This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Blessed Pope John XX111 and the coronation of Venerable Pope Paul V1 (the last so-called coronation of a Pope).
Pope Paul is vilified today by some in the Catholic Church because of the Missal which he promulgated, and still by others because of Humanae Vitae. He is called "weak", "confused" and is regarded by some as something approaching a monster. There is a certain hysteria about some of these criticisms as well as a lack of human understanding and compassion. Paul V1 was certainly a man who suffered for the sake of the Church. He was an intellectual and a deeply spiritual man which means that he spent a great deal of time both thinking and praying about his decisions. It is well known that he agonized over the attempt to change the Church's teaching on contraception - an attempt he bravely rejected. The liturgical changes that came after Vatican 11 still cause controversy. It does seem that he was too trusting towards certain individuals but his famous comment in 1972 that "the Smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary", according to Archbishop Noe, was a reaction to the way some bishops and priests were using the Missal - in other words, a reaction against abuses in the Liturgy.
There is more to be said about this courageous warrior of God (my description), and I will post more later.
For now, here is a very interesting Vatican radio presentation from Veronica Scarisbrick;
Fr John
ReplyDeleteI too have a great admiration for Pope Paul VI. I have been pondering over the last few months the thought that there might be a specifically charismatic character to at least two of Pope Paul's actions. The first, as you observe, is the publication of Humanae Vitae. As I re-read the early paragraphs I have a real sense of Pope Paul having a recourse to the gift of his office as Successor of St Peter. The second is the proclamation of the title of Mary as Mother of the Church - when, so far as I can tell from the reading available to me, the fathers of the Council had determined not to do so. If anyone knows an authoritative biography of Paul VI, I would be grateful to hear of it.
Thanks Joe. I also read that about the Marian title. I also read that being persuaded to go along with what was eventually called the Missa Normativa he nevertheless fought the liturgical reformers over the Offertory. As we know it became the "Preparation of the Gifts". Pope Paul was not happy with this and insisted that it should still be called the "Offertory". As we can see, in 1972, he was not happy with developments in the celebration of the Mass, even saying that Satan had a hand in what was happening. he also wrote a beautiful document on the Eucharist against some of the theories some theologians were trying to present against transubstantiation.
ReplyDeleteFather,
ReplyDeleteMany are familiar with the simple tomb of Paul VI in the Vatican grottoes, but are unaware of the magnificent monument that was raised to his memory at the Duomo Nuevo in Brescia.
The gilt bronze image vividly expresses the enormous burden which he carried on his shoulders (as you say in your post), supported by cross, the axis on which the world turns.
http://www.diocesi.brescia.it/diocesi/notizie/cattedrale/monumento_paolo_vi.php
Joe,
I don't think there are many biographies on Paul VI in English. Peter Hebblethwaite, despite his reputation for opposing Paul VI on key issues, wrote a sympathetic biography which I think is well worth reading.
I have ordered an old biography - written before the Pope's death - by Alden Hatch. I have deliberately avoided Hebblethwaite but may take a look at it.
DeleteI have the Alden Hatch, which I enjoyed reading. And have avoided the Peter Hebblethwaite so far. Perhaps I will have to look at the Hebblethwaite, too ...
ReplyDeleteI've not read Hatch's, but one can sense the white martyrdom of Paul VI in the pages of Hebblethwaite's book. Given the author's reputation I too was reluctant to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised when I did, after I found it in my local library. The author's well known bias inevitably influences his interpretation at times, but one can easily see past that.
ReplyDeleteFather Abberton,
ReplyDeleteI have delayed responding to this entry as I have been dipping in and out of a book called "From some Fissure --- The real story behind Pope Paul VI" by David Martin.
It offers a perspective of Pope Paul VI and the time at the end of Vatican II. One interesting part was that Pope John apparently cried out just before he died "Stop the Council" but this was never disclosed and this might well have affected Pope Paul's thinking in his role.at the time and the pressure he was under then and later as the Council progressed.
If you have come across this book, I would be interested in your thoughts.
Kevin P
Kevin, I bought that book and quickly tore it up and threw it in the trash. It is based on false revelations delivered at Bayside, New York. These things are false. There MAY be a grain of truth somewhere in that book but it is so overlaid with nonsense, misquotes, rumours and third hand stories that I quickly got annoyed with it. I recommend Alden Hatch's excellent book. It only goes up to 1967, but it is a very good read and presents a very careful picture of Paul VI. As for that stuff about John XXIII, it is rubbish.
ReplyDeleteFather Abberton,
DeleteHaving only read less than 10% I shall consign this book to the garbage bin also.
It is difficult at times to discern what is valuable at times, but your input is useful as always.
God bless you and I wish you a Blessed Christmas.
Kevin P
Thank you for writing a good article on Paul VI, I feel sad when I read harsh opinions about him.
ReplyDeleteI've read Pope Paul VI, Apostle for out time, by John Clancy. Good read.