By Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M.

Theme: Toward an Integral Catholic Culture: Variations on a Theme of Father Feeney

2009 Opening Remarks

For several years, Brother André had been giving an introductory talk, by way of a news update, at the Open House held here at the Center the day before past Conferences began. This year, since there was no Open House, Brother launched the two-day Conference with a spirited commentary on the theme: Toward the Restoration of an Integral Catholic Culture, Variations on a Theme of Father Feeney. With his usual flair for making what is unclear clear, Brother explained the meaning of what integral Catholic culture is, and how Father Feeney and the early founders of Saint Benedict Center lived that integral Catholic life in the educational setting of the school, which the Center grew into, in Cambridge. He also gave an optimistic overview of key events currently going on in the Church regarding a return to tradition, a “hermeneutic of continuity” as applied to doctrinal ambiguities raised by Vatican II (vis-à-vis, the discussions going on between the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the SSPX), and the encouraging sign of a potentially huge wave of traditional-minded Anglicans coming into the Church, and, hopefully, adding new strength to the anti-liberal forces which are gaining momentum within the Church every day.

2009 SBC Conference

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