Punditry

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Donald W. Wuerl to succeed Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick as archbishop of Washington D.C.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, made the announcement Tuesday morning.

Pope Benedict accepted the retirement of Cardinal McCarrick who had served in Washington since his appointment on Nov. 21, 2000.

Archbishop-designate Wuerl will continue to serve as bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh until his installation as archbishop of Washington on June 22.

"The decision of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to transfer me to the Archdiocese of Washington," Archbishop-designate Wuerl said, "is one I embrace in the context of faith in Gods providential care. Although I am greatly aware of my own limitations, I find strength in the Pope’s trust in me and also in the prayerful support I have always found from the Catholic faithful I have attempted to serve here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh."

Looks like the rumors were true. Bishop Wuerl also has the same philosophy as Cardinal McCarrick when it comes to pro-abortion politicians receiving the Eucharist. He had previously said that they should stop receiving of their own accord, but that he would not withhold the sacrament. In fact he went so far as saying that barring a politician from Communion should require a two-thirds vote from the Bishops conference and a mandate from the Vatican.

The Bishop though is solidly pro-life and there have been many positive reports about him, especially in relation to handling of sexual abuse. Bishop Wuerl is currently 65 years old.

The National Catholic Register interviews Cherie Blair after her meeting with Pope Benedict. Even though she is a dissenter on abortion her answer to the question on women’s ordination shows some turnaround and some wisdom on the subject.

A few years ago, you suggested that the Vatican change its approach to women. Did that form part of your meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on April 28? Do you still feel the same way?
That was said in the context of wider remarks. If I recall correctly, I said that I was not a theologian and as such did not have a theologically considered view on the question of the ordination of women — ultimately that is a matter for the Holy Father and the magisterium rather than the faithful to decide. However, I did say that I thought that more could be done to give women positions of power and influence in the Church. For example, I recall meeting some women who were chancellors of dioceses or served as judges on canon law courts. So in answer to your question — I think there is movement — positive movement and women are increasingly found in a cross section of posts in the Church.

Now if she could apply the exact same logic to abortion.

SomeRad Trads prove to be nuttier than a fruitcake. Matt C. Abbot reports on the allegation from a writer at Tradition in Action who suggests based on photos that Sister Lucy of Fatima fame was bumped off and replaced by an impostor is pretty funny or at least would be if it was parody. I wonder if he thinks it was an albino monk that carried it out?

More proof that the so-called vocation crisis is a created one is Matt C. Abbot story via Mike Tripoli about Msgr. Wilbur Davis the vocations director for the Diocese of Orange. I think the Minutemen could learn a think or two from these gatekeepers for the various diocese who have virtually built a wall around the seminaries. When it comes to vocations they are much more effective in their own "catch and release" program. "This one looks orthodox, I guess I will toss this one back in and keep looking." In fact based on their rejection of apparently orthodox men seeking the priesthood if they wanted to write a book on this subject they could call it "Profiles in discourage."

Msgr. Wilbur Davis supports pro-abortion Catholics, had an animus towards the vocations in Bishop Bruskewitz diocese ("This kind of stuff pisses me off."), towards Mother Angelica "Do we really want to encourage people to drink of Mother Angelica’s religious intolerance and arrogance? I certainly do not"), and calls Catholic Family Radio extremist. So of course he is a perfect match as the vocations director for Bishop Tod Brown. Though I guess if vocations were like golf scores they would be doing very well.

Looking a the Diocese of Orange’s website one thing caught my eye.

To Trust Again
Holy Family Cathedral
A special marriage preparation program designed for couples entering marriage after one or both partners has experienced loss through death, divorce, or annulment.

Through divorce or annulment? Looks like this program is as theologically sound as the rest of the diocese.

Roman Catholic Blog and The Cafeteria is Closed is also covering the story.

Gerald has the background information on the priest who posed for the latest vocation posters for the Diocese of Rochester. Not surprisingly since Bishop Matthew Clark who had participated in the militant pro-homosexual New Ways Ministry uses a priest who seems also to dissent from the magisterium with regards to homosexuality since he has written on the subject and was one of 30 Rochester priests who "deplored" the Vatican’s instruction on same-sex marriage.

Since Bishop Clark is heavily behind the wreckovation of the Cathedral for Rochester, it does make you wonder that there seems to be be more than just a small connection between dissent, especially on homosexuality, and the tendency to want to destroy traditional churches and recast them in a modernist image.

