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Dear friends of YTU,

 

It is wonderful to have our editor, Bernadette Reeders, back from Boston.  Since the last newsletter we have successfully completed the first semester and are well into the second. 

 

The structural work in the new "Study Centre" has been completed.  The Committee continues to gather the needed furnishing, make finishing touches to the inside of the building and also to the surrounding grounds.  Three offices are now occupied by: Social Policy Connections, the Yarra Institute for Religion & Social Policy, and one office by the Chaplain. The Social Justice Library has also been transferred to the new location.

 

On the 29th of June YTU lost someone who was very important to its life and precious to all who knew her, Sr. Joan Nowotny IBVM.  Joan, a Loreto Sister, was Dean of YTU from 1980 until 1989, the first woman dean of a theological institution in Australia.  Then after a year's Sabbatical in 1990 she returned to YTU to teach philosophy until her retirement in 2003. She was a brilliant philosopher, a superb teacher, and an excellent administrator. She was also a delightful person with a great sense of humour who always brought life to every YTU gathering & and she missed very few of them.  In 1990, she was honoured as a Fellow of the Melbourne College of Divinity. The first and, to date, one of only two women accorded this honour. YTU recognised her great contributions and made her a Senior Fellow in 2003. On the 1st of August YTU hosted a Memorial Mass for Joan. There were about sixty present for the Mass and about forty were able to stay on to share stories about Joan. She is missed by all of us.

 

On the evening of the 30th of June YTU hosted around fifteen men and women provincials who took a night out from their meetings to come and see the re-furbished Study Centre.  After a tour of the building we gave them supper in the Common Room and talked with them about YTU & the present situation and our hopes for the future. They were enthusiastic and responsive. It was a delightful evening.

 

On the 31st of July YTU hosted a talk by the eminent Australian theologian, Gerald O'Collins SJ, entitled "Christ: how would you paint him now?" There was a very good turnout of fifty-five to sixty people. 

 

We are about to begin our mid-semester break, giving us a chance to enjoy Melbourne's spring. May this beautiful season be a time of blessing for all of you.

 

In the Divine Word,

 

Larry Nemer, SVD

What's wrong with deacons?

    by John Collins

In response to her plaintive plea for an article, I had suggested to the editor that a survey of some recent discussion of the diaconate might be useful.  But I then added a rider to the effect that the mention of deacons makes many people turn off & or, what is more disconcerting, turn back in anger.

 

(Just a week ago, at a meeting addressing aspects of today's pastoral situation, the suggestion that deacons might be helpful was summarily dismissed.  Among women in particular, especially those who are pastorally engaged, deacons rate low.  They are even seen as hampering long-standing endeavours to engage lay people more effectively in the mission of the church.  The origins of this attitude are several, and include the fact that the diaconate is a clerical order from which women are excluded.   Equally telling is the fact that for some decades now women have been increasingly engaging themselves in pastoral activities - and at high levels of ecclesial responsibility - without the need for ordination.)
 
In the face of this situation, however, the editor responded with the question I have used for a title.  But I am going to turn the question back on her.  There is, indeed, something wrong with deacons.  Put simply, what is wrong is that there are too many different kinds of deacons in today's church.  The vast majority of deacons may well report that they are happy to be deacons and that being ordained into the diaconate has deeply enriched their spiritual lives.

 

The fact remains, however, that a deacon from the German diocese of Rottenburg might not be happy to be a deacon in the West Australian diocese of Bunbury, and a Bunbury deacon could well be utterly confused should he find himself appointed to Rottenburg.  This is because the dominant underlying theological and pastoral factors shaping the diaconate are different in the two places.  Dissimilarities multiply as one moves from national profile to national profile.

 

This diversification is not entirely a matter of surprise.  When the Second Vatican Council announced that 'it will be possible in the future to restore the diaconate' (Lumen gentium 29), it left the door open for national episcopal conferences to draw up their own schedules and pastoral programmes for the initiative & if, indeed, they felt inclined to engage the initiative at all.  And the theological framework the Council put up was so generous in its dimensions that any number of profiles could be sketched within it.  Essentially, the Council required that deacons should be ordained for 'the service of the liturgy, of the Gospel, and for works of charity'.

 

A few dioceses in Australia have ordained deacons for many years, some for only a few years.  Only in 2007, however, did Melbourne announce its (renewed) intention to ordain deacons.  Dublin & a first for Ireland & only in 2008.  In each instance the initiative has been preceded by investigations into history, theology and pastoral theory in an attempt to establish a local diaconate within outlines provided in the Vatican's Basic Norms and Directory, and in touch with perceived local needs.

