And Justice for All

Posted on by charliej373
An English Star Chamber

By Charlie Johnston

I am so mad right now I could just spit. Word came out yesterday that Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin has disciplined Fr. Richard Heilman for being too political. From what I can gather looking at local blogs and such, the catalyst for this was Fr. Heilman calling for people to help the J6 prisoners held now for 18 months for largely taking selfies in the Capitol. Understand that a catalyst is not an actual reason, but the precipitating event that causes reasons that have been bubbling beneath the surface for a long time to be translated into action.

In his letter, Bishop Hying tries to peddle the notion that this has nothing to do with political correctness or timidity but of “honoring the respective roles of the clergy and the lay faithful.” Balderdash! If this were a question of supporting homosexuality or abortion “rights” or tanking the Traditional Latin Mass or raising bail for rioters and cop killers I doubt there would have been a peep coming from Bp. Hying. Accommodating the political left in its assault on the faith and the faithful has become all the rage in certain quarters of the hierarchy. But dare to call for solidarity with people, many of whom have been held without charges and in solitary confinement for over 18 months for the crime of taking selfies in the Capitol, and that is a bridge too far for certain men without chests who masquerade as Bishops. Never mind that in Matthew 25 Jesus specifically listed visiting prisoners as a corporal act of mercy.

The offense that Fr. Heilman committed – and has been committing consistently for years – is to be boldly orthodox religiously and stoutly supportive of American principles of liberty. When the anti-God left politicizes everything there are some timid Church leaders who argue that if you dare greet the political assault with anything other than silence or open praise, that is “political.” If you dare openly proclaim the Gospel and fidelity to the Magisterium, that is “political” and worthy of punishment. These are the sort of Bishops who would have crucified the 11 Apostles who remained faithful to Christ while inviting Judas to take an honored place in their own ranks.

The best, most innocent interpretation I can give to such behavior is that Bishops such as this hope to curry favor with the world to prevent leftist governments from cracking down on them. No catacombs for these guys: they are determined not to disturb their own perks and privileges. So the very best of them are busily tossing faithful clerics to the crocodile in hopes that it will eat them last.

I have news for all these timid men with mitres: you are the target. It doesn’t matter how much you try to ingratiate yourself with the minions of godless modernity; it doesn’t matter how very useful an idiot you can make yourself for them; you are the main course. It is not just orthodoxy to Scripture and the Magisterium that they hate; they hate the very idea of any organization that could ever be a rival to the worship of and slavish devotion to the state. Unless you are willing to become Hobbesian Priests of the State rather than of Jesus Christ, you are doomed – and your timidity and political correctness only hastens your doom.

Thankfully there is a corps of Bishops in America who are quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, making their stand for religious liberty and human freedom. Alas, that corps is too small right now – but it is growing quietly and steadily, as well. Some Bishops are boldly standing for the faith and the faithful. Some are boldly attacking the ancient faith and the faithful. Many are timidly hoping that this will all pass over and they will never have to publicly declare themselves. Every new outrage brings the moment of decision closer. All must make their stand and publicly declare themselves. If you constantly try to accommodate yourself to the world and its transient enthusiasms, you have publicly declared yourself even as you try desperately to avoid it. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin at another pregnant historical moment – the signing of the Declaration of Independence – you must all hang together in fidelity to Scripture and the Magisterium or you shall all hang separately.

Please pray for Fr. Heilman – and pray for Bishop Hying – and pray that all our Bishops and clerics will be filled with fortitude and resolve to serve the Lord, to Whom they took a solemn oath, and to the principles that He enunciated.

*********

I am horrified that the man who tried to assassinate Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for Governor of New York, was released on his own recognizance within 12 hours of his murderous attempt. This as the people who took selfies in the Capitol are approaching their 19th month in prison, often in solitary confinement. How much clearer can it get that the only crime in this suddenly dystopian leftist nightmare we call a country is to be a faithful Christian or a conservative? New York just sent the message loud and clear that you can try to kill all the conservatives you want and, in New York at least, you’ll get a wink and a nod.

I spoke above about how a catalyst is not so much a reason as it is the crystallization of reasons that have been bubbling beneath the surface into sustained action. Keep playing out the dual system of justice ever more brazenly, leftists, and snickering about how you are sticking it to those stupid religious folks and conservatives. What you are actually doing is manufacturing the Mother of All Catalysts.

Come, Lord Jesus, and let the action that will soon commence take the form of justice rather than bloody revenge.

