Opinions vary about Christian celebration of Jewish Seder meal

Published: 2005-03-22

FRANKFORT, Ill. (CNS) -- Christian celebrations of Seder offer insight into the symbolism of the traditional Passover foods that are used in the Mass, such as unleavened bread and wine, an Illinois spiritual director said. "It helps you understand the symbols Jesus was offering us in the historical context of the day," said Father Bob Colaresi, director of the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, where an educational look at the Jewish tradition of Passover has been offered for more than a decade. The Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart hosted a Christian-style Seder March 14 at the congregation's motherhouse in Frankfort. The purpose was to deepen people's understanding of the Gospels and make them come alive, said Franciscan Sister Marilyn Renninger, coordinator. But Benedictine Father Philip Timko, professor of religious studies at Benedictine University in Lisle, said the connection of the Seder meal with Christianity ends after the historical context is understood. "It's a religious ritual that belongs to Judaism," he said. "There's no reason for Christians to celebrate it."

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .