Father Benedict Groeschel hosted Ken Hacket, the president of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on his weekly EWTN program, Sunday Night Live a few weeks ago. Since 1972 he's worked in the missions. The program was a source of hope for me because it expanded my horizons of what we as Christians are meant to be: beacons of hope and compassion for others, not only in a time of need, but at all times. This organization clearly and proudly represents us doing good around the world. CRS is a great example of Christian charity!
Paul Zalonski: March 2011 Archives
Père [Cardinal] Yves Congar, OP, in 1963 quoted by Geoffrey Hull in The Banished Heart (2010): Nothing is more educative for man in his
totality than the liturgy. The Bible is certainly a marvelous teacher of
prayer, of the sense of God and of the adult convictions of conscience. Used
alone, the Bible might produce a Christian of the Puritan tradition, an
individualist and even a visionary. The liturgy, however, is the
"authentic method instituted by the Church to unite souls to Jesus"
(Dom Maurice Festugière). The sort of Christian produced by an enlightened and
docile participation in the liturgy is a man of peace and unified in every
fibre of his human nature by the secret and powerful penetration of faith and
love in his life, throughout a period of prayer and worship, during which he
learned, at his mothers knee and without effort, the Church's language: her
language of faith, love, hope, and fidelity. There is no better way of
acquiring "the mind of the Church" in the widest and most interior
interpretation of this expression.
My friend, Father Mark posted this paragraph quoting Cardinal Congar from a recently published book, The Banished Heart (Continuum, 2010 - the link above takes you to the book) on his blog and I am shamelessly posting it here because I think it fully captures what this blog is about, and more importantly, what the Christian life is exactly about.
We can't live in abstractions. Reality as it is, God in Himself, is revealed in the concrete. The temptation is to let ourselves be consumed by what is non-essential, with things that burdensome or just plainly a pain. God is not known in the abstract; God is only revealed in the concreteness of life: in love, goodness, beautiful things, friendship, prayer, the sacred Liturgy, the proclamation of the Word, the sacred Tradition of the Church, and the like. Lent for some people is an abstract time of the Church's calendar because they don't necessarily know the aim, the goal, the necessity and the personal. What we all should bear in mind is that Lent is a simple time for getting back to basics so that these basics become virtue and virtue becomes a permanent way of looking at things in front of us. A little girl who does religious education following the method of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) focusses our attention in how she experiences this period of conversion. "What is Lent? Lent is a time of reflection, of preparing ourselves for the resurrection of Our Lord... by doing something that takes a great effort... a time of sharing and giving ourselves, body and soul to God and the Holy Spirit" (Jessica, 9 years old, Chihuahua Mexico, Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 1984 - 1997, p.149).
Jessica's rather simple declaration hopefully gives you pause during the day to give heart and the mind the space to do something other than work. Lent, like Advent, is a fitting to time of the liturgical year to reflect on the meaning of the Cross and the our Lord's resurrection (this is what we call the Paschal Mystery). In what concrete ways does God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit capture our imagination --our heart? The founder of the CGS movement Sofia Cavalletti writes: "Simplicity also imposes a kind of asceticism, but it is an asceticism that is joyful, happy, dynamic, and opens out to spaces that are always becoming wider. It is an asceticism that is invigorating, filling the lungs with fresh air that empowers us to keep climbing toward the summit, where the space we will stand on might have become smaller, but the space before us, the panorama we view, will have opened out on the infinite" ("Holy Simplicity," Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 2003 - 2008, p. 4).
There is no such thing as pure spirituality because there is no such thing as spirituality without reality. One needs a body to have a healing, water is required for holy water.
As Chesteron reminds us, the sacraments are both certain and incredible, both ideas are true and yet a paradox. The sacraments of the Church are solidly physical and wonderfully spiritual. The sacraments, as known by the Church, are ways of seeing (faith) the invisible. Any of the seven sacraments are philosophically the same as knowing the paradox of God: Spirit becoming flesh. Look at the greatest sacrament, the Eucharist, it is spirit and substance together, it is the Presence of the One who was crucified and risen, it's healing and food and a pledge. And all these things are true we can never exhaust the meaning of the sacrament because of its divine reality.
Sacraments coming face to face with God, and face to face with ourselves. They reveal God's face of love and mercy, and they also pull back the veils that cover our face. God comes and finds us through the sacraments.
A few times in the last month I've mentioned the the tragic death of a brother in the Lord, Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic in Pakistan, a voice against oppression. His death should signal for us that religious freedom is not operative around the world as well as out-and-out persecution of Christians is a too frequent occurrence. Just read the end of the year stats on the deaths of people just because they are Christian published by the Vatican office of Evangelization of Peoples. We can't under-estimate the our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world face just because they utter Jesus' name as Lord and Savior: they face death and oppression daily.
In a recently published essay, "The Assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Jesuit Father Luciano Larivera, explores the details of a Christian's murder by Islamic extremists. He writes in his summary, "On March 2, a commando of an Islamic terrorist group assassinated Shahbaz Bhatti, 42, the minister of Religious Minorities in Pakistan. He was a Catholic, and is already considered a martyr for the faith and interreligious dialogue. Let us quote the spiritual testament. As with the governor of the province of the Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, who was killed Jan. 4, Bhatti had fought for the abolition, or at least for the reform, of the law against blasphemy and the liberation of Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to be hung for insulting Muhammad. Pakistan is torn apart by numerous tensions and an internal power struggle. Religious violence and intimidation have weakened the Government's action. The country needs the restoration of an effective criminal justice system, which also prevents and sanctions crimes against religious minorities. La Civiltà Cattolica (3859, 2011, II, pp. 81-90) carries the essay.
The UK's Guardian carried this obit for Shahbaz Bhatti.
Good question: how does one prepare one self for Christian living? I'd suggest
- look for ways to grow in virtue by practice and asking for the grace from Jesus;
- reduce time sitting in front of the TV, vedging-out; drinking, and eating bad food;
- be aware of the ways in which self-ish behavior is the norm and make changes;
- spend time doing lectio divina, praying the rosary and praying for enemies one's conversion;
- seek ways to be generous, self-sacrificing by offer a sincere gift of self, self mastery relationship with the Lord.
Many come to a conversion of life from within marriage (and some through religious vows and priesthood) but how we live our life right now is the question; it is also a matter of formation that will bear fruit later in life. Ask for the grace to live a real Christian life.
Success is not a word that is appropriate for matters pertaining to faith, even if it's dealing those hearing the message of the Gospel for the first time or fancy programs. But I think it's fair to say that from the reports that are coming from the Court of the Gentiles last weekend, this event was extraordinarily successful. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, his staff and collaborators have the makings of very significant work for culture, humanity and theology which will, no doubt, bear much fruit.
What's at stake is not theology but humanity, not God but man and woman. If we don't deal with our humanity, our human need, our desire for the infinite, then we will be less than what we are made for: happiness and greatness.
Sandro Magister's follow-up can be read here.
Chicago is on the list of possible events like the Court of the Gentiles. AND not New York?
For many moons now, some estimate 50 years in the asking, the question to the pope has been: when will the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church be given the title of Patriarch?
Currently, there are some people who use the title unofficially --even provocatively-- because they know better than the pope. Somehow the thinking is that if we just use that which is due to us then the rest of the world --and the Holy See-- will see they we're right and they are wrong. The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church holds the title of "Major Archbishop." There are three other Major Archbishops in the Catholic Church: Romanian Greek Catholic Church, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malakar Churches (both in India).
