An op-ed by Ross Douthat published in the September 5th edition of the N.Y. Times, The Pope’s Marriage Endgame, is getting a good bit of attention.
In it, Douthat suggests that Pope Francis “wanted a big internal argument over marriage and communion, [and] that he deliberately started this civil war;” the same that will come to a head at the upcoming Synod in October.
As for how the conflict between the Kasperians and the defenders of tradition might end, Douthat says that “annulment reform,” such as the recent changes made to the process by Pope Francis motu proprio, “has long been seen as a possible compromise between the two sides of this Catholic civil war.”
As such, he states:
Perhaps, as the veteran Vaticanista John Allen suggests, he wants to dial down the synod’s temperature, avoid more pitched battles over Kasper’s proposal, and create “space for other issues to emerge.” This seems plausible, especially since the new rules address many of the cases that presumably made the Kasper proposal appealing in the first place
There’s no telling exactly what “other issues” either man has in mind, but the possibilities are outlined in the Lineamenta (or guidelines) for the Synod that were published toward the end of 2014.
In addition to the hot button issues concerning the so-called “pastoral care” of the civilly divorced and remarried, cohabitating couples and homosexuals, the list of issues up for discussion includes such pressing matters as:
- The Socio-Cultural Context of the Family
- The Importance of Affectivity in Life
- Looking at Jesus and the Divine Pedagogy in the History of Salvation
- Proclaiming the Gospel of the Family Today in Various Contexts
- Upbringing and the Role of the Family in Evangelization
The overwhelming majority of the items on this list of “issues” represent nothing more than yet another opportunity for bishopcrats to spin new verses of pseudosacral homopoetic prose relative to matters that have long since been settled in the Church while fooling themselves (and perhaps, God forbid, others) into believing that they’re actually engaging in some meaningful evangelical activity.
Consider, for example, this utterly meaningless gem found in the interim relatio that came out of last year’s Extraordinary Synod:
The Gospel of the family, while it shines in the witness of many families who live coherently their fidelity to the sacrament, with their mature fruits of authentic daily sanctity must also nurture those seeds that are yet to mature, and must care for those trees that have dried up and wish not to be neglected.
If the Synod fathers are truly interested in examining dried up trees, they need look no further than their confrere, Cardinal Donald Wuerl:
I digress…
In any case, let’s be honest, there are precious few “other issues” of import for the Synod to take up apart from those that are near and dear to the hearts of the revolutionaries; Pope Francis and his faithful sidekick Walter chief among them.
Far from “creating space” for other matters to come to the fore, by issuing his motu proprio revising the annulment process in advance of the Synod, Pope Francis has effectively established as the “new normal” what some considered to be a potential via media between the extremes.
In other words, I suggested last year that one might see the Hegelian Dialectic in action:
Kasper, in his proposed “reforms” has provided the thesis, Cardinal Burke, in his defense of tradition as upheld by the status quo has provided the antithesis, and all that remains is for the Synod to deliver the synthesis.
As things stand today, however, the antithesis has been bullied (to employ the vernacular of the current culture) to the left; i.e., Francis has forced the status quo party to accept unilateral concessions even before the “negotiating” has begun.
As such, I would expect that whatever room was created on the Synod agenda by preemptively granting an easier row to hoe for those seeking a decree of nullity (as I argued in a previous post), will more likely be filled with efforts to establish a consensus for new “pastoral approaches,” not just with respect to the civilly divorced and remarried, but for all of those “devout” homosexuals who are just clamoring for the Sacraments for themselves and their unfortunate children.
Ross Douthat, for his part, seems largely to foresee as much as well, saying:
From the liberal perspective, the new annulment rules may simply move the goal posts farther in their direction, setting up a future settlement that’s even more favorable to their ambitions.
I would agree; provided, however, that we are clear in understanding that the future is now.
If nothing else, the revolutionaries are clever; they know very well that their Generalissimo is no spring chicken. Surely they are far too wily to simply assume that the window of opportunity that lies before them today will remain as wide open as it is should the current pontificate meet with an untimely end.
