Mr. Russell Pond, a friend of mine from Nashua, New Hampshire, just forwarded to me the latest edition of his publication The St. Michael Brigade Newsletter. In this edition, he reminds his readers that, "As of today a estimated 40,086,075 american babies have been murdered by abortion since jan 22 1973."
And yet, there are still Catholics who insist that "all is well" and that anyone who says otherwise is being "negative" or "judgmental." Add to this the fact that our society continues to push for same-sex "marriage" and the acceptance of various forms of pornography and it is easy to see (unless you are spiritually blind) that our society is in crisis and on the edge of an abyss.
Is a great chastisement coming? There are signs that such a chastisement is just around the corner. Recently, Mr. Michael Brown authored an article on chastisement and the world's hostility toward that concept:
As Events Intensify, Media, Reacts With Frenzy To Any Mention Of Chastisement
One has to smile, how any mention of God's "judgment" these days draws an explosive response. Obviously, the devil does not want the public-at-large to know anything about the concept of chastisement.
That's not to say it hasn't been used in the wrong manner. We have long had a problem with the way Reverend Pat Robertson of Virginia expresses himself, and there was a strange juxtaposition of spontaneous remarks earlier this week by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin (who proclaimed that the hurricanes occurred because God is unhappy with the U.S., at the same time that he vowed to keep his city "chocolate").
But the vitriol with which the secular media react to any notion of God allowing events to come as purification remains intriguing and has increased as those events have become all the more apparent.
The new tactic is to quote a liberal preacher from somewhere as citing a scripture that talks about how no one can know the Mind of God. In context, of course, that's true; no one can know the full thoughts of the Lord; although it's also true that in event after event, the prophets pronounced just such happenings in biblical times (especially to do with Israel, Egypt, and Babylon). Have we in the modern era developed a wisdom that transcends those who founded Judeo-Christianity (see here)?
To dispense of the notion of "chastisement" -- of God punishing, for example, a nation -- is to dispense of most Old Testament prophets.
Clumsiness? Yes. But the attempt to intimidate Christians from discussing purification won't work, especially as events grow increasingly intense. For the time being, the secularists have even influenced many in the "mainstream" religious media. "Chastisement" is high on the list of words that are politically and now religiously "incorrect." This is especially ironic in light of remarks from Archbishop Philip Hannan, the most famous bishop in the history of New Orleans and still a prominent figure in retirement. Soon after "Katrina," the archbishop, who is known as the "pope of New Orleans," pronounced the hurricane "a Divine chastisement." The same was mentioned by a New Orleans councilman, a state legislator in Mississippi, and a former Louisiana state senator, among others who had the nerve.
"I keep telling people, you have got to talk about this chastisement, you've got to let not only your children and grandchildren, but other people know about it -- the others who have not gone through it, how much of a penance it was," said Archbishop Hannan, a bishop emeritus. "To come back to your home and find it destroyed is an enormous shock, not only to the father and the mother, but to the children. Because this is the worst storm in our history, it should become part of our heritage. We should tell our descendants just how terrible it was so they will understand that it was a chastisement and should improve our morality."
That quote, you saw hardly anywhere. Had the New Orleans archbishop emeritus said the storm was not a chastisement, of course, it would have been on network news. Don't mention chastisement because doing so would point out problems with society and underscore the cost of sin. Even Catholic media back away from this. As a pro-life website has pointed out, in the Gospel of Luke at chapter 13, Jesus Himself spoke of a disaster, noting that those who perished were not more evil than others, but that it was a warning for all to repent. 'Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem? No, I say to you; but except you do penance, you shall all likewise perish.'"
It is not so much God punishing us, but the fact that our darkness erupts in the nature around us. The good and evil suffer alike. Let us pray for the people of Louisiana and Mississippi, at this time when many have forgotten them. Meanwhile, we continue to bear concerns about future events. It's chilling to note the extent of animal cloning, and it is chilling to see a recent statistic showing that forty percent of all pregnancies in New York City are aborted. This is similar to the reproductive horrors of China. Let us be politically incorrect and loudly: God in His Mercy is going to allow events to purify us.
We have to be careful. There remains much in the way of errant prophecy. We tried to point that out two weeks ago by citing an alleged "seer" who was calling for events to occur on the Epiphany. To our surprise, some readers did not understand the warning: Stay away from anything that is too specific. The devil plays both sides. He is a man of extremes. He is also presumptuous, so stay away from prophecies that seem presumptuous. It is a dangerous time, because at the same moment that false seers have risen on all sides, the credibility of bishops, who are charged with controlling such visions, has frighteningly decreased in the wake of scandal (and because so much of the supernatural is rejected out of hand). They must still be strictly obeyed.
But there is a prophetic pulse, and it is beating through the general populace.
"A few years ago I was lying in bed putting my son to sleep," wrote Bianca Hendicott. "I was not asleep. In my mind but before my eyes I saw tables and chairs as if strewn in destruction. On two tables sat two bibles or bible like books which opened with a great light which went up into the heavens. Then I saw flashes of other things I can't entirely recall. Then, lastly and most distinctly (as I cannot get this image out of my head), I saw the earth, a globe, surrounded by a watch like the ring around Saturn. I remember as if it was yesterday thinking the time of Our Lord is at hand."
Many continue to believe that time has "sped" up. "I am chronically sick and mainly in bed most days," wrote Rebecca Leech of New Zealand. "I do not have a fast-paced life, but instead one that should go very slowly. Yet I am finding the days rushing by at the rate of knots and feel something is up. My mother was talking about how she used to have a routine before she would go to work and everything would be planned. She can no longer fit in this 'routine,' yet the time she goes to work is exactly the same as it ever was."
Many are those with "messages" out there. Most of them are more like personal meditations. The pure locutions are rare. But there is truth in thoughts of inspiration. Our intuitions are speaking to us.
It's just that the devil doesn't want us to hear.
And many indeed don't hear. Caught up in a consumer society, a materialistic society, a hedonistic society, too many people - Catholics included - are more intent on their next meal, what's on television, or what they will purchase at the mall. Witness the mad rush for the new "playstation." If only people had the same zeal for Holy Mass and the other sacraments.
Although the parking lot at my local mall is almost always filled to capacity, many churches are not. And what about the sacrament of Penance? I make it a practice to confess regularly and no matter which parish I frequent to receive this most precious sacrament, I am almost always the only one there. At one parish alone will I see a few other Catholics in attendance to receive absolution. And why is this? Because our society has lost the very sense of sin.
Pollyanna "Catholics" view those of us who are witnessing to our faith as "rigid," "too dogmatic," too "pre-Vatican II," and "judgmental." But there is nothing "judgmental" about crying out "danger" when we witness another individual (or a society) rushing headlong toward a cliff. An authentic charity is always rooted in truth. Only a perverse notion of "charity" leaves the individual or a society comfortable in their sins.
Charity is primarily the love of God and secondarily the love of neighbor for God's sake. Reflect on paragraph 1822 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are commanded by Our Lord to read the signs of the times:
Jesus said to his disciples:"In those days after that tribulationthe sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds'with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angelsand gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky."Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,you know that summer is near.In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13: 24-32).
Paul.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
St. Louis de Montfort's Prayer to Mary
Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father. Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son. Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, my Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign. Hail, my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul. Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently thine. I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others. If thou seest anything in me which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine.
Destroy in me all that may displease God; root it up and bring it to nought. Place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee. May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind. May thy profound humility take the place of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination.
May the continuous sight of God fill my memory with His Presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine. May thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me.
Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus, and His Divine Will; that I may have no other soul but thinke to praise and glorify God; that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine.
I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotions, or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privilege to see God clearly, it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men, and demons.
It is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest. Such, O heavenly Mary, the 'best part', which the Lord has given thee, and which shall never be taken away from thee--and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine, to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite, and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants.
The only grace I beg thee, for me, is that every moment of the day, and every moment of my life, I may say, "Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in heaven. Amen, so be it, to all thou didst do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all thou art doing in my soul," so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity.
Amen.
Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father. Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son. Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, my Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign. Hail, my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul. Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently thine. I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others. If thou seest anything in me which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine.
Destroy in me all that may displease God; root it up and bring it to nought. Place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee. May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind. May thy profound humility take the place of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination.
May the continuous sight of God fill my memory with His Presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine. May thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me.
Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus, and His Divine Will; that I may have no other soul but thinke to praise and glorify God; that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine.
I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotions, or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privilege to see God clearly, it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men, and demons.
It is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest. Such, O heavenly Mary, the 'best part', which the Lord has given thee, and which shall never be taken away from thee--and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine, to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite, and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants.
The only grace I beg thee, for me, is that every moment of the day, and every moment of my life, I may say, "Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in heaven. Amen, so be it, to all thou didst do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all thou art doing in my soul," so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity.
Amen.
La Salette Attleboro: Center for Christian Living still offering "Christian Yoga."
Recently, Mr. Michael Brown of Spirit Daily wrote an outstanding article on New Age infiltration into "Catholic" retreat centers. Here is that article:
NEW AGE MAKES HUGE INROAD INTO RETREAT CENTERS OPERATED BY CATHOLIC NUNS
By Michael H. Brown
Towards the end of John Paul II's pontificate, the Vatican issued a document about the New Age that was reviewed, one can assume, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, even though his congregation was not redactor of the actual document.
It would do well for the U.S. bishops to revisit that document (entitled "Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life") and make certain that parishes understand and heed Rome's definition of what is meant by the "new age" -- a refined form of occultism that looks upon God as more an energy and impersonal, psychic force in classic pagan perspective and is expressly prohibited.
Despite that prohibition, which was issued in 2003, I receive many e-mails about New Age or Eastern-style practices that have been allowed and even promoted in church halls, convents, retreat centers, and occasionally from the pulpit. It's an insidious infiltration [see bottom] that thus far has not received nearly the attention it warrants -- putting, as it does, those who are exposed to it into potential touch with the dark side, which comes as an angel of light.
I invite you to send such cases here, if they are occurring in your parish. In just the past week, we have linked to articles about nuns in northeast Philadelphia who instruct in massage, energy, kinesiology, and "therapeutic touch" (which some say is akin to psychic healing). At any rate, they are described as "nuns" at the Center for Human Integration. They also use "reiki," an ancient form of therapeutic touch that taps into occult "ki" or "c'hi" energy.
"There is a remarkable variety of approaches for promoting holistic health, some derived from ancient cultural traditions, whether religious or esoteric," says the Vatican document.
"Advertising connected with the New Age covers a wide range of practices as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, kinesiology, homeopathy, iridology, massage, and various kinds of 'bodywork' (such as orgnonomy, Feldenkrais, relexology, rolfing, polarity massage, therapeutic touch, etc), meditation, and visualization...
"The source of healing is said to be within ourselves, something we reach when we are in touch with our inner or cosmic energy."
There it is in black and white -- the Vatican definition of New Age -- and yet confusion (a mark of the enemy) reigns.
There are nuns into drumming circle prayer. There are sisters who are reiki masters. On church grounds, there are haunted mazes.
I don't pretend to know definitively all that is wrong or right but I know we are to follow the Vatican and that evil masquerades itself. What are Catholics doing involved in something that is expressly cited in the Vatican documents?
"This weekend will provide for a deepening of the experiences of meditation, prayer, journaling, yoga and reiki. There will be ample time for practicing techniques, quiet reflection and sharing. Donation: $75 (includes $25 non-refundable deposit). St. Joseph Center, Mount Saint Joseph, Wheeling," says an announcement from West Virginia.
At the left are illustrations from the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (for further information, it says, "e-mail Sr. Carole Riley, Ph.D.").
"Prepare the Way of the Lord -- Saturday, December 9 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)," says another ad. "Participants will discover ways of praying with their bodies using creative movement as the sacred scriptures are explored in the season of Advent. (Wear comfortable clothing). Presenter: Sister Molly Maloney, OSF, M.A., LMT. Offering: $35 (lunch included)."
What's going on in West Virginia? What's going on in dozens of other dioceses?
Should "St. Joseph" really be uttered in the same breath as Buddha, or "tai chi"?
There are Catholic centers that offer an "ancient, sacred tradition" called the "labyrinth" (seven cycles and seven turns representing the seven stages of life). There is the enneagram, which claims to determine types of personalities. In Pennsylvania are the "Sisters of the Humility of Mary" who offer yoga and even holistic health care for animals.
I'm not competent to judge the esoteric nature of all such practices (no one is against feeding a dog well), but again it seems to contravene the Vatican. "The important thing to note," said the document, "is that God is reduced in certain New Age practices so as furthering the advancement of the individual."
"New Age appeals to people imbued with the values of modern culture. Freedom, authenticity, self-reliance, and the like are all held to be sacred."
The Vatican definition has been ignored, and it appears to be nothing less than a full-blown crisis -- with the question of how Catholics can so openly ignore authority.
"From this place we respond to the needs of families, youth, the elderly, homeless, prisoners, and immigrants in sites that include Ohio, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia," says the website in West Virginia. "Internationally, we serve in Haiti and have served in Africa, Bangladesh, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, and Vietnam."
Reiki, drumming circles, medicine dolls: it involves nuns across the Western Hemisphere. Canada. The U.S.
Writes one concerned reader, "It didn't take me long, but I found convent after convent, parish after parish, Catholic retreat center after retreat center, engaged in reiki and more. Is the Vatican aware? Aware that so many Roman Catholics are... Pagan Catholics?"
Strikes me as a good question.
It strikes me as a good question too Mr. Brown.
Paul.
NEW AGE MAKES HUGE INROAD INTO RETREAT CENTERS OPERATED BY CATHOLIC NUNS
By Michael H. Brown
Towards the end of John Paul II's pontificate, the Vatican issued a document about the New Age that was reviewed, one can assume, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, even though his congregation was not redactor of the actual document.
It would do well for the U.S. bishops to revisit that document (entitled "Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life") and make certain that parishes understand and heed Rome's definition of what is meant by the "new age" -- a refined form of occultism that looks upon God as more an energy and impersonal, psychic force in classic pagan perspective and is expressly prohibited.
Despite that prohibition, which was issued in 2003, I receive many e-mails about New Age or Eastern-style practices that have been allowed and even promoted in church halls, convents, retreat centers, and occasionally from the pulpit. It's an insidious infiltration [see bottom] that thus far has not received nearly the attention it warrants -- putting, as it does, those who are exposed to it into potential touch with the dark side, which comes as an angel of light.
I invite you to send such cases here, if they are occurring in your parish. In just the past week, we have linked to articles about nuns in northeast Philadelphia who instruct in massage, energy, kinesiology, and "therapeutic touch" (which some say is akin to psychic healing). At any rate, they are described as "nuns" at the Center for Human Integration. They also use "reiki," an ancient form of therapeutic touch that taps into occult "ki" or "c'hi" energy.
