Our dear Fr. Tony Tresnak died 10 years ago today.
Fr. Tony was the parish priest of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Omaha, and the coordinator of the Life Teen program in which we were very involved. He was a kind, playful, loving, wise, humble leader. He was compassionate and a true friend. He lead the Masses using inclusive language (praying to a gender-neutral God, for both men and women) and used every opportunity he could in the service to lift us adolescents up in confidence, courage and love. Just before consecration of the Eucharist, he would pause to look at us and say "Have I told you lately that I love you?"
I am grateful for this anniversary, as it reminds me of the many gifts I received from the Catholic Church of my childhood. This reminder comes at a time when I am feeling extremely angry with the Church heirarchy. Pope John Paul II was a man of strong convictions, but he was also open-minded and loving. I am loathe to compare him to the current pope, Benedict/RATzinger/The Grand Inquisitor. His heavy-handed, condemning theology is so far from my own. His silencing of liberation theologians is a clear demonstration of Ratzinger's support of the patriarchal, heirarchical, classist tradition for which the Catholic Church should be condemned. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/07/world/americas/07theology.html
At the same time I decry the choice of Ratzinger for pope, I am touched closer-to-home by the diocesean handling of priest abusers. I cannot even begin to describe my anger and disillusionment regarding this issue. The Omaha archbishop recently admonished a concerned Catholic who expressed her dismay with the church over these flagrant and frequent abuses. Victims and congregants should not be silenced, as that will only condone more abuse. Of course, abuse can occur in any religion, just as it can occur in any kind of family. That being said, I live in gratitude for my Unitarian Universalist congregation who does our best to invigorate the democratic process in our church community.
Fr. Tony gave me God's love and affirmation. The UU tradition encourages my active participation in spreading God's love here today.
1 comment:
You were privileged to know Father "Uncle" Tony as well as you did, T. I only knew him from his appearance at your graduation party (in spite of his illness!) and my visits with him at Hospice House before his death. I am glad you can put the current climate among church hiearchy in perspective with your treasured memories of this devoted, funny, compassionate man. Mom
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