On September 21st, a Satanic “Black Mass” is scheduled to take Oklahoma City’s Civic Center.
Bishop Edward Slattery of the neighboring Diocese of Tulsa isn’t about to take it lying down. Here’s the letter he issued on the matter on the diocesan website:
As has been widely reported, a Satanic Black Mass has been scheduled for September 21 in Oklahoma City’s Civic Center. As a part of Satanic worship, a Black Mass attempts to invert the action and meaning of the Eucharist in order to mock Christ’s sacrifice and worship Satan through an orgiastic ritual of pain and perversion. It blasphemes everything which we hold as sacred and redemptive; and the spiritual dangers it poses ought not be dismissed. Since the Civic Center has not responded positively to the pleas of the Archbishop of Oklahoma City not to host this event in a tax-payer supported public venue, I am asking the faithful Catholics in the Diocese of Tulsa to fight this blasphemy through prayer and fasting:
1. Please keep the nine days prior to the Feast of the Assumption as an extraordinary period of prayer and penance. I am asking every Catholic to abstain from all meat and meat products from August 6 through the 14th. I am also asking that you consecrate your hunger with a daily recitation of a decade of the rosary and the familiar Prayer to Saint Michael. Printed copies of these prayers are available in the bulletin and at the entrances of the church. Be strong and encourage your friends to also be strong.
2. On Assumption Day, August 15th, we will ask Our Lady on her Feast, to intercede for us and protect us. On that day I in the Cathedral, and every priest in his own parish, will pray a special prayer written by Pope Leo XIII for the defense of the Church against the attack of the Enemy and his apostate angels.
3. Should these prayers and this period of fasting not effect the cancellation of this event, then I will ask every priest in the Diocese to conduct a Eucharistic Holy Hour on September 21 at the same time (7:00 p.m.) as this profanity is being celebrated in Oklahoma City. Wherever possible, I ask that Eucharistic Processions – especially outdoor processions – be arranged as part of these holy hours. Let us give a public witness to our faith in the Eucharist which is being so profoundly mocked and ridiculed by this event.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Lord!
This is how you fight evil. This is what being a true shepherd looks like. The steps that the good bishop is asking his flock to take are a little intimidating, but as he says in his accompanying letter to the priests of his diocese, “Prayer is our only weapon. Please pray with me – the matter at hand is serious!”
[pullquote]”For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.” (Eph. 6:12)[/pullquote]
Indeed, in spiritual warfare, prayer is both sword and shield.
It will come as no surprise to our readers that Bishop Slattery is also a proponent of the traditional Latin Mass and a more traditional celebration of the Missal of Paul VI. In 2011, he said as much in an interview with the National Catholic Register:
They shouldn’t have viewed the old liturgy, what we call the Tridentine Mass or Missal of Pope John XXIII, as something that needed to be fixed. Nothing was broken. There was an attitude that we had to implement Vatican II in a way that radically affects the liturgy.
There is a demonstrative relationship between those priests and bishops who are rooted in the Church’s tradition and the belief that Satan and his armies at work in the world, and must be fought with the weapons the Church has long provided.
More than one exorcist has said that holy water blessed in the old rite is the most efficacious against demonic manifestation. The old rite of baptism includes a multiple exorcism of the baptized, to free them not only from original sin, but Satan’s dominion over all of us, who come into this world under its (and thus his) power. Father Gabriel Amorth has said that only the old rite of exorcism gives a priest the power he needs to do his work effectively in casting out demons.
The Leonine prayer of exorcism which Bishop Slattery is sending to the priests (and which is to be said ONLY by priests!) of his diocese is itself taken from the 1962 Rite of Exorcism, and has its origins with Pope Leo XIII, who was said to have had a terrifying vision of Satan entering the Church, whereupon he composed the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel as well as prayers of exorcism for priests and laity alike to use in their fight against Satan.
We are grateful for the actions of Bishop Slattery, and we hope that Catholics around the world will join the faithful of the Diocese of Tulsa in prayer and fasting for the end of this sacrilege, and all others like it.
UPDATE – 8/5/2014 @ 10:20AM: The original post indicated that Oklahoma City is part of the Diocese of Tulsa. This was an error. Oklahoma City is within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. You can read the statement of Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City on the scheduled “Black Mass” here.
Join 39,000 Catholics in signing this petition against the “black mass.”
http://www.tfpstudentaction.org/stop-black-mass-oklahoma-city.html
God bless.
It is good to see the Bishop calling Catholics together in prayer during this time of a public display of evil. It is what any good shepherd would do. It is a time to call Catholics together, to unite to fight this evil, but, you lost me when you had to start complaining about Vatican II. If you don’t believe that the Holy Spirit is in control or that Christ heads His Church, bring your complaints to God. You had a chance to bring people together, but you just can’t help trying to be devisive. You might want to pray on this because the time is coming when all wil make a choice and believe me, fighting against the Church from inside is not following Christ. It is not obedience. It is not helping bring others to the faith or to the Church. May God bless Oklahoma City and bring this evil endeavor to an end.
Debra, Well said and to the point!
When I checked online, I could only find four parishes in the entire state of Oklahoma offering a Latin Mass. (other than SSPX)
If I remember correctly, there is a little something in the amendment known as “Freedom of Religion and speech.” If this guy doesn’t like the mass to happen then he just should just sod off and let the people who *do* want to go through with it do their thing- I highly doubt they are actually going to or intending to hurt anyone.
Seriously no offense meant to any church-going people out there, but come on guys I’m sure you all get ticked off when someone questions or bitches out your beliefs because it’s different- so what right do you have to question or say that theirs is wrong?
Satanism is not all evil Hollywood or extreme bigots like this make it out to be (and no, I myself am not a practitioner of either-I just read a lot of things.)
If anything- the people organizing this event have my respect because they at least are *trying* to do something that is important to them knowing they were probably going to be contradicted by a vast majority of others who would mock or write what is clearly hate messages like some of the comments I’ve read through below.
Those of you agreeing with this moron are doing the exact same thing as people I’m sure you’ve ALL complained about or been hurt by before who’ve commented about your beliefs in a negative way. Honestly just leave these guys alone to their own practices and go on with your lives it’s really not that big a deal, and it’s certainly not your or this Biggus Dickus wannabe’s place to contradict them for believing in what they want.
Yes, _but_ given that the entire purpose of a Black Mass is to belittle Christian Faith, and particularly Catholic faith, this criticism hardly applies. As I mentioned above, a Black Mass involves the desecration of a consecrated host. How would you feel if I took something that you personally attached great sentimental value to, say, a photo, and then did something to it? I doubt that if I then said something about freedom of speech that I would elicit much sympathy.
There’s another thing, too. In some parts of the world, when someone does something that people consider insulting to their religion, the local imam will incite the locals to violence and they will start throwing Molotov cocktails. Here a bishop is asking people to fast and pray and we’re being lectured about Respect for Freedom of Religion and Speech.
The entire purpose of the Black Mass is not to belittle the Christian Faith; it is to insult Christ Jesus, Sovereign King and Sovereign Priest; it is sacrilege and blasphemy. It is the act of Lucifer, an act of supreme hatred. This is not “poking the bear” or anything like it. Those who participate in a Black Mass give themselves completely to Satan. Anyone who goes even out of curiosity will be touched by evil and it is almost impossible to escape from it. We must all watch and pray. I will try to do what the Archbishop asks; fasting and prayer makes us stronger to withstand the onslaughts of Satan in our own lives. Lord have mercy on us all and May Holy St Michael defend us in the hour of battle.
Yes indeed RosemaryAnne, I do believe that some who attend a black mass, in thinking it a novelty or ‘cool’ are so in for a very very rude awakening. Evil will be released not only upon people in attendance but upon the community at large. Not only does the black mass blaspheme Our Lord and Savior, but it puts in danger the entire community. It is of extreme importance that we do everything we can to stop it.
I know exactly what I am talking about (ref proud not to be Catholic). Not only have I read extensively on the subject but I was involved with a woman who had been a satanist for many years and had tried many times to escape before eventually being baptised and received into the Catholic Church. I had a very frightening experience of satan one day when she was trying to tell me something which satan clearly did not want her to reveal.
At present I am doing a modified fast both for the persecuted Christians in Syria, Palestine and Iraq and against the black mass. Holy St Michael defend us in the hour of conflict!
Rosemary Lorrimar (Australia)
Those who can’t see God, cannot see evil either. Ignorance is rampant.
Thumbs up Debra!
If I remember correctly, there is a little something in the amendment known as “Freedom of Religion and speech.” Sure this man has the right to say that he does not approve of this event happening- but the fact of the matter is it’s not his decision to make or judge upon. If this guy doesn’t like the idea of the mass happening and is clearly not involved with it then he should just sod off and let the people who *do* want to go through with it do their thing- I highly doubt they are actually going to hurt anyone.
No disrespect meant to any actual religious people(s) reading this- but Satanism is actually not as evil as Hollywood and extreme bigots like this make it out to be (and no, I myself am not a practitioner of either- I just happen to have a keen interest in reading about all sorts of topics.)
There is no need to hate on something you yourself do not fully understand or that is different from you. Even if it may not be something you don’t necessarily approve of, the fact that people like this Slattery character would go so far out of his way to bring down others because they follow a different set of ideals than his is disgusting- and if I’m not mistaken goes against certain passages this man probably reads through on a daily basis. I find the last two comments personally insulting as they are clearly just trying to spread hate over something that is different from their own beliefs as well.
If anything- the people organizing this event have my respect because they at least are *trying* to do something that is important to them while probably knowing they were going to be contradicted by a vast majority of others who would mock or attempt to verbally and emotionally hurt them for wanting to do something that is important to them as individual people.
Seriously guys- don’t spread the hate. Just leave these people alone and go back to your daily lives. I’m sure that at one point or another more than a few of you have been emotionally hurt or ticked off by a comment someone has said about your own beliefs or practices- and what this man is saying about these people is the same thing. It’s not your or this Gentleman’s place to contradict others anyway.
You clearly know little about the Lucias Greaves (or whatever his silly name is) and his following. He admits that his “religion” is simply there to mock the true regions, using it as a way to poke the bear, so to speak, in a most disgusting way. They also use a consecrated host, usually stolen from a Catholic mass, in their “ritual,” thereby denigrating the Catholic faith further. These men have no regard for tolerance – in fact, they actively practice INtolerance with their entire being, and are outspoken in doing so. The Church believes in the power of Satan, and that these morons will unleash even more evil into the world with their assinine ceremony, which is one reason why these bishops come out so strongly against these masses.
Aside from that, the Bishops have freedom of speech, as well. They are allowed to call their flock to prayer whenever they see fit, especially during something they perceive as so heinous and dangerous. So, there’s that.
With all due respect, you are showing your own ignorance of this black mass and what it really is and what it accomplishes. If you don’t believe in heaven and hell, God and demons, then you certainly would think this mass is of no interest to Catholics. But the truth is that both God and Satan do exist and we all give our allegiance to one or the other as we live out our lives. This mass has extraordinary power to call up the demons from hell and they will attach themselves to the souls who attend. Worse yet, they choose to steal and then desecrate a consecrated host which is sacrilegious. The black mass is meant to be a mockery of another person’s religion. Why would you not expect adherents of that other religion to speak up and protest it?, especially when they enjoy freedom of speech.
I can hear the fedoras tipping from here
Really??? “Don’t spread the hate”??? You have it all backwards. This event is nothing but hate. They have stolen a consecrated host – the Blessed Sacrament – which is Jesus Christ Himself. If you are unfamiliar with the Real Presence, look up Eucharistic Miracles. Catholics know exactly what is going on, and will call on every member of the Church Militant and Church Triumphant to stop this.
Its amazing how pathetically close minded and bigoted these catholics are. They are acting like the perception of satanist they claim to hate. I bet the vast majority has never once studied what the black mass really is. Only what some pompous ass has told them. I know I’ll also get haters commenting on this post, close minded self centered bigoted people who have no free will or minds of their own. Simply do as they are commanded. Slaves. Do what we say or be punished. Do this on this day and that on another day. Why? Um, because we claimed it is holy and righteous. Now stop asking questions because that is also a sin. No shut up and bring me an alter boy! Oops! I forgot. Homosexuality is a sin unless your running a catholic church :p perhaps groups of other religions should put their foot down and start petitioning to put a stop to Catholic services. Its an abomination to their religion, crude and evil. Its also funny how catholics seem to be the only ones throwing such public fits about other religions. Talking a lot of smack and twisting everything to go with what they want it to sound like. I see why Catholicism is dropping and other religions like Satanism and Wicca are on such dramatic rises. People want to be happy and free
Are you aware that a true Black Mass involves the use of a consecrated host that could only be stolen from a Catholic church? Do you support theft?
Also, if a Catholic Mass were held in the same civic center where this Black Mass is being held, how would you feel about that?
I generally have bigger things to worry about than Black Masses, but it is Very Odd that this is happening in a public place. And no, I don’t believe that what happens at a Black Mass has a jot to do with happiness or freedom.
“WHO IS WITH GOD”
Michael the Archangel
Also, most normal people are proud of this that they are, not things that they are not.
Your argument is so silly, I’ll only comment on one thing.
The Catholic Church is one of the most intellectual religions. In fact, it takes great pride in intelligence and wisdom – have you not heard of the doctors of the church? Incredibly informed, intelligent men and woman – some of whom became very Catholic as they simply tried to disprove the faith and found its truth undeniable.
We are not sheep, and we certainly think and inform ourselves and are actively encouraged to do so. I highly suggest you do a little research of your own before trying to tear down another person’s faith, of which you clearly know only media snippets and scandals.
Since you obviously believe the whole Catholic faith is a silly pomposity, why does this incident bother you so much, so much so that you seem to become unglued?
I really hate to say this, but we too are very proud and happy that you are not Catholic. Your post clearly shows that you should be picking up a ticket for that Black Mass. Have fun. Here is a tip for you. Catholics are the only ones who are ever attacked, or mocked or usually persecuted and that is because they are the only Church whose head is Jesus Christ. Those who persecute the members persecute Jesus. I am sorry for whatever wounds you are carrying, but they do blind you and that is what keeps you ignorant and angry. Call all the names you want. It is truly a cry for help.
Have you noticed the followers of Satan only go after the Catholic Church. Heck, even Satan believes that Jesus Christ is God. You might want to think about that on.e
Stopped reading at “close minded and bigoted.” Nobody cares if Catholics don’t follow the dictates of the thought police. You probably mindlessly believe every atheist you read on the internet.
Has anyone else tried to vote with a “down arrow” on some of these comments and found that it doesn’t register? So, to put it on the record, I down-vote those comments that either mock the serious concerns here or mistakenly don’t understand the difference between parody and sacrilege.
There are at least four approved TLMs in the diocese of Tulsa, plus a fifth if you count Clear Creek Abbey. Two in Tulsa itself, one in Wagoner, and one in Miami. Oklahoma City has St. Damian’s (FSSP), so that’s at least six TLMs off the top of my head.
If we pray against this horrendous event, Mary is certain to crush this satanic debacle. Please join in this Bishop’s appeal.
On Assumption Day, August 15th, we will ask Our Lady on her Feast, to intercede for us and protect us. On that day I in the Cathedral, and every priest in his own parish, will pray a special prayer written by Pope Leo XIII for the defense of the Church against the attack of the Enemy and his apostate angels.
Although the Assumption of Mary is not an Anglican doctrine, 15 August is observed by some within Anglicanism as a holy day in honour of Mary.
The Assumption of Mary is symbolised in the Fleur-de-lys Madonna.
I hope that his Excellency, Bishop Fellay will urge SSPX Catholics to pray against this sacrilege of the Black Mass
Perhaps the Bishop should reinstate the praying of the St. Michael prayer at the end of every Mass from now on, not just on one day, as Pope Leo XIII ordered.
Big guns? That’s kind of weak.
All Traditional Masses said worldwide say the Pope Leo XIII prayers after every Low Mass. Why not ask your Pastor if you can say them too after Mass?
Yep, I tried that a few years back already. Our Pastor very emphatically said NO!! In fact he said ABSOLUTELY NOT! When he saw the shocked look on my face he explained that the Saint Michael’s Prayer was not part of the Mass, and that NOTHING should take away from the Mass. When I explained that we would not pray the prayer until Mass was completely concluded, he still said NO. That said, what we decided to do was to wait until our Pastor left the Church building and then we would all kneel back down to say it. As of late however, I have been going to daily Mass (when I can) at another parish close by and they say it directly after Mass. Sometimes it seems that Satan is fighting you every little inch of the way.
St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!
Adam Daniels/A Sad Lame Din… coincidence? You be the judge.