Angelo Roncalli, papal nuncio to France (and future Pope
John XXIII,) was once invited to a formal banquet. His dinner companion wore an extremely low-cut dress, which the prelate pretended not to notice. When dessert was served, however, he selected a plump apple and duly offered it to the woman, who politely declined. "Please take it, madam," he pleaded. "It was only after Eve ate the apple that she became aware of how little she had on."
August 30, 2005
Poor Mrs. Sheehan
I am inclined to forgive Cindy Sheehan for permitting herself to be used as a tool of the far left. After all, she did lose her son. Her husband, I understand it, is divorcing her. And her relatives, including her other children, have more or less disowned her.The socialists, pacifists, and other assorted activists who have surrounded her are a seductive support system. They are her new family. What Mrs. Sheehan does not seem to understand, is that the media attention will eventually evaporate. When the cameras disappear, the far left will have no more use for her. They will go too.
There will be no young hippy around to do her hair, no Al Sharpton to meet her in the morning. She will be all alone. And for this reason, among others, Mrs. Sheehan should be pitied, and not railed against.
Then again. The far left is not simply using her. They are also exploiting the death of a servant of the Armed Forces. Exploiting her son. And she is the one encouraging them.
August 29, 2005
Why I love Papa (especially)
A little more on my local dissenters:
Megan knows I love dearest Papa. I have his picture on my night-table for goodness sakes! So yesterday, she asked the ex-Franciscan (who was still hanging around for some reason,) what he thought of "our new Pope." I am inclined to think Megan was trying to nettle me on purpose, but I know it's wrong to judge motives.
The ex-Franciscan began his answer, and the conversation descended into a discussion of how evil and dogmatic Joseph Ratzinger is. Never mind that these people have probably never read a lick of his theology. Here was an ex-Franciscan, who because of his former life, speaks with some authority, validating the uncharitable slurs and dissent of a young, naive, fallen-away Catholic. May God in His mercy, forgive him. I pray he did not know what he was doing.
But these kind of occurrences are exactly why I loved Cardinal Ratzinger, even before he was Pope. It was JP2 who converted my brains, with his Love and Responsibility, but it was Cardinal Ratzinger who converted my heart. (I realize, of course, that for many people, it is the other way around.)
With all his weakness and pain, JP2 always radiated a kind of missionary zeal, a certain sort of dynamic enthusiasm, a celebratory feeling ... and of course, by the time I knew him well enough, he was already very sick, and people had taken to ignoring the harder things he said, in order to congratulate the obvious holiness of a "poor old man."
The prefect of CDF, on the other hand ... he was denounced by the media every other day of the week. In his demeanor I saw utter serenity in the face of persecution, surrender to the will of God, acceptance of suffering for the sake of the Truth, contempt for the world ...
It was Joseph Ratzinger, when he was still a Cardinal, who taught me to love, really love, priests. And from that, I learned to really love the Church.
Megan knows I love dearest Papa. I have his picture on my night-table for goodness sakes! So yesterday, she asked the ex-Franciscan (who was still hanging around for some reason,) what he thought of "our new Pope." I am inclined to think Megan was trying to nettle me on purpose, but I know it's wrong to judge motives.
The ex-Franciscan began his answer, and the conversation descended into a discussion of how evil and dogmatic Joseph Ratzinger is. Never mind that these people have probably never read a lick of his theology. Here was an ex-Franciscan, who because of his former life, speaks with some authority, validating the uncharitable slurs and dissent of a young, naive, fallen-away Catholic. May God in His mercy, forgive him. I pray he did not know what he was doing.
But these kind of occurrences are exactly why I loved Cardinal Ratzinger, even before he was Pope. It was JP2 who converted my brains, with his Love and Responsibility, but it was Cardinal Ratzinger who converted my heart. (I realize, of course, that for many people, it is the other way around.)
With all his weakness and pain, JP2 always radiated a kind of missionary zeal, a certain sort of dynamic enthusiasm, a celebratory feeling ... and of course, by the time I knew him well enough, he was already very sick, and people had taken to ignoring the harder things he said, in order to congratulate the obvious holiness of a "poor old man."
The prefect of CDF, on the other hand ... he was denounced by the media every other day of the week. In his demeanor I saw utter serenity in the face of persecution, surrender to the will of God, acceptance of suffering for the sake of the Truth, contempt for the world ...
It was Joseph Ratzinger, when he was still a Cardinal, who taught me to love, really love, priests. And from that, I learned to really love the Church.
Chin in Upright and Locked Position
To everyone who commented on my last post, my grateful thanks to you! It is true that it is not very likely that my recent run-ins with dissent would topple me over. In any case, dissent is not what I would fall for, if I were to fall. I really don't know how dissenters hold it all together. I think they are fundamentally, intellectually dishonest.
In my mind, it is the Faith entire or no faith at all. What I mean is, if the Church isn't true, then nothing is. If she's wrong about God, then no religious group, or person is right about Him. It's either the Lord, or the void, the annihilating expanse, the gap. I can hear a cheerful British voice (GKC, perhaps?) chiding me: "Mind the gap, Miss. Elizabeth."
Anyway ... I've decided to start a program for regular prayer, study and the Sacraments; the stronger my armour the better. Really, I think this was the problem in the first place: I hadn't been to Confession in a little while, and my mental defenses have been dented by the exhaustion of moving and acclimating to a new environment. Satan, murderous little pervert that he is, knows when we are weak.
It's still a knife in my heart to see recently confirmed Catholics betray their vows with such ease and indifference. But, as St. Thomas says, it is not hard at all to "demolish their stupid arguments." All I need is courage. Which I have not much of, yet. More, please God.
In my mind, it is the Faith entire or no faith at all. What I mean is, if the Church isn't true, then nothing is. If she's wrong about God, then no religious group, or person is right about Him. It's either the Lord, or the void, the annihilating expanse, the gap. I can hear a cheerful British voice (GKC, perhaps?) chiding me: "Mind the gap, Miss. Elizabeth."
