Pope Francis: 2017 Catholics Will "Commemorate 500 Years of the Reformation"

German Lutherans with Pope Francis

(Rome) Pope Francis received a delegation on Thursday of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany at the Vatican. In his address to the Lutherans, the Catholic Church leader said some astonishing  things. Catholics and Lutherans should "remember together" the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  Celebrate the schism as a common event? An idiosyncratic form of "historicization" of the Reformation?

What the Pope said: "Ecumenical dialogue can not now be separated from reality and the life of our churches. In 2017, Lutheran and Catholic Christians commemorate together the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation. On this occasion, Lutherans and Catholics will, for the first time, have the opportunity to keep one and the same global ecumenical commemoration, not in the form of a triumphalist celebration, but rather to  confess our common faith in the Triune God. "

This is a shared "Reformation Memorial" reported Miguel Angel Yáñez, as the chief editor of Adelante la fe  considers: "I really wonder: Are we seriously commemorating as Catholics of the unfortunate schism that  enticed by the millions of souls to the fall away from the Catholic faith"

Lutherans and Lefebvrians?

And Yáñez continued, "If this ecumenical discourse is coherent, then we would soon get to hear the following statement from Rome:

, Ecumenical dialogue can not be separated from the reality and the life of our church today. In 2018 we commemorate together with Catholics associated to Archbishop Lefebvre   the 30th anniversary of the consecration of bishops who have separated from us. On this occasion, the two sides will, for the first time, have the opportunity to keep the world one and the same ecumenical commemoration, not in the form of a triumphalist celebration, but to confess our common faith in the Triune God,'" says Miguel Angel Yáñez.

Pope Francis continued to the German Lutherans. "Let us invite all, with God's help and with the support of his spirit to make further steps towards unity and not just to limit ourselves to what we have already achieved with this Reformation Memorial"

The German Bishops' Conference is actively pursuing the "common" Memory of the Church's schism by Martin Luther. For this purpose, a separate "project office of the Reformation Memorial" was set up.

2017: 100th Anniversary of Fatima

The 2017 does not mean 500 years of Church division but really, 100 years since the apparitions of Fatima. For the latter, Pope Francis has  not taken to commemorate it so far. In Portugal they have been trying to descure a Pope visit since 2013 for the Pope's visit on the occasion of the 100th anniversary celebrations in Fatima. Last April,  the retired Portuguese Cardinal José Saraiva Martins said there is no secure commitment, but it was "normal and natural" that the Pope would come to a "so momentous occasion" to Fatima.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: InfoVaticana

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

LInk to Katholisches..

AMDG

"Parallel-Superior" Bergoglio -- Why Was Today's Pope Exiled by His Jesuit Brothers in 1990

(Buenos Aires / Rome) Today December 17 Pope Francis celebrates his 78th birthday. In the morning he enjoyed a tango that was danced by thousands of  "aficionados" in his honor in St. Peter's Square. The Osservatore Romano published a page from the Pope's biography appearing in Argentina, which lays particular value on the Jorge Mario Bergoglio  and the conclusion and signing in his own hand.

The book entitled Aquel Francisco was written by two Argentine journalists, Javier Cámara and Sebastian Pfaffen (see separate report  Bergoglio as "Brilliant but Crazy" Was Sent Into "Exile" ). Both come from Cordoba in Argentina, where the publisher is located. The focus of the book lies in the reconstruction of the two phases in the life of the current Pope, which he spent in  a provincial Argentine town. These were the two years of the novitiate of 1958-1960 and the two years of exile without any appointment, to which he had been sent by his Superiors 1990-1992. An exile, which Pope Bergoglio today often referred to as an "internal cleansing".

Aquel Francisco - the Autobiographical Biography

In December 2013, the Pope had been informed by the Archbishop of Cordoba during a visit to Rome, that the two journalists were going to write a book about this double period. Pope Francis picked up the phone and called the two."Not once, but several times, and would not let his grip loose.," said Vatican expert Sandro Magister about the episode. The Pope began and intense correspondence via e-mail with Cámara and Pfaffen, describing his memories and makinng the biography  a kind of autobiography. From an "autobiografia Cordobana" says Magister, since the book is peppered with direct statements in quotes. It deals with stories and appraisals.

"There are two main points of the book which arouse curiosity," says Magister. This applies initially to the real reasons that led to the fact that the former Argentine Jesuit Superior  Bergoglio fell out of favor with his brothers.  The current Pope was at the head of the Jesuits in Argentina in the 70s, to be exact 1973-1979. He was sent into exile in 1990 by Father Victor Zorzin,  who was close to Father Bergoglio. Father Zorzin was namely Bergoglio's Vice, when he was  Order Provincial. In 1986 Zorzin was elected  Provincial. It's an office which he held until 1991.

Why Did Bergolio's Brethren Want to Get Rid of Him?

Between Zorzin and Bergoglio  there were great differences of opinion about the nature of religious leadership. The same was true between Bergoglio and Zorzin's successor, Father Ignacio García-Mata, who was Provincial from 1991-1997 Provincial and thus for  a time when Bergoglio was already progressing in a new career outside of his order. It was in  1992 that Pope John Paul II appointed him  Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1997, Archbishop Coadjutor, eight months later, and finally in February 1998, as archbishop of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina.

According to the two authors there were  internal disagreements in the order which resulted in a thunderous "smear campaign" against Father Bergoglio. A campaign whose echo was heard as far as Rome and penetrated to the former General of the Order, the Dutchman Peter Hans Kolvenbach. They had the rumor circulated, as such, but Father Angel Rossi, the current Superior of the Jesuits branch in Cordoba confirmed in a book that the "once so brilliant"  Ex-Provincial had been exiled,  "because he had become sick, crazy.'

The "Parallel-Superior" Bergoglio

In 1979, there followed  Provincial Bergolio, Father Andrés Swinnen, who remained always connected to his predecessor, provides a more substantial explanation of exile. Bergoglios  "sin" was   that after his mandate as Provincial ended, he continued as leader of a faction   within the province of the order and tried to exert influence.

First they had made him the rector of the Colegio Maximo de San Miguel. Then he was sent to the doctoral program in Germany. But in Frankfurt he stayed only briefly. In the few months that he was in Germany, he traveled extensively and visited the various branches Jesuits. They had tried to deport him from Argentina. This also explains the reason why he never came to the official residence to study, but after a short time he succeeded in returning to his homeland. Now he was sent to the Colegio del Salvador where he taught theology. But for whatever reason he was also sent there, he joined "as a parallel-head", said Father Swinnen. In this way he influenced many Jesuits, especially younger brothers. Within a decade, from 1979, the end of Bergoglios term as Provincial, until his exile in 1990  more than 100 young Jesuits left the Argentine Jesuit Order and gave up their  priesthood.

Exodus from the Order, For Which Bergoglio Was Blamed

The Exodus was blamed on Bergoglio. A "large part  of those exiting belonged to  a group who were not on  Bergoglio's page, but rather wanted to get rid of him," said Father Swinnen. Whether at his side or against him, the former Provincial played a central role in the province's internal conflict.

The book provides no detailed background information about the reasons of the conflict. Was it only in the personality  of Bergoglio and other actors, or it was about substantive issues of doctrine and church order? Neither the reigning pope nor Jesuits cited in the book seem to want to "warm up" to the former controversies that led to such a tangible conflict. 

Writings in Cordoban Exile

So far, it is known that Pope Francis has written a book in his life. His written legacy is limited to shorter posts and forewords for some books of others, as well as two brochures  that appeared after he became the opponent  of Joseph Ratzinger in the conclave of 2005. Even at this time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, he made ​​use of Manuel Fernandez as a ghostwriter . He made ​​him rector of the Pontifical University of Buenos Aires, Titular Archbishop,  Synod of Bishops on the family and the official papal lyricist. Even the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium comes largely from his pen. This is not unusual for statesmen and leaders in.

All the more surprising that Pope Francis says in the book that you wrote in his exile Cordobaner two books. The books are entitled "Reflexiones de esperanza" (Thoughts on hope) and especially "Corrupción y pecado" (corruption and sin) and my brochures. The latter took his text output because of a tragedy, the murder of a 17-year-old in 1990 by members of high society 2014 he also appeared in German translation.

Evangelii Gaudium and Romano Guardini

 "Corruption" is a topic that Pope Francis addresses in his sermons over and over again. The Catholic Church leader is said to have resumed the study of Romano Guardini in exile, to complete his dissertation on the German religious philosopher. "I did not manage to finish it, but this study has helped me a lot in what later came to me, including the transcript of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium , part of which is taken on the social criteria entirely of my thesis about Guardini ".

The never completed dissertation is not known, but in Evangelii gaudium there is actually a detailed quote by Guardini from his work published in 1950, "The End of Modern Times". The quote is found in paragraphs 217-237, where the Pope sets out the criteria that should be followed in order to advance the promotion of the common good and social peace.

To what extent his style of leadership, whether as a provincial and "parallel-superior" then  as archbishop or pope are  in relation to Guardini's criteria, would require a separate investigation.

Text: Settimo Cielo / Giuseppe Nardi
image: MiL
TransL Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG

Bishop Asks Wrestlers to Forfeit Match

There was a small buzz of concern with the Trinity wrestling faithful when the Shamrocks hosted ShippensburgTuesday night.

All over the possibility of a female showing up in the Greyhounds lineup. And of course, how it would affect the match.

In late September, the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Bishop Ronald Gainer, handed down a new policy that stated any male wrestler who attends a Catholic school would have to forfeit a match if opposed by a female.

http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/6318264547220400546/bishops-rule-on-females-wrestling-males-doesnt-alter-outcome-of-trinitys-win-over-shippensburgthis-time/

Important Strategic Course in Selecting the Head of Opus Dei

Right of Pope Francis is Prelate Echevarria, Left
Msgr. Ocariz

(Rome) Prelate Javier Echevarría, who has been at the head of the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei since   1994,  has engaged an important personnel decision and thus undertook a strategic course in naming  his successor at the head of a Personal Prelature.

Echevarria, who has the rank of bishop, is the second successor of Opus Dei founder Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albas (1902-1975). Escrivà was canonized  in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, and his first successor, Monsignor Álvaro del Portillo (1914-1994) was beatified by Pope Francis on September 27, 2014.

Monsignor Javier Echevarría has now appointed a deputy.The decision was justified with the proliferating  global tasks and his advanced age. Echevarría, born in 1932 who reached his 82nd birthday last June 14, had appointed the former Vicar General of the Prelature, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz as his deputy.

Msgr. Fernando Ocariz Coadjutor Prelate 

In Dec. 9 came the appointment came into force transmitting to  Msgr. Ocáriz all that is necessary for the responsibility  the management of the Prelature, including the prelate's reserved decision-making powers. The only exceptions are the responsibilities associated with the episcopal office of the prelate.

The appointment was made ​​in accordance with Article 134, paragraph 1, and Article 125 of the Codex iuris particularis Operis Dei ,   which  John Paul II. approved with the Apostolic Constitution Ut sit on 28 November 1982.

In contrast to countervailing tendencies to  bureaucratize ministries occupied for life in the church and to limit their time, the prelate of Opus Dei continues its life in accordance with statutes. For this reason, the statutes provide for the possibility that the prelate may freely appoint a deputy  in the form of a coadjutor. The General Council of the Prelature can also recommend such an appointment.

Msgr. Ocariz was Co-author of the Declaration Dominus Iesus

Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz was born in 1944 in Paris. He studied physics at the University of Barcelona and then theology at the Lateran University in Rome. At the University of Navarra, he received his doctorate in the New Evangelization. In 1971 he was ordained a priest and later taught Fundamental Theology as Professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Since 1986 he has been Consultant of the Congregation and since 1989 a member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology . Since 1994, he exercised the office of Vicar General of the Prelature. He is regarded as one of the principal authors of the Declaration Dominus Iesus on the unicity and salvific universality of Jesus Christ and the Church in 2000.

Opus Dei, canonically erected in 1943,  is the only personal prelature of the Catholic Church. The prelate has the rank of bishop. Already, Msgr. Echevarria held  the Office of the Vicar General in Opus Dei before his appointment as  Prelate.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Osservatore Romano

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link Katholisches...

AMDG

Is the Creche Subversive? --- Student Action Against the Banning of Natvity Scenes by "Ayatollahs of Secularism"

Crib Flashmob in France Against State Censorship

(Paris) Is the Christmas crib subversive and seditious? This question is being decided in France according to the judgment  of an Administrative Court in Nantes. For years radical secularist  circles are increasingly trying to ban Christian symbols from the public space. This includes the removal of  Nativity scenes from  public. A few days ago an administrative court of Nantes forbade the building of a crib in the  General Council Building of the Vendée.  The initiative Touche pas à ma crèche has engaged itself against this displacement process. The initiative can be translated into English with "hands off my crib!" 

France is experiencing a flash mob  this Advent as the nativity scenes appear in public spaces. In response to the anti-Christian efforts of recent years is trying set up cribs large and small in  prominent places to reconnect with old traditions in squares and  alongside churches.

Is the crib subversive?

Student Group Responds to Ban Ruling of an Administrative Court

The initiative Touche pas à ma crèche was founded by a group students from the Vandée, that northwestern French land in which the Catholic people rose against the Jacobin dictatorship of the French Revolution. The backlash will be an answer to the "ayatollahs of secularism" as it says on the Facebook page of the initiative. The students make living nativity scenes in public spaces and mime  the "mighty in charge," whom they name "the Ayatollahs of Secularism", as an expression of the censorship,  staging a performance Mary, Joseph, of the angels and the shepherds with sealed mouths.

Crèche partout against the "Ayatollahs of Secularism"

The initiative was triggered by an administrative court judgment of Nantes, which prohibited the establishment of a Nativity scene in a public building of Vandée. The well-known French website Le Salon Beige called for action Crèche partout  ("crib everywhere"). The appeal is a reference to the name of the famous rallies Manif pour tous.

According to the Administrative Court of Nantes a nativity scene is a "religious symbol" and therefore incompatible with the "neutrality of the civil service." The Child Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the ox and the ass must not be placed in the building of the General Council of the Vandée this year. An antii-Christian association had complained against the annual erection of a crib  and won their case.

"Then the Christmas Lights Should be Banned"

Student Initiative Against Natvity Ban

Many people are outraged. "Then one would have to ban the entire Christmas lights adorning the streets of our cities and towns," angrily responded Bruno Retailleau, the chairman of the UMP in the French Senate. His predecessor, Philippe de Villiers described the court decision as a "totalitarian".  France is "Christian soil,  and this decision is an expression of poisonous secularism, which disdains our traditions and customs. Will they also prohibit the ringing of bells in the name of dogmatic secularism?"

1905 witnessed the anti-Christian force enact a law that introduced the separation of church and state in a radical form. In 2004, the veiling of Muslim women was banned. Since then, the  ruling Socialists insist in this provision as a general ban on religious symbols in public space. A Christian teacher must no longer wear a Cross with a necklace in France, if he wants to keep his job.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: tempos / Facebook

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Bishop of Trier to Withdraw Suspension of Faithful Pastor

By Christmas, the bishop should renounce the suspension.

Hamburg / Trier (kath.net/ CBA) After the dismissal of a pastor in the diocese of Trier, community members sent an "ultimatum" according to a "Spiegel" report, to Bishop Stephan Ackermann. Ackermann. Before Christmas he should cancel the dismissal and stop "swinging the whip», according to the release by an initiative group. A few weeks ago parishioners who were demonstrating against what they called the "authoritarian and unjustified action from above" in front of the Bishop of Trier's palace and wrote letters of protest.

In mid-November, Ackermann dismissed the pastor in Beckingen, Saarland, Christoph Eckert, from his office. For his part, the priest filed a complaint at the Vatican. Until the local decision which is expected in a few months, Eckert may not exercise his previous office. He was provisionally transferred to another parish.

In a letter to the affected parish, Ackerman stressed that he had never previously resorted to such measures.

But only through this painful step would he given the chance for a fresh start. Eckert had his request for voluntary transfer rejected. Ackermann stressed that there had recently been "problematic developments" from a split in the parish community. Doubts had arisen whether Father Eckert had applied himself to his job and the "service of the unity of the church."

(C) 2014 CBA Catholic News Agency. Link to Kath.net Trans; Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

Pope Francis Will Name New Cardinals in February 2015 --- Will Family Be a Theme?

For the Second Time in His Pontificate, Francis
Will Name New Cardinals

(Vatican) Pope Francis is going to convene a new Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals for   the 14th-15th February 2015. As Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi SJ announced, it shall be convened because Pope Francis will appoint new cardinals.

Immediately before the extraordinary consistory the C9 Council of Cardinal Advisors will meet from 9th-11th in February, and from the 12th-13th of February  the Cardinal Consistory will confer on the reorganization of the Roman Curia. In the ordinary consistory in 2014 Cardinal Walter Kasper made his speech about the "New Mercy" which was the official start of the current intra-Church conflicts around Marriage and Sacrament.

Currently, there are 112 papal electors. . By the end of February next year their number will be reduced to 110. A few days later, the Egyptian Cardinal Antonios Naguib will reach 80 years of age. Francis could thus create at least eleven new cardinals  who have not yet reached the age of 80.

Will Consistory Discuss The Family Again?

The C9 Council of Cardinal Advisers will summarize the work on the reform of the Curia and submit their report directly following the ordinary consistory. According to Vatican spokesman Lombardi, it is also likely  that February will bringany decisions regarding the reform of the Curia. Pope Francis concluded this in an interview with the daily newspaper La Nacion for the whole of 2015. Whether the ordinary consistory will discuss again, and address the Annual Synod of Bishops in October 2015 on the family is not known

It will be the second Cardinal survey of this pontificate. On February 22, 2014, Pope Francis  will create19 new cardinals, 16 of which are potential electors. Among them is  Benedict XVI's  appointed CDF, Gerhard Müller, and Prefect of Clergy, Beniamino Stella and Synod Secretary Lorenzo Baldisseri, both of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi 

image: Infovaticana

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Gaudete Sunday Liturgical Abuse in Puglia

Edit: this abomination just has to be pointed out. The Diocese of San Severo is presently headed by Lucio Angelo Renna, O. Carm., and is located in Puglia, Italy not far from the Adriatic. Recently, this morning in fact, a local priest, Francesco Cicorella, held the following Gaudete Sunday "Mass" at the parish of San Bernardino. It appears the local pastor is something of a Pied Piper. The priest keeps a Facebook account where he published this video.

Post by Marika Casoli.

Aberro-Activists Wanted to Disturb His Wedding

Edit: we have been wondering what happened to him for a while, and just saw this on kath.net. Translated it.

The American blogger Thomas Peters sits in a wheelchair after an accident. In an interview he talks about his still firm faith, his marriage and his work.

Washington DC (kath.net/jg) In a rare interview, the American blogger Thomas Peters (29) has spoken about his faith, his work and his life as a paraplegic. His faith had survived the severe accident which would have cost him nearly killed, he told the British Catholic Herald.

In 2006 he began the blog "American Papist" was founded. The site was successful from the start. Peters was one of the most well-known blogger in the US and was a frequent guest on television and radio broadcasts. Later, he became involved in the "National Organization for Marriage" (NOM), an organization that is politically committed to the protection of traditional marriage and family.

In the course of his wedding in 2012, he began to feel the negative effects of his popularity. There were multiple threats from gay activists to disrupt the wedding. Peter therefore hired a security guard.

A little over a year later the blogger suffered serious injuries of the spine in a swimming accident. He remains in a wheelchair and is learning to move his right hand.

Medical advances may be a miracle. With his injuries he was supposed to be paralyzed from the neck down. But he can move his arms, his left hand and his torso. His faith is still strong, confirmed Peters, who grew up in a Catholic family with five brothers and sisters. He continues to write blog entries on the website catholicvote.org be published. He has also developed an online application to facilitate political commitment. Link to Kath.net... AMDG

Saint Thomas University PR Man Issues Fake Correction For His Modernist Pro-Abort University

Edit: unfortunately,  the letter doesn't acknowledge any wrongdoing.   Nor does it address any of St. Thomas University's historical hostility to Catholicism.   There are still two links that are "accidentally" listed on the site, from TFP Student Action.

Here's the letter we'd received which claims to have addressed the situation from their PR office...  It's a sad day that a Catholic institution employs a mouthpiece like this.

Maybe the problem isn't a minor error, but a systemic problem with the University?

Dear Eponymousflower website,

My name is Jim Winterer and I’m writing from the University Relations office at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

You had carried an article on your website that was critical of some links that appeared, in error, on St. Thomas’ website. We thought you’d be interested in seeing a response that our president, Julie Sullivan, is providing to those who are calling and writing with their concerns.

Her response is:

Thank you for contacting me regarding links to inappropriate internship resources that appeared on the University of St. Thomas website. The links were published in error on the website of our College of Arts and Sciences, and they are being corrected. Student internships in the college are approved through the Office of the Dean. The dean has not approved, nor would he approve, academic credit for internships at Planned Parenthood or abortion organizations.
Sincerely, Julie H. Sullivan, Ph.D., President

Regards,
Jim Winterer

Church in Austria is a "Pigsty" -- The New Book of Almost-Auxiliary Bishop Gerhard Maria Wagner

(Vienna) He was named in 2009 but  an unprecedented smear campaign prevented Bishop Gerhard Maria Wagner of the Diocese of Linz.  He has today presented  and talked plaintext his new book. 2009, the Upper Austrian priest Wagner had become a victim of  bishop-bashing, which is a  popular smear game in trend-setting circles. Now, he said the church in Austria is not only in a precarious condition, but is a "pig stye" in which it "stinks".

Pastor Wagner 2009 Victim of the Bishop-Bashing

The list of victims of the bishop-bashing is already considerable. It ranges from Bavaria with Bishop Walter Mixa of Augsburg to Hesse with Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz van Elst of Limburg and Grisons with Bishop Wolfgang Haas from Chur to Lower Austria with Bishop Kurt Krenn of St. Pölten. The  blocking of Rev. Gerhard Maria Wagner 2009 as auxiliary bishop of Linz is a special variant of the smear game. Wagner was then not allowed to take office.

The persecution is only possible because authoritative church circles are interested in the jettisoning personal rivals because of personal or ideological reasons and have been actively involved behind the scenes.

The fight against Wagner was tantamount to an exemplary execution, while the Windischgarsten priest was supposed to have only been an auxiliary bishop, i.e. auxiliary bishop of Linz. An auxiliary bishop has entrusted to him only as much decision-making power  as is given him by the responsible diocesan bishop, and ig may be withdrawn from him again at any time. In the Diocese of Linz, however, there was the anxiety that  the appointment of Bishop Wagner by Pope Benedict XVI. would be followed by an  early position in the Episcopal succession by the same Wagner,  if Diocesan Bishop Ludwig Schwarz were to  complete his 75th year and become emeritus.

It's not only the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) write about   Linz as "Left". The same could be said of the full-time staff apparatus of the diocese. At least the more influential part. With the subtle difference that it is not so much the SPÖ, but is more close to the Greens. There are hardly any Diocesan priestly voacations. Who would  want to become a priest, would do this in the context traditional communities or seeks refuge in the still reasonably intact community of a monastery.

Feeble Roman Knees

The lay Apparatchiks and the Liberal, often effeminate  clergy of Upper Austria quickly found allies  in the media   to begin shooting practice on a living object. In Austria it was belched loudly and Rome was already in its knees.  Although Pastor Wagner was appointed over Pope's brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger and Pope's secretary Georg Gänswein handpicked him and with the best knowledge of the situation on the ground, the priest's   career as a bishop ended after 30 days and did not get beyond the appointment status.

 Pope Benedict XVI. would lose face because of the weak knees of Rome, Wagner asked formally to withdraw the appointment, which the Pope "granted".

On January 31, 2009 Wagner was appointed, and on 2 March 2009   Benedict XVI. granted a  dispensation from the appointment. In the meantime, Pastor Wagner experienced hell on earth and the devout Catholic nation rubbed its eyes, as to how lies can produce a smear campaign. Each day new lies were unpacked. It wasn't until   Wagner's "chalice" had  passed over to progressive part of the Diocese, where it was presented as a  trophy for  hunted prey, that the whole nightmare was over.

 Question of Episcopal Succession in Linz Directs Media Attention on Pastor Wagner

An Auxiliary  Bishop Wagner would have done the Diocese of Linz, more  good than ever, but his prospects   to once again be considered for the episcopate by Rome  are very small. Nevertheless, the retirement of the Diocesan Bishop Ludwig Schwarz is fast approaching. In this context,  the media is again suddenly paying attention to the absent pastor Wagner again after years of peace.

Wagner obeyed in 2009 as a faithful son of the Church. Rome wanted him as auxiliary bishop and he accepted. Rome had changed her mind again under heavy pressure and he obeyed as well. After some time of silence, Wagner, however, took stock and spoke of a "conspiracy" to which he had fallen victim. Wagner today is also the publisher and editor of a Little Penny Sheet, with a wide circulation in Austria, which has the rare virtue of wise, but clear speech. He just said what was obvious, but at that time almost no one dared speak out.

New book "Heaven or Hell" - "Many People Feel Disoriented"

Pastor Gerhard Maria Wagner

Wagner had raised his voice even after the appointment   that it was not for him, but much more so for the Catholic Church in Austria a fiasco. The media hardly cared. But now someone feels   their toes being stepped on. Today, Pastor Wagner has presented his new book, "Heaven or Hell." At the book launch, the sharp witted and eloquent priest was not sparing with plain writing and a gaze at the Archdiocese of  Archbishop Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. Schönborn had supported Kasper's "mercy"  last October at the Synod of Bishops in Rome and would also like to see a new "gradation" applied to all the sacraments. Wagner commented that the Archdiocese of Vienna was a "pig stye" in which there is a foul stench.The situation of the Church in Upper Austria, and born by opposites, says Wagner.

He wished "all the best" to the future Bishop of Linz. For himself, says Wagner as once before, he had already credited the need to "shovel out the pigsty". After all, the position of the Church is questionable because she is not on the right track. There were many tensions and many people are disoriented.

"We Basically Obey to be Catholic"

Pastor Wagner founded an initiative two years ago to strengthen the sacrament of penance in daily life. He called all the priests of the German-speaking countries that committed themselves, to sit every day for an hour to make confession available. In this context, Wagner complained today that in many parishes the Sacrament of Penance is "dead". In the liturgy there is a "momentum" that "disturbs" him. The reason for this is, among other things, an incomprehensible competition between laity and priests. There were quite a few priests who  would"fear of the parish council meeting." "There's something wrong," said Wagner.

It's a disorientation, which is reinforced by the church or is only caused by it. Pastor Wagner quoting a priest who complained to him about his suffering, "that today we have to  basically stop being Catholic."

In the Diocese of Linz There is an "Oligarchic Business" 

However, his opinion was not in high demand in the diocese of Linz   and he accused his home diocese of operating  "quite a bit of an oligarchic business". He took to his bishop's defense, because not a few bishops are simply "alone" and isolated. As  the homosexual Conchita Wurst Thomas Neuwirth  was imposed  as a Euro Vision winner, he had put "shame on Austria," said Pastor Wagner.

As for Pope Francis, Wagner says in his  new book that he was pleased that the new Pope could find sympathy and confidence all over the world, but he does not notice in fact that the churches have become full, "people go to confession more and all that, praise Pope Francis, have become more religious in recent times,"  said Pastor Gerhard Maria Wagner, almost Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Linz.

The church circles referred to by Wagner responded with offense. The pastor "disqualifies"  himself with these statements themselves, suggested the Vicar  of Linz, Wilhelm Vieböck to the ORF: "I find it appalling that Father Wagner used the dramatic word, pigsty 'for the whole Church in Austria". Vieböck confirmed the same time, what is really going on in the background: Such an attitude does not qualify Wagner for higher church offices.

In June 2015 the Diocesan Bishop Ludwig Schwarz completed his 75th year. In Linz, nobody expects an extension in office. The Diocese sent Rome sent a shortlist few days ago  of three candidates for the succession. What are names on the list, is not initially known. It can only be that the name of Father Wagner certainly not there.

Text: Martha Weinzl
image: ORF / JfdL (screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Bishop Fellay Blesses Crib in European Parliament

(Brussels) At the invitation of the Italian MEP Mario Borghezio (Lega Nord) and the initiative of the Civitas Institute, the Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X,  visited the European Parliament in Brussels, and blessed a nativity scene there.

The large crib is located in one of the central, public halls of the parliamentary representation of the European Union in Brussels.  MEPs  from France, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal and Italy, parliamentary staff and EU officials gathered to be blessed. In his speech  Alain Escada, president of the French Civitas Institute suggested that the baby Jesus in the manger should rule over all nations, since all power comes from God. For this purpose, he quoted the Pope St. Pius X,  as the 100th  anniversary of his death was commemorated in 2014: "The civilization must not be contrived, for it was, it is and it has been a Christian civilization, it is the Catholic society.  To restore it merely requires the unceasing renewal of its  natural and divine principles. "

Bishop Bernard Fellay said in his speech: "There in the mange is where it all started. So it is quite normal that Europe's guides, God the helmsman give Him glory, who came among man to save him, He, the King of Kings. Let us remember what Cardinal Pie said, 'When the moment for the lordship of Jesus Christ did not come, then the time has not come for governments to continue'. By the blessing of this crib, the Church is a connection between this place and the grace of God's love. This little place is a Sacramental for the benefit of all who come here to gather inside."

Bishop Fellay was accompanied by the District Superior of  Society of St. Pius X for Belgium and the Netherlands, Father Thierry Legrand is in the seat of the European Parliament. He stressed the importance of the initiative,   because of the increasing attempt to prevent the establishment of nativity scenes in France in public spaces and Advent and attempts to replace and reinterpret  Christmas Traditions with "Winter events" and "Year End initiatives."

Text: pius.info/Giuseppe Nardi
image: pius.info

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Commissar Volpi Threatens Bishops -- Franciscans of the Immaculate Are Trying to Overthrow Pope Francis

The Commissar and the Franciscans of the Immaculate

(Rome) The Apostolic Commissioner of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate urges the Italian bishops not to incardinate priests who want to leave the maltreated Order. It even comes to threats. The background is an alleged "conspiracy" by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate for the "downfall of Pope Francis," from which the Commissar wanted to save the Church leader. What followed was a written slugfest between Father Volpi and a leading bishop.

For the last 16 months the Order of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate  was among  the most flourishing religious orders of the Catholic Church. The young Order, canonically erected in 1990 , was astonishing in its completely opposite trend.  While other orders bemoaned a shortage of young people, the Order grew up in the West at an impressive pace. In an effort to return to the roots of the Franciscan Order and to follow the original rule of the order, the Order discovered the treasures of the Church, went to the traditional rite the tradition of the Church on its own. With the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. its fate was thus sealed. The visible figurehead of the Benedictine reform of the reform, which had become an Old Ritual Order, had lost his patron.

Commissioner Volpi invited by Pope Confidant Galatino to Bishops' Conference

Since July 2013 provided the Order of the Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception has been provided with a provisional administration. The religious congregation continued with the approval of Pope Francis under a Capuchin Father Fidenzio Volpi. The Apostolic Commissioner  came to enforce his policy sanctions  in the autumn General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference in part, after some bishops had shown willingness to include the brothers and priests of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate i in their dioceses.

After this provisional procedure became known there was a written exchange between the website Nuova Bussola Quotidiana (NBQ) and Commissioner Volpi.

We initiated  a report by Matteo Matzuzzi last 25 November. Matzuzzi is Vaticanist the daily newspaper Il Foglio .

Episcopal Head Shaking Morning "Pope \ earl"

Commissar  Volpi with Pope Francis

Matzuzzi reported on the "orientation" of many bishops around the world for the morning sermon by Pope Francis on 21 November in Santa Marta. It was the "Pearl of the Day" that triggered the helpless shaking of the head among the bishops.  Pope Francis accused  priests and parish secretaries who were supposed to have   published price lists for the sacraments on church doors. According to Vatican Radio , the "pearl" spread, and made ​​more than one bishop a squirm in his chair. "So it gives the impression as if we were only baptize when we see a donation in an envelope," said Matzuzzi quoting an Italian bishop.

There may be black sheep   everywhere, but the reality in the Church from Cape Town to Svalbard, from Vladivostok to Porto is clear. The fees are minimal and are entirely subsided in case of need. In many parts of the world where there is no government-driven church tax as in the Federal Republic of Germany, the clergy is even denied their  livelihood from these offerings.

In the afternoon of the same day there was a public clarification by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the President of the Italian Bishops' Conference: "The sacraments are to be paid in any way. The duties of the faithful are a form of contributing to the material needs of the Church."  The statement was immediately read by observers as a response to the Pope's  morning talks if Cardinal Bagnasco did not mention the pope by name.

Who would not have understood it, was better taught contrario by the speaker of the Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Domenico Pompili as  he briefly stated:  "Each statement made by   the President of the Episcopal Conference as a counter to Pope Francis are misleading ".

Episcopal Anger at Argentine Pope

Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

That something is not working in the relationship between the center and the edges,  is but certain. This was evident a few weeks ago, when the Pope confidante, Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto, who wrote, as the synods' Special Secretary, the controversial gay passages of the interim report for the Synod of Bishops,  who  resoundingly trumpeted Bishop Mario Marini of Fielsole at the election of the Vice-President of the Episcopal Conference.  The only 30 percent of the vote against 70 percent of Bishop Maini in the decisive second round wasn't even close, not even  for an honorable defeat, but for a man like Msgr. Forte, who feels called for higher things, it was a crushing rebuff.

The situation was very embarrassing for some, was why yet begun during the bishops' meeting, the play down "incident"."You wanted new faces precedence," was the embarrassment formula.

Anyway: One possible promotion for Fortes is one of the great Archdiocesan chairs with the dignity of Cardinal, which are open in 2015, namely Florence and Bologna, is a bar quite high. In 2011, Forte was discussed for the  Archdiocese  of Milan. Benedict XVI., however, appointed the then Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Angelo Scola.  Forte was discussed as a possible Patriarch of Venice, but Benedict XVI, which not only was Benedict irritated by Fortes fierce opposition to the corrected translation of the words of consecration in the vernacular. (Pro multis - for many), so Francesco Moraglia was chosen instead, who himself chose a meaningfully strong coat of arms, which is virtually identical to that of St. Pius X, who himself was also Patriarch of Venice. Pope Francis has not created Patriarch Moraglia  a cardinal yet, although traditionally  the Patriarchal chair is connected to the cardinalate. It's a set back that has been associated with Moraglia's understanding of the Church.

Not enough: in the first round by the way, Bishop Mariano Crociata of Latina received 27 votes. Crociata, who in 2013 was Secretary of the Bishops' Conference  was then replaced by Pope Francis overnight by Bishop Nunzio Galatino Cassano all'Jonio. Bishop Crociata asked his brother Bishops, not to give him any more votes, because that could be interpreted as an affront to Pope Francis. But  some of the bishops intended to be demonstrative with their vote.

Galatinos Franciscan Officiate and the Invitation to Commissioner Volpi

Bishop Galatino with Pope Francis

The newly appointe, without consultation with Cardinal Bagnasco, Secretary General Galatino, fills his office so that he could be imposed as the President of the Bishops' Conference and immediately maintains contact with the Vatican. Exactly, in the opinion of observers, this was whatthe Pope wanted with Galatino's appointment: A major reorganization of the Episcopal Conference, without dismissing its president, and thus attracting too much attention. Galatino is the bishop who snidely commented on the Pro-Lifers  who work against the outrageousness of the mass murder of unborn children at abortion clinics and hospitals and pray the rosary for the right to life of every human being.

The Pope's confidant, Galatino, was also appointed by Rome as the Apostolic Commissioner of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate has invited Father Fidenzio Volpi for Autumn Plenary Assembly of Bishops. The real purpose of the bishop's invitation was more apparent during the breaks.  Commissioner Volpi approached  and targeted certain bishops and urged them not to incardinate brothers of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in their diocese who want to leave the Order because of radical upheaval. The procedure of the Commissioner is very unusual because incardination is constantly taking place in many dioceses around the world. The Commissioner's foray is therefore aimed specifically against the priests entrusted to him. They have been  denied in Rome for more than a year, the new foundation as an Old Rite Order. Commissioner Volpi will prevent the brothers leaving the Order or from being incardinated into dioceses. In other words, the impression that arises is that Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate should be forced to remain in the Order, to force them to accept the realignment.

The intention becomes clearer, if one takes into account that Bishop Galatino as Secretary of the Bishops' Conference called upon the Bishops of Italy with an official letter, that no Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate are to be incardinated. If appropriate requests are made, the bishops should immediately inform Commissioner Volpi Commissioner of it. 

Commissioner Volpi's "Clarification" That Explained Nothing

Founder Manelli celebrated in the Lateran Basilica St.Sacrifice of the Mass in the traditional rite

Matzuzzi's article drew a counter notification by the Commissioner himself, who relied on the press law.  Participation in the conference of bishops  was justified by the Commissioner with his role as General Secretary of the Superior Conference of male religious orders in Italy.  He says he did not speak to the bishops in order to address the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate addressed, but he had raised that subject on this occasion to the bishops. It belongs to the "wise practice" of the Church that a responsible  religious  will be contacted by the bishops   before incardinating former members of religious orders, especially when it comes to a priest. If Bishop Galatino is to have asked the bishops, says Volpi, to align themselves with this practice, then it would fall to his responsibilities as General Secretary of the Episcopal Conference.

Thus Commissioner Volpi  gave an unsolicited clarification, however, without clarifying anything. It was replicated by the chief editor of NBQ, Riccardo Cascioli.

Cascioli wrote to the Commissioner that no one had doubted that he was invited to the General Assembly of the Bishops' Conference, but that it posed questions about  the reasons for the referral, "especially regarding your behavior towards some bishops".

Cascioli opposed the spread of Volpi's impression that he belonged, as General Secretary of the Superiors Conference, of his own motion for the Episcopal Conference or that such participation is an established practice. But neither the one nor the other is true. "That explains," said the NBQ-Editor in Chief, "which is why many bishops were amazed when they had to take notice of your presence at the meeting  without having it exlained to them beforehand. I am sure that there was a justified reason for your presence, but unfortunately your writing does not clarify on this."

Not "wise practice", but "hard pressure"

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate under the aegis of a Visitrix

Cascioli continues: "It may be that the bishops will be approached to you as well (I have no reason to doubt it, of which we have not spoken). We have criticized, however, that you have approached with intimidating demeanor and talk to bishops, to cause them to reject requests for incardination by the Franciscans of the Immaculate. It's a statement that you do not deny in your reply. Apart from that, it is  apparent now by  several witnesses. That raises the question of the extent  the powers of the Commissioner of an Order actually reach. We know of no case that is comparable. "

Cascioli then shredded Volpis assertion that it is a "wise practice" of the Church, to contact the appropriate religious superiors before incardinating a former religious. Be that as confirms the NBQ-editor, but what Volpi and Galatino in the case of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate do have nothing to do with the consultations of the Church's practice, but is exercising "hard pressure",  to extend  "threats against bishops" in order  "to prevent some brothers from finding refuge in a diocese or other religious order."   There is no alternative, that Volpi's motto is,  "either by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, according to  Commissar Volpi or nothing." Also it was "an unprecedented procedure that even according to the canon law, it contradicts the basic right to freedom of conscience,"  says Cascioli.

 Dogged Action Against the Order and the "Plans" to Overthrow Pope Francis

Commissar Volpi with Pope Francis (7 November 2014)

This exacerbates the issues that have already found no satisfactory answer: "Why this harshness up to this day, that  neither the reasons for the provisional administration were explained about this blooming Order in the Summer of 2013, nor a time frame for the provisional government."

The official internet site which is controlled by the Commissioner of the Order  offers no help to find answers to the open questions. Helpful on the other hand, is a blog that says of himself, is close to Commissioner Volpi.  The blog describes itself "in accordance with the provisional administration of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate" and published an arid  invective against the article by Matteo Matzuzzi.

In another entry from November 17, however, the anonymous blogger explained why Commissioner Volpi is so "concerned" that no Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate be incardinated in dioceses: "The very purpose of seeking incardination seems clear: it is about the creation of a platform, perhaps off shore, like the Archdiocese of Lipa in the Philippines and a Catholic minority diocese as in England, for the consecrated priests  and former seminarians of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate to newly gather in the hope of a revolution against the current management of the universal Church."

To this Cascioli's response to Commissioner Volpi was: "In other words, the blog says, you would act in concert with whom you were  invited to the meeting of the Episcopal Conference to Assisi, because a plot to overthrow Pope Francis was in progress, whom the clerics and former seminarians of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, were  together with some bishops, who were to include in their dioceses. However, this would be really laughable, if it were not someone close to you  who has spread an unofficial declaration of your whole approach. I hope, therefore, that you will want to clarify this account and also the blog that speaks on your behalf ". Signed, Riccardo Cascioli.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: MiL / CR / Chiesa e Postconcilio / Osservatore Romano

Trans: vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG