the church’s bestresponse, intheend “but warrior approach may seemtosomebe” sive nature ofthe New Atheists, “the cultural Bishop Cupich notedthatduetotheaggres at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Helder Camara Lecture atNewman College faith inasecularage. He delivered theDom said July 2inaspeechonpresenting the Bishop Blase J. Cupich ofSpokane, Wash., knots thatare ofallourhumanlives,” part something uniquetohelpthemuntiethe to sayandallow themtoseethatwehave age totakeasecondlookatwhatwehave that willinvitepeoplelivinginthissecular The church mustfind “points ofcontact Bishop Cupich in aSecularAge to aSkeptical World Talking About Faith

CNS documentary service the pain of the other.” which comes in sharing ministry to that kind of beauty in our “We should aim at witnessing - seeing how speakstothedeepest theGospel to engageskepticsinasecularage, including Bishop Cupich gave suggestionsabouthow even more so, itisnotthewayofGospel.” temporary feelingofself-satisfaction. But, it bringslittleresults otherthangivingusa curious. back, whichofcoursemademe allthemore America.” “Tell ofhow methestory you cameto from anelderlyimmigrant woman,Iasked, unknown, to make a new life, a new home. security, intothe families to begina journey i Bishop Cupich’s lecture follows. loses youthandwomeninthe21stcentury.” intellectuals inthe19thand20thcenturiesit encounter ifhavinglosttheworkers andthe seriousthoughttotheperilitwill give very On thislast point, hesaid, church must “The addressing therole ofwomeninthechurch. not beinterested inreligion andseriously which we share values with people who may gospel through collaboration inareas in officials with respect, witnessingtothesocial witness ofjusticeandpeace, treating elected unity withinthechurch sothatitbecomesa longings ofthehumanheart, promoting After abitmore coaxing,shebegan.It was So Ipressed, “I really would liketoknow.” “I don’t wanttotalkaboutit,” shesnapped One day sittingacross akitchentable stories ofhowstories peoplelefttheirhomes, always beeninterested the inhearing the grandson ofimmigrants, Ihave want to begin with a story. Being continued onpage 214 contents 228 219 213 228 225 The NewEvangelization: Talking AboutFaithto On File Datebook Speech atEvangelical by BishopBlaseJ.Cupich Secular Age a SkepticalWorld ina Number 14 Volume 43 September 5,2013 Madden by BishopDenisJ. America Assembly Lutheran Churchin Cyprien Lacroix by ArchbishopGérald Multicultural Secularism Speaking Godto continued from page 213 them see the larger picture of their lives, espe- The Dom Helder Camara just after World War I. Her mother had died cially when they are stuck in trying to make annual lecture series com- during the war from pneumonia. Six weeks sense of them. memorates Archbishop Helder Camara of Olinda later, her father took a second wife. The prob- You have asked me to address the topic and Recife, Brazil, who was lem was the bride was only 22, just four years “talking about faith to skeptics in a secular famous for his tireless work older than she. Quickly it was clear the daugh- age.” I do so as a pastor, as one who comes in assisting and defend- ter and the new “mother” were not going to at this question not as a scholar versed in ing the rights of the poor in get along. the social sciences, a debater, an apologist or Brazil and throughout the The father’s solution to the tension was to an advocate defending belief over skepticism world. give his daughter a chore that would get her or against outright atheism, nor as a cultural He also was instrumental out of the house for most of the day, that of warrior distressed by the seemingly relentless in creating the first bishops’ conference and the Latin taking the produce from their farm to mar- attacks on faith and religion in an aggressively American Episcopal Council ket each morning. This meant loading up the secular world but as one who just tries to help (CELAM). He played a wagon pulled by the horse she would ride. people untie the knots of life, and when they prominent role at the Second The problem was that with the customarily do, to support and encourage them to see Vatican Council. required long dress she had to ride sidesaddle, how God is acting in their lives. He was a forceful critic of the something she found difficult to do. Every few This of course does not mean being naive military government that meters she would fall off the horse, with the about the unique and daunting challenges ruled Brazil in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to attempts result that she never got to market on time. presented by the skeptic in a secular age, but on his life and a government After a week of coming home with rotting, it does mean keeping before us the unique ban on all references to him. unsold vegetables, her father called her in and contribution we can make as pastors in this said, “Listen, your brother is in America; go situation, trusting that God’s grace is work- In 1972, Origins published live with him; you’re no good to me.” ing in every human being. It also means, a speech by Archbishop I said to her, “You never told anyone that just as it did in the case of the immigrant Camara on human misery story before have you.” woman, appreciating the bigger picture of and war. Following are “No,” she said with tears welling in her how humanity has come to this moment in excerpts from that speech: eyes as though she had heard those shatter- time and how our response can benefit from “Let us get together, Catholic, ing words for the first time in all their blunt understanding historical developments. Protestant, Orthodox and Jewish brothers, and let us force. “I didn’t want anyone to know that the With that in mind, I am going to make try to enlist the support last thing my father said to me was ‘you’re no three points in this presentation: of all those who believe in good to me, you’re no good to me.’” —We should take the challenge of skepti- God, and also those athe- But then something quite interesting hap- cism seriously, particularly in this era of grow- ist humanists (since, to the pened as I encouraged her to see that painful ing and aggressive secularism. Both Charles extent that they love men, moment and those cutting words from the Taylor in A Secular Age and Father Michael perhaps without realizing it, and even unwillingly, they distant past against the entire rest of her life; Buckley, SJ, in his At the Origins of Modern love the Creator and Father, how her father’s rejection launched her on Atheism offer sober descriptions of the chal- who made men to his own a journey that would result in quite a happy lenge before us. But my point will be that image and likeness); let’s and secure life, finding a husband, welcoming while we should be serious, we should not join together, in our effort to children and then grand- and great-grand- be fearful. Instead we should welcome this make everybody see, ponder children into the world. It was as if a knot had moment as an opportunity to embrace more and feel the insanity of con- tinuing to prepare for wars been untied, as she for the first time saw the fully our own discipleship and our mission to which are, and always will bigger picture of her life, becoming aware of the world. This is the approach of Gaudium be even more so, the synonym the hidden work of God over the years. et Spes, which portrays the church as inter- of collective suicide for all I tell you this story because this encounter ested in discovering “the hidden causes for humanity. and many others like it have centered me in the denial of God,” because we take the ques- “This will not be an easy my approach to ministry. I have learned over tions of others seriously and because we love campaign. The producers of nearly 40 years of priesthood that ministry is all people (No. 21). armaments and wars have colossal interests at stake. most often about helping people untie knots, —While Father Michael Buckley, SJ, and They do not believe that war listening to them, sitting with them, helping Charles Taylor force believers and believing industries can be transformed into peace industries. ... ISSN 0093-609X, Origins, CNS Documentary Service, is published weekly (except biweekly during July, August and “Let us not hesitate, for the December's last week) by Catholic News Service, 3211 4th Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. Copyright © 2013 love of peace, from using by Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Periodical-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. our pulpits, if necessary, to Editor, Edmond Brosnan; Associate Editor, Mary Esslinger; Director of CNS, Tony Spence. denounce war as being ever Editorial: (202) 541-3284. Circulation: (202) 541-3290 - www.originsonline.com. more absurd and immoral. ... Subscriptions: One year, $114; two years, $199; three years, $284; foreign postage additional. Single copy: $8. Back “There is a song of young issues: Inquire for availability and rates. Attach mailing label to change of address requests and subscription corre- Brazilians that says: ‘Wars spondence. Postmaster: Send address changes to Origins, CNS Documentary Service, 3211 4th Street, N.E., kill many, hunger kills more.’ Washington, D.C. 20017-1100.

“And not only kills: Like Documentation in Origins is selected on the basis of interest and usefulness in reference to current issues. Publication does not signify endorsement by Origins or its sponsoring body, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

214 origins communities to be realistic about the chal- when it comes to rigorous scholarship. Terry lenges posed by the modern world, they Eagleton’s review of The God Delusion in the nuclear and bio-chemical wars, it breeds horrible, also help us better understand how we got London Review of Books comically unmasks physical, psychic and moral here. They share much in common as they Dawkin’s staggeringly unscholarly approach: deformities. Even so, misery is each track for their own research the histori- “Imagine,” he wrote, “someone holding forth always growing in the world. cal development of skepticism/atheism and on biology whose only knowledge of the sub- “Who doesn’t know that secularism. I am convinced that their insights ject is the Book of British Birds, and you have a at the end of the first offer us a way forward, provide a language, to rough idea of what it feels like to read Richard Development Decade the rich talk about faith intelligently and sensitively to Dawkins on theology.” countries are richer and the a skeptical world in a secular age and there- Nonetheless, we should take these chal- poor countries are poorer? by open up the possibility of helping people lenges seriously. These writers have become “Who ignores that the dis- tance which separates the untie some knots. quite influential as media are more than eager rich countries from the poor —Finally, I am going to offer some con- to give them a good deal of ink and free cov- ones is always widening? crete suggestions for believers to create new erage. “Let’s not be misled by opportunities to engage a skeptical world not We should also not be naive about attempts the increase in the Gross only on the basis of the insights that come to instrumentalize the role of government National Product of some from understanding the situation but also in all of this. Gaudium et Spes prophetically underdeveloped countries. simply from my own pastoral experience of warned that “when the proponents of athe- Let’s not marvel at the, at times staggering, economic being a priest for nearly 40 years and a bishop ism gain governmental power they vigorously growth which some poor for 15. fight against religion, and promote atheism countries succeed in showing. by using, especially in the education of youth, “There is a simple test which A Serious But Not Fearful Approach those means of pressure which public power explains it all: Just ask what Talking about the faith to skeptics is not a new has at its disposal” (No. 20). percentage of the population challenge, but doing so in this age of secular- Now all of this could leave us with a sense really benefits from these ism is. Paul of Tarsus definitely had his skep- of being overwhelmed, concluding that the marvelous results. It will be tics in the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34), the high agenda of the skeptics and atheists and the seen that they serve 2 or 3 percent of the population. court in Athens. But the age could hardly be forces of secularism will prevail; it is only a “We all know that no country called secular. Remember, he was brought to matter of time. In the movie The Life of Pi, Pi’s rises from misery without this civic court to explain himself for illegally father ridicules him for his search for truth huge sacrifices. But why preaching about a foreign deity. in various religions. Religion is a waste of should these sacrifices fall We should not be naive about the new situ- time, in his view, since science will continue mainly upon the already ation we are facing. We are living in a different to discover more, and there will be less and oppressed? era. This is how Charles Taylor describes it: less need of religion to explain things. This is “Even when in all honesty, “Why was it virtually impossible not to sometimes referred to as the secularization governments of poor coun- tries exert efforts to make believe in God in, say, 1500 in our Western theory. Secularization is inevitable. Religion the people participate in the society, while in 2000 many of us find this in time will be overcome by the unstoppable benefits and services which not only easy, but even inescapable? ... Belief wave, the tsunami of new data from science the economic growth of in God isn’t quite the same thing in 1500 and and reason. privileged groups begins to today.” But giving in to our fears does no good. It make possible, let’s not forget As Peter Steinfels remarks, in Taylor’s view leaves us with only two equally bad options — that, in order to achieve true development — of the whole “faith is no longer the air we breathe. ... The declare war and take a quarrelsome approach man and of all men — it is believer like the unbeliever must live ‘in a con- to every criticism or question about faith and useless and misleading to dition of doubt and uncertainty’” (“Modernity the church or live in a continual state of low- think that a human being is and Belief: Charles Taylor’s ‘A Secular Age,’” grade depression, accepting that the day of happy to receive paternalisti- Commonweal, May 5, 2008). religion’s demise is coming but hoping not in cally, the crumbs that are left Making the challenge all the more unset- our time. over from the banquets of the privileged. ... tling is what Father Michael Buckley, SJ, calls Blessed Pope John Paul II invited the an aggressive and largely theologically illiter- church in Novo Millennio Ineunte to approach “Beware of the dangerous fal- lacy that the ills to which we ate New Atheism, which is not interested in this challenge from a different perspective, refer are a sad monopoly of any dialogue. People like Richard Dawkins reminding us that Jesus often used the uncer- poor countries. and Christopher Hitchens collapse faith and tainty of others to goad his followers to take a “No country in the world is religion into one, insisting that both are poi- further step in their own journey of disciple- free from problem areas, its sons that must be purged as they threaten the ship, all the while gaining a new awareness underdeveloped regions and common good. Relying on a cartoon version of who he is. That is how John Paul reads the presence, in its own way, of religion, such writers highlight the faults of the scene in Matthew 16 at Caesarea Philippi: of poverty and of misery. the past — anti-Semitism, forced conversions, “Jesus asks his disciples what ‘people’ think of “Let’s take for example, the richest country in the world. the Inquisition — and in the present — child him, and they answer him: ‘Some say John the The USA talks of surpluses abuse and violent fundamentalism. Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah of agricultural products and It is true that serious scholars like Buckley or one of the prophets’” (Mt 16:14). sends milk, wheat and oil to find many of these New Atheists wanting All along Jesus is leading the disciples to

origins 215 take “the further step of awareness, ... which to meet the philosophical objections philo- the whole world. Is it really he expects from those who are close to him,” sophically rather than with a presentation of surplus production? Is it so that he can ask them, “But who do you say the revelation of God through Christ. They really true that nobody here needs the milk, wheat or oil that I am?” attempted to respond to the philosophical which your country sends to John Paul’s point is simply this: We should arguments of the atheists head-on, abandon- the whole world, or is it pos- not hesitate to engage those who do not fully ing the person and experience of Christ in sible that, absurd as it may understand or even reject faith, for it provides the process. Theologians likewise put greater seem, one can also draw the us a fresh opportunity to take one further emphasis on natural law arguments rather geography of hunger in the step in knowing Christ more deeply, which than the church’s stupendous claims about USA? we need to do if we are going to bring others the supernatural. In effect, we lost control of “What really happens is that to him. the debate by not being faithful to our mes- to send the alleged surplus production to the whole Pope Paul VI likewise encouraged newly sage. world is doubly advanta- ordained priests in the Jubilee Year 1975 not Charles Taylor comes to similar conclu- geous for the USA: first to misread rejection or to respond fearfully to sions when he studies the growth of secular- because it avoids the drop the world’s unpleasant or even hostile voices ism in A Secular Age. Taylor argues that the age in internal price, as a conse- but to see it as a moment of grace: of modernity is the result of a complex series quence of the disruption of the internal market; and sec- “Know how to accept as an invitation of shifts in outlook and assumptions about ond, because it helps create the very reproach which perhaps, and often the world, God, the human person, time and a form of neo-colonialism, unjustly, the world hurls against the messen- morality. Broadly summarized, these shifts leading one to forget, through ger of the Gospel. Know how to listen to the began with the Reform in 16th and 17th cen- aid, the grave losses which groan of the poor, the candid voice of the turies, what he calls an axial moment, then result from the injustices of child, the thoughtful cry of youth, the com- morphed into deism, which laid the ground- internal trade policies. plaint of the tired worker, the sigh of the suf- work for secularism. “Let’s get rid of the fear of fering and the criticism of the thinker. ‘Never The Reform, inspired by a genuine desire seeming to neglect the reli- gious field and intruding on be afraid.’ The Lord has repeated it.” to return to a pure Christianity based on the political and technical So my first point is simply this: Yes, let’s Scripture, emphasized a religious quest that arenas. not be naive about the challenge we face in was more individual and universal than mere- “Let’s get rid of the fear of talking about faith to skeptics in a secular age. ly tribal. It was marked by a new interiority, a appearing to intrude in The situation deserves serious attention but new consciousness of justice and selflessness internal problems of other not panic or fear and surely not hostility or beyond the practical concerns of factional countries. a quarrelsome spirit. These emotions should protection and prosperity. It stressed ethics “Together, let’s claim the right not shape our response. What should shape over ritual or doctrine and the promotion of and the duty to defend the human being, the human the church’s response is our love of all people, the dignity of ordinary human life as a way person, the common good. the firm belief that God’s grace is working in to holiness. If this be politics, it is non- all of humanity, a resolve to take them seri- In what may seem today to be ironic, the partisan politics, it is the ously and understand them, and an aware- Reform that eventually led to secularism was defense of man, our brother; ness that Jesus often uses such challenging originally inspired by a thirst for a mature it is the defense of justice, moments to deepen the faith of the disciples spirituality, one that takes personal responsi- without which peace is noth- ing but a nice-sounding to rejuvenate their faith and trust in him. Our bility, has a code of conduct based on reason word. Together, let’s claim approach as pastors should be to help people and aims at combating suffering and injus- the right to deal with the untie the knots. tice. Considered to be an authentic develop- internal problems of all and ment of the Gospel, the Reform encouraged any country, insofar as these Try to Understand the Situation the individual to live the Gospel in a purer problems are only outwardly Michael Buckley tells the story of presenting way, liberated from the often violent coercion internal for, in fact, they end up by having consequences John Paul II with a copy of At the Origins of of conscience which blemished an earlier which affect other countries Modern Atheism, his work that concludes that era and now, unshackled from the control of and, at times have repercus- atheism is a theory or school with its own a few, free to take up the task of building a sions on the whole world. intellectual history and tradition. The Holy moral order of mutual good will. “Jews, Orthodox, Protestant, Father asked him, “So who was responsible But this newfound freedom came at a Catholics, let’s try to get for the development of atheism as a tradi- cost. God’s good for creatures here becomes together with all those who tion?” Buckley crisply responded, “The theo- more about building a moral order for human really dream of a world that is fairer and more human logians.” benefit rather than about their expression of and, with peace in mind, let’s In fact that is the central claim of his book: love, praise and worship of the divine. This denounce: The rise of atheism in the 17th and 18th cen- moral order is to be achieved by reason and “—In the underdeveloped turies was largely due to Christian theologians human benevolence, not active grace of God. world, the internal colonial- who defended the faith not by appealing to Thus, we see the rise of deism, where God is ism, the wealth of persons, or the distinctive characteristics of the faith the divine architect and judge. Praise, grace, groups, within the country, but by appealing to philosophy. Theologians mystery, sacrament and transformation are held at the expense of the of the 17th century, sensing the increasing eliminated in the here and now. It is not sur- misery of their fellow coun- influence of atheistic arguments, attempted prising that God becomes superfluous, a dis-

