American Bishops I Admire

Posted on by charliej373

 

Jesus as gentle shepherd
Beside Still Waters – Greg Olsen

By Charlie Johnston

A week and a half into the accusations leveled by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, some patterns are becoming clear. Vigano and those who support him cite verifiable evidence, facts and timetables. The defenders of the Pope just smear the accusers and try to change the subject. Chicago’s Cardinal Blase Cupich said we don’t have time for this because there is important political work to be done on climate change and immigration. God save us from Bishops who think their primary job is to be junior politicians. The Pope took the opportunity in a homily to explain that Jesus responded to accusations with silence – and then smeared those who ask him to respond to the allegations as people who just want to divide. Well, let’s see, Jesus was accused of things like speaking the beatitudes with authority, performing healing miracles, and intimating that He was the Messiah. The Pope is accused of knowingly promoting and covering for men credibly accused of homosexual molestation, child rape, and creating a culture of assault and oppression. Yeah…all the same thing.

I know that things can sometimes be different than they seem, but unless the Pope and his defenders come up with something besides smears, deflection, and smarmily playing the martyr, I am going to presume the allegations are substantially correct. They actually make sense of a lot of strange things that have been going on at the top levels of the Vatican for some years now.

I was enthused early on about Pope Francis. As I noted, he had the swashbuckling style I had expected of the Pope of the Storm. For the last year and a half, when anyone asks me if I still believe he is the Pope of the Storm, I say that I certainly do, but have no certainty that he is the Pope of the Triumph. I was told that “…the Old World would be re-evangelized from the New World.” I regarded Pope Francis’ as the beginning of the fulfillment of that prophecy. I suppose that if the purpose of him being there was to reveal the rot that has infected the hierarchy, that is true in a way I did not expect…but that is a bit of a reach. I have come to think it more likely that the enshrinement and procession of Our Lady of America is the key to that prophecy and that glorious renewal. Once again, Dan Lynch has been tirelessly promoting her. (He is in the closing stages of his summer funding appeal. If you have a little extra, help him out. He has been a source of hope and fidelity to the faith for many).

For several years now, LifeSite News has been doing great work – reporting both on the life issues and on troubles in the Catholic Church. I do not regret giving things the most innocent construction I could for as long as I could do so in good conscience, but I do want to note that they were accurately describing serious problems two years ago. I have added a link to their site on the menu at the top right of the page. I have also added a link to Dr. Robert Moynihan’s “Inside the Vatican,” the best, most balanced site I have found on the subject. I have subscribed to his newsletter for several years. Unfortunately, there is a lag time between his letters and when they appear on his site. I find the latest letter, #51 (which is not up on the site as of this writing), to be particularly damaging to the Vatican’s stonewall strategy. Some wag said today that, whether on the Potomac or the Tiber, a swamp is a swamp. Yes, indeed, and I want both of them cleaned up.

As much as I want all the swamps cleaned up, I think it a good thing to reflect on some noble shepherds in our Church. Though it is by no means a comprehensive list, I have 17 Bishops in America whose work I am familiar with and who I admire and trust. LifeSite News has launched a bold new project, the website, “Faithful Shepherds.” It tells where each American Bishop stands on nine critical issues – whether they support Church teaching or not. It is a work in progress, but already it has a lot of critical information up. A donation to this site would be a helpful beginning to informing the faithful. Already, it is MUCH more comprehensive than my little list. When it is finished, it will be indispensable to Catholics who are serious about fidelity to the faith.

And now, in alphabetical order, the Bishops in America I most trust:

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver: It is serendipitous that my own Bishop should be, alphabetically, the first on this list. His homilies are always solid, meaty and orthodox. He is a leader of great courage. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay “marriage,” Aquila did not stick his finger to the wind to see how it was blowing. He issued an energetic defense of marriage and the family just a couple of days after the ruling. A little over two years ago, he organized and led the Jericho March which brought 2,000 people out to march around Planned Parenthood. He is not known for being a back-slapper, but when the faith needs to be defended, you can count on him to be at the front of the line. I pray in thanksgiving for having him as my Bishop, particularly in these times. Of course, he is the Bishop who convened the investigation into me several years ago. At the time, I was followed closely and constantly by a howling mob of critics. The Archdiocesan Board did NOT just listen to the critics’ description of what I said – they actually did the hard work of reading my actual words. They knew I was orthodox and obedient to legitimate authority. But, as with any controversial matter, the easiest course would have been to just shut me up. While putting some very mild restrictions on me, the Archbishop left me free to write and speak on these subjects, while offering some cautionary words. That, in itself, was a courageous decision. It guaranteed the howling mob would keep howling. I sure am glad to live in Denver.

Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, Alabama: Bishop Baker was briefly my Bishop – in the year before I set out on my pilgrimage. EWTN is located in his Diocese. I was once a guest at a luncheon at the Cenacalo in Birmingham, a project launched by Baker. It is a residential project to help men who have suffered from addictions to right themselves, to give them a new hope and a new life through Christ. All the men knew Baker, but that was not what most impressed me. Rather, as he walked around the table speaking with each of them, he knew them each by name. It was clear he had spent some time with and personally knew every man at that lunch. I do not expect Baker to lead any large theological charges, but he has become for me the very archetype of a truly pastoral Bishop. I don’t know whether he is an enthusiast for St. John Vianney, but I know that whenever I think of him, I think of Vianney, too.

Cardinal Raymond Burke: What needs to be said? Burke is the very icon of orthodoxy and charity. When, under Pope Benedict, he was the primary mover on the appointment of Bishops in America, we got nothing but solidly orthodox men who lived their faith with fidelity. Burke has lived fidelity to the faith, even as he has been restrained and charitable. If you have not actually read it, read the Dubia he and three other Cardinals submitted to Pope Francis. It was respectful and deferential even as it sought answers that Cardinals of the Church have the solemn right to receive. Then, as now, all the Cardinals who dared ask questions only got scorn and smears, not answers.

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia: Chaput was the sitting Bishop of Denver when I launched my pilgrimage – and the Bishop who I thought I would be submitting to. He has been the popular and steady voice of orthodoxy in America. He has written several books expounding the faith, each of which are clearly written, simply stated, and filled with solid and hopeful teaching on both doctrine and how to authentically live the faith with fidelity.

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco: Talk about being in the belly of the beast! Cordileone has done such controversial things in San Francisco as insist that Catholic Schools be faithful to Catholic Doctrine. You should have heard the howls of outrage! He stood his ground. He stands foursquare with Catholic teaching on all issues – most courageously on marriage and the family, and the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. I hope his patron is St. Patrick – for San Francisco is almost as pagan as Ireland was…and there are a lot of snakes to be driven out.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York: I know some will be surprised at this one. Cardinal Dolan made some significant missteps with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York (the issue being, what else, homosexual activists in the parade). We have a close mutual friend and I have watched Dolan since he was in St. Louis. He is a solidly orthodox Bishop with some rare political skills (which he overestimated on the parade issue). In Vigano’s statement, he said that Pope Francis accepted Cardinal McCarrick’s resignation only because Dolan had forced his hand by announcing that a formal investigation had found credible charges that McCarrick had molested adolescent boys. During the time when he was briefly Archbishop of Milwaukee following the disgraced Bishop Rembert Weakland, Dolan accomplished a lot to rehabilitate that Diocese and seed it with orthodox Priests. He has not quite got his mojo and swagger back, but I am convinced he will – and that he is gutsy and has the heart of a shepherd. He is a gifted and important advocate for orthodoxy. I pray he takes the lessons needed from the purification on the parade and returns to prominence.

Bishop Robert Finn: Finn is the former Bishop of Kansas City, Missouri who was ousted because of his supposed mishandling of an abuse case. I did some investigative reporting because the controversy seemed pretty thin on facts. Finn made a few bobbles, but the reality is that if every abuse case had been handled as he handled it in his Diocese, we would not have a problem, much less a crisis, on our hands. No, Finn’s offense was that he was orthodox. He was getting a large number of vocations, (which always seems to be the case when a Bishop maintains fidelity to the faith). Local pro-abortion politicians, the National Catholic Reporter (NOT the National Catholic Register) and every harbinger of the left was screaming for Finn’s head from the time he arrived. He kept faith. What really frosts me is that, at the same time Pope Francis put a target on Finn’s back, he was allegedly covering for, elevating, and removing sanctions from actual vicious predators in cassocks. I pray that Bishop Finn will fully return to ministry after the Church is cleansed of all this ugliness.

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles: When Gomez went to LA, he stepped into what I think is the biggest viper pit in the country. For years, homosexual activists held sway over the ordinations office. I sometimes disagree with Gomez on the best way to deal with immigration and the occasional other issue. His heart is true and devoted to the faith, though. We have some close, mutual friends, and I know that, confronted with a staggering mess of disorder, he has focused on developing solidly orthodox Priests through the Seminary. It leaves him open to criticism from some on other areas, but I believe it is a strategy that will pay dividends for LA and all of southern California.

Bishop Emeritus Rene Gracida of Corpus Christi: Regular readers know what a rewarding friendship I have with Gracida. He has become, in these last years, a serious traditionalist. It makes a lot of sense to me that a man who has lived through both eras in the Church would hearken back to the way things were in an earlier, more honest time. I love the rare occasions we get to visit in person, as he is very shrewd and sharp. He challenges, thus refining, my thought processes. Once, while sitting privately with me, he asked my thoughts on a tack he had taken, worrying whether it had been right or not. He misted up with worry over it. He speaks boldly, as a leader should, but I wish all could see how tender his heart is and how very seriously he takes his responsibility to minister to the faithful. When the terrible situation arose with young Joey Cronin years ago, it was Bishop Gracida who verified the facts on the ground, ministered to the family, and helped make sure that hospital did not pull the plug on the young man. It is a source of great joy to have such a friendship at this stage of my life.

Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin: After the McCarrick Scandal broke, Morlino was one of the first to speak plainly and bluntly on the culture of corruption and decadence that has overtaken a chunk of the hierarchy. He has taken firm leadership – not by any plotting and scheming, but the way it should be done: by speaking and acting boldly and courageously on behalf of doing the right thing and living fidelity to the faith. He is destined for important things in a reformed and renewed Church, largely because he was full-throated on behalf of reform before it was cool. Fr. Richard Heilman, who is leading the charge on the Novena for Our Nation, is a Priest in Morlino’s Diocese. It is no coincidence that God has harnessed these two together in these times.

Archbishop Emeritus John Myers of Newark: When I first heard of the McCarrick scandal I was horrified. You see, I had known Myers 20 years ago when he was the Bishop of Peoria – and we had even collaborated on a few things. He was solidly orthodox and his Diocese produced an amazing number of vocations. In fact, he was often targeted for slurs by the modernist National Catholic Reporter because of his orthodoxy. He was at the heart of developing the Pastoral Provision in America, the protocol for bringing former Anglican Priests into the Catholic Priesthood. I deeply admired him. But as Bishop of Newark, he had to have known about McCarrick. That is what horrified me. I kept my mouth shut. And then, just about a week ago, an acquaintance mentioned quietly that Myers was one of the men who briefed Vigano early on. He tried to expose the rot. I breathed a sigh of relief, for that was the character of the man I knew two decades ago.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, KS: Naumann first came to my attention because he was one of the few men of stature who rose to the defense of Bishop Finn, when Finn was being tried for preaching while orthodox. It took guts when a lynch mob of the far left, aided and abetted by modernist clerics was looking for heads to mount on their pikes. I was delighted when, last year, Naumann ran against Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich to head the US Bishops’ pro-life committee. Normally in such a case, other Bishops defer to a Cardinal. That would have been a travesty in this case, for Cupich has been the single, most active Bishop in the country in restricting Priests from participating in pro-life activities and activism. Not only did Naumann do the unthinkable in running against a sitting Cardinal: he won. Naumann walks softly but carries a big stick.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix: Olmsted has been a beacon of orthodoxy in the southwestern United States for several years now. I have watched several of his magnificent homilies on video over the years. When the McCarrick Mafia tried to smear Vigano rather than responding to the actual allegations, Olmsted rose quickly to his defense. I have never met Olmsted, but as with all the Bishops I list here, I know some Priests and others under his authority who speak glowingly of his leadership. And ha! If a Priest is a friend of mine, you know he is orthodox.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois: Paprocki is one of the most notably outspoken and bluntly orthodox Bishops in the country, both on big things and little. The moment I became enamored of him was shortly after his appointment. More than a few Catholic Churches in central Illinois had succumbed to modernism in Church architecture – and moved the Eucharistic Tabernacle (the place where Christ’s body is stored) to side altars or rooms. Paprocki ordered that the tabernacle be returned to the center of the sanctuary in all Churches in his Diocese. It is the center of worship and that is where it belongs (except in the Cathedral Church in each Diocese, where it is placed in a separate chapel all its own). Paprocki has been involved in a few dust-ups with modernists, both in the Church and in the secular world. When he was a young man, he was an exuberant hockey player – and I understand he still plays in an adult league. This is what those modernists who want to play smash-mouth with Paprocki don’t understand: he thinks that’s just good fun.

Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland: Sample first came to my attention about a year into Pope Francis’ tenure. A friend of mine had been to the Vatican on business and told me an official, talking about the strategy for appointing Bishops in America, had said, “we don’t need any more Samples or Cordileones.” Since I thought Cordileone was exactly what we DID need more of, I checked into Sample. He was outspokenly clear and faithful to Church teaching on sexuality, marriage and family life. Since then I have gotten to know several people who work closely with him. I was delighted to see he was outspoken in calling for a full investigation into the scandals. While retaining the right to make final decisions, he has said that the investigations should be led by the laity. My sentiments, exactly.

Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas: Strickland was one of the first to demand a full investigation into Vigano’s accusations and has spoken passionately about cleansing the Church. He did not wait to see which way the winds were blowing. I will confess to some surprise, as he is from Texas. Texas has the most vicious anti-life law for people who are sick in the nation: hospitals can decide to deny basic sustenance to any patient they choose – and with 10 days notice, the family is powerless to appeal that death penalty for the innocent. It is as bad as England. Worse, that hideous law has the support of the Texas Bishops Conference. In a parody of reason, the Conference calls it a “balancing” of patients’ rights and doctors’ right of conscience. Evil nonsense: a doctor may have the right not to treat someone, but he does NOT have the right to refuse to let him be treated by someone else and insist he be killed by neglect. Just as bad, the Conference directed Parishes in the state NOT to work with Texas Right to Life, the only pro-life organization in the state that has fought that law – and largely BECAUSE it fights that law, doing the good work that Bishops in Texas refuse to do. (Since that decision, I have done substantial advisory work with Texas Right to Life). I am delighted to see a Bishop in Texas take a stand for something so clearly right and just, but I will remain a bit dubious until I see the Bishops there stand for life once more and quit persecuting those who do. But this surely brings a glimmer of hope.

Bishop Robert Vasa of Santa Rosa: I have some mutual friends with Vasa, who all testify to his fidelity and orthodoxy. What really moved me, though, was when I toured the sites of some of the fires that devastated Santa Rosa a year ago, burning entire neighborhoods to the ground. Because of hideously high housing prices in California, the state was very ineffective at helping those displaced by the fire find temporary housing. (California is big on collecting taxes, but not so big on helping those in real need with actual services). Vasa and his diocese took the lead in helping relieve the suffering, setting up an innovative matching program to pair displaced people with others who were willing to open their homes to them for a time. I know from the testimony of my friends of his fidelity to the faith; I know from my own observations of his gentle pastoral leadership.

 

I have been somewhat cynically pleased to see that some Bishops who prided themselves on their political progressivism are suddenly reborn as orthodox reformers.  Many who have often been seen signaling to the press that they don’t actually believe all this Catholic superstition are suddenly born-again. I welcome their help, but they have a lot of wood to chop before I will believe it is more than just trying to anticipate the winds of public opinion. Still, it is a sign that public opinion is firmly set on reform.

Before the Novena for Our Nation began, I said frequently that I thought it might be the most important public devotion of my lifetime. When people asked me why, I could not say except that we seem poised for a great confrontation. Here we are. It is not too late to join in these great, sustained prayers for our country, our world, and our Church.

Again, this list is not comprehensive at all. It is just a list of those whose work I have had some familiarity with – and whose work has led me to admire them. There are more than a few others for whom I have deep affection, but these top the list for me. For a more comprehensive list of men committed to the faith, check out the Faithful Shepherds site.

 

258 thoughts on “American Bishops I Admire”

  1. Dear Charlie,
    I am somewhat surprised to see Dolan and not see Barron.
    You gave your reasons for including Dolan, could you please let us know why you have not included Bishop Robert Barron?
    If he is not trustworthy, should we no longer subscribe to his writings or his YouTube videos?
    We would appreciate your opinion.
    Respectfully,
    katey in OR

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Oh gosh, backyard, I very much respect the work of Bishop Barron…I just do not have extensive knowledge of his work over the years. If somebody decides not to follow a trusted Bishop just because I did not have extensive knowledge into his body of work and did not include him in this list, I would have been better off not publishing the list in the first place. Rather, I would prefer to see people note the Bishops they have followed closely and trust. That is, actually, what I was hoping to spark. We have many very devout and holy Bishops. I wanted this to be something of a starting place for reflecting on them and speaking of them – to spark hope and perspective in us all in this time when the news is all about those who betrayed trust.

