In the middle of this video, Michael Matt shows the opening ceremonies of Vatican II. One thing that one immediately notices is the grandeur that one belonged to the Catholic Church. This was when she knew her place as the Bride of Christ, entrusted to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the world and to lead them to salvation via the Sacraments and her Teachings. Alas, some nefarious elements had already insinuated themselves into the hierarchy by stealth. They sought to undermine the Church's teaching authority to her clerics and laity; in large part, they succeeded.
After watching the video, please scroll below it for there is much more to be said.
Some have opined that the Vatican II fathers might have meant well and the whole thing simply ran amok in its implementation. Those good intentions might well have been held by the majority of the bishops, but enough of them, particularly those in high offices of the Vatican, seem to have had intentions to undermine the Church. Pope John XXIII was either their willing dupe or their accomplice. Michael Matt, in another piece, detailed how the then-pope undermined and directly thumbed his nose at an encyclical written by his immediate predecessor, Pope Pius XII. That encyclical is Humani Generis. That link takes you to the English translation on the Vatican website. Please read it in its entirety.
Take a look at Matt's piece and study closely some of the quotes from John XXIII. Regarding the errors condemned by Pius XII, he said, "Frequently she has condemned them with the greatest severity. Nowadays, however, the spouse of Christ prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity.'
Now who else has yammered about "mercy" as though it is superior to God's justice? We also know that quite a few dissidents were invited to Vatican II, such as Yves Congar and Hans Kung, along with various Protestant leaders. Francis continues that practice today.
There is no gainsaying that highly placed dissidents planned the deconstruction of the Church during Vatican II. Today, they are making no secret of it. Do we have eyes and ears to perceive what is so plainly set before us? Do we have the resolve to resist them with prayer and fidelity to the One True Church as she has always existed before she was deformed during these past 60 years?
This morning, Saturday July 22 2023, two local pro-life activists were assaulted outside of the Planned Parenthood in northeast DC. The two activists are Terrisa Bukovinac and Michael Gribbin. A man and woman walking their dog approached Bukovinac and threw a cop of coffee at her. When Gribbin tried to intervene, the man threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched him.
This comes just two weeks after an elderly pro-life activist was assaulted in nearby Takoma Park, and a few months after two pro-life men were assaulted at the Baltimore Planned Parenthood. There have been other attacks in other areas of the country. These attacks are obviously on the increase, no doubt as part of lashing out after the Dobbs decision. There is safety in numbers; please come out and be part of that "safety", as well as offer your own prayers and witness.
The video of today's episode from Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (founded by Bukovinac) is only available on youtube.
In an issue of Our Sunday Visitor I saw an ad for a children's book entitled "Arthur The Clumsy Altar Server". The blurb states, and I quote, "In this endearing children's story filled with charming illustrations, Arthur demonstrates perseverance, humility, and an unquenchable love of the Lord in pursuing his dream. Children will learn from Arthur that what matters most is the sincere desire to serve God - not performing perfectly."
I haven't read the book. I don't think I need to do that, to detect a subtle, but real problem with the thinking behind it. I highlighted the problematic phrases.
What I do not glean from this blurb is the acknowledgment that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is most deserving of perfection - not only in intent but also in actual performance. It is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and is about perfect worship of Jesus, not anyone "pursuing their dream". While Arthur may mean well enough, that in itself is not sufficient. We must not only mean well, we must actually do well. Anyone who claims that "meaning well" is all that matters is in serious error, placing mere feelings above actual tangible and measurable accomplishment.
It seems that this Arthur has issues with chronic clumsiness. I didn't read the book so I don't know if Arthur overcame his clumsiness or not. The illustration on the book cover portrays clumsiness of the sort that would cause disruption and distraction from Holy Mass itself and probably a fire hazard to boot. If he didn't overcome his clumsiness, one would hope that he'd have the humility to admit that he would not be suitable as an altar server and would pursue service of God via different means.
