More anxiety for St. Louis Catholics as the first word on church and school closures in south St. Louis is due out Wednesday night during a meeting at St. Mary Magdalene Parish.From KTVI Fox 2 News.
Leaders from several south city parishes will receive draft recommendations for shutting down churches and schools in south St. Louis. The south St. Louis deanery includes 35 parishes--18 of them have Catholic grade schools.
A strategic planning committee made up of pastors and church members has been working on a consolidation plan for more than a year and a half. Msgr. Dennis Doerhoff from St. Mary Magdalene said, "We have approximately the same number of parishes and schools in south St. Louis that we had in 1970, when the Catholic population was twice what it is now."
The monsignor stresses this is only a draft proposal for further study. He won't say which or how many churches and schools may shutdown. A similar process in North County has led to a recommendation to shut down or consolidate more than half of the churches and schools there.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Proposed South City Deanery Closings
This is too funny...
Jeff Miller at the Curt Jester has done it again.
Here is something which might put a smile on your face.
Here is something which might put a smile on your face.
Austrian Bishop Quits After Scandal at Seminary
VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian bishop Kurt Krenn has resigned, apparently at the Pope's request, after a sex and child pornography scandal in his diocese rocked the Roman Catholic church in the Alpine nation.Nothing official from Rome yet.
"Yes, I have stepped down and am as of now the former bishop of St Poelten," Krenn told Austria's Der Standard newspaper in an interview published on its Web site Wednesday.
Source.
Sept 30, Memorial: St. Jerome, Priest & Doctor of the Church
From: Luke 10:1-12
The Mission of the Seventy Disciples
------------------------------------
[1] After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come. [2] And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. [3] Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. [4] Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. [5] Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!' [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. [7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. [8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; [9] heal the sick in it and say to them, "The Kingdom of God has come near to you.' [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,[11] `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near.' [12] I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town."
*******************************************************
Commentary:
1-12. Those who followed our Lord and received a calling from Him (cf. Luke 9:57-62) included many other disciples in addition to the Twelve (cf. Mark 2:15). We do not know who most of them were; but undoubtedly some of them were with Him all along, from when Jesus was baptized by John up to the time of His ascension--for example, Joseph called Barrabas, and Matthias (cf. Acts 1:21-26). We can also include Cleopas and his companion, whom the risen Christ appeared to on the road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35).
From among these disciples, our Lord chooses seventy-two for a special assignment. Of them, as of the Apostles (cf. Luke 9:1-5), He demands total detachment and complete abandonment to divine providence.
From Baptism onwards every Christian is called by Christ to perform a mission. Therefore, the Church, in our Lord's name, "makes to all the laity an earnest appeal in the Lord to give a willing, noble and enthusiastic response to the voice of Christ, who at this hour is summoning them more pressingly, and to the urging of the Holy Spirit.
The younger generation should feel this call to be addressed in a special way to themselves; they should welcome it eagerly and generously. It is the Lord Himself, by this Council, who is once more inviting all the laity to unite themselves to Him ever more intimately, to consider His interests as their own (cf. Philippians 2:5), and to join in His mission as Savior. It is the Lord who is again sending them into every town and every place where He Himself is to come (cf.Luke 10:1). He sends them on the Church's apostolate, an apostolate that is one yet has different forms and methods, an apostolate that must all the time be adapting itself to the needs of the moment; He sends them on an apostolate where they are to show themselves His cooperators, doing their full share continually in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord their labor cannot be lost (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58)" (Vatican II, "Apostolicam Actuositatem", 33).
3-4. Christ wants to instill apostolic daring into His disciples; this is why He says, "I send you out", which leads St. John Chrysostom to comment: "This suffices to give us encouragement, to give us confidence and to ensure that we are not afraid of our assailants" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 33). The Apostles' and disciples' boldness stemmed from their firm conviction that they were on a God-given mission: they acted, as Peter the Apostle confidently explained to the Sanhedrin, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, "for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
"And the Lord goes on," St. Gregory the Great adds, "Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.' Such should be the confidence the preacher places in God that even if he is not provided with the necessities of life, he is convinced that they will come his way. This will ensure that worry about providing temporal things for himself does not distract him from providing others with eternal things" ("In Evangelia Homiliae", 17). Apostolate calls for generous self-surrender which leads to detachment; therefore, Peter, following our Lord's commandment, when the beggar at the Beautiful Gate asked him for alms (Acts 3:2-3), said, "I have no silver or gold" ("ibid.", 3:6), "not so as to glory in his poverty", St. Ambrose points out, "but to obey the Lord's command. It is as if he were saying, `You see in me a disciple of Christ, and you ask me for gold? He gave us something much more valuable than gold, the power to act in His name. I do not have what Christ did not give me, but I do have what He did give me: In the name of Jesus Christ, arise and walk' (cf. Acts 3:6)" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc".). Apostolate, therefore, demands detachment from material things and it also requires us to be always available, for there is an urgency about apostolic work.
"And salute no one on the road": "How can it be", St. Ambrose asks himself, "that the Lord wishes to get rid of a custom so full of kindness? Notice, however, that He does not just say, `Do not salute anyone', but adds, `on the road.' And there is a reason for this.
"He also commanded Elisha not to salute anyone he met, when He sent him to lay his staff on the body of the dead child (2 Kings 4:29): He gave him this order so as to get him to do this task without delay and effect the raising of the child, and not waste time by stopping to talk to any passer-by he met. Therefore, there is no question of omitting good manners to greet others; it is a matter of removing a possible obstacle in the way of service; when God commands, human considerations should be set aside, at least for the time being. To greet a person is a good thing, but it is better to carry out a divine instruction which could easily be frustrated by a delay ("ibid.").
6. Everyone is "a son of peace" who is disposed to accept the teaching of the Gospel which brings with it God's peace. Our Lord's recommendation to His disciples to proclaim peace should be a constant feature of all the apostolic action of Christians: "Christian apostolate is not a political program or a cultural alternative. It implies the spreading of good, `infecting' others with a desire to love, sowing peace and joy" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 124).
Feeling peace in our soul and in our surroundings is an unmistakable sign that God is with us, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22): "Get rid of these scruples that deprive you of peace. What takes away your peace of soul cannot come from God. When God comes to you, you will feel the truth of those greetings: My peace I give to you..., peace I leave you..., peace be with you..., and you will feel it even in the midst of troubles" ([ST] J. Escriva, "The Way", 258).
7. Our Lord clearly considered poverty and detachment a key feature in an apostle. But He was aware of His disciples' material needs and therefore stated the principle that apostolic ministry deserves its recompense. Vatican II reminds us that we all have an obligation to contribute to the sustenance of those who generously devote themselves to the service of the Church: "Completely devoted as they are to the service of God in the fulfillment of the office entrusted to them, priests are entitled to receive a just remuneration. For `the laborer deserves his wages' (Luke 10:7), and `the Lord commanded that they who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel' (1 Corinthians 9:14). For this reason, insofar as provision is not made from some other source for the just remuneration of priests, the faithful are bound by a real obligation of seeing to it that the necessary provision for a decent and fitting livelihood for the priests are available" (Vatican II, "Presbyterorum Ordinis", 20).
*****************************************************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher (see below).
The "Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries" is available from:
Scepter Publishers
http://www.scepterpublishers.org/product/index.php- or -
St. Gabriel's Gift & Book Nook
http://www.stgabriel.com/navarre.html
---------------------------------------------------------
Catholics for a Free Choice Files IRS Complaint Against Culture of Life Foundation
Not only is Catholic Answers the target of Catholics for a Free Choice (CFFC) but now the Culture of Life Foundation has also been named in a complaint to the IRS to have its tax exemption revoked.
CFFC is located in Washington DC, the archdiocese under the leadership of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
While it is well known among many Catholics that CFFC is, in fact, not Catholic, certainly many professed but uncatechized Catholics would not know that fact.
Has Cardinal McCarrick done anything to mitigate the grave harm and scandal that CFFC and Frances Kissling are causing to the faithful, to the mystical body of Christ? Should not this cancerous disease be excised from the body in an effort to keep the poison from spreading further?
I know the question has been asked so many times before, but why does this organization, which supports the murder of innocent children, usurp the name of "Catholic" with such impunity?
CFFC is located in Washington DC, the archdiocese under the leadership of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
While it is well known among many Catholics that CFFC is, in fact, not Catholic, certainly many professed but uncatechized Catholics would not know that fact.
Has Cardinal McCarrick done anything to mitigate the grave harm and scandal that CFFC and Frances Kissling are causing to the faithful, to the mystical body of Christ? Should not this cancerous disease be excised from the body in an effort to keep the poison from spreading further?
I know the question has been asked so many times before, but why does this organization, which supports the murder of innocent children, usurp the name of "Catholic" with such impunity?
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Is it a Sin to Vote for Pro-Abortion Candidates
In an effort to help raise awareness among Catholics and other Christians about the importance of voting pro-life, here is a 9.5 minute non-partisan discussion of several scriptural passages that pertain to the issue of abortion.The video is here.
Via Patrick Madrid's Blog
Conflicting and divergent statements by Bishops show a lack of unity
The conflicting message from bishops of the two Arizona dioceses reflects the division of Roman Catholics nationwide over the presidential election.Article.
