Why the Abrogation of the Traditional Latin Mass Might Be a Good Thing | My Thoughts As a Catholic Convert

 

So Pope Francis dropped a bomb today with his motu proprio, "Traditionis Custodes," which effectively abrogates the "Traditional Latin Mass" (TLM), or Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Here is a summary of the situation without all the hysterics attached to it: https://catholic-link.org/pope-francis-new-motu-proprio-traditionis-custodes/.

Basically, the sweeping restrictions of the new motu proprio make null and void Pope Benedict XVI's "Summorum Pontificum" of 2007. After consulting with bishops all over the world, Francis decided that this change was necessary for the good of the unity of the Church. 

I started attending Mass in the fall of 2011, and my conversion to the Catholic Faith became official with my confirmation in March of 2013, which was the same month and year that the Francis pontificate began. I was aware of the TLM, but I went through RCIA and attended Mass at "Novus Ordo" churches, where only the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite was celebrated. I was converted through this form and was perfectly happy with it. I was glad that the Mass, though different in significant ways from my former experiences as a Protestant, was not entirely foreign. 

However, as I was a religious seeker prone to much research on the subject, I encountered the detractors of the "Novus Ordo" Mass and Vatican Counsel II early on, and their messages did instill doubt and engender criticism on my part of the Masses I attended. Traditionalists will insist, for example, that receiving Communion in the hand is a desecration of the Eucharist, that the TLM is the more reverent form of the Mass, and that there should not be female altar servers, among many other "liturgical abuses" that they point to. 

In a county adjacent to mine there is a church that has offered the TLM once a month, and I took the opportunity to attend it twice.  I enjoyed the Gregorian Chant, and admittedly the quality of music in Ordinary Form Masses is often, though not always, mediocre. I did think receiving the Eucharist kneeling rather than standing was more reverent, but otherwise, I didn't feel that the TLM was really more reverent in general. I also did not understand why only the host and not the wine was offered. Both are offered in the Ordinary Form. 

I couldn't follow what was going on in the TLM. I suppose that would eventually not be an issue once one got used to it, but nevertheless I felt discouraged. And because this Mass was only offered once a month and was not even at one of my sister parishes, I didn't feel like it could really offer me a sense of community. Now it seems that this Mass will no longer be held at that church, because according to the new motu proprio, the TLM can't be celebrated at parochial churches anymore. No mention is made as to where it can be celebrated, just that the bishops will have to work that out. 

While the TLM has not been categorically banned from the face of the earth, it seems clear that the intention is to eventually phase it out completely. There will be a time of transition leading to the integration of all the faithful into one expression of the Roman Rite. Additionally, care will be taken to ensure that no liturgical abuses exist, which has been a concern with the implementation of the "Novus Ordo." As a side note, nothing has been said regarding the Eastern Rites of the Church, and I imagine they may become a more popular option for those attached to the TLM. 

While I personally have nothing against the TLM, and my heart goes out to those who love it so much and are utterly committed to it as a lifestyle, I feel a sense not of relief exactly, but of peace that in the end this is not a bad call on the part of Pope Francis. 

The division in the Church that concerns him is quite real. I've personally had it shake my faith. I've observed the rhetoric against Vatican II, the "Novus Ordo" Mass (which is, after all, no longer new), and Pope Francis himself escalate to a fever pitch. Even the traditionalists are fighting amongst themselves. Conservative but not radical traditionalist Catholics like myself feel torn and somewhat homeless. It's a struggle to discern who is telling the truth. 

A whole Catholic subculture has developed around the TLM. What began as an aesthetic preference has morphed into folks insisting that theirs is the "true Church." They have lost the way of obedience to the Church Magisterium that characterizes Catholicism in the first place. They go so far as to say that there is an entirely different theology inherent in the TLM, and that the Ordinary Form is quite inferior. 

While there will surely be an uprising against "Traditionis Custodes" and an even greater sense of division in the Church will ensue, this may be what is needed for the future of Catholic unity. The schismatics will basically declare themselves as such by their actions, even if they continue to insist that they are the true followers of Christ. Catholics like me can let go of our doubts and stop thinking that maybe we should try to get to the TLM, even move to a place where it's offered every week in order to fully engage in the lifestyle. We can stop listening to the traditionalist commentators who seem to become more and more radical as time goes on. We can put our faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and stop being conspiratorial and suspicious of Vatican II and the development of doctrine since. We can reject the pronouncements of those who scandalize the church by defaming the character of our pope. 

Sure, there are serious problems in the Catholic Church, but probably no more than there are in other branches of Christianity, and in certain ways there are less. So let's not panic. Practice detachment instead of being reactionary. The sky is not falling, I promise. On this her feast day, may Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for us. 

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena | COVID-19 Peak in U.S.

These next couple of weeks are going to be crucial for the U.S.  COVID-19 will peak, and it will be incumbent upon us to make no trips to indoor public places, to carefully shelter in our homes. Hopefully you have stocked up on groceries, toilet paper, medications, and any other necessities. I don't think it's a coincidence that this peak in the coronavirus is occurring during Holy Week. The significance of the timing might vary from person to person, but I think that it should be taken as a signal for our country to turn back to God.

