In what sense is are Rode's comments a "tongue lashing"? His statements were rather balanced, both praising the vigor of the order as well as reminding the Jebbies of their special connection to the pontificate. Granted, that reminder is necessary given the past 25 years under Fr. HVK. The thing that disturbs me most is the amount of time it looks like they're going to spend on the environment during the congregation. For an order that is supposedly still lead by Ignatian spirituality, it is definitely odd to see so much of their time focussed on material goods. Then again, The "World is charged with the Grandeur of God."
Teep Schlachter | 01.08.08 - 1:53 am | #

In answer to your question, "mainly in the sense that hyperbole nets readers."

More seriously, this sort of address is normally an opportunity to praise the order and exhort them - negative observations are consequently somewhat more disconcerting within such a context.
AmericanPapist | Homepage | 01.08.08 - 10:52 am | #

The Jesuits deserved it.
the warrior | Homepage | 01.08.08 - 11:58 am | #

I really can't think of anybody I would nominate (granted that I'm hardly qualified to know). I can think of some solid Dominicans, but I don't think that would go over well. They should just make Pope Benedict the head of the order. I'm sure he has some free time to be a Jesuit on the side.
Kevin | Homepage | 01.10.08 - 5:37 pm | #

What AP said.

Teep, one needs to know how very very very muted Romans usually are about criticizing almost anything in-house, to realize what blunt chastizement this was. By American standards, I agree, this was nothing, but by Roman, it was big.
Ed Peters | Homepage | 01.10.08 - 6:27 pm | #

@ the warrior: lol!
AmericanPapist | Homepage | 01.10.08 - 9:34 pm | #