Frans Haarsma
Encyclopedia
Frans Haarsma was a Roman Catholic priest
of the Archdiocese of Utrecht. He was a theologian and emeritus Professor
in Pastoral Theology
at the Radboud University Nijmegen
(formerly: Catholic University of Nijmegen).
In his boyhood there was hardly room enough in the big butcher's family and therefore young Frans grew up at the house of an uncle and aunt who were without children. There he could find his way through the seminaries to the priesthood and to higher studies, including a doctorate.
In 1967 in Holland all the Dutch seminaries were discontinued and Haarsma was asked to teach Pastoral Theology at the University in Nijmegen.
In the years before, during and after the Second Vatican Council
Haarsma was involved in almost everything in the Dutch catholic and ecumenical field.
As a very prominent priest of the Archdiocese his name was often mentioned as a possible successor for Cardinal Alfrink
, who was nearing retirement. Actually Alfrink was succeeded by Cardinal Willebrands.
Haarsma saw many fellow priests leave the priesthood, to marry or even to never set foot in a church again. Haarsma was different. He remained a very loyal albeit citical voice in the Church, critical both towards what he considered to be restorational tendencies from Rome as well as the policies of Dutch bishops. (See: Frans Haarsma, Morren tegen Mozes [Muttering against Moses])
During many years Haarsma cherished openly a friendship with his longtime contemporary and colleague at Nijmegen University, the feminist theologian Catharina Halkes.
Haarsma published several works of which only one was translated into English: Watching the Vatican; it dates back from the sixties and the Vatican Council and was illustrated by Frederick Franck
. (Valkhof 1999 ISBN 9056250671)
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
of the Archdiocese of Utrecht. He was a theologian and emeritus Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
in Pastoral Theology
Pastoral theology
Pastoral theology is the branch of practical theology concerned with the application of the study of religion in the context of regular church ministry. This approach to theology seeks to give practical expression to theology...
at the Radboud University Nijmegen
Radboud University Nijmegen
Radboud University Nijmegen is a public university with a strong focus on research in Nijmegen, the Netherlands...
(formerly: Catholic University of Nijmegen).
In his boyhood there was hardly room enough in the big butcher's family and therefore young Frans grew up at the house of an uncle and aunt who were without children. There he could find his way through the seminaries to the priesthood and to higher studies, including a doctorate.
In 1967 in Holland all the Dutch seminaries were discontinued and Haarsma was asked to teach Pastoral Theology at the University in Nijmegen.
In the years before, during and after the Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...
Haarsma was involved in almost everything in the Dutch catholic and ecumenical field.
As a very prominent priest of the Archdiocese his name was often mentioned as a possible successor for Cardinal Alfrink
Bernardus Johannes Alfrink
Bernardus Johannes Alfrink was a Dutch Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Utrecht from 1955 to 1975, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1960.-Biography:...
, who was nearing retirement. Actually Alfrink was succeeded by Cardinal Willebrands.
Haarsma saw many fellow priests leave the priesthood, to marry or even to never set foot in a church again. Haarsma was different. He remained a very loyal albeit citical voice in the Church, critical both towards what he considered to be restorational tendencies from Rome as well as the policies of Dutch bishops. (See: Frans Haarsma, Morren tegen Mozes [Muttering against Moses])
During many years Haarsma cherished openly a friendship with his longtime contemporary and colleague at Nijmegen University, the feminist theologian Catharina Halkes.
Haarsma published several works of which only one was translated into English: Watching the Vatican; it dates back from the sixties and the Vatican Council and was illustrated by Frederick Franck
Frederick Franck
Frederick Franck was a painter, sculptor, and author of more than 30 books on Buddhism and other subjects who was known for his interest in human spirituality. He was a native of The Netherlands and became a US citizen in 1945. He was a dental surgeon by trade, and worked with Dr...
. (Valkhof 1999 ISBN 9056250671)