- 
Catechism Classes for Children in
Diocese of Reykjavík WYD 2011 www.madridwyd2011.com The Year for Priests 19 June 2009 – 11 June 2010 http://www.annussacerdotalis.org/  Addresses Cathedral Caring Images
THE
LOVE OF LIFE Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of the Nordic Countries Available in all Catholic churches and chapels in Iceland and also here |
News
Feb. 2010
Pastoral Letter of the Bishops’ Conference of the Nordic Countries
Concerning the Catechumenate and Reception into the Church
“Where is the entrance?” If someone needs to ask this question, the architect has made a mistake. Entrances need to be recognizable and inviting, unless one wants to keep away uninvited guests. What, then, about the entrance to the house of the Church, the entering of persons into the community of the faithful? Can the entrance be easily recognized, or must one enquire about it from someone? For centuries this did not pose a problem: becoming Christian and entering into the community of the faithful, the Church, took place through Baptism.
Faith is personally encountering Jesus Christ and becoming his disciple. Continuous effort is required in order to think as He thinks, to be of the same opinion as He, to live as He lived. St. Cyprian of Carthage was once asked, “What would you do to convince a person of Christianity?” He responded, “I would let him live with me for one year.”
What currently happens to those adults interested in the Christian and Catholic faith who are received into communion with the Church and who wish to enter into this home, the Church? This question is often posed by the people of the Nordic countries. Due to changes of Church and society, no longer are all children baptized as infants, as in some instances, parents want to let the children decide about matters of faith by themselves; in other instances, the parents themselves have left the Church. In our Nordic countries there is, however, a growing number of converts; that is, people originally from other Christian communities and Churches, who wish to become part of the Catholic Church.
For these adults, who are in search of the Church’s entrance, the Second Vatican Council has revived the way which had existed from almost the beginning of the long history of the Church: the Catechumenate. This Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, which came into effect in 1972, was meant especially for the “young Churches” of Africa and Latin America. Conversely in Europe, today often the only way to prepare for Baptism is by receiving private instruction from a priest. Fortunately, the catechesis for adults offers us in the Nordic countries an excellent opportunity to preach the Gospel to both those who are searching as well as to the parishes.
The Catechumenate is not a door to the Church, but rather a way, which should last for a sufficiently long time—according to experience, at least one year. Why is this? Being a Christian presupposes becoming a Christian; the decision to give oneself and one’s life to be governed by the Lord Jesus Christ requires development. It may be that people become interested in the Christian faith and, particularly, the Catholic Church after having experienced and participated in one of the great feasts of the liturgical year. The liturgy and communality have drawn them to the Church. Some have experienced God's closeness, which has lit a fire in the search and longing to proceed towards Him. These are good and important preconditions, although alone they are not enough for making the decision.
Additionally, one needs to settle one’s ideals, values, expectations and hopes for life. The relationship with God and Jesus Christ must grow and mature, deepen and be able to overcome challenges to the faith. To meet these ends, the Catechumenate offers different phases on the way to becoming a Christian, each of which is started solemnly with its own rite. The person feels a compelling force through the liturgy and catechesis, which results in a living and lasting growth into communion with the Church. Those who are baptized when being received into the Catechumenate are asked for example, “What do you ask of God's Church?” Answering this requires a process of reasoning and decision.
Later during the Catechumenate, the candidate is initiated into the Christian doctrine, he participates in the feasts of the liturgical year, and learns better and better to explain and understand the happenings of everyday life based on the Gospel. With this he naturally needs help, as one cannot be a Christian or become a Christian alone. Consequently, the way into the Church is always a way which is walked within a community. This community is found in the Catechumenate groups (they are the Church in miniature form). In addition to those who ask for Baptism or convert the groups also include some members of the parish, a priest and sponsors, who remain present with those being baptized.
Also, the liturgical feasts and the phases of the Catechumenate assist them on their way. For example, in one such celebration, those asking for Baptism are given the “Our Father” prayer, which they may pray with the parish henceforth. In this way, the baptismal candidate grows step by step, to take his place in the parish. The candidate learns that being Christian means also taking responsibility for the life of the parish, and giving one’s strengths and gifts to be used, in order that the parish be living and growing. The celebration of becoming Christian through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist forms the summit of the Catechumenate. However, the Catechumenate is not only a good opportunity for the baptized or converted to follow the path which leads into the Church; it also offers a great opportunity to the parish itself. As the sponsors accompany the candidates who go before the parish, questions are raised also about their respective Baptisms and belonging to the Church; each candidate questions his own faith and voluntarily asks to be baptized and to be received into communion with the Church. It then becomes clear that the Church does not only have a mission; it is the mission itself and it cannot relinquish the duty of acting accordingly.
The Catechumenate makes one sensitive to the task of this mission, which has been given to all Christians: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) When people come to us and ask, “How may I enter?” it is not enough that we guide them to priests or others working in pastoral tasks. Parishioners are also needed, who prepare the newcomer a kind and friendly reception, and are willing to share with him their own faith. This sharing enables the parishioners to strengthen their faith and renew their Baptism.
The practice of the Catechumenate with its rites and celebrations helps in its part to revive the sacramental signs and rites. There are plenty of these symbols and rites, especially in our Catholic liturgy. However, habit and obviousness accompany the danger that the meaning and meaningfulness of these holy rites is obscured. Supporting a person desiring Baptism or converting on the way of Catechumenate may itself become a catechesis for the parish, during which also active Catholics can regain the richness of liturgy and can be nourished by it. Here in the Nordic countries we are already using the Catechumenate in some parishes. Let us imagine that even more parishes would begin to take advantage of the Catechumenate and a larger amount of those asking for Baptism might grow in this manner on the way towards communion with the Church. Through this, what could change in our parishes? New groups would be formed, the members of the parish would have the possibility to again find their faith, the newly-baptised who are inspired by the Holy Spirit would commit actively to the parish, for example as catechists, lectors, etc. The responsibility for others would grow, as the members of the parish would be concretely responsible for the soon-to-be-baptized person in need of support. The consciousness of the mission of the parish and the whole Church would grow, and the connection between life and faith would become clearer. The parishes would gain a attractive and radiant power and, as a consequence, draw more people to themselves. In this manner, beginning the Catechumenate would aid the renewal of the whole parish.
We bishops wish to encourage all the faithful, priests, parish councils, pastoral councils and the councils of the different religious orders to discuss within themselves and ponder this: can a Catechumenate be founded in more parishes, and if so, how could it be done? We would like to encourage—maybe one step at a time—that the different phases and rites would be realized for the adults who are preparing for Baptism and for the reception into full communion with the Church.
We wish you God's blessings for the approaching Season of Lent.
+ Anders Arborelius OCD
Bishop of Stockholm
+ Czeslaw Kozon
Bishop of Copenhagen
+ Bernt Eidsvig Can.Reg.
Bishop of Oslo
Administrator of Trondheim
+ Peter Bürcher
Bishop of Reykjavik
+ Teemu Sippo SCJ
Bishop of Helsinki
+ Berislav Grgic
Bishop-Prelate of Tromsø
+ Gerhard Schwenzer SS.CC.
