THE Government of Mr. Ngo Dinh Diem, South Viet Nam's Catholic President, lifted its ban on the news of Mgr. Simon Nguyen Van Hicn's appointment as Vicar Apostolic of Saigon 14 hours before he was due to be consecrated Bishop on November 30.
It is fairly certain that the Government asked the Holy See to change the appointment and that the Holy See refused.
The incident is regarded as typicalOf the Government's tendency to interfere in ecclesiastical matters . -even to the point of censoring priests' letters.
This news comes as a shock to Catholics everywhere who have admired Mr. Diem's personal asceticism and strenuous efforts to organise his tortured country. But Catholics are in a minority m his Government, which still includes members of anti-Catholic sects, who are no doubt exerting heavy pressure.
Bishop baptises
Again honouring large families in his diocese. Bishop Ellis of Nottingham last week travelled to Earl Shilton, Leics., to baptise the eighth child of Mr. and Mrs. Gilby, of Barwell, and to Alfreton. Derbyshire, to baptise the seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. King.
ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL Secondary Modern School, Plymouth, won the " Tommy Hughes Cup " in the Plymouth schools amateur boxing championship.