"We Capuchin Franciscans are a worldwide Catholic order of brothers (=friars) consecrated by religious vows to living fully the gospel of Jesus Christ after the spirit and manner of St. Francis of Assisi. Many of us brothers are also priests.Committed to a joyful life of simplicity and poverty, we live in community as brothers and combine contemplative and common prayer with apostolic ministry in the service of the Universal Church. With open hearts to all people, Capuchins have a preferential option for serving the poor, the sick, and the underprivileged; and we have long been regarded as peacemakers."
On the whole (getting past the guns, violence, poor and underprivledged) I do like what he writes.
If only Charles walked the walk like he talks the talk.
Rocky Mountain News, 9 March 1997, page 39A:
'As the church has rewarded his abilities, Chaput has certainly changed his own world. Ordained a Capuchin friar with a vow of poverty, he's made some concessions.
For instance: "I like beautiful things," he says, "simple, but beautiful. That's just me."
If he sounds annoyed, it's because Chaput is standing in his own home, being asked to defend a life that turned out so differently from that of a poor Franciscan pledged to a life of poverty.
Today he lives in a three-bedroom aerie cut into a hill high above the city, 10 minutes from the chancery.
"I can't share my life as a bishop if I don't have a house," he argues. "Even Jesus went to wedding feasts."
Here, Chaput is free to be the warm host, serving guests his trademark Italian dinners and buffalo steaks with wild rice.
His staff has dubbed his retreat "the treehouse," an affectionate slam at what they regard it's more gimmicky features.
There's a multilevel outdoor deck with a tree punching through the wood floor; a spectacular view of the eastern plains, and heavy backyard traffic of wild turkeys and deer.
Tasteful gray carpeting sets off an explosion of color, captured in an array of Indian rugs, sofa throws and vivid abstract paintings and religious art. In the kitchen he has a wine rack with 100 bottles of his favorite reds.'
This story was written while Chaput was still the bishop in Rapid City, SD but since he's been in Denver he hasn't undergone an epiphany and reverted back to his vow of poverty. After Panetta was selected for the abuse committee I wrote Chaput and told him that Gregory had made a mistake. He wrote back and said he was troubled with the selection and would communicate that directly to Gregory but he hasn't made any public statements denouncing it. Like I've written before, Chaput is an enigma.