Recent News Highlights

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]

Papal Visit to the U.K.: Some Highlights [UPDATED]

The following are some highlights from Pope Benedict's visit to the United Kingdom...

* On route to Scotland, Pope Benedict spoke with reporters during a Q & A session. In answer to one of the questions, the Holy Father stated that the abuse scandals were a "shock" and "a source of great sadness" to him. He also said that it was difficult for him to understand "how this perversion of the priestly ministry was possible" and said he was "sad that the Church authorities were not sufficiently vigilant, not quick and decisive enough in taking the necessary measures"

* An estimated 125,000 people are believed to have gathered to welcome the Holy Father on the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday. Turnout was roughly 1 in 5 of the entire population of Edinburgh

* Queen Elizabeth II said the U.K. appreciated "the involvement of the Holy See in the dramatic improvement in the situation in Northern Ireland"

* Some 70,000 persons attended the Pope's open-air Mass on Thursday at Bellahouston Park

* Pope Benedict was reportedly "calm" on Friday despite a suspected terrorist plot that resulted in 6 arrests

* The Holy Father spoke to a crowd of about 4,000 young persons on Friday at St. Mary's University College. He also, from the Popemobile, kissed children which were lifted up to him and blessed a nine-year-old cancer survivor.

* Friday at Westminster Abbey, Pope Benedict twice declared that he is the successor of St. Peter. He also "did the unthinkable" by "praising St. Thomas More in Westminster Hall" (remember that St. Thomas More was "killed for his defense of the pope's sovereignty against the king's"). Noting the significance of Friday's events in the historically (meaning: since the King Henry VIII suppressed the Catholic religion to marry his mistress) Protestant & anti-Catholic country, one source claims the Pope's actions marked "the end of the British Empire"

* 'Ecumenical' gestures included the Pope's meeting with Anglican leadership and his reported public handshake of a female 'clergywoman'.* Predictably, there were no reminders regarding the keys to heaven, invalid Anglican orders & resulting invalid Anglican sacraments, necessity of union with the Roman Pontiff, or the necessity of being Catholic for salvation. However, as indicated above, the Holy Father did make two clear references to his being the successor of St. Peter  [* Reminders: Anglicans do NOT have valid orders (click here for more information). Further, it is impossible to ordain women (click here for more information)]

* Messages from the Pope included warnings against a "celebrity culture", "atheist extremism", exclusion of God from public life, "the spirit of the age", relativism, wealth and secularism. He called young persons to be future saints, reminding them that "true happiness is to be found in God"

* Security incidents have included the arrest of six men in London in connection with a suspected terrorist plot and an incident in Scotland involving an alleged "breach of the peace, resisting arrest and police assault" during Mass (but "not near the Pope"). Scotland had a "heavy police presence" during the papal visit

* Other incidents: As expected, there have been some protesters ("a small number" in Scotland, more in London). There were also some medical incidents involving pilgrims (reportedly over 100 were treated for "minor ailments" in Scotland, but apparently none required hospitalization). Also, the Mass in Scotland reportedly included some "liturgical misjudgments" by organizers

* Reactions to the papal visit have reportedly included weeping, silence, and "standing in awe" as the Pope passed by. Of the visit to Scotland, the papal spokesman said, "Today has been absolutely wonderful, more than we could ever have expected. The Pope is very happy and we are delighted to have such a wonderful start to this visit"

9/18 Updates...

* The six street cleaners arrested Friday in connection with an alleged terrorist plot against the Pope remained in custody on Saturday. All six men are believed to be Muslims. Since no hard evidence has been found, it is being suggested that the suspects may be released without charges after the Pope leaves for Rome on Sunday

* Pope Benedict met with and prayed with several abuse victims for a half hour or more ("longer than the prime minister got") on Saturday. The meeting was private, but a Holy See press release indicated that the Pope was "moved by what they had to say and expressed his deep sorrow and shame." He also thanked those who worked to protect young people from abuse

* Saturday saw additional protests from anti-Catholics and abuse victims. The total amount of protesters is believed to be numbered in the thousands. Although this marked "the largest protest of his papacy", the total number of papal supporters during his U.K. trip has far outweighed the total number of protesters

* Apparently, a bookmaker group staged a 'publicity stunt' involving a fake 'Popemobile', complete with a fake 'pope'. The imposter vehicle was stopped by police, but the outcome of the encounter is unknown

* In a homily on Saturday, Pope Benedict spoke on the outpouring of Christ's Blood as "the source of the Church's life". He also addressed the abuse scandals, expressing "deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes, along with my hope that the power of Christ’s grace, his sacrifice of reconciliation, will bring deep healing and peace to their lives" and acknowledging "the shame and humiliation which all of us have suffered because of these sins"

