Differing Perspectives?

Illuminated by the light of this Council, the Church — we confidently trust — will become greater in spiritual riches and gaining the strength of new energies therefrom, she will look to the future without fear. In fact, by bringing herself up to date where required, and by the wise organization of mutual co-operation, the Church will make men, families, and peoples really turn their minds to heavenly things.

[…]

In the daily exercise of our pastoral office, we sometimes have to listen, much to our regret, to voices of persons who, though burning with zeal, are not endowed with too much sense of discretion or measure. In these modern times they can see nothing but prevarication and ruin. They say that our era, in comparison with past eras, is getting worse, and they behave as though they had learned nothing from history, which is, none the less, the teacher of life. They behave as though at the time of former Councils everything was a full triumph for the Christian idea and life and for proper religious liberty.

We feel we must disagree with those prophets of gloom, who are always forecasting disaster, as though the end of the world were at hand.

In the present order of things, Divine Providence is leading us to a new order of human relations which, by men’s own efforts and even beyond their very expectations, are directed toward the fulfilment of God’s superior and inscrutable designs. And everything, even human differences, leads to the greater good of the Church.

–Blessed John XXIII, Opening address of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council

You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war is going to end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pope Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that he is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father. To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the Consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays.  If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated.

–The Mother of God, at Fatima

(with a nod to Michael Matt)

How Would St. Francis de Sales Approach a Pastor about Establishing the Extraordinary Form under Universae Ecclesiae?

Since posting the Blueprint for Recourse to the PCED under Universae Ecclesiae article on Sunday, I have been contacted by several people who would like some suggestions on how to approach their pastors in order to be able to assist at the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, as is their right under Church law.  I know that there are those of you, reading now, that are in some pretty desperate circumstances, as your diocese or priest seems especially dismissive, or even hostile.  One of the reasons I was so glad to post the canon lawyer’s article is because of the reality that it may sometimes be necessary.  But as the canon lawyer himself mentioned in the article, standing on principle with an eye towards litigation is not the ideal first approach. 

Even as one with some knowledge of civil law, I can say that the most difficult parties to help, and usually the most disappointed at the end, are those who do not wish to consider compromise of any kind, who do not treat their opponents (even those whose positions make little sense to them) with respect, and who are all about “the principle of the thing”.  If this is a bad proposition in a civil matter, how much more should we seek to avoid this as believing Catholics, who are called to charity and to “make up what is lacking” in the sufferings of Christ?  And when, moreover, we are dealing with our lawful pastors and prelates, however errant they may be in this matter?

I don’t wish to be hypocritical, it is difficult to be patient and kind in the face of injustice, and I fail as often as anyone.  And I know that in so many places there is an absolute persecution of anyone, priest or faithful, who shows a partiality to the Extraordinary Form.  After a long time of disappointment, it can be difficult to hope things will improve.

For these reasons, I thought I would offer just a few “money” quotes from the great Saint of Charity, St. Francis de Sales.  I think these quotes would be good food for reflection before engaging in the effort to approach one’s pastor.  The wisdom and application of these quotations will no doubt occur to you:

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
+

There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.
+

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

+

 

True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.

+

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
 +

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.

 

Feast of St. Pascal Baylon and an Update on the Eucharistic Congress

Today is the feast of St. Pascal Baylon, the Patron Saint of this year’s Eucharistic Congress for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.  For a brief account of this great saint, click here.  For more continuous updates about the Eucharistic Congress this June 24-26, you can follow the event on Twitter or Facebook.