216 origins tant, disengaged individual being who, as Karl If Buckley were to give advice, it might Rahner puts it, is simply another “member of come from the other direction, namely, quit trymen; the larger household of reality.” making the same mistake of competing on the “—In the rich countries, the This benevolent Zeus stands on the side- world’s own terms but return to the Gospel. incredible existence of gray zones, underdeveloped areas, lines of human history, occasionally inter- Go back to what you know has worked, go where the proletariat of the vening, and is not the Judeo-Christian God. back to your mission, confident that we have affluent countries get bitter Deism does borrow from the Christian belief something unique to say to others. and revolt; in Providence but only to promote the tri- “—In the relationship umph of reason and benevolence for building Suggestions for How to Talk between the rich and the the moral order, which in America was trans- About Faith in a Secular Age poor countries, the extremely lated into the idealism of manifest destiny. With those two general pieces of advice as a serious injustices concerning which, as a closing to this All of this brings us to the rise of secu- starting point I want to offer seven sugges- fraternal talk, I will leave larism, an exclusive humanism of freedom, tions based on my pastoral experience about some questions, trusting discipline and beneficent order — all derived how to find or create some openings to speak them to your humanitarian from Christianity and striving to deliver at last to skeptics in a secular age. feeling and your religious what Christianity had originally promised. 1. Our confidence that the Gospel speaks spirit; But faith ends up being stripped of much of to the deepest longings of the human heart “—Is it wrong to think that its significance for social order and became should give direction to how we speak. we are facing capitalist and socialist superpowers which, a matter of personal choice and individual In the scene from The Life of Pi I men- according to their own identity. Faith is decoupled from collectivity. tioned earlier, after the mother hears the interests, know both how to We can understand how all of this leads to father’s advice to his son to forget religion use their respective antago- religion’s ban from society and the market- and adopt reason and science as the means to nisms and also how to walk place as modernity involves the emancipa- truth, she says to Pi, “Yes it is true, reason has together, ignoring seemingly tion of the state, economy, science from reli- told us more in 200 years than religion, but unsurmountable barriers? gion, each achieving their own internal and reason tells us only what is out there; religion “—Is it wrong to feel in the lawful autonomy. So religion has to go to its tells us what is in here,” pointing to her heart. air a coming huge meeting of the great, of the right and of own sphere, no longer over the others. While She reminds me of something Blaise Pascal the left, for a new division of not being eliminated, it is exiled to the private wrote, “The heart has reasons of which reason zones of influence, always at or personal sphere, losing its influence in the knows nothing.” (“Le cour a ses raisons que la the expense of the poor coun- public and political space. raison ne connaît pas” — Pensées.) tries and, this time, embrac- Unfortunately, we are left with the phe- We have to take seriously our own truth ing space problems, that is, nomenon of believing and not belonging, claims, for they will center and be the point including the division of the stars themselves? vicarious religion — in which one main- of reference to give direction to our response. “—Is it wrong to think that tains an affectionate identification. “Religion For instance, we make very specific claims in when the small countries becomes either ‘an ancestral memory’ or a the Christian Gospel about humanity, human fight and kill each other, resource for marking rites of passage, espe- dignity and freedom. What we claim, in the there is always a Big Power cially funerals, or for providing ‘comfort and words of Gaudium et Spes, is that “human dig- behind them, fighting at the orientation in the face of some collective nity lies in our call to communion with God. expense of the destruction disaster’” (Steinfels, Commonweal, May 5, From the very circumstance of our origin we of small countries, for the expansion of their respective 2008). already are invited to converse with God. For empires? So, where does this leave us? Where do we would not exist were we not created by “—Is it wrong to think that we go from here? Will a new phase in this God’s love and constantly preserved by it; and the empires divide the small trajectory bring even greater challenges to we cannot live fully according to truth unless countries, enticing coun- believers? How does laying out this full pan- we freely acknowledge that love and devote tries showing symptoms of orama of the rise of modernity help us bet- ourselves to our Creator” (No. 19). economic improvement, ter understand the challenges facing people, Statements like this should remind us that to assume the odious role of regional or continental make us more sensitive to their questions but the task of bringing others to that life God under-management, thus also more perceptive to new openings as we intends for all involves untying knots and sparing the headquarters speak about faith to them? freeing people to be fully alive. It is not about from prejudices and hate?” Before offering some specific sugges- winning an argument. Fulton J. Sheen used Archbishop Camara’s speech tions for charting a way forward in dialogu- to say, “If you are interested only in winning can be found in Origins, Vol. ing about faith in this age of secularism, I an argument, you will never win a convert.” 1, No. 32, the edition dated note that Taylor has some advice to religious Similarly, we also believe in the indwelling of Jan. 27, 1972. leaders. He counsels that we take a humble the Spirit and trust that Christ is present and approach that does not overreach in making working in the world and in people we are claims about religion’s competency in poli- sent to bring to Christ. tics, society, economics, law or art. It would 2. Promote unity within the church so that be wise, he advises, to recognize that classical it becomes a witness of justice and peace. understandings of the self, society, physical Those who study the religious practices of nature and time are no longer widely shared. young people, such as Christian Smith, tell us

origins 217 that there is no greater turnoff for young positions in clear language, unaggres- in our own tradition about consulting people when it comes to religion or poli- sively and diplomatically. Likewise they with the laity from Augustine to Gregory, tics than to see the adult world squab- should show prudence combined with Paulinus of Nola to Newman. John Paul bling about faith issues. As Gaudium confidence, for this is what brings about II cites Paulinus in Novo Millennio et Spes, No. 21, points out, “What most union of minds by encouraging friend- Ineunte, No. 45, who urged: “Let us reveals God’s presence is the brotherly ship.” listen to what all the faithful say (liter- charity of the faithful who are united in 4. A catechesis that is encounter- ally ‘hang on the lips of the faithful’), spirit as they work together for the faith based and appreciates the power of the because in every one of them the Spirit of the Gospel and who prove themselves name of Jesus. of God breathes” (“De omnium fidelium a sign of unity.” We have to remember that for us ore pendeamus, quia in omnem fidelem Unity surely within our own church revelation is not primarily about God’s Spiritus Dei spirat.”). but also Christian unity can create the revelation of the divine will and inten- 6. Witness to the social Gospel conditions to make religion more acces- tion, but about God’s self-gift, commu- through collaboration in areas in which sible to people who otherwise are not nication of self. So it is more accurate to we share values with people who may interested in faith issues and yet are pro- speak of Christianity as an encounter or not be interested in religion, e.g., the foundly concerned about the fragmen- event. Benedict XVI in Deus Caritas Est ecology. Again, Gaudium et Spes, No. 21, tation and polarization in the modern points this out: “Being Christian is not urges collaborating with atheists in ways world and are searching for ways to heal the result of an ethical choice or a lofty to improve the lot of humanity but also such divisions. idea, but the encounter with an event, a to build bridges with those who ques- 3. Promote harmony and comity person, which gives life a new horizon tion our beliefs. “The church sincerely within society and treat elected officials and a decisive direction.” professes that all people, believers and with respect. But that encounter actually has to unbelievers alike, ought to work for During the controversy in the United happen within the catechetical event the rightful betterment of this world in States over Notre Dame’s decision to itself by introducing people to the trans- which all alike live.” One particularly grant an honorary doctorate to President forming power of the name of Jesus. (I rich field of collaboration is in care for Obama, Archbishop John R. Quinn am grateful for Father Gerald O’Collins’ the environment. urged bishops to look to the approach post-lecture comments about the need In fact, I believe it would be stunning of the Holy See’s “policy of cordiality” to frequently use the name of Jesus, but if Pope Francis’ truly first encyclical took as a guide for remaining faithful to the also to recognize that we are often reluc- up this topic. Not only would it capture comprehensive and transcendent mis- tant to utter his name, simply because the imagination of and unite human- sion of the church: down deep we know it does have power ity on the scale of Pacem in Terris, but “It proceeds from the conviction that and it makes demands on us.) When the it would also provide the opportunity the integrity of Catholic teaching can name of Jesus is used intentionally and to address the spiritual aspects of pro- never be sacrificed. It reflects a deep repeatedly in catechesis, we convey to tecting creation by picking up on some- desire to enshrine comity at the center students, to young people, that Jesus is thing Pope Benedict expressed in his of public discourse and relations with indeed alive, active and real for their inaugural homily. There he used the public officials. It is willing to speak lives. metaphor of the desert to link ecologi- the truth directly to earthly power. Yet This, I believe, is the kind of thing cal destruction with the moral exploi- the Holy See shows great reluctance to that Father Buckley has in mind when tation and spiritual vacuity of materi- publicly personalize disagreements with he counsels us to get back to what we alism and consumerism. “The external public officials on elements of church are good at when talking about faith to deserts in the world are growing,” he teaching. And the approach of the Holy people rather than relying on the lan- said, “because the internal deserts have See consistently favors engagement guage of reason, philosophy or arguing become so vast.” over confrontation. As Pope John Paul on the terms set by the world. The name Benedict reminded us that our mis- II put it, ‘The goal of the church is to of Jesus has its own power and should treatment of the environment through make of the adversary a brother’” (“The not be used sparingly. wasteful use of finite resources is a moral Public Duty of Bishops,” America, Aug. 5. Trust the experience of the people peril not only because of future threats 31, 2009). in our communities of faith to inform to human survival, but because of the He concluded with a timely reminder us. They have enormous resources of kinds of people and society that infinite of what the bishops at the council said wisdom and experience as we face the consumption through the wasteful use in Christus Dominus, No. 13: great moral questions of our time. Not of energy fosters. “The church has to be on speaking only will this enhance our understand- Such an encyclical could address terms with the human society in which ing of the lives of others, but it will also both the moral and spiritual dimen- it lives. It is therefore the duty of bish- pull us back from the kind of overreach- sions of caring for the environment and ops especially to make an approach ing Taylor warns against. create new openings for dialogue, and to people seeking and promoting dia- Outsiders often see church leaders untie the knots which frustrate relations logue with them. If truth is constant- as heavy-handed and capricious in their between religious and secular people. ly to be accompanied by charity and judgment, asking, “How can you pre- 7. Women in the church. understanding by love in such salutary tend to know so much? How can you We have to address head-on the issue discussions, they should present their judge others?” We have plenty of advice of the role of women in the church.

