The Rosica Factor: When Priests Threaten to Sue Faithful Catholics

Looks like a new trend is arising amongst priests who threaten lawsuits against any Catholic lady or gent of the laity who call them on their error(s). If this keeps up, the trend may well be called "The Rosica Factor" (see a bit of the Fr. Rosica story-background here).

 The Rosica controversy reached such a height that
"American Cardinal Raymond Burke, who formerly served as the head of the Vatican’s high court until Pope Francis appointed him patron of the Order of Malta, joined the discussion to defend the blogger," according to the article linked above. This time, however, the one being threatened by a Catholic priest is a Catholic wife and mother of three children.

My initial thought was to wonder at the coincidence (or is it one?) that this story came out on the Feast of the Virgin-Martyr, St. Joan of Arc. Anyone familiar with the life of St. Joan should recognize the implicit reference to the abuse she suffered under the hand of Church prelates. It went so far that she was martyred---while in the custody of Catholic bishops who abused their authority. It was they who martyred the saint. History has proven who was on the side of God---the great Saint Joan---and who was on the side of politics and religious respect----the bishops of England. And lest we forget, the imprisonment, maltreatment, and martyrdom of St. Joan (at the hands of the Catholic clergy who proved themselves guilty of human respect) occurred before the Protestant Revolt.
 
To return to the incident with the Catholic blogger (who also happens to be a wife and mother), she includes screenshots as proof: Catholic Priest Threatens Mum of 3 with legal action, because she told him off for saying that the Holy Spirit is female, and then he lies on Twitter about her!

Your thoughts?

Pope Francis’ Papacy: Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima

“Pope Francis asked me twice to consecrate his new ministry to Our Lady of Fatima,”said José Policarpo, Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon. “It is a request I may fulfill in the silence of a prayer. But it would be fine if the whole Bishops' Conference would associate itself to make this request. Mary will guide us in all our labours [meaning all things to be discussed] in the meeting, and also in the way to accomplish this wish of Pope Francis.”

The Catholic Family News blog quotes a source in Coimbra, Portugal as stating:“Policarpo, as a man who is on record as saying he doesn’t believe in Fatima, leaves the final decision to the Bishops’ Conference. If they agree in doing a collective consecration, good; if not, Policarpo will do it in ‘silent prayer.’”

While it is most heartening to know that Pope Francis wishes to consecrate his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima, a few things must be observed. First, the Pope’s “request”was personally made to Cardinal Policarpo, not to the Bishops’ Conference. Suggesting that the Pope’s “request” be considered by the Conference was Cardinal Policarpo’s idea. Second, when a Pope makes a “request,”he is neither appealing for a vote nor asking “the permission” of the bishops. He’s the Pope – the reigning monarch of the Church. Third, the fact that the Pope had to twice make the request suggests that Policarpo might not have responded to the first request or that the Pope initially received some obfuscating response. At any rate, one wonders why Pope Francis doesn’t publicly announce on his own accord that he has consecrated his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima.

Consider Cardinal Policarpo’s words, “It is a request that I may fulfill in the silence of a prayer.” The response seems somewhat impertinent but perhaps it was a trial balloon for the other bishops. Think about it: A Pope twice makes a request to a cardinal – who is the pope’s subordinate - and the Cardinal responds by saying he will turn the decision to the Bishops’ Conference and if they don’t “vote” to acquiesce to the Pope’s “request,” then he “may” meet it by “silent prayer”? This is a perfect example of redefining the word “collegiality.” The Pope doesn’t need the permission of the bishops to consecrate his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima. It is he who is the Bishop of Rome and, in consequence, he is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Meanwhile, the Rorate Caeli blog recently reported: “As an answer to the request of the Pope to the Patriarch of Lisbon, Cardinal José Policarpo, asking that he consecrate the Pope’s Pontificate to Our Lady of Fatima, the Bishops of Portugal have just decided that this consecration be made next May 13.

The consecration will be included in the program of the International Pilgrimage of May 12/13 and will be made on the 13th at a time to be announced later.

May’s International Anniversary Pilgrimage, on the 96th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to seers Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, will be presided over by Mons. Orani Tempesta, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro.”

Let us remind you that, during the opening speech of the 181st Plenary Assembly of the Bishops Conference of Portugal, Cardinal Policarpo said that he could very well fulfill the request all alone, ‘in silent prayer,’ but that ‘it would be nice if the entire Bishops Conference joined him in fulfilling the Pope’s request.’”
 

Considering the recent development, was Cardinal Policarpo’s response impertinent to the Pope or was it a trial balloon in the event Pope Francis may someday “request” the collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary? What say you?

