Celebrating the Augustinians in the Merrimack Valley

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Celebrating the Augustinians in the Merrimack Valley Celebrating the Augustinians in the Merrimack Valley PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION The Constitutions of the Augustinian Order provide that the Prior Provincial be assisted in the ministry of pastoring and governing the Province, by friars whose advice, collaboration and consent help to ensure that the needs and duties of the Province and its individual members are prudently and adequately addressed. Fr. Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. Prior Provincial, Province of Dear Friends of the Augustinians, Saint Thomas of Villanova This year marks the 200th anniversary of the arrival of an Irish Augustinian missionary in what is now the Fr. Francis J. Horn, O.S.A. Archdiocese of Boston. Indeed, a reason to celebrate the Treasurer of the Province Augustinians in the Merrimack Valley! Our Augustinian presence in Massachusetts began modestly, but since that time, many friars have ministered in Merrimack schools PROVINCIAL and parishes founded by our friars and served by us COUNSELORS through many generations. Today, we serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and Fr. Francis J. Doyle, O.S.A. St. Mary of the Assumption in Lawrence as well as Prior, Blessed Stephen Bellesini Friary Merrimack College. Although we are not present at Austin Preparatory School, our values and tradition still permeate Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. throughout the school. Many friars also extend their Associate Athletics Director, service in parishes where they minister on the weekend. Villanova University On behalf of my Augustinian brothers, I want to thank Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A. our benefactors who have responded generously to our Head of School, needs. It is important that we continue to collaborate with St. Augustine Preparatory School all who have been so generous to us. Your partnership with us is critical to our future success and to the future of Fr. Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A. the Province. Director of Vocations, Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish Let us celebrate together our ministry in the Merrimack Valley and look to continue to be present in this region for Fr. Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A many years to come. May God bless you and reward you Assistant Vice President for Mission and for your kindness. Ministry, Villanova University In Augustine, Fr. Luis A. Vera, O.S.A. Pastor, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish Father Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. Prior Provincial 1 The Augustinians in the Merrimack Valley Augustinian presence in what is now the Archdiocese of Boston began with Father Philip Lariscy, O.S.A., an Irish missionary who, in 1818, built Saint Augustine Chapel in Dorchester Heights, South Boston. This place of worship is recognized as “the oldest standing Catholic church building in the Archdiocese.” During the four years that he spent in the Boston area, Father Lariscy served the faithful of Salem, Lynn, Lowell and New Bedford. Bishop Cheverus wrote of him, “He is strong and robust and pious. He has already brought back some hardened sinners. He preaches in Irish every Sunday at the first Mass…. He is a humble man and asks for nothing except work.” We would love to think that the character and work of Father Lariscy set the tone for the many friars who would follow him later throughout the Merrimack Valley when, beginning with Father James O’Donnell, O.S.A. in 1848, and continuing through to today, Augustinians have served the people of Lawrence, Andover, Wilmington, North Reading, and beyond, in a succession of parishes, schools and various other works. Father O’Donnell’s pioneering efforts at Saint Mary’s Parish, Lawrence and Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, not only brought the Augustinian charism to this corner of the archdiocese, but also opened a path for a steady stream of vocations over many years from these same parishes — and others — into the Order. We need think of the names of some of the many native sons of the l-r: Very Reverend Henry E. Greenlee, O.S.A., Provincial, region who have served the Order Mr. Edward F. Williams, His Excellency, Richard J. Cushing, and the Church well throughout D.D., Mrs. Edward F. Williams, Reverend Vincent A. the years as Augustinians: the three McQuade, O.S.A. Fathers Lamond and two Fathers Merrimack College, 1958 Walsh, McCranor and Lehane; Frs. Caffrey, O’Connor, McCarthy, Fenton, D’Angelo, Dennis, Hanouille, McNally, Sullivan, Murphy, O’Brien, Moriarty, Cullinane, Regan, Hughes, Kennedy, Nugent, Driscoll, Riordan, Dorgan and many more. 2 Back Row, l-r: Father Mariano Arconada, O.S.A., Father John Lamond, O.S.A., Father Emile Misson, O.S.A., Father Edward Carney, O.S.A., Father William Donovan, O.S.A., Father John McCusker, O.S.A., Father Joseph Conroy, O.S.A., Father Hugh O’Neill, O.S.A. Front Row, l-r: Father William “Pete” Kelly, O.S.A., Father John B. Martin, O.S.A.