Bishop Emeritus of Oslo
Jan. 2010
Earthquake in Haiti: A Call for Prayer and Solidarity
Catholics
in Iceland, just like everyone here, have been following the news of
the many casualties that have occurred in Haiti and of the difficult
circumstances of the survivers. In union with
Bishop Karl Sigurbjörnsson, Bishop Peter Bürcher of Reykjavík Diocese, asks everybody to pray, to show solidarity with the people of Haiti and to remember those who have died in the earthquake.
On Thursday 21 Jan 2010 at 18:30 an ecumenical prayer service will be held in Christ the King Cathedral in Landakot. Bishop Peter asks that those who attend will also remember the people of Haiti in their prayers.
Bishop Karl Sigurbjörnsson, Bishop Peter Bürcher of Reykjavík Diocese, asks everybody to pray, to show solidarity with the people of Haiti and to remember those who have died in the earthquake.
On Thursday 21 Jan 2010 at 18:30 an ecumenical prayer service will be held in Christ the King Cathedral in Landakot. Bishop Peter asks that those who attend will also remember the people of Haiti in their prayers.
Bishop
Peter has also decided that the Lenten Collection for 2010 will be for
Haiti and those who are suffering there. Catholics are encouraged
to show their concern by giving generously to the Caritas Island
Collection and indicate that it is for Haiti:
Bishop Peter thanks everyone in advance for their prayers and generosity. God hears the prayers of all Christians in Iceland and in the world. Haiti, which is one of the poorest countries in the world, needs our help.
Íslandsbanki nr. 513-14-202500.
Kennitala Caritas: 591289-1369.
Kennitala Caritas: 591289-1369.
Bishop Peter thanks everyone in advance for their prayers and generosity. God hears the prayers of all Christians in Iceland and in the world. Haiti, which is one of the poorest countries in the world, needs our help.
December 2009
Sermon of Bishop Peter Bürcher
3rd Sunday of Advent
Feast of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Mary Mother of Europe
in the Cathedral in Reykjavik
December 12, 2009
3rd Sunday of Advent
Feast of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Mary Mother of Europe
in the Cathedral in Reykjavik
December 12, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today is December 12, 2009. It is the third Sunday of Advent and we are also remembering Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and Mary, Mother of Europe. I would also like to invite you to a journey. It is a beautiful and a graceful journey: really a pilgrimage. We go from Reykjavík to Nazareth, Rome, Trent, Mexico, Guadalajara, Jerusalem and then by Freiburg back to Europe, from the West (Gibraltar) to the East (Berezniki) and then from South (Gnadenweiler) back to Reykjavík in the North. What a journey! It is free of charge... you only have to listen.
The deliverance from sin began in the “yes” of Mary of Nazareth. It is the Immaculate Conception of Mary which opened the way to salvation for all Christians. Pope Benedict XVI pointed this out in his message this week at the Angelus-prayer in Rome.
The feast is based on a long tradition in the Church. Already in the Middle ages and then at the Council of Trent, Mother of God was time and time again declared free of the sins into which every man is born. How else could she have taken part in the work of redemption? However this exemption from sin does not originate in Mary herself, but it is given to her in advance by God in Jesus, so that she could become Mother of God.
“In the simplicity of the house of Nazareth lives the ‘holy rest’ of Israel”, the Pope said, “from where God will arouse his people again, like a young tree, which spreads its branches over the whole world and offers all humanity the good fruit of salvation. In contrast to Adam and Eve Mary was obedient to the will of God, with the whole of her being she proclaims “yes” and gives herself totally to the divine plan. She is the new Eve, the true Mother of all living people, of all those who receive new life through the belief in Christ.
Today is December 12, 2009. On December 12, 1531, in Mexico, Juan Diego, who recently had converted to the Catholic faith and had shortly before been baptized, was on his way to Tlatelolco to fetch a priest for his sick uncle, who wished to go to confession. He took another path to get into town since he didn’t want to be detained by the “Lady”. But she met him anyway and Juan Diego told her what had happened to his uncle. She told him not to worry about his uncle, he was already getting better.
Reassured by those words Juan Diego fulfilled the wish of Virgin Mary and went to the top of the hill where he – in accordance with wish of the bishop – picked fresh roses. Virgin Mary rearranged the flowers with her own hands and put them into his gown. After that Juan went to see the bishop. Kneeling, he told him about the wish of Virgin Mary and opened up his gown in front of him so that the roses fell to the floor. Suddenly a picture of the everlasting Virgin Mother of God appeared on his gown. The bishop and all those present saw this beautiful and wonderful picture, which has existed to this day. Juan Diego was canonized in 2002.
“Like the disciples gathered around Mary after the ascension of our Lord to heaven” (Acts 1, 12-14), “so also the nations of Europe are invited to gather around Mary and under her protection to follow the road of the pilgrimage of faith to the promised destinatio”, recently the Archbishop of Freiburg and the president of the German Bishops’ Conference wrote to me. “This invitation is offered precisely today by “Mary, Mother of Europe” – from her shrines in Gibraltar, Gnadenweiler and Berezniki. Those shrines offer a home to the people that come to her, and give them courage and strength to follow in the footsteps of Christ. They build bridges from the West (Gibraltar) to the East (Berezniki) and soon – God willing – also from the South (Gnadenweiler) to the North (Iceland). And they make the sign of the cross over Europe – the sign of salvation and of new life, the sign of hope and unity beyond death. The shrines of the Mother of God – “Mary, Mother of Europe” – are more than places of meditation and prayer. They are a promise for Europe, the Western World, and point to the powers from which it has grown and lived. It is Mary who wants to unite the nations of Europe and will succeed in doing so. Her shrines are places of blessing and hope for our continent. May the peoples of Europe under the protection of the Mother of God grow ever more in faith, hope and charity and get ever closer under her protection.
Today is December 12, 2009. And we are again in Reykjavík. My beloved, our pilgrimage ends here and now with a grace-filled news. The Archabbot of St. Martin in Beuron, Theodor Hogg OSB, wrote to me on the feast of St. Martin: “Father Notker, a monk in our monastery, who since 1986 has been assigned to the pastoral care of our neighbouring parishes Bärenthal and Hausen im Tal, a few years ago built a chapel, which he called “Mary, Mother of Europe” on the terrain of Bärenthal-parish, in a part of the community called “Gnadenweiler”. This confrère was worried by the thought that our Christian faith in Europe was in grave danger. His goal was to counteract this through a network of prayer-sites. In this way he wants to help with the “new evangelization” in our part of the world. Father Notker has communicated with the bishop of Gibraltar and a Catholic priest of Russia in order to advance this matter. I wish him and his assistants a good journey and that their endeavour be fruitful. May the prayer site “Mary, Mother of Europe” be established in Iceland and become a place of blessing for the fruitful renewal and strengthening of the Christian faith and life in our countries”. Father Notker came to Reykjavík with the mayor of Beuron and a friendly Swabian delegation. I have received their request with joy and gratitude. “The fourfold prayer-community,” Father Notker wrote, “has existed since Saturday, the 21st of November 2009, with the “Fiat” of the bishop, which is a seed for the building of a sanctuary of “Mary, Mother of Europe” on Icelandic soil. In winter the wheat grows”.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, the time of prayer has arrived. The “New Evangelization” shall also start in Iceland. You are all heartily invited to take part through your deeds and prayers! Our Bishop’s Chapel in Reykjavik is from today, December 12, 2009, dedicated to “Mary, Mother of Europe”.
