Author of The Wanderer's weekly column, and blog of the same name, What does the Prayer Really Say?, Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, has a really good post up. He looks at todays second reading, 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, through the lens of St. Augustine.
Go there and read it!
Sunday, July 9, 2006
July 9 2006 Day of Recollection - Photos
It's always a grand day at Grotto when the priests of Opus Angelorum, aka the Fathers of the Holy Cross, holds a Day of Recollection.
Grotto can pack the lounge for one of these, and folks come from other parishes to join in when they are aware. If they get any more popular, the priests will need to begin holding them in the gym. The lounge holds about 100 people, but there were people sitting in places where there are normally no chairs. There were also people listening in the hallway on the benches. I would estimate about 125 people. This picture was taken moments before it began so the full scope of people is not visible. Plus, a little more elevation would have revealed the larger crowd.
The day really started out with Mass at noon, which was celebrated by Fr. Basil Nortz, ORC who was visiting from where he is currently located, in Brazil.
The Mass at Grotto is always celebrated ad orientem. At the 9:30 Latin Novus Ordo, the high altar is used and always with incense. But, the noon Mass is done in English, usually without incense, on the lower, table altar. Many wonder what it is still doing there, but Fr. Perrone says it must remain in place at this time. But, at Grotto, Mass on the low altar is still celebrated ad orientem. In fact, rumor has it that Fr. Perrone even celebrates ad orientem in hotels during conference Masses. But wait - it's not a rumor at all.
Well, blogger was generous in giving me the few photos I was able to upload. It's getting tired, and so am I. More on this subject are forthcoming in another post.
Grotto can pack the lounge for one of these, and folks come from other parishes to join in when they are aware. If they get any more popular, the priests will need to begin holding them in the gym. The lounge holds about 100 people, but there were people sitting in places where there are normally no chairs. There were also people listening in the hallway on the benches. I would estimate about 125 people. This picture was taken moments before it began so the full scope of people is not visible. Plus, a little more elevation would have revealed the larger crowd.
The day really started out with Mass at noon, which was celebrated by Fr. Basil Nortz, ORC who was visiting from where he is currently located, in Brazil.
The Mass at Grotto is always celebrated ad orientem. At the 9:30 Latin Novus Ordo, the high altar is used and always with incense. But, the noon Mass is done in English, usually without incense, on the lower, table altar. Many wonder what it is still doing there, but Fr. Perrone says it must remain in place at this time. But, at Grotto, Mass on the low altar is still celebrated ad orientem. In fact, rumor has it that Fr. Perrone even celebrates ad orientem in hotels during conference Masses. But wait - it's not a rumor at all.
Well, blogger was generous in giving me the few photos I was able to upload. It's getting tired, and so am I. More on this subject are forthcoming in another post.
Archbishop Burke appointed to Supreme Tribunal
Pictured above is Archbishop Burke when he visited Assumption Grotto some months ago for the Marian Catechists.
Thanks to Argent, we have some early news about Archbishop Burke:
The Holy Father has named Archbishop Raymond Burke of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as a member of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature. This is a tribunal of appeal from the Tribunal of the Roman Rota. It is the highest court of appeal available in matters concerning the Church's tribunals. Other members named include Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, and Archbishop Lluís Martínez Sistach of the Archdiocese of Barcelona.
A couple more stunning photos of Archbishop Raymond Burke as he elevates the Body and Blood of Jesus at Assumption Grotto parish. What is seen is the ad orientem posture, where the priest faces east. So many people think this was abrograted with Vatican 2 and this is not the case.
For more on the Marian Catechist visit by Archbishop Burke, click here.
It's time to prepare: Total Consecration to Jesus thru Mary!
If you live close enough to come to Grotto on August 15, Feast of the Assumption, you will find that it is one of many days you can consecrate yourself to Jesus through Mary. But, preparation using the St. Louis de Montfort method must begin on July 13 in order to get it all in.I did this last year and it starts out fairly easy. You must set aside some time each day - 10 minutes in the early going, and more like 20 minutes later, plus the Rosary. So many people start, then end up falling off of the path because things come up. I highly recommend setting aside the same time every day - a time when no one can disturb you, such as early morning. In fact, consider getting up 15 minutes early to get it in, and do the Rosary while you commute, if necessary, or get up 30 minutes earlier.
The one pictured at left is only $3.95 and you can likely get one at the Assumption Grotto Giftshop & Cafe. In fact, you can probably find those below in the giftshop, as well.
Here are some links:
Fr. Andrew Bloomfield on the Total Consecration (I'm uncertain about the link to the preparation of the total consecration at Fish Eaterssince so many are to schismatic-traditionalist sites, not in communion with Rome. However, the preparation is accurate, so we can treat it accordingly). I feel similarly about websites which promote apparitions which have not been approved. I prefer to link to neither so if someone has an online resource that they know is fully in Communion with Rome, and does not promote apparitions not yet approved, I would appreciate you adding it to the comment section.
Montfort.org - Surprisingly does not contain the Consecration prep online as far as I can see. You can read much information about St. Louis de Montfort.
Here is a thread in Catholic Online in which someone was kind enough to paste in each day. You can read how others were affected, or how others slipped up in getting the obligation done each day and perhaps avoid some of their mistakes.
Pope John Paul II was consecrated and there is a long list of others who were, as well. Totus Tuus!
Some of the writings may throw you because you wonder, how can you give so much to Mary, without neglecting Jesus. It's as if she becomes the emphasis. St. Louis de Montfort explains something very interesting and I'll convey his point.....
A body needs a head and in the Mystical Body - the Church, Christ is the head and we are the members. Mary gave birth to Jesus and the head cannot be birthed without the members. In this way, Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus - the first tabernacle to hold his body, she is our Mother.
Other excellent books by St. Louis de Montfort, or about him:
As we see at the Wedding of Cana, Jesus responds to Mary's request. We make our petitions to her and she takes them to her son. We can pray for specific things, but they should be placed into her care, where she can apply those prayers to where she needs to apply them. It's called trust - trust in Mother Mary to do what is best.
If you have difficulty with anything in the St. Louis de Monfort prep, please see a priest who can help you. If you don't have access to one that can give you understanding of what is confusing, try using some other resources, such as Ask an Apologist at Catholic.com.
Fr. Titus Kieninger, ORC did a Day of Recollection last year on the Totatl Consecration, and the roll of the holy Angels as seen through Scripture with regards to Mary's life. I'll find out if it is available on CD because I don't see it on the Opus Angelorum website.
One final word and it is a word of warning. Most people who have consecrated themselves can tell you that one of the first things Mary does is to clean "house", and it often happens during the preparation. Have access to a confessor and preferrably one who is Marian. In some cases you may have to look for an elderly gray-haired priest who would probably rejoice that you are interested. Talk to him and lean on him during the prep. I say this as some priests today are simply not into Marian devotion, and a few are actually anti-Marian. If you find a Marian confessor, you will find a good resource to walk through this consecration with. The tide is turning and many young priests are getting back to basics - including a true devotion to Mary.
Please feel free to leave your testimonial in the comment section of this post, if you have been positively affected by the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Let others learn from your experiences. Talk about the challenges with getting all of the prep in and how you succeeded. If you also experienced Mary's effective house-cleaning activity through this preparation, or consecration, share with us what you can, without giving details we shouldn't know about. Feel free to use the Anonymous button (set it first so you don't forget). Give yourself a pseudo-name or nickname of some kind so we know which anonymous you are if there are several.
