Famous Latinist fired from Gregorian University, announces new school

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Comments: 16

To the beloved people of Australia and to the young pilgrims taking part in World Youth Day 2008
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Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the Young People of the World on the Occasion of the XXIII World Youth Day, 2008
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Rome, Italy, Oct 18, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Fr. Reginald Foster, one of the most renowned Latinists in the world, was fired last week from the Gregorian University by the Society of Jesus, stating that too many students were taking Fr. Foster’s classes without paying tuition.

Fr. Foster said his superior received the news from the university’s Jesuit administration in an e-mail Saturday evening. The letter reportedly stated that "Fr. Foster would no longer be teaching Latin at the Gregorian.” The administration has cancelled Fr. Foster's Latin program and substituted another class for that time slot.

However, in breaking the news with great regret to his students yesterday, Fr. Foster also announced his intention to found a new Latin institute in the Eternal City.

The Professor/Priest, known as the “Pope’s Latinist,” had taught at the Gregorian University for more than 30 years. His course became renowned, drawing students from around the world.

More than 100 Latin students, both past and present, were gathered in the priest’s classroom when he made the announcement.

A source told CNA that it was true that many of Fr. Foster’s students were not registered with the university; however, it was well known that his program was attracting Latinists from all corners, many of whom did enroll in the mother of Jesuit Universities.

Fr. Foster said his new Latin institute did not yet have a locale but he would keep students informed.

According to the source, Fr. Foster, in good spirits, explained to his students the roundabout way he found out he was being fired: "Well you see, the Jesuits were rather Jesuitical about the whole thing, now weren't they?" After informing them of his plans for an institute, Foster exclaimed, “Latin lives!"

It was not disclosed whether the e-mail firing Fr. Foster was in Latin.

Comments: 16

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Michael Grubb
Aberdeen, Scotland 11/20/2006 06:55 PM EST

Visita, quaesumus Domine, habitationem istam, et omnes insidias inimici ab ea longe repelle....

Published by: fran drake
Lake Oswego, OR USA 11/18/2006 06:00 PM EST

This type of hypocrisy is why people don't want to become Christians.

Published by: Mary Pate
Portland, OR USA 11/18/2006 05:55 PM EST

Firing by e-mail...disgusting, and non-Christian...sounds like Reggie was more Jesus-like by giving of his time than the Jesuits who have taken vows of charity...

Published by: Christy Lowe
Salem, Oregon 11/16/2006 12:28 AM EST

I have studied several years with Reginald Foster, and can categorically say that anyone who actually knows Reggie knows this: none of his Latin teaching habits or decisions on how and where to teach are based on religious ideology - but rather on how to best spread the glorious Latin Language. He is a deeply religious man - don't doubt it for a minute - but his habits and decisions about his teaching concerns the Language, friends, not Religion, the Church, or any "offshoots" formed for religious beliefs. I believe Reggie could be a saint, but if you told him that, he'd tell you to "i in malam crucem!"

Christy Lowe
Professor of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew
Western Oregon University

Published by: Marcus
Europe 10/24/2006 06:12 PM EST

This is a retrograde step for the Gregorian University which is already heading towards academic implosion. It is largely supported by American benefactors. Perhaps some of these should be told of Foster's fate and encouraged to close their purses to an institution no longer greatly interested in education.Bastainel, the present rector, is merely displaying his small-mindedness in ejecting one of the great latinists of the age. Perhaps Foster should now try the University of the Santa Croce which is the up and coming educational institution in Rome. They will not miss a good thing when they see it!!

Published by: Scott Barker
Bridgewater, MA, USA 10/24/2006 03:52 PM EST

Si cum Jesu itis, nolite ire cum Jesuitis!

Published by: Marc Harris
San Antonio, TX 10/20/2006 09:00 AM EST

Sometimes we need a little push. Perhaps this was God's way to "push" Fr. Foster into doing exactly what he is, starting his own institute. Perhaps he had the idea of starting his own institute for a while but never had the nerve to jump. Just a thought...

Published by: Gloria
Brea, CA, USA 10/19/2006 04:04 PM EST

Good for Fr. R. Foster. He's a dedicated professor. The Jesuits demostrate their lack of christian charity.

Published by: Albert Hovis
Rehoboth Bch, DE, USA 10/18/2006 07:18 PM EST

I have known Reginald Foster since 1955 when he would sit in a corner of the recreation room and study Latin, especially Cicero. He delighted in the LATINITAS magazine. When he finally met the great Latin scholar, Bacci, it was a dream come true. Reggie dedication to the Church is without question. He was a working man's priest around Rome, and a welcome minister to many Vatican and Roman families. The "too many not paying" says it all! By the way, Reggie has been a Discalced Carmelite Friar since 1959!

Published by: Michael King
San Antonio/Texas/Texas 10/18/2006 05:51 PM EST

Let's take this one coment at a time.
1)The Gregorian is a Jesuit school. So long as they have jurisdiction over it, they can fire anyone they wish, regardless of thier vows.
2)This man's termination does not make him a saint.
3) The official language of the Catholic Church is Latin. Learning Latin does not make you a "Lefevbreist". All Catholics should learn as much Latin as they can. I would think if I could learn from Fr. Foster, I'd go to his classes - in a heart beat.
Lastly) It is undeniable that the Jesuits were and are against Fr. Foster or they would not have terminated him in the fashion they did. We can not judge people's motives, but we are required to judge their actions. The actions of the Jesuits in this instance are tactless and typical. We can also safely say that based on thier prior "recent" history, if the Jesuits are against someone, it's because the someone is too Catholic and too close to the teachings of the Church and the Holy Father.

Published by: Salve Omnes
Minnesota USA 10/18/2006 05:38 PM EST

+

I studied with Foster at the Greg in Rome. First, He is NOT a Lefebrite. If anything, his failings are in the other direction (as is commonly known) -he does love Latin. He put Latin above $, hence many students (myself included) didn't pay and therefore didn't receive official credit. However, we learned and that was most important. Finally, I think the outcome of this -the new Institute- may be providential. Blessings!

Published by: Christopher
Greenville, PA USA 10/18/2006 02:35 PM EST

Merely because the Jesuits have determined that the place for this man is not at the Gregorian Institue does not mean they are necessarily against him.

Peace and all Good to you.
May God bless you!
-Christopher

Published by: Esteban
Costa Rica 10/18/2006 11:02 AM EST

I am appalled by the whole incident. This Fr. Foster had even a program in Vatican Radio. ¡Smells bad!

Published by: Non-schismatic
United States 10/18/2006 10:39 AM EST

EDUCATION IN PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITIES IN ROME IS VERY UNEXPENSIVE.

I WONDER WHY WOULD HE NOT WANT TO REGISTER HIS STUDENTS?

WHY WOULD HE WANT TO DO THIS "ON HIS OWN"?

IS THIS RELATED TO LEFEBVRE'S LATINISTIC MOVEMENT, OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH?

THEY DON'T ACCEPT THE LATIN VERSION OF VAT II MASS.

I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH THROUGH TIME, WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!.

LATINISTIC FUNDAMENTALISM? NOT ME!

WHAT ABOUT YOU FOLKS?

Published by: .
. 10/18/2006 10:31 AM EST

Seems like we have the concrete makings of a saint.

Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 10/18/2006 10:13 AM EST

How can the Jesuits fire somebody? I thought these guys had vows of poverty, chastity and obedience? They can't go off on their own and do whatever they please can they?

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