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This time, I really am doing a bit of advertizing here.
This week, the Italian publishing house, Lindau, based in Turin, has published a book edited by yours truly. It’s what I would call a St. Josemaria Escriva “reader” – an anthology of texts by the founder of Opus Dei. I chose the texts from a bunch of different sources – homilies, interviews, biographies, and books (The Way, Forge, Furrow, Via Crucis, The Holy Rosary) – and provided a longish general introduction and smaller introductions for each of the 20-or-so chapters. The Prelate of Opus Dei, Bishop Javier Echevarria has written the preface.
Lindau’s website describes the book here: http://www.lindau.it/schedaLibro.asp?idLibro=1142
For anyone interested in getting a quick introduction to the writings of St. Josemaria, it’s not a bad place to start… if I do say so myself. How’s that for shameless self-promotion? Actually, there’s very little of me in the book, so I don’t feel guilty about recommending it.
Caveat emptor americanus: the book is in Italian!
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Ohh, when it comes out in english I will buy one Father!
Please work on a version for children if you can squeeze it in. LOL. I am sure you are a bit busy, I am just sort of kidding when I ask that. I wish I was an artist, I would start up a coloring book including him in it (of saints for children to be more aware of)but, even if I were, I would be clueless what type of pose, or words he would be saying in it. We went bowling today and I wondered if St. Josemaria Escriva ever went bowling. Luther wanted to change bowling too I recall. Didn’t he push for 9 pin bowling?
As we say in this part of the world, “Welldone!”
Congratulations! Being able to write in a foreign language is a level of fluency most Americans don’t have.
Thanks Nokia and Helen. Perhaps Nokia would like to get a copy to practice his Italian?
ARN, I cannot tell a lie… or, in this case, let a misguided compliment stand. I wrote the introductions in English. Writing elegant publishable Italian is way beyond my capabilities. Teaching a class is one thing; writing for publication quite another.
But, of course, this facilitates the publication of an English-language version for Helen. It’s already done!
I don’t know if St. Josemaria ever went bowling. Probably wasn’t big in Spain in those days. He did, however, enjoy sketching cartoon-like ducks. Maybe we can put one on the cover of the English edition.
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. A non-event here.
Test…..Test…
Yes! Glad it’s in english also Father. Thanksgiving (as we americans celebrate it) may be a non-event elsewhere in the world, but I am positive that there are many that are thankful each day no matter what the day is called. I also hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I wish you could have spent it with yours here.
Father Wauck I have just heard that the Vatican has now an embassy in Dubai…
I only caught the last part of the news so don’t know if ths is so…
Can you comment further on this?
By the way I read the link you gave…
It tells of your *curriculum vitae* and of course an ensamble of the most significant messages from the founder of Opus Dei..
It would be nice if you could give us all a short *reader’s sample*
I hope this goes through as I have been having trouble geting my comments on the blog.
sorry typo “ensemble”
That’s an interesting idea, Sandra.
Maybe I could put the introduction up in English with a few examples… hmmm.
Of course, the introduction is 20-some pages.
I hadn’t heard about an embassy in Dubai. I’ll check.
The best source of information regarding Sandra’s question- to the source itself!
http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/documentazione/documents/corpo-diplomatico/corpo-diplomatico_stati_elenco_en.html
I hope this helps.
I am trying to find a more current link for the list, but having a hard time navigating the site now.
Sandra, just try the official Holy See site itself.
I still can’t get anything on the official site Sandra. It’s very possible I just don’t know how to find it there. I would think, if something that monumental happened there would be some mention of it on the official site. I don’t think the Muslims would overlook it not being on the site either.
Which leads me to ask, which news agency did report this alleged tie? I am curious, because I find nothing in your neck of the woods on a search that even suggests it in the “news” anyhere. Do you have a link, or can you cite a source?
Its not impossible, its just bloody unlikely.
Sorry I took so long answering you Helen / Father Wauck,
I was busy induldging myself (Christmas Market/Gluhwein/Eggnogg/and other goodies) naughty me…
but I like it
This time of year I am like a child,the pre-Christmas feeling never seems to lessen no matter how old I get,having an evening with friends at the market,making gifts,racking my brain for little *somethings* for the children,it is not the consume business,but the joy of speading joy that is so important to me..
Anyway I found what I was looking for.. The Embassy is not yet open, but according to Abdul Aziz al Ghurair
chairman of the UAE,it will be shortly?? see link… He speaks about it near the very end of the interview..
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2008/12/04/mme.facetime.abdul.aziz.al.ghurair.cnn
Seems like in times of crisis,even the *multies* seek a way to salvation!!
As you say Helen it’s” not impossible” and might not be “…. just bloody unlikely”
Who knows,some day “cows may fly”..
Have a very good 2nd Advent Sunday (all of you) …
Forgot to say that the comment from Abdul Aziz al Ghurair, is near the very end of the interview…
Ok,ok no more eggnogg….. “look’s like ypo said that allready”
YOU!!!!! (ypo was not some kind of code)
Its the super double top secret egg nog code. Its a code I am familliar with, from years and years of practice.
http://www.zenit.org/article-24497?l=english
Father, what are the seven steps talked about here? It does seem to be code for all of simple catholics with no clue. I even tried to find out what these steps were, but the internet is a whacky place to get any information that is accurate.
Sorry to ask this of you Father, but you are my only pipeline to accurate information with full orthodoxy.
Govenor Rod B. is all the news now. I wonder what his hair looked like at 6:30 am without a shower or time to comb it. Father, considering your backround in politics, what kind of thoughts do you have on this great scandal here? Fitzgerald really looked ticked off. Those poor kids. How in the world will they be able to get through the school year now?
Not a nice Christmas for that family now.
Not at all sure about the Seven Steps, Helen. It seems to be something done in Africa. The context, however, makes me suspect that it refers to the psalm in which it is said that the Lord is to be praised seven times each day. This is connected traditionally with the seven hours of the divine office: lauds, office of readings, terce, sest, and nones, vespers and compline (if I remember the English names correctly!), which is the general context in which the Seven Steps are mentioned here.
About Gov. Blagojevich… to be honest, I haven’t followed the case closely enough to say anything about it. About Patrick Fitzgerald, well, it’s worth recalling that he spent a million dollars or so supposedly to find out who leaked Valerie Plame’s identity to Robert Novak, when, in fact, he knew the identity of the leaker – Richard Armitage – from day one of his “investigation.” As someone used to say: you be the judge!
From the NYTimes:
“At a news conference on Tuesday, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said that Mr. Blagojevich had gone on a ‘political corruption crime spree,’ and that his actions had ‘taken us to a truly new low.’
“‘The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave,’ Mr. Fitzgerald said.”
The NYTimes forgot to introduce these remarks with something like “Using the judicious language of a serious public servant who isn’t out to be quoted in the national newspapers…”
Father Wauck,Helen,
are we really surprised at the actions of “men/women in power” ??
I think not. since time began we witness the fact that ‘power corrupts’ in all walks of life..
We say here,give a man a uniform (position) and you get ‘dictator’…. from the lowliest to the highest!!! When a person can wield power over his fellow man he will in most cases (miss)use it..
We even get harassed by our garbage collectors,they ‘inspect’ the (4 different kinds)containers, and if just a tiny piece of garbage is in the wrong one they refuse to collect the whole lot…. That seems to make their day.
Ah,such power, it is the “Sword of Damocles” so to speak,that they hold over our heads, unless of course, one is forthcoming with little ‘goodies’ now and then
There are no ‘white vests”‘ on any of them = (wei?üe Westen) so no need to wonder.
The “judicious language” is sooo expandible and politicians have it down to a T.. first thing they learn is, to speak for hours on end,saying actually nothing,(denying all) at lest nothing one could ‘pin them down on’.
This from Diodorus of Sicily: (a remark about Agathocles, the tyrant of Sicily)
“Conferring benefits on many, making encouraging promises to not a few, and by conversing in a friendly fashion with everyone he gained great favor”. (The word “tyrant” was not a negative in those days it was also used for Lord/ King/ Ruler.)
Still works today….
Of course I do not believe that the Ilinois Gov. is the first to ‘sell’ a position,he is only one of the,less carefull.
That is interesting Father, our memories are short. I wonder why Fitzgerald was not investigated himself for that one now. So many odd things happen here so often, it’s hard to remember last year let alone 4 or so years ago. Husband is curious about the choice of attorney too. He figures he will be asked to leave the case anyway, since he was a contributor also, amoung other things. It could be a play to buy time? The worst of it to me is thinking of how those children will cope with the aftermath.
Less careful is a real understatement Sandra! How could he have been any less careful than he was? I don’t know if Orange is a color compatible with the his skin tone either.
Here’s a nice one “And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true” That Mr Scott Turow,is an oxymornon
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/opinion/10turow.html?th&emc=th
above link (article) might answer your question regarding Mr.Fitzgerald Helen..
Nothing at all to do with the post, but, since Helen, knowing that I worked in politics and for the US Attorney General, asked about my reaction, this does capture what I was getting at in my comment above about the Blagojevich case:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122913032247103429.html
You are never supposed to say “I believe” – because its not his opinion that is at issue. Fitz should not. He tried to say he did not on other things, but on other things…
The job is to get an advatage over the defendant. They have the advatages. But, sometimes they are not satisfyed with presenting a clean case. Influencing the court, in any way possible….ambitious men who must win at all costs,,,, ethics? Fair Play? those get tossed aside sometimes, with some. Some that may fear being axed of their appointment could be tempted.
He should remain emotionless, and not try to influence public opinion or the court by extra judicial statements that have no bearing on the ultimate trial except for poisoning the jury pool and possibly the court.
Its not like you can beef the man to ARDC. The defense attorney needs to issue a gag order. If he can find one.
But, Rod wont likely have one. He owes his attorneys (think Dan Web) over 500,000. Winston & Strong.
They defended Ryan.
They are not going to defend Rod now, considering the money issue.
Ed Genson wants big money. Ed Jenson does not want this case without it.
He does not need the case.
I hit husband up this evening with a quick question on it, that may explain if I don’t clearly express this correctly. Trust me, my husband is livid. As a criminal defense attorney, he has been on the end of “suffering” from the “fitzgerald’s” of the world in a kind of way….
Ex Parte communication…. Happens all the time unfortunately. Too many times.
Different thing, but still, the prosecution can play games. And the people don’t hear about it.
SNL finally has a new person to pick on now. Sara is old news now. But not to me. I pray she comes back home.
A Christmas Carol…. Not a subject of ths post but in line with the coming event…
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/books/review/Harrison-t.html?_r=1&8bu&emc=bua2
“If a single night‚Äôs crash course in man‚Äôs power to redress his mistakes and redeem his future without appealing to an invisible and silent deity could rehabilitate even so apparently lost a cause as Ebenezer Scrooge, imagine what it might do for the rest of us!”
I have allways liked this story. It is so fiting, reminding us of the real feast of Christmas,to give freely to those in need,to spread the feeling of ‘together-ness’, peace and good will towards those whom we love.