This attitude is unhelpful, incorrect and obnoxius. It is acutally an attitude of entitlement AND no one is entitled to anything in the Catholic Church. While the title of patriarch may, in fact, be fitting and proper to the head of the Ukrainian Greek Church, it is a title and privilege that is given. It is bestowed, not taken.
You'll recall that Pope Paul VI made the designation of "Major Archbishop" in 1963 and gave it to the Ukrainian Greek Church. and his successors have said the Byzantine Ukrainian Church that it is an open question and that the Church has work toward getting the title of Patriarch. You see, this Church has been persecuted and "run out town" by the government and other ecclesial bodies and really only since the early 1990s has the Church gotten its proverbial sea-legs back. For a time, which may be current, there's been a fear jeopardizing ecumenical relations with the Orthodox sister-churches.
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk is in Rome to pray at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and to meet with Pope Benedict and the Roman Curia. It is the sharing of Communio between brothers in the Lord. He's travelling with the Metropolitan Archbishops and members of his staff.
So, while it may be important to have the title of "patriarch" it is not the first of the priorities of the new head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The brief story is here.
His love for
people was authentic brotherly love. It was real charity: missionary and
pastoral charity. It meant that he gave himself to others. Like Jesus the Good
Shepherd, he lay down his life for the sheep, for Christ's flock: to provide
for their needs, to lead them to salvation. And today, with the Evangelist, we
solemnly proclaim: "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life
for one's friends" (John 15, 13).
excerpt, canonization homily
19 June 1977
Learn more about Saint John Neumann during this holy year, the 200th anniversary of his birth.
In his letter to the new Patriarch, granting "ecclesiastica communio", Pope Benedict prayed that Patriarch Béchara Peter would be assisted by the Lord in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the fervent in his teaching of the faith; the Pope also said "It is a motive of pride for your Church to be united from the beginning to the Successor of Peter. Peter was called by Jesus to preserver the unity of his one Church in truth and in love. Following a beautiful and ancient tradition, Peter's name is added to the patriarch's"
Pope Benedict's fraternal support was echoed in his hope that the Patriarch had "all the ardor, illumined by wisdom and tempered by prudence, to guide the Maronite Church."
The Maronite Church was established by Saint Maron having lived in the 4th and 5th centuries. Patriarch Béchara Peter is the 77th father of a Church of 3 million people worldwide. Besides the Middle East, Maronites are present in Western Europe, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, the United States of America, and Canada.
Digging back into TV history, Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa of EWTN talks with the US Maronite Bishops Gregory Mansour and Robert Shaheen about the role of the Maronite Church in the overall unity of the Catholic Church. Father Pacwa gives a sense of Maronite spirituality. Watch the show.
Permanent commitment is an awesome gesture. It is, however, becoming a thing of the past these days. I remember a few years ago
when my parents were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and one of my
mother's clients said to her: "I can't believe you've been married to the same
man for this long." I was taken aback by the statement. In my mind what else would you do but be faithful to your vows. Of course this woman is on her second marriage and from all
reports pretty self-absorbed. There was a time when you entered into a "life
commitment" by vows and you did what they indicated: live them forever, unto death is there parting. Times have changed: prenuptials are "in" and convenience has replaced permanency. Have we become too fickle? Just
recently an event in Rome gave me hope: Father Angelo's 80 years as a Trappist
monk of the Abbey of Tre Fontane. Imagine 80 years do anything! Imagine living your monastic profession in the place where Saint Paul was martyred! Saint Paul's head bounced three times. Hence three fountains of water sprung up.
Father Angelo (Archangelo Buccitti in
history), just celebrated his 94th birthday on March 3. Bishop Paolo
Schiavon, a long-time friend of the community offered Mass for Father Angelo's
intentions.
Father Angelo's monastic journey included entry at Frattochie abbey at 14 years of age, his journey to solemn profession, ordination to the
priesthood, time as chaplain for the Trappistine nuns at Vitorchiano, his election
as abbot of Tre Fontane and his ten years in that capacity. All of Father
Angelo's life can be seen as a homage, a testament to grace and grace's living through his deep humanity known through fraternal
charity, humility and faithfulness to God's call.
Father Angelo said: "The
Lord does not count the number of one's years, but weighs their quality" and "A
man is never taller than when he is on his knees before his Lord."
"all of us are sinners. We need mercy and healing that only Jesus can give," Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan told prisoners today at the Arthur Kill correctional facility on Staten Island, NY. The Archbishop offered the Sacrifice of the Mass for about 75 prisoners and others. The story is here.
Haven't been thinking of the Pope's letter to the Church in Ireland regarding the sexual abuse problems in a while? Let's start thinking anew: the year of prayer that the Pope asked for is coming to an with Easter. I'd like to know what's different.
No one I know takes issue with what the Pope has been doing with the sexual abuse matters. That may be a point of criticism of me and my friends, but I don't have all the answers to such a complex issue such as pedodphilia and ephebophilia and I tend to lean toward diagnosing the problem not merely from psychological and sociological criteria but most importantly from spiritual criteria. What does one do with sin in one's spiritual life? My experience with secular and religious clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and of course the laity, is that there is lots of mediocre spiritual lives in the Catholic; I might even argue for an acceptance that there are a lot of spiritually dead men of the cloth pastoring souls today. Since the Pope's March letter to Ireland of a year ago I have been thinking and praying about the matter, as you have you some concrete initiatives to address the situation, in addition to a special investigation into the way certain dioceses took responsibility for the crimes.
Continue reading Is the Pope's Irish proposal reasonable?.
A recent book on Muslim Christian relations is Reaching Muslims: A one-step guide for Christians gives a perspective, albeit from a Protestant perspective, is worth noting. Much of what is said therein would recall for interested readers the kinds of things Pope Benedict XVI has already said. The author is reasonably positive when he speaks about Muslim culture being "culturally rich and often wonderfully passionate
about life and faith." There is a lot of useful information given here: he covers lots of ground: politics, sociology, belief, justice matters, history and demographics.
This book attempts to help the read to bridge the gap of divisions, real or fictional, between Christians and Muslims. Fear of the other keeps us from speaking the truth in love and in peace with someone who does not think or act like we do. Chatrath holds up the role of friendship in knowing the other. Friendship bears the heat of the day!
Continue reading Reaching Muslims: A one-stop guide for Christians.
Today the Church --though localized to the Cistercian Order-- celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saint Stephen Harding, one of the 3 founders of the Cistercian reform of Benedictine monastic life. Most of the faithful would not know of Saint Stephen unless they had contact with the Cistercians or remember their church history class. Several things distinguish Saint Stephen Harding: he was English, he was the third abbot of Cîteaux, he was a man of great pragmatism, he was the author of the Charter of Charity (the foundational document of the Cistercian life), and was responsible for the liturgical formulations for this way of life, cleaning up the corruptions inserted into the Divine Office over the years.
On Saint Stephen's deathbed he said, I assure you that I go to God in fear and trembling.
If my baseness should be found to have ever done any good, even in this I fear,
lest I should not have preserved that grace with the humility and care I ought.
For more on Saint Stephen Harding read this entry and this one.
