Prisms
Prisms: It seems appropriate in this final issue of Volume 69 that I acknowledge and pay tribute to Father Philip Fischer SJ who has served this journal for some twenty years. In expressing our own debt of gratitude to him, I and the rest of the staff will do our best to continue the legacy which he has left us.
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Holy Models
The Spirituality of Francis Libermann: A Man Beyond His Time
David L. Smith CSSP presents the embodied spirit of Francis Libermann's spirituality, underlining many instance of how his thought and action is very contemporary. Fr. Smith has taught for thirty-five years in Duquesne University's department of psychology and has also been executive director of its Phenomenology Center.
Excerpts: "To understand Libermann's uniquely existential and incarnational spirituality, we must keep this Hebrew meaning of the human body in mind. . . . At least 125 years before the Catholic Church adopted its 'preferential option for the poor,' Libermann had made this concern the keystone of his life and his work. . . . He always advised people who sought his advice to strive for tranquillity and serenity in their spiritual lives."
The Love Mysticism of Bernard of Clairvaux and Julian of Norwich
Marian Maskulak CPS shows how Bernard and Julian provice valuable material to ponder for contemporary readers who wish to explore the relationship of love between God and human beings. Sister Marian assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies, writes again from St. John's University in Queens, New York. Her email is: <maskulam@stjohns.edu>
Excerpts: "Bernard and Julian were two extremely diverse persons living in vastly different times. . . . Both Bernard and Julian recognize that God desires to be loved by human beings. . . . Not only do Bernard and Julian discuss God's desire for human love, but both take into consideration the role of human desire. . . . Another strong correlation between both writers is their emphasis on the immensity of God's love for human beings, shown not only in their creation but also in their re-creation through Jesus' self-giving on the cross. . . . Far more than spousal imagery, Julian uses the image of a loving caring, compassionate, and nurturing mother to depict God's love. . . . God's love rewards human love, and God is our eternal reward."
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Religious Growth
Cultivating Mature Relationships in Religious Formation
Chinyeaka C. Ezeani MSHR outlines how religious formators can model mature interpersonal relationships and respectful ways of communications that can better prepare candidates for a Christlike way of living and relating. Sister Chinyeaka served as a formator in Nigeria and is now a member of her congregation's leadership in Dublin. Her email address: <chyezeani@yahoo.com>
Excerpt: "When it comes to mature interpersonal relations, communication is vital. . . . Formators are challenged to take on the responsibility of dealing with their own issues first. . . . Mature interpersonal relations do require a degree of 'dying to self.'"
Operatic Discernment of a Vocation
Daniel J. Heisey OSB, suggests that opera, especially Gian Carlo Menotti's The Saing of Bleecker Street and Amahl and yhe Night Visitors, can help someone discern a religious vocation. He is a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania where he is known as Brother Bruno. His email is: <bruno.heisey@email.stvincent.edu>
Excerpts: "During a career spanning seven decades, Menotti seems to have reached his creative ad poular height in the 1950s. . . . One lesson any Christian must learn is that in Chris one loves a person, not an idea. . . . 'God gives you a gift, and you must compose the right music in honor of God.'. . . Menotti shows Annina wholly dedicted to seeking God and being united to Him."
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Lighting the Way
Searching for Jesus at Christmas
James H. Kroeger MM treats the nature and purpose of the Gospels, the role of the evangelists, questions of the "historical Jesus," the infancy narratives, and the need for an "adult" faith. Father Kroeger teaches at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology at Loyola School of Theology of the Ateneo de Manila University as well as at the Mother of Life Catechetical Center. He can be reached at: <jkroeger@admu.edu.ph>
Excerpts: "Simply, a Gospel can be described as a 'faith summary.'. . . Our Gospels are the products of faith-development in early Christianity. . . . Each of the Gospels is unique and adopts varied theological emphases, while remaing focused on the person of Jesus. . . . Jesus refuses to be contained in the boxes we create for him. . . . We should treat the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke respectfully for what they are: stories which embody a theology."
Edith Stein, Woman of Light
Carolyn Humphreys OCDS demonstrates that the themes most apparent throughout Edith Stein's life are her integrity, her search for truth, and her complete trust in God. Sister Humphreys lives in Paramount , California.
Excerpts: "For years Edith had searched for truth as a scholar in the realm of philosophy. . . . Theresia Benedicta a Cruce means Teresa Blessed by the cross. . . . Edith's most important works were written, not as one would suspect, within a university environment, but in the cloiser of Carmel."
Departments
Scripture Scope: Reading and Understanding the Prophets
Eugene Hensell OSB continues his Scripture essays, a regular feature of each issue of Review for Religious. Fr. Hensell travels about giving retreats and workshops his home is at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. His email is: <ehensell@saintmeinrad.edu>.
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Poetry
Forerunner, by Teresa Burleson – 69.4.356
A lighted taper . . . , by Mary Jane Higgens RSM – 69.4.433
Word Made Flesh, by Irene Zimmerman OSF– 69.4.389
Book • Shelf • Life
Mini book reviews by Rosemary Jermann