218 origins But it would be a very great mistake to insight of the late Cardinal Carlo Maria reduce the whole issue of women to Martini, as he commented on a passage The New the question of ordination. The church from Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot in his pas- must engage the larger issue of women toral letter for the Jubilee Year 2000. Evangelization: and begin by listening to women them- The cynical Ippolit Terentiev asks selves. Prince Myshkin, “Is it true, prince, that Speaking God The failure of the church to attend to you once said that the world will be the concerns of women themselves is saved by beauty?” and then mockingly to Multicultural a very serious problem. In many coun- adds, “What kind of beauty will save tries today and certainly in the United the world?” While the prince does not Secularism States, large numbers of women are respond, Cardinal Martini believes that well educated and hold positions of the answer is found in the context of the Archbishop Lacroix great responsibility in society and in prince’s life, a life of great suffering and government. The church must seriously torment. “The beauty that will save the recognize what a destructive effect on world,” the cardinal observed, “is the Catholics must speak to those who have the family and on society it will be if beauty of sharing the pain of the other.” left the church “in a way that rekindles increasing numbers of women are drift- Cardinal Martini’s words are striking their faith in the Lord, in a language ing away from communion with the for their honesty, and they invite curi- that not only they can understand but Catholic Church, which many of them osity. They model the kind of imagina- that will bring hope and meaning into love but which many of them feel does tive way we should speak to people. But their life because the word of God will not care about them. they also provide pastors with a reliable sound true,” Archbishop Gérald Cyprien The church must give very serious gauge to measure our fidelity to the mis- Lacroix of Québec City, Canada, said thought to the peril it will encounter if sion of the Lamb who took upon himself Aug. 9 in a speech at the annual meet- having lost the workers and the intel- the sin and the suffering of the world. ing of the Conference of Major Superiors lectuals in the 19th and 20th centuries it We should aim at witnessing to that of Men in Nashville, Tenn. He said, “We loses youth and women in the 21st cen- kind of beauty in our ministry which don’t have to travel to foreign countries tury. This is a very big knot that needs comes in sharing the pain of the other. to encounter different cultures anymore. attention and it will not be untied lec- Such witness can come in many ways: In our own cities and communities, turing women, and it will not be solved by attending to the complaint of the our fellow citizens have changed their unless men in authority in the church tired worker, the sigh of the suffer- ways of living, of thinking, of believing.” clearly and deeply understand that ing and the criticism of the thinker, by Archbishop Lacroix said that “the world there is a very great difference between engaging the skeptic with respect. It can we live in has changed dramatically. It the way women approach things and come through the pastoral sensitivity has become a huge mosaic of mentali- the way men approach things. urged by Pope Benedict XVI in his inau- ties, a kaleidoscope of ideas and beliefs.” These are just some of the things gural homily, thoughtfully recognizing He added, “This is the new world, the that we could do and the agenda items that “so many people are living in the new culture into which the good news of I believe should occupy our attention if desert ... the desert of poverty, the desert the Lord must resound. Inculturation is we are serious about taking up in a con- of hunger and thirst, the desert of aban- the task we must accomplish to reconcile structive way the task of talking about donment, of loneliness, of destroyed the world within the plan of God.” The faith to a skeptical world. What I con- love ... the desert of God’s darkness, the primate of Canada noted that many for- tinue to look for as a pastor are points emptiness of souls no longer aware of mer Catholics in the West “have deserted of contact that will invite people living their dignity or the goal of human life.” not only their church but unfortunately in this secular age to take a second look Or, it can come by just sitting at a all forms of religion. Others have very at what we have to say and allow them kitchen table, helping an immigrant mixed feelings toward the church and to see that we have something unique to woman untie a knot that has bound her have strayed toward beliefs of their own help them untie the knots that are part for too long as she lets go of her father’s making or have been attracted to other of all of our human lives. words, “you’re no good to me,” and leav- sects or faiths.” The archbishop said that The cultural warrior approach may ing us delighted in the beauty of seeing in talking to nonbelievers, the model seem to some to be our only option, her set free. ■ should be Jesus, whose attitude toward given the aggressive response to believ- those he met “is unanimously respectful ers and religion, but in the end it brings of their human dignity albeit he doesn’t little results other than giving us a tem- always approve of their ideas nor their porary feeling of self-satisfaction. But deeds. His teaching is never doctrinaire even more so, it is not the way of the or magisterial. He prefers to speak in par- Gospel. ables to convey his ideas, never to impose What we need is an approach that is them.” The archbishop’s speech follows. arresting, forcing people to take a sec- ond look at the Gospel of Jesus Christ “Religion is a fundamental part of by the way we speak and act. To put a culture, neither as a dogma nor a belief, fine point on that, I want to end with an but as a cry” (Maurice Merleau-Ponty,

origins 219 French philosopher, 1908-1961). task we must accomplish to reconcile suited their culture and responded to It’s strange to refer to a word that the world within the plan of God. And as their needs. appears in the title of this confer- our beloved Pope Francis says: Bishop François de Laval soon set up ence “The New Evangelization — “Christian life must always be restive a seminary in order to form priests and Multicultural and Inculturated” that and never act as a tranquillizer or even train them to respond to these expec- doesn’t even appear in a dictionary less as a terminal treatment to keep us tations. I am proud to recall that the either in French or in English. The quiet until we go to heaven. So like St. Séminaire de Québec was established word inculturation is a term used in Paul, we must witness ‘to the message of 350 years ago in Québec City, on March Christianity, especially in the Roman true reconciliation’ without being overly 26, 1663. The anniversary was greeted Catholic Church, referring to the adap- concerned with statistics or proselytism. with wide celebrations. tation of the way church teachings are ... Christian peace impels us, and this Plans are now being made for anoth- presented to non-Christian cultures and is the beginning, the root of apostolic er great event, that of the foundation to the influence of these cultures on the zeal” (June 15, 2013, Mass homily). of Notre-Dame de Québec Parish. The evolution of these teachings. Thank God we don’t start from importance of this celebration is in part It’s also quite odd to introduce my scratch. We walk in the footsteps of due to the fact that Notre-Dame de speech by referring to inculturation many generations of disciples of Christ, Québec, founded on Sept. 15, 1664, by within the project of “the new evange- from the apostles, from zealous mis- Bishop de Laval, is the “mother parish” lization” because we all know that this sionaries and saints such as Paul, and of all Catholic parishes of Canada and term is not intended as a priority for from millions of our brothers and sis- the United States. We all pray that this people of non-Christian cultures but ters who have witnessed the love of God event will also be a way of igniting the very well for our own fellow Christians and shared their faith with all those with faith in our people as it is wished by our in our own countries, in our own home- whom they lived in their time and age. beloved Pope Francis. towns. Many of them have deserted not They have passed down this wonderful Along with these priests, religious only their church but unfortunately all gift of the love of God for this world as a congregations of men and women forms of religion. living testimony of the relevance of the daringly joined the effort of evange- Others have very mixed feelings presence of his Spirit in our church, in lization in the New World. One of the toward the church and have strayed our life such as it is today. great women who helped to estab- toward beliefs of their own making or lish the church in North America was have been attracted to other sects or Spreading the Word in New France: the Ursuline nun Blessed Marie de faiths. Finally, and most worrying for An Original Process of Inculturation l’Incarnation. Early in her life, she had the church, many have not experienced As they sailed down the St. Lawrence heard the Lord’s voice calling her and a close and personal relationship with River after parting from their beloved saying, “I want you to go to Canada and Christ, they have never had the “encoun- France, the European settlers set their build a house to Jesus and Mary.” She ter with an event, a person which gives eyes on a country they had never answered, “I travel the world in spirit life a new horizon and a decisive direc- dreamed of, so beautiful yet so strange. in order to find all the souls who have tion,” as Pope Benedict XVI writes in But what was their surprise to discover been saved by the most precious blood Deus Caritas Est. that this New World was also inhabited of Jesus, my Divine Spouse” (Reference: These are, however, our brothers with peoples that had been living there Premonitory Dreams, Ursulines-uc. and sisters to whom we must speak in for thousands of years. So they settled com). a way that rekindles their faith in the as though they were in their own right Mother Marie de l’Incarnation soon Lord in a language that not only they and slowly discovered that they would set up a school that educated native can understand but that will bring hope have to deal with and understand these as well as French girls. This audacious and meaning into their life because the aboriginal peoples in order to live in woman learned and mastered four word of God will sound true. peace and to accomplish a work of civi- aboriginal languages, composed the We don’t have to travel to foreign lization and evangelization that they first dictionaries comparing French with countries to encounter different cul- thought was their duty to accomplish. aboriginal dialects and wrote instructive tures anymore. In our own cities and This was the beginning of a process of letters describing the life in the colony. communities, our fellow citizens have new evangelization within the context Another great figure of that time, changed their ways of living, of think- of inculturation in our homeland. Mother Marie-Catherine de Saint- ing, of believing. Culture doesn’t refer Not only did the explorers discover Augustin, with her Augustinian Hospital to racial or social features, to whatever new territories and push back frontiers, Sisters, took care of the sick and looked degree of education or interest in artis- a huge project of evangelization was after the needy in the new Hôtel-Dieu tic, scientific or intellectual domains. also being put into place with the arrival they set up in the city. The work of char- The world we live in has changed dra- of the Récollets in 1615 and the Jesuits ity and dedication of both Marie de matically. It has become a huge mosaic some 10 years later. These missionaries l’Incarnation and Marie-Catherine de of mentalities, a kaleidoscope of ideas soon realized that they had landed in Saint-Augustin was so impressive and and beliefs. a different world. The aboriginal peo- edifying that the church has recently This is the new world, the new cul- ples, as well as the Europeans who had beatified them both. Their bodies, along ture into which the good news of the ventured into this new country, needed with Blessed Bishop François de Laval, Lord must resound. Inculturation is the to hear the word of God in a way that rest in our city of Québec consequently