They will, no doubt, carpe diem.
All of this said, apart from providing a noteworthy stage for various churchmen to make a name for themselves – some in service to the good, others for evil – one is hard pressed to avoid seeing the Synod itself as a non-event.
In fact, I’d say that we have more reason than not to believe that the outcome has already been determined, and guess what?
It will be precisely what the “God of Surprises,” aka Jorge Bergoglio, wants it to be.
As evidenced by his decision to disseminate and publish that shameful interim relatio from last year’s Extraordinary Synod, without the body of bishops’ foreknowledge, His Humbleness has made it plain as day that he has every intention of getting whatever he wants no matter how the Synod proceedings shake out.
His insistence that the final relatio for the Extraordinary Synod contain even those Kasperian paragraphs that didn’t receive the required two-thirds majority of votes only further verifies as much.
The motu proprio reforming the annulment process, which was reportedly issued without any prior input from senior Vatican officials and dicasteries, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, only serves to confirm further still that this pope is fully prepared to act unilaterally in enforcing his will, even as he waxes on disingenuously about the importance of synodality.
As for the rules changes concerning the upcoming Synod proceedings (mentioned here), these are mainly but an effort to manage appearances and likewise expectations and the way in which the predetermined outcome will be received.
To a certain extent, the publication of the motu proprio serves the same purpose by affording the faithful some time to grow accustomed to a new, bishop-centered, “pastoral” initiative before even more of them are unveiled.
(I predicted some time ago that the likely result of the Synod will be some hollow re-affirmation of doctrine that simultaneously allows the National Bishops’ Conferences and local bishops to enact “pastoral applications” that effectively undermine it.)
In the end, however, the outcome of the Synod will be whatever Francis wants it to be.
On this note, Ross Douthat appears to be among those who still aren’t quite sure exactly what that is, saying:
The question that remains unanswered, though, is how the pope intends to finish it [the civil war that he deliberately invited].
While the full picture may as yet be a bit murky, what Francis intends is for the Universal Church to adopt as its own a “pastoral approach” that reflects the “profound and serene” theology of Walter Kasper.
The real point of intrigue with this Synod, as I see it, has to do with the fallout that will take place once the “God of Surprises” pronounces his will.
This whole politicking and “discussion” and “debate” about unchangeable truths that are fundamental and intrinsic to the Faith and also the Natural Moral Law, is egregiously scandalous and of Satan. It is objectively evil and heretical to deny the fixity and universality of these truths. It is a clear attempt to normalise or make acceptable, intrinsic evils and falsehoods.
And on the other hand, the positive action that ought to be taken against the flood of grave immorality and apostasy, is not even mentioned, never mind undertaken with zeal, as part of the central mission of the Church.
Dear Lord, let this apostasy soon end! Blessed Michael, the Archagel, defend us in battle . . .
With the further subordination and compromise of Catholic doctrine to the “bishop-centered, ‘pastoral’ initiative”, the modernists hijackers of the Church are making a direct frontal attack on the four marks of the Church as established by Our Lord, Jesus Christ: its Holiness, Oneness, Catholicity and Universality.
I am sure this has been in the planning for a very long time, maybe the reason Benedict got the boot. Who knows? What “brave” men to go AGAINST the teaching of the SON OF GOD? Do they honestly think there will be no accountability for this outrage??? Interesting days ahead as this is probably the final assault of Lucifer on the Faith… Sacred Heart of Jesus we place our trust in Thee, Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us.
After 50 years of Modernism, the institutional “catholic” church is no longer true Catholicism. As a result, the average Catholic in the pew can be described as Dumb and Dumber or, perhaps, more accurately as Numb and Number. The time is ripe for the Masons in control to do whatever they please with very little resistance. What will the end result be? A church that believes in everything. A church that believes in nothing. Just a lot of fanfare…a dog and pony show with no truly Catholic leadership. If I had to choose a leader for this fiasco, Jorge Bergoglio would be on the top of my list. Our Lady, help of Christians, pray for us.
