Pope Benedict XVI

As a student of the Church’s acknowledged leading theologian, Fr. Vincent Twomey ascertained firsthand the "charming personality, intellectual brilliance, and pastoral heart" of the professor who would be elected to the Chair of Peter. With "joy and surprise," he witnessed the elevation of his esteemed teacher, who had "written on about every theological subject touching on the faith, morality, and Church and State."

Reflecting on how Cardinal Ratzinger’s extensive writings on the liturgy had been generally ignored, "even kept off the shelves of at least one institute set up for the study of liturgy," Fr. Twomey notes "the simple dignity of the Requiem for Pope John Paul II and the sheer beauty of his own Inauguration Mass which gave those present a touch of heaven on earth-and entranced those who followed it on television."

In liturgy as in other matters, Fr. Twomey’s comment has proven prophetic: "Pope Benedict XVI will teach the world not only by what he says but also by example." Pope Benedict XVI: The Conscience of Our Age is a valuable introduction to the Holy Father’s writings, with many insights into his "theology of conscience" and "theology of politics" which provide the antidote to the destructive secularist ideologies and idolatries of our time. Above all, CUF members will rejoice in the Holy Father’s stirring reminder, so needed today: "The fundamental right of the Christian is the right to the whole faith."

-James Likoudis, CUF president emeritus (from Lay Witness magazine. www.cuf.org)

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