Sunday, July 19, 2015

Argentine Cardinal Ravasi Committed Idolatry Last November

Rorate Caeli (ht, by the way!) has the article - along with video - of Cardinal Ravasi doing homage to an animist "goddess".  What a travesty to see a Prince of the Church commit a mortal sin of idolatry, in the name of misguided "ecumenism".  I use the word "idolatry" for that is what it is - a sin against the First Commandment, committed in public by a cardinal no less.

Ravasi is also president of the Pontifical Council for Culture.  If that phrase sounds familiar, it's because that office spewed forth the "bimbo video" and the "bsdm art".  Given the idolater that is at its helm, it's really no wonder that such vomit was spewed forth from that council.  Please note that both those travesties were publicized shortly after Ravasi committed the very public idolatry.

Is all this part and parcel of the "maturation" that the pope wants us to undergo?

Cardinal Pell Makes Plain Why Laudato Si Should Not Be Taken As Teaching

Cardinal Pell is to be commended for reminding the world that the Church cannot pronounce infallibly on matters of empirical science, or economics for that matter, because Our Lord has not granted her any mandate to do so.  She may teach infallibly on matters of faith and morals - but that's it.  All other matters are left to prudential judgment, given the parameters of faith and morals.  The encyclical makes pretentious claims that the "science" and "economics" promoted therein are the will of God; again that's impossible for those fields are not within the Church's competence.  One immediate outcome will be the reduction of credibility that will be ascribed when the pope does speak on matters of faith and morals, for people might understandably think that if the pope can botch up matters of science and economics in an encyclical (and he has!), why should they believe him when he speaks on matters of faith and morals?  Yes, such thinking would be erroneous and cannot be condoned, but the mess that is Laudato Si renders it understandable.

No doubt Cardinal Pell sees the potential for such real damage that Laudato Si will wreak (see here and here).  It is filled with progressive screed that not only was inspired by the rantings of Sachs and Shnellnhuber, but perhaps are the prattling of the same.  You'll notice that in the first half of the thing.  Here is a collection of my posts on LS; in those posts is a link to the English translation of the document.

The Catholic World Report recently put out a piece that takes issue with the faulty economics that are peppered throughout Laudato Si.  In Laudato Si, the pope raises the same alarmist tocsins regarding the "scarcity" of resources.  Now here's a salient point that CWR raises: "If the pope and others are ringing alarm bells, at times they seem to underestimate the creative power of human intelligence and freedom in the face of extreme scarcity of resources."  Many, if not all, progressives seem to think of man as being a mere consumer.  They fail, or more aptly, refuse to recognize that human labor and ingenuity is probably the most valuable resource imaginable.  That is why they are constantly kvetching for "population control" along with the abortion, contraception and sterilization that they think is necessary to attain "sustainable development".  That is why the "Sachs and Schnellnhuber" cabal seek to bring in others of their mindset such as Noami Klein.

This week's Catholic Standard had as its theme "preparation for the Pope's visit".  One "suggested activity" was to read Laudato Si.  I agree that it should be read so that all might see for themselves that it is permeated with progressive venom.  It is not in keeping with the traditions of our Church and must be both refused and resisted.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Yet Another Vatican Conference Will Promote Climate-Change Junk Science And Population Control

From the Catholic News Agency, we read that this conference will occur next week, July 21-22.  Ostensibly its purpose is to demonstrate a linkage between "climate change" and slavery.  Well, I daresay other linkages are made even more manifest by this conference.  The title of the conference is one indicator.  "Modern Slavery and Climate Change: the Commitment of the Cities" is the title of the workshop in question that will be held during the conference entitled "Prosperity, People and Planet: Achieving Sustainable Development in Our Cities".  The conference is sponsored by (surprise!) the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Let's focus on the conference title for now.  What two words indicate the underlying agenda with all this?  Sustainable Development!  We've seen that lots of times over the past few months, have we not?  Back in April, this same Pontifical Academy of Sciences hosted another symposium to prepare for the disastrous Laudato Si; the report produced therein specifically called for "reaching a level and sustainable population".  Recall that just after the release of Laudato Si, the Apostolic Nuncio to the UN gave the Vatican's formal approval to "the verbatim inclusion of the sustainable development goals and targets" of the UN.  That means that the Vatican has given approval for the usage of abortion, contraception and sterilization to accomplish those ends.  Oh sure, there might be the statements here and there decrying abortion, but they are far outweighed by the more insidious promulgation of concepts such as "climate change" and "sustainable development".

We also must consider whom the pope is taking into his confidence.  We've seen him include in various deliberations and conferences notorious "population control" advocates such as Jeffrey Sachs, Hans Schnellnhuber and others.  I point out that Schnellnhuber was recently appointed by the pope to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.  Can anyone doubt that he had much to do with the putrid output of these symposiums and conferences?

I wrote a piece two months ago explaining how I see the "smoke of satan"entering the Church through a number of specific avenues; one of them is climate change, but they all seem to dovetail into each other.  We also see how the "climate change" hoax makes it easy for guilty parties to excuse their enabling of the gay agenda.

