In a previous post, I hinted at the distinction between looking at the Novus Ordo Mass in itself and looking at its actual practice. That there are abuses and illicit modifications, however grave, in the practice of the Novus Ordo Mass is a given. But as many medieval liturgists relate, priestly abuses have always abounded within the context of the Litrugy. I noted the many improvements and many ancient traditions that were incorporated into the Novus Ordo Mass, which is... Read more
I have a few scattered thoughts on the Liturgy that I’d like to convey in two posts this evening, mostly engendered out of my anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI’s motu proprio Summorum Pontificum. Selective Reading? I am frustrated. And what follows is my opinion, and my opinion alone. This motu proprio has created quite a stir in the Catholic blogosphere, which I suppose is a good thing. No doubt, many will be eager to read this new document from Pope... Read more
As is now evident to almost everyone, the Iraq war failed to meet the strict just war criteria. At the outset, as was made plain by the Vatican, the war did not garner the approval of the proper authority in this particular case, the United Nations. For what right does one country have to unilaterally invade and occupy another country, half way around the world? None. But let’s set this aside for a minute, and go through the just war... Read more
The Catholic Church tells us that interfaith dialogue is an obligatory part of the Christian life. “Dialogue is fundamental for the Church, which is called to collaborate in God’s plan with its methods of presence, respect and love toward all persons (cf. AG 10-12; ES 41-42; RH 11-12)” John Paul II, To the Plenary Session of the Secretariat for Non-Christians, 3-4-1984, pages 268 -71 in Interreligious Dialogue: The Official Teaching of the Catholic Church (1963 – 1995). ed. Francesco Gioia... Read more
On top of the fact that Congress could not reach a consensus for a comprehensive and humane immigration reform, Washington announced that the new immigration fees will take effect starting this July 30th. This increase in fees is primarily destined to “Build an Immigration Service for the 21st Century” that will translate into modernized immigration offices, improved background checks on immigrants, and faster processing of applications. The changes will be realized by September 2009. Let’s look at these fees and... Read more
As the late, great Dietrich von Hildebrand, one of my favorite Catholic thinkers of all time, reminds us in his Liturgy and Personality, the Liturgy is not some private devotion that Catholics hold in common but is rather the transformative formal prayer of the Church that illumines and enhances true personhood, which in turn transforms society. The Liturgy, precisely because of the center of its activity, the Eucharist, is the source of emanating grace in the world. Thus, the Liturgy,... Read more
The recent post by Soutenus got me thinking. I was going to reply in the combox, but the response was growing too long. Basically, I think there’s far to much confusion (and obsession) surrounding homosexuality in political and religious circles today. We need to step back and apply some reason. Let’s go back to basics. First, the church condemns homosexual acts, not homosexuality itself. That distinction is essential. No Catholic teaching supports those fundamentalist crazies who try to turn gay... Read more
In a nutshell:This post is about”Coming Out” from under the influence of the homosexual mindset. A prominent U.S. gay activist, Michael Glatze is now publicly speaking out against homosexuality. He is actively encouraging others to leave a way of life that he says “is by its very nature pornographic”An article by John JalsevacJuly 3, 2007; LifeSiteNews.com Michael Glatze, once a rising star in the homosexual movement, having become the editor of the popular Young Gay America magazine in his early... Read more
One of my favorite poems: Let America Be America Again, by Langston Hughes. Let America be America again.Let it be the dream it used to be.Let it be the pioneer on the plainSeeking a home where he himself is free.(America never was America to me.)Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed–Let it be that great strong land of loveWhere never kings connive nor tyrants schemeThat any man be crushed by one above.(It never was America to me.)O, let my... Read more
If so, what explains this pagan ethic? Robert Bork, Ronald Reagan’s one-time nominee to the Supreme Court, mumbles from beneath low-hanging jowls: “The coverage of this war is unbelievable. Even Fox News is unbelievable. You’d think we’re the only ones dying. Enemy casualties aren’t covered. We’re doing an excellent job killing them.” Read more
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