- Pastor, Father John J. Corr, O.S.A. Augustinian Community of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Lawrence, Mass., June, 1949 Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence produced a great number of mission churches, most of which grew into parishes in their own right, which were also served by the Augustinians: Immaculate Conception; Saint Augustine, Tower Hill; Saint Laurence O’Toole; Holy Rosary; Assumption; Saints Peter and Paul; Saint Augustine, Andover; Saint Thomas of Villanova, Wilmington. In the educational sphere, friars founded and staffed Merrimack College and Austin Preparatory School and the Augustinian charism continues to characterize these institutions, friars continue to serve on the Boards of both, and in the case of Merrimack, a community of friars is still present and active in various ways. While changing times and circumstances have affected the numerical presence of the friars in the Merrimack Valley, the institutional commitment of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova continues on with a dozen friars still present and active in the region. The memory of scores upon scores of Augustinians laboring in this area for over 200 years, bears witness to the desire of the Province to serve generations of the faithful, even as the graves of many of those same friars in Saint Mary Cemetery is testimony of an enduring bond of friendship forged with the people they served. Though none of us knows what the future will hold for society, the Church and our Province, please God, what was begun in faith, and sustained in love, will find new expressions in which the Augustinian way of life may continue to contribute to the proclamation of the Gospel and the coming in fullness of the Kingdom. 3 The Augustinian Fund VOCATION AND FORMATION Vocation programs, by which we seek to respond to inquirers interested in Augustinian religious life, and accompany those who are accepted as candidates, have many expenses: the production of promotional materials, professional vetting of inquirers, the travel of vocation promoters, etc. The Province assumes all costs of housing, education and insurance of candidates for the duration of the formation process. CARE OF THE SICK AND ELDERLY The Province owns and operates Saint Thomas Monastery on the campus of Villanova University where many of our retired and infirm friars reside. The Province is solely responsible for the expenses connected with the monastery, including nursing and health care, health insurance, housekeeping and dining services. The Augustinians are financially independent of their sponsored schools and parishes. They rely on the generosity of benefactors to sustain their way of life and ministries. The Augustinian Fund provides a reliable source of revenue to care for elderly and infirm friars, the education and training of future Augustinians, and the friars’ ministries that serve the poor and the disenfranchised. 4 Key Ministries THE AUGUSTINIAN VOLUNTEERS College graduates work in partnership with the Augustinians in service to the needy in schools, clinics, social services and foreign missions. They live a community life in the spirit of Saint Augustine and are in partnership with friars in various regions of the U.S. and Peru. FOREIGN MISSIONS The friars of our Province serve presently in Japan and Peru, but were missionaries also in Cuba and South Africa as well. Missionary work has always been one of the services of the Mendicant Orders of the Church. OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND PEACE The Province is committed to various works which are in direct service to the poor and marginalized: new immigrants, the imprisoned, youth, etc. One vehicle of our outreach is the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.), which operates a health clinic in South Philadelphia. 5 Augustinians in Formation Brother Javier Aguilar, O.S.A. Brother Elizandro Contreras, O.S.A. Brother Bill Gabriel, O.S.A. Choluteca, Honduras La Vega, Dominican Republic Dover, New Hampshire Brother Jeremy Heirs, O.S.A. Brother Bryan Kerns, O.S.A. Hebron, Kentucky Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Brother Atsushi Kuwhara, O.S.A. Brother Dan Madden, O.S.A. Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan New Hope, Pennsylvania 6 Augustinian Formation Program The Augustinian Formation process unfolds in community, but begins with honest self- awareness and the companioning of experienced friars who are available for this task. A regimen of prayer, community living, service and study become for the candidate a full-time occupation. Those who are called to serve and enter religious life commit an intense journey of academic and spiritual formation that focuses on the development of a mind and heart prepared both for life with others and generous service. The Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova assumes all costs related to Formation including education, living expenses, health insurance and other associated costs. The Augustinian Fund provides the necessary resources to support the journey of these young men who are studying to become spiritual leaders of tomorrow in the spirit of Saint Augustine.