A striking line in Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo," "Give beauty back, beauty, beauty, beauty, back to God, beauty's self and beauty's giver." English Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was renowned for his use of Blessed John Duns Scotus' theology and his creative use of language and rhythm (notice Hopkins' characteristic stresses on certain words).
The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo(Maiden's song from St. Winefred's Well)
The Leaden Echo
How to kéep--is there ány any, is there none such, nowhere known some, bow orbrooch or braid or brace, láce, latch or catch or key to keep
Back beauty, keep it, beauty, beauty, beauty, ... from vanishing away?
Ó is there no frowning of these wrinkles, rankéd wrinkles deep,
Dówn? no waving off of these most mournful messengers, still
messengers, sad and stealing messengers of grey?
No there 's none, there 's none, O no there 's none,
Nor can you long be, what you now are, called fair,
Do what you may do, what, do what you may,
And wisdom is early to despair:
Be beginning; since, no, nothing can be done
To keep at bay
Age and age's evils, hoar hair,
Ruck and wrinkle, drooping, dying, death's worst, winding sheets, tombs and worms and
tumbling to decay;
So be beginning, be beginning to despair.
O there 's none; no no no there 's none:
Be beginning to despair, to despair,
Despair, despair, despair, despair.
Continue reading Give beauty back to God, beauty's self and beauty's giver.
A perplexing issue of one's faith is accepting that no matter what we do, no matter who we become, we remain a son or daughter of God. There is no unforgivable sin except the sin of presumption against the Holy Spirit. We can do the most heinous of things, even deny God's existence, we remain in Christ's reach for mercy in His washing us with His own Precious Blood. History has several good examples of people doing terrible things to others and destabilizing society, but is it impossible to have mercy on these people? The question eventually becomes: Can a person who does evil things be forgiven and saved? Is forgiveness outside the realm of possibility for God, for us? If not for God, why is it that we find so difficult to be merciful toward others?
As scripture say, all have sinned and fallen short of
God's glory (Rom 3:23) so that all of us are at some time in our lives
potentially (and unfortunately all too actually) capable of real evil. Yet no
matter how depraved people may become, they remain always images of Christ the
true Image of God. That image-quality may be soiled, tarnished, obscured and
disfigured, but is never wholly lost, never totally destroyed.
The more we
commit sin the more we weave a web around ourselves, voluntarily blocking out
his light. That is why in the incarnation God punched a hole in our self-woven
cocoon and thrust in a hand to drag us out: that is why Christ descended into
our hell of God-forsakeness - so that we could not go on pretending to
ourselves - and in that way justifying our own ghastliness to ourselves and
others.
Meeting Christ in His Mysteries
Father Gregory Collins, OSB
His Beatitude, Archbishop Sviatoslav's first homily as head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is noted below. It is a very good homily focusing on the Cross and our acceptance of that life-giving Cross today. We have no other option as Christians. Pay close attention to what the new archbishop says: live, witness, strive for holiness, move closer to Christ today.
Beloved in Christ, brothers and sisters!
Glory to Jesus Christ!
"We praise your Cross, Lord, and glorify Your holy resurrection!"
With these words today, the Church of Christ focuses on the Honest and True Cross. Today, as we pass the halfway point of our Lenten journey, the Life-Giving Tree is given to us, that we might find in it a source of strength and courage to go on to the Resurrection, to put the Sign of the Cross at the center of our lives.
In his Epistle to the Philippians, St Paul has left us a unique early Christian hymn that a young Church, newly enlivened by the Holy Spirit, solemnly sang in its Liturgy.
The Apostle calls to us this way:
Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (2:6-11).
O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we who are bowed down by our conscience may always be lifted by your mercy.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi's interview on the importance of the Court of the Gentiles for us. This is probably the single most significant initiative of the Pontifical Council for Culture taking seriously the place of belief and unbelief. The Pope some time ago asked the pastors of the Church to take atheism as a serious matter to engage in. And by atheism he's not suggesting the Christopher Hitchens' version of atheism but what might be called "honest atheism," those who ask sincere questions of belief and who are seeking to live a coherent life. The Pope is brilliant in his call to respect, dialogue and living.Pope Benedict's message to the gathering:
I know that at the invitation of Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the Archbishop of Paris, and of Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi (seen right), the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, you are gathered in great numbers in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. I greet all of you, together with our brothers and friends from the Taizé Community. I am grateful to the Pontifical Council for having taken up and extended my invitation to open a number of "Courts of the Gentiles" within the Church. This image refers to the vast open space near the Temple of Jerusalem where all those who did not share the faith of Israel could approach the Temple and ask questions about religion. There they could meet the scribes, speak of faith and even pray to the unknown God. The Court was then an area of separation, since Gentiles did not have the right to enter the consecrated area, yet Jesus Christ came to "break down the dividing wall" between Jews and Gentiles, and to "reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility in himself". In the words of Saint Paul, "He came and proclaimed peace..." (cf. Eph 2:14-17).
Pope Benedict's book, Jesus of Nazareth, volume 2, internationally released on March 10 with 1.2 million copies in 8 languages.Father Joseph Fessio says that "It's clear that what interests the Holy Father is helping people to know and love someone whom he knows and loves. But he does this as a scholar. This book is a bright star in the constellation of books about Jesus." Astute readers consider Jesus of Nazareth to be a complex, clear with a breadth of learning of learning having a depth of theological insight. Volume 1 was the same.
I finally picked up my copy at a local monastery bookstore and giving it some time today. It is a satisfying read already. In the meantime, I just read a former professor of mine's review of Benedict's new book in an essay "Benedict's Passion."
Some people are suggesting that the Catholic bishops of Pakistan may petition the Pope to say that the recently murdered Shahbaz Bhatti is a martyr. More will be known on or after the March 25th meeting of the bishops. Bhatti was gunned down on Marc in Islamabad. Pakistan has about 2.5 Christians.
Bishop Andrew Francis of Multan: "Bhatti is a man who gave his life for his crystalline faith in Jesus Christ. It is up to us, the bishops, to tell his story and experience to the church in Rome, to call for official recognition of his martyrdom."
Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore and president of the
Conference of Bishops said: "The murder of Shahbaz Bhatti means that we
have lost a great leader of our community who stood up for us and articulated
the concerns and fears of our people. We do not have a leader now. Our people
are quite down. They are fearful of the future."
In the meantime, Paul Bhatti, MD, has been appointed by Pakistan's Prime Minister to work with minorities, the same job his brother had.
The truth is coming out...slowly, that is, about Fr John Corapi's case. An angry former employee of Fr Corapi's publishing house wanted to take-down her former employers, including Corapi.
The problem remains: the process of investigation for such cases is wrong and insufficient when false accusations are made. What will the Bishop of Corpus Christi do to restore the good name of Fr John Corapi? Will he be working to restore Corapi's good name and income if and when the case is closed (and in favor of Corapi)? Doubtful. Bishops rarely admit they are wrong.
Read the statement here. Thank for honest people!
Per usual, beg the Holy Spirit for guidance and a quick resolution to this case.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is facing new challenges in the coming years and the Church's Synod of Bishops (the Sobor) has decided to meet the challenge head-on: the Synod elected and the Pope confirmed communion with, a 40 year bishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, a man who's been bishop for less than 2 years and a moral theologian.Words that are on everyone's lips are words like "historic," "cataclysmic," "revolutionary," "high-minded," "a sign of hope," and "daring." The are others no doubt, but what the Synod of Ukrainian bishops did and Pope Benedict XVI confirmed is a paradigm shift in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading Sviatoslav Shevchuk's challenge.
