Blog by-the-Sea

The Reforms of Cluny: A Foretaste of the Heavenly Liturgy

2009-11-11T21:55:19-08:00

In today's General Audience, Pope Benedict spoke about the monastic Order of Cluny, which was at its height in the 12th century.

Zenit and Papa Benedetto Forum have full English translations. Asia News and Catholic News Agency have articles. The Vatican Press Office's Daily Bulletin has the original Italian text with summaries in several languages.

Here is the English language summary:

"In our catechesis on the Christian culture of the Middle Ages, we now turn to the monastic reform linked to the great monastery of Cluny. Founded eleven hundred years ago, Cluny restored the strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict and made the Church’s liturgy the centre of its life. It stressed the solemn celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and Holy Mass, and enriched the worship of God with splendid art, architecture and music. The monastic liturgy, seen as a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy, was accompanied by a daily regime marked by silence and intercessory prayer. Cluny’s reputation for sanctity and learning caused its influence to spread to monasteries throughout Europe. Exempt from interference by feudal authorities, the monastery freely elected its abbots and flourished under a series of outstanding spiritual leaders like Saints Odo and Hugh. Cluny also contributed to the reform of the universal Church by its concern for holiness, the restoration of clerical celibacy and the elimination of simony. At a formative time of Europe’s history, Cluny helped to forge the Continent’s Christian identity by its emphasis on the primacy of the spirit, respect for human dignity, commitment to peace and an authentic and integral humanism."

The Apostolic Constituion Anglicanorum Coetibus Exceeded Anglican Expectations

2009-11-09T21:39:45-08:00

Anglican Bishop John Broadhurst, the Bishop of Fulham, has posted a first reaction to today's publication of Anglicanorum Coetibus on the Forward in Faith website. He is a married Anglo-Catholic bishop who some have speculated would be a likely selection as Ordinary for an Anglican Ordinariate, permissible under the new Apostolic Constitution although he would be a Catholic priest, and not a Catholic bishop. He called the Apostolic Constitution and accompanying papers "extremely impressive", and added: "Indeed it has offered the requests of Consecrated Women? with the completion of its ecumenical hopes." Consecrated Women? was a book co-authored by members of Forward in Faith, with Catholic Fr. Aidan Nichols, O.P. as Catholic observer, and Orthodox Bp. Kallistos Ware as Orthodox Observer, discussing the theological basis for the opposition to the ordination of women and asking for a new province of the Church of England as a solution to accommodate Anglicans who oppose the ordination of women. The Church of England denied the request for a separate province.

The Vatican today posted the text of the Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans becoming Catholic, Anglicorum Coetibus, in English, together with Complementary Norms. The Daily Bulletin's posting included the Apostolic Constitution, Norms, a press release, and also a commentary titled "The Significance of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus" by Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.J., Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Fr. Ghiranda's analysis explains, among other things, why the Apostolic Constitution provides for Personal Ordinariates, similar in structure to those provided for the military, rather than a Particular Ritual Church or a Personal Prelature:

"These Personal Ordinariates cannot be considered as Particular Ritual Churches since the Anglican liturgical, spiritual and pastoral tradition is a particular reality within the Latin Church. The creation of a Ritual Church might have created ecumenical difficulties. Nor can these Personal Ordinariates been considered as Personal Prelatures since, according to can. 294, Personal Prelatures are composed of secular priests and deacons and, according to can. 296, lay people may simply dedicate themselves to the apostolic works of Personal Prelatures by way of agreements. Members of Institutes of Consecrated Life or of Societies of Apostolic Life are not even mentioned in the canons concerning Personal Prelatures."

Pope Benedict XVI in Brescia and Conesio

2009-11-08T11:43:53-08:00

Today, Pope Benedict XVI has been in Brescia and Conesio, in northern Italy, paying tribute to his predecessor Pope Paul VI in the place where Paul VI was born and raised.