Previously many blogs had commented on how odd these vocation posters were with the slogan "I Love My Life" before the background of Father Joe Marcoux was known. Now you can understand the ad spin on calling someone to a life of sacrifice and service. But ad copy like "Something in my heart wanted more than a job … Priesthood." The Navy in the seventies also had the more than a Job line .. it’s an adventure. In this case an adventure in heterodoxy. This extreme individualistic "Something in my heart" doesn’t leave much room for the fact that Jesus calls priest unto himself and not that someone chooses to be a priest out of wanting something more than just a job. But than again having an ad that said:

‘If Jesus has called you to a life of sacrifice and prayer give us a call. "The servant is greater than the master and if they have persecuted me they will persecute you." If you are ready to pick up your cross daily in a life of sacrificial giving and true joy, than also pick up the phone to call our vocations office.’

Update: As you would expect the Pope said it much better on the World Day of vocations.

The priesthood is not a path to prestige, says Benedict XVI.

In his homily today during the ordination Mass of 15 new priests in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope said that the spirit of the priesthood is opposed to "making a career" of it, to get to the "top," or "to seek a position through the Church: to be served rather than to serve."

The Holy Father criticized the "image of the man who, through the priesthood, wants to be important, to become a personality."

"But the only legitimate ascent to the ministry of the pastor is the cross," said the Pope. "This is the door."

On World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Benedict XVI said that to be a priest is "not to desire to become personally someone, but to live for the other, for Christ and, in this way, through him and with him, to live for the men he seeks, whom he wishes to lead on the path of life."

The Pope continued: One "enters the priesthood through the sacrament, that is, through giving oneself to Christ, so that he can dispose of me, so that I serve him and follow his call, even if it is opposed to my desires for self-fulfillment and esteem.

"To enter through the door, which is Christ, means to know him and love him ever more, so that our will is united to his and our conduct is his."

The Holy Father gave this advice to the new priests: "May Christ grow in us, may our union with him be ever more profound."

Lawyers for alleged clergy-abuse victims say the 24 lawsuits already filed against the Roman Catholic Church in Colorado will go forward despite the legislature’s rejection of an extended statute of limitations for sex-abuse victims.

"The existing lawsuits were brought before this legislation came about," said Jeff Anderson, a St. Paul, Minn., attorney who has sued dioceses across the country, including in Colorado. "This failure by public-policy makers will have no impact on the lawsuits. There are arguments around the statute of limitations we have right now."

Added Adam Horowitz, a Miami attorney who also has sued the church in Colorado on behalf of multiple clients, "The lawsuits against the Catholic Church will go forward, with or without the legislation."

Current law requires sexual-abuse lawsuits to be filed within six years of the victim turning 18.

Late Thursday, the House rejected Senate attempts to remove the statute of limitations for one year, raising doubts whether any legislation to make it easier for victims to sue institutions in the future will pass before the legislature adjourns this week.

At least it is good news to hear that this law which was mainly pointed at the Catholic Church did not pass. Archbishop Chaput had an excellent article in the latest First Things on the subject of this bill and it’s inequity considering that the large majority of sexual abuse occurs in public schools which because of special protection allows almost no litigation. I especially liked this one section from his article.

Catholics can live with hard laws if they serve the common good—but the laws need to be equally hard for all offending persons and institutions, with the same rules and penalties and no hidden escape clauses.
[Full Article from First Things]

Vatican City — The Vatican has excommunicated two Chinese bishops ordained without the Pope’s consent.

The Vatican strongly criticized the ordination of bishops by China’s state-approved Catholic Church, saying earlier Thursday that they represent a ”grave violation of religious freedom” and hinder dialogue between the Vatican and Beijing.

A statement from the Vatican spokesman said Pope Benedict XVI was deeply saddened at the news of the ordinations, which took place without Vatican approval. It called on Chinese authorities to prevent any such moves in the future – noting that they lead to excommunication.

”The Holy Father learned of the news with great sadness,” Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in the statement. ”It is a great wound to the unity of the Church.”

On Wednesday, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association ordained Liu Xinhong as bishop at the city of Wuhu’s St. Joseph’s Church in the eastern province of Anhui.

It was the second ordination in three days without the consent of the Vatican, which traditionally appoints its own bishops. On Sunday, China’s official church ordained Ma Yinglin as a bishop in the southwestern province of Yunnan.

The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association has said the new appointments were meant to fill shortages and were not intended to offend the Vatican.

Canonist Ed Peters wonders about the canonical validity of the illicit episcopal ordinations. He raises the point about Mormon baptism being invalid despite proper matter and form and their invalidity is based totally on intention. It would be easy to make the case that the Chinese ordination could have a similar defect.

Another report says that the two bishops involved in the ordinations were also excommunicated which only makes sense.

Two leading theologians at Boston College have written a stinging letter objecting to the college’s decision to invite Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to speak at graduation and to give her an honorary degree.
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Nearly 100 faculty members have signed the letter, according to the theology department, which declined to release their names.

The letter, which will be delivered to the president and board of trustees, has set off a fiery debate.