In these times of an uncertain future,it is more important than ever to remind ourselves of those less fortunate,who live in fear of their lives,caused by disease,and the terror of war in very part of our world…
The political inuendo of corruption,that we witness in our western ‘democracy’ must pale in the face of the horrors elsewhere… Our financial diffulculties are partly our own fault… we had a choice, others had none.. I personally do not care so very much if Gov. X or Senator Y (miss)uses his or her office for their own betterment, in the long run,it does not realy effect my every day life..
We should all thank God that we do not live in such conditions as prevail in Africa,Russia,Iran,Iraq,China,—
Let us be thankfull for what we have,imperfect as it may be.As long as ‘man’ reigns in this world,it will not change… We must just (with God’s help) try to do our best with what we have,try to help as best we can, where we can…. All else is beyond our power.
RERUM NOVARUM
18. “In like manner, the other pains and hardships of life will have no end or cessation on earth; for the consequences of sin are bitter and hard to bear, and they must accompany man so long as life lasts. To suffer and to endure, therefore, is the lot of humanity; let them strive as they may, no strength and no artifice will ever succeed in banishing from human life the ills and troubles which beset it. If any there are who pretend differently – who hold out to a hard-pressed people the boon of freedom from pain and trouble, an undisturbed repose, and constant enjoyment – they delude the people and impose upon them, and their lying promises will only one day bring forth evils worse than the present.
***Nothing is more useful than to look upon the world as it really is, and at the same time to seek elsewhere, as We have said, for the solace to its troubles***
Further 19-21———
Just over a week ’till Christmas… how time does fly! I hope the cards I sent arrive on time..
Don’t forget Sandra, Mr Select Obama was a simple senator. He will make a difference to global events now.
“it does not realy effect my every day life..”
Lets just see how Mr. Select will effect the lives of many all over the globe. Again, a simple senator not too long ago.
Remember, Billary Clinton was a Governor from Arkansas.. He effected the globe.
This issue will have effects you are ignoring.
Nevermind your other comments that are simply head scratching.
Helen,I’m sorry you seem to misunderstand my meaning… or I have not made it realy clear..
I was refering to the fact that,no matter how disturbing the actions of our Gov’s Sen’s are, we will not be able to prevent them…to put too much trust in the promisses of ‘MAN’ is not realistic..
If I let such things ‘influence’ my life then I am destined for disapointment..
Which does not mean I should ignore their shortcomings,nor should I accept them,in our Western ‘democracy’ we at least have a voice,although how much that voice is acknowledged is questionable..
Democracy is a much missused ‘word’.. IMO.
Must get off to work… ’till later.
Now I see I did misunderstand my husband. He did not mean he would have had a gag order issued, but was trying to explain to me (the dense one) why someone would. That’s what I get for trying to figure out his mumbling. He told me I was way off base. Issuing a gag order now, would be crazy. Jenson wants to be able to make his own comments too. I saw sister today and she told me she is feeling not that well. She volunteers her time to tutor the “trouble” kids. She makes amazing progress with the ones I have seen with her this year so far. If anyone would please pray for sister, she is from another area and does not wear religious attire or a cross, but she is doing a good thing with the kids she helps. This is weird for me to understand, from a theological standpoint, but from a caring standpoint I have eyewittnessed her efforts to make those kids improve if it killed her to do it. She is good at what she does.
Sandra, I am sorry! I must have not posted my entire post! Of course, I did misunderstand you. Sorry for that.
Merry Christmas in advance to one and all.
I’m off for an annual spiritual retreat in Abruzzo, so I’ll be incomunicado until the 24th. Say a prayer for me. I will be praying for everyone on this blog.
I wish you a very peacefull time in Abruzzo Father Wauck.. I will probably comment before Christmas,but as you are ‘incomunicado’ I wish you also a blessed Christmas feast…
Helen,I do ramble on at times so no wonder you don’t get my meaning… you are not the only one
tc all and a very good night
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081218/sc_nm/us_leonardo_louvre
I will pray for you Father and so will the small one. Forgive me for posting this link, but I had to since it was about Leonardo.
nice link Helen
Thanks
Please check e-mails Christmas day…. just incase the cards are late…
yummy!!! now back to glass.. 
Ivano’s birthday(21.12)now we are celebrating, as allways exactly Midnight with nice glass of Ferreri Perle Brut,
can you taste it??
I’ll have one for you all too… The sacrifices one makes for one’s friends
good night all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wk-lAiHNMw&feature=related
Imagine & And so this is Christmas….
I share the thought… (there are some I don’t ie. No Heaven)
“Maybe I’m a dreamer,but I’m not the only one,I hope some day you’ll join us and,the world can live as one”
With the hope that….
“and so this is Christmas,the war is over”
Wishing every one a very happy Christmas,with this beautiful ‘song nummber one’ for Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmGM6YNwuHs&feature=related
xxx sandra xxx
PS. the wars of this world are man made,it is Man’s duty to end them. Peace to all.
My “end-of-year” message for all –
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen
Fr. Wauck,
I’ve begun reading the Way and I have to be honest in that I’m not sure it’s helping me all that much. It’s confusing at times and I’m not sure which advice applies to me or not as I’m not sure where I stand on very much lately.
BTW sorry to everyone for disappearing for a while… I went through this whole slipping back into Wicca thing (I was a practicing Wiccan Unitarian Universalist before I converted) for a while and I don’t really know what I was thinking except that maybe I was angry with God and since I had nothing nice to say I didn’t say anything. Took me weeks to work up the guts and guilt enough to go to confession, but I’m ok again now just still struggling like I always do. Arguing against “liturgical” dance at Mass on the one hand and wondering if I should even say anything considering where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing lately, how I tried to “worship” and who or whatever it was I directed that to. It’s a bad place, don’t ever go there if you can avoid it.
But I know God loves me and I’m reading a book by Ralph Martin that is basically Saints being quoted and explained and it’s helping me with where I am now. and I finally found a spiritual director.
Pax Christi
Elena
Not even knowing the enviornment (parish, polictical one that is) I would humbly suggest you do say something about the “liturgical” dance horror. I would not be the best one to suggest how to do it though.
You have the RIGHT as a catholic to voice your objection to that abomination.
Good to see you again Elena.
Think about Little Flower. Maybe you can do some small thing to help your parish now.
Merry Christmas everyone! Something to “drive the cold winter away”. Here is singer and harpist Loreena Mckennitt singing “In Praise of Christmas”. The song was recorded in the Church of Our Lady in Guelph, Ontario, Canada:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=44s96aSAEh4
Will take all of your intentions with me to midnight Mass.
Can someone explain to me “place of position”? That Josemaria Escriva mentions? I think I know what it means, but I want to be certain.
Hello and Merry Christmas everyone. Great video Michelle. I visit that Church often, ever since I was a little girl. The priest that baptized my husband is the pastor there. Hey Father Wauck I saw you on TV on Christmas eve on a show called “Christmas in Rome” I think which aired on Salt and Light TV here in Canada. It was a great show.
I know this blog all started with a movie discussion so I was wondering if any of you saw “Doubt” and what you thought. I saw it on Saturday evening and I was surprised with all the emotions it stirred in me. Anyone else see it?
Hope everyone is having a great Christmas season. Here in Rome, Christmas does really last until Epiphany – “twelve days of Christmas” style. So we’re deep in the thick of things still. The gifts, for instance, haven’t arrived.
Thanks for the prayers while I was on retreat. It was a wonderful and much needed time of prayer.
Helen, what is the context of the “place of position” phrase? It doesn’t ring any bells with me.
Dianne, many people have told me that they’ve seen this “Christmas in Rome” special, but I haven’t seen it yet. I was pleased to hear that Fr. Timothy Verdon was involved with it. He’s probably the greatest Christian art historian around these days. Check out his many books if you have a chance. He was a professional art historian, trained at Yale I believe, who converted to Catholicism and then became a priest.
Elena, I’m glad you’ve found a spiritual director. You’ve got a lot of people praying for you. Don’t worry about appreciating The Way or not. You might find some of St. Josemaria’s homilies, in Friends of God and Christ is Passing By, more helpful.
Finally, I’d appreciate some prayers for my 88-year-old dad, who was taken to the hospital in critical condition the other day. He’s doing better now, but he’s still not out of the woods.
Best wishes and prayers for the New Year.
Buon Anno Father Wauck
and of course prayers for your father….
I hope he gets well soon.. that would prob. be your greatest ‘gift’
To all on this blog… A very,very happy new year.. I wish you all that you wish your selves..
xxx sandra xxx
A very happy New Year, everyone– it’s only 10:22 pm here, but we’re pretty pooped and will have a glass of wine and probably go to bed sooner rather than later (the joys of middle age).
Prayers esp. for everyone at Mass tomorrow morning, feast of Mary, Mother of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc&feature=related
Yes, “it’s a wondreful World”, with friends like you (all)
My thanks to you all for the many prayers and encouragement throughout the past difficult year
All we need now is peace for all, in this “wonderful world”
Have a blessed and peaceful day.
and just for fun
I like this version too……….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUmhFyic9A&NR=1
Father Wauck,I hope you have had ‘good news’ for the new year (the health of your father)
Please be asured that my prayers include him..
If there is anything I can do Father, please email me directly, I am available to be just about anywhere in just about no time if you need.
Maybe Michelle or someone has my phone number as well Father. I am very sorry to hear about this.
Happy New Year to all here!
Prayers for your father, Fr Wauck.
Thanks to all for the prayers and concern for my father.
I am sad to have to say that my father passed away at midnight last night in Chicago. It was early morning here in Rome, and I received the phone call, minutes after his death, as I was going downstairs to celebrate the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany. I feel certain that I was the first person on earth to offer Mass for my dad. The second was probably the prelate of Opus Dei, who celebrated Mass an hour later.
Please keep him – and my mother – in your prayers.
Tomorrow I’ll be flying to Chicago for the funeral, which will probably be on Saturday in Park Ridge. Perhaps I will see some friends from this blog there.
My dad was 88, and he had lived a very full life – as a professor, a psychologist, a father of eight, grandfather of 32, and greatfather of… well, that number is getting out of control. It is good to know that he was surrounded by friends and family in these last days.
Thanks again for the prayers.
My heart felt condolences to you Father Wauck,
I will say prayers for your Mother,and for the soul of your father.
I wish you a safe journey to and from Chicago.
Fr Wauck, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. It’s hard to lose one of the few who’ve loved you and known you from the minute you were born.
Prayers for your folks.
Thanks for the prayers, Sandra and ARN. They mean a lot to me.
My condolences, Father, and prayers for your family, too.
Dear Fr. John, I only got to know of your dad’s death this afternoon. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant your family a most serene peace as well at this time. I wish I too can be physically at Park Ridge, but you know I’m with you. Take care and be assured of my constant prayers.
Dear Father Wauck,
Your family are in my prayers.
Another Saint in Heaven.
Thursday, January 8, 2009, 10:15 AM
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus slipped away today, January 8, shortly before 10 o’clock, at the age of seventy-two. He never recovered from the weakness that sent him to the hospital the day after Christmas, caused by a series of side effects from the cancer he was suffering. He lost consciousness Tuesday evening after a collapse in his heart rate, and the next day, in the company of friends, he died.