220 origins nicknamed “The City of Saints.” Other sociological and politi- 50 years ago, Québec was a nursery for In 1658, a mere 50 years after the cal changes occurred in the following hundreds of missionaries, both men foundation of Québec, the Apostolic centuries, Québec being known as a and women, who were sent all over the Vicariate of New France was created. It land open to immigration and a bea- planet in order to proclaim the word of became a diocese in 1674, headed by its con of liberty. Nevertheless, the prov- God and serve as missionaries in sister first bishop, Monseigneur François de ince remained French-speaking and churches. I was one of those who hap- Laval, who had arrived in the colony in Catholic, mostly as the result of a fas- pily experienced this missionary work 1659. By 1712, this new diocese covered cinating and dynamic process of evan- when I spent nine years in Colombia, most of the territory of North America. gelization within a context of incultura- South America. Only the six British colonies of New tion pursued by our church. Statistics further reveal another England and the Spanish possessions These days however, our people aspect of our society, this one relating of Florida, Mexico, California and Texas don’t demonstrate the same determina- to age. As mentioned earlier, the total were not part of it. Had we been living tion regarding its faith and its religious population of the province is today a lit- in those times, I would have been the culture. Our communities, like so many tle more that 8 million people. However, archbishop of this city! Happily, times others in the Western world, have been the tendency is showing that our citi- have changed! overwhelmed with secularism and huge zens are very rapidly getting older. The What makes the work of all these sociological changes. We must now majority of the population ranks in men and women so innovative is that admit that the need for a new evange- the age group of those who are 20 to they will have gone to great pains to lization has become imperative in the 64 years old. Only 1.8 million people respond to the needs of bodies and light of this prevailing culture. are less than 20 years old. Useless to souls in order to pave the way to a better How can the word of God, the good describe the many problems that arise understanding of the word of the Lord. news taught by Jesus, now be pro- in social security and health systems, They learned the languages spoken claimed in order that we all “put on the just to mention those. by the indigenous peoples and made new self, created in God’s way in righ- But for the church and our prop- efforts to adapt the liturgy to make it teousness and holiness of truth” (Eph er ministry, this situation must be more accessible to them. For example, 4:24)? addressed very seriously. For we all know the hymn “Iesus Ahatonnia” (Jesus Is that every age group has a particular Born), composed for the Hurons by the Where Must We Proclaim code of values made of ways of thinking, Jesuit priest Jean de Brébeuf, one of the Today the Good News? of relating to life. Each generation has eight North American martyrs, is still “For creation awaits with eager expec- its own culture. In consequence, how do sung today in many of our churches on tation the revelation of the children of we evangelize children, teenagers, boys Christmas Day in its French version. God” (Rom 8:19). and girls, the elders, men and women, Their zeal to evangelize was accom- Allow me to draw up a few figures to citizens of recent immigration in order plished in the spirit of inculturation give you an overview of our society in to reach their hearts and minds? as they felt they witnessed the Lord’s Québec today. The latest statistics taken How do we become witnesses for promise that “truly I tell you, whatev- from the Canadian census of 2011, those who see in our way of living an er you did for one of the least of these although it was not compulsory for citi- example for their own life, a decisive brothers and sisters of mine, you did for zens to answer, reveal that in the prov- argument to turn toward Christ in me” (Mt 25:40). They overcame incred- ince of Québec, 75 percent of the total a manner described by Pope Paul VI, ible obstacles in order to reach the peo- 8.4 million inhabitants declared them- “Modern man listens more willingly to ples in remote territories, the “fringes,” selves as Catholics. They had been 83 witnesses than to teachers, and if he where they lived, to understand their percent in the previous obligatory cen- does listen to teachers, it is because they customs and their beliefs. Their main sus in 2001. If we look back at an earlier are witnesses” (Oct. 2 1974, address to goal was to unveil to them the greatness census in 1991, 86 percent of the people Pontifical Council for the Laity)? of the love of God for all his children. had answered that they were Catholics. The world we live in is deeply sec- Many of them underwent martyrdom The figures show a steady decline in ularized and hedonistic. We are well in the most atrocious manner for this the number of citizens ready to declare aware of the fact that secularism has reason. themselves of this faith. This is a phe- crept into many domains of our daily This process of inculturation contin- nomenon that can be easily observed life. Everyone can see how the media, ued for decades and flourished in a new in the regular attendance at Sunday notably, play a powerful role in forg- environment after the French defeat and Mass, in the request for sacraments, in ing public opinion in subjects that level the passing of the colony to the British the number of churches that are being any diverging ideas. What is written in Empire in 1763. This political change closed, sold or demolished, in the scar- the newspapers often becomes solemn brought about the arrival of soldiers and city of new candidates entering our truth. What the reporter on television is peoples, mainly from England, Scotland seminaries and religious orders. convinced of becomes the way of defin- and Germany, who were in most part Only a few decades ago Québec was ing one’s own opinion in order to be in Anglican and Protestant, therefore forg- a training ground for young priests, who style with what is commonly admitted ing a new brand of cultural and religious flocked into rectories, parish schools as proper to think and to do. environment, notwithstanding that the and Catholic organizations to answer It is sad to see how so many people dominant language became English. to the call of their faithful duty. Hardly deny the fact that God may be relevant

origins 221 in this day and age. Such an attitude lay faithful know how to put the Gospel proclamation of the reign of God. leads unfortunately to cultural igno- and their duties of life into a shining and “Consecrated life, fully evangelical rance and laxity in moral and spiritual convincing testimony, where the loving and evangelizing, in profound com- values. Therefore, it becomes more and pursuit of Christ and adherence to him munion with the pastors of the church more difficult to connect our fellow citi- will be the factors determining how a and in co-responsibility with the laity, zens to Jesus and to help them walk the person is to live and grow, and these faithful to the respective charisms, will paths he invites us to follow so that we will lead to new ways of living more in offer a significant contribution to the may live according to his word. This is conformity with human dignity.” new evangelization. The synod asks reli- the land where new ideas are germinat- His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI car- gious orders and congregations to be ing and challenging our moral beliefs ried on this project last October when fully available to go to the geographical, and ethical values. he convened the Synod of Bishops on social and cultural frontiers of evange- John Paul II reminded us in his letter new evangelization for the transmission lization. The synod invites religious to for the third millennium that this is the of the Christian faith. I was truly blessed move toward the new aeropaghi of mis- land in which “we must rekindle in our- to be part of this gathering, along with sion.” selves the impetus of the beginnings. some 400 cardinals, archbishops, bish- Many of these objectives have ... This should be done however with ops, priests, lay men and women as become guidelines for our work of the respect due to the different paths of well as experts from all over the world. new evangelization in the Diocese of different people and with the sensitivity Together, we shared our views, our Québec, and we have been making to the diversity of cultures in which the hopes and our experiences. We sought progress in complying with them. Christian message must be planted, in to bring about recommendations in I pay tribute to my two immedi- such a way that particular values of each words that would speak directly to the ate predecessors, Archbishop Maurice people will not be rejected but purified hearts and minds of people in our mod- Couture and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, and brought to their fullness” (Novo ern, globalized and secular societies. for having in their time appraised the Millennio Ineunte, 40). The synod reminded us how impor- situation in our diocese and our par- We recall the missionary mandate tant it has become to rely on new tech- ish communities. They drafted helpful that Jesus left us, “Go into the whole nologies people are familiar with such guidelines for the years to come, those world and proclaim the Gospel to every as modern lines of communications, in which we have now arrived. So I am creature” (Mk 16:15). “It is necessary, marketing and the media. The synod carrying on with this work together with then, to keep a watchful eye on this our fathers emphasized the importance pastoral associates, the clergy, dedi- world, with its problems and values, its of a high-quality spiritual life in order cated lay faithful and many religious unrests and hopes, its defeats and tri- to succeed in evangelizing as best and and groups who agree wholeheartedly umphs. ... This, then, is the vineyard; solidly as possible. They recalled the to assume responsibilities in different this is the field in which the faithful are importance of the laity and the high fields. called to fulfill this mission” (Blessed value of their particular ministry in the Only last year, for example, we held John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 3). church, as these brothers and sisters are over 100 meetings with parishioners in Although the term new evangeliza- true witnesses of the hope, the love and order to hear their opinions, to under- tion now seems to be widespread, at the joy that result from living in Christ. stand their needs and to set up the best least in the vocabulary of the church, we Furthermore, the synod fathers ways of responding with the resources owe the true meaning of the expression underlined the importance of parishes we have at our disposal. This huge pro- and its main objectives to Blessed Pope as the birthplace of the true faith, for the cess of spiritual discernment has now John Paul II. Not only did he define the nurturing of community life in solidar- led to a regrouping of parishes known as terminology, but he made it an objective ity and love. They recalled the impor- “communion of communities.” to be pursued throughout Christendom. tance of priesthood and the necessity The work is progressing well under Most enlightening for the under- for us to form cohorts of well-trained the slogan “Together for the Mission” standing of his teaching is Chapter 34 ministers. with results that happily bear fruit. We of his postsynodal apostolic exhorta- Proposition 50 speaks highly of com- focus on the need for new evangeliza- tion Christifideles Laici. It is a jewel of munities of consecrated life: tion of our society, bearing in mind that perfection regarding what is expected “The consecrated life, of both men this can only be achieved if we all com- in order to bring this project to a suc- and women, has made a very impor- ply with a process of conversion in our cessful end. I know of no finer words tant contribution to the church’s work own hearts. We also strive to adapt our to describe what we are expected to of evangelization throughout history. ways of spreading the faith in order to achieve regarding new evangelization: In this moment of new evangelization, experience, for ourselves and for our “Without doubt, a mending of the the synod asks all men and women, brothers and sisters, a close and per- Christian fabric of society is urgently religious and members of secular insti- sonal encounter with Christ. needed in all parts of the world. But for tutes, to live their identity as conse- Useless to describe certain obstacles this to come about, what is needed is to crated persons radically and with joy. that may arise from the fact that such a first remake the Christian fabric of the The witness of a life which manifests the process of conversion often clashes with ecclesiastical community itself present primacy of God and which, by means of the cultural differences I mentioned in these countries and nations. ... This the common life, expresses the human- earlier. Some will say even within our vital synthesis will be achieved when the izing force of the Gospel is a powerful own communities that we go too far, too

