Society Needs Stable Gay Marriages

As I was reading this editorial I thought, well the typical, anti-Catholic, pro-homosexual propaganda. Then when I got to the bottom of the page, and saw who had authored it, I had to go back and re-read it.

Holy Father, Send Help.

Cardinal Levada to Seminarians: Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Cardinal Levada yesterday in his homily urged priests not to disclose their homosexuality according to this article. The homily was given at the occasion of the installation of the new rector of the North American College the U.S. Seminary in Rome and in front of its 170 seminarians.

To Cardinal Levada it's all about the symbolism:

A public declaration of homosexuality places a priest "at odds with the spousal character of love as revealed by God and imaged in humanity,"

and

the question also needs to be viewed from its theological perspective, particularly in light of the biblical images of God's spousal relationship with his people and Gospel passages in which Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom.

Cardinal Levada went on to mention that the problem of clergy abusing children has been solved, that ordinations of gay men are valid and that it has been reported (for apparently he has no DIRECT knowledge) that priests are coming out in the pulpit and he wishes they wouldn't. So except for THAT it's all good news.

Does it seem like a strange topic for the homily on this occasion? Does it seem like damage control? One wonders how the Gospel reading related to these topics? It would be like a homily at a wedding where the preaching was about rape, domestic violence, adultery and divorce.

This is the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Grand Inquisitor. These are strange messages indeed to send to the seminarians and faculty of the North American College.

Nurse Attacked for Refusing to Perform Abortions in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a nurse who refused to perform an illegal abortion was gang raped in retribution. The article is here. Unfortunately the religion of peace, love and brotherhood requires that the victim produce 4 witnesses to prove her claims that she was raped.

The next time that we are standing outside the abortion clinic with our little signs, enduring the disapproving looks and profane gestures I'm going to remember the price that this woman paid to save the life of a baby.

I won't waste my time waiting for the feminists to make this case their cause celeb. It just doesn't fit in with their agenda. An agenda that is losing its appeal and the support of women. Finally.

Open Letter from Closed Minds

19 Canadian priests have published an open letter detailing their opposition to Church's teaching on same sex marriage and gay priests. You can read the article here.

One name caught my eye, Fr. Raymond Gravel. According to the article:

Father Gravel -- who had a rough-and-tumble youth as a prostitute and barman in a leather bar before he entered the priesthood -- has often criticized the church's views on gays in the past.

From life as a prostitute and leather barman to priest. We have a saying in New England, "You can't get there from here."

Fr. Gravel has been in the news before. Here, here and here.

Fr. Gravel has the support of his bishop and even a letter from then Cardinal Ratzinger wasn't enough to stop him. What will it take?

The last time such a blatant statement of dissent on Church teaching was published with the support of quisling clergy was on Humanae Vitae. And unfortunnately we all know how THAT turned out.

Scottish Bishop Defends Children

Bishop Joseph Devine of Motherwell, Scotland

You can rightly ascertain that any Bishop who is as hated by the liberal press and consistently raked over the coals for supporting the teachings of the Church as Bishop Devine is that he is doing a good job as a shepherd of souls. Currently Devine is standing strong against adoption of children by homosexual couples here. Previously Bishop Devine was adamant that homosexuals would not be allowed to teach in Catholic schools.

Bishop, soon to be Cardinal Sean (as he prefers to be called) has also taken a stand against same sex adoption, but only after the Vatican demanded it and his Catholic Charities in Boston is still on the wrong side of this issue. There are those who lead and those who must be led.

The Amazing Incorruptibles

Amazing post and pictures from Traditio in Radice here.

And don't forget the book by Joan Carroll Cruz here.

But check half.com and ebay.com first for the best price.

Two Catholic Priests Arrested in China

Our Lady of China, pray for us.

China has reacted to the elevation of the Bishop of Hong Kong to the position of Cardinal by arresting two Catholic priests and warning the Bishop.


One of the priests runs a orphanage for 108 handicapped orphans. In other words a real enemy of the state.

Wikipedia has more information about the persecution of the Catholic Church in China.

A New Level of Caring

Bishop Imesch is "baffled" and "deeply hurt" that he is being accused of not caring about victims of sexual abuse. He is accused of:
1. being slow to act
2. being cold hearted
3. transferring priests who are abusers

This is surprising and somewhat puzzling. According to Sr. Mary Frances Seely who works for the diocese (i.e. on the payroll) :

"They have done everything possible that I know of," said Sister Mary Frances Seeley, a Franciscan who serves as the diocese's victim assistance minister. "I know (Imesch) has interrupted meetings to talk to victims."

Interrupting meetings to talk to victims. Truly this is a new level of caring.

The whole article is here.

Gospel of Judas: Will Gnosticism be Revived?

The Gospel of Judas is set to be published. Beliefnet has the article here.

For an interesting article about Judas depicted in art, you can read here.

Who Won't be Wearing Red this Year?

Catholic World News asks who missed out on being named a Cardinal here.

I wonder why none of the most traditional bishops especially those cited by Bishop Rifan (himself a fine candidate) were elevated to the status of Cardinal?

At a Una Voce conference in Providence, RI Bishop Rifan stated:

"You have four bishops who allow all their diocesan priests to offer the Traditional Mass [privately] at any time," Bishop Rifan said. He specifically cited Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Neb.; Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford, Ill.; and Bishop Alvaro Corrada, SJ, of Tyler, Texas, who have been generous in the Ecclesia Dei indult application, as requested and emphasized repeatedly by the late Pope John Paul II."

Files under things that make you go, hmmmmm.

Bishops O'Malley & Levada Get Red Hats

Here's the article. May they endeavor to deserve them.

Jesuits Sell part of Shrine of the North American Martyrs

I can't tell you how strange I find it that the company that purchased land (76 acres) and a 63,000 square foot building, which was originally part of the Shrine of the North American martyrs cannot be found on the internet. Anywhere.

It is called The American Sports Committee, Inc and is based in New York City. The article about the sale gives more information here. I wouldn't have thought it possible that any NYC based company would be without a website.

While it is a real shame that the land has been sold at all it is of even more concern what the land will be used for. Are the Jesuits short of money?

A representative of the company, Jennie Wong said the land will be used to: "promote various kinds of sports and exercise programs that will enhance personal health through a holistic approach."

It doesn't take much imagination to realize that "holistic health" is a code word for New Age spirituality. May the souls of St. Isaac Jogues, St. Rene de Goupil and St. Kateri Tekawitha haunt them if they intend such mischief!

For a beautiful website about the shrine sponsored by the Willa Cather devotees you can go here.

Mass Attendance in Scranton Drops to 36%

The Diocese of Scanton has discovered that their Church attendance rate is an anemic 36%. In 1950 it was 75%. Personally, given the scandals they have weathered these last few years I was impressed. But then it's so easy to forget that low attendance is especially of concern when it corresponds with diminishing donations. Which may be the case here. The whole article is here.

J. Brian Benestad, Ph.D., a theology professor explains:

The decline, in part, is linked to the saturation of secular culture and an ignorance about Catholicism among its practitioners, said J. Brian

“I really don’t think Catholics have a very good understanding of their faith,” he said. “You have to keep some of the essential doctrines of the faith before your mind and your heart, or you’re not going to remain a very dedicated Christian.”

[emphasis mine]

Some, meaning the really important ones I suppose, like loving everyone unconditionally.

Sexual abuse scandals among clergy members may have also played a role, albeit a small one, Benestad said.

You mean like this one.

There’s probably less trust of bishops and clergy because of that,” he said.

Change that "probably" to certainly and I'm right there with ya.

The Bishop indicates that is an obligation for Catholics to attend Mass. An obligation they may be unaware of.