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Thank-you, Charlie.
        You see, I depend a lot on what you have to say because I do not read or watch the so-called news. What I do is read headlines of The Catholic Loop, CSM weekly roundup, Zenit, Crisis Magazine as well as various blogs. What we have done is watch all the Catholicism series and almost every one of Bp Barron’s YouTube videos. We have watched others…Bible Timeline, Scott Hahn, Fr. Spitzer…to name a few. We have not watched tv in over 5 years. As you can see, for political analysis, I really depend on you… SO,
        THANK-YOU.
        katey in OR
        PS: I really love this community – thank-you for bringing us together. 🙏🏼✝️💜

        Liked by 13 people

  3. Thank you for the list of Bishops and acknowledging their strengths, Charlie.

    Hoping against hope, with praying and fasting, that Pope Francis will rise from the current ashes of his inconsistencies and missteps. What rang loud and clear among many of these hard truths you have noted is this: “What really frosts me is that, at the same time Pope Francis put a target on Finn’s back, he was allegedly covering for, elevating, and removing sanctions from actual vicious predators in cassocks.” Sobering. In addition, I recall how the Holy Father demanded that ALL the Chilean Bishops tender their resignations when it became obvious to the world that the homosexual problem with prelate cover-up was a widespread and mighty moral catastrophe in that county. Now that such a scenario is being revealed in the United States, Pope Francis has chosen silence. It begs the question, respectfully asked: Why?

    My earnest desire, hope and prayer is that we can consider these problems without burning with rage turning to resentment. May we ever strive to harness anger as an impetus for good. It is heartening to observe many Catholic lay evangelists across this country, as well as you, Charlie, ministering to Christ’s flock upon whom each one has influence, to act for good in both prayer and deeds.

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Here are some resources for possible next right steps…

      A letter to Pope Francis composed by faithful Catholic men for men to sign:
      https://catholicmenunited.org/

      A petition specifically from women to our Holy Father, noting his beautiful words when he said he seeks, “a more incisive female presence in the Church,” and that “women are capable of seeing things with a different angle from [men], with a different eye. Women are able to pose questions that we men are not able to understand.” https://catholicwomensforum.org/letter-to-pope-francis/#sign

      For us all:
      Sackcloth and Ashes (the title says it all): https://www.catholicallyear.com/2018/08/sexual-abuse-sackcloth-and-ashes.html
      And:
      The Sienna Project (provides support for letter writing in response to the crisis): https://www.thesienaproject.org/

      Cannot say enough about the good work of Joseph Sciambra. Follow his blog and you’ll be apprised of people and places within the Catholic Church who are promoting ideas against Church teaching in regards to human sexuality. Joseph simply describes the problem and gives contact info so people may follow up on the issue by writing to those responsible for allowing the culture of death to be promoted at Catholic venues. https://josephsciambra.com/

      Liked by 8 people

  4. Thanks, Charlie—I don’t agree with your putting Cardinal Dolan on the list–as you expected, some of us wouldn’t. He doesn’t get a very good rating at the Faithful Shepherds site you mentioned. He seems to have done and said a good number of things that are suspect, and his diocese sounds like a terrible mess. It also disturbs me that he won’t release the body of Archbishop Sheen. However—I know I don’t see the big picture, and I hope Cardinal Dolan merits your vote of confidence!

    Liked by 8 people

    2. I agree. This priest has a razor sharp mind. Combined with courage.

      I first was made aware of Fr. Lankiet during the runup to the 2016 election. He delivered this homily re: the intersection of Catholic moral belief and the civic duty of voting.

      He emphasized the consequences for Catholics. The extreme risk they might put their souls in by voting to support Pro Choice candidates. Free Will and the gift to choose comes with consequences. We must be very careful how we react to the issues of the day. A terrible quandary for Pro Choice politicians. Scary even.

      Perhaps the best homily I ever heard.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=881aDDE5qFY

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Ed, thank you for this sermon. The contrast between Fr. Lankiet and a former priest in Rapid who also gave a 2016 pre-election sermon is stark. We had to sit through a soft-spoken rant on the sins of national pride and the overt bigotry and racism of desiring a secure border. He was also ever silent on the issue of abortion…not a peep in the sermons I heard.

        This raised a quiet ruckus and angered many parishioners. That very Sunday, this pastor was walking home from the store with some groceries and passed my apartment. I smiled and greeted him. I said that I’d very much like to speak with him about his sermon, and he looked nervously at the ice cream in his bag (it was a hot day) and asked instead that I send him an email. I sighed, acted dejected and said, “Perhaps another time then.” I got my message across, though.

        Today, he is addressed as Your Excellency.

        http://bishopsteven.dioceseofcheyenne.org/

        Don’t visit if you don’t want to get annoyed.

        “…Yet, a balanced perspective is essential. Since the Dallas Charter in 2002, much has changed. This was shown in the Pennsylvania grand jury report, which revealed very few new instances of sexual abuse since 2002… “

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Patrick Daniel, this is my bishop! Thank you for the heads up. He finds Father Lankeit’s style toxic and his words tendentious. He won’t allow any of my comments on his blog and I am awaiting his instructions as to which format he will allow a discussion of my concerns to take place. My “snail mail” letters to him remain unanswered but he has taken the time to reply to why he won’t post my comments on his blog. I even suggested that he direct his priests to Father Lankeit’s sermons in order to find helpful ways to address us “sheep in the pews”. Nothing has changed since he was with you. Please continue to pray for him and us.

          Liked by 3 people

      3. For Joe C: Minute mark 1:54 Fr. Lankiet talks of ‘Prudential Justice’ states as Catholics we may disagree with one another or will the Parish Priest.

        Like

      4. ED. Thanks. Father’s sermons are so inspirational and it’s good to finally have a priest confirm what’s been in my head for so long about abortion and politics in America. We had only one priest from our parish say the exact same about the 2016 election even as I had read of some priest starting to equivocate on abortion. I found the site National Catholic Reporter most disturbing. I have been thinking for a long time “What the heck is going on in my Church?” Animals projected on St.Peter’s in Rome, climate change conferences held by PF with only atheists, population control aka abortion advocates on its panel, the demotion of the Eucharist by some Cardinals without a hint of objection by PF. But a huge light has illuminated the real corruption. And it goes far beyond the PA report. And now I get it and what the real goals were all time – the total corruption of the sacraments.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Hmmm. It seems as the church goes, so goes the culture. Given this seemed to mainly climax in the 60s through the 80s, is all this ripening and coming to fruition now. Because of corrupt men in the church then, did this allow or give permission for today’s demons to run free and spread the corruption deep into our culture?

          Liked by 2 people

    3. Please pray for our diocese since our bishop finds Father Lankeit’s pastoral style toxic and tendentious and not a good model for himself or his priests. In my “sheep in the pew” opinion, we’re drowning in milk and in much need of meat.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. Hmmm. Tendentious. New word for me. Had to look it up. Ok. Seems ok to me if one is tendentious towards good. Is there a negative connotation I do not understand? If not, then I am tendentious towards my wife. Is that a bad thing? Someone better set me straight if I am in left field. Oh. As a kid, I was put in left field in little league cause a was the insecure kids who was no good at playing infield. Yup. Petrified as I could never catch the ball and always struck out. What does this have to do with the topic at hand? Nothing comes to mind. Guess I am just mindlessly writing. Sitting at a shady table now watching the grand kids pick apples and eat caramel apples. Guess I am tendentious towards my grand kids.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Ha, Doug! I played softball one year: 5th grade. I also played left field. Couldn’t catch or hit a ball to save my life. My family must have been disappointed because both of my older brothers were good ball players; but if they thought I was a loser, none of them ever let on. 🙂

          Liked by 3 people

        2. Direct quote from bishop, “I have viewed Fr. Lankeit’s homily, and previously I have viewed other homilies of his. I find his approach toxic, tendentious and lacking insight.” I don’t know, Doug, perhaps the bishop’s use of ‘toxic’ is the key to how he uses ‘tendentious’ to describe Father Lankeit’s pastoral approach. Good to hear that you are tendentious toward both your wife and grandchildren, but probably not in a toxic way.

          tendentious
          adjective
          having or showing an intentional tendency or bias, esp a controversial one
          Derived Forms
          tendentiously, tendenciously, tendentially or tendencially, adverb
          tendentiousness or tendenciousness, noun
          Word Origin

          C20: from tendency
          Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Well III, I would hardly call my wife and grand kids controversial. Not sure when teaching orodox became controversial, unless you don’t believe what the church teaches. Glad you are here!

            Liked by 2 people

        3. Doug, that was a good example of “mindless writing” but the caramel apple image you evoked in me was worth the the post!
          I hope your red wagon is painted candy apple red!
          Did you use the equation pi as part of your design on the red wagon?
          Red apple’s have a circumference, right?
          I know how much MP loves apple pi.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Haaaa! Great segway. Speaking of segway. Segways are made a mile down the road from my office. Dean Kayman, the inventor lives in the same town. I have a friend who was an engineer on the original project. Ok. That has nothing to do about what I am going to say.

            Now, the segway is into the apples for making pie. We just picked apples at Apple Hill, east of Folsom, CA. Took Lambzie, our daughter and the two darling little girls, 7 and 3, to pick apples. I learned how to plant Apple trees from Denver Dan. I plan to grow some back in NH. My son in law cooked Apple fritters with his secret recipe he would not show me. My son in law and I had a passionate discussion about the whole Nike commercial, but I won’t go down that path now.

            Anyway, my son in law works full time as director of religious ed. at his parish near Jackson (great Holy priest they have). While Lamzie and I were traveling out to CA, he asked Lambzie and I to pray for a girl who was going to go to church for the first time. Well, our fight was delayed 4 hours because it came in late. The plane broke before we got on. So we had to wait 2 hours for another replacement. Lambzie and I offered our travel woes for this girl. We got on the replacement plane and it broke. So we had to get off. Another 2 hour delay…. We got another airplane and, after the delay, finally got on the tarmac ready to take off.
            Then….. the airport shut down due to weather. Had to wait on the tarmac, then went back to the gate. Another wait…. Talked to my son in law and said this girl must need a lot of prayer. So we determined to be joyful. Ok. Another 2 hour delay because we had to get a fresh crew now. Finally got off the ground at 2:00 AM. So in all, spent 18 hours sitting in Chicago O’hara airport for what should have been a 2 hour layover.

            Went to Mass today and met the girl we prayed for. She is a very young (20s), recovering alcoholic. We gave her a big hug and she explained how she went to Mass that first time last week and cried. She felt the great gift of God’s love. Well, it was hard for Lambzie and I not to weep.

            So where is all this going? I can’t stop thinking about the song with the refrain, “God is not dead, he is surely alive, he’s living on the inside”.

            Among the tragedy of the scandals, he is still working, still inviting, still saving his people. I must continue to pray and sacrafice. I must forgive and love. But I must also enjoy my family and eat 10 Apple fritters. After all, there is still the human side of enjoying life.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. What a fun serendipitous route to your point! Being a sign of hope.
              I made apple jelly from our apple trees this past weekend and gave glory to God for His amazing creation. The jelly is out of this world.

              Liked by 1 person

  6. I found this letter from Anne Burke to Cardinal DiNardo requesting that the lay board appointed 15 years ago by the U.S. Conference of Bishops be re-ignited to investigate this current issue.

    Follow the “Full Story” option in this link to the full letter.
    https://spiritdailyblog.valorboundserver.com/news/lay-board-may-convene-to-investigate-church-hierarchy

    initially it sounds good until the end of the letter where she requests that Archbishop Charles Scicluna be assigned as a consultant to the lay board. A cursory search about Archbishop Charles Scicluna details a Bishop with strong ties to the pro Gay community. This letter scares me as my initial thought is that it would be very easy for a lay board to easily push stuff into a rug if the right type of people are not included on the board.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I read about this effort as well, Ann. Archbishop Scicluna is also the President of the Maltese Episcopal Conference. This conference opened wide the doors to Catholics in irregular marriages to present themselves for communion. Sad to say, Pope Francis has been silent in the face of this problem. I pray the Archbishop does not land on such a board.

      I, for one, do NOT want the old board resurrected. I admit I am biased due to the presence of President Barack Obama’s former CIA chief and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta having been part of this old board. The corruption and deception of the CIA, under the watch, and sometimes at the very direction, of former President Obama, in my view, resoundingly disqualifies Panetta to be placed on any board formed to clean up corruption.

      Liked by 12 people

      2. “Sad to say”!? Really? Only sad to say? I don’t think that Jesus’ in turning over the money changers’ tables was merely sad or Mary at the foot of the cross was merely sad. I’m not picking on you, Bekita. Really I’m not. Perhaps part of what has allowed such a great spreading of rot is that we have been dishonest in minimizing our collective gut response.

        Like

        1. Ah III. I said just what I meant to say. However, I realize electronic communication is sometimes wanting, especially when replies are happenin’ in delayed time rather than real time so thanks for checking in. I have deep sorrow that we are where we are in the Church right now. Like so many here, and with so many from all over the world, I’m standing at the Foot of Cross with Our Lady of Sorrows… even while I’m next right steppin’ in solidarity with all who acknowledge God and listen for the particular marching orders He gives to each one.

          Liked by 4 people

    2. I think this message from Luz de Maria fits well here. This quote is a small portion of the message…

      https://www.revelacionesmarianas.com/english.htm

      “… My People, learn to recognize My Word and do not rely on times or days for spiritual awakening. Every instant is a time written by My Father in the great Book of Life, every instant is for you as if it were the last of your lives; at this instant My children should not wait to convert, neither should they reject My Calls.

      The aberrations My People commit all over the world are the product of living without My Love and the product of the desire to cling to what is worldly and sinful, to be accepted by a human love without values ​​and without rules.

      My People know Me and know that they should not live a distorted love.

      You need an inner change, each person individually, in order to live within My Love that is True Love, and not allow thoughts to alter you, nor allow the mind to control the senses or fly off and lead you to believe in what is not sure. Have hearts of flesh so that everything would flow inside; if the heart is clean, the physical and spiritual senses keep fulfilling their function properly, and after a great process of purification, they will see to it that your life and work are a testimony that evangelizes without words.

      The hypocrite is not a witness to Me; he easily finds a place for himself with grand phrases, but he who lives in My Love is prepared to be sculpted, he requires himself to be better the whole while, not only for personal benefit, but for that of his brothers and sisters. The hypocrite points the finger, imposes himself, knows no charity, and nothing seems good to him, or else he always says: “I have not decided, I am thinking about the call” – this is avoiding committing oneself to Me.

      This is what you, My People, recognize in a greater number of brothers; being My true child goes beyond a prayer, an act of service in a church, it goes beyond a testimony. MY TRUE CHILDREN ARE THOSE WHO GIVE THEMSELVES FOR ME, THOSE WHO KNOW ME, THOSE WHO DO NOT REPEAT MY WORD, BUT THOSE THAT MAKE IT LIVE AND ABUNDANTLY, THOSE WHO ARE DISCOVERING THE “HIDDEN TREASURE”, THOSE WHO DO NOT CLING TO WHAT IS EARTHLY, THOSE WHO k THANK AND ADORE OUR TRINITY, THOSE WHO LOVE MY MOTHER AS I LOVE HER…

      My beloved People, the path to be followed is steep, under the sun and without water; shoes will wear out yet you must continue towards the summit…”

      Liked by 4 people

  7. A good friend of ours (who emails back and forth personally with cardinal Burke and who was at the Vatican for the ceremony when Bishop Burke became a Cardinal) has been joking with Cardinal Burke for the last 15 years that Cardinal Burke would become Pope someday. Cardinal Burke used to laugh and say “no… no way”. Now he just smiles back at our friend and says nothing. Our friend is still convinced Cardinal Burke will be Pope someday.

    Cardinal Burke confirmed our oldest son and daughter and we have met and spoken with him on several occasions. He was also responsible for getting “The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest” into our church, a Latin Mass in union with Rome. We would like to see him as Pope someday.

    John
    Proud Rabbit of 8 bunnies on earth and 4 in heaven.

    Liked by 9 people

  8. I enjoy Bsp. Barron very much, but he has chosen to not emphasis the life and sexual moral issues because he states he feels that if that is all people think about us, from an evangelistic sense, we may do more harm than good. I get that….however, we need a better balance. The problem we are in is in part due to that fact that we have not shared the good news of our life and sexual mores well enough to make people sit up and listen! There have been many good efforts with Theology of the Body but no consistent teaching effort throughout a Diocese from grammar school upward through adult education to arm the Catholic faithful with this good news in a manner that would make the laity effective defenders of the truth. Bush Barron has the capabilities, we just need to see him get at this effectively himself and do it in such a way that other dioceses can replicate!

    I am in Cdl. Dolan’s Diocese….and several people I know who work closely with him agree that he truly is orthodox. But I can not help but be disappointed that he has allowed the Jesuits, Franciscans and the Paulist free rein with same sex attraction parish groups that do not conform to church teachings to be promoted throughout the diocese….St. Xavier’s, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Paul’s, St. Francis of Assisi and a smattering of diocesan parishes, as examples. And of course, our dear Fr. James Martin hails from these parts, too. I pray for Dolan to have the courage to clean up these parishes….they truly are the antithesis of how we should be welcoming our SSA brothers and sisters home. But double kudos for calling for the McCarrick investigation!!

    A final comment. I visit North Carolina frequently, and am happy to say I have found many fine parishes there in the Bible Belt! Prior to his transfer to Arlington, priests that I admire spoke very highly of Bishop Michael Burbidge. If the few priests I know and love from NC are any indication of his faithful leadership, I hope he can be added to your list!

    Please pray for all our priests….I dedicate my prayers every Thursday to an increase in numbers and faithfulness of our priest and religious, the same day the priesthood was first initiated.

