Monday, July 25, 2011

Hints that next year the Pope may give us an Encyclical on faith.

See  Zenit's 'Pope enjoying fruitful working vacation'

In the first paragraph of this piece we are told that Pope Benedict is looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council; in the third that he has brought with him to Castel Gandolfo many books and documents; and in the 6th and 7th that "The Vatican daily (OR) revealed that the Pope is working on another topic which is of great interest to him 'reflection on faith, as the the 50th anniversary approaches of the opening of Vatican II (October 11th 1962), in which Joseph Ratzinger took part from the beginning.'...............
Benedict XVI's interest in the theological virtue of faith is significant as he has already dedicated two encyclicals to the other two theological virtues, charity and hope."

Of course as Joseph Ratzinger, and not as Pope, he may just publish  a book of his memories and reflections to celebrate this anniversary, and that in itself would be of tremendous historical value and interest. But an encyclical on faith itself is a totally different and more serious matter. Either way, I shall not be surprised if he publishes, in the very near future, something evaluative about the conduct, interpretation and legacy of the Council. I think it would be difficult to argue that certain modernist interpretations of the Council documents have not affected  the content, understanding and practice of faith.

Let us pray for our Holy Father and his intentions, and particularly at this time that his vacation may indeed be fruitful, both for him and for the entire Church.

In Christo pro Papa  

3 comments:

nemy said...

Jane, what a beautiful prayer for the Holy Father! I, too pray for him daily, for he carries his mission and duties so humbly and inspiringly. I hope he does write an encyclcal on faith, for his wisdom and guidance are so much needed! Thank you for your work. Nemy

Frank La Rocca said...

"I think it would be difficult to argue that certain modernist interpretations of the Council documents have not affected the content, understanding and practice of faith."

This observation is certainly a charitable understatement. Anyone who has read Sacrosanctum Concilium and also attended a vernacular, verusus populum Novus Ordo Mass might even say the observation is beyond charitable. The liturgy in Cranmer's 1552 "missal" most closely resembles the N.O. vernacular Mass - certainly more than any pre-1964 Catholic Mass liturgy.

Anonymous said...

I think another encyclical is due, but I mustn't forget that our Benedict has produced his two profound volumes on Jesus as well as three encyclicals. An encyclical on faith is definitely needed and, as you say, one that ties in with the "misinterpretation" of the documents of Vatican II. I'm getting excited already!

Love and prayers,
Mary

Hoka