Fr. Corapi - A Call to Prayer

From FatherCorapi.com:

A Call for Prayer

On Ash Wednesday I learned that a former employee sent a three-page letter to several bishops accusing me of everything from drug addiction to multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women. There seems to no longer be the need for a complaint to be deemed “credible” in order for Church authorities to pull the trigger on the Church’s procedure, which was in recent years crafted to respond to cases of the sexual abuse of minors. I am not accused of that, but it seems, once again, that they now don’t have to deem the complaint to be credible or not, and it is being applied broadly to respond to all complaints. I have been placed on "administrative leave" as the result of this.

I’ll certainly cooperate with the process, but personally believe that it is seriously flawed, and is tantamount to treating the priest as guilty “just in case”, then through the process determining if he is innocent. The resultant damage to the accused is immediate, irreparable, and serious, especially for someone like myself, since I am so well known. I am not alone in this assessment, as multiple canon lawyers and civil and criminal attorneys have stated publicly that the procedure does grave damage to the accused from the outset, regardless of rhetoric denying this, and has little regard for any form of meaningful due process.

All of the allegations in the complaint are false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned.

Prayers for all involved, it seems the Devil attacks just where we think we are strongest. Father Corapi has brought many to God, and has strengthened many of us in our pursuit of Heaven. I pray that God's will be done, and justice served.


St. Michael the Archangel... Defend Us In Battle!

†††

St. Francis Xavier - Pray for Japan

St. Francis Xavier
Patron Saint of Japan

As most of you know by now as you are waking up, Japan was ravaged by a series of Earthquakes tonight that has left chaos all over the country. The largest was 8.9; being in Alaska, due to the time difference, we have been keeping a watch on the devastation and destruction as it happens.

Saint Francis Xavier is the Patron Saint of Japan, and so we must ask him to intercede for us, and pray for the protection of the island nation and its people. These types of things are so heart-wrenching, but we must trust in our God that is just and merciful.

···•°···

Because I live in a coastal area of Alaska, we are technically in a Tsunami Zone, although we aren't as bad off as some of the more southern and western areas of the state. Worse yet is Hawaii, where we have friends traveling on spring break, and friends that live there. These types of things are very unsettling because you just never know what will happen. Hawai'i has been told that they should prepare immedietally and that estimated arrival of wave impact is 3:00am local time; the same is true for the western Aleutian Islands in Alaska ~ Pray for them as well.

···°•···

Most of all though let us pray for Japan. Their nation and their people have been through terrible strife tonight, and we most likely won't know the full extent of damage until tomorrow. We must not forget to pray for all our service men and women in the Pacific. Many of them are in close proximity to this, and I am sure that many will be involved with the recovery efforts.

Making this even worse is the fact that aftershocks have been frequent and large, as well as tsunamis that have already hit. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - we are in the season of lent and a full test of our merit and virtue will be seen in the coming days.

Saint Francis Xavier

Patron Saint of Japan

Pray for Us

Pray for Japan

†††

Parnell says 'No' to ObamaCare for Alaska

AK Gov. Sean Parnell

Awesome news, from Becky Bohrer and the ADN:

JUNEAU -- Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said he will not implement the federal health care overhaul because a judge in Florida struck down the law as unconstitutional.

It's not immediately clear what practical impact the unusual move would have on Alaskans, an estimated 14 percent of whom are uninsured year-round. A major expansion of the federal law is still pending, and a legal expert and health care consumer advocate say any refusal by the states to participate in the law is an invitation to the federal government to step in and implement it for them.

Parnell, who sought the advice of his attorney general amid concerns implementing the law would violate his oath of office, told the Juneau Chamber of Commerce the state would pursue lawful, market-based solutions to making insurance affordable and accessible to Alaskans.

He said the Florida federal district judge's ruling is the law of the land, as it pertains to Alaska, barring implementation of the federal law here. He said the state will pursue options of its own instead.

Alaska was one of 26 states that were party to the Florida lawsuit; however, in other cases, two federal judges have upheld the law and one judge ruled a provision requiring citizens to buy health insurance or face penalties -- a major point of contention in the Florida case -- is unconstitutional but did not strike down the rest of the law.

While the ultimate decision is likely to rest with the U.S. Supreme Court, for now, the overhaul is the law of the land, contends Timothy S. Jost, a professor at the Washington and Lee University School of Law.

"This is one renegade judge that has reached this decision," he said. In refusing to participate in the law, he said, Alaska "is really the outlier" among states.

Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, said currently states have an "enormous amount of discretion" in how they implement provisions of the law. If the governor refuses to exercise that, the federal government will have the say, he said.

Read more: ADN.com

This obviously isn't a settled question, but it is nice to see the Governor proving some of us [yes, myself included] wrong about the type of Governor that he really is. This scores another point for him in my book!

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Ave Maria University: Towey to become new CEO and President; Monaghan steps down

Some news coming out of Florida, from NaplesNews.com:

Jim Towey - New CEO of Ave Maria University 

Tom Monaghan and his founding president at Ave Maria University are handing over the reins.

While Monaghan, AMU’s founder and greatest benefactor, will retain the role of chancellor, he is handing off the day-to-day role of CEO to Jim Towey, a Florida native and one-time George W. Bush advisor. Towey, the president of Pennsylvania’s Saint Vincent College until June 2010, will also assume the role of president at the university when current President Nick Healy retires in July.

"We’ve been talking about this for some time with the board," Monaghan, 73, said. "Of course, everybody knows my age. And, Jim kind of came out of the blue."

Healy, also 73, and said he was happy handing over his post to Towey, who at one time served as legal counsel for Mother Theresa of Calcutta and her charitable activities in North America.

For those that don't know, both myself and Brian (who is very busy with his law practice - hence the lack of posts) attended Ave Maria School of Law. So although we weren't students at either the AM College (in Ypsilanti, MI) or the University (in Ave Maria, FL) we were close to the whole Ave Maria situation. I can say I have been a critic of what has happened in the past, at least at the law school, but I have kept if off my blog. I do find this story important though, because whether we like it or not, Ave Maria is probably the most notable "new" Catholic University and Law school in the country, both for positive and negative reasons.

A lot of the controversy over the school has come from the words and actions of Mr. Monaghan. As someone that has been affiliated with Monaghan "projects" for over 20 years, I have seen a course of action that isn't confined to one or two "decisions." To say that he is both the best and worst asset the Ave Maria world has is not to exaggerate. As the University and Law school move into their next phase of existence: sustainability and growth, the choice for positions like CEO and President are important ones. I am not sure how this situation will pan out, but the folks at CatholicVote.org via Joshua Mercer, seem to be pretty optimistic:

Ave Maria University - NaplesNews.com

Kudos on AMU for selecting an excellent candidate as their next President and CEO (are college presidents often given the title CEO?)

Jim Towey previously served as President of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., from 2006 until last summer. Before St. Vincent’s, Towey was Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush.

Towey also worked with Mother Teresa for many years. From 1985 until her death, Towey represented Mother Teresa on legal matters in the United States and Canada. He also served two years full-time as a volunteer in Mexico in one of Mother Teresa’s missions and also in her Washington, DC, home for people suffering from AIDS.

For three years as President of St. Vincent’s College, he would travel to India with students to work in the missions started by Mother Teresa.

Jim Towey will be excellent choice for Ave Maria University.

I pray for the University and Law school a lot, and so should you. The future of American Catholic higher education rests in the arms of such places, and it would do us all well to see them succeed despite any shortcomings that may exist.

Jim Towey seems to be a strong candidate to take over for Monaghan and Healy, so I hope that Mercer and the other folks applauding this move are correct.

###

The African Revolution?

Tunisa.
Egypt.
...
The Sudan?

Is Africa undergoing a revolution? Will it be for democracy, or are the protestors fighting for freedom, only to create a vacuum to be filled by warlords, and more disturbing, Islamic Radicals?

