Papst Benedikt XVI und ein Passionist: Pater Martin Bialas.
Pope Benedict XVI and a Passionist: Father Martin Bialas.
Interview of Father Martin Bialas, C.P. by Father Rob Carbonneau, C.P.
The April 19, 2005 election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was a special moment for the Catholic Church and people of all cultures who seek peace and reconciliation. For Father Martin Bialas, C.P. it was personal. The new Pope was his former professor and friend of many years. In Schwarzenfeld, Germany on May 14, 2005 Father Bialas graciously agreed to a half-hour audio tape interview with me. In his own words he talked about how he has known the new Pope Benedict XVI.
The article below, printed with the consent of Father Bialas, is my summary of the interview. It merits publication in the Heritage Newsletter because archivists have the responsibility to actively preserve history for future generations. In years to come this will be an important primary document for Father Bialas and the Passionist Congregation. Also, publication of this essay is an important reminder to respectfully listen and preserve the stories of people around us who participate and shape historical events. Today this is an urgent challenge for the Passionist Congregation throughout the world.
Father Martin Bialas was born in Hultschin, Germany on May 12, 1940, professed his first vows as a Passionist on September 3, 1963, and was ordained a Passionist priest on August 10, 1968. He is a member of the Passionist Vice-Province of the Five Wounds: the Passionists of Germany and Austria. He resides at the Passionistenkloster, Miesbergallee 16, D-92521 Schwarzenfeld, Germany. Father Bialas is an international preacher on Passionist topics. Among his many publications is The Mysticism of the Passion in St. Paul of the Cross (Ignatius Press, 1990). —Rob Carbonneau, C.P.
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