for another. And to hit the mark in this selection, you yourself judge if it is important. All thot you write from there is not enough for us here to understand, if you yourself—ar someone who like you knows conditions — do not actually treat with ond know those who have to be sent. In addition to all these reasons, all of which are for the good of India, I think you would incline the King toward the undertaking in Ethio­ pia, which for so many years now is ready to be carried out os far as our part goes, and yet no result is seen. Likewise, from Portugal you could help no little the affairs of the Congo ond Brazil, which you cannot do from Indio, since com­ munication is lacking. And if it seems to you thot your presence is important for governing there, you will be able to govern no less from Portugal than from Japan or Chino; in fact, much better. So, seeing that you have already been absent for longer periods, take this leave now. Leave there the Rectors whom you judge best, and one who will have universal chorge of all there, with the consultors whom you think suit­ ed, and God Our Lord will be with For other things I refer you to Master Polanco. From my heart re­ commending myself much to your prayers, I beg the divine goodness to give to all his plentiful grace thot we may always perceive His most holy will and fulfill it perfectly. From Rome, June 28, 1553. Once arrived in Portugal, you will be at the obedience of the King for whatever disposition he will make of your person to the glory of God Our Lord. Totally yours in Our Lord, IGNATIUS. Francis, of course, never received this letter. Some seven months pre­ vious to this very day on which Igna­ tius was writing, os Francis waited desperately on Sancion for the vessel that would carry him to Chino, God Himself had summoned him Home. 20 THE CROSS ON SANCTITY by Alice V. Guerrero Hove you ever contemplated on the meaning of the word sanctity? It has a deep significance. A host of people, heroes ond heroines of God, have lived and left the earth leaving the fragrance and benediction of their sanctity. And it is from their lives that we may derive and sum up the meaning of the word. The word sanctity implies holiness and perfection, the end and aim of our existence. Sanctity sinks its roots in the very foundations and depths of the soul. Sanctity is deep, not shallow; it is' clear ond pure, not vague. And be­ cause it is deep, it is also lasting for it pervades the whole lifetime of the individual. Sanctity i§. not a spark or the glow of an ember that dies in a moment, but it is a flame so powerful that it sets the soul and heart on fire. Sanctity governs the whole individ­ ual, every faculty of his—the mind, the will, and the heort, the seat of emotions. Sanctity is the clasped, folded hands of one deep in prayer and not the fists that clench with hatred. Love is its base and foundation for i t is the love of God which makes it bloom and blossom into it. Thus, we conclude that sanctity is spiritual perfection founded in the love of Christ. But if we wish to grasp the entire meaning of the word, wfe must first catch a glimpse of Heaven. "Joe, did you hear Eleo snoring in church this morning during the sermon? It was simply shameful, oin't it?" "Yes, yes, I did—it woke me up." ♦ ♦ ♦ A vain young clergyman asked on old man how he enjoyed his sermon. "I like one passage at the end very much," said the old man. "Which was that?" he asked. "The one from the pulpit to the vestry," said the old mon. DECEMBER, 1952 21 "We never miss the sunshine, until the shadows fall, We ne'er regret the bitter words, till past beyond recall." (Roma) Sunshine and Shadows by Mario Aurora B. Agustines When Bert alighted from the bus, it was raining. He drew his rain­ coot closer to himself and headed towards the gote across the street. Overheod, the trees thot bordered the side-walks fluttered wildly in the wind. He pushed the little gate and scurried up the garden path to the porch. Except for a light from one of the upper windows, the house wos dark. Bert wondered grimly if Nina had decided to let matters go this far. He fumbled in his pocket for the door-key. The street lamp shim­ mering through the slanting rain cast gloomy streaks on the porch woll. He slid the key into the hole; it refused to turn. He turned the door­ knob. To his surprise, it yielded. The hall was dark. No light come from the kitchen. So Nina had decided to go home to her mother, toking the children with her and forgetting to lock the door. Well, okay, Nina. It's my fault anyway Bert thought wearily. It was his fault—mostly his fault —that they had plunged into a most bitter quarrel. And it would not have started had he been more careful ond Nina had held her tongue. But they were both angry. For almost a week now, they had been discussing Lulu's going to school. The matter had almost been settled. "Mother said we should wait for another year," Bert hod remarked last night ofter Nino hod come down from the children's bedroom. "But Bert, Lulu is already six. And she's such a bright child." "She said 'twould not be good for her to stort for school so young." "Did you tell her I began when I was five?" Bert nodded. "Do you know what she said? 'Of course, Adelina was a clever child at her age. But I think Lulu took after her father who is a long way from his wife when it comes to cleverness.' " Bert had re­ peated his mother's words even to a biting tone. Nina had flushed. A deadly si­ lence had fallen on the room. When 22 THE CROSS she spoke, her voice cut coldly. "Will you tell your mother thot I can get along very well without her nice little dictations? Both of us will be much happier if she keeps that tongue of hers where it belongs. . ." "Nina!" After that had rumbled a barrage of bitter words. They flung at each other one cutting remark offer an­ other. When they went to bed, Bert knew they would spend a sleepless night. He was miserable. Of course Nino was to blame too. Her lan­ guage stung. But it was mostly his fault. He knew only too well that his mother never liked Nina. Nina and he had been married for eight years now. Yet his mother had always looked with acidness at Nina. Perhaps because she was afraid Nino might be the kind who would boss him. Nina's father was formerly governor of Zambales. Bert hod tried to convince his mother that she was wrong. But she would not listen to him. Bert switched on the lamp. Warm light flooded the room. He tiptoed up the stairs. A faint glimmer of light came from the bedroom. "Nina..." he called uncertainly. She might not be in there after all. She might hove left the light on purpose. 'Nina." He repeated soft­ ly. He wanted to odd, I'm sorry, Nina, sorry for being a fool". . . Out­ side, the rain pattered and the trees rustled in the wind. For a moment Bert stood before the closed door. Slowly he turned the knob. A muffled voice trailed out. "Bert...?" Nina was in bed. Her face even in the shadows looked pale. Instantly Bert was sorry, sorry for his own thoughts. He wanted to kick himself for mentally accusing her of running home to her mother. Bert turned on the lamp nearest the bed. The soft light fell direct­ ly on Nina's face. The blue veins shone out dangerously on one side of her white brow. "Bert." There wos an ominous gasp in her voice. Then Bert realized. Her old illness. Bert dashed downstairs. Frantical­ ly he dialed first for Dr. Gonzalez who lived on the next street, then for Nina's mother. He wanted to call his own mother. But on second thought, he decided to wait. A number of questions raced through his mind: Where are the children? Whot has happened to everybody? Why did nobody coll me up at the office? When Nina's mother arrived, he felt relieved at least . about the children. Nino's mother had gone to the house earlier in the after­ noon. She had taken Lulu and four year-old Carmencita and little Bertie, Jr. with her heme. Bert wearily trudged up the garden path leading to the back of the house. He had been at the hospital He was worried about everything. He was worried about Nina. She seemed to be going down; And he was worried about the children. For the past week, they had been with Bert's mother. * Nina had wanted it thot DECEMBER, 1952 23 woy. When he had brought her to the hospital, she had asked that the children be sent to his mother. Bert was worried especially of little Bertie who was barely ten months. And Lulu and Carmencita might be crying at night. Nina had' been at the hospital eight days now. She had had two other attacks since that day she had been first brought there. The last one had been more damag­ ing. It had weakened her consider­ ably. ' Bert slid the key into the hole. The door yielded easily. He turned on the light in the kitchen. Slowly he filled the water-pot halfway and set it over the ronge. He had not taken one squate meal these post days. He had been too worried to realize that. He settled down on the kitchen table and waited. The silence of the empty house olmost frightened him. He looked about him. The kitchen was very orderly although dusty. Of course it must be dusty. No one hod run a wet rag across the cupboard or the kitchen table or the window sills this post week. But everything was in its right plac;. Pitiful that he had never noted these things before. And the other little things that Nina did. The tidy, the orderly, the marvelous way in which she hod managed this house, their home. Bert shook his head regretfully. When Nino was well, each morn­ ing his clothes were hanging by the bed, neatly pressed, ready to be put on. Each afternoon, he'd come home to find Nino standing by the front door and the two little girls sitting on the porch-steps, waiting for him. In the evening, he'd sit down to a carefully prepared supper where the soup was just warm enough to soothe o tired man. where the slices of meat were just as ten­ der as he would have wanted them to be. At night, he'd rest his tired body on o bed that seemed to be made up of nothing but warm sheets ond soft pillows. Yet he never let Nina know thot he cared for the little, thoughtful things that she did. They were here. That was oil. He never gave them a second thought. And now, when Nina was away, he remember­ ed. He missed her. He missed the children. Now, when it was almost too lote. . . Bert rose when the water-pot begon to hiss. Gingerly, he lifted the cover. It went down again with a clatter os he let go. It scorched the tender skin of his inexperienced hand. The phone rong. Its persistent clamor resounded eerily through the quiet house. Bert dashed to the little room near the stoir. When he heard the clear, feminine voice at the other end of the line, his heart sank. "Mr. Alberto Perez?" "Yes. . .?" "This is the hospital. Will you come immediately?" Bert knew. Another attack. In a quarter of an hour, he wos at the hospital. When he saw Nina's thin, pale face, he was frozen. He was scarcely aware of the white24 THE CROSS garbed figures moving noiselessly about. An hour later, Nina was resting. She was very weak. "Bert," she whispered olmost inaudibly. "the children..." "They ore with Mother. Don't talk now, Nino. You must rest." She seemed to obey. She was very tired. But after a while, she turned again towards Bert. "Let the children stay with her." Agoin she fell silent. For a long time, she gazed at the crucifix hanging on the blue wall opposite the bed. "One more, ond I might have to go. . ." "Don't soy thot." "I want the children to love" her. That's why I want them to stay with her." Bert could not speak. He was bewildered. It was the first time Nina ever talked that way. "I'm sorry, Bert, that she does not like me. I'm sorry for what I said that night. . ." She could not go on. Two tears trickled down her white cheeks. Bert took Nina's hand. He want ed to cry too. He wanted to bury his face into the white sheets and cry. He knew Nina wos referring to thot quarrel of many nights be­ fore. Somehow, wordlessly, silently, they had forgiven each other for that unfortunate affair. He knew that thot quarrel accounted a great deal for Nina's illness. She loved Bert and it hurt her terribly to think that his own mother should ultimately be the cause of their quarrel. She wanted to love Bert's mother but the older woman was making it very difficult for her to do so. And that wos very pain­ ful for her. During the following weeks, Bert found it almost impossible to stay in the house. He was filled with a terrible loneliness thot tried to press him down. Stonding on the hall, he'd remember the sound of tiny footsteps, the gurgle of boby laugh­ ter, Nina's voice calling from the kitchen. But no, they were not there. In­ stead, the hollowness ond the grim silence of the empty house stunned him like a sharp blow. And yet, before he had never given these lit­ tle things a