Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. He is the fairly recently retired Archbishop of Washington, D.C. He may also be in some very hot water. Former Dominican Richard Sipe has written a public letter to Pope Benedict XVI detailing numerous sexual improprieties perpetrated by McCarrick over the years. I first heard about this on Relevant Radio, a Catholic radio network. The host said he knows McCarrick and is aware that there have always been questions about the numerous visits by seminarians to McCarrick's vacation home. My guess is that McCarrick knew that the allegations were coming and made sure to remain in the background during Pope Benedict's recent visit to the U.S. To see Sipe's statement, go to: http://www.richardsipe.com/Docs_and_Controversy/Statement-to-Pope.html
And what about Bishop Fernando Lugo of Paraguay? He was recently elected as president of the country. He has asked the Vatican to remove him from the state of being a bishop. This creates a canonical conumdrum. As a priest, he is forbidden to run for public office. The Vatican can laicize priests. However, while the Vatican can take away the authority of a bishop to serve as leader of a diocese, it cannot canonically remove him from the "state" of being a bishop. Even if the Vatican were to excommunicate Lugo, he would still be a bishop. He could still ordain priests.
It will be very interesting to see how the Vatican will handle these situations. Being that they will be addressed in the Vatican's timeline, don't expect anything right away.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Benedict XVI: Media Expert
Many experts claimed that it would be very difficult for Pope Benedict XVI to match Pope John Paul II's expertise in using the media. Given some questionable situations such as the remarks made during Pope Benedict's presentation in Regensburg, one could claim that the experts were right.
The two issues that I felt had the biggest potential to derail the message of Pope Benedict's visit to the U.S. were the priest sexual assault crisis and the demands of some for the ordination of women.
Pope Benedict addressed the priest sexual assault crisis even before he landed in the U.S. Once he arrived, he continually adressed the issue from many perspectives. In one presentation, he suggested that the integrity of the priesthood was a victim of the hierarchy's inability to effectively respond to victims of sexual assaults by priests. One of the key moment of the Pope's visit was one we did not see - the meeting with victims of sexual abuse by priests. Insider's report that, while the invitation to meet with the victims was aggresively presented by Cardinal Sean O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston, it was the Pope that insisted in accepting the invitation - much to the objections of key advisors. Initially, it appears that the Vatican and the Pope have addressed this sensitive issue in a very effective manner during the trip to the U.S.
During the Pope's visit, there was apparently a protest liturgy that was led by leaders from the women's ordination movement. I say apparently because there was very little media coverage of the event. The leaders of this movement might want to to look at how the Vatican handled the priest sexual assault issue during the U.S. visit. They might have better results in drumming up publicity in the future.
The two issues that I felt had the biggest potential to derail the message of Pope Benedict's visit to the U.S. were the priest sexual assault crisis and the demands of some for the ordination of women.
Pope Benedict addressed the priest sexual assault crisis even before he landed in the U.S. Once he arrived, he continually adressed the issue from many perspectives. In one presentation, he suggested that the integrity of the priesthood was a victim of the hierarchy's inability to effectively respond to victims of sexual assaults by priests. One of the key moment of the Pope's visit was one we did not see - the meeting with victims of sexual abuse by priests. Insider's report that, while the invitation to meet with the victims was aggresively presented by Cardinal Sean O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston, it was the Pope that insisted in accepting the invitation - much to the objections of key advisors. Initially, it appears that the Vatican and the Pope have addressed this sensitive issue in a very effective manner during the trip to the U.S.
During the Pope's visit, there was apparently a protest liturgy that was led by leaders from the women's ordination movement. I say apparently because there was very little media coverage of the event. The leaders of this movement might want to to look at how the Vatican handled the priest sexual assault issue during the U.S. visit. They might have better results in drumming up publicity in the future.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Pope Store
As we all know, the U.S. is the heart of capitalism. The capital city of capitalism is New York, NY. Thus, is is no surprise that many people sought ways to make money from Pope Bendict XVI's trip to New York.
For many years, I have seen advertisements for "Pope on a Rope" - not anything like a cleric hanging in efficgy, but a hunk of cleric-shaped soap attached to a rope. In the past year, I have seen advertisements for "The Pope's Cologne". Much of these items can be somewhat questionable in terms of being demeaning to the Vicar of Christ. However, during the past few weeks, I came across some Pope merchandise that is very clever. Pictures are posted below.
