Friday, November 14, 2014

Three Medieval Philosophers Show Up at Class...What do we talk about?


Last term my medieval philosophy professor gave us the option of answering a very creative question on the exam. Please find my answer below. I received an A for my efforts.

6.2. If, per impossibile, St. Bonaventure and any two other Latin thirteenth century philosophers of your acquaintance were able to return for a philosophical conversation with our class, what topic, according to your imaginative construction, would we and they discuss and how would the conversation develop? Feel free to select any of the authors whose writings we have studied in the course, e.g., Alexander of Hales, Richard Rufus, or Robert Grossteste, but also consider including one of the following: St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, Roger Bacon, Siger of Brabant, or William of Auvergne. You may use either an essay or dialogue format in answering this question.

So Bonaventure and Albert unexpectedly arrive with Thomas chowing down on a double beacon cheeseburger from Five Guys. Of course, only three students and our professor can speak to our distinguished guests, because only the four of us can speak Latin. Nevertheless, after Bonaventure, Thomas, and Albert are brought up to speed on modernity and Thomas has finished his introduction to the delights of contemporary cuisine, their words can be accurately rendered in English like this:

Bonaventure just begins to shake his head. “I knew this would happen! Under the influence of the Muslims, the integral Aristotelians, earlier called the Straussians, took over, but what is worse their descendants do not see any positive value in religion at all! Although Averroes thought that the philosopher strictly speaking did not need any form of revealed religion, he at least admitted that religion was absolutely essential for most people. Now people act like they don’t need it at all! And all because the hyper-Aristotelians won!”

Albert and Thomas then contemplate the matter and after some thoughtful reflection discuss how the loss of illuminationism and the rediscovery of Aristotle have enabled an unbelievable amount of natural philosophy or “science.” Albert especially is crazy interested in cellular biology and is eager to look into microscopes. Once he and Thomas are finished learning Arabic and Greek well enough to read through the whole philosophic corpus, in due time they would like to turn their attention to biology and physics.

When physics comes up, the conversation then turns to astronomy. Because he rejected Ptolemy’s astronomy which was proven to be significantly more correct than Aristotle’s, Aquinas develops some heartburn from that burger. All three are utterly shocked to find out that what they knew as the cosmos is really just one tiny solar system among many. And the sun is just another star! At the mention of the Big Bang, Aquinas and Bonaventure argue about whether God could have created a beginningless universe. “I KNEW IT HAD TO HAVE A BEGINNING!” Bonaventure screams, but then Albert and Aquinas point out that the Big Bang may in fact have not been the beginning absolutely speaking, merely a critical juncture that is not fully understood. But when the loss of Aristotle’s celestial spheres sinks in with all their perfection and order, the three philosophers get just a slight sense of how incredibly small and unimportant modern man feels. Indeed, a universe of this magnitude may just make the Incarnation significantly more difficult to believe.

To abstain from controversy for a while, things turn to other contemporary developments. Because all three are ordained priests, they are surprised that our liturgies are so short and that priests actually want to face the people at Mass. They also dislike contemporary church “music.” Given the monastic and clerical origins of the university, all three are also stunned that married laymen without aristocratic parentage are allowed to study philosophy and theology. After the class explains that this is now ok, Albert says, “But surely the marital act even in wedlock must impede the right use of the intellect in the highest sciences?” After Albert expresses incomprehension at the thought that marital relations might be compatible with the most exalted forms of human knowing and at the thought that men might actually be able to learn something profitably from women, Bonaventure and Thomas express satisfaction that humans bathe more often than we used to and consequently do not stink like barn animals. This, they say, is a real improvement in civilization. 

Returning to philosophy, Aquinas expresses regret that he so badly misunderstood Aristotle as to attribute to him a doctrine of the immortality of the soul. “If only I had been able to read Aristotle in Greek! But then again, I’m more culpable than that. Robert Grosseteste himself warned us about making Aristotle a Catholic!” Albert for his part wants to read some Meister Eckhart. Bonaventure and Albert are also glad to be relieved of the duties of serving as church administrators for awhile. They had not fully realized all that Aquinas had been able to accomplish for philosophy and theology by refusing to become a bishop.

After listening to their remarks about nearly everything, the class is stunned. The Thomists of the strict observance are astounded when Thomas expresses dismay and chastises them for only wanting to study him and Aristotle. Plus, he disagrees with some of the syntheses they have put together of his own works. For penance, he demands that they memorize the whole Vulgate psalter and read the Platonic corpus in Greek. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Aachen Cathedral as Intermediate Storage for Baked Goods

