Divine Mercy in the Lord of the Rings
11/9/2003 10:09:00 AM
By Joseph Pearce - Friends of Mercy Newsletter - Vol. 15, No. 7 | November/December 2003
It's no surprise that Tolkein's trilogy is interwoven with Catholic themes - he was a devout Catholic.
The Return of the King, the final part of Peter Jackson's blockbuster film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, will be let loose on an expectant nation this December. During the coming months, it will be watched by millions of movie-goers throughout the world, most of whom will be unaware that they are watching a film version of a fundamentally religious and Catholic work.
The work's author, J.R.R. Tolkien, was a lifelong devout Catholic who poured his Catholic heart into the writing of the myth that is now captivating a new generation, half a century after its first publication. Tolkien insisted that the fact that he as "a Christian, which can be deduced from my stories, and in fact a Roman Catholic," was the most important and "really significant" element in his work. Indeed, it's not difficult to discover the manifestation of Divine Mercy in The Lord of the Rings.
In this epic tale of good and evil, the great Ring of power must be destroyed otherwise it will be used by the Dark Lord Sauron to enslave all of Middle Earth. The hobbit Bilbo and then his nephew Frodo come into possession of the Ring from Gollum - a hobbit who has been reduced to a crazed and pitiable shadow of his former self through long exposure to the Ring.
With his trusty servant Sam, Frodo accepts the daunting mission of destroying the Ring by returning to the fire of Mount Doom, where it was forged by the Dark Lord. On their quest to reach Mount Doom in the heart of the evil land of Mordor, Frodo and Sam's steps are dogged by Gollum, who willing to do anything to regain possession of the Ring himself.
The issue then becomes do Frodo and Sam take matters into their on hands by killing Gollum, or do they show him mercy even though he poses a threat to them at points on their arduous journey?
Knowing his treacherous intent, Frodo had wished that Gollum has been killed: "What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature when he had a chance!"
"Pity?" replied Gandalf, the wise wizard. "It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy." Gandalf believes Gollum is mystically bound up with the fate of the Ring. "My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least." (Caution: Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read the book yet!)
These words are recalled later by Frodo when he, too, has the chance to kill Gollum. Like Bilbo, Frodo also chooses the path of mercy over vengeance, and, like Bilbo, his charitable choice comes to "rule the fate of many." At the climatic moment on Mount Doom, Frodo finds that he cannot, at the very last, cast the Ring into the fire. On the very brink of success, he finds himself on the verge of final,and fatal, failure.
It is at this crucial moment that Frodo and Middle Earth itself are saved by Gollum who rushes forward and bites the Ring from Frodo's finger before falling into the abyss, destroying himself and the Ring in the process.
The scene is not only a triumph of divine providence over fate, it is the triumph of Divine Mercy, in which free will, supported by grace, is fully vindicated. According to Tolkien himself, Frodo has been saved "because he had accepted the burden voluntarily, and had then done all that was within his utmost physical and mental strength to do. He, and the Cause, were saved - by mercy: by the supreme value and efficacy of pity and forgiveness and injury" (from Tolkien's Letters).
In the Church, the greatest manifestation of Divine Mercy is, of course, the Incarnation and the Crucifixion. At its deepest, Tolkien's myth serves as a reflection of this archetypal mercy. The journey of Frodo and Sam is emblematic of the Christian's imitation of Christ in carrying the cross.
Tolkien makes the parallel even more explicitly. "I should say," he wrote, explaining the final climatic moments on Mount Doom when the Ring is finally unmade, "that within the mode of the story [it] exemplifies (an aspect of) the familiar words: 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive [those who] trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.'"
Furthermore, Tolkien makes the Christian dimension even more unmistakable in the fact that the climatic destruction of the Ring - and in consequence the destruction of the Dark Lord who had forged it - occurred on "the twenty-fifth of March." That's believed to be the date Christ was crucified. It is also, of course, the Feast of the Annunciation, the celebration of the absolute center of all history as the moment when God Himself became incarnate as man.
As a Catholic, Tolkien knew March 25 was the date in which God had "unmade" Original Sin, which, like the Ring, has brought humanity under the sway of the Shadow. If the Ring, which is unmade at the culmination of Tolkien's Quest, is the "one ring to rule them all... and in the darkness bind them," the Fall was the "One Sin to rule them all... and in the darkness bind them." On the twenty-fifth of March the One Sin, like the One Ring, has been "unmade," destroying the power of the Dark Lord.
It is very comforting in the midst of these dark days that the most popular book of the twentieth century, and the most popular movie of the new century, draw their power and their glory from the light of the Gospel.
*****
Joseph Pearce is Writer in Residence at Ave Maria University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and author of Tolkien: Man and Myth (Ignatius Press).
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Bishops to Scold Some "Catholic" Politicians?
The Salt Lake Tribune reports this and the Associated Press, this.
I must have missed this last night as I was watching/recording the re-airing of the U.S. Bishops' meeting in Washington. This certainly was not in the morning session and the afternoon session was to be replayed about 2:00 or 2:30 CST. I hope I have it recorded.
"In a freewheeling discussion reflecting years of concern, some bishops suggested that the church should consider punishments ranging from denying honorary degrees to elected officials, refusing to allow them to speak at Catholic institutions, or even excommunicating them."
