NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    DENVER, 9 (NE) "The 'New Evangelization' is not just a vocabulary game or a clever marketing idea. It means that a new missionary spirit has to be born in each of our hearts. As Christians, we're not here to be assimilated or digested. We're here to be leaven, to change our communities and our world radically and forever in Jesus Christ."

    With these words, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver welcomed yesterday attendants to the inauguration of "Our Lady of the New Advent" Theological Institute and "Saint John Vianney" Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado.

    Both the Seminary and the Institute will aim to "convert the human heart and mind; to form them in a love for excellence in God's service; and to send us all out -ordained, lay and consecrated- to be new apostles to the world," said Archbishop Chaput. The Seminary is currently the only Catholic seminary between the Mississippi River and the West Coast. The Theological Institute will be affiliated with the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

    Before Mass, faithful of the archdiocese gathered to hear a series of reflections from the special guests that came to Denver for the occasion. Among them was Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and former Archbishop of Denver, who spoke about the ecclesial formation of the clergy and laity for the new millennium.

    "This moment represents a time of great promise for Denver and the United States," told Cardinal Stafford to attendants. Also present were Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, Archbishop of Paris, Bishop Angelo Scola, Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, and Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars.

    During the Eucharist celebration, Archbishop Chaput read a message sent by Cardinal Pio Laghi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, who considered the seminary and institute a great blessing for the local church. He also expressed that "formation at the seminary must aim to be first-class, the academic learning must aim to be first class", and giving always priority to a "spirit of holiness."

    The Mass was celebrated with the chalice used by Saint John Vianney himself. It was specially brought to Denver by Bishop Bagnard, current Bishop of Ars, were St. John Vianney lived during the XIX century.

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