The DUTCH!
In the film Goldmember, Michael Caine as Nigel Powers delivers a brilliant comedic line. In the one phrase he juxtaposes self awareness, with profound self-deception.
This line came to mind while mulling on the state of conservatism vs. liberalism within the Church, after hearing that ultra-conservative Bishop Joseph Strickland was fired.
I agree with the firing of Strickland — or that he be severely reprimanded — considering his schismatic comments.
Rather, the Holy Father seems to have a blind spot for liberal Catholicism, and in particular, some liberal Jesuits (e.g. Fr. Marko Rupnik & Fr. James Martin.) This allows the Holy Father to espouse changes which are even bothering some moderate Catholics. Many of these ‘advances’ have not been demonstrated to be “kosher” by the Magisterium. [Apology for the mixed metaphor!]
The Pope is clearly harder on conservative Catholics. Examples are defrocked Frank Pavone; Fr. James Altman; & followers of the Traditional Latin Mass. [NOT to imply that I support Pavone or Altman.]
It is clear that some liberal priests are getting away with blue murder. While searching for a light-hearted example, I came across this beauty posted to YouTube by Dr. Taylor Marshall.
There are places in the world where priests and congregations routinely rock with awesome music — but as Marshall says, this priest is ‘trying to be cool’ and not succeeding.
Dancing aside, liberal bishops and priests are doing things which bring the Church into disrepute — such as giving Communion to “Catholic” Pro-Abortion US politicians like President Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi. There are similar examples in most every Western country.
Bishop Strickland
Strickland was an ultra-conservative Bishop in a small diocese in Texas, USA.
He was very vocal on the radio and (Anti-)Social Media. For example, he opposes all abortion; publicly refuses any vaccine made from aborted baby cell-lines, and because of their opposition to abortion, supports Donald J. Trump, Frank Pavone and Fr. James Altman. (NOTE: Fr. Altman needs serious help. His videos can be seen on the internet.)
Strickland has criticised many current Church issues including the changing approach to LGBTQ+ & Synodality.
Strickland posted on X that the Pope is “undermining the Deposit of Faith,” May 12#. Then, “On October 31, Strickland delivered a speech at a conference in which he described Pope Francis as a “usurper” and as “one who has pushed aside the true Pope and has attempted to sit on a chair that is not his.”
In his favour, Strickland is very protective of the unborn child; supports the poor and teaches that we all must return to God. Also, “Strickland’s tenure has also coincided with positive signs of spiritual and administrative health in Tyler. Currently, 21 men are in priestly formation for the territory of 119,168 Catholics. The diocese is also reportedly in good financial shape, exemplified in part by its ability to raise 99% of its $2.3 million goal for the 2021 bishop’s appeal six months ahead of schedule.”
Rupnik
I only recently found out about Marko Rupnik from an article in Catholic Arena. Apparently he is very well know in Europe as a liturgical artist and has mosaics decorating many prestigious churches.
Rupnik was a Slovakian Jesuit, who was accused of the sexual abuse of nuns. The abuse charges were brought in 2021 but dismissed because “according to canon law, the statute of limitations expires after 20 years, whereas the charges referred to incidents almost 30 years earlier.” Some of those accusations are nauseating.
Rupnik by his mosaic
The Ressurection
To reiterate: Rupnik absolved a woman of a sexual sin in which he participated. As required by Canon Law, he was excommunicated and Pope Francis LIFTED the excommunication…
Is there a direct comparison of Strickland to Rupnik — No.
Does the Pope appear to show favouritism — Yes.
(Finally, on October 27# this year, the Holy Father lifted the statute of limitations on Rupnik’s crimes. This was on the second-last day of the Synod on Synodality in which over 50 women participated. One must presume that the Holy Father received a large dose of reality on Rupnik’s alleged crimes while at the Synod. If Rupnik is guilty, the lack of justice for the abused nuns is horrific. If innocent, he should be exonerated.)
Rupnik’s Liturgical Art
Lourdes Basilica with Rupnik’s art
— Diane Montagna (@dianemontagna) July 4, 2023
I agree with the author of the CA article — if guilty, Rupnik’s art must be removed from every church and basilica.
THE WORLD IN TURMOIL
The world is now dealing with two regional wars and the potential for these conflicts to escalate into World War III. We are just getting over 3 years of COVID and are continually bombarded with the horrors of “Climate Change”. The Holy Father himself has increased the Doomsday Fear of Climate Change through Laudato Si and Laudate Deum.
Click image to review of Laudato Si
Click image to link to Part I
Click image to link to Part II
Instead of providing a beacon of hope and stability in the storms engulfing the world, the Holy Father has further destroyed hope for the future. Add to this, his favouritism is causing instability inside the Church. I pray that this is indeed the Holy Spirit at work…be it in some very unusual way.
TOGETHER
Cardinal Robert Sarah said: “The Church is suffering; She is trampled on, and her enemies are within. Let us not abandon her.” The Church needs conservative and liberal alike: we can only survive if we pull together.
Ubi Petrus ibi ecclesia, et ibi ecclesia vita eterna
— St Ambrose —
“Where there is Peter, there is the Church, and where there is the Church there is eternal life”
Kevin Hay
(You can follow Kevin on 𝕏 — formerly Twitter — @ kevinhay77)