I'm not sure how denying an honorary degree to a defiant "Catholic" politician who proudly promotes abortion is really going to effect a change of heart in these people. I understand that excommunication is a 'medicinal' remedy that encourages one to repent and seek reconcilation with the Church. Considering the gravity of the scandal that pro-death politicians perpetrate by their outright rejection and repudiation of the moral teachings of the Church, I am often at a loss why so little has been done to address this.
They quoted one of my favorite bishops:
"It's a constant source of scandal that the most prominent pro-abortion people are Catholics . . . who seem to go unreproved," said Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Neb.
I hope, if this is indeed true, that the fruit of this endeavor comes more quickly and with better results than with the "implementation" of things like 'Ex Corde Ecclesia'.
I must have missed this last night as I was watching/recording the re-airing of the U.S. Bishops' meeting in Washington. This certainly was not in the morning session and the afternoon session was to be replayed about 2:00 or 2:30 CST. I hope I have it recorded.
"In a freewheeling discussion reflecting years of concern, some bishops suggested that the church should consider punishments ranging from denying honorary degrees to elected officials, refusing to allow them to speak at Catholic institutions, or even excommunicating them."
I'm not sure how denying an honorary degree to a defiant "Catholic" politician who proudly promotes abortion is really going to effect a change of heart in these people. I understand that excommunication is a 'medicinal' remedy that encourages one to repent and seek reconcilation with the Church. Considering the gravity of the scandal that pro-death politicians perpetrate by their outright rejection and repudiation of the moral teachings of the Church, I am often at a loss why so little has been done to address this.
They quoted one of my favorite bishops:
"It's a constant source of scandal that the most prominent pro-abortion people are Catholics . . . who seem to go unreproved," said Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Neb.
I hope, if this is indeed true, that the fruit of this endeavor comes more quickly and with better results than with the "implementation" of things like 'Ex Corde Ecclesia'.
Remember Veteran's Day
This came via email early this morning. Thought I would pass it on.
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free!
Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops!
Show Your Support Send This Page Along Today !
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free!
Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops!
Show Your Support Send This Page Along Today !
Monday, November 10, 2003
Gay Catholics Speak to US Catholic Bishops
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Gay Catholics Speak to US Catholic Bishops
On November 10, 2003 the National Council of Catholic Bishops will hold their annual fall meeting in Washington, DC. The Rainbow Sash Movement, a national group of Gay and Lesbian Catholics will be sending a delegation to Bishops Liturgy on Monday (November 10, 2003) evening at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. The delegation will be identified by the Rainbow Sashes they will wear during the Liturgy. Joe Murray, the Rainbow Sash Movement Spokesperson, will be leading the delegation. The delegation will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency, Capital Hill, Washington, DC.
The Catholic Church has become polarized, and its very unity depends on willingness among the hierarchy to acknowledge this, and to listen to the diverse voices within the Church, and seek common ground. On the progressive side, there is a certain anti-institutionalization, and more dangerously, an anti-dogmatic bias. For conservatives, there is a tendency to uphold doctrines even at the price of people's rights and freedoms. Is the Church becoming so focused on immutable doctrine and eternal truths at the price of human beings and their concrete needs? The Church has to expand its vision and see that gay men and lesbian women, as well as bisexual and transgendered people, are as fully human as anyone else, constituent members of the imago dei that is humanity.
Gay and Lesbian Catholics are deeply concerned about the future of the Church, and their place in it. Like others in the Catholic Church the Rainbow Sash Movement is calling the National Council of Catholic Bishops to official dialogue. The problem is not dogma; the problem seems to be how to promote dogma in the framework of love.
The Rainbow Sash Movement believes that the Catholic Church is the living continuity of faith that is why we bring our concerns to the Bishops, and remain faithful within the parish life of the Church.
Rainbow Sash Movement
========End of Release===========================================
I had missed this earlier. I'm curious to see what, if anything, will happen at Mass this evening. I, too, am deeply concerned about my place in Christ's Church, not because of this but because, like St. Paul, I , too, am working out my salvation in fear and trembling. Fortunately, the Church teaches with the authority of Jesus exactly what is necessary to abide with Him and His Church.
We can choose humilty and follow with obedience - choosing life over death, or we can choose pride and "make things up" as we go along, becoming false teachers and prophets, determining for ourselves what is right and wrong and end up rejecting God's gift of grace and everlasting life.
Newsflash!!!! The Catholic Church is NOT going to change the moral law to accomodate sin, in whatever form one wishes to re-define it. Is this really that difficult to understand?
For Immediate Release
Gay Catholics Speak to US Catholic Bishops
On November 10, 2003 the National Council of Catholic Bishops will hold their annual fall meeting in Washington, DC. The Rainbow Sash Movement, a national group of Gay and Lesbian Catholics will be sending a delegation to Bishops Liturgy on Monday (November 10, 2003) evening at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. The delegation will be identified by the Rainbow Sashes they will wear during the Liturgy. Joe Murray, the Rainbow Sash Movement Spokesperson, will be leading the delegation. The delegation will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency, Capital Hill, Washington, DC.
The Catholic Church has become polarized, and its very unity depends on willingness among the hierarchy to acknowledge this, and to listen to the diverse voices within the Church, and seek common ground. On the progressive side, there is a certain anti-institutionalization, and more dangerously, an anti-dogmatic bias. For conservatives, there is a tendency to uphold doctrines even at the price of people's rights and freedoms. Is the Church becoming so focused on immutable doctrine and eternal truths at the price of human beings and their concrete needs? The Church has to expand its vision and see that gay men and lesbian women, as well as bisexual and transgendered people, are as fully human as anyone else, constituent members of the imago dei that is humanity.
Gay and Lesbian Catholics are deeply concerned about the future of the Church, and their place in it. Like others in the Catholic Church the Rainbow Sash Movement is calling the National Council of Catholic Bishops to official dialogue. The problem is not dogma; the problem seems to be how to promote dogma in the framework of love.
The Rainbow Sash Movement believes that the Catholic Church is the living continuity of faith that is why we bring our concerns to the Bishops, and remain faithful within the parish life of the Church.
Rainbow Sash Movement
========End of Release===========================================
I had missed this earlier. I'm curious to see what, if anything, will happen at Mass this evening. I, too, am deeply concerned about my place in Christ's Church, not because of this but because, like St. Paul, I , too, am working out my salvation in fear and trembling. Fortunately, the Church teaches with the authority of Jesus exactly what is necessary to abide with Him and His Church.
We can choose humilty and follow with obedience - choosing life over death, or we can choose pride and "make things up" as we go along, becoming false teachers and prophets, determining for ourselves what is right and wrong and end up rejecting God's gift of grace and everlasting life.
Newsflash!!!! The Catholic Church is NOT going to change the moral law to accomodate sin, in whatever form one wishes to re-define it. Is this really that difficult to understand?
Virtual Tour - Redemptoris Mater Chapel
There is a new virtual tour of the Redemptoris Mater Chapel at the Vatican at
www.vatican.va/redemptoris_mater/index_en.htm. You must have or download the shockwave flash player to view it.
This is the chapel that is used by the Pope during his annual retreats and for the homilies given during Advent and Lent. Apparently, it received considerable notice for its Byzantine style mosaics.
www.vatican.va/redemptoris_mater/index_en.htm. You must have or download the shockwave flash player to view it.
This is the chapel that is used by the Pope during his annual retreats and for the homilies given during Advent and Lent. Apparently, it received considerable notice for its Byzantine style mosaics.
Bishops' Meeting Coverage
I had almost forgotten...and I'll have to catch the encore (re-run) shows later. Last time I tried to tape this thing, after having set up the VCR with all the dates & times, the entire schedule changed. As I was out of town, I called home to have one of my sons change the tape when I "knew" the next tape would be needed, based on the pre-planned VCR timer set-up. Of about 12 hours of tape, I only had 30 minutes of the bishops' meeting. Best laid plans, eh?
So unless the schedules change, here is EWTN's current schedule.
COVERAGE OF THE 2003 FALL SESSION OF THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
PREVIEW SHOW
Sunday November 9, 8:00 PM LIVE
MONDAY MORNING SESSION
Monday November 10, 9:00 AM LIVE
Monday November 10, 9:00 PM ENCORE
MONDAY. AFTERNOON SESSION
Monday November 10, 2:00 PM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 3:30 AM ENCORE
USCCB MASS FROM BNSIC
Monday November 10, 6:00 PM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 1:00 AM ENCORE
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
Tuesday November 11, 9:00 AM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 2:00 PM ENCORE
Wed November 12, 2:00 AM ENCORE
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION
Wednesday November 12, 9:00 AM LIVE
Wed. November 12, 9:00 PM ENCORE
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Wednesday November 12, 2:00 PM LIVE
Thurs. November 13, 2003 2:00 AM ENCORE
WRAP UP SHOW - THE WORLD OVER
Friday Nov. 14, 8 PM
So unless the schedules change, here is EWTN's current schedule.
COVERAGE OF THE 2003 FALL SESSION OF THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
PREVIEW SHOW
Sunday November 9, 8:00 PM LIVE
MONDAY MORNING SESSION
Monday November 10, 9:00 AM LIVE
Monday November 10, 9:00 PM ENCORE
MONDAY. AFTERNOON SESSION
Monday November 10, 2:00 PM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 3:30 AM ENCORE
USCCB MASS FROM BNSIC
Monday November 10, 6:00 PM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 1:00 AM ENCORE
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
Tuesday November 11, 9:00 AM LIVE
Tuesday November 11, 2:00 PM ENCORE
Wed November 12, 2:00 AM ENCORE
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION
Wednesday November 12, 9:00 AM LIVE
Wed. November 12, 9:00 PM ENCORE
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Wednesday November 12, 2:00 PM LIVE
Thurs. November 13, 2003 2:00 AM ENCORE
WRAP UP SHOW - THE WORLD OVER
Friday Nov. 14, 8 PM
Dissenters still stirring things up in Milwaukee
The annual Call-To-Action conference was held in Milwaukee this past weekend and as I understand it, Arbishop Dolan was out of town, probably on his way to Washington for the Bishops' Conference meeting.
One of the "hot topics" included a program to begin a nationwide drive to push for optional celibacy. Some priests have gone so far as to include sample letters in parish bulletins. And at least one priest at this CTA/FutureChurch/et al meeting is quoted as saying about the ministerial priesthood, "I think that we just have to open ordained ministry up to everyone, both men and women, married and single." I guess some of these guys have never read the documents of the Church, the Catechism, or much of anything else of value.
The Journal Sentinel has an article on this here.
But that's just a part of this meeting. Illinois Justice Anne Burke, who is the acting chairwoman of the Bishops' National Review Board to oversee the clergy sexual abuse program, was to speak on the efforts of the petition drive. This was also in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
I wish I could understand the rationale for selecting advocates of dissent and heterdoxy to serve on the national abuse panel. It seems that it would be fairly difficult to make right moral judgements, if one is infected with dissent.
