Surprise! Pope Francis - the First Jesuit and from Latin America

Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the new Pope of the Catholic Church

“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Good evening.

As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome, and it seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosen who is from far away. Here I am.

I would like to thank you for your embrace, also to the Roman Catholic Church and the bishops, thank you very much. And first and foremost, I would like to pray for our bishop emeritus, Benedict XVI

Let us pray together for him so that he is blessed by the Lord… [Our Father...][Hail Mary...][Glory be...]

Let us begin this journey together… this journey for the Roman Catholic Church. It is a journey of friendship, of love, of trust, and faith. Let us pray always for one another. Let us pray for the whole world. Let us have a big brotherhood.

I wish that this journey for the Church, which we will start today… will bear fruits for the evangelizing of this beautiful city.

I would like to offer you my blessing. But I would like to ask a favor first. I would like to pray to the Lord so that the prayer of the people blesses also the new pontiff. Let us pray in silence your prayer for me.”

"He has affirmed church teaching on homosexuality, though he teaches the importance of respecting individuals who are gay. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage. In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by gays and lesbians is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition". Austin Ruse

 

http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

He loves the poor of this world, but NOT social programs.

Pope Alarm. Get Notified When "Habemus Papam"

POPE ALARM

Facebook: Pope Alarm

9th ANNUAL WOMAN'S MARIAN RETREAT for Baker Diocese

Diocese of Baker's Full Retreat Info. 

9th ANNUAL WOMAN'S MARIAN RETREAT
"And the power went out from Him: the healing grace of the Eucharist"
The Healing Grace of THE EUCHARIST"
"...My God, I Believe, I Adore, I Hope, and I Love You..."
                                       ANGEL OF PEACE FATIMA PRAYER

 

 

WOMAN'S SILENT RETREAT
Friday, March 15 through Monday, March 18th.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Lynn Bissonnette will speak on:    Faith in Jesus the Divine Physician - Faith in the Eucharist 
    The Medicine for Eternal Life 
    Faith to Transform my Malformed Conscience 
    Evagrius, the Monk, whose Faith Changed the World 

 

Diocese of Baker Powell Butte Retreat and Conference Center
14427 SW Alfalfa Road - Powell Butte, Oregon

 

 

A Papal Two Weeks Notice - A Lesson in Urgency

by CM LeMark, MA Theology (an advisor of VOCAL)

If Our Lady of Lourdes had told the peasant girl Bernadette, "I am the Immaculate Conception" only three days later, Pope Benedict VXI would have made it exactly fourteen days before he hung up his miter. No doubt the culmination of months, perhaps years, of prayer and planning; Our Holy Father made a humble, wise and tactical decision to resign.

He gave his two weeks notice.

Why the hurry?  Why the timing? With a little bit of pondering, and understanding that he has been a present and proactive Pontiff for eight years, it is simple to see why he has chosen this course of action. Our Holy Father is protecting his flock.  He is protecting us all from the rapidity of evil that threatens to steal souls; from the human elements of the Church that have yet to be redeemed (even in her hierarchy); and the future Pontiff from isolation.

With the news of his resignation, the entire Church, indeed the world, was shocked.   From the Catholic school kid to the closest Cardinal aide, we were all in this one together. No advising. No politicking.  No distraction.

 In this rising tide of evil, there is no time to lose.

He knows that were he to become incapacitated mentally (from either disease, fatigue or age), that the powers that be around him would be the ones calling the shots.  Who knows how long he could be a figurehead of sorts?  What crisis would be allowed to take root and steal more souls?  Cardinals and Papal aides are not protected by the Holy Spirit with infallibility.  The last thing this "news-in-real-time world" needs is more confusion on the Catholic take on evil. He is hardly running from any type of noble suffering. Indeed, the "papacy involves prayer and suffering," he says in his letter, but he will do that without a miter regardless.

There is no time to lose.

