Milwaukee's Largest Corpus Christi Procession this Thursday!!!

In case you are unware, the Churches that line Historic Mitchell Street will be uniting to celebrate the Solemn Feast of Corpus Christi on its proper day!!!

We will begin with a Solemn High Mass at St. Stanislaus.  All are welcome to assist at the Mass and if you need help following along, or need a translation of the Mass it will be provided! All parishes are welcome and the priests are encouraged to come and sit in choir during the Mass. Do come!

Following the Mass we will process by candlelight to St. Anthony's where consecrations to the Sacred Heart will take place.  We will then continue the procession to St. Vincent de Paul where Benediction will be offered.  Perhaps even some celebration there afterwards,

If you need a shuttle to take you back to St. Stanislaus, this will be provided.

PLEASE SHARE. This is the first time we will attempt a massive Corpus Christi procession and we are expecting a really good showing to honor our Lord in his Eucharistic form.

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LMS and Fr. Murray on the Rigid Trad Fiasco

There are days I wonder what exactly he was trying to accomplish with such magnanimous humility

"It is very interesting that the Pope should say, one day, that Tradition is a unhealthy fashion which has swept overly impressionable young people off their feet. And then, a few months later, after
further reflection, that Tradition is a refusal to follow fashion, a refusal to adapt to the times, a refusal to receive impressions from outside.

Could it in some way be both? Young traddies fail to have the right principles, so they are swept up by a fashion, and they acquire the wrong principles, which they then stick to in an unreasonable way. This diagnosis is just about possible for one person, who undergoes a surprising change of personality halfway through the process, but it couldn't work for as an explanation of a whole movement. The idea, after all, is to explain traditionalism in terms of a particular character trait which traddies have. Is that trait the trait of being impervious to fashion, or being too open to it? It really can't be both.

When one meets this kind of incoherent account of a person't personality, it is an indication that the person giving the explanation hasn't grasped something. If your explanation of why Napoleon invaded Russia is psychologically incompatible with your explanation of why he signed a Concordat with the Church, then you need a new one.

What is it that Pope Francis can't understand? I am sure it would help him in his 'digging' if he actually met some young traditionalists, spent some time with them, and listened to them. As far as I know he has never done this. What might he discover?

He might discover that young Catholics who find out about the recent history of the Church, and of the liturgy, frequently have the impression that they have discovered something rather exciting, something rather glorious, which has been hitherto hidden from them. This is not about succumbing to a fashion, and it is still less about refusing to move with the times. It is an authentic, personal response to newly available information, and a newly discovered liturgical experience. "

Read the rest from Dr. Shaw HERE



"As regards Pope Francis’ statement that “to speak of a ‘reform of the reform’ is an error,” this notion is something that has been widely discussed and, in some ways, already put into effect (e.g., the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal and the new accurate translation of it into English) precisely because, as Pope Francis told Fr. Spadaro “Vatican II and Sacrosanctum Concilium must go on as they are.”

The reform of the reform is an effort both to implement the reforms of the Mass that the Conciliar Fathers voted for when they approved Sacrosanctum Concilium, and, as needed, to undo the innovations and accretions they never dreamed of, and that were introduced into the Roman Missal or became standard practice with the new Missal.

Those who love the EF Mass are serious, sane Catholics who seek God in the beauty of sublime worship. They deserve a sympathetic hearing from their shepherds. "

Read the rest of Fr. Murray HERE

Part of my penance ...

As the ongoing fight to be a better man rages in me, I am beginning to understand how my love and commitment for the re-establishment of the traditions within the church must be tempered not with my own desires but the needs of the Church.  Perhaps the best way to put it is that I want to get my desires fulfilled in a way that is convenient to me.  I want tradition on my own terms much like the modernists want traditions on theirs.  Instead of wishing that the traditions first and foremost are restored to give due and rightful glory to God, I want them restored for my own selfish desires, specifically so I can say that I was a part of the restoration.

You see my problem now?  All my faults cant be traced to pride, and it has taken me until now to really start seeing this.  I cannot even begin to thank God for giving me this awareness, but here comes the hard part, the part where Christ looks at me and says “If you love me you will keep my commands”.  There is part of me that that feels like the rich young man who wants to run up to Jesus and present him with my so called holiness, yet upon presentation and my pride giving way Christ tells me to give up all that I have and follow him.  Am I truly willing to give it all up?  I must ask myself.  If I again and again tell myself that my sins are not worse then others I only kid myself.  For most of those that engage in modernism know no better, but I do.  Yet too often I am unwilling to change.  I need to be honest with myself, and I need prayers because my battles will not be won alone.