    Liked by 8 people

    2. I recently taught 7th and 8th grade religion for our parish on Long Island using Chris Stefanick’s Chosen Program for Confirmation preparation. I highly recommend it! However, the topics of chastity and God’s plan for marriage and sexuality were addressed primarily in one class toward the end of the year. My sense is that the young people’s attitudes toward these issues had already been shaped by the secular media. The Theology of the Body Evangelization Team (TOBET) has developed a children’s curriculum (Pre-K to 8th grade) to lay the foundation for understanding Humanae Vitae and Theology of the Body.
      From the home page, https://tobet.org/ : “TOBET’s Episcopal Advisory Board confirmed the decision to create an original, age-appropriate curriculum for Pre-School to 8th grade children not only to protect them from these negative influences, but also to help them to see the wonder of being made in God’s image and likeness. The Board is comprised of:
      Archbishop Aquila of Denver, Colorado
      Bishop Mike Sis of San Angelo, Texas
      Bishop David Konderla of Tulsa, Oklahoma
      Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas
      Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas
      Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange, California”

      The TOBET Staff https://tobet.org/staff/ is very approachable and can recommend seminars and materials to meet your needs.
      I also wanted to share how much I appreciate this community of believers! You have all greatly comforted me and reaffirmed my faith. Thank you, dear ones!

      Liked by 4 people

  9. “I know that things can sometimes be different than they seem”… I think that was for me. I like your list Charlie. Most of them I had already concluded were solid. We must keep praying. I have had people ask me what to do about this crisis. I posted this on my Facebook page and I feel the Bishops you cited did do this; People keep asking me what to do about the crisis in the church. My answer is something I have been writing about for awhile. This crisis didn’t just appear, it is the product of both the church and the world moving away from God and embracing sin. It seems that it is the abuse of children that is the final straw that made people angry. Rage filled in fact. This should make people angry, but the devil is counting on your rage because rage tempts you to sin. Rage turns good people into murderers. Then you are left with pedophiles and murderers. And you become a murderer when you yourself are so far away from God that you cannot see the sin you yourself have embraced.The answer is and always has been that this is a Spiritual Battle. This is a battle for your soul. Whose Kingdom will you serve? The first place you should go with any question regarding what to do is to God. What does God want? God wants to draw you closer to union with him. Read Ephesians 6 about putting on the Armor of God. Belt of TRUTH, Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, Feet fitted with the GOSPEL OF PEACE, a shield of FAITH, a helmet of SALVATION, and a sword of the spirit which is THE WORD OF GOD. These are the things needed for this battle. IS YOUR OWN HOUSE CLEAN? Before you shoot poison arrows at anyone, DO YOU HAVE TRUTH? If you have been living a life of sexual promiscuity, watching pornography, etc, you have been embracing lies about what sexuality is for. RIGHTEOUSNESS comes from morally doing right. Do you steal, cheat, lie, do you calumnate others? Do YOU READ THE GOSPEL? If you do, then you know forgiveness of everyone who has ever harmed you is what Jesus preached. Peace comes through forgiveness. Forgiveness sets you free. (forgiveness is different than consequence). Do you have FAITH? Do you believe with confidence that GOD LOVES YOU? That HE WILL and HAS forgiven your sin? Do you believe HE is your SALVATION? The sword of the Spirit, is not a metal sword, but one of FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD. That God can clean up this mess because he showed us time and again that he did and he will. It starts INSIDE OF YOU. This is not meant to say that anything church leaders have done should be ignored. On the contrary, Consequences should be forthcoming (if they don’t makes themselves transparent, God will surely do it). But it’s meant to give you a guide of how to handle this situation. Before you shoot the poison arrow in someone else’s direction, make sure your own house is clean, so you have a leg to stand on. That you know what TRUTH is. This is a battle that God has already won, but you have to make sure you are speaking to Him, so you know the battle plan and can rest on the side of Victory. The Victory is over Satan. Don’t let Satan’s rage consume you. What we need now more than ever are holy people. Holy People will rebuild the church, and God will clean the filth out of it.

    Liked by 16 people

  10. I am very glad to see Arbp Gomez on your list. He was my “employer” for 6 years, while I worked for a parish in that Archdiocese. He replaced a wonderfully loved Archbishop, and had big shoes to fill. His heart beams of love for our Lord. He is more administrative, but was greatly accepted and fit in just fine. Instantly loved. When he left, we all felt very sad to see him go. I know they sent him into a den of lions. I saw him some 3 years ago standing in the ‘TSA- line at the airport, in SA. My heart stopped, sucha gentle and good man. I thought, ‘oh they are going to eat you alive’…but God is Good! 2 of the TSA guards, saw him, stopped everyone, and went right to him, greeted him so warmly, and ushered him right on through. People don’t forget. I’m glad he is on your list! I greatly agree with your entire list…one is still out but we shall see. Perhaps he is looking for redemption. And hopefully more will give it greater prayer and join them. Reminds me of drawn line in the sand at the Alamo. Thank you, Charlie.

    Liked by 8 people

  11. Thank you for this list, Charlie. Although my bishop, Bp. Earl Boyea, did not make your list, he is pretty awesome. He is spearheading a diocesan-wide event on September 22 at the Breslin Center (which is the basketball stadium for the Michigan State University Spartans. Big place.). It’s called “Made for Happiness,” and all of the parishes in the diocese have been promoting it for close to a year. It will start at 9:00 am with a Eucharistic procession from the cathedral to the Breslin Center–a distance of 4 miles. The rest of the day will be filled with incredible speakers and then end with Holy Mass at 4:30. Thousands of people are expected to attend. I can’t wait!

    Liked by 10 people

    1. (Mick, the new rendition of Ave Maria is coming along nicely. I had my first run-through of the arrangement with Amber, the cathedral’s music director with a sweet, high-soprano voice. We reworked the accompaniment and lyrics….oh, I can’t wait to share the recording! It is set in G minor, and dedicated to Mary, Mother of Sorrows.)

      Liked by 6 people

    2. Oh, Mick, do I ever miss the processions of the Eucharist through the church and the processions through the neighborhood. Remember knelling in the parking lot of the church when a priest appeared with a filled pyx until he passed.

      Liked by 5 people

    3. An open invitation from Bishop Scharfenburger, Albany Diocese: Eucharistic Congress at the Shrine of the {North American} Our Lady of Martyrs, Auriesville, NY.

      https://www.rcda.org/offices/prayer-and-worship/hearts-aflame

      August 31, 2018
      Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger sent the following letter on Friday afternoon to members of the clergy (vicars, priests, deacons) as well as Parish Life Directors and Parish Life Coordinators.

      My dear brothers in Christ,

      First of all, I want you to know that I stand by you and with you as we face together what will be a long and challenging crisis of faith, leadership and identity. Who we are and who God and our people need and expect us to be must be one and the same. I know you are hurting. Among our family of faith, many are angry and dismayed at revelations of ongoing duplicity and unchastity among priests and bishops. They want swift justice for the victims of sexual abuse by clergy and accountability for those who perpetrated and enabled it for so long.

      Most of our people, however, are also remarkably compassionate and forgiving. While they understand the need for justice and transparency, they also love Jesus and his Church and will not abandon us, if they can only have the assurance we will shepherd them, hear their voice and share their journey of faith.

      We must now pledge ourselves, our love, our support and our whole lives, to our people – God’s people – as their spiritual fathers and as the shepherds we were called to be on the day of our ordination. The Holy Spirit, as always, unites us around the abiding presence of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to stand with us like pillars at each end of this barque of Peter as we navigate troubled waters. We rely on this same Holy Spirit today to rekindle in us the fire of God’s love and the seven gifts we received at our Confirmation.

      Over the past five Sundays we have read, prayed and preached on Chapter 6 of the Gospel of St. John, containing the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus offers us himself as the living bread come down from heaven, his body broken and his blood outpoured on the Cross for the salvation of the world. On September 22, on the occasion of our Hearts Aflame Eucharistic Congress, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese will convene at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, united with their Bishop, to rejoice in the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life. I write to ask you to be present there, with me.

      Corruption of the holiness of the priesthood is essentially an attack on the Eucharist, on Jesus himself, who is the Sacrament of the Encounter with God. Our priestly ordination calls and commissions us from among God’s people to lead valiantly, standing boldly and courageously with them at the foot of the Cross. When we are weakened and demeaned by the ravages of sin, we betray our people’s trust and God’s commission. The “Signs of the Times” now demand a renewal of our commitment that is united, bold and compelling. Our people deserve nothing less.

      Following the example of Jesus, we stand now before our people, in fact, the world, humbled and called to an uncompromising holiness, poured out like a libation in love for all, especially the most wounded and vulnerable. This is what we pledged at our ordination, this is what our people expect from us and this is what they need us to be. I firmly believe it is what God have given us the grace and courage to be. As men of honor we must live by our word.

      Yes, we are humbled, humiliated by our own sins and those of our brothers and spiritual fathers, often imputed to us as well for reasons we are reminded of every day. Jesus himself, though without sin, suffered the scourge and consequences of all our sins. Led like a lamb to the slaughter, he did not complain. Dare we?

      We are called to holiness, no less than all the baptized, but more publicly through the daily sacramental ordination of our lives, which embraces our every thought, word and deed. The Church is holy in its witness to the whole truth of the love it is called to proclaim. So also our preaching, teaching and personal conduct must be one, and beyond compromise or reproach. Sound doctrine and moral praxis, as handed down through the magisterium, must inform us, lived each moment in authentic love. We encounter Christ in each and every relationship with our brothers and sisters, our spiritual sons and daughters, made in God’s image and likeness, and we must honor them as we honor Christ. There can be no hidden corners. Our commitment to the Truth and our moral integrity, by the grace of God in the sacramental life of the Church, must be as real as the presence among us of the Lord whose name we proclaim.

      As a libation, our lives must be open and poured out sacrificially, even heroically, towards Jesus our Lord who lives in all whom we encounter. The hands that offer up the pure and unblemished body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, must not be soiled by sinful indulgences, the misappropriation of temporal goods or the abuse of any power to despoil the freedom or the innocence of every person God’s providence sends our way.

      As a public witness, to God’s people and the world, of our wholehearted and undivided commitment in the priesthood to which we were called and ordained, I request and require your presence at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville to concelebrate Mass with me at 10:30 Saturday morning in the Coliseum.

      May I ask that you arrive in sufficient time to vest and assemble, bringing your own alb, white stole and chasuble. At Mass we will renew the promises we made at our ordination along with a public restatement of commitment to all that we have been ordained to preach, teach and live by.

      I want to reiterate that the presence of each and every member of the presbyterate is essential and mandatory, so I ask you to make this sacrifice, notwithstanding any difficulties foreseen in accommodating for Masses or weddings previously scheduled, for which our deacons and non-diocesan clergy will stand ready to assist you.

      As human beings, and men who really want to serve our Lord and our people as good and holy priests, even while faced with our own brokenness and, in some cases, unjust oppression and even victimhood at the hands of others, the onslaught of these repelling revelations threatens at moments to overwhelm us. We wonder whether we will be able to bear even the burdens of the good days.

      We may be confident that God will use our pain and suffering to bring about much good, perhaps a great renewal of our Church and a new energy to our own faith life. Our diocese is consecrated to the Divine Mercy and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We will not be deprived of any grace we need – if we put our lives 100 percent on the table before the Lord and accept the transforming power of his love.

      It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you in the Lord’s vineyard these past four years. I look forward to many fruitful years ahead. And I am confident that this witness of solidarity and support to our faithful and to one another will open the doors of heaven for an outpouring of all the blessings we will need for the journey ahead. We may even be incredibly surprised by what our Lord can do miraculously if we let him. There are precedents.

      With fraternal love and deep gratitude,

      +Edward B. Scharfenberger
      Bishop of Albany

      Liked by 6 people

    4. I am right there with you Mick! I have always liked Bp. Boyea’s homilies and what he has spoken out against and for. He, like someone mentioned above for Arbp. Gomez, is more administrative. I think he calculates his responses, so according to the Lifesite website, there just isn’t a ton of evidence for him to show where he’s at. I agree with you, I like him a lot as well, and hope, pray, and feel that the Lansing Diocese can emerge eventually as one that leads the way to healing and resolution. We have some great Priests in our Diocese that can do this – we just need to keep praying, fasting, and taking the next right step to help them take their next right steps!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Sorry about that, Matt. As I mentioned in response to another query, I have deep respect for the marvelous catechetical work he has done – and for his work at the Mundelein Seminary before he was anointed a Bishop. His decision to downgrade emphasis on the life and sexuality issues in order to more effectively evangelize has bothered me. I guess it kind of reminded me of the days when I would speak with actually conservative Congressional staffers in groups in Washington and hear them complain that if we could just set aside the “social issues” for a cycle or two, we could accomplish tons. I always responded that the social issues ARE the foundation upon which everything else rests – and that if we did that all we would get is barrenness and failure. I consider life, sexuality, marriage and family to be the foundational cultural issues. I am sure Bp. Barron’s intentions are all the best – and his catechetical work is superb. But my ardor for him dimmed with the dilution of these issues. I am glad you find such hope and strength in him – and I have nothing against him. Ha! I kind of feel like when someone is offended because I do not list their favorite saints among my patrons. Different personalities speak to different people. This is my list of the tops I am familiar with: I sure am glad to see some people offering other names I did not as people we can trust.

      Liked by 10 people

        1. Kim, when BB’s statement on Hell came to the fore, a priest friend said to look at the whole body of any theologian’s work when discerning that one’s contributions . For example, St. Thomas Aquinas taught that a baby in utero has no soul until the babe is 40 or 80 days old. With this in mind, I have to say Bishop Barron does fantastic work. He is sort of a baby bishop, if you will, having entered the episcopacy only three years ago.

          Liked by 1 person

            1. I get it, Kim, and in these days when apostasy and modernism have ravaged the faith it does take measured caution when reading spiritual material which interiorly disturbs one. You’re a blessed woman to have a good spiritual director.

              Liked by 1 person

      2. My mind changed about Bishop Barron after his debate with Dr. Ralph Martin regarding the doctrine of hell. It’s subtle, but Bishop Barron seems to have landed on the side of the universalists.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. I’m glad Cardinal Timothy Dolan is on the list cuz I really like him.

    Even though it’s sad to see this schism at the top of and within our church, it is also strangely comforting: the scribes and Pharisees, teaching the progressives’ erroneous precepts of men, still exist today, right on cue. There they are, predictably and unwittingly fulfilling God’s mission for them — which is different than they think. It seems there’s little difference in the church now than when Jesus walked among us, and that comforts me a lot.

    So, Our beautiful Lady of America gets a solid thumbs up? Good! I wasn’t entirely sure but have always felt comfortable with “her” 🙂 when I was in Cinci. I must revisit her messages.

    And thank you, Charlie.

    Liked by 5 people

  14. Oooh! I just went to my diocese’s website because I wanted to include a link to the “Made for Happiness” event. And what do I find front and center on the homepage? A huge announcement for a Holy Hour of Reparation to be led by Bishop Boyea at the cathedral on Friday, September 14, after the 8:00 am Mass. The reparation is being offered “especially for the sins of the bishops.”

    Isn’t September 14 the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? I’m glad that Bishop Boyea chose that day for the Holy Hour of Reparation.

    Anyway, here are a couple of links for anybody who might be interested:

    https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/

    https://madeforhappiness.org/

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Our church did a Holy Hour of Reparation last night for the priest and bishops and it was beautiful. On September 14 our Bishop has asked all the parishes in our diocese to join in a special healing mass that night at the same time while Bishop Malloy does a special mass at the cathedral. As disheartening as the crisis is in our church, I’m so filled with hope and see such beauty watching my community come together.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. I would like to comment further on my daughter’s comment about Bishop Malloy. My brother, also, is part of the Rockford Diocese and his Parish, as well as others, are very Orthodox. I am so grateful that my grandchildren are in their Parish School. They are truly learning the Faith! Our Joliet Diocese is a lot like Chicago…very liberal..

        Liked by 5 people

    2. It is indeed, Mick. The feast of the discovery of the Cross in Jerusalem by St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine. She also discovered, or recovered, many of the holy sites that had never actually been lost after the destruction of Jerusalem and subsequent pagan rebuilding but had been kept secret. People seem to find that incredible these days, but in fact it’s entirely credible, especially to anyone who studied archaeology, as I did. And there have been so many lies about ” all the venerated fragments of the Cross amounting to a forest” and so on. Junk science, although not saying there weren’t some fraudulent ones.

      Anyway, 14th September: a much overlooked Feast, although still a major one, and when it does occasionally occur on a Sunday it’s one of the rare ones that supersedes the Sunday of the year.

      Liked by 3 people

  15. I just happened on a 5 minute You Tube clip from Marino Restrepo severely warning us to stop speaking ill of Holy Father Francis. He says the Lord inspired him in prayer that the Lord is unmasking the wolves in sheeps clothing in the Hierarchy; but the Holy Father should not be disrespected.

    I have always respected and believed Marino Restrepo, and the big shocker is what he reveals about Archbishop Vigano on the short video clip.

    Hope the link is permitted.
    https://youtu.be/5DXZiPFuU3g?t=4

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Ah well, Julia, to ask the Pope to respond to credible allegations is not to speak ill of him. If this is not what it seems, he could go a long way to clearing it up and I am sure most would hear him. I have had others say the same thing to me. I have heard plenty of accusations against Vigano – but I note that almost all have come from people scorched in his investigation of Vatican finances or named in his late accusations of predators in America, enabled by Pope Francis. This just seems to be a repeat of what those are saying. Bishops I actually trust who have actual personal knowledge of Vigano say differently – almost unanimously. In this one, I think the onus is on the Pope and top people in the hierarchy to respond and convince us of why those accused deserve our continued acquiescence. Unless something changes dramatically, that will remain where I stand.

