My Catholic Source.com Blog

MCS Newsflash: Our First Android App Is Now Available For Download

2012-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Our first Android app, iStations for Android™, has been released and is now available for download at a discounted price $1.29 U.S. in the Android Market. This app is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). It features beautiful images, two traditional methods, a handy audio option, easy navigation, and in-app help. It's great for Fridays, Lent, penitential times, times of suffering, family devotions, and daily meditation. Please download it today!

Available at the following locations... [Note: Availability & pricing may vary and are subject to change without notice]

Android Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations

Amazon Appstore: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM

For more information & screen shots, please visit: http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android

For information on differences between apps running on different platforms, please visit: http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/bfsapps-app_differences.htm

Note: Android versions of our other apps are still in development. To be placed on our waiting list to be notified when they are available, please submit your e-mail address at: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/app-wl.htm

[2/3/12]

MCS Newsflash: Server Transfer Is Complete

2011-12-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

The server transfer process is complete with the cancellation of our old server on 12/21/11. We still have some tests to perform over the next week or two, but everything seems to be gong well so far. Should you encounter any problems with the MyCatholicSource.com website, please let us know. We appreciate your feedback!

[12/21/11]

Update: Re: New Server [Last Updated: 12/17/11]

2011-11-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

The migration of MyCatholicSource.com to our new server has been in process since Monday, November 7, 2011. On the positive side, we have been able to keep delays to a minimum so far and we have not yet had any outages that we are aware of. On the downside, things are going slower than we had hoped. All data has been moved over to the new server and a preliminary security scan has been completed. However, we are still working on resolving some functionality issues and will need to perform some additional testing before we can go live with the new server. We also expect some additional security scanning will take place before the server goes live. We hope things will progress rapidly over the next few days so that we may make the switch over to the new server asap (current access to the site resolves to the old server). When the final server switch does occur, we expect both servers to run in parallel for a few days while dns propagation is in process. We hope users will not experience difficulties accessing the site during this time. However, we do anticipate that there may be some issues concerning e-mail & posts during the switch. Please be patient during this time. Should you send us an e-mail or make a post during the transition, please resend/repost if you do not receive an expected response from us. Thanks so much for your prayers & patience during this time. God bless you.

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11/15/11 Update: The functionality issues encountered with our new server are proving to be quite difficult in terms of finding a resolution. Our host has been working on the problem, but we do not yet have a solution. For now, however, our old server is still up and functioning. We hope the issues with the new server will be resolved shortly so that we may proceed with the transition. Thank you for your prayers, patience, and understanding during this challenging time.

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11/17/11 Update: Despite much effort, our host has been unable to find a resolution to the functionality issues on our new server. They have notified us that they have escalated the matter to a software vendor for a possible fix. Unfortunately, they indicated that this may take an additional 3-4 days. We have explored other possibilities for resolving the matter sooner, but this was to no avail. Therefore, our only option at this point is to wait and hope for a resolution. In the meantime, our old server is still up and functioning properly. We hope things will turn around so that we may proceed with the transition to the new server. Thanks very much for your prayers & support. God bless you.

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11/28/11 Update: Some of the functionality issues concerning the new server have finally been resolved. However, there are still a number of other issues that must be addressed before we can move forward with the server switch. Once everything is in place, we will also need to conduct another security scan before we can go live with the new server. We are hoping things will proceed more quickly from here forward. Thank you very much for your patience and support. God bless you.

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12/7/11 Update: There has been some progress since our last update, however a couple fairly significant functionality issues still remain to be resolved before we can switch to the new server. We are working on these issues, but it is difficult at this time to estimate when this process will be completed. Also, once the issues are resolved, we will need to do a security scan and some additional testing before we can make the switch. We wish we could provide a more specific time frame, but we are unable to do so at this point. We hope it will not be too much longer before we can transition to the new server, but it is very difficult at present to realistically estimate how long things may take. Please know that we are doing all we can do to move everything forward as soon as possible. Thanks very much for your support and patience. God bless you.

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12/16/11 Update: Things have been moving along well now, Deo Gratias. If all continues to go well, we hope to go live with the new server today or tomorrow. Thank you very much for your patience and support.

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12/17/11 Update: Great news! The server switch should be underway any moment now. Please note that it take 24+ hours for DNS propagation. We hope you will visit us soon on our new server. Thanks very much for your support.

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[Blog-only post: 11/11/11, updates on: 11/15/11, 11/17/11, 11/28/11, 12/7/11, 12/16/11, 12/17/11]

MCS Newsflash: Upcoming Server Change For MyCatholicSource.com

2011-10-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

To maintain security, we plan to move to a new server. We anticipate the switch will occur on or around 11/7/11. Please expect some outages and functionality issues during this time and shortly afterwards. If all goes well, we hope everything will be back to normal within a couple of weeks. We apologize if this change causes any inconvenience.

[10/18/11]

MCS Newsflash: Amazon Associates Account Reinstated

2011-10-03T17:17:00.001-07:00

Our Amazon Associates account has been reinstated as of 10/3/11. Earlier in the year, all California Amazon Associates' accounts were terminated by Amazon.com as a result of a newly enacted California law concerning the collection of sales tax. According to Amazon, the law has been repealed. We are happy to report that our account with Amazon.com has now been reinstated and we are therefore once again be eligible to receive financial incentives from Amazon.com. To shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com, please click here. Thanks very much for your support!

[10/3/11]

MCS Newsflash: iStations - The Newest MyCatholicSource.com App

2011-09-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

The newest MyCatholicSource.com app, iStations, has just been released. iStations is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). Features beautiful images, two traditional methods, audio option with optional auto-advance, selected prayers in English & Latin, easy navigation, and in-app help. It's great for Fridays, Lent, penitential times & family devotions! If you have (or a loved one has) an iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®, please consider purchasing this convenient app today!

Click Here For More Details

Shortcut: MyCatholicSource.com/Apps

New! iStations

For the iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®

Presented by My Catholic Source.com

"A Convenient Devotional Aid For Catholics"

iStations, presented by MyCatholicSource.com, is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). Features beautiful images, two traditional methods, audio option with optional auto-advance, selected prayers in English & Latin, easy navigation, and in-app help.

Great for Fridays, Lent, penitential times & family devotions!

Click Here For More Information / Screenshots

Buy this app to support MyCatholicSource.com!

[9/27/11]

MCS Newsflash: Deo Gratias! Our 1,000,000th Visitor

2011-09-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

We are happy to report that MyCatholicSource.com received its 1 millionth visitor* in the early morning hours of September 12, 2011, the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

We send our thanks to all who have visited this site and we look forward, by God's grace, to welcoming many millions of visitors to this site in the years to come.

Laus tibi, Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae! (Latin for: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory!)

Mater amóris, dolóris et misericórdiæ, ora pro nobis (Latin for: Mother of love, of sorrow, and of mercy, pray for us)

* Number of visits is based on raw, unfiltered access logs. Excludes traffic prior to our 'official unveiling'

[9/12/11]

MCS Newsflash: Be Prepared the Next Time Someone Knocks at Your Door Trying to Convert You…

2011-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

The newest MyCatholicSource.com app, Catholic Bible References, is now available for download on the App Store (SM). This app is a handy apologetics tool that can be used to help Catholics discuss & defend the faith. It features hundreds of key bible references conveniently arranged by topic as well as tips for locating related passages (including those related to defending the Catholic faith among 'Jehovah's Witnesses' & Mormons). If you have - or a loved one has - an iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®, please consider purchasing this useful app today!

Click Here For More Details

Shortcut: MyCatholicSource.com/Apps

New! Catholic Bible References

For the iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®

Presented by My Catholic Source.com

"A Must-Have App For Catholics!"

Place hundreds of key Catholic bible quotes at your fingertips.

Be prepared the next time someone knocks at your door trying to covert you!

Includes:

* 100+ Tips For Locating Related Passages (including those related to defending the Catholic faith among 'Jehovah's Witnesses' & Mormons)

* Modern / Traditional Scripture Translations

* Convenient Index

* Handy Grouping by Titles

* Easy / Quick / Comprehensive Search

* Search By Category

* Selectable Text

* Old Testament / New Testament Indicator

~~Regular Price: $3.99~~ U.S. (plus tax, if applicable)

SALE! LIMITED TIME OFFER - JUST $1.99

Get it today! (click here to download)

Click Here For More Information / Screenshots

Buy this app to support this site!

[9/2/11]

MCS Newsflash: MyCatholicSource.com App

2011-08-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, we had to make some changes to our site in order to try to stay online. Another part of our plan was to develop a line of apps that could help support the MyCatholicSource.com website. Thanks be to God, we've received approval for our new app, Saints4U, and it is now available for download on the App Store (SM). If you have (or a loved one has) an iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®, please consider purchasing this handy app today!

Click Here For More Details

Shortcut: MyCatholicSource.com/Apps

Saints4U

For the iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®

Presented by My Catholic Source.com

"A Treasury of Saint Names, Patrons & Feasts!"

With over 6,400 listings, including 1,000+ patronages, it's easy to find just the right patron saint, baby name or confirmation name. Search for male or female saint names, feasts falling on particular days or months, patronages, liturgical feasts, and more...

Click Here For More Information / Screenshots

Please buy this app to support MyCatholicSource.com!

[8/15/11]

MCS Newsflash: Third Annual Rosary Week Signup Sheet Is Now Available

2011-07-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

The online signup sheet for our third annual Rosary Week is now ready. Please sign up today at www.MyCatholicSource.com/RosaryWeek . For further details concerning Rosary Week, please click here

[7/22/11]

MCS Newsflash: Amazon Associates Account Terminated [UPDATED]

2011-06-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Our Amazon Associates account has been abruptly terminated by Amazon.com as a result of a newly enacted California law concerning the collection of sales tax. The abrupt & unfortunate cancellation of our account was unexpected on our end and it was *not* caused by anything we did. Rather, it was a result of a new state law. All California Amazon Associates accounts were likewise cancelled. Please click here for further details.

10/3/11 UPDATE: We were notified today that the California law referenced above has been repealed. We are happy to report that our account with Amazon.com has now been reinstated and therefore we will once again be eligible to receive financial incentives from Amazon.com. To shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com, please click here

[6/30/11, updated 10/3/11]

So Let Me Get This Straight...

2011-06-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview, Ecclesia Dei's Msgr. Guido Pozzo explained that the reference in the Instruction 'Universae Ecclesiae' concerning Catholics who may be against the 'validity or legitimacy' of the Novus Ordo ("The faithful who ask for the celebration of the [Traditional Latin Mass] must not in any way support or belong to groups which show themselves to be against the validity or legitimacy of the Holy Mass or the Sacraments celebrated in the forma ordinaria [that is, the post-1960's form] or against the Roman Pontiff as Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church") actually refers to...

"certain groups of faithful who consider or propose an antithesis between the Missal of 1962 and that of Paul VI, and who believe that the rite promulgated by Paul VI for the celebration of the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass is detrimental to the faithful." (Msgr. Guido Pozzo)

So, let me get this straight... Cardinal Ottaviani, if he was still alive, would NOT be qualified to request the TLM?

Recall that the prophetic Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci said the following concerning the Novus Ordo... (emphasis added)

"To abandon a liturgical tradition which for four centuries stood as a sign and pledge of unity in worship, and to replace it with another liturgy which, due to the countless liberties it implicitly authorizes, cannot but be a sign of division - a liturgy which teems with insinuations or manifest errors against the integrity of the Catholic Faith - is, we feel bound in conscience to proclaim, an incalculable error." (Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci)

"We have limited ourselves above to a short study of the Novus Ordo where it deviates most seriously from the theology of the Catholic Mass. Our observations touch upon deviations which are typical. To prepare a complete study of all the pitfalls, dangers and psychologically and spiritually destructive elements the new rite contains, whether in texts, rubrics or instructions, would be a vast undertaking." (Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci)

Yet, while the illustrious Cardinal Ottaviani would apparently NOT be qualified to request the TLM, the following 'Catholics' WOULD presumably be qualified to request the TLM (not that they ever would)...

Likewise, the following would presumably also be qualified...

[Refreshers: Catholic teachings against abortion | Catholic teachings against homosexual acts]

What's wrong with this picture? And where does that leave Pope Benedict XVI? Recall that the Holy Father has said that...

"...in the place of liturgy as the fruit of development came fabricated liturgy. We abandoned the organic, living process of growth and development over the centuries, and replaced it - as in a manufacturing process - with a fabrication, a banal, on-the-spot product." (Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI)

And, despite what the good Monsignor would like us to think, namely that...