Archbishop Dolan really needs our prayers as do all of these others.
One of the "hot topics" included a program to begin a nationwide drive to push for optional celibacy. Some priests have gone so far as to include sample letters in parish bulletins. And at least one priest at this CTA/FutureChurch/et al meeting is quoted as saying about the ministerial priesthood, "I think that we just have to open ordained ministry up to everyone, both men and women, married and single." I guess some of these guys have never read the documents of the Church, the Catechism, or much of anything else of value.
The Journal Sentinel has an article on this here.
But that's just a part of this meeting. Illinois Justice Anne Burke, who is the acting chairwoman of the Bishops' National Review Board to oversee the clergy sexual abuse program, was to speak on the efforts of the petition drive. This was also in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
I wish I could understand the rationale for selecting advocates of dissent and heterdoxy to serve on the national abuse panel. It seems that it would be fairly difficult to make right moral judgements, if one is infected with dissent.
Archbishop Dolan really needs our prayers as do all of these others.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Bishop Vasa's Statement on Terri Schiavo
Bishop Robert F. Vasa of Baker, OR, speaks out on behalf of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, the 39-year-old brain-disabled woman whose husband and legal guardian Michael Schiavo is determined to end her life by court-ordered starvation.
For Mary and Bob Schindler: ...."Cannot people see that Terri is their baby and that their love for her has a value and that their love tells the world that Terri has great worth? To treat her as if she were already dead is cruel and inhumane. To treat her as if she is dying is likewise ludicrous." Kindest Regards, +RFV
The Catholic Church teaches that hydration and nutrition are simply water and food. These must always be provided as long as the food or water itself or the method of delivery is not unduly burdensome to the PATIENT. There does not appear to be any indication from Terri that the provision or the method of provision of food and water is burdensome to her.
The one 'burden', which so many seem so determined to lift from her, is that one thing that allows Terri to continue to be a living breathing human person, life itself. Life itself cannot be the burden from which we in the Catholic Church seek to deliver the faithful. This is the Assisted Suicide attitude.
Life is a grace and a blessing and yes the living of that life does entail some burdens, sometimes great burdens, but the solution can be neither murder nor suicide — these are offenses against life itself and the Lord who gives it.
Terri is alive. She is kept alive by the same things that keep me alive - Food, water, air. Her disability deprives her of the ability to ingest these things, it does not deprive her of the ability to digest them. She may well die in the future from an inability to digest food but it would be murder to cause her death by denying her the food she still has the ability to digest and which continues to provide for her a definite benefit — life itself.
Kindest regards,
Bishop Robert F. Vasa
Diocese of Baker
Box 5999
Baker, Oregon 97708
(541) 388-4004
Also.
See Bishop Raymund Burke's statement here and Bishop Paul Loverde's re-statement of Church teaching here.
For Mary and Bob Schindler: ...."Cannot people see that Terri is their baby and that their love for her has a value and that their love tells the world that Terri has great worth? To treat her as if she were already dead is cruel and inhumane. To treat her as if she is dying is likewise ludicrous." Kindest Regards, +RFV
The Catholic Church teaches that hydration and nutrition are simply water and food. These must always be provided as long as the food or water itself or the method of delivery is not unduly burdensome to the PATIENT. There does not appear to be any indication from Terri that the provision or the method of provision of food and water is burdensome to her.
The one 'burden', which so many seem so determined to lift from her, is that one thing that allows Terri to continue to be a living breathing human person, life itself. Life itself cannot be the burden from which we in the Catholic Church seek to deliver the faithful. This is the Assisted Suicide attitude.
Life is a grace and a blessing and yes the living of that life does entail some burdens, sometimes great burdens, but the solution can be neither murder nor suicide — these are offenses against life itself and the Lord who gives it.
Terri is alive. She is kept alive by the same things that keep me alive - Food, water, air. Her disability deprives her of the ability to ingest these things, it does not deprive her of the ability to digest them. She may well die in the future from an inability to digest food but it would be murder to cause her death by denying her the food she still has the ability to digest and which continues to provide for her a definite benefit — life itself.
Kindest regards,
Bishop Robert F. Vasa
Diocese of Baker
Box 5999
Baker, Oregon 97708
(541) 388-4004
Also.
See Bishop Raymund Burke's statement here and Bishop Paul Loverde's re-statement of Church teaching here.
The Fascinated God
There is a new book written by a local St. Louis diocesan priest which is being marketed (selectively as I understand it) to some in the archdiocese.
I'm curious if anyone has read it and can offer any sort of evaluation of it. I am always hesitant to spend good money on any books dealing with the Faith, unless they are completely orthodox or, if not, to be used as reference material (like Loraine Boettner's Roman Catholicism). I still have several other good books that I want to get to. I'd like to finish Warren Carroll's The History of Christendom sometime soon. It's quite a read and well worth the time, if one likes history!
Anyway, back to the subject. You can read the abstract of the new book, titled The Fascinated God, here.
While I am not making any premature or undeserved judgements, a few things struck me as "odd" while I read the article about this book. Perhaps, these days I am just a tad overly cautious, but I find it difficult to read somthing like "Jesus...is now accessible in the sacraments of the church in a quasi-magic manner" and not feel concerned.
Any comments?
