"The Jesuit and the Skull" by Amir Aczel

My daughter and family gave me this book for Father's Day because they knew that I held Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in such high regard. I discovered him when I was in the seminary and became enthralled with his knowledge and vision. He clearly articulated a knowledge of evolution that was very convincing. And he was able to incorporate the scientific insights into a spiritual vision that was "breathtaking". I recall reading parts of his "Divine Milieux" to patients in the hospital because his vision was so beautiful.

Reading "The Jesuit and the Skull" added another dimension to my knowledge of this Jesuit priest. While I knew that he was exiled by the Jesuit community and Vatican officials, he did not realize the extent of his exile. It was incredible. I knew about the denials of the community and Rome to publish much of his writings (publications occurred after his death, thanks to an agreement between Teilhard and a friend).

The book captures the wonderful personality of this priest who seemed to be a friend virtually of everyone (except one). Some of his friends were women with whom he shared a deep friendship. In one case, the relationship was particularly strong, but eventually dissipated because he did not want to break his vow of celibacy.

I admit that my current vantage point, his life-long obedience to Rome and Jesuit order and his adherence to his vows are dumbfounding given that the institutional Church was so harsh with him personally and so antithetical to his beliefs. I know that the discrepancy between my beliefs and those of the institutional church were impossible for me to bridge with a sense of loyalty! He surely evidenced character traits that exceeded my capacity.