Abp. Chaput

As widely speculated over recent weeks, this morning, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Charles Chaput, 66, as the ninth archbishop of Philadelphia. According to the Catholic News Agency, Pope Benedict handpicked Chaput for the appointment, selecting him over the recommendations by the Congregation for Bishops. (If that doesn’t show us how the Pope really cares about the direction of the Church throughout the world, I don’t know what will.) Until this time, Chaput has served as Archbishop of Denver.

Since becoming the shepherd of Denver in 1997, Chaput has focused most of his efforts on promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, advancing the mission of the church, defending its authentic teachings, and embracing its cultural diversity.

According to the Denver archdiocesan website, Chaput has ordained nearly half of the priests serving the estimated 550,000 member church. In 1999, building off of the efforts of its former archbishop, the Archdiocese of Denver established the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. The establishment of the seminary was not only important for the promotion of vocations to the priesthood but also for the encouragement of vocations to the permanent diaconate and lay ministry.

In 2002, Archbishop Chaput and Bishop Jose Gomez–then Auxiliary Bishop of the Denver church–founded Centro San Juan Diego, an apostolic ministry focused on embracing the Hispanic heritage of the Catholic Church in the West. Chaput also co-founded the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) and ENDOW, a Catholic leadership initiative for promoting education on the dignity of women.

The new archbishop of Philadelphia has also served on several key committees and subcommittees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. These posts include/have included:

• Chair of the Subcommittee on Native American Catholics (current)
• Member of the Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church and the Task Force for Health Care (current)
• Consultant to the Committee for Pro-Life Activities (current)
• Committee for Divine Worship
• Committee for Migration
• Committee for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth
• Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
• Task Force on Strengthening Marriage

Since being ordained to the episcopacy, Archbishop Chaput has repeatedly been outspoken on controversial political issues, including abortion, gay marriage, embryonic stem cell research, and more. Most recently, Chaput addressed attendees to a University of Notre Dame Right to Life Club event in April, during which the archbishop answered a question regarding the lack of unity presented by the bishops on Catholic politicians’ support of legislation that legalizes and, often times, promotes abortion. The archbishop responded, saying:

There is unity among the bishops about abortion always being wrong, and that you can’t be a Catholic and be in favor of abortion — the bishops all agree to that — but there’s just an inability among the bishops together to speak clearly on this matter and even to say that if you’re Catholic and you’re pro-choice, you can’t receive Holy Communion.

These topics are also largely discussed in Chaput’s best-selling book, Render Unto Caesar, which was published in 2008. Now, with a larger platform from which to speak, do not expect the possible future Cardinal to reduce his defense of the Church’s authentic teachings. If the Holy Father would have wanted Chaput to muffle his outspokenness, he would not have named him to this position. In fact, naming the now-former Archbishop of Denver to this post signals Pope Benedict’s encouragement for the prelate to continue challenging American Catholics, especially American Catholic politicians.

With the recent revelations of mishandling of sexual abuse cases by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archbishop Chaput has quite a daunting task in front of him. Coupled with the foreseeable closing of parishes throughout the archdiocese due to declining attendance and shifts in demographics, these next few months and years will be challenging, not only for the archbishop-designate, but for all Philadelphia Catholics. Therefore, everyone in the Pennsylvania church will need our prayers.

For now, though, let excitement resound, and celebrations abound–while y’all have time–because the real work begins soon.

A press conference has been scheduled for 10 a.m. EST. Archbishop Chaput is expected to be installed on September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And, I expect him to hit the ground running.

Cathedral Basilica of Peter and Paul | Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Over the past few weeks, our Catholic brothers and sisters who call Philadelphia home have literally been going through hell. As I am sure most of you are aware, news has emerged in recent weeks of sexual abuse against minors by priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

On February 10, 2011, a Philadelphia Grand Jury released a report after investigating allegations that priests and a teacher sexually abused minors. The report recommended charges be filed against those being investigated. It also called for charges against another priest for allegedly covering up the instances of sexual abuse. Furthermore, the Grand Jury advised the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to review and overhaul its procedures for assisting the victims of sexual abuse by priests and removing accused priests from ministry.

As we celebrate the Eucharist this weekend in our parishes, let us remember the Philadelphia church—Cardinal Rigali, priests, deacons, religious, laity—in our thoughts and prayers. Most especially, pray that the victims of sexual abuse may find peace and comfort. Pray for those priests who have been accused of carrying out these heinous acts, that they may realize the hurt caused by their actions and ask for forgiveness.

We pray to you, Lord,
with honest hearts, in tune with one another,
entreating you with sighs and tears,
as befits our humble position — placed, as we are,
between the spiritually weak who have no concern for you,
and the saints who stand firm and upright before you.

We pray that you may soon come to us,
leading us from darkness to light,
oppression to freedom,
misery to joy,
conflict to peace.

May you drive away the storms and tempests of our lives,
and bring gentle calm. We pray that you will care for us,
as a father cares for his children.

Amen.

