Rise Up! Walk on Water with Us!

Such are the ramblings brought on by the deadly sin of pride - so deadly, in fact, that it leads to eternal torment.

Bridget Mary Meehan (another priestette in attendance at the Jewish synagogue where the attempted "ordinations" of Rose Hudson and Elsie McGrath took place) blogs the following in response to the allegation reported by NCR that the Archdiocese of St Louis videotaped the event:
This is a sad day when the hierarchy sends "spies" to the ordinations of womenpriests.

This is behavior unbecoming of a follower of Christ, let alone the leadership of a diocese.

The behavior of these women who have rejected Christ and His Church is what's really unbecoming. But then, they are not followers of Christ - they follow the foul winds of another spirit.

Perhaps we should ask ourselves why the hierarchy is so threatened by womenpriests that they are willing to try to intimidate the Catholic Community in this manner.

I doubt the Church feels "threatened" by the actions of a few loud-mouthed remnants from the 60's & 70's revolution against lawful authority.

Rise up, People of God, and walk on water with us.

As I've said numerous times before - delusional - it's one of the few words I find to adequately describe such behavior.

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit guide us as we renew our beloved church in grassroots communities everywhere.

If only that were so. Instead of keeping their eyes on Jesus, their eyes are fixated upon themselves in some sort of narcissistic disorder, brought about by the delicious poison of the evil one, pride. They are led by evil spirits and have shunned the grace God bestows on them to aid in their repentance.

A new day of Gospel equality has dawned for our church that gives hope to thousands, perhaps even millions who read about us or watch us on television!

It seems that the woman has imbibed too much of Satan's elixir. She appears obsessed with delusions of grandeur.

We the people are the church and God's holy people have nothing to fear!
Bridget Mary

Not quite, sister, I'm sorry to say.
Pray that she realizes her errors before it's too late.

Just for Today, July 13

If thou hadst a good conscience, thou wouldst not much fear death.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiii.
_________________

"So death will come to fetch you ?"

"No, not death, but God Himself. Death is not the horrible spectre we see represented in pictures. The catechism teaches that death is the separation of the soul from the body; that is all. I am not afraid of a separation which will unite me for ever with God."

-Conseils et Souvenirs.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.

Thoughts and Counsels - July 13

Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to contemplate thyself.
-St. Vincent Ferrer.
________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)

Meditation for July 13, Universal Charity

It is only with difficulty that we arrive at universal charity. Even those who have the largest heart succeed only with effort in admitting the whole world.

We have such good reasons, or serious pretexts, for excluding such and such a one from our affections--if not for excluding her, at least, for not including her.

Writing from Moscow in 1804 to one of his brothers, Xavier de Maistre ended his letter with this sentence: "I embrace the whole world...with a few exceptions."

That's it! The whole world! Ah, but wait! Not so fast! There are a few exceptions.

Let us examine ourselves sincerely. What is the breadth of our charity? Surely it may have some attractions, some understand­able sympathies, some differences of opinion, that must be under­stood and admitted; but if we have a magnanimous heart these differences will not injure the peace of the community, in the least, but rather provide for an interesting exchange of views and an enriching comparison of ideas.

We are concerned here with wilful exclusion from our charity of certain individuals; of the intentional manifestation of bitterness, and of matter of fact refusals to give service. We are concerned with the thousand and one ways a woman has of letting another woman understand that she does not like her; that she is not at all in sympathy with her. To outsiders perhaps none of this is evident, but within the community it is apparent to all: the draw­ bridges are raised and no one can pass.

"O Jesus, whose charity was so universal give me the grace to exclude no one from my affection and my zeal. Grant that the less I like some­one, the more supernaturally attached I may be to her."

_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)

St. Cronan's pastoral team "decimated" after women's ordination

So says the headline of today's Post Dispatch article by Tim Townsend. Some say that St Cronan parish should have probably been closed long ago, except that others have speculated that keeping it open kept a number of dissenters together, in effect, containing a good deal of the poison of heterodoxy in one place.

When Seán Collins resigned from St. Cronan Church last week, it left the Catholic parish in St. Louis with just a third of its pastoral team. Sister Louise Lears had given the parish her resignation late last month just before St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke placed her under the canonical penalty of interdict, a lesser form of excommunication.

Two-thirds of the "Co-pastors" are gone...and many Catholics would ask if that's a bad thing?

The resignations of his pastoral deputies left the Rev. Gerry Kleba, St. Cronan's pastor, in a bind. The church — in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood — is engaged in 20 ministries, many of which reflect its social justice emphasis. "These were two dynamic and gifted people who were great blessings to the church, and one left under unjust pressure, the other of his own volition," said Kleba....

Gerry Kleba, a priest of the archdiocese, appears to have problems telling the truth about this matter. The 'pressure', as he calls it, was hardly unjust. Lears partcipated at the faux ordination of two delusional priestettes, presided over by an equally delusional woman who claims to be a Catholic bishop, Patricia Fresen. Lears continued to reject a definitive truth of the Church. She was also guilty of the obstinate rejection, after written admonition, of the truth of the faith that it is impossible for a woman to receive ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. (Source) It would have been unjust for her and the Church to let her continue in her errors.

It's a disgrace and a scandal that Fr Kleba persists in his disapproval of such actions by lawful authority, but then, this isn't unusual for him.

"This church has been purified by fire over the last eight months, and we're a much stronger, more understanding, compassionate group of people than we were before..."

"Purified by fire?" It;'s a "hotbed" of dissent, that's for sure.

St. Cronan has been known for years as an activist, engaged parish, full of socially progressive Catholics, some of whom are former priests and nuns, many of whom take issue with one or another aspect of Catholic doctrine or teaching.

"Progressive" Catholics - too often seen as heretics for their open rebellion against Church teaching. And Cronan's has former nuns and priests as well as others who seem to reject doctrines of the Church.

In an interview, Kleba said he believed the reason he was summoned to meet with Burke was to persuade him to oust Lears. "He wanted me to fire Louise, and I told him that since the case was not yet decided, she was innocent until proven guilty," he said.

Kleba must think he has a new lease on life since Archbishop Burke is no longer the archbishop...otherwise, he would not be so bold. Maybe the new archbishop will handle the matter?

In an interview earlier this week, Collins said he quit St. Cronan because he felt he'd seen such injustice in the treatment of Lears that he was no longer comfortable taking a paycheck from the archdiocese and needed to be able to speak publicly. He said the archbishop's treatment of Lears represented "a complete failure of pastoral care...."

It is not "pastoral" to let others persist in their grave sin. Collins' understanding of pastoral care was probably acquired under Kleba's tutelage, making it flawed and prone to error.

As the only member of St. Cronan's pastoral team left, Kleba chose to focus on the positive. "I'm really confident that there's going to be a new archbishop here who's more pastoral," he said. "I think St. Cronan is going to flourish."

