ASK FATHER: Roman clerical tonsure

ASK FATHER: Roman clerical tonsure

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

What was the state of, requirement for tonsure, for secular clergy, in Rome, under Saint John XXIII, after his 1960 Synod. (That synod seems to represent the apex of the organic development of clerical discipline flowing out from the Council of Trent).

Funny this should come up today of all days.    On 14 September 1972 Paul VI released a document which he had signed on 15 August.  This was the – in my opinion – disastrous Ministeria quaedam.

In Ministeria quaedam abolished the minor orders.   Not to worry.  The minor orders had only been around since the earliest centuries of the Church.  Yeah… it was time to get rid of those old things.   Yes, things are so much better now.

In any event, the minor orders were conferred on males having attained the age of reason.  Before they received orders they had to first receive clerical tonsure.   Once, that inducted men into the clerical state.  Now, diaconate marks entrance to the clerical state.

So, tonsure has not been obligatory since 1 January 1973, which is when Ministeria quaedam went into effect.   It was subsequently superseded by the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

Some institutes such as the FSSP and the ICK – with the permission of the Holy See – now regularly confer tonsure and then the minor orders.  However, their members still do not become clerics until diaconate.

At one time, the clerical tonsure was rather extensive, as in the illustration.  However, it came to be reduced to about a silver dollar – or priest’s host – sized shaved circle at the crown of the head.   The tonsure was obligatory for clerics according to the 1917 Code of Canon Law.  The bare spot had to be maintained.  Letting the tonsure grow over was tantamount to abandoning clerical state. If a man let it grow over and then refused to restore it after being warned, he could be dismissed from the clerical state.

Why so important?  Because by law clerics were forbidden to participate in some public entertainments.  With the tonsure, clerics could not pretend not to be clerics.   Of course in time of persecution, it also made them easier to identify.

I used to see the clerical tonsure occasionally when out and about in Rome and I once had a barber who, the first time, always offered to give me one… until God and time did the job.

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#ASonnetADay – 35. “No more be grieved at that which thou hast done…”

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Battles that saved Western Civilization

Battles that saved Western CivilizationAccording to one reckoning, today, 12 September, could be the anniversary of the Battle of Marathon (490 BC).  They are probably wrong, but… who cares?

Marathon is, of course, a Greek word (Mάραθον or modern Greek Μαραθώνας and ancient Μαραθών, Latin marathrum) meaning “fennel”.  The famous battle (related by Herodotus +425 BC) was likely fought in a fennel field, which grows wild in the in the eastern part of Attica.

This was one of the most significant event of ancient history. Changed… saved… Western Civilization.     

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Vienna in 1683, leading to the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary.  Changed… saved… Western Civilization.

You would have had to guess that if there are, 150 years after the fact, Civil War reenactors, then there are Marathon reenactors, 2500 years after the fact.   Indeed there are.  I read about it some years ago.

Battle of Marathon.  Very cool.  A great maneuver was involved and great discipline by the Greeks.  To make a long story very short, just as the much large Persian forces were shifting their position and loading their cavalry back into ships, the Greek general Miltiades sent the Greeks on a frontal attack charging over a mile in a tight formation to sweep through the Persian flanks.  As they collapsed, the Greeks focused on the center and as the Persian wings retreated, the Greeks forced an envelopment.  The Athenians sent a runner Pheidippides to Athens. 21.4 miles away.  He ran the distance, gasped “Νενικήκαμεν! Nenikékamen! We were victorious!”, and died.

Robert Browning, by the way, wrong about Marathon in his 1879 poem Pheidippides.

So, when Persia was dust, all cried, “To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!” He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space ‘twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: “Rejoice, we conquer!” Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, he died – the bliss!

One man’s bliss…

Note the reference to fennel. Also the reference to the God Pan, who instilled “panic”, they say, in the enemy Persians. I’m all for that, given who is running Persia now.

This was the poem which inspired Baron Pierre de Coubertin and other founders of the modern Olympic Games to invent a running race called the Marathon.

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#ASonnetADay – 34. “Why didst thou promise such a beauteous day…”

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#ASonnetADay – 33. “Full many a glorious morning have I seen…”

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The “Cuties” Project. Lowering the age of consent is the ultimate prize. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

The "Cuties" Project. Lowering the age of consent is the ultimate prize. Wherein Fr. Z rants.Netflix created a hideous video called “Cuties”, which is nothing but child exploitation and worse, sexual abuse of children and an offence to any person they peddle it to.

