They were called "pagan babies," an appellation that would never be used today. When Oblate Father Andrew Small asked who remembered them at the inaugural World Mission Dinner in New York, a few hands went up, mostly belonging to people with gray hair.
But Father Small, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, wasn't apologizing for the old "adoption" program in which children in Catholic schools would save their pennies. When they reached $5, they then 'ransomed' a child overseas, got a certificate and the right to name the child being looked after by missionary sisters, brothers and priests abroad. The money collected in the United States went to help feed, clothe and educate them.
"We can smile at it now at perhaps how silly it was," Father Small said. "But, in fact, the entire program was rooted in a sense of solidarity and charity in the broadest understanding of the word. No one was, in fact, adopted or bought. Despite its apparent condescending tone at times, it instilled a radical sense of urgency in children that we are responsible for one another."
Those who would like to know what became of their "pagan babies" will get a chance to find out when Pontifical Mission Societies formally launches its Great Works Campaign in the coming months.
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. An interactive website will feature video interviews with some of the former "pagan babies," now nuns, priests and catechists in their homelands.
Some became doctors and lawyers and school teachers 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."
--From article "Support for "pagan babies" showed solidarity, mission leader says,"
Catholic News Service, May 23, 2012.