1st International Conference of English Speaking Clergy Successfully Met in Rome
January 21, 2010
ROME (MetroCatholic) – Over eighty priests and several deacons gathered for the first “Annual International Conference of English Speaking Clergy” in Rome jointly sponsored by the Australian and the American Confraternities of Catholic Clergy the week of January 4th – 8th in response to Pope Benedict’s designation of the YEAR FOR PRIESTS. This historic gathering held at the Vatican at Domus Sanctae Marthae (the residence of the Cardinals during a papal conclave). Speakers included Msgr. Guido Marini (Papal Master of Ceremonies), Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, CO (Congregation of Divine Worship), Fr. Timothy Finigan (Hermeneutic of Continuity blogger), Fr. Paul Murray, OP (Professor at the Angelicum), Fr. Robert Dodaro, OSA (Professor at the Augustinianum), Fr. Joseph Carola, SJ (Professor from the Gregorianum), Msgr. Hans Feichtinger (CDF, aka the Holy Office), Fr. Paul Gunter, OSB (Professor at San Anselmo), all given at the Teutonic College in Vatican City.
Each day magnificent music and singing were provided by the Lassus Scholars who performed Palestrina, Mozart, Haydn, et al. for Solemn Vespers and for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (both Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite). Main Celebrants and Preachers included their Eminences Dario Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos and Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera; their Graces Archbishop Joseph Augustus Di Noia, OP and Archbishop Raymond Burke. These took place at the Vatican (St. Peter’s Basilica), Basilica of St. John Lateran, Sanctissima Trinita dei Pellegrini and at Santa Maria in Trastevere. American and Australian clergy were accompanied by their Irish, Scottish and British colleagues who formed their own regional Confraternity during this recent conference. The highlight of the week was the Papal Mass on Epiphany at St. Peter’s where several members were able to help distribute Holy Communion. Participants also publicly renewed their consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The ACCC and CCC were established over a quarter century ago in response to Vatican II (Presbyterorum Ordinis), which strongly urged the creation of associations of clergy to foster ongoing spiritual, theological, pastoral and human formation in a fraternal context. This was further encouraged by the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests. With over a thousand members combined worldwide, both confraternities espouse and encourage fidelity, loyalty and obedience to the Magisterium and Roman Pontiff under the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of Priests. The primary work of the Confraternity is three-fold: annual national conference, monthly chapter meetings, publication of journal/newsletter.
Father John Walshe (ACCC) and Father John Trigilio, Jr. (CCC), Australian and American heads of their respective confraternities deemed the joint international gathering a complete success. Being together as brothers in Holy Orders, speaking the same language and spending quality time for a week of prayer, worship, study, and fraternity, is priceless. Those in attendance voted to reconvene every five years for future international conferences in Rome, just as bishops from around the world gather for their quinquennial ad limina visits to the Holy See.
The fraternal esprit de corps of this conference truly reflected the ethos of the YEAR FOR PRIESTS. Just being in the Pope’s backyard, so to speak, made it a most memorable and cherished experience for all who participated. Talks centered on the nature and purpose of the priesthood, especially in terms of the sacred liturgy. Celebrating reverent and authentic Catholic worship is the keystone to sacerdotal ministry. Lex orandi, lex credendi further impels ordained clergy to ensure that accurate translations of the liturgical text are used and authorized actions and gestures employed according to the official rubrics so as to promote and sustain sound, orthodox doctrine among the Christian faithful.
All the English-speaking clergy of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain expressed their profound thanks and gratitude to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for establishing the Year for Priests, for his priestly zeal and example and to Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, Secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy, for his regular letters of encouragement to the priests of the world.
Any and all Catholic deacons and priests in good standing are eligible for membership in the CCC and religious and lay faithful can also join as associate members to share in the spiritual benefits as well as giving support to their beloved clergy. Please go to www.catholic-clergy.org or contact catholic-clergy@gmail.com for more information.
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