Cardinal Burke opens up about his new office with Knights of Malta [CNA]

[CNA_News]

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/i...Credit_Daniel_Ib__ez_CNA_CNA_10_27_14.jpgRome, Italy, Nov 29, 2014 / 06:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Nov. 8 the Vatican announced the transfer of Cardinal Raymond Burke from prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, which ensures correct administration of justice in the Church, to Patron of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta.

In an interview on Nov. 21, Cardinal Burke explained his new role to CNA.

“The technical title is Patron,” he stated. “It is an office of representation of the Holy Father to the grand master of the sovereign military order.”

Cardinal Burke will be helping Fra. Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”, colloquially known as the “Knights of Malta.”

“He is actually a professed religious, but not a priest. My work principally is to assist him, to be a spiritual guide to him, and to carry forward the great work of the order.”

The order sets itself two principal missions.

“The defense of the faith: the ’defensio fidei’, and then care for the poor, the ‘obsequium pauperum.’ Both of these things go together, because you obviously need deep faith and the strength that comes from Christ to serve those who deserve to be served.”

The order was established in 1099, and recognized as sovereign by the Pope in 1113. It has more than 13,000 members and 80,000 volunteers today. Among them are 20,000 medical personnel such as doctors, nurses, auxiliaries, and paramedics.

The Knights are present in over 120 countries, some of which Burke will visit as part of his office.

“I will be going out to visit the Knights in various parts of the world where the Knights are active. They are widespread, it is a large order, and it is very active in many aspects.”

The order has the peculiarity of being a religious order composed of lay people. This gives them a unique spirit, but creates also challenges for their structure, and dealings within the Church.

“There will be also the possibility of drawing from my knowledge as a canon lawyer to address the complex canonical questions which are tied to an order which has professed religious and also lay members in different ranks.”

The cardinal voiced his optimism for the future and his work with the Grand Master, and is looking forward to his new assignment.
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Full article…

 

[Tigg]

The cardinal voiced his optimism for the future and his work with the Grand Master, and is looking forward to his new assignment.

May the Burke detractors now keep silent. Just as we all knew, he will enter his new position with zeal, doing all things for the greater glory of God while submitting himself totally to His will. May you be richly blessed, Cardinal Burke. We pray prayers of protection for you and thank you for your unrelenting sacrifice and service to the Church.

 

[FaustinaJulia]

May the Burke detractors now keep silent. Just as we all knew, he will enter his new position with zeal, doing all things for the greater glory of God while submitting himself totally to His will. May you be richly blessed, Cardinal Burke. We pray prayers of protection for you and thank you for your unrelenting sacrifice and service to the Church.

Amen and Amen

 

[the_phoenix]

This is wonderful news for Cardinal Burke and the Church! The motto of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is “”Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” (Latin) “Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor.” The poor are close to the heart of Pope Francis, so for the Pope to entrust such a mission to Cardinal Burke seems to me to show a great deal of respect and trust.

From Wikipedia (link below), a look back at the early history of the Order of Malta: Around 1048, the Caliph of Egypt gave the Order permission to build a church, convent, and hospital in Jerusalem. “The constitution of the Kingdom of Jerusalem regarding the crusades obliged the Order to take on the military defence of the sick, the pilgrims, and the territories that the crusaders had captured from the Muslims. The Order thus added the task of defending the faith to that of its hospitaller mission.” And the fleet of the Order helped out at the Battle of Lepanto, there defeating the Muslims in 1571.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta

Does this ring any bells? Today we have Islamic militants declaring a caliphate in the Middle East, killing Christians there, and turning them out of their homes. We have Pope Francis telling us we’re in World War III. We have modern day prophets talking about people feeling called to set up refuges for displaced people, and seeing the Church as a field hospital. We are reminded that the Muslims were defeated at the Battle of Lepanto because Pope Pius V had many people praying the Rosary.

And more from Wikipedia from the same link on the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, on their role today, “Through its worldwide relief corps—Malteser International—the Order is also engaged to aid victims of natural disasters, epidemics and armed conflicts.” Natural disasters seem to be in the news and on people’s minds quite a bit, earthquakes, for example. Epidemics are also in the news bigtime with Ebola and Enterovirus D68. Armed conflicts are being discussed everywhere these days, and I haven’t even touched on Ukraine yet.

So it seems to me like Pope Francis is moving Cardinal Burke from the musty old courtroom, where the Cardinal has in fact done a tremendous job, to where the action is, quite likely making him more relevant than ever. Let’s join the Pope and the Cardinal in the spiritual battle! We can fast and pray, offer up a Rosary of support for this change and those involved, trust in the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead the Church.

:knight1: :knight1:

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[boar2roar]

May the Burke detractors now keep silent. Just as we all knew, he will enter his new position with zeal, doing all things for the greater glory of God while submitting himself totally to His will. May you be richly blessed, Cardinal Burke. We pray prayers of protection for you and thank you for your unrelenting sacrifice and service to the Church.

I like Burke a lot but this office is completely ceremonial and a way to get him out of doing anything significant. What is Burke have to do with a Catholic red cross like organization which he has no power over anyway.

 

[the_phoenix]

I like Burke a lot but this office is completely ceremonial and a way to get him out of doing anything significant. What is Burke have to do with a Catholic red cross like organization which he has no power over anyway.

Apparently you didn’t take the time to read my post.

 

[red_dirt]

Are we not to understand this as a demotion to a ceremonial position, brought about on account of Cardinal Burke’s sometimes vocal support of the conservative position. In particular, the Cardinal’s opposition to liberalization of certain aspects?

    I don't know about abortion, but some of the other issues involved here have also been associated with controversial Jesuit positions over the years. 
   ---------------------------------------
     What's this, "Hey, hey, Cardinal Burke, congratulations on your new calling. We know you'll do a great job!"?
          -----------------------------

One official was asked, “Don’t you want to be on the right side of history?”
He replied, “I’d rather be on the right side of God.”
----------------------------------

Like Phoenix, I am hopeful and optimistic that what is really going on in that the church has recognized in Cardinal Burke the integrity and will power to lead the Knights to successfully dealing with some of the issues Phoenix named. Probably best not to go into too much detail, but I am not really seeing the actions of the west’s religious institutions especially inspiring of confidence in these areas. Not my judgement to make, but I am more looking towards Special Operations, Navy Seals, and U. S. Rangers for relief.

 

[the_phoenix]

Are we not to understand this as a demotion to a ceremonial position, brought about on account of Cardinal Burke’s sometimes vocal support of the conservative position. In particular, the Cardinal’s opposition to liberalization of certain aspects?

Depends on if we are looking at this in a worldly way, I suppose.
I personally see how much good can come from this,
with Cardinal Burke being in a position as a spiritual advisor
where he can
acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around him.
Sounds like an opportunity for leadership to me.

…

 

[red_dirt]

Apologize for the overlapping edit.

I am hopeful for your analysis and personally support your own hopes, Phoenix.

Not in a position to second guess the authority. At the same time, American conservatives across the board viewed the removal of Cardinal Raymond Burke as Head of the Vatican’s highest court with dismay. Not exactly what I would have called a musty old office, at least not when Cardinal Burke occupied it.

 

[JackVk]

Here we go again.

Francis just promoted Cardinal Pell, who is among the “conservative” camp. And Burke had been at his previous position as long as the rest who have held it.

Let the Vatican hierarchy play their game of thrones (thank you, George R. R. Martin). Meawhile, I am going to be over here, attempting to live a life pleasing to the Lord.

 

[livingwordunity]

I like Burke a lot but this office is completely ceremonial and a way to get him out of doing anything significant. What is Burke have to do with a Catholic red cross like organization which he has no power over anyway.

It’s Cardinal Burke. He’s still a cardinal. So please show him that respect.

 

[Tigg]

I like Burke a lot but this office is completely ceremonial and a way to get him out of doing anything significant. What is Burke have to do with a Catholic red cross like organization which he has no power over anyway.

I believe we sometimes forget the spiritual dimension of Holy Orders and how it is the Spirit, not man, who ultimately guides. To a prelate committed to the Lord, the only important thing would be to do the will of God. Even if, by chance, Crdl Burke were to live the rest of his life in obscurity, it could do nothing to prevent him from a closer encounter with holiness. God will use him as He sees fit, and as some have even suggested, much of his time will now be free to write and evangelize.

Further, I am reminded of a certain saint, sent to a remote region called Ars, France where it was said the people were incorrigible. Can’t you just imagine the surprise of John Vianney’s superiors when a radical conversion overtook the people and the entire place for miles around was transformed?

 

[JackVk]

I believe we sometimes forget the spiritual dimension of the ordained and how it is the Spirit, not man, who ultimately guides. To a prelate committed to the Lord, the only important thing would be to do the will of God. Even if, by chance, Crdl Burke were to live the rest of his life in obscurity, it could do nothing to prevent him from a closer encounter with holiness. God will use him as He sees fit, and as some have even suggested, much of his time will now be free to write and evangelize.

Further, I am reminded of a certain saint, sent to a remote region called Ars, France where it was said the people were incorrigible. Can’t you just imagine the surprise of John Vianney’s superiors when a radical conversion overtook the people and the entire place for miles around was transformed?

Amen. Let the Holy Spirit do His work. I think it’s dangerous for us to worry which clergyman is put where. It seems to be “putting our trust in princes”.

 

[the_phoenix]

Apologize for the overlapping edit.

I am hopeful for your analysis and personally support your own hopes, Phoenix.

Not in a position to second guess the authority. At the same time, American conservatives across the board viewed the removal of Cardinal Raymond Burke as Head of the Vatican’s highest court with dismay. Not exactly what I would have called a musty old office, at least not when Cardinal Burke occupied it.

And my apologies … my internet connection died in the middle of my last response to you!

It strikes me that Cardinal Burke was providentially assigned to the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, and I was one of those who celebrated this, to do much good during his time there. The courtroom only became musty when it was time for him to move on to his next task.

SOME American conservatives viewed this move with dismay … I’m a Reagan Republican, if you’d like to take a look back through my older posts.

How does the Catholic Church view these kinds of matters? I would say we can get a glimpse of it from looking at St. Therese of Lisieux, named a patron saint of the missions, even though she was a nun living in a cloister, humbly practicing her Little Way. This high honor was bestowed on her because her love and support of the missions by her letters and prayers did perhaps more good than many who physically went to mission lands … In comparison with Martha and Mary, St. Therese was Mary who chose the better part and the “one thing necessary.” Some would see this honor as “ceremonial,” I suppose.

Nice conversing with you, red_dirt!
Hail and well met!

~~ the phoenix

 

[boar2roar]

It’s Cardinal Burke. He’s still a cardinal. So please show him that respect.

I’m not disrespecting him, of course I know he’s a cardinal but I’m writing a post on an internet forum that he’ll never read. Unless there is another Burke I’m just saving time and not writing his full title.

 

[boar2roar]

Apparently you didn’t take the time to read my post.

I did, it was white washing putting him in a post that he has no influence in. I think Cardinal Burke would have preferred to be stuck in that “office” where he could actually have an impact instead being the nominal head of an non existent military order made up of aid workers. He had to save face and say this, what was he going to do say that his new post is worthless. From his position its better to just look at the positives and get on with it.

 

[the_phoenix]

I did, it was white washing putting him in a post that he has no influence in. I think Cardinal Burke would have preferred to be stuck in that “office” where he could actually have an impact instead being the nominal head of an non existent military order made up of aid workers. He had to save face and say this, what was he going to do say that his new post is worthless. From his position its better to just look at the positives and get on with it.

Apparently, you didn’t read my second and third posts.

 

[boar2roar]

Apparently, you didn’t read my second and third posts.

First post was borderline crackpot theory about how Cardinal Burke got this post to defend people against a muslim invasion. I’m still trying to follow it because knights of Malta have no army and I don’t see how Cardinal Burke can coordinate his aid volunteers to stop this ?

Second post vaguely adresses some kind of spiritual award for this position which pretty much says nothing concrete except prayer which the Cardinal can do without this post.

Third post deflects with a story about how a nun also got a ceremonial position and questions what the Cardinal could have done with his previous office job ( the highest judicial position in the church and oversees administration of justice in the church) before but doesn’t address any of the things that he can with his new post

No I read them they just don’t make sense to me…

 

[red_dirt]

Nice conversing with you, red_dirt!
Hail and well met!
~~ the phoenix

Likewise, Phoenix; and thank you for the kind in gracious welcome to this forum. I look forward to discussing these topics with you and the members, here. (red) :o

 

[Tigg]

I think Cardinal Burke would have preferred to be stuck in that “office” where he could actually have an impact instead being the nominal head of an non existent military order made up of aid workers. He had to save face and say this, what was he going to do say that his new post is worthless. From his position its better to just look at the positives and get on with it.

Perhaps you do not understand the sacrificial life of the priest, at least one who believes his calling is from God. From his own words, he did wish to remain in his previous office, but the spiritual element seeks to serve God before all else, leaving his own will behind and to do so by practicing virtue. I acknowledge we do have many ambitious clergymen, but I do not believe Crdl Burke to be one of them as that is contrary to laying one’s own life down for the service of God. And I repeat that God will use each one for His own purposes. None of us know what plans the Lord has for this faithful man.

Here is what he said when he found out about the re-assignment. You may believe of him as you wish; I take his words at face value and find they illustrate honesty and humility.

“I very much have enjoyed and have been happy to give this service, so it is a disappointment to leave it,” Burke said, explaining that he hadn’t yet received a formal notice of transfer. “On the other hand, in the church as priests, we always have to be ready to accept whatever assignment we’re given. And so I trust, by accepting this assignment, I trust that God will bless me, and that’s what’s in the end most important. And even though I would have liked to have continued to work in the Apostolic Signatura, I’ll give myself to whatever is the new work that I’m assigned to…

buzzfeed.com/lesterfeder/conservative-cardinal-who-clashed-with-pope-francis-confirms