Hello darkness my old friend.

Deposition of St. Andrew

Anthony Visco

I was brought to nothing...

Very seriously I'm not sure what is going on in the world and the Church, a lot of stuff is way over my head.  Yet it's a wonderful grace, let me tell you.

I never listen to talk radio.  Never listened to Rush Limbaugh or followed conservative commentators online or off.  Some people I know on FB admire people like Ben Shapiro and others I know nothing about.  I don't follow or read conservative-liberal sites, except on occasion.  I don't do Crisis, nor do I follow James Martin - I'll visit sometimes, I may link, but I don't 'follow'. 

I think that is why I am able to keep praying, believing  and trusting. 

On the other hand, when I do allow myself to get sucked in, I lose my peace, as the Carmelite saints would say.  There is an awful lot that I have no need to know.  I still have confidence in the Church, the Pope, the Magisterium, and so on.  I believe in the promises of Christ.

That said, 'it was good to be afflicted'.

To be brought to nothing.  To have every support removed.  To be left alone in faith ... naked in faith.  It's what I love in Visco's charcoal of St. Andrew.

Happy feast day!

Don't look too closely ...

I read that someplace.

I think the Queen Mother said it about looking too closely at monarchy, that if you do, all the mystery disappears.  That's what is happening these days, as we examine one another too closely, we see all the faults, all the inconsistencies, and so on.  John of the Cross warned about that as well: Never take a man for your example - however holy he may be - for the devil will show you his faults.  

I came across an article suggesting the crisis in the Church is a crisis of mystical theology, I kind of agree.  It's also a problem of ascetical theology.  If a person read and followed some of the guidance John of the Cross offers in his advice to beginners and his precautions to religious, I doubt they would be so busy looking for the speck in each other's eye, much less see themselves as judges and qualified to condemn one another.

I did a quick scan of some news aggregates and blogs and noted that some people seem to be distancing themselves from Ann Barnhardt and her 'crazy train' claiming Francis is an anti-pope.  That's a good sign.  Although scanning some of her long-time supporters, I noted they still cling to their Grand Inquisition propaganda and work outing Church leaders.

That is not the faith.

Though it is not my business, I have to wonder how many of these folks can practice their faith?  Do they pray?  Examine their conscience?  If they constantly judge by appearance, or by excerpts from a letter or article, or a pull-quote from an interview, how can they judge?

I often think of what our Lord said in the Gospel: How can you believe when you seek approval from one another?  I have written about this stuff so often, it never gets old for me.  It's always a reminder to me to avoid the trap of looking too closely.  The devil - the accuser - only shows what is wicked.  He only seeks to discredit.  He inspires false zeal, and in the process plunges the soul into darkness, depression and acedia.  He hates devotion.

I have nothing to add any longer.  Not much left to say that hasn't been said already.

"What the devil can't do himself he does by using other people. He takes up his position on the tongues and in the hearts of his servants and before their mind's eye. He makes them see what doesn't exist. So they conceive within their hearts all sorts of evil thoughts and resentments regarding their neighbors - often regarding those they most love." - S. Catherine of Siena

Take warning from the example of Lot's wife who, because she was disturbed at the destruction of Sodom, turned back to look at it. God punished her for this, and she was 'turned into a pillar of salt' (Genesis 19.26). This teaches you that it is the will of God, even if you were living among devils, you should so live as not to turn back in thought to consider what they are doing, but forget them utterly. You are to keep your soul wholly to God, and not to suffer the thought of this or that to disturb you. - John of the Cross

Cooking shows ...

I always loved this show, Cooking With Dorothy... God Among the Pots and Pans.

What will happen to Fr. Z now?

Out of sync ...

Random reflections.

Yesterday, while at Mass I found myself missing the traditional Mass. That rarely happens to me. (It was most likely because it was the Feast of Christ the King and the Ordinary Form isn't able to project that mystery very well.)

Likewise, with all the squabbles going on in the Church, I some days do not know what to think, much less who to believe. The priest's homily was about apologetics and how important it is to read books by apologists. I had to wonder if he goes online - I know he does.  But I thought, how can you read an apologist's defense of the faith when they are all fighting one another, dissing every word, dismissing one another as alt-right/alt-left, and many, if not most, questioning everything the Pope and the Magisterium have to say? (I stand with the Pope and bishops in communion with him, BTW.) In a boast for apologetics, Father said, "Catholics are smart!" He kind of lost me there ... I couldn't help but recall what St. Paul had to say about the simple ones Christ called: "God chose the foolish of the world to confound the wise ..."  To be sure, there is nothing wrong with reading, but I will stick to the solid and true - those I can trust - and bypass those who are trying to write a best seller, while denigrating the competition.