second thought. Now, when the children were gone ond Nina was sick almost to death, .he'd remember. . . It is pitiful when a man has reached that stage where he takes everything for granted, when he becomes carelessly, almost cruelly indifferent. Then,* when it is almost too late. . . The tiny foot­ steps, the baby laughter, the soft voice. . . they might never be here again if. . . if. . . But Bert checked his thoughts. Instead he prayed os he had never prayed before, "Let her live. Let Nina live. Give her back to us. . ." Nina stayed at the hospital for four weeks. Bert spent all his free hours with her. He hod wanted to get a leave from the office but Nino did not want him to. The children went regularly to the hospital. Be­ DECEMBER, 1952 25 cause he could no longer bear stay­ ing in the house, he finolly decided to lock it up. It had become a dark and dusty and silent place. He stay­ ed most of the time at the hospital. The day Nina left the hospital, the house became alive again. At first, although Bert wanted very much to take the children bock home, he was reluctont to do it. Nina might have a relapse with three lively little people around. But Nina would not listen to him. She was really well, she told Bert. The first afternoon Nino wos home, they gathered in the living room. Bert realized—not without a strange feeling he could not very well name—that indeed they made an ideal picture. Bert and Nina on their chairs. Lulu perched on the piano stool, trying to dish out stumbling, uncertain notes from the piano. Her tiny fingers could barely cover six keys at a time. Carmencita, trying vainly and with all her baby ingenuity to follow Lulu from one end of 'the piano. Little Bertie, Jr. was lying on a mat laid out temporarily on the linoleum. He was vigorously shaking a rattler in his chubby little honds, all the while exhibiting his two precious teeth. They made a nice family picture. "Mother, Grandma loves you." Lulu suddenly turned from the piano ond fixed her dork, round eyes at Nino. Nino tried to conceal the puzzle­ ment slowly appearing in her face. For her, that was a startling piece of revelation, the most startling she had ever received. Lulu was so un­ predictable sometimes. Bert smiled at Nina. The doorbell rang. Bert rose and heoded towards the door. "Wait here, Nina. I'll go ond see." Faint sounds of voices trailed from the porch. After a while, Bert came bock into the room. He wos carry­ ing something wrapped in paper and cellophane. "For you." He handed the mysterious gift to Nina with a boyish wink in his eye. Flowers! Nino was more puzzled —although she tried to hide it—os she took off the white paper and beheld on assortment of colors. "But Bert, who...?" "Go on, you'll find out." As Nina tilted the bouquet, a smoll envelope wedged between the flower stems fell out. It wos o getwell-very-soon card. "Oh Bert, from your mother." Bert nodded. "But I thought you told me she'll leave for the prov­ ince this afternoon." Bert nodded again Nina fumbled for the piece of paper inserted in the cord. A letter from his mother. . . ! Her eyes moved swiftly. My dear Nino, Will you forgive on old woman who is your mother and yet hos never been like one to you? When the children were with me, I learned many things I had never known before. I found out that the Nina Bert married is not after oil the snobbish and arrogant person I thought her to be. She is will­ 26 THE CROSS ing to entrust her children to her mother-in-low who had never been friendly towords her. And the children, too. Such little angels. I told myself they cannot possibly be the children of a selfish ond domineering woman. I don't know why I should know this only now. It's eight yeors now, isn't it? Per­ haps it's because from the very start I refused to know you then. I realize now I was doing you a terrible wrong, Nina. Will you forgive me? The letter was signed 'Mother'. It was brief and direct. Nina's eyes filled. It was the very first time thot Bert's mother called her 'Nina'. As though trying to show her thot she must not expect love or friendliness from her, his mother had olways persisted in calling her 'AdeNow she understood what Lulu was trying to tell her a few minutes be­ fore. Her simple ond seemingly in­ significant act of letting the children stay with Bert's mother had melted the iciness in the older woman's heart. She finally let down the bar­ rier of unfriendliness she had set up between herself and Nina. After all, Nina's illness was not all nightmare. She would never wont to be ill again. She would avoid being ill. But her twenty-seven dovs ot the hospital were not, after all, all agony. Her illness somehow help­ ed to open a pair of eyes which-hod been closed during these past eight or nine years. In fact ,it helped open two pairs of eyes. But of course, Nina could not know that yet, because the other poir belonged to Bert. "You smoke how many cigars o day?" "About ten." "What do they cost you?" "Twenty cents a piece." "My, that's two dollars a doy. How long hove you been smoking?" "Thirty years." "Two dollars a day for thirty years is a lot of money." "Yes, indeed, it is." "Do you see thot office building?" "Yes." "If you hod never smoked in your life you might own that fine big building." "Do-you smoke?" "No, never did." "Do you own that building?" "No." "Well, I do.. .Smoke?" DECEMBER, 1952 27 Better Harvests from Soil Tests by Hadley Read From Farm Quarterly Courtesy of USIS Farmers in the United States, par­ ticularly those in the midwestern agricultural State of Illinois, are re­ ceiving more practical help ond are getting better horvests every year as a result of scientific soil tests carried out by soil specialists. Since the Illinois system of soil testing is one of the oldest and best in the United States, a description of how it funcions will illustrate how the procedure can be of help to formers every­ where. The State of Illinois now has soil­ testing laboratories, owned and fin­ anced by the farmers they serve, in more than four-fifths of its coun­ ties. Most of the remaining counties are served by the existing laboratories. The first country laboratory was es­ tablished in 1944. Before that time, soil scientists of the College of Agri­ culture of the University of Illinois had conducted extensive soil-testing experiments and had amassed infor­ mation for the use of farmers for mony years. Since 1944, some 4,000,000 acres of Illinois form land hove been tested to determine needs for limestone, phosphate, and potash. In addition, the University's laboiotory, which guides the soil-testing program, has tested on additional 500,000 acres. These tests have resulted in a wellrounded program which is recom­ mended to formers interested in in­ creasing the productivity of their land. This "Illinois System of Permanent Soil Fertility" emphasizes five steps, the first of which is the actual test­ ing of all fields to determine their needs for lime, phosphate, and potash. There has not yet been developed a soil test for nitrogen which can be interpreted practically. The second step, naturally, is the application of the minerals needed in the amounts indicated by results of the test. A third step is the growing of clover, alfolfa, or other legumes' ond legume-grass combinations on each field regularly to supply nitrogen ond organic matter ond to help con­ trol erosion. Returning to the land the fertility contained in manure, straw, cornstalks, and other crop rub­ bish to supply organic motter and to conserve plant food is the fourth step. The fifth step is erosion control on 28 THE CROSS sloping land by crop rototion, contour plowing, terracing, strip cropping, ond other practices designed to hold the fertility of the soil. In essence the Illinois program is designed to increase and maintain the fertility of the whole top soil. It is successful because it has been developed by practical reseorch men working directly with the farmer. Thus, the program is one which the former can use and of which he can readily determine the volue to his own lond. "No one person can take credit for the system in Illinois," soys Dr. W. L. Burlington of the University of Illinois. "Certainly the foundation was laid down by Cyril G. Hopkins at the beginning of the century. In those years Hopkins traveled all over the State of Illinois urging farmers to apply limestone and rock phosphate to their depleted soils. Since Hop­ kins' time we have emphasized the need for feeding the soil and letting the soil feed the crop." The experience of Merlin Shike, a young former who had his soil tested in 1946, shows how the soil fertility program functions. Mr. Shike hod been getting yields below what he thought he should from his fields. After the soil test was made and he had begun to put into use the pro­ gram recommended for his farm, his yields increased, some more than 100 percent. The first step in the test is for the farmer or a representative of the soil-testing laboratory to take samples of the earth. These samples are col­ lected from various spots so thot all areas of a field will be represented. The ground is scraped clean of sur­ face litter and several bits of earth are collected ond mixed thoroughly^ Usually 1 I samples are taken for 0 40-acre farm. Mr. Shike owns 167 acres, so 45 samples were token from his form. The samples of earth are tested by experienced and qualified soil tech­ nicians, and the results of the tests are checked. Then maps of the farm are prepared. Mr. Shike received three maps, each showing needs of his land for one of the fertilizing minerals. In accordance with the showings of his maps as to the amounts of each fertilizer needed he rearranged his farm into eight fields and established an eight-year rota­ tion plan. Under the rotation pion some of his fields are being planted to legumes each year and he has scheduled the application of lime­ stone, rock phosphate, and potash to the areas needing them so that the best results consistent with his needs con be obtained. In general, the application of limestone or rock phos­ phate provides the soil with material which it will use for a perod of 10 years. In making recommendations for the use of fertilizer the soil scientist, of course, takes into con­ sideration recent applications which may have been made. Cost of making soil tests is mode­ rate particularly in the county labora­ tories owned by the farmers them­ selves. Usually this cost is more than offset by the first year's in­ DECEMBER, 1952 29 creased yield when the recommenda­ tions of the soil tester ond the coun­ ty extension agent or farm advisor ore followed. Cost of the fertilizers is, of course, greater, but increased yields soon offset this cost also. The Illinois program has been out­ standingly successful. While much of the informational materiol collected by the University of Illinois would not be applicable to soils in other latitudes and countries, nevertheless the work done there con be used as a guide by agriculturists anywhere. The first necessity for a successful soil-testing program is the collection of information about soil types and histories in the area where such a program is to be started. Then test­ ing facilities must be installed. Some of the tests ore quite simple, but all need to be supervised by thoroughly competent and trained technicians who con turn the results of their testing into practical plans for soil improvement. The increasing use of soil-testing practices by farmers interested both in improving their crops ond in main­ taining the fertility of their farm londs is evidence that the tests, when fol­ lowed by constructive action, ore of great value. Pioneers of soil testing look forward to a day when every former, no matter where his land may be; will be able to have such service. SONG OF THE STUBBORN Christmas is a stable For shepherds ond their kin; We're wise ond rich and cultured— We won't go in. Christmas is a Saviour Fair of face ond limb. Whose end will be a gibbet— We don't need Him. Christmos is o doorway For oil who, bending low, Would find the happy kingdom— Heaven?—We won't go. L. F. Hyland 30 THE CROSS THINKING WITH GOD by Francis P. LeBuffe, S. J. O God who in Your mercy sanctified the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the mystery of the Word-made-flesh, and miraculously placed it in the very bosom of the Church, grant that withdrawn oVay from the dwelling-places of sinners, we may become worthy dwellers in Your holy house.