“Ground zero.” Such haunting words. They bring to mind, of course, the hideous images from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Unforgettable in their horror. And, ever since, the words “Ground Zero” have become embedded in our collective vocabulary. …
Category: Sacraments
Some Questions on Traditionis Custodes
As the initial reactions to Pope Francis’ Traditionis Custodes continue to pour in, I wish to join my voice with others in analyzing and responding to this document. But I cannot, at least not yet. It is not that the …
Traditionis Custodes: an Act of War Against Faithful Catholics
For those who love the traditional Latin Mass, it’s been a rough few days. Pope Francis unleashed a new motu proprio last Friday — “Traditionis Custodes” — that overturned Benedict XVI’s Summorum Pontificum and returned the TLM’s legal status to the …
Crippled Religion Strikes Again – And Summorum Pontificum Gets the Axe
Today, a new motu proprio letter was issued by Pope Francis imposing new (and in some respects brutal) suppressions on the usus antiquior of the Roman Rite. The truth is, we saw this coming. Rumors have been circulating for a …
Why Do People Have A Problem With the Novus Ordo?
Ever since the new rite of Mass was introduced in 1969, battles over liturgy have ensued. But something has changed: we have reached a critical moment in Church history, namely, the widespread recognition that simply because a pope says or …
Frequent Communion and “Eucharistic coherence”
In 1643, Antoine Arnauld published De la frequente Communion, arguing that the frequent reception of Holy Communion cheapened the Sacrament as so few were in a proper state of Grace to receive the Lord. Arnauld’s book became a centerpiece of …
“They’re Priests and Grownups, Daddy. Why Don’t They Know any Better?”
By Matthew Reid In the course of a man’s life there are many changes that occur, some by his own volition, some involuntary, however one of the great changes, perhaps the greatest change, is when a man becomes a father. …
New Episcopal Comments Indicate Summorum Pontificum May Be Overturned
Today, new comments have emerged from three high prelates — including Archbishop Arthur Roche, the new prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship — have added fuel to the speculation that an unwanted change is coming for those Catholics who …
The Saints, The Eucharist, and Worthy Reception in a Contentious Era
Holy Communion, after the Incarnation, is the greatest gift that Jesus bestowed upon the faithful and His Mystical Body, the Church. If unity with the Beloved is the fullness and perfection of divine love, then humbly receiving Our Lord in …
“Smile for the Camera!” — In the Name of Unity, An Iron Fist
It has become a cliché with a slightly dark comedic undertone: the perfect family Christmas card photo, with artfully mis-matched clothing, a beach or forest background, and everyone gazing at the same imaginary point in the middle distance. What hides …
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