Have a wonderful day and just do it!!!
Saturday, July 8, 2006
Another Bosnian Bishop called Medjugorje Divisive in 2001
I stumbled upon this piece from CWNews in which Vinko Cardinal Puljic of Sarajevo also voiced concern over Medjugorje.
Oct. 10, 2001
VATICAN, Oct 10, 01 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo, speaking at the Synod of Bishops, has complained that the reported apparitions of Medjugorje are becoming a source of division in the Church.
Cardinal Puljic spoke on the general theme of how bishops should be involved in "overcoming the divisions existing in the Church and in today's world." He argued: "Europe can no longer be divided into Eastern and Western Europe. The world cannot remain divided between North and South."
Then, turning his attention to his own land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the cardinal said that the unity of the Church is threatened by the disobedience of the Franciscan monks serving at Medjurgorje, who "impose their own points of view" with the aid of "pseudo-charisms." Although the local bishop has never officially rendered a verdict on the authenticity of the reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, the hierarchy has generally shown signs of skepticism, and cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. This stance has frequently produced conflicts with the Franciscan pastors who have energetically promoted visits and devotion to the Medjugorje site.
In another important intervention at the Synod, Archbishop George Pell of Sydney, Australia, said that bishops should bring comfort and spiritual focus to a depressed and secularized world by emphasizing "Christian hope, especially as it touches the last things: death and judgment, heaven and hell."
The Synod of Bishops has now heard 200 individual presentations by participating bishops, auditors, and experts. The Synod is moving into its second stage, in which the bishops gather in small discussion groups, according to their native language, for a fuller exploration of the main themes.
[source]
June 15, 2006 Full Length Homily of Bishop Peric on Medjugorje
Oct. 10, 2001
VATICAN, Oct 10, 01 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo, speaking at the Synod of Bishops, has complained that the reported apparitions of Medjugorje are becoming a source of division in the Church.
Cardinal Puljic spoke on the general theme of how bishops should be involved in "overcoming the divisions existing in the Church and in today's world." He argued: "Europe can no longer be divided into Eastern and Western Europe. The world cannot remain divided between North and South."
Then, turning his attention to his own land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the cardinal said that the unity of the Church is threatened by the disobedience of the Franciscan monks serving at Medjurgorje, who "impose their own points of view" with the aid of "pseudo-charisms." Although the local bishop has never officially rendered a verdict on the authenticity of the reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, the hierarchy has generally shown signs of skepticism, and cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. This stance has frequently produced conflicts with the Franciscan pastors who have energetically promoted visits and devotion to the Medjugorje site.
In another important intervention at the Synod, Archbishop George Pell of Sydney, Australia, said that bishops should bring comfort and spiritual focus to a depressed and secularized world by emphasizing "Christian hope, especially as it touches the last things: death and judgment, heaven and hell."
The Synod of Bishops has now heard 200 individual presentations by participating bishops, auditors, and experts. The Synod is moving into its second stage, in which the bishops gather in small discussion groups, according to their native language, for a fuller exploration of the main themes.
[source]
June 15, 2006 Full Length Homily of Bishop Peric on Medjugorje
Friday, July 7, 2006
Straight & Narrow Fr. Altier still sidelined by Bishop Flynn as heresy continues at disoriented & broad St. Joans
More news from the diocese where Fr. Robert Altier resides. Its also where the infamous, St. Joan of Arc parish resides, as well. It's Catholic in name, but having been to their website many times, I'm wondering when they will make their break.
Fr. Altier, the orthodox young priest who was well-liked on Relevant Radio where he was a frequent guest, remains in the nursing home where he was recently assigned by Bishop Flynn. Everything this man taught in his sermons and talks could be found in the CCC, and it was refreshing to hear from a priest - the basics spoken of without ambiguity.
At the same time, in the same diocese, is St. Joans, where - well, read the article by Matt C. Abbott at Spero News and follow the links to St. Joans and you'll get the idea.
Previous posts on Fr. Altier:
Original Post on Fr. Altier
Fr. Z appeals for calm
Archbishop Flynn denies request to restore Fr. Atliers Homilies online
For more background on the story, follow these links:
http://thewandererpress.com/a3-16-2006.htm
http://thewandererpress.com/a5-25-2006.htm
Desert Voice (original source of online homilies and updates)
http://www.stjoan.com/er6/fox/fri.htm
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=3822
Fr. Altier, the orthodox young priest who was well-liked on Relevant Radio where he was a frequent guest, remains in the nursing home where he was recently assigned by Bishop Flynn. Everything this man taught in his sermons and talks could be found in the CCC, and it was refreshing to hear from a priest - the basics spoken of without ambiguity.
At the same time, in the same diocese, is St. Joans, where - well, read the article by Matt C. Abbott at Spero News and follow the links to St. Joans and you'll get the idea.
Previous posts on Fr. Altier:
Original Post on Fr. Altier
Fr. Z appeals for calm
Archbishop Flynn denies request to restore Fr. Atliers Homilies online
For more background on the story, follow these links:
http://thewandererpress.com/a3-16-2006.htm
http://thewandererpress.com/a5-25-2006.htm
Desert Voice (original source of online homilies and updates)
http://www.stjoan.com/er6/fox/fri.htm
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=3822
Bishop Robert Vasa: Adoration is the response of the heart!
Quoting Bishop Robert Vasa:
It does require consistent and focused effort to assure that the Most Holy Eucharist is given “the prominence it deserves.” There is after all nothing about the external appearance of the host or the wine in the chalice that cries out, in and of itself, for adoration, wonder or awe. Gazing upon these external elements with the eyes of faith, we need to be driven to our knees, knowing that they have received the Sacred Words and are now different than their accidents indicate. We proclaim, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” This is our Lord present to us and for us, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. There is “no danger of excess in our care for this mystery.”
continue reading Vasa at the blog of Gerald Augustinus. H/T to Curt Jester, as well.
It does require consistent and focused effort to assure that the Most Holy Eucharist is given “the prominence it deserves.” There is after all nothing about the external appearance of the host or the wine in the chalice that cries out, in and of itself, for adoration, wonder or awe. Gazing upon these external elements with the eyes of faith, we need to be driven to our knees, knowing that they have received the Sacred Words and are now different than their accidents indicate. We proclaim, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” This is our Lord present to us and for us, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. There is “no danger of excess in our care for this mystery.” continue reading Vasa at the blog of Gerald Augustinus. H/T to Curt Jester, as well.
Thursday, July 6, 2006
What leads people to Medjugorje?
Since my first post on Medjugorje, I've been pondering something....
There are many reasons why some people go to Medjugorje. I can't judge them, and won't as it is not my job. But, because I know so many supporters who are devout, with strong appreciation for the Eucharist and mother Mary, I wonder if is less about what is there, in Medjugorje, as opposed to what they aren't finding much of these days in general. It is hard to find a parish where one can engage in adoration, for example. I'm lucky to be in a parish that provides the opporutnity 6 days out of the week, from 9:00am to 6:30pm.
While some stand to loose financially if it is fully disengaged, for the vast majority, the issue is one of spirituality. A loss of Medjugorje, could seem like a loss of the very things they seek there. Yet, I wonder, why aren't they finding it closer to home? I believe that most of these folks, are simply looking for a way to practice the faith, that has been missing.
