EWTN World Over @worldoverdc tribute to @BishopMorlino

Posted on 30 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

EWTN on Raymond Arroyo’s The World Over has a tribute to Bp Morlino.

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An important moment for the US Church in the USA, in light of The Present Crisis.

Posted on 30 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I will keep saying it.

The passing and replacement of Bp. Robert Morlino is an important moment for the Church in the USA, particularly in light of The Present Crisis.

The Diocese of Madison has a page with links to some personal notes about the bishop.  HERE  The list is growing.  So far…

Personal Remembrances

Among these, the contribution of Kevin Phalen has a telling anecdote about the oath bishops must take, which I also treated HERE.

However, today I what Joseph Pearce wrote.   He, as you may know, is the author of Literary Converts (my favorite of his US HERE – UK HERE free UK delivery at the time of this writing) as well as a good book on Shakespeare and his Catholicism (US HERE – UK HERE).   Something of Pearce’s recollection of Bp. M.  What this tale reveals is a) something of the landscape of the diocese which had been entrusted to the bishop and b) how he worked the landscape, and c) his personal style.

Memories of My Friendship With Bishop Morlino
Bishop Robert C. Morlino was a courageous crusader for all that is good, true and beautiful

The Church in the United States has lost one of its most courageous leaders. Bishop Robert C. Morlino, late of the Diocese of Madison, who died suddenly and unexpectedly last week, was someone whom I admired greatly for his sanity and sanctity and someone whom I had the privilege to serve.

Several years ago I was invited by Bishop Morlino to lead a retreat for the priests of his diocese. I was honored to receive the introduction and excited at the prospect of meeting the bishop himself in person. He asked if I might speak on the evangelizing power of beauty and what might be called cultural apologetics. He was keen that the priests of his diocese should understand the importance of beauty in the struggle to win souls for Christ in an age of ugliness and relativism.  [This was a major theme for the bishop over several years.  It was part of his liturgical vision as well.  All of a piece.]

At his behest, I spoke of the good, the true and the beautiful as being a reflection of the Trinity, inseparable, coequal and yet mystically distinct. The good was the way of virtue or love; the true was the way of reason; the beautiful was the way of creation. In an age which had corrupted the meaning of love, removing its rational and self-sacrificial heart and replacing it with narcissistic feeling, and in an age which had corrupted reason to something merely relative and devoid of objectivity, the power of beauty to evangelize was more important than ever. I spoke of the power of a sunrise to raise the heart and the mind to God, echoing the words of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins that the world is charged with the grandeur of God. I spoke also of the power of human creativity to partake of the creative power of God in the making of great works of art, such as St. Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s pieta, which also raised the heart and mind to God. Such beauty could reach the most hardened of hearts.  [Pretty good, right?]

Bishop Morlino was delighted with my presentation but I was a little disturbed by the reaction of some of his priests. Although all the priests of the diocese were expected to attend, about half of them failed to show. Some of these absentees might have had very good reasons for their non-attendance; others, however, had simply treated the bishop’s invitation and his expectation with indifference or resistance. Equally disturbing was the relative indifference or even sullen resistance of half of those in attendance. In all my years of giving talks to Catholic audiences, at parishes, conferences, colleges, high schools and other venues, I had never met with such negativity. I was not heckled, of course, but the lack of enthusiasm was palpable. About half of those in attendance were clearly there against their will, dragging their cognitive heels, and waiting for the ordeal to be over. These beat a hasty retreat as soon as the formal part of the proceedings were over, failing to attend the reception and convivium that followed. [NB] It was only then that I had the great pleasure of speaking with the happy remnant who were on fire with the faith and shared their bishop’s fervor. I couldn’t help but notice that these were the younger priests of the diocese, signaling that the future was in good hands.  [As the Biological Solution continues is grinding on all sides, this is an important observation.  Bp. Morlino ordained 40 men during his tenure.  This will have a huge impact on the diocese in the future.]