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, 40, is the new head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of 6 million people worldwide. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is the largest Eastern Church in communion with the See of Rome. The election happened on March 23. In Canon Law he holds the title of Major Archbishop (that is, he has the responsibility that a patriarch would have but not the title, though many in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church unofficially use the title, see canon 151 of the CCEO). The election was done by 40 bishops from around the world.
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, until now, is the Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of the Protection of the Theotokos, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to his South American work, the Archbishop was the personal secretary of the former head of the Church, His Beatitude, Lubomyr, from 2002-05.
At Shevchuk's election he had to write a letter in his own hand to the Pope requesting communion with the Apostolic See. In accordance with canon 153 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Church reads:
1. A major archbishop is elected according to the norm of cann. 63-74.
2. After acceptance of the election, the synod of bishop of the major archepiscopal Church must notify the Roman Pontiff through a synodal letter about the canonical conduct of the election; however, the one who of is elected, in a letter signed in his own hand, must petition the confirmation of his election from the Roman Pontiff.
3. After having obtained the confirmation, the one who is elected, in the presence of the synod of bishops of the major archepiscopal Church, must make a profession of faith and promise to carry out faithfully his office; afterwards his proclamation and enthronment are to be performed. If, however, the one who is elected is not yet an ordained bishop, the enthronment cannot validly be done before he receives episcopal ordination.
4. If however the confirmation is denied, a new election is to be conducted within the time established by the Roman Pontiff.
What happened here in Nazareth, far from the gaze of the world, was a singular act of God, a powerful intervention in history, through which a child was conceived who was to bring salvation to the whole world. The wonder of the Incarnation continues to challenge us to open up our understanding to the limitless possibilities of God's transforming power, of his love for us, his desire to be united with us. Here the eternally begotten Son of God became man, and so made it possible for us, his brothers and sisters, to share in his divine sonship. That downward movement of self-emptying love made possible the upward movement of exaltation in which we too are raised to share in the life of God himself (cf. Phil 2:6-11).
The Spirit who "came upon Mary" (cf. Lk 1:35) is the same Spirit who hovered over the waters at the dawn of Creation (cf. Gen 1:2). We are reminded that the Incarnation was a new creative act. When our Lord Jesus Christ was conceived in Mary's virginal womb through the power of the Holy Spirit, God united himself with our created humanity, entering into a permanent new relationship with us and ushering in a new Creation. The narrative of the Annunciation illustrates God's extraordinary courtesy (cf. Mother Julian of Norwich, Revelations 77-79). He does not impose himself, he does not simply pre-determine the part that Mary will play in his plan for our salvation: he first seeks her consent. In the original Creation there was clearly no question of God seeking the consent of his creatures, but in this new Creation he does so. Mary stands in the place of all humanity. She speaks for us all when she responds to the angel's invitation. Saint Bernard describes how the whole court of heaven was waiting with eager anticipation for her word of consent that consummated the nuptial union between God and humanity. The attention of all the choirs of angels was riveted on this spot, where a dialogue took place that would launch a new and definitive chapter in world history. Mary said, "Let it be done to me according to your word." And the Word of God became flesh.
When we reflect on this joyful mystery, it gives us hope, the sure hope that God will continue to reach into our history, to act with creative power so as to achieve goals which by human reckoning seem impossible. It challenges us to open ourselves to the transforming action of the Creator Spirit who makes us new, makes us one with him, and fills us with his life. It invites us, with exquisite courtesy, to consent to his dwelling within us, to welcome the Word of God into our hearts, enabling us to respond to him in love and to reach out in love towards one another.
Pope Benedict XVI14 May 2009
Basilica of the Annunciation, Israel
As a way of deepening the Mystery of the Incarnation, here is "Beyond the Clash of Absolutes: Abortion" taken from Carl A. Anderson's 2010 book, Beyond A House Divided.
Lenten observances are varied: you can fast, pray the Way of the Cross, do charitable acts, give alms, spend time in contemplative prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, do lectio divina, pray the rosary, and the like. The possibilities are limitless. You might know, Catholics have a lot in their own mystical tradition to deepen a relationship with the Blessed Trinity. And some real good stuff, too. So much so, that a Catholic doesn't have to stray far from orthodox Christianity for prayer.
Doubtful, however, is the spending any kind of energy on "Gandhi, Peace and Nonviolence" an acceptable alternative for Catholics. Especially when knowledge of the Catholic tradition is relatively low, even among theology students. But that is what the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry's Lenten focus was today. The idea is OK. Wait. It was pretty mediocre. Why not reflect upon peace and nonviolence using music and select readings? At a Catholic school of theology and ministry where students are paying tuition in order to be trained to be better Catholics, superb lay Catholic leaders and teachers, and perhaps even priests, Gandhi just doesn't fit during Lent.
I wonder if anyone at a Jesuit school of theology and ministry ever thought of focusing on one of the great spiritual fathers and mothers of the Church --Augustine, Ephrem, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Lawrence of Brindisi, Hilary of Poiters, Loyola, Gertrude, Tauler, Marguerite d'Oingt, Catherine of Siena, Giussani, Lubich, Benedict XVI-- for Lenten prayer and readings? Then, I have to wonder if Gandhi is BC's type of Catholic and the list above are too obscure for mainline believers. Are these people too Catholic? Perhaps Gandhi is the new patron saint of the liberal-blue hairs and they haven't told the rest of the Church yet? Curious to know what Sister Quinn was thinking.
This is not only a question of Catholic identity at a supposed Catholic institution of higher education, but a question of formation for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. It is a question of helping each other know their destiny in Jesus Christ.
Saint Turibius de Mongrovejo is little known in these parts but he's one saint that ought not to be missed. He's the first recognized saint of the Americas. He served as the Archishop of Lima for 26 years having been born in Spain. Turibius was a professor of Law at the University of Salamanca.
He was a saint who gave saints sacraments: history tells us that he the sacrament of Confirmation to Saint Rose of Lima and likely to Saint Martin de Porres.
His care for the poor and those on the margins is well known. He wanted to curb clergy misconduct, civil corruption, and social malaise. He advocated for those enslaved.
The hymn below best describes the saint.
In faith and in love of Christ Jesus, the Son.
For we are entrusted to guard something precious,
And only by the Spirit can this work be done.
Toribio, bishop of Lima, was faithful;
As pastor, he was a good shepherd to all
The people God placed in his care, so he led them
By preaching the Word to both great and small.
His love for the poor and the needy is legend,
And so is his work for the people enslaved;
His preaching for justice was met with great hatred,
But firm was his faith in the Master who saved!
Give praise to the Father, who calls forth good shepherds;
Give praise to the Son, who has showed us the Way;
Give praise to the Spirit, who guides our Church's leaders!
To God, One-in-Three, we give thanks ev'ry day.
J. Michael Thompson
Copyright © 2010, WLP
Irregular; KREMSER
Today has been a day of death it seems. I started the day with a funeral of a 8 year old who died the other day of cancer.