"There is a remarkable variety of approaches for promoting holistic health, some derived from ancient cultural traditions, whether religious or esoteric," says the Vatican document.
"Advertising connected with the New Age covers a wide range of practices as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, kinesiology, homeopathy, iridology, massage, and various kinds of 'bodywork' (such as orgnonomy, Feldenkrais, relexology, rolfing, polarity massage, therapeutic touch, etc), meditation, and visualization...
"The source of healing is said to be within ourselves, something we reach when we are in touch with our inner or cosmic energy."
There it is in black and white -- the Vatican definition of New Age -- and yet confusion (a mark of the enemy) reigns.
There are nuns into drumming circle prayer. There are sisters who are reiki masters. On church grounds, there are haunted mazes.
I don't pretend to know definitively all that is wrong or right but I know we are to follow the Vatican and that evil masquerades itself. What are Catholics doing involved in something that is expressly cited in the Vatican documents?
"This weekend will provide for a deepening of the experiences of meditation, prayer, journaling, yoga and reiki. There will be ample time for practicing techniques, quiet reflection and sharing. Donation: $75 (includes $25 non-refundable deposit). St. Joseph Center, Mount Saint Joseph, Wheeling," says an announcement from West Virginia.
At the left are illustrations from the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (for further information, it says, "e-mail Sr. Carole Riley, Ph.D.").
"Prepare the Way of the Lord -- Saturday, December 9 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)," says another ad. "Participants will discover ways of praying with their bodies using creative movement as the sacred scriptures are explored in the season of Advent. (Wear comfortable clothing). Presenter: Sister Molly Maloney, OSF, M.A., LMT. Offering: $35 (lunch included)."
What's going on in West Virginia? What's going on in dozens of other dioceses?
Should "St. Joseph" really be uttered in the same breath as Buddha, or "tai chi"?
There are Catholic centers that offer an "ancient, sacred tradition" called the "labyrinth" (seven cycles and seven turns representing the seven stages of life). There is the enneagram, which claims to determine types of personalities. In Pennsylvania are the "Sisters of the Humility of Mary" who offer yoga and even holistic health care for animals.
I'm not competent to judge the esoteric nature of all such practices (no one is against feeding a dog well), but again it seems to contravene the Vatican. "The important thing to note," said the document, "is that God is reduced in certain New Age practices so as furthering the advancement of the individual."
"New Age appeals to people imbued with the values of modern culture. Freedom, authenticity, self-reliance, and the like are all held to be sacred."
The Vatican definition has been ignored, and it appears to be nothing less than a full-blown crisis -- with the question of how Catholics can so openly ignore authority.
"From this place we respond to the needs of families, youth, the elderly, homeless, prisoners, and immigrants in sites that include Ohio, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia," says the website in West Virginia. "Internationally, we serve in Haiti and have served in Africa, Bangladesh, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, and Vietnam."
Reiki, drumming circles, medicine dolls: it involves nuns across the Western Hemisphere. Canada. The U.S.
Writes one concerned reader, "It didn't take me long, but I found convent after convent, parish after parish, Catholic retreat center after retreat center, engaged in reiki and more. Is the Vatican aware? Aware that so many Roman Catholics are... Pagan Catholics?"
Strikes me as a good question.
It strikes me as a good question too Mr. Brown.
Paul.
Pope and Curia reaffirm value of priestly celibacy:
VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:
"In the Apostolic Palace this morning, November 16, the Holy Father presided at one of the regular meetings of the heads of dicasteries of the Roman Curia, for a moment of shared reflection.
"The participants in the meeting had at their disposal detailed information concerning requests for dispensation from the obligation of celibacy presented during recent years, and concerning the possibility of readmission to the exercise of the ministry of priests who currently meet the conditions established by the Church.
"The value of the choice of priestly celibacy in accordance with Catholic tradition was reaffirmed, and the need for solid human and Christian formation was underlined, both for seminaries and for ordained priests."
VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:
"In the Apostolic Palace this morning, November 16, the Holy Father presided at one of the regular meetings of the heads of dicasteries of the Roman Curia, for a moment of shared reflection.
"The participants in the meeting had at their disposal detailed information concerning requests for dispensation from the obligation of celibacy presented during recent years, and concerning the possibility of readmission to the exercise of the ministry of priests who currently meet the conditions established by the Church.
"The value of the choice of priestly celibacy in accordance with Catholic tradition was reaffirmed, and the need for solid human and Christian formation was underlined, both for seminaries and for ordained priests."
Thursday, November 16, 2006
From Mr. Michael Brown at Spirit Daily:
There it was, in a "revelation" during an exorcism -- if we can believe revelations during exorcisms. A swarm of spirits, it was said, had been released from the abyss. It was the conclusion of one famous exorcist in Germany that "since the pontificate of Pius IX, the Church has entered into a period of severe persecutions.
"The militant Church has to suffer a twofold evil: externally, through the persecution of her enemies, and interiorly, through the corruption of her members," he said, basing his ideas on what spirits were commanded to reveal. "And since Pius IX ascended the throne, this twofold tendency is constantly increasing. The cause of this heavy burden laid upon the Church is due, according to the confessions of the demons, to the unusually strong and numerous invasion of diabolical spirits upon this earth."
Can we really believe this? Might it not just be a deceptive spirit being deceptive?
Whatever the case, Pius IX reigned from 1846 to 1878 -- a time of enhanced evil. His successor, Leo XIII, is said to have had a vision in which he heard the devil request a period of time to test the Church. Such was granted. By some accounts, it was to be a "century."
The vision and time period -- which may be metaphorical (a "century" may simply mean a long time, in spiritual jargon), it was then that Pope Leo who penned the famous -- and potent -- prayer to the Archangel Michael on October 13, 1884.
His successor, Pius X, recognized a new undercurrent of evil and issued documents calling doctrines of modernism the "synthesis of all heresies" and said he "felt a sort of terror, considering the disastrous conditions of humanity at this present hour."
During the onset of the twentieth century, he fretted that it might be "the beginning of the sorrows which must take place before the end of the world."
Meanwhile, Anne Catherine Emmerich, the famed German stigmatic, who also saw a period of special evil, once said: "I heard that Lucifer, if I am not mistaken, would again be freed for a time about fifty or sixty years before the year 2000. A number of other devils would be released somewhere earlier as a punishment and a source of temptation to sinful human beings.”
That tied to the early days of Medjugorje, in which a seer said she was informed that the devil had asked for a century, and had been given such a period of time to test the world.
Truth? Hyperbole?
Back to Pius IX.
What was it about that pontificate? Why that particular time?
A very holy man, Pius IX was born on May 13, 1792, with a childhood filled with an intense religious life and mortifications. He was especially known for his Marian and Eucharistic devotions. It is said that St. Vincent Pallotti (left) predicted he would become Pope and that the Virgin of Loreto would free him of an illness he was suffering -- which indeed occurred.
Born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, Pius was elected Pope on June 16, 1846 -- three months before the famous apparition of Mary at LaSalette (in France), where the Blessed Mother allegedly gave a secret (in addition to an officially accepted one) that mentioned that there would be corruption in the Church, that occultism would spread in convents, and that the devil would attack priests (causing them to do wickedness and "bedimming" their intelligence).
"In the year 1864, Lucifer, together with a large number of demons, will be unloosed from hell," said one LaSalette prophecy (which the Church has always keep at a distance). "They will put an end to faith little by little, even in those dedicated to God. They will blind them in such a way that, unless they are blessed with a special grace, these people will take on the spirit of the angels of hell; several religious institutions will lose all faith and will lose many souls."
"Evil books will be abundant on earth and the spirits of darkness will spread everywhere a universal slackening in all that concerns the service of God... The Church will be in eclipse, the world will be in dismay."
The year 1864 was smack in the midst of Pius IX's pontificate -- which ending as it did in 1878 was the longest in history.
He certainly did nothing wrong that raised the smoke from hell -- but it was no coincidence, one might guess, that he was placed there to battle it.
Indeed, as one biography points out: "It is astounding how fearlessly he fought, in the midst of many and severe trials, against the false liberalism which threatened to destroy the very essence of faith and religion. In his Encyclical 'Quanta Cura' of 8 December, 1864, he condemned sixteen propositions touching on errors of the age. This Encyclical was accompanied by the famous 'Syllabus errorum,' a table of eighty previously censured propositions bearing on pantheism, naturalism, rationalism, indifferentism, socialism, communism, freemasonry, and the various kinds of religious liberalism."
Beatified in September of 2000, Pius spent part of his pontificate in exile and was the one who proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin as a dogma of the Church. Perhaps this helped spur the attack -- or blunted it.
At his insistence, the Catholic world was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus -- and like John Paul II, who would also have a tremendously long pontificate, he presided over an unprecedented number of canonizations.
If Satan was rising from the pit, there was this saintly man to fight it, just as there was the saintly personage of John Paul when the predictions of anti-christ, beaten back for a time, rose with new furor in the twentieth century.
A war this was, and maybe it was the special popes, including Leo, who have thus far helped hold an anti-christ at bay. For that had been another prophecy from LaSalette -- rise of anti-christ (and, as we will see in the next installment, it was a notion that came from the demons as well).
There it was, in a "revelation" during an exorcism -- if we can believe revelations during exorcisms. A swarm of spirits, it was said, had been released from the abyss. It was the conclusion of one famous exorcist in Germany that "since the pontificate of Pius IX, the Church has entered into a period of severe persecutions.
"The militant Church has to suffer a twofold evil: externally, through the persecution of her enemies, and interiorly, through the corruption of her members," he said, basing his ideas on what spirits were commanded to reveal. "And since Pius IX ascended the throne, this twofold tendency is constantly increasing. The cause of this heavy burden laid upon the Church is due, according to the confessions of the demons, to the unusually strong and numerous invasion of diabolical spirits upon this earth."
Can we really believe this? Might it not just be a deceptive spirit being deceptive?
Whatever the case, Pius IX reigned from 1846 to 1878 -- a time of enhanced evil. His successor, Leo XIII, is said to have had a vision in which he heard the devil request a period of time to test the Church. Such was granted. By some accounts, it was to be a "century."
The vision and time period -- which may be metaphorical (a "century" may simply mean a long time, in spiritual jargon), it was then that Pope Leo who penned the famous -- and potent -- prayer to the Archangel Michael on October 13, 1884.
His successor, Pius X, recognized a new undercurrent of evil and issued documents calling doctrines of modernism the "synthesis of all heresies" and said he "felt a sort of terror, considering the disastrous conditions of humanity at this present hour."
During the onset of the twentieth century, he fretted that it might be "the beginning of the sorrows which must take place before the end of the world."
Meanwhile, Anne Catherine Emmerich, the famed German stigmatic, who also saw a period of special evil, once said: "I heard that Lucifer, if I am not mistaken, would again be freed for a time about fifty or sixty years before the year 2000. A number of other devils would be released somewhere earlier as a punishment and a source of temptation to sinful human beings.”
That tied to the early days of Medjugorje, in which a seer said she was informed that the devil had asked for a century, and had been given such a period of time to test the world.
Truth? Hyperbole?
Back to Pius IX.
What was it about that pontificate? Why that particular time?
A very holy man, Pius IX was born on May 13, 1792, with a childhood filled with an intense religious life and mortifications. He was especially known for his Marian and Eucharistic devotions. It is said that St. Vincent Pallotti (left) predicted he would become Pope and that the Virgin of Loreto would free him of an illness he was suffering -- which indeed occurred.
Born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, Pius was elected Pope on June 16, 1846 -- three months before the famous apparition of Mary at LaSalette (in France), where the Blessed Mother allegedly gave a secret (in addition to an officially accepted one) that mentioned that there would be corruption in the Church, that occultism would spread in convents, and that the devil would attack priests (causing them to do wickedness and "bedimming" their intelligence).
"In the year 1864, Lucifer, together with a large number of demons, will be unloosed from hell," said one LaSalette prophecy (which the Church has always keep at a distance). "They will put an end to faith little by little, even in those dedicated to God. They will blind them in such a way that, unless they are blessed with a special grace, these people will take on the spirit of the angels of hell; several religious institutions will lose all faith and will lose many souls."
"Evil books will be abundant on earth and the spirits of darkness will spread everywhere a universal slackening in all that concerns the service of God... The Church will be in eclipse, the world will be in dismay."
The year 1864 was smack in the midst of Pius IX's pontificate -- which ending as it did in 1878 was the longest in history.
He certainly did nothing wrong that raised the smoke from hell -- but it was no coincidence, one might guess, that he was placed there to battle it.
Indeed, as one biography points out: "It is astounding how fearlessly he fought, in the midst of many and severe trials, against the false liberalism which threatened to destroy the very essence of faith and religion. In his Encyclical 'Quanta Cura' of 8 December, 1864, he condemned sixteen propositions touching on errors of the age. This Encyclical was accompanied by the famous 'Syllabus errorum,' a table of eighty previously censured propositions bearing on pantheism, naturalism, rationalism, indifferentism, socialism, communism, freemasonry, and the various kinds of religious liberalism."
Beatified in September of 2000, Pius spent part of his pontificate in exile and was the one who proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin as a dogma of the Church. Perhaps this helped spur the attack -- or blunted it.
At his insistence, the Catholic world was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus -- and like John Paul II, who would also have a tremendously long pontificate, he presided over an unprecedented number of canonizations.
If Satan was rising from the pit, there was this saintly man to fight it, just as there was the saintly personage of John Paul when the predictions of anti-christ, beaten back for a time, rose with new furor in the twentieth century.
A war this was, and maybe it was the special popes, including Leo, who have thus far helped hold an anti-christ at bay. For that had been another prophecy from LaSalette -- rise of anti-christ (and, as we will see in the next installment, it was a notion that came from the demons as well).
And more signs...
The Spirituality of the Marian Movement of Priests:
The Marian Movement of Priests is. . .
1. ..."HER WORK"
"It is my work, which I am carrying out in every part of the world in these last times. (...)
It is my work, which I myself am now carrying out, in order to gather from all sides the little remnant which will remain faithful to Jesus and to his Gospel, to the Pope and to the Church united with him. (…)It is my work, which I am accomplishing to spread the truth in these times of great apostasy, to bring you to greater unity with the Pope in these days of division and of widespread rebellion, to lead you along the way of grace and holiness amidst the general spread of sin and impurity.It is my work, which I am carrying out by means of my Marian Movement of Priests…" (497celj: June 19.
2. ... HER FAITHFUL COHORT Her Invincible Army in the Decisive Struggle Against Her Adversary
A. She is the Leader of this Cohort:
"The secret scheme, which in a hidden way I have been preparing for some time in order to realize my great plan, is now beginning to become visible: The Movement of my Priests, my cohort ready for the decisive battle and destined for victory." (17 f, Sept. 23, 1973)"I myself will be the Leader of this army. I am now forming it as my own in silence and in hiddenness just as, for nine months, I formed Jesus in my womb, and for many years in silence and hiddenness I brought Him up day by day. "I myself am now choosing the priests of the Movement and forming them according to the plan of my Immaculate Heart. (…) They will make up the cohort of 'my priests' which I myself will nourish and form, preparing them for the approaching battles of the kingdom of God." (5 e,g - July 16, 1973) B. And what does she say this cohort must do?
a) They must be ready . . .