 

In the English-speaking world recent years have seen numerous publications on the diaconate. Books like Theology of the Diaconate: The State of the Question (Cummings/Ditewig/Gaillardetz, 2005), the popular Deacon Reader (edited by James Keating, 2006), and The Emerging Diaconate (William Ditewig, 2007) have appeared (all from Paulist Press) in USA, where a sizable market of more than 17,000 Roman Catholic deacons makes such publishing projects feasible and attractive.  Two of those titles themselves suggest, however, that the US diaconate is still to be seen as a work in progress, an impression that a perusal of the Reader would confirm.

 

That people are keen to protect their patches & may one also say, sustain their pitches on the diaconate & has been strikingly illustrated by a running debate in London's The Pastoral Review.  Once Bishop Michael Evans of East Anglia published in July 2006 an article on the deacon as an 'Icon of Christ the Servant', a flurry of articles alternately contesting and supporting his position appeared between then and July 2008.  The list of articles really speaks for itself & as well as for the perception of the editor of The Pastoral Review that here was an issue that would not go away:

    July 2006, Michael Evans, Bishop of East Anglia, UK: 'The Deacon: An Icon of Christ the Servant'

 

    November 2006, Anthony Gooley, a Brisbane deacon: 'Deacons and the Servant Myth'

 

    March 2007, Nick Donnelly, a deacon of Lancaster, UK: 'The Deacon and the Truth of Servanthood'

 

    May 2007, Nick Donnelly: 'Jesus the Suffering Servant: the key to the theology of the diaconate'

 

    May 2007, John N Collins: 'The Embattled "deacon" Words'

 

    September 2007, Anthony Gooley: 'Deacon: Herald of the Gospel'

 

    September 2007, John N Collins: 'Reader Response: Deacon words'

 

    January 2008, Patrick O'Donoghue, Bishop of Lancaster, UK: 'Towards a New Vision of the Permanent Diaconate'

 

    March 2008, Nick Donnelly: 'Deacon: Servant of Caritas'

 

    May 2008, Anthony Gooley: 'Reader Response to Deacons: Servants of Caritas'

 

    July 2008, John N Collins: 'Deacons & searching for an identity'

 

The debate as to whether or not the diaconate is to be constructed on an essentially servant model continues & quite irrationally, as it turns out, now that the German scholar Anni Hentschel has published a linguistic and exegetical study (Diakonia im Neuen Testament, 2007) confirming the semantic outcomes of my 1970s research underlying approaches taken by Anthony Gooley and myself in The Pastoral Review.

 

The debate surfaced, nonetheless, at two recent conferences featuring presentations of my views: the Ecumenical Conference 'diakonia from scripture to...?', organised by Anthony Gooley in Brisbane, 5-6 October, 2007, and at the three-day Bicentenary Colloquium on ministry hosted by Ushaw College, Durham, in January 2008. These more or less replicated debates on the occasion of lectures I presented at three Lutheran faculties of theology in Germany in 2005. In October 2008 a German Roman Catholic conference at Fulda will attempt once more to identify the theological identity of the diaconate.  Whether that will engage the materials under debate in The Pastoral Review is yet to be seen.

 

In Rome, in May 2009, however, such an engagement will certainly occur when the Patristic Institute of the Augustinianum, attached to the Lateran University, hosts a conference to discuss 'semantics and history' in relation to the early diaconate.  The conference is taking its bearings specifically from the 'important philological research' into 'previously unacknowledged semantic aspects of the Greek term diakonia'.

 

Theologians and administrators with a responsibility for the diaconate may wish to take note of this event, XXXVIII Incontro di Studiosi dell'Antichità Cristiana, 7-9 May 2009.  Details may be followed up (Italian/English) at istituto patristico augustinianum. The organizing committee includes Angelo Di Berardino, editor of the two volume Encyclopedia of the Early Church (1992, Italian 1990).

 

Ed: women everywhere holding their breath...

 

We happily draw your attention to the Social Policy Connections September newsletter which can be viewed at

http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/

 
This edition includes:
* Comments relating to our current climate crisis and the outpouring of concern from various groups and organisations.
* Information on our move from Richmond to Box Hill including our new address details.
* Update on our website with reference to our most recent articles as well as an invitation for submissions.

