There is a wonderful French movie from the late 80's that I watched once again yesterday called Au Revoir les Enfants. It is a tremendous little film with all these beautiful, strong and true emotions flowing just beneath the surface of the plot. The story is set in a small, Carmelite Friar's school for upper class boys during the later years of WWII in France.
I have been fortunate to know the kinds of priests and nuns you refer to in the end. In fact, I have one in my church life currently. Every time I hear him speak or attend mass, I am so thankful for his “old fashioned, daily, striving holiness based in faith, right teaching and tradition.” Never in my life have I been more thankful to have people like this priest in my life when “the whole world is ablaze.” I can’t help but have more faith when I see men like this. I thank God for pursuing them and putting them in these orders. I can’t imagine a world without them.
"the parish priest back in WV at St Brendan's Church would help my mom sell the house, do the paper work for her, and make sure she was okay. " I have never heard of a priest that did so much for one person. He sounds like a character from a movie too. I love stories from World War II and hopefully I will see this movie one day.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections. As an orthodox (as opposed to heterodox) practicing Catholic, I regularly observe the fallout from how warped the priesthood became for decades after Vatican II. So many priests nearing retirement in America act like dorky high-school thespians who love being on stage and getting laughs. The banality and shallowness they pedal while blocking our view of the tabernacle can only be sanely endured if one takes it as the chastisement we're due for our sins. Thankfully, many of the young priests coming along are aiming towards what the Carmelites in this film exhibited - sanctification, virtue and holiness, the only things that can save us.
“Blocking our view of the tabernacle…” - that is well said. I agree that some younger priests seem to be taking up their vocations with adult seriousness.
I have been fortunate to know the kinds of priests and nuns you refer to in the end. In fact, I have one in my church life currently. Every time I hear him speak or attend mass, I am so thankful for his “old fashioned, daily, striving holiness based in faith, right teaching and tradition.” Never in my life have I been more thankful to have people like this priest in my life when “the whole world is ablaze.” I can’t help but have more faith when I see men like this. I thank God for pursuing them and putting them in these orders. I can’t imagine a world without them.
I have found a Church with priests like this,too. You are so right. Your faith feels protected.
Thank you for your beautiful reflections!
Exactly, exactly. A tremendous film that you have gotten exactly right. This is a beautiful post!
Thank you, Dixie!
"the parish priest back in WV at St Brendan's Church would help my mom sell the house, do the paper work for her, and make sure she was okay. " I have never heard of a priest that did so much for one person. He sounds like a character from a movie too. I love stories from World War II and hopefully I will see this movie one day.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections. As an orthodox (as opposed to heterodox) practicing Catholic, I regularly observe the fallout from how warped the priesthood became for decades after Vatican II. So many priests nearing retirement in America act like dorky high-school thespians who love being on stage and getting laughs. The banality and shallowness they pedal while blocking our view of the tabernacle can only be sanely endured if one takes it as the chastisement we're due for our sins. Thankfully, many of the young priests coming along are aiming towards what the Carmelites in this film exhibited - sanctification, virtue and holiness, the only things that can save us.
“Blocking our view of the tabernacle…” - that is well said. I agree that some younger priests seem to be taking up their vocations with adult seriousness.
So true!
I just love everything you write. I see so much truth here that needed to be said.
Thank you Denise! Love your film commentary; keep it coming please and thank you!