Parents vow to keep school open
The groups met Friday at an informal meeting at the parish center to discuss their options. They have no intention of quietly watching the school close.Hopefully, those who want to keep the school will be able to come to some understanding with the Archdiocese. Defiant and confrontational attitudes, though, would not be in their best interest.
"I think if we kick loud enough, we can get the attention of the archdiocese," said April Townsend, the meeting moderator and a parent. "We need to pull together as a family."
Parents like Corpus Christi's location and teaching staff. One suggestion is to see if the archdiocese will rent the facility so the parents can turn it into a Christian school.
Article.
Group seeks alternatives to deanery plan
The Gathering of the Laity is asking parishioners to attend meetings and give input on a plan to consolidate Catholic churches and schools in North County.Perhaps it is irrational but when I hear things like this, I immediately think of the situation occurring in the Boston Archdiocese with some people engaged in "sit-ins", refusing to leave churches slated to be closed. Meetings have been held for quite some time, during which "input" could have been offered - now that the proposal has been submitted, more comments are being requested from parishioners to be shared with their pastors.
"We hope that if we all speak as one, we will be heard," said Kitty Gray, a member of the St. Dismas parish and part of the Gathering of the Laity.
The Gathering of the Laity was formed to give alternatives and a response to the proposal. The group met with parishioners from several northeast deanery churches Sept. 22. The group would like parishioners to share their ideas during an Oct. 5 Gathering of the Laity meeting.In recent years (decades), there has been an exodus from the area westward into St. Charles county. Many wish that things would have remained constant - and that we in the archdiocese might have been spared this cross. But that is not the way it is.
A statement printed in the Gathering of the Laity's meeting read: "We want the Task Force to plan for success — and success depends upon the creation and implementation of a plan designed to stem the tide of our Deanery's shrinking Catholic population. There are too many Catholics living, working and raising their families in the Deanery to accept any other approach."
We should hope and pray that all of the faithfuul and the group, "Gathering of the Laity", while expressing its suggestions for improvement and its intention for the success of the Task Force, will, in the end, submit to the difficult decision that Archbishop Burke must make.
Article.
Prayer to and an Act of Consecration to St Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray.
And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all of the evil spirits who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
(St. Michael is my patron Saint - chosen at Confirmation, many years ago)
The Act of Consecration to St Michael the Archangel can be found here at tfp.org.
And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all of the evil spirits who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
(St. Michael is my patron Saint - chosen at Confirmation, many years ago)
The Act of Consecration to St Michael the Archangel can be found here at tfp.org.
Sept 29, Feast: Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
From: John 1:47-51
The Calling of the First Disciples (Continuation)
-------------------------------------------------
[47] Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said to him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" [48] Nathaniel said to Him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." [49] Nathaniel answered Him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! [50] Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." [51] And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see Heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
************************************************************
Commentary:
45-51. The Apostle Philip is so moved that he cannot but tell his friend Nathanael (Bartholomew) about his wonderful discovery (verse 45). "Nathanael had heard from Scripture that Jesus must come from Bethlehem, from the people of David. This belief prevailed among the Jews and also the prophet had proclaimed it of old, saying: `But you, O Bethlehem, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel' (Micah 5:2).
Therefore, when he heard that He was from Nazareth, he was troubled and in doubt, since he found that the announcement of Philip was not in agreement with the words of the prophecy" (St. John Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. John", 20, 1).
A Christian may find that, in trying to communicate his faith to others, they raise difficulties. What should he do? What Philip did--not trust his own explanation, but invite them to approach Jesus personally: "Come and see" (verse 46). In other words, a Christian should bring his fellow-men, his brothers into Jesus' presence through the means of grace which He has given them and which the Church ministers--frequent reception of the sacraments, and devout Christian practices.
Nathanael, a sincere person (verse 47), goes along with Philip to see Jesus; he makes personal contact with our Lord (verse 48), and the outcome is that he receives faith (the result of his ready reception of grace, which reaches him through Christ's human nature: verse 49).
As far as we can deduce from the Gospels, Nathanael is the first Apostle to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as Messiah and as Son of God. Later on St. Peter, in a more formal way, will recognize our Lord's divinity (cf. Matthew 16:16). Here (verse 51) Jesus evokes a text from Daniel (7:13) to confirm and give deeper meaning to the words spoken by His new disciple.
*****************************************************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
The "Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries" is available from:
Scepter Publishers
http://www.scepterpublishers.org/product/index.php
- or -
St. Gabriel's Gift & Book Nook
http://www.stgabriel.com/navarre.htmlSponsor of CIN (Catholic Information Network)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." (St. Jerome)
"A man who is well-grounded in the testimonies of Scriptures is the bulwark of the Church." (St. Jerome)
"It is not enough to discover Christ--you must bring Him to others! The world today is one great mission land, even in countries of long-standing Christian tradition." (Pope John Paul II)
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
The "Matter" of Eucharistic Elements
And here is a little more information regarding valid matter for the Holy Eucharist. The follwing was excerpted from Newadvent.org and reformatted for ease of reading.
There are two Eucharistic elements, bread and wine, which constitute the remote matter of the Sacrament of the Altar, while the proximate matter can be none other than the Eucharistic appearances under which the Body and Blood of Christ are truly present.Full article here.
(a) The first element is wheaten bread (panis triticeus), without which the "confection of the Sacrament does not take place" (Missale Romanum: De defectibus, sect. 3).
Being true bread, the Host must be baked, since mere flour is not bread.
Since, moreover, the bread required is that formed of wheaten flour, not every kind of flour is allowed for validity, such, e.g., as is ground from rye, oats, barley, Indian corn or maize, though these are all botanically classified as grain (frumentum).
On the other hand, the different varieties of wheat (as spelt, amel-corn, etc.) are valid, inasmuch as they can be proved botanically to be genuine wheat.
The necessity of wheaten bread is deduced immediately from the words of Institution: "The Lord took bread" (ton arton), in connection with which it may be remarked, that in Scripture bread (artos), without any qualifying addition, always signifies wheaten bread.
No doubt, too, Christ adhered unconditionally to the Jewish custom of using only wheaten bread in the Passover Supper, and by the words, "Do this for a commemoration of me", commanded its use for all succeeding times.
In addition to this, uninterrupted tradition, whether it be the testimony of the Fathers or the practice of the Church, shows wheaten bread to have played such an essential part, that even Protestants would be loath to regard rye bread or barley bread as a proper element for the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
The Church maintains an easier position in the controversy respecting the use of fermented or unfermented bread. By leavened bread (fermentum, zymos) is meant such wheaten bread as requires leaven or yeast in its preparation and baking, while unleavened bread (azyma, azymon) is formed from a mixture of wheaten flour and water, which has been kneaded to dough and then baked.
After the Greek Patriarch Michael Cærularius of Constantinople had sought in 1053 to palliate the renewed rupture with Rome by means of the controversy, concerning unleavened bread, the two Churches, in the Decree of Union at Florence, in 1439, came to the unanimous dogmatic decision, that the distinction between leavened and unleavened bread did not interfere with the confection of the sacrament, though for just reasons based upon the Church's discipline and practice, the Latins were obliged to retain unleavened bread, while the Greeks still held on to the use of leavened (cf, Denzinger, Enchirid., Freiburg, 1908, no, 692).
Since the Schismatics had before the Council of Florence entertained doubts as to the validity of the Latin custom, a brief defense of the use of unleavened bread will not be out of place here.
Pope Leo IX had as early as 1054 issued a protest against Michael Cærularius (cf. Migne, P. L., CXLIII, 775), in which he referred to the Scriptural fact, that according to the three Synoptics the Last Supper was celebrated "on the first day of the azymes" and so the custom of the Western Church received its solemn sanction from the example of Christ Himself.
The Jews, moreover, were accustomed even the day before the fourteenth of Nisan to get rid of all the leaven which chanced to be in their dwellings, that so they might from that time on partake exclusively of the so-called mazzoth as bread.
As regards tradition, it is not for us to settle the dispute of learned authorities, as to whether or not in the first six or eight centuries the Latins also celebrated Mass with leavened bread (Sirmond, Döllinger, Kraus) or have observed the present custom ever since the time of the Apostles (Mabillon, Probst).
Against the Greeks it suffices to call attention to the historical fact that in the Orient the Maronites and Armenians have used unleavened bread from time immemorial, and that according to Origen (In Matt., XII, n. 6) the people of the East "sometimes", therefore not as a rule, made use of leavened bread in their Liturgy.
Besides, there is considerable force in the theological argument that the fermenting process with yeast and other leaven, does not affect the substance of the bread, but merely its quality.
The reasons of congruity advanced by the Greeks in behalf of leavened bread, which would have us consider it as a beautiful symbol of the hypostatic union, as well as an attractive representation of the savor of this heavenly Food, will be most willingly accepted, provided only that due consideration be given to the grounds of propriety set forth by the Latins with St. Thomas Aquinas (III:74:4) namely, the example of Christ, the aptitude of unleavened bread to be regarded as a symbol of the purity of His Sacred Body, free from all corruption of sin, and finally the instruction of St, Paul (I Cor., v,8) to keep the Pasch not with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth".
(b) The second Eucharistic element required is wine of the grape (vinum de vite).
Hence are excluded as invalid, not only the juices extracted and prepared from other fruits (as cider and perry), but also the so-called artificial wines, even if their chemical constitution is identical with the genuine juice of the grape.
The necessity of wine of the grape is not so much the result of the authoritative decision of the Church, as it is presupposed by her (Council of Trent, Sess. XIII, cap. iv), and is based upon the example and command of Christ, Who at the Last Supper certainly converted the natural wine of grapes into His Blood.
This is deduced partly from the rite of the Passover, which required the head of the family to pass around the "cup of benediction" (calix benedictionis) containing the wine of grapes, partly, and especially, from the express declaration of Christ, that henceforth He would not drink of the "fruit of the vine" (genimen vitis).
The Catholic Church is aware of no other tradition and in this respect she has ever been one with the Greeks. The ancient Hydroparastatæ, or Aquarians, who used water instead of wine, were heretics in her eyes.
The counter-argument of Ad. Harnack ["Texte und Untersuchungen", new series, VII, 2 (1891), 115 sqq.], that the most ancient of Churches was indifferent as to the use of wine, and more concerned with the action of eating and drinking than with the elements of bread and wine, loses all its force in view not only of the earliest literature on the subject (the Didache, Ignatius, Justin, Irenæus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Hippolytus, Tertullian, and Cyprian), but also of non-Catholic and apocryphal writings, which bear testimony to the use of bread and wine as the only and necessary elements of the Blessed Sacrament.
On the other hand, a very ancient law of the Church which, however, has nothing to do with the validity of the sacrament, prescribes that a little water be added to the wine before the Consecration (Decr. pro Armenis: aqua modicissima), a practice, whose legitimacy the Council of Trent (Sess. XXII, can. ix) established under pain of anathema.
The rigor of this law of the Church may be traced to the ancient custom of the Romans and Jews, who mixed water with the strong southern wines (see Proverbs 9:2), to the expression of calix mixtus found in Justin (Apol., I, lxv), Irenæus (Adv. hær., V, ii, 3), and Cyprian (Ep. lxiii, ad Cæcil., n. 13 sq.), and especially to the deep symbolical meaning contained in the mingling, inasmuch as thereby are represented the flowing of blood and water from the side of the Crucified Savior and the intimate union of the faithful with Christ (cf. Council of Trent, Sess. XXII, cap. vii).
Pull the plug on 'Relevant Radio'???
Frank Reilly, the author of this opinion piece, who lives in St. Paul, is a Catholic theologian and a prolife Democrat.
After reading the article, one must legitimately question the sort of theology that was studied, for the opinions expressed do not seem to be consonant with Catholic moral teachings, such as this:
Or this statement:
But maybe this is the real reason for his "dislike" of Relevant Radio:
It's a shame when Catholics openly denounce those who share in proclaiming Catholic teaching as "right wing". Jesus told us the way would be difficult and we would have to suffer as He suffered.
Link is here.
After reading the article, one must legitimately question the sort of theology that was studied, for the opinions expressed do not seem to be consonant with Catholic moral teachings, such as this:
Another [caller to the radio station], raising the problem of Bush's enthusiastic commitment to capital punishment, heard that the Catholic catechism acknowledges the acceptability of the death sentence in certain situations.This is the correct answer! Unless, one is referring to a different catechism.
Or this statement:
[W]hen one caller asked a host about Iraq, she was told simply that war can be justified, and that, as the catechism says, only community leaders -- nobody else, not even the pope! -- can make that decision. Not a word was said about conscience, or about conscientious objection.Of course there can be legitimate disagreements about the war, but as the catechism states, the decision to go to war rests with legitimate State authority and no one else. One may agree or disagree but the fact remains that this is what the Church teaches.
But maybe this is the real reason for his "dislike" of Relevant Radio:
Program hosts and guest experts talk constantly about the "intrinsic moral evil" of abortion, gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, sex outside marriage, contraception and euthanasia. For them, only candidates who are against all these evils deserve Catholic votes.The "dislike" for this much needed Catholic apostolate is demonstrated here:
A creation of right-wing Catholic money, and calling itself "listener-supported," Relevant Radio takes pride in being a national media outlet approved by the U.S. Catholic Bishops. . . The time has come for the bishops to pull the plug.Locally, Covenant Network probably airs many of the same shows as Relevant Radio, such as Catholic Answers Live. Catholic Radio must be supported because it helps both Catholics who need catechetical instruction and non-Catholics who might have questions about Catholicism. This apostolate helps bring souls to Christ.
It's a shame when Catholics openly denounce those who share in proclaiming Catholic teaching as "right wing". Jesus told us the way would be difficult and we would have to suffer as He suffered.
Link is here.
Texas Bishop Says No Bishop May Refuse to Deny Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
The excuses for unwillingness to deny communion to pro-abortion politicians are debunked in an article submitted to LifeSiteNews.com by Bishop Rene Henry Gracida, Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi Texas.As has Archbishop Burke and others.
In his article, Bishop Gracida notes that the Vatican has already ruled authoritatively on the question of denying communion. "According to the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts in that Council's June 24, 2000 Declaration on the question: 'Should a priest deny Communion to a Catholic who is an obstinate public sinner?' The answer is 'yes,'" writes Bishop Gracida. The Church's Code of Canon Law (can. 915) says the same.
"[E]very bishop has the duty and obligation to implement the provisions of Canon Law" which states, "Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."Bishop Gracida has been very outspoken on this issue in recent months. He seems to trying his best to call his brother bishops back to the fold.
Source.
The full 9-page article from Bishop Garcida is here.
Pro-Abortion Movement literally killing itself...
Cathy Cleaver Ruse, the Director of Planning and Information for the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has a good article here on "missing voters" (those who were aborted).
Canons Regular....What does that mean?
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, a canon regular is essentially a religious cleric, or, as the same doctor aptly expresses it: "The Order of Canons Regular is necessarily constituted by religious clerics, because they are essentially destined to those works which relate to the Divine mysteries, whereas it is not so with the monastic Orders." (II-II:189:8 ad 2um, and II-II:184:8). We have then here what constitutes a canon regular and what distinguishes him from a monk. The clerical state is essential to the Order of Canons Regular, whereas it is only accidental to the Monastic Order. Hence Erasmus, himself a canon regular, declared that the canons regular are a quid medium between the monks and the secular clergy.There is much more here at Newadvent.
To explain further the nature and distinctive spirit of the canonical order, we may say, with St. Augustine, that a canon regular professes two things, "sanctitatem et clericatum". He lives in community, he leads the life of a religious, he sings the praises of God by the daily recitation of the Divine Office in choir; but at the same time, at the bidding of his superiors, he is prepared to follow the example of the Apostles by preaching, teaching, and the administration of the sacraments, or by giving hospitality to pilgrims and travellers, and tending the sick.
Local Area Religious Sister Honored
The Catholic Church Extension Society, a Chicago group that supports missionary work in poor urban and rural parts of the United States, [presented] its annual Lumen Christi (or Light of Christ) award to Connolly at a Mass and dinner in her honor [last week].Article here.
Belleville Bishop Wilton Gregory nominated Connolly for the award.
"I can't begin to express how proud I am to be associated with this wonderful woman of faith," he said in an e-mail. "Sister Ann truly is the Light of Christ for so many in our diocese."
Monday, September 27, 2004
Youth behind resurgence of ancient Catholic ritual
Thanks to Marc P. who forwarded this article:
With the aroma of incense hovering, the Rev. Eduardo Garcia lifts the communion wafer toward heaven, reciting, "Hoc est enim corpus meum."Many are discovering the beauty, the mystery and the reverence of worshipping God in the Holy Mass in the manner of our ancestors.
As the prayer echoes through St. Peter's Catholic Church in Volo, 15-year-old Beth Gammel says this is the moment she feels closest to God.
She doesn't understand Latin, but the book she holds translates Garcia's prayer: "For this is my body."
For Gammel and a growing number of young people, the once traditional Latin Mass provides a connection to the divine unmatched by any contemporary service.
The Catholic rite dating from the 5th century had almost faded into oblivion after Vatican reforms in the 1960s, which included an official ban on its use. But since Pope John Paul lifted the ban in 1984, it's thriving in Volo and being revived across the country, with young families leading the way.
"The Mass is like a rock, a source of stability in a noisy world."The entire article is well worth the read, and the faithful of the St. Louis Archdiocese should express their gratitude to Archbishop Burke for expanding the Indult here.
Kerry Gives Exclusive Interview to Homosexual Activist Magazine
"I was the only elected senator up for reelection to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996," Kerry boasted in the interview.Interview
"I approve of gay adoption. I approve of gay parenting," he said.
C-FAM seeks two new employees in New York
This also just in:
For those who care about international social issues and who hunger to engage them, I am announcing two dream jobs. Come join C-FAM in the great fight for life, faith and family at the United Nations. You will be at the very center of one of the most important fights in the world. You will work with a broad range of very talented people both inside government and in the NGO world. Your reach will be powerful and global.
Here are the listings...
Yours sincerely,
Austin Ruse
President
PS Feel free to post this announcement and otherwise get this around.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
C-FAM HAS TWO IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS
1. Director of Research and Policy
2. Assistant Director of Research and Policy
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JOB NUMBER ONE
Director of Research and Policy
This person will have responsibility for running all aspects of C-FAM's United Nations operation.
