To Orthodox Catholic Bishops: Channel Your Inner David

By Charlie Johnston

Credible rumblings suggest that, before the spring is over, the Pope will effectively ban the Tridentine Mass altogether. While Pope Francis has made no secret of his contempt for the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), that may or may not be true. A classic tactic of battle, either political or actual, is to send signals you are going to mount a particular offensive that you are not, in hopes of throwing your opponents into disarray. Hopefully, they will focus on your red herring rather than discerning your actual plans and preparing for them.

Last month there was considerable trepidation in some Catholic circles as plausible speculation radiated from the Vatican that the Pope was going to issue the ban on April 3. I only paid marginal attention as I have thought, for almost a year, that if it was going to come at all, it would come in May. It was illuminating to me, though, to get wind of the reactions of several very orthodox Bishops. Some were contemplating open defiance, a defiance that could give cause for their removal. If this should come to pass, we are less in need of St. Thomas Mores who will give their life for the faith and more in need of St. Georges who will press on to victory for the faith.

While a controversy is still unsettled, protests and demonstrations can be effective in influencing the outcome. Once battle is joined, shrewd strategic and tactical planning and execution is key to prevailing in a dispute. The only shouting that should be done is for specific tactical reasons. Remember Sun Tzu’s dictum that in battle you want your opponent to think you are doing what you are not and that you are not doing what you are. So, I am going to offer here a rather mild version of the type of raw strategic counsel I have long given politicians and public officials – in order that those who cherish fidelity to Christ, Scripture and the Magisterium may prevail rather than just complain.

The primary question is, does a Pope have the unilateral authority to override the autonomy of local Bishops and forbid a legitimate form of Mass throughout the world? With one important caveat I am persuaded that he does. At the time of the Protestant break from the Church, there was no standard liturgy. A multitude of Mass styles prevailed throughout the world. The Council of Trent codified that the Mass that had been been said at Rome (the Latin – or Tridentine – Mass) since the sixth century was to be the uniform Mass style for the world. All others were to be suppressed. And they were. The reigning pope at the time, Pius V, confirmed the council’s decree. He did, however, grant several exemptions for regions that had a well-structured Mass with deep historical roots. Here then the caveat: Pope Pius V confirmed an action initiated by the Council, rather than initiating the action without formal concurrence by the Bishops of the world. Notably, Pius V’s main action was to grant exemptions to some areas’ preferred form of Mass. The question of whether styles of Mass can be suppressed was satisfied by the Council of Trent; the question of whether the Pope can suppress without formal consultation with the Bishops in council is open.

The question then becomes if the Pope does act unilaterally, what should the response of the Bishops of the world be to this usurpation of their autonomy? Unless you are confident that there are enough Bishops in the world who would openly defy such a decree that it could not stand from the start, it would be imprudent to do so, yourself. All that would do would be to identify for the Vatican which Bishops they need to replace, leaving the faithful bereft of advocates for their cause. That does not mean there is no action that could be effective.

I do not think the Tridentine Mass will be permanently banned. It has deep history and cultural power. It is, even for me, who prefers a reverent Novus Ordo, the Mozart of Masses. While I think the Pope likely has the authority to do this, I do not think it a prudent exercise of that authority and may even be an abuse of it. The squabbling between advocates for the Tridentine Mass and the Novus Ordo was largely put to rest by Pope Benedict XVI in Summorum Pontificum, which allowed any qualified Priest to say either form of the β€œtwo usages for the one Roman rite.” Pope Benedict expected this would lead to mutual enrichment. That is largely how it played out. Off the defensive, far fewer advocates of the Tridentine Mass insisted that it was the only valid form of Mass while many who had grown up with the Novus Ordo felt freer to sample the Tridentine Mass without fear of being hectored. It dialed the controversy back dramatically. Perhaps I am missing something, but I can see no reason to change this except to inflame controversy anew.

Why would the Vatican want to inflame a controversy that was well on its way to peaceful coexistence? Well, while many Novus Ordo goers are orthodox, Tridentine Mass advocates (with the exception of those who make themselves functionally Protestant by declaring it the only legitimate Mass) tend to be solidly orthodox, deeply devoted to Scripture and the Magisterium. This Vatican has danced with abrogating the continuity of the faith in ways that directly contradict the Magisterium and, sometimes, even the words of Christ. The old Soviet Union was a master at smoking out and crushing dissent. The technique here is similar. Make a senseless threat or, even, carry it out and see who jumps. That is who you must crush to achieve your ideological revolution.

How, then, to effectively resist such senseless ideological attacks? Given that we are called to walk a line that encompasses obedience to legitimate authority, whether it is exercised prudently or not, with fidelity to Scripture and the Magisterium. I think it wise to consider how David dealt with King Saul. While submissive to the Lord’s anointed, David did not cease to win victories for Israel, trusting that God was both testing his full commitment and would deliver him in God’s own time. Here are four things you can do to keep hope – and your Diocese – together:

