Beasts and Men
Playboy Celebrates 50 years
This good article by Long Island Catholic Thomas Woods Jr. makes a few great points. In mentioning the star-studded celebration of the magazine's anniversary he notes:
"Half a century ago a celebrity so deranged as to celebrate such a thing – and publicly, no less – would have spent the rest of his life a pariah. Today, by contrast, the only thing that earns the reproach of our cultural censors is making a film about Christ’s Passion."
Dr. Woods' humor is as cutting as usual:
"Exactly what it is we are expected to celebrate about 50 years of Playboy is far from clear. Am I supposed to be impressed that Hugh Hefner correctly predicted that men would purchase pictures of nude women? Are our standards of entrepreneurial genius really so low?"
And finally, more examples of "traditional" Catholics understanding today's world better than most:
"Hef continues to age, but his female entourage does not. And there, notwithstanding the fevered denials of the magazine’s supporters, is what Playboy and its progeny are all about: the idea that women are things to be enjoyed and then discarded, for a new crop of them is always available."
"the teen Masses and other toothless schlock that the bishops offer to the young only confirm the kids’ dumb prejudices about the irrelevance of the Church. The young are spiritually disarmed before an onslaught whose sheer ubiquity leaves a rather more distinct impression on them than the schmaltzy music and hand-holding around the altar that greet them on those Sundays when they bother to show up for Mass."
Saturday, May 29, 2004
12 killed, hostages held in Saudi
Saudi Arabia, the homeland of Osama Bin Laden and most of the 9/11 hijackers, continues to have problems with Islamic militants. What is that expression about chickens coming home to roost?
Saudi Arabia, the homeland of Osama Bin Laden and most of the 9/11 hijackers, continues to have problems with Islamic militants. What is that expression about chickens coming home to roost?
I have not blogged recently because I have taken two trips (Pittsburgh and Boston) and have acquired a nasty cold. Also, I have not been feeling up to writing or following much news lately.
Bittersweet Tribute for WWII Veterans
Today is the dedication for the WWII monument in Washington, D.C. This monument is long overdue and it is a shame we have not had a major monument in D.C. until over 50 years after the end of the war. My father was a merchant marine during WWII and several of my uncles were also vets. One of them kept a secret for decades after the war. He was a part of Operation Tiger, a practice for D-Day that was top secret. 749 US servicemen lost their lives in this operation gone wrong. Basic information can found here. Some more details can be found here.
Bittersweet Tribute for WWII Veterans
Today is the dedication for the WWII monument in Washington, D.C. This monument is long overdue and it is a shame we have not had a major monument in D.C. until over 50 years after the end of the war. My father was a merchant marine during WWII and several of my uncles were also vets. One of them kept a secret for decades after the war. He was a part of Operation Tiger, a practice for D-Day that was top secret. 749 US servicemen lost their lives in this operation gone wrong. Basic information can found here. Some more details can be found here.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Forgive me Father, it has been 102 years since my last confession...
"A Belarussian woman who worked on a collective farm until she was 95 celebrated her 116th birthday with two wishes: for a bigger pension and a chance to go to a Catholic church for confession."
"A Belarussian woman who worked on a collective farm until she was 95 celebrated her 116th birthday with two wishes: for a bigger pension and a chance to go to a Catholic church for confession."
I am back from vacation - let's see - what happened while I was gone?
"Two 17-year-old Massapequa teenagers were arrested earlier this week for a drive-by paintball shooting in which a 10-year-old boy attending a first Communion party was injured when he was struck in the eye, Nassau police said."
Have I mentioned I live on an island filled with stupid trailer-trash morons? Well I do. The article says one of the teens arrested was a student at Kellenberg Memorial High School, but I am sure he was tossed out of that school before the ink was dry on this news story. The good brothers there have thrown people out for much, much less.
"Two 17-year-old Massapequa teenagers were arrested earlier this week for a drive-by paintball shooting in which a 10-year-old boy attending a first Communion party was injured when he was struck in the eye, Nassau police said."
