My Catholic Source.com Blog

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-5-09]

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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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ND pro-life protestors may face $5,000 fine plus sentence of one year in jail for defense of life on Catholic campus; Catholic university president has refused to drop charges or seek leniency [9/5]

Thanks to work of association founded by an Italian priest, "a hundred online pedophile communities will be disconnected and prosecuted by U.S. and Italian authorities"; Materials uncovered show abuse of newborns and children; Priest says "It is impossible to describe the horrors we have seen, uncovered and denounced in six months" [9/5]

HLI president on Scranton bishop controversy: "The battle for orthodoxy is literally ferocious in today's Church, and it will be the dividing point between the sheep and the goats" [9/5]

If only our bishops would follow suit: Polish bishops warn Catholic politicians that they face excommunication for taking a public stand against the Church's moral teachings [9/5]

Department of Education's controversial "help the President" classroom materials might be illegal; Group says federal law prohibits DOE from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system" [9/5]

No joke: Wisconsin bishop thinks Kennedy funeral was celebrated "in a subdued fashion" [9/5]

Priest president of Canadian TV network blasts critics of Kennedy's public funeral: "Leading up to the Kennedy funeral last weekend, and in its aftermath, many so-called lovers of life and activists in the pro-life movement, as well as well-known colleagues in Catholic television broadcasting and media in North America, have revealed themselves to be not agents of life, but of division, destruction, hatred, vitriol, judgment and violence" [9/5]

Phoenix parish sues for right to ring church bells; Bishop previously sentenced to jail, probation for violating noise ordinance by ringing church bells [9/5]

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Friday, September 4, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-4-09]

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Disgusting Ice Cream

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's has officially lent its support to homosexual 'marriages' which have been 'legalized' in Vermont by renaming a popular ice cream in that state from "Chubby Hubby" to "Hubby Hubby." The s*domite-friendly ice cream packaging contains a rainbow and an image of two "grooms." The company has issued a press release which states that they have partnered with a homosexual advocacy group "to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and to encourage other states to follow the blazing trails of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Maine." Parents be warned, not even ice cream is safe anymore.

[9/3]

Cardinal O'Malley addresses criticism

On his blog, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley has tried to defend himself against his critics over the Kennedy funeral (see previous news brief). Some highlights and commentary appear below... [Note: Emphasis may be added, punctuation & typos may have been changed]

The Cardinal said...

"Needless to say, the Senator’s wake and Catholic funeral were controversial because of the fact that he did not publicly support Catholic teaching and advocacy on behalf of the unborn. Given the profound effect of Catholic social teaching on so many of the programs and policies espoused by Senator Kennedy and the millions who benefited from them, there is a tragic sense of lost opportunity in his lack of support for the unborn. To me and many Catholics it was a great disappointment because, had he placed the issue of life at the centerpiece of the Social Gospel where it belongs, he could have multiplied the immensely valuable work he accomplished."

Items missing from the above:

* Explanation of what the Cardinal means by "publicly" - being the tireless advocate for abortion that he was, Kennedy apparently didn't privately support Catholic teaching either - not that his public behavior would have been acceptable even had he held correct views "privately"

* Talk of sin - there is only talk of "a tragic sense of lost opportunity in his lack of support for the unborn" - no talk of the fact that this is gravely sinful. In fact, let's speak plainly: The Senator was an advocate for murder. This is especially serious in Kennedy's case since Scripture says concerning those who "sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth": "If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace?" (St. Paul, Heb. 10:27-29) One may find it difficult to even conceive of St. Paul speaking of a "tragic sense of lost opportunity" in connection with a public figure who advocated for abortion for decades while calling himself Catholic and receiving Holy Communion.

* Talk about the harm he did or the evil he promoted - there is only talk about multiplying "the immensely valuable work he accomplished". A person doesn't get a pass on one of the commandments even if that person happened to fulfill all the other nine "really well". As Scripture says, "For whoever keeps the whole law, but falls short in one particular, has become guilty in respect to all of it. For he who said, 'You shall not commit adultery,' also said, 'You shall not kill.' Even if you do not commit adultery but kill, you have become a transgressor of the law." (St. James, Jms. 2:10-11)

The Cardinal also said...

"The thousands of people who lined the roads as the late Senator’s motorcade traveled from Cape Cod to Boston and the throngs that crowded the Kennedy Library for two days during the lying in repose, I believe, were there to pay tribute to these many accomplishments rather than as an endorsement of the Senator’s voting record on abortion."

Commentary:

Who cares how many people came? Let's also not forget that some may have been motivated by self-interest (e.g. being a part of "history", meeting "famous" people, etc.). Wouldn't it be realistic to expect that many of today's deluded people would even attend a public funeral for Hitler? Of course, each would have different reasons. The number of persons who might attend has no bearing on whether it is appropriate for the Church to give a public funeral to a public sinner - especially a funeral which gushed so much praise on the deceased. Obviously, a public funeral which heaps praise on a public sinner who has not publicly repented is a scandal, regardless of how many might attend the service.

The Cardinal also said...

"There are those who objected, in some cases vociferously, to the Church’s providing a Catholic funeral for the Senator. In the strongest terms I disagree with that position. At the Senator’s interment on Saturday evening, with his family’s permission, we learned of details of his recent personal correspondence with Pope Benedict XVI. It was very moving to hear the Senator acknowledging his failing to always be a faithful Catholic, and his request for prayers as he faced the end of his life. The Holy Father’s expression of gratitude for the Senator’s pledge of prayer for the Church, his commendation of the Senator and his family to the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and his imparting the Apostolic Blessing, spoke of His Holiness’ role as the Vicar of Christ, the Good Shepherd who leaves none of the flock behind."

