June 7, 2021
- Who says Rome is nothing to sneeze at?
- Scenes from an Ordination
- Psalm / Prayer
- Nominations for National Board due June 10
- Tell us about your life as an Associate
- Paulist Associate News
- Proposed Program for June
- Proposed Program for July
- Contacts
- Paulist Associates Promise
- Prayer for the Intercession of Fr. Isaac T. Hecker
By Matthew Berrios, CSP
I hate dust; not for the sporcizia of it so much as for the way I start to sneeze as though I were one of the trumpets of the apocalypse.
Rome, besides being famous for its cats (which seem to have largely disappeared during the pandemic) and its ruins (the curious target of local indifference), is a notoriously dusty city; so much so that the street level has risen a good six meters in places ab urbe condita. Dust. Everywhere.
Of course, dust is not the only local aggregate. All roads leading to Rome as they do, one could in a more ancient time find themselves beset by a smothering variety of knick-knacks from around the known and unknown world. Pepper, silks, exotic religions… Spanish olives: all could be found in abundance. The Testaccio is evidence of this, the Capitoline Museum as well; both being ancient trash dumps of a sort.
Infinitely more tolerable than dust (and, in fact, rather likeable), the Romans themselves are a scavi in their own right. Latins, Etruscans, Greeks, Celts, and Goths all made their home here. Not just the people, but also their gods. Vesta, Cybele, El-gabal, Sol, Yhwh, and Christ all followed their followers here: the sensus divinitatis of the people on full display. And although the old gods and goddesses vanished before Christ like wax before the fire, their shadows can still be seen in the Christian devotions designed to supplant them.
The spiritual here is an evening haze through which one looks which doesn’t obscure so much as reveal the world in shades of mystery. It doesn’t darken the sun so much as color the sky. It doesn’t pollute the air so much as give it savour.
No coughing or sneezing.
Of course, the accretions of dust and faith also give perspective. Walking down a half dozen meters to Santa Pudenziana at the foot of the Esquiline, you can see Christ enthroned in the apse as he was back in the days of Honorius when first set there as watchman and protector of the faithful: DOMINUS CONSERVATOR ECCLESIAE PUDENTIANAE.
There, Christ, sitting serene and majestic, has held court over the city through its polybian cycles of life and death. Those who found sanctuary there during the Gothic sack of the city sat huddled under the calm gaze and outstretched arm of the preserver of the pudentian church as plunder and rapine became the order of the day.
Through plague and fire, byzantine and barbarian plundering, fascists and mafia dons, the figure of Christ sits behind the veil of dust where God comes to meet us, albeit with the distrustful company of the parochial commissari of nonne (grandmothers) who keep an almost equally persistent vigil. But nonne and pandemics aside, I imagine that things will continue here as they have long after even we will have returned to the dust whence we were taken, we being but one more tile in this mosaic of God’s perpetually concealing and disclosing intention.
I suppose, then, that I had better learn to live with that dust… or at least buy a handkerchief.
Fr. Matt Berrios, CSP, is residing with our Paulists at St Patrick’s in Rome pursuing Graduate Studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute.
Blessed be the God who complicates my life.
Blessed be the God who makes my days interesting.
Blessed be the God who gives me the gift of uncertainty.
Blessed be the God of the kind of fulfillment that produces unquenchable thirst.
Blessed be the un-definable God who revels in my lack of definition.
Blessed be the limitless God who challenges my limits.
Blessed be the indisputable God who demands to be disputed.
Blessed be the God whose surprising presence in the smallest and the largest of things, the simplest and most complex, creates the confusion that leads to the comforting understanding that the unrealistic, illogical God is not to be understood.
Blessed be the Unknown God who teaches me, in my pride of intellect, that willingly, freely, confidently, happily, humbly accepting the Unknown is better than being complacent with the known.
Blessed be the God who made me foolish, who delights in and encourages my foolishness, who sees my foolishness not as my undoing, but as evidence of my willingness to walk on the unknown paths that lead to the unknown places where another part of God lives.
Blessed be the God whose face must be somewhere in all the things that exist, because nothing at all exists without God.
Blessed be the God of Passion, in all its forms, for Passion is the most complete expression of the divinity within us.