− To obey my orders, because I will soon call them, and they must be ready to respond, ready to be used by me for the ultimate defense of my Son, of me, of the Gospel and of the Church.
They will be the salt in a world which is completely corrupt and a shining light in the darkness which will have enveloped everything.
− To fight, because my Adversary will set loose his army upon them, and he will pursue them with vehemence in a frightful battle. They will be ridiculed, despised, persecuted, and some will even be killed.
But I will always be with them, and will protect and defend them, and will console them, wiping away every tear as only a Mother knows how.
− To defend the Pope, who is already so very much alone in carrying the cross of the Church; there will even be a time at which, like Jesus on the way to Calvary, he will be as though abandoned by everyone.
Then these sons of mine will be his comfort and his defense, and together with me they will be victorious in the greatest battle of the Church.
For the present, my beloved sons, pray, love one another, be as little children. Let yourselves be formed and guided by me alone." (17i-o, Sept. 23, 1973) b) They must restore the sacred image of her son Jesus in the souls of all her children.
"…the Movement of my priests…is desired by me to make reparation for the immense harm caused in souls by atheism, to restore in so many desecrated hearts the image of God, the merciful countenance of my Son Jesus.
My priests are my restorers; they will restore in so many souls the face of God, and thus they will bring back many of my children from death to life. (...)
The priests of my Movement must restore purity in souls and fight firmly against the Demon of Lust in all its manifestations.
They must combat styles that are more and more indecent and provocative; they must combat the press that publicizes evil and entertainment which ruins morals. They must struggle against the prevalent mentality that legitimizes and justifies everything, and against current morality that permits everything. (...)
I want it to be the Movement of my priests which will bring back the fragrance of purity to the world: for it is only on the billow of this perfume that my Son Jesus will once again become the King of hearts and of souls." (21jkqru, Oct. 16, 1973)
3. ... HER GIFT TO THE CHURCH In her message to Fr. Gobbi on January 28, 1984, she says:
"A gift of my Immaculate Heart is this, my Movement. It is my work alone. For eleven years I have been diffusing it in every part of the world; I call my sons, and they respond. For eleven years I have been achieving a masterpiece of love and mercy for the triumph of my Immaculate Heart. Everything that I have told you will be fulfilled to the letter. The Church will come to an ever greater realization of how the Marian Movement of Priests is a gift of my Immaculate Heart, because with it I wish to give the Church the certainty of my perennial presence and my maternal protection." (284no, Jan. 28, 1984)
The Marian Movement of Priests is. . .
1. ..."HER WORK"
"It is my work, which I am carrying out in every part of the world in these last times. (...)
It is my work, which I myself am now carrying out, in order to gather from all sides the little remnant which will remain faithful to Jesus and to his Gospel, to the Pope and to the Church united with him. (…)It is my work, which I am accomplishing to spread the truth in these times of great apostasy, to bring you to greater unity with the Pope in these days of division and of widespread rebellion, to lead you along the way of grace and holiness amidst the general spread of sin and impurity.It is my work, which I am carrying out by means of my Marian Movement of Priests…" (497celj: June 19.
2. ... HER FAITHFUL COHORT Her Invincible Army in the Decisive Struggle Against Her Adversary
A. She is the Leader of this Cohort:
"The secret scheme, which in a hidden way I have been preparing for some time in order to realize my great plan, is now beginning to become visible: The Movement of my Priests, my cohort ready for the decisive battle and destined for victory." (17 f, Sept. 23, 1973)"I myself will be the Leader of this army. I am now forming it as my own in silence and in hiddenness just as, for nine months, I formed Jesus in my womb, and for many years in silence and hiddenness I brought Him up day by day. "I myself am now choosing the priests of the Movement and forming them according to the plan of my Immaculate Heart. (…) They will make up the cohort of 'my priests' which I myself will nourish and form, preparing them for the approaching battles of the kingdom of God." (5 e,g - July 16, 1973) B. And what does she say this cohort must do?
a) They must be ready . . .
− To obey my orders, because I will soon call them, and they must be ready to respond, ready to be used by me for the ultimate defense of my Son, of me, of the Gospel and of the Church.
They will be the salt in a world which is completely corrupt and a shining light in the darkness which will have enveloped everything.
− To fight, because my Adversary will set loose his army upon them, and he will pursue them with vehemence in a frightful battle. They will be ridiculed, despised, persecuted, and some will even be killed.
But I will always be with them, and will protect and defend them, and will console them, wiping away every tear as only a Mother knows how.
− To defend the Pope, who is already so very much alone in carrying the cross of the Church; there will even be a time at which, like Jesus on the way to Calvary, he will be as though abandoned by everyone.
Then these sons of mine will be his comfort and his defense, and together with me they will be victorious in the greatest battle of the Church.
For the present, my beloved sons, pray, love one another, be as little children. Let yourselves be formed and guided by me alone." (17i-o, Sept. 23, 1973) b) They must restore the sacred image of her son Jesus in the souls of all her children.
"…the Movement of my priests…is desired by me to make reparation for the immense harm caused in souls by atheism, to restore in so many desecrated hearts the image of God, the merciful countenance of my Son Jesus.
My priests are my restorers; they will restore in so many souls the face of God, and thus they will bring back many of my children from death to life. (...)
The priests of my Movement must restore purity in souls and fight firmly against the Demon of Lust in all its manifestations.
They must combat styles that are more and more indecent and provocative; they must combat the press that publicizes evil and entertainment which ruins morals. They must struggle against the prevalent mentality that legitimizes and justifies everything, and against current morality that permits everything. (...)
I want it to be the Movement of my priests which will bring back the fragrance of purity to the world: for it is only on the billow of this perfume that my Son Jesus will once again become the King of hearts and of souls." (21jkqru, Oct. 16, 1973)
3. ... HER GIFT TO THE CHURCH In her message to Fr. Gobbi on January 28, 1984, she says:
"A gift of my Immaculate Heart is this, my Movement. It is my work alone. For eleven years I have been diffusing it in every part of the world; I call my sons, and they respond. For eleven years I have been achieving a masterpiece of love and mercy for the triumph of my Immaculate Heart. Everything that I have told you will be fulfilled to the letter. The Church will come to an ever greater realization of how the Marian Movement of Priests is a gift of my Immaculate Heart, because with it I wish to give the Church the certainty of my perennial presence and my maternal protection." (284no, Jan. 28, 1984)
Signs of the Times....
The prayer need is greater than ever. Dark storms are forming both within the Church and throughout our paganized and secularized culture. The Man of Sin is soon to reveal himself. The stage is being set for the final battle between good and evil. The final confrontation which Pope John Paul II spoke of back in 1978.
Paul.
Paul.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
U.S. Bishops: If you dissent from Church Teaching on Sexuality and Abortion, Don't Receive Holy Communion
Further reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1395.
Paul.
Paul.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
EXPERIENCING THE GREATNESS OF CHRISTIANITY
VATICAN CITY, NOV 11, 2006 (VIS) - At the close of his meeting with prelates from the Conference of Swiss Bishops and heads of certain dicasteries of the Roman Curia, which took place on the afternoon of November 9, Benedict XVI pronounced an address, the text of which was made public today.
"We must nor allow our faith to be drained by too much discussion on a multiplicity of less-important details," said the Pope. "It is fundamental to highlight the greatness of our faith. ... Above all, it is important to cultivate a personal relationship with God, with the God Who showed Himself to us in Christ."
"God," he continued, "is 'Spiritus creator,' He is 'Logos,' He is reason. Because of this our faith is something that involves reason. It can be transmitted through reason and need not hide itself in the face of reason, not even the reason of our own times. ... Reason, indeed, has a heart, and so was able to renounce its own immensity and become flesh. In this and only in this, I believe, lies the ultimate and true greatness of our concept of God. We know that God is not a philosophical hypothesis, He is not something that perhaps exists, rather we know Him and He knows us. And we can know Him ever better if we maintain a dialogue with Him.
"Hence," the Holy Father added, "it is a fundamental task of pastoral care to teach others to pray and to learn to do so ourselves." In this context, he referred to the importance of "increasing the number of prayer schools, ... where personal prayer can be learned it all its dimensions."
"This intimacy with God and, hence, the experience of the presence of God is what brings us ... to experience the greatness of Christianity. It helps us to overcome all pettiness, and must be experienced and realized day by day - suffering and loving, in joy and in sadness."
Another theme to which the Holy Father turned his attention during his address to the prelates was that of ethics. "I often hear it said that people today feel nostalgia for God, spirituality and religion, and that they begin to see the Church as a possible interlocutor from which something may be received in this regard. ... However, what people find very difficult are the ethics the Church proclaims. I have long reflected upon this matter, and I see ever more clearly how, in our time, it is as if ethics have divided into two parts. Modern society is not simply ethic-less but has, so to say, 'discovered' and claimed another aspect of ethics which, in the Church's announcement over recent decades ... has not been sufficiently emphasized. This includes the great themes of peace, non-violence, justice for all, care for the poor and respect for creation.
"All this," he added, "has grown into an ethical system which has great power as a political force and, for many people, represents a substitute or surrogate for religion. In place of religion, which is seen as a metaphysical entity concerning the hereafter - perhaps even as something individualistic - these great moral themes appear to be the essential questions that confer dignity upon man."
"The other aspect of ethics, which politics not infrequently takes up in a highly controversial manner, concerns life. Part of this is the commitment to life from conception to natural death; in other words, defending life against abortion and euthanasia, against its manipulation, and against man's self-legitimization to dispose of life as he chooses. Often, people seek to justify such intervention with the apparently exalted intention of its being useful to future generations."
"The ethics of marriage and the family are part of the same context. Marriage is, so to say, becoming ever more marginalized. We know the example of certain countries where there have been legislative modifications according to which marriage is no longer defined as a bond between man and woman, but as a bond between persons. This clearly destroys the basic idea (of marriage), and society, from its very roots, becomes something completely different."
Benedict XVI went on: "The belief that sexuality, eros and marriage, as the union between a man and a woman, go together ... is becoming ever weaker. All kinds of union appear absolutely normal," and "this is presented as a kind of morality of non-discrimination and a form of freedom that is mankind's due. Thus the indissolubility of marriage has become an almost utopian idea." Moreover, although "the problem of the disturbing drop in birth rates has multiple explanations," a decisive factor is that "people have little faith in the future," and that "the family as a durable community" is considered an unattainable goal.
"In these areas, then, our announcement comes up against a counter-belief of society, with a sort of anti-morality based on its concept of freedom as the faculty to decide autonomously without predefined guidance, as non-discrimination, and hence as the approval of all possibilities."
"But other beliefs have not disappeared. They exist, and I believe we must make every effort to bring these two parts of ethics back together, and make it clear that they are inseparably linked. ... I believe we are facing a great task: on the one hand, ensuring that Christianity does not appear as mere moralism but as a gift in which we are given a love that supports us. ... On the other hand, in this context of donated love, we must advance towards giving concrete form (to our ideas), on the foundation of the Ten Commandments which, with Christ and the Church, we must read in our own time in a new and progressive light."
VATICAN CITY, NOV 11, 2006 (VIS) - At the close of his meeting with prelates from the Conference of Swiss Bishops and heads of certain dicasteries of the Roman Curia, which took place on the afternoon of November 9, Benedict XVI pronounced an address, the text of which was made public today.
"We must nor allow our faith to be drained by too much discussion on a multiplicity of less-important details," said the Pope. "It is fundamental to highlight the greatness of our faith. ... Above all, it is important to cultivate a personal relationship with God, with the God Who showed Himself to us in Christ."
"God," he continued, "is 'Spiritus creator,' He is 'Logos,' He is reason. Because of this our faith is something that involves reason. It can be transmitted through reason and need not hide itself in the face of reason, not even the reason of our own times. ... Reason, indeed, has a heart, and so was able to renounce its own immensity and become flesh. In this and only in this, I believe, lies the ultimate and true greatness of our concept of God. We know that God is not a philosophical hypothesis, He is not something that perhaps exists, rather we know Him and He knows us. And we can know Him ever better if we maintain a dialogue with Him.
"Hence," the Holy Father added, "it is a fundamental task of pastoral care to teach others to pray and to learn to do so ourselves." In this context, he referred to the importance of "increasing the number of prayer schools, ... where personal prayer can be learned it all its dimensions."
"This intimacy with God and, hence, the experience of the presence of God is what brings us ... to experience the greatness of Christianity. It helps us to overcome all pettiness, and must be experienced and realized day by day - suffering and loving, in joy and in sadness."
Another theme to which the Holy Father turned his attention during his address to the prelates was that of ethics. "I often hear it said that people today feel nostalgia for God, spirituality and religion, and that they begin to see the Church as a possible interlocutor from which something may be received in this regard. ... However, what people find very difficult are the ethics the Church proclaims. I have long reflected upon this matter, and I see ever more clearly how, in our time, it is as if ethics have divided into two parts. Modern society is not simply ethic-less but has, so to say, 'discovered' and claimed another aspect of ethics which, in the Church's announcement over recent decades ... has not been sufficiently emphasized. This includes the great themes of peace, non-violence, justice for all, care for the poor and respect for creation.
"All this," he added, "has grown into an ethical system which has great power as a political force and, for many people, represents a substitute or surrogate for religion. In place of religion, which is seen as a metaphysical entity concerning the hereafter - perhaps even as something individualistic - these great moral themes appear to be the essential questions that confer dignity upon man."
"The other aspect of ethics, which politics not infrequently takes up in a highly controversial manner, concerns life. Part of this is the commitment to life from conception to natural death; in other words, defending life against abortion and euthanasia, against its manipulation, and against man's self-legitimization to dispose of life as he chooses. Often, people seek to justify such intervention with the apparently exalted intention of its being useful to future generations."
"The ethics of marriage and the family are part of the same context. Marriage is, so to say, becoming ever more marginalized. We know the example of certain countries where there have been legislative modifications according to which marriage is no longer defined as a bond between man and woman, but as a bond between persons. This clearly destroys the basic idea (of marriage), and society, from its very roots, becomes something completely different."
Benedict XVI went on: "The belief that sexuality, eros and marriage, as the union between a man and a woman, go together ... is becoming ever weaker. All kinds of union appear absolutely normal," and "this is presented as a kind of morality of non-discrimination and a form of freedom that is mankind's due. Thus the indissolubility of marriage has become an almost utopian idea." Moreover, although "the problem of the disturbing drop in birth rates has multiple explanations," a decisive factor is that "people have little faith in the future," and that "the family as a durable community" is considered an unattainable goal.
