BREAKING NEWS: Cardinal Muller speaks with Polish press about the Synod:" ... even bishops allowed themselves to be blinded..."

Cardinal Muller with Pope Benedict XVI

[Note: All may use the following translation, in whatever medium, but you must credit Toronto Catholic Witness. You do not have permission to redistribute our translations to third parties. Thank-you.]

Nasz Dziennik, a major Polish media outlet, has carried an extensive interview with His Eminence, Gerhard Cardinal Muller, Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The Cardinal is very open about the malign influence upon the Synod; yet equally firm that the teaching of the Church on Holy Communion for those civilly "remarried" is absolutely forbidden, as contrary to the Gospel; likewise is each and every homosexual act as contrary to nature and is a grave sin. 

On the media: 

Unfortunately, in modern societies, various media, international organizations or even governments of various countries are trying to sow confusion in the minds of people. In many countries, relationships are destroyed, and this also applies to the Christian model of marriage and family. The truth about marriage and family is relativized. These trends also, unfortunately, have moved in some way into the Church and the bishops, upon which they [media] are trying to exert pressure.... We have Christ and the Gospel. This is our point of reference, the foundation for the proper and only teachings of the Church...

On marriage: 

There are a lot of media, but there is only one mediator, who is Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Therefore, the Word of God can never be ignored in any way and can not be compromised in any of its passages. It must be fully accepted. The Church, neither before or during, or after the Synod can change what comes from the teaching of Christ. In regard to marriage is primarily define the words, "What God has joined together, let not man put asunder". 

On homosexuality:

Question: There were such voices that after the Synod of the Church entered the "way of the new opening to homosexuals." It sounds as if the church was going to stop calling homosexual acts a sin and condemn them?

Cardinal Muller: Of course, for the Church there is always the starting point of a relationship of love; of man to woman and woman to man. The Church focuses on this relationship and on it builds her social doctrine, including moral doctrine, which is also the whole science of human sexuality. There are situations that a person draws his sexuality  to a  person of the same sex. And this tendency itself is not a primary subject of the Church. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "homosexual persons are called to chastity." Pope Francis said he is not trying to create some new doctrine of the Church, but he is trying to show that no one is judged by the Church who has erred and has a homosexual tendency. No one is trying to cut off such people; they are still integrally people. But you have to say with clarity that the Church has judged negatively homosexual acts. An active part in the act of homosexuality is not acceptable! And the Church of such an assessment will not give up. They are contrary to the natural law, and it is a sin.

On the bishops: 

Cardinal Muller: ...unfortunately, there are representatives of the Church, and even bishops who have allowed themselves to be somehow blinded by a secularized society in which they have been so influenced that it has drawn them away from the main topic or from the teachings of the Church based on revelation.

They began to think about the different possibilities, whether it is or it would be possible, forgetting about the foundation ... perhaps suggesting some questionable solutions in a matter of commitment in difficult situations in which people find themselves, perhaps guiding the desire to help another human being ... 

Everything is fine but you must always remember that there is one "agenda" for us, the agenda of the Church, which is based on the revelation of God communicated in Jesus Christ. And this is actually for us the most important, if it is lost, lost would be other aspects.

(Trans. Barona)

Toronto Traditional Mass Society-Una Voce Toronto: Extraordinary Form Masses for All Saints and All Souls

The Toronto Traditional Mass Society - Una Voce Toronto is sponsoring a Sung Latin Mass for All Saints and a Solemn Requiem Mass for All Souls. 

Further information may be obtained by visiting their website:unavocetoronto.com

Thomas Rosica, CSB - activist journalism for dissent in the Church

Thomas Rosica, CSB: a member of the Adulterist Party? 

The Holy See Press Office has on its staff those involved in activist journalism, on the side of those who would permit the divorced and civilly "remarried" to receive Holy Communion - this lifestyle, however they wish to call it, is entitled "adultery" according to Sacred Scripture. St. Pope John Paul II, in Familiaris consortio, reiterated Church doctrine on this matter, and has placed a huge road block in the road, contra the "Adulterist Party". 

