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A celebration of beauty, truth, and goodness, and, of course, love...and perhaps a little nastiness 
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Saturday, July 05, 2003
More Catholic converts Posting this again as a reminder (since it is way down the page now after so many new entries): Thanks to those who entered comments below in the post on "The Convert", and the list of converts keeps growing. Some I was already aware of, some I did not know had entered the Church. I hope to post a longer listing one of these days. So go below, read the comments, and add any that may not be mentioned yet. The listing keeps growing and with what fascinating persons! Thanks so much! 10 Great Things What to love about the United States I point to this National Review online article by Dinesh D’Souza for reflection during this Holiday weekend. He says much of what I think and feel about the United States. Today in Church history July 5, 1439: Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholics sign the Decree of Union at the Council of Florence, creating an official union between the two Churches. Popular sentiment in Constantinople opposed the decree, and when the Turks captured the city, the union ceased. However, the Council's definition of doctrine and its principles of Church union (unity of faith, diversity of rite) have proved useful in subsequent church talks. Some still malign this Council, but scholarly studies such as Joseph Gill's detailed history of Florence (sadly unavailable at Amazon) point to its positive contributions and fascinating personalities. Despite pressures external and internal, the discussion was free and not coerced (as witnessed by the refusal of Mark of Ephesus to sign the Decree). And if nothing else the Council of Florence hosted the longest sustained dialog on the issue of the procession of the Holy Spirit, lasting over six months; the conclusion of this discussion finds expression in the Decree of Union. Excerpts from THE DECREE OF UNION: SESSION 6 July 6, 1439 LAETENTUR CAELI Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice. For the wall that divided the western and the eastern Church has been removed, peace and harmony have returned, since the corner-stone, Christ, who made both one, has joined both sides with a very strong bond of love and peace, uniting and holding them together in a covenant of everlasting unity. After a long haze of grief and a dark and unlovely gloom of long-enduring strife, the radiance of hoped-for union has illuminated all. Let Mother Church also rejoice. For she now beholds her sons hitherto in disagreement returned to unity and peace, and she who hitherto wept at their separation now gives thanks to God with inexpressible joy at their truly marvelous harmony. Let all the faithful throughout the world, and those who go by the name of Christian, be glad with Mother Catholic Church. For behold, western and eastern fathers after a very long period of disagreement and discord, submitting themselves to the perils of sea and land and having endured labors of all kinds, came together in this holy ecumenical council, joyful and eager in their desire for this most holy union and to restore intact the ancient love. In no way have they been frustrated in their intent. After a long and very toilsome investigation, at last by the clemency of the Holy Spirit they have achieved this greatly desired and most holy union. Who, then, can adequately thank God for his gracious gifts? Who would not stand amazed at the riches of such great divine mercy? Would not even an iron breast be softened by this immensity of heavenly condescension? These truly are works of God, not devices of human frailty. Hence they are to be accepted with extraordinary veneration and to be furthered with praises to God. To You praise, to You glory, to You thanks, O Christ, source of mercies, who have bestowed so much good on your spouse the Catholic Church and have manifested Your miracles of mercy in our generation, so that all should proclaim Your wonders. Great indeed and divine is the gift that God has bestowed on us. We have seen with our eyes what many before greatly desired yet could not behold. For when Latins and Greeks came together in this holy synod, they all strove that, among other things, the article about the procession of the Holy Spirit should be discussed with the utmost care and assiduous investigation. Texts were produced from divine scriptures and many authorities of eastern and western holy doctors, some saying the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, others saying the procession is from the Father through the Son. All were aiming at the same meaning in different words. The Greeks asserted that when they claim that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, they do not intend to exclude the Son; but because it seemed to them that the Latins assert that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son as from two principles and two spirations, they refrained from saying that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Latins asserted that they say the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son not with the intention of excluding the Father from being the source and principle of all deity, that is of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, nor to imply that the Son does not receive from the Father, because the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son, nor that they posit two principles or two spirations; but they assert that there is only one principle and a single spiration of the Holy Spirit, as they have asserted hitherto. Since, then, one and the same meaning resulted from all this, they unanimously agreed and consented to the following holy and God-pleasing union, in the same sense and with one mind. In the name of the holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we define, with the approval of this holy universal council of Florence, that the following truth of faith shall be believed and accepted by all Christians and thus shall all profess it: that the Holy Spirit is eternally from the Father and the Son, and has his essence and his subsistent being from the Father together with the Son, and proceeds from both eternally as from one principle and a single spiration. We declare that when holy doctors and fathers say that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father through the Son, this bears the sense that thereby also the Son should be signified, according to the Greeks indeed as cause, and according to the Latins as principle of the subsistence of the Holy Spirit, just like the Father. And since the Father gave to his only-begotten Son in begetting him everything the Father has, except to be the Father, so the Son has eternally from the Father, by whom he was eternally begotten, this also, namely that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son. We define also that the explanation of those words "and from the Son" was licitly and reasonably added to the creed for the sake of declaring the truth and from imminent need.  For lots more on the Procession of the Holy Spirit, see Filioque/And the Son. Friday, July 04, 2003
Another Note from Father Chrysostom From the very active Byzantine Christian Message Board, The Byzantine Forum: "To all of you who sent so many supportive replies, thank you! I appreciate it a great deal. I really believe that it is time that Easterners of all descriptions, both Catholic and Orthodox, should really struggle to get over so many of those things that keep us from being a voice that can be heard in the new, post-modern world. Our tendency towards introspection and self-absorption means that often we simply lose a sense of both the great commission of Christ and the task of Christian unity. This, of course, does not mean that liturgy, spirituality and theology are to be set aside- God forbid!- but that we need to see all of this in relation to what Christ asks of His Church. If this new little community can do this in some small way, then its creation and purpose will have been vindicated, regardless of who may or may not like it. Thank you all once again for your generosity and kind words." For several reasons I have posted a good deal on Father Chrysostom Frank. For one thing, I know him personally and he has been an inspiration in my own life and journey. Like Father Chrysostom, I have had a long-standing interest in, dedication to, the full reconciliation of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches (though my hopes are very chastened and tempered and more rooted in God's promise and gift than in our current realities). I also have sensed, as Fr C, suggets: that just as the "west" has serious troubles, the "east" too has very serious problems: and the need to "break out" and "reach out" with the Light of Christ is immense. The Pope himself in Orientale Lumen speaks of the unique "way" of the eastern Christian tradition to evangelize, inculturate, and bring new life to men and women. This is true today, of course, but not to the extent it could! Ethnicity, grudges and prejudices, polemics and an "anti-spirit" all play into the hands of the Evil One, who sows seeds of division and mistrust. That's one reason (among many) of why this Pope is so GREAT! He has "taken it to the limit" time after time, not just "one more time" as in The Eagles' old hit. Here and there, some seed sown blossoms before our very eyes (and some is hidden too). Sometimes the response is not openhearted or warm; but rather critical and even icy. But it doesn't stop John Paul the Great! Father Chrysostom shares a similiar vision and has taken many (difficult) steps to achieve the fulfilment of God's Plan for His Church. He is, as I believe Thomas Merton suggests as a worthy goal, a person who has interiorized already the unity of the Churches in a catholic fulness. This shows forth in his own wise and moderate words, and the ever present invitation to "come and see" and meet Christ the LORD of all. Thus I give a fair amount of space on my blog to Father Chrysostom Frank and his new venture. I hope, if you haven't already, will scroll down and read the posts I have about him and his dual rite parish in Denver. And, above all, that you will pray for him and his people: the Roman Rite community of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and the Russian Rite community of Saints Cyril and Methodius. I can't recommend highly enough the scholarly, thoughtful, prayerful article written by Father Chrysostom while yet an Orthodox priest and before he "swam the Tiber" to become a Catholic: Orthodox-Catholic Relations: An Orthodox Reflection. Ut unum sint! Pope's "victory" in Latin America God bless old Padre Jose Comblin, who at 80, deserves reverence and admiration. And I am sure he has done much good in his long priestly life as well. But reading his depressing article, I couldn't help but think of others like him, who speak about the charisms of the laity and about lay evangelization, etc. but who sometime reject it when it actually happens! Bemoaning the demise of "liberation theology" and the "new way of reading the gospels" in the base communities, he witnessed the emergence of lay movements such as Communion and LIberation, the Neocatechumenate Way, the Charismatic Renewal. Here's what he says of these: "Today, many dioceses in Latin America are completely orientated by these movements. These are lay movements, but they remain strictly subordinated to priests. They have been very efficient in the restoration of clericalism because they all are based on a personality cult, the cult of the priest." I wonder if he realizes that one reason these movements may be fruitful is that the put the PERSON of Christ at the center and not any ideology. I wonder if the good Padre realizes that the "sects" are growing dramatically still precisely because they tap into the spiritual hungers and simple religious needs of the poor). I note, too, that the name of Jesus, or Christ, doesn't even appear in Padre Jose's article. Maybe it would be out of place? But then maybe not? Illicit priests become illicit bishops Two of the seven Catholic women who were illicitly ordained on board a boat on the River Danube last June and subsequently excommunicated by the Vatican have