Tradicat

+ JMJ Always remember to show mercy, so that you may also be shown mercy. I found the text below on "Musings ..."? There are several plenary indulgences available for the first week in November, beginning tomorrow, November 1st, All Saints Day. They are the following: 29 For the faithful departed   § 1. A plenary indulgence, applied exclusively to the souls in Purgatory, is granted to the Christian faithful who: 1° on each single day, from the first to the eighth day in November, devoutly visit a cemetery and, even if only mentally, pray for the faithful departed; [Note: one plenary indulgence for each day, if the usual conditions are met] 2° on the day of Commemoration of All Faithful Departed [November 2] (or, according to the Ordinary, on the preceding or subsequent Sunday, or on the day of the solemnity of All Saints) piously visit a church or oratory and there recite the  Pater  and the  Credo .  Source:Musings of a ...

+ JMJ While he has been silent for a while, I'd like to highlight an assertion made by Fr. Greiger: Unfortunately, it is not only the progressives who have adopted this individualistic spirit.   Even in the name of Tradition, some today speak of a pre- and post-conciliar Church, thus creating a rupture between the past and the present.   In this way, they submit everything the magisterium has to say to a test that ultimately sets the Church against itself.   ( source ) In this assertion Father is laying the responsibility for the 'rupture' at the feet of Traditionalists. I think it is safe to assume that he is including the SSPX in that classification. I've already discussed and exposed how the SSPX understands the phrase ' conciliar Church ', so we can lay that accusation to rest. As noted in part 2 , as well as in Dr. Lamont's review , the SSPX bases its position on an understanding of the pre-conciliar magisterium that is not its own crea...

+ JMJ Interesting distinction being made by the Cardinal. As a priest, bishop and finally a cardinal, I have only ever sought to serve Our Lord's Church in humble obedience to the Magisterium and to the Holy Father. Needless confusion regarding my motives does not help me in this service, especially when substantial questions of principle are at stake.  I very strongly believe that one also serves loyally by expressing a contrary judgment, in accord with the pursuit of the truth, and that one only serves faithfully when one has dutifully and clearly spoken, in obedience to one's conscience. I did not state that Pope Francis has harmed the Church.  Rather, as the now published verbatim interview reveals, I was perfectly clear that it was a lack of clarity about where the Holy Father stands on issues related to marriage and Holy Communion that had caused the harm.  It is precisely for this reason that I subsequently said that only a statement from the Holy Father hi...

+ JMJ I said in an earlier post that the history of the relations between Rome and the SSPX appear to be repeating themselves. Last Time: Good Cop: Private people in high places contacting Bishop Fellay Bad Cop: Cardinal Levada This year's version ... Good Cop: Archbishop Pozzo Bad Cop:  Bp. Semeraro I post Rorate's translation below.  This seems to give weight to Mr. Verrecchio's "Reports of openness to SSPX greatly exaggerated" . So what we have is an official notification from Cardinal Mueller (sp) and an unofficial communication that indicates a compromise on the part of Rome. Then we have the "schismatic" accusation being trotted out ... yet again (see below and Rorate for some astute commentary). Now some will automatically accuse the Pope of being two-faced. I offer a slightly different though equally possible explanation (even if it isn't as plausible).

+ JMJ History has a habit of repeating itself. Normally, you need to wait a number of years before this becomes manifest. However Archbishop Pozzo has made a statement that the SSPX won't have to capitulate on Religous Liberty or Ecumenism. As quoted by Catholic Culture: Archbishop Pozzo went on to say that while a few documents of Vatican II involve doctrinal statements, others are “authoritative and binding to a different and lesser degree.” The conciliar statements on ecumenism and on religious freedom, which have been most heavily criticized by the SSPX, are in the latter category, he said. So now that leaves just  Collegiality and Subsist ... as well as the six conditions . Of course, this is just Archbishop Pozzo speaking in an interview - which is an unofficial chain of communication. The question now is whether or not there is an official shift from the 'Accept the Council of New Mass' mantra. La Stampa Catholic Culture P^3

