A look back: April 23, 1976

Archbishop Francis Furey of San Antonio, formerly of Coaldale, reaffirmed the Second Vatican Council’s call for brotherhood among Catholics and Jews during an address to about 200 people attending a special service at the Temple Beth El in San Antonio.

It was reportedly the first time a Catholic archbishop ever spoke at a Jewish synagogue.

The archbishop stressed the importance of lowering the barriers of hostility and misunderstanding once often found between Catholics and Jews.

Archbishop Furey was born in Summit Hill, then moved to Coaldale, where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the Class of 1920.