UPDATE – JUST TOO COOL! Battle Flag of LEPANTO reproduction available!

Posted on 21 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

UPDATE 21 March:

The flag arrived!

Here is the solemn unboxing.

Some literature about the organization is included.

As you can see it is large and vibrant!

A close up, so you can see the fabrics.  It is synthetic, of course, and printed, but it is also tough!

The end is sown such that a poll can be inserted and it can be hung or carried.  To be flown, you would have to add grommets.

I am very pleased.   I want at least a dozen more so that they can be displayed down the nave of the chapel here, alternating with Vatican flags and Old Glory.

UPDATE 15 March:

From the people making the flags:

We have as of today, 73 orders, need another 27 to make it a reality. Thank you one and all. Thank you Father!

Okay, readers.  Get in touch with your inner crusader and get to it!

___

Originally Published on: Mar 1, 2018

I received this:

A group dedicated for the defense of persecuted Catholics around the globe (Ordo Militaris) has designed a faithful reproduction of the famous flag of Lepanto to
raise funds for their organization.

https://twitter.com/MilitarisCath/status/968497672092078080

They have a vendor printing it in Europe currently, and have just found a new vendor to print it in the US for the first time.

*IF* they can secure 100 pre-orders, it will be available to anyone in the US in a doublesided, gold trimmed version for just $135 each.

Depicted on the Flag at the Foot of the Cross are the Heraldic Shields of King Philip II of Spain, Saint Pius V, the Republic of Venice, and Don Juan of Austria.

The actual flag will NOT have the white border.

I want one!

Posted in ACTION ITEM!, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Just Too Cool, Our Catholic Identity, Si vis pacem para bellum! | Tagged , ,
18 Comments

Fishwrap’s Wile E. Coyote v. @DouthatNYT and his new book for Pope Francis’ 5th anniversary

Posted on 21 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
  • shocking, absolutely shocking
  • unhinged
  • lunatic fringe
  • unhelpful admixture of bias and ignorance
  • binary simplicity of his theological analysis
  • a 7-year-old’s paint-by-numbers drawing with the collection of the Louvre (followed by, incredibly, “I do not exaggerate”.)
  • Coarse and hoary!
  • myopic
  • unsourced
  • tendentious
  • grotesque
  • unbalanced
  • disgrace

This is a sample of terms used by Michael Sean Winters’ – the Wile E. Coyote of the catholic Left and junior member of the New catholic Red Guards – in his hysterical 3200+ word review of Ross Douthat and his new book, thus confirming it as sound and a good buy.

US HERE – UK HERE

I say Douthat and his book, since Winters piece is mostly ad hominem invective.

In essence, Winters’ problem is that Douthat spoke with people whom Winters doesn’t like, never bothers to contact and talk to (whom he labels as “cranks”) and then – imagine! come to conclusions that don’t coincide with the Received Message Approved by the New catholic Red Guards.

Wile. E! Defender of Popes!

I almost laughed aloud when Winters accused former Fishwrap pillar John Allen as having anti-Francis bias. I guess Allen hasn’t applauded vigorously enough in the Great Hall of the Pueblo.

In any event, in his attack on Douthat’s sources – unfootnoted, named, etc. – Winters does the same thing of which he accuses Douthat.  “One synod father commented… Another synod father told me… I asked one of the synod fathers…”.  Slick, huh?

Winter even situates himself as the defender of Popes John Paul and Benedict against Douthat’s “slurs”. Yes, he used that word.

Just make popcorn and chuckle.  You can’t take any of this too seriously. It was as inevitable as birds flying south for the Winters.

There is, perhaps, a key to understanding why Wile E.’s ACME-fueled spittle is today flecking with such venom. He wrote:

Could it be that there is a kind of American Catholic, be it a political operative or a CEO, for whom it is important to keep conservative sexual norms as the touchstone of Catholic identity rather than, say, commitment to the poor?

Could it be that there is a kind of catholic Left operative who is angry because some defend “conservative sexual norms”?