He knows that the death watch of a pope, especially in perilous times as these, can take days, months and years. Facebook posts abound, a reality TV show could take root, and the twitter-verse is unrelenting.  As he deteriorates, the powers that be can plot, plan and negotiate dealings, and waste efforts trying to thwart the movement of the Spirit. There is no time to lose.

He knows that the prescribed period of mourning, the Papal Funeral Mass and the hobnobbing between heads of state, international players and Church officials cut deals and speculate on the Conclave ahead.  These required events alone, while incredibly beautiful, take weeks away from the careful navigation of this great Ark of the Church. In these times of rapid technology, history is in the making in real time, and millions witness that horror.  The waves are getting higher, the winds are stronger and jagged rocks are increasing…There is no time to lose.

He knows that by only giving two weeks, Cardinals from around the world are hustling and bustling to put their local affairs in order for a time of absence in their respective dioceses, to ready for the conclave.  The short time frame cannot eliminate deals, negotiations and the like, but when you are tight on time, you cut to the chase. A papal resignation with only two weeks notice gives the unavoidable politicking a restricted time limit.  When we humans are limited, it is then that the Holy Spirit can really do His stuff. There is no time to lose.

He knows that they can't even delay the conclave very long (for incognito deliberations) due to Holy Week! Right now, the College of Cardinals has to plan backwards, in a sense. They need to figure the most fitting and appropriate day for the Papal Mass, and plan before that.  This can't go on long.  Pope Benedict is telling his brothers in the College of Cardinals that there will be a new Pontiff by the third week of March.  There must be.  His Pontificate will begin in Lent. He will carry the Cross in the Coliseum. There is no time to lose.

He knows that the Vatican can be a very lonely place to be.  He knows that he  cannot entrust his innermost thoughts to those he lives with day to day; perhaps it is distrust or even the desire not to burden one with a weight he alone carries.  He knows that the evil that the next Pope faces will even be more horrific than he has confronted.  He knows the new Vicar of Christ must have what he doesn't have right now: physical strength and a friend. By resigning his papacy, and remaining in a cloister within the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI has ensured that  the new Roman Pontiff  will have both.

There is no doubt that the beautiful lady that little Bernadette Soubiroux saw in the grotto that day had a hand in all this. She is the bride, she is the mother.  She sees the present situation the Church finds herself in, and the tides that are coming in and no doubt gave the green light to our beloved Pontiff.  By his resignation, he has made the tactical decision to protect his flock by laying his life down for his friends.

Prayer for the Church from the Knights of Columbus.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church,
we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI
and the selfless care with which he has led us
as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church
on the rock of Peter’s faith
and have never left Your flock untended,
look with love upon us now,
and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.

Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us,
a new Pope for Your Church
who will please You by his holiness
and lead us faithfully to You,
who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amen.

Papal Nuncio to the US, the celebrant for Archbishop Sample's Installation Mass.

 Papal Nuncio to the United States , Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan,  will be celebrating the Installation Mass of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample on Tuesday, April 2nd at the Chiles Center, Univeristy of Portland campus.   Everyone is welcome and the mass starts at 2pm. 

We are very blessed to have the Papal Nuncio in Oregon.  This seems to be a statement from Rome that Oregon is very important.  This is somewhat obvious because of all the attention to this spiritual wasteland with the gift of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample. 

Western Oregon is now, Sede Vacante along side of our Universal Church since recently have no Archbishop.  We await Archbishop Sample whom we know and our new Holy Father who we will soon.  This is a great time to be alive.  See you April 2nd.

 

 

 

 

Archdiocese of Portland's Last Lousy Legislative Loo-Loo, God Willing.

For the first time the Archdiocese of Portland has set a comprehensive legislative agenda for Oregon Catholics, but wait...it looks just like the Office of Justice and Peace's playbook, not much else.

There is legislation in the works to put same-sex marriage on the Oregon agenda but no mention of opposition to this at all.  Since the Archdiocese has long roots embedded in Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and their member churches which include the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (pro-homosexual activity) this doesn't surprise anyone.  I don't believe any anti-abortion policies are reflected in any of the churches.