Yesterday, Palm Sunday, my family watched the first hour of the Mass given by Pope Francis on YouTube, on our Smart TV. This was the portion through the homily. I finished watching the Mass by myself. Today, before beginning homeschooling, my daughter and I read the daily Mass Scripture readings from the USCCB website: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040620.cfm. You can also view Masses this week with Bishop Robert Barron on YouTube, at his "Word on Fire" program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSGOpSFAsKU.

I encourage all Catholics to seek out the sources available for participation in Holy Week, and to pray family Rosaries. You could pray a sorrowful mystery each day from today through Good Friday, which will culminate with the Crucifixion of Our Lord. I also encourage all the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, including those who do not normally observe Holy Week, as well as people of other religious traditions, to make this a time of increased and fruitful spiritual practice.

Today I began a novena (a period of 9 days of prayer) to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, using A Book of Marian Prayers by Loyola Press. There are many online links to this novena in its various forms. Here is one, with the subsequent prayers for each day at the very bottom: http://www.god-answers-prayers.com/mother_mary_prayers/perpetual_help_9days2_novena_prayer/index.html. Calling on Our Lady's intercession at this difficult time will keep us safely under her mantle of protection, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

May you have a blessed Holy Week, mining the treasures of the Christian Faith, and offer up your sufferings in union with Christ on the Cross. Godspeed, Rita Michele

The Local Parish as Microcosm of the Church

Image from The Village Reporter, Montpelier, OH

A microcosm is a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger. This is the relationship that I believe can exist between a local parish and the universal Catholic Church.

When I shared my distress with my husband a few months ago over the state of the Church and the ongoing revelations of the sex abuse scandal, I was a bit upset with him for not being of like mind with my angst. He hadn't been following any news at all since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, and I felt like he was sticking his head in the sand. He said something about the "microcosm" of our parish church, how much he likes the people and enjoys the messages, etc., but I wasn't ready to consider his idea then. Now with my realization of having been "frog boiled" by the anti-Pope Francis posse, of having been sucked into the vortex of suspicion and elitism of ultra-traditionalists on social media, I'm totally on board with my husband's approach. 

This fall I joined the Rosary Altar Society, a women's group at our parish. Last evening we hosted our church's annual chili and soup supper for the community on voting day. My family had never attended this event. The food was amazing, and there was a spectacular turn out. I enjoyed being a part of serving our church and our town, bringing people together and nourishing them body and soul. I found the picture at the top of this post on the Internet, of some of our church ladies from the chili/soup supper a few years ago. 

Our parish is small but active, with a lot of young families and people of all ages, and a sister parish in a nearby town with which we share a priest. The Mass is the typical Ordinary Form, complete with Eucharistic ministers and altar servers that include females. Lay men and women serve as commentators and lectors as well. We have a wonderful choir and sing standard hymns. The architecture and decor of the church is humble but homey. It's the stuff the ultra-traditionalists, who believe the Tridentine (Latin) Mass is superior, regularly deride. 

My husband is a lector, our teenage daughter is an altar server, and this year, with the Rosary Altar Society, I've found a place to be of service as well. The people of our parish are kind, friendly, generous, and welcoming. Spirits are fed in this community. Our church evangelizes by providing a home for local Catholics to worship together, and we reach out in love and service to our neighbors. We are simple witnesses to Jesus. And in so being, we build up and heal the Body of Christ. We are a microcosm of what the Church truly is, despite the failures and shortcomings we sometimes see in the news. This is the way of hope. 

So if you are still reeling from all of the negativity that has been brewing during Francis' pontificate, which obscures the good work and powerful message of the Holy Father, the most profound way you can help the Church is to pray, pray, pray, and be a positive member of your local parish. My family's parish is blessed to have an amazing bishop who radiates joy and enthusiasm for the Catholic Faith, so do extend your participation to your larger diocese community if possible. Focus on the grace that you receive from the sacraments, and be deeply thankful if you live in a place where you can regularly receive them. 

Read Pope Francis' own words, rather than relying upon comments taken out of the context; and avoid the interpretations of the news media and self-appointed Catholic policemen of social media. This is a time to make your faith stronger through adversity. When you feel you are suffering, offer that up for the poor souls in purgatory or someone whose cross is heavier than your own. Be the microcosm of the communion of faithful saints. 

Hyper Conservatives & Rad Trads | In Search of Catholicism's Middle Path

Oh Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. 
(Psalm 131: 1-2, RSV-2CE)

For now, the only commentary I'm following about what's going on in the Catholic Church, and especially regarding the Amazon Synod, is the Where Peter Is blog (wherepeteris.com), and Bishop Barron's YouTube channel. Taylor Marshall is still going on about the carved wooden statue of Our Lady of the Amazon being the pagan goddess Pachamama, Michael Voris is still sewing despair, and I can't listen to the disharmonic voices anymore. I want the quiet soul of the song of King David. 

It seems that certain vocal members of the Church, once representing a centrist, conservative element, are becoming increasingly hyper conservative, taking a hard right toward the "rad trad" position. While stopping short of saying that Vatican II, Pope Francis, and the Ordinary Form of the Mass are invalid, some traditional Catholics nevertheless come across as wanting to erase the teachings and changes of the Council; and to shed doubt on the conclave that elected Francis as Benedict XVI's successor.  

I'm not a theologian, and I don't think you have to be one in order to live as a faithful Catholic. Sometimes we strive to comprehend things that are perhaps a bit beyond us. We lean too much on our own understanding, and we forget that we will know what we need to know in God's time.  During a period of confusion and uncertainty, it's beneficial to go back to the basics. Focus on prayer, Scripture, and the Fathers of the early Church. 

