THE CATHOLIC KNIGHT: So here we have yet more evidence that militant Secularism is really no better than militant Islam if you're an orthodox and practising Christian...
(Irish Independent News) - A HOMILY delivered at Knock shrine by the Bishop of Raphoe, Philip Boyce, is being investigated by the Director of Public Prosecutions following a formal complaint by a leading humanist who claims the sermon was an incitement to hatred.Yes, I said it, and I'll say it again. IF YOU ARE AN ORTHODOX AND PRACTISING CHRISTIAN, THAN MILITANT SECULARISM IS REALLY NO BETTER THAN MILITANT ISLAM. In the end the results will be the same under both. Stand up for your faith, and you'll find yourself behind bars, that is, if you're lucky! It is strange how Secularism and Islam are at war with each other, since they are both cut from the same cloth. Maybe it's just a competition for dominance thing.
The gardai have confirmed to former Fine Gael election candidate John Colgan that they have prepared and forwarded a file to the DPP after he made allegations that the address by Dr Boyce was in breach of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.
The homily, entitled: "To Trust in God" was delivered to worshippers during a novena at the Marian shrine in Co Mayo last August and subsequently reported in the media, including The Irish Times, under the headline: "'Godless culture' attacking church, says bishop."
Mr Colgan, a retired chartered engineer and economist from Leixlip, Co Kildare, referred in his formal complaint to two key passages in Dr Boyce's homily which he believes broke the law.
One of the passages referred to the Catholic Church in Ireland being "attacked from outside by the arrows of a secular and godless culture"....
read full story here
36 comments; post here:
It's the old islamic saying, Sir Knight, "The enemey of my enemey is my friend" Pete Frey
Islam fights the Church through actions, Secularism fights the Church through words.
Life has changed dramatically in Ireland in the last 20 years. The noose is tightening on Catholicism. Atheist Eamonn Gilmore's move to close the Vatican Embassy was hardly surprising.
The Irish of today are so drunk with what materialism has brought them they no longer feel any need for God. In many families, the grandmother or mother are perhaps "devout Catholics" whilst children are atheists, agnostics, or New Agers. Granny, despite her rosary group, doesnt care so long as they can get their cheap flights to Spain, new 2012 cars, nice pensions and maybe an investment property or two, and access to the beautiful grandchildren produced by the atheist kids and their "partners" (not husbands or wives). All is good so long as we have big screen TVs, holidays, and the children, grandchildren, and "partners" around the dinner table at Christmas--and can brag about it all to the ladies at Rosary Group or the hair salon. Babies are treated as accessories such as cars, Burberry Handbags, and villas in Spain.
The paganization of the sacraments is in full display every week, where atheist and agnostic parents who openly revile the Catholic Church get their children baptized whilst granny and granda beam. First Communions are nothing but a loot haul for the children.
So yes, the "Catholic" parents and grandparents have a lot to answer for here. They are in it together with the monstrosities they have produced. Don't ask me how they Irish live with this cognitive dissonance because I have no idea.
Sorry to be harsh but I live here in Ireland, and I see the carcasses of what this idolatry has wrought all around me.
And yes--this is in the same country that produced Edmund Rice, St Columcille, Mother McAuley, St Brendan, Frank Duff, St. Oliver Plunkett and the Irish Martyrs, St Ciaran, Nano Nagle, not to mention the hundreds of priests and nuns who built the American Catholic Church.
Our Lady of Knock, Pray for this Wreteched Land.
The problem in Ireland began with the 60's style Catholicism which ceased to inspire people to reflect on the beauty of the next life through music, art, and the sacraments. Instead, the new social gospel of Marxist influenced liberation theology focused on the here and now.
When the here and now became financially improved then there was no more need for anything transcendent as the goals of liberation theology where material in nature. Only a traditional Catholicism can set Ireland back on track.
Have you ever read the book "United In Hate" by Jamie Glazov? It shows the left has always have a love affair with brutal dictators. They like the way they can get things done, because they don't have to mess around with getting people to agree with them. Just issue an edict or point a gun and it's done! They will love the Muzzies to death, their deaths!
Anonymous,
Are you just living in Ireland or are you actually Irish? As an Irish man, I must say I sadly agree with what you said. I have reached the point where I am astounded that Ireland was supposedly a devout catholic country once. I sometimes wonder if that was just people being optimistic.
When I attend mass every Sunday, I stand at the back of the Church, and it gives me a good view of everyone who attends the mass. I must say I'm not overly impressed. A lot of the people are quite old. There are a few families and very few young people attending alone. I doubt everyone who goes with their families wants to be there, and I also doubt that those who do attend of their will are the most loyal.
A fine example is a foolish old woman, Jennifer Sleeman, her son a monk, who encouraged people to boycott mass one week to supposedly send a message to the Vatican about how women are fed of being treated like second class citizens.
The woman and her son are fine examples of confused heretics - people who think they are catholic but are not. Here son, the monk, was supportive of her actions. She also says the she feels the Church is outdated and feels happier at non-catholic churches, while supposedly being a devout catholic herself.
RTE News, Ireland's main source of news, did a report on the incident. The Sunday, the day of the boycott, it was hard to tell how many didn't attend, but there were also people who attended that showed support for the old ladies cause by wearing green bands around their arms(as far as I remember). I assume these people were regulars at mass.
Phew, pardon the long story. My point is this - ever since the incident here, and other incidents in different countries, I have become more aware of the people attending my Church.
When you attend mass next week, look around at the attendance and think how it reflects on the state of catholicism where you live. Then keep in mind that not everyone attending is a catholic in the true sense. This is the crisis the Church is facing.
What makes my blood boil are these lay Eucharistic Ministers that try to force me to take the Sacrament in my hand rather than place it on the tongue. Ass-hats!
We have plenty of deacons, get rid of these jerks. That's why I always try to go to the deacon or the priest. The priests and deacons we have at our parish are great and we have a very strong parish here in the Tampa Bay area. The incident above regarding the Eucharist happened while I was visiting a church in the Atlanta area a few weeks ago....I just wanted to kick the little b-t*d in the shins....people like that contribute to the problems.
CP, while I totally agree with you about how Eucharisic Ministers (EM) are usually unnecessary and often inept, I think you might want to reevaluate your emotions on that. While you had a right to be angry, because what was done to you was injustice, you probably shouldn't take it out on the EM. After all, EMs are often the product of poor training and clergy who have their priorities out of whack. They are merely a symptom of the problem, not the problem itself.
Antaine,
I am an Australian of Irish descent on my father's side. Some of our forebears were transported from Ireland as convicts in the early 1800s and others were immigrants arriving in the mid 1800s. All were devout Catholics when they arrived and remained so through the generations until the mid 20th century when the Catholic school system - which they proudly helped establish - lost its Catholic soul.
As Anonymous said, "60's style Catholicism ... ceased to inspire people to reflect on the beauty of the next life through music, art, and the sacraments." However, Modernism which has held sway for the last half century now appears on the wane. Orthodoxy will become the norm again. Bishops need to be strong though.
Ann
CK - I understand....but when they're trying to force the Sacrament into my hands, or rolling their eyes, it just pisses me off.
I was an EM for many years. The first few times I gave out the Precious Body my hand was shaking. I overcame the discomfort of those who would prefer receiving on the tongue very quickly. Eventually I realised that this is not the job for the laity but for the clergy alone. While I try my best to go to the priest or deacon, I always make sure I make it as easy for the lay minister as possible to put Jesus on my tongue as I am a pretty tall guy. And you're right...most of them are okay with it...I just don't like the attitude..it's the wrong time for it.
Antaine,
Thank you for your reply. I am the one who wrote above about our devout Atheist Taoiseach, Eamonn Gilmore.
I am American, of partial Irish descent. I am living in Ireland now for many years. While I am not technically "Irish"--and do not claim to be--growing up I read many books about Irish history by authors such as Robert Kee, Roy Foster, Emmet Larkin, Conor Cruise O'Brien, etc. I knew who Pearse, Wolfe Tone, Daniel O'Connell, Terence McSwiney, Michael Collins, Parnell, Brian Boru, Red Hugh O'Donnell, the Wild Geese, Patrick Sarsfield, Roger Casement, Robert Emmett, and James Connolly were, and what they accomplished, long before I ever set foot on Irish soil. In short, my knowledge of Ireland, while not comprehensive or scholarly, far exceeds the Plastic Paddy stereotype (which sadly, is in the main an accurate one - "shamrocks and green beer" being the norm for most Irish Americans).
I remember that story in the paper about Sleeman. Yes, this is so typical. You hit the nail on the head when you wrote, The woman and her son are fine examples of confused heretics - people who think they are catholic but are not.. The secular culture which I cited above is not even our worst enemy - it is the collaborators, the Catholics-in-Name-Only, who are eager to destroy the church from within, and to do so gleefully.
My local parish (where I attend only sporadically) is filled with liturgical abuses and downright heresy preached from the pulpit. The congregation are either ignorant (uncatechized), or simply do not care. Why do they even bother to go? The previous priest was forced into retirement for mishandling of funds. I knew him personally and that was the least of his sins, believe me. I told the new priest at Christmas that I would like to see the Latin Mass out in our area, and could he accommodate this? His expression was one of shock.
I am now contemplating attending the SSPX chapel down in Dun Laoghaire. There is no FSSP presence in Ireland, unfortunately.
Do you have any ideas?
Ann,
I agree with that the the post-Vatican 2 monstrosity of modernism that has held sway is "one the wane." I see this very clearly on the internet, where the neo-traditionalists have such a vibrant presence. I cannot, however, connect this fact with what I see on a daily basis in the parishes around me. The hippie-style apostate 1960s Catholicism is alive and well not just in the terrible architecture and music, but in the substance of what is being preached. Antaine describes the scenario very well in his above post.
As for the laity, I know one lady, a neighbour, who never skips mass, but the following Friday will be off for some "mini-break" at a hotel in Galway or Kildare or wherever with the latest boyfriend, leaving her teenage and pre-teen children behind in the house to fend for themselves. She seems completely innocent of the fact that she is committing both adultery and scandal. Yes, it is a "church for sinners," but not brazenly unrepentant ones. The priests don't care because she attends mass. I guess they are happy to take anyone they can get, since most don't even bother.
I have a young friend in the States who is both orthodox and intellectually brilliant, and herself discerning a vocation. She assures me orthodoxy is thriving and that the old apostate orders are dying out. I'm glad she gives me this information because I would not believe it from an Irish vantage point where "Lesbian Nuns who Hate the Church because it is so Oppressive" are a dime a dozen.
A fine example is a foolish old woman, Jennifer Sleeman, her son a monk, who encouraged people to boycott mass one week to supposedly send a message to the Vatican about how women are fed of being treated like second class citizens.
I wanted to make one more comment on Antaine's post - the "Catholic Church oppresses women" crowd make my blood boil. There is no instiution in the world--NONE--that holds women in higher esteem or does more for them than the Catholic Church. Women like Jennifer Sleeman most be both ignorant of the church's teachings in this area and on some level filled with self-hatred, and hatred of all women.
I speak as a doctoral-educated woman who knows the feminist drill well. I have lived and studied it all, and can hold my own in any discussion with academic feminists, whether secular or CINO.
I am even tolerant of their world view because I understand so much of it (having taken the time to study it), yet they hate mine without even understand at a basic level what it is they hate.
Agree totally with CP: one other thing which has never been addressed is the failure of these EMs (mostly women) to cleanse their fingers before and after "ministering" lest there be any particples remaining in the "cup" The church has always exercises extreme cauthon and reverence lest any profanation occurs. Seems like this happens at every NO mass. Pete Frey
I have been a faithful reader of the CK for a while now. I have even posted comments from time to time.Mostly though, I like to read and gain knowledge so I can strengthen my faith.
I am also Irish on both my mother and father's side. Geneology confirms back to early 1400. Strong faith in the Catholic Church is also part and parcel of who we are with special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament being taught very young.
When you go to Mass how can you possibly be focused on the Sacrifice if you are looking around to see who is attending? Why are you even paying attention to the EM and what he/she are doing. Shouldn't your focus be on recieving Jesus into your heart? If you had noticed something off wouldn't it had been better to pray for the EM?
Please don't think I am preaching . Sinners shouldn't preach or judge people. However, I have to speak up when I read about the different experiences while attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
We need to focus entirely on the alter and what is going on up there and not what is going on around us. After all we know as good strong Catholics there is where the devil will try his very hardest to keep us distracted and unfocused. We need to be wary of this at all times we attend Mass and prepare to recieve The Blessed Sacrament. This sound advice was passed down from good Irish Catholics and has been passed on now to the next two generations.
I also have a passion for reading about our wonderful saints in the Church. This passion started as a small child. Interesting enough it seems most of these strong in the faith men and women faced some mighty challenges with distraction when it came to recieving the Blessed Sacrament. The stronger the love and devotion to the Eucharist the harder the devil worked to distact that person.
Thank you for letting me post my thoughts here.
Ann
I hope you're right about modernism, and that orthodoxy returns as the norm before it's too late. The primary school (not sure if that's what it's called in Australia) I attended was fairly catholic as it was next to a Church, and I had an excellent teacher for my last two years their who made the class say a Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and Gloria Patri every morning.
My Secondary school was also pretty religious as it was a Christian Brother School. Some of the teachers were religious, but not all. I remember once our Irish teacher made us start class with a prayer, which I thought odd since she wouldn't usually do that.
Still, in this day and age it's nice to see little signs of faith like that, especially when it's from someone I already have a lot of respect for.
Confederate Papist and Pete Frey,
I understand you preferring to receive Holy Communion from a deacon or priest CP - me too. And I understand your concerns re profanation PF.
When I was a child (many years ago now), I was taught by my parents and at school that only a man who had received Holy Orders should touch the Consecrated Host who is Our Lord God because only his hands were consecrated for that purpose at ordination. I wonder what happened to that teaching? It's certainly not taught in the majority of Catholic schools or from the majority of pulpits in Australia. One parish I have visited stands out as an exception: the altar rails have been retained and communicants kneel and the plate is placed under each chin, as in times past, so that not a crumb of the Consecrated Host will fall to the floor. Oh, for it to be like that everywhere again.
We do have Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist here too but fortunately I have never had any trouble receiving Holy Communion on the tongue in my present diocese, even though the majority receive in the hand.
I feel there would be a greater understanding of transubstantiation and the huge privilege receiving Holy Communion is if again only the ordained handled the Consecrated Bread and Wine and children and their parents were taught why.
Sadly Catholic education broke down in Australia from about the end of the 1960s/beginning of the 1970s. There were some priests and religious who did hold fast and did what they could and they were ostracized by their fellow priests and religious. Without their bishop's support they couldn't do much, but now, wherever strong orthodox bishops are being appointed (e.g. Bishop, now Cardinal, Pell), the Catholic Education Offices are coming back on course. The reform of the reform in Australia has started thank God.
From what I read, it seems you are gaining more strong, orthodox bishops in America too. I pray this trend is global or will be before too long.
Ann
Portobello Girl,
Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who finds something humorous about Americans with Irish ancestry. Their is an American girl in my classes in college, of Irish descent, who is unfortunately one of many college students who have a hostile attitude towards religion.
Your point about CINOs is dead on. They are far more troublesome than secularists. With secularists it's a simple case of "Us against Them", but with CINOs it just gets confusing because:
1)Catholics who don't no better can be easily influenced by what they say
2)Secularists can use CINOs as false examples of what Catholics are and stand for
I am quite interested in what you're saying about your parish. What kind of abuses are being practiced there, may I ask? Also, I'm sure one of the reasons the priest you talked to, concerning Latin Mass, was so shocked was down to the fact he probably has no idea how to carry out the Latin Mass. Of course, from what you're saying I also wouldn't be surprised if he just didn't want to do it. My own Church seems to be abuse-free at the moment, so hopefully that lasts.
Still though, I'm not sure I would recommend attending a SSPX chapel as I don't believe they are on the best terms with Church.
On your point about feminism, it is good to have women such as yourself to defend the Church on these issues, as obviously a man trying to defend the Church doesn't quite have the same affect.
Anyway, I've talked quite a bit and there's probably something I left out, but I'll finish here for now.
God bless
Anne and Antaine,
Re strong bishops leading to a reform and shakedown of the Catholic education system in Australia; hmm...i cannot be so optimistic. I live in the Sydney Diocese, under the guidence of the good Card. Pell; an amazing man of faith. I also happen to attend a prominent Australian Catholic University (not notredame) as a mature age student nearing the end of a Bachelor of Theology degree. This institution is still crawling with liberalism at all levels, however one of our three chaplains is a fantastic younger (Gen X) priest with a solid heart for Christ, His truth, and is completely at ease giving me communion on the tongue whenever i am able to attend mass at university; he is efficient, professional and reverent. Sadly, I have seen my share of B.Theol/B.Edu students coming through, preparing to take up their places in the Catholic Education System utterly ready to perpetuate the manifold heterodox teachings and practices that they have absorbed during the course of their studies; especially feminism and unchecked liberation theology. the level of contempt for Card. Pell amongst staff and students is diplorible and this is equally so for our beloved Benedict XVI. the level of boomer hold-outs who teach is phenominal and only a few of the staff are what could be considered orthodox. There is a lot of 'please don't let this get out to the bishop/archbishop' going on in class as they know they're peddling falsehood. they resist the reform of the reform and loathe anything that approaches tradition. I thank god for the one or two genuine folk in the faculty, the amazing chaplain and one or two of the other workers.
I also converted directly into Marounite Catholicism from my former evangelical ways because of its reverence and orthodoxy. There are amazing teachings and truths still taught from the pulpit and among the youth in my Marounite parish; it is an oasis amid the desert of error that is largely the Australian Church. Fellow Australians (and international visitors) , if you're in Sydney, find a Marounite Church, a Melchite Church or the FSSP Parish in Lewisham (if memory serves me correctly).
Antaine,
Yes, it is the same in Australia: we refer to the first stage of school as "Primary School" (for children 5-12 years of age) and the second stage as "Secondary School" (for teens 12-18 years old). Then comes TAFE (Technical & Further Education) or University for those who want to go further with their education.
Prayer in Catholic schools has fallen off here too but does still exist. I'm glad you have come through the system with your faith intact; most who attend Catholic schools here lose their faith - but some get through, like yourself.
When I was at school (1950s/1960s) half of my teachers were nuns (the Sisters of Mercy) and my father was taught totally by religious brothers (the Christian Brothers in the 1930s). Thus we owe our sound education (in religion and academic subjects) in great part to the Irish, both these religious orders having come from Ireland initially although our teachers were Australian bred by the time we were at school.
The Catholic Church in Australia owes so much to the Irish missionaries. Even most of our priests well into the 20th century were from Ireland. They were so good and did so much to spread and nourish the Faith here in Australia before it all fell apart.
You might be interested to know that when I was at school half a century ago, we had morning prayers at commencement of the school day (the Morning Offering prayer for the pope and for the Church in Australia); the Angelus at noon; Grace before and after lunch on the seats where we sat outside to eat, led by the nun on playground duty; the Rosary when we returned to class after the lunch hour (prayed on our knees); and prayer again at the end of the school day before we left for home. I told someone here about this a few years ago and they scoffed that it can't be done today or the children wouldn't have time to learn anything.
Take heart Antaine. The Church has weathered so many heresies before and will again. I suspect you have been born at this time and your faith preserved in order to help revitalise the Church in your great land. Look at what just one man, St Patrick, achieved with God on his side.
Ann
Portobello Girl,
My post made some hours ago in response to yours seems to have gone astray. The gist of that post is as follows.
I have experienced here in Australia much of what you have there in Ireland and therefore understand your point of view and frustration. I am guessing you are an older Catholic although perhaps not so old as me.
I don't know what you can do to find a Catholic community where you fit. As a modernist priest told me years ago, we are "dinosaurs"; that is, from the modernist viewpoint.
I understand that the SSPX has an inspiring attitude toward the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments but their attitude to the pope is more than troubling. Therefore I can't recommend a move in that direction.
Perhaps, as I mentioned to Antaine, one finds themselves where they are today (location-wise and in terms of dissatisfaction) for the very reason that this is where God wants you to be so you can help move the Church there back on course. Just a thought.
Ann
To the Other Anonymous Australian,
I have lived in Sydney and interstate, and have seen what you have seen, although not at your university as I have not attended there. I do though hold a degree and have been involved in education at school and university level, so I know what you are talking about.
Yes the dissenters as well as the disinterested are discouraging but those who hold onto the Faith amid that desert have a job to do: to support and encourage our fellow Catholics, especially those of Gen X, who have made it through with their faith intact. If the faithful among Generation X falter, who will the next generation of Australians have to carry on the Reform of the Reform.
The Reform of the Reform is moving, albeit slowly, and can be expected to pick up momentum over time if we do our part and co-operate with Our Lord.
God didn't put us here, and let us see what we see, to turn us away in discouragement but to prod us into action. We are His mouth, hands and feet in this world and can't give up because He has never given up on us.
I know I am not where I am today by my own efforts alone. I too would be a modernist or a lukewarm Catholic if not for God's grace, and I still have plenty of faults He and I are working on. But we are all He has to work with here on Earth and we can't let Him down.
Ann
Ann,
"I know I am not where I am today by my own efforts alone. I too would be a modernist or a lukewarm Catholic if not for God's grace, and I still have plenty of faults He and I are working on. "
Amen sister!! I know exactly what you mean, as our heavenly Father is busily 'pannel-beating' the many dings and defects out of my own personal and faith life; and I suspect will still be doing so for a long time yet.
I am Gen X; Others of my generation who have studied alongside me in previous years have spoken of the fact that they feel and find themselves to be 'the lost generation' - coming along in the immediate aftermath of the abuses of VII that left them knowing virtually nothing deep of Catholic Christianity. Not a few are attending theology classes for the express reason of learning their faith anew (especially in light of having families of their own now) but I fear are coming out with a skewed perspective as they have not the knowledge to keep the pearls whilst disgarding the many 'broken shells' of religious education offered in class. If my presence can be used of God for His purposes, let Him act with viggor; not for my own sake, but for Christ's. There are Gen X and Y who are also railing against what is taught by the priests attached to the schools in which they are undertaking their practicum (e.g. teachings on the inspiration of scripture/gender relations/sexuality, feminism, promoting heracy such as the documentary hypothesis and historicism etc. I thank God I
i( came into the Church with a solid Bible background thanks to 26 years within the SDA and then EVangelical Anglican denominations) and
ii) found myself led by a series of events to an excelent Marounite parish where straight truth is taught at all levels, from its school, to its amazing youth programme (120 young people signed onto the Brown Scapular late last year; not because mum and dad said they must, or because 'their mate Johnny' was doing it, but because they are on fire for the faith! Just last Wednesday they turned out in excellent numbers to hear Msgr riley from the US speak about the truths behind contreception, promiscuity, abortion, and eventually homosexuality from 1960 onward, and calling the youth to stand firm for the dignity of human life as created in the image of God, and the dignity of themselves as human persons created in the image of God; took them right back to a nutshell history of the founders of the culture of death - Sanger, Stopes, Malthus (excuse spelling); you just don't get this stuff in the Roman rite parishes in Sydney. We're currently mounting a petition against the Govt. proposed changes to the marriage act that will recognize homosexual marriage - all Aussies here find a petition and sign it!!
Blessings,
Aussie TCK fan.
The Catholic Knight and Aussie TCK Fan,
Thank you Sir Knight for your thought provoking articles and the opportunity for your readers - your brothers and sisters in Christ from around the globe - to reflect with you on matters that concern us all, to share information and views and to support and encourage each other in these trying times. Your blog is a valuable service to the Church.
It's lovely to make your acquaintance TCK Fan and to discover the vitality of the Maronite community in Sydney. Now, to spread that fire of faith to the youth of the Roman Rite ... Any suggestions? Would you mind if I shared your last two posts with a good priest (Roman Rite) and family friend. Re-evangelisation of families and youth is a core concern of his.
Your assessment that a number of theology students are "coming out with a skewed perspective as they have not the knowledge to keep the pearls whilst disgarding the many 'broken shells' of religious education offered in class" makes much sense.
All the best with the petition. Will it be going on line?
Ann
To all those with ties to Ireland, ancestral and otherwise, Fr. Gabriel Burke has a simple but beautiful reflection on the Feast of St. Brigid with merits consideration with so much that has been discussed here on this thread:
http://www.frgabrielburke.com/2012/02/feast-of-stbrigid-abbess-secondary.html
Blessings to you all, my friends. I am grateful for your presence here.
Ann,
Unfortunately I don't believe the clergy get involved in education these days, which is mostly down to growing criticism of their involvement in non-religious matters. The child abuse scandals have also made it difficult for them to defend themselves.
I find it extremely interesting that you prayed so much when you were in school. Unfortunately I could never see such devotion in the schools in this country, at this present time at least. I wouldn't be surprised if there is less praying in schools then when I was there.
At this point I'm not sure how exactly I can do my part to help the Church in Ireland, but hopefully I will be able to do my part when the time comes.
Anyway, I wish you and TCK Fan all the best for the future. Hopefully God will guide all our paths to play some part, whether great or small.
Annonymous and Portobello Girl,
Thank you Anonymous for that link to Father Gabriel's reflection on the Feast of Saint Brigid. It's good to be reminded that the Church cannot fail regardless of the difficulties.
Portobello Girl, you might be interested in a link in the right hand column of Father Burke's above mentioned blog for "The Latin Mass Society of Ireland".
Antaine,
Thank you for your good wishes and thank God for the Catholic Knight and the community that meets here.
There will doubtless be hard times ahead but if we are united under our bishops and walk the path God sets us upon all will end well.
God bless
Ann,
I am a little wary of my posts here being shared in the form that they appear in ful; the Catholic university theology community in sydney is incredibly small and it would be very easy to take one or two steps on and know the concerned parties that I am speaking of here and for me to likewise be identified ; My husband would be unhappy if I inadvertently got myself expelled or similar. Additionally, god willing, I intend to continue on in post graduate studies to eventually qualify as a teacher of theology wherein I will be able to do much good (as are several excellent faculty members who subtly yet unstintingly defend orthodox Catholic Christianity.
However, you are free to share my observations and sentiments.
How to bring the youth up to speed, to own their faith and possess the tools to defend it/understand it/respect it...
i) Straight truth!! I cannot stress this enough; coupled with faith being an organic part of family life; with the office, the rosary, Bible study church attendance being as natural as breathing.
ii) excellent catechesis at school, youthgroup and home.
iii) Catechise the parents; we have a 'family of the word' Bible study weekly so that parents and others can equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and tools to properly share the faith with their children.
iv) straight truth!! Youth don't want entertainment on a race to the bottom with the world; they're craving genuine, authentic, gospel truth.
v) use their questions and even doubts as opportunity to give Godly, faithful, orthodox answers that are imbued with both faith and reason.
vi) Straight truth!! Our catechetical teachers and youth leaders are amazing!! unswerving faithfulness to God's word and the magisterium.
Blessings,
Aussie TCK Fan.
Aussie TCK Fan,
Thank you for your response and I will certainly respect your wishes. I wish you well with your studies and future career.
Ann,
Thank you for your kind well wishes and understanding . I don't look at it so much as a career (personally find this to be a 'weasel-word') but rather a vocation of sorts. Much can happen in the timeframe it will take to achieve all this - of God's will and national/international circumstance alike. Even if it is God's will that I write and catechise , for instance, I will accept this with good grace. As a part time student things take longer anyway... even by being in the classes, and raising the orthodox side of things in discussions, in essays (if this is done descriptively rather than proscriptively with appropriate referencing and a degree of diplomacy, this can be accomplished) and taking the time to be approachable to my fellow students can allow God's truth to shine through. I am also 'nine parts 'Traditional Plain' in attire and headcover at all times on campus (apart from private and congregational Bible study, prayer, worship) and have been able to minister to some of the young girls on these issues (also takes much deep preparatory prayer and prudent diplomacy) and have only ever received flack from one (former) chaplain about this (going back a couple of years now). I thank you sincerely for your encouragement and support; it is refreshing to know that we're out there, here in aus; I wonder how many other regular Aus/NZ readers stop in at the TCK blog...
Blessings,
Aussie TCK Fan.
Ann & Antaine,
Thank you for your thoughtful responses. Ann gave a particularly cogent summary here when she wrote:
"I understand that the SSPX has an inspiring attitude toward the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments but their attitude to the pope is more than troubling. Therefore I can't recommend a move in that direction."
I am aware of the Latin Mass Society of Ireland, and have been contemplating a move to the one parish in Dublin that offers it weekly. I will let you know how things progress in this regard, as I would greatly value the input of the folks who take the time to post at this blog.
Antaine, I would like to write in more detail about the problems at my local parish but similar to Aussie TCK Fan, I have already on this thread revealed some identifying details and, as this country is like a fishbowl ("great hatred/little room") I am reluctant to get too specific about my local parish. In fairness to the new priest, I have not seen any liturgical abuses since the departure of his predecessor. I have no direct evidence of why the former priest was forced to go, just things told to me in confidence about parish finances by a close friend with inside information who was equally disgusted with the situation. It is quite possible that the liturgical abuses were also a catalyst that forced the Archdiocese to take action.
I too am asking myself what I can do to help the Church in Ireland and find myself at a loss. When you wrote, "I have reached the point where I am astounded that Ireland was supposedly a devout catholic country once. I sometimes wonder if that was just people being optimistic." I feel I could have written that paragraph myself. I feel a stranger here in a very hostile, anti-Christian little island. I tell myself what Ann wrote, that we are placed where we are for a reason, and I will continue to wait for that reason/sense of purpose to reveal itself.
The Indo was interesting today - I will post a separate piece on what I found there shortly.
Antaine,
My long post to you about the coverage in today's Indo just got "eaten" but here was the key point: both our president (Mr Higgins) and our Taoiseach (Mr Kenny) are quoted as saying that they do not believe in heaven or hell. See this brilliant letter to the editor:
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/article-of-faith-3012101.html
Also, the Ireland Stand Up Campaign was mentioned favorably:
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/pressure-group-bombards-kenny-with-postcards-3011370.html
http://irelandstandup.org/
Portobello Girl,
That's completely understandable. Of course I wouldn't want you put in an awkward position. It's all a shame really.
I would really like to know how many Catholics here are true Catholics. Many people argue that despite the country having a high number of Catholics, many are not practicing or not really loyal to the Church.
I suppose we are all where we are for a reason. The biggest problem is trying to figure out what we can do to help. It's quite annoying knowing you need to do something, but not knowing when or how. Hopefully the time will come.
Unfortunately I can't say I'm too surprised by Mr Kenny's comments. I remember Mr Higgins describing himself as "spiritual" before, and usually that's a good hint that you're dealing with someone who holds very loose beliefs. I wish Ireland Stand Up all the best, but unfortunately I think they'll be ignored.
Antaine,
From what you said in one of your posts, about being in college, I am guessing you are young. I want to direct you to Shane's blog:
http://lxoa.wordpress.com/
He is a very articulate young Catholic. (He is in fact 10x more articulate about most things than most folks I know who are three times his age. I nearly fell over when I found out he was in his early 20s after having read some of his amazing posts. But as I often say - there is no correlation between age and wisdom).
Do you get the "Alive" paper that comes out of Tallaght?
They do wonderful work in very hostile territory. I have heard one of the Labour Party politicians say horrid about things about them on the radio - yet they bravely persist:
http://www.alive.ie/
My advice would be to network with young Catholics in Ireland such as Shane and those driving the pro-life movement. I honestly have no idea how a young Catholic person could go this alone in Ireland without the support of likeminded community. As you can see from my posts above, I am struggling here even in middle-age.
Thank God for this wonderful blog, both Sir Knight and the truly extraordinary people who take the time to comment here, and places like it. What I long for most is Christian community nearby, but in the meantime, this place is a lifeline.
Portobello Girl,
I think I've actually seen that site before, but forgot to bookmark it. Thanks for sending me the link.
I haven't actually gotten the Alive! paper in a while but I have gotten it before. I really need to start picking it up again.
You are right that it is difficult to stand up for the faith when you are alone. This blog has been extremely important to me as it gives me the encouragement I need to do a little better. Hopefully we can all be part of a good christian community someday; though if we are where we are because God wants a beacon in an under-christianised area I happily accept my place.
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