Something serious to consider in these times of extraordinary mystical claims and prophetic utterances.

St. Annibale with S. Maria Bambina

Thoughts from Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia.

The Church is always skeptical about private revelation. The “Positio super virutibus” for the beatification of Saint Hannibal had to answer why the servant of God was drawn to private revelations and pious souls. He himself acknowledged such inclination, specifying however that he does not allow himself to be subdued:

“I love the private revelations of holy persons, but I never accept everything.” (The Father’s Soul pg. 88)

His successor, Fr. Francesco Vitale, writes: “Always well balanced in faith, he discriminated among true and false revelations, and demanded faith, not private revelations as a foundation for action. Not to take a false step toward mistakes or danger, he likes inner virtues best, especially obedience.” (Vitale, Life of Fr. Hannibal Di Francia pg. 280)

In a letter to Mrs. Zuccaro, Fr. Hannibal writes:

“The revelation is the one Jesus Christ entrusted to the Church through the Apostles, which contains the destiny of human being. No new comer can change it at all.”People should not accept private revelations supinely.

In 1925 in a letter to Bishop Liviero of Citta’ di Castello, he criticized the publication of St. Veronica’s entire diary:

“Being taught by the teachings of several mystics, I have always deemed that the teachings and locutions of even holy persons, especially women may contain deceptions. Poulain attributes errors even to saints the Church venerates on the altars. How many contradictions we see between Saint Brigid, D’Agreda, Emmerich, etc. We cannot consider the revelations and the Locutions as words of Scripture. Some of them must be omitted, and others explained in a right, prudent meaning.”

Fr. Hannibal elaborates these ideas in a letter to Fr. Peter Bergamaschi, who had published all the writings of a renowned Benedictine Mystic, St. M. Cecilia of Montefiascone (1694-1766). The Father criticizes such a criterion:

“Conforming to prudence and sacred accuracy, people cannot deal with private revelations as if they were canonical books or decrees of the Holy See. Even the most enlightened persons, especially women, may be greatly mistaken in the visions, revelations, locutions, and inspiration. More than once the divine operation is restrained by human nature. For instance who could ratify in full all the visions of Emmerich and St. Brigid, which show evident discrepancies? I love very much the private revelations of holy persons, but never I accept them in full!

Were I to publish revelations, I would eliminate or revise what is inconsistent with a sound criterion, or reliable tradition, or opinions of sacred, learned writers. I think of behaving prudently…

My dear father, to consider any expression of the private revelations as dogma or propositions near of faith is always imprudent! The mistakes could amount to thousands. Poulain substantiates this fact with examples of saints we venerate on the altars. It is not surprising because the visions or the news undergoes some modifications while passing through human channels… Aptitudes and dispositions may not be the same: a psychological, moral spiritual, physical event can modify them, hindering the spiritual enlightenment from shining perfectly in the soul. Thus the person is unaware of circumstances, details or propositions, and is mistaken involuntarily. In fact, everything is received through and according to the subject.

This is proved by experience, by the mystical theologians, such as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa, Castrotevere, Poulain, etc. By prudence and reason we cannot accept all the words of revelations as they were propositions near to the faith; still less when they are contrary to the authoritative opinion of renowned writers and to the simple, beneficial devotion of the saints. - Source

Visionaries are not oracles or soothsayers... remember that.  Although storms and earthquakes are predicted for October.  What?

"Well, I saw something. Can't you hear it?"

Ed. note: Augustin Poulain, S.J.  Revelations and Visions, an often cited classic well-known to scholars of the spiritual life, was written by Augustin Poulain, S.J. a century ago to set forth in a very clear way the guidelines the Church uses to discern the truth and reject the false when it comes to visions and private revelations. Making extensive use of Scripture, the writings of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, his work is concrete, practical, down-to-earth and witty. The case histories he presents read as if they took place only yesterday. - Source

If spiritual directors are not familiar with the writings of Fr. Poulain, they ought to be.

(Gary) Michael Voris speaks from Rome.

He's still on the Pope's side - but Voris makes it clear for us stateside just exactly what is going on.  He's got the rumor and hearsay down pat, and evidently he's in communication with the very famous Fr. Z.

A quick take here.

I don't care what anyone says - but Gary gets better looking all of the time.  That boyish tousled hair waves about in the wind proving absolutely it's not a hairpiece.  He's lost weight and his complexion looks smoother than ever.  He's a strong, forceful presence on camera, handsomely attired in business casual - I could almost mistake him for nobility, or a diplomat.  If you watch this video closely, the expression in his left eye is very much reminiscent of Dan Rather - as well as Robert Redford.  He's a class act.

Remnant editors and Voxa Cantina, Throw the Arses Out writers are so jealous of his on air persona and huge following - not to mention his European audience.