Anyway ... I've decided to start a program for regular prayer, study and the Sacraments; the stronger my armour the better. Really, I think this was the problem in the first place: I hadn't been to Confession in a little while, and my mental defenses have been dented by the exhaustion of moving and acclimating to a new environment. Satan, murderous little pervert that he is, knows when we are weak.
It's still a knife in my heart to see recently confirmed Catholics betray their vows with such ease and indifference. But, as St. Thomas says, it is not hard at all to "demolish their stupid arguments." All I need is courage. Which I have not much of, yet. More, please God.
August 28, 2005
Faith is not an easy thing ...
... but it is easy to lose it altogether ...
... There are moments, recently, when I have felt a multitude of onrushing difficulties begin, ever so slightly, to harden into a knot of doubt. Then I say an Our Father, very slowly, and my will edges away from the brink ....
Last week my flatmate, Megan, and I were sitting outside the National Archives, watching the fountains dance, when these Franciscan-garbed people strolled past. I did not recognize their habits, but I thought to myself: "Perhaps they are new, or very small. It is possible you are not familiar with every upstanding religious order under the sun."
But Megan went to speak with them, and my original instincts were correct: not kosher. These people were members of the "Brotherhood of Humanity," a group incorporating all world religions into its spirituality, all whilst claiming to be 3rd Order Franciscans.
Megan pronounced them "cool," took one of their flyers, and informed me that: 1. She had not been to Confession in two years and 2. the "women thing" was her big hang-up with the Catholic Church. I responded with an incoherent explanation of Gnosticism.
I am not the sort, God forgive me, who thinks: "goody, goody, let's do some witnessing." Not when I'm on my own, anyway. I am horribly bad at it, for one thing. And it's a huge responsibility.
... For whatever reason, I'm feeling kind of isolated in my Faith, which is funny, since I'm living in the midst of a major Catholic pilgrimage destination ...
Awhile ago, on Phatmass, a poster and blogger, Sixtina, related the story of a Martyr Sister who left during her novice year, and now does not practice her faith at all.
Yesterday, Megan and I welcomed a new inhabitant to our apartment. This new flatmate's father, it turns out, was once a Franciscan friar. He was just about to profess final vows when he left the order. Now he is an ex-Franciscan friar. The kind that do not make the Sign of the Cross at the dinner table, and neglect to attend Mass on Sunday. When Megan related to him the "problems" she had with the Catholic Church, he replied: "Yes, you should think for yourself."
The terror these stories strike into my heart! They are so horrific, it's breathtaking. St. Thomas points out that Religious Life is safer than life in the world. But even it cannot protect the little ones who are unwilling to fight for their lives. I am willing, thank God, but I am tired.
It is obedience which is the shield of the weary soldier. Even when my Faith hangs by a thread, if that thread is fortified by obedience, it will never break. God in His mercy gave me this as one of my first lights. And through this knowledge, I have been spared much grief.
... There are moments, recently, when I have felt a multitude of onrushing difficulties begin, ever so slightly, to harden into a knot of doubt. Then I say an Our Father, very slowly, and my will edges away from the brink ....
Last week my flatmate, Megan, and I were sitting outside the National Archives, watching the fountains dance, when these Franciscan-garbed people strolled past. I did not recognize their habits, but I thought to myself: "Perhaps they are new, or very small. It is possible you are not familiar with every upstanding religious order under the sun."
But Megan went to speak with them, and my original instincts were correct: not kosher. These people were members of the "Brotherhood of Humanity," a group incorporating all world religions into its spirituality, all whilst claiming to be 3rd Order Franciscans.
Megan pronounced them "cool," took one of their flyers, and informed me that: 1. She had not been to Confession in two years and 2. the "women thing" was her big hang-up with the Catholic Church. I responded with an incoherent explanation of Gnosticism.
I am not the sort, God forgive me, who thinks: "goody, goody, let's do some witnessing." Not when I'm on my own, anyway. I am horribly bad at it, for one thing. And it's a huge responsibility.
... For whatever reason, I'm feeling kind of isolated in my Faith, which is funny, since I'm living in the midst of a major Catholic pilgrimage destination ...
Awhile ago, on Phatmass, a poster and blogger, Sixtina, related the story of a Martyr Sister who left during her novice year, and now does not practice her faith at all.
Yesterday, Megan and I welcomed a new inhabitant to our apartment. This new flatmate's father, it turns out, was once a Franciscan friar. He was just about to profess final vows when he left the order. Now he is an ex-Franciscan friar. The kind that do not make the Sign of the Cross at the dinner table, and neglect to attend Mass on Sunday. When Megan related to him the "problems" she had with the Catholic Church, he replied: "Yes, you should think for yourself."
The terror these stories strike into my heart! They are so horrific, it's breathtaking. St. Thomas points out that Religious Life is safer than life in the world. But even it cannot protect the little ones who are unwilling to fight for their lives. I am willing, thank God, but I am tired.
It is obedience which is the shield of the weary soldier. Even when my Faith hangs by a thread, if that thread is fortified by obedience, it will never break. God in His mercy gave me this as one of my first lights. And through this knowledge, I have been spared much grief.
August 25, 2005
ROTFL!
"I think it needs more cowbell."
--ascribed to Giovanni Angelo Cardinal Medici of Milan
(later Pius IV), on hearing Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli.
Merci, Holy Whapping
--ascribed to Giovanni Angelo Cardinal Medici of Milan
(later Pius IV), on hearing Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli.
Merci, Holy Whapping
Long, long ago ...
in a cultural milieu far, far away, there were a bunch nuns. Actually, it was the year 1956, and the bunch of nuns were the newly formed Conference of Major Superiors of Women (CMSW). Their first topic of conversation was: "Revitalizing Religious Life for the Individual and the Community through Combating the Effects of Naturalism, Lack of Mortification, and Excessive Activity." Very POD.
Time passed, and the 1960s arrived. The CMSW had a new meeting, with the topic: "Sisters and the Council." After the requisite "dialogue-ing" and "visioning" went on, the leadership of this bunch of nuns went a little fruit loops. They changed their name to "Leadership Conference of Women Religious" (LCWR) and yacked incessantly about listening to the "now" of the Spirit.
Alarmed by the barnyness of it all, some Sisters formed a group called the Consortium Perfectae Caritatis (notice the very POD Latin.) Power players in this new association were the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
In Rome, the LCWR and its lost marbles weren't the loudest bleeps on the curial radar screen. But the fact of the situation was pounded forth when Pope John Paul the Great visited America, stopping at the National Shrine. There, the President of the LCWR, in the presence of the Holy Father, gave a speech complaining about the lack of women priests. Several like-minded nuns stood up in the pews, wearing arm-bands, silently protesting the male-dominated hierarchy. After she was finished, the non-habit wearing President walked over to the Pope, and SHOOK HIS HAND.
After this, the Sisters in the Consortium Perfectae Caritatis withdrew from the LCWR altogether. They eventually stood up their own group, the Congregation of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR,) and the Vatican, realizing the absolute nuttiness of the LCWR, gave them official backing.
So now there are two national organizations of women religious in the United States. One is young and growing.
And the other? It's increasingly blue-haired and breaking off like a piece of dead wood.
Time passed, and the 1960s arrived. The CMSW had a new meeting, with the topic: "Sisters and the Council." After the requisite "dialogue-ing" and "visioning" went on, the leadership of this bunch of nuns went a little fruit loops. They changed their name to "Leadership Conference of Women Religious" (LCWR) and yacked incessantly about listening to the "now" of the Spirit.
Alarmed by the barnyness of it all, some Sisters formed a group called the Consortium Perfectae Caritatis (notice the very POD Latin.) Power players in this new association were the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
In Rome, the LCWR and its lost marbles weren't the loudest bleeps on the curial radar screen. But the fact of the situation was pounded forth when Pope John Paul the Great visited America, stopping at the National Shrine. There, the President of the LCWR, in the presence of the Holy Father, gave a speech complaining about the lack of women priests. Several like-minded nuns stood up in the pews, wearing arm-bands, silently protesting the male-dominated hierarchy. After she was finished, the non-habit wearing President walked over to the Pope, and SHOOK HIS HAND.
After this, the Sisters in the Consortium Perfectae Caritatis withdrew from the LCWR altogether. They eventually stood up their own group, the Congregation of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR,) and the Vatican, realizing the absolute nuttiness of the LCWR, gave them official backing.
So now there are two national organizations of women religious in the United States. One is young and growing.
And the other? It's increasingly blue-haired and breaking off like a piece of dead wood.
August 24, 2005
"The Latin word for adoration is ad-oratio - mouth to mouth contact, a kiss, an embrace, and hence, ultimately love."
~From one of dearest Papa's World Youth Day speeches
"Adoration: Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation."
~L.A. Catholic
"Adoration: Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation."
~L.A. Catholic
August 23, 2005
Hey guys! Just so you know, I made it to DC in one piece. Thanks for the prayers! My flatmate is very nice. (I'm using "flatmate" because: 1. It's beautifully British and 2. "Apartment-mate" is too long and awkward, and she's not quite my "roommate," since I have my own room.) Yesterday I taught her how to ride the subway, and we only got lost twice!
She's really very nice, but we probably wouldn't be friends naturally. However, she's completely new to DC, and I'm the only one she knows here, so I feel like I should stick to her like glue. I'll be glad when our 3 other flatmates arrive, and I can fade into the background nosie.
And what gorgeous background noise it is! I'm a short walk away from Catholic University! Walking down the street, the huge dome of the Basilica pops up through the trees. I pass it and the very POD Dominican House of Studies every day on the way to the local Metro stop! And everything is sooo green!
Bad news: Last night, as I was about to fall asleep, I discovered a huge centipede in my bedroom. I stood on a chair and sprayed it with Lysol. Eeek. I don't mind "bugs" in general, but things with more than four legs really kind of freak me out.
Sad news: I'm feeling just a teensy bit homesick. Just a teensy bit. I miss my nanny job; I left the parent's home last week with their house key still in my pocket, so yesterday I overnighted it to them. Here's a picture of me and Baby 3:
She's really very nice, but we probably wouldn't be friends naturally. However, she's completely new to DC, and I'm the only one she knows here, so I feel like I should stick to her like glue. I'll be glad when our 3 other flatmates arrive, and I can fade into the background nosie.
And what gorgeous background noise it is! I'm a short walk away from Catholic University! Walking down the street, the huge dome of the Basilica pops up through the trees. I pass it and the very POD Dominican House of Studies every day on the way to the local Metro stop! And everything is sooo green!
Bad news: Last night, as I was about to fall asleep, I discovered a huge centipede in my bedroom. I stood on a chair and sprayed it with Lysol. Eeek. I don't mind "bugs" in general, but things with more than four legs really kind of freak me out.
Sad news: I'm feeling just a teensy bit homesick. Just a teensy bit. I miss my nanny job; I left the parent's home last week with their house key still in my pocket, so yesterday I overnighted it to them. Here's a picture of me and Baby 3:
August 21, 2005
Pray for me!
I'm just about to walk out the door and start moving towards DC. Please ask St. Michael to fly beside our minivan on the drive up! I don't know when I'll be back in Ohio; maybe Thanksgiving, maybe not, maybe for Christmas, maybe not. See you later! See you in 6 hours, DC!