You will:
* Manage the New York office,
* Write and Edit the weekly Friday Fax, which has a global circulation of 60,000+
* Assign and edit all research papers produced through C-FAM's "International Organizations Research Group,"
* Direct all C-FAM efforts with the diplomatic community at the United Nations,
* Direct C-FAM's global outreach to foreign ministries,
* Direct C-FAM's global outreach to non-governmental organizations,
* Run all UN related programs, panels, lobbying, etc.
Your qualifications will include:
* An advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. or law degree,
* Proven research skills,
* Proven ability to write lucidly,
* Foreign languages a plus but not required,
* Knowledge of international social policy a plus,
* Knowledge of UN issues a plus,
* Diplomatic skills
Also, please know that C-FAM is officially recognized as a Catholic organization by the Catholic Church. We are loyal to the Holy Father and to the teachings of the Catholic Church in all things. You must show a similar disposition.
THIS JOB IS OPEN ONLY TO AMERICAN CITIZENS OR THOSE ALREADY POSSESSING PAPERS TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES
Salary is $55,000 plus full medical benefits and three weeks paid vacation Location of job is in New York City.
To apply for this job, please email your resume to Hannah Page at c-fam@c-fam.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JOB NUMBER TWO
Assistant Director of Research and Policy/Office Manager
This person will assist the Director in all aspects of the UN operation, with added administrative duties
You will:
* Handle all incoming phone calls,
* Manage the daily mail,
* Manage voluminous filing,
* Handle the day to day running of the office
* Assist in writing and editing the Friday Fax,
* Assist in assigning and editing research papers published by C-FAM's International Organizations Research Group
* Assist in C-FAM efforts with the diplomatic community at the United Nations,
* Assist in C-FAM's global outreach to foreign ministries,
* Assist in C-FAM's global outreach to non-governmental organizations,
* Assist in running all UN related programs, panels, lobbying, etc.
Your qualifications will include:
* Proven organizational abilities,
* Pleasant personality,
* Work ethic,
* Enthusiasm,
* An advanced degree is a plus but not required
* Proven ability to write lucidly,
* Foreign languages a plus but not required,
* Knowledge of international social policy a plus,
* Knowledge of UN issues a plus,
* Diplomatic skills
Also, please know that C-FAM is officially recognized as a Catholic organization by the Catholic Church. We are loyal to the Holy Father and to the teachings of the Catholic Church in all things. You must show a similar disposition.
THIS JOB IS OPEN ONLY TO AMERICAN CITIZENS OR THOSE ALREADY POSSESSING PAPERS TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES
Salary is $40,000 plus full medical benefits and three weeks paid vacation Location of job is in New York City
To apply for this job, please email your resume to Hannah Page at c-fam@c-fam.org
More sad times...continued...
This just in from Catholic World News:
Massachusetts bishop charged with child rapeSource.
Springfield, Massachusetts, Sep. 27 (CWNews.com) - The former bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, has been indicted on child rape charges, according to the Springfield Republican newspaper on Monday. He is the first US bishop to have criminal charges of sex abuse filed against him.
The newspaper reported that Bishop Thomas L. Dupre has been charged by a grand jury with two counts of child rape. Dupre resigned abruptly in February amid allegations he abused two young men two decades ago. At the time, health problems was given as the reason for his resignation.
Bishop Cupich is new episcopal adviser for Serra's U.S. council
CHICAGO (CNS) -- Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Rapid City, S.D., is the new episcopal adviser for Serra International's U.S. council. He succeeds Bishop Kevin M. Britt of Grand Rapids, Mich., who died in May. In the post, Bishop Cupich will provide spiritual guidance to council leaders and will be a liaison between the council, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the episcopal advisers of other Serra councils.Source.
St. Stanislaus issue brings to mind St. Adalbert's fight
The article seems to be somewhat of a stretch...
Perhaps I missed something but I do not see how the St. Stanislaus situation brings the St. Adalbert issue to mind at all.
Article.
The dispute between parishioners and the St. Louis Archdiocese over control of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church is similar to one more than 20 years ago in St. Clair County that also involved a Polish congregation.One issue involves the church and church property while the other (in St. Clair County) involves private property - the similarities are what? In name only, that is, the "St. Adalbert's Cemetery Association".
In the 1970s, the Illinois Department of Transportation bought St. Adalbert's Catholic Church in East St. Louis to clear the way for Interstate 64.
Some members thought the money should go to them, not to the Belleville Diocese, headed by Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste, now deceased.
The diocese won that dispute, but when it tried to assume ownership of the 30-acre cemetery the parishioners had established in neighboring Fairview Heights, they rebelled, and eventually prevailed.
Perhaps I missed something but I do not see how the St. Stanislaus situation brings the St. Adalbert issue to mind at all.
Article.
Corpus Christi School fights for life
Corpus Christi School in Jennings is one of only two Roman Catholic grade schools in St. Louis County with majority black enrollments. Its home parish suffers from a steadily declining membership and a dwindling bank account.The parish is dying a slow death, and 80% of students at the school are not Catholic.
"We serve African-American families from all over, and I think we need to be preserved for that reason alone," said Karen Szydlowski, the principal. "What we are is a mission school."
Lucia Signorelli, a member of the North County study group, said she wishes it could be saved. But she said there are other numbers that present a dim future for the school and parish.
The parish, meanwhile, has lost 76 percent of its members since 1990, and most of those who remain are elderly, she said.
Only about 20 percent of the school's students are Catholic.
Since 2001, the parish has averaged 24 funerals and three baptisms each year. Sunday collections are down 16 percent in the same period.
Article
Cardinal Mahony to take sabbatical month
This year our ordination class of 1962 celebrated our 42nd anniversary. Over these four decades I never had the opportunity to take a sabbatical of any kind, and after consultation with the Holy See, I have been granted permission to take the month of October over the next several years as special sabbatical months. This year, I depart on October 6 and return on October 29.Art and architecture?
The purpose of each October's sabbatical will be to visit parts of the world where newer, younger Catholic Churches are taking root and beginning to flourish. This year my sabbatical will consist of two portions: visiting young Churches in central Africa, and a final week of art and architecture in Florence and Siena, Italy.
The Tidings article.
Pro-Abortion Catholic Politician Awarded Papal Knighthood
The Catholic Herald recently carried an interesting item about Julian Hunte, a pro-choice Catholic politician in the West Indies who was awarded a papal knighthood Sept. 19. Hunte was made a Knight of the Grand Cross Pian Order. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano bestowed the honor in a New York ceremony.One wonders why such an honor would be bestowed on one who advocates and supports the murder of innocents?
As the Herald story notes, the award is especially interesting in light of the debate currently swirling in the United States over the eligibility of pro-choice Catholic politicians for the Eucharist.
"I think every woman must have a choice. I am a pro-choice man," Hunte said during a parliamentary debate before votes were cast.
"A woman must be the one who will decide what she wants to do in any given situation. I respect the views of those who feel it is wrong. This is their right. I will give them that right, as I will give the woman the right to determine how she wishes to treat her life," he said at the time.
The Papal Orders are awarded in the name of the Supreme Pontiff and are given both as awards of His Holiness as Head of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church and also as Sovereign of the Vatican City State. Membership at one time was conferred by Papal Bull, or by Apostolic Letter, signed by the Pope himself, but since the reforms made in the structure of these Orders at the beginning of the 20th century, the diplomas have been signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State. Since the 29 June 1991 this post has been filled by His Eminence Angelo, Cardinal Sodano.Source of article.
Source.
The third, and more commonly awarded Order (although generally fewer than seventy awards are made annually world-wide), is the Order of Pius IX. An Order of Pian knights was founded by Pius IV in about 1560, but this fell into disuse and the present Order, instituted by Pius IX in 1847, may be regarded as a new foundation. There have been several reforms of the Statutes and today the highest rank is the gold Collar of the Order, the most common award to Heads of State on the occasion of official visits to the Holy See. The Grand Cross, the highest Papal award given to lay men and women, is also given to Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See after two years in post, and to leading Catholics in the wider world for particular services, mainly in the international field and particularly for outstanding deeds for Church and society.
Source.
Michael Davies, R.I.P.
From Una Voce:
Source.
It is with deep sorrow that I have to inform everyone of the death of Mr. Michael Davies, the President d'Honneur of the International Una Voce Federation. Michael suffered a heart attack at 9:20 p.m. on Saturday 25th September and died instantly.Please keep Mr. Davies and his family in your prayers.
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Michael's family will be keeping me informed and I will send out information as I receive it. They have also asked that for the moment no one contacts the family direct until arrangements have been made. Should anyone require any specific information please contact me via email on argentum@euphony.net
Leo Darroch, Secretary, International Federation Una Voce.
Posted 26 Sept 2004
Source.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Full-Page Ad in National Post Compares Abortion to Slavery, Holocaust
The ad is running in a Canadian newspaper and has the following quotes:
See the Ad.
* "In the eyes of the law... The slave is not a person." Virginia Supreme Court decision, 1858How many more millions must die before we come to our senses?
* "An Indian is not a person within the meaning of the Constitution." George Canfield - American Law Review, 1881
* "The statutory word 'person' did not in these circumstances include women." British Voting Rights case, 1909
* "The Reichsgericht itself refused to recognize Jews... as 'persons' in the legal sense." German Supreme Court decision, 1936
* "The law of Canada does not recognize the unborn child as a legal person possessing rights." Canadian Supreme Court - Winnipeg Child and Family Services Case, 1997
See the Ad.