I wish Pope Francis would confer a Papal Knighthood* on him, he's such a staunch defender of the Church.  Wouldn't he look great in white tie?



Song for this post here.


*Turns out Michael is a knight already: In 2011 Voris was inducted into the knighthood of the Royal Order of St. Michael of the Wing, by the Royal House of Portugal. - Wikipedia

The tip off: How I knew the Pope's brain tumor was a complete fabrication ...

The Pope coughed once, too.

Dr. Fukushima.

The doctor's name is Fukushima - the name of the nuclear plant disaster in Japan... It's all too convenient, Watson.  It's not only racist but it is an attack upon global interest in nuclear power.  But the real Dr. Fukushima came forward, denying any role in the plot:

Late Wednesday, Dr. Fukushima issued a statement through the Carolina Neuroscience Institute in Raleigh, N.C., where he is director: “I have never medically examined the pope. These stories are completely false.” - NYT

Don't be duped.

The Synod has been plagued by false stories, rumor, innuendo, gossip, scandal.  It's so obvious media is involved - as well as that vast right wing conspiracy that always chases after the Clintons.

Faithful Cardinals and Bishops have said as much:

From Rome, NPR'S Sylvia Poggioli reports:

"The suggestion that the tumor report was part of a plot against Pope Francis was put forth by the official Vatican daily L'Osservatore Romano. It wrote, "the timing of the claim reveals there was an intent to manipulate and cause a dust storm of confusion." 

"Cardinal Walter Kasper said it was part of an effort to undermine the bishops' assembly. And Buenos Aires Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez said spreading false information to discredit a person in power is as old as antiquity. It's an attempt to make Francis appear weak, he added, and in need to be replaced. 

"Several Vatican analysts say the tumor claim in an Italian right-leaning daily insinuated the pope's mental condition is responsible for alleged chaos in the church." - Source

 I think we know who is behind this.  Not just right-wing-nut politicians either.

Who financed a well known American Catholic priest's sudden, unexpected trip to Rome this week?  Follow the money.


What?

Watch out for Catholic bloggers.

Ann Barnhardt intends to burn Laudato si and 

the relatio live from her van

on Cable access tv.

Disclaimer:  No Jesuits were implicated in any of these plots.  Just diocesan priests.

What?

Fr. Robert Altier is back...

-credit-

Except he never really went away.

In 2006 Fr. Altier was reassigned  from his position at St. Agnes in St. Paul, Minnesota to a more obscure assignment as a hospital chaplain.  Likewise he was more or less 'silenced' for his objections to VIRTUS training proposed by the Archbishop and Archdiocesan leaders sometime back in 2005-2006.  In other words his homilies could not be published and I think he was asked not to appear on radio, or something to that effect.  At any rate he has kept a fairly low public profile since that time.  (Fr. Altier set the record straight in 2006 here.)

Ten years after:

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bernard Hebda, has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis:

Effective November 1, 2015

• Reverend Robert Altier, appointed parochial vicar of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Goodhue, and the parish cluster of the Church of Saint Michael in Pine Island and the Church of Saint Paul in Zumbrota.

Just remember:

Let nothing disturb you, 

Let nothing frighten you, 

All things are passing away: 

God never changes. 

Patience obtains all things 

Whoever has God lacks nothing; 

God alone suffices. - St. Teresa of Avila

Fr. Altier is living proof of St. Teresa's prayer.

He's an excellent priest.  Thanks be to God.

 Ed. note: Nothing has been scheduled or announced yet, but I'm willing to bet pilgrimages will begin next spring.  What?

Feast of St. John Paul II

Be not afraid!

At all times, but particularly in the last two centuries, the Popes, whether individually or together with the College of Bishops, have developed and proposed a moral teaching regarding the many different spheres of human life...

Jesus Christ, the "light of the nations", shines upon the face of his Church, which he sends forth to the whole world to proclaim the Gospel to every creature (cf. Mk 16:15).  Hence the Church, as the People of God among the nations, while attentive to the new challenges of history and to mankind's efforts to discover the meaning of life, offers to everyone the answer which comes from the truth about Jesus Christ and his Gospel. The Church remains deeply conscious of her "duty in every age of examining the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel, so that she can offer in a manner appropriate to each generation replies to the continual human questionings on the meaning of this life and the life to come and on how they are related".

The Church's Pastors, in communion with the Successor of Peter, are close to the faithful in this effort; they guide and accompany them by their authoritative teaching, finding ever new ways of speaking with love and mercy not only to believers but to all people of good will. The Second Vatican Council remains an extraordinary witness of this attitude on the part of the Church which, as an "expert in humanity", places herself at the service of every individual and of the whole world. - Introduction, Veritatis Splendor

Prayer 

O God, who are rich in mercy

and who willed that Saint John Paul the Second

should preside as Pope over your universal Church,

grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching,

we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ,

the sole Redeemer of mankind.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Be not afraid!