—Collect of Feast of the Holy House of Loretto, Dec. 10. Of God— who dwells beyond all space. . . who dwells within all space. . . who once dwelt in the holy house itself. . . In Your mercy— mercifully becoming mon. . . mercifully becoming Mory's Son. . . mercifully dwelling in a simple house. . . Sanctified the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the mystery of the Word-made-flesh— there the Angel saluted her. . . there Mary's question was answered. . . there Mary said her "Let it be done". . . there the Word became flesh. . . there the infant Jesus grew... there the boy Jesus ployed. . . there the carpenter Jesus worked. . . Miraculously placed it in the very bosom of the Church— where many pilgrims show their love of Mother Mary. . . where Mother Mary shows her love to many souls. . . Withdrawn oway from the dwelling-pla’ces ,of sinners— avoiding the friendship of those whose influence is harmful to us. . . shunning the homes of those whose woys are bad. . . never entering places of sordid amusement. . . We may become worthy dwellers' in Your Holy house— hereafter, in the holy house of Heaven. . . DECEMBER, 1952 31 in the holy house of the Catholic Church which is the true Church of God. . . in the holy house of our parish Church or Convent Chapel where Christ dwells sacramentally. . . Dear Mother Mary I should have liked to have lived with Jesus and you and Joseph at Nazareth. Yet I hove a chance to live with you for all eternity. But that will be my happy privilege only if I avoid sin here, and try to be more ond more like you. Please ask your Son to give me the grace to be so. SILENT CREATION Antonio Ledesma, S. J. Once more creation spins in silent night, As long ago before the cascades roared: Before Spring dressed her fields in scented rite, When earth was Wordless still and sought a Lord. God spoke to silent orbs: "Let there be light!'' And fleets of flaming stars swift-winged in flight. Tonight the hitl-fires smoulder in smothered cracks, As tight-lipped gorges muffle the spurting spring; And downy grass soft-pillows a donkey's tracks Beneath numbed cypress trees that mutely swing. God spoke: "This day have I begotten Thee!" And Virgin Silence heard and bent her knee. Amidst the noisy streets where sin is schemed, We offer You our passion-pinioned heart This innless night: a world where chaos teemed, Now a silent cave awaiting Joseph's cart. Create Your Light in darkened hearts this night! Breathe forth Your Word Whom silent hearts invite! RECKLESS DRIVING Mates who drive with one hond are headed for the church aisle. Some will walk dawn it; some will be carried. 32 THE CROSS Dear Miss Marlene, Is it proper for a girl to answer a friendly message of a new boy­ acquaintance? A young man whom I met at a friend's party seems to possess the qualities of my ideal man... He wrote me a friendly letter but I did not answer it thinking that it is improper to do so. Now he no longer writes me and I miss him. I can not enjoy parties when he is not around. Is 'this what you call love? Solitaire ' Answer: There is nothing wrong in answering a new boy-acquaintance's letter as long you maintain the reserve that is expected of a young lady. You hardly know him yet. Why not ask him to drop at your place instead of writing letters? You could discreetly tell him that in your letter. You will then be able to judge him better. Dear Miss Marlene, I am eighteen years of age. Since I was sixteen a spa?k of love has developed in the core of my being, a love that has for an object a co-ed of mine, a girl of beauty and brains, who also is on her teens. Later I got the occasion to sit beside her in our class. She then told me that we are too young to love. Instead she promised that she would open her heart to me two years later. But I retorted with a similitude saying that as we need to strenghten the budding plants in our fields lest they wither, so also we have to water and strengthen that natural feeling of man even from its very start in the fields of our heart, lest it bend to one side, insanity, or to the other, disgust. But she has not believed me and I am greatly puzzled. Fond Lover •Answer: And aren't you really still too young for those affairs? Regarding the “strengthening of the budding plants," there's nothing to strengthen as no DECEMBER, 1952 33 budding plant has cropped up yet. The girl has made that clear to you. Better wait for a couple of years more. Then she'll "open her heart" to you. Probably. Dear Miss Marlene, I have a friend with whom I fell in love, and after several months got engaged to him. He is at present studying at a university and writes me three times a month. He writes also to another girl friend of his twice a month, ond he told me not to let the green-eyed monster get into my heart. I really love him, but what is the correct way in which to avoid meeting and talking to him when he comes home for vacation? Greatly Puzzled. I suggest that you tell him "Pete, make up your mind!" It would not be green-eyed jealousy, but just plain common sense to tell thot fellow, "We're not engaged anymore; we're only friends until you prove yourself." Evidently he's just been a two-timer so far. Dear Miss Marlene, 1) Is it bad to have your picture taken when there are only three of you? What is the effect? 2) If the sacred Host sticks to the roof of the mouth after receiving Holy Communion is it a sign that we have committed many sins which are not forgiven? 3) Is it true that if you dream of somebody, he is thinking of you? 4) If you dream that you are in white is it true that you will remain a spinster or thot you will die soon? 5) Is it true that if you dream that you are taking a bath you will catch cold and be sick? 6 Is it true that all dreams come true? 7) Is it true that all first loves are bound to break up in the future? This wos told to me by an old woman. Answer: 1) A lot of pictures have been taken with three people in it. The effect: Three people in a nice picture. Nothing more. 2) Read your catechism on sin and the Holy Eucharist. 3) A lot of people hove dreamt of persons who were incapable of doing any thinking at the moment. 34 LlUKAliX THE CROSS 4) A friend of mine dreamt that she was in white. She now has a string of children and is reaching a ripe old age. 5) Maybe it is just the sub-conscious telling you that you need a bath badly. 6) If they did I should be a millionaire now. I dreamt I wan the sweepstakes every time there was one. 7) Some break up, some don't. The old woman is just warning you not to rely on first loves, until they are confirmed by a few months of observation of each other's character and habits. 6ear Miss Marlene, I am a girl of 19 and at present a third year high school student in a Catholic institution. For almost three years now, I have been engaged to a man who is at present second year in commerce in a local university in Manila. He is 24 years old, intelligent, good, and understanding. We both love each other. All my brothers, sisters and including my mother like him. But my father seems to disapprove of him because he is poorer than we are. So in order to please my father I broke my engagement with him. I even told him that I don't like to see him again, or rather not to meet me anymore. Finally, he happened to know the real cause of it. He told my friends that he still loves me as he knows that I do love him too. And now, our family is intending to transfer to a far place this coming summer vacation. If I will go with the family then, I will never see him anymore. I really love him. Is it right to go with him before that time comes, when our family will go to the said far place? Is he a. good life partner? Bonny Bones Answer: Don't desert your family for that reason. The man is still a student and not able to support you. You could request one of his confidential friends to ask him to correspond with you. You moy then get to know whether he is a good life partner or not. I can't teir it from your letter alone. Dear Miss Marlene, I am 20 years old. Two years ago I met a likeable young man who is a devout Catholic. We have now fallen in love with each other ond my family has no objection with him. Now this man has joined a newly formed praesidium of the Legion of Mary which is exclusively for men. I am also a legionary myself and we DECEMBER, 1952 35 sometimes meet in the church during our meetings and other legion gatherings. I am ashamed to let other legionaries know that we are in love with each other. Is it good to love a fellow legionary? Should I resign from the legion and stop seeing him? He joined the legion despite the fact that I told him that I would be ashamed should the other legionaries find out our relationships. B. B. A. There is nothing wrong with falling in love with a fellow legionary. Since he is now a member of the legion talk to him nicely ond tell him that you would prefer that he refroin from showing any signs of affection at gatherings and meetings. If he really cares for your feelings he will accede to your request. If he persists, an attitude of silence on your part will bring him back to his senses. Dear Miss Marlene, I am a young man of 19 and a second year college student. I fell in love with a kind ond very understanding girl with whom I later became engaged. Last year I attended a retreat held in our school. The retreat master spoke about saving souls and that our country needs more priests. I really desire to enter a religious order and my parents consented to this. But they do not know that I am engaged to a girl. What will I do now, tell my sweetheart of my plans or tell my parents of my engagement? I want really to save souls for Christ. You ‘have a noble motive for entering the religious life. Remember what Christ once said: "He who shall leave father and mother, brother and sister, friends and land for My name's- sake shall receive reward' a hundred fold"? That applies to sweethearts too. Dear Miss Marlene, I am a young lady of 18 and lost vacation a friend of my brother wrote me a friendly letter and he asked me to answer him. But a year has now passed and I have not answered him. Now I would like to be friendly with him. Should I write him a letter? The other year I was invited to a party by my auntie and was introduced to a handsome young man. He took me as his partner and he danced with me. At another party we met again but this time he did not dance with me. Last year I was chosen as a queen in Iloilo and he happened to be my consort. But after the fiesta we met at a dance but he did not take me 36 THE CROSS again os his partner. Is there something wrong with me? How can I show him that I would like to be friendly with him? Mary Ann Regarding your first question, better not answer him after such a long time has elapsed. You are liable to be embarrassed. If you care to meet him ask someone to introduce him tocyou at a gathering and there you may be able to explain why you failed to write, that is, if he mentions about the letter. Otherwise silence is golden. In your second question, something could be the matter with the man. He was your consort and as such he was etiquettely bound to dance with you. Better forget him. He is not worth it. Or is something the matter with you? Better find that out too. I can't from your letter. Dear Miss Marlene, I am planning to give religious articles to my boy-friend. But others have told me that it is a bad omen and will result in misunderstanding between couples. I would like to give my boy-friend a religious article for a Christmas gift as he is a devout Catholic. I am not superstitious, but when so many people tell me that I am prone to believe them. Sallie Answer: Certainly you are not silly enough to believe that, ore you? Let people alqpe to their own superstitions. Religious articles are a very appropriate gift for Christmos. How about trying to get one of the gifts offered by the CROSS Magazine? Just turn to the back cover. DEATH WAS A FRIEND The following descriptions, printed by the New York Times, details the remedies with which King Charles II was treated in his last illness by his physician. "A pint of blood wos extracted from his right orm, and a holf-pint from his left shoulder, followed by on emetic, two physics, and enema comprising 15 substances; the royol head wos then shoved and a blister raised; then o sneezing powder, more emetics and bleeding, soothing po­ tions, a plaster of pitch and pigeon dung on his feet, potions containing 10 different substances, chiefly herbs, finally 40 drops of extract of hu­ man skull, ond the application of bezoor stone; after which His Ma­ jesty died." DECEMBER, 1952 37 There s a lot of talk on secular music but. . . What About Church Music? by Nicolas LI. Rosa There are many things in life that we know and experience but which we cannot tell. It is related of St. Augustine thot when he wos asked on one occasion to define time, he an­ swered he could not define it al­ though he knew very well what it was. To many Catholics, Church music is one of these known but undefinable things. They hear it, like and dis­ like it, but not say what it is. And there are many others who have the