+ JMJ As I noted earlier, the Synod has resulted in a number of Catholics to question how this could happen. In this trying time it is important to understand the principles of the Catholic Faith, especially concerning the Infallibility of the Pope and the Church. P^3 Courtesy of Dr. Shaw - LMS Chairman

+ JMJ Well the Synod is, thankfully, over. However, at this point, instead of providing my own commentary, I will provide some by Mr. Steve Wood. I received this email from him this morning, and I can only guess at the trauma that this is causing him as a fervent convert to the Catholic Church.  He does great work and provides a much needed apostolate for the family. Pray for him and those like him to be strong in the faith and not lose heart in this combat. If you read between the lines, this really is what this fight is all about. P^3

+ JMJ I read the script for Michael Voris' little "What's a Catholic To Do?" piece and I was going to show the flaws ... and than I saw the satirical piece by the Remnant. So, in the interest of keeping some perspective, I'm going to repost what is an excellent piece taking, what I believe to be, shots at the irrational position the CMTV has decided to take.  Not to mention that they chastise people for not following their 'high road'. Of course I find it laughable that now Mark Shea as posted: "Well done, Michael Voris October 22, 2014  by  Mark Shea   59 Comments He apologizes for his “Pope Harming the Church” video:.... Source The sad thing is that all Michael did was repeat the words said by a Cardinal who just defended the perennial teaching of the Church.  Now Mark Shea thinks he did wrong, which means that Cardinal Burke did wrong. I only hope that when Michael's head stops spinning it is facing forward! Courtesy o...

+ JMJ In an earlier interview Cardinal Burke said something that should resonate strongly with Traditional Catholics: Q:    Do you not think that the crisis in morals is deeply involved with the crisis in liturgy? A:    Certainly.    In the post-conciliar period a collapse of the life of faith and of ecclesiastical discipline has taken place, seen especially in the liturgical crisis.    The liturgy has become an anthropocentric activity. It has ended up by being a reflection of the idea of man instead of the right of God to be adored as He himself asks.    From here, in the moral sphere attention is focused almost exclusively on the needs and wants of men, instead of on what the Creator has written in the hearts of his creatures.    The  lex orandi  is always bound to the  lex credendi .    If someone does not pray well, then he does not believe well and therefore he does not behave well. ...

+ JMJ Was there anyone who foresaw the danger posed by Cardinal Kasper?  Yes, Archbishop Lefebvre saw it and warned us. P^3

+ JMJ The SSPX response to the Synod thus far? As I understand it they see the iron link between the Second Vatican Council and Cardinal Kasper's 'proposals'.  He is simply being consistent. P^3 Prayer Penance Patience

+ JMJ Attached below is a Google translation of the Pope's final address at the Synod. My first thought is that he does not resolve the question put forward by Card. Burke.  We still don't know what he thinks and what he is going to do  - except make a mess. His Holiness chastises the 'traditionalists' for being pharisee's, however it is not us who are putting forward the notion that the Church should officially allow someone living in a state of mortal sin to receive Holy Communion. It is the Traditionalists who have fought the battle without any assistance from their General.  It is the Second Vatican Council all over again. Pray for the Pope, over his head hangs the sword of Damocles and the responsibility for this mess. P^3

+ JMJ In the background, while one hand attempts to destroy the Catholic Morality, the other attempts to uplift a hero of the 'reform'. P^3 Courtesy of DICI

+ JMJ DefenseNews.Com has an article that seems to indicate that there is a realization that perhaps, the US and the Western Governments are actually involved in a religious war.

