Basilica of Nursia: Winning Back the Presbyterium for the Old Rite

(Norcia) The photo gallery shows the gradual rebuilding of the chancel of the Basilica of Nursia, which has been supervised by the revived Benedictine Abbey since 2001. The American Benedictine Dom Cassiano Folsom, realized the re-establishment of a monastery twelve years before in the Abbey birthplace of monastic Father Benedict of Nursia and his sister, Saint Scholastica. The monastic life was strangled there in 1810 by Napoleonic legislation. In 2000 the Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia offered an invitation to Cassiano cathedral, to resume the Benedictine tradition in the central Italian city.

The Benedictine convent is biritual. Internal monastery only maintains the traditional rite, while for the pastoral care the Novus Ordo is celebrated. The request of the abbey to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, to celebrate the Holy Mass in Utroque Usu was approved in 2009. The Benedictines of Norcia emphasize a liturgical apostolate in the Old Rite.

The Benedictines currently live in Nursia, where they are plagued by lack of space. Therefore, they work on gradual reconstruction of ancient monastery ruins outside of Nursia, which will house the abbey in future.

The Benedictines of Norcia have worthily transformed the presbytery, despite only modest resources that are available to them. The first picture shows the presbytery of the basilica after the liturgical reform. The second picture shows the first stage of the liturgical restoration at the solemn vows of a monk. The direction of celebration was changed to ad Deum. The third picture shows the second stage of the liturgical restoration of the the extension of the chancel and nave, with ceremonial vestments, showing the facing the apse, and altar in the direction of celebration ad Deum, apsewards towards the rear wall, which was also redesigned solemnly. The picture was taken at the solemn profession of two monks from the monastic community was celebrated this past 3rd of August.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi Bild: Messa in Latino Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMGD

Website of the Cloister.

Churches Are Burning in Lower Saxony: Where's the Outcry?

It is time for clear words in the national and free churches says "idea" chief editor. Ein Gastkommentar von Wolfgang Polzer.


Niedersachsen (kath.net/www.idea.de) Three Evangelical Churches were burned within a month in Lower Saxony. Were they mosques or synagogues - God forbid - The outcry in the world and abroad would have been great. But it remains comparatively quiet, why?


Arson is No Game

In the night of the 30th of July the Lutheran Church of Willehadi in Garbsen in Hannover almost completely burned down, on the 5th of August the door of the Reformed Church Community in Hammeln was in flames, and on the 31st of August the Baptist Friedenskirche Braunschweig was heavily damaged by arson.

In all of the cases there are no suspects; and for that reason no over hasty incriminations. Church authorities have maintained that the arsonists were young rowdies, who are engaging in fun of a dubious kind. Then there were an increasingly large number of cases of arson: baby carriages and garbage cans are bursting into flames. In Garbsen two youth bands are making the „Auf der Horst“ neighborhood unsafe. That's not fun.

Religious Freedom Threatened

It's not possible to have eyes closed to all concerns about social cooperation, threatened by a burgeoning of violence and of rowdiness among the youth with "immigrant mentalities", to be indifferent as to what orientation, or what religious background they possess. Thus it's concerning above all then, that extreme rightist a cook their brown soup over the flames of churches: now it's happening in the open.

The National and Free Churches in Lower Saxony should make a statement. Because here the buildings are not only badly damaged, but also religious freedom.

We must not permit in Germany that Christians, Jews , Muslims or the adherents of other religions, should have their places of prayer protected by the police as it unfortunately the case is, for example in Egypt, Nigeria or Indonesia.

http://kath.net/news/42713

Murder Plot Against Pope Francis? The Mad World of Paul Zulehner and the Austrian Media

Pope Zulehner

(Vienna) A neutral statement of the interview appointed new Secretary of State of the Holy See, Monsignor Pietro Parolin, should trigger a new celibacy debate. At least, it is desired in progressive Church circles. The Austrian pastoral theologian Paul Zulehner is sure that Pope Francis wants to abolish priestly celibacy and hopes that the Pope is not killed before he can by his enemies. In the tangled, cabaret plot world of Zulehner the possible perpetrators are also certain: There are, of course, "conservatives".

Two days ago an interview took place with the future Secretary of State of the Holy See, Monsignor Pietro Parolin. Compared to a business newspaper in Caracas, Venezuela, where Parolin is currently still Apostolic Nuncio, the Archbishop appointed number two in the Vatican Curia by Pope Francis, said that the priest celibacy was "no dogma". Which is really no stretch. The need for a purely "formal-technical" response to Parolin is controversial. The new Secretary of State responded to a question from journalists, including several inquiries, but without expressing a personal opinion. Numerous media made of it a sensationalist presentation of readiness for the abolition of celibacy. An intention which can not be seen from Parolin's words like that, but grist to the mill for progressive Church circles that are promoted by the mass media of the unchurched with special fondness. Celibacy is an eyesore to the world.

ORF and verbeamteter churches Definer Zulehner play each other for the ball

Various "tenured" Church officials with progressive soundbites immediately jumped on the media train. In an especially colorful way, it was motivated by the Austrian pastoral theologian, Paul Zulehner. The priest and university professor emeritus, who was from 2000 to 2007 Dean of the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Vienna, is not representative of the Catholic Church, but so aptly represents the state of the Catholic Church in Austria. This also means that in questions about Church, Zulehner is a permanent resident in the ORF [Formerly Reichsender Radio during WWII]. Through his glasses, he explains for Austrian state radio to the Austrians, how things should run in the Church.

Since the wish is father to the thought, and the desire surprising celibacy abolition is also in the ORF religion Editorial little, was promptly re Paul Zulehner asked by the ORF into the studio to tell the Austrian public, what used to think it about celibacy.

Zulehner has reliably fulfilled all expectations and more. In the words Parolins himself gave, the pastoral theologian is "optimistic" that priestly celibacy could fall soon. He assumed the new Secretary of State, who had personally expressed no opinion, just that he would actually loosen celibacy. But that's not enough, he transferred from Parolin, a desire easily subordinated to Pope Francis. The time is "ripe to consider the abolition of celibacy for Catholic priests," said Zulehner, who wants to say something out of his mouth, that the priestly celibacy should have been abolished long ago. Zulehner's position is already known on that.

Zulehner's Antipathy to Celibacy is Nothing New - So He Adds an Assassination Plot

So, if there nothing new under the sun, not even for all the opponents of celibacy, Zulehner was best permitted by ORF to give his opinion, and not a defender of celibacy, and thus the official Church teaching and discipline.

But in order to secure, despite his too-familiar position on celibacy, Zulehner has to put some attention on a log. And pretty brazen at that. Pope Francis would fundamentally reform the church and finally eliminate just like the priest celibacy. Zulehner hopes that the Pope will push through his reform plans, which of course the pastoral theologian is pretending to know exactly, but only he, because the Pope has made known no specific "reform plans". Not all. Because of the alleged intention to eliminate celibacy, he, Zulehner, has fears for the Pope. The pastoral theologian said he hopes that Pope Francis would not previously killed by his opponents.

The Invention of a Rumor - Mythical Applause for a "Different" Church Zulehner literally told ORF Vorarlberg: "Some people also fear that the Conservatives are too many and that some also considering to kill him [the Pope]. There are such rumors. "Rumors, which of course in turn, only Zulehner knows. In other words, ORF viewers were witnesses as a rumor was invented and brought into the world.

The ORF also interviewed the head of pastoral care for the diocese of Feldkirch (Vorarlberg), Walter Schmolly, who applauded the abolition of priestly celibacy, who was "delighted" by Archbishop Parolin's utterance. He also mentioned the lack of priests and celibacy debate in one breath, as there is a "need" to lift priestly celibacy and as could be that the lack of priests, the expression of a far deeper crisis, namely a crisis of faith and radical demographic shifts is to be "structurally" solved.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Kreuzgang.org
Trans: Tancred AMGD

Bishop Tobin a Bit Disappointed in Pope Francis

Edit: we thought this was worth mentioning:

What was your reaction when you saw Pope Francis stop the Popemobile in the middle of St. Peter’s Square earlier this year, lifting up above the crowd young Dominic Gondreau, the disabled son of Providence College theology professor Dr. Paul Gondreau, so that he could pray over the child?

Obviously it was a very blessed moment for Dominic himself and for the whole Gondreau family, and through them for our whole diocesan church. We were truly blessed that day that the Holy Father reached out and touched and embraced a member of our flock. It was a great moment and a great blessing. The other thing I want to say though, is that I’m a little bit disappointed in Pope Francis that he hasn’t, at least that I’m aware of, said much about unborn children, about abortion, and many people have noticed that. I think it would be very helpful if Pope Francis would address more directly the evil of abortion and to encourage those who are involved in the pro-life movement. It’s one thing for him to reach out and embrace and kiss little children and infants as he has on many occasions. It strikes me that it would also be wonderful if in a spiritual way he would reach out and embrace and kiss unborn children.

Link...

H/t: Katholisches....

There's no Absolute Truth? -- Misunderstood Papal Letter to Atheist Eugenio Scalfari

Edit: one thought is that a journalist who writes as sensitively and perceptively, if evilly, about the Church as Scalfari has,  ought to  have appreciated the Pope’s attempt at word play, but he’s not interested in making the Church look good.  In fact, anyone this many says good things about is very suspect indeed.

(Rome) Pope Francis has written a letter to the former chief editor of the left-liberal daily La Repubblica and leading Italian journalist, Eugenio Scalfari. Scalfari, who comes from an old Masonic family, co-founded the Radical Party , is an atheist, a vociferous opponent of the Church, senator for life and one of the principal propagandists of Italian referendums of the 70s with which divorce and abortion were legalized. The initiative of the Pope is therefore exceptional, in need of explanation and partially controversial.

Statements like the enthusiastic media reports have made easily digested conclusions on their own. So even wrote about the Italian Catholic daily Avvenire: "'God forgives, who follows his own conscience.' Pope Francis wrotes in a letter to the newspaper Repubblica, in response to two articles by Eugenio Scalfari that were published on the 7th of July and 7th of August. The Pope responded in a letter to two key issues that had Scalfari raised: 'it seems to me that it is on your mind, to understand the position of the Church to those who do not share faith of Jesus. Above all, you wonder if the Christian God forgives those who don't believe, and don't seek the faith. It is said that, and this is fundamental, that the mercy of God knows no bounds. The question for those who do not believe in God, is in obedience to their conscience. The sin exists also for the one who has no faith, if you act against your conscience."

New healing formula: God will save the atheists who follow their conscience?

The statement may not be so wrong, and really left uncontested, fits. But what does not fit, is the unspoken, but the logical conclusion: There is no need to turn to Christ, it is sufficient that one follows his private conscience. And now you can even invoke a pope. Yes, the Pope says it himself.

Thus, the saving act of Christ on the cross is diminished, if not meaningless, which should change and determine the whole life of the people and should really be proclaimed by the Church to all people. Here, the papal letter to Scalfari contains many bright moments on the relationship with Christ, which completely recalls Pope Benedict XVI. The relativization of conversion as a requirement for salvation is strange to the German Pope, however, strange and rather reminiscent of the new Bergoglio style that appeals to the media like that. The media reactions speak for themselves.

The new salvation formula is: God will save the atheists who follow their conscience? Because Christ doesn't play a role.

On Wednesday morning, the Pope said, but in his short sermon, the message of St. Paul was: "Christ is all," he is the wholeness and hope, "because He is the bridegroom, the victor".

And in the Wednesday audience with the Pope, he said: "In baptism, we are born of the Church as God's children." And urged the faithful to be "fruitful" so that the faith as "the light of Christ reaches all the ends of the earth."

Not a contradiction?

Etymological correctness with danger of a misunderstanding - that occurred promptly

Another point of the Pope's letter was picked up by various media with satisfaction: The Pope is supposed to have written to Scalfari that there is no "absolute truth". This is *not* what the Pope wrote. However, the formulation used by the Pope gave rise to misunderstandings, the wich La Repubblica immediately exploited to portray the Pope himself as a proponent of relativism. The question of whether there is an absolute truth or not, is central to the Christian faith.

"Absolute" is most often used as a synonym for definitely non-negotiable objective and incomparable. Francis Pope clarified in the letter to Scalfari however, that he is correct in his etymological meaning, which comes from Latin, used in the statement that "the truth is not absolute".

The term "absolute" is derived from the Latin verb absolve from, absolvere, which is composed of the preposition ab (from) and is composed from the verb solvo (loosen), when put together the past participle is conjugated as solutus, and is a passive form. Absolutus thus means "detached, loosed from". The Latin verb solvo refers not only to a physical separation but is also in the context of a relationship, such as is understood by Nuova Bussola Quotidiana. [Catholic Daily with Vittorio Messori and Andrea Tornielli] This makes that passage in the Pope's letter to Scalfari more understandable:

I would not even begin to speak of an "absolute truth" with those who believe, in the sense that this absolute is what is loosed, what is without that relationship. The truth, according to Christian faith is but God's love for us in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the truth is a relationship! [Note: It differs a bit from Rorate's translation. ]

 The truth is not "absolute", not because it is relative, but because it is a relationship and therefore needs bonds: the love of God, and his life in the reality of the Church.

The question of the usefulness of this word game of the Pope remains. The danger of a misunderstanding from the outset was on hand. Why, then, was this risk taken, which occurred promptly, as it was used, to the euphoria of La Repubblica, and in whose wake numerous other media? So who has availed themselves of etymological "correctitude"? Whose salvation should this benefit? How much additional confusion has been lent to it without necessity?

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Nuova Bussola Quotidiana
 Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
 AMGD

Conscience Instead of Penance? Who is the Atheist Eugenio Scalfari, Whom Pope Francis Wrote?

Eugenio Scalfari is former editor of the left-liberal daily, La Repubblica , who comes from an old Masonic Family, is presented by the Catholic Culture and art critic Francesco Colafemmina apposite quotes from various articles about Pope Benedict XVI.. They provide a good overview of Scalfaris' relationship to the Church, which he only perceives as an institution, with the question as to whether it exerts influence for or against his Masonic sense, while he himself is devoid of faith.

Whenever possible, Scalfari, who was and is a senator, was awarded by the Left Democratic president with the honor of a senator for life, he engages on the forefront against the Church. Pope Francis wrote him a lengthy letter exciting letter, but it contains some doubtful passages. See the post there is no absolute truth? Misunderstood letter from Pope to Eugenio Scalfari and atheists. (Coming up)

Scalfari? Who?

by Francesco Colafemmina

That one, yes exactly that Eugenio Scalfari who wrote on the 2nd December 2007 in Repubblica:

Benedict XVI. does not like relativism and that is understandable for someone who manages the absolute truth (namely his). There is nothing to say to that. Sure, the Church frequently changes her mind about sin and sinners. That is human. If you read her story, you realize that she too is immersed in relativism. This too is human.

.

Not satisfied with this superficial judgment, he expanded his comment on the 13th of January 2008 as always in Repubblica :

Apart from the obvious political and cultural insubstantiality of Pope Ratzinger, who is behaving since Regensburg today as a pupil of this or that dignitaries of his court, where he directs the rudder according to the suggestions that are given to him by those who he just consults from time to time, there is in the Church and among Catholic laity, more than ever, a deep unease. The Church of Benedict XVI., but also that of John Paul II, doesn't just work to come into line with the modern culture and modern society. That is the real issue, which should provide all those concerned with the relations engaged between the ecclesiastical society and secular society in the early 21st Century.

On the 22nd of October, 2009 in the journal Espresso he expressed himself again:

The popes also represent a phenomenon in themselves. They were very great, mediocre, vicious and exemplary. I think the last ones were John XXIII., Paul VI. and Pope Wojtyla. The current [Benedict XVI.] is a moderate theologian who can mourn his predecessors.

And on the 22nd of April, 2010 also in Espresso he makes the following considerations:

The Second Vatican Council represented the extreme attempt to consider the Christian message as a leaven, which is implanted into modern society, according to a pluralist conception of society that preserves the dignity of the people regardless of their religious beliefs. The rights and obligations of the person, his liberty, his responsibility, the moral root, the charity as opposed to selfishness and the will to power. This vision provided the hierarchy and the primacy of the institution in question. Therefore, the Second Vatican Council was initially slowed and then reinterpreted. The bishops were returned to the hierarchy, restored the balance in a sign of continuity. The five years of Benedict XVI. has been this important. The scandal of pedophile priests was appreciated by the Pope, addressed, albeit in belated severity, but he did not address the fundamental issue and has not asked the key question: Is the church the place where the message of Christ is applied or is it the institution managed on behalf of the power of the hierarchy?

On the 27th of May, 2012 he finally delivered his most definitive blow in Repubblica:

Benedict XVI. is not a great pope, though not lacking in intelligence and education. He is not an actor, but rather the opposite. Wojtyla had a great wardrobe because everything looked great on him. The wardrobe of Ratzinger, however, is campy, because the Pope is even campy, how he dresses, how he speaks, how he goes. He writes well, already, his books about Christ are read, his encyclicals are not without holes and also some of his speeches. His reassessment of Luther was surprising and some hope of progress toward modernity are contradicted by his operating decisions, of his removal of Sodano from Secretary of State and Bertone's appointment: from mediocre to bad. Bertone: is a Ruini without the intelligence and flexibility of the former vicar and former president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. The hierarchy has again become powerful, but broken into many pieces. Ecumenism is now a prematurely wilted flower. Benedict XVI. has again completely excavated the scholasticism of Thomas Aquinas with many greetings to Origen, Anselm of Canterbury and Bernard. Augustine seemed one of Ratzinger's ideals, but which Augustine? The Manichaeans, the coadjutor of Ambrose, or the author of the Confessions? Augustine was in a lot, even for Calvin, to Jansenism and Pascal. If he really wants to say something up to date, Pope Ratzinger would then initiate the beatification of Pascal, but I am aware that in the world of Bertone, the Roman Curia and the current congregations, that would really be a radical gesture towards modernity. They will never do it. The campy pontificate will continue as long as it can, but then there won't be a deluge, but a rain over a marsh full of frogs, mosquitoes and some wild ducks.

Finally, he cheered on the 17th of February after Benedict XVI. had announced his resignation:

And finally, the process of secularization of the entire West, and especially Europe and North America. None of these problems was solved by Benedict and that is the real reason that has led him to his sensational resignation. This decision has violated the sacredness of the office, it has exposed the lobbying nature of the hierarchy and has weakened the role of the Pope and strengthened those of the Conciliar Church. The Council will, from now on, be the highest authority, the conversation with modernity is likely to revive a church as a minority, which represents fewer plastered dogmas in ethics.

Text: Fides et Forma / Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Fides et Forma
Translation: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...

Will Pope Francis Announce the Naming of New Cardinals on September 30th?

(Rome) For the 30th of September, the first ordinary consistory of Pope Francis’ pontificate will be convened. The subject will include the canonization of Pope John XXIII and John Paul II. and the announcement of the exact dates for the canonization will be expected. On this occasion the Pope could also announce the convening of his first extraordinary Consistory for the creation of new cardinals. This is at least what the Spanish Catholic Church Historian and blogger Francisco de la Cigoña says at the suggestion of Vatican sources.

Currently, nine seats are vacant in the College of Cardinals. On the 24th of September, there are ten, on the 19th of October eleven and there will be 12 on the 25th of December. On these days the Cardinals Raffaele Farina (Italy, 2007-2012 archivist and librarian of Holy Roman Church), Geraldo Agnelo (Brazil, 1999-2011 Archbishop of São Salvador da Bahia) and Joachim Meisner (Germany, since 1989 Archbishop of Cologne) will reach their 80th birthday and will cease to be active papal electors. Apart from this, the Pope could also temporarily exceed the number the number of 120 electoral cardinals, should he not be so eager to plan another consistory, or of course to continue expanding number.

On the future of the Cardinals who are in first place, is the recently appointed new Secretary Curia of Pope Francis Archbishop Pietro Parolin and the Prefect of the Congregation, Archbishop Curia Gerhard Ludwig Müller, appointed early July of 2012 by Pope Benedict.

Among the contenders for the Cardinalatial Purple are included, subject to surprises, also Archbishop Mario Aurelio of Buenos Aires, whom Pope Francis appointed after 15 days of his election as his successor in Argentina,. Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati Andrello SDB of Santiago de Chile (was appointed by Benedict XVI in 2010 ). Patriarch Francesco Moraglia of Venice (was appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012); Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul (appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012).

Archbishop Jose Horacio Gomez of Los Angeles (appointed by Benedict XVI in 2011). However, his predecessor, Cardinal Roger Mahony will be in effect until the 27 of February 2016; Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard of Mechelen-Brussels (Appointed by Benedict XVI in 2010), who in the last two extraordinary consistories of Benedict XVI. was excluded because his predecessor Cardinal Godfried Danneels only celebrated his 80th birthday on the 4th of June. In accordance with church practice only one member of the College of Cardinals can be the Metropolitan Archbishop of the same district.

Other contenders are Archbishop Vincent Nicholas of Westminister (appointed by Benedict XVI. in 2009); Patriarch Manuel Jose Macario do Nascimento Clemente of Lisbon (appointed by Francis in 2013), but his predecessor Cardinal Jose da Cruz Policarpo reaches his 80th birthday on the 26th of February 2016; OCist Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro (appointed by Benedict XVI. in 2009); Cesare Nosiglia, Archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Severino Poletto is his predecessor and reached 80 this on the last 18th of March (appointed by Benedict XVI in 2010.) and he was just still able to attend the conclave.

Other p;ossible contenders for the cardinal's hat are also Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmadjo from Jakarta (appointed by Benedict XVI. in 2010), although his predecessor Juliua Cardinal Darmaatmadja SJ only reached his 80th birthday on the 20th of December, 2014; Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput, OFM Cap, again with the caveat that his predecessor, Cardinal Justin Rigali won’t turn 80 until the 19th of April, 2015. (appointed by Benedict XVI in 2011.) leaves the circle of papal electors.

Of the Eastern Churches united with Rome, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church whose predecessor Ljubomyr Cardinal Husar last considered Cardinal candidate, turned 80 in February, two days before the entry into force of the vacancy and is therefore no longer allowed to participate in the conclave. Likewise, patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak of Alexandria, head of the Coptic Catholic Church, whose predecessor Cardinal Antonios Naguib, however, resigns only on the 7th of March, 2015 as an active elector.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: La cigüeña de la torre
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

330th Anniversary of the Battle of Vienna

Jan Sobieski III

Edit: there may be a lot of Turks in Vienna today, but at least there aren’t any crescents on top of the Stepensdom as there might have been had the Turks been victorious.

An allied army of Germans and Poles had saved Europe from the Mohammedans  on the back of a Protestant Revolt in Hungary.

Many concerned officials these days want to remove references to this glorious defeat of the Turk from history books in the city where these events occurred, and the battle continues.  It’s the other 9/11.

I Stand in Support of Father Ray Blake

Link to Father Ray Blake's Time to Keep Silent...

That's the last thing he should be doing, we expect.

"Many Come to the Society of St. Pius X, Demoralized and Shocked by Modern Seminaries"

(Rome) "Our pre-seminary accepts many former diocesan seminarians, who are demoralized and shocked by the modern seminaries," said the Italian District Superior of the Fraternity of St. Pius X , Father Pierpaolo Petrucci in an interview for the Italian website of the SSPX. In the interview he points out that at the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum new contacts between the diocesan clergy and the SSPX have emerged. The experience of former diocesan seminarians confirms a critical situation in not a few diocesan seminaries, the young men who feel called to a vocation to go to SSPX or other communities of tradition.

The Italian district seat in Albano Laziale in Rome has established a Pre-Seminary with the academic year 2012/2013. The second course of the pre-seminary begins on the 1st of October. "The first year of Pre-Seminary was very positive," said Father Petrucci. "For the new year we have an even larger number of requests."

As the objectives of the Pre-Seminary is described by the Italian District Superior: "to consider the appointment of the young contender in the first place, but also those who are discovered to be unsuitable for the priesthood, to offer a Christian, theological and spiritual formation to them, without injecting doubt in every moment of life, is thought to be useful. Indeed, it is important that future heads of families will be militant Christians and fighters for the social kingdom of Our Lord Jesus."

Of the daily routine in the Pre-Seminary, the District Superior said, "In the morning are lectures on the Christian doctrine, the introduction to philosophy and theology, principles of Catholic liturgy and spirituality, as well as the Magisterium of the Popes are taught. This study allows us to explain in particular the position of the SSPX in the current crisis in the Church, a position that coincides with that of the constant Magisterium until the Second Vatican Council. The afternoon is devoted to personal study in addition to manual work. There are also visits to the city of Rome. Communal prayer of some parts of the Divine Office and the Rosary determine the rhythm of the days that are geared towards the celebration of the Holy Mass."

The men who are to be admitted to the Pre-Seminary come from other seminaries or directly to the Brotherhood, says Father Petrucci: "I would say that there are both: some young men are demoralized and shocked by previous negative experiences. Others who are aware of the situation prevailing in modern seminaries, contact us directly and ask for a traditional education. Those who are interested in attending these courses can contact our priories in any case, particularly that of Albano."

Contrary to popular prejudice, the SSPX entertains, perhaps more in Italy than in other countries, contacts with the diocesan clergy and also with some bishops. "We are basically trying to establish contacts with the priests, pastors and also with the bishops," said the District Superior of Italy. "We regularly organize meetings and retreats for priests. Even if the positions do not match, we never refuse an open confrontation to make our position better understood. It is true, moreover, that since the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum was issued, many Italian priests have taken up the celebration of the traditional Rite. These have approached the Society in great numbers and asked us for texts, missals and education in the liturgy and the Doctrine of the Faith. The celebration of the traditional Mass is very often the first step to approach the healthy theology and so to recognize the profound crisis that the Church is going through today."

When asked what the church would need in the current situation most urgently, the Italian Superior, Father Pierpaolo Petrucci, said: "I think the Church needs courageous Church leaders who are animated by a supernatural spirit and in the light of faith, live the unalterable doctrine and have the courage to speak out with clarity the errors of the modern world. Think of the terrible gay marriage law recently adopted in France. The hierarchy has had to go through this event in almost complete silence. Only the traditionalists were mobilized with great effort."

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Unavox.it
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Link to katholisches...

Leader of the Dissidents Appointed General Secretary of the Franciscans of the Immaculate

(Rome) The Apostolic Commissioner for the Franciscans of the Immaculate has appointed Father Alfonso Bruno as the new Secretary General of the Order. With this he has completed the first step toward rebuilding the traditional Order, as the historian Roberto de Mattei feared he would, as the decision of the Congregation of Religion became known to the faithful and growing Order placed under the coming under provisional administration.

Father Fidenzio Volpi, OFM Cap was the Commissioner appointed by the Holy See, with the sole power of decision, made Father Alfonso Bruno to his right hand and highest representative of the Order on the 5th of September. The new Secretary General immediately sent a statement to all the brothers of the Order, as he announced himself, that it is the responsibility of the Secretary, the Commissioner to help "the members of the Order and to the outside" help, "to handle all correspondence sent by the Apostolic Commissione, to publish all of the minutes of meetings set by the Apostolic Commissioner, to manage the General Archives of the Order and to update the statistics. The General Secretary shall act as the sole spokesman of the Order during the period of provisional administration."

The Neapolitan Father Alfonso Bruno is 44 years old. Until July 2013, he was the head of the media office of the Order and was mainly related to some incidents there. He was responsible of his website of the Order Mediatrice.net which published some dubious articles by Mario Castellano, where it praised the government of Mario Monti and the Eurokratenstaat EU. The same Castellano is close to Father Bruno, was known elsewhere through his articles in favor of Islam and for the construction of mosques in Europe.

While the Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception actively supported March for Life in Italy and marched in it as an Order, Mediatrice.net was deathly silent in both 2012 and 2013.

The website recently published an exuberant praise of the Jesuit Paolo Dall'Oglio, who was kidnapped on 27 July 2013 by Islamists in Syria. Dall'Oglio, was murdered by Jihadists according to the report of an Arabic website on the 12th of August, but could be neither officially confirmed nor denounced accordingly, was active until his abduction in a dubious "inter-religious" role in Syria. First of all because of his self-confession as "Catholic and Muslim." Secondly, because of his call to the Syrian rebels to use chemical weapons against Assad's government soldiers.

Father Alfonso Bruno is Known for His Aversion to Traditional Catholics and the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

Father Bruno controls the Facebook page of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. There he mainly made known the fact that he himself gladly engaged in contradiction with the general attitude of the Order. Just as the provisional government of the Order was known, not a day went by without the media-savvy religious man to publish photos of himself in all possible variations from the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.

His aversion traditional Catholics is also known to be raised against the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the female religious branch, which he accused of an "intransigent" attitude. [I hope so.] It was he who,by misleading information to journalists, reported on the provisional government of the Order, which was known only to him, trying to steer in a certain direction against the Order's direction and against the Old Mass.

Father Alfonso Bruno is regarded as the real head of the then six-member dissident group who turned to the Congregation of Religious and then apparently was offered a welcome opportunity to intervene against the religious leadership. On 30 August, the most recent meeting between the Commissioner and the Apostolic Order took place with the displaced leadership. With the appointment of Father Alfonso Bruno as General Secretary and spokesman of the Order, it appears to be entering into what de Mattei predicted, that the Commissioner is according the antagonists of tradition in the Order and delivering the administration of the Order by the provisional government of the dissidents.

The leniency of the Founder with his ambitious pupil is taking a heavy toll. The picture shows Father Alfonso Bruno, who sat at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with Pope Francis. The change of pontificate seems to have delivered the decisive prerequisite for the action against the Order.

"The Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception, commencing with Father Manelli, run the risk of finding themselves outside of their Order," said Corrispondenza Romana.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi image: Facebook Franciscans of the Immaculate

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com AMGD Link to katholisches....

Pastor Karl Tropper -- An Exemplary Missionary and Shepherd from Austria

Sancta Ecclesia

On 25 August Rev. Mag. Karl Tropper departs on a well-earned retirement from the parish church of St. Veit am Vogau Place, from where he has worked an extraordinary benediction for over 30 years. St. Veit am Vorgau is a village in Austria in the Diocese of Graz. He was previously silenced and suspended for telling the truth about fornication and sins which should not even be discussed among Christians. Long may he live.

A Worthy Priest's Personality

In this ceremony, I like so many others again realized what this priest with a versatile personality has already done for our country and the Catholic Church.

Curriculum

Karl Tropper was born on 23 October, 1937 in Glojach and yet experienced the war, far from its front.

After attending the school and diocesan seminary in the period from 1948 to 1956, he studied from 1956 to 1961 at the Universities of Graz, Tübingen and Bonn.

His first job took him from 1961 to 1963 as chaplain to the village of Bad Walter and then up to the year 1968 as chaplain to Eibiswald and for one year after at Stainz.

After completion of the AHS certificate, he taught religion at a Gymnasium in Deutsclandberg, was then provisor in St. Ulrich in Greith and assistant chaplain in Stainz.

From 1971 to 1978 he also taught religion courses as a spiritual director at the diocesan Gymnasium, on which he devoted himself to the comprehensive education of his pupils, according to the testimony of former students and this was partly promoted accordingly through the donations of books.

Missionary and CSI

From 1971 to 1989 he worked as a mission consultant of the diocese and in the years 1975 and 1978 head of the office of CSI (Christian Solidarity International) Austria, which he co-founded.

This led to international contacts with bishops, mission priests and other senior figures such as Christa Meves, the couple Inge and Max Thürkauf, Josip Terelya from Ukraine, the chess grandmaster Ludek Pachman (the beginning of the 80's, he had already predicted the end of the Soviet Union ), Hansjörg Stückl Berger (founder of CSI) Sabatina James, Tatiana Goritschewa etc. to which he was also invited to give a series of interesting lectures in Styria, drew numerous participants across our borders.

Something of the greatness of this humble priest was hinted at by Tatiana Goritschewa when ended her visit to St. Vitus with this note: "This man has saved countless lives through his activities!"

From 1978-1981 he was spiritual director and rector of education at Maria Trost and in 1980 also the parish Provisor of Graz-Kroisbach.

Parish of St. Veit am Vogau

From 1 September 1981 to 1989, he worked as a "pastor" in the parish of St. Veit am Vogau and Gabersdorf. During this time he was also for three years provisor in Strasbourg / Styria.

With the acquisition of the now independent Parish in the meantime, of St. Veit / Vogau on the 1st of September, 1989 he has continued for two years as pastor in Gabersdorf and again in 2002, shortly as Provisor of Gabersdorf and Strasbourg.

During this time, not only were costly renovations carried out, for example on the old sonorous organ, but Pastor Tropper also paid attention to the "interior renovation" of his parishioners. To this end, not only several parish missions, retreats, etc., were carried out, but also the famous and very readable parish bulletin of St. Veit was published, with comments on current world affairs, encouraging discussion and reflection. For his closest collaborators, he wrote another letter involving extensive extra-theological training.

In addition to building the public library and casino at St. Vitus at Vogau, he also tried, by voluminous knowledgeable correspondence, to actively counteract the disintegration of the faith in the parish church.

For the children, the basket was always full with attractive reading in church.

That our pastor Tropper has a great sense of humor and zest for life, he proved not only with the publication of appealing and sophisticated parish carnival fliers but also with the introduction of the parish festival in Strasbourg and St. Vitus.

Youth as a Special Concern

Pastor Tropper was the one who always encouraged young people to participate in World Youth Days and Roman trips. To inspire young people to live in accordance with God's commandments, he organized TEEN - Star courses and sea stays at a house in Donja Klada in Croatia, which he had renovated, where the participating youth were served by faithful families.

Of particular concern to him was that he had at heart the young, he finally also provided them with the publication of a separate parish youth bulletin.

To counteract the generally high divorce rate, he visited the Family Congress in Vienna with interested couples, and he built bridges to the Schoenstatt Movement, which were gladly accepted. Thus, two family celebrations and countless family gatherings in the parish hall he organized. The result was that a great multitude parishioners visited the family Academy and trained as presenters.

After a serious mountain accident in which several young people were seriously injured from his parish and died, he offered a most blessed "Night Prayer".

Importance of confession

Pastor Tropper has presented to us this healing sacrament by his goodness and mercy in the confessional, and was often asked by traveling or Foreign priests in our parish for this service, not only before Mass but especially in the confessional. I could even see it in beaming faces of children, as well as he knew how to explain to the people, to take as often as possible the sacrament of penance as a blessing and deliverance.

All barriers and obstacles he turned over to the example of his Lord of All, like suffering, lonesomeness and sickness. For them he was available day and night. His concern for the sick led him to introduce additional consecrations of the Sacred Heart on First Fridays. So he came into the homes of the sick and could contribute much in this way to physical and emotional recovery.

He gave impetus to organize visits to seniors and in the process then resulted in a partnership with the Murauer seniors.

Through the organ renovation in 2002, he came up with the idea not only to perpetuate the recipes of St. Veit in a ring binder, but noted also funny and thoughtful events in writing.

The seniors were especially very grateful for the monthly care at home or in the village chapels, which he regularly came to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice for the village population.

These village chapels and Christian landmarks in the villages of his parish, he also asked to renovate and made a good example in the case of the newly built cemetery cross and the impressively designed stations of the cross behind the church.

Influence Across Borders

He was also one of the few pastors who have helped in the Yugoslav crisis, of affected poor priests with medicines and money.

For newly built parsonage Shega Arad in Romania, rebuilt 20 years before, he was a key driver, as well as for more than 10 years for the care of the parish Kolibe in Bosnia.

Another highlight was the dedication of the bell: "Mary, Queen of Families" after his serious illness in 2007. He expressed the view that Christianity is not only meant for him, solidarity and critical position in regard to society, but also to show the world the signs of a kind and benevolent God as well.
That may have been the impetus for the publication of a book with the title: "Christ Carrying the Cross ... the Unreadable Book", which can be obtained from him now.

Pastor Tropper always put emphasis on, had prepared for the Liturgy with much attention and love.

Attractive and valuable Music and beauty in the cultus was not a luxury, but for him it is participation in the glory of God.

He certainly was a missionary in a certain way.

He who so struggled to grasp the gospel more deeply simply could not remain silent or pretend as if it would touch the souls entrusted to him, his parishioners, to not really think about it.

He has always let his new knowledge in this field to come to let us participate in this ineffable mystery of God in a dignified manner.

In his sermons and petitions he often brought from far to then plant the central message like a seed in our hearts. He has not dodged the big questions about our future and our way of life, but always related specifically to the situation back to the pressing issues and concerns of his community.

And the people have taken along with them and then discussed at the Gasthaus, at the church and at home - and yes you can say in this way, the living Word of God left no one in our parish in the cold.

He has also found himself in the way of the cross following Jesus Christ.

Pray for this great priest, that he may remain with us for a long time with his example and his vast knowledge of the faith.