"In these areas, then, our announcement comes up against a counter-belief of society, with a sort of anti-morality based on its concept of freedom as the faculty to decide autonomously without predefined guidance, as non-discrimination, and hence as the approval of all possibilities."
"But other beliefs have not disappeared. They exist, and I believe we must make every effort to bring these two parts of ethics back together, and make it clear that they are inseparably linked. ... I believe we are facing a great task: on the one hand, ensuring that Christianity does not appear as mere moralism but as a gift in which we are given a love that supports us. ... On the other hand, in this context of donated love, we must advance towards giving concrete form (to our ideas), on the foundation of the Ten Commandments which, with Christ and the Church, we must read in our own time in a new and progressive light."
Sunday, November 12, 2006
PROPHECY OF ST. NILUS
Realizing that St. Nilus is scarcely known to a large part of the Church, a brief sketch of his life, taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1911 copyright edition), is related below:
St. Nilus was one of the many disciples and fervent defenders of St. John Chrysostom. He was an officer at the Court of Constantinople, married, with two sons. While St. John Chrysostom was patriarch, before his exile (398-403), he directed Nilus in the study of Scripture and in works of piety. St. Nilus left his wife and one son and took the other, Theodulos, with him to Mt. Sinai to be a monk.
The Bishop of Eleusa ordained both St. Nilus and his son to the priesthood. The mother and other son also embraced the religious life in Egypt.
From his monastery at Sinai, St. Nilus was a well-known person throughout the Eastern Church; by his writings and correspondence he played an important part in the history of his time. He was known as a theologian, Biblical scholar and ascetic writer, so people of all kinds, from the emperor down wrote to consult him. His numerous works, including a multitude of letters, consist of denunciations of heresy, paganism, abuses of discipline and crimes, of rules and principles of asceticism, especially maxims about the religious life.
He warns and threatens people in high places, abbots and bishops, governors and princes, even the emperor himself, without fear. He kept up a correspondence with Gaina, a leader of the Goths, endeavoring to convert him from Arianism. He denounced vigorously the persecution of St. John Chrysostom both to the Emperor Arcadius and to his courtiers.
St. Nilus must be counted as one of the leading ascetic writers of the fifth century. His feast is kept on November 12th in the Byzantine Calendar; he is commemorated also in the Roman Martyrology on the same date. St. Nilus probably died around the year 430 as there is no evidence of his life after that.
Now the prophecy:
After the year 1900, toward the middle of the 20th century, the people of that time will become unrecognizable. When the time for the Advent of the Antichrist approaches, people's minds will grow cloudy from carnal passions, and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger. Then the world will become unrecognizable. People's appearances will change, and it will be impossible to distinguish men from women due to their shamelessness in dress and style of hair. These people will be cruel and will be like wild animals because of the temptations of the Antichrist. There will be no respect for parents and elders, love will disappear, and Christian pastors, bishops, and priests will become vain men, completely failing to distinguish the right-hand way from the left. At that time the morals and traditions of Christians and of the Church will change. People will abandon modesty, and dissipation will reign. Falsehood and greed will attain great proportions, and woe to those who pile up treasures. Lust, adultery, homosexuality, secret deeds and murder will rule in society.
At that future time, due to the power of such great crimes and licentiousness, people will be deprived of the grace of the Holy Spirit, which they received in Holy Baptism and equally of remorse.
The Churches of God will be deprived of God-fearing and pious pastors, and woe to the Christians remaining in the world at that time; they will completely lose their faith because they will lack the opportunity of seeing the light of knowledge from anyone at all. Then they will separate themselves out of the world in holy refuges in search of lightening their spiritual sufferings, but everywhere they will meet obstacles and constraints. And all this will result from the fact that the Antichrist wants to be Lord over everything and become the ruler of the whole universe, and he will produce miracles and fantastic signs. He will also give depraved wisdom to an unhappy man so that he will discover a way by which one man can carry on a conversation with another from one end of the earth to the other. At that time men will also fly through the air like birds and descend to the bottom of the sea like fish. And when they have achieved all this, these unhappy people will spend their lives in comfort without knowing, poor souls, that it is deceit of the Antichrist. And, the impious one! – he will so complete science with vanity that it will go off the right path and lead people to lose faith in the existence of God in three hypostases.
Then the All-good God will see the downfall of the human race and will shorten the days for the sake of those few who are being saved, because the enemy wants to lead even the chosen into temptation, if that is possible... then the sword of chastisement will suddenly appear and kill the perverter and his servants.
Realizing that St. Nilus is scarcely known to a large part of the Church, a brief sketch of his life, taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1911 copyright edition), is related below:
St. Nilus was one of the many disciples and fervent defenders of St. John Chrysostom. He was an officer at the Court of Constantinople, married, with two sons. While St. John Chrysostom was patriarch, before his exile (398-403), he directed Nilus in the study of Scripture and in works of piety. St. Nilus left his wife and one son and took the other, Theodulos, with him to Mt. Sinai to be a monk.
The Bishop of Eleusa ordained both St. Nilus and his son to the priesthood. The mother and other son also embraced the religious life in Egypt.
From his monastery at Sinai, St. Nilus was a well-known person throughout the Eastern Church; by his writings and correspondence he played an important part in the history of his time. He was known as a theologian, Biblical scholar and ascetic writer, so people of all kinds, from the emperor down wrote to consult him. His numerous works, including a multitude of letters, consist of denunciations of heresy, paganism, abuses of discipline and crimes, of rules and principles of asceticism, especially maxims about the religious life.
He warns and threatens people in high places, abbots and bishops, governors and princes, even the emperor himself, without fear. He kept up a correspondence with Gaina, a leader of the Goths, endeavoring to convert him from Arianism. He denounced vigorously the persecution of St. John Chrysostom both to the Emperor Arcadius and to his courtiers.
St. Nilus must be counted as one of the leading ascetic writers of the fifth century. His feast is kept on November 12th in the Byzantine Calendar; he is commemorated also in the Roman Martyrology on the same date. St. Nilus probably died around the year 430 as there is no evidence of his life after that.
Now the prophecy:
After the year 1900, toward the middle of the 20th century, the people of that time will become unrecognizable. When the time for the Advent of the Antichrist approaches, people's minds will grow cloudy from carnal passions, and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger. Then the world will become unrecognizable. People's appearances will change, and it will be impossible to distinguish men from women due to their shamelessness in dress and style of hair. These people will be cruel and will be like wild animals because of the temptations of the Antichrist. There will be no respect for parents and elders, love will disappear, and Christian pastors, bishops, and priests will become vain men, completely failing to distinguish the right-hand way from the left. At that time the morals and traditions of Christians and of the Church will change. People will abandon modesty, and dissipation will reign. Falsehood and greed will attain great proportions, and woe to those who pile up treasures. Lust, adultery, homosexuality, secret deeds and murder will rule in society.
At that future time, due to the power of such great crimes and licentiousness, people will be deprived of the grace of the Holy Spirit, which they received in Holy Baptism and equally of remorse.
The Churches of God will be deprived of God-fearing and pious pastors, and woe to the Christians remaining in the world at that time; they will completely lose their faith because they will lack the opportunity of seeing the light of knowledge from anyone at all. Then they will separate themselves out of the world in holy refuges in search of lightening their spiritual sufferings, but everywhere they will meet obstacles and constraints. And all this will result from the fact that the Antichrist wants to be Lord over everything and become the ruler of the whole universe, and he will produce miracles and fantastic signs. He will also give depraved wisdom to an unhappy man so that he will discover a way by which one man can carry on a conversation with another from one end of the earth to the other. At that time men will also fly through the air like birds and descend to the bottom of the sea like fish. And when they have achieved all this, these unhappy people will spend their lives in comfort without knowing, poor souls, that it is deceit of the Antichrist. And, the impious one! – he will so complete science with vanity that it will go off the right path and lead people to lose faith in the existence of God in three hypostases.
Then the All-good God will see the downfall of the human race and will shorten the days for the sake of those few who are being saved, because the enemy wants to lead even the chosen into temptation, if that is possible... then the sword of chastisement will suddenly appear and kill the perverter and his servants.
Apostolic Letter "Ecclesia Dei" of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II
Given Motu Proprio:
1. With great affliction the Church has learned of the unlawful episcopal ordination conferred on 30 June last by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, which has frustrated all the efforts made during the previous years to ensure the full communion with the Church of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X founded by the same Mons. Lefebvre. These efforts, especially intense during recent months, in which the Apostolic See has shown comprehension to the limits of the possible, were all to no avail.
2. This affliction was particularly felt by the Successor Peter to whom in the first place pertains the guardianship of the unity of the Church, even though the number of persons directly involved in these events might be few. For every person is loved by God on his own account and has been redeemed by the blood of Christ shed on the Cross for the salvation of all.
The particular circumstances, both objective and subjective in which Archbishop Lefebvre acted, provide everyone with an occasion for profound reflection and for a renewed pledge of fidelity to Christ and to his Church.
3. In itself, this act was one of disobedience to the Roman Pontiff in a very grave matter and of supreme importance for the unity of the church, such as is the ordination of bishops whereby the apostolic succession is sacramentally perpetuated. Hence such disobedience - which implies in practice the rejection of the Roman primacy - constitutes a schismatic act. 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. The root of this schismatic act can be discerned in an incomplete and contradictory notion of Tradition. Incomplete, because it does not take sufficiently into account the living character of Tradition, which, as the Second Vatican Council clearly taught, "comes from the apostles and progresses in the Church with the help of the Holy Spirit. There is a growth in insight into the realities and words that are being passed on. This comes about in various ways. It comes through the contemplation and study of believers who ponder these things in their hearts. It comes from the intimate sense of spiritual realities which they experience. And it comes from the preaching of those who have received, along with their right of succession in the episcopate, the sure charism of truth".
But especially contradictory is a notion of Tradition which opposes the universal Magisterium of the Church possessed by the Bishop of Rome and the Body of Bishops. It is impossible to remain faithful to the Tradition while breaking the ecclesial bond with him to whom, in the person of the Apostle Peter, Christ himself entrusted the ministry of unity in his Church.
5. Faced with the situation that has arisen I deem it my duty to inform all the Catholic faithful of some aspects which this sad event has highlighted.
a) The outcome of the movement promoted by Mons. Lefebvre can and must be, for all the Catholic faithful, a motive for sincere reflection concerning their own fidelity to the Church's Tradition, authentically interpreted by the ecclesiastical Magisterium, ordinary and extraordinary, especially in the Ecumenical Councils from Nicaea to Vatican II. From this reflection all should draw a renewed and efficacious conviction of the necessity of strengthening still more their fidelity by rejecting erroneous interpretations and arbitrary and unauthorized applications in matters of doctrine, liturgy and discipline.
To the bishops especially it pertains, by reason of their pastoral mission, to exercise the important duty of a clear-sighted vigilance full of charity and firmness, so that this fidelity may be everywhere safeguarded.
However, it is necessary that all the Pastors and the other faithful have a new awareness, not only of the lawfulness but also of the richness for the Church of a diversity of charisms, traditions of spirituality and apostolate, which also constitutes the beauty of unity in variety: of that blended "harmony" which the earthly Church raises up to Heaven under the impulse of the Holy Spirit.
b) Moreover, I should like to remind theologians and other experts in the ecclesiastical sciences that they should feel themselves called upon to answer in the present circumstances. Indeed, the extent and depth of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council call for a renewed commitment to deeper study in order to reveal clearly the Council's continuity with Tradition, especially in points of doctrine which, perhaps because they are new, have not yet been well understood by some sections of the Church.
c) In the present circumstances I wish especially to make an appeal both solemn and heartfelt, paternal and fraternal, to all those who until now have been linked in various ways to the movement of Archbishop Lefebvre, that they may fulfil the grave duty of remaining united to the Vicar of Christ in the unity of the Catholic Church, and of ceasing their support in any way for that movement. Everyone should be aware that formal adherence to the schism is a grave offence against God and carries the penalty of excommunication decreed by the Church's law.
To all those Catholic faithful who feel attached to some previous liturgical and disciplinary forms of the Latin tradition I wish to manifest my will to facilitate their ecclesial communion by means of the necessary measures to guarantee respect for their rightful aspirations. In this matter I ask for the support of the bishops and of all those engaged in the pastoral ministry in the Church.
6. Taking account of the importance and complexity of the problems referred to in this document, by virtue of my Apostolic Authority I decree the following:
a) a Commission is instituted whose task it will be to collaborate with the bishops, with the Departments of the Roman Curia and with the circles concerned, for the purpose of facilitating full ecclesial communion of priests, seminarians, religious communities or individuals until now linked in various ways to the Fraternity founded by Mons. Lefebvre, who may wish to remain united to the Successor Peter in the Catholic Church, while preserving their spiritual and liturgical traditions, in the light of the Protocol signed on 5 May last by Cardinal Ratzinger and Mons. Lefebvre;
b) this Commission is composed of a Cardinal President and other members of the Roman Curia, in a number that will be deemed opportune according to circumstances;
c) moreover, respect must everywhere be shown for the feelings of all those who are attached to the Latin liturgical tradition, by a wide and generous application of the directives already issued some time ago by the Apostolic See for the use of the Roman Missal according to the typical edition of 1962.
7. As this year specially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin is now drawing to a close, I wish to exhort all to join in unceasing prayer that the Vicar of Christ, through the intercession of the Mother of the church, addresses to the Father in the very words of the Son: "That they all may be one!".
Given at Rome, at St. Peter's. 2 July 1988, the tenth year of the pontificate.
Joannes Paulus PP. II
So far, we have not witnessed the "wide and generous application of the directives" which were issued by the Holy See for the use of the Roman Missal according to the typical edition of 1962.
Paul.
Given Motu Proprio:
1. With great affliction the Church has learned of the unlawful episcopal ordination conferred on 30 June last by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, which has frustrated all the efforts made during the previous years to ensure the full communion with the Church of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X founded by the same Mons. Lefebvre. These efforts, especially intense during recent months, in which the Apostolic See has shown comprehension to the limits of the possible, were all to no avail.
2. This affliction was particularly felt by the Successor Peter to whom in the first place pertains the guardianship of the unity of the Church, even though the number of persons directly involved in these events might be few. For every person is loved by God on his own account and has been redeemed by the blood of Christ shed on the Cross for the salvation of all.
The particular circumstances, both objective and subjective in which Archbishop Lefebvre acted, provide everyone with an occasion for profound reflection and for a renewed pledge of fidelity to Christ and to his Church.