"...it is clearly necessary to distinguish the rite and the Missal in themselves, celebrated according to the norms, and a certain understanding and application of the liturgical reform, characterized by ambiguity, doctrinal deformations, abuses and banalizations, events that are unfortunately so common that they led Cardinal J. Ratzinger to speak, without hesitations, in one of his publications of a 'collapse of the liturgy'"

...Pope Benedict could NOT have been speaking regarding results from a "certain understanding and application of the liturgical reform", because the Holy Father (when he was known as Cardinal Ratzinger) clearly stated, as indicated above, that we had "abandoned the organic, living process of growth and development over the centuries, and replaced it - as in a manufacturing process - with a fabrication, a banal, on-the-spot product." In his own words, he is referring to the "fabricated liturgy" itself, not to some distortion of it.

So given the above, who would be 'qualified' to request the TLM? Those in denial of or blind to the devastating fruits of the Novus Ordo? Those who do not know the TLM and who would therefore never request it? Those willing to say the emperor is fully clothed? Liberals & dissenters who are likely to be 'allergic' to the reverent traditional Mass?

Yet, good & knowledgeable Catholics who face facts are not 'qualified'? Besides the injustice of treating a certain group of good Catholics differently than others, it seems unconscionable to deny Catholics a spiritual good based on their discernment of the truths that are plainly before their eyes (e.g. that 70%+ of Catholics no longer believe in the Real Presence after 4 decades of the Novus Ordo). Even the 'chief architect' of the Novus Ordo admitted that he wanted to "strip from our Catholic prayers and from the Catholic liturgy everything which can be the shadow of a stumbling block" for heretics and he admitted that the liturgical reform he oversaw was a "major conquest of the Catholic Church".

That being said - by the 'chief architect' of the Novus Ordo himself - why can't good Catholics - armed with decades of hindsight - also believe this? And if they do, why does that fact disqualify them from requesting a form of Mass codified by Pope St. Pius V that was "grant[ed] and concede[d] in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure, and may freely and lawfully be used" in a document that the Pope said "cannot be revoked or modified, but remain always valid and retain its full force"?

[6/25/11]

NEWSFLASH: Good News Re: Instruction

2011-06-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

A 5/19/11 letter signed by Mons. Guido Pozzo of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei which is presently circulating online confirms that the novelty of 'female altar boys' is not permitted at the TLM. The letter cites paragraph 28 of the recently issued 'Instruction On The Application Of The Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum' (Universae Ecclesiae).

Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page) | Summorum Pontificum Info. | Reflections: Proper Role & Behavior of Women

[6/8/11]

Highlights From 'Instruction On The Application Of The Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum' (Universae Ecclesiae)

2011-05-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

The following are some highlights from "Universae Ecclesiae" (Instruction On The Application Of The Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum Of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Given Motu Proprio). The document, issued by the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei & signed by Cardinal William Levada, was approved by Pope Benedict XVI on April 8, 2011. The Instruction, dated April 30, 2011 (feast of Pope St. Pius V based on the Novus Ordo calendar), was released to the public on May 13, 2011 (anniversary date of the first Marian apparition at Fatima). Issuance of the Instruction was preceded by an "inquiry made among the Bishops of the world, and with the desire to guarantee the proper interpretation and the correct application of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum" by the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei.

Please Note: We have inserted some comments below [e.g. in brackets/headers]. We have also made a few spelling changes.

* Summorum Pontificum "has made the richness of the Roman Liturgy more accessible to the Universal Church". This 2007 document of Pope Benedict XVI "promulgated a universal law for the Church, intended to establish new regulations for the use of the Roman Liturgy in effect in 1962"

* "The Holy Father, having recalled the concern of the Sovereign Pontiffs in caring for the Sacred Liturgy and in their recognition of liturgical books, reaffirms the traditional principle, recognized from time immemorial and necessary to be maintained into the future, that 'each particular Church must be in accord with the universal Church not only regarding the doctrine of the faith and sacramental signs, but also as to the usages universally handed down by apostolic and unbroken tradition. These are to be maintained not only so that errors may be avoided, but also so that the faith may be passed on in its integrity, since the Church's rule of prayer (lex orandi) corresponds to her rule of belief (lex credendi).'"

* "The Holy Father stresses moreover that, among the sacred liturgical books, the Missale Romanum has enjoyed a particular prominence in history, and was kept up to date [e.g. prayers added for new canonizations] throughout the centuries until the time of Blessed Pope John XXIII." [Note: This does not mean the traditional liturgy was subject to continual change. Click here for a brief history of the Traditional Mass]

* "Many of the faithful, formed in the spirit of the liturgical forms prior to the Second Vatican Council, expressed a lively desire to maintain the ancient tradition." [Not to mention the many who have come to love the ancient liturgy since Vatican II!]

* "The Roman Missal promulgated by Pope Paul VI and the last edition prepared under Pope John XXIII, are two forms of the Roman Liturgy, defined respectively as ordinaria and extraordinaria: they are two usages of the one Roman Rite, one alongside the other. Both are the expression of the same lex orandi of the Church." [How then could the "chief architect" of the Novus Ordo proudly remark that "The liturgical reform (of the 1960's) is a major conquest of the Catholic Church" if the two liturgies are really the same?]

* "On account of its venerable and ancient use, the forma extraordinaria is to be maintained with appropriate honor." [Only on account of its "venerable and ancient use"? What about its manifest orthodoxy, proven good fruits, great reverence, ability to inspire the faithful...?]

* The Motu Proprio was "needed" and "it was a matter of overcoming a lacuna by providing new norms for the use of the Roman Liturgy of 1962". In fact, due to "the increase in the number of those asking to be able to use the forma extraordinaria, it has become necessary to provide certain norms in this area."

* The Instruction quotes Pope Benedict's statement that "What was sacred for prior generations, remains sacred and great for us as well, and cannot be suddenly prohibited altogether or even judged harmful."

* The Instruction cites three aims of Summorum Pontificum: "a.) offering to all the faithful the Roman Liturgy in the Usus Antiquior, considered as a precious treasure to be preserved; b.) effectively guaranteeing and ensuring the use of the forma extraordinaria for all who ask for it, given that the use of the 1962 Roman Liturgy is a faculty generously granted for the good of the faithful and therefore is to be interpreted in a sense favorable to the faithful who are its principal addressees; c.) promoting reconciliation at the heart of the Church."

* The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei exercises power for "monitoring the observance and application of the provisions of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum" and exercises this power "beyond the faculties previously granted by Pope John Paul II and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI (cf. Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, art. 11-12), also by means of the power to decide upon recourses legitimately sent to it, as hierarchical Superior, against any possible singular administrative provision of an Ordinary which appears to be contrary to the Motu Proprio." Also, "The decrees by which the Pontifical Commission decides recourses may be challenged ad normam iuris before the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura." Furthermore, Ecclesia Dei will "have the task of looking after future editions of liturgical texts pertaining to the forma extraordinaria of the Roman Rite." [Get out your rosary]

* Diocesan bishops "are to monitor liturgical matters in order to guarantee the common good and to ensure that everything is proceeding in peace and serenity in their Dioceses, always in agreement with the mens of the Holy Father clearly expressed by the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. In cases of controversy or well-founded doubt about the celebration in the forma extraordinaria, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei will adjudicate." Further, "It is the task of the Diocesan Bishop to undertake all necessary measures to ensure respect for the forma extraordinaria of the Roman Rite, according to the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum."

* The "group of the faithful" (coetus fidelium) referred to in the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum "can be said to be stabiliter existens ("existing in a stable manner")...when it is constituted by some people of an individual parish who, even after the publication of the Motu Proprio, come together by reason of their veneration for the Liturgy in the Usus Antiquior, and who ask that it might be celebrated in the parish church or in an oratory or chapel; such a coetus ('group') can also be composed of persons coming from different parishes or dioceses, who gather together in a specific parish church or in an oratory or chapel for this purpose."

* "In the case of a priest who presents himself occasionally in a parish church or an oratory with some faithful, and wishes to celebrate in the forma extraordinaria...the pastor or rector of the church, or the priest responsible, is to permit such a celebration, while respecting the schedule of liturgical celebrations in that same church." And, "Even in sanctuaries and places of pilgrimage the possibility to celebrate in the forma extraordinaria is to be offered to groups of pilgrims who request it", assuming there is a "qualified priest" (see below).

* Potential 'time bombs': "In deciding individual cases, the pastor or the rector, or the priest responsible for a church, is to be guided by his own prudence [wildly liberal though he may be], motivated by pastoral zeal and a spirit of generous welcome." And, "In cases of groups which are quite small, they may approach the Ordinary of the place to identify a church [perhaps a church in the most remote/undesirable corner of the diocese?] in which these faithful may be able to come together for such celebrations, in order to ensure easier participation [for who exactly?] and a more worthy celebration [?] of the Holy Mass."

* A new 'litmus test' for Mass? "The faithful who ask for the celebration of the forma extraordinaria must not in any way support or belong to groups which show themselves to be against the validity or legitimacy of the Holy Mass or the Sacraments celebrated in the forma ordinaria or against the Roman Pontiff as Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church." [How about the same 'litmus test' for liberals who "show themselves to be against the validity or legitimacy" of the Holy Mass or the Sacraments according to their traditional forms?]

* Regarding "qualified priests", the Instruction states that "a.) Every Catholic priest who is not impeded by Canon Law is to be considered idoneus ('qualified') for the celebration of the Holy Mass in the forma extraordinaria. b.) Regarding the use of the Latin language, a basic knowledge is necessary, allowing the priest to pronounce the words correctly and understand their meaning. c.) Regarding knowledge of the execution of the Rite, priests are presumed to be qualified who present themselves spontaneously to celebrate the forma extraordinaria, and have celebrated it previously." When diocese do not have "qualified priests", bishops "can request assistance from priests of the Institutes erected by the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, either to the celebrate the forma extraordinaria or to teach others how to celebrate it."

* Seminaries: "Ordinaries are asked to offer their clergy the possibility of acquiring adequate preparation for celebrations in the forma extraordinaria. This applies also to Seminaries, where future priests should be given proper formation, including study of Latin and, where pastoral needs suggest it, the opportunity to learn the forma extraordinaria of the Roman Rite." ["Asked to offer their clergy the possibility"? Merely asking? How imprudent has "asking" been for the Church over the past decades when even bishops themselves fail to obey papal instructions!]

* Celebrations sine populo: "The faculty to celebrate sine populo (or with the participation of only one minister) in the forma extraordinaria of the Roman Rite is given by the Motu Proprio to all priests, whether secular or religious (cf. Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, art. 2). For such celebrations therefore, priests, by provision of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, do not require any special permission from their Ordinaries or superiors."

* Follow the rubrics: "The liturgical books of the forma extraordinaria are to be used as they are. All those who wish to celebrate according to the forma extraordinaria of the Roman Rite must know the pertinent rubrics and are obliged to follow them correctly."

* Get out the Rosary again: "New saints and certain of the new prefaces can and ought to be inserted into the 1962 Missal, according to provisions which will be indicated subsequently." [How about a requirement that those inserted into the 1962 Missal be canonized under the more stringent 1962 canonization provisions?]

* Unfortunate: "As foreseen by article 6 of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, the readings of the Holy Mass of the Missal of 1962 can be proclaimed ... in Low Masses, solely in the vernacular." [Note: Click here for benefits of the Latin language]

* Disciplinary norms: "With regard to the disciplinary norms connected to celebration, the ecclesiastical discipline contained in the Code of Canon Law of 1983 applies."

* Vague: "Furthermore, by virtue of its character of special law, within its own area, the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum derogates from those provisions of law, connected with the sacred Rites, promulgated from 1962 onwards and incompatible with the rubrics of the liturgical books in effect in 1962." [Hopefully this may protect the faithful from novelties such as Communion in the hand, 'lay ministers', and altar girls, but this is not spelled out in the document... plus there is already concern over early (pre-1962) indults that may still exist somewhere...]

* The Instruction reiterates that Confirmation may be performed according to the traditional rite

* The Instruction indicates that "Only in Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life which are under the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, and in those which use the liturgical books of the forma extraordinaria, is the use of the Pontificale Romanum of 1962 for the conferral of minor and major orders permitted."

* Breviarium Romanum: The Breviarium Romanum in effect in 1962 "is to be prayed entirely and in the Latin language"

* Sacred Triduum: "If there is a qualified priest, a coetus fidelium ('group of faithful'), which follows the older liturgical tradition, can also celebrate the Sacred Triduum in the forma extraordinaria. When there is no church or oratory designated exclusively for such celebrations, the parish priest or Ordinary, in agreement with the qualified priest, should find some arrangement favorable to the good of souls, not excluding the possibility of a repetition of the celebration of the Sacred Triduum in the same church."

* The use of "liturgical books proper to the Religious Orders which were in effect in 1962 is permitted" as is the use of the "Pontificale Romanum, the Rituale Romanum, as well as the Caeremoniale Episcoporum in effect in 1962" in keeping with provisions of the Instruction

[5/13/11]

NEWSFLASH: Motu Proprio 'Clarification' Release Date: 5/13/11

2011-05-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

[Note: This blog post was delayed due to technical problems with the blogger.com website]

The 'clarification' regarding Summorum Pontificum will be released on 5/13/11. Sources indicate that the document is mostly positive for those who love the Traditional Mass. We will provide additional details after the document is released. Please check back soon.

