What's the Agenda Behind the Call to Pre-Conclave Meetings that Began Last Tuesday?

The pope's body was hardly cold before Cardinal Re began pre-conclave meetings. Is that even respectful? Fr. Murray brings up additional issues about the pope's legacy that I didn't include in my post earlier today, particularly Francis' attack on marriage and family. Watch it! 

The Catholic Herald's Article on Pope Francis -- Really?

The Arlington Catholic Herald's front page article on Pope Francis in the current issue (April 24 - May7) made me shake my head. Ridiculously one-sided and it totally ignored anything that might upset the instant canonization applecart. From headline to last sentence it turned the Francis papacy into the equivalent of a snake oil salesman's pitch for his magic elixir. It is typical since Vatican II to turn every funeral into an instant canonization process, so why shouldn't we expect that for the death of a pope? After all, every pope since Vatican II except Benedict was rushed through to instant sainthood. One is tempted to say it is all about canonizing the council.

We Are All Wounded Warriors. Let Us Go to the Great Physician for Healing!

Sometimes an article I read triggers awareness of a challenge in my own life or the life of someone I love. That happened this morning as I was reading Fr. MacRae's Divine Mercy for Doubting Thomas and Other Spiritually Wounded. My first thought on reading the title was that we are all spiritually wounded, some more than others. Unlike physical wounds, spiritual wounds can hide more easily. A cheerful disposition may mask deep pain, grief, and anxiety. The Roman martyrs went to their deaths singing, but can anyone doubt that they trembled with fear as they contemplated facing the beasts in the coliseum?

Get Real about the Christian Life! It's not Candyland!

Joy, fear and suffering represent the trilogy of the Christian life. We would all love it, wouldn't we, if every moment of our lives found us bubbling over with joy? Maybe some people have that expectation about the Christian life. Surely the prosperity gospel reeks of it; but it's a fairytale! There is no happily ever after this side of the veil at least as the world defines it. Everlasting joy will come only for those who love the Lord and persevere until the end. But to expect Easter joy without the passion and cross here on earth in our daily life is a pipe dream. Unless, of course, we embrace God's will in all its fullness and come to recognize joy in fear and suffering. Some of the saints surely did that; but how many of us even come close?

While the Media Canonizes Francis, Common Sense from Dr. Peter Kwasniewski

Peter Kwasniewski

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Pope Francis is dead. And there is no need to sugar-coat his departure with pious platitudes, as the mainstream catholic media will be doing ad nauseam ("a man with a shepherd's heart for the poor," etc.). In fact, I will try to limit my negative comments about this kind of autocanonization, familiar to us from six decades of Novus Ordo funerals. Time will be better spent in prayer and in reading deeper evaluations.

Let Us Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis and for the Election of a Holy Pope.

The editor of OnePeterFive has a very interesting article speculating about the death of Pope Francis. Let us pray, his imaginary deathbed confession was true. It does not wipe away all the damage Francis did during his papacy, but perhaps it can spark in our hearts a desire for his salvation and a sense of compassion. 

The Era of Making a Mess is Over (At Least We Hope So!).

Pope Francis is dead. He died this morning. I've been doing my Monday chores praying for him. I threw in the wash remembering that he was once a newly baptized innocent babe clothed in the pure white garment. Did he wear the papal white in innocence and love for our Savior? Actions speak louder than words and so many of his actions were scandalous and ugly. Only God knows his eternal destiny.

Of Trump, Trolls, and Tedious Comments!

I must be getting old and crotchety. My patience for long-winded dissertations in the comment section has reached a low point. If you want to spend 500-1000 words illustrating your Trump derangement syndrome and trolling, start your own blog. And I'm not posting comments with a dozen links or buckets of rash judgment.

Alleluia! Jesus Christ is Risen!

Wishing all my readers the joys of this blessed and glorious season.

Oremus pro invicem!

Holy Saturday Rest

Good Friday Reflection by Fr. Tom Collins

Jesus Carries the Cross, Titian

Editor's comment: Father makes important points. I've highlighted the ones that struck me personally. We are living in challenging times, but times that can make us saints if we cooperate with God's grace. May we never forget that "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and serve according to his purpose." So let us rejoice in the Lord always, especially when He allows us to participate in the salvation of the world by uniting our sufferings to His own. 

WE PROCLAIM CHRIST CRUCIFIED

by Fr. Tom Collins

The Triduum Begins: Read President Trump's Easter Message -- More Than a Bland Greeting!

This is pretty amazing! When the president sounds more like a Catholic bishop than many of our bishops you just have to say, "Wow!" I doubt if Blase Cupich, Wilton Gregory, Mark Seitz, Timothy Dolan, or most of our other bishops sound as Catholic as this during the Triduum. May God bless President Trump, Melania, and the administration and bring them all through our storming heaven into a complete desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. We especially beg for Trump's realization that IVF is a gross offense against God by abandoning the least of precious little ones. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spy Wednesday: The Betrayal of Judas Continues Today

Constantin Meunier c. 1860

Editor's comment: Spy Wednesday commemorates the day Judas betrayed Jesus to the pharisees for 30 pieces of silver. He already committed the sin before he planted that hypocritical kiss on Jesus' face. We have many Judases today among our shepherds, hirelings and even wolves in sheep's clothing. The history of the Cardinal McCarrick coverup doesn't shock anyone these days. We are too accustomed to the betrayal by powerful men in miters and tailored clerical suits and French cuffs. After all the empty talk about transparency, we continue to be deluged with lies and pompous pandering. The reaction of the bishops to the administration cutting off their gravy train is one more example of their dishonesty and self-serving hypocrisy. Fr. Gomulka has catalogued their abuse. Let us pray for their conversion and pray especially hard for the faithful bishops cancelled and/or disrespected by the pope and their woke brothers.

Victim Advocate’s Open Letter To U.S. Bishops

April 11, 2025 TagsSexual Abuse from Complicit Clergy by Gene Thomas Gomulka

Dear cardinals, archbishops, and bishops,

The mainstream media is having their usual hissy-fit over the firing of Vice Admiral Shoshana  Chatfield a few days ago. Most of the articles by the drive-bys don't discuss the reason. It took the alternative media to display the situation. This from [Your]News:

Monday of Holy Week: Are You a Christian?

Only Christians celebrate Holy Week, but is everyone who celebrates Holy Week really a Christian? I thought about that while reading a column by Msgr. Charles Pope in The Wanderer, Be Different, Be a Christian. I generally read Msgr. Pope's weekly article because he offers insightful and challenging thoughts that make me think. This particular column began:

Are you a Christian? Before you answer, consider these other questions: Do you love your enemy? Do you do good to them who hate you? The honest answers to these questions are at the very heart of Christianity and represent what distinguishes a Christian from others.

Sunday Meditation: If you want to go to hell, here's the Rx from "Dr." Voltaire

François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire)

It's hard to believe that anyone would actually seek to become an atheist and develop a program to turn belief into disbelief offering it as a prescription for hating God and His Church. Why? 

If you don't believe, why not just shrug and walk away? Why actively pursue hatred of the God in Whom you don't believe? Wouldn't it make more sense to pursue truth, goodness justice, mercy, etc.? Aren't those the most noble pursuits? And consider Voltaire's given name. His parents obviously dedicated him to Our Lady. His mother died when he was only seven. How sad that he did not turn to the Queen of Heaven.

To me, the idea that someone would desire and pursue hatred of a God in which he disbelieves is unfathomable. But that's what Voltaire not only did himself, but he advised others to do it as well. Where is Voltaire today one wonders in alarm. The loss of any soul for Whom Christ suffered and died is a tragedy. Let us pray that Voltaire, a brilliant but stupid man, repented in the end.

The Trump Administration is Pushing Back against the Woke Insanity!

I don't agree with everything Trump is doing, like the aggressive talk about taking over Greenland and Gaza, and, worst of all, his position on IVF. On the other hand, I'm cheering some of his anti-woke moves that push back against insanity with the truth. Let's take a look at a few. Check out these articles:

• Karoline Leavitt Announces Policy to Ignore Reporter Emails Containing Pronouns in Signatures: "The White House has now implemented a striking new media policy. Indeed, Trump’s administration will no longer respond to reporters who include preferred gender pronouns in their email signatures or bios.

Have You Been Praying the Daily Rosary This Lent?

Read the article below and consider the power of praying the rosary in union with Mary and the Holy Trinity and the angels and saints. Outside of the Mass there is no more effective prayer than the devotion of the Holy Rosary. If you aren't praying the daily rosary why not start this minute to enrich these last days of Lent? 

If you already pray the rosary, consider adding another set or at least another decade. What a blessing to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries every day contemplating the great love of Jesus who gave Himself up FOR YOU, not humanity in general, but FOR YOU -- personally. If you can't say an entire five-decade rosary, how about choosing one decade. It won't take you five minutes and you will be giving ten blows to the devil's head and ten kisses to a loving mother! Lent calls for us to focus on prayer, sacrifice, and almsgiving. Increasing your recitation of the rosary is a prayer that will bless these last days of Lent and the soon-to-begin triduum!

And now the article...

Music has charms to soothe a savage breast!

My sister is in a nursing home. She has signs of vascular dementia, but still knows who her visitors are and has an amazing memory for many things. One of the charming and funny experiences with her is that she makes surprising, and often hilarious, connections. One of the aides is named Priscilla. Whenever she comes in Jeanne tends to say "Priscilla Presley." The aide is a youngster; I'm not sure she even knows who Priscilla Presley is. 

Bad news for beekeepers!

 

Pope Francis and the New World Order Kenosis

Editor's Note: Fr. Collins wrote this at the beginning of the Synod on Synodality, but it is every bit as relevant today. The confusion among Catholics is rampant. I'm currently reading Archbishop Lefebvre's Open Letter to Confused Catholics which could have been written last night. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the current state of the Church, the gutting of all of her sacraments, the abuse of the Bride of Christ, and the absolute need to return to the faith of our Fathers. Confusion is always a sign of the devil. May we all seek the clarity of the authentic catechisms issued since the Didache, written in the late first or early second century. It's short and available online, a good place to start your catechism journey. Give us clarity, O Lord, in this age of chaos!

Pope Francis and the New World Order by Fr. Tom Collins

A Prescription for Peace of Soul from Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

I sometimes think the Valley of Tears into which we are born is like the Valley of Death described by Tennyson in The Charge of the Light Brigade. The devil surrounds us and we are "stormed at with shot and shell" at every moment of our lives. Often we suffer wounds that can fester. We need the great physician to bind them up and set us on a journey of healing which is manifested by our success at achieving peace of soul. And, believe it or not, that journey to good health requires a prescription of suffering. If we want to be well, if we want to achieve true internal peace, we need to accept and even rejoice at the suffering we receive. It's unavoidable and inevitable, so let us make the most of it!

Monday Morning Musing on Peace of Soul

What is one of the most important goals for the Christian striving to do God's will? ALWAYS maintain peace of soul. We all desperately need it, but how many are willing to do the hard work to achieve it.

The first step in examining anything is to understand what it is. So what exactly is peace of soul? When I have a question about faith, I often turn to Fr. John Hardon, that holy Jesuit who went to his eternal reward in 2000. I'll offer some of his insights from a sermon on Peace of Soul:

Sunday Meditation: To Whom Are You Listening?

Remember the old Disney cartoons showing Pluto with an angel whispering in one ear and a devil in the other. That's not too far off. Our guardian angel is always with us trying to give us good advice. But do we listen? Or are we so enamored by the noise of the world that we can't hear his voice, especially when the devil is booming in our other ear.

But it's not only our guardian angel who's trying to communicate with us. Good and holy shepherds also compete with the world, the flesh, and the devil for our attention. C.S. Lewis offered a masterful description of the devil's tactics in his Screwtape Letters. It's wise to know the enemy and how he works on you. One of his most powerful weapons is discouragement. You know, that little nagging maggot that runs an endless loop of negative messages:

Dymphna Pegged It: Uncle Ted is Dead. The Horror Continues....

Dymphna has a short post on the death of Theodore McCarrick. It's enough!    

UNCLE TED IS DEAD

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, of infamous memory, is dead at 94. The horror is not over. His buddies who protected him and lied for him are still running the church in America. [Read the rest here....]

Death comes to us all. I wonder where the high potentate of the American church is now. God knows; I leave the wicked cardinal to him. Did Satan lose his grip in the end? Did McCarrick repent? I have to grit my teeth to say, "Let us hope so." Our God of justice and mercy will decide. 

Time Out for the Camp Kreitzer Clown Circus!

Chickens in...

We forgot to close up the chicken coop last night. This morning our little flock were all out and about roaming the yard. A quick head count found all eight well and accounted for.

I'm thanking our Camp Kreitzer guardians, St. Michael and St. Joseph for keeping the foxes and the raccoons away last night. A fox will take one off, but raccoons will kill them all even those he doesn't eat.

So the problem, since we are going out later: How to get them all back into the safety of the coop?

I proceeded to use bribery. I went to get a container full of chicken treat. When I came out of the house and started to shake the container with their treat, they come running. I always feel like the Pied Piper when I bring them their treats. And they followed me enthusiastically into their pen...except for one holdout, Pepper, who stopped at the door and decided freedom was better than treats. I tried to coax her in, but gave up after awhile and went back in the house.

We have no right to salvation; it is pure grace, a gift from God!

THE GREAT FORFEITURE

by Fr. Tom Collins

Many saints through the ages have marveled at the many dimensions of divine love and mercy manifested in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Among these are the gracious generosity of God speaking to us through His Holy Word, the sacred mystery of transubstantiation (whereby bread and wine are transformed into the sacred Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ) and the sacred privilege of entering into a Holy Communion with the Eucharistic Christ. But there is another important dimension of the Mass that is just as important for a proper appreciation of the sacred mysteries ministered to us in this holy sacrifice, the Great Forfeiture.

"The Shepherds Govern the Flock."... Or Do They?

Logo of the 2024 Lutheran Assembly. The synodal way is making us Protestants.

The never-ending synodal process has become a serious trial to those who love the Church. One wonders why the bishops have continued to participate and even wax enthusiastic while these events fulfill the rallying cry of Francis to "make a mess." In view of the confusion and, even questionable doctrinal novelties accompanying the process, one would expect a little hesitancy and even push back from the bishops. But there's been precious little of that from the majority who undermine their own authority as they carry out the Vatican demands to "listen" to the vox populi, especially those who want to turn the Church into another Protestant sect. 

A Lenten Reflection on that Predominant Fault You Haven't Conquered Yet

Sloth from The Seven Deadly Sins by Hieronymus Bosch

Have you ever considered the question, "What is my predominant sin/fault and how can I subdue it?" There are seven deadly sins and most of us are tempted more strongly by some vices than others. And, of course, at different seasons of life, some hold more sway. 

What a Glorious Monday Morning!

Praise God in His wonderful world!

Sunday Meditation: Lent is a time for Redemption

Return of the Prodigal Son by Master of the Annunciation, anonymous painter, 17th c.

And here's a very real story of a young man's redemption from Beyond These Stone Walls. There is no such thing as an unforgivable sin or a person lost to God's love. Check out The Prodigal Son: Alexander’s Long Lent Toward Easter Sunrise:

March 26, 2025 by Alexander

An Argentinian Bishop Speaks

Don't miss this article by Argentine bishop Archbishop Héctor Aguer, archbishop emeritus of LaPlata. Don't you wonder what he could tell us about Pope Francis if he chose to? Here's the beginning:

The twelfth anniversary of Francis’ pontificate was recently celebrated. Vatican press releases are usually full of self-praise. It is very difficult to adjudicate ecclesial reality, which is incredibly vast and characterized by differences between countries, but from a certain vantage point it is possible to contemplate the surroundings. I can do it then from this corner of the far south that is Argentina, a nation that is (or was?) mostly Catholic. As the saying goes, “one example is enough to prove it.”

Do the Bishops Really Emphasize "Using Proper Terms?" That Depends!

When I'm in a masochistic mood, I read the Arlington Catholic Herald. Usually, I just scan the headlines and put it in the paper recycling. Occasionally, though, I actually do read at least a few articles. Sometimes it even gives me a good laugh, an eye roll, and a rueful head shake.

Such was the case when I read an article yesterday explaining how the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is getting a new name, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). Wow! Now that is an earth-shaking change. Well, perhaps not.

It's Not Just Thirty Pieces of Silver These Days, It's Billions for the Pharisee Bishops!

Are the U.S. Catholic Bishops Pharisees or Shepherds?

There's a story, perhaps apocryphal, about a conversation between Cardinal Ercole Consalvi, Secretary of State to Pius VII, and Napoleon Bonaparte which has the ring of truth. Apparently Napoleon told the cardinal he had the power to destroy the Church. The ironic answer from the prelate was, "If the bishops haven't been able to do it in the past 1800 years, how can you expect to succeed?"

Seventy-eight and still Fighting for the Faith!

It's my birthday -- 78 today! My parents named me Mary because of Our Lady's feast day. What a blessing to share our Blessed Mother's name!

"Charity Begins at Home." Just ask the Catholic CEOs with their exorbitant salaries!

The Catholic bishops are suing the government. Are we surprised? Isn't that what leftists always do when the gravy train is under threat. How many times has Planned Parenthood sued to keep their baby-killing machine at full speed ahead supported with billions from the taxpayers?

Of Puffery and Pulchritude: White-washing the Bad Bishops!

Have you ever noticed that diocesan "newspapers" are filled with puffery and pulchritude to make the diocese and the bishop look good? I usually glance at the headlines of The Arlington Catholic Herald and, every now and then, read an article, but for the most part, it's not worth the time. A standing joke with our previous bishop was to count how many of his photos graced the pages. Well, after all, the diocesan paper is the Catholic version of the celebrity fan magazine. Make the bishop look good.

Feeling Dizzy: Is it Motion Sickness, Diabolical Disorientation, or Both?

My husband and I should be in Florida. We left on Wednesday looking forward to five days at the Air B&B of friends who generously offered it for a get-away. (Thank you, dear friends.) The chickens were in good hands, the water was turned off. St. Joseph and St. Michael were on the security detail. We pulled out of the driveway with eager anticipation and began a rosary for our safe travels.

Sometimes the best laid plans go awry.

Is the Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston Planning to Oppose Parental Rights?

This morning I received an email from Michael Hichborn of the Lepanto Institute describing how the Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston plans to join a lawsuit against the state over a bill giving parents the freedom to choose vaccinations for their children. If true, it's a shocking position! 

Does a Catholic Diocese have more rights over children than their parents? Not according to canon law.

Kristallnacht in the USA

The attack on Tesla reminds me of Kristallnacht in Germany when the Nazis targeted Jewish businesses. The Democrats default position is to accuse Republicans of violence. Meanwhile they foment assassination attempts on the president, threaten Supreme Court judges, burn our cities, make sure rioters are bailed out so they can continue rioting and enjoy posting “funny” X and Facebook posts celebrating the violence. I think it’s safe to say that the Democrat party today makes the Bolshevists look moderate. I think we’ll buy some Tesla stock.

On the Feast of St. Joseph, Let Us Thank Him for All His Assistance!

I have to smile when I think that Joe the Plumber has St. Joseph the worker as his special friend and patron saint. But St. Joseph belongs to all the regular Joes who are fathers as well -- and all foster fathers -- named Tom, Dick, or Harry. They can all claim him for a friend and mentor. St. Joseph has a carpenter's tent big enough for every man no matter who his other patrons are. And what a model he is - real man's man: strong, patient, courageous enough to leave town with his family at night on a road commonly traveled by robbers. No arguments with God, just a hasty response to God's will. Scripture tells us he's a "just man," no small feat in any age. He says not one word in Scripture, but his faithful presence and his prompt obedience to God's will speak volumes.

Remembering the Bishops' Safe Touch Programs! Do bishops learn from their mistakes?

Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, one of the cover-up bishops who ended up with an assignment in Rome avoiding prosecution in the U.S. (photo from a news conference in 2002)

With the bishops going after the Trump administration for its policies on the illegal invasion at the border, it might be useful to remember some other policies introduced by the U.S. Catholic bishops. Their motives often seem to be more about protecting themselves than concern for the flock. That's exactly what happened with the bishops" Charter on Protecting Children developed after the bishops' meeting in Dallas in 2002 where they addressed the sex abuse crisis. The bishops focused attention on the priests in the parishes and laity instructing children in CCD classes. I spent about 25 years in religious education and quit when the new policies were instituted, because they were more about protecting the bishops than protecting the children. The bishops exempted themselves from oversight and some continued covering up abuse and bullying parents to remain silent. Full transparency is needed at every level in the Church. Take a walk back through the history and pray that the bishops will learn from past mistakes. They seem a little obtuse when it comes to self examination. Check out Janet Smith's 2022 analysis of the charter after 20 years. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2004

Open Letter to the United States Catholic Bishops:
Keep “Touching” Programs Off Our Children

http://www.catholicmediacoalition.org/touching.htm

Your Excellencies,

Remember the Springtime in the Church: Reality is Demographic Winter!

It's bad news for Catholics from a PEW Survey on Religion in America, the first since 2014.  For every 100 new Catholics entering the Church, 800 leave. This from Eric Sammons at Crisis Magazine:

No other religion has nearly as bad of a join/leave ratio. For every 100 people that become Protestant, 180 leave. That’s bad, but it’s not Catholic bad. Conversely, for every 100 people who leave the religious “nones” (i.e., they join a religion), a full 590 become part of that irreligious cohort. 

Where are the former Catholics going? Of all the former Catholics, 56% become religious “nones” and 32% become Protestant. I think we all know from personal experience that these numbers ring true. What Catholic doesn’t have family members who have become Protestant or have stopped practicing any religion? It’s just part of being an American Catholic these days.