announced their “consecration” as bishops. Gisela Forster from Germany and Christine Mayr-Lumetzberger from Austria told reporters in Munich on 26 June that they had been consecrated in Scharnstein, Upper Austria, last year. Forster, who is a co-organiser with Mayr-Lumetsberger of a training course for women seminarians, said they had been asked by “certain bishops” if they were prepared to accept the responsibility of conferring the ordained ministry. They could not reveal the names of the bishops because that would put the bishops at risk of excommunication, but they were, she said, “Roman Catholic” bishops and the Apostolic Succession was therefore “guaranteed”. Footage of the women’s consecration was included in Orientierung, Austrian state television’s weekly religious affairs programme, on 29 June, writes Christa Pongratz-Lippitt from Vienna. The laying on of hands was clearly shown but the faces of the bishops officiating at the ceremony were not filmed. Forster and Mayr-Lumetsberger said they would not found dioceses but would concentrate on pastoral work and women’s ordination. “I think it most important that women from all continents, especially women religious who so long to be ordained, can now come to us”, Forster said. She went on to say that she saw herself as the “connecting link” between “the male and the female Church”. Mayr-Lumetsberger told the Austrian Press Agency (APA) that she and her six fellow women priests had had a very busy year and had frequently been asked to hear confessions, perform marriages, baptisms and the last rites, and also to celebrate the Eucharist. They considered themselves Roman Catholic priests and were determined to remain “within the Church”. Mayr-Lumetsberger went on to dismiss their excommunication last August as a mere coercive measure by men in Rome. “It does not bother us”, she said. In a special announcement last January, the Vatican reiterated that the seven women had been officially excommunicated on 5 August 2002 and that any priestly tasks they undertook were “null and void”. The Vatican has explicitly forbidden them to perform or receive the sacraments and to carry out any kind of church function or service. At the same time the Vatican expressed the hope that the women would repent and return to the Church. (From the Tablet online). The Mass: no way back A follow up article to last week's Rolls Royce Mass by Father John Jay Hughes "...For the first 32 years of my life I was nourished in the Anglican Communion by a liturgy which fulfilled all the postulates of the nascent Catholic liturgical movement (then still suspect in the English-speaking world). Moreover, for six years I had the high privilege, like my father and grandfather before me, of leading the celebration of that liturgy as an Anglican priest. The Elizabethan language we used strikes me now as precious and stilted. But the Eucharist we celebrated was deeply reverent. There was full congregational participation (Catholic references, pre-Vatican II, to “the dialogue Mass” amused us: we knew no other). There was fervent singing of hymns which I shall miss until the day I die. I heard powerful preaching which moved me then, and moves me still. With my fellow convert and valued friend, Richard Rutt, one-time Anglican Bishop of Leicester and now a married Catholic priest of the Plymouth diocese, I can say: “A half century ago, holy men and women in the Anglican Communion taught me orthodox Catholic doctrine, penitential discipline, the classic paths of prayer and meditation, love for the Holy Mass, affection for Our Lady, lively consciousness of the communion of saints, deep reverence for Scripture and the joy of almsgiving.”... "...I entered the Catholic Church in 1960. After a year-long period of agonising reappraisal, I had come to believe that my Anglican faith was not so much false as incomplete; and that the claims and teaching of the Catholic Church were true. My decision to enter that Church, like that of Cardinal Dulles, was an affair of the head, not the heart. It was, for me, an enormous step backward liturgically. Within months I fled to the German-speaking world, where I remained for a decade. There, in part because of the decades-old liturgical movement, in part because Germans have sung hymns at Mass ever since the Reformation – but also because Germans take everything, especially their religion, in deadly earnest – I found a spiritual home where I could worship as I had been trained to do since childhood. When I returned to my own country in 1970 it was as a priest of a German diocese. I became a St Louis priest only in 1983...." A Hope for restructuring the Archdiocese of Westminster, UK The online Tablet has an interview with the former Anglican priest, now Catholic, who is entrusted to direct the plan, Father Stuart Wilson. "He became a Catholic in 1996 after 25 years as a “papal-Anglican” priest who always used a Roman missal. He believes there is “more energy” among Catholic laity than their Anglican counterparts, and that Anglican lay ministers can often appear to be “pseudo-clergy”. One of the joys in becoming a Catholic, he says, was to be able to work collaboratively with lay people “who understood their dignity as baptised persons, without needing a structure or a status in order to minister”. This, he says, is the energy which now needs unleashing..." Arab Americans: Did you know that....  ...Forty-two percent are Catholic, 12 percent Protestant, 23 percent Orthodox (Syrian, Greek, Coptic) and 23 percent Muslim? Prayer for the Government (of the United States) Prepared by Archbishop John Carroll, 1791 We pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name. We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope n., the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, n., all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation. We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty. We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state , for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability. We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen. Today in Christian history July 4, 973: Ulrich, bishop of Augsburg from 923, dies. Twenty years later he would become the first person canonized by a pope. July 4, 1187: Saladin, leader of the united Muslim forces, defeats the armies of the Third Crusade at Tiberius, Syria. Thursday, July 03, 2003