August 20, 2005
August 19, 2005
Papa Foto Fest
Notice my use of the German "Foto." I really am adorable, but not nearly as much as Papa is! He also totally looks the "Pope" part. Some goodies from World Youth Day yesterday:
Papa points:
Papa uses cool special effects as he imparts his blessing:
Papa looks very, very tired: See the hanky? Why does he always have a hanky? Either he's got a cold again, (in which case he should be in bed, not walking around Cologne in the rain,) or he's overheating under the lights, and then walking around in the cold rain (which is an excellent way to get sick, if you aren't already.) NURSE! Where's that housekeeper of his, the one who's supposed to be looking after him? I'd like to tell her a thing or two. Even Popes need mothers, you know.
My favourite, Papa being screamed at by a bunch of sobbing, hysterical girls. Who needs the Beatles? Papa is way more cute, and he'll never ever say he's bigger than Jesus:
Papa points:
Papa uses cool special effects as he imparts his blessing:
Papa looks very, very tired: See the hanky? Why does he always have a hanky? Either he's got a cold again, (in which case he should be in bed, not walking around Cologne in the rain,) or he's overheating under the lights, and then walking around in the cold rain (which is an excellent way to get sick, if you aren't already.) NURSE! Where's that housekeeper of his, the one who's supposed to be looking after him? I'd like to tell her a thing or two. Even Popes need mothers, you know.
My favourite, Papa being screamed at by a bunch of sobbing, hysterical girls. Who needs the Beatles? Papa is way more cute, and he'll never ever say he's bigger than Jesus:
August 16, 2005
Advice for Discerners from 4th Graders:
Compiled by the Dominican Sisters of
St. Cecilia
From Molly G.
If someone asked me what she should do with her life, I would say to her that God has a vocation in mind for everyone. In some way, He will let you know what that your vocation is. Perhaps He will speak to your heart at Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, or at any quiet moment. So be aware!
From Jennifer B.
My advice is that you should pray often. Try to go to Mass often, as well as Adoration. If you want to join a religious order, go to one of the abbeys or Motherhouses. Spend about a week doing the same routine as that of the sisters or priests. I think you should talk to one of them about their life.
From Katlyn S.
Well, do you like to pray and help people without asking for thanks or doing things that you may not want to do because you love God? Do you like Mass? Then be sure to pray daily and seek advice from your priest because you may have a vocation!
From Lauren M.
My advice to someone seeking God’s will is to go to Mass on a daily basis and also to go to Confession and Adoration. Maybe sit in a “deserted” Church and talk to Jesus. After you have done this a couple times, let Jesus speak in your heart and He may give you some hints to make the right decision.
From Mariah C.
To whom it may concern: You should pray to God for help. You should go to Confession and clean your soul. You can ask your mom, dad, aunt, uncle, friends, and relatives what they think you should do. But remember to listen to God in your heart, and follow Him. When you make your choice, it should last you forever. If you marry, make sure it’s someone you truly love. Love does not only mean all that mushy stuff. But it mainly means wanting what is best for the other person. If you want to be a religious, you should visit a convent or seminary. If you want to be single, you need to be generous.
August 15, 2005
Traditionalism Is Turning Me Off.
Well, that's a mild over-generalization. Strictly speaking, its more Traditionalists who are turning me off.
I love the old Rite. Aesthetically, of course, there is simply no comparison with the normative rite. Also, the translations used in a typically vernacular Novus Ordo Mass are shockingly bad ... and even the original Latin prayers border on banal. Then of course, there is the rather important idea that the old Rite more effectively communicates the fact that the Holy Mass is, first and foremost, a Sacrifice, and not principally a communal meal.
At my local parish in Ohio, the pastor speaks eloquently of the Eucharistic Banquet which we share every Sunday. The Mass is, of course, to some degree a Eucharistic Banquet. But the pastor's decision to emphasize this part of the definition has bothered to the point of distraction, because it becomes more and more evident that he is doing so for political reasons.
There are few things which annoy more than the use of the Mass as a political statement. I think discussions of "Church politics" are out of line, before, during and after the Holy Sacrifice. It was for this reason (among others,) that I fled to the tranquility of the Indult; I was confident that there, a desire for simple obedience, and not a political agenda, would permeate the clergy and the gathered faithful.
Imagine my annoyance then when, stepping outside the vestibule one Sunday, a lovely, veiled lady handed me a purple flier. "Anti-Modernist Priest," it announced, to give a conference on "The Limits of Papal Infallibility."
Now, I'm the first to agree that there are limits on Papal Infallibility. His Holiness's preference for chunky or smooth peanut butter is hardly a matter of faith and morals, yah? And Modernism is an official heresy denounced by Pope St. Pius X. Every priest should be "anti" that.
So, there is nothing essentially wrong with having an "Anti-Modernist Priest" speak about "The Limits of Papal Infallibility." Just like there's nothing wrong per se, with calling the Mass a "Eucharistic Banquet." But the meanings of words can be manipulated by political motivations. The implication was: "come to this talk about how wrong the Conciliar popes have been, and how wrong Vatican II is, and why we don't have to believe any of it, etc." My encounter with the purple flier occurred some time ago, but it shattered my idea of the Indult as a sanctuary of agenda-free repose.
I once very much wanted to call myself a "Traditionalist," but I found that I did not quite fit the term. For example, I think Dignitatis Humanae was a good idea. I think the Council's authentic Ecumenical movement, properly understood, invigorates, and does not diminish the Church's evangelistic zeal ... (this has certainly been my personal experience.)
I have also been rather put off by the seemingly unending stream of criticism, negativity and pessimism which, I find, often pours forth from self-described "Traditionalists." It is not enough to report the success of a glorious, prayerful Eucharistic Procession. No, the description of the event must include a jab at the post-Conciliar Church ... "One thousand people attended, worshipping the Lord with reverence and devotion. How foolishly has New Rome abandoned traditional Eucharistic piety."
For some of these folks, "N.O." (Novus Ordo) is a perjorative adjective of extraordinarily horrific connotations. There are NO good "N.O." Bishops, NO good ideas coming from the "N.O." hierarchy, and certainly NO good "N.O." Popes. There are people, trust me, who walk into a parish and immediately begin evaluating how "N.O." the altar, stained glass, tabernacle and crucifix are. I mean they walk around with notebooks and cameras. No, I am not kidding.