For all those new people visiting this blog, I will share why I think most people go to Medjugorje, while at the same time providing links to posts and photos of life at my parish, Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit. The photos you see of the Mass with the priest facing the high wall altar, are truly the Mass of Paul VI, better known as the Novus Ordo or New Mass. It is not a Tridentine (pre-Vatican 2). Priests here just celebrate it ad orientem, or facing the east, something I have found for me, removes the person of the priest, as he puts on Christ enabling me to focus fully on God in the Mass. [EDIT Feb 2008: Newer photos now include pictures of the "Tridentine" which has been celebrated regularly since Pope Benedict released his motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum allowing all pastors this option]
Medjugorje is not discussed at my parish and the bookstore does not permit the sale of anything relating to "apparitions" or similar, which are not fully approved. I am aware of parishioners who follow it personally and they are very devout people. The parish, focuses heavily on Fatima and Lourdes, with Fatima Devotions the 13th of each month out in our Grotto during the Months of original apparitions.
I give you these photo links in tribute to the hard-working, dedicated priests working in, and thru, Assumption Grotto in Detroit, who bring us these things with fervor and devotion, very generously. It is my list of reasons why people are attached to Medjugorje - in no certain order.
1)Eucharistic Emphasis
2)Adoration & Holy Hours
3)Benediction
4)Devotion - in particular to the Rosary.
5)Other traditional prayers & devotions
6)Sacrament of Penance - frequent
7)Strong homilies, in fullness of the faith
8)Mortification & self-sacrifice (fasting)
9)Processions
10)Seminars, retreats, days of recollection
11)Marian Devotion
There is one last category, but it is a positive fruit of communities which value that which is above - once more, also evidenced by Medjugorje: Vocations!
Click through the posts in my sidebar under Vocation Talk to see vocations blooming in traditional-based orders. Getting back to basics works! I see it in my parish, and I see it in nearby parishes like Ss Cyril & Methodius.
What more could I ask for in a Catholic community? If you are in metro-Detroit, stop in some time. If you come for the 9:30am Latin Novus Ordo, be sure to pick up a booklet in the back so you can read along.
Thank you dear Fathers for the way you represent the priesthood and in creating a culture that is distinctly Catholic!
There are many reasons why some people go to Medjugorje. I can't judge them, and won't as it is not my job. But, because I know so many supporters who are devout, with strong appreciation for the Eucharist and mother Mary, I wonder if is less about what is there, in Medjugorje, as opposed to what they aren't finding much of these days in general. It is hard to find a parish where one can engage in adoration, for example. I'm lucky to be in a parish that provides the opporutnity 6 days out of the week, from 9:00am to 6:30pm.
While some stand to loose financially if it is fully disengaged, for the vast majority, the issue is one of spirituality. A loss of Medjugorje, could seem like a loss of the very things they seek there. Yet, I wonder, why aren't they finding it closer to home? I believe that most of these folks, are simply looking for a way to practice the faith, that has been missing.
For all those new people visiting this blog, I will share why I think most people go to Medjugorje, while at the same time providing links to posts and photos of life at my parish, Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit. The photos you see of the Mass with the priest facing the high wall altar, are truly the Mass of Paul VI, better known as the Novus Ordo or New Mass. It is not a Tridentine (pre-Vatican 2). Priests here just celebrate it ad orientem, or facing the east, something I have found for me, removes the person of the priest, as he puts on Christ enabling me to focus fully on God in the Mass. [EDIT Feb 2008: Newer photos now include pictures of the "Tridentine" which has been celebrated regularly since Pope Benedict released his motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum allowing all pastors this option]
Medjugorje is not discussed at my parish and the bookstore does not permit the sale of anything relating to "apparitions" or similar, which are not fully approved. I am aware of parishioners who follow it personally and they are very devout people. The parish, focuses heavily on Fatima and Lourdes, with Fatima Devotions the 13th of each month out in our Grotto during the Months of original apparitions.
I give you these photo links in tribute to the hard-working, dedicated priests working in, and thru, Assumption Grotto in Detroit, who bring us these things with fervor and devotion, very generously. It is my list of reasons why people are attached to Medjugorje - in no certain order.
1)Eucharistic Emphasis
2)Adoration & Holy Hours
3)Benediction
4)Devotion - in particular to the Rosary.
5)Other traditional prayers & devotions
6)Sacrament of Penance - frequent
7)Strong homilies, in fullness of the faith
8)Mortification & self-sacrifice (fasting)
9)Processions
10)Seminars, retreats, days of recollection
11)Marian Devotion
There is one last category, but it is a positive fruit of communities which value that which is above - once more, also evidenced by Medjugorje: Vocations!
Click through the posts in my sidebar under Vocation Talk to see vocations blooming in traditional-based orders. Getting back to basics works! I see it in my parish, and I see it in nearby parishes like Ss Cyril & Methodius.
What more could I ask for in a Catholic community? If you are in metro-Detroit, stop in some time. If you come for the 9:30am Latin Novus Ordo, be sure to pick up a booklet in the back so you can read along.
Thank you dear Fathers for the way you represent the priesthood and in creating a culture that is distinctly Catholic!
Day of Recollection Sunday at Grotto
I know this will come too late for many of you who have been on vacation and were not at Grotto Sunday. We had a surprise visit from Fr. Basil Nortz, ORC, who was at Assumption Grotto for some years before heading to the provincial house.
Well, he is still with us, and is giving us a rather impromptu Day of Recollection in the parish school lounge after the noon Mass, with a little buffer time to grab a hot dog or hamburger in the gym, following Benediction in the Grotto (weather permitting).
Here are the details:
Ahhhhhh - the pleasures of being a parishioner at Assumption Grotto. I know I speak for all parishioners when voicing apprecation for all the Holy Cross fathers do for us at our parish. Not only do they provide these "Days of Recollection" several times yearly, but they always seem to be in the confessional, waiting for a repenting soul, whenever an event brings people. Because they fly around the States and the world doing retreats, we know they can't always be there in numbers, but they truly give us so much when they are there.
I don't know if it will be the case this Sunday, but typically when we have one of these, it is followed by a brief time of Adoration in the Church, most often with an opportunity for confession during th period of Adoration. However, confession will be readily available before the 9:30 and noon Masses. It ends around 4:45-5:00pm with Benediction.
When advertised in advance, Grotto packs these things in. Why not take a Sunday afternoon and spend it in a mini-retreat!
It's open to non parishioners, as well.
Well, he is still with us, and is giving us a rather impromptu Day of Recollection in the parish school lounge after the noon Mass, with a little buffer time to grab a hot dog or hamburger in the gym, following Benediction in the Grotto (weather permitting).
Here are the details:
DAY OF RECOLLECTION
OPUS SANCTORUM ANGELORUM
Sunday, July 9th, 2006
2PM - 5PM
Assumption Grotto Parish
13800 Gratiot Ave, Detroit (313) 527-1739
"THE ANGELS AND MISSION"
Preached by Fr. Basil Nortz, ORC
Every Catholic is called to participate in the missionary mandate of the Church. This does not mean necessarily that we must go to a third world country to preach the Gospel. EAch of us, in his own state of life, can fulfill our vocation to mission. But the Church teaches that each of us has an angel at our side, not only as a protector and shepherd leading us to heaven (cf. CCC 336), but also as a companion helping us to live out our vocation in the Church and in the world.
Ahhhhhh - the pleasures of being a parishioner at Assumption Grotto. I know I speak for all parishioners when voicing apprecation for all the Holy Cross fathers do for us at our parish. Not only do they provide these "Days of Recollection" several times yearly, but they always seem to be in the confessional, waiting for a repenting soul, whenever an event brings people. Because they fly around the States and the world doing retreats, we know they can't always be there in numbers, but they truly give us so much when they are there.
I don't know if it will be the case this Sunday, but typically when we have one of these, it is followed by a brief time of Adoration in the Church, most often with an opportunity for confession during th period of Adoration. However, confession will be readily available before the 9:30 and noon Masses. It ends around 4:45-5:00pm with Benediction.
When advertised in advance, Grotto packs these things in. Why not take a Sunday afternoon and spend it in a mini-retreat!
It's open to non parishioners, as well.
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
The Bad Old Days
A series of posts is developing over there at his blog, The Cafeteria is Closed, as Gerald Augustinus digs into Church history as seen through the eyes of a few leading magazines here, and abroad. Something tells me he is just warming up.
Many of us feel as if our Catholic faith, including our liturgy, has been hi-jacked - all "in the name of Vatican 2". Vatican 2 was not the problem. Rather, it was a perversion of Vatican 2 - a concerted effort to use V-II as a means to do everything and anything.
As the younger generation develops a desire to follow the Catholic faith, not challenge it, they are discovering - sometimes with shock and anger - what some almost got away with. But Jesus promised his Church would always prevail. He never said it would prevail in a day, and in this case, it has taken 40 years to start seeing the turn.
This generation is benefiting from Veritatis Splendor, and the tide is indeed changing. Some may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you spend any time in Catholic blogs, you will soon find that the vast majority of them are run by younger and middle-aged folks who yearn for ordinary Catholicism - the one handed down to us, not the one nearly dismantled with dissent. Perhaps as we move forward, I will explore Veritatis Splendor with you in this blog so that you may see just how far some had strayed before Pope John Paul II halted them with this encyclical. I should probably clarify that JPII did not halt them, but he gave to us this gift so that we could recognize the errors and heresies being taught in moral theology - something that is ongoing in a good many Catholic universities today.
Thanks to some vocal priests like Fr. John Corapi, consistent theologians like Fr. John A. Hardon, the solid view of converts and biblical scholars like Dr. Scott Hahn, the fervor of younger priests like Fr. Donald Calloway who aren't buying the namby-pamby, and the courage of nameless priests in parishes and religious orders throughout the world who have not yielded to what wolves in sheeps clothing have been ramming down our throats. And, it continues to be done all through a mainstream media that seeks out a dissenting view at every turn and event, cloaked in "catholicism". Thank God for EWTN, Ave Maria Radio, and Relevant Radio, among others who are working very hard in the name of truth!
As Fr. Donald Calloway boldy proclaimed in one of his video talks, "Priests in cassocks - they're coming to a parish near you!"
The first links below take you to some good lead-ins to Gerald's posts, and it would serve you well to read through the comments, especially at Bettnet.com where Domenico Bettinelli Jr., Editor of Catholic World Report, offers his reaction, and "Diogenes" at Off the Record on CWNews.com. We can only hope Mr. Bettinelli will explore some of this in that periodical.
I'll Bettinelli lead you into Gerald's first post: The Bad Old Days - The Church in 1968
Commentary by Diogenes on Gerald's first post.
Augustinus "Bad Old Days" Post collections:
Post 1 - 1968 Time Magazine
Post 2 - 1972 Time Magazine
Post 2 - Catholic Church in Netherlands in the 1960's
Many of us feel as if our Catholic faith, including our liturgy, has been hi-jacked - all "in the name of Vatican 2". Vatican 2 was not the problem. Rather, it was a perversion of Vatican 2 - a concerted effort to use V-II as a means to do everything and anything.
As the younger generation develops a desire to follow the Catholic faith, not challenge it, they are discovering - sometimes with shock and anger - what some almost got away with. But Jesus promised his Church would always prevail. He never said it would prevail in a day, and in this case, it has taken 40 years to start seeing the turn.
This generation is benefiting from Veritatis Splendor, and the tide is indeed changing. Some may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you spend any time in Catholic blogs, you will soon find that the vast majority of them are run by younger and middle-aged folks who yearn for ordinary Catholicism - the one handed down to us, not the one nearly dismantled with dissent. Perhaps as we move forward, I will explore Veritatis Splendor with you in this blog so that you may see just how far some had strayed before Pope John Paul II halted them with this encyclical. I should probably clarify that JPII did not halt them, but he gave to us this gift so that we could recognize the errors and heresies being taught in moral theology - something that is ongoing in a good many Catholic universities today.
Thanks to some vocal priests like Fr. John Corapi, consistent theologians like Fr. John A. Hardon, the solid view of converts and biblical scholars like Dr. Scott Hahn, the fervor of younger priests like Fr. Donald Calloway who aren't buying the namby-pamby, and the courage of nameless priests in parishes and religious orders throughout the world who have not yielded to what wolves in sheeps clothing have been ramming down our throats. And, it continues to be done all through a mainstream media that seeks out a dissenting view at every turn and event, cloaked in "catholicism". Thank God for EWTN, Ave Maria Radio, and Relevant Radio, among others who are working very hard in the name of truth!
As Fr. Donald Calloway boldy proclaimed in one of his video talks, "Priests in cassocks - they're coming to a parish near you!"
The first links below take you to some good lead-ins to Gerald's posts, and it would serve you well to read through the comments, especially at Bettnet.com where Domenico Bettinelli Jr., Editor of Catholic World Report, offers his reaction, and "Diogenes" at Off the Record on CWNews.com. We can only hope Mr. Bettinelli will explore some of this in that periodical.
I'll Bettinelli lead you into Gerald's first post: The Bad Old Days - The Church in 1968
Commentary by Diogenes on Gerald's first post.
Augustinus "Bad Old Days" Post collections:
Post 1 - 1968 Time Magazine
Post 2 - 1972 Time Magazine
Post 2 - Catholic Church in Netherlands in the 1960's
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Kansas City: Bishop Finn Gets It Done A teaching bishop for the Show Me State
From the National Catholic Register, another story on Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City - St. Joseph.
You will probably want to read the article, but here are a few excerpts.
Apparently, the Register will be featuring a number of bishops activities in this regard....
Oooo - this will be a grand series - I can't wait!
This article is lengthy, so I'll give just a few more excerpts and leave it to you to read the entire thing at their website...
and more...
You see, I'm not the only one recognizing what the "young fogies" want. I would like to point out there are plenty of us middle-aged fogies and older fogies, who want the same thing the young fogies want - authentic, unambiguous Catholicism - the one that has been handed down for centuries, the one masterfully lived by the saints!
Now, I'm skipping past quite a bit to get to this tidbit on the diocesan newspaper...
Now the link to the Register's article on Bishop Finn
Previous post on Bishop Finn
You will probably want to read the article, but here are a few excerpts.
Bishop Finn became bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph in May 2005, after spending a year there as coadjutor. During that time he assessed the distinct needs of the diocese. Not long after his appointment in Kansas City, he established two commissions to examine diocesan catechesis and evangelization.
“I asked my vice chancellor to take a zero-based approach,” explained Bishop Finn. “Assume if we didn’t have any programs at all, what would we need? What do people and pastors want?”
