This blog will be our Witness for the Faith. We see a need for good, traditional, Catholic fellowship. Witness will strive to be imbued with charity. Love of neighbor - and yes, love of enemy. We should be a "witness" for our Faith.
"The Apostles, with the help of the Holy Spirit, responded well: they summoned the group of disciples and spoke to them. And this is the first step: when there are difficulties, we need to look closely at them, and confront them and speak about them. But never hide them" Pope Francis
WELCOME TO WITNESS
Friday, December 23, 2011
The "Unheard" Scream?
The Daily Telegraph has a frightening reminder as the the daily reality of Christian life in the Middle East. Former Christian nations - such as Egypt and Iraq - present the daily horror of persecution while the nominally Christian "West" ignores their "unheard" cry.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Lahey Affair
Disgraced Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey apologized in court Tuesday for possessing child pornography, telling a judge he had an “indiscriminate” addiction to online pornography but didn’t seek help because of his high-ranking position in the church. Ottawa Citizen
The crowd is gathered around Bishop Raymond Lahey, jeering and reaching down to pick up stones. The feelings of anger and betrayal are understandable. Lahey was caught in the act and his apology did not come until the full consequences of his actions were made plain to him. His ability to lead a double life is truly shocking. Who will be the one to cast the first stone?
It is easy to cast ourselves in the role of an angry Jesus making a whip out of cord and driving the moneychangers out of the temple. While Jesus was consumed by zeal for his Father's house it is easy for us to forget our own place in the scheme of things and be driven by far less lofty motives. We are not without sin.
In the Lahey affair we have caught someone in the very act of committing sin. However our own place is not that of the righteous judge seeking to cleanse the temple. On the contrary, we are the crowd standing there with stones in our hands surrounding a woman caught in the very act of committing adultery. The woman is guilty. Neither the crowd nor Jesus have any doubt about her guilt and there is no evidence of repentance on her part aside from fear of the consequences of her actions. One is left to wonder whether the one who was betrayed was also in the crowd, for adultery is also an act of betrayal. "Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to thow a stone at her." Jesus does not belabor the obvious guilt of the woman, but instead uses the incident to point out the sinfulness of all present.
Like the woman caught in adultery, Lahey's guilt is blatant and obvious to all concerned. He has been convicted of a crime under civil law and when that process is complete he will be defrocked as well. How we respond to the Lahey affair says far more about ourselves than anything else. It also brings us face to face with one of the hardest dilemmas we can face. How shall we deal with those who have caused us pain and hurt? Who will be the one to cast the first stone?
Disgraced Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey apologized in court Tuesday for possessing child pornography, telling a judge he had an “indiscriminate” addiction to online pornography but didn’t seek help because of his high-ranking position in the church. Ottawa Citizen
The crowd is gathered around Bishop Raymond Lahey, jeering and reaching down to pick up stones. The feelings of anger and betrayal are understandable. Lahey was caught in the act and his apology did not come until the full consequences of his actions were made plain to him. His ability to lead a double life is truly shocking. Who will be the one to cast the first stone?
It is easy to cast ourselves in the role of an angry Jesus making a whip out of cord and driving the moneychangers out of the temple. While Jesus was consumed by zeal for his Father's house it is easy for us to forget our own place in the scheme of things and be driven by far less lofty motives. We are not without sin.
In the Lahey affair we have caught someone in the very act of committing sin. However our own place is not that of the righteous judge seeking to cleanse the temple. On the contrary, we are the crowd standing there with stones in our hands surrounding a woman caught in the very act of committing adultery. The woman is guilty. Neither the crowd nor Jesus have any doubt about her guilt and there is no evidence of repentance on her part aside from fear of the consequences of her actions. One is left to wonder whether the one who was betrayed was also in the crowd, for adultery is also an act of betrayal. "Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to thow a stone at her." Jesus does not belabor the obvious guilt of the woman, but instead uses the incident to point out the sinfulness of all present.
Like the woman caught in adultery, Lahey's guilt is blatant and obvious to all concerned. He has been convicted of a crime under civil law and when that process is complete he will be defrocked as well. How we respond to the Lahey affair says far more about ourselves than anything else. It also brings us face to face with one of the hardest dilemmas we can face. How shall we deal with those who have caused us pain and hurt? Who will be the one to cast the first stone?
Friday, December 16, 2011
Ad Multos Annos! Msgr. Foy
Just received our annual Christmas greetings from Monsignor Vincent Foy. Monsignor has been living at the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence long term care centre for the past few years and has just celebrated his 96th birthday on August 14. He is now the oldest Toronto Archdiocesan priest, "perched on the edge of eternity".
Monsignor informs us that he is still able to, ". . . do a little writing. Thanks to Editor Fr. Alphonse De Valk, Catholic Insight published in their magazine or online press-releases "My Mexican Adventure" (May), "The betrayal of those with homosexual tendencies" (June), an obituary of "Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic" (Oct.), and a canonical response letter "Pro-abortion and pro-same-sex 'marriage' politicians and Communion" (Nov.). Also among my writings is a short article entitled "Early Sick Calls Remembered." Hopefully it will soon be published."
