Eparchy of Parma calls for monasticism

For those that have followed the Ruthenian relations with monastics in recent decades this will be a welcome change. Complete article on the eparchial website. He goes on to list an expansive number of things the bishop wants implemented.

Monasticism – the "very soul of the … church"

It is clear to me that the Eparchy of Parma needs the witness, example and service that only well-established and vibrant monasticism can give. This eparchy is the only one in our Byzantine-Ruthenian Catholic Church without a men’s monastery/community. Our women’s monasteries/communities, because of their charism or because of the advanced age of the nuns, are restricted to a ministry of prayer. Although we are blessed with the (greatly appreciated) apostolic activity of monastics from outside the eparchy, their participation in the life of this eparchy is understandably limited.

Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter "Orientale Lumen" ("The Light of the East") devotes considerable attention to monasticism as a necessary "reference point for all the baptized" (9). He states that monasticism is the "very soul of the … church" (9) [All such numbers are references to "Orientale Lumen"].

We cannot deny the blessings of monastic experience, past and present, here and elsewhere in our church, but we must be open to re-visioning. This may take the form of extending a present experience or taking a totally new approach. I envision either a men’s or women’s monastery, or both, that will be based on the spirit of "Orientale Lumen." We must take advantage of the "extraordinary flexibility" of Eastern monasticism to "personalize (it to) the times, rhythms and ways of seeking God … to fulfill the expectations of (this particular) church in (this) period of its history" (13).

I am sharing this communication with you because of either your experience in monasticism or your possible interest in participating in such a venture. Please feel free to share this with anyone else who may share our interest. I would appreciate your comments or questions that may help in further consideration. We would also appreciate your prayer.

January 17, 2008

Feast of St. Antony the Great
+Bishop John