This afternoon I was notified that my former rector, Father David L. Fleming, SJ, 76, died after facing cancer in a courageous way. Well done good and faithful servant. May the Lord be good to him.
David is likely to have been one of the best superiors I ever had. For me, he was a light in darkness when a lot of others were simply too self-absorbed. He was one of those who superiors who took each person seriously and approached each person with sensitivity, grace and love. He always showed me the operation of grace, that is, the act of God's love on me as unmerited and without reservation.
When I saw David last summer it was a fine meeting --one that was full of memories from the past-- but one we both knew that we'd not likely see each other this summer.
Father Fleming's obituary is here: Fr David Fleming, SJ obit.pdf
Please pray for Father Fleming and all the souls who have died today.
May Father David Fleming's memory be eternal.
Fr Corapi's life hangs in the balance and a matter of justice relevant info should be known. Pat Archbold from the NC Register has this update.
Two things that need to be considered: we ought to be careful about making the man a saint before his time even if he's made a change of life and done an excellent job in teaching the faith; it is possible that he's fallen off the wagon. People with addictions do relapse.
Continued prayers.
Father, grant the people of Japan comfort in their suffering, courage when afraid, and patience in the many afflictions and the concrete and prayerful solidarity of the world.
Here is a report of some of the Capuchins who serve in Japan. Let us be in solidarity with our Japanese sisters and brothers who are suffering.
To help the relief, visit this site.
Image via Wikipedia
As today we
celebrate the passing of our holy Father Benedict, I am obliged to say
something about him, especially because I observe that you are eager to listen.
Like good sons you have come together to hear about your Father who, in Christ
Jesus, gave birth to you in the Gospel. Because we know that he has passed
beyond, let us see where he came from and where he has gone.
He came from where
we still are, of course, and he has gone on to that place to which we have not
yet come. And while we are not physically there where he has gone, we are there
in hope and love, as our Redeemer has told us: Where your treasure is, there
also is your heart. Thus the Apostle said: Our dwelling place is in heaven.
Indeed, Saint Benedict himself, while he lived physically in this world, dwelt
in thought and desire in the heavenly Fatherland.
Continue reading Saint Benedict through the eyes of Saint Anselm.
60 Minutes aired Morely Safer's interview with Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan tonight. Watch Safer on Dolan.This is a profile of a man who is interesting and does interesting things. He's affable, joyable, personable, cigar smoking with an eloquent defense of Catholic dogma and belief.
If you want to know more about what the "American Pope" thinks gay marriage, politics, etc, watch 60 Minutes Overtime.
Morely Safer comes at the interview with what I and others will call a secular, modernist viewpoint and is dismissive of the Archbishop without objectivity nor does he evoke from the Archbishop a clarity of thought. Safer, 79, freely admits that as a man and as a Jewish he wants to know more because "these type of men" are good company. Good. I agree. But I had hoped that Safer would have done a better job getting at substantive theological and philosophical foundations of the Catholic Church.
60 Minutes opened a few interesting doors into the person and ministry of the Archbishop of NY. But the report also veered into sentimentality that is thin as gruel. One does not have to sell church! Clear Catholic teaching is not based on polls and trends. Truth stands on its own two feet.
Earlier this afternoon at St Patrick's Cathedral, hundreds of people gathered to formally state their intention to receive their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena has three men intending to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We joined 67 other parishes in the Archdiocese of New York for the "Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion."The Most Reverend Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan, archbishop of New York, presided at an hour long ceremony in which sacred Scripture was proclaimed and preached, prayers of supplication prayed and the candidates prayed over by His Excellency. Calling down the Holy Spirit asking for the grace of conversion was the goal.
Continue reading Calling to Continuing Conversion.
Blessed John of Parma (1209-1289) was born at Parma. He studied and taught philosophy and known to be a devoted man to the Lord. Sensing the Lord's call to serve Him more intensely, John entered the newly founded Friars Minor, the group that followed Saint Francis of Assisi. Completing his theological studies John was ordained priest and taught theology at Bologna, Naples and eventually in Rome. Father John was sent to the Council of Lyons in 1245.In 1247, Father John was elected the 7th minister general of the Franciscans, an election presided over by Pope Innocent IV, who thought very highly of Father John. John set in motion several initiatives to keep the friars focussed on the mission of Francis and his spirit looking keenly on poverty and humility as hallmarks of the Franciscan way of living the Gospel.
Father John was sent as a papal legate to Constantinople in an attempt healed the schism between Catholics and the Greek Orthodox. He had limited success.
Our peripatetic friar died on March 19, 1289 and his feast is kept on March 20. Father John was beatified in 1777.
More on Blessed John of Parma can be read here.
Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ, our
God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth
Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending. Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, Light-Bestower, glory to Thee.
The focus of today is not our self-initiated transfiguration but on our attentive listening to Christ and our worthy approach of the altar to be transfigured by the Risen Christ present in the Eucharist.
Can we approach the Transfigured Christ and allow him to change us?
Today, the Most Reverend Patrick Vincent Ahern, 92, died after a prolonged period of ill health due to age. Bishop Ahern is most known for his love the Little Flower, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
More Bishop Ahern here.
May the Bishop rest in the arms of the Good Shepherd.
Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, has urged Catholics to evangelize the "digital culture." He made his remarks on March 18. A common theme spoken of in recent weeks from various Vatican officials, including Pope Benedict. Celli's office has been working overtime in recent weeks in tackling media in its various forms. And one must remember that it has taken aliong time to get where we are today, thanks in part to the good work of many laity, lower clergy and a Franciscan Sister of the Eucahrist Sister Judith Zoebelein. The Vatican has been on the web since 1995.
Archbishop Celle told L'Osservatore Romano in a March 17 interview that after Easter, the Holy See will launch a new news website that will gather all the Vatican media services into one portal in English, French and Italian with the hope to offer its media services in additional languages.
Continue reading Claudio Celli advicates for greater use of social media.
The sad news of Fr Corapi being placed on administrative leave is making the rounds. His own testimony of the facts is noted here.Let us pray that Saint Joseph will intercede before his son and our redeemer, Jesus Christ, for a quick resolution. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Raymond Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature, has been traveling lately. Most recently to Australia. There he spoke on the theme of "The Fall of the Christian West," at a symposium organized by the Australian Catholic Students Association, Sydney. He gave "particular attention to the witness to the truth regarding human sexuality, as fundamental to holiness of life, and to the question of conscience as the irreplaceable and secure guide in the pursuit of holiness of life." The cardinal also reflected on martyrdom.
Among many things said in the address the Cardinal said:
- quoting Benedict XVI said, we "need to form our consciences, in accord with the moral teaching of the Church ... 'our responsibility to make these criteria [these moral foundations] audible and intelligible once more for people today as paths of true humanity, in the context of our paramount concern for mankind'"
- "...our call to build anew a strong Catholic culture, in fidelity to our vocation to give witness to Christ and, therefore, to be martyrs for the faith"
- "witness to the truth regarding human sexuality, as fundamental to holiness of life, and to the question of conscience as the irreplaceable and secure guide in the pursuit of holiness of life."
- "The life of the martyr for the faith finds its center and source in the Eucharistic sacrifice, in Eucharistic adoration, and in all forms of Eucharistic devotion, especially visits to the Blessed Sacrament and spiritual communion throughout the day"
- "The Holy Eucharist not only strengthens us spiritually to be true martyrs, but is the model of our martyrdom, pure and selfless love, without condition, to the end."
