" Let everybody know that Catholic Action does not mean destroying any societies which exist or interfering with them in any way," he declared.
" It is not intended to establish another organisation to do away with other organisations, but it is simply to organise those societies which already exist and are working in the line of the apostolate, and I hope working under the direction of the bishop, not merely in the way approved by the bishop, but under his guidance and in his service.
"I Dream Dreams" "The first thing we ought to do is to get to know what organisations and societies already exist in England and Wales, what are their constitution and their objects, and how they are working.
" The work I would like you to take up is to assist in compiling a list of all such organisations and societies throughout the land.
" It is a big job. This is a direction from me for my own diocese. In each diocese it will, of course, be necessary for you with my authority to approach the ordinary and obtain his approval before taking any action in that diocese,
"I dream dreams. My dream is that we should have a big central office to unify all the Catholic activities throughout the country. In that central office
would be the representatives of The green Catholic organisations which already exist."
Suggested Procedure While everything is uncertain at present —the archbishop spoke tentatively—the following organisation and procedure were suggested by him:
The president of the national board would have a lay president and a committee under him.
A committee of all societies would be appointed in each diocese. and each council would have delegates on that committee.
There would be regular meetings and perhaps, periodically, a big meeting of the whole body of Catholic Action.
Instructions to each society would come from the council as recommendations approved by the bishop. The national council would send instructions to the diocesan council, and there would be regular reports from the local council to the diocesan council.
Boys and girls would be included in the contemplated scheme.
It was stated that no national council had as yet been set up.
The archbishop's address was more informal than a set address, and at its conclusion he readily answered several questions.