impression that the priest's "Dominus Vobiscum" and the "Amen" of a choir of old men or their singing during a burial service ;s all the Church music. What an unmelodious music would it be! But somehow, everybody feels that Church music must be different from the secular; that the latest "song hit" or any love song for that matter can­ not be sung in church. For Church music is holy. Church music is holy, indeed, be­ cause it is prayer in melody. Being different from secular music by its very nature, it does not aim at an earthly effect solely for that effect, but transcends the sphere of the merely artistic to enter the domain of the spirit. Being an integral part of the liturgy, it only aims to glorify God and edify men. Perhaps we are not aware, but there is a tendency to secularize our church music just os all other fields nowadays. People in church seek to hear that which merely pleases the ear or.that which they con enjoy. They dislike Gregorian Chant, because it is not a melody to them. Not unoften, they feel that the "Tantum Ergo" or "O Salutaris" are melodies too cheap for them to sing. They prefer to hear solos thot display vocal or instrumental virtousity. We should no longer doubt that the profane has already invaded our choir lofts. It has deceived our or­ ganists and soloists with its clothing of a sacred text it has stolen from sacred books. Examples of these smuggled seculor music are the "Ave Maria's" that we know to be 38 THE CROSS Schubert's and Bach-Gounod's and which people love to hear during special occasions in church. Explain­ ing the origin of Gounod's "Ave Maria," a Jesuit Father, Fr. Ludwig Bonnin, writes, "Gounod wished to to touch the heart of Mademoiselle Philidor and wrote this beautiful con­ trapuntal melody to Bach's First Pre­ lude with the intent, using as a text for his (love) declaration, two lines of Lamartine. Fearing some difficulty, the young lady's mother substituted the words of the Ave Maria for the burning line of Lamartine. Gounod, when shown this adaptation, realized the value of the setting, re-touched it and adopted it as his own now famous 'Ave Maria'. (Ludwig Bon­ nin, S. J., CECILIA, May, 1933) Discovering to us the origin of Schubert's, the editor of the "Cecilia", an American bi-monthly review of Church music, tells us, "In the year 1825 Franz Schubert com­ posed a number of songs from Walter Scott's 'Lady of the Lake' and dedi­ cated them to the Countess Sophie Van Weissenwolf. Among these songs was one entitled 'The Hymn to the Virgin'. Schubert had no inten­ tion whatsoever to compose this song for church use. We do not know the individual who first conceived the idea of discarding the lines of Walter Scott and putting the Latin words 'Ave Maria' in their place. At all events we are confronted here with a speci­ men of secular music being smuggled tinder false pretense into the Lord's sanctuary. ... To be sincere, the publisher ought to say on the title­ page: this is one of Schubert's secular songs, fitted out with Latin words." From these testimonies, indeed, it. is clear that these compositions can­ not find a place in our churches. Will our soloists be deceived again? Even the bridal marches—"Lohen­ grin" and Mendelssohn's—which our organists play when the bride goes up the aisle to meet the groom and when they march down after the ceremonies, ore excerpts from operas. Are not our organists aware that the church is not a theater but a holy place of which the reverent should exclaim with Jacob, "How terrible is this place! This is no other but the house of God, and the gate of heaven. ((Gen., xxviii, 17) The holiness of ecclesiastical music excludes everything profane ond secu­ lar. . It is what makes the sweet melody of Lizts' "Dream of Love" or the dreamy "Beautiful Dreamer" ab­ solutely unfit to clothe fhe sacred text of the "Panis Angelicus" or "Tantum Ergo". It is this element that makes any melody originally intended for a love declaration totally unworthy to blend with the angelic salutation. A prelate hit the nail right on the head when he pointed out that the reason why Church music is at such a low ebb in many of our churches is that the distinction between music secular in character and what :s truly ecclesiastical is not always ob­ DECEMBER, 1952 39 served. All music is not Church music, indeed, although all Church music is music, hence, strictly an art. For it is the sincere expression of -truth ond beauty. It declares the beauty of holy things. It expresses the Divine truths in its own forceful, meaning­ ful way. It is holiness wedded to melody. It is this unique character of Church music which explains why some persons who happen to drop in at a chapel of cloistered nuns for benediction ore deeply touched, an experience which transcends the mere satisfaction of the hearing. In fact, Mozart, whom not a few music his­ torians consider as the greatest musical genius the world has yet seen, was said to have been so impressed when he heord the preface of the Mass sung that he cried, "I would have been rather the composer of the preface than of all my works!" And a Jew of no mean musical talent, when he heard for the first time the Gregorian Chant, exclaimed, "Most beautiful music I've heard in all my my life!" These remarks are hardly believ­ able to quite many people who have often heard Church music sung unartistically. For whot philosophers say "Optimi corruptio pessima" (The corruption of the best is the worst) is also true in this case. But this does not mean that Church music is imperfect and to be abhorred. For whot is imperfect is the execution and not the thing executed. Here, in­ deed, arises the necessity of forming choirs and training singers able to satisfy the demands of sacred art— an ardous task which is left to our busy pastors and their assistants and which calls for a good deal of good­ will and patience and the monetary element. There are many parishes that count with good choirs. But there are, unfortunately, more parishes that do not. At the heod of our parish choirs are usually laymen colled "moestros" or "maestros" who have acquired a knowledge of Church music from experience solely, hence, lack the necessary technical element. The singers, more usually, are wo­ men who are all goodwill but who do not necessarily have the qualifica­ tions to sing. And what shall we say of some parishes that have a "choir" but which is only staffed with an organist and a singer? Although today the Church en­ courages the formation of good choirs, she does not, in any way, discourage congregational singing. On the con­ trary. For community singing is even more in accordance with the tradition and spirit of the Church whose eorly members, living a life' of an ideal community, prayed together, sincerely loved one another, song together the same songs that expressed their keenest love for God. "The unity of faith, of heort, of cult," writes a certoin Fr. Bruner, C. Ss. R., "is paralleled by the unity of a song. A congregation chanting is never 40 THE CROSS divided against itself. When all voices are blended in the same melo­ dious expression of common worship, hearts and minds are drawn together in the bonds of Faith and charity. This is true of the faithful among themselves. It is true even more of priest and people." With this and other salutary ef­ fects, congregational singing should be stressed more nowadays when the faithful are being drawn farther and farther away from the unity of the Church by the selfish, individ­ ualistic world. In this way,' we shall get them to love Church music and everything that it stands for. Then will they prefer not to hear a solo from the choir-loft which sometimes possesses more qualities of an aria than an 'Ave Maria," as we have already noted. There has been a move made recently to make Manila a music art center in the Far East just as Vienna was in Europe before the war. If secular music merited interest in our people, why not Church music that is more pleasing to God? Or is our 'indifference to sacred music only a faithful shadow of the spirit of our times? It is hightime that Catholic Philip­ pines also started a move to put to practice the desires of the Church in the field of sacred music, which is but another means to bring souls nearer to God. Choirs are to be formed and reformed; organists- to be trained and re-trained; the faith­ ful to be taught to let go their sentimental or erroneous outlook on Church music. For only then shall our people appreciate and love Church music, not for its being sweet and melodious, but for being what it is —a prayer, twice pleasing to God. Mrs. Hooplemeyer wos awakened late one night by a knocking on the door. Sticking her head out the window, she called, "Who is it? What do you wont?" "Are you Mrs. Hooplemeyer?" the man on the .step asked. "Yes." "Well, I'm Mr. Kelly from the pool room up the street. Your hus­ band ploys poker there every evening." "Vel, I know dot." "He was playing tonight and lost $2,000." "Mein Gott, $2,000! He should drop deod." "That's what he did, modom. Goodnight." DECEMBER, 1952 41 8e 7lot /?elot)eo) Abel Guevara This be the tale I whisper A tale of yesteryears: When the earth was dry and barren And the earth was cold and dark, The east was flushed with starlight And a winding trail revealed That led to a little cavern Where lay a little Babe. Then did brightness wash the heavens, Then did music sweep the hills, And the springs of earth were opened And the grass grew green again. This be the tale I whisper Softly to your ears Now that they say the springs are drying And the grass is growing sere. Be not afraid, beloved, In the darkness and the cold. There is light in the east, beloved, There is music in the hills, And the winding trail is open To those who do not fear, For brightly lit is the cavern still Beloved, where the Infant lies asleep, Sweetly waiting, waiting, waiting As of yesteryears... 42 THE CROSS Clara By PETE A holy Christmas to all! We are telling you this in advance and hope that you will all keep it that way. Sounds too pious? It's but plain horse_sense. If you never linked the thought of Christ intimately with that of tfie Christmas season then its most likely that you have taken on the pagan concept of Christmos. For example. Take the case of Santa Claus (there's an article about him in this issue). A stroll downtown any day during a Christmas season will unroll before your eyes a horde of effigies of this hoary-bearded old man in a red suit plastered in everv department store window. And if you remember well some one has said that Santa Claus is a contraction of the real St. Nicolas of Bari, whose feast is celebrated on the sixth of December. Obviously some one has got the dotes badly mixed up, Santa Claus coming out on the day Our Lord did. Someone very tactfully complained thot we are giving too much, room One Maria Clara wrote that she rather liked the new lot better if she knew for sure Pete & Pat are caught in between. for Moria Clara. feature.... although she would feel a if the authors were male or female. And Quo vadimus? The safest road is most likely the give Maria Clara more attention than world, we will try as much as possible But first here are a few tips on SEWING HINTS On choosing materials 1 . Choose your material and don't let the material choose you. 2. The easiest material for a be­ ginner is a small all-over print. middle one. While we will not she deserves, in a great mon's to give Maria data her due share. the needle and thread. 3. Discover your best colors by try­ ing on colors. 4. If you intend to wear the colors in daytime look at it in bright daylight. 5. If the color is to be worn in DECEMBER, 1952 43 oF 1952 and PAT the evening see how it oppears under artificial light. 6. Dark colors moke the pleasingly plump quite a bit less plump. 7. If you are tiny and afraid you'd be overlooked try bright colors which will attract attention to 8. A becoming moterial is olso one which hongs well on your figure. 