Clarification: Disgraced David Berger Does Not Teach at Angelicum

He teaches at the Pontifical Institute of St. Thomas Aquinas which is an Opus Dei School with some Dominican and Jesuit members.

See, it's sometimes difficult to detect a homosexual on the hiring process, after all, most people aren't in the dark about the sinful nature of such behavior. It's one thing to have hired someone in error, and it's another thing to do something about it when found out. These guys at the Institute of St. Thomas Aquinas did something!

As far as kreuz.net tells us, David Berger is still employed at the Gymnasium in neoconservative Archbishop Meisner's Cologne Archdiocese where he can probably offer his students some greater understanding how to contradict Catholic teaching and legitimize homosexual behavior.

There are photos of David Berger's facebook page where he is a member of "Gay Games", here.

Correction: We might say this school is really run by Opus Dei, but in actuality, it is a Pontifical School and therefore isn't the property of an individual order, but of the Vatican itself.

Love-Parade in Duisberg Ends in Tears

Editor: So far, there hasn't been a lot of coverage of this event in the USA and little mention was made of the explicit and decadent nature of the event, except on some conservative German Catholic news blogs, but there are others who see it correctly, as Kathnet reports:

[Kath.net] "Welcome to the sexiest party in the world!" wrote "Bild" still on 23 July, the day before the Love-Parade in Duisburg. Instead of sexiness, journalists are coming to describe it in terms of biblical decine after the mass panic with 19 dead and hundreds of injured. "Hell at the Love-Parade", wrote the Wochenzeitung Die Zeit.

And Evan Herman, christian publicist and television moderator, felt herself reminded of "Sodom and Gomorrha." The Old Testament history (Genisis 19:28) went that God destroyed both cities because of the sinful deeds of their inhabitants; only Lot and his daughter were saved in the minute.

ABC reduces what is a moral issue into a mere question of public safety and proper crowd control. Nothing is mentioned of the deplorable intent of the event as being the "Sexiest Party in the World".

[ABC]German state authorities on Wednesday accused the organizer of last weekend's Love Parade techno festival of major security breaches which may have led to the crush that killed 21 people and injured more than 500.

The organizer's security officials failed to properly control the entrance area where the victims were crushed, according to North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Ralf Jaeger and the state's chief police controller Dieter Wehe.

"Security did not fulfill its duty," Wehe said while presenting the key findings of a preliminary police investigation at a news conference.

Read further...

Correction: One of the injured has since died, so the death-toll is now 20.

A JOHN KNOX lookalike is to welcome the Pope to Scotland.

There's no mention of irony or satire, considering that the Scottish government itself isn't bothering to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of the Protestant Revolt.

[Daily Record, Scotland] The actor has been hired by the Catholic Church to play the leader of Scotland's Protestant Reformation in a pageant of the country's historical figures.

The 25 characters will parade in front of the pontiff's Popemobile on Princes Street, Edinburgh, during his visit in September.

Knox's surprise inclusion by Catholic Church leaders follows accusations that this year's 450th anniversary of the Reformation is being ignored by the Scottish Government.

Read further...

Lord Patten: Papal visit to UK might surprise critics :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Lord Patten: Papal visit to UK might surprise critics :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Vatican Enforces Stricter Dresscode

Many people will undoubtedly love this new level of modesty.

Jul 27, 2010

Tourists in skimpy summer clothing were being told to cover up before entering Vatican City today.

The ban had previously applied only to St Peter's Basilica but guards manning the official entry point into the tiny, walled state begun pulling visitors aside overnight for sporting "inappropriate" attire, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The new decree, particularly targeting those in shorts and shoulder-revealing shirts, sent several tourists trudging off to local stores to buy shawls, scarves and pairs of trousers.

Read further...

Government of Brazil proposes legalizing abortion in Latin America :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Government of Brazil proposes legalizing abortion in Latin America :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Baghdad bishop dies after lifetime of serving the Church :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Baghdad bishop dies after lifetime of serving the Church :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Leo XIII Decried Socialism, 150 Years Later The USCCB Embraces It

July 26, 2010 - Dr. Jeffrey Mirus, founder of the excellent CatholicCulture.org, was surprised by the “bitterness” he found from readers responding to the Bishops’ support of extended unemployment benefits last week. He presses the need for some “cautions” and “perspective” particularly when we begin to denounce the Bishops as socialists. He insists that we be ‘very careful in using this term” and not resort to “inaccurate name-calling.” Why are the bishops not socialists? According to Mirus it is because they never have advocated the state ownership of private means of production.

This incomplete defense is followed by a lengthy and abstract discussion on balancing solidarity and subsidiarity, building “intermediary” institutions, correcting the tax structure, pursuing the “twin goals of stimulating the production or wealth and preventing the marginalization of those who fall behind;” and patient acceptance with the way things are until something better can be created. “Conservative Catholics need to recognize that it is not wrong in Catholic social theory to engage government in fostering the economic common good. ” Here we must wonder where a conservative may disagree. Would they be against the ‘economic common good,” or just against re-distributionist confiscation and its uniformly negative results?

This familiar lullaby is epidemic in faithful Catholic intellectual circles. It grows mainly out of pride and a misunderstanding of the social justice writing of Leo XIII, Chesterton, and the Distributists. Such destructive thinking needs to be addressed as it runs contrary to natural law and the laws of God. Furthermore the Bishops, as they manifest culturally and politically via the USCCB, are not only socialists, but function regularly as statist agents. They do not shout for socialism; they just enact it and applaud its ongoing construction. They should be assessed not by what they advocate, but by what they achieve and destroy.

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Papal visit: where are the three 'disappeared' Oratorians, ask parishioners

Papal visit: where are the three 'disappeared' Oratorians, ask parishioners

Mother Teresa Cathedral in Kosovo

David Berger Banished from the Papal Academy of Thomas Aquinas

After his "Outing" as a Homosexual and his denial of Church teaching on Homosexuality a letter of the Academy President followed: "With deep pain" and horror to review Professor Berger's past "opinions".

Rome (Kath.net) The theologian David Berger (42) was dismissed from the faculty of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Any further activity there at the institution would be denied, in the view of "some points of Church teaching" which he does not assent to. This was reported by Frankfurter Rundshau. The certified theologian and special expert on the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas is primarily employed as a Gymnasium (College Preparatory School) teacher in Germany.

Berger is thought to be a "conservative" theologian and was also the Publisher and Chief Director of a Theological Periodical. He has resigned from this office already, which he made known earlier in the last April in the Frankfurter Rundschau as a homosexual. In the article he spoke of "laughably, bigoted" position in the Catholic Church toward Homosexuality and that his opinions on the theology of Thomas allowed a positive appraisal of homosexuality.

"With deep regret" and horror, the transformation and the past "opinions" of Professor Berger had to be examined, wrote Academy President Lluis Clavell, who belongs to Opus Dei, in a letter to Berger.

For the Frankfurter Rundschau, criticized Berger, that before his termination no one responsible for the Thomas-Akademie had inquired of him, if he also practiced homosexuality. Actually, this is specifically condemned by Church teaching. Berger himself had taken no position on this for the Frankfurter Rundschau.

Over to the original...

Christians Are Being Marginalized.

[Unbelieveable] Premier is inviting Christians to sign the "I am a Christian" declaration at www.iamachristian.org.uk and stand up for their Christian faith. It's in response to the fact that over 100,000 have downloaded the National Secular Society's "Debaptism" certificate, renouncing childhood baptismal vows.

There have been a number of stories that suggest Christians are being restricted form being open about their Christian faith in the public arena, and now the National Secular Society is urging that hospital chaplains should not be funded by the NHS.

Premier's CEO Peter Kerridge explains why he believes the campaign will encourage Christian to be bold in their faith. Terry Sanderson of the National Secular Society explains why they want to take Christian influence out of the public sphere, while Andrea Williams of Christian Concern for Our Nation explains why she believes the rights of Christians are being challenged.

Sign the declaration at www.iamachristian.org.uk

For Terry Sanderson see www.secularism.org.uk

Listen here...

Byelorussian Priest Urges the Faith Handed Down by the Apostles at Ecumenical Gathering

Editor: this Orthodox prelate makes an appeal to the Faith handed down to the Apostles as a delegate to an ecumenical gathering. His impassioned call for the Faith handed down by the Apostles and his condemnation of the craving of many to usher in a new paganism was well received by all.



h/t: young fogey

Benedict XVI underscores religious, human and social richness of grandparents :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Benedict XVI underscores religious, human and social richness of grandparents :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Cloistered French nuns to make Gregorian chant album for Universal Music :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Cloistered French nuns to make Gregorian chant album for Universal Music :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Pro-Lifers Confront "Catholic" Hospital With Abortionist

DURANGO, Colo., July 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- LifeGuard will hold a press conference on Thursday, July 29, to divulge the details of the ongoing relationship between Catholic hospital Mercy Regional Medical Center and abortion provider Grossman.

"A Catholic Hospital that grants full privileges to a Doctor who brutally murders babies every week is NOT a Catholic Hospital," stated Joe Scheidler, National Director of the Pro-Life Action League. "Mercy Regional can no longer ignore this issue. We hope to send a clear message -- we want Dr. Grossman out of there."

Speakers will include Joe Scheidler, National Director of the Pro-Life Action League, Father Fessio, founder of Ignatius Press, Walter Hoye, Founder of the California Civil Rights Foundation, Gualberto Garcia-Jones of Personhood Colorado, and Dan Anguis, LifeGuard Director. These national leaders will explain the serious breach of directive 45 of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services, which states in part, "Catholic health care institutions need to be concerned about the danger of scandal in any association with abortion providers."

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Unicef Sexualizing Children

San Salvador, El Salvador (CNA) -- Salvadoran columnist Julia Regina de Cardenal has denounced UNICEF for sponsoring a television program that promotes unethical behavior and promiscuity to children.

“Why are international organizations obsessed with investing such sums of money to pervert our children?” she asked in a column for the Salvadoran daily, Hoy. As an example, Cardenal pointed to the money spent on advertising during a television program that “promotes promiscuity, prostitution as a way of earning a living for young women, homosexuality and all forms of sexual disorder.”

“The grim message to teens is that sex is a game that must be experienced in the search for pleasure, without any concern for the consequences of physical, psychological, mental, spiritual, social and cultural health,” she warned.

Read further...

h/t: Barb Kralis

The Balance After Three Years of Motu Proprio: Mass Locations Grow by 480%

More than twenty groups in Germany have requested an old Mass and receive from their old liberal Bishops not even one word. Actually, the Motu Proprio paves the way.


[Kreuz.net]The locations, where the old rite is usually celebrated, have increased 480 % since the Motu Proprio 'Summorum Pontificum'. This is according to the director of the German Lay Society 'Pro Missa Tridentina', Monika Rheinschmitt.

In June 2007 there were in total 35 locations, where the Old Mass was regularly said in the German speaking areas.

Three years after, on the beginning of July 2010, there were 203 Mass locations.


Mass Locations Divided by Country

In Germany there are 138 Mass locations where the Old Rite is regularly heard.

Only in 49 locations is there a regular Sunday Mass. In 24 of them the feast days are also served.

In 26 locations there are one to three Sunday Masses per month.

In 63 locations the priest only celebrates the old Mass on workdays.

In Austria there are only 28 Mass locations.

11 old Masses are regularly celebrated on Sunday, and seven also on feast days.

Of four Mass locations there are one to two Sunday Masses per month, in thirteen are only workday Masses.

In the confessional areas in the much smaller Switzerland there are 39 Mass locations.

In 21 Mass locations the priest celebrates the Mass every Sunday and 13 also feast days.

In four Mass locations there are one to two Sunday Masses per month.

In fourteen Mass locations the priest celebrates the Mass only on work days in the Old Rite.


As Usual: Bishops against the Old Mass

On a number of Mass locations the Old Rite must be reestablished again. For example is the town of Altötting where the celebrant has died.

In the last year some have dwindled and new Mass locations have quickly balanced the scales.

Anyway, Frau Rheinschmitt has in no way spoken of a "overabundance of demand".

Because: "There are more than 20 groups of traditional faithful known to us, who are desirous for a regular celebration of the Sacraments according to the 1962 Missal and have made requests of their pastors and respective Bishops -- but till now have either received no answer or a refusal."

The old Mass has a value in itself -- Frau Rheinschmitt stresses: "It will be especially poignant how thoroughly great, beautiful, sublime and sometimes even strange is the majesty of God."

The Church has developed and protected liturgical forms over the centuries, to help the believer to honor the triune God.

Frau Rheinschmitt also has made a graphic, which shows, how the old Masses are distributed throughout the German Diocese.

Little Understanding, Much Hate

Frau Rheinschmitt is certain that the anxiety toward the Traditionalists in some parishes is fading.

They enjoy the rich treasure of their own Church tradition.

In other locations the Traditionalists were always still, "thwarted, ignored, their proposals fought or answered in an unfriendly way."

Frau Rheinschmitt named examples:

The Traditionalists in Freiburg wanted every Sunday to have an Old Mass. Actually, they only may have Mass bi-weekly.

On short notice Prelate Alwin Renker declared -- the rector of the Church, where the old Mass in Freiburg will be celebrated -- on the 4th of July, that he, his housekeeper and sacristan will be on vacation traveling and therefore won't be able to say the old Mass on July 18th.

Actually, Prelate Renker isn't even the celebrant of the old Mass.

The coming date for the old Mass in Freiburg is still not known.

As a second example, Frau Rheinschmitt cited the example of the scandal in Weiden in the diocese of Regensburg.

There the Traditionalists, despite affirmation from Rome and a promise from Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller of Regensburg, who have waited for over a year to have the approval for a second Sunday Mass in the Month.


Many Larger Cities Still Without Old Mass

Frau Rheinschmitt observes finally, that in the German speaking areas there are still Churches which lack a regular Sunday Mass in the old Rite.

As an example Frau Rheinschmitt cited the city of Freiburg, Heidelberg, Konstanz, Ulm, Tübingen [No big surprise here], Reutlingen, Würzburg, Freising, Passau, Limburg, Speyer, Essen, Dortmund, Kassel, Hildescheim, Leipzig and Dresden.

One problem is that in the Chancery, "it is not well-received, when younger priests show interest in the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite or even celebrate it."

Conclusion: "There still remains a lot to do for next year."

Link to original...

Thomas Molnar, RIP

Thomas Molnar was one of the great ones alongside Dietrich von Hildebrand, Eric Kuehnelt-Leddihn and John Lukacs. Here's the link to the Society of Bonaventure where we found it, here.

Given the scale of his achievement, I can only touch on one aspect of Molnar’s thought. He was a preeminent chronicler and analyst of the ideological trends and deceptions of the current age. In conducting his dissections, Thomas Molnar drew primarily on Thomism, on the thought of the French right and on his immense knowledge of European literature, philosophy and history. In The Two Faces of American Foreign Policy (1962) he described the dangers of the recurrent American temptation to ideology in foreign affairs forty years before the march into Iraq squarely raised this issue. In The Decline of the Intellectual (1961; perhaps his magnum opus), he analyzed “global ideology” decades before globalization became the mantra of every corporation and government on earth. In The Counter-Revolution (1969) we find an extremely perceptive (and harshly critical) analysis of Vatican II and the papacy of Paul VI. Molnar had reached the latter conclusion only after some hesitation: in Ecumenism or New Reformation?(1968) he had still recommended rallying to the papacy as the cure for the present disorders in the Church.

Later, Molnar spelled out the dangers of the Neuhaus/Novak/First Things ideology 25 years before the bankruptcy of the “neocon” movement’s political, economic and ecclesiastical policies. Need I say that he likewise clearly foresaw the ignominious end of the National Review crowd as a claque of the establishment they had once opposed? Indeed, Molnar, generally speaking, was a critic of the “American conservative movement” and considered it a failure.

Modern Art is a Terroist Organization Says Hungarian Art Historian

[Kreuznet] FOCUS: "Herr Kishon, in your book you reveal a 'fundamentalist organization' by the name of Modern Art, which has established a 'brilliant, planned population stupification' on the scene -- and don't you clearly mean this satirically?"

Kishon: "I almost always think satirically, whether I want to or not, but this time I mean it as a serious fact -- about one of the successful business organizations in the world. I don't want to step too closely to these highly skilled, icy sharks of our time, but various terror organizations work very similarly."

The Budapest born Satirist, Goldsmith and Art Historian, Ephraim Kishon Hoffman (+2005) in an Intervew with the German boulevard magazine 'Focus' from the year 1995.

Original here..

39 New Priests for the Old Mass This Year

[Germany, Kreuz] This year 39 traditional priests began holy orders. 24 new priestws belong to the Society of Saint Pius X and 15 to other traditional societies. For the Society of Pius X, 8 priests were ordained on June 19 in Winona in the USA, three on June 26th in Zaitzkofen in Bavaria and nine on June 29th in Econe in Switzerland. Four others will still be ordained at the end of this year. The traditional society 'Institute of Christ the King' ordained three priests in Florence. For the Priestly Society of St. Peter four priests were ordained in Wigratzbad in Bavaria and six in May in the USA. One priest is being ordained from the Institute of the Good Shepherd in Bordeux, France.


Original...

The New Mass Takes a Bath in Germany

[Kreuz.net/Allmendingen, Schwabia] The regional 'Schwabian Times' reports that a Liturgy was held at the local pool in Allmendingen on June 10th. The pastor, Father Gunther Gerlach was presiding.

Allmendingen is a 4,500-soul-community around 25km westerly of Ulm in the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.

The Liturgy happened on Saturday in the so-called Wald Free Pool of Allmendingen.

The priest stood on the pool's edge in Alb and Stole. There was a super table with a blue table cloth, which the Times called an "Altar".

Cloistered Nuns in Bikini?

Thanks to the heat and the rain in the bathing area, many people took part in the event.

The supper table stood along the longside of the pool and the faithful sat on beer stools on the opposite and connecting sides.

Among the participants there were Cloistered Nuns.

Others present sat in swimclothes -- with bikinis and bathing shorts -- some with their feet dangling at the edge of the pool in the water.

Other bathing guests followed the event from bathtowels on the grass.

The ministers came in their robes, but barefoot.

For the Entrance: "Pack My Swim Shorts!"

As an entrance, the community sang, "Pack My Swim Shorts", a hit from the 50s in Germany.

Otherwise the children and youth choir was there to entertain the community.


More children swam during the liturgical comedy in the pool directly between the "altar" and visitors.

The idea for this Liturgical scandal came from the self-styled Family Liturgy Team of the Parish.

In all of the songs, texts and in the preaching of Father Gerlach the theme of "water" was employed.

At the song, "A Ship, that means community" the children released paper mache boats in the water.

Read original here... kreuz.net...

Attacker of Traditional Priest in Fulda is Caught

[Fulda, Germany from Kreuz.net] A priest who offered the Immemorial Mass in Fulda is in a natural comma still, a month after the brutal robbery and assault he endured in June. Father Aloysius Winter (78) was in the Fulda Theological faculty and is in stable condition but can not talk.

The suspect has been captured and detectives find the DNA evidence against him to be solid. Father had helped the drug-addicted perpetrator previously.

Original..

Atheist Humanists Annoyed That Freemasons Are Invited to EU Atheist Summit in October

Atheist Humanists Annoyed That Freemasons Are Invited to EU Atheist Summit in October

"Anglican Catholic Church of Canada" Votes to Unite With Rome

The Dean's Report on Synod 2010

The Eighth Provincial Synod and Thirteenth Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada were held simultaneously at the Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre in Surrey, B.C., July 12 to 16, 2010.

In attendance were the Canadian House of Bishops (Bishop Peter Wilkinson, Metropolitan and Bishop Ordinary; Bishop Craig Botterill, Suffragan for Atlantic Canada and Chancellor; Bishop Carl Reid, Suffragan for Central Canada and Apostolic Commissary; Bishop Robert Mercer, Assistant Bishop; along with the TAC Primate, Archbishop John Hepworth); eighteen members of the House of Clergy; and thirty members of the House of Laity; together with a number of observers and guests. The first evening began with Evensong, dinner, and then a wine and cheese reception hosted by the ACCC Parishes of the Lower Mainland.

While there was ample time for fellowship, much of our time was dedicated to the business of Synod. The Synod delegates received an address from the Primate, Archbishop John Hepworth, on the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, together with a discussion of the various issues involved and a time frame for the implementation of a proposed Ordinariate for Canada (as well as other Provinces within the Traditional Anglican Communion).

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Decline and fall of Christian Democracy in Germany

Decline and fall of Christian Democracy in Germany

Modernist Benedictines Are Afraid of Sacramentals

Editor: The modernist Monastery's new blog entry written by Father Ruff reveals an unsteady and uncertain hand. He says that the more conservative, new upcoming clergy are afraid and sneers about what he believes is a costume party, really and truly misjudging the motives of traditionalist clergy and their laity. If anyone is afraid, it's Father Ruff. Why is Father Ruff afraid? Probably because he knows that if he entered a debate with anyone, like say, Father Z at www.wdtprs.com, he'd be shown up for what he is.

Could it be that the Abbey to which he belongs has an average age well into the 60s and doesn't attract any new vocations? The devil fears Holy things, like birettas, Catholic practices and Sacramentals, Rosaries, ancient practices, because they remind him of his fall and Christ's saving power. Do progressive Catholics fear those traditional things because they are reminded of what they've lost or never had in the first place? Father Ruff's condescending string of untrue statements do more than show fear, they show real insecurity.

Actually, St John's is afraid enough to admit they were wrong in shuffling homosexual predators around and protecting them, giving them an opportunity to strike again. They're so afraid that they're destroying records related to the accused pederasts in their community.

If anyone is afraid, it would be the modernists at St John's Abbey. They're afraid of getting out of their social-justice ghetto, worried about their depleting power and aging population. It takes a while sometimes for corrupt regimes to be overthrown by the oppressed and the "silly season" of the last 40 or so years in the desert for American Catholicism is drawing to a close.

Here's the blog in its entirety with some commentary in brackets:

[Pray, Tell]Many of the old things are back now: pre-Vatican II Mass, fiddle-back vestments, cappa magnas, birettas, Communion on the tongue, and so forth. Seminarians and young priests – in Roman collar, of course –go for traditional liturgical ceremonial. The Vatican takeover of English translations from national bishops’ conferences is nearly complete. Meanwhile, it looks like the Pope and the Holy See are planning to sit out the sex abuse crisis without admitting any fault or instituting any real reforms. [Those who really want the Church to legitimize an illicit lifestyle choice, or wish the Catholic Church weren't really Catholic like to talk about how it really hasn't done anything to curtail the abuse. Indeed, this Abbey, once the largest in the world, is responsible for more than its share of stonewalling and ignoring the real solution to the problem. But has the Vatican really ignored the problem?]

I bet your friends too are talking about this. What are they saying? In some circles, all this demonstrates a faith-filled, self-confident refortification of the Roman Church. The Church is finding its Catholic identity again, even in the face of strong secular headwinds. There is a new seriousness about liturgy after what Fr. Neuhaus liked to call “the silly season.” Slowly but surely the Church is becoming the Church again, after several decades of confusion and mistaken implementation of the Second Vatican Council. Let the media say what they will: we don’t expect to be understood or affirmed by the world as we calmly go about our divine mission. While the goal is not to drive anyone away, at least those who leave will be leaving The Real Thing. People are ready for a “smaller, purer” Church.

I know a few people who take a rather different view. A prominent liturgist recently said this about Vatican officials: “They’re a bunch of thugs, Anthony, they’re nothing but thugs, and in a world of rapid internet communication, they can’t get away with it much longer. It can’t last.” [The Unitarians would be glad to have him But why won't it last? It doesn't matter who asks Father Ruff, he won't answer because he's afraid to debate.] Another prominent liturgist recently said over coffee, “It’s the last gasp of Europe’s last functioning absolute monarchy, and its days are numbered.” [Heresy] According to these folks, the conservative element in the Church, including at central headquarters, is basically overcome by fear: fear of the modern world, fear of diversity, fear of theological inquiry, fear of dialogue with the laity, fear of sexuality, fear of what Vatican II wrought. [If anyone's afraid, it's St John's Abbey at Collegevile, the place is rapidly becoming a convalescent home with a few younger social workers who are deeply committed to social-justice but probably can't tell you the six precepts of the Church or the 10 Commandments without looking them up] Vatican officials and conservative liturgists and young clergy are fleeing what is threatening to them. [They seem to be growing while you are dying out. If you're not afraid, you should be concerned about whether or not you'll be living in the streets at some point when the Abbey goes out of business.] The liturgy is becoming a lovely place to pretend, an escape into a more comfortable past. [You clearly don't know any Traditional clergy]For these folks, the liturgical silly season is just beginning, and all the lace and frills from auntie’s attic is rather embarrassing. Such as this may last for some time – we may have many years yet to endure – but eventually it will collapse. [Any bets on how long it takes this blog to die off?]

If you want to read more about the Faithful Refortification view, check out the comments which will surely appear below in short order. If you want more on the Fearful Fleeing view, there are two intriguing articles by Eugene Cullen Kennedy in the NCRep. A few weeks ago Kennedy compared the reappearing fiddle-back vestments to the antiquated Victorian frock coats which King George required of parliamentarians in the early twentieth century. King George, like Emperor Wilhelm and Czar Nicholas, “struggled to restore monarchical structures that were being swept away by the incoming tide of modern times.” This week Kennedy compares the Vatican bureaucracy in 2010 to the French bureaucracy under Petain after Paris fell to the Germans. “Everyone would carry on as usual in this case study of a collapsing government living on the fumes of long gone glory. Still, its marshals and generals donned their uniforms and pinned on their sashes and medals to hold military reviews and to welcome the war correspondents with bands and receptions, a final costume party for men who reassured themselves by exercising the last fine grains of power in their finely gloved hands.”

This is fascinating. People look at the same phenomena, all of them deeply concerned about the Church’s faithfulness and evangelical witness, and take such different views of what is going on. Is it faithful refortification or fearful fleeing? Pray Tell takes no position on such things. We haven’t really thought about it, as you’ll surely believe. No, we’re enjoying our late summer reading various books about various other topics. [You should probably start paying attention to the effect your "seamless garment" theology is having on the future of your community, your souls and those of the people you claim to serve.]

awr

Link to blog...

China Says Vatican Controls Cuba

Editor: Communists are mentally unhealthy; they are obsessed by the Vatican and its armored divisions.

Ye Xiaowen, the religious affairs minister, lashes out against an imaginary power grab on the part of the Vatican, and rejects any sort of openness, precisely while a Chinese delegation is meeting with the secretariat of state in Rome.

Rome (AsiaNews) - "The Vatican presents itself to us with a double face": while it is seeking diplomatic relations with Beijing, in reality it wants to return to "the control and management of the Catholic Church in China".

And again: "the Vatican hates socialism", but for it, opening the doors of China "is among the most important missions of the 'strategy of the new millennium' for the Catholic Church", a means of acquiring political power and becoming once again "the Centre of the world". At this point, "Cuba is administrated by them [by the Vatican]. Vietnam is administered by them. Among the socialist countries, only China has continued to ignore them".

Read further at Asia News..

Santiago de Compostela Celebrates the Feast of St. James

In total to the end of the "Holy Year" an estimated ten million people will have visited the city.


Madrid (kath.net/KNA) In Santiago de Compostela ten thousand people celebrated the Feast of St. Jakob (James). The Spanish King, Juan Carlos, held his traditional speech on the day of the Spanish Patron Saint. The Archbishop of Santiago, Julian Barrio Barrio, celebrated the central Liturgy in the Cathedral.

Pope Benedict XVI sent greetings from Castelgandalfo to the assembled pilgrims. Pop musicians Sting and Mike Oldfield gave concerts in the early evening at the place of pilgrimage.

The celebration was the highpoint of the current "Holy Year". This has been celebrated since the 12th Century continuously when the feast of St. Jakob's falls on the 25th of July falls on a Sunday. The next time will be in 2021 -- before 1993, 1999 and 2004.

Juan Carlos asked St. Jakob for help and assistance in current difficulties. He mentioned among others the financial crisis and the barbarity of terrorism. Archbishop Barrio prayed for among others for the governing powers and the pursuit of the common good and the ethical and moral renewal of society.

Pope Benedict XVI announced he wanted to conclude the pilgrimage in Santiago in November. He intends to step in the "path of our life" in the footsteps of the Apostles establishing a sign of Faith, Hope and Love. Benedict XVI wants to visit for his second Spanish visit near Santiago de Compostela and nearby Barcelona on the 6th and 7th of November.

For "Xacebo 2010" the Spanish Tourism Authority and the Pilgrimage Bureau in Santiago de Compostela figure new record numbers. In total, by year end, about 10 Million people will have visited the city. 240,000 of this number are also pilgrims, who take at the least the traditional last 100 kilometers on foot, alternatively, the last 200km distance covered by bicycle. The last highest estimate was 180,000 pilgrims in the "Holy Year" of 2004.

Read the original...

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CCCR Billboard Campaign and Parish Presence in St. Paul and Minneapolis

[St. Paul- Minneapolis, USA] The Catholic Campaign for Church Reform has been active in the Archdiocese for a while, it features Michael Bayly and others and has a stock presence in the more liberal parishes like, Our Lady of Grace, where dissident, pederastic and homosexual promoters are normatively presented. They've managed to get together some money for a billboard campaign, but Archbishop Nienstedt has already said that they are not associated with the Archdiocese as Orate Fratres blogreports:

The billboard proclaiming a September, 18th, 2010, "Synod of the Baptized" stands just off a major throughfare leading to the archdiocese-a mere 3 miles away.

The church reform group responsible for purchasing the billboard ad is the Catholic Coalition for Church Reform. A local coalition of long-frustrated individuals belonging to various national dissident organizations now banded together. Their ultimate goal is to create greater schism within the church as they organize for what their calling the American Catholic Council to be held in Detroit, Michigan, in 2012.

Archbishop Nienstedt has previously found it necessary to warn the Catholic faithful concerning CCCR and the organizations' non-affiliation with the Archdiocese of Mpls/St.Paul or the universal Roman Catholic Church. He had this to say about the group back in 2007:

Last year, we looked at Our Lady of Grace and a defensive Dennis McGrath passed the buck then. Is it possible that Archbishop Nienstedt will close these parishes down? Certainly, Our Lady of Grace would not be a significant architectural loss if it were closed.

"Women" Up in Arms About Latest Vatican Document

ANALYSIS: The Vatican must no longer be granted immunity from equality legislation, in the name of liberty, equality, and even the Gospel, writes MARY CONDREN

THE VATICAN’S recent Normae de Gravioribus Delictis document prescribes automatic excommunication for anyone involved in the ordination of a woman. In according greater penalties to those who “attempted” women’s ordination than to clerics who abused children, it has further shocked many loyal Irish Catholics, prompting them to inquire about the theological reasons why the Roman Catholic Church objects to women’s ordination.

A Vatican document issued in 1976 set out some of these arguments clearly.

1. That incarnation took place in the male sex and therefore women were excluded from the priesthood

Read further...

Diocese Expresses Concern Over Jackson Labs

Editor: Whatever happened to that part about gaining the whole world and losing the soul? Ave supporters seem content to broke unsavory and contradictory associations for an allegedly superior "Catholic" education. In their quest for these accolades, are they willing to challenge the local ordinary whose job it is to be a guardian of orthdoxy in his See?

Friday, July 23, 2010

AveWatch is reporting that the Catholic Diocese of Venice, which covers Collier County and Ave Maria Town, is planning on issuing a statement in its parishes and diocesan newspaper, expressing concern about the Jackson Labs plan. Here is an excerpt from the statement: Jackson Laboratory's purported association with and openness to human embryonic stem cell research causes the Diocese of Venice concern. Of particular note is a public statement made by the company that they are, "not willing to rule out doing human embryonic stem cell research" (Naples Daily News, April 10, 2010). ...... While encouraging and supporting biomedical research which respects innocent human life and advances the common good and in keeping fully with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Venice has ethical and moral concerns as regards the potential activities at the proposed Jackson Laboratory facility. Economic growth and development are not the only components which impact the life of a community. An organization which truly respects the rights of all human beings could and should "rule out" human embryonic stem cell research. This is precisely because it involves the destruction of innocent human life and consequently, affects the community. Without such an understanding, the plan of Jackson Laboratory, as it has been reported, presents difficulty for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. It's good to see the Diocese raising concerns. Fumed by Thales at 7:47 AM. 9 puffs of smoke. Diocese of Venice Expresses Concern Over Ave Maria Jackson Laboratory »

Thu, July 22nd, 2010 - 8:35 pm EST

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Address for this article: http://avewatch.com/?p=1444 - View date: 07-25-2010

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following statement was released today by the Catholic Church's Diocese of Venice (Florida). Tom Monaghan's Ave Maria Town and University are located in the Diocese. ********** While the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida is aware of the potential economic benefits of any company coming to the region, there are other questions which have a profound moral and ethical impact that must also be considered. Indeed, moral and ethical questions are at the very core of what constitutes truly authentic human and economic development. Authentic human and economic development, in keeping with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, highlights not only the 'wants' of life, but more profoundly, the 'oughts.' This is also the case with regard to The Jackson Laboratory's proposal to operate in Collier County. Jackson Laboratory's purported association with and openness to human embryonic stem cell research causes the Diocese of Venice concern. Of particular note is a public statement made by the company that they are, "not willing to rule out doing human embryonic stem cell research" (Naples Daily News, April 10, 2010).

People knowledgeable of stem cell research and therapy are aware that adult stem cell research has led to more medical advances and promise than that of human embryonic stem cell studies. The Catholic Church does support research using adult stem cells taken from a variety of sources. However, as is well known, since work on human embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of innocent human life, the Church does not approve of such research. While encouraging and supporting biomedical research which respects innocent human life and advances the common good and in keeping fully with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Venice has ethical and moral concerns as regards the potential activities at the proposed Jackson Laboratory facility. Economic growth and development are not the only components which impact the life of a community. An organization which truly respects the rights of all human beings could and should "rule out" human embryonic stem cell research. This is precisely because it involves the destruction of innocent human life and consequently, affects the community. Without such an understanding, the plan of Jackson Laboratory, as it has been reported, presents difficulty for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Sincerely, Bob Reddy Diocese of Venice in Florida Communications Department 941-486-4701 ***

[END OF STATEMENT]*** According to a National Catholic Bioethics Center analysis done for Ave Maria developer Tom Monaghan, the contraception and human embryonic stem cell work of Jackson Laboratory presents "no moral obstacle" because "it is impossible to cooperate with an evil that is not taking place" at Jackson. Ave Maria School of Law's President and Dean, Eugene Milhizer, endorsed Jackson Laboratory's practices as "consistent with the Catholic Church's teaching on different life issues" (audio).

Ave Maria University President Nick Healy, who just returned from a trip to Jackson's headquarters in Maine, was quoted in the Naples Daily News as saying "If they [Jackson] were to locate here [in Ave Maria district] I think there would be very considerable benefits to the entire area. They will bring well-paying jobs and so on. It will help real estate in the town." (4/10/2010) In May, two months after the Ave Maria Jackson Laboratory deal was announced, a Florida Weekly magazine reporter asked if anyone had requested that the Laboratory refrain from research offensive to Catholics within the planned Ave Maria district facility. The Jackson official stated that nobody had asked for any such assurance (audio). http://avewatch.com/?p=1444
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Hans Küng’s Malthusian Moment

by Samuel Gregg D.Phil.

[Acton Institute] In April, the world received yet another global missive from the 82-year-old Swiss theologian, Fr. Hans Küng. Perhaps the world's most famous Catholic dissenter from Catholic teaching, Fr. Küng's "open letter" to the world's Catholic bishops contained his usual critique of the papacy and his now-tediously familiar prescriptions for changing the Catholic Church.

Almost 31 years ago, Rome and Germany's Catholic bishops stripped Küng of his license to teach as a Catholic theologian because, by Küng's own admission, he does not believe in some central tenets of the Catholic faith. Some would say Rome's action was merely an exercise in ensuring truth in advertizing. This has not stopped Küng, however, from continuing to exhort Catholicism to adopt the path followed by many mainline Protestant confessions in the West since the 1960s. As George Weigel has noted, Küng's letter is full of misrepresentations and shoddy logic. Moreover, Küng seems oblivious to the sociological fact that those Christian communities which have embraced paths similar to that which he advocates for Catholicism are in a state of terminal collapse. Devoid of doctrinal coherence, they are often led by clerics for whom God's existence and Christ's Divinity are open questions, whose conception of morality is as relativistic as your average lefty-secularist, but who purport to know with absolute certainty that the world is headed for a climate change-driven apocalypse.

Read further:

http://www.acton.org/commentary/587_hans_kungs_malthusian_moment.php
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Muslims Rioting in France: Mainstream Media Fail

Al Jazeera has reported that the police are receiving automatic weapons fire, and the BBC is whitewashing the thing as well, showing white bystanders watching the thing going on since July 17th.

Rioters were protesting a man who was shot by police when he was evading arrest in Grenoble.



Information from Maid of Albion and Atlas Shrugs.

Father Greeley Health Update

Wishing Father Greeley a swift recovery and the good of his soul.

Health update 03/17/10 from downtown Chicago
Father Andrew Greeley and family wish to express their profound gratitude to all who have kept him in their prayers. On his behalf, we ask for your continued prayers for him and for all victims of traumatic brain injury and their families.

We express our thanks to the skilled medical personnel, caregivers, and rehabilitation therapists who have cared for and encouraged him during this difficult time. We will continue to work so that, in spite of his injury, he can enjoy a quality of life in keeping with his imagination, intelligence, and service to his Church and community.

Through the years, we have observed first hand his deep commitment to his friends, academic colleagues, readers, fellow priests, and parishioners. We know that Fr. Greeley blesses you for your concern. Happy Easter to all!

http://www.agreeley.com/

New Belgian bishops' spokesman argues same-sex 'marriage,' women priests

Editor: there's often a real divide between the spokesmen and the men they claim to work for.

Friday, July 23, 2010

[Rorate Caeli] André Bishop Joseph Leonard and the Episcopal Conference of Belgium has appointed Jürgen Mettepenningen as their spokesman, effective August 1, according to Osservatore Vaticano.

Mettepenningen, who has earned a doctorate in theology from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven), has written in a published book that:

1. The Church has opened the priesthood to women; 2. The Church must recognize same-sex "marriage" and is currently discriminating against them by not recognizing it; and 3. "Considering that the phrases used during the celebration of the Eucharist must be refreshed, he justifies this position by the fact that we cannot, in his words, 'preach a message of life in a dead language.'"

Rorate Caeli...here.

Study Linking Child Abuse to Homosexuality Causes Uproar

A recent study and survey, linking childhood abuse and homosexuality, have the medical community – and gay activists – in an uproar.

Researchers from the University of Otago found that homosexual identity and tendencies are linked to a higher likelihood of negative childhood experiences.

However, psychologist Dr. Bill Maier said it’s important to understand that the research is correlation, not causation.

Read further...

Priest Romance Novelist Recovers From Head Injury: Chicago Boy's Club

Father Greeley says that Cardinal Bernardine was at least as heterosexual as he is, but will Father Greeley have the Windy City Gay Men's Chorus come play at his wake?

[Renew America] As Father Andrew Greeley continues to recover from a serious head injury suffered earlier this month, I thought I'd feature images from two of his (out-of-print) non-fiction books — Confessions of a Parish Priest (paperback edition), from 1986 and 1987; and Furthermore! Memories of a Parish Priest, from 1999 and 2000.

Interestingly, in Confessions (page 131), Father Greeley made some rather keen observations about a certain segment of the clergy — observations that proved all too accurate a decade-and-a-half later.

Read further...

h/t: pewsitter

[Hardtalk BBC Newschannel]

S. The Church of England for example in this country is taking a rather different view. They believe there has to be some flexibility. The church has to be a reflection of society's values to a certain extent and therefore we see women priests, women vicars, and there's obviously in some parts of the Anglican Communion, women bishops.

N. Certainly.

S. Some of their vicars are also prepared to sanction gay unions. That church is showing flexibility. Is the Catholic church not going to have to do the same eventually? N. I don't know. Who knows what's down the road? S. Well I'm just asking you. You're rather an important player in the Catholic church. What do you believe it should be? N. No no. There's no doubt in my mind that our first call is to faithfulness and not to sucess. And if faithfulness involves that kind of shrinking then so be it. But it's not as if the church has policies and then focus groups then tries to re-shape so that it captures the mood of the day or the wind and therefore gets momentum behind it. That's not simply the way the Catholic Church understands itself.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/8783344.stm
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New 7th Century Roman Frescos Ready for Public Viewing in September

The soon to be revealed Byzantine Fresco in the Roman Basilica of Saint Sabina should be ready for public viewing in September.

Rome (KNA.net/KNA) The soon to be revealed Byzantine Fresco in the Roman Basilica of Saint Sabina should be ready for public viewing in September. As the Italian Newspaper "Il Tempo" (Tuesday) reported, the painting together with the new museum of the Basilica will be open for the public. In the exposition rooms there will be antique finds and Christian art as well as a statue of Saint Domenic in the school of Arnolfo di Cambios (13th Century).

The Fresco found during restoration is from the 7th Century and shows Mary with the Christ-child, the Apostles Peter and Paul as well as the Martyr Sabina and Serafia. Additionally, two clergymen are portrayed in contemporary clothing, this enabled the dating of the 2,80 m high and 4,35 m wide paintings. The fresco comes from a little documented epoch of Roman art in which the Greek culture was dominant.



Original source, here.

German Archbishop Zollitsch Cleared of Criminal Charges

Just because they won't take you to court and throw you in jail doesn't mean that you weren't guilty of malfeasance.

BERLIN [AP] — German prosecutors say investigators have found no proof that would justify holding the country's top Roman Catholic cleric responsible for hiring a priest known to have sexually abused minors.

Prosecutor Christoph Hettenbach says in a statement released Wednesday that the investigation into Freiburg Archbishop Robert Zollitsch has been closed.

The southwestern city of Konstanz had been investigating an unidentified complaint that alleged Zollitsch was responsible for hiring a priest in 1987 known to have sexually abused minors. Zollitsch now heads the German Bishops Conference and at the time was in charge of human resources at the Freiburg diocese.

Read further...

British deacon launches website to protect the Pope :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

British deacon launches website to protect the Pope :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Lancaster, England, Jul 23, 2010 / 08:13 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A new website has been created to defend Pope Benedict XVI from media attacks ahead of his arrival in Great Britain this coming September. The site aims to offer information to provide the Pope with protection using prayer, truth and law.

Protectthepope.com went live this month as a project of a permanent deacon of England's Diocese of Lancaster, Nick Donnelly, and his brother Stephen. Deacon Donnelly also writes for the Catholic Truth Society and the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Voice of Lancaster.

The website, the deacon explained in the first entry from July 12, "has been developed in response to the unprecedented level of hostility and misinformation disseminated by the mainstream media and new media."

Vatican coin now in circulation :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Vatican coin now in circulation :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Nearly Half of European Council Countries Support Italy in Crucifix Case

By Hilary White

ROME, July 23, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – To date, 20 European countries have declared their support for Italy’s religious freedom in the case of Lautsi v. Italy, known around the world as “the Crucifix case.” This number, made up mostly of Eastern European and former Soviet bloc countries, comprises nearly half of the Council of Europe’s 47 member states.

The case, in which the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Italy must remove all crucifixes from public schools and offices, has resulted in widespread protests in Italy and around Europe.

The governments of Armenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Romania, the Russia Federation, and San Marino, have submitted formal briefs to the court. The governments of Albania, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine have openly criticized the initial judgment.

