Disciples of Pope John Paul (Faculty of Gregorian University Gripe About Piety of New Seminarians)

Newsday ^ | 4/13/05 | Matthew McAllester

[marshmallow]

A generation of seminarians expects to continue a conservative approach that was the signature of late pope

ROME - Just as Karol Wojtyla came to Rome to study before taking up a post in his first parish in Poland, so thousands of hand-picked young seminary students and priests from all over the world come to Rome to continue their theological educations.

They are the elite. They may not become pope, as Wojtyla did in 1978, but many will likely go on to become bishops and cardinals, as the schools' graduates have in the past.

And if the graduates stick with their current convictions, the future Roman Catholic Church will likely be as conservative as it has become under John Paul II. This generation of young men is part of his legacy. They are his spiritual and philosophical sons and disciples, and with many, even the introduction into conversation of some of the issues raised by reformist members of the church produce unease sometimes bordering on hostility.

One young deacon, from Ireland, forcefully told a reporter that he didn't think an interview should focus any longer on the issue of condoms and HIV. At another point he demanded that a reporter read back from his notes the deacon's comments about why women should not be ordained as priests.

In interviews with students from Argentina, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Angola, Ireland and Sudan over the past few days, eight young men in four colleges spoke almost as one about key topics they will face in their careers: the future direction of the church, the kind of man they would like to see elected pope, and the controversial topics of sexuality, personal morality and the role of women in the church that have many Catholics concerned that traditional stances will alienate existing and potential Catholics.

[Northern Yankee]

Thanks... Your news is very heartening.

I also concur with your thoughts of the younger generation coming up.

Having taught CCD for the past number of years I see a very devout core of students who are very conservative in thought and deed.

[McGavin999]

"Solving one problem may bring about another problem which may be worse than the first," said Taban, referring to the moral failings the church thinks relaxed policies toward condoms could encourage. "It is a great risk to the kind of truth the Bible is trying to give to the world," Taban added.

This is so true! I keep hearing that the world has changed, but it has not changed for the better. When you used to get married, it was assumed it would be for life. Yes, there was divorce but it was so looked down on that it was rare. You considered yourself a failure if you got a divorce. It made people a little more careful when choosing a mate. It made you really try to work things out before you headed to the lawyer's office.

Birthcontrol pills led to promiscuity, the kind that is common now and accepted. There needs to be something in the middle.

[tlRCta]

"Having taught CCD for the past number of years I see a very devout core of students who are very conservative in thought and deed."

That may be your experience, but from my own (somewhat recent, if I may add--I am one of the younger FReepers) the CCD programs--around me at least--aren't that great. I have not noticed the same phenomenon in my CCD classes. In my experience, the students (with some exceptions) are apathetic, most catechists, though of noble intent, are ill-informed (I assume you are not one; please do not be insulted), and are supplied with silly religion books that concentrate usually on touchy-feely themes of "Love makes the world go 'round," and say very little about doctrine.


For instance, when one student complained that Mass is boring, the catechist said that he should organize a fun youth one with the absolutely horrible guitar and student's band. Though I have been confirmed and are done with the formal CCD I have heard of other things: one catechist said that people on death row automatically go to heaven. I am pretty sure this is not true. However, in other sectors of the population, the people of my generation are pretty conservative.

[Arguss]

"Loverde squashed the supply, but the priests that made it through the system before he (fully) took over are excellent."

Just wait until these (so called) orthodox seminarians reach the real world (their diocese). Orthodoxy will be squished out of them like a grape.

What makes all these wonderful young people so orthodox? Because they aren't homosexual? I suppose that's a start.

Conservative = Orthodoxy???

[ArrogantBustard]

Orthodox = Teaches what the Church has always taught.

I know it's hard for some traditionalists to accept, but that can be found in Parishes where the Mass is offered according to the Novus Ordo. They really should try to wrap their minds around that concept.

TRADITIONALISTS HAVE NO MONOPOLY ON ORTHODOXY.

[Northern Yankee]

Interesting thoughts...

I have pretty much abandoned the nonsense that the Religious education text books try and promote. Our latest edition, as of two years ago, does more promoting of Native American traditions than the Catholic Doctrine and theology. I'd love to just toss the book in the garbage can.

We spend much time on the Catholic Mass, Eucharist, the Altar, and the different aspects of the church.

We explore the new testament, and work towards the 4 Gospels.

During Lent we create a trial of Christ. The students take either the prosecution or defense. We put Christ on trial, but we don't have Christ. We use witnesses from both sides. The debates are lively and educational. It is usually done during Holy Week.

Our last few weeks have been on the rosary, and of course the impact of Pope John Paul the Great.

[Arguss]

Orthodox = Teaches what the Church has always taught. I know it's hard for some traditionalists to accept, but that can be found in Parishes where the Mass is offered according to the Novus Ordo.

From the Greek "ortho", which means straight or correct and "dox", meaning belief or opinion, orthodox refers to the approved form of a philosophy, ideology, doctrine, religion, and so on.

Try to find "correct belief" at any CCD class. How can a Church that teaches junk religion on Saturday, be orthodox on Sunday?

IMO, orthodox also refers to the liturgy. How you pray is how you believe. The TRADITIONAL liturgy has been thrown aside - and with it orthodoxy.

It's almost scary to think that people believe the NO to be orthodox. I imagine in a few years it will qualify as traditional, and then it will be orthodox.

[Raquel]

"Actually, my sister goes to the Catholic University of America (in Washington DC) and she has said that the students are fully orthodox down there, and that many are contemplating the priesthood and the convent."

Yes, indeed, that's the trend. The majority of those persons under the age of 30 are pro-life (no doubt having something to do with their moral character), and about 25 students from the Catholic University in Washington D.C. recently participated in a pro-life retreat in New York, of which I was a speaker. They were young, intelligent and devout Catholics, with a real desire to spread the true doctrine of our faith. God bless them!

[k omalley]

When my daughter graduated from Catholic University a couple of years ago they ruled out any speakers for graduation who were not pro-life.

[Raquel]

Awesome news, thanks!

[little jeremiah]

Moral Absolutes Ping.

Can't comment, too busy - except this - possible good news from the Catholic Church. Looks as though conservative (i.e. morally straight and religiously traditional) younguns are coming up through the ranks. Lots of personal experience/stories on the thread.

Let me know if you want on/off this pinglist.


Maybe the Lavender Mafia's days are on the wane.