HMI confess that Mr. Young's letter of May 21 did indicate his lack of appreciation of the part taken in Catholic Action by existing societies, and his current letter further illustrates that fact.
In his letter (June 18) Mr. Young quotes from Quadragesinw Anno the need of training auxiliary soldiers who know the mentality and aspirations of the masses, and who will, with kindly fraternity, be able to win their hearts. He goes on to ask whether such training can be obtained. Such a training is available within the pale of an existing Catholic society, the Catholic Social Guild, Oxford.
Concrete illustrations are of more use than mere words. Two years ago, a young Catholic shop-assistant left the counter to take up studies under the Catholic Workers' College, Oxford. Mr. Young will doubtless appreciate the courage and faith required to forsake a secure position to obtain such a training. Thanks to the efforts of the Catholic Social Guild that training has now been completed, and yet another Catholic working man is prepared to spare no effort to further the ideals mentioned in Quadragesirno Anno to which Mr. Young refers.
Space will not permit for further examples of the excellent work being done by this Society in the training of Catholic men from the mining and other working-class districts, men who are now working zealously for our Faith among those whole classes of men who have turned their back on Christ. And it is up to those of us who compose the rank and file to give them every support and encouragement that lies in our power.
In addition, the Guild make known the Church's teaching on Social Questions and the duties of the Catholic as a citizen, and here Mr. Young can obtain the training he asks, at the same time helping to supply trained Catholics in quarters where they are badly needed.
In conclusion, I can assure Mr. Young that for my part I will examine the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine to which he refers.
K. S. CHRISTTE.