From Our Vaults 60 Years Ago: June 26, 1963

by Admin · June 21, 2023

Previous “From The Vaults” articles. See larger images from the issue

New pope’s SA connection

Newly-elected Pope Paul VI is the first pontiff ever to have visited South Africa. As Cardinal Giovanni Montini, he visited Pretoria and Johannesburg in August 1962. The 65-year-old pope has pledged to continue the Second Vatican Council, which launched in 1962 under Pope John XXIII, who died on June 3 at the age of 81.

McCann, Hurley on Pope Paul

Cardinal Owen McCann has described the new pope as “both forceful and calm”. Paul VI is “aware of modern problems and ready to confront them, but weighs things up carefully”. Archbishop Denis Hurley of Durban was delighted with the new pope, saying his “admirable diplomatic quality” will see him continue Pope John’s policies.

Martyrs’ feast in Umzumbe

The feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Uganda was celebrated in Umzumbe with a play depicting their martyrdom and a Mass, celebrated by Fr Lesetle with Bishop Alphons Streit presiding. Fr F Ngobese preached. The celebrant was facing the people at the outdoor altar.

Editorial: Miracle of papacy

In his editorial, acting editor Mgr Cornelius Lynch describes the survival of the papacy as “the perennial miracle of history…in which is made manifest the fulfilment of the promise made 1900 years ago” by Christ that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against” the Church he founded.

Previous “From The Vaults” articles at www.scross.co.za/vaults