October 5, 2012

What was in the news on Oct. 5, 1962?

U.S. Bishops are on their way to the Council and an attempted bombing closes St. Peter's Basilica

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 Oct. 5, 1962, issue of The Criterion:

  • World awaits opening of ecumenical council
  • Expect 220 U.S. bishops at council
    • “ROMEAbout 220 of the U.S. Archbishops and Bishops are gathering for the opening of the Second Vatican Council on October 11. At least 10 of the bishops will remain home because of illness or, in the case of a few auxiliaries, to guide diocesan affairs in the Bishop’s absence.” … The Americans are living in hotels, seminaries and guest houses operated by religious orders.” Read this whole story here
  • Pope John pays visit to shrines (Read this whole story here)
  • President voices hope council will aid peace (Read this whole story here)
  • New parish planned in Indianapolis
  • Ruling eliminates all school prayers
  • For new high school: Ritter faculty house groundbreaking set
  • Chilean bishops ask social reforms
  • Convert-prelate: Says Jewish observers not likely at council
  • 201 experts are named to aid council work
  • Council is likened to Supreme Court
  • Order temporary closing of St. Peter’s Basilica
    • “VATICAN CITYSt. Peter’s Basilica has been ordered closed temporarily because of bombs placed their in recent months. … On September 22 an incendiary bomb and a detonator were found in the basilica beneath the tiers of upholstered wooden seats prepared for the council Fathers. This was the fifth recorded attempt to bomb the basilica. Prior to that, a bomb exploded in the basilica on July 14. It had been placed at the base of a statute in the apse of the basilica near the Altar of the Chair. The bomb which exploded in July was low powered and did not do much damage, but the recently found bomb was reported to have been much more powerful and capable of doing extensive damage, especially to the construction in the council hall.” Read this whole story here
  • Ask rosary for council
  • Council is called ‘act of courage’
  • Stresses religious basis for ‘rational optimism’
  • Magazine aims to aid alcoholics
  • Hart says workers time strike to hurt K. of C.
  • Pope urges zeal, accuracy in following the council
  • Plan journal about unity
  • Says religious practices ‘stabilize’ the family
  • Legal expert refutes school aid objection
  • Fatima Retreat House opens $200,000 drive
  • Spark explosion of faith, Catholic laity are urged

(Read all of these stories from our Oct. 5, 1962, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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