What is Card. Burke up to? Interview.

We all want to know how Card. Burke is doing.  From CNA:

Cardinal Burke opens up about his new office with Knights of Malta

By Jan Bentz

Rome, Italy, Nov 29, 2014 / 06:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Nov. 8 the Vatican announced the transfer of Cardinal Raymond Burke from prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, which ensures correct administration of justice in the Church, to Patron of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta.

In an interview on Nov. 21, Cardinal Burke explained his new role to CNA.

“The technical title is Patron,” he stated. “It is an office of representation of the Holy Father to the grand master of the sovereign military order.”

Cardinal Burke will be helping Fra. Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”, colloquially known as the “Knights of Malta.”

“He is actually a professed religious, but not a priest. My work principally is to assist him, to be a spiritual guide to him, and to carry forward the great work of the order.”

The order sets itself two principal missions.

“The defense of the faith: the ’defensio fidei’, [ummm… tuitio not defensio] and then care for the poor, [obsequium pauperum] the ‘obsequium pauperum.’ Both of these things go together, because you obviously need deep faith and the strength that comes from Christ to serve those who deserve to be served.” [It is interesting that in the some of the literature coming from the Knights of Malta in these United States that all important phrase “tuitio fidei” is being translated as “witness to the faith”.  That is NOT what it means.  It means “defense of the faith”.  What’s up with that?]

The order was established in 1099, and recognized as sovereign by the Pope in 1113. It has more than 13,000 members and 80,000 volunteers today. Among them are 20,000 medical personnel such as doctors, nurses, auxiliaries, and paramedics.

The Knights are present in over 120 countries, some of which Burke will visit as part of his office.

“I will be going out to visit the Knights in various parts of the world where the Knights are active. They are widespread, it is a large order, and it is very active in many aspects.”

The order has the peculiarity of being a religious order composed of lay people. This gives them a unique spirit, but creates also challenges for their structure, and dealings within the Church.

“There will be also the possibility of drawing from my knowledge as a canon lawyer to address the complex canonical questions which are tied to an order which has professed religious and also lay members in different ranks.”

The cardinal voiced his optimism for the future and his work with the Grand Master, and is looking forward to his new assignment.

I have no doubt that His Eminence will do well in whatever task he is given.

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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32 Comments

  1. Lucchesi says:

    Reading this, I get the feeling that the media got the situation backwards: it wasn’t Card Burke that was getting “demoted”, maybe it is the Order of Malta that is getting promoted…

  2. Supertradmum says:

    His Eminence has his work cut out for him. I was told by some Maltese, who would know, that some of the Knights of Malta are also Freemasons.

    And, I wrote a few years ago, two open letters to the Knights. I hope Cardinal Burke reads these.

    http://supertradmum-etheldredasplace.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-knights-of-st-john.html

    http://supertradmum-etheldredasplace.blogspot.com/2012/03/second-open-letter-to-knights-of-malta.html

  3. samwise says:

    Knight of Malta and Dr. Craig DePaulo wrote an excellent study on St. Augustine and Heidegger: BEING AND CONVERSION

    I highly recommend it– I first met Dr. DePaulo at St Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe.

  4. Supertradmum says:

    PS the founder is a Blessed and there are many saints from the order found on my blog under that tag
    saints of the Knights of Malta.

    And my favorite saint, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, supported them fully and is considered an honorary founder.

  5. texsain says:

    I thought “tuitio fidei” might have had something to do with so-called Catholic universities that charge students (=parents) a lot of money to be taught heresy.

  6. EoinOBolguidhir says:

    H.E.H Fra’ Matthew Festing has been, in the past, known to translate “tuitio” and “nuture.” Are there contextual considerations that guide one to the best translation in so short a phrase? Is there any guidance to be had from Lewis and White?

  7. jhayes says:

    The Knights’ website gives their understanding of “tuitio fide”

    This ancient motto of the Order of Malta goes right back to the first known Rule of the Order (written between 1125 and 1153 AD), which refers in its first chapter to the members of the community as “fratres ad servitium pauperum venientes” (Brothers, who came for the service of the poor).

    Only later editions of the Rule change this into “fratres accedentes ad obsequium pauperum et tuitione fidei catholicae” (Brothers coming for the service of the poor and protection of the catholic faith). This later addition of “protection of the catholic faith” as second task of the brothers obviously refers to the military responsibilities, which the Order has taken on since 1131. Ever since “tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” was used like a motto of the entire Order. It would be too simplifying, though, to divide strictly in “tuitio fidei” and just taking it as a synonym for the military role of the Order in the course of history and “obsequium pauperum” as the common denominator for all activities of hospitality. Both elements cannot and must not be seen apart from or independent of each other. In other words: The special charisma of the Order of Malta is the amalgamation of “tuitio fidei” and “obsequium pauperum”. We defend the faith through our service for the poor and our service for the poor strengthens our faith.

