August 15, 2014

What was in the news on August 14, 1964?

Pope Paul issues his first encyclical

Criterion logo from the 1960sBy Brandon A. Evans

This week, we continue to examine what was going on in the Church and the world 50 years ago as seen through the pages of The Criterion.

Here are some of the items found in the August 14, 1964, issue of The Criterion:

  • Pope Paul VI’s first encyclical encourages ‘dialogue between Church and modern world’
    • “CASTELGANDOLFO, Italy—The unique role of the Church as God’s means of saving all mankind and the importance of man’s recognition of this role formed the core of the first encyclical of Pope Paul VI’s reign. The encyclical, called ‘Ecclesiam Suam’ from the opening Latin words of the almost 15,000-word document, was released to the world on August 10 but was dated August 6, the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. In addition to a detailed study of the nature of the Church as God’s means of saving mankind, the encyclical also contained a denunciation of atheism that called it ‘the most serious problem of our time.’ ”
  • For all eight grades: Catholic schools adopt ‘new math’ approach
    • “The revolutionary ‘modern mathematics’ concept, the subject of four years of experimentation in archdiocesan schools, will be adopted in all eight elementary grades of Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese this fall. In announcing the new program, Msgr. James P. Galvin, archdiocesan superintendent of schools, stated that ‘real intensive study’ has preceded the decision which is regarded as a major education breakthrough in this area. He said that modern mathematics ‘should prove to be a good tool’ in the teaching of mathematics in the elementary grades.”
  • Pope cites relevance of Blessed Sacrament
  • Secretariats realigned by Holy See
  • Chancery announces clergy assignments
  • Anti-poverty bill passes Congress
  • St. Augustine’s fund campaign near $1.8 million
  • The new urban wars: The battle against poverty
  • Report Soviet Union proposed Vatican tie
  • A ‘one man’ retreat house
  • The Little Sisters voice their thanks
  • Nuns’ role to interpret the Church
  • Marian to extend music instruction to ‘outsiders’
  • New book includes hymn by Luther
  • ‘Selfish’ capitalism rapped by Pope Paul
  • New organs installed in National Shrine
  • School of theology has all-laity staff
  • Batesville Franciscan is Navajo missionary
  • Found after 26 years: Baptismal gown begins 2nd generation
  • Scecina grad says Holy Cross vows
  • Two archdiocesan men advance as Franciscans
  • Father of eight: I.U. professor has operatic lead
  • Bishop to appear on TV program

(Read all of these stories from our August 14, 1964, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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