Baked Goods in Aachen Cathedral
Edit: Your fathers did eat mana in the desert and are dead.
(Aachen) with a rather questionable action, the diocese of Aachen these days attracts attention. So in short, as it says  on the website of the Diocese not without pride, 1,200 tunnels of the old established bakery in Aachen "Nobis gingerbread" will rise for three weeks in the Great Cathedral in Aachen. The limited edition Dom loafs can be purchased for 20 euros by prior reservation at the feast of St. Nicholas. A quarter of the steep price, ie five euros will be donated to a children's garden. The press release of the Diocese of Aachen states: "With this money a gaming device with slide, climbing net and hanging rope will be financed, at which the tots daycare can play soon."
A representative of the Bakery "Nobis gingerbread" commented on the "publicity stunt" - the motto - as follows "attention at all costs!" "We are delighted that we do this event in the Aachen Cathedral and with the money from the Nobis initiative also do something for the children of Aachen. We also want to thank the Aachen cathedral chapter for its support, to whom we also donate 6,000 euros for the Aachen Cathedral." A little bit of money, in other words, this is reason enough for the cathedral chapter, to turn the House of God - and with such outstanding importance at that - contrary to the desire of the Lord, to make it  a den of thieves.
Canon Hans-Günther Vienken said according to an article by the Diocese of Aachen: "Not only does the Aachen Dom need help, but it also supports other like initiatives.  Ss Martin, Nicholas and Christmas immediately remind us of the solidarity parts. We remind ourselves that we are there for each other. That's also  what the Aachen Cathedral stands for. I thank the bakery combany,  'Nobis Gingerbread' for their generous support, both for the nursery as well as the cathedral."
Quite recently there were  headlines about the Vatican  when the Sistine Chapel was made ​​available to the German carmaker Porsche, for a concert. "Der Spiegel" wrote:  " The UK Telegraph 'reported that it was the first time ever that a Pope released the Sistine Chapel for the commercial event of a company. But how does this fit in Francis' promise that he wanted above all a Church that was for  the poor? Very suitable   said the Executive Director of the Vatican Museums, Monsignor Paolo Nicolini. For companies such as Porsche would be asked in return for the use of the Sistine Chapel for a donation.  This is an initiative to support the papal charities ', said Nicolini to the Telegraph'.  The service is aimed at large companies, which can thus make a contribution to charity. '"
And for the  "Süddeutsche Zeitung"   Catrin Lorch commented on the subsequent dinner at the concert in the Vatican Museums: "So far,  the code has been kept by which one keeps out the aroma of roast  from air-conditioned rooms and  uncorked champagne before masterpieces. But  even if the Vatican flouts its riches,  directors in Ghent, Duisburg and Prague are making arguments against the assaults of the accountants and exploiters. Just as the Pope, who sees himself as contemporary,  has a responsibility to treat the legacy that has fallen to his Church from a bloody, brutal history, with democratic respect, instead of silver plating it. "
Text: Benedict M. Buerger
image: Wikicommons
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Hezbollah is Recruiting Christians Against "Islamic State"



The Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, according to a newspaper report, have recruited volunteers of all faiths for resistance brigades against the "Islamic state", even Christians have applied.

Beirut (kath.net/KNA) The Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, according to a newspaper report, have recruited volunteers of all faiths for Resistance Brigades against the "Islamic State". Several young men were trained directly by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the Lebanese newspaper reported, "An Nahar" (Wednesday). Also a number of Christians had applied.

According to Hezbollah, they have not posted any of the new fighters to Syria, but are preparing for a spillover of the Syrian civil war or an invasion of extremists in Lebanon. In the past, Hezbollah militias have supported Syria's President Bashar al-Assad against the majority Sunni insurgents. Assad belongs to the Alawite religious community, which emerged from the Shiite Islam. (C) 2014 Catholic News Agency KNA GmbH. All rights reserved.

Link to Kath.net... Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com AMDG

Francis, Cardinal Hummes and the Amazon -- "Workshop" of a New Priesthood?

Hummes Future Vision
(Rome) Last November 7, Cardinal Claudio Hummes was received in Santa Marta by Pope Francis. The former Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy is today delegate of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference for Amazonia. Is it only the "long friendship" (Vatican Radio, German Section), both of which can meet so regularly, or  is something  up in the Amazon?
Hummes was Archbishop of Sao Paolo from 1998-2006 and it was he who himself suggested  the name of Francis   to him - according to a statement by the Pope.  The new pope wanted him at any rate on the central loggia at his side when he was first shown to the world. Cardinal Hummes is counted among the inner circle of the  Pope makers of this pontificate.

Yes to "Gay Marriage" and Priestesses - No to Celibacy and "Preconciliar Priest Image"

Hummes is known, however, not only as pope whisperer, but also because of his heterodox views. Last July 27, the Cardinal spoke in the Brazilian newspaper Zero Hora in favor of "gay marriage", women priests and the abolition of priestly celibacy. Likewise, he himself resisted the proposal of Benedict XVI., to make the  Curé of Ars as a model of the priest. A "preconciliar priest  image", which Hummes flatly rejects. In June 2010, the Brazilian could only marvel, shaking his head at the 17,000 priests from around the world who came to Rome with Benedict XVI. to participate  the off-hook representation of St. John Mary Vianney on the facade of St. Peter's  in the Prayer Vigil and the Pontifical Mass concluding the Year for Priests.

The Pope and the Interest for the Amazon Basin

Kraeutler (left) with Hummes (3rd from left)
Kraeutler (left) with Hummes (3rd from left)
Vatican Radio (Italian editors) spoke with the Cardinal, who reported on the audience. Hummes reported that he visited 56 dioceses and territorial prelacies in the vast but sparsely populated areas. "I have come again to the Pope to tell a bit what you do there, of which there are many things to tell about this beautiful, vibrant church, which still has big needs.There is a great lack of missionaries, missionaries and also material needs, as they do not have what is necessary for the most basic structures."
He continued: "We know how much he [Pope Francis] estimates the matter of the Amazon basin  and how attentive he is that the Church in Amazonia is a huge responsibility."  
Although the cardinal said nothing about it,  yet "it seems unlikely that on this occasion, they didn't discuss about priestly ordination,  the great shortage of missionaries, and even the approval of viri probati, " said Secretum meum mihi .

Negotiations on ordination for viri probati ?

Ten days before the Hummes-audience with Pope Francis  the Vatican expert Marco Tosatti reported  of a communication from Brazil that  would be  "a veritable revolution in the Church" would be. The Brazilian Bishops' Conference with the lead established by Pope Francis new leadership of the Congregation for the Clergy is in talks about the ordination ad experimentum for viri probati to resolve the shortage of priests in the Amazon region.
"Conversations" with the congregation, Cardinal Hummes leads, who has been commuting back and forth for the last one and a half years between Brazil and Rome. Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, who rejected the ordination of viri probati, was dismissed by the new Pope as Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy on his 69th birthday. In his place sat Francis his confidant, the diplomats Beniamino Stella, which he created last February, also a cardinal.
Cardinal Hummes said in an interview with Vatican Radio, the Pope lay the Amazon "very important" as the regular audiences would show.

