Urbi et Orbi Pascha 2013

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Zenit

Easter Vigil in Rome

More at the Vatican channel.

As I suspected...

Adam DeVille: On James Hitchcock's Errors about the East

I was not planning on purchasing the book, History of the Catholic Church, as I suspected it would be too centered from a Latin point of view (and a rather narrow one at that, thought not notably "traditionalist). What single person can have the necessary broad (and ecumenical) perspective to write a tome on Church history? (Someone who could do for history what Adrian Fortescue attempted to do with respect to liturgy?)

How does one fact-check a historian, without being a historian? That is the problem for any minor publisher.

Adoremus: The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI - Continuity: Sacred Liturgy, and the New Evangelization by Helen Hull Hitchcock

I had forgotten what he was like.

Since he had been in the Roman Curia for so long but seemed to have stayed away from controversy during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. Or am I incorrect in this impression? Kasper Proposes Women Deacons

Insight Scoop: Ignatius Press to Release Four Books by Cardinal Bergoglio (Pope Francis)

Medievalists.net: The Monk as an Element of Byzantine Society

The Anaphora of Addai and Mari

Some links: Consecration in the Anaphora of Addai & Mari by Daniel J. Castellano (2007)

Rorate Caeli, 2008: Declaration on the Anaphora of Addai and Mari Not an act of the Supreme Magisterium and Declaration on the Anaphora of Addai and Mari
FOLLOW-UP: It was once condemned
[Irenikon] Addai and Mari, an ancient Eucharistic prayer at the origin of Eucharistic liturgies
The Byzantine Forum: Re: The Anaphora of Addai and Mari
Chaldean Culture - The Anaphora of Addai and Mari: A Study of Structure and Historical Background by Bishop Sarhad Yawsip Jammo
The anaphorae of the liturgy of Sts. Addai and Mari and the Byzantine liturgy of St. Basil the great: a comparative study

I am looking forward to Fr. Taft's forthcoming essay on eucharistic prayers and this point of controversy, and hope it will be available online, but it seems unlikely as I do not see it on the website. (I think he meant the 2013 meeting and not the 2014 meeting. It should be included in the proceedings for the annual meeting?) Fr. Taft recently gave the keynote address to a conference on the liturgy in the Orthodox Church at Hellenic College Holy Cross:

Orthodox Liturgy: Lessons from the Past, Contemporary Trends and Opportunities
March 15-16, 2013
Hellenic College Holy Cross, Brookline, MA

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, Hellenic College Holy Cross will be hosting an international conference on the state of liturgy and liturgical renewal in the Orthodox Church. The keynote speaker will be the Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Taft, world-renowned liturgist and scholar. For more information, see the conference flyer. Please pre-register for the conference here.

Supposedly archived video of the conference will become available.

Related:
ORIENTALIA CHRISTIANA PERIODICA 78 (2012)

Pope Francis's Links to the Christian East

Eastern Catholics express excitement at the nomination of Pope Francis

Related:
From 2010: Steps Towards A Reunited Church: A Sketch Of An Orthodox-Catholic Vision For The Future
Gift of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill is handed over to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Extraordinary Historical Significance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's Presence at Pope Francis' Installation as Bishop of Rome
Many Eastern Orthodox impressed by Pope Francis (with a snippet from Fr. Taft, SJ)

Michael Miller's Review of The Second Vatican Council - An Unwritten Story

CWR (via Pertinacious Papist)

I have yet to make my way through the book, though I have read certain sections (e.g. the one dealing with liturgical reform). At this point in time, I can't say that I would accept this traditionalist account uncritically, however much I might sympathize with the "conservative" Council Fathers, as an ultramontane ecclesiology is ntegral to such a traditionalist  narrative.

Would it be possible to translate some of the doctrines put forward by members of the nouvelle theologie in the language of neo-scholasticism or neo-thomism (for example, regarding ecclesiology). Are we dealing primarily with the understanding of fundamental theological data, rather than conclusions from that data? (Let's set aside disputes about theological method, revelation, metaphysics, the relationship between theology and logic or the Thomistic understanding of the sciences. Of course, it might be said that these are precisely the bones of contention, that the differences in theology are more than a mere difference in writing styles.)