Discussions with him at any time.

Post by Anna Fellner , St. Veit am Vogau Link to kreuz.net...

Christians in Maalula Are Fleeing Muslims -- Jihadists Tear Crosses from Domes

Edit: what would have inspired men from all over Europe to take up the sword in one hand and a cross in another, today inspires Leftist politicos to join in on the looting and the day of  reckoning for Christians living in the Middle East.

(Damascus) The Christians of Maalula are on the run. From the only village in the world in which Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is spoken, the vast majority of Christians have fled. The town was devastated by the attack of Islamists. The jihadists began the systematic destruction of the building on behalf of the Free Syrian Army, which wants to move the U.S. President Barack Obama to bring the U.S. into the war. Of the 3,000 inhabitants only a few hundred have returned to the place of the attack to protect the homes from looters. The majority of Christians remain hidden. For great is the fear of the Islamist militias.

A priest of Maalula is quoted by Asianews quoted as saying: "This morning, the terrorists have torn the crosses from the domes of the St Sergius Monastery. This is an open declaration of war against the Christians. By the removal of the crosses they want to send an unmistakable message: Now you Christians get your turn, now anything can happen."

The priest reported that the Islamists wanted to penetrate some quarters on Thursday evening, but then withdrew again. "Our youth have defended the monasteries, churches and our homes. But they are not warriors, they are not trained, these are contrary to peace. That left only the flight. All flee Maalula, because there is no life here with Islamists. "

The priest criticized the Free Syrian Army. While these have always denied links to Al-Qaeda and even released on videos on Youtube that allegedly show their fighters in the defense of Christian churches. "These videos are just propaganda," said the priest. The only "free" in this army is the word in the name. "In reality, they threaten us Christians. You have always told us that your hour comes, we'll take care of you. And now they say your hour has come."

Maalula is a World Heritage Site according to Unesco. The town is located some 40 kilometers north of Damascus. The monasteries of the place are the destination of numerous pilgrims.

Text: Paix Liturgique / Giuseppe Nardi Image: Una Fides

Link to katholisches...

SSPX Organizes Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Pray for Persecuted Christians Throughout the World

(Fulda) On Saturday and Sunday, the 7th and 8th of September, the 10th National Pilgrimage of the German District of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X will take place. The Pilgrimage is traditionally carried to Fulda to celebrate the Traditional Rite of the Mass for the consecration of Germany to commemorate the Virgin Mary, which was completed in 1954 by the German bishops.

The theme of the pilgrimage in 2013, is the persecution of Christians. They prayed for their loyalty to the faith in difficult times and the persecuted Christians in the world. More than 100,000 Christians are killed for their faith each year.

The pilgrimage of the German national pilgrimage will begin on Saturday afternoon in front of the Stadtschloss City Palace with a Marian procession through the city. The two-day prayer meeting will again be held in the ballroom of the Old Orangery at Castle Garden, which belongs to the Maritim Hotel. On Saturday evening at 18:30 a solemn High Mass will be celebrated in the Traditional Rite. At night, the Catholic youth movement will keep a prayer vigil before the altar.

On Sunday, at 8 o' clock, a presentation by Norbert Clasen about persecution of Christians will take place: For Islamic Tolerance in Past and Present. At 9:30 a solemn High Mass will follow. The celebrant is the new German District Superior Father Firmin Udressy. The national pilgrimage will be concluded with the prayer of Consecration to Mar in which the Mother of God is beseeched to return Germany again to the Mother of God and Virgin Mary.

The National Pilgrimage is open to all Christians who are willing to support the concern. It is expected to have around 1000 participants from all over Germany.

Info: www.deutschlandweihe.de
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to katholisches....

AMGD

Vietnamese Police Crush Catholic Protest With Brutal Violence

Edit: here's the translation of Katholisches.  Usually, it's on Asianews, but since they haven't translated it into English yet, here it is:

(Hanoi) The Vietnamese police attacked a peaceful rally of Catholics in the parish of My yen. With batons, electric pulse weapons, tear gas and shots in the air with live ammunition, the Vietnamese police took action against several hundred Catholics who were demonstrating for the release of two parishioners. The two Catholics are in prison without charge since June. According to witnesses, it was one of the bloodiest and most brutal of anti-Christian police actions in recent years.

Several dozen Catholics were arrested. The number of injured is much higher. The seriously injured were taken to Hanoi. Several of them are in  serious condition. My Yen is in the province of Nghe An, a coastal area in the central north of the country.

According to pro-government state television on Wednesday the Catholics drew up in the wee hours of the church near the seat of the People's Committee of Nghi Phuonh in Nghi Loc District. They demanded the release of Ngo Van Khoi and Nguyen Van Hai. On the evening before about a 1,000 Catholics had been demonstrating for their release. The authorities had announced after numerous petitions of the parish, the release of the two Catholics, without any conditions. The two men are still in custody

Radio Free Asia reported, the police appeared in front of the parish church of My Yen firing warning shots to disperse and to intimidate the Catholics. As they would not retreat, "the police came beating with batons and electric batons on the demonstrators." One of the Redemptorist affiliated websites has published numerous photos of some of critically injured Catholics. Many have head injuries. According to witnesses, about 3,000 police officers and soldiers had been used against the Catholics. Doctors were prevented from coming to the aid of the injured.

The two Catholics, Ngo Van Khoi and Nguyen Van Hai had been arrested in June by a special command of the security forces. Since then they are in detention, without  officially being charged of a crime. The families were initially told that they were for "disturbing public order" and in security custody. >Since this "disorder" is said to have taken place, it has not been clarified.

Vietnam has resisted   demands for religious freedom  and continued repression. The security forces take action against bloggers, dissidents and human rights activists who are calling for the right to religious freedom.  In 2013 more than 40 human rights activists have been arrested for "crimes against the state".  The arrests are made on the basis of a provision that classifies general and vague human rights groups as "subversive". In January, 14 were Vietnamese, including several Catholics, were sentenced to long prison terms on charges of "attempting to overthrow the government. A judgment that has been branded by many human rights organizations as political despotism.

Text: Asianews/Giuseppe Nardi
Bild: Asianews

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Green Pedophile Cohn-Bendit Supports Invasion of Syria in Support of Jihadis

Self-professed child molester-literatur and chairman of the Green Party in the European Parliament, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, apparently wants to leave Syrian children to the mercy of Jihadis and U.S. terror bombing.

Christian Girl Martyred to Death in Syria [Image: Alertadigital] 

The War Pig Green Cohn-Bendit

He shared this with the publication known for its Nazi entanglements , in a conversation with"Spiegel".

The Green Daniel Cohn-Bendit is thus supporting the proposed cleansing in Syria by Barack Hussein Obama.

For this ethical [sic] cleansing, foreign terrorists, supported by the U.S. and its European satellite states Al-Qaeda will be included as allies.

The Syrian children will especially be affected. These are suddenly no longer the focus of the "Kinderfreunds" by Cohn-Bendit.

Syria's al-Qaeda-opposition

If it goes according to his will and that of Barack Hussein Obama,these foreign al-Qaeda terrorists who have already long been the "opposition" in Syria, will dedicate the land to allah, recognize sharia including the stoning ritual.

Thus the sexual revolution envisaged by the Greens for Syria, is then probably that raped women are to be stoned by men because of extramarital sexual intercourse.

Hillary Clinton: "We created Al-Qaeda"

Al-Qaeda is an Islamist private army established by the U.S. for aggressive economic and financial imperialism. Al-Qaeda has staged coups with the support of the CIA putting obedient holy warriors of Allah from Africa to Asia into power - Europe has to wait a bit.

