Every Maryknoll mission promoter, educator, and assistant from around the country has been involved in a series of all-day meetings that started yesterday and continue till Friday.
The wonderful result is that we have a full house of energetic and creative mission promoters who are talking about things other than recent ball games and medical procedures (not that there's anything wrong with that.)
The priests and deacons among them are taking turns presiding and preaching at our daily 11:30 liturgies. (Although, truth be told, Koreans attending the English Masses offered at the church in Queens seem to have adapted to the new translation of the Missal better than our guys.) Despite having cards with the new words, you still hear guys making the wrong response, or trying to finesse it into the new response. Thus, "Lord God of posts" combines power and hosts.
In other news...
Since December 1, the Spellman Room has had an exhibit of all the artifacts, gifts and programs that have come in from around the Maryknolll world to commemorate our Centenary. Of special note is a small book on a stand in the middle of the room inviting everyone to write a "message to the future." This book of greetings, prayers and good wishes will then go into the NEW time capsule that will be reset into our cornerstone to be opened circa 2061. (When, presumably, the Chinese Buffet and Casino that will occupy this place will struggle to find someone who can translate from the dead language of English into Mandarin.)
Btw, the contents of the first time capsule from 1953 that Fr. Dougherty opened last month have been put on display in the Founders Shrine in the middle of the First Floor M Wing.
Things are looking great for our Christmas Concert this Fruday, Mission Sending Ceremony on Saturday, Centennial Closing Liturgy next Monday (Dec. 12), employees Christmas party on Tuesday the 13th and Advent Day of Reflection on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with Capuchin Father Jack Ratschmidt (of MST fame) offering us his thought.
Phew.
Showing posts with label Maryknoll Time Capsule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryknoll Time Capsule. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Roman Missile
As the above photo shows, publishing houses are vying for our business with the new edition of the Roman Missal that will replace the soon-to-be-suppressed Sacramentary starting this Advent. Maryknollers are invited to check out the nine samples on display in the Spellman Room and select which version they like best. Editions vary from the very elaborate and ornate tomes going for $500+ to the humbler, no frills versions for $89. And several in between. The liturgy committee will then buy several copies for the many chapels in our Center. Individual Maryknollers may also order a personal copy for retreats and private home Masses (assuming these will still be allowed).
You laugh? Have you checked out what the diocese of Phoenix is implementing in the not-yet-determined future? They are curtailing the number of times Communion under both species may be offered to the laity. You may read their official document here: http://www.diocesephoenix.org/uploads/docs/COMMUNION-NEWS-RELEASE-092111.pdf as well as read their reasoning, among which is that too frequent Communion under both species risks the Sacrament becoming "commonplace." Google it for yourself, and read the blogosphere which is all abuzz with not-so-positive reactions.
You may read one such blog here: http://www.patheos.com/community/diaryofawimpycatholic/2011/09/25/phoenix-goes-dry-i-weep/
One blogger speculated that by drastically decreasing the number of times the laity receive the Precious Blood, they effectively eliminate the need for so many Extraordinary Ministers cluttering up the aisles. First came the return of kneeling during the consecration; can altar rails be far behind?
To be fair, I don't know of many parishes that offered Communion under both kinds on a regular, let alone weekly basis. And special occasions (weddings, funerals, retreats) are exempt, as are religious houses.
Coincidentally (?), Eucharistic Adoration is enjoying a come-back. This succeeds in putting the pesky laity back in their place in the bleachers, as the Eucharist once again becomes a passive spectator sport. Surely somewhere in the Dead Sea Scrolls, (now available online!) Jesus must have actually said, "Take and stare at this; this is my Body. And don't even think of drinking my Blood except on rare occasions outlined in your diocesan directory." Of course, Jesus said all this in Aramaic and God only knows what Jesus really meant.
On a sadly tangential note: last week at a meeting of Directors of Religious Education in the diocese of Brooklyn, auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano mentioned how one of the oldest extant chalices in the Vatican museum is made of glass and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bishop was visibly moved by the theology that maintained the vessel was secondary to its precious contents. As Mary let the divine presence shine through her flesh into that of her Son, so too did this transparent chalice focus attention on its most holy contents. Then he added, almost wistfully, "Of course, nowadays this wouldn't be allowed."
I suggested to Fr. Leo Shea, Coordinator for All Centenary Committees, that among the artifacts we are considering putting into the Centenary Time Capsule, we might include the Sacramentary which passes into oblivion this November. Wouldn't that be divine justice if, in 50+ years, the people open the capsule and see how Mass was done in the later half of the 20th Century? They might rise up and demand that their female bishops return to the Traditional Vatican II Mass in English and forgo praying the liturgy in Latin.