222 origins fast. On the other hand, some consider bers demonstrate how much the Spirit humbled himself becoming obedient that the church isn’t audacious enough. of the Lord is at work in our diocese as to death, even death on a cross” (Phil Nevertheless, I feel our church is march- well as in our Catholic Church and in 2:6-8). ing on toward a better way of becoming our world. When entering our world, the Son more faithful to the Gospel and better I take comfort in the promise: of God not only was made man among missionaries. “Behold, I am with you always, until the men. By giving up his life for us on One very big step that is truly help- end of age” (Mt 28:20). Although most the cross and rising from the dead, he ing our diocese to face the challenges of our consecrated men and women are redeemed us and made us his people. of new evangelization is the place that aging, some of the older communities Our response to this gift of love is to we have given to the word of God in our are receiving young vocations, and we have faith in his Word and to believe daily lives. Hundreds of small groups are also seeing new communities arise that he is truly “the way and the truth that share the Gospel in their homes, in and become very active in the church. and the life” (Jn 14:6). their apostolic groups as they begin the Most of these new groups are very much As we approach the end of this Year meetings of parish councils, meetings of involved in new evangelization. of the Faith, it is good news to hear our priests, are blossoming all over the dio- There are many reasons to rejoice beloved Pope Francis outline the rel- cese. I find that sharing the Gospel has and to hope that our church will bravely evance of faith in our world: “There is brought us closer to one another, has undertake this mission of speaking God an urgent need, then, to see once again renewed our apostolic zeal and helps to a multicultural and secular world. that faith is a light, for once the flame of us embrace the missionary mandate One of these is the impetuousness of faith dies out, all other lights begin to entrusted to us by the Lord. our youth. There are hundreds to wit- dim” (Lumen Fidei, 4). I don’t know how it is in the region ness their faith in Christ among their If to evangelize is to transmit the where you live, but in Québec I find that peers in words and gestures that ring hope, the love and the grace of salva- we have a very long road to travel before true and clear in their particular culture. tion by Jesus Christ to every human Catholics decide seriously to open their Only a few days ago, some 110 young being, there is no better model to follow hearts to the living word of God. But I do people from our diocese attended the than the Lord Jesus himself. Hence the think we are on the right track, and those World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. With importance of being able to answer his who are beginning to share the Gospel hundreds of thousands of young men question: “But who do you say I am?” are fascinated with the good news they and women from some 190 countries, (Lk 9:8-24). are discovering. It is one thing to know assembled around Pope Francis as the No other form of evangelization can about Jesus, to recall some of the stories Good Shepherd gathering his flock, they be more perfectly fit to our life than this you learned when you were young at praised the Lord in their joyful fashion. personal relationship to Christ. “For catechism classes, and it is something They prayed for the world and prepared through faith you are all children of God very different to encounter Jesus in the their hearts to share their faith, their in Jesus Christ. For all of you who were Gospel as good news for your life today. hope and their enthusiasm. They stirred baptized into Christ have clothed your- To undertake this new mission, we up their energy to help build a church selves with Christ ... you are all one in are fortunate enough to count on thou- they are proud to live in and that will be Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:26-28). sands of devoted people and numer- attractive to men and women of these It is therefore most important to ous organizations whose work breathes times. convert oneself to the love of Christ a new life into our communities. I Hundreds of other boys and girls, if we are to pursue this mission, even often refer to them as being driven by adolescents and young adults have more if we are to evangelize those of a GPS, not as you may think a Global joined up in some of the youth move- our brothers and sisters who stand on Positioning System, but the Great ments that are active in the diocese. the threshold of a faith that bears little Prophetic Spirit who guides us toward They have committed themselves to fol- relevance in their life. As Blessed John Jesus Christ, as written by the Prophet low the path that will lead some to bap- Paul II reminded us: “Those who have Ezekiel: “I will put my Spirit within you tism, others to confirmation and to the come into genuine contact with Christ and cause you to walk in my ways” (Ez Eucharist. Others are involved in their cannot keep him for themselves. They 36:26-27). schools, parishes or local youth move- must proclaim him” (Novo Millennio They are the ones who devote them- ments where they deepen their faith and Ineunte, 40). selves in one or another of the 216 pas- dare speak of God in terms that sound Israel, the land where Jesus of toral movements and services which are true to their peers. They are real mis- Nazareth was born, lies at the crossroads listed in our diocesan directory of 2013. sionaries of a new evangelization in a of many civilizations. Remember the They are the 700 priests in our diocesan world where generations belonging to a enumeration of peoples to whom Peter clergy and members of religious orders; different culture need to hear such good addressed his speech on the morning of the 93 permanent deacons; the 100 or news. Pentecost: “Now there were devout Jews so men and women who are properly from every nation under heaven staying mandated as pastoral agents; the mem- No More Sublime Model in Jerusalem” (Acts 2:5). Undoubtedly, bers of 22 religious orders and institutes Than the Incarnation Jesus frequently met women and men of consecrated life for men and 35 for “Rather, he emptied himself, taking the who lived differently and had beliefs women, for a total of close to 2,000 con- form of a slave, becoming in human that were foreign to his own religion, to secrated men and women. These num- likeness and in human appearance he his native language and to his particular

origins 223 cultural background. encounter is such that Jesus is invited by preached with ‘unction.’ They like it The Gospels depict many of his the Samaritans to stay with them for two when the Gospel we preach touches encounters with some of these peo- more days, and the result is that “many their daily lives ... when it brings lights ple: Romans, Samaritans, Canaanites more began to believe in him because of to moments of extreme darkness, to the and others. Within his own homeland: his word” (Jn 4:41). ‘outskirts’ where people of faith are most Pharisees and scribes, kings and high The Lord succeeds in dismissing all exposed to the onslaught of those who priests, men and women of all trades forms of social prejudice, of religious want to tear down the faith. ... We need and conditions. His attitude toward and sexual preconceptions. He respects to ‘go out’ then to the ‘outskirts’ where them is unanimously respectful of their the dignity of the Samaritan woman and there is suffering, bloodshed, blind- human dignity albeit he doesn’t always shows consideration for her culture and ness that longs for sight and prisoners approve of their ideas nor their deeds. her openness to his discourse. He sym- in thrall to many evil masters. ... This I His teaching is never doctrinaire or pathizes with her suffering. He forgives ask you: Be shepherds. ... Make it real as magisterial. He prefers to speak in para- her failures after she has agreed to admit shepherds among your flock, fishers of bles to convey his ideas, never to impose living in a state of adultery. He is patient men ... until the nets that overflow with them. He rather lets his listeners find yet straightforward in his language in fish are those cast solely in the name of the answer to his words that will lead bringing about the truth in her life. He is the One in whom we have put our trust: them to a conversion of their heart. The compassionate and understanding; he Jesus” (March 28, 2013, Chrism Mass, way Our Lord chose to evangelize in the has touched her heart. Rome). multicultural context of his country is in I have always admired how Jesus can many ways still relevant in ours today. always speak the truth in love and love The Lord’s Prayer A fine example lies in the encounter in truth. Love and truth are made to go “I pray not only for them, but also for of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at together; it’s a perfect marriage! There those who will believe in me through Jacob’s well near the town of Sychar (cf. should never be any divorce between their word, so that they may all be one, Jn 4:5-42). these two very important realities of as you, Father, are in me and I in you, The meeting takes place in Samaria. Christian living. I truly believe we need that they also be in us” (Jn 17:19-20). It is known that the Jews have nothing in to learn from Jesus how to better con- The Lord’s Prayer is a perfect act of common with Samaritans; in fact they jugate these two words together: truth “inculturation” considering that the dia- despise them. The person drawing water and love. logue thus established with his Father from the well is a woman. Moreover, she We are sometimes tempted to mel- is the highest degree possible of an is a sinner since she lives with another low down the truth as not to hurt any- entwined understanding and loving of man out of wedlock. Nor does she seem one. Other times, we are willing to tell their individual Self, as written in John: to practice any form of religion. The someone all the truth but without love. “that I am in the Father and the Father meeting appears most unusual as the In both situations we are not faithful in me” (14:11). disciples themselves seem “amazed to to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He shows Jesus draws from this intense inter- find him talking to a woman.” However, us we can love and live in the truth at personal relationship with his Father the manner in which the Lord leads the all times. It can be done if we follow the love he then shares with mankind, conversation gives us a mighty lesson his example. The French philosopher the stamina needed to spread his mes- about evangelizing within a context of Jacques Maritain once said: “Truth with- sage despite the lack of understanding inculturation. out love is too hard to take. Love without of those who boast their wisdom with First he greets the woman with truth is too soft!” pride and refuse to open their hearts respect and engages her in conversa- We are so used to low-calorie, low- plagued with prejudice. In prayer he tion with a subject relating to a chore of carbohydrate foods that we have gotten finds comfort after suffering from the her daily life, showing how precious a into the habit of low-calorie Christian treachery of friends and the betrayal of gift is the water she is about to draw to living. That takes all the vitamins, the one of his own disciples. quench his thirst. About her marital life, energy and the radicality out of it. No In prayer he asks the Father to grant Jesus receives her explanations as true. wonder so many people look at us and him the courage to obey his will at all Then he respectfully adds a few ques- think our life is boring and senseless. We times, all the way to the cross. He prays tions until she reveals that she is in fact may be too-watered-down disciples of the Father to bestow on him the power living with a man that isn’t her husband. Jesus Christ and have lost much of our to heal human misery and illness. He As to her lack of religious practice, since Christian flavor! implores him to fill his heart with the the temple built on Mount Garizim had Getting back to the page of John’s compassion he will need to listen, to long been destroyed, Jesus doesn’t hold Gospel, Jesus’ attitude and way of enter- understand and to love all those who it against her. ing into a relationship led to the conver- need him, who clutch to his robes, in He rather takes advantage of the fact sion of the Samaritan woman and of order that “the works that the Father to reveal the true nature of adoration to her compatriots. The narration further gave me to accomplish, these works I which she and all mankind from then shows how the Lord brought light into perform to testify on my behalf that the onward will be conveyed: “The hour the life of whoever was open to hear his Father has sent me” (Jn 5:36). is coming and is now here when wor- word. This is exactly the manner Pope When the disciples, filled with awe shipers will worship the Father in Spirit Francis teaches us how to evangelize. by his filial devotion, asked him how to and truth” (Jn 4:23). The impact of the “Our people like to hear the Gospel pray, the Lord Jesus taught them to say

