From left to right:
William J. Schuch, Bridget Mary Meehan
Dr. Anthony Padavano at St.
Andrew Church at Catholic Assembly
Southwest Florida Catholic Assembly Meets in Sarasota, Florida: Speaker Theologian Anthony Padavona
(Summary from my notes)
On March 20, 2010, about 200 people attended the Southwest Florida Catholic Assembly at St. Andrew United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida. Theologian Anthony Padavano spoke on “Keeping Hope Alive in a Church in Crisis.
Dr. Padavano gave an overview of the impact of Vatican 11. He noted that in the first millennium, the Councils of the Church focused on Christ, the second millennium shifted its focus to the development of the church as institution, climaxing with the teaching on papal infallibility in Vatican 1. Vatican 11 focused on listening to the Spirit.
Dr. Padavona made the point that the young people today view the institutional church as they would the Queen of England, a Victorian Aunt or a beloved Grandmother. Beloved, but quaint! Why would you hurt them? Why would you hear them? In other words, they are part of our heritage, but have no influence on how one lives life in the world today.
(Summary from my notes)
On March 20, 2010, about 200 people attended the Southwest Florida Catholic Assembly at St. Andrew United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida. Theologian Anthony Padavano spoke on “Keeping Hope Alive in a Church in Crisis.
Dr. Padavano gave an overview of the impact of Vatican 11. He noted that in the first millennium, the Councils of the Church focused on Christ, the second millennium shifted its focus to the development of the church as institution, climaxing with the teaching on papal infallibility in Vatican 1. Vatican 11 focused on listening to the Spirit.
Dr. Padavona made the point that the young people today view the institutional church as they would the Queen of England, a Victorian Aunt or a beloved Grandmother. Beloved, but quaint! Why would you hurt them? Why would you hear them? In other words, they are part of our heritage, but have no influence on how one lives life in the world today.
In addition, Dr. Padavano pointed out that the Decree on the Liturgy had lasting impact on the church’s worship. The language moved from Latin to the vernacular. The priest faced the people, not the altar. People became active participants. Now in our contemporary church, there is a conflict about a change in the words used in the Eucharistic Prayers. This has caused a major controversy that would not have happened if this had occurred before Vatican 11. it shows how much the spirit of Vatican 11 has influenced the people of God, who see themselves as the church.
Another major decree that has changed the way Catholics interact with the world and others religons is the the Decree on Ecumenism. Ths document affirmed the sacred in other religions and opened the church to dialogue with other Christian traditions as well as non-Christian communities. This led to popes visiting synagogues and mosques in our time.
Another major decree that has changed the way Catholics interact with the world and others religons is the the Decree on Ecumenism. Ths document affirmed the sacred in other religions and opened the church to dialogue with other Christian traditions as well as non-Christian communities. This led to popes visiting synagogues and mosques in our time.
Vatican 11, did not produce dogmas, or infallible statements. All documents were approved by a significant majority and the Pope was not present when the decisions were made that changed the direction of the church.
Dr. Padavano reminded the audience that the teaching of the magisterium is official and true on occasion until tested by the sensus fidelium. The two infallible pronouncements of the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception did not send people out of the church, but the ban on artificial birth control certainly destroyed the church’s credibility with Catholics in the pew. 90% of Catholics who divorce and remarry do not follow the teaching on divorce and remarriage. They do not get an annulment. The Vatican has no control over people’s lives. They follow their consciences.
Dr. Padavano reminded the audience that the teaching of the magisterium is official and true on occasion until tested by the sensus fidelium. The two infallible pronouncements of the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception did not send people out of the church, but the ban on artificial birth control certainly destroyed the church’s credibility with Catholics in the pew. 90% of Catholics who divorce and remarry do not follow the teaching on divorce and remarriage. They do not get an annulment. The Vatican has no control over people’s lives. They follow their consciences.
The four things that foster hope in a church in crisis:
Conscience is one of the most significant teachings of Vatican 11. The law of conscience is God’s voice that speaks within us. Pope Benedict, when he was Joseph Ratzinger, a Vatican 11 theologian taught that “over the pope, there stands one’s own conscience which must be obeyed even against ecclesiastical authority. “
1. Companionship. Friendship with someone whom we can share our struggles. Dr. Padavano quoted Newman. “the worst of all demons is the element of perfection that keeps us from accepting myself. “
2. Vision. What we want of the institutional church is a partner and contributor. We don’t need the institutional church to validate us, but to let go of me and get out of the way of reform.
3. Witness. Our witness is not about pope or hierarchy, but about what gives meaning to our lives. It is about loyalty to Christ and living in a compassionate community which spurs us to be steadfast and strong.
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