      Liked by 16 people

      1. To be honest Charlie, I have never heard anything disrespectful said of Holy Father on your site.

        Only God knows who in His ministry are faithful and who are betrayers. We just need to pray for them all. And if Bishops or Cardinals ask for a full investigation into Archbishop Vigano’s statement, I don’t think that constitutes disrespect for anyone. After all it can be the means for a purification maybe much needed in these days of confusion everywhere.

        I must admit to being drawn to wonder if even the Holy Father was part of a cover up as stated, and I am now going to be most careful so as not to vex Almighty God.

        Thank you and Beckita for posting the You Tube anyway, at least it gives people like me pause for thought, before we get carried away with so many arguments in every direction.

        But Charlie, the You Tube does confirm, you were right about this Pope. He is God’s man for this time.

        Liked by 6 people

    2. Some may not be aware that Cardinal Vigaro has issued a second statement with names and facts re: the reported allegations against him. It can be found on lifesitenews.com and is reported from Rome, August 27, 2018. You can access his statement titled Vigaro Issues New Statement Documents To Clear His Name of False Charges. Here’s the link http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vigaro-issues-new-statement-documents-to clear-his-name-of-false-charges

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Pope Francis has 100% European blood. His father, an accountant, immigrated from Italy in 1929 to escape Mussolini’s rule. His mother was born in Buenos Aires to a family of Northern Italian origin. To suggest that his critics are “racist” is absurd and slanderous. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was raised in a middle class family and not in a third world environment.

      Cardinal Sarah, however, is a man from the third world. Born in a village in rural Guinea, his parents converted to Christianity from animism. Raised in a remote African village, he is deeply aware of his roots. Yet he speaks very eloquently of the positive aspects of Western Civilization. He is not concerned with turning one culture or race against another.

      Liked by 10 people

      2. Yeah, Frank, that’s the deliberate perversion of words that is so prevalent, and a characteristic of the Left. Well no, actually a characteristic of all shady manipulators, of any persuasion, since the beginning. But the Left, over the last 200+ years, and more especially after Marx and his spawn, seem to have taken it to a new level. And before one might say: “oooh, it wasn’t just the Left, what about Hitler and Mussolini?”… well, they were actually lefties. And thoroughgoing atheists. But it takes a bit of education to know that. Just a bit, but then that means reading actual books. Not Facebooks. 🙄

        Liked by 4 people

    4. Thank you, Julia, and yes we welcome many points of view here. My following comments are directed only at Marino and not you for posting his video: He is literally attacking the wrong people, calling those who disagree with the Pope “wolves” rather than the actual perps who hide child molesters, and that doesn’t seem very cool or honest to me:

      Marino: “This is a very interesting time, when all of these wolves that are dressed up as lambs in the church are being unmasked… and I speak about all of these clergy, cardinals, bishops, priests, and laity, that are persecuting the Pope.”

      + WE laity here at ASOH are not wolves wearing sheep masks, not one of us; We are sinners but are generally good, devout Catholics. We are real sheep.

      + WE here haven’t attacked our Pope. We sheep love him, pray, and fast for him. We are, however, openly discussing much disquieting information presented to us about him, his cardinals and bishops, and decisions they have made within our Church that directly affect us. The conversation is uncomfortable, but we stay within our rights.

      + WE are also asking legitimate, reasonable, relevant, and yes, very TOUGH questions (that ultimately WILL be answered, come hell or high water); Respectfully asking questions of anybody is also within our rights, neither wrong nor sinful.

      In his lecture, Marino made personal attacks on others (called “argumentum ad hominem”), questioning people’s faith and even sexual orientation, which is something we never do here at The Sign of Hope. If he were to write such comments here, his words would be removed.

      Marino has simply used the tired political tactic of accusing the accuser when no apparent defense exists. Like a bad magician 🎩 , he has tried (and failed) to redirect our attention away from the root problem. The tragedy is he can’t see that he is actually making things worse for our Pope and the Church by doing so, creating more bitterness and division by attacking the innocent. 🐑 🐑 🐑 🐑 🐑

      Liked by 17 people

      1. And calling the American Catholics who are questioning all that has occurred, racists? Wow, that was way off base! I found his video shocking! Not the way the Pope needs defending….he did not further the Pope’s position by that rhetoric. Reminded me of all the victimology tactics you hear thrown around today. Not helpful….

        Liked by 12 people

        1. He most certainly did not help, Eileen and Patrick. The shrillness is so distasteful. I just wish our Holy Father would comment, to set minds at rest. Oh well, whatever he decides to do, I accept. I may not like this situation, but whatever.

          Liked by 3 people

  16. Charlie I love your blog. I was raised Catholic but got turned off as a child in Catholic school. I was so impressed by the stories in the bible of healing and casting out demons. But when in my childish innocence I asked the teacher if we could heal and do miracles I was told — “No, that was then. It is not for our time now.” So that was it for me and Catholicism for decades as I searched for the power and awe of God in many other places. After much searching I’ve come back to the Catholic Church and I believe that all Jesus promised us must be manifested in the people of the church. And that also includes care for the environment. God gave us dominion and we must be respectful of the precious earth he gave us. We can’t allow corporations to poison our earth and future generations. At the same time, I’m very disappointed that Pope Francis would say silence is an answer to all this scandal. We are all sinners in one way or another so I understand his way of mercy. But I’m praying for him and all of us in these extremely sad confusing times.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Well in defense of Dolan’s stance, it was Bishop Sheen himself who in his will, asked to be buried in NY! Which has made me wonder about Sheen’s family and that Diocese pushing for the transfer. I don’t like to attribute motivation to anyone’s doings, but it does cause you to wonder….why go against Bishop Sheen’s own documented wishes? For what greater purpose?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Because the previous two Bishops had agreed that Illinois would take up the cause and pay for it. They did and when Dolan stepped in he didn’t honor the agreement. And Sheen isn’t buried where he asked to be buried. He is buried elsewhere in NY than the place he asked.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Sheen’s will had declared his wish to be buried in the New York archdiocese’s Calvary Cemetery. He isn’t buried there. My understanding is that before Peoria took up the cause (which can cost millions) they were assured they would get the body and Cardinal Dolan did not honor that agreement.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. I’m not from the US but I recall a warning from my childhood. Someone with a better memory or understanding might help here. Was it spiritual direction or mentioned in the Penny Catechism that it is wrong to do anything that causes scandal? Does this attitude lead to “cover-up”, to “tolerance” and eventually to weakness and the mess we are in. There is a saying that every family has “skeletons in the closet”. It seems to me that this “scandal” teaching/warning has gone terribly wrong and only with difficulty will some be able to make the change to let the truth set us free. I guess it is about truly trusting God to be our loving Father and being courageous when confronting wrongs.

          Liked by 1 person

            1. Wow, thank you for that Beckita. There is such a lot in that small section of the Catechism. How very, very far we have slipped. I know we all have to attempt to turn this around in our own ways and in the way of authority but it seems obvious to me that we, of ourselves, cannot – it is such a deep-seated mess. Yes, with God all things are possible and the Warning that we are expecting from God would help immensely because it seems that there are not enough millstones in the world. The Catholic Church is just one part of this problem!

              Liked by 2 people

              1. Well said, Karen: such a deep-seated mess. You speak to another both-and: BOTH God AND we are in this together. We DO need God’s Intervention and Grace. Thankfully, He’s intervening right now in all the unmasking. In this painful period of actually seeing what was hidden for soooo long, we are given opportunity to not only receive His Interventions and Grace but to also rise up from the messes in order to co-create with Him in what He is making new. What a wonderful time to be alive!

                Liked by 1 person

  18. I will say this about the happenings in our Church since the Dubia. I wholeheartedly agree that the Dubia should have been answered, and the recent claims of Vatican personnel behavior, as well as the installation of suspect bishops and lack of accountability of the same are shocking. I respect the opinions behind Cdl. Burke and Vigano. However, was going public really the best or only way to address these issues? Does the fact that one or two attempts to resolve these issues were left unanswered mean the only way to get at them is in the court of public opinion? My heart says no. Surely there could have been a way to get more bishops on board to put internal pressure on the Vatican to respond appropriately. I do not take the suggestion of sexual predation, particularly of children lightly. Not at all. It is despicable. But was there absolutely no other way to advance this mission than by going public and heap more scandal upon scandal on our Church? The fact that “schism” is being thrown around so lightly should cause all of us to pause.
    As much as I my heart has been left wanting with some of Pope Francis’ statements and even political posturing, I have never thought his words or actions were of ill intention. I still don’t think so. However, his actions may have caused us more damage than even he intended or realized. But trying to settle this in the the secular court of opinion seems down right un-Catholic to me. I can’t believe we are not better than that. Yes, there are certainly major gaps in accountability for Bishops and Cardinals that MUST be addressed. But right now, the chances of that happening in a manner that will bring unity to our Church are further than ever before.
    The Pope is a Pope of alienated Catholics. There are more ex-Catholics than practicing ones. Are we any closer to reversing that trend? I fear not….and I still think we are better than that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Those that wrote the Dubia were ahead of the times. They did what was correct, however, while we stood behind and said nothing is where the issue came in and began to boil. Sorting out the “can they…did they just…or do they have the right…” issue came to be, took a year or so. So we let those issues slide, (hoping that Pope Francis would give it a rethinking/fire some of the worst sexual predators that a Pope could hire/get back into the grove). Hey, satan has the same battle plan as anyone else “if your going in for a fight…give it all you got.” We were caught off guard, reeling from a synod about family that went south, and a Pope that came to us with different ideology (and yes by the Holy Spirit, God does allow this to happen) – (remember the vision of Pope Leo XIII) and as drastic- a secular world going mad. So we are catching up and he (satan) is not letting up…he’s on a role. As I mentioned, the supernatural world is closer than ever before, the lines are being drawn, and man is physically and spiritually fighting against evil, as never seen before, but it is not over. Regather your fortitude. And be kind to your neighbor. They also are in this fight, they just might now know it yet. And teach your children what is about to be…this is a time they will be largely apart of. (And like us, they don’t want to be caught sleeping.) Pray deeply for our priest and shepards.

      Liked by 4 people

  19. I have a serious problem here in Kansas. All our Bishops have their schools accredited by the state. This leads to common core in all the Catholic schools. If you speak up we are told we should not be there if we don’t trust them. I know several families that no longer feel welcomed to put their children in the Catholic schools in the Kansas City area. I am tired of the talk about education and other subjects and no action. That is why we do not support our Archdiocese.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Cathy, common core is in some of our local Catholic schools, too. That’s one of the big reasons that we homeschool (well that, and also because we can’t afford $3,000 – $6,000 per year per kid for tuition).

      Liked by 10 people

      1. We are raising our granddaughter so that is not an option. I would not fill out a form and sat waiting for the question do you trust us. I was ready with a no. Collectively I don’t trust our Bishops even my own because of this issue.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. my once innocent granddaughters went through 12 years of “Catholic” education–common core; social justice; and modernism. their thinking/reasoning is not Catholic at all. straight “A” top students tho. 😦 mea culpa

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Sansun. keep praying for your granddaughters. Prayer moves mountains. My Catholic school education in the late sixties, early seventies also left me deeply confused. We live in this world but are not of this world. It may take your granddaughters decades to realize that. But just keep praying. God hears and is sheparding them. Have a mustard seed of faith and don’t give in to fear.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Thank you Maureen……just hope the Good Lord gives them “decades” to realize it all.
          My comment is about our Catholic schools in America. They are no better than their public counterparts. It wasn’t the fault of my granddaughters that they didn’t learn Catholic teaching…..it wasn’t taught and parents were negligent.

          Liked by 1 person

    3. I received the same reply in Atlanta when I questioned the material they were reading. My family was told to leave since I did not trust them.

      Many of the problems stem from the National Catholic Education Association. They like both the federal government money and the Gates Foundation grants. Gates Foundation was a leader in the Common Core push. NCEA also supports very leftists causes.

      Liked by 4 people

  20. Actually, this might be good for all. It gives a wonderful perspective on our love for our Mother Church and explicitly our Bishops and Cardinals. I wonder how many of them realize how deeply concerned we are for their souls and their futures. Not only does this require a ‘stand’ but also a unification that was not there for a long time. It is not easy for clergy to just presume that most people just observe from afar with indifference and or disdain. We don’t. Many of the diocesan hierarchy have a huge weight on their shoulders. due to this and if our love falls away, or grows cold, other problems fill that void. All concerned have come together with that realization this cannot be. They realize this. We are all family. One body of Christ our Savior. There will be a divide, because this issue cannot be Catholic and stay as they are portraying it. We follow the Laws of Nature and God. It is not man made, but supernatural. This is important to understand. It is not just this moment that has moved off center, but our relationship with eternity and the Holy Trinity. It is critical at this time and must be repaired. The dynamics/energy has changed. The balance is off, way off. This is each person’s time to get right with Our Lord, and listen carefully and be watchful. I pray for the Cardinals and Bishops, they are aware. I am sure of the full scope.

    Liked by 6 people

  21. Bp David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay is a quiet but good and faithful servant of Jesus, has a deep love of His Mother and strong devotion to St. Joseph. He would tell you he is an unworthy son, but I and many others would disagree! Pray for him and all our Shepherds, those on the list and those not.

    Liked by 13 people

  22. Wow, thank you Julia for posting that hard hitting video from Marino Restrepo. He is someone I have loved since people started posting videos of his testimonies which are always so powerful. I think I would have preferred he hadn’t been so hard on specific individuals in this video but it is good to hear a non-nonsense defence of the Holy Father.

    I was very disappointed to read these words from Charlie: “Vigano and those who support him cite verifiable evidence, facts and timetables. The defenders of the Pope just smear the accusers and try to change the subject.” Hardly! There have been some excellent journalistic investigations of Vigano’s accusations. Here are three of the best:

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/08/29/a-vatican-diplomats-explosive-letter-reveals-influential-conservative-catholic-media-network/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.43ec7990d404

    https://www.ncronline.org/news/acco…ishop-viganos-text-and-how-are-catholics-know

    https://www.ncronline.org/news/opin…atement-part-concerted-campaign-attack-papacy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry, David, the NCR links do not work. I read the analysis of Boorstein (raised a Jewish woman who obviously has an impoverished understanding of how the Catholic Church works in her hierarchical governance). I say Bravo! to Archbishop Vigano for turning to news agencies such as EWTN’s National Catholic Register known for faithfully proclaiming the truths of our faith in these tumultuous times. Much better than turning to decidedly liberal news agencies most often guilty of challenging Magisterial teaching, newspapers such as the National Catholic Reporter. Further, Boorstein and so many other news reporters and analyzers have missed the crux of the concern from those who have read Archbishop Vigano’s testimony and seriously consider the charges against many Bishops, including the Bishop of Rome, our Holy Father. It is NOT a mere reduction to who’s liberal and who’s conservative which I perceive among those who are seriously, carefully, and cautiously considering the current state of the Church hierarchy. Rather, it is a desire to seek the full truth about these charges made by AB Vigano that is the very heart of the matter.

      I wonder, David, if you have also read the response from American Bishops who personally knew and worked with AB Vigano who speak of his integrity and good, solid work as papal nuncio? They are expressing their love and prayers for the Pope while affirming that AB Vigano is to be taken seriously and, therefore, these prelates are calling for a complete investigation. It IS possible to love a pope while seeking truth and holding him to account as did St. Catherine of Sienna in her time.

      I counter the opinion of Mario Restrepo – or anyone – advising us not to criticize the Pope… unless it’s being done from a vicious, vindictive, resentful heart. One definition of criticize is: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly. This is a Scriptural dictum: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7: 24) It is Pope Francis’ very actions which have brought him to this place. Granted, he inherited a mess, but he IS responsible for his actions as Pope. It would be a wonderful discovery if he is found not at all at fault. For now, there is credible evidence that what he has said about protecting victims differs from what he has done in “rehabilitating” prelate and other priestly predators.

      Finally, I do not see this cyber-home as a place where people delight in discussing what is before us. It is a painful time for us all and discussing these things well, with the goal of speaking truth in charity, helps us to process these events in one of the most serious times in the history of the Church. God bless you, David, and all who share this space.

      Liked by 13 people

      1. Bravo Beckita. I must say, whenever I see anything that is sourced to the National Catholic Reporter, I automatically discard it. They have been enemies of the Magisterium, the faith, and orthodoxy for so long that it is hard for me to regard them as much more than anti-Catholic bigots. I make an exception for John Allen, who does the occasional serious and well-considered investigative piece.

        Liked by 8 people

    2. David,

      I’m sorry, but I didn’t sense the Fruit of the Spirit in Marino Restrepo’s remarks — calling people who disagree with Pope Francis as “racist”, accusing Archbishop Vigano of being a “closeted homosexual” Even if he is a closeted homosexual, remember that Pope Francis, speaking of Monsignor Battista Ricca who had been sexually active, said “Who am I to judge?” Ricca got a job at the Vatican bank. Are we to now to undercut Vigano because he has been accused as a “closeted homosexual”. Does Restrepo always make such intemperate remarks? Based on this video, he doesn’t strike me as a man I should listen to.

      Liked by 6 people

  23. Many people remain way too unwilling to criticize the Pope, maybe out of a misplaced understanding of infallibility or conflating being “nice” with being charitable. If this were the Middle Ages and the Pope had a mistress and a few illegitimate kids, wouldn’t it be ok for the laity to point out that this is not right? Or would we say “well, he’s the Pope he can do what he wants.” No. If the Pope appointed his teenage nephew a Cardinal, or sold the title Bishop to political patrons for thousands of dollars would we be expected to say “well, sounds good”? No again.