I also want to make you the reader aware of some sermons that really have got me thinking on this lately.  I know this will help you as it has helped me (especially for those that engage in traditionalism type topics):

Part I

Part III (out of order I know)

Part II

Trying to Figure Out Francis

Perhaps its just me but ever since the election of Francis to the Papacy it seems like everyone, even faithful Catholics are complicit in creating an aura of rupture over the new papacy.  Perhaps it should be expected that people are so fascinated with every little aspect of Francis’ ways that they forget that its really not about the person but the office.  It was the same thing with JPII (and no I don’t say the great, let history decide that), people treated the papacy as a celebrity office, picking and choosing what they like to hear from him and propping up an image that is friendly to them, like that hes ecumenical because of the Assisi issue.  Benedict was a known commodity unlike these two, so no honey moon existed.  With Francis it is said that people are walking on egg shells around him (I would presume with what he says its probably like walking on egg shells when hes around traditionalists). 

There have been many gestures and things that have been said in this short 3 months by the Holy Father that have often left us scratching our heads as to what he means by such.  I think I am at the point that I want to compile some things I have noticed and give a quick take on them.

1.       Forgoing of wearing the Mozetta and the red shoes.  Just after he appeared as the new pope most people recognized that he was not wearing the traditional Mozetta and later on that he was not wearing the red shoes.  Many in the media pointed to this immediately saying that surely this was a guarantee of ruptures to come, that finally the carnival was over as rumors put it, which were later refuted.  Such clothing is often viewed as luxurious wear, trampling on the poor and their misery.  Anyone can learn that the red is symbolic thing representing the blood of the martyrs which the Pope is to always prepare to also undergo.  Many said that the shoes were from a prestigious maker that the rich and famous use, but the shoes were actually made by a local cobbler, so strike 2.  Protestants came out saying that this was a good sign that he would forgoe such things, but as with everything else protestants have a hard time understanding the importance of symbols in the Christian life.  Francis later said that he was keeping his black shoes because they were fairly

2.       Just after the Pope was elected he made a couple statements that he hoped for a poor church and a church of the poor.  Many people immediately jumped on the words and said finally a Pope focused on the poor and not just the Vatican’s wealth.  I think its fair to say that the Pope is a Jesuit and very detached from worldly things including money and power.  I remember hearing a story from Badger Catholic about Father John Hardon and his profound simplicity where he is said to only have had 2 pieces of clothing, 2 cassocks.  Now I will note here that he did from time to time were pants, but still it was a detachment from the world and the concerns of the world that defined the late Fr. Hardon.  So too Francis is not attached to the things of the world and people cannot put him in a box that that confuses a culture built on division.  My initial thought on his statement of a poor church was a church detached from the things of the world that often keep us from being the evangels we are called to be.  He later confirmed this thinking in one of his addresses in the Paul VI hall during a general audience.  If we think for just a second it was the poor Catholic immigrants that came to this country that built the cathedrals by taking out 2^nd mortgages, who had children, who were persecuted for the faith and yet persevered.  They were detached from how the world saw them.  Its not that they would not want to be American but they knew that they were to be in the world but not of it.  Having a love for creation doesn’t mean you place it above the final goal of being with the creator of the creation.  We are called to go against the grain, to be the light of the world.  The poor who have made up the majority of Holy Mother Church were dependent on God and trusted him just as he told them to.  The concerns of the world for riches and control distort the simple joy of trusting in him.  I know not where I will get my food, my clothing or the respect I seek, I place that in his hands and I pray his will be done and he never disappoints.  Even when things take a turn for the worse I remember Colossians 1:24 when Paul says Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

3.       When Francis decided to not move into the Papal apartments it was generally hailed as another fantastic break from the church’s so called Traditions and represented the humble aspect of the new pontiff, a paradigm shift from the past.  Supposedly it was said that he thought the apartment was too huge so he shunned to life.  I want to point out a couple things.  First no Pope since Leo XIII has occupied more than one level of the apartments.  About a year or two ago the History Channel got permission to make a documentary about the Vatican including the Papal apartments.  From what I remember the apartment that Benedict XVI occupied was not glittering, but very modest with a small TV and old furniture.  After the announcement was made the Eponymous Flower posted an article really looking at the supposedly shunned apartments, which the Pontiff still uses for meetings by the way.  You can find that great article here.  Perhaps one of the things that need to be cleared up is the reason why he choose not to be in the Papal apartments, namely he doesn’t like being entangled in bureaucracy and he loves being around people.  Benedict was a shy man and familiar with the way the Vatican Bureaucracy worked.  The bureaucracy does act as a buffer, but it also prevents the pontiff from getting helpful information.  For instance during the reign of Benedict XVI there were some in the Vatican who wished to see the Neocatecatical ways liturgy approved, and it was nearly approved until Raymond Cardinal Burke received a private audience with the Pope where he revealed the plot greatly saddening the Holy Father and eventually stopping the plan.  Francis in staying at the guest house is able to step out of the bureaucracy and get to business on his terms without a million road blocks that hindered the previous pontificates. 