3. In itself, this act was one of disobedience to the Roman Pontiff in a very grave matter and of supreme importance for the unity of the church, such as is the ordination of bishops whereby the apostolic succession is sacramentally perpetuated. Hence such disobedience - which implies in practice the rejection of the Roman primacy - constitutes a schismatic act. 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. The root of this schismatic act can be discerned in an incomplete and contradictory notion of Tradition. Incomplete, because it does not take sufficiently into account the living character of Tradition, which, as the Second Vatican Council clearly taught, "comes from the apostles and progresses in the Church with the help of the Holy Spirit. There is a growth in insight into the realities and words that are being passed on. This comes about in various ways. It comes through the contemplation and study of believers who ponder these things in their hearts. It comes from the intimate sense of spiritual realities which they experience. And it comes from the preaching of those who have received, along with their right of succession in the episcopate, the sure charism of truth".
But especially contradictory is a notion of Tradition which opposes the universal Magisterium of the Church possessed by the Bishop of Rome and the Body of Bishops. It is impossible to remain faithful to the Tradition while breaking the ecclesial bond with him to whom, in the person of the Apostle Peter, Christ himself entrusted the ministry of unity in his Church.
5. Faced with the situation that has arisen I deem it my duty to inform all the Catholic faithful of some aspects which this sad event has highlighted.
a) The outcome of the movement promoted by Mons. Lefebvre can and must be, for all the Catholic faithful, a motive for sincere reflection concerning their own fidelity to the Church's Tradition, authentically interpreted by the ecclesiastical Magisterium, ordinary and extraordinary, especially in the Ecumenical Councils from Nicaea to Vatican II. From this reflection all should draw a renewed and efficacious conviction of the necessity of strengthening still more their fidelity by rejecting erroneous interpretations and arbitrary and unauthorized applications in matters of doctrine, liturgy and discipline.
To the bishops especially it pertains, by reason of their pastoral mission, to exercise the important duty of a clear-sighted vigilance full of charity and firmness, so that this fidelity may be everywhere safeguarded.
However, it is necessary that all the Pastors and the other faithful have a new awareness, not only of the lawfulness but also of the richness for the Church of a diversity of charisms, traditions of spirituality and apostolate, which also constitutes the beauty of unity in variety: of that blended "harmony" which the earthly Church raises up to Heaven under the impulse of the Holy Spirit.
b) Moreover, I should like to remind theologians and other experts in the ecclesiastical sciences that they should feel themselves called upon to answer in the present circumstances. Indeed, the extent and depth of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council call for a renewed commitment to deeper study in order to reveal clearly the Council's continuity with Tradition, especially in points of doctrine which, perhaps because they are new, have not yet been well understood by some sections of the Church.
c) In the present circumstances I wish especially to make an appeal both solemn and heartfelt, paternal and fraternal, to all those who until now have been linked in various ways to the movement of Archbishop Lefebvre, that they may fulfil the grave duty of remaining united to the Vicar of Christ in the unity of the Catholic Church, and of ceasing their support in any way for that movement. Everyone should be aware that formal adherence to the schism is a grave offence against God and carries the penalty of excommunication decreed by the Church's law.
To all those Catholic faithful who feel attached to some previous liturgical and disciplinary forms of the Latin tradition I wish to manifest my will to facilitate their ecclesial communion by means of the necessary measures to guarantee respect for their rightful aspirations. In this matter I ask for the support of the bishops and of all those engaged in the pastoral ministry in the Church.
6. Taking account of the importance and complexity of the problems referred to in this document, by virtue of my Apostolic Authority I decree the following:
a) a Commission is instituted whose task it will be to collaborate with the bishops, with the Departments of the Roman Curia and with the circles concerned, for the purpose of facilitating full ecclesial communion of priests, seminarians, religious communities or individuals until now linked in various ways to the Fraternity founded by Mons. Lefebvre, who may wish to remain united to the Successor Peter in the Catholic Church, while preserving their spiritual and liturgical traditions, in the light of the Protocol signed on 5 May last by Cardinal Ratzinger and Mons. Lefebvre;
b) this Commission is composed of a Cardinal President and other members of the Roman Curia, in a number that will be deemed opportune according to circumstances;
c) moreover, respect must everywhere be shown for the feelings of all those who are attached to the Latin liturgical tradition, by a wide and generous application of the directives already issued some time ago by the Apostolic See for the use of the Roman Missal according to the typical edition of 1962.
7. As this year specially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin is now drawing to a close, I wish to exhort all to join in unceasing prayer that the Vicar of Christ, through the intercession of the Mother of the church, addresses to the Father in the very words of the Son: "That they all may be one!".
Given at Rome, at St. Peter's. 2 July 1988, the tenth year of the pontificate.
Joannes Paulus PP. II
So far, we have not witnessed the "wide and generous application of the directives" which were issued by the Holy See for the use of the Roman Missal according to the typical edition of 1962.
Paul.
Top Vatican Cardinal: Large Parishes Should Offer Latin Mass At Least Once A Week...
I think Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Ecclesia Dei should be required reading. Thus far, the document has been largely ignored. So much for obedience in this matter!
Paul.
Paul.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
LITANIAE SACRATISSIMI CORDIS IESU (Latin)
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus, …………….…… miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi,
Deus, Spiritus Sancte,
Deus, Sancta Trinitas,
unus Deus, Cor Iesu,
Filii Patris aeterni,
Cor Iesu, in sinu Virginis Matris a Spiritu Sancto formatum,
Cor Iesu, Verbo Dei substantialiter unitum,
Cor Iesu, maiestatis infinitae,
Cor Iesu, templum Dei sanctum,
Cor Iesu, tabernaculum Altissimi,
Cor Iesu, domus Dei et porta caeli,
Cor Iesu, fornax ardens caritatis,
Cor Iesu, iustitiae et amoris receptaculum,
Cor Iesu, bonitate et amore plenum,
Cor Iesu, virtutum omnium abyssus,
Cor Iesu, omni laude dignissimum,
Cor Iesu, rex et centrum omnium cordium,
Cor Iesu, in quo sunt omnes thesauri sapientiae et scientiae,
Cor Iesu, in quo habitat omnis plenitudo divinitatis,
Cor Iesu, in quo Pater sibi bene complacuit,
Cor Iesu, de cuius plenitudine omnes nos accepimus,
Cor Iesu, desiderium collium aeternorum,
Cor Iesu, patiens et multae misericordiae,
Cor Iesu, dives in omnes qui invocant te,
Cor Iesu, fons vitae et sanctitatis,
Cor Iesu, propitiatio pro peccatis nostris,
Cor Iesu, saturatum opprobriis,
Cor Iesu, attritum propter scelera nostra
Cor Iesu, usque ad mortem obediens factum
Cor Iesu, lancea perforatum,
Cor Iesu, fons totius consolationis,
Cor Iesu, vita et resurrectio nostra,
Cor Iesu, pax et reconciliatio nostra,
Cor Iesu, victima peccatorum,
Cor Iesu, salus in te sperantium,
Cor Iesu, spes in te morientium,
Cor Iesu, deliciae Sanctorum omnium,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
V. Iesu, mitis et humilis corde,
R. Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum.
Oremus. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, respice in Cor dilectissimi Filii tui, etin laudes et satisfactiones, quas in nomine peccatorum tibi persolvit, iisquemisericordiam tuam petentibus tu veniam concede placatus, in nomine eiusdem Filii tui Iesu Christi: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
LITANY TO THE MOST SACRED HEART (English)
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father in heaven, …………….… have mercy upon us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, home of justice of love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, perfection of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom dwells the fullness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of Whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, sacrificed for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with reproaches,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim of sin,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R. Make our hearts like unto Yours.
Let us pray. O almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of your dearly-beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers You on behalf of sinners and, being appeased, grant pardon to those who seek your mercy, in the name of the same Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus, …………….…… miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi,
Deus, Spiritus Sancte,
Deus, Sancta Trinitas,
unus Deus, Cor Iesu,
Filii Patris aeterni,
Cor Iesu, in sinu Virginis Matris a Spiritu Sancto formatum,
Cor Iesu, Verbo Dei substantialiter unitum,
Cor Iesu, maiestatis infinitae,
Cor Iesu, templum Dei sanctum,
Cor Iesu, tabernaculum Altissimi,
Cor Iesu, domus Dei et porta caeli,
Cor Iesu, fornax ardens caritatis,
Cor Iesu, iustitiae et amoris receptaculum,
Cor Iesu, bonitate et amore plenum,
Cor Iesu, virtutum omnium abyssus,
Cor Iesu, omni laude dignissimum,
Cor Iesu, rex et centrum omnium cordium,
Cor Iesu, in quo sunt omnes thesauri sapientiae et scientiae,
Cor Iesu, in quo habitat omnis plenitudo divinitatis,
Cor Iesu, in quo Pater sibi bene complacuit,
Cor Iesu, de cuius plenitudine omnes nos accepimus,
Cor Iesu, desiderium collium aeternorum,
Cor Iesu, patiens et multae misericordiae,
Cor Iesu, dives in omnes qui invocant te,
Cor Iesu, fons vitae et sanctitatis,
Cor Iesu, propitiatio pro peccatis nostris,
Cor Iesu, saturatum opprobriis,
Cor Iesu, attritum propter scelera nostra
Cor Iesu, usque ad mortem obediens factum
Cor Iesu, lancea perforatum,
Cor Iesu, fons totius consolationis,
Cor Iesu, vita et resurrectio nostra,
Cor Iesu, pax et reconciliatio nostra,
Cor Iesu, victima peccatorum,
Cor Iesu, salus in te sperantium,
Cor Iesu, spes in te morientium,
Cor Iesu, deliciae Sanctorum omnium,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
V. Iesu, mitis et humilis corde,
R. Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum.
Oremus. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, respice in Cor dilectissimi Filii tui, etin laudes et satisfactiones, quas in nomine peccatorum tibi persolvit, iisquemisericordiam tuam petentibus tu veniam concede placatus, in nomine eiusdem Filii tui Iesu Christi: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
LITANY TO THE MOST SACRED HEART (English)
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father in heaven, …………….… have mercy upon us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, home of justice of love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, perfection of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom dwells the fullness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of Whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, sacrificed for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with reproaches,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim of sin,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R. Make our hearts like unto Yours.
Let us pray. O almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of your dearly-beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers You on behalf of sinners and, being appeased, grant pardon to those who seek your mercy, in the name of the same Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Friday, November 10, 2006
ACT OF REPARATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
O sweet Jesus, Whose overflowing charity for me is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Your alter (in Your presence) eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries, to which Your loving Heart is everywhere subject.
Mindful alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Your pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying for from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow You, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the vows of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Your Law.
We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against You; we are determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holidays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against You and Your Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Your Vicar on earth and Your priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Your Divine Love; and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which You have founded.
Would, O divine Jesus, we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Your divine honor, the satisfaction You once made to Your eternal Father on the cross and which You continue to renews daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Your Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Your grace, for all neglect of Your great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth we will live a life of unwavering faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel and especially that of charity.
We promise to the best of our power to prevent other from offending You and to bring as many as possible to follow You. O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowing gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to You, so that we may one day come to that happy home, where You with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, world without end.
Amen.
O sweet Jesus, Whose overflowing charity for me is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Your alter (in Your presence) eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries, to which Your loving Heart is everywhere subject.
Mindful alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Your pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying for from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow You, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the vows of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Your Law.
We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against You; we are determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holidays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against You and Your Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Your Vicar on earth and Your priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Your Divine Love; and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which You have founded.
Would, O divine Jesus, we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Your divine honor, the satisfaction You once made to Your eternal Father on the cross and which You continue to renews daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Your Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Your grace, for all neglect of Your great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth we will live a life of unwavering faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel and especially that of charity.
We promise to the best of our power to prevent other from offending You and to bring as many as possible to follow You. O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowing gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to You, so that we may one day come to that happy home, where You with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, world without end.
Amen.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION MUST BECOME EVER MORE WIDESPREAD
VATICAN CITY, NOV 9, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses.
In his address to the delegates, the Pope first recalled how they are currently preparing the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, due to be held in Quebec, Canada, in June 2008. Eucharistic congresses, he went on, "are always a source of spiritual renewal, an occasion to make better known the Blessed Eucharist, which was the most valuable treasure Jesus left us. They also constitute an encouragement for the Church to spread the love of Christ at all levels of society, and to testify to it without hesitation."
The presence at the gathering of a number of representatives of the Adorers of the Eucharist, said Benedict XVI, gave him the opportunity to recall "just how beneficial the rediscovery of Eucharistic adoration by many Christians is. ... How much need modern humanity has to rediscover the source of its hope in the Sacrament of the Eucharist! I thank the Lord because many parishes, alongside the devout celebration of Mass, are educating the faithful in Eucharistic adoration. And it is my hope that - also in view of the next International Eucharistic Congress - this practice will become ever more widespread."
Referring to the forthcoming post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist, which will bring together the indications that arose during the October 2005 Synod on that Sacrament, the Pope concluded by giving assurances that the document "will help the Church to prepare and celebrate ... the Eucharistic congress to be held in June 2008."
VATICAN CITY, NOV 9, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses.
In his address to the delegates, the Pope first recalled how they are currently preparing the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, due to be held in Quebec, Canada, in June 2008. Eucharistic congresses, he went on, "are always a source of spiritual renewal, an occasion to make better known the Blessed Eucharist, which was the most valuable treasure Jesus left us. They also constitute an encouragement for the Church to spread the love of Christ at all levels of society, and to testify to it without hesitation."
The presence at the gathering of a number of representatives of the Adorers of the Eucharist, said Benedict XVI, gave him the opportunity to recall "just how beneficial the rediscovery of Eucharistic adoration by many Christians is. ... How much need modern humanity has to rediscover the source of its hope in the Sacrament of the Eucharist! I thank the Lord because many parishes, alongside the devout celebration of Mass, are educating the faithful in Eucharistic adoration. And it is my hope that - also in view of the next International Eucharistic Congress - this practice will become ever more widespread."
Referring to the forthcoming post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist, which will bring together the indications that arose during the October 2005 Synod on that Sacrament, the Pope concluded by giving assurances that the document "will help the Church to prepare and celebrate ... the Eucharistic congress to be held in June 2008."
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
America enters most dangerous of times...
Persecution of Christians will intensify. We must pray. We must watch. Even now the Man of Sin readies himself.
Paul.
Paul.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
American Nun's Group Voter's Guide Favors Abortion and Homosexuality
Small wonder that our beloved Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI is so concerned over the state of the Catholic Church in the United States. This is not fidelity. This is not the wisdom of the Lord Jesus. This is the earthy and devilish "wisdom" described in the book of James.
This situation calls for prayer. When consecrated religious promote the murder of the unborn and homosexuality, we are witnessing a crisis of faith. No doubt some will accuse me of being "negative" or of having an "axe to grind" for reporting this for what it is. But this does not trouble me. If I am the last person on this earth to speak the truth, so be it.
The Lord Jesus does not bless infidelity. Small wonder that we are experiencing a "vocations crisis" (a crisis which is man-made) in this country. Can we honestly expect young devout Catholic women to be attracted to religious communities which promote homosexuality and the murder of the unborn?