Blessed be the God of song and laughter and silliness, the God of running breathless into the wind, the God of somersaults and rolling in grass, the God of loud guitars and barely heard woodwinds, the God of yelling at and being yelled at, the God I berate constantly for not being made in my image, the God who laughs with me when I do that.
Blessed be the God I know in shivers and tingles and soft morning awakenings.
Blessed be the God who sometimes takes me beyond words, beyond logic, beyond emotion, beyond the safety of familiar things, and fills my mind so full that thinking is impossible and I’m only capable of knowing.
Blessed be the God who complicates my life.
— Denis Hurley
We are reminding you that the first step of the process to elect two new board members ends June 10. By that time, we hope you have nominated someone in your group to run for the board.
Each nominee should write a two-paragraph candidate statement and email it to ([email protected]). In the statement the candidate should offer a brief biography and say what gifts they believe they bring to the Board and their vision for the future of the Paulist Associates. The nominee should also attach a picture of themselves.
For the full details of the election process refer to the Paulist Associate News in the May issue.
An article in a recent issue referred to this quote from the Paulist Associates Handbook:
“Paulist Associates find opportunities in their daily lives, through their various vocations, to exemplify the mission commitments of the Paulists in the charism of Fr. Isaac Hecker. His charism specified that, in modern American/Canadian culture, the Holy Spirit was at work, making it conducive to invite people to faith, and helping the Church understand its role in modern, democratic societies. His charism was marked by openness to others and a particular welcome to outsiders.”
In the months ahead, we’d like to ask you to share ways in which you live that model in your daily lives, in your families, in your parishes or schools…any way that you bring the Paulist charism to the wider world.
Submissions of any length are welcome. And pictures are a great addition.
Email them to Denis Hurley at [email protected] — Thank you.
— Denis Hurley, Editor
By Mike Kallock, CSP, Director of the Paulist Associates
As you may recall, in April we launched a new series of monthly program’s based on selections from the writings of Father Hecker as found in The Paulist Vocation. We are asking every one of our associate groups to participate.
So far, the Chicago and Boston associates have contributed to the series. They were randomly chosen for a specific month. Below is the rest of the schedule which runs from August through July 2022. We trust you will submit a program according to the randomly selected schedule.
We have tried to make it very easy on you. The April, May, June, and July Programs, give you very good examples of what we have in mind.
You can choose any opening and closing prayers you like, even composing your own. Then a selection from any part of The Paulist Vocation. You ought to have a downloaded copy. If not, you can browse the book on paulist.org it or download it is a PDF.
Selections are broken up very nicely in red titles. So, all you have to do is paste the selection into your Program. You may or may not give some background to your selection. We think what is most important is your discussion questions. Three would do and that they should be such that they easily enable discussion and sharing.
Send your program to me no later than five days before the first of the month of when your month has been scheduled. Only exceptions are July and January which appear in the June and December issues. Send to ([email protected]).
Mike Kallock is Director of the Paulist Associates.
Submitted by Maryann Cushing, on behalf of the Chicago Paulist Associates
L. Come Holy Spirit
R. Fill the Hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
L. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And you shall renew the face of the earth
L. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Spirit we may know what is right and always rejoice in his consolation, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Lord, we praise and thank you, Father, for this day which you have given us to know your love and spread your word. May we never grow tired of the opportunities you give us in life. Refresh us, Lord, that we may continue to consecrate to you our lives, hopes, and hearts. Through the work of your Spirit, Father, may we further the hope of your Son, Jesus, who is Lord forever and ever.
(The Paulist Prayer Book, Evening Prayer, Pentecost, p. 339.)
THE PAULIST VOCATION, Chapter 21: The Church and Its Modern Challenges
Authority and the Essence of the Church
It is an error, and a gross one, to declare that the essence of Christianity is authority. It is no such thing. Authority never was and never can be the essence of anything, much less the essence of the highest and best of all things—religion. The essence of Christianity in its relation to humankind is the elevation of rational creatures, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to a union with God above that which they enjoy by their birth. Thus religion communicates to one’s soul the indwelling of the Holy Spirit … which transforms one from a creature into a child of God.