###

Egypt: The revolution is being televised...sort of

Al Jazeera Photo

Egypt is facing serious uprising right now and it is burning [Live feed on English Al Jazeera] - really, they are on the brink of full scale revolution. This comes just days after a Tunisian uprising of the same type. The situation is complex and hard to get your arms around. Thomas Peters from American Papist has a post where he found a source that sums things up rather succinctly:

What’s happening? Inspired by the recent protests that led to the fall of the Tunisian government and the ousting of longtime Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Egyptians have joined other protesters across the Arab world (in Algeria, notably) in protesting their autocratic governments, high levels of corruption, and grinding poverty. In Egypt, tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets.

Why are Egyptians unhappy? They have basically no more freedom than Tunisians. Egypt is ranked 138th of 167 countries on The Economist’s Democracy index, a widely accepted measure of political freedom. That ranking puts Egypt just seven spots ahead of Tunisia. And Egyptians are significantly poorer than their cousins to the west.

AP Photo - 1/25/11

There are reports that the military has now been called in, and various reports of gunfire. Clearly the people and the region need our prayers. Oddly, there is some cheering as the military has moved in to deal with the protestors which number almost 100,000 in some places. (There seem to be protests - demonstrations in various cities: Cairo, Alexandria, etc...)

The main struggle seems to be between demonstrators which seem to mostly be youth and students, and the police. January 25th is a holiday to celebrate the police allegedly, and so the reason for the intensification of the protesting and the out-lash against them seems to have some connection. The odd thing is that the protestors seem to be welcoming and even cheering the army.

A big catalyst for this problem is the fact that President Mubarak has waged an info-war. The internet has been "shut-down", media outlets are completely ignoring the protests, the ministry of information is sending certain newscasters on vacation, and state controlled TV is showing areas of complete peace and calm. This is all in juxtaposition to the various news outlets that are getting information out, and then back into Egypt. Much of the demonstration is occurring near and around the Ministry of Information, the National Democratic Party (The Ruling Party), and other state news information buildings.

The people need our prayers so please pray for peace and safety - but also freedom for the people. This is a pretty fluid situation, and a good source of information is honestly Al Jazeera - English which is broadcasting a lot of live images. The odd thing to watch is that the military is being welcome by the protestors while the police are being attacked... this might be the beginning to a much larger situation...

**UPDATE - 12:48 ET**:
Hilary Clinton spoke about 30 minutes ago on the subject, spent about 10 minutes and moved on. It was actually very odd. Now Egyptian State TV has announced that a curfew has been imposed for all areas. Also, the Internet is still "Off" and the flow of information is very limited in the country. Getting news out from international sources seems to continue to flow as of right now, but any information between folks on the ground there is almost non-existent.

N.B.:
I will continue to post further updates on the blog's Twitter feed, on the left side bar. It is rather cumbersome to update the post itself. Unless of course there is a need for more than 140 characters.

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Breaking: House votes to repeal ObamaCare!

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to repeal Obama-care legislation by a vote of 245-189!

From Politico:

Speaker John Boehner discusses the vote | AP photo

House Republicans passed a bill to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care plan Wednesday, taking their first major step toward rolling back the massive overhaul that has dominated the American political landscape for almost two years.


The vote was 245 to 189, and unanimous GOP opposition gave the vote the same partisan feel of the March vote to pass the law, underscoring once again the hardened political lines of the health care debate. Only three Democrats backed the repeal, a smaller number than Republicans had once predicted.

The bill will head next to the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has promised to block it. If it did receive a vote, the repeal bill would be unlikely to draw support from even a majority of senators. Even so, House Republican leaders have challenged Reid to give the bill a vote since Democrats, who control the chamber, have little to fear.

Republicans rejected a procedural maneuver by the Democratic minority to make repeal ineffective unless a majority of the House and Senate withdraw from the federal health benefits program within 30 days after passage by each chamber.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said the effort was “an attempt to derail an appeal of the Obamacare bill.”

House members flooded the floor throughout the day, delivering short but occasionally impassioned speeches that echoed their party’s talking points.