Have I mentioned I live on an island filled with stupid trailer-trash morons? Well I do. The article says one of the teens arrested was a student at Kellenberg Memorial High School, but I am sure he was tossed out of that school before the ink was dry on this news story. The good brothers there have thrown people out for much, much less.
Monday, May 10, 2004
I just went to post and noticed blogger has changed a bit. I don't have time to check out the changes but for some reason my blog is upside down - the new posts are at the bottom and the old ones at the top. Anyone know how to change this? Anyway, I will on vacation so won't be blogging for a few days. Be good!
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Paul Shanley, the central figure (or one who should be the central figure) in the "Scandals", was defrocked along with Ronald Paquin.
"Once known for his street ministry to gay and troubled youth, Shanley became a focal point of the clergy sex abuse scandal after plaintiffs' attorneys forced the church to release internal church records showing complaints about Shanley.
Among the records were documents indicating that Shanley had attended a forum with other people who later went on to form the North American Man-Boy Love Association. "
Bettnet points out that "Sister" Jeannine Gramick is a friend of Shanley and links to the article that quotes this dissident as saying:
"But Sister Jeanine Gramick, a Shanley friend and Washington-area nun renown for her ministry to gays and lesbians, called the removal process `grossly unfair'.''
It amazes me that Shanley continues to have supporters, some of whom even bailed him out of jail. I hope people will come to realize that those who supported Shanley, Weakland, etc... are part of the problem in the Church.
"Once known for his street ministry to gay and troubled youth, Shanley became a focal point of the clergy sex abuse scandal after plaintiffs' attorneys forced the church to release internal church records showing complaints about Shanley.
Among the records were documents indicating that Shanley had attended a forum with other people who later went on to form the North American Man-Boy Love Association. "
Bettnet points out that "Sister" Jeannine Gramick is a friend of Shanley and links to the article that quotes this dissident as saying:
"But Sister Jeanine Gramick, a Shanley friend and Washington-area nun renown for her ministry to gays and lesbians, called the removal process `grossly unfair'.''
It amazes me that Shanley continues to have supporters, some of whom even bailed him out of jail. I hope people will come to realize that those who supported Shanley, Weakland, etc... are part of the problem in the Church.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Oregon Man Arrested in Spain Bombings Probe
"He converted to Islam in 1989, she said, and attends a mosque in nearby Beaverton."
"He converted to Islam in 1989, she said, and attends a mosque in nearby Beaverton."
Quote of the day comes from e-skojec.com:
"And Hugh Hefner, he must be about 140 now, and he keeps parading these bunnies around."
-Dr. Regis Martin, On the Absurdities of Hedonism
I love Regis Martin on EWTN's Franciscan University Presents" show. And I can't think of anyone who looks more ridiculous than Hefner.
"And Hugh Hefner, he must be about 140 now, and he keeps parading these bunnies around."
-Dr. Regis Martin, On the Absurdities of Hedonism
I love Regis Martin on EWTN's Franciscan University Presents" show. And I can't think of anyone who looks more ridiculous than Hefner.
The Long Island Catholic Men's Conference
"The Long Island Catholic Men’s Conference was established to spread the word of God through fellowship and gathering. The idea has its roots in the men’s conference at The Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. This national conference inspired a group of faithful men from St. Margaret’s R.C. church to organize and plan a day of worship and celebration of our Lord in a local, convenient location."
This looks promising. If it is charismatic then it might go either way but if they keep it orthodox then it will be good. The Diocese of Rockville Centre needs stuff like this so I will keep my finger crossed and if possible, will attend.
"The Long Island Catholic Men’s Conference was established to spread the word of God through fellowship and gathering. The idea has its roots in the men’s conference at The Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. This national conference inspired a group of faithful men from St. Margaret’s R.C. church to organize and plan a day of worship and celebration of our Lord in a local, convenient location."
This looks promising. If it is charismatic then it might go either way but if they keep it orthodox then it will be good. The Diocese of Rockville Centre needs stuff like this so I will keep my finger crossed and if possible, will attend.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Good News!
Amy Welborn at Open Book liked to this story about Iona College gettin' religion. Good to see a positive story at a "Catholic" college for once. Please note the positive reactions of students and administrators.