For many years, I have seen advertisements for "Pope on a Rope" - not anything like a cleric hanging in efficgy, but a hunk of cleric-shaped soap attached to a rope. In the past year, I have seen advertisements for "The Pope's Cologne". Much of these items can be somewhat questionable in terms of being demeaning to the Vicar of Christ. However, during the past few weeks, I came across some Pope merchandise that is very clever. Pictures are posted below.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Pope and the Right Issues
I give Pope Benedict XVI credit. He did not shy away from discussing the priest sexual assault issue during the early portions of his trip to the United States. In fact, he met with several victims from the Archdiocese of Boston in an unannounced meeting that was closed to the media (for obvious reasons). For a report of the meeting, go to: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/04/exclusive_pope.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed4
The meeting has already been applauded by some as a sign that the Vatican "means business" in dealing with priests that have sexually assaulted people. The meeting has also been criticized as "window dressing" that looks good in the media, but does nothing to help the victims.
I view the meeting as a step in the right direction with many steps remaining. I give the Vatican and the Archdiocese of Boston credit for keeping the meeting confidential until after it took place. It would have been very easy for the Vatican to keep the priest sexual assault issue on the back burner during this trip. Fortunately, for the benefit of the many victims, including the vast majority of priest that have never sexually assaulted anyone yet are seen as pedophiles because of the action of a few priests, Pope Benedict XVI has kept the issue on the front burner duing his trip.
The meeting has already been applauded by some as a sign that the Vatican "means business" in dealing with priests that have sexually assaulted people. The meeting has also been criticized as "window dressing" that looks good in the media, but does nothing to help the victims.
I view the meeting as a step in the right direction with many steps remaining. I give the Vatican and the Archdiocese of Boston credit for keeping the meeting confidential until after it took place. It would have been very easy for the Vatican to keep the priest sexual assault issue on the back burner during this trip. Fortunately, for the benefit of the many victims, including the vast majority of priest that have never sexually assaulted anyone yet are seen as pedophiles because of the action of a few priests, Pope Benedict XVI has kept the issue on the front burner duing his trip.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Benedict XVI: A "Rock" Star
The tens of thousands of regular readers of this blog will recall that my wife and I had the opportunity to run into Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, on our first evening in Rome last summer. He was kind enough to give us many suggestions of sites to visit. He strongly urged us to take a "scavi" tour at St. Peter's Basilica. That tour provides the opportunity to get very close to the actual tomb of St. Peter.
Cardinal O'Malley's fondness for St. Peter and his successors is quite obvious in the recent letter to the people of the Archidocese of Boston. It is a wonderful letter that provides a bit of history and a bit of theology. To see a copy of the letter, go to: http://www.rcab.org/News/releases/2008/0804-Papal-Message-English.pdf
Cardinal O'Malley's fondness for St. Peter and his successors is quite obvious in the recent letter to the people of the Archidocese of Boston. It is a wonderful letter that provides a bit of history and a bit of theology. To see a copy of the letter, go to: http://www.rcab.org/News/releases/2008/0804-Papal-Message-English.pdf
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Arrival
After months of preparations, Pope Benedict XVI has finally arrived in the U.S.
However, the big news of the day was made prior to his departure from Italy. The Pope told reporters that the priesthood is no place for pedophiliacs. I see some significant positive signs in that statement. The statement shows that the Pope sees the sexual assault crisis as more of a problem where perpetrators seek to overpower their victims. He did not mention the crisis as related to sexual orientation. However, I don't know if the Pope went far enough. Many of the victims of the crisis are adults and adolescents - both male and female. Given that, the problem is far greater than pedophilia. Also, the sexual assault crisis is not just an issue in the U.S. While the crisis may have been most openly exposed in the U.S., it is a problem in every part of the world.
