Brendan O’ReganAll eyes were on Rome this week
It was a day of four Popes! Two living Popes were involved in the canonisation of two deceased Popes… did we ever think we’d see such a thing?
Last Sunday morning’s schedules on RTÉ 1 and EWTN in particular were dominated by comprehensive coverage of the ceremonies in Rome, and what an event it was. Among the highlights for me were seeing some of those who had experienced the miracles, the wonderful choral music, the fine images of the new saints hanging from the balcony of St Peter’s, the generous words of Pope Frances and the sight of so many enthusiastic people of all ages and nationalities. RTÉ’s commentary from Fr Dermod McCarthy and Mary Kennedy was well informed and graceful.
Some of the media commentary leading up to the event was predictable enough – John XXIII a liberal icon opening the windows of the Church, John Paul II shutting the windows, rushed into sainthood and increasingly defined by what are seen as his failures or inadequacies on dealing with clerical child abuse, and finally Pope Francis pulling a smart move by adding John XXIII to ‘the ticket’ to balance a liberal with a conservative.
Such characterisations are, I think, unfair to all three.
Sanctity
On last Friday’s Morning Ireland there was a very positive item about young Catholics marking the canonisations by walking from Dublin to Clonmacnois. They spoke with reporter Louise Byrne on their Pilgrim Walk and their enthusiasm for the Faith was inspiring. Many credited John Paul or initiatives inspired by him for their commitment to Catholicism. Earlier on that show Fr Vincent Twomey reflected on this “quite extraordinary” event, stressing the “heroic sanctity” of the men.
On the handling of clerical child abuse, he thought criticisms of John Paul were unfair but did also point out that just because he was being canonised didn’t mean that everything he did was being canonised with him.
Later that morning, on Today With Sean O’Rourke, Vatican journalist Gerard O’Connell pointed out how both Popes had rebuilt good relations with the Jewish community and were recognised as bridge builders by all the other mainstreams religions.
That evening’s God Slot, RTÉ Radio 1, took up the topic, and sadly not only was this was the last programme of the season, it also marked the retirement of innovative producer Gerry McArdle from RTÉ. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about the final show – for balance, I thought they might have had at least one Catholic enthusiastic about the canonisations!
Models of faith
Mark Patrick Hederman, Abbot of Glenstal Abbey, thought the Popes of his lifetime were “pretty admirable people”, but thought the canonisation business was “absolutely ludicrous” and the related miracles issue “nonsense”. He thought that John Paul II’s 1979 visit to the young people of Ireland in Galway was like a rock concert, and that the young people there “didn’t listen to one word he was saying”. Talk about sweeping generalisations!
Fr Jim Corkery SJ wasn’t very enthusiastic about the event either, and wasn’t sure if he’d be watching the coverage. He thought the canonisation of John Paul was rushed, and that he was ‘monarchical and authoritarian’. He did like the idea of saints, however, and quoted Karl Rahner’s idea that saints put a face on holiness.
Broadcaster Ruth Buchanan gave an Anglican perspective and was much more positive. She thought the canonisations were a ‘nice gesture’, thought most Catholics were happy about it and didn’t find the process rushed considering the stature of the men and the fast pace of modern life. Dr Andrew Pierce from the Irish School of Ecumenics at TCD, another Anglican, thought it ‘a fascinating business’ that provided role models of faith and sanctity.
Measured
Last Sunday evening on RTÉ 1 New Saints – A Beyond Belief Special took a reflective look at the canonisations, and this time opinions were more diverse and balanced. Abbot Hederman was involved again, wanting “as many saints as possible” and stressing that miracles were God working through holy people.
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson was quite enthusiastic and spoke of the pioneering ecumenical work of both Popes, Baroness Nuala O’Loan was thoughtful and measured, Bishop John Fleming of Killala spoke positively of personal encounters with John Paul II, while Siobhán Bradley of Catholic Comment and Gráinne Clarke of All Hallows also had interesting contributions.
A good show, though the invited audience was rather redundant.
Pick of the Week
WORLD OVER LIVE, THE (ENCORE)
EWTN Sun May 4, 6 pm (also Mon 9.30 am)
Insights and updates regarding the canonisations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, with George Weigel, Peggy Noonan, and Fr Robert Barron.
THE MEANING OF LIFE WITH GAY BYRNE
RTÉ1 Sun May 4,
10.35 pm
New series. A very revealing interview with Majella OíDonnell.
THE NEW EVANGELISATION
EWTN Wed May 7, 2.30 pm
Post-Vatican II: A time of confusion and turmoil ñ with Dr Ralph Martin and Dr Scott Hahn.