Nexflix is blocking people who criticize them.

Jack Posobiec adds… and this is important…

Yeah…. if you object to “Cuties” you will be called a “pedophobe” in some way.

If you say that abortion is the preeminent life issue, some will say that you are against Catholic social teaching.

There is a connection between these issues.

It seems to me that this development reveals an important shift in the engineered devolving of society. I’ve written about this before and I will repeat myself.

What we see in Netflix and “Cuties” is an important stage in homosexualist incrementalism. This is what the homosexualist agenda is aiming for: lowering the age of consent.

Lowering the age of consent is what I have called for homosexualists the “brass ring”, as in on an old fashioned merry-go-round: catch one and you get a free ride.

We seen this trajectory for a long time now.

The homosexualists have slowly been shifting the language about deviant same-sex acts and those who regularly commit them.  Follow the trajectory.

Through the MSM and entertainment industry the image of homosexuality as something hidden and unclean was broken by replacing it with victim status during the flaming up of the AIDS epidemic in certain populations.

Then the victim image had to be broken and replaced, which was accomplished through cool and “with it” characters in TV shows and other culture movers.  Think of the absurdly high percentage of homosexuals in TV shows, increasing every year.  You can’t turn on a TV series now and not find it filled with deviants, now doing deviant things in prime time.

BUT!  They are cool and emotionally sensitive, who have answers for the dysfunctional and often less attractive “hetero” characters.

Fuse this culture shift with the rise of no-fault divorce and nearly universal contraception and we have the perfect deadly storm that can rip the sexual act conceptually away from marriage (what’s that?) and procreation (what’s that?).

Shall we mention the near total silence of the Catholic Church?

Now that subcultures are multiplying like viruses, we are just about ready, I think, for the next stage of the assault on the human person and God’s plan.  Not content for legalization of same-sex “marriage”, the next phase of the homosexualist agenda will soon be implemented: lowering of the age of consent (aka the aforementioned the brass ring).

And now they have helpers within the Church who are highly visible and often in positions of authority.   Certain Jesuits are blatant homosexualists, their superiors do nothing to stop them and bishops allow them to speak anywhere.  Bishops themselves in Germany are talking about blessing same-sex relationships.

Within the Catholic Church very highly placed authorities are working incrementally to detach procreation from human procreative powers and potentials and acts.

If you can successfully detach procreation from the use of procreative acts, etc., then it’s game over for Catholic moral teaching and, subsequently, for all Catholic doctrine.

Once you say that what is true (in nature and revelation) isn’t true, it’s over.

And, to be clear, the brass ring they are all reaching for is the lowering of the age of consent of those whom you can rape … have sex with.

And to hell with those who are trying to live chaste lives and who fight various inclinations.  Now, highly placed teachers in the Church are offering justification for mortal sins because, after all, people can’t live according to “ideals”.  It’s tooooo haaaard.   That’s what those who use Amoris laetitia as an excuse for Communion for adulterers.  Ideals are … well… unrealistic.  In our “lived experience”, we see that living chastely can be difficult, and that many fall.  The ideal remains the ideal but we all know that it is is simply too hard.  Therefore, let’s stop calling acts that violate the ideal an obstacle to receiving the sacraments (which are also “ideals”, I guess).

If some at the very pinnacle of those behind the scenes fueling these movements – not their Jesuit tools, German bishops, etc. – have the ultimate transformation of the Church in mind, those who are at lower levels of the movements really want to have sex with anyone or anything, and to start recruiting while their young.   The Jesuit and the bishops are dupes, chumps, useful idiots.

In 2017 there was a super-creepy conference for a “gay” thing with provocative “man-boy” imagery.  Back in 2018 we saw a disgusting story at LifeSite about LGBT deluxe designer using a 9 year old drag-queen to advertise  a sequined onesie alongside a “BDSM Bondage Leather Star and Chain Dress,” bondage-themed nipple pasties, and glittery anatomy-highlighting men’s underwear.

In 2020 at The Catholic Thing David Carlin made observations along the line of what I’ve been shouting for while.  Carlin added something, however, and he surely right.   Above, I mentioned the MSM and entertainment industry.  He says of the Great Progressive Propaganda Machine (GPPM):

I am astonished at the success the Great Progressive Propaganda Machine (GPPM) has had at promoting the moral acceptability of abortion and homosexuality, especially the latter.  Half the nation or more now believes abortion to be a good thing.  Not good in and of itself. Rather, good as a somewhat unfortunate necessity; an instrumental good, not an intrinsic good.

