OPINION: Five 'most troubling' aspects of Pope Benedict's resignation

For a number of reasons, the surprise abdication of the papacy by Pope Benedict XVI may be troubling to faithful Catholics. The following is a brief summary of 5 'most troubling' aspects...

1. Fathers don't resign. This action may been seen by some as abandonment / quitting / jumping ship (think 'Barque of Peter'). In some ways, it may even serve to cast a shadow over Pope Benedict's pontificate. His very name change signifies something lifelong -- Simon becomes Peter and stays so until death. Unlike other bishops, the Pope changes his name -- like Christ changed Simon's to Peter. This has a special significance. Now he will keep the name, but not keep the papacy -- the very reason for having a new name. It just doesn't seem right. Fathers don't resign for poor health or old age. Even with his difficult position, this action is not necessary from a purely earthly perspective (assuming for a moment such a thing could ever be 'necessary'). Clearly his mind is good and he could always have more help with his day-to-day activities. Many people looked up to Pope John Paul II for 'hanging in there', despite his having worse health than Benedict has now. Suffering is a key part of our faith, and the Holy Father's good example of patient suffering is priceless.

2. More novelty. Men occupying the Chair of Peter have gotten old all along - for 2,000 years - but they didn't resign the papacy due to old age or frail health. Throughout history they resigned only under extraordinary circumstances. With this novelty of a pope resigning for age/health related reasons, people may no longer see the papacy as a lifetime 'job'. One huge danger of this is that it may encourage external pressure on the papacy if a pope is especially disliked by the world - something that wouldn't be an issue if there was 'no chance' of a pope resigning. The idea that a pope may 'resign' due to age/health destroys the sense of certainty regarding a Pope reigning until his death - and like all novelties, it will have consequences.

3. Lack of the spiritual. Wouldn't it have been so much better for Pope Benedict to ask God for strength to do the job and the faithful for prayers for his strength rather than for him to 'examine his conscience before God' regarding a decision he apparently already wanted to make? It recalls to mind how Protestants 'pray on it' rather than use the head God gave them to think with -- as if they have a direct answer line to God. Instead, if we already know the right thing to do, we should pray for God's help with carrying that out. In this case, it seems obvious that the 'right thing to do' for a Pope is to continue on with his duties until God calls him (i.e. death). That's what's been done for 2,000 years - getting old/frail is nothing new to mankind. Although it seems certain that the Holy Father thinks his decision is for the good of the Church, he clearly could be wrong in this NOT infallible determination. In fact, effects of his decision to step down may impact the Church in negative ways for centuries, which brings us to the next point...

4. Possible effects in the future. One of the most concerning aspects of Benedict's abdication is the effects it may have on the Church in future. This is MUCH bigger than the resignation of one pope. In fact, the papacy may never be the same again. Now that a pope has 'resigned' for mere age/health related reasons, other popes may feel internal or external pressure to resign. Some may try to force a pope's resignation. It may 'set a precedent' and future popes may be criticized for not stepping down when they are older. Also, the decision may affect the choice of a pope - older men may be avoided. Later there could conceivably be multiple 'emeritus popes'. Furthermore, now that 'resigning' is a possibility, some popes may not bravely face the papacy and simply step down when things are 'too tough'. We can't pretend this decision of Pope Benedict's won't affect the Church in the future. His decision to unburden himself of the papacy for a few weeks, months or years risks causing serious harm to the Church. Why couldn't he have just hung on, with God's help, like the others before him did, for the good of the Church?

5. 'Lowering' of the papacy. The decision to resign for health/age related reasons may be seen as 'lowering the papal office' - as if it was any other type of human institution. Being Pope is somewhat like being a king and a king should remain the king until his death, regardless of age or health. The Pope is not a CEO. He is Christ's representative. Surely God can use even the most frail or weak of instruments to accomplish His designs.

Faithful Catholics may wish the next pope would condemn the decision and reinforce the idea that the papacy is for life. But, sadly, even that wouldn't carry the same weight as abdicating being something that is 'just never done'. The dam walls have been broken and may never be repairable.

