Catholic Voice 8th April 2022 Issue 340

CatholicVoice Omnia possum in eo, qui me confortat 8 April - 21 April 2022

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Issue 340

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2 DEADLY ANGER

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Deadly Anger

Lenten Musings With Fr. Chris Pietraszko There was no way for us to turn aside. It took from us our eyesight and pure air. - Dante, Purgatory Anger is a spiritual sin which means that it can look different than merely a red-face and a yelling demeanor.

Anger can be in a calculated strategy, a committed and decisive act, it can be passive, presenting itself as humble or meek. In other words, anger can be hidden - even from ourselves.

We know what the feeling of anger is, and to St. Thomas Aquinas, passions are not merely morally neutral, they have an indirect connection to sin and the good.

However, when discussing the deadly sin, we are specifically speaking about an act of the will.

It would help us to understand how the passion of anger is generated.

According to Aquinas’ psychology, anger as a passion is considered irascible. There are two types of passions, the other being concupiscible. Both passions can be summarized either as a type of rest, or a type of agitation. Both are defined or understood according to the perception of good and evil things. Despair for instance, to Aquinas is a type of passion that is concupiscible (restful). Many might think of it as a type of anxiety, but the case is otherwise. Despair is a type of giving-up - a belief that the perceived good cannot be obtained.

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The Child Jesus in the Temple Paolo Veronese (1528 – 1588)

Its a throw-your-hands up in the air type of reaction. Anger, on the other hand is an irascible passion, and probably the most complex when explained by St. Thomas Aquinas. So I will simplify a bit here and suggest that the passion of anger ultimately arises due to the convergence of two spiritual acts within man.

Perceived Injustice If we appropriate to ourselves the Divine-Prerogative to define good from evil, then here we will arbitrarily define injustice from justice according to our preferences. Therefore, I add the word “perceived” to denote the subjective dimension of man, and his responsibility in how he interprets good from evil. Many children have been known to cry out to their parents “that’s not fair” but wouldn’t stand to reason against Socrates as they explain what exactly isn’t fair about a parent asking them to go to sleep at bed-time.

The pride active here is in part, how we define the good. Do we surrender to God’s notion of it, the natural law, right-reason, humbly as such. Do we admit of our own

injustice, our own imperfections?

How objective can we really be?

Our relativism, our pride, is the smoke that blinds us to make clear decisions.

What is our motive for claiming this to be unjust? These days with the great rallying of tribes in various forms of activism, could this be little more than a seeking of acceptance, and community? I don’t know, but these are possibilities amongst many others. Sometimes we need a purpose to give our lives a sense of import. Could we be condemning what we choose to be an injustice to feel like we have meaningful lives?

I really hope not. If this is the case, then our concern isn’t justice… but exploiting what is perceived or truly as such injustices.

Perceived Hope (Control) It might sound odd, but here St. Thomas Aquinas asserts that hope POSTAL DELAYS There have been significant postal delays recently via the postal service which may affect delivery of Catholic Voice and orders placed with us.

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DEADLY ANGER 3

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice is the second converging factor in anger. Although we may perceive injustice, anger is not always the response.

Sometimes horrible things occur, and there is truly nothing we can do about it - and instead of getting angry, we weep, mourning the loss of some good. Anger therefore, as a passion in anyone results from the spiritual disposition that holds to hope even if its unreasonable to do so.

This doesn’t mean that all experiences of hope generate anger, but when coupled with the object of something perceived as unjust, it does generate this passion. Think about the reality of anger when it is generated physiologically. Your heart pumps, you dislike being seated - you are ready to act.

This passion thereby demonstrates a type of motivation to take control, to exert some effort and overcome what is perceived to be unjust. It assumes that this injustice can be

addressed by our own circle of influence.

The question arises, as prideful people, do we ever exaggerate our sense of control. Do we consider our station in life, are we perpetually an activist, shouting and bothered. Do we look to places outside of our preview rather than being preoccupied with what is within our realm of self-control.

For instance, Jordan Peterson often says why would one want to clean up the world without first beginning with your bed at home? I might ask the same question from the point of view of a relationship - why would we espouse some type of love, when we cannot even get along with our next-door neighbour and co-worker?

This is telescopic philanthropy - it is the illusion of control, but a type of displacement. Sometimes we have to sit within the realities we cannot control and cry. We cannot be permissive, enabling, and all that - nor can we become micro-

managers, excessively preoccupied with what happens outside of our circle of influence.

When these two converge, we get the passion anger. We see this on display in Genesis. First comes pride, then comes envy, then comes murder. There is a straight line that can be traced here. The sickness of self-preoccupation is passed down to Cain and Abel. Abel chooses to remedy this by making a pleasing sacrifice to God. Cain chooses to use the sacrifice as a means to one-up Abel. This of course works against him, and causes his sacrifice to not be acceptable. Cain is envious, and his reaction to this envy is to eliminate the competition.

Murder may not he the common way in our western culture to express our anger. However, the seed is there, spiritually. If we so much as hate our brother, the spirit of murder exists in our hearts.

Are we willing to admit that? And critically, are we willing to examine in the light of truth what objective

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4 DEADLY ANGER

Catholic Voice

type of hope and injustice we are to face?

Counter Virtue - Meekness I disagree with Bishop Robert Barron in his excellent series on the 7 Deadly Sins. I highly recommend watching that series.

When he mentions the countervirtue to Wrath I find myself and St. Thomas Aquinas diverging from his position.

He mentions that FORGIVENESS is the counter virtue to wrath.

However, sometimes we are angry at a person, yet they did nothing wrong. We could be angry at God, or a police officer for pulling us over for breaking the law. In all such cases we do not counter our anger by forgiveness. That could actually enable further anger down the road, as we dig our heels in the ground demanding that it was an injustice, when the opposite is true. Would it be a virtue to forgive God? Hardly.

Rather, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, the counter-virtue to Wrath is meekness. Meekness may involve forgiveness, but the virtue better corresponds to what must take place interiorly in man. The example Dante uses in Purgatory is that of Mary who finds Christ in the temple after three days of him being lost. Many parents would relate to this - the decisive chastening that would immediately follow finding their child is common.

8th April 2022 Suddenly you are broadsided by some malicious interpretation, some judgment, some harsh criticism.

Their mind is already made up, their heart is already a stone to throw.

Its a horrible experience of rash, angry, malicious and uninformed judgment.

However, Mary asks Jesus a question when she finds Him. In this, she interiorly bends before God, and instead of accusing, instead of insisting that his behaviour was unjust, she attempts to understand.

Sadly, are we all not just victims of this, but also victimizers? Like Mary, lets pause and ask questions before accusing. Lets chasten that temptation to jump to conclusions about another’s behaviour, and whether it was actually unjust. Lets attempt to reasonably bend before the other as a fellow sinner, and hope to hear the best.

She gives him the chance to explain himself. She gives him a nonnaïve type of benefit of the doubt.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced being the object of discussion, whereby tempers flare, and yet I’m entirely absent from the conversation.

Someone wise once said to me - we tend to judge others by the effects their actions have on us, but rarely do we wish to be judged by anything other than our own intentions. What is the measure we give out - and it is meek?

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CATHOLIC VOICE LENTEN APPEAL 5

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The enemies of the Catholic Church in Ireland keep using past scandals to undermine and to damage the faith of ordinary Catholics. The Tuam Mother and Baby Home and the Magdalen Laundries have once again featured in the mainstream media. Much of what is reported is a form of propaganda which focuses on past traumas whilst ignoring the plight of the minimum of 6,500 unborn children murdered annually and their mothers, many of whom will come to regret the death of their children.

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We also carry many articles which help Catholics to both understand and to live out their Catholic faith and we provide encouragement and support for Catholics who wish to resist the growing global tyranny.

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6 SAILING WITH GOD

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Is Your Spiritual Life Like a Sailboat or a Motorboat?

Msgr. Charles Pope When I was about 10 years old I took some sailing lessons and then did so again when I was in my early 30s. Sailing involves a kind of romancing of the wind, wherein one observes it and then adapts to it, wooing it, learning its moves, its vicissitudes, its often subtle and changing signs.

Oh, for the great times when the wind was with us!

Catching the wind, the boat would speed along making a slick sound in the water. Oh, too, for those daring and thrilling times when the spinnaker was put out. The boat would almost strain as the proud winds filled her arcing sail.

There were also difficult days, too, days when the winds were contrary and there was the hard work of tacking, beating, and jibbing.

Sailing is an image of receptivity. One cannot control the wind, but must simply accept it, taking it as it is.

Yes, the sailor must adjust to what is, to learn to accept and work with what is given, to live in the world as it is rather than wishing for the world as it ought to be.

The sailor must simply accept the wind’s biddings and blessings, the way in which it would have us go: this way and that, sometimes quickly and unexpectedly.

The good sailor accepts that a good strong breeze can suddenly grow calm only to stir again moments later.

This is especially the case in the sultry days of summer, when the prevailing winds are less evident and their strength and direction can be local and subtle.

Yes, it is all very mysterious. Indeed, Jesus used the wind as an image for mystery when He said to Nicodemus, The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:8).

Thus the wind and sailing become symbolic of the soul interacting with God. We cannot control God nor should we try. Our role is to sense His direction and put out our sails accordingly. We are to “romance the wind” by growing deeper in our love and trust of God. We are to discover the serenity of accepting what is, of following His lead or receiving what is offered

8th April 2022

SAILING WITH GOD 7

Catholic Voice

rather than seeking to control or manipulate the outcome.

Sometimes God’s Ruah, His Spirit and breath, is a strong and refreshing wind, as at Pentecost when Scripture says, And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were (Acts 2:4). At other times, God speaks in a whispering breeze: And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

(1 Kings 19:12-13) Yes, allow the wind to represent the movements of God’s Ruah. God is looking for some good sailors, ones who know the subtleties of the wind’s movements and can adjust accordingly.

Now because the wind cannot be controlled and must simply be accepted for what it is, many people prefer motorboats. How much nicer it is to feel empowered from within and to be able to resolutely set one’s own course, no matter the wind!

With a motorboat, there is little to no threat of being at the mercy of the winds.

This is another image of our soul interacting with God. There are many who prefer to be under their own power, dependent upon no one but themselves, acting and operating independently. They prefer not to have to sense the direction of the winds, to watch for other signs, or to consider other factors.

Just as there are dangers with a motorboat, there are dangers associated with this sort of controlling person. Indeed, such individuals can be noisy “gasguzzlers,” prone to breakdowns, and potentially hazardous to things and people around them.

In their perceived power they often

barrel through life, missing or ignoring its subtleties, and frequently causing harm to themselves and/or others. “Breakdowns” are almost predictable with this sort of person.

Most people prefer a motorboat, but God is more in the sail-boat business. He’s looking for some good souls to sense the breeze of His Spirit, hoist their sails, and follow where He leads.

Each of us is invited to be more like a sailor, following the Spirit’s lead — yes, like a sailor, trusting in and yielding to a Godly breeze.

Do you prefer a motorboat or a sailboat? Are you a boater or a sailor?

The

Dominicans Truth

...Lives On and On!

There is no need to relate to, nor to be in relationship with, the wind; there is no need of romancing the winds here! No, with a motorboat there is only the need to drive forward with a powerful motor, following one’s own designs.

This is control; this is power. Here is the sailor alone with his own will, dependent on little and certainly on no other person. It is one man alone against the elements.

Motorboats are a mixed blessing, though. They require a good bit of gas, can be noisy, need maintenance, may suffer breakdowns, and can be downright dangerous to other things and people around them.

"One of the few things in life that cannot possibly do any harm in the end is the honest pursuit of Truth."

- Peter Kreeft www.irishdominicanvocations.com

8 THE SOUL SANCTIFIED

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

The Christian’s Aim From ‘The Soul Sanctified’

“I show you a more excellent way.”

-1 Corinthians 12:31 It will conduce much to our spiritual advancement that we propose to ourselves as objects the highest things and such as are of the greatest perfection, according to the counsel of the Apostle: “Be zealous for the better gifts. And I yet show to you a more excellent way.”

This means is without doubt of great importance; for our desires must necessarily soar high if we wish to elevate our actions to that perfection with which even our indispensable duties should be performed.

This may be easily explained by a familiar comparison: When your bow is too feebly bent, you will never be able to hit the mark unless you aim considerably higher; because the looseness of the string gives to the arrow a downward direction.

It is precisely so with us. Our nature is so feeble and we are so relaxed by the evil habits we have contracted that we must take our aim considerably higher than the mark if we wish to reach it.

Man is become so weak by sin, that to attain an ordinary degree of virtue, his thoughts and desires must soar much higher.

But some will say, “All I propose is to avoid mortal sin; this is the only perfection I aspire to.”

It is much to be feared that you will not reach this point you propose to

yourself, for the string of your bow is slack.

Perhaps you would have reached this point had you directed your thoughts higher, but not having done so, it is probable you will never reach it, but that you will fall into mortal sin.

St. Jerome, explaining these words of the Psalmist – “Blessed is the man, O Lord, whose help is from Thee; in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps” (Psalm 83:6) – says, the just man’s heart is always towering aloft, and the sinner’s heart is perpetually sinking.

The just man has his eyes continually raised to the things most sublime in virtue; he aspires to increase in perfection; it is this which he has perpetually in his mind, according to the saying of the Wise Man: “The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance” (Prov. 21:5).

But no thought is less present to the mind of the sinner than this; he is content to live like the rest of the world; at the utmost, he proposes to himself but an ordinary degree of virtue; he grows tepid, his spirits sink and he attains not his object.

This, says Gerson, is the language used by many: “It is enough for me to live as people in general live; I desire only to be saved; the sovereign degree of perfection and glory I leave to the Apostles and martyrs; I do not pretend to soar so high, but I am content to walk upon the plain ground.”

Such is the language of sinners and imperfect men, who in number far exceed the just and perfect. “For many are called,” says our Savior, “but few are chosen” (Matt. 20:16).

And “wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who enter by it.

How narrow is the gate and strait is the way which leadeth to life, and few there are who find it” (Matt.

7:13).

St. Austin, speaking of such as walk on the broad beaten way of a loose life, says that those are the men

whom the prophet calls “beasts of the field” (Ps. 8:8) because they always range in a spacious place, and will not be confined by rule or discipline.

And Gerson says that by this kind of language – “It is enough for me to live as others so: if I bet but saved it is sufficient. I aspire to no greater perfection” – a man readily manifests the imperfect and bad state of his own heart, since he is not willing to enter by the narrow gate.

He adds, moreover, that persons who, through sloth and tepidity, think it sufficient to obtain the lowest seat in Heaven have great reason to fear that they will be condemned with the foolish virgins who fell asleep without having made any provision, or with the negligent servant who buried the talent he had received and took no pains to improve it.

He was cast into exterior darkness, and yet we read not in the Gospel that he was condemned for anything else than for having neglected the talent his master had entrusted him with.

But to show still more clearly the shameful and deplorable state of these men, Gerson gives this example. Imagine to yourself, says he, the father of a family, rich and noble, having many children, all of whom are capable of advancing the interest and honor of the family by their good qualities.

All apply with zeal to the performance of their respective duties except one, who, through sloth, leads a loose and shameful life, though, provided he did but apply himself, he is as well qualified as the rest for performing virtuous actions.

Still he does nothing worthy of his birth and talents, but contents himself, as he says, with a small fortune; and since he has the wherewithal to live at ease, he will take no pains to increase his property, nor will he entertain any honorable ambition.

His father calls upon him, exhorts

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice

THE SOUL SANCTIFIED 9

and entreats him to adopt more noble sentiments, reminds him of his good qualities and noble birth, proposes to him the example of his ancestors and of the rest of his brothers.

But when he sees that, notwithstanding all he does, he cannot prevail on him to rise out of his sloth and to lead an active life, he must needs conceive against him a very just indignation.

It is the same with God. We all are His children and brothers of Jesus Christ. He would not have us content ourselves with an idle life, but exhorts us to perfection in these words, “Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).

Consider how holy and perfect He is; think on what your birth obliges you to and endeavor to show by your actions that you are the true children of such a Father; take example from your bothers also, and if you will, look upon your eldest brother, Jesus Christ, who most freely gave His Blood and life to repair the losses of our race and to restore it to its former splendor.

But if so great an example dazzles you, look upon your other brothers as weak as yourself, like you born in sin and subject to like passions, temptations and evil inclinations.

They fought against them unremittingly; they conquered and gained the crown of glory; and our holy mother the Church sets before us their example and celebrates their feasts, in order to encourage us to imitate them.

This article is taken from a chapter in The Soul Sanctified which is available from TAN Books.

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10 EVIL MUST BE FOUGHT

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Is It Futile To Fight Overwhelming Force?

Anthony Hofler

That question (among others, of course) is raised by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and has wider importance than might be realised. Our Lord seemed to advise that when military forces are significantly unequal and the weaker side seems unlikely to win, the stronger one should be appeased (Luke 14:31-32).

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain has ‘gone down in history’ as an exponent of that policy. Nobody seems to have advocated its adoption by Ukraine, even though prima facie the Ukrainian military are outnumbered and out-gunned, and civilians have merely rifles and petrol-bombs. Sometimes a weaker side wins (as Goliath discovered: (1 Samuel 17), but the rarity shows the unlikelihood. In the present case, Ukraine seems to have far more ‘moral support’ than does Russia, but opinion makes no difference unless given appropriate practical form.

What does this have to do with religion?

On a geographically - ‘narrow’ level, it may affect the disunity of the relevant denominations. When ‘Russian separatists’ were beginning to change the status quo in Eastern Ukraine, Father Mark Drew, a specialist in theological discussion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, wrote that these ecclesial communities were “symbols and factors of differing political and cultural outlooks,” and that their own future would “depend to a greater or lesser extent on the outcome of the conflict” (“Catholic Herald,” 25th July 2014, p.8). He added (1)that the Russian Orthodox Church continued to be “a close ally of the Kremlin,” (2) that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (“considered uncanonical and schismatic by most Orthodox churches worldwide”) had “made significant inroads into Moscow’s flock in recent years,” and (3) that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (which “fol1ows the same Byzantine rite and customs as the Orthodox but is in union with Rome”) is regarded by the Orthodox as a Papal “Trojan Horse, used by the Vatican to undermine Orthodoxy.”

Point (3), illustrated by a quoted comment from Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, a Russian Orthodox spokesman for External Affairs, surely cannot be reconciled with Pope Francis’s clearly undenominational mind-set. Father Drew added (ibid.) that despite scepticism about the prospects of doctrinal unity, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kyrill and

Metropolitan Alfeyev “welcomed the opportunity to construct an alliance with Catholics against secularism and the abandonment of traditional Christian moral values.”

Nothing, wrote Father Drew (ibid.), unites a divided body more than a common enemy. Perhaps so, but surely that is dependent on (a) the common enemy being recognised as such; (b) agreement about battles which arise; and (c) a desire to fight. “Pope Francis has,” wrote Father Drew (ibid.), “shown that he is much less interested in campaigning [against secularism and the abandonment of traditional Christian moral values] than [were] his immediate predecessors.”

Yet did the campaigning by Popes St. John Paul II and Benedict on those matters have much recognisable effect on the Church in your part of the world? It did not in mine or, apparently, in other parts of which I have read. The thought of “enemies” and “battles” appears to be anathema to bishops and clergy, and incomprehensible to the laity. Of people whom you know personally, how many would you expect even to recognise - far less to explain clearly -consumerism, relativism, humanism, and secularism?

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Mankind’s life is a battle; the whole of history has been a dour combat with evil, and this will continue until the last day (“Catechism of the Catholic Church,” paragraph 409). Have you noticed much reference to it in typical sermons and other statements from bishops and priests? Pope Francis bas said that he sees the Church “as a field hospital after battle” (Interview for Jesuit magazines -e.g. “America” magazine; America Press, 30th September 2013).

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Tending the wounded is, of course, necessary and meritorious. A television-journalist, reporting from Ukraine, showed a blood-donation centre and said that people wanted to help in any way they could. It will help to treat sick and injured people, but not to win the war. If a battle focuses on moral principles, ecclesiastics should urge the (diminished) congregations to take part and give them intellectual equipment for engagement in it. Perhaps the ‘abuse-scandals’ are exploited as an excuse for silence (‘people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’), or for carefully ambiguous

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EVIL MUST BE FOUGHT 11

‘understanding’ in regard to ‘different ways of looking at things’. We are more likely to be told ‘God can bring good from evil,’ and “[f]rom the greatest moral evil ever committed [He] brought the greatest of goods” (ibid., paragraph 312; at Easter, for example, we hear Original Sin described as “necessary,” because it gave occasion for Our Lord to redeem us), than to be told “[b]ut for all that, evil never becomes a good” (ibid.).

If people develop a belief that evil has its uses, they may think that, even if it is not good in itself, we should not be particularly concerned about it or try to resist it (Our Lord taught the contrary - Matthew 18:7; Luke 17:1). British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli is said to have believed “that the conflicts which face men and nations were really conflicts between good and good, not good and evil, [by which he meant] that both sides are pursuing something which they see as good, wrong as it may seem to the other side” (“Living Christianity,” Michael de la Bedoyere; The Catholic Book Club, London; 1953, p.156-157). This charitablynon-committal idea seems common among Christians, at least in ‘the West’. Such people cannot be expected to recognise spiritual enemies or the need to fight them.

Thus, the power of sin in the world increases.

This is a malaise which seems endemic in a Church which co-exists quietly with systematic violation of its formal teaching. We are not brought up to recognise sin, except in a very vague form, or to hate it, or to join with other people in concrete action to oppose it; nor are many of us imbued with desire to get into positions of power and to use it in ways which uphold virtue and penalise vice (cf. “Catechism of the Catholic Church,’’ paragraph 909).

There is a war against virtue. It is as real as the military war recently launched in Ukraine. The opposing sides in these wars are unequal in numbers and in resources, and there are different levels of visible moral support for the weaker sides. At the time of writing, the invaders of Ukraine have made surprisingly less progress than thought probable, but their immense strength remains to be exerted fully. In contrast, the war elsewhere against virtue (continuous for most of the lifetimes of the likely readers of this magazine) has made such progress that it has become the norm, and most people are content to live with it. For reasons such as those in the previous paragraph, the arousing of effective practical action to recover lost ground cannot reasonably be expected.

‘Underdogs’ must, therefore, wonder whether it is futile to fight overwhelming force. Experience in our lifetimes suggests strongly that it is. President Kennedy was, to some extent, correct in his judgment that “There is no sense in raising hell and then not being successful” (quoted in “America Past and Present,” by Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, George M. Fredrickson, and R. Hal Williams; HarperCollins Publishers, 1995, at p.896).

One reason is that failure suggests that in a practical sense (i.e., having regard to the desired outcome) the effort was a waste of time. Other reasons are that defeat of effort is demoralising and that it can deter potential

Pride Flags in Catholic Church Grounds in Dublin supporters. Yet the President was, according to his brother Robert, fond of quoting Dante’s comment that “the hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in a time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality” (Foreword to “Profiles in Courage,’’ John F. Kennedy; Hamish Hamilton Ltd., 1955/1956, p.11).

Neutrality is perhaps most often shown by neglect, omission to act. Edmund Burke is believed to have said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. It may not be much, but little is better than nothing at all. If mentally you are against evil but doing nothing to help to defeat it, stir yourself. Make enquiries. Link up with groups. Make donations. Use your pen. Do so even if for no reason other than that Dante may have been right.

12 PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM HARM

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

But He That Shall Scandalize One Of These Little Ones That Believe In Me, It Were Better For Him That A Millstone Should Be Hanged About His Neck, And That He Should Be Drowned In The Depth Of The Sea. John Lacken ***NB - Parents be warned! This article contains material that is not suitable for children. - NB***

Our Lord reserved some of His harshest words for those who corrupt children!

More often than not, writing is a pleasure and it can be a great way to help to formulate one’s thoughts.

However, I do not take any pleasure in the writing of this article, as once again, I have to deal with the war that is raging which seeks to corrupt the innocence of our children. I have to put a warning at the top, that this article is not suitable for children, which is ironic, given that the material discussed is being promoted to children in Catholic schools. The subject matter can be quite dark and I don’t like to dwell too much on it.

Our great friend and Dominican priest, Fr Seán Cunnigham R.I.P., once told my wife and I that part of the role of parents is to get in the way of those who would harm their children. Parents must place themselves between their children and those who would cause them harm.

At other times, parents have a duty to remove their children from harm’s way and may even have to remove themselves as well.

Parents should be assisted in their onerous task by their bishops, but today that help can be hard to find.

So, let us pray for our bishops and especially for Bishop William Crean whose diocese of Cloyne will feature in this article.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

Recently, when I was doing some research into the scandal of the Kerry Diocesan Youth Services promoting the Cork Sexual Health Centre’s ‘DASH’ (Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Health) van, where condoms are handed out for free to young people, I found out that the Cork Sexual Health Centre claims to work with the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services (CDYS).

Millstones I wrote to Bishop Crean and sent him a copy of the article which mentioned the CDYS. I got the usual type of non-commital letter back which praised the CDYS but which did not deal with the substance of the matter I had raised, namely the promotion of the LGBT agenda and co-operation with a pro-abortion organisation.

I wrote again to Bishop Crean with some more questions and observations. To date, I have not heard back from him but if I do, I will give an update in this column.

I want to publish some of what I wrote because I came across some very disturbing information after I had sent my letter. Here is some of what I wrote.

“Can I ask you to give me some examples of the pastoral care and guidance given by the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services to children who are confused about their sexuality? Can you give me some examples from the CDYS which clearly shows that these children are instructed in the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding samesex attraction; and which shows that they are taught that sexual activity is only permissible between those

who are married; and that marriage can only be entered into by one man and one woman?

Given that CDYS promoted a talk given by the group TENI – Transgender Equality Network, an organisation which promotes same-sex marriage, and which also promotes attendance at the gay pride parades, and given that CDYS is in receipt of substantial government funding, I doubt if you can provide me with what I have asked you for.

The Cork Sexual Health Centre, which provides free condoms to young people, contrary to Catholic Church teaching and which also promotes abortion, also claims to work with the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services. Have you investigated this claim to find out what exactly the Cork Sexual Health Services offer to the children and young people who attend the CDYS? In your reply to me, you bizarrely drew attention to the parable in Matthew 13:24-43, which parable tells the story of the tares amongst the wheat and explained that “Jesus counsels’ patience till harvest comes”...

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM HARM 13

There is one fundamental difference between this parable and the LGBT indoctrination of children and young people. The tares did not damage the wheat, whereas the LGBT ideology is dangerous and causes serious harm to those who follow the disordered sexual lifestyles promoted by this ideology.

It is estimated that amongst those who ‘identify’ as ‘transgender’, there is a 41% attempted suicide rate. HSE data reveals that active male homosexuals account for more than 50% of new HIV cases in Ireland and other sexually transmitted diseases. Here are some of the bullet points from the HSE report, “Annual trends update: HIV, Hepatitis and STIs among men who have sex with men in Ireland”, published in December 2019.

•

• •

Men who have sex with men are the group most affected by HIV in Ireland and account for more than half of diagnoses in recent years (56% in 2018) Men who have sex with men remain the group most affected accounting for 86% of Early Infectious Syphilis – EIS. Overall Gonorrhoea notifications have increased by 86% since 2015 and men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by gonorrhoea in Ireland. Where mode of transmission was known, 65% of cases were among men who have sex with men in 2018.

Contrary to popular opinion, the LGBT ideology is not some harmless, pride-flag waving, inclusive ideology that seeks the betterment of certain individuals.

It is a movement that promotes lifestyles that cause serious adverse health risks and harm for those who engage in them.

A more appropriate Gospel passage to this situation than the one referenced above, comes from Matthew chapter 18.

“At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who think thou is the My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee. I beg pardon of Thee for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee. Amen.

Angel to the Children of Fatima 1916

greater in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.

And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receives me.

But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:1-6) Some of those who succumb to the sad lifestyles being promoted by the LGBT ideologists will eventually die horrible, disease-ridden deaths.

Where is the compassion and desire to provide true pastoral care for those who are vulnerable to the LGBT ideologists? Why are these children and young people left exposed to these dangerous ideologies in a Catholic diocese?

What is being done to prevent this harm from coming to the children and young people who are being exposed to these lifestyles in the Cloyne diocese by the LGBT groups who are given access to Catholic children and young people?

The problem of the LGBT indoctrination of children is not limited to the CDYS in the Cloyne diocese. Coláiste Muire, in Cobh,

was promoting the LGBT ideology just last November.

The images above are, from the Coláiste Muire Facebook page.

The one on the left, with the caption ‘Love is Love’, is used by the LGBT ideologists to promote acceptance of sexually active samesex relationships. Why is this being promoted in a Catholic school in the Cloyne diocese? What is being done to protect the children of the diocese from this dangerous ideology?

These disordered relationships are also promoted by the accompanying text where it says, “Nobody should ever be made feel bad because of who they love’.

I am sure that HIV, AIDS, Syphilis and Gonorrhoea have a significant effect in making those in certain same-sex relationships feel bad!

Are the students in this Catholic school warned about these dangers, and, if not, why not?

Is the health and safety of these students not really all that important?

The image on the right above, contains another classic piece of LGBT propaganda. Those of us who publicly choose to promote and to defend Catholic moral teaching on human sexuality, including the immorality of homosexual relationships, are regularly labelled as being homophobic.

We don’t hate or fear those Catholics who suffer with same-sex

14 PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM HARM

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

attraction, we seek to inform them of the beauty and dignity of Catholic Church teaching so that they can either re-orient their sexuality or learn to live chaste lives.

Are there any examples of public Catholic Church opposition to those who seek to corrupt children and young people with this LGBT ideology in the Cloyne diocese? The LGBT ideology is being promoted in Coláiste Muire, which is located just 600 metres from the Catholic Cathedral in Cobh!

On the right is another example of the promotion of the lie that it does not matter who we love or how we love them. “Nobody should be treated differently for who they choose to love” Really? What about a man who chooses to ‘love’ a woman other than his wife? What about men who choose to ‘love’ children in paedophile relationships?

We shouldn’t treat them differently?

This nonsense has no place in a Catholic school much less one that is so close to the bishop’s Cathedral.

Two men or two women engaging in sexual relations with each other is not love. It is a disordered distortion of the true meaning of love and human sexuality.”

Since I first contacted bishop William Crean, I have found out that the Chief Executive Officer of the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, (CDYS) is an ordained permanent Deacon. I also came across a post on the CDYS Fermoy’s Facebook page on 21st February, where they publicly advertised that the Cork Sexual Health Services ‘DASH’ van would be “at the CDYS Fermoy and would be available for young people to access and speak to workers” (see image on next page).

The Cork Sexual Health Centre supports abortion. They distribute free condoms to young people. They support active homosexual relationships. On their website they have animated videos where two young men discuss having sex with each other.

Like many similar organisations, the Cork Sexual Health Centre has discovered that you can use the Internet to bypass the parents of young people in order to get certain immoral information to them regarding sexuality. The group ‘Sexual Health West’ and ‘Wiser’ in Galway, are targeting young people in a similar way.

Part of the anti-Catholic strategy used by these groups is to create the impression that the Catholic understanding of Human Sexuality is not based on scientifically verifiable facts. They insist that sex education must be

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evidence based and yet they do not seem to know that boys are different from girls, that only women can have babies.

On their online webinar Cork SHC state that “People are usually ‘assigned male at birth’ (AMAB) or ‘assigned female at birth’ (FMAB) based on their sex organs; they are usually called a girl if they have female sex organs or called a boy if they have male sex organs.”

They then say, “However, not everyone identifies with the gender (i.e. girl or boy) given to them at birth.”

Once again the hypocrisy of these ideologists is plain for anyone to see. Children are not assigned a gender or a sex at birth, their gender is ‘discovered’ using the factually accurate, evidence based scientific method of observance.

These ideologists have commandeered the term ‘gender’, of which there are only two, and made it into a social construct which can be changed at the whim of the ideologists and which is causing great confusion and harm to children and young people.

Meanwhile, the Catholic schools and the Irish bishops are, by and large, completely silent about this indoctrination even though it is harmful to children.

Those of us who are not afraid to challenge these false narratives will be labeled as homophobic and we will eventually be targeted by the ‘Hate Speech’ legislation in order to silence us.

I tried to make contact with the Deacon who is in charge of the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, but he was not in the office at the time of writing this article.

I will send him a copy of this article and will give an update if either himself or Bishop Crean respond to the concerns I have raised.

There is a war being waged against the Catholic Family and against the Catholic understanding of human sexuality. Many Catholics no longer agree with Catholic Church teaching on human sexuality and many others are afraid to publicly voice their support for Catholic Church teaching.

The ones who suffer the consequences most from these failures on the part of baptised Catholics, are the children whose innocence is corrupted and the ones who go on to live disordered sexual lives engaging in sinful sexual activities which leave deep scars.

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice Let us work together for the sake of the children to ensure that the corruption of children in Catholic schools and other organisations is brought to an end.

Let us do the research and bring the evidence to the attention of the bishops, and let us pray that the bishops will act to protect the children.

Having a child safeguarding policy in place in the Catholic Churches is to no avail if the children’s innocence and understanding of human sexuality is being corrupted in the Catholic schools.

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM HARM 15 Prayer Request

Please pray that I will be able to find suitable accommodation for my family. It is getting more and more difficult for those of us who rent our family homes to find security of tenure. We have recently been given notice to quit the house we moved into last February. We are hoping to move into a three bedroomed house near Limerick and Sacred Heart Church. If you have or if know of suitable accommodation, then please get in touch. May God bless you - John Lacken

I was sent a video recently of a courageous priest in England who preached a powerful Catholic sermon which mentioned the LGBT corruption of children in Catholic schools. The priest was denounced by his bishop.

If you find anything objectionable going on in your diocese in relation to the LGBT ideology, please get in touch with me and we will do a little digging and give a little publicity to the failures of those in authority to protect our children. We must place ourselves between the children and those who would harm them.

There’s A Place For Us

Homosexuality in the Divine Plan of Redemption There’s A Place For Us: This testimony does not shirk away from difficult Catholic teachings but shows with piercing clarity why the Church teaches as she does in the area of human sexuality. In our lives we are called to a lot more than sexual satisfaction. Rather, we are granted the privilege of living life on the highest possible plane in responding to the call of the greatness of being the Sons and Daughters of God.

There’s a Place for Us Homosexuality in the Divine Plan of Redemption Jesus said to those who would stone her: “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

John Cassidy - Bio Ex-homosexual and New Man John Cassidy has been serving the Catholic Church as a full-time Lay-Man since his conversion in 2014. John has founded the Association of Believing Catholics which is a lay initiative to promote and defend the fullness of Catholic truth.

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Jesus said to the woman: “Woman, where are they that accused thee? Hath no man condemned thee?

Who said: No man, Lord. And Jesus said: Neither will I condemn thee.”

“Go, And Now Sin No More.”

By John Cassidy

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16 FASTING FOR CATHOLICS

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

The Fruits of Fasting St. Robert Bellarmine

The necessity of fasting is twofold, derived from divine law and human law. Of the divine, the prophet Joel speaks: “Be converted to me with your whole heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning.”

The same language is used by the prophet Jonah, who testifies that the Ninevites, in order to appease the anger of God, proclaimed a fast in sackcloth. And yet, there was not any positive law on fasting then.

The same may be learned from the words of our Lord in St. Matthew’s Gospel: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who sees in secret, will repay thee.”

Fruits of Fasting The fruits and advantages of fasting can easily be proved. First, fasting is most useful in preparing the soul for prayer, and the contemplation of divine things, as the angel Raphael says: “Prayer is good with fasting.” Thus for forty days, Moses pre¬pared his soul by fasting before he presumed to speak with God. I cannot forbear quoting the words of St. John Chrysostom: “Fasting is the support of our soul: it gives us wings to ascend on high, and to enjoy the highest contemplation.”

Another advantage of fasting is that it tames the flesh; and such a fast must be particularly pleasing to God, because He is pleased when we crucify the flesh with its vices and concupiscences, as St. Paul teaches us in his letter to the Galatians; and for this reason, he himself says, “But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection, lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.”

O Jesus, it is for the love of Thee, in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and for the conversion of poor sinners [that I do this]. Amen.

Our Lady of Fatima - June 13th, 1917.

And of the advantages of fasting in this respect, the whole Church in the office sings, “Moderation in food and drink tames the pride of the flesh.”

Fasting Honours God Another advantage is that we honour God by our fasts when we fast for His sake. Thus the apostle Paul speaks in his letter to the Romans: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service.” In the Greek, “reasonable service” (logiken latreian) is “reasonable worship”; and St. Luke speaks of this worship when mentioning the prophet¬ess Anna: “And she was a widow until fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, by fasting and prayers serving night and day.”

The great Council of Nicaea calls the fast of Lent “a clean and solemn gift, offered by the Church to God.” St. Leo, in his second sermon on fasting, says, “For the sure reception of all its fruits, the sacrifice of abstinence is most worthily offered to God, the giver of them all.”

Fasting Satisfies God A fourth advantage of fasting is that it is a satisfaction for sin. Many examples in Scripture prove this.

The Ninevites appeased God by fasting, as Jonah testifies. The Jews did the same, for by fasting with Samuel, they appeased God and gained victory over their enemies.

The wicked king Ahab, by fasting and sackcloth, partly satisfied God. In the times of Judith and Esther, the Hebrews obtained mercy from God by no other sacrifice than fasting, weeping, and mourning.

This is also the constant doctrine of the holy Fathers. Tertullian says, “As we refrain from the use of food, so our fasting satisfies God.” St. Cyprian: “Let us appease the anger of an offended God by fasting and weeping, as He admonishes us.”

St. Ambrose also says, “Fasting is the death of sin, the destruction of our crimes, and the remedy of our salvation.” St. Jerome remarks, “Fasting and sackcloth are the arms of penance, the help of sinners.” St. Augustine likewise says, “No one fasts for human praise, but for the pardon of his sins.”

Divine Favour Lastly, fasting is meritorious, and is very powerful in obtain¬ing divine favors. Anna, although she was barren, deserved by fasting to have a son. So St. Jerome thus interprets these words of Scripture: “She wept and did not take food, and thus Anna, by her abstinence, deserved to bring forth a son.”

8th April 2022

FASTING FOR CATHOLICS 17

Catholic Voice

Sarah, by a three days’ fast, was delivered from a devil, as we read in the book of Tobit.

But there is a remarkable passage in the Gospel of St. Mat¬thew on fasting: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, will repay thee.”

The words “will repay thee” signify “will give thee a reward,” for they are opposed to these other words: “For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to fast. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.”

Wherefore hypocrites, by their fasting, receive their reward: human praise; the just, by fasting, receive their reward also: divine praise.

Many are the testimonies of the holy Fathers on this point. When St. John was about to write his Gospel, he underwent a solemn fast, so that he might deserve to receive the grace of writ¬ing well.

Tertullian says, “Fasting obtains

of God a knowledge even of His mysteries.”

How We Should Fast Here, then, we have seen the necessity and the fruits of fast¬ing.

I will now briefly explain the manner in which we must fast, so that our fasting may be useful in enabling us to lead a good life and, by this means, to die a good death.

Many fast on all the days appointed by the Church: on vigils, on Ember Days, and during Lent. And some fast of their own accord in Advent also, so that they may piously prepare themselves for the Nativity of our Lord; or on Fridays, in memory of our Lord’s Passion; or on Saturdays, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. The chief end of fasting is the mortification of the flesh, so that the spirit may be strengthened more. For this purpose, we must use only spare and unsavoury diet.

And this our mother the Church points out since she commands us to take only one “full” meal in

the day, and then not to eat meat.

Now, this is certainly not observed by those who, on their fasting days, eat as much in one meal, as they do on other days at their dinner and supper together; and who, at that one meal, prepare so many dishes of different fishes and other things to please their palate, that it seems to be a dinner intended, not for weepers and fasters, but for a nuptial banquet that is to continue throughout most of the night!

Those who fast thus certainly do not derive the least fruit from their fasting.

Nor do those derive any fruit who, although they may eat more moderately, yet on fasting days, do not abstain from games, parties, quarrels, dissensions, lascivious songs, and immoderate laughter; and what is still worse, commit the same crimes as they would on ordinary days.

Those pious people who wish their fasting to be pleasing to God and useful to themselves should avoid these and other such sins. They may then hope to live well and die a holy death.

LIBERALISM IS A SIN

Don Félix Sardà y Salvany: – was born on May 21, 1844 in Sabadell, Catalonia, Spain. He was a Catholic priest and writer who wrote against Liberalism which he considered a grave sin. He was the editor of the weekly Spanish Catholic magazine ‘La Revista Popular’ for over forty years. He died on January 2, 1916 at the age of 71. This book, Liberalism is a Sin, is particularly relevant to the times we live in today where Liberalism permeates every aspect of our society and has deeply infiltrated the thinking of many of the Catholic hierarchy.

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18 CHURCH LEADER’S FAILURE

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

While Ukraine’s Children Die 100 Church “Leaders”Bleat About Climate Change Christopher Monckton of Brenchley

Socialism is the language of priorities, said Aneurin Bevan, the Labour founder of the British national health service. These days, nearly all churchmen are socialist.

But they have not mastered the language of priorities yet.

Last week, more than 100 church “leaders”, including 30 bishops, wrote an open letter to the British prime minister not – as one would have thought – about the murderous annihilation of Ukraine by the forces of darkness, or the vicious slaughter of women and children, or the flight of a third of Ukraine’s population into neighbouring countries that may now face invasion themselves.

Not about any of those real, cruel, heart-rending problems. No, the church “leaders” had nothing to say to the Prime Minister about those matters. Instead, they chose to write a more than typically fatuous letter to him about (wait for it) er, “global warming”.

Yes, folks, “global warming”. Or (since there has not been any for seven or eight years, not that any of their Lordships had bothered to check even this most elementary of facts) “climate change”.

The trouble with having uneducated people as church “leaders” is that they are condemned to trot out the climate Communist party line, because they simply lack the intellectual capacity – nay, they lack even the elementary curiosity – to question the increasingly nonsensical climate change narrative.

Our shepherds, alas, are as thick as sheep. And oh how they bleat, just

like sheep stuck in a barbed-wire fence. Here are some quotations from their cringeworthy letter:

efficient conversion of moonbeams to cucumbers, a technology that is only 50 years away.”

“We call on you … to provide financial and fiscal support for renewable energy and energy efficiency, especially solar and wind energy and the retrofitting of homes and other buildings across the UK.

And on they maunder: “This plan needs to tackle the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis affecting millions in our country, and no, the cripplingly costly measures to tackle the climate emergency have not in any way been the main reason for decades of sharp increases in electricity and fuel prices and thus in the cost of living.”

These measures would reduce heating bills, decrease carbon emissions and increase our energy security. And pigs will fly, and money will grow on trees, and the fairies at the bottom of the garden will hold hands and dance amid the roses.”

I bet you didn’t even notice that I made up the last sentence of that quotation. It fits the whinnying, bleating tone so exactly that you might well have thought it genuine.

The church “leaders” went on to demand “a rapid shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. And the

And on, and on, and on: there must be “no support for new oil and gas developments. The International Energy Agency has stated that there can be no new fossil-fuel developments if we are to limit global heating to 1.5 C°.

New oil and gas production will not deliver lower energy bills for families facing fuel poverty and will have no impact on energy supply for years. We urgently need an interociter in every home, and

8th April 2022

Catholic Voice

free energy from the Nazi flying saucers hidden in Antarcticaby the world powers since 1945.”

And on, and on, and on, and on, and on: “We urge you to increase support for vulnerable households across the UK facing a cost of living crisis as a result of increasing food and energy prices, through measures including a windfall tax on oil and gas companies.

These companies will pass on the tax to their customers, putting up fuel, oil and gas prices and adding to the cost of living. Er, Cromwell, have we quite thought this one through?”

And on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on: “Now is the time to end our dependence on fossil fuels and fund a fair and fast transition, which will secure our future economic prosperity and protect the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Every home should be fitted with a giant hamster wheel connected to an electric generator, and the children can be put in the wheel for 12 hours a day to keep the lights burning whenever our Russian comrades turn off the gas. We’ll solve the child obesity crisis while we’re at it.”

Then, at last, the church “leaders” wake up from their Communist dream about annihilating the hated West by destroying its energy infrastructure in the specious name of Saving The Planet.

How often, oh Lord, how often must one remind these pietistic potato-heads that The Planet was triumphantly Saved more than 2000 years ago, wherefore it does not need to be Saved again?

They write: “We welcome the UK

CHURCH LEADER’S FAILURE 19 Government’s decision to ban Russian oil and gas imports, which are fuelling the catastrophic war in Ukraine.

ecclesiobureaucrats, go straight to the television, turn it to any 24hour news channel and watch what is happening in Ukraine.

We nearly forgot to mention Ukraine altogether: after all, as good Communists we didn’t really want to admit that the global warming was and is Communist disinformation precisely intended to suppress competition, particularly from coal, to the consumption of Siberian oil and gas in Europe’s power stations.

Watch, and weep. Weep not only for the children of that great nation, but also for the Christian churches, once the bastions against both Nazism and Communism, whose totalitarian-minded leaders are now themselves far too close to Communism for comfort – so close to it, indeed, that they have still not woken up to the fact, long and widely known in the scientific community but unknown to them, that the notion of rapid and dangerous global warming is based on a strikingly elementary error of physics.

But then we thought we’d better at least mention that we were aware of the special military operation in Ukraine (no, Cromwell, you know the instructions not to call it a war).

Otherwise everyone would laugh at us for ignoring a real emergency to talk about an imaginary one.”

Well, they got that last bit right.

Or they would have done if they’d written anything but the first sentence in quotation marks.

Now that we have had some gentle fun at the expense of these over-promoted, self-parodying

The language of priorities, indeed!

The church “leaders’” silly letter is almost – but not quite – as off the point as its intended recipient’s recent tragically bombastic declaration that his campaign for Brexit was on a par with the struggle of the heroic president and people of Ukraine for their very existence.

No, it wasn’t.

20 BAPTISM

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

BAPTISM OR NAMING DAY? Mary Kearns

It is surely without precedent in the tradition of Catholicism that people who still call themselves Catholic can attend a Naming Day ritual in place of Baptism. If this occurs it must certainly be only because the sacraments of the Church, which were instituted by Jesus Christ, are not recognised or understood.

This leads to the conclusion that the nature of grace acting on the soul of the individual is also not acknowledged or understood.

We most often encounter the sacrament of Baptism when an infant is brought to the Church for Christening. This means that a new human being becomes a child of God – he or she is formally adopted by the Father and united to the entire Christian family. This also happens at adult Baptism but it does not happen at a Naming Day Ceremony.

It is a cause of great sorrow particularly for grand-parents and other concerned relatives to find that many of those involved are entirely unaware of the significance of having a child baptised.

They claim a Naming Ceremony is nicer, more individual and more loving. There are now many accredited humanist celebrants in Ireland who assist the parents in this practice and some time is spent in preparing the readings, poems, rituals and music chosen.

Sometimes there are balloons (pink or blue) released into the sky carrying the baby’s name and of course this is accompanied by video recordings.

During the actual ceremony, fathers, mothers and others declare their love and commitment to the

child. Their hopes and aspirations for the future are stated and the child’s place in the family and wider community is acknowledged.

This is a humanist ceremony and it is all about love, not religion.

The person (not God) is placed at the centre and each case is individual with personal choice determining what takes place. A Naming Day ceremony can take place in any location the parents desire. There are naturally no rules and no authorised ritual. A “great day” is had by all.

This unfortunate child has not been formally adopted by the Father because the process by which this happens has not been carried out.

Sanctifying grace is not present and the child does not become part of the Christian family.

While we cannot expect that everyone has to be a Catholic, the problem here is that these particular parents and other relatives have themselves been baptised and at least to some extent, been brought up in the faith of the Church.

That is the case with Irish people.

It would be rare indeed to find an adult Irish man or woman who has not been baptised. When an infant undergoes a Naming Day instead of a Christening, the chilling fact is that God has been deliberately ignored and factored out altogether.

Because of our long heritage of Catholicism, even those who want to remove themselves from Catholic practices, often find themselves attending the Church because of family connections.

Apart from weddings and funerals, members of the extended family will usually be invited to join in the celebration of a Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation and even perhaps Holy Orders. While being present at the Anointing of the Sick is rare, the establishment of the permanent diaconate is another event where family and friends will be invited to attend.

These occasions can provide us with opportunities to evangelize.

The simple question “what do you

8th April 2022

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Catholic Voice

think the ceremony means?” could lead us to talk about the effect of grace on the soul. Reading the chapter in the Catechism is a good way to prepare and rekindle what we learned perhaps years ago.

been made by Christ into channels of grace.

The stained glass windows we see in our church are made of material – they have colour shape and form – but it is the light that shines through them that makes them significant.

We could say that the sacrament of Baptism is humanistic as well as spiritual. This is evident in that objects are used that have natural as well as spiritual significance.

In Baptism a lighted candle and a white garment together with water, oil, and salt are used as the means by which human beings become sons and daughters of God.

Similarly, the familiar things belonging to our world can be used to point to a supernatural reality which in the end is the only reality, as all material things like our own bodies will someday pass away.

Through the ministry of the Church the reality of grace is structured through the visible signs of the sacraments.

We cannot live a Christian life without the sacraments as the Church teaches these channels are necessary for salvation. The Church’s role is to guide her faithful people to eternal life. For this reason under the direction of the Holy Spirit, she lays down guidelines for the means of salvation.

The only means of entry into the life of Christ is through Baptism.

In addition to being present at Mass on Sunday, we have the obligation to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at least once every year although of course this would be the barest minimum.

The doctrine of the sacraments is the doctrine of the second part of God’s way of salvation. It deals with the holy signs which Christ instituted as instruments of his grace. The sacraments are a living continuation of the mystery of salvation. They are earthly, external signs which, of themselves, could never acquire any supernatural significance, but the signs of the sacraments have

In this way, the reality of sacramental grace is brought about by the use of various material objects.

In his earthly ministry Jesus made frequent use of natural elements; his parables are full of the things of this world – seed, trees, a fisherman’s net, a door, a lost coin, weeds, yeast, sheep, and hidden treasure in a field to name only a few.

Material things reach their height at the Last Supper when Jesus, identifying himself with bread and wine, transforms them into his own Body and Blood. He gives to his disciples and so to all priests, the power to do the same in memory of him – memory meaning to make present again. And so through all ages since, his faithful people are able to partake of this blessed food in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Sacraments are “powers that come forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving.

They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church.

They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant.

(CCC 1116) For catechesis and liturgical formation: marykeenankearns@gmail.com

22 HOLY WATER

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Understanding The Spiritual Power Of Holy Water John Paul Sonnen Many Catholics have never had a sufficiently full explanation of the signification of various principal devotions, pious practices, and sacred objects such as holy water.

The Church in her wisdom has given the faithful holy water as circumstances may demand and the spiritual welfare of her children render expedient.

Holy water is a most ready and natural element, a sacramental that is blessed by a priest with solemn prayers, imploring God’s blessings on those who use it, and protection from the powers of darkness.

From the time holy water is first poured on our brow at Baptism, we encounter it often as it accompanies us through life to the last rites over our earthly remains. Even the ground to which we are laid at our final commendation is blessed with its hallowed drops.

History of Holy Water The custom of holy water goes back to early Christian times. The proof of its efficacy is well known, in conferring blessings and repelling the attacks of the enemy.

The Apostolic Constitutions, a source of early Christian literature, testifies to this, containing a formula for the blessing of holy water, that it may have power “to give health, drive away diseases, put the demons to flight,” etc.

Holy water also dates back to the Old Testament, a tradition enjoined among the Hebrews of the Old Law. The Jews under the Law of Moses with its ritual prescriptions sprinkled water on the people, sacrifices, and sacred vessels in liturgical rites.

Psalm 50:9 reads: “Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.”

The present rite of blessing holy water with a prayer and admixture of salt is credited to Pope St. Alexander I, who governed the Church from 109-119.

It is important to note that the words which he uses in his decree suggest the rite is more ancient than the time of his pontificate.

Today holy water is used in nearly all the blessings of the Church’s ritual, such as during the Asperges (or Vidi Aquam), an optional sprinkling of holy water before High Mass. The practice of this cherished liturgical rite with familiar Latin chant goes back to the ninth century, commonly attributed to Pope Leo IV who governed the Church from 847-855; although there are very learned authorities who trace the origins to long before.

This much-loved rite intends to renew among the faithful every Sunday the memory of their Baptism while driving away evil spirits and distractions during Mass.

Holy water is further seen in various ceremonies and sacraments such as Matrimony and Extreme Unction, the giving of Holy Communion to the sick, and in services for the dead.

Holy water is rich with symbolism and spiritual power. It combats evil spirits and limits the power of the devil through divine grace, the inviting of God’s protection.

The natural element of water since the dawn of man has been used for cleansing and quenching fire, used to denote interior purification.

Meanwhile, salt is used to preserve from decay.

The Catholic Church is eminently practical iN the administration of the sacraments and sacramentals.

Similarly, the custom of salt mingled with holy water goes back at least to the second century where Pope Alexander I decreed: “We

bless, for the use of the people, water mingled with salt.”

The Church combines both in the sacramental of holy water, salt similarly blessed and mixed with water at the time the water is blessed, a tradition explained thus: “Therefore the Church combines them in this sacramental, to express the washing away of the stains of sin, the quenching of the fire of our passions, and the preservation of our sols from relapses into sin. Salt is also a symbol of wisdom. Our Blessed Lord called His Apostles, ‘salt of the earth,’ because they were to instruct mankind” (The Visible Church, 128).

Not to mention, there is a partial indulgence for the use of holy water, which explains why Catholics cross themselves with reverence as they enter or exit a church. This indulgence was renewed by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1876 in a brief (cf.

The Raccolta, p. 5) encouraging Catholics to sign themselves with holy water under these conditions: The sign of the cross must be made with holy water. We must say, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We must have contrition for our sins.

For this, as for any indulgence, we must be in the state of grace.

This brings to mind the early Jewish custom of requiring purifications before entering the temple to offer or assist at the sacrifices. Water is freely offered and freely received by the guest who arrives at church.

What many faithful may not know is that there are different kinds of holy water. In the tradition of the Roman Church, there are four, or in another sense, five kinds of holy water (including Epiphany water, known for its blessing on January 6th,, especially in the Eastern Churches). Each has been

“In Portugal, the dogma of the faith will always be preserved” (Our Lady - Fatima July 13th 1917)

HOLY WATER 23

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice historically blessed in a different manner.

Ordinary Holy Water: This water is blessed by the priest for the use of the faithful at any time and in any suitable place. It is available at the doors of the church in the holy water fonts and it is used for the rite of sprinkling holy water before Mass. The faithful are also encouraged to take some home, generally from a dispenser. Priests use this holy water to bless persons, sacred objects, and homes. In the traditional ritual, it is blessed with certain exorcisms and is combined with salt.

Baptismal Water: this is blessed on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil Mass, and has historically also been blessed on the Eve of Pentecost. The Oil of Catechumens is mingled with it together with Holy Chrism. This holy water is used only for the administration of Baptism.

Easter Water: this holy water is distributed to the faithful on Holy

Saturday, blessed at the Easter Vigil. Part of this water is used to fill the holy water stoups at the entrances and exists of the church at the end of the Vigil Mass in celebration of Easter. It is also used for the baptismal font.

Water of Consecration (or Gregorian Water), is very rare, taking its name from Pope Gregory IX who ordered its use obligatory.

This holy water is used in the consecration of churches and is mingled with wine, salt, and ashes.

It is also used in reconciling churches that have been desecrated.

Spiritual Efficacy of Holy Water In the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite the blessing of holy water contains not only prayers and the mingling of blessed salt, but also of exorcisms of the salt and water. The truth is, by the fall of our first parents, the spirit of evil has obtained an influence not only over man but also matter, inanimate nature. Hence the devil is called more than once, “the prince of this world” (John 12:31).

A theological nuance that is worth mentioning – holy water does not produce these effects of itself as does a sacrament. But it obtains actual graces for the pious user.

Finally, the Church in her wisdom has seen fit to offer holy water to the Christian faithful for take home use.

The laity will hopefully understand the history and reasoning behind this.

The Church has received from her divine Founder, Jesus Christ, the plentitude of power for the institution of such rites and sacramentals as may seem best to her.

This is done under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for the carrying out of the Church’s exalted mission, which has its goal the salvation of souls. Hopefully this short article will help readers appreciate some of the history and reasoning behind this immemorial Christian custom.

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24 SAINT BERNADETTE

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Saint Bernadette Of Lourdes Morgan Sharpe The 11th of February is the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes when people from all over the world congregate to pray and petition Our Blessed Lady who appeared on that date for the first of eighteen apparitions to a young peasant girl whose name was Bernadette Soubirous. All these apparitions occurred at a Grotto known as Massabelle, which is situated at the base of a large rock formation on the outskirts of a town now known the world over as Lourdes.

While Our Blessed Lady’s appearances in Lourdes are given due respect and reverence, the recipient i.e., Saint Bernadette, her feast day is unknown to a great many people.

So, who is Bernadette Soubirous?

I would like to give you a condensed version on the life and times of this remarkable young lady who was privileged to have seen and spoken with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our story begins on the January 7th1844 when Bernadette was born to Louise and Francois Soubirous.

She was the first of nine children of which only four survived.

While she was christened Bernarde Marie, she soon became known by a pet name Bernadette, and all this happened in a little town in the south of France, now known the world over as Lourdes.

The first six months of Bernadette’s life were normal (comparatively speaking).

However, in her sixth year her health began to decline. She developed stomach problems, a spleen disorder and contracted cholera, all of which resulted in her becoming Asthmatic and this ailment was with her for the rest of her life.

Bernadette’s Father was a successful Miller but due to circumstances beyond his control his business slumped leaving the Soubirous Family destitute.

Finding suitable accommodation in Lourdes at that time proved very difficult to get, so in 1856 Bernadette and her Family of Father, Mother, Sister and two Brothers ended up living in a disused jailhouse, known as the “Cachot”.

This place had been vacated by the prison service shortly beforehand as

it was deemed to be a health hazard.

On the 11th of February 1858, Bernadette’s mother announced that there was no wood in the house, so Bernadette, her sister Marie and friend Jeanne Abadie went to gather some in an area known as Massabelle. This is a rocky cliff hollowed out at its base by a grotto.

This place was seldom frequented by people as it was an area where swine foraged for morsels of food etc.

The wood was used for cooking and any surplus was sold to supplement the Families meagre subsistence.As Bernadette’s sister and friend crossed over the stream (now known as the Gave) she (Bernadette)who feared that she would have an asthma attack, did not venture, but remained on the bank and watched the others as they began collecting some wood.

Suddenly a strong breeze blew up, but nothing was moving, she then saw appearing in the niche above her a beautiful lady, or to quote Bernadette herself an exceedingly beautiful lady.

This was to be the first of eighteen apparitions with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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Catholic Voice

Initially Bernadette was hesitant to tell anybody about this extraordinary experience but due to much persuasion she reluctantly told her sister who in turn told her mother and that was the beginning of a difficult period in the life of Bernadette of Lourdes.

It was only natural that the local population was sceptical of this event as something similar had happened previously to another young girl.

This event had proven to be a figment of the young girl’s imagination.

The parish priest Father Peyermale was also unhappy with this whole affair and chose to stay clear of it.

It was only after the sixteenth apparition on the 25th ofMarch, when Bernadette brought a message to him from the Lady saying that she was The Immaculate Conception that he believed her and from then on,he gave her his full support.

Now while the dogma of Mary’s Immaculate Conception was introduced in 1854, it is important to remember that Bernadette had no idea of what the term meant.

The eighteenth and final apparition occurred on the 16th of July 1858, the lady said nothing at that time, but Bernadette was simply happy to see her again.

The novice mistress at that time was Sister Marie Therese Vausou.

Sister Vausou was determined to protect Bernadette from the curious both inside and outside the convent and at her suggestion, Bernadette changed her name to Marie Bernarde to protect her anonymity and that was to be her name for the rest of her earthly life.

On the 29th of July 1866 Bernadette and another forty-four postulants received the religious habit of the order and began her novitiate on the following day.

Bernadette made her final vows on the 30th October 1867 with fortythree fellow novices, while each of these newly professed sisters were assigned to the different houses of the congregation, Bernadette was to remain at the motherhouse in Nevers. On that same day she was assigned to the infirmary where she was made assistant infirmian and assumed all the responsibilities attached to that role. Shortly after that she was made infirmian, making her workload a bit heavier.

However, on November 5th 1873 after many bouts of illness (some were so severe that she received the last rites on three occasions) she reverted back to assistant infirmian again but with an additional duty, that of assistant sacristan.

In 1874/75 Bernadette entered her final phase, a distressing but

In 1860 Bernadette went to reside at the Hospice in Lourdes, where the sisters of Charity ran a school for young children. Initially this was to get her away from the crowds that were constantly pestering her for souvenirs etc.

In 1866 Bernadette joined these same nuns at their convent in Nevers which is over eight hundred kms from Lourdes and this was to be her home until her slow and painful death in 1879.

On her first day in Nevers, Bernadette was paraded before the other postulants and sisters to tell the story of her amazing experiences and she was not allowed to speak about them again.

Lourdes Grotto

necessary one, and as she could no longer perform regular duties she accepted this situation with great humility, and she resigned herself to praying for souls.

During the final days of Bernadette’s life on earth she was once again questioned about her experiences at the Grotto and once again gave the same answers. It was at 3.15am on Easter Wednesday, April 16th, 1879, that Bernadette gave her immortal soul to God to be happy with him and his blessed mother forever in heaven.

Bernadette’s body was exhumed three times 1909, 1919, 1925, and each time her body was found to be incorrupt.

On the 14th of June 1925 she was Beatified, and some relics were taken from her body.

Eight years later, on December 8th 1933, the “Feast of the Immaculate Conception” she was Canonised “Saint Marie Bernarde”.

Shortly after that her name reverted to Bernadette and hence today, she is known as Saint Bernadette of Lourdes.

Finally, while we commemorate 11th February as the feast Our Lady of Lourdes it is worth remembering that the 16th of April is the Feast of Saint Bernadette.

26 FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Our Lady Said Part Of The Consecration Still Must Be Fulfilled — Will We Listen?

Joseph Pronechen

With the Pope’s consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, specifically naming Russia as it does, what could be still missing?

As Pope Francis has made the consecration to the Immaculate Heart specifically naming Russia, there is one essential part connected to the consecration that most people forget.

On July 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima told the seers: To prevent this [World War II and the persecution of the Church and the Holy Father], I shall come to the world to ask that Russia be consecrated to my Immaculate Heart, and I shall ask that, on the first Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.

Our Lady gave two requirements in one sentence: the consecration of Russia, and the First Saturday devotions. In a later apparition she fills in the simple details of what the pope needs to do for the consecration and what the Five First Saturdays devotion consists of.

Speaking about Fatima in a 2017 talk, Cardinal Raymond Burke reminded: The peace of God will come to the world through two means: 1) the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and 2) the practice of the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturday of the month.

Yet today’s religious, cultural and political wars — especially those against God’s laws and commandments — show we still are not listening to our Mother to gain that peace.

Earlier, Father Andrew Apostoli, author of Fatima for Today, said, “With Russia, the Pope [meaning

St. John Paul II and his 1984 consecration] did his part. What’s not happened is we’re not making the Five First Saturdays devotion in numbers sufficient.”

So, in light of Russia’s attack on the Ukraine and the consultations on what the world should do now, one answer is missing: the second part of the consecration. Which means it’s up to us to fill the missing part. Let’s ask heaven to give us another chance to fill our part with this latest consecration. Now is the time to relearn or learn anew, then immediately put into practice, one sure way to hurry peace in the world. “[H]ow many people and societies — how many Christians — have gone in the opposite direction to the one indicated in the message of Fatima,” St. John Paul II said (his italics) in 1982 on his visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. He saw that “sin has thus made itself firmly at home in the world, and denial of God has become widespread in the ideologies, ideas and plans of human beings.” But “the evangelical call to repentance and conversion, uttered in the Mother’s message, remains ever relevant. It is still more relevant than it was 65 years ago. It is still more urgent …”

If he said that 40 years ago, in light of Ukraine and Russia, how much more so today for Europe, America, Asia and the rest of the world.

Remember that in 1917 during Our Lady’s July 13 apparition, she first spoke about “arms” that would win peace in hearts and nations.

Our Blessed Mother began that apparition saying: Continue to say the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, to obtain the peace of the world and the end of the war [World War I], because only she can obtain it.

Do we say the Rosary every day as she requested?

Look again at what she said next: To prevent this [World War II and the persecution of the Church and the Holy Father], I shall come to the world to ask that Russia be consecrated to my Immaculate Heart, and I shall ask that, on the first Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.

Concerning the devotion to her Immaculate Heart, she made clear what will happen: If my wishes are fulfilled, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, then Russia will spread her errors throughout the world, bringing new wars and persecution of the Church; the good will be martyred, and the Holy Father will have much to suffer; certain nations will be annihilated. But in the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph.

In his 1947 book The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God, Venerable Fulton Sheen pointed to Genesis 3:16 — it is through the power of a woman that evil will be overcome. Looking at Fatima, he reminded that Mary’s Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to her, it will be converted, and “a certain period of peace will be granted to the world.”

Yet how many people did what the Blessed Mother told us what our role was to bring about that peace and to avoid what turned out to be World War II, as she predicted in 1917? Since 1917 how many people have made the Five First Saturdays devotion which our Blessed Mother called for, and gave us the directions for them? Do you see the devotion practiced widely?

Things continued to deteriorate after World War II.

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Catholic Voice

“If you do what I tell you, many souls will be saved, and there will be peace,” Our Lady told us in that July 13 apparition. Daily Rosary.

Five First Saturdays. Consecration to her Immaculate Heart.

“It is to save them that God wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart,” she said.

Lúcia wrote to her confessor in 1936 telling him that she asked the Lord why he did not convert Russia himself without the Holy Father making the consecration. Our Lord answered: Because I want my whole Church to acknowledge this consecration as a triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in order to later extend its cult and to place devotion to this Immaculate Heart alongside devotion to my Sacred Heart.

Akita Echoes Fatima Our Blessed Mother gave a very similar message during her visit to a nun in Akita, Japan, on a Fatima anniversary, Oct. 13, 1973. The Rosary is the way. So is reparation.

The rock-like foundation to build upon.

There, Our Lady gave a dire warning, yet ended with great hope: As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before.

Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and the priests.

The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of My sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them.

(The meaning is some will become so obstinate in sin they will refuse to repent.) Sister Agnes, the nun, said a slight expression of sadness seemed to veil the Blessed Mother’s face.

Note well her concluding words that offer hope and a promise too:

Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved.

Bishop John Shojiro Ito formally approved the Akita apparitions. He said, “It is the message of Fatima.”

“As horrible as are the physical chastisements associated with man’s disobedient rebellion before God,” said Cardinal Burke, “infinitely more horrible are the spiritual chastisements for they have to do with the fruit of grievous sin: eternal death.”

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) explained: The angel with the flaming sword on the left of the Mother of God recalls similar images in the Book of Revelation. This represents the threat of judgment which looms over the world. Today the prospect that the world might be reduced to ashes by a sea of fire no longer seems pure fantasy: man himself, with his inventions, has forged the flaming sword.

At Fatima Our Lady also warned of the possibility that “various nations will be annihilated.” Our Mother told us, her children, the equivalent of “don’t play with fire.” But did we listen? Are we listening?

Glimmer of Hope Since we did not heed this appeal of Our Lady at Fatima or the later reminder at Akita, we see that Russia invaded the world with her errors. And now they’re committing horrors in Ukraine. And if we haven’t seen yet the end of this prophecy accomplished, we see that we are going toward it if … yet after that “if,” our Blessed Mother told us the exact remedy that would change the situation.

As Cardinal Burke also said, “The second part of the Secret also ends with the sure hope that the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph through obedience to her maternal instruction.”

Hope Remains Vital While what we were told at Fatima

is “realistic about the great evils which beset the world and the Church,” affirmed Cardinal Burke, “it is fundamentally a message of hope in the victory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The victory of grace, however, means for us the daily conversion to Christ, purification from sin in our lives through prayer and penance, and reparation for sins committed.”

He made clear that we should make reparation for these grievous offenses against God’s immeasurable love for us “by practicing the devotion of the First Saturdays and by embracing suffering and sacrifice for love of all our brothers and sisters and especially of those in most need.”

Our Blessed Mother also added to the Five First Saturdays something very personal for each one fulfilling her requests. On Dec. 10, 1925, she appeared to Sister Lúcia, gave details of the Five First Saturdays, and said: Look, my daughter, at my Heart surrounded with the thorns with which ungrateful men wound it by their blasphemies and iniquities.

You, at least, try to console me, and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite part of my Rosary [meaning one set of the mysteries], and keep me company for a quarter of an hour meditating on the mysteries with the intentions of offering me reparation.

We can help Ukraine, help convert Russia, help our own way to salvation by finally listening to our Heavenly Mother. “My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and the world will enjoy a period of peace,” she promised. We must do our part, making sure we’re helping Our Lady by living out her requests.

Start next Saturday, April 2nd, to begin the Five First Saturdays.

“Offer up everything within your power as a sacrifice to the Lord in an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended; and of supplication for the conversion of sinners. Thus invoke peace upon your country. I am her Guardian Angel; the Angel of Portugal. Above all, accept and bear with submission the sufferings that the Lord may send you.”

(The Angel of Portugal to Fatima children 1916)

28 HUMILITY

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Humility

Thomas a Kempis Lord Jesus Christ, you alone are my hope and my refuge. You are my best solace in times of trouble and my trusted guide in times of perplexity and uncertainty.

Therefore, today, I renounce all things in this passing world for the sake of your love. I earnestly aspire to fulfil this resolution to the honour and glory of your holy name.

I renounce all jokes, feasts, festivities, conversations, discussions, rumors and gossip.

I renounce all riches, all cares, and all dignities.

I shall henceforth prefer your love to all my other attachments, whether to friends, parents, relatives, or all those who are dear to my heart.

Yes, today I choose you, O God, as my protector!

Govern and direct my life and provide for all my needs.

Console me in all sorrows and afflictions, and give me strength in my labours, together with the wisdom and fortitude to resist temptations.

I renounce all earthly property, all castles, lands, mountains and valleys.

I renounce all the rivers and flowing streams, the fields and meadows, the verdant woods and towering forests.

I renounce all the beautiful buildings and majestic edifices raised up by human hands.

I renounce all instruments of music, all flutes, harps and lyres, and every melody known to mortals.

I renounce the rose, the orchid, the lotus, the lily, and every terrestrial flower, together with all their sweet and varied fragrances.

HANDS OFF OUR KIDS

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O Lord, I renounce for the sake of our love everything that can tempt and bind my soul, everything that can distract it, and render it impure and divided.

Let your grace assist me in everything I must do and undergo, for the sake of love of you and for the sake of the salvation of my soul.

O God, you are my true home, my refuge and my fortress.

You are my food, my drink, and my rest.

You are my beloved companion, my truest friend.

You are my brother and sister, my Father and patron.

You are the shepherd and guardian of my life.

To you, O Lord, I therefore commend all that I am and all that I have. For apart from you, there is no salvation.

Without you, there is no life. “May your mercy come upon me, O Lord” (Psalm 33:22). May your grace be my constant companion.

May your vigilant eye keep watch over me day and night. May your all-powerful hand protect me from the foes and perils which threaten both from the right and from the left.

Lead me along the right path, O Lord, into the celestial dwelling place of your infinite glory. There, let me praise and bless your holy name for ages unending.

Amen.

This article is taken from a chapter in Humility and the Elevation of the Mind to God by Thomas à Kempis which is available from TAN Books.

Please Help Us To Promote The Five First Saturdays of Reparation Order Some of Our New Five First Saturday Devotions Cards These cards are designed to help people to complete The Five First Saturdays Devotion of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Contact John Lacken 085-1208779 secretary@lumenfidei.ie

MOTHER TERESA ON PEACE 29

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice

Mother Teresa on Peace Louis Knuffke

Now is a good time to recall Mother Teresa’s sobering words on the conditions for true peace. The saint called abortion ‘the greatest destroyer of peace.’

The world is riveted on the events unfolding in war-torn Ukraine, with the threat of nuclear war between Russia and the West. In the current test of powers, we would do well to call to mind the sobering words of Mother Teresa on “the greatest destroyer of peace.”

On February 5, 1994, at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., during the administration of the proabortion Democrat President Bill Clinton, the little nun from Calcutta presumed to lift her voice on behalf of the unborn.

Speaking of the breakdown of the family, and neglect of children in the home, as among the “things that break peace,” she then addressed “the greatest destroyer of peace.”

“But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?”

Here, in the simple logic of Mother Teresa, we can begin to properly assess the current political situation in which we find ourselves. We are at war, and our hands are deep in blood. But it is not where the world is looking. Abortion is “a war against the child.” It is a war carried out by the mother herself, who above all other persons is singularly placed by God as the one to protect, nurture, and love her child.

“If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill each other?” she asked.

If human life at its most vulnerable stage is counted cheap and trampled upon mercilessly in the name of convenience, sexual liberation, health care, or any other euphemism, by what logic can we turn around to prohibit, condemn, or punish other acts of violence against human life?

Deaths — horrific deaths — are the inevitable casualty of war, the scenes of which are often too traumatic to display on public media. Yet daily, in the very same countries that so roundly condemn the atrocities of war, we openly defend in our courts and legislatures methods of abortion so horrific it turns the stomach to hear, much less see, such procedures carried out.

Abortion is indeed a destroyer of peace. It destroys peace because in place of the tender love that nature itself

inspires in a mother for the child of her womb it introduces a callousness that does not stop short of murder by the most brutal and horrific means imaginable.

Dismemberment is the candid name for one method of abortion. The practice is as terrifying as the name suggests.

The baby is literally dismembered, part by part. No image can adequately do justice to the pain and horror of this reality. And no atrocity of war can begin to compare.

As long as a country kills its unborn, and in horrific ways, it can never have true peace. It will have war without because it already has war within. It has it within the sanctuary of the womb. If, then, we would have peace, we must protect life in the womb.

Jesus Christ, whom we call the Prince of Peace, chose to be born a little child after nine months in the womb of the Blessed Virgin. We who call ourselves Christian would do well to make note of what Our Lord Himself says about little children. “He who accepts a little child in my name, accepts me.” (Mk 9:37) Christ joins the acceptance of His own person to the acceptance of little children. Abortion destroys peace, because it destroys love for little children.

And he who does not accept a little child does not accept Christ. If we would have peace, then, we must accept and protect the unborn child.

Fatima Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He Himself is offended, and through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners. Amen.

“To forestall this [the second world war], I shall come to ask for the Consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays.

“If they heed My requests, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she shall spread her errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecutions of the Church; the good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated; in the end, My Immaculate Heart shall triumph.

(Our Lady - Fatima July 13th 1917)

30 BOOKS

Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

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CLASSIFIEDS 31

8th April 2022 Catholic Voice

CLASSIFIEDS

REGULAR TRADITIONAL LATIN MASSES IN IRELAND

Oh most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

O Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity; (Mention your request here) There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3x) Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands. (3x) Amen.

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Catholic Voice

8th April 2022

Published by: Catholic Voice Newspapers, St Michael’s House, Castlemitchell South, Athy, County Kildare. Tel 059-8627268 ROI / 00353 - 59 8627268 Publisher: Anthony Murphy.

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