9. If you ore of average height and weight you can wear almost any fabric, stiff or clinging, thin or heavy, crisp or soft. 10. If you hove ten pounds more than you really need do not wear taffeto, heavy silk satin; heavy woolen materials, organde or denim, but rather wear, rayon silk or thin woolen crepe, smooth-surfaced woolen, cotton such os lawn muslin, dimity, linen, seersucker, pique and other woven materials of me­ dium weight. It is strange in this predominantly masculine world, that when a wo­ man gets more attention, men complain. In Germany, when the men were thrown out of their jobs because women were found more efficient and resourceful, men complained. The women should stay home! Leave the world for men. . . and we'll move it for them. . . and so the Germans, under the leadership of Hitler tried to move it. . . almost to eradication! How are you getting on your "Belen" for this Christmas? It would be a nice idea to give it variations this time. Of course it is less troublesome to put the same one of last year's, but a new one now and then gives it some added interest. The following is another brainstorm of our sincere Maria Clara who believes most unwaveringly that the easiest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Try it for size, and see if you can stomach this 44 THE CROSS one. It looks kind of salty on paper, but this Moria Clara emphatically asserts, it looks different on the dining table. So here it is. HOW TO PREPARE SWEET­ COVER-PICKLE The following procedure of pre­ paring sweet-cover-pickle has been found practical and can easily be prepared at home: 1 . To about 5 liters of water, odd 2 kilos of solt, then boil for 30 minutes. Set aside this solution to cool ond to allow the salt which remains undissolved to settle. De­ cant the clear solution into another container once cooled. This will be the stock solution of brine water. 2. Boil about I liter of water and cool; add one-fourth liter of the cooled water to three-fourths liter of the stock brine water to make 1 liter of brine solution. 5. To every liter of diluted brine solution, add and dissolve 4 level tablespoonfuls of brown sugor and 2-}- level teaspoonfuls of potassium nitrate or "salitre". If one liter of the diluted brine water is not suf­ ficient to keep the dressed chicken entirely submerged, another one or two liters of the brine solution should be prepared using the same propor­ tion of sugar and potassium nitrate 4. Place the brine solution in a new earthen pot and immerse the clean dressed fowl into this solution for 4 days consecutively. At the end of the fourth day, remove the fowl from the solution, wash and hang to drip. 5. Then smoke it for one day placing fresh guava leaves over burn­ ing charcool embers. 6. After this treatment, let the ham dry in the same "smoke house", without smoking, for another The smoke house and drier can be fashioned out of two empty oil drums whose covers have been com­ pletely removed. Place one on top of the other, and one or ,two pairs of holes bored through opposite sides of the top drum. Hove you ever heard of this? Brushing the teeth before Mass in order to receive Holy communion is recommended. At first it looks like vanity, but it is not. In fact Christ washed the feet of His apostles during the last supper in order to show that God expects us to be clean in body and soul when we receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. Just note how clean must the chalice be for the reception of the wine which is to be transformed into the Blood of Christ. Try brushing your teeth. Don't be too scrupulous. Spit put all the water you use to wash your mouth with ond stop worrying. Any amount swallowed is negligible. Christmas dishes in the following? DECEMBER, 1952 45 CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING 8 oz. moist sugar 8 oz. finely chopped suet 8 oz. seedless roisins 8 oz. plums halved and stoned 8 oz. currants washed and dried 4 oz. shredded mixed candied peel 4 oz. flour 4 oz. bread crumbs 2 oz. almonds, blanched and shred­ ded Grated rind of one lemon 3 eggs Saltspoonful grated nutmeg 1 /2 teaspoon salt 1/4 pint milk Small wine glassful of brandy Mix all dry ingredients together, stir in well-beaten eggs, milk and brandy. Turn mixture into two well-oreased basins, steam from 5 to 6 hours. Serves 8 to 9 persons. For a really spectacular effects, pour brandy over the plum pudding just before serving, ond light. Serve flaming. 1 1 /2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon allspice 1 /2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 /2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 /2 teaspoon cloves 1 /4 cup orange or grape juice Cut up fruit peels; halve cherries, nut meats, and dates; cut pineapple and citron the size of almonds. Dredge fruits in 1/4 cup of flour. Cream shortening and sugar; add honey, then eggs, and beat well. Add flour sifted with dry ingredients alter­ nately with fruit juice; beat thorough­ ly. Pour butter into pans; do not flatten. Bake in slow oven (250°) 3 to 4 hours. Place pans containing 2 cups water on bottom shelf of oven while baking. If decoration of al­ monds ond cherries is used, place on cakes ot end of 2 hours. If desired, pour brandy over cake and wrap in a brandy-soaked cloth. Store in a covered contoiner in a cool place. CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE 1/2 pound candied cherries 1/4 pound walnut meats 112. pound pecan meat 1 /2 pound pitted dotes J74 pound preserved citron 1/2 pound seeded raisins 1 /4 pound lemon peel 1 /4 pound orange peel 1/4 cup flour 1 /2 cup sugar 1 cup butter I/2 cup honey 5 well beaten eggs Soft drinks thot' may go with the above delicacy PINK LEMONADE I 1/3 cup lemon juice 3 cups water 2/3 cup maraschino cherry sirup Sugar sirup Moraschino cherries Lemon slices Combine lemon juice, water and cherry sirup. Sweeten with sugar sirup. Serve in tall glasses with ice cubes. Garnish with cherries and lemon. Serves 8. 46 THE CROSS Hi Kids! Z)he Chaperone Pen Pal Column conducted By AUNT LUISA Gosh, how time flies. . . why, it's Christmos again!!! Isn't it simply great to be alive? Isn't it simply wonderful to spend these beautiful days before Christmas with Mary and Joseph. . . eagerly, anxiously, waiting for the Christ Child to come into our hearts again? Wow. . . just look ot that pile of Christmas cards on my desk! ot that! But. . . but it's simply very heartwarming to see how all of you think of one another. You con just imagine the fun I'm having forward­ ing your letters. Tut. . . tut. . . it's no trouble at all, no trouble at aU. Why, I can spend hours re-addressing your cards. Let me see. . . hmmm, this card goes to somebody down in Davao. . . and this one, sniff, sniff,. . reminds me of a big red rose. . . oh, it is for Chorito U-101. Gee, I'm very sure she will be extremely happy to receive this cord. Y' see, kids, she is going to undergo a very delicate send her some magazines, please soy an extra-special prayer for her, huh? Oh, by the woy, those of you who are going home to the provinces this Christmos season, do send me your vacation addresses before you leave. You want to receive your cards on time, don't you? Whot do you know, Genie L-110 is finally back in town after a sixmonth stay in the Stotes. . . Welcome home, deor,... bet you ore simply a-bubbling with news about your re­ cent trip. Has anybody heard from our assets abroad, Anthony U-100, Josie J-107, and Cerila F-103? Do share the news with us. Everybody Speaking of friends abroad, I guess we'll have to wait for sometime be­ operation sometime this month. - You will be doing her a perfect act of charity, indeed, if you drop her a line or two of cheer. If you can fore we can finally publish lists of names of foreign' pen-pals. Y' see, we are trying to establish some connectiohs with the Chaperon Club of the Extension Magazine in the United States. It is olso a Catholic pen-pal club which functions very much like ours and whose members come from the different parts of the world. If any of you knows some boys ond DECEMBER, 1952 47 girls who ore interested in exchanging letters with us, or if any of- you comes across lists of names of for­ eign pen-pals in the mogazines you read, do send those lists to me. I understand thot a number of young people are very eager to join our family but are quite in doubt as to the best means of how to go about it. Well, here's how. . . Write the Chaperone a howdy note and tell her such things os your age, your school, your occupation, your hobbies, your pet peeves, your favorite bosket­ ball teem and oh, anything that you feel like telling old Aunt Luisa. En­ close a fifty-centavo worth of stamps and presto! she'll see to it thot you meet the right kind of pen-chum. I would appreciate it very highly, indeed, if those of you who send your letters to the Australian giris through me would enclose sixty cents worth of stamps thot is if you want me to send your letters via airmail. Say "howdy" to the following peo­ ple. . . Lucito S-1 19 decided to throw in with us to breok the monotonous hospitol life. He is now confined in the V. Luna Hospital. Well. . . what are you waiting for, kids? We con not offord to fail him now. Potenciano F-106, enrolled four of his friends. First among them, is Gloria W-ICO who spends most ot her time writ­ ing letters now that she is out of school for a much needed rest. Cresencia R-11 7 just finished her AA and intends to toke up journoiism next year. Heading the list of our new mem­ bers for this month is onother sail-ho lad, Tarlac-born, Lucito S-119 who is ot present ot the V. Luna Gen. Hospital. Welcome to the fomily, Lucito. How would you like ex­ changing sea-tolk with Emetrio M106 ond Jesus M-109 who are both sail-ho lads, too? Down from Legaspi city came a very breezy letter (ala typhoon "Trix") from Chita U-104. Chita, is a sophomore—commerce student at the Legaspi College. Loves writing letters, reading novels and listening to radio request programs. Nenito C-129, who has been on avid reader of our column for the pact months, finally decided to hop right into the Chaperone bandwagon before she misses anymore fun. A senior in one cf the Cathoiic schools in Torloc she likes to sing, to dance ond to engage in Catholic action work. Teresita U-102, recruited two more young ladies who are both her classmotes at the Ateneo de Cagayan. Tsk. . . tsk. . . did I hear somebody howl in protest? Sure they attend closses ot the Ateneo Cagoyanbranch, in the afternoons, thot is. Vicky N-105 is a senior-B. S. E. ond what do you know, she not only sings but ploys the guitar too! Eleanor P-112 is’ a perfect example of teenager moderne. . . simply loves to dance, the boogie specially, plays the piano, sings. . . favorite sport? Why, bowling of course! A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!! 48 THE CROSS He planted the Faith on the Pacific shores and he has' been called California's Favorite Son From the Columbian When the delegates to the conven­ tions, and their friends, arrive in Cali­ fornia, they ore bound to moke the acquaintance of Padre Junipero Serra, O.F.M., the Founder and first Pres­ ident of the California Missions. That zealous Franciscan is regarded as California's greatest pioneer and most esteemed citizen. His spirit lives on, not alone in the Franciscan brethren who are his spiritual successors, but likewise in the remnants that remain as testimonials to his untiring labors, as well as in the monuments that have been erected to honor his name and to perpetuate his memory. It is a far cry from 177), when San Gabriel was founded, to 1952, when the Knights of Columbus con­ vene in Los Angeles; there is startling contrast between the crude Indian villages and the fabulous suburbs of the modern metropolis. Such im­ pressions are revised, however, when the tourist and the resident alike come to know intimately this Mollorcan juniper, who, though small of stature, was a giant by every other rule of measure. Did he not ever stand for progress? Was he not al­ ways laboring for expansion and dev­ elopment? Was not his life-long mis­ sionary motto already formulated in the farewell letter to his parents: "Always go forward ond never turn back!" His personal reaction to the Bay of San Francisco, when first he stood above the Golden Gate, reflected the same apostolic impatience: "If we are to go farther, we must to boots"; for he envisioned missions os far as north Alaska. Serra was Christ's planner and God's plotter in planting the Cross along what wos, a hundced and sev­ enty years ago, only rugged coastline and barren wilderness. Were he to tread el camino real anew from San Diego to San Gabriel, I feel he would prove the some divine schemer he had been in 1774. After completing the herculean task -of leading Juan Bau­ tista de Anza across the Mojave de­ sert to San Gabriel, Fray Francisco Garces, O.F.M., had continued on to San Diego to visit the revered 'Padre Presidente. The Apostle and the Knight-Errant of California then walk­ ed together from the Mother of the Missions to the Pride of the choin. DECEMBER, 1952 49 Their conversotion is unrecorded, but the burden of their heorts is known ond the zeal of their lives remains on inspirotion. Gorees, familiar with the Arizona missions, ond Serra, Fother of those in California, must have mopped the strategy—a mission­ ary pincer movement—for the future missions to be established along the King's Highwoy. They must likewise have envisioned further cbminos, mov­ ing eastward; for, little more than a year later. Fray Francisco Gorees wos destined to penetrate Son Jooquin volley for the