Theological Notebook/Personal: Meeting Archbishop Aymond, the Mandatum, and My Confirmation

[novak]

I met with Gregory Aymond, the Archbishop of New Orleans, this afternoon, and I couldn't have even tried to imagine a better conversation: what a first-rate guy! I had contacted the Archbishop's office in order to inquire about obtaining a mandatum, a sort of official recognition by the Church that I am a teacher of Catholic theology, like my

Comments

[canonjohn]

The mandatum issue caused a bit of a fuss here too. I talked to my abbot about it and requested (and received) the mandatum. It felt right tome and does not ask of us anything more than we are already committed to do: to be honest is teaching Catholic theology. Here it is a private thing, i.e. i don't know who else has a mandatum. But I never saw it as an intrusion into academic freedom.

The Archbishop may indeed be a busy man - but don't hesitate to extend a invitation for dinner or whatever get-together fits. He ight well appreciate the chance to hang out with someone outside the "palace guard". And if he is able to take you up on the invite, it is likely to be good for him both personally and professionally. I am glad you have a bishop who is comfortable to talking to you.
John

[novak]

Good thoughts, John: thanks for passing those on. I was excited to see a position up your way at St. Norbert's, but then once I read through the description in detail, I figured that I don't have enough of a background in a second religious tradition to truly qualify for it. Too bad: I like everything about New Orleans so far except this unremitting heat and humidity. :-)