In the midst of so many discouraging and troubling pieces of news, it is always important to point out manifestations of virtue and of the good that still abides. One of the great defenders of Catholic Truth right now is Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera, the Archbishop of Valencia, Spain, about whom we had presented a report earlier this year. On May 13 2016, another Marian Feast Day, Cardinal Cañizares – the former head of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (who had been removed from that office and sent back to his homeland by Pope Francis) – had given a homily where he denounced the “gay empire” and the “gender ideology” as aggressive forces that attack the family. As we reported then, this homily was used by various feminist, homosexual, and other progressive groups as a basis and pretext to sue him for “hate speech.” Thankfully, this initiative was a month later rejected by the state’s courts. (However, as LifeSiteNews wrote on 31 August, four other Spanish bishops are now being sued for criticizing a new homosexual “protection” law recently passed by the Province of Madrid.)
After the legal suit against Cañizares himself was ended in June of 2016, this courageous Cardinal insisted on continuing his protracted battle against these evil forces that attack the family. He said: “They will not force me to be silent.” He added: “If I were to be silent, I would be a bad bishop.” He would continue to speak the truth, Cañizares added, “even if some do not tolerate it and even if they crucify me.” The cardinal also said that “We need the family, and this [gender] ideology destroys it. That is why we are not to be silent, but we have to respond.”
The most recent sign of this Spanish Cardinal’s “battle joy” came on 15 August 2016. As the German Vatican expert Guiseppe Nardi reports in German on 19 August, Cañizares spoke out once again about the gender ideology in his homily delivered on the great Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. He then compared this ideology with National Socialism and Communism. Nardi writes:
The Cardinal spoke of the “new beasts of evil,” which “attack with the aid of the powerful propaganda of a materialistic ideology,” an ideology “which neither respects nor defends the poor and the weak, but which is, rather, only interested in consumerism and egoism.”
In this context, Cardinal Cañizares also quoted Cardinal Robert Sarah – the current head of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments – who had earlier made an analogous reference to Communism and to National Socialism and who had thereby declared that the 21th century “is being formed by the dominance of the gender ideology, which is also being supported by numerous economic powers and a massive and powerful force of the media.”
The recent revelations about George Soros’ own long-standing promotion of anti-Catholic themes and causes – such as abortion and the LGBT agenda – have now given ample proof that this stark claim as presented by these two Cardinals is indeed full of truth. (Significant in this context is also that, in 2015, Soros had admitted to having supported the massive influx of immigrants into Europe – which shows itself to be another infectious source of unrest and anxiety in Europe.)
With his own 15 August comments, therefore, Cardinal Cañizares once more shows himself to be true to his own earlier words and brave witness. I am convinced that, if we were to have some more prelates of his stature and conviction, we would not face such an overwhelming pressure that is now being put upon all those Catholics in the world who try to remain loyal to the Catholic Church’s moral teaching concerning marriage and the family.
Cañizares’ loyal witness also came at a time soon after the very progressive German Bishops’ Conference had published – on 10 August – an article on its own website Katholisch.de which is entitled: “Don’t Be Afraid of Gender!” This article downplays the danger coming from the gender theory, and speciously pretends that this theory merely deals with the question of “equality between men and women.” In order to make his argument, the author of the article even makes use of a Biblical quote according to which all men “are one in Christ” and thus effectively independent of whether “they are slaves or freemen, men or women.”
However, for Mathias von Gersdorff, German author and pro-life activist, this Katholisch.de article “completely downplays this dangerous and anti-Christian [gender] ideology,” and it shows once more that the “progressives at Katholisch.de are the Fifth Column of the gender ideology” in Germany.
May we thus be encouraged and inspired by the recent statements of Cardinal Cañizares in Spain and of Mathias von Gersdorff in Germany to give our own fuller Catholic witness in this difficult time of history. The more we truthfully speak up and publicly resist these ideological and moral disorders, the harder it will be for the progressive forces to push through with their larger anti-Catholic agenda.
As a woman, I keep on hearing the terminology “feminist” used by the RCC, and I never seem to get a complete definition of what exact that is eluding to. I don’t know if I should assume that it encompasses all meanings from the ability to vote, work, make the choice whether to marry, or if it is being used as an innuendo for pro-choice, women priests only. I find it rather a disservice to women when such a broad label is used as if the meaning is obvious. If anyone has the answer, and would be kind enough to respond, I would appreciate if it included not only what it is, but what it is not.
I’ll be courageous and make a stab at it.
The term “feminism” and it adherents, “feminists,” as in the vernacular of post-Christian secular western “culture” contains the philosophical and practical support of every dimension LGBT, abortion, hedonistic sexualism, atheistic individualism, euthanasia, et al.
It was successfully transmitted into the popular imagination by the usual route – highlighting an injustice and riding that horse into all other manner of aberrance which does not immediately appear to be a corollary of the original movement – but indeed is. The suffrage movement of the early twentieth century indeed held the seeds for all this dis-ease. Even eugenics, as we see exhibited by Margaret Sanger and the contraceptive movement.
By any account, secular feminism is a cesspool.
Christian feminism as articulated by the likes of persons such as Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) and Pope St. John Paul is an entirely different entity, and of such richness, I would suggest exploring their work without benefit of my inadequacy. I’m sure there are other persons of virtue and intellect that
are contributing to the disbursement of Christian feminism, but I am unable to
cite them.
First let me state that as a catholic woman I believe I have the obligation to live my life according to our beliefs in God, Jesus, as have been given to us. I do not believe that my ability to work, be educated, vote, drive, not marry and therefore not have children, being equal in society in all it manifestations, goes against my catholic faith. I have never partaken in nor advocate for any of the issues you listed with the exception that I will not endorse any violence or action that goes against my catholic faith towards those individuals who do imbibe in those actions. I do not even know how those other issues got attached to feminism as they are equally shared by men as well. Those who do not understand the unique way the RCC uses words will take the feminism reference as meaning everything including the ones I cited. If I was not aware of their ability to speak opaquely, I would believe that simply because I am not married and have children I am a fallen woman rife with unforgivable sins. That is the issue I am trying to understand by asking my original question. Without a clearer understanding as well, those who lump feminism in with the other topics cause more people to summarily dismiss what is being said. Being a feminist to me is not about abortion, euthanasia, hedonistic sex, all that is sinful, but about my, and all women’s, ability to have the opportunities to be able to take care of my/our needs and live a Catholic/Christian life.
“Being a feminist to me is not about abortion, euthanasia, hedonistic sex, all that is sinful, but about my, and all women’s,
ability to have the opportunities to be able to take care of my/our needs and live a Catholic/Christian life.”
If you read my comment again I think you will see that I agree that an authentic feminism – as is any sincere and grounded movement for human freedom – is entirely conformed to Christ.
Authentic feminism seeks a freedom to respond to God’s call, to be responsible. It envisions “liberation” as a freedom to do one’s duty. It has nothing to do with licentiousness. That is why I cited St. Teresa Benedicta and Pope St. John Paul at the end of my comment.
The popular usage of “feminism” in the secular culture is
mapped out in the initial portion of my original comment – and that is indeed what it is – a component of the program of the secular atheistic materialism. “Feminism” for them is simply a tool to wrestle Western culture from Christianity. It has succeeded. Its final target is the Church itself – and it is well on its way to succeeding. That is the feminism Cardinal Canizares is referencing. And since it has preeminence, he is correct.
Secular materialism is always jiving with vocabulary, robbing the culture of the vernacular so as to metamorphosis the culture into something it is not.
We live in the culture of the lie – Babel is its native
tongue.
” I do not believe that my ability to work, be educated, vote, drive,
not marry and therefore not have children, being equal in society in all
it manifestations, goes against my catholic faith”
What do you mean “equal?” Our diseased, secular, anti-Christ, “enlightenment” definition of equal? Equal to what? Men? Other women?
You are not “equal” to a man. You are a woman. Created as such by God Himself. You are different from me, a man, in your nature. The liars have convinced you that you should strive for equality of our natures, which is impossible.
If your sole desire is simply being able to reject what is unique about your feminine nature, i.e. to “not marry and therefore not have children,” then you have swallowed the feminist lie whether you realize it or not. “Equality” in the bogus “enlightenment” sense of the term means a woman should chemically sterilize herself, denying God’s will and shutting down an ability even the angels don’t have, and murdering any souls who happen to make it into your womb, despite your best defenses.
Modern western women are, by and large, idiots, and the primary tools of civilizational destruction. And they all fly the banner of “feminism.” Swallowing the lie as it was in the beginning.
There’s a reason why satan, in his quest to destroy humanity, decided first to have a chat with Eve.
JT,
I usually enjoy your comments but you have an uncharitable erratum in your post. She is not an idiot. This is from Dictionary.com:
Origin of idiot
1250-1300; Middle English < Latin idiōta < Greek idiṓtēs private person, layman, person lacking skill or expertise, equivalent to idiō- (lengthened variant of idio- idio-, perhaps by analogy with stratiōtēs professional soldier, derivative of stratiá army) + -tēs agent noun suffix
So unless you know her personally, please don't call her an idiot.
Now, if I may put in my 2¢ for a moment.
There are some people who are not called to marriage. I have been on many Ignatian retreats. I am not called to be married; in fact, it was an SSPX priest whom God used to save me from a bad marriage.
IMHO, if men would set a good example, women will follow. A woman will not subject herself to a man if he in turn is not subject to Christ. When men subject themselves to Christ, then women will lovingly subject themselves to men.
Let me give an example:
God says: "Dress modestly." Girl says NO.
The priest says: "Dress modestly." Girl says NO.
Parents say: "Dress modestly.". Girl says NO.
Boyfriend says "Dress modestly." Girl says YES.
Now I know you're a good husband as well as a devout Catholic. I'm talking about non-TCs here. You're a great guy, and IMHO that post was not like you.
Please think about it.
Baloonknot9, Forget the term “feminist” for a moment. I think definitions have you in a quandary. We are children of God…both male and female. Our common goal is to enter into eternal beatitude. This is our hope. This is our destiny. How many women or men have never married and begot children? This is definitely one of our options on this pilgrimage, but not necessary to achieve our goal.
Live your life with hope and great love for both God and neighbor and everything else will fall into its proper place. God bless you and guide you!
The most beautiful defense of womanhood in the face of emerging feminism came from G.K. Chesterton. I highly recommend his book “What is Wrong With the World” (1910). We women have to understand that we have been talked out of the most beautiful mission and vocation, namely to foster a warm and beautiful home for the husband and the little ones for them to grow and flourish. When women talk about feminism – who of them thinks about the little ones and what is good for them, unto eternal life? God bless you on your search for a deeper understanding of feminism!
You can tweet your support to the vicar general of Getafe district @ Diocesis de Getafe or @ facebook.com/diocesisdegetafe where these priests are from. There is also a Petition on citizengo.org/sc/35192/ra to support Cardinal Cañizares who can also be contacted at
[email protected].
It is important to support the very few Prelates who to date have spoken out against the LGBT Agenda which has taken over the Vatican, even as far as bending the Ten Commandments to suit their deviant behaviour. With our collective support being made known we could well see many more Prelates coming out of the woodwork to join them. The Vatican doesn’t want the voices of Traditional Catholics heard but now is the time for that to change. We need decent Catholic priests & Bishops to lead us back to Tradition.
There are two videos being shown on rorate-caeli.blogspot.com of an interview with Bishop Fellay which is well worth listening to. According to the good Bishop the waring factions behind the scenes are very enlightening & encouraging. All but one of the members of the CDF are with him & a good number of both Bishops & Cardinals as well. We need to keep fighting as well as praying.
How long before Cardinal Sarah is sent somewhere else? The most faithful are not lasting long in the present Vatican climate change.
After Card. Burke, Card. Canizares, and some others, I believe that the next ones to be fired by Francis will be Card. Sarah, Muller and Pell
Cardinal G. Pell has been hit already, removed from financial job. PF is very petty and vengeful he will terminate all ultra conservative bishops whose are stumbling blocks for his one world church agenda. Mary, Queen of the Universe and Mother of the Church protect us from these evils.
Thank you Dr. Hickson for this encouraging arti le. This courageous cardinal is a blessing to all of us who are suffering discouragement and a feeling of abandonment with P. Francis’ recent actions. It is encouraging both for faithful bishops, priests and the faithful to know that many godly men are willing to die for the faith rather than succumb.
We must follow the call of our faithful bishops to stand firm in the public square :
Laity, Rise Up! A shepherd exhorts the sheep
http://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/laity-rise-up
Most encouraging. We hope to hear more from Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera and will pray that God will strengthen him as continues to be a voice crying in the desert of unbelief now so present in the leadership of the Catholic Church.
Amen Amen Amen. The red shoes, sadly for the modernists / progressives (I privately use a clearer term) are coming back into ‘style’. May God bless and protect Cardinal Canizares!
As Matthias von Gersdorff suggests, Catholic progressives in Germany are “the Fifth Column of the gender ideology.”
And what happens if the “progressives” win?
Two contrasting articles about the Church of England indicate what the answer to that question is:
“Fourteen gay Anglican priests urge bishops to take lead on inclusion” https://goo.gl/xdgvuR
and
“Church of England attendance plunges to record low” http://goo.gl/O5u4Bx
And what is that “record low”?
“Official figures – based on an annual pew count – show that only 1.4 per cent of the population of England now attend Anglican services on a typical Sunday morning.”
This is what the Catholic Church has to look forward to, if modernist “thinking” becomes more widespread here in Germany.
I am very concerned about what Fr. Hunwicke, one of the 45 signatories writes about in his blog post today. He says: Intimidation and cruel pressures have, it appears, been applied to persuade some of the signatories to the Letter to rescind their signatures.
He also says: I would like to make it very clear that I am not talking about myself or in any way describing or alluding to my own situation or any experience I have had.
Read the whole post here at: http://liturgicalnotes.blogspot.ca/2016/09/4-magical-magisterium-your-rights-and.html
Is there any way, other than prayer, than we can help the signatories? The petition that 1Peter5 spearheaded during the second Synod of the Family seemed to be effective. Is there any way we can rouse Catholics around the world to address this abuse of the right to exercise Canon 212?
Another over moderated site. Echo chambers die.
huh?
Eh?
Well then, since we have many silent priests and bishops, ergo, what kind of priests and bishops do we have.?
Archbishop Lefebvre once said (I’m quoting from memory here, so please let me know if I’m wrong):
If you really want to know why I am doing this, I will tell you. On the Day of Judgement, Our Lord will ask me: What have you done with your priestly and episcopal grace? I do not want to hear from His lips the terrible words: “You helped to destroy the Church along with rest of them.”
Monsignor, pray for your confreres, spiritual sons and daughters!
You cited the quote I wanted to: “If I were to be silent, I would be a bad bishop.”
I read it as a hard condemnation of all “silent” bishops – ie the vast majority, who are fairly condemned by this statement.
Here’s the actual quote from + Archbishop Lefebvre:
“At the hour of my death, when Our Lord asks me:
‘What have you done with your episcopate, what have you done with your episcopal and priestly grace?’ I do not want to hear from His lips the terrible words ‘You have helped to destroy the Church along with the rest of them.’ (Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, Open Letter to Confused Catholics, Angelus Press, p.163 )
Source:. http://www.catholictruthscotland.com/newsletter.html
(It’s on page 16)