Thursday, May 14, 2026
Synod updates: heresy and calumny?
Cardinal Muller is on record saying that the various bishiops and cardinals in Study Group 9 are just generic seculars, meanwhile the synod report has also, for some reason, condemned Courage for a bunch of stuff they don't actually do ... seems like we need a council to condemn the synod.
Labels: catholic
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Parishes: New members not wanted?
A very curious look at the world of parishes who don't like young people, people with beards, or anything new?
Seems to be a combination of paroiachalism (if you'll excuse the phrase), old people just liking anything different, and professional managers being trained in managing decline, but not in supporting living organisms.
But in 2012, coinciding with the appointment of a new pastor, the "inner circle" of long-time parishioners began agitating against the ascendant TLM. They insisted that the TLM community hadn’t been giving enough "time, talent, and treasure" to the parish. When evidence was provided showing that the TLM community had brought in approximately two-thirds of the parish revenue, the inner circle demurred. "No matter what we did, no matter what we showed them, it was never enough," Begin explains.
The animosity from the “inner circle” and parish leadership eventually drove over half of the TLM community away. But the dwindling attendance affected the "inner circle" at this Detroit parish not at all; there was no reckoning or come-to-Jesus moment; there was seemingly no self-reflection or attempt to win back the souls who had fled. Rather, the “inner circle” considered the departure of these families to be addition by subtraction. "They were happy that we were leaving," recalls Begin. "They considered it a success."
Seems to be a combination of paroiachalism (if you'll excuse the phrase), old people just liking anything different, and professional managers being trained in managing decline, but not in supporting living organisms.
Labels: catholic
Sunday, February 22, 2026
SSPX consecrations and schism
This isn't looking good.
In their letter, the SSPX leaders said that their society "cannot accept the perspective and objectives in the name of which the Dicastery offers to resume dialogue." Stressing their argument that they must ordain new bishops as a matter of necessity, to ensure continuation of their work, the SSPX leaders express their mistrust in the Vatican’s goals for the proposed dialogue.
Labels: catholic
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Year of Francis begins
Our times are not very different from those in which Francis lived, and precisely in light of this, his teachings are perhaps even more valid and understandable today. When Christian charity languishes, ignorance spreads like bad habits, and those who extol harmony among peoples do so more out of selfishness than out of a sincere Christian spirit; when the virtual takes precedence over the real, social discord and violence are part of everyday life, and peace becomes more uncertain and distant every day; may this Year of Saint Francis urge us all, each according to our own possibilities, to imitate the Poverello [little poor man] of Assisi, to mold ourselves as much as possible on the model of Christ, to not let the intentions of the Holy Year just passed be in vain: may the hope that saw us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervor of active charity.
Labels: catholic
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Ratzinger v Kasper
A fascinating look at the debate between the two, and what synodality can mean.
Saturday, January 03, 2026
Catholic Traditionalism as Protestantism
We need to be very clear that when we embrace and appeal to tradition, it is the real thing, not a hallucination
What emerges is not tradition, but ideology clothed in religious language. While the aesthetic and symbolic power of these periods is undeniable — and many Catholics, myself included, feel their attraction — the danger lies in mistaking romantic appeal for theological truth, and nostalgia for fidelity.
Labels: catholic
Thursday, January 01, 2026
2026 is the year of Yes (to God)
Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the Liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, his mercy and the response of our freedom. It is beautiful to view the coming year in this way: as an open journey to be discovered.
Let's see what we can do this year to mend our ways.
Labels: catholic
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Cardinal Dolan to retire
What is there to say, other than the translation of bishops between dioceses still seems wrong from a canonical perspective.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Soggy arguments in DDF's Mater Populi Fidelis
In brief, the rather dubious document seems to attack a lot of straw men for reasons that are, well, unclear.
Cardinal Fernandez seems to be, well, up to something.