The Amazon Basin as a "Workshop" for a New Priesthood?

"The Amazon could be the first region of the world where there are priests with a family in the Latin rite," said Marco Tosatti.  The Amazon basin as a "workshop" for a new priesthood?
Hummes had already tried as Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy under John Paul II., to advance the ordination of viri probati, but failed in his intention and it was due to his deficient understanding of the priesthood that  Benedict XVI. replaced him. Unlike his successor, Francis, this  the the German pope did not do brusquely, but in each case after the end of a regular passage of time.
Besides Hummes, there is primarily the Austrian Mission Bishop Erwin Kraeutler CSSP of the Roman Catholic Territorial Prelature of Xingu, as an advocate of broad-based ordinations. Bishop Kraeutler, in Austria,  is a favorite of the left spectrum, at home makes a good job of anything in the media, which could strengthen his self-portrait as a liberal (in the North American sense), open-minded, socially engaged bishop.
Pope Francis intensified the retirement provisions for bishops in early November. A new regulation, which was called for in no time by Cardinal Sardi, in order to facilitate the deportation of Cardinal Burke to the Order of Malta. Bishop Kraeutler, who has completed his 75th year on July 12, however, is not on the list of papal Pensionabili . [!]

No to Prayer for Vocations - Yes to Structural Reforms

75th birthday of Bishop Kräutler
75th birthday of Bishop Kräutler
Xingu is the area's largest diocese in Brazil. In an area that is as large as the Federal Republic of Germany, but where  only just  400,000 people live. In the Prelature, there are 800 "base communities" and 27 priests. Their pastoral care has been, since the establishment of the Xingu in 1934 as Apostolic Administration, then is entrusted as a territorial prelature  of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (CPPS). Before Erwin Kraeutler took over  the territorial   prelature in 1981, it was   already headed by his uncle, Erwin Kraeutler.
Last April 4 Kraeutler was received by Pope Francis. The missionary bishop urged attention to the ordination of viri probati to ensure the pastoral care of the faithful. These were suggested by Kräutler to the pope before, "decouple celibacy and Eucharist". That a Eucharistic celebration should depend on  a celibate priest is something "I don't do," Kraeutler said at the time to the Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse .
Would that Kraeutler knows something of Church history, he would know that the current situation in the Amazon is no different, as it was sometime in each area  newly Christianized. In the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, the location itself in his native Austria was exactly the same.
About the Pope the Austrian missionary said, he wanted "a process set in motion" because "this process was not previously allowed. Benedict XVI. has said, we pray for priestly vocations. This pope is different ". Now the doors may open.
Leftmost canting, Bishop Kräutler can not do anything with prayer for priestly vocations, but relies on structural reforms.
So what's in the bush in the Amazon basin? With Cardinal Hummes and Bishop Kräutler  the question is being dragged by two men  in the same direction and Pope Francis is eagerly keen  about information on the  Amazon.  You will see why.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: padrescasados ​​/ Noticia da terra / Prelatura Xingu
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Cardinal Kasper: Francis was an "Intelligent Conservative" -- Synod 2015 Will Bring a "Broad Consensus"

Walter Kasper: Francis Pope is an "intelligent conservative"
(Rome) The Cardinals Walter Kasper and Francesco Coccopalmerio are certain:  a "broad consensus" will be found In the Synod of Bishops in 2015 on the family.
The two Cardinals took part yesterday at an event titled: "With Pope Francis on the Synodal Way of the Family. A Test of the Reform Papacy." An event  for the "reformers"  themselves For the German Cardinal, Pope Francis  is an "intelligent conservative."  Invited were the Cenacle of  Friends of Francis (Cenacolo di Amici Francesco), who appeared for the first time in public. The meeting took place in the Catholic Russian Ecumenical Centre in Rome (Centro Russia Ecumenica).
The Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, which will take place in October 2015 in connection with the Extraordinary Synod last October will bring a broad consensus "on all points". The German Cardinal Walter Kasper is convinced of  the voice of approval for the remarried divorcees to communion. Of the same view is also the Italian Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, the President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts . The admirers of the late Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini and the German theologian, know each other well. Coccopalmerio has been a member since 2007 of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity .

Pope Francis is an "Intelligent Conservative" - ​​The Gospel is a "Process"

At the meeting, both cardinals also responded favorably to the synod, which was attended by both. Cardinal Coccopalmerio ex-officio, and Cardinal Kasper on personal appointment by Pope Francis.
"How can one describe Pope Francis?"  Cardinal Kasper asked in his speech. "I would say that an intelligent conservative is a good description for him. Paul VI. and John XXIII., were also conservatives, but intelligent, because they knew that the gospel isn't like a precious object behind a glass case of a museum, but must be passed on from generation to generation, it is a process."

Benedict XVI. and his "less intelligent followers"

Cardinal Kasper took the opportunity before the like-minded audience handing out a swipe against his opponents. Benedict XVI., the German theologian, had also already been "open" in any case "something more than his less intelligent followers".
Kasper was very pleased about the really "free" discussion at the Synod. "This in not to the detriment of the Church, which is not a totalitarian institution. I am sure that we will end up with a broad consensus." What this "broad consensus" said the cardinal, who is of the party in question, clearly between the lines.
In the circle of "friends of Francis" also Pope Francis' "big speech" he addressed to  the Marxist "popular movements", is  "open in the most unexpected of ways."
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: MiL
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Francis Protege Heavily Defeated in Italian Bishops' Conference Elections for Vice President

The Italian Episcopal Conference has elected the new Vice President for Central Italy yesterday. 'Monsignor Mario Meini, Bishop of Fiesole, who was preferred by 140 votes against 60 Bruno Forte, Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto and Special Secretary of the Synod on the Family.
MARCO TOSATTI
The Italian Episcopal Conference has elected the new Vice President for Central Italy.  And  it was 'Monsignor Mario Meini, Bishop of Fiesole, who  was preferred to Bruno Forte, Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto and Special Secretary of the Synod on the Family.  

The new Vice President was involved in a "duel" with a prominent name of the Church, the Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto. Bruno Forte, October 14, 2013  was appointed as  Special Secretary of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which took place 5 to 19 October 2014. During the Synod events his name rose to prominence as one of the actual authors of the controversial report post disceptationem, which shows an appreciation for civil marriages, cohabitation law spouse and same-sex unions.  

On the first ballot no candidate has obtained a quorum for the election of Vice-President. But there was a ballot where  Msgr.Meini got 140 votes against the 60 for Bruno Forte. Mgr. Meini, a Tuscan, who was born in Legoli Peccioli, November 17, 1946. He completed his high school studies at the Minor Seminary of Volterra and the high school and theology at the Pontifical Regional Seminary "Pius XII" of Siena. He received his doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.  

 He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Volterra June 27, 1971. Elected Bishop of Fiesole, February 13, 2010, he made his entrance into the diocese April 18, 2010.  He is currently a member of the Commission of the Bishops' Conference of Italian Culture and Social Communications. The Bishops' Conference of Tuscany is delegated to the pastoral care of the family, a member of the Episcopal Commission for the Theological Faculty. 

Link...

The Revenge of the Bugnini Clique -- Will Piero Marini Become Highest Liturgist and a Cardinal?


Revenge of the Bugnini Clique:  Will Marini Be the Highest
Liturgist and Cardinal?

(Rome) After the posting away of Cardinal Prefect Antonio Cañizares and the defenestration of the liturgical Ratzingerians Father Anthony Ward and Msgr. Juan Miguel Ferrer-Grenesche as Under Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament, voices have been intensifying in Rome that Archbishop Piero Marini could become the top liturgist of the Vatican and a future Cardinal.

The evidence is compelling, Msgr. Piero Marini, the former master of ceremonies of John Paul II., not to be confused with Msgr. Guido Marini, the master of ceremonies of Benedict XVI., and will again be master of ceremonies of Pope Francis. He formerly held the office from 1987 to 2007. The latter since 2007. The two unrelated Marinis also differ because Piero Marini has been an Archbishop since 1998 and since 2003 Bishop Titular Archbishop, while Guido Marini has only been "created" an honorary papal prelate. More fundamental, however, is the different liturgical understanding that distinguishes the two Marinis.

The question here is that Archbishop Piero Marini, a month after the conclave praised Pope Francis in El Pais and disparaged Benedict XVI.: "You breathe fresh air. He is a window which opens the spring and hope. So far we have bad to breathe stuffy swampy water."

The rumors have a ring of truth

Three weeks after his election, Pope Francis surprisingly received Piero Marini in audience. Numerous senior level curia representatives had still not been received by the new pope at that time. The preference of the liturgical "designer" of John Paul II immediately led to speculation that did not cease since then (see Guido Marini Again instead of New (Old) Master of Ceremonies - Piero Marini in Audience with Pope Francis ).

Initially it was thought that Francis was much more closely  related liturgically to Piero Marini, would replace Guido Marini as Papal Master of Ceremonies. Such a return to the same office would be uncommon in the Church and would also allow obvious conclusions.

At June's End, whispers grew louder, Piero Marini might rise even higher and be put in the place held by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, as the new Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and thus a candidate for the Cardinal dignity (see Piero Marini next Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship? rumors about personnel changes at the Vatican? ). The purge in the Vatican of Ratzingerians will be made ​​in stages. Cardinal Cañizares was sent back by Pope Francis to be archbishop of Valencia in Spain in late summer 2014. The inauguration took place on October 4, one day before the start of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome, which Msgr. Cañizares would have addressed as Cardinal Prefect. The same now applies also for the despatched Cardinal Burke. You could read it on the Synod of Bishops as the depletion of a particular camp.

"Brutal" Recoloring of a Congregation?

Il Timone wrote of the successor of Cardinal Cañizares on 22 September: "The decision has been made ​​on him. It lacks only the notice. " "Him," said Archbishop Piero Marini. This announcement has not yet occurred, but the appointment of Father Corrado Maggioni on November 5, is interpreted as the new Under Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship in this direction. The dismissal of the two previous sub-secretaries is considered particularly "brutal" ( Riposte Catholique ), because they had to learn of with the public from the Bulletin of the Holy See at the same time.

Since the chair of the Cardinal Prefect is vacant, the Congregation is currently headed by a moderate "progressive" secretary, Archbishop Arthur Roche, and thoroughgoing Bugninist, Under-Secretary Father Maggioni.

Father Maggioni is a close friend of Msgr. Piero Marini, the president since 2007 of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, and taught liturgical sciences at the Benedictine University of Saint Anselm. Piero Marini was already during the Second Vatican Council, the closest collaborator of Msgr. Annibale Bugnini, the "architect" of the Catholic liturgical reform.

Will Piero Marini Receive That Which Annibale Bugnini was Denied?

The realization of Piero Marini's dream, to be chief liturgist of the Vatican, seems a step ever closer and he thus would achieve what is his teacher and mentor, Annibale Bugnini failed at. Msgr. Bugnini, although he was from 1969-1975 to the Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship, the office of the prefect and the dignity of Cardinal were denied him. Instead, he finally fell out with Paul VI. in disgrace. His pupil Piero Marini can now make this last step.

Roman observers believe, along with the occurrence of contrary rumors in spring 2013, that Archbishop Piero Marini, born in 1942, was already too old for such an appointment. After only three years in office, he would be 75. But Pope Francis just established tougher retirement provisions, which enabled the personnel shuffle against Cardinal Burke, can also be read differently. The Pope has ultimately strengthened especially his right. He will force Curia staff (except the Cardinal Prefects) who are 75 years, to offer their resignations. However, nothing prevents the Pope from rejecting the offer.

Pope Not Shy to Give Offense - Intention of AvengingBugnini Clique's

Other observers thought they might assume that the head of the Church would not allow such a provocation, such as the appointment of Piero Marini appointed as Cardinal Prefect. The exile of Cardinal Burke has made it clear that the Argentine Pope decides and enforces his will without regard to losses.

The "smarter" version, holds that a "moderate" prefect will be nominated to find the balance, but seems to be eclipsed by an overweening desire to avenge the Bugninists. They, above all Piero Marini, have never gotten over the penetration of the "reformers of the reform" into the "holy temple" of the liturgical reform. Their sensitivity to the recovery of the sacred and its openness to the traditional rite was an intolerable affront to the Bugninists. Don Nicola Bux had presented in 2012, together with Canon Raffaele Coppola the book "The Empty Dance Around the Golden Calf" on the topic secularized liturgy and Ius divinum. The introduction was contributed by the way by none other than Cardinal Raymond Burke (see "The Empty Dance Around the Golden Calf" - Liturgy and Ius divinum - Book Publishing ). The appointment of Piero Marini would visibly complete the revenge.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi

image: Riposte Catholique

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Is Pope Francis Wildly Popular With Neoconservatives Across Religious Spectrum

Edit: Newsmax, the Neoconservative public opinion agglomerator has been appealing to the Catholic vote. More power to them, and this isn't the first time a Pope Francis poll has appeared. Just as a test, we wanted to see what the readers of this blog could do to influence a poll. Right now here are the standings, vote early and vote often if you want. We'll post the results tomorrow.



Vote here...

Quiz: Modernist Church or Communist Building

Edit: let us know how you do.  Our correspondent got six out of ten correct!



Link to Quiz...


Monday, November 10, 2014

Pontifical Council For Culture Supports Women Priests? -- The "Erotic Buddhist", Whom Francis Appointed as Consultor

(Rome) The Pontifical Council for Culture  is preparing an "opening"  towards women priests?  Pablo d'Ors, appointed papal Consultor  of the Council for Culture since July, 1st, is convinced of a realignment. "While orthodox Church representatives are being kicked out from the Vatican,   heretics are being brought in," said Messa in Latino about the Spanish priest, novelist and "Zen Buddhist" and his interview in the daily newspaper La Repubblica .
The Pontifical Council for Cultural, headed by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, seems to deal not only with culture and sports, but also with the Doctrine of the Faith, and ground filled with land mines.   Anyway, if you can believe the words of the Spanish Claretian priest,   Pablo d'Ors.   In an interview with La Repubblica on 5 November, he said that for "the next General Assembly" of the Pontifical Council for Culture is for common ground, which will be convened in 2015 on the topic of "female culture", an "opening" in the direction of women priests.  He will attend and is "absolutely sure".  Pablo d'Ors added: "And I am not alone." Last July 1, Pope Francis appointed   Pablo d'Ors as Consultor of the Pontifical Council for Culture .

Ecclesiastical Cultural Understanding only B-Class: No Longer an Alternative to the World, but "Dialogue" with the World


Females cultures: The website of the Pontifical Council for Culture on the topic of the next General Assembly
Father Pablo d'Ors describes himself as "erotic, mystical and weird". His life had been "full of loving relationships, reading and travel, also reckless". This helped him in his appeal that he discovered at the age of 27. "Knowing  human love, divine love helps to better understand" said the Claretian. "Could be. If indeed  so many chaste young men and young women  also apparently have dedicated themselves in the course of Church history with all their souls and with all their bodies God?" Said Messa in Latina about that.
The Church's understanding of culture is especially  "inappropriate" toda for Father d'Ors.  Compared to the high culture,   this understanding is only B-Class. It was necessary to adjust, stop trying to be an "alternative", but a Christianity in "dialogue" with the living world.

Priests are better living with a woman: "The time has come"

He has written several novels and is considered the "most German" among living Spanish writers. In one of his novels, the main character, a Slovak woman, goes to bed  with all the great writers of the 20th century. Pablo d'Ors said in an interview, a priest lives better with a woman at his side. Why? "Because the time is now ripe."  But that was only his "personal opinion".

Realignment of the Church Planned in Terms of Women Priests?

The Pontifical Council for Culture "can't  talk about it". There you will, however, talk about women priests. "I think there will be a  realignment at the next General Assembly"
He has also written some non-fiction books, including his most successful book Biografía del silencio (Biography of Silence), in which he says, each "should create a work of art". In line with this premise seems to be his default setting: "An important criterion to measure the spiritual vitality of a person is their willingness to change. To resist life is a sin, because life is in constant development ,"  according to the ancient Greek aphorism Panta Rhei .

To be allow himself to be "swept away by life"  - "If I were not a Christian, I would be a Buddhist"


Pablo d'Ors and the art to "aggiornare"
Pablo d'Ors also advocates a "new form" of asceticism. It was outdated to build life on a solid rock,  because  on the quicksand  you can admirably  live an "authentic spiritual vitality". Rain, raging rivers, winds and storms are not a problem because one must  allow  himself to be "swept away by life".
To this end, the new Consultor of the Pontifical Council for Culture has offered courses for  years. To participate there is no spiritual formation and religious affiliation necessary, although the coursework is  "primarily" of the Christian tradition and "secondarily" derived from Zen Buddhism. Predictably   d'Ors said in an earlier interview: "If I were not a Christian, I would be a Buddhist."
To the La Repubblica question, what's the best way for a man to die,   d'Ors said: "By attentiveness and completion you forget yourself, which is the hardest part".
Nuova Bussola Quotidiana writes: "A few days ago I visited my old mountain parish. The pastor has not been around for a few years now.  He ascended into the sky. He literally sacrificed himself every day, to visit the sick and dying and to make them human, but especially the sacramental assistance and consolation. Because it was his wish that save their souls."

How Did You Get in Contact with Pope Francis?

The question can not be answered. Pablo d'Ors, currently heads a theater workshop at the University of Madrid, offers no clues. La Repubblica asked how he came to know Pope Francis, and he only said: "He probably will have  asked: Who is the most insignificant priest from Madrid?"
Pablo d'Ors, grandson of the famous Spanish art critic Eugeni d'Ors, is a student of the German Benedictine Father Elmar Salmann. In 1991 he was ordained a priest and sent by his order, the Claretians, to evangelize Honduras. After his return to Spain, he was university chaplain and specialized in literary workshops with a focus on dramaturgy and theological aesthetics in Spain and Argentina.
He learned through his contacts in Germany know the Jesuit Franz Jalics and established the  association Amigos del Desierto (Friends of the desert), which is also the title of a novel by d'Ors. The desert represents infinity. The novel portrays a wandering between Christian mysticism and Zen Buddhism.
Because of the arrest of Father Jalics and other Jesuits during the military dictatorship in Argentina,  the Order had reservations about Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Father Jalics forgave the Argentine cardinal after his election as Pope. He and the other Jesuits were not denounced by him, as was incorrectly stated. On October 5, 2013, Father Jalics was received by  Pope Francis  in Santa Marta. Nothing became  known about the content of the meeting.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Wikicommons / NBQ
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMGD

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Thanks and Solidarity for Cardinal Raymond Burke

(Vatican) of thanks to deposed Cardinal Raymond Burke can be signed on the Internet online and will be forwarded to him.
Pope Francis has dismissed Cardinal Raymond Burke, Cardinal Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature of the Catholic Church this Saturday. Although Burke is one of the youngest cardinals of the Catholic Church, he was been reduced by the Pope to the honorific  function of a cardinal patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (see  Francis the Merciless: Cardinal Burke Deposed and "Shoved Off" to  Order of Malta ).
At the same time, the previous Secretary of State of the Holy See, Msgr. Dominique Mamberti was appointed as the new prefect of the Apostolic Signatura. About two line-up changes had already been speculated in the past (see New "Foreign Minister" in the Vatican - More Line-up Changes, Pope Francis ).
For those who would like to thank Cardinal Burke  for his recent service  may do so  on the dedicated page of LifeSiteNews. The right to life site has  a "Thank Cardinal Burke for his Vatican service: sign the petition"  which will be presented to the Cardinal on the Internet, which can be signed on line. It's a  vote of thanks, but  it is also a form of expression of solidarity to an upright fighter for the cause of God and of the Church.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: CR
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Francis the Unmerciful: Cardinal Burke Dismissed and "Shoved Off"

(Rome) Since last September there have been rumors, now it has become reality. Pope Francis has removed the US Cardinal Raymond Burke  as Cardinal Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura and appointed him Cardinal Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Thus, the cardinal is removed from  Church leadership, to which he belonged as head of the Supreme Court.
The punitive action against the unpopular opponent by Pope Francis took place shortly before the start of Bishops' Synod about the family in the space following when Cardinal Burke emerged in the months previous  as one of the leaders of the defense of the Church's marriage and morality against the "opening" mottos of Cardinal Kasper (see Malta Exile? Final Papal Purge of Cardinal Burke? ). The threat did not intimidate the Cardinal a but. Rather, he was the most visible opponent of the new course supported by Pope Francis at the Synod of Bishops. With sharp words the Cardinal Burke also criticized outside the Synod Hall, the procedure of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, but also of the pope (see Cardinal Burke: Pope has "Done a lot of Damage" - Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura Confirmed Impending Dismissal as Pope: "Who am I, to judge? "- Burke:" We need to judge acts " ).

Vindictive Retaliation by Pope

Only a few weeks after the completion of the Synod of Bishops the "sending away" of the cardinal appears as revenge and retaliation by Pope Francis. So  the reigning pope seems to have acted in quite a hurry. On November 3, just 15 days after the end of the Synod, he approved a Rescriptum of the Cardinal Secretary of State, with the retirement provisions for bishops and cardinals eligible for papal nomination were tightened. It entered into force on 5 November, and the Rescriptum required all Cardinals over 75  (except  Cardinal Prefects of the Roman Curia) to immediately offer their resignations.
This also affected the previous patron of the Order of Malta, Cardinal Paolo Sardi. The resignation offered by  Cardinal Sardi  was immediately accepted by the Pope, thus clearing a space, to which Cardinal Burke could be deported in an "elegant" way to a management function in the Roman Curia with an honorary function.

Praise of Benedict XVI. Did Not Help

The demonstrative praise of Benedict XVI. from his self-imposed exile in a greeting message to the International Pilgrimage of Tradition  where the celebrant in St. Peter's Basilica in the Old Rite was Cardinal Burke on October 26, describing  "great cardinals," did not help.
The dismissal of one of the most prominent and recent cardinals of the Catholic Church is an affront for a significant part of the universal Church, which is intended by the papal retaliation that Cardinal Burke will be punished.
The measure has confirmed some Argentine voices, which described Jorge Mario Bergoglio since his election as  the head of the Church, as very resentful and would not to tolerate criticism of his person and opposition to his plans. They also confirmed that Pope Francis is the actual director behind the "new Mercy", which  was represented by Cardinal Kasper as a spokesman.
By deposing Burke from his post as head of a dicastry, he can no longer participate ex officio at the Synod of Bishops on the family in the coming year. Pope Francis has silenced the Cardinal with his "reshuffle" in the Synod.  It's a signal that the Argentine Church leader seems willing to make up for in 2015, that which has not been achieved at the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 2014 and to push through his "new mercy". A "new Mercy", which can be very cruel.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: MiL
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Sharp Criticism of the Media by Cardinal Tagle After Bishop Synod

Edit: don't blame the media, blame the German Cardinals.