One commission surveyed the diocese, sought the assistance of others, such as Claude Sasson, a history professor who had a decade of experience developing catechetical programs, and ended up replacing the Center for Pastoral Life and Ministry — the diocese’s 27-year-old lay ministry program — with the Bishop Helmsing Institute, a faith-formation model aimed at adults.
“He cleared out that part of the diocese that was supposed to be the teaching part and was wholly inadequate,” said local civil litigation attorney Martin Meyers. “He’s uninterested in creating lay people as neo-clerics but is more interested in teaching people about their role as laity.”
“One of the focuses of the other group was preparing the diocese for when we didn’t have enough priests,” said St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist Sister Connie Boulch. Sister Connie serves as director of the Office of Consecrated Life, which Bishop Finn just started. “He has turned that around and wants a priest in every parish.”
“We needed to see if the program still fulfilled the particular needs it once took care of,” said Bishop Finn. “At over 20 years old, it was pre-Catechism of the Catholic Church. Whatever we do will take a strong lead from the Catechism. People don’t want to hear just sharings of the faith. They want more content so they can explain and defend their faith in the midst of the culture.”
Apparently, the Register will be featuring a number of bishops activities in this regard....
This article continues the Register’s series exploring how some bishops are finding the voice to address the issues that most bishops, priests and deacons have tended to avoid.
Among others, it will feature Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, N.D., Bishop Robert Baker of Charleston, S.C., Archbishop John Myers of Newark, N.J., Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, Ore. The series previously featured Bishop Victor Galeone of St. Augustine, Fla. and Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix.
Oooo - this will be a grand series - I can't wait!
This article is lengthy, so I'll give just a few more excerpts and leave it to you to read the entire thing at their website...
"There are cultural challenges about relativism and the rejection of any notion of objective or transcendent truth,” said Bishop Finn. “These views are challenging when they are presented among us by Catholics. Sometimes the varieties of points of view are defended under pluralism or tolerance.”
He sees clarity as the key to responding to such challenges.
“What our society needs more and more are clear references to what the Church teaches, both in doctrinal content and in moral principles,” said Bishop Finn. “The bishop is called to explicitly apply those principles to the world around him.”
and more...
“The youth have told us straight-forwardly that they want to know the authentic teachings of the Church and want to try to live them,” he continued. “The New Evangelization is a kind of re-evangelization of people like myself and others who were baptized Catholic or Christian. In the new millennium, I think we have to be very basic.”
You see, I'm not the only one recognizing what the "young fogies" want. I would like to point out there are plenty of us middle-aged fogies and older fogies, who want the same thing the young fogies want - authentic, unambiguous Catholicism - the one that has been handed down for centuries, the one masterfully lived by the saints!
Now, I'm skipping past quite a bit to get to this tidbit on the diocesan newspaper...
Shortly after taking office, he eliminated a recurring column in the newspaper by University of Notre Dame theologian Father Richard McBrien. Bishop Finn said he made the decision because Father McBrien often questions Church teachings such as lifelong priestly celibacy.Wow, this sounds like a bishop and he's calling it out like it is!
The decision drew criticism from some of the newspaper’s readers.
“Bishop Finn removed Richard McBrien’s column from the Catholic Key not because McBrien is out of line, but because he personally does not agree with him,” wrote Karen Stigers of Kansas City in the Kansas City Star. “His actions … bear comparison to a corporate housecleaning in a hostile takeover.”
Yet, Bishop Finn sees his role as a teaching bishop as one that has a responsibility for what appears in his own diocesan newspaper.
Now the link to the Register's article on Bishop Finn
Previous post on Bishop Finn
Monday, July 3, 2006
Archbishop Ranjith: "A Correction is Necessary. The Liturgy must be won back...."
Over at The Chiesa, Sandro Magister has a new post with the following title and lead in....
Synod on the Eucharist: The Pope Has the Last Word
Benedict XVI is writing the concluding document, which will be published this summer. Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith gives this preview: “A correction is necessary. The liturgy must be won back, in the spirit of the Council”
Continue reading Magister
I'm only at the beginning of this article and I say....go read it!!!
Synod on the Eucharist: The Pope Has the Last Word
Benedict XVI is writing the concluding document, which will be published this summer. Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith gives this preview: “A correction is necessary. The liturgy must be won back, in the spirit of the Council”
Continue reading Magister
I'm only at the beginning of this article and I say....go read it!!!
Homily of Bishop Ratko Peric of Medjugorje - June 15, 2006
The text of the June 15, 2006 homily of Bishop Ratko Peric was just sent to me, and after confirming authenticity via the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno website, where it is posted in Croatian, English, and Italian, I am going to post it here, in its entirety.
The website for Mostar-Duvno is built with some kind of frames that do not allow me to link directly to a specific statement, unless someone can explain how after visiting the site. I will provide the diocesan site at the conclusion, but it will be easiest to read it here, then I will provide a roadmap on how to get it at the bishop's site.
This will be a very long post as it is the entire homily. The setting is Confirmation at the Parish of St. James in Medjugorje. He addresses the candidates in the first part, then moves on to discuss Medjugorje in the second part. I know you may be tempted to jump forward, but please read what this man has to say about confirmation itself. It is very rich.
The website for Mostar-Duvno is built with some kind of frames that do not allow me to link directly to a specific statement, unless someone can explain how after visiting the site. I will provide the diocesan site at the conclusion, but it will be easiest to read it here, then I will provide a roadmap on how to get it at the bishop's site.
This will be a very long post as it is the entire homily. The setting is Confirmation at the Parish of St. James in Medjugorje. He addresses the candidates in the first part, then moves on to discuss Medjugorje in the second part. I know you may be tempted to jump forward, but please read what this man has to say about confirmation itself. It is very rich.
Photo Source and related article. You will need to scroll down to find it. Note that there is no mention of the critical 2nd half of the homily. This kind of selective coverage is deceptive to say the least. I speak limited Croatian and attempted to watch the Real Video, but nothing happened when I clicked it.
As for the second half, I know this will hurt or anger some people who are very close to Medjugorje. But, what we must keep in mind is that this man is the apostolic successor of the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno and we owe him respect as such. At the very least, his words should be read and reflected upon, not ignored. I pray that Medjugorje websites will offer these words to you, as well, but since that is not likely, I will provide them here.
I believe this will be seen in Catholic media in the coming hours, weeks, and months.
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
MEDJUGORJE, 15 - VI - 2006
Dear brothers and sisters,
Dear candidates for Confirmation, I am happy to be with you and your families here today for the conferring of the sacrament of Confirmation. Through the required instruction and the sacrament of Reconciliation you have prepared yourselves to faithfully receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge and counsel, are concerned with our minds, with the enlightening of our use of reason; while the gifts of fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord, regard our hearts and the strengthening of our free will. These are not fleeting gifts that you will joyfully receive today as candidates for Confirmation and which will be gone tomorrow. This is the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Once sealed you always remain sealed with the Holy Spirit! However, each of these gifts requires your efforts in conformity with your growth in knowledge and witnessing through a life of faith.
I. - GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. Hence, be not afraid young friends, to be wise in God’s eyes, even if it means appearing foolish in the eyes of people. God’s “foolishness” is wiser and more prudent than the wisest of people.
Do not fear to be strong in God before people, even though the world may consider you cowards and backward. Christ the Lord, God’s Truth, teaches us: "Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven (Mt 10:32).