  • Take the opportunity to reform the Novus Ordo: The problem with the Novus Ordo is its lack of consistency from Parish to Parish and liturgical abuses that can make it seem more like a show than worship. Begin now to identify and meet with TLM advocates from your Diocese to make common cause. Whether or not the Tridentine Mass is banned, together you can do a lot of good in reforming the Novus Ordo. Depending on your preference, you could encourage communion rails, extensive use of Latin and chant, and even having Mass said ad orientum. Whether or not the Tridentine Mass is banned, you have autonomy in your Diocese on what the norms for the Novus Ordo will be – and can make them consistent and reverent. All you really have to do is follow the guidelines from the actual documents of Vatican II rather than the noxious β€œspirit of” formulation that has been used to justify so many abuses. I know developing relations with TLM advocates in such a situation will require a fine diplomatic hand. Get your best people on it and be personally involved. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the fruit of this transient ban on the TLM was to make the Novus Ordo more reverent, consistent, and worshipful? And there is not a thing the Vatican could do about it.
  • Slow walk any voluntary collaboration with the Vatican: While you are obligated, before Christ, to obey legitimate orders from the Vatican, there are areas that require voluntary cooperation, such as collections for Peter’s Pence. Your enthusiasm – or lack thereof – for all voluntary cooperation can make or break them without violating your legitimate duty of obedience.
  • Collaborate with your brother Bishops: Even those Bishops who are ideologically attuned with the Vatican will resent usurpation of their autonomy, without a conciliar decree, on a matter that has been part of their autonomy for eons. You don’t need to push for freedom on the Latin Mass with fellow Bishops so much as you do the right of each Bishop having the traditional autonomy to make licit decisions for their Diocese. (I once handily won a big issue that had been stifled for decades, prevented from going to the ballot box, by framing it with discipline as a question of whether it was the people’s – or the elite’s – to decide. Got a lot of people who disagreed with me on the substance supporting me on the principle…and that was decisive.)
  • Make yours the visible face of your Diocese: This is labor intensive. Visit at least one – and preferably two – Parishes for Daily Mass each week. Take time to visit afterward with the faithful. Have the Priest or a Deacon take you around from table to table and get to know active Parishioners throughout the Diocese. Maybe make a brief presentation after Mass and ALWAYS take a period for questions. Do NOT salt the audience with prepared questions. Yes, you will get some weird ones at times, but it will help you to think on your feet in real time – and parishioners will love that you took the time for them even when they don’t agree with you. I cannot tell you how many times I found allies among those who initially disputed with me because I hung in there with them. If somebody gets really overbearing, the Priest or Deacon can – and should – move it along.

There are certain habits of mind and action that should be cultivated to facilitate consistent effectiveness. For now, let’s just consider two, starting with a repeat of one above from a different angle:

  • Collaborate with your brother Bishops: By nature, Bishops are a pack of lone wolves. That is a function of the necessary and salutary autonomy each Bishop exercises to effectively lead his own Diocese. But this can also lead to two serious impediments to effective collaborative efforts with other Bishops. First, because of the deference Bishops are customarily shown, it is easy for them to develop a skewed sense of personal strengths and weaknesses. (Trust me – Priests know very early on which brother Priests are on the β€˜Bishop track’ and treat them accordingly). It would be prudent to cultivate personal friends and salt your chancery with people who will challenge you. I’m not speaking of the petty critics who are just contrarians, but people of substance who will help you refine your thinking and skills. The best are those who can be completely candid in private while enthusiastically supportive in public. Publicly, you are at a tactical advantage if you are underestimated – and vice versa. Second, there is a tendency to judge brother Bishops by how closely they resemble you. Contemplate I Corinthians 12:12-27 deeply. Each Bishop has different strengths and weaknesses. Some are profound intellectuals, some are charismatic, some have great courage. Success in a collaborative effort depends on properly deploying each member and using their greatest strengths to good effect while covering their weaknesses. Determine from the start that there are no junior partners in your collaboration. Do not get trapped in a cliquey or elitist circle that looks down upon Bishops who have different strengths and weaknesses than you. A courageous Bishop who is iffy on theology can be a great scout, clearing the ground before you. Some brilliant Bishops lack the common touch that inspires ordinary people. A committee of five men drafted the American Declaration of Independence. Interestingly, John Adams was the primary intellectual force behind its content. When it came time to draft the final version, Adams tapped Thomas Jefferson for the task even though they were sometimes bitter rivals. Adams candidly conceded that he wrote like a clerk while Jefferson’s rhetoric would soar – and this was too important to be decided by personal jealousies. Keep focused on the mission, taking pains to use the talents of all collaborators to best advantage, and you will vastly increase your chances of success.
  • Make written statements coherent and comprehensible to all. Most ecclesial documents adopt a classic scholastic style. That is congenial because the scholastic style lends itself to precision and fine distinctions. The flood of encyclicals issued by St. John Paul in the 90’s and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas are fine examples of documents written in the scholastic style. The virtue of these documents subsists in their substance. The scholastic style is just the elegant, precise setting in which that substance is fitted. However, a certain intellectual laziness has diluted the effectiveness of the scholastic style, as it is too often used to cover a lack of substance and intellectual rigor in a document. The β€˜nuclear-free zone’ pretensions of the 70’s were just plain silly – and served to diminish the perceived moral authority of the Bishops. A better example is the USCCB’s position on immigration. It does not particularly bother me that I disagree with the Bishops on this political issue: what bothers me is that your formal statements on it are so banal and trite. If you are going to tackle a hard issue seriously, you are obligated to tackle the key objections head-on. The Bishops rarely deal with the disruptions to employment and social cohesion their position entails – and NEVER tackle how it should be legitimately paid for and who is responsible – or what say those responsible should have. Nor do they pressure foreign nations to reform their systems. Just let the general public in America deal with all the burdens because it is their duty. This is just rank virtue-signaling that adds no light to the issue. St. Thomas Aquinas took great pains, in every dispute he weighed in on, to grapple with the most cogent arguments against his position and address them. He was a serious thinker, not a shallow moralizer. In crafting the American Constitution, the founders grappled directly with the very serious problems inherent in the history of both democracies and republics. By doing so, they came up with a blended system that balanced the need for stability with the primacy of ordered liberty under law. Had they avoided these very tough questions, they could never have crafted the uniquely new system that stood quite well for over 200 years. If, instead, they just virtue-signaled by opining that, β€œeveryone deserves to breathe free” and justified their lack of rigor by their good intentions, America would not have lasted two decades. St. Paul VI’s encyclical, Humanae Vitae, is not a good example of the scholastic style, but it is a great example of clarity, precision, and concision. It is the most prophetic document I have read in my lifetime. There is an old dictum that if a Bishop does not have to speak on a matter, he should not speak on it. I would not go that far, but I do say if he speaks, his speech should be clear, clear-headed and add to the discussion rather than just piling on to an ideological hobby horse without grappling with the most contentious issues. Jesus said, β€œLet your yes be yes and your no be no.” (Matthew 5:37). Most simply interpret this to mean, don’t lie. I think it means more than that: that you must always make your point and your motives clear without shrouding them in pettifoggery. To use an example from living memory, Ronald Reagan could make a verbal error in his speech and no one cared, because everyone knew where he was coming from. Bill Clinton could make a declarative statement while pounding his fist on the podium and few were sure he actually meant it.