[5/12/11]

Some Recent News Links

2011-03-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

A couple recent news links...

The Remnant's 'Statement of Reservations Concerning the Impending Beatification of Pope John Paul II' [Related user-submitted article: When a Pope Should Be & Should Not Be Called Great]

TIA claims statements concerning the Jews in the Holy Father's new book contradict Scripture, 'the past Magisterium' & the 'constant teaching of the Church Fathers' and are "another affront made to the Catholic Religion and a grave offense that cannot be ignored by Catholics"

[3/22/11]

Update Re: Motu Proprio

2011-03-09T00:51:00.000-08:00

It is now believed that the expected 'clarification' regarding Summorum Pontificum will not 'water down' the Motu Proprio as previously feared. In fact, some provisions in the new document may serve to strengthen the '07 papal document. Reportedly the 'clarification', which is expected to be released before Easter, will...

* encourage training of seminarians in the ancient rite

* prohibit bishops from imposing unlawful restrictions on celebrating the TLM

* grant Ecclesia Dei additional powers

* clarify that the Triduum Sacrum may be celebrated in the traditional form

* *not* specify the number of persons which constitute a 'stable group'

Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)

[3/9/11]

NEWSFLASH: Motu Proprio in Danger? How To Help

2011-02-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

Rumors are circulating that the long awaited 'clarification' of Summorum Pontificum may be expected shortly. It is feared that this 'clarification' may serve to 'water down' the Motu Proprio.

How you can help...

* Pray

* Sign relevant online petitions (e.g. the petition at www.motuproprioappeal.com) [Note: After signing the petition on the above site, a donation appeal may appear. This appeal may be ignored. Also, for those concerned about privacy or the receipt of future e-mail, note that an e-mail address such as 'not @ applicable . com" (without the spaces) may suffice at the above site]

* Send a polite letter and/or e-mail to appropriate parties at the at the Vatican

* Tell your friends

[2/18/11]

Alleged Marian Apparition in Wisconsin: Answers Still Needed

2011-02-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

Some concerns regarding the alleged Marian apparition approved by a U.S. bishop in 12/10 were recently shared with a faithful priest. The priest reviewed the concerns and agreed that some elements involving the alleged apparition in Wisconsin appear 'strange'. If nothing else, it seems the following items at least deserve an adequate answer...

* Why is it that the alleged visionary in Wisconsin, Adele Brise, never took religious vows, yet she dressed in a habit and is referred to as "Sr. Adele"? The image of Adele wearing a habit is used to promote the shrine (see one such image below), and the laywoman's appearance as a 'nun' may therefore give an apparent air of credibility to the alleged apparition. Even her tombstone refers to her as "sister", yet she took now religious vows. Why is this?

* Why did the apparition instruct a lay woman, rather than a priest or religious, to "Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation". In contrast, Jesus instructed certain males (e.g. priests) - not women - to teach. As Pope John Paul II stated: "Priestly ordination, which hands on the office entrusted by Christ to his Apostles of teaching, sanctifying and governing the faithful, has in the Catholic Church from the beginning always been reserved to men alone" (emphasis added). St. Paul says, "A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet." (1 Tm. 2:11-12) So, does it not seem strange that in a place where the Catholic Church was already established, an apparition would call on a lay woman - rather than the parish priest - to (apparently independently) teach other peoples' children "what they should know for salvation"? If the priest wasn't doing his job of teaching the children, why did the apparition not appear to him or to his bishop? Also, the apparition apparently did not instruct the lay woman to clear her new 'teaching assignment' with the parish priest or other Church authorities, the authentic instructors of the faith. Isn't that rather odd?

* Why was approval of the apparition referred to as a 'thank you' to Adele Brise, rather than simply an objective determination made after careful evaluation of the alleged apparition's authenticity? (Note: The bishop said "In many ways it is also a thank-you gift to Adele Brise, that Belgian immigrant who came here to this country...")

* Why did the bishop also give other reasons for approving the apparition which have nothing to do with authenticity? (Note: Reasons included these two: "My love for the Blessed Mother, and the simple messages to get the faith out there") Why would approval be given for any other reason than that the apparition was found to be authentic?

* Isn't it true that an examination conducted around 150 years after the fact may make it difficult for a careful review of contradictory evidence? (Note: By contrast, the Marian apparition Lourdes occurred less than two years earlier and was approved quickly by the Church)

* Why does the description of the Blessed Virgin's hair seem so unusual (she reportedly had "long, golden, wavy hair" which "fell loosely around her shoulders")? Also, isn't it rather odd that the description and associated image do not indicate that the Blessed Virgin wore a veil?

* Could the timing of the approval be considered strange / opportune since the diocese is embroiled in abuse scandals? (Note that the diocese was recently charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence related to abuse cases, but the diocese denies the claims and the bishop denies that the scandals influenced his decision regarding the apparition)

* Isn't it true that while some associated miracles may seem impressive, it is possible that they could be explained by natural means or as answers to prayers which were unrelated to the alleged apparition?

Especially in light of the various false alleged apparitions in recent times - and the large number of people willing to follow them - it seems especially important for the bishop to provide good answers to questions such as those above.

"The devil is most pleased when he sees that people desire to accept revelations and are inclined toward them. For then he has an excellent opportunity to inject errors and disparage faith as much as possible." (St. John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church)

Related: Marian Apparitions

[2/7/11]

Relevant Quote For Today

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

The following quotation seems especially relevant in light of recent events...

"Because men have forsaken God and Jesus Christ, they have sunk to the depths of evil. They waste their energies and consume their time and efforts in vain sterile attempts to find a remedy for these ills, but without even being successful in saving what little remains from the existing ruin. It was a quite general desire that both our laws and our governments should exist without recognizing God or Jesus Christ, on the theory that all authority comes from men, not from God. Because of such an assumption, these theorists fell very short of being able to bestow upon law not only those sanctions which it must possess but also that secure basis for the supreme criterion of justice which even a pagan philosopher like Cicero saw clearly could not be derived except from the divine law. Authority itself lost its hold upon mankind, for it had lost that sound and unquestionable justification for its right to command on the one hand and to be obeyed on the other. Society, quite logically and inevitably, was shaken to its very depths and even threatened with destruction, since there was left to it no longer a stable foundation, everything having been reduced to a series of conflicts, to the domination of the majority, or to the supremacy of special interests." (Pope Pius XI)

[2/7/11]

'News Cartoon': Food For Thought

2011-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

The following 'news cartoon' is respectfully, yet truthfully, presented in light of 'Assisi III' and the announced beatification of Pope John Paul II as 'food for thought'...

"For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils" (Ps. 95:5, DR Trans.)

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (Jn. 14:6)

"Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life." (St. John, 1 Jn. 5:12)

"There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"Do not be yoked with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What accord has Christ with Beliar? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: 'I will live with them and move among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Therefore, come forth from them and be separate,' says the Lord, 'and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'" (St. Paul, 2 Cor. 6:14-18)

"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works." (St. John, 2 Jn. 1:10-11)

[2/7/11]

Note To Visitors, News Resources

2011-01-14T11:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Visitor,

In order to try to keep MyCatholicSource.com online, we have had to make some tough decisions which necessitate various changes to our site & blog. For details of these changes, please visit our Notices page (click here). Please note that these changes include the following...

* News coverage on our site (and blog) will be scaled down substantially. At this time, we plan to limit our coverage to significant news items with lasting value. We expect that future updates to our news page (and our blog) will be sporadic and infrequent. However, we do still plan to offer links to other sites for current news coverage as well as news tickers (as applicable). We also plan to allow continued inclusion of user submitted articles and have added links to various news-related resources.

* Weekly news updates (sent to subscribers) will be suspended indefinitely. [Note: Our regular newsletter will continue]

The above changes are effective immediately. Please note that we are unable to say at this time whether these changes will be temporary or permanent. While we regret that it is necessary to make these changes, it appears to be the only way for us to have a chance of remaining online.

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The following resources may be useful in connection with recent issues/current events...

* Apparitions [Topic Page]

* Can Dogmas Change?

* Catholic History [Topic Page]

* Catholic Liturgy [Topic Page]

* Catholic Marriage [Topic Page]

* Catholic Movie Reviews [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Abortion [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Annulment [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Artificial Reproduction / IVF

* Catholic Teachings on Contraception / 'Natural Family Planning' (NFP) [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Divorce [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Fornication

* Catholic Teachings on Homosexuality [Topic Page]

* Catholic Teachings on Sterilization

* Catholic Tradition [Topic Page]

* 'Climate Change' / 'Global Warming' [Topic Page]

* Communion in the Hand: Why Not?

* Current Issues

* Death Penalty [Topic Page]

* Devil / Satan / Evil [Topic Page]

* Does it Really Matter if I'm Catholic or Not? / No Salvation Outside the Church

* Ecumenism [Topic Page]

* Euthanasia

* Freemasonry / Secret Societies [Topic Page]

* Genuflecting / Kneeling [Topic Page]

* 'Global Warming' / 'Climate Change' [Topic Page]

* Hell / Eternal Damnation [Topic Page]

* Heresy / Schism

* Holy Eucharist / Holy Communion [Topic Page]

* Holy Sacrifice of the Mass [Topic Page]

* Homeschooling [Topic Page]

* Infertility [Topic Page]

* Invalidity of Anglican 'Orders'

* Latin Language [Topic Page]

* Latin Mass Updates: 7/07 & Later [Incl. Summorum Pontificum Info.]

* Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not?

* Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?

* Modernism [Topic Page]

* Myth of Overpopulation

* Novus Ordo Mass [Topic Page]

* "Organ Donation: Act of Charity or License to Kill?" [Flier]

* Pro-Life [Topic Page]

* Proper Behavior in Church

* Purgatory [Topic Page]

* Sacraments [Topic Page]

* Second Vatican Council [Topic Page]

* Sin [Topic Page]

* Some Thoughts on Modesty / Immodest Dress

* "10 Commandments" According to the Ignorant & Misguided: PC & False Christianity: A Scriptural Response (User-Submitted Article)

* Those Outside the Church [Topic Page]

* Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests

* Traditional Latin Mass [Topic Page]

* Traditional Teachings on Religious Liberty

* The 'Tridentine' Mass vs. the New (Novus Ordo) Mass

* When a Pope Should Be & Should Not Be Called Great (User-Submitted Article)

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* Why Priestly Celibacy?

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No scheduled news updates beginning 12/23/10

2010-12-22T22:57:00.001-08:00

Please Note: Beginning 12/23/10, there are no scheduled news updates. For current news, please try here

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-22-10]

2010-12-22T10:59:00.001-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-21-10]

2010-12-21T11:44:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Bishop of Phoenix strips 'Catholic' designation from hospital that performed an abortion; Besides the recent abortion, prelate discovered that "many other violations of the ERDs have been taking place at CHW facilities in Arizona" for decades [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion] [12/21]

CDF issues note regarding "erroneous interpretations" regarding the Pope's remarks on c*nd*ms; Note says Pope Benedict's comments have been "repeatedly manipulated for ends and interests which are entirely foreign to the meaning of his words" and that they "do not signify a change in Catholic moral teaching or in the pastoral practice of the Church" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against contraception] [12/21]

Scandalous: Report shows 'Catholic' Healthcare West has history of supporting abortion, contraception & sterilization [Refreshers: Catholic teachings against abortion | Catholic teachings against contraception | Catholic teachings against sterilization] [12/21]

Winning bidder of nuns' inherited rare baseball card fails to pay, but Catholic doctor steps in to buy the card [12/21]

Good news: Pontifical Solemn High ('Tridentine') Mass to be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on April 9, 2011 [Related: TLM (Topic Page)] [12/21]

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Some News Highlights

2010-12-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

A few recent news highlights...

* Vandals have defaced a statue of Jesus at a La Marque (TX) parish. Police are seeking suspects

* Thousands of Catholics in Germany have left the Catholic Church this past year. A German bishop surmised that the exodus may be attributed to abuse scandals and noted that "every single departure is one too many". According to one report, there was a 20% increase in the number of Catholics joining (heretical) Protestant sects. [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Those Outside the Catholic Church (Reflections)]

* Pope Benedict recently gave support for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin in his message for the upcoming World Day of the Sick. The Holy Father stated (emphasis added)...