The Vatican page on the journey provides the program and texts of the Holy Father's homily at Mass, words at the Angelus, and speeches. Now available in Italian, those texts will be available in English translation, and translations to several other languages, from that same page when the translations are ready.

Benedetto XVI Forum has lots of photos. There are articles online at Asia News, Catholic News Agency, Vatican Radio (on the Mass) and Vatican Radio (on the Pope's final discourse of the journey).

KTO French Catholic TV has video on demand of the papal events in Brescia and Conesio (the commentary, of course, is in French). These include full-length videos of the Mass, Angelus, Inauguration of a New Headquarters for the Pope Paul VI Institute, and Visit to the Parish of Saint Antonino.

Benedetto XVI Forum has an English translation of the Pope's homily at Mass and his words at the Angelus. In his homily, the Holy Father spoke about the widow's mite from today's Gospel reading for Mass (Mark 12:38-44). He spoke about the widow in the Temple, as a place of worship, pilgrimage, and rabbinical disputes. Jesus, he said, "showed that he loved the Temple as a house of prayer, and because of this, he wished to purify it." He also spoke of the significance for Jesus' own mystery, "in which he himself would become the new and definitive Temple." Jesus teaches us to pay attention to the teaching in the detail of the widow's action, in which she gave everything, and thus gave herself. The Pope then delivered a meditation on the centrality of the Church, drawing from the Gospel and from the writings of Pope Paul VI. He bega, "The Church is a spiritual organism that prolongs in space and time the oblation (offering) made by the Son of God, a sacrifice apparently insignificant compared to the dimensions of the world and history, but decisive in the eyes of God."

Zenit has an English translation of the Pope's words at the Angelus, in which he spoke of Pope Paul VI's devotion for the Virgin Mary.

Bravo to Our Courageous Bishops and Pro-Life Representatives

2009-11-08T08:40:36-08:00

Deacon Keith Fournier, writing for Catholics Online, applauds the USCCB and faithful Catholic Congressional Representatives for their work toward last night's vote in the House of Representatives. Deacon Fournier writes, "The Stupak/Pitts Amendment was strongly supported by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops who worked with admirable persistence and courageous clarity in order to force its passage." Fournier also mentions "the determined and courageous efforts of Congressman Bart Stupak, a Pro-Life Catholic Democrat".

I appreciate our bishops, who I think have been taking the right position through this national debate, and whose influence for life has been recognized in the national media with the passage of this bill. With their support, pro-life Democrats stood their ground in helping to amend the healthcare bill to remove federal funding for abortion, and then passed the healthcare bill with the pro-life amendment.

Catholic News Agency also has an article about the bill's passage, discussing the celebration by pro-life organizations and the remaining risks in the legislative process.

Bl. Elizabeth of Trinity Books in the Bookstore

2009-11-08T08:07:14-08:00

I updated the bookstore today, adding a few more books about Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, whose memorial is today. I moved all 9 items about her to page 1 so you can find them easier. Look for the widget in the sidebar or click here for the amazon astore. Three of them are ICS Publications books, which you can also buy directly from the ICS Publications website.

St. Bernard and Abelard: The Importance of Healthy Theological Discussion

2009-11-04T21:07:04-08:00

In today's General Audience, Pope Benedict spoke about St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter Abelard, describing the monastic and scholastic approaches to theology.

Zenit and Bened have full English translations. The Daily Bulletin has the original Italian text and summaries in various languages. Asia News has an article, and Vatican Information Service has a press release. Here is the Holy Father's English language summary:

"Today we continue our comparison of the monastic and scholastic approaches to theology which we began last week, by looking again at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, this time in comparison with Abelard. Both of them considered theology as "faith seeking understanding"; but whereas Bernard placed the accent on "faith", Abelard emphasized "understanding". Bernard, for whom the aim of theology was to have a living experience of God, cautioned against intellectual pride which makes us think we can grasp fully the mysteries of faith. Abelard, who strove to apply the insights of philosophy to theology, saw in other religions the seeds of an openness to Christ. The respective approaches of Bernard and Abelard—one a "theology of the heart" and the other a "theology of reason"—were not without tension. They therefore illustrate the importance of healthy theological discussion and humble obedience to ecclesial authority. Theology must respect the principles it receives from revelation as it uses philosophy to interpret them. Whenever a theological dispute arises, everyone, and in a particular way the Magisterium, has a responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the faith. As we strive to deepen our understanding of the Gospel, may God strengthen us to extol its truth in charity."