This ressourcement, or a "return to the sources," is what the late Cardinal Henri de Lubac and his Communio school sought to accomplish in the aftermath of Vatican II. Faced on the one hand by a small number of bishops who wanted to reject the council, and on the other hand with a larger, too liberal faction, the Communio bishops persevered in a conservative but not regressive "middle path". This is the path continued on by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, which we see Pope Francis developing in his unique way. 

Believing that Francis is actually working more along the excessively liberal lines represented by Karl Rahner, hyper conservative Catholics likewise lump Henri de Lubac into the category of heretics. Their solution to every ill of the Church is a return to the pre-conciliar traditionalism represented by Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, which means jettisoning most of Vatican II and reverting, across the universal Church, to the Tridentine Mass and the pre-conciliar disciplines that go with it; ie., no female altar servers, receiving Communion on the tongue only, the predominance of the Latin language, no Eucharistic ministers, etc...

If there's one thing history teaches us, it's that we can't turn back the clock. As Catholics, we must hold to the traditions, both oral and written, left to us by Jesus and his Apostles. This is biblical. It's also a matter of Scripture and oral Tradition that we would see a development of doctrine over time. And that Jesus left us his Church as the ultimate pillar and foundation of Truth (1 Timothy 3: 15). Where Peter (the pope) is, there is the Church. This is what I cling to in these difficult times. 

So my next step is to read some of the works of Henri de Lubac and prayerfully discern the orthodoxy of his theology. I will follow his lead in returning to the sources as a way of putting the history of the Church in its entirely into perspective. I'll cease hurting my brain with those current arguments "too great and too marvelous for me." I'll keep following St. Therese's little way and the humble wisdom of the Holy Father. 

There are some testimonies that may prove helpful and inspiring, but that we are not meant to copy, for that coud even lead us astray from the one specific path that the Lord has in mind for us. The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (cf. 1 Cor 12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them. 
-- Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate   

Paganism in the Vatican? | "Where Peter Is" Blog | Bishop Barron's Middle Path

In a recent post (see Sept. 21 article), I expressed concern about the then upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region and the dialogue over the interpretation of paganism in its working document.  I'd been following various conservative Catholic news outlets and commentaries, especially the Dr. Taylor Marshall Show on YouTube and Michael Voris of Church Militant.  Then came an indigenous Amazonian tree planting ceremony on Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, two days before the opening of the Synod on Oct. 6.  Pope Francis has dedicated the Synod to the patronage of St. Francis.

I don't want to completely dismiss the concerns of faithful Catholics about Pope Francis and the Amazon Synod, but the reactionary firestorm I've been witnessing is leaving me cold.  At a certain point I began to seek out other perspectives, wondering if the narrative I've been hearing is completely accurate and factual.  Today I found the Where Peter Is blog and read Pedro Gabriel's article "Paganism in the Vatican? Hermeneutic of Suspicion at its Peak."  

The author presents evidence that the tree planting ceremony was not indeed pagan, and that the much decried, carved wooden statue of a pregnant woman represents the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Amazon. The 2nd pregnant figure is believed to be St. Elizabeth, with the two women representing The Visitation.  These are not, as the accusation has been put forth, fertility goddesses.  I recommend reading Gabriel's complete article: https://wherepeteris.com/paganism-in-the-vatican-hermeneutic-of-suspicion-at-its-peak/.

I've become increasingly uncomfortable with what seems to me to be blatant disrespect for Pope Francis. I agree with Gabriel that a hermeneutic of suspicion, of treating every little thing the pope says and does through a preconceived, negatively critical lens, is at work here. I've also learned since publishing my Sept. 21, "three bad things" article that the working document for the Amazon Synod, Instrumentum Laboris, is not a magisterial document, but rather the blueprint for discussion during the Synod. 

Language used in the working document that seems to signal an acceptance of paganism might instead be a reflection of the spirituality of the Amazonian peoples whom the Synod seeks to understand, help in their various needs, and evangelize. It seems more likely that what we have here is an approach of inculturation rather than religious syncretism. News reports have stated that Pope Francis intends to eventually destroy Instrumentum Laboris, and he has indicated his reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide the Synod and its outcomes.

Yes, the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church is real and horrifying, and we can't sweep it under the rug. Perhaps Pope Francis could have responded to it better, but maybe he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Has the pope truly been using "weaponized ambiguity" to undermine the traditional teachings of the Church, as he has been accused? Is he really a Marxist, or does he simply have a deep devotion to helping the poor, the marginalized, and the migrant? As for his intentions in the realm of education, there might be cause for concern, but this remains to be seen.  

I refuse to be worked into a frenzy over the narrative being presented by the anti-Francis, hyper conservative Catholic media. Theirs is one perspective, one side of the story. I recently viewed the YouTube video from Bishop Barron on his theological process, in which he presents his "middle path" between the radical Catholic liberals on the one hand, and the traditionalists who want to disregard Vatican II and return to a pre-conciliar version of the Church on the other. I think Bishop Barron's viewpoint is well worth looking into (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB6w4miLEc8).

The Catholic Church needs unity right now; and as she has always been, the Church founded by Jesus is unified under the authority of the pope, the successor of St. Peter. We would all do well not to forget that. 