Almost all Bishops who are openly orthodox know they will never receive advancement under Pope Francis. In a peculiar fashion, that is liberating. You don’t have to worry about how your actions affect any upward mobility in the near future. Having already staked your ground, those with the greatest potential for growth are those who are bold in their orthodox declarations and shrewd enough to avoid giving cause for removal.

The Tridentine Mass may be banned for a season but, provocative as that would be, it is not the great issue before the Church today. The great issue is the extent of and limitations on authority and how each level of the hierarchy may licitly and properly operate. The controversy over the Tridentine Mass is the sizzle, but the rumblings on synodality is the steak. Don’t ignore the sizzle, but keep your eye on the steak which will determine your autonomy and authority under Scripture and the Magisterium.

*********

I was delighted when the Padre Pio Prayer Group of Denver resumed operations this month after a three-year layoff due to Covid. It meets the first Saturday of the month at St. Patrick’s Oratory, 3300 Pecos St., Denver 80211. The Priest begins taking confessions at 9:30 a.m. We say a Scriptural Rosary at 10, followed by Mass and Benediction at 10:30. We have a wonderfully orthodox Franciscan Priest, Fr. Keith, leading us with a charming British accent. He had celebrated a few Masses at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden before being abruptly removed from the schedule. The Cabrini nuns in Golden have a limited tolerance for orthodoxy. But we get a very reverent First Saturday with a Priest who would make St. John Paul smile. This is one of my favorite forms of public devotion – and I am sure glad to have it going again when I’m home. If the mood hits you, come out and join us next month.

*********

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44 thoughts on “To Orthodox Catholic Bishops: Channel Your Inner David

  1. A great and solid piece, Charlie. Thank you!

    “While I think the Pope likely has the authority to do this, I do not think it a prudent exercise of that authority and may even be an abuse of it”.

    I thoroughly agree with you on this. However, if the nuclear-option “ban” should happen – so be it. I’m not going to go into a spoiled brat hissy-fit, even though it will affect me deeply. As our British brethren famously said during their period of deep tribulation: “keep calm and carry on”.

    That said, the Chartres Pentecost Pilgrimage is taking place from Saturday 27th to Monday 29th and we’ll have nearly 50 in our Irish Chapter – the majority far younger than my venerable-ish 62! The organisers, the great Notre Dame de ChrΓ©tientΓ©, say there will be 15,000 overall. So, if the bomb should drop before then, it could be… interesting 😎 But – there would be no mass (or Mass – hah!) hissy-fit. We just don’t do that kind of thing. The traditionalists who do the Chartres Pilgrimage love the Church and the Holy Father and will not indulge in that type of facile and ultimately counter-productive self-gratification. Sadness, yes, of course but so many of the older ones have been there before that there is a deep fund of experience and resilience, founded in charity. Without which all is as clashing cymbals.

    To quote our dear Brit bros again: “grin and bear it”. Smile, don’t sneer! Get on with it! Be not afraid!

    And, of course, keep the powder dry for the REAL battle which, as Charlie rightly observes, centres on so-called synodality.

    In Christo,

    J.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I always enjoy photos and video footage of your great pilgrimage, J. Enjoy and carry your ASOH community with you in your intentions please. πŸ™‚

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Certainly will do, Beckita. It strikes me that most of the pilgrims would be natural ASOH/CORAC types anyway, especially the organisers, NDdeC. Last year they performed heroic feats in keeping the pilgrimage on the road during the worst storm in memory (for the Pilgrimage) on the Saturday. Logistically, they are absolutely superb. And spiritually and… wow! Julius Caesar couldn’t have done better. Well, he had swords – we have Rosary beads. The ultimate weapon! 😁

        Liked by 6 people

    2. Praying, Jaykay, for a successful, safe and fulfilling pilgrimage! How awesome that you are able to join! I’ll be there in spirit! πŸ™πŸ™

      Liked by 4 people

  2. Thank-you Charlie.

    Although I have not read the actual apostolic letter, Traditionis custodes,I read a summary and thought that our Archbishop Sample did a fine job here in Oregon.