    As the military tasks of our Order have neither subsisted, nor become superfluous, just the weapons have changed. It is difficult for us today to understand the use of swords, canons and galleys as means of defense of our faith in the past. We must, though, understand that the people in the Middle ages were also children of their time and in their conception of morality it was considered a legal and necessary means of defence to wage war. The sword to fight the infidel has been replaced by a more tolerant attitude and the conviction, that defending our faith in our days is to be done by giving credible witness of our faith in worship, education and works of charity.

    “Tuitio fidei” has nowadays gained a new meaning and describes the spirituality, i.e. the religious sphere, which generates, enables, inspires, strengthens, guides and completes our charity work, the “obsequium pauperum”.

    http://smom-za.org/spirituality.htm

  8. danidunn says:

    From the Knights themselves, their mission:

    The Order of Malta remains true to its inspiring principles, summarised in the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum”, nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick representing the Lord, which become reality through the voluntary work carried out by Dames and Knights in humanitarian assistance and medical and social activities. Today the Order carries out these activities in over 120 countries.

    Given that their mission is to protect the faith, who better to head that organization than Cardinal Burke. How again is this a demotion?

    Also, given Pope Francis’ emphasis on helping the poor, maybe the reason for Cardinal Burke’s demotion is to emphasize the importance of the work that this organization does. And, how useful its mission is to helping with evangelization. I for one did not know much about this organization before this appointment. I think we will see good things from this demotion.

  9. Tim Ferguson says:

    supertradmum, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta has only recently (within the last ten years) re-established a presence in Malta, after having been driven from Malta at the end of the 18th century. I don’t think the Maltese people would have any particular insight into SMOM.

    There are several “mimic” orders which call themselves Knights of Malta (or variations thereof) including the British (Protestant) “Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem,” a German (also Protestant) group which has spread worldwide, and an “Order of Malta” that is fully Masonic. None of these groups should be confused with the real Order.

    The Knights are pretty thorough in vetting members. I would be surprised if there are many (or even any) members of the real Knights of Malta who are Freemasons.

  10. Venerator Sti Lot says:

    jhayes has relayed a striking – typo? non-native-English-speaker error? ‘Freudian’slip? – in the sentence, “It is difficult for us today to understand the use of swords, canons and galleys as means of defense of our faith in the past.” “Canons”, eh? Perhaps Cardinal Burke can deepen their understanding of the place of canons in tuitio fidei!

  11. Joe in Canada says:

    Perhaps a technicality, but what is the peculiarity of being a religious order composed of lay people? Isn’t every women’s order, and aren’t many men’s orders (brothers), composed of lay people?

  12. Supertradmum says:

    Tom Ferguson, sorry, you are wrong about them knowing these things-this is a small country and my friends here are very involved in things. Why would you doubt such a statement, when even in the past this was true? As to the Knights being in Malta, their presence was here and formally acknowledge in a 1991 treaty with the government, a treaty renewed in 2001.

    BTW, Prince Michael of Kent is the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex and is married to Princess Michael of Kent, who is a prominent Knight of Malta. So much for vetting….

    I stand by my statement.

  13. This business about Masons is now OVER.

    This isn’t why I posted this.

  14. Cavaliere says:

    Forgive me Fr. Z but I must make this comment to Supertradmum. The Order of St. John that Prince Michael of Kent belongs to is not the official Catholic Order of Malta. They are to the Order of Malta as the Anglican Church is to the Catholic, which is, a fabrication of Henry VIII’s.

  15. williamjm says:

    Thank you, Father Z.

  16. Cavaliere says:

    @Supertradmum, having read both of your links I would have to say you have some misconceptions about the Order of Malta. There are many Knights of the Order dedicated to the traditional Mass, including the Grand Master. Members of the Order from France are supporters of the annual Chartres pilgrimage, including providing first aid and logistical support. Knights from Europe regularly walk the pilgrimage and last two knights from the US organized a new chapter from the USA. The current president of Una Voce Intl is also a knight and several knights were involved in a petition of support for the Mass to Pope Benedict prior to his encyclical Summorum Pontificum. There are 6 knights from my little Area who are all members of the local FSSP parish and founders of a Una Voce chapter as well. BTW, 3 of us were in Malta 2 years ago and our priest companion said Mass in the EF at the Church of St. Catherine which used to be the Church of the Italian Langue on Malta.

  17. Tamquam says:

    For a very interesting history of an exciting part of the Order’s involvement in interesting times you might consider reading “The Galleys at Lepanto” by Jack Beeching. Especially suitable for military history buffs.

    http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=14448398989&searchurl=an%3Djack+beeching%26amp%3Bsts%3Dt

  18. jhayes says:

    Interesting that Fra’ Matthew Festing, the Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, has the rank of Cardinal.