* The Holy Father also met with elderly persons on Saturday at a residential home and stated that "God wills a proper respect for the dignity and worth the health and well-being of the elderly and through her charitable institutions in Britain and beyond, the Church seeks to fulfil the Lord’s command to respect life, regardless of age or circumstances." He also reminded that the senior years "are an opportunity to remember in affectionate prayer all those whom we have cherished in this life, and to place all that we have personally been and done before the mercy and tenderness of God"

* Also on Saturday, Pope Benedict addressed young people telling them to look into their hearts and think about & thank God for the love that they have received as well as urging them to "choose to love" every day, noting that "we were made for love" and that love "has shown us what is truly important in life". He also reminded that Jesus is the source of all true love and that we must "make space for silence, because it is in silence that we find God"

* At a Hyde Park vigil on Saturday evening before the beatification of Cardinal Newman, the Holy Father spoke of suffering for the faith, remarking that "In our own time, the price to be paid for fidelity to the gospel is no longer being hanged, drawn and quartered, but it often involves being dismissed out of hand, ridiculed and parodied"

9/20 Updates...

* Cardinal Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict on Sunday. His feast day (Novus Ordo calendar) will fall on the date of his conversion, October 9

* Pope Benedict commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday, stating that "For me, as one who lived and suffered through the dark days of the Nazi regime in Germany, it is deeply moving to be here with you on this occasion and to recall how many of your fellow citizens sacrificed their lives, courageously resisting the forces of that evil ideology"

* The Holy Father met with the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales on Sunday, encouraging them to 'proclaim the Gospel afresh in a highly secularized environment'. He also addressed the abuse scandals, the new (Novus Ordo) Mass translation, and the implementation of Anglicanorum Coetibus. Regarding the new translation, he called on the bishops to "seize the opportunity that the new translation offers for in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration." In reference to Anglicanorum Coetibus, Pope Benedict asked the bishops to be "generous in implementing the apostolic constitution", at the same time essentially affirming that "the ultimate goal of all ecumenical activity" is the conversion of those who have left the Church (unfortunately, however, there was also reference to a supposed "enrichment" from heretical / schismatic sects)

* The six suspects arrested in the alleged terrorist threat against Pope Benedict were released Saturday evening or Sunday morning without being charged. They reportedly posed "no credible threat" to the Holy Father. There is some talk of the former suspects suing for 'unlawful arrest and detention', but unnamed "security sources" claimed that "the arrests were proportionate and justified" and that "intelligence received suggested this was a very serious situation" (not a "a light-hearted conversation" as some suggested). Note that the former suspects were reportedly Muslim and an Islamic publication recently issued a call to Muslims in connection with the papal trip that was feared to be an "incitement to violence"

* A papal spokesman used the terms "very, very positive" and a "great success" in connection with the Holy Father's historic trip to the U.K. Likewise, British media coverage of the event was called "remarkable" and the same term ("remarkable") was used to describe the number of cheering pilgrims in the streets of London (estimated at more than 100,000, "remarkable numbers given the indifference and downright hostility prior to the visit and the fact that Catholics make up only 10 percent of Britain's population"). U.S. media coverage of the Pope's 'first ever state visit' to the U.K. was called "mixed" by the Catholic League, which noted CNN's "relentless...criticism of a male-only clergy" and the New York Time's 'fixation' on the abuse scandal

* The Holy Father arrived safely back in Rome late Sunday night and is reportedly resting at Castelgandolfo

[9/17, updated 9/18 & 9/20]

Papal Visit to the U.K.: Itinerary Highlights

The following are some highlights from the Holy Father's itinerary for his historic September 16-19 visit to the United Kingdom...

Thursday, September 16: Scotland

Events Include: Audience with HM Queen Elizabeth, State Reception, St. Ninian's Day Parade (occurring on the streets of Edinburgh), Mass at Bellahouston Park

Friday, September 17: London

Events Include: Events at St. Mary's University College, Lambeth Palace, Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey

Saturday, September 18: London

Events Include: Mass at Westminster Cathedral, Visit to St. Peter's Residential Home for the Elderly, Open Air Prayer Vigil at Hyde Park

Sunday, September 19: Birmingham

Events Include: Beatification of Cardinal Newman at Cofton Park, Private Visit to Oratory of St. Philip Neri, Meeting with Bishops

[9/15]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* 'Cries of blasphemy' have been sparked by a Muslim worker's new gargoyle attached to the cathedral in Lyon (France) which resembles a Muslim foreman and bears a sign with the words "Allahu Akbar" in both Arabic and French. Amazingly, the cathedral's rector is reportedly "happy" about the image and finds it to be a "beautiful gesture" [Yes, that means the same phrase Muslims frequently shout before murdering non-Muslims in the name of 'Allah' now appears with an Islamic styled image on the Archbishop of Lyon's cathedral]

* Telegraph blogs editor Damian Thompson has suggested that Pope Benedict's "liturgical wishes are being shamefully ignored" in his upcoming visit to Scotland. He reports on rumors that the altar will not contain six candles and that 'extraordinary ministers' may distribute Holy Communion during papal Masses [Related: Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not?]