4.       A couple weeks ago the Holy Father made a statement about Atheist’s that was all of the sudden blown up by the media who claimed it meant Atheist’s were assured of Heaven.  In fact the Pope made no such comment, he merely said that we can meet each other in doing good.  Now before we delve into the issue that only Good can be done by those in Christ understand I agree, but we are talking about actual grace which is given to all and we can use this grace that God gives to the heathens to bring them closer to God.  This whole thing reminds me of the former Pontiffs interview with Peter Seewald where he was asked whether it was a good thing that Male prostitutes use condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS.  The Holy Father said that it was a move in a moral way that the person thinks of the others good when asking the question.  However he didn’t say that it would be ok, just that it is a move in the right direction, not a saving one and still sinful.  The moral of both stories is that the media is incompetent, and some are even downright evil in their distortion. 

5.       Another complaint is that the Holy Father only rarely refers to himself as the Pope.  Many see this as a shift of emphasis that he rejects the office.  This, however, is a mistake.  It is true that he much prefers at least publicly to be refereed to as the Bishop of Rome, but in doing so he doesn’t reject any other title afforded to the Supreme Pontiff.  For instance I can think of a number of times he references himself as the Pope so its not like it escapes him.  Rather in continuity with Benedict I think he is really trying hard to bring the Orthodox back in Communion with the Holy See and one of the ways to create the trust is to use familiar terms that both “lungs” share.  Specifically speaking Ignatius of Antioch refers to the Bishop of Rome who over sees the church in charity, so it’s a common link.  So too before he was elected as a pope he was asked his opinion on titles.  He did not reject that titles should be used but he did say that when one has to use titles over and over again to demand they recognize his authority he has already lost that authority.  So when people say that he is breaking the Tradition’s you can recognize that they are removing themselves from reality.  The Pope does not wish to hold himself up as a man against all others, but as the Servant of Servants correcting those dissenting from the faith in all charity.  Therefore don’t make a big deal of which title he prefers all of the titles are valid and it is up to the Pope how he wishes to wield his authority in the church. 

6.       This love of the poor is often referenced by those in the church (or out of it for that matter) who seek to set up Francis against the previous pontificates.  This is yet another media blitz to control the conversation and create false distinctions that only serve to confuse and divide the faithful.  All Pontiffs even the bad ones loved the poor to some degree or another.  Benedict didn't see his being a Pope in every sense as being opposed to loving the poor.  For instance in 2010 he was given a gift of a $2500 truffle, he immediately had it delivered to a soup kitchen for their use.  Living in the Vatican or living in the streets makes no difference in the end, and it shouldn't be used to condemn either.  St. Louie IX was a King, living with all the indulgences due his honor, yet his Love for the Lord humbled him to be a Christian King taking care of the poor and the widows while defending the country he was entrusted to. 

7.       A confusion of humility with simplicity, is perhaps the greatest confusion that is permitted by quite a few out there.  Even Catholic media sources allow this to propagate.  When people see that he doesn't wear the red items, or that he doesn't use a golden pectoral cross or lives in the guest house and not the papal apartments they say isn't that humble?  Hes rejecting material goods, he’s so humble.  Such thinking is Jansinist.  Its not humble to reject the traditions that are developments of the office.  It might indeed be simplistic, but its not humble.  Imagine if a King existed that when asked to give its people hope in leading his people into battle instead appoints another to take his place so that he may maintain his comfortable existence.  It is the same with Francis he might well feel uncomfortable with the so called “trappings” and tempted if he were to adhere to the Traditions that are part of the development of the office.  This is not an exclusive feeling toward the papacy.  Fulton Sheen and even Pius X were uncomfortable in the office with all of its traditions, yet they submitted themselves humbly accepting the office and all that came with it.  Perhaps when Francis is convinced that he will not be tempted by such aspects he will be more open to giving himself over to the office completely.

Let Us always pray for the Holy Father in his most difficult work in the Vineyard.  So too continue in praying for all the clergy and religious, for their battle with the diabolical is unceasing!  Oh and by the way I dont think Francis really cares about the issues most Traditionalists do, thats going to have to be a grass roots effort

Quick take on George Weigel's Evangelical Catholicism

UMMMMMMMM.....

Other than we are all going to be giddy school girls running about speaking in tongues (saying who knows what since Paul says to stay silent less an interpretor is afforded to you, but I digress). Oh and no maniples or so called trappings, after all the spring time has been so fruitful...somehow...not joking...dont laugh...seriously.  Yes I take the Rorate point of view on George.  This notion that the new evangelization needs a new brand of Catholicism is a sham...how about instead of making up everything as we go we just try going back to what worked and improve it from there...I mean we never tried more extra ecclasial education along with the traditons that come with the liturgy of old... just a thought

Positive signs for the Catholic Church

There are amazing things happening right now. 

The Extraordinary Form of the Mass is beginning to have some influence in the church again.  So much so that Bishops across the world are trying their best to stifle the Reform of the Reform brought to you by the likes of Benedict XVI, Archbishop Lefefvre, Michael Davies, Cardinal Burke, Bishop Bruskewitz and so forth.  Prelates with authority around the world are feeling a little hot around the collar seeing their spirit of the council under attack, and all their work being undone faster than they could have imagined.  It has been made known that many of the modernists were pushing for Francis to rid the Holy See of Monseigneur Marini as Master of Ceremonies, only to be told by Pope Francis that he will remain and that they should not prevent the Traditions of the faith from influencing the faithful.  Many of the more traditional fold are concerned with this papacy in that he is not really into the liturgy and its reform as Benedict was in his later years, but we all need to remember that the restoration of the faith from the modernists influence will not

necessarily happen from the top down, but rather it will occur from the bottom up.  Different dioceses will have to take different steps in restoring some of the traditional influences.  For instance here in Milwaukee there is really only one Parish that offers the EF at this time but we are a growing parish and faithful to the magestarium.  Other dioceses see the OF and EF being offered side by side and this is to be encouraged. 

The internet has become a new public square for debate.  This is probably the most impressive thing to come about because we as faithful Catholics now have an amazing opportunity to evangelize the world from our computer then go out into our own streets like St. Pauls Steet Evangelization is doing now.  This is a tremendous opportunity to make disciples of all nations and the flame of the Faith is being kindled by the young and the old.  Dissidents are being called out for their errors by the common people of the church and those in the clergy faithful to the magisterium.  We must be vigilant yet charitable in our evangelization, but the fruits of internet are not limited to this.  Voices from different perspectives of orthodox Catholicism are able to address differences on a daily basis while influencing the faithful, pushing them to strive in the pursuit of truth. Blogs like Rorate-Caeli, The Remnant and What Does the Prayer really say are able to directly take on the postings of dissident blogs like the National Catholic Reporter, setting the record straight.  Vlogs like Church Militant.tv and the many on YouTube are creating a virtual encyclopedia of Cathlicity, and the comment sections underneath the videos are a grace because it allows for swift corrections to be made when necessary.  Over enthusiastic ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue are also being addressed by the faithful on the internet, holding prelates to task for their erroneous was such as Jihad Watch and Harvesting the Fruits of Vatican II.  The Internet is such a fantastic tool capable of supreme good or supreme evil.  Let us continue to build on these goods.

One final thing, but surely not the last thing, that is encouraging is the restoration of Catholic traditions that serve as public and private witnesses to the faith like Adoration and Eucharistic processions.  The obvious good of these actions can be seen in the results when compared with parishes that have not restored such things.  Pews are fuller, vocations are up and faithfulness to the magisterium is mandatory.

These are just a few ideas for positive movements over the last decade or so.  Any other ideas?

+JMJ+

Erin Burnett and the promotion of Confusion

A response to Erin Burnett

So I have heard from a friend that the media is out there saying stupid things, big surprise. Here is my line by line take on what was said: [My comments in [Red with brackets]

BURNETT: Our second story, OUTFRONT, breaking the rules. He's only a little more than 24 hours into his papacy, but already Pope Francis is splitting with tradition. [Shes already showing that she paid zero attention to Pope Benedict, her idea of splitting is a hermanutic of rupture, which all libs take in attempting to confuse people] This morning, he did something amazing. He turned away the official Vatican limo when it came to pick him up instead he got in an unmarked sedan to get to the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. [How is taking a limo a tradition?  Seems more like a security thing.  Now if Benedict had been carried on Sedia Gestatoria to every church he went to  them maybe you could draw a reference, but really this is creating a false impression of what is meant by tradition in the first]

That is a significant thing for a pope. Then he had his driver go back to the residence where he had been staying so he can pick up his own luggage and also pick up the tab. Even though it wasn't necessary, according to the Vatican, the newly elected pontiff wanted to set a good example of what priests and bishops should do. [Got it.  When you use something you must pay for it.  Please Erin when Mr. Obama goes on vacation or on another golf outing do us a favor and tell him to pay for it]



OUTFRONT tonight in Rome, our Vatican expert and contributor, Raymond Arroyo [EWTN: World Over Live host], and also the news director of Catholic Television Network. Now Raymond, take me through the rest of Pope Francis' first day. I know we were all learning so much about this man.

RAYMOND ARROYO, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: We are, indeed. You know, I spoke to some security officials at the Vatican. They say he has been escaping us all day long. He does his own thing, Erin. I had a friend of mine who is monsignor. He walked into the house where all the cardinals were living and where the pope is now residing while they renovate the papal palace, and he came down the elevator himself. He walked out, no entourage, no secretaries. He greeted the man by name and embraced him.

They talked a little bit. He said it was very easy and so he's kind of setting his own path here. And as pope, he can do that. And let me tell you, in the days ahead, he's going to have to set his own path. It will take that to fix what ails the Vatican at this moment.

BURNETT: And we've heard a lot of amazing things about his generosity, how humble he is [Something about humitity is that most people think humility has to do with material possessions or letting people run over you, if so they need read the magnificat], you know, washing the feet of men who had AIDS. But he also faced some challenges as the leader of the Jesuits in Argentina.

Today we're learning about some serious questions about what he knew and what he did or didn't do when military junta in the 1970s murdered up to 30,000 people. People say he turned away from priests at that time. Is this going to be something that could become a bigger problem, Raymond?

ARROYO: Pope Francis, then Cardinal Bergoglio, he wanted to reform his order, the Jesuits. They were leaning toward liberation theology. He didn't like what was happening. He told some of the Jesuits, look, I separate your politics from your prayer.

Pray more, do less politics, they didn't like that. They fought back. Many of them started this canard, this story and floated it that he was involved in the kidnappings. And he was ostracized and sent to the north of Argentina. He was exiled.

It was only John Paul II that brought him back, named him an archbishop and later a cardinal. Here he is. It's interesting during the homily today, he pointed out in the scriptures there was a line about the stone that the builders rejected have become the corner stone.

That really could be the motto for this man's life. He is now the corner stone of this church. You can see it behind me and it is very interesting. He's been through the blades before, Erin.

And I don't think he's afraid of bringing reform to the fore and following through to the end even if it costs him personally. As you said, he's a simple man of faith. We'll see what happens.

BURNETT: All right, Raymond, thank you very much.

Well, as Raymond mentioned, Pope Francis is already making it clear that his tenure is going to be different from his predecessors. [Heremantic of Rupture is what she means] But will he budge on the sensitive issue of allowing women a bigger role in the church? [Why you no understand no ability to do so!]

David Mattingly talked to one woman who is risking everything to become a [faux] priest knowing that her Catholic Church will disown her when she is ordained [an ordination is not possible without a Bishop to boot, second simulating an ordination is not anything other than playing dress up, mocking Holy Mother Church]. David is OUTFRONT on the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His first step into public view was greeted by cheers from the faithful. But at that moment, Pope Francis also moved one step closer to a confrontation with this woman. [Cause she’s the center of the world]

(on camera): Did this calling come from God? [Lets see the subjectivism to come]

CHRISTINE HAIDER, STUDENT, PACIFIC COLLEGE OF RELIGION: I believe that it did, yes. [and who is discerning this again, the church or her?  After all Christ says you did not choose me I chose you.  He also says to his Apostoles the bishops of his day, he who hears you hears me, he who rejects you rejects me and the one who sent me.]

MATTINGLY: How did God speak to you? Do you remember? 

HAIDER: I think it was peacefulness and it's not an urgency. [maybe you misunderstood that she should be a nun?  What makes her think Priest?] It's just a peaceful knowing this is what I'm supposed to do. [Relativism on display]

MATTINGLY (voice-over): Christine Haider is part of a small, but rebellious movement [I seem to remember another rebeliious being] risking ex-communication. [Reminder they see this as a political thing, they don’t understand that excommication is meant to lead the soul back because they are doing something wrong in regards to church teaching] She is out to break Roman Catholic Church tradition by becoming an ordained priest. [Again cant be ordained, all they can do is simulate the action, and that in itself is a mortal sin]

(on camera): The church would not see you as a Catholic priest. [wouldn’t it be priestess?  ;-P  ]

HAIDER: I don't believe that clerics are qualified to make that decision on their own. I believe that that is God's decision. [I would like to see her keys, her commission to feed the flock and tend it, and so forth before she makes the comment]

MATTINGLY (voice-over): The Roman Catholic Women Priest Organization says there are nearly 100 women around the world shunned [oh dear] by the hierarchy because they have become priests [but they haven’t] through ceremonies not sanctioned by the Vatican.

The emergence of Pope Francis does signal and era of change in the Catholic Church [Hermanutic of Rupture], the first pope from the Jesuit order [Validity not questioned], the first modern day pope not from Europe [should tell you immediately that its not a rupture]. But he is also known as a conservative voice, embracing the church's traditional values. [Boo, Booer! :-P  ]

(on camera): Is this a moment of encouragement for you?

HAIDER: Yes, I feel it's too soon to say. I do definitely agree that there are a lot of firsts in this appointment and I think that that means that it might be a good time for more firsts. [Misunderstanding that something being a first in ethnic or order terms means the dogma door is open]


MATTINGLY (voice-over): Christine Haider is expecting a lot from the new pope. Not just a woman, she is also married. For now, she is studying for the priesthood but at a Protestant seminary. [thanks for getting their hopes up protestants] She is a few years away from becoming ordained [again faulty idea]. Scholars [why would you ask a scholar, why not a priest in good standing or a Bishop] say such fundamental change seems unlikely when three out of four women priests are in the United States [Not only is it unlikely, but impossible, are these scholars at the protestant college?].

REVEREND TOM RAUSCH, PROFESSOR OF CATHOLIC THEOLOGY, LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY [Oh hears the supposed response, lets go to the liberal Jesuit university]: I don't think the ordination of women is on the top of the list of the priorities [Father why would you even say its on a list?] that the cardinals are facing right now at the Vatican. It's a very important issue in the United States, but Catholics in the United States constitute 6 percent of global Catholicism. [Got that 6% not even 99% dictate to the church what Christs teaching is]

MATTINGLY (on camera): The church for its part has been very clear on where it stands on this issue. [Rome has spoken, the case is closed, now get down to living the faith]  As recently as 2010, the Vatican declared that women becoming priests is a grave crime against church law. [This sounds conflated for a reason.  Got it its against church law, the law made by man, not God that’s why its ok to go against] Defiance like this doesn't come without a price. [Im thinking of what the price should be….if only ;-P  ]

(voice-over): Ex-communication means Haider would not be allowed to take communion in the Catholic Church, [not just the blessed sacrament, but any sacraments] denied the ritual [person] central to the Christian faith.

HAIDER: And being denied communion at a Catholic Church would break my heart. [Im sure it would that’s why you continue in your error, Right?]

MATTINGLY: But it's a risk she is willing to take [to place yourself outside the church is to condemn yourself to hell, she must misunderstand this…wait she probably went to “Catholic” school her whole life, so scratch that], a broken heart for the chance of breaking through. [to the pits of eternal perdition] David Mattingly, CNN, Berkeley, California.

+JMJ+

Pope Francis, the leaks and the Mood

Hey,

So there has been much on my mind lately.  And I have been preparing some videos for my YouTube channel lately, but I have unfortunately lost my want to finish up the post from a while back on Pope Pauls talk on the liturgy.  Hopefully one day I will pick this back up, but with everything going on right now its one of the last things on my mind, and there is so much out there that must be hit on before I go back to this that my head is exploding!

First we have a new Pope!  Francis!  Yeah I know I’m a week late but now’s better than never if you have lived under a rock.  I must admit I was absolutely shocked by the choice and was absolutely terrified that the first things I heard were Jesuit and Argentina.  Now for dis-closer purposes I do go to a Jesuit parish during the week and there is usually no problems.  As the joke goes if no one is hurt during a Jesuit liturgy things went well!  I would concur.  But the knowledge that he is a Jesuit scared me some because of the communist infiltration of the Jesuits, especially in the Latin American lands.  Now to be sure Latin America has hot spots for liberation theology, which is nothing more than Marx with a rosary in his hands, but Argentina is not one of those areas.  In fact it was made know that the new Holy Father was one of the few to stand up against liberation theology, thus curbing the idea from spreading among his fellow Jesuits.  He did not go unharmed by this position and was later banished by his fellow Jesuits to the outer Northern provinces to teach math to the youth in Argentina.  Now even having said that we must be restrained in to much of a high opinion of him lets remain objective. 

I do have some fears from what people have noted about him from his time as a Cardinal in Buenos Aires, most noted at traditional minded sites like Rorote and so forth.  I am also concerned with some of the comments and divulging of the goings of on the conclave now occurring.  I want hit on these two specifically.

