Every now and then, I get a phone call or an email (usually without malice) asking about the canonical status of Fr Zuhlsdorf. I am able to assure people the he is in good standing. He is a priest incardinated in the Diocese of Velletri, with faculties from the diocese, and working outside the diocese with permission from his bishop, engaging in an apostolate of writing and speaking (as well as working on a doctorate.) He lives simply and relies on donations from people. (If you want to support him, go to his blog and you can leave a donation via the paypal button near the top of his sidebar.)
This is a fairly tough situation for a priest to be in, and Father is careful to seek the support of fellow priests (and a few friendly bishops who are grateful on their part for his support of them.) His online apostolate has brought great consolation to many Catholics and has been of significant help in promoting Pope Benedict's programme of reform and renewal in the Church. His comment is balanced, orthodox, reliable and absolutely loyal to the Holy See.
Now he is Waiting for Zagano who has been planning a hatchet piece on him for the National Catholic Reporter and trying to dig up dirt on him. The National Catholic Reporter is an influential mouthpiece for liberal Catholicism in the US, and Fr Z is a major opponent of their project. So it is not surprising that they should go after him, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this will backfire on the National Catholic Reporter. William Oddie has written an article for the Catholic Herald: Is the National Catholic Reporter (aka Fishwrap) out to get Fr Z? If so, they would be wise to think again. I don't suppose they will think again, and they probably will fire off the first salvo. So, as in Master and Commander, "We shall beat to quarters!"
24 comments:
Thank you Father for defending this good man and his works.
I'm a little puzzled. If he has permission from his bishop to study for his doctorate, then I don't see what the potential problem could be. If he is afraid this journalist/sensationalist will alter facts to paint some false picture of him, then I do see how troubling that could be, but an army of laymen would defend him (an insurance most priests cannot count on). At any rate, thanks for making us aware of the situation.
Good luck to the Father. I'm sure his behavior has been nothing but exemplary.
Perhaps, because I lack the sophistication to understand this type of clerical arrangement, I can only think that something is fisheye in Denmark.
I would imagine that this woman might take offence at some of the posts Fr Z makes re female ordination etc and other issues he does not like. I do not have any arguments with Church teaching re these matters, or indeed any other church teachings but some of the blog commenters and sadly also Fr Z, can use very derogatory terms about the old, females, people with differing religious view and these have infuriated me, so I am not suprised they might have upset the people they are perhaps targetted at, who also believe in their 'cause.'
They hold different and maybe dissenting views, but personal ridicule and name calling about them as people, is not the same as ridiculing or challenging their beliefs.
For example, just yesterday an inference to the word 'COW' was made against the movement called W.O.C in a post titled "How many women’s ordination groups does it take to change a light bulb?" and a commenter has picked up on this and used the word 'SOW' to describe another female group spelt backwords.
I don't know if Fr Z is aware that this type of commentary does annoy people, one commenter made a joke about incontinence pads and the burning of same, in one post regarding some liberal Catholics, this is not funny to some for eg: incontinent people and two, liberal older Catholics.
The general character that I find, in many of Fr's followers who do comment, is unfriendly and unapproachable. I would go as far as to say the combox would best be described as a place for elite experts to show off, as if they were on a liturgical cat-walk. Stars (gold ones) are awarded for the best comments given.
As I say, not a place for the more simple faithful catholic and certainly not for any liberal or old person with a strong opinion. Expect to be eaten and spat out by some.
I am trying to be a faithful catholic (although unlearned liturgically, that's fine, I love Jesus and Our Lady and they love me, regardless) and I feel about as welcome as dose of flu over at his blog combox. So I guess a reporter with leftish leanings who has crossed paths would do one of two things, keep away or declare war.
I did a post or two on my own blog expressing my disdain at some of the terms used, both by Fr Z and his com team, a while back, mainly inspired by my feelings for my parents, who have always been faithful and also charismatic, I didn't like the use of terms such as 'biological solution' being banded about, and said so.
A reporter from a newspaper might go a bit further, especially if it's a liberal one, to express disagreement with his writing of them.
I pray for Fr Z, that such problems and upsets, (which are felt as such by orthodox and lefty's alike), will be ironed out without stress on either side. His blog obviously does a tremendous amount of good for some.
Doesn't the US have libel laws? It's time this poisonous little rag was put out of business.
@Father Finigan
Once again I feel the urge to chant "UNDER ATTACK WE FIGHT BACK".
Our Lady of the Rosary ( http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/2011/05/visit-to-tomb-of-blessed-john-paul-ii.html ) pray for us!
PAPA VERO ORA PRO NOBIS!
Kind regards
Roy Hobson aka Our Lady's "Vesper" ON-LINE +
shadowlands - yes, the commentary over there is robust, as it is at the NCR. That is all part of the territory and we can discuss what is appropriate and what goes too far.
Therefore it would not be surprising if the NCR were to attack Fr Z's blog or his views or his mode of expression.
What is troubling about the present development is that a reporter is digging for dirt on him personally.
I agree with John Nolan. If the NCR does publish a libelous article, then perhaps Fr. Z supporters could contribute to a legal fund. Libel is covered both in US law and in canon law. But nothing has happened yet, so perhaps we could all prepare some sort of spiritual bouquet just to give him encouragement. We could offer our Friday penances for his intentions, for example.
Thanks Father,
all cannons ready to fire here.
Mundabor
Shadowlands has come up with the same triesome comment, of how offended she is, when she sees a comment that she sees as "hurtful" and "judmental". While we all must hate the sin and the sinner, I have never seen shadowlands stick up for those orthodox Catholics who are, more often than not, ridiculed not only by secular forces but also by those who are meant to be shepherds to them. I am afraid the nicey nice approach of people like shadowlands, has got us nowhere in the last 40 years and will continue to take us to oblivion.
Shadowlands is surely right about the need for civility in comment boxes, but for a Catholic periodical to "dig up dirt" in response to Fr. Z and his comment boxes seems uncivilized itself. Civility is not just something to expect of youths outside London shops, but also on blogs and in the older media.
"I have never seen shadowlands stick up for those orthodox Catholics who are, more often than not, ridiculed not only by secular forces but also by those who are meant to be shepherds to them."
Er, my parents are orthodox. I stick up for them. So am I, orthodox. Well, I am trying to be anyway, by allowing the Holy Spirit to show me the areas in my life that need work or prayer or change.
I don't attack Bishops, ever. I pray for them. Who would be a Bishop? What a responsibility. Prayer, prayer, prayer!
I pray for Fr Z aswell, often. It's some (not all) of his commenters who are misleading him, with their flattery and clever wit. If I were him, I'd run two blogs. One, for the 'need to be nurtured novus novices' and one for the regulars. Only kind liturgy experts would be allowed to visit the nurturing blog combox in order to help people understand at their own pace, the Latin Mass or EF. I would certainly join such a venture. I wish any priest who understands the EF Rite would encourage or start some sort of teaching blog (or maybe do a once a week study) for those of us who are interested but feel as if we are entering a university full of professors in certain comboxes and daren't ask a seemingly silly or ignorant question.
I have asked Our Lady to look kindly on this and maybe inspire the heart of one of her sons. She never ignores such pleas, if they are the will of God.
Nasty Catholic atmospheres will cause little ones to lose their faith in God. Not good.
Knowing Christ Jesus and Our Lady is freeing,liberating and satisfying and available and free! The people who need to know this, the people who try and share this, they are the ones I stick up for.
I pray for priests daily, to Our Lady. I feel called to do this. I encourage others to.
Pray for loving teachers who will defend the little ones.
Oh, as for the secular attack.....I fast on Friday, from meat. People at work ask why. I tell them. "Oh" they often say, "I'm a lapsed Catholic", amazing how many there are when you look. "Well don't be" I say. Then I tell them to start praying the rosary.
I haven't got the sack yet. Imagine my blog readership increase if I do...Hahahahaha!
Praise the Lord, power to the powerless.
shadowlands, I just don't think it useful to disparage whole groups of people in one fell swoop. How can you say that the commenters are 'unapproachable'? Have you personally approached any? Or that theirs is not a simple faith? But, it being the blogosphere, and that your comments could apply just as well to the ncr commenters, easily, or one glance at other media sites and the tone is of course generally much lower still, it is worth noting that without compromising freedom of speech and the need to engage issues which sometimes lack for adequate and public airing, Fr. Z does moderate and actively comments himself in reply and he does not limit this to comments of one sort or another. Indeed any astute reader could observe that on occasion he posts and permits a very wide range of discussion without really coming down one way or another. So much so that it is sometimes not easy to guess his immediate sympathies if one looks to comments alone. Of course without fail he does defend the faith with clarity, and he seems quite unafraid to insert correction or clarification. But to describe people in the way you say, well I do not think that is nicey nicey or whatever, I just don't see the point. One is free to argue always on one or another issue and debate and seek clarification but to just dismiss all as one thing or another really doesn't seem the way to go regardless of how you would sort through certain issues, or many issues, or however that shakes out. While one may not agree with every single commenter's perspective it seems overall if people are enabled to contribute and the comments reflect a range this is healthy. The ncr blog is also moderated but I have never observed someone qualified to do so commenting or clarifying or replying to defend the faith and perhaps this could be a very constructive move.