Friday, September 24, 2004
A mother revives her campaign to change the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
I thought I had posted this last night but it was posted as a draft...
She should also consider what is best for her daughter who suffers from the disease which prevents her from receiving our Lord under the species of bread. Keep both her and her daughter in your prayers - perhaps, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she will come to understand and accept the crosses that our Lord wishes to give us so tha we will bear them for Him and for our own sanctification.
Article.
A mother is stepping up her campaign to get the Roman Catholic Church to permit the use of nonwheat-based hosts in the sacrament of Holy Communion.I'm certain Cardinal Ratzinger is right on top of this!
Liz Pelly-Waldman on Tuesday sent a second letter to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith at the Vatican, in which she asked the Church to "revisit the theological definition of bread."
Pelly-Waldman . . . began her quest to get the Church to permit the use of communion wafers made of nonwheat-based flour after she learned that the First Holy Communion of her 8-year-old daughter, Haley, was considered invalid by the Diocese of Trenton.Well, not exactly - the Church teaches that matter of the Sacraments cannot be changed - the Diocese of Trenton, in communion with the universal Church, explained the doctrine to the Ms Pelly-Waldman...
Pelly-Waldman said she decided to write a second letter after she received no response to the first one written to Ratzinger several months ago.Oops! It looks like Cardinal Ratzinger is NOT on top of this...
Pelly-Waldman in her latest letter addresses the question of whether transubstantiation -- the Catholic doctrine that says the moment the wafer is consecrated by a priest it turns into the body of Christ -- occurs in nonwheat-based hosts.Hmmm...Either someone failed to properly explain transubstantiation or the woman wasn't listening. Of course, even a correctly educated grade school student would be able to answer this question. She could have asked a priest (not the one who attempted to consecrate a rice wafer) or her bishop rather than the good cardinal. Maybe, though, he will answer by sending her a copy of the Catechism?
Pelly-Waldman said she agrees with the position that the matter now is between her and the Vatican, rather than between her and her local church or the Trenton diocese.The diocese explained it once and she didn't like the answer or the explanation...
"This is not something that should be decided by the diocese," she said.The diocese passes on faithfully what it has received, the bishop faithfully hands on what he has received - this is called Sacred Tradition. This Sacred Tradition, with Sacred Scripture make up the Deposit of Faith, the interpretation of which has been entrusted to the Magisterium of the Church. The diocesan bishop, in communion with the Holy Father, explains the truth to her, but it falls on deaf ears....Why?
"I'm questioning 2,000 years of tradition," she said. "To think that in a matter of two months that I've even had this much of an effect is amazing. This is basically a David and Goliath here. I'm happy with how far we've come."Someone needs to tell her that her complaint, (the problem of which has been addressed previously) will go nowhere. Remedial catechesis is needed: form, matter, intention, what sacraments arem why Christ instituted them, why the Church has been given the authority to teach and interpret, etc, etc...someone should engage in a spiritual work of mercy and go over all of this with her. It might save her some further embarassment.
She should also consider what is best for her daughter who suffers from the disease which prevents her from receiving our Lord under the species of bread. Keep both her and her daughter in your prayers - perhaps, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she will come to understand and accept the crosses that our Lord wishes to give us so tha we will bear them for Him and for our own sanctification.
Article.
Important reminders for tonight and tomorrow
Tonight at 9:00pm CST on EWTN, the first of Priests for Life's six part series we air (actually this is a rebroadcast of Wednesday's program). I understand that this is a "Must See" series for Catholics who want to be better prepared to present authentic Catholic teaching with regard to our involvement in the political life.
Also:
Tomorrow, Saturday 25, there will be a Latin Mass celebrated by Fr. Oppenheimer of the Canons Regular of the New Jeursalem in Ofallon, MO. Details here.
Also:
Tomorrow, Saturday 25, there will be a Latin Mass celebrated by Fr. Oppenheimer of the Canons Regular of the New Jeursalem in Ofallon, MO. Details here.
Catechists: instruments of God’s joy and peace
Archbishop Burke comments on catechists and states that his first responsibility is to teach the faith.
This is a very good article and he explains just how we can find joy and peace:
The Archbishop's article is here.
To put it plainly, I depend upon our catechists to teach the faith with integrity and, therefore, I have the responsibility to provide for catechists the ongoing education and formation which will equip them to hand on the deposit of faith to those whom they catechize.
This is a very good article and he explains just how we can find joy and peace:
Only when we have disciplined ourselves to honor the truth about our relationship with God, with one another and with the rest of creation, do we find abiding joy and peace in our lives.We are also reminded that "Doctrinal formation goes hand-in-hand with spiritual formation." We must also be keenly aware that "the catechist teaches others the way of life which he or she lives. The catechist teaches Christ, in whom he or she lives." We must be properly formed spiritually as well as doctrinally.
The Archbishop's article is here.
Ex-priest is charged in child sex case
A former Roman Catholic priest, whose whereabouts is unknown, has been charged with sexually abusing a boy when he was a parish priest in recent years in St. Louis, police said Thursday.The article states that Duran may now be living in Bolivia. He was assigned to St. Francis de Sales Parish at the time of the allegations.
Juan Duran, 44, was named Wednesday in an at-large warrant with statutory sodomy in the first degree.
Jim Orso, spokesman for the archdiocese, said he knew little about Duran, except that he was ordained in 1996 and was assigned in Memphis before St. Louis.
Source.
United Way Supports Abortion
United Way supports Planned Parenthood, one of the world's foremost abortion promoting and performing agencies.Many people over the years have simply quit giving money to y\the United Way. It's a shame that its deteriorated the way it has.
Source.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
More RFT Letters about Archbishop Burke
The letter keep coming in to the RiverFrontTimes regarding Archbishop Burke and the scandalous attack articles written about him recently.
The first letter is from a man who thinks he is a comedian. But, then he goes over the edge by calling the Archbishop "Gay Ray"...
Next, we have another supporter of the Arcbishop who sees him as he really is.
The first letter is from a man who thinks he is a comedian. But, then he goes over the edge by calling the Archbishop "Gay Ray"...
Burke's WorksHe further concludes that Archbishop Burke is an egomaniac. It seems quite apparent that the man has never met or talked with the Archbishop for this could not be farther from the truth. In addition, any priests who might leave the Church in order to avoid following the Archbishop would be leaving sooner or later anyway. And lastly, Archbishop Burke is leading the faithful on a path of renewal and sanctity in order that the Church here might be saved from those who are intent on destroying her.
Not everybody loves Raymond: I am a survivor! From age nine through age sixteen I was under the absolute control of a homosexual priest [Malcolm Gay, "Immaculate Deception," August 25]. Together we did everything one can imagine that a man and boy can do. After many years of psychosis, I went to the chancery office to tell them my story. That was a waste of time.
Gay Ray is the worst example of an archbishop I can imagine. Burke is such an egomaniac, he is not going to have any priests left to follow him because he is leading them down a path which will destroy the church.
Name withheld by request
Florissant
Next, we have another supporter of the Arcbishop who sees him as he really is.
Next...As heartbreaking and demoralizing as it must be to lose a son to suicide, one must remain hopeful. We can be certain the God, Who is All-Just, will deal with unrepentant sinners in a most fitting manner. I, too, believe that the names of the perpetrators of these crimes should be released.
Wicked ways: For all those "anonymous" priests who are selling their eternal souls to belong to some unnamed American secular "church" and who choose to anonymously persecute good, holy and faithful Archbishop Burke, I have a warning:
Read Ezekiel 3:17-20 -- you may be "anonymous" here on earth, but God will be waiting for you after your deaths.
Darla Meyers
Hudson, Wisconsin
And finally, unending praise is bestowed on Malcom Gay for what some conclude is a truthful and thoroughly documented account of a bishop's response to abuse allegations. Some others, however, are not so eager to join in this adulation since the full truth was absent the article.
Requiescat in pace: We have no proof but believe my son, who committed suicide in 1984, was one of those abused by Michael McGrath. And of course he was often reassigned. I hope you can publish the names of all the abusers.
Name withheld by request
Florissant
Source.
A rare and telling tale: I can't imagine all the research required to put this type of article together. Malcolm Gay's hard work is appreciated. Even though the victims' statements are disturbing to read, they are key to understanding the true scope of the clergy abuse problem. It is rare to read a true and documented account of a bishop's response to victims' allegations, and very telling.
Kim Fischer
Crystal City
Dr. Ed Peters comments on recent Zenit article
From Ed Peters:
For a brief clarifying comment from me on an otherwise good annulments interview (in ZENIT) with Roman canon law professor Fr. Miguel Ortiz, click on: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/enpeters/blog.htm
Karl Keating: "Catholic Answers will not be intimidated!"
In a brazen attempt to silence anyone who opposes legalized child-killing in America, the nation’s leading pro-abortion Catholic—Frances Kissling of Catholics For a Free Choice—has launched a full-scale attack on Catholic Answers for publishing the Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics. On September 20, 2004, Kissling and CFFC filed a “complaint” with the IRS, claiming erroneously that our voter’s guide violates tax rules governing non-profit charitable organizations.Catholic Answers Press Release in response to "Catholics for A Free Choice" complaint to the IRS.