My tears are not for him—for he knew, all his life, that his Redeemer lives, and he has now been gathered by the Lord in whom he trusted.
I weep, rather for all the rest of us. As a priest, as a writer, as a public leader in so many struggles, and as a friend, no one can take his place. The fabric of life has been torn by his death, and it will not be repaired, for those of us who knew him, until that time when everything is mended and all our tears are wiped away.
Funeral arrangements are still being planned; information about the funeral will be made public shortly. Please accept our thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.
In Deepest Sorrow,
Joseph Bottum
Editor
First Things
Omnia in Bonum, he is certainly in a better place.
“Well done good and faithful servant” was most likely the reception he received.
I miss him already.
I am praying for your entire family Father.
I choked up reading your post just now.
“Tomorrow I‚Äôll be flying to Chicago for the funeral, which will probably be on Saturday in Park Ridge. Perhaps I will see some friends from this blog there”
Father, you may see 2 of us, if its okay.
One of the priests at the wake was very nice Father. I have been to his recollection before.
It hit me on the way there, that at midnight everything becomes new again. I wanted to tell you that there, but I went blank. Still praying.
Fr. Wauck,
I am praying for you and your father. If it is okay with you I will also ask some of my friends (religious sisters who I look up to a lot) to pray for you as well. I know from what happened last year at OLSWA that grieving is a hard and long process, but I can’t imagine losing someone as close as a parent.
Just so everyone knows not to worry, I am doing MUCH better than I was. I still don’t FEEL like a believer, but thanks to paragraph 155 of the CCC, I’m okay with that. for now.
Pax Christi.
ps – at the risk of sounding stupid, I don’t remember enough latin to figure out what the text at the top of the page means.. can someone decode it for me?
Elena, I think he mentioned changing it over to this a way back,, a poster here suggested it, off the cuff I think its Sacred in the Mundane or something like it.. lol I am not one that can decode it with great skill.
I don’t know what you are talking about (don’t feel like a believer) but I will pray for you too.
I have a ton of infected viruses from this site, just a heads up to everyone. They are all in “quarrantine” whatever that means. I have no idea how to get rid of them. Does anyone know?
I figured out how to delete them, but I dont know why everytime I go on the site I get another virus in quarrantine. I hope its only happening to me.
Morning all..
Sanctis sancta = for the holy all is holy (sacred/faithfull)
Mundana mundanis = for the worldly all is worldly…
Helen I too have at times trouble with the site… I just trust my ‘add on’s blocker’ and anti virus programme.
Keep well all,hope the weather is not too bad for you all.. It is still freezing here,never over 10¬? minus
Have a good day.
Looks like husband broke hip, going to Res
Oh Helen,I hope that it is not broken,
prayers,I am sure,from all of us here for a speedy recovery.
Sandra, it is fractured he is still at Res. I am tying to dig car out because the plow buried it so she can go see him today. He was walking neighbor’s dog when it happened.
Helen, I am praying for a speedy recovery for you husband.
Back in Rome now.
Praying for your husband, Helen. He is at the hospital I was born in.
It was very good to meet you and him and the little one. Thank you so much more coming, especially in the blizzardy weather. I was reminded of the famous meeting of Brenda and ARN, under warmer and happier circumstances, though – truth to tell – the atmosphere at the wake and funeral were hardly funereal. More a mixture of tears and joy.
I will look into this business of the viruses that seem to have invaded the blog.
Father Wauck,and all…
this is just a test…
It seems to work again
Father, so glad to know you are safely home. Child was too shy to say anything when actually seeing you, (kept telling me you are too young to be a priest!) LOL she said he can’t bless me mom, because another priest did, so how could I ask him to? (she is making you a drawing of her thoughts of Christmas to give you but is touching it up everyday) Tell me how I can send it to you Father, it means so much to her you have it.
You know my email?
Father, that Mass was the most beautiful Mass I ever saw, and will likely ever see in my lifetime.
I am so blessed, that she was there to see it. She asked many questions about it afer. She told us in the car that he had to be very hungry by now, and that Mary was making him breakfast. I said, Really? What did she make him? She detailed it out, down to the “fruit cup”… her imagination runs wild and free.
She thinks/believes Mary is there for all who go to heaven to make them feel at home, the first to greet them there. I could go on and on, about how joyous that day was. It really was. Never have I seen such a meeting of heaven and earth together as I did that day. I think, also I need to clarify something I told your mother- I hope she did not misunderstand me- at one point I said I will pray for “him too” but- looking back- I hope she did not think I meant your dad. I meant YOU Father. I pray for you daily. But, she may have thought I meant your father, but I feel that I can have moral certainty, he has been with me during this time I am going through. I can’t be certian, but I sure felt like he was with me at the hospital chapel. I was sad I was there alone, but as soon as I knelt down, I felt like he was asking me if he could sit with me a minute.
Its weird, I know- but I felt he was there, and I did not feel alone.
My husband (who has seen the changes over the years) told me it was tearjearking, (he was fighting tears) at points in the Mass he has not seen since a child. I was crying, trying not to. Child and I went to morning mass together today.
There was a man in front of us with the book The Way he tucked under his chair (its in the chapel, no pews there). He stayed as we did after, but we said the Hail Mary by her, as he sat in deep prayer.He smiled at us as we left. I thought about how I would never have known about any of this, lest it be for a very nice woman I also pray for daily.
They had listed under faith for him “none”. And I told them, he is a catholic. As God would have it, a deacon was visiting another patient and popped in his room to say hello, and well- after that, he had recieved the sacrament and got a priest to give ther other sacrament before surgery. God be glorifyed!
He is doing fine, still there and praying for us all since he has not much else to do there!
It was no problem going Father, it was a blessing and joy to be there. We will all remember that day, from the beggining to the end. We all love you Father.
“…the atmosphere at the wake and funeral were hardly funereal.”
Yeah, funny how that works at the funerals of the elderly. “A celebration of his/her life”, a seemingly pathetic cliche but so often really true. My Dad’s comes to mind–never have it been such a relief that he finally passed. With all his wits about him he nevertheless became very disoriented when going to the hospital, a common occurence I was told. “Oh, (my real name), hold my hand please, there are monsters hurting me.” “Dad, you’re just getting a shot”. Somebody, the family resolved, should be with him all his waking hours. Not that it was that long. I remember asking the nurse to give him something to calm him, it was so unbearable seeing him that way. She told us the trajectory and that it would be very soon. I was relieved when he died because he wouldn’t be scared anymore.
So every time my husband sourly notes that all us siblings’ personalities are variations on our father’s I think, hey that’s a good thing. I hope I’m as good a parent as he was to us. He love life–He outlived his 6 siblings (a couple of them total wack jobs) and had the longest life. That has to count for something.
So I hope, Fr Wauck, that you’ve absorbed the good things about your father into yourself, like I have with my Dad, so it’s less of a loss. My Dad is always with me in some way and so has not completely died.
Recovering from an orgy of Americana. Yes, “Stars and Stripes Forever” by the Marine Band, and renditions of “America the Beautiful” by an adorable children’s choir–all this brings tears to my eyes and I’m usually pretty cynical. Oh, the magic of showmanship really works. How much did Canada and Europe get of this session of self-congratulations?
Many of the the school kids here in Canada watched the oath and speech. I am always amazed on how when I see Capital Hill I think of the Vatican right away. The tradition involved with the inauguration is very beautiful. A wonderful, historic event. I just do not like the way he was treated like he was the Messiah. I hope he means that “so help me God”. I am praying for your new President as I prayed for Mr. Bush. I do wish Canada had a bit more of a celebration the way the Americans do.
Firstly,
Wellcome back Father Wauck,I join in ARN’s sentiments regarding your father.
Helen if you read this please up date us on your husband’s (hopefully successfull) recovery,and give him my best wishes
Yes,”The show must go on” !! well managed,well played…I too was (wet eyed) ‘taken’ by the pagentry..
The american people deserve a conciencious President after all the troubles they have bern through,I wish them all the very best..
I too found it a little ‘over done’,but then,that’s America…
“The greatest,proudest,most courageous,patriotic nation in the world”.. but,don’t all nations think this of them selves?
The ‘hair in the soup’,for me,is that it is so sad,that we,in this day and age still find it ‘wonderous’ that a person of colour (who is after all an american) could become President,if we are to believe the (american) atributes I mention above.this by all acounts should be nothing remarkable.
I wonder if,were we not in this financial melt-down,and President Bush did not have such a desaterous last term, could he have ‘cracked that roof’?..
“inauguration”.. It reminded me more of an “inthronation”,yes Dianne,a new “Messiah”, or perhaps an other Moses,leading ‘his people’ to the promissed land (of prosperity).. The Golden calf also comes to mind..
Well let us all hope that he is successfull.. I can not help but think of the proverb “Neue Bessen kehren gut”
= “New brooms sweep well”,just got to be carefull you don’t sweep out the good with the bad..
All in all a very emotional day for America..
The very best wishes for President Obama and “all who sail with him”.. It will be a rough sea.
I have the day off and would like (later) to put a few thoughts to ‘paper’ about a subject I have been pondering for a while now… More after housework..urgh!!
.
tc. all
Well, ARN, since you’ve asked…
Like Dianne said above, lots of Canadian school kids watched the inauguration. My own Grade 7 kid watched it in school. What irks me is that I don’t recall any of my kids watching the Prime Minister being sworn in… I understand that he is the first African American president, I get that this is very important. But I have to chalk a lot of it up to Obamamania on the part of the mainstream media here. After all– not long ago we had the appointment of Michaelle Jean, a quebecoise who was Haitian by birth, as our Governor General. Perhaps my memory isn’t serving me well, but I don’t recall the same amount or kind of media attention here for that event. The position of Governor General is important– more than a ceremonial position that does ultimately carry with it no small amount of authority. After all, it was her decision to prorogue parliament last December (long story). I’ve said this before– it really does harken back to the Trudeaumania of the 60′s.
Something else I’ve noticed– the Canadian press takes no notice of the fact that Obama repeatedly uses the phrase “God Bless America” (and good for him). Yet when Stephen Harper was ending speeches with “God Bless Canada”, this was an occasion for negative comment, perhaps because in media circles he was painted as a “scary conservative with a hidden agenda” ( http://www.nationalreview.com/jos/osullivan200601191410.asp ). Apparently you’re only allowed to invoke God if mainstream media types and movie stars agree with your platform.
And here’s a Cdn. opinion from a more illustrious source than moi. Via the Catholic Education Resource Centre, here’s Globe and Mail/CBC columnist Rex Murphy:
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/media/me0077.htm
Great article Michelle thank you for that..
In Mr. Murphy’s opinion, Pres.Obama is “cool”, well not so Yesterday (during Senior Oficials Oath), when VP.Biden tried to make a (not so funny) joke… Pres.Obama’s mask droped,for a moment, but just long enough to reveal the real (un)cool Obama.
If looks could kill,so to speak. I wonder how long the cool smile,will mask the daggers in his eyes,of which we had a short glimse..Not only “Joe the VP” will have to be on their toes to dodge them..