Father Shelton said:
"but for a Catholic periodical to "dig up dirt" in response to Fr. Z and his comment boxes seems uncivilized itself. Civility is not just something to expect of youths outside London shops, but also on blogs and in the older media."
To me, if we call groups or individual catholics out on their lameness in liturgy or sin, from what appears to be a higher ground (maybe it is ofcourse)then it is only natural that the attacked will look at our liturgical linen, even if it does get ironed by the angels. If we also insult these catholics personally, their possible disabilities, age, sexuality, then it is surely only a matter of time before we ourselves become their target for scrutiny?
We can't control other people's actions in this area, we can only clean up our side of the street and carry on trying to do the next right thing. Do not expect to be popular or famous if you are in the Lord's Company/company.
Expect emnity.
Carry on regardless, ask for prayers and be kind to the people who are horrid, if you can ( I can't, always, thank God for sorrow and forgiveness). Keep trying, it works in the end.
as people have said, even if Fr Z is attacked, he has plenty to stick up for him.
Talking generally here, priests shouldn't be frightened of having weaknesses exposed, be afraid of not having the humility to ask for God's forgiveness. Get the bad stuff sent to hell. Read Fr Ralph Pfau for a priest's overcoming testimony. Strong meat for these times. The blogging women I know would love to assist priests by their prayer, maybe adopt one specifically, I did in 2009 and he's a Bishop now (I'm joking, I'm joking)!
I know priests are struggling and being tempted more than before, but Our Lady is raising souls to pray for them. They could also aid the priest by fasting for them, before certain events. We could start a 'Fast for Priests' blog, where priests could order a fast. Why not? It would help the souls of both and be a great witness for the faith and the power of prayer and fasting? It would also make holy work, which in turn makes holy women. Who said women don't get called? This is my kind of vocation!
Ask!
shadowlands, you make it sound ominously threatening as in, "if we insult...then we will be targeted.." But people are not insulted personally as you say (disabilities, really?). You seem to be saying that if people comment about certain ideas and the way these ideas are being advanced, that somehow the commenters themselves should expect to be personally attacked? That's very odd. That has no place in a society in which freedom of speech is enshrined in the fabric of laws. There is also at work unfortunately a double standard by which press, media (not commenters, private citizens mind you) and claiming to be Catholic also have claimed to be in a fashion, holier than others and therefore more worthy of ideas being embraced. It is not just the ideas offered in a situation of fair and open debate on a level playing field where the faithful are permitted access to "each side" to make up own minds. But it is that the media themselves offer as paragon worthy of emulation, and the exclusion of entertaining liberal debate. If you think that for this people ought to be targeted as you say then so be it, surely worse things could happen. Further if you mean that people ought to just "pay pray and obey" and have no right to contribute or process what is occurring, that does not seem to square with the universal Church's call. Perhaps your idea about prayer and fasting would be better received if there was a sense of more reverent liturgical worship generally. Also I am not sure about the idea that the ncr and Fr. Z are just opposite sides. I used to view things on those terms but I have come to find that it simply isn't workable for numerous reasons. I am not sure the Church really ought to reflect the spheres of western politics anyhow, especially at this moment in history. There is already a great diversity in terms of viewpoints and charisms in the unified Church such that legitimizing what seeks to tear down the faith from its core by dressing it up as just your friendly politically liberal viewpoint isn't altogether helpful and doesn't translate into concrete action on the day to day level.
What can I say about Father Z? Let's see now ... well, he's a perfectly nice, polite, approachable man who happens to be a priest and very well known blogger.
I don't find the comments box on his blog particularly hardcore, I do find the comments box a bit of a hassle to navigate, however.
@Red Maria
On your blog Dolphinarium
The Devil said...
Vesper.Dear Vesper.I see you are still doing my work for me.I thank you.
6/06/2010 2:44 PM
This was/is in the comments box on the "Ali Dizaei, what to believe? Who to believe?" post.
I responded accordingly at 6/07/2010 2:21 AM
"UNDER ATTACK WE FIGHT BACK"
Our Lady of the Rosary ( http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/2011/05/visit-to-tomb-of-blessed-john-paul-ii.html ) pray for us!
PAPA VERO ORA PRO NOBIS!
MM said:
"But people are not insulted personally as you say (disabilities, really?). You seem to be saying that if people comment about certain ideas and the way these ideas are being advanced, that somehow the commenters themselves should expect to be personally attacked? That's very odd. That has no place in a society in which freedom of speech is enshrined in the fabric of laws"
MM, Bearing in mind what you say above, I would ask you to read the following link to a blog post on WDTPRS. Also the comments, especially the one about incontinence pads and others mentioning the walking frame(pictured). The photograph that affected me the most was of an elderly person, looking into the camera. Their eyes, I wondered if the person knew what they were being photographed for, or if they had agreed to be.
This post really altered my views.
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/06/hello-detroit/
Shawdowlands: I agree. It's poor form for Christians to publicly denigrate others, much less for clergy to do so, even despite the merit of their overall argument. The ends do not always justify the means. This reminds me of 1 Cor 13, "If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal." Needless to say, this applies to Fr. Z., his prospective attackers, and all the rest of us.
A general remark: Would non-believers be able to look upon our every blog entry and related commentary and exclaim, like the pagans of Tertullian's time, "see how they love another"?
"Zángano" has an interesting meaning in spanish :). Providential, I should say.
I am saddened and confused by shadowlands comments. In response to an unwarranted attack on Father Z by the National Catholic Reporter via Phillis Zagano all shadowlands and find wrong is with Father Z and some commenters who have made some marginally uncharitable posts. What am I missing here? Is it possible that shadowlands supports Zagano's attack? If she thinks Father Z's blog is uncharitable has she ever ready Zagano's articles? Has she listed to Bill Mahr, Whoopie Goldberg, MSNBC, the NYT and a raft of other secular media outlets that rake the Church and all who believe in the faith over the coals?
I've read some of Zagano's articles and find them full of misstatements, distortions, exaggerations, outright falsehoods, uncharitable innuendo and harsh statements directed at those who defend Catholic doctrine. In addition she is a feminist and her feministic views color all that she does and says. She recently used the President of Call To Action to comment about Catholic conscience. In case anyone missed it Call To Action and all of its members in the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska were excommunicated by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz. The Vatican upheld the exommunication. Therefore on a defacto basis they are excommnicated worldwide. Nice source. Of course their view of personal conscience is purely relativistic.
So here is my take on confronting those who attack the Church. Responses should always be charitable but truth is charity. So if they are espousing heretical or heterodox views it is perfectly OK to confront them in a blunt, honest, outspoken manner. Catholic's are not called upon to be doormats and speaking up will not drive the children away from the faith as has been suggested.
It's time for the Church Militant to become more militant in defense of the faith.
God Bless
Iowa Mike said:
"What am I missing here? Is it possible that shadowlands supports Zagano's attack?"
What you are missing is that the Roman Catholic world is bigger than Camp Fr Z (God bless and save him) and Camp Zagano (God bless and save her).
I have stated clearly and as charitably as my spiritual state allows me to, my views on why I think people may find themselves targetted in this way (be they lib or trad).
you go on to say:
"So here is my take on confronting those who attack the Church"
(Liberal Catholics are 'the church' too, as are ALL BAPTISED Catholics. I would say when Catholics attack each other).
"Responses should always be charitable but truth is charity. So if they are espousing heretical or heterodox views it is perfectly OK to confront them in a blunt, honest, outspoken manner."
I agree. If attacks lack charity, I notice. I confront.
you finish up:
"Catholic's are not called upon to be doormats and speaking up will not drive the children away from the faith as has been suggested."
Agreed again. The truth sets us free. Liberal and Charismatic Catholics are not doormats either and making fun of their age, disabilities or anticipating their biological dissolution (death) does drive people away, not bring about the unity Jesus Christ prayed for, suffered agony for and gave His life for.
Our Lord could of just snapped His fingers and turned the lot of us into dust, in a Justified jiffy!
We can't claim we love the Body of Christ if we do not bear patiently with them, as Christ does with us (He does with me anyway). I cannot, in any sense, just wish them a speedy end and while I wait, mock them, for allegedly suffering incontinence and using walking aids.
Shout them out for heresies ofcourse, but if we use devilish or worldly tactics, such as cursing lives and mocking infirmities, we should expect others, to notice!
Ofcourse Mike, I may, as you imply in your comment, be concealing some hidden support for Zagano. I don't actually know what her attack of Fr Z was though, I certainly have not read anything she has written about him, that is the truth.
God bless
It's 2012 as I write this. Did the hatchet piece ever appear, and did I simply miss it?
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