Now, we can't get too excited. Obviously, the democratic held Senate will likely not vote the same way, but it is time to start praying [*thanks for the edit Restore DC-Catholicism].

Obama-care is the equivalent of putting a square tire on a car that has a flat. Sure, it is theoretically is an improvement because it isn't flat - but it sure as heck isn't going to help the car go anywhere. There are a multitude of problems with our health-care system, but throwing a voluminous bill that no one has read and can't understand its implications, isn't the way to go about fixing it. Add to that the fact that the bill is has awful pro-abortion components to it, the plan needs to be scrapped.

Health Care System - ObamaCare

···•°···

The trick for the House and Senate GOP'ers will be to work with Senate Democrats to find a way to reform the bill if they can't repeal it. The best option is obviously finding a way to convince the Dem's to repeal the bill as it is and structure a new plan as an alternative, that isn't a job-killian Leviathan and still will get passed. The problem is finding a way to cut costs to consumers, expanding coverage, and maintaining profits for the providers. Sound impossible? Maybe not, say some experts.

I personally think that the best option is to give states the ability to provide more options and not less, the way that Obama-Care has it set up. The scariest thing about the OC plan is that the gov't controls it. Another key component that makes sense is phasing any new system in over time, and not flipping a switch. Again, the problem with OC is that the gov't is in control and to change this system overnight, and expect fluidity and continuity is ludicrous. 

Let's hope the Senate Dem's realize that November was a statement and that they should listen to the people. 2012 isn't that far away.

### 

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords - Please Pray

Lord, please hold Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, all the victims of the shooting, her family, her staff, and her loved ones in your hands. Deliver them O, Lord to into peace and safety in your arms. We pray for all those affected by this horrible event, and we ask that you change the heart of the offender of this vicious attack. Bring them to unto Your Heart Lord. And let all those seeking consolation find rest and understanding in the Sacred Heart of Your Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Amen.

Links:

Fox News

CNN

BREAKING NEWS: Catholic Anchor - Editor Joel Davidson to be let go. - *EXCLUSIVE*

BREAKING NEWS:

We received word last night, and have confirmed today, that Joel Davidson, the Editor of the Catholic Anchor -- the Paper of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, has been informed that he will be let go from his position as Editor of the Paper. The decision was made official and public yesterday, Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at an afternoon meeting of Archdiocesan leaders, and Catholic Anchor advisory staff. We have not received confirmation as to the reasons behind the decision.

We have reached out to the various individuals involved in this matter and have not received any official response as to the details and facts. We emailed the Chancery of the Archdiocese and they did not respond to our request for comment.


We will post more details once we have them.
Please check back for updates.

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Archdiocese of Anchorage appoints new Vicar General: Fr. Tom Lilly

Father Tom Lilly
New Vicar General

A quick announcement regarding the Archdiocese of Anchorage; a new Vicar General was appointed by Archbishop Schwietz. Father Tom Lilly, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish will be the new Vicar General, replacing Father Steve Moore. The Catholic Anchor has the full story, but I wanted to update everyone on the news.

Here is a description from the Diocese of Madison's website:

The vicar general is a priest (of at least 30 years of age) who has been appointed by the diocesan bishop to assist him in the governance of the faithful entrusted to his care. The vicar general is, by reason of his office, granted ordinary administrative power and jurisdiction over the whole diocese, a power which he exercises vicariously in the name of the diocesan bishop, whom he serves. The large scope and executive nature of the office requires that the vicar general be of sound doctrine, of integrity, of prudence, and well versed in both canon law and theology. [emphasis mine] While the historical origins of this office date back to the 4th century, the Second Vatican Council spoke of it as "the most important office in the diocesan curia", and the 1983 Code of Canon Law established it as a mandatory office in the organizational structure of a diocese. In handling many of the day-to-day canonical operations of the diocese, the vicar general maintains frequent communication with the bishop so that he may always act in harmony with the intention and mind of the Successor of the Apostles. [can. 475-481]

Readers, I ask that you pray for Fr. Lilly. The AOA needs strong leaders due to the nature of the Church in Alaska. The vast area that each Diocese covers requires a unique approach to its administration. The best way we can assist in this monumental task is through our prayers.