You laugh? Have you checked out what the diocese of Phoenix is implementing in the not-yet-determined future? They are curtailing the number of times Communion under both species may be offered to the laity. You may read their official document here: http://www.diocesephoenix.org/uploads/docs/COMMUNION-NEWS-RELEASE-092111.pdf as well as read their reasoning, among which is that too frequent Communion under both species risks the Sacrament becoming "commonplace." Google it for yourself, and read the blogosphere which is all abuzz with not-so-positive reactions.
You may read one such blog here: http://www.patheos.com/community/diaryofawimpycatholic/2011/09/25/phoenix-goes-dry-i-weep/
One blogger speculated that by drastically decreasing the number of times the laity receive the Precious Blood, they effectively eliminate the need for so many Extraordinary Ministers cluttering up the aisles. First came the return of kneeling during the consecration; can altar rails be far behind?
To be fair, I don't know of many parishes that offered Communion under both kinds on a regular, let alone weekly basis. And special occasions (weddings, funerals, retreats) are exempt, as are religious houses.
Coincidentally (?), Eucharistic Adoration is enjoying a come-back. This succeeds in putting the pesky laity back in their place in the bleachers, as the Eucharist once again becomes a passive spectator sport. Surely somewhere in the Dead Sea Scrolls, (now available online!) Jesus must have actually said, "Take and stare at this; this is my Body. And don't even think of drinking my Blood except on rare occasions outlined in your diocesan directory." Of course, Jesus said all this in Aramaic and God only knows what Jesus really meant.
On a sadly tangential note: last week at a meeting of Directors of Religious Education in the diocese of Brooklyn, auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano mentioned how one of the oldest extant chalices in the Vatican museum is made of glass and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bishop was visibly moved by the theology that maintained the vessel was secondary to its precious contents. As Mary let the divine presence shine through her flesh into that of her Son, so too did this transparent chalice focus attention on its most holy contents. Then he added, almost wistfully, "Of course, nowadays this wouldn't be allowed."
I suggested to Fr. Leo Shea, Coordinator for All Centenary Committees, that among the artifacts we are considering putting into the Centenary Time Capsule, we might include the Sacramentary which passes into oblivion this November. Wouldn't that be divine justice if, in 50+ years, the people open the capsule and see how Mass was done in the later half of the 20th Century? They might rise up and demand that their female bishops return to the Traditional Vatican II Mass in English and forgo praying the liturgy in Latin.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
BREAKING NEWS! This just in... [Updated 11:05 a.m. EDT]
Fr. Leo Shea, Chief Coordinator for All Centenary Celebrations Here at the Center or St. Patrick's Cathedral, has announced that the 30' Centenary banner, so rudely blown off our tower by Hurricane Irene, will, in fact, be rehung. Mother Nature can't rain on our parade.
Now, if we can just get the choir to sing "Nearer, My God, To Thee," the Titanic symbolism would be complete. Of course, with the impending departure of Ms. Lucille Naughton as our most excellent choir director after many years of very fine service (she actually was director when I was ordained in 1978!) and having as yet to hire a replacement, the choir might be at a loss to sing anything.
On a totally unrelated note (Get it? Note = music), I have heard third-hand that I may be able to view a video of last Tuesday's gathering, which I am wont to do although it may put me in the awkward and unfamiliar position of having to actually know what I'm talking about.
Overheard at the outdoor breakfast table where a Maryknoller was about to kill one of the annoying hornets that buzz our al fresco dining this time of year:
"Don't kill it! You must show compassion to all sentient beings!"
"Yeah? Well that eliminates most guys living here."
Speaking of which (my segues are not intended to make sense) Mr. Bob Short, former MLM currently working in MEPD on all things Centenary related, reports that after careful inquiry among the People of God, he found there is indeed a Time Capsule in our cornerstone and he has located a list of its contents. I will post these once I get a list from him. No word yet on whether we are actually planning on cracking open our cornerstone to retrieve those items, add more from this year, and rebury for another 50 years, at which time the owners of the Chinese Casino and Buffet who will occupy this place can decide what to do with it.
******
This was emailed to me by Bob Short:
Time Capsule (Corner Stone)
Ellen Pierce sent me the MARYKNOLL CENTER DIARY AND NEWS NOTES from October of 1953. Two paragraphs by Father Edward A. McGurkin within those Notes (I have not altered the text) say:
A Chi Rho is cut on one side of the stone. On front is inscribed “A.D. 1953.” All this went into the stone before it was sealed: the certificate of identification, a picture of Pope Pius XII, a photo of Bishop James Anthony Walsh and a photo of Father Price, various souvenirs submitted by Mother Mary Joseph, a copy of our Constitutions, a copy of “The Early Days of Maryknoll,” address list of the Priests and Brothers, our basic seniority list, the Maryknoll Sisters’ address list, the Cloister pamphlet “God So Loved the World,” copies of The Field Afar, plaque and medal of Our Lady of Maryknoll, copy of the Maryknoll Fathers Prayer Book, memorial cards of Fathers and Brothers, and that’s not all; just wait while we start a new paragraph here.