Fiat!
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will!”
Amen
Oct. 2009
"Compendium Eucharisticum" Presented to Pope
Vatican's Anglican Announcement Unexpected
July 2009
Year for Priests
On
the 19th June 2009, which was the feast day of the Most Sacred Heart of
Jesus, Pope Benedict XVI opened a “Year for Priests” in celebration of
the 150th anniversary of the death of John Mary Vianney, the patron
saint of priests world-wide. The Year will conclude on the same
feast day in 2010 which is the 11th June.
http://www.annussacerdotalis.org/annus_sacerdotalis/00001521_Annus_Sacerdotalis.html
July 2009
AN OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF THE NEW PAPAL ENCYCLICAL "CARITAS IN VERITATE" CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/c2_en.htm
24 May 2009
First Holy Communions in Maríukirkja
Sunday 24 May 2009
_______________________________________________
___________________________
24.5.2009
Link to: - MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER
BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 43rd WORLD DAY OF COMMUNICATIONS
___________________________
20. 5. 2009
A Concert
in Memory of the Pastoral Visit of
Pope John Paul II to Iceland
Christ the King Cathedral, Landakot, Reykjavík.
• Pope John Paul II in Iceland 1989.
26.4.2009
Confirmations in Christ the King Cathedral
25.4.2009
17 received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Maríukirkja.
Pastoral Letter
Peter Bürcher, Bishop of Reykjavík,
for Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of February 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters.
“We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2, 12).
“We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2, 12).
You know that since June 28, 2008, in the entire Catholic Church there
have been many lectures, congresses and liturgical celebrations. All
this has been to commemorate the birth of St. Paul the Apostle 2000
years ago, and he was the greatest missionary of all times. Pope
Benedict XVI established this Pauline year and it will end on June 29th
of this year. Therefore we have decided, together with the whole Church
to honour the memory of St. Paul and to get to know him better in the
Diocese of Reykjavík as well. Then his life and work will bear more
fruit in our country. In the Gospel of today are these words which we
have just heard: “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2, 12)
and they could also be about St. Paul. At first Saul was the ruthless
persecutor of the Christians: “I am the least of the apostles and do
not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the
church of God” (1Cor 15, 9). Then came his amazing conversion on the
road to Damascus. And he received a calling as the apostle of the
gentiles.
Who is he then, this Paul? We hear something from him almost every Sunday. Why should Pope Benedict XVI have dedicated this special year to him? This year and its celebrations are based on the conjecture that he was born in the year 8 AD. But that is only a conjecture. However we can say that Paul was the contemporary of Jesus. He was born in Tarsus, the capitol of Cilicia, and his parents were Jews and Pharisees. In the Acts of the Apostles he was said to have been a Roman citizen from his birth. Therefore he carries, in addition to his Jewish name Saul, the Roman name Paul as well.
In his letters Paul says he earned his living as a tentmaker. Usually children had the same profession as their fathers in those times. Therefore this has been supposed to have been the profession of his father too. This was a normal profession of a common man, which could provide for the needs of the family, but nothing more than that. The parents of Paul were Jews who lived far from their native land, but they were among many other Jews who had been driven far away from their land for many reasons, but especially by persecutions. They had however been loyal to their traditions. In his infancy Paul had been circumcised like every other Jewish boy. He was raised in adherence to the law of Moses. But Tarsus was a cosmopolitan city. As soon as Paul walked out of the door of his parents’ house, he breathed in the Hellenic atmosphere and got acquainted with many different cultures. He spoke Hebrew and Aramaic at home but Greek elsewhere. He therefore was raised with an open mind, especially until he became 12 or 13 years old. He then went to Jerusalem exclusively to study the Jewish law, the Torah, with Rabbi Gamaliel the Elder, a renowned Rabbi. From then on, all his interest turned towards the Jewish Law and the Israelite culture.
There is a description or information about Paul that is constantly repeated. It is said he was of a small stature, that he was fat, bow-legged and that his eyebrows had grown together, but yet he was like an angel. But this description is from the late second century. In traditional icons he is depicted as a bearded and a bald man, which is quite consistent with the ideas people had about philosophers in the 3rd century.
In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul mentions that he has difficulties speaking. Therefore some have thought that he stammered. In his letter to the Galatians he said: “You would have torn out your eyes and given them to me!” (15, 4). Therefore some have thought he had poor eyesight. I think we must look at those words in a metaphorical way for we knew he met with great difficulties in his life: he had long waking hours, he fasted and suffered from cold; three times he was shipwrecked and he covered thousands of kilometres by foot.. He was stoned and the Jews beat him five times and the Romans three times. He was often imprisoned and all of this shows us that his character must have been unusual. His will was strong and he could easily adjust to the circumstances. It also says much about his character that he persecuted the Christian community prior to the great conversion on the road to Damascus.
He understood that the Christians doubted some of that which the Jews honoured and therefore he persecuted them rigorously. He could, for example, be compared to the Talibans of our time. ... Then came Damascus and the big change. After that he became remarkably steadfast, too much for some people, but he always insisted on charitable behaviour. He likened himself to a father but also to a mother. His psychology is extremely complex and diverse. In his letter to the Romans he explicitly says that one should always receive everyone and make peace with them and also embrace those that have other opinions. This is so-called Irenism, the spirit of hospitality and conciliation, which is entirely consistent with the spirit of the Gospel.
The work of St. Paul is mostly preserved in his letters. The letters of St. Paul were written and usually developed because of the necessity for completing the verbal mission of St. Paul, which he had of course brought to various Christian communities. In the letters there are also answers to some questions and light thrown on the diverse and new conditions. The style is usually direct. In our Bible the letters are in this order: Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus and Philemon. From a historical point of view the order is different.
Dear brothers and sisters, finally I would like to repeat what is said in the Gospel: “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2, 12). Here is a comparison that could help all of us in Iceland in these times; we need not only economic reforms. Like Paul we also need the grace of God for our inner conversion. Paul was in a difficult situation regarding the hope of eternal life. At the end of his 2nd letter to the Corinthians he repeats a prayer from the first Christian community in Palestine: Marana tha! – Come, Lord Jesus! We are also permitted to pray like that, Pope Benedict XVI has explained. It might however be rather difficult for modern man to pray for the ending of the world. But we are allowed to pray like that because we are not praying for the end of this world, but for the end of the unjust world. “We want the world to change fundamentally, that justice and peace may reign, for a world without violence, without hunger.” All of that is only possible through the presence of Christ. “Come in your way and renew our modern world,” the Holy Father prayed. “Come also into our hearts. Come and renew our lives! Come into our hearts so that we can also become the light of God, your presence.”
With those words, which are entirely appropriate in our country at this moment, I end my letter to you. I hope that we can get to know St. Paul a little bit more so that it will be easier for us to accept his message, which explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This we want to do in this country, each of us individually and in common in these difficult, yet hopeful times, which are now at hand. With heartfelt greetings.