For the second year the public were invited to visit Coranderrk, an Aboriginal Sacred Site situated in Healesville.  This year the day was held on August 16th (a day after the anniversary of William Barak's death).

 

Coranderrk was an aboriginal reserve from 1862- 1924.  In 1865 it was considered Victoria's largest reserve and was the first gazetted government Reserve, all previous were mission-managed.  Many Aboriginal people were removed from their own traditional lands / country from around Victoria and placed here under 'assimilation' and 'protection' policies. William Barak (Beruke of Wurundjeri balluk) was one of the leaders of the people at Coranderrk, famous due to his paintings and songs, and warmth with sharing traditional culture and customs.  With Simon Wonga of Wurundjeri, Barak initiated Coranderrk, and in traditional Wurundjeri ways, the leadership of the settlement was shared, including with Rev. John Green.

 

The reserve increasingly became self sufficient, growing all its own fruit, vegetables and cereals to meet its needs.  In 1872 Coranderrk became famous for its hops and won first prize at the Melbourne Exhibition. Rev. John Green worked closely with the Aboriginal people up to this time and was the first superintendent of Coranderrk.   However by 1874 there was a local outside push to close the reserve and superintendents changed. Barak walked to Melbourne to protest and speak up for the rights of his people.  Over time portions of Coranderrk were taken away and sold off to settlers.  Things changed… There is much unknown history that remains here - good and bad. Many died of TB and other unknown causes.  Over time history will unfold and stories come to be shared.  All but a few remaining elderly residents were reluctantly 'removed' to Lake Tyers (Gippsland).  Much of the Coranderrk land was officially revoked in 1948 and only in very recent years have very small portions been returned and or purchased back by the traditional custodians.

 

Days such as these open us to conversation with those descendants who came to live and work at Coranderrk.  We also enjoyed the surrounds, the displays, the large open fire and Aboriginal hospitality was at its most generous best. At the Commemoration ceremony we heard moving, informative and inspiring stories from Senior Wurundjeri Wandoon Elder Doreen Garvey Wandin and Bill Nicholson Jnr, who was appointed to speak by his Elders.  Anglican Bishop John Bayton and Robyn Reynolds also spoke.  I want to take this time to thank Robyn for the respect she gave the people, the land and the history.   And thanks to Meg Rice for her support, promotion of and enthusiasm for this day.

 

Georgina Gartland   (Student)

Some little time ago, I was pondering the question: 'Is there a writer's muse?'  Well, I can now relate a major development, an 'Aha!' experience, which took place in the Wilson Hall (University of Melbourne) where I was waiting to receive my Graduate Diploma in Theology.

 

I saw from the program that many of the diploma students had elected to receive their awards in absentia, but knowing that the occasion was likely to be my 'last hurrah', I decided to attend in person, to receive my certificate from the President of the Melbourne College of Divinity and to soak up the atmosphere of the colourful occasion.  As usual we were early, and I was seated in the hall, appropriately gowned and wearing the mustard coloured hood of my previous degree, recalling a similar occasion fifty years earlier when I was launched on my career as a professional engineer.  That phase is behind me now, and my studies are leading me in a different direction.

 

For the half hour preceding the ceremony we were treated to a recital of organ music, some of it from the pen of the incomparable J. S. Bach and appropriate for such a grand occasion.  The trumpet pipes had clearly been tuned recently, unlike at the opening recital.  On that occasion Fernando Germani, principal organist at St Peter's Basilica in Rome mercilessly explored all the available stops.  Another memorable evening!  There seemed to be no acknowledgment of the organist, but eventually I discovered her name tucked away in the program.

 

In my advancing years with deteriorating hearing, my interests are more literary than musical, and my attention was inescapably drawn to the large mural overlooking the dais where chairs were awaiting the arrival of the academic dignitaries.  I noted the three high backed chairs in the centre, one decorated with the University crest and incorporating the somewhat controversial 'angel'.  'What role does an angel play in a secular institution like the University of Melbourne?', I wondered.  And that evening, as a reward for my contemplations, I received my answer. 

 

I completed my undergraduate engineering studies in 1955, when the present Wilson Hall was under construction & the original building was destroyed by fire & and as might be expected we students were encouraged to take an interest in its engineering and architectural elements.  So I was party to some stories, one of which concerned the mural, which an ageing engineering cynic described as 'a chicken with its entrails hanging out'.  We all see with different eyes, and to my mind it is a clear portrayal of 'mankind' emerging from the tangles of  prejudice and ignorance, and striving towards some worthy, if unidentified goal.