I'm curious if anyone has read it and can offer any sort of evaluation of it. I am always hesitant to spend good money on any books dealing with the Faith, unless they are completely orthodox or, if not, to be used as reference material (like Loraine Boettner's Roman Catholicism). I still have several other good books that I want to get to. I'd like to finish Warren Carroll's The History of Christendom sometime soon. It's quite a read and well worth the time, if one likes history!
Anyway, back to the subject. You can read the abstract of the new book, titled The Fascinated God, here.
While I am not making any premature or undeserved judgements, a few things struck me as "odd" while I read the article about this book. Perhaps, these days I am just a tad overly cautious, but I find it difficult to read somthing like "Jesus...is now accessible in the sacraments of the church in a quasi-magic manner" and not feel concerned.
Any comments?
Prof. James Hitchcock Dinner/Talk
We had a wonderful time at tonight's talk on "What has happened to our Catholic Colleges and Universities." A good dinner and an excellent talk.
Although the problem has been acknowledged by the Holy See and recognized by a number of parents and students, I suspect that the vast majority of Catholic parents are unaware of the dangers that await their children at many "Catholic" institutions of higher learning.
Dr. James Hitchcock addressed the issue from a perspective that I had never heard before, and, as an history professor, he did a remarkable job explaining how the problem of secularization of Catholic colleges appears to be cyclical.
There will be tapes and CDs made. I look forward to listening to Dr. Hitchcock's presentation again while driving to and from work. Credo St. Louis may be able to provide copies. See the Credo post here in you're interested.
I have only been to two of these talks (the first to hear and meet Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz) and both were very informative. It's really a joy to be able to learn from solid, orthodox Catholics.
Although the problem has been acknowledged by the Holy See and recognized by a number of parents and students, I suspect that the vast majority of Catholic parents are unaware of the dangers that await their children at many "Catholic" institutions of higher learning.
Dr. James Hitchcock addressed the issue from a perspective that I had never heard before, and, as an history professor, he did a remarkable job explaining how the problem of secularization of Catholic colleges appears to be cyclical.
There will be tapes and CDs made. I look forward to listening to Dr. Hitchcock's presentation again while driving to and from work. Credo St. Louis may be able to provide copies. See the Credo post here in you're interested.
I have only been to two of these talks (the first to hear and meet Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz) and both were very informative. It's really a joy to be able to learn from solid, orthodox Catholics.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Update on ICD's Liturgical Dance Performance on Oct 12
I received a response from Bishop Hermann a couple of days ago regarding a followup letter I wrote to him after his participation in ICD's Dedication Mass of October 12. My report and comments of the Dedication Mass are here.
I do not wish to post his letter as I am considering other options and what approach is necessary in pursuing this further. Suffice it say that the essence of the response was, more or less, what I expected. I was surprised by the reasoning and rationalizations given, though!
In summary, I have been enlightened as to the following:
That this diocese has a history of liturgical dance on special occasions.
"Arbitrarily" forbidding liturgical dance at ICD would be confusing for the faithful.
Prohibiting liturgical dance "in this Archdiocese" will require a "thorough catechesis". Lastly, since 'liturgical dance' occurred at the Vatican with the Beatification of Mother Theresa, it must be OK for us here in the US, because it was televised worldwide.
I guess Cardinal Arinze was mistaken when he said, "The do-it-yourself" Mass is ended. Go in peace." I suppose we have a ways to go before we are fully "inculturated".
I do not wish to post his letter as I am considering other options and what approach is necessary in pursuing this further. Suffice it say that the essence of the response was, more or less, what I expected. I was surprised by the reasoning and rationalizations given, though!
In summary, I have been enlightened as to the following:
That this diocese has a history of liturgical dance on special occasions.
"Arbitrarily" forbidding liturgical dance at ICD would be confusing for the faithful.
Prohibiting liturgical dance "in this Archdiocese" will require a "thorough catechesis". Lastly, since 'liturgical dance' occurred at the Vatican with the Beatification of Mother Theresa, it must be OK for us here in the US, because it was televised worldwide.
I guess Cardinal Arinze was mistaken when he said, "The do-it-yourself" Mass is ended. Go in peace." I suppose we have a ways to go before we are fully "inculturated".
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Enroll in a "Catholic" university & lose your Faith?
Read this:
Many Theologians in U.S. Dodging Canon-Law Norm
Journalist's Investigation Reveals Worrisome Trend on Mandatums
Yes, it has only been about 20 years since the new Code of Canon Law was promulgated and about 13 years since "Ex Corde Ecclesia" (1990) was issued by the Holy Father through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This requires that those teaching theology agree to teach the Faith in accord with the teachings of the Church.
The bishops of this country FINALLY got around to doing a little something about it 11 years later in 2001. And it wasn't much...
Do you want to find a good Catholic College for you or your children? One in which Faith is nourished and strengthened instead of assaulted? Well, good luck....
I have recommended to friends and family that they should write the office of admissions first and ask if their professors have a mandatum. If they are hesitant to respond in an affirmative manner for whatever reasons that they may cite, such as: privacy or academic freedom, then write them off. Why throw away good money so that your kids can be stripped of their faith?
Find a college which is up front about it and has professors who earnestly seek and obtain the mandatum, indicating to a great extent, that they are faithful to the teachings of the Church. These are the colleges that should be supported. It's truly shameful that many claim to be Catholic when, it seems, they are far removed from Truth, Himself.
You will be doing yourself and your children a great favor.