You ought to read the entire excellent address is here: Cardinal R Burke, The Fall of the Christian West, March 11, 2011.pdf
Christ, the Savior born on earth
That we might have second birth,
Died and rose, that we might be
In your death from death made free!
Hear the song of fervent praise
We your faithful people raise.
Taught by Cyril, we are blest
In your mysteries to rest;
Brought by grace to learn your way
In the Eucharist each day;
As he preached this lesson true:
How we die and live in you!
God, the blessèd Three-in-One,
May your holy will be done.
With your sacraments, were led
To the Christ, the Living Bread.
With Saint Cyril, we rejoice,
Praising you with mind and voice!
77 77 77
DIX
J. Michael Thompson
Copyright © 2010, WPL
The Benedictine news service provided the following news piece on the recent problems in Japan. We should pray to the Japanese martyrs for their assistance before the Throne of Grace:
Father Don
Talafous OSB, in one of his Daily Reflections, speaks about how
difficult it is to comprehend the enormity of the multiple disasters that have
befallen the people of Japan. Communications are still sparse from the
afflicted Diocese of Sendai, with 11,000 Catholics, that
includes the areas hardest-hit in the disaster. Several monks of Trinity Benedictine
Monastery, Fujimi, Japan, shared reports with the monks of Saint John's
Abbey, the founding community. The
reports mention little damage at Fujimi, some disruption at the
Trappistine monastery, Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, and the death of a
Redemptorist priest whose car was swept away.
The Office of Readings for the feast of Saint Patrick offers a different reading than what is below. In fact, I would urge you to read the Office of Readings for Saint Patrick just so you get to know the real person versus the fiction one hears on his feast, at least around these parts. I am thinking of what it means to live in the awareness of having spiritual patrernity (or spiritual maternity if you are a woman reading this post). We often do not hear much of spiritual fatherhood these days; it is not in vogue in many mainline Catholic centers, unfortunately. But when one considers the fact that we all, because we are baptised into Christ's death and resurrection, and that we have been given the gifts of mercy, Confirmation and Eucharist, we witness to the Good News of Salvation. By our clear testimony we shepherd others who do not know Christ to know Him. Our very words and actions betry our belief in Christ. The homily of Saint Asterius of Amasea exhorts us to be like Christ the Good Shepherd. Are we up for the challenge on this feast of Saint Patrick? In what ways is your heart like Jesus' heart? Will you pray for the grace to be a spiritual father or mother to those who need your testimony?
You were made in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble him, follow his example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ.
Reflect for a moment on the wealth of his kindness. Before he came as a man to be among men, he sent John the Baptist to preach repentance and lead men to practice it. John himself was preceded by the prophets, who were to teach the people to repent, to return to God and to amend their lives. Then Christ came himself, and with his own lips cried out: Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. How did he receive those who listened to his call? He readily forgave them their sins; he freed them instantly from all that troubled them. The Word made them holy; the Spirit set his seal on them. The old Adam was buried in the waters of baptism; the new man was reborn to the vigor of grace.
What was the result? Those who had been God's enemies became his friends, those estranged from him became his sons, those who did not know him came to worship and love him.
Let us then be shepherds like the Lord. We must meditate on the Gospel, and as we see in this mirror the example of zeal and loving kindness, we should become thoroughly schooled in these virtues.
For there, obscurely, in the form of a parable, we see a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. When one of them was separated from the flock and lost its way, that shepherd did not remain with the sheep who kept together at pasture. No, he went off to look for the stray. He crossed many valleys and thickets, he climbed great and towering mountains, he spent much time and labour in wandering through solitary places until at last he found his sheep.
When he found it, he did not chastise it; he did not use rough blows to drive it back, but gently placed it on his own shoulders and carried it back to the flock. He took greater joy in this one sheep, lost and found, than in all the others.
Let us look more closely at the hidden meaning of this parable. The sheep is more than a sheep, the shepherd more than a shepherd. They are examples enshrining holy truths. They teach us that we should not look on men as lost or beyond hope; we should not abandon them when they are in danger or be slow to come to their help. When they turn away from the right path and wander, we must lead them back, and rejoice at their return, welcoming them back into the company of those who lead good and holy lives.
Last week at the University of Notre Dame (my alma mater) members of the various religious orders along with a secular priest, spoke about their place in the Church. In church lingo: they spoke about their charism (the diivne gift). As you know ND was founded and continues to be sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross (CSC) but through the years members of religious orders like the Franciscans, Jesuits and Dominicans (among others) have worked and/or studied at ND. The richness ot the women religious ought to be explored at some point. Speaking to the university was an opportunity to attend to the distinctions among the orders in a healthy manner. The Observer carried the story.
Only 20 years junior to the out-going patriarch, His Beatitude Nasrallah Peter Sfeir, the Maronite bishops elected today Bishop Béshara Raï, 71, as the new patriarch. He's 77th patriarch of the Maronites; Raï takes up the See of St Peter (Peter's first diocese before moving to Rome), adopting the name Peter. He will be known as "His Beatitude, Patriarch Béshara Peter Raï."He succeeds Patriarch Sfeir after his 25 years of service. It is expected that Patriarch Béshara Peter will be enthroned on 25 March.
I am happy for His Beatitude's new opportunity to serve the Church. I met him a number of years ago and he's a wonderful person.
His Beatitude has been a priest for 43 years and a bishop for nearly 25 years and since 1990 he's been bishop of Jbeil (Byblos). In Lebanon, the Maronite Christians number about a third of the 4 million population.
One of the NY "news" rags that I periodically glance at (no pun intended) told me that a study at the University of Bristol (UK) determined that chickens are people. I didn't know that. Did you? Here's the story:Chickens have feelings, according to British veterinarians. The researchers took a group of mother hens and their chicks and blew puffs of air at the chicks. This caused the birds distress and sent their heart rates up, reducing the temperature of their eyeballs --a well-known sign of stress. The mother hens showed exactly the same signs of stress when they were hit with puffs of air, too ...
I wonder what the chickens feel when you tell them Colonel Sanders is coming for tea.
Now you can see why some people people do and think silly things about humanity.
The great communicator and soon to be beatified Pope John Paul II now has YouTube and Facebook pages. Technology is the friend of a saint and a Church.
The Siena Forum for Faith and Culture will be hosting Patrick Madrid -of EWTN fame-- at the Church of Saint Catherine of Siena (NYC) this
coming weekend!We are delighted to have Patrick with us for the the weekend!
Madrid's talks are very promising as I believe that they will open
new doors to knowing Christ, loving the Church, and spreading the Good News
that Christ is risen from the dead! For those who ask the questions, "Can an educated person
be Catholic?" Or, "Why be Catholic?", Madrid's talks will give good
answers. Even for those of us who are consider life-long Catholics Patrick
Madrid will be helpful.
The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena is
pleased to host Patrick Madrid for a 2-day seminar based on his
book Search and Rescue: How You Can Help People Come Home to the
Church.
Continue reading Patrick Madrid speaking in NYC March 18 & 19.
"Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can
be equal in the love within their hearts."
Pope Saint Leo the Great
Today's the 3rd anniversary of death of Chiara Lubich, the Trent-born founder of Focolare.
BTW, 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of Focolare coming to the USA. Big events are planned ...
