See the Sir Knights in action? Drawn swords?
Sir Knights in full regalia...Liturgical eye candy
The blog of a group of Filipino Catholics and their frank commentary on anything that affects their lives as a citizen of the Philippines and as a Roman Catholics.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Installation Mass of Archbishop Socrates Villegas
I was looking at the installation Mass photos of Archbishop Rosales of Lingayen-Dagupan when I chanced upon this photo.
See the Sir Knights in action? Drawn swords?
Sir Knights in full regalia...Liturgical eye candy
See the Sir Knights in action? Drawn swords?
Sir Knights in full regalia...Liturgical eye candy
Friday, November 6, 2009
SNAPSHOT: Not so good cover
Sisters, cover me! Make sure no one sees us taking photos of the Pope while Mass is going on. Remember, maintain the solemnity! And to remain incognito!
Back to blogging
Just got back from our farm in Northern Luzon.
We saw along the way the devastation left by the recent typhoons.
THE TV FOOTAGE WAS NOTHING TO WHAT WE ACTUALLY SAW!
I just thought...
I was whining about my problems but seeing the state these people are after the floods, losing EVERYTHING THEY HAVE...
How can I whine?
"Look at the birds of the air; They do not sow or reap or store way in barns; And yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26
We saw along the way the devastation left by the recent typhoons.
THE TV FOOTAGE WAS NOTHING TO WHAT WE ACTUALLY SAW!
I just thought...
I was whining about my problems but seeing the state these people are after the floods, losing EVERYTHING THEY HAVE...
How can I whine?
"Look at the birds of the air; They do not sow or reap or store way in barns; And yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26
May nothing disturb you.
May nothing astonish you.
Everything passes.
God does not go away.
Patience can attain anything.
He who has God within,
does not lack anything.
God is everything!
May nothing astonish you.
Everything passes.
God does not go away.
Patience can attain anything.
He who has God within,
does not lack anything.
God is everything!
-St. Teresa of Avila-
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Are Pinoy Catholics afraid of black?
That is the family of the late former president Corazon Aquino during a Requiem Mass at the Manila Cathedral-Basilica. Notice that they are wearing black as oppose to the growing trend of wearing white during funeral masses or masses for the dead. That is the right thing to do because black is the color of mourning. That is the appropriate color for such an occasion.
I grew up wearing black whenever someone in the family dies. And it surprised me, as time passed by, black is not a liturgical color anymore. And it is not even being seen worn in funeral masses or Masses for the dead in the country.
So here are my questions:
1. Is black banned as a liturgical color by Vatican 2?
ANSWER: NO. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal identifies black as a liturgical color. Even the Ordo distributed in the Philippines says that black may be used for Masses of the Dead and during All Souls' Day. But I noticed in the Ordo that the prescribed colors for All Souls Day are VIOLET AND WHITE ONLY. What?! No black? Was this a misprint? I don't think so because I looked on the past Ordos and there was not black for Nov. 2! Was this a deliberate attempt to exclude black as a liturgical color even though it was prescribed in the Ordo itself even if black is STILL a liturgical color and that it WAS NEVER forbidden by Vatican 2?
I even went to a PDDM (Pious Daughters of the Divine Master) store in Manila to purchase a friend a black polo with clerical collar for my priest-friend. I was able to purchase one. But the funny thing was the sister herself who sold me the shirt said that "black is not a good color." Huh?
True enough. When I returned the following month to purchase another one as a gift to another priest friend, the sister said that they are not making any of those anymore.
Why are these done around the world and not in the Philippines?
EWTN, Henceville, Alabama
Rome
Anglicans
Hey the Anglicans are even using it!
2. If these were the case, THEN WHY ARE FILIPINO PRIESTS AND EVEN THE LAITY NOT USING BLACK FOR SUCH OCCASIONS?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Catholic bishop boos Halloween commercialization
A bit late but still worth the read.
From GMANews.tv
As children prepare to go trick-or-treating on Saturday, a senior Catholic bishop frowned on the commercialization of Halloween, whose merchandise he said may encourage bad behavior. [It is actually more of the commercial side that promoters of Halloween are after.]
Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon said retailers selling scary merchandise create a “climate of fear" among children.
“I’m worried that Halloween has the potential to trivialize the realities of evil in the world and occult practices should not be condoned, even if they are only being presented like toys," he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines website. [I totally agree with Bishop Baylon.]
Baylon also asked parents to discourage children from dressing up in scary costumes for Halloween.
“Let’s assume that it’s not harmful to the adults (but) for the young minds, we are giving them the wrong perceptions about the dead. We are teaching them the wrong values," he said.
Instead, he said children should focus on the positive messages of All Saints’ Day.
All Saints' Day is a Roman Catholic holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 in honor of all saints known and unknown. In the Philippines, it is often confused with the commemoration of All Souls' Day on Nov. 2.
All Souls' Day, also known as the Feast of All Souls, Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, is based on the doctrine that the souls of the faithful have not fully been purged from attachment to mortal sins and could be helped to go to heaven by prayer and through the sacrifice of the Mass. - GMANews.TV
***
Huzzah to Bishop Baylon. Rare to find a Pinoy bishop commenting on a liturgical feast. You get more comments about politics and climate change.
By the way, the practice of dressing up in scary costumes has pagan origins. I lifted this from Wikipedia
Why on earth would we want to be pagans once again?
We are not even focusing on the real reason why we celebrate the Day of All the Saints and the Day of the Faithful Departed. Are these the values we want to teach our children?
Sounds like the commercialization of Christmas.
From GMANews.tv
As children prepare to go trick-or-treating on Saturday, a senior Catholic bishop frowned on the commercialization of Halloween, whose merchandise he said may encourage bad behavior. [It is actually more of the commercial side that promoters of Halloween are after.]
Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon said retailers selling scary merchandise create a “climate of fear" among children.
“I’m worried that Halloween has the potential to trivialize the realities of evil in the world and occult practices should not be condoned, even if they are only being presented like toys," he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines website. [I totally agree with Bishop Baylon.]
Baylon also asked parents to discourage children from dressing up in scary costumes for Halloween.
“Let’s assume that it’s not harmful to the adults (but) for the young minds, we are giving them the wrong perceptions about the dead. We are teaching them the wrong values," he said.
Instead, he said children should focus on the positive messages of All Saints’ Day.
All Saints' Day is a Roman Catholic holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 in honor of all saints known and unknown. In the Philippines, it is often confused with the commemoration of All Souls' Day on Nov. 2.
All Souls' Day, also known as the Feast of All Souls, Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, is based on the doctrine that the souls of the faithful have not fully been purged from attachment to mortal sins and could be helped to go to heaven by prayer and through the sacrifice of the Mass. - GMANews.TV
***
Huzzah to Bishop Baylon. Rare to find a Pinoy bishop commenting on a liturgical feast. You get more comments about politics and climate change.
By the way, the practice of dressing up in scary costumes has pagan origins. I lifted this from Wikipedia
The celebration has some elements of a festival of the dead. The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. In Scotland the spirits were impersonated by young men dressed in white with masked, veiled or blackened faces. Samhain was also a time to take stock of food supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. Bonfires played a large part in the festivities. All other fires were doused and each home lit their hearth from the bonfire. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames. Sometimes two bonfires would be built side-by-side, and people and their livestock would walk between them as a cleansing ritual. Another common practise was divination, which often involved the use of food and drink***
Why on earth would we want to be pagans once again?