Commentary:

This seems to be a distortion on a number of levels. First, most of the critics probably would not begrudge the deceased a private funeral, especially given the reports of an attempt to "make amends." What critics disagree with is the public aspect of the funeral - the scandal of it all. The funeral - with eulogies by a Protestant pro-abortion president & politicized prayer intentions - was celebrated with the help of many priests and two cardinals (how many Catholics who actually follow Church teachings have more than one priest, much less a Cardinal, at their funeral?). Officials of the Catholic Church have publicly lavished praise on a public sinner.

What critics have talked about - what they have "vociferously" objected to - is the perceived offense against God & bad messages these actions have sent to Catholics (and others) worldwide. For example, consider: Is the Church really serious about sin?, Considering the treatment of Kennedy, could abortion really be such a big deal?, Are there no consequences for mortal sins?, Are we no longer to tremble at the thought of the Just Judge?, How can a politician with an abortion advocacy record like Kennedy's even be considered Catholic?, Does the Church consider the laws of God subordinate to political "niceties"?, Should we consider it appropriate for prelates - much less a pro-abort Protestant - to publicly praise an abortion advocate even from the sanctuary of our basilicas?, Do we really feel this treatment accorded to a public sinner pleased God?, Etc.

Furthermore, while the Senator's letter did acknowledge some failings, it also claimed that "I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of my faith." He had the audacity to include this in his letter to the Pope even despite his decades-long staunch pro-abortion advocacy (even for late term abortions!) and support for 'gay rights' & contraception. How could the Cardinal be so "moved by" this acknowledgement of failings considering that it was coupled with the patently unbelievable comment of the Senator that he "never failed" to "believe and respect the fundamental teachings of [his] faith"?

Regarding the Pope's letter, the Cardinal's remarks may be contrasted with Raymond Arroyo's previous comment that "Actually it was a note, very likely from the Secretariat of State. This is the sort of thing any member of laity receives when they send a prayer request or a Christmas card to the Pope. Cardinal McCarrick made is seem as if it had the weight of a new encyclical."

Cardinal O'Malley also said...

"As Archbishop of Boston, I considered it appropriate to represent the Church at this liturgy out of respect for the Senator, his family, those who attended the Mass and all those who were praying for the Senator and his family at this difficult time. We are people of faith and we believe in a loving and forgiving God from whom we seek mercy."

Commentary:

While it is very true that we believe in a loving and forgiving God from whom we seek mercy, it is equally true that He is a Just Judge that demands true repentance for sins and the amending of one's ways. If we omit the element of justice, we may place ourselves in danger of the sin of presumption. The big omission here in light of the public funeral is the deceased's public repentance. Hopefully he did truly repent - complete with the intention of amending his ways - so that he could receive mercy, but this is not for us to know since it was not made public. It is, however, especially worrying that he wrote to the Pope that he had "never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of [his] faith." If he was so deluded in this matter, was he even aware that he was in need of repentance for violating these teachings that the thinks he "never failed" to "respect"? It seems he would have been better served if the Church had corrected him on this matter - and others - while he was alive. As Holy Scripture says "Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid." (1 Tm. 5:20) Scripture clearly doesn't say to simply presume God's mercy.

The Cardinal states...

"Advocating for the dignity of life is central to my role as a priest and a bishop."

Commentary:

Then it's a shame that he lost the chance to (1) turn the abortion-advocating Senator around while the he was alive (e.g. possibly by refusing him Holy Communion), and (2) send an unmistakable message to the world that advocating for abortion is a serious crime that - if not repented for - will result in one's being denied a public Catholic funeral. Instead, the Cardinal sent the message that one can be a rabid pro-abortion proponent and still be praised publicly from the sanctuary of the Catholic Church. The actions of the Cardinal speak much louder than his words.

The Cardinal states that...

"...the pro-life movement is best characterized by what it is for, not against. We are for the precious gift of life, and our task is to build a civilization of love. We must show those who do not share our belief about life that we care about them. We will stop the practice of abortion by changing the law, and we will be successful in changing the law if we change people’s hearts. We will not change hearts by turning away from people in their time of need and when they are experiencing grief and loss."

Commentary:

Maybe that's part of the problem with the pro-life movement today - few seem to speak of what we are against (e.g. mortal sin, offending God). Jesus certainly didn't shy away from these topics, nor did popes or saints of the past - yet this didn't hamper their efforts to build a "civilization of love." In fact, such warnings have turned many lives around. It is obviously necessary to show kindness and compassion, but glossing over harsh truths (e.g. mortal sin, judgment, hell) is a disservice to all. The great Catholic preachers of the past knew the power and importance of speaking of judgment & hell. It is sometimes essential to show one's care for others by "tough love" - going "against" what is wrong not simply advocating what is right. Jesus & the apostles certainly did this. Regarding not wanting to "turn away from people in their time of need and when they are experiencing grief and loss", one cannot argue with that - except to say that a private funeral would have sufficed. Obviously, the most appropriate time to have handled the matter of the Senator's sins was while the Senator was still alive. But they didn't want to do this then either. Instead, they allowed the Senator to receive Holy Communion even wile sinning publicly. They apparently allowed him to continue in grave sin and scandal without correction. That is truly something to grieve about. It is also grievous that they lost the opportunity to bring mourners to repentance for their own sins by denying a public funeral for a public sinner. They were given no sense of the gravity of the Senator's decades-long public sins. Rather, he almost seemed to be 'canonized'. We certainly won't change hearts by acting as if they don't need to be changed!