Let's see what day #2 of the visit brings!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
A Loss in Mexico
Cardinal Ernesto Corripio Ahumada passed away on April 10th. Most people outside of Mexico have never heard of him. Everyone in Mexico knows of him since he served as Archbishop of Mexico City for many years. For an article from the Los Angeles Times, go to:
http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-me-corripio11apr11,1,5754840.story
Cardinal Corripio was responsible for healing a long-standing rift between the Vatican and Mexico. It is somewhat understandable why there would be a rift. Not too long ago in Mexico's history, there have been violent government-sanctioned actions against Mexican clergy. One instance involved the brutal murder of numerous priests and nuns and having their corpses tied to pillars in the public square for several days of "viewing". While we may have heard of similar instances in European countries, nobody seemed to care about what happened in Mexico because, well.....they were just Mexicans. This was the atmosphere in which Cardinal Corripio's faith matured. In spite of the struggles he experienced, he went on to forgive those responsible for such institutionalized atrocities against Catholics. He urged the Vatican to do the same. After all, Mexico has been one of the most Cathlic countries in the world for several centuries. Thanks to the efforts of Cardinal Corripio, Mexico re-established diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1992.
http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-me-corripio11apr11,1,5754840.story
Cardinal Corripio was responsible for healing a long-standing rift between the Vatican and Mexico. It is somewhat understandable why there would be a rift. Not too long ago in Mexico's history, there have been violent government-sanctioned actions against Mexican clergy. One instance involved the brutal murder of numerous priests and nuns and having their corpses tied to pillars in the public square for several days of "viewing". While we may have heard of similar instances in European countries, nobody seemed to care about what happened in Mexico because, well.....they were just Mexicans. This was the atmosphere in which Cardinal Corripio's faith matured. In spite of the struggles he experienced, he went on to forgive those responsible for such institutionalized atrocities against Catholics. He urged the Vatican to do the same. After all, Mexico has been one of the most Cathlic countries in the world for several centuries. Thanks to the efforts of Cardinal Corripio, Mexico re-established diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1992.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Musical Chairs
Have you ever wondered what goes into planning a papal Mass outside of Vatican City?
Well, the inclusion of a few pieces of music has caused a furor among the liturgical music "purists" in the U.S. Mass of Creation, a series of Mass parts (the Sanctus, the memorial acclamation, the Amen and the Lamb of God) written by Marty Haugen, will be included in the music for the Washington, D.C. papal Mass. As a church musician myself, I have played these Mass parts thousands of times. Are there Mass parts I like better? Yes. Are there Mass parts that I like less? Yes. Do I feel that Mass of Creation is appropriate for a papal Mass? Yes. People in the U.S. will know it. Musically, there are many ways to present it with different instrumental and choral arrangments.
To get an idea of how some of the "purists" feel on the inclusion of Mass of Creation in the papal Mass, go to:
http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/2008/03/sanctus-for-popes-mass-haugens-mass-of.html
To see Haugen's response (it is pretty amusing, but pay attention to Haugen's response - not the editorial comments of the "purist"), go to:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1996167/posts
All of this reminds me of a well-known joke that is often shared by those involved in church music: What is the difference between a church musician and a terrorist? You can negotiate with a terrorist.
Well, the inclusion of a few pieces of music has caused a furor among the liturgical music "purists" in the U.S. Mass of Creation, a series of Mass parts (the Sanctus, the memorial acclamation, the Amen and the Lamb of God) written by Marty Haugen, will be included in the music for the Washington, D.C. papal Mass. As a church musician myself, I have played these Mass parts thousands of times. Are there Mass parts I like better? Yes. Are there Mass parts that I like less? Yes. Do I feel that Mass of Creation is appropriate for a papal Mass? Yes. People in the U.S. will know it. Musically, there are many ways to present it with different instrumental and choral arrangments.
To get an idea of how some of the "purists" feel on the inclusion of Mass of Creation in the papal Mass, go to:
http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/2008/03/sanctus-for-popes-mass-haugens-mass-of.html
To see Haugen's response (it is pretty amusing, but pay attention to Haugen's response - not the editorial comments of the "purist"), go to:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1996167/posts
All of this reminds me of a well-known joke that is often shared by those involved in church music: What is the difference between a church musician and a terrorist? You can negotiate with a terrorist.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Brett Favre's Big Comeback
Rumor has it, retired Green Bay Packer and future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is contemplating a comeback. The talk around the NFL watercoolers is that Favre's agent has made contacts to a handful of teams to see if they would be interested in signing the quarterback. In a recent interview, Favre said that if his successor on the Packers is injured and the team approaches Favre about the possibility of playing again, the offer would be tempting.