Thomas Rosica, prior to the Synod, and during and after continues to engage in activist journalism in favour of the Adulterist Party. His most recent activist undertaking is busily retweeting articles by dissident nun, Sr. Mary Ann Walsh' - such as her claim that the refusal of Holy Communion to those who obstinately expound a pro-abortion position is due to a cultural war.

The nun writes: "Sadly, some have used the Eucharist in cultural skirmishes, treating Communion, for example, as a reward for a correct political position on abortion". Thus, abortion - "an unspeakable crime  - according to the Second Vatican Council, is now a "political position". And, seemingly, Thomas Rosica approves of this. 

Just this morning, Rosica busily engaging in activism for the Adulterists, links approvingly to an even more recent article where Walsh claims the following: 

The column resists ideas about revising...steps to allow persons who have divorced and remarried to receive Holy Communion. Mr. Douthat connects the issue to an overall change in tone proposed by some bishops at the recent Synod on the Family who spoke pastorally about same-sex and other relationships, such as living together without benefit of wedlock. Mr. Douthat seems to reject any Catholic nuance when it comes to dealing with morality.

The matter of the Holy See Press Office actively engaging on the side of the Adulterist Party is a very grave matter. They have rapidly lost credence with Catholics, who are seeking information from other sources. This is regrettable, but understandable. Is it any wonder why we got spin, equivocation, distortion and manipulation during and after the Synod? Thanks to the internet, the "firewall" of the HSPO was quickly demolished, and the truth came out. 

Thomas Rosica, CSB: a member of the Homosexualist Party? 

Rosica's Salt and Light TV station continued to give the lie that "delicate" issues were raised at the Synod; that the interim relatio was the fruit of rigorous debate on this particular "delicate" issue. Absolute nonsense and rubbish advocacy "journalism" in favour of the "Homosexualist Party". Three individuals raised this issue; one, surreptitiously inserted the propaganda, only to have it pulled by outraged Fathers. The damage was done however, as the Homosexualists gleefully knew it would be.

Rosica has, earlier this year claimed the Pope is not obsessed with homosexuality. He has conveniently not reemphasized that the Pope called "same-sex marriage", diabolical; nor has he informed us of the words of the Holy Father in denouncing false associations of people claiming to be a marriage. 

It would seem that the ones obsessed with associations were those who vilely inserted the three destructive paragraphs into the interim relatio. The obsessors are the media, the HSPO, and yes, Fr. Rosica who keeps bringing up a non-issue. The Catholic Church's official position on homosexuality is contained within the Catechism (augmented by statements from the CDF e.g. Persona humana etc.). And how can we forget Rosica's recent blasphemous coment that the Holy Family was "irregular"? 

Thomas Rosica, CSB: a pick and choose cultural warrior?

It is also quaint to see Rosica bring up the question of culture wars, as he himself conducted a sub-cultural war against peaceful protestors outside the Newman Centre in Toronto a few years ago. Catholics wished, at that time to quietly, peacefully express - on public property - their opposition to Rosica inviting his friend, Professor Gregory Baum ( a very well known dissenter) to address the Newman Centre. The merits of the invitation may be debated; it actually can be a good thing to engage in healthy debate; the issue is, not so much the invitation, but Rosica's calling of the police to clear the non-violent protestors away. 

Thomas Rosica, CSB: activist and dissenter?

It is quite evident that Fr. Rosica is not so much a journalist, but a  strident activist, a dissenter. He could do himself two good things: get, read and conform to the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and he could visit the website "Get Religion" to learn how to report on religious matters. And, while he is at it, he should stop cheapening the Papacy: the Pope is the Vicar of Jesus Christ. One really begins to wonder how a man who apparently holds down a multitude of "jobs" finds the time to tweet such profanity? 

Better yet, Mr. Gagliano, pull the financial plug on this man. His support of the ex-priest and heretic, Baum; his suing of the Fountain of Love and Life brings shame. Most Holy Father reform the curia, the Secretariat of State, the Holy See Press Office and drive these clerical careerists out of Rome. The  stench is nauseating. 

A whisky drinking lesson for Pope Francis

H. M. Her Majesty the Queen, gave H. H., the Supreme Pontiff, a bottle of single malt Scotch upon her visit to the Holy See. Before drinking the Scotch, it is essential that the Holy Father learn certain basics of imbibing the "aqua vitae". 

Fr. Paul Nicholson: on Christian modesty

Pope Francis: ".... the family is being bastardized"

The Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis had these words to say on October 25th. You have to dig around to find such statements, as the Holy See Press Office is working might and main (and, quite successfully, sadly) to hide these things from Catholics....

“The family is being hit, the family is being struck and the family is being bastardized” 

Fr. Paul Nicholson: Pope Francis denounces oppression of the poor, following Pius XI and Leo XIII

Pope Francis: marriage is under a diabolical attack

His Holiness, the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis has spoken today in grave terms against the corruption of marriage. Pray for the Pope! He too is under attack from diabolical forces.... 

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis said the institution of Christian marriage has never been attacked so much as nowadays where a temporary or throw-away culture has become widespread. He said marriage should not be seen just a social rite and urged priests to stay close to couples and especially children experiencing the trauma of a family break-up. The Pope was replying to questions put to him on a range of topics during an audience with more than 7000 pilgrims belonging to the Schoenstatt movement, an international Marian and apostolic organization that is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in Germany.  The movement now embraces members, both lay and clerics, from dozens of nations around the world....

...He said the Christian family and marriage have never been so attacked as they are nowadays because of growing relativism over the concept of the sacrament of marriage.  When it comes to preparing for marriage, Pope Francis said all too often there is a misunderstanding over the difference between the sacrament of marriage and the social rite. Marriage is for ever, he said, but in our present society there is a temporary or throw-away culture that has become widespread.  

Turning to the missionary role of Mary, the Pope reminded people that nobody can search for faith without the help of Mary, the Mother of God, saying a Church without Mary is like an orphanage. When questioned as to how he maintains a sense of joy and hope despite the many problems and wars in our world, Pope Francis replied that he uses prayer, trust, courage and daring. To dare is a grace, he said, and a prayer without courage or daring is a prayer that doesn’t work.   

Fr. Paul Nicholson: the smoke of the Synod

Michael Coren is still supporting the homosexualist relatio that was rejected by the bishops at the Synod of the Family

Confused Catholic, Michael Coren, who consistently opposes "same-sex marriage", but equally consistently rejects the Catechism of the Catholic Church's complete teaching on homosexuality, on October 18th, published an article taking great pleasure in the gravely erroneous interim report that, for example,  Archbishop Stankiewicz of Riga called a "counterfeit gospel". I'd rather go with the Archbishop than Coren. That homosexuality was only raised by three participants at the Synod, that the interim relatio position on homosexuality was utterly rejected seems to not disturb Coren's heterodox position at all. 

After all, not a few years ago, on one of his TV programmes, in a moment of rare and raw truth, Coren did admit that he really did not know too much about Catholicism. Then stop writing about it, man! Or is the lust for cash just too much of a temptation? 

The best refutation of Coren's preposterous position on homosexuality has come from Pastor Joe Boot. I strongly recommend all to re-read it. 

As for Coren, in typical Corenist fashion, his latest combines falsehood with mockery - never, of course,  actually dealing with the issues:

Now, lo and behold, the preliminary report from the General Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops has stated that gay people have “gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community” and some gay couples provide each other “mutual aid to the point of sacrifice” and “precious support in the life of the partners.”

The language may seem moderate and even inadequate -- but, believe me, within Catholic circles it is downright revolutionary. Remember, the church has up to now taught that homosexuality is “a grave depravity.” The truly radical nature of this departure is illustrated by the reaction of many on the Catholic right. They are apoplectic!

Various apologists will claim that none of this indicates a change, that it’s just about style, that the church still opposes same-sex marriage and so on, but that’s mere spin. The door has been opened and cannot be closed again. I predict many Catholics leaving for the breakaway, ultra-orthodox Society of St. Pius X but more returning to a church they abandoned long ago because they see a new relevance and kindness.

Pope Francis sending special envoy to investigate homosexual priest ring in Italy involved in "gay" websites, stealing from church coffers....

His Holiness, the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis has sent a special envoy to deal with a decadent diocese, infested with sodomite priests, who are also implicated in stealing church funds (e.g. the widow's mite). 

From the Daily Telegraph:

A scandal-ridden Catholic diocese in Italy where priests posted naked photos of themselves on gay websites, raided church coffers and sexually harassed parishioners is to be investigated by a special envoy to Pope Francis.

The Pope reportedly intends to send an “apostolic administrator” to assess allegations that the diocese of Albenga-Imperia, in the Liguria region of northern Italy, has hosted a string of “playboy priests” moon-lighting as barmen, stealing parish funds and getting tattooed.

Described by one Italian newspaper as “the most gossiped about diocese in Italy”, it has been run for the last 25 years by Bishop Mario Oliveri, 70.

He is expected to be replaced in the near future by an auxiliary bishop, according to Il Secolo XIX, the region’s main newspaper.

Pope Francis has already sent Adriano Bernardini, an apostolic nuncio, or ambassador, to conduct a preliminary investigation into the scandals thay have allegedly unfolded under Bishop Oliveri’s watch.

Cardinal Dziwisz: Pope St. John Paul II influenced the outcome of the Synod of the Family

From His Eminence's Homily on the Feast Day of St. Pope John Paul: 

We deeply believe that Pope John Paul II accompanied us and intercedes for us before the throne of the Most High. He earned the title, Pope of Families, of which we reminded many times during the Synod of Bishops on the family that ended a few days ago. He brought an undeniable contribution to the reflection of the Church on marriage and the family, as well as on the fundamental values ​​which were significantly shaped by these two realities. This is no to be underestimated and its contribution within the context of the risks posed by contemporary currents of secularism and hedonism to undermining the stability of the family and marriage as the primary community of men and women - a community of love and life. 

(Trans.Barona)

A gentle rebuke perhaps of the innovators? But, nonetheless, a rebuke. 

Pray for Canada: terrorist attack in Ottawa

It has happened. It was denied for years that anything like this could occur here. Well, it has. Just the other day another soldier was slain by a Jihadi outside Montreal. 

Please pray for Canada.... 



Update: Three separate terrorist incidences have been identified by the RCMP. 

Update: The Canadian soldier at our sacred National War Memorial has succumbed to his wounds received. 

+ Requiescat In Pace +

Cardinal Vasio de Paolis speaks about the Synod of the Family: "We are listening too much to people, and not the truths of the Faith"

H.E. Vasio Cardinal de Paolis has spoken about the recent Synod of the Family. My media source is in Polish, so I shall offer the salient parts for translation. 

"we have confusion, which is difficult to control. We are listening too much to people, and not enough to the truths of the Faith. In the time being, the Church must communicate the truth, and not submit to public pressure. 

To truly take a step forward, the Church needs continuity. Everything cannot be questioned. The Church is the guardian of the truth, and does not have power over it (lit. her). The fixed point is the Word of God, it is a treasure that cannot be changed by anyone, even a Pope". 

St. Pope John Paul II: Happy Feast Day - and honour him by fidelity to the truth about marriage, the family and human sexuality

AP Massimo Sambucetti, File

On homosexuality

“the juridical approval of homosexual practice is not morally admissible …With this resolution the European Parliament was asked to legitimize a moral disorder. 

Parliament wrongfully conferred an institutional value to deviant behavior which is not in conformity with the plan of God… Forgetting the words of Christ – ‘The truth shall set you free’ (John, 8,32) – they have attempted to suggest to the inhabitants of our continent, that  moral evil, deviation and a type of slavery are a way to freedom, falsifying the essence of the family itself.”

Address to the European Parliament, 1994

On Marriage, and its corruption 

Many cultural, social and political factors are in fact conspiring to create an increasingly evident crisis of the family. In varying ways they jeopardize the truth and dignity of the human person, and call into question, often misrepresenting it, the notion of the family itself. The value of marital indissolubility is increasingly denied; demands are made for the legal recognition of de facto relationships as if they were comparable to legitimate marriages; and attempts are made to accept a definition of the couple in which difference of sex is not considered essential.

In this context the Church is called to proclaim with renewed vigour what the Gospel teaches about marriage and the family, in order to grasp their meaning and value in God's saving plan. In particular it is necessary to reaffirm that these institutions are realities grounded in the will of God. 

Ecclesia in Europe

On the perversion of sexuality

...the human family is facing the challenge of a new Manichaeanism, in which body and spirit are put in radical opposition; the body does not receive life from the spirit, and the spirit does not give life to the body. Man thus ceases to live as a person and a subject. Regardless of all intentions and declarations to the contrary, he becomes merely an object. This neo-Manichaean culture has led, for example, to human sexuality being regarded more as a area for manipulation and exploitation than as the basis of that primordial wonder which led Adam on the morning of creation to exclaim before Eve: "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Gen 2:23). This same wonder is echoed in the words of the Song of Solomon: "You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride, you have ravished my heart with a glance of your eyes" (Song 4:9). How far removed are some modern ideas from the profound understanding of masculinity and femininity found in Divine Revelation! Revelation leads us to discover in human sexuality a treasure proper to the person, who finds true fulfilment in the family but who can likewise express his profound calling in virginity and in celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God....

...it is a society which is sick and is creating profound distortions in man. Why is this happening? The reason is that our society has broken away from the full truth about man, from the truth about what man and woman really are as persons. Thus it cannot adequately comprehend the real meaning of the gift of persons in marriage, responsible love at the service of fatherhood and motherhood, and the true grandeur of procreation and education. 

Gratissimam Sane

On Holy Communion for the divorced and "remarried" 

However, the Church reaffirms her practice, which is based upon Sacred Scripture, of not admitting to Eucharistic Communion divorced persons who have remarried. They are unable to be admitted thereto from the fact that their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of love between Christ and the Church which is signified and effected by the Eucharist. Besides this, there is another special pastoral reason: if these people were admitted to the Eucharist, the faithful would be led into error and confusion regarding the Church's teaching about the indissolubility of marriage.

Reconciliation in the sacrament of Penance which would open the way to the Eucharist, can only be granted to those who, repenting of having broken the sign of the Covenant and of fidelity to Christ, are sincerely ready to undertake a way of life that is no longer in contradiction to the indissolubility of marriage. This means, in practice, that when, for serious reasons, such as for example the children's upbringing, a man and a woman cannot satisfy the obligation to separate, they "take on themselves the duty to live in complete continence, that is, by abstinence from the acts proper to married couples.

Similarly, the respect due to the sacrament of Matrimony, to the couples themselves and their families, and also to the community of the faithful, forbids any pastor, for whatever reason or pretext even of a pastoral nature, to perform ceremonies of any kind for divorced people who remarry. Such ceremonies would give the impression of the celebration of a new sacramentally valid marriage, and would thus lead people into error concerning the indissolubility of a validly contracted marriage.

By acting in this way, the Church professes her own fidelity to Christ and to His truth. 

At the same time she shows motherly concern for these children of hers, especially those who, through no fault of their own, have been abandoned by their legitimate partner.

