On March 2nd, the Rorate Caeli blog published an exclusive interview with Raymond Cardinal Burke. Though I am certain that most readers here are well aware of its contents, I’d like to offer just a few observations of my own.
When asked about “so much confusion stemming from the daily statements of Pope Francis,” Cardinal Burke once more demonstrated that he knows very well how to leverage the media in order to deliver piercing criticism of other powerful prelates, and even the pope himself, with subtlety:
With someone like Pope Benedict XVI, we had a master teacher who was giving us extended catechesis on various subjects. I now say to people that, if they are experiencing some confusion from the method of teaching of Pope Francis…
Please allow me translate:
Cardinal Burke is clearly stating that we do not, at present, have a master teacher in the Chair of St. Peter; sadly, rather, Pope Francis’ “method of teaching” engenders confusion.
He continued:
The important thing is to turn to the catechism and to what the Church has always taught, and to teach that, to foster it at the parish level, beginning first with the family … we know for sure what the Church has always taught, and we need to rely on that and concentrate our attention on that.
Elsewhere in the interview, Cardinal Burke suggested that the faithful should devote themselves to studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church specifically.
On this note, I must disagree with His Eminence. If one wants to know “what the Church has always taught,” the new Catechism must be avoided as it is infested with conciliar innovations that invite even more confusion still.
I would recommend instead the Roman Catechism, the Baltimore Catechism, the Catechism of St. Pius X and the pre-conciliar magisterium of the popes; adding to those things that are best avoided, the magisterium of the post-conciliar popes who increasingly find it necessary to reference sources no more ancient than the Council itself.
Cardinal Burke was later asked to address the ticking time bomb that is the upcoming Synod:
Here I think it’s very important to address a false dichotomy that’s been drawn by some who say, “Oh no, we’re just changing disciplines. We’re not touching the Church’s doctrine.”
Here, Cardinal Burke is speaking of the likes of Donald Wuerl, the man Pope Francis selected to replace him on the Congregation for Bishops back in December 2013.
In the video below, Cardinal Wuerl puts forth the exact argument that Cardinal Burke is rejecting.
Cardinal Burke continued:
But if you change the Church’s discipline with regard to access to Holy Communion by those who are living in adultery, then surely you are changing the Church’s doctrine on adultery. You’re saying that, in some circumstances, adultery is permissible and even good, if people can live in adultery and still receive the sacraments. That is a very serious matter, and Catholics have to insist that the Church’s discipline not be changed in some way which would in fact, weakens our teaching on one of the most fundamental truths, the truth about marriage and the family.
His Eminence might agree that he spoke better when he said that a change in discipline here would “weaken” our teaching; as opposed to his previous statement, “surely you are changing the Church’s doctrine on adultery.”
I think it’s important to say that the doctrine in question cannot be changed; the Holy Ghost will not allow it.
He will, however, allow weak and sinful men to undermine said doctrine by way of “pastoral practice” that is irreconcilable with it.
Can there be any doubt whatsoever that this is precisely what Pope Francis, who according to Cardinal Baldisseri personally approved the infamous midterm relatio, is determined to do?
Moving on to the situation with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, Cardinal Burke once again engaged in subtlety.
After initially claiming to lack the “direct information on which to make a judgment about the matter,” he said:
Many friars are leaving, and it would seem that there should be some way of dealing with the whole situation in which the order itself wouldn’t collapse, because they were strong, they had a lot of vocations, and they have a great number of apostolates. That’s the part that’s worrisome to me.
Again, I will translate:
Cardinal Burke is, for all intents and purposes, proposing that the powers-that-be (namely, Pope Francis and his henchman, Fr. Volpi), are at best incompetent, and at worst, deliberately destroying a thriving religious order.
No one with any sense whatsoever remains confused as to what is motivating these men.
The FFI is under attack simply for showing signs of a “crypto-Lefebvrean tendency;” in other words, they are suspected of having an unshakeable attachment to the Catholic faith as it was taught, practiced, and known with certitude prior to the Council, including an attachment the ancient rite.
Pope Francis has been openly attacking such persons (otherwise called Catholics) almost from the very beginning of his pontificate! The attack on the FFI isn’t the least bit out of character for this pope.
As for those FFI priests who are effectively displaced, Cardinal Burke strongly encouraged bishops to welcome them:
If there’s a priest who desires to leave his religious community, and this a good priest, and there isn’t anything contrary to the bishop accepting him, I think a good bishop would certainly accept such a priest and try to help him to become a priest in his diocese. There’s a process; it takes time. The priest who is wanting to leave his religious community has to have a welcoming bishop. When a bishop is able to welcome such a priest, I think the bishop should be happy to do that, because it assists a good priest to be able to continue to exercise his priestly ministry.