Monsignor Foy has had a life-long interest in magic. Now, thanks to the efforts of well-known magicians David Ben and Nick Sacco, his 237 page book on playing card flourishes "A Cut Above" was published this year. It is the largest treatise on one-hand card cutting in magic literature.
Monsignor Foy, a tireless campaigner in defense of Humanae Vita, has been a long-time friend and supporter of Witness from the beginning going back to our public meeting days. We are happy to see that he is still actively writing and defending the Faith and we wish him a blessed Christmas and many more years of faithful service.
Monsignor informs us that he is still able to, ". . . do a little writing. Thanks to Editor Fr. Alphonse De Valk, Catholic Insight published in their magazine or online press-releases "My Mexican Adventure" (May), "The betrayal of those with homosexual tendencies" (June), an obituary of "Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic" (Oct.), and a canonical response letter "Pro-abortion and pro-same-sex 'marriage' politicians and Communion" (Nov.). Also among my writings is a short article entitled "Early Sick Calls Remembered." Hopefully it will soon be published."
Monsignor Foy has had a life-long interest in magic. Now, thanks to the efforts of well-known magicians David Ben and Nick Sacco, his 237 page book on playing card flourishes "A Cut Above" was published this year. It is the largest treatise on one-hand card cutting in magic literature.
Monsignor Foy, a tireless campaigner in defense of Humanae Vita, has been a long-time friend and supporter of Witness from the beginning going back to our public meeting days. We are happy to see that he is still actively writing and defending the Faith and we wish him a blessed Christmas and many more years of faithful service.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The New English Translation - Will it continued to be Abused?
I've been following with interest the use of and reaction to the new English translation of the Mass. I've also tried to put aside some time to read the then Cardinal Ratzinger on the liturgy. My belief is that the Mass should be approached as a spiritual action that is both cognitive and physical - as we are beings that are a composite of soul and body. Neither being angels nor brute animals, our spiritual life is conducted through and in (though not exclusively) a physical world via cognitive activity. Mass, contains spiritual realities which are mediated through physical action: be they movement or words spoken, guided by the human mind, inspired by God.
Mass is word and action. Abuse one and you corrupt the other, you corrupt the Mass. Examples that stand out are the televised Masses that present a mixed bag: those that follow the rubrics and those that even end up with the words of Consecration being changed.
The question remains: though the liturgy has certainly been clarified in its texts, will the text be followed? Will actions be in accord with the mind of the Church? I believe it was Pope Paul who referred to the renewal of the liturgy being "futile"if it was abused.
In conclusion I fear that the hoped for improvement will be missed. For those who were already following the Church, these texts will certainly improve the celebration of Mass. For those who abused and continue to abuse the liturgy nothing will be gained. It is time for bishops to enforce the law of the Church as keepers of the liturgy in their respective dioceses, in union with Pope and his decrees.
Pope Benedict to the Australian Bishops, October 20, 2011:
"You are conscious of your special duty to care for the celebration of the liturgy. The new translation of the Roman Missal, which is the fruit of a remarkable cooperation of the Holy See, the bishops and experts from all over the world, is intended to enrich and deepen the sacrifice of praise offered to God by His people. Help your clergy to welcome and to appreciate what has been achieved, so that they in turn may assist the faithful as everyone adjusts to the new translation. As we know, the sacred liturgy and its forms are written deeply in the heart of every Catholic. Make every effort to help catechists and musicians in their respective preparations to render the celebration of the Roman Rite in your dioceses a moment of greater grace and beauty, worthy of the Lord and spiritually enriching for everyone".
Mass is word and action. Abuse one and you corrupt the other, you corrupt the Mass. Examples that stand out are the televised Masses that present a mixed bag: those that follow the rubrics and those that even end up with the words of Consecration being changed.
The question remains: though the liturgy has certainly been clarified in its texts, will the text be followed? Will actions be in accord with the mind of the Church? I believe it was Pope Paul who referred to the renewal of the liturgy being "futile"if it was abused.
In conclusion I fear that the hoped for improvement will be missed. For those who were already following the Church, these texts will certainly improve the celebration of Mass. For those who abused and continue to abuse the liturgy nothing will be gained. It is time for bishops to enforce the law of the Church as keepers of the liturgy in their respective dioceses, in union with Pope and his decrees.
Pope Benedict to the Australian Bishops, October 20, 2011:
"You are conscious of your special duty to care for the celebration of the liturgy. The new translation of the Roman Missal, which is the fruit of a remarkable cooperation of the Holy See, the bishops and experts from all over the world, is intended to enrich and deepen the sacrifice of praise offered to God by His people. Help your clergy to welcome and to appreciate what has been achieved, so that they in turn may assist the faithful as everyone adjusts to the new translation. As we know, the sacred liturgy and its forms are written deeply in the heart of every Catholic. Make every effort to help catechists and musicians in their respective preparations to render the celebration of the Roman Rite in your dioceses a moment of greater grace and beauty, worthy of the Lord and spiritually enriching for everyone".