 

Queen Esther and the Star of Our Lady of Fatima: A Priest's Homily

Imagine my reaction when today I discovered that a priest recently used, as the basis for one of his 2013 Lenten homilies,  my 2008 detailed article, Hidden Revelations:  The Star of Esther and the Secrets of Fatima, which is now an extended chapter in my book, Fatima: The Signs and Secrets.

Fr. Peter West, who in that same homily advocates devotion and reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, “joined Human Life International as the Vice President for Missions in the Fall of 2011. Also in 2011, Father Peter West celebrated both his 20th anniversary as a priest, and 25 years of defending the right to life of the most vulnerable members of society. Fr. West came to HLI after 13 years with Priests for Life, with whom he served most recently as Associate Director.”

To my initial consternation (followed by joy), Fr. West implemented into his homily various parts of my article (even to a footnote wherein I explained figure-types!) to explain the Star of Esther on Our Lady’s robe. This afternoon, I attempted at least five times to write Father on his blog and thank him (on so many levels), but technical difficulties kept popping up. Although I will make another attempt, I do hope he sees this post and knows of at least one person’s appreciation as he urges people to live a sacramental life, prayer, penance, the daily Rosary, and the Five First Saturday devotions. Incidentally, Fr. West ended his homily, “Queen Esther and Our Lady of Fatima,” as follows (with all emphasis mine):

“Like Esther, Mary came at Fatima to spare her children from destruction. She asked people to repent of sin, pray the rosary, go to confession, and receive the Eucharist worthily. On July 13, 1917, Our Lady said to the child Lucia: ‘…I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and various nations will be annihilated. ... In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and an era of peace will be granted to the world.’”

Fr. West continued: “Had her requests been heeded the world would have been spared the horrors of World War II in which over 50 million people died and countless other wars and persecutions provoked by Communists throughout the world. In 1920, Russia was also the first country to legalize abortion. In 1913, Communist leader Vladimir Lenin demanded ‘the unconditional annulment of all laws against abortions or against the distribution of medical literature on contraceptive measures.’ ”

“Great evils threaten our world. Sin increases. So many hearts are hardened. We need to call on Our Lady in prayer. Heed her requests at Fatima and Lourdes. Do penance, do the Five First Saturday devotion by going to confession, receiving the Eucharist, praying the rosary and meditating 15 minutes on the mysteries for five first Saturdays of the month in a row.”

“Queen Esther asked her people to do pray and do penance with her. We must listen to the Blessed Mother today and ask her to intercede with her Son that he might spare us, our nation and our world.”

Thank you, Fr. West. Yes, had Our Lady's requests been heeded (especially the still necessary collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the papal promulgation of the Five First Saturdays), we would now be living in the promised era of peace.

Benedict XVI or Sodano, Third Secret or World Order?

Yes, during his homily yesterday, Cardinal Angelo Sodano did say “world order” (“ordine mondiale”). To be just, Sodano did not say “new world order.”  Even more astonishing is the news that Benedict XVI said that the Third Secret is spoken.

Did that get your attention? Multo bene, because it’s true. The former pope did say that the Third Secret is spoken.  Does Sodano’s choice of the phrase “world order” remotely approach the magnitude of Benedict XVI revelation that the Third Secret is spoken? Similar to what happened today with Sodano, a glitch occurred after Benedict XVI uttered a few very important words that were either mistranslated or overlooked. In Sodano’s case, he did say “world order” but those same words do not appear in the official text released to the media.

The opposite happened with Benedict XVI. Speaking in Italian during an in-flight interview, he willingly chose to answer certain questions about the Third Secret of Fatima. His response survived “as is” and his words were published in Italy’s daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera, on May 11, 2010. With the media, one or two choice words can be mistakenly (or conveniently) changed, mis-translated (if they are not deleted), and/or appear (or not) in an official text. And sometimes, the whole story is published.

A similar thing occurred on March 25, 1984 when Pope John Paul II consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and then spontaneously abandoned his prepared text and suddenly prayed aloud, “Enlighten especially the peoples of which You Yourself are awaiting our consecration and confiding.” That was Pope John Paul II’s indirect way of publicly acknowledging he had not specifically consecrated Russia, per the Fatima Virgin’s request. The next day (March 26, 1984) L’Osservatore Romano published the pope’s surprising addition. So did Avvenire, the Italian bishops’ newspaper, only it translated the pope’s additional words as “those peoples for whom You Yourself are awaiting our act of consecration and entrusting.” As for the rest of the media, the mainstream either ignored the Pope’s addition or didn’t comment on it.

To return to the Third Secret and what Benedict XVI actually said (in Italian) on May 10, 2010:  The English translations I read did not “quite” match each other. So I searched for the original Italian article, referring to an Italian-English dictionary when I couldn’t believe what I was reading. After I translated, I wanted to be certain, so I contacted a few people who can fluently read and speak Tuscano. They verified both what I had detected and my translation, especially the phrase “si parla, si vede.”