O Iesu, Fili Dei vivi, miserére nobis! (O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us!) [Latin / English]

Related: Vatican View Section

[2/28/13]

Pope Benedict XVI Resigns Papacy

Pope Benedict XVI has announced his intention to resign the papacy, effective February 28, 2013. It is the first time since the 15th century that a pope has abdicated the papal throne. The VIS announcement appears below...

POPE RENOUNCES PAPAL THRONE

Vatican City, 11 February 2013 (VIS) The Holy Father, at the end of today's consistory for causes for canonization, announced his resignation from ministry as Bishop of Rome to the College of Cardinals. Following is the Holy Father's complete declaration, which he read in Latin:

"I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is."

"Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer."

Also from the VIS mailing...

"The Director of the Holy See's Press Office explained that the Holy Father 'will move to Castel Gandolfo on 28 February, and, once he has finished the tasks he has in progress, he will take up residence in the former cloistered monastery in the Vatican. The process for the election of a new Pope will begin on 1 March. We do not yet know the exact date of the conclave, but obviously there will be no need to wait the normal eight days of mourning (novendali) after the death of the Pope. Thus, in two weeks, during the month of March, in time for Easter, we will have a new Pope ... Benedict XVI will have no role in next March's conclave, nor in the running of the Church during the time between popes, the time of Sede Vacante. The Apostolic Constitution gives no role in this transition to a pope who resigns.'"

Related: Abdicated / Deposed / Overthrown Popes | Vatican View Section

[2/11/13]

Highlights From Pope Benedict XVI's Motu Proprio On Charity

The following are some highlights from Pope Benedict XVI's recent motu proprio on Charity ("De Caritas ministranda"). The motu proprio is dated November 11, 2012 and takes effect on December 10, 2012.

Please Note: Paragraphs below may be combined and emphasis may be added. Reference numbers may be omitted.

* "In view of this, with the present Motu Proprio I intend to provide an organic legislative framework for the better overall ordering of the various organized ecclesial forms of the service of charity, which are closely related to the diaconal nature of the Church and the episcopal ministry. It is important, however, to keep in mind that 'practical activity will always be insufficient, unless it visibly expresses a love for man, a love nourished by an encounter with Christ'. In carrying out their charitable activity, therefore, the various Catholic organizations should not limit themselves merely to collecting and distributing funds, but should show special concern for individuals in need and exercise a valuable educational function within the Christian community, helping people to appreciate the importance of sharing, respect and love in the spirit of the Gospel of Christ. The Church’s charitable activity at all levels must avoid the risk of becoming just another form of organized social assistance."

* "The Church as an institution is not extraneous to those organized initiatives which represent a free expression of the concern of the baptized for individuals and peoples in need. The Church’s Pastors should always welcome these initiatives as a sign of the sharing of all the faithful in the mission of the Church; they should respect the specific characteristics and administrative autonomy which these initiatives enjoy, in accordance with their nature, as a manifestation of the freedom of the baptized. Alongside these, the Church’s authority has, on its own initiative, promoted specific agencies which provide institutionally for allocating donations made by the faithful, following suitable legal and administrative methods which allow for a more effective response to concrete needs. Nevertheless, to the extent that such activities are promoted by the Hierarchy itself, or are explicitly supported by the authority of the Church’s Pastors, there is a need to ensure that they are managed in conformity with the demands of the Church’s teaching and the intentions of the faithful, and that they likewise respect the legitimate norms laid down by civil authorities."

* "The faithful have the right to join in associations and to establish agencies to carry out specific charitable services, especially on behalf of the poor and suffering. To the extent that these are linked to the charitable service of the Church’s Pastors and/or intend to use for this purpose contributions made by the faithful, they must submit their own Statutes for the approval of the competent ecclesiastical authority and comply with the [indicated] norms."

* "In addition to observing the canonical legislation, the collective charitable initiatives to which this Motu Proprio refers are required to follow Catholic principles in their activity and they may not accept commitments which could in any way affect the observance of those principles."

* "It is the responsibility of the diocesan Bishop to ensure that in the activities and management of these agencies the norms of the Church’s universal and particular law are respected, as well as the intentions of the faithful who made donations or bequests for these specific purposes (cf. canons 1300 CIC and 1044 CCEO)."