Out of the Mouth of Pagans
Have you ever had one of those friends who babbles on a bit but you listen anyway on the chance that something brilliant might pop out? Well I do... his other friends call him "farm boy" but I often refer to him as simply "the Pagan", a bit of a Latin joke. The Pagan has somehow decided to read Dante's Inferno and has come to the conclusion that it is all far too real. The various punishments meted out in hell mirror the sorts of traps that people can find themselves in on earth. Those suffering from lust are blown about by violent winds and storms with no hope of rest. Gluttons are condemned to blind self indulgence while the wasteful and miserly are at constant war with each other. In each case the punishment is merely an extension of the web woven during the person's life. We have all seen this dynamic at work in ourselves and other people. The odd thing is that nobody seems very anxious to get out except of course Satan. Hell is truly locked on the inside. Satan remembers and his struggles to escape fuel the winds that keep him ensnared, feeding on the most foul traitors. I am going to go read it and I recommend the Longfellow translation and reading it aloud.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Have you ever had one of those friends who babbles on a bit but you listen anyway on the chance that something brilliant might pop out? Well I do... his other friends call him "farm boy" but I often refer to him as simply "the Pagan", a bit of a Latin joke. The Pagan has somehow decided to read Dante's Inferno and has come to the conclusion that it is all far too real. The various punishments meted out in hell mirror the sorts of traps that people can find themselves in on earth. Those suffering from lust are blown about by violent winds and storms with no hope of rest. Gluttons are condemned to blind self indulgence while the wasteful and miserly are at constant war with each other. In each case the punishment is merely an extension of the web woven during the person's life. We have all seen this dynamic at work in ourselves and other people. The odd thing is that nobody seems very anxious to get out except of course Satan. Hell is truly locked on the inside. Satan remembers and his struggles to escape fuel the winds that keep him ensnared, feeding on the most foul traitors. I am going to go read it and I recommend the Longfellow translation and reading it aloud.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Old Europe
Santa has been reading a book about the dire conditions in Western Europe, and it does not look good. Declining population, debasement of the currency, excessive bureaucracy, a vast influx of barbarian hordes settling in the population centers of the European heartland, large numbers of unemployed living precariously on government handouts. Things were sure looking bad for the Western Roman Empire at the turn of the 5th century. These were the conditions outlined by H. Daniel-Rops in the first few chapters of his book "The Church in the Dark Ages". It was a crucial time in the history of the Western Roman Empire. A time not unlike our own, disturbingly so. It was a time of no return for the West, civilization would never be the same. Have we also reached a point of no return in our own time?
Certainly the declining population figures for the European population would seem to indicate as much. Not a single country in has a birth rate at replacement levels. With ever increasing numbers of disaffected Muslims settling in the population centers of virtually every major European city we are witnessing a change in the ethnic make up of the Western European continent. It is becoming more and more evident that the economic situation is not sustainable. Country after country is succumbing to an unacceptably high debt load, with no end in sight. Are we witnessing another irreversible turning point in Western civilization?
In one important respect the situation in the 21st century is not like that of the 5th century. At that time the Catholic Church was still new and was, in an important sense, coming into its own. The disaster of the fall of the Western Roman Empire was a blessing in disguise. Although it may not have seemed like it a the time, the old world was making way for the new. The Faith was poised to remake the old pagan civilization into the new Christian civilization which would be known as "Christendom".
Is the faith of Today up to the challenge of the times as in the past? Is it vigorous or is it languishing? Is the church ready to leave old Europe behind and move on to better times, or is it hopelessly connected to this declining empire and its institutions, doomed to suffer the same fate?
Certainly the declining population figures for the European population would seem to indicate as much. Not a single country in has a birth rate at replacement levels. With ever increasing numbers of disaffected Muslims settling in the population centers of virtually every major European city we are witnessing a change in the ethnic make up of the Western European continent. It is becoming more and more evident that the economic situation is not sustainable. Country after country is succumbing to an unacceptably high debt load, with no end in sight. Are we witnessing another irreversible turning point in Western civilization?
In one important respect the situation in the 21st century is not like that of the 5th century. At that time the Catholic Church was still new and was, in an important sense, coming into its own. The disaster of the fall of the Western Roman Empire was a blessing in disguise. Although it may not have seemed like it a the time, the old world was making way for the new. The Faith was poised to remake the old pagan civilization into the new Christian civilization which would be known as "Christendom".
Is the faith of Today up to the challenge of the times as in the past? Is it vigorous or is it languishing? Is the church ready to leave old Europe behind and move on to better times, or is it hopelessly connected to this declining empire and its institutions, doomed to suffer the same fate?
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