The Cardinal stated,

"At times, even in the Church, zeal can lead people to issue harsh judgments and impute the worst motives to one another. These attitudes and practices do irreparable damage to the communion of the Church. If any cause is motivated by judgment, anger or vindictiveness, it will be doomed to marginalization and failure. Jesus’ words to us were that we must love one another as He loves us. Jesus loves us while we are still in sin. He loves each of us first, and He loves us to the end. Our ability to change people’s hearts and help them to grasp the dignity of each and every life, from the first moment of conception to the last moment of natural death, is directly related to our ability to increase love and unity in the Church, for our proclamation of the Truth is hindered when we are divided and fighting with each other."

Commentary:

It's hard to know where to start here. Clearly the above contains some truths, but it seems a stretch to believe that those who criticized the Cardinal's actions were "imputing the worst motives." Rather, it seems critics have been genuinely concerned about the result - the scandal, the bad effect on others - rather than the motives of those involved. Regarding "harsh judgments", would it be accurate to say that the Cardinal may think that anyone who didn’t agree him was issuing a "harsh judgment"? St. Paul - along with many other saints - certainly uttered some "harsh judgments" and it seems doubtful that the Cardinal would say that their "attitudes and practices [have done] irreparable damage to the communion of the Church." Of course it is true that we must love one another, but this doesn't mean that we are to go along with anything anyone chooses to do. Rather, Scripture tells us to "hate what is evil" (St. Paul, Rom. 12:9) and "admonish one another" (St. Paul, Col. 3:16). Jesus himself says, "If your brother sins, rebuke him" (Lk. 17:3). The Cardinal is definitely right about one thing - "proclamation of the Truth is hindered when we are divided and fighting with each other." Might we suggest that the Cardinal stop causing division by fighting against those who rightly oppose the scandal?

If giving a public funeral brimming with praise to a public sinner (who never publicly repented) - one who may be complicit in the deaths of far more (unbaptized!) persons than Hitler ever was - a person who all the while claimed to be "Catholic" and received the Holy Eucharist - is not scandalous, what ever could be?

[9/3]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-3-09]

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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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Former Archdiocese of Denver employee charged with stealing identities of nuns, defrauding charitable foundation of $391K [9/3]

Three former employees at center run by Catholic Charities charged in death of teenager [9/3]

After Justice Ginsberg says no, Bridgeport Diocese appeals to Justice Scalia to prevent unsealing of documents [9/3]

HR bill calls for a federal "Health Choices Commissioner" who would have "sweeping power to govern the health insurance plans", including the power to decide which treatments are covered [9/3]

Under-population crisis: Japan increases incentive for having children to halt its "population collapse" [9/3]

Editor of Italian Catholic newspaper resigns amidst controversy between paper and Prime Minister [9/3]

Pope appoints Congolese priest as assistant master of ceremonies for pontifical liturgies [9/3]

Group of experts in England says terminally-ill patients are being "pushed" to die early by government-run health system; Claim patients are sedated and denied food, water [9/3]

Vatican sponsored cinema award to be given to controversial filmmaker [9/3]

After complaints, Department of Education revises materials calling for students to write a paper on ways they can "help the president" [9/3]

Kansas Archbishop and Missouri Bishop join public statement "questioning the drive toward a single-payer national health-care system" [9/3]

Legion of Christ directors express regret over founder's misconduct, discuss steps taken [9/3]

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

More well-known Catholics criticize prelates in wake of Kennedy funeral

Recent days have seen more well-known Catholics adding their names to the growing list of persons speaking out in the wake of the public Kennedy funeral, particularly against the prelates who lent their support to the scandal that left Americans "totally confused about what it means to be Catholic." A couple of relevant quotations appear below.

* ALL President Judie Brown stated that: "The entire travesty, from the television cameras to spectacle itself, goes beyond anything I have witnessed in my more than 65 years of life. In fact, while we all thought the appearance of President Barack Obama at the University of Notre Dame was a scandal, the very idea that he offered a eulogy in a basilica, while the Real Presence of Christ was in the tabernacle, is perhaps the most dastardly thing I have ever seen. America witnessed this nation's most avid supporter of abortion on demand, standing in a Catholic basilica, during the Mass, speaking of a fellow pro-abort in glowing terms! That alone is such an insult to Christ that words simply cannot express my sorrow. Yet a greater source of sadness is that the Cardinal Sean O'Malley, of the Archdiocese of Boston, looked on as though insulting Christ Himself were an everyday occurrence."

* EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo, after noting the "marvelous bit of political theatre (as so much of Senator Kennedy’s funeral was)" and the Cardinal's "rather unfortunate history involving the delivery of letters, particularly those from a certain Vatican official by the name of Ratzinger" said: "The prayer intercessions at the funeral mass, the endless eulogies, the image of the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston reading prayers, and finally Cardinal McCarrick interring the remains sent an uncontested message: One may defy Church teaching, publicly lead others astray, deprive innocent lives of their rights, and still be seen a good Catholic, even an exemplary one. The casual viewer is tempted to think that Catholicism has become a Church of externals where core doctrines and major teachings are as malleable as they are in the nearest Protestant community... As a final desperate attempt to stamp the imprimatur of the Pope upon the funereal proceedings, Cardinal McCarrick read what he called the 'Pope’s response' to Senator Kennedy. Actually it was a note, very likely from the Secretariat of State. This is the sort of thing any member of laity receives when they send a prayer request or a Christmas card to the Pope. Cardinal McCarrick made is seem as if it had the weight of a new encyclical."