Filipino Cardinal Tagle: "Some people have the feeling that only the subjects that were discussed during the Synod were divorce and homosexuality" - Cardinal is disappointed with the preferred reporting of "Western" themes.

Rome (kath.net/RV/red) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (photo), Archbishop of Manila, criticized the Western media in sharp tones for their one-sided reporting of the Family Synod in favor of the "rich countries". This report from "Vatican Radio" from the  presentation of the Asian Catholic news agency Misna. The problems of poorer countries and developing countries were little discussed in the media. "Some people have the feeling that the only subjects discussed were divorce and homosexuality during the Synod," said the Archbishop of Manila as one of the three Synod Presidents to the Philippine media. Among other important questions discussed by the Synod Fathers  the Cardinal mentioned were domestic violence, pornography, poverty or immigration.

About the report, he said that the media's reporting was "fair", but he was extremely disappointed that the journalists focused exclusively on "Western" focused, namely, divorced and civilly remarried,   and homosexuals. Tagle commented on this as an unconstructive practice. He also denounced the fact that the press is clearly dominated by the West, because there was not "a single Asian or African journalist among the hundreds of journalists present," said the Cardinal.

Link to Kath.net...

Announcement: Cardinal Burke Dismissed

Edit: The announcement has been made. It's just appeared in the Vatican website. Cardinal Leo Burke will be assigned as Patron of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta and Dominique Mamberti will replace him at the Signatura.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, til now Nuncio to Australia, will take Mamberti's place in Stato, as Secretary of Relations with States.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Pope to Italian Religious: Fighting is Better Than Gabbing and Gossipping



Pope Francis is for open disputes among religious in place of secret gossip. "If you have something against your brother, tell him to his face".

Vatican City (kath.net/KNA) Pope Francis is for open discussion among religious in splace of secret gossip. "If you have something against your brother, tell him to his face. Maybe you'll end up in a fight, but better this than the terror of gossip," he told the conference of Italian religious superiors in the Vatican on Friday. In a time of rampant individualism, religious could set an example of brotherhood which despite all the differences is possible.



The religious life should, in the words of Pope Francis, not be confused with an ideology. "True prophecy is never ideological; it does not follow fashion, but always stands for contradiction in the name of the Gospel, as Jesus also represented it," he said. Therefore it is important that religious lead no rearguard defense of the Church, but remain in the center of the divine action where Jesus stood. The charism of a religious order should not be like a sealed bottle of distilled water. It unfolds only in the prevailing reality and culture. The Italian Superiors had come for the conclusion of this year's conference in the Vatican. It stood under the motto "Mission of the Church and Consecrated Life in the Light of 'Evangelii gaudium,'" the encyclical of Pope Francis.

Photo of abortion nun from...

Evil Nuns on the bus photo...

Collapse of Diocesan Clergy in France -- Glimmers of Hope

(Paris) numbers are neither traditionalist nor modernist, but facts are being noticed.  In France, there are only 14,000 diocesan priests. About half of them are older than 75. This means that the situation is dramatic.
To conduct but one parish is  already a big job. In France it has become "normal" that a pastor has to take care of a dozen parishes. A regular celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is impossible. In most parishes  it is celebrated only occasionally. In the diocese of Langres, each priest must take care for an average of 50 parishes.  In short, it is almost resigned to a spiritual catastrophe. The numbers of priestly ordinations is also discouraging. In 2009, only 89 diocesan priests were ordained in France. Far too little to compensate for the decrease due to death. These numbers seem like reports coming from the front with the losses to an army. You could cry.
Fortunately, there is good and encouraging news coming from the seminaries of tradition. The traditional communities and dioceses have offspring. More, their seminars are full. It is therefore to be hoped that more old rite seminaries  will be opened. There is no danger that they remain empty, since there is a strong interest in tradition by young believers.
Text: Cordialiter
image: Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Exile of Cardinal Burke Draws Nearer with "Rescriptum"

Cardinal Burke at the Requiem for All Souls
on November, 3rd 2014 in Vienna
(Rome) Cardinal Raymond Burke has played the role of the visible counterpart to the reigning Pope since the Synod of Bishops. Which was for many years until his death in 2012, under very different circumstances, played by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, from the Jesuit Order, against Popes John Paul, and Benedict XVI. Burke accused the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops of "manipulation" of Pope Francis having done "great damage"  and described the controversial interim report of the Synod as a "betrayal". The Vatican expert Sandro Magister sees his removal from the Roman Curia by Pope Francis move closer and references   the published   Rescriptum of two days ago. 
A few days after the end of the Synod of Bishops Cardinal Burke celebrated Pontifical Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for a Third International Pilgrimage of Tradition. Among the Catholics present,  a mood was visible, which brought an American pilgrim to exclaim "Burke for Pope."  No one would express it publicly, because it has no place in the church and twhich is superior to personal desires, yet the hopeful wish was heard everywhere personal discussions.
It was no different in Vienna, where the Cardinal celebrated a Pontifical Mass on November 4, under the patronage of Saint Charles Borromeo in the famous Karlskirche. The church was filled up to the margins  with many young believers and young families. In his homily, he called on the holy patron, who presented the Council of Trent, as a model for Church leaders, but also for believers today.