Recommended publications
  • Special Report on Religious Life
    Catholic News Agency and women who Year-long MAJOR ORDERS TYPES OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS dedicate their lives celebrations AND THEIR CHARISMS to prayer, service The Roman Catholic Church recognizes different types of religious orders: and devotion. Year of Marriage, A religious order or congregation is Many also live as Nov. 2014- distinguished by a charism, or particular • Monastic: Monks or nuns live and work in a monastery; the largest monastic order, part of a commu- Dec. 2015 grace granted by God to the institute’s which dates back to the 6th century, is the Benedictines. nity that follows a founder or the institute itself. Here • Mendicant: Friars or nuns who live from alms and actively participate in apostolic work; specific religious Year of Faith, are just a few religious orders and the Dominicans and Franciscans are two of the most well-known mendicant orders. rule. They can Year of Prayer, congregations with their charisms: • Canons Regular: Priests living in a community and active in a particular parish. include both Oct. 2012- • Clerks Regular: Priests who are also religious men with vows and who actively clergy and laity. Nov. 2013 Order/ participate in apostolic work. Most make public Congregation: Charism: vows of poverty, Year for Priests, obedience and June 2009- Dominicans Preaching and chastity. Priests June 2010 teaching who are religious Benedictines Liturgical are different from Year of St. Paul, prayer and diocesan priests, June 2008- monasticism who do not take June 2009 Missionaries Serving God vows. of Charity among the Religious congregations differ from reli- “poorest of the gious orders mainly in terms of the vows poor” that are taken.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission Coop 2021 Letter the Assumptionists Are a World-Wide Religious Congregation Founded in 1845 by Venerable Fr. Emmanuel D
    Mission Coop 2021 Letter The Assumptionists are a world-wide religious congregation founded in 1845 by Venerable Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon to, in his words, “penetrate the world with a Christian idea…and to do so in words that it can understand.” The Congregation is located in 30 countries and numbers some 1,000 priests and brothers. Inspired by the founder’s vision, the Assumptionists are engaged in the great causes of God and society: education, the press, social outreach, pilgrimages, ecumenical work, and foreign missions. Among these foreign missions, one could cite those in Asia (Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines), in Latin America (Mexico, Ecuador, Chile), in Eastern Europe (Russia, Bulgaria, and Turkey) and in Africa (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar). In the United States, Americans would most probably be familiar with some of our publications like Catholic Digest and the missalette, Living with Christ. We also run a university, Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts. This year we would like to draw attention to one of our missions located in Central Mexico, close to the city of Orizaba. This area is mostly populated by various indigenous Mexican tribes which are still using their native languages and some do not even speak Spanish. The Assumptionists have been doing ministry in this region for over twenty years. In the year 2017 the Order assumed the responsibility of the major parish in Tlilapan which consists of 12 missionary churches, some located in the high mountains up to 10 miles away. Three priests and a few brothers provide the daily ministry to all of the people in the area.
