The latest issue of America is just full of great stuff: a review of a new book on Flannery O'Connor (I just ordered a copy), an article on Pope John Paul as a patient by a doctor who treated him after he was shot, some delightul personal anecdotes about Benedict XVI the cat lover and "shy neighbor" of the shopkeepers in the Borgo Pio, and...an article on how hot Jesuit history is in the secular academic and publishing worlds. In fact, that is one of the cover stories: "Jesuit History: a Hot New Topic."
What it says, basically, is what I said to myself on seeing the title of the article: After 1550 (more or less), all history is Jesuit history!
On the home front here, we are still awaiting word as to the appointment of a new superior for our Chicago community. Probably the poor soul is praying over the matter before answering the provincial...
4 comments:
Of course, then the evening after I read that great issue of America, I learn that the editor, Thomas Reese, has been replaced. I think America performs a wonderful service for the Church, letting us understand how and from what "angle" people who share the pews with us may be reading events and coming up with such diverse conclusions. Let's pray for the new editor, that the mission of America (and to America!) might be more and more effective.
Dear Sister,
Knowing the several Daughters that I do, I'm a little perplexed that an FSP would sound a positive note on the Jesuits, in this country, and particularly in the forum of America Magazine. Yes it's true that some of their articles attempted balance, but most of the stuff they wrote was teetering past the verge of being dangerous to the faithful. Otherwise they would never have caught the attention of the CDF. In addition to your prayers, let us also pray that the new Editor might be also more and more faithful.
Greetings from Boston, where a youngish Jesuit celebrated Mass for us at our retreat house and gave a homily worthy of a standing ovation. The Jesuits are a massive order with an unusual percentage of brilliant men, so of course they will cast a shadow when even a small number aren't what they should be, and sometimes cast a glare when an individual or group get in someone's eyes. But to dismiss an entire order of men because of some members seems a pitiful response to human failure.
As far as "both sides" of a story, I find it enormously helpful for the mission to get a handle on how some positions can possibly be espoused by Catholics. If I only read what I agree with, how can I formulate an answer or even present Church teachings to them in a way that will satisfy the "real question" they may be asking. I thought America was always pretty above board in that regard. I certainly didn't agree with every author they published, but I did find the information helpful for the mission.
Very well said sister. Thanks!
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