Breaking News: The Ball of Redemption to Fly By Earth this Halloween.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh, my goodness! Now—oh, Our Lady is pointing. 

Directly over on the right side, there are two figures emerging. 

I'm not happy at seeing them. They seem very ominous.

Oh! Oh!

Oh, but Our Lady looks beautiful! And behind Her, 

behind Our Lady, the sky now is becoming filled with figures of angels. 

Oh, they are dressed in gowns of different colors, 

beautiful pastel shades of blue, pink, a very pale lilac. 

And their gowns are trimmed in a border of gold, 

a gold cord-like trimming all about the edges of their gowns.

-Veronica

It's a giant asstroid ...

A gigantic asteroid (the size of a skyscraper) is projected to scrape by earth at the end of the month.  Stunningly, Pewsitters scooped the story before Spirit Daily could grab it.

Asteroid 2015 TB145 was discovered Oct. 10 by the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System 1 (Pan-STARRS-1) in Hawaii. - Finish reading here.

Wait until Fr. Z get's wind of this.  Wait!  Maybe that's why he's heading to Rome right now.  You still have time to donate.

Someone let Charlie know!

Pius X is the one who relaxed the rules on Holy Communion in the first place ...

Dwarves were also admitted for the first time.*

It's been downhill ever since.

Accordingly, the Sacred Congregation of the Council, in a Plenary Session held on December 16,1905, submitted this matter to a very careful study, and after sedulously examining the reasons adduced on either side, determined and declared as follows:

1. Frequent and daily Communion, as a practice most earnestly desired by Christ our Lord and by the Catholic Church, should be open to all the faithful, of whatever rank and condition of life; so that no one who is in the state of grace, and who approaches the Holy Table with a right and devout intention (recta piaque mente) can be prohibited therefrom.

2. A right intention consists in this: that he who approaches the Holy Table should do so, not out of routine, or vain glory, or human respect, but that he wish to please God, to be more closely united with Him by charity, and to have recourse to this divine remedy for his weakness and defects.

3. Although it is especially fitting that those who receive Communion frequently or daily should be free from venial sins, at least from such as are fully deliberate, and from any affection thereto, nevertheless, it is sufficient that they be free from mortal sin, with the purpose of never sinning in the future; and if they have this sincere purpose, it is impossible by that daily communicants should gradually free themselves even from venial sins, and from all affection thereto.

4. Since, however, the Sacraments of the New Law, though they produce their effectex  opere operato, nevertheless, produce a great effect in proportion as the dispositions of the recipient are better, therefore, one should take care that Holy Communion be preceded by careful preparation, and followed by an appropriate thanksgiving, according to each one's strength, circumstances and duties.

5. That the practice of frequent and daily Communion may be carried out with greater prudence and more fruitful merit, the confessor's advice should be asked. Confessors, however, must take care not to dissuade anyone from frequent or daily Communion, provided he is found to be in a state of grace and approaches with a right intention.

6. But since it is plain that by the frequent or daily reception of the Holy Eucharist union with Christ is strengthened, the spiritual life more abundantly sustained, the soul more richly endowed with virtues, and the pledge of everlasting happiness more securely bestowed on the recipient, therefore, parish priests, confessors and preachers, according to the approved teaching of the Roman Catechism should exhort the faithful frequently and with great zeal to this devout and salutary practice.

7. Frequent and daily Communion is to be promoted especially in religious Institutes of all kinds; with regard to which, however, the Decree Quemadmodum issued on December 17, 1890, by the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, is to remain in force. It is to be promoted especially in ecclesiastical seminaries, where students are preparing for the service of the altar; as also in all Christian establishments which in any way provide for the care of the young (ephebeis).

8. In the case of religious Institutes, whether of solemn or simple vows, in whose rules, or constitutions, or calendars, Communion is assigned to certain fixed days, such regulations are to be considered as directive and not preceptive. The prescribed number of Communions should be regarded as a minimum but not a limit to the devotion of the religious. Therefore, access to the Eucharistic Table, whether it be rather frequently or daily, must always be freely open to them according to the norms above laid down in this Decree. 

Furthermore, in order that all religious of both sexes may clearly understand the prescriptions of this Decree, the Superior of each house will provide that it be read in community, in the vernacular, every year within the octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

9. Finally, after the publication of this Decree, all ecclesiastical writers are to cease from contentious controversy concerning the dispositions requisite for frequent and daily Communion. - Source

He started it.


*Dwarves were a race in Middle-earth also called Khazad, the Naugrim, meaning Stunted People, and Gonnhirrim, meaning Masters of Stone.  Before Pius X, they were neither recognized nor permitted to receive the sacraments.  This may account for the expectation many have today of recognizing the existence of, and allowing alien families to receive the sacraments.  Many have complained the church will not even accept that they exist, which is especially hurtful to victims of alien abduction who have born alien children.

Huh?

Here's a quote to start out the day

"Never in my lifetime have I heard of bishops and cardinals being so disrespectful of a pope, challenging his organization of this synod, even a few referring to him as a Protestant and threatening a fractured church if he goes against their wishes." - Fr. Thomas Reese, S.J.

Neither have I.

On the Church's commitment to accompanying all people...

Sisters have been on the front lines.

“If we are going to really accompany people, we have to first of all engage them." - Cupich


Just a thought.

Busy repainting earlier works...

Super Hero Blessing

by Rick Beerhorst 

That's what I'm doing ... repainting earlier works.

It's either that or burn them.

I've done some retablos so far - but I don't like them.

I'm repainting a couple of large panels - I decided to try glazing - layering glazes for depth and so on.

I don't know how - but it might work.

I'm thinking I've been in the wrong group of bloggers.

When I was little, things were the same as they are today.

All the way through ... to now.

My thoughts go back to this: keep yourself as pilgrims and strangers ...

That's the one consistent aspect of my life.

Today I'm repainting The Dream.

I think.

I put up some Christmas lights yesterday - around the bas-relief of Our Lady on the trellis outside my door.  A strand of 300 low voltage teeny-tiny-mini lights.  It reminds me of sprites or fire flies swarming about.

Song for this post here.

I love this ...

H/T JS

What happened to John Paul II kids, and the Ratzinger fan club?

Martyrs of Gorkum

It's the papacy, not the personality who happens to occupy the Petrine Office.

Do you believe in the Real Presence?

Do you believe in Papal Supremacy?

The Gorkum Martyrs did.  They died for it.

Most of the Martyrs of England and Wales did as well.

Something maybe was wrong with your catechises - and you converts - something was probably way off with your RCIA.  Obviously, apologetics failed you as well.  And your theology certificates?  I'd suggest burning them.


"Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees."

S. Anne Line

Martyred for hiding priests.

"When the Son of Man returns will he find any faith?"

St Peter of Alcantara

I didn't forget ...

Pray for me, holy father St. Peter, to do penance and to amend my life.  Amen.

Blaming the Pope ... but which one?

Looks like a set up, Alice ...

I wonder if Benedict feels guilty about abandoning the ship?

Kasper and Ratzinger are friends.  St. John Paul II consecrated Kasper a Cardinal.

Did you know JPII took the bus too?

He kissed books.

Paul VI made Karol Wotija a Cardinal - but was it the imposter Pope, or the real one who did it?

Anyway.  Catholics are getting so nuts, I won't be surprised if some crazed gun packing ... never mind.

"The ball of Redemption will follow, 

and not much shall be left of flesh upon earth."

Bella Dodd

"I can only tell you what I know. It is a matter of public record, for instance, that Bella Dodd, the ex-Communist who reconverted to the Church, openly spoke of the Communist Party’s deliberate infiltration of agents into the seminaries. She told my husband and me that when she was an active party member, she had dealt with no fewer than four cardinals within the Vatican “who were working for us.”

"When the Son of Man returns will he find any faith?"

St.s Louis and Zelie Martin

I think we can believe the entire family is in heaven, and therefore saints.

Although Mums and Dadums are the first to be canonized after Therese.

St. Therese will always remain the littlest however, which means she'll make sure the others are properly acclaimed and honored.  I'm convinced of that.

Louis and Zelie had a hard life - the entire Martin family did.  We think they were very comfortable - but suffering was never far from their door.  Zelie lost a few children, which is why Therese was sent to a wet nurse - more or less.  Therese suffered the loss of her mother greatly and was much 'trouble' for her father and the family because of it.  Later her dad suffered from a mysterious mental illness.  Celine and Leonie cared for him.  Leonie, the least attractive personality, was a sort of black sheep - a rather dark cloud seemed to envelop her.  The family seems quite odd by today's standards.  All the girls became nuns.  The parents began marriage more as religious than husband and wife, and so on.

Who could possibly model their lives after them?  Or even want to do so?

That's the mistake we make with saints - we think we're supposed to be like them or conform our lives to theirs.  Not at all.  They are examples and intercessors.  They reveal God's loving will and providence that all men are called to sanctity and the beatific vision.  They exist for the praise of his glory; therefore they are there to intercede for us, to help us, to obtain grace for us - in answer to our prayer, and the prayer of the Church.  Their example is meant to encourage and inspire us to follow Christ in accord with our state in life.  What is good in their life we may emulate with detachment, yet we are not meant to duplicate their idiosyncratic imitation of Christ - though I think we may be permitted to adapt the particular spirituality they embodied to our own spiritual life.

I may be wrong, however.

St. Louis and Zelie Martin, pray for us.