    [Show full text]
  • Teaching-With-Augustine-VITAL-2.Pdf
    VILLANOVA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING © 2016 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY | PAUL CRANE | PAUL UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2016 © 2016 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY | JOHN SHETRON UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2016 © 2016 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY | MARK HARRISON UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2016 © 2016 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY | JOHN SHETRON UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2016 Teaching with Augustine: CRANE | PAUL UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2016 A VITAL Conversation A publication of the © 2015 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY | PAUL CRANE | PAUL UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA © 2015 Office for Mission and Ministry and the Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning © BOWSTRING STUDIOS © BOWSTRING Teaching with Augustine: A VITAL Conversation SECTION I Mission Integration Dear faculty member: What’s Your Mission? The Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL), in partnership with the Augustinian Institute and the Center 4 Developing a mission is both an for Faith and Learning, seeks to offer faculty diverse forums and ongoing opportunities for conversations about learning intellectual and spiritual task. and teaching at Villanova University, and in particular the University’s distinctive identity as a Catholic and Augustinian Integrating personal, professional institution. and institutional goals requires effort JOHN SHETRON UNIVERSITY| VILLANOVA © 2013 and thoughtful contemplation. Veritas, Unitas, Caritas: St. Augustine, while engaged in extensive written exchange with others on God’s relation to humankind, has formulated his Villanova’s First Principles thinking about the role of a teacher and the task of teaching. His thoughts are captured in the term “Augustinian pedagogy” The Scholarly Vocation 20 You hear the words truth, unity and love frequently at and they serve to shepherd our work as teacher-scholars at Villanova. They inform questions such as: 8 What does it mean to have a vocation Villanova.
    [Show full text]
  • PLAN of AUGUSTINIAN FORMATION Ratio Institutionis Ordinis Sancti Augustini Roma 1993
    PLAN OF AUGUSTINIAN FORMATION Ratio Institutionis Ordinis Sancti Augustini Roma 1993 Foreword One of the primary objectives the General Council established for itself at the beginning of its mandate was the elaboration of a Ratio Institutionis for the Order. Taking into consideration Church legislation and proposition 23 of the Ordinary General Chapter, it sought to unite into one project the Chapter's decision and the requirements of Canon Law. Consequently, it commended the task to an international commission composed of Fr. Pietro Bellini, coordinator, and representatives of the different assistancies: Emmanuel Borg Bonello (I), Domingo Natal (II), Tars van Bavel (III), John Hughes (IV), Gregorio Gallardo and Martin Gadea (V), and Theodore Tack (VI). The commission produced several editions of the document with extended collaboration from the whole Order. It was the subject of study at an international meeting of formation personnel at Rome in July of 1992. With a few minor changes the Council has appropriated the fourth edition of the document and approved it ad experimentum until the next Ordinary General Chapter of 1995. By it very nature the Ratio Institutionis is a tool which offers those elements that are judged essential to Augustinian formation. It was the intention of both the commission and the Council to exclude from it general aspects of formation as well as those which clearly belong to local situations. The general aspects, because they are already found in the directives given by the Church and in bibliographies for the formation process. The particular aspects, because a document of this kind cannot substitute for local specifics and the need for inculturation in the formation process.
    [Show full text]
  • German Inter-Monastic Politics and the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century 115
    German inter-monastic politics and the Reformation of the sixteenth century 115 German inter-monastic politics and the Reformation of the sixteenth century Rev Dr Mark W Worthing Mark Worthing, Dr Phil, Dr Theol, is a pastor of the LCA. After parish ministry in Adelaide, he taught in the field of historical and systematic theology at the former Luther Seminary, Adelaide, then at Tabor-Adelaide, and now serves as senior researcher with the research arm of Australian Lutheran College, the Australian Lutheran Institute for Theology and Ethics (ALITE). The story is well known among Protestants. When Pope Leo X learned of the dispute surrounding Luther’s 95 theses he mistakenly dismissed it as a monastic squabble.1 There is strong evidence, however, that while the Reformation of the sixteenth century proved to be ultimately much more than a monastic dispute, in its earliest phases much of what occurred can best be understood in light of the complexities of the inter-monastic rivalry between the Augustinians and Dominicans. The Augustinian movement Two types of Augustinians emerged during the medieval period: the Order of Canons Regular, who were largely clergy connected to specific churches or cathedrals; and the Augustinian hermits, who were a true monastic order.2 In the fifteenth century a split occurred within the Hermit tradition between ‘observant’ congregations that sought reform through strict adherence to the Rule, and the ‘conventuals’, who sought to interpret the Rule more flexibly.3 The monastery Luther entered was the Erfurt Observant Congregation of Augustinian Hermits.4 The philosophical and theological gulf between Augustinians and Dominicans The rediscovery of Aristotle in the West prompted the two greatest theologians of the Dominican Order, Albertus Magnus and his student Thomas Aquinas, to develop an 1 Cf.