Of course these represent just a few of the many critical responses from Catholics who are scandalized by what they saw last weekend. Unfortunately, though, since so many prelates seem to have forgotten what the word scandal even means, it seems it might take a miracle for them to have a change of heart on such matters. But, as we know, miracles do happen - so keep praying! And, if you haven't yet voiced your concerns to those involved, why not do so now?

[9/2]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-2-09]

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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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Almost 17% of students in Nebraska Catholic high school out sick [9/2]

UN agency calls for children to become abortion advocates [9/2]

CWN believes Tornielli - who they say has "a formidable reputation for accuracy in reporting on the inner workings of the Roman Curia" - is right re: the reform of reform; Says their own sources at the Vatican confirm that "Tornielli's story was right on target" [9/2]

Another pro-abort Supreme Court justice may be planning to step down [9/2]

Group of Catholics in Poland draft law against IVF; Proposal calls for 3-year prison sentence for those "whose actions lead to" the gravely immoral IVF procedure; Polish bishops have criticized the procedure which results in the death of many embryos as "a sophisticated form of abortion" [9/2]

Bishop of Iowa notes importance of healthcare reform but opposes current legislation as it doesn't exclude abortion [9/2]

Your legislators at work: Connecticut legislators caught playing solitaire during budget debate [9/2]

"There's a lot of money involved": Pro-lifers produce documentary to "expose the 'inconvenient truth' about the money involved in the abortion industry"; Film reveals that abortion providers may purposely dispense "defective" c*ntraceptives to help meet their goal of "three to five abortions from every girl from the ages 13 to 18" [9/2]

Don't you feel secure? Department of Homeland Security sets goal to apprehend less than 30 percent of major violations at border ports entry; Commentator says "Before President Obama closes the Guantanamo Bay prison where we keep the terrorists we do capture, perhaps he should secure the ports of entry at our border where a terrorist has about a 70 percent chance of escaping capture" [9/2]

Marriage backers collect enough signatures to secure ballot initiative to overturn bill giving homosexual couples state-provided benefits of married couples; Release of signatures temporarily blocked over concern that they could be used for harassment [9/2]

Vatican "remains calm" while Italian bishops go up against Prime Minister [9/2]

Good news: Archbishop of Cincinnati bans dissenting nun from teaching over refusal to end support for women's ordination [Refresher: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests] [9/2]

CWN says Bishop of Scranton was pushed out [9/2]

New TLM locations starting this September [9/2]

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-1-09]

Monday, August 31, 2009

That's not devout

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News of the passing of pro-abort, pro-homosexual "devoutly Catholic" Ted Kennedy along with news of recent remarks made by Cherie Blair - a supposed Catholic who advocates the grave sin of contraception - we are once again faced with numerous media reports of so-called "devout" Catholics who pick & choose which parts of the faith they will follow. Perhaps such persons really are "devout" in the eyes of the godless media simply because they might attend a Mass or utter a few religious sound bites, but are they really "devout"?

How can a "devout" Catholic possibly...?

* Advocate violating the 5th commandment: "You shall not kill."

* Lend support to a grave sin that "cries out to heaven for vengeance", a sin that caused the all-loving God to condemn the perpetrators to suffer eternal hellfire (see Jude 1:7)

* Advocate a practice that contradicts the primary purpose of marriage and caused God to directly take the life of one that practiced it (see Gen. 38:9-10)

* Publicly oppose the official teachings of the Church

This is their idea of devout? Wouldn't truly devout Catholics cringe at the thought of such behaviors being considered "devout"?

Even though more educated & faithful Catholics might write off these statements as being simply ridiculous, it seems we have a duty to actually oppose such comments. The reason? For the good of others' souls. Should persons less educated in the faith hear these statements go unopposed, they may think they can also be "devout" Catholics even while obstinately rejecting Church teachings. As a result, they may put their souls in grave danger.

[8/31]

Politicized funeral?

One homosexual has happily quoted a prayer request read by a young relative of Kennedy during the former senator's funeral Mass this past weekend as "In a renewed season of hope, that my Uncle Teddy envisioned, we will rise to our best ideals and close the book on the old politics of race and gender, group against group and straight against gay. We pray to the Lord." Another source notes the prayer request aimed at passing a healthcare bill which was also read aloud from the sanctuary. Unfortunately, we can be virtually certain that there will be no reprimand from the Vatican over the politicization of the former senator's funeral.

[8/31]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-31-09]

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Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Scranton for health reasons; Holy Father also accepts resignation of Scranton's auxiliary bishop [8/31]

Father of Terri Schiavo mourned by pro-life group; Bioethics "watchdog" says his health "was broken by the ordeal of trying to save his daughter’s life and he never fully recovered from the horror of watching her dehydrate to death" [8/31]

DNA test fails to tie serial killer to murder of Ohio nun [8/31]

Italian journalist defends previous report regarding the "reform of the reform"; Says "Ever since I become a Vatican analyst I have made many mistakes and I will continue to make them, but the article in question, believe me, is not among them." [8/31]

Priest not part of Vietnam's "annual prison amnesty" [8/31]

Amazing: Despite his decades-long staunch pro-abortion advocacy and support for 'gay rights' & contraception, Kennedy claimed he was faithful to the Church: His letter to the Pope - delivered by radical pro-abort Obama (who Kennedy called a "man of deep faith") said "I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic" and says "...though I have fallen short through human failings, I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of my faith"; Apparently unconcerned about the former senator's support of the evil of abortion, Cardinal McCarrick said Kennedy's "legacy will surely place him among the dozen or so greats in the history of the Senate of the United States"; The former senator - who said he "tried to right [his] path" - received prayers and an apostolic blessing from the Pope [8/31]

