Thursday, March 13, 2008

Jesuit Wins 2008 Templeton Prize...

But shouldn't he have worn the Roman collar as apposed to the suit and tie?




Polish-born Jesuit Michael Heller has been announced the 2008 winner of the Templeton Prize. This prestigious recognition is awarded to those individuals who apply "various ways for discoveries and breakthroughs to expand human perceptions of divinity and to help in the acceleration of divine creativity." As the winner of this years Templeton Prize, Father Heller will received a cash prize of 1.6 million dollars handed out by the John Templeton Foundation. John Templeton, the creator of the Templeton Prize, made sure that the monetary accolade bestowed on the prizewinner superceded that of the Nobel Peace Price. In 1973 Mother Theresa became the first recipient of the Templeton Prize award.

I know that a priest doesn't wear, or should not be required to wear, his uniform everywhere he goes. But if the occasion you are attending directly involves your vocation, or is at least tied to your vocational activities, should you not represent your Church in proper and pertinent attire?

5 comments:

Jane said...

Congrats to Michael Heller!

I'm not sure if I know the answer to the uniform question. Here in California it swings both ways. Sometimes Fr. shows up at events with the collar, sometimes not. I have no idea what the criteria is.

Adrienne said...

He should be wearing his clericals IMHO

Rita said...

To me, it is the tie that is the problem. Ties are the very much the symbol of enslavement to a secular (and money based)society. Lets be honest, no sane guy likes wearing ties....they are all about getting on in the world and making money and being a professional. That is so not what being a priest is all about.

I suggest a very sombre suit and a collarless, tie less shirt.

Well done anyway, Fr Heller. It is a very long time since Jesuits were noted for their sartorial elegance.

Katie Alender said...

It is definitely a good opportunity passed up!

Terry Nelson said...

OH! That's the prize he won! (Kidding.)