Update: Dominican sister caught volunteering at abortion clinic censured by congregation

Last week I blogged about the outrageous episode of Dominican Sister Donna Quinn's volunteer work at an abortion clinic being exposed.

I urged AmP readers to take action and email her superior, Sr. Patricia Mulcahey, OP. No doubt in part because of your efforts, Sr. Mulcahey has now responded on behalf of her congregation:

From Pat Mulcahy, Prioress of the Sinsinaw Dominicans On Behalf of Council Members, Erica, Howard, Jo, Liz, Mary Ellen, Sue, Tere

Public Statement of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation

"Several months ago the leadership of the Sinsinawa Dominicans was informed that Sr. Donna Quinn, OP, acted as a volunteer escort at a Chicago area clinic that among other procedures, performs abortions.

After investigating the allegation, Congregation leaders have informed Sr. Donna that her actions are in violation of her profession as a Dominican religious. They regret that her actions have created controversy and resulted in public scandal. They are working with Sr. Donna to resolve the matter appropriately."

Congregation leaders offer the following statement on behalf of members of the Congregation:

"We as Sinsinawa Dominican women are called to proclaim the Gospel through the ministry of preaching and teaching to participate in the building of a holy and just society. As Dominican religious, we fully support the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the dignity and value of every human life from conception to natural death. We believe that abortion is an act of violence that destroys the life of the unborn. We do not engage in activity that witnesses to support of abortion."

This response is a start, but it is still lacking.

It is clear that the congregation and Sr. Mulcahey are under great pressure, otherwise they probably would never have taken any action against Sr. Donna. Consider Sr. Mulcahey's email response to LifeSiteNews when Sr. Donna's activities were first coming to light:

"[Sr. Mulcahey] in an email response to LSN that [Sr. Donna] sees her volunteer activity as "accompanying women who are verbally abused by protestors. Her stance is that if the protestors were not abusive, she would not be there.""

Evidently Sr. Mulcahey has since re-examined her insane defense of Sr. Donna's activities at an abortion clinic, but she still has to eliminate this sort of language from her new defense: "[Sr. Donna] acted as a volunteer escort at a Chicago area clinic that among other procedures, performs abortions."

... "among other procedures"?! This sort of verbal hedging about what goes on at abortion clinics is something I'm used to hearing from ... abortion clinic workers, not religious sisters!

Nonetheless, as I wrote, it's hard to imagine Sr. Donna ever being ordered to cease her scandalous activities unless someone paid attention, and you (and many others) had demanded that something be done about it. So well done, papists.

Now let us continue to pray for the conversion of these sisters' hearts.

Background: Abp. Di Noia asked dominicans for Anglican reunification prayers

This little note from Augustine Di Noia, OP (that's him in white - he was one of the most important prelates involved in the recent Anglican reunification news behind Cardinal Levada and the Pope himself) to his brother dominican friars back in the United States reveals the beautiful mutual-uplifting of prayers that permeated the Vatican's proceedings:

"Today there was announced -- at press conferences in Rome and London -- the forthcoming publication of an apostolic constitution in which the Holy Father allows for the creation of personal ordinariates for groups of Anglicans in different parts of the world who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. The canonical structure of the personal ordinariate will permit this corporate reunion while at the same time providing for retention of elements of Anglican liturgy and spirituality.

When I asked the Friars (and other OPs - Ed.) to pray the Dominican litany from 22 February to 25 March earlier this year, the intention was that this proposal would receive the approval of the cardinal members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which was necessary if the proposal of some structure allowing for corporate reunion was to go forward. Our prayers at that time were answered, and now that the proposal has become a reality we can tell everyone what we were praying for then.

Context provided at the Dominican Friars' St. Joseph (East Coast) Province Blog.

I was honored to attend Di Noia's Mass of episcopal ordination back in July.

Rumor: Di Noia is moving, but not state-side

Earlier this week I reported on rumors that Augustine Di Noia, O.P. might be elevated to become the next bishop of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Now it appears (and my sources are confirming) that Di Noia is indeed due for a move ... but only across the street. It is speculated that this announcement will be made sometime this week.

He will become the new secretary of the CDWDS (the #2 spot), a "bump upstairs" from his current position as undersecretary of the CDF (the #3 spot), taking over Abp. Ranjith's CDWDS position (who is expected to become Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka).

Di Noia, of course, will be elevated to the dignity of Archbishop as part of this move.

Whispers has more, and predicts this curial shake-up next:

"Among other top Curial posts slated to shift over the coming weeks are the presidencies of the Pontifical Councils for Christian Unity and Justice and Peace, where Cardinals Walter Kasper and Renato Martino have both long passed the retirement age of 75."

This is turning into a very interesting summer.