The Angelus  Amazing how the Lord works. Just before taking my dream-come-true cruise to Alaska, I went to Mass at Seattle's St. James cathedral. At the end of a beautiful Mass the entire congregtion faced a statue of Our Lady over one of the doors, and the men's choir sang Biebl's "Ave Maria". I was smitten! Since then I have learned that Biebl's piece is really the Angelus set to music, even if most renditions do not use all three verses of the Angelus, but stick to one or two. The stunning version by Chanticleer uses all three. Add to this a growing sense of need for a more "organized" life of prayer. I have been struck (and envious!) of the Muslim call to prayer five times daily. It impresses me no end to know this call goes out over much of the earth, and that many - millions - respond by prostrating themselves in prayer. Listening to Biebl's "Ave Maria" I remembered the old "Angelus Bell" that rang (still rings here an there) 3 times a day: at 6 AM, 12 PM (noon) and 6 PM - to call the Chrisitan people to pray this beautiful prayer. There is the famous painting I use above illustrating the traditional way of Catholics - to pause and pray. Well, I can't count on any Angelus Bell these days (though my own parish church probably rings it). I can't even count on being up at 6 AM (though before I got sick I was a very early riser). But I am going to start today to try to build the Angelus into my meagre life of prayer three times a day: in the morning with some Morning Prayer, at Noon, and in the evening with some Evening Prayer, at 6 PM. Maybe you, if you don't already do this, would like to try it too. (I recall how much Dorothy Day loved the Angelus and prayed it 3 times daily in common at her Houses - she especially loved it that the men would pray the words "behold the handmaid of the Lord!", perhaps needing more humility than women, I guess she thought!). Here it is in the older translation I know and appreciate (any faithful translation will do, of course!) The Angelus The Angelus is traditionally recited morning (6:00 a.m.), noon and evening (6:00 p.m.) throughout the year except during Paschal time, when the Regina Coeli is recited instead. V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, etc. V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, etc. V. And the Word was made Flesh. R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, etc. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Father Chrysostom Frank on his new "project" This was a note sent to perhaps the most popular and active Byzantine Christian message board, The Byzantine Forum. Father Chrysostom gave me permission to republish it here on my own blog. The note shows me once again the great soul of Father Chrysostom. Keep me and his new venture - mentioned in a few posts recently (just scroll down) - in your prayers! And in nearby, why not stop by to say hi, give support, and let us know how things unfold? Dear brothers and sisters, I was absolutely fascinated to hear and then to read your discussion about me and the new community in Denver. I'm sorry, however, that we are being viewed as part of a fratricidal Eastern jurisdictional battle of some kind. My leaving Holy Protection Parish was actually not really very interesting. I was on loan to the Eparchy of van Nuys from the Archdiocese of Denver for three years. The three years expired last March, and I had to make a decision as to whether I would continue to work in the Eparchy or return to the Archdiocese. Internal parish problems and circumstances are not appropriately discussed on the internet. You must realize, however, that I was on loan to the Eparchy of van Nuys from the Archdiocese of Denver. For some time I had been discussing with Archbishop Charles the possibility of a Russian Catholic community within the very heart of the Archdiocese for the benefit of the Archdiocese, so that we can all learn, as Pope John Paul II continues to ask of us, to breath with two lungs. I am committed theologically (at least as much as possible) to the Orthodox/orthodox principle of geographical ecclesial unity- one city, one bishop, one Church. Moreover, I am, after all, a Russian Catholic, not a Ruthenian Catholic, and I have both the moral and canonical right to follow my own Russian Byzantine tradition. I am who I am, and I have the right to exist as such. If I lived in a city with a Ruthenian bishop or a Melkite bishop, I would have asked him for exactly what I asked Archbishop Charles. I have nothing against the Ruthenian Church. In fact, I admire it in many ways, despite the various problems that exist. There are, moreover, some wonderful people in the Eparchy of van Nuys, and, of course, there are also some difficult characters in parishes as well. But what else is new. Please do not try to turn me into a Russian anti-Carpatho-Russyn! Archbishop Charles agreed to my proposal and appointed me as the Latin-Rite Administrator of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish, with the special responsibility of forming the Russian Byzantine Catholic community of SS. Cyril and Methodius in the parish. The hope is that it will be a place of genuine encounter between Eastern and Western Christians, with each tradition existing and flourishing in its own integrity. Its orientation is towards the Archdiocese and evangelical outreach- that is, it has a positive reason-for-being. It is not against something. Moreover, the parish is located on a campus shared by two colleges and a university and is in the downtown theater and restaurant district. This means that there is tremendous possibility for evangelical outreach with sufficient peoplepower. I only wish that I had some of you committed Byzantine Catholics, of whatever jurisdiction, to help with the work! The evangelical and evangelistic work of Christ is far more interesting and far more exciting than internal, jurisdicitional and ethnic squabbles and identities. Our primary identity is baptismal and eucharistic- something that we Easterners sometimes forget despite our wonderful theology! Any of you- of whatever stripe!