In an article published in the February 11, 2007 edition of the National Catholic Register and entitled "Homilist Names Names," Mr. David Freddoso quotes Legionary Father Thomas Williams, Dean of Theology at Rome's Regina Apostolorum University, as having said that, "Historically, the pulpit has often been effectively used to reprimand the common vices of the congregation, but it is an inappropriate venue for correcting the specific errors of an individual...Pastoral prudence and charity would suggest that a preacher refrain from making references to specific persons, regardless of whether the individual is present or not."

Fr. Williams made these comments in response to Deacon Tom McDonnell's homily given on January 21st of this year in which he took U.S. Representative Brian Higgins to task for his recent vote in favor of federal funding for research that destroys human embryos.

What of Fr. Williams assertion that the pulpit is "an inappropriate venue for correcting the specific errors of an individual....whether the individual is present or not"? If this is the case, how do we explain the actions of His Eminence Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Munster, during the Second World War? As this statement from the ADL makes clear: http://www.adl.org/PresRele/VaticanJewish_96/4616_96.htm:

"Cardinal Clemens August von Galen was Bishop of Munster during the Nazi regime and used his pulpit to criticize Hitler and the cruelty of the Nazis."

Now, I'm not attempting to make a strict comparison between Hitler and Representative Brian Higgins. But the point I'm trying to make is that the pulpit has been seen in the past as an appropriate venue for "correcting the specific errors of an individual." Therefore, Fr. Williams is simply wrong. And while Representative Higgins cannot be compared to Adolph Hitler in the strictest sense, still, both have been on record as supporting a culture of death. Hitler had an extermination plan (a "Final Solution") for killing Jews and Representative Higgins, as this article makes clear: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07012502.html:

"..was endorsed in 2006 by the National Abortion Rights Action League and Planned Parenthood for his support of abortion and related legislation."

And the extermination of innocent unborn children is, to an authentic Catholic, another holocaust.

Fr. Williams may believe that the pulpit is "an inappropriate venue for correcting the specific errors of an individual," but His Eminence Cardinal Galen did not share this view. And a statement issued by the Foreign Office [Great Britain] referred to this courageous Cardinal as "the most outstanding personality among the clergy in the British zone."

Fr. Williams (like so many other priests, religious and lay people who have succumbed to what Fr. Vincent P. Miceli referred to as the "Cult of Softness") may believe that "pastoral prudence and charity would suggest that a preacher refrain from making references to specific persons, regardless of whether the individual is present or not." But thank God for the witness of His Eminence Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, who stood publically opposed to the Nazi regime and wasn't afraid to "name names." His was an authentic charity as defined by the Catechism (No. 1822).

Today, Cardinal Galen is now known as "Blessed," having been beatified at St. Peter's Basilica on October 9, 2005.

Say what you will Fr. Williams. I'll stick with the actions of a beatified Cardinal, a Prince of the Church who possessed the Holy Spirit's gift of Fortitude. For although I have no doubt that you are a wise and holy priest and a very educated man, still, the Church has not called you Blessed.


God love you all,
Paul Anthony Melanson