And—get this—she’s going to try to STOP US from running the voter’s guide as a full-page ad in USA Today!
Let’s make a deal: Catholic conscience and compromise
It’s a good time to reflect on the meaning of the Kennedy-Cuomo legacy.Archbishop Chaput's latest column.
That’s a deal with the devil, and it has a balloon payment no nation, no public servant and no voter can afford.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Anne Burke fears for priest panel autonomy
The outgoing head of the U.S. Catholic Church's review board on sex abuse issues said Monday that bishops were planning to appoint a nun to the panel, a move she feared would reduce the board's independence from church hierarchy.Reading this article, one gets the impression that she wants to have the final say in what goes on int the NRB - in a way, very similar to others who want to overrule decisions of the hierarchy.
In a sometimes fiery speech at Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Appellate Court Judge Anne Burke said the plan was more evidence of what she called "mischievers at work" within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops...
For example:
"We find ourselves at a turning point in which forces within the hierarchy are seeking to derail much of what has occurred," Burke said Monday.It seems Karl Keating's advice would be best. Anyone with a modicum of rational thinking knows the reasons why the scandal occurred.
Bishops at a closed meeting this summer tried to delay a proposed 2004 audit of whether dioceses were complying with efforts to end the abuse crisis...Both efforts failed, said Burke, "because we raised holy hell."
"Then they put in someone [Sister Carol Keehan] who didn't go through that process [of board member selection]. That is a violation of trust," Burke said.
The Chicago Tribune article on Anne Burke is here.
Catholics must obey God at polls
Here is an Opinion article published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution by a Catholic parishioner supporting Archbishop Donoghue and others:
Full Article is here.
And then there is this opposing opinion. 'Archbishop does not control our thinking'.
And to whom does the author refer for her dissenting opinion? None other than Cardinal Theodore McGarrick of Washington, Cardinal Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles and theologian John Courtney Murray. Apparently she does not hear the voice of the Holy Father or Cardinal Ratzinger. She states, in part, to support defiance to "Hunmanae Vitae" and other moral issues:
Dissenting article here.
Atlanta Archbishop John Francis Donoghue and others have chosen to remain faithful to the vows of obedience they professed at their ordination. I fully support them.I think most Catholics support the good and faithful bishops.
Full Article is here.
And then there is this opposing opinion. 'Archbishop does not control our thinking'.
And to whom does the author refer for her dissenting opinion? None other than Cardinal Theodore McGarrick of Washington, Cardinal Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles and theologian John Courtney Murray. Apparently she does not hear the voice of the Holy Father or Cardinal Ratzinger. She states, in part, to support defiance to "Hunmanae Vitae" and other moral issues:
Listening to other authorities in addition to the hierarchy became a necessity for most U.S. Catholics after a pope issued the encyclical on birth control in the 1960s. At that time, many looked to the Canadian bishops' response — with its acknowledgment of the role of individual conscience — and to the reasoning of moral theologians to navigate the confusion caused by that encyclical.She could not be more wrong - all nearly all accounts. She would do much better to assent to the fullness of truth of Catholic Moral teachings and conform her will to that of Christ and His Church.
The frequent use of abortion on demand, almost as a method of birth control, is not the only moral issue of importance to Catholics during this election year. The Scriptures and Catholic teaching call us to active concern for others, especially the poor, those enduring the violence of war, and all who suffer discrimination. This is not a one-issue election.
Dissenting article here.
Northeast Deanery Consolidation Plan revealed
The plan for the Northeast County Deanery is to reduce 25 parishes to 10.
The South City Deanery proposal has not yet been made public.
Hopefully, we will not experience the same problems that the Boston Archdiocese is going though (church sit-ins, etc).
According to the Post Dispatch:
The South City Deanery proposal has not yet been made public.
Hopefully, we will not experience the same problems that the Boston Archdiocese is going though (church sit-ins, etc).
According to the Post Dispatch:
Combine Transfiguration, St. Aloysius and Our Lady of Loretto parishes in the Spanish Lake area into a single parish under a new name at Our Lady of Loretto, 11725 Bellefontaine Road. St. John Neumann School, an area school on the Loretto grounds, would be kept or merged with another school south of Interstate 270.Article.
Combine St. Jerome, St. Pius X, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Our Lady of Good Counsel and Corpus Christi parishes in the Jennings-Bellefontaine Neighbors area into a single parish under a new name at Good Counsel, 1134 St. Cyr Road. The school at Corpus Christi would be merged into the one at Good Counsel, possibly also with St. John Neumann School.
Combine St. Dismas, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Christopher in the Florissant area into a single parish under a new name at St. Dismas, 2650 Parker Road. The school at Fatima would be merged into the one at St. Thomas.
Combine St. Bartholomew, Sts. John and James, Good Shepherd and St. Sebastian in the Kinloch-Ferugson area into a new parish under a new name at Good Shepherd, 1050 Smith Avenue. Good Shepherd's school would be merged into the one at Sts. John and James.
Merge North American Martyrs into Sacred Heart in Florissant, keeping Sacred Heart's school, and merge Our Lady of Mercy into St. Martin de Porres in Hazelwood.
Preserve St. Ferdinand, St. Sabina, St. Norbert and St. Angela Merici parishes and their schools in the Florissant area, and maintain Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cool Valley as a parish for Hispanic Catholics. Guadalupe's school would be merged into the combined one at Sts. John and James.
Saint's Blood Reportedly Liquefies - Again
I had missed this the other day.
So said Cardinal Michele Giordano, archbishop of Naples. Before thousands of faithful gathered in the cathedral this morning, on the liturgical feast of the city's patron, the cardinal announced that the saint's blood liquefied yet again.Zenit article.
The miracle of the liquefaction of St. Januarius' blood, contained in a sealed glass vial, can occur three times a year: on Sept. 19, his feast day; the first weekend of May; and Dec. 16, anniversary of the eruption of Vesuvius in 1631 which, according to tradition, ended after the faithful prayed to the city's patron.
Januarius, bishop of Benevento, was decapitated in 305.
Publisher of Catholic magazine forced to resign
Deal Hudson, publisher of Crisis magazine and, until recently, a top Bush political adviser on outreach to Roman Catholics, will resign from the magazine at the end of the year after five of his most influential columnists pressured the board to get rid of him.I received Deal's E-Letter last night and he indicated that he resigned of his own volition. Additional accusations are rumored to be about. I think he has done the right thing by resigning from Crisis Magazine.
Source
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Have you heard of this? I'm not sorry.net?
I'mNotSorry.net was created for the purpose of showing women that exercising their legal right to terminate their pregnancy is not the blood-spattered guilt trip so many make it out to be.The Evil One, the liar and the father of lies, the murderer from the beginning has enlisted the aid of others to speak with such confidence to humanity!
It is not intended to make women’s decisions for them, but to provide information to make the choice that will be best for them.
This site exists to tell women that it’s okay not to feel sad or ashamed after an abortion.
You are not a baby killer. You are not irresponsible. You are not selfish. And, above all, you are not evil.
"The primary reason INS was created was that almost without exception all other story sites were full of regretful women. If a woman who had had a positive abortion experience attempted to post to one of these sites, they were turned down--even at the sites that claimed to be "neutral."The site has posted many, many "stories" of "positive" abortion experiences - fulfilling the desire to murder the innocent - exercising a "right?" to deny God His rights and their children their rights to life.
The stories give an insight into the confusion and sin that enslaves these people. It is an example of the depravity that has taken over far too many people in this country and in others. Unfortunately, the millions of murdered children are not in a position (yet!) to tell of their "positive" experiences of being aborted.
Prepare yourself for anger and sorrow if you read these stories.
Send an email of thanks and support to Archbishop Myers
This email came in today at lunch time.
I am sharing it with you and, with Austin Ruse, ask that you send an email of thanks and gratitude to Archbishop John Myers for his recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Excerpts of his article were posted here yesterday). I sent my email to him minutes ago.
I am sharing it with you and, with Austin Ruse, ask that you send an email of thanks and gratitude to Archbishop John Myers for his recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Excerpts of his article were posted here yesterday). I sent my email to him minutes ago.
Dear Colleague,
We continue reporting on the vital question of whether Catholics may vote
for a pro-abortion politician. While specifically Catholic, this ongoing
analysis can be helpful to all people of faith in wrestling with this
question. We report today on a brave Archbishop and a conference held last
week in Washington DC.
Spread the word.
Yours sincerely,
Austin Ruse
President
Action item: I am providing a link to Archbishop John Myers Wall Street Journal column from Friday:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110005634
Read this wonderful teaching document and then send an email of thanks to this brave man who no doubt will come under attack from those on the left. You can email him at archbishopnewark@gmail.com This is vitally important. I am looking for 500 messages from all over the world and from all faiths. Do not hesitate. Do it now.
_____________________________________________________________________________
CULTURE & COSMOS
September 21, 2004 Volume 2, Number 7
Voting Questions Continue, Abortion Dominates
The question of whether or not Catholics may vote for pro-abortion candidates in light of a note by a prominent Vatican cardinal has continued to gain steam in the last week. One American Archbishop published a column in a national newspaper saying that in practical terms no issue exists today that would trump the issue of protecting the unborn. And at a major conference in Washington DC addressing the same question, several prominent Catholic scholars emphatically declared abortion and the protection of human embryos to be the preeminent issue for Catholics voters.