 

I was contemplating rather than meditating, and I began to think about the principal figure which was clearly male.  Where was the feminine element?  And then I saw it, the angel beside, near the top.  There was my muse!  I began to probe my long term memory.  The artist did not include the angel in his first submission, but the University authorities had insisted.  So the secular University of Melbourne and the religious Melbourne College of Divinity may not be at loggerheads after all!  It just depends on your viewpoint.  You are perfectly entitled to regard it as a still born chicken, but I prefer a more upbeat interpretation.

 

Graeme Wilson

Warmest congratulations to Pat Negri SSS, whose book is being launched at Mandeville on Sunday. 

 

Pat Negri - A Retrospective
compiled and edited by Justin Emery and Randall Lindstrom.
A beautiful monograph, celebrating a lifetime of paintings, created by Fr Pat Negri.

 

This 152-page, softbound book feautres 190 full-colour images, as well as writings by the artist, his twin brother, Michael, and others who have observed and commented on his works.  An exciting and worthy volume for all of those who know Pat, or just appreciate fine art.

 

Contact Marilyn Brown (03 9639 4560) for details of how to obtain a copy of the book.

Paul Beirne was one of the early graduates of Siloam. Since, he was a missionary in Korea for many years and there became interested in early Korean mystics. Paul's doctoral thesis was on the writings of Su-un, the founder of Korea's first indigenous religion. Paul is currently the dean and CEO of the Melbourne College of Divinity.

Heart of Life Spirituality Centre, 7 Nortons Lane, Wantirna South, Vic 3152  Tel 98001299\

$10-00 donation at the door.   7.30 - 9.15pm

Are you interested in life's big questions? If you are then coming along to Open Day may be the beginning of a journey of exploring those questions.
Open Day offers you the opportunity to: 
    * Take a look at the courses that are on offer which range from undergraduate awards to postgraduate research degrees
    *Explore different areas of study: the humanities, scripture, church history, systematic theology, and practical theologies for mission and ministry
    *Meet and discuss your interests with faculty and students
    *Explore the facilities including the library and the new study centre

There will be a formal component of the program and this will begin at 2.30 pm in the common room, but for the rest come and see how you might begin to answer some of those big questions.

 

Yarra Theological Union, 98 Albion Road, Box Hill, Vic.  Park on site.

Micah Challenge & the UN Millennium Development Goals: what has been achieved, and what more can we do?
 
Forum, with Rev Joel Edwards, Incoming Director of Micah Challenge International - the international campaign by churches to mobilise public support to lift millions out of hunger and acute poverty. He is also a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission UK; International Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance; Member of Tony Blair's Faith Foundation; Honorary Canon of St Paul's Cathedral, London
 
Thursday 16 October, 3.00-4.30pm
 
At the new graduate studies centre at  YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION, 98 Albion Rd, BOX HILL VIC 3128.

Off street parking available. The Conference room is also accessible via 34 Bedford St
 
Entry to forum by donation

There will be a "formal farewell" for the OCD Friars, hosted by the Franciscans, at St Paschal's Church.

Mass will commence at 7.30pm and will be followed by a reception.

Friends and associates are invited.

Benedictine, Carmelite and Ignatian spirituality: an exploration of the three mainstream spiritualities in the Church and how these spiritual traditions impact on the lives of those who live them.

Benedictine Spirituality 

William Johnston.  Formerly Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts from 1965 to 1999, he then taught at the Yarra Theological Union in Melbourne. Will edited the  Encyclopedia of Monasticism (2000).

 

Carmelite Spirituality,

Fr Greg Homeming OCD.  Greg is the Provincial of the Discalced Carmelites in Australia. Previously, he was the Director of the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Varroville, NSW.

 

Ignatian Spirituality
Fr Michael Smith SJ.  Michael is the Rector of Jesuit Theological College in Melbourne, and was previously the Director of the Campion Centre of Ignatian Spirituality in Kew, Vic.

10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.     BYO Lunch

The Carmelite Library   214 Richardson St, Middle Park, VIC 3206 (Melway ref. 2K C10)

 

REGISTRATION  $20 ($10 con) by Thursday 16th October:  Email: librarian@carmelitelibrary.org

Phone: (03) 9682 8553 (During opening hours only - Tuesday 2-8pm, Thursday 9-5pm)