    [Show full text]
  • The History of the Augustinians As a Teaching Order in the Midwestern Province
    Loyola University Chicago Loyola eCommons Dissertations Theses and Dissertations 1965 The History of the Augustinians as a Teaching Order in the Midwestern Province Joseph Anthony Linehan Loyola University Chicago Follow this and additional works at: https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss Part of the Education Commons Recommended Citation Linehan, Joseph Anthony, "The History of the Augustinians as a Teaching Order in the Midwestern Province" (1965). Dissertations. 776. https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/776 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Loyola eCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Loyola eCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Copyright © 1965 Joseph Anthony Linehan THF' RISTORI OF Tl[F, AUOUSTINIANS AS A Tt'ACHINO ormm IN THE JlIDWlmERN PlOVIlCR A nt. ..ertat.1on Submi toted to the Facul\7 ot the Gra.da1&te School of ~1a Un! wnd.ty in Partial PUlt1l.l.aent ot the Requirements tor the Degree of Docrtor of Fdnoation I would 11ke to thank the Reverend Daniel lI&rt1gan, O.S.A., who christened. th1s etud7. Reverend lf10bael Ibgan, D.S.A., who put it on ita feet, Dr. Jobn V.roz!'l1a.k, who taught it to walk. and Dr. Paul t1nieJ7, wm guided 1t. ThanlaI to st. Joseph Oupert1no who nlWer fails. How can one adequate~ thank his parente tor their sacrlf'loee, their 10... and their guidanoe. Is thank JOt! suttlc1ent tor a nil! who encourages when night school beoomea intolerable' 1bw do ,ou repay two 11 ttle glrls liM mat not 'bo'ther daddy in h1s "Portent- 1"OGIIl? Tou CIDIOt appreoiate tbe exoeUent teachers who .Mope )'Our future until you a~ an adult.
    [Show full text]
  • OREGON, MCMINNVILLE St. James Church
    Guide to Catholic-Related Records in the West about Native Americans See User Guide for help on interpreting entries Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon new 2006 OREGON, McMINNVILLE St. James Church W-412 1145 Northeast First Street McMinnville, Oregon 97128 Phone 503-472-5232 http://www.saintjamescatholicchurch.org/staff.html Access: Some restrictions apply History: St. James Church is a non-Indian parish. However, diocesan priests from St. James have attended the following Indian missions: 1881-ca. 1940 St. Patrick Mission (Cayuse), Yam Hill/ Muddy Creek 1901-1908, 1985-2000, St. Michael the Archangel Mission (Grand Ronde), 2002-present Grande Ronde, Grand Ronde Reservation History of St. Michael the Archangel Mission 1859-1861 Diocesan priests attended the Grand Ronde Reservation station (Grand Ronde) from St. Paul, St. Paul 1861-1864 Diocesan priests established and attended St. Michael the Archangel Mission from St. Peter’s, The Dalles 1864-1897 Became a parish; diocesan priests administered St. Michael’s ca. 1874-ca. 1946 Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (California Province, Los Gatos, California) established and staffed St. Michael’s School 1881-1882 Benedictine Sisters of Pontifical Jurisdiction (St. Joseph, Minnesota) staffed the school 1898-1899, 1909-1985 Salvatorians (U.S.A. Province, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) administered St. Michael’s ca. 1930-1969 Salvatorians staffed the Grand Ronde Vocational School 1900-1901 Benedictines (Mount Angel Abbey, St. Benedict, Oregon) administered St. Michael’s 1901-1908 Diocesan priests attended St. Michael’s from St. James, McMinnville 1906 Jesuits (Turin Province, Turin, Italy) administered St. Michael’s 1946-1968 (closed) Sisters of St.