+ JMJ Back in September a report surfaced that Cardinal Burke was going to be demoted. Now we have confirmation from Rorate: Link . One classical mistake that the Pope has made is to surround himself with like minded people (read: Gang of Eight). This will lead to group think and I'm afraid that (assuming good intentions) very bad decisions will be made. The demotion of Cardinal Burke is, in my mind, one such mistake. P^3

+ JMJ As expected Cdl. Kasper is trying to maneuver out from under the rock he dropped on his head (see Rorate or CMR ). This has always been Cardinal Kasper's Achilles heel. He likes to talk about his plans and manipulate people into agreeing with his 'genius'.  However, when people don't agree with his viewpoint, the veneer wears off in the thin spots. In this manner he is predictable. Ask the right questions and especially if he gets flustered, he'll give up some useful information. However, in any dealing with Cardinal Kasper or prelates of similar ilk, ensure that your SMB (save my butt) equipment is firmly in place.  In the case of Mr. Pentin, he had his recording, a recording that is now worth its weight in gold. P^3

+ JMJ Along the theme of P^3 (Prayer, Penance, Patience), and for my own reference ... here is a collection of Morning and Evening prayers from the Ideal Daily Missal along with some additional prayers. In this crisis of the Church, I do not think it is possible to do too much prayer, penance and have patience. P^3

+ JMJ Given the response of the majority of the Bishops at the Synod it appears that, finally, some lines have been reached that people will not cross. As an SSPX district superior recently said, perhaps they will work their way backwards and arrive at the root of the issue: Vatican II. There has been an explosive growth in the articles on the web and I will confess to listening only to those against the proposals of Cardinal Kasper. The best collection is, of course, from Rorate-Caeli.  Instead of linking the individual articles (all worth reading by the way!) here is a link to their tag for this event. Of all these events the following are, I believe, significant:

+ JMJ There are various 'rapture' theories put forth by the different protestant sects.  Understandably, having become a cultural assumption, it will be expressed by them by whatever means are available: Books, pamphlets, and of course movies. The following article provides a short exposition of some of the falsehoods accepted as true based on an incomplete (read: confirmation bias) understanding of scripture and Church history. That some Catholics do not realize this is error is unfortunately a sign of the confusion that reigns within the Church of Christ. P^3

+ JMJ As expected the Synod report has, like the Vatican Council, opened the doors to the World and the World is happy to oblige. Attached below is the complete text of the report, for which there are already calls that it be clarified.  Given what we've been through for the past 50 years, we should not be surprised that the document is not clear. For astute commentary please see:  John Thavis , Rorate Caeli ( here and here ). The Catholic Heral has another piece here . I expect that the SSPX will provide equally astute commentary in a few days. I plan on reviewing and adding commentary at a later time. Although, as we just celebrated the Canadian Thanksgiving, I must say that I am thankful for the SSPX. As always ... P^3 Update: More responses to the Synod Louie Verrecchio: Fan Meet Excrement Polish Bishops Conference: Unacceptable Creative Minority Report: Our Doom in the Making Rorate-Caeli: Calling Stones Bread Pro-Life Group: Synod a Betrayal Mi...

 + JMJ Cultural Beliefs of Catholics Catholics  hold a spectrum of beliefs concerning the Second Vatican Council and the events within the Church since that time. (1) Courtesy of Louie Verrecchio Some people may note that Sedevacantists are absent on the spectrum.  I think this is fine because, ideologically, once a person crosses the line to sedevacantism they begin to "pick and choose" amongst the doctrines of the Church (dogmatic facts, infallibility and indefectibility being noted inclusions).  Even if they accept the doctrines of the Church, they invariably must re-imagine them to fit their perspective. Falling off the edge of the spectrum it just like crossing a mathematical discontinuity.  Suddenly the sedevacantists find themselves ideologically companion to the protestants (heretics) and orthodox (schismatics). So everyone fits within the 'spectrum' of beliefs concerning the council and their responses to the crisis reflect those beli...