I did not watch the TV to see the pagentry, and I am heartily glad that no one was home that may have taken a peek at the spectacle. Thanks for asking Sandra, I pick him up tomorrow right after drop off. Of course, none of the parish priests visited him the entire time he was there. I guess nearly 30 years of being a member and giving of ones time, and talent is of naught to them. God did send him a deacon and a priest that he does not know any backround about. He did not even ask their order. I would have. Anyway, God bless them and the protestant church nearby in PR that had some equipment for his recovery. They have many things there, and they want to give it to you! Good people who love God and know how to serve. They invited me to their services but I told them I could not go at the moment, and only in addition to Mass, never in substitute of it (no matter how badly it’s done)I have to say, they seemed far more concerned about my situation then anyone in my own parish. I got in deep doo doo because I was too busy too keep up with some things going on there. Of course, none of those people ever asked how he was doing or how we were doing. except her teacher, and the secretary ( he went to her husband’s funeral)I never heard a thing from anyone, and I even took the child to Mass on MLK day and the priest did not say a thing to me (he did the funeral for husband’s wife, and the wedding for one of his other daughters just in late october…) He said nothing.
I hate being catholic a lot of the time.
FWIW– here’s a link to a National Post editorial about the PM of Canada vs. Obama cdn media reaction to the word “God” in political speeches:
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1200473
“The Golden calf also comes to mind..”
heh
“Obama repeatedly uses the phrase ‚ÄúGod Bless America‚Äù (and good for him). Yet when Stephen Harper was ending speeches with ‚ÄúGod Bless Canada‚Äù, this was an occasion for negative comment, perhaps because in media circles he was painted as a ‚Äúscary conservative with a hidden agenda‚Äù”
I think it’s really because the US got the copyright on the expression, and any other heads of state who use it are obviously subverting American Exceptionalism. “God is on our side” and all that. Terribly obnoxious and arrogant, isn’t it?
ARN throughout the ages “God is(has been) allways on our side” or not ?? “offten citated offten missused”
It is ever oprertune to invoke God (which ever God is ?©n-mode at the time)..when wooing the populus… (enciting greed,envy,hatered for the non-believers)
Constantine is the best example… not to forget the Crusades “for every Infedel killed,a sin forgiven”..
How convenient that they also were very rich.. forfiting their wealth to the victors. (Christian Monarchs)
Just as convenient today,as the most oil is in the “middle-east” Iraq,Iran,Arabia,as it hapens non Christian countries.
How history repeats it’s self…
The golden calf… when things were not going soooo well, they (Isrealists) decided to play it safe- appease/
soothe the ancient Babilonian God… just incase …
“obnoxious and arrogant, isn‚Äôt it?”
America (is no different than any other nation. It is only (pos.) more “openly” bigot.(selfrighteous)
The British are masters in “understatement” primed with a smack of arogance.. “we KNOW we are right,we don’t have to proclaim the fact,and are confident enough to tolerate diverse views”
The French,are as of principle,against all and everything not french,incl.Religion.
The Russians,Chineese rule through fear,no room for religious ‘non-sense’..
In my opinion,there is every reason to ask for God’s guidence,but no reason to expect that it will be heeded
we elect the leaders we deserve,we must then make the most of it..
Good read;- Rita, “Good Mrs. Hypocrite”
This artical prompts (funny co-incedent) my next comment,in continuation of my previous one..
Which by the way I had allready ‘composed’
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/world/europe/25pope.html?pagewanted=2&th&emc=th
This is more worrying than all the Obama’s of this (Catholic) world IMHO…. especially here in Germany.
Sorry “coincident”
I am still stunned!!!
Continuaton of above mentioned comment….
I expect that it has not gone un-noticed that I did not mention Germany.
Well, this I did b/c I wanted to take time in writing this to ensure I do not unintentionally ‘insult’ anyone reading this.Germany,is allways ‘cautious’ regarding that subject due to it’s recent history (WWII)
The reasons are well known..
Vorab.. I would stress that I do not compare Pres.Obma whith the character,nor the idiology of this person.
There are however stricking parallels..
Watching the inorguration I was in a way reminded of 1933 H. also ‘apeared out of nowhere’ a ‘Mesias’ in their time of need..
Further more by using the ‘media’ (new technology)H’s campaign was called “H ?ºber Deutschland” (Hitler over Germany) The name had a double meaning; besides a reference to his dictatorial ambitions, it also referred to the fact that he campaigned by aircraft something quite new.. (Internet)
The political turning point for H. came when the Great Depression hit Germany in 1930. The Weimar Republic had never been firmly rooted and was openly opposed by right-wing conservatives (including monarchists), communists and the Nazis. Chancellor,
)
The new Chancellor, Heinrich Br?ºning’s (of the Roman Catholic Centre Party,) measures of budget consolidation and financial austerity brought little economic improvement and were extremely unpopular. Under these circumstances, Hitler appealed to the bulk of German farmers, war veterans and the middle class, who had been hard-hit by both the inflation of the 1920s and the unemployment of the Depression.
As today Germany (momentarily rest of world also)was in a deep depression,add a fundimental resntment to the “old regime / aristocracy / the Weimar-system”.. (old Washington)
People were hungry for ‘change’. H. knew very well how to ignite the feelings of people,even non-followers.
Although many Christians (and others)were,somewhat uneasy,with some of his changes,they let themselves be swept-up in the overall enthusiasm,the ‘promise’ of prosperity for all.. Ok,they think,a few,unimportant values,like,ethics,had to be forfitted /suppressed… But then,it is all in the cause of “Change”..
sound familiar?? “Politics and Religion make strange bedfellows”.. (The Tempest, by William Shakespeare)
I am allways warry of such ‘idolism’ Change comes at a cost,at times we do not realise the real cost of our choices untill it is too late…. ergo……… “The Catholic Choice” (previous post)
Sorry about the lenghth of this comment.. I just had to put my concerns to ‘paper’.
My other subject which I would like to mention, will now have to wait….
(I detect a slight sigh of relief
I just to be sure I looked up the quote from Shakespeare’ The Tempest…. yep!!! fitting whaddya know!!!
“Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows”
“no religious test” clause of the United States Constitution is found in Article VI, section 3,
“So help me God” is not part of the ‘original’ presidential oath… but traditionally almost always added to it
Many colonists of the Thirteen Colonies had left England in part to gain a measure of religious freedom. With the royal government’s religious favoritism fresh in their memory, the Founders sought to prevent the return of the Test Acts by adding this clause to the Constitution.
See “Test Acts”
No matter whether it is ‘mandatory’ or not.. asking for God’s help can only be a good thing.. which ever religion one belongs to. By the way Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is of the Jewish faith…
Rahm Emanuel,David Axelrod (Obama‚Äôs chief strategist),Barack Obama.. “triumvirate” in the White House?
We all know how the First Roman Triumvirate ended(as well as the Second)..
I don’t the parallels make Obama a likely founder of a 21st C. fascist state, American style. More likely I’m afraid, he’ll effect too little “Change” too late. Maybe nobody can do what needs to be done, esp in a democratic state with its compromises and competing agendas. There are some who say the economy will never go back to the way it was, it’s broke for good. Time for a paradigm shift bringing with it a decline in the quality of life. Red this site and be afraid:
http://theautomaticearth.blogspot.com/
Of course, if the situation deteriorates too much, it may become a Mad Max world and the leader charged with taking us out of such chaos won’t be Obama, but someone as ruthless as H.
On the 27th.January 1945 Auschwitz was liberated by Soviet troops
International Holocaust Remembrance Day,celebrated on January 27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Holocaust_Remembrance_Day
It is most disturbing,especially just a few days prior to the “Rememberance Day” to read that *Bishop* Williamson is being “reinstated”..
Bishop Williamson has written:
“[U]ntil [the Jews] re-discover their true Messianic vocation, they may be expected to continue fanatically agitating, in accordance with their false messianic vocation of Jewish world-dominion, to prepare the Anti-Christ’s throne in Jerusalem. So we may fear their continuing to play their major part in the agitation of the East and in the corruption of the West. Here the wise Catholic will remember that, again, the ex-Christian nations have only their own Liberalism to blame for allowing free circulation within Christendom to the enemies of Christ.”[83]
In an interview with Sveriges Television *IN JANUARY 2009*, Williamson repeated his opinion that the generally accepted history of the Holocaust is wrong. He accepted an estimate of *ONLY* 200,000-300,000 Jews killed in Nazi custody, and denied that gas chambers were used for the purpose.. No sign of remorse there!!
“Indeed,even though the Society has given no public signs that it would reverse its rejection of Vatican II, one Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity on Saturday because talks were continuing, said that the Vatican was willing to discuss making the group a personal prelature. Pope John Paul II did the same with another conservative group, Opus Dei”. ???????
From the NYTimes..
“In a November interview broadcast on Swedish television last week and widely available on the Internet, the bishop said that he believed that ‚Äúthe historical evidence‚Äù was strongly against the conclusion that millions of Jews had been ‚Äúdeliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy of Adolf Hitler.‚Äù
I presume Richard Williamson has not read “Mein Kampf”… (of which I have an original dated 1941) perhaps I should send it to him,just for “historical-evidence’s” sake. The policy of A.H. is VERY evident in this book.
Another source would of course be “(the)N?ºrnberger Gesetze” An original typescript of the laws signed by Hitler himself was found by the 203rd Detachment of the US Army’s Counter-Intelligence Corps commanded by Martin Dannenberg, in Eichst?§tt, Bavaria, Germany, on April 27, 1945.it is on permanent loan to the Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles, California,and is on public display..
What more does this person need???
ARN…. oh no!!! “as ruthless as H”.
But you’re right,it will never be “as it was before”…
Let us atleast hope we learn from our mistakes. The Banks are not solely to blame,they just gave(too freely) that which the consumer demanded,and in doing so built a “fairyland” world-in-a-bubble,which has now irrevocably burst… Of course the Gov. did little if nothing to intervene,too busy,’making war not peace’,at the expence of the tax payer,not to mention the loss of life and limb.. “There is a fortune to be made in destruction,but even more in re-construction”.
Many companies.. KBR, Inc.*formerly Kellogg Brown & Root*, formerly a subsidiary of Halliburton, based in Houston. After Halliburton acquired Dresser Industries in 1998, Dresser’s engineering subsidiary, The M. W. Kellogg Co., was merged with Halliburton’s construction subsidiary, Brown & Root, to form Kellogg Brown & Root. KBR and its predecessors have won huge contracts with the U.S. military during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as well as during World War II and the Vietnam War.
KBR is the largest non-union construction company in the United States.
All have benefitted from the war in Iraq,Afghanistan. Could it be ‘cos they’re Cheney’s *buddies*??? You may well ask..
For REAL heartbreaking info wiki KBR, Inc. or Halliburton That’s where the “dosh” went..
Good heavens… Is he Pope tone-deaf? This bishop may only be kinda quirky but it sure looks too close to anti-semitism to give him any kind of affirmation.
WOW!!!
ARN, I just had quick look at that link… frightening but so true..
The “give-banks-a-bailout-so-banks-can-lend-again” parole is just counter-productive…. that is what got us into this desater..
Now back to link… I will prob. have a nightmare later
Well, with any luck, you and I will be dead by the time the s**t hits the fan. Sadly, our kids will not.
Sandra, just opened my real mail and what a nice surprise!
You are right to be a bit leary of Williamson being so-called “re-instated”… bear in mind the very very careful wording Sandra before you get carried away with a conclusion to that can of worms. I am not at all convinced that it will be so neat and pretty as it appears on a brief read of it. There is no secret that these schismatics have gone off the deep end on many things and quirky is too kind arn, far too kind.
They are scary and they DO have a hidden agenda. LOL! Had to say it again but directed at another “target”.
Of course, it would be nice to have unity with such prideful people as he is, however- he is not being looked at very closely by most because frankly, compared to the Bishops allowing Clown Masses, this guy to them is a major improvement they think…
And, truth be told- Holy Father is putting a band aid on a gash. He needs to clean and purge not add now.
So many people in my parish looked at me sideways when I mentioned Foca. “What’s that”? was the typical answer.
So, finally (possibly under force) AFTER Obama is in, they stuff the bulletin today with a piece of paper that tells the dumb sheep in the pew what it is and how to stop it. Not before he was elected and WE KNEW he told us he would sign it- but NOW. This, is what Holy Father ought to have been working on- not the nutbag williamson.
Amy Welborn has rounded up some good commentary from reliable Catholic sources on the lifting of ex-communication and the Williamson controversy:
http://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/your-move-2/
It’s important to bear in mind that the lifting of the ex-communication means only that– that they are no longer ex-communicated. Nothing more.
Here’s something I just found… oops sorry… gd afternoon all…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/16/AR2009011602401_5.html?sid=ST2009012302373&s_pos=
“The not so simple life” about a group of young Catholic’s who decide to not only minister to the poor,under-privileged,drop-outs,in one of Washington’s most dangerous areas..
Touching,down-to-earth,inspiring,amusing.
I hope you all enjoy it.. I have not finished reading it yet,I just got back from afterwork-shoping..
Read your link Michelle, very well explains the meaning of the retraction.
I also read many of the comments posted,one of which I would like to repeat.
Q. 1) Does the this mean that the SSPX priests/Bishops must stop administrating the Sacraments??
2) If not,will they,by this,again,be defying Papal authority?
3) Would this demonstrate an un-willingness to ‘reconcilliation’?
None of these were answered.. can some one shed light on this??
Michelle as much as I can understand Pope Benedikt’s motives,I still consider it an unwise decision.
One more comment,this time from reader of NYTimes..
“Doesn’t Catholic theology require confession and repentance for forgiveness? Are people supposed to be forgiven even if they absolutely refuse to acknowledge their sins and continue to perpetuate them?
What then is being forgiven? John Paul II stated that anti-semitism is a sin against god and man.
If the pope is the representative of Jesus on earth, then one presumes that the position of the previous pope is still the position of the (Catholic) church. In which case, Williamson has sinned and publicly perpetuates that sin and has refused to repent.” (re-cant)
My Question,- Does excommunication proclaimed by a Pope fall under the “Infallibility” clause??
real question,I do not know if it does.. answer please..
The Pope has offered the SSPX the oppertunity of return to “Full Communion”, he need not have gone as far as that to Mr.Williamson,without a retraction of his comments regarding the Holocaust et all..
Pope Benedikt (as a german) should know that it is a criminal offence in Germany to deny that terrible crime agaist humanity.
There are allready calls in Germany to bring charges against Williamson. Catholics here are very,very unhappy with this.. It is feared that the Neo.N+zis will use it,as (further)proof,of their allready widespread denial of the Holocaust.
What a mess,the act of ‘benevolence’ by Pope Benedikt,and the wish to unify the SSPX with the rest of the Catholic Church.An effort to ‘pacify’ the Conservatives is at risk of ‘ailienating’ it’s larger,more liberal members. Too bad..
I for one will await the further developement of this,still on-going *story*.
The last word has yet to be spoken.
Just one last thing, for all who may read this.
The fact that there is an on-going *human-rights tragedy* in Gaza of which,Israel is partaking (this has been mentioned numerous times),is being used to defuse all criticism of ‘anti-semitism’… let us remember that
“two wrongs do not make one right”..
JMJ
Helen,
what I mean when I say that I don’t feel like a believer is that I FEEL like abandoning my faith entirely, and I wonder what it is that makes once devout catholics abandon their faith entirely and even ridicule themselves for ever having believed, and I am unsure if I am a believer who wishes she didn’t believe or a nonbeliever who wishes she did, but because of paragraph 155 of the CCC, I have the answer. I am simply a believer, a Catholic girl, who CHOOSES to believe even when it hurts to do so and even when it’s hard. Because belief is a choice and not a feeling. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
Hey, I went to my first recollection evening ever!! I’ve been wanting to go for a while, but the weather and circumstances have kept intervening. It was so beautiful, beyond description. When Fr.__ was describing Christian Charity and love, and how it’s lived out, I kept thinking of my one friend, Janine, who lived that out perfectly before she died.
We’re actually coming around to the one year anniversary of the accident that killed Janine and Paul, two of my friends from school. I wrote something about it last year in the Catholic Register… http://www.catholicregister.org/content/view/1615/857/
On the politics note, I am keeping my nose firmly out. I just can’t handle the stress of it all at this time in my life… I have too many other issues to disturb and distract me from my goal to trust in God.
JMJ
okay, I wasn’t going to get into this at all, and I still plan not to, but Sandra – to answer your question, I’m going to quote from the following website which I suggest you consult for further information on papal infallibility. I haven’t done more than scan it, but it seems to be correct. I could be wrong, and would appreciate a more authoritative response also. but.. from
http://www.catholicfaithandreason.org/papal_infallibility.htm
In order to be infallabile, “(1) The pronouncement must be made by the lawful successor to Peter. (2) The subject matter must be in the area of faith and morals. (3) The pope must be speaking ex cathedra, that is from the very seat and office of Peter. In this way he must be specifically intending to proclaim a doctrine, binding the entire Church to its assent. If one or more of these elements is missing, there is no infallible pronouncement. Most “examples” of papal “errors” emerge when critics ignore the necessity of these three points. (Madrid, pp. 135-136, Pope Fiction)”
So basically, I don’t *think* that an excommunication would fall under infallibility. The teaching on faith and morals which leads to the excommunication might, perhaps, be infallible.. but not the excommunication, which is always reversable as we cannot know for certain who is in hell. Even if someone who was so publicly excommunicated were to die, we would not know if that person had perhaps repented on his deathbed and so we would do well to pray for such a person’s soul. Excommunication really just reflects the seriousness of certain sins, like abortion – and in the case of an abortion, in most places a priest can forgive the sin in confession and the repentant can return to the sacraments. Provided she is truly contrite, of course.
My question, and I should know the answer for I am sure I studied it in class at some point last year, is how does one normally go about getting an excommunication lifted and thus return to the Sacraments?
Pax Christi
Elena,so sorry to hear about your friends.
It is so sad when such young lives are so abruptly lost.
I personally do not believe that God wills such things nor do I hold the opinion that God decides who gets cancer,or any other life threatening desease..This would not be in line with the ‘role’ of a loving father.
As most on this blog know,my daughter is suffering from cancer,she is going through her 4th cycle of Chemo.
I,after we were told that the 1st cycle,not only did not work,but that there were more tumors in lung and liver,was devastated,I asked God “why did you let this hapen to her,why MY daughter?”..
A Q. I expect all ask at one time in their lives.. It took me a while to realise how silly,not to mention egoistic,of me to ask such a thing,it was if I was wishing cancer on some other mothers daughter / child.. how could I?
Just as much as I was so very sad about my daugter’s suffering,I must as a Christian,remember that she is also God’s daughter.It sudenly dawned on me,that the God we worship as being a loving father would not
“bestow” such an illness on HIS daughter..
As very uncomfortable as the truth may be,we are,MOSTLY,ourselves responsible for our destiny,(please do not think I mean “well they have only themselves to blame”), we all have a “free will” which efects our life (smoking,alcohol,bad eating habits),whether we are willing to take risks,heed good council et all..
Perhaps those poor youths should not have taken that drive on the icey lake..?? was this a “risky decision” they took?
To imagine that we can make God responsible for our (BAD) decisions is not only unwise,it contradicts all that, we as christians are taught about the ‘person’ of Christ.
It is for us to measure whether we are willing to heed the ‘advice’ given in the scriptures(and by others) or to ignore it,in the hope that, “it won’t hapen to me” ergo,- “I’ll risk it”..
This does not mean that I exclude,that the results of such actions are “somehow part of God‚Äôs providence”.
There is so much we do not yet understand,so much still to learn.
Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your doubts,but also that there are many here who have also suffered the same.. It has been a long ‘journey’ for me also,but freinds I met on this blog have given me ‘hope’.. Stay a while and you can at least be sure of comfort und understanding..
Sandra…
Thankyou for answering my Q.I will answer your comment later in a seperate comment.
Teodoro,
perhaps Dianne (who also comments here)can help out if Father Wauck has too much on his plate at the moment..
I will ask her for you.
She has lot’s of friends who speak a nummber of languages.. Worth a try I think.
Any way we would all I’m sure try our best to help you understand,I also am not english,and have a few (lots)dificulties myself
Do not worry about spelling I make mistakes all the time,but with a little patience,on all sides,it works quite well..
PS. I will send an e-mail to Dianne.
Sandra,
do you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified? When we pray the first sorrowful mystery, the Agony in the Garden, Jesus chooses to accept the Father’s will that he be mocked, beaten and crucified. Yet how could a loving Father will that His Son be crucified?
Or in the stations of the cross, when Mary meets her only Son on His way to His death, do you think she was asking, ‘how could God will this for His own Son?’ Is the crucifiction in line with the view of a loving Father?
I personally believe that suffering is tied up with redemption. God chose to take Paul and Janine from us because their souls were ready. And because such a sudden and shocking loss would test the faith of those left behind, and would strengthen our community so that the bonds we had been building could become as unbreakable as the bonds of family. So that we would really be a family in Christ, suffering the loss together and yet trusting in Him, so that our faith would ultimately come out stronger.
Nothing, not even our lives, can be more important that the salvation of souls. We humans tend to think that this life is it, unable to truly imagine and trust in heaven in the same way that I used to think highschool was the world and struggle with understanding that there might be a world outside of classrooms, assignments, projects, and peer pressure.
Remember the reading from Malachi on the Feast of the Presentation the other day? About being tested and tried in fire, like gold and silver? It made me think of the song Refiners Fire, a praise and worship song which I have often used when things are difficult as a way to inspire me to embrace my suffering and offer it up to God.
praying for everyone here. Pax Christi
Sandra, It seems Elena has addressed your concern about the matter. Now, I would not try to argue that this has not caused scandal, because it certainly has. Elena, I am not sure I understand your question about what one would do to return to the sacraments if excommunicated. Do you mean if they were formally excommunicated? Or self excommunicated?
I dont have any time to post longer but I wanted you all to know that no one died in the fire at Holy Name Cathedral this morning. Praise God!
Hello Teodoro,
Just go ahead and speak and ask your questions in Spanish. Father John speaks Spanish. Also you can go to
http://www.opusdei.org.pe/ and contact Opus Dei in Peru to ask your questions.
Helen,
I didn’t realize there was a difference… is one self-excommunicated like in the abortion scenario, where the action automatically incurs excommunication but it is still a private matter, versus formally excommunicated meaning that the matter was more public in nature? If there’s a difference, I would like to know how the excommunication would be lifted in both situations…
Pax Christi
Helen,so nice to hear from you again,I hope all is well with your huband?
He is back home I presume..
Yes,a scandal indeed.. It seems that Pope Benedikt has ordered that, *Williamson* publicly retract his comments about the Holocaust..
The Press here are having a hay-day.. Most german Catholics when asked,are of the opinion that,the Bishops in question,should also *embrace* the Vat.II completely before further steps by the Vatican are taken..
I am glad to hear the good news Helen,although I must addmit that I had not heard of the fire..
Elena,of course I believe that Christ died for our sins/redemption.. But that does not lead me to believe that anyone else has…The ‘un-timely’ death of a loved one should not be necessary to make us ‘better Christians’ Very few are chosen to be “taken”……….
Suffering pos. does make us more aware of our failings,and can lead to a better understanding of the gift of life.I still do not,and never will,believe that ‘suffering’ is willfully inflicted upon us by God.
We can of course,come out of such experiences more steadfast in our faith,but it is, IMHO.not a ‘tool’ that God uses to achieve that goal.
Our Faith is something that can help us through many sorrows,that,is a GIFT from God,to comfort us and give us hope that our loved ones are in His care.
Christ’s destiny to die on the Cross for our redemption was a prophesy from God,Mary was aware of Her son’s destiny,if not in all grisly detail.
Such a question;- ‘how could God will this for His own Son?’ would prob.not have enterd her mind,but then,do we know that?..She possibly may have,in her hour of despair,thought/askd just that.
As you mention The First Sorrowful Mistery,did not Christ himself,in the garden of Gethsemane,ask His Father;- “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it.” and again on the Cross, “Father why have you forsaken me?”
Christ KNEW and ACCEPTED that he would suffer a terrible death.He fullfilled His Father’s will /Prophesy.
I do not believe that God commands the same of us.We can prove our love,for,and our faith in Him,in our every-day lives,which can,more often than not,be quite challenging.
Helen,I too am not sure about “self-exommunication”, I expect that occurs when a ‘mortal sin’ without repention,in full awareness of the consequences is commited..? This is not always publiclly known,and can be confessed to a priest in Confession,if one earnsestly repents and refrains from commiting futher such sins,then one is,through absolution / Grace of God,once again ‘in-communion’..
Oficial/formal ‘Excommunication’ is a result of public ‘denial’,I suppose then,it must be just as publicly/formaly ‘lifted’.
*Retraction* (as continualy reported in most media out-lets),is IMO. not the right expression.
If the Excommunication was ‘rightful’ and apropriate.. to ‘retract’,would be tantamount to stating that this was not so.
The Bishops who were excommunicated,acted,and still act,in defiance to the Pope,and the teaching of the Catholic Church.The fact that they are now willing to ‘discuss their objections’ to that teaching (Vat.II),is,although commendable,not exactly the right course of action.They are as far as I know still of the same mind as before.
This could be taken,by some,as a signal that the Vat.II is open to ‘debate’,or even ‘revison’. Or not??
Another ‘delemma’ caused by the actions of those,who were responsible for the ‘rift’, in the first place.
Any way,as I wrote before… “the last word has not been spoken on this issue”..so,I will wait and see…
While looking into the question of Excommunication I found this interview given by Bishop Richard Williamson
INTERESTING!!!
http://www.sspxasia.com/Documents/Society_of_Saint_Pius_X/Interview_with_Bishop_Richard_Williamson_2005.htm
I wonder If Pope Benedikt had (also) no knowledge of this one??
WOW!! Strong tobak Bishop Williamson
Excerpt from his above mentioned interview;-
“….At Vatican II, the future Pope John Paul I changed his mind on religious liberty and he accepted Vatican II doctrine. Then he became Pope and he realized he was surrounded by villains, and he was going to get rid of them. And the indications are that he was assassinated because he was going to start moving things around in the right direction. ” !!!!!!!
Wellcome back to the fold Bishop……….? Shall we have an appology about this statement too?
Hello Sandra! Hello Elena! (sandra, I will send email)
I hope this helps, because to explain this can be insufficient if you apply the snapple answer to other situations.
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2007/0711fea4.asp
Also- re Williamson- Sandra, he is not a catholic Bishop (Williamson) the lifting of his excommunication is of little import. However, I would still not be able to argue he has not caused scandal. He has signed a document stating he agrees with all catholic teaching. As I said before, I would not argue he has not caused scandal, and that is an excommunicable offense.. Lets trust the men who make these calls in this case.
Quite obviously, none of the Bishops in the US seem to know what scandal even is anymore.
*correction* I did not mean to say None of the Bishops, I meant to say MOST of them.. Sorry.
“‚Äô Is the crucifiction in line with the view of a loving Father? ”
Absolutely Elena. You “got it” there!
When Evil meets Good, when sin meets goodness, crucifixion is the result.
Not to worry, for there are the sacraments
The Lamb with 7 horns (sacraments) and the other… nameless one…. with 2 horns….(sacraments)
the beast revealed.
For to stay with the 2 witnesses (scripture and tradition)
one will suffer
For we know this suffering, is of great value
it is for the good of the world we do so, who else will?
“Nostra Aetate”
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/relations-jews-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_19820306_jews-judaism_en.html
Education and catechesis should concern themselves with the problem of racism, still active in different forms of anti-Semitism. The Council presented in thus: “Moreover, (the Church) mindful of her common patrimony with the Jews and motivated by the Gospel’s spiritual love and by no political considerations, deplores the hatred, persecutions and displays of anti-Semitism directed against the Jews at any time and from any source” (Nostra Aetate, 4).
The Guidelines Comment: “the spiritual bonds and historical links binding the Church to Judaism condemn (as opposed to the very spirit of Christianity) all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination, which in any case the dignity of the human person alone would suffice to condemn”
“Jewish people as they are professed and practised still today, can greatly help us to understand better certain aspects of the life of the Church” (John Paul II, March 6th, 1982). Catechesis should on the other hand help in understanding the meaning for the Jews of the extermination during the years 1939-1945, and its consequences.”
If we read this carefully we must come to the conclusion,that Williamson’s Letters/Statements/Views must be in direct oposition to Catholic Teaching. (as is a whole lot more he is know for).
How can such a person (and his followers) be ever again allowed to influence Catholic communites.
It is time the Pope *personally* spoke,and not through (unsigned) Press communiques.. It is NOT enough!
The Catholic Church is being ‘draged through the dirt’ It is unforgivable to let this continue.
Just one of many comments in the German press,-
Original:-
“Nebenwirkung der Williamson-Rehabilitation ist die sich anschlie?üende Potentialit?§t. Es ist ab sofort m??glich, was vorher kaum m??glich war: Innerhalb der Kirche kann man den Papst massiv kritisieren. Die Unfehlbarkeit des Papstes ist Geschichte”
I will try to ‘interpret’ that statement..(by the way from a Roman Catholic jounalist);-
** A side-effect of the W.re-habilitation is the following potential.
It is immediately possible,what before,impossible. Within the Catholic Church (Priests/Bishops)can with impunity,criticize the Pope. The infallibility of the Pope becomes ‘history’**
If this be true or not,it is,never the less,damaging for the *image*/integrity of the Catholic Church,which has had to do a lot of “damage control” in the (recent) past…
And don’t come with the old/(but true) “We will be perscuted in Thine Name” vers. This has nothing to do with that,as this time,it is a result of,at best disinformation,at worse incompetence on the part of those who are responsible for ‘advising’/informing the Pope.
Surely,If I can find *Bishop* Williamson’s out-pourings of hatered/disobedience,the person’s surrounding the Pope should not have found much difficulty in doing the same!!!!
What IS going on in Rome????
I am in the proccess of returning,’whole heartedly’, to the teachings of Catholicism, (I have *always* thought of my self as Catholic,I just had a few ‘reservations’)
I must admit this does not help at all.
Sandra, I dont have the PR(read damage control) clip that clears this up handy now, its nearly midnight here and I was simply checking school emails for tomorrow morning, but she is sick again, and can’t even go so I came here quickly just to peek in.
However, you cant keep stipulating/implying the man is in union with Rome, when he is not.
Why should the Catholic Church take blame for a schismatics rantings? He does not have his card back Sandra.
I will agree its still an area where one could argue scandal alone should have prevented any action.
The argument was this was a merciful thing to do. (snapple version)
You ask: What IS going on in Rome????
What is your objection in all honesty? Mine is total apathay to the entire fiasco, minus the little problem of the scandal that comes into play..
But, your outrage over this man seems misplaced from my view.
Where was your outrage when you saw that Bishops here have been sleeping at the switch and ignoring their flocks, to the point that more than half of the proclaimed catholics here voted for a man that said he will sign foca?
Years of famine and prophecy in the BIBLE exposes that leaving the church is not a good thing:
(2 Samuel 24:13) 7 years of famine =famine of the sacraments
(I Chronicles 21:12) denial of the trinity exposed!
You dont have to think yourself a Catholic. Just go back home, be one, and stay safer that way.
Heed the prophets before he comes when we least expect it!
In short Sandra, the church can accept his repentance of heresy but not his idiocy.
JMJ
I don’t have a lot of time, I’m supposed to be going to the Chapel any minute now.. but my SD just sent this (he’s sends a lot of emails, actually) on and I thought it might apply to this discussion
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/beating_up_on_the_pope/
That is a good link Elena, however the one I had in mind did not leave us with they better get used to it..
The reason being is that the flock is under the care of the Bishops.. The dumb sheep in the pew are told its their fault if they dont know anything they ought to know..
The Homily in most parishes can end up being summed up (no matter the relevance of the readings or gospel) to be , “live your faith”….
Agreed. And the CCC makes it clear, as well as other documents that its up to us. We cant rely on them to tell us or teach us what we need to know in things of grave nature and import.
We must conclude, that they dont care. Puppet Masses, Liturgical dance, and all sorts of horrors are widespread. And, persons in the public (politicians) who take a very anti-catholic stance on matters are not given medicine…..
We are in a minor chastisement now, I believe.
The evil one has accomplished a great deal… The “Its good to be Bishop” led to the evil Reformation…
We are seeing another round of Its good to be a lazy Bishop….
the fruits of which, we will see in our lifetimes….
Helen,I know you as an ardent defender of the Catholic Church,and do not in any way wish to criticize the C.Church,no chance this will make me change my Faith,but I do criticize those responsible for all of this.
I simply state,(as was the citation regarding Islam in Regensberg),lifting of the excommunication without full knowledge of the views (not only the Holocaust denial)W. and his colegues still hold,(and express openly) was again,at best unwise.
I’m afraid that it is hard to believe that,no one near Pope Benedikt,had knowledge of those views,they were,and still are easily found on the SSPX websites.. And here I do not mean ONLY the denial,ALL his views,and those of others,are clearly stated there.