Do not be ashamed to be fearful of the Lord and pious, full of awe towards God and his holiness, even though this passing world may ridicule and mock you. The world has no fear of, nor sense of shame in transgressing God’s commandments. We on the other hand, are believers and worshipers of God, who adore him in spirit and truth.
The world counsels on how you can most easily lose yourself in fleeting passions, but the Holy Spirit counsels us on how we can most easily reach eternal life. Whoever then takes truthful counsel, is lead by the Spirit on the right path.
The world tempts you and invites you to behave according to its perverted fantasies and passions, yet the Holy Spirit lets you learn and discern by acquiring unending knowledge that leads to the Father’s house. Today, do not allow yourself to just receive the seal on your forehead and then continue living as if you do not possess the Holy Spirit within you.
II. - SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST.
The Church celebrates today the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We Catholics believe that the historical event of Jesus’ Last Supper, described in each of the four Gospels, is one of the greatest mysteries of our holy faith. During that evening, the Lord Jesus, while he ate with his disciples, took bread, blessed it, broke the bread and gave it to them saying: “Take; this is my body”. He then took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them. And all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mk 14:22-23).
Eucharistic sacrifice. The mystery of the Lord’s Supper is first of all a sign of Jesus’ sacrifice through his death on the cross and resurrection to new life, which he offers us as a divine gift. Why is this at the very core of Christian faith? Because this is what God desired and accomplished! If the all-wise God decided on this path of salvation, then his entire divine intervention is nothing else than wisdom and goodness. We become wise and prudent when we accept this sacrifice as an expression of God’s grace and love. The sacrifice can only be understood and accepted in the context of love. Sacrifice is the most convincing demonstration and evidence of love. God is Love. Therefore, the Eucharistic sacrifice is an expression of God’s love towards us. In a specific historical moment on Calvary, Jesus offered the sacrifice of himself to his Father, as a testimony of his complete Love of God and of humanity. We through our own efforts of piety of heart and mind, participate in the liturgical celebrations and daily offerings of ourselves to God.
Eucharistic banquet. This mystery of Jesus’ love is not only his divine sacrifice for us weak people, but it is also our spiritual food for our journey towards eternal life. There is no health, nor life without bread. Mankind does not know all the ingredients of bread and wine, yet he still eats and drinks of them with joy and moderation. Are we even aware of the process of how wheat and grapevines grow? How does a seed sprout or a grape mature? How is the seed transformed into bread, or the grapes into wine? Do we know how bread and wine are then transformed in our living organisms? Despite our lack of knowledge, this does not lessen the strength of bread nor wine to sustain our lives in good health through their nourishment.
Something similar occurs with our spiritual health. We cannot understand what the Holy Eucharist is, but we accept it with faith and partake of it with the greatest respect of heart for our eternal salvation. Jesus said to us: “Whoever eats of this bread will live forever” (Jn 6:51). While our earthly bread and wine serve for this life, so too Jesus’ Body and Blood serve for spiritual and eternal life. None of us are worthy of this for we are all sinners: in our thoughts, words and actions, as well as through our omissions in doing the good that we should do. Whoever unworthily eats and drinks of this Sacrament, that is, while in sin, in disorder, in obstinacy, that person is guilty of sinning against the Body and Blood. However, those who confess and repent for their sins, God grants them forgiveness and feeds them with the Body and Blood of Christ. Let us give thanks to God who first of all sets us free from our sins in the sacrament of Confession and who nourishes us with his Eucharistic Body. The Mass is therefore the center of our personal and communal lives. This is the will of our heavenly Father, established by the Son of God, which happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe in the words of Christ, for his words “are spirit and life” (Jn 6:63).
In memory of him. The Lord Jesus left us a great divine truth and mystery: “This is my Body”. “This is my Blood”. These words were spoken by Christ himself. From the very beginning, the Church has always literally understood this holy text and message from Jesus’ Last Supper. Not even a single letter has ever been changed, nor have they been understood according to other symbolic meanings in order to make them more acceptable to people. Jesus said these words once and forever! He also commanded that this be done in memory of him! In memory of God’s great works of salvation. We acknowledge and believe in what has been communicated to us! We celebrate the liturgy in the same fashion as we have received it. Let us give thanks to God for the immeasurable gift of Jesus’ Most Holy Body and Blood. This act and mystery contain the past: “Christ has died”; the present of Christ’s resurrection: “Christ has risen”; and the future: “Christ will come again”, when he shall come and prepare a place for us so that we may be where he is (Jn 14:3).
III. – “APPARITIONS”. First of all, the fact that a person makes a humble Confession and receives Holy Communion in this parish church and that this person feels spiritually well due to God’s forgiveness, each and every believer will recognize and give due praise to God for this, who is the source of all graces. At the same time, this person will take care not to proceed from this state of grace towards an illogical and inconsistent conclusion: “I made a Confession. I feel good and now I am converted. Therefore the Madonna is appearing in Medjugorje!” This type of believer and penitent is nonetheless obliged to go to confession, receive the other sacraments, observe the Commandments, whether any private apparitions are recognized or not.
Secondly, I would be an irresponsible minister of the Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ, if today I were not to publicly advise, from this place and on this occasion as well, to all those interested throughout the world, that in this local Church of Mostar-Duvno, there exists something similar to a schism. A number of priests that have been expelled from the Franciscan OFM Order by the Generalate of the Order, due to their disobedience to the Holy Father, for years now have been forcefully keeping a few parish churches and rectories along with church inventory. They have not only been illegally active in these parishes, but they have also administered the sacraments profanely, while others invalidly, such as Confession and Confirmation, or they have assisted at invalid marriages. This type of anti-ecclesial behaviour is shocking to all of us. At the same time, this scandal of sacrilegiously administering the sacraments, especially of the Most Holy Body of Christ, must shock all the faithful as well who invalidly confess their sins to these priests and participate in sacrilegious liturgies. We pray to the Lord that this scandal and schism be uprooted as soon as possible from our midst.
Thirdly, I am truly grateful to the Holy Father the Pope, to John Paul II of blessed memory and to the reigning Benedict XVI, who have always respected the judgements of the bishops of Mostar-Duvno, of the previous as well as the current bishop, regarding the so-called “apparitions” and “messages” of Medjugorje, all the while recognizing the Holy Father’s right to give a final decision on these events. The judgements of the bishops, after all the canonical investigations made thus far, can be summarized in these following points:
1 - Medjugorje is a catholic parish in which liturgical and pastoral activities are carried out, just as in all the other parishes of this diocese of Mostar-Duvno. No-one except the official Church authorities is then authorized to attribute the formal title of “shrine” to this place.
2 - On the basis of Church investigations of the events of Medjugorje, it cannot be determined that these events involve supernatural apparitions or revelations. This means that till now the Church has not accepted, neither as supernatural nor as Marian, any of the apparitions.
3 - Priests who canonically administer this parish of Medjugorje or those who come as visitors, are not authorised to express their private views contrary to the official position of the Church on the so-called “apparitions” and “messages”, during celebrations of the sacraments, neither during other common acts of piety, nor in the Catholic media.
4 - The Catholic faithful are not only free from any obligation to believe in the authenticity of the “apparitions” but they must also know that church pilgrimages are not allowed, whether official or private, individual or group, or from other parishes, if they presuppose the authenticity of the “apparitions” or if by undertaking them attempt to certify these “apparitions”.