···•°···

N.B.: We here at DUIB have reached out to congratulate Fr. Lilly on his new appointment and to extend an offer to build a relationship between the blog and the AOA. In the past we have reached out for comments on various posts, and have not had the most free flowing of communications. We hope with Fr. Lilly that will change and that we will see a joint effort that benefits all the faithful in Alaska.

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Archbishop Dolan elected President of the USCCB!!

Wow... talk about upsets... at least in so far as one can be had in the world of Catholicism.

Here is the report from the American Papist:

In a stunning (and welcome) upset, the assembled bishops of the United States elected Archbishop Timothy Dolan to be the President of the USCCB for the next three years. Here is how the ballots played out…

On the first vote, Bp. Kicanas led the count with 104, Abp. Dolan – 84, Abp. Chaput – 20.

On the second vote, Abp. Chaput’s supporters went mostly for Dolan: Abp. Dolan 118 – Kicanas 111.

By the third vote, it was all over: Abp. Dolan 128 - Bp. Kicanas 111.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville was also elected as vice president.

This is a very encouraging development and if you want to know why I am so pleased by it, read what I wrote earlier about the Kicanas conundrum. A big thank you to all who joined me in praying for the best outcome. Praise be to God and the Holy Spirit.

This is a good thing for the USCCB. (On a personal note: I think Chaput or Vigneron would have been a stronger voice, this is still a good thing.) This situation also shows us why selecting the next Pope is private. We dont need to know, nor does it do us any good to know the way the votes went down. As you can tell from this situation, all sorts of lines were drawn. 

So it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next three years. Many of us have lots of issues with the way that the USCCB conducts itself. Big issues loom large: The New Missal Translation, CCHD, etc... 

Why was this election so big? Well, because what it says about the direction of the American Catholic Church. The NY Times summarizes it as follows:

It is the first time since the 1960s that a sitting vice president was on the ballot for conference president and lost. The outcome is the latest sign that the American bishops — divided over how best to uphold Roman Catholic orthodoxy — favor a more aggressive approach.

They actually seem to be spot on. 


Cardinal George summarized the results in this fashion:

"It means the bishops have decided to opt for a confident Catholicism," George said. "They had a choice, and they chose the boldest, most outspoken bishop. You wouldn't choose him as your leader unless you thought what he was doing in the capital of the world (New York) is what we want the church to represent." [Link]

Let's hope that Dolan is the boldest Bishop that could be in there. Let's pray that the USCCB will become the staunch center of orthodoxy for American Catholics. 

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Today: pro-life amendment in Senate

AmP has a really good post about the Senate Health Care Proposal which has the Pro-Life amendment coming up for a vote on Tuesday:
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Today: pro-life amendment in Senate *updated*

Here is s summary from AmP:

Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) have submitted an amendment to the health care reform bill that, like the Stupak amendment in the House, prevents the Senate version of reform from mandating abortion coverage or providing federal funds for coverage that includes elective abortions.
Many analysts doubt that the pro-life amendment will succeed. However, Sen. Nelson has vowed to oppose the final bill if it does not include his language - a refusal that could bring down the whole measure unless Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid secures at least one vote from among Republican ranks.

So contact your senators! Email or call and put the pressure on!

Let me paint a picture...

Let's say you wake up one day to find that a scandal had popped up over night. Someone had discovered emails between the Pope and some Cardinals which essentially explained that the Catholic faith was predicated not on historical fact and belief, but on simply a "desire" for it to be true. The emails also explained that contrary to actual evidence AGAINST the faith, the Church was able to cover up against such evidence, and perpetuate their desire.

Imagine what would happen? The entire faith would crumble. People of all depths of belief would be left helpless. On top of this... the Church infrastructure would crumble. Laws would be enacted instantaneously stripping the Church of any and all rights it had in society, and the entire "endeavor" would go bankrupt in days. Churches would close, the clergy would become unemployed nothings. It would become the largest fraud in history. Governments would be scorned for their support, and would be themselves vulnerable to attack and failure due to their complicit support of the Church financially and legally. 