This said,I was refering to the *fact* that due to the ‘bad press’ resulting from the actions/letters, interviews of the said Williamson esq. the question many Catholics ‘may’ ask is;-
>>If a Bishop/Priest can publically,not only disobey the Pope,but also hurl such accusations,regarding the integrity of the Head of the Catholic Church (on Earth),call the Bishops,Cardinals and other dignitaries in the Vatican *villians*,(in fact practically accusing them at one time of “murder”.. Pope J.P.I).then,it is of little consequence if Catholics(against the teaching of the C.Church)use artificial contraception,ie. condoms,pill,surely if *they* can disobey on such important isues,so can we..” (my qouote “Papal infallibility is hisory”)
Another small,but important reason why I am quite digusted with this whole debacle is,that as I live in Germany,I am more subject to ‘questions’/comments from my coleagues at work,and others,than I expect you may be in the USA. The Germans(incl/esp.non Catholics),do not take kindly to people who hold such views.. We have enough trouble with Neo-Nazi groups here as it is,without giving them a ‘forum’ for their Hate propaganda.
After all the disgusting press,about soxual abuse by Priests,the alleged ‘cover-up’ by the Vatican,this is not,just another “litle scandal” to be sat out. Yes it IS a “fiasco” as you so rightly state..
I am glad to hear that Pope Benedikt has (through his office) declared that Williamson will not be able to oficiate as a priest untill he PUBLICALLY renounces his statements.. Hopefully if he does so,it will be an honest change of heart… I am not so sure about that,as he has held those views for decades…”A leopard can not change it’s spots”,plus he did not heed a simmilar ‘order’ in the past,why would he now??
Now!! that was the last comment about this issue (unless something ‘impossible’ hapens), I am just going to hope that all concerned see ‘reason’..
I have another quite diferent issue I would like to discuss,but,it will (again) have to wait.
I have to get ready to visit my daughter..I will be going with her for her tests we must be there by 08.30am.
so quickly a cup of coffe,get dressed,and off..
Regards ( “gute Besserung” ).. to your husband. The same for your little one.. I hope she gets better soon.
Helen,Elena, (firstly Helen this “fiasco” would not cause me to change my Faith,secondly,I hope your daughter is on the way to recovery)
now,perhaps you should also read what Mr.Allen (by Fa.Wauck very often quoted, Vatican journalist)writes on this subject.. He is most certainly not anti Catholic,much the opposit.Mr. Allen criticizes this step,and is of the opinion that *they should have known*…
It is by no means the ‘horrid secular’ press who are “beating up on the Pope”..
As you can see in the link..more than enough Catholics are not ‘pleased’ by the ‘lifting’..
But it is quite easy on put the blame else where…
Fact is,the whole thing was badly managed.. the Pope himself says he “knew nothing of Williamson’s views”.
Was that also the fault of the ‘secular press’ was it all a conspiracy to harm the standing of the Pop and so the Catholic Church?
Very few people are *unaware* that the *lifting* is not,forgive and forget all.
It is just as naive to think that, as it is to believe that NO ONE near the Pope knew of the views held by Williamson,and by the way,not only him.. If they did not…. then they better “get used to knowing”
The whole dispute is being reduced to the issue of one interview…. that is completely nonsens,there is much more at stake than that… It was the ‘interview’ that got the most press,but the real issue is another..
Many high ranking members of SSPX still act and preach in contempt of offical Catholic teaching,and very many members of the secular media report this fact.
They have every right to comment on this,or not? THEY did not conspire to create this (as Helen calls it) fiasco.It has been going on for 40years.As far as I know the SSPX still holds the Vatican II as being, not in line with the ‘real original’ Catholic Church.. or not?At least that is what they say on their website,this is most definately NOT a product of secular media out-lets. The Pope is the Head of “THE ONE TRUE CHURCH”
How then,can He allow such disobedience from some of it’s highest representatives? (it is of no importance what our personal position may be,as I have been told time and again,on this very blog)
I have had quite enough of,laying the blame on “political correctness” / over sentitive Jewish feelings / the nasty anti-Catholic press… It was not them that started all,this let us not forget this fact.. The SSPX did so 40 + years ago.. They have up and untill now defied 3 Popes.It is for them to, “cap in hand” ask for forgivness,something we all wish for.
By the way some of the comments from readers of the article (Elena’s link) are not free from, a certain amount of , ‘anti-semitism’..
A sin “against humanity and God” as stated in “Nostra Aetate” I believe.
We have I notice,not heard from Father Wauck on this,he is probably busy with other matters.Never the less I would be interested in hearing his view.
Untill the matter is decided,I will refrain from commenting further.. To the relief of you all I imagine
PS. just one more thing .. Helen,you ask where I was when the USA ‘decided’ well I am afraid I had no say in the US elections,the views of Pres.Obama were known,the ‘people’ made their choice.. inkl.Catholic voters.
Just as Kanzlerin Merkel can not dictate to the Pope,I can not dictate to the American voter.
Although,Angela Merkel has every right,as one head of State to another,to vioce her concerns on this matter.
In the link above,it was taken as an afront that she (secular person),was interfering in matters of Religion.
The Catholic Bishops/Priests voiced their concerns about casting a vote for Barack Obama.. “meat for the goose is meat for the gander” One can not have one’s cake and eat it.
Sandra,
The guy is not a catholic, So how can I respond to this?
I am not in the business of defending heretics, if you have not already noted that by now.
She is okay, I am praying for yours daily..
I don’t know what to address here really. I will if you will simply tell me what is the real problem here.
I have read all the articles and the ones you mention, and still do not see what you are saying.
I never was good at sola scriptura, or prima scriptura, so you have to be paitent with me, because I have to basically submit to your understanding of all this, and I am just guessing what it is now???
Trying to understand… Sandra, did you somehow think schismatics had any claim to the name Catholic?
This could be a simple terminology thing.
Ask yourself, who and under what authority has the right to call themselves Catholic?
Not little c catholic, Big C Catholic.
Who?
Under which Bishop must they be?
Father, I pray your family is wrapped up in Love for this US valentine’s day..
http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/articles.cfm?ID=306
Well Sandra, you may want to reconsider coming back home until the house gets cleaned up a bit first.
This is seriously weighing in on my conscience. I don’t know how much longer I can in good conscience stay a catholic with this going on. I want NO association with this type of evil.
Good afternoon Helen (and all),sorry I did not answer you sooner,I was very,very busy(more in e-mail)
Well,I read your link,and must say it does not surprise me realy…
I have realised many,many years ago,that the C.Church,is also a *company*,deals are made,mostly with good intentions,with the intent to make money,sorely needed for the *up-keep* of the Church and it’s many *good works*..
Alas at times the Church fathers lose sight of the real price it is asked to pay..
I am as you know not a suporter of abortion,but do know that there are situations where there could (for some)be no other choice.Medical reasons are one of them. If the person seeking help has not the finacial means to pay for medical care then it would be apropriate for the Catholic Church to be able to provide free (or afordable)such care. Thing is,what criteria will be adopted? Will the C.Church have such a *say* in the mode of operation in those clinics?
This being said,I remember that in the sixties,the Vatican (Catholic Church) held a substantial precent of a company which produced the anti baby p+ll..After this was made widely public,the Vatican sold their shares (of course) to the highest bidder.. At the time I thought it a right move,as the use of the p+ll for Catholics was forbiden by the Pope.
After a little contemplation,I had to ask myself;- Why not just stop the production of the *product*?
Instead the Vatican decided to make money from a product (in a *deal*)that it had condemmnd..????
At that time,I was told that another child would be *very* unadvisable(I had 3 within the space of 2years 10months) I was 21yrs and weighed roughly 75pounds.. My last birth was very difficult.. The C.Curch (allowed)method was for several reasons not an option.SO!!! what now? I did use the foridden P*ll and was greatly criticized by our priest,among other things I was told I was commiting a *mortal sin* and would burn in hell for it!!!
Well, I took my chances on that one..After hearing about the *deal* I was not quirked by my conscience..
To be a Catholic (Christian),does not mean simply *belonging* to an institution,it is a matter of conscience,a choice we make to follow (as best we can) the will of Christ..
MAN is not perfect,the C.Church is full of Humans,they err just as we do..
Does this mean we;- “throw the baby out with the bath water”? Of course not!
Through the centuries there have been *reforms* and *counter reforms* in the C.Church,some we undrstand some we don’t.
Now,some are jumping on the “band wagon” of the SSPX and want ANOTHER *reform*,this I must say is somewhat worrying,the VatII was aproved by the Pope,who,we are to believe is guided by the Holy Spirit! How then could HE err so badly? Will the next *reform* also be an error,to be *counter reformed*?
I shall leave that answer to God,and continue to follow my conscience as best I can..
Facit, MAN has let us down often enough,no reason to believe it won’t hapen again.
PS. How is your husband? Recoverd well I hope.
To all I wish a peacefull Sunday…
PPS. I saw Father Wauck on CNN the other day..
Looking good Father…. The subject you spoke on was “giving up cell phone messaging during Lent”… Is that why you are absent so long from the blog??
Sandra, if you can get the information on that pill scandal involvement can you give it to me? I find that more than gross. Hypocrisy! 30 pieces of silver. Sell Jesus out to the highest bidder.
Sick!
Will do Helen…
but first another point..
In the link you posted I found this.
http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/articles.cfm?ID=303
Scroll down to “An inmportant Voice”
It hits the nail on the head…
In the intro. the author writes among other things…
” There is so much more to living the Faith than commenting on the news, defending Catholic principles, and laying down the law. Surely there must be a warm and even entertaining way of expressing the richness, the joy and even the humor of living a Catholic life.”
Further;-
“The question I ask myself is how can we inject a broader cultural note into CatholicCulture.org, a sense of the rich and happy life we lead as Catholics. That‚Äôs an important part of what it means to live in a Catholic culture, to have Catholic friends, and even just to possess the balance and humility to appreciate God‚Äôs many gifts without taking ourselves and our challenges so seriously that all the joy drains away.”
I think I should try that…
It seems to me the real meaning of Christianity is to humbly apreciate the gift of life,and the promise of redemption,forgiveness for our many failings,and to enjoy the goodness in others and try to be as good a Christian as is possible for the imperfect person we are…
The Scriptures are a very good source for instruction / information on what God asks of us.
At the risk of being called a “sola scripturist* ….I think I’ll stick to that source for guidence.
The Pharma company was Serono… later known as Merk Serono The Vatican finaly sold it’s shares in the company in 1970..
The *Pill* was one of it’s (if not the)best seller.. The Roman Family Bertarelli (Italo Swiss)were the owners and founders of the firm.Since Januar 2007 owned by Merck KGaA
other info I will send tomorrow in a mail Ok.
Have a good evening..
Sandra, I just found out there are 2 catholic hospitals that do induced abortion..
Looks like excommunication is on the rise………..
Is this real??
A very disturbing article..A nine year old rape victim who was pregnant with twins had an abortion. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, head of the Roman Catholic Church’s Congregation for Bishops backs the excommunication of the mother who authorized the abortion, and doctors who performed it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/world/europe/08vatican.html?fta=y
The twins were probably doomed anyway. An 80 lb. 9yo was unlikely to be able to carry them until viability w/o killing the mom first. Why did the bishop insist on taking a stand here? He could have chosen to ignore it it seems to me. The handling of this event was so ham-handed.. “infelicitous” is the word that comes to mind. A total PR disaster.
