Roots of Europe Sunk in Monasteries, Says Pope

Pope Benedict XVI at the College des Bernardins September delivered a major address on faith and culture to an elite audience of 700 French intellectuals and artists at the start of a four-day visit to Paris and Lourdes.

Monasteries both preserved the treasures of ancient culture and nourished a new culture that took shape out of the old, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope affirmed this today in Paris during an anticipated address to representatives of the world of culture, as well as members of UNESCO and the European Union.

He introduced his address by saying that he wanted to speak "of the origins of western theology and the roots of European culture." He suggested that the site of the conference -- the recently restored College of the Bernardines-- was emblematic. The college was a residence for young monks until the French Revolution. Since then, it has passed through various usages, but the late Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, former archbishop of Paris, undertook to have it restored and made into a meeting place for the dialogue between faith and culture. The papal visit is the official inauguration of the center.

account of the speech at Zenit

Pursued

Thank you to those of you who let me know I have been quoted here and there. In fact over the last week the things I have posted about the Marie Stopes stamps and Channel 4 seem to have created a little stir. I have been asked to do some interviews, but as the great hermenaut says, "Read my blog!", I haven't time.

It is interesting though, that at least once or twice a week one of the Nationals or a TV or Radio programme phones for an "opinion", or else I am told I am quoted in the corner of some paper or something, often inaccurately. Father Tim, I am sure, finds the same thing, more often I should think. When I ask why a journalist hasn't contacted the Catholic Media Office, they normally suggest that there isn't much point and say they just get shrugged off. It is a shame, especially as Bishops who have been to stay here complain that the media isn't interested in what they have to say, I am sure they are as opinionated as a blogging priest.

En Paris

official site of the French Bishops' Conference:

The Pope was met at Paris's Orly airport by President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni.
During his four days in the country, the Pope will celebrate an open-air Mass in Paris and travel to the shrine of Lourdes.
In a country that has strict laws on secularism, Pope Benedict XVI is also due to give a speech about the role of religion in society.
"I love France, France's great culture, French art," he told reporters while on his way to Paris.
He said he was coming to France as a "messenger of peace and brotherhood".

Archi-Liturgical Culture Wars by Aidan Nichols OP

Do go and have a look at this fascinating article by Aian Nichols OP on New Liturgical Movements

Hero Cardinals

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the funeral of Cardinal Antonio Innocenti inside St.Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008. Cardinal Innocenti died on Sept. 6 at the age of 93

Fr Z reports:

After his priestly ordination in 1938, Cardinal Innocenti taught at the diocesan seminary. During World War II, he accompanied his bishop on pastoral visits. “In that dramatic period he stood out for his selflessness and generosity in helping people and saving those destined for deportation. For this he was arrested and condemned to be shot, but the order was reversed as he stood before of the firing squad.” Benedict XVI recalled.

Bit soft in England aren't we?

That is why we need the lives of the saints, especially those of modern times. In recent years there have been some outstanding figures amongst the Cardinals. I was very impressed by Cardinal Castrillon de Hoyos disguising hinself as a milk man to convert a drug baron.

But read this about Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002) from Vietnam, it is amazing.

Then watch this.

Last 100 visitors

From the site stats this is where the last hundred visitors came from at just after 9am (BST) this morning.
(click to enlarge)

Look to Burundi

Talking to Father Aaron yesterday, I happened to mention Burundi, remember it is where the previous Apostolic Nuncio was killed, the present Nuncio, had he been at home, would have been killed too, when a stray mortar destroyed the Nunciature: well Father said, "The nuncio, Archbishop Paul Gallagher was a priest from the diocese of Liverpool".

He is an Englishman, a diplomat, was a protege of Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, is much respected in Rome and by the Pope apparently, not quite a member of the so called "Magic Circle", he is aware of the English situation but not in it. He is a loyal supporter of Pope Benedict.

I rather like the idea of an Archbishop who has had his home bombed, good preparation for a primatial See like ...., just perhaps?