"We are part of a spiritual 'company'"

2009-11-01T07:50:27-08:00

In his words at today's midday Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about today's celebration of the Feast of All Saints and tomorrow's celebration of the Feast of All Souls. He spoke about the communion of the saints as a comforting reality that "we are never alone". Rather, he said, "We are part of a spiritual 'company', where deep spiritual solidarity prevails: the good of each is to the benefit of all and, conversely, common happiness radiates in individuals."

Benedetto XVI Forum has photos and an early English translation of the text. Zenit has a translation. The Daily Bulletin has the original Italian text and summaries in several languages. Asia News and Catholic News Agency have articles.

Here is the Holy Father's English language summary:

"I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present for this Angelus. Today we celebrate the great solemnity of All Saints. In honouring all of the holy men and women gone before us marked with the sign of faith, and who are now united with the Lord in Heaven, we are encouraged to pray and work with pure hearts as we anticipate with joy seeing the Lord as he really is. Upon each of you and your loved ones at home, I invoke God’s abundant blessings!"

Autumn

2009-10-31T19:40:36-07:00

Autumn once more begins to teach!

Sear leaves their annual sermon preach;

And with the southward-slipping sun.

Another stage of life is done.

- Fr. Frederick Faber (an Oxford Movement former Anglican who became a Catholic priest), "Autumn", from Faber's Hymns (online hymnal).

More on Looking Toward Heaven While on Earth: From the Saints and Blesseds

2009-10-31T08:29:14-07:00

Inspired by Abbot Joseph's post on Heaven, I put together a collection of excerpts from the writings of Bl. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Anselm of Canterbury and St. Irenaeus of Lyon about their perceptions of rising to see the Lord at His Second Coming, Heaven, and the portion of God's Spirit that we have now as a downpayment toward that eternity to come:

From Bl. Hildegard of Bingen:

"Then suddenly in the east, a great flash shone forth. And I saw the Word of God coming on a cloud with the angelic choirs. The Word had the same facial expression and the same open wounds which the Word had while in the world. The Word sat upon a seat of shining white flames which did not, however, burn. Under the Word was that great storm which was cleansing the world. The ones who had been signed in faith rushed to meet the Word in the air, as it were, in the movement within the circle where I had indeed previously seen that brilliance which indicated the mystery of the celestial creator. . . .
"Thereupon, all the elements of the world shone with great serenity, as if a very dark skin had been removed from them. Fire no longer held heat, air no longer held density, water raging, and land frailty. The sun, moon, and stars -- just like embellished things -- shone with a reddish gleam full of brightness and beauty. They then became fixed and no longer went around in a circle, so that day and night were no longer distinguished.

"There was no night, just day. And so it ended."

- Bl. Hildegard of Bingen, Vision 12 from Hildegard von Bingen's Mystical Visions: Translated from Scivias.

From St. Anselm of Canterbury:

"What goods and how great, belong to those who enjoy this good. --Joy is multiplied in the blessed from the blessedness and joy of others.

"WHO shall enjoy this good? And what shall belong to him, and what shall not belong to him? At any rate, whatever he shall wish shall be his, and whatever he shall not wish shall not be his. For, these goods of body and soul will be such as eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has the heart of man conceived (Isaiah Ixiv. 4; I Corinthians ii. 9).

"Why, then, do you wander abroad, slight man, in your search for the goods of your soul and your body? Love the one good in which are all goods, and it suffices. Desire the simple good which is every good, and it is enough. For, what do you love, my flesh? What do you desire, my soul? There, there is whatever you love, whatever you desire.

