Presider’s Page for 31 July (Ordinary Time 18)
God’s Word calls us to recognise the transience of life, to keep our eyes on what is lasting: we gather in that spirit today.
Month: July 2016
Sean Fagan and the remaining CDF ‘restrictions’: Clarification
The idea that all sanctions and restrictions were lifted from Sean Fagan before his death is being widely circulated, and also in some of the comments on this site.
Shamefully, for those who had the authority to do so, all the sanctions placed on Sean Fagan were not removed before his death.
Facing up to Spiritual Abuse: Sean Fagan S.M.
This article by the late Sean Fagan appeared in ‘Doctrine and Life’ in March 2001.
Sincere thanks to Bernard Treacy OP, Director, Dominican Publications, 42 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 for permission to publish this article by the late Sean Fagan. www.dominicanpublications.com
Thanks to Sean O’Conaill for the suggestion to publish the article as a tribute to Sean and for providing an electronic version of the article.
A Sanctuary no longer Inviolable
Brendan Hoban, writing in the Irish Times, offers some initial thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Fr. Jacques Hamel.
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Fr. Jacques Hamel, to the parishioners in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray and to the people of the Diocese of Rouen.
Nous adressons nos sincères condoléances à la famille du père Jacques Hamel, les paroissiens de Saint -Étienne- du- Rouvray et à la population du diocèse de Rouen.
Breaking New Ground
Chris McDonnell writes in The Catholic Times about the shortage of priests and states that “It will soon be too late to consider a possible resolution to the problems we face unless we take active steps now to address our difficulties.”
“there is a now a clear necessity for Commissions to be set up both in the UK and Ireland by the respective bishops’ conferences to examine the whole issue before the model we are currently struggling to manage breaks and we are left to pick up the pieces.”
The importance of different coloured buttons.
Brendan Hoban’s weekly column in the Western People takes a look at the ‘noxious weed’ of clericalism.
Clericalism, Brendan describes, is when “In simple terms the priest was given to believe that he knew best, was in full charge of everything and should feel superior to mere lay-people. To give this clericalist mentality substance it was wrapped in black soutanes and Roman collars and placed in a context of status, deference and privilege. Priests became part of an exclusive, hierarchical and authoritarian elite.”
Some cardinals should see red!
Brendan Hoban in the Western People suggests it’s time that Cardinals who are obstructing the reforms of Pope Francis should be called to order.
“Francis has very publicly told members of the Roman Curia that they often suffered from ‘the pathology of power’ which produced ‘ a superiority complex’ “
Father Sean Fagan RIP — a brief appreciation
It was with great sadness that the ACP learned of the death of Fr. Sean Fagan.
May the Lord grant him peace.
Tony Flannery penned a brief appreciation on learning of Sean’s death.
The Judas Iscariot Lunch
‘The Judas Iscariot Lunch’ , a documentary, features 13 former Columban missionary priests including Joe O Grady from Cloonacool, County Sligo.
It is is a story about faith, religion, love and life after the priesthood.
This documentary, often funny, sometimes sad, is beautiful, raw and thought-provoking.
No Need to Face East: Cardinal Sarah corrected by Pope Francis
Praytellblog and http://aleteia.org are reporting that Pope Francis summoned Cardinal Sarah to a meeting last Saturday following the latter’s call for priests to face east while celebrating Mass from next Advent.
A statement was issued by Press Office of the Holy See, 11/07/2016.
“There are not, therefore, any new liturgical directives beginning next Advent” and “it is best to avoid using the expression ‘reform of the reform’, referring to the liturgy, as sometimes it has been a source of misunderstanding “
International Conference of Reform Movements in Chicago
Tony Flannery reports on the the third International Conference of Reform Movements which is scheduled for Chicago next October.
“we aim to enter into deep dialogue, understanding our similarities and our differences, enjoying our diversity and finding common ground leading to common action. In this way we hope to strengthen our commitment, and energise our work, for Church reform.”
The accusers stand accused
Sarah Mac Donald writes in NCR about the experience of Gerry Moloney at the hands of the CDF.
“You are tried, found guilty and sentenced, before you even know you were on trial. And yet the gospel tells us that people will ‘know we are Christians by our love.’ “
Nero fiddled … Cardinal Sarah asks priests to start celebrating Mass facing east this Advent
Cardinal Sarah asks priests to start celebrating Mass facing east this Advent ……. Really, he did!
A failure of imagination and courage
Brendan Hoban writing in the Western People continues to question when the bishops will find the courage and imagination to face the ‘vocation crisis’ in the Church in Ireland.
“The simple truth is that the problem with vocations to the priesthood is that young Irish men are no longer saying YES to a celibate vocation, their parents are encouraging them to say No and the vast majority of priests in parishes know that prioritising celibacy over the Eucharist is not just bad theology, it isn’t working.”
Into Extra Time
Brendan Hoban reviews Michael Paul Gallagher’s “Into Extra Time.”
‘Michael Paul worried that publishing such a personal narrative would seem to inflate his own experience or appear too self-centred and pious and he found writing a book that would be read only when he was dead a strange moment in his life. But he need not have worried. It is, I believe, the most important book he has written.’
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