I read a theory a few years ago, on a traditionalist website, that said that the entire period from the Second Vatican Council constitutes a kind of Babylonian captivity in the church, which would last 70 years, just like the captivity of the Jews, and would cover the reign of seven popes, just like the captivity of Avignon. In this case, the Ax of divine intervention would be close to descending upon us between the end of this decade and the beginning of the next.
One of the very saddest thing at the moment is how confused and divided we poor Catholics are. Every single one of us appears to have their very own opinions about what has gone wrong and how to fix things. This wasn't always so of course for in the past we trusted the Pope and the Vatican to steer the ship and left them to get on with it. But now that that deep truest and respect is gone and it is very difficult to know how it can be replaced. This is a very, very deep wound on the Body of the Church. I suspect even is a great saint and a genius is elected as Pope he will have a hard time dealing with trust issues. So very sad.
The book of course has almost universally been praised as a classic. Anyone know of a review by an orthodox Catholic? I don't think I could stomach buying one if his books just to review it.
When we are children, we can ask our parents anything and they will surely give the right answer, according to our own vision, as a child. I think that a saint hierarchy gives us the same kind of comfort when we are already adults burdened with moral, theological and existential questions. This is something that leads me to place trust in prophecies that talk about the triumph of the church, even if they are private revelations.
Jesus promised us that He would send us the Holy Spirit I suppose in these times we will have to cling to this
Just a question for you to chew on. Why has Papa Frankie stopped saying public Masses for the last two months? Clearly it's not because of health issues as he is fulfilling a schedule of work that would exhaust a much younger man. A Pope who does not say Mass? I mean really? Imagine your Parish Priest started doing this;what would you think?
Why indeed. Why has he stopped saying Mass? It leads one to wonder if he has ever really prayed at all. This question causes a heart stopping dilemma for any faithful Catholic. For one who understands that hell actually exisits, and that souls do in fact go there, it should be terrifying to contemplate the possibility that there could be a pope who does not pray. St. Jacinta and St. Francisco would likely be weeping and fasting for him constantly. Because where there's life, there is still hope. (at least I believe so, anyway) Prior to the Passion of Christ, the chosen people did have faith in God. Legalism took over, and they didn't understand Who was walking among them. Our Hope (their Hope) was there among them and they didn't understand.... Imho, we are in a similar situation. We have faith, and our hope is in the Name of the Lord. But the church in this world has become very legalistic, and that Hope is being attacked on every level imaginable, even amongst our own. The Church's Passion has begun. Some are weeping, some like St. Peter, James and John are "sleeping", for now. Others are busy seeking loopholes, plotting.....as if they can fool anyone....Some will reach the point, like Judas, where there will be no going back.....may none of us be among them. It's probably cliché to say this, but imho, the faithful ones are like dandelions ~ weeds to the world but beautiful in God's creation. The more they get pulled up, the more they spread everywhere. Whether it's someone roaming the countryside constantly praying a rosary, or a small child picking a flower for his mother out of pure love for her, those seeds of Hope will keep spreading ~ Where there's life, there is Hope ~
God won't be mocked. Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.
My understanding is that he is attending the Mass, just not presiding. Perhaps, its problems with his one lung and chronic bronchitis.
He can't go to the altar to say Mass but yet? I've heard many occasions of priests saying mass from their death bed. So central is the Mass to the Vocation of a priest. https://www.ewtnvatican.com/article...anticipated-international-trips-for-2024-2042 ACI Stampa / EWTN Vatican, 2024-01-02 As we enter a year filled with anticipation, a prevalent question surfaces: Will Pope Francis make a return to Argentina after a decade of his pontificate? This query resonates with many, as Pope Francis has often voiced his wish to revisit his homeland - a trip that would be his first as the pontiff. Despite this desire, health issues have been a concern, notably his influenza, which, while unrelated to his overall health that necessitated two surgeries in the past three years, led to the cancellation of his intended trip to Dubai for COP28. In an interview with Televisa, Pope Francis has detailed plans for three potential trips in the upcoming year: to Argentina, Belgium for the 600th anniversary of the University of Louvain, and to Polynesia. Of these, the visit to Belgium is confirmed. Polynesia emerges as an unexpected destination, having never been mentioned by the Pope previously, in contrast to his expressed interest in visiting Papua New Guinea. A trip incorporating Thailand was also under consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Belgium, on the other hand, is a definitive stop. With preliminary announcements emanating from Brussels, the visit is slated for September, implying that a journey to Polynesia would likely be scheduled for the summer. Meanwhile, Argentina might feature in the Pope's itinerary in the early months of the year. A notable occasion is the rescheduled canonization of Mamma Antula, Argentina's Spiritual Mother, now set for February 11 instead of May. While canonizations are typically held in Rome and presided over by the Pope, there is a possibility that Pope Francis may exceptionally conduct this ceremony in Buenos Aires. February or March are being considered as probable for this potential visit to Argentina. The earlier speculation of a trip to Kosovo appears to have been dismissed. Kosovo, a state not recognized by the Holy See, was mentioned by the Pope in an interview with Vida Nueva prior to his journey to Mongolia. An additional, highly symbolic visit has been proposed: Pope Francis has received an invitation to visit Vietnam, extended by the country's Government Committee for Religious Affairs. The invitation, sent to Santa Marta, encourages the Pope to witness firsthand the socio-economic progress and religious life in this Southeast Asian nation. As per the committee, Vietnam's President Thuong has conveyed his and the country's seven million Catholics' eagerness to welcome the Pope. He noted the profound impression left by his encounters with Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his Vatican visit in July. Significantly, on December 23, the Holy See appointed its first resident representative in Hanoi, marking a crucial step towards establishing full diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the number of Pope Francis's trips is expected to be no more than three. This article was originally published on ACI Stampa.
Agree. And I would head for another parish. Easy enough. Honest question: How exactly does one head for another Church? I'm going full out and trusting this will be settled by Someone Who has the ultimate Authority to settle it. And it's not in my broken nature to trust anyone, tried as I have over the years. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Catholic answers is so Catholic mainstream in the USA that it is pretty well the voice of the USA Bishops.
I asked Catholic Answers years and years ago a question about Papa Frankie and his various goings on and their answer is that we do not talk about the Pope. I answered them. Well that's very convenient. Got no answer back. But if People like Catholic Answers are asking questions, you can bet Catholic Bishops and Cardinals all over the planet are very full of questions. Very,very,very full of questions.
Yes, wise words! We cannot leave the Holy Catholic Church. She has been instituted by Christ himself and there is no salvation outside it. Yes, I also believe this crisis will be settled by him who has the ultimate authority.
