March 27, 2015

What was in the news on March 26, 1965?

More changes in the liturgy, and hope for better methods of family planning for faithful Catholics

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 March 26, 1965, issue of The Criterion:

  • Pope announces changes in liturgy for Holy Week
    • “VATICAN CITY—Pope Paul VI has approved new changes in the liturgy for Holy Week, including the introduction of concelebration of the Mass on Holy Thursday and revisions in the prayers for other Christians, Jews and other non-Christians in the solemn prayers of Good Friday. The Good Friday changes were made to remove ‘every stone which might constitute, however remotely, a stumbling block or a cause of discomfort.’ The new prayers eliminate such references as ‘heretics and schismatics’ and ‘infidels’ and ‘pagans.’ ”
  • Urges halt to gas use in Vietnam
  • Editor, Jewish leader to air council views
  • 250 to receive Marian Medals
  • Catholics drag feet in rhythm research
    • “In the next five years, scientists will make a discovery which may affect thousands of Catholic families: they will find a simple test to predict ovulation. The test will make the rhythm method of birth regulation more accurate and practical—it will enable couples to know when ovulation is coming, and reduce the period of continence required in each menstrual cycle. … Despite the small amount of research in this field, scientists recognize its potential significance. The Department of Health survey commented that ‘simple indices enabling one to anticipate by four or five days the precise time of ovulation would be of inestimable aid’ to those practicing rhythm. This year, Planned Parenthood World Population has stressed as one of its four goals for citizen participation in fertility control: ‘urging expansion of research with government funds to perfect a variety of simple fertility control methods acceptable to all faiths. … Except for a $50,000 Ford Foundation grant which started the Center for Population Research at Georgetown University, Catholic institutions have not participated in this research. Ironically, some of the best research on the rhythm method in the United States is underway in non-Catholic universities and hospitals. … Catholics have not initiated or supported basic research into the fertile period, and occasionally not cooperated with research when asked to do so. Yet it is Catholics who have the most to gain from this kind of research.”
  • Governor saves 5 from death chair
  • Young widower: Determined to keep family together
  • Dialogue approved: Catholics, Lutherans set doctrinal talks
  • 35th year marked by Catholic Hour
  • 500 youths attend Lanesville event

(Read all of these stories from our March 26, 1965, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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