Catholic apologists can get pretty 'puffed up'.  And Catholics are so proud of being intellectual and smarter than anyone else on earth.

"You search the scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf.  But you do not want to come to me to have life."

Missionary position.

Another squabble onliners are quibbling about is the missionary guy who set out to evangelize the Sentinelese tribe and got shot with arrows. The guy was a self-appointed 'missionary' and his visit was illegal. The tribe made their preference to be left alone clear and authorities have thus far honored their wishes, making it illegal to approach them or visit their island.  In a sense they were simply protecting their homeland from invasion.

"John Allen Chau, 27, was killed with arrows as he illegally set foot on North Sentinel Island in the Indian Ocean after paddling there in a kayak last week." - Source

Initially I thought Chau was foolish to do what he did, after all, the Sentelese made it clear they weren't interested in outsiders disturbing their peace and well-being, and they probably long ago rejected Christianity.  Missionaries maybe left them alone and shook the island dust from their sandals.

That said, contrary to popular Christianity-today opinion and policy of not proselytizing, few people seem to know that witnessing to Christ and the Gospel is still something Christians do. In fact, Christians are called to be missionaries. Though this man's actions were unusual and imprudent, to say the least - his going to a place where he could be martyred was never uncommon among the martyrs of ages past. 

St. Francis went to North Africa to proclaim the Gospel with the hope of being martyred, and yes - it was illegal for him to do so. In fact, it has always been illegal to proclaim the Gospel among peoples who rejected it. The Jesuits who went back to Protestant England and the English martyrs are excellent examples of domestic martyrdom.  Then we have the example of Japanese and Korean martyrs, and more recently, the Martyrs of Algiers, who will soon be beatified. Not forgetting the recent innumerable martyrs of ISIS in Egypt, and the Middle East, as well as the Nigerian Christians dying for the faith.  

So, make fun of John Allen Chau, but he just might be a martyr for the Christ in God's eyes.

"When the Son of Man returns will he find any faith at all on earth?"

Bishop Morlino

Dear Bishop Morlino died tonight.

Diocese of Madison1 hr · 
It is our sad duty to inform you of the death of Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison. Bishop Morlino died tonight, Saturday, November 24th, at approximately 9:15 pm at St. Mary Hospital in Madison at the age of 71. Funeral plans are pending and you will be notified via email of final arrangements.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Prayers for the repose of his soul.  May God reward him.  Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

I am so sorry that he has passed away.  An excellent bishop!

The way I feel.

Blessed Miguel Pro, S.J.

Blessed Miguel Pro

Does our life become from day to day more painful, 

more oppressive, more replete with afflictions? 

Blessed be He a thousand times who desires it so. 

If life be harder, love makes it also stronger, and only this love, 

grounded on suffering, 

can carry the Cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. 

Love without egotism, without relying on self, 

but enkindling in the depth of the heart an ardent thirst 

to love and suffer for all those around us: 

a thirst that neither misfortune nor contempt can extinguish... 

I believe, O Lord; but strengthen my faith... 

Heart of Jesus, I love Thee; but increase my love. 

Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee; but give greater vigor to my confidence. 

Heart of Jesus, I give my heart to Thee; 

but so enclose it in Thee that it may never be separated from Thee. 

Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine; 

but take care of my promise 

so that I may be able to put it in practice 

even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.

- Bl. Miguel Pro shortly before his death.

What does Thanksgiving mean today?

Mr. Pitt was forbidden to watch 

the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade as a child 

but made up for it when he won a ticket 

to hold the rope for the Woody Woodpecker balloon.

This will sound bad, but it seems to me it means whatever anyone wants it to mean.  It used to be about the harvest and thanking God for his blessings and so on.  It also used to be such feast days were preceded by penance and fasting.  The feast day, like a Sunday was meant as a day of rest as well as feasting with family and friends.

As a Catholic, I know every Mass or Eucharist is a Thanksgiving.  But Sundays are now shopping days and sports days.  As are most holidays.  As Americans, we have so much, and when we see what others have lost, we instinctively express gratitude for what we still have.  We also share more in the face of crisis - which is very good.  Sharing, alms giving is maybe better than prayer and fasting - except - all three together is what makes us saintly.  If we accept God's grace to do that, then we have very much to be grateful for.