Did neo-Thomism fail because it wasn't Thomistic enough? It did not lead to a Thomistic ressourcement, a re-examination of the sources, with attention paid to the Church Fathers?  Or was the sole problem that it was not accompanied by the necessary sort of intellectual preparation (a proper education in logic and understanding of the sciences). I do think that the neo-Thomism of the manuals was inadequate for ecumenical dialogue with the Orthodox, but this was not the aim of the manuals. Nonetheless, would neo-Thomist theologians have been equipped for this job?

I note that Fr. P. Brannan, S.J., is one of the translators of de Mattei's book.

Loreto Publications

Related:
Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P, La nouvelle théologie où va-t-elle?

William Murphy, "Thomism and the Nouvelle Théologie: A Dialogue Renewed?" (pdf)

2013 Manolis Distinguished Lecture

From the OCF FB page:

PAOI: Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, The Ethics of Theosis
Monday, April 8 - 7 P.M.
Orthodox Liberalism: The Politics of Divine-Human Communion
Dennison Refectory - Church Divinity School of the Pacific at the GTU (Berkeley)

Tuesday, April 9 - 7 P.M.
The Ascetics of War: The Undoing and Redoing of Virtue
Valley Life Sciences Building, Room 2060 UCB

Related:
Adam DeVille introduces a book co-edited by Dr. Papanikolaou and George Demarcopolous: Orthodox Constructions of the West

Items on Pope Francis

Catholic Conclave: Full text- Papacy-winning speech of Cardinal Bergoglio

Pope Francis Won't Be Moving to the Papal Apartments

Chiesa: He's Pope But Doesn't Want To Say So
Pope, Bishops, Curia. The Reforms That Are Coming

From the FB page for Holy Virgin Cathedral:

With the Blessing of his Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill, during the Western American Diocesan Pastoral Conference, V. Rev. Andrei Sommer will be presenting his book, From West to East.

We are invited to take part in this presentation on April 3rd, 2013 at 7pm in the large hall of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco.

The author:




Nov. 2012: The Book From West To East. Experience of Youth Service in the Russian Church Abroad is Presented at Moscow’s Pravoslavnaya Rus Exhibit

Icons and Sacred Art

Byzantine, Texas: Iconodules the new iconoclasts? links to this audio lecture by Fr. Tom Hopko - The Sunday of Orthodoxy (no direct link to the file available yet)
As we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy and the victory over iconoclasm, Fr. Tom Hopko gives a personal reflection on icons and their use and misuse

FJ comments: "Nor do I think, as Fr. Hopko states, that icons should be on books, booklets, clothes or the like. Icons are icons and not adornments."

Certainly icons should not be used to decorate clothing. But what of decorating other items? Wouldn't this indicate the need for the development of forms of sacred art that are appropriate for decorating items such as books, booklets, and so on?

Also from AFR:

Papacy, Primacy, and Orthodoxy (mp3)
Fr Laurent Cleenewerck, author of His Broken Body: Understanding and Healing the Schism between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches and the editor of the Eastern Orthodox Bible (EOB), discusses with host Kevin Allen papacy, primacy, and church as they are differently understood in both Catholicism and Orthodoxy.

Vatican Insider: Unprecedented image in two thousand years of Catholic history

Rome Reports: Pope Francis celebrates first Palm Sunday Mass of his Pontificate

Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI: "Thank you for your humility and kindness"


Another one for the history books: Pope Francis and Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo

Time for a new modem?

Picky, Picky

I am.

What did Patriarch Bartholomew think of the quality of the chanting? Having the Gospel sung only in Greek was a notable gesture, but if this was to be done, should it not have been done well? It did not sound that good to me. Maybe the quality was affected by the acoustics of the outdoor setting.

Rome Reports: Patriarch Bartholomew invites Pope to Jerusalem to celebrate historic anniversary


Ecumenical Patriarch Asks Pope to Meet Next Year in Holy Land

I have read on FB that the offer has been accepted, but I have not seen confirmation from a reputable news source.

Ecumenical Spring With the Russian Orthodox Church?

Orientale Lumen XVII

June 17-20, 2013 (via Byzantine, TX)

Mospat: Delegation of Moscow Patriarchate arrives in Rome

Inaugural Mass of the Pontificate

Via the FB page for St. Joseph the Betrothed Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church: "A Divine Liturgy at the tomb of St. Peter in Rome celebrated by Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk to mark the beginning of the Great Fast."

A FB page for the Archbishop.


Greek Patriarch to Attend Papal Inaugural Mass for First Time Since 1054

"The Greek Orthodox patriarch will be accompanied by Ioannis Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon and co-president of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. Also part of the delegation will be Tarassios, Orthodox Metropolitan of Argentina, and Gennadios, Orthodox Metropolitan of Italy."

Techniques of Icon and Wall Painting by Aidan Hart

May be somewhat difficult to obtain through Amazon US (there are some copies available) but it can also be purchased through Liturgy Training Publications in the U.S.

Gracewing

The Lynchpin of High Scholasticism: Hugh of St. Cher by Donald S. Prudlo

EWTN: Mass For The Inauguration Of The Pontificate Of Francis

Schedule:
Mass For The Inauguration Of The Pontificate Of Pope Francis
Tues. Mar. 19 at 3:30 AM ET, 6 PM ET, 12 PM ET
A Mass of Inauguration for the 266th Successor to St. Peter, Pope Francis.

The Brethren

"One Day in the Life of a Men's Monastery"

Chiesa: The Name of Francis, the Rule of St. Ignatius, and the Example of Jonah

His first homily.

Orthodox Marriage & Its Misunderstanding- By: Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev

Valaam, l'archipel des moines .

The news about the documentary was posted here. I don't see the version with the English subtitles though.

Bibliothèque de la Revue thomiste

Found out through Amazon.fr that the Dominicans of Toulouse are publishing theology treatises, including:
Michel Labourdette, Cours de théologie morale, Petit cours,
Tome 1 : morale fondamentale (2010)

Michel Labourdette, Cours de théologie morale, Petit cours,
Tome 2 : morale spéciale (2012)

Pope Francis

Unfortunately, Daylife is no longer available.



Rome Reports:
'Habemus Papam': Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio is the new Pope of the Catholic Church


New Pope greets the World Francis I


Francis I to faithful: pray for me, trust in me


Pope Francis: His First Words

Chiesa: The First Pope Named Francis
From 2002: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Profession: Servant of the Servants of God

Vatican Insider:
Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the new Pope of the Catholic Church: Francis I
Photo Gallery

First Things
Ethika Politika

Zenit:
Cardinal Bergoglio Is the 267th Successor of St. Peter
A Profile
1st Words

Francis Has Spoken With Pope Emeritus
And Journalists to Be Among First to Have Papal Audience

Patriarch Sviatoslav: Newly elected Pope knows Ukrainian Catholic Church, its Liturgy and Spirituality

Pope Francis, Not Francis I

Byzantine, TX: Oriental Orthodox respond to John X of Antioch's overtures

What about the dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches?
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity: Dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox Churches
UK: Catholic-Oriental Orthodox book launch

Books by Hilarion Alfeyev

and published by St. Vladimir's Press - The Mystery of Faith, Orthodox Christianity Volume I: The History and Canonical Structure of the Orthodox Church, and Orthodox Christianity Volume II : Doctrine and Teaching of the Orthodox Church.

I finished editing this post on the question of whether sinners naturally love God more than themselves and published it - it's not a complete reflection, but it does reflect my thoughts at the time I started it.

Kiko Arguello Gives His Opinion

And who is paying attention to it? The followers...

Rome Reports


A student project:


Is the Neocatechumenal Way... Roman Catholic?