- are always welcome at St Elizabeth parish and SS Cyril and Methodius Community. Roman-Rite Mass is at 9:00 am and Russian Byzantine Divine Liturgy is at 11:00 am on Sundays. God keep you all! Fr. Chrysostom Today in Church history July 3, 529: The (Second) Council of Orange convenes in southern France. Led by a forceful Augustinian, Caesarius of Arles, the synod upheld Augustine's doctrines of grace and free will while condemning the Semi-Pelagian doctrine that the human race, though fallen and possessed of a sinful nature, is still "good" enough to able to lay hold of the grace of God through an act of unredeemed human will. This Council promulgated 25 Canons. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers specifically to this Synod as providing the "data of Revelation" for her doctrine on original sin (cf. no. 406). Wednesday, July 02, 2003
A poem by Alice Meynell Thinking of Catholic converts led me to think of a fine poet, a convert I had not mentioned, Alice Meynell (who had been so significant in Francis Thompson's recovery). I recalled one of her poems, "Renouncement," that strikes me, every time I read it, as profoundly human and Catholic in its refined and chaste, warm and tender, sensibility and in its honesty. Here's one account of this poem's genesis: "One of the most important events of Alice's early life took place on 20 July, 1868, when Father Augustus Dignam received her into the Catholic Church. Of no less moment than her religious commitment was her passionate attachment to the handsome, intellectual priest; this entirely hopeless love gave rise to some of her most moving poetry, including "After a Parting" and the justly famous "Renouncement." Alice and Father Dignam corresponded for two years, after which their contact became only occasional. " In light of today's "scandals" it would seem that this wrenching poem would propose another path: Renouncement I MUST not think of thee; and, tired yet strong, I shun the love that lurks in all delight - The love of thee - and in the blue heaven's height, And in the dearest passage of a song. Oh, just beyond the sweetest thoughts that throng This breast, the thought of thee waits hidden yet bright; But it must never, never come in sight; I must stop short of thee the whole day long. But when sleep comes to close each difficult day, When night gives pause to the long watch I keep, And all my bonds I needs must loose apart, Must doff my will as raiment laid away,- With the first dream that comes with the first sleep I run, I run, I am gather'd to thy heart. Orthodox Says Dialogue Has Achieved "Bond of Peace and Love"  VATICAN CITY, JULY 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople says that theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics can go forward because of the "bond of peace and love" that is in place. In a letter to John Paul II on the occasion of the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Patriarch Bartholomew I said that "we have achieved the bond of peace and love, which is the necessary foundation for progress of the theological dialogue, which is carried on between our two Churches." ...The patriarch's letter, published Tuesday by the Vatican press office, notes the "fact that it has not yet become possible to achieve the unity of faith, which is the prerequisite of joint worship." This, it says, "casts a shadow on the joy of the feast and saddens our modesty."***(see note) However, Peter's example "is always timely, and particularly in our times, in which all of us have come to understand that the separate paths of the different Christian confessions lead to an impasse," the text reads... ***"Our modesty" is the English translation of the traditional form used by the Ecumenical Patriarch when referring to himself. If I am not wrong, the Jerusalem Patriarch refers to himself. in English translation, as "our mediocrity." I love that one! More Catholic converts Thanks to those who entered comments below in the post on "The Convert", and the list of converts keeps growing. Some I was already aware of, some I did not know had entered the Church. I hope to post a longer listing one of these days. So go below, read the comments, and add any that may not be mentioned yet. Thanks so much! The Convert After one moment when I bowed my head And the whole world turned over and came upright, And I came out where the old road shone white, I walked the ways and heard what all men said, Forests of tongues, like autumn leaves unshed, Being not unlovable but strange and light; Old riddles and new creeds, not in despite But softly, as men smile about the dead. The sages have a hundred maps to give That trace their crawling cosmos like a tree; They rattle reason out through many a sieve That stores the sand and lets the gold go free: And all these things are less than dust to me Because my name is Lazarus and I live. - Gilbert Keith Chesterton I offer this poem in honor of the wonderful converts who so enrich the Catholic Church - following in the footsteps of innumerable "converts" before them. (One of the greatest compliments I ever received was when a new convert, bright and fervent, told me that I "spoke like a convert"). How much the poorer the Church would be without this "great cloud of witnesses!" Just think of the contributions of those like John Henry Newman and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Frederick William Faber, of Gilbert Keith Chesterton , Robert Hugh Benson, Sir Arnold Lunn, Christopher Dawson, Eric Gill, of Ronald Knox, the great Welsh poet, David Jones, Les Murray (Australian poet), Takaski Nagai. Or more recently of Peter Kreeft, Thomas and Lovelace Howard, Malcolm and Kitty Muggeridge, Paul and Evelyn Vitz, Sheldon Vanauken (God rest his soul), Dale Vree (editor of The New Oxford Review) and Deal Hudson (editor of Crisis), Scott and Kimberly Hahn, John Michael Talbot, Annie Dillard, the once-abortionist doctor, Bernard Nathanson. How blessed we have been by converts like St. Edith Stein and Dorothy Day (the canonizable foundress, along