Who is he then, this Paul? We hear something from him almost every Sunday. Why should Pope Benedict XVI have dedicated this special year to him? This year and its celebrations are based on the conjecture that he was born in the year 8 AD. But that is only a conjecture. However we can say that Paul was the contemporary of Jesus. He was born in Tarsus, the capitol of Cilicia, and his parents were Jews and Pharisees. In the Acts of the Apostles he was said to have been a Roman citizen from his birth. Therefore he carries, in addition to his Jewish name Saul, the Roman name Paul as well.
In his letters Paul says he earned his living as a tentmaker. Usually children had the same profession as their fathers in those times. Therefore this has been supposed to have been the profession of his father too. This was a normal profession of a common man, which could provide for the needs of the family, but nothing more than that. The parents of Paul were Jews who lived far from their native land, but they were among many other Jews who had been driven far away from their land for many reasons, but especially by persecutions. They had however been loyal to their traditions. In his infancy Paul had been circumcised like every other Jewish boy. He was raised in adherence to the law of Moses. But Tarsus was a cosmopolitan city. As soon as Paul walked out of the door of his parents’ house, he breathed in the Hellenic atmosphere and got acquainted with many different cultures. He spoke Hebrew and Aramaic at home but Greek elsewhere. He therefore was raised with an open mind, especially until he became 12 or 13 years old. He then went to Jerusalem exclusively to study the Jewish law, the Torah, with Rabbi Gamaliel the Elder, a renowned Rabbi. From then on, all his interest turned towards the Jewish Law and the Israelite culture.
There is a description or information about Paul that is constantly repeated. It is said he was of a small stature, that he was fat, bow-legged and that his eyebrows had grown together, but yet he was like an angel. But this description is from the late second century. In traditional icons he is depicted as a bearded and a bald man, which is quite consistent with the ideas people had about philosophers in the 3rd century.
In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul mentions that he has difficulties speaking. Therefore some have thought that he stammered. In his letter to the Galatians he said: “You would have torn out your eyes and given them to me!” (15, 4). Therefore some have thought he had poor eyesight. I think we must look at those words in a metaphorical way for we knew he met with great difficulties in his life: he had long waking hours, he fasted and suffered from cold; three times he was shipwrecked and he covered thousands of kilometres by foot.. He was stoned and the Jews beat him five times and the Romans three times. He was often imprisoned and all of this shows us that his character must have been unusual. His will was strong and he could easily adjust to the circumstances. It also says much about his character that he persecuted the Christian community prior to the great conversion on the road to Damascus.
He understood that the Christians doubted some of that which the Jews honoured and therefore he persecuted them rigorously. He could, for example, be compared to the Talibans of our time. ... Then came Damascus and the big change. After that he became remarkably steadfast, too much for some people, but he always insisted on charitable behaviour. He likened himself to a father but also to a mother. His psychology is extremely complex and diverse. In his letter to the Romans he explicitly says that one should always receive everyone and make peace with them and also embrace those that have other opinions. This is so-called Irenism, the spirit of hospitality and conciliation, which is entirely consistent with the spirit of the Gospel.
The work of St. Paul is mostly preserved in his letters. The letters of St. Paul were written and usually developed because of the necessity for completing the verbal mission of St. Paul, which he had of course brought to various Christian communities. In the letters there are also answers to some questions and light thrown on the diverse and new conditions. The style is usually direct. In our Bible the letters are in this order: Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus and Philemon. From a historical point of view the order is different.
Dear brothers and sisters, finally I would like to repeat what is said in the Gospel: “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2, 12). Here is a comparison that could help all of us in Iceland in these times; we need not only economic reforms. Like Paul we also need the grace of God for our inner conversion. Paul was in a difficult situation regarding the hope of eternal life. At the end of his 2nd letter to the Corinthians he repeats a prayer from the first Christian community in Palestine: Marana tha! – Come, Lord Jesus! We are also permitted to pray like that, Pope Benedict XVI has explained. It might however be rather difficult for modern man to pray for the ending of the world. But we are allowed to pray like that because we are not praying for the end of this world, but for the end of the unjust world. “We want the world to change fundamentally, that justice and peace may reign, for a world without violence, without hunger.” All of that is only possible through the presence of Christ. “Come in your way and renew our modern world,” the Holy Father prayed. “Come also into our hearts. Come and renew our lives! Come into our hearts so that we can also become the light of God, your presence.”
With those words, which are entirely appropriate in our country at this moment, I end my letter to you. I hope that we can get to know St. Paul a little bit more so that it will be easier for us to accept his message, which explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This we want to do in this country, each of us individually and in common in these difficult, yet hopeful times, which are now at hand. With heartfelt greetings.
Your Bishop Peter.
--------------------------------
Appointments in the Diocese of Reykjavík
The
following announcement of Bishop Peter Bürcher was read in all the
Masses in the Catholic churches and chapels in the Diocese of
Reykjavík on July 27, 2008
Our Bishop has made the following decisions:
Rev. Fr. Patrick Breen has been appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Reykjavík, as well as Parish-priest in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík.
Rev. Fr. Jürgen Jamin has asked for a restricted leave for further education. He is relieved of his duties as Parish-priest in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík. At the beginning of September he will start his Sabbatical time in the Holy Land. When he returns he will be given a new task in the Diocese of Reykjavík.
Rev. Fr. Hjalti Thorkelsson is appointed Parish-priest in the Parish of St. Peter in Akureyri and also Episcopal delegate for Catechism in the Diocese.
Rev. Fr. Marek Zygadlo is, with the agreement of the Provincial of his Congregation, appointed Chaplain in the Parish of St. Joseph in Hafnarfjörður. His main task will be the pastoral service for his Polish-speaking parishioners.
Rev. Fr. Jakub Budkiewicz is appointed Chaplain in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík. His main task will be to study Icelandic.
These appointments are effective from September 1, 2008.
Many thanks in advance for a friendly reception of those priests in their new offices, and for your prayers.
Our Bishop has made the following decisions:
Rev. Fr. Patrick Breen has been appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Reykjavík, as well as Parish-priest in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík.
Rev. Fr. Jürgen Jamin has asked for a restricted leave for further education. He is relieved of his duties as Parish-priest in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík. At the beginning of September he will start his Sabbatical time in the Holy Land. When he returns he will be given a new task in the Diocese of Reykjavík.
Rev. Fr. Hjalti Thorkelsson is appointed Parish-priest in the Parish of St. Peter in Akureyri and also Episcopal delegate for Catechism in the Diocese.
Rev. Fr. Marek Zygadlo is, with the agreement of the Provincial of his Congregation, appointed Chaplain in the Parish of St. Joseph in Hafnarfjörður. His main task will be the pastoral service for his Polish-speaking parishioners.
Rev. Fr. Jakub Budkiewicz is appointed Chaplain in the Parish of Christ the King in Reykjavík. His main task will be to study Icelandic.
These appointments are effective from September 1, 2008.
Many thanks in advance for a friendly reception of those priests in their new offices, and for your prayers.
Reykjavík, July 27, 2008
on the Consecration Day of the Cathedral and Basilica
of Christ the King in Reykjavík.
on the Consecration Day of the Cathedral and Basilica
of Christ the King in Reykjavík.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
The World Youth Day was held in Sydney,
Australia, July 15-20, 2008. From Iceland went Tinna
Lárusdóttir and Anna Björg Harðardóttir
accompanied by Sister Cielos from Hafnarfjörður.