As I returned home, I felt deeply for Bishop Morlino and the thankless task that he and other courageous bishops faced. He and his faithful confreres had spoken out against modernism, against the culture of corruption that had manifested itself so sickeningly in the sex abuse scandal, and against the culture of active homosexuality which spurns the very concept of chastity. In return, they are met with indifference, resentment and even open hostility and rebellion. Bishop Morlino was one of those few, those happy few, those band of brothers, who fought the good fight when so many of his brother bishops were doing nothing or in some cases worse than nothing.  [Hence, his passing and replacement is an important moment in the US Church.]

Before I left, the bishop gave me his personal phone number, telling me to phone him whenever I liked. A friendship was born, albeit one which would never again bring us together in the flesh. It was, however, good to know that the Diocese of Madison was in such good and vigilant hands and that there was a corner of God’s vineyard that was being well-tended. How shocked I was to hear of his sudden death, and how I grieved for his flock. A good and holy shepherd had been lost. A true and courageous soldier of Christ had fallen in the midst of battle. And yet — and here’s the good news that vanquishes all shadows of grief — a good and worthy servant had gone to receive his heavenly reward.

In truth, we have not lost Bishop Morlino. He is not lost to us. He is in a better position than ever to help us and to help the beleaguered Church that he served so faithfully. He is in the company of the saints and in the Presence of God. He can hear us. He can help us. He can intercede for us.

Bishop Morlino, courageous crusader for all that is good, true and beautiful, pray for us that we might be given the courage to fight as you fought in this life that we may be happy with you forever in the glories of the life to come. Amen!

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ASK FATHER: Communion, kneeling on the tongue

Posted on 30 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

I regularly receive Holy Communion kneeling (on the floor) at my OF-only parish. My pastor has asked me a few times not to do that, though not forcefully – he’s never unkind about it or actually telling me to stop (rather just suggesting I don’t), but I know it bothers him. He’s concerned about me appearing “in opposition” to the bishops and the norms of receiving communion. There is so much confusion around this. Can you point me to something tangible that lays out norms for receiving communion? On the hand is an abuse that’s been normalized, on the tongue is ok, kneeling on the tongue is…? Just want clarity and document-support!

“kneeling on the tongue is…?”

… really uncomfortable.

Yes, kneeling on the tongue for receiving is a rare but effective penitential practice going wayyyy back.  I don’t know how far back, but wayyyy back.  There are secret manuscripts hidden away in secret places with directions on how to get that extreme tongue stretch.

Mastery of kneeling on the tongue for Communion sometimes goes tongue in cheek… ummm… cheek by jowl… with proper liturgical Beretta use.

There are any number of documents that cover how to receive.  In most places, the option to receive on the hand is, alas, a licit option in the Ordinary Form.  However, the document most pertinent to your situation is the CDW document, very much in force and issued in forma specifica, called Redemptionis Sacramentum.  RS secures the rights of Catholics to receive Holy Communion directly on the tongue, while kneeling (par. 90-92).  You must not be prohibited from receiving on the tongue while standing or kneeling.

In the Extraordinary Form, Communion is not to be given on the hand.

It is always a good idea to examine your conscience when it comes to doing something that is outside the norm where you are.  Are you looking for attention?  Are you simply trying to be reverent?   Are you trying to set an example?   What’s your motive? The moment of Communion isn’t about how great we look at doing it.  You don’t have to write back – I’m just putting it out there as a point of examination.

I don’t know your priest, of course.  Perhaps you have engaged him in an amicable conversation.

Lastly, you could go to a parish where you won’t be hassled for receiving like a normal, believing Catholic.

BTW… I think that people should kneel to receive and that they should receive directly on the tongue.   Moreover, we should get rid of Communion in the hand as soon as possible.

Lastly, commas can be important.

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4 Dec: @BishopMorlino funeral broadcast on EWTN

Posted on 30 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The passing of Bp. Morlino – and the naming of his successor – is an important moment for the Church in the USA, particularly in light of The Present Crisis.

There has been quite a bit of even international coverage of his passing.

Now I learn from a Tweet…

It seems that others consider Bp. Morlino’s death and the choice of his successor – especially in the present context of crisis – to be a watershed.

