THE P
RTAL
PORTAL NEWS
March 2011 Page 4
Cardinal Levada and Fr Hermann Geissler
An Interview by Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane
In the time Cardinal Levada had with us , he was concerned to put us at our ease . Anxious we had some fine pictures , he made sure his Secretary Msgr Steven Lopes operated the camera . Cardinal Levada explained that Fr Hermann Geissler , who is the head of the Doctrinal Office at the CDF , would give us an indepth interview the very next day . ( Front cover : Ronald Crane , Cardinal Levada , Jackie Ottaway )
Cardinal William Levada
We left the CDF after an hour , as we did so , the Cardinal gave us both his blessing . One was overawed to be in the presence of such an holy man , yet at the same time totally won over by his North American charm and grace . It is clear that the CDF is very keen on the Ordinariate , and we were given a warm welcome by everyone . Sitting on Louis XIV chairs , with valuable paintings hanging on the wall , we chatted with Cardinal Levada and his staff .
Fr Hermann Geissler
Fr Hermann is an Austrian , and a member of the Spiritual Family The Work ( The Sisters of The Work run the College in Littlemore-Oxford , where John Henry Newman was received in the Catholic Church ). His English is excellent . He has a keen interest in the Ordinariate and in Blessed John Henry Newman . The issue of the Ordinariate is close to his heart , as it is to that of the Holy Father .
We were told that some two years ago members of the Anglican Communion knocked at the CDF ’ s door and asked for help . It was clear that they shared the Catholic Faith and Catechism , yet needed Peter , and Communion with Saint Peter . The CDF informed the Holy Father who said that if they shared the same Faith and sought Communion with Peter , the Vatican must be helpful .
A Working Group set up
Fr Hermann informed us that a Working Group was set up involving members of the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church . It met on and off for two years . It produced a scheme for corporate reunion that would welcome groups as well as individuals . When it was shown to Pope Benedict XIV he thought it helpful and it was presented to a group of Theologians , all twenty of them , and finally to the Cardinal Members of the CDF . They pronounced the scheme good and necessary , and the Holy Father approved . Fr Hermann said , “ I believe it was the Holy Spirit . He brought them to our doors , guided them and us .”
Few difficulties
The CDF foresees few difficulties between the Ordinariate and other Catholics . We were told quite definitely that the Catholic Church was not a uniformity . There is unity of faith , of course ; but not uniformity . There is already a diversity of expression among various parts of the Catholic Church . There are differences of liturgy and even of Canon Law . This is the case in India , for example , where three Ritual Catholic Churches ( Latin , Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankar ) exist in harmony . Fr Hermann was adamant that the Ordinariate and the rest of the Catholic Church complement each other .
Important to the Holy Father
“ The Ordinariate is very important to the Holy Father . In the area of ecumenism it strengthens the Catholic Church ’ s approach in two ways . It promotes sincere dialogue with a Christian defence of life , and the promotion of peace . The goal of the ecumenical movement is complete visible union with one Christ and with Peter in one Church . We must co-operate and grow together .”
For the CDF Anglicans joining the Catholic Church through the Ordinariate will receive the fullness of faith , the fullness of the sacramental life of the Church as well as unity with the Holy Father . It produces security in one ’ s Faith .
Not one-way traffic
But this is not one-way traffic . All converts bring enthusiasm and a freshness of faith to the Church . They prepare well , they do not take the Faith for granted and in that they refresh the Faith of the Church .