Our last lobbyist for Oregon Catholic Conference was Roger Martin.  He apparently hasn't changed his pro-abortion position in the many years he represented the Archdiocese of Portland.  We desperately need a change in so many positions. 

Now the Office of Justice and Peace is again trying to look professional with this ad, when it is really just like the same old thing.  But...let's pray this is the last time.

We used to have an Office of Marriage and Family life to balance things out.

Archdiocese of Portland - Office of the Archbishop 2013 State Legislative Agenda In the Catholic tradition, government has a positive role because of its responsibility to serve the common good, provide a safety net for the vulnerable, and help overcome discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all. In this tradition, and after consultation with the Board of Advisers of the Oregon Catholic Conference, the Archdiocese of Portland urges you to support its 2013 State Legislative Agenda by contacting your State Senators and Representatives THE FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH IS THAT HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED AND ACCORDED HUMAN DIGNITY. BEGINNING OF LIFE: OUR POSITION: In support of life and dignity, we oppose SB490, the effect of which would be to discourage clients from entering pregnancy resource centers. BEGINNING OF LIFE: OUR POSITION: In support of life and dignity, we support SB553, which places restrictions on aborting unborn life after the 20th week. HUMAN TRAFFICKING: LABOR TRAFFICKING/SEX TRAFFICKING (TEENAGE PROSTITUTION): OUR POSITION: Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. It violates the dignity of these victims. We support HB2021, which makes it illegal to traffic in illegal aliens. We support HB2780 and HB2334, which makes it a crime to facilitate sex tourism and prostitution. DEATH PENALTY: OUR POSITION: All life is sacred, including those on death row. We support HRJ1, submitting for the vote of the Oregon people a constitutional amendment to repeal and prohibit the death penalty. WHILE THE COMMON GOOD EMBRACES ALL, THOSE WHO ARE WEAK, VULNERABLE, AND MOST IN NEED DESERVE PREFERENTIAL CONCERN. EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT: OUR POSITION: The Catholic bishops have been strong supporters of the Earned Income Tax Credit for many years. This essential program assists workers and families raising children to provide the necessities of life. We support increased funding for EITC and urge support of SB507, HB2477 and SB326. TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF): OUR POSITION: We oppose any attempts to decrease funding for TANF or limit eligibility requirements so that TANF better serves families and individuals in need to help them make a successful transition to work and provide adequately for themselves and their family. We urge our state legislature to restore cuts to TANF in the DHS budget, in particular JOBS Support Services, the 60-month time limit and cuts to funding for immigrants and refugees. We urge opposition to HB2055. DEBT COLLECTION PROTECTION: OUR POSITION: The existence of a debt that is owed and past-due does not justify an unfair process or the imposition of a severe, unjust penalty. We support SB525/HB2826 to ensure a fair process and just results. EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DAY CARE: OUR POSITION: We support Governor Kitzhaber's budget proposal to increase funding for employment-related day care. The Employment Related Day Care program low-income working families pay for child care. Progress against hunger requires broader efforts to reduce poverty, which includes removing obstacles to employment such as day care. FORECLOSURES: OUR POSITION: We urge our state legislators to support foreclosure prevention initiatives that protect families at risk of losing their homes and ensure a fair process that protects a basic human right: shelter. We support SB73, SB367 and SB368. WAGE THEFT: OUR POSITION: Wage theft is the illegal practice of not paying workers for some or all of their work. We support state policies that will strengthen protections and close loopholes in current employment law to guarantee that all workers are paid the wages they have legally earned. We support state policies that will ensure that enforcement mechanisms are effective at holding unlawful employers accountable. We encourage passage of HB2976, HB2977, HB3142 and SB573. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: OUR POSITION: Communities and the government have an obligation to ensure the housing needs of all are met, especially poor and vulnerable people and their families. While we support the right to private property we do not support using this right to discriminate against poor and vulnerable people. We support SB410 prohibiting discrimination based on receiving particular Section 8 vouchers. THE GOSPEL MANDATE TO "WELCOME THE STRANGER" REQUIRES CATHOLICS TO CARE FOR AND STAND WITH IMMIGRANTS, BOTH DOCUMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED, INCLUDING IMMIGRANT CHILDREN. TUITION EQUITY FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS: OUR POSITION: The Tuition Equity Bill is about fairness to high school graduates who were brought to this country unlawfully through no fault of their own, since they came with their parents. Despite achieving their high school diploma, they have no options. HB2787 has passed. We encourage passage of SB10. DRIVER LICENSE, DRIVER PERMIT OR IDENTIFICATION CARD TO PERSON ISSUED DEFERRED ACTION STATUS: OUR POSITION: We support HB3226, which authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue driver license, driver permit or identification cards to persons issued deferred action status (DACA) by United States Department of Homeland Security. FARM WORKER HOUSING TAX CREDIT: OUR POSITION: Society must all do more to meet a shared obligation to provide safe and decent housing for all. We support HB2980/SB323 to encourage the creation and rehabilitation of affordable agriculture workforce housing ensures quality homes for vulnerable people by extending the Farm Worker Housing Tax Credit to 2020. WE HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THE PLANET ON WHICH WE LIVE - TO RESPECT GOD'S CREATION AND ENSURE A SAFE AND HOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN BEINGS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT. IDENTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE OF CHEMICALS HARMFUL TO CHILDREN: OUR POSITION: Among the most vulnerable and most susceptible to the effects of environmental hazards are children. Because children may be exposed to environmental hazards at an earlier age than adults, even before they are born, they can develop slowly-progressing, environmentally-triggered diseases such as asthma, childhood cancer, mercury and lead poisoning. We urge support for HB3162 as the first step in increasing awareness of toxic chemicals in children's products.