–Saint Cyprian of Carthage

• Bishop Joseph McFadden as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
• Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The appointment of this new Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese comes only two weeks after the previous appointment, which saw Msgr. John J. McIntyre raise to the rank of Auxiliary Bishop.

A press conference with Justin Cardinal Rigali is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. to make the announcements. Live feed will be available on the Archdiocesan website. An additional press conference has been scheduled for 10 a.m. in Harrisburg to announce their new bishop. More to come on the appointments shortly.

Here are the videos from the 10 a.m. presser held by Cardinal Rigali and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The first is the announcement of the retirement of Bishop Maginnis. The second is the new auxiliary bishop announcement. Below the videos are the Bishop-elect’s remarks.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

With gratitude to God and with reliance upon His mercy, I accept and rejoice in my appointment as an auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

I renew my commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and give thanks to God the Father before all of you for the gift of eternal life which He has given all of us through His Son. What a blessing to share in the victory of Jesus over sin and death through faith and the sacraments of the Church! What a blessing to be, through this gift, a member of His Church, in which I have found grace, guidance and strength. How proud I am to be a Catholic!

I am grateful to our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for calling me to be a Bishop in the Church. I renew my fidelity and loyalty to him and promise to serve to the best of my ability in the office which the Church now entrusts to me. What a marvelous and indispensable part of God=s plan for the Church is the ministry of Peter, which Pope Benedict XVI now exercises and through which he confirms the Church in faith and unity.

I am also grateful to the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi. When I spoke to him to express my gratitude and convey my acceptance of this appointment, the Nuncio told me to accept this appointment Awith gratitude, joy and humility. What wise advice to a new Bishop.

Your Eminence, Cardinal Rigali, I thank you for your confidence in me and for the example of your priestly and episcopal ministry. I have seen first hand your faith, your tireless zeal for Christ and His Church and your merciful compassion and patience. I am deeply honored to be able to assist you as your auxiliary Bishop in your office of governing, sanctifying and teaching the faithful of this wonderful Archdiocese, which stretches from the city of Philadelphia through Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties. I look forward to working with my soon to be brother Bishops – Bishop McFadden, Bishop Thomas and Bishop Senior.

Bishop Maginnis, thank you for your many years of service to us as a priest and as an auxiliary Bishop. At a recent meeting, a few of the priests present decided to chide Bishop Maginnis about the timing of the acceptance of his resignation by Pope Benedict XVI by chanting to him, AFour more years!@. While I know that Bishop Maginnis would be of service in any way he could, I don=t think he was too amused.

I am so grateful for the love and example of my parents, Tom and Blanche McIntyre, who are with us this morning. I have no doubt that whatever good or virtue may exist in me, it is there due to the persistent grace of God and the example and efforts of my parents. Thank you mom and dad.

I also thank my brother, Tom, and his wife, Kim, and my nephews and niece, T.J, Ashley and Ryan and my brother, Brian, along with my aunts and uncles and cousins. I am blessed with a wonderful family.

I am grateful in a particular way for my brother priests. This Archdiocese is blessed with many wonderful and dedicated priests who quietly and faithfully go about their work each and every day, making it possible for the people of God to encounter the Lord within His Church through the sacraments and the preaching of the Word of God. They don=t make the news and their work is done without much fanfare or notice. And yet, the Church cannot exist without them. Where would we be without them? Through their hands we are given the Body and Blood of the Lord and we receive the forgiveness of our sins.

For the last eighteen years I have had the singular privilege of being a Catholic priest. What a joy to know the will of God in your life and to be given the grace to follow it! What a joy for me to know that the will of God for me is a share in the Priesthood of His Son Jesus Christ. I can think of no greater honor than celebrating Mass each day and being about the many and varied responsibilities that make up the day of a priest. It has been a privilege for me to serve as a parochial vicar in my first assignment at Saint Dominic=s in Holmesburg in Northeast Philadelphia, then as a parochial vicar at Saint Mark=s in Bristol and then as secretary to Cardinal Bevilacqua and up until today as secretary to Cardinal Rigali. I am confident that God, who sustained me in each of these assignments, will now be with me to sustain me as a Bishop.

Lastly, I ask, I beg for your prayers as I prepare for Ordination as a Bishop on August 6. I am confident that your prayers will assist me and be a source of strength. Pray that I may have ever more and more a heart like that of Jesus the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the flock. Pray that I may accept this assignment with Agratitude, joy and humility.

Have a great day, folks!

Remarks Source: Archdiocese of Philadelphia

On Thursday, September 17, 2009, the seminary community welcomed Christopher West, who came to share a bit about John Paul II‘s Theology of the Body. At the time of his visit, Mr. West had been receiving criticism of many people stating that his commentary on the JPII’s work had been misrepresented by the Theology of the Body Institute. However, the seminarians here can attest to the powerful ministry of Christopher West and the institute he founded. The day after his visit, Justin Cardinal Rigali (Archbishop of Philadelphia) and the Most Rev. Kevin Rhoades (then Bishop of Harrisburg) issued a joint statement in support of Christopher West. They wanted to “express strong support for the important work of the Theology of the Body Institute and, in particular, that of Christopher West.” They continued by saying: “We are convinced that John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is a treasure for the Church…yet its scholarly language needs to be ‘translated’ into more accessible categories…and we believe that Christopher West, the Institute’s popular lecturer and spokesman, has been give a particular charism to carry out this mission.”