I cannot help but notice that this book was written by a woman. I've noticed that women, more so than men, are prone to place feelings over facts and to gloss over unpleasant truths to "spare feelings." Perhaps this is why liturgies today, particularly Novus Ordo liturgies, tend to be somewhat sloppy and sappy. Now before you portray me as some misogynistic ogre, please be advised that I myself am a woman.
Where else have we seen this "pursuing dreams" and "desire to serve God" being joined at the hip? Oh, yes! The "woman-priest-wannabee" movement! They portray themselves as so "sincere" and thus they're so, so "hurt" that Jesus, through His Church, wills the priesthood to be for men. I think we can also see that in "liturgical dancers", the choir being moved to the front of the church, etc.
There is a world of difference between "following dreams" versus "pursuing vocations" when it comes to being at God's service. As John the Baptist said, "He must increase. I must decrease".
The annual Maryland Face the Truth Tour, spearheaded by Defend Life, will soon be underway. Please see the flyer below for details. Print it out and distribute it within your own circles of friends and acquaintances, churches, etc. Be there!
On Saturday, July 8, about 9:30 am, Olga Fairfax, a long-time pro-life activist was assaulted as she sat on the curb at New Hampshire Avenue. It is in Langley Park, at the University Boulevard intersection. In 7676 New Hampshire Avenue is housed an abortuary. More details can be found here.
Here is a picture of the thug who attacked Ms. Fairfax, spray paint in hand. You will notice there is a "bar review" logo on her shirt. If this woman is, or becomes a lawyer, pray that you are never represented by her. No wonder our legal system is going down the crapper!
If anyone knows this, uhh, "charming individual", please advise via the comment section. I will not publish the comment but merely pass the information to the authorities. Thanks.
Color me unsurprised. Here is the official list. Several years ago, One Peter Five linked to Fernandez's, uh, "theological masterpiece" and highlighted some telling passages.
Just think! This man will be a prince of the church and has an influential role in governing Church doctrine! Are you now motivated to continue your daily Rosaries with ever more urgency?
In October the gab-fest begins. The list of attendees is out, and we know how things will wind up. The usual gang of homophiles and dissenters will be there, including:
Cardinal Gregory
Cardinal Cupich
Cardinal Farrell
Cardinal Tobin
Cardinal McElroy
Archbishop Fernandez, aka Kissy-Face
Father James Martin
Cardinal Maradiaga
I'm sure there are more, of which I don't know.
They are going to prattle about "hot-buttom topics" such as women deacons, LGBTQ(append any letter you wish) outreach, priestly celibacy. You know what? In a spirit of positive Church service, I am going to save the Church thousands, if not millions, of dollars in dealing with these matter - or more accurately reminding that they have been addressed two thousand years ago.
LGBTQ outreach? It has always existed in the Church. For those engaged in perverted practices, there is the Sacrament of Confession, encompassing repentance and resolution to cease such behaviors.
Women deacons? As in ordination? That has already been determined. The answer is NO. What's the point of bantering about that?
There now! I've just saved these guys from hours, even days, of useless jabber-jawing about already-decided matters, saving thousands of dollars in the process! Thank me very much! Alas, I fear the Vatican will not heed these words of wisdom!
Well, I guess there is one advantage to all this yammering. It gets those progressives out of their chanceries and unable to wreak their normal havoc.
Remember! He is now head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Here is prima facie evidence of him proclaiming heresy against Catholic morality. To insinuate that the refusal to commit an act that is inherently sinful "contradicts charity" speaks of fundamental rebellion against Sacred Tradition and the God Who authored it.
In a 2006 article, written as vice-dean of the Catholic University of Argentina theology faculty, #PopeFrancis’s new doctrinal chief, Archbishop Víctor Fernández, argued that a woman’s “inflexible refusal to use condoms” could, in some cases, contradict the demands of charity.
In a 2006 article, written as vice-dean of the Catholic University of Argentina theology faculty, #PopeFrancis’s new doctrinal chief, Archbishop Víctor Fernández, argued that a woman’s “inflexible refusal to use condoms” could, in some cases, contradict the demands of charity. 👇 pic.twitter.com/C8Thtq9pjx
During the Dodger's accolades for the pervert bunch "sisters of perpetual indulgence" in Los Angeles California, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler Texas led a rosary procession outside the stadium in protest of this orgy, which was both the elevation of evil and blasphemy and mockery of the Catholic Church. We might point out that no LA bishop could bestir himself to utter a peep of protest, let alone join Bishop Strickland.
Almost immediately afterwards, Bishop Strickland was advised that he was to undergo an "apostolic visitation" ordered by the pope. Taylor Marshall informs us that one of the bishops descending upon Strickland is Bishop Kicanas of Tuscon, AZ. Haven't we heard that name earlier?
LifeSiteNews lists a number of Strickland's activities that might have aroused some rancor in the Vatican, causing them to jump into Nazi/Mafia mode. The protest against the perverts strikes me as a key possibility, in light of other concurrent Vatican activities.
One of them is the invitation that the pope extended to a so-called "artist" named Andres Serrano. He is a photographer who, in 1987, took a photo of a Crucifix completely submerged in a jar containing his urine. This was known as "P--s Christ". It rightly caused great outrage due to its sacrilegious nature and intent. Observe the picture of the pope giving a "thumbs-up" to this unrepentant blasphemer. What was that about the nine ways of cooperating with sin? By the way - if Serrano offered a public apology with commensurate acts of reparation, please advise. Else, I hold that he remains unrepentant.
Then there is the appointment of an old buddy of the pope's to the post of Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The new appointee? None other than Argentinian Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez. He is also the author of that (ahem!) "theological masterpiece" called "Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art Of Kissing". Hence his nickname "Bishop Kissy-Face". He is widely believed to be the ghost-writer behind Amoris Laetetia.
Francis' elevation of Bishop Kissy-Face and glad-handing of Serrano are just the latest two manifestations of what appears to be his total disdain for Holy Mother Church and her Traditions. Bishop Strickland, on the other hand, has been fearlessly upholding the Church and her Lord. He is now experiencing much of what Cardinal Burke, Archbishop Vigano, Cardinal Zen, Father Altman and other faithful clergy have been experiencing. We must stand with these men and against the tyrants that crawl the halls of Vatican City.
I understand that the Peter's Pence collection is underway. Boycott it. Do not fund Bishop Kissy-Face's new position and other nefarious productions from this Vatican.
On Saturday June 24, 2023, I attended the National Celebrate Life Day on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in celebration of the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision that ended Roe v Wade. Almost 60 years ago, Martin Luther King delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech from those same steps, although he was higher up on the steps than Saturday's speakers were.
I arrived late, but fortunately the video of the entire thing is online. I was able to collect some photos of my own. I will report off the official video and will post it below my remarks. Speakers included Alveda King, Lila Rose, Kristan Hawkins. Rose, in her remarks, opined that protection for the unborn child does not require another constitutional amendment for protection as that already exists under the 14th Amendment. That would be true, IF all agreed upon the definition of personhood. They don't. That is why a constitutional amendment that spells out when personhood begins, namely, when sperm enters the ovum, is needed.
I arrived just as Mike Pence was introduced. My immediate reaction was disappointment, and as his talk progressed, my misgivings were confirmed. He remarked on the Dobbs ruling, giving credit and thanks to pro-lifers' prayer and work for that ruling. He also gave credit to pro-life leaders. Most conspicuous, though, was any lack of mention of Donald Trump's pivotal role in that victory. It was Trump who nominated three of the five justices that voted to overturn Roe. He suggested that we work and pray to advance the cause of life. That is precisely what he should have done, when he, as Vice President, had the opportunity and responsibility to thwart the obviously bogus presidential election of 2020. His words ring hollow, especially when he said that we will work every day to elect leaders that will stand without apology for the unborn. In fact, he undermined the presidency of the man who made the Dobbs decision possible.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, in her talk, made mention of a president who kept his promises. It's a pity that she couldn't utter the word "Trump". Linn Fitch, the Attorney General of Mississippi, started by saying that she and her team argued for returning the matter to the states. Given the parameters put forth in the Dobbs legal action, that may have been all that they could argue. That doesn't mean that generally we must settle for that.
Sometime later, Penny Nance, president of Concerned Women for America, offered her remarks. She stated that "we are going to end abortion because we are going to take away the need for it". Stop right there! One cannot talk about a "need" for an intrinsic evil. That is an oxymoron. There might be a warped desire for it, but never a need for it. We simply must stop being sloppy with language and terminology. Our use of language must be precise and disciplined at all times.
When Chad Pechnold, a professor at Catholic University of America, took the stand, he stated that we could not return the abortion matter to the states, disagreeing with what the MS attorney general stated shortly before he took the stand. He stated that the President must recognize the personhood of the child and afford that child the protections due under the 14th Amendment. Again, this to me only solidifies the need to set in stone the definition of personhood. He evinced what I believe to be an overly confident attitude towards the courts. The courts can only act within their constitutional bounds, and that action is largely dependent on the judges that sit at those benches. I will say this, though, for Dr. Pechnold; he seemed to be the only speaker who might have been older than 40 years of age. I'll have more to say on that later in this post.
Nicole Hunt of Focus on the Family took the podium. She repeated a common misunderstanding in stating that babies' status as human beings begins in the womb. That's not quite so. A human person comes into existence when sperm fertilizes ovum, but that usually occurs in the Fallopian tubes. Then the new person, in his/her zygote stage, travels to the uterus to implant there. The child's cell count is already increasing as the migration takes place. A human life amendment to the Constitution would have to specify the exact stage of the beginning of personhood - the meeting of sperm and ovum.
All in all, this rally left me with quite a few misgivings. With the exceptions of the professor from CUA and Micheal Henney, most of the speakers seemed to be on the younger side. They projected exuberance, to be sure, but they didn't advise the attendees that the struggle is going to increase in intensity that can be disconcerting and even frightening. Why was no mention made of the Red Rose Rescuers who, even today, are facing jail sentences? Why no mention of Mark Houck and the persecution that he underwent last winter? Why no mention of Dick Schaefer and Mark Crosby who were severely beaten up as they witnessed in front of the Baltimore Planned Parenthood two months ago? Where were older, more "battle-hardened" leaders like Randall Terry, Monica Miller, Troy Newman, Brian Gibson? I realize that they may have distracted from the appearance of a happy-clappy celebration, but is that appearance realistic?
How did all this de facto cheer-leading prepare the attendees for the hard-scrabble fight that is ahead of us? As we tell the truth, we will make others uncomfortable - not just the hard-boiled pro-aborts, but also those who would rather keep their heads buried in the sand.
I think I know now why Donald Trump, who placed an essential role in the Dobbs case, was unmentioned. For all his faults, he is not afraid of a fight. He is ready to get in there and mix it up as the need arises. His example is a stark reminder that we pro-life people have to be similarly prepared to do so. Many are, but by and large, they were not represented on the podium of the Celebrate Life Rally. If we are to bring about protection for the babies, we pro-lifers must harden our noses, put some calcium in our backbones and thicken our skins. We must cease being afraid to get some dirt under our fingernails, get a little scrappy, to raise our voices and firmly rebuke the proponents of death.
One incident that happened just after the rally broke up brought these points to crystal clarity in my mind. A young pro-abort strolled through the crowd with a pro-abort poster that said something to the effect of "protect women's rights, keep abortion legal". I watched this for a few minutes. No one stopped him to take issue with his statements or to refute his logic. In fact, they were all smiley with him as they took pictures of him and his sign. Finally I chimed in, saying "protect slave-owners' rights, keep slavery legal". I was using his own logic, using slavery instead of abortion as the topic. He then said, they weren't the same as he scurried away. I followed him for a little bit and challenged him. He just tried to get away.
Finally other pro-lifers decided to pipe in - by rebuking me, not the pro-abort. They claimed I was racist because I'm white and the guy was black. So I fired back at them and they too scurried away. If this is the kind of nicey-nice lack of mental acumen that our young pro-life activists are expected to demonstrate, babies are going to pay the price, as will western civilization and Christianity.
It is way past time to knock the stars out of our eyes, act like adults and get serious about ending abortion and bringing about a Godly culture in our country.
