Meanwhile, the secular media has put out exactly the headlines that we all knew would issue forth. E.g.:
BBC: Pope move ignites Holocaust row
Reuters: Pope rehabilitates Holocaust denier
Independent: Pope readmits Holocaust-denying priest to the church
These headlines are very much to be expected after the disgraceful remarks of Bishop Williamson to Swedish TV denying the holocaust. I must own up here to an inaccuracy on my part. On Friday I contradicted Ruth Gledhill's assertion that the interview was given "this week" and said "It has been splashed all over the internet this week." In fact, the interview was also only broadcast on Swedish TV last week.
There is an interesting nugget in the posts of La Cigüeña de la Torre who said on Friday (the day before the publication of the news of the lifting of the excommunications) that
The bomb has exploded. Once again, Cardinal Re has used this humble blog to publicize news of great importance. I can only reiterate my warm gratitude.I wrote earlier that I did not understand why Cardinal Re would use a blog to spread news. It appears I failed to understand a long-running joke that La Cigüeña has, using "Cardinal Re" as the spoof ID for his source.
It is interesting, though, that someone did leak this information in advance. I was going to quote from a story from one of the major news agencies that mentioned a not insignificant Vatican dicastery expressing concerns that they had not been consulted. Looking up the web pages this evening, I find that the reference has been edited out. Hmmmm.
Clearly not everyone at the Vatican is happy. No surprise there, then. Pope Benedict has certainly made a risky move. He knew about Bishop Williamson's utterly reprehensible views (which the official Vatican press spokesman has unambiguously repudiated) but presumably also knew that there was no prospect of eradicating such tendencies within the SSPX before the move to effect reconciliation. He has perhaps judged it better to get the Fraternity on board and take the media flak, hoping that the extremist elements will fall away, not wishing to be associated with a Pope and a "Conciliar Rome" that they have railed against. Meanwhile, the more sensible elements of the SSPX will see that regular jurisdiction is a pressing and urgent need.
Joseph Ratzinger has long experience of the Vatican at the highest level. For my part, I trust him to act with prudence, making the best possible moves at the highest level to promote the good of the Church. Let us pray that all those who are working for him in the papal court will also trust both his judgement and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
31 comments:
The 'expected' media response has been true to form and hasn't dissapointed anyone. Just confirms the media's complete anti-Catholic bias and their utter disregard of the likely fall-out from headlines that are contrived to deliberately ignite hatred 'knee jerk' reactions from others. The media work very hard to 'create the news' in any which way they can so as to sell their papers - and bad news always seems to top their list. Later in the week they will be reporting the 'storm' created by Pope Benedict and how it will now set-back interfaith progress between the Vatican and Jewish leaders. Yada yada yada yada!
Bishop Williamson, if he cares about his Catholic Faith enough to protect it from the flack that his grossly misguided statements will have fuelled, should of course do the honourable thing and retract and apologise for his personal 'denier' opinions about the Holocaust, which are as abhorent to Catholics as they are to Jews.
Papa Benedict, we trust in your wisdom and guidance and pray that this great move to reconcile the SSPX with the Holy Catholic Church will bear great fruit.
Thank you Father, your last paragraph says it all. God bless our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
My understanding of 'Cardinal Re', at La Cigueña, is that that is the alias Don Francisco has elected to give to his well-placed source; but I cannot cite his text that makes that clear.
Dear Fr Finigan,
just two slight corrections: don F.J.Fz. de la Cigoña's excellent blog is not a traditionalist blog, he is simply a very faithful Catholic. And his reference to Cardinal Re is literary figure of speech which he employs when he wants to convey that he is absolutely certain of some piece of information.
Father,
I'm not sure how good your Spanish is, but I rather think that the cardinal Re is a fictitious name for the very reliable source which supplies information to this Spanish blog.
I really hope the SSPX cooperate with the Holy See now that these excommunications have been lifted. It will be interesting to see how Bishop Williamson is dealt with.
Father, please don't publish his comment. This is just to tell you that Fernandez de la Ciguena uses the name "Cardinal Re" as a moniker for his source at the Congregation for Bishops. He regularly and jokingly mentions him in his posts about upcoming episcopal appointments in Spain. So, it is just a joke. "Cardinal Re" is simply his source, not the actual Prefect.
Father,
Thank you for your thoughtful post, which addresses a complex issue with finesse.
However, one clarification. You quoted the blog La cigüeña de la torre, on which Francisco José Fernández de la Cigoña wrote:
"The bomb has exploded. Once again, Cardinal Re has used this humble blog to publicize news of great importance. I can only reiterate my warm gratitude."
And you then went on to ask:
"Why should Cardinal Re use a traditionalist blog to publicise news in advance?"
I do believe that "Cardinal Re" is the persona behind which the blog protects the identity of its "informants". The use of "Cardinal Re" as a catch-all identifier is something of an in-joke on the blog.
Corrections and clarifications for my own correction and clarification are of course welcomed if I am misinformed!
Of course, the secular media can't make much of a story about the lifting of the canonical censure of excommunication. They probably don't even understand what it's all about. The Bishop Williamson story is however newsworthy, though hardly front page stuff.
As Father says, not everyone at the Vatican is happy. Well, no. The Vatican is that sort of place (as Pope Benedict knows well).
What is of interest is the reaction of FSSP, bishops' conferences, et al. So far, the signs are good, but I think we can expect negative comments from some quarters.
In future talks, the SSPX will undoubtedly want to emphasise points of ambiguity in some Council documents (we all know which documents). This may be the sticking point. I don't know.
Bishop Fellay, Superior General of SSPX, may feel it necessary to consult the district superiors of the Society in a general chapter. Where that may lead the Lord alone knows.
After this situation was left to fester for twenty years, the Pope is, very bravely, but not, I think, very rashly, doing something.
Let Menzingen respond accordingly.
I am 100% behind H.H. and frankly I am sick of these arrogant imbeciles who think they have a right to tell the Pope what to do and who try to turn public opinion against the Pope to try and prevent him from doing what he believes is right.
The Pope must follow Christ's example and act justly fearlessly paying no heed to human respect or opinion, for a man cannot serve two masters, and if the world chooses to crucify him as they crucified our Lord then God has truly blessed him, and his place in heaven will be a high one of great glory.
Let us pray for Benedict XVI, the Pope. May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and may the Lord not hand him over to the power of his enemies. May your hand be upon your holy servant. And upon your son whom you have anointed. Let us pray. O God, the Pastor and Ruler of all the faithful, look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Benedict XVI, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that by both word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
So I guess the message is: "Sure, break off from the Church, stamp your feet how the pope isn't really in charge, take on nutjobs, don't purge them, wait it out, and some pope who likes the way you're facing at Mass will give in and you get what you want, and you can still keep silent about the batty old uncle in the closest."
Whatever. Count me as saying the SSPX can go fly a kite. It's weak.
I'm with him all the way! I'm sure that the Pope, in his wisdom and experience as Supreme Pontif, knows what he's doing..it did cause some contraversy, but they are faithful to the magesterium of the church, and acknowledge the real presence in the Eucharist...its got to be better than some of the liberalists views on the denial of the real presence MOST IMPORTANT to acknowlege the body blood soul and divinity of Christ in holy Communion! It wil strengthen the church! I am very pleased about SSPX now in FULL COMMUNION with the church! Thanks Pope Benedict XVI!! :)
Yes, I am with Pope Benedict. I think that this is an incredibly gutsy move. The fallout from the Holocaust denial from Bp. Williamson is unfortunate. The better part of an evening radio talk show on KGO-San Francisco (I live in Central California) was devoted to the "irresponsibilty" of B16 for lifting the excommunications.
Pray for His Holiness, that this move may bring more Catholics into communion with the Church.
Father, I think Francisco José Fernández de la Cigoña's Cardinal Re is more of a synecdoche than a cleric!
Fr:
Thank you for this.
Had it not been for the Williamson business I would have welcomed the 'lifting' unreservedly. My only concern now is that the inevitable 'flak' does no permanent damage to the Holy Father personally, or to his Pontificate and the Church.
Meanwhile, there was a news bulletin on French Radio 5pm GMT yesterday, which stated that the Israelis had at some point yesterday made a formal complaint to the Holy Father about the rehabilitation of bp Williamson. No problem with the other three, but W., no. They clearly, like many of us, want him to distance himself from this man and his views.
I do not think it is a case of the Israelis trying to call the shots. Both they and the Holy Father want his proposed visit to the Holy Land to go ahead, witness the delegation at the Vatican last week to discuss plans for it. In an odd way their intervention now, is an attempt to protect the Holy Father's interests as well as their own. They KNOW the genuineness of his will to dialogue.
It remains to be seen what the Pope will do about it. Another day of anxious searching all news outlets for an answer to this question!! Never a dull moment with our beloved Benedict! If you hear anything, PLEASE post it here, and I will let you know if I catch anything else on the French media.
Yes, I am with him and for him and am praying fervently that this matter will be quickly and satisfactorily resolved.
In Christo pro Papa
J
Fr.,
Card. Kasper has made a statement published today in La Croix. Can't find it anywhere else yet. You don't need a translation do you? Will you go straight to La Croix or shall I do more about it?
All the fears are down to dialogue. Getting the SSPX into the Church 20 years ago would have been relatively easy, today it is difficult, in 20 years time it could be mpossible. Yes, I have expressed difficulties with SSPX members but this can be fixed with good will. It is an exciting journey we are on, let us enjoy it and put aside Williamson and the media.
God Bless our Pope. I feel that Pope Benedict just like Pope John Paul II are good and Holy men, directed by the Holy Spirit and following in St Peter's footsteps.
"I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you forever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him, because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you. He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you" (John 14:16,17,26).
Agreed, Father. The internecine struggles within Curial circles, not to mention the Church at large, are well-known and the Holy Father is no stranger to them. But, contrary to initial expectations, he chooses to employ the olive branch rather than the big stick.
While his actions and intent will be picked over and slanted by the secular media for their own ends, faithful Catholics at least should show their support for him and trust his judgment.
Ad multos annos!
Well said Fr. Tim, I agree with you - I also trust The Holy Father to act with prudence, making the best possible moves at the highest level to promote the good of the Church.
The lifting of the latae sententiae excommunication does not guarantee full reconciliation between the Church and SSPX, but I personally hope it is a huge step closer.
There are some concerns I have in all this that I'm a little confused about. Bishop Williamson is being treated by secular press as the only voice of the SSPX but he clearly isn't. I don't think anyone in their right mind can defend what he said about the Holocaust either.
However there appear to be some rumours on the web that the interview was recorded in November - which was before the letter written by Bishop Bernard Fellay to the Ecclesia Dei Commission in December 2008. But the interview was apparently only shown on Swedish TV last week. Why such a delay in time? If this is true are we to be harsh on someone for what they said in the past however unacceptable, and not assume that they have regretted it and repented. That sound's very uncharitable and shows why now more than ever the media (including any bloggers myself included) need to report with care and above all report only the truth – not ones personal feelings claiming to be the truth.
Can anyone clear this up or let me know where i may be wrong? thanks
:-)
I think we have to accept that there are some people and organisations who hate the Catholic Church and will never like us. The secular media is one such. Extreme Jewish lobby groups such as the Anti-Defamation League are another. In fact, I'd go as far to say that if the Church does something of which they approve, their anger is intensified because they've been denied another chance to hate us!
This is something of a re-run of the Good Friday prayer for the Jews. Benedict handled that deftly whilst preserving essential doctrine.
Of course, if the Holy Father had kowtowed to extreme Jewish lobby groups, he'd have got into trouble with the Muslims. He can't win!
What he's done is do what's best for the Church. That's what God will judge him on.
Dear Father,
Thank you for this post and the previous one.
The Holy Father has indeed been extremly courageous and generous in allowing the "excommunications" to be lifted. It is reassuring to know that the Holy Father's primary concern is to do the Holy Will of God even if it means great personal suffering and misunderstanding.
Let us keep on offering Rosaries to Our Blessed Lady for the path that lies ahead. As someone said in the previous blog's comments, things should not have been left to get so messy. However, it is never too late and sometimes God allows sad things to happen so that our Faith may be strengthened. As yesterday's epistle said, "Noli vinci a malo, sed vince in bono malum".
Edgar.
"Are you with Pope Benedict?"
I fear the title of this post is a questions that not many bishops in England & Wales could respond positively too.
Schism is much closer home...
Many thanks for all the comments about the "Cardinal Re" joke which I entirely missed. (*wipes egg off face*)
Isn't it a bit of an insult to the former pope to over-rule his previous excommunication when nothing much appears to have changed?
After all John Paul would not have taken such a step lightly.
The Guild Master is absolutely right, although I would suggest the list is endless : atheists, secularists, extreme protestant sects too numerous too mention, communists, liberals, modernists, and many, many others.
How do you appease that lot ? You can't face every direction at the same time. It would be foolish to try. And Benedict XVI is not foolish !
No, I agree. The Pope is doing the right thing. He is seeking the good of the Church.
"Pope Benedict has certainly made a risky move. He has perhaps judged it better to get the Fraternity on board and take the media flak, hoping that the extremist elements will fall away, not wishing to be associated with a Pope and a "Conciliar Rome" that they have railed against."
I don't believe that the Holy Father made a risky move. The SSPX responded in a fashion that pleased the Holy Father who, in turn, lifted the excommunications.
The deliverance of mercy and justice to the SSPX is not risky. Father, I think that your analysis is a bit worldly.
Count me as saying the SSPX can go fly a kite. It's weak.
At the end of the day, I don't think anyone who is genuinely supportive of the Holy Father, will take notice of these infantile comments.
7 months ago I left a Text Comment that Our Lady of the Rosary's MMVIII film production 'Multicultural Youth Mass at Lourdes'posted on YouTube by one 'timfinigan' was...
A true UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY post Father Tim.
and that....
My own work on YouTube - Roy Hobson (From Dark to Light Too) posted by cityofsharedstories is attracting neo-Nazi abuse.
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us in Richard Barnbrook's NF/BNP/GLA/LDA NEO-NAZI DEVELOPMENT TIMES Amen.
I think the most important thing is that the SSPX Bishops asked for their excommunication to be lifted. In doing so they recognise that they were outside of the true church and wished to come home. They may still believe that they were right all along but they wish to make up. This is good.
The real problem is likely to be on the integration with the church. Will SSPX sacraments be recognised as valid: can baptism, confirmation and marriage records be merged with parish records? This should be an easy yes. Answering clearly “yes” here will help with the next question.
Will the SSPX clergy be welcomed? Will Bishops trust them and will they feel trusted? Look at the reservations concerning other traditional clergy. Perhaps the best thing is for Bishops and clergy to remind themselves that the SSPX clergy took their positions because they considered their faith, and the correct application of it, to be important: they did not act casually and so are unlikely to do so in future.
This may be looking far in the future after the talks mentioned in the declarations. If one can agree the destination the route is usually easier to agree on.
RM you make an interesting point "nothing much appears to have changed".
As Cardinal Ratzinger, the Pope must have had some sort of input on the original decision and Lefebvre did meet the young Cardinal Raztinger before his death and discussed doctrine but it wasn't the cdf that issued the excommunications.
Papa Ratzinger always regretted the way Lefebvre was treated and perhaps JPII was himself compromised by the politics of the Vatican 20 years ago.
Things have changed and frankly post-paedophile scandal Rome is not filled with the same quantity of post-conciliar hubris which was still evident back in 1988. Not that you would notice any change in England.
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