On Thursday, September 24, 2009, the seminary was consecrated to Mary under the title of New Eve and Star of the Sea. Archbishop-Designate Thomas Wenski came down for the consecration celebration and to bless a new mosaic designed by Peter Dionne, seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando.

Monsignor Michael Carruthers, Rector/President of the seminary wrote this about the various titles of Mary that were chosen: “The title of Mary as the New Eve points to obedience.  What was lost by the disobedience of the first Adam and Eve at the tree in the garden is regained by the New Adam (Christ) and the New Eve at the tree of the Cross.” He continued: “The title of Mary as the Star of the Sea points to hope.  Often our journey of faith can become difficult.  The waves can rise and toss us about.  In the midst of that struggle, Mary stands as a star guiding us into the safe harbor of her Son.”

On Thursday, November 5, 2009, the seminary community began the 50th Anniversary weekend with an alumni gathering in the refectory. “A display of historic photos and artifacts, including the first seminary journal, was present.  The alumni were extremely excited to be back on campus, and the stories and memories were flying.  All eras of the past fifty years were represented.  For some of the alumni present, it was their first visit back since graduating.” The cocktail reception was the beginning of a very grace-filled weekend for all of the seminarians, especially for me.

The alumni reunion weekend continued with an Alumni Morning of Recollection. The alumni were invited to sit at the feet of the Lord, focusing on Him who calls us all together. The morning also included a panel sharing, where alumni and faculty members shared memories of the seminary. It was a very special opportunity for the seminarians because we were given the chance to listen to stories of the significance of this most holy place by priest alumni, married alumni, and faculty members. An intimate journey with the Lord is one that is filled with great hope, compassion, mercy, love, and healing.

Following the Morning of Recollection, the seminary community hosted the 50th Anniversary Solemn Vespers liturgy and the main banquet for the weekend. Over 300 people attended both events, illustrating the tremendous impact St. John Vianney College Seminary has had on the Catholic Church in Florida.

On Saturday, the most significant and grace-filled event of the reunion weekend took place with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

[W]ith roughly three hundred people filling the main nave of the chapel, fifty concelebrating priests, and four concelebrating bishops, Archbishop John C. Favalora celebrated the 50th Anniversary Mass of St. John Vianney College Seminary.  The procession entered to the sound of trumpets and timpani as the Schola Cantorum sang “Go Up to the Altar of God.”The Archbishop gave the homily, reminding all present that a big part of the seminary experience can be found in the stories told during the weekend, and the characters remembered.  He spoke of the importance of a college seminary and reminded all present, particularly his own priests, to support the work of the seminary with their prayers and their monetary contribution.  He announced his intention to ask all the priests of the Archdiocese of Miami to make a donation this year to the Seminary Trust in honor of the Golden Jubilee.

At the end of the Mass, Msgr. Michael Carruthers came forward to announce the recipient of the Cure d’Ars Award.  The Award is the seminary’s highest honor and is given each year to an individual or group that has supported and uplifted the ministry of priestly formation.  This year’s recipients are the Vincentian Fathers (Congregation of the Mission) of the Eastern Province, who staffed the seminary from 1959 until 1975.  Fr. Charles Krieg, a former faculty member, came forward to receive the award from the Archbishop.  In speaking, Fr. Krieg share that when he looks out at the crowd he does not see bishops, monsignors, priests, husband, fathers, but his “boys.”  He shared how proud he is of all of them.  He said that the Vincentian who had been assigned to St. John’s always considered it among the most important and special times in their lives, and he thanked the seminary for the honor bestowed upon the Vincentian Fathers.

After the Mass a stand-up reception took place in the refectory.  No one was in a rush to move on, and people stayed to savor every moment together.  The Archbishop announced that he was giving the seminarians a day off in honor of the Jubilee – news that was met with thunderous applause.

The 50th Anniversary weekend came to a close on Sunday, November 8, 2009 with a cookout outside the college building. “The weekend was one filled with many graces.  Our hopes for the weekend were very high. For months the seminary community was praying for the weekend, praying that it would be more than simply a party, praying that it would truly be an encounter with Christ and a vehicle of hope and healing.  Through God’s grace, the weekend exceeded our hopes.”

As you can see, this review of the year is already long enough and it only covers half of the year. As the seminary community comes to the close of another year with the celebration of Community Days, I will have a bit more time throughout the next couple of days to reflect on the year, counting all of the graces that have been granted by the Lord. More to come.

Pax.

PHOTO: (1) St. John Vianney College Seminary; (2) St. John Vianney College Seminary

SOURCE: St. John Vianney College Seminary