November - 2019

Articles

Something to contemplate?

I was recently approached for advice in connection with a small but vibrant community of sisters. As a consequence, I was required to consider two documents; the significance of which may have slipped under the radar of a number of busy canonists. The first is the Apostolic Constitution Vultum Dei Quarere. The second document: Cor Orans. In the former, Pope Francis waxes lyrically upon the Church's 'esteem, praise and thanksgiving' for the contemplative tradition. He asks: "6

An "ology"?

Some years ago, a UK based telecoms provider published a marketing campaign on national television; its theme: 'keeping in touch'. The commercial featured an attentive Jewish grandmother consoling her grandson on the publication of his less than illustrious exam results (i.e. his leaving certificate). The theme was familiar enough. A parent or family member seeking to eke out words of encouragement to counter an otherwise disappointing event. Finally, lighting upon the fact

Rites of participation?

For those of a certain vintage, the term 'start as you mean to go on' will be familiar enough. Experience also confirms that it is not uncommon for those who readily participate in (and derive benefits of membership from) particular associations, or communities, may, over time, seek to challenge the foundational values upon which such associations and communities depend. The motivations for such challenge may be numerous. They range from the desire to enhance those values, to

Do, re, mi, me, me (just me)?

Media coverage over this past weekend has raised some interesting questions. News of a conference at Trinity College Dublin, reports allegations of "cowardice" within the Irish episcopate and "fundamental dysfunction" within seminaries. Elsewhere, video footage has been broadcast seemingly reporting the declaration of Pope Francis as a heretic, the See of Rome sede vacante and the election of another candidate by proclamation. It may be thought that the former is not precise

A most clerical layman?

As any informed observer will confirm, vocabulary in the Church is, like any other social community, subject to change. Take by way of example, the ubiquitous use of the term "Eucharistic Minister", with the de facto abandonment of the prefix "Extraordinary". It has to be said, some forms of usage are easier to bear than others. By way of example, in lieu of reference to the blessed sacrament or sacred species, it is not unusual to hear mention of the 'bread' and 'wine'. Cl