"What's My Line?".......

.....er....accountant?.......civil servant?......or, maybe, travel agent?

 

No. This man is the Principal of a 'Catholic'* College of Higher Education.

Good. So what?

Well, he is also a priest......a what?????.......yes, he is a priest, not just any old priest but a Jesuit priest and not just any old Jesuit Priest but the ex Provincial Superior of the British Jesuits.

Yet there is no dog clerical collar around his neck.

Does that send a message would you think?

What does it say?   

1. I am a modern priest who does not regard the wearing of a starched collar as having anything to do with my priestly ministry.

2. As a Principal I have to show my staff and students that I am prepared to tackle academic and secular issues without letting my vocation get in the way.

3. I do as I please. I like to be one of the boys and wearing this collar and tie does not constitute a barrier to people approaching me.

In reality it could be one or all of the above or, possibly, Father Principal Holman has another reason.

If so, it would be good to hear it, we are nothing if not even handed on the Hedgerow.

Of course, I should have known better because when I checked on the Jesuit website for the UK, most of the priests (?) appeared in casual mode.

I dislike wearing a suit and tie myself but, when I am on business or attending a function, I do so (religiously).

Priests are rarely off duty and although I believe that there must be some let up from wearing the collar at times of private socialising, they should wear the uniform of Christ for most of the time, especially if they are in public or have a public role to play.

* Strictly speaking Heythrop ceased to be 'Catholic' in 1971 when it was assumed into the arms of the University of London, but it still has Catholicism as its focus although, one might question......that...dare I say it?....... is it Sushi Catholicism?

That is, you pick up the bits that you fancy and let the conveyor belt take care of the miso soup.

The Heythrop website (from whence came the photograph) may be viewed HERE

And the British Jesuit one HERE

And if you have not yet nodded off you may read the blurb that the J's have on their site; if anyone can enlighten me as to what it means I would be forever grateful:-

Why should Jesuits engage in work with those who are poor and marginalised?

 Because, as our recent General Congregation put it: “Our Mission today is the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement.

Direct services of those in need; social and cultural analysis; theological reflection on questions of injustice; and campaigning alongside others who strive to make our world a more just place – these are the elements of Jesuit Social Ministry, a fundamental aspect of the Society’s work.

Hmmm......I think that I may be developing Tourette's Syndrome.