    The title of Most Eminent Highness is bestowed on the Grand Master,
    and the Holy Roman Church confers him the rank of Cardinal.

    The Grand Master resides at the Order’s seat of government the Magistral Palace in Rome.

    http://www.orderofmalta.int/the-order-and-its-institutions/246/fra-matthew-festing-2/?lang=en

    Sounds as if Fra’ Festing, as a layman with Cardinal rank reports directly to the Pope. I wonder what his reaction will be to Cardinal Burke’s suggestion that that is “a peculiarity”and that his Canon Law skills may help sort it out.

  19. Supertradmum says:

    When the Knights of Malta from all over the world came to Malta to celebrate the 900 anniversary, they were expecting a TLM. It had been blocked by the then bishop. The group had to petition again the bishop and finally, almost at the last minute, were allowed one. That was the Mass you attended and it almost did not happen. There has not been enough support and as far as I know, there has only been one since then, a private one, not connected to the Knights.

    There is no TLM in Malta, and there has not been despite many petitions. I wanted the Knights here to get one going for all of our benefit. This has not happened.

    I have been here four times in four years and only three were offered and those were in the first two years, none since. The fact that in the place of their origin the TLM is still banned is an indication that they have not pushed hard enough. I hope Cardinal Burke can change this.

    And, there are many places where there are Knights and no TLM. The TLM is still not widespread in Europe, including England. I do know in Ireland that the TLM in Dublin has a direct Knight connection, but to say as a group they support the TLM is not so.

  20. Supertradmum says:

    PS Princess Michael is a Catholic and she was at the funeral of Andrew Bertie in Rome. Her husband is a Protestant, but she is a very high profile Catholic in England. She is a Dame of Malta in the Catholic group, as is, btw, Mary Higgins Clark.

    I think the group needs Cardinal Burke.

  21. Fr_Sotelo says:

    If anyone deserves to whine and have a tantrum and public meltdown, it is Cardinal Burke. Yet here he is at peace and full of goodwill to serve the Knights in this new assignment. Once again, His Eminence is leading by an example that should be followed by the dour, ever-complaining, foot stomping, tantrum throwing blogs of the traditional Catholic blogosphere. Would that the Cardinal’s counsel fall on fertile spiritual soil in the hearts of “traditional” Catholics. I fear his words will again fall on deaf ears and his example go to waste on those who claim to be his supporters. Oh well, at least Our Lord sees and must be pleased at such a loyal son of the Church.

  22. Fr_Sotelo says:

    If anyone deserves to whine and have a tantrum and public meltdown, it is Cardinal Burke. Yet here he is at peace and full of goodwill to serve the Knights in this new assignment. Once again, His Eminence is leading by an example that should be followed by the dour, ever-complaining, foot stomping, tantrum throwing blogs of the traditional Catholic blogosphere. Would that the Cardinal’s counsel fall on fertile spiritual soil in the hearts of “traditional” Catholics. I fear his words will again fall on deaf ears and his example go to waste on those who claim to be his supporters. Oh well, at least Our Lord sees and must be pleased at such a loyal son of the Church.

  23. Mike says:

    If anyone deserves to whine and have a tantrum and public meltdown, it is Cardinal Burke. . . . Once again, His Eminence is leading by an example that should be followed by the dour, ever-complaining, foot stomping, tantrum throwing blogs of the traditional Catholic blogosphere. Would that the Cardinal’s counsel fall on fertile spiritual soil in the hearts of “traditional” Catholics.

    Would that respect for the Church’s tradition—and those who appreciate the inestimable value of that tradition, and who deplore its attempted obliteration over the past half century—were not so blithely subjected to caricature and smirk quotes.

  24. robtbrown says:

    I might also mention that during my Roman years I used to attend Sunday mass now and then at the Cappella dei Cavalieri di Rodi, about 50 meters from when I lived.

  25. jhayes says:

    Finally found the structure of the Knights of Malta that explains where the Cardinal Patron fits in. The Grand Master is assisted by a

    Sovereign Council
    The Grand Master governs the Order with the assistance of the Sovereign Council, presided by himself and composed of the four High Officers of the Grand Magistry elected by the General Chapter :
    – the Grand Commander
    – the Grand Chancellor
    – the Hospitaller
    – the Receiver of the Common Treasure
    – and six Councillors.
    The holders of these offices are chosen from among the professed Knights and, exceptionnally, from among the Knights of Obedience.
    The Sovereign Pontiff nominates as His representatives to it a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, styled Cardinalis Patronus [now Cardinal Burke]: the latter is assisted by the Prelate of the Order, who is likewise appointed by the Sovereign Pontiff. The Prelate of the Order is the ecclesiastical superior of the Order’s clergy and the Grand Master’s assistant in the care for the spiritual welfare of the Order.