The English speaking world will begin to pray the new translation of the Roman Missal (2002) on the First Sunday of Advent.Various publishers are offering the opportunity--with discounts-- on a pre-order of a copy of the Roman Missal. Four US publishers are noted here:
I always look for evidence --that is, I am looking for light on a situation that may not be very clear for me-- i.e., for the reality, the truth and beauty of a vigorous Catholic life by seeing if people are willing to live the Gospel. We do our best given the graces we've received and our own open hearts. I find myself in need to know that others belief that that the promises (and extraordinary claims) of Christ are true and are lived. Novel, right? Not really. We Catholics have been concerned for the welfare of others since the time Jesus and because our Christianity has its roots in Judaism, even before Jesus. Just read the Old Testament and dig into the narrative there. But it is Jesus gives a new lens by which to see life and to live differently today by the fact of the Paschal Mystery (His life, death, resurrection and ascension).When one follows the lay ecclesial movement of Communion and Liberation (CL) you quickly find out that you belong to a group of friends larger than oneself and that we aim to care for the needs (the faith, education, culture, social assistance) of others. The idea is rooted in what we read int he Acts of the Apostles and various letters of Saint Paul. Our doing good is not just another forum of activism. It is based on the Savior's life and example.
Here are two points made by Father Julián Carrón, President of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation and the successor of Father Luigi Giussani, to flesh out these two wings of our companionship --either as Catholics who live their life only in the parish, and for those who belong to a group like CL.
Continue reading Charitable work and the common fund: 2 wings of the Christian witness.
Headline Bistro is collecting testimony on the ways in which Pope John Paul II has been influential in our lives. The so-called "JPII Generation" is a powerfully impacted by the life, ministry and teaching of this giant of Catholicism.If you can form your response tightly, the Headline Bistro folks are looking for 500 words on why you are thankful to Pope John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II will be beatified on 1 May 2011.
Lent is perplexing to so many. Just look at the confusion on so many people's faces as they approach the priest giving ashes. They come to church to begin something but I sense many people have not a clue what to do, why and to what end. For example: ask the "average Catholic" what it means to pray, fast and give alms. Duck, you may get a robust answer, but you may get something that is way underwhelming, even moralist and abstract. Most answers you garner will say not be too consistent with Scripture and the Liturgy; moreover, it will have nothing to do with one's humanity. Let's deal with fasting. In today's reading from the Prophet Isaiah (58:1-9) we hear from God about what he expects of fasting:
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Continue reading Can Lent help restore joy?.
Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch will be going to Moscow this weekend to meet Patriarch Kyril and Russian Orthodox Church leaders.Cardinal Koch is the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, a position he's held since July 2010; he created a cardinal in November 2010. Patriarch Kyril I was elected head of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2009.
A few days ago I recommended seeing "Of Gods and Men." Last week I saw the film and I have still been thinking of the movie, the monks, the hard work of inter-religious dialog. The testament of Dom Christian de Cherge can be read here. I highly recommend reading what Prior Christian said and what others think. A group of friends took time to see the movie together. Two friends brought a perspective of the film to my attention recently. The following is an an answer to those who ask whether a desire for God is still present in our times. Angelo Scola writes:
I believe that the worldwide success of the film on the Tibhirine monks [U.S. Title: "Of Gods and Men"] reflects a burning desire in the men and women of any latitude to meet the face of God; it therefore reflects the real need we all feel for authentic witnesses who may help us keep our gazes focused upwards.
Authentic witness is, in fact, not limited to "giving a good example". It shines in all its wholeness as a method for practically knowing reality and communicating truth. It is a primary value, standing above any other form of knowledge and communication - scientific, philosophical, theological, artistic, etc.
A luminous example of this method is offered by the very words which Fr Christian de Chergé, prior of the Trappist monastery of Notre-Dame de l'Atlas in Tibhirine, Algeria, wrote in his spiritual will [noted above], a good three years before he was massacred with his monks:
"When the time comes, I would like to be able to have an instant of lucidity that would allow me to ask for the pardon of God and that of men, my brothers, while forgiving with all my heart those who may have hit me... I cannot see how I could, in fact, rejoice in that this people I love could be accused of my assassination. It
Continue reading Is there a desire for God still present today?.
Earlier today I had the space of time to begin my lenten observance by thinking about healing and forgiveness. Without these two legs of the spiritual life personal renewal won't happen. A talk was hosted by the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, Connecticut, a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The executive director of the FLC Sister Barbara Johnson, FSE, made the presentation to about 75 people.Sister Barbara, a licensed Marriage and Family therapist, began our discussion by eliciting areas that typically need healing and forgiveness: relationships (in families, among friends, infidelities, harmful family secrets, being alienated from others due to mis-awareness of reality), past events, yourself, deaths, trauma, illness, abortion, divorce, impatience, anger, acts of violence, abuse, addiction, etc. The list can be expanded. But you get the point: the human person is full of complexities.
Continue reading Healing and forgiveness: a spiritual & psychological path to renewal.
At the ancient Roman Basilica of Santa Sabina known today as the mother church of the Order of Preachers, the Pope began Lent with the reception of ashes. The imposition of ashes is not ritualistic sign without meaning: we put ashes on our heads not in contradiction of the Gospel chosen for that day but as a way to remind ourselves that an outward sign conveys an inward reality. He first began the Lenten prayer at the Benedictine Church of Sant'Anselmo (just down the street from Santa Sabina). There he gathered with the monks, priests, bishops , cardinals and laity for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, brief service of prayer and a procession to Santa Sabina where Holy Mass was celebrated. Yes, the pope walks the streets of Rome, but in a limited way. It is a gesture full of beauty. This is ancient way for the Roman Pontiff to lead the Church into a season of penance and preparation for the sacred Triduum. The Holy Father's homily is below.
We begin today the liturgical season of Lent with the thought-provoking rite of the imposition of ashes, through which we wish to take on the commitment to convert our hearts to the horizons of grace. In general, in common opinion, this time runs the risk of being marked by sadness, by the darkness of life. Instead, it is a precious gift of God; it is an intense time full of meanings in the journey of the Church; it is the itinerary to the Lord's Easter. The biblical readings of today's celebration give us indications to live this spiritual experience fully.
Continue reading Lent's a time to be converted because we need a new heart.
Yesterday's Scripture reading at Mass from Tobit was a great entry into the great season of Lent: blinded for four years, Tobit's whole life changed. His lent, as it were, provided him the graced-filled opportunity to make some necessary changes in his relationship with God and other, not mention he softened his demeanor. In time, God heals his physical and spiritual blindness. If you get a chance, read the Book of Tobit. One has to ask, to what am I blinded to and how do I want God to heal me.
In his audience today the Pope recalled for us that "The Fathers of the Church teach that these three pious exercises are closely related: indeed, Saint Augustine calls fasting and almsgiving the "wings of prayer," since they prepare our hearts to take flight and seek the things of heaven, where Christ has prepared a place for us."
For those who believe in Christ and follow his path, the "Christian life is a 'road' to be travelled, it consists not so much of a law to be observed, but in meeting, welcoming and following Christ". We meet the Lord Jesus "in the light and joy of the resurrection, the victory of life, love and good, then we too have to take up the cross of everyday life."