Kenneth Himes, chairman of the department of theology, and the Rev. David Hollenbach, who holds the Margaret O’Brien Flatley chair in the department, titled their letter ”Condoleezza Rice Does Not Deserve a Boston College Honorary Degree," and sent it to the entire faculty inviting members to sign on. The writers said they were distressed with the university’s decision to invite Rice to commencement May 22. Her selection was announced Monday.

”On the levels of both moral principle and practical moral judgment, Secretary Rice’s approach to international affairs is in fundamental conflict with Boston College’s commitment to the values of the Catholic and Jesuit traditions and is inconsistent with the humanistic values that inspire the university’s work," the letter said. It pointed out Pope John Paul II’s opposition to the war in Iraq.

”I have no objection to her coming here to speak — I am in favor of free speech — but I don’t believe we should be honoring her with an honorary degree," Hollenbach said.

I think they are right, but for the wrong reasons. There are a lot of things I like about Condi Rice, but definitely not who pro-abortion position. She describes herself as "mildly pro-choice" which means she goes along with the ban of federal funding of abortion, but that is about it. As the Bishops document Catholics in Political Life said "The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions." Now if only the staff of BC (which by their theology most of the time must mean Before Christ) would be consistent since they have no problems with giving honors to others who are solidly pro-abortion or promote some other aspect of the culture of death.

Today being the memorial St. Athanasius this is my favorite story about him when he was being tried for sorcery and for murder and cutting off their right hand to use in magical rites.

Early in the proceeding, with a truly breath-taking disregard for recently established and documented truth, the "hand of Arsernius" was brought out for the horrified perusal of the council, along with the original tale of murder and sorcery involving him and Athanasius. But Athanasius was as resourceful as his opponents. Arsenius, never quite good enough at hiding himself, was ferreted out again at Tyre. Athanasius brought him to the council, wrapped in a cloak. He asked if those present knew Arsenius. When several answered that they did. Athanasius uncovered Arsenius’s face. "Is this the right Arsenius? Is this the man I murdered? Is this the man those people mutilated after his murder by cutting off his right hand? Then he pulled off the cloak, revealing both of Arsenius’s hands perfectly normal. "Let no one seek for a third hand," Athanasius concluded, with crushing irony "for man has received two hands from the Creator and no more." From the Building of Christendom Vol II by Warren H. Carroll

Warren Carroll series on Christendom is highly recommended. These are not rapid reads or simple overviews of the History of Christendom, but are much more expansive. His writing style is highly readable and while these books are scholarly and footnoted, they are not dry in any way and extremely informative. It really helps you to expand your view of Christian history. We often complain about events in the Church such as weak bishops, etc. Reading Church history really helps to put it all in perspective. Going back to the time of St. Athanasius when the Arian heresy had infected the majority of bishops and considering the fact that this was only a few centuries after the death of Christ you can see how the Holy Spirit has guided the Church. To look at history is to see that the Church has always had spineless clergy and laity. Just how many bishops refused to give in to King Henry VIII in England. Just one – St. John Fisher. Yet despite our own weaknesses and those of the Body of Christ -the Church just keeps chugging along despite us.

Looking at the times of St. Athanasius you see that theology was taken quite seriously even up to fights breaking out in the streets over it. Or the famous case of St. Nicholas punching Arius in the nose. There were many plots, intrigues, and political gambits used to advance a theological view. In comparison what we do today is quite boring. Our modern day dissidents are usually much more subtle and less out in the open about their views or they are made in such a way as to allow plausible deniability that they are actually denying Church teaching. Give me an honest heretic any day.

Catholic feminists live with the ongoing tension of seeking the intellectual freedom to explore theological ideas that liberate women while at the same time maintaining communication with the Catholic institution, said a renowned feminist theologian.

…Her varied scholarship has included books on ecology from a feminist perspective, the history of women and religion in North America, the theological roots of anti-Semitism, the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, racism and liberation theology. She wrote several articles criticizing Roman Catholic views on sex and reproduction that was underlying its ban on artificial birth control. One of her most recent books is "Integrating Ecofeminism, Globalization and World Religions."

You just got to love The Tidings the weekly newspaper of the Los Angeles Archdiocese which often can’t be distinguished from the National Catholic Reporter. They print a puff piece on a dissenting theologian who is pro-abortion and on the board of Catholics for a Free Choice. Who supports women’s ordination and believes that the Bible is a lie-a collection of
myths-and that "the Bible has to be demythologized"-that is, rewritten from
the feminist perspective. They don’t seem to have a problem on one hand printing an article in support of parental notification for abortion and then print one one favoring a pro-abortion advocate with absolutely no critical overview.

Sure these so-called Catholic feminists live with an ongoing tension. There is always tension between truth and lies. Lies will never result in liberation, but only shackles.