We are not even focusing on the real reason why we celebrate the Day of All the Saints and the Day of the Faithful Departed. Are these the values we want to teach our children?
Sounds like the commercialization of Christmas.
Pope John Paul II 'to be beatified within months'
From the Telegraph
***
The mayor of Rome, who would play a pivotal role in organizing the event, said the beatification of John Paul is expected to take place "at the latest" by 2010.
Speaking on a visit to Krakow, in the former Pope's native Poland, Gianni Alemmano said: "These are internal decisions (for the Vatican) but it is expected to take place at the latest by next year."
Vatican observers say the most likely date for the beatification would be April next year, on the fifth anniversary of the popular Pontiff's death.
Beatification precedes canonisation and involves a complicated process including the verification of miracles attributed to the person being considered.
A miracle normally takes the form of the curing of a disease or affliction which has no scientific explanation. A second miracle is then required for sainthood.
In John Paul's case, the miracle under consideration is said to have taken place when a French nun was cured of Parkinson's disease.
The process leading to sainthood usually takes decades, but Pope Benedict XVI launched the beatification process for John Paul just two months after his predecessor's death on April 5, 2005.
During the summer, the former Pope's spokesman said the beatification process would not be delayed by the publication in Poland of correspondence between John Paul and a female compatriot.
Wanda Poltawska, who was one of a handful of people by the Pope's bedside when he died, published a book with extracts of letters that she exchanged with John Paul, whom she met in 1962 while he was in Krakow. It is due to be published in Italy in February.
There is no suggestion that they had a romantic relationship, but some Roman Catholic Church officials were reportedly annoyed that she had "exaggerated" her friendship with the late pontiff and that the relationship would have to be scrutinised as part of the beatification process.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who ran the Vatican press office for 22 years, said there was no special connection between Mrs Poltawska, 88, and the former Pope.
***
Speaking on a visit to Krakow, in the former Pope's native Poland, Gianni Alemmano said: "These are internal decisions (for the Vatican) but it is expected to take place at the latest by next year."
Vatican observers say the most likely date for the beatification would be April next year, on the fifth anniversary of the popular Pontiff's death.
Beatification precedes canonisation and involves a complicated process including the verification of miracles attributed to the person being considered.
A miracle normally takes the form of the curing of a disease or affliction which has no scientific explanation. A second miracle is then required for sainthood.
In John Paul's case, the miracle under consideration is said to have taken place when a French nun was cured of Parkinson's disease.
The process leading to sainthood usually takes decades, but Pope Benedict XVI launched the beatification process for John Paul just two months after his predecessor's death on April 5, 2005.
During the summer, the former Pope's spokesman said the beatification process would not be delayed by the publication in Poland of correspondence between John Paul and a female compatriot.
Wanda Poltawska, who was one of a handful of people by the Pope's bedside when he died, published a book with extracts of letters that she exchanged with John Paul, whom she met in 1962 while he was in Krakow. It is due to be published in Italy in February.
There is no suggestion that they had a romantic relationship, but some Roman Catholic Church officials were reportedly annoyed that she had "exaggerated" her friendship with the late pontiff and that the relationship would have to be scrutinised as part of the beatification process.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who ran the Vatican press office for 22 years, said there was no special connection between Mrs Poltawska, 88, and the former Pope.
YEAR OF THE PRIEST: Pray for our dearly departed priests
His Eminence, Father John Zuhlsdorf of "What Does the Prayer Really Say?" has posted a suggestion to pray for our dearly departed priests on this Year of the Priests especially on the First Thursday, November 5. We can gain a plenary indulgence this Year of the Priest. Thursday, probably because, it was on a Thursday that Christ gave us the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the Blessed Sacrament.
WONDERFUL IDEA! So I'll join the call.
Please say a prayer for our dearly departed priests. They prayed for us their whole ministry. It time to return the favor.
I have included here traditional prayers for the dead including a Prayer for Deceased Priests. For those who wanted the Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory written by St. Alphonsus Ligouri, please email me so I can send it to you. The file is too long to be posted here.
***
DE PROFUNDIS
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities; Lord, who shall endure it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness:
and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all her iniquities.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Responsory Prayer for the Dead
V. Do not remember my sins O Lord,
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Direct my ways in your sight, O Lord, my God
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy
V. Our Father in heaven, holy be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as in heaven.
R. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not bring us to the test but deliver us from evil.
V. From the gates of Hell.
R. Deliver his soul, O Lord.
V. May he rest in peace
R. Amen
V. Lord hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER FOR A DECEASED PRIEST
O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant, N., to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
WONDERFUL IDEA! So I'll join the call.
Please say a prayer for our dearly departed priests. They prayed for us their whole ministry. It time to return the favor.
I have included here traditional prayers for the dead including a Prayer for Deceased Priests. For those who wanted the Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory written by St. Alphonsus Ligouri, please email me so I can send it to you. The file is too long to be posted here.
***
DE PROFUNDIS
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities; Lord, who shall endure it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness:
and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all her iniquities.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Responsory Prayer for the Dead
V. Do not remember my sins O Lord,
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Direct my ways in your sight, O Lord, my God
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy
V. Our Father in heaven, holy be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as in heaven.
R. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not bring us to the test but deliver us from evil.
V. From the gates of Hell.
R. Deliver his soul, O Lord.
V. May he rest in peace
R. Amen
V. Lord hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER FOR A DECEASED PRIEST
O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant, N., to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Bulgarian Orthodox Leader Affirms Desire for Unity
VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org) - A Bulgarian Orthodox prelate told Benedict XVI of his desire for unity, and his commitment to accelerate communion with the Catholic Church.
At the end of Wednesday's general audience, Bishop Tichon, head of the diocese for Central and Western Europe of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, stated to the Pope, "We must find unity as soon as possible and finally celebrate together," L'Osservatore Romano reported.
"People don't understand our divisions and our discussions," the bishop stated. He affirmed that he will "not spare any efforts" to work for the quick restoration of "communion between Catholics and Orthodox."
Bishop Tichon said that "the theological dialogue that is going forward in these days in Cyprus is certainly important, but we should not be afraid to say that we must find as soon as possible the way to celebrate together."
"A Catholic will not become an Orthodox and vice versa, but we must approach the altar together," he added.
The prelate told the Pontiff that "this aspiration is a feeling that arose from the works of the assembly" of his diocese, held in Rome, in which all the priests and two delegates from every Bulgarian Orthodox parish took part.
"We have come to the Pope to express our desire for unity and also because he is the Bishop of Rome, the city that hosted our assembly," he stated.
Initiatives
After the bishop, Luka Bebic, speaker of the Croatian Parliament, addressed the Holy Father, inviting the Pontiff to visit his homeland and thanking him "for the support the Holy See has given our people since independence, during the war back then and now in the process that will lead Croatia to enter the European Union."
Benedict XVI next greeted members of the Association Rondine Cittadella della Pace [Citadel of Peace], which promotes dialogue and peace by bringing together students from conflict areas to live and study in community.
They shared with the Pope a concrete proposal titled "14 Points for Peace in the Caucasus" that was developed at an international congress the association organized in May.