* "It is the responsibility of the diocesan Bishop, as indicated by canons 394 § 1 CIC and 203 § 1 CCEO, to coordinate within his territory the different works of charitable service, both those promoted by the Hierarchy itself and those arising from initiatives of the faithful, without prejudice to their proper autonomy in accordance with their respective Statutes. In particular, he is to take care that their activities keep alive the spirit of the Gospel."

* "The agencies referred to in Article 1 § 1 are required to select their personnel from among persons who share, or at least respect, the Catholic identity of these works."

* "To ensure an evangelical witness in the service of charity, the diocesan Bishop is to take care that those who work in the Church’s charitable apostolate, along with due professional competence, give an example of Christian life and witness to a formation of heart which testifies to a faith working through charity. To this end, he is also to provide for their theological and pastoral formation, through specific curricula agreed upon by the officers of various agencies and through suitable aids to the spiritual life."

* "It is the duty of the diocesan Bishop and the respective parish priests to see that in this area the faithful are not led into error or misunderstanding; hence they are to prevent publicity being given through parish or diocesan structures to initiatives which, while presenting themselves as charitable, propose choices or methods at odds with the Church’s teaching."

* "It is the responsibility of the Bishop to supervise the ecclesiastical goods of the charitable agencies subject to his authority."

* "It is the duty of the diocesan Bishop to ensure that the proceeds of collections made in accordance with canons 1265 and 1266 CIC and canons 1014 and 1015 CCEO are used for their stated purposes [cf. canons 1267 CIC, 1016 CCEO]."

* "In particular, the diocesan Bishop is to ensure that charitable agencies dependent upon him do not receive financial support from groups or institutions that pursue ends contrary to Church’s teaching. Similarly, lest scandal be given to the faithful, the diocesan Bishop is to ensure that these charitable agencies do not accept contributions for initiatives whose ends, or the means used to pursue them, are not in conformity with the Church’s teaching."

* "In a particular way, the Bishop is to see that the management of initiatives dependent on him offers a testimony of Christian simplicity of life. To this end, he will ensure that salaries and operational expenses, while respecting the demands of justice and a necessary level of professionalism, are in due proportion to analogous expenses of his diocesan Curia."

* "The diocesan Bishop is obliged, if necessary, to make known to the faithful the fact that the activity of a particular charitable agency is no longer being carried out in conformity with the Church’s teaching, and then to prohibit that agency from using the name 'Catholic' and to take the necessary measures should personal responsibilities emerge."

* "The local ecclesiastical authority retains the full right to give permission for initiatives undertaken by Catholic agencies in areas of his jurisdiction, with due respect for canonical norms and the specific identity of the individual agencies. It is also the duty of the Bishop to ensure that the activities carried out in his Diocese are conducted in conformity with ecclesiastical discipline, either prohibiting them or adopting any measures needed in cases where that discipline is not respected."

[12/6/12]

Pope Benedict XVI Establishes Pontifical Academy for Latin

Pope Benedict XVI has established a new Pontifical Academy for Latin. The VIS announcement reads as follows...

Vatican City, 10 November 2012 (VIS) - By the Motu Proprio "Latina lingua" published today, Benedict XVI has established the Pontifical Academy for Latin, which will be part of the Pontifical Council for Culture. The new academy will be directed by a president assisted by a secretary, to be appointed by the Pope, and will comprise an academic council. It will supersede the foundation "Latinitas", established by Paul VI with the Chirograph "Romani Sermonis" of 30 June 1976.

"The Latin language", says the Pope in his Motu Proprio, "has always been held in high regard by the Catholic Church and the Roman pontiffs, who have promoted the knowledge and diffusion of the language by making it their own, able to universally transmit the message of the Gospel, as was authoritatively confirmed by my predecessor Blessed John XXIII in the Apostolic Constitution 'Veterum sapientia'.

"Since the Pentecost the Church has spoken and prayed in all languages known to humanity; however, the Christian communities of the first centuries made extensive use of Greek and Latin, languages of universal communication in the world in which they lived, thanks to which the novelty of the Word of Christ encountered the heritage of Hellenistic-Roman culture. After the fall of the western Roman empire the Church of Rome not only continued to use Latin, but in a certain sense also became its custodian and promoter in the theological and liturgical fields, as well as in education and the transmission of knowledge.