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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-29-09]

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"Most pro-abortion president in history" honors Kennedy at two-hour invitation-only funeral Mass; Protestant Obama gives partially "humorous" eulogy during Catholic Mass, calling 100% pro-choice NARAL rated 'divorced' former senator - backer of abortion, contraception, embryonic stem cell research, 'gay rights', partial birth abortion & who cast votes against parental notification, a ban on cloning, and criminal penalties for those who harm the unborn during another crime - "the greatest legislator of our time"; No mention of the voiceless unborn, Obama claimed "Ted Kennedy's life's work...was to give a voice to those who were not heard"; Priest said "We welcome the body of our friend" as casket entered the church where who knows how many pro-aborts may have received Holy Communion [8/29]

Outspoken pro-life Bishop of Scranton expected to resign early, possibly due to heath reasons [8/29]

Groups file lawsuit against Obama & White House officials over e-mail 'snitch' program which asked Americans to report on 'fishy' e-mails and websites which opposed the healthcare bills that are likely to increase abortion [8/29]

Thomas More Society of Chicago files brief on behalf of NY Catholic Conference against homosexual "marriage" [8/29]

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Friday, August 28, 2009

Kennedy's Public Funeral

Human Life International has released a strongly worded statement chastising plans for a public Catholic funeral for the late pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, 'divorced' former senator Ted Kennedy. Concerned about the message sent to Catholics & the world, the HLI statement says...

* "There was very little about Ted Kennedy's life that deserves admiration from a spiritual or moral point of view. He was probably the worst example of a Catholic statesman that one can think of."

* Says honoring this champion of the culture of death with a Catholic funeral "is unjust to those who have actually paid the price of fidelity." It also refers to the "unborn who he betrayed time and time again" as well as the "rest of us who are laboring to undo the scandalous example of Catholicism that he gave to three generations of Americans."

* Claims that "Every indication of Senator Kennedy's career, every public appearance, every sound bite showed an acerbic, divisive and partisan political hack for whom party politics were much more infallible than Church doctrines."

* The statement says that "If we do not remind ourselves of the necessity of public confession for public sins such as Senator Kennedy was guilty of, then we are negligent in our embrace of the Faith and we are part of the problem. As Pope Benedict has reminded us recently, charity without truth can easily become mere sentimentality, and we must not fall into that error. A Catholic show of charity for the family must not eclipse the truth that is required of all with eyes to see and ears to hear."

The organization joins others in calling for a private funeral.

Note: We are reminded that while judgment of human actions is necessary, we must leave judgment of souls in God's hands. Pray for his soul.

[HLI article here] [8/28]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-28-09]

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Kennedy funeral "has the potential to be a scandal that will make Notre Dame's Obama day a walk in the park" [8/28]

Another historic parish lost: 170-year-old church sold to opera company [8/28]

Pope sent letter to Kennedy shortly before his death [8/28]

Homeschoolers outperform government-educated students again [8/28]

Diocese of Springfield to close nearly 20% of parishes within next two years [8/28]

UN human rights committee tells member states that they must grant special rights based on "sexual orientation and gender identity" or else they will be in violation of international law [8/28]

Chicago priest that pled guilty to theft sentenced to probation, restitution [8/28]

Poor Santa Fe: SF Archbishop criticizes bishops who opposed ND scandal; Ignoring the obligation imposed by canon law (not to mention conscience), Archbishop says withholding Holy Communion from pro-abort politicians is a "hysterical" reaction [8/28]

Uruguay representatives approve bill allowing s*domites to adopt [8/28]

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wink, wink?

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A pro-life website is reporting that Planned Parenthood in South Dakota will follow a new law requiring them to inform women that abortion kills a child (how nice of them...they will follow state law instead of having their license revoked). However, it seems appropriate to wonder exactly how they will follow the law. Presumably there is no provision in the law forbidding a wink or a very low tone of voice or small print or negating follow up comments or ... We can be sure that PP is working feverishly on ways to circumvent the oh-so-ghastly law that threatens their profits by requiring them to inform a woman that she is, in fact, ordering the death of her child.

[8/27]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-27-09]

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-26-09]

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"America’s most famous Catholic politician" - an advocate of 'gay rights' & abortion - dies at 77; Prior to becoming an abortion advocate Ted Kennedy held a pro-life position, once writing: "I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized; the right to be born, the right to life, the right to grow old." [8/26]

Converted Hollywood screenwriter to write "labor of love" screenplay about Our Lady of Guadalupe [8/26]

1 in 5 students at Tampa Catholic High absent; School has "multiple confirmed cases" of swine flu [8/26]

Thieves break into Massachusetts parish, startle priest [8/26]

SC Justice Ginsberg rules against Bridgeport: Documents related to abuse lawsuits may not remain sealed [8/26]

New Venezuelan legislation prohibits religious instruction even in private schools [8/26]

Archbishop Chaput says The Tablet has misrepresented Catholic teaching on abortion; Writer claims publication "has become an embarrassment to the Catholic Church in England and Wales" [8/26]

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-25-09]

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Bishop D’Arcy pens article defending position in ND controversy; Calls the pro-life group the "true heroes" [8/25]

Say it isn't so: Vatican "downplays" report of proposed changes to restore the sacred at Mass; Says "At the moment, there are no institutional proposals for a modification of the liturgical books currently in use" [8/25]

Another Lourdes miracle? [8/25]

25% of about 1000 surveyed Catholics favor TLM as an alternative to the NO, 12% oppose; Support for TLM higher among those who regularly attend Mass and those with advanced degrees [8/25]