*********

Bulletin: I just got news that our dear friend and CORAC leader (former head of Region 7), Bill Hammer passed away last night. Please add him and his family to your prayers. Bill was a tireless champion for the things we cherish at CORAC. His family will keep me advised of funeral arrangements – and I will let you know as I do.

*********

We have just begun our summer fundraising drive. If you can, please contribute so we can keep CORAC going and growing to meet the challenge of a world gone mad and help people work together for faith, family and freedom. 

If communication goes out for any length of time, meet outside your local Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Tell friends at Church now in case you can’t then. CORAC teams will be out looking for people to gather in and work with.

Find me on Gab at Charliej373 or at the CORAC group.

Find me on Twitter at @Charlie62394802

Donate to CORAC!

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The Corps of Renewal and Charity (CORAC)

18208 Preston Rd., Ste. D9-552

Dallas, Texas 75252

49 thoughts on “And Justice for All”

  1. Why is it so hard for people to see the reality surrounding the J6 prisoners? And all the other oppression via power-grabbing born of the left spouting unending lies about so much in these times. The Bishop of Kaduna State in Nigeria was not afraid to call out governmental corruption during the funeral of my friend, Fr. Vitus Borogo, who was murdered about a month ago. Will it take the death of Priests for Bishops such as Hying to awaken and speak boldly to the truth of matters? God forbid and awaken Your prelates and all peoples!! Definitely praying for Fr. Heilman, Bishop Hying and all Priests and Bishops.

    Echoing your plea with my whole heart, Charlie: Come, Lord Jesus, and let the action that will soon commence take the form of justice rather than bloody revenge.

    Oh and our Dear Bill, a good man… may his soul rest in the Peace of Christ’s Perpetual Light shining upon him. Praying, too, for Bill’s family and friends who love him and must be totally heartbroken.

    Liked by 13 people

  4. First, Father Heilman is one of my champions, so if you mess with him you’re messing with me. Father Altman was already a “bridge too far”. The loss of Bill Hammer is just a stunner. I pray that God receives him since he has so many endorsements. Bill was a good man. Thank you Charlie for reminding all of us about the J6 prisoners. The lack of bail and a speedy trial should cause outrage among us all.

    Liked by 10 people

  5. Yes, ” Please pray for Fr. Heilman – and pray for Bishop Hying – and pray that all our Bishops and clerics will be filled with fortitude and resolve to serve the Lord, to Whom they took a solemn oath, and to the principles that He enunciated. ” My guess is that Bishops rebuke of Fr. Heilman has much less to do with Heilman than with Hying advertising his Socialist merits, virtue signaling to the Pope.

    Liked by 4 people

  6. Oh Dear God. What awful news about Bill. 😪 The stroke he had those several years ago left him easily tired and drained but he soldiered on through it all. CORAC and specifically R7 has lost a treasure.
    While I’m here, some advice to the godless tyrants: Keep pushing tens of millions of people who just want to be left alone and see how that works out for y’all.

    Liked by 9 people

  7. Thank you for this update, Charlie. Fr. Heilman has been a beacon of light these past two years. I will certainly pray for him and Bishop Hying.

    And though I did not know Bill, I will pray for his soul and comfort for his family.

    Liked by 7 people

  9. Yes Charlie, the blows are coming furiously now. Card. Gregory banned the traditional Mass in all but three non parish chapels. How is that Catholic? Bishop Burbidge in Arlington is rumored to have his plan queued up for this week. He has 21 TLM sites in the diocese. Hard to see how he goes against his red hat neighbor.

    Maybe people don’t care about the TLM community. But this week the Vatican also “out Opus Dei in it’s place” and took away their bishopric. Who is next?

    And now this. They discipline an orthodox priest for being too political. I really do not have words.

    You are right that things are coming to a head.

    I always try to go back to something a friend taught me. During the passion, God did not intervene when Jesus was arrested. God did not intervene when Jesus was tried. God did not intervene when Jesus was scourged and had a crown of thorns. God did not intervene when He carried the cross and was nailed to it. God did not intervene when Jesus was crucified.

    When Jesus expired, God intervened. Matthew 27:51+

    Persevere!

    Liked by 6 people

  10. I don’t know much about Bp. Hying, but I have great respect for Fr. Heilman. So this turn of events was a “catalyst” for me to go to Fr. Heilman’s website and purchase a Combat Rosary. That was something that was, as you wrote. “bubbling beneath the surface for a long time.”

    I’ll be using it to pray for both of them!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Albert, earlier this week I was mulling the idea of buying a Combat Rosary. Charlie’s post and your comment have convinced me to do so. Thank you both.