All of it is wearying in the extreme, and the diatribes against "New Rome" are so cliche, they sometimes become really nauseatingly unbearable. And if the Indult attracts a certain type of "dissident-minded" person, than I don't want to be associated with it, anymore than I'd want my name anywhere near the registry roles of St. Joan's.
Of course, I realize I am probably over-reacting. These people who annoy me are really well intentioned. And most Traditionalists I know are actually perfectly nice, non-fanatics without a hystrionic streak in them. It is also possible that I'm spending too much time on the Religion Forum at Free-Republic. That lively place certainly amplifies screaming voices, doesn't it?
I love the old Rite. Aesthetically, of course, there is simply no comparison with the normative rite. Also, the translations used in a typically vernacular Novus Ordo Mass are shockingly bad ... and even the original Latin prayers border on banal. Then of course, there is the rather important idea that the old Rite more effectively communicates the fact that the Holy Mass is, first and foremost, a Sacrifice, and not principally a communal meal.
At my local parish in Ohio, the pastor speaks eloquently of the Eucharistic Banquet which we share every Sunday. The Mass is, of course, to some degree a Eucharistic Banquet. But the pastor's decision to emphasize this part of the definition has bothered to the point of distraction, because it becomes more and more evident that he is doing so for political reasons.
There are few things which annoy more than the use of the Mass as a political statement. I think discussions of "Church politics" are out of line, before, during and after the Holy Sacrifice. It was for this reason (among others,) that I fled to the tranquility of the Indult; I was confident that there, a desire for simple obedience, and not a political agenda, would permeate the clergy and the gathered faithful.
Imagine my annoyance then when, stepping outside the vestibule one Sunday, a lovely, veiled lady handed me a purple flier. "Anti-Modernist Priest," it announced, to give a conference on "The Limits of Papal Infallibility."
Now, I'm the first to agree that there are limits on Papal Infallibility. His Holiness's preference for chunky or smooth peanut butter is hardly a matter of faith and morals, yah? And Modernism is an official heresy denounced by Pope St. Pius X. Every priest should be "anti" that.
So, there is nothing essentially wrong with having an "Anti-Modernist Priest" speak about "The Limits of Papal Infallibility." Just like there's nothing wrong per se, with calling the Mass a "Eucharistic Banquet." But the meanings of words can be manipulated by political motivations. The implication was: "come to this talk about how wrong the Conciliar popes have been, and how wrong Vatican II is, and why we don't have to believe any of it, etc." My encounter with the purple flier occurred some time ago, but it shattered my idea of the Indult as a sanctuary of agenda-free repose.
I once very much wanted to call myself a "Traditionalist," but I found that I did not quite fit the term. For example, I think Dignitatis Humanae was a good idea. I think the Council's authentic Ecumenical movement, properly understood, invigorates, and does not diminish the Church's evangelistic zeal ... (this has certainly been my personal experience.)
I have also been rather put off by the seemingly unending stream of criticism, negativity and pessimism which, I find, often pours forth from self-described "Traditionalists." It is not enough to report the success of a glorious, prayerful Eucharistic Procession. No, the description of the event must include a jab at the post-Conciliar Church ... "One thousand people attended, worshipping the Lord with reverence and devotion. How foolishly has New Rome abandoned traditional Eucharistic piety."
For some of these folks, "N.O." (Novus Ordo) is a perjorative adjective of extraordinarily horrific connotations. There are NO good "N.O." Bishops, NO good ideas coming from the "N.O." hierarchy, and certainly NO good "N.O." Popes. There are people, trust me, who walk into a parish and immediately begin evaluating how "N.O." the altar, stained glass, tabernacle and crucifix are. I mean they walk around with notebooks and cameras. No, I am not kidding.
All of it is wearying in the extreme, and the diatribes against "New Rome" are so cliche, they sometimes become really nauseatingly unbearable. And if the Indult attracts a certain type of "dissident-minded" person, than I don't want to be associated with it, anymore than I'd want my name anywhere near the registry roles of St. Joan's.
Of course, I realize I am probably over-reacting. These people who annoy me are really well intentioned. And most Traditionalists I know are actually perfectly nice, non-fanatics without a hystrionic streak in them. It is also possible that I'm spending too much time on the Religion Forum at Free-Republic. That lively place certainly amplifies screaming voices, doesn't it?
August 14, 2005
Nanny is Perturbed
Only one more week until I'm back in DC! Tra-la-la-la-la!
I was so lucky this summer to get this Nanny job, but I'm kinda glad its wrapping up, even though I'll probably cry when I have to say goodbye to Baby 3! Right now I'm helping him get acclimated to daycare, and the daycare teachers do NOT appreciate my presence there; I think they assume I'm reporting all the stuff that goes wrong to Baby 3's parents.
But I wasn't, and I'm not. I've worked at daycare, I know it's tough. And I know that it's impossible to keep 28 knees clean and 140 fingers out of 14 noses all day, every day.
But Friday, something happened that really upset me. There are two teachers in the Older Toddler room; One Head Teacher, a "trainee" teacher, and in addition, a college-aged "helper." Well, when the kids went down for their nap, the Head Teacher left to go work in the baby room, because she likes that room better. And the "helper" went home early, because she had a concert to go to that evening, and she wanted to sleep a little first.
So now it was just this trainee, Miss Melanie. They sent in someone else from another room, Miss. Audrey, to help. Neither of them knew exactly what needed to be done. I'm not supposed to interact with Baby 3 during this time; I'm supposed to let him get used to his teachers and his classmates. I'm just a familiar face, just in case.
But when snacktime came, Miss. Melanie and Miss. Audrey weren't feeding Baby 3. They forgot that he hasn't learned to eat yogurt by himself yet. So after I saw him dump half of it on his shirt, I went to go feed him. No Big Deal. But while I was feeding him, I noticed a red, angry scratch across his left cheek. So I asked Miss. Melanie if he had that before. And she said "Um, I don't know. He didn't say anything!"