"We are mindful that Princeton, Harvard and others began as religious institutions and lost their sense of identity," Hughes said. "We don't want to lose it. Crucifixes are not a source of proselytizing, but a part of our identity. We are welcoming to everyone."
Amy Welborn at Open Book liked to this story about Iona College gettin' religion. Good to see a positive story at a "Catholic" college for once. Please note the positive reactions of students and administrators.
"We are mindful that Princeton, Harvard and others began as religious institutions and lost their sense of identity," Hughes said. "We don't want to lose it. Crucifixes are not a source of proselytizing, but a part of our identity. We are welcoming to everyone."
Monday, May 03, 2004
THE OTTAVIANI INTERVENTION
Confessions of a Recovering Choir Director once linked to this letter from Cardinals Ottaviani and Bacci. I had heard of the Ottaviani intervention but never actually read any details. In reading over the letter, it is amazing how correct these churchmen were:
“Recent reforms have amply demonstrated that fresh changes in the liturgy could lead to nothing but complete bewilderment on the part of the faithful who are already showing signs of restiveness and of an indubitable lessening of faith.”
And
“The definition of the Mass is thus limited to that of the "supper", and this term is found constantly repeated (nos. 8, 48, 55d, 56). This supper is further characterised as an assembly presided over by the priest and held as a memorial of the Lord, recalling what He did on the first Maundy Thursday. None of this in the very least implies either the Real Presence, or the reality of sacrifice, or the Sacramental function of the consecrating priest, or the intrinsic value of the Eucharistic Sacrifice independently of the people's presence. It does not, in a word, imply any of the essential dogmatic values of the Mass which together provide its true definition. Here, the deliberate omission of these dogmatic values amounts to their having been superseded and therefore, at least in practice, to their denial.”
And
“The priest's position is minimised, changed and falsified. Firstly in relation to the people for whom he is, for the most part, a mere president, or brother, instead of the consecrated minister celebrating in persona Christi.”
“the very strange and dubious eschatologism whereby the communication of supernatural grace, a reality which is permanent and eternal, is brought down to the dimensions of time: we hear of a people on the march, a pilgrim Church - no longer militant - against the Powers of Darkness - looking towards a future which having lost its line with eternity is conceived in purely temporal terms.”
“The unity of the Church is gravely compromised by the wholly intolerable omission from the entire Ordo, including the three new Prayers, of the names of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Founders of the Church of Rome, and the names of the other Apostles, foundation and mark of the one and universal Church, the only remaining mention being in the Communicantes of the Roman Canon.”
“The process of desacralisation is completed thanks to the new procedures for the offering: the reference to ordinary not unleavened bread; altar-servers (and lay people at Communion sub utraque specie) being allowed to handle sacred vessels (no. 244d); the distracting atmosphere created by the ceaseless coming and going of the priest, deacon, subdeacon, psalmist, commentator (the priest becomes commentator himself from his constantly being required to 'explain' what he is about to accomplish) - of readings (men and women), of servers or laymen welcoming people at the door and escorting them to their places whilst others carry and sort offerings.”
“Of Cannon II it has been well said, among other things, that it could be recited with perfect tranquillity of conscience by a priest who no longer believes either in Transubstantiation or in the sacrificial character of the Mass - hence even by a Protestant minister.”
“From the outset therefore the New Rite is launched as pluralistic and experimental, bound to time and place. Unity of worship, thus swept away for good and all, what will become of that unity of faith that went with it, and which, we were always told, was to be defended without compromise?”
“Moreover in abandoning its unmistakable and immemorial Roman character, the Novus Ordo lost what was spiritually precious of its own. Its place has been taken by elements which bring it closer only to certain other reformed liturgies (not even those closest to Catholicism) and which debase it at the same time. The East will be ever more alienated, as it already has been by the preceding liturgical reforms.”
"To try to bring the Church's worship back at all cost to ancient practices by refashioning, artificially and with that "unhealthy archeologism" so roundly condemned by Pius XII, what in earlier times had the grace of original spontaneity means as we see today only too clearly - to dismantle all the theological ramparts erected for the protection of the Rite and to take away all the beauty by which it was enriched over the centuries.”
“Today, division and schism are officially acknowledged to exist not only outside of but within the Church. Her unity is not only threatened but already tragically compromised. Errors against the Faith are not so much insinuated but rather an inevitable consequence of liturgical abuses and aberrations which have been given equal recognition.”
Rome, September 25th, 1969
It is obvious these men were absolutely right. The question I am asking myself more frequently is: Was Archbishop Lefebvre right as well?
Confessions of a Recovering Choir Director once linked to this letter from Cardinals Ottaviani and Bacci. I had heard of the Ottaviani intervention but never actually read any details. In reading over the letter, it is amazing how correct these churchmen were:
“Recent reforms have amply demonstrated that fresh changes in the liturgy could lead to nothing but complete bewilderment on the part of the faithful who are already showing signs of restiveness and of an indubitable lessening of faith.”
And
“The definition of the Mass is thus limited to that of the "supper", and this term is found constantly repeated (nos. 8, 48, 55d, 56). This supper is further characterised as an assembly presided over by the priest and held as a memorial of the Lord, recalling what He did on the first Maundy Thursday. None of this in the very least implies either the Real Presence, or the reality of sacrifice, or the Sacramental function of the consecrating priest, or the intrinsic value of the Eucharistic Sacrifice independently of the people's presence. It does not, in a word, imply any of the essential dogmatic values of the Mass which together provide its true definition. Here, the deliberate omission of these dogmatic values amounts to their having been superseded and therefore, at least in practice, to their denial.”
And
“The priest's position is minimised, changed and falsified. Firstly in relation to the people for whom he is, for the most part, a mere president, or brother, instead of the consecrated minister celebrating in persona Christi.”
“the very strange and dubious eschatologism whereby the communication of supernatural grace, a reality which is permanent and eternal, is brought down to the dimensions of time: we hear of a people on the march, a pilgrim Church - no longer militant - against the Powers of Darkness - looking towards a future which having lost its line with eternity is conceived in purely temporal terms.”
“The unity of the Church is gravely compromised by the wholly intolerable omission from the entire Ordo, including the three new Prayers, of the names of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Founders of the Church of Rome, and the names of the other Apostles, foundation and mark of the one and universal Church, the only remaining mention being in the Communicantes of the Roman Canon.”
“The process of desacralisation is completed thanks to the new procedures for the offering: the reference to ordinary not unleavened bread; altar-servers (and lay people at Communion sub utraque specie) being allowed to handle sacred vessels (no. 244d); the distracting atmosphere created by the ceaseless coming and going of the priest, deacon, subdeacon, psalmist, commentator (the priest becomes commentator himself from his constantly being required to 'explain' what he is about to accomplish) - of readings (men and women), of servers or laymen welcoming people at the door and escorting them to their places whilst others carry and sort offerings.”
“Of Cannon II it has been well said, among other things, that it could be recited with perfect tranquillity of conscience by a priest who no longer believes either in Transubstantiation or in the sacrificial character of the Mass - hence even by a Protestant minister.”
“From the outset therefore the New Rite is launched as pluralistic and experimental, bound to time and place. Unity of worship, thus swept away for good and all, what will become of that unity of faith that went with it, and which, we were always told, was to be defended without compromise?”
“Moreover in abandoning its unmistakable and immemorial Roman character, the Novus Ordo lost what was spiritually precious of its own. Its place has been taken by elements which bring it closer only to certain other reformed liturgies (not even those closest to Catholicism) and which debase it at the same time. The East will be ever more alienated, as it already has been by the preceding liturgical reforms.”
"To try to bring the Church's worship back at all cost to ancient practices by refashioning, artificially and with that "unhealthy archeologism" so roundly condemned by Pius XII, what in earlier times had the grace of original spontaneity means as we see today only too clearly - to dismantle all the theological ramparts erected for the protection of the Rite and to take away all the beauty by which it was enriched over the centuries.”
“Today, division and schism are officially acknowledged to exist not only outside of but within the Church. Her unity is not only threatened but already tragically compromised. Errors against the Faith are not so much insinuated but rather an inevitable consequence of liturgical abuses and aberrations which have been given equal recognition.”
Rome, September 25th, 1969
It is obvious these men were absolutely right. The question I am asking myself more frequently is: Was Archbishop Lefebvre right as well?
Friday, April 30, 2004
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Catholic Light has posted some excerpts from a leaked copy of the new English translation of the Mass. Some of this looks great, such as the return of "We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you" in the Gloria. Also, I like "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed." I don't care for a few things, such as the Creed where the line "by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man" was changed to "and by the Holy Spirit became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man". Still, I hope this is the correct translation and that I will be able to pray this way at Mass soon! Some of the prayers are closer to the english translation in my father's 1943 missal that I use when attending the traditional latin Mass. Some of the translations are gender neutral, such as "for us and our salvation" in the creed. If that makes the gender neutral crowd happy, then so much the better. Perhaps with this improved translation, we Catholics will finally be able to "just all get along".
Is Newsday Anti-Catholic?
Why is that even a question? Of course it is, but the Catholic League is asking people to vote on their website so please go here and vote.
Why is that even a question? Of course it is, but the Catholic League is asking people to vote on their website so please go here and vote.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
My post about the parish on Long Island holding a seder was mentioned on Blogs4god. The poster could not understand why learning about the seder was troubling to me, as does the commenter on my post. I should explain more because nothing bothers me about learning about a seder or any other tradition. What bothers me is that a Catholic parish would be learning about another religion's traditions rather than its own. I just don't see the point. How about the parish gathering together to participate in some Catholic tradition? The reason this is a touchy thing with me is not because there is anything wrong with having a seder, but that the one time I read about 200 Catholics "learning tradition" in a parish, it is not a Catholic tradition. If I had been taught any kind of Catholic tradition in my parish, then I would not find it so weird, and if this parish already does emphasize Catholic traditions, then fine. But it is disheartening to want to learn and experience Catholicism and not being fed. Meanwhile, at many local retreat houses, there is Reiki, Zen meditation, and praying to the four winds, all of which might be fine and dandy, but not truly part of our tradition. In fact, the seder makes more sense for a Catholic parish to have than any of these things. I also obviously have a problem with Fr. Papa being a pastor when he was caught with porno sites on his computer. He admitted to viewing them, but denied viewing the child porn sites that were found, he claimed they just popped up. This parish supports him because he is very liberal and supports Voice of the Faithful, etc.. I don't think Fr. Papa should be leading a parish at all, but if he is, how about leading them in some Catholic traditions, in addition to the Jewish ones? Is that so much to ask?
Jim Post, president of the Voice of the Faithful dissident group spoke on Long Island recently:
"Consider the tone and tenor of the challenges we face today as Catholic citizens.
The Passion of the Christ. Has this movie become the new teaching of Christ's life and message?
The institutional attack on gay marriage, court rulings, legislative proposals, and, in some instances, all homosexual people.
The issuance of instructions that ban altar girls.
The decision of some Bishops not to wash the feet of women on Holy Thursday (for fear it would encourage the faithful to believe that women have a priestly calling).
Overt challenges to the right of some Catholic citizens (politicians) to receive communion. This is politicization of the sacraments.
Requiring new rituals to separate the laity from the ordained.
These actions are mean-spirited and range from attacks on innocent people whose sexual orientation is not a matter of choice, to pettiness (rather like the "petty apartheid" that prevailed in South Africa 25 years ago) designed to ignore, shun, and humiliate people our Church leaders do not like."
Based on this quote, not only is Post a dissident, but a complete moron as well.
"Consider the tone and tenor of the challenges we face today as Catholic citizens.
The Passion of the Christ. Has this movie become the new teaching of Christ's life and message?
The institutional attack on gay marriage, court rulings, legislative proposals, and, in some instances, all homosexual people.
The issuance of instructions that ban altar girls.
The decision of some Bishops not to wash the feet of women on Holy Thursday (for fear it would encourage the faithful to believe that women have a priestly calling).
Overt challenges to the right of some Catholic citizens (politicians) to receive communion. This is politicization of the sacraments.
Requiring new rituals to separate the laity from the ordained.
