Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando is going to lead a Mass of Reparation linked to Notre Dame’s invitation to Obama. This whole thing has truly gone into an alternate universe. The mass is May 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. James in downtown Orlando. The announcement says:
As Catholics we are aware of the many shortcomings and transgressions committed against the dignity and sacredness of human life in our world. That is why it is inconceivable that Notre Dame University, a Catholic institution of higher learning, should receive and honor anyone who promotes policies that are contradictory to who we are as a people of faith.
As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI stated in his visit to the U.S. last year in reference to Catholic university presidents, “to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the church would obstruct or even betray the university’s identity and mission.” …
Come and pray with Bishop Wenski for all of our transgressions against the Gospel of Life.
Reparation is the making amends for a wrong done or for an offense against God. By his death on the cross, the Son of God offered his life out of love for the Father to make reparation for our sinful disobedience (CCC #614).
We are obliged to make reparation for personal sins against justice and truth (CCC #2412 and #2487).
So…what are they making reparation for? Or are they using a mass to point the finger of blame? Amy Welborn tries to put a positive spin on it:
If this were, indeed (as some might read it), a Mass in Reparation for the Sins of Notre Dame..that would be inappropriate and kind of strange. But it seems (seems - I’m just guessing) as if what has happened here is an examination of conscience of sorts.
I’d guess it’s more than that, more like what the announcement says, and indeed kind of strange. As Amy notes, Bishop Wenski is no Burkean Romanist, by any stretch. It also seems clear that there are any number of moments to hold a mass of this sort. And I of course also wonder whether such a mass has been held regarding the abuse crisis.
Apart from the politics of this, ecclesial and political, perhaps others can illuminate the use and rationale of a Mass of Reparation. This does seem inadvisable, to say the least, as it feeds divisions when there is no clear judgment that Notre Dame has committed such serious sin.
(My emphasis)
I hope that David does not mind that I copied his entire post. Commonweal is a Roman Catholic periodical.
Since I view the Mass of Reparation as a rather bizarre idea, and I promised myself that I would not be a bitter ex-Catholic, I thought I'd use the commentary from a person inside the church.
These folks need to get a life. With all the problems in the world it seems as if there are many more worthwhile causes into which they could channel their energy.
ReplyDelete"And I of course also wonder whether such a mass has been held regarding the abuse crisis."
ReplyDeleteMore like daily masses of Thanksgiving at Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, for the life and work of its Archpriest, Cardinal Law!
Alternate universe is right. I shake my head.
ReplyDeleteAs Catholics we are aware of the many shortcomings and transgressions committed against the dignity and sacredness of human life in our world.
Indeed! Physician heal thyself.
Mimi- you have the address of my church blog. I addressed sectarianism in the church based on a column that I read. I got two positive comments - so we will see. I am usually not political there as you know.
ReplyDeleteThis is madness.
BTW- I am a big fan of Commonweal and David Gibson.
ReplyDeleteAmy Welborn -well in due respect to her and all that she has been through of late, not so much.
I was too sacramental to remain a Baptist, but this sort of think brings out my extreme Protestant roots. Not only is it crappy theology but it all sounds like hypocritical horse pucky to me.
ReplyDeleteHow about some reparations, as noted here, for abuse scandals? Or reparations for the greed that drives executives and corporations to exploit the working class and destroy the whole economy in the process? Or the lies that led to tens of thousands of deaths in needless and immoral wars that cannot begin to meet the traditional just war criteria? Or the raping of the environment? Where are the reparations for torture and rendition?
Did I mention that it's all horse pucky? Oh, and self-righteous posturing?
Most Catholics OK with Notre Dame. Washington Post
ReplyDeleteFran, I visited your church blog, and I was pleased to see intelligent and supportive comments.
ReplyDeletePaul, and the condoms forbidden to married couples even when one partner is HIV positive! That decision still stands, so far as I know. Doesn't repentance and change of behavior come before reparation?
Lapin, thanks. I used your link in my second post on the mass.
ReplyDelete