Bernardus Johannes Alfrink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Bernardus Johannes Alfrink |
|
|---|---|
| Cardinal, Archbishop of Utrecht Primate of the Netherlands |
|
 |
|
| Church | Latin Church |
| Archdiocese | Utrecht |
| Enthroned | 31 October 1955 |
| Reign ended | 6 December 1975 |
| Predecessor | Johannes de Jong |
| Successor | Johannes Willebrands |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 15 August 1924 |
| Consecration | 17 July 1951 |
| Created Cardinal | 28 March 1960 |
| Rank | Cardinal Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 July 1900 Nijkerk, Netherlands |
| Died | 17 December 1987 (aged 87) Nieuwegein, Netherlands |
| Buried | Saint Catherine's Cathedral, Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Motto | EVANGELIZARE DIVITIAS CHRISTI |
Bernardus Johannes Alfrink (born July 5, 1900 – died December 17, 1987) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church from the Netherlands. He was a Cardinal and served as the Archbishop of Utrecht from 1955 to 1975. He became a cardinal in 1960.
Contents
Life of Bernardus Johannes Alfrink
Bernardus Johannes Alfrink was born in Nijkerk, Netherlands. He was the youngest son in his family. When he was very young, his mother passed away. For a few years, his aunt helped care for him.
Early Education and Priesthood
Alfrink attended a special school for future priests in Culemborg. Later, he studied at the seminary in Rijsenburg. He also went to the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome to continue his studies.
On August 15, 1924, he became a priest. After finishing his studies in Jerusalem in 1930, he worked as a chaplain in Maarssen. He also did church work in Utrecht until 1933. Alfrink then taught at the Seminary of Rijsenburg and later at the Catholic University of Nijmegen.
Becoming a Bishop and Archbishop
On May 28, 1951, Bernardus Alfrink was chosen to be a Coadjutor Archbishop of Utrecht. This meant he would help the current Archbishop and eventually take over. He became a bishop on July 17, 1951.
Alfrink became the Archbishop of Utrecht on October 31, 1955. He also became a special leader for Catholic military members in the Netherlands in 1957. He wrote for scientific publications and led the Pax Christi movement, which promotes peace.
Becoming a Cardinal
On March 28, 1960, Pope John XXIII made him a Cardinal-Priest. This is a very high rank in the Catholic Church.
Role in the Second Vatican Council
From 1962 to 1965, Cardinal Alfrink took part in the Second Vatican Council. This was a very important meeting of Catholic leaders from all over the world. He was part of the council's leadership team.
He also helped choose a new Pope. He was one of the cardinals who voted in the 1963 papal conclave, which chose Pope Paul VI.
On December 8, 1965, he helped deliver one of the closing messages of the Second Vatican Council.
Later Years and Retirement
Cardinal Alfrink served as the President of the Episcopal Conference of the Netherlands. He stepped down as Archbishop of Utrecht on December 6, 1975.
Even after retiring, he still had a role in choosing new Popes. He voted in the conclaves of August and October 1978. These conclaves chose Pope John Paul I and Pope John Paul II.
In his final years, Cardinal Alfrink lived in a special house called "Dora et Labora" near Huis ter Heide. He made a public appearance when Pope John Paul II visited him in 1985 during a trip to the Netherlands.
Bernardus Johannes Cardinal Alfrink passed away in Nieuwegein at the age of 87. He was buried in St. Barbara's cemetery, next to the previous Archbishop.
Cardinal Alfrink's Views
Encouraging Change in the Church
Cardinal Alfrink was seen by some as a "liberal" thinker. He believed it was good for the Church to keep moving forward and not stand still. He once said, "It is always a good thing for the Church to move forward. It is not good if the Church comes to a standstill." This idea of "moving forward" is sometimes called Aggiornamento, which means "updating" or "bringing up to date."
Views on Royal Conversion
When Princess Irene converted to Catholicism before her marriage, there was a lot of discussion. Cardinal Alfrink chose not to comment on the matter, even when asked by another church group.
Awards and Honors
In 1986, Cardinal Alfrink received the Four Freedom Award for the Freedom of Worship. This award recognizes people who have done great things to promote religious freedom.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardus Johannes Alfrink para niños