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Italian Press on the Extraordinary Ordinary @BishopMorlino

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I keep coming back to the passing of Bp. Morlino, and not merely because of my personal connection.

The passing of Bp. Morlino – and the naming of his successor – is an important moment for the Church in the USA, particularly in light of The Present Crisis.  

We have to pay attention now.

Will the Holy See consider subsidiarity?  Will the Holy See opt for continuity?   People have written to me from all over the world.  Many priests of the SSPX have sent notes, for Bp. Morlino also garnered their respect even after some rocky moments.

The passing of Bp. Morlino – and the naming of his successor – is an important moment for the Church in the USA.

Today I saw a piece in Italian at La Nuova Bussola.

Robert Morlino, morte di uno “straordinario ordinario”

Nice phrase. They wrote: “I fedeli americani lo chiamavano affettuosamente The Extraordinary Ordinary, perché celebrava Messa nella «forma straordinaria» del rito romano… American faithful affectionately call him The Extraordinary Ordinary, because he celebrated the Mass in the ‘Extraordinary Form” of the Roman Rite….”

Not quite, Nuova Bussola!

We – I, who promulgated the phrase – call him that also because he joyfully used the traditional rite, but mostly because he was truly an extraordinary man and bishop.

I don’t have the energy to translate the whole thing right now, but it is very well done. It covers many of the important points: increased vocations, defense of human life, bastion against secularism, firm about abuse and realistic about its roots.

Thank you, Nuova Bussola.

 

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@SSPXEN Tribute to @BishopMorlino of @MadisonDiocese

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

This was gracious.

From the US site of the SSPX.

Bp. Robert Morlino, Brave Defender of the Traditional Mass, Passes Away

Bishop Morlino of the Madison, WI diocese, passed away Saturday evening last, after a sudden “cardiac event,” shocking traditionally-minded faithful who had flocked to his diocese in recent years.

If, as Archbishop Lefebvre so staunchly maintained, the lifeblood of the Catholic Church is its priests, then Bishop Morlino was a shepherd of the Church who can be admired by all Catholics. When he donned the mitre as Madison’s bishop, enrollment at the local seminary stood at 5 seminarians. Not 5 seminarians in the first-year class – 5 seminarians in the entire seminary. Today, more than three dozen are receiving priestly formation, with 25 having been ordained during His Excellency’s fifteen years overseeing it – all during the worst abuse scandal to have shaken Holy Mother Church in its history and while vocations are plummeting in Diocesan seminaries.  [They didn’t get the right numbers.  Better… there were 6 in formation when Morlino arrived.  The height was 3 dozen.  Now there are two dozen.  He ordained 40 – not 25 – in his years in Madison.  However, that doesn’t change the main point, which they go right: big impact on the number of seminarians and ordinations.]

As the common prayer goes, we do not ask the Lord to grant us priests, or many priests. We beg for “many holy priests”.  [The young priests and seminarians I know in Madison are great!] It goes without saying that quality is preferable in every measure over quantity for those anointed. The bishop molded men into some of the most traditional priests emerging from any diocesan seminary throughout the world. While the seminarians were taught the Novus Ordo Mass – albeit with strong recommendations to celebrate ad orientem – they were also trained in the Traditional Latin Mass, more than a rarity in today’s Church-wide seminary curricula. [Without imposing on them, Bp. Morlino told the guys that he would like for them to learn the TLM before ordination.   Every one of them knew that he would support them.  He said the TLM for them himself.  Last August, during the annual gathering of seminarians with the bishop, they organized a Solemn Mass, with a 1 yr ordained as celebrant, brand new deacons assisting, and a newly ordained priest as MC.  They did it.]

Bishop Morlino himself celebrated the Mass in the “extraordinary rite” and publicly manifested his preference by regularly celebrating a pontifical High Mass, surrounded and served by his local priests and seminarians.

While it is true that he did not mandate the celebration of the Latin Mass in his diocese, he encouraged it, possibly hoping that its fruits would bear in time – an approach far less strong than many traditional Catholics beg for.  [I think there are some 8 places in the diocese where the TLM is regularly found.]