Though I see no mention of it do you think the deplorable state of Religious Education could possibly have played a role here? Instructing the ignorant and admonishing the sinner used to be known as the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

What it should come down to is a question of salvation. That is the purpose of the transmitting the Faith. But you can see from the Mission Statement of the Diocese of Scranton
they are committed:

"to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, for the salvation of all"

Seems like the salvation of all is being taken care and nothing is required of us. Cool.

Nothing in Life is Free

In case you were wondering.

Cardinal Pell, Down Under Attack

Cardinal Pell is being called the new Eichmann (the Nazi who was responsible for killing the Jews) for not teaching moral relativism, I mean "freedom of moral conscience". A group of liberal pseudo Catholics have filed a complaint with, get this, The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Concerned? Worried? Sleepless?

Cardinal Pell is laughing it off.

The Right to Murder Heresy

Bishop Robert Vasa has a column in The Catholic Sentinel about heresy, abortion, canon law and what is required of Catholics. The article is here.

Of Note:

We live in an age which places a very strong emphasis on tolerance, mutuality, and acceptance. I have heard repeatedly over the years that “Jesus never judged, condemned or excluded anyone.” I wonder if Peter would agree as the words of Jesus, “Get behind me you Satan,” rang in his ears. I wonder if the Scribes and the Pharisees would agree as they rankled at being called whitened sepulchers or broods of vipers. I wonder if those who heard Jesus say, “Whoever leads one of these little ones astray, it would be better if he had a millstone tied around his neck and be cast into the sea,” nodded approval and said, “He is so tolerant and accepting.” This verse is included, virtually verbatim, in each of the three Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Give me an "Amen" if the following has ever happened to you-

In our “compromising age” we are loath to name something too strongly. If we do, we are accused of harshness, judgmentalism, perhaps arrogance, certainly intolerance and possibly pharisaism. While it is always necessary to speak the truth with love, the Church also believes and teaches that it is also necessary to speak the truth with strength. It is necessary to defend truth and not be too quick to rationalize, justify or excuse misleading teachings or teachers. There is a point at which passive “tolerance” allows misleading teachings to be spread and propagated, thus confusing or even misleading the faithful about the truths of the Church. There is a very strong word, which still exists in our Church, which most of us are too “gentle” to use. The word is “heresy.”

Canon Law (and I love the sarcasm):

As a point of information, the present Code of Canon Law does include a couple of canons on heresy. Canon 751 defines heresy as “the obstinate denial or obstinate doubt, after the reception of baptism, of some truth which is to be believed by divine and Catholic faith. . . .”

(I knew it!)

Don't read this next line unless you are sitting down.

It may come as a bit of a shock, but there are a number of Catholic theologians who now seriously call into question these basic teachings, these Creedal tenets.

The teaching of the Church in the area of life is clear and unequivocal. Human life must be respected and protected from conception to natural death. Those who maintain that any and all decisions about the disposition of pre-born human beings are exclusively the right of the mother or the parents, at least implicitly, reject the clear and consistent teaching of the Church. The truth is that God charges each of us with the duty to protect and defend innocent human life. This is clearly stated in the Fifth Commandment: Thou shalt not kill.

One brave soul has termed this present rejection of responsibility for one’s pre-born brother or sister the right-to-murder heresy.

Our kind and gentle Lord will certainly receive us and help us when we cry out to Him for He is “meek and humble of heart,” but I suspect he will likewise not mince words with those who reject His Way and His Truth.

I think Bishop Vasa's suspicions are well founded.

Spiritual Reform Must Begin with Religious Orders

The whole Catholic News Service article is here.

Some highlights:

Archbishop Franc Rode, head of the Vatican office that oversees religious orders states:

"...religious congregations must take stock, recover their "apostolic dynamism" and shed the excessive secularism of the post-Second Vatican Council period."

and

"Throughout the history of the church, religious orders and congregations were always the ones pushing forward, bringing dynamism and a call for holiness. They were always on the front lines".

What happened since Vatican II

Since the Second Vatican Council, he said, some orders have abandoned their traditional fields of apostolate, only to lose themselves in uselessness or unproductive activities. The result is stagnation.