first time and to in­ dicate a location near the modem city of Bakersfield as a site suitable for a mission. Perhops it is because Serro would feel so ot home in modern California, and discover so many outlets for his boundless energy in our twentieth century, thot we in our turn feel so at home with him and his eighteenth century world. Certainly he fits into modem civilization, which will not al­ low his memory to fade. Thot day he tramped from San Diego to Son Gobriel, he had been in Californio only five years, during which time he had erected as many missions. When Garces returned to California two yeors later, guiding the second Anza expedition across* the desert for the founding of San Francisco de Asis, Fray Junipero was in the south clear­ ing the site and blessing the ground for Son Juan Capistrdho. .Two more missions, Santa Clara and San Buena­ ventura, and the royal presidio chapel of Santa Barbara, the aging Padre was to found before the angel of death hovered over his pallet at his beloved Carmelo in 1784. A decade and a half venerable "el Viejo," as he was affectionately known to his Indian charges, lived and labored in California. He estab­ lished nine of the twenty-one mis­ sions, which under his prudent ad­ ministration developed into thriving communities. At each visit to those growing centers he noted with pious pride the number of baptized Indians, until the registers listed 5,800. Dur­ ing his several painful journeys from Son Francisco to San Diego, his priest­ ly heort overflowed with gratitude as he brought 5,307 of those neophyte converts to supernatural maturity by administering to them the sacrament of Confirmation. The Cross he had planted securely and Christ he had enthroned in real churches, demon­ strating unto the end that "as long as life lasts. . .1 will do all I can do to propagate our holy Faith." Fifteen years constitute little more, than the fifth part of a life thot is counted in seventy yeors ond one. Fully to appreciate the zeal and eval­ uate the fruits of the most memorable decade and a half of Serra's life, we must recall the antecedents. The future Colonizer of California was bom in Petra, Mallorca, November 24, 1713. In the neighboring city of Palma, at the age of seventeen, Miguel Josh's name was changed to Juniper, when he received the habit of Saint Francis, girded himself with the white cord and donned the fam­ iliar open sandals. During the course of his studies for the priesthood, 50 THE CROSS Serra reveoled the exceptional mental ability which won for him the doc­ torate in Sacred Theology. After he had been ordained a priest, Serra was chojen to occupy the choir of Scotistic Theology in the Lullian Uni­ versity of Palma. His learning in the lecture hall and his eloquence in the pulpit combined to earn him insular renown. Successful in his work and happy amid his surroundings. Padre Junipero appeared destined to ec­ clesiastical preferment on the Ba­ learic Island thot was his homelond. Behind the scholarly mien and un­ der the exemplary religious observ­ ance, however, there was a restless­ ness that increased rather than dim­ inished with the passing years. The setting went back some nineteen yeors to the days when he had first donned the habit of the Poverello. His favorite reoding then had been the lives of Franciscan saints and among these he cherished most the biographies of the missionary heroes, ■fhe fire thus kindled was steadily fed by the stories and rumors that drifted across the Atlantic during that hey­ day of Spain's far-flung empire. The missionaries going to the Indies and those returning from the fields afar hod ever captured his imagination and enkindled his zeal. The perplexed professor discerned the clear call of God's loving Provid­ ence when his friend and former pupiL Fray Francisco Pal6u, revealed to him the kindred desire of sailing to New Spain. Preparations were hastily made and arrangements quick­ ly handled so that they could embark on the ninety-nine day voyage on August 30, 1749. Upon docking ot Vero Cruz, on December seventh, Serra insisted on walking the three hundred miles to the shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe. It was on this pilgrimage that his leg was injured. The wound was to harbor a persistent pain and be a continual penance for some thirty-five years. In Mexico City, the youthful mis­ sionary entered the Apostolic College of Son Fernando, where he received the proximote preparation for his ac­ tual labors among the notives. Dur­ ing his brief six months in that're­ nowned monastery, the former pro­ fessor edified the community by the promptness and regularity of his reli­ gious life. Shortly, he wos assigned to the mountoinous Sierra Gorda re­ gion. Up tortuous footpoths he trudged, a song in his heart that at long last his cherished desire was realized: "...the office of apostolic missionary... is so high an honor that I could wish for nothing, more. . . . There is my life, and there with the help of God, I hope to die." Serra's Dream of Martyrdom The idealized picture, enhanced by the report that there were a thousand Christians in the region, gave way to stork realism when the Friar leamt that not an Indian had made his Easter duty. Methodically, the fire­ brand set about his task of bringing home the faith to these simple, un­ appreciative children. He dramatized the feasts of the liturgical year, he led their songs and gradually they came to realize the beauteous depth DECEMBER, 1952 51 and the dizzying heights of God's love. Eight full yeors he labored selflessly in’thot remote region. When he was summoned from the mountain fastnesses, in 1759, he could report to his superiors that not a single native remained unbaptized in the district, which now boasted five mis­ sions, ambitious in size and of sturdy yet ornate construction. If his heort had sung os he first wended his way to Santiago de Jalpon, his feet were winged with ex­ pectancy as he departed. Two Fran­ ciscans had recently been killed in Texas. Serra wos being summoned to replace one of them. For the second time in his life, it seemed as though his dream of martyrdom might find fulfillment. Gladly, therefore, he parted from the little fock with which he had become, enamored. As he stretched out his eager arms to clutch the crown of death for Christ, it was snatched from his reach. His appoint­ ment had been reconsidered and he was now commissioned to preach mis­ sions to the faithful in Mexico. Again, it was a strenuous opostolate: travel that was perilous and un­ comfortable, arduous preaching that sapped his energy, private interviews to settle knotty problems and lengthy hours in the confessional, dispensing God's tireless mercy. It was arduous work, but then the holy Padre was once to write that he had stricken the word "rest" from his vocabulary for the duration of his earthly exist­ ence. Even heaven accepted the Friar's surrender of rest ond leisure; for now, at the age of fifty-five, after seven­ teen laborious years of service in New Spain, his responsibilities were increased. In 1767, the King of Spain banished the Jesuits from his domains; other religious orders were to take over the administration of their enterprises. The thirteen mis­ sions of Baja (Lower) California were assigned to the Franciscans of San Fernando College. The presidency over the territory ond the fifteen mis­ sionaries was confided to Padre Juni­ pero Serra. Scarcely had the greying Franciscan taken over this administration, when his life's great ambition, that of opening g new territory, found un­ expected opportunity: Don Jose de Galvez invited Serra to join him in planning the occupation of Alta (Up­ per) California. Although Spain had been interested for some two hundred and twenty-five years in the area covered by the modem state of Cali­ fornia, there had been no compelling incentive to prompt the colonizing of that land. Now, however, because the Russian Bear was stalking across the top of the world threatening to found fur settlements along the west­ ern slope of North America, Charles III commanded his viceroy to act. Toking the key points that had been indicated by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 and. by Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602, Serra and Gdlvez decided upon three initial missions: San Diego de Alcold, San Carlos de Borromeo at Monterey, and a third midway between the two ports. The plans were diligently drawn, 52 THE CROSS the supplies were carefully gothered ond the first expeditions to occupy Upper California set out by land and sea in 1769. Sanguine expectations were abruptly chilled at the rendez­ vous in San Diego, where it was learned that the seo expedition had met all but disoster during the voy­ age. Portola's trek to Monterey en­ countered disappointment, when the explorers failed to recognize the boy that had so thrilled Vizcaino. Mean­ while, the supply ship, Son Antonio, had not put into Son Diego. The occupation, begun omid such enthusi­ asm, appeored doomed to dismal fail­ ure, os the discouraged commander announced that the project would have to be abandoned ond the colon­ ists must return to Mexico. Serro was determined thot this opportunity to win California to Christ would not slip through his fingers. He begged Portola to ollow time for a novena to Saint Joseph, in order that Provid­ ence might save the expedition which had already cost so much in lives and energy. On March 19, 1769, San Antonio hove into sight and Cali­ fornio's occupation wos guaranteed o Spanish culture and a Catholic civil­ ization. The next fourteen years proved strenuous but rewording. A rugged wilderness was transformed into habit­ able territory, with ever expanding plans so thot eventually the sentinels along el camino reol would stand a day's journey aport. Is it surprising that when Serro met Garels in 1784, these kindred souls should already envision the second chain of missions eastwords? Yes, Junipero Serra would be ot home in the Colifornia of 1952. The speeding traffic might startle him; the senseless preoccupation for the riches of this world might perplex him, but there would be so much with which he is fomilior thot he would adjust his mentality to the twentieth century. The missions, some founded with his own hands, others the fruition of his far-reaching plans, would bring tears to his soulful eyes. The litany his heart had sung, ond which he begon to transcribe, is'still inscribed on the scroll which is the modern state of California. The sea and the mountains, the birds and the flowers, which hod offorded him true Franciscan joy and at-home-ness the universe, are still here in their varied beauty ond harmony. The Indians have dwindled in num­ bers, but their traditions ore the har­ vest of Serra's sowing. The principal opostolate now is among the natives who ’ have sup­ planted the aborigines: millions of Americans to be held in Christ's lov­ ing embrace; millions more who know not the Liege-Lord, Whom this ro­ mantic soul served so chivalrously. Serra would look around, thank God for the opportunity ot hand and begin where he hod left off; for his own prophetic words would ring in his ears: "There the crosses remain, but there is not one to explain their meaning to these poor people, but I hope in God that this will be done in time." DECEMBER, 1952 53 Many Memorials To His Name El Viejo, however, would be em­ barrassed to find himself in such con­ stant demand. He had once written: ". . . there is no reason why my name should be mentioned, except for the blunders I may have committed in doing the work." But today, he would hear his name mentioned reverently by every child who has reached the fourth grade of grammar school. He would read the familiar word SERRA, ernblozoned from one end of the Gol­ den State to the other: streets bear his name, and buildings are identified by his title; high schools, theoters and a retreat house are dedicated to his memory; his picture is found in pub­ lic buildings ond class rooms, his like­ ness hos been woven into stoinedglass windows, while statues stand in public parks ond on thoroughfares teeming with troffic. He would no doubt be interested in the modern growth of the United States and be overjoyed to learn thot the State of his opostolate was the thirty-first to enter the Union. He would be speechless, however, to discover that his grateful fellow citizens in Cali­ fornia had chosen him as one of their two favorite sons to stand in Statuary Hall 'of the Notion's-Capitol. The humble, self-effacing Friar would receive his greatest shock in picturesque Santa Barbara. He would be impatient to visit that Queen of all the Missions; for he had employed all his powers of persuasion ond exerted all his influence, urging its foundation. His joy would be full when he learned that here the cor­ ridors have felt uninterruptedly the familiar tread of sandaled feet ond that in this, California's first cath­ edral, the sanctuary lamp has never burnt out. Here is the mother house whence developed the Franciscan Province of Californio—which he hod prophesied—dedicated to his beloved Santa Bdrbora. He would explore every nook and cranny with joy until, with something of terror, he opened the files labeled "Junipero Serro documents" and entered the special office, designated "Serra Cause." He would drop into a chair and with unwiliing ears would learn of the diligent lobor and careful scholarship that his Franciscan brethren have ex­ pended to bring him to the honors of the altor. He would shake his head incredulously os he was in­ formed thot for ten years and longer, the lengthy preparation of the most complicated legal process hos been going on in order that some day Christ's Vicar may trace oround his head the halo of a canonized Saint. Thot blessed day of Serra's glori­ fication can best be hastened by in­ cessant prayer thot God may deign to effect the signs ond wonders which will indubitably point out California's Apostle as a Saint in glory. The ever increasing number of fovors, attrib­ uted to Junipero's intercession, are encouraging indications that persever­ ing proyer is being answered. 