"I still have in my heart the moment when, during the course of the pastoral visit to Turin, I was able to pause in reflection and prayer before the sacred Shroud, before that suffering countenance, that invites us to meditate on him who took upon himself man's suffering of every age and place, even our sufferings, our difficulties, our sins. How many faithful over the course of history have passed before that sepulchral winding sheet, which covered the body of a crucified man, which in everything corresponds to what the Gospels transmit about the passion and death of Jesus! Contemplating him is an invitation to reflect on what St. Peter writes: 'By his wounds we have been healed' (1 Peter 2:24)"

[12/20]

Reflection of Pope Benedict on the Priesthood

2010-12-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

The following reflection on the priesthood is taken from Pope Benedict's recent Christmas greetings given at the Apostolic Palace... [Note: We have changed spelling of two words below]

"[In the wake of the 'Year for Priests'] Among us as priests and among the laity, also and especially the young, a renewed awareness arose of the great gift of the priesthood of the Catholic Church, which was entrusted to us by the Lord. One again we came to understand how beautiful it is that human beings [priests] are authorized to pronounce the name of God and, with complete authority, the word of forgiveness, and thus that they are able to change the world, to change life. How beautiful it is that human beings [priests] are authorized to pronounce the words of consecration."

[12/20]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-20-10]

2010-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Seizure of Vatican Bank funds upheld in money laundering probe; Intended beneficiaries "still unclear" [12/20]

A "difficult Advent season": 'Radical Muslims' trying to rid Middle East entirely of Christians, says priest [12/20]

Encouraging: After five years of celebrating Mass ad orientem, Benedictine prior says he "never want[s] to have to return to the versus populum position"; Priest also lists 'ten advantages' of celebrating ad orientem [Refresher: Why Doesn't the Priest Face the People in the 'Tridentine' Mass? (Q & A)]] [12/20]

Very sad, yet not at all surprising: New study shows primetime TV 'sexualizes underage girls' [Refresher: Catholic teachings on fornication] [12/20]

Msgr. Nicola Bux, Consultant to the Office of Liturgical celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and member of two congregations, says refusal of the TLM could be considered 'a rupture of communion with the Pope' [Related: TLM (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Marine veteran says repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' will turn the military into a tool to impose a 'radical social agenda' on the U.S. [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Pope Benedict entrusts all the Church's pastors to St. Joseph; Holy Father calls the faithful to venerate the glorious protector of Jesus & the Blessed Virgin Mary [Related: St. Joseph (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Pope Benedict's Christmas greetings highlight abuse scandals, present turmoil, papal trips; Holy Father notes that Christians are now "the most oppressed and tormented minority" [12/20]

-30-

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-18-10]

2010-12-18T11:44:00.001-08:00

A Few Updates

2010-12-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

Some updates...

* Good news: Anglicans entering the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus will reportedly celebrate Mass ad orientem [For a refresher related to this topic, see: Why Doesn't the Priest Face the People in the 'Tridentine' Mass? (Q & A)]

* The Phoenix bishop who threatened to revoke the Catholic status of a hospital that performed an abortion has extended the deadline until December 21 due to "ongoing communication and attempts to rectify the situation" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion]

* NY's Archbishop Dolan has come to the defense the Catholic League's president. He asserted that the organization's leader "hardly needs me to defend him" and said that he's "glad to express [his] encouragement for the work he does", adding that "Some may take occasional issue with his style. Fair enough, and he’s open to such criticism. Some might even discuss whether the image is offensive. However, no one should doubt the high value and necessity of his efforts, or dismiss him in crude terms." "Keep at it...We need you!", he exclaimed. The prelate also said he "[looks] forward to the day when the work done by the Catholic League is no longer necessary", but notes that "as recent events have proven once again, that day still seems far in the future."

[12/17]

Confused Calendars?

2010-12-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Some recent 'calendar confusion' items...

* Ridiculous: Secular media reports indicate that shoppers are 'stunned' to find Easter candy on store shelves in December. The items are being sold as 'stocking stuffers'

* 'Midnight at 10'? Pope Benedict will once again celebrate 'Midnight' Mass at 10 p.m. The Holy Father celebrated 'Midnight' Mass at this time last year in a 'surprising scheduling change' called 'a first'. Midnight is traditionally believed to be the actual time of Christ's birth.

* Is it April 1st? A headline appearing on the Vatican Radio website reads: "Celebrating the spirit of the Reformation" [Comment: Think about that for a moment... If only it really was an April Fool's Day joke - although some martyrs might not think it so funny!] [Refresher: Heresy (Reflections)]

[12/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-17-10]

2010-12-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

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Archdiocese of Boston to freeze employees' pensions [12/17]

'Christmas is in the air in St Peter's Square' [12/17]

Iraqi Christians - who "live in fear" - will face 'sharply limited' Mass schedules for Christmas due to threat of terrorism [12/17]

Vatican observer predicts 'major leadership change' for Legionaries in next few months [12/17]

Sad: Irish report reveals that Vatican wanted notorious abuser-priest to serve 10 years in a monastery rather than dismiss him from the priesthood [12/17]

Venezuelan archbishop describes information in WikiLeaks cable as "a science-fiction movie script that has absolutely no basis" [12/17]

After years of trouble, Japan's bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to cease activities for five years [12/17]

Pray for China: Vatican communiqué concerning Chinese assembly condemns "grave violation" of human rights and laments that an illegitimate bishop has been appointed president of the CPA; Recent actions, which displayed a "repressive attitude with regard to the exercise of religious liberty", have "unilaterally damaged the dialogue and the climate of trust that had been established" between the Holy See & China [12/17]

Pro-lifers decry European Court ruling against Ireland's abortion ban; Observer says case was "instigated by the international abortion lobby, which has the ultimate aim of forcing governments across the globe to recognize access to abortion as a legal right" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion] [12/17]

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More Recent News Highlights

2010-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Some more recent news highlights...

* The recently retired bishop of Dodge City said being a bishop has always "felt like a burden" to him. He also said he has done "all I know how to do, all my strength permitted me to do, all my weakness allowed me to do" and asserted that "The good people of this Diocese deserve better from their bishop than what I was giving them"

* Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford (CT) was evacuated Wednesday over a possible bomb threat. The investigation reportedly did not uncover any dangerous materials at the school

* Sad: The Phoenix hospital in danger of losing its status as a Catholic facility over an abortion has defended the killing of the unborn child [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion]

* Some good news: The Diocese of Honolulu is reportedly giving 'increased recognition' to the TLM. The bishop recently appointed a chaplain to the Latin Mass Community in Maui and will elevate a chaplain to become pastor of a parish in Honolulu which celebrates the TLM [Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)]

* Pakistani bishops are calling for the prosecution of the imam who offered a reward for the killing of the Catholic mother already sentenced to death for 'blaspheming Mohammed'. Reportedly, some 'prominent Muslims' also signed the letter

* Vatican circus: As reported by various secular outlets, four shirtless men in tight pants recently performed in front of Pope Benedict. Scandalously, the muscular acrobats removed their shirts in front of the Holy Father - leaving only their snug pants and wrist cuffs - and proceeded to perform a routine that risked enticing both females and homosexual men to lust. In addition to the Pope, onlookers included clergy and nuns [sadly - at least from what one video showed - the nuns (in full habits) were smiling and taking pictures rather than averting their gaze from the topless male performers]. Unfortunately, Pope Benedict himself clapped and stood up for the performers (half-seriously dubbed 'Vatican Chippendales') [Commentary: How terribly sad (not to mention scandalous) that attending an audience with the Pope may be an occasion for sin! As Bl. Jacinta warns, "The sins which hurl most souls into hell, are the sins of the flesh." Christ Himself says, "But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:28) The Vatican's own Pontifical Council for the Family reminds that "The practice of decency and modesty in speech, action and dress is very important for creating an atmosphere suitable for the growth of chastity." Is it too much to ask that the Vatican heed its own advice?]

* The Holy Father's message for the upcoming 'World Day of Peace' asserts that religious freedom is "one of the ways to safeguard peace", yet it "does not imply that all religions are equal. Nor is it a reason for religious relativism or indifferentism" [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Traditional teachings on religious liberty]

[12/16]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-16-10]

2010-12-16T12:45:00.001-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-15-10]

2010-12-15T11:29:00.001-08:00

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Phoenix bishop threatens to revoke Catholic status of St. Joseph’s Hospital; Prelate 'deeply troubled' that Catholic Healthcare West operates hospitals that authorize immoral acts [12/15]

Holy Cross Congregation to merge two U.S. provinces [12/15]

Pope Benedict names new bishop of Dodge City, erects new Brazilian diocese [12/15]

WikiLeaks disclosures speak of 'known Al-Qaida antipathy to the Pope'; Cable says "Al-Qaida has publicly identified the Pope and the Catholic Church as an enemy" & reveals that the head of the Vatican Gendarme Corps sought security training from the FBI [12/15]

Archbishop Fabriciano Sigampa tells parishioners that they shouldn't confuse the birth of Christ with Santa Claus, a 'commercialized symbol of Christmas' [12/15]

Polish priest killed in Ecuador; Attacker struck victim with large crucifix [12/15]

Some good news: Archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico erects personal quasi-parish entrusted to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter [12/15]

Not encouraging: Head of 'new evangelization' dicastery to hold meeting after Christmas to "clarify the concept of the 'new evangelization'"; Pontifical Council was formally established more than two months ago [12/15]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-14-10]

2010-12-14T11:21:00.001-08:00

More News Highlights

2010-12-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Some more recent news highlights...

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi is reportedly 'downplaying' WikiLeaks disclosures, claiming that "There’s nothing new, nothing that wasn’t abundantly well known" in the disclosures

* Various reports indicate that the Vatican Bank is under 'new scrutiny' in the money-laundering case which led to the seizure of millions of dollars a few months ago. Reportedly, court documents indicate that the bank "deliberately flouted anti-laundering laws 'with the aim of hiding the ownership, destination and origin of the capital'" and "reveal investigators' suspicions that clergy may have acted as fronts for corrupt businessmen and Mafia"

* Cardinal Burke recently lamented that many American Catholic colleges are 'Catholic in name only'. In an address earlier this month, the prelate noted that "A Catholic college or university at which Jesus Christ alive in His Church is not taught, encountered in the Sacred Liturgy and its extension through prayer and devotion, and followed in a life of virtue is not worthy of the name"

* Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Ireland has apologized for the abuse scandals and subsequent cover-up. He noted that "Many of those who came forward did not want to damage the Church they loved; they simply wanted abuse to be stopped effectively and definitively" and noted that "Their love of the Church was betrayed by leadership in the Church"

* Scandalous: TFP volunteers examined websites of nearly 250 Catholic universities & colleges in America and discovered that "101 (41%) of Catholic universities and colleges currently list pro-homosexual student clubs on their web sites. Among Jesuit-run universities, however, the number increases to 100%" They note that "Many of these clubs sponsor events that promote the homosexual movement’s most radical agenda, the redefinition of marriage and the social acceptance of unnatural vice, which is contrary to Catholic moral teaching". TFPStudentAction.org has launched a petition in protest [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* Here we go again: A dissenting priest in Wisconsin has questioned Church teachings concerning the all-male priesthood. His (inaccurate) comments appear in a newspaper column [Related: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]

[12/13]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-13-10]

2010-12-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-11-10]

2010-12-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Vatican "offended" that Ireland failed to respect the Holy See's sovereignty, Britain feared anti-Catholic violence over Pope's outreach to Anglicans entering the Catholic Church, according to WikiLeaks disclosures; Vatican response: "Naturally these reports reflect the perceptions and opinions of the people who wrote them and cannot be considered as expressions of the Holy See itself, nor as exact quotations of the words of its officials" [12/11]

First International Conference on Eucharistic Adoration - to be held in Rome from June 20-23, 2011 - seeks to spread perpetual adoration worldwide; Speakers include Cardinals Burke & Ranjith [12/11]

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares says "the gravest threat of the most disastrous consequences for our time" is "the lack of faith in God [&] the loss of the sense of God that lacerates our world" [12/11]

Recent developments in China 'do not offer much cause for optimism' says Fr. Cervellera; Priest says Chinese officials are 'sending a clear message' that the communist party is in charge of the Chinese Church [12/11]

New lighting in Milan cathedral illuminates stained-glass windows from within [12/11]

-30-

Some News Highlights

2010-12-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

A few recent news highlights...

* Close to 2,000 persons in the Netherlands have made abuse complaints against the Church. "Most" of the allegations trace back decades and involve the Catholic school system. Reportedly, the complaints include accusations against two former bishops

* A nun who served as vice president of finance for Iona College (NY) was recently arrested and charged with embezzling $850,000 from the school over a 10 year period. If convicted, she reportedly may face nearly four years in prison

* Vandals have chopped down a tree in Britain that is said to trace back to the staff of Joseph of Arimathea some 2,000 years ago (the 'Holy Thorn Tree' of Glastonbury). The tree - which blossomed twice a year, at Christmas & Easter - previously suffered harm but locals apparently managed to re-grow it from salvaged cuttings obtained from the original tree. Some claim the recent vandalism was a 'deliberately anti-Christian act', others speculate it may be part of a 'vendetta' against the landowner

* Thousands of misguided 'Catholics' in Minnesota have returned marriage-defending DVDs in protest. Sadly, the woefully misled 'Catholics' considered the archdiocesan efforts at defending true marriage to be in conflict with "core Christian values of love, compassion, tolerance, and respect" and think that the rejection of unnatural, sinful homosexual 'marriage' is an "attack on human dignity" [Commentary: Bet it's been a long time since they've heard sermons on these topics...

"If your brother sins, rebuke him" (Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)

"Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (St. Jude 1:7)

"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness into light, and light into darkness, who change bitter into sweet, and sweet into bitter!" (Isa. 5:20)

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-15)

For more, try: "10 Commandments" According to the Ignorant & Misguided: PC & False Christianity: A Scriptural Response (user-submitted article)]

[12/10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-10-10]

2010-12-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Miracles, martyrdom, heroic virtues: Pope Benedict authorizes promulgation of decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints [12/10]

Scandalous: 'Catholic' senators 'three times more likely to cast pro-abortion votes than pro-life votes' [Refresher: Catholic teachings on abortion] [12/10]

Scandalized Legionaries begin revision of their constitutions; Process expected to take 'several years' [12/10]

Delaware jury awards additional $30 million in abuse case, bringing total to $60 million [12/10]

"Completely inexplicable" Cloth of Manoppello bearing the Holy Face "has the exact same dimensions as the face imprinted on the Shroud of Turin" [12/10]

Records reveal that St. Louis archdiocese asked openly homosexual judge to recuse himself from case involving rebellious parish [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/10]

Vatican announces plan to give 'hi-tech makeover' to more than 7 million photos in Vatican archives; Project may cost $3-$4 million and take 'at least' five years [12/10]

-30-

Some Quotes

2010-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Some quotes regarding recent news items...

* A recently leaked cable from the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican concerning 'climate change' states that: "Conversi's offer to support the U.S., even if discreetly, is significant because the Vatican is often reluctant to appear to compromise its independence and moral authority by associating itself with particular lobbying efforts." [Related: 'Global Warming' / 'Climate Change' (Incl. 'Is global warming real?' & 'Scientific heavyweight' resigns over concerns related to "global warming scam") {Topic Page}]

* Pope Benedict on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: "[T]he most beautiful gift, and most pleasing to [the Blessed Virgin], that we offer is our prayer, the one we bear in our hearts and which we entrust to her intercession" [Related: Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page)]

* Some 19th century instructions attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Good Help at Champion) from the recently approved apparition in Wisconsin: "I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same"; "Make a general confession and offer Communion for the conversion of sinners. If they do not convert and do penance, my Son will be obliged to punish them"; "Teach them [the children] their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the cross, and how to approach the sacraments" [Related: Marian Apparitions]

* Damian Thompson, Editor of Telegraph Blogs, on the policy of the Bishops of England and Wales regarding the TLM: "(a) Do as little as possible to make it available and (b) announce that not many people are going to it." Regarding the apparently misrepresented statistics concerning TLM attendance, he asks "how many other dioceses’ liturgical mafia are under-representing the number of Catholics attending EF Masses?" and says that "The only explanation I can come up with is that the great composer popped along to a Reading TLM one Sunday but, such were the clouds of incense, could make out only half the worshippers." [Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)]

* Troubling plans for Christmas from the dissenting (homosexual activist) group 'Catholics For Equality' [commentary in brackets]: "One of the most interesting aspects of this campaign is our understanding that we don’t need the consent of our hierarchy to effectively mobilize [!] our fellow pro-equality [read: pro-sin] parishioners inside our churches. This Christmas [!] we will be rolling out the [so-called] Catholics for Equality line of smartphone apps, which will allow supporters to connect with each other while they’re sitting in the pews [that is, during Mass!] or attending an after-church social. The apps will also allow them to report hostile [!] activity [a sermon, perhaps, that condemns a sin which 'cries out to heaven'?] in their parish or make a special contribution to the campaign as the Holy Spirit [not!] moves them." [Refresher: "Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)] [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

[12/9]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-9-10]

2010-12-09T13:24:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Catholic Church in U.S. to celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week from January 9-15, 2011 [12/9]

Talks resume between Holy See and PLO; Talks seek "comprehensive international agreement regulating and promoting the presence and activities of the Catholic Church in the Palestinian Territories" [12/9]

Elected leader of Chinese bishops not recognized by Rome [12/9]

New Missionary Museum of Propaganda Fide in Roman palazzo is presented [12/9]

Press release by dissenting homosexualist group 'Catholics for Equality' is a "nice piece of fiction", says archdiocesan spokesperson; Spokesperson affirms that the group "[is] not a Catholic organization. It was formed in opposition to Catholic teaching" [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/9]

TIA article reprint concerning Luther’s 'satanic pride'; Deceived & haughty heresiarch once asserted that "Whoever does not believe as I do is destined to hell. My doctrine and God’s doctrine are the same. My judgment is God’s judgment" [Refresher: Heresy (Reflections)] [12/9]

Late-term abortionist meets with 'stanch' resistance by Catholics in Maryland, Iowa; Bishop urges faithful to contact government officials in order to protect the unborn [12/9]

-30-

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-8-10]

2010-12-08T11:38:00.001-08:00

Islamic Persecution In Pakistan

2010-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

In what seems like a chapter from the 'Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam', an attorney for the American Center for Law & Justice recently interviewed for a Catholic Radio & Television Network (CRTN) program highlighted discrimination Pakistani Christians face in the Islamic country. The attorney reaffirmed that...

* Anti-blasphemy laws mean that "Basically if you say anything derogatory about Islam you can be prosecuted"

* The Pakistan Penal Code imposes the death penalty for cases where "Anyone who, by words either spoken or written or by visible representation defiles" Mohammed's name. The penal code also prohibits "saying derogatory words about religious personalities"

* Anyone can file a blasphemy complaint against another person, and the law is frequently used "for personal gain" - e.g. to settle disputes among individuals

*"A lot" of Pakistanis have been persecuted because of their Christian religion

* A Muslim may be punished by a simple fine, but in the event of a complaint of blasphemy against a Christian, "your whole life may be ruined. Your property could be vandalized. You could go to jail for life."

* Christians in Pakistan are treated as "de facto second-class citizens"

* "Most" of the cases brought under anti-blasphemy laws in Pakistan involve "false allegations"

* Even though there are no anti-conversion laws in Pakistan, "the society in general would not tolerate a [Muslim] person getting converted [to Christianity]"

* Police may act as 'judge and jury' against Christians, even applying punishment (e.g. torture) to accused Christians

* Muslims may take laws into their own hands, resulting in vandalism of Christians' property - and even death

The attorney called for "a lot" of prayers.

[Note: Link for the 'Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam' (click here) goes to a third party site under our referral / incentive programs. Shop at other sites to support this site!]

[12/7]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-7-10]

2010-12-07T12:49:00.001-08:00

Some News Highlights

2010-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

A few recent news highlights...

* Bishop John Steinbock of Fresno died Sunday at age 73. He suffered for four months with lung cancer prior to his death

* St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral was formally inaugurated as a basilica this weekend. The gothic style basilica was built in the early 1800's and was designated a NYC landmark decades ago

* The head of the U.S. bishops' conference has added his signature to an open letter defending marriage as "the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman" that is "fundamental to the well-being of all of society". The 'shared commitment' letter was also signed by leaders of various 'religious communities' (Protestants, Jews, etc.). Archbishop Dolan affirmed that marriage protects the common good and noted that "People of any faith or no faith at all can recognize that when the law defines marriage as between one man and one woman, it legally binds a mother and a father to each other and their children, reinforcing the foundational cell of human society." [Related: Catholic teachings on marriage (Topic Page)]

[12/6]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-6-10]

2010-12-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10] (late edition)

2010-12-03T19:21:00.001-08:00

News Highlights

2010-12-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Some recent news highlights...

* St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in NY will be formally designated a basilica on Sunday

* The recently released article concerning Pope Benedict's positive influence on the Church's penal law is expected to be published on Saturday in an Italian magazine

* The Bishops Conference in England and Wales has been charged with maneuvering to "ignore, block, and ultimately frustrate Summorum Pontificum" and has reportedly "spent a great deal of effort behind the scenes gathering data to support the idea that there is no demand" in England and Wales for the TLM [Related: Summorum Pontificum Info (Latin Mass Updates | The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass]

* Where do they find these men? A Houston-area priest has been charged with public lewdness after he reportedly exposed himself at an adult book store

* Watch where your donations go: Catholic AIDS workers in South Africa are reportedly using Pope Benedict's recent comments to "justify" the distribution of c*nd*ms, even though the Pope did not say use of c*nd*ms can be justified [Related: Catholic teachings against contraception | Pope Benedict's Remarks On C*nd*ms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout]

[12/3]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10]

2010-12-03T11:29:00.001-08:00

A Few Updates

2010-12-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

Some updates...

* The new archbishop of Seattle, Archbishop Sartain, was installed Wednesday. Some protesters gathered outside the cathedral during his installation, upset over the prelate's previous decision to ordain a man who would later be accused of abuse

* Kenya's bishops have issued a statement regarding the media's misrepresentation of Pope Benedict's remarks on c*nd*ms. The statement begins with a reaffirmation that "the position of the Catholic Church as regards the use of [c*nd*ms], both as a means of contraception and as a means of addressing the grave issue of HIV/AIDS infection has not changed and remains as always unacceptable"

* Proposed revisions to the Church's penal provisions have been ongoing for two years and will reportedly be sent to members of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts 'in the coming weeks'

[12/2]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-2-10]

2010-12-02T11:30:00.001-08:00

More News Highlights

2010-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Some more recent news highlights...

* Pope Benedict met with some 26 victims of the Baghdad cathedral attack who are being treated in Italy along with their relatives in a private audience

* Police are investigating a recent 'series of burglaries' in the Bronx, which have included Catholic schools & churches

* Una Voce recently published its report on the third anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. The report is dated 9/14/10 [Note: See highlights below]

* Under pressure, the Smithsonian pulled a vile video that outraged many Catholics (details of the disgusting video not repeated here). The Smithsonian receives funds from the federal government [That is, your taxpayer dollars]

* Cardinal Bertone recently charged that "Christians are the most persecuted and discriminated against religious group" in the world and he called on the international community to "combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians with the same determination that it battles hatred for members of other religious communities"

* More 'ecumenical craziness': Cardinal Bertone has reportedly given the schismatic Orthodox a relic of the Apostle St. Andrew [Related: Ecumenism (Q & A) | There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...]

* Anglican update: The ordinariate in Australia reportedly 'may be' established by Easter or Pentecost in 2011. Also, a group of Anglicans in Canada have voted overwhelmingly (90%) to enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus

[12/1]

Una Voce Report on the Third Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum

2010-12-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce recently published its report on the third anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. The following are some excerpts from this report, which is dated 9/14/10... [Note: Formatting appearing in the original has been omitted below. Also, paragraphs may be combined/separated below, references may be omitted, and some spelling/punctuation changes have been made]

* "Now that the veil has been lifted and the traditional Mass declared always valid, people of all nations and of all tongues are returning to, or discovering, the great and historic liturgy that spread the faith around the globe."

* "And yet a great source of sanctification - the traditional Latin Mass - is being denied to those priests who wish to obtain the graces which flow from this form of Mass. Many bishops are not only refusing to allow their priests to celebrate this Mass but some are actually punishing their priests for daring even to think about saying it. The individual reports from our members...include a number of examples where this has happened. If the bishops are an alter Christus to their priests then they should follow the example of our Blessed Lord in his relationship with His apostles and disciples."

* "In a Church that places great emphasis on justice and peace, and in pursuit of these admirable causes supports all manner of diverse projects around the world, it is remarkable how so many of the bishops do not place the same emphasis on justice and peace among their own flocks whenever mention is made of the traditional Latin Mass; or Extraordinary Form, as Pope Benedict refers to it."

* "While there are many instances of bishops being obedient to Pope Benedict XVI and faithful to the motu proprio, there is also overwhelming evidence that a great many bishops seem determined that it shall be stifled at birth because it does not suit them. Although the Holy Father gave permission to each priest of the Latin rite to use the [traditional Missal], there are many bishops who are denying the authority of the Supreme Legislator and are placing their own negative and restrictive interpretations on the motu proprio. It gives us no satisfaction to state this because the laity are required to give obedience to their diocesan bishops as successors of the apostles. But we expect that our bishops give obedience to their legitimate authority, the Vicar of Rome. If our bishops are seen to be disobedient to Peter then they cannot be surprised if their flocks lose respect for their authority. Holy Mother Church is now in a state of chaos and anarchy because the management of the Church is rent with individual bishops, and bishops' conferences, thinking, and acting, as if they are the Pope with ultimate authority."

* "There has been some improvement [since 9/14/09] in a few countries but this, in the main, is due entirely to dedicated and active laity, who are prepared to overcome the antipathy and even hostility of many of the bishops. In a number of countries it is clear that many bishops are opposed to the resurgence of the extraordinary form and seem determined to thwart the will of the Holy Father and the desires of their flocks by direct refusal of requests, by simply ignoring requests and petitions, and by making their disapproval known to their clergy who reluctantly have to obey."

* "It is not too strong a comment to say that many bishops have turned their faces against the Vicar of Christ and have refused to open their hearts to their faithful. They continue to deny their flocks the form of Mass that spread the Catholic faith to every country of the world; the form of Mass that was the spiritual nourishment of countless saints and martyrs, the consolation of untold millions of the faithful down through the centuries, and a form of Mass that, in reality, is revitalizing seminaries and communities where it has been reintroduced."

* "In the USA the following members of the hierarchy have been very helpful. Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop John Myers, Archbishop Raymond Burke, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Alexander Brunett, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Bishop James Timlin, Bishop David Foley, Bishop John D'Arcy, Bishop David Zubik, Bishop David Ricken, Bishop Jerome Listecki, Bishop Bernard Harrington, Bishop Thomas Doran, Bishop Robert Finn, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop Edward Slattery, Bishop John Wester, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Bishop Allen Vigneron, Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, Bishop Clarence Silva, Bishop David Fellhauer, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop James Johnston, Aux. Bishop John Dougherty, Aux. Bishop Joseph Perry, Aux. Bishop Robert Hermann"

* "His Holiness appealed to his dear brother bishops to generously open their hearts but the reality is that many have refused to do so and have used many means to obstruct the reasonable and legitimate requests from their flocks for the traditional Mass. There has been a collective abuse of power to maintain the status quo and deny any possibility of the restoration of the traditional liturgy. Evidence has been provided...of episcopal refusal of a great many legitimate requests, of ignoring legitimate requests, of creating impossible conditions for willing celebrants to comply with. Instructions have been issued that make their displeasure of the traditional Mass perfectly clear to their priests, thus creating an atmosphere of fear that parish priests are unwilling to act against. In many dioceses there is no visible evidence of a bishop’s antipathy to the motu proprio but the diocesan priests have been made aware of the possibility of action being taken against them should they celebrate [the TLM]. The bishops refuse obedience to their legitimate authority, the Holy Father, but ruthlessly demand obedience from their priests and their flocks. "

* "One particular bishop imposed an 'examination' of those priests who wanted to say the traditional Mass in Latin in order for them to be 'approved', but there was no similar examination for foreign priests entering his diocese to celebrate the new Mass in the vernacular. No such 'approval' is required for them."

* "In one European country the bishop stopped a priest celebrating the traditional Mass until the diocesan board had discussed the case. After many months the bishop declared that any Mass with the public attending was not a 'private' Mass (i.e. without faithful) and threatened to punish the priest if he continued to be 'disobedient'. In some countries priests who have celebrated the traditional Mass have been 'relocated' from their parishes to remote areas and others have been removed entirely and deprived of all pastoral offices - and income."

* "Many bishops are adopting a strategy of refusing to acknowledge or reply to requests for the traditional Mass and are saying that in their diocese the 'problem' of Summorum Pontificum does not exist."

* "News and Extraordinary Form Mass listings are rarely carried in diocesan publications or on diocesan websites. There have been instances of diocesan publications refusing to cover Extraordinary Form affairs, e.g. the reference to 'Summorum Pontificum' in the entry supplied by one member for the 2009 edition of the diocesan directory was deleted by the directory's editor, and the diocesan newspaper declined to print an article which explained the provisions of 'Summorum Pontificum'."

* "There are many instances of priests all around the world responding generously to requests from their parishioners. Many often do so despite hostility from their fellow priests and also, it must be said, from ill-informed lay people who think these priests are acting against the Second Vatican Council. Although it is mainly younger priests who are responding to the motu proprio, there are many instances of retired priests who are very happy to return to the Mass of their younger days and help the faithful."

* "It is, in the main, younger priests who are willing to celebrate the traditional liturgy and some are acting courageously in the face of opposition from their older confreres."

* "Most Extraordinary Form apostolates are showing strong signs of steady growth."

* "[T]here is widespread ignorance as to the actual contents of the Holy Father's motu proprio and accompanying letter, and even of the existence of these documents."

* "Many requests have been made...and many reasons for refusal have been received in return. Bishops have said that a particular group is not large enough, or not sufficiently motivated for a wholly Latin liturgy, or that the suggested priest does not know Latin sufficiently well, or that other motu proprio places exist in the diocese."

* "What is beyond dispute is the phenomenal growth of internet websites and webblogs since the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum, despite the negative and stifling approach of many bishops around the world. The growth is exponential."

* "Many people drive for hours to attend a usus antiquior Mass which is a testament to the devotion it engenders. Many new attenders express surprise that it is not more extensively promoted by the authorities."

* "Federation members report that many priests have requested books, videos, and any resources to learn how to celebrate the traditional Mass. And many ask for anonymity for fear of reprisals from their respective bishops. This is a common theme because the Federation knows of many priests and religious who would like to learn or celebrate the traditional liturgy but have found difficulty with their bishops or superiors who have prevented them. This climate of rejection and persecution of the Extraordinary form, is preventing many priests, and their congregations, from benefiting from the spiritual graces that flow from the Mass in the Extraordinary Form."

* "Unfortunately, many [priests] prefer to celebrate only in private, especially those who are young because they want to avoid problems with their parish priest and do not wish to publicize the fact that they can say the traditional Mass. This atmosphere is reported by many of our members and is quite common."

* "Since the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum the International Federation Una Voce has received many enquiries from around the world from lay people, and clergy, and religious. Although many bishops seem to have a policy of silence about the motu proprio, the news is spreading world-wide, particularly via the internet, and the most noticeable phenomenon is that the great majority of enquiries are coming from young people. Many enquirers have received no response or encouragement from their own clergy and bishops and are turning to the Una Voce Federation for advice on how to obtain the traditional Mass in their area, and also for guidance on how to start Una Voce groups."

* Three Year Anniversary of the Effective Date of Summorum Pontificum (9/10)

* Three Year Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum (7/10)

* Una Voce's Report on the Motu Proprio (11/09)

* The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass

* Summorum Pontificum Info (Latin Mass Updates: 7/07 & Later)

* Latin Mass Facts

* Why the Latin Mass?

* Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)

[12/1]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-1-10]

2010-12-01T14:10:00.001-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-30-10]

2010-11-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

Recent News Highlights

2010-11-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

Some recent news highlights...

* Copper thieves have left a "pretty big mess" at a Bluefield (WV) parish - removing water lines & fittings, and even tearing down ceiling tiles to get to copper pipes. Although an estimate was not immediately available, the damage was described as "extensive"

* A "new big-budget TV series" covering the life of "one of the most infamous of all pontiffs", Pope Alexander VI, is being filmed in Vancouver and is expected to air next year in the U.S. and Canada

* According to a Reuters report, the Salesians have admitted to paying 'hush money' to a Dutch abuse victim who has broken his silence, allegedly 'to obtain more money' from the order. The victim was allegedly abused repeatedly by seven priests, including a priest who would later become a bishop. The order reportedly "wants to look at the facts" concerning the allegations, some of which it considers unproven

* The director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office has lamented anti-Catholicism in Scotland, referring to a "deep, wide and vicious anti Catholic hostility" and an "intolerance" of Catholics. He also reported being "disturbed by the fact that in a country where over 99% of Catholic clergy are demonstrably innocent of any offence they can be so frequently subjected to hate fuelled opprobrium" and noted that "anti-Catholic bigotry has existed in Scotland for a very long time", even before abuse allegations had come to light

* In a recent CNA interview, the German journalist who interviewed Pope Benedict for a new book stated that "the idea that Joseph Ratzinger is a Pope who is conservative, harsh, too strict, a man who likes power" is a "misunderstanding" (he also said he considers Pope Benedict to be "a very modern man"). The journalist - who was quite complimentary regarding the Pope during the interview - responded that "I should say that we do not have a friendship" when asked if he considered himself a friend of the Holy Father. [Note: In full context, he seems to mean that his relationship with Pope Benedict is not on the level of a personal friendship, but is more along the lines of a business relationship]

[11/29]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-29-10] (late edition)

2010-11-29T14:31:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Twelve people arrested in connection with recent massacre at Baghdad cathedral [11/29]

Pope Benedict commends Church in the Philippines "for seeking to play its part in support of human life from conception until natural death, and in defense of the integrity of marriage and the family" [11/29]

North Korea's deadly attack on South Korean island damaged the island's sole Catholic parish [11/29]

Catholic commentator says the 'real problem' isn't the Pope's controversial remarks on c*nd*ms but a "'dialogue with the world' that reduces the Pope to a conversationalist instead of the Vicar of Christ"; Author asserts, "As the media firestorm demonstrates, it was nothing short of folly for the Pope to provide a journalist with more than 200 pages of freewheeling remarks, many concerning the most sensitive theological and moral subjects, with a disclaimer that none of it represents Church teaching, but only the Pope sharing his personal opinions with an interviewer" [11/29]

Church in Ireland in need of radical renewal, says Dublin archbishop [11/29]

Pope Benedict holds worldwide pro-life vigil on eve of Advent season; Holy Father emphasizes the right to life and speaks of "cultural tendencies that seek to anesthetize consciences with spurious arguments", "the selfishness of adults", and "the clouding of consciences" [11/29]

Holy Father's prayer for nascent human life [11/29]

Pope Benedict to travel to West African country of Benin in November 2011 [11/29]

Jesuit astrophysicist says Hawking's theory that the universe created itself from nothing lacks "scientific rigor and validity" [11/29]

Newly ordained priest in Brazil robbed, killed [11/29]

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No scheduled news updates from 11/25-11/29

2010-11-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Please Note: There are no scheduled news updates from 11/25-11/29. For Catholic news on these dates, please try here

Pope Benedict's Remarks On Cndms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout [UPDATED]

2010-11-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

[Note: This is an adult topic. Also note that we have dispensed with our usual custom of inserting asterisks to the word 'condom' for easier reading in the text below]

Notice: Scroll down for updates

Some news accounts concerning Pope Benedict's remarks on condoms and reactions to those remarks have once again demonstrated poor reporting in much of the secular media and also have illustrated a "widespread lack of critical thinking skills" among various laity. The following highlights some facts, falsities & fallout regarding Pope Benedict's remarks on condoms which appear in a full length book interview with a German journalist.

Facts:

* The Church's prohibition against birth control remains

* Much secular reporting has been inaccurate

* Intimate relations outside of marriage are gravely sinful and put souls in peril

* The correct interpretation of the Pope's example appears to involve (already gravely sinful) homosexual relations between an HIV infected male prostitute and his 'client' (an act which 'cries out to heaven', is inherently closed to life, and is already condemned by the Church). Even so, the Pope did not "endorse" or "prescribe" the use of a condom, but rather praised the motivation of a grave sinner who was 'finally' starting to think about others, even while still harming himself and the other person. Furthermore, the Pope said specifically that use of condoms "of course" is NOT "a real or moral solution". That's a far cry from recommending condoms! Not only that, but the example used was not a faithful married couple, but rather an 'extreme' case of a male prostitute infected with HIV who was engaging in a gravely sinful act - already an act that imperils his soul. The Pope was NOT speaking about contraception per se since homosexual acts are inherently contraceptive. Condoms also do not change the evil nature of an illicit homosexual act, nor are the two situations (two homosexuals vs. a married couple) comparable in terms of contraception because a condom would be contraceptive in the case of a married couple and it would have no effect in terms of contraception in the case of homosexuals.

* The Pope's comments were "informal and non-magisterial" and represented his own personal opinion. They were not the result of long and methodological research, but rather remarks made to an interviewer, and perhaps not even well thought out remarks at that. The Pope cannot create doctrine 'on the fly'. In fact, the Pope cannot be a creator of new doctrine period. His duty is to faithfully pass on what has been received. Even an allowable change in practice (as opposed to a change in doctrine which is not allowed) wouldn't come thorough an interview!

* The Pope did not praise or encourage the use of a condom, but rather focused on the homosexual's intention to avoid harm to others as possibly being a positive 'first step' in the (still disordered) thinking of a grievous sinner. Again, the Pope did NOT praise or encourage the use of a condom and he said that use of a condom is NOT "a real or moral solution"

* The Pope did not "advise" male prostitutes to use a condom, but made reference to a case where the prostitute decided to use one on his own in an attempt to protect another person. The Pope was certainly not advising or encouraging the prostitute to engage in homosexual acts or to use a condom, but rather focusing on the prostitute's 'good intent' to try to protect the life of another person, hoping this might be a 'first step' in the prostitute's turning away from sin

* The Pope did not say that condoms stop the spread of STDs (he has said the opposite). Remember that persons infected with HIV are like 'deadly weapons' when it comes to intimate relations - condom or not. They should never engage in intimate acts which could spread the disease - condom or not. Obviously condoms don't solve the problem of AIDS since much of the world already has access to condoms, yet this has not stopped the spread of AIDS. In fact, condoms may encourage persons to engage in more risky behavior.

* The ONE & ONLY foolproof and licit method to avoid transmitting STDs is ABSTINENCE

Falsities:

* Fiction: Condom use makes for 'safe s*x'. Fact: Various reports indicate that the failure rate of condoms may range from 10%-70% over time. Use of condoms can actually cause the spread of STDs since they can give a false sense of security and lead to more intimate relations outside of marriage [more such acts - besides increasing the number of sins - means more spreading of disease (because condoms are really NOT safe)]

* Fiction: The Pope endorsed condom use. Fact: The Pope did not endorse condom use. Rather, he considered it positive that a grievous sinner attempted to avoid harm to another human being, even though his thinking was nevertheless still disordered, his actions were still sinful, and contraception is still illicit.

* Fiction: The Pope's comments were unequivocal and absolute. Fact: Various interpretations of his remarks have been presented and the wording of the comments themselves were not absolute but rather speculative (e.g. "may be", "perhaps", "some individuals", etc.). Church dogmas, on the other hand, are absolute.

* Fiction: The Pope said using condoms reduced the sinfulness of homosexual acts. Fact: The Pope did not say sinfulness was reduced, but rather praised an intention that may be a step towards turning from sin [e.g. if you decide to drive 150 mph instead of 180 mph in order to make driving 'safer' for others, you still act wrongly (150 mph is still sinful), but your intention to consider others' safety (not your action) may be a positive step moving you closer to responsible driving behavior]. Further, it is impossible for a good intention to change an intrinsically evil act into a positive act.

* Fiction: The Pope gave approval to contraception among married couples. Fact: The Pope reaffirmed the Church's teaching AGAINST contraception for married couples. For homosexuals, he did not speak, per se, about contraception, but rather about the intent of an infected homosexual who sought to avoid infecting another homosexual. And again, condoms are not "contraceptives" for homosexuals since homosexual acts are inherently contraceptive to begin with (not to mention sinful)

* Fiction: The Pope said use of condoms could be justified. Fact: The Pope said use of condoms is NOT a "real or moral solution". He pointed merely to an intention (intention - NOT action) that may be a "first step in a movement toward" proper behavior. Remember that actions can be wrong even though intentions may be good. For example, an uncharitable person who takes notice of hungry persons and begins to steal to feed them. The intention of feeding the hungry is good, but stealing is not (and is, in fact, bad). Nevertheless, an uncharitable person taking notice of the hungry is a good first step (not the action, but the intention). The person needs to be put on the correct path (not stealing in the case of hungry persons, abstinence in the case of homosexuals). Both persons would still need to repent and would still need to get on the right path. With the Pope's remarks, keep in mind that he never said use of a condom (the action) was justified or good (only that the intention may be good) [Excerpt - Pope Benedict: "There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward recovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanization of sexuality." Interviewer: "Are you saying, then, that the Catholic Church is actually not opposed in principle to the use of condoms?" Pope Benedict: "She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality."]

Fallout:

* Many Catholics have been scandalized by the Pope's remarks

* There will be increased confusion among the laity & clergy (and among those outside the Church) concerning Church teachings

* Those presently not living up to the Church's teachings may feel the Pope's remarks justify their actions

* There is fear that people and clergy will 'push the boundaries' of this supposed 'new teaching'

* Dissenters and non-faithful Catholics may use the Pope's comments as an opportunity to further their cause

* Some (even, sadly, priests) will teach - wrongly - that use of condoms is "approved" by the Pope

* Some may erroneously begin to think their situation "demands" the use of a condom to prevent a "worse evil" (such a situation requires abstinence, not a condom)

* Some will be deceived into using a condom for some supposed "greater good" (e.g. a woman who tells her husband he must use a condom to prevent the abortion she would have if she got pregnant). Both actions are gravely sinful and must not be done.

* There have already been calls for the Pope to 'expand' his comments. Interested parties have already petitioned that the Pope "allow" condoms in various other circumstances (even though he never said he "allowed" them in the first place)

* There may be more use of condoms - probably resulting in more spreading of diseases (because of the high failure rate of condoms & the false sense of security when they are used)

* Some married couples who have found it difficult to live up to the Church's teachings may find in the Pope's comments an excuse to use contraception even though this remains grievously sinful. They may "hear what they want to hear" in the Pope's words and therefore not consider this action sinful since they may feel "justified" due to various excuses. [You can be sure than anyone who "really wants" to use a condom can find some reason to assert that it's "justified"! (even though this is NOT what the Pope said)]

* Some will be angry at the Church for "not changing her teachings sooner" (even though her teachings have not changed)

* Some will blame the Church for the spread of disease due to her "past" teachings against condoms (even though those teachings are still relevant and even though those who faithfully follow the Church's teachings concerning chastity & fidelity would almost never get STDs through intimate relations). This may, perhaps, result in costly legal actions against the Church

* Some will question the infallibility of the Church for doing an "about face" on this issue (even though her teachings have not changed). The Pope's remarks may also advance the sedevacantists' cause

* Some will continue to insist that the Pope "legitimized" condom use in some circumstance because he (1) failed to issue a clear condemnation concerning use of condoms and (2) because it can be easy to misinterpret the Pope's actual statements

* An increased number of Catholics may chose to discard various other Church teachings they don't like since they may feel they have an "important reason" (even though this is not what the Pope said)

* The Pope has been criticized for seemingly encouraging homosexual acts by failing to condemn them

* The Pope's words might inspire charities to (wrongly!) promote condom use. For example, a Caritas Internationalis representative reportedly said the organization would consider "whether there are implications for our work in these reported comments of Pope Benedict". Catholics will need to be even more vigilant about where their donations go. Who would want their hard earned donations supporting 'condoms for homosexual prostitutes'?

* The Pope's words might also inspire misinformed & dissenting Catholics to hand out condoms (e.g. on college campuses)

* It is more difficult to explain even to well-meaning Catholics that condoms are not acceptable since they can so easily take the Pope's remarks out of context

* More Catholics may sin grievously (even unknowingly) via contraception and efforts at abstinence may be harmed due to the Pope's remarks

* More Catholics in a state of mortal sin due to contraception may receive Holy Communion

* More Catholics may place their souls in peril due to contraception

* The Pope's remarks may harm the situation in the Philippines regarding the government's desire to distribute condoms

* The false/inaccurate/misleading reporting in the media may help foster grave danger to souls (e.g. consider the false & misleading headline: "Pope Says Condoms Are Fine")

Other Observations:

* The Pope was under no obligation to permit this interview and, in light of the (easily predictable) fallout, it seems it would have better served the Church if the interview had not been granted. Critics have already called his comments in this matter imprudent & irresponsible

* The Pope lost a good opportunity to condemn sinful actions among homosexuals and unequivocally affirm the Church's position regarding human sexuality and contraception. Teachings against contraception are probably the most widely disregarded teachings among the laity (to their eternal peril). Catholics would have been better served had the Pope emphasized and explained these teachings - and spoke about abstinence - rather than introduce confusion regarding the teachings. Further, some may see his failure to unequivocally oppose homosexual actions as justification for such actions (which should have been flatly condemned)

* The Pope's comments may send laity & clergy on a "slippery slope", defending all manner of contraception (and other evils) "for the greater good" - even though the Church condemns contraception and evil cannot be intentionally done even for a good reason

* It seems it would have better served the Church if the Pope addressed doctrinal matters more carefully and in the usual manner rather than in an interview with a journalist who wants to sell books

* The average Catholic may be unable to properly explain the Church's teachings against contraception when questioned by other Catholics or Protestants in light of the Pope's recent remarks

* Those who promote the use of contraceptives may be complicit in others' sins. The Pope's comments may increase the number of persons who become an accessory to sin

* Remember that it is impossible even for good intentions to change the nature of an intrinsically evil act. The act remains evil even despite good intentions

* It seems demonic that in the week we saw the elevation of Cardinal Burke and the (wonderful) upset at the USCCB, we would also be faced with this "mess". Thousands - maybe millions - of Catholics have been thinking and talking about gay s*x, condoms, male prostitutes, etc. and this talk will likely continue in general conversations, homilies (with children present), at family dinners (e.g. Thanksgiving), etc.

* Male prostitutes are already doing something forbidden by the Church. They surely do not consider it relevant what the Church has to say regarding condoms. The fact is: there should NOT be male (or female) prostitutes in the first place

* Those who like to make a "lesser of two evils" argument with regard to homosexuals & condoms should note that an evil is still an EVIL. We cannot be complicit in evil! And, in the case of married couples, contraception would be the very thing that made the act evil

* It cannot really be said that it "lessens sin" for an HIV infected male prostitute to use a condom. The homosexual act itself is gravely sinful (grave sin #1). The issue of the condom is irrelevant among homosexuals in terms of contraception because the act itself is inherently contraceptive. In terms of "protecting the other person", however, they are still taking an estimated 10%-70% risk with the other person's life that is entirely avoidable (grave sin #2). So they are still guilty of committing two grave sins - the homosexual act AND risking the life of the other person. The homosexual may (arguably) sin "a bit better" by possibly reducing the level of risk, but he nevertheless commits two grave sins and the condom does not change this. If anything, others may engage in the risky behavior with him even more frequently because they think it is "safe". And, as one observer notes, Jesus never instructed his followers how to "sin better", but rather he instructed his followers to avoid all sin. Remember that the infected homosexual prostitute with a condom essentially opts for a 10%-70% chance of infecting another person when he could have had chosen 0% by abstinence, so how can he be excused for recklessly endangering another's life when he could have easily avoided it? Would you give a mass murder (or attempted mass murderer) a pass because he put only 1 - 7 bullets in a (hypothetical) gun that held 10 bullets? The only way to be completely free of guilt would be to abstain from the dangerous act entirely (an act which is of itself gravely evil).

* Say a driving instructor praised reckless drivers of stolen cars for their intent to adjust their speeding down to 150 mph instead of 180 mph. The speedy driver at 150 mph is still risking lives, even though it is true that his cutting back to 150 mph may be an indication that he has taken a 'first step' in realizing that fast driving is unacceptable (e.g. that speedy driving may harm other persons). A crime is still committed at 150 mph and the driving instructor may not praise him for driving at 150 mph or approve of his driving at 150 mph - nor of his driving stolen cars - but he could still say that cutting back to improve chances of safety was a step towards "moral responsibility" - nevertheless it's still unacceptable to go 150 mph and it is still unacceptable to steal cars. Although fewer people may get killed, it's hardly "morally responsible" to go 150 mph!. It would have been better and easier for observers to understand his comments if the driving instructor would have just insisted on driving no faster than the proper speed limit at all times and not stealing cars. Remember that some persons may take his comments as a license to go 150 mph or steal cars if they hadn't already (especially if they previously wanted to do this) or use them to justify their actions if they already drive at 150 mph or steal cars. Certainly, the driving instructor's comments may be considered imprudent and may even lead to harm (e.g. among those who got the impression he was approving of driving at 150 mph). In the case of homosexuals, it is even worse, however, since we are dealing with eternal souls. These persons may never get to the hypothetical "next step", but could die at any time - even in the midst of engaging in gravely sinful behavior. It may be "nice" to speak of conversion in "steps", but there is no guarantee anyone will live long enough or "develop" enough to get to any future steps, much less to the steps that are actually good. Jesus did not speak of such steps, but rather speaks of being prepared at all times. The driving instructor should lay down the law clearly as his Boss (God) has done.

* It should be noted that there has been controversy concerning the timing of the article in the Vatican newspaper and also concerning the translation. Some apparently find the timing (during the consistory) to be "deliberate". Further, the text was taken out of the full context, causing consternation and additional difficulties. Even the "clarification" may have brought more confusion (and even error) into the mix

* Like so many other post-Vatican II comments, God seems completely left out of the picture, yet He is the one most offended by sin.

* Faithful Catholics should consider writing the Pope, asking for a strongly worded, unequivocal clarification of Church teachings

Update (11/23/10):

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi reportedly asked the Pope personally concerning "Whether a man or a woman or a transsexual does this, we're at the same point" ("The point is the first step toward responsibility, to avoid posing a grave risk to another person") for which the Pope reportedly responded in the affirmative. Note that the point is referenced as "the first step toward responsibility", not that the act itself is a responsible act, but that the intention may be heading in that direction (a "first step" towards responsibility, not actual responsibility). Again, this refers to the intention rather than to the act itself. Keep in mind that the Pope is considering the good intention of not harming another person, he is NOT praising the use of a condom itself [likewise, one can consider the good intention of the speedy driver who cut back to 150 mph from 180 mph to 'increase others' safety' without actually praising the speedy driver for going 150 mph (although a condemnation of his speedy driving at 150 mph is certainly in order!)]

* According to a CNS report, Archbishop Fisichella has indicated that the Pope's interview 'does not represent the formal exercise of the Pope's teaching authority' and that 'Catholics are not required to agree with Pope Benedict XVI's interview comments', although they owe the Pope respect

* A National Catholic Register interviewer has asked Cardinal Burke if the Pope is saying that condoms can be permitted in some cases. The Cardinal replies in the negative, stating that he "[doesn't] see any change in the Church’s teaching. What [the Pope's] commenting on - in fact, he makes the statement very clearly that the Church does not regard the use of condoms as a real or a moral solution - but what he’s talking about in the point he makes about the male prostitute is about a certain conversion process taking place in an individual’s life. He’s simply making the comment that a person who is given to prostitution, at least considers using a condom to prevent giving the disease to another person - even though the effectiveness of this is very questionable - this could be a sign of someone who is having a certain moral awakening. But in no way does it mean that prostitution is morally acceptable, nor does it mean that the use of condoms is morally acceptable."

* The journalist who interviewed the Pope indicated that "From the beginning of the book he warns us that 'the Pope can have erroneous personal opinions'; he certainly does have 'the power of final decision' in matters of faith but this 'does not mean that he can continuously produce infallibility'. It is perhaps in this statement that we must seek the original roots of this book of interviews"

* Not surprisingly, the secular media continues to misinterpret the Pope's remarks. For example, one report claimed the Pope's comments mean that "stopping AIDS is more important than stopping condom use". The Pope's comments, however, did not actually say that. Rather, his remarks referred to a sinner beginning to having an awareness that his sinful actions are harmful to others and his attempt to mitigate that harm [like the above example when the speedy driver cuts back his speed to 150 mph... it's still sinful to go 150 mph, but the intent to cut back his speed from 180 mph for others' benefit is a step in the right direction (not that going 150 mph is an okay thing to do, just that driver's intention is at least starting to head in the right direction)]. The Pope is not giving approval to condoms, nor is he indicating that condoms can stop AIDS. He is simply speaking about an improvement in the intentions of the (still misguided) sinner

* Also not surprisingly, various groups are overjoyed over the supposed new (but NOT really real) permission for heterosexual couples to use condoms (remember that true Church teachings say that intimate relations must occur ONLY in lawful marriage and that ALL such acts must be open to life... there is NO permission given for married couples to use contraception!). And, even if other cases may be "imagined" where use of a condom can be taken as a sign that a person "has taken a step towards responsible behavior", this still does not mean that the action itself is licit, only that it may show that the intention of the person may be starting to turn in a better direction [again, when a speedy driver cuts back his speed to 150 mph, he is still behaving sinfully by driving at 150 mph, but the intent to cut back his speed from 180 mph because he wants to "protect" others is a step in the right direction (not that going 150 mph is an okay thing to do, just that the driver's intention is at least starting to head in the right direction). However, if that driver cuts back his speed to 150 mph and adds another risk (e.g. using a cell phone while driving), he is - objectively speaking - increasing his sinful behavior even as his "intention" of cutting back risk to others has supposedly "improved". In either case, he still commits grievous sin by his reckless driving. Remember, though, that one cannot approve of speedy driving or of the use of a cell phone while driving at 150 mph, but it is still possible to acknowledge that the sinner's changed intention may be somewhat improved - even though his actions are still terribly wrong]

Update (11/24/10):

* Regarding the condom controversy, Archbishop Dolan - in a recent New York Times interview - emphasized that Catholic teaching is not subject to change. In response to his statement that "You get the impression that the Holy See or the Pope is like Congress and every once in a while says, 'Oh, let’s change this law,'" he said: "We can’t." [Related: Can dogmas change?]

* Zenit has reported that "There is under way in the Philippines an 'opportunistic misuse' of the statement about condoms made by Benedict XVI in his new book." The misused remarks are, unfortunately, being used to aid the Philippine government's efforts in promoting contraception

* According to EWTN, a 'top U.S. theologian' - who notes that the papal spokesman's remarks have 'added to the confusion' - says we "ought to let the Pope speak for himself." He said the 'troubling' comments by Fr. Lombardi "seem to misrepresent what the Pope is trying to argue in the book" and noted that the use of condoms by female prostitutes would be more likely to be motivated by concern for herself than by concern for the other person

* According to a New York Times article, the president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia - who is also a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life - (the same 'top U.S. theologian' referred to above) saw an advance copy of the book and told the publisher "Don’t publish this; it’s going to create such a mess"

"More souls go to Hell because of sins of the flesh than for any other reason." (Bl. Jacinta of Fatima)

"But no reason, however grave, may be put forward by which anything intrinsically against nature may become conformable to nature and morally good. Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious. Small wonder, therefore, if Holy Writ bears witness that the Divine Majesty regards with greatest detestation this horrible crime and at times has punished it with death. As St. Augustine notes, 'Intercourse even with one's legitimate wife is unlawful and wicked where the conception of the offspring is prevented. Onan, the son of Juda, did this and the Lord killed him for it.'" (Pope Pius XI, "Casti Connubii", 1930 A.D.)

[11/22, updated 11/23 & 11/24]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-24-10]

2010-11-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vatican communiqué regarding illicit episcopal ordination in China; Action a "painful wound" and a "grave violation" that "offends the Holy Father, the Church in China and the universal Church, and further complicates the present pastoral difficulties" [11/24]

Fire at Charlotte church causes $200k in damage, no injuries [11/24]

Papal household in mourning over death of member of 'papal family' who was hit by a car [11/24]

Philadelphia priest involved in online MLM activities suspended after federal agents raid rectory [11/24]

Court rules Catholic nurse pressured to participate in abortion cannot sue employer [11/24]

Appeals court rules Archdiocese of Milwaukee negligent in handling abuse cases, insurance not liable [11/24]

Pope Benedict affirms that homosexuality "is incompatible with the priestly vocation"; Holy Father calls homosexuality in monasteries and among the clergy one of the "miseries" of the Church [11/24]

Faithful urged to join in Pope Benedict's 'unprecedented' pro-life vigil on Saturday [11/24]

Calls for 'heads to roll' at L’Osservatore Romano over "'betrayal' of the Pope and of accepted standards of journalistic ethics" [11/24]

Archbishop Dolan affirms that the Pope cannot change Catholic teaching [11/24]

-30-

Update Re: Amazon

2010-11-23T23:03:00.000-08:00

We have resolved the issues with Amazon.com related to our 11/11/10 letter (click here) regarding their selling of products that promoted criminal activities. As a result, we have decided to continue in the Amazon.com Associates program.

Please note that we have discussed the matter with Amazon.com representatives via phone and via their website. Since our initial letter, Amazon.com (or their representatives):

* notified us they have pulled the offensive book that caused the controversy

* pulled other books by the same author (according to media reports)

* provided us with a verbal apology

* indicated they were "shocked" that the book appeared on their site

* informed us that, in the future, items will be reviewed by their "I.T. guys" before being placed on the site

* both "promised" and "assured" us that the situation would not happen again

Therefore, we feel we can continue as an Amazon.com Associate. Please note: Our continuation in this program does not mean we agree with all aspects of their handling of this matter, nor does it mean we agree with all of Amazon.com's offerings (we certainly do not).

Also, in retrospect, we believe we may have acted somewhat hastily in our initial response as we failed to fully appreciate the positive effect on corporate responsibility which can result from customers' efforts to resolve such situations. We thank those who contacted Amazon and urged them to resolve this matter. Your efforts made a difference!

We plan to integrate more Amazon.com links to our site as soon as possible and hope for a mutually beneficial relationship among all parties.

[11/23]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-23-10]

2010-11-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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'Catholics are not required to agree with Pope Benedict XVI's interview comments', although they owe the Pope respect, according to Archbishop Fisichella; Interview 'does not represent the formal exercise of the Pope's teaching authority' [11/23]

Cardinal Velasio De Paolis makes changes to Legionaries' governance, personnel [11/23]

Cardinal Burke on Pope's controversial remarks: "I don’t see any change in the Church’s teaching. What he’s commenting on - in fact, he makes the statement very clearly that the Church does not regard the use of c*nd*ms as a real or a moral solution...He’s simply making the comment that a person who is given to prostitution, at least considers using a c*nd*m to prevent giving the disease to another person - even though the effectiveness of this is very questionable - this could be a sign of someone who is having a certain moral awakening. But in no way does it mean that prostitution is morally acceptable, nor does it mean that the use of c*nd*ms is morally acceptable" [Refresher: Catholic teachings on contraception] [11/23]

Sheriff's office seeking information in connection with vandalism at Mother Cabrini shrine in Colorado [11/23]

Former priest accused of abuse now charged with trying to hire hit man to kill alleged victim [11/23]

After international outcry, Pakistani Catholic mother sentenced to death for 'blaspheming Mohammed' is set free; Woman remains in hiding 'out of fear for her safety' [11/23]

Long awaited clarification document on Summorum Pontificum may be published before Christmas [11/23]

-30-

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-21 & 11-22-10]

2010-11-22T13:59:00.001-08:00

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-20-10]

2010-11-20T09:11:00.001-08:00

Recent News Highlights

2010-11-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

Some recent news highlights...

* Good news: The newly elected future Speaker of the House, John Boehner, a Catholic and 'faithful defender of unborn children', says he wants to be the "most pro-life Speaker ever", according to a LifeNews.com report [Related: Pro-Life Topic Page]

* The planned (illicit) ordination of a bishop in China by the government-backed 'Catholic Patriotic Association' (CPA) will apparently proceed despite the Vatican's disapproval. Cardinal Joseph Zen called the ordination "really shameful", according to a Fox News report

* Archbishop Dolan has been formally installed as president of the USCCB. He will serve a three year term at the helm of the U.S. bishops' conference

* Reports are circulating that Summorum Pontificum is a 'dead letter' in Scotland. Apparently, Catholics' requests for the TLM are being denied there, despite the 7/07 papal document [Related: The Traditional Latin Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass]

* A statement has been released regarding the future Ordinariate in England and Wales which indicates that "In collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Rome, the Bishops of England and Wales have been preparing for the establishment of an Ordinariate early in January 2011." Some converting Anglican leaders will reportedly be ordained "prior to Lent" in 2011 [Related: Anglicanorum Coetibus]

[11/19]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-19-10]

2010-11-19T12:22:00.001-08:00

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Rite for Saturday's consistory for the creation of 24 new cardinals [11/19]

Catholic congressman calls Chinese government a "global 'market leader' in religious persecution"; Calls for sanctions on countries that violate religious liberty [11/19]

Pope Benedict to visit Germany in September 2011 [11/19]

Dominican sisters to appear again on ‘Oprah’, hoping to reach "an audience we might not otherwise reach with the witness of our life and the Gospel" [11/19]

Consistory of College of Cardinals begins Friday with 'day of prayer and reflection' [11/19]

Sad statistics concerning marriage & family, acceptance of sin [Refreshers: Catholic teachings on sin (Topic Page)) | Catholic teachings on marriage (Topic Page)] [11/19]

Cardinal Biffi's memoirs released; Prelate refers to an "intellectual blindness" & persecution 'by homosexual activists and their ideological accomplices' [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [11/19]

Cardinal-designate Burke says it's been "difficult" dealing with "a certain number" of 'Catholic' politicians who support abortion; Prelate says "It is discouraging that either members of the Church claim not to understand this [requirement of the Church that those who publicly support abortion be denied Holy Communion] or they claim that in some way there is an excuse for someone who is publicly and obstinately in grave sin to receive Holy Communion" [Refreshers: Catholic teachings on abortion | Catholic teachings regarding Holy Communion (Topic Page)] [11/19]

Bishop Serratelli affirms new (Novus Ordo) Mass translation is on schedule, denies reports of 'major changes' [Refresher: The Traditional Latin Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass] [11/19]

-30-

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So Let Me Get This Straight...

NEWSFLASH: Good News Re: Instruction

Highlights From 'Instruction On The Application Of The Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum' (Universae Ecclesiae)

NEWSFLASH: Motu Proprio 'Clarification' Release Date: 5/13/11

Some Recent News Links

Update Re: Motu Proprio

NEWSFLASH: Motu Proprio in Danger? How To Help

Alleged Marian Apparition in Wisconsin: Answers Still Needed

Relevant Quote For Today

'News Cartoon': Food For Thought

Note To Visitors, News Resources

No scheduled news updates beginning 12/23/10

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-22-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-21-10]

Some News Highlights

Reflection of Pope Benedict on the Priesthood

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-20-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-18-10]

A Few Updates

Confused Calendars?

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-17-10]

More Recent News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-16-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-15-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-14-10]

More News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-13-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-11-10]

Some News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-10-10]

Some Quotes

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-9-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-8-10]

Islamic Persecution In Pakistan

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-7-10]

Some News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-6-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10] (late edition)

News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10]

A Few Updates

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-2-10]

More News Highlights

Una Voce Report on the Third Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-1-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-30-10]

Recent News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-29-10] (late edition)

No scheduled news updates from 11/25-11/29

Pope Benedict's Remarks On C*nd*ms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout [UPDATED]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-24-10]

Update Re: Amazon

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-23-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-21 & 11-22-10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-20-10]

Recent News Highlights

Catholic News Headlines / Links [11-19-10]

Pope Benedict's Remarks On Cndms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout [UPDATED]