I am reminded here of the words of Joseph, son of Jacob, who said to his brothers:
You thought evil against me: but God turned it into good, that he might exalt me, as at present you see, and might save many people. Fear not: I will feed you and your children… (Gen 50:20-21)
This pope, so utterly intolerant of those who dare exhibit “an ostentatious preoccupation for the liturgy, for doctrine and for the Church’s prestige” (cf Evangelii Gaudium 95), has perhaps unwittingly set in motion the very mechanism whereby any number of good FFI priests, previously concentrated within a solitary religious order, will ultimately be dispersed throughout multiple dioceses where they will be well positioned to feed the children of the Church, even as the Franciscan famine ravages the Body of Christ at large.
This same dynamic is also discernable with respect to Cardinal Burke himself, wherein the Lord will use the very evil done against him to “save many people.”
Speaking of the possibility of otherwise disaffected, tradition-loving priests, seeking refuge in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta over which he governs as its Patron, Cardinal Burke said:
The Order has a Prelate [Cardinal Burke, himself], appointed by the Holy Father, who participates in the governance of the Order. He is clearly the lawful superior of any priests incardinated in the Order. Right now, we’re studying the whole situation because we have requests from additional priests who wish to be incardinated in the Order. But certainly it has happened in the past, and there’s no reason why it couldn’t continue to happen, not in virtue of the establishment of an Apostolic Administration, but in virtue of the nature of the Order.
How beautiful is this?
This thorn-in-the-pope’s-side Cardinal who has been sent packing from the Roman Curia now finds himself in a position to incardinate precisely the kinds of priests this Holy Father would sooner relegate to extinction.
Yes, the Lord will have the last laugh indeed.
There are as yet many other noteworthy things to be found in Cardinal Burke’s interview, and if you haven’t yet done so, I highly recommend that you read it.
I’ll conclude with what strikes me as a particularly poignant bit of advice offered by His Eminence relatie to the effort carried out on this blog:
I think it’s important, too, that devout traditional Catholics get to know one another and support one another, to bear one another’s burdens, as the Scripture says. We ought to be prepared to do that and be sensitive to families that might be suffering some particular difficulty in this regard, and try to be as close to one another as possible.
That is precisely what happens here, thanks not just to me, but to each and every one of you.
Deo gratias!
The time for such subtleties has passed. He, and all bishops, should speak clearly.
I agree that Cardinal Burke speaks in diplomatic language but right now that’s what has to happen. For him to be rebuked by the hierarchy now for imprudent speech would be disastrous. Many NuChurch Catholics will listen to the Cardinal’s softer speech whereas they would be shocked were he to come out shooting.
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He is also speaking very, very, very clearly and loudly when he travels all over Europe and North America saying many beautiful Latin Masses. He’s a treasure. Let’s treasure him, not pressure him.
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Good supportive post, Louie.
“Elsewhere in the interview, Cardinal Burke suggested that the faithful should devote themselves to studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church specifically.
On this note, I must disagree with His Eminence. If one wants to know “what the Church has always taught,” the new Catechism must be avoided as it is infested with conciliar innovations that invite even more confusion still.”
Bingo
To use a baseball reference, the above is what prevents Cardinal Burke from moving up to the majors as opposed to remaining at AAA….he still hasn’t learned to hit the off speed stuff.
Barbara
I understand the whole “diplomacy” thing…but at a certain point somebody (hopefully multiple somebody’s) have to take a stand. Souls are being lost every day.
I also meant to comment on Cardinal Wuerl’s disgusting, maddening words. Every time that man opens his mouth to whisper more sulphurous lies I want to slap his face. I know that’s strong language, but this man has great influence in the Church. How many has he led astray with this poison? How soft his words, how gentle his approach, how loving his gaze, how merciful his message.
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Pure evil.
Isn’t that where Catholic bloggers come in? We can say what needs desperately to be said, yet are not in a position where we can lose a very important platform, like Cardinal Burke could.
Rich: “To use a baseball reference, the above is what prevents Cardinal Burke from moving up to the majors as opposed to remaining at AAA….he still hasn’t learned to hit the off speed stuff.”
You are absolutely right. I would add that the Cardinal ‘ s reluctance to speak more clearly is exactly what is preventing so many “conservative” Catholics from seeing the true nature and depth of the crisis.
I believe they see it with their own eyes, they hear it from us lowly traditionalist layfolk, but they won’t accept the reality unless and until they hear it from someone such as a Cardinal Burke.
Im just wondering who would have the louder voice. The bloggers are obviously doing a great job but you have to wonder how many people actually hear them.
Craig
I totally agree. When he falls in due time, who picks up the flag? At some point someone with a voice needs to speak up. I firmly believe that there are good (but confused) people out there who need some solid, no-nonsense, guidance.
I dont think a good slap in the face, in charity, ever hurt anyone. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need. Your language is right on point.
I’m surprised Louie didn’t recommend the Catechism of St. Pius X, specifically intended for laymen and one of the great books of all time. The question and answer format engages and intellect and the clear, direct writing style keeps it accessible. It provides a valuable antidote to modernist flatulence emanating from the Vatican today. it proves Church teaching can actually be clearly expressed. A free pdf version can be found online.
He’s already been rebuked and exiled. The time for clear speech from him is precisely now. Indeed all of them should always speak clearly.
“But let your speech be, ‘Yes, yes,’; No, no’; and whatever is beyond these comes from the evil one.”
-Mt. 5:37
@Crawler, I agree St.Pope Pius X’s Catechism is superb. In clear unambiguous language that Catechism teaches the message beautifully.
http://www.ewtn.com/library/CATECHSM/PIUSXCAT.HTM
Good though, Crawler. I’ll add it. Thanks.
Yes, as long as Cardinal Burke and other faithful bishops continue to speak in such an understated, tentative and indirect manner, the Catholics who choose to go along with the heretical bishops, priests, pope for an easy life, and so they can continue to lead sinful lives with impunity, will choose to not hear the criticism but rather ignore what Cardinal Burke and others are saying, because it is easy to do so. They are not being confronted by the unchanging truth; the heretical and evil-promoting bishops and priests and offices of the Church are not being confronted unequivocally with their evil-doing. Courage and zeal, a preparedness to suffer for Christ is needed more than ever. The time for diplomacy, and tactical hesitancy is long over. There is now no good reason to postpone telling the truth or to be vague or oblique about it. Countless souls are at stake, and we are now in the situation of colluding with the general attack on God and His Holy Commandments by refusing to fight it with all our might. Do we not care to fight God’s enemies anymore? Do we not care about the salvation of souls, including our own.
Cardinal Burke is generally a faithful bishop but he is being too hesitant, too careful to not make things undeniably clear. Yes, the Catholics who know and hold to the Faith, understand what he is saying, but more than the tiny Remnant need to hear him – the great numbers of Catholics who have adopted a new modernistic false religion along with the majority of their bishops and priests, need to hear the truth spoken, loudly, clearly, with missionary zeal and fearlessness.
Does the St Pius X Cathechism have any advantages over the Baltimore (No.3) Cathechism? That is what I’ve been giving to people.
“I would recommend instead the Roman Catechism, the Baltimore Catechism, the Catechism of St. Pius X and the pre-conciliar magisterium of the popes; adding to those things that are best avoided, the magisterium of the post-conciliar popes who increasingly find it necessary to reference sources no more ancient than the Council itself.” Rock-solid advice. It is pointless looking to those who sow confusion to learn anything about the Faith – the NO cathechism and the council that spawned it are corrupt.
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Pope Clement XIII warned against “diabolical error [which] easily clothes itself in the likeness of truth while very brief additions or changes corrupt the meaning of expressions; and confession, which usually works salvation, sometimes, with a slight change, inches toward death” Encyclical In Dominico Agro
Pope Pius VI rebuked those who “by means of slight changes or additions in phraseology, distort the confession of the faith that is necessary for our salvation, and lead the faithful by subtle errors to their eternal damnation” Bull Auctorem Fidei
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Pope Leo XIII warned that “[t]here can be nothing more dangerous than those heretics who admit nearly the whole cycle of doctrine, and yet by one word, as with a drop of poison, infect the real and simple faith taught by our Lord and handed down by Apostolic tradition” (Encyclical Satis Cognitum
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http://www.novusordowatch.org/wire/index.htm#.VPkTheHsdOU
PS. Cardinal Burke wants to gather those with a true vocation under the protection of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta – in other words, rescue them from the grinning gnash of the professional wolves. What makes a priest a valid priest? His ordination at the hands of a valid Bishop. And what if Paul VI’s messing with the Rites of Episcopal Ordination damned the Apostolic flow, releasing into the Novus Ordo a generation of ‘Bishops’ with no power to ordain Priests? Then the ‘priestly sacraments’ are not able to be ministered to us by such people. VII, Montini changed ‘everything’, including the Rites of Episcopal ordination, which, according to some, isn’t made ‘safe’ by ‘context’; here again the “holey see and accept of innovation” innovates/adulterates something that the Church, right down to Pius XII, affirmed could not be changed, even by a Pope. This is something no one wants to talk about (apart from a handful of Priests who came through the SSPX; Archbishop Lefebvre had doubts about the new ordination rite then seemed to change his mind; Bishop Williamson has seemed to vacillate – no it’s fine, well, maybe not). Cardinal Burke has raised the flag for Traditionalism/Truth. Protecting and vouchsafing to the next generation every ‘jot and iota’ of Truth, is Crucial. Someone with the courage who commands the attention of so many vocations (those called by God to sacrifice their lives in ministry to His flock) needs to address this – how can an innovated Rite so fundamental to the One, Catholic and Aspotolic Church be valid? We are not called to ‘see no evil and hear no evil and speak a load of damage.’ The sacrilegious determination of the Novus Ordo church comes from somewhere – and perhaps it is from a dearth of sacerdotal Grace.
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http://www.traditionalmass.org/images/articles/NewEpConsArtPDF2.pdf
Exactly.
Isn’t it true that Card. Burke is fully on board with Vatican II, but that he embraces the desperate “hermeneutic of continuity”? In other words, doesn’t he advocate the path taking us into the abyss at 60 mph rather than 100 mph?
Well stated.
From the prologue to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“The Aim and Intended Readership of the Catechism
11 This catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church’s Tradition. Its principal sources are the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church’s Magisterium. It is intended to serve “as a point of reference for the catechisms or compendia that are composed in the various countries”
When read and studied prayerfully, a source of great comfort to a simple soul like me
Perhaps there are “gray zones” too subtle for me, but I find it a tremendous aid in deepening my understanding of the Faith
There is nothing like a prelate to lead as Shepherd. Bloggers help, but we need someone in Persona Christi to stand up with courage and say, “here I am Lord, send me”! This is not a political organization. They can’t be worried about their “platform”. What good is the platform if you aren’t going to say what needs to be said, out of fear of losing your “platform” – you become near useless. For too long we have had no Shepherd to take his staff and beat off the wolves. It is way overdue, no matter what has to be said, it needs to be done, yesterday, 50 years ago!
Oh ya, there was a prelate who had no fear in protecting us – he got excommunicated! He left us a great letter for confused Catholics. Thank you Archbishop Lefebvre.
I agree.
This is not a political secular organization or government. One of the problems is Cardinal Burke, as helpful as he has been, seems to agree with Vatican II and the new Catechism, so I don’t think that he has all the weapons he needs. No one can take a stand with Vatican II, or the new catechism – their fruits have poisoned the Church and brought death to many souls.
In the 1960s the ‘fathers’ of VII built a special escalator called ‘New Order Ecumenism’ (Noe-ism) and insisted that ‘everyone’ (a bit like a reversal of Noah’s Ark) must be freed from Saving Grace, and therefore, MUST disembark the Barque of Peter and ride, ride, with a couple of bumps and humps and maybe a mechanical failure here and there, down down down to the Novus Ordo speed Boat fitted with the latest ‘Beat of the Age’ nuclear-turbo-thruster – a speedy but surpisingly gargantuan vessel which they lovingly ‘christened’, Charybdis Part One I. Charybdis Part One I, spent the groovy 60s, the funky 70s, the Bette-Davis-Eyes-eighties, the narcissistic ninetes and the the solopsitic naughties racing around seminaries scooping up or tossing out to sea all those who (or even thought they had) vocations; left right and centre.
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Much to the chagrin of the captin of Charybdis Part One I, the Barque of Peter continued to be manned by a crew of thorns in the side of the NOE-ites, called the SSPX. And to this day the crew of Charybdis Part One I continue to launch all sorts of ineffective weapons against the Barque of Peter. Though, sadly, the population of the Barque is somewhat reduced…but that can change. And after all, isn’t the beat of all ages about conversion?
To the point: There must be several Cardinals that pull no punches when defending truth. Cardinal Burke cannot be the only one. He is speaking as clearly as he knows how to speak. Cardinal Burke is a diplomat, always has been, always will be, this is his personality……it’s ‘who he is’. We also need heavy hitters that are fearless and blunt, but that would not be him. He is doing the best he is capable of at the moment, and although the traditional Catholic Bloggers are doing a fantastic job, we need our Cardinals to speak fearlessly and boldly in defense of the truth, which will properly amplify Cardinal Burke’s voice. In other words, there needs to be a ‘chorus’ of voices from our high ranking prelates. That would get the job done.
Unfortunately, the actual Faith is mixed with the new Conciliar faith. Paragraph 841 is but one egregious example. For more, see: http://archives.sspx.org/New_Catechism/new_catechism__is_it_catholic_part_1.htm
Dear AlphonsusJr
Thank you for highlighting the very difficult paragraph 841, with which I wrestled for three weeks, trying to make sense of it…
I concluded it was applicable with five guiding principles
1) God does will that all men are to be saved
2) This is only possible through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ
3)Acknowledging there is a Creator, namely the God of Abraham, is a first step
4) Providing/ enlightening / proselytising as regards the truth about Who the God of Abraham actually is
5) The crucial way forward is to guide them into the fullness of truth, which ultimately would see them using their own free will entering into the One True Faith
841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”
Anyway, those were some of my thoughts