And yet I have never heard any Catholic in my parish (or from any other parish, for that matter) talk about Mary as if she is “co-Savior”, or to confuse the role of Mary with the unique, saving work of Christ. Rather, we understand that Mary is unique in her relationship with her Son, always cooperating with perfect love and joy in His saving work. Yes, some Marian piety can be quite strong in its language and tone—just read some of the works of St. Alphonsus Liguori, who is a Doctor of the Church—but the concerns expressed by the document are curious. Put another way: is this a serious problem in the Church today? And, if it is (say, perhaps in certain countries), is it right to use a chainsaw to perform delicate pastoral surgery?
Cardinal Fernandez seems to be, well, up to something.
Labels: catholic
Friday, October 31, 2025
Happy All Saint's Day Eve!
Remember to get your prayer lists in for All Souls day on the 2nd!
Labels: catholic
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Vatican is Pierre Teilhard de Chardin posting
The unsigned introductory article, which described Teilhard as "a brilliant and stimulating thinker," recalled the Holy Office's 1962 monitum (warning) against his writings. It then quoted comments about Teilhard by Pope St. Paul VI (1966, 1975), Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (1968), Pope St. John Paul II (1981), Pope Benedict XVI (2009), and Pope Francis (2015, 2023). The article inaccurately stated that Pope Francis cited Teilhard in footnote 83 of his encyclical letter Laudato Si' (it was actually footnote 53), before concluding with the Pope's tribute to Teilhard after a 2023 Mass in Mongolia.Interesting thought, I have opinions pro and con on Teilhard de Chardin but I think on the balance his thought should be read instead of banned, particularly due to his optimism and engagement with science.
Labels: catholic
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Pope is in the hospital, retaining fluid
Friday, January 10, 2025
Trump being blamed for Muslim terrorists
One supposes His Excellency also blames Trump for the September 11th attacks, the Beiruit barracks bombings, and the Soviet conquest of the Baltic states.
I think His Excellency may have forgotten who is running the government at the moment. Later he literally does blame the attacks on The Donald's campaign.
On the evening of January 2, Archbishop Garcia-Siller returned to X, tweeting (8:59 PM), "Narcissism should NOT be celebrated. Humility, kindness & respect should be our identity. Forget about greatness, lies and stupidness. We should search for truth, honesty, and what is good and right. We don’t find this in our Government. One person does not represent who we are."
I think His Excellency may have forgotten who is running the government at the moment. Later he literally does blame the attacks on The Donald's campaign.
Christians in Syria
Some commentary from Cardinal Zenari about developments in Syria and HTS meeting with local leaders. Hopefully the guarantees of religious freedom are respected.
Wednesday, January 01, 2025
52 Masses
Happy New Year - just looking at this individual who traveled around the whole country attending Mass. Fascinating stuff.
Labels: catholic
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
SPES NON CONFUNDIT
If you want to read (si volas legere) the bull opening the Jubilee year in Latin (or any language), link is above.
Labels: catholic
Jubilee of 2025 has begun
"During the Holy Year", the Pope has prayed, "may the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all! And may the Church bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world!"
Labels: catholic
Sunday, September 22, 2024
RIP G. Siccardi and Family store
In my day this was a religious goods store in the also defunc White Plains Mall. I had occasion to go to the new location in Elmsford of both this and the Franklin Clock Shop and while the clock shop is still in business, the religious goods store is out of business. I bought a lot of Augustine in there, and if you were a priest, there were vestments galore. Amazing story behind the family running it as well. Looks like they sold out to Michigan Church Supply in 2022 based on this Chamber of Commerce listing.
Alan May on Google - Oct 26th, 2022 - So sad that it is closing. Gerry has been a great resource. I hope he enjoys his retirement.
Labels: catholic
Monday, September 09, 2024
Arranged marriages can be valid
Not so surprising when you consider that adults can consent to delegate their authority.
Labels: catholic
Tuesday, July 09, 2024
New Marian apparitions approved
Well new as in 1947 and 1966, but still, newly approved.
Labels: catholic