* Some good news: Pope Benedict will apparently say "the most significant" parts of Mass in Latin throughout his U.K. trip. The Holy Father's actions will reportedly "send a message" to liberal bishops who (wrongly!) discourage the use of Latin at Mass [Related: Why Latin / Benefits of Using Latin]

* According to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Pope Benedict may meet with abuse victims during his U.K. trip. Any such meetings would be private and would "not be announced in advance"

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has indicated that if a formal request was made the Holy See may use "diplomatic channels" to intervene for an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning. The possibility of obtaining clemency for the woman is unknown

* Cardinal O'Brien of Scotland has accused the BBC of 'plotting a hatchet job against the Vatican' with its new documentary set to air just before the Pope's visit to the U.K. He also accused the BBC of "a consistent anti-Christian institutional bias"

* Police are searching for a gunman who robbed and injured a volunteer in Burbank (IL) last Saturday who was selling gift cards for a Catholic school fundraiser

* Vandals in Calgary (Canada) "went on a rampage" on Sunday in a Catholic cemetery, "destroying tombstones, smashing sacred objects and desecrating the tomb where the heart of a noted Catholic priest is buried." Suspects are still being sought

[9/6]

Recent News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* The Diocese of Spokane may be forced to sell churches to pay abuse victims if local parishes cannot raise enough funds to avoid foreclosure. The diocese previously declared bankruptcy and sold various properties, including the chancery and bishop's residence

* Catholics in Scotland are reportedly planning to welcome the Holy Father with a "grand Scottish spectacle" and will greet the Pope with their "world-renowned warm Scottish welcome." Planned festivities include a parade for St. Ninian's Day and musical entertainment

* The Diocese of Allentown has started the defrocking process against the priest who allegedly engaged in intimate relations with a teenaged girl. Reports indicate that the intimate acts were secretly videotaped by her parents who are suing the diocese

* Vandals have ransacked a parish in Modesto (CA), causing damage to 200 year-old statues and destroying stained glass windows. The pipe organ was also broken and furniture was left "overturned and broken." The perpetrators reportedly left a "trail of blood" throughout the church

* Despite various reports to the contrary, a female was not 'ordained' a priest in Arizona as it is impossible to ordain a woman (click here for more information). The pseudo-'ordination' ceremony was reportedly conducted - not by a Catholic bishop - but by a dissenting 'twice divorced prelate' who supports fornication, contraception, and homosexuality and operates out of a "cramped strip mall"

* Cardinal Bagnasco recently lamented Italy's population decline, calling Italian society "seriously mutilated and unable to function." The country now has a negative population growth rate of -0.047%

* The President of the State of Israel is scheduled to meet with Pope Benedict at Castelgandolfo later this week. Both parties reportedly seek "sincere dialogue"

* Where's that in the missal? To mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Archbishop of New Orleans held a "symbolic jazz funeral" to "bury Katrina"

* A Georgia priest has been cleared of abuse charges after two days of hearings. The judge dismissed the charges and the ruling "prevents the priest from being prosecuted on the same charges in the future"

* Heartwarming: The apparently lifeless body of a premature baby declared dead was given to his Australian parents to say goodbye. After two hours with the grieving parents, the infant 'miraculously returned to life.' The child's mother cuddled, hugged, touched, and spoke to infant, and the events have served to "highlight the importance of skin-on-skin care for sick babies" [Commentary: Not only was the earthly life of this baby spared, but the child will hopefully now have the chance to receive baptism. For a refresher on the necessity of infant baptism, try here (link goes to relevant quotations on the 'Other Thoughts Regarding Abortion' page)]

* Two unbecoming ways to raise money...

1-Some American nuns are reportedly hosting a "Beach Surf Invitational" in New Jersey as a fundraiser for their mother house. One of the elderly nuns herself "rides the waves" and was pictured on a surfboard in the New York Post. No word was found regarding modest dress requirements for either attendees or participants.

2-Two bishops plan to participate in the "Rock 'n' Roll* Denver Marathon" in October. One of the bishops - "a longtime marathon runner" - hopes to raise funds for a cathedral, while the other reportedly hopes to "increase prayers for and awareness of vocations to the priesthood and religious life." Initial coverage of the event included a photo of one of the shorts-clad bishops.

[* "a musical genre which has been described by the Pope as the work of the Devil"]

Commentary: Are we not looong overdue for reminders such as...?

"Let them, however, have it always present to their minds that the priest even in the midst of his people must preserve intact his august character as a minister of God, being as he is placed at the head of his brethren. Any manner whatever, in which he employs himself among the people, to the loss of the sacerdotal dignity, or with danger to the ecclesiastical duties and discipline, can only be warmly reproved." (Pope Leo XIII, "Fin Dal Principio", 1902 A.D.)

"Now, however, as you know, nothing instructs others more in piety and the service of God than the lives and example of those who have dedicated themselves to the divine ministry. Therefore labor so that all who are called to the vineyard of the Lord, mindful of their proper vocation and office, abstain entirely from things forbidden to clerics and from things that are not proper for them. Then they may be an example for the faithful in word, in their dealings with others, in love, in faith, and in chastity. They must wear a clerical habit appropriate to their order and dignity, and they must perform their ministry piously and reverently. Further they must administer to the faithful, with fitting piety and reverence, the holy sacrament of the Eucharist. With it all true justice begins; or if already begun, is increased; or if already lost, is recovered. They should be devoted to prayer and study, especially sacred studies, and under your guidance let them zealously serve the salvation of souls." (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Nemo Certe Ignorat", 1852 A.D.)

"And forasmuch as, though the habit does not make the monk, it is nevertheless needful that clerics always wear a dress suitable to their proper order, that by the decency of their outward apparel they may show forth the inward correctness of their morals; but to such a pitch, in these days, have the contempt of religion and the rashness of some grown, as that, making but little account of their own dignity, and of the clerical honor, they even wear in public the dress of laymen - setting their feet in different paths, one of God, the other of the flesh; - for this cause, all ecclesiastical persons, howsoever exempted, who are either in sacred orders or in possession of any manner of dignities, personates, or other offices, or benefices ecclesiastical; if, after having been admonished by their own bishop, even by a public edict, they shall not wear a becoming clerical dress, suitable to their order and dignity, and in conformity with the ordinance and mandate of the said bishop, they may, and ought to be, compelled thereunto, by suspension from their orders, office, benefice, and from the fruits, revenues, and proceeds of the said benefices; and also, if, after having been once rebuked, they offend again herein, (they are to be coerced) even by deprivation of the said offices and benefices; pursuant to the constitution of Clement V published in the Council of Vienne, and beginning Quoniam, which is hereby renewed and enlarged." (Council of Trent)

"There is nothing that continually instructs others unto piety, and the service of God, more than the life and example of those who have dedicated themselves to the divine ministry. For as they are seen to be raised to a higher position, above the things of this world, others fix their eyes upon them as upon a mirror, and derive from them what they are to imitate. Wherefore clerics called to have the Lord for their portion, ought by all means so to regulate their whole life and conversation, as that in their dress, comportment, gait, discourse, and all things else, nothing appear but what is grave, regulated, and replete with religiousness; avoiding even slight faults, which in them would be most grievous; that so their actions may impress all with veneration. Whereas, therefore, the more useful and decorous these things are for the Church of God, the more carefully also are they to be attended to; the holy Synod ordains, that those things which have been heretofore copiously and wholesomely enacted by sovereign pontiffs and sacred councils - relative to the life, propriety of conduct, dress, and learning of clerics, and also touching the luxuriousness, feastings, dances, gambling, sports, and all sorts of crime whatever, as also the secular employments, to be by them shunned - the same shall be henceforth observed, under the same penalties, or greater, to be imposed at the discretion of the Ordinary; nor shall any appeal suspend the execution hereof, as relating to the correction of manners. But if anything of the above shall be found to have fallen into desuetude, they shall make it their care that it be brought again into use as soon as possible, and be accurately observed by all; any customs to the contrary notwithstanding; lest they themselves may have, God being the avenger, to pay the penalty deserved by their neglect of the correction of those subject to them." (Council of Trent)

[8/31]

Scottish Bishops "Secretly Wish" Pope Wasn't Coming?

The Blogs Editor of the Telegraph Media Group suspects that Scottish bishops may "secretly wish" the Holy Father wasn't visiting. Although he admits it may seem "a crazy suspicion to harbour", he cites one "church source" that says "They want an easy life, and Benedict spells trouble for them. They are wedded to the outdated and discredited liturgical practices of the 70s and all that spurious inclusiveness." The source says to "Expect a polyester-style folk liturgy which will put Scotland to shame after what happens south of the border."

[1/13]