Michael Voris - A Case of Traditional Catholic Arrested Development

JMJ

I first started watching Mr. Voris in 2010 when I switched from a dial-up to DSL internet connection.
Having witnessed people go through the phases of grief at realizing what was started in from Oct 11, 1962, didn't end in Dec 8, 1965, that was only the end of the beginning, I was interested to watch his development.

Sad to say, Mr. Voris has simply become a case of arrested development.

At some point he, figuratively hit a brick wall and started to contradict himself. His recent attack on the position of the SSPX is an example of a position that he avouched in 2010 and now attacks as it is held by the SSPX.

Michael Voris, for whatever reason, has been convinced that one cannot criticise the Pope because (appraently) that will cause the person to run off to the SSPX.

I guess he hasn't realized that those who are left in their regular parishes, by an large don't have the same perspective on this crisis as he does.

In other words, I doubt very much that the SSPX will suddenly see an influx of conservative Catholics. I believe that they will mostly search out conservative priests in order to duck and cover. The only ones really at risk are those attending diocesan Tridentine Masses, that are likely to be gutted as the crisis experiences a compressor stall and flames out.

I digress ...

I think that the problem for Michael Voris is that he has an assumption that the Pope is personally protected from hurting the Church. Basically, whatever the Pope does must be part of God's plan and therefore we must not interfere.

Of course this is only my theory, but when I read things from Mr. Voris' friend (Fr. Nicholson) like this:

... At the same time he must speak of those things that touch or attack the Church's unity. He must protect the Holy Father's reputation, since the visible head of the Church is divinely protected from teaching error. ...

... I begin to wonder if I'm not too far off the mark.

This is, interestingly, related to the thought put forward by the Canon Lawyer that Voris interviewed. Specifically:

It is the more probable opinion among approved authors that refusal of obedience of a Catholic to the Pope which is not predicated upon a rejection of the principle of his authority as Roman Pontiff as Caput Romanae Ecclesiae constitutes material, not formal schism. However, if those lay faithful receiving the Sacraments from them at any one point in time also severed themselves entirely from, or refused submission in principle to, the Roman Pontiff and per can. 1330 of the Code of Canon Law manifested in word or in deed externally such actions, then they are presumed to have descended into formal schism. (CMTV Interviews a Canon Lawyer)

So, if Michael Voris believes that disobeying the Pope constitutes material schism, this would definitely arrest his development as a Traditional Catholic. Saying that the New Mass is dangerous to the Faith could be construed as disobedience. So he is stuck attacking the Bishops ... which doens't seem to be making all that much headway as ... guess what ... the Pope selects the Cardinals who select the Bishops.

So from Michael's point of view, it seems that the Pope cannot be seen to be wrong, even when he is very wrong.

The story of the Emperor's new clothes has been circulating a lot lately, and it seems to fit.

The SSPX is saying that the Emperor is naked (Voris talks about covering Noah's nakedness etc) and good Catholics are beginning to realize that yep, them duds aren't really opaque after all. Those who don't want to admit that the Emperor is theologically naked, try to shush the child. When the child won't shut up, they bring out the stick.

Speaking of stick, there is another recent case of arrested development that, I believe, is important to mention at this point in time: the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI). Like a number of others, the FFI in studying the Documents of the Second Vatican Council was beginning to reach very similar conclusions as the SSPX. I've read rumours that they were even in contact with the SSPX during the Pontificate of Benedict XVI.

Sadly, their development was brutally arrested by Rome at the instigation of a small number of misguided souls.

I believe two elements prompted the assault upon the FFI:

the broaching of two culture assumptions (Second Vatican Council and the New Mass)
their vibrant community

While this is an interesting comparison (organizational to personal), there's a limit. Simply put, the FFI just bowed down and accepted the rod of correction. Voris and his minions apparently have been bit by a rabid liberal bishop. The result is their attacks of the SSPX. I've noticed this same rabid attacks before, when someone's assumptions about the Church were challenged by the perspective of the SSPX.

The rod came out quickly in that case ...

Get ready for the flame out, it will be spectacular.

P^3

The Curious Case of Steve Skojec and the Dangers of Deep Diving into the Crisis Sub-Titled: The Failings of Others

+ JMJ It's been a while now since Steve Skojec sold 1P5 and abandoned the Catholic Faith. I've been a 'Trad' since 1982 and in those 40+ years I seen this death-spiral before with a similar end point. It seems that anyone who jumps into the fray unprepared for the enormous task of righting wrongs will, eventually, become discouraged by not the task but the people who surround them. I remember when Skojec complained of the treatment his family received from a traditional priest. This seems to have been the start of the end for him. So what can we learn from the likes of Steve Skojec, Michael Voris (maybe?), Louie Verrecchio, Gerry Matatix and other celebrity Catholics? Probably quite a lot about what not to do. First, don't burn out on the crisis? When you burn out, on work or anything else, little things assume a more greater importance than they are due. This is one of my 'canary in the coal mine' signals that I've been stretching myself too thin

Thirty Days Prayer to Our Lady -

+ JMJ Providence has cast this prayer in my path twice in the last week. I decided to post it here in order to have a copy handy. P^3 Prayer Penance Patience Source Intro Prayer With the condition of affairs in the cultural, political and physical world in a state of disarray we enter Lent - Ash Wednesday - February 25th - 2004 - more compelled then ever to pursue, diligently and faithfully, our personal road to holiness. It is a long, difficult path each of us treads, however, we do know the journey can be sweeter and more blessed if we travel it with others. Jesus has told us: "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I am with you." And there are many other biblical passages, as well, that urge us to love and help one another. A 'Thirty Day Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary ' was said by many Catholics during troubled times in their lives up until Vatican II. While looking through old stored away boxes, I came across a small white prayer b

Cathinfo and the 'resistance' perspective (updated with response to comment)

+ JMJ Matthew, the owner of Cathinfo - a resistance forum has posted a response to a person that indicated his reasons for continuing to go to the SSPX.

Fr. Burfitt on Fr. Pfeiffer's Attempted Consecration

+ JMJ Amidst the shadows cast by the publication of Traditionis Custodes, I am working on a map of the 'resistance' splinters to put their reaction in contrast with that of the SSPX. In the midst of this, I just came across Fr. Burfitt letter on the attempted consecration. Breaking it down (see below) items 2 and 3 are key. Just as the consecrating bishop is 'doubtful', even if he hadn't muffed the first attempt, Fr. Pfeiffer remain doubtful and therefore this impacts those men is attempts to 'ordain'. There were rumours that Fr. Pfeiffer was seeking episcopal consecration for years as he cast about for various bishops (also doubtful) to help him achieve this goal. I wonder how he convinced the 'doubtful' bishop to provide (twice) the doubtful consecration. What a mess! This creates a danger to the souls of his followers and wonder where it will end. Will he go full sede and have himself 'elected' pontiff as others have done before him

Communique about Avrille Dominicans - SSPX.org

+ JMJ Having completed the review of the 'Avrille' perspective, this communique from the French District Superior is perfectly timed. I believe that the 'resistance' has lost rationality and further argumentation simply results in their holding on to their false ideal all the more firmly. Pray much ... First, for them to acquiesce to the grace of humility in order to obtain a clear perspective on the principles involved. Second, that we may remain faithful to the Church, and Her Dogmas, Doctrines and Principles. Lest we become that which against we strove ... P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

Tradicat

Search This Blog