Yes, his plan was certainly passive. [I’m not sure that is the right word.  He lead by example and didn’t impose.  In Madison, imposing would have meant all out war against him and everything he was doing.] But he was not passive in defending truth – including the Society of St. Pius X.

In 2002, His Excellency appeared on EWTN Television, after a letter, purportedly from his desk, attacked the SSPX. He courageously “gathered the feathers in the wind,” offering a public apology for the letter, taking ownership of its message, while explaining the words were not his, and in fact, he had struck them from the first draft. [That is exactly true.  I can attest to that.]

The SSPX does not often publish these sorts of obituaries, but an exception has been made in this case. The hierarchical Church needs more bishops like Bishop Morlino, ready to draw a line against the storm of confusion and innovation still plaguing the Church, ready to refute falsehoods perpetuated in his name, and acting as much as a leader as one can hope for in the Church. It is through these sorts of men that incremental progress within the Church can be achieved, and the restoration of the Catholic Church can be realized.

May God rest his soul in peace!

Also, this morning I received a note from the great SSPX priest who served for sometime in the area of Madison, within the Diocese. He sent photos of the Requiem Mass he celebrated for the Bishop.

Another example of how Bp. Morlino brought out the best in people.

That was a very gracious gesture from the SSPX and I am impressed and grateful.

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@Bishop Morlino and his hope for a @MadisonDiocese Cathedral

Posted on 28 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The funeral for Bp. Morlino will be on 4 December.  He will be buried immediately after the funeral in Madison’s Resurrection cemetery.

It was Bp. Morlino’s desire to provide the city and diocese with a new Cathedral church once again, which would have a crypt chapel for their bishops.

The old cathedral burned down, due to arson, over a decade ago and has not been replaced.  Some of the larger parish churches have served in the interim for large events such as ordinations.

Frankly, it tugged my heart that the bishop had no cathedra in a cathedral. For this reason, the TMSM, which I guide, caused their to be built in the chapel of the former seminary a substantial, but still temporary throne.

To give you a sense of the sort of bishop he was, he shelved plans for a new cathedral in order to raise money for a foundation that would pay for formation for seminarians for the priesthood.  When he took over the diocese, there were about 6 seminarians – total – and that was what was budgeted.  However, under Bp. Morlino vocations soared to a high of some 34, and 24 now.  As you can imagine, a budget for 6 was not adequate.  He shelved his cathedral to build a “priests for the future” campaign.  It was quite successful.  He left that aspect in good shape.  He also ordained 40 men for the diocese in his time.

The cathedral was next.

A cathedral, with a crypt, was a great wish of his.   It really must be carried forward now.  Of course nothing can be done until adequate money is raised to start the project.

There is a Bishop Robert C. Morlino Memorial Fund, which aims at building the new cathedral and that crypt chapel.

Will you be generous?

Click here to make a donation online.

Send snail mail and checks made out to

Bishop Robert C. Morlino Memorial Fund

c/o The Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation, Inc.
702 S. High Point Road,  Suite 223
Madison, WI 53719

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Wherein Fr. Z offers a cautionary tale to those who struggle with liturgical conundra.

Posted on 28 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The site of the CMAA, Musica Sacra Forum, published response to the 29 – yes, twenty-nine – dubia submitted to the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei”.

The questioner is a Polish priest, I assume young, working on a doctorate.

Folks, I get it.  I get that some people want official clarity and black and white rules about some things.  However, I have this to say to those who perhaps are less inclined to handle fluidity according to the genius of the Roman Rite.

The young can be reckless because, not having scars and mended bones, they don’t yet get it.

Right now… right now… it is ill-advised, imprudent, not to say playing with fire to submit any sort of question about traditional liturgical matters to the Holy See… unless… unless… you are darn sure of the answer in advance.

AND… learn how to ask questions!

It is not that I distrust the collaborators of the Pontifical Commission.  On the contrary, I hold them in esteem.  But, they are not the only people in Rome.

It is better right now to leave sleeping dogs lie.   To put it another way, it’s reckless… right now… to ask.

