His Apology Was Forced

The controversial Chicago priest who 'apologized' for his dissenting remarks and claimed that he "respect[s] and follow[s] the Catholic Church teachings" has said on a Facebook page that he was "told" that he had to apologize, even though he continues to publicly disagree with Church teachings. [Earlier story here]

Considering the wording of his earlier statement, however, most intelligent people probably already figured out that he was "forced" to apologize. The big question is how long will this dissenting priest who undermines Catholic teachings be allowed to continue as pastor. Then again, persons who are familiar with such cases probably already know the answer to that question. Let us pray, though, that we may be pleasantly surprised.

[4/17]

A Couple Updates

The following are a couple of updates to previous news briefs...

* The controversial, dissenting priest shown in online videos rejecting Church teachings and violating "many" liturgical norms, has at the same time both 'apologized' and reaffirmed his position against priestly celibacy & the all-male priesthood. Fr. Pfleger's short, incongruous statement - which contained at least one error of logic (e.g. that women should be ordained simply because they stood at the foot of the cross) - failed to address his violations of liturgical norms or reasons for the Church's position regarding priestly celibacy (click here) and the all-male priesthood [e.g. that it is impossible for the Church to ordain women (click here)]. His contradictory statement appeared on the diocesan website, apparently unchallenged.

* Update on stabbing at Phoenix parish: The daughter of the parish employee who was stabbed has indicated that her mother is expected to be released within a week. She also indicated her gratitude to the heroes who helped, including the priest who risked his safety to protect the woman. Both victims were reportedly in stable condition. According to police, the attacker had demanded his baptismal records.

[4/16]

Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* 'Religion of peace' at it again: A Philippine bishop (Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela, Basilan) says he "seriously fears" for his life and the lives of the faithful after Muslims attacked the city & destroyed his cathedral. Although the country is predominately Catholic, the Bishops' territory is mostly Muslim

* Dissenting clergy at it again: Videos of the controversial priest who was recently awarded a 'lifetime achievement award' have been circulating online which show the priest rejecting Church teachings and violating "many" liturgical norms. At the awards ceremony, Cardinal George admitted the "controversialist" priest, Fr. Michael Pfleger, has "spoken in anger, sometimes unjustly or uncharitably", but claimed that "like all good priests and pastors, he acts out of love." [A good priest speaking unjustly or uncharitably out of 'love'?]

* A church employee in Phoenix was stabbed as she unlocked a parish gate. A priest who came to her aid was also stabbed. Both victims were taken to the hospital in serious condition. Three nearby students who heard screams chased the suspect and detained him until police arrived. The motive for the assault was initially unknown, but the suspect was reportedly familiar to parish employees

* In the wake of an recent expose concerning the disgraced founder of the Legionaries, there is speculation that the revelations may force Cardinal Sodano to resign. The Cardinal, who was a "chief supporter" of the Legionaries' founder, formerly served as the Vatican Secretary of State and is presently Dean of the College of Cardinals

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has revealed that he has not spoken with Pope Benedict directly about the abuse scandals. Fr. Lombardi indicated that he gets his directions from the Vatican's Secretariat of State ("It is the Secretariat of State that decides the line, and I try to communicate that as best I can")

* A new Brazilian Archbishop has scandalized pro-lifers by his failure to condemn abortion in the case of a young girl who was abused

* A joint statement by the Thomas More Legal Centre and the Catholic Union says media accounts regarding the effort to arrest Pope Benedict during his U.K. trip "seem to have completely misrepresented the law." The groups indicate that the Pope enjoys sovereign immunity and that U.K. law "does not hold the Pope legally liable for the actions of Catholic institutions in the country." "There is not a single criminal offence under British law which could conceivably be alleged against Pope Benedict," they note

* Controversial TOB promoter Christopher West will take a 6 month sabbatical to spend more time with his family and to "reflect more deeply on fraternal and spiritual guidance" that he has received. West has been criticized for an approach that Alice Von Hildebrand said "totally lacks reverence" and which "shocked and horrified" her. Von Hildebrand also remarked that West was "derailed and is doing a lot of harm"

* Another organ donation scandal: The organ donor registry in the U.K. has reportedly "misrecorded" preferences of as many as 800K persons in that country. The Health Secretary has admitted that errors "began appearing over ten years ago." More than 20 cases have been confirmed "in which organs may have been taken from donors without their prior consent." [Note: Click here for free flier & wallet card: 'Organ Donation: Act of Charity or License to Kill?]

* Fr. James Scahill, a MA priest "praised by dissenters", has made waves by calling for Pope Benedict's resignation. He also accused the Pope of lying about his involvement in abuse scandals. Commentary: Perhaps a priest who publicly accuses the Supreme Pontiff of lying, despite the fact that he has been repeatedly exonerated and despite the fact that the priest apparently has no solid evidence to support his claim, should be reminded of the 8th Commandment.

* More dissent: Dissident Swiss theologian Hans Kung is reportedly "urging" bishops to disobey Pope Benedict. The notorious dissenter also says bishops should call for a new synod to discuss "reforms"

* An Indianapolis Catholic school being converted to a "public charter school" run by a Catholic archdiocese is raising eyebrows of non-Catholics who fear that "religion may enter the classroom" and also by Catholics angered at the removal of religious icons and the ending of prayers & religious instruction at the school. The unfortunate arrangement makes the school eligible for state funding. "To exclude the Church, founded by God Himself, from public life, from making laws, from the education of youth, from domestic society, is a grave and pernicious error." (Pope Leo XIII) [More Education Reflections]

[4/15]