Pope Paul praises Scout movement
THE theme of the international Boy Scout Jamboree, which was held in Greece last week, received great praise from Pope Paul. In the special message which was read out to the Scouts by Archbishop Benediktos Printesis of Athens, Pope Paul declared: " The theme of this eleventh jamboree is summed up in a particularly expressive formula : Higher and Further.
"This in itself is a programme full Of promise which the Church cannot fail to applaud. What. in fact. does the Church want if not the elevation and progress of souls'? Life viewed in the light of God is not stagnant: it is a march forward and an ascension."
Pope Paul remarked that the jamboree was being held at the time of the Ecumenical Council's work, "an historic moment when an immense desire rises from souls to put an end to centuries-old divisions".
He said that he particularly appreciated the educational qualities of the Scout movement and its ability to develop the best in young men: respect for honour and boyeke. the service of one's fellow man in a spirit of fraternal devotion. and physical and moral courage.
These are values which Christianity has always encouraged, said Pope Paul, and to see them practised throughout the world by an increasing number of young men gives cause for great joy and firm hope. "It is such men as these that the world needs today more than ever," Pope Paul concluded.
A Requiem Mass for 24 Scouts from the Philippines who died in a plane crash while en route to the jamboree was celebrated in the open air on the Plains of Marathon, Greece, Three Filipino Scouts who, at the last minute, were tillable to board the plane which later crashed. attended the Mass.
Classroom prayers THE president of the American Bar Association has said he agrees with the U.S. Supreme Court decision barring Bible reading and formal prayer in the classroom but that children would continue to pray in some way in school.
"Children will continue to exercise their freedom and also have the right to abstain frompraying except in their own faiths." he said. adding that prayer in school might take the form of "a moment of meditation" by the students "acting on their own volition".
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AFILM on the Second Vatican Council, which has been produced by the LUCE Institute. is to be made available to missionaries at cost price (£80), thanks to arrangements which base been made by Fr. John Poitevin. of the Missionary Secretariat of the inter