Ya think?

What young people want:

"Far from the kind of dispersion that was widespread after the council, they are taking great care to promote cohesion of the religious community," he said. "The pendulum is swinging from, shall we say, a secularist euphoria back toward a certain severity. But note that this is not an imposed severity -- these young people want it and demand it."

Now this should be controversial. What young people want is "severity"? They sure do and if they aren't given the opportunity to sacrifice and suffer they misdirect their energies to tattooing, body piercing. It's my theory that young people who are spoiled and indulged in the name of "kindness" are seeking ways to show that they can suffer. These seem to be their only avenues to demonstate that. Youth is made for valor, and not for MTV, McDonalds and video games.

The global picture:

In Canada, for example, he said it is "mathematically certain" that, if things do not change, by the year 2040 the majority of existing religious congregations will disappear. He said that would be a shame, considering the important role of religious orders in Canada's history.

The vocations are coming from Asia and Africa:

He said the real increases in religious vocations are coming in the Third World, as "Catholicism moves toward the South and toward the East." Asia has enjoyed a boom in vocations, up about 40 percent in recent years, he said.

"Why Did This Happen?"

is the title of a Bollywood film that is the result of a collaboration between the Catholic Church in India and Bollywood (the Bombay based film industry in India which produces more films than any other country).It is set to be released here (how will we wait?)in July or August of this year.

Written by Fr. Dominic Emmanuel, you may wonder at the topic; The missionary efforts of St. Francis Xavier, St. Thomas the Apostle, the work of Mother Teresa?

No, you're not even close.

The subject ot this film is HIV/AIDS, single motherhood and respect for religious diversity. It made me wonder "How Could This Happen?".

Fr. Emmanuel on the film:

"The boy tests HIV positive (because of his relationships). But this is not a bleak film, it offers hope with the heroine professing her love for the hero even after the disclosure that he is HIV positive."

It reminds me of the romantic herpes II commercials you see on TV. All the time, it seems. Usually depicted are a very attractive couple, one of whom we are to presume has Herpes II. Emblazoned into our consciousness is the idea that Herpes II does not make you unattractive or unappealing, in fact quite the opposite. You may find yourself thinking by the end of the commercial, "I will date NO ONE who DOES NOT have Herpes II.". It makes me very happy to be married I can tell you.

Back to the film. Though a low budget film (reportedly $288,000) and financed by the Catholic Church, the assistance of Maharesh Bhatt, a producer and director known for his "steamy" films was sought to assist with the marketing and advertising. Fr. Emmanuel chose him so that the film, "does not become preachy but retains its place in the genre of entertainment."

Of course we know that "preachy" equals "bad" notwithstanding the commandment to "Go forth and preach to all the nations...". That was a long, long time ago and now we guard against being "preachy" in all forms. Preaching has given way to entertainment, especially enobled when it seeks to become "educational entertainment".

AIDS as victory. What a concept.

Water: the Key to Love & Perfect Health

When I first read this the cynic in me thought that this company was a scam.

But after visiting their website.... and listening to the music I think they may be on to something.

Something beautiful.

The Cartoons: A Real Riot

This is my favorite of all the cartoons (there are 14) that are causing the protests, rioting and unrest in the Muslim world. You can see them all on Michelle Malkin's site.
And CNN has a roundup of the latest riots- 40,000 in Pakistan chanting "God is Great" or "Allah Akbar"

It's a wonder, isn't it that you couldn't get 40,000 Muslims to protest an honor killing or an act of terrorism that took an innocent life?

Some newspapers have decided not to run the cartoons out of fear for the lives of their staff. It had crossed my mind that this might earn me a fatwah, which is pretty much one of my publishing goals.

That, and someday being nominated for the Catholic Blog Awards. My favorite nominee is Donegal Express for the weird, odd X-files, Twin Peaks type of humor by a Traditionalist. Don't miss his FIQs or frequently imagined questions.