.....er....accountant?.......civil servant?......or, maybe, travel agent?
The Heythrop website (from whence came the photograph) may be viewed HERE
No. This man is the Principal of a 'Catholic'* College of Higher Education.
Good. So what?
Well, he is also a priest......a what?????.......yes, he is a priest, not just any old priest but a Jesuit priest and not just any old Jesuit Priest but the ex Provincial Superior of the British Jesuits.
Yet there is no dog clerical collar around his neck.
Does that send a message would you think?
What does it say?
1. I am a modern priest who does not regard the wearing of a starched collar as having anything to do with my priestly ministry.
2. As a Principal I have to show my staff and students that I am prepared to tackle academic and secular issues without letting my vocation get in the way.
3. I do as I please. I like to be one of the boys and wearing this collar and tie does not constitute a barrier to people approaching me.
In reality it could be one or all of the above or, possibly, Father Principal Holman has another reason.
If so, it would be good to hear it, we are nothing if not even handed on the Hedgerow.
Of course, I should have known better because when I checked on the Jesuit website for the UK, most of the priests (?) appeared in casual mode.
I dislike wearing a suit and tie myself but, when I am on business or attending a function, I do so (religiously).
Priests are rarely off duty and although I believe that there must be some let up from wearing the collar at times of private socialising, they should wear the uniform of Christ for most of the time, especially if they are in public or have a public role to play.
* Strictly speaking Heythrop ceased to be 'Catholic' in 1971 when it was assumed into the arms of the University of London, but it still has Catholicism as its focus although, one might question......that...dare I say it?....... is it Sushi Catholicism?
That is, you pick up the bits that you fancy and let the conveyor belt take care of the miso soup.
And the British Jesuit one HERE
And if you have not yet nodded off you may read the blurb that the J's have on their site; if anyone can enlighten me as to what it means I would be forever grateful:-
Why should Jesuits engage in work with those who are poor and marginalised?
Because, as our recent General Congregation put it: “Our Mission
Direct services of those in need; social and cultural analysis; theological reflection on questions of injustice; and campaigning alongside others who strive to make our world a more just place – these are the elements of Jesuit Social Ministry, a fundamental aspect of the Society’s work.
Hmmm......I think that I may be developing Tourette's Syndrome.
Hmmm......I think that I may be developing Tourette's Syndrome.
Jesuits on the English Mission were disguised so as to be able to avoid the authorities who would imprison, torture and, after a show trial, have them put to death.Perhaps the disguise is in readiness for the next round of persecution!
ReplyDeletePriests in 'mufti' are missing an important point - walking the streets or halls of public buildings in their clericals is a ministry of presence ...
ReplyDeleteI will enlighten you Richard its pure twaddle!!
ReplyDeleteClerical garb is useful in evangelizing. How would we encourage young men to heed the Lord's call to the priesthood if priests are ashamed to look like priests? A priest is never off duty.
ReplyDeleteSome religious complain that "religious garb" puts a distance between them and the laity. And that it also means people often come up to them to talk about things.
ReplyDeleteThey don't seem to see that there's any link between these two points.
Thank you all.
ReplyDeletePatricius...perhaps that what the Jesuits need.
Fr Levi, Clinton and Felix - that is the point precisely.
Introibo - an intellectual analysis (but an excellent one).
Having come across at least one picture of a well known theologian by the name of Ratzinger in a white shirt and tie, I am not surprised when I see a European priest not wearing a collar. Seems to be a matter of a different culture.
ReplyDeleteJudging everything in the world through the lense of American perspective is an easy way to sit in judgement incorrectly.
Tim - many thanks. I, of course, look at the world through an English perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe Holy Father, at an earlier stage in his life, was, indeed, photographed in mufti but he was then in a liberal mode. He changed dramatically from being a liberal to being a traditionalist very quickly.