Response of Anthony Nwedo, Bishop of Umuahia, Nigeria, to Vatican II’s Antepreparatory Commission

I. De doctrina

 a) Ut tempus nunc opportunum sit definiendi doctrinam de Maria Mediatrice omnium Gratiarum.

 b) Ut clarificetur doctrina de Limbo infantium.

c) Ut clarificetur quid sit ≪ opus servile ≫ prohibitum diebus dominicis temporibus hodiernis.

 d) Ut auctoritative explicentur haec verba Domini: ≪ excepta fornicationis causa ≫ (Mt. 5, 32), et ≪ nisi ob fornicationem ≫ (Mt. 19, 9).

II. De disciplina cleri

a) In patriis (regionibus) emergentibus in lucem politicam internationalem, desiderandae sunt directivae clarae quas cleri sequi debeant in vita politica, municipali, et culturali.

 b) Ut damnetur disparitas apud sacerdotes relate ad divitias et paupertatem.

 c) Ut integrentur in Breviario reviso exercitia spiritualia diurna sacerdotis.

 d) Ut caveatur ne stipendia Missarum cadant penes sacerdotes falsos.

III. De disciplina populi christiani

 a) Ut formulentur directivae de positione puerorum in scholis acatholicis, data hodierna crescente incursione Rerum Publicarum in educatione variis in regionibus.

 b) Ut detur directivum de co-educatione (scilicet, puerorum una cum puellis) in talibus scholis acatholicis.

IV. De actuositate negotiisque Ecclesiae

a) Ut afferatur methodus pugnandi periculum Macometi doctrinae, specialiter de praeparandis sacerdotibus ad hoc munus.

b) Ut explicetur quomodo Communismus obviatur in regionibus missionariis.

V. De ceteris rebus

 a) Si possibile fiat minuere impensas necessarias in causa canonisationis servorum Dei gerenda.

b) Ut standardizentur regulae ieiunii pro Ecclesia universali.

+ ANTONIUS NWEDO
Episcopus Umuahiaensis

I. On doctrine

a) That the time is now opportune to define the doctrine on Mary the Mediatrix of all Graces.

 b) That the teaching on the limbo of infants be clarified.

 c) That what “servile work” forbidden on Sundays is in the present time be clarified.

 d) That these words of the Lord be authoritatively explained: “except on account of fornication” (Mt. 5:32) and “except for fornication” (Mt. 19:9).

II. On the discipline of the clergy

a) In countries (regions) emerging into international political light, clear directives which the clergy should follow in political, municipal, and cultural life are needed.

 b) That the disparity among priests in relation to riches and poverty be condemned.

 c) That priest’s daily spiritual exercises be integrated into the revised Breviary.

 d) That precautions be taken lest Mass stipends fall into the hands of false priests.

III. On the discipline of the Christian people

 a) That directives on the position of children in non-Catholic schools be formulated, given the present increasing incursion of the State in education in various regions.

 b) That a directive on co-education (scil., of boys together with girls) in such non-Catholic schools be given.

IV. On the activity and affairs of the Church

a) That a method of combating the danger of the Islamic doctrine be provided, specifically, with regard to preparing priests for this task.

 b) That how communism is to be obviated in missionary regions be set forth.

 V. On other issues

 a) If possible, let the necessary expenses borne in the cause of the canonization of servants of God be reduced.

b) That the rules of fasting be standardized for the universal Church.
 

+ ANTHONY NWEDO
Bishop of Umuahia