Still, I wondered, “How did no one else catch this?” Perhaps it is because the media zoomed in and then latched onto other things the Pope said about the sin within the Church. So I scoured the net, and what I found were repeats of the same mis-translations!  

 

After waiting another week, I decided to publish my findings on this blog, Pope Benedict on the Third Secret: “It is Spoken.” (The latter article also includes my observations on the pattern of the Great Secret). While emailing a news release to certain media outlets (which ultimately was ignored), I spoke of my discovery with Mr. John Vennari at Catholic Family News. The end result was that I revised and expanded my original article for my July 2010 "Secrets of the Catholic City" column in Catholic Family News, slightly altering the title to:  Pope Benedict XVI Reveals: The Third Secret of Fatima is Spoken.

However, it is almost three years since Benedict said those three little words which change the history of the Third Secret debate. Yes, even a few words are important and the former Pope did say the Third Secret is spoken. As of this date, the entire world knows that the cardinals are gathered in conclave to elect a new pope,  but imagine the media reaction if, by every means possible, the following words were disseminated throughout Rome:  “Benedict XVI says Third Secret is Spoken.” For the sake of the Church and of the world, those three words remain the most important news of this century, and they are not getting the attention they deserve.  

 

Papal Election - It is a Dangerous Time

"It is a dangerous time. Pray for us." So said an un-named cardinal on the eve of the papal conclave’s opening to Mr. Robert Moynihan, editor of Inside the Vatican.

Today, on the first day of the conclave, the media in Rome are keeping an eye on the smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel while simultaneously writing editorials or commentaries. Last night, Mr. Moynihan wrote of a Sunday evening encounter wherein he spoke to “a friend, an Italian woman,” who holds the personal opinion that Cardinal Schoenborn “is cultured, refined, eloquent, noble, handsome — especially handsome!” While such things sound impressive, are these the qualities actually needed to be a good and holy pope? No.  (Incidentally, after reading of Mr. Moynihan’s encounter, it seems that he is not as deeply impressed by Cardinal Schoenborn as is his friend.)

Unfortunately, the lady is basing everything on what in Cardinal Schoenborn appeals to her – his appearance, his education, the way he responded to her disabled son– in a word, she views everything via the telescope of “feelings.” It’s very good that a cardinal left a good impression; that is how it should be. However, Our Faith is not a matter of our emotions or other subjectivities; it is based on objective Truth.

A few moments of polite inter-action proves nothing on the spiritual measuring scale. In a word, the lady’s reactions are sanguine - cheerful, open, giving, and optimistic. Unfortunately, a sanguine reaction can also be one that is not inclined to seek “cause and effect” and thus it is extremely susceptible to that which appeals to the five senses, otherwise known as sensuality (“of the five senses”).

Then there is Cardinal Dolan, who (according to Fox News) “is quick with a quip and, more often than not, he is the target of his own sense of humor -- a trait that will continue to serve him well if he is to become the first American pope.”  Yes, Dolan is such a comedienne that in 2002 he thought nothing of wearing a “cheese head” mitre on the Feast of Our Lady’s Nativity. Why?  It was the opening day for the NFL (football) season and the brand new archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin wanted to show his support of the Green Bay packers. (Wisconsin is known for its milk and cheese. Get it?)

An edifying act of supernatural prudence it was not. The cheese head mitre disgraced the office of priest and bishop, just to offer a moment of comic buffoonery to those with no sense of dignity and proper decorum.  Despite Fox News’s sanguine view that Dolan's sense of humor will serve him well if he becomes the first “American” pope (incidentally, that's an example of careless writing…If elected, Dolan would become the first American to become the Pope), the news service at least told the truth when their report stated that “Dolan is not immune to the stain of sex abuse scandals that plagued the church in past decades.” No kidding.

These things are disgraceful, and we cannot explain them away or ignore them. We must pray and *sacrifice* that the cardinals allow the Holy Ghost to inspire them to elect a pope who will lead the Church according to God’s Will – not theirs and not ours.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori, Doctor of the Church, provides such wise counsel, imperative for the Church at all times but especially when “it is a dangerous time,” as the anonymous cardinal phrased it when speaking to Mr. Moynihan. As. St. Alphonsus wrote:
 

“As regards the bishops, very few of them possess genuine zeal for souls. Almost all religious communities — and one could omit the “almost” — are relaxed. As a result of the present state of general confusion, observance has collapsed and obedience is a thing of the past. The state of the secular clergy is still worse: so, in a word, there is a need for a general reform of all clerics and ecclesiastics if there is to be any improvement in the present great corruption of morals among the laity.”