Less Than One Day to Go

Cardinals hold their last general congregation meeting before Conclave

More on Liturgical Postures

The removal of pews from Roman-rite churches would require the education of the faithful on what to do during the liturgy - ideally it would probably be concurrent with other changes in the liturgy, though I suppose the typical English OF liturgy could be implement this change - would standing enable people to realize how inadequate contemporary American liturgical music is? Or would we see more ridiculousness - clapping, stomping, swaying, and such?

Having attended the Anglican use liturgy at Our Lady of Atonement (which has incorpoated some "Eastern" elements into the texts?), it might be the case that the laity could adapt to a more "traditional" way of worship more easily, once the pews were removed. Which reminds me - isn't kneeling a rather traditional posture in the Roman rite? Would the laity be able to do so for along period of time without some sort of kneeler? Kneelers are conveniently built into the back of pews - without pews, would churches be willing to purchase prie-dieus? I personally do not like the use of carpeting inside churches - without pews and carpets, would the use of prayer rugs become acceptable? Or prayer knee pads? There is kneeling in the Byzantine rite, but it seems to be for shorter periods of time than in the Roman rite. There has been a movement by some Roman-rite liturgists and bishops to replace kneeling in the liturgy (particularly during the Eucharistic Prayer) with standing, though this has been resisted by those who are more "conservative" or "traditional" (and this preference is still protected by instructions from Rome). Standing by itself seems to be an insufficient acknowledgement of what takes place during the Eucharistic Prayer - and yet I've never heard anyone say that the faithful should bow or do any other external action - this may be done by some, out of some sort of instinctive awareness that they should do something more, or as an adapting of the observances they practice while kneeling, or because they are somewhat familiar with Eastern customs.

Long day in San Francisco; I attended the special liturgy at the National Shrine of St. Francis sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima Byzantine [Russian Catholic] Church. I was talking to one of the members of the parish, who is also originally a Roman-rite Catholic. I mentioned to him that one reform that very few Roman-rite Catholics talk about is the removal of pews from a temple. This change might be too radical, but I think it might be a start to a better appreciation of liturgical prayer and the importance of prayer posture to being attentive. It may not be as important as other reforms (a return to ad orientem), but it may be a way to re-start organic development of the Roman rite, with respect to the liturgical piety of the laity. (And I don't have a problem with Roman-rite Catholics learning or even borrowing something from Catholics of other liturgical rites.)

More on the question of the pope emeritus:
Notice of Danger: A Church with Two Popes
The imminent conclave will elect the new pontiff. But it will not dismiss the uncertainties about the role of the so-called "pope emeritus." A great canonist reveals the risks of this title. And of other ambiguities that surround it

Allergies!

Pravmir: Teaching Prayer to Children (mp3)

OCA: OCA Representative greeted by Patriarch Kirill

Vatican Insider: Patriarch Raï: The Conclave from a Middle Eastern perspective

Pravmir: Prayer is Our Life by Priest Emmanuel Stamatiou

Related:
Lent – an Intimate Journey to God. Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount

Patriarch Kirill's Letter to Pope Benedict XVI

Liturgia: Lettre du Patriarche de Moscou au Pape émérite

Zenit Coverage

Zenit: From Castel Gandolfo, Pope's Final Farewell
Pope's Address to Cardinals
'Motu Proprio' Apostolic Letter Regarding the Election of the Roman Pontiff

Chiesa: The Testament of the Wise Helmsman
The central passages of the last address of pope Joseph Ratzinger, Wednesday, February 27, 2013. "I no longer bear the authority of the office, but I remain within the enclosure of Saint Peter"

More:
Toward the Conclave. The Pressure on the Cardinals
Yesterday the vetoes of the governments. Today the onslaught of the media. The turbulent run-up to the election of the new pope

Vatican Diary / The last appointments before the departure
From Gänswein to Balestrero, passing through the IOR. An analysis of the appointments decided by Benedict XVI in the final phase of his pontificate. Not all of them were obligatory. Will they be a hindrance or a help to the future pope?

It's been a rather busy week; I haven't had the opportunity to look for videos of Benedict XVI's last two days in office.