with the saintly Peter Maurin, of the CatholicWorker movement), of other saintly friends, Catherine von Hueck Doherty, and Helen Iswolsky, by Adrienne von Speyr and Gertrude von le Fort, of both Jacques and Raissa Maritain. Of Angelus Silesius, of Fr Louis Bouyer, Brother Max Thurian of Taize (may he rest in peace), Fr Richard John Neuhaus and Fr George Rutler. And of the great Russian, Vladimir Soloviev as well! The convert scripture scholars like Henrich Schlier (disciple of Rudolf Bultmann), and Eugene Pedersen. The writers like Sigrid Undset, Graham Greene, Evelyn Waugh, and Walker Percy. Americans like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Orestes Brownson, Isaac Hecker, Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, daughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the son of John Foster Dulles, Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J. And converts like "the rocking horse" Catholic, Caryll Houselander, and the convert-in-heart Simone Weil, Deitrich von Hildebrand, Thomas Merton, Fr Aidan Nichols, OP. How marvelous a group! I realize this is a very limited listing (I didn't even mention, "The Duke" John Wayne!)? The list could get very long...... thank God! Who else (you?) should be mentioned as a convert to the Catholic Church? Lots on Sean Patrick O'Malley OFM Cap The more I read about him the more perfect a choice he seems to be. O'Malley offers plea, pledge First impressions The archbishop-elect strikes a chord with a combination of orthodoxy and humility. More (Boston Globe) coverage New leader's life marked by intellect, sense of mission 'A People's Bishop': Sean Patrick O'Malley Troubleshooter Is Named to Lead Boston Catholics Powerful Job of Boston Prelate Falls to Champion of Humility Even the National Catholic Reporter is offering a weblog of continuing coverage of the appointment of Bishop O'Malley. The NCR seems quite proud of John Allen's "coup" in getting early word out about this appointment. John Allen does fine work; and I have seen him change quite a bit over the years as he covers the Vatican for the NCR. He seems to be more and more "distant" from many of the stances and tones of the NCR. To his credit! Kingdom to Host World Conference on Human Rights RIYADH, 2 July 2003 — Saudi Arabia will host an international conference on human rights on Oct. 14, the first conference of its kind to be organized with the help of the Saudi government. ...The conference, the SRCS sources said, seeks to promote Islam as the religion of peace, tolerance and love. Islam is the first to acknowledge the rights of human being — a fact, which can be substantiated by historical evidence, they said." This is part of a piece I posted a few weeks back: "WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 24, 2003 (Zenit.org).-The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom takes on Saudi Arabia in particular in its latest annual report on religious liberties worldwide. In a press release May 13, USCIRF urged the U.S. government "to identify human rights problems in Saudi Arabia and publicly acknowledge that they are significant issues in the bilateral relationship." Non-Muslims in the desert kingdom who try to engage in even private worship are met with harassment, arrest, imprisonment and even torture, the commission said. It also expressed concern over the religious police, or mutawaa, "whose powers are vaguely defined and exercised in ways that violate the religious freedom of others." And non-Muslims aren't the only ones suffering in Saudi Arabia, the USCIRF said. The government "vigorously enforces its prohibition" against all those who do not follow the official interpretation of the Hanbali school of Sunni Islam. The controls include the appointments of imams, the regulation of sermons, and the content of religious education. The commission recommended an investigation of the Saudi government's funding of the global propagation "of a religious ideology that promotes hate, intolerance and in some cases violence." The panel also called for pressure to ensure immediate improvements in respect for religious freedom, including permitting non-Wahhabi places of worship in certain areas and the lifting of restrictions on the religious practice of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel." Think this report will be discussed at the upcoming Conference on Human Rights in Saudi Arabia? Today in Christian history July 2, 1489: English reformer Thomas Cranmer is born at Aslockton, Nottinghamshire. The archbishop of Canterbury wrote the Book of Common Prayer and was burned at the stake in 1556. July 2, 1505: A rain storm in Germany helps launch the Protestant Reformation. While returning from a trip to visit his parents, Martin Luther (then a law student) was caught in a violent thunderstorm near Stotternheim. Fearing for his life, he cried, "Help me, St. Anne! I will become a monk!" Within two weeks, he made good on his promise. Tuesday, July 01, 2003
Blessed Fray Junipero Serra, 1713-1784  For me, among the world's most beautiful "structures" are the lovely CALIFORNIA MISSIONS, built by Blessed Junipero Serra, whose feast day is today. There is something about the lines of these buildings and surroundings that speaks to my depths and I sense Beauty and Holiness and God's special Presence. I have been fortunate to visit several of the Missions, and have more than once knelt by the tomb of Fray Junipero Serra and kissed his burial place in the unspeakably beautiful Carmel Mission (and Carmel itself is unspeakably beautiful). Amazing what this Franciscan Friar accomplished! He lived an austere life. Yet he travelled throughout California and opened numerous Missions and incessantly evangelized and catechized. While these Missions have felt the negative impact of revisionist history (along the "The Black Legend" that painted the Spanish as barbarians), and while these were not perfect, they accomplished an immense amount of good and continue to even this day to enhance our country with beauty and a spirit of holiness. They are mostly still active parishes again (after a period of secularization and disuse). As Catholics, how good to have these Missions as part of our own heritage. How good to remember Blessed Fray Junipero Serra, and remember his zeal, his creativity, his faith, and his holiness of life. If you haven't yet, and are able, do yourself a big favor and visit some of these Missions. Maybe like the swallows of Mission San Juan Capistrano you will return over and over. Rev. Richard P. McBrien "welcomes" Bishop Sean O'Malley 