 

Posted in Liberals, Lighter fare | Tagged , ,
22 Comments

The Extraordinary Form “raises the bar”

Posted on 21 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

At the National Catholic Register there is an interview with the head of Juventutem, Bertalan Kiss, about young people, the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and how progressive they and it are.   He spoke with Ed Pentin in Rome during the pre-Synodal meetup with young people.

Among other things, Kiss said that for young people, the traditional Roman Rite “raises the bar”.  I was struck by that, because in essence it is what I argued HERE.

KISS: It raises the bar. I’ve asked myself what’s happening when I hear that a lot of young people are attracted to the extraordinary form. I usually get asked: “Yes, but young people are also attracted by the charismatics.” I say, well, thank God we have something that attracts young people. My experience is that it’s not just about the form, though that is important, but that it raises the bar, because when you’re not part of the mainstream, you don’t have the required infrastructure, and you have to work and have to really want it. If you really want the community to work and be alive, then you really have to work day by day to do it, so it raises the bar and this attracts young people.

PENTIN: It challenges them.

KISS: Yes, it’s a challenge, and you have to give challenges to young people. This concept of dumbing down or sugar coating everything in the hope that it will be more accessible to young people — I don’t see the fruits of that. If you raise the bar, there are only about 2 out of 10 people who will accept the challenge, but they really accept it and start working towards it. No matter what kind of community or liturgy they prefer, they really accept the challenge, then others will come. But you have to be patient. We are only planting the seeds but the growth is coming from God, so we have to patient. You shouldn’t push for anything. If it becomes a self-centered thing, it doesn’t leave space for the Holy Spirit to work.

Have a look at the whole piece over there.

¡Hagan lío!

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
8 Comments

Lettergate produces a casualty: Msgr. Viganò. Well… not quite.

Posted on 21 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Lettergate has produced a casualty… another casualty, the first being the Truth.

Or did it?

The Prefect of the Secretariate for Communications, Msgr. Dario Viganò  – who so botched the the handling of the pro-Francis booklet roll out by unscrupulously slicing and dicing Benedict XVI’s letter and then weaponizing it – has resigned.  The Bolletino has a declaration from the Holy See Press Office’s Greg Burke.  It includes links to Viganò’s letter and Pope Francis’ response.

Not content with writing just a resignation letter Viganò extends the agony with a missive of some 350 words including a review of human history, a summary of the pontificate, excerpts from Bible, a pie recipe, and a wedding toast.  Seriously, all he needed was, “Your Holiness, with the present letter I submit my resignation.  Thank you.”  But, no.

Not content with writing just “Resignation accepted”, His Holiness – who wouldn’t have been blamed for falling asleep as he read the above-mentioned – responded with 180+ of his own, in which, incredibly, he REHIRED Viganò as “Assessore” – a kind of second in command – of the same office he screwed up to the global embarrassment of the Holy See.  Apparently Francis wants  Viganò around so he can still “give his human and professional contribution to the new Prefect”.

Some people get unceremoniously sacked.  Some people get a little tap on the wrist.

Not even libs like Always-Wrong Mickens knows how Viganò got his step and with what credentials, but he must have some pretty impressive skills that are deemed indispensable.  Perhaps he’s a good… what?… editor?

These are the mysteries of mercy.

In any event, Lettergate seems to be slouching into its whimpering denouement.

Posted in Lighter fare, You must be joking! | Tagged , ,
8 Comments

ROME – 7 April – Conference: “Catholic Church, Where Are You Going?”

Posted on 20 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I read at Sandro Magister’s page that there is going to be a conference in Rome on

“Chiesa cattolica, dove vai?”… “Catholic Church, Where Are You Going?”

This conference responds to the growing impression that the Church seems to be losing its way.

In a Church seen as being set adrift, the key question that the conference will confront will be precisely that of redefining the leadership roles of the “people of God,” the characteristics and limitations of the authority of the pope and the bishops, the forms of consultation of the faithful in matters of doctrine.

The conference, with no admission fee, will be held on Saturday 7 April beginning at 3 PM, in the afternoon, at the conference center “The Church Village” at 94 Via di Torre Rossa.

The massive lib machine is grinding away, with the usual suspect churning out one thing after another.  You are sometimes left with the impression of a juggernaut crushing everything in its path. Time to fight back.

Posted in The Campus Telephone Pole |
7 Comments

UPDATE & ACTION ITEM for St. John Cantius in Chicago – @SJCantius

Posted on 20 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

UPDATE 20 March:

There is now a site Pray For Cantius: https://www.prayforcantius.com/

The intent is to start a round the clock Rosary for Fr Phillips and St. John Cantius. There is a signup form for additional activities such as fasting, holy hours, novenas or Masses.

UPDATE 18 March:

From a reader…

A dear friend who has been a parishioner of St. John Cantius for over 20 years was shocked to hear the recent news…being something of a social activist for causes like this, he suggested signups for a round-the-clock Rosary for Father Phillips, with the intention as you stated, for a swift resolution to this matter.

The signup is here: http://signup.com/go/SzQRgrW

There are time slots for every 20 minutes all day and all night at least through the end of May, and we can extend it if needed.

Thought you might like to let your readers know about this.

___ Originally Published on: Mar 17, 2018

REALLY BAD NEWS

Below is a statement from the Canons at St. John Cantius in Chicago.  HERE  But first some context and comments.

One thing you must be clear about from the get go.  

A letter from the Archbishop of Chicago was read at the Saturday evening Mass at St. John Cantius, so this information is now public.  In the letter that was read aloud it was clear that allegations against Fr. Phillips have nothing to do with minors!  According to my interlocutor, Fr. Phillips has not been accused of breaking any civil laws.  Instead, the allegation concerns an improper relationship with an adult male.

However, Fr. Phillips has been removed as pastor of the parish and Superior of the Canons.  He also had to leave the parish. An interim superior has been chosen from among the group itself.  Given that Phillips seems not to have broken any civil laws the move against him seems pretty sudden and draconian, but I guess that’s what they do around there.

I understand that the text from the Cardinal, which was read aloud at Mass on Saturday and which will be read at all the Masses on Sunday (as I write, tomorrow) will be released – or some statement will be released – by the Archdiocese in some form soon.  I’m guessing Monday.   Meanwhile, the Canons have posted their own statement on their website, below.

Please note two important items in the Canon’s statement below: “We hope and pray for a swift resolution to this matter….”

SWIFT!

Everyone who can do something in addition to praying should also prompt, move, push and plead that this be swiftly investigated and swiftly resolved.   In justice, this must not drag out, to the detriment of his good name and the good works which have multiplied over the years at the now world-famous St. John Cantius.

Also, because Fr. Phillips belongs to the Congregation of the Resurrection (Resurrectionists), they will be doing the investigation.

Now the statement from the Canons:

Statement from the Canons Regular regarding Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R.

This statement is in response to the letter of Cardinal Blaise J. Cupich read at all our Sunday Masses today which tells of Fr. Phillip’s removal as pastor of the parish and removal of superior due to complaints of inappropriate conduct. A statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago will be forthcoming.

Statement of the Canons Regular

STATEMENT OF THE CANONS REGULAR OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS
REGARDING FR. C. FRANK PHILLIPS, C.R.
Sunday, March 18, 2018

We know that the news of complaints of inappropriate conduct against Fr. Phillips, our founder, present a difficult time for the faithful in our parishes and friends of our community.

The Canons Regular will remain focused on our mission of “Restoring the Sacred” and will continue our vital work at our parishes and apostolates.

Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. our founder, has been pastor of St. John Cantius for 30 years and our superior for 20 years. As soon as Fr. Phillips became aware of the complaints he has been open and transparent with us, his community, and the Archdiocese of Chicago.

We ask for your patience and understanding while the Congregation of the Resurrection conducts an investigation into the complaints.

We hope and pray for a swift resolution to this matter and we ask that you keep the Canons Regular, Fr. Phillips, and any who are affected by this difficult situation in your prayers.

For my part, I hope for a swift resolution to this especially because I don’t believe the allegation.   I just don’t.

Fr. Phillips has a right to a good name and reputation.  That’s a compelling reason for this to be handled swiftly.

Please, at least say a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel to defend everyone involved from diabolical attacks, which must be underway right now with terrible fury.

St. Michael the Archangel….

St. John Cantius, pray for them.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, intercede for them.

Posted in ACTION ITEM! | Tagged ,
40 Comments

“Not so fast!”, says the damned soul. “Amoris laetitia says,…”.

Posted on 20 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

So this morning my phone goes “ding”.  “What fresh hell is this!?”, quoth I, reaching.

Indeed, it was “fresh hell”!

At Messa in Latino a wag has posted a bit of Dantesque parody about an adulterous soul in Hell.

A soul has descended to the Inferno and goes before long-tailed Minos, who is the “sorting hat” of Hell.   Minos discerns the sins of the soul and then wraps his tail about himself as many times as the number of the circle to which the soul must be consigned for eternity.   There’s an image of Minos in Michaelangelo’s Last Judgment.

For you conoscitori del Poeta, you will find this to be a serious stitch.  I don’t have time this morning to translate it for you.

The essence is that just as Minos is about to assign the adulterous soul to its circle in Hell, the soul quotes Amoris laetitia and, channeling his inner Francis, calls Minos a “pharisee”.  “Each case has to be judged individually and in my case I’m not guilty… Who are you to judge? So, see’ya later, alligator!”

Dante introduces the scene to his 21st century readers.  He has reworked Hell a little to make it more merciful:

Illustrissimi homini dello XXI secolo, vi scrivo dallo beato regno in cui mi trovo, dacché Amoris laetitia aprimmi gli occhi, e compresi che troppo esagerai gittando nell’inferno sì tanti peccatori. Io credea allora nella famigerata morale oggettiva. Imperciocché decisi di metter mano al mio farisaico poema e di offrirne più misericordiosa versione. Istatemi bene.

Dante

Stavvi Minos e orribilmente ringhia:  [Inf 5.4]
essamina le colpe ne l’intrata;
giudica e manda secondo ch’avvinghia.

Dico che quando l’anima mal nata
li vien dinanzi, tutta si confessa;
e quel conoscitor de le peccata

vede qual loco d’inferno è da essa;
cignesi con la coda tante volte
quantunque gradi vuol che giù sia messa.

[…]

Ma a’tempi di Francesco giù discese
un peccator che pure andava in chiesa,
ma l’altrui moglie quale sposa prese.

E quando Mínos già la coda tesa
pronta avea per indicar quel loco
d’aspra vendetta per indegna presa,

l’adulter spirto “Aspetta un poco”
dicea a Minosse tanto sbalordito
“a ricacciarmi in quell’eterno foco”.

D’Amoris laetitia segnò di pronto dito,
all’incredul demon quella frasetta
che innocente fea ogni pervertito:

“demonio, o fariseo, tu mi da’ retta!
Che se consorte altrui ho tolta
nessuna pena in ver ora mi spetta!

Tu dei saper che a volta in volta,
caso e caso vedere è necessario,
per una situazion mia colpa è tolta.

E la moral diventa un mondo vario,
ognuno fa quel che giusto gli pare,
su senso di peccato ormai calò il sipario.

Ah ah, chi se’ Minós per giudicare?
Non rotear tua maledetta coda!
Or ti saluto, devo proprio andare!”

Quando i dannati udiron nuova moda
allora lacrimaron di gran fotta
che ai tempi lor morale non si froda.

“Ah di fortuna ebber gran botta
color che vissero in quegli anni,
ove empietà a misericordia è ricondotta!”

Posted in Lighter fare | Tagged ,
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UPDATE on ACTION ITEM! Pray for important pro-life SCOTUS case! Arguments on 20 March.

Posted on 19 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

UPDATE 20 March:

Link to the transcript of the oral arguments for the good guys.  HERE

___

Originally Published on: Mar 19, 2018

Can the government force Christian pro-life centers to advertise taxpayer-funded abortions?  California says they can.

That’s the essential question the US Supreme Court will consider in its oral argument phase tomorrow – Tuesday 20 March – in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra.

There is more on this case at PregnancyHelpNews.com which is powered by the wonderful pro-life group Heartbeat International.

In a nutshell, California’s – isn’t it always California these days? – Reproductive FACT Act, AB 775, forces pro-life pregnancy care centers to provide free advertising for big-business abortion.  The law forces licensed medical centers that offer free, pro-life help to pregnant women to post a disclosure – a notice – saying that California provides free or low-cost abortion and contraception services.

Lot’s more details HERE.

The notice, which the law specifies must either be posted as a public notice in “22-point type,” “distributed to all clients in no less than 14-point font” or distributed digitally “at the time of check-in or arrival,” applies to all pregnancy help medical clinics licensed by the state.

“California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services (including all FDA-approved methods of contraception), prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women. To determine whether you qualify, contact the county social services office at [insert the telephone number].”

Meanwhile, pregnancy help centers that do not offer medical services will be required to post the following signage in two “clear and conspicuous” places—“in the entrance of the facility and at least one additional area where clients wait to receive services,” as well as in “any print and digital advertising materials including Internet Web sites”.

The font required is to be “in no less than 48-point type” and will read as follows:

“This facility is not licensed as a medical facility by the State of California and has no licensed medical provider who provides or directly supervises the provision of services.”

This seems to be a clear violation of the 1st Amendment.

What you can do?

Before David went to meet Goliath, he said, “this battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17:47).

  • Pray, especially using the Rosary.
  • Go to church in the morning and offer your petition to God for divine assistance to the defenders of life and to the justices.
  • Spend time in morning before the Blessed Sacrament
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, Emanations from Penumbras | Tagged ,
11 Comments

A charming 15th century view of St. Joseph

Posted on 19 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Originally Published on: Mar 20, 2017

Today is [was, last year in 2017] the transferred Feast of St. Joseph.  Yesterday, a Sunday in Lent, “outweighed” the feast.

St. Joseph has many titles in his beautiful litany.  We will sing them tonight after our Pontifical Mass at the Throne.  Joseph is the Foster-father of the Son of God, Protector of Holy Church, Glory of domestic life.

Speaking of “Glory of domestic life”, I recently saw at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC a marvelous French 15th century limestone relief with painting and gilding produced by the circle of Antoine Le Moiturier (+ c. 1497).

There are charming elements which reveal the devotion of the maker.

The star of the show must be Joseph, rendered in great detail.  All the perspectives and points of view favor him, the largest and closest figure.

IMG_4836

There are several area which deserve attention.   First, on earth, St. Joseph is on the right, warming the little Lord’s coverlet before the fire.

IMG_4838

Angels are lending a hand: they make the Infant Jesus’ bed.

Meanwhile, shepherds have scaled a nearby tree.  They peer in over the broken wall and crumbled woodwork.  They scrabble over each other for a good look.

IMG_4840

In the center, an angel has raised the Lord up to the loft or rooftop.

He seems to be changing Jesus, while He plays with the muzzle of a curious critter.

The other beast seems either to want to help or she is trying to eat the blanket.

IMG_4839

On the left, more angels enthusiastically watch.  One of them, perhaps our designated representative in the scene, prays, overwhelmed, as we should be.

IMG_4841

The Mother of God serenely gazes upward towards the domestically challenged angel and her Son.

IMG_4836

Simply superb.  There is a lot packed into this little scene, which is about a foot and a half wide.

Great love made this.

Posted in Just Too Cool | Tagged
20 Comments

My View For Awhile: Northward

Posted on 19 March 2018 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Off I go into the sunrise… sort of.

Back to the northern chill after a good visit with my mother.

UPDATE

The trip continueth after a hiatus in the lounge in ATL.

It is by now nearly an inexorable cosmic truth that at least on gate during a trip will be the one of the last gates in a concourse.

Meanwhile, this time I’m reading a ripping good yarn on the Kindle (thanks to a recent gift – a whole slew – from a reader) by Joel Rosenberg that reminds me of a previous life. Yeehaw.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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