White House concedes that national debt will nearly double over next 10 years [8/25]

Democratic senator calls for hearings on Veterans' guide which may promote euthanasia; Says document raises "a lot of questions" [8/25]

Pope laicizes imprisoned former secretary-general of Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith [8/25]

Time Magazine joins others in confirming that healthcare bills allow taxpayer funding for abortions [8/25]

No help to be expected from Vatican over Jewish groups' displeasure over bishops' statement; However, Cardinal says Catholics "should never cease to evangelize" [8/25]

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Monday, August 24, 2009

Both sides claiming victory

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What pro-lifers may call a "'huge, fatal blow' to the abortion lobby and a step forward in the 'unraveling' of Roe v. Wade", pro-aborts may refuse to acknowledge as a defeat. The issue at hand involves a South Dakota law which was upheld by a federal court. The law requires that doctors inform a woman having an abortion that the abortion "will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being."

The court, which said that the term "human being" could be used in a "biological sense" and not an "ideological" sense, overturned a requirement that women be notified that abortion "increases the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts", saying this was "untruthful and misleading" (tell that to affected women!). The court also overturned the provision that a woman be told that she has an "existing legally protected relationship with her unborn child."

Reportedly, both parties are considering whether to appeal.

Facing the prospect that women will hear that their planned abortion "will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being" - even though they will not hear about their increased risk of suicide or that they have a legal relationship to their babies - a pro-abortion proponent still had the audacity to state that "We're thrilled."

Yea right.

[8/24]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-24-09]

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"'Huge, fatal blow' to the abortion lobby and a step forward in the 'unraveling' of Roe v. Wade": Federal court upholds law requiring doctors to inform that abortion "will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being" [8/24]

Pope says hand is "still a bit lazy" after cast removed; Says "I still have to stay in patience school, but we'll carry on" [8/24]

Wisconsin bishops issue statement to Catholics expressing "deep concern" over state requirement to provide coverage for gravely immoral contraceptive services [8/24]

Five female parishioners go on "hunger strike" to protest transfer of priests in Fort Myers [8/24]

Connecticut priest imprisoned for theft dies of cancer at age 58 [8/24]

"Famed" Irish priest calls on Church to suspend recruiting for the priesthood over abuse [8/24]

USCCB side-by-side comparison of new Novus Ordo text [8/24]

Vatican official speaks out against "indifference" to migrants after 73 Eritreans reportedly died on journey trying to immigrate; Says "Our so-called civilized societies have in reality developed an attitude of rejection of foreigners, resulting not only from ignorance but selfishness and refusal to share what one has with others"; Authorities cast doubt on migrants' story [8/24]

Encouraging: Diocese of Venice cracks down on "inclusive" retreat center that is "not Catholic enough"; Says all existing relationships between parishes and the center "are to be terminated immediately" [8/24]

How sad: 'Waltons' star converts 99-year-old Dallas Catholic church into her new residence; Performer says: "It wasn't the religion I was seeking; it was the architecture"; Says "it has to be like an opera set. I always have the audience in mind"; Pews replaced by linoleum, "exotic" costumes hang on the walls [8/24]

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Site Outages

We regret that MyCatholicSource.com experienced a long outage lasting all day on Sunday, 8/23/09 and part of the day on 8/24/09. Since the network "upgrade" provided by our host, we have experienced a number of outages, some short, others longer. To resolve this problem, we plan to move this site to a new host as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this change will necessarily result in some short-term outages during the transition process. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Re: Site Outages [8-23-09]

We regret that MyCatholicSource.com is presently experiencing an outage. Since the network "upgrade" provided by our host, we have experienced a number of outages, some short, others longer. We are considering moving our site to a new host in the near future. Should this occur, we anticipate additional outages during and shortly after the transfer. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that we will be able to resolve this issue shortly.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-22-09]

Changes to our news archive

Our news archive has been redesigned so that news briefs & selected news links will be archived by month instead of aggregated. We believe this change makes the archive more convenient for visitors. The news brief archive index remains unchanged. To view the archive, click here. [Note: A 'permanent' link to the archive also appears at the end of the column on the News & Opinion page.]

If you have any comments or questions about this change, please let us know.

[8/22]

Friday, August 21, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-21-09]

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The priesthood misunderstood

Recently, a group of disgruntled parishioners physically locked their priest out of the parish. One parishioner claims the priest needs to be "...more social, more friendly – basically what a priest is supposed to be." She says "He's not just here to give Mass. He's here to serve the community." So, if "Fr. Bob" isn't being "social" or "friendly" enough to please his parishioners the solution is to lock him out of the church physically (and Christ with him) - even though this means no sacraments for the parishioners? Is this not childish, disrespectful, and self-destructive? Doesn't it also show a serious misunderstanding of the role of a priest?

Parishioners who want a self-affirming, social-working, friendly priest should wake up and face the facts:

(1) A good priest should be willing to shed his blood for his flock - maybe spend his entire life in a "dry martyrdom" for those under his charge. He is supposed to admonish them and correct them, not necessarily be "social" & "friendly" to them. As St. Paul instructs in 1 Tim. 5:20: "Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid."

(2) Should a priest become too "friendly" with parishioners, he might find it hard to condemn their sins, offer correction, etc. Obviously, this would ill serve the parishioners. "Beseech, accuse, correct, rebuke and fear not: for ill-judged silence leaves in their error those who could be taught, and this is most harmful both to them and to you who should have dispelled the error." (Pope Pius VI, "Inscrutabile", 1775 A.D.)