Support for Italy’s Catholic heritage has also come from non-Catholics. Patriarch Cyril of Moscow and all Russia has spoken of the case as “unifying the Christian Churches” against the advance of secularism, while the Metropolitan (Bishop) Hilarion Alfeyev has proposed a Constitution “of a strategic alliance between Catholic and Orthodox,” aimed at defending the Christian tradition “against the secularism, liberalism, and relativism that is prevalent in modern Europe.”

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Papal visit: the 1970s tat-fest continues

Papal visit: the 1970s tat-fest continues

Famous French Trappist Abbot is Dead

In France on the 12th of July the famous Trappist Abbot, Dom André Louf (80) has died. He published countless spiritual works. The late Abbot was born in 1929 in Löwen. In October 1947 he joined the Trappists of Mont de Cats (Katsberg) in French-Flanders. From January 1963 to November 1997 he was the Abbot of the Cloister. Afterward he became a hermit living with the Sisters. Because of health problems he was returned to his mother monastery.

Read original: here.

Bishop Paprocki Sings Spiritual

Maryknoll Ends Support For School of Americas Watch

Maryknoll ends financial support of School of Americas Watch

Posted on July 23, 2010
by Dennis Sadowski
Catholic News Service

Excommunicated Maryknoll Father Roy Bourgeois’ support for the ordination of women to the priesthood has cost the School of the Americas Watch $17,000 in funding annually from his religious order.

Citing Father Bourgeois’ continued involvement with the advocacy organization that has worked for 20 years to close the U.S. Army’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the School of the Americas, the order’s superior general said in a recent statement it did not want to appear to support the priest’s views by supporting SOA Watch.

“The decision is not intended to be punitive and is not designed to put pressure on Father Bourgeois or on the SOA Watch organization and its activities,” Maryknoll Father Edward Dougherty, superior general, said. “Maryknoll continues its solidarity with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, and is unambiguous in its support of the goals of the SOA Watch.”

Father Dougherty met with Father Bourgeois May 24 to convey the society’s decision.

Maryknoll spokesman James McCullough said the order was not pressured by church officials to end the SOA Watch funding.

Father Bourgeois was excommunicated “latae sententiae” — automatically -– in 2008 for not recanting his public statements supporting the ordination of women. The church teaches that, for several fundamental reasons, the church is unable to ordain women. Although he was excommunicated, Father Bourgeois remains a member of the Maryknoll community.

Hendrick Voss, SOA Watch’s communications coordinator, said the economic hit is significant on the SOA Watch’s $360,000 annual budget.

“We have had a good relationship with Maryknoll since the School of Americas Watch started,” Voss told Catholic News Service. “So we were saddened that Maryknoll would let the personal opinions and personal observations of Father Roy lead to a cut in funds.”

Father Bourgeois, who founded SOA Watch in 1990, first gained the attention of Vatican officials after participating in a reported ordination sponsored by Roman Catholic WomenPriests Aug. 9, 2008, in Lexington, Ky. In a meeting with his Maryknoll superiors after the ceremony, he received a canonical warning related to his role. At the time, Father Bourgeois said he had no intention of participating in any other such event.

He has maintained that his beliefs are based on his understanding of justice and equality as expressed in the Gospel and has repeatedly called on the church to turn away from the “sin of sexism.” In new norms issued July 15 the Vatican declared the attempted ordination of women major church crime.

The school, which trains soldiers from throughout Latin America, has been targeted for closing by SOA Watch, which was founded after the 1989 murder of six Jesuit priests and their housekeeper and her daughter on the campus of the University of Central America in San Salvador, El Salvador, by members of country’s military. SOA Watch has tied graduates of the school to atrocities in Latin America.

Voss said efforts are under way to raise money to cover the lost funding. The organization has raised more than $4,000 toward the effort to date. The loss will not affect plans for thousands of people to gather for the annual vigil Nov. 20-21 at the gates of Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., calling for the school’s closing, Voss said.

Read original, here.

Jesuit Drag Show

Jesuitical 11: Jesuits and Drag Shows The American Catholic July 22, 2010

Part 11 of my ongoing survey of the follies of many modern day Jesuits. Santa Clara University, a Jesuit University in Santa Clara California, describes its mission:

"As a Jesuit, Catholic university, we are committed to faith-inspired values and educating leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion who will help fashion a more just, humane, and sustainable world."

Santa Clara, I assume as part of that mission, has long hosted annual drag shows on campus hosted by a recognized student group sophomorically calling itself GASP (Gay and Straight People for the Education of Diversity). Here the group is listed under the Women's and Gender Studies Program of the Santa Clara website. The video at the start of the post was taken at the 2010 drag show. These events are not obscure affairs, but are celebrated on campus. Here is a story about the 2007 drag show which appeared in The Santa Clara, the official student newspaper: May GASPED and GALA have your attention, ladies and gentlemen — or ladies dressed as gentlemen — or gentlemen dressed as ladies? The 6th annual Santa Clara Drag Show will be breaking down gender stereotypes left and right, say participants and organizers, tomorrow, May 4, at 8 p.m. in the California Mission Room. Downstairs Benson Center will be transformed into an eccentric staging area full of students dressed in drag. Along with the usual lip-syncs and dances, there will be some new elements that organizers hope might make you think. Representatives from Gay & Straight People for the Education of Diversity and Gay and Lesbian Alliance, as well as from Santa Clara Community Action Program, say they have worked hard to ensure that this year's show incorporates more elements of education about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual/two-spirited and queer/questioning communities. This year, skits and interviews about the history of transgender prejudice that will be incorporated into the show. Though James Servino, program coordinator of GASPED, said Santa Clara has a history of support for the LGBTQ community, the support is not absolute. "Santa Clara students are aloof to this community unless they actually know and associate with a gay or lesbian person," he said. Go here to read the rest. I think for many Jesuit centers of higher learning in this country, their dissent from Church teaching has entered the arena of self-parody.

http://the-american-catholic.com/2010/07/22/jesuitical-11-jesuits-and-drag-shows/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmericanCatholic+%28American+Catholic%29
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Berlusconi Breaks Story About Three Homosexual Priests

A gay priest sex scandal has rocked the Catholic Church in Italy today after a weekly news magazine released details of a shock investigation it had carried out.Using hidden cameras, a journalist from Panorama magazine - owned by Italian Prime Minister and media baron Silvio Berlusconi - filmed three priests as they attended gay nightspots and had casual sex.

Today there was no immediate comment from the Italian Bishops Conference and the Vatican - which has been rocked by a series of sex scandals involving paedophile priests since the start of the year.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1297083/Gay-priest-sex-scandal-undercover-Berlusconi-reporter-films-clerics-gay-clubs.html#ixzz0uWEpt0mj
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MORAL MATTERS: SIN WITHIN THE CHURCH IS BORN IN SEMINARIES

Editor: A seminary professor has recently nroken his silence to say, as he retires, that the formation at Maynooth Seminary is poor. Here is an article written earlier which was posted on AngelQueen. Here's the link.

http://angelqueen.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32684

[Irish Daily Mail Monday, May 17, 2010.]

By Dr Mark Dooley

I am not in the habit of writing this column in anger, for nothing stymies moral clarity more than senseless fury. But there times when anger is morally justified, such as when we encounter injustice or corruption. Even Christ, whose message of love is the cornerstone of Christianity, could not restrain his rage when he discovered the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem. We in Ireland are currently witnessing a similar, if not much worse form of desecration. As I wrote in this newspaper last Wednesday, Irish seminaries are hotbeds of serious moral decay which is devastating the Church in this country. Their culture is one which rejects piety and holiness in favour of religious laxity and moral confusion. This is resulting in priests who, as I wrote, barely believe in the doctrine they are ordained to promote. Once again, in other words, the temple has been hijacked by those Christ banished from its courts. This time, however, they are not in the business of changing money and selling doves, but of prostituting their priestly principles to an ideology which runs contrary to their faith. That is the source not only of my anger, but of the deep frustration felt by scores of seminarians who must live with this problem while preparing for the priesthood. I know that, not only because I have had the pleasure of lecturing some of them over the past number of years at NUI Maynooth.

In recent days, I have also been inundated with letters of support from many more who found my article to be a source of comfort and consolation. These are courageous young men who, like me, believe that the seminary system is the fundamental cause of the crisis in the Church. As one seminarian put it, 'if Ford has a problem with cars, there is only one place they go to root out the fault: the factory.' The Pope knows this, which is why he said en route to Fatima this week that the greatest threat to Catholicism 'is born of sin within the Church.' That sin begins to fester at the moment of formation, and has the potential to destroy some priests and the unfortunate parishes in which they are placed.