Here’s a question we don’t hear being asked: What happens if the good bishops and cardinals at the Synod succeed in overturning the evil plans of “you know who?” I mean, if all the sections in contention are voted down?
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Will the Pope just move on to the next issue? Will the German Cardinals go home and do what they want to do anyway? Will Cardinal Kasper finally shut up?
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A partial answer is, of course, that changes will occur under cover and these miscreants will have their way. But if there is repudiation by actual vote numbers – and the ensuing publicity – what will be their official response?
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While I’m asking rhetorical questions, what will happen if the contentious paragraphs gain 2/3 majority votes? Will the Pope issue a statement to the effect that priests and bishops actually have to change specific practice?
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It’s been pretty easy to do what one wants in each parish and each diocese up to now – who you gonna call when your bishop has gone to the dark side? But what will be the directive coming out of this Synod? Will the Pope actually say the words?
The outcome of the synodal assembly has indeed been predetermined by an issue of nullity. The Catholic Encyclopedia explains how, as follows:
“Of course, the election [as pope] of a heretic, schismatic, or female would be null and void.”
The Remnant Newpaper has a pledge for people to sign – to pray the long form prayer to St Michael, every day till the end of this Synod. The text of the prayer is on the website.
Wuerl doesn’t realize it, but his decades of mendacity have given him a lying voice.
(It’s also shocking to realize how deluded some of were when Wuerl was tasked with taming the horrible Hunthausen in Seattle, 1985-87. We assumed JPII finally was “cleaning up the church.”)
“…Francis Stacks the Deck for the Synod –
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IN: Cupich, Marx, Dolan, Schonborn, Forte, Bode, Bonny, Kasper, Koch, Nichols, Martin, Baldisseri, Pontier, Caffarra, Wuerl, Lovey, Brunin, Danneels, Maradiaga, Tagle, Fernandez, Muller
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OUT: Burke, Lenga, Schneider, Brandmuller, De Paolis…”
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http://www.novusordowatch.org/wire/francis-stacks-the-deck.htm
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“As for how the conflict between the Kasperians and the defenders of tradition might end…” There is no war. They both belong to the VII/N.O. Institution. The “Defenders of Tradition”, aka Burke, Lenga, Schneider, Brandmuller, De Paolis, take their cheque from Bergoglio, and continue to profess this to the same heresiarachs who have exiled Catholic Faith and Worship to ‘domestic proportions’ (Cardinal Pie): “Moreover, I adhere with religious submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act”…there is no war in the N.O. Institution. Just a lot of hard done-by prelates who have a penchant, just like many protestants, for Christian ethics, and Christian tradition.
PS. The profession should truthfully read, “Moreover, I adhere with religious submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Heresiarch or the heretical College of Ecumenical non-Catholic Bishops enunciate when they exercise their revolutionary anti-Church Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act”
Listening to the dulcet, sickening sweet tone of Cdl Wuerl’s statement is a perfect example of a modernist wolf who has the hiss of a slimy snake slithering on its belly as it glides in to destroy fundamental dogma. Let’s face it, since the disaster of Vatican 2, The “New Church” and Modernist Rome has been taken over by an army of occupation comprised of prelates who are stone cold apostates, heretics, and/or homosexuals or any combination thereof.
The fact is that most folks remaining in the “New Church” either don’t know, don’t care, won’t resist and/or agree with the new “pastoral” initiatives to accept the approval of adultery and sodomy i/n/o “Mercy”…without the inconvenience of confession, conversion, penance or “Justice”
Today one can no longer give the standard “Yes” answer to the rhetorical question…”Is the Pope Catholic?”. The current answer is…”couldn’t prove it by me”
The Four Marks:
One, Holy Catholc, Apostolic.
It bears repeating–
The Four Marks of Holy Mother Church, the Bride of Christ are that:
She is One
She is Holy
She is Catholic
She is Apostolic
The Four Marks:
One
Holy
Catholic
Apostolic
With whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration.–James I. 17.
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“Apostolicity is a mark of the true Church of Christ.”