224 origins “Our Father.” This prayer is now ours to nities are a gift to the church to better respect and love for each other,” Bishop recite with the same gratitude, the same accomplish its mission in the midst of Madden said. The bishop pointed to the fervor and the same humility as was that the world. May the Lord give you the positive relations and greater under- of Our Lord. Prayer is just as imperative perseverance and the courage to con- standing that have resulted from the for us now as it was for Jesus. tinue responding with generosity and ongoing dialogue between U.S. Catholic Prayer will give us the strength and faithfulness to your call to holiness. and Lutheran leaders that began in the courage to embark on the heavy I would like to close with these words 1965. “This has allowed us to see more seas of the world we live in despite the from the first encyclical of Pope Francis, clearly that what we have in common fact we find it hazardous, feverous and Lumen Fidei: vastly outweighs our differences,” he said. rough. Despite the high winds, the Lord “If truth is a truth of love, if it is a While the differences are important to summons us to “cast the nets.” Prayer truth disclosed in personal encounter acknowledge, the bishop continued, it is will stir up our faith and enlighten our with the Other and with others, then it through discussion and working together hope that, with the help of the Spirit, can be set free from its enclosure in indi- that Catholics and Lutherans “are able we may never surrender to despair but viduals and become part of the com- to begin that blessed journey of mutual always rely on his grace to help our mon good. As a truth of love, it is not discovery, leading to greater respect and brothers and sisters find happiness and one that can be imposed by force; it is love.” He noted, “We experience as new, a true meaning to their life in the mes- not a truth that stifles the individual. debates around ethics or human sexu- sage of Christ. Since it is born of love, it can penetrate ality, which emerge on the global stage Prayer will brighten and support our to the heart, to the personal core of each and within our own congregations. At missionary work. It will guide us toward man and woman. Clearly, then, faith is times our interpretations of these themes, the fringes of the church where our not intransigent but grows in respectful using the same Scriptures, can be quite brothers and sisters await to hear words coexistence with others. Far from mak- diverse,” he explained. “But we cannot let that ring true and help them regain the ing us inflexible, the security of faith sets our differences win the day,” the bishop fervor of their faith. It will lead us to us on a journey; it enables witness and added. “We must push forward, even the fringes of society where our fellow dialogue with all” (No. 34). when the course ahead presents itself as citizens long for truth, hope and hap- Thank you very much for inviting me more rocky than we had first imagined.” piness, where they will only find a sat- to share these thoughts with you. ■ During the assembly, the ELCA elected isfying answer in a message that they its first woman to be presiding bishop. understand and that gives meaning to Women’s ordination is a practice that their life. all three of the churches that formed the We will find the courage to go to Speech at ELCA in 1988 had adopted in the 1970s. the fringes of the world and obey the In 2009, the ELCA approved a resolution last will of our Lord: “Go therefore, and Evangelical to allow those in “publicly accountable, make disciples of all nations, baptizing lifelong, monogamous same-gender rela- them in the name of the Father, and Lutheran Church in tionships” to serve as clergy. The same of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt year it also said pastors may preside over 28:19). America Assembly same-sex marriages where they are not The church needs the dedication and prohibited by civil law. Bishop Madden’s the participation of all its members for Bishop Madden speech follows. new evangelization to happen in our multicultural and secularized world. Let me say how delighted and hon- And it needs to happen now. We’ve done Citing the words of Pope Francis, the ored I am to be with you this day. I enough talking, reflecting and strategic chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee currently serve as an auxiliary bishop studies. It’s time we become even more on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs to the Archdiocese of Baltimore and committed in our daily lives to shar- called for a “culture of encounter” as the chairman for the U.S. bish- ing our faith through witness, through among Catholics and Lutherans dur- ops’ Committee on Ecumenical and our actions and words. We have noth- ing the Evangelical Lutheran Church Interreligious Affairs, a responsibility ing to impose on anyone, whether they in America’s churchwide assembly in which I value and enjoy greatly. be Catholics, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Pittsburgh. Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. The theme of your churchwide of other faiths or without faith. But we Madden of Baltimore told the assem- assembly this week, “Always Being Made have someone wonderful to present to bly Aug. 13 that the 500th anniversary New,” is indeed a fitting theme under our brothers and sisters, someone who of the Reformation in 2017 offers an which I have been invited to offer greet- can change their lives and give them opportunity to “point the way toward ings. Your theme speaks to the creative abundant life and eternal life: Jesus Christian unity” rather than focusing on and renewing power of the Holy Spirit, Christ. what keeps the two faith communities alive and active in our communities, You, members of communities of divided. “Let the 500th anniversary of the drawing all things toward him and his consecrated life, religious men who Reformation be not a celebration of our divine plan for the salvation of all and belong to a great variety of orders, are historical and doctrinal divisions but a “working,” as St. Paul says, “all things key players in this great mission. The celebration of our dialogue even within toward the good of those who love God.” charisms and mission of your commu- our differences, of our unity, our mutual Today I bring with me a deep desire

origins 225 for unity and for more communication ing (from) the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic ferences as well. so that all might know and be encour- dialogue contribute to the ongoing ecu- Our Lord Jesus Christ pleaded to his aged by our basic agreements and the menical journey of our churches. This Father, “Father, let them be one as you unity we already share. dialogue has been described by Pope and I are one.” This prayer and desire of My own experience of unity with the Benedict XVI and others as a very pro- our Lord is our joint desire and respon- Lutheran Church goes back to my early ductive one. Indeed, the U.S. dialogue sibility. This kind of unity can always days growing up in Bronx, New York, has produced substantive results since begin from a foundation of mutual where I was active in the local Lutheran it was inaugurated on March 16, 1965, respect and fraternal charity even when church youth group near our house and less than four months after the publica- we do not possess a unity of dogmas. had a great love and respect for the pas- tion of the Decree on Ecumenism dur- Dialogue is essentially built on love. tor of that church — which I have to ing Vatican II.”2 Love of Christ and all he said, and love of say was at times worrisome to my own one another. Both loves are not always Catholic pastor. During the nine years The Culture of Encounter and the easy. Love, while it is the most powerful I worked in the Holy Land I worked Fruits of Charity force in the universe and contagious, is very closely with the Lutheran World Beyond the mutual exploration of theo- surely not for the fainthearted. Federation at Augusta Victoria Hospital logical topics important to both of our Dialogue demands a mindfulness on the Mount of Olives and with Bishop communities, the half-century of dia- of our past history in the light of the Yunan, that great pastor to the whole logue has produced, perhaps in some present while looking toward the future. Palestinian community. ways even more important, bonds of There is much that can be learned from More recently it has been a distinct genuine friendship, admiration, esteem the past, but our gaze cannot be so fixed blessing to enjoy the friendship with and respect. We have come to under- on the past that it paralyzes us here and Bishop Mark Hansen and with Bishop stand one another in “new ways” and now. In dialogue we learn how to ask Wolfgang Hertz in Maryland. have learned not to view one another forgiveness, how to forgive and how to On a national level, our two com- through the lens of what divides but receive forgiveness. munities have been engaged in an through a far better one of what we Often I have found that the rela- official dialogue since 1965. Together share in common. tionships that required years of work, we have explored such topics as inter- This has allowed us to see more patience and perseverance in order to pretations of the Nicene Creed, the clearly that what we have in common rebuild genuine trust after difficult his- Reformation, baptism, the Eucharist, vastly outweighs our differences. We tories can blossom into the closest and eternal life, ecclesial structure and min- share a common faith in the triune God, most valued of all relationships, pre- istry, the saints and Mary, the papacy, a common hope in his living grace in cisely because of the mutual ability to and Scripture and tradition. our lives and his promise of eternal life, forgive and receive forgiveness. Perhaps the most famous fruit of and a common call to Christian char- Having made great strides forward our ongoing dialogue was the histor- ity giving us that blessed opportunity to in our relationship it’s not surprising to ic Joint Declaration on the Doctrine manifest in the world God’s immeasur- experience new bumps along the path of Justification, which was received able goodness.3 of our mutual encounter which bring officially by the Catholic Church and This is not to say that our differences unexpected challenges. We experi- member churches of the Lutheran do not matter. They do. In ecumenical ence as new, debates around ethics or World Federation on Oct. 31, 1999, and and interreligious dialogue we are never human sexuality, which emerge on the received global attention. After years of called to give up who we are. We do not global stage and within our own con- working together, our two communities come to the table to make our interlocu- gregations. At times our interpretations were able to come to a better under- tor more like ourselves as though win- of these themes, using the very same standing of one another’s teachings ning a debate. This is not dialogue. Nor Scriptures, can be quite diverse. And we surrounding the question of faith and are we called to come to the table and can sense the temptation to distance works, and what in those teachings we only acknowledge what we have in com- ourselves once again from the “other” hold in common, thus beginning to heal mon while ignoring our differences or who sees the world from a lens different a centuries-old division over interpreta- trying to make them silently disappear. than our own while proclaiming faith in tions of this tenet of our Christian belief. Were we to do this we would be untrue the same God. Most recently, our two communi- to ourselves. But we cannot let our differences win ties published a common statement In dialogue we encounter one anoth- the day. We must push forward even titled “The Hope of Eternal Life,”1 under er exactly as we are and in this way are when the course ahead presents itself as the leadership of Rev. Lowell G. Almen able to begin that blessed journey of more rocky than we had first imagined. and Bishop Richard Sklba, in which we mutual discovery leading to greater We owe it to one another and to our love explored our common understanding of respect and love. To come to understand for the Lord to go out and meet the other the promise of eternal life won for us the other as they understand them- on the path and to continue to reinforce through the sacrifice and merit of Our selves, to set aside our prejudices, to our commonalities while accepting our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the pref- value virtue wherever it finds its home, disagreements. ace, summarizing the success of 50 years to recognize good in all its forms: This One of the major themes that has of dialogue between our communities it is the work and the fruit of dialogue. Yes already emerged from the young papa- is stated that “the agreements emerg- and to peacefully acknowledge our dif- cy of Pope Francis is the theme of a

226 origins “culture of encounter.” From the ecu- other. To meet them along the path of our differences, of our unity, our mutual menical and interreligious tone of his life which we share in common. To alle- respect and love for each other. In this inaugural address and installation Mass viate their suffering, to serve them, to way we can say we are collaborators in to his regular Wednesday audiences, listen and learn, to discuss and reflect, the work of the Lord, who is always and his impromptu statements on athe- to share without expecting anything for ever “making all things new.” ists, homosexuality and women, his ourselves in return.6 This is the path of Let me thank you for your kind hos- approach to confronting global poverty true Christian love. For Pope Francis this pitality today. It is wonderful to be with and constructing social justice, Pope culture of encounter seems to embody you. Let me encourage you in your work Francis is continually calling us to take what our two communities have been and ministry, which is truly a work aimed up this task of building a “culture of engaged in together for the last 50 years. at “making all things new” (Rv 21:5). We encounter.” know that Christ has sent the Holy Spirit In his homily during a Mass on May How Do We Walk Together Toward the to guide us. We all need to rely on this 22, which attracted international atten- Reformation Anniversary? guidance always. Despite our difficulties tion, the pope affirmed: 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the and occasional discouragements, let us “The Lord has redeemed all of us, Reformation. How do we walk toward continue in faith to work that “all may all of us, with the blood of Christ: all this historical landmark together? be one” (Jn 17:21). of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ... Should we not be doing something to Even atheists. ... And this blood makes mark this important occasion and to Notes 1 us children of God of the first class! And point the way toward Christian unity, Minneapolis: Lutheran University Press, 2011. 2 Page 7. we all have a duty to do good. And this which Our Lord prayed that we might 3 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, commandment for everyone to do good, have? www.vatican.va. 4 I think, is a beautiful path toward peace. My suggestion would be for our two www.theatlantic.com/international/print/2013/05/ no-the-pope-didn’t-just-say-all-atheists-go-to-heav- If we, each doing our own part, if we do communities to approach this anniver- en. good to others, if we meet there, doing sary in a way that would be the most 5 www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis- calls-faithful-to-deeper-encounters-with-others. good, and we go slowly, gently, little by pleasing to the Lord. Perhaps we could 6 Cf. Pope Francis, address to the youth, World Youth little, we will develop that culture of do this by both of us committing our- Day, Brazil 2013. ■ encounter that we need so much. We selves unreservedly to building together need to meet one another doing good.”4 a culture of encounter. We might begin And just a few weeks ago while this building by considering the ecu- addressing 3.7 million young people at menical imperatives of the June 2013 the final Mass of World Youth Day on Lutheran World Federation/Pontifical Copacabana beach the pope motivated Council for Promoting Christian them in their interactions with other Unity document “From Conflict to Christian churches and religions to “fos- Communion: Lutheran-Catholic ter a culture of encounter throughout Common Commemoration of the the world.”5 Reformation in 2017.” A culture in which we take the Gospel Let the 500th anniversary of the out onto the street, not with the arro- Reformation be not a celebration of our gance of coming first to convert the historical and doctrinal divisions but a other, but coming first to encounter the celebration of our dialogue even within

ORIGINS - Now three subscription types to meet your needs!

