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Bishop Flavin Loyal Servant of the King Gg School Sisters of Christ the King in collaboration with Peter E. Mayeux and M
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“When a priest is ordained a Bishop he chooses an official motto, which in some way describes his hopes and the thrust of his episcopate – the goal of his life and action as a Bishop. My motto is: Ut Christus Regnet.”
Bishop F lavin
“I am giving my life
THAT CHRIST MAY REIGN.” — Bishop Glennon Patrick Flavin
Known as a man of smiles and kindness, Bishop Flavin was always at the same time a true priest with a deep sense of serious spirituality causing some of his priests to say that he gives evidence of being a holy mystic. He devoutly lived out the meaning of the motto he chose for his episcopacy: “Ut Christus Regnet” (“That Christ Might Reign”). Preaching that motto by word and even more by example, he showed, with persistence and perseverance, how it ever influenced his life and ministry. This book, we hope, will be a means to continue to listen to the homily of Bishop Flavin’s life. The School Sisters of Christ the King are honoring their Founder by its publication and spiritually enriching us all by preserving his writings, his wit, and his deep spirituality, thus helping so many others to know and appreciate him, and in that knowledge and appreciation to know, love and serve Christ so that He might reign. — Fabian W. Bruskewitz, STD, Bishop of Lincoln, NE
Loyal Servant of the King
Bishop Flavin Loyal Servant of the King Gg School Sisters of Christ the King
in collaboration with Peter E. Mayeux and Monsignor Myron J. Pleskac
cksisters.org
NIHIL OBSTAT: Rev. Msgr. Myron P. Pleskac, MA Censor Deputatus IMPRIMATUR: Most Rev. Fabian W. Bruskewitz, STD Bishop of Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska - August 27, 2012 The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed.
Bishop Flavin: Loyal Servant of the King Copyright © School Sisters of Christ the King 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the School Sisters of Christ the King, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
For permission requests, write to:
School Sisters of Christ the King Attention: Permissions Coordinator Villa Regina Motherhouse 4100 SW 56th St. Lincoln NE 69522-9261 Forms are available at the back of the book to make a donation or request a copy of this biography, or visit www.cksisters.org.
Cover design by Andy Nalow Published by the School Sisters of Christ the King Printed in the U.S.A. by Nebraska Printing Center PO Box 5325, Lincoln, NE 68505 ISBN 978-0-9882478-0-2 soft cover ISBN 978-0-9882478-1-9 hard cover
Contents Foreword by Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz
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Preface by Mother Joan Paul, C.K.
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1 Firm Foundations
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Transplanted from Old Ireland Meet Me in St. Louis “Little Bear” An Officer and a Homemaker Sports of all Sorts Seminary Studies “Pre-ordained” to the Priesthood Notes for Chapter 1
2 A Priestly Heart
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St. Michael Parish Cathedral Latin School Added Responsibilities Missionary Zeal The Star Begins to Rise: Archdiocesan Appointments Perceptions of a Tourist Legion of Mary A Note of Appreciation Worldmission Exhibition Daily Worldmissionnaires Daily Worldmissionnaires Today Notes for Chapter 2
3 Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II Consecration The Wrong Son . . . Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Vatican Council II and Operation Renewal Pastoral Decisions A Preview of Nebraska Who do you say that I am? Farewells from Brother Priests Notes for Chapter 3 v
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4 Lincoln Welcomes a New Shepherd
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Anticipation of the New Appointment Episcopal Signs Seventh Bishop of Lincoln Implementing the Second Vatican Council Notes for Chapter 4
5 Two Priorities
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First Priority: Catholic Schools Words of Encouragement Keeping Catholic Education Available and Affordable Further Support of Religious Education CCD and Catechist Training Newman Center Second Priority: Vocations Vocation Teamwork Insufficiency to Abundant Blessing Seminaries Personal Interest Lincoln’s Minor Seminary Have you considered ... ? Notes for Chapter 5
6 Forming an Apostolic Laity By Baptism I Am a Priest, Prophet and King Spiritual Formation Confirmation Tours Parish Councils Ministries of Instituted Lectors and Acolytes Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House Sanctification of the Domestic Church of the Family Support of Humanae Vitae NFP Finds a Home in the Lincoln Diocese In Obedience to Christ: A Pastoral Letter Speaking Out for Life Extending the Reign of Christ in the World Legion of Mary Further Support of Lay Initiatives Calix and the Matt Talbot Kitchen SKY Camp and Camp Kateri Tekakwitha Education Technology Initiative Active Participation in the Diocese of Lincoln Notes for Chapter 6 vi
7 Promoting Priestly and Consecrated Life Brother Priests Standing Instructions for the Clergy Clergy Days Firm and Compassionate Bonacum House Love for the Priesthood More Diocesan Priests’ Reflections A Tribute to Outstanding Priestly Fidelity Consecrated Life The First Diocesan Community Other Sisters in the Diocese The “Pink Sisters” Celebration of Consecration The Institute on Religious Life Notes for Chapter 7
8 Founder and Father
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157
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Origin of the School Sisters of Christ the King Early Formation at Villa Maria House of Studies I.H.M.s Plant the First C.K. School in Nebraska Soil The First Villa Regina Motherhouse Developing the Charism with New Directives Imparting the Charism A Permanent Motherhouse – Home to the Sisters The Founder Confesses Spiritual Father Supporting Vocations to the End Notes for Chapter 8
9 Compassionate Shepherd A Heart for the Missions NCCB Committee on Missions United States Catholic Mission Council Encouragement to Be Missionary Diocesan Missionaries to Venezuela Hispanic Apostolate in Lincoln and Spanish Masses Vietnamese Parish Established Masses for the Hearing Impaired Diocesan Evangelization Efforts Ecumenical Efforts Collaboration with State and National Bishops Other National and Civic Concerns vii
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A Final Thought on the Missions Notes for Chapter 9
Appendices
10 Unwavering Prophet
Chapter 1: Two letters written by Michael Flavin 320 Chapter 5 A: A Talk to Youth 322 Chapter 5 B: An Address to Seminarians 324 Chapter 6 A: Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI) 330 Chapter 6 B: In Obedience to Christ: A Pastoral Letter 332 Chapter 6 C: Allocutions to the Legion of Mary 335 Chapter 7: Memos to the King’s Men 336 Chapter 8 A: Letters to School Sisters of Christ the King 351 Chapter 8 B: The Exchange 361 Chapter 8 C: Doubling for Mary 362 Chapter 12 A: Easter Vigil Homily 365 Chapter 12 B: Timeline of Bishop Glennon P. Flavin 366 Chapter 12 C: Prayers for Bishop Glennon P. Flavin 370
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The Need for Faithful Leadership Diocesan Clergy Unite Lawsuit Against the Pink Sisters and Lincoln Diocese Dismissal of O.M.I. Clergy Reactions to Lector and Acolyte Program Misrepresentation of the Diocesan Policy Catholics for an Active Liturgical Life (CALL) Opposition and Encouragement Children of Mary: Bayside Shepherding Rightly Notes for Chapter 10
11 Knowing the Man
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Both Shy and Outgoing Sense of Humor Sportsman Orator Astute Businessman Firm – and Sometimes Stubborn Poor and Generous A Holy Man Notes for Chapter 11
12 The Final Years
Sources
Donation and Order Forms
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Calm in the Storm A Brief Working Retirement Diagnosis of Cancer and Surgery Preparation for Death Until We Meet Again The Day of the Lord’s Resurrection The Beginning Notes for Chapter 12
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371 381
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Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II n April 24, 1957, Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, announced that Pope Pius XII appointed Monsignor Glennon P. Flavin to the episcopate as an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis. Monsignor Flavin accepted this appointment with hesitation initially. He had always preferred to be a simple priest, ministering to his people.
Consecration On Ascension Thursday, May 30, 1957, Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter consecrated Monsignor Flavin to the episcopacy. Bishop Charles H. Helmsing, his former teacher at Kenrick Seminary and coworker in the Missions Office was appropriately his co-consecrator at his installation. Some contemporaries of Bishop Flavin speculate that his motto, inscribed on his coat of coat of arms – Ut Christus Regnet (That Christ May Reign) – was influenced by his work with Bishop Helmsing in promoting the missions. The other coconsecrator was Auxiliary Bishop Leo C. Byrne of St. Louis (who became the Coadjutor Bishop in Wichita, Kansas, four years later.) Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, the National Director for the Propagation of the Faith, who had been associated with Bishop Flavin for many years through the Missions Office, was the homilist for the Mass of Consecration. Bishop Sheen based his homily on the message of the angels after the ascension: “Why stand ye here gazing into the heavens? I have sent you into the world; therefore, finish your work!” In meditating on the meaning of the ceremony of consecration, he stated that the apostles had to wait ten days for power on high because up to that point they were only priests. They had to wait until the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, would come to make them bishops. He noted that becoming a bishop binds a man to the world – so
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Bishop Flavin: Loyal Servant of the King
Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II
I shall always be grateful for the Consecration of our Holy Cross Church on the occasion of our Centennial. For years the Consecration had been one of my highest hopes. And YOU fulfilled it. THANKS again and again, dearest Bishop.53 When the news broke that you would become Bishop of Lincoln I was happy for you, and at the same time somewhat selfishly sad. I personally will never forget the day you, Cardinal Ritter, and Bishop Helmsing visited my Dad a few months before he died. That was the greatest day in his life. He just couldn’t believe that you came to see him. Your kindness and thoughtfulness on this and numerous other occasions will never be forgotten.54
After the sung Litany, the Elect knelt before the archbishop, who placed the book of Gospels on his neck and shoulders. The chaplain, Fr. Joseph Michalski, held the book during the entire consecration ceremony. (Arteaga)
The Flavin family seated in the front pew with Julia and Michael on the far right. (Arteaga)
Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the homilist at the consecration, with Bishop Flavin. (Arteaga)
The Flavin family gathered around the newly consecrated bishop. (Arteaga)
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Notes for Chapter 3
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2 3 4
Photo p. 46: See note 19. Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter heads to Rome for the third session of Vatican Council II with Bishop Glennon P. Flavin; Very Reverend Nicholas E. Persich, rector of Kenrick Seminary and Cardinal’s advisor on theology; Monsignor Joseph W. Baker, cardinal’s advisor on canon law. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) Background: see note 23 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, reel-to-reel recorded on CD and transcript of homily, May 30, 1957 (CKA) Also,“Who is Fulton Sheen?,” Milford Knights of Columbus: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Council, web, retrieved November 4, 2011: Bishop Sheen, of course, was a true media pioneer whose gospel message spoke to the common man. For twenty years he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour (1930-1950) before moving to television and presenting his Emmy Award-winning Life Is Worth Living (1951-1957) and the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961-1968). He was also a prolific writer. From 1950 through 1966, he served as National Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. His international following from many religious traditions not only received his message, but also gave generously, as he mentioned in his autobiography: “In the course of years, thanks to the gifts that were spontaneously sent, returns for the missions ran into millions of dollars, every cent of which found its way to some poor area of this earth for the building of hospitals and schools and further communication of the Word.” [See also www.archbishopsheencause.org] Sister Loretta Gosen, C.PP.S., “Biography of Bishop Glennon P. Flavin,” August 29, 1995 (LDA) St. Louis Review, photo caption, Friday, August 18, 1957 (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives and Records) Jim Flavin, 2004 (CK 2) Also, Sister Maura Thérèse, C.K., reflection based on St. Louis interviews, November 19, 2010: This anecdote was retold (with slight variations) during almost every interview with people from St. Louis. It is usually followed by a description of the holiness of Monsignor Cornelius Flavin who was so well-loved as a confessor, homilist and friend. He also had a great reputation for winning converts. Also, “Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Baccalaureate Mass Homily,” Franciscan University of Steubenville, posted May 11, 2007, web, retrieved November 19, 2010: Msgr. Cornelius Flavin was the first pastor of Cardinal Dolan of New York when he was a newly ordained priest assigned to Immaculata; his esteem and affection for Monsignor is evident in this homily excerpt: “When I was a newly ordained priest back in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, I was very blessed to have at my parish a very zealous and saintly pastor, Monsignor Cornelius Flavin. He had a tremendous impact on me. He was a genuinely holy man. …I knew he was friendly with a lot of priests, but I didn’t know if he had any real good friends. When Christmas came, I said to him on Christmas Eve, “Monsignor, I’m going to my sister’s with my nieces for Christmas Eve dinner, won’t you join us?” He said, “Thank you, Tim, you’re
Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II
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very gracious, but I’m fine.” He said, “I have a tradition of spending Christmas with a very good friend.” I said, “Oh good.” I was kind of relieved. Now, I’m coming back from my sister’s at about nine-thirty on Christmas Eve, and I pull into the Carmelite convent about a mile from the parish because I wanted to drop a gift off for the Sisters, and I knew that at about nine-thirty they would be locking the doors. They had a Eucharistic adoration chapel, and as I went into the church, who do I see kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament but Monsignor Flavin. He was spending Christmas in company with, in conversation with, as he called it, a very good friend.” Also, Monsignor William Drennan, 2007 (CK 4): When Monsignor Cornelius Flavin was assigned to a segregated parish, he boldly and quickly changed policies to break down racial barriers in the school and parish activities. In desegregating his parish, Monsignor carried out one of Archbishop Ritter’s first episcopal acts that solidly revealed his courage and decency. Also, “1946-1994: The St. Louis Church in the Modern World,” Archdiocese of St. Louis/Archdiocesan Archives/Special Sections, web, retrieved January 28, 2011: “In 1946, his first year in St. Louis, [Archbishop Ritter] instructed all pastors in the archdiocese to end racial segregation in the parochial schools. The U.S. Supreme Court would not take the same action with the nation’s public schools until 1954.” Also, Salvador Miranda, “Biographical Dictionary (1903-2011)/ Ritter, Joseph Elmer (1892-1967),” The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, web, retrieved February 2, 2011: “In September 1947, [Archbishop Ritter] desegregated five Catholic St. Louis high schools; as a result, the City Board of Education immediately advocated the abolition of segregation in St. Louis public schools. The archbishop threatened those who fought desegregation with excommunication from the Catholic Church, making it easier for him to implement change and to eliminate opposition.” 5 Monsignor Edwin Behrman, 2004 (CK 2) 6 Monsignor William Drennan, 2007 (CK 4) 7 “Summary of Bishop Glennon P. Flavin’s assignments” and other reports (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives and Records) Also, “Bishop Flavin Gives Invocation: Police Problem-Makers Hit,” GlobeDemocrat, October 9, 1962: In the invocation at the annual meeting of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, Bishop Flavin prayed as the son of a police lieutenant: “Dear God, give to these good men unlimited patience that they may kindly bear with silly complaints, with unreasonable requests and with inconsiderate demands of those selfish citizens and petty politicians who forget their police officers are public servants and not personal slaves. “Remind these chiefs of police of their duty to train their policemen to be men of discipline, honesty, courage, selflessness and dedication, as exemplified, at least in the mind of one who gives this invocation, by his father who served as a police officer for more than 40 years.” Also, “Bishop Flavin Praises Laymen’s Retreat League,” Globe-Democrat, April 26, 1965: Bishop Flavin told 800 men at a Laymen’s Retreat League communion
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Bishop Flavin: Loyal Servant of the King
Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II
Julia and Michael congratulating their son; Ed and Kathleen looking on. (Arteaga)
On October 1, 1958, Bishop Flavin joined in procession with the Franciscans. (Arteaga)
Oliver Parks, who was the general chairman of the Worldmission Exhibition in May 1953, congratulating Bishop Flavin’s mother, Julia. (Arteaga)
1958 Christmas visit to the Shen family, Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners. In front, Frances (left) and Mary Li (right). On the couch from left to right is Elizabeth, Mrs. Theresa Shen, Fr. William Drennon, Bishop Flavin holding Thomas, Fr. Charl Torrence, Father Joseph O’Brien and Dr. Jerome Shen.
Bishop Flavin visited Belize in 1958 with Monsignor Kennedy. (Regina Cleri)
Attending the 25th anniversary of Sister Antonella Marie Gutterres in 1958. The bishop is pictured with (from left): Margarida, Dolly, Angelina, Theresa Dorothea (mom). The boys in front and women in the background are unidentified. (Gutterres)
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Bishop Flavin: Loyal Servant of the King
The bishop with Father Michael O’Keefe (left) and unidentified priest (right). Father O’Keefe was Bishop’s pastor at St. Teresa of Avila Parish. (LDA)
Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II
After the last Mass at St. Michael Church, the bishop visited with some Sisters of Loretto. (Siros)
The groundbreaking ceremony of the new Our Lady of Lourdes School in 1960. (Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, St. Louis, MO)
Bishop Flavin with a happy wedding couple circa 1960. (Flavin)
Bishop Flavin attended several sessions of Vatican Council II. The dome of St. Peter Basilica is in the background. (LDA)
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Bishop Flavin: Loyal Servant of the King
With Bishop George J. Gottwald and other bishops. (ASLA)
Auxiliary Bishop during Vatican II
Enjoying a meal with his brother Ed’s family, Maureen, Colleen, and Kathleen.
Bishop Flavin gathered with former seminary classmates. (LDA)
With children from Our Lady of Lourdes School in September 1965. (Poppin)
A send off for Vatican II by Bishop Flavin’s sister Mary and the assistants from Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr. Torrence and Fr. O’Brien, on November 9, 1962. (ASLA)
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