The answers are a mixed bag.  Some good.  Some less good.  But, I hope you all get my drift.

 

 

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The Oath: Every Bishops’ Aaron and Hur

Posted on 28 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Consider what is entrusted to a bishop.

Consider how he, like everyone else, struggles with the world, the flesh and the Devil.

Consider that, though fortified with the graces of the sacrament of orders and defended by the holy angels, a bishop is hated and pursued by the forces of hell with a persevering malice that we humans can only imagine with vague analogy.

Consider his judgment before the Just Judge when it is his time.

Consider his final reward, forever and ever, will be as a bishop in whatever state he will be his, heaven or hell.

Consider the weight of the burden that a diligent, faithful bishop feels, which the ever-harried Augustine of Hippo described as a sárcina, the massive backpack of the Roman solider.

Consider too the vineyard into which the bishop is sent to tend, with its obstinate vines, vagaries of “weather” and pressing foes.

Did you know that Bishops must make a special oath before they are consecrated?   

Surely this oath, seriously considered, reflected upon by a man about to be consecrated, is intended to strengthen him in his ministry.  When resolve flags, should he remember his oath, a bishop under siege might remember himself and stand up ready to do what must be done.

The oath is meant to uphold his tired arms, as Aaron and Hur did for Moses during the battle.

For your edification and contemplation.