    [Show full text]
  • Student Engagement
    Student Engagement LIGHTING THE WAY IN THE ASSUMPTIONIST TRADITION ASSUMPTION COLLEGE How does a Catholic college impact students in their daily lives? The Augustinians of the Assumption founded Assumption College in 1904, and its mission has been consistent since the beginning. Assumption, rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. Student Affairs staff support that mission throughout the residential and cocurricular aspects of student life. We plan and implement programs around a core set of principles so that we can light the way for Assumption students to achieve their full personal and academic potential. The bell tower in front of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit has five bells that ring across campus. Our five principles do the same. We are very clear about our identity, which is grounded in the values and teaching of Catholicism, and, as a Catholic college, we believe that each student should be encouraged to explore and understand his or her personal faith tradition. College is a time of tremendous personal growth for students. We look forward to working with each and every student at Assumption College as we grow together. Warmest regards, Catherine WoodBrooks Vice President for Student Affairs 1 “STARTRetreatsallowedmetohaveconversations PRINCIPLE 1 aboutfaithwithstudentsofalldifferentbackgrounds. ImadefriendswithpeopleIdidn’tknowpriorto Community theexperience,andtheretreatsexpandedmystrong senseofcommunityatAssumption.” Assumption College seeks to foster friendships among students “Jay Williams ’13 that help individuals grow, and become better family members, thoughtful citizens, participants in communities of faith, and stewards of the earth. PRINCIPLE 2 “Lovethatisboldanddaringisraretoday,butthat’s thekindoflovethatshoulddefineus.” Contemplation “Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption, Closing Address to the Chapter of 1868, in ES p.
    [Show full text]
  • Augustinian Spirituality,” Opening Address and Round Table Discussion Topic for the Conference, “St
    “Philosophical and Theological Foundations for Augustinian Theology in the Future” a contribution to “Augustine and Theology in the Modern World. The Future of Augustinian Spirituality,” opening address and Round Table discussion topic for the conference, “St. Augustine’s Spirituality and the Augustinian Charism Yesterday and Today,” held July 11-16, 1994, in Rome, marking the 750th Anniversary of the Order of St. Augustine, published in Augustinian Spirituality and the Charism of the Augustinians, edited by John E. Rotelle, O.S.A. (Villanova: Augustinian Press, 1995), 32–45 [also published as “Il futuro della spiritualità agostiniana,” in La Spiritualità Agostiniana e il Carisma degli Agostiniani, edited by Fernando de Rio, (Roma, Curia Generalizia Agostiniana: Pubblicazioni Agostiniane, 1995), 29–43; and as “El futuro de la espiritualidad agustiniana,” in La Epiritualidad Agustiniana y el Carisma de los Agustinos, edited by Fernando de Rio, (Roma, Curia Generalizia Agostiniana: Pubblicazioni Agostiniane, 1995), 28–43.] Introduction I am deeply grateful to Fr. Robert Dodaro and the organizers of this conference for inviting me to make my first contribution as a theologian in the Roman Catholic Church here today. This seems to me to be happily and providentially appropriate. It was in a parish administered by this venerable Order that I was received last month into the Catholic Church. The Augustinianum and the College of Saint Monica have been generous hosts to me in Rome, lavishing on me friendship, food and the treasures of their splendid Library. At home in Nova Scotia, your Monastery welcomed me as a second home and there I conducted at least six retreats a year for a decade.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Did the Catholic Missionaries Fail to Convert
    PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences ISSN 2454-5899 Gunay Heydarli, 2019 Volume 5 Issue 3, pp. 1003-1019 Date of Publication: 27th November 2019 DOI- https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2019.53.10031019 This paper can be cited as: Heydarli, G. (2019). Why Did the Catholic Missionaries Fail to Convert the Armenian and Georgian Community of the Safavid Empire in the 17th Century? PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 5(3), 1003-1019. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA. WHY DID THE CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES FAIL TO CONVERT THE ARMENIAN AND GEORGIAN COMMUNITY OF THE SAFAVID EMPIRE IN THE 17th CENTURY? Gunay Heydarli Faculty of History, Baku State University, Azerbaijan [email protected] This work was supported by the US Embassy in Azerbaijan Abstract In the early modern period the Protestant Reformation weakened the Roman Catholic Church and it lost its influence over Europe. The Church turned its policy to the East to propagate the faith. For nearly a century, the missionaries were represented in the Safavid provinces and attempted to win the Eastern Christian Population for the Catholic Church. On the other hand,with the flow of Catholic missionaries caused the increase of intercultural and interreligious exchanges. This paper examines the Catholic missionaries’motives to bring the Safavids’ Eastern Christian Community under papal jurisdiction as well as the reception that the Safavid rulers, Armenian Church and Georgian Church offered vis-a- vis this group.
    [Show full text]
  • The Augustinian Values Institute: Preserving a Legacy of Augustinian Education Stephen J
    Journal of Catholic Education Volume 19 | Issue 3 Article 11 May 2016 The Augustinian Values Institute: Preserving a Legacy of Augustinian Education Stephen J. Baker OSA Villanova University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/ce Part of the Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons Recommended Citation Baker, S. J. (2016). The Augustinian Values Institute: Preserving a Legacy of Augustinian Education. Journal of Catholic Education, 19 (3). http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.1903112016 This Article is brought to you for free with open access by the School of Education at Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. It has been accepted for publication in Journal of Catholic Education by the journal's editorial board and has been published on the web by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. For more information about Digital Commons, please contact [email protected]. To contact the editorial board of Journal of Catholic Education, please email [email protected]. The Augustinian Values Institute: Preserving a Legacy 221 The Augustinian Values Institute: Preserving a Legacy of Augustinian Education Stephen J. Baker, OSA Villanova University A concern for Catholic educators is how to keep Catholic schools viable and healthy in a milieu of diminishing numbers of religious as well as a very complex and changing world. This article addresses the Augustinians’ response to the challenge to keep the Order’s mission of education alive and thriving in the 21st century. This article hopes to accomplish two goals: first, to articulate the meaning of the three core values of Unitas (Unity), Veritas (Truth), and Caritas (Charity).
    [Show full text]
  • THE AUGUSTINIANS and the MANDAEANS in 17TH C. MESOPOTAMIA1 Following the Establishment of Portuguese Presence in Goa in 1510, We
    ARAM, 22 (2010) 335-348. doi: 10.2143/ARAM.22.0.2131044 THE AUGUSTINIANS AND THE MANDAEANS IN 17TH C. MESOPOTAMIA1 Dr. JOHN FLANNERY (Heythrop College-University of London) Abstract The Dominican Ricoldo da Montecroce described meeting the Mandaeans during his stay in Baghdad in the 13th century. They would be encountered again by Western Christians after the arrival of the Portuguese in India and the Gulf in the early 16th cen- tury, and Jesuit letters from Goa provide a hazy description of these ‘St John Chris- tians’. It would, however be members of the Augustinian Order who responded to an embassy in 1608 from Mubarak, ruler of Hawizah, now in southern Iraq. There the Mandaean religious leader offered his submission to the Augustinians, in exchange for material assistance, while clearly encouraging the misunderstanding that the Mandaeans were a Christian sect. Information provided by the returning ambassadors furnished the description of the Mandaeans and their customs published by António de Gouveia in 1611, including his own curious theory on their origins. Only in 1623 would both the Augustinians and Carmelites establish missions in Basra, where they only gradually realised that the Mandaeans were not and never had been Christians. A curious feature of these missions was their unsuccessful attempts to arrange the transmigration of large numbers of Mandaeans to territory directly under Portuguese control. The Augustinians had left Basra by 1653, and the Carmelites were soon forced to acknowledge that their Mandaean ‘converts’ were in fact still fully practising their own rites. With this realisation, proselytising ended, and this curious episode in mission history drew to a close.
    [Show full text]