"If beauty delights you, there shall the righteous shine forth as the sun (Matthew xiii. 43) If swiftness or endurance, or freedom of body, which naught can withstand, delight you, they shall be as angels of God, --because it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body (I Corinthians xv. 44) --in power certainly, though not in nature. If it is a long and sound life that pleases you, there a healthful eternity is, and an eternal health. For the righteous shall live for ever (Wisdom v. 15), and the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord (Psalms xxxvii. 39) If it is satisfaction of hunger, they shall be satisfied when the glory of the Lord has appeared (Psalms xvii. 15). If it is quenching of thirst, they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of your house (Psalms xxxvi. 8). If it is melody, there the choirs of angels sing forever, before God. If it is any not impure, but pure, pleasure, you shall make them drink of the river of your pleasures, 0 God (Psalms xxxvi. 8).

"If it is wisdom that delights you, the very wisdom of God will reveal itself to them. If friendship, they shall love God more than themselves, and one another as themselves. And God shall love them more than they themselves; for they love him, and themselves, and one another, through him, and he, himself and them, through himself. If concord, they shall all have a single will."

- St. Anselm of Canterbury, Chapter XXV, Proslogium.

From St. Irenaeus of Lyon:

"But we do now receive a certain portion of His Spirit, tending towards perfection, and preparing us for incorruption, being little by little accustomed to receive and bear God; which also the apostle terms "an earnest," that is, a part of the honour which has been promised us by God, where he says in the Epistle to the Ephesians, 'In which ye also, having heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, believing in which we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance.' This earnest, therefore, thus dwelling in us, renders us spiritual even now, and the mortal is swallowed up by immortality. 'For ye,' he declares, 'are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.' This, however does not take place by a casting away of the flesh, but by the impartation of the Spirit. For those to whom he was writing were not without flesh, but they were those who had received the Spirit of God, 'by which we cry, Abba, Father.' If therefore, at the present time, having the earnest, we do cry, 'Abba, Father,' what shall it be when, on rising again, we behold Him face to face; when all the members shall burst out into a continuous hymn of triumph, glorifying Him who raised them from the dead, and gave the gift of eternal life? For if the earnest, gathering man into itself, does even now cause him to cry, 'Abba, Father,' what shall the complete grace of the Spirit effect, which shall be given to men by God? It will render us like unto Him, and accomplish the will of the Father; for it shall make man after the image and likeness of God."

- St. Irenaeus, Book V, Chapter VIII, paragraph 1 from Against Heresies (a Refutation and Subversion of Knowledge Falsely so Called).

Abbot Joseph Draws from Fr Charles Arminjon's Book on Heaven

2009-10-31T07:58:12-07:00

In a post called "Heaven", Abbot Joseph draws from a book he recently read by 19th century Fr. Charles Arminjon called The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life. From one of the snippets that Abbot Joseph selected from the book: "The contemplation of God will not mean immobility but, above all, activity, an ever-ascending progression, where movement and repose will be bound together in ineffable harmony."

It is a book, Abbot Joseph says, that St. Thérèse evidently read. Commenting, he writes, "I think it’s best to run the race with our eyes on the Lord and all that He has prepared for those who love Him."

Read all.

The Vatican Clarifies Marriage Provisions of the Apostolic Constitution for Former Anglicans

2009-10-31T06:59:18-07:00

The Vatican Press Office's Daily Bulletin today published a clarification of the celibacy requirements contained in the new Apostolic Constitution. Article VI on provisions for married priests and deacons, and potentially seminarians (on a case-by-case basis), is quoted in the article. Cardinal William Levada stated, "The delay is purely technical in the sense of ensuring consistency in canonical language and references." He said the technical work needed to ready the work for publication should be completed by the end of the first week of November.

