On 18 February 1963, Brazilian bishop, Dom Eugenio Araujo Sales, also a member of the Lay Apostolate Commission, wrote to Cardijn approving the draft manuscript of his book, emphasising its timeliness.
Natal, 18/2/63
My dear Monsignor Cardijn.
I received your letter of January 15, 1963, as well as your publication, which I am now reading carefully. I’m very interested. The position is very clear and I fully agree with your points of view. I believe,
Your Excellency, that we are at a moment of the utmost importance in determining the role of the laity in the Church. In the present apostolic situation, the participation of the well-trained layman will succeed in keeping the various de-Christianized or almost de-Christianized circles in the Church, or in bringing them back into it.
In prayer to God to bless your extraordinary work, I send you an affectionate blessing.
Reverend Mgr. Jos. Cardijn
General Chaplain of the YCW
78, Boulevard Poincaré
Brussels 7 7 – CCP 62081
Brussels
Dom Eugênio de Araújo Sales
Apostolic Administrator
SOURCE
Archives Cardijn 1783
Stefan Gigacz, The Leaven in the Council, Chapter 8, Suenens vs Cardijn, Lay people in the frontlines (Australian Cardijn Institute)