However, Favre has already made his comeback. On the day after Favre announced his retirement, the students in my wife's middle school special education class worked on a hand-made thank you card for Favre. One student, I'll just call him Zach, was distraught about Favre's retirment. Zach was the commander of the troops that worked on the card. Somehow, the letter made its way to the offices of the Green Bay Packers. Today, a thank you letter from Brett Favre addressed to my wife's class arrived at the school. Sure, the letter may have been signed by an "auto-pen" - it is sometimes difficult to tell. Nevertheless, the letter must have been sent with the approval and support of Favre. This seemingly small gesture will be remembered forever by the kids in my wife's class......especially Zach. The letter was the talk of the entire school.
However, Favre has already made his comeback. On the day after Favre announced his retirement, the students in my wife's middle school special education class worked on a hand-made thank you card for Favre. One student, I'll just call him Zach, was distraught about Favre's retirment. Zach was the commander of the troops that worked on the card. Somehow, the letter made its way to the offices of the Green Bay Packers. Today, a thank you letter from Brett Favre addressed to my wife's class arrived at the school. Sure, the letter may have been signed by an "auto-pen" - it is sometimes difficult to tell. Nevertheless, the letter must have been sent with the approval and support of Favre. This seemingly small gesture will be remembered forever by the kids in my wife's class......especially Zach. The letter was the talk of the entire school.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Papal Headaches
Most of my upcoming posts will focus on the upcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the U.S. His visit is a big deal. Most media don't know how to handle a papal visit. My guess is they will spend most of their news resources covering the upcoming Democratic primaries that will likely result in a clear winner of the Democratic nomination.
A papal Mass, particularly one at a baseball stadium (see image below of what Yankee Stadium will look like during the Mass), requires a huge amoung of preparation and coordination. One of the obstacles is figuring out a way to distribute Communion to about 70,000 people in 10 minutes or less. Hundreds of priest have been recruited to distribute Communion at the "ballpark" Masses in New York and Washington, D.C. Since this is America, several entities have expressed concern that priests, and not laypeople, will be distributing Communion. They argue that this shows that the Pope wants to maintain the "good ole boy" priesthood and that His Holiness refuses to recognize the "priethood of all believers".
Perhaps having priests distribute Communion is a show of support to the priests of the U.S. It has been a rough decade for them. Priests have had to work harder and longer due to the decreasing number of priests. The sexual assault scandals have caused a significant decrease in morale among priests. I applaud the Mass planners for doing this.
A papal Mass, particularly one at a baseball stadium (see image below of what Yankee Stadium will look like during the Mass), requires a huge amoung of preparation and coordination. One of the obstacles is figuring out a way to distribute Communion to about 70,000 people in 10 minutes or less. Hundreds of priest have been recruited to distribute Communion at the "ballpark" Masses in New York and Washington, D.C. Since this is America, several entities have expressed concern that priests, and not laypeople, will be distributing Communion. They argue that this shows that the Pope wants to maintain the "good ole boy" priesthood and that His Holiness refuses to recognize the "priethood of all believers".
Perhaps having priests distribute Communion is a show of support to the priests of the U.S. It has been a rough decade for them. Priests have had to work harder and longer due to the decreasing number of priests. The sexual assault scandals have caused a significant decrease in morale among priests. I applaud the Mass planners for doing this.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Death of Moses
Charlton Heston died. There will undoubtedly be many marathons of his movies on various cable networks. I regularly listen to news broadcasts from other countries. Each one of the broadcasts in the last couple of days have mentioned the death of the famous actor.
I was never a huge fan of Heston, nor was I a detractor. I think his face was more of a reason for his success than were his acting skills.
In thinking back on his roles, I was struck by the fact that I could not remember a role in which he portrayed a character from contemporary times. His roles had him riding in a chariot or a spaceship, but never in a Cadillac.
Prior to his death, I read a report that stated that one of his movie lines is in the list of the 10 most famous lines from American movies. We all know what the line is....."Get your filthy paws off me you damn dirty ape!"