5 - As the local Bishop, I maintain that regarding the events of Medjugorje, on the basis of the investigations and experience gained thus far, throughout these last 25 years, the Church has not confirmed a single “apparition” as authentically being the Madonna. The fact that during these 25 years there has been talk of tens of thousands of “apparitions” does not contribute any authenticity to these events, which according to the words of our current Pope, who I encountered during an audience on 24 February this year, commented that at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith they always questioned how all these “apparitions” could be considered authentic for the Catholic faithful. They particularly do not seem to be authentic when it is known beforehand that these so-called “apparitions” will occur:
To one of the “seers” on the 18th of March every year, but along with this she will also receive an “apparition” on the 2nd of each month, with “messages” which you can expect, according to the established procedures;
The second will receive an apparition on every day of the year, and if this were not enough, an added special “apparition” on the 25th of each month along with a type of press release, which once again you can foresee and expect;
The third will receive an “apparition” on the 25th of December, on Christmas day, along with a message similar to the ones already mentioned;
The fourth will receive an “apparition” on the 8th of September every year along with a specific message;
The remaining two will receive the same, every day along with “messages” that can be anticipated since they are variations on the same theme. This fact and the flood of so-called apparitions, messages, secrets and signs, do not strengthen the faith, but rather further convince us that in all of this there is nothing neither authentic nor established as truthful.
Therefore I responsibly call upon those who claim themselves to be “seers”, as well as those persons behind the “messages”, to demonstrate ecclesiastical obedience and to cease with these public manifestations and messages in this parish. In this fashion they shall show their necessary adherence to the Church, by neither placing private “apparitions” nor private sayings before the official position of the Church. Our faith is a serious and responsible matter. The Church is also a serious and responsible institution!
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the greatest possessor of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, who through the same Holy Spirit conceived in her body and gave birth to the Second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, who gives us his Most Holy Body and Blood for eternal life, may He - who is the Way, the Truth and the Life – help us so that the truth of the Blessed Virgin, his Mother and Mother of the Church, Seat of Wisdom and Mirror of Justice, may shine forth in brightness in this parish and diocese, without even a hint of incredibility, yet all in accord with the constant teachings and practice of the Church. Amen.
Ratko Perić, bishop
IN CLOSING THIS POST
I've maintained for some time now, that the messages themselves are a "forbidden fruit". As far back as 1984, preceeding Ordinary, Bishop Zanic (deceased) ordered in writing that messages cease being made public. Each message read over the last 25 years, is a message that was obtained through an act of disobedience to that order by the competent authority. The Blessed Mother being a model of such obedience would surely have encouraged the "seers" to humbly follow the orders of the Bishop and extraordinary virtue would have been visible had they complied with the directive.
There is no doubt that many have been brought to the faith through Medjugorje. Medjugorje has yielded many vocations. But was it truly an apparition which yielded these fruits, or was it the grace of God coming through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession? I am in a parish right now, where these two things are highly valued - just scroll through the blog to see photos. Many who come to this blog yearn for these things in their own parish so why not provide them? I have no need to make a pilgrimage half-way across the world because my pastoral needs are met through the hard work of priests who nurture the many things valued by Catholics who frequent Medjugorje: Eucharist, adoration, benediction, devotions, rosary, silent meditation, frequent confession, mortification, etc.
Priests need to bring these things to all parishes because Medjugorje proves without a doubt that the faithful want them - including non-Catholics who go there and are converted. It has proven without a doubt that these things lead to vocations.
We should all pray for Bishop Peric, the Holy See, the "seers", and the followers of Medjugorje - that God's will be done in all things pertaining to Medjugorje.
One of the best thought processes I've seen, very abbreviated was written by Bishop Henri Brincard of the French Bishop's Commission on Medjugorje, written in 2002. Carefully, jurisdiction is laid out, various claims are explored and addressed, with regards to that jurisdiction. The need to see the "events" ahead of judging the fruits is looked at, as well, along with the need to balance good fruits, and bad fruits. The latter simply cannot be ignored because good things are happening.
French Bishops Commission Statement
Just as we need to be careful with how closely we attach ourselves to any one priest, we must constantly evaluate what we are basing our faith on. Is it the sacraments? Or, is it a favored priest? Is it an apparition, or set of miracles or messages? Can our faith stand if a favored priest moves on, or without a phenomena such as that offered at Medjugorje?
Parish priests must explore what pulls people to Medjugorje, then offer it right in their own parish, and I don't mean apparitions or "seers".
If you would like to see this on the Bishop's website, in English, Italian or Croatian, please click the link below. When you get there, click on Medjugorje, then scroll through the frame on the right until you see the title with this in it: MEDJUGORJE, 15 - VI - 2006. Note: There is no chronological order that I can see, in how the documents line up in this frame window. So, just keep scrolling.
Related links:
NEW on JULY 23: "Surprise from the Vatican: Hole See takes Medjugorje Phenomenon into its own hands"
What truly leads people to Medjugorje?
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Catholic Bible Study Online: Three More Resources
I have three more resources for Catholic Bible study online.
Michael Barber - Singing in the Reign (on Blogger)
For those of you lucky enough to be able to hear EWTN Radio programs either through Ave Maria Radio, internet radio, or Sirius Satellite Radio, you may know who Michael Barber is. He hosts a weekly radio show called, "Reasons for Faith" which focuses on the Bible. This young guy is about as enthusiastic as they come about the Catholic faith and can tie scripture together in an amazing way. He is currently working on his PhD
Michael Barber then introduces us to another new website that has launched....
Dr. Brant Pitre at BrantPitre.com
From his introductory post:
Welcome to my website! I am Dr. Brant Pitre, currently assistant professor of Scripture and Theology at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, in New Orleans, Louisiana. I received my Ph.D. in New Testament and ancient Judaism from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and since then have spent my time teaching, writing, and giving lectures on the Bible and on the Jewish roots of Christianity. I am the author of a new book, entitled Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005), and am currently writing another on Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. I am also the author of several audio CD Bible study sets that explore the Jewish roots of Scripture and the Catholic Faith.
This site has been established for anyone interested in the study of the Bible, the “Sacred Page” (sacra pagina). As the Second Vatican Council taught, the study of Sacred Scripture “should be the very soul of sacred theology.” And, as St. Jerome taught, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Hence, the mission of this website is simple: to provide a place for all those who want to “put out into the deep” in the study of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Theology. I engage in this study from a deeply Catholic perspective, but gladly welcome all who are interested in the study of the Bible.
Michael Barber goes on to tell us more in his post about Dr. Pitre's new website. Turns out he is a Senior Fellow at the St. Paul Center, which is the first Catholic Bible study reference I had in another post. I referenced it as www.salvationhistory.com, which belongs to Dr. Scott Hahn.
Our last reference today, is another EWTN radio personality, John Martignoni, who has the site, BibleChristianSociety.com.
All of these are solid, and will be in my sidebar under a new section dedicated to Scripture Study.
These references are solidly Catholic, so bookmark them.
Michael Barber - Singing in the Reign (on Blogger)
For those of you lucky enough to be able to hear EWTN Radio programs either through Ave Maria Radio, internet radio, or Sirius Satellite Radio, you may know who Michael Barber is. He hosts a weekly radio show called, "Reasons for Faith" which focuses on the Bible. This young guy is about as enthusiastic as they come about the Catholic faith and can tie scripture together in an amazing way. He is currently working on his PhD
Michael Barber then introduces us to another new website that has launched....