    While being charitable, it is the right and duty of lay faithful to say that the Pope is doing wrong, if we in truth believe it to be so. I have seen plenty of things lately that in my opinion are not charitable, for example a headline that read “The Holy Father is neither Holy nor a Father.” I would say this is a wrong thing to say.

    There seems to be a belief these days that everything is reduceable to US political labels, and that once you have the label “liberal” or “conservative” that everything you say and do is either redeemed or tainted by the label you have been given. A so-labeled liberal can do no wrong in the minds of liberals and can do no right in the minds of conservatives, and vice versa. Reality is a lot more subtle than that. I wish that Vigano hadn’t mixed some of these legitimate allegations so much with nakedly political issues, because it is used by his opponents to distract and discredit legitimate issues. But I don’t blame him, maybe he knew that he would be attacked anyway so why not put it all out there.

    I just hate to see conservatives who shut their ears to anything the Pope says because he is labeled left-wing and has made some (in my and the conservative view) pretty bad political and personnel decisions. He is still the Holy Father and can’t completely apostasize or infallibly preach error, and says so many profound things we should hear. We can’t respond to this crisis like Martin Luther did, and Luther had legitimate complaints as well. We have to stay and insist the rot be cleaned.

    I also hate to see that liberals and secular progressives shut their ears to legitimate problems and truths for fear of derailing their political agenda. Unfortunately it seems the Pope himself has had this failing.

    We have to remember that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, but is still a man, not God, and act accordingly

    Liked by 12 people

    2. Marvelous comments, Lake. Pope Francis’ comments at the end of the first session of the Synod on the Family constituted one of the most beautiful, concise, orthodox and charitable words I have ever read. It is a terrible mistake to reduce these serious issues to a mere political agenda. God calls us to much more than that. When we learn to criticize without bile or malice – and to praise rightly, not just to advance an agenda, we are at the beginning of wisdom. It is much lost in these times. I am so glad this site has become a place where we can come reason together.

      Liked by 8 people

    1. Please, David, no more links to National Catholic Reporter. Those who are faithful to the Teaching Magisterium and have ever read this news source have assessments consonant with Charlie’s conveyed today: “I must say, whenever I see anything that is sourced to the National Catholic Reporter, I automatically discard it. They have been enemies of the Magisterium, the faith, and orthodoxy for so long that it is hard for me to regard them as much more than anti-Catholic bigots.” Michael Sean Winters who contributes regularly at NCR writes his *opinion* and his opinion includes many a harsh smear against Archbishop Vigano while imputing motives to AB Vigano which Winters has no way of knowing.

      I will link to the Catholic News Service article straight from their site: http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/is-there-truth-in-archbishop-viganos-text-and-how-are-catholics-to-know.cfm

      Again, I say please do review the statements from American Bishops such as Morlino, Cordelione and Cardinal DiNardo who have long been fighting the good fight of teaching from and encouraging their flocks to follow the Teaching Magisterium. These men are primary sources for assessing the character of AB Vigano. There’s not the least bit of bitterness for Pope Francis expressed in their statements, only deep concern to get at the truth, especially given that these good bishops had firsthand, personal knowledge of the integrity of Archbishop Vigano and they are listening to him while requesting an in-depth study of the issues at hand.

      Liked by 7 people

  25. Charlie,
    Check out Bishop Ron Gainer former Bishop of Lexington, Ky. & now Bishop of Harrisburg, Pa. He cleaned up that Church of feminist & homosexuals & had record numbers of vocations. He was appointed Bishop of Harrisburg & walked into a real mess & is handeling it well. He is a Good Sherpard.

    Liked by 9 people

  26. I hope you take a look at the current bishop in KC, Bishop James V. Johnston. I have been impressed with his calm, serious, yet friendly nature and the way he has navigated through the mine field. You probably can appreciate the fact that we have a mind field or two in our diocese. I think of you actually, Charlie, when I see him moving ahead and being courageous, in that I think he is sincerely trying to do the next right thing, or however you put it. He does really seem to rely on the Holy Spirit in many ways. I have had some questions, but he is winning my admiration over time.

    Liked by 4 people

  27. I’m sad to see that the two articles I linked to are considered so outrageous as to needing to be removed from being discussed. This is becoming a repeat of the MoG forum which gradually removed posts defending Pope Francis and then eventually banned anyone daring to defend him! LifeSiteNews is deemed to be a good sound Catholic site despite it spending almost all its time criticizing virtually everything Pope Francis does.

    I’m only trying to respond to Charlie’s comment that Francis defenders haven’t come up with anything to undermine Vigano’s document. Those two articles I linked to did just that. Perhaps the following article will be considered acceptable?
    https://wherepeteris.com/yes-the-background-is-relevant-behind-viganos-testimony/

    Liked by 1 person

    2. David, I’m well aware of the attacks launched against Pope Francis from the moment he stepped onto the loggia. I realize that many arch-conservative websites unjustly smeared the Holy Father, right and left, left and right, from the outset of his pontificate in 2013 and, too, certain dominant commenters at MoG, early on, piled on and pinned Pope Francis with the label: heretic. There is a yuuuuuuuuuuuge difference in coming to TNRS-ASOH. Some history: As I mentioned to you in a previous comment, Charlie worked assiduously to defend Pope Francis when he initiated his pontificate. Charlie banned, from our site, the people and websites who vociferously cast aspersions on Pope Francis. Charlie talked up with high approval and placed a link on the side of the page to Peter Bannister’s book, No False Prophet: Pope Francis and his not-so-cultured despisers: a theme and four variations.

      Now that we are at this point, five+ years into this pontificate, problems are being noted not only by Charlie but by many good, faithful Catholic people, including many good faithful priests. A vast number of rock-solid lay Catholic evangelists in the USA, who have always supported Pope Francis, are now crying for a thorough investigation of the bishops and the testimony of AB Vigano. These, and many other laity and clergy, are people who did NOT pile on to the early complaints against Pope Francis. Rather, these people have watched, prayed and waited while becoming more and more concerned about words, actions, policies, and appointments made by Pope Francis. Not until this very year in March did Charlie first convey his concerns here. Then, this summer, America has had her faith-challenging scandal concerning the episcopacy here explode on the world scene with a trail that leads to the Vatican according to the Grand Jury Report from Pennsylvania. I’m in the camp that believes if we as a Catholic Church do not get hoppin on investigating the full story of all that has now been brought to light, civil authorities will do the job with much harsher penalties.

      I hear your frustration, David. A fair and reasonable explanation for why NCR links do not pass muster has been given and I did go to the trouble of finding one of the articles and linking to it at its original source. So, really, your charge that two articles were removed is not so. Just one was removed.

      Liked by 5 people

  28. Dolan on the list with great Bishops? Big Fail! Charlie, you had better do more research. Dolan, the heterodox politician, betrayed Catholic Church Magisterium teaching and the Irish Catholics by permitting the “intrinsically” perverted homosexuals to fly their flag in St. Patrick’s Parade. Dolan helped obama the fraudulent president to win two times by inviting him to the Friars Club Dinner. Please Charlie delete Dolan from your list of Bishops.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Charlie, is there a name to the anti-life law you spoke of in TX? I don’t live there, but have close ties, and we’ve never heard of anything like that, nor can I find any reference online. Thank you for all the good information you give us.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is the Texas Advanced Directives Act (TADA). Catholic Attorney Kassie Marks has a blog on which she has written extensively on this hideous issue. I give you this link that goes specifically to the controversy with the Bishops over it, but if you go through her fuller posts, it is almost exclusively devoted to information on TADA. It is ironic to me: I long ago prayed that I never get seriously sick in Texas or California, because they can kill you in the hospital there – and those are the two states I have ended up spending the most time when I am not in Colorado. This post most clearly outlines the main issues with TADA. When the Issues erupted between the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (the political arm) and Texas Right to Life (TRTL), I wrote this piece explaining what was going on. I hope this helps you out. I should note that several Bishops in Texas have reached out to try to smooth things over with TRTL – and I think it was primarily the lobbyist for TCCB who was enthused for this hideous law – and many of the Bishops may be more guilty of malign neglect in not checking what their political staff is committing them to than to actually overtly defying Catholic teaching on life. But if that is the case, they need to pay attention to what they are supporting if they are going to play at politics – and they need to fire any staffer who openly opposes Catholic teaching in their name. In the old world of politics, if a staffer intentionally sandbagged me on something, I did not try to rehabilitate them: they had to look for a different job.

      Liked by 5 people

  31. Here it comes…https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/nyregion/catholic-sex-abuse.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

    Newly emboldened attorneys general across the United States have begun to take an aggressive stance toward investigating sex abuse by Catholic clergy, examining whether church officials covered up malfeasance, issuing subpoenas for documents and convening special task forces.

    On Thursday alone, the New York State attorney general issued subpoenas to all eight Roman Catholic dioceses in the state as part of a sweeping civil investigation into whether institutions covered up allegations of sexual abuse of children, officials said. The attorney general in New Jersey announced a similar investigation.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Great examination of the silence of Pope Francis. This quote sold it for me, “If he wants to be like Jesus he should calm the storm.”
      Perhaps we should keep shaking Pope Francis to wake up. By our prayers, I mean.
      Thanks, Beckita.

      Liked by 8 people

  34. I certainly don’t think silence is the correct response to Vigano’s claims, nor is hasty speech. Something needs to be said relatively soon. Silence is an appropriate response when you are being persecuted for doing good, or people of evil will are trying to trap you. Examples would include Jesus refusing to respond to the Jewish and Roman accusers. Silence is not an appropriate response to legitimate evidence of wrongdoing, or a respectful request for clarification. I’m having a hard time understanding how silence is a good idea in this case and in the case of the Dubia (among others). Is Pope Francis so politically hard line that he sees Vigano, Burke, etc as enemies persecuting him? That would be a sad thought.

    My other comment on political ideology is that there are people of good will and people of ill will on all sides and it’s key to try to know which is which. Particularly in the hierarchy. I expect that some Bishops want to be good shepherds but have been so beaten down by sexual weakness and sin that they just can’t, and probably should resign. Some more orthodox prelates may be in this camp, as they speak orthodox words and believe them but struggle with personal sin. On the other hand, some are just using orthodoxy as a front to hide their predation. On the “liberal” side, some may be so enslaved by sexual sin that instead of fighting the sin have chosen to try to change the unchangeable to ease their conscience. Some have always considered their sin to be good, and never believed. People are very capable of self-deception even over many years. Definitely they need our prayers, but those that can’t be shepherds need to step down, whatever the reason, and those that are genuine apostates need to be removed regardless of how good an fund raising they are.

    Liked by 12 people

  35. What totally astounds me in all this. The whole scandal and confusion and storm comes down to men of the Church of Jesus Christ breaking the Sixth Commandment of God.

    Yes, that is what it all boils down to. Imagine the whole world on fire because men love what is in their pants more than they love God.

    It would be laughable if it was not so appalling. Sigh.

    Like

      1. And who are you, Beckie, to say Our Holy Father needs to be purified? Who are you Charlie, you who by your own admission are unreliable in your witness? Who am I you may ask? Of myself I am nothing plus sin. Yet by the grace of God I am Catholic, a Crozier, one who carries the cross before the bishop as he enters battle. As did my ancestor for Bishop Oddo in the Battle of Hastings, as did my father in his valiant efforts to protect life in the womb and to preserve Catholic education, so I help, however ineffectually to carry the cross of Pope Francis which is the cross of Christ.

        You may mock but I have been mocked by better and worse than the likes of you. Evidence is not the best reason to believe or the best way to understand. Wisdom is all that matters.

        May God guide us in the way of Wisdom which is the way of Love and the Way of Hope. Thanks be to God. God bless Pope Francis.

        As a Catholic I support the Pope, not in mindless fashion, but mindful of the source of his original authority and mindful of the lack of evidence proved against him. As Francis said “Where there is calumny there is Satan.”

        Like

        1. God’s Holy Word says we ALL need to be purified, Joe. Every.last.one.of.us. From the greatest to the least. One and only one creature of God was immaculately conceived.

          Speaking not of your person but to the silliness of the idea to proclaim: “Evidence is not the best reason to believe or the best way to understand.” Our very Catholic teaching promotes the fusion of Faith and Reason as we ponder the mysteries and truths of faith and life. How intellectually ridiculous to spurn the use of reason via examining evidence. Wisdom, the Scriptures tell us, is a precious gift given us at Confirmation. It naturally follows that it is so worthy of praying to develop this gift. How readily it is integrated in employing reason and living out faith. Thus, there is no reason to elevate reasoning above wisdom or vice versa when these are complementary means used in discerning.

          I get it, Joe. You will support Pope Francis no matter what unfolds. No one here has denied you your opinion even as most commenters have expressed their deep concern about this crisis in our Church and how evidence exposes a trail which leads all the way to the Vatican. (And for discussing such as this we are accused here of persecuting the Pope? And accused of doing so in a “slithering” way?) NO Pope, and including this Pope, is above God’s Laws.

          This all begs the question, Joe, for you and any one of us: Why am I here? And as any one of us answer this question, this excerpt from the comment policy is the guide which has kept this place a sane place of discussion: “…That is not to say we are nice and don’t say hard things or make tough criticisms – but it must be based in evidence rather than simply emoting feelings – and all is designed to build up the people of God, not to tear each other down.” Attitude matters and there is a strong flavor of anger rising embedded in an attitude of Come on! Let’s fight! which seeps from your words in this comment, Joe. Why? Why are you here? If this is your way of trying to bring us to embrace your view of Pope Francis, it’s backfiring.

          And, saddest of all, I cannot deny this truth: You have previously castigated Charlie here, in so many words, as being satan’s henchman, and have intimated, on more than one occasion here that St. Gabriel who has been assigned to guide Charlie in his mission is none other than an evil spirit and now… again, you insult Charlie in a vile way by taking his humble admittance that he has been an unreliable witness in the two major prophetic errors and you smear his mission of defending the faith and defending the faithful. For my part, I am so sorry we have come to this impasse with you, Joe, for you have made such beautiful contributions here. But the mean-spirited way in which this comment has been written, I think, warrants an apology to Charlie. What he will choose to do is up to him.

          Indeed, God bless Pope Francis. God bless our Church. God bless us, one and all.

          Liked by 13 people

          1. Thank you Beckita. Your comments speak to my thoughts in a pleasant and coherent matter. I was looking for a video demonstration of an engine which explodes as I think Joe C. has “lost it”. I understand his passion but not when it turns into a vile, disgusting verbal tirade against one and all.

            Liked by 3 people

          2. Thank you, Beckita, for your response to Joe. I am saddened and disappointed by his post; it is most inappropriate. Mother Mary, cover us all with your mantle!

            Liked by 4 people

          3. Rebecca and Charlie

            Yes I expected this, your next step. I had hoped for better but in reality I knew that better would not come my way. Silly, mean and mindless are your final shot. I have never spurned the use of reason. But you and Charlie have repeated that false accusation ad nauseam. Insults and spittle.

            Evidence has many problems not least the hermeneutic of the witness. The history of the witness must also be considered in the valuation of the evidence. The type of evidence chosen to make a case is also important as is the protocol through which it is presented. As such it is not silly to say that evidence (per se) is not (always) the best way to arrive at the correct conclusion.

            It is so easy to tamper with evidence either deliberately or inadvertently and so alter the verdict. But apart from that there is still the principle of presumption of innocence.

            In litigation some courses of action are said to be repugnant to law. It is repugnant to the law written on my heart to condemn the goodness of Pope Francis.

            You do not get it Rebecca. It is not and has never been a question of me supporting Pope Francis “no matter what unfolds.” To say so again and again simply slings more muck in my face but I can take it.

            I have repeatedly denied the charge that I am guilty of normalcy bias. What does canon law say about judging the pope? Who has the right? Only God and who is like God? No-one.

            I am sure your take on canon law that will justify your stance but the intention of the law is clear. The intention of the law maker is always an important consideration in interpretation and reduction of evidence. The intention of canon law is to preserve the primacy of Peter as bequeathed by Christ.

            Ultimately all questions can be answered yes or no. Everything else comes from the evil one. In the process of questioning, the starting point is all important. And from the start Satan was a liar and a murderer. His lies killed The Truth but we know The Truth conquered death and survived to set us free. Christ is The Alpha – the true starting point- and the Omega – the end point.

            Of course Holy Father needs to be purified but not by you Rebecca or Charlie and not at your behest and not on the word of Vigano who has already judged and condemed him. I will follow the advice of Fridays scripture.

            I have never detracted from the person of St Gabriel – God forgive you for this charge. I have said that the Gabriel I recognize in Holy Scripture is not recognizable in Charlie’s witness, neither in content or form. Yes, I do believe Charlie has been duped. There are only two kingdoms. Since you ask, I am here to defend the kingdom of Truth. Charlie said he told us true but the truth he gave was utterly false. I know that people here still defend this falsity. In this I believe they place themselves in danger. In pursuing condemnation of the Pope they place themselves in the danger of apostasy. I wonder if Charlie was set up for this from the start in pride and prejudice.

            The Pope is the visible head of that kingdom. I am here to defend the pope and that presupposes the right of others to oppose him, to question and even criticise him. But salvation is in his hands and it is my Christian duty to do all I can to cooperate in the work of Salvation entrusted to his office.

            St Paul tells us “be angry but do not sin.” These days such anger in a man is unacceptable especially from the viewpoint of a woman. This reflects the misandry so endemic in society these days. (Not a persecution complex). I am not out to convince people to embrace my view of Pope Francis. Francis himself has expressed his strong aversion to populism. I had hoped to encourage others not to be so quick to judge. In that I have also failed. But I will keep on trying.

            You and Charlie are far too clever for the likes of me. I have no regrets about what I have said and in no way apologize for the stance I have taken but the way I have said it could have been better as could yours and Charlie’s. For my part I apologize for the offense my ways and words have obviously been taken and ask your forgiveness. Whether you owe me an apology is of course up to you to decide.

            Political commentators are 10 a penny. Charlie is but one of many and many of the ideas he has expressed in his broad sweep of things have been expressed by many others. In his visions of the future he is neither unique nor original.

            True prophets are very rare. A prophet is one who witnesses to the Truth and for the Truth. It was not humble of Charlie to admit to his lack of reliability as a prophet because he had no other credible option.

            In fact he has insisted on leaving his followers with the firm impression that he will still be vindicated with regard to his error, that a credible explanation is still waiting in the wings. In the light of what has transpired that does not constitute humility.

            I had a lovely old patient who died at the age of 102. At the age if 100, realizing how much it would hurt her daughters to put her in a home, she took it on herself to arrange the move and spare them the pain. In like manner I feel I should take it on myself to move on from here.

            I had hoped to end my visit with wonderful stories of my latest pilgrimage but sadly that is not to be. I thank you for your welcome, your hospitality, your patience, your kindness and your tolerance. Understandably I see these have run their course.

            Now I will seek a new home and hopefully put to good effect the lessons I have learned here.

            God bless you all

            Joecro.

            Like

            2. If you’re speaking the truth and bowed out from here, then you won’t see this reply. For all those who remain, I found I was very confused by the reference to Canon Law having the intention to preserve the primacy of Peter. I am, by no means, a Canon lawyer but in my work sometimes I have to give it a layman’s perusal. While certain of the sections deal with the role and responsibilities of the Pope, the laity are also enjoined, as a necessary element of the People of God, to exercise their role and responsibility as part of the Body of Christ. Here follow a few paragraphs for your reference:

              Can. 227 The lay Christian faithful have the right to have recognized that freedom which all citizens have in the affairs of the earthly city. When using that same freedom, however, they are to take care that their actions are imbued with the spirit of the gospel and are to heed the doctrine set forth by the magisterium of the Church. In matters of opinion, moreover, they are to avoid setting forth their own opinion as the doctrine of the Church.

              Can. 228 §1. Lay persons who are found suitable are qualified to be admitted by the sacred pastors to those ecclesiastical offices and functions which they are able to exercise according to the precepts of the law.

              §2. Lay persons who excel in necessary knowledge, prudence, and integrity are qualified to assist the pastors of the Church as experts and advisors, even in councils according to the norm of law.

              Can. 229 §1. Lay persons are bound by the obligation and possess the right to acquire knowledge of Christian doctrine appropriate to the capacity and condition of each in order for them to be able to live according to this doctrine, announce it themselves, defend it if necessary, and take their part in exercising the apostolate.

              No mention here that we are to keep to our place. Canon 229 alludes to our part in working out our salvation and helping others on their way, too. Charlie and Beckita, you and so many others here have contributed to the edification of so many of us. Peace and blessings to all here and also for those separated brethren in search of acceptance elsewhere. May they, and all of us, find it ultimately in Christ.

              Liked by 6 people

              1. I am just a simple sheep. My take…the pope got involved in the Chilean mess….the pope remains silent on the American mess. Is he pleading the 5th?

                Liked by 3 people

        3. Wisdom gives each us our cross, so by all means take it up. Not the cross we assume for ourselves, but the one given.

          I know… we want honesty, faithfulness, fidelity and so often find dishonesty, unfaithfulness, infidelity and betrayal along our personal ways. I know. And I say it a third time. I know.

          Give Him that burden. Pain and hurt. Give it to Our Lord, Who Is Honesty, Faithfulness, Fidelity… The Healer of All Wounds.

          Sorry, but when the ascent is steep and treacherous, I’m that guy who will sometimes stop and unceremoniously start ditching useless items from another’s overburdened pack. That, and this roll of duck tape is NOT going to cut it.

          We love you, Joe. Give him your hurt.

          Liked by 10 people

              1. Maybe if you’re counting “duck” tape where I should have said “duct” tape, but that was a subtle wink to, YD. Biscuits and Jen got it.

                And before you go pointing out my shortcomings, I think it only fair to warn you that I forwarded YD a screenshot of that last pun of yours. Wait ’til he gets a look at that!

                Liked by 6 people

        4. Joe… really? I, like you, love and honor Pope Francis. But unlike you, I am willing to consider that his office doesn’t insulate him from examination or criticism or even fraternal correction if the facts and circumstances warrant it. And also unlike you, I try not to use ad hominem attacks when trying to make my arguments. You have accused some at ASOH of persecuting the Holy Father and of using “slithering” tactics. I have seen that in other places, but I have not seen it here. What I have in fact seen are children who love their father and who are hurting because they don’t understand why he remains silent when they have been hurt; or why he intimates or sometimes even says that they, the wounded and questioning children, are the problem. You, through the words of our Holy Father, said, “Where there is calumny, there is Satan.” I would ask both you and the Holy Father to prayerfully consider the following: “Physician, heal thyself.”

          Liked by 8 people

        5. Well, Joe, I must confess that, a few weeks ago, when you accused me of being a servant of the devil for at least the third time because of a fundamental disagreement, a chill in my heart rose towards you. I do not regard you as an enemy, but friends do not routinely accuse each other of being satan’s advocate whenever they disagree. Yet that seems to be your go-to position. Ironically, I have taken your accusations that I am in the devil’s service in stride when we disagree, while you call it persecution when anyone disagrees with you on a fundamanetal matter. If that is your idea of persecution, you have got some serious rough sledding ahead when faced with the real thing. You ask Beckita who she is to speak her mind on the Pope. Rather, I think you are asking her who she thinks she is to disagree with you. You are usually quite pleasant here – except when your precious simple interpretation of Garabandal is threatened – and then you get tendentious and vicious. I find myself wondering whether you really are that enthused about this Pope or whether you just fear that if another were yet to come before all is settled, that would overturn another of your “obvious” talking points about Garabandal. I really thought you would have eventually realized it is not so simple as you make it out to be after Joey Lomangino died and you had to take back your “obvious” interpretation on that over at MoG.

          Would you argue that there have never been corrupt Popes in history? Were the people under a corrupt Pope required to just keep their mouths shut and go along, no matter the depredations? At the time of Martin Luther, the hierarchy had become deeply corrupt. The silence of the faithful ultimately led to creating a climate where the division in Christianity was possible. Luther began as a reformer, but ended up setting up shop for himself. Your recommendation that we create the same climate now as the faithful did then does not seem to me to be a wise solution. You are a terrible researcher – ignoring all evidence that contradicts your simple interpretations and manufacturing evidence to support you. In your last line you speak of the “lack of evidence” against the Pope. That is just willful blindness. You call your willfulness wisdom. I do not.

          You utterly missed the point about my two major misinterpretations. The evidence shows I have been deadly accurate on the what, only close on the when, and sometimes garbled on the how. But you have made it clear above how you feel about evidence when it contradicts what you want to believe. If you take a timeline to the Old Testament verified prophets, most of them were a bit shaky on the when. The point of my misinterpretations was NOT that I am fundamentally unreliable, but that even with the best (and sometimes the seemingly most straightforward) information, we all get some things wrong, as not a one of us can fully divine the mind of God. That has been a constant theme of my websites, because the subtle vanity in believing in simple certainties that are not Magisterial matters of faith are deadly dangerous to our faith in times of extremis. That does not relieve us of our duty to humbly acknowledge in a straightforward way when we have erred, nor does it relieve us of our duty to keep pressing on in service to our God. So many people have convinced themselves they have got it all figured out that they are going to face a great trial when they find they do not. They will then have to decide to become embittered because they were wrong, blaming God for misleading them – or to press forward in God’s service, acknowledging they are not as prescient as they thought and are actually just children in His care.

          A few days ago, you did not say you “thought” Jesus was talking about anyone but children when he spoke of the little ones; you said it was “obviously” what he meant. When I pointed out that it was not at all obvious to St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Augustine, you said you knew that. That made it worse – you intentionally dismissed them as deficient in their understanding as compared to you – and did not acknowledge that yours was a very minority opinion, however “obvious” to you it seemed.

          I have been very tolerant of your occasional intemperate tirades because I thought a lot of your need to defend to the death your simple interpretations was more fear than vanity, though some of the latter was mixed in. Here’s the deal, Joe: I very much doubt I have erred for the last time. As in any human endeavor, divinely inspired or not, human error enters in. God still demands fidelity to the mission. I know you have not erred for the last time – and your critical moment will be whether you can acknowledge that and proceed to serve God anyway. You remain welcome here, but your intemperate tirades are not. Your posturing as being “persecuted” because people don’t agree with you is just pathetic. Your description of open, candid discussion as “slithering” is rather slippery and, well, slithering, itself.

          I pray that you respond to the angel of your better nature. We have all seen it here. But we have all seen the other, as well. Your time to choose is at hand.

          Liked by 9 people

          1. Charlie,
            I can’t help my lack of humility but I must put my 2cents in. When you publicly and most humbly stepped down after the failed interpretations of your visions, my respect and admiration for you grew by leaps and bounds! Never, in all my many years have I read of visionaries ever having admitted they got it wrong, big time. St. John of the Cross, in the Ascent of Mount Carmel instructed his readers to reject all visions and extraordinary phenomena because they are very difficult to interpret accurately in a literal or symbolic sense. Therefore, Charlie, no big deal your misinterpretations, it happens to the very best of visionaries! Thank you mega Charlie for your great posts which have strengthened my poor sagging faith and hope in these bitter times!

            Liked by 5 people

  36. The Church & Western Society is fracturing along any number of lines and for any number of reasons. It’s really just the “Human Condition” that can be studied in History and seems to manifest itself when God/His Teachings are rejected and evil people, secular/”religious” pursue power/wealth. The thin veneer of civilization is torn away and confusion, ignorance, anger and violence become the norm. It was all explained and forewarned long ago.

    MILINET: Articles for Christians
    ====================
    Feinstein Caught In Dishonest Claim, Roe Debate Exposed As Legal Fiction
    https://conservativedailypost.com/feinstein-caught-in-dishonest-claim-roe-debate-exposed-as-legal-fiction/

    Is the Queer Reckoning upon Us?–Robert Oscar Lopez
    https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2018/09/is_the_queer_reckoning_upon_us.html

    EGYPT: Church defrocks new monk for establishing separate monastery
    https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2018/09/05/church-defrocks-new-monk-for-establishing-separate-monastery/

    Louvre Abu Dhabi delays unveiling of Leonardo’s Salvator Mundi
    https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45403862

    ‘Abortion after birth’ eulogy for Aretha Franklin was offensive, family says
    https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/sep/3/jasper-williams-eulogy-aretha-franklin-offensive-f/

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 1 person

  37. I am entering this on my phone so it has to be done in parts. This is from the mass readings for Friday Sept 7.

    I am with David Armitage on this both in the arguments he presents and his opinion of the ASOH has gone. We have both suffered persecution on MoG.

    There is a difference between criticism and persecution. Pope Francis is being persecuted on ASOH.

    Years ago I suggested on MoG that although his entry into Jerusalem was triumphant it would not be long before Pope Francis would be dragged off his donkey and be thrown to the wolves. Just like Jesus his Good Friday would follow hard on the heels of his elevation to the chair of Peter.

    Sadly it seems my prediction was correct. I also suggested that his strategy was already becoming clear – to let the darnel grow so that it could be better identified and burned.

    In both these regards our Holy Father has submitted himself in obedience to the workings of The Holy Spirit. He would have no power had it not been given to him from on high.

    Unlike many who put St Peter down for his weakness in faith I see in him trenendous courage and trust. He was the only one who jumped into the stormy sea. In Gethsemany Jesus told him to put away his sword. This left him totally defenceless in the face of his enemies who were armed to the teeth and who were hell bent on his destruction. This left him totally dependent on Jesus. Totus tuus. This took faith. This same faith is being shown to us today in the person of Pope Francis.

    In his silence he has put away his sword and yet in his silence his voice has never been clearer. He is Peter and his silence puts the axe to the root and cries in the wilderness – “Make straight the ways of the Lord.”

    The Lord is making the vine ready through the silence of Francis for the great pruning and it will be so severe that vine will be almost unrecognizable just as the face of Jesus became in his passion so disfigured as to cause people to turn away.

    In Garabandal we were told that it will be as if the church has disappeared. But we know it will prevail.

    Peter was an uneducated man, one to whom the Lord was glad to have revealed things hidden from the wise and clever. How much more courage and humility has been shown by the educated mind of Francis – far better informed of the facts than any of us. He is Pope by the Power of The Holy Spirit.

    In other forums Pope Francis has been described as a malicious liar, a heretic and a hypocrit. Here, in a more slithering way, it has been suggested he is complicit in the cover up of child abuse, the support of the homosexual lobby and the contradiction of Christ’s own words on the sanctity of marriage. In this there is no difference in the way he has been persecuted elsewhere.

    In confession yesterday the priest commended me for my efforts to defend the Pope and said I should pray for Wisdom not only for myself but also for my audience that it may also taste and see that the Lord is good and that the Lord is working in, with and through Francis.

    1 Corinthians 4:1-5
    3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Joe, with all due respect, Pope Francis is not being persecuted on ASOH. Yes, the man is under examination, as are we all, and many are grappling with what is coming into focus, and the degree to which each will be held to account.

      We are each called to follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and will suffer to various degrees… and only Our Lord knows to what degree we will fail or be successful. That said, and when contemplating Our Lord’s Passion, I am only inspired to draw comparisons between Our Lord and His Church.

      Like Our Lord, the Church will have her passion. As for the various members that comprise Her, all have recourse to Mercy. And certainly the innocent have nothing to fear whatsoever.

      Liked by 11 people

    2. “Slithering”? “Persecution”? Seems that such hyperbole should be reserved for the predators and their enablers. No need to go after good people searching for, and even demanding, answers. May God grant you some peace in these turbulent times.

      Liked by 10 people

    3. Just a simple example, I search for no other. Joe, you seem to lump all of us who have concerns about Pope Francis with those who condemn him, a company in which most here do not belong. This is a weak position to take. May the Holy Spirit guide and protect us all, lead us to all humility, holiness and truth.

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Pointing out unpleasant facts about this Pope and his pontificate is not the same thing as persecution. In fact, i have a difficult time detecting this so-called persecution over the last 5.5 years (at least when looking at the mainstream media). I mean, no other Pope has ever been as beloved by the secular media as Pope Francis. They have treated him with kid gloves at nearly every turn. He was Time Magazine’s Man of the Year, he was a gay magazine’s Person of the Year, he has been showered with effusive praise by every morally bankrupt liberal cable news outlet and newspaper in America. And even if you say that they are only praising him because they are deliberately misinterpreting him my point here is that they are not outright attacking him. They are backing off or even, in some cases, running interference. Did they do this with Benedict XVI?

      Besides a few lunatics in far-flung com-boxes across the internet (present company excluded of course) no one here is “throwing Pope Francis to the wolves” when they question his disturbing silence in the face of horrific allegations of covering up for McCarrick; or when they point out the blatant contradiction in his amendment to the Catechism on the morality of the death penalty; or when they cock an eyebrow at his numerous objectionable statements that (if they were made by a lay person like Charlie) would cause everyone here to abandon this blog en masse and head for the hills; or when they point out that Amoris Laetitia permits communion for the divorced and remarried (a fact ratified by the Pope’s letter to the Bishops of Buenos Aires). None of these issues strikes me as a case of wolves hunting the shepherd. Rather, it is more a situation of the sheep crying out in pain.

      The evidence shows that most of Pope Francis’s problems are caused by his own actions and words and not by a cunning and malicious media (or conservative cardinals) desperate to smear him. Again, look at the evidence and not at the spin (whether liberal or conservative). It speaks for itself.

      It is not uncharitable to conclude that Pope Francis has made some major mistakes. We can and should still love him and pray for him (as i, Charlie, Bekita, and virtually everyone else here does). To desire accountability and clarity is not a sin.

      Liked by 15 people

    2. Joe, I agree with R2D2 and C3PO above (I’m not a Star Wars follower at all but this war IS one fought in the heavens we know – and we are the pawns) in that it is the mystical Body of Christ that must follow in the footsteps of Christ. The Pope, whoever he is at the time (Lucia’s vision has a generic Pope with his crozier and leading his falling army) has to go before that Mystical Body – all the baptised and not just those who call themselves Catholic – towards Calvary. Only God knows every detail of the when, where, how and why. C’mon mate, don’t let the deceiver divide us because we are all in it together – with Pope Francis, all bishops (croziers), priests, religious and the lay faithful. Let’s widen our view and narrow the gap between us. Eyes of needles and camels, y’know! Why make it hard for ourselves (when all the exterior forces are doing a fine job of that!) by being rich in adamancy, none of us can afford it – eternally speaking.

      Liked by 6 people

  39. MESSAGE FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
    TO HIS BELOVED DAUGHTER LUZ DE MARIA
    AUGUST 26, 2018

    My beloved People:

    From My Side from where My Church was born and where I emanated Blood and Water, from that same Side I again emanate Blood and the Oil of My Love to awaken My People faced with so much pain that they are causing Me at this instant, above all in My Church through her hierarchy that is a cause for scandal.