Almost two years ago I wrote of a pastor within the Archdiocese of Washington who publicly announced that he condoned homosexual conduct while counseling Catholics.  At that time I wondered aloud if he would be allowed to continue in his post, where he posed a danger to souls.  Lo and behold, this week's issue of the Catholic Standard indicates that he still holds his post.  Not only that, but the Standard is holding Father Daly and his parish up as examples.  Why?  Because they've "gone green"!  In Father's words, it's part of "a living faith".  So, never mind about the souls of the poor homosexuals who need the truth of Jesus Christ and His sacramental graces.  As long as the parish and pastor are "green" (and don't you just love his green cap?), who care about souls going to hell?

Remember - Laudato Si and the proceeds from these junk-summits do not stem from dogma.  They fall within the realm of "prudential judgment" at best.  Truth be told, the level of "prudence" isn't that high, as these things do reek of progressivism.  We are not required, as faithful Catholics, to give assent to them.  I'll leave you with two things: the first is an excellent article by John Zmirak.  The second is a link to some very relevant entertainment for a Friday evening.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Franklin Graham Tells Truth About Fate Of Unrepentant Sinners

In light of the blitzkrieg attack that the gay-nazis and their progressive cronies are waging upon Jesus Christ and His Church vis-a-vis #mowwidge and the celebration of sexual perversion, I'd suggest we all listen to the words of Rev Franklin Graham.  He spells out the truth when he says that those who engage in such sins risk eternal hell fire.

Many should hear and obey it.  That is doubly true for those who've received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are commissioned to preach the truth.  Sadly, too many of them demure from their task and even punish those priests who courageously endeavor to do so.  That means you, Cardinals Wuerl and Dolan!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Congress To Investigate Planned Parenthood In Wake Of Video Revelations

In the wake of the video that showed Planned Parenthood to deal in body parts from the babies it murdered, the United States House of Representatives - from John Boehner on down - announced that it will be investigating Planned Parenthood.  As the video states, the trafficking in baby body parts is illegal on many fronts, let alone an exercise in pure callousness towards innocent children.

The House's actions echo those of Bobby Jindal, Rick Perry and Ted Cruz.  I think it worth mentioning that some credit goes to Christian Defense Coalition, Operation Rescue, Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust and Created Equal for bringing the matter to the steps of the Capitol.

A word about StemExpress, the "partner" that Nucatola named in the video.  To the right is a picture of their Linkedin page.  You'll notice that it cites a web page for the organization.  HOWEVER, the site is now defunct!  Like Nucatola, they are now in "damage control" mode.  Their address is still known so I'm sure subpoenas can still be served, if Congress is so inclined.

Still, much can be found by googling StemExpress.  Its CEO (at least in 2014) is one Cate Dyer.  See here and here.  As more is found, I'll post.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Planned Parenthood Blatantly Admits It Sells Parts From Babies' Bodies

A top Planned Parenthood doctor has been caught on video admitting that Planned Parenthood sells organs and other parts of babies that they murder.  She states plainly that she tailors her own abortion techniques to derive specific organ samples from her murder victims.  The doctor's name is Deborah Nucatola.  Her card is to the right.  As she speaks in the video about her murder techniques, one can imagine her sharing a pint with nazi doctors of a few generations ago.

Some are calling this revelation "breaking".  It isn't; we've known for years that abortionists were selling baby body parts.  However, this may be the first time a major abortion perpetrator has admitted to the practice.  Planned Parenthood has entered into damage-control mode; I understand that Nucola's twitter page has been deactivated.

Both Bobby Jindal and Ted Cruz announced initiatives to investigate Planned Parenthood for their engagement in this practice.  Where are all the other political leaders - that is, the ones who aren't already in the pockets of Planned Parenthood?

Here is the video, courtesy of Center for Medical Progress.

Just Another Liberal Maryland Pol Showing The Mind-Rotting Effects Of Liberalism

Her name is Ariana Kelly, a Democrat from Bethesda - one of the most liberal areas of Montgomery County.  She represents District 16 and I understand that she is one of the several candidates vying for the seat that Chris Van Hollen will vacate when he runs for Barbara Mikulski's US Senate seat.  A glance at her campaign page reveals endorsements from a gaggle of amoral progressives: Equality Maryland, SEIU, NARAL, etc.

Today the Washington Post revealed that in late June Kelly was arrested outside the home of her ex-husband on charges of trespass and indecent exposure.  When police arrived, the ex showed the officers cell-phone video of her antics.  When the officer asked her to leave or be arrested, she chose arrest.  It is said that she'll be "aggressively disputing" the charges.  Well, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth an encyclopedia.

The article mentions that Kelly is a member of a legislative task force that is "studying maternal mental health issues".  Is she the lab specimen for this study?

When primary day arrives for Maryland, will the voters of that area remember this incident and/or will they really care?  If the answer to either of these questions is "no", that will say far more about the liberal brain-rot that infests much of lower Montgomery County' population than it will about Kelly herself.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Pope Francis Is Keeping The Blasphemous Bauble From Bolivia

As per his usual habit, the pope gave an interview during his plane trip from Bolivia back to the Vatican.

I'll start by providing a treat to my trolls and scolds who wax apoplectic when I point out the errors emanating from Pope Francis on an almost daily basis.  When they're not avoiding me, these "tut-tut-ers" wag their fingers and chide me for being "negative" (note that they don't accuse me of being factually incorrect, just "mean-spirited" and "negative").

Well, guess what?  Thanks to Crud, I can actually agree with the pope on something!  Responding to a question on the Greek economic situation, Crud states and I quote,  "The pontiff began by admitting he’s been “allergic” to economics since he was a boy. He said his father, an accountant, would bring the ledgers of the factory where he worked home with him on weekends, and the future pope found them mysterious.  “I don’t understand it very well,” he said."  AMEN!

We also read, The pontiff acknowledged that his commentary on the economy tends to focus on the poor rather than the middle class, insisting that the poor are at the heart of the Christian Gospel. However, he called the imbalance “an error of mine” and said reconsidering it is “something I need to do.”  DOUBLE-AMEN!

Enough of that.  Let's look at other things. The remarks above had to do (somewhat) with the flawed economic principles underlying the address about which I commented a few days ago.  I had done a little bit of a "word-count" exercise.  Vox Cantoris did more, and nicely pointed out the heresy of liberation theology that ran rampant through the address.

The matter of the blasphemous "crucifix" was clarified during the interview.  I say "clarified" for he made plain (once again) his approval of the piece of trash art, calling it "protest art".  Both One Peter Five and Rorate Caeli delve into the matter; rather than "reinvent the wheel" I link to their excellent pieces.

I will say this, though.  There are some who seem to believe that by laying the monstrosity at the feet of a statue of Mary, that he was "cleverly" entrusting her to deal with the blasphemy.  With all due respect, that theory makes no sense whatsoever.  If that were truly the pope's intention, that would be classified as the quintessential cop-out.  He is the Vicar of Christ.  It would be his solemn duty to point out, in no uncertain terms, why that thing is blasphemy.  He'd have no business trying to punt his responsibility to the Blessed Mother.  "Here, mother!  You take out the trash!"  No, no, no!  That doesn't cut it by any stretch of the imagination!

But we now know that it wasn't the pope's intention at all.  In addition to waxing lyrical about Father Espinal and his embrace of marxism, the pope stated that he was bringing the disgusting bauble with him back to the Vatican.  Will that, like the beach ball, find its way to an altar?

Sunday, July 12, 2015

More On The Blasphemy From Bolivia

This past Friday I wrote a bit about the blasphemous "crucifix" offered to the Pope by Bolivian president Evo Morales.  In the blogosphere there was doubt as to whether or not the Pope looked favorably upon that monstrosity.  Subsequent events indicate that he did.

The pope also gave an address to a summit of "social justice" activists.  The full text can be found on Whispers In The Loggia.  This blogger points out that this address of the pope was actually written out, complete with footnotes; it's not just some "off-the-cuff" production.  I urge you to read it.  Quite frankly, it resembles something we might have expected at some community-organizing ACORN convention.

In the first section, he asks a series of questions, each starting with the phrase "do we realize that something is wrong" then names some social ills.  None of these questions touches upon the millions of unborn children being slaughtered in the womb.  We see no mention of the ever-increasing usage of contraception and sterilization.  Neither do we see any mention of the homosexual assault upon marriage.  Of all the things that the pope lists as "intolerable" these mortal sins should top the list, for in addition to endangering the souls of all who commit these sins, they also undermine the moral underpinnings of any society, regardless of the economic condition of that society.

What you have here is a thinly-disguised commercial for Laudato Si and for world-wide government - a socialistic one at that.  Time had some commentary on this exchange.  Yes the author is waxing lyrical about the progressive elements in the events of that day.  Sadly I can understand how she would draw such conclusions.

There is a rather distasteful twist to the bauble saga.  Before he left Bolivia, he placed the "hammer/sickle crucifix" and its matching medal at the foot of a statue of Our Lady.  It would have been far more appropriate to lay these abominations in the nearest trash can.  So now not only is Jesus blasphemed but His mother is similarly mocked as well.

It now seems that what we once thought were simply unfortunate gaffes and media spins were in fact representative of what the progressives in the Vatican really want - and that probably includes the pope!  We do have Christ's promise that the pope will never solemnly promulgate error, but that doesn't mean havoc cannot otherwise be wreaked.  Pray, frequent the Sacraments and study the traditions of our faith.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Some Food For Thought

This address was given shortly before #mowwidge was given faux-legitimacy by the Supreme Court.  Is the demise of the United States - and western civilization - now written in stone?  A large part of that answer lies in whether or not the Catholics in the pew wake up, pray, repent and act.