I don’t get it.
From a newpaper in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
New Archbishop hopes to blend Indigenous and Catholic spirituality
In his native tongue of Tamil, Susai Jesu’s name literally translates to Joseph Jesus.
Catholicism runs deep in the Indian-born priest who was recently appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, which covers northern regions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
As a young boy, his mother would take him to church regularly at 4:30 in the morning and again in the evening.
“That’s how I strengthened my faith – directly from my Mom who gave me the seed for the religious vocation.”
During his time as a catechist, leading prayer service, as choir master, and alter boy, he noticed something that didn’t sit well with him. The priest would offer mass, but leave right away.
“There were lots of elderly women and men waiting to meet and receive blessings from the priest, but that wasn’t the case,” said Jesu. “I decided myself, if I ever became a priest, I would be available, at service, any time. So, availability is key for my becoming a priest.”
Jesu also believes availability will be the key to fostering reconciliation and stronger relationships as he oversees ministry of nearly 50,000 Catholics who are mostly Indigenous.
Jesu isn’t new to northern Saskatchewan. He spent seven years as a priest for Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay where he sat with Elders learning the Cree language through prayer and singing. Elders continue to play a big role in his personal and professional life. His recent episcopal ordination and installation mass began with traditional drumming, prayers in Cree and Dene and blessings from Elders. During his time at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in The Pas, MB he included Indigenous elements in his mass celebrations, like smudging. He’s also eager to incorporate more Medicine Wheel teachings.
“I’m hopeful that, you know, Indigenous spirituality and Catholic spirituality can blend and be parallel, which I can see very well.”
[…]
And somehow the TLM is … what again?
I recently rediscovered a slim volume entitled The Osterley Selection from the Latin Fathers, published in 1950. The preface praises the great classical authors—Caesar, Cicero, Livy, Virgil—yet insists that Christian also worthy. The collection includes brief selections from Fathers of the Church. It occurred to me that I might offer a podcast of the readings with an English translation, comments and the Latin original.
Today is the feast of St. Agatha, a virgin martyr and saint of the Roman Canon.
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