Authority is always secondary to something else as its end, and never an end in itself. Hence authority may be defined in its most general sense as a power subservient to the end for all are associated together. Thus parental authority is subservient to the proper rearing and education of children. Political authority is subservient to the securing of the general welfare of a people. The authority of the Church is subservient to the attainment of the end for which the Christian religion was revealed—that is, the promotion and safeguard of the action of the indwelling Holy Spirit by which the soul is united to God. Therefore it may be laid down as an axiom of Christianity that the outward authority of the church effaces itself in a direct ratio to the action of the Holy Spirit within the soul. [This is but another way of enunciating St. Augustine’s well-known axiom, Ama Deum et fac quod vis. Love God and do what you will.] (1886, The Church and the Age, pp.197-8)”
Background:
He actually spent the first 4 years after his return to the US living with his brother George. He expressed his concern that living in the Mother House would be more exhausting because of the noise and constant activity. Fr. Hewitt, who had taken on the leadership of the community while Hecker was in Europe, encouraged Hecker to rejoin the community, although his participation was impaired by bouts of physical weakness and depression. He devoted his time to prayer and writing, including The Church and the Age, which is a compilation of important essays (published in 1887).
Walter Elliott wrote, “The Holy Spirit, preparing for a great development of individual life, has made provision beforehand that the Church should be armed with power sufficient to repress all waywardness, and this was done by the Vatican Council. Some had feared the definition of infallibility would introduce an extravagant use of authority, and lead to a diminution of reasonable liberty and individuality in the Church even greater than before. But the contrary has been the result.” (Life of Father Hecker, p. 298.) Hecker’s diary shows he supported the doctrine.
1. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults teaches that “conscience is judgment of reason by which the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act.” What are ways or means by which one forms a conscience? What is the role of the Church in conscience formation?
2. Do you understand the authority of the Church to require blind obedience? How does your conscience form your idea of obedience to the authority of the Church in light of Hecker’s writing above?
3. America magazine recently reported that the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith sent a letter to the president of the USCCB that may lead to a reconsideration of the plan of some bishops to get the USCCB to approve a document regarding “the worthiness to receive Communion” of Catholic politicians. It was pointed out that labeling abortion“the pre-eminent” moral issue could give the impression that abortion and euthanasia alone constitute the only grave matters of Catholic moral social teaching that demand the fullest accountability on the part of Catholics. It was suggested that such a document not be rushed and would have to reflect “true consensus” among bishops. How do you view this in light of Hecker’s words about authority?
We ask your blessing upon us and our community, O Lord. We strive to proclaim your word in our works and actions. May our deeds this day further the ideals of our founder, St. Paul, our Patron. May we be ever more converted to you. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen
St Paul, Pray for us!
Submitted by Paula Cuozzo, on behalf of the Boston Paulist Associates
L. Come Holy Spirit
R. Fill the Hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
L. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And you shall renew the face of the earth
L. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Spirit we may know what is right and always rejoice in his consolation, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
L. God of mercy, unite your Church in the Holy Spirit that we may serve you with all our hearts and work together with unselfish love.Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
R. Amen. (Taken from the Paulist Novena to the Holy Spirit, Day Five)
THE PAULIST VOCATION: Part 3, Chapter Twenty, The Spiritual Life
The Mission of the Spirit
(The following passage was originally included in The Church and the Age:An Exposition of the Catholic Church in View of the Needs and Aspirations of the Present, 1886.)
“It cannot be too deeply impressed on the mind that the Church is actuated by the instinct of the Holy Spirit, and to discern clearly its action, and to co-operate with it effectually, is the highest employment of our faculties, and at the same time the primary source of the greatest good to society. … The essential and universal principle which saves and sanctifies souls is the Holy Spirit. He it was who called, inspired, and sanctified the patriarchs, the prophets, and saints of the old dispensation. The same Divine Spirit inspired and sanctified the apostles, the martyrs, and the saints of the new dispensation. The actual and habitual guidance of the soul by the Holy Spirit is the essential principle of all divine life. “I have taught the prophets from the beginning, and even till now I cease not to speak to all” (Thomas à Kempis III,3) Christ’s mission was to give the Holy Spirit more abundantly.
The whole aim of the science of Christian perfection is to instruct men how to remove the hindrances in the way of the action of the Holy Spirit, and how to cultivate those virtues which are most favorable to His solicitations and inspirations. Thus, the sum of spiritual life consists in observing and yielding to the movements of the Spirit of God in our soul, employing for this purpose all the exercises of prayer, spiritual reading, sacraments, the practice of virtues and good works.
That divine action which is the immediate and principal cause of the salvation and perfection of the soul claims by right its direct and main attention. From this source within the soul there will gradually come to birth the consciousness of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, out of which will spring a force surpassing all human strength, a courage higher than all human heroism, a sense of dignity excelling all human greatness. The light the age requires for its renewal can come only from the same source. The renewal of the age depends on the renewal of religion. The renewal of religion depends upon a greater effusion of the creative and renewing power of the Holy Spirit. The greater effusion of the Holy Spirit depends on the giving of increased attention to His movements and inspirations in the soul. The radical and adequate remedy for all the evils of our age, and the source of all true progress, consist in increased attention and fidelity to the action of the Holy Spirit in the soul. “Thou shalt send forth Thy spirit, and they shall be created: and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.”…”
1. Hecker writes in this passage: “The greater effusion of the Holy Spirit depends on the giving of increased attention to His movements and inspirations in the soul.” In the Paulist Associates Promises, we say, “Attentive to the Holy Spirit.” How are you attentive to Holy Spirit’s movements and inspiration in your soul?
2. During the pandemic, what has been a hindrance to your spirituality? What ways have you found to remove or overcome this hindrance?
3. Hecker quotes Thomas a Kempis, 15th century author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the most popular and best-known works about spiritual devotion. Which author or material on spiritual devotion has been influential in your life?
(Taken from the Paulist Novena to the Holy Spirit, Day Five)
Spirit of God, strengthen us. Make us strong with a power that trusts in your presence above all things and hopes in your guiding love through all creation. Take away our doubts and hesitations when we know your path. Take away our quibbling when we know the truth of your divine light. Guide us along the path in such a way that, in your strength, we may guide others as you wish. We pray this through the one who sent you to us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
PAULIST ASSOCIATES NATIONAL DIRECTOR
- Mike Kallock, C.S.P.
Paulist General Office, P.O. Box 20606, New York, NY 10023, [email protected]
BOARD MEMBERS
- Carol Wagner Williams, Tucson, AZ: [email protected]
- Frank Desiderio, C.S.P. : [email protected]
- Katherine Murphy Mertzlufft, Columbus, OH: [email protected]
- Joe Scott, C.S.P. : [email protected]
- David Rooney, Chicago, IL: [email protected]
- Mary Sullivan, Boston, MA: [email protected]
ASSOCIATES WORLD STAFF
- Publisher: Fr. Mike Kallock, C.S.P.
- Editor: Denis M. Hurley
- Design Coordinator: Ellie Murphy
- Staff Writer: Richard Allegra
Heavenly Father, you called your servant Isaac Thomas Hecker to preach the Gospel to the people of North America and through his teaching, to know the peace and the power of your indwelling Spirit. He walked in the footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle, and like Paul spoke your Word with a zeal for souls and a burning love for all who came to him in need.
Look upon us this day, with compassion and hope. Hear our prayer. We ask that through the intercession of Father Hecker your servant, you might grant us (state the request).
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, forever and ever. Amen.
When you pray this prayer, and if you believe that you have received any favors through Hecker’s intercession, please contact the Office of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God, Isaac Hecker at [email protected]. Visit paulist.org/hecker to learn more about his life and the cause for his canonization.
I believe that I am drawn by the Holy Spirit to the spirituality and qualities of the Paulist Community.
I have discerned both by prayer and study that God calls me to become associated with the Paulists.
I promise that I will pray for the works of the Paulist Society, meet with others, who are also members of the Paulist Associates, for spiritual sharing and formation; and I seek to embody the apostolic qualities of the Paulists in my daily life.
Attentive to the Holy Spirit and faithful to the example of St. Paul and the charism of Father Isaac Hecker, I commit myself for one year of membership in the Paulist Associates.