Father Joseph Fessio emphasizes the significance of fidelity to religious vows and remaining committed to his vocation amidst the mass exodus of priests during Vatican II.
Father Joseph Fessio highlights the profound impact of influential figures like Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthasar on his theological understanding and their rootedness in the Church's tradition.
The podcast discusses the importance of interpreting Vatican II as a renewal in harmony with tradition and the ongoing debate about its interpretation, with some advocating for continuity and others seeing it as a revolutionary period.
Deep dives
Father Joseph Fessio's Education and Formation
Father Joseph Fessio discusses his Jesuit education and formation in the years leading up to the Second Vatican Council. He reflects on his spiritual preparation, philosophical training at Mount St. Michael's, and the changes that occurred in theological studies after the council. Despite the mass exodus of priests during that time, he shares why he remained committed to his vocation, highlighting the importance of fidelity to religious vows.
Father Fessio's Connection with Great Theological Minds
Father Joseph Fessio recalls his personal relationship with influential figures in 20th-century Catholic theology, including Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), and Hans Urs von Balthasar. He shares anecdotes about his interactions with these theologians and emphasizes their deep intellect, rootedness in the Church's tradition, and their impact on shaping his own theological understanding.
Insights from Father Fessio's Mentors
Father Joseph Fessio speaks about the profound insights and lessons he learned from his mentors, particularly from Henri de Lubac and Hans Urs von Balthasar. He highlights themes such as the importance of a broad Catholic culture, the value of beauty and aesthetics in theology, the transcendence of the natural and supernatural, and the role of prayer in theological thought. Fessio also underscores their importance as models of faithfulness and dedication to the Church amidst turbulent times.
The Importance of Renewal in Harmony with Tradition
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the importance of interpreting Vatican II as a renewal in harmony with tradition, rather than a rupture from tradition. They highlight the views of Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), who emphasized the need for reform and renewal within the Catholic Church, but not at the expense of its rich tradition. They acknowledge the significant developments that occurred in ecclesiology and the understanding of the priesthood during Vatican II, but emphasize the continuity with the Great Tradition. They also acknowledge the ongoing debate in the Church about the interpretation of Vatican II, with some advocating for a development in continuity while others see it as a revolutionary period.
Publishing Catholic Authors: Ignatius Press and Word on Fire
The speakers discuss the importance of publishing and making available the works of influential Catholic authors to a wider audience. They reflect on their own experiences in publishing and the impact it has had on the Church. They emphasize the importance of combining intellectual depth with practical accessibility and beauty in presenting Catholic teachings. They also highlight the need to engage with the disaffiliated and address their questions and concerns about the faith. The speakers acknowledge the positive response to their efforts to bring deep and meaningful Catholic thought to a broader audience and express their commitment to truth and beauty in their respective publishing initiatives.
Friends, today we’re excited to share with you the newest episode in our “Bishop Barron Presents” series. In this discussion, Bishop Barron talks with Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ.
Fr. Fessio was formed by some of the greatest figures of twentieth-century Catholicism, including Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. This fascinating conversation covers his life story, his education, his experience in Europe, the founding of Ignatius Press, and much more. Enjoy!
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