*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***

Mechernich – On Saturday, 22 November, Superior General Father Jaison Thazhathil welcomed dogmatist Professor Dr Manuel Schlögl to the house chapel of Communio in Christo for an afternoon of spiritual reflection that was as intellectually stimulating as it was theologically challenging. This was already the third visit to the mother house by the Catholic theologian from Cologne, whose research focuses on, among other things, modern spirituality and mysticism. This is a sign of how lively and fruitful the relationship between Communio and the scholar of faith has become.

The connection dates back to 2021, when Professor Schlögl visited the mother house for the first time and also met the then Superior General Karl-Heinz Haus. "The spark was immediate," recalled Father Jaison in his welcome address. This gave rise to the idea of inviting the esteemed theologian to give further evening lectures – a successful plan that has now once again attracted numerous interested visitors to the house chapel.

The Christ question as a question of our time

In his lecture, Passau-born Professor Manuel Schlögl addressed the topic of "The image of Christ in Mother Marie Therese compared to Pope Benedict's 'Jesus of Nazareth'". He linked his extensive studies on Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI with the mystical writings of Mother Marie Therese, whose theology of suffering and Christ mysticism are also the subject of the dissertation of Superior General Father Jaison. (Title: "An Analysis of the (Suffering) Mysticism of Mother Marie Therese on the Basis of Karl Rahner's Theology of Mysticism.")

Professor Schlögl clearly demonstrated that the question of Jesus Christ is gaining new significance today, especially among young people who are consciously searching for depth, truth and a personal relationship with God. According to Schlögl, the question of Christ is "the question of our time" because it determines the unity of faith, thought and life.

Two paths, one Christ

The speaker then went on to outline key aspects of both authors' images of Christ. While Benedict XVI emphasises Jesus' communion of will with the Father as the innermost core of his interpretation of Christ, Mother Marie Therese – drawing on her mystical experience – particularly highlights the Saviour's closeness to the suffering and the liberating power of his love: "And in a place like this," said Schlögl, "you can experience this message very clearly."

Nevertheless, both voices are in strong agreement, emphasised dogmatist Schlögl. For example, both – the mystic and the scientist – take Holy Scripture as the basis for their reflections. "And they both see that this is a challenge." There are numerous examples of this: "Jesus' closeness to God and man, his view of the poor and suffering, the Trinitarian love revealed on the cross – all this connects the mystical experience of the founder of the Communio with the theological depth of the German Pope." Conclusion: "Only those who understand God also understand man. Both agree on this."

Exchange, encounter and celebration together

After the lecture, some guests took the opportunity to ask questions and engage in personal conversation with the speaker.

"It's incredible to delve so deeply into the mysticism and depth of the Mother. I've only ever experienced that with our first Superior General," said co-organiser Sister Lidwina, expressing her gratitude to the theologian at the end of the event. The approximately forty listeners in the pews were also deeply impressed: "Great!" could be heard murmured here and there. "Wow, that was interesting!" The afternoon finally came to a close in the monastery's recreation room with coffee and cake in a relaxed atmosphere.

The spiritual conclusion was the vigil Mass for the Feast of Christ the King, which Professor Schlögl presided over as the main celebrant and in which he also gave the sermon. For Communio in Christo, it was a successful afternoon in which spirituality, science and communal experience once again came together in a wonderful way.

pp/Agentur ProfiPress