First European Congress of Catholic Doctors : Malta meeting, September, 1964

Abstract

This summer Malta was the venue chosen for the holding of the First European Congress of Catholic Doctors, attended by doctors numbering some 400 from about 20 countries. The Congress, the first ever, turned out to be a great success in every respect. It was well attended, there were some fine sessions, during which several problems were discussed both in prepared statements and in short talks. The importance which the Roman Catholic Church attaches to this type of congress may be gauged from the fact that His Holiness the Pope sent a special message, which was read out on the opening day by Professor A. Gedda, the President of the National Federation of Doctors. In the Papal message it was emphasized that the Church was determined to assist by every means the doctor in his exercise of the apostolate within the family, and that the subjects to be dealt with concerned serious aspects of Christian marriage which require much wisdom and prudence since they were matters which were much discussed these days, It was emphasized that the questions referred to deal not only with the medical profession but also with Catholic doctrines about morality. The Holy Father expressed the hope that in the medical sciences all those who profess the Catholic religion would adhere respectfully to the ecclesiastical magisterium and that they would not depart from the norms laid down by the Pope. Also the Church attached great importance to the profession of Catholic doctors and greatly appreciated their apostolate since it is often granted to them to convey the message of salvation and the blessing of Christian teachings where its ordained ministers cannot reach.