Did you hear about Father Joe Donovan’s wealthy friend who made a pile of dough while working in a Pittsburgh bakery? To let future generations know what we have endured, it was suggested that we toss into the cornerstone some of Father Donny’s cornballs. Another idea was to toss in Father Donny. Period. Now here’s the rest of the pile that went into the stone: Acts and Motions of the three General Chapters, a selection of Council Decrees, U.S.A. coins of 1953, a copy of the New York Times of Oct. 3, 1953, cancelled stamps, promotional folders, the Personnel and Statistical Report of 1946, scholastic catalogues of the Seminary, Glen Ellyn, Lakewood and the Venard, this year’s roster of all our training houses, the September Council Bulletin, the October Diary Digest and the Center News Notes for August 1953. It looks as if Father Dietz just about cleaned out the bottom drawer of his desk.
Also referenced in an early paragraph was the following:
The testimonial of blessing, which was sealed later in the cornerstone, concluded with these lines from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. “You are citizens with the Saints and members of God’s household, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the Chief Cornerstone in Whom the whole structure is closely fitted together and grows into a temple holy in the Lord: in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in the spirit.”
Bob
[Blogger's note: It's nice to see Bishop McGurkin also displayed a droll sense of humor. The tradition lives on!]
Now, if we can just get the choir to sing "Nearer, My God, To Thee," the Titanic symbolism would be complete. Of course, with the impending departure of Ms. Lucille Naughton as our most excellent choir director after many years of very fine service (she actually was director when I was ordained in 1978!) and having as yet to hire a replacement, the choir might be at a loss to sing anything.
On a totally unrelated note (Get it? Note = music), I have heard third-hand that I may be able to view a video of last Tuesday's gathering, which I am wont to do although it may put me in the awkward and unfamiliar position of having to actually know what I'm talking about.
Overheard at the outdoor breakfast table where a Maryknoller was about to kill one of the annoying hornets that buzz our al fresco dining this time of year:
"Don't kill it! You must show compassion to all sentient beings!"
"Yeah? Well that eliminates most guys living here."
Speaking of which (my segues are not intended to make sense) Mr. Bob Short, former MLM currently working in MEPD on all things Centenary related, reports that after careful inquiry among the People of God, he found there is indeed a Time Capsule in our cornerstone and he has located a list of its contents. I will post these once I get a list from him. No word yet on whether we are actually planning on cracking open our cornerstone to retrieve those items, add more from this year, and rebury for another 50 years, at which time the owners of the Chinese Casino and Buffet who will occupy this place can decide what to do with it.
******
This was emailed to me by Bob Short:
Time Capsule (Corner Stone)
Ellen Pierce sent me the MARYKNOLL CENTER DIARY AND NEWS NOTES from October of 1953. Two paragraphs by Father Edward A. McGurkin within those Notes (I have not altered the text) say:
A Chi Rho is cut on one side of the stone. On front is inscribed “A.D. 1953.” All this went into the stone before it was sealed: the certificate of identification, a picture of Pope Pius XII, a photo of Bishop James Anthony Walsh and a photo of Father Price, various souvenirs submitted by Mother Mary Joseph, a copy of our Constitutions, a copy of “The Early Days of Maryknoll,” address list of the Priests and Brothers, our basic seniority list, the Maryknoll Sisters’ address list, the Cloister pamphlet “God So Loved the World,” copies of The Field Afar, plaque and medal of Our Lady of Maryknoll, copy of the Maryknoll Fathers Prayer Book, memorial cards of Fathers and Brothers, and that’s not all; just wait while we start a new paragraph here.
Did you hear about Father Joe Donovan’s wealthy friend who made a pile of dough while working in a Pittsburgh bakery? To let future generations know what we have endured, it was suggested that we toss into the cornerstone some of Father Donny’s cornballs. Another idea was to toss in Father Donny. Period. Now here’s the rest of the pile that went into the stone: Acts and Motions of the three General Chapters, a selection of Council Decrees, U.S.A. coins of 1953, a copy of the New York Times of Oct. 3, 1953, cancelled stamps, promotional folders, the Personnel and Statistical Report of 1946, scholastic catalogues of the Seminary, Glen Ellyn, Lakewood and the Venard, this year’s roster of all our training houses, the September Council Bulletin, the October Diary Digest and the Center News Notes for August 1953. It looks as if Father Dietz just about cleaned out the bottom drawer of his desk.
Also referenced in an early paragraph was the following:
The testimonial of blessing, which was sealed later in the cornerstone, concluded with these lines from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. “You are citizens with the Saints and members of God’s household, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the Chief Cornerstone in Whom the whole structure is closely fitted together and grows into a temple holy in the Lord: in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in the spirit.”
Bob
[Blogger's note: It's nice to see Bishop McGurkin also displayed a droll sense of humor. The tradition lives on!]
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