I'm posting this under "signs of the times" for a reason. I've thought since the beginning of this Pontificate that how Cardinal Burke is treated would tell me everything I needed to know about where the Church is headed. Cardinal Burke was the single most important and effective opponent of the radical agenda of the upcoming Synod on the Family. This exile is to designed to punish Burke for his opposition to that agenda and prevent him from impeding it at the Synod. Wake up folks, the game is afoot. Vatican Diary / Exile to Malta for Cardinal Burke As the impeccable prefect of the supreme tribunal of the apostolic signatura, he is on the verge of being demoted to the purely honorary role of “patron” of an order of knighthood. At the behest of Pope Francis by Sandro Magister VATICAN CITY, September 17, 2014 – The “revolution” of Pope Francis in ecclesiastical governance is not losing its driving thrust. And so, as happens in every self-respecting revolution, the heads continue to roll for churchmen seen as deserving this metaphorical guillotine. In his first months as bishop of Rome, pope Bergoglio immediately provided for the transfer to lower-ranking positions of three prominent curial figures: Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Archbishop Guido Pozzo, and Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca, considered for their theological and liturgical sensibilities among the most “Ratzingerian” of the Roman curia. Another whose fate appears to be sealed is the Spanish archbishop of Opus Dei Celso Morga Iruzubieta, secretary of the congregation for the clergy, destined to leave Rome for an Iberian diocese not of the first rank. But now an even more eminent decapitation seems to be on the way. The next victim would in fact be the United States cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, who from being prefect of the supreme tribunal of the apostolic signatura would not be promoted - as some are fantasizing in the blogosphere - to the difficult but prestigious see of Chicago, but rather demoted to the pompous - but ecclesiastically very modest - title of “cardinal patron” of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, replacing the current head, Paolo Sardi, who recently turned 80. If confirmed, Burke’s exile would be even more drastic than the one inflicted on Cardinal Piacenza, who, transferred from the important congregation for the clergy to the marginal apostolic penitentiary, nevertheless remained in the leadership of a curial dicastery. With the shakeup on the way, Burke would instead be completely removed from the curia and employed in a purely honorary position without any influence on the governance of the universal Church. This would be a move that seems to have no precedent. In the past, in fact, the title of “cardinalis patronus” of the knights of Malta, in existence since 1961, like the previous one of Grand Prior of Rome, has always been assigned to the highest ranking cardinals as an extra position in addition to the main one. This is what was done with cardinals Mariano Rampolla del Tindaro (appointed Grand Prior in 1896 while remaining secretary of state), Gaetano Bisleti (at the same time prefect of the congregation for Catholic education), Gennaro Granito Pignatelli (cardinal dean and bishop of Albano), Nicola Canali (governor of Vatican City), Paolo Giobbe (leader of the apostolic dataria), Paul-Pierre Philippe (until the age of 75 also prefect of the congregation for the Oriental Churches), Sebastiano Baggio (removed from the congregation for bishops but kept on as governor of Vatican City and camerlengo), Pio Laghi (until the age of 77 also prefect of the congregation for Catholic education). Two separate cases are those of Cardinal Giacomo Violardo, who succeeded the 89-year-old Giobbe as patron at the age of 71, two months after receiving the scarlet at the end of long service in the curia, and of the outgoing Sardi, appointed pro-patron in 2009 at the age of 75 and made cardinal in 2010 after having been for many years the head of the office that writes pontifical documents. Above all, Sardi’s retirement would not be a compulsory act, since the age limit of 80 does not apply to positions outside of the curia. And in fact, with the exception of Paulo Giobbe, all of the aforementioned cardinal patrons went on to a better life “durante munere.” Burke is 66 years old, and therefore still in his ecclesiastical prime. Ordained a priest by Paul VI in 1975, he worked at the apostolic signatura as an ordinary priest with John Paul II, who made him bishop of his native diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1993. It was again pope Karol Wojtyla who in 2003 promoted him as archbishop of the prestigious see, once cardinalate, of St. Louis, Missouri. Benedict XVI called him back to Rome in 2008, and made him a cardinal in 2010. With a very devout personality, he is also recognized as having the rare virtue of never having struck any deals to obtain ecclesiastical promotions or benefices. In the liturgical and theological camp, he is very close to the sensibilities of Joseph Ratzinger. He has celebrated a number of times according to the ancient rite, even donning the “cappa magna,” as do cardinals George Pell and Antonio Cañizares Llovera, without being punished for this by Pope Francis. A great expert in canon law, and appointed to the apostolic signatura for this reason, he is not afraid to follow it to the most uncomfortable consequences. Like when, to the tune of articles of the Code - number 915 to be precise - he upheld the impossibility of giving communion to those politicians who stubbornly and publicly uphold the right to abortion, bringing the rebukes of two colleagues in the United States valued by Pope Francis, Sean Patrick O’Malley of Boston and Donald Wuerl of Washington. Free in his judgments, he has been among the very few to make critical remarks on “Evangelii Gaudium,” pointing out that in his view it is orientational but not truly magisterial. And in view of the upcoming synod of bishops, he has repeatedly taken a stand against the ideas of Cardinal Walter Kasper - well known to be in the good graces of Pope Francis - in favor of communion for the divorced and remarried. The dicastery headed by Burke, eminently technical, recently accepted an appeal from the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate against a provision issued for them by the congregation for religious. A courageous move on the part of Burke, situated within the context of the punitive action undertaken by the Vatican congregation against one of the most substantial realities of Catholic traditionalism, an action that Pope Francis endorsed by approving in specific form the congregation’s decision to prevent the Friars of the Immaculate from celebrating the Mass according to the “Tridentine” rite. It is only with this kind of pontifical approval, in fact, that a decree of the curia can overturn standing law, in this case the motu proprio of Benedict XVI “Summorum Pontificum.” It is difficult to identify among these episodes the ones that may have have had the greatest influence on the fate of Cardinal Burke. But it is easy to predict that his definitive downgrading will provoke both a tumultuous reaction within the traditionalist world, where Burke is seen as a hero, and a corresponding wave of jubilation in the opposite camp, where he is instead considered a bogeyman. On the latter side it can be recalled that the “liberal” Catholic commentator Michael Sean Winters, in the “National Catholic Reporter” of November 26, 2013, had called for the head of Cardinal Burke as a member of the congregation for bishops, because of the nefarious influence, according to him, that he was exercising over episcopal appointments in the United States. On December 16, in effect, Pope Francis humiliated Burke by crossing him off from among the members of the congregation. To the hosannas of “liberal” Catholicism, not only in the United States. The pope certainly did not do so out of obedience to the wishes of the “National Catholic Reporter.” But now he seems right at the point of giving the go-ahead for the second and more grave demotion of one of the most untarnished personalities the Vatican curia knows.
On the contrary there maybe something more to this appointment or perhaps I am grasping for straws. The recent debacle with the director of the Vatican Bank was a Knight of Malta who was forced to resign possibly due to corruption. Pedro Regis of Brazil message was that the "Knights of Malta will betray the Chruch." The night before or so the story goes the top echelon that is very powerful men and women, met with Pope Benedict, the date was Feb 1oth. Consider that perhaps Cardinal Burke was put there to tidy things up.
we simply aren't privy to enough details to know. People are ushered out of their positions for lots of reasons; in the elderly, often for signs of dementia. Who knows?
Cardinal Burke is 66 and sharp as a tack. My sons served Benediction for him in 2011, and I spoke with him at length at that time. I feel he is one of the best, most humble and faithful Cardinals in the entire Church. Fr. Z has some interesting observations: The possible demotion of Card. Burke. Wherein Fr. Z rants. Posted on 16 September 2014 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf Now that the cat is out of the bag, I’ll post this. I do not like the fact that Sandro Magister posted in this way, however. I’ve been biting the inside of my mouth for a while now. The optimist in me was saying that the official announcement would not be made until after the Synod of Bishops, or at least the beginning of the Synod. Or at all. It’s not good news. At the time of this writing, it is still – officially – a rumor. I believe it, however. I have been trying to get myself into a mental and spiritual place to see it for what it is and, more importantly, for what it is not, and to plot my own reaction and subsequent course. Vatican Insider has posted that His Eminence Raymond Card. Burke will soon be demoted by Pope Francis from being Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura to the Patron of the Knights of Malta. The move is not lateral. That position is usually entrusted to older Cardinals. The present Cardinal Patron is Card. Sardi, who is now 80. Before him was Pio Card. Laghi. The reassignment would be a demotion, for the Patron of the Knights is not nearly the equivalent of Prefect of a Roman dicastery. ... This news has been leaked a couple weeks before the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops which will tackle, inter alia, the question of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried. However, Card. Burke will surely be a participant in the Synod. Moreover, days before the Synod begins, a book will be released in five languages – in English by Ignatius Press HERE – in which Card. Burke has an essay (along with those of four other Cardinals) in defense of the Church’s traditional teaching and discipline. Card. Burke has been a leading figure in the holding position against the really bad ideas of Walter Card. Kasper, the “tolerate but don’t accept” position that the liberals and dissidents are swooning over. You will have noticed – or maybe not, for how many people read it, after all – that at Amerika Magazine, its 24/7 Kasperism. “But Father! But Father!”, some of you are asking, “How could something like this take place? Why would this take place?” Others are saying “Hah hah Fr. Z! You hate Vatican II! Next we’re coming for you!” In addition to the scenario of cutting back the curia I outlined, above, I think that Card. Burke’s enemies, both in these USA and in Rome – at least occasionally, got the upper hand when advising Pope Francis. It would be naïve in the extreme to think that there are lacking near Francis’s elbows those who have been sharpening their knives for Card. Burke and for anyone else associated closely with Pope Benedict. This is millennial, clerical blood sport. Sacerdos sacerdoti lupissimus. No surprises here. The sun rises at dawn. Dog bites man. Is there an upside to this? Sure there is! If this happens – and it is still not official yet – Card. Burke will not have so much on his plate. He is still young enough to have a good store of energy. This move, if true, would mean that he would not be tethered to a desk full of nearly as much paperwork. He will have more time to write. He will have more opportunities to raise his voice and express his views. He is already pretty forthright as a Prefect. When he is off the leash, he will still act with the Romanitas and the gravitas of a Cardinal, but I’ll bet he’ll be even more vocal. Another upside? He will probably retain his membership in the Congregations to which he belongs. Those appointments change from time to time. We shall see. Remember, this is not official until it is formally announced. However, it seems likely. I know Card. Burke a little. I know him well enough to know that he is a man is deep spiritual resources. He will be fine. Do, however, say a prayer for him regularly. Every Cardinal needs prayers! Imagine how the Enemy targets Cardinals, especially real defenders of tradition. It’s a terrifying prospect. And then there’s this. This is the part I direct at YOU, dear readers. Many of you will be tempted to have a spittle-flecked nutty of sorrow and panic about this, directly proportioned to the spittle-flecked nutty of giddiness and schadenfreude that the catholic Left are about to throw. Many of you will be tempted to run in circles squawking about Francis the Disaster, the cross between a Jesuit and South American Dictator. At the same time the catholic Left will be running in the opposite direction squawking about Francis The Unjudgmental, the first and fluffiest Pope ever to smile or to kiss a baby, is just the most wonderfullest Pope ehvurrr. The Left will manifest their trademark venom. Remember what foaming paroxysms they had when Burke was not reappointed as a member of the Congregation of Bishops? When he was moved from St. Louis to Rome? Demotion! They cried! (Benedict moved him to Rome, by the way, not Francis, and it was a promotion.) So too with the Right! Francis says something that is – admittedly – strange or impenetrable and trads freak out. We have to breathe deeply and try to see this for what it is and what it isn’t. And to continue the respiratory metaphor, some of us – I include myself – are going to have to hold our noses and swallow this bitter dose as if it had all the asafoetida that Dr. Maturin was accustomed to add to his draughts. [That's a Patrick O'Brian reference.] Every pontificate has its good days and its bad days. Which it ain’t always beer and skittles, is it, as Preserved Killick would put it? [That's another.] There are many factors to consider in this move, consideration of which should take us beyond a simple and facile assumption that this is part of a Franciscan Night of the Long Knives.
I think this is another good move by Pope Francis. I have my reasons for judging so that are factual un-apologized for arrogant errors....I'll say no more. But I think the Pope's reasons may be more general in scope of personality and approach.
You don't appreciate the wisdom of our Pope? I for one do.....esp. chosen via the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit indeed.
Benedict XVI, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was asked on Bavarian television in 1997 if the Holy Spirit is responsible for who gets elected. This was his response: I would not say so, in the sense that the Holy Spirit picks out the Pope. … I would say that the Spirit does not exactly take control of the affair, but rather like a good educator, as it were, leaves us much space, much freedom, without entirely abandoning us. Thus the Spirit’s role should be understood in a much more elastic sense, not that he dictates the candidate for whom one must vote. Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined. Then the clincher: There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit obviously would not have picked!
Benedict then actually DID acknowledge a role for the Holy Spirit in respecting the free will of those who are expected nonetheless of taking their roles very seriously in making such a decision. That only gives greater reason to trust the workings of the Church as guided by the Spirit in such selections. Obviously we faithful wouldn't have it any other way or we'd be in terrible trouble. Now then you wouldn't be endorsing Pope Francis as falling within your "contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit" would not be involved with....esp. if you are by now acquainted with the very serious comments made by the Cardinals after this very spiritually charged conclave for this election "for what the Church definitely needs for these times" as was their personally accepted charge. As Jesus Himself allegedly spoke to early on in LTTW...."this Pope will be a game changer".
I think the compromise prophesied by Bl. Ann Catherine Emmerick below has to do with the upcoming Synod on the Family: Anne Catherine Emmerich " "I saw also the relationship between two popes ... I saw how baleful would be the consequences of this false church. I saw it increase in size; heretics of every kind came into the city of Rome. The local clergy grew lukewarm, and I saw a great darkness... "I had another vision of the great tribulation. It seems to me that a concession was demanded from the clergy which could not be granted. I saw many older priests, especially one, who wept bitterly. A few younger ones were also weeping. But others, and the lukewarm among them, readily did what was demanded. It was as if people were splitting into two camps." ... "I see the Holy Father in great anguish. He lives in a palace other than before and he admits only a limited number of friends near him. I fear that the Holy Father will suffer many more trials before he dies. "I see that the false Church of darkness is making progress and I see the dreadful influence it has on the people. The Holy Father and the Church are verily in so great a distress that one must implore God night and day…”
SaintIsidore, this is the first thing that came to my mind. If I remember correctly, it says that an 'order would come from Malta'--
Brian people are entitled to their own opinions. It would be a sad place if everyone thought the same thing. The fact that people look at things in a different light than ourselves does not mean they are any less wise than ourselves. One of the great blessings of this place is that we read opinions and ways of looking at things very different from our own . I have found this to be a great blessing and often gives me great pause for thought as I suspect I tend to get too rigid and doctrinaire in my way of thinking as I get older than me. Certainly I would never be so presumptious as to suppose that because someone looks at things differently than me , that they are less wise than me. Never.
This is a point I struggle with here too. I am a lay person from a little island in the Atlantic ocean. What do I know of the Vatican and its goings on from green cheese on the moon. For that matter I wonder how much many of these commentators do either. From what I have read of the Vatican it is and always has been a hot bed of gossip and rumour. When I was young my mother never ever went out onto the stoop to gossip with the other mothers. I asked her why one time and she told me , 'I have enough to do bringing up ten children!' I think a lot of these Monsignori have too much time on their hands and would be better of inside saying their rosaries.
My apologies padraig. We buried my dad on Saturday and I guess I'm tired and irrational. But this news about Cardinal Burke is incredibly disturbing to me, and to suggest he was removed over personal failings or personality defects is inappropriate at best.
My sympathies Brian, for the the loss of your Father. May God grant him eternal rest! Thank you Lord that Brian has been brought into this world and grown into such a God fearing and God loving man. May his Father be blessed and bless Brian's family from heaven.
Photo says it all http://www.intrepidreport.com/archives/13516 http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/02/11/was-pope-benedict-fired-by-the-knights-of-malta/ Fact is the Knights held their Anniversary Mass at Rome not Malta. Protocol dictates that they would meet with Pope Benedict...on Feb 10th. Brillant strategic chess move surely the invisible hand of Benedict can be seen.
NOW READ THIS::: Pedro Regis An order will be given by an Order. There will be a false promise and the throne of Peter will be shaken.You now live in the time of great spiritual confusions. Be strong. Go to confession; receive the Eucharist and the word of God, for this is the only way you will find strength for your lives. (5 Feb 08) you live in the time of great spiritual tribulations. Bend your knees in prayer, for this is the only way that you will be able to bear the weight of difficulties. The Church will walk on difficult paths. It will confront much ingratitude from bad pastors and will drink the bitter cup of pain. An order will come from Malta that will shake the church and make the faithful suffer. I am your Sorrowful Mother and I know what awaits you. Don´t flee from the truth. Trust in The Lord. He is your victory, and there is nothing you can do without Him. Courage. Forward. (1 Feb 08)
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