He speaks of the document in a very positive tone:
The Pope's document, by the way, is a dazzling summary of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist - and a warning to clapped-out liberals that they need to improve the standards of worship. Oh, and Benedict wants more Latin in services.Then comes something of a sting in the tail:
Not what the Left-wing apparatchiks at the Bishop's Conference wanted to hear. Hence, presumably, no press release – something that Catholics might want to bear in mind next time the plate is passed round for "Communications Sunday".To be honest, there is nothing in the post with which I (and many other priests I know) could not heartily concur.
3 comments:
Fr. Tim, this passivity on the part of the English bishops' communications network with regard to important pronouncements from Rome follows a well-established pattern.
In 2004, there was similar inaction on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX's definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. This was in spite of Pope John Paul's call for commemoration of this event in all countries.
England is Our Lady's Dowry, for heaven's sake, so English Catholics -- and their heirarchy -- should have been among those leading the celebrations! But there wasn't a squeak from the Bishops' Conference or their news machine. Except, that is, to respond to queries by saying that the Bishops were not intending to commemorate the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Of course, the lack of action in 2004 was hardly surprising. The Eccleston Square brigade are not known for their deference to Rome, and drawing attention to "controversial" things like Marianism and papally defined dogmas runs counter to their pet project of ecumenism at all costs, and their ludicrous "containment policy" vis-a-vis Rome.
It was precisely this mindset which motivated Eccleston Square's "glorious inactivity" in response to Pope Benedict's new Apostolic Exhortation. And maybe also an element of revenge for "Dominus Iesus."
Which bishop has direct responsibility for the press office? (Or perhaps I should ask, is it who I think it is?)
This is what Ecclesdon Square says,
The Sacrament of Love
Pope Benedict XVI's first apostolic exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis - The Sacrament of Love, has just been published.
This exhortation is the Holy Father's reflection on the work that took place during his recent Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist. It picks up on the themes of love and charity that he began in his first
encyclical God Is Love.
The Sacrament of Love focuses on the relationship between the Eucharist, the Trinity, the sacraments, and the Mass.
The Holy Father highlights the social implications of the Eucharist and firmly connects it with the Church's social teaching.
I am expect the Bishops to come out with a statement like, "It doesn't apply in England and Wales". Which is what Cardinal Hume said when the Hole See published, "On the Unordained Faithful"
Francis - would they know what the Immaculate Conception commemorations were about? They're very busy at Eccleston Sq on social issues and animal rights; they can't be expected to keep up with doctrinal stuff.
Jon - that comment will probably come in a few weeks' time when some good person raises the issue in the letters page of the Catholic Press and the bishops' unofficial spokesman for the letters pages, His (early-) Retired Lordship of H and N will confirm this for us with the greatest fullness of his authority.
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