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, opened the festival with Holy Mass. The Cardinal asked all men to listen to the message of Christ. “The call of Christ is for all who suffer, not just for the Catholics and other Christian people, but especially for those who have no religion. Christ is calling you home, to charity, healing and community.” He confirmed the words of the Pope on hope: “While life exists, there is always a possibility of hope and with the Christian hope comes belief and charity.”
Half a million young people attended the Mass of Pope Benedict XVI on July 17. In his sermon the Pope said among other things: “In several ways the apostles were normal people. None of them could claim to be a perfect disciple. They failed to recognize Christ, they were ashamed of their search for distinction and they even denied Him. However they were fascinated by the truth in the Gospel of Christ when they had been filled by the Holy Spirit and the were determined and unafraid to proclaim Him.” The Pope continued: “Dear young people, let me now ask you a question... How are you using the gifts you have been given, the “power” which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you? What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come? What difference will you make?” In his final Mass Pope Benedict XVI announced that the World Youth Day would next be held in Madrid, Spain in 2011.
Sister Cielos, Tinna and Anna Björg returned home from Australia after a flight of 26 hours, but that was not a problem since the were good humoured all the way. In the World Youth Day they expereinced the truth of those words of Christ: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13, 35).
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, opened the festival with Holy Mass. The Cardinal asked all men to listen to the message of Christ. “The call of Christ is for all who suffer, not just for the Catholics and other Christian people, but especially for those who have no religion. Christ is calling you home, to charity, healing and community.” He confirmed the words of the Pope on hope: “While life exists, there is always a possibility of hope and with the Christian hope comes belief and charity.”
Half a million young people attended the Mass of Pope Benedict XVI on July 17. In his sermon the Pope said among other things: “In several ways the apostles were normal people. None of them could claim to be a perfect disciple. They failed to recognize Christ, they were ashamed of their search for distinction and they even denied Him. However they were fascinated by the truth in the Gospel of Christ when they had been filled by the Holy Spirit and the were determined and unafraid to proclaim Him.” The Pope continued: “Dear young people, let me now ask you a question... How are you using the gifts you have been given, the “power” which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you? What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come? What difference will you make?” In his final Mass Pope Benedict XVI announced that the World Youth Day would next be held in Madrid, Spain in 2011.
Sister Cielos, Tinna and Anna Björg returned home from Australia after a flight of 26 hours, but that was not a problem since the were good humoured all the way. In the World Youth Day they expereinced the truth of those words of Christ: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13, 35).
Rev. Fr. August George SMM
Rev. Fr. August George, Vicar General of
the Diocese of Reykjavík, and former director of the
Landakot-School in Reykjavík, died on the morning of June 16,
2008, at Landspítalinn in Reykjavík.
Fr. George was born on April 5, 1928 in the village of Wijlre in the Limburg-district of Holland, the fifth in a row of six siblings. He is survided by a sister. He attended the Boys’ school of the Montfort-congregation in Schimmert and later joined the Seminary of the congregation in Oirschot in Holland. He was ordained priest on March 11, 1956.
Fr. George was sent to Iceland in the fall of that year and worked here since that time, uninterrupted for more than half a century. He soon started teaching at the Landakot-School and later took over as its director. He directed the school for 34 years. In 1994 the President of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, honoured him with the Order of the Falcon for his work in the field of education. From 1969 Fr. George was also Vicar General of the Diocese. When there was no bishop appointed here 1986–1988 and again 1994–1995, he served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. From 1988 he was the financial director of the diocese as well.
A requiem Mass was sung for Rev. Fr. George in Christ’s Church in Landakot on June 24, 2008.
Requiescat in pace.Fr. George was born on April 5, 1928 in the village of Wijlre in the Limburg-district of Holland, the fifth in a row of six siblings. He is survided by a sister. He attended the Boys’ school of the Montfort-congregation in Schimmert and later joined the Seminary of the congregation in Oirschot in Holland. He was ordained priest on March 11, 1956.
Fr. George was sent to Iceland in the fall of that year and worked here since that time, uninterrupted for more than half a century. He soon started teaching at the Landakot-School and later took over as its director. He directed the school for 34 years. In 1994 the President of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, honoured him with the Order of the Falcon for his work in the field of education. From 1969 Fr. George was also Vicar General of the Diocese. When there was no bishop appointed here 1986–1988 and again 1994–1995, he served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. From 1988 he was the financial director of the diocese as well.
A requiem Mass was sung for Rev. Fr. George in Christ’s Church in Landakot on June 24, 2008.
Rev. Fr. Sæmundur F. Vigfússon
Rev. Fr. Sæmundur F. Vigfússon was born in Reykjavík
January 27, 1926.
He died in the nursing home Eir in Reykjavík on June 18, 2008.
Fr. Sæmundur joined the Catholic Church as a young man and decided to become a priest. For that he studied at a school acquainted with the Propagande Fide in Rome. He was ordained priest on December 20, 1961. He was Chaplain at Christ the King in Reykjavík and a priest for many years in Hafnarfjörður. Since the nineteen-eighties he lived in the Priests’ House in Landakot, assisting at Masses in the church, but mainly translating liturgical texts from Latin into Icelandic.
In his last years, due to his deteriorating health, Fr. Sæmundur lived in the nursing home Eir in Reykjavík.
A requiem was sung for Fr. Sæmundur Christ’s Church in Landakot on June 23, 2008.
Requiescat in pace.He died in the nursing home Eir in Reykjavík on June 18, 2008.
Fr. Sæmundur joined the Catholic Church as a young man and decided to become a priest. For that he studied at a school acquainted with the Propagande Fide in Rome. He was ordained priest on December 20, 1961. He was Chaplain at Christ the King in Reykjavík and a priest for many years in Hafnarfjörður. Since the nineteen-eighties he lived in the Priests’ House in Landakot, assisting at Masses in the church, but mainly translating liturgical texts from Latin into Icelandic.
In his last years, due to his deteriorating health, Fr. Sæmundur lived in the nursing home Eir in Reykjavík.
A requiem was sung for Fr. Sæmundur Christ’s Church in Landakot on June 23, 2008.
A successful Peter’s Pence Collection
On Sunday, June 29, 2008, the collection for Peter’s Pence was held in all the Catholic churches and chapels in Iceland.
The collection is in fact held all over the world and the amount of money that is collected is sent to the Pope, who uses all the Peter’s Pence to help the needy. In Iceland we collected quite a sum, 150,657.- krónur and the amount has already been sent to the Pope.
We would like to thank all of you, who have contributed to this worthy cause, and ask God to bless you all and your families.
The collection is in fact held all over the world and the amount of money that is collected is sent to the Pope, who uses all the Peter’s Pence to help the needy. In Iceland we collected quite a sum, 150,657.- krónur and the amount has already been sent to the Pope.
We would like to thank all of you, who have contributed to this worthy cause, and ask God to bless you all and your families.
Reflection
The Saint of the Month
The Sorrowful Mary
September 15
No one knows where
the hymn “Stabat mater dolorosa” comes from, and no one knows who sang
it first. Perhaps it was Brother Jacopone de Todi from the Order of St.