Michael Steele (RNC Chairman)was on the receiving end of a fresh round of criticism from prominent party members yesterday after an interview was released in which he referred to abortion as an “individual choice.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591.html
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
Kmiec says …………. he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of “using Communion as a weapon.”
The PR disasters are mounting…
Even Pope Benedikt recognises this in the aftermath of the “Williams affair”.
Text of the letter Pope Benedict XVI sent the world’s Catholic bishops about the Vatican’s handling of the controversy over a Holocaust-denying bishop. It was made public by the Vatican on Thursday
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/12/AR2009031201467.html
This passage I thought to be most interesting;-
“Certainly, for some time now, and once again on this specific occasion, we have heard from some representatives of that community many unpleasant things arrogance and presumptuousness, an obsession with one-sided positions, etc. Yet to tell the truth, I must add that I have also received a number of touching testimonials of gratitude which clearly showed an openness of heart. But should not the great Church also allow herself to be generous in the knowledge of her great breadth, in the knowledge of the promise made to her? Should not we, as good educators, also be capable of overlooking various faults and making every effort to open up broader vistas? And should we not admit that some unpleasant things have also emerged in Church circles? At times one gets the impression that our society needs to have at least one group to which no tolerance may be shown; which one can easily attack and hate. And should someone dare to approach them in this case the Pope he too loses any right to tolerance; he too can be treated hatefully, without misgiving or restraint.”
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI has sent a letter to Roman Catholic bishops around the globe saying the Vatican made “mistakes” in its handling of the recent lifting of the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying cleric, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
The Rome newspaper Il Foglio said the pope writes that the Vatican should have been aware of the statements, which were being carried on the Internet. Benedict also faults the Vatican for not explaining its actions on Williamson in a “sufficiently clear” way, the conservative-leaning daily said.
According to the ANSA news agency, Benedict defends himself by saying that the overlapping of the rehabilitation of Williamson and the interview was “unpredictable.” The pope also echoed previous statements, saying the lifting of the excommunication was a “gesture of mercy.”
Well,perhaps the poor mother of the ‘inocent’ brazilian girl will also recive a >>gesture of mercy<<??
One must certainly hope so……….
“Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto”, or “I am a man, I consider nothing that is human alien to me.”
By Publius Terentius Afer (195/185‚Äì159 BC), from his play;- “Heauton Timorumenos (The Self-Tormentor)”
Aplies to us all don’t you think???
Sandra, I don’t know what you are talking about with the pill and Serono.
I wonder how Michelle and Diane feel about their CCCB funneling money into abortion.
Sandra, still not getting your problem with Williamson.
There are some big huge problems with the bishops all around us, and serious ones. Willamson is a distraction to keep you from seeing the greater evil being purpetrated! Its a smokescreen to confuse people from what action is happening under their noses!
I think Holy Father timed the whole lifting of the Williamson excommunication as a diversionary tactic.
Ladies, I refuse to give any money to the USCCB and in the envelope I state my reasons WHY. That they MUST get rid of their false and evil associations first.
I am not surprised by humans sinning, I am SURPRISED that SO MANY bishops can do so, in such an open manner and not be called on the carpet for it by Holy Father. What is the point of having Bishops or a Papa?
Worry about the people in Cammeroon! Sandra, you dont get it!
Helen,I’m afraid only one link will go through at a time
so this for starters…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/15/AR2006061502252.html
Now Nr. 2
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031602141.html
I imagine this is what you ment by “Cameroon”??
Nothing new I’m afraid,scwabling (arguing)amongst themselves as usual…
One may ask,if only we,as *lay Catholics*, must accept the teachings and decisions of the (preciding)Pope as being acording to God’s Will, and therefore in line with The Catholic Church as a whole..
The *hierachy* have their own *rules* it seems…
Ergo;- do the Bishops / Cardinals / Priests believe in the power of the *Holy Ghost* sent by God to assist /guide the Pope in his decisions?? Or, to be concrete,the infalibillity of those decisions??
It seems not!! On the other hand WE as lay persons are complelled to do so………..
One would expect that in such important matters eg. Vatican Councils, the Pope himself would pray for guidence (through the *Holy Spirit* ) to assist him in making the right choices,for the good of the Catholic Faithfull.
Having said this,I must add that I personally believe,that more important matters are at hand,which are in need of *carefull* concideration than the above mentioned in the link…
Further…..
When asked “Teacher,how should we pray (speak) to God” Christ gave *one* example (When you pray do so ‘in this fashion’) *Our Father…..*… He did not mention that it should only be prayed in Greek / Hebrew / Aramaish (or Latin)… but from the heart!!!!
As far as I know he did not even explicitly say it was to be prayed *out loud*
The reason (one of them) for the *new version*,is given as follows,- To express / translate the original Latin more exactly into the english …. My Question,WHY???
There have been many,more or less,minor errors in the course of *translations* from Aramaic to Greek,and then from Greek into Latin… not to mention from latin into english and so on….
Well I would think the most exact translation of the the Gospels would have been from the Greek,or Aramaic,posibly Hebrew (dialects incl.)many of which still exist.
Around the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice, saying “Eli Eli lema sabachthani?” which is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” = (ŒóŒªŒµŒ? ŒóŒªŒµŒ? ŒªŒµŒºŒ± œÉŒ±Œ?Œ±œáŒ?Œ±Œ?ŒµŒ?)
Matthew 27:46
And at the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice, “Eloi Eloi lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, my God, for what have you forsaken me?”
Mark 15:34
This phrase, shouted by Jesus from the cross, is given to us in these two versions.
The Matthean version of the phrase is transliterated in Greek as Œ?ŒªŒµŒ? Œ?ŒªŒµŒ? ŒªŒµŒºŒ± œÉŒ±Œ?Œ±œáŒ?Œ±Œ?ŒµŒ?.
The Markan version is similar, but begins ŒµŒªœâŒ? ŒµŒªœâŒ? (el?çi rather than ƒìlei). Matthew is citing a probable Hebrew version, Mark a probable Aramaic version.
Neither changes the ‘meaning’ nor do they contradict each other,it seemas there has been no reason to think otherwise… so why the ‘uproar’ in this case? This I do not understand..
By the way,I was taught in the older *pre-Vat II* manner.. and still use that version,does this mean my response would be ignored by God?? I think not.
Sorry for the loooong comment, I hope you will be able to understand my point..
Must get the kitchen cleaned up….. (or there WILL be an “uproar”…
No Sandra, I dont care about the translations of the Mass. I honestly dont care! The stallholders in Cammeroon is what I was talking about. The poor there ousted so to clean things up for the pope’s arrival.
And, again no comments about the CCCB giving money to support abortion under their so called relief arm.
There is NO point to having bishops or a pope as long as this continues to go on. Its a scandal of huge proportions and williamson and all the other stuff is not even worth talking about because its nothing compared to the evil being perpetrated now at the hands of Bishops and pope ignoring it all. As I said these other matters getting media attention are a set up to distract people from the crimes being committed.
You still did not explain Serno sandra. I find nothing on what you are saying.
Sorry Helen I thought you had understood my mail about the Serono Pharmaceutical Company ..
Well,my point in this matter is……… If the Vatican condemmned the use of the Contraceptive,while at the same time (with a conciderable profit),producing the product… this smacks of course of *hypocracy*..
Instead of discontinuing the production the Vat.Bank made even more money by selling it’s shares in the company..
The Article about the *cleaning up* activities in Cameroon is just another such example of *irrationality*.
Perhaps the Vatican has no knowledge of the plight of the poor “stall/shop holders” who have lost their,albeit meger,earnings in the process ????
It remains to be seen if the Pope comments on this…Or will it be a case of;- ‘akrasia’. video et taceo “I see and keep silent” ??
“vox clamantis in deserto” From Isaiah 40, and quoted by John the Baptist in the Gospels. Usually the “voice” is assumed to be shouting in vain,probably what it would ammount to any way.
Williamson “affair” is just another example of the *discord* among the Church hierachy…
I am of the opinion that while obeying the teachings of the Catholic Church one must retain a certain amount of healthy sceptisism in evaluating certain positions of some of the clergy,who after all are *just* human,and prone to errors of judgement… Of course we should expect guidance in Spirtiual matters,therefore, I am still of the opinion that the Holy Scripture is source of reliability… So we perhaps should *cross-reference* there..
Sandra, I did not get any mail from you on that topic. Just what you mentioned here.
And, Sandra we can and should expect bishops to be shephards. We can and should expect them to stand by moral conviction. My point is, there is something rotten in denmark now. They are in open willfill and public sin now in great numbers!
Evening Helen,
I sent you a mail about a week ago…
I’ll send it again ok.
What is going on in Denmark?? we are going there (Fan??) for Easter if all goes well….
Sent!!!!!
Something on a more lighter side…. I thought this quite funny,in a *krank* sort of way…
http://argoul.blog.lemonde.fr/files/neanderthal_humour.jpg
Notre Dame disgrace. Unbeliveable.
From the Pope’s African visit..
>> He also criticized what he called the “irony of those who promote abortion as a form of ‘maternal’ health care.” ****The pope was referring to an African Union agreement signed by Angola and 44 other countries that abortion should be legal in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life.****
“How disconcerting the claim that the termination of life is a matter of reproductive health,” Benedict said.
Lombardi, who is traveling with the pope, told journalists Saturday that Benedict in that speech was referring to abortion when used as a means of “population control.”
Well,I suppose Pope Benedikt needs an *interpreter* for his speeches/remarks now-a-days…
If that is what the Pope ment…then why did he not… say just that???
Confusing to say the least,seems that what Pope Benedikt says and what he means are in Lombardi’s view two different *truths*..
The reasons given by ‘pro abortion’ league;-
Fetal abnormality.Shockingly, the types of disabilities included by pro-abortionists in the list of purportedly “good reasons” for an abortion range from the truly severe to relatively minor; the list of the latter grows lengthier every year. Abortion is becoming a search-and-destroy method for eliminating less-than-”perfect” people.
Pregnancies that result from rape and/or incest, real violence has been done to women…But while society is finally recognizing that rape is an act of violence against an innocent victim, it still fails to recognize that abortion is also an act of violence against another innocent victim.
Two valid reasons NOT to abort…….
I miss though,the “danger to the mother’s life” part..
A reason for abortion.The vatican has recently agreed on refudiating the excommunication of the brazilian girl’s mother and doctors.(9year old Brazilian girl’s case)……..As the abortion was carried out to save the girl’s life..
I wonder if Obama will be attending Mass too. What if they let him have the eucharist?
Happy Easter every one…………..
Hi All..
Just to let you know……… Father Wauck is “alive and kicking” ….
I saw him on CNN this afternoon… Interview about…tar ra……….YES!! Angels and Demons
Just watching Canale 5 Father Wauck is a guest……….. talking about Angels and Demons Dan Brown still keeping him busy it seems
Greetings everyone! And thanks for keeping the conversation here alive. Hoping Fr. Wauck comes back soon.