With firm confidence she believes that those who have rejected the Lord's command and are still living in this state will be able to obtain from God the grace of conversion and salvation, provided that they have persevered in prayer, penance and charity.

Familiaris Consortio

A musical interlude to sooth your soul...

Bl. Paul VI: the Pope of Life and the Credo

Africa Semper Fidelis

Does the future of the Church and of humanity travel by way of African fidelity to the Gospels? It may well be so. Watch and pray.... 

"Today, you are the hope of this two-thousand-year-old Church of ours: being young in faith, you must be like the first Christians and radiate enthusiasm and courage. In a word, you must set yourselves on the path of holiness. Only thus can you be a sign of God in the world and re-live in your own countries the missionary epic of the early Church. You will also be a leaven of missionary spirit for the older Churches"

Ecclesia in Africa, Pope John Paul II 

Polonia Semper Fidelis

"AT THE SYNOD, THERE WERE BISHOPS WHO WISHED TO ERASE THE TRUTH" 

Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki

Let the hate fest begin... but count me out

I am quite angry. I am not particularly angry at the shenanigans that went on during the synod. As a matter of fact I have not even read the final document. I am not sitting here nursing my wounds over my feelings of betrayal, at least not by the synod. That was quite predictable.

No, I am angry over what I see as a prevailing attitude in certain quarters of the Church today. It is an attitude which can be summed up in one question. "Why don't they just leave?" Those who are trying to change Church doctrine or discipline, those who are profoundly dissatisfied with some aspects of the Church, those who hold heretical positions but who stay in the Church anyway. Why don't they just leave because it would make us more comfortable, more secure, happier? What's more the Church would be leaner, more focused, albeit much smaller. Isn't that Cardinal Ratzinger's wish, as expressed in an interview before he became pope? No, it may have been a prediction but I cannot believe that saintly man would stoop to making it his wish. It has not prevented many others from wishing exactly that.

At the heart of this question is an unspoken one, one that we hesitate to voice even to ourselves. "Why don't they just go to hell?" Wishing that someone, anyone, would just leave the Church and go away is tantamount to wishing they would be damned to hell. There is no more hateful thing that you could wish for someone. I cannot attend mass every Sunday and look around at the various people who annoy me, or irritate me or disagree with me and wish they would be damned. I refuse to join the hate fest.

The Pontifical Council on the Family: the Church speaks on homosexuality, the "contraceptive mentality..."

The Pontifical Council for the Family, the Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality:  92. Through a trusting and open dialogue, parents can guide their daughters in facing any emotional perplexity, and support the value of Christian chastity out of consideration for the other sex. Instruction for both girls and boys should aim at pointing out the beauty of motherhood and the wonderful reality of procreation, as well as the deep meaning of virginity. In this way they will be helped to go against the hedonistic mentality which is very widespread today and particularly, at such a decisive stage, in preventing the "contraceptive mentality", which unfortunately is very common and which girls will have to face later in marriage. 104. A particular problem that can appear during the process of sexual maturation is homosexuality,which is also spreading more and more in urbanized societies. This phenomenon must be presented with balanced judgement, in the light of the documents of the Church. Young people need to be helped to distinguish between the concepts of what is normal and abnormal, between subjective guilt and objective disorder, avoiding what would arouse hostility. On the other hand, the structural and complementary orientation of sexuality must be well clarified in relation to marriage, procreation and Christian chastity. "Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained". A distinction must be made between a tendency that can be innate and acts of homosexuality that "are intrinsically disordered" and contrary to Natural Law. Especially when the practice of homosexual acts has not become a habit, many cases can benefit from appropriate therapy. In any case, persons in this situation must be accepted with respect, dignity and delicacy, and all forms of unjust discrimination must be avoided. If parents notice the appearance of this tendency or of related behaviour in their children, during childhood or adolescence, they should seek help from expert qualified persons in order to obtain all possible assistance. For most homosexual persons, this condition constitutes a trial. "They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfil God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition". "Homosexual persons are called to chastity". ---------- The mid-term relatio: Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony? The question of homosexuality leads to a serious reflection on how to elaborate realistic paths of affective growth and human and evangelical maturity integrating the sexual dimension: it appears therefore as an important educative challenge. The Church furthermore affirms that unions between people of the same sex cannot be considered on the same footing as matrimony between man and woman. Nor is it acceptable that pressure be brought to bear on pastors or that international bodies make financial aid dependent on the introduction of regulations inspired by gender ideology. Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners. Furthermore, the Church pays special attention to the children who live with couples of the same sex, emphasizing that the needs and rights of the little ones must always be given priority.[rejected by the synod Fathers] The final relatio:  55. Some families live the experience of having within them persons with a homosexual orientation. Regarding this, it was asked what pastoral attention is suitable concerning this situation, with reference to what the Church teaches: "There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family." Nevertheless, men and women with homosexual tendencies must be welcomed with respect and gentleness. "Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." [did not receive the necessary 2/3rd vote]

Thomas Rosica CSB - the Holy See Press Office undermines the synod Fathers by promoting the innovators

Thomas Rosica CSB, English language spokesman for Fr. Lombardi's Holy See Press Office. He perpetuates the ambiguity, confusion and chaos that was at its height on the day of the release of the interim relatio. 

Obviously, Rosica would not speak in such a manner, unless his masters bade him to do so.... 

75th Anniversary of Pope Pius XII's Summi Pontificatus ~ October 20th 1939

Can there be, Venerable Brethren, a greater or more urgent duty than to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians iii. 8) to the men of our time? Can there be anything nobler than to unfurl the "Ensign of the King" before those who have followed and still follow a false standard, and to win back to the victorious banner of the Cross those who have abandoned it? What heart is not inflamed, is not swept forward to help at the sight of so many brothers and sisters who, misled by error, passion, temptation and prejudice, have strayed away from faith in the true God and have lost contact with the joyful and life-giving message of Christ?...

...who could observe without profound grief the tragic harvest of such desertions among those who in days of calm and security were numbered among the followers of Christ, but who - Christians unfortunately more in name than in fact - in the hour that called for endurance, for effort, for suffering, for a stout heart in face of hidden or open persecution, fell victims of cowardice, weakness, uncertainty; who, terror-stricken before the sacrifices entailed by a profession of their Christian Faith, could not steel themselves to drink the bitter chalice awaiting those faithful to Christ?...

...at the head of the road which leads to the spiritual and moral bankruptcy of the present day stand the nefarious efforts of not a few to dethrone Christ; the abandonment of the law of truth which He proclaimed and of the law of love which is the life breath of His Kingdom.

In the recognition of the royal prerogatives of Christ and in the return of individuals and of society to the law of His truth and of His love lies the only way to salvation...

...The present age, Venerable Brethren, by adding new errors to the doctrinal aberrations of the past, has pushed these to extremes which lead inevitably to a drift towards chaos. Before all else, it is certain that the radical and ultimate cause of the evils which We deplore in modern society is the denial and rejection of a universal norm of morality as well for individual and social life as for international relations; We mean the disregard, so common nowadays, and the forgetfulness of the natural law itself, which has its foundation in God, Almighty Creator and Father of all, supreme and absolute Lawgiver, all-wise and just Judge of human actions. When God is hated, every basis of morality is undermined; the voice of conscience is stilled or at any rate grows very faint, that voice which teaches even to the illiterate and to uncivilized tribes what is good and what is bad, what lawful, what forbidden, and makes men feel themselves responsible for their actions to a Supreme Judge...

...The Holy Gospel narrates that when Jesus was crucified "there was darkness over the whole earth" (Matthew xxvii. 45); a terrifying symbol of what happened and what still happens spiritually wherever incredulity, blind and proud of itself, has succeeded in excluding Christ from modern life, especially from public life, and has undermined faith in God as well as faith in Christ. The consequence is that the moral values by which in other times public and private conduct was gauged have fallen into disuse; and the much vaunted civilization of society, which has made ever more rapid progress, withdrawing man, the family and the State from the beneficent and regenerating effects of the idea of God and the teaching of the Church, has caused to reappear, in regions in which for many centuries shone the splendors of Christian civilization, in a manner ever clearer, ever more distinct, ever more distressing, the signs of a corrupt and corrupting paganism: "There was darkness when they crucified Jesus" (Roman Breviary, Good Friday, Response Five).

...With the weakening of faith in God and in Jesus Christ, and the darkening in men's minds of the light of moral principles, there disappeared the indispensable foundation of the stability and quiet of that internal and external, private and public order, which alone can support and safeguard the prosperity of States.

Archbishop Durocher: "we have done for family life what the Second Vatican Council did for liturgy and ecumenism"

The above quote contained within the title is from Canadian Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher. It comes from his assessment of the final relatio from the Synod. I still come away after reading his review not knowing where he stands on Holy Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried (those living in adultery); nor do I know where he stands on homosexuality. He seems to tell us that there is more to discuss... he does not tell us how he voted. 

But the archbishop is onto something here, when he compares the Synod to the work of the Council and post-conciliar period on liturgy and ecumenism. Where I differ is my assessment of the results. The Second Vatican Council opened the door to so muddy the waters, to so confuse the issues on ecumenism, that most Catholics no longer know what to think. How many are aware that the Catholic Church is the one, true Church of Christ, outside of which there is no salvation? Ten percent, five percent....And of those who know, how many believe? Again, ten percent.... and so on. 

And what of the liturgy? Is it not true that the way we pray is the way we believe? Most people's belief is utter confusion, brought on by a liturgical mess. Was it not Pope Benedict and others who have consistently said over the years that the liturgical crisis has led to a crisis of Faith. We should be scared to death that a leading Archbishop in Canada does not see this. 

Unlike the issues of liturgy and ecumenism, the Second Vatican Council did not contain ambiguities on the family. Pope John Paul II used the Council documents as his template to compose his authoritative (and now very inconvenient Letter to Families in 1994). Durocher, knowing this, is aware that a mini-council (this Synod) is needed to make the changes needed by the innovators. The tone, language and themes are strikingly different from 1994 to this past Saturday. No where, in the rejected re-written section on homosexuality is there any mention of sin or disorder.... the ambiguity continues. 

We should be deeply disturbed, therefore, that the two non-issues that the secular media obsesses with is "not dead", but will continue on it all its noxious ambiguity for another year. No doubt, as in previous crises a polyvalent solution will be sought between orthodoxy and heterodoxy. And all will be happy. Well, no. This will only explode in another crisis a few years down the road. The Catholic Church cannot remain healthy in ambiguity, She cannot tolerate a virus, a cancer...

And no further example of ambiguity, confusion could be imagined with Vincent Cardinal Nichols' interview on BBC Radio 4. 

Blessed Pope Paul VI

Beatus Paulus VI, ora pro nobis

On this day which is chosen to close the Year of Faith, on this feast of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, we have wished to offer to the living God the homage of a profession of faith. And as once at Caesarea Philippi the apostle Peter spoke on behalf of the twelve to make a true confession, beyond human opinions, of Christ as Son of the living God, so today his humble successor, pastor of the Universal Church, raises his voice to give, on behalf of all the People of God, a firm witness to the divine Truth entrusted to the Church to be announced to all nations.

We have wished our profession of faith to be to a high degree complete and explicit, in order that it may respond in a fitting way to the need of light felt by so many faithful souls, and by all those in the world, to whatever spiritual family they belong, who are in search of the Truth.

To the glory of God most holy and of our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in the aid of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, for the profit and edification of the Church, in the name of all the pastors and all the faithful, we now pronounce this profession of faith, in full spiritual communion with you all, beloved brothers and sons...

The full Credo may be read and meditated upon here