Francis of Assisi or St. Bonaventura, Cardinal and Doctor of the
Church, or Pope Innocent III, the most influential Pope of the Middle
Ages. Also, no one knows for sure, who wrote this hymn which describes
the sorrows of Virgin Mary. One thing is sure though, it was first sung
in the 13th century and it has been sung since and will be sung as long
as there are people living on this earth, who piously consider the
sorrows of Virgin Mary. The hymn seems to rise straight out of the
sorrowful heart of a man seeking consolation, by contemplating the
sorrows of Virgin Mary, “mater dolorosa”.
Many composers have written unforgettable music to accompany this hymn. “Stabat mater” was the last piece of Palestrina. Joseph Haydn forgot his own sorrows when he contemplated this hymn. It sounded anew in the compositions of Rossini and Dvorak. However one feels the best interpretation of Stabat mater is to be found in the Gregorian chant. Here we find nothing but a crying and brokehearted human soul seeking solace with the Mother of us all.
Traditionally the sorrows of Mary are seven in number:
First Sorrow
The Prophecy of Simeon.
Reading: Luke 2: 25-35.
When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce her soul.
Second Sorrow
The flight into Egypt.
Reading: Matthew 2: 13-15.
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple.
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, fnding him at last in the temple.
Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.
Mary shares Jesus' suffering as He carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem.
Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the foot of the cross.
Reading: John 19: 25-30.
Mary witnesses the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the body of Jesus.
Reading: Psalm 130.
Jesus is taken down from the cross and his body is placed in Mary's arms.
Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus.
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb and Mary awaits the Resurrection.
Here is the hymn “Stabat mater dolorosa”, in an English translation.
At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.
O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?
By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.
For the sins of His own nation,
She saw Jesus wracked with torment,
All with scourges rent:
She beheld her tender Child,
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.
Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?
O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.
Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:
Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.
Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:
Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.
Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;
Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.
Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;
When my body dies,
let my soul be granted
the glory of Paradise. Amen.
Many composers have written unforgettable music to accompany this hymn. “Stabat mater” was the last piece of Palestrina. Joseph Haydn forgot his own sorrows when he contemplated this hymn. It sounded anew in the compositions of Rossini and Dvorak. However one feels the best interpretation of Stabat mater is to be found in the Gregorian chant. Here we find nothing but a crying and brokehearted human soul seeking solace with the Mother of us all.
Traditionally the sorrows of Mary are seven in number:
First Sorrow
The Prophecy of Simeon.
Reading: Luke 2: 25-35.
When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce her soul.
Second Sorrow
The flight into Egypt.
Reading: Matthew 2: 13-15.
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple.
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, fnding him at last in the temple.
Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.
Mary shares Jesus' suffering as He carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem.
Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the foot of the cross.
Reading: John 19: 25-30.
Mary witnesses the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the body of Jesus.
Reading: Psalm 130.
Jesus is taken down from the cross and his body is placed in Mary's arms.
Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus.
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb and Mary awaits the Resurrection.
Here is the hymn “Stabat mater dolorosa”, in an English translation.
At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.
O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?
By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.
For the sins of His own nation,
She saw Jesus wracked with torment,
All with scourges rent:
She beheld her tender Child,
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.
Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?
O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.
Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:
Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.
Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:
Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.
Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;
Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.
Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;
When my body dies,
let my soul be granted
the glory of Paradise. Amen.
On the 30th of October Pope Benedict XVI has appointed
His Excellency Bishop Pierre Bürcher
Bishop of Reykjavík. The appointed Bishop has been Auxiliary Bishop of Lausanne, Genève and Fribourg in Switzerland since 1994.
The new Bishop will be installed on Saturday the 15th of December during a solemn Holy Mass in the Cathedral in Landakot, Reykjavík,
beginning at 10.30 a.m.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome, Bishop Pétur!
On
October 7 Bishop Jóhannes became 75 years old. According to
Church Law a few months before he reached that limit he offered Pope
Benedict XVI his resignation. Then the Pope asked him to occupy his
post until his successor had been found. On the 30th of October Pope
Benedict appointed Pétur (Pierre) Bürcher, Auxiliary bishop
of the Diocese of Lausanne-Genève and Fribourg in Switzerland to
be bishop of Reykjavík. Bishop Pétur was born in the
Fiescher-Valley in Oberwallis in Switzerland on December 20, 1945. He
was ordained priest in Genève on March 27, 1971, and served
after that for 18 years as chaplain, priest and dean in many parishes
before he became rector of the Priest-seminary of Villar-sur-Glane in
Fribourg. On the 3rd of February 1994 Pope John Paul II appointed him
Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Lausanne-Genève and Fribourg.
Bishop Peter is a specialist on the Church in the Middle-East,
especially in the Holy Land. He is a member of the Vatican Congregation
for the Oriental Churches and he has often visited the Holy Land as a
pilgrim. In the Swiss Bishops’ Conference the newly appointed Bishop of
Reykjavík was among other things responsible for catechism and
youth education and as such he has often participated in the World
Youth Day. On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference he also took care of
ecumenical matters and the dialogue with other religions. His
appointment as Bishop of Reykjavík came as a total surprize to
him, he said, since he had never even visited Iceland, but out of
faithfulness to the office of sheperd, he agreed to take on this
responsibility.
The new Bishop of Reykjavík can in his work depend on his 36 year pastoral experience and his innumerable connections with Christians of wide and different origin. Our diocese has in the last few years grown dramatically. When Bishop Jóhannes took over, registered Catholics were around 2500 but are now more than 8000 (mostly people looking for work or immigrants). However the number of Catholics is probably much higher, since not nearly everyone registers with the authorities according to their religion (since that is no duty and many also don’t know about this possibility). This enormous growth in few years has made the development of the “infrastructure” of the Church unavoidable, and the outgoing Bishop has done much in this field. The Catholic Church is now present in ten different places in Iceland, either in churches, chapels, educational centres or monasteries. Bishop Jóhannes has built a number of new churches and chapels, in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords 1999, Akureyri in the North 2000, Riftún in the South 2005, and in Reyðarfjörður in the East 2007 (at the same time a Capuchin monastery was established there). Maríu-Church in Breiðholt was enlarged 1999 and the Cathedral of Christ the King in Landakot, Reykjavík, was thoroughly renovated and in 2000 was elevated to the status of “basilica minor”, the first church in the Nordic Countries. This was done on the occasion of the 1000 years of Christianity in Iceland. Parishes have increased from 3 to 5, and 3 new rectorates have been established. Four new congregations of sisters have settled down in Iceland, doing indispensable work for the Church. The Catholic Church is growing rapidly based on the high number of births, and as a result baptisms, among the faithful. The relation between births, baptisms and deaths or funerals is revealing, and it is certainly quite different from what we see in Europe in our times. In 2006 there were 142 baptisms and only 15 funerals. Also a few Icelanders every year seek catechism classes and as a result join the “Mother Church”. After the “outer” growth of the last years the new bishop hopes for some results with the “inner growth”. By this he particularly means the youth work and the unity within the diocese, because, despite many language and ethnic groups, Catholics in Iceland – as everywhere else – should form one Church. The attention must be pointed especially toward Catholic Icelanders who now live in a kind of “double Diaspora”, as Catholics in Iceland and as Icelanders within their own diocese.