Odd, when I spent some time with Rev. Di Noia a month-and-a-half or so ago he didn't mention this plan to me. But then again, he was more occupied with congratulating his state-side brothers on their recent achievement.

What seminarians are reading: "Hidden Enemies of the Priesthood"

The author, I'm proud to say, is a teacher of mine.

From the Dominican Friars blog:

"If you want to know what seminarians are reading in their spare time these days, one needs to look at a book by Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. — a professor of Moral and Spiritual Theology at the Dominican House of Studies. His recent book The Hidden Enemies of the Priesthood has become something of a rage among seminarians around the country.

Recently, when preaching a retreat for seminarians from all over the country, Fr. Basil learned that many of them were not only reading but recommending to each other his book. He later learned that the former Archbishop of St. Louis, Raymond Burke, purchased and distributed copies for every seminarian in his Archdiocese. The publisher’s first printing of the book ran out some time ago, and it seems the second will do the same. In addition, Dr. Jeff Mirus of CatholicCulture.org gave a very favorable review of the book."

Br. James Brent, OP conducted a helpful interview with Fr. Cole, which I recommend reading. A sample:

What are some of the enemies of the priesthood that you discuss in the book?

Fr. Basil: Two major enemies come to mind: ignorance of the dignity of the gift of priesthood, and pride as the queen of the seven capital vices. Most spiritual authors and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teach there are only seven capital vices. Thomas teaches that the seven are lieutenants of the queen. Ignorance of the Queen as the “anti-form” (my terminology) of the vices tends to obscure the deepest enemy of the priest. He may think one or other is his problem but the real problem for all is pride, which governs as it were the other vices.

What are some of the remedies for these ills that you discuss?

Fr. Basil: Contemplation, humility, the prayer of petition done with humility, patience and persistence,together with mercy toward one’s peers and formators.

Read up, young men, and be assured of our prayers!

Picture: Pope Benedict Waving to Dominicans

Fr. Benedict Croell, OP: "Our Holy Father passing by in front of the Angelicum waving to the Dominicans on his way to a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napalitano at Palazzo del Quiranale."

This seemed like an appropriate picture to accompany my admission that homework for the Dominicans has taken the place of blogging this weekend. Monday is a new day so check back then!

Sacramento v. Dominicans

CanonLawBlog.com:

The Diocese of Sacramento is suing the Western Province of the Dominicans for payment of what the diocese asserts is the religious order's fair share of a civil judgment entered against the diocese in regard to a sexual misconduct case involving a Dominican priest then working in the diocese. (More)

Fr Aidan Nichols lays out plan to save Catholic Church in England

Damian Thompson of the UK Telegraph reports:

The Domican theologian Fr Aidan Nichols – Holy Smoke readers’ choice to succeed Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor at Westminster – has just published an ambitious plan to revive the wretchedly moribund English Catholic Church.

His new book The Realm: An Unfashionable Essay on the Conversion of England suggests that the bishops should vigorously convert people to Roman Catholicism. I can already hear the snooty splutters ("How reactionary! How inappropriate!") from the episcopal HQ at Eccleston Square, various bossy "trained liturgists" – and, of course, the Bitter Pill.

Now there's a novel idea. The Church? Evangelize?! How scandalous.

The title doesn't appear to be available in the U.S. at present. UK orders for now.

Dominican Leaders rebuke problematic proposal of Dutch Dominicans

Dominicans in The Netherlands (which today made AmP news for having one its chapels converted into a "modern and stylish apartment") today received a firm rebuke from their leaders in Rome:

World leaders of the Dominican order have issued a correction to three Dutch Dominican theologians who issued a popular pamphlet arguing that parish communities could celebrate the Eucharist without a priest, the French newspaper La Croix reporters.

The Dominican officials criticize the Dutch theologians for promoting views that contradict fundamental Church doctrines, according to La Croix. But the report issued from Rome stops short of disciplinary action against the theologians involved in the Dutch pamphlet.

... The report from Rome, dated January 23, does not call for disciplinary action against the Dominicans responsible for the pamphlet. But it directs the Dutch Dominicans to publicize the response in all the parishes where the original pamphlet was circulated last year-- as many as 1,500 parishes.

Personally, I wish these sort of disputes were settled the way things were done back at the University of Paris in the 13th century - public debate between chosen masters where they would employ their best arguments.

Or, in place of that, a cage match with hard-bound copies of the Summa.

The final paragraph leaves something to be desired, however:

The author of the Roman response, the French Dominican Hervé Legrand, does express some sympathy for the Dutch Dominican theologians on one issue: the question of priestly celibacy. On that issue "there must be a debate," the document says, noting that "the current situation for priests is not the only one possible."

Actually, the current situation for priests *is* the only one possible in the Roman rite.

But at least this is some progress.

Now to address the far more serious causes of the vocations crisis in Europe....