First some cardinals like his Eminence Cardinal Mahoney have been tweeting or talking to the media about how the new Pope is their guy because he is so simple!  For instance Cardinal Mahoney has been taking backhanded shots at Pope Emeriti Benedict, mocking his use of sacred vestments, and his insistence on maintaining the various papal traditions like red shoes.  Needless to say im still fuming from the cowardice of Mahoney and his kin, I have had to take it to Christ in adoration, and he has calmed me every time, and reminded me that these men need prayers.  As the Good Cure of Ars said, “there is no such thing as a bad Priest, only a priest that has not been prayed for enough.

Second the divulging of what was going on in the conclave is most embarrassing.  Have these cardinals, these princes of the church no integrity in their words and their actions?  Before his abdication Pope Benedict made it clear that such an action incurs automatic excommunication.  Yet we see these things like that Scola was dissed by his Italian peers immediately, who they voted for, and deliberations among themselves.  If they cannot remain true to their oaths of silence that carry with it the salvation severing force of excommunication how can such people even begin to hold themselves out as shepherds of souls guarding against error and feeding the faithful with correct doctrine.  Their actions speak louder than words.  Now don’t get me wrong their offices are separate from their actions, I don’t challenge that and I respect them with all due expectations for such.  But let us be objective and judge them on their actions, not condemning their office but their decisions made.  Cardinals that have violated this seal have done so willingly, without specific appeal to the new Holy Father to do so, this is a huge problem.  I will say some prayers for these princes of Holy Mother Church and I urge you to do likewise.

These are scary times as many of the cardinals admitted before the conclave, but I am reminded of a movie called “The Dark Knight”, having surety that many of you have seen it, the Batman character when things look like everything is going wrong he is reminded that the night is always darkest just before the dawn.”

May God keep us safe and guide our Holy Father in his undertakings due by his Sacred Office,

+JMJ+  

Response to Mick Krever's CNN article (in which I go line by line again)

So, this is another line by line response to more ignorance spewed by ignorant media types and katholics.  Please CNN find an editor that actually knows the faith so they can edit out the slanders and misunderstandings perpetualted in this work and others on the topic.

American writer: “No matter what, I’m still Catholic”

By Mick Krever, CNN

Mary Elizabeth Williams thinks the Vatican is strict, dogmatic, and backward-looking [blah, blah blah, in other words she remains ignorant of their “faith” and loves the world oh so much.  Nothing new here more statements made to divide people]. She is also a committed Catholic [So she hates what the Church teaches but she continues to profess the Faith?  What does she profess?  The Church isn’t a denomination but the only Church Christ established with his authority to teach.  Catch that His authority, not a man’s authority].

With so much scandal [the homosexual priests getting in in the first place is a scandal that they did disordered things only follows, they need repent as the rest of us and be faithful to the teachings of Holy Mother Church] and conservatism on the key issues of today [Those meanie conservatives always standing in-between you and continued debauchery, and building Sodom and Gommorah all over again, what a pity], it is not unreasonable to ask why progressive Catholics stay in the Church [This is how you know the person completely lacks knowledge of the faith.  The Church is neither conservative nor progressive, she like her divine spouse is eternal her truths aren’t judged by todays ideology, but todays ideologies are indeed judged by the Church who has Authority from the Blessed Trinity to do so.  There is no such thing as a progressive or conservative Catholic, only orthodox or heterodox].

“I think to be questioning, and to call out hypocrisy, and to illuminate injustice when you see it is about as Christ-like as you can get,” Williams told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday.[Ok so….the teachings or the people are wrong…come on you don’t understand the faith….infallibility is not impeccability].

After Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation earlier this month, Williams, a writer, penned an op-ed titled “No matter what, I’m still Catholic.” [Could have been more honest saying “No matter what I am not going to learn the whys for the whats, but will continue to fight against a personally perceived injustice”]

“What I would hope, and what I think we see based on just the stepping down of this pope, is that the Church realizes that it is in a moment of extreme crisis,” [First things shes got right thus far…applause is due] she said. “I don’t expect to see gigantic change, but I do expect to see a message that says, ‘Our priorities are going to be different from now on.’” [On what, the teachings are the teachings, and don’t change…I think you confuse the Catholic Faith with Protestant sects that don’t have authority in the first place to make doctrinal statements].

As cardinals begin to gather in Rome to elect a new pope, Williams says she is hoping for more consistency between the Vatican and the reality of life for the billion-plus Catholics around the world [In other words don’t just be in the World, but be of it, after all truth is what you make it…right?  I mean truth is subjective…wait truth took on flesh dwelled, was crucified and resurrected, so no actually it is objective whether or not you like it doesn’t matter].