Many Theologians in U.S. Dodging Canon-Law Norm
Journalist's Investigation Reveals Worrisome Trend on Mandatums
Yes, it has only been about 20 years since the new Code of Canon Law was promulgated and about 13 years since "Ex Corde Ecclesia" (1990) was issued by the Holy Father through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This requires that those teaching theology agree to teach the Faith in accord with the teachings of the Church.
The bishops of this country FINALLY got around to doing a little something about it 11 years later in 2001. And it wasn't much...
Do you want to find a good Catholic College for you or your children? One in which Faith is nourished and strengthened instead of assaulted? Well, good luck....
I have recommended to friends and family that they should write the office of admissions first and ask if their professors have a mandatum. If they are hesitant to respond in an affirmative manner for whatever reasons that they may cite, such as: privacy or academic freedom, then write them off. Why throw away good money so that your kids can be stripped of their faith?
Find a college which is up front about it and has professors who earnestly seek and obtain the mandatum, indicating to a great extent, that they are faithful to the teachings of the Church. These are the colleges that should be supported. It's truly shameful that many claim to be Catholic when, it seems, they are far removed from Truth, Himself.
You will be doing yourself and your children a great favor.
Evidently St. Cronan's has their "Ministry of Danced Prayer" also.
This was in St. Cronan's bulletin for the week of November 9th.
KLEBA’S KORNER
THE PASTOR’S PEACE
“DANCE IS APPROPRIATE AT PAPAL MASSES ABROAD AND AT THE VATICAN. Papal celebrations need the adaptation and inculturation foreseen by the Vatican Council II.” Archbishop Piero Marini, Pope John Paul II’s chief liturgist. That is just what I thought about our liturgical rhythmic movement and other inculturation here at St. Cronan’s."
I guess we can all look forward to another new & improved Liturgy coming soon to a parish near you.
KLEBA’S KORNER
THE PASTOR’S PEACE
“DANCE IS APPROPRIATE AT PAPAL MASSES ABROAD AND AT THE VATICAN. Papal celebrations need the adaptation and inculturation foreseen by the Vatican Council II.” Archbishop Piero Marini, Pope John Paul II’s chief liturgist. That is just what I thought about our liturgical rhythmic movement and other inculturation here at St. Cronan’s."
I guess we can all look forward to another new & improved Liturgy coming soon to a parish near you.
Concerned about the Liturgy, Fidelity, Orthodoxy? Consider Credo-St. Louis
For the faithful in the archdiocese of St Louis, there is a local group, "Credo of the Catholic Laity", which you might find of benefit. I only recently became aware of it after attending a dinner meeting here in St Louis which hosted Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Nebraska, speaking on "The Injustice of Secular Culture".
Below I have posted Credo's introductory information.
About Credo
Back in 1994 a small group of concerned Catholics met in St. Louis to discuss what positive action could be taken by the laity regarding some of the increasingly deplorable conditions in the Church. The discussions resulted in formation of Credo of the Catholic Laity.
Some of the conditions we were concerned about were:
The fact that many Catholics no longer believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, that New Age philosophy was being accepted by some Catholics, including certain members of the clergy, and that Radical groups like “Call to Action,” “We Are Church” and “Catholics for a Free Choice” were becoming more influential.
We had heard horror stories about seminaries where orthodox Catholics were humiliated and forced out while active homosexuals were ordained. All sorts of strange concepts were being put forward as in the "spirit of Vatican II".
Needless to say the homosexual penetration of the clergy and the scandals that have followed have created another and even more serious crisis for the Church.
It was decided that Credo’s primary mission would be to promote solid Roman Catholic Orthodoxy through three vehicles: Education, Activism, and Advocacy. A steering committee was formed and work began. We now have in excess of 100 members.
We have sponsored over thirty educational presentations including such speakers as Dr. Wm. Marra, Professor James Hitchcock , Father Pablo Straub, Father John Trigilio and Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz. We have sponsored five Retreats, a Day of Recollection, Special Masses and a Wanderer Forum. We publish a newsletter at least quarterly. In addition we work behind the scenes to point out liturgical transgression and misinterpretation of Church doctrine to those involved and if necessary to the appropriate Church authority. We strongly support those good priests and bishops who are aligned with the Holy Father and the Magisterium.
Our basic doctrine: Faithful Catholics, obedient to the Holy Father and those many good bishops, priests and religious in union with him. Dedicated to preserving doctrinal orthodoxy and rubrical fidelity in the Church’s public worship and to enhancing the spiritual growth of our members.
If you agree with this doctrine we hope you will decide to join us. If you have a special area of concern you may want to become involved in one of our committees. You can join by filling out the application form below and submitting it with the appropriate fees. If you are already a member we urge you to pass this application on to someone else who might be interested.
If you would like to know more Call Howard Brandt at 314-894-0357 or Victor Mercurio at 314-878-2067.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credo of the Catholic Laity Membership Dues: $12.00 individual $15.00 family.
Please make your check payable to Credo of the Catholic Laity and remit to:
Credo of the Catholic Laity
C/0 Howard Brandt Treasurer
4386 Honeydew Lane
St. Louis Mo. 63128
Below I have posted Credo's introductory information.
About Credo
Back in 1994 a small group of concerned Catholics met in St. Louis to discuss what positive action could be taken by the laity regarding some of the increasingly deplorable conditions in the Church. The discussions resulted in formation of Credo of the Catholic Laity.
