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The Frederick R. McManus Award
 1995 - F. McManus 1996 - G. Diekmann 1997 - J. Page 1998 - A. Bethune 1999 - A. Kavanaugh 2000 - LTP 2001 - D. Pilarczyck 2003 - D. Trautman 2004 - K. Hughes 2005 - R. Rambusch 2006 - N. Mitchell 2007 - R. Taft 2008 - R. Proulx 2009 - K. Seasoltz 2010 - M.F. Reza



Aidan Kavanagh, OSB

On Wednesday, October 13, 1999 the McManus award was 
presented to noted liturgical theologian, Aidan Kavanagh, OSB.

The following is Kavanaugh's introduction at the Cleveland national meeting banquet, offered by FDLC Board member,
 Rev. John H. Burton (Diocese of Camden, Region III). 

I was a bit uneasy when I was asked to introduce Aidan Kavanagh as the recipient of this year’s McManus Award. I regret to tell you that I do not know Aidan Kavanagh. I’ve never had the good fortune to meet him till tonight.

Of course, I know who he is. I’ve described him with the same descriptions I’ve heard you use: on the cutting edge, smart, clear as crystal, compact, a general spitting orders to his troops, a teacher who stretches us beyond ourselves, a star.

But I couldn’t say I knew him.

To help with this task, I received his bio—an impressive list. You’ve seen it in the program book—a list of schools and degrees, of professorships and memberships and honors: sixteen years of graduate and postgraduate work stretching from Tennessee to Trier. Surely double that returned in time and service.

His contribution shaped a generation and a half of liturgical scholars and ministers. He wrote, he edited, he served as board member and consultant. And he has been rightly honored for all of this.

He influenced minds and guided thoughts. He kindled in hearts a fire which burned through liturgy’s mechanics to the life-giving celebration of rite. He taught us that doctrine derives from doxology, not the other way around. He showed us how to use liturgy’s rhythm to help us stand awestruck in the presence of God. This author–critic challenged us to realize that God is present to his Church.

To my pleasant surprise I do know Aidan Kavanagh. I know him because I can go to the altar mindful that liturgy is rite to be celebrated. I know him because I can approach the Church’s liturgy as faith in motion. I know him because, like you, I have been shaped and formed by the gift of his insight. We have all been shaped by the fruit of his work in was too numerous to define.

It is for this reason tonight that we all honor Aidan Kavanagh.

 

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