The proposal was also distributed to the ambassadors of the Caucasus countries and to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Young people of all the ethnic and religious groups of the Caucasus were also present at the audience.
Members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Cardinal Sancha, whose founder, Cardinal Ciriaco María Sancha y Hervas, was beatified Sunday in Toledo, Spain, also greeted the Pontiff. Headed by their superior, Sister Maria del Carmen Dominguez, the religious expressed to the Holy Father their commitment to be faithful to their original charism "of service to the poor, orphans and the elderly."
***
While dissenters are busy destroying the Church, Pope Benedict XVI and our separated brethren are working towards full unity.
Catholic cartoon has it better.
At the end of Wednesday's general audience, Bishop Tichon, head of the diocese for Central and Western Europe of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, stated to the Pope, "We must find unity as soon as possible and finally celebrate together," L'Osservatore Romano reported.
"People don't understand our divisions and our discussions," the bishop stated. He affirmed that he will "not spare any efforts" to work for the quick restoration of "communion between Catholics and Orthodox."
Bishop Tichon said that "the theological dialogue that is going forward in these days in Cyprus is certainly important, but we should not be afraid to say that we must find as soon as possible the way to celebrate together."
"A Catholic will not become an Orthodox and vice versa, but we must approach the altar together," he added.
The prelate told the Pontiff that "this aspiration is a feeling that arose from the works of the assembly" of his diocese, held in Rome, in which all the priests and two delegates from every Bulgarian Orthodox parish took part.
"We have come to the Pope to express our desire for unity and also because he is the Bishop of Rome, the city that hosted our assembly," he stated.
Initiatives
After the bishop, Luka Bebic, speaker of the Croatian Parliament, addressed the Holy Father, inviting the Pontiff to visit his homeland and thanking him "for the support the Holy See has given our people since independence, during the war back then and now in the process that will lead Croatia to enter the European Union."
Benedict XVI next greeted members of the Association Rondine Cittadella della Pace [Citadel of Peace], which promotes dialogue and peace by bringing together students from conflict areas to live and study in community.
They shared with the Pope a concrete proposal titled "14 Points for Peace in the Caucasus" that was developed at an international congress the association organized in May.
The proposal was also distributed to the ambassadors of the Caucasus countries and to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Young people of all the ethnic and religious groups of the Caucasus were also present at the audience.
Members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Cardinal Sancha, whose founder, Cardinal Ciriaco María Sancha y Hervas, was beatified Sunday in Toledo, Spain, also greeted the Pontiff. Headed by their superior, Sister Maria del Carmen Dominguez, the religious expressed to the Holy Father their commitment to be faithful to their original charism "of service to the poor, orphans and the elderly."
***
While dissenters are busy destroying the Church, Pope Benedict XVI and our separated brethren are working towards full unity.
Catholic cartoon has it better.
Bedrock of Liturgical Innovators / Abusers?
Why, you might ask, I asked that question? Because a friend-priest who is enrolled in the Institute told me a story about how its Director, Fr. Anscar Chupungco, OSB, instructed them about the Eucharist. He said something like this "If you want the full effect of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, then CHEW the host well. It is a bread!"
It was told to me so I am just passing it along. So don't get too excited. That is why I asked that question.
To chew or not to chew that is the question.
Do you need to chew on the Bread of Life to get the full effects of the Blessed Sacrament? NO! NO! NO!
Christ is present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharistic Species. Whether you chew Him, let Him melt in your mouth, no matter the size of the Host, He is truly present and you receive Him fully!
Here are other liturgical innovations I heard from a priest I know who got "miseducated"...
...do not place candles on the altar because it is the Table of the Lord where we eat the Meal of Love. Because when you go into a banquet, candles are not placed on the table.
...Since it is the Meal of Love, the chalice and the paten must not be purified on the altar but on the credence table, because you do not clean your plate in front of your guests.
This mindset is so typical of liturgical innovators who mask themselves as Catholics but who are every inch Lutheran in their view of the Mass. Probably the same reason why they cease calling the altar "Altar" and instead calls it "Table" and why they face the people instead of face God when worshipping.
Hey, its a meal for them not a sacrifice!
Question: If it is a meal, where is the spoon and fork? WHAT? NO DESSERT?
So, according to THAT institute, Pope Benedict is WRONG!
Yeah...right...
They have this program being offered to priests. I got this from their website.
Pastoral Liturgy for the Clergy- is a continuing program for diocesan and religious priests who wish to update their knowledge, understanding and practice of the liturgy.
I think I just smelled something bad here. For all I care, this is pushing the panic button since it known of how Pope Benedict is teaching us by word and deed of the reorientation of Catholic worship, an organic development and not some fabricated liturgy like the Misa ng Sambayanang Pilipino, which thanks be to God, the Holy See has left gathering dust.
So whether you know liturgy or not, just ask yourself.
In terms of liturgy, who would you listen to?
A. Anscar Chupungco, OSB
or
B. as in Benedict XVI
Maybe the Philippines needs its own Pastoral Visitation from Rome...
And please add that theological school in Quezon City named after Mary. Why you might ask? 18 of their faculty members supported Fr. Tissa Balasuriya when the priest was under investigation by Rome for the charge of heresy because of what he wrote in his book "Mary and Human Liberation". I should know. Some of my friends finished thelogy in THAT school and you'll be surprised that they do not even know the Credo. They are so "updated" they know "Feminist Hermeneutics", Feminist Theology, Personality Development and Human Sexuality, Women Liturgies...
*sigh*
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio...
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Supreme Knight to receive Rome’s Lupa Capitolina award in honor of Knights of Columbus' service
Rome, Italy, Oct 28, 2009 / 04:06 am (CNA).- Supreme Knight of Columbus Carl A. Anderson on Wednesday will receive the city of Rome’s Lupa Capitolina (The Wolf of the Capital) award in honor of the nearly 90 years of service of the Knights in Rome.
Anderson will receive the award from Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno on Wednesday evening on the Campidoglio, one of the Seven Hills of Rome.
"I am honored to receive this award from the City of Rome for the great work the Knights of Columbus have done there for nearly a century,” Anderson said in a Knights of Columbus press release.
“As both the 'eternal city' and the center of the Catholic Church, Rome has a special place in the hearts of the Knights of Columbus, and we look forward to another 90 years of service in this great city.”
In 1920 a delegation of Knights led by then-Supreme Knight James Flaherty met with Pope Benedict XV. The Pope asked the Knights to expand their work in Rome.
During the 1920s the Knights opened several sports facilities for the free use of the youth of Rome. Another facility opened in the 1950s. The Knights continue to operate four of these facilities, which are regularly used by Roman youth.
The Knights also donated a new shortwave radio transmitter to the Vatican in 1966 and presently pay for the costs of a satellite uplink for major worldwide telecasts from the Vatican.
In the 1980s the Knights funded construction on several chapels and sponsored the restoration of the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. In the 1990s the Knights provided financial support for the repair of the roof and restoration of the mosaics in St. Peter’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel, as well as the restoration of the Maderno Atrium and its massive bronze doors in preparation for the Jubilee 2000 celebration.
In the last decade the Knights have sponsored several academic conferences and other efforts in restoration work. The order also sponsored the Concert for Reconciliation between Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, held in the Vatican in 2004 in the presence of Pope John Paul II.
The Lupa Capitolina award is named for the wolf that suckled the legendary founding brothers of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The award is a miniature version of a famous statue of the wolf nursing the two infant brothers.
Last year the honor was given to Italian-American actor Al Pacino.
***
All because of...
CHARITY
UNITY
FRATERNITY
PATRIOTISM
So instead of joining Masonry, which you risk your soul in return...
Or joining other social organizations...
Be a Knight of Columbus and discover what chivalry in the name of your Faith means!
VIVAT JESUS!
Anderson will receive the award from Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno on Wednesday evening on the Campidoglio, one of the Seven Hills of Rome.
"I am honored to receive this award from the City of Rome for the great work the Knights of Columbus have done there for nearly a century,” Anderson said in a Knights of Columbus press release.
“As both the 'eternal city' and the center of the Catholic Church, Rome has a special place in the hearts of the Knights of Columbus, and we look forward to another 90 years of service in this great city.”
In 1920 a delegation of Knights led by then-Supreme Knight James Flaherty met with Pope Benedict XV. The Pope asked the Knights to expand their work in Rome.
During the 1920s the Knights opened several sports facilities for the free use of the youth of Rome. Another facility opened in the 1950s. The Knights continue to operate four of these facilities, which are regularly used by Roman youth.
The Knights also donated a new shortwave radio transmitter to the Vatican in 1966 and presently pay for the costs of a satellite uplink for major worldwide telecasts from the Vatican.
In the 1980s the Knights funded construction on several chapels and sponsored the restoration of the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. In the 1990s the Knights provided financial support for the repair of the roof and restoration of the mosaics in St. Peter’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel, as well as the restoration of the Maderno Atrium and its massive bronze doors in preparation for the Jubilee 2000 celebration.
In the last decade the Knights have sponsored several academic conferences and other efforts in restoration work. The order also sponsored the Concert for Reconciliation between Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, held in the Vatican in 2004 in the presence of Pope John Paul II.
The Lupa Capitolina award is named for the wolf that suckled the legendary founding brothers of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The award is a miniature version of a famous statue of the wolf nursing the two infant brothers.
Last year the honor was given to Italian-American actor Al Pacino.
***
All because of...
CHARITY
UNITY
FRATERNITY
PATRIOTISM
So instead of joining Masonry, which you risk your soul in return...
Or joining other social organizations...
Be a Knight of Columbus and discover what chivalry in the name of your Faith means!
VIVAT JESUS!
RH stand cost bishop CBCP presidency: WHAT?!
When I read this report, I knew I had to comment event though it was a long article.
taken from abs-cbnnews.com
***
MANILA - Reproductive health (RH) as an issue may not make or break a presidential campaign in next year’s elections, but it already cost the presidency for a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church. [the writer is giving the impression that he has the info to back this up.]
Because of his liberal stance on reproductive health [you'll see later if it is indeed liberal] and engagement with the national government on the issue, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma lost the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to a more conservative bishop.
The incoming CBCP president is Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, replacing Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Elected in 2005, Ledesma was vice-president to the now outgoing CBCP President Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. It was both their first terms in office, and tradition dictated that they get to be elected for a second term. CBCP officials have a two-year tenure in office, or a total of four to include the second term.
Also, the vice-president succeeds the president by tradition. Although they are equals, to be elected as CBCP president is considered an honor and peer acknowledgment of one’s skills—personal and managerial.
Outside of the CBCP, the CBCP president is now considered as the most influential church official, with the possible exception of the cardinals in Manila and Cebu. [True.]
Election for a second term in the CBCP is only procedural, with the incumbents getting a fresh second term. But in 2007, the leaders of the Catholic Church, the bastion of conservatism and tradition, broke its own unwritten rule.
In a surprise vote, Ledesma was ousted as CBCP vice-president, and elected instead was Odchimar.
Political and reproductive views
Two sources of abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak, who are privy to the bishops’ affairs, said one of the reasons for Ledesma’s loss was connected to his political views. [now watch out.]
Ledesma was one of the few bishops critical of President Arroyo, [I am too!] and those sympathetic to her [and how many are they may I ask?] purportedly wanted to replace him as vice-president, realizing that he would assume the presidency after Lagdameo steps down.
Lagdameo himself is critical of Arroyo’s government, and his harsh statements on Arroyo's governance did not sit well with some bishops. [I agree but not because of his criticism but because Abp. Lagdameo spent most of his time in CBCP criticizing the government rather than doing more for the Church's more pressing issue like pro-life, liturgy, silent apostasy of dissidents...]
But the same sources also said that Ledesma’s open-minded view on reproductive health contributed to his downfall.
Asked to confirm if his position on reproductive health cost him the CBCP post, Ledesma said, “that’s possible.”
He refused, however, to categorically confirm the observation, saying “you have to ask the other bishops on that.”
Ledesma is one of the few Catholic bishops actively engaged in promoting family planning the natural way. [THE NATURAL WAY! He is helping in family planning but not by promoting artificial birth control! I know most Pinoy bishops are not admirable in diocesan governance but good grief they are not that stupid to vote against Abp. Ledesma simply because he is promoting natural family planning! Is this writer implying that majority of Filipino bishops are against family planning in WHATEVER way, be it artificial or natural? This is preposterous!]
He is an ardent supporter of the modern and scientific natural family planning (NFP) methods, specifically the Standard Days Method (SDM). [which my wife and I practice. This is not against the natural law nor contradictory to Humanae Vitae!] The SDM, like the rhythm method, is based on the women’s menstrual cycle. However, instead of calendar or charting, cycle beads are used to determine a woman’s fertility.
In Ipil prelature in Zamboanga del Sur where he was previously assigned, the NFP project he started there was so successful that it was expanded to other scientifically approved NFP methods.
When he was appointed archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, Ledesma brought his NFP advocacy there. He collaborated with the local governments in promoting NFP instead of artificial methods. [which is the Church is promoting!]
It was then that rumblings began. [because some bishops are not working on natural family planning?]
Collaboration with government
On Oct. 24, 2006, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Population Commission (Popcom) executive director Tomas Osias met with Lagdameo, Ledesma, and Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, who chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, to seek the engagement of the Church in the Responsible Parenting Movement, which would supposedly only promote NFP.
This was followed by another meeting in November with the CBCP permanent council. The proposal for Church-government collaboration, however, was put on hold and was set to be discussed first in the CBCP plenary in January 2007.
Before the CBCP could make a collective stance, Ledesma already sought to have a partnership with the government for the joint promotion of NFP. In his diocese in Cagayan de Oro, he pushed the laity and Catholic groups there to partner with the Department of Health (DOH) and Popcom offices in promoting NFP. [I think he did the right thing. Why wait for some incompetent people at the CBCP to write papers and pronouncements which end up gathering dust in the bookshelves when you can do something more concrete to help control the population growth, the NATURAL WAY!]
In making available all modern NFP methods as against traditional NFP methods, Ledesma argued in one letter that “we are for enabling couples to make an informed and responsible choice, based on the formation of a right conscience.” [as long as it is not against the laws of God, the Church and nature!]
This invited the critical eye of the conservatives within the Church and the laity. [conservatives? really?]
Report to the Vatican [Now this is for Dan Brown's new book!]
Representatives of the Family and Life Apostolate in Mindanao, in a letter sent to Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, chair of the Pontifical Commission on Family, raised the issue of Ledesma’s active promotion of SDM. It questioned his advocacy and his collaboration with the DOH and Popcom.
Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, told abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak that dioceses and the laity are discouraged from collaborating with government on reproductive health in any manner because it could put the Church in an uncomfortable position. [now where in the world did this come from? If this were true, why are some bishops not uncomfortable receiving donations from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (the government corporation running casinos nationwide) and the PCSO (the operator of the national lottery)? Don't deny this! I know one bishop who remained silent of reported human rights abuses because his benefactor showers him well! Oh, wait... Make that 3 bishops! I heard from MORE trusted sources that bishops who are not critical of Gloria Arroyo are SURE to have received donations from Pagcor and PCSO.]
In the case of NFP, Castro said they have gathered reports that in the promotion of SDM, “artificial methods are being introduced as a back up plan in case it fails.” Another high-ranking bishop confirmed that in his diocese, “while the initial agreement was to promote NFP methods only, artificial methods are being introduced when no one is looking.” [now I would want to see that report. This is serious accusation!]
Castro said that “while we love Archbishop Ledesma and respect him, he has a different position when it comes to reproductive health.”
In his reply to the Vatican complaint, Ledesma said the SDM is not only scientifically proven but also is attuned with Catholic teachings. As for his collaboration with the DOH and Popcom, he argued that the agreement promotes NFP exclusively and not in combination with artificial methods. [do I sense a smear campaign here?]
Ledesma argued that the Church has three options: 1) to continue to criticize and remain suspicious of government; 2) to work separately from government on NFP promotion; or, 3) to critically collaborate with government.
“We have actually tried the first two approaches—with minimal results. Trying out the third approach may incur some risk of failure and misuse, but perhaps the greater risk is not to try at all,” he said.
Ousted as VP
A few months after he agreed to collaborate with the government on reproductive health, the collegial body of bishops held its bi-annual elections, and it resulted in the stunning ouster of Ledesma as CBCP vice president. Had he been reelected, he would have assumed the presidency after Lagdameo’s term. Lagdameo’s term ends on December 1, 2009.
A bishop, who asked not be named, said there were a number of conservative colleagues who find Ledesma’s reproductive stance objectionable, and were thus wary of putting him in line for the CBCP presidency. “There were also reports that he gets funding from international organizations that promote population control, “ the bishop said. [Where's the proof?]
Ledesma, however, strongly denied this.
as of 10/29/2009 10:36 AM
***
If the report is true that the bishops believed in reports that Abp. Ledesma is promoting artifical birth control clandestinely without a VERIFIABLE report to back it up, then I am not surprised at all if this was indeed the basis for their vote of no confidence. Acting without factual basis is the same as not swimming in the Lochness because you still believe that the monster is still lurking in the water.
But...
Pinoy bishops have this attitude of going with the flow.
I know how they reacted to Summorum Pontificum and why only one Pinoy bishop so far has celebrated the EF Mass publicly. Because this is how they think! If others are doing it, then it must be right! If others are not doing it, then it must be wrong! Go with the flow! Its the latest fashion!
Since we are in the topic of population control, ask your bishop...Aside from criticizing the RH Bill, what measures have you done in your diocese to help control the population?
....................... (cricket........cricket.......cricket........)
On the other hand, this writer is painting a picture that the Church tells us that we cannot use ANY method of family planning and that even the Vatican agrees to this nonsense!
What the Church is against is this...
To even imply that the Church is not advocating responsible parenthood and even bringing this foolishness in the election halls of the CBCP... this writer must have the same brain waves as Richard McBrien, Hans Kung and Dan Brown.
Do I smell another Da Vinci Code novel Filipino style in the horizon?
taken from abs-cbnnews.com
***
MANILA - Reproductive health (RH) as an issue may not make or break a presidential campaign in next year’s elections, but it already cost the presidency for a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church. [the writer is giving the impression that he has the info to back this up.]
Because of his liberal stance on reproductive health [you'll see later if it is indeed liberal] and engagement with the national government on the issue, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma lost the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to a more conservative bishop.
The incoming CBCP president is Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, replacing Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Elected in 2005, Ledesma was vice-president to the now outgoing CBCP President Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. It was both their first terms in office, and tradition dictated that they get to be elected for a second term. CBCP officials have a two-year tenure in office, or a total of four to include the second term.
Also, the vice-president succeeds the president by tradition. Although they are equals, to be elected as CBCP president is considered an honor and peer acknowledgment of one’s skills—personal and managerial.
Outside of the CBCP, the CBCP president is now considered as the most influential church official, with the possible exception of the cardinals in Manila and Cebu. [True.]
Election for a second term in the CBCP is only procedural, with the incumbents getting a fresh second term. But in 2007, the leaders of the Catholic Church, the bastion of conservatism and tradition, broke its own unwritten rule.
In a surprise vote, Ledesma was ousted as CBCP vice-president, and elected instead was Odchimar.
Political and reproductive views
Two sources of abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak, who are privy to the bishops’ affairs, said one of the reasons for Ledesma’s loss was connected to his political views. [now watch out.]
Ledesma was one of the few bishops critical of President Arroyo, [I am too!] and those sympathetic to her [and how many are they may I ask?] purportedly wanted to replace him as vice-president, realizing that he would assume the presidency after Lagdameo steps down.
Lagdameo himself is critical of Arroyo’s government, and his harsh statements on Arroyo's governance did not sit well with some bishops. [I agree but not because of his criticism but because Abp. Lagdameo spent most of his time in CBCP criticizing the government rather than doing more for the Church's more pressing issue like pro-life, liturgy, silent apostasy of dissidents...]
But the same sources also said that Ledesma’s open-minded view on reproductive health contributed to his downfall.
Asked to confirm if his position on reproductive health cost him the CBCP post, Ledesma said, “that’s possible.”
He refused, however, to categorically confirm the observation, saying “you have to ask the other bishops on that.”
Ledesma is one of the few Catholic bishops actively engaged in promoting family planning the natural way. [THE NATURAL WAY! He is helping in family planning but not by promoting artificial birth control! I know most Pinoy bishops are not admirable in diocesan governance but good grief they are not that stupid to vote against Abp. Ledesma simply because he is promoting natural family planning! Is this writer implying that majority of Filipino bishops are against family planning in WHATEVER way, be it artificial or natural? This is preposterous!]
He is an ardent supporter of the modern and scientific natural family planning (NFP) methods, specifically the Standard Days Method (SDM). [which my wife and I practice. This is not against the natural law nor contradictory to Humanae Vitae!] The SDM, like the rhythm method, is based on the women’s menstrual cycle. However, instead of calendar or charting, cycle beads are used to determine a woman’s fertility.
In Ipil prelature in Zamboanga del Sur where he was previously assigned, the NFP project he started there was so successful that it was expanded to other scientifically approved NFP methods.
When he was appointed archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, Ledesma brought his NFP advocacy there. He collaborated with the local governments in promoting NFP instead of artificial methods. [which is the Church is promoting!]
It was then that rumblings began. [because some bishops are not working on natural family planning?]
Collaboration with government
On Oct. 24, 2006, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Population Commission (Popcom) executive director Tomas Osias met with Lagdameo, Ledesma, and Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, who chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, to seek the engagement of the Church in the Responsible Parenting Movement, which would supposedly only promote NFP.