    God bless ~ katey in OR βœοΈπŸ™πŸ½βœοΈ

    Liked by 3 people

  3. I have loved the Latin Mass since my youth. I was so grateful when it appeared once again and attend the TLM regularly. I pray that the Mass will continue to be offered. My Archbishop Cordileone welcomes the Mass in many of his parishes. They are the parishes that are still robust and alive in the diocese.

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Attending the Novus Ordo most of our lives something was missing. We didn’t know what it was until we attended the Traditional Latin Mass, the TLM. Then we knew. There was no going back, even though we loved our parish church, pastor, and people. Once you realize what VII stripped away, it’s impossible not to see it. To kneel before the Holy Sacrament, to receive it by the only hands that should give this sacrament to you, the ordained hands of a priest.
    It is not being spoiled, or having a hissy fit, to want to keep the form of worship that was the only Mass in Catholicism, understood the world round, for the last 1500 years or so. It is natural. Francis, is an unmitigated destroyer, cruel, petty, and vengeful. No true pope could be any such thing.
    If he bans it, he will likely ban it on a Feast Day, usually of Our Lady. He has enjoyed issuing cruel decrees or doing something outrageous, on these days.
    Many TLM-attendees will leave, go SSPX or FSSP, and look back, but not come back. What he is doing is astonishing in it’s divisiveness, he is splitting the church, and like all Marxists, blaming the other side for something he alone is doing. Projection. It’s a thing.
    I’m inclined to say the papal see is empty. If it is a requirement the pope be Catholic, in what sense is this man Catholic. He despises Catholicism and faithful Catholics. He can’t do that and be pope.
    Sorry to be a downer, but that’s how I see it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kate, there have been bad “true” Popes throughout our history. Pope Francis is our Pope. I believe God is using him to expose the chaff among the wheat–these past three years have been very telling.

      Our mission is to draw close to God, discern His will for our lives and be obedient to all His Son told us. God knows and sees all that is going on. As Beckita told me above, all will be set right by God in the long run. It’s just this “short-term” that we must persevere through.

      And as difficult as it would be to not attend a TLM, I know I have to keep my eyes on my Creator. It’s the “next right step” all the time. πŸ˜‰

      Liked by 3 people

      1. As difficult as times have become, a part of me thinks it is not as bad as it looks in the hierarchy. A part of me thinks that this is not so much a concerted assault on the faith from inside the Church as it is the death rattle of the ‘Age of Aquarius’ and ‘spirit of Vatican II’ clerics. Yes, this last decade has exposed the depth of the rot in some of the hierarchy but it is as likely to provoke serious backlash to that rot as to sustain the rotting. I hope that part of me is right.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. God warns us of error, but is “slow to anger” allowing us time to repent. Many errors have taken decades, even centuries to be corrected. Jesus took thousands of years to incarnate but the bible tells us it occured in “the fullness of time”. The Apostles wrote about Jesus’ return as “soon” but then here were are two K+ years later and we are still looking for this. Much has still to be put “under His feet” and we are in a cosmic struggle that advances along with our technological abilities and all that the enemy can throw at us using such tools as these. The following verse mentions about this period we find ourselves in that many people refer to as “living the dream”.
          “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
          (Rev 3)
          We are still “sleeping” and have unfinished business. As individuals, we remain “awake and sober” in this life of accomplish this unfinished business in Purgatory.
          As for the Church, we are still on the Journey to its completion, what the Fatima seer Lucia called a “process” towards the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary She who dispenses grace to us, the Church, so we may be victorious.

          “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
          To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
          (Rev 3)

          Liked by 2 people

          1. That we do, Linda, and WE’RE part of the offense to prevent “the gates of hell,” aka, “the powers of hell,” from prevailing, with every blessed and little next right step we take.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Oh lots and lots of little next right stepsπŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ and a lot of blunders for meπŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚.

              God is sooooo good!!! πŸ₯°πŸ™πŸͺ¨

              Liked by 1 person

  5. Charlie, I appreciate your comments about immigration. While I believe that all people should be able to seek a better life, there has to be structure to allowing immigrants to live in this country. It has greatly frustrated me that it has been used as a political tool rather than an act of charity, but with boundaries. To just foist the cost of opening borders onto the American people is both wrong and uncharitable! And that the Bishops don’t address that problem is also maddening.

    As for the TLM, it would break my heart if it were to be stopped. I truly feel God led me and my family there three years ago. My faith and prayer life has grown more in those three years than all of my 57 years on Earth. Putting the entire focus of the Mass back on God and seeing the reverence due Him in the TLM was an eye-opener for me. And the fact that my young children (ages nine and twelve at the time) completely embraced the change, further solidified, in my mind, the fact that God wanted us there.

    I find it interesting that there is actually a movement among the younger priests to try and institute those changes you mention: Communion rails, Latin responses and chants, and Ad Orientum (facing the Tabernacle). A good start to making the Novus Ordo more God-centered and reverent. I sincerely hope Bishops will heed your advice.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Perhaps, Jewel, should the repression of the TLM come – we know it won’t be a permanent change – you could invoke St. Padre Pio to intercede that you are strengthened to carry this cross with grace and hope, knowing that God has a Plan to set things right as we partner with Him.

      In your last paragraph, you mention disciplines which were always options since the inception of the Novus Ordo. The flippin’ nonsense known as the “spirit of Vatican II” was the impetus for many clergy to introduce innovations never approved by the USCCB, and even then, they would have needed approval from (in Churchese) the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments at the Holy See. This never happened. In the end, this too shall pass.