We pray Kleba is wrong...This parish needs to be closed and those who follow the heterodoxy and errors passing as Catholicism need our prayers for their conversion.

Gospel for Saturday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: St. John Gualbert, abbot; Sts. Nabor and Felix, martyrs

From: Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus' Instructions to the Apostles (Continuation)

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [24] "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; [25] it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

[26] "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [32] So every one who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven; [33] but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven."
___________________________

Commentary:

24-25. Jesus uses these two proverbs to hint at the future that awaits His disciples: their greatest glory will consist in imitating the Master, being identified with Him, even if this means being despised and persecuted as He was before them: His example is what guides a Christian; as He Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).

Beelzebul (cf. Luke 11:15) was the name of the idol of the ancient Philistine city of Ekron. The Jews later used the word to describe the devil or the prince of devils (cf. Matthew 12:24), and their hatred of Jesus led them to the extreme of applying it to Him.

To equip them for the persecution and misunderstanding which Christians will suffer (John 15:18), Jesus encourages them by promising to stay close to them. Towards the end of His life He will call them His friends (John 15:15) and little children (John 13:33).

26-27. Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of calumny and detraction. A day will come when everyone will come to know the whole truth about everyone else, their real intentions, the true dispositions of their souls. In the meantime, those who belong to God may be misrepresented by those who resort to lies, out of malice or passion. These are the hidden things which will be made known.

Christ also tells the Apostles to speak out clearly. Jesus' divine teaching method led Him to speak to the crowds in parables so that they came to discover His true personality by easy stages. After the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:8), the Apostles would have to preach from the rooftops about what Jesus had taught them.

We too have to make Christ's doctrine known in its entirety, without any ambiguity, without being influenced by false prudence or fear of the consequences.

28. Using this and other Gospel texts (Matthew 5:22, 29; 18:9; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5), the Church teaches that hell exists; there those who die in mortal sin suffer eternal punishment (cf. "St. Pius V Catechism", I, 6, 3), in a manner not known to us in this life (cf. St. Teresa of Avila, "Life", Chapter 32). See notes on Luke 16:19-31.

Therefore, out Lord warns His disciples against false fear. We should not fear those who can only kill the body. Only God can cast body and soul into hell. Therefore God is the only one we should fear and respect; He is our Prince and Supreme Judge--not men. The martyrs have obeyed this precept of the Lord in the fullest way, well aware that eternal life is worth much more than earthly life.

29-31. An "as" (translated here as "penny") was a small coin of very little value. Christ uses it to illustrate how much God loves His creatures. As St. Jerome says ("Comm. in Matth.", 10:29-31): "If little birds, which are of such little value, still come under the providence and care of God, how is it that you, who, given the nature of your soul, are immortal, can fear that you are not looked after carefully by Him whom you respect as your Father?" Jesus again teaches us about the fatherly providence of God, which He spoke about at length in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matthew 6:19-34).

32-33. Here Jesus tells us that public confession of our faith in Him--whatever the consequences--is an indispensable condition for eternal salvation. After the Judgment, Christ will welcome those who have given testimony of their faith and condemn those whom fear caused to be ashamed of Him (cf. Matthew 7:23; 25:41; Revelation 21:8). The Church honors as "confessors" those Saints who have not gone physical martyrdom but whose lives bore witness to the Catholic faith. Although every Christian should be ready to die for his faith, most Christians are called to be confessors of the faith.
___________________________
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.

Just for Today, July 12

Nature has regard to temporal things, rejoices at earthly gain, is troubled at losses, and is provoked at every slight injurious word: but grace attends to things eternal, and cleaves not to those which pass with time; neither is she disturbed at the loss of things, nor exasperated with hard words, for she places her treasure and her joy in heaven, where nothing is lost.
-Bk. III, ch. liv.
________________

Our Lord does not wish me to claim what is mine: I should take this as a matter of course, for nothing really belongs to me, and I ought to be glad to feel poverty because of the solemn vow I have taken. I used to think I was detached from everything, but now that Our Lord's words have been made so clear to me, I see how imperfect I am. If, for instance, I sit down to paint and find the paint brushes in disorder, or that the ruler or pen-knife have disappeared, I am sorely tempted to give way to impatience, and I have to hold myself back from calling out sharply for the missing articles.

I may certainly ask for what I need; if I do it humbly, I am not disobeying Our Lord. On the contrary, I am acting like a beggar who stretches out his hand and does not take it amiss if he is refused an alms, for he has no rights. Oh! what peace fills the soul that rises above mere natural feelings! There is no joy like that felt by the truly poor in spirit. If in a spirit of detachment she asks for what she needs, and not only meets with a refusal, but must give up what she has, she is only following Our Lord's counsel: If a man contend with thee in judgement, and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak also unto him (Matt. v, 40).
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.

Thoughts and Counsels - July 12

To acquire purity of the soul, it is necessary to guard against passing judgment on our neighbor, or useless remarks on his conduct.
-St. Catherine of Siena.
________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)

Meditation for July 12, Rancor

Very few religious would ever try purposely and intentionally to injure anyone. But to harbor bitterness in the depths of the heart; to shun such and such a one with a sort of injured dignity; to maintain a silence that speaks volumes; to ruminate rancorous thoughts in sullen moodiness; to refuse to be agreeable; alas, this they can do. All this one meets even under the religious habit!

Let not the sun go down upon your wrath, recommended St. Paul to the Christians of Ephesus. One should like to say as much to certain souls who, believing themselves wounded, do not know how to pardon and more or less openly hold a grudge.

For a long time the sun has disappeared below the horizon; the noises of the earth are hushed; all seems at peace...every­where. But no, in the depths of certain hearts, something is seeth­ing; agitation is stirring; sad memories are reviving old wounds that would be better let alone.

All this is due to over-sensitiveness which is probably one reason that the culpability is not so great, but great vigilance must be exercised that not even the shadow of consent be mingled with this bitterness.

Such brooding must be cut short as soon as possible. What good is it to be perpetually talking to oneself of others' quirks and foibles and the turn of events. Throw them all into the torrent. They simply cause suffering without merit and make charity more and more difficult.

"O great Apostle St. Paul, teach me your large and liberal charity. Obtain for me the grace to be large-souled enough to follow your counsel of never letting the sun go down with the least wilful bitterness in my heart. Give me the grace to overlook how others wound me in word or deed and should I notice it, give me the strength to forget it as quickly as possible, and to rise above it."

_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)

Aquinas, the Catechism and Capital Punishment

An article worth reading by By William Saunders.

St. Francis de Sales Oratory Receives Golden Brick Award

In the presence of Mr. Larry McCarthy, president of the DeSales Community Housing Corporation, Mr. Tom Pickel, Executive Director, presents to Father Karl W. Lenhardt, Rector of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, the Golden Brick Award 2008, at a reception on Wednesday, July 9.

This award was given to the Oratory for the restoration work on the North Sacristy of the church.

The Golden Brick Award is the second award given for this project.

On Monday, June 2, 2008 His Grace, The Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop of Saint Louis conferred the Papal Medal "Bene Merenti" on Abbé Alexander Willweber of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest for his restoration work on several historic Catholic churches here in the United States. This award is given by the Holy Father himself for outstanding good works for the Church.

Abbé Willweber has been the artistic consultant for several restoration projects entrusted to the Institute of Christ the King all over the world and in the USA, like St. Mary's Oratory in Wasau, Wisconsin, the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in Chicago, Illinois, Old St. Patrick's Oratory in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Francis de Sales Oratory here in St. Louis, Missouri. While each of these edifices were designed in a different style—St. Mary's in American Neo-Gothic, the Christ the King Shrine according to early Baroque churches in Rome, and St. Francis de Sales in German Gothic—the work of Abbé Willweber has enabled each of the churches to recapture its original beauty.

A fine example of Abbé Willweber's work is the newly restored North Sacristy of the Institute's Oratory here in St. Louis. The sacristy, which is the vesting area for the priest before he celebrates Mass, has been restored to resemble a chapel built for St. Louis of France, the patron saint of our city.

Archbishop Burke conferred the medal in a short ceremony in St. Francis de Sales' Rectory at 7:00 p.m., followed by reception for the guest of honor and for Very Rev. Msgr. Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest; Very Rev. Msgr. R. Michael Schmitz, U.S. Provincial of the Institute, Chicago Illinois; Rev. Father Michael Wiener, Episcopal Delegate of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, Oakland California; Rev. Father Karl W. Lenhardt, Rector of St. Francis de Sales Oratory, Vice Provincial and Episcopal Delegate of the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum for the Archdiocese of St. Louis; Rev. Father William Avis, Vicar of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales; and several candidates of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.

St. Francis de Sales church serves as the anchor of the Fox Park neighborhood. There was even a time when the Neighborhood of de Sales existed. Many organizations exist today because of this church, ie. the DeSales Community Housing Corporation, the St. Francis de Sales Benevolent Society, Knights of Columbus Council etc.. Not only does this church serve as the anchor of the Fox Park community this church has a very long history to the entire community of South Saint Louis. At one time this church boasted over 7,000 families. Many persons from the city of St Louis graduated from its former High School.

After recommendations to close the church and to tear it down had been made, Archbishop Burke decided in 2005 to transform the church into an oratory for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite to serve the whole Archdiocese of St. Louis. Today the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales is stronger than ever. With the arrival of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in 2005 the growth of the church is almost uncontrolled. With more than 75 new families registered just this past year the continued growth is nothing short of a miracle. The total families now are around 500, with two Masses on Sunday, 8am and 10am, and a full Mass and Devotional schedule throughout the entire week.

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is a "society of apostolic life" erected by the Roman Catholic Church on September 1, 1990. Today it maintains Houses and apostolates on several continents including North America.

St. Louis, the "Rome of the West," has long been known as a focal point of genuine Catholic life in this country. Steadfast faithfulness to Holy Mother Church and the Roman Pontiff, filial devotion toward Our Lady, and a deep Eucharistic piety are the characteristics of this city. In January 2005, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest has become a part of the great Catholic tradition of St. Louis. The Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, former Archbishop of St. Louis 2004-2008 and faithful friend of our Institute, has called our community to serve God with the Roman Rite of 1962 first at St. Agatha, and since July 2005, in the magnificent "Cathedral of South St. Louis" St. Francis de Sales.

St. Francis de Sales "Cathedral" is an imposing Gothic revival building. The High Altar alone in more than 50 feet high and forms a unique throne for Christ the King, present in the ornate Tabernacle under the species of the consecrated host. This church is the ideal setting for our solemn liturgy, and its adjacent buildings seem to be made for the needs of our continuously growing community. With the permission of the Most Reverend Archbishop, we have opened an American house of formation for candidates of the Institute. Here the candidates become familiar with the charism of the Institute and acquire a starting knowledge of French and Latin.

Currently the Institute is raising the necessary funds to restore the magnificent church entrusted to our care. The most immediate need involves the 300-foot-tall steeple, which is gradually pulling away from the building, because of inadequate foundation support. Repairs to the roof, restoration of the frescos and other renovations are also needed to maintain the church's grandeur as a place of worship and inspiration.

This is just one of many restoration projects on the campus. Rising more than 310 feet in the air this church is a visual aid to all persons coming toward the entire community of South St. Louis. The restoration here is encouraging to other persons who live in this neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Not only is this place being transformed, the entire community benefits from the life that continues to spring forth. The crime rate alone has dropped 15% from this time last year. This in part surely has to do with members of the Oratory moving into the surrounding neighborhoods, along with the many services that are offered.

St. Francis de Sales Oratory is the center of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, (Latin Mass) in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, with the Rector, Father Karl W. Lenhardt serving as the Episcopal Delegate for the Implementation of the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

This letter given Motu Proprio by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI last July confirms in a very encouraging way the decision of Archbishop Burke to make the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite easily accessible for all the faithful of the archdiocese. This form of the Latin Liturgy the entire Roman Catholic Church used for about 1500 years.

St. Francis de Sales has served this community since 1867 and continues to lead today. As November 26, 2008, marks the 100^th anniversary of the dedication of St. Francis de Sales church a yearlong celebration of this jubilee will begin with a Pontifical Mass on Sunday, November 23^rd at 10:00 am.

A long time member of this church recently stated, "Not only does St. Francis de Sales have a timeless history, today it also has a glorious future."

Aug 17-Archbishop Burke's Farewell Mass

A farewell Mass for Archbishop Raymond L. Burke will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue in the Central West End.

Archbishop Burke will be the celebrant, and everyone in the archdiocese is invited to the Mass. A reception will be held after the Mass at nearby Boland Hall....

From Archbishop Burke: Thank you and farewell

Some excerpts from the "Farewell" of one of the most faithful shepherds of the St Louis Archbishops:

....Since I have regularly written a column for you in our archdiocesan newspaper when I was your archbishop, I wanted to write to you one last time now no longer as your archbishop but as your former archbishop who continues to love you very much. I write simply to say "thank you" and "farewell".....

I have encountered in St. Louis a remarkable depth of Catholic faith, strongly connected with the apostolic tradition and lived practically in the homes of the faithful....

As archbishop, building upon the strength of Catholic life in the archdiocese, I tried to lead you in the new evangelization, which is so needed in the totally secularized society in which we live. Your response has been dedicated and generous....

During my service in the archdiocese and as I am now leaving you, the secular media have focused very much on the controversies that have marked my years in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. While the controversies have been difficult for us all, I did not shrink from them when I knew the integrity of our Catholic faith, worship and practice was at stake....

Thank you for holding fast to the truth of our Catholic faith, for praying and worshiping with great devotion and fervor and for witnessing to the truth of the faith in your attitudes, words and actions....

Archbishop Burke extends his gratitude to all those who so faithfully assisted him during his short time in St Louis, particularly, the priests of the archdiocese, permanent deacons, Bishop Hermann and Msgr. Vernon Gardin, whole staff of the Archdiocesan Curia, Msgr. Henry Breier, his secretaries; Sister M. Regina van den Berg, FSGM, and Rosalie Manz, and a special thanks to the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George, and all of the consecrated religious — priests, monks, nuns, brothers and sisters.

The media and several individuals have asked me to comment on what most stands out for me among the various aspects and events of my service as Archbishop of St. Louis.

Because of the richness of Church life, it is difficult to answer the question simply and easily. With humble recognition of the many blessings which God has showered upon the archdiocese during my years, I offer two observations.

He comments on priestly vocations and Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as well as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

...God is blessing the Archdiocese of St. Louis with many and holy priestly vocations....

God generously blessed St Louis with a faithful shepherd who helped to foster fidelity and virtue which resulted in an increase in priestly vocations.

...one of the happiest days of my service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis was June 17, 2007, when I dedicated the Shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis ...

And what a blessing this is for the faithful of St Louis!

Farewell

I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust which Pope Benedict XVI has placed in my by naming prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. We are blessed, in our time, with a remarkably holy Successor to St. Peter....

It has been my experience that, whenever greater responsibility is given to someone in the Church, Satan works all the more cleverly and furiously to discourage and confuse....Please keep placing me in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through your prayers, so that I will have the courage and wisdom to do faithfully and generously all that I am asked....

To almighty God, I express my deepest gratitude for the time of my service as shepherd of His flock in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, asking His pardon for my failures and praising Him for what He has accomplished among us from Jan. 26, 2004, until June 27, 2008....

No doubt, he will be missed by the faithful of St Louis as well as by faithful Catholics throughout the US who admired his courage, his humility, and his Apostolic leadership in the face of strident opposition to the Church.

I feel for the faithful of St Louis and fervently pray that a worthy successor will be appointed. My God continue to bless Archbishop Burke as he continues to serve Christ and His Church.

NCR, Others, Aflicted with "Cappaphobia" ?

National Catholic Reporter posts another of its caustic diatribes against Archbishop Burke comparing him to Bull Connor.

Every Catholic bishop in the United States today faces the daunting challenge of ministering to a church that is divided, one in which faithful members are often suspicious of authority, and in which younger Catholics are either dismissive of authority or altogether missing from the pews.

If the Church is divided, it is clearly a result of a cacophony of dissenting voices like those of the "Distorter," and its like minded pseudo-Catholics and unfaithful priests and bishops who either support them or fail to address the rebellious movements.

To claim that these rebels represent "faithful members" who are "often suspicious of authority" is to obscure the real truth. These are members who openly rebel against a myriad of doctrines and disciplines and who engage others to join in their rebellion.

This is a mutinous lot seeking to assume command of the ship, though, because of their debilitating mental disorders, would not even qualify as galley slaves.

A recents article, "Cappaphobia: mental disorder afflicting progressive Catholics," confirms what we have long suspected about the psychological well-being of our dissenting brothers and sisters. Let's read more of the NCR Editorial hit-piece which confirms our suspicions of cappaphobia:

Burke, a champion of traditionalists throughout the country, worked tirelessly to put in place a vision of a kind of retro-church, heavy on the use of Latin and anachronistic royal role play including elaborate capes, canopies and attendants.

How many times have we witnessed, right here on this blog, the derisive comments about the archbishop's cappa magna? Cappaphobia must be one of the explanations - that, or a sick, deep hatred or rejection of ecclesiastical authority, as confirmed by NCR and others:

...Burke brought a distinctive model to bear: He met dissenters with canon law and excommunications.

This is, in fact, an outright falsehood. Dissent, disobedience and rebellion still exist in the archdiocese - very few have been excommunicated and they brought on the penalties themselves by acts of schism. In fact, Archbishop Burke always, as the true spiritual father he is, tried to meet dissenters with prayer and compassion. But why should NCR let the truth get in the way of its propaganda. It serves, not the Church or the truth, but the father of lies.

Burke has been one of the most polarizing figures in the history of the St. Louis archdiocese and leaves St. Louis with many victims in his wake, the last being a dedicated and caring Sister of Charity, Louise Lears...

Here it comes again - it's a hanky moment...Let us ask to whom Lears was "dedicated." Was she dedicated to Christ and His Church, or to some other messiah and some other church?

The answer is obvious by her rejection of Ordinatio Sacerdotalis and her support for priestettes. She may have been dedicated to her fellow dissenters at St Cronan's and other "cappaphobics."

And let's be clear - it was not Archbishop Burke who was the "polarizing figure." To assert this claim as fact indicates a willful blindness to the truth. The polarizing figures are those so-called Catholics who publicly and obstinantly thumbed their noses or raised their middle fingers to the Church, Archbishop Burke, their fellow Catholic brothers and sisters, or the unborn, or others - these are the "polarizing" ones. They disrupt the unity of the Church, bringing division with them.

The fact that Archbishop Burke dealt with rebellion as he did gave faithful Catholics a sense of hope that bishops can be like the Apostles and that the demise of dissent might be on the horizon.

My prayer for those professed Catholics suffering from cappaphobia or other disorders and who reject fidelity as outmoded and pre-Vatican II, is to be blessed by more bishops like Archbishop Burke - a faithful and fearless shepherd who knows where to lead his flock, and who protects the flock from the many ravenous wolves claiming to be Catholic.

To see a number of pictures of the Cappa Magna, some with Archbishop Burke, check it this website.

of the article here

Death Wish-The Impending Suicide of a Once Great Nation

The latest article from Fr John Corapi:

"A large number of endangered, unwanted, and unborn children held a town hall meeting on the 4th of July--alarmed at the brutal and untimely killing of millions of their brothers and sisters in recent years. That the murderous war waged on them had the full force and respectability of the law made their plight all the more terrifying.

Their complaint was humble and it was simple. They were not distressed by rising gas prices, or the deteriorating economy in general. They were not even frightened by the exponential increase of natural disasters. The threat of global warming or global terrorism did not greatly disturb them.

They had become an endangered species, and little had been done to answer their terrified and silent screams from the womb... "

Click here to download the entire article in PDF format to print or electronically distribute as you like.

News Updates, 7/11

Pope's Next Encyclical in the Works Expected to Give Fresh Look at 21st Century

Rabbi would have denied permission to record "ordination"
“They [the archdiocese] didn’t ask. Had they done so, I would have politely said ‘no.’ There were simply too many vulnerable people gathered there.”
[Ed note: it's unclear what she means by "vulnerable"]

Mental disorder afflicting 'progressive' Catholics
Marked by aversion to cappa magna for bishops, cardinals

McDonald's: those opposing SSM motivated by hate
Spews rhetoric of homosexual activists

U.S. To Send Largest International Pilgrim Group To World Youth Day In Sydney
15,000 young people to attend WYD

Glamour lesbians attack Pope and Catholic Church
Group believes world was created by an alien civilization

Students disciplined for refusing to pray to Allah
Boys were not interested in assuming Muslim posture

Cardinal Pell is facing mounting pressure to resign
Sex abuse victims of Catholic clergy called for his scalp

Gospel for July 11, Memorial: St. Benedict, abbot

Old Calendar: St. Pius I, pope and martyr

From: Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus' Instructions to the Apostles

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. [17] Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, [18] and you will be dragged before governors and kings for My sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. [19] When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; [20] for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [21] Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; [22] and you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. [23] When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of Man comes."
___________________________

Commentary:

16-23. The instructions and warnings Jesus gives here apply right through the history of the Church. It is difficult for the world to understand the way of God. Sometimes there will be persecutions, sometimes indifference to the Gospel or failure to understand. Genuine commitment to Jesus always involves effort--which is not surprising, because Jesus Himself was a sign of contradiction; indeed, if that were not the experience of a Christian, he would have to ask himself whether he was not in fact a worldly person. There are certain worldly things a Christian cannot compromise about, no matter how much they are in fashion. Therefore, Christian life inevitably involves nonconformity with anything that goes against faith and morals (cf. Romans 12:2). It is not surprising that a Christian's life often involves choosing between heroism and treachery. Difficulties of this sort should not make us afraid: we are not alone, we can count on the powerful help of our Father God to give us strength and daring.

20. Here Jesus teaches the completely supernatural character of the witness He asks His disciples to bear. The documented accounts of a host of Christian martyrs prove that He has kept this promise: they bear eloquent witness to the serenity and wisdom of often uneducated people, some of them scarcely more than children.

The teaching contained in this verse provides the basis for the fortitude and confidence a Christian should have whenever he has to profess his faith in difficult situations. He will not be alone, for the Holy Spirit will give him words of divine wisdom.

23. In interpreting this text, the first thing is to reject the view of certain rationalists who argue that Jesus was convinced that soon He would come in glory and the world would come to an end. That interpretation is clearly at odds with many passages of the Gospel and the New Testament. Clearly, Jesus refers to Himself when He speaks of the "Son of Man", whose glory will be manifested in this way. The most cogent interpretation is that Jesus is referring here, primarily, to the historical event of the first Jewish war against Rome, which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and of the temple in the year 70, and which led to the scattering of the Jewish people. But this event, which would occur a few years after Jesus' death, is an image or a prophetic symbol of the end of the world (cf. note on Matthew 24:1).

The coming of Christ in glory will happen at a time which God has not revealed. Uncertainty about the end of the world helps Christians and the Church to be ever-vigilant.
___________________________
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.

Just for Today, July 11

How little soever it be, if a thing be inordinately loved and regarded, it keeps thee back from the Sovereign Good, and corrupts the soul.
-Bk. III, ch. xlii.
________________

I had been asked for a pin to which I was much attached, as it was so useful. "Oh!" said the Saint to me, "you are too rich to be happy!"
-Conseils et Souvenirs.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.

Thoughts and Counsels - July 11

Affliction strengthens the vigor of our soul, whereas happiness weakens it.
-St. Gregory the Great.
________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)

Meditation for July 11, Be Obliging

St. Paul wished to make himself all to all. Father Chevrier wanted to be a man consumed. I must be at the disposition of all, to give pleasure to all.

"Never seek your own will, but that of others," counseled Our Lord to St. Catherine of Genoa. I must work to advance as far as possible in the service of fraternal charity.

But what will become of my time? Assuredly it is a great sacri­fice to be continually disturbed, constantly at the beck and call of others. I will try to manage by avoiding a loss of time through idleness or useless talking. Would it not be a pity to refuse a service to someone under pretext of many absorbing occupations, only to catch myself an hour or so later shamelessly wasting precious minutes in useless reading or ridiculous gossiping?

Besides, is there any moment more precious than that employed in giving pleasure? I should have stored my own mind a little more richly had they left me alone. Beautiful misfortune! I have now enriched my heart by willingness to be disturbed, to be employed for others and by others.

They will take advantage of me? All the same! Should I not gain by this abnegation, absolute liberty of soul? Can that be too dearly bought?

Let disturbance continue! I will accept it always with a smile!

"You are not disturbing me." "I am happy to help you." "Whenever you wish." I will not only express this in words but from the depths of my heart. "Dispossessed for the public wel­fare," as Marie Antoinette de Geuser used to say. Here is my ideal, my program.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)

SNAP Continues Calumny and Slander of Archbishop Burke

A "Press Release" issued yesterday by David Clohessy of SNAP continues to spread falsehoods.

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home)

One one hand, Burke essentially imports child-molesting clergy. On the other hand, he apparently authorizes someone secretly spying on a nun.

Facts - this statement has none. Clohessy has yet, to my knowledge, failed to provide anyone with the names of those "child-molesting clergy" that the Archbishop has "imported."

I have yet to see any evidence that Archbishop Burke authorized any taping. As a matter of fact NCR even states as much when it says: "There is no evidence that Burke knew about or ordered the taping."

Why then, does Clohessy make his vindictive and slanderous statements?

The issue here isn't whether women should or shouldn't be ordained. The issue is Burke and his disturbing priorities and questionable tactics.

Here's an archbishop who often claims he's 'powerless' to oust or monitor pedophile priests in and around St. Louis, yet apparently authorizes the clandestine videotaping of a ceremony at a synagogue hoping to catch a nun attending a religious event.

Again, where is the proof to support these statements? Clohessy apparently doesn't feel he needs facts - innuendo and slander will do just fine.

Even if it turns out that Burke did NOT authorize the taping, it's just smarmy to use such alleged 'evidence' in a any kind of judicial proceeding.

Would it be "smarmy" to use the video and pictures from the local St Louis media? What's really "smarmy" are erroneous, deceitful, and scandalous remarks by the SNAP members to vilify Archbishop Burke.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)

It's regrettable that archdiocesan attorneys haven't filed suit for slander and libel against these clowns.

Press Release source. Be careful, it's a "smarmy" site...

Man Sues Bible Publishers over Verses on Homosexuality

A Michigan man is suing Zondervan Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishing, claiming biblical references to homosexuality as a sin violate his constitutional rights and have caused him emotional pain and mental instability.

Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, is seeking $60 million from Zondervan and $10 million from Thomas Nelson, The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press reported. He is representing himself in both claims.

Which constitutional right might this be? Maybe he should try to sue God?

Fowler claims the Bible has made him an outcast and contributed to physical discomfort and periods of "demoralization, chaos and bewilderment."

Sounds more like his conscience is bothering him.

Minnesota Professor Pledges to Desecrate Eucharist

Updated 7/11-Below is a screen capture of the UMM page which linked to Myers' site before the link was removed.

_________________
From the Catholic League:

Paul Zachary Myers, a professor at the University of Minnesota Morris, has pledged to desecrate the Eucharist. He is responding to what happened recently at the University of Central Florida when a student walked out of Mass with the Host, holding it hostage for several days. Myers was angry at the Catholic League for criticizing the student. His post can be accessed from his faculty page on the university’s website.

Here is an excerpt of his July 8 post, “It’s a Frackin’ Cracker!”:

“Can anyone out there score me some consecrated communion wafers?....if any of you would be willing to do what it takes to get me some, or even one, and mail it to me, I’ll show you sacrilege, gladly, and with much fanfare. I won’t be tempted to hold it hostage (no, not even if I have a choice between returning the Eucharist and watching Bill Donohue kick the pope in the balls, which would apparently be a more humane act than desecrating a goddamned cracker), but will instead treat it with profound disrespect and heinous cracker abuse, all photographed and presented here on the web.”

Some might wonder how willing this guy is to desecrate a Koran?

Apparently the guy is a bigot and seems to have major issues...It's beyond disgraceful that he is teaching young adults. And taxpayers are paying him to do it! Will the university do something about this? We can only hope and pray.

News Updates, 7/10

"To remedy anti-LGBT harassment and discrimination”
ACLU forces tiny Northern California school district to champion homosexual cause in its elementary and middle schools

NJ woman charged with bilking Catholic Charities
Former bookkeeper lifted $184K from child care funds

Decorous, splendid, and with suitable melody
The true standard of sacred music

Euthanasia ruling draws Vatican rebuke
Italian court: OK to pull plug on man in 16-year coma

Cardinal George Pell may reopen sex-abuse case
New evidence comes to light in form of taped conversations

Catholic nun considers returning her medal
To protest against same honor being given to abortionist

Wyoming bishop to lead Green Bay Catholic diocese
David Ricken has headed Cheyenne diocese for seven years

Gospel for Thursday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: Seven Holy Brothers, martyrs and Sts. Rufina and Secunda, virgins and martyrs

From: Matthew 10:7-15

The Calling and First Mission of the Apostles (Continuation)

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [7] "And preach as you go, saying,`The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay. [9] Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, [10]no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. [11] And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. [12] As you enter the house, salute it. [13] And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. [14] And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. [15] Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
___________________

Commentary:

7-8. Previously, the prophets, when speaking of the messianic times, had used imagery suited to the people's spiritual immaturity. Now, Jesus, in sending His Apostles to proclaim that the promised Kingdom of God is imminent, lays stress on its spiritual dimension. The power mentioned in verse 8 are the very sign of the Kingdom of God or the reign of the Messiah proclaimed by the prophets. At first (chapters 8 and 9) it is Jesus who exercises these messianic powers; now He gives them to His disciples as proof that His mission is divine (Isaiah 35:5-6; 40:9; 52:7; 61:1).

9. "Belts": twin belts, stitched together leaving space where coins and other small, heavy objects could be secreted and carried.

9-10. Jesus urges His disciples to set out on their mission without delay. They should not be worried about material or human equipment: God will make up any shortfall. This holy audacity in setting about God's work is to be found throughout the history of the Church: if Christians had bided their time, waiting until they had the necessary material resources, many, many souls would never have received the light of Christ. Once a Christian is clear in his mind about what God wants him to do, he should not stay at home checking to see if he has the wherewithal to do it. "In your apostolic undertakings you are right--it's your duty--to consider what means the world can offer you (2 + 2 = 4), but don't forget--ever!--that, fortunately, your calculations must include another term: God + 2 + 2..." ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 471).

However, that being said, we should not try to force God's hand, to have Him do something exceptional, when in fact we can meet needs by our own efforts and work. This means that Christians should generously support those who, because they are totally dedicated to the spiritual welfare of their brethren, have no time left over to provide for themselves: in this connection see Jesus' promise in Matthew 10:40-42.

11-15. "Peace" was, and still is, the normal Jewish form of greeting. On the Apostles' lips it is meant to have a deeper meaning--to be a sign of God's blessing which Jesus' disciples, who are His envoys, pour out on those who receive them. The commandment our Lord gives here affects not only this specific mission; it is a kind of prophecy which applies to all times. His messenger does not become discouraged if His word is not well received. He knows that God's blessing is never ineffective (cf. Isaiah 55:11), and that every generous effort a Christian makes will always produce fruit. The word spoken in apostolate always brings with it the grace of conversion: "Many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand" (Acts 4:4; cf. 10:44; Romans 10:17).

Man should listen to this word of the Gospel and believe in it (Acts 13:48; 15:7). If he accepts it and stays faithful to it his soul is consoled, he obtains peace (Acts 8:39) and salvation (Acts 11:4-18). But if he rejects it, he is not free from blame and God will judge him for shutting out the grace he was offered.
___________________________
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.

More "Breaking News" from NCR on StL Priestettes and Louise Lears

I understand that few of us could survive a steady diet of the National "Catholic" Reporter, but this one (received via email) is quite interesting.

It's titled, "St. Louis Archdiocese videoed women’s ordination rite."

The archdiocese of St. Louis authorized the video recording of a Catholic women’s ordination ceremony that took place in a synagogue last November. It then used the video, along with photographs apparently taken from the video, as evidence to punish a Catholic nun who attended the liturgy, according to several people familiar with the case.

First, this was most assuredly not a "Catholic women’s ordination ceremony," it was a rebellious act of defiance against the Church - caused, no doubt, by arrogance and pride. Any faithful Catholic who might have been inclined to attend this sham ceremony certainly would have taken pictures or video, precisely for the purpose of providing the Archbishop substantiation of the facts of the activities. Should the archdiocese not be advised of such a schismatic action within its jurisdiction? In fact, there is no evidence in this article that any "authorization" was even granted by the archdiocese, nor does it appear that anyone actually needed an authorization to observe the self-indulgent episode.

As I recall, this event was an "invitation only" affair where one needed to "sign up" via email to be placed on a list in order to attend. Several people discussed undertaking that process solely to gather facts. I recall this conversation taking place at one of our local Catholic group meetings when someone passed around a mailed invitation/flyer to the 'event.' It was even advertised on the dissident "Catholic Action Network" web site.

...several people familiar with the documents, prepared by the archdiocese that made up the case against her, strongly criticized what they called the “surveillance” video-taping.

What a fallacious statement - and so much whining! How could anyone complain about “surveillance” when the local media was invited to cover the gathering of dissidents with their cameras and crews? Of course, the guilty parties appear reluctant to accept responsibility for their actions - it's easier to shift the blame to others.

One of the confidential archdiocesan documents, according to knowledgeable sources, was an affidavit giving permission to an individual to attend the ceremony in order to record it. The record of the ceremony is contained on two electronic discs in Lears’ file.

Some might wonder who these "knowledgeable sources" are? And how exactly does an affidavit grant permission?

“It was a surveillance video. That’s exactly what it was,” said Sean Collins, a co-pastoral associate of Lears at St. Cronan Parish until he resigned July 2nd, in part, he said, to speak about what he says has been a grave injustice taken against Lears.

So, if one takes pictures and video and subsequently gives them to Church officials, it's "surveillance," but if one takes video and pictures to be plastered on the evening news or on media web sites, it's not? Is that the proper way to understand ex "co-pastor" Sean Collins?

“What disturbs me even more is that the video taping was premeditated,” he said, referring to the affidavit authorizing it by the archdiocese. Collins did not see the document firsthand, but referred to others who had seen it.

Typical response. He hasn't seen the document "firsthand" yet he has no qualms about commenting on it based on what others may have seen or understood. My guess is that he hasn't seen it "secondhand" either.

And, of course, would not any taking of video or pictures, by design, have to be "premeditated"? Does one not plan to take pictures of video if one takes a camera to some event? Does anyone have an idea of how many others in the "assembly," excluding the media, had cameras and video recorders? I would think that there may have been dozens - it was ,m after all, a "special extravaganza"...and their taking of pictures or videos was also "premeditated," it seem to me.

....There is no evidence that Burke knew about or ordered the taping.

It's nice of NCR to acknowledge that.

However, Catholics familiar with the workings of the archdiocese say it would be unlikely it could have happened without his authorization....

When the possibility of attending that circus was discussed at the luncheon meeting mentioned earlier, there was no talk of "clearing it" with the archdiocese first. Such a suggestion is a stretch, at best.

Archbishop Burke wrote (in part) in the St Louis Review prior to the sham 'ordination' that

Given the most sacred nature of the sacraments which will be simulated, the women involved and any Catholic who knowingly and deliberately assists them risks the eternal salvation of their souls. They commit mortal sin....[my emphasis]

Note what NCR writes:

“Any Catholic who knowingly and deliberately assists… risks the eternal salvation of their souls.”

Conveniently excised from the quotes is the pronoun "them" as in "assists...." rather than "assists them"...But why quibble over details, eh?

NCR thinks that this fact of risking one's eternal salvation (NCR refers to it as a "threat")

is the apparent reason an archdiocesan affidavit was required to permit someone to attend and video the liturgy.

Apparently someone is unclear what an affidavit is. It is not a permission slip to attend some event...it is formal sworn statement of fact, signed by the declarant and witnessed by a taker of oaths, such as a notary public or other individual.

Evidently, it appears that there is far too much speculation and hearsay in this article.

Even Bozek was there. We posted a picture of him with his rainbow stole this past January. The picture was obtained from the KSDK TV website...Operating another surveillance operation, I'm sure. Who else might be in those videos/pictures?

Just for Today, July 10

They indeed advance most of all others in virtue who strive manfully to overcome those things which they find more troublesome or contrary to them. For there a man makes greater progress and merits greater grace, where he overcomes himself more, and mortifies him­self in spirit.
-Bk. I, ch. xxv.
_____________

How I would have loved the office of infirmarian! I know it requires great self-denial, but the thought of Our Lord's words: I was sick and you visited me (Matt. XXV, 36), would have inspired me to do the work with love.

"Now you have to carry round little cups," she said to a novice to encourage her, "but soon it will be Our Lord's turn, for He says that passing he will minister unto them" (Luke xii, 36).
-Esprit de Sainte Therese.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.

Thoughts and Counsels - July 10

Give not thyself too much to anyone. He who gives himself too freely is generally the least ac­ceptable.
- Bl. Henry Suso.
________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)

Meditation for July 10, Kind Attention

Kindness connotes more than accommodation. Accommodation supposes an expressed request which one deigns to consider. Kind­ness does not wait for the neighbor to express a desire; it guesses it, for it is discerning; it grants a request even before it has been formulated.

We can readily see that there is a purer quality in kindness. A solicited gift pleases our neighbor, no doubt, but far less than an unasked-for gift or mark of consideration; such a present, such a consideration or attention is a double present, a double considera­tion, a double attention.

It always costs to ask for something, often far beyond the value of the thing obtained. Therefore he who is truly kind foresees the request and is thus doubly generous. His kindliness has a radi­ance of a particular quality.

Our kindliness reaches its height when we exercise it in regard to those who are less appealing. St. Therese of the Child Jesus wrote in her autobiography:

"Formerly, a holy nun of our community was a constant source of annoyance to me....Unwilling to yield to my natural antipathy, I remembered that charity ought not merely to exist in the heart but also to show itself in deeds; so I endeavored to treat this Sister as I should my most cherished friend. Whenever I met her I prayed for her, at the same time offering to God her virtues and her merits....I did not rest satisfied with praying earnestly for the Sister who gave me such occasions for self-mastery, but I tried also to render her as many services as I could; and when tempted to make a disagreeable answer, I made haste to smile and change the subject of conversation....When this temptation was particularly violent, if I could slip away without her suspecting my inward struggle, I would run like a deserter from the battlefield. The outcome of all this was that she said to me one day, with a beaming countenance: 'Tell me, Soeur Therese, what it is that attracts you to me so strongly? I never meet you without being welcomed with your most gracious smile?'"

_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)

Infanticide?

Read this disturbing article by Deal Hudson:

Infanticide is becoming a touchy subject for Barack Obama. So much so that his supporters either deny that their candidate ever voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, or they describe his votes as "procedural," as if Obama never really opposed providing medical treatment for infants who survived an abortion.

The facts show otherwise....

Here is what he said, [in part, leading the charge to defeat the Infants Born Alive Act in Illinois]:

Whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the Equal Protection Clause or the other elements in the Constitution, what we're really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a -- a child, a 9-month old -- child that was delivered to term. That determination then, essentially, if it was accepted by a court, would forbid abortions to take place. I mean, it -- it would essentially bar abortions, because the Equal Protection Clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an anti-abortion statute....

What a pathetic excuse for a man...

And another article by the National Catholic Register discusses "Catholics and Obama" here:

...Obama doesn’t just disagree with certain opponents. His record fundamentally disagrees with the nation’s founding principles.

The best summing up of the nation’s founding principles is in the Declaration of Independence itself: “We hold that all men are created equal … endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights … among these are life ...”

Obama’s votes have him on record as believing that some people don’t have the right to life — not just the unborn, but those in the process of being born (he supports partial-birth abortion) and those who have been born accidentally during an abortion (he has helped preserve the practice of “live-birth abortion” ever since he was in the Illinois Legislature)....

...Obama doesn’t just want abortion to be a choice. He wants all Americans to pay for abortions, whether we choose to or not....

And there's much, much more as NCR so clearly points out:

An addition, "President" [B. Hussein] Obama would also bring us:

• federally funded embryonic stem-cell research, fatal experiments on the tiniest human beings.

• federally funded clone-and-kill research,

• federally funded abortion on demand,

• taxpayer-funded abortion in military hospitals,

• U.S. taxpayer-funded international abortions disguised as aid, and

• taxpayer-funded nationalized health care, which in other countries has meant bureaucrats determine that limited resources go where they can do “the most good.”

The old, sick, and infirmed would be targeted next, directly and indirectly. We have much to fear from this supporter and advocate of the culture of death. And I fear that Christians, especially Catholics, who support such evils will have much to answer for when they stand before Almighty God.

News Updates 7/9

Fr. Raymond J. de Souza: What Morgentaler’s ‘victory’ teaches us (National Post)

Ontario Catholic community to return its medal
Protesting appointment of abortion-rights crusader

Florida priest discusses his role as exorcist
HLI's pro-life leader says he's faced off against devil

Prosecution of charity ruled out in abortion case
Catholic group violated state's parental-notification law

Boys Town priest denies raping and assaulting boys
Says he was just 'hugging and comforting' guys in dorm

St. Louis diocese pays out for more sex abuse claims
$467,500 paid out in the past year to nine accusers

Second Amendment decision a secular and religious blockbuster
Says St. Gabriel Possenti Society

Gospel for Wednesday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Optional Memorial of St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest and companions, Chinese martyrs

From: Matthew 10:1-7

The Calling and First Mission of the Apostles

[1] And He (Jesus) called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. [2] The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

[5] These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, [6] but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And preach as you go, saying, `The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'"
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Commentary:

1-4. Jesus calls His twelve Apostles after recommending to them to pray to the Lord to send laborers into His harvest (cf. Matthew 9:38). Christians' apostolic action should always, then, be preceded and accompanied by a life of constant prayer: apostolate is a divine affair, not a merely human one. Our Lord starts His Church by calling twelve men to be, as it were, twelve patriarchs of the new people of God, the Church. This new people is established not by physical but by spiritual generation. The names of those Apostles are specifically mentioned here. They were not scholarly, powerful or important people: they were average, ordinary people who responded faithfully to the grace of their calling--all of them, that is, except Judas Iscariot. Even before His death and resurrection Jesus confers on them the power to cast out unclean spirits and cure illnesses--as an earnest of and as training for the saving mission which He will entrust to them.

The Church reveres these first Christians in a very special way and is proud to carry on their supernatural mission, and to be faithful to the witness they bore to the teaching of Christ. The true Church is absent unless there is uninterrupted apostolic succession and identification with the spirit which the Apostles made their own.

"Apostle": this word means "sent"; Jesus sent them out to preach His Kingdom and pass on His teaching.

The Second Vatican Council, in line with Vatican I, "confesses" and "declares" that the Church has a hierarchical structure: "The Lord Jesus, having prayed at length to the Father, called to Himself those whom He willed and appointed twelve to be with Him, whom He might send to preach the Kingdom of God (cf. Mark 3:13-19: Matthew 10:1-10). These Apostles (cf. Luke 6:13) He constituted in the form of a college or permanent assembly, at the head of which He placed Peter, chosen from among them (cf. John 21:15-17). He sent them first of all to the children of Israel and then to all peoples (cf. Romans 1:16), so that, sharing in His power, they might make all peoples His disciples and sanctify and govern them (cf. Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-48; John 20:21-23) and thus spread the Church and, administering it under the guidance of the Lord, shepherd it all days until the end of the world (cf. Matthew 28:28)" ("Lumen Gentium", 19).

1. In this chapter St. Matthew describes how Jesus, with a view to the spreading of the Kingdom of God which He inaugurates, decides to establish a Church, which He does by giving special powers and training to these twelve men who are its seed.

5-15. After revealing His intention to found the Church by choosing the Twelve (verses 1-4), in the present passage He shows that He intends to start training these first Apostles. In other words, from early on in His public ministry He began to lay the foundations of His Church.

Everyone needs doctrinal and apostolic training to follow his Christian calling. The Church has a duty to teach, and the faithful have a parallel duty to make that teaching their own. Therefore, every Christian should avail of the facilities for training which the Church offers him--which will vary according to each person's circumstances.

5-6. In His plan of salvation God gave certain promises (to Abraham and the patriarchs), a Covenant and a Law (the Law of Moses), and sent the prophets. The Messiah would be born into this chosen people, which explains why the Messiah and the Kingdom of God were to be preached to the house of Israel before being preached to the Gentiles. Therefore, in their early apprenticeship, Jesus restricts the Apostles' area of activity to the Jews, without this taking from the world-wide scope of the Church's mission. As we will see, much later on He charges them to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19); "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:16). The Apostles also, in the early days of the spread of the Church, usually sought out the Jewish community in any new city they entered, and preached first to them (cf. Acts 13:46).
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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.

Just for Today, July 9

Ah! Lord God, when shall I be wholly united to, and absorbed in Thee, and altogether forgetful of my­self? Thou in me, and I in Thee; and so grant us both to continue in one. Verily, Thou art my Beloved, the choicest amongst thousands, in whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days of her life. O infinite love, singularly bestowed upon man!

-Bk. IV, ch. xiii.
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Love attracts love, and mine longs to fill the depths which draw it, but alas, it is like a dew-drop lost in the ocean! To love Thee in return as I ought, I must have recourse to Thine own love, and only then can I rest. O Jesus! surely it is impossible for any soul to be loved more than mine has been! This gives me confidence to ask that Thou mayest love those Thou hast given me, even as Thou hast loved me. If in Heaven I discover that Thou hast loved them more, I shall rejoice, for even on earth I realized that they deserved more. Never­theless, I cannot now conceive of anything greater than the boundless love Thou hast poured out upon me, without my having in any way deserved it.

-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
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For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.

Thoughts and Counsels - July 9

Preserve purity of conscience with care, and never do anything to sully it or render it less agreeable to God.
-St. Thomas Aquinas.
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From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)

Meditation for July 9, Consideration

To walk quietly near a sick room or near someone who is resting; to turn a kindly face to those who disturb us, making us lose our precious time; to answer pleasantly those who ask us ridiculous and pointless questions; to silence our fears, in order not to upset those around us; to avoid a joke however to the point, because it might not be well received; to impose neither labor nor worry nor annoyance on anyone unless absolute necessity makes it unavoid­able; these are all marks of a very simple virtue but they give evidence of real charity.

When the selfish individual thinks of himself, the soul anxious never to impose any useless trouble on his neighbor thinks of others.

It is not a very dazzling virtue; it manifests itself only in little things done or omitted; it does not heal wounds, risk its life, nor even manifest exceptional zeal; but a virtue that is not very brilliant can still be very profound. That is often the case.

Little things are frequently more painful than greater things. More generosity is sometimes required to avoid saddening or incon­veniencing another than to offer him remarkable comfort. Before a deep sorrow of a neighbor one is easily moved. But one needs a soul rich in true and strong sensibility to spare him a thousand insignificant sufferings.

"My God, teach me the divine science of consideration. Leon Harmel used to say that it was the key to the whole social problem; it is, in any case, one of the keys to the great problem of charity in religious communities."

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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)

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