“What we see in parishes across the world, certainly I see it in my own parish, is so different from what we hear coming out of Rome,” [Again the same misunderstanding that authority to teach does not rest in her subjective mind, but in the Keys granted to Peter and the Bishops in union with him.] she said, which she described as “very strict, very dogmatic, and a very backward-looking worldview.” [See first memo above]

As a child, Williams recounted, she fought and lost a battle to become an “altar girl.” [Appealing to emotions over authority nice…touché.  But just because she was denied makes no difference. No one has a right to be an Altar anything].

“When I now go to my church and I see girls up there on the altar,” [See indult.  This is a misunderstanding, because the altar server is not ordained but is the helper of the Alter-Christos, usually the first step in promoting a boys vocation to the priesthood]. she said, “that to me represents an understanding, and a little bit of progress.” [No progress because the altar server is not ordained and is a discipline that can be changed if necessary like fish on Friday or even celibacy.  For instance some dioceses still ban “altar girls” and have actually seen increasing vocations since…but no correlation im sure….right].

It is progress she has not seen reflected by her pope. [Misleading statement again, CNN please hire someone who knows the faith to edit for misunderstandings]

“We live in a different world now,” [See we really can’t believe what they did before they didn’t have the knowledge we have today.  We are so smart be even kill children calling them embryos to confuse, contracept ending the lines of future generations and creating a misunderstanding of the biological reason for the marital act, and so forth.  The world is always changing and the Church is there to call it back to the teachings the Creator gave his people, not the other way around] she said, “and I think that the Church has revised itself philosophically in the past, [where?] There’s no reason that it can’t revise itself philosophically in the future, [On what?] and take an attitude that’s just more encompassing.” [On what…come on we know the talking points]

It is important, she believes, for Catholics to keep up their pressure on the Church’s leadership to change. [Christ didn’t set up a democracy, but gave to Peter the Keys to loose and bind, to teach all nations.  But to you no authority is given but obedience to Christ who is the Church necessary].

“We need,” Williams said, “to have people understand that for a lot of us, Catholicism isn’t about towing some backwards-looking line. [No its more like hey I’m ok your ok, we are all ok.  Let’s all be joyful hold hands and believe whatever makes you feel good…what that’s Protestantism…ah  you’re an Episcopalian] It’s about living a faith that is about service, and is about love, and is about compassion.” [Love demands obedience, “If you love me you will keep my commands]

                                                                                                   +JMJ+

On Benedict and the ending of a pontificate

                             On Benedict and the ending of a pontificate

But anyways I want to give a quick take on the Papacy of Pope Benedict XVI who by the time this will be posted will be Pope emeritus. 

I cannot be more thankful for this pontificate because his Holiness has done more in his 7 year pontificate then JPII, JPI, Paul VI and John XXIII did in my opinion.  Of course many of you will disagree and that’s fine, I tend to be very focused on church history and the “hermeneutics of continuity” as the Holy Father termed it. 

Too often there has been passing of the buck on issues for various reasons.  One of the problems to often avoided has been the ambiguity of VII.  Again I am not against VII on the whole, I just wish that some of the abuses and misinterpretations would be clarified by the Holy Father (still waiting on a new syllabus but don’t expect one anytime soon, heres to hoping for Bishop Schneider being made a Cardinal).  I think Benedict has begun cleaning up things in this manner making it clear that the only way VII can be interpreted in in continuity with the tradition of the church.  His freeing of the use of the 1962 missal from the Moto Proprio Summorum Pontificum has been a jolt in my faith life, not saying it is for all. 

His encyclicals have also been a great joy for me to read and take in fully.  I remember the first book I read when attempting to better understand the faith was to read Jesus of Nazareth Vol 1.  The book was a hit in my mind, so to was his book with Peter Seewald where he really hit on the controversies of the day, calming my mind and instilling great love for Holy Mother Churches selection. 

 

I only hope for the very best for the Holy Father moving forward.  If you have time during this period of Sede Vacante offer a Rosary for the intention of his wellbeing. As well as one for his successor.

As much as I am terrified as to the path we are about to embark on I have great hope since Christ is always present in the barque of Peter and all we need do is trust him and not be too worrysome.

St. Pope Pius X Pray for us

St. Pope Celestine V Pray for us 

St. Pope Linus, successor of Peter, Pray for Us

Blessed Peter, Pray for us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us!

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on Us!

                                                      +JMJ+