+ JMJ The Synod was held October 5 to 9th. As I write this on Sept 18th - I wonder just what will happen. Will Cardinal Kasper (and the Pope?) prevail, will there by an open schism? Here's what Rorate reported today : The shamelessness of Cardinal Walter Kasper is astonishing. After throwing an ideological nuclear bomb in the February 2014 Consistory of Cardinals, with a  pronouncement  filled with  historical and doctrinal falsehoods  to justify a joint attack on the dogma of the indissolubility of marriage, on Penance, and on the integrity of the Blessed Sacrament, in an interview published today, he now pretends that, with the release of the  book  of Cardinals (and other pronouncements by other Cardinals, including  Cardinal Pell ),  he  is the victim of "an ideological war," and that the real "target" of criticisms directed at him is Pope Francis. Therefore, he says other cardinals cannot criticize him because, in effect, h...

+ JMJ If any single prelate is the bellwether of the liberals and modernists, then it has long been Cardinal Kasper. When he was in charge of ecumencial dialogue he was always certain to be a reliable source of what the liberal elements within the Church were seeking. Now, with the synod on the Family, we'll see if it really isn't about the 'Family' as conceived by God or as the family as conceived by man ... P^3 Prayer Penace Patience

+ JMJ The application of the Second Vatican Council concept of   'elements of sanctification' from Lumen Gentium has now come to roost in the moral sphere: During yesterday afternoon’s session, “it was underlined that even imperfect situations must be considered with respect: for instance, de facto unions in which couples live together with fidelity and love present elements of sanctification and truth,” the Vatican said in its summary. “It is necessary to truly love families in difficulty.” ( source ) While is this is what has been said, it will be interesting to see what is decided. P^3

+ JMJ I've always thought that the root of the problem with 'annulments' is not only that they are easily obtained, but that the people involved weren't properly aware of what was involved. As has been shown elsewhere, there is an epidemic of poor catechesis in the Church of Christ. The sliver of sunshine has come out of the Synod. “Greater attention needs to be given to pastoral care for couples wishing to marry.” Premarital courses need to be stricter in order to prevent Church courts having to deal with piles of divorce cases. The Extraordinary Synod on the Family has highlighted the need for stricter preparation courses for couples planning on marrying “without the fear of eventually leading to a reduction in the number of weddings celebrated in Church.” Source Now it remains to be seen if the light is blotted out. P^3

+ JMJ The Pope was presented with an inter-confessinal bible. The acid test for a translation is to look at Luke 1:28: And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ( Douay Rheims )  Into her presence the angel came, and said, Hail, thou who art full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. Latin: Et ingressus angelus ad eam dixit: Ave gratia plena: Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus.( Knox ) And then we have this: The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!” ( colloquial 'You Version' - ie protestant / heretical / false translation ) The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!” ( another 'inter-confessional' translation made by the same group that provided the bible to the Pope )  I'm sorry but the Protestants are simply altering ...

+ JMJ The title of this article by Mr. Matt reads a little like a rant - but it isn't.  It is the cry of one out in the wilderness. All Catholics are and have been, out in the desert, some in an oasis of either the SSPX, FSSP, etc but a desert nonetheless. Don't give up hope! P^3 Source

+ JMJ There is obviously need for prayer if there is only an even split on the topic of communion for those living in an objective state of mortal sin. P^3 source Synod is split on issue of divorce     (©LaPresse) (©LAPRESSE)  CARDINALS AND BISHOPS AT THE SYNOD ON THE FAMILY The Vatican spokesman said participation peaked during yesterday afternoon’s session but the Synod is not counting how many are “for” or “against” communion for remarried divorcees. Meanwhile, Cardinal Coccopalmerio presented some ideas on how to make the marriage annulment process simpler IACOPO SCARAMUZZI VATICAN CITY The Extraordinary Synod on the Family is tackling the issue of remarried divorcees head on. The Synod Fathers have been dealing with the issue – which had emerged occasionally in previous discussions –   since yesterday afternoon as they work their way through the  Instrumentum Laboris , the Synod’s working document. “Participation p...