As we thank Bishop Jóhannes we hope that he will have many good years in his home town of Sittard in the Netherlands. We warmly welcome Bishop Pétur and wish him God’s blessing for his many years of service in Iceland.
The new Bishop of Reykjavík can in his work depend on his 36 year pastoral experience and his innumerable connections with Christians of wide and different origin. Our diocese has in the last few years grown dramatically. When Bishop Jóhannes took over, registered Catholics were around 2500 but are now more than 8000 (mostly people looking for work or immigrants). However the number of Catholics is probably much higher, since not nearly everyone registers with the authorities according to their religion (since that is no duty and many also don’t know about this possibility). This enormous growth in few years has made the development of the “infrastructure” of the Church unavoidable, and the outgoing Bishop has done much in this field. The Catholic Church is now present in ten different places in Iceland, either in churches, chapels, educational centres or monasteries. Bishop Jóhannes has built a number of new churches and chapels, in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords 1999, Akureyri in the North 2000, Riftún in the South 2005, and in Reyðarfjörður in the East 2007 (at the same time a Capuchin monastery was established there). Maríu-Church in Breiðholt was enlarged 1999 and the Cathedral of Christ the King in Landakot, Reykjavík, was thoroughly renovated and in 2000 was elevated to the status of “basilica minor”, the first church in the Nordic Countries. This was done on the occasion of the 1000 years of Christianity in Iceland. Parishes have increased from 3 to 5, and 3 new rectorates have been established. Four new congregations of sisters have settled down in Iceland, doing indispensable work for the Church. The Catholic Church is growing rapidly based on the high number of births, and as a result baptisms, among the faithful. The relation between births, baptisms and deaths or funerals is revealing, and it is certainly quite different from what we see in Europe in our times. In 2006 there were 142 baptisms and only 15 funerals. Also a few Icelanders every year seek catechism classes and as a result join the “Mother Church”. After the “outer” growth of the last years the new bishop hopes for some results with the “inner growth”. By this he particularly means the youth work and the unity within the diocese, because, despite many language and ethnic groups, Catholics in Iceland – as everywhere else – should form one Church. The attention must be pointed especially toward Catholic Icelanders who now live in a kind of “double Diaspora”, as Catholics in Iceland and as Icelanders within their own diocese.
As we thank Bishop Jóhannes we hope that he will have many good years in his home town of Sittard in the Netherlands. We warmly welcome Bishop Pétur and wish him God’s blessing for his many years of service in Iceland.
Sr. Jürgen Jamin
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes on the Office of Bishop
The
word bishop originally comes from the Greek “episkopos”, meaning
manager, supervisor, guardian. In the early Church the bishop was the
leader of the local Church and he preached and led the divine services.
He was supported by the elders and the deacons. His sphere of action
has been preserved to this day, although the terminology is somewhat
different now. At the end of the time of the apostles, in the second
century, more and more bishops were ordained, in addition to the local
bishops, supervising a number of parishes. In those cases the
presbyters (priests) led the divine services as representatives of the
local bishop. The deacons were the co-workers of the bishop amongst the
parishioners. The province of the bishop was called a diocese, usually
a town and the adjacent villages and then the town became the residence
of the bishop. When f.e. Germany and Switzerland were christianized,
there were no big and important cities. Therefore the dioceses were
stretched over relatively large areas. This is the reason why the
dioceses in Germany were much larger than in Italy, where real cities
had existed from early on.
The Bishop and the Doctrine of the Church
Fighting all kinds of heresies, three main standards were developed in order to distinguish the Catholic faith from other doctrines: the books of the Bible, the tradition and the episcopacy as a decisive authority on doctrine and liturgy. Consequently the bishops were given different spheres of authority and many bishops, usually those in a provincial centre, became supervisors of the other bishops in the region, subsequently developing into a successive order of patriarch, metropolit, archbishop and bishop. At the top was and is the Pope, the bishop of Rome. The bishop first must be ordained deacon and then priest. The appointment, removal and transfer of a bishop is only made by the Pope, and the bishops are only responsible to him, and if necessary will be judged by him.
The Apostolic Succession
Through the bishops the doctrinal and guiding authority survives, which Jesus gave to his apostles. In an unbroken and successive imposition of hands (Apostolic Succession), all the bishops are connected with the apostles. Thus the office of the bishop belongs to the socalled “divine right”. The highest duty of the bishop of Rome, as the official successor of St. Peter, is to preserve the unity. The bishop of a diocese is its director and holds its sole power of government. As such he is the highest authority of doctrinal and judicial matters in his diocese and is only responsible to the Pope. Assisting the bishop with the administration of the diocese are several officials in the diocesan office (curia), such as the Vicar general (the general and permanent representative of the bishop). His appointment is left up to the bishop. The Official (dómari) is appointed by the bishop and occupies the regular power of justice. He must have have knowledge of legal matters. Priests and lay people have advisory functions. The local bishop can be assisted by auxiliary bishops, who usually are given charge of a part of the diocese under the supervision of the diocesan bishop.
The Bishop ...
... is the first to administer the sacraments in his diocese. The further administration of the sacraments follows through a delegation to the priests, coming from the bishop. Reserved to him is the sacrament of ordination (ordination of a bishop, priest and decaon) and confirmation. In cases of emergency the confirmation can be delegated to a priest.
The office of bishop is a life long commitment. At the end of the 75th year, the bishops, according to Church Law from 1983, Can. 401 §1 CIC, must offer their resignation from office to the Pope. The insignia of a bishop are his socalled pontificials; mitre, crozier (accentuating his function as shepherd), the bishop’s ring and the pectoral cross.
Those thoughts show us how important the office of a bishop really is. The bishop should therefore be treated with respect and obedience. A bishop’s visit to his parishes is always a festive occasion.
The Bishop and the Doctrine of the Church
Fighting all kinds of heresies, three main standards were developed in order to distinguish the Catholic faith from other doctrines: the books of the Bible, the tradition and the episcopacy as a decisive authority on doctrine and liturgy. Consequently the bishops were given different spheres of authority and many bishops, usually those in a provincial centre, became supervisors of the other bishops in the region, subsequently developing into a successive order of patriarch, metropolit, archbishop and bishop. At the top was and is the Pope, the bishop of Rome. The bishop first must be ordained deacon and then priest. The appointment, removal and transfer of a bishop is only made by the Pope, and the bishops are only responsible to him, and if necessary will be judged by him.
The Apostolic Succession
Through the bishops the doctrinal and guiding authority survives, which Jesus gave to his apostles. In an unbroken and successive imposition of hands (Apostolic Succession), all the bishops are connected with the apostles. Thus the office of the bishop belongs to the socalled “divine right”. The highest duty of the bishop of Rome, as the official successor of St. Peter, is to preserve the unity. The bishop of a diocese is its director and holds its sole power of government. As such he is the highest authority of doctrinal and judicial matters in his diocese and is only responsible to the Pope. Assisting the bishop with the administration of the diocese are several officials in the diocesan office (curia), such as the Vicar general (the general and permanent representative of the bishop). His appointment is left up to the bishop. The Official (dómari) is appointed by the bishop and occupies the regular power of justice. He must have have knowledge of legal matters. Priests and lay people have advisory functions. The local bishop can be assisted by auxiliary bishops, who usually are given charge of a part of the diocese under the supervision of the diocesan bishop.