Let me spell it out as clearly as I can: very few who enter the seminary system in this country stay the course. According to one individual, of the fourteen who started in formation last year, only eight remain. Why? Not, as you might imagine, because they revealed themselves to be lacking in sanctity. In many cases, it is because they were deemed too devout! [!] Another seminarian passionately laments that he is not allowed to kneel during Mass. In the course of his studies, certain 'priestly' professors have informed him that there is 'no such thing as transubstantiation [the conversion of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ], <<Remember the earlier comment by Bishop Fellay where he said 80% of the priests in the Trier Diocese no longer believe in Transubstantiation? It's part of the problem how many are in denial.>> and that he should not look to Rome as 'they don't know anything.' Worse still is the fact that those who wish to uphold the old devotions, such as the Rosary, are frowned upon. All are taught that the Eucharist should not be taken literally, but is a mere 'memorial' of an historical event. This means that the Holy Mass should be interpreted, not as the moment when Christ crosses the barrier between time and eternity, but as a simple 'gathering' of the 'community.' Those who object are either sidelined or shown the door. Those, in other words, who consider the priest an alter Christus, or another Christ, are driven from its potential ranks, or made to suffer for the sin of simply longing to make manifest their Lord. Meanwhile, others whose lifestyle is a travesty of the priestly life are made to feel at home. As many seminarians have confirmed, excessive drinking and dubious sexual practices in the seminaries are simply overlooked. How on earth can the Catholic Church in Ireland recover when the very people charged with training our future priests are doing such damage? It seems perfectly obvious to me that the only way you are going to counter this catastrophe is by forming priests in the image of Christ. But that, to their great shame, is precisely what Irish seminaries are refusing to do, seeing it as a retrograde step. That is why the 'apostolic visitations' promised by Pope Benedict in his recent pastoral letter to the Irish people cannot happen too soon. And they must begin right at the heart of the rot, in those places which punish the pure and reward the reckless. They must start by listening to those brave former students of mine, who have had to live in fear for simply wanting to imitate Christ. In the meantime, the Irish bishops must stop turning a blind eye to what is going on in their seminaries. They must follow Diarmuid Martin, and show moral courage in eliminating 'the narrow culture of clericalism' which has poisoned the prospects of so many potentially great Irish priests. And they must do so fast, before their decades of unforgivable inaction results in the complete extinction of Irish Catholicism.
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Alice von Hildebrand Critiques Christopher West

If the above title sounds a little "inside baseball" to you, a (very, very, very brief) explanation.  Alice von Hildebrand is a Catholic philosopher and theologian, and also the widow of Dietrich von Hildebrand, a prominent philosopher and moral theologian active in the anti-Nazi resistance, whose ethical analysis was greatly admired by Pope John Paul II. 

Christopher West is an American writer and popular lecturer known mainly for his exegesis of John Paul's "Theology of the Body," a look a human sexuality and sexual morality.  Thus a critique by the redoubtable Alice von Hildebrand, even a polite one, is noteworthy. 

A sample: Christopher West is convinced that prior to Theology of the Body—which he terms a "revolution"—Catholic teaching had presented "sex" as essentially dirty, betraying the true Christian understanding of sex.  This is a thought Dietrich von Hildebrand would have strongly rejected.  Accidental errors should never be identified with the Church's essential teaching. Every epoch has its dangers, which need to be addressed, but always in a way which remains faithful to Catholic tradition.

Read further: http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?entry_id=3133
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Ultimum to Illinois Over Catholic Studies Professor

[Quick Takes] The Alliance Defense Fund, which is representing Kenneth Howell in the controversy over his teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has given the institution an ultimatum: either assure in writing that Howell will teach his regular courses in Roman Catholic studies in the fall, or he will sue. The letter states that the university has violated Howell's First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Howell has for years been an adjunct at Illinois, but he was recently told he would not have additional courses, following complaints over an e-mail he sent to students. His supporters argue that the e-mail was just an explanation of Catholic teachings on homosexuality and that punishing him for that would undercut the values of academic freedom. His critics argue that the e-mail reflected an attempt to indoctrinate students with faith, not teach them about a faith -- and some question the arrangement under which a Catholic center nominates and pays for adjuncts to teach courses on Catholicism at the university. Illinois officials have appointed a committee to study the academic freedom issues involved in the case.

But a letter sent by the Alliance Defense Fund Monday argues that the committee may be unfair to Howell. "We are concerned that the committee's investigation into this matter is tainted already with bias toward affirming the dismissal. President Michael Hogan commented that the purpose of the committee is to 'reassure ourselves there was no infringement on academic freedom here.' This remark gives us concern that university officials do not appreciate the gravity of the constitutional violations in this situation."

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/07/21/qt
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Baronius Press Breviary is Almost Ready

http://www.baroniuspress.com/forthcoming_books.htmRoman

Breviary - Breviarium Romanum  Latin-English Breviary [side-by-side] Flexible cover (Black Leather), 3-Volume Set, Size: 4.5" x 7", Item No: 5500   

Many of you have been eagerly awaiting the release of the Roman Breviary which has been plagued with delays and we are very grateful for all the emails and prayers of support that we have received.We received good news from the Censor a few days ago - the Breviary has now been checked thoroughly.

The task of checking every word on three and half thousand pages is no small one especially as this work was performed very diligently. The Censor has requested that to be absolutely sure that the text is error free, it should undergo one final proofreading, which we are assured will be much quicker than the first checking process. We ask your continued prayers for this process, which is a requirement for liturgical books and also ensures that the text is accurate. When the Censor has satisfied himself that the text conforms to the Editio Typica, he will recommend that the Concordat cum originali be granted, and the Breviary will be ready to be sent to the printer. We understand that for many of you it has been a long and frustrating wait since we first announced that we would be undertaking this project several years ago. At the time, we never anticipated how much work was needed to bring this important text back into print. Now, with light at the end of the tunnel, we are confidently able to say that the wait is nearly over. Please pray for the Censor, and check back in a few weeks, when we expect to be making a further announcement. •It is based on the popular three-volume Collegeville Breviary in Latin & English, originally published in 1963.

•Follows the text and rubrics promulgated by Blessed Pope John XXIII – the form of the traditional Breviary approved in Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum.

•St Jerome's traditional Gallican psalter from the Vulgate is given in the text of all the hours.

•Scriptural texts in English follow the Confraternity translation (a 1940s revision of Challoner's Douai-Rheims Bible), which have been thoroughly revised to conform to the Vulgate text.

•Extracts from the Rituale Romanum (including the most commonly used litanies) given in an appendix.

•Contains Penitential Psalms and the Office for the Dead.

•Prayer card to include common prayers in Latin and English.

•A copy of Learning the Breviary will be included.
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'Summorum Pontificum' is Not in Effect in Regensburg, Germany

*A Bishop breaks his word; a Vicar General let it be disavowed -- monstrous. *

Confiteor at the old Mass (kreuz.net) German Website 'summorum-pontificum.de' published a report by Oskar Rauch under the title, "three years of Summorum Pontificum".

'Summorum Pontificum' is a Motu Propio by Pope Benedict XVI., with which he rehabilitated the old Mass.

Rauch has been working in the 42,000-soul city of Weiden -- 35 miles west of the Czech border -- for the implementation of the Motu Propio.

Weiden belongs to the Diocese of Regensurg.

There is no episcopal approval necessary for the old Mass.

In October 2007 Rauch presented the city's Dean, Fr. Andreas Uschold, a list with 30 signatures and asked for the offering of an old Sunday Mass.

After a week he was informed by telephone that the Diocese of Regensburg will permit this for once a month.

Rauch replied: "We've received nothing in writing from Regensburg; and if at all, only verbally. So the applicant never received anything in the hand."

The permission was linked to the condition that the Mass will be celebrated by a diocesan priest from Regensburg.

The present young chaplain of Nabburg -- who himself comes from Weiden -- announced himself ready to say the Mass on Sunday in the afternoon.

Rauch commented; "both limitations -- only once in a month and no priest from outside -- are not connected with or depedant on the Pope's permission.

"There is no reason why priests of the Society of St. Peter or other societies for the celebration of the old Mass with the Pope should be shut out."

*Two Sunday Masses "Unrealistic"*

The first monthly Mass fell on 25, November 2007.

Since this an average of 63 faithful
To the Holy Mass, although the times are not certain, and the start times vary.

At the same time, the idea to have a second Sunday Mass for those who wanted it was held by Rauch to be "mostly unrealistic."

In any event the alloted St. Sebastianskirche was well appointed. Otherwise the modern table is placed there and may not be moved to the side during Mass.

An indefatigable Jalm Herbst in 2009 got 110 faithful to sign a petition for a second Sunday Mass.

Deacon Uschold led the quest to Regensburg. The -- again verbal -- answer: Regensburg doesn't want a second Sunday Mass in Weiden.

The traditionalists wrote then in December 2009 Papal Commission Ecclesia Dei and requested assistance.

In January 2010 the Secretary, Prelate Guido Pozzo said that he hsd spoken with the Bishop of Regensburg, and was prepared to allow a second Sunday Mass.