See the video " Hillary Clinton: We created Al-Qaeda ":

Rogue State U.S.A.

The United States is the head of global terror in the name of "human rights." The head chopping jihadists are financed, organized and armed to end Russian influence in Syria by Nobel Peace Prize Obama and the EU. Thus they will kill off the Syrian people.

This Green-pacifist, pedophile scribbler seems happy to promote it. Also, the Green Party leader in the European Parliament was even openly accused by Rep. Marie Le Pen of pedophilia:

See: "Le Pen traite Cohn Bendit Pédophile de au Parlement "

America's future as a global superpower is dependent on Al-Qaeda and imminent Antichrist. Al-Qaeda leads geopolitical wars in the U.S. interest.

It may - as was seen in the U.S. attack on Afghanistan's Taliban - well come to disagreements.

Poison gas in Syria

In Syria a (small) part of the army have defected along with the military equipment to the rebel insurgency. Probably including the chemical weapons.

Cui bono?

The U.S. government has threatened Syria with a military strike, if it uses poison gas.

And suddenly there was a poison gas alarm. Just as the rebel hordes increasingly came under the pressure of the government troops.

Al-Qaeda has produced here an ordered pretext for the next U.S. imperialist military attack, so that the U.S. bombing of the military can "tip" the balance of power in favor of the Islamists?

The applause of the green pedo-writer, Cohn-Bendit seems safe to them.


Link to kreuz.net...


How much more fitting now does a decadent Rock band's music appear nowadays.

Carmelite Nun Says Gas Attacks Were Faked: Would-be US Allies are Muslim Jihadists

Edit: this article from Haeretz is hardly defender of Christians in Syria, but it does put a light on their plight. Of course, she seems to have definitively crossed the line from contemplative to active life in her approach to what is a terrible emergency:

Why a Carmelite nun believes the chemical attack in Damascus was faked. By Gideon Levy | Sep. 1, 2013 | 8:25 AM | 29 Sister Agnes-Mariam de la Croix in Jerusalem this week: Chemical attacks were faked. Photo by Alex Levac

Sister Agnes-Mariam de la Croix feared that the United States would attackSyria on Saturday night. She expected the attack to be massive and would bring disaster to Syria and the entire region. According to Sister Agnes-Mariam, there are today 150,000 well-trained jihadist fighters from 80 countries in Syria, with arms they have received from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, and even from the United States. She says some of them are in a drugged state, induced by Captagon pills.

The nun lives in Syria and is the abbess, or mother superior, of the Monastery of St. James the Mutilated. She argues that these jihadi fighters control 60 percent of the populated areas of Syria. She claims that Islamic-Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra, which the United States has designated a terrorist group, is responsible for the acts of mass murder, rape and looting that have been committed in Syria. She also claims the Chechen fighters are exceptionally cruel and that, among the foreign fighters, there are a fairly large number of released prisoners and citizens of western countries. In her opinion, most of Syria’s citizens support the regime of President Bashar Assad because they fear a takeover of the country by Islamic extremists.

She calls on the world not to attack Syria, and to stop the flow of foreign fighters into its territory and the supply of arms they are receiving. When she journeys through Syria today, she feels as if she is in Afghanistan or Somalia. An American attack on Syria will hurt its army and open the door to a complete seizure of the country by the global jihad movement, she firmly believes. “If this regime is toppled,” she says, “it will be worse than Iraq. It will have consequences for Lebanon, Israel and Jordan, and it’s not a situation that will promote security.”

She also believes the pictures of the victims of last month’s alleged chemical attack in east Damascus are fabrications.

I met Sister Agnes-Mariam this week in a convent in Jerusalem’s hills, not far from Abu Ghosh. She is visiting Israel for a few days and next week will return to Syria, where she has been living for the past 19 years. Her life story is as surprising as her statements about the situation there.

She was born Fadia al-Laham, 61 years ago in Jounieh, Lebanon (her parents had fled Nazareth in 1948). When she was 15 her father died, and, as she herself admits, over the next few years she became a hippy and flower child who used drugs and drifted between Nepal and India. On her palm, concealed by her nun’s habit, she still has a few tattoos from India – a memento of that time in her life. She says she loves to listen to The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Santana. Her Indian experiences led her to embrace a cloistered life and, for 22 years, she lived in utter solitude in a Carmelite monastery in Lebanon’s highland region.

Sister Agnes-Mariam moved to Syria 19 years ago and, together with two other nuns, rebuilt the ruins of a monastery on the main road between Damascus and Homs, not far from the village of Qara. She became mother superior of the Monastery of St. James the Mutilated. In addition to the nuns of the convent, there are 20 Sunni refuges who have sought asylum from the horrors of the war.

She was forced to leave the monastery in June 2012, after the threats on her life increased because she was suspected of being an agent of the Assad regime. Her monastery is situated between the area controlled by the Free Syrian Army and the area controlled by the “foreign legions.”

Currently she lives in Damascus and is an international peace activist trying to warn the world of the dangers of a jihadist takeover of her adopted country. She is fighting what she considers a pack of lies, trying to counter the propaganda and disinformation in the Arab and international media, and documenting the atrocities of the war for the organization she has established. She arrived this week to visit relatives in Nazareth and to participate in an interfaith conference in Israel.

Read further...

Support for the Pontiff and why I feel bad

As someone who likes affirmation, I must say that it feels nice to be regularly condemning Obama's proposed war in Syria. As we may be tottering on the brink of World War III, now is the perfect moment to come together with all people of good will and oppose the Masonic tyrants who run both Washington DC and Paris. In the words of the Psalmist, O Lord, "scatter thou the people that delight in war." (Ps. 68:30)

It goes without saying that we at the EF fully support and applaud Pope Francis for getting us through these turbulent times by a call for both prayer and fasting. Such is his duty. We encourage everyone, especially those pseudo-traditionalists who think that tradition equals the 1950s, to do a liquid fast from Friday afternoon until after Holy Communion on Sunday morning. If you can't at least do that, you're not hardcore. What would St. Jerome say?

Nevertheless, with all this just anti-war rhetoric, I still feel like a smelly leftist protesting Vietnam. Does anyone want to sing Kumbaya, Let there be Peace on Earth, and Dona Nobis Pacem around an Advent Wreath? 

(Please note: We don't worship in only one language because we're a diverse community.)

Freemasons of the Grand Orient Attempt to Pocket Pope Francis

The Home of Signismundo Malatesta!

(Rimini) "Get back out of the catacombs and give back human dignity is the invitation to Pope Francis and the Rimini Meeting, it is a theme and a path which the Grand Orient of Italy and has anticipated," that is the message of Freemasonry on its website. The Grand Orient of Italy, located in Palazzo Giustiniani in Rome is the most important centre of Freemasonry on the Apennine Peninsula. The Freemasons applaud the Pope and try to usurp him. He ultimately represents only what Freemasonry has long since adulterated. Praise from the wrong side can not help you decide for yourself. The new "friendliness" of Freemasonry still astonishes and makes themselves heard. A change in strategy? Megalomania? Convergence of ideas?

Pope Francis and the Meeting of Rimini say "What Freemasonry Has Said For a Long Time"

"The statement may sound presumptuous, but in reality it is already part of history and common sense. First, Pope Francis, Christians and religious people are invited "to leave the catacombs" and to discover, instead of the Church as an institution, the Church of the Word, and then assured Emilia Guarnieri, President of the Foundation Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, in an interview said that in the meeting in Rimini the "real message" is out: "Let's give man his dignity back," says the Masonic explanation. "It's nice to know" say the Lodge Brothers, "as these topics are exactly the same as those of the Grand Orient of Italy and part of the specific message from Grand Master Gustavo Raffi which prompt the discovery later on of the compass of values ​for the people and citizens."