“So we have to pray to Jesus Christ that He would give as Head of the Church one possessed of more spirit and zeal for the glory of God than of learning and of human prudence. He should be free of all party attachments and devoid of human respect. If, by chance, for our great misfortune, we should get a Pope that does not have the glory of God as his sole purpose, the Lord will not help him greatly and things from their present condition will go from bad to worse. However, prayer, which can provide a remedy for so many present ills, will move the Lord to put His hand to the problem and remedy the situation.” (Excerpt from the saint’s letter to a bishop, dated 24 October, 1774 from Selected Writings — The Classics of Western Spirituality)

Let's take the counsel of a saint who is also a Doctor of the Church. Cast your "vote" for a holy Pope by praying earnestly and making more sacrifices to God for this intention!

 

 

Comets and Coincidences

Comet Pan-STARRS on March 2, 2013.
Taken by astro-photographer
Luis Argerich of Buenos Aires, Argentina,
who says "Easy to see with the naked eye
from a rural location."

It seems 2013 promises to be “the Year of Comets,” close calls, and coincidences.  On February 11, the pope renounced his office. At 6 p.m. that very day, lightning struck the clock-tower (sorry, I meant the dome of St. Peter’s). Four days later (the first Friday of Lent, commemorating the Crown of Thorns), at 7:25 a.m. (Moscow time), Russia was sonically boomed by a meteor (some say a comet) that injured at least 1,200 people (including children). The timing of these incidences certainly gives one reason to pause. A pope resigns and a few days afterward, Russia gets zapped by a meteor. You know…Fatima, pope, Russia. That’s a wee coincidence.

As it turns out, there was a rather large (and close) “space rock” flying around out there in the heavenly skies. (No, it was not I who coined the term “space rock.”) “After skimming closer to the earth than any other asteroid of its size, space rock 2012 DA14 missed us by about 17,100 miles …In a rather uncomfortable coincidence, a measure of the type of damage that can result from such rocks from space was demonstrated earlier on Friday [February 15, 2013] when a meteor streaked across the sky and exploded over central Russia, raining fireballs over a vast area and causing a shockwave that smashed windows, damaged buildings and injured 1,200 people.”  (The Guardian, UK )

Then an earthquake struck Rome, just three days after the former pope’s official February 28 resignation. Benedict XVI (Pope Emeritus) was at Castel Gandolfo (the traditional summer residence of the popes) when the mild earthquake momentarily shook things up. Agence France-Presse reported the earthquake had a local magnitude of 2.5 and was felt in Rome, Ciapino, Marino and Castel Gandolfo. The Italian Department of Civil Protection receives no reports of death, injury, or serious damage. Italia Domani asked whether the earthquake wasn't a sign for the cardinals who will soon be choosing a new pope.

Aw, c’mon…these are just coincidences – right? Right?

Coincidences? I don’t believe in them. I do believe and profess in Tradition and Scripture (otherwise known as “Divine Revelation” or “the Deposit of Faith.”), which are matters of faith. With a very ardent human faith, I believe in Fatima, Lourdes, LaSalette, Rue-de-bac, the Sacred Heart apparitions, Guadalupe, and other Church-approved apparitions and locutions. Finally, I keep an eye (and an open but objective mind) on “private revelations” made by saints and beati or highly respected (and deceased) persons of the Catholic Faith.

With that said, the following is a bit o’ coincidental information on the comets of 2013 that I literally grabbed (ok, copied and pasted), edited a bit, and put into what I believe is a more logical order.

“This year could be the ‘year of the comets,’ according to some astronomers keeping an eye on icy balls of gas and dust roaming through the solar system. Two comets will brighten the Northern Hemisphere in a potentially history-making fashion, with the first one coming into view this week.” [Space] I should also make a quick mention of Comet Lemon, which was seen in the southern hemisphere.

GET THIS: “A newly discovered asteroid the size of a football field will cruise through Earth's neighborhood this weekend, just days after another space rock made an even closer approach to our planet. There is no danger that 2013 ET will hit Earth, researchers say, just as 2013 EC posed no threat. But their flybys are slightly unsettling nonetheless, since both asteroids were discovered a mere few days ago.”

 

FIRST OF TWO BRIGHT COMETS IN 2013 APPEARS IN NORTHERN SKIES - TONIGHT!

FIRST COMET for the Northern Skies: “The first comet set to give northerners a show is Comet Pan-STARRS. Discovered in June 2011, it will first pass into view in the Northern Hemisphere early this month, after streaking through the southern skies earlier in the year, according to David Eicher, Editor-in-chief of Astronomy Magazine.

SEE IT NOW: “The comet makes its Northern Hemisphere appearance today (March 7) and will be at its brightest, and closest to the sun, on Sunday (March 10). Previously, it was only visible from the Southern Hemisphere, where it wowed stargazers and was even visible at the same time as another southern comet, Comet Lemmon. [How to see the comet]”

“PANSTARRS will appear above the western horizon after sunset for Northern Hemisphere viewers. To see it, you will need an unobstructed, cloudless view of the west after sunset. It is best to pick a dark spot, away from streetlights. Look in the sunset direction, as soon as the sky darkens. The comet will be just above the horizon.”

 

In simpler terms: “Go out and, in the evening sky, especially the first week of March, look to the west,” Eicher said of Pan-STARRS. “It will be one of the brightest things in the sky. It will pop out. It will look like a blob, a fuzzy star, and you should be able to see a tail sticking upward from horizon.” According to Eicher, the comet's tail will be visible in a dark, evening sky, and it should match the brightness of Polaris, the North Star.

 

 

THIS Sunday, March 10, 2013. “The comet passes closest to the sun – as close as our sun’s innermost planet, Mercury – at 0.30 AU – or about 28 million miles (45 million kilometers). Comets are typically brightest and most active around the time they are closest to the sun when solar heating vaporizes ice and dust from the comet’s outer crust. Not only will the comet quickly brighten, but it should also develop the long classic comet dust tail.” [EarthSky]

NOVEMBER COMET: Its name is Comet ISON, and it sounds like “the Big Kahuna.” As Eicher said, "In late November, ISON should be in the morning sky. It should be as bright or brighter than Venus. It could be the brightest comet that anyone alive has ever seen."

Cool beans. (I think.) Comet ISON could become visible – even in broad daylight. Discovered in 2012, astronomers note it is spewing gas and dust in great amounts. On November 28, 2013, ISON will fly through the sun’s atmosphere. If it survives, it could glow as bright as the moon – again, even in broad daylight.

Now here comes an amazing coincidence. But first, may I suggest viewing the video link below? Afterward, kindly scroll down and see a bit more about this comet and a pretty amazing “coincidence.” On the other hand, perhaps you should scroll now and see what I have to say about Comet ISON and the connecting coincidence, and then see the video. “Your choice,” she said with a smile. )

A video on Comet ISON (This link will open a new window)

Moving on to the “coincidental coincidence,” remember the Nostradamus prophecy about the cloud and the two stars and the howling Mastiff and the Pope going into exile? If not, here it is again:

 

 “The great star will burn for seven days,
The cloud will cause two suns to appear.
The Mastiff will be howling all night
When the Great Pontiff will change country.”

 

Ready for the "big coincidence"?

THE COMETS FROM THE CLOUD: “Both PanSTARRS and ISON are thought to come from the Oort Cloud, a mass of icy bodies orbiting the sun from up to 93 trillion miles (150 trillion km) away. Occasionally, a comet gets expelled from the cloud and finds a new orbit that brings it closer to the inner solar system.”

Known as sungrazers, “these comets come so close to the sun that some of them shatter or even collide with the star. But if they survive, Eicher said, they could become some of the brightest objects in the sky. The gas trails from these comets are even more dazzling than usual because the ice in the nucleus of the comets is melting for the first time.”

“Astronomers are particularly excited about ISON because its orbit should bring the comet close enough to the sun and the Earth to make it one of the brightest objects in the sky come November. However, it is possible that the comet could break apart if it flies too close to the sun.”

 

While both comets may come from the Oort Cloud, it is Comet ISON that may shine so brightly during the day that it, together with the sun, could appear as "two suns in the sky." In fact, it may shine that brightly for a week! If that turns out to be the case, Comet ISON may portend world events in which the "Mastiff" (interpreted as a "Middle East" power) will be howling all night" and "the Pontiff" will flee to another country, resulting in his exile.

 

“Will it sizzle – or fizzle?” as the NASA narrator asked (in the video above).  Ah, that is the question. “There's no way to predict it," Eicher said of ISON. "The major factors are all favoring that it will be really bright.” Or as comet specialist David Levy says, "Comets are like cats; they have tails, and they do precisely what they want."

 

Hmmm. What a coincidence!

Please Holy Father: Fatima, Not Assisi

Below today's article is an important note from Randy Engel, a Catholic lady of courageous reputation (and fine investigative skills). Catholic parents well remember her as the author of "Sex Education: The Final Plague." In yesterday's on-line press release, Mrs. Engel addresses the still-needed (and very necessary) collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Adding to Mrs. Engel's commentary, I wish to say, too, that the Virgin Mother of God also made clear that Our Lord - the King of the Catholic City - wishes four particular things from the Pope, who is His Steward:

 1) To command and lead the collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Not "the world," but Russia.

 2) To establish, in the Church, universal devotion to Her Immaculate Heart, next to veneration of His own Sacred Heart.

3) The papal promulgation of the Five First Saturdays of Reparation (a holy devotion practiced on the first Saturday of five consecutive months: Confession, Communion, Rosary, and an additional 15 minutes of meditation on the traditional 15 Rosary Mysteries). Why? To repair for the five major blasphemies made against Jesus' Virgin Mother.

4) The public dissemination of the "Third Secret of Fatima" which - like the first Two Secrets - is intended to be made known to the Church and the world.

To fulfill the requests of the Fatima Virgin is the most important work of our time. The collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart will save souls, save the "human element" of the Church, and save nations from annihiliation! From the Old Testament days down to our own, Our Lord has never asked the faithful to participate in (much less initiate) "heterodox" worship - and that includes prayer-gatherings with members of pagan cults and heretical assemblies. (As if such an idea for "Assisi" is not the irony of all ironies, where centuries ago St. Francis of Assisi was commanded by God: "Restore My Church." The saint didn't do it via religious indifferentism and false ecumenism, which are contrary to the holy will of God, Who established one Church, one Faith, one baptism.)

As Pope Pius XI reminded his brother bishops, "Thus, Venerable brethren, it is clear why this Apostolic See has never allowed its subjects to take part in the assemblies of non-Catholics. There is but one way in which the unity of Christians may be fostered, and that is by furthering the return to the one true Church of Christ of those separated from it." (Pius XI, Mortalium Animos, "On Fostering True Religious Unity," Jan. 6, 1928: para. 15)

The false ecumenism of the modern-day Assisi meetings invites heretics and leaders of pagan religions to pray for some vague "world peace." Catholics must never forget: By the will of God, pagan Rome became Catholic Rome, which is the earthly center for His Church (the kindgom of God on earth). Rome was sanctified by the blood of countless Catholic martyrs, among them St. Peter and St. Paul. Catholic Rome must never invite, welcome, or participate in heterodox worship or the pagan idolatry of false gods.

Not in the city of Rome. Not in Assisi. Not in any place where the true Church resides.

"For the time is, that judgment shall begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the Gospel of God?" (1 Peter: 4:17, The Holy Bible, Douay-Rheims translation). "Ecumenical" Assisi (like Ecumenical Advent and Ecumenical Lent) is a grave sin against God. It is a scandal to His true Church, the Spotless Bride of Christ - which is the Catholic Church. It is not "the Church" that does these things. Let's be clear (and firm) on that.

The Church is comprised of the Divine and the human (rational beings with free will). It is a matter of history that there have always been MEN (the human element) "in" the Church who choose their own way and not God's. (It is likewise a matter of history that there have always been MEN who held fast to God and His Catholic Church.) Today, it is a tragic fact that too many Churchmen (priests and the upper hierarchy) and laymen dismiss Fatima (which emphasizes true doctrine and dogma) but embrace Assisi and other false ecumenical gatherings.

Although this does happen, it shouldn't.

Again: Not in Rome. Not in Assisi. Not anywhere.

Fatima - Yes. Assisi - No.

Not long ago, Pope Benedict XVI said, "He would be mistaken who thinks Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Two other (accurate) translations are rendered: "Whoever (or "he who") thinks Fatima's prophetic mission is complete is deceived" (a literal English translation but very awkward) or "He deceives himself who thinks Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Translation from one language to another is always a challenge but, however we read that line, the Pope made it understood that Fatima is a prophetic mission and it is not yet complete.

Prophetic mission? Yes. Prophetic as in prophecy. Remember the prophecies of Fatima if what Our Lady's requests were not heeded? Innumerable souls falling into the hell of the damned. World War II. More wars. Famine. Persecution of the Church and of the Holy Father. All of these things came true, and some are stil unfolding. "The martyrdom of the good" continues. What is left of the Fatima prophecies? 

 "The annihiliation of nations." Annihiliation, not assimilation. Annihilation of whole nations is a real and frightening possibility, either by atomic war or by "natural" disasters like disease, great famines, earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, or tsunamis.  Must this happen, too? The evil that has happened could have been averted by a pope - any pope - who completely obeyed Our Lady of Fatima. And it is still possible to save what can be saved, to avoid what can be avoided.  "In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, she [Russia] will be converted, and an era of peace will be granted to the world."

The first step in solving the terrible chaos besieging the Church and the world is the collegial consecration of Russia to the Virgin's Immaculate Heart.

"Pray much for the Holy Father - he will do it, but it will be late." (Our Lord to Sr. Lucia, the eldest of the Fatima visionaries).

Finally, I wish to extend my personal gratitude to Randy Engel, who is (again) standing up for Church doctrine, as well as the Fatima's Virgin's requests (for the two go hand-in-hand). Below, you will find Mrs. Engel's press-release of Feb. 23, 2011 (with bold emphasis added by yours truly). ~ MCB


From: Randy Engel
Release Date: Feb. 23, 2011

Dear Friends,

This mailing is a follow-up to my February 9, 2011 commentary “World Peace to be Found in the Fatima Consecration, Not Assisi Meeting” at http://www.uscl.info/index.php?pr=Press_Releases.

One of the questions raised by my article was, “Hasn’t the Consecration already been made?”

Here is a link to John Vennari’s excellent CFN article, “The Consecration of Russia Is Not Accomplished,” at http://www.cfnews.org/jv-fatm.htm.

Please pay special attention to footnote #8 which states that in 1988, the Vatican ordered all Fatima Apostolates to claim that the 1984 Consecration fulfilled the request of Our Lady of Fatima. Fatima devotee Abbé Pierre Caillon writes, “An order came from Rome, obliging everyone to say and think: ‘The Consecration is done.’”

Please continue to pray that Benedict XVI will have a change of mind and heart and go to Fatima and not the Assisi Meeting in October 2011. And mark October 13, 2011, the 94th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, on your calendar as a day of prayer, penance and fasting should Benedict XVI make the egregious error of choosing Assisi and the Devil over Our Lord and Our Lady.

Randy Engel, USCL

Lenten Meditations: On the Suffering of Christ

On the Suffering of Christ
by Fr. A. Hubert Bamberg (Edited by Fr. Herbert Thurston, S.J.)


"And He is the propitiation of our sins, and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)

The magnitude of Christ's sufferings becomes manifest when viewed in connection with the person of the sufferer. The damned suffer in hell, but they suffer justly, for they revolted against God. The holy souls suffer in Purgatory, but they too have deserved punishment and have need of purification. Men suffer here on earth; sorrow is the portion of mankind in this vale of tears. But in the person of Jesus it was the Son of God, the embodiment of innocence and holiness, the Lord and Creator of all things that suffered.

In time of war, the rank and file of soldiers have to undergo the privation and hardships inciden¬tal to their lot as soldiers; and however much we may admire their endurance we would admire still more the heroism of the leader himself, he who is the head of the whole army, if he were to associate and identify himself with these sufferings, em¬bracing them voluntarily in his own person. In this latter case, the suffering is of immeasurably higher value.

Oh, the magnitude of the sufferings of Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified and died for us! You may reply, that after all Jesus Christ did not suffer in His divine nature, but only in His human nature. That is true. The divine nature is as incapable of suffering as of death, but it is equally true that His human nature belonged to the person of the Son of God.

It was the body and the soul of the Son of God; the pains, the wounds, the sufferings, the death pangs were those of the Son of God; so, we may rightly say, the Son of God suffered, the Son of God died.

II

The depth of suffering which Christ our Lord underwent for our sake is brought home to us very forcibly when we consider in themselves the pains which He endured. All through His life He was never free from suffering, and suffering of such an order that its like has never been experienced on this earth.

I will not ask you to trace step by step the weary road of poverty, toil, and prayer, which our Saviour humbly traveled here below. I want to emphasize one thing only: namely, that His Passion was ever present to Him, that the cross was the central point of all His thoughts.

If He foresaw our life and our death, He foresaw also His own, for He was omniscient and had foretold His passion. Trouble that is foreseen clearly and distinctly presses on the soul in anticipation. When a mother hears from a doctor that a beloved child has only a few weeks or a few months longer to live, every look at her darling child cuts her to the heart, reminding her of the death-struggle, the coffin, the grave that are drawing nearer and nearer. Not a single hour or day of our Saviour's life was free from pain and suffering. "My sorrow is continually before Me" (Ps. 37:18).

It may be urged that the actual passion of our Saviour was compressed into a few hours. Yet, consider what a road of agony Hee traveled in that short space of time: from the Garden of Gethsemani stained with His sweat of blood, to the house of the high priest; from the high priest to Pilate; from Pilate to Herod, and back again to Pilate, who sent Him, laden with His Cross, to Calvary and to death; His way was lined with enemies on all sides, priests and people, pagans and Jews, men of high and low degree: "Many are they who rise up against Me" (Ps. 3:2).

How manifold were His pains, how numerous were His wounds, how cruel the blows with which He was struck, how great His loss of blood! There was no member of His Body, no power of His soul, that did not suffer.

If viewed only from the outside, so to speak, His sufferings are heavy beyond all question, but, in addition to and before everything else, we have to take into account the inward desolation of His soul. To this desolation His friends and His apostles who forsook Him greatly contributed; and it was increased further by the cruelty of His enemies, who, not satisfied with tormenting and torturing Him, mocked and jeered at His anguish.

At the thought of the many souls for whom all His sufferings would not only be in vain, but would constitute even a further occasion of sin, this desolation welled up in His heart like a deep spring whose bitterness was but further increased by the thought of His heavenly Father, for by Him, too, He felt Himself forsaken. Oh, the intensity of the sufferings of Christ!

Added to this, we have to remember that the sacred humanity of Christ was in the highest degree sensitive and sensible. When a war breaks out, swords are polished and sharpened with special care; their whole virtue lying in their capacity to cut. Our Saviour, assuming our human nature with the one object and purpose of suffering and dying, chose to take to Himself, with such an end in view, a body and soul with an organization peculiarly adapted for suffering.

III

Not only are the sufferings of Christ great in themselves, their magnitude is increased and enhanced by the manner in which they were embraced and endured. Our Saviour suffered voluntarily. He said: "Not my will, but Thine be done." At the first appearance of His enemies who had come to apprehend Him, advancing toward them He asked, "Whom do you seek?" and when they answering said, "Jesus of Nazareth," He at once declared Himself: "I am He" (John 18:6). As He spoke these words, in order as it seemed to convince them that the Son of God was subject to no creature against His will, He allowed His almighty power to overcome them, suffering them to fan helpless and impotent to the ground.

His life was one of devoted patience, meekness, and holiness; it was full of strength and resoluteness, and was inspired and animated by the love of God, obedience to the heavenly Father, and love of mankind. Adorned with every virtue, it is the model and example of lives for all time, teaching us that patient suffering is beautiful and lovable, worthy to be admired and imitated; fill¬ing our hearts with love and sympathy and making the patient endurance of pain meritorious and precious in the sight of God and men.

IV

We would have learned but very imperfectly the lessons taught us by the life of Christ if we failed to estimate the fruit of His sufferings. "Why did Christ suffer and die?" asks the catechism. "Christ suffered and died for our sins." The great and wonderful result of the passion of Christ is that it atoned for the sins of the whole world.

We speak of atonement only when there has been some offense, some insult to be made good, and in every single sin that has ever been committed insult has been offered and offense given to the great Law-giver, the high and eternal Judge. When insult has been offered to anyone reparation is demanded and exacted, and almighty God demanded complete and full reparation, such reparation as amply compensated Him for the glory of which He was robbed by sin, making good the offense given Him, and completely restoring the honor due to Him.

The greatness of the reparation must bear some proportion to the status of the person to whom it is offered, and how is an offense against the majesty of almighty God to be measured? To deal a child a blow in the face is a rupture of the peace, and to strike a judge is a criminal offense, but so to treat the majesty of a king would be high treason.

On a certain occasion a captain of the French troops struck Pope Boniface VIII a blow in the face with his mailed hand and the whole of Christendom rang with indignation and horror at such an act.

Now, what is sin? It is an offense against the infinite majesty of God and calls for reparation and atonement of an infinite order. Who is to afford to God this reparation? We are but weak men; sinners ourselves and finite beings; how can we repair an infinite wrong? The angels and the holy Mother of God herself, innocent and pure though they be, are but finite creatures and as such could not restore to the infinite God the honor He had lost.

But Jesus Christ, at one and the same time true God and true man, could do it. As head of the whole human race He could offer in our name full and complete satisfaction for the sins of the world, by suffering whatever the heavenly Father required of Him: "Obedient unto death; even to the death of the cross" (Philipp. 2:8). His sufferings furnished a complete atonement which, vicariously offered, fully satisfied the divine justice. As the Saviour lay dying on the cross the shameful chains laid by the evil spirit upon men were loosened; as His Precious Blood flowed from His Sacred Wounds. the terrible flames of hell were extinguished.

The sufferings of Christ atoned, not only completely, but, superabundantly, to the divine justice: "With Him there is plentiful redemption" (Ps. 129:7). They have won for us all graces; they have restored us to the position of children of God, and opened once more the gates of heaven so long closed against us.

Our Saviour's sufferings were bitter indeed, but to us they are of unspeakable value. Who can estimate the evil they have overcome, or count the blessings which have flowed from them? Never has a tree borne fruit so sweet, so precious as the tree of the holy cross.

Because Christ endured His Passion for all and each one of us have we, then, all a right to consider ourselves saved and blessed? By no means. There remains something for us to do, which some of us are apt to neglect. If we want to have part in the redemption of Christ we must believe in the Saviour, in His Divinity, in His love, His sufferings and merits, fixing in this way all our hopes in Him and His Sacred Passion.

We must gather for ourselves the fruit of the cross, by using with contrite and grateful hearts, and in the spirit of penance and humility, the means of salvation placed in our hands by our Saviour in the holy Sacraments; and earnestly try to follow Him by walking in His footsteps. "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24).

How blessed is he who thus reaps the fruit of the sufferings of Christ! How truly miserable is that soul who, in spite of the grace of God, goes to perdition; it is as though, standing by a fresh spring of water, he were to die of thirst. I thank Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that Thou hast died for me. May I never deserve to forfeit the merits of Thy precious blood, and of Thy infinite sufferings. Amen.
_______________________
Adapted from Popular Sermons on the Catechism, [Vol 1, No.41]
by Fr. A. Hubert Bamberg (Edited by Fr. Herbert Thurston, S.J.
© 1914 by Benziger Brothers. All emphasis (bold, italics, color) added.