"In our times too, knowledge of Latin language and culture remains as necessary as ever for the study of the sources of numerous ecclesiastical disciplines including, among others, theology, liturgy, Patristics and canon law, as confirmed by Vatican Council II. Furthermore, the 'editio typica' of the liturgical books of the Roman Rite, the most important documents of the pontifical Magisterium and the most solemn Acts of the Roman pontiffs are written in Latin, precisely to emphasise the universal nature of the Church.

"However, in contemporary culture, within the context of a generalised deterioration in humanistic studies, we see the danger of an increasingly superficial knowledge of Latin, which may also be detected in the philosophical and theological studies of future priests. On the other hand, in our world in which science and technology are so prominent, we also find renewed interest in the Latin language and culture, and not only in those continents with Greco-Roman cultural roots. This interest seems particularly significant inasmuch as it is present not only in academic and institutional environments, but also involves young people and scholars from very different nations and traditions.

"There is therefore an apparent pressing need to encourage commitment to a greater knowledge and more competent use of Latin, in the ecclesial environment as well as in the world of culture at large. To give prominence and resonance to this effort, it is important to adopt teaching methods adapted to contemporary conditions, and to promote a network of relationships between academic institutions and among scholars with the aim of promoting the rich and varied heritage of Latin civilisation".

The Holy Father concludes by saying that, "in order to contribute to the achievement of these aims, and following in the wake of my venerated predecessors, with the present Motu Proprio I today establish the Pontifical Academy for Latin".

By this Motu Proprio the Pope approves the statute of the new academy "ad experimentum" for a five-year period.

Related: The Latin Language | Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition

[11/12/12]

Some Recent News Links

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]

Some News Highlights

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]

News Highlights

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]

Una Voce Report on the Third Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum

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."

Related:

* 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]

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 Trip to Spain: Here-we-go-again Media Coverage, Security Incident

Secular media coverage of Pope Benedict's weekend trip to Spain indicates that the Holy Father will be facing a "big challenge" in a "once-staunchly Catholic nation that has become one of Europe's most liberal." One observer notes that the Pope will be facing "the least Catholic Spain in history". Reminiscent of coverage preceding the Holy Father's September trip to the U.K., recent media coverage has highlighted the abuse scandal, papal protestors (one headline reads "Thousands protest pope's upcoming visit"), and the cost of the papal trip. [Heard it already.]

Also reminiscent of the Holy Father's U.K. trip are unsettling reports that a man walking his dog found confidential security documents relating to the papal visit to Spain. The documents were reportedly lost a month ago and plans have since been "adjusted". Confidential security documents were likewise found "lying around" in a pub before the Holy Father's trip to the United Kingdom (previous story here). Nevertheless, we are assured that security for the papal visit is "intense".

And, once again, we hear of coordinated efforts against the Holy Father via Facebook - this time a homosexual 'kiss in' is planned, last time there was an 'egg the Pope' effort.

However, we do seem to be missing reports of Islamic publications calling on Muslims to attend the Holy Father's events to preach Islam and tell the Pope "in no uncertain terms what Muslims think of his evil slanders" against Muhammad, so maybe there has been some progress. One can hope...

[11/5]

Highlights From Pope Benedict's Letter to Seminarians

The following are some highlights from Pope Benedict's 10/18/10 letter to seminarians...

* "Where people no longer perceive God, life grows empty; nothing is ever enough. People then seek escape in euphoria and violence; these are the very things that increasingly threaten young people. God is alive. He has created every one of us and he knows us all. He is so great that he has time for the little things in our lives: 'Every hair of your head is numbered'. God is alive, and he needs people to serve him and bring him to others. It does makes sense to become a priest: the world needs priests, pastors, today, tomorrow and always, until the end of time."

* "Anyone who wishes to become a priest must be first and foremost a 'man of God', to use the expression of Saint Paul (1 Tim 6:11)."

* "Celebrating [Mass] devoutly, and thus encountering Christ personally, should be the centre of all our days."

* "The sacrament of Penance is also important. It teaches me to see myself as God sees me, and it forces me to be honest with myself. It leads me to humility."

* "I urge you to retain an appreciation for popular piety, which is different in every culture yet always remains very similar, for the human heart is ultimately one and the same."