As reported in last week's Culture & Cosmos, many media outlets have reported that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in a recent memorandum addressed to US Bishops, gave approval for voting for pro-abortion candidates as long as the voter agreed with the candidate on other serious issues. The debate hinges on the proper definition of the phrase "proportionate reasons," a term used in the memorandum that has specific meaning within Catholic moral theology. Ratzinger, the Vatican's leading theologian, said any vote for a pro-abortion politician is cooperation in "evil." But a person who votes for a pro-abortion politician may receive communion if he voted that way for "proportionate reasons."
Newark Archbishop John J. Myers attempted to answer the question of what such proportionate reasons could be in a column published in Friday's edition of the Wall Street Journal. "[F]or a Catholic citizen to vote for a candidate who supports abortion and embryo-destructive research, one of the following circumstances would have to obtain: either (a) both candidates would have to be in favor of embryo killing on roughly an equal scale or (b) the candidate with the superior position on abortion and embryo-destructive research would have to be a supporter of objective evils of a gravity and magnitude beyond that of 1.3 million yearly abortions plus the killing that would take place if public funds were made available for embryo-destructive research. Frankly, it is hard to imagine circumstance (b) in a society such as ours."
Myers emphasized that abortion could not be spoken of in the same way as other social justice issues. "Certainly policies on welfare, national security, the war in Iraq, Social Security or taxes, taken singly or in any combination, do not provide a proportionate reason to vote for a pro-abortion candidate."
Ave Maria School of Law sponsored a gathering of scholars Thursday to address questions surrounding Catholic politicians and abortion at the National Press Club in Washington DC. With well over 300 in attendance, Father Richard John Neuhaus, the publisher and editor of First Things, made a pointed statement on the priority of abortion. "Is it permitted to vote for someone like a Kerry? Rome and the Bishops have been abundantly clear that abortion is not one of many issues. This is singular and it does have priority. . . . Any well instructed Catholic has had it repeatedly, insistently, persuasively, winsomely, lovingly put on his or her conscience that we have a moral obligation to positively protect innocent human life."
Princeton University professor Robert P. George, also speaking at the conference, offered an in-depth critique of attempts by Catholic politicians like former New York Governor Maria Cuomo to justify their pro-abortion position. George stressed that promoting the pro-life position is not an imposition of one's religion because it is a position derived from natural law. "The Church teaches that the right to life is a fundamental norm of justice and human rights that can be understood even apart from divine revelation and Church authority."
Copyright, 2004 --- Culture of Life Foundation. Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
Culture of Life Foundation
1413 K Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 289-2500
Fax: (202) 289-2502
E-mail: clf@culture-of-life.org
Website: http://www.culture-of-life.org
Canonist says bishops must deny Communion to dissident politicians
Franciscan Father John J. Coughlin, a civil and canon lawyer, said church law obliges bishops to deny Communion to politicians who obstinately refuse to budge from a public position upholding legal abortion despite warnings and efforts to educate them on why their view is contrary to church teaching.I wonder if the "good pastoral reasons" for refusing to obey Church law are akin to the "proportionate reasons" confusion of late? It would be interesting to hear or read what these "pastoral reasons" might be - Certainly, we have all witnessed the problems caused by many of those in authority who resort to using the term "pastoral reasons" to justify all sorts of questionable actions and inactions.
But he said there may be good pastoral reasons for not doing that during an election campaign.
Father Coughlin, who teaches law at the University of Notre Dame, addressed the canon law aspects of the question Sept. 16 at a conference, "Public Witness/Public Scandal," which was devoted to exploring various aspects of the topic.
The question has led to a national controversy this year, sparked in large part by the candidacy of the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John F. Kerry, a Catholic who supports keeping abortion legal. The Ave Maria Law School and Our Sunday Visitor Foundation co-sponsored the daylong conference, held at Washington's National Press Club.
Source.
"Catholics for a Free Choice" File IRS Complaint Against Catholic Answers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement of Frances Kissling, president of Catholics for a Free Choice:For those who have welcomed the clarity of the Catholic Answers' Voter's Guide, this should come as no surprise. For those of us who have helped to distribute the "Guide", this should be an impetus for us to do even more.
Catholics for a Free Choice today filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service against Catholic Answers, Inc. for blatant violation of its charitable status. CFFC called on the IRS to exercise its "authority to revoke the tax-exempt status of Catholic Answers and bring an action to enjoin this organization from again distributing this guide through national newspaper advertisements in October."
Source.
Ad campaign challenges Catholics to vote their faith
Catholic Citizens of Illinois (CCI), a self-described orthodox Catholic organization, announced the forthcoming launch of a multi-state radio ad campaign designed to motivate faithful Catholics to the polls on November 2 to vote their faith in the upcoming election.This is a commendable effort on the part of a Catholic group to use the media to educate the public, especially since a recent Post-Dispatch poll shows Kerry ahead in Illinois by 15 points.
CCI, according to a statement released, characterized their forthcoming ad campaign as a response to "Pope John Paul II's call for Catholic men and women to become engaged in the public defense of the faith."
Article here.
Vatican's new Latin dictionary
The Vatican has produced a new dictionary of modern words in Latin, including translations for words like hot pants, punk and Lambrusco wine.Link.
The book has been produced by the Latinitas Foundation and is intended to provide updated vocabulary for theologians writing in Latin about current issues.
Another Article on the Diocese of Tucson
Diocese files for bankruptcy
The Catholic Diocese of Tucson proposed a bankruptcy reorganization plan on Monday that would compensate victims of sexual abuse while resulting in little or no disruption to the operations of its 75 parishes.Arizona Republic
Pray for the soul of Eugene Armstrong
and for his family and friends.
I pray also that the brutal animals committing these atrocities will be found and summarily eliminated from the face of the earth.
We can be certain that sooner or later justice will prevail.
I pray also that the brutal animals committing these atrocities will be found and summarily eliminated from the face of the earth.
U.S. officials confirmed that Armstrong, who was abducted Thursday, had been brutally murdered, saying they found his body and identified his remains.Source.
The horrific video shows a bound and blindfolded Armstrong sobbing and rocking while kneeling on the floor surrounded by five masked gunmen.
The terrorist in the middle — whose voice sounds like Zarqawi's, according to some analysts — reads a diatribe in which he calls President Bush a "Christian dog" and castigates the United States about its refusal to release Iraqi women from jails.
Then the masked madman rushes Armstrong from behind, pulls out a knife and bellows, "Since you didn't release our sisters, here's the first infidel."
The killer then begins slicing off Armstrong's head, while the victim gasps and blood spurts from his neck. When the unspeakable act is finished, the killer holds up the severed head and places it on Armstrong's body.
We can be certain that sooner or later justice will prevail.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Diocese of Tucson Files for Bankruptcy
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson (search) filed for bankruptcy protection Monday under the weight of debt and pending litigation from clerical sex abuse cases.FoxNews
The diocese is only the second in the nation to seek the protection of a bankruptcy court in the wake of extensive and continuing legal action stemming from sexual abuse of children by parish priests.
The Portland (Ore.) Archdiocese was the first when it filed July 6.
The decision will subject the Tucson Diocese's financial operations to court scrutiny for the first time, and potentially open the way for non-church interference.
Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas (search) had signaled his intent in June, telling parishioners in a letter that bankruptcy protection appeared to be the only option remaining for the diocese, which serves some 350,000 Catholics in 75 parishes.
Another one...I hope this is a mistake.
Updated Info on the Nov 9 Archbishop Burke Dinner & Talk
The topic of Archbishop Burke's talk will be:
“Catholic Moral Teaching and the Common Good”.
More information (including the menu) is here.
You may want to make reservations early so that you don't miss this event with one of the more courageous bishops of the U.S.
“Catholic Moral Teaching and the Common Good”.
More information (including the menu) is here.
You may want to make reservations early so that you don't miss this event with one of the more courageous bishops of the U.S.
On EWTN - Election 2004: The Catholic Vote
This Friday at 9:00pm CST EWTN will air the first show of this six-week series.
Join EWTN for the six weeks prior to the 2004 Presidential election, as this series walks you through issues of voter responsibility.See this link for additional times and information.
Along with special guests, Father Frank Pavone explains what the Church teaches and includes information as to recent documents issued by the U.S. Bishops and the Vatican, the correct understanding of Church and State, what faithful citizenship encompasses and what to expect from our elected officials.
The series also talks about what clergy and laypeople can do to stay involved in the process, and the critical impact of this year's national election on public policy to Supreme Court nominees.
Archbishop John Myers tells us about "Proportionate Reasons"
Fr. Greeley and any others who misconstrue the Church's teaching regarding those who support the genocidal murder of innocent children should take note - this is a teaching moment:
What are "proportionate reasons"? To consider that question, we must first repeat the teaching of the church: The direct killing of innocent human beings at any stage of development, including the embryonic and fetal, is homicidal, gravely sinful and always profoundly wrong. Then we must consider the scope of the evil of abortion today in our country. America suffers 1.3 million abortions each year--a tragedy of epic proportions. Moreover, many supporters of abortion propose making the situation even worse by creating a publicly funded industry in which tens of thousands of human lives are produced each year for the purpose of being "sacrificed" in biomedical research.Now we get to the crux of the matter, which is explained in easy to understand terms (at least for those whose minds have not yet been clouded):
Thus for a Catholic citizen to vote for a candidate who supports abortion and embryo-destructive research, one of the following circumstances would have to obtain: eitherNow lest those of Catholic Action Network, and other such persuasions still not understand, Archbishop Myers will try and make it even more clear:(a) both candidates would have to be in favor of embryo killing on roughly an equal scale or
(b) the candidate with the superior position on abortion and embryo-destructive research would have to be a supporter of objective evils of a gravity and magnitude beyond that of 1.3 million yearly abortions plus the killing that would take place if public funds were made available for embryo-destructive research.
Certainly policies on welfare, national security, the war in Iraq, Social Security or taxes, taken singly or in any combination, do not provide a proportionate reason to vote for a pro-abortion candidate.Source
Many priests in St. Louis Archdiocese on Retreat
This week, a number of priests will attending a retreat with Archbishop Burke. Please pray for them that they will have a rewarding and spiritual retreat.
As if most of us didn't already suspect this...
Annulment Reform Needed, Vatican Official Says
Tribunals in some countries (notably the United States and Canada) are quick to provide annulments on uncertain grounds, while in other countries the faithful find it difficult to pursue even clear-cut cases of nullity. That was the testimony of Joaquin Llobel, a canon-law instructor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and a member of the tribunal for the Apostolic Signatura.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
DVD Sales of “The Passion” Enrage Critics....
...about 100 theologians have now signed a statement condemning the film for being anti-Semitic.Don't know who "they" are yet but now Friday's article in the St. Louis Review is starting to make to sense...
Commenting on this is Catholic League president William Donohue:Pretty close to how I felt after reading Fr. Heier's article...
“The arrogance of the theologians who hate this movie is unsurpassed. Consider the comment, ‘we also acknowledge that many who see the film are honestly unaware of its anti-Jewish elements.’ Read: many who like the movie are just too dumb to pick up on its bigoted elements. But fear not, to the rescue come the learned ones.
Fr John Perricone Dinner and Talk
We attended the Fr. Perricone Dinner and Talk this evening. To begin Fr. Perricone looks just like he did when he did his series on EWTN, "The Most Glorious Act, Understanding the Mass".
Before Fr. Perricone's talk on "Put Not Your Faith in Princes", we were blessed to have Fr Daniel Oppenheimer, Prior of the Canons Regular of the New Jerusalem, deliver an update on what has transpired since last Sunday. They have found a place of residence in west St. Louis county on some acreage owned by the Archdiocese. They will not be too distant from those in the St. Charles county area and they intend to get moving immediately. More information will be forthcoming soon.
Fr. Perricone gave a brilliant talk on the Catholic faith, the faithful, politics, government, our responsibilities, the culture, and so forth. He quoted from several people, including Pope Leo XIII. We are reminded that we are to tranform our society and the world and not be tranformed by the forces of evil which are attempting to usurp anything and everything, including the Church. It was a powerful talk!
I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to be a student of his - his humor, knowledge, and fidelity all combine to make listening to him teach a really enjoyable and learning experience. (I imagine the same can be said of other local priests here in St. Louis (like Fr. Eugene Morris and Fr. Michael Witt) whose radio talks are indeed learning experiences and wonderfully presented)
I did not take notes, understanding that a CD will be made available of the talk in a week or so. I will let anyone interested know when it is finished.
Before Fr. Perricone's talk on "Put Not Your Faith in Princes", we were blessed to have Fr Daniel Oppenheimer, Prior of the Canons Regular of the New Jerusalem, deliver an update on what has transpired since last Sunday. They have found a place of residence in west St. Louis county on some acreage owned by the Archdiocese. They will not be too distant from those in the St. Charles county area and they intend to get moving immediately. More information will be forthcoming soon.
Fr. Perricone gave a brilliant talk on the Catholic faith, the faithful, politics, government, our responsibilities, the culture, and so forth. He quoted from several people, including Pope Leo XIII. We are reminded that we are to tranform our society and the world and not be tranformed by the forces of evil which are attempting to usurp anything and everything, including the Church. It was a powerful talk!
I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to be a student of his - his humor, knowledge, and fidelity all combine to make listening to him teach a really enjoyable and learning experience. (I imagine the same can be said of other local priests here in St. Louis (like Fr. Eugene Morris and Fr. Michael Witt) whose radio talks are indeed learning experiences and wonderfully presented)
I did not take notes, understanding that a CD will be made available of the talk in a week or so. I will let anyone interested know when it is finished.
Louisiana voters approve amendment protecting marriage
People are speaking out againt activist judges...
Article.
With 99% of precincts reporting, the amendment was winning approval with 78% of the vote, and support for it was evident statewide. Only in New Orleans, home to a politically strong gay community, was the race relatively close, and even there the amendment was winning passage. Turnout statewide appeared to be about 27% of Louisiana's 2.8 million voters, somewhat low for a state election.It looks like the people of Louisiana knew exactly what they needed to do. They didn't buy this argument, either:
Louisiana already has a law stating that marriage can be only between a man and woman.Without a constitutional amendment, a state is left wide open to judicial tyranny...
Article.
Sept 19- Before the Beauty of God.
The great painter Ingres gave his pupils this precious counsel, "Study beauty only on your knees."from the book Meditations for Religious
Thus before the least objects possessing aesthetic value, this artist could have one adopt an attitude of prayer.
Was he wrong? What are the infintesimal drops of beauty that conceal realities here below if not reflections of God? In the same manner that the sun is reflected in a drop of dew, God is often manifested in a mere nothing to the soul who knows how to see Him.
What is to be said then, of the attitude one should have in contemplating God Himself? Assuredly Infinite Beauty does not reveal Itself to us here below without veils. God permits us to contact Him only through faith; earth is not the place to see Him face to face. But does not faith, if it is lively, disclose many things to me? What accounts for its lack of vitality in me if not my negligent spirit of adoration that has become routine, weak in its desire to possess its Adorable Master?
Must there not be more respect in my prayer, not so much an exterior respect perhaps as an interior effort to keep myself in recollection, rich in possession and in conquering love? Am I not too often inert, drowsy, without a living will? Young artists were counseled to kneel to study the beauties here below, and I dare to be so remiss in my adoration before the Beauty of the Most High?
"My God I believe that You are Infinite Beauty, that You deserve the most respectful adoration. Pardon my negligences in posture at prayer; give me a more active faith, a more ardent and more vital comprehension of what both the virtue of religion and my title of religious demand. If there is a place or a moment when I ought to merit this beautiful title in its fullness, it is when I am invited to become more closely united to You in prayer. Make of my prayers true prayers; of my devotion, true adoration; of my poor efforts to unite myself with You, a love that in its ever increasing veneration and fidelity is truly religious."
by Fr. Raoul Plus, S.J.
16th Sunday after Pentecost-Instruction on Keeping Sunday Holy
Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day? (Luke XIV. 3.)
Why did Christ put this question?
Because the Jews, particularly the Pharisees, were so very superstitious in keeping the Sabbath, they would not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, while He healed on the Sabbath, which was really a good work. But, if the Jews were so conscientious, through superstition and hypocrisy, and considered the performing of an external good work on this day as a sin, some Christians, on the contrary, blinded by avarice and worldly pleasure, place themselves heedlessly, nay, insolently above the commandment to observe the Sabbath, and do not consider those things as wrong which are sometimes very grievous sins.
Consider, my dear Christian, you serve your body the whole week, you use all your powers for temporal business, to support yourself and your family, and God blesses you, if you work with a good intention. Now God chose one day in the week, Sunday, and in the year several other holidays, which you should devote to His service and the salvation of your soul; is it not, therefore, the greatest ingratitude to steal these days from God and your soul, and employ them to gain a transient good, or to indulge in vain, sinful pleasures? At certain times man gives rest to irrational animals, and you give the powers of your body and soul none of the rest they would and should find in quiet devotion, in prayer and meditation, in attending divine service, in receiving the holy Sacraments, &c. If you inquire whence come these shameful violations of Sundays and holidays, you will find that there is no other reason than love of gain and avarice, sinful love of pleasure, and often complete want of faith and confidence in God's providence. We wish to become rich by all means, and we do not reflect that. this will not happen without the blessing of God, and that wealth is a net, in which thousands entangle themselves to their eternal, perdition. We wish to live merrily and enjoy ourselves, but we do not consider that our life is only a time of penance, to attain that eternally blissful rest, of which Sunday is an emblem. We spend Sundays and holydays in idleness, vain conversations, buying and selling, servile work, or in still worse things, without experiencing the slightest scruple. But God will cover the violators of His sacred days with confusion and shame, (Malach. II. 3.) and permit many temporal evils to come upon them, as proved by daily experience. The blessing of God can never rest upon those who never care for it, but rather make themselves unworthy to receive it, by violating days consecrated to God. Let this be a warning to you.
PRAYER: O good Saviour! how manifest are meekness, and wisdom in all Thy words and actions! O, grant, that we may regulate all our actions in such a manner, that they may be acceptable to Thee and tend to the edification of our neighbor. Give us the grace to employ all the days, consecrated to Thee, for Thy honor and our salvation, that we may never raise ourselves above others, but follow Thee in all humility.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)