On it's face this seems like a great idea. But knowing what most of the clergy are like in Chicago....let's just say I hope I have no need for this "response team." What I really don't like is, "Now, when a local parish is contacted, the parish must then notify the archdiocese." It's the "must" I don't like. I would definitely want one of the priests from St. John Cantius to administer the rite if I needed it. That this is removed from the discretion of the parish priest and controlled by the bishop...well, it seems to be a typical Cardinal Cupich move, very authoritarian, very controlling.
"But performing the anointing of the sick is especially hard now, when many hospitals have banned visitors."
This is one more thing that reveals the decline of the Church in the West, where at one time so many, many, hospitals were run and staffed by members of religious orders.
Just read on the St. John Cantius Facebook page that TWO of the young priests at St. John Cantius will be serving on the special response team to administer the Last Rites to COVID-19 patients here in Chicago. I am so proud of these priests. They are not self absorbed, and they knew what they were entering the priesthood for...to serve, and to go into battle at the most critical hour. May God protect them and all the priests who go to the bedside of the sick to minister God's healing touch. In persona Christi.
Actually, if you saw the article from the Tribune, the emphasis is on what could be thought of as "accompaniment."
Quotes from the article:
One Fr. O'Donnell: "I think that for individuals and families, it really gives the sense of comfort and peace to know in this moment they’re not alone,”...“When the anointing of the sick is celebrated, the church is present to that person at that moment.”
Again, Fr. O'Donnell: “I think it is Cardinal (Blase) Cupich’s commitment to making sure that to people who are in a very vulnerable state of their life that they can be shown that they are not alone,...”
And Bishop Perry: “In our Catholic tradition, to have the last rites is a privilege and a deep desire for a person to make their peace with God before they meet God,...”
So this is the theology they communicated to the secular world. Who knows what they really believe. One thing I do know, the priests from St. John Cantius know what they are doing and will administer the sacrament to achieve the sanctifying grace it is meant to bestow, according to the will of God.
Truth be told, in that moment, I wouldn't need to be "accompanied." I would need absolution for my sins and communion with Christ, so that I might gain eternal life. It's the last hope for the dying. But I guess they wouldn't want to say that out loud, now would they. Someone might be offended.
Beautiful. You mentioned at the end the most serious sin in modern "Catholicism" the sin of offending! A way one street I might add. If one offends faithful Catholics, that is fine and dandy. I will be with you spiritually tonight because I am watching Maundy Thursday Mass at St. John Cantius, the finest and truest Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago!
Thank God for modern technology. I was able to watch St. John Cantius yesterday for the Maundy Thursday Mass and the Passion this afternoon. How I miss that wonderful place.
10 comments:
Bee here:
On it's face this seems like a great idea. But knowing what most of the clergy are like in Chicago....let's just say I hope I have no need for this "response team." What I really don't like is, "Now, when a local parish is contacted, the parish must then notify the archdiocese." It's the "must" I don't like. I would definitely want one of the priests from St. John Cantius to administer the rite if I needed it. That this is removed from the discretion of the parish priest and controlled by the bishop...well, it seems to be a typical Cardinal Cupich move, very authoritarian, very controlling.
But it's better than nothin' I suppose.
God bless.
Bee
Thanks Father, we needed this post. Awesome story—so proud of these priests. God bless them and keep them safe.
Anon 12
"But performing the anointing of the sick is especially hard now, when many hospitals have banned visitors."
This is one more thing that reveals the decline of the Church in the West, where at one time so many, many, hospitals were run and staffed by members of religious orders.
One of many reasons priests should not marry.
Bee here:
Just read on the St. John Cantius Facebook page that TWO of the young priests at St. John Cantius will be serving on the special response team to administer the Last Rites to COVID-19 patients here in Chicago. I am so proud of these priests. They are not self absorbed, and they knew what they were entering the priesthood for...to serve, and to go into battle at the most critical hour. May God protect them and all the priests who go to the bedside of the sick to minister God's healing touch. In persona Christi.
God bless.
Bee
Bee,
Have those young priests call Kavanaugh. He will talk them out of it!
Bee,
How could Cupich possibly be "authoritarian or controlling?" He is a liberal, I thought they are always tolerant, accompanying, and merciful?
Bee here:
TJM: Of course! How foolish of me!
Actually, if you saw the article from the Tribune, the emphasis is on what could be thought of as "accompaniment."
Quotes from the article:
One Fr. O'Donnell: "I think that for individuals and families, it really gives the sense of comfort and peace to know in this moment they’re not alone,”...“When the anointing of the sick is celebrated, the church is present to that person at that moment.”
Again, Fr. O'Donnell: “I think it is Cardinal (Blase) Cupich’s commitment to making sure that to people who are in a very vulnerable state of their life that they can be shown that they are not alone,...”
And Bishop Perry: “In our Catholic tradition, to have the last rites is a privilege and a deep desire for a person to make their peace with God before they meet God,...”
So this is the theology they communicated to the secular world. Who knows what they really believe. One thing I do know, the priests from St. John Cantius know what they are doing and will administer the sacrament to achieve the sanctifying grace it is meant to bestow, according to the will of God.
Truth be told, in that moment, I wouldn't need to be "accompanied." I would need absolution for my sins and communion with Christ, so that I might gain eternal life. It's the last hope for the dying. But I guess they wouldn't want to say that out loud, now would they. Someone might be offended.
God bless.
Bee
Bee,
Beautiful. You mentioned at the end the most serious sin in modern "Catholicism" the sin of offending! A way one street I might add. If one offends faithful Catholics, that is fine and dandy. I will be with you spiritually tonight because I am watching Maundy Thursday Mass at St. John Cantius, the finest and truest Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago!
Bee,
Thank God for modern technology. I was able to watch St. John Cantius yesterday for the Maundy Thursday Mass and the Passion this afternoon. How I miss that wonderful place.
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