Church Renewal Begins by Addressing Errors

Saint Charles Borromeo renewed the Church after the "attacks of the Reformation", first in Rome and then in the time in his home  Archdiocese of Milan. Of great personal piety and charity for the poor, which led him to care personally for the victims of the plague, he died at the age of only 46 years. The saint had asked at the beginning, said Cardinal Burke, where to start the renewal of the Church and so he came to the conclusion that this must be to fight of errors. Only the maintenance and dissemination of the teachings of Jesus Christ can bear real fruit. Likewise, he realized that the only way to salvation is the way of the cross. In this sense, the cardinal opens a bridge from present time  where great confusion prevails "in the world and in the Church."
In Vienna, the Cardinal had been refused by the abbot of the Augustinian Canons of Klosterneuburg  for the celebration of a Votive Mass in honor of the Apostles Peter and Paul in the Old Rite in a Viennese parish church to which he had invited to the Stift incorporated parish.  It was an unparalleled  affront that did not prevent the cardinal from indirectly receiving the recommendation of Austria's Church and bishops in the Karlskirche. 
Meanwhile it seems the punitive action by Pope Francis, who apparently cherishes a personal dislike of the traditional Cardinal, draws closer. Cardinal Burke, who, after reading of the Evangelii gaudium , the single document of Pope Francis,  which is to the date the only  document with a formal doctrinal claim from him, explained that everything could be possible of the document, but it was certainly not an expression of papal magisterium. A criticism that the unforgiving pope from Argentina seems unwilling to forgive.

Deportation of the Cardinal to be Patron of the Order of Malta?

Even before the Synod of Bishops there were rumors that the Pope would withdraw Cardinal Burke from the Apostolic Signatura and  shift him to a nominally prestigious post outside the Roman Curia in the Vatican. After removal from multiple Congregations, in which Burke was member, this would mean the exclusion of any direct influence on the Church leadership.
In case the rumor was thought to be an attempt at intimidation before the Synod, it certainly went wrong. Cardinal Burke was not intimidated, but became a spokesman for the defense of the marriage sacrament and the Church's moral teaching.
The published November 5 Rescriptum ex audientia Sanctissimi of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin intensified Pope Francis dismissals for the heads of dicasteries, diocesan bishops and all officers papal appointment.

Rescriptum Provides an Opportunity for Further Extensive Reshuffle

With the new rules  all over 75 officials, including cardinals, if they head no dicastery, are obliged to offer their resignations. So far, these honorary positions  are not subject to limitation in time and were theoretically for life. Among the cardinals who must offer their resignation due to the new provision, include not only the Archpriest Patriarchs are the American, Edwin Frederick O'Brien Cardinal (born 1939), President Cardinal Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Italian Paolo Cardinal Sardi (born 1934), Cardinal Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Cardinal Burke, although at the age of 66, one of the youngest cardinals of the Church, could be deported to so recently vacated  post of cardinal patron of the Order of Malta, says the Vatican expert Sandro Magister, reflecting the corresponding, more expectant voices in Rome.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Una Voce Austria
Trans: vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Bugnini Man Appointed to Congregation of Divine Worship -- 4 More Ratzingerians Dismissed

Purge in the Congregation of Divine Worship
(Vatican) Pope Francis continues to purge the liturgical sensibility of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
On 5 November it was announced in the daily bulletin of the Holy See that Pope Francis had appointed a new Under-Secretary for the Congregation for Divine Worship. What was not there is that the two other undersecretaries were also dismissed. The Congregation has had no Cardinal Prefect since the beginning of October, after Pope Francis sent back the previous head of the dicastery, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares   as archbishop of Valencia in Spain. Now the number two of the Congregation has been exchanged and thus within a month, the entire leadership.

Previous  Undersecretaries Have Learned of their Ouster from the Bulletin

The previous Undersecretaries, the Marist Father Anthony Ward and Msgr. Juan Miguel Ferrer-Grenesche had learned from   the publication of the bulletin that they were not re-elected. The dismissal was not preceded by a conversation with the Pope, nor they were previously informed in other ways about it.  Msgr. Ferrer is a priest of the Archdiocese of Toledo, whose Vicar he was. Cardinal Cañizares, the former Archbishop of Toledo, brought him to Rome in 2009.
Msgr. Ferrer is an acknowledged expert in the Mozarabic rite, those Visigothic rite, which was celebrated in Spain before the introduction of the Roman rite and which has been preserved during the Spanish rule in underground and still maintained in some places,  including Toledo and Salamanca. Msgr. Ferrer  is distinguished by a special liturgical sensibility and a close relationship to the Old Rite.

New Undersecretary a "Staunch Bugninist"

The bulletin from Wednesday announced the appointment of the new undersecretary, Monfortian Father Corrado Maggioni. As Pope Francis seems to be the liturgical antipode to Pope Benedict XVI., the same for Father Maggioni seems similarly in comparison to his recently deposed predecessors. 
The Montfortian is a "confident Bugninist" as Riposte Catholic  reports and a "great friend of Msgr. Piero Marini", the papal master of ceremonies of John Paul II. Annibale Bugnini (1912-1982) was largely responsible for the development and implementation of the liturgical reform of 1969/1970.
At the beginning of his pontificate, Francis dismissed all of Benedict XVI's liturgically related consultants in the Office of papal ceremonies. From the staff of Benedict XVI.  who performed ceremonies according to the "reform of the reform", only the papal master of ceremonies, Msgr. Guido Marini is left. One of the members appointed by Pope Francis  as a consultant was Father Maggioni.

Four Ratzingerians Dismissed in One Month

With Msgr. Miguel Ferrer falling within a few days, another head of the Ratzingerian Vatican has fallen, already replaced by  Pope Francis on October 8, Msgr. Celso Morga Iruzubieta as secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy and Msgr. Alberto Gonzalez Chaves as office manager of the Congregation for Bishops. Taking into account Cardinal Cañizares as the highest-ranking dismissed figure, four senior Ratzingerians were removed last month. Including the full leadership of the Congregation for the Clergy and the Congregation for Divine Worship,  the staff in those two congregations most clearly showed the signature of Benedict XVI. 
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Riposte Catholique
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD