ND’s McBrien: Eucharistic Adoration “is a...spiritual step backward” (Catholic Caucus)

WDTPRS ^ | 09/08/2009 | Fr. Z.

[Pyro7480]

In many places where perpetual, or even frequent, Eucharistic Adoration has been made available, there have been great benefits.

But Richard McBrien of Notre Dame is again Eucharist Adoration. In his latest piece for the dissenting, ultra-liberal National Catholic Reporter McBrien wrote this with my emphases and comments:

... The practice of eucharistic adoration began in the 12th century, when the Real Presence of Christ was widely rejected by heretics or misunderstood by poorly educated Catholics. The church saw eucharistic adoration as a way of reaffirming its faith in the Real Presence and of promoting renewed devotion to it.

However, as time went on, eucharistic devotions, including adoration, drifted further and further away from their liturgical grounding in the Mass itself.

Notwithstanding Pope Benedict XVI’s personal endorsement of eucharistic adoration [In other words, who cares what the Pope thinks.] and the sporadic restoration of the practice in the archdiocese of Boston and elsewhere, it is difficult to speak favorably about the devotion today.

Now that most Catholics are literate and even well-educated, [In other words, Adoration is probably something only stupid people are interested in.] the Mass is in the language of the people (i.e, the vernacular), and its rituals are relatively easy to understand and follow, [Really? Ask people after Mass what the epiclesis is for? or what the Gospel reading was?] there is little or no need for extraneous eucharistic devotions. The Mass itself provides all that a Catholic needs sacramentally and spiritually.  [No need for confession, either, I suppose.]

Eucharistic adoration, perpetual or not, is a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward, not forward.

[marshmallow]

McBrien either does not believe that the Eucharist is actually Our Lord or doesn’t give a rat’s behind about what Our Lord has done for him.

I vote for both of the above.

McBrien does not believe that the Eucharist is actually Our Lord because he doesn’t give a rat’s behind about what Our Lord has done for him.

[Pyro7480]

This is a Caucus Thread.

[Religion Moderator]

This Religion Forum thread is labeled “Catholic Caucus” - if you are not Catholic, do not post on this thread.

[ArrogantBustard]

MCBRIEN: There is little or no need for extraneous devotions to Jesus.

McBrien's devotional minimalism goes hand-in-hand with the liturgical minimalism (shortened Eucharistic Prayers, short form of the readings, leave out any parts of the Mass that are permitted to leave out, as well as some mandatory) and artistic minimalism (bare churches, simplistic hymns, pedestrian language) that have infected the Church these past 40 years. The spirit which inspires such is not of God.

[OpusatFR]

Yup. He needs to find another religion to trash, er, join.

The Eucharist is the Heart of the church.

[RobbyS]

This is a Lutheran attitude. Goes along with the radical decision to remove the tabernacle not only from the altar but from the sanctuary (aka, worship-space.)

[fortunecookie]

Just leave the Church already!

I second that! If only he would, but he sooooo wants to save us.

Notwithstanding Pope Benedict XVI’s personal endorsement of eucharistic adoration [In other words, who cares what the Pope thinks.] and the sporadic restoration of the practice in the archdiocese of Boston and elsewhere, it is difficult to speak favorably about the devotion today. Now that most Catholics are literate and even well-educated, [In other words, Adoration is probably something only stupid people are interested in.] the Mass is in the language of the people (i.e, the vernacular), and its rituals are relatively easy to understand and follow, [Really? Ask people after Mass what the epiclesis is for? or what the Gospel reading was?] there is little or no need for extraneous eucharistic devotions. The Mass itself provides all that a Catholic needs sacramentally and spiritually. [No need for confession, either, I suppose.] Eucharistic adoration, perpetual or not, is a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward, not forward.

BTTT! Bears repeating. That Fr McBrien is still at ND 'teaching' speaks volumes to what is happening at that once Catholic university and others like it. I hope our Holy Father is made aware of this one.

Until then, look for McBrien's latest directive to come soon to a location near you... (I have a feeling my diocese is listening...)

[ardara]

Our parish has perpetual adoration.It is an honor and rewarding to do an hour each week.A lady recently thanked me after she substituted at my midnight hour.She just wanted to thank me because she and her husband got so much out of adoring the Lord together for an hour.

[Notwithstanding]

Perpetual Adoration Begins in Martha J. Burke Adoration Chapel at Ave Maria
July 15, 2009

PERPETUAL ADORATION BEGINS

IN MARTHA J. BURKE ADORATION CHAPEL AT AVE MARIA

Dedication Ceremony Held Today Following Noon Mass

 

Interior of the Martha J. Burke Adoration Chapel

 


AVE MARIA, Fla. (July 15, 2009) – The Martha J. Burke Adoration Chapel was officially opened, blessed and dedicated at a brief ceremony following today’s noon Mass at Ave Maria Oratory.

Located in the east wing of AMU's Canizaro Library and immediately across Ave Maria Boulevard from the Oratory, the Martha J. Burke Adoration Chapel will provide 24 hour-a-day access for Eucharistic adoration.

