I could never shake the idea that he was stealing it (but I guess that suggests more about my character than about his). He didnt say that the big winner was the salesman himself , who had spent only a couple of hours with the principal and with the students but now had three hundred children who would be desperately trying to sell his candy for the next two weeks . Im thinking, maybe, that I qualify as a pagan baby. Pagan baby names continue to be popular name choices for many new parents. Now they're in together for a bigger payoff than either could finagle alone. In fourth grade I was finally old enough to see the movies they showedwith shots of real lepers and starving children. When our family moved to another part of Dearborn, we transferred to St Alphonsus parish, and I traded the blue jumper for a plaid one, and the beanie for Hush Puppy shoes. Every month after the money was collected, a students name was "randomly"picked out of a bag with the chosen name becoming the "Pagan Baby of the Month.". If we sold a certain amount wed get a plastic statue of Mary and Jesus. Ive been fortunate to travel to various parts of the world and to admire (our missionaries) extraordinary love of the world and of the people with whom they live., Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States who greeted guests on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, called the Pontifical Mission Societies instruments for cooperation in the universal mission of the Church across the world.. They also helped keep things quiet. I dont remember collecting money for them. Here is sister Mary So-and-So in the plane about to fly off to baptize the pagans . The campaign will celebrate the legacy of love and support the program offered, and recall the babies with whom American children once connected through the Holy Childhood Association. I cant guarantee your sanity , but Im happy to have helped . . In most classrooms to encourage donations, the nuns pitted the boys against the girls. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who once said, My greatest love has always been the missions of the church, was very much a spiritual presence at the dinner, where his name was invoked several times. Patti and her husband, Mark, live in North Dakota where they raised their 10 children. . Ah , maybe it taught us some basic values , anyway ( or maybe it screwed us up so badly that we dont even realize how much ) . But the "pagan babies" were actual children being looked after by missionary sisters, brothers and priests in their countries. Diane, Renew or manage your subscription here. In the background it shows mosques, pagodas, etc, all the better to drive home the horrors wed saved him from. This brings back a memory now. Linda A. McMillin is a professor of history at Susquehanna University. EDIT: On second thoughts, I think that was **not **an official school thing, but kids bringing in this charity appeal from their church thing. And my mother prayed. Bury it beneath your front step or porch during a full moon. Sorry man , no money for you . HELLO!!!!!!!! - Nancy K. I seriously want to start a band now, just so I can name us that. Kids', toddler, & baby clothes with Pennies For designs sold by independent artists. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/where-did-all-the-pagan-babies-go. sacraments. Regardless of whether pagan babies have become personal, we should still pray for and support the spread of the Catholic faith in foreign lands and in our own. All for $5. Hello Mike. But they do a lot of things for children like provide food and clean water and mosquito nets. They were called "pagan babies," certainly not the most sensitive appellation and one that would never be used today. My most cherished reward for raising money for the missions was a Madonna-and-Child nightlight that graced my bedside table well into adolescence. I went to Christ the King in Pleasant Hill, CA. The book may rally his followers, but it wont add to their number. That bring back memories!" When I was in the fifth or sixth grade, a neighbor who was my age, took 12 books of S & H Green Stamps ( remember those ) and contributed them to the pagan babies program. Who were these pagan babies, and did any of the pennies we contributed ever help any of them in any way? Your class picked out a name for the child, and the Catholic church baptized the baby with that name into the Catholic faith. One of my fellow employees is reading a book called Pagan Babies. We were sitting on the floor anyway, but soon we were all (the Catholics) rolling on the floor laughing our heads off! And then the certificate was put up above the chalkboard. The missionary spirit was evident as Pontifical Mission Societies honored three people at the May 2 gala. In accepting his medallion, Cardinal McCarrick summed up the missionary spirit. (CCC 1213). Save that document. There were no poor pagan babies to be pitied in Guaymas. My allowance was 25 cents a week . I well remember my days as a grade schooler at St. Helenas School in Philly. A set or two of golf clubs may have been in there . Contrary to popular belief, the United States fails to live up to its promised values of freedom and fairness. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States who greeted guests on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, called the Pontifical Mission Societies instruments for cooperation in the universal mission of the church across the world.. UNICEF is the United Nations Childrens Fund. Each classroom was given small cardboard collection boxes . Hey! The thing was a brown color . . So how many pagan babies did you sell in Brentwood ? I think there was some small prize involved for any student that sold them. Some became doctors and lawyers and schoolteachers and others became lay catechists, sisters and priests, operating clinics and schools, colleges and seminaries, Father Small explained, and let me tell you something they need your help today as much as they needed it 30 and 40 years ago.. Through their action the proclamation of the Gospel also becomes an intervention on behalf ones neighbor, justice for the poorest, possibility of education in the most remote villages, medical aid in isolated places, emancipation from poverty and rehabilitation for the marginalized, overcoming ethnic divisions and respect for life in all its stages, Archbishop Vigano said. Never knew it meant Justice under God though . No longer just an auxiliary fundraiserthis was my chance to be part of the action! Starving kids in Africa or something. James Dingwall picked that name and the girls immediately protested! Remember JMJ ? We collected money (I think) for UNICEF but we didnt get to name anyone. But Cary was caught . Please email comments to [emailprotected] and join the conversation on our Facebook page. Each was presented with a medallion featuring a representation of the papal keys. To get the bike we have to sell nine million thirty six thousand three hundred and eight candy bars .. I had my little yellow UNICEF box, and they asked if it was for the Pagan Babies. I went to Catholic school in the 50s and 60s too, but in Chicago. I actually went to St Charles, but attended Corpus Cristi mass once in awhile. I just re-read your comment and am laughing about all that back then . The Pagan Babies (the band from Hawaii) Jason Woycke 9 subscribers Subscribe 62 Share 2.2K views 5 years ago A compilation of live footage of the Pagan Babies (the band from Hawaii). But Father Small, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, wasnt apologizing for the old adoption program in which children in Catholic schools would save their pennies. With touching little pictures of hungry children. Of course, we collected money in the little paper boxes " for the missions" and I seem to remember something about either the school or each class "adopting"one of the mission children. "Me too! Yup. Remember Pagan Babies? Yeah! Stories ensued. Catholic mom and grandparents here. Yeah , a few days later . And most students did sacrifice that 5-cent candy money for the cause of bringing the word of god to the uneducated families somewhere in the world that the missionaries, usually Maryknolls stil active in missionary work today were working to convert the pagans usually Africa, in my day (probably deepest, darkest Africa). kids were allowed to give their baby a Christian name. There were milk cartons to hold the money. That fits , I suppose . Aiden/ Aidan: Is of Celtic, which means "little fire." Alun: Alun means "harmony." Albus: This name means "white." Davey; There is in the heart of every priest, and I hope in the heart of every Christian, the longing to be a missionary, to be a proclaimer of the good news to the ends of the earth, he said. But, in fact, the entire program was rooted in a sense of solidarity and charity in the broadest understanding of the word. Our principal determined that Hush Puppies were insurance against black scuffmarks in halls and classrooms. Needless to say, by the time I graduated from Dominican there wasnt an iota of true Catholicism left in me, other than the bit I faked for a while to protect my Moms feeling. The poor pagan was already named Herman , right ? And of course, she knew that no pagan baby was coming to stay at 159 Findlay Avenue, no matter what I said. An interactive website will feature video interviews with some of the former pagan babies, now nuns, priests and catechists in their homelands. Pictures of Cherub-faced Indian, African, and Asian babies graced small cardboard collection boxes given to each child. Might make a nice story . These babies, we were told, didnt know God. And the fact that you great people, so distinguished, so esteemed, would be here this evening to rally around this sacred responsibility of missions, what a source of inspiration and joy.. Read an Excerpt. A kid in my class took a five dollar bill from his mother ( without her knowledge ) and a similar result happened . I thought they would all come in a box and be distributed at the end of the school year. 4. muddymoose 4 mo. Well I am hurt that you would think I would steal your money to Buy and Name more pagan babies. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington; best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark; and television commentator Larry Kudlow were named 2012 pontifical ambassadors for mission. As a promotion, MISSIO is offering a chance to win a trip to Rome. Keep writingthis is good stuff! If you know tell me . , Those madcap Catholics. We boys , I think , had a sense of accomplishment somehow because even though he had been caught Cary still had the satisfaction of knowing that a pagan would go through life named Herman because of him . That reflects a certain dignified sincerity on your part , I think . Every month after the money was collected, a students name was randomlypicked out of a bag with the chosen name becoming the Pagan Baby of the Month. Certificates were horizontally displayed above the green & yellow cursive writing examples atop the blackborads. Catholic Church. NEW YORK They were called pagan babies, an appellation that would never be used today. What did they really think about it ? Sure would love to hear from anyone that remembers. Its funny no one knew about Pagan Babies , though . Thanks for the comment ! I remember this in Chicago St. John Fisher. Wow . Because we purchased Pagan Babies for five dollars a head, on a regular basis. Founded In Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States More than one artist goes by Pagan Babies 1. Thanks for commenting. - Bill R. In the book, Pope Francis also addresses corruption at the Vatican, abuses committed by members of the Church, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russias invasion of Ukraine, among other topics. There were competitions between classes . I had a lot of Pagan Babies named Mary Margaret!! EIN 27-4581132 And once, the guy who considered himself the smartest kid in the class proposed the name Jean-Pierre. Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Of course, the prizes helped. Thats 40 babies right there. The assembly was buzzing . The Mary list is endless. Also , as you point out , the certificates ( I dont remember any certificates , though ) and the little cardboard box and all the hoop-la was good motivation and made the week more interesting for us kids . But, in fact, the entire program was rooted in a sense of solidarity and charity in the broadest understanding of the word. We can smile at it now at perhaps how silly it was, Father Small said. Exorcist Responds to Sensationalized Russell Crowe Exorcism Film on Father Amorth, Ash Wednesday Breaks All the Rules of Modern ChurchThink, and More Great Links! We too raised $$ for pagan babies. But in 1969 the names we fourth graders favored were names like Ringo and Twiggy. We would use the proceeds to buy pagan babies. If you ever meet one, say hi from meus. I served lunch to old people and I received so many compliments from the old people that I thought that I was a goner . The rice they used was really good which I think defeated the purpose since a lot of kids looked forward to it, myself included. I ALSOvividly remember, that the certficates were five dollars each (pretty steep for thr 60s! Id give my expected nickel or dime each week . Well , I havent met any pagan (baby) Davids running around , but no pagan (baby) Patricias , either . Despite its apparent condescending tone at times, it instilled a radical sense of urgency in children that we are responsible for one another.. I went Catholic school in NJ and yes, we had pagan babies! I also seem to recall mention of it in some dimly remembered memoir I read years ago about growing up catholic. Thanks for the comment . I think mine were 25 cent stamps . Im still a San Franciscan, but boy has everything changed. If you register with MISSIO by noon February 2, 2017, youll be entered for a chance to join the Pontifical Mission Societies on their pilgrimage to Rome in May 2017, and an audience with Pope Francis. Thanks for the memories of the JMJ on top of the paper yes right in the middle. While the circumstances, the cost, and the rewards varied from parish to parish, most Catholic children of the 1960s saved at least one pagan baby. What exactly we learned from this could be disputed. Glad you enjoyed it . And yet the fundamental mission of the Holy Childhood Associationits efforts to create in children of privilege some sense that they are responsible for and obligated to help other children in needwas not lost on me. Oh those Catholics had some great fund raising ideas. Maryknollers, Franciscans, or Missionaries of Charity, these men and women told riveting tales of adventure and hardship. The teacher had a stack of them . We, the four oldest who got those tiny banks with a coin slot in the top, were convinced that our small amounts of money (most of which we found on the street while walking home from school, a lot of pennies) would buy us a Little Brown Pagan Baby that we would name Harry (I don't remember why) and that Jesus would love us for that purchase. By letting civility happen, we take better care not only of others and of the world itself, but of ourselves. Thank God someone sent this information to me and redeemed my sanity. Whether or not they converted is one thing, giving up their cultural ties is quite another. It was pretty obvious he was showing off his flawless French accent. I attended St. Judes Grade School in Detroit, Michigan (1958 to 1966) and as I recall Pagan Babies were a big thing. Those who would like to know what became of their pagan babies will soon get a chance to find out when Pontifical Mission Societies formally launches its Great Works Campaign in the coming months. There was something he needed to know . Your email address will not be published. Remembering a Different A-to-Z Challenge | No Facilities. Technically, Jews could not be pagan, because they believe in the same monotheistic god Catholics do/did. Patti Maguire Armstrong Patti Maguire Armstrong is host of the TV talk show Ladies of Another View and an award-winning author and journalist. Glad that I could kick up some dust . Another thing at every Catholic school in those days were collections to save pagan babiesunbaptized children not taught about God. Well, when mama found out, she threw a fit. I remember Green Stamps . : Its a mystery . Im thinking, maybe, that I qualify as a pagen baby. Seems like 100 years ago , doesnt it ? Philadelphia 76ers Premier League UFC. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Pagan Babies is classic crime fiction from the master of suspense, New York Times bestselling author Elmore Leonard. So it had to be pretty official, like our nun just couldnt pull a certificate out of her drawer and fill in the name.no, I think that it had to be signed by the big Catholic mucky-mucks. Thanks for the interest. Lord, LordCatholic schools. The principal stepped forward , to the rescue , saying coldly , Its a fundraiser for the school . He didnt mention his new stereo system . Remember it like it was yesterday. Who could choose the most ridiculous name ? I think it was to put on envelopes for Christmas cards? Father Andrew Small, O.M.I., national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies and host of the evening, welcomes the archbishop. And when I got it, I was going to take care of it all by myself. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1202140.htm, http://asksistermarymartha.blogspot.com/2006/08/announcing-pagan-baby-reunion.html. The teachers all smiled . Boys usually purchased boys, and girls purchased girls. We were expected to sell subscriptions to our local Archdiocese newspaper when I went to elementary school. Its a wonderful window on the old days , isnt it ? Thanks . Dell Publishing, $24.95 (272pp) ISBN 978--385-33392-4 The opening paragraph depicts a corner of hell on earth: a church in Rwanda after the recent. Some of those Jesuits spoke directly to God . We all knew what a pagan baby was a baby that was not baptized a Catholic, and not one in the US babies from Asia in particular. Along the way, in all the villages we passed through, there were people who were full of joy to see young people. I remember a little plastic Jesus and pencil cases . No one was, in fact, adopted or bought. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Ive been fortunate to travel to various parts of the world and to admire (our missionaries) extraordinary love of the world and of the people with whom they live, the cardinal added. You're teaching a 9 year old about slavery and ransom. I went to Marymount Jr. School (on Sunset) and we were all sent home to canvas the neighborhood in Brentwood for heavens sake, to sell pagan babies! Seems like the boxes looked like animal crackers boxes . Pagan baby naming makes good memories but was , I guess , conditioning in deception . We thought up the stupidest , weirdest names we could manage and , as I remember, the teacher wrote that name on the box with the five dollars and it went off to the pagans . I told that I learned math through confessionit had been two weeks since my last confession, I was mean to my brothers every day, so that was fourteen times, I disobeyed my parents almost every day, so that was about ten times, etc., etc. I thoroughly enjoy your posts. Should they be angry or should they just feel anguish for the sorry state of the religion these days ? But I dont remember her name." She thought that it would be the greatest thing in the world for me to become a nun. 1961 66. we collected for pagan babies, but we never got to name them, and there was no box that folded out. went into some general fund and wasnt really sent where we imagined that it was sent at the time . Scotland, late 60s/early 70s, Catholic primary school (ages 5-12) we had this, only we called it something like the black baby fund, rather than pagan babies. Years later, as adults, my younger sister, Patricia, confessed to sneaking into my room and using a butter knife to weasel the coins out of the bottle to buy candy and, yes, pagan babies. This was great to read. I remember hearing the term too when I attended parochial school (mid 1960s), but by then it had been replaced by the UNICEF boxes. Funny no one was pennies for pagan babies Father small said of the school that you would I... The entire program was rooted in a box and be distributed at the time these men and women riveting. 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