FORMULA
Iurisiurandi fidelitatis ab Episcopis praestandi

FORMULA
Of the oath of fidelity to be performed by Bishops
Ego, ___, ad sedem ___ promotus, catholicae Ecclesiae atque romano Pontifici, eius supremo pastori, Christi vicario beati Petri apostoli in primatu successori et collegii Episcoporum capiti, semper fidelis ero. I, ___, promoted to the See of ___, will always be faithful to the Catholic Church and to the Roman Pontiff, her Supreme Pastor, Vicar of Christ, Successor in primacy of the blessed Apostle Peter and the Head of the College of Bishops.
Libero exercitio primatialis summi Pontificis potestatis in universa Ecclesia obsequar, Ipsiusque iura et auctoritatem mihi curae erit provehere ac defendere. Praerogativas quoque atque munera romani Pontificis Legatorum, quippe qui personam gerant supremi pastoris, agnoscam atque observabo. I will submit to the free exercise of the primatial power of the Supreme Pontiff in the Universal Church, and I will take pains to advance and defend his rights and authority. I will also acknowledge and respect the prerogatives and duties of the legates of the Roman Pontiff, for they act in the person of the Supreme Pastor.
Apostolica munera Episcopis commissa, nempe populum Dei docendi, sanctificandi et regendi, in hierarchica communione cum collegii episcopalis capite atque membris, summa diligentia exsequenda curabo. I will take with the greatest diligence that the apostolic duties committed to Bishops, namely of teaching, governing and sanctifying the people of God in hierarchical communion with the Head and the members of the College of Bishops, be carried out.
Universae Ecclesiae unitatem tuebor, ideoque studiose incumbam, ut depositum fidei inde ab Apostolis traditum purum et integrum servetur ac veritates tenendae et moribus applicandae, prouti ab Ecclesiae magisterio proponuntur, omnibus tradantur et illustrentur. Errantibus vero in fide paternum animum pandam atque omni ope adnitar, ut ad plenitudinem catholicae veritatis perveniant. I will protect the unity of the universal Church, and, therefore, I will zealously see to it that the deposit of faith handed down through time by the Apostles will be preserved pure and undiminished and that the truths to be held and the moral teachings to be applied will be handed on and explained just as they are proposed by the teaching authority of the Church.  I assuredly will extend a fatherly spirit to those who are straying in the faith and I will strive with every effort that they arrive at to the fullness of catholic truth.
Ad imaginem Christi, summi et aeterni sacerdotis, respiciens, pie sancteque agam ac ministerium mihi commissum ita adimplebo, ut, forma factus gregis ex animo, fideles in christiana perfectione adipiscenda confirmare valeam. Carefully looking to the image of Christ, the High and Eternal Priest, I will behave dutifully and religiously and will fulfill the ministry entrusted to me in such a way that, having from my soul been made an example for the flock, I may be able to strengthen the faithful in the pursuit of Christian perfection.
Disciplinam cunctae Ecclesiae communem fovebo et observantiam omnium legum ecclesiasticarum, earum imprimis quae in Codice Iuris Canonici continentur, sollerter insistam, semper advigilans, ne mali usus irrepant praecipue circa ministerium verbi et sacramentorum celebrationem. I will foster the common discipline of the whole Church and I will insist skillfully upon the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, first and foremost of those that are contained in the Code of Canon Law, always being vigilant lest any evil practices slither in, especially concerning the ministry of the Word and the celebration of sacraments.
Diligentem curam in temporalibus Ecclesiae bonis administrandis ponam, iis potissimum quae ad divini cultus exercitium, ad cleri aliorumque ministrorum honestam sustentationem, necnon ad sacri apostolatus et caritatis opera collata sunt. I will put diligent care into the administration of the temporal goods of the Church, most especially those goods that are designated for the exercise of sacred worship, for the worthy support of the clergy and of other ministers, and for works of the sacred apostolate and of charity.
In explendo mandato mihi commisso omnes Presbyteros et Diaconos, ordinis episcopalis providos cooperatores, necnon Religiosos et Religiosas unius eiusdemque operis participes, peculiari dilectione prosequar. Itemque de sacris vocationibus provehendis maximam curam habebo, ut spiritualibus necessitatibus in tota Ecclesia convenienter consulatur. To fulfill the mandate entrusted to me, I will with special affection attend to all of the Priests and Deacons, provided as coworkers of the episcopal order, as well as male and female religious, participants in one and the same work. Likewise, I will take the greatest care to promote sacred vocations, so that spiritual needs in the whole Church will be properly looked after.
Laicorum dignitatem propriamque ipsorum in Ecclesiae missione partem agnoscam et proveham. Opera vero missionalia ad gentium evangelizationem fovendam peculiari sollicitudine curabo. I will acknowledge and promote the dignity of lay people and their own mission in the Church. I will, by all means, take care with particular solicitude to foster missionary works for the evangelization of the nations.
Ad Concilia ceterasque legitimas actiones collegiales vocatus, nisi impediar, ipse adero vel opportune respondebo. Once called to Councils and other lawful collegial activities, I will personally attend or opportunely respond unless I am impeded.
Statutis temporibus vel occasione data Apostolicae Sedi rationem de pastorali meo officio reddam, eiusdemque mandata atque consilia simul obsequenter accipiam ac maximo studio perficiam. At the appointed times or at a fitting moment, I will give an account of my pastoral office to the Apostolic See, and I will compliantly give careful attention to its mandates and measures, and, with great effort, will carry them out with the greatest application.
Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec santa Dei evangelia, quae manibus meis tango. So help me God and these Holy Gospels of God, which I am touching with my hands.
(SUBSCRIPTIO ANTISTITIS) (SIGNATURE OF THE BISHOP)
Ego infrascriptus testor praefatum Anstistitem iusiurandum ut supra in manibus meis dedisse hac die I, the undersigned, testify that the aforementioned bishop above gave the oath (as written) above into my hands on this day

____
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____

____
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____
____

So, there’s the text.

This forces the honest person to reflect deeply on our bishops. It might force the honest BISHOP to reflect deeply on his work.

It would be a good exercise to take each of these paragraphs and, over time, bring them to Holy Mass and pray before the Blessed Sacrament precisely for the sake of your bishop.

The other day my friend Kevin Phelan, who knew Bp. Morlino for some 40 years, told online a terrific story about Morlino on the night before he was to be consecrated bishop and this very oath.  HERE

 

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Thoughts, deeds for @BishopMorlino. Your feedback, homework!

Posted on 27 November 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I am deeply moved by all the emails I have received after the too early passing of Bp. Robert Morlino of Madison, the Extraordinary Ordinary (the ExO).

People have written from all over the world.  They sense that this is an important moment in the Church in the United States.  I concur.  Surely that accounts for the amount of email which has been sent.