      Liked by 5 people

  6. I think the Holy Spirit and the Magisterium will protect the valid forms of the Mass. I just pray that Catholics of good will don’t divide over the rumblings. Division is not of God.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Right there with you, dmg, in praying against division where there need not be divisive camps. However, in choices rooted in faith and morals, we must choose between good and evil, so there will always be division. I pray, too, that seeds of bitterness not be nurtured in any heart. The anger is real and it must be harnessed for good, rather than becoming a reason to hold grudges and become resentful. Each and every one of us needs to change, and even the holiest among us needs the purification too.

      Liked by 4 people

  7. JESUS = GOOD NEWS …:-)

    https://onepeterfive.com/custom-force-of-law/

    https://www.ncregister.com/blog/israel-at-75-years

    https://catholicexchange.com/resisting-temptation-brings-us-closer-to-god/

    https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/whats-wrong-with-synodality-today/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/dodgers-reward-anti-catholic-hate-speech/

    These-Days …. One must consider much more than Spiritual Well-being!
    https://www.ncregister.com/news/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-catholics-discern-moving-over-social-values

    https://media.benedictine.edu/2023/this-sunday-the-holy-spirit-comforts-the-risk-takers

    https://www.ncregister.com/blog/lila-rose-goes-viral-with-whatever-host

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/opinion/catchers-in-the-rye-lessons-tears-and-triumphs-of-talking-women-out-of-abortion

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254329/mutilated-animals-left-on-pro-life-pregnancy-centers-property-in-orlando

    https://www.lifenews.com/2023/05/16/north-carolina-legislature-overrides-governors-veto-of-bill-to-protect-babies-from-abortions/
    https://www.lifenews.com/2023/05/16/nebraska-legislature-advances-amendment-to-save-babies-from-abortion/

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254320/god-is-trans-exhibit-at-nyc-catholic-church-new-york-archdiocese-expressed-concern

    https://www.frontpagemag.com/chinese-fifth-column-usa/

    https://defendingtherepublic.substack.com/p/covid-ccp-truths-leak-out

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/05/16/the-trump-russia-collusion-conspiracy-was-a-coup-detat/

    Yep!
    https://theacru.org/2023/05/16/sovereignty-broken-arrow/

    https://www.floppingaces.net/2023/05/16/the-entire-government-is-weaponized-against-republicans-there-is-only-one-way-to-fight-back/

    https://www.zerohedge.com/
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/
    https://newstarget.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, CD, for the Levin video at the end of the previous post. It was wonderful! Bless you for all your work to inform us! 😁

      On a lighter note, some of us had a discussion a while back about watching humorous videos, etc. in the midst of all the bleak news. At this moment I’m finding joy in listening to “Abba” and all the marvelous songs (on the computer). I only found them about 25 years ago, and find that their music makes me get up and dance all by myself! 😍 How can you not like a group named “Abba”! (That’s what I call Abba Daddy when I talk to Him.)

      Liked by 3 people

  8. https://brownstone.org/articles/judge-neil-gorsuch-speaks-out-against-lockdowns-and-mandates/

    Even while an excellent assessment is given, I’m wondering where Gorsuch and other leaders’ voices were when we were in the midst of the covid madness when it was well underway in 2020 while the specific problems he mentions obviously were already causing great harm.

    Further wonderment: Will there be a critical mass of voices AND courage for action to now be taken in holding the bad actors accountable? If so, I imagine there would be a mighty push back from the ultimate powers of the global elites whom, I believe, were the masterminds behind the covid horrors, for they salivate over a “Great Reset.”

    It seems to me that this is the devil’s hour, the ultimate point of no return for the leaders of the demonic pack pushing to squelch belief in Christ and His Teachings. This brings to mind, yet again, the words from Pope John Paul II back in 1976 in Philadelphia at an Eucharistic Conference held during our country’s bi-centennial:

    β€œWe are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of the American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. This confrontation lies within the plans of divine Providence; it is trial which the whole Church, and the Polish Church in particular, must take up. It is a trial of not only our nation and the Church, but, in a sense, a test of 2,000 years of culture and Christian civilization with all of its consequences for human dignity, individual rights, human rights and the rights of nations.”

    Charlie’s words spoken at the leaders’ meeting this week and released in the video clip brief strongly resonate as an indicator of how we stand on a precipice from where we can, at any moment, find ourselves in the heights of this Storm.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I also wondered where the Supreme Court Judges were three years ago. Weren’t they allowed their opinions at all? It was if they were muted. And the only thing we heard from them was that they “denied” cases to be brought to them. And we heard that a LOT. I guess I don’t really understand their role in the “separation of powers.”

      Liked by 2 people

  9. I heard an exorcist say once that a bishop has amazing power and that some either forget that or never realized it. This piece, for me, is amazing. It is like TNRS for bishops, like a case study to see how TNRS is applied. I could have never come up with these ideas. Bravo, Charlie!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. JESUS = GOOD NEWS …:-)

    https://www.ncregister.com/blog/she-became-catholic-at-87

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254355/national-eucharistic-pilgrimage-announced-with-four-major-routes-here-s-how-to-join

    https://www.catholicleague.org/dodgers-pull-anti-catholic-group/

    https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/is-paganism-dead-or-are-we-just-living-in-denial/

    https://catholicexchange.com/catholic-education-in-the-21st-century/

    Ya don’t want to mess with the Swiss Guards. They are not pretty boys in silly uniforms. They know how to use those Halberds and Sig 9s they carry.
    https://nypost.com/2023/05/18/security-shoots-at-car-speeding-past-vatican-gate-before-driver-arrested/

    https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/05/the_undeclared_war_on_christians.html