Now that I'm old, for me Thanksgiving is no longer a sentimental journey, it's just what it is - a holiday to kick off Christmas season, and a reminder to give alms.  It's the least demanding holiday ever - for old men.  You get to stay home and do whatever and not feel guilty.  Ha!

Happy Thanksgiving Poodles! 

If you have to eat with others,

watch your manners.

Here it comes ... USCCB released the following statement regarding Catholic alt-right social media groups.

No matter how bad things got, Mean Gene Okerlund was 

always a gentleman when he conducted his interviews.

Warning Catholic to use extreme caution.

In response to repeated requests for comment from NBC News, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released the following response from their spokesman Bishop Christopher Coyne of Burlington, Vermont: 

“The promotion and defense of the faith should invite an encounter with the merciful love of Christ and contribute to a more civil and peaceful dialogue in our church and society,” he said. “I urge my brothers and sisters to exercise extreme caution before giving credence to anyone who instigates shameful, digital stoning as a way to defend the Church. Catholic participation in the public square should be marked by both fidelity to the Gospel and to charity toward all our fellow citizens.” - Source

Works for me.

I'd say it's about time as well - I wish they were more specific and name the sites.  Has anyone seen the video of Michael Voris chasing down Bishop Malone?  Michael is chasing him while pulling his luggage and holding onto his shopping bag, trying to get the bishop to respond to his questions.  I never turned the sound on, but it was funny.

Vortex-TMZ style ambush interviews.

Monsignor Bux the system ...

Where there is smoke there is papam.

Habemus papam.

To address the current crisis, Msgr. Bux suggested that an examination of the “juridical validity” of Pope Benedict’s XVI’s resignation was in order to “overcome problems that today seem insurmountable to us.” The theologian consultor to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints was implying that further study of the situation could reveal that Francis is not and has never been a valid pope, but is, in fact, an antipope who could be removed from the papacy, thus nullifying his "insurmountable" errors. - Source

It's so over my head.  But I'm pretty sure the resignation was valid - Benedict made that clear.  Pope Francis was elected and is the Pope.  I wonder if they could just go back to debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, instead?

  

If I were a monsignor or a bishop ...

I would resign.

Instead of complaining that they are not branch managers of the Vatican or that the Pope isn't doing what they want him to do - resign.  Throw your mitre and crosier in the ditch.  Renounce your titles and comfy homes, and just be a priest.  Maybe a missionary priest right in your own diocese.  Or just be a pastor, but without all the honors.  Prove that you aren't a slave to clericalism.  Especially if you have a more lowly title, such as domestic prelate - give it back.

I know lay people who serve the poor and evangelize among the poor - without recompense.  They have families, but they respond to the needs of others, without fanfare.  They don't sit behind a desk or write articles for newspapers, or flash their good works online for people to see.  They aren't on TV shows complaining about the Pope.  They really live the Gospel.

Just a thought.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Many deceivers have gone out into the world ...

Anyone who is so "progressive"
as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God;
whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son. -2 John 9

Works for me.

It always has.  So why do people follow those who teach something else?  

Because they want to.

So let them.

Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for
but may receive a full recompense. - 2 John

So Vigano may not be as trustworthy as people say he is?

All things considered.

ROME - Last month Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a former papal ambassador who in recent months gained global fame for publishing a statement asking Pope Francis to resign, lost a civil lawsuit against his brother over a family estate.

In an October ruling, the Civil Court of Milan sentenced Viganò to compensate his brother, Father Lorenzo Viganò, over $2 million, including interest and court costs, in a feud over their family assets. - Read more.

I wonder what the real reason is behind his bid that Francis should resign? 

Prayers for all victims of the California fires ...

Mother of God of the Unburnt Bush, Have Mercy on us!

You showed Moses, O Christ God, 

An image of your most pure Mother 

In the bush that burned yet was not consumed, 

For she herself was not consumed, 

When she received in her womb the fire of divinity! 

She remained incorrupt after her pure childbearing! 

By her prayers, O greatly merciful One, 

Deliver us from the flame of passions, 

And preserve your people from all harm!