"...The Rev. Richard McBrien, a liberal theologian at the University of Notre Dame, said despite all the kudos O'Malley has won for his response to sex abuse, he is still a conservative priest who would be 'uncritically loyal to the Holy See and would not veer one millimeter from its policies and teachings on anything'..." The predictable McBrien seems stuck in the 60s for the past 4 decades! Surely he has "sung the same tune" over and over and over for more than many years now. The Pope hasn't done much to praise; and has done much to criticize and point out how out of touch it is with the American people, etc. etc. But he does look happy enough in his photo! I wonder why he always sounds so miserable? Pope Names New Leader for Troubled Boston Archdiocese  A quick internet search confirmed my understanding that Sean O'Malley OFM Cap is a bishop who takes his episcopacy seriously - regarding doctrine and discipline. He seems to support the right things and reject the right things as well. It should be most interesting to watch his time in Boston unfold. Some will be very happy; I think some will keep complaining (as is already done in the above mentioned NYT article). At any rate, let's say a prayer for Bishop O'Malley and for the Church of Boston. Come, Holy Spirit! More on Father Chrysostom Frank At first I was saddened to read of the conflict in Father Chyrsostom's old Byzantine Catholic parish and of his decision to remove himself. But it seems to me this could well be an "O Felix Culpa!" a Happy Fault, thanks to the pastoral vision of Archbishop Caput and Father Chrysostom's talent and zeal. I looked up more about the parish to which Father will be assigned as administrator - Saint Elizabeth's of Hungary located right in the Auraria campus of the Community College of Denver. The Russian Catholic parish is named for Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Apostles to the Slavs. The church building is attached to the Saint Francis Conference Center which houses the InterFaith campus ministry. This would seem an absolutely ideal location to have a good Roman Rite parish and a Russian Catholic parish as well. The church building looks magnificent (and let's hope its interior has not been wrecked in any renovation!). I believe Father Chrysostom will be an excellent pastor and by linking up with the small (in numbers) Russian Catholic Church he will have a good deal of freedom and much personal responsibility. I wish him every blessing from on high and pray the parish(es) will prosper in the LORD: both in numbers and in depth of faith, hope, and charity. It seems to me that this may be an historical breakthrough: a married priest pastoring both a Roman Rite and Russian Rite parish using the same church building. May the LORD prosper the work ahead.  Today in Christian history July 1, 1643: The Westminster Assembly convenes for the first time in the Henry VII Chapel of Westminster Abbey. Five years later it published the Westminster longer and shorter catechisms, which the Anglican church rejected, but the Presbyterians accepted. July 1, 1824: The Presbyterian church ordains Charles Grandison Finney, the father of modern revivalism. July 1, 1899: Three traveling businessmen meet in a YMCA building and decide to form an organization to distribute Bibles. The Christian Commercial Men's Association of America, later renamed the Gideons, placed their first Bibles in a hotel nine years later. (How many such Bibles I have seen over the years!). Monday, June 30, 2003
Married Byzantine priest to serve as administrator of downtown parish Father Chrysostom Frank to offer both Latin and Eastern-rite liturgies at St. Elizabeth Church. "For the last four years, a married priest has taught at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, and now, he will also serve as a parish administrator. And it's all in keeping with the teaching of the Church. Byzantine Catholic Father Chrysostom Frank, 48, a professor of Church history at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, is assigned to serve as administrator of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish located on the Auraria campus downtown, beginning July 1. His wife, Marica, a native of South Africa, teaches Greek and Latin at the seminary. The couple has three children. In addition to his seminary duties, Father Frank also has served as administrator of Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church. His new assignment means a farewell there. Raised Protestant, and with an English accent acquired during the many years he lived in Great Britain and South Africa, the Pennsylvania native likes to say he "slowly progressed towards Catholicism." "When I was doing my doctorate at the University of St. Andrew in Scotland I became a Byzantine Christian and ... in 1985 I was ordained to the priesthood in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. A few years later, I canonically transferred to the Orthodox Church in America." His unique situation in the Denver Archdiocese — he is likely the first married priest to oversee a Roman Catholic parish here — is not his first trailblazing experience. For 10 years he served a parish in Johannesburg, South Africa, that was a cooperative venture between the Greek Orthodox and the American Orthodox churches. The parish, St. Nicholas of Japan (named after a contemporary Russian Orthodox saint) was "the first one of that kind in South Africa." Father Frank became a Catholic in 1998...." I have known Father Chrysostom for some years now - since about 1996, before he became Catholic. I had been given as essay written by then Orthodox priest, Father Chrysostom Frank, on Catholic-Orthodox relations, which I found exciting and hopeful - one of the finest explorations of these