Paul.
This situation calls for prayer. When consecrated religious promote the murder of the unborn and homosexuality, we are witnessing a crisis of faith. No doubt some will accuse me of being "negative" or of having an "axe to grind" for reporting this for what it is. But this does not trouble me. If I am the last person on this earth to speak the truth, so be it.
The Lord Jesus does not bless infidelity. Small wonder that we are experiencing a "vocations crisis" (a crisis which is man-made) in this country. Can we honestly expect young devout Catholic women to be attracted to religious communities which promote homosexuality and the murder of the unborn?
Paul.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Are you ready for total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary the Montfort Way?
Click on the following link for guidelines and free materials: http://mmponline.org/33/preparation_for_33_day.htm
I consecrated myself to Our Lady using Montfort's 33 day total consecration more than 10 years ago. I recommend this to anyone who is serious about growing in holiness.
Paul.
Click on the following link for guidelines and free materials: http://mmponline.org/33/preparation_for_33_day.htm
I consecrated myself to Our Lady using Montfort's 33 day total consecration more than 10 years ago. I recommend this to anyone who is serious about growing in holiness.
Paul.
Pope John Paul II's Prayer Intention
"That for the Church, God will not fail to provide Pastors who are rich in wisdom and holiness and ready to defend the light of the Gospel to the very ends of the earth." (October 2003)
Most gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank you for our for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.
May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.
Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
"That for the Church, God will not fail to provide Pastors who are rich in wisdom and holiness and ready to defend the light of the Gospel to the very ends of the earth." (October 2003)
Most gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank you for our for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.
May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.
Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sainthood, the vocation of us all
SAINTLINESS MEANS LISTENING TO JESUS AND FOLLOWING HIM
VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2006 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of All Saints, Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in the Vatican Basilica.
In his homily he highlighted the fact that "saints are not an exclusive caste of the chosen few, but a countless multitude towards whom today's liturgy encourages us to direct our gaze. That multitude contains not only officially-recognized saints, but the baptized from every age and nation who have sought to enact divine will with love and faithfulness."
"Contemplating the shining example of the saints," said the Holy Father, "awakens within us the great desire to be like them: happy to live near God, in His light, in the great family of the friends of God. ... This is the vocation of us all, clearly reiterated by Vatican Council II, and today solemnly brought to our attention once again."
"In order to be saints," he continued, "it is not necessary to accomplish extraordinary actions and works, nor to possess exceptional charisms. ... What is above all necessary is to listen to Jesus and then to follow Him without losing heart in the face of difficulties."
"The experience of the Church shows that all forms of sanctity, though following different paths, always pass along the way of the cross, the way of self-renouncement. The biographies of the saints describe men and women who, compliant to the divine plan, at times faced indescribable trials and suffering, persecutions and martyrdom."
"For us, the example of the saints is an encouragement to follow the same footsteps and experience the joy of those who entrust themselves to God; because the only true cause of sadness and unhappiness for mankind is to remain distant from Him."
Sanctity, said the Holy Father, "requires a constant effort, but it is a possibility for everyone because, more than being the work of man it is, primarily, a gift of God, thrice Holy."
"In Christ," he concluded, "God gave us all of Himself, and He calls us to a personal and profound relationship with Him. Thus, the greater our intimacy with Jesus, and the more united to Him we are, the more we enter into the mystery of divine sanctity. We discover that we are loved by Him with an infinite love, and this encourages us in turn to love our brothers and sisters. Loving always involves an act of self-renouncement, the 'loss of self', and it is precisely for this reason that it makes us happy."
VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2006 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of All Saints, Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in the Vatican Basilica.
In his homily he highlighted the fact that "saints are not an exclusive caste of the chosen few, but a countless multitude towards whom today's liturgy encourages us to direct our gaze. That multitude contains not only officially-recognized saints, but the baptized from every age and nation who have sought to enact divine will with love and faithfulness."
"Contemplating the shining example of the saints," said the Holy Father, "awakens within us the great desire to be like them: happy to live near God, in His light, in the great family of the friends of God. ... This is the vocation of us all, clearly reiterated by Vatican Council II, and today solemnly brought to our attention once again."
"In order to be saints," he continued, "it is not necessary to accomplish extraordinary actions and works, nor to possess exceptional charisms. ... What is above all necessary is to listen to Jesus and then to follow Him without losing heart in the face of difficulties."
"The experience of the Church shows that all forms of sanctity, though following different paths, always pass along the way of the cross, the way of self-renouncement. The biographies of the saints describe men and women who, compliant to the divine plan, at times faced indescribable trials and suffering, persecutions and martyrdom."
"For us, the example of the saints is an encouragement to follow the same footsteps and experience the joy of those who entrust themselves to God; because the only true cause of sadness and unhappiness for mankind is to remain distant from Him."
Sanctity, said the Holy Father, "requires a constant effort, but it is a possibility for everyone because, more than being the work of man it is, primarily, a gift of God, thrice Holy."
"In Christ," he concluded, "God gave us all of Himself, and He calls us to a personal and profound relationship with Him. Thus, the greater our intimacy with Jesus, and the more united to Him we are, the more we enter into the mystery of divine sanctity. We discover that we are loved by Him with an infinite love, and this encourages us in turn to love our brothers and sisters. Loving always involves an act of self-renouncement, the 'loss of self', and it is precisely for this reason that it makes us happy."
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Gabriel Marcel: A Philosopher for all Seasons
Our present society, much like the world of antiquity, has succumbed to an anxiety and a sense of meaningless, both of which are symptoms of its flight from God. What is the task of the Christian philosopher or theologian in such a troubled climate, a climate pervaded by relativism and despair? In the words of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger:
"..sooner or later, the professional philosopher and the professional theologian will be forced to realize what it is that people expect of them. This expectation far surpasses the external trappings of scholarship. People expect answers to the great questions of life: deep down, what does it mean to be a human being?" (Faith, Philosophy and Theology, p.10).
Modern man is hungry for absolute truth. The truth about God and the truth about what it means to be a human being. It was Jacques Maritain who wrote that, "The great danger which threatens modern societies is a weakening of the sense of Truth. On the one hand men become so accustomed to thinking in terms of stimuli and responses, and adjustment to environment; on the other hand they are so bewildered by the manner in which the political techniques of advertising and propaganda use the words of the language that they are tempted finally to give up any interest in truth: only practical results, or sheer material verification of facts and figures, matter for them, without internal adherence to any truth really grasped. The philosopher who in pursuing his speculative task pays no attention to the interests of men, or of the social group, or of the state, reminds society of the absolute and unbending character of Truth." (On the Use of Philosophy, Atheneum, pp. 8-9).
But for Ratzinger, it is only by keeping his appeal in mind that we will be able to fully understand the rational claims of both philosophy and theology, and their mutual relationship. Enter Gabriel Marcel: Philosopher of Communion. A man whose philosophy has influenced my own so profoundly. In the words of Fr. Vincent P. Miceli:
"Perhaps this era’s outstanding philosopher, who worked hard for more than fifty years unmasking the hidden prevarications that have produced our ‘broken world’ and revealed the transcendent values that can yet save it from utter ruin, was Gabriel Marcel, a truly remarkable man. Wherever he went - and he traveled the whole world, except those regions walled against freedom which feared his presence - his delight was to be known as a neo-Socratic, not as an existentialist, a label he detested for its vulgar connotations.
Just as Socrates in Fifth Century Athens played the gadfly to his fellow Athenians, stinging them into an awareness of their ignorance and into an alertness to their sacredness, so Marcel has been raising difficulties these many years for the easy conscience of an age which is secure in the possession of its material progress and smug in the splendor of its intellectual learning.
Marcel’s excavations into lived experience represents in modern philosophy a break with the myopic dogmatism of natural science which affirms that the transcendent can never be encountered within the confines of experience. Moreover, these same probings run counter to the empty sophistries of the abstractionist philosophers who drain reality of its mysteries and desecrate it with techniques of degradation. Marcel’s kind of philosophy probes the mystery and meaning of existence, of the human person; he refers to this kind of thought as a ‘concrete philosophy, a philosophy of existence.’
The main elements of this concrete philosophy may be summed up under three headings: 1) The main truth in philosophy is: the doctrine of participation; 2) The main question for philosophers should be: how to think participation; 3) The main answer to that question is: participation is thought through a secondary reflection that is creative and free. The ascent to the plenitude of being, i.e., to communion is achieved mainly through the activities of fidelity, hope, love...
Basic to the thought of Gabriel Marcel is the need to break out of the barriers of monadic immanence. Trained in German-constructed philosophic systems, Marcel as a youth experienced the bitter loneliness of a man who is stranded and cut off in a desert universe, furrowed with moral imperatives and darkened with clouds of invincible despair. On the brink of a complete breakdown, he rejected idealism irrevocably, throwing off its mental straight jacket and plunging deeply into that current of personal and passionate research known as lived or concrete experience. There, in exhilarating wonderment, he discovered the physical tensions among cosmic creatures, the gravitational sociality of truth between human intelligences and the magnetic attractions of presences towards each other and beyond to the plenitude of the Absolute Presence.
Marcel’s principal insight was uttered superbly long before by St. Augustine: ‘To know the truth we must be in the truth.’ Another shorthand expression of this intuition might be: to philosophize is to invoke the being which is present unsummoned, to love the being which is present unloved. The last word in the philosophic quest is not expressed with the detached mind but with the whole person freely committed to a love for truth. Man must freely attest to the indubitable presence of being. The knower to whom being is present must become the lover by whom being is embraced, otherwise the knower maintains the sterile position of being an isolated, insularized ego. The fact is that the experience of being arises in participation; even more strictly, it is an experience of communion: esse est co-esse, to be is to-be-with. There can be no I, no knower except in so far as there is communion. A self segregated, sealed off from other selves, quite simply is not. The self surges into being within communion. To be a creature is to be related, to be co-present to others. The continuing existence of the self is a gift from a transcendent generosity. Nay more, the most intimate and refined treasures of the self are created within the reciprocal generosity of other selves." (Women Priests and Other Fantasies," Roman Catholic Books, pp. 314-315).
Gabriel Marcel proposes a concrete philosophy which is determined by the "bite of reality." His philosophy anticipates the appeal of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger and provides answers to the great questions of life through lived experience and participation. What does it mean to be a human being? "To be a creature is to be related, to be co-present to others." To be a human being is to live in communion.
God love you Gabriel Marcel.
"..sooner or later, the professional philosopher and the professional theologian will be forced to realize what it is that people expect of them. This expectation far surpasses the external trappings of scholarship. People expect answers to the great questions of life: deep down, what does it mean to be a human being?" (Faith, Philosophy and Theology, p.10).
Modern man is hungry for absolute truth. The truth about God and the truth about what it means to be a human being. It was Jacques Maritain who wrote that, "The great danger which threatens modern societies is a weakening of the sense of Truth. On the one hand men become so accustomed to thinking in terms of stimuli and responses, and adjustment to environment; on the other hand they are so bewildered by the manner in which the political techniques of advertising and propaganda use the words of the language that they are tempted finally to give up any interest in truth: only practical results, or sheer material verification of facts and figures, matter for them, without internal adherence to any truth really grasped. The philosopher who in pursuing his speculative task pays no attention to the interests of men, or of the social group, or of the state, reminds society of the absolute and unbending character of Truth." (On the Use of Philosophy, Atheneum, pp. 8-9).
But for Ratzinger, it is only by keeping his appeal in mind that we will be able to fully understand the rational claims of both philosophy and theology, and their mutual relationship. Enter Gabriel Marcel: Philosopher of Communion. A man whose philosophy has influenced my own so profoundly. In the words of Fr. Vincent P. Miceli:
"Perhaps this era’s outstanding philosopher, who worked hard for more than fifty years unmasking the hidden prevarications that have produced our ‘broken world’ and revealed the transcendent values that can yet save it from utter ruin, was Gabriel Marcel, a truly remarkable man. Wherever he went - and he traveled the whole world, except those regions walled against freedom which feared his presence - his delight was to be known as a neo-Socratic, not as an existentialist, a label he detested for its vulgar connotations.
Just as Socrates in Fifth Century Athens played the gadfly to his fellow Athenians, stinging them into an awareness of their ignorance and into an alertness to their sacredness, so Marcel has been raising difficulties these many years for the easy conscience of an age which is secure in the possession of its material progress and smug in the splendor of its intellectual learning.
Marcel’s excavations into lived experience represents in modern philosophy a break with the myopic dogmatism of natural science which affirms that the transcendent can never be encountered within the confines of experience. Moreover, these same probings run counter to the empty sophistries of the abstractionist philosophers who drain reality of its mysteries and desecrate it with techniques of degradation. Marcel’s kind of philosophy probes the mystery and meaning of existence, of the human person; he refers to this kind of thought as a ‘concrete philosophy, a philosophy of existence.’
The main elements of this concrete philosophy may be summed up under three headings: 1) The main truth in philosophy is: the doctrine of participation; 2) The main question for philosophers should be: how to think participation; 3) The main answer to that question is: participation is thought through a secondary reflection that is creative and free. The ascent to the plenitude of being, i.e., to communion is achieved mainly through the activities of fidelity, hope, love...
Basic to the thought of Gabriel Marcel is the need to break out of the barriers of monadic immanence. Trained in German-constructed philosophic systems, Marcel as a youth experienced the bitter loneliness of a man who is stranded and cut off in a desert universe, furrowed with moral imperatives and darkened with clouds of invincible despair. On the brink of a complete breakdown, he rejected idealism irrevocably, throwing off its mental straight jacket and plunging deeply into that current of personal and passionate research known as lived or concrete experience. There, in exhilarating wonderment, he discovered the physical tensions among cosmic creatures, the gravitational sociality of truth between human intelligences and the magnetic attractions of presences towards each other and beyond to the plenitude of the Absolute Presence.
Marcel’s principal insight was uttered superbly long before by St. Augustine: ‘To know the truth we must be in the truth.’ Another shorthand expression of this intuition might be: to philosophize is to invoke the being which is present unsummoned, to love the being which is present unloved. The last word in the philosophic quest is not expressed with the detached mind but with the whole person freely committed to a love for truth. Man must freely attest to the indubitable presence of being. The knower to whom being is present must become the lover by whom being is embraced, otherwise the knower maintains the sterile position of being an isolated, insularized ego. The fact is that the experience of being arises in participation; even more strictly, it is an experience of communion: esse est co-esse, to be is to-be-with. There can be no I, no knower except in so far as there is communion. A self segregated, sealed off from other selves, quite simply is not. The self surges into being within communion. To be a creature is to be related, to be co-present to others. The continuing existence of the self is a gift from a transcendent generosity. Nay more, the most intimate and refined treasures of the self are created within the reciprocal generosity of other selves." (Women Priests and Other Fantasies," Roman Catholic Books, pp. 314-315).