    https://catholicexchange.com/stolen-innocence-the-exploitation-of-our-children-in-public-schools-and-what-to-do-about-it/

    https://www.ncregister.com/blog/bells-aural-sacramental

    https://www.catholicleague.org/xavier-univ-fails-to-condemn-obscene-stunt/

    https://dailycaller.com/2023/05/18/victor-davis-hanson-joe-biden-the-habitual-racialist-demagogue/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/05/18/lee-smith-discusses-the-durham-report-and-the-purposeful-intent-of-bill-barr/

    https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/durham-report-revealed-corruption-could-mean-stunner-trump-2024

    https://thefederalist.com/2023/05/17/6-freshly-documented-instances-of-systemic-pro-democrat-fbi-corruption/

    https://www.floppingaces.net/2023/05/17/looking-for-a-happy-ending-to-the-latest-patriot-front-story-here-it-is/

    https://www.bizpacreview.com/2023/05/18/nbc-news-covers-for-teacher-reading-explicit-manual-on-gay-sex-to-class-after-parent-calls-cops-1360040/

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/adidas-swimsuit-ad-draws-backlash-erasing-women-seems-coordinated

    https://amgreatness.com/
    https://townhall.com/
    https://links.glennbeck.com/view/55d278157d0973635efe6258irwjc.229b/1bb8f90e
    https://thedailybs.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. JESUS = GOOD NEWS …:-)

    https://onepeterfive.com/sunday-after-ascension-thursday-the-real-cover-up/

    https://catholicexchange.com/let-the-spirit-help-us-to-pray-and-live-as-we-should/

    https://bigthink.com/high-culture/middle-earth-tolkien-history

    https://www.theblaze.com/news/man-who-won-women-s-cycling-race-stands-alone-on-podium-after-female-competitors-refuse-to-join-him

    https://catholicvote.org/ct-passes-bill-discrimination-minor-attracted-persons/

    https://catholicvote.org/another-fl-pride-celebration-cancelled-due-to-law-against-exposing-kids/

    https://www.theblaze.com/news/man-who-won-women-s-cycling-race-stands-alone-on-podium-after-female-competitors-refuse-to-join-him

    https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/former-anheuser-busch-exec-bud-light-backlash-not-going-away

    https://ncrenegade.com/school-board-cuts-pastor-off-when-he-reads-the-very-book-that-is-in-the-school-library-for-10-year-olds/

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nebraska-police-arrest-least-person-state-capitol-lawmakers-approve-abortion-transgender-bill

    THEIR FBI … In-Action ;-(
    https://www.nationalreview.com/news/fbi-improperly-surveilled-blm-protesters-j6-suspects-thousands-of-political-donors/
    https://dailycaller.com/2023/05/18/fbi-target-backs-abuses/
    https://www.thefp.com/p/the-fbi-trump-durham-report?
    https://infiniteunknown.net/2023/05/18/fbi-concerned-jan-6-footage-would-expose-undercover-agents-informants-whistleblower/
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/05/conservative-wyoming-rep-harriet-hageman-goes-corrupt-fbi/
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/very-sad-trump-slams-democrats-over-partisan-attacks-fbi-whistleblowers

    Nothing to See Here!…. Move Along!!
    https://www.foxnews.com/health/reports-reveal-risk-strokes-rise-young-adults
    https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/who-warns-unusual-surge-severe-myocarditis-babies

    https://thefederalist.com/
    https://www.wnd.com/category/front-page/
    https://stream.org/category/us/
    https://thedailybs.com/
    https://amgreatness.com/
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … Happy Ascension Day!! …. but … In-Truth …. I’m really looking for a Happy 2nd Descension Day πŸ™‚

    https://media.benedictine.edu/2023/this-sunday-do-we-do-what-jesus-asks-we-used-to

    https://onepeterfive.com/sunday-after-ascension-thursday-the-real-cover-up/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/victory-over-dodgers-angers-our-foes/

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/pro-life-activist-sounds-alarm-fbi-intimidation-agents-visit-home-going-everybody

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/05/20/ron-desantis-plots-politics-with-chris-sununu-in-new-hampshire/#more-246889

    https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2023/05/how-rotten-is-it.php

    https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/lgbt-group-removes-anheuser-busch-best-places-work-standing-mulvaney-ad

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nebraska-senator-flips-out-debating-ban-sex-change-surgeries-minors-screams-we-need-trans-people

    https://starrs.us/3000-military-veterans-reject-pentagons-left-wing-social-agenda-support-tubervilles-fight/

    Not Happy Stats for a robust Republic ;-(
    https://www.visualcapitalist.com/american-workforce-100-people/

    We are watching Cloward-Piven-Alinsky Strategies Unfold NOW!
    https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20230520/15785454/Reese-Report-The-Cloward-Piven-Strategy.htm
    …….. EWTN produced “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” on Saul Alinsky … they air from time to time.

