Journal
1202 L Tue 4 Dec 2001
The first reading today is Isaiah 11:1-10 a prophecy of about a descendent of Jesse, father of David.
The words in verse 2 seem to be the basis of the words spoken in the Sacrament of Confirmation, taking from the Catechism:
1299. In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:
All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.[OC 25.]
Yesterday I was delighted to learn that Cardinal George had been elected Chairman of the United States Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy. I have a very high opinion of him. He visited Melbourne in 2000 and I heard him give the Helder Camara lecture. He blessed Catholic Theological College and spoke at the chapel at the seminary at Corpus Christi College. He seems to have a good understanding of the importance improving the way liturgy is done. Earlier this year he gave the Lenten retreat for the Pope, a role Cardinal Wojtyla had with Pope Paul VI before his election to the papacy.
I have added a page about Cardinal George becoming BCL chairman.
Copyright J.R. Lilburne, 4 December 2001.