Anything related to Christianity would become worthless. The social repercussions would be unfathomable. People would commit acts contrary to the Church's teaching simply in an act of rebellion and as a statement of their anger. Yet... a fraud like that could never be perpetuated could it? Could an entire belief structure fall apart over night? Could an entire industry which was made up of legal, financial, theoretical, scientific, industrial, and social facets suffer a credibility blow such as this and not face the wrath of unfettered reprisal? Of course not... this country and our global society would not stand for it. People would rage against that "wizard of oz" and destroy the very memory of such a thing... wouldn't we?

Health Care Updates - Today in Washington

**UPDATE - 7:31pm est**:

Michelle Malkin has live blogging going on over at her blog. She has some good updates and has other people contributing to keep things up to date.

**VOTE UPDATE - 6:30pm est**:

Rumor has it that there are 209 CONFIRMED 'NO' votes on the Bill as it stands... Lets see if that holds up. 218 are needed... which means 9 more are needed.

There is a lot going on in D.C. today surrounding the Health Care bill. There is NO way that I can keep up with it, or that I have enough time to do so... but it is very important. The best place for info is most likely going to be over at the "American Papist"- American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Health Care Updates - have the bishops endorsed PelosiCare?


You can also follow him on Twitter at: "@Americanpapist" - http://twitter.com/americanpapist

His Most recent update is:

Americanpapist: "bart stupak's amendment will be discussed during this upcoming 4 hours of debate. please keep calling 202-224-3121 to contact your reps."

The quick summary of the mornings events can be read here:
House OKs Vote on Stupak Amendment to Cut Abortion Funding From Health Care

I know this is a lot of linking and reading... but this is an important issue. There is a concern though that even if things "go well" this morning that in the end it won't actually be the end, but actually the beginning of a much LARGER battle. For a take on that read what the "Creative Minority Report" says:
Careful What You Wish For


I will try to keep everyone updated as I can on this... you can also check for any "Re-Tweets" on my twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/angelsdefendus


**UPDATE**:
This Reuters Story Seems to have some good info:
Health Care Wrap-Up

Breaking News: Health Care Protest U.S. Capitol

*Update*:
I just checked a news site and found this link
http://republicanleader.house.gov/blog/?p=666 -
"Speaker Pelosi’s Government-Run Health Plan Will Require a Monthly Abortion Premium"

I don't want to be a "conspiracy theorist" but look at the page number on the link. Coincidence? It does deal with abortion? I don't really believe in coincidences.


For those of you who Twitter... and care about the Health Care Battle... you might want to check out/follow these people for the next few hours:

• @michellemalkin
• @americanpapist
• @decidedlyright
• #housecall

Essentially it is a giant "Tea Party" but this time on the U.S. Capitol steps. It is nice to see Conservatives doing a little "action" politics. This is an important enough issue to roll up the sleeves and get out and make our voices heard.

I don't think I will have time to update today on this... but I am sure other outlets are doing a fine job of reporting on it. Not too many have pictures up yet, but if you search: #housecall on Twitter, there seem to be lots of on the scene cell phone shots.

TX Planned Parenthood director resigns after witnessing ultrasound... More INSIDE!

AMEN! I don't have a lot of time to update, but I Had to get this posted.

H/T: AmP (AmericanPapist) has all the details and actually has inside info on this from one of his readers.

You can follow this link to the AmP post: TX Planned Parenthood director resigns after witnessing ultrasound .

Here is a quick clip that AmP had up:




A quick excerpt from the story:

She (the Director, Ms. Johnson) handed in her resignation October 6. Johnson worked as the Bryan Planned Parenthood Director for two years.
According to Johnson, the non-profit was struggling under the weight of a tough economy, and changing it's business model from one that pushed prevention, to one that focused on abortion.
"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," said Johnson.

 
THIS IS GREAT! It is posted at Drudge, AmP, and other national news outlets! This is great news... keep all of them in your prayers today. This is a SECOND great reason to go to Mass for All Souls.

"America," Michael Winters, and the "forced smile." - Anglican-Catholic Coverage

There have been all sorts of these stories out there today: Lambeth Palace Opposed to New Anglican Plans

Not everyone seems to be happy with the news from Rome and England today. There are those out there that see this as something that it is not. Why they see it that way, really depends on who is doing the talking.
What is most disturbing though is that a lot of the whining is coming from a certain strand of Catholics. I dare use a label or the L-word. But these murmurs definitely spawn from a certain ideological or philosophical platform.
A good example of this is Michael Winter's piece on the America website. You see, the displeasure is not immediately apparent. It is hidden in undertones and semantic stylings. Some, like the AmericanPapist, laughingly theorize that it is out of some "fear" Winter's has that these Anglicans might be more "Catholic" than he. There seems to be a strain with these Catholics that these reconciliations (SSPX, Anglican, etc...) are an affront to their "way" of life. The perceive this as a Gerrymandering of types. If there is an influx of more 'traditional' elements to the faith, added to the already growing trend of traditionalist within the faith, where does that leave the 'progressive/liberal/new style Catholic?'

You see, Winter's states in his piece:

But, I worry, too, that some of these newcomers will also be nostalgists, anti-feminists, and anti-gay bigots. The ordaining of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire is not something I would have advised, but after all these centuries of schism, I am not sure why that should have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. The first email I received this morning was from a Jewish friend who saw this aspect of the development when he wrote: "Do you think Pope B- might set up a Jewish rite if we asked him? We could call it Judaism. He could call it unity with church. Everyone's happy."

Sure, he laces his words with "bad" language, the type that makes you easily agree. Words like 'anti,' bigot, and schism. But when was reconciliation ever a bad thing? When did we shoot the 'Prodigal Son' simply because he returned? Also, where is it in the Bible where Jesus goes out and slaughters the 1 lamb, because it ran away from the other 99? This strain of Catholics, and thinking is doing a lot of damage to these 'reconciliation' efforts, at least internally. Why must we fight ourselves?
Sometimes you should keep your enemies close, and your friends closer. Because well... you know the rest of the cliche: "With friends like these..."

Breaking: Catholic Church of England, Anglicans, And Rome

The official statement from the Catholic Church of England is here: Statement

Joint Statement by The Archbishop of Westminster and The Archbishop of Canterbury

Today’s announcement of the Apostolic Constitution is a response by Pope Benedict XVI to a number of requests over the past few years to the Holy See from groups of Anglicans who wish to enter into full visible communion with the Roman Catholic Church, and are willing to declare that they share a common Catholic faith and accept the Petrine ministry as willed by Christ for his Church.

Pope Benedict XVI has approved, within the Apostolic Constitution, a canonical structure that provides for Personal Ordinariates, which will allow former Anglicans to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of distinctive Anglican spiritual patrimony.

The announcement of this Apostolic Constitution brings to an end a period of uncertainty for such groups who have nurtured hopes of new ways of embracing unity with the Catholic Church. It will now be up to those who have made requests to the Holy See to respond to the Apostolic Constitution.

The Apostolic Constitution is further recognition of the substantial overlap in faith, doctrine and spirituality between the Catholic Church and the Anglican tradition. Without the dialogues of the past forty years, this recognition would not have been possible, nor would hopes for full visible unity have been nurtured. In this sense, this Apostolic Constitution is one consequence of ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

The on-going official dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion provides the basis for our continuing cooperation. The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) agreements make clear the path we will follow together.

With God’s grace and prayer we are determined that our on-going mutual commitment and consultation on these and other matters should continue to be strengthened. Locally, in the spirit of IARCCUM, we look forward to building on the pattern of shared meetings between the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales and the Church of England’s House of Bishops with a focus on our common mission. Joint days of reflection and prayer were begun in Leeds in 2006 and continued in Lambeth in 2008, and further meetings are in preparation. This close cooperation will continue as we grow together in unity and mission, in witness to the Gospel in our country, and in the Church at large.

+ Rowan Williams
Archbishop of Canterbury

+ Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster

London
20 October 2009

[[ - UPDATES - ]]:

6:32a EST:

A few news sites, including some liberal catholic ones, are making this about something that it isn't. It is unfathomable to think that those claiming to be Catholic, would make this out to be about the adventageousness of Rome and the Vatican somehow "preying" on a "disgruntled" sect.

I think this quote from the Catholic News Agency (CNA) sums it up PERFECTLY:

Archbishop Augustine DiNoia, former under-secretary at the CDF until recently who helped draft the new structure, said: “We’ve been praying for unity for 40 years. Prayers are being answered in ways we did not anticipate and the Holy See cannot not respond to this movement of the Holy Spirit for those who wish communion and whose tradition is to be valued.”

He said there has been a “tremendous shift” in the ecumenical movement and “these possibilities weren’t seen as they are now”. He rejected accusations that the new Anglicans be described as dissenters. “Rather they are assenting to the movement of the Holy Spirit to be in union with Peter, with the Catholic Church,” he said.

The entire article can be found here: Pope Benedict XVI has approved a structure for admitting large groups of Anglicans wishing to come into communion with the Catholic Church

6:12a EST:
THE NCR has their sour/twist on the topic: Of course focusing on the Anglican "angst" and 'Married Priests"


See Also:
Creative Minority Report - (Great Coverage Here)
Breaking: Vatican - Anglican Announcement
The New Liturgical Movement's Take

Breaking: Pope announces plans for Anglicans to convert en masse

Pope announces plans for Anglicans to convert en masse

This seems to be what is coming out of Rome and England. It is late here for me, so I don't know how many specifics I will get in before I must sleep. But this seems to be on track with what most were speculating. It may even be a little more far-reaching and all encompassing, as it seems there may be a full plan as to how to facilitate large numbers of Anglicans to enter communion with the Church and retain their traditions.

More as it develops...
Update: 4:39am EST:
AP Report
Creative Minority Report - Blog



Shared via AddThis

Waiting: Vatican to hold press conference regarding the Anglican Church

The hermeneutic of continuity: Holy See Briefing on Anglican relations tomorrow

See the above link for the basics. A lot of blogs are weighing in on this. Lots of speculation, but very little to go on.

My theory is a hybrid of a few going around right now. Some say that Anglicans are going to be brought into the Church, either through conversion or acceptance. Some believe it will be a "warming" of relations, similar to what SSPX received but in relation to the Anglican/Catholic relationship.

Some, as does Fr. Finigan, suggest that possibly the queen will be converting. Now while that is a stretch, lets look at some evidence of what theory seems on track:

• "Summorum Pontificum" issued Motu Proprio in 2007
• The Vatican and SSPX have warmed relations, including the removal of excommunication and the promise of "talks" on doctrinal issues.
• The reworking or new translation of the Missal in English is due out in the next year or so, brining it back in line with the latin, older forms of the mass, and non-Roman rites (such as the Orthodox).
• A trend towards traditionalism, universality, and orthodox principles of the faith during the service of Pope Benedict. 
• The appointment of several traditionalist Bishops across the United States in the last year.
• The appointment of various "traditionalist" members within the Vatican, some of American descent.

You take these moves, and other various "happenings" and you add them up. Now, of course the Vatican moves at its own pace. Sometimes it seems that it moves slower than many would wish, simply so that peoples hearts and minds can all be in the right place. Yet, it would be hard to ignore that these talks seemed to "pop" up. Add to this that Tony Blair has converted to Catholicism in the last few years, and England seems prime for a "change." I won't say that I "guarantee" this has to do with the Royal Family, but it wouldn't surprise me. Take stories like this from an Anglican Website which essentially puts their chips on the table for a switch.

Some other blogs that are carrying this news:

AmericanPapist

Fr. Z: WDTPRS

Both AmP and Fr. Z seem to think that Traditional Anglicans will be brought into communion with the Church. I think it might be as much as the entire Church of England. Of course that will then create some type of fissure, but "brick by brick" right?