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The Only Way Out is Through

Image: Bandai Namco Entertainment America, GODZILLA The Game – Reveal Trailer – Godzilla B&W 2CC BY 3.0

I spent the past couple of hours cleaning out my email inbox. Not because I wanted to, but because it seemed easier than coming back here and trying to write whatever the thing is that I know I need to be writing but can’t quite put my finger on.  Lately, it’s been like that more and more often.

As I whittled my inbox ALL the way down from over 400 unread emails to just 8, I realized I had things in there I hadn’t responded to since 2015! And frankly, I was completely overwhelmed by it all. I’d say about 8 out of 10 emails I received are inquiries looking for a detailed response. Many are long enough to be articles in themselves. Often they come from people seeking advice, or from those who are looking to shine a light on a story important to their parish or community and that they are worried will slip through the cracks unless someone gives it some real attention. And I feel for them. So it was incredibly difficult to force myself to admit I will never reply to them all. To YOU all. If you’ve sent me an email to which you never received a reply, I’m sorry. I truly am. But to be honest I feel, like Bilbo Baggins famously said, “like butter scraped over too much bread.”

I recently told someone that when I started 1P5, it was a calling. It became a labor of love. And now, it’s just…labor. More and more I find myself sitting in front of my screen, typing and deleting sentences until I finally throw up my hands. I am a professional. I don’t get writer’s block except when I have nothing to say. And the thing I keep coming back to is that I don’t know what to say that’s new. That’s helpful. That’s hopeful. The mess we’re in is deeper than anything I’ve seen in my 40 years on this planet. It’s worse than anything I’ve read about in history.

And nobody is coming to the rescue.

Rumors reach my ears at a steady pace. So many secrets. So many whispers I hear multiple times from different people, all of whom appear to be in a position to know, but everything is off the record, naturally.

These rumors indicated that there would be a formal correction in October. Then in November. Then…not at all.

They point to opposition to his leadership that is growing amongst not just those who oppose his agenda, but those who support it as well.

They say that certain high-ranking members of the Church believe that the pope is evil, or that he is an apostate, or any number of things. (All while his supporters continue to fawn over him and deny the principle of non-contradiction and tell anyone who will listen that whatever the present pope says or does magically abrogates what his predecessors taught, or even what Our Divine Lord taught. That the only magisterium is the magisterium of the now. That the pope is the master of truth, not its servant.)

But surely, if any of these rumors or reports were true, one of these bishops or cardinals alleged to be thinking these things would do something about it, right? I mean, when the house is on fire, isn’t there an obligation to shake people and shout at them if you have to and tell them to get out? Or should you just save yourself, for fear that if you do warn them they might just not take you seriously anymore? That your effectiveness would be reduced? Live to fight another day?

And I find myself asking, if that’s the rationale, effectiveness in what, exactly? Blending in with the scenery? I want to root for these guys. I want to defer to them like a good little Catholic soldier, like a member of the laity who has no grace of state and no authority to do anything within the hierarchical structure of the Church. But I’m not wearing the red of a cardinal — a red, which, by the way, is supposed to remind them of their duty to shed their blood for the faith — and it’s hard for me to feel as respectful as I should towards these men when they won’t even, as one commenter I saw put it, shed ink for the cause. If they believe the pope is promulgating heresy, they have a solemn duty  to act, even if they think they’ll get the St. John Fisher treatment.

Or are we all consequentialists now?

On the flip side, I hear from Catholics who think that at this point, any tact or prudence whatsoever is far too generous. Nothing less than scorched earth will do! I was having a conversation with someone yesterday about the recent podcast I recorded. The person was trying to understand why some of the commenters seemed upset about it. Why they were claiming it was too legalistic or not helpful.

I told him, “there’s this huge catastrophe in our midst. I mean Godzilla is in the city knocking down buildings. And all the leaders are sipping lattes and reading the morning paper.”

We want to believe this is a war. The truth is, if it were a war, both sides would be fully engaged. Instead, it’s mostly people treading lightly and speaking in code on one side, and on the other, they’re driving over us with Panzers and flying their flags in the public square. It’s entirely one-sided. And they gloat as they tell us they’ve already won, and that if we don’t toe the line, we’re nothing but dissenters. That we don’t really believe in papal primacy. That we don’t really respect the Church’s authority. That somehow, by clinging to the perennial faith against the advance of heresy and damnable error, we have become a rebellious enemy in the heart of the Church.

And so, while it’s important on some level to understand the technical distinctions on what significance there is when something is put into the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, or the weight of a post-synodal apostolic exhortation, on the other hand it feels like — going back to our earlier example — having a conversation about fire extinguisher mechanics while the building is burning down around you.

I get it, everyone.

I get it, Cardinals and Bishops. There aren’t many of you who care about how bad this has become, and in fact many of your brethren are complicit. I get that you feel as though the only way to be effective is not to become another Archbishop Lefebvre — marginalized because you stood your ground and wound up looking like a schismatic. You think your fight is most effective when you can stay close to the situation. When you have access to the Vatican and even the pope. When you can collaborate with your fellow bishops without being labeled disloyal; a dissenter.

But so what? Our Lord inspired St. Luke to tell you what would come. “I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20)

St. Paul gave you example of what to do: “But when Cephas was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” (Gal 2:11)

And Our Blessed Lord told you how you should react when they turned on you: “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.” (Mt. 5:11-13)

I get it, frustrated and fed up laymen. You’re exhausted by the crisis of leadership. You’re fed up with feeling like the burden has been left on your shoulders, as though you couldn’t possibly understand the cross a prince of the Church has to carry. You’re tired of being talked to like you need to just trust that things will be taken care of when you see no evidence that it’s true. You’re worn out from the constant arguments about what’s magisterial and what isn’t, by the pretense that you can simply ignore something a pope is saying or doing because it’s better for your peace of mind or because it fails to rise to the technical level of heresy or because it does rise to the technical level of heresy but it’s only material and not formal. And you’re really not all that interested in hearing anyone tell you that you have to continue to be respectful and parse minutiae when you’re 99% sure the man we call pope isn’t fit to teach a kindergarten CCD class and cannot be followed into anything. You’re done being told that it’s up to you — the little guy — to fix it, but every time you step out of your pre-defined box someone pushes you back in, telling you that you’re not a pope, not even a cardinal or a bishop, so who do you think you are and remember your place and what business do you have making declarations and assertions like this? You’re sick of being told that God is in charge, and that He runs this Church, and any minute now He’s going to start chucking thunderbolts like Thor at all the bad guys running things, because in part you’re really not so sure that He’s going to do that, and in part you’re worried about how ugly it’s going to get if He does.

But you, too, were warned:

“Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober.” (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

And what about this one, which might sound familiar? “Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.?” (1 Peter 5:8-11)

These are hard times, but hard times give rise to great men. Yes, confusion reigns, and yes, it grows worse by the day. Wherever you are, whatever your state in life in this crisis, if you are trying to stay close to Our Lord and His Church and their collective teachings, you are no doubt bone weary, dispirited, discouraged, and unnerved. You are almost certainly wondering just what God has up His eternal sleeve and just when, exactly, He’s going to show His divine hand.

Many of you have come to appreciate my honesty, so I’ll give it to you straight: I have no idea what to expect next. I couldn’t predict it if I tried. And I am running on fumes.

2016 was arguably the hardest year of my life  — that is, until 2017 arrived. Every day this year has felt like an uphill battle. Work has been a Sisyphean slog, and my family has suffered near constant assaults from the enemy, draining me of energy and the ability to focus or the will to move forward. My faith has come under attack, as has any desire to pray or grow in holiness. Everything feels like drudgery, and there is no greater temptation than to find someone to hand the torch to, or drop it and walk away. I would rather do practically anything than continue to document the willful destruction of the Catholic Church at the hands of the man whose job is to guard and protect it. And I feel almost like a liar when I present to you the beauties of our faith as though they, too, do not fall under the pall of this threat from the man in Rome.

And I am not alone. As I strike up conversations with others who are in our little faithful alliance, they tell me similar stories. Of the impenetrable malaise, the personal sufferings and illnesses and wounds and upheavals, the uncertainty and obstacles that keep tripping them up. As if this fight wasn’t hard enough, it’s as though every single person engaged in it is being handed weights to carry.

In moments like these, I am certain that your prayers are among the only things that get us through. There’s simply no way to overcome what is being thrown at us without a spiritual army at our backs.

And as for the Church herself? Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Christ promised us that the gates of hell would not prevail because it would appear that the Church would succumb before those gates, and He wanted us to remember that promise when things looked most grim.

I’m not proud to admit it, but there were times this year that I’ve thought about giving up. I’ve thought about just walking away from it all. But if we turn our eyes away from Him, there is nothing but darkness. Emptiness. Meaninglessness. There is no life worth living outside the confines of His will. His plan. Even if we cannot fathom it. Even if we think we cannot bear it. 

There is only one response for the man of faith, no matter how turbulent the sea or violent the tempest. No matter how bleak the future appears, no matter how hard the sayings we are forced to accept:

But Jesus, knowing in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: Doth this scandalize you? If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who he was, that would betray him. And he said: Therefore did I say to you, that no man can come to me, unless it be given him by my Father. After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him. Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away? And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Christ, the Son of God. (John 6:62-69)

To whom shall we go? Where else is there to turn? Is there another port in this storm? I have looked for another way out, and I cannot find one that leads anywhere but sorrow. It is dark, yes, but we walk by faith, and not by sight.

Through trial and torment, through weakness, weariness, and worry, the only way out is through.

262 thoughts on “The Only Way Out is Through”

  1. Dom Prosper Guéranger
    “When the shepherd becomes a wolf, the first duty of the flock is to defend itself. The true children of Holy Church, at such times, are those who walk by the light of their Baptism, not the cowardly souls who, under the specious pretext of submission to the powers that be, delay their opposition to the enemy in the hope of receiving instructions which are neither necessary nor desirable.”

    The theologian, Francisco Suarez S.J. († 1617), said likewise:
    “If the pope gives an order contrary to right customs, he should not be obeyed; if he attempts to do something manifestly opposed to justice and the common good, it will be lawful to resist him; if he attacks by force, by force he can be repelled, with a moderation appropriate to a just defense.” (De Fide, Disp. X, Sec. VI, N. 16)

    The Doctor of the Church, St. Robert Bellarmine, S.J. († 1621), wrote a treatise on the Papacy which was used as a basis for the definition of the limits of papal infallibility which was made at Vatican I. He wrote as follows:

    “Just as it is lawful to resist the pope that attacks the body, it is also lawful to resist the one who attacks souls or who disturbs civil order, or, above all, who attempts to destroy the Church. I say that it is lawful to resist him by not doing what he orders and preventing his will from being executed.” (De Romano Pontifice, Lib. II, Ch. 29)

    Reply
      • Remember the posters plastered all over Rome of a resting bitch-face Jorge? Tyrants hate to be ridiculed, worked like a charm.

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      • The best way is to know/learn the True Faith and live it, no matter who changes what. That already in many places is enough to bring persecution upon oneself and it will widespread very soon.

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      • Well, the problem we have here is that the Cardinals should be leading the resistance.

        Hence, we stand in place and await the sound of a clear trumpet, all the while resisting the world, the flesh and the devil, by mortifying our flesh and sanctifying our souls and wills, as it were, in a furnace….for if God work in us and bring us to pure love (which St. John of the Cross is worth more in God’s eyes than all other works), our lives will be an oblation of reparation to Him, and an impetration for the restoration of Holy Mother Church and the salvation of souls.