I was never a huge fan of Heston, nor was I a detractor. I think his face was more of a reason for his success than were his acting skills.
In thinking back on his roles, I was struck by the fact that I could not remember a role in which he portrayed a character from contemporary times. His roles had him riding in a chariot or a spaceship, but never in a Cadillac.
Prior to his death, I read a report that stated that one of his movie lines is in the list of the 10 most famous lines from American movies. We all know what the line is....."Get your filthy paws off me you damn dirty ape!"
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI Prepares for U.S. Visit
A few days ago, I tried to be a bit humorous with a post related to one of the gifts, a skateboard, that will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI during his upcoming trip. My guess is that those that read the post thought it to be an April Fools prank. Here is the link to the page: http://lunchboxcatechism.blogspot.com/2008/04/papa-ratzi-to-hang-10.html.
It is a good thing that I don't gamble. In the post referenced above, I wrote that "I would not bet on a half-tube being installed in St. Peter's Square anytime soon". In the true spirit of humility, I must state that I was terribly wrong. Below is photographic evidence provided to me by my well-placed sources within the Vatican that are assisting with the preparations for the papal visit to the U.S.
It is a good thing that I don't gamble. In the post referenced above, I wrote that "I would not bet on a half-tube being installed in St. Peter's Square anytime soon". In the true spirit of humility, I must state that I was terribly wrong. Below is photographic evidence provided to me by my well-placed sources within the Vatican that are assisting with the preparations for the papal visit to the U.S.
photo courtesy of www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester
Friday, April 4, 2008
Caught Between Two Worlds
Below are two photos. One is of a beautiful spring flower.
and the other is of a snowbank. Actually, a couple of snowbanks - one is in the background.
How are these things related? Well I just took the photos a few minutes ago. I did not move my position to take them - I just turned around. The flower and the snowbank are about 25 feet from each other.
Welcome to the fifth season of the upper midwest. We call it "sprinter" - the wonderful combination of spring and winter that we enjoy each year around the first two weeks of April.
Sprinter is a reminder of what we celebrate during the Easter season and offers us the opportunity to sense that old life and new life are not mutually exclusive.
and the other is of a snowbank. Actually, a couple of snowbanks - one is in the background.
How are these things related? Well I just took the photos a few minutes ago. I did not move my position to take them - I just turned around. The flower and the snowbank are about 25 feet from each other.
Welcome to the fifth season of the upper midwest. We call it "sprinter" - the wonderful combination of spring and winter that we enjoy each year around the first two weeks of April.
Sprinter is a reminder of what we celebrate during the Easter season and offers us the opportunity to sense that old life and new life are not mutually exclusive.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Three Years Ago
It is hard to believe. Three years ago, Pope John Paul II died after 28 years of serving as Saint Peter's successor. While I am not the hardcore JPII fan that many people are, I do think he is the most influential human being of the past two generations. There was something special about him. He was the right Pope at the right time. His influence dramatically changed the world.
For a 90 second video tribute to Pope John Paul II on the third anniversary of his death, go to http://www.h2onews.org/.
For a 90 second video tribute to Pope John Paul II on the third anniversary of his death, go to http://www.h2onews.org/.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Papa Ratzi to Hang 10
One of the many gifts that Pope Benedict XVI will receive during his visit to the U.S. later this month is a. . . . . . skateboard. Not just any skateboard. This will be a skateboard designed by a young person from the New York City neighborhood. Several students involved in a church-sponsored skateboard club were talking about what they would give the Pope as a gift. Several students jokingly suggested giving him a skateboard. Their club advisor, a skateboarding priest, thought the idea had some merit. Within a few days, a contest to help determine the winning skateboard design was launched with the help of local television and radio stations.
Of course, the big question is: Will the Holy Father give the skateboard a try? I would not bet on a half-tube being installed in St. Peter's Square anytime soon. However, the idea of His Holiness riding a skateboard brings up the idea of white lightning.
For a local news feature on the skateboard contest, go to: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=62644.
Of course, the big question is: Will the Holy Father give the skateboard a try? I would not bet on a half-tube being installed in St. Peter's Square anytime soon. However, the idea of His Holiness riding a skateboard brings up the idea of white lightning.
For a local news feature on the skateboard contest, go to: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=62644.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)