William C. Schrader

Maria Katharina Kasper (1820–1898), Gründerin der Genossenschaft "Arme Dienstmägde Jesu Christi": Ein Beitrag zur Pastoralgeschichte des 19. Jahrhunderts (review)

The brevity that affects the psychological analysis, however, appears to influence other notable aspects of the study, three of which deserve mention. First, theoretically, the aesthetic dimension of mind, which is the seat of the imagination, requires attention. For example, the works of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Viktor Frankl, in theology and psychology respectively, speak to the importance of this dimension of human experience. Although “imagination” is mentioned here, it is but the function of the aesthetic dimension of mind, an investigation of which would add to the study of conversion. Second, the Newman literature indicates that his lionhearted English self-will was the primary obstruction to his final conversion to Rome and deserves fuller examination.This is a prominent revelation, along with Newman’s aesthetic experience, in his very important diary notes during his participation in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1843—a critical year in Newman’s conversion process. The Exercises are mentioned here, but their effects on Newman are not explored. Third, Newman’s interpersonal relationships were so influential as to be virtually determinative of his various conversions. For example, Newman writes in the Apologia Pro Vita Sua that the Irish priest Charles Russell “had more to do with my conversion, perhaps, than anyone else.”1 Yet Russell is mentioned only in passing.

Johann Ignaz von Felbiger und Kardinal Johann Heinrich von Frankenberg: Wege der Religiösen Reform im 18. Jahrhundert (review)

The reader is presented with two essentially independent sketches of the life and outlook of Felbiger and Frankenberg, Silesian prelates who, after the conquest of their homeland by Prussia, found favor and an outlet for their talents at the hand of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.Although both subjects were Silesian by birth and background, only Felbiger, who served as abbot of the Augustinian monastery at Sagan for many years, worked in his home province. Frankenberg established himself in the Habsburg Monarchy immediately following his return from studies in Rome as a young man.