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“The Church of Rome alone is Apostolic:”
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The Apostolicity of the Church:
http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/Apostolic.html
When we pass the magnet detecting departure from (any) of these Four Marks over that new religion borne of VII, that selfsame VII sect sticks to it. Hence, the sect of which Bergoglio is head, now inhabiting diocesan buildings into which Catholicism once brought its Four Marks, is not the Catholic Church.
Now I am not one to spread gossip… since that is terrorism, however just in case you have not seen this, please go to the link.
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http://theradicalcatholic.blogspot.com/2015/09/vortex-of-plagiarism.html
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Nuff said.
“————– since that is terrorism,—–” Heh, !!!!!!!
Michael Voris is radically catholic…..radically novus ordo “catholic”. That is not a good thing!!! He is in schism with True Catholicism. He will stay that way until he is willing to cut ties with his financial supporters. In the meantime, he will stay obedient to a pope who is not obedient to the tenets of the Holy, Roman Catholic Church. He is pathetic!
Here you go: http://www.religionnews.com/2015/09/04/pope-francis-gossiping-is-like-terrorism/
I stand corrected. But you certainly get the message.
yup, i know, dear S.Armaticus,
I’m acknowledging you !
P.S. Is Voris guilty of gossip????
Yes, Catholicity is equivalent to Universality.
Alarico,
You are very gracious. There are more like you on this site than not & I admire you all.
Louie, PLEASE REBUT YOUR FRIEND Michael vORIS, ON VIDEO. He is making a fool out of himself with his attacks against the SSPX. Who is his new financial backer? He obviously has an axe to grind with the SSPX. He is spending a whole week on this crap! Even Karl Keating is out defending the SSPX. What has happened to Michael Voris? Is he trying to block the resistance to the treachery about to take place next month? to the heresies about to take place at the synod of doom? Is he being paid to run interference against those who will stand up against the heresies of bergoglio? what will he say, if the opportunity presents itself, and two gay men walk together to holy communion, and bergoglio, gives them communion? would he still remain silent. this appears to be an orchestrated plan right before part II of the silly synod in rome.
The first image that pops up from the latest SSPX “expose” in Voris’ latest “Boretex” is thoroughly grotesque – an image of the emblem of the SSPX (the Sacred Heart of Jesus joined to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a crown and cross at the top) with a big banner on top with the word SCHISMATIC.
I mean – it almost looks like they are putting the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts on trial here!
Why is Voris “fiddling” with his mental grudge against the SSPX while Rome is burning, consuming millions of flames in the enormous conflagration?
Perhaps he is the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
dear In Hoc– this is a good warning you put forth here, for a Catholic who is trying to maintain custody of the eyes & I thank you for it.
What a tragedy. It seems the statements are a deadly misapplication of St. James warning against the abuse of the tongue (v. James 3:6). St. James followed the words of our Lord (v. Matthew 15:11), but Pope Francis has ….. missed the mark.
It is the devil that brings enmity, lies and envy into the world.
Misere Nobis ,Jesu, et libera nos ab ignibus inferi, maxime eos in maximo periculo.
I couldn’t agree more Jeffklump. I wonder if the Vatican themselves are indirectly sponsoring him to oppose authentic church teaching. They are certainly very frightened of the SSPX!
Keep praying the Rosary daily as requested by Our Lady.
God bless you all.
http://www.novusordowatch.org/wire/tradcast-008-is-here.htm
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In 1968 (2 years after the close of the evil VII and before its evil fruits were manifest), there were 338 marriage annulments United States. Thirty years later, once the fruits of the heretical and evil institution of VII, which exiled the True Church, had come to harvest, in 1998 there were 50,000 annulments – an increase of 14,793%. And when Bergoglio’s VII/N.O. inspired ‘drive-thru’ annulments reach an N.O. parish near you on the 8th of December – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a neat slap in the face to Our Blessed Mother on the part of the wolves in shepherds’ cassocks), the sky is the limit with how ridiculous the N.O. counterfeit has to get before people wake-up.