I saw this over at Hermeneutic of Continuity – a short vid on Fr Zakaria Botros, an Egyptian Coptic priest who broadcasts the Gospel message in the Middle East.
According to the video, Al Qaeda has a $60 Million bounty on his head. Take a listen.
He and Michael Voris ought to do a program together.
(I wonder if threads about him would be banned at certain Catholic forums. Hmmm…)
Yesterday I posted on Fr Rodriguez from El Paso TX who penned a great column exhorting Catholics to hold fast to Church teaching on abortion and homosexual behavior. It was a brave and courageous piece, and has at the time of this post, generated 553 comments, the majority of which were negative and intolerant (interesting, that), not only against Fr Rodriguez and the Church, but also against anyone who left a positive and supportive comment.
Today, an anonymous reader emailed me a link to a Nashville parish website that sadly displayed an opposite attitude towards Church teaching. It’s not pro-abortion, or pro-homosexual behavior. Nonetheless, if you can spare the 14+ minute interview with the pastor of this Nashville parish, I hope you’re led to pray for him and the people he is charged to guide and lead.
I can’t embed the video, as it isn’t from YouTube, so here’s the link to the parish’s homepage. The video is halfway down the page.
St Edward Catholic Community (No more video at site – see below)
Let me quote from the anonymous reader’s email: Our Bishop is great, he did not make this priest’s appointment. Neither does our Bishop support this sort of nonsense (he is an
orthodox, holy, and pastoral man).
Hopefully something can be done to counter the errors – and there are plenty – being promulgated by this priest. How many did you hear?
UPDATE: Per the bros at Creative Minority Report, the video at the parish website has been removed – a bit late, but better late than never, I suppose. Below is the video from YouTube:
Pray for Rev Michael Rodriguez of El Paso. A column he wrote for the El Paso Times pulls no punches as he set forth Church teaching in a clear and concise manner. I sincerely hope and pray that all El Paso Catholics will take to heart the precious and infallible teachings of Holy Mother Church in the moral sphere, particularly those most relevant to our city at this critical juncture. Remember: Every single Catholic, out of fidelity to charity and truth, has the absolute duty to oppose (1) the murder of unborn babies, and (2) any and all government attempts to legalize homosexual unions. Any Catholic who supports homosexual acts is, by definition, committing a mortal sin, and placing himself/herself outside of communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, a Catholic would be guilty of a most grievous sin of omission if he/she neglected to actively oppose the homosexual agenda, which thrives on deception and conceals its wicked horns under the guises of “equal rights,” “tolerance,” “who am I to judge?,” etc. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a pastoral letter on marriage in November 2009, which is endorsed by our own local bishop, his Excellency, Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa. This pastoral letter states the following: “Among the many blessings that God has showered upon us in Christ is the blessing of marriage, a gift bestowed by the Creator from the creation of the human race. “The Church has taught throughout the ages that marriage is an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman. “One of the most troubling developments in contemporary culture is the proposition that persons of the same sex can ‘marry.’ This proposal attempts to redefine the nature of marriage and the family and, as a result, harms both the intrinsic dignity of every human person and the common good of society.
“It is not unjust to oppose legal recognition of same-sex unions, because marriage and same-sex unions are essentially different realities. The denial of the social and legal status of marriage to forms of cohabitation that are not and cannot be marital is not opposed to justice; on the contrary, justice requires it.” I urge all of the Catholic faithful to treat homosexuals with love, understanding, and respect. At the same time, never forget that genuine love demands that we seek, above all, the salvation of souls. Homosexual acts lead to the damnation of souls. Recently, a couple of letter writers claimed that in a democracy, it’s up to the majority to decide between right and wrong. This form of reasoning is not only false, it’s ludicrous! While it’s true that a majority of the citizens in a democracy has the political power to impose its “morality” on society, this juridical reality has no bearing whatsoever on the intrinsic moral value of actions. That which makes something right or wrong is the objective moral order established by God, which can also be grasped and appreciated through the use of human reason. In philosophy, this is known as natural law. Even the ancient Greeks had a basic respect for the principles of natural law. To simplify: One would have to be ghastly morally decrepit to think that if 51 percent of Americans opine that rape is OK, then rape becomes, in effect, all right. Sure, the majority is politically capable of such a vote, but this could never make rape morally right. There is such a thing as a corrupt democracy, you know! Abortion and homosexual acts are unequivocally intrinsic moral evils. And friends, this objective truth doesn’t depend on the opinion of the majority. Frighteningly, if the majority chooses to deny the objective moral order, then we will all suffer the pestiferous consequences.
Many of the comments following this column at the El Paso Times naturally are strongly opposed to Fr Rodriguez and the teachings of the Church. No surprise, as Christ had said that the world will persecute those who preach the Gospel. Many in the world confuse true compassion – the desire to help lead souls to salvation, by being in union with the mind of God – with false compassion – the desire to be nice and “fair” to others, by being in union with the mind of the world – and subsequently, have put souls on the wide path to Hell. Getting along with the world is contrary to the Gospel – we are to be a light to the world, and not be all right with the world. Fr. Rodriguez provides an excellent example that we ought to emulate.
Prayer and fasting are powerful effective weapons – faithful Catholics need to be employing them generously in these days, especially for those on the ‘front lines’. Pray for Fr. Rodriguez and all priests and bishops – that all may bravely proclaim the Truth to convict the hearts and minds of all Catholics.
Has anyone ever seen these Fr. Longenecker and Fr. Corapi in the same room, at the same time? I wonder…
Here’s one I hadn’t heard before. At Mass yesterday, the priest completely skipped the penitential rite and “Lord Have Mercy”, and substituted heretofore unheard invocations of Christ, one of which was “Son of People”.
“Son of Man” out. “Son of People” in.
Come to think of it, he’s not a 100% faithful adherent to the cause. To be a true gender-sensitive politically-correct disciple, he ought to have said “Child of People”. So perhaps there’s cause for hope. But I seriously doubt it. People like this are on a crusade to appear compassionate and understanding – except towards those who disagree. They put on airs of cleverness, and it ends up reeking with the odor of inanity. Their nuance becomes buffoonery, and their attempts at elucidation offend common sense.
And in this case, it becomes sacrilegious.
And why is it priests who subject us to gender-sensitive garbage insist on still being called “Father”?
You can tell a lot about the priest who administers ashes based on the shape and style of the imprint he leaves on your forehead. AoftheA has developed an Ash Wednesday Interpretation Reference Guide to help you identify what sort of priest just gave you ashes.
(Yeah, I know it’s a day late, but you can use it for next year.)
It’s been nearly a week since the horrific experience at the Talk-Show Mass. After sufficient reflection and prayer, I’ve been able to calmly write a letter to the pastor of the parish, where this unfortunate circumstance occurred. It is as follows:
Dear Fr *******
Happy New Year to you, Father. I hope your Christmas season was blessed and peaceful.
I am not a member of your parish, but I regularly attend Mass at the xxxxx Chapel. It is incumbent upon me to relay to you, as pastor of your parish, my disappointment regarding the extra-liturgical elements included at Mass this past Sunday, January 3, 2010. These elements happened at two times during the Mass.
Firstly, immediately following the proclamation of the Gospel, Fr X invited the children in the congregation to come forward and stand before the nativity scene. Eventually five children did come forward, and Fr X led them in singing “O Come All Ye Faithful”. As they returned to the pews, he encouraged the congregation to applaud their actions. Then, rather than proceed with the homily, Fr X asked for adults to come to the ambo and describe their family Christmas celebrations, and tell their “Christmas hopes and dreams”. After repeated requests for someone to come forward, one man finally did and spoke for a couple minutes, after which there was polite applause. Then Fr X asked for a woman to come up, joking that the Mass couldn’t go on until a woman came up, and even suggesting that a child bring their Mom to the sanctuary. After additional requests, a woman did approach and she too told of her Christmas day celebration. After a bit of applause, Fr X finally gave the homily.
The second episode occurred just prior to the final blessing, when Fr X announced he was going to play and sing for us his favorite Christmas carol. He left the sanctuary, excused the music group’s pianist, and played and sang the song. Then there was more applause. After this, Fr X gave the final blessing and Mass was over.
Those are the details from the Mass. Faithful Catholics expect and deserve to have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated according to the rubrics. Introducing extra-liturgical elements only serves to confuse and disrupt. This was very upsetting to me and my sons, as we have always enjoyed attending Mass at the X chapel. I’m not sure we will be returning because I cannot trust that the Mass will be celebrated properly, as it ought to be.
As pastor, I felt it important that you know what happened at Mass. This isn’t nitpicking, or petty complaining, but an account of legitimate serious offenses. Innovative elements such as I’ve described diminish the sacredness, beauty and mystery of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It was a shame that they happened, and I hope that they won’t happen again. I enjoy attending Mass there – with last Sunday being the exception – and I would like to be able to continue attending there, should these abuses cease.
Thank you for your time, Father. I look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter. May God bless you throughout the Year for Priests.
Your thoughts or comments are appreciated. I wanted the letter to be succinct and stick to the events as they had happened, without getting emotional or threatening. I’m going to be emailing this letter on Saturday.
Oh – and my “Talk-Show Mass” post was somewhat inspirational for Paul Nichols of the Cartoon Catholic Blog. Here’s his latest cartoon:
If you recall, earlier this month I posted about a “Mass of Resurrection” that was actually a funeral notice. The term seemed to gloss over the reality of what was going on, and projected a presumptuous attitude that has become prevalent at Catholic funerals as of late. That post is here.
Well, there’s at least one priest who doesn’t mince his words when it comes to funerals. Last night, I came across a powerful post by a Monsignor Charles Pope from Washington DC, via Patrick Madrid, called “Talking (Tough) Truth at Funerals”. I’ve nicked a couple excerpts, but go and read the whole thing. (My title comes from his post, and that statement resonated with me – it is so true!)
I celebrate just over 50 funerals a year; about one a week. (People are dying to come to church here). And most of these funerals feature large numbers of fallen away Catholics and unchurched individuals. Most of these people I see ONLY at funerals and sometimes weddings. For this reason, in recent years, I have altered my approach at funerals and direct almost half of the sermon to the unchurched and call them to repent and return home. Surely in the first part I speak of the deceased, offer thanks to God for their life, entrust them to God and ask the congregation to pray for the repose of the deceased soul. I never fail to menton judgment and purgatory as reasons for this prayer. That is too often not mentioned at Catholic funerals, a terrible oversight if you ask me. But the bottom line is that I spend the first half of the sermon commending the deceased person to God’s benevolent mercy and care.
[...]
I will admit that some of the things I say are tough. But remember, I only have them once and I have to come right to the point. No one will follow an uncertain trumpet. A very few have criticized my approach by insisting that funerals are sensitive times and we ought just to console the grieving family and say pleasant and encouraging things. Others, especially the older ones come to me and say, “Thanks Father, there are people in my family that needed to hear it!” But in the end I cannot preach either to please or displease man. Rather, I have a conviction that this is what God would have me do. I cannot waste an opportunity to clearly warn, as Jesus often did, that judgment day is coming, and maybe sooner than you or I expect. We have to be ready for, at an hour that we do not expect the Son of Man will come (eg Mat 24:44).
Here’s a video of one of his homilies:
In this Year for Priests, it’s important to constantly lift up in prayer those holy priests that suffer for the sake of Christ – by remaining faithful to Church teachings despite the derision and threats to their life (I’m thinking of those in dangerous places like China, the Middle East, the Diocese of Rochester). Priests like Fr Corapi, who boldly proclaim Christ’s gospel. Priests like Fr Groeschel, who despite his injuries, soldiers on. I personally know several holy humble priests who serve tirelessly, seeking not their own glory, but the glory of God.
It’s equally important – and possibly more important – to pray for the priests that struggle to remain faithful, and especially for those who have completely lost their way and cause scandal to the Church. Satan has it out for all priests, and the ones who have fallen away, who have succumbed to sin, who have accepted his lies, need our prayers and sacrifices more than ever.
Here’s a recent, and very serious, example:
From the Edmonton Sun.com: Gay Catholic Priest Getting Married by Bryn Weese (emphases mine)
TORONTO — Canada’s first openly gay Catholic priest is to mark another milestone.
Father Karl Clemens is getting married Saturday to his partner Nick.
He says he’ll be the first man of the Catholic cloth to enter into a same-sex marriage in Canada, and maybe even in North America.
“I’m not doing it to start a revolution, but if people want to exercise their right, and so forth, that’s terrific,” Clemens told Sun Media yesterday.
“I feel very strongly about it.
“I’m leading the way, or pioneering, as it were, in something that I think is very important,” Clemens said. “It’s a human right.”
Clemens, who is approaching 70 and who retired from the Kingston, Ont. diocese after serving there for 33 years, moved to Toronto more than a decade ago to work in, and advocate for, the city’s gay village.
Regarding his same-sex marriage, he’s prepared for a backlash from the church and some of its followers, as he was when he came out of the closet in 2005.
“There will be Catholics who feel, because of their lack of understanding, that this is a very wrong thing and therefore will not be pleased,” Clemens said.
“But those are consequences we have to be willing to deal with because we feel strongly about the issue at hand, which is the right to be able to enter into same-sex marriages.”
Clemens and his partner will be married Saturday afternoon in the couple’s home.
I’m tempted to be snarky about this, but won’t. The level of scandal and depth of sin that this priest is engaged in is much too deadly. This is what happens when anyone idolizes their feelings and assumes their individual infallibility. He has taken the easy path that could lead to eternal destruction rather than bear his cross that will lead to everlasting life. He may be a “pioneer”, but the only place he’s leading people to, is Hell. The consequences of making “the Catholics who feel this is wrong” (we don’t ‘feel’ it, we ‘KNOW’ it) displeased will be nothing compared to the consequences of displeasing God. Provided he does not change his ways. And the only way he will change, the only way he will have a true conversion of heart, is by the power of the Holy Spirit – prayed for by “the Catholics who feel this is wrong”. Catholics like you and me.
Mary, Holy Mother of God, implore your Son for the soul of your priest. St John Vianney, pray for Fr Clemens.
All Souls Day is soon approaching. Fr Z has some good recommendations on things we can and should do:
First, remember that you can gain indulgences on All Souls and the days following.
Second, 5 November is a first Thursday. You can gain a plenary indulgence during this year for Priests.
Third, would it not be a good idea in this Year for Priests, during the week after All Souls, for this 1st Thursday, to pray in a special way for the souls of deceased priests?
May I recommend that you bring this up with your parish priests, who might make pulpit announcements this Sunday?
If you are a blogger, would you post something on this?
Would you recommend this to your prayer groups, friends and family?
Grab up those indulgences! They’re not talked about much nowadays, but they’re important and helpful.
Priests dead and alive need our prayers – they’re under constant vicious attack (the live ones mostly!) I’m passing this on to our associate pastor.
Get this for your priest so that he can still administer the Sacraments!!!
Fr. Erik would look great in this, doncha think?
s/s to Ship of Fools for original image.
From the California Catholic Daily: Renegade Catholic Advises Priests on How To Fight the Church
Suspended Fresno priest turned gay activist Father Geoffrey Farrow has called for Catholic priests to retaliate against the Knights of Columbus for their support of Proposition 8.
Farrow was removed as pastor from the St. Paul Newman Center at Cal State Fresno in October 2008 for his outspoken defiance of church teaching over Proposition 8 and the issue of homosexuality.
In a post on his personal blog dated June 4, 2009 “Boycott the Knights of Columbus,” Farrow wrote:
“Many priests have E-mailed me and expressed their rage and anger over the hypocrisy of the Catholic hierarchy in supporting anti-marriage equality legislation…One of the organizations, which the bishops have effectively employed to do their dirty work, has been the Knights of Columbus.”
Farrow then asked “So, what can priests do to fight the anti-gay agenda of the bishops and the K of C?” His first suggestion:
“Borrow the full amount against your Knights of Columbus life insurance policy immediately. Take the check and invest the funds with an LGBT friendly fund. Do not pay back the loan.”
Father Farrow recommends that faithful parishioners be denied the proper use of parish facilities. He reminded pastors that they control the content of the weekly parish bulletin. He urged: “Do not let the K of C publish or announce.“ He encouraged pastors not to allow Knights of Columbus events to be held on church property–even if that would mean “creating” a “program” to occupy available time slots at parish facilities:
“Pastors may grant or withhold permission for organizations to use church facilities for their meetings. Most parishes have very tight facility scheduling. Create a program and tell the K of C they need to meet elsewhere.”
So not only does this (ex?) priest actively promote sodomy, he also recommends that priests commit fraud (by defaulting on loans), lie (by “creating” a “program” to occupy parish facilities), and financially support organizations antithetical to Church moral teaching. While putting themselves in financial jeopardy in the process. And this is virtuous how?
Thus it’s demonstrated that clinging to sinful behaviors and immoral lifestyles leads to a darkening of one’s soul and a beclouding of one’s better judgment. This isn’t a peaceful boycott being called for – it’s downright thuggery and injustice.
One criticism Farrow levels at the K of C is that they spent millions supporting Prop 8, money that could have been spent to help the poor. Well, opponents of Prop 8 spent millions of dollars that could have been donated to the poor – hypocritical b.s. Like I’ve said before, this issue isn’t about equal rights or fairness – it’s about forcing people to accept the homosexual lifestyle as normal, which it isn’t, and deep down, they know their lifestyle is sinful and abnormal. Their self-loathing has erupted into hatred and violence towards the majority of Americans in general, and the Catholic Church in particular. It’s a battle that won’t end by peaceful means – and as authentic Christians, we only need to look at history to understand what I mean by that.
This guy’s heart is awash with hatred and bitterness – and from checking his blog, it seems he has a loyal group of followers (over 250). It’s a shame they’re following him instead of Christ.
During this Year For Priests, continue to pray for all priests, especially Fr Farrow. Satan has them in his sights for destruction – and some, unfortunately, are even in his camp.
St John Vianney, pray for us and for all priests!
