My Opinion of the Storm

I like ChurchMilitant.TV.

I decided I should state that up front, because what I have to say here is not going to be very nice--not that Mr. Voris will have a problem with that. (After all, he's based his entire apostolate on strident opposition to what he terms "The Church of Nice" and openly declaring that the emperor has no clothes.)

For those who aren't aware, Mr. Voris and ChurchMilitant.TV recently fell into the same trap as Catholic Answers did a few months back: he's mistaken faithful, respectful public questioning of the Pope for Neo-Protestant revolt. And he's gone on the offensive in a big way, publically excoriating Michael Matt, Christopher Ferarra and John Vennari for...doing essentially the same thing Mr. Voris is doing, with one notable exception: Mr. Voris will not criticize the Pope in public. Period. (Never mind the consequences of recent highly public papal gaffes.)

Mr. Voris is certainly entitled to his opinion. He raised an excellent point in his March 18, 2014 episode of The Vortex. However, I think that he is falling victim to a dangerous form of papolatry which can lead to a cult mentality that is inimical to Catholicism. In fact, such a mentality has led some into the error of sedevacantism. Thinking that the Pope--or any leader at all--is above criticism is not Catholicism, Mr. Voris. It is fascism. It is totalitarianism. It is not the Faith I follow, and never will be. Only One is above criticism, and He is God Made Man. If you want to goosestep in line with the rest, all the while bellowing "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" that is certainly your perogative. But it isn't helping anyone who loves the Faith.

For how can we reconcile the Assisi debacle of 1986 and beyond with the dogmatic statement Extra ecclesiam, nulla salus? This is just one example of where the public behavior of a Pope easily served to undermine the mission of the Church.

I agree that any criticism of His Holiness must be done with respectful tone, in deference to his holy office. (As I'm fond of saying, respect the office if not the man.) But it must be done, on occasion! Particularly by those who are in a position to know better. (Even Pope Francis himself acknowledged this recently.)

John Vennari gave an excellent refutation; I'll let him finish up this post in his own words.

New Liturgical Music, Deo Gratias!

Those familiar with The Latin Mass magazine already know Mr. Kwasniewski. His thoughtful, insightful articles are almost a staple there. For some reason, I am unsurprised to discover that he also writes liturgical music. He's just published a collection of work spanning 20 years, and if the clip included in the press release from Corpus Christi Watershed is any indication, those two decades were inspired and fruitful indeed! This link leads to more information. What an efficacious vaccine for the influenza of sentimental drivel we've been assaulted with since 1970!

Comments tightened.

Due to a heretical comment by a Protestant troll, denying outright a truth of the One Holy Roman Catholic Church--outside of which there is no salvation, which has endured from the beginning, and will endure until the end of time (see St. Matthew 16:18)--I have tightened my comment controls. Comments are now only open to members of this blog, persuant to my review.

Urgent re-post: Bishop attempts unlawful suppression.

I'll let this article from Rorate Caeli speak for itself. Pray during this Lent for this bishop.