Gabriel Marcel proposes a concrete philosophy which is determined by the "bite of reality." His philosophy anticipates the appeal of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger and provides answers to the great questions of life through lived experience and participation. What does it mean to be a human being? "To be a creature is to be related, to be co-present to others." To be a human being is to live in communion.
God love you Gabriel Marcel.
New Age Makes Huge Inroad into Retreat Centers Operated by Catholic Nuns
An important article from Mr. Michael H. Brown. Readers of this Blog will recall my posts detailing how New Age occultism was being promoted at the La Salette's Center for Christian Living in Attleboro, Massachusetts. One woman spoke of a women's retreat there which included an altar to the four directions and a "women's Rosary" based on a woman's menstrual cycle.
Signs of the times.
Paul.
Signs of the times.
Paul.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
His Excellency Archbishop Louis-Joseph
Arthur Melanson (1879-1941)
Second Bishop of the Gravelbourg
Diocese from 1933 to 1937.
His Excellency Archbishop Louis-Joseph-Arthur Melanson was born in Trois-Rivières on March 25, 1879. Soon after, his family moved to New Richmond in Cascapedia Bay, New Brunswick. He studied theology in the seminairies of Rimouski and Montréal.
Arthur Melanson joined the Chatham Diocese in New Brunswick where he was ordained into priesthood by Bishop Barry on July 9, 1905. He was assigned to the Campbellton Parish as assistant priest where he dedicated his first years of ministry to the pioneers living in the forest near Colebrook and Glenlivet. Pastor of Balmoral in 1907, he was also entrusted with the care of the lumber camps. His efforts initiated a movement of colonization which succeeded in the founding of two new parishes.
In 1909, he was confided to the Campbellton Parish. In 1925, Father Melanson founded the teaching order of the Daughters of Mary of the Assumption. In 1930, he became Vicar General of the Chatham Diocese and was made Protonotary Apostolic by the Holy See. He was elected second Bishop of the Gravelbourg Diocese on November 25, 1932, and was consecrated in Chatham by the Apostolic Delegate, the Most Reverend Andrea Cassulo, on February 22, 1933.
Bishop Melanson was a firm supporter of all forms of Catholic action : youth movements, religious or lay vocations, Collège Mathieu, study groups and the Catholic Press. He was committed to the task of ensuring the survival and development of the young Church of the prairies assigned to him by the Sovereign Pontiff. His first pastoral letter, "Catholic Action; The Apostolate of the Laity in the Diocese", was published at the beginning of Lent during his first year in Gravelbourg.
Bishop Melanson founded an annual pilgrimage in honour of Mary and chose Our Lady of Auvergne Sanctuary in Ponteix. Gravelbourg's first diocesan congress on Catholic Action was held in 1935. Soon after, Bishop Melanson started a diocesan newspaper, "La Voix Catholique". The Most Reverend Arthur Melanson was promoted to Archbishop of Moncton on December 16, 1936, and was consecrated on February 22 of the following year. Archbishop Arthur Melanson died on October 23, 1941, in Moncton.
Monday, October 30, 2006
NOT JUST TOLERANCE BUT AUTHENTIC RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, participated yesterday in the 61st session of the U.N. General Assembly, which is currently considering the question of the promotion and protection of human rights.
In his English-language talk, Archbishop Migliore concentrated on three themes which, he said, "merit particular attention, namely, the coexistence of different religions and religious communities, the propagation of religion, including the sensitive issue of proselytism and the relationship between freedom of expression and religion." He also expressed his concern that, "as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, ... freedom of religion or belief does not exist for individuals and communities, especially among religious minorities, in many parts of the world."
He continued: "The high level of religious intolerance in some countries is leading to an alarming degree of polarization and discrimination. ... While religious tolerance is sometimes characterized as accepting or permitting those religious beliefs and practices which disagree with one's own, the time has come to move beyond this type of religious tolerance, and to apply instead the principles of authentic religious freedom.
"Religious freedom," he added, "is the right to believe, worship, propose and witness to one's faith. It grants the opportunity and creates the occasions for people to profess freely the tenets of their faith. Furthermore, it includes the right to change one's religion and to associate freely with others in order to express one's religious convictions. ... We know well that, historically, tolerance has been a contentious issue among believers of different faiths. However, we have come to a turning point in history which demands more of us, including a commitment to inter-religious dialogue."
In this context, the archbishop emphasized "the indispensable importance of reciprocity, which, by its very nature, is apt to ensure the free exercise of religion in all societies. The Holy See continues to be concerned by a number of situations where the existence of enacted or proposed legislative and administrative measures for placing limits on the practice, observance or propagation of religion are a reality. Likewise, the Holy See is concerned with those situations where religion or freedom of religion is used as a pretext or a justification for violating other human rights."
"There appears to exist a recurring case of intolerance when group interests or power struggles seek to prevent religious communities from enlightening consciences and thus enabling them to act freely and responsibly, according to the true demands of justice. Likewise, it would be intolerant to denigrate religious communities and exclude them from public debate ... just because they do not agree with options nor conform to practices that are contrary to human dignity."
In our world, the prelate concluded, "religion is more than an internal matter of thought and conscience. It has the potential to bind us together as equal and valuable members of the human family. ... Nor should we underestimate its power, especially in the midst of conflict and division, ... to enable enemies to speak to one another, to foster those who were estranged to join hands in friendship, and have nations seek the way to peace together."
VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, participated yesterday in the 61st session of the U.N. General Assembly, which is currently considering the question of the promotion and protection of human rights.
In his English-language talk, Archbishop Migliore concentrated on three themes which, he said, "merit particular attention, namely, the coexistence of different religions and religious communities, the propagation of religion, including the sensitive issue of proselytism and the relationship between freedom of expression and religion." He also expressed his concern that, "as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, ... freedom of religion or belief does not exist for individuals and communities, especially among religious minorities, in many parts of the world."
He continued: "The high level of religious intolerance in some countries is leading to an alarming degree of polarization and discrimination. ... While religious tolerance is sometimes characterized as accepting or permitting those religious beliefs and practices which disagree with one's own, the time has come to move beyond this type of religious tolerance, and to apply instead the principles of authentic religious freedom.
"Religious freedom," he added, "is the right to believe, worship, propose and witness to one's faith. It grants the opportunity and creates the occasions for people to profess freely the tenets of their faith. Furthermore, it includes the right to change one's religion and to associate freely with others in order to express one's religious convictions. ... We know well that, historically, tolerance has been a contentious issue among believers of different faiths. However, we have come to a turning point in history which demands more of us, including a commitment to inter-religious dialogue."
In this context, the archbishop emphasized "the indispensable importance of reciprocity, which, by its very nature, is apt to ensure the free exercise of religion in all societies. The Holy See continues to be concerned by a number of situations where the existence of enacted or proposed legislative and administrative measures for placing limits on the practice, observance or propagation of religion are a reality. Likewise, the Holy See is concerned with those situations where religion or freedom of religion is used as a pretext or a justification for violating other human rights."
"There appears to exist a recurring case of intolerance when group interests or power struggles seek to prevent religious communities from enlightening consciences and thus enabling them to act freely and responsibly, according to the true demands of justice. Likewise, it would be intolerant to denigrate religious communities and exclude them from public debate ... just because they do not agree with options nor conform to practices that are contrary to human dignity."
In our world, the prelate concluded, "religion is more than an internal matter of thought and conscience. It has the potential to bind us together as equal and valuable members of the human family. ... Nor should we underestimate its power, especially in the midst of conflict and division, ... to enable enemies to speak to one another, to foster those who were estranged to join hands in friendship, and have nations seek the way to peace together."
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Jesus: The Light of the World
"These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because He is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with Him are called, and elect, and faithful." (Ap. 17, 14
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Prayer intentions may be sent to the Spiritual Children of Saint Rita contact: frappe19751975@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Signs of the times....
"..humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour." (1 Peter 5: 6-8).
Hatred of the Holy Rosary: Evidence of the Demonic
"Even though God has set his seal of approval on the Rosary by many miracles, and though it has been approved by the Church in many papal bulls, there are only too many people who are against the Holy Rosary today. Such are the free-thinkers and those who scorn religion, who either condemn the Rosary or try to turn others away from it.
It is easy to see that they have absorbed the poison of hell and that they are inspired by the devil; for no one can condemn devotion to the Holy Rosary without condemning all that is most holy in the Catholic faith, such as the Lord's prayer, the Hail Mary and the mysteries of the life, death and glory of Jesus Christ and his holy Mother.
These free-thinkers, who cannot bear to have people saying the Rosary, often fall into an heretical state of mind without realizing it and come to hate the Rosary and its mysteries."
- The Secret of the Rosary, Ninth Rose, St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort.
It is easy to see that they have absorbed the poison of hell and that they are inspired by the devil; for no one can condemn devotion to the Holy Rosary without condemning all that is most holy in the Catholic faith, such as the Lord's prayer, the Hail Mary and the mysteries of the life, death and glory of Jesus Christ and his holy Mother.
These free-thinkers, who cannot bear to have people saying the Rosary, often fall into an heretical state of mind without realizing it and come to hate the Rosary and its mysteries."
- The Secret of the Rosary, Ninth Rose, St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
A Meditation
Take Courage, all ye people of the land...for I am with you
"Yet now take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord, and take courage, O Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and take courage, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts: and perform (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts)." (Agg. 2, 5)
"Et nunc confortáre, Zoróbabel, dicit Dóminus ; et confortáre, Jesu, fili Jósedec, sacérdos magne ; et confortáre, omnis pópulus terræ, dicit Dóminus exercÃtuum : et fácite (quóniam Ego vobÃscum sum, dicit Dóminus exercÃtuum)." (Agg. 2, 5)
"Yet now take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord, and take courage, O Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and take courage, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts: and perform (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts)." (Agg. 2, 5)
"Et nunc confortáre, Zoróbabel, dicit Dóminus ; et confortáre, Jesu, fili Jósedec, sacérdos magne ; et confortáre, omnis pópulus terræ, dicit Dóminus exercÃtuum : et fácite (quóniam Ego vobÃscum sum, dicit Dóminus exercÃtuum)." (Agg. 2, 5)
Monday, October 23, 2006
And speaking of constructive criticism....
Pope Benedict XVI is worried about the state of the church in the United States. No doubt those who insist that everything is just fine here in the United States will now accuse His Holiness of throwing a "temper tantrum." Oh well, at least I'll be in good company.
Paul.
Paul.
Constructive Criticism: Its Value
Montague Brown, Ph.D, a professor of philosophy at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH for some twenty years, had this to say about criticism in his book entitled "The One-Minute Philosopher" (published by Sophia Institute Press - 2001):
"Criticism is the 'honest appraisal of the value of ideas or actions.' When thorough and fair, it addresses strengths and weaknesses. Pursued in the right spirit, it is a positive undertaking whose purpose is to gain an accurate understanding for the sake of growing in wisdom and virtue...
Although most of us do not like to be criticized (at least as to the shortcomings of our work), constructive criticism is helpful to us. It makes us aware of what is lacking in our work and thus allows us to improve. If I am never criticized, I may become 'self-satisfied' and not try to do better. Worse, I may grow comfortable with my faults. This is also bad for the community, for my uncorrected ideas and actions will likely harm others. Thus, criticism is a public service."
This is why Pope John Paul II said that "There is room for constructive criticism in the Church." Such criticism helps us to grow and become better persons. This fact is not appreciated by a parishioner of Ste. Marie's Parish in Manchester, who posted some anonymous comments at this Blog today. This parishioner was responding to a couple of previous posts I had written detailing how I was made to feel very unwelcome at Ste. Marie's and that I was prohibited from volunteering at the parish or participating in any way whatsoever. This individual wrote:
"Sounds like the rantings of a child having a temper tantrum. Anyone that has any knowledge of Rev. Montminy knows that he values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Your bad experience is no excuse for your poor behavior at this point..." This person then cited Mark 11:25, which reads "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Lastly, this individual wrote, "You have mentioned your desire to become a priest, that you might have a vocation. I would assume with this kind of attitude, that will not happen."
Let's address these points one by one. First of all, constructive criticism is a public service, not "the rantings of a child having a temper tantrum." And my posts were constructive in both tone and tenor. At no time have I ever engaged in condemnation, which is defined as the devaluation of a person. Again, in the words of Montague Brown, "Condemnation goes beyond evaluation of an idea or action to a declaration of the worthlessness of a human being."
Therefore, while I have never engaged in condemnation of any person (and certainly not Rev. Montminy), this individual has devalued me as a person by ascribing childish motives to my person and suggesting that I am "having a temper tantrum."
Secondly, while I refuse to judge Rev. Montminy's interior dispositions, the comment that "Anyone that has any knowledge of Rev. Montminy knows that he values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Your bad experience is no excuse for your poor behavior at this point.." would appear to be inaccurate.
If it is true that Rev. Montminy "values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God," why wasn't I ever welcomed at the parish by either him or his staff? And why was it such a struggle just to register at the parish? And why is it that no one ever got back to me to follow up on my desire to volunteer, a desire which I expressed on the registration form? Why have others written comments at this Blog as well as emails indicating that they too were not made to feel welcome at Ste. Marie's?
And how do such questions and observations constitute "poor behavior" on my part?
Thirdly, I love the Scripture which reads: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11;25). But this is a conditional statement. The word "if" is operative here. And I hold absolutely nothing against Rev. Montminy - or anyone else for that matter. Therefore, there is nothing to forgive.
"Criticism is the 'honest appraisal of the value of ideas or actions.' When thorough and fair, it addresses strengths and weaknesses. Pursued in the right spirit, it is a positive undertaking whose purpose is to gain an accurate understanding for the sake of growing in wisdom and virtue...
Although most of us do not like to be criticized (at least as to the shortcomings of our work), constructive criticism is helpful to us. It makes us aware of what is lacking in our work and thus allows us to improve. If I am never criticized, I may become 'self-satisfied' and not try to do better. Worse, I may grow comfortable with my faults. This is also bad for the community, for my uncorrected ideas and actions will likely harm others. Thus, criticism is a public service."
This is why Pope John Paul II said that "There is room for constructive criticism in the Church." Such criticism helps us to grow and become better persons. This fact is not appreciated by a parishioner of Ste. Marie's Parish in Manchester, who posted some anonymous comments at this Blog today. This parishioner was responding to a couple of previous posts I had written detailing how I was made to feel very unwelcome at Ste. Marie's and that I was prohibited from volunteering at the parish or participating in any way whatsoever. This individual wrote:
"Sounds like the rantings of a child having a temper tantrum. Anyone that has any knowledge of Rev. Montminy knows that he values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Your bad experience is no excuse for your poor behavior at this point..." This person then cited Mark 11:25, which reads "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Lastly, this individual wrote, "You have mentioned your desire to become a priest, that you might have a vocation. I would assume with this kind of attitude, that will not happen."