The 23 month old didn't tell her, so how could she know? Of course, silly me for expecting her to know. I waited for her to do something about it, but she went on to story time, so I ended up digging around in Baby 3's diaper bag for antibiotic ointment.
Later, Miss. Audrey said: "maybe we should write an incident report about his scratch." Miss. Melanie replied: "But he didn't say anything!" And I was like: argggh! Baby 3 has to apologize every time he hugs a kid who doesn't want to be hugged, because the other kid screams bloody murder. But because Baby 3 is such a good boy, and doesn't yell his head off, it's no big deal that some kid (whose parents let him come to daycare with daggers growing out of his fingers,) scratched his face?
Later, when Miss. Audrey finally got around to writing an incident report, she said "Did you put junk on his face?" (Junk being, the antibiotic ointment.) I said "yes." She said "you didn't happen to wash it first did you?" To which I replied: NO, I DID NOT. What I wanted to say was: I DID THE BEST I COULD, SINCE YOU WEREN'T CAPABLE OF DOING IT YOURSELF.
Anyway, she made me sign off as the person who applied First Aid. Thing is, I have the sneaking suspicion that if I hadn't applied First Aid, it wouldn't have been applied at all! My poor little guy was walking around saying "ouch" the whole afternoon! Maybe I'm being overly-patriotic, but I was ready to clobber the mystery kid who scratched him, and their teachers.
I was so lucky this summer to get this Nanny job, but I'm kinda glad its wrapping up, even though I'll probably cry when I have to say goodbye to Baby 3! Right now I'm helping him get acclimated to daycare, and the daycare teachers do NOT appreciate my presence there; I think they assume I'm reporting all the stuff that goes wrong to Baby 3's parents.
But I wasn't, and I'm not. I've worked at daycare, I know it's tough. And I know that it's impossible to keep 28 knees clean and 140 fingers out of 14 noses all day, every day.
But Friday, something happened that really upset me. There are two teachers in the Older Toddler room; One Head Teacher, a "trainee" teacher, and in addition, a college-aged "helper." Well, when the kids went down for their nap, the Head Teacher left to go work in the baby room, because she likes that room better. And the "helper" went home early, because she had a concert to go to that evening, and she wanted to sleep a little first.
So now it was just this trainee, Miss Melanie. They sent in someone else from another room, Miss. Audrey, to help. Neither of them knew exactly what needed to be done. I'm not supposed to interact with Baby 3 during this time; I'm supposed to let him get used to his teachers and his classmates. I'm just a familiar face, just in case.
But when snacktime came, Miss. Melanie and Miss. Audrey weren't feeding Baby 3. They forgot that he hasn't learned to eat yogurt by himself yet. So after I saw him dump half of it on his shirt, I went to go feed him. No Big Deal. But while I was feeding him, I noticed a red, angry scratch across his left cheek. So I asked Miss. Melanie if he had that before. And she said "Um, I don't know. He didn't say anything!"
The 23 month old didn't tell her, so how could she know? Of course, silly me for expecting her to know. I waited for her to do something about it, but she went on to story time, so I ended up digging around in Baby 3's diaper bag for antibiotic ointment.
Later, Miss. Audrey said: "maybe we should write an incident report about his scratch." Miss. Melanie replied: "But he didn't say anything!" And I was like: argggh! Baby 3 has to apologize every time he hugs a kid who doesn't want to be hugged, because the other kid screams bloody murder. But because Baby 3 is such a good boy, and doesn't yell his head off, it's no big deal that some kid (whose parents let him come to daycare with daggers growing out of his fingers,) scratched his face?
Later, when Miss. Audrey finally got around to writing an incident report, she said "Did you put junk on his face?" (Junk being, the antibiotic ointment.) I said "yes." She said "you didn't happen to wash it first did you?" To which I replied: NO, I DID NOT. What I wanted to say was: I DID THE BEST I COULD, SINCE YOU WEREN'T CAPABLE OF DOING IT YOURSELF.
Anyway, she made me sign off as the person who applied First Aid. Thing is, I have the sneaking suspicion that if I hadn't applied First Aid, it wouldn't have been applied at all! My poor little guy was walking around saying "ouch" the whole afternoon! Maybe I'm being overly-patriotic, but I was ready to clobber the mystery kid who scratched him, and their teachers.
Silly Dissidents. WYD is for kids!
Theived the chortle-funny caption from a super fabulous post by the Holy Whapping brats. The friendly looking fellow in the picture is none other than Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop of Cologne, Germany.
In case you've been living under a rock somewhere, Cologne is the city where World Youth Day is going down this year. Idjits like Francis Kissling are having a field day trying to get in there and poison some young minds. Supposedly there's going to be "Good Catholics Use Condoms" billboards put up all over the city. How about a "Good Catholics Deface False Advertising With Mustaches and Sarcastic, Witty Remarks" campaign?
Two members of Papa Ratzinger's old Enemies List, dissidents Hans Kung and Eugen Drewermann, are also kicking up dust. They are all full of "lets have a thoughtful discussion" crapolla.
But intead of taking the bait, the good Cardinal Meisner responds with studied boredom:
" The entire event is oriented to be an encounter for young people and not for seniors," (e.g. Kung and Drewermann) ... "There is nothing for them here, as young people are not interested in the silliness they fostered for so long. We don't need any Drewermann or Kung or anything else stale at WYD."
THANK YOU somebody for saying something. Glad to know I'm not the only one who notices that the heterodox are more often than not the crusty moldy-oldy types who refuse to age with grace.
August 9, 2005
Daughters
by John Mayer
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
and she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on the steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
Ooh, you see that skin
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left cleaning up the mess he made
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
Boys you can break
You find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong and boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without warmth from a woman's good, good heart
On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
by John Mayer
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
and she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on the steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
Ooh, you see that skin
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left cleaning up the mess he made
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
Boys you can break
You find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong and boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without warmth from a woman's good, good heart
On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
Blog of a 25 Year Old Abortionist
"Wednesday I was back at Planned Parenthood. This time, I got to do "procedures." Which means I actually did the abortions. It's so weird. You know what they say about doctors emotionally removing themselves from situations and being all mechanical? It's true. [...] Anyway, I ended up doing at least five abortions. And because I still haven't examined my beliefs yet, it's still weird for me. I mean, it would be weird anyway, but it's almost like I had an out-of-body experience while I was doing them, so I can only half-believe that I did them."
As Dawn Eden notes, she sounds curiously like a Nazi:
As Dawn Eden notes, she sounds curiously like a Nazi:
"The Auschwitz self also called upon the related mechanism of “derealization,” of divesting oneself from the actuality of what one is part of not experiencing it as real (That absence of actuality in regard to the killing was not inconsistent with an awareness of the killing policy — that is, of the Final Solution.) Still another pattern is that of disavowal or the rejection of what one actually perceives and of its meaning. Disavowal and derealization overlap and are both aspects of the overall numbing process. The key function of numbing in the Auschwitz self is the avoidance of feelings of guilt when one is involved in killing. The Auschwitz self can then engage in medicalized killing an ultimate form of numbed violence...."
~Excerpt from The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide, by Dr. Robert Jay Lifton
August 8, 2005
August 7, 2005
Har-har-har
Try Google-ing: "(Your name) is" ... my results:
Betsy is shockingly dressed in men's clothing;
Betsy is her mother's living nightmare
Betsy is nuts, but is a decent teacher
Betsy is not the only piece of dead wood in this organization
Betsy is a shallow woman with surprising depths
Betsy is going straight towards the refrigerator
Betsy is a very pretty Princess in pink!
Betsy is not of this realm but not necessarily a spirit either
Betsy is trying to explain what her dad does for a living
Betsy is unimpressed with Napoleon's glory
Betsy is more of a cat’s cat than a people cat.
Betsy is always a favorite in her nautical looks
Betsy is a playful and curious manatee.
Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen
Betsy is a bit put off by the idea of working in the Caribbean
Betsy is a mite wary.
Betsy is innocuous, harmless and well intentioned
Betsy is handling the situation well now.
Kudos to Not An Instant Winner for the idea.
Betsy is shockingly dressed in men's clothing;
Betsy is her mother's living nightmare
Betsy is nuts, but is a decent teacher
Betsy is not the only piece of dead wood in this organization
Betsy is a shallow woman with surprising depths
Betsy is going straight towards the refrigerator
Betsy is a very pretty Princess in pink!
Betsy is not of this realm but not necessarily a spirit either
Betsy is trying to explain what her dad does for a living
Betsy is unimpressed with Napoleon's glory
Betsy is more of a cat’s cat than a people cat.
Betsy is always a favorite in her nautical looks
Betsy is a playful and curious manatee.
Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen
Betsy is a bit put off by the idea of working in the Caribbean
Betsy is a mite wary.
Betsy is innocuous, harmless and well intentioned
Betsy is handling the situation well now.
Kudos to Not An Instant Winner for the idea.
August 6, 2005
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." ~Albert Einstein
This began as a reply to Katie's comment on the post "3 Reasons to Believe in God", but it got too long, so you'll all have to endure it here:
Her question:
I'm curious, Betz, just how much do you know about evolution and scientific theory? I'm not asking to put down your arguments, but I was just wondering how well you knew the "other side."
My reply:
The Catholic educational tradition is based on the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas. That is, if you wish to argue with someone, you must do so with their point of view in mind. It would do no good, for example, to argue with a Jew by quoting the New Testament at him. It may be useless to reference the Bible at all in an argument with a Muslim. He has his own book, the Koran, and the Christian book means nothing to him.
In order to argue effectively, a person must understand not only why the other side is wrong, but also why the other side thinks they are right. The most effective arguments are also irenic. Papa Benedict XVI is the master of this (I'm still learning.)
Obviously, I'm rather proud of the tradition in which I continue to be educated. That said: Evolution and scientific theory (by which, Katie, I think you must mean the Scientific Method,) are not, Not, NOT the "other side." Catholicism and Science are hardly opponents.
John Paul the Great wrote an encyclical, Fides et Ratio, on the subject. As for the Scientific Method, it is a by-product of the early Church's firm insistence on the objective reality of matter. (Scientists have yet to decide what matter actually is, by the way. Perhaps the Church will have to proclaim a dogma to help them out.)
Human reason is a beautiful thing, and in my estimation, among the clearest marks of the Divine. I actually prefer to use human reason in my efforts, because (as St. Thomas advised,) logic is a universal language.
Human reason is a large part of philosophy. Philosophy is the science by which human reason seeks to comprehend the truth. It is, in many ways, more useful to the thinking person than the Scientific Method. (I've discussed the natural limits of the Scientific Method here.)
Of all the profane subjects, philosophy is my favourite study. Every worthy intellectual argument is attached to a philosophy about sex, or religion, or whatever. Philosophy, in turn, can inform a worldview. A worldview (Weltanschuungen in its original German) is an ambiguous thing which is best described as a "theory of everything." Poor indeed, is the man without a worldview.
Atheism is unique in that it loudly proclaims the majesty of human reason (especially in evolution and the scientific method,) but has yet to produce anything wonderful out of human reason. Secular Humanism can hardly be called "majestic;" I am still convinced that it has no truly enthusiastic adherents. (Dust is dust, after all, even if it is well-remembered and long-celebrated dust.)
The truly atheistic philosophies are a poverty. They're nothing short of horrific. There is a reason Nietzsche, Comte, and Reich went nuts, you know? They were miserable people because they are among the few with the guts to embrace atheism and its intellectual implications honestly and completely.
Your run-of-the-mill Atheist does not embrace atheistic philosophy completely, and well they should not, because it is the short path to the loony bin. For example, most ordinary atheists (even unconsciously) attach some eternal significance to love, justice, and mercy.
For these "not quite" people there are the different quasi-atheistic philosophies; (e.g. the pantheistic "universal energy" concept, part of a broader denial of the objective reality of matter which is an essential part of Christianity and the Scientific Method.) None of this "quasi" thinking is especially sincere, and smacks of accommodation. It is very difficult to argue with people who hold to it, because then you are dealing with an internally conflicted worldview.
As for the "real" atheistic philosophies; they are so awful, they hardly require this rebuttal:
"You can recognize truth by its beauty and simplicity. When you get it right, it is obvious that it is right," said Richard Feynman. (For you in the blogger universe who don't know, Richard Feynman is my favourite Nobel prize-winning physicist, and a genius. If you were a physicist, you'd have a shrine to him in your home.)
Her question:
I'm curious, Betz, just how much do you know about evolution and scientific theory? I'm not asking to put down your arguments, but I was just wondering how well you knew the "other side."
My reply:
The Catholic educational tradition is based on the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas. That is, if you wish to argue with someone, you must do so with their point of view in mind. It would do no good, for example, to argue with a Jew by quoting the New Testament at him. It may be useless to reference the Bible at all in an argument with a Muslim. He has his own book, the Koran, and the Christian book means nothing to him.
In order to argue effectively, a person must understand not only why the other side is wrong, but also why the other side thinks they are right. The most effective arguments are also irenic. Papa Benedict XVI is the master of this (I'm still learning.)
Obviously, I'm rather proud of the tradition in which I continue to be educated. That said: Evolution and scientific theory (by which, Katie, I think you must mean the Scientific Method,) are not, Not, NOT the "other side." Catholicism and Science are hardly opponents.
John Paul the Great wrote an encyclical, Fides et Ratio, on the subject. As for the Scientific Method, it is a by-product of the early Church's firm insistence on the objective reality of matter. (Scientists have yet to decide what matter actually is, by the way. Perhaps the Church will have to proclaim a dogma to help them out.)
Human reason is a beautiful thing, and in my estimation, among the clearest marks of the Divine. I actually prefer to use human reason in my efforts, because (as St. Thomas advised,) logic is a universal language.
Human reason is a large part of philosophy. Philosophy is the science by which human reason seeks to comprehend the truth. It is, in many ways, more useful to the thinking person than the Scientific Method. (I've discussed the natural limits of the Scientific Method here.)
Of all the profane subjects, philosophy is my favourite study. Every worthy intellectual argument is attached to a philosophy about sex, or religion, or whatever. Philosophy, in turn, can inform a worldview. A worldview (Weltanschuungen in its original German) is an ambiguous thing which is best described as a "theory of everything." Poor indeed, is the man without a worldview.
Atheism is unique in that it loudly proclaims the majesty of human reason (especially in evolution and the scientific method,) but has yet to produce anything wonderful out of human reason. Secular Humanism can hardly be called "majestic;" I am still convinced that it has no truly enthusiastic adherents. (Dust is dust, after all, even if it is well-remembered and long-celebrated dust.)
The truly atheistic philosophies are a poverty. They're nothing short of horrific. There is a reason Nietzsche, Comte, and Reich went nuts, you know? They were miserable people because they are among the few with the guts to embrace atheism and its intellectual implications honestly and completely.
Your run-of-the-mill Atheist does not embrace atheistic philosophy completely, and well they should not, because it is the short path to the loony bin. For example, most ordinary atheists (even unconsciously) attach some eternal significance to love, justice, and mercy.
For these "not quite" people there are the different quasi-atheistic philosophies; (e.g. the pantheistic "universal energy" concept, part of a broader denial of the objective reality of matter which is an essential part of Christianity and the Scientific Method.) None of this "quasi" thinking is especially sincere, and smacks of accommodation. It is very difficult to argue with people who hold to it, because then you are dealing with an internally conflicted worldview.
As for the "real" atheistic philosophies; they are so awful, they hardly require this rebuttal:
"You can recognize truth by its beauty and simplicity. When you get it right, it is obvious that it is right," said Richard Feynman. (For you in the blogger universe who don't know, Richard Feynman is my favourite Nobel prize-winning physicist, and a genius. If you were a physicist, you'd have a shrine to him in your home.)
August 5, 2005
Joseph and George
The Pope's brother recently had a short stay in an Italian hospital. How'd you like to grow up teasing your little brother, and then one day he shows up wearing the Pope outfit? Yikes!I don't like these health problems in the Ratzinger family. Awhile back, Papa fell, and hit his head on a radiator. He lost so much blood, he had a stroke! He's got pills for his heart, too. Grumble. Shouldn't they have someone always walking close behind the Pope, carrying a defibrillator?
August 1, 2005
Papa Has a New Book! Papa Has a New Book!
Tra-la-la-la-la! Everybody buy it, if you've got the money, (which I don't. Lovely public library, here I come!) It's called "On the Way to Jesus Christ"
According to Ignatius Press:
"This book [...] examines whether Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and the Church's responsibility to evangelize. It concludes with reflections on Jesus' Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church's presentation of the Christian mystery as seen through the Catechism's dynamic view of Sacred Scripture."
Kudos to Quodlibeta.
According to Ignatius Press:
"This book [...] examines whether Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and the Church's responsibility to evangelize. It concludes with reflections on Jesus' Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church's presentation of the Christian mystery as seen through the Catechism's dynamic view of Sacred Scripture."
Kudos to Quodlibeta.
Some Anti-Catholic Propaganda from the 1800s
According to some silly people, life in a convent is painful drudgery, something like this:
Ugh, its a lie. Life in a convent is more like this:
(Yes, they're on rollerblades)
Ugh, its a lie. Life in a convent is more like this:
(Yes, they're on rollerblades)
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