(3) Priests are authority figures - fathers. As such, part of their job is to discipline and correct. They merit respect and lawful obedience. They are not supposed to act like "buddies" to the laity, especially given the fact that so many of today's laity choose to continue in sin. "Of a truth, he who to please men would gloss over their evil inclinations or be indulgent about their incorrect ways of thinking or acting, thereby prejudicing Christian teaching and integrity of morals, would be betraying his ministry." (Pope Pius XII, "Menti Nostrae", 1950 A.D.)

(4) A priest cannot be overly concerned with public opinion: "If a parish priest doesn't want to be damned, and if there is any loose living in his parish, he must spurn the very thought of public opinion and the fear of being despised or hated by his parishioners. Even if he were certain of being lynched when he came down from the pulpit, that must not stop him from speaking out against it." (St. John Vianney)

(5) A priest's role is not primarily to serve the "social" needs of his flock. Rather, "A priest has two acts: one is the principal, namely to consecrate the body of Christ; the other is secondary, namely to prepare God's people for the reception of this sacrament" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

(6) A priest is supposed to lead and protect his flock in the midst of great spiritual dangers - not be the flock's "buddy": "These, then, are the duties of a shepherd: to place himself as leader at the head of his flock, to provide proper food for it, to ward off dangers, to guard against insidious foes, to defend it against violence: in a word to rule and govern it." (Pope Leo XIII, "Satis Cognitum", 1896 A.D.)

(7) The principal act of the priest IS to say Mass: "[T]he principal act of a priest is to consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") As Pope John Paul II has said, "The Eucharist is the principal and central raison d'etre of the sacrament of the priesthood"

(8) It is wrong to place priests on the same level as laity or to want them to act as if they were just like laity. Priests have a high dignity that should be respected. "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.)

(9) Many canonized religious would not be considered "social" or "friendly" by today's worldly standards. Rather, they were holy. Oftentimes social "niceties" and "friendless" can endanger holiness. People preoccupied with being "social" and "friendly" will most likely overlook (or even validate) sin because they don't want to appear "unfriendly". As Catholics, we are primarily called to holiness, not friendliness. In fact, we are sometimes called to act in ways that would not be considered friendly at all by worldly standards. [related user-submitted article here]

A priest's job is to teach, consecrate, and help save souls - not be a "friendly" social worker. Sometimes his duties must necessarily feel unpleasant for those under his charge - kind of like a doctor who must implement a painful procedure to save his patient's life. Catholics should thank the good priests who risk being thought of as "not social" or "unfriendly" in order to help them secure a blessed eternity.

"With all your soul, fear God, revere his priests. With all your strength, love your Creator, forsake not his ministers." (Sirach 7:29-30)

[8/20]

Sacrilege in the name of charity?

In a story almost too shocking for words, we find that Vietnamese priests are aiding & abetting sacrilege because they think it's somehow "charitable".

According to one news account:

* Priests knowingly go against the Church's teaching to sacrilegiously give the Holy Eucharist to divorced and "remarried" persons

* Priests also knowingly violate Church teachings to sacrilegiously give the Blessed Sacrament to those who use contraceptives

* Priests apparently encourage parishioners to make sacrilegious confessions - their "remarried" and contracepting "penitents" have no intention of stopping their sins but go to confession for the very purpose of being allowed to make a blasphemous Communion. "Neither will that confession deliver you which is made without true repentance. For true repentance is a grief of heart and sorrow of soul because of the evils a man has committed. True repentance causes us to grieve over them with a firm intention of never committing them again." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church)

* Priests apparently knowingly give absolution to "remarried" and contracepting "penitents" who have no intention of stopping their sin. They apparently ignore the fact that, when deciding whether or not to absolve, they are obligated to "be careful to observe if the penitent be truly contrite for his sins, and deliberately and firmly resolved to avoid sin for the future." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)

Not surprisingly, the misguided sinners think the actions of priest(s) who violate Church laws are a good thing because the "feel" better as a result of their actions.

According to the same story:

* One "remarried" parishioner (otherwise known as an adulterer - see Mt. 5:31-32, Mt. 19:3-9, Mk. 10:2-12, Lk. 16:18) who "felt miserable" because he and his "wife" were denied the Holy Eucharist for decades now says his "faith life revived rapidly since I received Holy Communion". But how could it really be true that a sacrilegious Communion "revived" his faith life? Scripture says that "whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:27)

He said he feels that "People like us need to feel God's closeness most through Holy Communion, which heals us spiritually" - obviously failing to realize that his blasphemous actions have not healed him (or his partner in adultery), but rather their actions have made both of them worse. The only way to really be healed spiritually would be to make a true Confession - including repenting of the adulterous union and putting an end to it.

Further, he apparently added a blasphemous confession to his list of sins in order to receive the Holy Eucharist (since he obviously intended to continue living as an adulterer even as he "repented" of his sins), thanks to help from his parish priest, an apparent conspirator in (or instigator of) the sin.

He is also - arguably - less likely to change his adulterous situation because he has found a priest willing to violate the laws of the Church in order to serve his desires, thereby risking his eternal soul. "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." (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

He has remained in his adulterous "marriage" for over 50 years and apparently thinks that the passage of time could somehow mitigate his sin - rather than aggravate it. Spending most of one's life in adultery would increase one's sins, not decrease them!