Lent begins today, "let us accept Christ's invitation to follow him more closely, renew our commitment to conversion and prayer, and look forward to celebrating the Resurrection in joy and newness of life."
At the end of the lenten 40 days, how do I want to be different from who I am today? In what concrete ways will I allow prayer, fasting and almsgiving to be tools for my own education in the faith as Christ proposes to me? Will I have a renewed understanding of the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that totally changes my life?
The Church's norms for the Lenten Fast and Abstinence us is as follows:
- Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 who are in good health are bound by the obligation to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- Catholics between the ages of 14 and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent.
Fasting means partaking of only one full meal. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs, but together not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including juices and milk may be taken between meals.
Abstinence prohibits the use of meat, but not of eggs, milk products or condiments made from animal fat.
"While preserving their value, eternal penitential practices are never an end in themselves, but an aid to inner penitence, which consists of freeing the heart from the grip of sin with the help of grace, to direct it toward the love of God and our brothers and sisters" (John Paul II).
For an article on the point of fasting, see read it here.
In the recent months, especially since the publication of the 2009 Caritas in Veritate (Truth in Charity), the world's leaders are seeing an emerging development and the realization of new awarenesses in social, economic and environmental policies that are more humane, Christian and workable. Carol Glatz and John Thavis of CNS tell us about the project.
The other day there was some press, most of it inane, about the revised edition of the New American Bible.I've not been a fan of the NAB and so I hope this new work of the nearly 100 scholars, theologians and bishops have produced a better translation than the previous one.
The US Bishops' Conference published online the 7 penitential psalms and song of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah for Lent, take a look.
Last week's murder of Pakistani Catholic Shahbaz Bhatti, 43, was remembered by Pope Benedict. Bhatti was the Minister for Minorities in Pakistani government. Mr. Bhatti leaves behind his Mother, 4 brothers and a sister; his father died in January. He was not married.
Shahbaz Bhatti said "I want to send a message of hope to the people living a life of disappointment, disillusionment and despair. Jesus is the nucleus of my life and I want to be his true follower through my actions by sharing the love of God with the poor, oppressed, victimized, needy and suffering people of Pakistan."
Benedict prayed to Jesus that death of Minister Bhatti would be an occasion for renewed work, awakened consciences, for religious freedom and human dignity in Pakistan but in other parts of the world where Christians are persecuted, like Libya.
Rome Reports' news story of the Pope's recent remarks is here.
Sara Angle's CNS story speaks of Bhatti as being a martyr.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation or distress or persecution, or famine or nakedness or peril or
sword? No, in these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved
us. I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of
God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Today's first reading and Gospel ask the question: how, in fact, are we grounded in the Lord? Have I allowed Christ to enter into my life sufficiently and without reservation? Am I aware that Christ takes the initiative in calling me to a deeper conversion and that I have to respond?
Pope Benedict's message for the 2011 World Youth Day participants draws this line of thinking out:
"We ... want to be able to see Jesus, to speak with him and to feel his presence even more powerfully. For many people today, it has become difficult to approach Jesus. There are so many images of Jesus in circulation which, while claiming to be scientific, detract from his greatness and the uniqueness of his person. That is why, after many years of study and reflection, I thought of sharing something of my own personal encounter with Jesus by writing a book. It was a way to help others see, hear and touch the Lord in whom God came to us in order to make himself known. Jesus himself, when he appeared again to his disciples a week later, said to Thomas: "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe" (Jn 20:27). We too can have tangible contact with Jesus and put our hand, so to speak, upon the signs of his Passion, the signs of his love. It is in the sacraments that he draws particularly near to us and gives himself to us. Dear young people, learn to "see" and to "meet" Jesus in the Eucharist, where he is present and close to us, and even becomes food for our journey. In the sacrament of Penance the Lord reveals his mercy and always grants us his forgiveness. Recognize and serve Jesus in the poor, the sick, and in our brothers and sisters who are in difficulty and in need of help."
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 9. What is on your list of Bona Opera, your good works? Chapter 49 of the Rule of Saint Benedict speaks of the monk (here, all people) keeping Lent in front of our eyes all the time. He urges us, therefore, to do good, to keep purity in our hearts and minds by refraining from evil. Saint Benedict exhorts us to restrain ourselves from sinful habits and to devote time to prayer of the heart, fasting, lectio divina, compunction, ascetism, and charitable work.
How are you going to build your spiritual life on solid ground? In what ways are you going to be a spiritual father and mother to another? Will you pray, fast and give alms to the good works of the Church uniting your intentions with the Sacred Heart of Jesus for sake of poor, needy, the Church, the Pope, sinful people and priests, etc? Will you study the Word of God and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament?
Earlier today in Rome, the overview --the guidelines-- for the 2012 Synod Bishops working with the theme of evangelization was presented. This is the 13th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which will guide pastoral initiatives and papal thinking and programs. The title for the Synod is "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith." Archbishop Nicholas Eterovic, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops made the presentation of the 65 page document.
This Synod will meet at the Vatican 7-28 October 2012.
The guidelines, called officially the lineamenta, can be read here. The various bishops, religious superiors, Vatican offices and experts are to submit their responses to the lineamenta by November. This is step one. Then, the answers to questions will be collated into what is called the instrumentum laboris, the working document that the Synod and the Pope will work from.
This Synod will have a significant influence in the work of the new agency formed by the Pope this past year for evangelization, the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization headed by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
Xavier Beauvois' new film "Of Gods and Men" (Des Hommes et des Dieux) is an intense and moving film of 7 Trappist monks in Algeria who had a coexistence with Muslim neighbors until extremists threatened and killed the monks. The Atlas Martyrs gave their lives in the night of 27-28 March 1996.Know the monks: Atlas Martyrs Biographies.pdf
John Kiser wrote of the monks in his 2002 The Monks of Tibhirine which I recommend to give you a sense of what's going on here.
"Of Gods and Men" is being shown on the East coast, now in NYC and next week in New Haven. Here's the trailor.
Love is eternal hope...
Yesterday, Pakistani Christians --indeed, the world-- lost a voice of reason and hope in the heinous, tragic death of Shahbaz Bhatti. He was the minister for minorities for the Pakistan government.
Let us pray for the peaceful repose of Shahbaz Bhatti, his mother and siblings. We'd do well to pray for the Church in Pakistan!
Read the story.
The very colorful minister, the Reverend Peter J. Gomes, who served at Harvard for more than 40 years, died last evening. Reverend Gomes oversaw the ministries of Memorial Church and delivered a rousing Easter sermon each year. He was an accomplished and stimulating writer, teacher and preacher. Peter Gomes' name is clearly connect with the Christian presence at Harvard. Any serious Christian aware of the landscape at Harvard had to negotiate the personality of Peter J. Gomes.
Peter Gomes would not be confused for his orthodox faith but he preached Christ. He appreciated the efforts of others to make Christ known and loved.
May God have mercy on Peter J. Gomes and embrace him with love. Let's pray for his eternal rest.
The Pope reminds us to broaden our awareness of other Christians in the world. Here we remember those Christians in Latin America and persecuted Christians. The second intention is most poignant given recent acts of violence on the many of the Eastern Churches.That the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity
to the Gospel and progress in justice and peace.
The missionary intention
That the Holy Spirit may give
light and strength to those in many regions of the world who are persecuted and
discriminated against because of the gospel.
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