 

The chapel is located in the East Wing of Canizaro Library

 

"For Catholics, Eucharistic adoration is the act of praying before the Blessed Sacrament." said Fr. Robert Garrity, director of campus ministry for AMU. "We are extremely grateful to the donor for contributing the funds necessary to create this beautiful chapel and providing a place of prayer and meditation for members of AMU and the surrounding community."

During his homily, Fr. Garrity thanked the benefactor for their contribution to the physical structure, AMU Chancellor Thomas Monaghan and Monaghan for his continual encouragement, Bishop Frank Dewane for his approval and Fr. Robert Tatman, Administrator of the Quasi-parish of Ave Maria Oratory, for his support.

The day being the Feast of St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Fr. Garrity remarked on several role models who held strong commitments to Eucharistic Adoration, including St. Bonaventure and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

The procession from the Oratory to the new chapel included members of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and approximately 200 lay faithful including residents of Ave Maria, AMU students and staff and visitors to the town. After a simple ceremony inside the chapel, Fr. Garrity and Chancellor Monaghan offered brief comments and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.

The procession from Ave Maria Oratory to the new chapel

 

Fr. Garrity incenses the Blessed Sacrament

Chancellor Monaghan remarked on the decision to begin the practice of Perpetual Adoration prior to the return of students for the Fall semester. Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a community unite in committing to time periods of adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament both during the day and throughout the night, seven days a week. Monaghan has been promoting the idea since Ave Maria University first came to Naples in 2002 and wanted to start as soon as possible.

Despite the absence of most students during Summer break, the Office of Campus Ministry was able to fill the 168 one-hour time slots. Fr. Garrity filled the first time slot.

  

Before Perpetual Adoration could begin, 168 one-hour weekly time slots for Eucharistic Adoration had to be filled. Fr. Garrity signed up for the first time slot.

 

The Ribbon Cutting included Fr. Garrity, Fr. Robert Tatman, Chancellor Monaghan, AMU Director of Marketing Deacon Forrest Wallace and AMU Student Government President Jeremiah Belocura.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.

 

About the Chapel's Name-Sake:

Martha Ann Jones Burke was born April 25, 1930 in Memphis, TN. She married Robert Burke also of Memphis in 1949; they were married for 45 years. Mrs. Burke converted to Catholicism when she got married, having been raised a Presbyterian. She has six children, one boy and five girls, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her family moved to Jackson, MS in 1964, where she eschewed a career outside the home; her devotion to her faith and family has always been her foremost concerns. Mrs. Burke remains a daily communicant, adorer and Eucharistic minister at her local parish of St. Richards Catholic Church in Jackson, MS. †

 

Perpetual Adoration begins at Ave Maria.

 

 

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[Pyro7480]

Eh, not my kind of style. I like this, which was just set up in northern VA (despite the modern ceiling and walls, the setup definitely draws you to the right place).

[mockingbyrd]

ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME.

I’m going to keep most of my thoughts to myself. But wasn’t it Jesus Himself Who asked us to watch one hour with Him? Or is the Bible also a “step backward?”

Considering that Heaven is the contemplation of God, always and forever, the good father’s going to be in for a bit of a shock.....and perhaps bored to tears.

[Pope Pius XII]

Those who hate

Eucharistic adoration
the Rosary
fasting
the latin mass
communion on the tongue

have the Devil as their father. Yeah, I’m talking to you Catholics out there.

[Ann Archy]

Great analogy. O’Brien needs praying for....badly!

[married21]

1. I am amused that McBrien would think that adoration was better suited for ignorant people. The people I have seen in the adoration chapel are sometimes reading Scripture or other theological or devotional materials during their time there. It is a time well-suited for thought and there are smart and thoughtful people doing it. Like my hubby the mathematician. Every Tuesday at 5:00 a.m.

2. Young people who have committed to their faith seem especially attracted to adoration, especially those who are charismatic, or who have gone through the “Life Teen” youth group program and tried it. In Southern California, this includes many Phillipino and Mexican parishioners. One time I went to a sort of “town-hall meeting” with a bishop and young adult ministries, where he was answering questions about their needs. There was a large group from one parish who wanted Eucharistic Adoration to be made available more often in their parish, and they had not been able to get that point across to their pastor. Perhaps Fr. McBrien has never run into this sort of passion for Christ at Notre Dame. He may be a bit out of touch with people who are actually on fire with their faith.

[Bigg Red]

Obama Adoration is OK though, right?

^^^
You know it, FRiend!

[Notwithstanding]

For McBrien, being on fire with faith is analogous to burning one’s bra or draft card.

To him and his ilk, the only time they attempt to take the bible literally is when they assume that the fire of the Holy Spirit is a literal fire - and so they rush to burn all copies of the recent Catechism of the Catholic CHurch and of the old Baltimore Catechism.

[TradicalRC]

McBrien. Please. fff

[Tax-chick]

Welcome to Free Republic! (I’m astonished that people can hang around here and not post!)

[narses]

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