November 2008

St. Glenmary?

Glenmary has never attempted to have any of our members canonized. This does not mean that we have not had saintly people within Glenmary. Our founder, Father William Howard Bishop, was a saintly person known for his dedication, perseverance and missionary zeal. He endured great physical pain, especially in his back, his entire life. It was so bad that he had to have a special desk where he could write standing up. Yet, it did not slow him down from founding a religious community of men and the cooperating community of the Glenmary Sisters. The result of his prayer and trust in God has been over 100 missions established over 69 years.  Others have suggested that Brother Ralph Riehle or Father Frank Korzinek would be wonderful men to put up for canonization. Both died from cancer but were known for their joyful spirit and deep faith.

Then there is the famous story of Father Raphael Sourd who was the first priest to join the community. When Glenmary students would visit him in his later years at the care facility where he resided, he would hold their hands and pray that one of them would become the first martyr for the cause of Glenmary. (While street preaching, Father Sourd was hit by a rock!)God did not respond yes to his prayer—maybe no one was willing to pursue this cause. Yet, he too, was a holy man.

Sometimes, I joke with people that Glenmary is too poor to pursue canonization! But that really is not the main reason. Up to this point, Glenmary has decided to put its energy and efforts in the missionary effort. Father Bishop called us to “convert America.” He encouraged us to reach out to African Americans, Appalachian folks and farm workers. He encouraged us to work with other Christians to find ways to change the social order to a more just society. So far, we have decided the best way to honor his memory and respect his holiness is to remain totally dedicated and faithful to the missionary charism he gave us in Christ.

Many people do not realize how much human energy is necessary to request the canonization of a founder or any other person. It requires a review of all documents, the validation of two miracles and a lengthy canonical process of investigation. This can be a very noble effort, but none the less, for a small community like Glenmary it would mean a diversion from establishing a new Catholic Church somewhere in the rural areas of these United States.

Still this month we celebrate the lives of our deceased members. These great and holy men dedicated their lives to bringing the Eucharist to all people and to share the joy of Christ with those who did not yet recognize him. They dedicated themselves to bring reconciliation to sinners, hope to those in despair and justice for those suffering from poverty and discrimination. This November, in remembrance of All Souls Day and All Saints Day, we remember all the faithful men of Glenmary who have gone before us. We also ask them to intercede for us that we will have more missionary priests and brothers to join us in this mission of God.

So far no one has thrown a rock at me nor have I faced martyrdom, but I have found the few sacrifices made as a Glenmarian to be rewarded with joy, friendship and a meaningful life. Yet, maybe one of our current students will become St. Craig or St. Emmanuel or St. Clive. Maybe it is in Glenmary that your sainthood, your holiness will emerge. You never know unless you try.