To provide an informative counter-point on this issue and related ones, see In the Light of the Law today:

In the course of answering some questions about "presiders" at liturgies, Fr. Edward McNamara, LC, made an interesting, but I think controvertible, statement: "Only an ordained minister can, strictly speaking, preside at any liturgical act." That sounds inconsistent with the language used in several authoritative sources.

...

Obviously [well, not to some Dominicans in The Netherlands. - AmP], certain liturgies can only be presided over by the ordained [i.e., Mass! - AmP]. Even in those liturgies that can be led by laity, however, ordained presiders, being more closely configured to Christ the High Priest, bring to their role a greater disposition for liturgical ministry, they offer a more perfect sign of our communion with one another under a hierarchic governance, and they are usually permitted a greater degree of solemnity in the celebration of the liturgy than are lay celebrants.

[Read the rest.]

Hint: The Book of Blessings!

Exclusive: Advance photos and summary of Dominican diaconate ordination

As I mentioned previously, this past Saturday I was able to attend an ordination of seven Dominican friars to the transitional diaconate. The Mass was held in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception here in DC, and was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus of Louisville, Thomas Kelly, O.P.

Here is a picture of the seven newly-ordained deacons (vested in gold).

Here is a photo of the ordination Mass taken by a professional photographer:

And here is a Flickr set of 20 more pictures of the event which capture it well. (Just to be cruel, I'm barely visible in one of the pictures. Props to the first person to spot me, that is, if Where's Waldo? is your idea of fun.)

Anyway, as you can see from the photos, it was a beautiful and reverent celebration.

The first reading was very appropriate considering the fact that there were seven candidates, viz., Acts Chapter 6:1-7, which tells the story of the first seven deacons to be ordained by the apostles in the early church.

My favorite off-the-cuff moment took place after the solemn presentation and election of the candidates. Once Fr. John Langlois, the Student Master of the Dominican House of Studies had read the names of the seven candidates and declared them fit for ordination, and Abp. Kelly had recited the formula acceptance and acknowledgement, he went on to add, "So John, really - are they ready?". Fr. Langois was quick to respond, "Oh yes, they are."

Abp. Kelly went on to say that, having lived in the community of Dominican friars at the Priory of the Immaculate Conception for many months, he would happily vouch personally for each one of the candidates.

And in related news, their new $18M Academic Center and Theological Library is quickly taking shape:

The roof panels have since arrived and are now being fitted to the visible steel lattice work.

update: The Dominican Friars now have another slideshow of images available for viewing.

[photo credit: Kristian Grabosky, All Rights Reserved.]

[photo credit: Dominican Vocations Blog, All Rights Reserved.]

Attending a Dominican transitional diaconate ordination at the Basilica today

From the Dominican Friars vocations blog:

On Saturday, January 12, seven of our brothers will be ordained to the Diaconate at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The program for the ordination Mass is available by clicking here [PDF]. The brothers to be ordained are: Br. Peter Hoàng Ðo, O.P., John Son Thanh Hoàng, O.P, Br. John Gregory Schnakenberg, O.P., Br. Vinod Bruno Mary Shah, O.P., Br. Joseph Anthony Giambrone, O.P., Br. Jacob Thomas Petri, O.P., and Br. Jonah Francis Pollock, O.P. Please pray for these brothers as they prepare for their ordination.

The announcement graphic:

I certainly can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning!

Please keep these men in your prayers today.

Video: 1964 Dominican Vocations Film

What better way to start your day?

Some of these clips were filmed at the Dominican House of Studies, where I attend classes and work now:



Excerpts from "And the world looks at us", a 1964 Dominican Province of Saint Joseph vocation film written by Fr. Dominic Rover, O.P., and narrated by Dana Elcar. The original film was 28 min in length. The scenes included here were filmed at St. Stephen Priory in Dover, MA, the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C., and St. Dominic Church, Washington, D.C. From the archives of the Dominican Theological Library at the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C. - DHS Priory YouTube Channel

Of course, this isn't just history.

Advent with the Dominican Friars: Part Two

As I menioned before, the Dominican Friars in Washington DC are producing a series of articles and videos entitled "The Mystery of Advent" to help us prepare for Christmas.

If you missed it, the first week reflections are here.

Now, the second written reflection and the accompanying video reflection by Br. Anthony Giambrone, O.P. are available on the Dominican Friars blog here.

Video: Advent with the Dominican Friars: Part One (The Meaning of Advent)

Catholic Exchange introduces this video (I blogged about the same story here):

Welcome to the video portion of Catholic Exchange's new free Advent study, "Renewing the Mystery of Advent", produced by a team of Dominican Friars from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and St. Vincent Church and Priory in New York City. Each week on Thursday we will feature front-page article along with a video presentation by Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, a Dominican Friar of the Province of St. Joseph.

You can watch or download the video at the Dominican friars blog. The accompanying article is here.

Advent with the Dominican Friars: Part One (The Meaning of Advent)

As blogged last week, the Dominican Friars in Washington DC are producing a series of articles and videos entitled "The Mystery of Advent" to help us prepare for Christmas.

Today the first reflection was posted on Catholic Exchange (with video to follow shortly) by Br. John Chrysostom Kozlowski, O.P. Do take a moment and read:

"Once again Advent is upon us. Our churches will be draped in purple; our priests will wear violet vestments; the Advent wreath will be blessed and lit; "O come, O come Emmanuel" will be sung as we begin the time of preparation for our Lord's coming.

Once again Advent is upon us. Our lives will be swept up in a whirlwind of chaos; we will have to find that perfect present; we will attend any number of pre-Christmas Christmas parties. Our ears will be bombarded with Christmas songs everywhere we go as we begin a three week celebration of Our Lord and Savior's birth.

Which of these images come closer to our experience of Advent? For most of us, the second scenario is probably closer to reality. For most of us, Advent is lived as a time of early celebration of Christmas rather than as spiritual preparation for Christmas. We do not need to celebrate Christmas early because the Church gives us the Octave of Christmas, the Church's eight day celebration of Christmas.

However, all too often, Advent becomes a time for pre-Christmas Christmas celebrations and no one has the energy for eight days of celebration when Christmas comes. When that happens, the distinctive purpose of the Advent season becomes lost and forgotten. Of course, some of us will have office parties and family events that take place before Christmas and it would be in poor taste not to participate. Yet, with some effort, we can reclaim the true meaning of Advent.

[Read the full meditation.]

A truly excellent practical help:

"We promised to offer not only theological but practical points for this period of intense training. Now, there are a number of fine Advent traditions that can help individuals and families prepare. There is the family Advent wreath, the displaying of a nativity scene without the Christ-child until Christmas, and various sorts of meditations that go with these. Advent is a great time for individuals and families to start praying the Rosary — especially the Joyful Mysteries. But when we keep in mind how busy everyone is during this season, there is one Advent practice in particular that we commend to everyone. It is quick and easily carried out by even the busiest shoppers.

The method is to print out a copy of the two prefaces of Advent (they are available here as a .pdf file), and take just one minute a day to read and ponder the appropriate preface — personally praying the first preface during the first part of Advent and the second preface during the second part of Advent. Those who want to make a greater effort to reclaim the meaning of Advent might consider taking a minute to read and meditate upon the appropriate preface before each and every trip to a mall, a store, or a pre-Christmas Christmas party. In this way, the true meaning of Advent will remain with us even during this chaotic time of the year."

To learn more about the Dominican Friars, visit their vocations blog here.

Spend this Advent with the Dominican Friars preparing for Christmas

Here's an exciting offering from the Dominican Friars in collaboration with Catholic Exchange.

Tom Allen, president of Catholic Exchange, explains:

Free Advent Study on the Way!

Realizing that our Christmas joy is in direct proportion to our Advent preparation, we are very excited about sharing with you a free Advent study, consisting of both written materials (downloadable and printable for your convenience) and videos. This series of articles and videos is entitled "The Mystery of Advent."

The "Mystery of Advent" is being produced by a team of Dominican Friars from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and St. Vincent Church and Priory in New York City. Several of their brothers have become regular contributors to Catholic Exchange, sharing with us the treasures of their in-depth Scripture study and prayerful meditation.

More details from the Dominican Friars Student blog:

Every year Christians bemoan how the true meaning of Christmas gets lost from view in our society. In the midst of December’s consumerist frenzy and politically correct greetings, how does one put Christ back in Christmas?

The Church has a powerful response to the secularization of Christmas. The response is Advent.

The Advent season, when lived to its depths, prepares the heart and mind to celebrate Christ at Christmas. The more consciously Christians enter into what Advent offers, the greater will be their Christmas joy.

[We] are offering a series of articles and videos - titled “The Mystery of Advent."

The series consists of one article and one short video for each week of Advent. The articles will cover the readings and liturgy for each Sunday of Advent, and will appear on the homepage of Catholic Exchange the Thursday before each Sunday. The articles are designed to help one prepare spiritually for the upcoming Sunday Mass. The first article appears on Thursday, November 29. The videos will provide Dominican preaching on the meaning of each Advent week, and will appear each week on the homepage of Catholic Exchange.

We Friars invite everyone to join us this Advent in preparing the way for Christ at Christmas.

[Visiting their blog and bookmarking their RSS feed is an easy way to make that happen.]

I consider this is an excellent instance of using modern technology to meet the special spiritual needs of Catholics during this busy holiday season. I suggest we take the Dominican Friars up on their generous offer!