  26. PaterAugustinus says:

    Perhaps those who thought they had successfully neutralized Cardinal Burke will realize they have made their greatest mistake… when he marches on Rome with the private army they have so fecklessly deposited into his hands! Mwahahahaha! Apostates beware!

  27. jhayes says:

    Pater Augustinus, the Knights of Malta have this on their webpage announcing Cardinal Burke’s appointment – apparently to make clear that the Cardinalis Patronus is not in charge:

    Some orders have a Cardinal as the head, such as the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre which has a cardinal as Grand Master. The Cardinalis Patronus has no such relationship with the Order of Malta.

    https://www.orderofmalta-federal.org/pr_cardinalburke

  28. Venerator Sti Lot says:

    jhayes,

    So, were His Eminence (non verisimilis) to march anywhere with an Order army, it would be a matter of persuading the Grand Master (among others) to reverse the thinking behind what you have quoted earlier from an official website-post about “The sword to fight the infidel ha[ving] been replaced by a more tolerant attitude…” – unless it were but a sort of ‘prayer-army’, where peruasion would still be the means to being allowed even to accompany it (I presume).

  29. jhayes says:

    Venerator Sti Lot, yes. I think persuasion is what it is about. The Knights’ web page mentions that the role is similar to that of a nuncio to a foreign country and says “He is not an official of the Order of Malta, but rather of the Holy See.”

    I am sure they will give a respectful hearing to any suggestions he makes, just as a foreign country would. If he is able to say that he is bringing a request from the Pope, that will probably get special attention.

  30. wcampbell78 says:

    This same website states that Cardinal Burke has been a member of the order since 2011. This information lends itself to the idea that it is a desired change. Why wouldn’t they desire a cardinal protector from within their own order?

    https://www.orderofmalta-federal.org/pr_cardinalburke

  31. Venerator Sti Lot says:

    wcampbell78 & jhayes,

    I got the impression (I think from the German Wikipedia article about the office of Patron) that the Cardinalis Patronus tended both to represent the Vatican to the Order and the Order to the Vatican, and the English Wikipedia article on the Order, in saying, “With its unique history and unusual present circumstances, the exact status of the Order in international law has been the subject of debate” (and the rest if that section, had me wondering if the legal expertise of Cardinal Burke made him particularly suited (perhaps as a ground for his selection) – all the more so if their interests had already been distinctly his for several years!

  32. Cavaliere says:

    When the Knights of Malta from all over the world came to Malta to celebrate the 900 anniversary, they were expecting a TLM. It had been blocked by the then bishop. The group had to petition again the bishop and finally, almost at the last minute, were allowed one. That was the Mass you attended and it almost did not happen.

    There was no major gathering of knights coming to Malta to celebrate the 900th anniversary. The Mass and events celebrating that event were in Rome at St. Peter’s with Pope Benedict. I am unaware of any “expected” TLM on Malta or anywhere else. The UA Mass I attended was said by a priest who was travelling with my 2 fellow knights and me while we visited Malta before going to Rome for the 900th Anniversary.

    The TLM is still not widespread in Europe, including England.

    At least within the Grand Priory of England the TLM has been prevelant and there are many strong supporters of the Mass there.

    The fact that in the place of their origin the TLM is still banned is an indication that they have not pushed hard enough. I hope Cardinal Burke can change this.

    The origin of the Order is Jerusalem, then Rhodes, then Malta, now Rome. Like the Church at large withing the SMOM there is a sizeable group that prefers the TLM and many who don’t. The primary goal and mission of the Order from its origins is care of the sick and poor, not the restoration of the TLM no matter how much I like or prefer it. I expect Cardinal Burke will support and encourage the use of this Mass but there are also a number of Cardinals who are chaplains of the Order opposed to or barely tolerant of the TLM in their own Dioceses. These are also very close to Pope Francis. It would be foolish to expect that Cardinal Burke of all people would stir up controversy in this regard and end up having a situation with the SMOM like the FFI’s. Furthermore in the mid 20th Century there was a power struggle between Cardinal Spellman and another Cardinal for control over the Order that was ultimately settled by Pope John XXIII. The Order does not need nor do I think the Grand Master would allow such a situation again.

    This is off the topic but since many readers of this post are interested in the Order of Malta here is a link to a story about the solemn profession this summer of Fra. Paul Caffrey, a knight in Ireland with the Mass being in the Extraordinary Form. http://burkeseastgalway.com/solemn-profession-of-fra-paul-caffrey/

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