Origins PRINT Origins ONLINE Origins PLUS 1Each week you quickly receive 2Gain online access to the full Origins 3Have it all! You receive 47 issues Origins by mail, 47 issues a year — some archives back to 1971. Our powerful search of the print edition PLUS 24/7 access 800 pages of the latest church documents. engine instantly locates information you to the fully searchable online Origins require at any given moment — for classes, archives back to 1971. servic e

“A Catholic university rejects a faith that trumps all claims of homilies, presentations, discussion groups, reason and rejects a rationalism servic e

documentary that pre-empts all claims of faith.” “A Catholic university rejects a faith that trumps all claims of CNS reason and rejects a rationalism contents describe her mission today”: fi rst, the

documentary that pre-empts all claims of faith.” principle that “knowledge is good in 277 The Role of a Catholic etc. This online archive — some 7,700 texts itself and should be pursued for its own University by Father John Jenkins, CNS sake”; second, that “there is a deep har- CSC contents mony between faith and reason”; third, describe her mission today”: fi rst, the 281 Statement on the Love principle that “knowledge is good in 277 The Role of a Catholic that “the role of community and the call University Holy Trinity Blessed itself and should be pursued for its own by Father John Jenkins, to service are central to Christian life.” sake”; second, that “there is a deep har- Mission CSC The university “must send forth gradu- by Archbishop Jerome mony between faith and reason”; third, that “the role of community and the call 281 Statement on the Love ates who will be intellectual and moral Hanus Holy Trinity Blessed to service are central to Christian life.” leaders for our time,” said Jenkins, and Mission 282 Statement on the Love now — expands with each week’s Origins The university “must send forth gradu- by Archbishop Jerome it “must continue to advance in research Holy Trinity Blessed ates who will be intellectual and moral Hanus and become a more signifi cant leader Mission leaders for our time,” said Jenkins, and 282 Statement on the Love by Cardinal Francis it “must continue to advance in research Holy Trinity Blessed in expanding knowledge and under- Mission George and become a more signifi cant leader standing.” Jenkins said that “every in expanding knowledge and under- by Cardinal Francis George department, college and institute must, 283 Theology of the Body standing.” Jenkins said that “every The Role of a by Bishop Robert Baker department, college and institute must, 283 Theology of the Body The Role of a by Bishop Robert Baker wherever possible, fi nd dimensions of wherever possible, fi nd dimensions of Catholic University their research agenda that refl ect our 292 Datebook Catholic University their research agenda that refl ect our 292 Datebook Catholic character and values.” And, he 292 On File Catholic character and values.” And, he 292 On File issue. Father Jenkins, CSC said, “as we affi rm the Catholic identity said, “as we affi rm the Catholic identity Father Jenkins, CSC of Notre Dame, we acknowledge and of Notre Dame, we acknowledge and “My presidency will be driven by a embrace the many non-Catholics who “My presidency will be driven by a embrace the many non-Catholics who wholehearted commitment to uniting are deeply committed to this university and integrating these two indispensable wholehearted commitment to uniting are deeply committed to this university and its principles.” Jenkins’ text follows. and wholly compatible strands of high- and integrating these two indispensable and its principles.” Jenkins’ text follows. er learning: academic excellence and his college will be one of the most and wholly compatible strands of high- religious faith,” Holy Cross Father John powerful means for doing good in Jenkins said in his inaugural address this country. er learning: academic excellence and his college will be one of the most Sept. 23 as president of the University So wrote Edward Sorin to his religious faith,” Holy Cross Father John powerful means for doing good in of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. “The treligious superior, Father Basile Moreau in Jenkins said in his inaugural address this country. world needs a great university that can France, just nine days after arriving at the Sept. 23 as president of the University So wrote Edward Sorin to his address issues of faith with reverence snow-covered site that would become Notre and respect while still subjecting reli- Dame. of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. “The treligious superior, Father Basile Moreau in October 6, 2005 gion to intellectually rigorous, critical For 163 years it has fallen to the men and Volume 35 world needs a great university that can France, just nine days after arriving at the discussion,” Jenkins said. He discussed women of Notre Dame to fulfi ll this commit- Number 17 + address issues of faith with reverence snow-covered site that would become Notre three “Catholic principles that inspired ment. Today we renew it, and we expand it. the founding of universities” and that and respect while still subjecting reli- Dame. October 6, 2005 “still defi ne Notre Dame’s character and continued on page 278 gion to intellectually rigorous, critical For 163 years it has fallen to the men and Volume 35 discussion,” Jenkins said. He discussed women of Notre Dame to fulfi ll this commit- Number 17 three “Catholic principles that inspired ment. Today we renew it, and we expand it. the founding of universities” and that “still defi ne Notre Dame’s character and continued on page 278 print online

Special online rates for institutions such as libraries, parish staffs, schools, seminaries, etc. For more information call (202) 541-3284 or go to www.originsonline.com

origins 227 Periodicals datebook U.S.Postage CNS documentary service PAID Washington DC Sept. 14-16 3211 Fourth Street NE - Washington DC 20017 Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering. Theme: “Building Bridges to Opportunity.” Hilton San Francisco Union Square. San Francisco, Calif. www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

Sept. 16-20 National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors Annual Convention. Theme: “I Have Called You Friends.” On File Dallas Hyatt Regency. Dallas, Texas. www.ncdvd.org Syrian-born Melkite Catholic Aug. 23 letter to Secretary of State John Patriarch Gregoire III Laham warned Kerry, Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Sept. 20-22 against armed intervention in his coun- Moines, Iowa, urged a path of dialogue Conference: “In the Logos of Love: try, saying, “It has brought us to the and reconciliation that promotes peace, Promise and Predicament of Catholic Intellectual Life Today.” Sponsors: tragedy we are now living in Syria.” human rights and religious freedom in University of Dayton and University Speaking to Catholic News Service Egypt. Bishop Pates said, “Extremists of Southern California Institute for by phone Aug. 27 from the patriar- have scapegoated Christians, blaming Advanced Catholic Studies. University of Dayton River Campus. Dayton, Ohio. chal summer residence in Ain Traz, them for the current state of affairs, and www.ifacs.com/logos Lebanon, the patriarch said such a step viciously attacked Christian churches, “would be a tragedy, a tragedy, a tragedy institutions and communities, destroy- Sept. 22-25 — for the whole country and the whole ing property and terrorizing people. International Catholic Stewardship Council Annual Conference. Theme: Middle East.” He said, “Enough with The destruction of Christian church- “Called, Transformed, Sent to Serve.” the intervention. It is fueling hatred, es and the targeting of Christians are Hilton Anatole Dallas. Dallas, Texas. fueling criminality, fueling inhumanity, unacceptable.” He echoed the words of www.catholicstewardship.org fueling fundamentalism, terrorism.” Coptic Catholic Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sept. 25-28 The patriarch lamented the U.S. deci- Sedrak, who commended the Muslims National Council of Catholic Women sion to postpone again a meeting with in Egypt who stood with Christians and Annual Convention. Theme: “The Voice Russia aimed at preparing for a peace defended their churches and institu- of Catholic Women.” Marriott Harbor tions. Beach Resort and Spa. Fort Lauderdale, conference on Syria. “The Holy Father Fla. www.nccw.org was very clear on Aug. 25,” the patri- arch said, referring to Pope Francis’ call To emphasize that the sacrament of *Sept. 27-28 for peace in Syria during the Sunday baptism formally brings a person into Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Annual the church of God and not just into a Convention. Theme: “Freedom and Angelus, when the pontiff said, “It is the Moral Law.” Crowne Plaza West. not clashes, but an ability to meet and local Christian community, the Vatican Philadelphia, Pa. to dialogue that offers prospects for has ordered a slight change of wording www.catholicscholars.org a hope of resolving the problems.” in the baptismal rite. At the begin- Sept. 27-29 Patriarch Laham said external inter- ning of the rite, instead of saying, “the North American Academy of Ecumenists vention “is destroying the whole sense Christian community welcomes you Annual Meeting. Theme: “The Emerging of community, of friendship of love with great joy,” the officiating minister Face of Being One.” Churchwide Office between peoples, of conviviality, of liv- will say, “the church of God welcomes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Chicago, Ill. www.naae.net ing together, Christians and Muslims.” you with great joy.” Baptism “is the sacrament of faith in which people are *Sept. 30-Oct. 3 The United States should work with incorporated into the one church of Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes the international community to help Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Hispanos Annual Convention. Theme: “Pastores Dabo Vobis: Temas Esenciales Egyptians end violence, restore the rule Church, governed by the successor of Para la Continua Formación del of law and build an inclusive democ- Peter and the bishops in communion Sacerdote Hispano.” DoubleTree by racy in their country, said the chair- with him,” said the decree from the Hilton Newark Airport. Newark, N.J. www.ansh.org man of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Congregation for Divine Worship and International Justice and Peace. In an the Sacraments. *signifies new entry

228 origins