54 THE CROSS "Eternity is a long time" for Romance at the SSCA by Rev. Herbert O'H. Walker, S.J. from the Queen’s Work I was seated in a yawning leather chair a few yards from the elevator doors on the first floor of Hotel Mor­ rison in Chicago. We had worked diligently all afternoon setting up our exhibits ond everything was in readi­ ness for the formal opening of the SSCA in the morning. It wos grati­ fying now to sit back, relax, and catch the first joyful cries of surprise and appreciation of the teen-agers as the elevotor doors opened upon the glory of the Mural Room and the Sodality displays. Wide-eyed with excitement, drink­ ing in the beauty of the place, they slowly gravitated over the bollroom floor where an informal, get-acquainted dance was in progress. The registration desk, just off the Em­ bassy Room on the mezzanine, wos open and many of the lads and lassies were flashing their name cards. Happy, smiling, well-mannered, ond beautifully dressed, they arrived in a steady flow, stepping lightly from the five elevators that were servicing this section of the building. I had a stack of cards on the toble beside me, and now ond then 'when a group paused to chat, I would in­ quire about their home town, school, how they enjoyed the trip to Chicago, and sign up one of them to be a coeditor for The Queen's Work dur­ ing the coming year. I had just finished greeting a fine group of sharp-looking boys when an elevator door flashed open and five pretty girls in party dresses came into the room. Al Goodmoor, wb.o was bent over filling out a coeditor cord, and I looked up and caught their smiles. They hurried over to say hello. "Girls," I said "I know you want to meet Al here. He is going to be a coeditor next year on TOW." Al straightened up: "It's a pleasure," lie beamed. The girls smiled up to him and then looked from one to another until a brave little spirit with mis­ chievous blue eyes and brunette hair spoke up. "We're from Goretti Acad­ emy," she cheered. "And from left to right we ore Ruth Doherty, Mary Wilson, Henrietta Smith, Donna DECEMBER, 1952 55 Holmes, and I'm Noreen Collohan. Isn't it just thrilling? And we don't know a soul." Al looked across the carpeted flpor­ ing and sow his pals watching the dancers. "Hey, Pete and Joe," he called, "bring the fellows over here." Quickly he filled in the remaining information on the card and then led the -Goretti girls over to meet his friends. I watched as they joyfully went through the introductions and with a lot of excited, nervous laughter paired off and began dancing. Soon they were out on the huge floor and lost among the hundreds of moving bodies. The next morning os I waited ot the door of the Walnut Room to start my lecture on editing Sodality papers, Noreen stopped to talk. "You know whet?" she soid. 'That A.I Goodmoor is a cute fellow. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I hod to be eter­ nally grateful to you for introducing us?" "It certainly would," I agreed. "I'd expect you to drop by ond say ycur thanks at 1eost dnee in every ten thousand years." Noreen shook her heod slowly— the gold of o hoir clasp wos bright os it caught the light. "It might get monotonous at thot," she said sadly. "Yes, eternity is on awful long stretch. Better be certain you like him a deal." Her smile was bright. "I haven't much time to find out—so I'd better get going." Al and his pols came to my class on "Parliamentary Low" ond added a lot of punch to it. After briefing the crowd on the fundamentals, we begon to practice a bit-to find if the information had token root. I noticed Al among those clamoring for the floor ond recognized him. "I move," he soid clearly end deliberately, "thot we take up a collection and buy cars for all those in the front row." There was a delightful explosion of ooprovol ond during the uproar I quickly glanced at the people in the front row. Right in the center in front of the apron of the stage were the Goretti girls. Their heads were tilted bock and they were showing plenty of tooth pcste. I stated the question ond asked for the pleasure of the closs. Playing olong with Al, I recognized his pal, a toll, blond lod with a tight crew cut. "I move to omend the motion," he cried, "by introducing the word kitty before the cars." The Casino rocked with spon­ taneous laughter ond the fun conti­ nued as Noreen Callahan stood up and waved her right arm menacingly at the lad who had offered the omendment. Or course, when the previous ques­ tion was carried, it wos obvious how the voting would go. After a roar of oyes thot made a ripple in the heavy backdrop, I called for the negative vote. In the big amphitheater there was a concerted ond unified scream of five voices. The Goretti girls voted no to a man, but their cry seemed so pole after the other vote, so thin in the vast silence that it was really funny. The crowd laughed and gave them a hepvy round of 56 THE 'CROSS applause. And Noreen stood up to accept it, raising her clasped hand9above her head like a boxer who has won a match. She was flushed with victory in her defeat. Thot evening I stopped by the Mural Room to watch the social mix­ ers and square dances and pick up some more coeditors. The Goodmoors and Callahans were in the thick of things. Excitement seemed a tonic for them and the flavor of the wine of youth was in the air. During on intermission, Noreen came over. "I've had seven dances already," she con­ fided, evidently considering that a very fine score. "And two with you know who," she added with an ap­ proving arch of her right eyebrow. "Don't be too hosty," I said with a mock seriousness. "Eternity is a mighty long time to be in my debt." I didn't get to talk to Noreen or any of the Gorettis all day Tuesday. But that evening in the lobby, as I was buying a paper, I saw them sail in through the revolving door. When Noreen sow me, they hustled over. "We've hod the grandest time," she declared excitedly. "You know, we walked down to the late front by the Chicago Yatch Club and we met Al and his friends with Father Ryan. He's their Sodality director. He drove them here in his cor. Well, while we were talking, a big cabin cruiser come by and the owner called out to Father asking if we'd like to take a ride. We had to walk down the sidewalk to o landing place to get on and the man made all of us girls take off our shoes. "It wos a really beautiful boat— it's called 'Gomecock II.' He let Al steer it when we got out beyond the breakwater. He gave us Cokes ond cookies and Father had a Scotch and water. The sun wos going down be­ hind all the big buildings and it wos just breath-taking. I thought for a while I was going to get seasick, the water was so choppy and all, but I didn't. The boys had a wonderful time too. ■ Ruth and Pete and Joe and Mary were in the lost seot, right above the propellers. Boy, I'll never forget it." There was no need for me to say anything. She poured out her en­ thusiasm without any pause. It would hove been sacrilegious to interrupt it. Noreen was certainly alive, at­ tractive, ond a born leader. The Goretti girls revolved around her like electrons. "Thot was a wonderful experience," I agreed. "I envy that Father Ryan. He must be a grand priest." "I'll soy he is," they chorused, and turning awoy, swept oveh to the ele­ vators. On Wednesday I called on Al to try his hand ot conducting a meeting and made him chairman for the finol minutes of the class. He wos per-, fectly at ease and ron things pretty smoothly. The four hundred teen­ agers gove him a hand for it. "Noreen Callahan is a great fan of yours," he said, as we were leaving the stage. 'You know, thot little girl from Goretti Academy we met Sun­ day night?" "Oh yes, I remember her very DECEMBER, 1952 57 well," I said. "Whot is she saying "When you hove a free afternoon, let me know, and I'll tell you," he replied with a laugh. "You must be talking to her quite a bit, then," I suggested. 'Yes. I was just thinking during lunch how I always seem to be com­ ing along just as she is." "That's quite a coincidence," I agreed. "In fact, it actually verges on the miraculous when you consider the hundreds of boys ond girls around After the Amoteur Show on Thurs­ day night the two passed me in the lobby. Noreen's arm was hooked in with Al's. She raised her right elbow to me ond touched her index finger to her thumb and gave me a wink. It wos a pretty sight ond enough to wind up my busy day. Friday afternoon Fother Ryan came to the circulation desk and put in his order for The Queen's Work. "How's everything going?" I asked. "I'm worn out," he said limply. "Whoever said thot there are six days you'll never forget and six nights you never sleep wos certainly correct. I ^expected to get a little vacation out of this but now I'll need one. But it's certainly wonderful. The spirit here is beyond description. And the lecturers ore absolutely the best. I think I've learned more this week than I did all through high school and college." You are evidently more tired than you think," I replied. "When do you start back?" "I'm going to drive the boys out to Mundelein tomorrow after the last closs. I want to show them the semi­ nary where I made my studies. Then we'll heod on home right from there. Don't tell Al and the fellows though. I want it to be a surprise." "You can count on me," I said cheerfully, but down in my heort I wondered if he knew how great a surprise it might be for them. During the farewell dance thot night I was making a final check on coeditors ond Al ond Noreen stopped ot the desk to chat. "I guess this wraps up everything for the week," I suggested. "Not quite," Al said. "We've mode plans for tomorrow afternoon." "Our train doesn't leave until seven-thirty and thot gives us over three hours after the last session," Noreen said brightly. "We're going to hove dinner to­ gether. The Goretti girls ond the fellows from St. Joe's," Al announced. "We are pooling our funds for quite a splash. How about coming with "I'd love to," I replied, "but my train leaves at four-thirty. I'll be well on my way to St. Louis by the time you sit down to eat." "That's a shame," Noreen said with real disappointment. "We were counting on you. It's going to be real special. We are all going to autograph each other's menu and write in our addresses and telephone numbers." "It might be smarter to get that information right away," I cautioned 58 THE CROSS them. "After all, something might turn up to change your pions ond there you'd be without some very important data." "We're not worried," Al replied. "It will add so much fun and make the dinner more memorable." "Suit yourselves," I told them, "but- if something goes wrong, please remember I warned you." I felt a little guilty as they return­ ed to the dance. The afternoon as I was check­ ing out, a disconsolate Noreen was slumped on the lounge by the eleva­ tors. I went over to say good-by. "Why all the gloom?" I asked. "Do you know whot happened? Thot awful Fother Ryan left and he took Al and the boys with him. Al left a note in my mailbox. Here," she said, pushing it at me, "read it." "Sorry, Noreen," I read aloud, "but we have to leave right away with Fother Ryan. We're going to visit Mundelein Seminary. Be sure to write. In a hurry. Al." "Be sure to write," she repeated, and I saw her lips quiver. "How can I write when the big goof didn't leave his address?" "Oh, cheer up," I said. "I can get it for you. It's on his coeditor cord. Just drop me a line and