These actions are mean-spirited and range from attacks on innocent people whose sexual orientation is not a matter of choice, to pettiness (rather like the "petty apartheid" that prevailed in South Africa 25 years ago) designed to ignore, shun, and humiliate people our Church leaders do not like."
Based on this quote, not only is Post a dissident, but a complete moron as well.
Mel Gibson can’t be the only Catholic who can take Catholic stories, imagery, etc.. and turn them into excellent movies. I hope there will be others who take up that particular apostolate. I can supply one idea towards this:
Action/Suspense- A movie set far into the future which revolves around a man, perhaps played by James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, or Harrison Ford, who appears to be a leader of some type. He comes across as dignified, weary, but strong. The movie will hint cleverly at the identity of this man but not spell it out. Many will think it is the President of the USA or some sort of rebel leader. The movie plot would be a group of this man’s supporters trying to get this man to a destination. It would be clear that many want this man dead, that he is some sort of leader, that he leads people who have been severely oppressed and that things are turning their way. His leadership will be a turning point for the people, if he can get to where he has to go. He would travel clandestinely and secretly with help from many underground supporters. Only at the end of the film (a la The Sixth Sense) would filmgoers find out his identity. The various clues throughout the film would have to be difficult to pick out at first viewing. There would also be things that might throw the viewer off. This man would be the newly elected Pope, in sometime in the distant future, and his destination would be Rome.
Action/Suspense- A movie set far into the future which revolves around a man, perhaps played by James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, or Harrison Ford, who appears to be a leader of some type. He comes across as dignified, weary, but strong. The movie will hint cleverly at the identity of this man but not spell it out. Many will think it is the President of the USA or some sort of rebel leader. The movie plot would be a group of this man’s supporters trying to get this man to a destination. It would be clear that many want this man dead, that he is some sort of leader, that he leads people who have been severely oppressed and that things are turning their way. His leadership will be a turning point for the people, if he can get to where he has to go. He would travel clandestinely and secretly with help from many underground supporters. Only at the end of the film (a la The Sixth Sense) would filmgoers find out his identity. The various clues throughout the film would have to be difficult to pick out at first viewing. There would also be things that might throw the viewer off. This man would be the newly elected Pope, in sometime in the distant future, and his destination would be Rome.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
HAD RELATIONSHIP WITH TEEN
Jail time for ex-teacher
I don't subscribe to the horribly anti-Catholic newspaper Newsday but occasionally I can read it at work. This headline jumped out at me - "HAD RELATIONSHIP WITH TEEN". Interesting way to headline an article about a teacher who sexually abused a 16 year old boy. Priests have raped, molested, and preyed, but apparently this guy just "had a relationship with teen".
"It was indeed illegal for his client, Joseph Acosta, 38, to have a sexual relationship with a 16- year-old boy, the Central Islip attorney said. And as a once-respected Spanish teacher at Bellport Middle School with two master's degrees, Acosta should have known better."
"Despite letters of support from parents and co-workers, Acosta cannot be employed as a teacher because of his registered sex offender status, and he has been working as a busboy, Naiburg said. " (emphasis mine)
Wow, you mean to tell me there are parents and teachers who actually believe a child molester should continue teaching?????? Have people learned NOTHING from the Catholic Church's problems??
Jail time for ex-teacher
I don't subscribe to the horribly anti-Catholic newspaper Newsday but occasionally I can read it at work. This headline jumped out at me - "HAD RELATIONSHIP WITH TEEN". Interesting way to headline an article about a teacher who sexually abused a 16 year old boy. Priests have raped, molested, and preyed, but apparently this guy just "had a relationship with teen".
"It was indeed illegal for his client, Joseph Acosta, 38, to have a sexual relationship with a 16- year-old boy, the Central Islip attorney said. And as a once-respected Spanish teacher at Bellport Middle School with two master's degrees, Acosta should have known better."
"Despite letters of support from parents and co-workers, Acosta cannot be employed as a teacher because of his registered sex offender status, and he has been working as a busboy, Naiburg said. " (emphasis mine)
Wow, you mean to tell me there are parents and teachers who actually believe a child molester should continue teaching?????? Have people learned NOTHING from the Catholic Church's problems??
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