The Bishop ...
... is the first to administer the sacraments in his diocese. The further administration of the sacraments follows through a delegation to the priests, coming from the bishop. Reserved to him is the sacrament of ordination (ordination of a bishop, priest and decaon) and confirmation. In cases of emergency the confirmation can be delegated to a priest.
The office of bishop is a life long commitment. At the end of the 75th year, the bishops, according to Church Law from 1983, Can. 401 §1 CIC, must offer their resignation from office to the Pope. The insignia of a bishop are his socalled pontificials; mitre, crozier (accentuating his function as shepherd), the bishop’s ring and the pectoral cross.
Those thoughts show us how important the office of a bishop really is. The bishop should therefore be treated with respect and obedience. A bishop’s visit to his parishes is always a festive occasion.
The Apostolic Nuntio visited Iceland
Among the provisions made regarding the
coming designation of a new bishop of Reykjavík, was the visit
of the Papal Nuntio for the Nordic Countries, archbishop Giovanni
Tonucci, to Iceland March 6 to 8. Tuesday the 6th of March in the
afternoon he took part in a retreat with the priests in
Hafnarfjörður and celebrated Holy Mass with them in the St.
Joseph’s Church there. On Wednesday morning the 7th of March he visited
the Carmel sisters in Hafnarfjörður and asked them to pray for
the election of a suitable bishop. In the afternoon he met with the
priests of the diocese and representatives of the sisters, as well as
with representatives of the various societies of the diocese and the
parishes (financial committe, parish committes, lay-societies and
womens’ accociation).
He explained the procedure to them and asked them for their opinion regarding the situation of the diocese, expectations about the future and the necessary dispostion and abilities of the new bishop. However no specific persons were discussed as possibilities. The Nuntio said that he would consider the information that he got. They would be kept in mind during the search for suitable men to take over the charge of bishop. In the afternoon the Nuntio celebrated Mass together with the bishop of Reykjavík, Jóhannes Gijsen, and the priests in the cathedral. Also took part the sisters and the representatives of the lay, that had been present at the meeting earlier, as well as many faithful.
After this “survey” of the Nuntio he will put before the relevant authorities in Rome a list of possible candidates for the office of bishop of Reykjavík. If necessary he will seek further information about them. The results of his investigation will be put before the Pope and his advisors. The Pope will then decide who will be the new bishop. This decision can be expected later in this year.
As we all know, bishop Jóhannes Gijsen will be 75 years old on October 7 this year. Then the Pope, according to Canon Law, will relieve him of his duties as bishop of Reykjavík.
The Nuntio emphasized that the most important thing that now awaited us, the faithful of the diocese of Reykjavík, was to pray for the Holy Spirit to influence all those that take part in the designation of the new bishop, so that the right representative be chosen.
He explained the procedure to them and asked them for their opinion regarding the situation of the diocese, expectations about the future and the necessary dispostion and abilities of the new bishop. However no specific persons were discussed as possibilities. The Nuntio said that he would consider the information that he got. They would be kept in mind during the search for suitable men to take over the charge of bishop. In the afternoon the Nuntio celebrated Mass together with the bishop of Reykjavík, Jóhannes Gijsen, and the priests in the cathedral. Also took part the sisters and the representatives of the lay, that had been present at the meeting earlier, as well as many faithful.
After this “survey” of the Nuntio he will put before the relevant authorities in Rome a list of possible candidates for the office of bishop of Reykjavík. If necessary he will seek further information about them. The results of his investigation will be put before the Pope and his advisors. The Pope will then decide who will be the new bishop. This decision can be expected later in this year.
As we all know, bishop Jóhannes Gijsen will be 75 years old on October 7 this year. Then the Pope, according to Canon Law, will relieve him of his duties as bishop of Reykjavík.
The Nuntio emphasized that the most important thing that now awaited us, the faithful of the diocese of Reykjavík, was to pray for the Holy Spirit to influence all those that take part in the designation of the new bishop, so that the right representative be chosen.
MONS. JÓHANNES GIJSEN
Saturday, 7 April 2007
Easter Vigil Sermon
The question of the angel:
“Why do you seek the living one among the dead?”
was not only directed towards the women who wanted to come to the grave of Jesus, but also to us. Also we should know that God not only is God of the dead, but also the living, although we men again and again revert to thinking only about death. In the readings we heard about how God showed his mercy to mankind, although man didn’t seem worthy of it. God was true to his plan not to let us perish, but to save us, redeem us, and lead us towards a life that never ends, to live in Him and with Him. This He proved in the clearest way in his Son Jesus. Surely He died painfully and was buried, but He rose from the grave og was resurrected forever. Therefore the question of the angel: “Why do you seek the living one among the dead?” Jesus lives. This is the main message of our faith. St. Paul says: “It is Christ in you, the hope for Glory” (Col 1, 27). Since Jesus has been raised by the Father this glad message applies to us: “Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus” (Rm 6, 11).
The question of the angel tells us that Jesus is living. It means, regarding our present time, that we should not only be content with the beautiful and comfortable things that the world has to offer. We should not drown in our daily business and restlessness, not think that the things we can see and try are the finite things in life, but that we should turn towards the glory that Jesus has opened for us. It should influence our deeds.
This is not a future promise, but we should already now – since Jesus is really risen – build our life on this – or better: let Jesus build it up. He says to us: You should live life as I have shown you: in reverence to God, grateful for his mercy and filled with love and mercy towards your brothers and sisters. Then, finally, when death approaches, I will ask you how far you have gone on this path. Then I will decide, if you can enter the house of my Father with me.
This should make us glad. This should give us strength to tackle all the things that meet us in life, even though it may be painful, in the security that the Lord will show us his way, his way of converting everything into joy. He shall give us strength to act in everything according to Our Lord in charity, even though this offer will be expensive. This should make us people living in joy and peace, who also radiate joy and peace of Easter, which I wish for you with all my heart. Amen.
Happy Easter!
Saint ThorlacPatron Saint of Iceland1133 - 1193 |
Statue of Saint Thorlac,
Patron Saint of Iceland,
located in Christ the King Cathedral, Reykjavik
When he returned to Iceland he spent some time at Kirkjubaer in the south-east of Iceland. He supported his mother and sisters. He loved kirkjubaer very much and later as bishop, he established the first nunnery in Iceland at this place.
When Thorlac had spent 6 years at Kirkjubaer, the first Augustinian Canonry in Iceland was founded at Thykkvibaer. Thorlac became the first Abbot. He seems to have regulated the Augustinian Rule in Iceland.
Some years later Thorlac was elected Bishop of Skálholt. He was consecrated bishop in Norway on the 2nd July 1178. He was Bishop of Skálholt for 15 years, until his death in 1193, aged 60.
Thorlac worked hard to reform the Nation and to strengthen the Church. This proved to be a tremendous undertaking. Although not always successful, he did pave the way for future improvements.
Thorlac lived a
holy life and after his death hundreds of
miracles were
attributed to his intercession. He was canonized locally in 1198 and on
the 14th of January 1984, the Holy Father, John Paul II, declared
Thorlac to be the Patron Saint of Iceland. Thorlac has 2 feast days,
20th July and 23rd December.