CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS OF LIMEX IN ARCHDIOCESE
(LIMEX = LOYOLA INSTITUTE FOR MINISTRY - EXTENSION)
ST CATHARINE’S CONVENT, EDINBURGH
REMARKS BY CARDINAL KEITH PATRICK O’BRIEN
SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2011
Introduction:
It is indeed a pleasure for me being here with you this evening as we celebrate the introduction of LIMEX courses into this Archdiocese some 20 years ago. The history of LIMEX in our Archdiocese is really the history of very many of our lay people wishing to get more actively involved in our Church in a variety of apostolates and doing so from the vantage point of prayer, shared knowledge and shared action. The man who really brought LIMEX to birth in the Archdiocese – and who could be perhaps attributed to being the midwife – was none other than Canon Hugh White, who still assumes a certain responsibility for all that continues under the name of ‘LIMEX’.
It is a joy for us today that we are joined by Dr Thomas Ryan, the Director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry of Loyola University, New Orleans – and Sister Barbara Fleishcher, also from Loyola University, who has been a very faithful companion on our journey with LIMEX.
History of LIMEX:
It is not for me to give a long history of LIMEX. I am sure you are aware that shortly after my appointment as Archbishop 26 years ago, the then Father Hugh White approached me rather tentatively asking permission to undertake a sabbatical during which he would study the best possible courses throughout the world with regard to the education and formation of the lay faithful. In undertaking this sabbatical, Father Hugh acted with my full blessing – a blessing which was given in accordance with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council at that time.
Since then, of course, we might say that there has been an added impetus to the need for LIMEX and similar courses.
When speaking, following on the Synod of Bishops on the Lay Faithful, Blessed John Paul II gave a clarion call to the laity of the world when he stated: “You have an exalted vocation and there are many and varied forms of mission open to you”. Consequently, more and more people did indeed respond to that call of the Pope and found a certain comfort, as well as great stimulation in a LIMEX course when they could discern better the forms of mission in which they would engage and also found comfort from many other like minded people in similar circumstances.
Further impetus has been given to the laity of the world, following on the initiatives of Pope Benedict XVI including recently his establishment of a Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation, with Archbishop Fisichella being named the first Prefect of this Pontifical Council.
When establishing the Pontifical Council last year, Pope Benedict XVI stated that he himself saw the need for a new evangelisation at this present time and indicated: “The Church has a duty everywhere and at all times to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
It is indeed in this spirit of the New Evangelisation that LIMEX continues its valued apostolate. Everyone involved is continuing to play a role in the revitalising of the lay faithful in our Church and in our world.
Results of LIMEX in our Archdiocese:
One might ask what are the practical results of those who have undertaken LIMEX courses in this Archdiocese over the past 20 years.
It is almost impossible to measure how the important role of the lay faithful has been affected since the introduction of LIMEX courses. However, as Archbishop, I would simply say that a very impressive group of people have been formed in a most excellent way, while some number of them are in significant positions of responsibility, with others working away at parish level in a variety of ministries.
For your information, I give you some statistics:
Over the past 20 years there have been 104 people attending courses in different groups, seeking formation in a variety of important roles in parish, diocese or at national level. Among the courses followed, leading to involvement in various ways in our Archdiocese, are courses in Pastoral Ministry, Hospital Ministry, Religious Education, Spirituality, Ecology, Parish Administration and Market Place Ministry, to name the most popular. And obviously LIMEX graduates have affected perhaps hundreds of others through the exercise of their various ministries.
Conclusion:
With regard to where LIMEX is now in our Archdiocese, Charlotte Macintosh took over from Sister Mary Steedman as Diocesan Administrator. However, sadly Charlotte had to step down because of family pressures; and, following on Hugh’s consultation with Loyola, they were happy to accept in her place, Mrs Lorna Krause, who has been actively involved in the programme and is a registered LIMEX facilitator. I am more than happy to confirm Lorna officially in her post, realising that she is very well qualified and very active in her parish of Bonnyrigg.
While thanking God for the past, I ask God to bless those now undertaking various LIMEX courses – assuring them of a very warm welcome into the challenges facing the lay faithful in our Archdiocese and in our country at this present time and ensuring that ongoing formation continues in a very positive way.