 

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary | Embracing Peace

It is now late in the day of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and I've found a new sense of peace and hope. I have not had the willpower to avoid all news and stay entirely off YouTube, as I planned to this month, but I've gained a new perspective on the issues I've been recently writing about. 

Yesterday while using the computer I saw that Dr. Taylor Marshall was live from Rome on YouTube, and out of curiosity I tuned in. I didn't watch the whole thing, because I could feel my serenity being broken, and I was proud of myself for tuning back out. 

Taylor was bemoaning an indigenous Amazonian tree planting ceremony, led by a woman (quel horreur!), and attended by Pope Francis in the Vatican garden. He basically said that he and his cronies had been commiserating about how they might be able to destroy the tree. It just seemed silly, and the scrupulosity I've seen growing among some traditional Catholics is beginning to grate on my nerves. 

Taylor also spoke about how happy he was to have gone to a High Mass that day, without all the Novus Ordo type "distractions" of altar girls, Eucharistic ministers, communion in the hand, etc... While it's certainly wonderful that he had the privilege of attending the Latin Mass in Rome, and if I were there, I'd welcome the opportunity as well, I felt tired of this typical spiel. 

I had gone to Mass that morning myself. My daughter was an altar server, and my husband was the commentator and lector. Our priest, still weak from cancer treatments, needed to sit during Holy Communion, so everyone received it from a Eucharistic minister. I received on the tongue, which anyone has the choice to do. The kids who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in February and their parents were called up front for a ceremony, and we prayed for them as a congregation. After Mass we all ate a delicious brunch together and fellowshipped with one another. The entire morning was lovely and Spirit filled, the weather was gorgeous, and I was grateful to be there. 

Here's my point. Dr. Marshall did mention that the Novus Ordo (Ordinary Form) Mass is valid, but he clearly seems to think it's inferior to the Tridentine Mass (Extraordinary Form). After encountering this attitude prevalent on the Internet, I too once became distracted by what were being called the "liturgical abuses" of the Ordinary Form. It turned out that nothing I was concerned about was actually an abuse. I refuse to be influenced anymore by this elitism that attempts to suck the joy out of the fact that I receive the Real Presence of Jesus, body, blood, soul, and divinity, every time I partake of the Eucharist! 

The pews in my Novus Ordo parish church were packed yesterday. I did not feel like a member of a dying Church. It's time for me to go to sleep now, as I pray my Rosary in the dark. And I pray that you let nothing disturb you. Simply be in awe of the wonder of our enduring Faith. 

Feast of St. Therese, the Little Flower

To be honest, dear readers, I've still been feeling a lot of anxiety over the state of the Catholic Church, and with the Amazon Synod only five days away, I'm fighting a foreboding dread. But today is the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, and if anyone can shower us with roses, it is she. In the previous post I emphasized that to fight the good fight, we must be saints. One of the best ways to become a saint is to emulate those canonized by the Church. 

We can feel so small and powerless against forces beyond our control. Opinions galore on Pope Francis flood the Internet. I feel like I should do something Henny Penny style, running through the streets warning everyone that the sky is falling. I wish it were a mere acorn dropped on our heads. How can we possibly shoulder this burden? 

St. Therese has the solution. She said, "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right, & doing it all for love."  

I have attempted to simplify my life over and over again, but at times I realize that I'm trying to pile too much on. I tell myself that I must do great things. But St. Therese did not strive to do great things. Instead, she offered up all the small things of everyday life to God, using her sacrifices for his purpose. In the process, Therese became one of the most beloved of saints, as well as one of four female Doctors of the Church. Her spiritual writings are chock full of simple wisdom. 

October 7 is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and this entire month is dedicated in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. This morning I woke early from a nightmare, so I took hold of my Rosary from the bed stand and prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries. Following Therese's "little way," my plan is to simply pray the Rosary daily this month and offer up my small sacrifices for Pope Francis, the Amazon Synod, and the Church, praying only that God's will be done. 

A part of me wants to keep up on the news, but following it all on YouTube is too overwhelming. I've got to lay this burden down. 

I've been reading a Psalm a day at least a few times a week, but I'm going to make this a daily commitment. Rawley Myers' book, Embraced by Mary, contains devotions for the entire month of October. 

So there is my plan. The Rosary, the Psalms, Myers' meditations, and going about my day with intention, following St. Therese's little way. No YouTube, for either news or self-improvement. I have my tasks, and worry is not one of them. 

Make the most of this October, my friends, and may you be richly blessed and showered with heavenly roses. 

Is Pope Francis Off the Rails? | The "Bad Things Happen in 3s" Rule | The Antidote of Traditional Catholicism

Now we know that for those who love God all things work together unto good, for those who, according to his purpose, are saints through his call.    Romans 8: 28


When the sex abuse scandal erupted in the Catholic Church during last year's "summer of shame," I wondered how God would work this horror to the good. Like many Catholics, I've experienced confusion, anger, doubt, and despondency. Pope Francis didn't exactly provide the answers his flock were craving. He still hasn't. 

To Archbishop Vigano's accusations that the sex crimes of U.S. Cardinal McCarrick were known at the highest levels of the Vatican, that Pope Benedict had in fact put severe restrictions on McCarrick, which Pope Francis subsequently lifted; Francis merely stated, "I will not say a single word" on the allegations of cover-up. 

McCarrick has since been defrocked, and the pope eventually claimed that he didn't know about McCarrick, or at least didn't remember being told. He held a meeting of bishops this year in February to deal with the problem of pedophilia in the Church, extending the mission to eradicate crimes of pedophilia worldwide. However, the McCarrick earthquake was only the beginning of a series of aftershocks that have continued to be revealed over the past year. The corruption in the Church goes higher and is more extensive than anyone imagined. 

As admirable as Pope Francis' efforts toward addressing the issue of pedophilia are, many were concerned that he needed to clean up his own house before setting out to rid the world of this scourge. And truth be told, pedophilia is not actually the primary issue. Even one case of sex abuse against a child is too many. But as it turns out, 81% of the sex abuse cases perpetrated by Catholic clergy over a period of many decades did not involve children or females at all. Pedophilia as legally defined is a crime against pre-pubescent children. Catholic clergy are no more likely to be guilty of pedophilia than clergy of non-Catholic Christian denominations or other faith traditions. 

The fact that 81% of these cases involved adolescent boys and grown men clearly makes this a situation of gross homosexual predation. Homosexual attacks and intimidation perpetrated upon seminarians and a homosexual grooming of the priesthood have been exposed. The Church is blighted with a systemic disorder, and the hierarchy seems unwilling to address it. Only when the secular media exposes abuse against a minor does the Vatican take action. 

So in a nutshell, there's the first bad thing in the proverbial series of three. The Body of Christ had not even recovered from the shock of the sex abuse scandal before we were hit with the next blow. The upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region will meet from Oct. 6 to 27. A significant amount of attention has shifted from the sex abuse crisis to outrage against the agenda of this meeting, which traditional Catholics fear could destroy the Church and her perennial teachings as we know them. The working document of the Pan-Amazon Synod (Instrumentum Laboris), from the portions I've heard via Catholic news outlets, seems like an ode to paganism and the New Age, with phrases like God Father-Mother Creator and the Cosmic Christ (http://www.sinodoamazonico.va/content/sinodoamazonico/en/documents/pan-amazon-synod--the-working-document-for-the-synod-of-bishops.html).

I haven't read the entire document yet, but this is the kind of language I heard when I attended the "New Thought" Unity Church, which did not even have a valid Christian baptism, baptizing in the Holy Spirit only. Its book shop and library were filled with New Age offerings such as Neal Donald Walsh's "channeled" series, Conversations with God, and Eastern teachings, including reincarnation. This is also, I don't think coincidentally, the language used in A Course in Miracles, the "channeled" New Age tome upon which Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson's beliefs are built. 

The fear being expressed by some members of the clergy and laity alike is that there is nothing Catholic about these "new paths" of the Amazon Synod. I see a parallel between the fight for the soul of the Church and the fight for the preservation of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness we are witnessing in the United States of America. 

The good news is that the sex abuse scandal brought intense scrutiny on Pope Francis, so that he isn't going to be able to slip by under the radar with this Amazonian agenda, like he did with his 2016 papal document, Amoris Laetitia. Though the orthodoxy of its content was being seriously questioned, Catholic news media outlets such as EWTN tried to interpret that document with a hermeneutic of continuity, giving the pope the benefit of the doubt that he was not intent on breaking with Tradition. However, some now believe that Amoris Laetitia was intended to set the stage for the impending October Synod. More and more of the faithful are seriously concerned that the Church is indeed in dire straits. 

Oh, but that isn't all, my friends. Come May 14, 2020, we will be faced with determining the meaning of Pope Francis' "new humanism" agenda, with a meeting titled "Reinventing the Global Educational Alliance." From what I've heard, Pope Francis has  already indicated that Catholics must fall in line with the socialist ideology of the United Nations, and this Global Education Pact might just seal the deal. Wait, doesn't the Catholic Church teach that parents are to be respected as the primary and principle educators of their children? Indeed she does. So why does it seem that the pope wants the "global village" to raise our children? 

If the saying is true that bad things happen in 3s, there you have it: 1) the scourge of homosexual predators that has infiltrated the Church;
2) The ambiguous agenda of the Pan-Amazon Synod which some believe aims to destroy traditional Church teaching and replace it with paganism and New Age mumbo jumbo;
3) The Global Education Pact to seal the deal by taking possession of the upbringing of our children.

Unfortunately, I've become so disturbed and distracted by all of this that I've become less diligent in doing those very things that are directly in my control as a response to any and all worries; such as praying the Rosary, going to Mass whenever possible, going to Confession, and fasting. We especially need to pray for Pope Francis. His intentions might be good and pastoral, but misguided. Perhaps certain men that wish to influence him do not have the best interests of the Church at heart. 

I recently learned that Francis is the first post-Vatican II pope. In other words, he received his priestly formation after the Second Vatican Council of 1962-1965. At this point in history the infiltration of unorthodox ideas that had been brewing for some time broke the surface, and much chaos and confusion in the Church ensued. The '70s and '80s are famous as an era of poor catechesis and a watering down of the Faith. Yet Francis remains the Vicar of Christ, and we must respect his holy office.

Jesus said, "And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 6: 18). Herein lies our hope. I converted to Catholicism because I came to believe that this Church is the one, holy, catholic (meaning universal) and apostolic Church built by Christ himself. I have seen the Lord work in not only mysterious ways, but with methods that seem downright bizarre. 

I don't know how he's going to work these bad things to his purposes, for the good of those who love God and answer the call to be his saints, but I have faith that he will do it. Our Lady also promised at Fatima that her Immaculate Heart will triumph. Satan will not prevail in the end, but we need to gear up for one hell of a battle.

Numbers 2 and 3 in my list of Bad Things have not yet transpired. There is still time to turn the tide. This is what I'll be exploring further in upcoming posts. To the men, I implore you to suit up, grab your lance, and mount the horse. You are the head of your family as Christ is the head of his Church. You MUST lead the way out of this quagmire. This means that you will need to reclaim traditional Christian manhood. 

Likewise, we women need to clean the dust off the men's armor and let them wear it. Allow them to sharpen the lance. Encourage them to ride the steed. We MUST reject feminism and reclaim traditional Christian womanhood. The connection may not seem clear, but I promise to elucidate the pattern of dots. The antidote to the infection is to cling ever more diligently to the cross and the true Tradition of the Church.

It's about the principle of subsidiarity, people. We have to begin with our own homes and communities before we can affect a wider change. And this isn't just for Catholics. Only today I read that the United Methodist Church is going into an official schism over the LGBT issue. That church will no longer be able to call itself United. The Catholic Church is the last bastion of traditional Christian teaching. She's the largest, most influential church in the world, and if she falls too far into darkness, the rest of Christendom will likewise plummet. 

The symptoms of heresy, apostasy, and immorality touch all Christians. We have to put our differences aside, not to pretend that they don't matter, because they do; but we need each other to have a hope for the future of our country and our children, wherever in the world we might live. God only works together for our good if we are saints, so it's imperative that we unite as such.

I will be speaking most directly to Catholics in many instances, when I explore what actions we might take and what attitudes we can adopt as saints, but I think that many other Christians will be able to relate. Let's build a community to restore the Church right here at Organic Mothering. Are you in?

(P.S. Please see my follow up to this post, the article dated Oct. 12.  More recent information is included, and developments have led to my reconsidering some of the views brought out in this post. I'm now questioning the narrative pervasively being put forth by certain members of the conservative Catholic news media and commentary.)

The Pope & Letting Go

I didn't want Pope Francis to go home. The feeling reminds me of the times my grandparents would come to visit me when I lived in Columbus, and I would be so sad when they left. Once my husband found me sitting on the couch crying, and I realized then how very much I missed them. There was an elderly couple living around the block from my house, and they were so kind to me and Beezy, always inviting us to sit on the porch or come in for ice cream. It made me wish it was that easy to spend time with my own grandma and grandpa. So I moved. I did what some people thought was a crazy thing, to leave the culture of the big city for my humble hometown.

We had to let go of many things. For example, virtually nothing is open here on Sundays. That is as it should be. But in the beginning it was hard to fathom not being able to go to a coffee shop, book store, the mall, or the movies. In fact, you have to look harder for any sort of entertainment or social activity in our area. I'd have to drive an hour one way to even shop at a decent mall. But I am creative. Between thrift stores and Ebay, I manage to clothe myself reasonably well. What I have learned is that when most of the toys are taken away, you find out what you're really made of. Without so many of the distractions, the search for meaning in life becomes crucial.

Some days I am extremely annoyed by what is lacking. I want to shake people until they wake up. This could be a much more vibrant community. It was once a self-sufficient, thriving railroad town, a happening village. Today it's as if the ghost of all those yesteryears moans in the alleyways like an orphan. Yet the characteristic independence of the place stubbornly clings, and so there is hope for revival. And if it comes, it will be something new. My part in that transformation may be small, but there is power in a mustard seed.

I have to let go of how-things-used-to-be, because now is all we have. Pope Francis was here while he was here, and it was glorious like Christmas morning, but he had to go home and prepare for the next thing. Like Jesus' apostles who saw him transfigured in his heavenly glory on the mountain top, we have to descend again and press on with the task at hand. I don't have to go looking for my purpose in life. It is here, all around me. I'm sitting in the middle of it. I have a home and a family to care for, a book and blogs to write, and seeds of contemplation to sew. I am needed in non-earth-shattering ways, but my presence matters nonetheless. I am blessed to have my grandparents to visit, only a few minutes away. There are things unseen that come into sharper focus in the melancholy, fading fall light.

I think the Pope came to America to help us step up where we need to step up, and to let go where we need to let go. The trouble lies in discernment between the two. But I'm a little closer to Wisdom than I was before he came. Thank you, oh Francis, my Francis.

Soul Searching

A situation occurred in one of my Facebook groups which required me to reactivate. I'll reflect on that in a moment. One good thing about being back "on" was that a friend had been looking for me, and we had a nice chat. She relayed how she had struggled with Facebook herself and found a solution by unfollowing most of her friends. So there is another suggestion for simplifying the process. You can still be active on social media, but you can take control of what you see. I don't personally know this awesome woman, but she is a fellow Catholic, and she told me that she has been doing a lot of soul searching. I'm right there with her.

Pope Francis is visiting the United States right now for the first time in his life. And this morning he addressed a joint session of Congress, the first pope in history ever to do so. I was in my car trying to catch his speech on the radio, but the reception wasn't great, and combined with his accent, he was difficult to understand. I'm certain it will be available to listen to or watch another time. I decided to focus as much as I could on Francis' voice, on his tone, even more than on what he was actually saying. I noticed how slowly he spoke, with such care. And although they were supposed to hold their applause, his audience members could not contain themselves. From what I heard afterward, politicians from both sides of the aisle were very moved. Francis wants America to become a land of dreams once again.

Indeed. My country seems a long way from the land of the free and the home of the brave that she once was. The small town I live in provides little opportunity for gainful employment. Many empty store fronts line its main street. People here are very brave. They try to get a restaurant, or a boutique, or an arts center going. It's discouraging to see these efforts take off, then struggle, then ultimately fail. And some people are very, very sensitive to any criticism of the village. How can we form a vision for where we wish the community to go if we refuse to see the truth? The run down houses, the drunks, the meth labs, the abused and neglected children, the profanity heard loudly on the streets. The pope sees all of it and shines a spotlight on the stark realities.

So the moderator I put in charge of one of my groups while I was taking a hiatus from Facebook voiced a concern regarding two girls she personally knew who had broken an arm during recess at school, both within a week. This was in fact the third girl she knew that this had happened to at the same school, and while the discussion was going on, she found out about two more broken bone incidents since the last two. One happened on the way to school, and the other occurred while a child was playing near the school on the weekend. While my friend acknowledged that these events could certainly all have been a bad luck coincidence, it seemed very odd in such a small town. She wanted to know if others might have some insight into the situation.

This moderator simply questioned whether the recess accidents might have occurred due to insufficient supervision. She also shared her experience as a teacher. Most group members were polite, but a couple attacked her and accused her of bashing the school. Absolutely no one consented that it was even a remote possibility that the kids aren't being watched well enough on the playground.

This is a little thing compared to abortion, war, terrorism, and hunger, but bear with me. These angry folks want to censor others who say anything they don't like. They jump all over anyone who brings a problem into focus. I won't allow the censorship. I won't allow bullying. And even if not a single soul sees things one person's way, that doesn't mean that person is wrong. It isn't wrong to question, to be concerned, to hold our public servants accountable. It's perfectly okay, and even necessary, to keep a watch on those local institutions to which our taxpayer dollars go. If we can't be realistic about one little town, if we can't have civilized conversations and disagreements on social media, if all we want is to have perfume blown up our you-know-whats, then how on earth can we be effective as a citizenry when it comes to monumental national issues?

People don't want honesty and sincerity anymore, unless you are singing a Snow White happy song surrounded by turtledoves. But the Christian Faith is the narrow road. It ain't gonna make you popular to sound your horn of justice. To say, hey look, there's an ogre living next door who tears babies apart and eats them for breakfast! (And sells the leftovers for profit.)

I was amazed that during the recent GOP debate, the topic of education was not addressed at all, except for a brief mention by one candidate, in a tone of disdain, that another was a fan of Common Core. The unconstitutional, federal Department of Education and its liberty robbing agenda needs to be faced like a fearless bullfighter against a brutal beast. I hope the next president has a red cape and a spine to drape it across.

Expect me to be even more frank than usual. My soul is melancholy. My heart hurts. The evil in the world is overwhelming. Jesus didn't pussy foot around. He was kind, healing, humble, loving, and compassionate. He also turned over the market tables in the Temple. He broke man's laws when they were not in harmony with God's. He did not mince words or endeavor to be politically correct or falsely diplomatic. His own hometown people tried to throw him off a cliff. Luckily I live in a very flat land.

The Novus Ordo Mass and Protestant Church Services

Earlier this week I had a group suggested to me by Facebook called Traditional Catholic Mothers. Here is the group's description:

From the Administrator: Hello Ladies, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on what is going on with this group. As of a couple months ago our old administrator has left this group and handed over the administrative responsibilities to my sister Marrissa Garratt and I. We have had a lot of new member requests lately and many new members have joined in the last month. SO as a refresher here is what this group is for, it was founded as a place where we can share and enrich each other with the Traditional Catholic Faith. Anyone who attends a Latin Mass, or acknowledges the true Mass to be the Latin Mass is welcome for membership in this group. We will not tolerate any Novus Ordo!! So if you are sympathetic to the Novus Ordo and Vatican II, I suggest you leave this group and look for membership into another group as I will moderate what is posted and delete anything Novus Ordo! Please DO NOT post about what is happening in Rome and all that stuff, we are well aware of what is going on in the Vatican II church. We are also a Homeschooling group for those who Homeschool or are supportive of Homeschooling. Personally, my views are Sedevacantist, but I'm not here to enforce my views on anyone, again, we are not here for debate. I want this page to be a page about living the Traditional Catholic Faith, Homeschooling, and also a source for those new to the Traditional Faith who are trying to learn more about the One, True, Holy, Catholic Faith. Thank You!

Wow, right?! This is why I am occasionally tempted to get off FB altogether. It leads me to unfortunate places. This isn't the first time I've felt disturbed by the "traditional vs. progressive" debates and the hullabaloo over Vatican II. Once again I was sucked into surfing the internet for articles and conversations on these topics, and the more I read, the less serenity I was able to preserve. I read on a sedevacantist website (people who believe that the Chair of Peter is empty, that there hasn't been a real pope since at least Vatican II) that the only valid Mass is the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), that the Novus Ordo Mass (NOM) is evil (as was Vatican II); and that in fact the transubstantiation does not take place in the Novus Ordo. It became very difficult to discern what was true. I was too much in my head.

Other recurring themes were that the NOM lacks reverence and is filled with liturgical abuses, and that it has "Protestantized" the Catholic Church. Now, there is so much that could be discussed in the TLM vs. Novus Ordo debate that it simply would not fit into one blog post, even if I thought myself informed enough to take it on, which I do not. I've only even been to a TLM once. However, the reverence and Protestantization issues I can knowledgeably speak to. So what is reverence? According to Merriam-Webster, the first definition is  

honor or respect felt or shown :  deference; especially :  profound adoring awed respect.

I am a Protestant convert to the Catholic Faith. The first time I attended a Catholic Mass as an adult, I thought to myself, Wow, I didn't know Catholics were such Jesus freaks! This might sound incredibly irreverent, but I meant it as a sincere compliment. Considering that I had heard along the way in life that Catholics weren't real Christians, I was extremely struck by the reverence paid to Jesus in the Mass. The entire thing was saturated with Jesus. I can't say whether the TLM is even more reverent, because I honestly couldn't follow what was going on. I have a book coming to explain the TLM to me, and I plan to go again soon. 

Are the accusers against the NOM implying that the Novus Ordo is less reverent, for one reason, because they believe that it closely resembles a Protestant service? First of all, I have to wonder if most of these people have ever been practicing Protestants or even visited Protestant churches enough to have an educated opinion. Second, with there being something like 22,000 Protestant denominations and independent churches, I can't see how one could even make a sweeping generalization of comparison. And the implication that Protestants are less reverent Christians is quite presumptuous!

On the surface the NO Mass has similarities to some Protestant church services. That shouldn't be surprising, as we are worshiping the same Lord. When I started to attend Mass regularly, I was glad that the experience wasn't entirely foreign. The priest told bad jokes just like I was used to hearing from Protestant ministers! Scripture was read, hymns were sung, prayers were said, the priest gave a homily, which I took to be a sermon like I was familiar with, all done in English, and there was Holy Communion. But that's where things get radically different. Grape juice was always substituted for wine in the Protestant churches I attended, and the bread and juice were understood to be only symbolic of Jesus' body and blood. 

The entire Catholic Faith, and the central reason for the Mass, pivots on the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the transubstantiated bread and wine. Grape juice is never substituted for wine. The bread must be wheat. The bread and wine must be properly consecrated by a bishop or priest, who obtains the power to do so through apostolic succession. The lineage of the bishops and priests today (via their connection by ordination) can be traced back all the way to the 12 apostles. Where did Peter end up going after Jesus' Ascension and where was he subsequently martyred? Rome, my friends, Rome. Peter was the first pope, which means he was the first head bishop. Pope means "papa", a term of endearment. 

I don't think Protestants are any less reverent as people of God than are Catholics. Reverence is an attitude of the heart. A greatly significant difference is that a Protestant minister would have no power to change the bread and wine into the Real Presence of Jesus. The Eucharist is a re-enactment which makes present, today, the one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an un-bloody sacrifice, as well as a memorial meal. This key difference in belief renders Catholicism and Protestantism into virtually two different religions. Differences aside, I have never experienced Communion in a Protestant Church that was not done with great reverence.

The only place in the Novus Ordo where I question the suitability for reverence is the practice of singing a hymn during Communion. Usually my family sits close to the front of the church, so my attention is divided between singing and keeping an eye out for when it's time to stand up and get in the Communion line. Then when I get back to my seat, I have to try to locate where everyone is at in the song. This is so distracting, and at a time when we should be focused on receiving our Lord. I think silence during Communion would be more reverent, but that's my opinion, not a fact. I do my best by simply not singing the hymn at that time and praying when I get back to my seat. The song distracts me from my prayers, but it is what it is. And sometimes it's a hymn I love, and I go ahead and sing. 

To wrap it up, I had been praying on my concerns, and yesterday I went into the adoration chapel to pray to Jesus before the tabernacle, where the consecrated host that hasn't been consumed yet is stored. As soon as I walked in, the Presence swept over me. I felt it in my bones. Without doubt, Jesus was there, not just spiritually, but in the unique form of transubstantiated, Eucharistic bread. The Novus Ordo is valid. It should really be enough for the doubters and dissenters that the Church says the NO Mass is valid. The risk of Protestantization occurs when Catholics stop respecting the authority of the Church!

I rejoice that through this trial (and it is Lent, after all!) I had the opportunity to offer up my suffering and to experience a renewal of my faith. I started reading a book I have owned since my conversion, The How-To Book of the Mass by Michael Dubruiel, to deepen my understanding of the Novus Ordo. There are many other differences between Protestant and Catholic worship, which perhaps I will explore in a future post. But for now I am consoled that the Catholicity has not been removed from the Church. She remains the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Habemus Papam!!

Wow, what a monumental day! I so wanted to go on Facebook and talk about the new Pope, but I gave FB up for Lent!! I shared the historic moment with my daughter this afternoon, who because she is homeschooled was able to sit beside me and watch EWTN's online coverage, each of us sharing an ear bob of the headphones. I cannot describe my feelings when I saw the white smoke and heard the joyful roar of the crowd waiting in the rain at St. Peter's Square. Or the awe I felt when I saw Pope Francis for the first time, so humble, such love and gratitude in his voice. I was looking at the Vicar of Christ on my computer screen. The Vicar of Christ!! I will never forget it, and I am so happy to be coming into this Church in 17 days. Thank you, Spirit of God, Ruah Elohim, for this blessing.