      Poor, dear Bill! He was such a kind, gentle, generous, and holy man. May he rest in peace; and may he continue to help his fellow CORACers with his prayers, as we help him with ours.

      Liked by 7 people

  12. Fr, Heilman is a good priest and I listen to his weekly podcast every week:US Grace Force.
    He is a good and faithful shepherd to his flock.
    This bishop Hying not only needs prayers, but should have his head examined too!

    Liked by 5 people

  13. Its appalling whats going on in the church at the moment, personally I hope it doesnt get worse but
    I have a feeling it will. On the bright side a couple of Sundays ago a mass was celebrated in our humble parish by three young men all ex altar servers , who have been consecrated over the last three years. One came from humble beginnings, one from the middle class and one was the son of a Count. Father described the moment as heaven visiting us on earth.

    Christus Vincit.

    Liked by 8 people

  14. Going right to our friend Bill Hammer.

    When the CORAC website and topics first started, I was impressed by Bill’s energy and organizational ability in getting certain things going. I did not know him beyond that.

    In recent months, I’ve been privileged to attend a couple of Zoom calls in which Bill participated. He was thoughtful, practical, encouraging ~ and faith-filled. Our loss is Heaven’s gain is our gain. I will keep Bill, his family, and his close friends in my heart-prayers. I think Bill will do the same for us.

    Sorrow here ~ jubilation There.

    Blessings, friends ~
    Sister Bear

    Liked by 7 people

  15. Charlie….I am LIVID along with you, as many are!And the grace showed me in receiving this REGURGITATING NEWS my friend sent to me of the actual letter, was being in a house with quaint, delightful, joy-filled Indian nuns who belong to the Mary, Helper of Christians order from REALLY verbalizing the verminous vulture this bishop is acting like. It sickens me that Fr. Hellman would be reprimanded for TRYING TO PORTRAIT CHRIST!!!How DARE he shed light of Christ and promote the virtue of doing all through Mary…in supporting other UNJUSTLY treated.  How outdated is that beautiful UNENDING teaching MUST be to such traitors, and JUST degrade these pukeness type bishops! What does the head nun said in a most loving and sincere voice … to pray for the bishop.Then coming home after the day with them doing improvements in the home, the first email that catches my eye, is A SIGN OF HOPE. It will be VERY hard to pray for that bishop, even though we are called to do so.I LOVE writing or contacting bishops when such beauty is done for the Church like Bishop Strickland has done, and other Arch B. Cordileone, and others.But after simmering down I plan on contacting this bishop on his STUPIDITY of his actions, and degrading an already demoralized faith in America.  This FOOLish act will be remembered in JUSTICE, and I will remind him of this intention with prayers…prayers of obedience to God, while struggling with the love part. And will keep Bill and family in prayers,. Thank you Charlie for writing about this.Godspeed to all here

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

    Liked by 6 people

  16. Bill Hammer was a great guy who loved people (still is a great guy as I see it). He was a friend who listened and helped me. God bless you Bill!

    Liked by 7 people

  17. Since we owe a debt of love and our prayers for Bill and his family, I join mine to all of yours, that Jesus will bless and prosper CORAC now that we have another advocate on the other side of the veil. Ave Maris Stella, ora pro nobis et Bill.

    The trials are increasing for all. I had a grevious, diabolic attack on my family and, while I won’t disparage anyone I know that the hurts were done to rob me of my joy. It is a horrible struggle but I am not helpless against the machinations of the Enemy. I have asked Jesus, by His Most Precious Blood, that for every day I am deprived of this happiness, God will save another soul from the brink of hell.

    Maybe we should all join in this prayer, if you find it worthy, that our loving God will turn the tricks and attacks of the satan against himself and save a soul from hell. It takes a warrior heart to do this (many other temptations will come roaring at you like a lion) and mine has been long-prepared working with youth, for whom the Enemy has a great distaste and hatred due to their innocence.

    I pray for the salvation of Pope Francis. Yet, I remember the vision of St. John Bosco and that the barque of Peter would be assailed from all sides. When the ship is threatened from those who have command of her, what are the faithful to do but appeal to Mary, Queen and Star of the Sea for rescue?

    Liked by 9 people

  18. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! … 😉

    https://www.catholicexorcism.org/post/exorcist-diary-198-do-saints-choose-us

    https://onepeterfive.com/when-life-gives-you-manure-maybe-its-time-for-changes/

    https://catholicexchange.com/six-saints-devotion-to-the-eucharist/

    https://onepeterfive.com/legal-positivism-pro-life-movement/

    https://zenit.org/2022/07/21/these-are-the-numbers-the-pope-will-meet-in-canada-vocations-priests-catholics-etc/

    https://consentfactory.org/2022/07/22/the-normalization-of-the-new-normal-reich/

    Why isn’t Scarf Lady Under Arrest …. along with Doctor Death!!??
    We all know the Reason……. That TIME has come!
    The Evil Time Our Founders knew would come and why they insisted on The Bill of Rights before they would ratify The Constitution in 1787!
    A Time that Sir John Harrington spoke of when Treason Prospered and few where willing to speak to it.
    The Founders hoped and prayed that enough Future Patriots would “Take Up The Standard” and restore The Republic and The Faith that nurtured it.
    We are about to find out if there are enough Good Guys to fertilize The Tree of Liberty!
    https://newstarget.com/2022-07-23-trump-birx-covid-infect-released-chinese-lab.html
    https://www.foxnews.com/media/dr-deborah-birx-knew-covid-vaccines-not-protect-against-infection

    Think about all the CLEAN Nuclear Power Plants alongside Desalinization Plants that could have been built with all the countless $$$ Billions that have been squandered by The Feral/Blue State Gubermints on The Great Green & Social Justice Boondoggles!
    https://thecommonsenseshow.com/activism-agenda-21-conspiracy/climate-engineering-40-million-us-west-without-water-2023

    SIGNS!?
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11042835/House-intelligence-committee-speaks-new-DNA-bio-weapons-target-single-person.html

    HullyGee!! I’m sure that the Chinamen who are buying up USA Property have nothing to do with The Peoples Liberation Army and the below ……. or that 10% being funneled to ChinaJoe ….. Right? ….. Hello!!??
    https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2022/07/23/secret-fbi-investigation-concluded-chinese-tech-could-capture-and-disrupt-communications-with-us-missile-silos-n484761

    https://stream.org/category/us/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Thank-you, Charlie and to all for your prayers for us, we are safely home.
    Offering prayers for Fr. Heilman; we have been following him and have purchased the rosary, prayer journal and a regular journal. Everything is high quality & I can recommend. Prayers also for the bishop.
    Ongoing prayers for all here ~
    God bless us, everyone ~ katey in OR 🙏🏽

    Liked by 3 people

  20. Crewdog, I read this week that Justin T. of Canada is reducing fertilizer use by 30 percent in Canada by some sort of order. Of course, this is suicidal in the name of some sort of ridiculous climate change issue. The people running the world right now are psychopaths.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. YEP, St J

      Many Moons ago, I spent four years defending Peace & Freedom within five miles of Canada and enjoyed my jaunts across de border and experience, Air & Ground, with the CAF Guys.
      I simply can’t believe what I see there …. and here….. but we sat, watched, compromised and sang Kumbaya …. and…. Here we are then ;-(

      … I’ll always remember the great Survival 77 Party at CFB Chatham 😉

      GOD SAVE ALL HERE!

      Liked by 5 people

    2. STJUDITHWANTTOBE . . . I say you are being too kind to call them psychopaths although they certainly display every characteristic of such. A psychopath, by definition, is ” a person suffering from chronic mental disorder …” whereas these people are suffering from having chosen evil over good.

      They are the satan’s evil minions … nothing less.

      Liked by 7 people

  21. PS:
    Worth a Watch! Ronald Reagan Speech before Election 1964 ….. compare to today!

    Before Election 1964 when a manifestly corrupt Democrat, LBJ, was Prez …. and won …. and Viet Nam, Guns & Butter Gubermint Programs (Vote/Union Buying) ……. & Lavender Marxists infiltrating Church & State ;-(
    Listen to the examples, costs, percentages and stats of 58 years ago and compare to Today’s Radical Democrats In-Control of USA HORROR SHOW ;-(

    I remember that Mom & Dad worked, all night, as GOP Poll Watchers that Election. They were very bummed out that Barry lost and never did the gig again.
    The South was still Yellow Dog Democrat in them days.

    I hauled Barry Goldwater back to DC in my T-39 days (c. 1981).
    He did not look well then ….. old and tired.

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 6 people

  22. I feel your outrage on these issues Charlie and I sicerely sympathize with you. It’s difficult to oppose evil & wrong when no one else wants to put their skin in the game, especially those in authority.

    Liked by 4 people

  23. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! … 😉

    https://excorde.org/2022/this-sunday-the-our-father-is-a-grace-and-a-challenge

    https://www.ncregister.com/cna/nigerian-militants-appear-to-target-catholic-priests-for-kidnapping-why

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2022/the-priest-in-the-valley-of-lazaruses

    SIGNS? The NYT is a reflection of The Democrats!
    https://www.wnd.com/2022/07/new-york-times-piece-suggests-time-place-cannibalism/

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-of-michigan-medical-students-walk-out-pro-life-speakers-keynote-address-white-coat-ceremony

    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2022/07/23/ron-desantis-put-on-the-full-armor-of-god-take-a-stand-against-the-lefts-schemes/

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/wapos-jennifer-rubin-calls-conscience-exemption-abortion-states-bans

    It’s political, not medical – World Health Organization declares a monkey pox pandemic

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/illinois-man-charged-hate-crime-vandalizing-bakery-advertising-child-friendly-drag-show

    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2022/07/23/pervert-parade-an-insane-number-of-teachers-have-been-arrested-for-sex-crimes-this-year-n2610708

    From the same purvaors of “Truth” that call de ClotShot a “Vaccine” and the Border “Secure” ;-(
    https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/white-house-says-second-consecutive-quarter-negative-gdp-unlikely-indicative-recession

    Did Gen. Milley just wake up from a long nap or has he been too busy re-creating the USA Military into a WOKE Rainbow Clown Show to notice Red Storm Rising in the East? ……Eh!!??
    https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/07/24/milley-china-more-aggressive-dangerous-us-allies.html

    https://hongkongfp.com/2022/07/25/taiwan-stages-five-day-chinese-invasion-war-games-with-ukraine-in-mind/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Heading for the hospital soon for my hip surgery. May I humbly ask for your prayers. Love you all! 🥰
    I’ll be back to greet you in a couple of days; it’s just an overnight stay fortunately.

    Liked by 10 people

      1. Thank you all. I guess the Lord spoiled me the first time when I had no pain; there is a spiritual lesson there, I believe. All went well, but there is much more pain this time; I’m offering it up! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  27. RIP dear Bill Hammer. Praying for his family. Praying for Anne that hip surgery goes well.
    So sad about Father Heilman and all persecuted priests. May they all be at peace in the love of the Lord. We drink the chalice of suffering and continue on. God bless CORAC and friends.

    Liked by 6 people

  28. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! … 😉 PM

    https://afn.net/education/2022/07/25/troubling-theory-behind-sexualizing-your-children-they-are-not-yours/

    Yep!
    https://www.theburningplatform.com/2022/07/24/its-not-safe-or-effective/

    https://www.glennbeck.com/radio/beware-biden-saying-this-should-cause-you-great-concern

    THEY are throwing the sink at US. A “Sink” full of distraction, confusion and hysteria…………
    To control You & Yours on your way to Serfdom ;-(
    https://vladtepesblog.com/2022/07/24/computing-forever-throwing-the-kitchen-sink-at-us-now/

    Not to Worry! The DOJ is On-It with THEIR Finest!!

    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2022/07/24/summer-of-rage-part-i-militant-pro-abortion-radicals-flourish-in-madison-wisconsin-violence-memed-on-twitter/

    Defund & Demonize Police, Cripple the National Guard, create Active Military retention & recruitment problems with WOKE, PC & ClotShot Policies ……hmmmm …. I know!! Let’s create a Civilian National Security Force …. and make Obama & Soros smile! … ;-(
    https://www.foxbangor.com/national-news/covid-vaccine-mandates-from-biden-admin-may-cripple-national-guard/

    https://thefederalist.com/2022/07/25/the-west-might-lose-the-new-cold-war-with-its-self-defeating-energy-policy/

    https://patriotpost.us/digests/90070-mid-day-digest-2022-07-25
    https://patriotpost.us/humor/90067-i-know-a-spot-2022-07-25

    Headline Overload!
    https://amgreatness.com/
    https://www.zerohedge.com/
    https://justthenews.com/
    https://spectator.org/
    https://www.americanthinker.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE

    Liked by 3 people

  29. Prayers today for Bill Hammer and all his loved ones and for Fr Heilman, whom I just love!!! He’s such a great and Holy Priest of God! My guess is he saw this coming😩🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 3 people

  30. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! … 😉

    https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2022/07/25/st-james-the-greater-july-25/

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251859/kentucky-judge-abortion-ban-christian-catholic-belief

    https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/96507/Respond

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251871/no-remains-unearthed-yet-from-canada-residential-school-grave-sites

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/father-attorney-blast-maine-school-district-banning-meetings-power-drunk

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2022/07/republicans-should-reject-the-gay-marriage-bill/

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-62301091

    How Did Democrats Become So Out of Touch With the American People?
    https://reader.epoch.cloud/?publink=06de5c786_1348559

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/climate-activists-embrace-extreme-tactics-violence-deadline-save-planet-draws-near

    Yup! Racists, Trump Supporters, White Supremacists and Little Green Pronouns from Outer Space are Our Major Security Threat …… The Republic is Toast ;-( https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/bidens-cybersecurity-czar-says-systemic-racism-is-major-threat-to-us-security/

    Interesting from Over-There. You can bet that the THEY here are coming up with any number of sinister plans too! … Be Prepared!
    https://gatesofvienna.net/2022/07/they-know-the-pitchforks-and-torches-are-coming/
    https://gatesofvienna.net/2022/07/the-psyop-of-the-great-collapse-and-the-new-social-contract/

    China is having Big Trouble at home. With ChinaJoe, Ukraine, USA/EU troubled domestically, it looks like a “good” time for PLA to grab Taiwan and distract Chinese people?
    https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinas-economy-suffering-rapid-slowdown-systemic-problems-surface

    https://www.zerohedge.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Sts. Joachim and Anne, patron saints of holy marriages, grandparents and the barren, please pray for all here.

    Liked by 5 people

  32. Another excellent piece. We truly live in crazy times.

    I have a question I want to ask the group. I need to write a religious exemption from the Covid vaccination for my new job. My previous job didn’t even ask. I am concerned, as evidenced by this article, that being a Catholic opposed to how these vaccines were developed isn’t enough as the hierarchy in the church has been pushing them. Has anyone written one that they’ve gotten an exemption for? I don’t want to copy from someone else but would appreciate input as to what was your reasoning.

    Thanks,
    Jim

    Liked by 1 person

  33. True conversation between a priest and a bishop:

    “Your Excellency, one should pick up a hose when his neighbor’s house is on fire. One mustn’t wait until his own roof timbers are burning.”
    “Yes, then what should I do? A pastoral letter?”
    “Not a pastoral letter. When a bishop fires off an entire sermon from the hip, then we’re getting somewhere.”
    “Yes, then we will be forbidden to preach.”
    “If I were a bishop, that wouldn’t stop me.”
    “Then we’d be imprisoned.”
    “Then we would be a step forward, if a bishop were imprisoned.”
    The conversation ended with the bishop saying, “Trust in God and the Holy Spirit and the prudence of the bishops.”

    On July 13,1941, Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Munster, gave a sermon to a packed St. Lambert Church. He was “going to take his life in his hands by making an outspoken protest against the Gestapo, the Nazi secret police.” He attacked the “unjust system that allowed it to operate.” He was compelled “to recall publicly the ancient, never-to-be-shaken truth: ‘Justitia est fundamentum regnorum!’ Justice is the one solid foundation of every political system!”

    Bishop von Galen was the bishop in the conversation recounted above. I include only a few significant excerpts from the first of his “three great sermons of the summer of 1941.” Hopefully, they provide an insight from the German past that may enlighten the current situation for the Catholic Church in the U.S. And our whole country, for that matter:

    I am conscious that as a bishop, as a proclaimer and guardian of the order of justice and morality willed by God, the order that gives to everyone his fundamental rights and freedoms before which, by God’s will, every human claim must come to a stop. I am called…to plead courageously for the authority of justice and to condemn the condemnation of the innocent without the opportunity of defence as an injustice crying out to heaven!

    …my Christians, you see that I am not dealing with a concern specifically of the Catholic Church, but a Christian, yes, a universal human and national, religious concern.

    …the practice of condemnation and punishment without the possibility of defence, without legal proceedings, produces…”the condemnation without trial of those considered guilty from the start,” a feeling of having lost all rights and a sense of anxious fear and servile cowardice, which must in the long run lead to a destruction of the national character and tear the community apart.

    And so in the name of all upright German people, in the name of the majesty of justice and in the interests of peace and the solidarity of the home front I lift up my voice in protest, I proclaim loudly as a German man, as an honorable citizen, as a minister of the Christian religion, as a Catholic bishop: “We demand justice!”

    (see chapter 17, “I Lift Up My Voice” in The Lion of Munster: The Bishop Who Roared Against the Nazis)

    May our bishops follow in the footsteps of Blessed Clemens August Cardinal von Galen. So be it.

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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.