    ….. I stumbled upon this from 2012. I’d guess it’s more true than not though 11 years ago I may have been skeptical. It appears that even Bishop Sheen was hoodwinked ;-(
    http://christorchaos.com/AlinskysSheen.htm

    https://onepeterfive.com/biopolitics-biometric-dictatorship/


    https://www.theburningplatform.com/2023/05/18/new-york-to-track-residents-food-purchases-and-place-caps-on-meat-served-by-public-institutions/comment-p
    … NYC ( ANY Blue Entity) … A great place to have in your Rear-view Mirror!
    https://amgreatness.com/2023/05/20/the-never-ending-1619-riots/
    https://www.theblaze.com/news/new-york-city-crime-shoplifting-eric-adams-plan
    https://www.planet-today.com/2023/05/is-self-defense-becoming-illegal.html

    https://thedailybs.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … πŸ™‚

    https://media.benedictine.edu/2023/this-sunday-do-we-do-what-jesus-asks-we-used-to

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254370/alleged-marian-apparitions-the-subject-of-new-observatory

    https://catholicexchange.com/stop-complaining/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/white-supremacists-are-not-the-real-threat/
    ….. Ya can bet that Jackbooted Feral Gubermint Thugs infiltrated this march with cameras rolling and hopes to find Christian Nationalist White Supreamacists!?? ;-(
    https://townhall.com//tipsheet/saraharnold/2023/05/21/hundreds-of-catholics-pray-for-nation-through-the-streets-of-dc-passing-by-the-white-house-n2623513
    https://www.courthousenews.com/fbi-broke-rules-in-scouring-foreign-intelligence-on-jan-6-riot-racial-justice-protests-court-says/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/05/21/sunday-talks-devin-nunes-discusses-big-picture-of-durham-report-with-maria-bartiromo/

    https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/19659/persecution-of-christians-april
    …… Conservative? GOP-er?? .. “Faith”… in NYSlimes …. (White Supremacists fault)
    https://silk-news.com/2023/05/21/opinion/opinion-what-christian-nationalism-has-done-to-wyoming-is-a-sin/

    …. poorer by scandal/corruption in Church too ;-(
    https://economicprism.com/how-corruption-makes-you-poor/

    Not to Worry in USA! All those MILLIONS of ILLEGAL ALIENS, “Processed” & Get-Aways that Democrats are spreading around are nice ….. Right!? … Hello!!!
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-peaceful-sweden-became-europes-gun-murder-capital-a5b500a7

    … His Law Licence should be revoked … but wont be!
    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/05/22/famed-civil-rights-attorney-ben-crump-deletes-tweet-calling-pregnant-nurse-racist-amid-backlash/

    https://beckernews.com/why-shouldnt-the-election-be-called-into-question-greg-gutfeld-breaks-with-fox-news-narrative-over-2020-election-interference-

    https://amgreatness.com/2023/05/17/the-hate-industry/

    Not News to most here!
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/05/wayne-root-everyone-has-missed-real-revelation-durham/

    https://leesmith.locals.com/post/4036159/lawless-durham-report-is-tombstone-for-us-justice-system

    https://beckernews.com/
    https://links.glennbeck.com/view/55d278157d0973635efe6258isdh9.1w33/2bd5d537
    https://thedailybs.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … πŸ™‚

    https://catholicexchange.com/the-art-of-easter-the-ascension/

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254384/a-miracle-in-missouri-body-of-benedictine-sisters-foundress-thought-to-be-incorrupt

    https://catholicfamilynews.com/blog/2023/05/22/abp-vigano-priesthood-mass-eucharist-mary-most-holy-are-necessary-in-order-to-conquer-the-dragon/

    https://catholicexchange.com/a-new-perspective-on-pius-xii-the-popes-cabinet-a-review/

    https://apnews.com/article/vatican-hercules-statue-restoration-7ef7141d4d8abde9f473d6a9134a11db

    https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/05/19/can-catholicism-be-passed-on-without-catholic-culture/

    https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/everyone-is-believer/

    https://parishableitems.com/2023/05/21/ascension-a-bittersweet-christian-mystery/

    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/05/22/us-nebraska-governor-signs-abortion-ban-gender-affirming-restrictions/5891684789597/

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-blast-texas-va-hospital-removal-cross-shaped-remember-our-veterans-display

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/michigan-state-professor-forced-students-pay-99-for-left-wing-causes-lawsuit
    https://www.foxnews.com/us/professor-hurls-students-pro-life-display-after-profanity-laced-tirade-triggering-my-students

    https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dodgers-re-invite-anti-catholic-group-pride-night-uproar

    The Black Face of White Supremacy …. See?
    https://www.foxnews.com/media/tim-scott-fires-back-views-racially-charged-attacks-life-disproves-lies-radical-left

    https://rootforamerica.com/obama-committed-treason/ https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2023/05/for_obama_the_coverup_emwasem_worse_than_the_crime.html

    The godless Global Re-Set WEF Crowd has given US Notice that THEY want a lot less of US!
    https://newstarget.com/2023-05-22-8-key-body-systems-under-perpetual-attack.html
    …. THEY want less Rural Hospitals too as part of plan to drive people into Urban THEY Controlled ****Holes! … as is Electric Vehicle Mandates, War on Farmers, ……..
    https://www.porh.psu.edu/631-rural-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-by-state/

    https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/millions-in-mexico-warned-to-prepare-for-evacuation-as-popocat%C3%A9petl-volcano-spews-ash/1530240

    https://links.glennbeck.com/view/55d278157d0973635efe6258islqq.1z69/bdca155c

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … πŸ™‚

    https://catholicexchange.com/the-mighty-power-of-the-name-of-jesus/

    https://spiritdailyblog.com/archives/dont-limit-yourself

    https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/martyrs-bishops-and-keeping-our-souls

    https://fee.org/articles/evil-is-rising-but-despair-is-not-an-option/

    https://theacru.org/2023/05/23/whistleblower/

    https://adflegal.org/article/court-stops-wisconsin-school-district-lying-parents?sourcecode=10027391_r800&