+ JMJ Another thoughtful article by Chris Jackson. Worth a good read, especially as we approach the 'end' of the synod. In thinking about Archbishop Lefebvre and the congregation he founded (SSPX in case there is any doubt), a lot of people react violently with the ' died excommunicated', schism and now heresy retorts . Ultimately, they believe that the response of Archbishop Lefebvre to this crisis of the Church was wrong. I have to ask: Wrong about what? That the Tridentine Mass was never abrogated!  Sorry, the Archbishop and SSPX (as well as all other Traditional Catholics) have been vindicated on that charge. They 'reject' the Novus Ordo Missae!   On what grounds? That it is a 'banal' product that is the absence of a due good.   No biggy there eh? All they (SSPX) are doing is repeating the conclusions of the Bishops who rejected it when the proto-Mass was demonstrated for them. After 40 years, objectively they are right.  It ...

+ JMJ Much has been made of the 'excommunication' of Archbishop Lefebvre by the 'Miberals & Loderists' within the Church.  For example the repeated accusation that Pope St. John Paul II excommunicated Archbishop Lefebvre. That isn't what really happened: In performing such an act, notwithstanding the formal canonical warning sent to them by the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops on 17 June last, Mons. Lefebvre and the priests Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson and Alfonso de Galarreta, have incurred the grave penalty of excommunication envisaged by ecclesiastical law.(4) source What a moderately careful reader will notice is that the participants in the consecration have simply incurred the penalty due to the law.  The Pope did not actually excommunicate him, he is saying that the participants excommunicated themselves. Of course the accusation then will follow that they committed the sin of schism.  Well t...

+ JMJ Some people get nervous when Rome and the SSPX meet in an official capacity. In most cases, these are people who don't abide by the same principles as the leaders of the SSPX. To resolve any confusion, Catholic principles that I've written about here and here . Fr. Nicholson is a great example of a PriestBlogger who, I hope from a state of ignorance of the principles involved, spews out all sorts of hyperbole on the topic of the SSPX.

+ JMJ Traditional Catholics who have thoroughly assimilated the cultural assumptions embedded in the Tridentine Mass will, in general, be assaulted with a variety of emotions. They will span from mere revulsion to anger. Most 'modern' Catholics don't appreciate this response to the Novus Ordo Missae. Well, at least at one point, Cardinal Ratzinger agreed with the reactions of the Traditionalists. Ita Ad Thomam has a referenced a book written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI when he was a Cardinal.  Card. Ratzinger: The Novus Ordo Reform was "a Banal On-the-Spot Product" P^3

Theological Study Part 2  II. Solution of the Problem posed by the Pope's "No" A. The Pope's "No" We saw in the first installment of this article that a bishop who experiences a state of grave general necessity of souls and consecrates another bishop "given that he has the power of Order" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Supplement, Q.20, A.1, op. cit. in, "The 1988 Consecrations: Part 1") is not questioning the primacy of jurisdiction of the pope. We have seen that he has every right to presume support for such an act required by extraordinary circumstances "in order that adequate provision be made" (ST, op. cit. in Part 1) for the salvation of souls and for the common good. The salvation of souls is in fact the supreme law of the Church and it is certain that the Church "supplies" the jurisdiction lacking whenever it is a question of providing for the "public and general necessity of the faithful" (...

+ JMJ Espoused value, in organizational behaviour, are the value presented publicly by an organization. Most of us have heard such catch phrases as: Our employees are our greatest asset!  When hard times hit and the company lays off thousands of employees it become obvious that this 'espoused value' is not truly representative of the cultural beliefs and assumptions. The same is true in the Catholic Church, which from this perspective is simply a large organization. The 'espoused' doctrinal values are: A valid marriage between two people remains valid until the death of one of the partners.  Two validly married people who civilly divorce remain married.   A validly married and civilly divorced person, who enters into a civil marriage, results in the partners living in a state of concubinage. ie. Mortally Sinful A person who receives communion in a state of mortal sin:  11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment t...