*Regensburg Turns a Deaf Ear*

The joy of the Weidner traditionalists was premature: "For the Bishop of Regensburg was not repsonsive" -- said Rauch.

A telefax that was sent on February 2010 to Regensburg went unanswered.

"Five times I telephoned the ordinariat, yet never spoke to the General Vicar, Michael Fuchs who is responsible for Liturgical Celebrations.

An April e-mail also went unanswered.

In the mean time Rauch wrote the 'Ecclesia Dei' commission again. He wants to be informed of the shikanery and obstacles in the situation of the old Mass, with which the traditionalists of the Diocese of Regensurg have been comfronted.

Rauch told the facts: "a Bishop who breaks his word; a General Vicar who let it be disavowed -- monstrous.

According to the provisions of canon law a Bishop who is no longer obedient to the Pope is owed no obedience.

Original: http://www.kreuz.net/article.11563.html
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Priest's Life Story Inspires Conversion

Lima, Peru, (CNA/EWTN News) - The director of "The Last Summit," the documentary about the life of the Spanish priest and mountaineer, Fr. Pablo Dominguez, gave an interview to CNA's sister news agency, ACI Prensa, in which he reflected on the reasons for the success of his movie. He confirmed that negotiations are under way for the film to be screened in Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.

For Cotelo, the overwhelming response of the film's numerous viewers –many of whom are reporting how the movie caused them to have a conversion- "owes itself to the magnetism God has on any person.""If Fr. Pablo's story is attractive," the filmmaker said, "it's because the love of his life also is.

The protagonist in Fr. Pablo's story, and of the movie, is God. Among all the famous actors and actresses in the world, there isn't a protagonist more attractive and attracting than God."

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=102818
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Priest Says There's Excitement Ahead of Pope's England Visit

LONDON, ENGLAND, Jul 21, 2010 (CNA).- A priest in England's Catholic Diocese of Clifton says the upcoming papal visit has caused "great excitement" among those in the diocese, especially as more than 4,000 of its people will be able to see and hear Pope Benedict XVI. He also noted a "growing awareness" about how unique the beatification of Cardinal Newman will be.

http://m.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=20325
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W Million Prayers for Pope Benedict

MANASSAS, Virginia, JULY 20, 2010 (Zenit.org).- A "spiritual bouquet" campaign collected more than 1 million prayers for Benedict XVI, which have been delivered to the Vatican, according to the apostolic nuncio in the United States.

The spiritual bouquet -- a pledge to offer a certain number of prayers for a specified intention -- was sponsored by the Cardinal Newman Society.

http://www.zenit.org/article-29948?l=english
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Muslims Murder Christians Found Not Guilty of Blasphemy in Pakistan

[Catholic Culture] Two Pakistani Christians acquitted of blasphemy charges were murdered on July 19 as they left the courthouse.

A police officer who accompanied them was injured in the attack. Rashid Emmanuel and his brother, Sajid Emmanuel, had been arrested on July 4 after pamphlets critical of the Mohammed had been distributed. The brothers had grown up in a Catholic family; Rashid had recently become a Protestant pastor.

Following the murder of the brothers, some Christians took to the streets in grief and anger. "Emotional tension was high, there was some shouting, stone throwing against Muslim shops," said Father Khalid Rashid Asi, vicar general of the Diocese of Faisalabad, Pakistan's third largest city.

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=6964
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USCCB Addresses Social Media

By Mark PattisonCatholic News ServiceWASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a set of guidelines for using social media, especially as social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter continue to gain in popularity."Social media are the fastest growing form of communication in the United States, especially among youth and young adults," the guidelines say. "Our church cannot ignore it, but at the same time we must engage social media in a manner that is safe, responsible and civil.""My hope is that they'll be a useful resource to people, especially to dioceses and parishes that are interested in using social media," said Helen Osman, USCCB secretary for communications, in a July 19 interview with Catholic News Service.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1002979.htm
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Pope in Danger from Muslims in England

by Matthew Archbold Monday, July 19, 2010

[NCR] I've been saying recently that Pope Benedict XVI is heading into enemy territory in "Post-Christian" England.

Sadly, I may be more right than I imagined. A member of British Parliament says he fears violence at an open air mass with Pope Benedict XVI after an Islamic publication called Muslims to attend the Mass to convert Catholics and "tell the Pope in no uncertain terms what Muslims think of his evil slanders against the last Prophet of God and his message."

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/is-the-pope-in-danger/
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Vienese Pastor Auctions Confessional on E-Bay

According to Kath.net a Vienese Pastor wants to auction off his confessional on e-bay. The pastor wrote, "a buyer could make it into a play-house for children, for a personal sauna or even build a bar".


The communications office of the Archdiocese of Vienna says that the sale of these objects is not accebtible.


Kath.net says the offer has been stopped, but you can still make an offer on it. One of the last offers, says kath.net was for 666,66 €.


As one commentor said, "these confessionals are beatiful, who could be so tasteless.".


The pastor maintains that he has "rennovated" his confessionals and has built a conference room which will no doubt reflect his minimalist approach to aesthetics, if his comments about what to do with this confessional are any indication.

http://www.kath.net/detail.php?id=27443

http://wap.ebay.at/Pages/ViewItem.aspx?aid=270609336090&ebayref=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.at%3A80%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D270609336090%26autoredirect%3Doff&sflag=1


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Poles Greet Homosexuals with Hurled Bottles and Eggs

Editor: 93% of Poles think homosexuals shoulkd not adopt children. Perhaps we shouldn't be imposing decadent liberal culture on the pristine Polish way of life?


[Asianews] About 2,000 police officers, some clad in riot gear, were on hand to provide security. Eight people were detained for attacking police officers, reports said.

People trying to block the parade hurled eggs and bottles at the marchers and Catholic groups distributed pamphlets to parade-goers with an image of Jesus Christ saying: "I have not come to condemn but to redeem.
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Patriarch Kyrill Says Pope Gives Cause for Hope

Edit: there were many years when the Moscow Patriarchate was in union with Rome when Constantinople wasn't. Now it is the Patriarch who gives cause for hope.


**Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kyrill I. praised the Pope and spoke of the "complete agreement" of the Catholic and Orthodox Church in many public and moral questions: the Pope gives reason for hope.**

Kiev/Moscow (kath.net/KNA) The Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kyrill I praised Pope Benedict because of his moral values. The bearing of this Pope "gives us reasons for optimism", said the Moscow Patriarch on Monday.

The "complete agreement" of the Catholic and Orthodox churches in many public moral questions enables them to work together in making Christian values strong, especially in international organizations.

Kyrill I also mentioned that in the Catholic Church in the later half of the 20th Century has seen reinforced liberal tendencies which give the Orthodox Church cause for concern. So, Benedict XVI. is frequently criticized by liberal theologians, but also by the Western media. The Patriarch also dubbed the Protestant stance on homosexuality as "very dangerous". "Sinful elements" are given entrance, he said. To this Kyril also criticized the women's ordination practiced in Lutheran circles.

The interview with Kyrill I. was released at an all Ukrainian TV-broadcast in the run-up to his Partriarchal visit to the country on the 20th to the 28th of July.

(C) 2010 KNA Katholische Nachrichten-Agentur GmbH. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
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Swiss Bishop Gets Local Church Out of "Gay Pride"

Editor: what, a Swiss Bishop setting himself up for the hatred of the world?

<I> The Catholic Church bans the participation in "Zurich Pride" - Liturgy - Zurich Canton Church had even participated in the organization commitee of the homosexual parade and even supported it financially.</i>

(Kathnet, Chur) The Catholic Church has participated in the so-called "Zurich Pride" in the past - services are banned as the "Tagesanzeiger" reported. Auxiliary Bishop Eleganti defended his decision with the argument, that the Church must be concerned about what message it wants to deliver.

It could hardly support the cause of the CSD (Christopher Street Day) annual gay pride festival. What will not be effected is "the spiritual outreach to the individual Homosexual". +Eleganti holds the view of seeking to engage the effected persons in discussion.

It is clear that the Roman Catholic Church had ignored the questionable activities of the Zurich Canton Church, which would openly and benevolently accompany the gay event and has even supported it financially for two years. [How'd you like your parish supporting these things? It just might, you know]

Already in 2004 the Catholic (!) Church Community of Peter and Paul participated in the organization commitee of the CSD-association where it appointed Vicar Martin Stewen. Via Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti this event has been STOPPED and Vicar Stewen has reluctantly removed himself from the commitee. His opinion was that this will have been, a lost "a pastoral chance" for the Church in Canton Zurich . "For the loss to the Church is greater than for the gay and lesbian scene," said Stewen.

More humorously in this context is government official Markus Notter's appearance at the CSD-Liturgy, where he hoped the next speaker for the coming year would be a Bishop who'd have the courage to "speak at Zurich Pride".

Original:
http://www.kath.net/detail.php?id=27418
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