Tuesday, October 23, 2018
A Byzantine Catholic Look at the Orthodox Trouble
Church Life: The Orthodox Schism Under Western Eyes by Chase Padusniak
Monday, October 22, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #14
October 22, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fourteenth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 22, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fourteenth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
A Comment at CWR
source
Concerning 1572: I correct myself: the date is from 1575 to 1577. The fourth Superior General, Fr. Everard Mercurian, “forbade the reading of certain authors as not in keeping with the spirit of the Society: Tauler, Ruysbroeck, Mombaer, Herp, Lull, St. Gertrude, St. Mechtild, and others.” The position of mental prayer in the Society “eventually was formulated as follows: discursive meditation is the type of formal prayer that is proper to the Society of Jesus; affective prayer and contemplative prayer are foreign to the Jesuit spirit.” (“Christian Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition” by Fr. Jordan Aumann, OP, pp. 203-206) This is a shift away from Ignatius’ training of the first Jesuits and his own spirituality. His “Spiritual Diaries” which show how he himself practiced discernment, were only published less than 100 years ago, and since then there has been an effort to recover the original inspiration of the Founder, but a tradition shut in a cupboard for 350 years is not easily resurrected. There was a similar shift away from traditional prayer at the same time in other spiritual traditions, and the effect it has had on the Church in the past 400 years is far more than I can discuss here. However, a tree whose tap-root has been cut can hardly be expected to flourish, and, far from blaming the Jesuits because they do not measure up to what we expect of them, I admire them for what they have accomplished with the emasculated spiritual formation they have been given. I pray that they may recover the true understanding of the spiritual life bequeathed to them by St. Ignatius.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
A Pastoral Revolution: Six Talismanic Words in the Ecclesial Debate on the Family
CWR: The Synod and six enchanting, problematic buzzwords by Fr Nicholas Gregoris
A new book by Italian scholar Guido Vignelli unpacks the semantic and theological significance of terms that have become popular during the pontificate of Francis and the last three Synods.
A new book by Italian scholar Guido Vignelli unpacks the semantic and theological significance of terms that have become popular during the pontificate of Francis and the last three Synods.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Friday, October 19, 2018
I'd Hate to Agree with the Father General
But there are probably Latin traditionalists who agree with him as well. But: what is Father Arturo's agenda? And does this [fake] exercise of synodality count as a change in the exercise of the papacy, if the results are the same?
What Did Jesuit Superior Mean When He Said Pope Is Not the ‘Chief’ of the Church? by Hannah Brockhaus/CNA
Father Arturo Sosa Abascal said Francis consciously calls himself the Bishop of Rome, instead of using grander titles.
What Did Jesuit Superior Mean When He Said Pope Is Not the ‘Chief’ of the Church? by Hannah Brockhaus/CNA
Father Arturo Sosa Abascal said Francis consciously calls himself the Bishop of Rome, instead of using grander titles.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Window Dressing
Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan Discusses Synod’s Priorities by Deborah Castellano Lubov
Patriarch Younan notes the best ways of reaching young people — including those in his beleaguered homeland.
Patriarch Younan notes the best ways of reaching young people — including those in his beleaguered homeland.
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #12
October 18, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The twelfth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 18, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The twelfth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #11
October 17, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The eleventh in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 17, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The eleventh in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Crisis Magazine: Cardinal Ouellet’s Response to Archbishop Viganò Lacks Credibility by JOHN M. MCCARTHY
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #10
October 16, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
It is crucial that there be a clean, transparent, and agreed-upon mechanism by which the Synod fathers can register their judgments issue by issue.
October 16, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
It is crucial that there be a clean, transparent, and agreed-upon mechanism by which the Synod fathers can register their judgments issue by issue.
Matthew 20:25
Kyrie eleison. We deserve greater chastisement.
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has Considered it Impossible to Remain in the Eucharistic Communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople
Statement by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church concerning the encroachment of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the canonical territory of the Russian Church
Metropolitan Hilarion: Decisions taken by Constantinople run contrary to canonical Tradition of the Orthodox Church
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has Considered it Impossible to Remain in the Eucharistic Communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople
Statement by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church concerning the encroachment of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the canonical territory of the Russian Church
Metropolitan Hilarion: Decisions taken by Constantinople run contrary to canonical Tradition of the Orthodox Church
Monday, October 15, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #9
October 15, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The ninth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 15, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The ninth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Changing the Practice of the Sacraments of Initiation for Children?
In areas where infant morality is low, can a case be made that for some children, the giving of the sacraments of initiation should be delayed until they have been properly catechized and can choose to receive them? Here I am thinking of children whose parents have been poorly catechized and have a non-existent prayer life, and have very little to give to their children. Is it proper to expect the parish priest (or parish community) to shoulder the burden of preparing their children to become Christians? Should there be a more serious examination of whether parents are actually ready to educate their children before administering the sacraments of initiation to the children?
Sunday, October 14, 2018
A One-Sided Examination of Paul VI
Focused entirely on Humanae Vitae.
NCReg: My Wife is Catholic Because of Pope Paul VI by Shaun McAfee
We couldn't be more grateful to those faithful Catholics who brought us sweetly and courageously into the Church, and now, we await the official recognition that Pope Paul VI is a saint.
And another...
Paul VI’s Canonization Presents an Opportunity by Matthew E. Bunson
Recalling the Pope’s Prophetic Papacy
NCReg: My Wife is Catholic Because of Pope Paul VI by Shaun McAfee
We couldn't be more grateful to those faithful Catholics who brought us sweetly and courageously into the Church, and now, we await the official recognition that Pope Paul VI is a saint.
And another...
Paul VI’s Canonization Presents an Opportunity by Matthew E. Bunson
Recalling the Pope’s Prophetic Papacy
And the world didn't end...
But will it be an embarrassment and a PR disaster for the Patriarchate of Rome in the future? Or will everyone have forgotten the controversy in 100 years? (Will there be a true cult of Paul VI by then?)
An Oldie
From One Eucharistic Prayer to Many: How it Happened and Why by FATHER CASSIAN FOLSOM, OSB
Somewhat appropriate given that Paul VI is supposed to be canonized today.
Edit.
Somewhat appropriate given that Paul VI is supposed to be canonized today.
Edit.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Including Paul the Sad
The Seven in Heaven: Meet the new saints to be canonized this weekend
PAUL VI AND THE CANONIZATION OF VATICAN II by Jake Neu
No in-depth look at the Pauline reform of the Roman Missal and its consequences.
"By canonizing John XXIII, John Paul II, and Paul VI, Pope Francis is embracing Vatican II and the changes it wrought in religious practice, devotion, the liturgy, administration, external relationships, and general outlook."
He already embraced Vatican II, or rather, a particular interpretation of it, and this is what is being pushed in the canonizations.
Edit. Guest Note: "Paul VI: the 'Pastoral' Canonization of the Spirit of Vatican II" -- by Fr. Pio Pace
One doesn't have to agree with the Latin traditionalists on liturgy and liturgical practice before he can agree with them on the Latin "progressives" and their attempt to claim Vatican II as their own. (Although there would be disagreement as to whether the progressive interpretation is the clear meaning of all of the texts, and intended unanimously by those drafting the documents.)
PAUL VI AND THE CANONIZATION OF VATICAN II by Jake Neu
No in-depth look at the Pauline reform of the Roman Missal and its consequences.
"By canonizing John XXIII, John Paul II, and Paul VI, Pope Francis is embracing Vatican II and the changes it wrought in religious practice, devotion, the liturgy, administration, external relationships, and general outlook."
He already embraced Vatican II, or rather, a particular interpretation of it, and this is what is being pushed in the canonizations.
Edit. Guest Note: "Paul VI: the 'Pastoral' Canonization of the Spirit of Vatican II" -- by Fr. Pio Pace
One doesn't have to agree with the Latin traditionalists on liturgy and liturgical practice before he can agree with them on the Latin "progressives" and their attempt to claim Vatican II as their own. (Although there would be disagreement as to whether the progressive interpretation is the clear meaning of all of the texts, and intended unanimously by those drafting the documents.)
Friday, October 12, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #8
October 12, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The eighth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 12, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The eighth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Amen.
CWR Dispatch: Ouellet, Viganó, and the true beauty of the Crucified One by Dr. Adam A. J. DeVille
If Cardinal Ouellet, widely acknowledged as a brilliant theologian, wishes to follow Mother Theresa and “do something beautiful for God,” then I think there is only one thing needful.
If Cardinal Ouellet, widely acknowledged as a brilliant theologian, wishes to follow Mother Theresa and “do something beautiful for God,” then I think there is only one thing needful.
CWR: Prominent Catholic astronomers discuss the proposed “Hubble-Lemaître Law” by Justin McClain, O.P.
“Hubble and Lemaître brought different and complementary insights to what would come to be known as Hubble’s law — Hubble the observations, and Lemaître the model of the cosmos that obeys that law. But Lemaître got there first.”
“Hubble and Lemaître brought different and complementary insights to what would come to be known as Hubble’s law — Hubble the observations, and Lemaître the model of the cosmos that obeys that law. But Lemaître got there first.”
Thursday, October 11, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #7
October 11, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The seventh in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 11, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The seventh in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
CWR Dispatch: The cerberus of clerical sexual misconduct: a canonical overview by Edward N. Peters
It behooves all to understand what canon law does, and does not, say about these matters so that discussion of responses to the crisis may proceed more efficiently.
original
It behooves all to understand what canon law does, and does not, say about these matters so that discussion of responses to the crisis may proceed more efficiently.
original
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #6
October 10, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The sixth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 10, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The sixth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #5
October 9, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fifth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 9, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fifth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Monday, October 08, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #4
October 8, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fourth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
October 8, 2018 / by Xavier Rynne II
The fourth in a series of reports on Synod-2018.
Interview with Archbishop Sample
Posting this more on his reflections about prayer and reverence in liturgical praxis than his apologia for the EF in Latin or his theology of Holy Orders (as I disagree with both). Young Latin Catholics have been deprived of much, but who is going to provide them with what they need?
Maybe the Anglican Ordinariates.
Sunday, October 07, 2018
Disappointing
I expected more from Cardinal Ouellet.
CNA: Cardinal Ouellet: Vigano in ‘open and scandalous rebellion’ against Pope Francis
Edward Pentin
CWR: Cardinal Ouellet’s letter forceful, but does not provide substantial refutation by Christopher R. Altieri
CNA: Cardinal Ouellet: Vigano in ‘open and scandalous rebellion’ against Pope Francis
Edward Pentin
CWR: Cardinal Ouellet’s letter forceful, but does not provide substantial refutation by Christopher R. Altieri
Saturday, October 06, 2018
Will the Review Be Credible and Trustworthy?
CNA: Pope Francis orders review of Vatican McCarrick files
CWR: Analysis: Pope’s ‘thorough study’ of McCarrick files unlikely to satisfy by Christopher R. Altieri
This “thorough study” could be a very little step in the right direction — certainly too little and arguably too late.
CWR: Analysis: Pope’s ‘thorough study’ of McCarrick files unlikely to satisfy by Christopher R. Altieri
This “thorough study” could be a very little step in the right direction — certainly too little and arguably too late.
Friday, October 05, 2018
First Things: LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018: #3 Edited by Xavier Rynne II
REPORTS AND COMMENTARY, FROM ROME AND ELSEWHERE, ON THE XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
REPORTS AND COMMENTARY, FROM ROME AND ELSEWHERE, ON THE XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Thursday, October 04, 2018
Wednesday, October 03, 2018
A Series from First Things
LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2018
NUMBER ONE: REPORTS AND COMMENTARY, FROM ROME AND ELSEWHERE, ON THE XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Edited by Xavier Rynne II
NUMBER ONE: REPORTS AND COMMENTARY, FROM ROME AND ELSEWHERE, ON THE XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Edited by Xavier Rynne II
Will it be around for 100?
NCReg: Holiness for Everyone: Opus Dei Marks Its 90th Birthday by Sabrina Arena Ferrisi
The community St. Josemaría Escrivá founded to emphasize sanctity amid ordinary life continues to impact souls.
Related:
St. Josemaría Escrivá Had a Special Love for England by K.V. Turley
Oct. 2, 2018, is the 90th anniversary of the beginning of Opus Dei. This summer marks the 60th anniversary of St. Josemaría’s first visit to England.
The community St. Josemaría Escrivá founded to emphasize sanctity amid ordinary life continues to impact souls.
Related:
St. Josemaría Escrivá Had a Special Love for England by K.V. Turley
Oct. 2, 2018, is the 90th anniversary of the beginning of Opus Dei. This summer marks the 60th anniversary of St. Josemaría’s first visit to England.
Always Pushing the Line
CNA: Pope Francis calls for a youth synod 'anointed by hope'
Let's make the synod a mini Vatican Council!
Let's make the synod a mini Vatican Council!
Tuesday, October 02, 2018
About That Synod...
Crisis Magazine: An Open Letter to Archbishop Chaput Supporting His Call to Cancel the Youth Synod by JULIA MELONI
A Bit Like Gaudium et Spes?
Perhaps I am doing Gaudium et Spes a discredit.
CWR: The 2018 Synod: Key themes, deep tensions, and many questions by Thomas R. Ascik
The working document is an interminable and exhausting assembly of ideas and popular notions about the situation of youth in today’s world. Its predominant tone is not spiritual, moral, or sacramental.
CWR: The 2018 Synod: Key themes, deep tensions, and many questions by Thomas R. Ascik
The working document is an interminable and exhausting assembly of ideas and popular notions about the situation of youth in today’s world. Its predominant tone is not spiritual, moral, or sacramental.
Choosing Christ
Was reading some books about the history of Confirmation in the Patriarchate of Rome. Not it would follow that if children were to not be given the sacraments of initiation as infants, that the number of Catholics who fall-away later in life would decrease, as the total number of Catholics would decrease, and the only neophytes would be of adult age, or close to it.
Still, if it is necessary, as Baptists claim(?), for people to make a deliberate decision to become Christian before being initiated, then is there a case to be made, in light of the number of Catholics who fall away from the practice of the faith in their adolescence and young adulthood, that Catholics (and Apostolic Christians in general) should refrain from initiating their children until they've attained the age of reason or after? Or are we merely seeing the effects of generations of poorly-catechized Catholics who've never been properly introduced to the practice of prayer and Christian spirituality and made them their own just doing with their own children what their parents did?
Still, if it is necessary, as Baptists claim(?), for people to make a deliberate decision to become Christian before being initiated, then is there a case to be made, in light of the number of Catholics who fall away from the practice of the faith in their adolescence and young adulthood, that Catholics (and Apostolic Christians in general) should refrain from initiating their children until they've attained the age of reason or after? Or are we merely seeing the effects of generations of poorly-catechized Catholics who've never been properly introduced to the practice of prayer and Christian spirituality and made them their own just doing with their own children what their parents did?
Monday, October 01, 2018
The Historicity of the Old Testament
In particular, the book of Genesis.
Some have tried to nuance their interpretation of Genesis (in an attempt to reconcile it with "science," especially evolution) -- but if Christianity and Christian faith is grounded in a historical narrative, salvation history, i.e. what God has done for mankind, then how can one "mythologize" certain books without undermining Christian faith? Contrary to what some Roman Catholics think (perhaps subconsciously under the influence of some exaggerated form of scholasticism), Christianity is not a set of abstract theological propositions which do not need the background of a historical narrative; rather our knowledge of God is through His actions, especially those directed to mankind.
Some have tried to nuance their interpretation of Genesis (in an attempt to reconcile it with "science," especially evolution) -- but if Christianity and Christian faith is grounded in a historical narrative, salvation history, i.e. what God has done for mankind, then how can one "mythologize" certain books without undermining Christian faith? Contrary to what some Roman Catholics think (perhaps subconsciously under the influence of some exaggerated form of scholasticism), Christianity is not a set of abstract theological propositions which do not need the background of a historical narrative; rather our knowledge of God is through His actions, especially those directed to mankind.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Purgatory
If the "fire" or "heat" of purgatory is God's love purifying those who live in Christ from all remaining perfection, then why might hell not be that same love experienced as a form of torture by those who have rejected God?
(The glory of God, the light of those who have been perfectly transformed or deified is in contrast pleasant.)
(The glory of God, the light of those who have been perfectly transformed or deified is in contrast pleasant.)
Friday, September 28, 2018
CWR: Abp. Vigano’s new testimony has “special appeal” to Card. Ouellet, more criticism of Pope Francis by Carl E. Olson
The strongest words of Viganò’s new testimony are found in the conclusion, where he asks, “Has Christ perhaps become invisible to his vicar?”
The strongest words of Viganò’s new testimony are found in the conclusion, where he asks, “Has Christ perhaps become invisible to his vicar?”
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
De Mattei Criticizes One Form of Ultramontanism
Rorate Caeli: De Mattei: The Disfigured Roman Primacy by the Successor of Peter Francesca Romana at RORATE CÆLI - Roberto de Mattei Correspondenza Romana September 26, 2018 The impressive rapidity with which events are unfolding one after the other in the Church makes one think that this is due not only to the dynamics of historical acceleration, but a deliberate choice by the agents of chaos to increase disorientation and paralyze the forces that are seeking to resist the rush of the tide.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
A Polemic by St. John?
Or a fair characterization?
OrthoChristian: THE DECLINE OF THE PATRIARCHATE OF CONSTANTINOPLE
An overview written in 1938
St. John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco
The moral authority of the Patriarchs of Constantinople has likewise fallen very low in view of their extreme instability in ecclesiastical matters.
OrthoChristian: THE DECLINE OF THE PATRIARCHATE OF CONSTANTINOPLE
An overview written in 1938
St. John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco
The moral authority of the Patriarchs of Constantinople has likewise fallen very low in view of their extreme instability in ecclesiastical matters.
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