This was followed by another meeting in November with the CBCP permanent council. The proposal for Church-government collaboration, however, was put on hold and was set to be discussed first in the CBCP plenary in January 2007.
Before the CBCP could make a collective stance, Ledesma already sought to have a partnership with the government for the joint promotion of NFP. In his diocese in Cagayan de Oro, he pushed the laity and Catholic groups there to partner with the Department of Health (DOH) and Popcom offices in promoting NFP. [I think he did the right thing. Why wait for some incompetent people at the CBCP to write papers and pronouncements which end up gathering dust in the bookshelves when you can do something more concrete to help control the population growth, the NATURAL WAY!]
In making available all modern NFP methods as against traditional NFP methods, Ledesma argued in one letter that “we are for enabling couples to make an informed and responsible choice, based on the formation of a right conscience.” [as long as it is not against the laws of God, the Church and nature!]
This invited the critical eye of the conservatives within the Church and the laity. [conservatives? really?]
Report to the Vatican [Now this is for Dan Brown's new book!]
Representatives of the Family and Life Apostolate in Mindanao, in a letter sent to Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, chair of the Pontifical Commission on Family, raised the issue of Ledesma’s active promotion of SDM. It questioned his advocacy and his collaboration with the DOH and Popcom.
Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, told abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak that dioceses and the laity are discouraged from collaborating with government on reproductive health in any manner because it could put the Church in an uncomfortable position. [now where in the world did this come from? If this were true, why are some bishops not uncomfortable receiving donations from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (the government corporation running casinos nationwide) and the PCSO (the operator of the national lottery)? Don't deny this! I know one bishop who remained silent of reported human rights abuses because his benefactor showers him well! Oh, wait... Make that 3 bishops! I heard from MORE trusted sources that bishops who are not critical of Gloria Arroyo are SURE to have received donations from Pagcor and PCSO.]
In the case of NFP, Castro said they have gathered reports that in the promotion of SDM, “artificial methods are being introduced as a back up plan in case it fails.” Another high-ranking bishop confirmed that in his diocese, “while the initial agreement was to promote NFP methods only, artificial methods are being introduced when no one is looking.” [now I would want to see that report. This is serious accusation!]
Castro said that “while we love Archbishop Ledesma and respect him, he has a different position when it comes to reproductive health.”
In his reply to the Vatican complaint, Ledesma said the SDM is not only scientifically proven but also is attuned with Catholic teachings. As for his collaboration with the DOH and Popcom, he argued that the agreement promotes NFP exclusively and not in combination with artificial methods. [do I sense a smear campaign here?]
Ledesma argued that the Church has three options: 1) to continue to criticize and remain suspicious of government; 2) to work separately from government on NFP promotion; or, 3) to critically collaborate with government.
“We have actually tried the first two approaches—with minimal results. Trying out the third approach may incur some risk of failure and misuse, but perhaps the greater risk is not to try at all,” he said.
Ousted as VP
A few months after he agreed to collaborate with the government on reproductive health, the collegial body of bishops held its bi-annual elections, and it resulted in the stunning ouster of Ledesma as CBCP vice president. Had he been reelected, he would have assumed the presidency after Lagdameo’s term. Lagdameo’s term ends on December 1, 2009.
A bishop, who asked not be named, said there were a number of conservative colleagues who find Ledesma’s reproductive stance objectionable, and were thus wary of putting him in line for the CBCP presidency. “There were also reports that he gets funding from international organizations that promote population control, “ the bishop said. [Where's the proof?]
Ledesma, however, strongly denied this.
as of 10/29/2009 10:36 AM
***
If the report is true that the bishops believed in reports that Abp. Ledesma is promoting artifical birth control clandestinely without a VERIFIABLE report to back it up, then I am not surprised at all if this was indeed the basis for their vote of no confidence. Acting without factual basis is the same as not swimming in the Lochness because you still believe that the monster is still lurking in the water.
But...
Pinoy bishops have this attitude of going with the flow.
I know how they reacted to Summorum Pontificum and why only one Pinoy bishop so far has celebrated the EF Mass publicly. Because this is how they think! If others are doing it, then it must be right! If others are not doing it, then it must be wrong! Go with the flow! Its the latest fashion!
Since we are in the topic of population control, ask your bishop...Aside from criticizing the RH Bill, what measures have you done in your diocese to help control the population?
....................... (cricket........cricket.......cricket........)
On the other hand, this writer is painting a picture that the Church tells us that we cannot use ANY method of family planning and that even the Vatican agrees to this nonsense!
What the Church is against is this...
- artificial birth control
- ABORTION
To even imply that the Church is not advocating responsible parenthood and even bringing this foolishness in the election halls of the CBCP... this writer must have the same brain waves as Richard McBrien, Hans Kung and Dan Brown.
Do I smell another Da Vinci Code novel Filipino style in the horizon?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Special Report: Five Myths about the Pope’s Anglican Ordinariates
a beautifully written article written by Taylor Marshall of Canterbury Tales that appeared in catholic.org
***
As a former Anglican priest myself, I am profoundly grateful for our Holy Father’s generous proposal toward Anglicans, 'that they all might be one' (Jn 17:21).
DALLAS, TX (Catholic Online) - On October 20, 2009, the Holy See made an unexpected announcement: the Holy Father will be issuing an Apostolic Constitution (the highest form of papal document) through which he will erect personal ordinariates for Anglican clergy and laity wishing to enter the Catholic Church. While rumors about this have been stirring since 2007, the recent decision came as a surprise to most Catholics and Anglicans.
Those who remember their high school history might recall that Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries to England in the late sixth century to establish the Catholic Church in England. In A.D. 598, Pope Gregory the Great designated the township of Canterbury as the nation’s principal see. There were hiccups along the way (Norman conquest), but England remained under the pastoral oversight of the Pope until 1534 when King Henry VIII declared himself caput ecclesiae anglicanae “Head of the English Church.” Henry VIII never shook his devotion to the old rites. He demanded priestly celibacy, Latin Masses, and prayers for the dead. He did however have an appetite for the wealth of the monasteries. When Henry VIII died in 1547, he left his son Edward VI as king. As a Protestant, Edward approved a Protestantized English ritual which became known as the Book of Common Prayer in 1549.
The liturgies found in the Book of Common Prayer and subsequent editions reveal a careful blend of medieval Catholic piety mixed with subtle Protestantism. Henry’s daughter Queen Elizabeth fully realized this compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism—perhaps the cleverest grab for political power in history. As England colonized the world, she spread her national Anglican church. In America, she became the Episcopal Church. The new worldwide conglomerate of national churches became known as the Anglican Communion. Since those days, the Anglican Communion has been divided into roughly three camps: High Church (more Catholic), Low Church (more Protestant), and Broad Church (liberals who bless the political and cultural mores of society—something going all the way back to Henry’s desire for a second marriage, and then a third marriage, and then a fourth…you know the story).
In the last twenty years, the Broad Churchmen emerged as victors in the Anglican Communion as they secured the ordination of women in the 1980s and 1990s. The past decade has been embroiled in debates about homosexuality as it touches on marriage and clerical ordination. The disaffected conservatives (High Church and Low Church) are looking for options. Clearly, the High Church movement is open to the Catholic Church and many bishops, priests, and lay people have appealed to the Pope for help. The Pope has now provided an an answer: “Come home! Rome opens its doors to you!”
The New York Times, the London Times and almost every known newspaper has printed articles about this new announcement. The blogs are ablaze. However, there is a lot of misinformation churning around out there. I have collected five common misconceptions about the Holy See’s announcement. Each myth merits an informed and measured response.
Myth #1 The Pope is sheep-stealing
The Pope’s alleged “sheep-stealing” been the most popular subject within the secular media. To them, the Holy Father has launched a media campaign to kick the Anglican Communion while it’s down. The poor Archbishop of Canterbury is struggling to keep things together and then “Bamm!” the Pope surprises everyone with a bid for Anglican souls. However, we must remember that it was Anglicans who pursued the matter with the Holy Father—and we’re not talking about just one or two Anglicans. We are talking about thousands and thousands of Anglicans: bishops, priests, deacons, and laity. Anglican bishops from several nations have sent private letters to the Holy See. Much of this is confidential. They want a way out. They want to become Catholic. The Pope is responding to souls looking to him for guidance. The pope is not stealing sheep—He is holding out his pastoral staff to those sheep looking for protection.
Myth #2 Rome is preparing the world for a general married priesthood
The media also sunk its teeth into the fact that the new Anglican ordinariates would preserve the already recognized discipline of allowing married former-Anglican priests to be ordained as married Catholic priests. This is nothing new. Pope John Paul II approved this measure in 1980 as the “Pastoral Provision.” The new personal ordinariate structure does not change anything. In this regard, nothing is new. I have seen with my own eyes the CDF document from the mid-1980s penned by none other than Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger himself. The document clearly states that the Pastoral Provision is approved so long as it does not undermine the Roman discipline of clerical celibacy. Since the man who wrote that statement is now the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Catholic Church, I doubt that he is prepping everyone for a change in clerical celibacy. Moreover, convert clergy from Anglicanism will be re-ordained, since Rome does not accept the validity of Anglican ordination.
Myth #3 Rome has reconciled itself to the Protestant Reformation
This myth is based on the liturgical norms accepted by Rome for use by Anglican converts. It goes like this: the Anglican Book of Common Prayer is a book of Protestant worship. Rome is now allowing use of its liturgies; therefore, Rome has capitulated to Protestantism. This argument fails to mention that then-Cardinal Ratzinger heavily oversaw the production of the Book of Divine Worship—the approved set of liturgies for Anglican convert parishes. Protestant elements were expunged (e.g. Thomas Cranmer’s consecration prayer), and good elements were retained. The Book of Divine Worship is a “sanitized” version of the Book of Common Prayer, and I suspect that future revisions will be even more traditional in their formulas.
Myth #4 The Anglican Personal Ordinariates will be like Opus Dei (or it will be like the Eastern Catholic Churches)
In canon law, Opus Dei is constituted as a personal prelature. A personal prelature is headed by a prelate (Bishop Javier Echevarria in the case of Opus Dei) and it does not have geographic limits (unlike a local diocese which does have geographic limits), but includes persons who are associated—this is why it's called “personal.” Moreover, it envelops both clergy and laity. It's not a religious “order” because it has a lay element.
A personal ordinariate, on the other hand, is similar but different. It is headed by an ordinary (who can be either a bishop or priest). It too is “personal” meaning that it does not have geographic boundaries like a diocese does. It can also include both clergy and laity like a personal prelature. A personal ordinariate differs from a personal prelature in that an ordinariate is reckoned as a “particular church.” This means that these Anglican ordinariates will not be a ritual churches like the Eastern Catholic Churches (e.g. Maronite or Melkite). The Anglican personal ordinariates will remain under the Roman Rite as expression of its liturgical diversity.
Myth #5 We already know everything about the Anglican personal ordinariates
We do not know much at all about the Anglican personal ordinarates. All we have is the press release from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Here’s really all we know at this juncture: 1) The Pope wants this to happen fast; 2) The Pope is issuing an Apostolic Constitution soon; 3) The Apostolic Constitution will establish the canonical structure of personal ordinariates; 4) The Pope wishes to continue to allow married convert-clergy to serve as priests; 5) The Pope values the “Anglican patrimony” of music, liturgy, reverence, and architecture. This sums up about all we can know at this point.
Here is what we do not know. First, is this a permanent or temporary solution to an ecumenical problem. Will the ordinariates be a ten year, twenty year, or one hundred year project? Related to this question is the concern for how future clergy would be educated and ordained. Would the seminarians training for the ordinariate attend a designated seminary? Moreover, who will serve as the “ordinaries” of the ordinariates if married priests cannot be bishops? Will former Anglican bishops be the first ones considered by the Holy See? What will happen to the current Anglican Use Catholic parishes? Will they be rolled into the new arrangement? And of particular interest to Anglicans, what will the liturgical norms look like? Can the current Book of Divine Worship be revised? The answers to these and other questions await the publication of the actual Apostolic Constitution.
This move by the Holy Father is simply a continuation of his work with Anglicans in the 1980s and 1990s. He understands them, and he is responding to them. We do not even know how many Anglicans will respond to the ordinariate proposal. It could be giant wave of world-wide conversions…or a trickle. Let us pray for the tidal wave.
As a former Anglican priest myself, I am profoundly grateful for our Holy Father’s generous proposal toward Anglicans, “that they all might be one” (Jn 17:21). My journey form Anglicanism to Catholicism has been difficult but it was at the same time a via mirabilis—a miraculous way, as John Henry Cardinal Newman described it. I know many Anglican friends who will take up the Holy Father on his offer. Sadly, I know that others who will not. Regardless of how the cards fall, Catholics should recognize that the Holy Father’s announcement stands in full agreement with the ecumenical agenda that he articulated when he became Pope. In conformity to the Sacred Heart of Christ, he seeks to reconcile all who call on the name of Christ. Let us continue to pray with the Holy Father and encourage those Anglicans who seek a new home.
-----
Taylor Marshall is a former Anglican priest and the author of The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity. He is currently a Doctoral Student and Instructor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas. (please visit: www.taylormarshall.com)
***
As a former Anglican priest myself, I am profoundly grateful for our Holy Father’s generous proposal toward Anglicans, 'that they all might be one' (Jn 17:21).
DALLAS, TX (Catholic Online) - On October 20, 2009, the Holy See made an unexpected announcement: the Holy Father will be issuing an Apostolic Constitution (the highest form of papal document) through which he will erect personal ordinariates for Anglican clergy and laity wishing to enter the Catholic Church. While rumors about this have been stirring since 2007, the recent decision came as a surprise to most Catholics and Anglicans.
Those who remember their high school history might recall that Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries to England in the late sixth century to establish the Catholic Church in England. In A.D. 598, Pope Gregory the Great designated the township of Canterbury as the nation’s principal see. There were hiccups along the way (Norman conquest), but England remained under the pastoral oversight of the Pope until 1534 when King Henry VIII declared himself caput ecclesiae anglicanae “Head of the English Church.” Henry VIII never shook his devotion to the old rites. He demanded priestly celibacy, Latin Masses, and prayers for the dead. He did however have an appetite for the wealth of the monasteries. When Henry VIII died in 1547, he left his son Edward VI as king. As a Protestant, Edward approved a Protestantized English ritual which became known as the Book of Common Prayer in 1549.