themes I have ever encountered, especially regarding the Petrine Office. I contacted Father Chrysostom in South Africa and found out he was to be visiting the US soon and we arranged to meet with a few interested persons. We had a fabulous session! Out of it flowed the "Saint Maximus Society" (the name was suggested by Father Chrysostom). This group dedicated most especially to Catholic-Orthodox dialg continues today under the auspices of the Saint John Chrysostom Society. I was made aware of some news about Father Chrysostom on Sean Robert's blog, Swimming the Tiber. Not all good news (some conflicts, of course!), but seemingly a good outcome. I am happy to read of the formation of yet another Russian Catholic parish (there aren't many). I also think it is wonderful to have a "bi-ritual" parish serving both the Roman Rites and Russian Rites. And if anyone can "pull it off" it is Father Chrysostom Frank. May God bless this new effort and keep him safe as well as his family; his wife, who teaches classical languages at the Denver seminary, and his three boys. The renovation of a renovation The lower church of my home parish in Brooklyn NY underwent a (very unpopular) "Vatican II" renovation in 1976 and there was a renovation of this renovation in 2000. I think it symbolic of the changing tide in the Catholic Church in the USA, and a sign of hope. There are a few more photos on the page I just put together on this topic, but here are 4 to give some idea of the changes undertaken in various renovations. (I do wish I had more photos).    Here's one more view of the new interior:  Roma! One unexpected gift of my 2 trips to Rome for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul was to be in Rome for the next day's celebration: the first martyrs of the Church of Rome. We had Mass both years (1977 and 1978) in one of the catacombs of Rome, associated traditionally with the early persecutions. O Roma felix! O happy Rome! Today in Church history June 30, 1315 (traditional date): Lay missionary, mystic, and philosopher Ramon Lull, who was persuaded by a vision to seek the conversion of the Muslims, is reportedly stoned to death in Bougie, North Africa. He learned Arabic, founded a school for Arabic study in 1276 on Majorca, and encouraged the study of Arab language and culture. Had a small but devoted band of followers known as Lullists who continued their work after his death, though some of them drifted away from the Church in search of alchemical knowledge. His work in this area has been the source of controversy for centuries, and non-Christian occult groups have seen him as a "master" or whatever term they use. Beatified in 1847 by Pope Pius IX. Sunday, June 29, 2003
A Testimony by a non-Catholic "There is not, and there never was on this earth, a work of human policy so well deserving of examination as the Roman Catholic Church. The history of that Church joins together the two great ages of human civilization. No other institiution is left standing which carries the mind back to the times when the smoke of sacrifice rose from the Pantheon, and when cameleopards and tigers bounded in the Flavian amphitheatre. The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs. That line we trace back in an unbroken series, from the Pope who crowned Napoleon in the nineteenth century to the Pope who crowned Pepin in the eigth; and far beyond the time of Pepin the august dynasty extends, till it is lost in the twilight of fable. The republic of Venice came next in antiquity. But the republic of Venice was modern when compared with the Papacy; and the republic of Venice is gone, and the Papacy remains. The Papacy remains, not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and youthful vigor. The Catholic Church is still sending missionaries as zealous as those who landed in Kent with Augustine, and confronted Attila..... Nor do we see any sign which indicated that the term of her long dominion is approaching. She saw the commencement of all the governments and of all the ecclesiastical establishments tha now exist in the world; and we feel no assurance that she is not destined to see the end of them all. She was great and respected before the Saxon had set foot on Britain, before the Frank had passed the Rhine, when Grecian eloquence still flourished at Antioch, when idols were still worshipped in the temple of Mecca. And she may still exist in undiminished vigour when some traveller from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, take his stand on a broken arch of London Bridge to sketch the ruins of St Paul's..." - Lord Macaulay, 19 cent. Peter and Paul and Roma Bellissima! "O Roma felix!" "O happy Rome!"  In both 1977 and 1978 I was blessed to spend the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. Both times I was taken by friends as a birthmonth gift (June is my birthmonth) and I chose to go around the time of this great Roman feastday. Without a doubt among the highlights of my life are the two celebrations of Mass I attended in Saint Peter's Basilica, presided by the Pope, over the tomb of Peter himself. It was glorious and moving beyond words. And one of those "magic moments" that seem like a gift from on high.
Of course, Saint Peter's is magnficent and a bit overwhelming; one of my favorites of this basilica is the well known statue of Saint Peter, whose foot is worn down by the touches of the faithful of many centuries - as pictured above. I love the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, too; I love its location by Tre Fontane, where according to tradition, three streams flowed upon the touch of the head of Saint Paul after it was decapitated. Rome is incredibly rich in its historical and ecclesial heritage (probably nothing compares in all the world). And yet it seems that its real "glory" is rooted in the double martyrdom of the two great apostles: Peter, on whom the LORD chose to build His Church, and Paul, the herald of the Gospel to the gentiles. A blessed feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and especially to all those Peters and Pauls out there. And if you have not yet done so, try to get to Rome someday - it is truly Roma Bellissima! |