Some of the conditions we were concerned about were:
The fact that many Catholics no longer believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, that New Age philosophy was being accepted by some Catholics, including certain members of the clergy, and that Radical groups like “Call to Action,” “We Are Church” and “Catholics for a Free Choice” were becoming more influential.
We had heard horror stories about seminaries where orthodox Catholics were humiliated and forced out while active homosexuals were ordained. All sorts of strange concepts were being put forward as in the "spirit of Vatican II".
Needless to say the homosexual penetration of the clergy and the scandals that have followed have created another and even more serious crisis for the Church.
It was decided that Credo’s primary mission would be to promote solid Roman Catholic Orthodoxy through three vehicles: Education, Activism, and Advocacy. A steering committee was formed and work began. We now have in excess of 100 members.
We have sponsored over thirty educational presentations including such speakers as Dr. Wm. Marra, Professor James Hitchcock , Father Pablo Straub, Father John Trigilio and Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz. We have sponsored five Retreats, a Day of Recollection, Special Masses and a Wanderer Forum. We publish a newsletter at least quarterly. In addition we work behind the scenes to point out liturgical transgression and misinterpretation of Church doctrine to those involved and if necessary to the appropriate Church authority. We strongly support those good priests and bishops who are aligned with the Holy Father and the Magisterium.
Our basic doctrine: Faithful Catholics, obedient to the Holy Father and those many good bishops, priests and religious in union with him. Dedicated to preserving doctrinal orthodoxy and rubrical fidelity in the Church’s public worship and to enhancing the spiritual growth of our members.
If you agree with this doctrine we hope you will decide to join us. If you have a special area of concern you may want to become involved in one of our committees. You can join by filling out the application form below and submitting it with the appropriate fees. If you are already a member we urge you to pass this application on to someone else who might be interested.
If you would like to know more Call Howard Brandt at 314-894-0357 or Victor Mercurio at 314-878-2067.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credo of the Catholic Laity Membership Dues: $12.00 individual $15.00 family.
Please make your check payable to Credo of the Catholic Laity and remit to:
Credo of the Catholic Laity
C/0 Howard Brandt Treasurer
4386 Honeydew Lane
St. Louis Mo. 63128
Monday, November 03, 2003
UNESCO Calls Abortion on Demand "Proper" Medical Procedure for Girls
These people must really be concerned with children's health - going as far as to suggest that governments should subsidize abortions and offer "redress" to women who have been "denied" access to abortions "that should be made available to them."
Ahh, yes...use tax money to pay a women "just reparations" because she was unable to murder her children. The U.N. holds a such a special place in my heart.....
Ahh, yes...use tax money to pay a women "just reparations" because she was unable to murder her children. The U.N. holds a such a special place in my heart.....
Isn't belief in Christianity a crime yet?
Judges like this need to be impeached.
And whose subjective definition of "homophobic" will be used?
How much longer will it be until this country goes the way of the Roman Empire and collapses in on itself from depravity or is overrun by others?
God help us all!
And whose subjective definition of "homophobic" will be used?
How much longer will it be until this country goes the way of the Roman Empire and collapses in on itself from depravity or is overrun by others?
God help us all!
Coming soon to your parish?
Check out Our Lady of the Enneagram for the latest and greatest.
They say:
"We are a post-modern Catholic Community moulded on principles of pan-optic theology and Sophia restoration. Membership is automatic upon logging onto this site thus allowing you to experience full active and conscious participation in this inclusive non-judgemental, non-dicriminating, post-patriarchal, neo-feminist, depapalised, mono-lingual church."
Sound like any parishes you know? Before you get too upset (or elated, as the case may be), it is a parody!
They say:
"We are a post-modern Catholic Community moulded on principles of pan-optic theology and Sophia restoration. Membership is automatic upon logging onto this site thus allowing you to experience full active and conscious participation in this inclusive non-judgemental, non-dicriminating, post-patriarchal, neo-feminist, depapalised, mono-lingual church."
Sound like any parishes you know? Before you get too upset (or elated, as the case may be), it is a parody!
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Dr James Hitchcock Speaking in St. Louis
Dr. James Hitchcock will be speaking at a dinner hosted by Credo of the Catholic
Laity on Sunday November 9th at 6:00 p.m. The location is the Radisson Hotel in
Clayton. Cost $17.50 per person. The subject of his talk will be "What Has
Happened to Our Catholic Universities?"
Dr. Hitchcock is a professor of History at St. Louis University and is well
known for his orthodox books, articles, and talks. His wife Helen is president
of Women for Faith and Family.
For more information call 314-894-0357 or e-mail hbrandt@i1.net
Laity on Sunday November 9th at 6:00 p.m. The location is the Radisson Hotel in
Clayton. Cost $17.50 per person. The subject of his talk will be "What Has
Happened to Our Catholic Universities?"
Dr. Hitchcock is a professor of History at St. Louis University and is well
known for his orthodox books, articles, and talks. His wife Helen is president
of Women for Faith and Family.
For more information call 314-894-0357 or e-mail hbrandt@i1.net
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Another "Politically Correct" Bulletin Article
Since this link changes weekly, I have copied it here for posterity. I was at Adoration early last night and picked up a bulletin from St. Charles Borremeo Parish in St. Charles, MO. While I would not deny the pastor his right to his "perspective", are there not more important things to discuss in a weekly bulletin, especially in regard to the Solemnity of "All Saints Day" - to say nothing of the recent beatification of Mother Theresa or the Silver Jubilee of Pope John Paul II or the installation of the new Cardinals?