12th Century: The Renewing of Theology

2009-10-28T22:03:25-07:00

In today's General Audience, the Holy Father paused from his series examining the lives and works of great writers in Church history, and he looked specifically at the 12th century. He spoke about the "two realms in which [the century's] fervid theological activity developed: the monasteries and the town schools, the scholae, some of which very soon gave life to the universities, which constituted one of the typical "inventions" of the Christian Middle Ages." From the monasteries came the importance of "spiritual reading" -- reading Scripture "in the spirit in which it was written and created." From the schools came the Scholastic method, which "gives confidence to human reason: grammar and philology are at the service of theological learning". He spoke about faith and reason together giving "confidence to human reason: grammar and philology are at the service of theological learning."

Zenit has a full English translation. Benedetto XVI Forum has a translation and photographs. The Italian language original was published by Daily Journal. Vatican Information Service has a press release, and Asia News has an article.

Here is the Holy Father's English-language summary of his presentation:

"In our catechesis on the Christian thinkers of the Middle Ages, we now turn to the renewal of theology in the wake of the Gregorian Reform. The twelfth century was a time of a spiritual, cultural and political rebirth in the West. Theology, for its part, became more conscious of its own nature and method, faced new problems and paved the way for the great theological masterpieces of the thirteenth century, the age of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure. Two basic "models" of theology emerged, associated respectively with the monasteries and the schools which were the forerunners of the medieval universities. Monastic theology grew out of the prayerful contemplation of the Scriptures and the texts of the Church Fathers, stressing their interior unity and spiritual meaning, centred on the mystery of Christ. Scholastic theology sought to clarify the understanding of the faith by study of the sources and the use of logic, and led to the great works of synthesis known as the Summae. Even today this confidence in the harmony of faith and reason inspires us to account for the hope within us (cf. 1 Peter 3:15) and to show that faith liberates reason, enabling the human spirit to rise to the loving contemplation of that fullness of truth which is God himself."

The Synod of Bishops Concludes with a Call to Africa to "Rise Up", Take the Road of a New Evangelization, and Build Peace

2009-10-25T09:03:27-07:00

The Synod of Bishops Special Assembly for Africa concluded today. Following yesterday's final General Congregation, Pope Benedict called the Synod a success at a luncheon. Vatican Radio has an audio report on the Pope's words yesterday.

Asia News has published an English translation of the full text of the Message prepared by the Bishops during the Synod. The Message addresses the state of the Church in Africa today, and the involvement of the Church globally in welcoming Africans who have immigrated and in sending assistance and missionaries to Africa.

The Message also expresses a call to the international community, beyond the boundaries of the Church, to "treat Africa with respect and dignity" and to correct "unjust structures" in the world economic order.

Congratulating the few African countries that have "started on the route of genuine democracy" and are reaping the "dividends of doing things well", the Message also addresses those parts of Africa, such as Somalia, engulfed in conflict, and places where "greed for power and wealth at the expense of the people and nation". Concerning those conflicts, "poverty, misery and disease", human trafficking, "the atrocity of child soldiers and unspeakable violence against women", the Message calls on Africa to "rise up", and states that "it is time to change habits, for the sake of present and future generations".

Recalling that Pope Benedict XVI said, at the Synod's Inaugural Mass, that Africa is 'the 'spiritual lung' of the humanity of today, the Message states that "this is a precious resource, more valuable than our minerals and oil". The Message warns of the risks of religious fanaticism, and applauds success in interfaith dialogue with Muslims and people of other faiths, encouraging mutuality of laws permitting conversions from Islam to Christianity where the laws permit conversion from Christianity to Islam. Entrusting the Message and its commitments to Mary, the Message offers these concluding thoughts:

"Dear brothers in the episcopate, dear sons and daughters of the Church Family of God in Africa, all you men and women of good will in Africa and beyond, we share with you the strong conviction of this Synod: that Africa is not helpless. Our destiny is still in our hands. All she is asking for is the space to breathe and thrive. Africa is already moving; and the Church is moving with her, offering her the light of the Gospel. The waters may be turbulent. But with our gaze on Christ the Lord (cf. Mt 14:28 32), we shall make it safely to the port of reconciliation, justice and peace."

Today, the Holy Father celebrated Mass to conclude the Synod meeting. Zenit has an English translation of the Pope's homily and his words at the midday Angelus. Benedetto XVI Forum has photos and also has an English translation of the Pope's homily. The Daily Bulletin has the original Italian texts of the Holy Father's homily and words at the Angelus. Referring to today's readings for Mass, he expressed a "message of hope for Africa": "that the Lord of history never tires of renewing for mankind oppressed and overcome in every age and on every land, since he revealed to Moses what he wished for the Israelites who were slaves in Egypt." He called on the Church in Africa to arise:

"Take the road of a new evangelization with the courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. This urgent evangelizing action, which was spoken about very much these days, also carries an urgent call to reconciliation, the indispensable condition in order to establish relationships of justice among men in Africa, and to construct an equitable and lasting peace respectful of every individual and every people. A peace that requires and is open to the contribution of all men of good will above and beyond their respective religious, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and social affiliations."

Two Comments I Liked on the Personal Ordinariate for Anglo-Catholics

2009-10-24T20:36:38-07:00

At the Forward in Faith National Assembly held yesterday and today in the U.K., Bishop Andrew Burnham, the Anglican Bishop of Ebbsfleet (one of the Church of England's traditional Anglo-Catholic "Flying Bishops"), attributed Pope Benedict's new offer of a personal ordinariate for Anglicans becoming Catholics in part to the prayers of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, saying that it is her "shower of roses". Also crediting the prayers of Our Lady of Walsingham and soon-to-be-blessed John Henry Newman, he called it "the miracle that seems to be springing up in our midst":

Listen here.

Anglican Bishop Andrew Burnham (who, I suppose, is soon to become Catholic Father Burnham) is not alone in crediting St. Thérèse. Jack Smith at the Catholic Key Blog quotes from two other Anglican clergy who also credit St. Thérèse for this development, occurring so soon after her relics visited England (September 16 to October 16, 2009). Hat tip American Papist.

Also, Jeffrey Steenson, formerly an Episcopal Church bishop, and now a Catholic priest, wrote about the announcement on MercatorNet (hat tip Canterbury Tales). He said this about his hope for the Episcopalians he necessarily left behind when he became Catholic:

"One thing has continued to trouble me in this journey, and that is the remembrance of the people left behind. . . . who hunger and thirst for something more, for whom the Catholic Church is a very intimidating but compelling presence. They must overcome misunderstandings about what the Catholic Church teaches, and fears about what it might mean to live in the Catholic Church. Patient pastoral work can resolve much of this, and I rejoice that the Holy Father has opened this door for them. "

St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Faith nourished by prayer, study and contemplation

2009-10-21T06:48:12-07:00

In today's General Audience, Pope Benedict spoke about St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Zenit has a full English translation. Benedetto XVI Forum has photos and an English translation of the full text. The Daily Bulletin has the original Italian with summaries in several languages. Asia News has an article, and Vatican Information Service has a press release.

In his English language summary, the Holy Father said:

"In our continuing catechesis on the theologians of the Middle Ages, we now turn to one of the most outstanding, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard combined the austerity of the Cistercian monastic renewal with intense activity in the service of the Church in his time. Because of his great learning and deep spirituality he is venerated as a Doctor of the Church, and is often called "the last of the Fathers". Together with his theological writings and homilies, including the celebrated Sermons on the Song of Songs, Bernard maintained a vast correspondence, developed warm friendships with his contemporaries, defended sound doctrine, and combated heresy and outbreaks of antisemitism. His spirituality was profoundly Christ-centred and contemplative, and his celebration of the sweetness of Christ’s name won him the title of Doctor mellifluus. Bernard is also known for his fervent devotion to our Lady and his insight into her intimate sharing in the sacrifice of her Son. May Bernard’s example of a faith nourished by prayer, study and contemplation, lead us closer "to Jesus through Mary" and grant us that wisdom which finds joyful fulfilment in the knowledge of the saints in heaven."

I will add more this evening when a full translation is available.