Protection From Fire 

As we noted at the beginning, one of the primary reasons for the popular devotion to this icon stems not so much from the theology it expounds as from the belief that it is a kind of talisman against fire. This idea derives from an old folk tale: 

In ancient Russia, most houses were made of wood, and fire was an ever-present danger. One day a raging fire broke out and was consuming several buildings. An old woman was seen by someone, standing in front of her home, holding up a copy of the Unburnt Bush icon before the flames. The next morning all the houses around it were found to have been completely destroyed, but hers was completely untouched. This led to the superstitious belief that the icon was capable of preventing or extinguishing fires, a belief that became widespread throughout Russia. - Source

Mother of God, Similar to Fire, Save us!

It is entirely meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, 

Ever blessed, and spotless, and the Mother of our God, 

More honorable than the cherubim, 

And infinitely more glorious than the seraphim. 

We exalt thee who didst bear without corruption God the Word, 

Thee verily the Mother of God.

Our Lady of the Fire, Save us!

O Lord, You miraculously protected and preserved 

the image of the Mother of Your beloved Son

 from the destruction of fire. 

Grant that through her merits and intercession, 

we may escape the fire of hell 

thanks to the fire of Your love. 

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

-Source

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Deliver us!

Santo Nino del Santissimo Rosario,

spare us O Lord!

Mother Cabrini

Mother of Immigrants.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917) is the Patroness of Immigrants, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the first American citizen to be canonized.

Mother Cabrini was an immigrant herself.

"So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt." - Deut. 10:19

Fr. Z Reports: Little Sisters of Mary destroyed by the Vatican Congregation for Religious

Little Sisters

Just like the Franciscans of the Immaculate.

Another group of women engaged in works of mercy has been destroyed by the Congregation for Religious. 

Some time back we learned that a group of contemplative women called the Little Sisters of Mary, the Mother of the Redeemer, in Saint-Aignan-sur-Roe, France, were being attacked by the local bishop Thierry Scherrer of Laval. 

The sisters run four old-peoples homes. They have the Novus Ordo in Latin and in 2012 adopted traditional habits. The bishop thought they were too traditional. 

Apparently now so does the Congregation for Religious under Braz Card de Aviz, who destroyed the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. - Source

What if there is more to this story than what is made public?  What if there is more to the Franciscans of the Immaculate story than what was made public.

What if there is more to the stories we circulate online?  What if there are false reports?  Just today the USCCB was asked by the Congregation of Bishops to delay discussions on a code of conduct for bishops, and many Catholics online are upset about that.  But maybe a code of conduct is the responsibility of the Vatican and the Congregation of Bishops is working on it?  The Holy Father already scheduled a special meeting on the issue for February 2019.

What if there is more to the story than we know at this time?

Protests at USCCB and Papal Nunciature

Faithful Catholics will be carrying signs ...

Things are getting desperate.  They want Cardinal Burke to be the next Archbishop of Washington.

I received this in my email today:

Papal Nunciature Demonstration in D.C. While U.S. Bishops Convene in Baltimore  Contact: Missy Smith, 202-288-4984
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- While U.S. Bishops convene in Baltimore, Devout Catholics, including victims of abuse, will gather at the Vatican Embassy in Washington D.C., imploring Pope Francis to expose and remove the homosexual/pedophile cartel that exists within the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Event Details:
Time: Monday, Nov 12, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Location: Apostolic Nunciature, 3339 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C.
Signs will be held:

"Holy Father, Remove the Scoundrels!"
"Pope Francis: Remove the Lavender Mafia!"
"Give us Cardinal Burke in D.C.!" Background

On Monday through Wednesday (11/12 - 11/14), the USCCB (American Catholic Bishops) will be meeting in Baltimore MD.
The most onerous, and horrific "item" on the Bishop's agenda, is the recent wave of disclosures of pedophilia and homosexuality committed by Catholic Clergy.

Perhaps worse - for the victims and the Church - is the accommodation and COVER-UPS of these demonic perversions, sins, and CRIMES by American Priests and Bishops.
During their meeting, the Bishops will inevitably pay lip service to this evil behavior; they will issue a statement of "regret and reform," while in fact refusing to expose and purge their numbers of known collaborators and evildoers.

The Fires in California

CreditJustin Sullivan/Getty Images

Fire came so fast to the wooded town of Paradise, a four-hour drive north of San Francisco, that roads quickly became impassable. Many people abandoned their vehicles, and at least seven people died in their cars. Paradise is popular with retirees — the town’s median age is 50 — and the authorities struggled to evacuate older residents. At least 35 people have been reported missing. The sheriff fears that number will rise. - NYT

What is next?

Prayers for all suffering such loss from disaster and terror.  Prayers for the dead.