Most of the email is directed in a few vectors.  First, people are concerned in part for me, because I had a strong rapport with the ExO.  Thanks. Also, people are praying for the soul the bishop, which is gratifying beyond my meager means of expression.  Additionally, many express hope and prayers for a good successor.   On that note, there are – and I have to smile wryly at this, given that I have been at this internet thing now since 1992 – those who sent consolations along with sentiments like, “I pray for a good successor, but I doubt you’ll get one.”

Gee, thanks.  That’s so very consoling.  But, as I said, I have to smile.

There are two types of … well… people out there.  One of them are the type who are unhappy only when they are unhappy.   Yes, I too am deeply concerned about  Bp. Morlino’s successor.  However, when I catch myself lapsing into a black mood, I immediately take out my Rosary and pray a decade or do something else to get my head back into a better place.

We do not let the Enemy prevail.  No, sir!

I’m not going to be that type.  There are times to lament our state.  There are times to inform about problems.  There are also times to get to work.

Moving along, often when I write a post, I impose the title when I’m done.  Not this time.  I wrote “thoughts and deeds” with intention.

My dear readers, I have relied on you for years.  I count on you now more than ever.

If you, too, think that this is an important moment in the Church in the USA, and if you want to be of help, yes, please express your condolences in a note.  But, if you are optimistic or pessimistic, please do something concrete.

If you write about prayers, then really do pray.

If you are concerned, then please offer fasting and works of mercy.

Do we not sometimes use the image of “storming heaven” for certain petitions?  That strikes me as more than just – as deeply appreciated as they are! – words in a note.

Take on something penitential or works of mercy.

Last night I received a phone call from a 90 year old priest – 90 – who said that he was going to offer Masses and other penances for the sake of a good successor to Bp. Morlino.  I know this priest well and I believed every word.  He’ll do it.

For my part, I have set a program of action.

First, continue to pray for Bp. Morlino.  While I am not overly concerned about the state of his soul, and I am rock solid confident that he received the sacraments, being a bishop is a prospect to make anyone tremble.  Pray and then pray more.

For my part, for example, I just celebrated a Holy Requiem Mass in the Chapel of the Crown of Thorns in Notre-Dame de Paris.  Yes, Paris, and, yes, the Crown of Thorns.  (I’m with a small group.  I was on the road when the bishop died.)

I also went to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal in the Rue du Bac and said a Rosary for the Bishop’s successor (btw… today is the anniversary of the Apparition of Lady at that Chapel).  For Mass I used the special form in the appendix of the Roman Missal.  [MORE HERE.]

Moreover, I spent an hour at Sacré Cœur de Montmartre (the Mountain of the Martyres) before the Blessed Sacrament exposed.  While submitting my desires to God’s will, I have in my mind and heart lifted up three men whom I want God to send to Madison as the new bishop.

If you would like an intention for your own fasting, fast for my list, especially Numero Uno on that list. He also happens to be such an obvious choice that the decision should really be quite easy… ceteris paribus, all other things being equal.   Of course, they are not equal at the moment.

Since news of the ExO’s death, when saying Mass I have tried at the Offertory to visualize my petition as being joined with the drops of water which are transformed in their mingling with wine, raised to the altar on high after the consecration.  I trust God’s promises.  I am confident.

Without doubt, powerful forces are lined up on strongly differing sides.

I am one little garden variety priest.  A nobody.

However, for reasons only God knows, he did this Holy Orders thing to me and I intend to use the arsenal I was given!   For reasons only God knows, I have this electronic platform as a force multiplier, and I intend to use it!

There is an old phrase, that the most dangerous weapon in the world is a marine with his rifle.   And then… there’s the priest with his chalice, friends.  Heck, there’s the priest, alter Christus, and mere raising of his hands.  I think this is why vets and old priests tend get to on so well.  We get each other.

I’ve told you the priest stuff I am doing.

I’ve been so bold as to you give, dear readers, your tasks.

Let’s work on these things together: concrete prayers and actions for Bp. Morlino and for a good successor.

I, for one, think that this is an important and telling moment for the Church in the USA.

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
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