To be honest, I am getting a little fed up with some Catholics getting a little (or more) paranoid about Pope Francis, particularly with regard to the Extraordinary Rite, but including other things, such as the moral doctrines of the Church. I wish some people would just get over the fact that Benedict is no longer the Pope. Perhaps I should design another poster with the words, "get over it!"
I am not sure if I am breaking any copyright by displaying this poster. It was generated on an American site. If I hear from them I will remove it.
It's not a 'rite' Father.
ReplyDeleteAnd, if you have seen the Tango Mass presided over by Archbishop Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, you might not be quite so sanguine.
Richard, the use of the word 'rite' was an aberration. It was not deliberate, I should have said, "Extraordinary Form". You are right to correct me but not in such a snappy way. Obviously I have ruffled some feathers, but I was brought up to be an 'orthodox' Catholic and for me that means supporting the Pope. This is not an ultramontane position but one that is in line with Catholic Tradition, spiritual and theological. If there is hard evidence that the Pope is against the EF then I will listen to you, but there is not, only rumours, misunderstandings and needless anxieties. If it continues, I believe it will become serious. I am not sanguine, but a bit of humour helps now and then. I can assure you I am not at all sanguine about what I see developing in the Church over the last couple of months - a polarization that is being encouraged by many who call themselves "Traditionalists", and it is causing remarks and judgements about the Pope that are not only unjust but are, in my opinion, sinful.
DeleteHi Fr I'm back blogging here. You might like my blog & link:
ReplyDeletehttp://catholicorthodoxy.blogspot.co.uk/
Maybe you could link to the excellent poster - I've used it and maybe we could use it on orthodox Catholic blogs.
ReplyDeleteSorry Father but I don't regard my comment as "snappy" - it was certainly not meant to be. But you have not responded to the Tango Mass issue.
ReplyDeleteOK Richard, sorry about that. As for the Tango issue I know nothing about it, but I can't see the point in bringing up things from the past. I read a biography of the Pope and it seems to me that he is a listening and learning Pope (he has admitted this). he has also admitted to making mistakes in the past. Why should we investigate them? What is the point? There are some who want to continue investigating his actions (or lack of them) during the troubles in Argentina, but much of this is interpretation and is unnecessary. The fact is that we now have a Pope and we need to give him a chance. He has hardly had time to settle down. You can argue that he should have been more careful with his initial statements, but on the other hand I spoke to a Catholic journalist who works for a prestige paper and he is convinced that the Pope is "playing" them and knows exactly what he is doing. My point is that God has given us a Pope and we should be supporting him as much as we can. Much of the fear that is coming from people in the Church is, in my opinion, potentially damaging.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words. They are calm and wise. Pace et Bene, Rene from Holland.
DeleteSir, thank your for your wise and calm comments. Pace et Bene, Rene from Holland.
DeleteThanks Father. I am trying hard not to personalise criticism against the Pope. My concern is more involved with those in the Vatican who have consistently schemed against Holy Mother Church. However, I find actions such as placing a beachball on an altar empty and sacrilegious. I have also worked in the pr industry for more years than I care to remember and find the Holy Father's approach erratic and inconsistent. Not one that I would ever recommend to any of my clients. God bless and a Holy and Happy Christmas to you.
ReplyDeleteRichard, the beachball incident was an act of simplicity and such things are common where there is a great devotion to Our Lady. Are you saying that the Pope meant it to be sacrilegious? Of course not. Therefore you are not criticizing his motives. You would not do such a thing with a beachball, but I would. I would never do it during Holy Mass or as part of a public act of worship. His gesture was that of a son bringing something home for his mother. Yes, it is something that many will not understand but it speaks of his simple, childlike devotion to the Mother of Christ. Is this unacceptable to an English mentality? The Pope is a Latin American, not an Englishman. it will be interesting, in due course, to find out what Our Lady thought of the gesture. I think I know already. I have been in the Marian Movement for over 25 years and I can remember the childlike simplicity of Fr. Gobbi. Many did not like him or his devotional attitude but he would have had no problem with that beachball thing, and neither do I. Happy Christmas to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Father, and a holy and happy Christmas to you also. God bless.
ReplyDelete