New Cardinal affirms faith commitment.

Edinburgh -- Many Catholics were dismayed at the appointment of Archbishop Keith O'Brien as Scotland's third post-Reformation cardinal. As Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh he had become known for expressing "liberal" views, such as questioning the necessity of priestly celibacy. As it turned out, it was the "liberals", particularly homosexual activists, who have been expressing outrage as the new cardinal swore allegiance to this and other traditional teachings of the Magisterium.

The American monthly Catholic World Report notes that, despite disclaimers from O'Brien's press officer, Vatican officials were "in consultation" with him in advance of his Oct. 10, 2003 Profession of Faith ("The most controversial choice," Nov. 30, p. 26). In this, O'Brien stated his adherence to the Church's teaching on celibacy, homosexual activity, and contraception.

In his first National Mass on Nov. 30, following his elevation to the College of Cardinals, O'Brien called for a national effort to reChristianize Scotland and to resist the tide of secularization which presently almost engulfs the country. "We were among the first to hear the Gospel message," he said, "but we no longer respond to it as once we did."

The cardinal noted one particular aspect of secularism; namely, the elimination of the word "Christmas" from the commercial sector. He congratulated the Edinburgh city council for erecting a Nativity scene in Prince's St. Gardens (the main street of the city) and urged the Scottish Parliament to declare the day a public holiday. (Although most Scottish stores do close on Christmas Day, it is not compulsory.) He also called on the parliamentarians to recognize Nov. 30, the feast of St. Andrew, as a national holiday. Cardinal O'Brien, while pledging his full personal effort to the task, said it was one he could not face alone. He therefore appealed for help not only from his fellow Catholics but from members of other Christian churches and civic leaders.

A major concern for Cardinal O'Brien, as with many religious leaders, is the deterioration in marriage and family life, the fostering of which he sees as "in the best interest of Scottish society." In a letter read at all Masses in Scotland in January 2004, he set out steps to build "a culture of life". Leaflets explaining Church teaching on family and life issues were distributed in all parishes on Feb. 1. On May 31 prayer cards will be included in a "Day for Life" package to be sent to schools and chuches (Wanderer, Catholic World Report, Zenit).

Comment

Cardinal O'Brien certainly seems to have gained renewed spiritual energy along with his red hat. One hopes the impetus continues. May is the month when the pagan/New Age Beltane revellers descend upon Edinburgh; perhaps he will have more to say then.