* "Above all, your time in the seminary is also a time of study. The Christian faith has an essentially rational and intellectual dimension. Were it to lack that dimension, it would not be itself."

* "Your years in the seminary should also be a time of growth towards human maturity."

Related: Priests & Vocations Reflections | Vocations (Topic Page) | Priests & Vocations Section

[10/18]

Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization

The Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization was formally established by Pope Benedict on Tuesday via the Motu Proprio "Ubicumque et semper". The new dicastery is charged with combating the "de-Christianization" of nations. The Council will reportedly make use of modern communications media and will use various approaches ("well-founded ideas capable of acting as support to a corresponding pastoral activity") rather than a "set formula". The post-Vatican II catechism will also be promoted by the Council, which is headed by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.

[10/12]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* A Saturday CNN special will reportedly attempt to implicate Pope Benedict in abuse scandals. The special has been criticized for 'rehashing old charges that were previously discredited' and for 'leaving out key information in order to paint the Pope in the worst possible light.' The special will apparently highlight the notorious Murphy case

* The bankruptcy plan recently put forth by the Diocese of Wilmington allows for compensation of up to $75,000 per abuse victim. While the diocese calls the plan an "important milestone" that provides "fair compensation" to abuse victims, a victims' attorney called the plan a "mean-spirited, vindictive, hypocritical act, maliciously intended to prolong the suffering of survivors"

* The Church in Germany is apparently "ready to pay compensation" to abuse victims. The amount of compensation "has yet to be determined." Unfortunately, German Archbishop Zollitsch also wants to "discuss" priestly celibacy [Refresher: Why Priestly Celibacy?]

* The recent event at the Vienna cathedral involving alleged Medjugorje 'visionaries' reportedly included another "road show 'apparition'". Unfortunately, it was reported that a "standing room only" crowd was present for the "'apparition' on demand" [Refresher: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?]

* An Ordinariate will reportedly be "ready by the end of the year" in the U.K. The Ordinariate will assist Anglicans who enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus

* According to Pope Benedict, "The organization of work, set up for competition in the marketplace and for maximum profit, as well as the idea of a holiday as time for diversions and consumption, contribute to the break-up of the family and the community and to fostering an individualistic lifestyle." The Holy Father called for "reconciling work demands and schedules with those of family life"

* Catholics in the U.K. are reportedly being encouraged by Archbishop Vincent Nichols to 'make their faith more visible' by more frequently making the sign of the cross, offering to pray for others, and by saying "God bless you"

* A "prominent European atheist" recently claimed that "the most attacked religion today is the Catholic religion." He noted "prejudice and especially major anti-clericalism" that are "taking on enormous proportions in Europe"

[9/24]

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.: Another challenge

The Holy Father may face another challenge during his upcoming trip to the U.K. with a new 'Egg the Pope' Facebook effort. Those who join the effort enter into "a non-binding contract to do your very best to throw eggs at Pope Benedict during his upcoming UK tour." It appears that more than 20 persons have already signed up to participate. Pray for the Holy Father!

Related: Prayers for the Pope

[9/7]

Papal Trip to the U.K.: Security Breach

Top secret documents concerning Pope Benedict's upcoming trip to the U.K. were reportedly left behind at a pub in England by "two smartly-dressed men" who were apparently "event organizers." The paperwork - which contained "detailed information about the Pope's movements", revealed where VIP's will be located, and even included information about water supplies - were found by a bar manager who kept them "locked away" until they could be returned. When the men did not return for the papers, the bar manager decided to hand the sensitive documents over to the police.

[9/6]

'Eclipse of God'

The following is from Pope Benedict's recently published message to youth in preparation for 'WYD' (a co-ed event - dubbed 'Catholic Woodstock' by critics - which, unfortunately, has been marked by sacrilege and is typically replete with rock music & immodest dress)... [Note: Paragraphs have been combined below]

"Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Nothing else will ever be enough. Saint Augustine was right when he said 'our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you'. The desire for a more meaningful life is a sign that God created us and that we bear his 'imprint'. God is life, and that is why every creature reaches out towards life... To set God aside is to separate ourselves from that source and, inevitably, to deprive ourselves of fulfilment and joy... In some parts of the world, particularly in the West, today’s culture tends to exclude God, and to consider faith a purely private issue with no relevance for the life of society. Even though the set of values underpinning society comes from the Gospel – values like the sense of the dignity of the person, of solidarity, of work and of the family – we see a certain 'eclipse of God' taking place, a kind of amnesia which, albeit not an outright rejection of Christianity, is nonetheless a denial of the treasure of our faith, a denial that could lead to the loss of our deepest identity. For this reason, dear friends, I encourage you to strengthen your faith in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are the future of society and of the Church! As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians of Colossae, it is vital to have roots, a solid foundation! This is particularly true today. Many people have no stable points of reference on which to build their lives, and so they end up deeply insecure. There is a growing mentality of relativism, which holds that everything is equally valid, that truth and absolute points of reference do not exist. But this way of thinking does not lead to true freedom, but rather to instability, confusion and blind conformity to the fads of the moment. As young people, you are entitled to receive from previous generations solid points of reference to help you to make choices and on which to build your lives: like a young plant which needs solid support until it can sink deep roots and become a sturdy tree capable of bearing fruit... You are constantly being offered easier choices, but you yourselves know that these are ultimately deceptive and cannot bring you serenity and joy. Only the word of God can show us the authentic way, and only the faith we have received is the light which shines on our path. Gratefully accept this spiritual gift which you have received from your families; strive to respond responsibly to God’s call, and to grow in your faith."

The Holy Father also reminded that "a world without God becomes a 'hell': filled with selfishness, broken families, hatred between individuals and nations, and a great deficit of love, joy and hope" and he advised young people to "learn to 'see' and to 'meet' Jesus in the Eucharist, where he is present and close to us, and even becomes food for our journey."

[9/3]

Some More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* The complete works of Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, in English are in process. No publication date was given.

* A diocesan spokesperson has confirmed to CNSNews that the Archbishop of New Orleans wasn't consulted about an upcoming presidential visit to Xavier University. The spokesperson also indicated that the Archbishop won't attend the event (he'll be "busy" that day). Despite the fact that the U.S. bishops have stated that Catholic institutions shouldn't give platforms or honors to those who publicly oppose Church teachings, Xavier has previously has welcomed pro-abort Obama to the campus, even presenting him with a honorary degree.

* Some good news: A U.S. District Court has issued a preliminary injunction halting expanded taxpayer funding of embryonic stem cell research, noting that such research "is clearly research in which an embryo is destroyed." The executive order issued by President Obama was found to violate federal law prohibiting taxpayer funding of the destruction of human embryos.

* More good news: NLM is reporting that the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr. F. Bacqué attended a TLM in Amsterdam on the Feast of the Assumption.

* Still more good news: This November 20, confirmations will be performed in the traditional rite at St. James' in London by Bishop George Stack.

* An Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad claims the U.S. "betrayed its duty to bring peace and security" to Iraq and will leave behind "an Iraq worse off than the one they found seven years ago." He further charged that the U.S. "thought exclusively about their own financial interests" and claimed that the people in Iraq lived better under the previous dictatorship than they do at present.

* Encouraging: According to EWTN, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors has voted to join in the appeal effort in defense of California's Prop 8. The county's voters are reportedly strong supporters of true marriage.

* A new USCCB statement has been issued for Labor Day [Commentary: The statement not surprisingly makes repeated use of the word 'dignity' (eight times), includes various liberal / progressive concepts, and makes relatively little direct reference to God]

* According to Zenit, Bishop John McAreavey is encouraging grandparents to provide "time and interest and attention" to their grandchildren since their parents 'may not have enough time for them' [How sad!]

* Peace be with you? Two women in a San Francisco parish reportedly got into a 'brawl' last weekend inside the church after one of the women refused to be silent. Reports do not indicate that either of the women suffered injures or that any arrests were made.

* Heartbreaking: A number of abuse cases have been in recent news, including: A Michigan priest deceased for over 40 yeas is now being accused of abusing "at least a half dozen boys"; A priest in Germany has been charged in connection with alleged abuse of a teenage girl (even allegedly 'threatening her with punishment by God' if she did not comply); A Knoxville priest has pled not guilty to charges concerning alleged abuse dating back to the 1970's even though he reportedly had previously admitted to abuse.

[8/24]