I'll send it." "Oh, you're wonderful," she .soid, jumping up, her old spirit back again. "Will you?" "Eternity is a long time," I soid, picking up my suitcase. "I don't care," she answered and pressed my hand hard. The much preoccupied professor walked into the borber shop ond sat in a chair next to a woman who was having her hair bobbed. "Haircut, please." "Certoinly," said the barber, "but if you really want o haircut, would you mind taking off your hat first?" The customer removed his hat. "I'm sorry," he apologized as he looked around, "I didn't know there was a lady present!" An Englishman asked a Scotchman: "Whot would you be weren't you a Scot?" The Scotsman said: "Why an Englishman, of course." Then the Englishman turned to an Irish and asked: "And what would you be weren't you an Irishman?" The Irishman thought for a moment ond said: "I'd be ashomed of myself!" * * * Which hos more legs, a horse or no horse? A horse hos four legs, no horse has five legs. DECEMBER, 1952 59 Dear Fathers, Mothers by Alfredo, G. Porpan, S.J. Christmos is the story of how heoven and earth were reconciled through the birth of o Child, o beau­ tiful Child who grew to a strong and vigorous monhood, climbed o hill ond died on a cross ond rose again from the dead to show men the way to heoven where they may forever be hoppy in on eternal Christ­ mas with Him. And so, every yeor we celebrote the wondrous birth of thot wondrous Child who come to earth thot men may hove life ond hove it more abundantly, thot men moy have the love and peace ond hope they had hungered and craved for through the centuries. Christmas is the birthday of the God-mode-mon—thot is why it should meon so much for every mon. Christmas itself is the greatest, Christmas gift God ever gave to men. Is it o wonder, then, thot every child, that every man should have for Christmas the brightest twinkle in his eyes, the softest spot in hi's heorts, the sunniest smile? There is no mother ond fother on earth who do not desire, who will not spend os much os—ond even more than—their pocket books will allow to moke of Christmos the flop­ piest of days for their children. For deor mothers and fathers, nothing is more pleasant to your ears than the sound of your children's laughter; more heartwarming to your nothing heorts than the warmth of your children's pleased smiles. You re­ live once more, you recapture, you experience anew thot incomparable thrill of waking on a Christmas morn­ ing ond finding — oh! bliss of oil bliss! — your heart's desire—per­ haps a toy gun and a holster, a toy train or a rag doll! And to those of you who missed thot thrill in your own childhood and woke up many a Christmos morning never to find even the least semblance to what you had long wished for and desired, you ore the ones who ore fiercely determined now that your children will enjoy ond get what you never enjoyed ond got! 60 THE CROSS For even o child moy, early in life, leorn to hide beneath his silence and laughter his own little broken heart. Christmas is just a motter of weeks in coming. I'm sure you will do everything within your means to make this Christmos a reolly happy and memorable one for your little ones. Candies and toys, books ond extra clothes, shining gewgaws and fascinating little knick knacks so dear and precious to the hearts of children will not be wanting to them. Truly blessed ore your children to hove such parents as you. And thrice blessed—really and truly hap­ py will their waking be on Christ­ mas morning. But I would like to write to you also of other children, children who do not have parents such as you. They are the children of those who do not have the means thot you hove. They are the children of those who live in the quarters of our city that social workers coll the slums. They ore the children of the workingmen, the "have-nots," the poor whom you see everywhere around you. These are the children I want you to remember. They live ond sleep where you would not wish your own children to live and sleep —in dark ond dingy accesorias or flimsy, makeshift barong-barongs by foul smelling esteros. They do not eot whot your children eot ond take for granted—their doily bread ond butter, eggs, oatmeal and milk. They ore not clothed os your children ore clothed. Whot your children wear to school, they would consider their holiday best. They are the children of the poor. They have discovered early that Santo Claus was but a myth in­ dulged in only by the children of the rich. They know whot poverty is—cold, harsh, ugly, hungry, naked poverty. They live it. They also know whot wealth is—gaudy and glittering. They hove seen it dis­ played, paraded and flaunted before their eyes. Hove you not seen these children of the slums, these children of the poor? They olso have their own childhood to' enjoy as much as your little ones. And yet they have to be bootblacks, newsboys, peddlers and hawkers ot an age thot calls for play and study. Perhaps you have seen a group of them, their faces pressed against a department store window — o sight indeed for more eloquent than words. Perhaps you were a bit annoyed, and I do not blame you. For ill-blad, under­ nourished bodies, pinched cheeks and scrawny orms do not make these little ragamuffins of the streets very lovable creatures. But have you ever stopped to talk to one of them? Have you ever, looked down on lus­ terless eyes? They speak a mes­ sage of hunger and want. They are eyes thot plead more eloquently than pleading words' or pleading hands. These are the children I want you to remember. They also have a Christmab to celebrate. They hove also longed for Christmas. They will DECEMBER, 1952 61 also wake on Christmos morning. Christmas was olso meant for them. Christ, in fact, was bom os one of them. Christmas must never be "just another ordinary day" for them. The Christmas message of love, its hymn of peace, its note of hope must reach their young hearts ond worm their elders' hearts on Christmas. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, ond forbid them not" was the injunction of Christ. Suffer the children of the poor to learn olso the -message of the Crib! A certain holy bishop once preoched a sermon on the text that Christ will reward charity a hundredfold. There was a man named Evogrius in the congregation, ond after the sermon he went to the bishop and gave him. a large sum of money to be distributed to the poor. The bishop then gave him in return a letter in which he had written down the text containing Christ's promise to the charitable. The man died suddenly not long after, with the letter in his hond. Three days later he appeared in a dream to the bishop, ond said: "Come and take bock the letter; my reward is already received." The bishop and his clergy proceeded to the tomb, opened it, and took the letter, and they found written in place of the bishop's words-the following: "Evagrius to the bishop: I do not wish what has happened to me. God has indeed one hundred fold for all the money I gave you. you to remoin ignorant of already given me a reward You owe me nothing now." A graphic lesson in the folly of pride is contained in the following little incident. When the Italian statesman, Cavour, visited the emperor Napoleon III in 1859, he is soid to have remarked: "Do you know that there are only three men in Europe? We two ond Bismarck." Before many yeors elapsed, Napolen had died in exile. The life work of Cavour, the creation of the kingdom of Savoy, crashed into ruins with the death in exile of Victor Emmanuel III. Bismarck created the Hohenzollem ascendency; today it is only a memory. An Irishmon was planting trees in his yard when a lody passing asked: "You're digging out the holes, ore you, Mr. Haggerty?" "No, Mum, I'm diggin out the dirt an' lovin' the holes." 62 THE CROSS DESTINY Estelita M. Ju co Strange. . . but knowing you, I have known living; And living, loved. And loving, known despair. . . One-time the dreamer. Now I dread the dreaming; Fearful lest I deceive Myself. . . you care. We meet. I grow delirious With laughter In joy short-lived. Then drink The dregs of tears. How can you guess that bid By careless banter; Are pent-up yearnings Of the lonely years. Strange destiny: Two kindred souls like ours. Meet ond may part. One loved, and one alone; For one, beloved by hosts. Are rose-strewn bowers; And one, through empty yean. Shall love—unknown. DEPENDS ON THE JUDGE "Do you think, Doctor Johnson," asked Boswell, "that a good cook is more essential to a community than o good poet?" "Sir," was the reply, "I don't suppose there is a dog in town that doesn't think so." DECEMBER, 1952 63 MOTION PICTURE GUIDE | I. Classification of newly released pictures CLASS A Section I—Morally Unobjectionable for General Patronage Blazing Forest, The — Paramount Blue Conadian Rockies — Columbia Desperadoes Outpost — Republic It Grows On Trees — Univ. Int. Tropical Heat Wave — Republic Under the Red Sea — R K O Section II—Morally Unobjectionable for Adults Apache War Smoke — MGM Becouse of You — Univ. Int. Everything I hove Is Yours — MGM Lusty Men, The — R K O Raiders, The — Univ. Int. Steel Trap, The — 20th Cen. Fox Thief, The — United Artists Woy of a Goucho — 20th Cen. Fox CLASS B Morally Objectionable in Part for All Captive Women — R K O Night Without Sleep — 20th Cen. Father's Dilemma (Itolian) —Arthur Fox Davis Ass'n Operation Secret — Warners Limelight — United Artists Voodoo Tiger — Columbia CLASS C Condemned SAVAGE TRIANGLE (French)—Joseph Burstyn, Inc. Objection: The theme of this picture employs throughout material morally unsuitable for entertainment motion picture theaters. Moreover, in treatment, it seriously violates Christian and traditional stand­ ards of morality and decency and is offensive to religion. We take pleasure in including in this issue the following films in 16mm. suitable for use by Catholic schools, groups, organizations and parishes, reviewed by The National Council of Catholic Men, 9756 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, California, USA: "A PLACE CALLED HOME"—Story of Boys Town operations. "COLORFUL INDIA"—Father Hubbard unfolds his "optical Magic carpet" , ond takes his viewers on a 900-mile tour of northern Indio. "BARKCLOTH"—Short study of craftsmanship ond family life among the notives of Bugando, Africa. 64 THE CROSS (Cross-pondence cont.) Also, the "SDS Movement" should help "The Poor Debutantes", don't you think? Juan Ruiz FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE PHILIPPINES November 19, 1952 Sirs; Affixed to this letter is an article of six pages. You moy find many faults as regards the grammar and the composition (contents) of this article. I am giving you the freedom to correct the grammar as you wish. But please keep intact the contents of the article. If you find it objectionable "in part" or "in whole", please show it to a. .. . priest. . . . first before you throw it into the wastebasket. Ask his opinion if it is worth printing at all. If it is not worth printing at all, just throw it into the wastebasket. Thank you! This letter as well as the article are signed: GOM-BUR-ZA. This is not a pen name. It is a fictitious name. And that makes the article an anonymous one. But I hope this will not be something against the article itself. . . . Very respectfully yours, GOM-BUR-ZA (Editor's Note: Sorry, friend GOM. Anonymity does hurt and like many other editors, we have invariably a prejudice against anonymous contributions. Too bad. We agree with many things in your article, although not with all. Incidentally, the hero of your article had courage—which you don't have, for when he wrote, he did not hide his name.) Dear sir, God love you and bless your work! We have always watched with interest the growth and progress of the CROSS. Small and handy, yet full of interesting articles and features. Keep it ever growing. We are behind you! Marcelo Bassig Dear sir, .... I would rather miss some cokes than a single issue of your enlightening magazine. Though ( don't wish Pete and Pat's camel out of the "CROSS tent", I would like to suggest that not too much room be given to it. I think it is already taking a leg in. Armando Ocino We'll keep its leg out at least.—Ed. Special Souvenirs FREE For Spreading Your Favorite Magazine "IZROSS (Ojrtetmas IS HERE AGAIh AM) ITS TIME TO REJOICE AND WISH I-'OR FELLOWMEN PEACE AND HAPPINESS KEEP THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT— SEND A CHRISTMAS CARD Description I’ri< MADONNA ASSORTMENT—21 deeply religious cards faithfully expressing the true spirit of Christmas ................................ P3.4 HOLIDAY HUMOR ASSORTMENT—16 comical cards, alivewith-action box ..................................................................................... 3.. 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