Grandmaster Gustavo Raffi of the Orient of Italy

The Grand Orient is the mainstream of Italian Freemasonry. It maintains the heritage of the Risorgimento, that is, of the Italian Unification Movement of 1859-1870 and a secular, anti-Catholic tradition. Father Paolo Siano of the Franciscans of the Immaculate published a manual in 2012 on how to understand Freemasonry (published in religious publishing house Casa Mariana, Frigento, 630 pages), which is a fundamental examination of the secret society from a Catholic perspective. Freemasonry needs no advertising, considering the influence it exerts on society. Not so much because of the erroneous ideas and the bizarre rituals that it represents, but more so because of the relationships, contacts, cliques, which represent an exclusive network.

The Radical Opponents of the Church, Pannella Praises the Pope

Although Freemasonry is a verbal cult and boasts full transparency, it represents a reality in the obscure darkness of concealment. It is far more amazing that the Grand Orient is full of praise for Pope Francis. "It's easy to love him!" said Corrispondenza Romana . Praise for the head of the Catholic Church, which wants to give the impression that the Pope has finally announced only later what Freemasonry had always taught, makes thoughtful and acts for a particular kind of riding on the footboards. Currently, many have tried to hang themselves on to the new Pope. One of them is the Catholic eater par excellence, the radicals (nomen est omen) Pannella, Mentor of the Italian abortion and divorce law and herald of the slogan "No Vatican No Taliban". His discovery and foster daughter is Emma Bonino, an abortion propagandist of the first hour, who demonstratively made herself dirty with blood in the 70s, as she personally participated in the killing of many unborn children, when this was prohibited.

Emma Bonino, a Cohn-Bendit of Italy - Churchless Super Moralist With and Without Apron

Who is the German former pedophile propagandist Daniel Cohn-Bendit of the Italians, the child killer Emma Bonino. They represent the modern "moral conscience" of Western nations. Accordingly, it is ordered that they, Cohn-Bendit and Bonino, who will rob the air for those who have entered into a struggle for survival of the morals of peoples. Marco Panella has managed to make Bonino the EU Commissioner. Currently, she is Italian Foreign Minister. And is, according to the brothers of the apron,  she who should be next State President. Whoever remembers the child murder? Today, Bonino is the "Messenger of Peace" of Left-Atlantic liberalism, who was even a "convinced pacifist" in the name of peace going to war.

"Pannella belongs to those who love the Pope Francis. Why should not Grandmaster Raffi do so," said Corrispondenza Romana. "The simple cross that he has worn on the white robe, offers hope that a Church of the people has been won back for dialogue with all people of good will and of Freemasonry, which, - as the example of Latin America shows - works for the welfare and progress of humanity oriented to Simon Bolivar, Salvador Allende and Jose Marti, just to name a few." All three Mentioned were Masons and in wide parts of their political life no friends of the Church. Of Simon Bolivar it is known that he was finally converted to the Catholic faith, which in turn Freemasonry did not find so unpleasant, that this passage in his biography is usually suppressed.

Why is Emma Bonino Being Allowed to Open Italian "Catholic Day"?

The Grand Orient named Pope Francis and the Meeting of Rimini. The Meeting has been organized for 30 years by the new spiritual movement Communion and Liberation (CL). For legal and organizational reasons, the big event is supported by the Adriatic seaside resort of their own foundation, which is independent of CL, but the staff is closely intertwined. CL was developed in Italy by Giussani,  which has been, especially under Pope John Paul II, a counterpart loyal to Rome of  left-Catholic Action. High representatives of CL are high-ranking politicians. There has also been commingling, which led to considerable criticism.

The Meeting in Rimini is a kind of Italian Catholic Day [Like the Ecumaniacal Katholikentag in Germany] with several hundred thousand participants. Correspondingly, the event is colorful in that it not restricted to religion. For some, it is far too colorful and too arbitrary. The boastful praise of the Grand Orient and its allusion to the meeting at least make it deafeningly obvious. Actually,  the theme "Centrality of People" was stressed by the CL about the 2013 meeting was stressed. It was attention grabbing. And it is also striking that the meeting has been conspired to be opened by Emma Bonino. Would that Cohn-Bendit opened the Catholic Day in Germany, there would be wavering Catholic functionaries and justifiably confused green-Catholic voters, but then it seems - thank God - to be but quite unrealistic. Why then the pandering to the Italian Foreign Minister, who has never distanced herself from her abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage ideology? Bonino is celebrated by the Freemasons of the Grand Orient. That alone makes it highly unlikely that tshe could be celebrated by Catholics.

"If the Lodge Brothers Love the Pope, Why do They Not repent?"

"Whoever believes in God, has a different centrality" said Corrispondenza Romana: "Christ is the center of the life of the believer and not man or any earthly object he desires.",

The Grand Master of the Grand Orient wants to oppose the institution of the Church and abuse the Church's gestures for his own transparent intention, that used by Pope Francis iron cross. "We are not outraged about this. It's just a choice that does not affect the two thousand year old heritage of the Church founded by Christ and the work of God (not of the 'people') in the slightest. If the Grand Master and his lodge brothers take so much delight in the cross of iron, why not take the opportunity to repent? For Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Why do they not leave their dark cellar and their worldly interests and build a paradise. Not a paradise on earth, but a building in this world for eternal life in paradise. Then they would really love the Pope and the angels of heaven would be rejoicing and celebrating a festival at which they may one day also participate," said Corrispondenza Romana.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Corrispondenza Romana / Maestro di Dietrologie
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Buffalo Diocese May Not Deliberately Destroy Catholic Heritage After All

Edit: people are beginning to come to an awareness of how evil it is to destroy one's cultural memory and place. It's not only something which has resonance with the secular aspects of that, but the sacred as well, which was once an intrinsic part of the landscape. It was beautiful too, unlike the hideous monstrosities that have been offered as replacements.

Once again, the local ordinary is selling off the cultural and religious capital under his care for a few accolades. One wonders if the Society of St. Pius X can buy it?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is now willing to hold off on plans to demolish St. Ann's Church.

The Diocese is working with Preservation Buffalo Niagara in hopes of finding a developer who is interested in purchasing the church, rectory, and convent properties.

All activities at St. Ann's on Emslie Street in Buffalo were suspended last year because of dangerous structural problems. Parishioners have continued to fight to save the church that was built in the 19th century.

This week they filed a new legal action in Rome hoping that the Vatican will step in and help save St. Ann's Parish.

Link to source...

Related and very nice story from the Niagra Falls Reporter:

St Ann's was built in the 1880’s by German immigrants from Bavaria, Austria and Bohemia, who prepaid for every quarried block before it was floated down the historic Erie Barge Canal from quarries in Lockport to the docks of the Village of Buffalo. Once there, these monstrous blocks were hauled, foot by foot, with horse drawn dredges, to the Sacred Site selected for their soon to be incomparable sanctuary.

All told, hundreds of thousands of unpaid man-hours of backbreaking work were performed over years as this magnificent edifice rose, block by block, to become one of the most important and beautiful structures in the Niagara region.

The decree to demolish this treasure was issued by Bishop Malone without accepting one of many invitations of Saint Ann’s parishioners to visit the church.

Link ....