022874 Catholic Daughters support pro-life amendment

MEMPHIS (RNS) - The 14member national board of the Catholic Daughters of America has announced its support for extension of the 1970 Drug Abuse Education Act, called for a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortion, and the issue of several grants to educational and missionary organizations.

At a meeting here, the board also established an endowment fund for a "living memorial," possibly a hospital or research center, of the women's organization. It was announced that the amount of the fund and exact nature of the memorial will be determined later.

The board met under the chairmanship of Miss Mary C. Kanane of Union, N.J., national CDA regent. Bishop Carroll Dozier of Memphis celebrated Mass for the board members and spoke briefly on the importance of actions taken by the national organization on Church and social matters.

Miss Kanane, in announcing CDA backing for a bill sponsored by Sen. Jacob Javits (RN.Y.) bill that would extend the three-year drug abuse program, noted that the bill provides an additional.$90 million over the next three years for grants to colleges and universities.

In calling for an amendment to rescind the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion, Miss Kanane said that after consultation with Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan of Worcester, Mass., it is the CDA's recommendation that letters be written to Congressmen urging the initiation of hearings "to discuss the desirability of a constitutional amendment to safeguard the lives of the unborn."

The CDA national board also approved a series of financial grants, including: A $10,000 grant to help establish a social center and health clinic for the poor in Belem. Brazil, on the Amazon River.

A $2,500 donation to St. Jude's Hospital. Memphis.

A $17,000 grant to Father Laurence Murphy, M.M., director of U.S. Catholic Conference's Division for Higher Education, for use in the campus ministry during the next two years.

A $10,000 gift to Archbishop Simon Lourdusamy, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

The 14 board members, which include five national officers and nine directors, also met with Cardinal John Wright, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy who was visiting Bishop Dozier.

Miss Kanane announced that the national convention will be held July 13-19 in Los Angeles.