    Satanism, AI, Killer Drones/Robots, PC/WOKE & godless Global Re-Set …. ;-(
    https://spiritdailyblog.com/news/satanism-goes-mainstream
    https://futurism.com/ai-seance

    THEY have despised the U.S. Military since 1968!
    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/05/23/rand-study-finds-support-extremism-lower-veterans-despite-democrat-narrative/
    ….. Yep! ANOTHER! … Nazi White Supremacist … In-Action!!
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/05/update-19-year-old-man-sai-varshith-kandula/

    https://ourpatriot.com/colorado-teacher-calls-for-an-all-out-attack-on-whiteness-in-the-us

    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-secrets/explosion-of-ap-climate-change-stories-following-8m-enviro-grant

    Guv Antichristette … In-Action!
    https://americanwirenews.com/gov-whitmer-signs-red-flag-law-as-ag-takes-aim-at-resistant-sheriffs/

    https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4017998-gop-chair-speechless-after-senior-fbi-official-says-she-hasnt-read-durham-report/

    Target …. TARGET!
    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/05/23/tom-cotton-blasts-target-partnering-satanist-push-trans-agenda/

    IT will get a LOT Worse! ;-(
    https://www.nationalreview.com/news/hunter-college-professor-fired-after-vandalizing-pro-life-display-threatening-reporter-with-machete/

    https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-chief-on-iran-nuke-program-negative-developments-could-prompt-israeli-response

    https://geopoliticalfutures.com/the-next-phase-in-the-china-us-confrontation

    https://open.substack.com/pub/defendingtherepublic/p/we-still-turn-to-the-law
    https://thedailybs.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … πŸ™‚

    https://catholicexchange.com/nine-proofs-of-the-true-presence/

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254409/catholic-organization-rescues-three-nuns-trapped-amid-crossfire-in-sudan

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254410/nebraska-bans-abortion-at-12-weeks-and-sex-change-surgery-for-minors

    https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/biden-administration-abortion-restrictions-weaken-military/

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/opinion/avoiding-the-hard-work-needed

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/opinion/mommy-wars

    https://onepeterfive.com/should-trads-withdraw-from-the-world/

    https://catholicexchange.com/do-not-waste-christ-the-lords-gifts-to-us/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/dodgers-reinvite-bigoted-sisters/
    https://www.catholicleague.org/mass-mailing-to-l-a-parishes-on-sisters/

    https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/ultraviolet-light-reveals-scientists-hidden-bible-passage-1500-years-later

    https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/indiana-pastor-challenges-us-faith-leaders-sign-pledge-face-wokeism-preach-one-true-gospel-only

    THEY can’t allow Blacks to leave Democrat Welfare Plantation!
    https://thegrio.com/2023/05/23/black-magas-are-a-clear-and-present-danger/

    https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/target-shares-hit-amid-pride-merchandising-controversy

    https://www.businessinsider.com/how-brutal-sinaloa-cartel-flooded-us-fentanyl-los-chapitos-2023-5
    https://stream.org/category/us/
    https://townhall.com/
    https://amgreatness.com/
    https:// https://www.americanthinker.com/
    links.glennbeck.com/view/55d278157d0973635efe6258it4z2.1yee/67cf9c86
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/
    https://hotair.com/
    https://newstarget.com/
    thedailybs.com

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Like

  17. This won’t be a shock to many of you, but this important to watch and share.
    The International Covid Summit held this past May.

    Covid was an unleashed bio weapon. This is a 20 minute talk. The entire conference was held for over 3 days with numerous top scientists, doctors and lawyers testifying.

    Like

    1. SanSan ~

      Thank you for this link. He makes a compelling case (I’ve watched him before).

      The revelation of these evils that have been going on for a very long time is important

      Lord, help us to acknowledge You, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us.

      Sister Bear

      Liked by 1 person

  18. JESUS = GOOD NEWS … πŸ™‚

    https://catholicexchange.com/humility-and-charity-the-life-of-st-philip-neri/

    What is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church?

    http://jimmyakin.com/2023/05/death-dynasty-who-were-the-herods-and-what-do-we-know-about-them.html

    https://americanwirenews.com/franklin-graham-warns-christians-of-coming-storm-seems-every-demon-in-hell-has-been-turned-loose

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/05/the-dodgers-promote-anti-catholicism/

    https://pjmedia.com/columns/victor-davis-hanson/2023/05/25/the-left-has-pushed-the-envelope-n1697952

    https://www.wnd.com/2023/05/biden-administration-lumps-christians-republicans-nazis-together/
    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/university-program-linking-christians-republicans-nazis-granted-dhs-funds-part-anti-terror-initiative

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/michigan-professor-no-longer-in-classroom-after-forcing-christian-students-fund-planned-parenthood

    https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/05/24/indiana-pride-group-hosts-carnival-banning-parents/

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/north-hollywood-parents-boycott-school-districts-planned-pride-assembly

    https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/target-loses-9-billion-amid-pride-merchandising-controversy

    https://www.wnd.com/2023/05/biden-administration-lumps-christians-republicans-nazis-together/

    Say Wat?!?
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/05/biden-regime-designates-your-thoughts-as-part-government/
    https://reclaimthenet.org/congress-to-investigate-who-plans-surveillance-misinformation

    https://www.glennbeck.com/radio/white-house-uhaul-crash

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/05/25/desantis-101/#more-247034

    https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/5-things-conservatives-need-know-before-ai-wipes-out-conservative-thought-altogether

    https://thehill-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4018271-is-iran-unlocking-the-gates-to-armageddon/amp/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Like

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