    I REQUIRE HOLINESS, AND ALL THOSE WHO CONSECRATE THEIR LIFE TO MY SERVICE HAVE THIS AS A COMMAND.

    It was not enough for the devil to introduce his smoke into My Church, but, profiting from the lack of prayer and true dedication of some of My priests to Me, he took hold of their minds and aroused perverse desires, base passions and utterly deviant desires of the flesh. This is a hard lesson for My Church, it is the shaking of My Church of which I AM THE HEAD.

    AT THIS INSTANT MY SIDE IS OPENED AGAIN, AND FROM IT I EMANATE BLOOD OF PAIN AT HOW MANY SINS AND OFFENSES OF THIS NATURE ARE CAUSING HARM TO MY INNOCENTS – PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HARM.

    I emanate Oil of My Love for My faithful, because in the streets, part of Humanity is ferociously screaming out: “Crucify him, crucify him again” and the hierarchy of My Church keeps silence.

    WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU, MY PEOPLE?

    It is urgent that you repent, My People …
    It is urgent that you take responsibility for your errors and convert …
    Sexual deviation at this instant exceeds all limits, because satan knows that by this means he is leading My children to total perdition, deviating them from their nature.

    MY SIDE IS OPENED AND EMANATES BLOOD AND OIL OF MY LOVE TO SUMMON MY PEOPLE, not only in prayer, not only in reparation, but so that My lay People would unite and be bearers of a strong call for change towards their brothers and sisters, sharing My Word and their personal testimony. For this you must be knowers of Sacred Scripture and faithful to My Word, without distorting it.

    DO NOT BE APOSTATES! WORK, LABOUR IN AND OUT OF SEASON.

    I am saddened by the fact that evil fights freely in the streets of cities and communities, while My pastors close the doors to those who wish to share My Word with My brothers My Word, that which I share with them.

    My children must labour on the side of good and not be accomplices of evil, muzzling the good.

    YOU, MY CHILDREN, BE THE VOICE OF GOOD!

    I bless you.

    Your Jesus
    https://www.revelacionesmarianas.com/english.htm

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Last nights sleep was to say, dark and stormy waters. I was agitated all night especially with temptations of the flesh and thoughts. I found myself saying the St Michael the Archangel prayers and as usual awake at 0300 hrs to pray the Chaplet.

      I offerred the Chaplet for the conversion of all Priests and those with homosexual tendancies. This morning, after praying the Stations of the Cross, I requested a Plenary Indulgence for myself as it is a First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart.

      Now, just reading the above message of Luz de Maria (August 26), I see it fits with Jesus’ request for all of us to be free of sin and punnishment.

      Liked by 4 people

          1. Ha, right back at you Mick! You’re ok in my book. Or is it more appropriate now to say you’re alright in my Kindle? Hmmm, food for thought. 🙂

            Liked by 3 people

        2. Is a ‘wee nip’ similar to New Mexico road directions?
          Just down the road or a little ways?
          Just down the road is 45 minutes; a little ways 1:30 hrs.

          Liked by 7 people

            1. My mother always used to say “in two shakes of a lamb’s tail”…as in ” I’ll be with you in 2 shakes of a lamb’s tail” ???
              Can anybody tell me in standard measures how much time that is? How many billion oscillations of the caesium atom would that be?
              Thank goodness we are using the metric system in Canada now.

              Liked by 5 people

              1. Andy, from my very detailed and scientific study of our lambs (meaning hanging out in the barn for a while and watching them), I have ascertained that lambs can shake their tails at a rate of more than 8 times per second (4 times back and forth). So 2 shakes of a lamb’s tail is pretty quick. 🙂

                Liked by 9 people

              2. Canada. Eh!
                It would be great to see a book of folk units of measure with their official definitions. Hopefully, it could be written in less than an eon.

                Liked by 4 people

                1. Including the ever-elusive definition of the Irish “wee one”, meaning a smallish measure of whiskey (or beverage of choice, although usually the uisce beatha) but not using a measure, there by leaving the gauging of “-ish” up to the judgement of the pourer.

                  And this is where all the trouble begins, where the devil enters into the details, so to speak! Because to underpour is to risk giving the impression that either (a) the pourer is mean or (b) that the recipient is perhaps not capable of holding liquor (a serious matter over here) OR on the other hand to risk giving the impression that the recipient is too fond of it. This last is perhaps not such a serious imputation, however, but it depends on the mood of the recipient.

                  In either scenario, serious umbrage may be taken and/ or strong words may ensue.

                  It’s a matter requiring a skill and sharpness of eye, not to mention steadiness of hand, to rival that of any Swiss watchmaker.

                  Liked by 5 people

                  1. Such a nice tid bit Jaykay. How much is a tid bit. Not sure, but it may take a tad of wisdom to comprehend. Sounds like something to ponder while enjoying a nip. 😎

                    Liked by 2 people

              3. Raising sheep as a youngster, a shake of a lamb’s tail is quite fast.
                Really the question is what is a mother’s interpretation of a shaking lamb’s tail. My mother’s, “I’ll only be gone a minute,” usually meant an hour. A minute on the outside of a bathroom door is A LOT longer than the minute on the inside of the bathroom. Time really is relative. 😉

                Liked by 4 people

                1. “…A minute on the outside of a bathroom door is A LOT longer than the minute on the inside…”

                  Ha ha, you got that right.

                  Liked by 4 people

  40. Deeply saddened at the division I read in these comments. As all of you (Charlie, Beckita, Joe) have made such wonderful contributions to this gathering place, the current state of communication is unsettling. I struggle with what to say, but I do know that we must come together more than ever as our church confronts the evils within. For all of our sakes, I pray that we can stand together in faith and deep fellowship. I call upon my dear guide Father Solanus to show us the way forward.

    Liked by 13 people

  41. I just want to say how grateful I am to find on Charlies site lots of discussion helping to see what is going on in our beloved Church.

    I have not come across any posts that would lead me to believe the Holy Father is under attack here. But I am sure God understands people need to look at what is going on and make sense of it.

    I remember reading one of Charlies articles at least a couple of years ago, could be more when he warned us things could get very fraught in the storm we were facing, and while our good God leaves us the freedom to choose, we should be prepared to accept responsibility if we get it wrong. I think the phrase Charlie uses is use right judgement, or some such brilliant observation. Sorry Charlie, I can’t even quote you adequately; but I hope anyone reading can understand what I am trying to convey.

    The irony is, we are all sinners, so none of us can accuse anyone; because if we were to look at our own mistakes, and God forbid have them published on the internet, would we ever live them down.

    Please God we will all live to see this crisis pass. And please God we will come out the other side more humble and docile with each other. It is scary right now. On the other hand it was scary back in the 70’s when the Latin Mass supporters got into a frenzy and it looked like there could be a schism then for a while. Thank God that passed, now we can choose to attend Latin Mass and still be united under the Pope. We can also attend modern Mass. So we all benefited in the end. And there was no schism. Just my two penny worth. Keep up the good work Charlie.

    God bless and take care of all who visit for a chat with Charlie and Beckita…and Steve.

    Liked by 6 people

  42. The below demonstrates that “The Problem” is not going to be ignored as has been the case for 50+ years. It will be addressed and exposed. This is a very good thing though the process will be painful. We have much more than a Church Problem; it’s a Societal Problem. I was happy to see that the Archbishop of the Military Services, Timothy Broglio, stood up for the AF Priest.

    MILINET: Articles for Christians
    =================
    Military Chaplain Blames ‘Effeminate’ Gay Priests for Church Abuse Scandals
    https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/09/07/military-chaplain-blames-effeminate-gay-priests-church-abuse-scandals.html

    Letter confirms Vatican received McCarrick complaint in 2000
    https://apnews.com/fc54d28d965b4efaa4c100f4e7c52bb0/Letter-confirms-Vatican-received-McCarrick-complaint-in-2000

    New Mexico AG demands full disclosure on Catholic sex abuse scandal
    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/09/07/New-Mexico-AG-demands-full-disclosure-on-Catholic-sex-abuse-scandal/2151536333025/?sl=17

    Media and the Rise of Homosexuality–Mike Konrad
    https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2018/09/media_of_the_rise_of_homosexuality.html

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 5 people

  43. Edge of the Knife

    Regardless of Archbishop Vigano’s ”Testament” the Catholic Church in the United States is balancing on edge of a very sharp knife. Even if the Testament had never been written or published the Holy Father and the Church here are facing a potentially cataclysmic and horrific future.
    Through the RICO act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), older anti-racket laws and child protection notification laws, a framework exists which would give prosecutors and civilian courts in the United States the legal power to dismantle the Church as it now exists. One bishop, Robert Finn, formerly bishop of Kansas City- St. Joseph, Missouri, has already been convicted. He was sentenced to two years of probation for failure to report, in a timely manner, acts of child endangerment by a priest under his jurisdiction. Not to excuse Bishop Finn in any way, but a review of the facts of his situation show that he was convicted of far less than the supposed activities of other bishops.
    The present laws of the United States allow for conviction of individuals who knew of and/or acquiesced to criminal activity. Organizations found to have been complicit in criminal activity can have their assets seized, their legal status dissolved. The First Amendment does not protect religious institutions from prosecution or from being brought before the courts for alleged criminal behavior.
    A number of Catholics have come out in favor of further investigations by state attorneys general and have even stated a desire to see the Federal Justice Department begin a RICO investigation. I am fearful that in the present political and social climate even investigations begun by well meaning prosecutors, most of whom are either elected, or are appointed by elected officials, could spin wildly out of control. At the farthest interpretations of these laws, diocesan corporations could be dissolved, assets seized and it could even be deemed a conspiratorial act to continue to be a bishop of the Catholic Church.
    It would have been so much better if we had cleaned our own house as concerns the criminal behavior and the apparent cover up of the same. It may already be too late. No matter what the Church does, the strong arm of the government may still come smashing down. Part of me hopes that if the Church begins to deal forthrightly, and openly, with these issues the wrath of government and the public may still be avoided, or at least contained.
    I am not trying to ignore the victims here. Their suffering cries out for repentance, restitution and further reform. It is my fear, that the Church will not take the path to renewal and healing voluntarily. If that is the case, then the government may force her to do what she would not undertake of her own volition.
    I am not anti-Francis. I do not want him to resign. What I hope for by the Church, from the lowliest lay person, through the priests, religious, bishops, cardinals and the Holy Father himself, is an honest recognition and admission that we have failed.
    For my own part I admit to not taking the abuse of the victims and their suffering seriously enough. I admit to down playing the situation and to allowing myself to think that it was really none of my concern. I admit to not paying attention to what my own bishop and the conference of bishops were doing. I admit to going to church every Sunday and to not really thinking about it or its mission the rest of the week. I admit to not praying enough. I admit to not receiving the sacraments enough. I admit to not speaking the word of God enough to those around me, beginning with my family and social and business connections. I admit to being lukewarm in my faith. I admit to not defending the Church and her teachings enough. I admit to not honoring our Lady properly. I admit to not properly reverencing the Eucharist and Christ’s passion enough. I could go on. I ask Jesus to forgive me for these and all my other failings. I ask that He show me how to bring restitution and healing to those who have suffered through my actions, or lack of actions. I ask Him for the grace to pick myself up, dust off the dirt that clings to me and to go forward with a renewed spirit and a renewed mind. I ask for our Lady’s intercession for these things to be accomplished by God’s grace.

    Joe and Charlie, I have come to appreciate and love you both. Words from both of you have been important supports in my walk. I pray for reconciliation and true brotherhood between you two and all of us here. At this hinge of history, the Church needs us all.

    JT

    Liked by 8 people

    1. JT, sounds like a confession to a Catholic Priest is in order. Immediately after, pray the Stations of the cross to gain a Plenary Indulgence for yourself and rest assurred the Justice owed to God is wiped completly clean. Continue onward after every confession and reception of the Eucharist and offer the Plenary Indulgence for Souls in Purgatory or for our Nation (if feasible). Only through prayer and the use of our Church’s Sacraments, intersessory prayers/ Indulgences shall we conquer.

      I do not agree with a few of your statements, but as we have seen persecution of the Church in the past, it may happen again. Had Hilary Clinton been in charge, yes, we would be in dark turmoil.

      I am watching EWTN’s “Catholic Beginnings in Maryland” and it describes exactly such persecution. I am only nine minutes in and find it a good educational documentary.

      Pertaining to Joe C. this is not the first time he ‘blew a gasket’ but it is the first time I felt ‘dread’ while reading his visceral commentary. On this Feast of the Birth of Mother Mary, I lit three-day Votive Candles for Joe C.; his guardian Angel; Pope Francis’ guardian Angel; and the Guardian Angel of New Zealand.

      Further, I incorporated my prayers for Joe C. into today’s offertory (mass) forever merging into the Eternal Sacrafice. Immediately after mass, I prayed the Stations and offered the Plenary Indulgence for a Holy Soul in Purgatory.

      We live in such ‘delightful’ times, try to make the most of it.

      Liked by 5 people

    2. With you there brother, I’m guilty of the same and more. Its heavy. I find it refreshing to read comments like yours here. Thanks. I take some solace in the pharisee/tax collector parable, our Lord speaks of. Also, I think having a sensitive conscious, as you do, is a grace. Lot of self righteous people out there, but at least you see your sin and look to correct it. See, so its a gift from Jesus. Anyway, that’s what gives me some joy in my sorry state of sin. I think St. Philip Neri said, there is nothing good we can ever do here on earth that can warrant heaven. Or maybe that was Charle. I also like that one too. We think we’re so good, but only God is. We are sinners and need help from Jesus and Mary. God bless you, brother.

      Liked by 4 people

  44. PS:
    It pains me to see that The Catholic League is, perhaps always been, part of The Cover-Up ;-( NO!! I don’t want a Witch Hunt nor do I want anyone burnt at The Stake! ….. but I do want Criminal Perverts, their Special Friends and those that were Part of the Cover-Up to be investigated, exposed, held accountable and legally prosecuted by civil authorities if deserving. The Higher-Ups especially!!

    https://www.catholicleague.org/

    Catholic League would have you believe that current revelations are old news and “Reforms” of the past 20 years have been effective…… I ain’t buying IT!! 😉

    https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/catholic-business-group-withhold-820000-annual-tithe-vatican-over-sex

    https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/chicago-cdl.-cupich-waited-a-month-before-removing-child-porn-priest

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2018/09/05/catholic-priests-accused-having-sex-car-spark-international-uproar/?utm_term=.582df6cbbc74

    https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/church-sex-abuse-mccarrick-lay-board-bishops-catholic-reappointment/

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 5 people

  45. One of the things on my bucket list for years was to go visit the Holy Land. To walk in the footsteps of Jesus. To, in effect, walk with him. I got to do that last February on a week long Pilgrimage with a group of 72 pilgrims.

    Not all people have the wherewithal to make such a voyage of discovery. But for those Christians who do have a few dollars to spare then the effort to go will reward you a hundred times over. You will gain an insight into Jesus that is just not easily obtained if you don’t go and look and feel the physical landscape for yourself. Especially in the Galilee region. Where Jesus did the lion’s share of his Public Ministry around the Sea of Galilee.

    Imagine, if you can, sitting in a boat not entirely unlike the boats Jesus himself used with its motor shut off and drifting in silent contemplation and prayer yards from the shoreline where Jesus pursued his ministry and performed most the miracles we are familiar with. The experience of a physical visit to Jesus’ home and environment will enkindle in you a desire to know and understand Jesus and his Gospel in a whole different way. In a more visceral and reality based and less mental and academic way.

    A question that many Catholics are asking themselves these days with respect to the Crisis in the Church is: What Would Jesus Do?

    Jesus lived and worked in a time and place almost eerily reminiscent of our own times and crisis. To answer that question that so many of us are asking it would be useful to examine Jesus life and the events and progression over three years from a simple teckton of the hamlet (the word village would be an overstatement) of Nazareth in Galilee to the Cross in Jerusalem.

    Jesus confronted a crisis in Judaism in his own time. A crisis “in the Church”. A crisis of corruption. In the hierarchy of the Temple. A church surrounded and dominated by the secularism of pagans and the political oppression of the Romans. A Greco-Roman and false god littered culture with which the Church of Jesus’ time lived in restless and unwilling proximity. A time of go along to get along. A time of conforming to the Greco-Roman influences surrounding the Church. As a matter of survival. A time much like our own.

    A week goes by fast in the Holy Land. It can be a blur. An emotional and spiritual blur.

    What DID Jesus do? I asked our terrific local tour guide born and raised in Bethlehem and living in Nazareth what he would recommend in the way of literature as a follow up to our Pilgrimage to gain greater insight into how Jesus lived and worked and reacted to the environment in his day.

    He responded immediately that I should get my hands on two books by Bargil Pixner. Bargil Pixner who is he? He was St John Paul II’s personal tour guide to the Holy Land. A German/American Benedictine priest. An archeologist and abbot of the Benedictine Dormition Abbey in the heart of Mt Zion in Jerusalem.

    The two books, written from an archeological, geographical, historical and cultural perspective may help you too to come to grips with the Crisis of our own time. I think they have helped me a lot to understand the actual real living humanity of Jesus and the context with which his Gospel came into being.

    The two books by Bargil Pixner are:

    With Jesus Through Galilee According to the Fifth Gospel.

    and;

    With Jesus In Jerusalem His First and Last Days in Judea

    You can get the first book on Amazon. In English. The second companion book is a little trickier. Hard to get in the English version. Amazon offers a German language edition. I had to go to an Israeli book seller at Jesus Boat dot com to find the English version. The publisher is an Israeli publishing firm named Corazin. The tour guide said that I should get them asap because now that Pixner has passed away his books are increasingly hard to find and may go out of publication altogether.

    Here is how Pixner describes what The Fifth Gospel means:

    “In the unfolding of the relationship between God and man there exists not only a progressive History of Salvation but also a Geography of Salvation. God has revealed himself to mankind not only in specific periods of time, but also in very particular places in his creation. The events of the Divine Revelation have flowed through into the enormous ocean of the history of mankind, but the PLACES in which God revealed himself to man still remain ever present.

    So the soil of the Holy Land as the scene of the events centering about the Person of Jesus can be understood as a Fifth Gospel – as others have already used the term. Whoever has learnt to read and peruse THIS “book” [of the land itself] of biblical landscape will experience the message of the four Gospels with a new and greater clarity. In the opinion of a number of scholars, which is also my own, two of the four Evangelists, namely Mark and John, reveal a profound knowledge of the Galilean landscape which contributes much to to the understanding of the development of Jesus’ life.”

    If you cannot afford to go look and feel these Holy Land landscapes in person Bargil Pixner’s two companion books are lavishly illustrated with glossy color photos and maps. He provides a potential timeline of Jesus’ 3 year public ministry including 3 major trips over the land and the Sea of Galilee. These two books are as close as you can come to making a physical pilgrimage to the places where Jesus walked and taught and lived.

    Here is a good example of the type of eyes on appreciation of the Fifth Gospel that Pixner unfolds in his books from the Catholic perspective.

    http://www.holylandsite.com/capernaum-overview

    This little walking tour of Capernaum and its place in Salvation History is replicated in pictures and words and Catholic perspective in Pixner’s illustrated glossy books. And all the of the rest of the physical places that defined Jesus’ world as well.

    What Would Jesus Do in a time of Crisis in the Church? Well, he did it. And we can learn about it and take a walk with him today in our own time. Time for choosing. Just as in Jesus’ own day and for remarkably similar reasons.

    Was Jesus the King of the Jews? Who was the audience for that question?

    Pilate answers the question and gives perhaps an inadvertent clue as to the world in which Jesus lived and taught and preached the Gospel. At the end Pilate had a message posted on Jesus’ Cross.
    It read: Jesus, The Natzorean, King of the Jews

    We see that message immortalized with the initials INRI. Who was that message for? The clue:

    The message was written in 3 languages:

    Aramaic
    Greek
    Latin

    A land and a time and a Church in Crisis. A Jewish/Greek/Roman/Pagan world and a Judaism in crisis Into which God became man.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Storm Tracker…Excellent commentary and comparison. Definitely going to get the book (s) because as we all know, Jesus and the Holy Spirit picked that time and location for a specific reason, and I have always wondered why. Thank you.

      Liked by 3 people

  46. I awoke to one of our cats sitting at the foot of my bed calmly staring at me. After a couple of minutes she jumped down and disappeared downstairs… so I followed her to where she stopped on the floor in the kitchen next to this hideous thing (*Warning: graphic image attached).*

    Looks like Catsup isn’t messing around any more with scorpions, since she just sheared this one in half. Talk about weights and measures… this one was so big I’d call it a “hog.”

    I’d really like to think that something is going on behind the scenes to eradicate corruption in the Priesthood to the greatest extent possible. Like in the silence of last night while we slept. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking at present.

    I’m patient, but it’s morning now… and I think Pope Francis needs to be about this work in a highly meaningful, visible and substantial way. Doing.

    Liked by 10 people

      1. I was re-thinking my comment as it may have been too harsh. As I recall some of our Saints who had visions of Hell and Purgatory, the graphic descriptions of the torture doesn’t compare as it is for eternity and not just once.

        For the life of me, I can’t fathom someone who knows they are deep in sin, yet refuses confession, penance and hopefully a Plenary Indulgence. The humility of confessing eases off immediately like a burden off your back when you realize forgivness. Moreso with a clean slate from the Plenary Indulgence.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. Nah, I was pretty comfortable that folks saw the metaphor for what it was. Scorpions = corruption, sin and the demonic. Certainly we want all to be saved, even the ones guilty of horrors at present. I like to remind myself that satan is the instigator of all evil, just so I don’t go off the deep end in terms of seeking vengeance.

          I have a habit of using metaphors because it seems like the Catholic-speak is overwhelming sometimes. Not that folks here don’t know what they’re talking about, but I like to keep sharp for the typical folks I encounter –– the ones who generally don’t know their right hand from their left. Catholic-speak often just buries them if it doesn’t get ignored first.

          I was talking to a gal who wanted to go on and on about ballet. Well, that’s in the same vein with tap dancing, which I could talk about a bit although I’ve never tap danced, and naturally that quickly led to the topic of fishing… how much ballet and tap dancing remind me of fly fishing Too bad Doug wasn’t on hand, loaded with a pun.

          Anyway, I don’t think the topics, though simple and memorable, were nearly as effective as the demeanor. And we did eventually get around to talking about Jesus.

          Liked by 1 person

  48. This was linked on the Drudge Report: It is on Yahoo news. Charli’es 2 week timetable is pretty much spot on. The author is Amy Forlitii

    MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The day after a grand jury report revealed that Roman Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania molested more than 1,000 children over decades, Adrienne Alexander went to Mass at a Chicago church and waited for the priest to say something about the situation.

    He didn’t. And that left Alexander fuming. So she went on Facebook to vent — then organized a prayer vigil in Chicago that became the catalyst for similar laity-led vigils in Boston, Philadelphia and other cities nationwide.

    Alexander is among countless Catholics in the U.S. who are raising their voices in prayer and protest to demand change amid new revelations of sex abuse by priests and allegations of widespread cover-ups. They are doing letter-writing campaigns and holding prayer vigils and listening sessions in an effort to bring about change from the pews, realizing it’s up to them to confront the problem and save the church they love after years of empty promises from leadership.

    “I think it’s important that the large body hears from us,” Alexander said. “We actually make up the church.”

    Their grassroots efforts are gaining momentum. In the last week more than 39,000 people have signed their names to a letter demanding answers from Pope Francis himself.

    Another effort, sponsored by reform groups, has seized upon the “Time’s Up” and #MeToo movements and is organizing events across the country this weekend under the CatholicToo hash tag.

    Some of the efforts are calling for specific reforms, such as laity-led investigations and transparency, while others are still brainstorming solutions. One woman in Michigan founded a website to make it easy for anyone to speak up and write to church officials.

    “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Marjorie Murphy Campbell, a civil and canon lawyer in Park City, Utah, said of the laity’s engagement. She said many Catholics feel they have no choice.

    “You either have to get involved now, because you cannot trust the bishops to solve this themselves, or you leave. … It’s our job to help the mother church get through this.”

    The actions come as the church is facing a global crisis over clergy abuse following the scathing Pennsylvania grand jury report and the pope’s removal of ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick from public ministry amid allegations McCarrick sexually abused a teenage altar boy and preyed upon adult seminarians decades ago.

    Francis wrote a letter to Catholics in August, saying the laity must help end the clerical culture that has placed priests above reproach. He then found himself immersed in the scandal amid claims that he knew about allegations against McCarrick in 2013, but rehabilitated him anyway.

    A collective of individual Catholic women last week wrote a letter urging Francis to deliver answers. The letter, which had more than 39,000 signatures by Friday, declared “we are not second-class Catholics to be brushed off while bishops and cardinals handle matters privately.”

    “In short, we are the Church, every bit as much as the cardinals and bishops around you,” the letter said.

    Robert Shine, a Catholic in Boston and vice president of the Women’s Ordination Conference, said he believes Catholics are now ready to confront what’s been happening in the church and talk about how they can be involved in reform, reflecting a broader trend in the U.S. with people getting more active in protests. Other denominations have been struggling with the issue as well.

    “People are less willing to look the other way … This new consciousness and new honesty about politics is sort of being transferred to the Catholic Church as well.”

    Miriel Thomas Reneau of Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded a website to make letter-writing easy. Her site lists the names and addresses of local dioceses and includes templates for people to write letters to church leaders.

    Others are withholding donations in protest. Legatus, an association of Catholic businessmen, announced it would put its annual tithe to the Holy See in escrow. Thousands of people have also signed a statement that calls on Catholic bishops in the U.S. to consider resigning as a public act of repentance.

    There are examples of laity forcing change in other countries. In the city of Osorno, Chile, a group of lay members organized themselves to raise attention to the sex abuse crisis, and their movement helped throw out a bishop. It took more than three years, but they decided it was necessary to try to change their church from within.

    Lori Carter of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and two other women started a “Wear Gray” campaign in which they are urging “prayer warriors” like themselves to wear gray to Mass and fast as a symbol of repentance. They are also asking people to write letters to the pope and local bishops.

    “I’m assuming it’s going to have to go back to sort of how it was — a church of the people and prayer and holiness,” she said.

    In Minneapolis, Chris Damian believes having more nuanced conversations can bring about change. Damian, 27, organized a group of Catholic young adults to respond to the church crisis. The group has held a public prayer session, which St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop Bernard Hebda attended, as well as a discussion session where more than 100 people gathered to learn about the issue and brainstorm solutions.

    The group is sending a letter to Hebda that urges pastors to listen to lay people, instead of telling them what to do. The letter also lists concrete recommendations, such as waiving confidentiality agreements for all past settlements and reopening the investigation into a former St. Paul-Minneapolis archbishop who resigned in 2015 after prosecutors filed criminal charges against the archdiocese for failing to protect children from an abusive priest.

    “We’re all really frustrated because things continue to pop up and that’s just not acceptable,” Damian said. “I think we can spend all this time complaining about how churches aren’t being more proactive … but there’s no reason why we can’t take this issue and make the solution our own responsibility

    Liked by 6 people

      1. I believe the two to three week time frame was in Charlie’s main post of this thread. A response would be needed or people would start leaving. Please correct me if I am wrong.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Charlie’s comment about attendance being affected within several weeks of unresponsive action by Church authorities was made in the previous piece, HTTP and Kim: The Barren Lands – Short Takes.

          It is the weak in faith who will be affected in this way, so they have been and will continue to be kept in prayer. May Our Lady of Tepeyac, Mother of Conversion hold close each one who is tempted to jump ship.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Amen. I was rather disappointed at the Chicago Archdiocese tweet from their cardinal today, not in the message as much as in the timing, all things considered.

      Liked by 5 people

        1. True, Doug.

          The late Cardinal George, God rest his soul, warned that he expected that he would “die in bed, my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square.” This does not seems as far-fetched to me now, as it did in early 2015.

          ❤

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Interesting, Jen…. just a few days ago, my husband reminded me of that Cardinal George quote and then said the very same thing that you said.

            Liked by 3 people

      2. Gosh, Jen, does he live on another planet?! This redirection of attention has been written about elsewhere; anything to get our minds off the crux of the matter – homosexuality in the clergy, all the way to the Vatican. Again, going back to the John Jay report, it was over 80% homosexual attacks on pre-pubescent males, and now we know from the more recent news, how much seminarians were affected. Someone needs to clean house! And then we have Fr. Altier’s homily that has gone viral from what I’ve seen!

        I’m beginning to wonder if it’g going to take the Warning to cause anything to change. Mother Angelica used to say that the problems were beyond human correction, God needed to step in. And that was probably 25 years ago; look at what we know now! Come Lord Jesus!

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Annie, I think that big change takes time and God is, so often, a God of process. His Timing and Ways are mysterious yet never off. It’s easy to forget how the prayers of the many who form Our Lady’s Army – as so many shining lights, beaming all over the planet – have already brought mitigation via the Infinite Redemption of her Son. In my mind, already the change has begun and it will take time for the process to bring about the completion of the change.

          Behold! Even now, He IS making all things new!

          Liked by 2 people

    3. Yup HTTP. The pot is beginning to boil.

      I am leery of the seemingly righteous urge by many to form a kind of …. how shall we put it … a revolutionary cadre of had it up to our eyebrows well informed Catholic lay elite storming the walls of diocesan chanceries all over the land. “We are the Church and we are here to clean things up.” That’s not going to end well.

      What comes to mind is Paris in 1789. The French Revolution did not end well. The Age of Enlightenment still haunts the world to this day. Brought us the guillotine. Louis XVI got a bad rap. A bloody mess in the end.

      “In France, the central doctrines of the Enlightenment philosophers were individual liberty and religious tolerance, in opposition to an absolute monarchy and the fixed dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church. The Enlightenment was marked by an emphasis on the scientific method and reductionism, along with increased questioning of religious orthodoxy—an attitude captured by the phrase Sapere aude, “Dare to know”.

      Once unleashed we don’t know where the Great Catholic Lay Revolution of 2018 will end.

      I used to be heavily involved in Parish activities although not so much anymore. I recall a meeting with a new incoming pastor. I gave him one piece of advice about our parish: “Never put anything up to a vote of the parishioners. Why? Because almost exactly 50% will be for it, whatever it is, and 50% will be against it.”

      If you live in a condominium or are otherwise involved with a community with a home owners association you will know exactly what I am talking about.

      I have a dread of those active and passionate Lay Catholics who will rise to the top of the Revolution.

      They will be the same people who show up for our Congressman’s Public Forums around election time and take over and dominate the discussion. Often representing curiously obscure non-profit special interest groups at the grassroots level with impressive sounding names.

      I am not sure how “The Resistance” to this Church Crisis involving the hierarchy of the Church is to best be resolved. I just know in my bones that torches and pitch forks and gettin’ the posse together to go on down to the jailhouse and drag them guys out and give ’em what’s coming to ’em is not going to be the answer.

      My wife and I are praying the 54 day novena together. In some sense it feels like we are enlisting in Our Blessed Mother’s spiritual army. Our weapon is the rosary. We feel like we are accompanied by thousands of new recruits growing daily.

      We must never forget that we are engaged in a Spiritual War. It is being fought in both the spiritual and the human dimensions. It is engaging the Church Triumphant in Heaven lead by Mary herself at the head of Heaven’s army, including St Michael and the angels. It is engaging the Church Militant on Earth also lead by Mary herself, including … you and me …

      In a mysterious way this war of Good vs Evil has been ongoing for perhaps all eternity. Waxing and waning. What we are experiencing in our own day, or hour, or minute or nano-second may simply be yet another battle in a long procession of battles. But it sure feels like a turning point has been reached. It sure feels like a pivotal moment in salvation history is upon us. It sure has the feel of some kind of decisive moment.

      My wife and I both love the Prayer to St Michael. Our Lady’s top general. I particularly like this version of the prayer:

      “O glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, defend us in battle, and in the struggle which is ours against the principalities and Powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against spirits of evil in high places.”

      The struggle is ours. Against spirits of evil in high places. The only thing we know for sure about our struggle is this : God wins.

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Storm Tracker Ed-It gave me chills when I read that on Yahoo. I feel like I have been protected here on ASOH. I have received so much support to not spiral off into hysteria or other crazy behavior. Remain calm, know that God is in control, and trust God-and stay under the mantle of our Blessed Mother.

        Liked by 5 people

      4. Your points are well-taken, I believe, Ed… IF the laity rise up in unbridled, unharnessed anger. However, IF the anger is tamed to become the impetus for temperate, prudent actions, actions accomplished in tandem with good and faithful clergy, the laity may well rise, at long last, to their proper place as layed out in the documents of Vatican II.

        Most of the initiatives named in this piece posted by HTTP, I have read and linked to in my previous comments here. I have looked into the background of most of the folks who have spearheaded the efforts. From what I have discovered, for the most part, they are good, faithful, level-headed folks who are ready to work with trustworthy priests and bishops. This would be the Ballad of the Ordinary Man taking root in the Church.

        Of course, there are opportunists with their axe to grind who are coming forth to demand what can not be, such as women priests. I think the ways in which errantly-driven lay groups will need redirection is to bring them to realize they cannot move these efforts forward without honoring the Teaching Magisterium and they need priest/bishop spiritual direction to receive guidance on refining ideas, methods and strategies employed to encourage change. At the same time, there are many priests and bishops speaking in equally forceful ways, seeking to bring about reform.

        So, I think, while we DO need to safeguard our Church by extinguishing the angry mob mentality when it rages forth and by quelling the out-of-line ideas, we also also need to step up with vigor, as lay Catholic faithful, in prayer, sacrifice and deeds to BE part of the reform and to bring about the reform.

        Liked by 6 people

  49. Every one! WhOA- WHOa- whoa…ya don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. That is what got us into this mess to begin with. I agree with Storm tracker Ed. Yep, we have reached the boiling point, but the tactics -plan needs to be well thought out, and with the goal of reparation for Mother Church, in the image of God. Not trying to take power and whup everyone into a frenzy. Prayer should be for God’s Mercy and forgiveness. “Jesus, I trust in you.” Next, the practice of great humility. And the BIG, oh yes, the BIG, one is for greater Faith. If all we are doing is trying to prove our anger, or prove our disgust, they know. Because all we are doing now is proving our confusion. Stop and listen, stop and be patient. Let God work through his chosen sons.
    It will become so tragic and crazy, we will weep in the end. Don’t be one of those. “BE STILL, AND KNOW I AM GOD”. Let Him show you his Will, His Will.

    Liked by 5 people

  50. A verrrrrrry important clarification from the publisher of the National Catholic Register, one of the publications which broke the news of Archbishop Vigano’s testimony. Michael Warsaw notes the initial support which every arm of EWTN gave to Pope Francis from the beginning of his papacy. Again, the desire to encourage an investigation which will reveal the whole truth is the declared motive for their coverage. http://m.ncregister.com/57965/d

    Liked by 2 people

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.