        Nonetheless, we ought to resist error wherever we encounter it by fulfilling the Spiritual Works of Mercy: instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing the sinner.

        And for those of us with a gift for Apologetics, and a platform to use, by all means, go at it!

        Reply
          • In the dire message of La Salette, our Heavenly Mother stated; “Many convents are no longer houses of God, but temples of Asmodeus.” The Sisters of Mercy exemplify this; the Holy Spirit deserted them years ago. Their rule of life is the entire modernist, deviant feminist, neopagan New Age package deal. The most merciful thing about them is that, due to the dearth of new vocations, they are a dying breed.

    • Absolutely agree with these quotes . We are living in the end times- none of this is a surprise the more you study prophesy. Go to twoheartspress.com and listen and read. It is our faith that will get us through with the help of our Blessed Mother????⚔️

      Reply
      • Twoheartspress.com is an attractive looking website with some good analysis but a word of
        warning….The author of that website:Dr. Kelly Bowring has endorsed one Pedro Regis who claims
        to receive messages from Our Lady.

        One such message: March 16th 2013 implies that Pope Francis is the Pope that “will suffer because he will reinforce the true holy teachings of the Catholic faith”

        And Dr. Kelly Bowring gives a chronology of future events which IS inaccurate since NOBODY knows
        such chronology. Be very careful with all these “messengers” and self-appointed doomsday forecasters!

        Reply
        • Boy, you aren’t kidding, Barry! What is it with all these supposed “messengers” and “visionaries” lately? Has it always been this way? You mentioned someone named Gallagher yesterday — I saw that one in an Irish magazine. They give her two pages every issue. Then there is one called “Holy Love” which offers literally DAILY “messages.” Heaven just dishes out updates to every Fred Bloggs as fast as he can type? How convenient! One claimed that Our Lord said “You have the right to pray in any place you choose.” You can just tell it’s suspicious, as the whole concept of “rights” is of human derivation. Yet another one (called “Two Patricks”) claims Our Lord said “Even now if [souls in hell] asked Me for forgiveness it would be given.” But aren’t heaven and hell for eternity? What makes it so disturbing is that they come across as deeply concerned about the Faith — even lamenting the scandals from Rome as any traditional Catholic would. It really gives diabolical disorientation an even creepier nuance of meaning than I previously judged. I’d be interested in your theory, Barry, or anyone else’s about this trend. My guess is that the success of Medjugorje inspired a lot of people to have a go at this visionary business. A spiritual free-for-all, apparently.

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    • Mr. Braun: You have offered us the succinct “catechism” of why we are within Catholic tradition when we resist Francis and his coterie of clerical malefactors. But action must follow theory. First, we must avoid their masses (or services, as they probably would prefer to call them) like the Bubonic Plague and never, ever give the present establishment a single red penny. Next, we must write, speak and argue the truth of the Faith and about her enemies in season and out of season—with conviction and without even a trace of papolatry or the false charity and pseudo-obedience the Modernists have used to neuter and shut us up. Next we should support organizations and publications which are unequivocably traditional (unlike half-hearted endeavors like “Crisis” or “First Things,” for ultimately their excessive deference to the treacherous hierarchy ends up serving the traitors’s purposes). Finally, we should organize a day of Catholic affirmation (ideally at an appointed day and time world-wide) in the face of apostasy world-wide and make every effort to include priests and bishops if at all possible (I do know from experience how unlikely the latter would be). Finally, we should decide on, with plenty of time to organize well, a monumental march to Bernini’s colonnade in the Vatican and demand with loud and firm voice Francis’s resignation for his attacks on the Faith. If enough can sacrifice time and treasure to do that (perhaps during one of the Wednesday audiences in the Fall, a time of more clement weather), it might be hard for the Vatican thugs to get the Italian or Vatican police to arrest or disband us and it will surely call the world’s attention to the wolf in our midst. There should be firm, courageous signs and loudspeakers outlining Francis’s outrages against justice, truth and real charity with clear examples from both the time of his pontificate and his abuses while archbishop of Buenos Aires and as regional superior of the Jesuits in his country. Let us act like men and women rather than like wimps wringing their hands waiting for someone else to do what surely they will not do. In short, let us be true to the graces we received at our confirmation—to be true and real soldiers of Christ.

      Reply
  2. This article is awesome! Thank you so much for all that you do. Your work is very important in these troubling times.
    God bless you and your family!
    +JMJ+
    In Christ, MPR

    Reply
  3. Steve,

    I don’t have the responsibilities that you do, but can identify with your spiritual crisis. I’m tired of people mocking me when dressing modestly in summer. I’m tired of making sacrifices. I’m tired of all the scandals. I’m tired of almost everything.

    Yet as you said:

    To whom shall we go? Where else is there to turn? Is there another port in this storm?

    No. There is no other port other than Heaven. The Barque of Peter may be on the verge of capsizing, but abandoning ship in the midst of the deluge is worse.

    We need to support each other especially by prayer.

    I’ve been trying to do daily meditation and it helps me to stay focused on what’s most important. This is what I use:

    https://angeluspress.org/collections/catholic-spirituality/products/my-daily-bread

    I have an original 1954 edition as well as this one (exact reprint). It’s a gem.

    God bless you in everything you do.

    Margaret

    Reply
    • I posted my thoughts,after finishing reading Steve’s commentary and as I read everyone’s responses,I see that we all are expressing exactly same and similar thoughts.

      Reply
    • In regard to dressing modestly in summer (I wear long sleeves, long flowing skirts, and usually a wide brimmed straw hat), I tell people who inquire that it protects my skin from sun damage. Which is true.

      And when it seems useful, I discuss the other reasons as well.

      Reply
      • If you find a good source for modest clothing, please post it. It’s almost winter and I can’t find anything in modest skirts. Two of my skirts are so old the elastic has worn out on them.

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        • Ebay! Do a search for: long maxi wool circle full flared flare skirt (not all of the words at once, but in different combinations, two or three at a time). In summer, leave out “wool”.

          Check measurements carefully, and don’t pay much attention to the official sizes. They are often wrong. If the seller doesn’t give measurements, click on “Contact Seller” in the box in the right hand corner, and ask.

          Often you can get a substantial price reduction, whether or not one is offered, by contacting the seller, praising the item, and using the phrase “I am making a Formal Commit to Buy Offer for $____.”

          Since by Ebay rules, that is a legally binding contract, the seller knows that it is a real sale, not a fishing expedition, and often decides to get rid of the thing. Or they may make a counter offer, to which you can counter yourself. I’ve saved lots that way.

          Also, read the descriptions very, very carefully, don’t rush. Sometimes the header says wool, but the detailed description says acrylic. Look at the photos carefully too, as they are a legal part of the description.

          Plan to spend an average of about $50 for a wool maxi skirt in perfect condition. They may range from $25 to $95 or more, but $50-ish is about average, with a little negotiation. A good one will last you for years. If the quality is disappointing, you can send it back for a refund.

          I regret to say that I’ve grabbed quite a few of them, but there a still some survivors, and more will come along soon. I do know quality, and some of these skirts cost hundreds of dollars originally. And it’s nice to hear “Wow, where did you get that?” instead of “Why do you wear those funny clothes?”

          Also, I find that wearing them with long, vivid, dramatic scarves totally changes the message – from frumpy to fashionista.

          Try “jamavar scarf” and see if you like them. Very oriental, so not everyone’s taste, but very unique and dramatic.

          Hats are good too, and have the added advantage that you can wear them to an NO Mass, and not get stared at.

          Also, Ebay sometimes offers payment plans.

          Have fun shopping.

          Reply
          • Oh yes. Ebay again, same key words, except “silk” instead of “wool” – though beware of things from China, and read their descriptions extra carefully. You can also use the keyword “vintage”.

            Lovely, lovely, lovely long swirling silk skirts. And colors and prints you can’t get anymore.

            They also make excellent slips underneath unlined woolen skirts.

            It is difficult to imagine anything that you cannot find on Ebay. For example, would you like an authentic Vatican casting of Michaelangelo’s head of the Virgin, from his Pieta? Which one would you like? (Use Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the search.)

            If you sew, search for “silk” in Fabrics. Also “wool”.

          • Put in the keywords for what you want. Then look at the place where you have a choice as to how they are listed.

            Ebay’s default setting is “Best Match” but you can change it to “Lowest to Highest.” I’ve seen them for $1.99 (this was an opening bid, the seller certainly didn’t want to sell if for that, but…if no one else bids against you, that’s the price). Most nice ones are in the $30 to $80 range, but can go lower or higher.

            Long full skirts are not in fashion, even though nice ones are much admired, so if you offer the seller a lower price through Contact the Seller, they may accept. Remember to say that you are making a Formal Comit to Buy Offer, so they know it is a real, legally binding sale.

            Spend some time looking before you buy. The selection is global, and you can never predict what will be there.

          • Also, I find that full, gathered long skirts make me look like a potato, unless the fabric is very drapey and thin. The flared ones are kinder. No extra fabric around the waist.

      • Although I’ve had malignant melanoma, I refuse to to wear long flowing skirts to protect my fetching kneecaps. A gentleman as limits to what he’ll wear and bare.

        Reply
    • Margaret: Thank you for your sacrifice, and especially for your modest summer dress. The respect I have for women like you is paramount. You do your brothers a great service, and you honor your Father in heaven. Thank you.

      Reply
      • You’re welcome. When I went on retreat years ago, the priest told us (it was a ladies’ retreat) that if you’re tempted to dress immodestly because of the heat, think about how much hotter it will be in Hell and you’ll overcome the temptation.

        ***

        Quite frankly, I feel the same way about you and other gentlemen who dress modestly. A gentleman should set an example for a lady.

        Professor Brian McCall wrote a magnificent article for the Remnant some years ago on modesty for men. It featured a picture of Cary Grant (the consummate debonair in the movies), yet I can’t find it on the Remnant website. Maybe Steve can ask Michael Matt if he can repost it on 1P5 (with the picture of Cary Grant).

        Reply
    • I’m tired of making sacrifices. I’m tired of all the scandals. I’m tired of almost everything.

      Yes, it can be quite depressing and debilitating even. It made me quite depressed and very angry.

      But the only thing to do is to anchor one’s self in Christ. If we believe that He is Risen and sits at the right hand of the Father, then we can also know for sure that He is allowing this.

      Some ask, “how long Lord”?. But this is a prideful question. It seems to suggest that one knows better as to how long this should last, and that this must be shortened. But can one know better than God?

      I think it is good to say i am tired of making sacrifices. I am tired of the Scandals. I am tired of almost everything.

      But next time you say it, say it to Jesus. After all, He is the one allowing all this.

      Reply
  4. Take heart, Steve. I have a theory that the real author of “The Dictator Pope” is none other than the good Cardinal Gerhard Müller whose endless pro and con Francis-wafflings have been an ingenious ruse to divert suspicion.

    Reply
  5. Sipping lattes is a nice way to “pass through* the apocalypse. Certainly in a Starbucks where the wifi is free.

    To get folks off duff and rear they need to be deprived of their comfort. In a two master world that usually means money, and the assured future funds and benefits secures. We could force the retirement from comfort, or they can walk out of it on their own. Which of our ‘heroes’ have posted a note declaring that, from this day (this conference) forward, hey will live by the crumbs faithful lay folks put on their table. Could be, their jet riding to conferences may be reduced to one or two a year.

    That sort of thing.

    I mean – not to be disrespectful – is Cardinal Burke’s access to comfort any less (or, less assured) than Fr.James Martin’s? Fr. James? Have always wondered how he expense accounts all his flying about.when a honest-to-goodness (redeemed) homosexual sufferer in Christ – evangelizing true Christian freedom – has his home leveled in a wildfire in Sonoma County (CA)!

    Something for heroes to ponder, sipping Starbuck lattes, while booking flights and the like.

    Reply
  6. Surely you have someone who can assume responsibility for OnePeterFive for a few weeks while you take a break, put Catholic news and internet brouhahah aside altogether , (together with real and presumed responsibility for the ecclesia), maybe take a two week retreat and get some perspective. The solution of this mess is very likely not up to you in any degree whatsover. Such a tactic is simply Mental Health 101 and is probably the best thing you could do to keep the site ( and yourself) running. Even soldiers of Christ deserve a furlough now and then, no? Or if need be, shut the site down for a few weeks and come back refreshed.

    Reply
    • Great idea!! Steve and other faithful Catholic bloggers are totally entrenched in this evil that has permeated the Church of Christ, day in and day out, hour in and hour out. I think we have echoed these ideas in the past, but they are worth revisiting. These poor soldiers of Christ are exhausted in every way they can be. To look at and deal with this evil day in and day out eats at your very soul. He needs a break from it, as many of them do. It’s called survival. On the other hand, Steve’s work and the work of others is not in vain. There are more and more Catholic Christians waking up by the day. Through these courageous people, Catholics are indeed waking from their slumber to the realities of this evil Papacy, and evil it is. Indeed the trumpeters need a break from time to time to ‘regroup’.

      Reply
    • Do as Archbishop Fulton Sheen did, he spent at least one hour a day before the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the Tabernacle. I do this most days praying my rosary and when I neglect to do it I get agitated by what is happening in Rome. You are under great pressure and attack from the evil one so take time off, your regular supporters will continue to support you financially if you explain to them the stress that you are under. My rosary tomorrow in chapel will be for you and your family. We need you strong and healthy so take a rest. God Bless.

      Reply
  7. Thank you for this inspiring post.
    Don Minutella said the Holy Virgin has entered the field. What other field could that be but the battlefield? Our Queen is calling her faithful troops. Let us all fight through the snares that the powers of darkness throw our way and with our rosaries and prayers join Our Lady, the Triumphant Leader who has already won the victory!

    Reply
    • Amen, Sir. We’ve acted like the Church slothful, not the Church Militant. I’d love to meet you so we could spear head real action.

      Reply
  8. Hello Steve. I’m sure that every warrior in every long, seemingly endless war has felt those same feelings. I’m sure that they have all at times been tempted find a way to exit the fight–honorably if possible; without honor if necessary. But temptations are only that, and the best of the warriors have found it within themselves, through faith, force of will, stubborn resolve, or all of the above, to push through the temptation and strike at the enemy one more time, then one more time after that, followed by many more one-more-times until the enemy fell to defeat. I think that you are made of that same stuff. But you must find a little time here and there for spiritual refreshing, if you don’t already, before the blessed sacrament, or before the tabernacle.
    We have to stand and defend our Lord’s Church in this wretched era–however each of us one of us can. Who else is going to do it if we throw down our weapons walk away?

    Reply
  9. Steve,

    Here’s what I can contribute to this, very important subject.

    Yes, like any faithful Catholic very often I feel confused, mislead, angry, abandoned, cheated, helpless.
    But, at the same time I feel as being on the right side, on the side of truth, faithful to God and Sacred Tradition that empowers me.
    Let us think about ourselves as possessing the dignity of children of God.
    Proper Catholic formation should give us a sense of being empowered by the truth.
    Sinful and imperfect, a point is reached we know when the Way, the Life and the Truth are abandoned and we don’t need resort to Talmudic hair splitting to be certain of that.
    Regardless of how powerful and overwhelming the forces of destruction surrounding us are, being faithful to the Truth to the best of our abilities will bless us with internal peace and a sense of invincibility.

    Saint Athanasius pray for us!

    Reply
  10. We ARE in a battle, the end battle, yet too many do not realize it, especially those you would THINK SHOULD respond???????? So…. If no one else picks up the flag, we the laity of the Church need to because our prelates won’t???? Oh how they will suffer being responsible but refuse to respond???? So our Lord turns to the lay faithful and so many of us hesitate because it shouldn’t have to come from us, but without other options, HE is looking to us to speak out. Our Lord will use anyone He can to get His messages out, even the smallest, most insignificant of His followers, us! Be strong my dear brother in Christ and do not back down. We will soon be off the internet and can only speak to those close as Chastisements will begin, and are beginning. So while you still can SPEAK LOUDLY and CLEARLY!
    So many don’t believe this ( yet) but I would highly recommend going to twoheartspresss.com and click on the video!!!!

    Reply
    • Regarding Twoheartspress:
      Dr. Kelly Bowring gives a chronology of future events which IS inaccurate since NOBODY really knows
      the true chronology. Be very careful with all these “messengers” and self-appointed doomsday forecasters!

      Reply
  11. Steve, while I read your beautiful article, I was deeply moved and I prayed for you.
    Let us all pray for each other and confirm each other in the faith of Jesus Christ. Blessings. +

    Reply
  12. “The mess we’re in is deeper than anything I’ve seen in my 40 years on this planet.” I’ve been here 72 years and it’s worse than anything I ever saw before…except here in my own diocese where things are actually improving; not great, but clearly improving. We managed to survive the criminal behavior of one of Cardinal Law’s minions imposed on us back before his disgrace and flight to the Vatican, and now his successor seems to be striving to restore order to a diocese ravished by clerical sexual and financial deviance. The Bergoglian darkness hasn’t totally blanketed every corner of the Church yet.

    Reply
    • That sounds good, Johnny, any movement to the good should be lauded. In my diocese our bishop is going to hold a synod. He told me last week (at a social occasion) that he and his priests will come up with a five-year plan to move forward….as he was sitting next to me on a couch and there were mostly N.O. people, and non-Cathoics, in the room I could not grab him by the throat and choke the heterodoxy out of him…but I felt like it.

      But he’s ‘nice’ so I guess that’s good.

      Reply
      • Whenever I hear “five-year-plan” my thought automatically goes to Lenin and Stalin, who were always coming up with various five-year-plans, just long enough to get to the next five-year-plan when the real transition to the workers paradise would start.

        Reply
  13. You have lots of company. But I think the reason for the paralysis is because we DO NOTHING (not you – you try to do everything). Remember the French men who ACTED to prevent blasphemy in France, by drowning out the heretics with the Rosary. That’s Catholic Action. Years ago, Father Zendajas SSPX, led a huge rosary procession in NYC, to make reparation for a filthy painting of Our Lady. We were there! We were VISIBLE. And we were spiritually and politically effective! I’ve written a piece for CFN that may, or may not be published, on out duty to oppose the ocean of filth which is the Gay movement, with suggestions for action…We are constantly preaching to the choir, yet nothing seems to move us to be visible. Because we ARE invisible! No one knows we exist. This is my main source of frustration.

    Reply
    • Helen, we are afraid of what might happen to us. We could be banned from our parish (can a priest do that?) we might be arrested like Linda Gibbons has been so often as she protested in silence at baby-killing clinics in Toronto – she has spent years in jail over the past 20…our children might stop speaking to us, our neighbours might turn away from us on the street…I’m trying to think of what else we are afraid of…it’s mostly that we will stand out and be seen as ‘holier than thou’ by other Catholics, we will be labelled, we may not know our Faith, and Tradition enough to speak out coherently, we may be afraid that we will lose it and just start screaming…

      I don’t know what to do either. I’m protected by my FSSP parish so the question is moot. I urge others to action, but don’t know what to do that does not make me afraid – and therefore I do nothing.

      I would like to see an on-line community that prays the Rosary – I mean millions of people – can we do this? Not on the street but in our homes. The purpose would be to ask Our Lady to give the grace of courage and fortitude to priests. Blogs are wonderful, and I learn something every day, but might we not get a FORMAL Rosary crusade together where we would have ONE place to sign and pledge, then pray? Say the first Saturdays of the month? or every Sunday at a certain time? I don’t know what this would look like but it might give us a place, a group to belong to, that would spread throughout the world….

      Togetherness is so important to us social beings. It is very hard to be alone – we’re not built that way and that’s part of the problem here – we are each alone, either in our family or in our parish…an on-line community just to pray the Rosary might be a good idea. I am not a technical person (at 73, I’m kinda past it) so I have no idea how to do this – am I crazy to hope for something like this?

      Really storm Heaven on-line, over and over, and over with millions praying – might be good.

      Reply
  14. Steve, you are a true soldier of Jesus Christ,placed by Him at this crucial time,fighting the battle! You are a great inspiration to all of us, who feel lost, discouraged and abandoned by the few faithful and brave Prelates, who themselves might just feel as we do. Let us keep praying daily for each other, the wounded Catholic Church and be assured that Jesus is at the elm of the barque,that seems to be on the verge of “capsizing”!

    Reply
  15. If you are going through hell, don’t stop.

    But seriously, it makes me think more on meekness as a virtue, not in terms of the common notion of weakness, but a particular strength, allowing all of this to flow over us like water, while not being moved. The early Christians were marched to their martyrdoms, not fighting desperately, but with joy in their hearts and faces, collecting converts on the way. I actually see this as the last gasp of a dying 1960’s generation, flailing around in destruction as they slowly drop off to their eternal fates, one by one.

    I’ll see your Bilbo Baggins, and raise you by Frodo and Sam;

    “It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end… because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing… this shadow. Even darkness must pass.”

    “And yet their wills did not yield, and they struggled on.”

    Reply
    • Yes, and let’s not forget that the author of those words was a good Catholic. All of the Lord of the Rings is a metaphor for our times NOW. Satan will draw this out to the bitter end – but only with God’s permissive will. Every moment of near despair brings merit if resisted.

      Reply
  16. During my most forlorn moments, pondering and wondering, ” Just what the heck is going on here?” ( regarding the Church crisis and the eerie silence of the prelates), I think about the Early Church Marytrs. When they went to the lions, and suffered various tortures, they did not think, for one minute,……..” How will this help the Church?”, in my opinion.
    They simply gave glory to God and refused to deny to HIm.

    We must show Him that we glorify Him! We must be willing to risk all and bear those burdens.

    God bless you Steve and your family. Your work here at OnePeterFive is not in vain…….stay tuned.

    Reply
  17. God bless you, Steve! I am personally grateful for your labor of love — and yes, it is, objectively, a labor of love, even if you’re having trouble FEELING the love right now. The long, hard, gray, dreary slog is nothing if not love. We know, thanks to all the holy people from John of the Cross to Mother Teresa, that for those who really try to follow Jesus, there are long “dry” periods and “dark nights of the soul.”

    I know you have differences with Ann Barnhardt, but one thing she often emphasizes that really resonates with me is what a comfort it is to simply HEAR TRUTH — even when the truth is difficult and unpleasant. That’s because the truth, no matter how grim, is still the truth. When you know the truth deep in your soul, but nobody around you is speaking it, it makes you feel isolated and alone, and eventually starts making you question yourself, maybe even doubt your own sanity. And Francis does this “gaslighting” thing with us all the time, doesn’t he? In a situation like this, simply to hear the truth AFFIRMED — and to hear your own anguish echoed by others — is a hugely empowering thing.

    So, I feel bad that you feel so bad — on one level it was hard to read your piece — but on another level, it was very precious to me to have my own feelings echoed, mirrored, affirmed by someone else. (“Ah! I’m not the only one! And I’m not crazy!”) Thus, even though in one way this piece is a bummer, in another way, it makes my day. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing your heart with us. I hope you have some idea of how vital and necessary this blog is. May God strengthen and sustain you. I will pray for you.

    Reply
  18. For me and others of my like-minded colleagues we engage in consistent passive resistance to this most unworthy and destructive Pontificate. Not just silence, but a refusal to mention, quote, or a knoweldge the existence of You Know Who other than the “ N” in the Canon.
    He is the punishment for the naive and intellectually vapid “ Holy Fatherism” of the past 40 years.

    Reply
  19. Your mention of the, often, futile efforts of trying to alert occupants of a burning building to their condition, reminds me of a Robert Louis Stevenson vignette, “The Sick Man and the Fireman:”

    There was once a sick man in a burning house, to whom there entered a fireman.
    “Do not save me,” said the sick man. “Save those who are strong.”
    “Will you kindly tell me why?” inquired the fireman, for he was a civil fellow.”
    Nothing could possibly be fairer,” said the sick man. “The strong should be preferred in all cases, because they are of more service in the world.”
    The fireman pondered for awhile, for he was a man of some philosophy.”Granted,” said he at last, as part of the roof fell in; “but for the sake of conversation, what would you lay down as the proper service of the strong?”
    “Nothing can possibly be easier,” returned the sick man; “the proper service of the strong is to help the weak.”Again the fireman reflected, for there was nothing hasty about this excellent creature. “I could forgive you being sick,” he said at last, as a portion of the wall fell out, “but I cannot bear your being such a fool.” And with that he heaved up his fireman’s axe, for he was eminently just, and clove the sick man to the bed.

    Reply
  20. Steve,

    You, your family, and 1P5 are on two of my daily prayer ilsts: petitions and thanksgiving. Thank you for this article. As Winston Churchill said, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”

    Pax Christi, Jennifer

    Reply
  21. Steve, thank you. The support and information that you give to many is incredibly valuable to our maintaining hope and faith, not to mention avoiding being blindsided.

    Personally, one of your articles led to my immediately going to the TLM, which I had been procrastinating over for far too long.

    Reply
  22. Most of us, Steve, are feeling this much like you. We lack the gifts you provide with erudite precision. Carry on and give them that hate us more reasons to continue to do so with your love of the Faith.

    Reply
  23. Steve, You expressed beautifully the anxiety and despair that I must constantly confess. I read the Diocesan newspaper and find out that several nuns have passed on and that in spite of constant closing of parishes and Catholic schools, Catholic education in St. Louis is undergoing a Rennaissance according to the paper’s headlines. The same is silent – dead silent – on Amoris Laetitia – but that would make sense since our Archbishop is also dead silent. We have a large ecumenical prayer service to “commemorate” (but with great joy, according to the readings and commentaries) the greatest disaster to befall Christiendom with Pope Francis blowing up HOly Mother Church while the Greek Chrous of Cardinals and Bishops, with rare exception , stands in the gallery and sings . Cardinal Burke said at the Marian Catechist conference this summer that he believes we are in the end times and that he’s praying for a heavenly chastisement. I hope he’ll not wait for that before issuing the formal correction. Other holy men have stood alone to do the right thing, and Cardinal Burke has the heart and the courage to be one of them. Pray for all priests, bishops, cardinals and for the conversion of the Holy Father.

    Reply
  24. This is such a great post, Steve. I’m obviously not in your position, but I can relate. i don’t know a single person who looks at the situation in the church as I do or that has a deep (impossible to fulfill at this time) longing for the TLM. That’s why I come here every single day.

    What can you do when you feel discouraged and bogged down by writers block? Write a short post calling us to join you in a novena. Post a review of some book that can be used to teach our children the old ways of the faith. Ask us to pray for you. Perhaps in this way we can all help each other not fall into despair.

    You are doing great work!

    Reply
  25. Steve, I hear you, I know your burden, and I thank you for sharing it with US. I hope what I have to say here will help lighten it for you.

    I am a layman; a nobody in the Church. But there is a quote by Cardinal Ratzinger I always keep before me. Here it is from a book I wrote:
    . . . Pope Benedict XVI said the simple faith of lay Catholics is the remedy for the current crisis in the Church. This is a major reason the lay editor of the book you are reading decided to publish it. In an editorial in the magazine Inside the Vatican, entitled “The Faith of the Simple and Peace,” its editor, Robert Moynihan said:
    The Pope, though a profound theologian, is more and more a simple believer, because, as he says, it is the faith of the simple believer which will save the Church and transform the world.
    “In the Book of Revelation,” the pope concluded, “there is the image of a fleeing woman who has a large river placed before her by the dragon, to overcome her, but the soil absorbs the river.”
    The river represents “the currents that dominate all and wish to make faith in the Church disappear,” the pope explained, “the Church that does not have a place anymore in front of the force of these currents (editor’s italics) that impose themselves as the only rationality, as the only way to live. And the earth that absorbs these currents is the faith of the simple at heart, that does not allow itself to be over¬come by these rivers and saves the Mother and saves the Son. … This true wisdom of simple faith that does not allow itself to be swamped by the waters is the force of the Church.”

    This having been acknowledged by Pope Benedict XVI, how long are FAITHFUL LAY CATHOLICS going to stand by, doing nothing to prevent this burgeoning attempt by Modernist theologians, priests, bishops, cardinals and popes to redefine and destroy Holy Mother Church from the inside? We know there is no short term solution to the problem, but we also know that the Modernist focus is on destroying the traditional priesthood and therefore the Mass. Martin Luther knew he had to destroy the Mass in order to destroy the Church. And the Modernists know Luther was right in that regard, so that is also their strategy.

    HOWEVER, CATHOLIC LAY PEOPLE FUND THE MODERNIST CLERGY FROM TOP TO BOTTOM! MODERNIST CLERGY ESSENTIALLY HAVE NO OTHER SOURCE OF INCOME THAN OUR MONEY. AND WE KEEP GIVING IT TO THEM!! HOW STUPID! ELIMINATING THAT INCOME IS THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION.

    So, the long term solution is 1) traditional Catholic lay people redirecting our financial donations to the orders with seminaries dedicated to forming and ordaining traditional priests to offer the traditional Mass, and 2) CONVINCING OTHER CATHOLICS to do the same.

    The key, with the help of Our Lady and her rosary, is 2) CONVINCING OTHER CATHOLICS to do the same.

    It will be long and hard, but here’s how it is already working.

    In March of 2013, I wrote and published a 200 page book outlining much of what would have to be said and done. The book is entitled THE PAPAL PLAN FOR RESTORATION – RESTORING THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD – A STUDY GUIDE FOR CATHOLIC LAITY, SEMINARIANS AND CLERGY. It is available from Loreto Publications, Fitzwilliam, NH http://loretopubs.org/the-papal-plan-for-restoration-restorng-the-catholic-priesthood.html. It draws upon the writings of our pre-conciliar popes for the PLAN, and also provides extensive statistical data on the crisis in the present Church and priesthood, the reasons for that crisis, and the resolution of the crisis given by those pre-conciliar popes. That statistical data and its connection to both the modernist errors and what combats those errors, can change the minds of people. That’s the purpose of the book. Here’s an example of how it works.

    I wrote to my bishop and every priest in my diocese about the statistical decline in the Novus Ordo priesthood and statistics on the role of tradition in restoring the priesthood in our diocese. Those statistics are undeniable, but almost no one responded to my mailing. However, strange as it may seem, because of the critical lack of priests in our diocese and the fervent requests of traditional Catholics for the traditional Mass, our bishop recently invited the FSSP to take over a diocesan parish. The parish is now thriving, with two traditional FSSP priests offering traditional Masses. The Masses are packed and the two priests are overwhelmed providing confessions, baptisms, sick calls, funerals and all that went on in a thriving traditional pre-conciliar parish.

    Here is additional motivation we can give to all Catholics to divert their donations to those orders running the new traditional seminaries in America:

    The large new FSSP Seminary in Nebraska, USA.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qo3LIWePJE
    https://fssp.com/priestly-formation/

    And the huge new SSPX seminary in Virginia, USA.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j38Qf4CLoIM
    http://www.newseminaryproject.org/

    These new traditional seminaries give us great hope because most of the Modernist seminaries have closed since Vatican II, with few seminarians attending the remaining ones, at least those in Europe and the USA, where most of the money to run the Church is donated.

    My book gives all the statistics needed to prove to Novus Ordo Catholics that there is a crisis in the Church, especially that the number of conciliar priests continues in serious decline and the number of traditional priests is steadily increasing. For example, it has been projected that, in France, traditional priests will outnumber Novus Ordo priests by the year 2038.

    What might the Church look like after the fulfillment of Our Lady’s Fatima prophecy of the triumph of her Immaculate Heart? After that triumph, I know that the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Catholic Church will not look like the redefined Modernist Church of our day! It will be a Church once again teaching always and everywhere the same one, holy, catholic and apostolic Faith taught in every century by the pre-conciliar popes. Parishes will look much like the traditional one in my dioceses described above. That parish is working THE PLAN.

    You are doing an extraordinary job of reporting the crisis in the Church, Steve, and you have a tremendous number of connections. But wouldn’t it lighten your burden to modify the 1P5 mission to also identify, report on AND PROMOTE those people, places and PLANS successfully preserving the traditional faith in our time? Cutting off the funding of the Modernists will be a byproduct of that effort, but an essential part of it. I don’t know how it could be done but you have the ability and the connections to do it, Steve. Think about it. If you like, I’ll send you a gratis online digital copy of a book by a nobody.

    Reply
  26. I should be shocked by what is happening in the Vatican but having seen this drama played out in my old parish and knowing that what I experienced is a long saga, decades old, replicated in parishes throughout the world, I’m now only surprised it didn’t happen sooner.

    Reply
  27. Yes, Steve. Many of us feel the same way, and filled with similar thoughts. My family and I are engaged in a little apostolate here in the Philippines, trying to win souls to the true Catholic Faith. I do not dare compare with the immensity of your efforts and sacrifices. I just want to assure you with our poor efforts, for which we encounter a lot of struggles as well, that you are not alone in this fight. We also feel the pressure…and often get discouraged. But as you also do, we forget on. Thank you for continuing the fight in your front. We will continue in ours, too. All for the Hearts of Jesus and Mary….and for our mother, the Church.

    Reply
  28. Hi. I have just listened to recent talks by Fr Ripperger at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBC7RcQLao. and though he presents the terrible issues we face it’s really like a captain marshalling his forces. We are in a great fight with a great reward, wherever we are in the world. The main thing I got out of the talks was that we have to be detached because we need to maintain our joy and we need to love suffering for God’s sake and to have great trust in Him. Chin up, we are all in it together. We’ll meet each other at the end and if we stay faithful we will be happy we were alive in these times for the crowns we got. We don’t know what tomorrow brings. God bless you.

    Reply
  29. This is the time of the ‘dark night of the soul’ in the Catholic Church. When it is over the Church will be much smaller but much happier. St John of the Cross may be the saint for our time.

    Thanks Steve for all your efforts. They surely have made a positive difference to lots of folks.

    Christmas Blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  30. Thank you for your heartfelt honesty. We feel, and share, your suffering. May our prayers bolster you and your family. We must get THROUGH this together. We will. The light and clarity you bring is a huge help to us out here – even as Godzilla stomps through and ravages, as the cardinals drink lattes!

    Reply
  31. Revelation 14: 6-13

    Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of water.”

    Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of her impure passion.”

    And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any one worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever; and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

    Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

    And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

    Reply
  32. Steve, thanks for putting my thoughts into words but as my holy pastor stated it lately, this is an opportunity to become a saint. The Church does not recognise lazy catholics in good times as saints, but those who must endure great hardship. This is where the steel is tested, in the battlefield, not as a trophy hanging on a wall unused.

    If anyone would join me here in Colorado, I would love to pray a rosary as protest in this battle. We need to fight, not sit back and watch as our mother is raped. Those young men around the world praying the rosary in protest at eccumenical services are an inspiration. But those of us in Colorado would have to drive out of state to find such a service because our bishops actually pastor the flock with holy love.

    But our faith must be strong in this battle or way desert the battle like most did prior to the battle of Lepanto. We must pray and gain the spiritual food to sustain us in this battle.

    Reply
  33. Remember that this battle is spiritual. Look at each victory ever so small as a win against Satan. Each day we stay faithful, we have stayed the enemies onslaught another day. Everytime we pray, we club Satan again. Each time we perform a good christian act, we help in this war. But we also must support those in the trenchs with funds like this publication, the FSSP, Lifesite, and other faithful who fight on the front lines. When need be we need to go to unfaithful priests and bishops and prptest publically to help others see they arent alone.

    Reply
  34. I just read your article this morning and I truly understand where you are emotionally and spiritually!

    What if … you had the opportunity to read God’s game plan about the times we are living in? Would that help? It would mean stepping out of your comfort zone, but having the opportunity to have all the dots connected would make any initial discomfort so worth it! You might even get a more clear sense on where you are supposed to stand in this battle.

    So here’s my suggestion: pick up the Maria Divine Mercy books (The Book of Truth) to hear what Heaven has to say about the battle. Pray to the Holy Spirit first – He will give you the grace to sniff out any heresy (which there isn’t any). She is anonymous at this point (even though the detractors claim they know who she is). She has been maligned and her work pushed aside. What great work of God’s isn’t? Her messages from Jesus and Mary pretty much reveal EVERYTHING we are going through right now. AND they were written back in 2010-2015 – when any reader would gaff at the prophesy that the Church would be where she is today.

    If you choose to read the Book of Truth (you can download on kindle), your sense of peace will return because you will see God working in the midst of it all, and you will see your place in the battle. I will be praying for you. (And no I am not crazy. Just an every day, run of the mill, Catholic warrior who likes to read, a watchman on the wall who is searching for the One Who is to return.)

    Reply
    • Maria “Divine Mercy” seems to be really unreliable. You should read Jimmy Akin’s article on her at NCRegister.com on March 3, 2013.

      Reply
      • The Irish newspaper “Sunday World” found her and did numerous articles on her. She appears to be a false prophet and is making loads of money from her writings. She is from Dublin and her family are all involved in the business. I have forgotten her name. She is in her late 50’s.

        Reply
        • I don’t believe the Maria Divine Mercy claim but the “Sunday world” so-called newspaper is a toxic rag and
          has been for decades and has zero credibility. Surely there is a more qualified critique of this false revelation
          we can point to.
          It reminds me of the Christine Gallagher “House of Prayer” baloney!

          Reply
  35. Thank you for all your great work, and that too of your good colleagues! You all have been keeping the woods thinned out so that the enemy hasn’t any place to hide, and many of us walk with greater confidence being able to see our way through the now not-so-dense trees. I would like to suggest a very good remedy for lifting your spirits. We all need a wonderful reminder about the Someone waiting in the wings Who is going to save the day. That old film, Song of Bernadette, seen from first to last moment, is sure to give you great new reserves of strength and resolve!

    Reply
  36. Here is an example of positive action by the laity:

    http://liturgicalnotes.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-temporary-suspense-of-function-of.html

    A world-wide group of laymen and laywomen have just issued a defence of Catholic doctrine concerning Family and Life matters. The crucial paragraph, in my view, is this:

    We pledge our full obedience to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in the legitimate exercise of is authority. However, nothing will ever persuade us, or compel us, to abandon or contradict any article of the Catholic faith or any truth definitively established. If there is any conflict between the words and acts of any member of the hierarchy, even the pope, and the doctrine that the Church has always taught, we will remain faithful to the perennial teaching of the Church. If we were to depart from the Catholic faith, we would depart from Jesus Christ, to whom we wish to be united for all eternity.”

    Reply
  37. Fantastic article. It’s good to hear or read sometime that we all are fighting the same battle and war. We MUST remember Our Lord’s promises and know that there is no one else to turn to for nowhere else is the truth found. We must remember we all fight together…”we few, we happy few, we band of brothers”.

    Reply
  38. Jesus is sleeping in the boat. But Peter the Roman is coming. The Great Monarch is coming. The Warning is coming. I suspect that 2018 will be an amazing year.

    Reply
  39. When I was younger I used to know that I didn’t care about a sport any more when I stopped really rooting for what was my favorite teams and instead spent my time rooting against their rivals. When cynicism was all that remained I knew to stop watching or following.

    We cannot, however, walk away from the Church in like manner. To lose your work here at 1P5 would be a mini-chastisement to your readers. For you to lose your faith and soul because of the negativity would be worse. Take five or ten. If you come back great, but no matter what you must remain in the Church.

    I saw a new site yesterday that seems to be an example of cynicism gone too far. Undoubtedly the person who started the site cares about the Church and is angered by the PF papacy. Anybody who cares should be. But this site satirizes an Episode of The World Over and just demolishes the pope and pokes fun at Arroyo, who maybe pretentious or phony but seems nice if a bit cheesy. If I were doing things like that would be a cause of concern to me.

    Reply
  40. The only way out is off.

    Click.

    I am not interested in “large” Church issues any more. I have zero control. Church authorities have zero interest. My knowledge, opinions (and frustration) change nothing except as a detriment to my faith and hope. So, I am local at the Parish and family level, almost exclusively. There, I have an impact on outcomes. When heresy filters down to my tiny, quiet corner of the woods, I will resist with full force.

    Reply
  41. Just look at these posts! We are no alone-though the enemy would have us believe so! Our Lady has a hidden army-hidden from the world-but here we are-bound by consecration, the Rosary and Sacraments and orthodoxy of Faith. Press on Church Militant! We have the Heavenly Host fighting side by side with us – and for us!
    “I am not alone! I have 50,000 of my own company to fight with me! Joan of Arc

    Reply
  42. Hands thrown up into the air?
    I understand. Its why I comment less than I use to, but I’m here reading very often.
    You are a gem.
    Thank you for articulating the bold Truth.
    Honestly, I am awed by what you produce here, and I would find myself thinking myself crazy were it not for this site, Michael Matt, Father Hunwicke, Father Z, Edward Pentin…
    I use to be as far left — or even farther left to be honest — than Bergoglio. In my forties I could no longer lie to myself. And that came about by the quiet presence in the Church of those who persisted in living out the faith authentically — although perhaps far too quietly.
    Don’t let discouragement, exhaustion, or threats shut you up.
    From the house tops!
    Persevere, and God reward you abundantly.

    Reply
  43. Thank you, Steve. 1P5 is a treasure for us. We can depend on you and your site to give us the Truth and the incentive to keep fighting, even as Satan strives to marginalize and destroy those who steadfastly defy his attempts to destroy the Church and the faithful. THROUGH Christ we all have the power to march on and through the hell we are encountering now on this earth as faithful soldiers of Christ. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Keep the Faith. There is no other choice.

    Please know that you, Steve, are in our prayers and you are shedding the Light on the Darkness – the true war of Good vs. Evil and we know Who will win this war. We have your support and you have our support. May you and your family enjoy a most blessed Christmas and 2018.

    Reply
  44. In some ways, I’m lucky that the worst time in my life was from 2010-2015. I had a huge, seemingly intractable problem that could only be overcome by God. It was, but at the time I had no idea how long it would take. And the weariness! I feel it now too with this mad situation, but for me it was worse back then.

    In my diary for 2012 I wrote on the front page, “One Day Closer”. Every day we live and remain faithful, we are one day closer to the restoration of the Church which Our Lady has clearly promised. We just have to endure.

    We need to become proficient at mental prayer.

    Prayers for us all.

    Reply
  45. Inspired article Steve. From the heart. Cor bonum et optime! Like the seed that was received in good soil producing fruit even 100 fold. You have lifted our spirits. I second the suggestion by Robert Wolf from 9 hours ago, half way down the queue. His counsel, I believe, is important. On our website catholicism.org if I come across any good news happening in the Church (or drawing toward the Church) I post it. We must, of course, know our enemy, otherwise we cannot fight him as the Church Militant. Just yesterday I posted a News Item about an evangelical community whose pastor consecrated the flock publicly at a service to the Sacred Heart using the Pope’s Prayer of Leo XIII. I am trying to get an address for him. A Past or Boyd, New Life Church, Colorado Springs. Good news, but he needs to be invited into the true Church outside of which there is no salvation.

    Reply
  46. No, don’t give up. There are many of us who are with you and in a sense depend on you. Your articles every day give hope to many, many people. And thank you for the podcast. The final comment about prayer and sacrifice was spoken from the heart and really meant a great deal. You are in the prayers of very many of your readers and contributors.

    Reply
  47. Thank-you. I am so happy I found this site. I have been thinking I was going crazy, but to hear there are others, to read what I have been thinking, gives me hope, and strengthens my resolve. Myself I have been telling my family and whoever will listen, we are living in Sodom and Gomorrah times, that we must strengthen our faith and live it out-loud and be true to what we know is the truth. I will pray for you to stay strong, keep talking. Sister Juliana, my mentor and friend would tell us “we live out our lives before God and man and we never know what is being recorded.”

    Reply
  48. Steve…PLEASE PLEASE do not give up..we/the church need your apostolate, your crystal clear teaching…give yourself a break until Jan1 and come back refreshed after the celebration of Christmas..God bless guide and protect you and your loved ones!!

    Reply
  49. We all feel it at times, Steve. Hang in there, you’re doing good work.

    We’re in it for the long haul, and need to take the long view. As our ailing mutual friend, Robert Hickson, would tell you, there is such a thing as “battle fatigue,” and our enemies (especially the evil spirits) know much more than Sun Tzu or the greatest Jiu-Jitsu master how to employ the strategic use of fatigue in war.

    About five years ago, I wrote a piece that might be read in tandem with yours: Loving the Lost Cause. Someone suggested I send that link to you.

    It helps to practice the “Little Way” of Saint Thérèse, knowing that we are nothing. If God chooses to uses us “foolish ones” for good, then fine; if not, then fine. It’s up to Him.

    God bless and Mary keep you.

    Reply
  50. Steve, you do need to walk away from it all… for about a week or two, at an orthodox retreat house. Maybe a hermitage would be more helpful to you. Everyone needs a break now and then or they will break. That’s why religious make retreats every year. Do it! You’re in my prayers.

    Reply
  51. Steve: As long as you keep writing the truth, you are doing good–and doing your job.

    For years, I have been hoping for just one thing: An end to this papacy. By resignation. By a scandal that will compel resignation. By meteor.

    Here is an avenue of investigation: Gustavo Vera. The most respectable thing about him is that he’s a gay-rights activist in Argentina. A close, close, close “friend” of Bergoglio, and house-guest in Rome. Did I say “close”?

    Somebody, please, start digging into this!

    Reply
  52. And you’re really not all that interested in hearing anyone tell you that you have to continue to be respectful and parse minutiae when you’re 99% sure the man we call pope isn’t fit to teach a kindergarten CCD class and cannot be followed into anything.

    AMEN.

    Reply
  53. And nobody is coming to the rescue.

    True.

    The VAST majority of the Prelature and the Clerical world are no longer Catholic but in that state they merely reflect the VAST majority of the Laity.

    You are on your own, Steve, and you have been abandoned to the wolves who freely roam within the sheep gate destroying souls with at least the tacit approval of the Bishops if not their fervent encouragement.

    I know I have been on my own for scores of years and I know I can not rely on any Bishop or Pope since, say, Pius X.

    You are the head of your Domestic Church and you have the duty to first make sure that is in good order; orthodox, pacific and happy.

    Take a break, shut down this blog, take a vacation, disconnect from the captious controversy for six months or so- it will still be roiling and boiling and bubbling with utter BS when you return.

    It is when we start thinking that we are indispensable that we must become aware that Satan is whispering into our ears.

    Reply
  54. Steve, your site, together with a few other faithful English-language sites, is to me what the Resistance must have been to the average Frenchman during World War II. The Nazis would eventually be driven out, but during the darkest days of Vichy and the occupation, it was only the courage and perseverance of the Resistance fighters that gave their countrymen hope. Thank you for doing for me what I wish I could do for you! Thank you for giving me hope!

    Reply
  55. A lighter side of dark…!

    1. Pope Francis is like a guy who breaks into your home,
    but he doesn’t take the “TV” just the remote.

    And every now and then he drives by and changes the channels.

    2. Pope Francis: “You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions.”

    3. Pope Francis: “Truth is difficult to change and a perfect metaphor for my pontificate is
    ‘someone trying to stand up in a hammock’.”

    Reply
    • This was good, although I disliked that he was just not bothering to deal with Francis. I get that we’re just laity (i.e. Sheep) but simply being told to remain silent etc is not helpful.

      Reply
  56. There is an old saying that “it’ll all come out in the wash.” What is needed for this load of laundry, however, is some plain, old-fashioned lye soap, and the stronger the better. Not just a Rosary but millions of them.

    Reply
  57. Where else is there to go? Many of us are spoilt for choice. There are several perfectly good Catholic churches near me in communion with each other, hich celebrate the liturgy substantially as it has been celebrated for the past 1600 years, confess the Nicene Creed and the Real Presence and whose priests are validly ordained.

    Reply
  58. Steve. no matter how bad you’re feeling, never forget you’re keeping a lot of despondent people afloat. Hang in there. We need you.

    Reply
  59. To Steve and the rest of the Church Militant: Thank you for all you do, I was confirmed last Easter and was so grateful that our Lord saved me from the fires of eternal hell that it took me a few months to realize that I had not been taught the truth (but actually several versions of the truth and flat out lies), which we all know there is only one and it is unchanging. I have suffered much being so relieved and feeling so blessed at the beginning of my journey entering the Church and then feeling like I walked into a horror movie. No one to get straight answers from, no guidance, persecution for by my priest for wearing a veil at Mass and many other things. I discovered this site when I was at a point where I was questioning myself thinking I was the one with the “problem” maybe my pride was creeping in, maybe our Lord does not care if people receive His most precious Body with their cleavage hanging out and in their hand after they just shook the hand of the child that was just picking his nose. In short I felt very alone and very confused. But finding this website I realized that I am not crazy and that others are in similar if not worse situations than I am and have been pointed to resources where I began to learn the true Catholic faith. I know that I was never really alone, and our Lord and Blessed Mother are with me, but God saw to it that I would not be left without any consolation as I was guided to this site and to its articles and comments from you all which give me hope and has taught me a lot. I just wanted to add my encouragement to the rest of the others here and say thank you Steve and all of you my brothers and sisters in Christ, most courageous Church Militant. Instaurare omnia in Christo

    Reply
    • I too have found 1P5 to be a haven of real catholic thought and debate over the last couple of years. There is, as you state, no one to get straight answers from and very little guidance. The majority of ‘catholics’ in the pews see converts such as myself as a curiousity and sometimes an embarrassment…. actually our present Pope has a lot in common with such pew sitters.
      1P5 has taught me a lot and maybe as importantly has taught me that I’m not alone. Take the whole of Christmas and New Year off Steve and let’s all dedicate ourselves to the only really righteous fight in 2018.
      Ave Maria. Viva Christo Rey

      Reply
  60. Thank you for this honest and authentic post. The miasma of heresy has also hurt my faith, motivation, and sense of purpose. Nevertheless, I am going to keep praying, fasting and watching to the bitter end, right to the end of what looks like an apocalyptic, fiery Götterdämmerung. Instead of Valhalla being destroyed, however, I sincerely believe that Jesus will reveal himself and save us right at the critical juncture. Yes – this is bad, but our situation is far from being even near a critical juncture. Christians EN MASSE are not being roped from the neck, flayed alive, or shot in the back of the head. Our faith is being harmed, but our flesh is not being cudgelled, slashed or having bullets driven into it. So, I will concede that the Church is becoming more demonic, but we are far from the end when Jesus will appear.

    Reply
  61. Dear Steve – my heartfelt thanks for not joining ranks with the “normalists” – i.e. those like Jimmy Akin and Mark Shea and Michael Voris who would have us believe that there’s nothing really wrong with this Pope, it’s all a misunderstanding, a media distortion, blah-blah. These men are traitors, a veritable fifth column.

    I wonder if this will help your vitality: what we are living through is, as I’m sure you know, the “Minor Chastisement.” That is, a foreshadowing of what will happen during the dark days of the anti-Christ. There are three main reasons, I believe, why we must endure this:

    1. This is the grace of God, so that our generation will pass on what we have learned during this “preview” to that future generation which must endure far greater trials, and recognize the strategies by which the devil will operate at the short-lived height of his power.
    2. This is the wrath of God, the sins of men having earned us corrupt clergy, clergy who in turn must face His wrath for their failure to perform the Consecration of Russia as requested by Our Lady.
    3. This is the Passion of the Church, as Our Lord’s Mystical Body must undergo what He Himself suffered. In the Passion of the Church, there must be a Judas – and you and I both know who that is.

    So please focus on the value of suffering and on God’s Holy Will, and stay recollected amidst the avalanche of scandals.

    Pax Christi!
    John

    Reply
    • I totally agree, but have an odd question. I don’t follow any of the three men mentioned, but I can’t see Michael Voris going along with the idea that “nothing is really wrong with this Pope.” Is he really?

      Reply
      • Hello Granny – I stopped following Voris a long time ago because he will criticize and expose anyone and everyone up to the Pope, which is good, but never the Pope himself, which is not good and promotes papolatry. Or have I missed a change of heart on his part?

        Reply
        • Not sure. I know some people who have a subscription to his services and send me clips of his every once in a while. I’ll check with them — but I would be shocked if he were sympathetic to Francis. Shocked, I tell ya!

          Reply
  62. Great quotes Daniel.
    Steve you are speaking for me, and I bet, many others. There is a consolation from seeing others feel the same way about things, maybe misery does indeed love company.
    We waited on a Fatima intervention. I’m not afraid to say, I have. I’m still waiting. We have to stay faithful, because as you said, there is nowhere to go. I am determined, even if TLM is taken away, and I’m left at home with a bible and a rosary, I’ll keep the faith as best I can. This world is passing, and it’s for sure we are passing through. I’m sorry this world has become so difficult. You are not imagining it, it is, it grows more so each day. I’m older than you, and the level of societal and worldly evil has grown exponentially. And it is also personal challenges, they grow as well, these are just tough times!
    But we can see this through. We can keep the faith, no matter what. These rotten and corrupt men can’t take that away from us, only we can abandon it. If there is no divine intervention, we will wait. Our own “Armageddon” is coming one day, sure enough, and on that day we can offer something to God, we stayed faithful, despite all evidence to the contrary. We fought the good fight to the end. God bless you for your great work and all here.

    Reply
  63. I’ve posted this elsewhere, but a quote I love that inspires me and lifts me up is from King Henry V’s magnificent speech on Saint Crispin’s Day when facing the enemy against humanly insurmountable odds.

    In fact, we’re in the process of having it painted on a plaque so we can see it in our home every day as a reminder of how blessed we are to give witness to God’s honor in these treacherous times of betrayal and infidelity. May God and the Blessed Virgin keep us faithful to the end. …

    “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
    For he today that sheds his blood with me
    Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
    This day shall gentle his condition:
    And gentlemen in England now a-bed
    Shall think themselves accursed they were not here…”

    YES!! WE FEW….WE HAPPY FEW….THOSE CATHOLICS WHO DID NOT LIVE TO SEE THIS DAY SHALL THINK THEMSELVES ACCURSED THEY WERE NOT HERE!!!

    Saint Therese said she thirsted for the torments to come in the end times….well, here’s our chance…with God and the Blessed Virgin’s help!

    Reply
  64. In the recent Election of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 48 % voted for the ultraliberal modernist progressive Cardinal Cupich a supporter of the current apostate Pope.
    The substantial majority of Bishops, Priest, and Cardinals are inculcated and imbued with the Vatican II modernist apostasy and heretical genre, prevalent in the Church today.
    Restoration of the Traditional One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church is unfortunately remote.
    The ecclesiastical rote and Protestant orientation is so pervasive, it would take several decades to reverse the damage and dysfunction. The apostates and heretics have been undermining and subverting the authentic Catholic Church for 55 years.

    Reply
  65. The Priests, Bishops, Cardinals collectively do not have the courage of a gnat, to oppose this Pope.
    They collectively, are a disgrace, albeit, there are few exceptions.

    Reply
  66. You perform a greatly needed service Mr. Skojec. Please hang in there!! I will be praying that the Lord strengthens you. Draw inspiration from Brother Andre Marie’s Loving The Lost Cause. And you are correct – the only way out is through. Hang tough.
    “To whom shall we go Lord? You have the words of eternal life.”

    Reply
    • Could someone explain why the Catholic pastor of O.L. of Miraculous Medal would put up a big sign JESUS THE POLITICAL REFUGEE above the church nativity?
      This took place inWyandanch, NY
      Could someone explain the Vaticans nativity scene?
      What is going on in the Catholic Church?
      What’s next?
      A Pope Francis resignation?
      IS FATHER JAMES MARTIN SJ OUR NEXT POPE?

      Reply
      • After reading your post Convert, the realization of an affirmative answer to it’s last question provoked
        a solemn walk outside to the backyard, entering the garden shed I quietly closed the door behind me
        and SCREAMED like a madman possessed NO! NO! GOSH DARN IT! NO! NOOOOOO….!!

        Recovering my emotional stability some hours later I returned back inside the house, and phoned my
        Doctor who reassured me that SIGNIFICANT medication is available in the event of any further episodes of
        nightmarish imagery.

        Reply
  67. When we first met, Steve, I told you that I never had read anyone who put into print exactly what I was thinking and feeling; I know others have told you the same thing. You’ve done it again.

    Taking a cue from St. Therese’s father, I’ve adopted the practice of reading from Dom Prosper Guéranger’s “Liturgical Year” after our family Rosary. Tonight’s reading for Friday of the Second Week of Advent was was like a thunderbolt, echoing your words here and the thoughts of so many of us. Commenting on Chapter XXIV of Isaiah, which describes how “the human race was bordering on ruin” at the time of the first coming of the Messiah, Guéranger writes,

    “Now, all this will happen again when the time draws near of the second coming of the Messias. The earth will be once more filled with desolation, and mankind will be again a slave of its self-degradation. The ways of men will again grow corrupt: and, this time, the malice of their evil will be the greater, because they will have received Him who is the Light of the world, the Word of life. A profound sadness will sit heavy on all nations, and every effort for their well-being will seem paralyzed; they and the earth they live on, will be conscious of decrepitude; and yet it will never strike them that the world is drawing to an end. There will be great scandals; there shall fall stars from heaven, that is, many of those who had been masters in Israel shall apostatize, and their light shall be changed to darkness. There shall be days of temptation, and faith shall grow slack: so that when the Son of Man shall appear, faith shall scare be found on the face of the earth. Let it not be, O Lord, that we live to see those days of temptation; or, of it be Thy will that they overtake us, make our hearts firm in their allegiance to Thy holy Church, which will be the only beacon left to Thy faithful children in that fierce storm.”

    Yet that beacon is obscured by darkness. Restore Thy Church, O Lord!

    Reply
  68. Steve,

    Do the only thing we can do.

    Bring your children up in the traditional faith, live the faith, pray and fast….. plant the seed and leave the rest to Our Lord.

    It’s all we can do, there is no short answer or easy win. This is a battle in which it’s consequences will speak to future generations.

    Pray and fast

    Be assured of my prayers.

    Reply
  69. Hey, hang in there, Mr. Skojec.

    It is when all seems so koyaanisqatsi (only term which seems to be able to begin to describe these times aptly) that God is offering the greatest graces. Right then and there.

    99% of the time when all seems such, we are our own worst enemies. Not that which is external to us, be it the world, or the big bad guy below, or the bad people within the Church, or whathaveyou.

    It’s all because we don’t embrace suffering, which is to say the Cross. We want God on our own terms and conditions and in line with our worldly attachments and out-of-order dispositions.

    It’s all just God’s way of telling us “Hey you really want to follow Me? Then you need to suffer some more like I did on the Cross”.

    Reply
  70. It is hard not to turn cynical. In the last two months I have had a parishioner worry about the disposal of a blessed palm, I have had to ask the altar servers not to wear their tennis shoes during Mass, and in my mission parish, they insist on playing St. Louis Jesuit music during Mass with the African priest who is helping me out there. And I watched the USCCB prefunctory call for another document. The one on racism should be done next year and this new one on Amoris Laetitia should be ready in two years. Every time, I said to myself, “The Pope is giving the divorced and remarried Catholics Holy Communion who are subjectively sure that its ‘okay’ with God, and is winking at Lutherans who want to receive. Meanwhile, certain bishops are expressing their willingness to go beyond just the divorced and remarried viz. homosexual and heterosexual couples “living” as husband and wife. So I ask you LORD, why should I care?”
    But tonight,….I rejoice. Tonight, I celebrate my 25th Anniversary of priesthood with my family and parishes.

    Reply
  71. Christ never left us orphans AND He gave us “A Band Of Brothers” …

    MINE
    MARCEL

    We’ve hit the bottom
    “Passed Lucifer’s waist”
    The writing on the wall,
    It must be faced.

    Archbishop Lefebvre,
    Christ raised up this saint-
    After fifty years
    No sign of sin’s taint.

    Catholic Seminaries
    Full of young men
    Drinking death daily
    Again and again.

    And as He promised
    No orphans are we –
    “I Am the True Shepherd…”
    Mine Marcel, merci!!

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d2d03198e991abba94a0ab071a13ade1285d058a97ab9ff04545930d9453635f.jpg

    Reply
  72. In reading the comments here, I note the struggle against the sin of despair. This deep struggle is not caused by the person of Bergoglio as there have been harmful Popes before, more than some care to admit. The very emotion of exhaustion in fighting despair is sourced in our taught procedure to rely on the ecclesiastical hierarchy for self-correction; albeit slowly yet surely. The creeping acknowledgement that the Church’s own hierarchy will not confront open heresy and apostasy has caused us no little sense of scandal. The deeper disturbance though is far more profound. The hierarchy itself is PROMOTING evil and apostasy to the world-at-large. For what we had rested our hopes on: the pressure of personal letters, group petitions, theological censors, Ecclesiastical dubias and even an anticipated imperfect council’s rebuke – we must acknowledge these avenues will do nothing now; that much is clear. The very heartwood of the Hierarchy has been rotted out by the modernist termites and they mean to transform the Church of Christ into something entirely and merely human – taking many souls into the abyss.

    It is past time to leave the ecclesiastical hirelings to their chosen barren field, a field with weeds of their own eternal despair now firmly planted. The faithful laity, that are truly Catholic in spirit, must now move to the next action in this unprecedented yet foreseen situation. Catholics in spirit should abandon the fruitless pleas to the hierarchy, leave any potential progress from the past processes to God’s providence. We need to take on Christ’s urgent message and his warning of apostasy directly to souls; to remind them of the last four things, to give them an opportunity to save their own souls from the highway of “Accompaniment”. Let the bishops, archbishops and cardinals rue their silence; let us rejoice that we were called upon during this twilight hour to wage the night battle.

    Reply
  73. I read this article yesterday and just didn’t know how to respond. Here is a beautiful Novena which was handed to me this morning while in Adoration with the Missionaries of Charity. Sister gave it to me as a beautiful fold-out Holy Card. I believe it may be an answer to some people’s prayers and feelings of discouragement and despair.

    I will copy a link to the Novena below — but I will go also ahead and type it out for those who want to read it now. This Novena was given directly to Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo, “A Neoolitan priest (1882-1970), stigmatized miracle worker and ‘Mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit'” by Jesus Himself.

    The Surrender Novena
    http://motheofgod.com/threads/novena-of-surrender-to-the-will-of-god.4356/

    DAY 1
    Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to Me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to Me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations.
    Then pray 10 times
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!

    DAY 2
    Surrender to me does not mean to fret, to be upset, or to lose hope, nor does it mean offering to me a worried prayer asking me to follow you and change your worry into prayer. It is against this surrender, deeply against it, to worry, to be nervous and to desire to think about the consequence of anything. It is like the confusion that children feel when they ask their mother to see to their needs and then try to take care of those needs for themselves so that their childlike efforts get in their mother’s way. Surrender means to placidly close the eyes of the soul to turn away from thoughts of tribulation and to put yourself in my care, so that only I act.
    Saying ‘You take care of it’. O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 3
    How many things I do when the soul, in so much spiritual and material need turns to me, looks at me and says to me, “You take care of it”, then closes its eyes and rests. In pain you pray for Me to act, but that I act in the way you want. You do not turn to Me, instead you want Me to adapt to your ideas. You are not sick people who ask the doctor to cure you, but rather sick people who tell the doctor how to. So do not act in this way, but pray as I taught you in the Our Father. “Hallowed be thy Name”, that is be glorified in my need. “Thy kingdom come”, that is, let all that is in us and in the world be in accord with your kingdom. “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven”, that is in our need, decide as you see fit for our temporal and eternal life. If you say to me truly “Thy will be done”, which is the same as saying: “You take care of it”. I will intervene with all my omnipotence and I will resolve the most difficult situations.
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 4
    You see evil growing, instead of weakening? Do not worry! Close your eyes and say to me with faith: “Thy will be done, You take care of it”. I say to you that I will take care of it, and that I will intervene as does a doctor and I will accomplish miracles when they are needed. Do you see that the sick person is getting worse? Do not be upset, but close your eyes and say “You take care of it”. I say to you that I will take care of it, and that there is no medicine more powerful than my loving intervention. By my love, I promise this to you. O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything. (10 times)

    DAY 5
    And when I must lead you on a path different from the one you see, I will prepare you, I will carry you in my arms; I will let you find yourself like children who have fallen asleep in their mother’s arms, on the other bank of the river. What troubles you and hurts you immensely are your reason, your thoughts and worry and your desire at all costs to deal with what afflicts you.
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 6
    You are sleepless, you want to judge everything, direct everything and see to everything and you surrender to human strength, or worse – to men themselves, trusting in their intervention – this is what hinders my words and my views. Oh how much I wish from you this surrender, to help you and how I suffer when I see you so agitated! Satan tries to do exactly this to agitate you and to remove you from my protection and to throw you into the jaws of human initiative. So, trust only in me, rest in me, surrender to me in everything.
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 7
    I perform miracles in proportion to your full surrender to me and to your not thinking of yourselves. I sow treasure troves of graces when you are in the deepest poverty. No person of reason, no thinker, has ever performed miracles, not even among the saints. He does divine works whosoever surrenders to God. So don’t think about it anymore because your mind is acute and for you it is very hard to see evil and to trust in me and to not think of yourself. Do this for all your needs, do this all of you and you will see great continual silent miracles. I will take care of things, I promise this to you.
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 8
    Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness and I promise you by My love that if you say “You take care of it” I will take care of it all; I will console you, liberate you and guide you.
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    DAY 9
    Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it”. Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this:
    O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything (10 times)

    Reply
      • Damask Rose, the ability to lay your troubles at the Feet of Jesus and then WALK AWAY, knowing that He will take care of you, is a precious supernatural Grace. I pray that you will be given this Grace.

        Reply
        • God bless you, GrannyAtlanta. Have a beautiful Christmas and may baby Jesus reach up with his little hand and touch your face. Thank you so much for thinking of others and I will pray for you too. Thank you Jesus for sending GrannyAtlanta as the means for bringing me peace 🙂

          Reply
  74. Okay, so where are the teaching Sisters? Off into “ministries” of their own choosing—social workers, hairdressers, etc.. And we know what happened to the faith of several generations as a result. Sure, not every Catholic school child grew up to be a faithful Catholic, but they can’t say they didn’t know what the Church teaches. Some did become self-indulgent, but they weren’t confused. Current bunch are just ignorant.

    Reply
  75. Steve:
    I have experienced much of what you describe. Perhaps it is my military background, but it feels like I’m a soldier in the rearguard, buying time for my comrades in an army in retreat. I too have considered just walking away from the Church as to stay is mind numbingly draining, but there really is nowhere else to go, for who else has the words of Life.

    We find ourselves in Christ’s suffering mystical body at war and are, in fact, foot soldiers in His Church militant. As we hunker down in our foxholes on this ghastly spiritual battlefield let us pledge anew to spend our lives for Holy Mother Church. Many have suffered worse than we for the Faith and our Lord will bind our wounds in His good time. His ultimate victory will taste sweet indeed. Meanwhile, preparing for battle, let us cloth ourselves daily in that ancient Catholic prayer “Anima Christi.”

    Soul of Christ, sanctify me
    Body of Christ, save me
    Blood of Christ, inebriate me
    Water from Christ’s side, wash me
    Passion of Christ, strengthen me
    O good Jesus, hear me
    Within Thy wounds hide me
    Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
    From the malicious enemy defend me
    In the hour of my death call me
    And bid me come unto Thee
    That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
    and with Thy angels
    Forever and ever
    Amen

    John the Mad, Major (Ret’d)

    Reply
    • I say this prayer of St Ignatius (ANIMA CHRISTI) every time I’m in church.
      Steve we need you to fight the anti life forces in the church.
      Friar Casey over at Breakinginthehabit.com HAS called Right TO LIFE a hate group Friar Casey along with FR Dan HORAN OFM don’t march in the MARCH 4 LIFE. They march in gay pride parades.
      St Francis of Assisi pray for us.
      Dan HORAN OFM wrote ‘WHY I DONT SUPPORT THE MARCH FOR LIFE’
      Keep up the good fight against these guys!

      Reply
    • The Anima Christi is a POWERFUL (and deeply comforting) prayer.

      Here is the Latin version:

      Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
      Corpus Christi, salva me.
      Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
      Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
      Passio Christi, conforta me.
      O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
      Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
      Ne permittas me separari a te.
      Ab hoste maligno defende me.
      In hora mortis meae voca me.
      Et iube me venire ad te,
      Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
      in saecula saeculorum.

      Amen.

      _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

      And the English translation (slightly different from John the Mad’s version posted above):

      Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
      Body of Christ, save me.
      Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
      Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
      Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
      O good Jesus, hear me.
      Within Thy wounds, hide me.
      Separated from Thee let me never be.
      From the malignant enemy, defend me.
      At the hour of death, call me.
      To come to Thee, bid me,
      That I may praise Thee in the company
      Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.

      Amen.

      Reply
  76. I am not confused.
    I cling to Christ. And I am glad I can come here, and see that I am not alone.
    We must all stand together, and cling to Him!

    Reply
  77. At the very least, the jokes are funnier in Tradition. Progressives have no sense of humour about themselves and their absurd project.

    Reply
  78. Through trial and torment, through weakness, weariness, and worry, the only way out is through.

    Not correct. The only way out is Jesus Christ.

    Once we realize that, and allow that to really sink in, we realize how puny really all this machinations by the hierarchy. So instead of being alarmed we can watch with a great degree of peace as the it all plays out – as the part of the play that God is producing and directing.

    Reply
    • I think that you misinterpreted Steve Skojec’s final statement at the conclusion of this article:

      “Through trial and torment, through weakness, weariness, and worry, the only way out is through.”

      Of course he meant that through all of this, the WAY out is via the most Holy Triune God. Of course.

      Why (as founder of this site) would he imply anything else?

      So I do believe that a portion of you’re post of “Not correct” is in error. I am of the opinion that he is indeed correct.

      Best wishes,

      242

      Reply
      • Well I beg to disagree.

        The tenor of the article “with the only way out is through” suggests a we have to do it. In fact, that seems to be the tenor of most articles here and most of the comments. Even mine sometimes.

        But one thing that I have really come to grasp is that all this hand wringing futile and expresses a lack of trust in God.

        If we truly believe that the Lord IS the Lord, then depressive tenor in these articles is unnecessary.

        The Lord has won even though it is not evident to us yet.

        As I said to Margaret, every time we complain we really should say ALL THAT to the Lord because after all, isn’t HE the God who is allowing all this?

        There is so much talk as if we know better how things should transpire that it seems we are really saying that the Lord does not really know what He is doing for allowing all this.

        Reply
        • I’d like to give you an indepth reply to your response, but I feel that it would only devolve into a tit-for-tat online spat that I don’t have time for. You are entitled to your opinion(s) as I am to mine.

          Best wishes to you Peter Santos.

          Reply
          • Here’s why Steve is wrong.

            If we say the only way is through, we are basically saying all we need is to grit our teeth, keep pushing and we will make it through. We are taking upon ourselves the solution for the chaos and the mess.

            But Christ’s way is not that way at all.

            If you look at His life, He did not plough through, He stayed put. He allowed all the evil to be heaped upon Him. He took on the sins of the world. Instead of going through, He stayed put.

            And that is what we are being called to do, to be In Christ, and with Christ in this storm. In His time and according to His purpose, He will calm it – not one moment sooner or later.

  79. You describe it all so well. “That no one is coming to the rescue” – from any distant part of the Church still on fire for the Lord – I’ve used those same words to others outlining our plight. What makes it surreal is one can still attend Sunday Mass tonight locally and hear the new PP say “we must be happy Catholics to attract others to the Faith”! It makes you want to scream – that any pastor would think it is THAT simple…particularly today….with Godzilla loose….I can only guess how anyone would put an RCIA group together at the moment! Well from the Catechism we know that the Church is completing its own Passion, following Christ into the tomb. The Apostles spent the hours following Jesus’ death locked in the upper room presumably – together? – trying to pray in between their grief and no doubt heated discussions about what to do next?
    The Light which came into the world is being carried inside individual and various souls all over the world. We must not let the Light die but nourish it. The question is what does our God want from us right now? Where can we go to find out?

    Reply
  80. Over at Church Militant they’ve posted an email interview with the author of “The Dictator Pope”.
    The comments were shut down and deleted after 5 comments.
    5.
    CM still can’t handle the truth. Thank God for sites like One Peter Five.

    Reply
  81. The night is always darkest before the dawn, let’s pray for Pope Francis’ conversion and it not his death and judgement… Then we can pray for Cardinal Sarah to become Pontiff…

    Reply
      • If you can’t answer that for yourself, in the interior part of your being, in the communing loving fire of the Sanctum Sanctorum then I can only pray for you…

        MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD?

        Question, what have you done?

        Are you going to daily mass?
        Are you singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet 5 hours a day?
        Are you out in the streets at night, in the trenches feeding the poor?
        Are you using your weapon? The Most Holy Rosary?
        Are you going to daily mass and dropping on all fours begging before the Tabernacle for protection of Mother Church or for reprieves of suffering?
        Are you working to make all moments in your existence a contemplative practice of submission, obedience, praise, prayer and service IN ALL MOMENTS to the Most Holy Trinity?

        He simply reflects Most accurately, the true nature and understanding of the Holy see in principle and perception. In most simplest terms… If the chair could speak He would sound infinitely more like Cardinal Sarah and not like Pope Francis. This why the Pope can only attempt to assert his perception and will by stretching language and definition, in order to squeeze it through under “Ordinary Magisterial Infallibility”, This Pope can never Authentically speak from a true sense of Extra Ordinary Infallibility, he may eventually declare it.. But he’s another Pope John XXII… And we will see AL go the same way as all of P.J.XXII writings…

        For instance, he’s considering allowing priests to marry, how are they going to take an Earthly wife without first divorcing Christ?
        They are already married..
        And how are his Viri Probati going to marry Christ without committing adultery on their wives…
        He’s really quite absurb and so are his teachings… So the will burn and so will He if he is not careful…
        St. Margaret Mary gave very clear warnings to clergy who bastardize the teachings or mislead the faithful…

        Reply
        • Cardinal Sarah is responsible for the administration of the Sacraments. Currently there are three Sacraments about which the Church’s teaching is being seriously questioned. but the Cardinal has said nothing about about the Church’s current crisis. He is either incompetent, a coward, or both.

          Reply
          • You have absolutely judged and flogged this Man of God, without knowing anything that is currently going on in the conventional and metaphysical world around him…. What if he’s waiting for guidance, what if it’s an issue of still obtaining and security financial support for the mercy mission in Africa, what if he trusts more in the stewardship of the Holy Spirit than his ability to determine proper action, maybe has full trust in the promise that the gates of hell will never prevail against Mother Church, or maybe he fully understands that Our Lady has already crushed the head of the serpent, and we’re just dealing with the thrashing and rattling of what’s left … So it’s really no big deal and mostly illusionary… or maybe he’s under divine orders not to pic up the sword in order for easier politicing in the next conclave..

            Judge a Man by what he does not what you decree those actions should be…

            So I again ask, what are you doing about in as you are complicent in all this sin… I’m in my Bishops face twice a week… And I’m not like most of the rest of you lambs, I’m a mixed martial artist and an imposing character but a faithful Catholic..

            Most traditional Catholics are femanized eunuchs, I celebrate the militarist tradition of the Church… Believe me they listen to me… You people are a new race, knights of Christ, and all you act like is castrated bulls… Arm chair activist cry babies the whole bunch…

  82. “The Rosary is the ‘weapon’ for these times.”
    –Saint Padre Pio

    And please consider the present darkness, a “call” to begin the First Saturday devotion.

    Reply
  83. The reality of this article is refreshing in the sense that the struggle is a shared experience.

    I write this because we are pretty much alone in our parish and have had many experiences that just aren’t pleasant or catholic.

    The remedy for me is going to regular confession, mass, prayer wearing the scapular whilst having the courage to stand up against those that are using the church as a club seems to be the best medicine.

    Also, frequently, constantly and always asking for the grace of God to get through the minefield that surrounds us has worked thus far.

    Recently, spending less time on the net also seems to help.

    Reply
    • Dear Christopher,

      You are a lamp in the darkness at your parish. I pray you don’t despair because you never know what your example might mean to someone who is watching you.

      To you, Steve and all of the 1P5 family (because I feel we truly are), I will offer my prayers today.

      Love,

      Terra

      Reply
  84. I just saw this post. Months ago when I just started to take notice and wonder why the Pope was doing what he’s doing I started to get really upset, more sad and confused than angry (at a certain level I guess angry too). I couldn’t comprehend, and still can’t, why the rest of the hierarchy is just going along with him, even when they don’t agree with him. I’m just a lowly parishioner who believes to have a decent understanding of the faith. It seems to me that the current Pope does not even have that, and it’s unnerving. A month or two ago as I was praying about the situation, I remembered the statement Peter made, and I looked up and said “but Lord, where else am I to go? I have the fullness of the faith right here, and even if the person sitting in Peter’s Chair seems like he’s changing it, there is nowhere else to go.” I just keep asking God what can I do in this situation? I feel like I should be doing more but I realize I am just one sheep in the flock, and I’m afraid for the rest of the flock, especially the most spiritually vulnerable.

    Reply
    • Be comforted to know that others share your observations (as well as your despair) on the current state of the Roman Catholic Church.

      You’re in good company here on OnePeter5 with regard to learning from the various individuals who post their comments / observations / recommendations on the Church. You are not alone.

      Continue to pray for the Church and its welfare.

      Best wishes,

      242

      Reply
  85. Constantly one hears about people leaving the Church, or thinking of it.

    Bergoglio can’t change the Church’s teaching. He can only deceive people. There is nothing a rank-and-file Catholic can do except . undeceive people. And expose Bergoglio as the fraud he is.

    An untold story is the relationship of Bergoglio and Gustavo Vera. The publication of the whole truth could do great good.

    Reply
  86. You put into words so effectively all that I have been struggling with so far this year. God speed brother and soldier on. The port is just past the next horizon, however far off that might be. God bless.

    Reply
  87. This remembers me the “goodbye letter” of Mr Stephen Brady who ran the rcf.org website which he dedicated to expose the paedophile priests inside the catholic american priesthood.
    http://www.rcf.org/RCFgoodbye.pdf
    He was ovewhelmed by discouragement after he had lost a son in a car accident and nobody could blame him. He decided to give up in 2009, convinced his fight was a lost cause.
    This letter was a harbinger of worst things to come that we begin undergoing now.

    Reply
  88. Keep up the good fight brother…and thank you for your efforts!
    2 Timothy 4: 6-8
    “For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race;f I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.”

    Reply

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