Let's address these points one by one. First of all, constructive criticism is a public service, not "the rantings of a child having a temper tantrum." And my posts were constructive in both tone and tenor. At no time have I ever engaged in condemnation, which is defined as the devaluation of a person. Again, in the words of Montague Brown, "Condemnation goes beyond evaluation of an idea or action to a declaration of the worthlessness of a human being."
Therefore, while I have never engaged in condemnation of any person (and certainly not Rev. Montminy), this individual has devalued me as a person by ascribing childish motives to my person and suggesting that I am "having a temper tantrum."
Secondly, while I refuse to judge Rev. Montminy's interior dispositions, the comment that "Anyone that has any knowledge of Rev. Montminy knows that he values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Your bad experience is no excuse for your poor behavior at this point.." would appear to be inaccurate.
If it is true that Rev. Montminy "values every individual as created in the image and likeness of God," why wasn't I ever welcomed at the parish by either him or his staff? And why was it such a struggle just to register at the parish? And why is it that no one ever got back to me to follow up on my desire to volunteer, a desire which I expressed on the registration form? Why have others written comments at this Blog as well as emails indicating that they too were not made to feel welcome at Ste. Marie's?
And how do such questions and observations constitute "poor behavior" on my part?
Thirdly, I love the Scripture which reads: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11;25). But this is a conditional statement. The word "if" is operative here. And I hold absolutely nothing against Rev. Montminy - or anyone else for that matter. Therefore, there is nothing to forgive.
Lastly, this charitable soul wrote, "You have mentioned your desire to become a priest, that you might have a vocation. I would assume with this kind of attitude, that will not happen." Again, constructive criticism does not indicate a "bad attitude" or negativity. Constructive criticism is aimed at building up rather than tearing down. But bearing this in mind, what shall we say of the criticism levelled against me by this anonymous (and that fact itself is very revealing) individual?
This anonymous person accuses me of engaging in the "rantings of a child having a temper tantrum," of falsely judging a Catholic priest (in reality I never judged his interior dispositions, only actions which I - and others - believe to be unwelcoming), of "poor behavior," of holding something against Rev. Montminy (again, I forgave him), and of having the "kind of attitude" which will prevent me from ever realizing my desire to become a religious.
Ironic is it not? Often, the very fault we accuse others of is the very fault which lies within. At any rate, if this sister in Christ is reading these words, I hold no animosity toward you whatsoever. Nor am I holding a grudge against Rev. Montminy or anyone else. But I reserve the right to engage in constructive criticism. Its purpose is the building up of community and of the common good.
Just as the priest offers me constructive criticism and advice before granting me absolution (and I welcome such advice/criticism because I am a sinner who needs to grow), so too I have a duty to offer constructive criticism to other members of the Mystical Body whenever I see actions or ideas which fail to hold up to the Lumen Christi.
As a member of the lay faithful, I already possess a vocation. And I will not deny my vocation to act as salt and light simply because someone is unable to look at a matter objectively and assumes a defensive posture.
The Scripture tells us that "People sharpen one another just as iron sharpens iron." Fraternal correction is not the sole domain of the clergy. Nor is constructive criticism. The sooner we all realize that fact, the better off we'll all be.
God love you,
Paul Anthony Melanson
Pope Benedict XVI once more appeals for peace in Iraq.
APPEAL FOR PEACE IN IRAQ
VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 2006 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus with thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope sent "a cordial greeting to Muslims all over the world who, during these days, are celebrating the end of the month of fasting of Ramadan. To all of them, my best wishes for serenity and peace.
"In dramatic contrast to this climate of joy," he added, "is the news coming from Iraq of the grave situation of insecurity and of the pitiless violence to which so many innocents are exposed, simply for being Shias, Sunnis or Christians.
"I am aware of the great concern being felt by the Christian community, and wish to give assurances of my closeness to them, as to all the victims, asking that strength and consolation be granted to everyone.
"I invite you," he concluded, "to join me in my plea to the Almighty that He may give the necessary faith and courage to religious and political leaders, both locally and all over the world, to support [the Iraqi] people on the road of rebuilding their homeland, in their search for a shared equilibrium, with mutual respect, and an awareness that the multiplicity of [the country's] components is an integral part of its wealth."
As Catholics, we are called to pray and work for peace. We are being called by our Holy Father to pray for such a peace and to support the Iraqi people on their long and arduous journey of rebuilding their homeland and their quest for mutual respect. Violence is not the answer. Violence begets violence. Standing with Pope John Paul II, we must cry out "no more war!"
The alternative is destruction, chaos and untold suffering. Which is precisely what we have been witnessing in Iraq. Our true weapon must be the Holy Rosary and not machine guns, tanks, fighter-planes and nuclear weapons. The Holy Rosary is far more powerful. It is a weapon for building up a civilization of love. It is easy to resort to violence. It is far more difficult to love one's enemies and to pray for them. But then, no one ever said that being a Christian was easy. It's difficult. It can be painful. Love can bring pain. But in the end, it is love which conquers hatred, hostility and death. Amor vincit omnia - love conquers all!
Love conquers all.
Paul
VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 2006 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus with thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope sent "a cordial greeting to Muslims all over the world who, during these days, are celebrating the end of the month of fasting of Ramadan. To all of them, my best wishes for serenity and peace.
"In dramatic contrast to this climate of joy," he added, "is the news coming from Iraq of the grave situation of insecurity and of the pitiless violence to which so many innocents are exposed, simply for being Shias, Sunnis or Christians.
"I am aware of the great concern being felt by the Christian community, and wish to give assurances of my closeness to them, as to all the victims, asking that strength and consolation be granted to everyone.
"I invite you," he concluded, "to join me in my plea to the Almighty that He may give the necessary faith and courage to religious and political leaders, both locally and all over the world, to support [the Iraqi] people on the road of rebuilding their homeland, in their search for a shared equilibrium, with mutual respect, and an awareness that the multiplicity of [the country's] components is an integral part of its wealth."
As Catholics, we are called to pray and work for peace. We are being called by our Holy Father to pray for such a peace and to support the Iraqi people on their long and arduous journey of rebuilding their homeland and their quest for mutual respect. Violence is not the answer. Violence begets violence. Standing with Pope John Paul II, we must cry out "no more war!"
The alternative is destruction, chaos and untold suffering. Which is precisely what we have been witnessing in Iraq. Our true weapon must be the Holy Rosary and not machine guns, tanks, fighter-planes and nuclear weapons. The Holy Rosary is far more powerful. It is a weapon for building up a civilization of love. It is easy to resort to violence. It is far more difficult to love one's enemies and to pray for them. But then, no one ever said that being a Christian was easy. It's difficult. It can be painful. Love can bring pain. But in the end, it is love which conquers hatred, hostility and death. Amor vincit omnia - love conquers all!
Love conquers all.
Paul
Saturday, October 21, 2006
La Salette: A Poem by Thomas Merton (1946).
La Salette
It is a hundred years since your shy feet Ventured to stand upon the pasture grass of the high Alps,
Coming no deeper in our smoky atmosphere Than these blue skies,
the mountain eyes Of the two shepherd children, young as flowers,
Born to be dazzled by no mortal snow.
Lady, it is a hundred years Since those fair, terrible tears Reproved,
with their amazing grief All the proud candor of those altitudes:
Crowning the flowers at your feet With diamonds, that seized upon,
transfigured into nails of light The rays of the mountain sun!-
And by their news, (Which came with cowbells to the evening village And to the world with church-bells After not too many days,)
And by their news We thought the walls of all hard hearts Had broken down,
and given in, Poured out their dirty garrisons of sin,
And washed the streets with our own blood, if need be - - Only to have them clean!
And though we did not understand The weight and import of so great a sorrow,
We never thought so soon to have seen The loss of its undying memory,
Passing from the black world without a word, Without a funeral!
For while our teeth were battling in the meat of miracles and favors,
Your words, your prophecies, were all forgotten!
Now, one by one, The things you said Have come to be fulfilled.
John, in the might of his Apocalypse, could not fore- tell
Half of the story of our monstrous century, In which the arm of your inexorable Son,
Bound, by His Truth, to disavow your intercession For this wolf-world, this craven zoo,
Has bombed the doors of hell clean off their hinges, And burst the cage of antichrist,
And roused, with His first two great thunderbolts, The chariots of Armageddon.
It is a hundred years since your shy feet Ventured to stand upon the pasture grass of the high Alps,
Coming no deeper in our smoky atmosphere Than these blue skies,
the mountain eyes Of the two shepherd children, young as flowers,
Born to be dazzled by no mortal snow.
Lady, it is a hundred years Since those fair, terrible tears Reproved,
with their amazing grief All the proud candor of those altitudes:
Crowning the flowers at your feet With diamonds, that seized upon,
transfigured into nails of light The rays of the mountain sun!-
And by their news, (Which came with cowbells to the evening village And to the world with church-bells After not too many days,)
And by their news We thought the walls of all hard hearts Had broken down,
and given in, Poured out their dirty garrisons of sin,
And washed the streets with our own blood, if need be - - Only to have them clean!
And though we did not understand The weight and import of so great a sorrow,
We never thought so soon to have seen The loss of its undying memory,
Passing from the black world without a word, Without a funeral!
For while our teeth were battling in the meat of miracles and favors,
Your words, your prophecies, were all forgotten!
Now, one by one, The things you said Have come to be fulfilled.
John, in the might of his Apocalypse, could not fore- tell
Half of the story of our monstrous century, In which the arm of your inexorable Son,
Bound, by His Truth, to disavow your intercession For this wolf-world, this craven zoo,
Has bombed the doors of hell clean off their hinges, And burst the cage of antichrist,
And roused, with His first two great thunderbolts, The chariots of Armageddon.
It's about time.....
U.S. Bishops Set to Tell Catholics Opposed to Church Teaching on Abortion and Homosexuality not to receive Holy Communion.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Pope Benedict XVI: Only Christ Fully Satisfies the Needs of the Human Heart
ONLY CHRIST FULLY SATISFIES THE NEEDS OF THE HUMAN HEART
VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon at the Bentegodi Stadium in the Italian city of Verona, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration attended by more than 40,000 people. This was the second event - following the address he delivered earlier in the day at the Fair of Verona - of his pastoral visit to the city for the 4th Italian Ecclesial Congress, which has been considering the theme: "Witnesses of the Risen Christ, Hope of the World."
Apart from the faithful present in the stadium, a further 60,000 people were able to follow the Holy Father's homily on giant screens erected throughout the city. He told them that "the certainty that Christ arose assures us that no adverse power will ever be able to destroy the Church. We also draw encouragement from our awareness that only Christ can fully satisfy the profound expectations of the human heart and respond to the most disturbing questions of pain, injustice and evil, of death and the hereafter.
"Therefore," he added, "our faith is well founded; but it is necessary that this faith become part of our lives. A great effort must therefore be made in order for all Christians to transform themselves into 'witnesses,' ready and able to shoulder the commitment of testifying - always and to everyone - to the hope that animates them."
The Pope went on to highlight the importance of "going back to a vigorous and joyful announcement of the death and resurrection of Christ, the core of Christianity, the bedrock of our faith, the powerful lever of our certainties, the great wind that blows away all fear and indecision, all doubt and human calculation. Only from God can the decisive change of the world come. Only by going back to the Resurrection can the true nature of the Church and of her witness be understood."
Benedict XVI expressed the hope that the Church in Italy "may start out anew from this congress, ...impelled by the Word of the Risen Lord Who repeats to all mankind and to each individual: be, in today's world, witnesses of my Passion and my Resurrection. In a changing world, the Gospel does not alter. The Good News is always the same: Christ died, and He rose for our salvation! In His name bring everyone the announcement of conversion and the forgiveness of sins, but be yourselves the first to bear witness to a life of conversion and forgiveness." This is only possible, he added, with "the interior strength of the Spirit of the Risen Christ."
"Consecrated with the 'anointing' of the Holy Spirit," the Pope exclaimed, "go forth! Carry the good tidings to the poor, bind the wounds of the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom to slaves, open the doors of prisons to those within, promulgate the year of the Lord's mercy. Rebuild the ancient ruins, ... restore the wasted cities. There are so many difficult situations that await a decisive intervention! Bring into the world the hope of God, which is Christ the Lord Who rose from the dead and lives and reigns forever. Amen."
Following Mass, the Pope travelled to the airport of Verona-Villafranca where he boarded a plane for his return to Rome.
VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon at the Bentegodi Stadium in the Italian city of Verona, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration attended by more than 40,000 people. This was the second event - following the address he delivered earlier in the day at the Fair of Verona - of his pastoral visit to the city for the 4th Italian Ecclesial Congress, which has been considering the theme: "Witnesses of the Risen Christ, Hope of the World."
Apart from the faithful present in the stadium, a further 60,000 people were able to follow the Holy Father's homily on giant screens erected throughout the city. He told them that "the certainty that Christ arose assures us that no adverse power will ever be able to destroy the Church. We also draw encouragement from our awareness that only Christ can fully satisfy the profound expectations of the human heart and respond to the most disturbing questions of pain, injustice and evil, of death and the hereafter.
"Therefore," he added, "our faith is well founded; but it is necessary that this faith become part of our lives. A great effort must therefore be made in order for all Christians to transform themselves into 'witnesses,' ready and able to shoulder the commitment of testifying - always and to everyone - to the hope that animates them."
The Pope went on to highlight the importance of "going back to a vigorous and joyful announcement of the death and resurrection of Christ, the core of Christianity, the bedrock of our faith, the powerful lever of our certainties, the great wind that blows away all fear and indecision, all doubt and human calculation. Only from God can the decisive change of the world come. Only by going back to the Resurrection can the true nature of the Church and of her witness be understood."
Benedict XVI expressed the hope that the Church in Italy "may start out anew from this congress, ...impelled by the Word of the Risen Lord Who repeats to all mankind and to each individual: be, in today's world, witnesses of my Passion and my Resurrection. In a changing world, the Gospel does not alter. The Good News is always the same: Christ died, and He rose for our salvation! In His name bring everyone the announcement of conversion and the forgiveness of sins, but be yourselves the first to bear witness to a life of conversion and forgiveness." This is only possible, he added, with "the interior strength of the Spirit of the Risen Christ."
"Consecrated with the 'anointing' of the Holy Spirit," the Pope exclaimed, "go forth! Carry the good tidings to the poor, bind the wounds of the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom to slaves, open the doors of prisons to those within, promulgate the year of the Lord's mercy. Rebuild the ancient ruins, ... restore the wasted cities. There are so many difficult situations that await a decisive intervention! Bring into the world the hope of God, which is Christ the Lord Who rose from the dead and lives and reigns forever. Amen."
Following Mass, the Pope travelled to the airport of Verona-Villafranca where he boarded a plane for his return to Rome.
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