Can the Center Hold?

Posted on by charliej373
Billowing Sails – Leonardo Nierman

By Charlie Johnston

All three of my key Priests who guided me are Priests of Opus Dei. Such Priests, since its inception, have taken great pride in their fidelity to the Magisterium and their loyalty to the Holy Father. In the late 90’s and just after the turn of the millennium, I told my Priests that it was easy to be obedient to Pope John Paul, but they should begin to prepare for how they would deal with a Pope it was NOT easy to be obedient to. If God was going to sift all, there could very well come a time when an honorable Priest had to carefully balance his lawful duty of obedience to authority over him and his duty of fidelity to the Magisterial teaching of the Church. It would not be sufficient to adopt one duty and abandon the other. To please God, one would have to strive mightily to balance both.

There is no doubt that the greatest enemies of the faith inside the Church are those dissident and heretical clerics and authorities who seek to overturn the Magisterium and remake it in their own image. I am shaken, though, by how many orthodox prelates and voices are frantically, if unthinkingly, doing their own damage to the faith. Some people who I have deeply admired have become more and more unhinged and over-aggressive, becoming less reformers and more aspiring destroyers. It has been a startling grief for me.

Right now, more than a few orthodox Catholic Priests in this country are being summarily dismissed from their Parishes – for being orthodox. It is neither wrong nor improper that they should push back, but how they do so is critical. Fr. James Altman (who has been formally removed from his Parish by his Bishop) has become the poster boy for these Priests – and there is no subject upon which he is not willing to opine, often in aggressive and caustic terms. He had a legitimate gripe, but if I were advising him (which I am not. Though we have mutual friends, I do not know the man), I would counsel him to dial it back substantially, maybe take a sabbatical and let someone else take lead for a few months. I have had about a dozen very orthodox folks, some of high rank, most simply in the pews, talk to me about how, though they enthusiastically support extensive reform, they cannot abide the constant caustic manner in which Fr. Altman mounts the offensive. When you have been wronged and conduct yourself in a manner which causes people to wonder who is the aggressor and who the wronged party, you have lost the narrative – and are on your way to losing the battle.

When I was in politics full time, we often had junior staffers and hyper-partisan allies who always wanted to go “big and bold,” unaware that the specifics of what they wanted to do were almost invariably nasty and offensive rather than big and bold – and would hasten our defeat by alienating people who wanted to be our allies. Yes, there is an emotional catharsis that comes from being hyper-aggressive, sarcastic and caustic to people who have wronged you, but the price of that catharsis is to generally squander potential victory. I have never been big on emotionally satisfying and undisciplined rants. I prefer victory. You must maintain the discipline to be ever bold and never brash. If someone tells me that they are going to “show” our opponents, if I am not in position to muzzle that person, I quietly distance myself. I want the chance of victory – and that never requires that a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.

It seems to me that every virtue has an evil twin that mimics it – and undermines the very virtue it purports to mirror. The evil twin usually insists that any who dispute it are going to hell. Here are a few:

  1. Virtue: The traditional Latin Mass is a beautiful and timeless expression of worship.

           Evil Twin: The traditional Latin Mass is the only valid form of worship.

 

  1. Virtue: There are some serious and extensive reforms needed in the Hierarchy of the Church.

           Evil Twin: There has been no valid Pope since 1958.

 

  1. Virtue: Dissident and heretical clerics often pervert the meaning of Vatican II.

           Evil Twin: Vatican II, itself, was a betrayal of the Church and the faithful.

 

The animating substance of true piety is that God is in charge and is close at hand to us; that our duty is to do the little we can that is right before us with refinement, vigor and fortitude, trusting that the God of the gaps will cover what we lack. We are sent to call back all those who are lost to the Kingdom of the Master while fighting those who actually wage malicious war against the faithful. We are never to lump the merely timid and uncertain in with those who are actually malicious. Barring a road to Damascus event, which is entirely in God’s hands, the actually malicious will never be our allies. But we are called to comport ourselves so as to call the timid and uncertain into bold alliance with God. We will be called to account by God if we fail to even try.

The true enemies of the faith wage war on the Church, believing it to be a mere human construction, a construction they want to remake in their own image while retaining all its influence and power. It is a great sorrow that some of those enemies hold titles of trust and honor within the Church.  Foolish advocates of traditional virtues reveal how tepid their own faith is by fighting the enemies of the faith on those enemy’s terms – acting as if God and the faith could be overturned by mere men. So, they seek to establish a Church made in their own image, a purely human image that preserves the forms of piety while denying those forms any supernatural substance. It is a contest of wills between two mortal combatants, one of whom denies God and the other who, in his zeal to prevail, has forgotten God.

If we mount our defense of the faith and the faithful in a manner that casts all who disagree with us, including the merely timid and uncertain, into outer darkness, we do serious work. But it is the devil’s – not God’s – work. We cannot merely be the reverse image of our dark foes if we would be counted among God’s troops.

I have never been an enthusiast for casting opponents into outer darkness. I am always fearful of casting a potential ally – someone who, with a little refinement and effort on my part – could have become a friend of God alongside me, into that darkness. This is why my two great human archetypes of how to behave are St. Joan of Arc and the American president, Abraham Lincoln. St. Joan always called her English tormentors to repentance, giving ample room for mercy or even merely their retreat before commencing battle. But once battle was commenced, she did not flag until victory was secure. Even then, she always kept in mind that, though the fighting was her province, it is ever God who grants the victory.  Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address was the most astonishing rallying speech of a war-time leader in history: he acknowledged both our own feet of clay and the common humanity of the opponent, yet rallied us to press on. He successfully pressed completing the noble battle we were engaged in while simultaneously laying the groundwork for reconciliation under God.

There are times when I have mounted a really futile and stupid gesture, but it has always been a failure I regret, not a template for Godly action I advocate. When we face the Master, He will expect us to show Him what we have gained for His Kingdom, not merely that we have preserved what He gave us (Matthew 25:14-30).

And so, “…With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

These are the only terms upon which we should do battle.

 

200 thoughts on “Can the Center Hold?”

  1. Love this so much, Charlie. Your Virtue and Evil Twin examples rock!!!

    Even after posting the video with the insights of David L. Gray concerning the Bishop’s sanctions on Fr. Altman (Fr. A) as an example to instill fear in other priests, I have continued to pray into this current situation with Father while observing via reading and listening. It was the interview of Fr. A with RTF Media which was posted 23 hours ago that really moved me into the zone of thinking he’s OTT in his rabid ways of expression. You can find the interview here: https://anchor.fm/restoring-the-faith-media/episodes/EXCLUSIVE-Interview-with-Fr–Altman-On-the-Rundown-e1484d4

    All one need do is listen in and you’ll hear clear examples of the points Charlie makes. Here are two; there are many more: *In just the first few minutes, alone, and with disrespect, he calls his Bishop: “William” while accusing him of being a gutless tyrant and Father names the Pope: “Jorge Bergoglio.” *Fr. A threatens: “Shepherds of the Church, we’re done with you and the people are coming after you.” Really? Unjustly, Father made a sweeping generalization encompassing all the Bishops and then takes on the role of speaking for all of us. No one has the knowledge or right to speak for all.

    Each of us IS revealing our hearts to the Lord… it’s not only those who have not yet entered into the vocation of becoming part of the Remnant. The Scriptures are replete with the Lord’s desire that we have clean hearts, that we give theses hearts totally to Him, that we pray for our enemies – with sincerity, not disdain or anger – but with true love born of wishing well those with whom we struggle while tending to the boards in our own eyes. Anger turned to resentment sows seeds of bitterness in our hearts. Such unforgiveness blocks God’s healing graces. What an ugly receptacle we are capable of creating in the very place where the Trinity wishes to dwell. Better to deal with the Pharisee and hypocrite we view in the mirror each morning.

    As St. Therese, a patron of this site, has said: “It is not to remain in a golden ciborium that He comes down each day from Heaven, but to find another Heaven, the Heaven of our soul in which He takes delight.” May the ciborium of our hearts and souls be a welcome resting place of the Indwelling of the Holy Trinity in each of us.

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

    Liked by 17 people

    1. Yes I find some situations to be very tricky like you just said Beckita and Charlie. I think it’s one of the tricks of the devil to get us to be angry or judgmental with those brothers and sisters who are not doing things as we would like rather then just to give it to God and to continue to pray for all. I liked St Theresa quote, “God has not called me to be successful, He’s called me to be faithful.”

      Life is such a journey and such a mystery too!!! Oh let us all have the Grace to keep loving and praying for all dear Jesus🥰🙏✝️

      Liked by 7 people

    2. Beckita, so sad to hear the Fr. A. has spoken in this negative manner. We’ll pray for him, and he must feel so hurt and abandoned by those who should be supporting him.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. What negative manner? Maybe if a hundred more rose up and spoke with holy courage like him we wouldn’t be in such a diabolical mess we find ourselves in the Catholic Church in America! It’s going to get much worse, and largely cause of “Catholics ” who condemn and mock priests like him…etc ad nauseam…God bless ! 😇

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        1. Father can’t call his bishop a “gutless tyrant”. I don’t believe the Lord would want Father to fight his battle in this manner. I understand his wording in all the preaching and agree with that. Padre Pio was “sidelined” and didn’t use this terminology attacking the authorities above him. Yes, God bless Father!

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        2. Bobjct, you get it. You understand how a Catholic warrior acts, thinks and talks. A warrior does notince words. You get righteous holy anger. Fr Altman speaks for the unborn, for us faithful Catholics who have been muzzled, locked out , denied the Eucharist.

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        3. I think at the heart of it, Fr. A feels most pain for the betrayal if his spiritual children (many of us), whom were left starving by our “Spiritual Fathers” including Bishops this past year. He is speaking “tough love” because he is speaking truth. And it must feel pretty rotten when you are living out your vocation for your people and you are called “devisive” by your own Bishop. He isn’t calling for a schism… he loves mother church. And yet bishops and priest whom support holy communion for pro-abortion politicians, support homosexual unions.. etc… they don’t get called out?

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    3. OTT? I’d rather have a thousand Fr. Altman’s than these cowardly and LUCIFERIAN bishops we have! You and Charlie lost me after this nonsense long winded commentary…but that’s exactly what Lucifer desires ultimately, division & chaos! Hope you both wake up from your judgemental slumber and rise up with a little courage like the hundreds of priests who are being persecuted, suppressed, and exiled on a daily basis in America just like Fr Altman who is a true priest not a lipid weak minded priest who go along to get along easy comfortable mentality sprinting into Hell while they bring countless Souls with them for all of Eternity!!!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Bob– the tone in which we communicate a message is as important as the message. Being disrespectful of superiors is wrong– actually, being disrespectful to anyone is wrong. I think we can strongly call out error without sarcastic digs. I agree with everything Fr. Altman says but I hate that he was so sarcastic and disrespectful. Do you see what I mean, Bob?

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Amen. Fr Altman is a real man. Bold, truthfilled and stings. The soft-spoken, vanilla ridden Bishops do not like to hear truth. Fr Altman understands harsh words are needed to chastise those who have no problem with unborn babies being purposely torn apart limb by limb. True Charity is truth, not nicey nice.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes Patrick.  Being humble does not necessarily mean backing down.  Tenacity does not necessarily mean aggression.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

        Liked by 4 people

    5. I really like Beckita’s and Charlie’s measured posts.

      Here are some Bible verses for reflection: Isiah 42:3-4 which is referenced in Matthew’s gospel Matthew 12:20; and Isiah 53.

      Padre Pio emulated His Saviour when Padre was not allowed to publicly say Mass. Padre Pio must have read Isiah 53 many times while he was being punished in that way.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. May St Padre Pio intercede for Fr. A. :

    On June 9, 1931, the Feast of Corpus Christi, Padre Pio was ordered by the Holy See to desist from all activities except the celebration of the Mass, which was to be in private. By early 1933, Pope Pius XI ordered the Holy See to reverse its ban on Padre Pio’s public celebration of Mass, saying, “I have not been badly disposed toward Padre Pio, but I have been badly informed.”

    Padre Pio’s reaction is recounted Chapter 20 of Bernard Ruffin’s book, “Padre Pio: The True Story”.

    After Vespers, Padre Raffaele summoned Pio to the friary parlor and read the decree received on June 11, 1931, without comment:

    “Padre Pio is to be stripped of all faculties of his priestly ministry except the faculty to celebrate the Holy Mass, which he may continue to do provided it is done in private, within the walls of the friary, in the inner chapel, and not publicy in church”.

    To that, Ruffin explains St. Pio’s initial reaction:

    “God’s will be done,”…then he covered his eyes with his hands, lowered his head, and murmured, “The will of the authorities is the will of God.”

    While this caused immense suffering for Pio, which was confided privately to his friend and former teacher, Padre Agostino, he did not complain or make objections, especially in a public way. Padre Agostino asked him how he spent his time and Pio replied, “I pray and I study as much as I can, and then I annoy my Brothers.” Pio went on to elaborate that he jokes with his brothers. With regards to study, he spent much time in Sacred Scripture, and he especially studied the Fathers of the Church.

    Two years later, on March 14, 1933, Pope Pius XI, sent personal representatives to see Padre Pio, who had been “imprisoned” without the ability to celebrate Mass publicly since June of 1931. Monsignor Luca Pasetto and Monisgnor Felice Bevilaqua. Bernard Ruffin continues in his book:

    “They found no wild-eyed fanatic, no crazed neurotic, no embittered rebel, but a pleasant, humorous man. According to [Padre] Raffaele, Pasetto was very much impressed with Pio’s humility, his docility, and the whole of his conduct. He recognized Pio as a man of prayer and entirely godly.”

    (excerpted from tinyurl.com/b77y5fk6 )

    Liked by 17 people

      1. I am asking Maria Esparanza to intercede for my Lambzie’s healing. Lambzie surprised me yesterday on my 60th Birthday. We were up at the shack up North in the NH willowwacks and all of a sudden all our friends showed up with food. Well, all my plans for the day went out the window and I had the best birthday ever of which I will never forget.

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          1. Thanks Becks.  It was fun.  I stayed up to midnight to be in my 50s as long as possible.  As an aside, it was so good to see you and Fr. Wang at the conference!  You two are such an inspiration!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

            Liked by 5 people

              1. First thing I did when I got home was give Lambzie a hug from you Becks.  It was a delivery of all them prayers from you.  God bless you!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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          1. Chronic pain and chronic coughing due to asthma.  She is a trooper, but there are days it wears her down.  Thanks Linda!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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            1. She’s one of God’s favorites I bet!!! For sure I’m thinking she offers it all up in reparation 🥰✝️🙏 awwww bless her and I will pray for her ❤️📿🐶

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              1. Well, I think we are all God’s favorites.  However, she is my favorite 🙂🙂🙂  Thanks Linda!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

                Liked by 1 person

            2. Doug. Btw this one lady I know had a chronic cough they always said it was asthma…strangely, years later they figured out it wasn’t asthma at all but in fact it was some glitch with her heart which this one medication 💊 totally cured her heart AND her cough! Poor dear Betty suffered for Years with that darn cough…I’d check with a heart doctor 👨‍⚕️ if you can🙏

              Liked by 2 people

              1. Linda– I started suffering with a deep chronic cough about a year ago and thought it was allergy related asthma (I was very asthmatic as a child). Was finally recently diagnosed with GERD, put on prilosec, and symptoms disappeared in a week. Had no idea I had GERD!

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                1. All be Kimsevier!!! Doug I hope you see this! Thanks be to God Kim you’re true problem was finally diagnosed!🥰🙏✝️❤️

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                  1. Thanks Linda!  I have taken note and plan to respond to Kim.  I am back at work today after a week off and am catching up with work stuff. —- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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                2. Ok.  I just talked Lambzie.  This regimen was tried already and was ineffective.  Sigh…..—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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              2. Hi Linda,I have a hunch that this is the major cause.  If you can find info on this, that would be greatly appreciated!  I the mean time, we continue to search on this end.Doug—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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                1. Doug I’m at a house by lane Erie bad WiFi 😩. I hope this sends. I did ask Marypat and she said Betty ended up needing a heart valve replacement and that was the end of her cough she suffered for decades.

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          1. And you are one of those friends Farm Girl. You are just a long distance friend.  Jacki and I still pray for you on a regular basis! —- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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            1. Thanks Doug. We are looking to try to do a little traveling. Would love to come visit you two. Praying for you both.

              Liked by 2 people

              1. We would love to have you!  Just finished the log home shell today up North.  We are off grid with solar.  Your husband was (is) an inspiration!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

                Liked by 1 person

          1. Thanks Steve!  Prayers your way.  Hope your Mom is doing well!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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    2. Maggie… I also thought of Padre Pio but did not have all of your details. Thank you!
      My first thought after reading Charlie’s article and thinking about Padre Pio is that maybe God allows an injustice against us to reveal hearts … ours and the other person’s. Maybe our reaction of obedience and non retaliation towards our legitimate authority, shows us where we are spiritually (so we can change where needed) and help others in the same situation, by our example. Maybe our example can also help our “abuser” change their heart. It is like being a soldier for Christ…. it is a fascinating mystery how it all works and a blessing to be “asked” by God to play our little part in this way.

      Liked by 8 people

      1. “…reaction of obedience and non retaliation towards our legitimate authority, shows us where where we are spiritually…” That is exactly what I have been thinking.

        Been thinking often of Matthew 21:28-32 because I think God values obedience above all. People may object, unless they consider what is encompassed in obedience (e.g. – love… the one who loves Him is the one who does His will, etc.)

        “Wait on the Lord” is another good gauge. I don’t think Judas had a mind to wait.

        One more distinction: There’s a difference between disposition and intent, and only God truly knows the intent. That’s why I’m not big on such comparisons of different people to make a point.

        Liked by 8 people

  3. I think this is an important essay, Charlie ~ and an excellent follow-up comment, Beckita.

    Right now, it seems that we are all crossing a raging river on a slippery log.

    I love the image found on holy cards of the Guardian Angel following some little children.

    God bless and keep you, friends.

    Sister Bear

    Liked by 15 people

    2. I am so grateful that all the church politics, etc, is way over my paygrade. However there are no shortage of complex, mushrooming, interpersonal, problems that need this kind of fine discernment and humble prayer in my private life. It kinda surprises me so many folks seem to have the time to focus on such things, as it seems all kinds of relationships are being tested. It really is a massive storm. I am exhausted and frequently pray for courage and strength, and out of necessity seek to find the simplest route. God bless us, guide us and keep us, everyone!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. There will be an event entitled, “Catholic Laity Arise” to be held on August 14 in Goffstown, NH.  The goal is to get 1000 together to pray for our beloved church and priests.  It is a unique event.  For more info, check out the web site:  http://www.standupandkneel.org Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

        Liked by 6 people

      2. I’m with you, LL! Have told the Lord I’m tired and He has to supply what I need. We’ll trust that He certainly will hear and answer that prayer for us! God bless you!

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  5. I have often opined over Fr. Altman’s vehemence and it would seem, lack of charity in calling out the errant clergy. But I am called to think upon the words of St. John the Baptist “”You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” and Christ himself was not polite with the money changers in the temple and how much worse is the sin of abortion, same-sex marriage, giving of Communion to those in obstinate denial of mortal sin, etc. which the Catholic hierarchy turn their backs on? I understand where Fr. Altman’s zeal comes from but yes, I do believe he needs to end his rants with “We must pray for the conversion of their souls” which I have yet to hear…

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    1. Fran, I tend to agree. Love the sinner, on both extreme ends of the spectrum, the zealot and the timid, and all in between, hate the sin! God alone knows our true motivations in our human weaknesses. ❤

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  7. I agree with you in the delivery but I can actually feel his pain and disbelief when he speaks. He loves the church and really is striving to get as many of his sheep to heaven as he can. Father comes across as so honest and in a sense innocent to me. He and I grew up in an entirely different church. I always liked people who pull no punches.

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  8. Hi Charlie,

    It seemed to me that Father Altman was reacting with righteous indignation, however, his name calling and disrespect shows a scary lack of humility. I love Maggie’s comparison to Padre Pio’s reaction.

    It seems that you may know Father Heilman who is a close friend of Father A. I hope you alert your friend Father H. I’d hate for him to be sucked into the vortex. And further, that Father H. Suggests/recommends that Father A. consider what you recommend.

    Today during the homily the priest asked for us to pray for him and all priests. He remarked that they are human with human frailties but God called them and set them apart. That they act in persona Christi. People need to be respectful of the position of the bishop, pope and all priests. He said there is a great spiritual war against priests by the devil. He was tearful in his request for prayers.

    Let us all pray for the clergy. With fasting and prayer maybe even the enemies of the church will be converted.

    Liked by 14 people

    1. “It seemed to me that Father Altman was reacting with righteous indignation, however, his name calling and disrespect shows a scary lack of humility.”
      Seems like someone else we all know whose name could replace Father Altman in the above sentence; someone else who spoke the truth and made tremendous progress towards it, but some of his comments came back to “bite” him.
      Based on history, we know not all of God’s prophets were perfect.
      Let’s continue to pray for them.

      Liked by 7 people

  9. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! 😉 PM

    http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/stone/170123

    https://amgreatness.com/2021/07/10/explaining-the-full-armor-of-god-to-an-ignorant-media/

    THEY are Looking to be “Offended” by anything.
    THEY are attempting to incite Hot Anger in US so that THEY can call US Insurrectionists, Christen NutJobs or RightWing Militia and sic the Department of Just-Us on US!
    I recently said Farewell to an Old Yellow Dog Democrat friend of 20 years ’cause it had become impossible to have a meaningful conversation.
    THEY have Politicized EVERYTHING …. Time to Choose!
    https://www.wnd.com/2021/07/cancel-culture-targets-prayer-atheists-offended/

    https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/twitter-censorship-army-veterans/2021/07/09/id/1028123/

    https://onepeterfive.com/woe-canada-the-land-of-the-burning-church/

    Good Levin/Bozell Video & The Usual Suspects In-Action ;-(
    https://newsbusters.org/
    …. & on Hannity:
    https://generaldispatch.whatfinger.com/fight-mark-levin-gives-stark-warning-to-americans-about-the-constitution-important-for-our-future/

    Principalities & Powers of the Dark Side!?
    https://newstarget.com/2021-07-11-world-economic-forum-great-reset-cyberattack-covid.html

    https://www.americanthinker.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 7 people

  10. Charlie– I’m so glad you have addressed this issue. I was very taken with Fr. Altman initially, but when I saw him speak on the Vortex I was sad and disappointed. His blatant disrespect made me embarrassed for him and I was thinking that he has gone off the rails. To me, it is tragic. I pray that he can get back on track and am wondering if his fame has just gone to his head.

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  12. I love this article Charlie! I have felt the same way for along time. People who I would normally support, sometimes go way off… like your example of the evil twin saying: the Traditional Latin Mass is the only valid form of worship. They push people like me away from them. I will keep you and all in my prayers! God Bless!

    Liked by 6 people

  13. From the opening line, or title above, “THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD,” I knew I would by in sympathy with what Charlie was about to write:

    That phrase’s origin is one of my favorite poems – written by the great Irish poet of the 19th and 20th centuries, William Butler Yeats [who was also a favorite of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.] It emanates from Yeats’ great poetic work from the last century, ‘The Second Coming’ [of Christ]. It speaks indirectly of works done in the spirit of the Antichrist – not just the Great Antichrist himself – but in the same spirit which St. John speaks of so eloquently.

    THE CENTER, THE VIA MEDIA, IS THE PATH OF THE CHURCH. IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN – AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE.

    Journeys on the ‘Via Media’ always begin in Charity. Where you do not see charity, but only anger, spleen venting, lack of love – know this is never inspired by the Holy Spirit – but rather by spirits less than holy.

    The passage in the above piece which spoke to me the loudest is this:

    “If we mount our defense of the faith and the faithful in a manner that casts all who disagree with us, including the merely timid and uncertain, into outer darkness, we do serious work. But it is the devil’s – not God’s – work. We cannot merely be the reverse image of our dark foes if we would be counted among God’s troops.”

    Do you know what is more tragic than wounded warriors who act and speak from outside the balanced Center which Yeats speaks of in his poem. It is the role of those who visit the wounded and attempt to inspire them to lash out with anger and wrath as their response to wounds. Such visitors to the wounded are described well in the following Scripture passage – taken from today’s Latin Breviary.

    “Atténdite * a falsis prophétis, qui véniunt ad vos in vestiméntis óvium, intrínsecus autem sunt lupi rapáces; a frúctibus eórum cognoscétis eos, allelúia.”
    (Canticum Zachariæ: Luc. 1:68-79)

    Eng. Translation: “Beware of false prophets, * which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Alleluia.”

    Those who visit the wounded encouraging them to lash out rather than to forgive, they are amongst the ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing – they desperately need our forgiveness, prayer, and love. For such are not on the Via Media of Christ and His Church.

    Congratulations on this piece which points out a dangerous spiritual ‘clear and present danger’ around us today.

    All my love in Christ

    Desmond

    Liked by 14 people

  15. I stand with Father Altman. Sure, he can tone it down, in fact, he probably needs to change his socks more often. We humans through the ages are driven to tear one another down. The Catholic cabal is destroying the Holy Catholic Church. So, if not Father Altman, then who will turn the evil away? God? Perhaps God is working through Father Altman. Yes, yes, yes, we must be respectful. Certainly the Jews were as the Nazi’s rounded them up. The Catholic Church isn’t slightly damaged, it’s hemorrhaging.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. I think a lot of this is largely the product of folks launching on social media without thinking through the consequences.  Over the years, I have learned that when I am emotionally charged and ready to fire off an email response, write it, but sit on it for a day or so and then reassess what I wrote.  Often, when I do that, I say, “yikes” to myself and then reword to be less emotional and more constructive.  Anyway, the age of social media makes it all too easy to spout off.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

      Liked by 12 people

  16. Aquinas41, Thank you! I have been thinking similarly about what you and of course Charlie have just said for a few weeks now. It seems that the folks who interview Fr. A. Sometimes try to rile him up and then he gets mad and says things off the top of his head, this gets views but does a great disservice to him and those who love him. And most importantly to our Mother Church, I too struggle with anger and continue to learn that things said in anger never create the results I wanted. ( I think there is a valid reason that anger is second only to Pride in the 7 deadly sins) We need to pray for Fr. A. and all involved. Charlie if you could find a way to get him this letter I’m sure it could help. He could use your clarity as he negotiates this minefield. These are perilous times, We are at war, and as Gods children we must fight this war as He leads us to, with love and obedience to Him and love for our enemies. A huge task that without His Grace is impossible. Viva Cristo Rey!

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Maryanne, thank you. When a major chunk of culture is ANGRY – that virtually always signals an impending rise in lack of charity/love of neighbor. I heard an interesting comment the other day from someone who was looking at this battle from a vantage point outside the Church: “The ‘Right’ or the Church is beginning to sound like the people in BLM and ANTIFA. Same sounds of anger and hatred, and it sounds like impending violence.” That person could see and hear no difference between some of our wounded traditional Catholics – and the screaming voices of BLM and ANTIFA. We faithful Catholics need to think about how we – and others – are coming off to the public??? Do I want to be painted with the same brush as BLM & ANTIFA? Do I? We need to start really thinking things through on such matters. Jesus says it over and over – if it doesn’t start in love of God and neighbor – it is not of God.

      Liked by 11 people

  17. I lived most of my life in La Crosse. I never belonged to Fr. Altman’s parish but attended there a few times before we moved to Tennessee.

    I loved how strongly Father Altman would speak out about things like abortion, and how ardently he would speak of why to be Catholic. In an especially memorably homily, he spoke of the importance of beauty in the liturgy.

    I used to ponder the differences in homilists. The priest who most made me see my flaws and move to a desire to change never spoke of the more controversial issues. Listening to Fr. Altman, though I appreciated his words, for me he was preaching to the choir. (I nodded a LOT during his homilies.) Still, I had come to know that a lot of Catholics really did not understand that there really is something such as mortal sin, so even though he didn’t speak to my faults in the way the other priest did, I loved hearing his strong words and knew some might benefit.

    My husband and I took him out for lunch before we moved to Tennessee. We had a great conversation, and he gave me some advice (unasked for but very appropriate) that I’ve never forgotten.

    So I’ve come to care quite a bit for him. I even listened to some of his streamed homilies during the early days of COVID and was happy to hear him support his Bishop.

    I am so sad to see how things have changed. Maybe it’s good that I grew to care so much because it keeps him in my prayers and I can prayer whole-heartedly for him.

    Liked by 11 people

  18. “And so, “…With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

    Really great piece here Charlie! The quote I copied and pasted above was very very heartening 🥰

    Thank you very much!

    Getting ready to order my own copy of the CoRaC convention tomorrow! Can’t wait to see it!!!

    Liked by 4 people

  19. Charlie,

    Peace be with you. Intemperate uncharitable responses/reactions can have disastrous consequences. I often thought that the antagonizing combative approach of Jon Eck did more harm to the Church by alienating Luther further, especially in the beginning. We have all seen those who love to manipulate others to get them riled. Eck certainly enjoyed doing so to Luther.

    So, we pray for Father Altman and all involved.

    Again, thank to this website, I also had my love not only of Maria Valtorta kindled, but also that to Venerable Maria de Jesus de Agreda. Since I have always agreed with the Franciscan thesis (tied right to the Immaculate Conception), I have been working on getting the critical edition of the Mystical City of God published in English with annotations. it will take a couple of years

    Liked by 8 people

      1. Mick this is sort of funny…I went to Mass alone Sunday for Mike was a bit “under the weather,” And there was this couple in front of me I’d never seen before! I noticed her purse said “Michigan,” but as I started to get out of my pew and genuflect I found myself holding on to the pew in which they were sitting -actually it was more like a bear hug cuz I was having trouble getting up- and the guy came out of the pew at the exact same second as me and we BOTH got tangled in each other and BOTH of us almost went down!!! It was hilarious and I’m still laughing out loud over it!!! Well…. The wife didn’t think it was too funny and so I tried to strike up a conversation with her! 😂 I said, “Hey your purse says Michigan are you two from Michigan???” She replied, “Yes!” So I started throwing out a bunch of names and she said she thinks she knows you from the prolife group in or near Jackson!!!! Ha!!! She was a real pretty lady, about my age, dark hair, dark glasses and her hubby had a sort of limp that I think was there even before I almost tripped him up! 😂 I tried to tell them about Charlie too but then I think I started to scare them a little!!! I don’t do well without Mike obviously! But it really was a hilarious and coincidental event🧐

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Ha, Linda! I’m sorry about the “jampile” (I hope you’re both OK), but that’s pretty cool. I’m dying to know who it was! By any chance, did the lady’s first name begin with a “B”? Email me later! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

            1. Hmm…. I might have an idea. Next time I see them, I ask if they were in Ohio and almost got in a jampile in the church aisle. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

      2. Mick,,

        This has turned out to be a bigger project than I initially imagined, Mick. In fact, this project should be two or three years. A translation from the critical text of the Mystica Ciudad de Dios is needed as the prior translator into English omitted certain Scotistic terms. A critical introduction for context and its influence. is needed. We are looking at addressing both the academic and popular audiences.

        We are looking at a multi-volume work, with critical introductions to every volume. Ground rules include using the Vulgate and the Vulgate numbering of psalms to reflect the biblical text Sor Maria used.

        This work was enormously influential and played a role in the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. It was carried by St. Junipero Serra and Ven, Antonio de Margil in their missionary journeys.

        It is also hoped by this work to advance the cause for Sor Maria’s canonization. She has more documented and authenticated miracles (that are still happening today) than the majority of saints canonized today. She has been held, wrongly and unfairly, to a higher standard. The last objection to her canonization was that the Mystica Ciudad de Dios presented a theology that was not in accord with the Mariology of Vatican II. The annotations are to help refute that.

        She is a minority (Hispanic/woman) saint who served minority populations of native Americans in her bilocation missionary journeys. She is responsible for at least 10,000.00 plus natives being baptized.

        In comparing to Eastern Christian tradition, the works of Maria Valtorta and Brigit of Sweden, I have found very few discrepancies, and many of the so called differences can be reconciled. If Sor Maria was held to the standard of Anne Katherine Emmerich, she would be canonized by now.

        An interesting point of comparison are the alleged works of Emmerich versus those of Sor Maria, St. Brigit and Maria Valtorta. Remember the concept of “chain of custody” from criminal law in law school? There is a clear chain of custody for Brigit, Valtorta’s and Sor Maria’s works. We do not have such a chain of custody for Emmerich’s. With Sor Maria’s there was a fierce protection of her work by the Spanish crown and the First order Franciscans. In fact, I would like to have one of the 17th century Franciscan books defending the first part of the Mystica translated also, as a later project

        Mick, my sister in Christ, please pray for the success of this project. You and everyone here are in my prayers – I had a special Franciscan Crown Rosary made with blue beads in honor of our Lady and Sor Maria.

        refers to Mary and is both a theologicaland devotional work, as well as a work of private

        Like

        1. James, that is an excellent point about the chain of custody of Sor Maria’s work versus Anne Katherine Emmerich’s. And I will most certainly pray for you and for the success of this work.

          I have a very soft spot in my heart for Sor Maria. About 25 years ago, I read the 800-page abridgment of The Mystical City of God. It completely changed the way I viewed the Blessed Mother. Before reading that book, Mary had seemed out of reach to me, like a distant, indifferent queen. After reading Sor Maria’s work, I was able to see Mary is a real, flesh and blood, down-to-earth woman with worries, sorrows, and struggles. She’s not some out-of-touch ice-queen who looks down on us here below; she is our mother who understands and empathizes because she has been through all that we go through (except sin, of course). And like all good mothers, she is solicitous of our welfare and helps us in a thousand different ways that we might never even recognize. It is not an exaggeration to say that I owe my relationship with our dear Mother in large part to Sor Maria.
          May your work prosper, and may Sor Maria soon be raised to the altars.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. P.S. I wanted to let you know that as I wrote my above reply, I was sitting in front of my beautiful statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury. I have asked her intercession for you, your family, and your work on behalf of Sor Maria. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  20. Whether satan plays the short game or the long game – he does both, it doesn’t matter.
    God plays the deep game.
    He has known from before His Spirit breathed on the waters of creation the outcome of everything.
    Trust Him. Test your guidance. But to the Lord alone belongs victory “lest I say my own sword won me victory.
    He never fights back with Satan’s tactics. He relies on only His live for what He made.

    Liked by 7 people

  21. I hear you, Charlie, and I find much wisdom in your message — and some much needed personal challenge to myself. Thank you for that, truly.

    But…

    Fr. Altman says over and over that his main concern is for the sheep, the children, who are not being fed. I take him at his word.

    Got our Father has some pretty harsh words concerning bad shepherds…

    Ezekiel 34:2-3

    And our Lord Jesus was pretty “harsh” at times too…

    John 2:15-17

    Matthew 23:33

    John 10:12-13

    Liked by 9 people

    1. There are plenty of folks who don’t think that Fr. Altman has bad intentions. That’s a good thing.

      But…

      There have been plenty of bad characters throughout history (more than we can count at present) with malintent. Plenty of those have also assured us that their main concern is for the sheep, the children, those who are not being fed, etc. The Lawless one will initially be the most convincing of the lot.

      I almost completely concur with Charlie’s column insights and spiritually mature thought process employed in these matters.

      I’d completely concur, but then folks would want to know what I did with MP.

      Liked by 8 people

    1. Fred, I did not say that the problem is Fr. Altman. I said that the manner of his sustained caustic response is not helping, but hurting, those of us who seek extensive reform – and himself.

      Liked by 3 people

  23. I’ve always found what I call a ‘hair in fire’ delivery ( Voris, Dreher, Altman) to be distasteful. I really avoid people once they get like that, and I thought it was my own lack of courage.

    What’s really sad is that I often agree with the three of them on a few things. But I can’t bring myself to support the delivery.

    What I really hate about all of it is that there’s such vitriol and confusion within the church as it is. We really don’t need anymore gas thrown on the fire. It seems like no one is going to step up and be the adult in the room. And the children ( that would be me) would really like to have an adult in the room.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I’ve compared the torrent spewing out of the demon’s mouth to a flash flood in the desert. What a tumultuous display at its most ferocious crescendo. Sand, mud, rock, cacti, humans, cars, and anything else in its path gets swept right along with it. That is, if you happen to be dallying in the canyon. Plodding along downriver, the sun could be shining on you and the birds chirping, but at the slightest whiff of trouble or the least nagging nudge. Get to high ground. I sometimes trek up canyons on dry days, but they make the worst foot paths.

      Liked by 5 people

  24. Totally agree with you Briana!

    This is one of my favorite all-time posts from Charlie. I just wish Charlie had written it and Trump had read it and taken it to heart before and during the election. Things might be different now.

    “Yes, there is an emotional catharsis that comes from being hyper-aggressive, sarcastic and caustic to people who have wronged you, but the price of that catharsis is to generally squander potential victory.”

    True dat!

    Liked by 3 people

  25. I read this again and the comments, and it got me thinking.

    I come from a Pentecostal background ( that’s where my mom brought me) and the great gift of that was twofold in that I know there is a Holy Spirit, and the second is that I learned to wait out the … I don’t know what to call them…self appointed prophets or spokesmen of God? They are, sadly, a dime a dozen. And I had the luxury of waiting them out because they aren’t the ones putting milk in my fridge, so to speak. So I’d listen with half an ear, watch and wait, and eventually the scene would end if not badly, than with a whimper.

    When I became Catholic I watched for these types, and I think they are found in these hair on fire types that have more emotion than prudence.

    What bothers me in the division that they cause is that people seem to come to believe that if they don’t believe or agree with these men, they will lose their salvation. ( I saw this in homeschooling circles as well…that salvation was based on young earth creation belief…and they were terrified of any alternative narrative).

    The Evil Twin followers that Charlie identified have that same sort of terror to their communication…that if they DON’T believe those things they will somehow lose their salvation. And so I can have some compassion on them because if my salvation was tied to those beliefs I might be scared, too.

    I’m not saying they’re right.. Just another observation.

    Liked by 8 people

  26. Heartening piece, Charlie. I love this photo of the sails, looks just like the storm we are in but a beautiful one, one where Jesus and Mary are guiding the sails.

    I really like your comparison of the virtues and the evil twins. There is never just one far side in any battle. If there is a far left, you know that there is going to be a far right, but most are the ones in the middle, trying to figure out where they should stand, how they should react, and what is really the truth. I have family that are very outspoken on both sides of this battle and I pray for all of them.

    I always ponder many of your articles where you remind us that God will call us to account, not only what we do but also what we fail to do. It’s a slippery slope, what we fail to do, and my biggest worry. Your teaching us TNRS helps me a lot with this, but I always need work.

    We had a changing of the guard at our parish on July 1st. We no longer have a pastor but a parochial administrator as our priest. (I’m not sure but I think it’s because he is so new and has never pastored a parish before). This is the first time in our St. Raphael history that I can remember where we have only one priest. Our parochial vicar, Father Altier, was reassigned, and so was our pastor, Father Rudolph. Both were very unique in their teachings and I will miss them both very much. Each priest brings a different perspective teaching the Gospel and I look forward to learning from our new priest, Fr. Nick Hagen, and his teachings. May God bless all our priests, brothers, sisters, and deacons in whatever situation they find themselves. God always has a plan and we need to continue to pray for them. We especially need to pray for those who have gone astray, and those in Purgatory.

    Continuing to watch the conference videos, can’t wait to see more. Love Father Wang!

    Liked by 6 people

  27. Charlie, thank you for these words – I find a lot of wisdom in them amidst trials.
    Especially: “The animating substance of true piety is that God is in charge and is close at hand to us…”

    My hospital announced last week that when the Covid “vaccine” is approved by FDA, we have to get the shot or be terminated – all the large Boston hospitals are on board for this policy. I will not take the mRNA injection. I feel a moral repugnance at re-engineering God’s design. DNA and RNA are the central “stuff of life.” We are crossing a very dangerous line to create RNA by man and inject it into the human body. To me, it is the “tree in the center of the garden” that we should not touch.

    A new, real vaccine (recombinant antigen of the Spike protein – not mRNA, and no abortion cell lines) will be submitted this quarter to the FDA for EUA. The company is Novavax from Gaithersburg, MD. Their vaccine is in stage 3 trials and the results are good. Although I don’t like the way we are moving toward a society of forced behavior, I would take the Novavax vaccine.

    I am not worried – as Charlie stated – God is in charge and is close at hand to us. Amen!
    I am very grateful for this wonderful community.

    Liked by 5 people

    2. Marianne, you may have seen the video by the Nobel Prize winning doctor who speaks of Novavax coming as a good alternative. I mentioned it in a comment on the previous? posting by Charlie. It was in Mallett’s latest blog post, “For the Love of Neighbor”, and you only need to watch the last 7 or 8 minutes of the video to see very intriguing charts and hear the dr’s comments on Novavax. Again, if one is forced to get the “vax”, at least it seems to be safer. I hope my daughter, the nurse, can do that if necessary for her job!

      Liked by 4 people

  29. B.E.
    It is their lack of faith, not accuracy for it, that leads them to seek those that “divine” the mind of God. Scripture calls it the “tickling ears” stuff (2 Timothy 4:3). If we wait, like you suggest, the truth shows them out in the long run for the fruit they produce will be the proof.
    We must keep what is good though.
    Fr Altman had some great words of wisdom and these are not diminished now because of the controversy.
    Fr Corapi gave many great sermons and lectures which were true and powerful for He wielded God’s Word by virtue of his Holy Orders. But he proved to be a man with some deep seated weaknesses very probably precipitated by his fame. We must pray for Fr Altman that his fame does not lead him down a similar path.

    Liked by 8 people

  30. With the ever-increasing battle fronts being opened and the feeling we are being overrun, I can understand an unfiltered moral rejection response filled with anger and rage, which is disorganized and even incoherent. I have been there and done that. I have kept up that tempo, and as Charlie said, it pushed people away and did nothing to get people to listen to the issue or my point, which was based on Church teaching. When this intense/aggressive mantra goes on and on and on, people walk away and you end up talking to yourself. And worse yet, you lose future credibility. A lose lose situation.

    Quit beating a dead horse and get a plan. God should be the first part of any plan and I am sure it will not include a lot of raw unfiltered human emotions, but it will be passionate, just like our Lord is for souls.
    Thanks much for your insight and examples in dealing with this important aspect of the battle.

    Liked by 6 people

  31. I understand your premise. I guess my comment was unclear and I am in a bit of a minority here. I believe that Fr. Altman’s outrage is fully justified by a world gone mad. I understand him because he gives voice to the frustrations we all experience from the insanity all around us that is accepted and even promoted by our “leaders,” including those in the Church, as if it is normal. It is anything but. Yes, he is confrontational, but in my opinion we have long passed the time for half measures and worrying about tone. He is a modern day John the Baptist crying out in the desert. As I said, I wish we had more like him. Maybe more folks would start paying attention. I am not offended in the least by his approach. Frankly, there is a case to be made that our “civility” and “tolerance” is partly to blame for our circumstances because no matter the outrage, our “side” tends toward compromise and accommodation for the sake of peace. I don’t think this was what Christ ever intended… particularly when you consider the results.

    Liked by 14 people

    2. Thank you…100% accurate …so many pampered Catholics whining about Faithful Holy Priests and not about the diabolical filth that is going on globally and in the mirror etc ad nauseam…Lol God bless…zzzz

      Liked by 3 people

    4. Not only John the Baptist, but also Jesus Himself would give them straight into their faces quite aggressively at times I guess…
      “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.
      Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.” – Mt 23

      The key here is the underlying motivation though. Is it coming from the zeal and love for God? Or is it coming from self-centered feeling of being a better person. I listened to one interview of Michael Voris with Fr. Altman and I believe Fr. Altman is doing it for the love of God. In other words he is doing his job and should get paid at the end.

      Liked by 8 people

    5. Spot on, Fred. Thankfully there’s many of us who have had enough and feel the same way. I’ll gladly take Father Altman in my foxhole any day. Lord, please send us a thousand more just like him to help us cleanse and rebuild our Church!

      Liked by 4 people

  32. Well, in Poland there was such a priest back in the Communist times – father Jerzy Popieluszko, for his aggressive telling the truth he was murdered by the Communists. Now beatified and most likely soon to be canonized.

    Liked by 7 people

  33. Fr. Altman could use his words better. I like his passion and relate personnally to his loss of direction due to tandom thoughts. He has a lot on his mind. Many people voice thoughts our Priests should rise up more and verbalize Truth. We the people should start.

    Acknowledge we are made in the image and likeness of God. He created them male and female… Do not pander and reciprocate a false premise a human can become another sex thru intention.

    Live the Ten Commandments. It is our First Amendment right to practice Religion and part of this is acknowledging there is only one God and not many gods of ‘government, organizations, idols’.

    *******
    Today’s readings in the Liturgy of the Hours: (1 Kings 18: 16b-40)

    Catholic Study Bible

    1 Kings 18:16-21

    16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
    17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?”

    18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel; but you have, and your father’s house, because you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals.

    19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

    20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel, and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel.
    21 And Elijah came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

    *******
    July 16- Our Lady of Carmel
    Our Lady of Carmel, Pray for us.

    Liked by 3 people

  34. Two points about the interview Beckita references:
    1) when he said “we are coming after you.” I think he was referring to the fact that scandalous and extremely disgusting situations in the lives of some of our shepherds have been uncovered and documented. They are ready to be presented, but I think R. Altman is saying something like “clean up or we’ll show the public the dirt.” In my opinion, that’s rather charitable: sparing the faithful more nauseating facts about our bishops in return for them cleaning up their acts. I just hope it works.
    2) Bergoglio is his name. It may not be deferential, but it’s not an invective. Archbishop Viganó also refers to that person as “Bergoglio.”
    I am sorry for Fr. Altman that his anger is so hot, but I would still rather have an honest angry priest than a smirking, prancing, sweep-it-all-under-the-rug-and-smile-nicely-for-the-cameras cleric. I pray that Fr. Altman is sustaining a solid prayer life, and following God’s will to the best of his ability. It’s easy to get lost in anger, especially these days.

    Liked by 9 people

  35. That “Billowing Sails – Leonardo Nierman,” sure is a beautiful painting. It captures – in my mind anyhow – the uncertainty of an angry sea and a sailboat ⛵️ being blown to smitherines! Awake, master, for we are perishing! 😩

    Liked by 2 people

  36. I’m also thinking now of Mother Angelica. She said some very intemperate things about certain bishops. I remember cringing when she said them! She could have softened her words a bit. But I was never in any doubt that she was searching the will of God and remaining true to it. Perhaps sometimes God is just really angry, and His followers express it.

    He who sits in the heavens laughs; He holds them in derision. He will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. One would have to understand what is meant by God’s anger/wrath. What does it mean for God to laugh, or hold men’s ways in derision, or terrify them in his fury? We generally apply human thinking to this, but God’s ways are not man’s ways.

      We’re going to err in human thinking. What does our spirit tell us?

      Liked by 5 people

    2. I love Mother’s bold approaches to issues at hand as written about by her dear confidant, Raymond. I pray to her each morning on CORAC’s behalf that we too may rise up similarly as EWTN did for the greater glory of God. ❤

      Liked by 6 people

    3. This is a great explanation of what this Cowardly Bishop is doing to poor Fr Altman, most likely being pressured diabolically by Cardinal Cupich!
      “Buck Breaking”

      Liked by 3 people

    4. She was a hoot!!! I hope she will be canonized soon!!! Can you imagine the laughs between she and Charlie had they met each other on earth?!?! 😂😂😂

      Liked by 2 people

  37. When you see the fire and zeal in Fr. Altman, you need to know where it comes from. Fr. Altman worked as a lawyer, prosecuting sex traffickers. He has seen the worst of the worst. He taught law students how to do research. When he does research, you can count on its accuracy. He speaks as a lawyer defending a case — the Faith, the Truth. In his early 40s he decided to enter the priesthood and work to do serious healing of souls, not just bandaid work as a lawyer. Monsignor Hunt at Mass this weekend, filling in for Fr. Altman, said this is a time for intense, serious prayer and silence. Silence tohear the voice of God. Thank you Charlie for your insights. I back Fr. Altman 100%. What drives him is zeal for souls, the same zeal that was behind Jesus braiding a whip and driving out the money changers and livestock out of the temple.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hey Monica, my primary issue with Fr. Altman is not his efforts at reform, but that he is driving away more than a few orthodox Catholics by his manner. Quite a few people have noted that Jesus and St. John the Baptist were sometimes caustic, as well. True enough – but they were not constantly caustic, any more than Jesus was a guitar-strumming hippie telling people to do their own thing all the time, as leftists like to portray him. I speak of balance here – and because someone great and noble did a thing some of the time is not a good foundation for why another should do it all the time. So my concern is about effectiveness. There is a time for a primal scream, but that time is not every moment of every interview.

      But my primary question for you is something different. You make several assertions about Fr. Altman’s career prior to the Priesthood – assertions that, if accurate, are quite noble and praiseworthy. Would you provide some links to verify your facts? My understanding is that he was briefly an attorney with a family law practice in Michigan, but moved into the Priesthood in his 20’s as he felt a profound call. I can find nothing showing him to have ever been a prosecutor or teaching law. Would you be kind enough to share the documentation or links supporting this?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Charlie in many interviews Fr. Altman has talked about his career path. He has a degree in accounting and law he was a lawyer for quite a while and in fact was a late vocation to the priesthood he was over 40 I believe when he got the call. And although he looks young he is in his early 60’s. He really is a good and Holy priest who loves God and his sheep. His homilies are powerful and well written. I think he gets into trouble when he does interviews where he is asked questions that rile him up.

        Liked by 7 people

        1. Thank you so much, Maryanne. I well know I can count on your info to be right, as you have always done your research well. (Maryanne was a well-known Catholic broadcaster in a region of the country for a good while – I won’t say where unless you allow me.)

          I agree with you. For a long time I was deeply heartened by Fr. Altman. Of late, I have been disheartened – and have heard from many who have been the same. One Deacon in the Midwest who asked me to call him so we could talk was almost in tears over the situation. A dear nun in the east had given up entirely on him. I do not condemn Fr. Altman; rather, I want the old, effective Fr. Altman back instead of the one who is perpetually angry and caustic.

          Liked by 8 people

            1. Oh wonderful! Maryanne hosted a very popular Catholic TV show on cable in the Berkshires. She interviewed me, I think, twice. She is one of the more noted orthodox Catholic voices in the Berkshires (primarily western Massachusetts and southern Vermont – and includes the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge). When my car broke down in West Stockbridge, I was delighted when Maryanne volunteered to drive me to our gathering of the faithful in southern Vermont. Alas, along with many other things, her show was disrupted by the Covid business. It covered the gamut of issues among the faithful.

              Are the old shows still available online somewhere, Maryanne? If so, could you give us a link? You really did a nice job.

              Liked by 7 people

    2. Thank you Monica and everyone for your thoughtful and heartfelt comments. In pondering everything written, it has come to me that “Jesus” braided a whip and drove out the money changers; it was “Jesus” who called the Sadducees and Pharisees a brood of vipers. Jesus is God and He alone “judges” souls. No where in Scripture does He tell us to “judge” souls. We are instructed to “judge” the actions of our brothers and sisters and give them fraternal correction. There is a “line” that we must not cross. Therefore, we cross the line if we “dam” anyone because of there “actions”. We are not God. I love Fr. Altman and I believe that he crossed that line in his zeal for the Truth.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Fr. Altman has a variety of skills sets and life experiences that makes him unique. Lawyer and priest among them. I do not recall the others, as I tend to be more intrigued by character. It is ingrained in my memory that he is a devoted son. He had his elder parents living in his care at the rectory. He is no doubt a loving Father to his flock as is apparent in his words and deeds.
      I am praying daily for us all. ❤

      Liked by 4 people

  38. I find a new “jewel,” each and every time I re-read this piece. Surely, this is inspired writing🤗

    “The animating substance of true piety is that God is in charge and is close at hand to us; that our duty is to do the little we can that is right before us with refinement, vigor and fortitude, trusting that the God of the gaps will cover what we lack. We are sent to call back all those who are lost to the Kingdom of the Master while fighting those who actually wage malicious war against the faithful. We are never to lump the merely timid and uncertain in with those who are actually malicious. Barring a road to Damascus event, which is entirely in God’s hands, the actually malicious will never be our allies. But we are called to comport ourselves so as to call the timid and uncertain into bold alliance with God. We will be called to account by God if we fail to even try.”

    Liked by 2 people

  39. “divisive and ineffective”

    Catholic Study Bible

    Matthew 10:17-18

    17 Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues,
    18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles.

    Matthew 10:21

    21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death;

    Matthew 10:28

    28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

    Matthew 10:34-36

    34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
    35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
    36 and a man’s foes will be those of his own household.

    Liked by 6 people

  40. CPAC 2021 Interview with Fr. Altman. Here is an example of Fr. Altman without the fiery, emotional display. A nice and pleasant six minutes.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. If that civil manner was how he consistently conducted himself – I certainly would applaud and compliment. But that isn’t what I saw on the Vortex and some other venues. That was a disaster.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Please pradon my stepping off-topic here. I’ve anxious to share with you this young man who provides insight into the dire financial situation we all face — that most everyone already sees or suspects.

    His name is Mike. He’s an Aussie that speaks so fondly about the United States as if it’s his own country. He quotes Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln in his videos. He is no Warren Buffett or Charles Schwab, and he isn’t trying to sell you gold like Peter Schiff or Mike Maloney. He’s just an amateur investor who provides simple explanations to the common man. He speaks plainly, uses funny analogies, and often flubs his words, which I find endearing.

    It’s interesting watching how his eyes have been opened to the situation, discovering many of the things Charlie has mentioned over the years about the economy. What grabbed my attention was phrases he uses like “smoke and mirrors”, “the man behind the curtain”, “the storm” and the like. He refers to the previous ways of tracking inflation from the 90s and 80s which use measures – like food and energy – that were removed from the calculations that I believe Charlie has also commented on. In several videos, Michael apologizes for sounding all “doom and gloom”, but says he cannot help but tell people of things that are being hidden by the MSM and other investors who don’t dare say a negative word about the situation. But to him, the writing is on the wall. And us here as well.

    His YouTube channel is called:

    “Michael Invests and Tries to Make Money.”

    Here are just two videos to give you a sample. There is a smattering of technical talk, but he sums things up by stating how the actions of banks, the Fed, and Wall Street effect WE THE PEOPLE directly. (My apologies to the moderators who must watch these videos — I can assure you though that he doesn’t cuss!)

    Liked by 5 people

  42. There are many dimensions of praying into and contemplating where we are in this Storm. Are we willing to be challenged in our thinking and acting? Especially when emotionally charged about ANY issue or event, do we make space for the kind of reflection which Doug mentioned in his comment? Emotional overwhelm DOES have the potential to cloud rational thinking.

    I put before us two who were visited by St. Gabriel. Both were troubled by Gabriel’s message to them; both were given the name of the coming child and told He would be great; both were counseled to be not afraid; and both asked Gabriel a question. However each question may have seemed similar on the surface, we see by God’s response to each one, that Zechariah and Mary asked their questions with different intent in their hearts. Zechariah was filled with shades of doubt, while Mary simply wished to know how it will come about that she become pregnant as she knows no man and is, therefore, astonished by the news. Our Mother’s intent in questioning reflects her “full of grace” heart. Zechariah’s intent in questioning reflects the human frailty with which we each contend within ourselves.

    So, we see Jesus and Fr. A have used similar words. I don’t wonder at all concerning the intent of Almighty God; I do wonder the intent of a.n.y.o.n.e. who uses words which reflect that that one has “become more and more unhinged and over-aggressive, becoming less reformers and more aspiring destroyers.” To me, this reflects a burn the whole house down mentality.

    And as surely as this counsel was given concerning priests: “…it was easy to be obedient to Pope John Paul, but they should begin to prepare for how they would deal with a Pope it was NOT easy to be obedient to. If God was going to sift all, there could very well come a time when an honorable Priest had to carefully balance his lawful duty of obedience to authority over him and his duty of fidelity to the Magisterial teaching of the Church. It would not be sufficient to adopt one duty and abandon the other. To please God, one would have to strive mightily to balance both.” I do believe it is counsel for each of us.

    And I draw us back to this thought because, in the emotional overwhelm which arose due to this piece, the preeminent wisdom expressed has been lost, overshadowed.

    Come Holy Spirit! Pour out new measures of grace that each of us, Priest and laity, alike, strive for the balance – between lawful duty to legitimate Church authority over us and our duty of fidelity to the Teaching Magisterium – so sorely needed in these times.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Beckita, this is beautifully done and deeply insightful. Wow! You are right that the commentary took a binary detour into pro or anti-Fr. Altman, when that was never the issue I discussed. My intention was to, hopefully, call Fr. Altman and his friends to some greater sense of balance that will help the center hold and reason prevail. It was a trait I used with officials and candidates I counseled. I could be counted on to be completely candid in private and completely supportive in public – and it was a trait they all valued greatly, even if it led to some private blow-outs. Sometimes I counseled letting loose a bit of righteous anger, but sparingly. Righteous anger is like an intense seasoning – most effective when used to season the larger message – and utterly ineffective when it becomes the larger message. Always, the goal was on how to prevail, how to draw people to the larger message…and that requires discipline, not just impotent expressions of rage. I tried the private route in this case, but was completely unsuccessful. Among the many things I had gotten was that, after so many orthodox Bishops defied Cdls. Cupich, Gregory and the Pope to go forward with putting together a document on Eucharistic Coherence, now the heterodox Bishops were using some of the more caustic interviews to taunt the orthodox Bishops that “…this is what you are making common cause with.” We need a course correction if we are not to squander the fragile gains we have just begun to make. Once we value emotional catharsis over actual victory and progress, we begin to slide backward.

      Jesus, St. John the Baptist, Mother Angelica – and many great ones sprinkled their message with occasional righteous anger. It is like the salt that gives savor to the food. But when it becomes all salt and no food, it becomes indigestible. I want it done right and with refinement – and I want the heroic Fr. Altman who so heartened me and many of good will for almost a year back – and I do NOT want to squander the fragile gains we have begun to make; I want to build on them.

      Liked by 11 people

      1. Charlie, if we’ve learned anything over the past year, it’s to never bow down or take a knee to the leftist mob, all they’ll do is keep pushing forward. The heterodox Bishops are going to criticize and attack no matter what Father Altman or any of us do. The only way to counter that is not to meekly accept their constant attacks and withdraw hoping to make gentle steps forward in a different direction. It’s far too late in the game for that. The best way to counter it is to stand our ground firmly declaring “enough” and defend Truth boldly, and with fortitude.

        No more backing down, no more accepting their constant provocations and twisting of Truth, no more reasonable assumptions that hell is empty. Just speak the Truth, defend the Truth, and hold our ground.

        Liked by 5 people

    2. Amen! I think we all have a bit of wild Stallion in us. Un trained, we buck and kick anything in our way. When tamed, we are a magnificent work of beauty for the eye to behold. The stallion is then able to accomplish much for the rider.

      Liked by 4 people

  43. I will take substance over style any day any time.I will take Bishop St Nicolas punching out an Arian bishop any day any time. I will take Fr Altman over the sissy boys like Jesuit Martin and Cupich, Malloy et al any day any time. There were over 1000 attendees with more that could not get tickets for the meeting in Lombard IL for Canceled Priests in Rockford and other diocesan priests whose only crime was ad orientum to Christ.

    Revelation 3:16
    But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

    This is a real man’s fight over the sissy boys ruining the Faith. There is nothing Fr Altman has stated as being incendiary unless it stating the Divine Truth to the hierarchy of liars and deceivers.It is a false piety
    that attempts to discredit Fr Altman’s courage in any way.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I think Charlie was saying that it’s O.K. to get angry, just not all the time… or just not habitually.

      When anger becomes a default position, or a frequent go-to.., a habit, it’s basically because a person feels like they have no control. Anger is a quick an easy thing to grasp at as a sense of empowerment. Gives a person the false sense that they’re in control of something. Problem is it’s too easily abused. It’s intoxicating, like a drinking or drug habit. Those things can destroy lives.

      Think Jesus was a sissy?

      Less human thinking, more listening to what the spirit is saying.

      Liked by 7 people

    2. Charlie and Beckie,

      I saw that detour, and have been discussing with myself both if, and how, I would respond. I just made up my mind.

      I open by stating that on more than one occasion over my 80 years, I have engaged in what St. Paul refers to as “fraternal correction” of a bishop. [Obvious conclusion: I do not believe in ‘blind obedience’ to anyone.] But I did not resort to the churlish child tactic of referring to my religious superior by his first name.

      I have had to speak up to police officers on a few occasions. HOWEVER, When I could see their name on their I.D., I did not act out like a peckish youngster. I did not speak with open disrespect to a person in lawful authority over me – not even when I strongly disagreed with something they were either doing or not doing. To do otherwise would [especially if there were witnesses] brand me as not only disrespectful of their office – but also when provoked, as a darn fool and someone capable of acting like an emotionally foolish youngster throwing a tantrum.

      But the biggest ‘detour’ I saw was trying to ignore the item I first posted in response to Charlie’s piece:

      “If we mount our defense of the faith and the faithful in a manner that casts all who disagree with us, including the merely timid and uncertain, into the outer darkness, we do serious work. But it is the devil’s – not God’s – work. We cannot merely be the reverse image of our dark foes if we would be counted among God’s troops.”

      THAT WAS AND REMAINS MY ‘MAJOR’ ARGUMENT WITH A FEW CERTAIN TYPES OF SELF-PROCLAIMED TRADITIONAL CATHOLICS. THEY DO TRY TO CAST OUT/IMPLY THAT ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH THEM IN ANY WAY IS ON THE ROAD TO ‘OUTER DARKNESS’.

      Well, I disagree with their tactics and some of their conclusions – and that does not make me their enemy or a bad guy. It simply means I ‘haven’t lost my cool’ who doesn’t blindly follow the thoughts of some other people.

      I’m a traditional Catholic. Anyone who really knows me, my writing and my speaking, knows that. But I’m a mature battle seasoned [not hardened] traditional Catholic – having been in this struggle since 1961. This being so, I am not about to jump up on a table, pull out a knife, slash my jugular and shout, “There, that’ll show ya.”

      The hotheads always cost both themselves dearly – and likewise their allies in our battle for faithfulness, orthodoxy, and ‘faithful’ obedience to all lawful orders from our superiors.

      This is a difficult time in which cooler heads must prevail.

      All my love in Christ

      Desmond

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Thanks Desmond. I will say this…A few years back, the primary criticism of my takes were that they were too radical and provocative; now the primary criticism is that they are not radical and provocative enough. It is a little bemusing to see people who said I fantasized about absurdities that would never happen now, that they have happened, give me expert advice on what they could never imagine happening that I always knew would. Some panicked because I got significant details wrong about how it would happen – even as it inexorably unfolded. Some have even insinuated that I want to take the coward’s way – even among those who witnessed how I did not back down under withering attack for accurately depicting where we were headed – and did not try to excuse my two significant legitimate errors as I took criticism for those with equanimity. So my question is, who has changed? The positions I take are largely the same ones I took when I first started writing about these things eight years ago. Perhaps others are more nimble than me in changing circumstances…or perhaps I have thought consistently about what would happen and more deeply about how best to confront it long-term. You make the call.

        A full frontal charge in battle is the easiest and most emotionally satisfying response – at least at the start of the charge. It also makes you very vulnerable to ambushes and flanking movements and is one of the easiest methods of attack to deflect and destroy by a competent opponent, except when the mounters of frontal assault hold an overwhelming superiority of forces. If you believe that our side has overwhelming numerical superiority, by all means go right ahead with the frontal charge – and dismiss the counsel of the fellow who accurately described where we are now publicly eight years ago and privately over a generation ago. I mean shoot, with my stubborn fixation on what would happen for so long, it’s not like I had time to think through what the most effective responses would be. Those who have taken it seriously only for a couple of years are obviously much more penetrating in their analysis then my decades of contemplation on it.

        Alas, the same mulishness that made me hold fast to my analysis for decades when it seemed to most unlikely or absolutely absurd still constitutes a major part of my character. So I will hold fast to the same sort of tactics that I held to from the beginning and that actually served me quite well in other venues where I had a cacophony of voices telling me that my refusal to make a full-on frontal charge was a result of my stupidity or cowardice.

        I will tell everyone quite candidly that I spent much of my life wondering if I was deluded or fantasizing. Those worries did not stop even when I went all in in the fall of 1997 – but after taking steps to protect people if I was just a charismatic nutjob, I have acted “as if” it were all true, for I had accepted that as my calling. Now heaven knows I have often benefited from the counsel of both my friends and some of my critics. Alas, I am sometimes wrong…and even sometimes badly so – but have the wit to look closely at and take responsibility for the things I do…and listen for the voice of God in the counsel of my friends and critics, for often I find it there. Particularly since I went all in, I have tried to behave as if I have an audience of One – and that One is God. I AM a coward about failing Him, whether in acting prudently, acting boldly, giving hope one by one to those around me, and never giving in to the groupthink of either the age or of my circle of friends. From my own perception, if others’ counsel lead us into an ambush or a withering flanking attack decimating us, I will be held to account by God if I did not speak boldly against it if I saw the deadly danger it would lead us into. But I will also be held to account by God if I do not take into account the considered counsel of those around me who I trust to be of good will. But for heaven’s sakes, give me something better than a reactionary response that I dismissed several decades ago because of its obvious flaws. Or, at least, acknowledge those flaws and give me some prudent counsel on how they can be ameliorated. Suicide missions are very emotionally satisfying until their last minutes. I do not do suicide missions.

        If everyone would stand and be counted we would not be in this mess. But they don’t – so a HUGE part of our job is to recruit the lukewarm into our ranks. Unless you have given serious thought to how your preferred course of action will help or hurt that, you have not thought it through well. If your only answer is that they should, then you are a fantasist rather than a strategist. We do not get to choose the army we want; we must work with the army we have and then carefully shape it, under God, into the army we need even as the battle rages.

        There are times when each of you will be right when I am wrong. But whatever you think, I guarantee you I have been thinking seriously about the problem for much longer than you: I have been working on it since 1963, in fits and starts, in contemplating erroneous courses that seemed good at the time, until I looked more carefully at all the interlocking parts. I am not about to destroy the Christian community in order to save it, nor to endorse elementary tactics that are easily turned asunder by a competent opponent because they feel good. I will not suffer offenses from the opposing tyrants in silence, nor will I endorse equal and opposite offenses by allies simply because they are allies. I want to participate in God’s victory…and to do so I must be disciplined and prudent, as well as bold and fearless – and I call on Our Lady to give me and all our allies a double measure of the grace that guided her. In everything, I must consider whether the tactic chosen will tend to augment the number and quality of troops in God’s service or diminish them.

        I have chosen my course. I rely on my friends to be the voice of God in helping me to refine it. But I will lose friends rather than go forward in a course I know will lead to destruction. I want victory under God. The price of that for each of us is to stand and be true. So follow the course you choose, but choose carefully lest what you think is big and bold is only nasty and offensive and will diminish our ranks. And if you see fit to lecture me on cowardice and submissiveness, know that until you have weathered some fraction of the public attacks I have and stayed steady through my whole life, some of which has been visible to you, such a lecture will more likely lead me to think you are not a serious person than to make me think I am a quivering coward – even if in your eyes I am. My eyes are always on the prize – which is God and His ways. Even when I am wrong, my aim is to get our allies to help us win rather than to help us lose.

        Liked by 11 people

        1. I think a good biblical example of how we should behave and respond in situations of this nature is found in the relationship between David and King Saul.  I think this merits careful study.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

          Liked by 3 people

        1. Amen, Amen, Amen. I have a self-imposed rule of thumb for myself about knee-jerk reactions. That is to allow 24 hours to transpire before reacting. When it works, cooler heads indeed do prevail. Heck, most of the time the problem is long forgotten by then, thanks be to God! However that is not always the case. At times the rule does not apply and I respond in a passionate and not so composed way. Articulate speech is surely not everyone’s forte. And of course the blunders are the bits that make the 2 minutes sound-bites to bolster one side of a story versus another. Rush Limbaugh, God rest his soul, was the first living person I became aware of in my adulthood who spotlighted and endured such scrutiny on a constant basis.
          I think it is right to desire and strive to live in a way to please “an audience of one.” When we fail, let us also desire to see the big picture, when possible and choose to learn and grow from our pondering. Cooler heads prevail on both ends of the spectrum, action/reaction, imho. ❤

          Liked by 4 people

          1. “Heck, most of the time the problem is long forgotten by then, thanks be to God!”  Yup!  So true Jen.  —- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

            Liked by 2 people

          2. JLYNNBYRD: I hereby adopt, and impose upon myself, your rule of thumb about knee-jerk reactions. Would that I had done so some time ago 🙂

            I love this from Charlie’s piece above – which is almost a subsidiary main post in itself! :

            “If everyone would stand and be counted we would not be in this mess. But they don’t – so a HUGE part of our job is to recruit the lukewarm into our ranks.”

            This chimes exactly with what I’ve discovered in my involvement with the Pro-Life cause here in Ireland, and even more so over the past three (three – aaaarrgh!) years since the disastrous referendum defeat. We’ve always been fighting an uphill battle, not so much against active opponents who are numerous enough but never actually an overall majority, but really against the sluggish apathy of the majority view of “oh, I agree it’s bad and shouldn’t happen but…” The weasel word was the “but”, usually followed by a citing of all the hard cases and then by international comparisons, with the underlying current of “if everyone else permits it, it can’t be that bad” or, worse, “we can’t be seen to be backward”. In a small and relatively insignificant, country you get lots of that, believe me.

            The ONLY way we are going to sway hearts and minds towards repealing this satanic legislation is by convincing them by rock-solid evidence, of which of course there’s an abundance, and presenting the same in a reasonable, convincing and instant manner, never backing down against dismissive attitudes and attempts to be “cancelled” – and those are happening all the time. By “instant” I was thinking of St. Paul in his letter to Timothy: “be instant in season and out of season”. It certainly seems to be “out of season” for our message in the current climate but perhaps it was ever so.

            So yeah, easier to say than do, and to do it effectively takes time and money, all of it voluntary. And that’s what is being done. The Life Institute here has set up its own media channel called “Gript.ie” to deliver the pro-life message, because it sure as heck isn’t going to be delivered by the MSM, and certainly not our State-sponsored broadcaster (like the BBC in the UK Ireland has such also, for which we pay an annual licence. There are independents also, of course, but they’re as bad). Quite an undercurrent of disquiet has emerged at the sheer permissive nature of the legislation, which was frankly lied about in the run-up (surprise there!) and a great part of the work now is to gently win over those who realise they were duped and to give them all the facts, while never engaging in: “I told you so” – tempting as that might occasionally be. Never works.

            Finally, our annual “March for Life” was always on the first Saturday in July but of course hasn’t happened as a major parade since 2019. Even after the 2018 defeat those Marches have still gone ahead, albeit both in virtual and small local fashion in 2020 and this year. But the main rally will resume in full public fashion next year, God willing, and will, as ever, give joyful and massive witness to the cause.

            God bless, J.

            Liked by 4 people

        2. When the fallen angels were cast out. They rejected that God was to become man…flesh…matter… an earthling. This “test” of the angels exposed their flaws of pride and disobedience and their punishment was to be humiliated. The very reason they rebelled became their very torment as they were cast out of heaven down to earth.
          When we sin, we too are humiliated.
          It is God’s will to “humiliate” us (humble) for He is “meek and humble of heart”.
          The pride that caused the angels to fall was they thought Jesus should be incarnate in the higher angelic form of creation rather than the lowlier form of man. God humiliated them in this rebellion by choosing a woman (Mary) to confound them in their pride ( The Magnificate; “He has cast down the lofty from their thrones and exalted the lowly”). In a similar way when we sin we expose the weaknesses in ourselves. Scripture says when we “judge” other, we are hypocrites because we are guilty of the exact same things. (Romans 2:1). If we become steeped in sin but don’t repent of it but justify it in our pride to be “right”, this humiliation comes on fully after death either in purgatory or in hell. It is a great grace to know the state of ones soul and through temptations of our own making or the worlds or the devil’s, God allows us a glimps of where we stand in the light of Truth but He also gives us every remedy to save ourselves by a sufficiency of grace. Our will would not be truly “free” if we could not make a choice for or against this grace. In God’s goodness He allows us to feel/see the consequences of our sins and to recognise these weaknesses so we can make a clear free choice to correct our failings. And although scandal and a bad example is hurtful, we are free to choose whether to follow others bad behavior or not as Scripture tells us sin does not “enter” into us but comes out of us by choice:
          “There is nothing from without a man that entering into him, can defile him. But the things which come from a man, those are they that defile a man” (Mark 7:15).

          Liked by 4 people

      3. Yes! Thank You Desmond. Beautifully said. We need to stand up and fight with strength and respect! I think of St. Joseph here, he is the Terror of demons he protected Jesus and Mary through all the perils of Jesus’ young life but nowhere do we hear he did it by flying off the handle. As Charlie says, Acknowledge God, take the next right step and lift each other up in hope. We must fight as Our Blessed Mother, with Class and Grace and like her we need to help to crush the snakes head while we love and encourage others. Viva Cristo Rey

        Liked by 3 people

  44. Charlie, Monica T. here. MaryAnne59 is correct. I had 2.5 hr. conversation with one of our 7 children about a serious family matter last year with Fr. Altman. He told us a bit about himself. He is 61 or 62 yrs old and only been a priest for 12 or 13 years now. He said he always wanted to get married and have a large family. God answered his desire. He is married to the Church and indeed has a large family. When he says “my dear family ” in his sermons he means it and it melts our hearts. We found him to be a very gentle, wise Father in his counsel to us. I believe if God wants him to tone it down, He will let him know. Fr. Altman cares for his 90+ year old parents. His Mother says that if her son was not teaching the truth, he would hear from her!! Can you imagine?!!? Sorry for the delay in responding. Just sat down after morning milking and calf chores etc. God Bless you all!! Won’t be doing this again. It takes to long.

    Liked by 11 people

    1. I never would have thought Father Altman to be in his 60s, must be all the clean living! It’s nice to read your 1st hand report about the type of priest Father Altman is, it comes through quite clearly to me and why I’m so heartened to see men like Father emerge and defend our Faith.

      Father Heilman with a great report today, looks like after decades of losing Catholics as the liturgy and our faith has been watered down, the likes of Father Altman are bringing people back to the Faith. The same is true in our local area, the strong orthodox outspoken priests are reporting increased parishioner attendance and full churches, while most are languishing reporting that many are not bothering to come back to Mass after things were re-opened. Praise God for this great news from Father Heilman today:

      Richard Heilman –
      “I’m crying like a baby over here. Two calls today of men coming back to the Church after they had lost hope in our Catholic Church decades ago. They were almost identical calls. Both expressed their gratitude and said they are now coming back because the stand priests are taking have renewed their hope in Catholicism once again. I can’t stop crying. Lord, you can take me now.”

      Liked by 11 people

  45. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! 😉

    https://blog.adw.org/2021/07/five-fundamental-freedoms-for-the-christian-evangelizer-2/

    https://spiritdailyblog.com/commentary/mysteries-of-the-mount

    Let US Pray that VDH is correct!
    https://amgreatness.com/2021/07/11/trump-winds-and-biden-whirlwinds/

    https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2021/07/12/the-coming-of-strong-man-populism-and-the-power-of-no-n2592291

    https://patriotpost.us/articles/81258-will-the-democrats-support-a-revolution-in-cuba

    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/07/11/biden-administration-claims-cuban-anti-communist-protests-are-about-rising-covid-cases-deaths/

    Does anyone doubt it was/is a Bioweapon Project? There is no such thing in Communist China as a civilian drug lab/company. Anything significant Over-There is a CCP/PLA Op!!
    https://newstarget.com/2021-07-12-former-cdc-director-coronavirus-modified-before-leaking.html

    https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2021/07/12/shocking-depths-of-fauci-china-connection-revealed-in-new-documents-reveal-n1461071

    https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/justice-through-public-degeneracy-kink-pride-lgbt/

    THEY are systematically destroying Our USA on every front you can name ;-(
    https://creativedestructionmedia.com/opinion/2021/07/10/usafa-superintendent-lt-gen-richard-clark-refuses-to-publicly-discuss-with-classmate-obvious-marxism-being-taught-in-his-classrooms/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/07/11/during-speech-president-trump-reveals-letter-from-pennsylvania-u-s-attorney-detailing-bill-barr-blocking-philadelphia-vote-fraud-investigation/

    https://www.wnd.com/2021/07/appeals-court-protects-catholic-church-lgbt-activists-claims/

    https://www.floppingaces.net/2021/07/11/sunday-funnies-649/

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 6 people

  46. Hahahahaha Charlie just opened up another can of “whooop!” I can’t help to find it a little bit funny. 😂. But these days, if I don’t throw in a little sense of humor and trust in God, I’d just go insane😂

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m with you, Linda. I was talking to Jacquie yesterday, and we agreed that if we don’t laugh now and again, we’ll both lose our minds. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  47. I’ve heard often from people that they love the comment threads here, but I make it a practice never to read comment threads. On most sites, they bring out the worst in people. Recently, Crisis completely shut down their comment function for that reason.

    But then, at the CORAC convention, I noticed how many people knew each other from the comment threads! I decided I should check it out, and it has not been disappointing! Thanks to the community and Beckita and Charlie for creating an atmosphere of commenting that is enriching to read.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Thanks for your kindness, Sheryl. Not to diminish my commitment to this work and community, but in honesty, a mighty hat tip is due Charlie – from whom I’ve learned so much – who formed and fashioned this place with its style of relating on social media. The comment policy he designed was supported and cemented here by his constant oversight and friendly reminders… along with some stern correction when needed, over the years. Thank you, Charlie!

      Liked by 5 people

    2. We are a family Sheryl.  The corac conference was like a family reunion.  Welcome to the family!—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Welcome to commenting Sheryl. This wonderful community has taught me so much. I have a stack of books I’m working my way through from recommendations from people here. People support each other here and challenge each other as well. If you have prayer needs please post on the ongoing prayer thread. It is such a blessing to know people around the world are praying for each other. We are all on this journey together. Many hands make light work.

      Liked by 3 people

    4. Sheryl, if you’re the Sheryl that I met at the conference, then I was so glad to meet you. You and your sister both rock! 🙂

      Yeah, we are a family here. And like any family, we sometimes argue or get annoyed with each other. But we always work it out, because that’s what families do. We really do love each other, and that’s why ASOH and CORAC are such rare gems in the world.

      Liked by 2 people

        1. Beckita, I love that movie; and this is one of my favorite parts of it. I love the book, too. (My kids had to read it for school. They thought it was boring.)

          Like

  48. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! 😉

    https://onepeterfive.com/chesterton-dark-times/

    https://www.lifenews.com/2021/07/09/33rd-texas-city-bans-abortion-declares-itself-a-sanctuary-for-the-unborn/

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2021/is-the-catholic-church-a-house-of-cards

    https://www.catholicleague.org/crowd-loves-anti-catholic-cannes-film/

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2021/the-disappointing-conservative-supreme-court

    https://stream.org/white-fear-part-i/

    https://onenewsnow.com/pro-life/2021/07/12/will-dumpster-violation-be-the-final-straw

    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/byron-yorks-daily-memo-republicans-democrats-and-the-vaccine

    https://stream.org/were-back-with-more-real-news-about-the-election-and-the-fbi/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/07/12/major-escalation-biden-allies-and-dnc-instructing-cell-phone-carriers-to-filter-and-censor-text-message-content/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/07/12/day-four-the-fourth-branch-of-government-the-intelligence-branch/

    As I recall, Our Lord had a very dim opinion of Child Molesters!
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/07/library-apologizes-hiring-rainbow-dildo-butt-monkey-encourage-children-read/

    Our long time allies better wise-up to the fact that the USA ain’t gonna be-there for them and plan accordingly!
    https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-warns-crisis-over-taiwan-growing-risks-us-china-rivalry-2021-07-13/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 3 people

  49. I need to respectfully disagree with some of your statements, Charlie. Growing up as a protestant, I was always attracted to the depth and the mysticism that the Catholic Church seemed to contain and the fact that it was the original Church, the only one founded by Jesus Christ, Himself. I saw Catholics themselves, as the marines of Christianity. Because of that I was both attracted but also a little put off because I, as a young person at the time, wasn’t sure I was ready to be among the tough ones.

    By the time I was nearing thirty, I was brought into the Church by a recruiting poster, put up in a NYC subway of the Blessed Mother Herself, imitating Uncle Sam, which read, “Your Mother Wants You”. I soon entered the Church through a traditionalist prayer group. While I found the liturgy beautiful at first (it was novus ordo), gradually, as time went on, things started changing for the worst in the parish I was in. As I began to parish shop, I noticed more and more the sappy music; altar girls floating down the aisles; young men and women dressed like they were going to the beach or a club; and people socializing in the sanctuary before and after they casually walked up to receive our Lord as if they were getting their helping of French fries at the school cafeteria.

    Years later, I was in another city and finally found a parish that while was novus ordo was also traditional. Actually, this parish had an advantage from the start. Because the building was an historical landmark, modernists weren’t allowed to tear down the altar rails and the tabernacle had to be left where it should be, front and center. Moreover, the pastor there conducted mass ad orientum and utilized only male altar servers. And then there was the glorious, heavenly music, mostly Gregorian chant performed by a professional level choir. Talking in the sanctuary was minimal and some of us women even veiled. Whenever I attended mass, I now felt transported to another world.

    With all this debate about the legacy of Vatican II, about whether the self-demolition in the Church today is largely due to the actual Council and its documents or rather that its implementation by unfaithful leaders, I decided to read the Vatican II documents for myself rather than rely on other people’s opinions. I must say that what I read shocked me. While some of the documents seemed orthodox, even beautiful, in many other documents, I noticed a disturbing trend. There was such a naïve kind of optimism in them, that I almost wanted to chuckle-bitterly. I could almost hear the sixties tambourines playin’ with folks singin’ kumbuya around a campfire. It was if the Church leaders at Vatican II were saying :
    ‘We, humans, if we work together, can make THIS world a better place for us humans (with God’s help of course). ‘

    And if I remember correctly, the word “comrade” was even used once or twice. Moreover, several passages called for experimentation to replace tried and true tradition. I remember reading once in reference to Islam, that what is good about Islam isn’t new and what is new about Islam isn’t good. I think the same can be said of all heresies including the heresy of modernism that dominated Vatican II.

    In his masterful book, The Second Vatican Council- An Unwritten Story Roberto de Mattei, in page-turning detail, retraces the conspiratorial maneuvering of modernists absolutely determined to reshape the Church in their own image (as well as the brave resistance put up by orthodox clergy who saw through them). But the headwinds in the post-war world and within the Church were already against those devoted to ancient Catholic truths. In the end though, I would say the modernists of Vatican II ultimately succeeded because they had two allies sitting in the Chair of Peter. That is, they won, except for a stubborn remnant, still devoted to the true Church. Recently, I moved to a new city and now attend a Latin mass parish. And I still get choked up as I experience how much our Lord is revered there.

    Finally, please go easy on Fr. Altman, as lay people, we have no idea of the headwinds faithful, orthodox clergy and religious face. Moreover, would you have advised our fiery prophets of old to play it nice and diplomatic?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks for your cordially stated thoughts, Mortie. Actually, the documents of Vatican II were the first major things I read while contemplating coming into the Catholic Church – and they fueled my intention to go further. While I hear people denounce Vatican II and even some, who like you, say they are disturbed by specific documents, I have yet to find someone cite a specific document as problematic. There may be a piece that can be interpreted badly in good will, but I have not heard it yet. In a larger sense, if a solemn council of the whole Church can proclaim error, then our whole house is built on sand.

      I certainly concur with you on liturgical abuses. They are many and extensive. On rare occasions, I have departed Mass rather than participate in what I perceived as sacrileges. My favorite Mass is the Novus Ordo, celebrated ad orientum, with communion rails. I have never encountered an abuse there, though they are sadly rare.

      As for your final paragraph, you obviously are an intelligent woman. Therefore I have to think you know I was not condemning all fiery rhetoric, but commenting on finding an effective balance that will bring more to Christ. You are way too smart to think that if some is good, constant is better. If that were true, our ideal diet would be heavily salted garlic.

      On the other hand and the brighter side, yesterday Fr. Altman did a marvelous meditation on the U.S. Grace Force site, which I am linking to and reprinting here later today. Diplomacy without force or objective is gamesmanship. Force without diplomacy and nuance is nihilism. Good strategy and tactics require the effective use of the full gamut of tools.

      Most of all, I thank you for making your case with real and thoughtful vigor – disagreeing without being disagreeable. Yours is a welcome addition to the comment boards.

      Liked by 2 people

  50. Way off topic but I thought you all might get a kick out of this. I have posted on here before that I have dyslexia. Well, this is the verse of the day from one of the things I get: ‘A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels’.

    I read it “A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with squirrels”.
    What! Of course, I had to reread it.

    When I read it out loud to my husband and said the “sq” word the dogs jumped up, tails wagging, and went running to the door. The dogs just go crazy when we say the “sq” word.

    As my husband was picking cherries this morning he spotted the dreaded “sq” in the cherry tree with a big fat cherry stuffed in its mouth.

    Liked by 6 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.