Sadly, but predictably, after making his blasphemous Communion he reports that he now feels "much happier"

* The complicit priest in the above case says he also does the same for 20 other people "in the same situation"

* The priest seems to be ignorant of the fact that going to confession without a resolve to stop sinning would invalidate the sacrament and make it sinful. Receiving the Holy Eucharist in such a state would, in fact, add another serious sin ["Can. 907 The precept of confessing sins is not satisfied by one who makes a sacrilegious confession or one that is intentionally null." (1917 Code of Canon Law)]

* Priests also apparently give absolution to persons they know are using contraceptives and do not plan to stop using them. Do these misguided priests actually think that if a government is oppressive, the citizens will get a pass to break God's laws? Hardly! Rather, confessions in which "penitents" do not have the intent to stop their grievous sins are sinful and invalid.

* One priest actually believes that enabling blasphemous Communions during Easter time is a "way to show them God's love and empathize with their suffering". Hello? Offending God - sin - is NOT a way to show love or empathy.

" The priest seems to think that "allowing them to receive Holy Communion is a way to welcome them back" to the Church. So adding a serious sin to one's existing serious sin is a way back into the Church? Hardly. Basic catechism teaches that re-entry necessitates true repentance for sin.

" Apparently, other priests admit that they also allow the above, but may do so in private to "avoid scandal". As if God doesn't see what they are doing!

These priests are derelict in their duties by not telling their sinful flock that they face grave eternal consequences for their sins. They are exposing the Eucharist to sacrilege, the sacrament of Penance to blasphemy, willfully disobeying the laws of the Church, and are making themselves complicit in the grave sins of others. The fact that some people may feel "happier" as a result of priests' misguided actions does not matter. What good does it really do for someone tottering on the edge of a cliff if to be made to feel "happy"? Isn't it better to try to snatch them from the edge of the cliff for their own good - even if it makes them feel less "happy"? No one is happy in hell. But Christ assures us that those who commit serious sin without true repentance will go there. And it's the priest's job to tell them that.

"Proper dispositions for Penance: "The right dispositions for Penance are: (1) To confess all our moral sins as we know them; (2) To be sorry for them, and (3) to have the determination never to commit them or others again." (Baltimore Catechism)

"It is a beautiful thought, my children, that we have a Sacrament which heals the wounds of our soul! But we must receive it with good dispositions. Otherwise we make new wounds upon the old ones. What would you say of a man covered with wounds who is advised to go to the hospital to show himself to the surgeon? The surgeon cures him by giving him remedies. But, behold! this man takes his knife, gives himself great blows with it and makes himself worse than he was before. Well, that is what you often do after leaving the confessional [after a bad confession]." (Catechism of St. John Vianney)

[8/20]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-20-09]

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Vatican to prepare "brief, forceful and very clear" document regarding formation of seminarians [8/20]

"Scripture quoting Obama" tells "left wing religious audience" that healthcare legislation doesn't cover federally funded abortions; Pro-lifers say his statements misrepresent the truth [8/20]

HSLDA says Sweden will soon ban homeschooling [8/20]

Panel of experts says healthcare legislation reform bill "opens the door for millions of illegal aliens and other non-citizens to receive medical services paid for by taxpayers"; Says bills do not require government healthcare participants to verify eligibility and amendments to require verification of citizenship were voted down twice; Panelists say legislation will create more incentives for illegal immigration [8/20]

Hospital that "forced" Catholic nurse to assist in an abortion against her objections now argues that she has "no legal rights to defend herself in court" [8/20]

Amazing: Mass suspended indefinitely after parishioners lock priest out of parish; Protester says Colombian priest "is out of touch and looks down on the Latino community"; Parishioner claims he needs to be more "social" and "friendly" [8/20]

Conference official responds to PP attack against bishops: "Taking human life is not health care", c*ntraceptives do not reduce abortion [8/20]

Analyst on Canadian Catholic schools: "No matter how you slice this data, the Catholic boards outperform the public boards"; Report shows 10 of top 11 schools in province are Catholic [8/20]

Vatican confirms diocesan discipline of Portland priest accused of abuse [8/20]

-30-

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Death penalty for the innocent?

Catholic Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia recently wrote that the matter of executing an 'actually' innocent party is "unresolved." He says:

"This court has never held that the Constitution forbids the execution of a convicted defendant who has had a full and fair trial but is later able to convince a habeas court that he is 'actually' innocent"

He adds,

"Quite to the contrary, we have repeatedly left that question unresolved."

Imposing the death penalty in cases where a party is a guilty of a serious crime is one thing. It is quite another to execute an 'actually' innocent person. And for a Catholic Supreme Court Justice to say the matter has been left "unresolved" - is that not chilling?

[8/19]

Solace for Traditional Catholics

Attention traditional Catholics: Don't miss the amazing "bombshell interview" with the Maestro Perpetuo ("director for life") of the Sistine Chapel, Monsignor Domenico Bartolucci, which is linked to on our site (see "Selected News Links"). In this interview, you may find jewels such as...

* The fact that he has celebrated the TLM "without interruption" since his ordination, and has found it "difficult" to celebrate the Novus Ordo

* Regarding modern (shall we say "festive"?) funerals, he asks if the people have ever read the Gospel (referencing how Jesus cried over the death of Lazarus)

* He says liturgists have been made who "know nothing about theology"

* He worries that people in the future - even the priest - may not understand what transubstantiation is

* He says "twisting the liturgy" became "kind of fashion" where "everybody was trying to be like popes"

* He says young generations of priests while "full of good feelings" may "lack in education"

* He says the liturgical problem is "serious" and says the Novus Ordo has "deficiencies" that are now "becoming evident for everybody"

* He warns about hybrid liturgical measures with compromises "that make God sad and the enemy happy"

Note that Msgr. Domenico Bartolucci has served under five popes.

[8/19]

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Friday, September 4, 2009

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

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