Silly Season Starts Early

What do you do if you are an extreme traddie and you just can't force the pope to do what you want?  Answer: you excommunciate him!!!

A Little Bit Of Music

When I was studying in Rome some seminarian friends and myself liked to escape the seminary (with permission) to see the city and some of its cultural events. I remember one jaunt was to attend a production of Tosca - having been trained as an opera singer, the lads liked to get me back into familiar ground.  Well  the performance was abysmal, we still talk about it, it was the best night ever!  As a friend Timmy says, "There's only one thing better than a good opera, and that's an awful one". 

One of our cultural expeditions was to a concert in St John Lateran's in which Roman priest and composer Mgr Marco Frisina was premiering a new work.  It was a great night, and although the choir seemed a bit unruly at first, they were beautiful singers.  Mgr Frisina has been in the limelight over the last couple of weeks or so as the beatification of Blessed John Paul loomed - his music was used for many of the events.  His works are really nice - melodic and spiritual.  He is no James McMillan, but he has a nice touch.  He wrote the new hymn for Blessed John Paul's beatification, and the rousing "Jesus Christ, You are my Life", originally composed for World Youth Day, also used during the beatification ceremonies.

Anyway, for your pleasure and meditation, two of Mgr Frisina's works: his beautiful setting of the Anima Christi, and, given it is the First Saturday, his Magnificat in honour of our Holy Mother.

Where Are We Now?

The killing of Osama bin Laden has been much discussed this week and, no doubt like many of you, I am getting more confused by the hour by what is coming out of the White House.  The story is changing minute by minute.  Now that can be honestly explained by a number of factors.  Any event, seen by different people, is going to seen in different ways.  Because we live in an instant news age, news trickles down to us second by second, and not all of that is going to be accurate, and so clarification and qualification is going to be necessary.  Also, Obama is facing elections soon, so his people will want to spin all of this in a way that silences his critics, distracts from his dreadful pro-abortion record and the resignation of the Catholic ambassador to Malta which may cost him some Catholic votes.  Wrapping the stars and stripes around him as the great American hero is good for votes.

But in the midst of all this confusion, there is one clear moral question which needs to be asked: should Osama bin Laden have been killed in the way he was?   Christian voices answer this question in many ways, some say yes, others no (see the Mary Riddell on the Archbishop of Canterbury).  Personally, I am growing more uncomfortable with what has happened.

Was justice done, as President Obama declares?  Personally, I say no, it was not.  At the moment, as I reflect, that regardless of who the man was, or what he did, there is no excuse for gunning him down if he does not pose an immediate threat and he can be taken.  If he was armed, if he had the finger on a button, or was on a mobile phone and could give orders to his minions, then immediate execution might be morally justified as an act of defence.  But he was unarmed, he could have been taken, and some reports suggest he already was in custody when he was gunned down.  

Some argue that having Osama in custody would pose a serious danger to non-Muslims as his supporters may have gone on a rampage or kidnapped people as a means of having him released.  I understand that, and I accept it, but it does not justify, in my mind, what has happened. Perhaps they could have put him on trial as quickly as possible and carry out the sentence he received immediately: that would have fulfilled the requirements of justice and moral expectations.  Capital punishment would probably be justified here since his incarceration would pose an continuing danger to innocent people.  Seeing as they had all this planned, it would have been possible to have a court martial ready and there was already enough evidence to convict.

What happened in that house is not morally justifiable; it was dishonorable, it was not Christian and not fair.  And as some have asked: do we abandon our beliefs, our judicial process and our ethics so as to exact revenge on a man who has done wrong?  Do we not drag ourselves down to his level to get him?  But then where are we then?  The moral high ground is gone, we have made ourselves the same as those who have no morals. 

There is an interesting line in Robert Bolt's play, A Man for All Seasons.  The character of Thomas More and Richard Rich are discussing law.  Rich says that he would pull down every law in England to get the devil, More responds by asking a simple question: "And when every law is gone and the devil turns on you, where do you hide, now that the law is gone?"  We respect law, justice, proper procedure, and yes, mercy (though that would not be a popular concept in the discussion on Osama), not merely to do things right, or to keep us right, but also to ensure that we ourselves have somewhere to hide should we fall victim to injustice ourselves. 

Is assassination ever justified in Catholic moral teaching?  The killing of a tyrant, by his own subjects as an act of defence might be morally justified if there is no other way of removing him or her.  The attempts on the life of Hitler, for example, fulfill the requirements there.  But this summary execution of Osama bin Laden does not fulfil the requirements.  There was another way to deal with him, but perhaps, as always, the easy solution was convenient. 

Ironically, this is the same excuse used for the taking of innocent life in the act of abortion: the morality of convenience.   So what happened in that house in Pakistan rests on the same moral distortion as that which happens in abortion clinics - the pro-choice position which manipulates or even discards ethics to get the desired result.

Just a few thoughts....so, where are we now?

Pray for Hungary

I am developing a devotion to Blessed Karl of Austria: his life of fidelity in the midst of a terrible, inhuman war, the way he dealt with betrayal and his outstanding love of God are inspiring.  I have no doubt he is praying for us in Europe in these difficult times, and perhaps he might be considered for the honour of being a patron of Europe following his canonisation.

He is certainly praying for Hungary, which was once part of his empire: as the country signs the most pro-life, pro-child and pro-family constitution into law he must have had an influence from heaven on the country's lawmakers.   (See LifeSiteNews for the story)  Due to come into effect on the 1st January 2012, there have been bitter battles between pro-abortion, pro homosexualist agenda groups and the lawmakers as the constitution was being drafted.  Amnesty International, now pro-abortion, are not happy.  Nor is the EU which has been trying to influence those working on the constitution.  But life and family prevailed. The problem?  The constitution recognises, as does medical science, that a unique human being comes into existence at the moment of conception, and so it provides constitutional protection for that new life. 

Being anti-science and ideologically driven, pro-abortion groups, Amnesty International and the EU foremost among them, are furious that a modern sovereign state should seek to betray the agree status quo on the conception of new human being and whether or not they should be allowed to live.  One group has described it as a "Trojan horse for authoritarianism" - that's rich given that "pro-choice" groups encourage and faciliate the murder innocent children in the name of "freedom" - there is nothing more authoritarian that than.  If ever there was a Trojan horse it was radical feminism's mantra of "choice".

The constitution has been passed, but watch that space to see if the EU starts a campaign to force the Hungarian government to repeal it.   One supporter of constitution has said: “I hope that Hungary stays strong in its convictions because what is at stake, life and the family, are too high a price to pay simply to appease the bureaucrats in Brussels.”  Here, here.  Pity our own legislators here in Ireland did follow such advice.

We must pray for Hungary, that they will resist the pressure of the anti-life coalition.  Blessed Karl, husband, father and disciple of Christ, pray for your people.

A New Doctor of the Church?



According to RomeReports, St John of Avila is being considered for the honour of Doctor of the Church.  This would be most interesting since he was a friend of St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, and is very much in the tradition of Spanish mysticism.  He is not very well known outside of Spain, yet his writings have been highly influential, particularly in the areas of mystical theology and spirituality.  A number of years ago the Spanish bishops petitioned to have the honour conferred on the Saint and in 2006 they announced that their request was going to be granted.

St John was born in Almodovar del Campo, Spain,  in 1500.  He studied law in Salamanca, but he was not impressed with jurisprudence, so he went home for a long think.  For three years he lived an ascetic life until a Franciscan friar who was passing through Almodovar suggested he go and study theology.  Taking up the suggestion he went to Alcala, and as he did so discovered a vocation to the priesthood.  His parents died during his seminary years.  Ordained priest, he sold his inheritance and began making arrangements to go on the missions to America, however God had other designs: he was indeed to be a missionary, but in his own land - a far tougher assignment.  Before the boat left his preaching ability came to attention of the Archbishop of Seville who asked him to become a missionary in Andalusia.  Seeing the movement of the Holy Spirit in this, he said yes and began his life as an itinerant preacher in Spain. 

St John's sermons brought thousands back to the practice of the faith while gaining him many enemies.  He was sought after for his spiritual direction and advice, among those who sought his help and advice were St Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross and St Francis Borgia.  His enemies made false accusations against him and he was brought before the Inquisition, but his innocence was quickly established and the Inquisitors invited him to preach at the Church of San Salvador in Seville confounding his critics and delighting the ordinary people who loved him.  After forty years of preaching he died in Montilla in 1569.  He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970.   His many works, sermons and letters were published in the 17th century and are still available today. So St John is a worthy candidate for the honour of Doctor.

I still look forward to the same honour being conferred on St Louis-Marie de Montfort – I believe a number of submissions have been made on his behalf.  And of course another worthy candidate is St Veronica Giuliani, the great Italian mystic and stigmatic who has left us remarkable writings: the bishops of Umbria have already petitioned for the honour to be conferred on her.  All that said, I wonder what chance St Faustina Kowalska would have?  I believe St Bernadine of Siena is also being considered – I think they have been studying his writings for some time now – the original petition requesting his inclusion among the Doctors was submitted in 1882, so I suppose it is early days yet!

The report says Pope Benedict may declare St John a Doctor at World Youth Day this year – I doubt it somehow – he may announce that he will declare him a Doctor, just as Blessed John Paul announced his intention to confer the honour on St Therese at World Youth Day in Paris.  I would imagine, though, that a separate ceremony would be held in Rome.  But then Pope Benedict is his own man.  Interestingly, the Holy Father did not include St John of Avila in his recent Wednesday catechises.

Theological Investigations A La Gaga

Hardly a bastion of theological orthodoxy, America magazine can infuriate, but at times give you a good laugh.  Well get the tissues ready because they have a howl for us today - the theology of Lady Gaga.  Now, God bless her, no desire to make fun of the woman (I would not share her sense of style), but really lads and ladies.....  Ah, the Jesuits!

Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice

With all the trouble in recent years with regard to child abuse, I fear today's feast may not be celebrated by many in Ireland today.  Today is the memoria of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. 

Blessed Edmund was a remarkable man, a man of deep humility, prayer, service and love. The fact that his congregations have been implicated in the abuse crisis is a tragedy for their founder who abhorred the use of violence and sought, like Don Bosco after him, to teach the boys in his care through love.  He told his brothers that they must not act in anger with the boys that misbehave, but to win their hearts. The infamous "leather", associated with the Christian Brothers, came in after his death - he forbade corporal punishment.  He was not the first founder whose wishes were ignored by his spiritual children after his death.

Blessed Edmund suffered a great deal in his life.  His lost his wife in tragic circumstances, his daughter was handicapped, though she was a joy to him throughout his life.  He saw his congregation split by a bishop who wanted control over the brothers based in Cork.  Towards the end of his life he was also treated badly by some members of his congregation, as are many founders. 

Today, the greater tragedy is that his life's work seems to have not only been lost, but sullied and demeaned, and his congregations are much despised.  Yet there were many good and holy Christian and Presentation Brothers, very much sons of Blessed Edmund.  We can only hope that, with the passage of time, the full truth will emerge and we Irish might one day be proud again of this holy, selfless and loving man who sought to serve the young and prepare them not only for life, but also for heaven.  We have an Irish Don Bosco here, pray the Lord that one day we will realise it.

Here is a photograph of his tomb in Waterford, not really mad about it, touch of the space capsule or even tupperware about it. Actually, to be honest, I hate it......  Poor Blessed Edmund!

He's Back!

I was talking with a priest friend of mine who is just back from Rome having been at the beatification of Blessed John Paul II.  He had lots of wonderful stories to tell about what were truly a grace-filled few days. 

As we discussed the ceremony he said that as the Holy Father said the formula of beatification it suddenly became apparent was Pope John Paul was back.  This sense was reinforced as his image was unveiled.  I could identify with what he said.  There is something in that moment, something which changes everything forever.  We may have devotion to a Servant of God for a long time, but when the Pope proclaims that person Blessed it seems everything is changed, everything is different – the person seems to be more alive than ever. They are back, you might say.

And how true that is.  Beatification is an act whereby the Church recognises that someone is in heaven and praying for us.  As we discussed it I said that that sense of being back was a sign of the person’s glorification – now they are glorified with Christ, and living with God and in God, and so they are here, among us, in our midst in a way which is more real and radical than when here in their earthly existence.   I have often felt this with Saints and Blesseds, but it is much more tangible with Blessed John Paul.  Indeed it reminds me of his Audiences.  When he came into the Audience Hall you were suddenly aware of this tremendous presence, a power, a holiness which seemed to fill the entire hall and touch your heart and leave you in shedding tears of joy.  I often noticed it.  I remember when I went back to Rome for the first time after his death I sensed an absence – he was gone.  But now…he’s back, your heart feels it: he is now, through beatification - with God's blessing, a tremendous presence in the Church.  Deo gratias!

There has been much talk about beatification. The secular media struggled to understand it, and, while the Vatican recognised the universal significance of Blessed John Paul, they also reminded us that his cult is reserved to the diocese of Rome and Poland: the cult of a Blessed is local.  As I mentioned in a previous post this seems to be so strange, perhaps even meaningless, when it comes to Pope John Paul. In discussion, my friend and I agree that in life John Paul had universal jurisdiction and universal love, it is now strange to apply the usual rules of a restricted cult.  Of course I accept the Church's process, and perhaps we should double efforts and prayers for his canonisation. May the Lord grant it soon!

The Role To End All Roles

It is well known, and often remarked upon, that the actor Robert Powell could never shake off the role of Jesus after having played him in the successful mini-series Jesus of Nazareth.  He found it difficult to get other roles because people always associated him with Jesus.  I think one actress was quoted as saying that she found it difficult doing an on-screen kiss with Powell because it was like kissing Jesus.  His hard luck was due to stereotyping, it seems another actor who also played the Lord is also having a tough time, though not because of stereotyping.

Jim Caviezel who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ has been talking recently about his difficulties in finding work in the last few years.  He recalls in an interview that after Mel Gibson offered him the part, the director then asked him not take it because it would probably destroy his career. Caviezel went ahead remarking that we all had a cross to carry; whether he realised at the time that the cross would be as big as it turned out to be I'm not sure: but it has been a big cross.

While Powell suffered from stereotyping, Caviezel is probably suffering from bigotry.  The Passion of the Christ had its enemies in Hollywood (and even in the Church), so those involved took a big risk in seeing the project through.   Caviezel rightly says he will receive his reward in heaven, with God's help he will - but he does have to eat and provide for a family, so we will keep him in our prayers.  He is a fine actor, perhaps not Hollywood Idol status, though he has the looks, but he has the ability to be a great actor, so I hope the Lord will provide for him.  All of this, of course, reveals a nasty anti-Christian (anti-Catholic?) side of Hollywood and the film industry.  It also reveals appalling double standards. 

However, Caviezel is upbeat, God bless him. In his interview he also says something very interesting and true for all of us Christians in a time like this: "We have to give up our names, our reputations, our lives, to speak the truth". 

Blessed John Paul's New Tomb

Here is a photograph of Blessed John Paul's new tomb, beneath the altar of St Sebastian in St Peter's Basilica.  Cardinal Dziwisz is depicted about to offer Mass. 

The tomb is beautiful - simple and noble.  It will probably become the most visited placed in the basilica, I can imagine the crowds that will congregate around it.  I can also imagine the efforts priests will go  to get a chance to offer Mass over the tomb.  Priests, with the proper identification papers, can offer Mass in St Peter's between 6.30 and 9am each morning, and there are a few altar/tombs which are in great demand - St Peter's, St Pius X, Blessed John XXIII. 

Whenever I came to St Peter's to offer Mass I always got the altar/tomb of St Gregory Nazianzen, to whom I have a devotion.  Call it coincidence?  Nah, just Greg looking after a friend.  Perhaps next time I'm over, Blessed John Paul might grant me the favour of offering Mass at his tomb.

Tomb of St Gregory Nazianzen beneath the Image of Our Lady in St Peter's Basilica

UPDATE: Some reactions to the new tomb as recorded by the Catholic News Agency.