Dr. Brant Pitre at BrantPitre.com
From his introductory post:
Welcome to my website! I am Dr. Brant Pitre, currently assistant professor of Scripture and Theology at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, in New Orleans, Louisiana. I received my Ph.D. in New Testament and ancient Judaism from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and since then have spent my time teaching, writing, and giving lectures on the Bible and on the Jewish roots of Christianity. I am the author of a new book, entitled Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005), and am currently writing another on Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. I am also the author of several audio CD Bible study sets that explore the Jewish roots of Scripture and the Catholic Faith.
This site has been established for anyone interested in the study of the Bible, the “Sacred Page” (sacra pagina). As the Second Vatican Council taught, the study of Sacred Scripture “should be the very soul of sacred theology.” And, as St. Jerome taught, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Hence, the mission of this website is simple: to provide a place for all those who want to “put out into the deep” in the study of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Theology. I engage in this study from a deeply Catholic perspective, but gladly welcome all who are interested in the study of the Bible.
Michael Barber goes on to tell us more in his post about Dr. Pitre's new website. Turns out he is a Senior Fellow at the St. Paul Center, which is the first Catholic Bible study reference I had in another post. I referenced it as www.salvationhistory.com, which belongs to Dr. Scott Hahn.
Our last reference today, is another EWTN radio personality, John Martignoni, who has the site, BibleChristianSociety.com.
All of these are solid, and will be in my sidebar under a new section dedicated to Scripture Study.
These references are solidly Catholic, so bookmark them.
Saturday, July 1, 2006
The Light of Truth; the Disorientation of Relativism
Not long after I rediscovered my faith a year ago, one thing God wanted to get straight with me was that everything was not relative, as I had believed.
The cardinals were just heading into the Conclave and Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, had given his sermon as they embarked on this most important task of selecting a new pontiff. Something struck me and I could not get away from the words, "The dictatorship of relativism". I was a news junky and I turned on the TV and heard it. Later, I turned on the radio and the words jumped out at me. I opened my once beloved daily newspaper - ditto. Finally, God convinced me to ponder relativism. I looked it up in the dictionary, and suddenly got a sinking feeling inside of me when I read:
I began to meditate on it and finally asked God for some help - and help He did give. Ask, and you shall receive. In a very short period of time, God turned on the light and with that, came an analogy that Truth is like North, where the compass needle points. It was this passage from Hebrews which jumped started me. I remember all of this because this reading comes up frequently in the Liturgy of the Hours on certain feast days.
Hebrews 13: 8-9
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.
The Compass of Truth (c 2006)
Jesus is Truth!
And, Truth is North
where the compass needle points.
I cannot travel in any other direction
and call it "north"
by bending the compass needle
to a direction which suits me.
Only self-deception
would attempt such a thing.
Truth is static, or unmoving;
it is never dynamic, or moving.
Truth is either black or white
but never shades of gray.
Jesus did not say the road
would be broad and easy!
He said it would be narrow
and difficult!!!
Thus it is easy
to bend the compass needle
making "north" wherever I please.
and difficult to follow
the compass needle where it is fixed.
To follow Jesus
is to follow Truth
not a movable "truth"
but a fixed Truth -
a Truth that is the same yesterday
today, and tomorrow.
Therefore, do not be led astray
by all sorts of strange teachings!
All this having been said, I now found guilt building as I looked at my life. I began to feel like a crippled ship, adrift in an ocean, in need of safe harbor. As I went to sleep one night, I asked God for his help one more time, and on May 15, 2006, I came into a port teaming with repair specialists. As I walked in the doors of Assumption Grotto, it was shocking at first. It was as if I had stepped back in time, and I almost turned away. But, something inside of me "suggested" I just suspend my judgment and stay a while.
One of the first things I noticed, having gotten there early, were 4 confessionals running, and all with lines of 5-7 people, and some waiting in the pews. I had gone to confession the day Pope John Paul II died, but it had been 2 years before that. With my sudden discovery of having led a relativistic life not long after, my closet felt deeply in need of emptying again. Those confession lines made the sacrament inviting as I underwent a significant purging over the next 3-4 months. With my compass fixed now, many of my past misdeeds became very clear and God graced me with the desire to acknowledge these things through reconciliation and penance.
The Lord was so merciful when he instituted this sacrament. Use it, and use it frequently. The graces that come to you will draw you into the kind of humility necessary for deep interior change. I am fortunate to be in a parish where priests (the repair specialists) encourage frequent confession, even if there is no serious sin.
People respond to a priest in a confessional. I know, I am one of them!!!
The cardinals were just heading into the Conclave and Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, had given his sermon as they embarked on this most important task of selecting a new pontiff. Something struck me and I could not get away from the words, "The dictatorship of relativism". I was a news junky and I turned on the TV and heard it. Later, I turned on the radio and the words jumped out at me. I opened my once beloved daily newspaper - ditto. Finally, God convinced me to ponder relativism. I looked it up in the dictionary, and suddenly got a sinking feeling inside of me when I read:
Relativism:
A theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them.
I began to meditate on it and finally asked God for some help - and help He did give. Ask, and you shall receive. In a very short period of time, God turned on the light and with that, came an analogy that Truth is like North, where the compass needle points. It was this passage from Hebrews which jumped started me. I remember all of this because this reading comes up frequently in the Liturgy of the Hours on certain feast days.
Hebrews 13: 8-9
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.
The Compass of Truth (c 2006)
Jesus is Truth!
And, Truth is North
where the compass needle points.
I cannot travel in any other direction
and call it "north"
by bending the compass needle
to a direction which suits me.
Only self-deception
would attempt such a thing.
Truth is static, or unmoving;
it is never dynamic, or moving.
Truth is either black or white
but never shades of gray.
Jesus did not say the road
would be broad and easy!
He said it would be narrow
and difficult!!!
Thus it is easy
to bend the compass needle
making "north" wherever I please.
and difficult to follow
the compass needle where it is fixed.
To follow Jesus
is to follow Truth
not a movable "truth"
but a fixed Truth -
a Truth that is the same yesterday
today, and tomorrow.
Therefore, do not be led astray
by all sorts of strange teachings!
All this having been said, I now found guilt building as I looked at my life. I began to feel like a crippled ship, adrift in an ocean, in need of safe harbor. As I went to sleep one night, I asked God for his help one more time, and on May 15, 2006, I came into a port teaming with repair specialists. As I walked in the doors of Assumption Grotto, it was shocking at first. It was as if I had stepped back in time, and I almost turned away. But, something inside of me "suggested" I just suspend my judgment and stay a while.
One of the first things I noticed, having gotten there early, were 4 confessionals running, and all with lines of 5-7 people, and some waiting in the pews. I had gone to confession the day Pope John Paul II died, but it had been 2 years before that. With my sudden discovery of having led a relativistic life not long after, my closet felt deeply in need of emptying again. Those confession lines made the sacrament inviting as I underwent a significant purging over the next 3-4 months. With my compass fixed now, many of my past misdeeds became very clear and God graced me with the desire to acknowledge these things through reconciliation and penance.
The Lord was so merciful when he instituted this sacrament. Use it, and use it frequently. The graces that come to you will draw you into the kind of humility necessary for deep interior change. I am fortunate to be in a parish where priests (the repair specialists) encourage frequent confession, even if there is no serious sin.
CCC 1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful.
People respond to a priest in a confessional. I know, I am one of them!!!
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