Some Good Signs about the New Pope. Let Us Not Leap to Negative Judgment!

This episode from the series about the conclave and the new pope is well worth watching. Robert Royal feels some optimism about the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost because of his selection of the name, etc. "You can be in continuity with a previous pope and yet at the same time practice a sort of innovation," he said. That Pope Leo came out on the loggia wearing the traditional vestments (unlike Francis) was a big difference. 

No Pope Elected on the First Ballot. No Surprise. Keep Praying

 

The Adventure of Cleaning Up "Hot Spots" - Thinking about the next pope!

Cardinal Péter Erdő 

Every now and then I start hyperventilating over the clutter. Much of it consists of stacks of back issues of magazines and newspapers that I haven't read but hate to just throw in the recycle bin. I usually read through the table of contents and the headlines to see if something catches my eye that I want to read.

Yesterday, I picked up Issue 1 2023 of The Traditionalist with a fascinating article by Edward Pentin, a chapter from his book on likely papal candidates in the next conclave. The focus was on Cardinal Péter Erdő, the Primate of Hungary.

Could Benedict Be Reelected?

Another interesting article from the "Quo vadis" file. Robert Moynihan's letters are always interesting and this one is especially so. He knows the Vatican inside, as Editor of Inside the Vatican, and out. If you haven't signed up to receive his letters, I recommend you do. They are always fascinating.

The Papal Conclave...

...to start on Tuesday. Pray hard!

When Will the Conclave Begin?

The cardinals of the world continue to gather in Rome.

One hundred fifteen will ultimately participate in the election of the new pope, although several dozen non-voting cardinals will attend. Scotland's disgraced cleric, Cardinal Keith O'Brien has recused himself saying he will withdraw from public life and the Cardinal from Jakarta, 78-year-old archbishop emeritus Julius Riyadi Damaatmadja, SJ, will not attend for health reasons which reduced the 117 electors to 115. The start of the conclave is still undetermined as the cardinals hold preliminary meetings.

Meanwhile,

Hmm...First Lightning, Now an Earthquake? What are you waiting for?

It begins to look like a real shake-up of the Church! And perhaps a last call for the world!

Earthquake Strikes Near Castel Gandolfo

First lightning strikes St. Peter's dome the day the pope announces his abdication. Now an earthquake between Rome and Castel Gandolfo. What next? Are these the "signs and portents" described in Acts of the Apostles when our first pope preached to the people of Rome on that first Pentecost?

It shall come to pass in the last days, says God that I will pour out a portion of my spirit on all mankind....I will work wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below: blood, fire, and a cloud of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of that great and glorious day of the Lord. Then shall everyone be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.

Are you calling on the name of the Lord? If not, what are you waiting for? None of us knows the day or the hour of our last opportunity to repent. Remember the people at the time of Noah who were eating and drinking and marrying up til the day of the flood. There's no time to lose. God is calling and watching eagerly for our return  like the Father of the prodigal son. Let's not keep him waiting.

By the way, the full moon the other night was bright red as it rose over the Valley.