[…]

When you say, as the GPPM says, that abortion and homosexual practice are morally acceptable, you are saying that traditional Christianity is wrong about these matters; and you plainly imply that it is very probably wrong about many other matters as well.  The endorsement of abortion and homosexual practice, in other words, is tantamount to a denunciation of old-fashioned Christianity.

This is not at all strange given that the GPPM is mostly made up of four institutions dominated by atheists and near-atheists: [NB!] (a) the mainstream news media, (b) the entertainment industry (which was on display at the Golden Globes), (c) our best colleges and universities, and (d) the Democratic Party.  These are the “command posts” of American culture.

[…]

MSM… entertainment industry… academia… Democrat Party.

Just look at the Democrat Party platform and review the videos from the DNC.  And look the catholics on that stage.

Homosexualists within the Catholic Church also want what their allies in the larger GPPM want.

The brass-ring is the lowering of the age of consent.   They have allies among those who downplay the right-to-be born as the preeminent human rights, social justice issue.

Therefore, we will see the MSM and entertainment industry more and more often radically sexualizing children – rather like they did to women in past decades – practically turning them into whores.   If they can numb us to it, they will eventually grab that brass ring and obtain a lowering of the age of consent.

Remember, these homosexualists and abortion defenders (they both detach sexual acts from their purpose – procreation) are, at heart, totalitarians.

And when you hear some Catholic wonk spout the corrosive message that abortion is not the preeminent life issue but merely one of equal importance with any number of other issues, you know that you have run into one of the bedfellows of the homosexualists who are reaching for that brass ring.

For those who are blocked by Beans, as I am, a screenshot.

The "Cuties" Project. Lowering the age of consent is the ultimate prize. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

Again, if you can successfully detach procreation from the use of sexual acts, etc., then it’s game over for Catholic moral teaching and, subsequently, for all Catholic doctrine.

Once you say that what is true (in nature and revelation) isn’t true, it’s over.

 

Posted in Jesuits, Pò sì jiù, Sin That Cries To Heaven, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , ,
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#ASonnetADay – 32. “If thou survive my well-contented day…”

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Wherein Fr Z responds to a question by Beans about the traditional rite of Confirmation

I have been informed by a reader that Massimo “Beans” Faggioli posted a tweet in which he thanked me for my prayers after his seriously rude attack on my person and against Bp. Hying.  HERE

I couldn’t see his tweet because he blocks me.

For those of you who are NOT blocked by Beans, here is the tweet…

I would add that what I did was more than say “prayers”.  I celebrated the Sacrifice of Calvary, Holy Mass, for his and his family’s intention.

Screen shot sent by a reader.   It really isn’t fair to ask a question of someone whom he blocks.

Wherein Fr Z responds to a question by Beans about the traditional rite of Confirmation

Since Beans has asked, I will respond.

Those older forms were never suppressed or abrogated in such a way that they absolutely could not be used.

Firstly, Beans would do well to read the text of Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum (Italian).

In SP….

Art. 9, §1  The parish priest, after careful consideration, can also grant permission to use the older ritual in the administration of the sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, Penance and Anointing of the Sick, if advantageous for the good of souls.

§2  Ordinaries are granted the faculty of celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation using the old Roman Pontifical, if advantageous for the good of souls.

This is underscored in 2011 by Universae Ecclesiae:

29. Permission to use the older formula for the rite of Confirmation was confirmed by the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum (cf. art. 9 § 2). Therefore, in the forma extraordinaria, it is not necessary to use the newer formula of Pope Paul VI as found in the Ordo Confirmationis.

Before that, however, after Ecclesia Dei adflicta of John Paul II, the Holy See permitted the use of the liturgical books in force in 1962.  That included, of course, the Pontificale Romanum.

As a matter of fact, after 1988 there was a challenge by the French bishops (if my memory serves) to the use of the Rite of Confirmation.  This was because the SSPX bishops were confirming in the old Rite.  They questioned the validity of confirming with the older, traditional form, because of what Paul VI changed.  However, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clarified that the older, traditional form remained valid and that the older Rite of Confirmation could be used.

The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei had the authority to grant the use of those books, in line with the Holy See’s previous legislation.

So, Confirmation with the older, traditional Rite has been going on all this time.  It is now much more frequent because more and more people are choosing to attend the Traditional Latin Mass and they want traditional Confirmation for their children.  Also, more and more bishops are finding it opportune to administer Confirmation in the older Rite and they are generous with their time and effort.

This is simply a normal pastoral activity of bishops that shouldn’t surprise or disturb anyone.

Also, it will become more and more prevalent in the future, I predict.

A demographic sink hole has been opening up underneath the Church for a long time.  COVID has accelerated the sink hole.   Large numbers of Catholics in name and baptism only will fall through that hole not to be seen again anytime soon.   The Church’s landscape is going to change.  I think that a few groups will remain strong in the Church, including Traditionalists (who are having lots of children, who are dedicated and generous with their money) as well as converts from a more Evangelical background and also some charismatics who have strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion.   These groups will find each other out of necessity.  There will be some friction, but I think something amazing will grow out of it.  And what binds them together will the TRADITIONAL LATIN  RITE, not the Novus Ordo.

This is the direction I see opening up for us.

 

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , ,
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VIDEO: How are newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass treated?

I saw an oldish video interview that Taylor Marshall did with Michael Matt of The Remnant.  They range around on many topics.  However, this part is of particular value.  How are newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass treated?  Welcomed?  Not welcomed?  Engaged?  Ignored?  Criticized?  Supported?

Play video

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@MilArchUSA Archbp. Broglio Responds to US Navy Decision to Cancel Catholic Priest Contracts

UPDATE 9 Sept 2020:

@MilArchUSA Archbp. Broglio Responds to US Navy Decision to Cancel Catholic Priest Contracts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09-09-2020

Archbishop Timothy Broglio Expresses Gratitude for U.S. Navy Decision to Retain Contracts with Catholic Priests
Navy reverses decision to cancel priest contracts at Naval Bases Coronado and Ventura County and Naval Support Activity Monterey

WASHINGTON, DC – His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, issued the following statement today on the U.S. Navy’s decision to retain contracts with civilian Catholic priests at naval bases in California for at least another year.

Archbishop Broglio said:

“Catholics in the Navy and everywhere in this Country rejoice in the decision by the U.S. Navy to reconsider closing the thriving Catholic programs at naval stations in California.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who lent their support and encouragement to maintaining these programs. In a particular way, I am grateful to the Navy Chief of Chaplains and his staff, as well as, Navy Southwest for their consideration and effort.”

UPDATE 9 Sept 2020:

UPDATE 9 Sept 2020:

The San Diego Union-Tribune says:

Navy changes course, says Catholic services will continue on area bases

After public outcry, Navy Region Southwest reversed a cost-cutting decision that would have ended Catholic services on many area Navy bases

[…]

Originally Published on: Sep 8, 2020 at 18:25

@MilArchUSA Archbp. Broglio Responds to US Navy Decision to Cancel Catholic Priest Contracts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09-08-2020

His Excellency in contact with Navy Command to urge reconsideration of constitutionally questionable decision

WASHINGTON, DC –  The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), has received many messages and is well aware of the news items published over the past few days about the decision by the U.S. Navy regarding the pastoral care of Catholics at Naval Base (NB) Coronado, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Monterey, and NB Ventura County—all of which are currently served by civilian Catholic priests willing and able to continue their ministry.  In what’s being described as a “cost-cutting” move, the Navy has announced it will cancel the contracts of civilian Catholic priests who serve these military faith communities. Meanwhile on-base Protestant services, led by active-duty non-Catholic chaplains, will continue as usual.

For some time now, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, has been engaged with the Navy Chief of Chaplains and has been trying to meet with those responsible for this decision. Archbishop Broglio noted the savings from cancelling these contracts amounts to a mere 250-thousand dollars—approximately 0.000156% of the Navy’s budget.  “It is difficult to fathom how the First Amendment rights of the largest faith group in the Navy can be compromised for such an insignificant sum,” Archbishop Broglio said. His Excellency expressed hope the Navy will reconsider the decision.

U.S. Navy chaplains serve the pastoral needs not only of the Navy but also the Marines and the Coast Guard. Currently, due to a nationwide shortage of Catholic priests, only 48 priests serve as active-duty Navy chaplains, hardly enough to meet the pastoral needs of more than 135-thousand Catholics now on active duty in all three service branches, plus their families. The Catholic Church depends on civilian priests under contract with the Department of Defense to fill the gap. If the Navy follows through with its decision to begin cancelling those contracts, Catholics who serve will be deprived of their First Amendment right to exercise their religion, casting doubt on the constitutional validity of the move.

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