The liturgies found in the Book of Common Prayer and subsequent editions reveal a careful blend of medieval Catholic piety mixed with subtle Protestantism. Henry’s daughter Queen Elizabeth fully realized this compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism—perhaps the cleverest grab for political power in history. As England colonized the world, she spread her national Anglican church. In America, she became the Episcopal Church. The new worldwide conglomerate of national churches became known as the Anglican Communion. Since those days, the Anglican Communion has been divided into roughly three camps: High Church (more Catholic), Low Church (more Protestant), and Broad Church (liberals who bless the political and cultural mores of society—something going all the way back to Henry’s desire for a second marriage, and then a third marriage, and then a fourth…you know the story).
In the last twenty years, the Broad Churchmen emerged as victors in the Anglican Communion as they secured the ordination of women in the 1980s and 1990s. The past decade has been embroiled in debates about homosexuality as it touches on marriage and clerical ordination. The disaffected conservatives (High Church and Low Church) are looking for options. Clearly, the High Church movement is open to the Catholic Church and many bishops, priests, and lay people have appealed to the Pope for help. The Pope has now provided an an answer: “Come home! Rome opens its doors to you!”
The New York Times, the London Times and almost every known newspaper has printed articles about this new announcement. The blogs are ablaze. However, there is a lot of misinformation churning around out there. I have collected five common misconceptions about the Holy See’s announcement. Each myth merits an informed and measured response.
Myth #1 The Pope is sheep-stealing
The Pope’s alleged “sheep-stealing” been the most popular subject within the secular media. To them, the Holy Father has launched a media campaign to kick the Anglican Communion while it’s down. The poor Archbishop of Canterbury is struggling to keep things together and then “Bamm!” the Pope surprises everyone with a bid for Anglican souls. However, we must remember that it was Anglicans who pursued the matter with the Holy Father—and we’re not talking about just one or two Anglicans. We are talking about thousands and thousands of Anglicans: bishops, priests, deacons, and laity. Anglican bishops from several nations have sent private letters to the Holy See. Much of this is confidential. They want a way out. They want to become Catholic. The Pope is responding to souls looking to him for guidance. The pope is not stealing sheep—He is holding out his pastoral staff to those sheep looking for protection.
Myth #2 Rome is preparing the world for a general married priesthood
The media also sunk its teeth into the fact that the new Anglican ordinariates would preserve the already recognized discipline of allowing married former-Anglican priests to be ordained as married Catholic priests. This is nothing new. Pope John Paul II approved this measure in 1980 as the “Pastoral Provision.” The new personal ordinariate structure does not change anything. In this regard, nothing is new. I have seen with my own eyes the CDF document from the mid-1980s penned by none other than Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger himself. The document clearly states that the Pastoral Provision is approved so long as it does not undermine the Roman discipline of clerical celibacy. Since the man who wrote that statement is now the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Catholic Church, I doubt that he is prepping everyone for a change in clerical celibacy. Moreover, convert clergy from Anglicanism will be re-ordained, since Rome does not accept the validity of Anglican ordination.
Myth #3 Rome has reconciled itself to the Protestant Reformation
This myth is based on the liturgical norms accepted by Rome for use by Anglican converts. It goes like this: the Anglican Book of Common Prayer is a book of Protestant worship. Rome is now allowing use of its liturgies; therefore, Rome has capitulated to Protestantism. This argument fails to mention that then-Cardinal Ratzinger heavily oversaw the production of the Book of Divine Worship—the approved set of liturgies for Anglican convert parishes. Protestant elements were expunged (e.g. Thomas Cranmer’s consecration prayer), and good elements were retained. The Book of Divine Worship is a “sanitized” version of the Book of Common Prayer, and I suspect that future revisions will be even more traditional in their formulas.
Myth #4 The Anglican Personal Ordinariates will be like Opus Dei (or it will be like the Eastern Catholic Churches)
In canon law, Opus Dei is constituted as a personal prelature. A personal prelature is headed by a prelate (Bishop Javier Echevarria in the case of Opus Dei) and it does not have geographic limits (unlike a local diocese which does have geographic limits), but includes persons who are associated—this is why it's called “personal.” Moreover, it envelops both clergy and laity. It's not a religious “order” because it has a lay element.
A personal ordinariate, on the other hand, is similar but different. It is headed by an ordinary (who can be either a bishop or priest). It too is “personal” meaning that it does not have geographic boundaries like a diocese does. It can also include both clergy and laity like a personal prelature. A personal ordinariate differs from a personal prelature in that an ordinariate is reckoned as a “particular church.” This means that these Anglican ordinariates will not be a ritual churches like the Eastern Catholic Churches (e.g. Maronite or Melkite). The Anglican personal ordinariates will remain under the Roman Rite as expression of its liturgical diversity.
Myth #5 We already know everything about the Anglican personal ordinariates
We do not know much at all about the Anglican personal ordinarates. All we have is the press release from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Here’s really all we know at this juncture: 1) The Pope wants this to happen fast; 2) The Pope is issuing an Apostolic Constitution soon; 3) The Apostolic Constitution will establish the canonical structure of personal ordinariates; 4) The Pope wishes to continue to allow married convert-clergy to serve as priests; 5) The Pope values the “Anglican patrimony” of music, liturgy, reverence, and architecture. This sums up about all we can know at this point.
Here is what we do not know. First, is this a permanent or temporary solution to an ecumenical problem. Will the ordinariates be a ten year, twenty year, or one hundred year project? Related to this question is the concern for how future clergy would be educated and ordained. Would the seminarians training for the ordinariate attend a designated seminary? Moreover, who will serve as the “ordinaries” of the ordinariates if married priests cannot be bishops? Will former Anglican bishops be the first ones considered by the Holy See? What will happen to the current Anglican Use Catholic parishes? Will they be rolled into the new arrangement? And of particular interest to Anglicans, what will the liturgical norms look like? Can the current Book of Divine Worship be revised? The answers to these and other questions await the publication of the actual Apostolic Constitution.
This move by the Holy Father is simply a continuation of his work with Anglicans in the 1980s and 1990s. He understands them, and he is responding to them. We do not even know how many Anglicans will respond to the ordinariate proposal. It could be giant wave of world-wide conversions…or a trickle. Let us pray for the tidal wave.
As a former Anglican priest myself, I am profoundly grateful for our Holy Father’s generous proposal toward Anglicans, “that they all might be one” (Jn 17:21). My journey form Anglicanism to Catholicism has been difficult but it was at the same time a via mirabilis—a miraculous way, as John Henry Cardinal Newman described it. I know many Anglican friends who will take up the Holy Father on his offer. Sadly, I know that others who will not. Regardless of how the cards fall, Catholics should recognize that the Holy Father’s announcement stands in full agreement with the ecumenical agenda that he articulated when he became Pope. In conformity to the Sacred Heart of Christ, he seeks to reconcile all who call on the name of Christ. Let us continue to pray with the Holy Father and encourage those Anglicans who seek a new home.
-----
Taylor Marshall is a former Anglican priest and the author of The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity. He is currently a Doctoral Student and Instructor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas. (please visit: www.taylormarshall.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)