justiceandpeace@archdpdx.org Archdiocese of Portland | 2838 E. Burnside Street | Portland | OR | 97214

Bill Diss. Contract NOT Renewed, Out of a job, Having Chest Pains.,,. Planned Parenthood has lots of Tentacles.

I heard that Bill was having chest pains and had gone to the doctor today.

He got checked out, had an EKG, and his blood drawn. He said his heart enzymes were elevated, but that he is OK.

Let's keep praying for him and his family, as they go through this stressful time.

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, but people are looking out for Bill and some have already given him some job leads.....you know who you are .

Let's keep our eyes, ears, and mostly prayerful hearts open on this !

Thanks everyone!!  From Therese.

This note is from Therese who is with 40 Days for Life and more importantly in this case with Precious Children of Portland.  Thank you Therese for letting us know about Bill.

 

This is what being a "white martyr" is.  "White martyrdom" is when a Christian totally commits his life to God, uniting himself completely to God. Often "white martyrdom" involves tremendous suffering accepted and offered up to God in union with the cross of Christ." Michelle Arnold, Catholic Answers Apologist.

 

May we follow the example of Bill Diss this Lent..and go out on a limb for Christ. Bill is having a Lent that will make Easter so blessed.

 

"If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to Him." --St. Edith Stein

 

Dear warriors for Christ,

Portland Public Schools decided last night at 11:00 pm not to renew Bill's teaching contract.

This is extremely sad news, BUT:

a) we're confident that Bill won't stop fighting, even if it's "just" to help keep the kids safe from PP,

and b) maybe God means for him to be elsewhere.

Am unsure of how we'll proceed from here, except that Bill said (before he knew the result) that we should keep on attending the Board mtgs.

Our heart goes out to Bill and his wife, and THANKS for all of your continued prayers !!

Therese

 

 

Bishop Vasa "Bearing Witness", asks His Teachers to "Reject Modern Errors" and Pays for It.

Here's a little blast from the past...click on the link.

  Religion in the "Modern World".. w/ modern "errors"

Titled "Bearing Witness," the addendum asks teachers to "acknowledge" or "recognize" that:

They are called to a "life of holiness" and that "this call is the more compelling for me since I have been entrusted, in my vocation as a teacher/administrator in a Catholic school, with the formation of souls." In part here is the addendum:

 

As a teacher in the Santa Rosa Diocese, "I am, by that fact, also a ministerial agent of the Bishop who is the chief 'teacher' of the Diocese."

 

It also requires all teachers to "agree that it is my duty, to the best of my ability, to believe, teach/administer and live in accord with what the Catholic Church holds and professes.
 

"I am especially cognizant of the fact that modern errors -- including but not limited to matters that gravely offend human dignity and the common good such as contraception, abortion, homosexual 'marriage' and euthanasia -- while broadly accepted in society, are not consistent with the clear teachings of the Catholic Church."

Here is the whole article for you to read.

Bishop Vasa Requires Teachers to Reject Modern Errors

The comments shows the lack of True Catechisis for too long.  The Church is not what they perceive Her to be. 

Feeling the heat from his "Fireside Chat" Univerity of Portland's president issued this:
http://www.upbeacon.net/a-letter-from-fr-beauchamp-1.2996176#.US7f9uuY5Ho

God Bless Bishop Vasa, Archbishop Sample, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and our new Holy Father.
 

Archbishop Alexander Sample's Curriculum Choice, also for Us?

It seems that the only sources used for Religious Education are The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Holy Bible.

Curriculum Used by Bishop Sample in Marquette, Michigan.

This program was the way the Diocese of Marquette was under Bishop Alexander K. Sample.

This will save us untold amounts of money if used in Western Oregon and any "funny business" with publishers disappear.

All the misery that some parents have been going through will be ended we pray.

"Following the renewal of the Liturgy and teh new codification of the canon law of the Latin Church (Roman rites) and that of the Oriental (Byzantine i.e.) Catholic Churches. this catechism will make a veryu important contribution to that work renewing the whole life of the Church, as desired and begun by the Second Vatican Council." Catechism of the Catholic Church , Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum pg. 3 (the Deposit of Faith Where things cannot change in the Church, VOCAL)

Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample's homily at the Rite of Election Feb. 17, ...

"To Keep a True Lent" - Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, Happy Feast Day

 Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter  The Holy Father is directly involved with the Anglican Use Mass. 

Christ Gave Us Many Beautiful Ways to be Catholic

The Personal Ordinariate is made up of Anglican (Episcopalians) who are finding a home in the Roman Catholic Church.  They are going to help the Roman Catholic Church stay Catholic.

  

"To Keep a True Lent"

Is this a fast, to keep
The larder lean ?
And clean
From fat of veals and sheep ?

Is it to quit the dish
Of flesh, yet still
To fill
The platter high with fish ?

Is it to fast an hour,
Or ragg’d to go,
Or show
A downcast look and sour ?

No; ‘tis a fast to dole
Thy sheaf of wheat,
And meat,
Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife,
From old debate
And hate ;
To circumcise thy life.

To show a heart grief-rent ;
To starve thy sin,
Not bin ;
And that’s to keep thy Lent.

 -- Robert Herrick 1591-1675

University of Portland: Cleaning Up Its Act for Archbishop Sample?

With the advent of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample having his Installation at the University of Portland some things are being broadcast on the news that beg our attention.

Channel 6 had a report of the Univeristy of Portland's President, Father William Beauchamp's statement that caused quite a firestorm at the school . He said in his Fireside Chat on Monday, February 18th regarding the same-sex faculty and staff on the UP campus.. 

FIRESIDE CHAT in part.

“The Catholic Church has certain expectations regardless of whether you’re heterosexual or homosexual,” Beauchamp said.

 “The courts looking at [the non-discrimination policy], especially in Oregon, could take sexual orientation to mean sexual practice, whether or not it’s same sex couples.”

Beauchamp acknowledged the presence of LGBTQ individuals on campus.

“We know that there are faculty and staff in same-sex relationships on campus,” Beauchamp said. “They are not public about it and we don’t ask them. But if someone were to go very public about it and make an issue then we would have trouble.”

When asked for clarification Tuesday, Beauchamp said the University would address a situation only if it “were to become a public scandal.”
 
click for full article. University of Portland Asks President for Answers 

The students of the "Gay, Straight Partnership" Club under Special Interest Groups on campus said through Facebook:

"Take it with a grain of salt, but Fr. Bill was not at his best when he gave his fireside chat comment; there were many unanticipated questions being asked and his comment sounded worse than he meant it to be.

Keep in mind that a lot of progress has been made under Fr. Bill’s administration (GSP, Statement of Inclusion, Presidential Advisory Committee on Inclusion)"

In his defense, Father Beauchamp made the "Vagina Monologues" go off campus for their event.  This was when he was made president of the Univeristy around 2004. 

I called his office and we exchanged emails.  He was very cordial.

Catholic private schools should adhere to Catholic teachings.  It's not popular especially in Portland, but it is necessary for Christ to be known to these students.  If they don't have a strong Catholic family, the school has to at least have Catholic principles explained and help these young people and old it seems.

It seems the Dalai Lama Plans Talks at U of P Environmental Summit in May  Let's hope that the students know their Catholicism as well as "mother earth". 

Remember...the installation of Archbishop Samples, Tuesday, April 2nd at the Chiles Auditorium at the Univeristy of Portland.  Bring your holy water. 

Pope is Blind in One Eye

Pope blesses thousands at Vatican as details of ailments emerge

By Tom Kington  LA Times

February 17, 2013, 10:18 a.m.

VATICAN CITY -- A week after Pope Benedict announced his resignation, more than 50,000 supporters jammed into St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for his next-to-last weekly blessing, as it emerged the aging pontiff may have gone blind in one eye.

Addressing the cheering crowd, which was larger than usual for the Sunday Angelus, Benedict appeared to criticize the infighting that has plagued the Vatican during his reign.

“The church, which is mother and teacher, calls on all its members to renew their spirit, turn back firmly toward God and ignore pride and egoism to live in love,” he said, before asking in Spanish for prayers to be said for the next pope.

PHOTOS: The cardinals who might be pope

Benedict, 85, shocked the Vatican and the world Feb. 11 by announcing that he would step down at the end of the month due to failing health, although Vatican insiders have also cited a toll taken on the pope by power struggles behind the Vatican walls.

New evidence is emerging of Benedict’s declining physical condition. Peter Seewald, a German journalist who has interviewed Benedict on numerous occasions, said that when he last saw the pope 10 weeks ago, his hearing had deteriorated and he appeared to have gone blind in his left eye.

“His body had become so thin that the tailors had difficulty in keeping up with newly fitted clothes. ... I'd never seen him so exhausted-looking, so worn down,” he told Focus, a German magazine, on Saturday.

Seewald quoted the pope as saying: “I'm an old man and the strength is ebbing. I think what I've done is enough.” Asked if he was considering retiring, Benedict replied, "That depends on how much my physical strength will force me to that."

PHOTOS: Throngs turn out for Benedict's blessing

Supporters turning out to hear Benedict speak Sunday said the pope had come to recognize he was no longer able to carry out his duties. “It’s a human decision and I am here to pay my respects and say goodbye,” said Michaela Priori, 35, a Rome office worker.

Benedict will hold his last blessing in St. Peter’s next Sunday. That will be followed by a final general audience in the piazza Feb. 27, a day before he is flown by helicopter from the Vatican to the papal summer residence outside Rome to start his retirement. Two months later he is due to move into a former monastery in the Vatican’s large gardens when it has been refurbished.

The conclave at which cardinals elect the next pope is due 15 to 20 days after a pope dies, and an article in the apostolic constitution governing conclaves says that interval is also required if the pope resigns.

However, officials are now studying whether the date can be brought forward since no time is required for a papal funeral and the 117 cardinals due at the conclave are already making plans to travel to Rome. A speedier conclave would allow the next pope to be named before Easter

 

A "sample" of Archbishop Sample: DRE's in a panic!

The new Archbishop has yet to be installed and he has asked for NO religious educational materials to be ordered for next year.  We know he is teacher at heart.

We have had our children subjected to a list of allowable materials that are so watered down no wonder they are leaving the Church in ignorance.  This will have a "bottoms up" effect helping those that changed their diapers(their parents) to strengthen their faith with a mature mind.  Let's pray that this order includes "safe environment" training we have now that has no spiritual component. 

Sadlier Publishing, for example, has had Mary Jo Tully's influence in having it as the oldest standby's.  She was a DRE in Chicago before she came to Oregon decades ago.  Sadlier has used her materials and music from the OCP formerly known as the Oregon Catholic Press, having left its Catholicity behind. 

NOW the axe will drop on the liberal music of Schutte, Haas and Haugen who are former Jesuits (which should have set off alarms) and sell their music to any denomination.  Our new Archbishop loves music that inspires.  Prayer that inspires.  As we pray so we believe. lex orandi lex credendi

However, I digress.  Bob Mizia, the Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the Earth Charter being taught in schools.  It is part of the United Nations attempt to take God out of the lives of our youth.  It is time that Mr. Mizia was called to account.

We now have an Archbishop that will have that as part of his agenda and we are thankful.

Pope Benedict XVI: Council of Faith and Council of Media

"[T]here was the Council of the Fathers – the true Council – but there was also the Council of the media. It was almost a Council in and of itself, and the world perceived the Council through them, through the media. So the Council that immediately, effectively, got thorough to the people was that of the media, not that of the Fathers. And meanwhile, the Council of the Fathers evolved within the faith, it was a Council of the faith that sought the intellect, that sought to understand and try to understand the signs of God at that moment, that tried to meet the challenge of God in this time to find the words for today and tomorrow. So while the whole council – as I said – moved within the faith, as fides quaerens intellectum, the Council of journalists did not, naturally, take place within the world of faith but within the categories of the media of today, that is outside of the faith, with different hermeneutics. It was a hermeneutic of politics.

The media saw the Council as a political struggle, a struggle for power between different currents within the Church. It was obvious that the media would take the side of whatever faction best suited their world. There were those who sought a decentralization of the Church, power for the bishops and then, through the Word for the “people of God”, the power of the people, the laity. There was this triple issue: the power of the Pope, then transferred to the power of the bishops and then the power of all … popular sovereignty. Naturally they saw this as the part to be approved, to promulgate, to help.

 

 

This was the case for the liturgy: there was no interest in the liturgy as an act of faith, but as a something to be made understandable, similar to a community activity, something profane. And we know that there was a trend, which was also historically based, that said: “Sacredness is a pagan thing, possibly even from the Old Testament. In the New Testament the only important thing is that Christ died outside: that is, outside the gates, that is, in the secular world”. Sacredness ended up as profanity even in worship: worship is not worship but an act that brings people together, communal participation and thus participation as activity. And these translations, trivializing the idea of ​​the Council, were virulent in the practice of implementing the liturgical reform, born in a vision of the Council outside of its own key vision of faith. And it was so, also in the matter of Scripture: Scripture is a book, historical, to treat historically and nothing else, and so on.

 

 

And we know that this Council of the media was accessible to all. So, dominant, more efficient, this Council created many calamities, so many problems, so much misery, in reality: seminaries closed, convents closed, the liturgy was trivialized … and the true Council has struggled to materialize, to be realized: the virtual Council was stronger than the real Council. But the real strength of the Council was present and slowly it has emerged and is becoming the real power which is also true reform, true renewal of the Church.

It seems to me that 50 years after the Council, we see how this Virtual Council is breaking down, getting lost and the true Council is emerging with all its spiritual strength. And it is our task, in this Year of Faith, starting from this Year of Faith, to work so that the true Council with the power of the Holy Spirit is realized and Church is really renewed. We hope that the Lord will help us.

I, retired in prayer, will always be with you, and together we will move ahead with the Lord in certainty. The Lord is victorious! Thank you."

Benedict XVI

Meeting with Roman Clergy

February 14, 2013

 

 

Archbishop Sample is taking this to heart in Oregon.  He has apparently already begun this change.

Cardinal Arinze Reacts to Pope's Resignation

Bishop Robert Vasa on the Holy Father's Resignation.

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130211/ARTICLES/130219944/1010/sports?Title=Santa-Rosa-Bishop-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-resignation-of-Pope-Benedict-XVI

Santa Rosa Bishop Robert Vasa looks to the future

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

By DEREK MOORE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 3:22 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 3:22 p.m.

Bishop Robert Vasa said Monday he hopes the next person to lead the world's Catholics will follow the same path as Pope Benedict XVI, whose interpretation of church doctrine along strongly conservative lines earned the pontiff both praise and criticism.
 

Vasa, who leads the 165,000-member Santa Rosa Diocese, said Benedict often spoke of a "hermeneutic of continuity," or a desire for there to not be a major disruption stemming from a change in leadership.

"That certainly fits my hopes and expectations extremely well," Vasa said.

Asked about Benedict's legacy, Vasa referenced the 85-year-old pontiff's scholarly writings and his "great gentleness."

Benedict's papacy also was marked by clerical abuse scandals, the leaking of internal Vatican documents and disputes with other religious leaders and institutions. Vasa said he did not have "enough information to make any knowledgeable comments" about the abuse scandals.

Vasa said he was "very surprised" by Benedict's announcement to resign later this month, becoming the first pontiff in six centuries to do so.

Vasa predicted a muted reaction among the North Coast's Catholics. "I don't think there is any great grief or sadness. It's not like he is dying," Vasa said.

Worldwide, some Catholics have expressed shock that a pontiff is permitted under church law to resign what is billed as a lifetime post.

John Paul II, Benedict's beloved predecessor, continued to serve even as he coped with Parkinson's disease, in what some Catholics viewed as an uplifting testament to the religious tenet of suffering.
Vasa said Benedict "is of a different mind," and he said the pontiff decided he could serve the church as a "different type of witness."

"It has all the earmarks of a very prudent decision," Vasa said.

 

Invitation to Installation Mass for Archbishop Sample

"The Installation Mass for Archbishop Sample will be celebrated on Easter Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the University of Portland’s Chiles Center. The Mass is open to the public and all are invited to attend. Seating for the public will be first-come, first-served. There will be a public reception at the Chiles Center immediately following the Mass."

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." - St. Augustine

Did the Wolves Win? Or Has the Holy Father Discovered a Way to Outsmart the Wolf Pack? 

 

by Michael J. Matt

The Vatican Press Office made an announcement this morning that has shocked the world: the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of February.

Clearly, the Church is entering waters now that are as perilous as they are unknown. Let us presume the best of our Holy Father's decision to resign, citing a lack of strength at 85 years old to carry out his papal duties.

Before commenting further, we believe further prayer and reflection are in order. This much is obvious, however--the wolves inside the Vatican and out have been circling our ageing pontiff ever since he was elected to Peter's chair. At the very beginning of his reign Benedict asked us to pray for him that he would not flee for fear of the wolves.

And now the whole world is confronted with a question that may never be answered, even by history itself: Is Pope Benedict resigning because the wolves all around him have achieved their diabolical objective, or has he found a way of circumventing their evil designs by removing himself from their gullets? We believe it to be the latter. Pope Benedict XVI will not allow the wolves to act in his name to the detriment of the Church any longer. Vatileaks alone has shown this to be more than a mere wild conspiracy theory.

 

What now? Pray incessantly for a younger but still tradition-minded successor who will attempt to carry on the reforms Pope Benedict was quite obviously prevented from continuing.

May God help us all, and may He bless and protect his Church under siege from the world and in near total chaos internally. We pray for Pope Benedict, and ask our merciful God to watch over and protect him now and always.