Note also, that when speaking of the President and our CongressCritters, no mention is made of the recent Partial Birth Abortion Ban....If I didn't know better, I would think this was written by one of the obnoxiously outspoken "left coasters" from HollyWierd. You know, the ones who have access to all the intelligence information!
Have a good read. I did!
===== Pastor's Perspective===============
Weekend of October 25/26, 2003
Greetings:
As we approach the end of October and the feast of All Saints, the stores are filled with candy, costumes and other reminders of Halloween. The parish school sponsored a Trunk or Treat program Saturday on the south parking lot and then moved to the gym at 7:00 p.m. Did you catch the “caveat” or warning not to bring scary or violent and gory costumes to the occasion? It is a subtle reminder that this evening is meant to be filled with fun. We have enough daily reminders of violence in our society and our world to mislead our young people as it is into thinking that “might makes right.” If the stories we read about in Iraq and the negative reaction to our attack among allies in Europe and other parts of the world doesn’t cause us to question the direction of the country as has been charted by Congress and the President, perhaps the recent passage of Missouri’s “conceal and carry” firearms law will.
In case you missed it, that law was passed by our Representatives and Senators and provides that, beginning October 11, 2003, any qualified individual of at least 23 years of age who has passed a firearms safety training course may obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Missouri. The only notice the police will have that a person is carrying a gun will be a “conceal and carry” endorsement on the driver’s license.
While the law does not permit a person to carry weapons into a church or school, we cannot check people’s licenses or install metal detectors in our buildings to prevent this from happening. Should someone enter our church, school or gym with a gun this is not considered a criminal offense. The only defense we have is to post signs advising people that we do not permit guns on the premises. When you see these signs appearing you will know their purpose. It certainly is much more serious a problem than our “No Skateboarding” signs attempted to remedy. They dealt with youngsters who really just wanted to have fun and ignored the property damage they caused. These signs reflect the violent nature of our society and the lack of courage among many of our legislators.
Winston Churchill, a man recognized by history as a great leader in Britain and the world that was proven over and over in World War II, once observed, “People will find it difficult to look up to leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground.”
When will we find leadership that actually leads us to become better citizens and better human beings rather than follow the opinion polls and vote to be re-elected? By doing so they are taking away the opportunity for young people to see leadership in action. Jesus makes it clear that the true leader shares his or her knowledge of the ways of God with all who will listen. God sent His Son to bring peace on earth. Guns do not bring peace or security in the hands of unstable, immature or angry people. May God protect us from all harm!
Your brother in Christ,
Father Rich Tillman
Note also, that when speaking of the President and our CongressCritters, no mention is made of the recent Partial Birth Abortion Ban....If I didn't know better, I would think this was written by one of the obnoxiously outspoken "left coasters" from HollyWierd. You know, the ones who have access to all the intelligence information!
Have a good read. I did!
===== Pastor's Perspective===============
Weekend of October 25/26, 2003
Greetings:
As we approach the end of October and the feast of All Saints, the stores are filled with candy, costumes and other reminders of Halloween. The parish school sponsored a Trunk or Treat program Saturday on the south parking lot and then moved to the gym at 7:00 p.m. Did you catch the “caveat” or warning not to bring scary or violent and gory costumes to the occasion? It is a subtle reminder that this evening is meant to be filled with fun. We have enough daily reminders of violence in our society and our world to mislead our young people as it is into thinking that “might makes right.” If the stories we read about in Iraq and the negative reaction to our attack among allies in Europe and other parts of the world doesn’t cause us to question the direction of the country as has been charted by Congress and the President, perhaps the recent passage of Missouri’s “conceal and carry” firearms law will.
In case you missed it, that law was passed by our Representatives and Senators and provides that, beginning October 11, 2003, any qualified individual of at least 23 years of age who has passed a firearms safety training course may obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Missouri. The only notice the police will have that a person is carrying a gun will be a “conceal and carry” endorsement on the driver’s license.
While the law does not permit a person to carry weapons into a church or school, we cannot check people’s licenses or install metal detectors in our buildings to prevent this from happening. Should someone enter our church, school or gym with a gun this is not considered a criminal offense. The only defense we have is to post signs advising people that we do not permit guns on the premises. When you see these signs appearing you will know their purpose. It certainly is much more serious a problem than our “No Skateboarding” signs attempted to remedy. They dealt with youngsters who really just wanted to have fun and ignored the property damage they caused. These signs reflect the violent nature of our society and the lack of courage among many of our legislators.
Winston Churchill, a man recognized by history as a great leader in Britain and the world that was proven over and over in World War II, once observed, “People will find it difficult to look up to leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground.”
When will we find leadership that actually leads us to become better citizens and better human beings rather than follow the opinion polls and vote to be re-elected? By doing so they are taking away the opportunity for young people to see leadership in action. Jesus makes it clear that the true leader shares his or her knowledge of the ways of God with all who will listen. God sent His Son to bring peace on earth. Guns do not bring peace or security in the hands of unstable, immature or angry people. May God protect us from all harm!
Your brother in Christ,
Father Rich Tillman
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Fidelity is the key to vocations!
Fidelity to the Church's Magisterium is the formula that works in increasing vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Archbishop Elden Curtis of Omaha, Nebraska addresses this "issue" quite well.
Archbishop Elden Curtis of Omaha, Nebraska addresses this "issue" quite well.
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