A journey with Joseph Cardijn & the Jocist Network (1959-65)
On 13 October 1961, L’Osservatore Romano published an article entitled “Le sacerdoce et la place des laïcs dans l’Eglise,” being the text of a speech delivered by Cardinal Fernando Cento to the Second Theology Congress organised by the Dominican Study Centre in Bologna.
In his article, Cardinal Cento borrows heavily from Bishop De Smedt’s pastoral letter on the priesthood of the faithful.
SOURCE
Bishop De Smedt Archives, Bruges Diocesan Archives
On 30 May 1961, Mgr Achille Glorieux, Secretary of the Preparatory Commission on Lay Apostolate, wrote to Bishop Emile-Jozef De Smedt, welcoming the publication of the latter’s pastoral letter on the Royal Priesthood of the People of God.
SOURCE
Bishop De Smedt Archives, Bruges Diocesan Archives
In May 1961, Bishop De Smedt published his pastoral letter, Le sacerdoce royal du peuple de Dieu (The royal priesthood of the People of God).
SOURCE
Bishop De Smedt Archives, Bruges Diocesan Archives
In March 1961, Bishop Emile-Joseph De Smedt of Bruges consulted Cardijn on the drafting of a proposed pastoral letter on “the priesthood of the faithful.”
And he does not fear to correct De Smedt, characterising one phrase as simply “erronée” – erroneous or incorrect.
Whereas De Smedt appears to have mentioned “les fidèles” or “the faithful”, Cardijn insists on speaking of the “lay faithful.”
In typical fashion, he is concerned that ordinary people will be able to understand the document, questioning terms such as “ministerial” as in “ministerial priesthood.”
Nor does he approve of the term “corporation” used by De Smedt to distinguish between the “corporation of priests” in the Church and the “corporation of all the baptised.”
He emphasises the “missionary apostolate.”
And he insists that priests are “animators” and “not just administrators.
Specialised Catholic Action
Also highly significant is Cardijn distinction between Specialised and General Catholic Action
Specialised Catholic Action is concerned with “the whole of life, all the problems of life,” he says.
On the other hand, he views “General Catholic Action” as a “coordination of all Specialised CA organizations.”
Moreover Catholic must be more concerned with having an “impact” than providing “services,” Cardijn argues, adding characteristically that it must be organised “at the parish, diocesan, national and international level.”
“Shouldn’t more importance be given to studying its development” he asks in conclusion.
SOURCE
French original
Joseph Cardijn, A la lecture d’un texte (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)
English translation
Joseph Cardijn, On reading a document (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)
Bishop Emile-Joseph De Smedt (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)