Most readers here, I presume, have already read the recent Remnant article by Michael Matt wherein he shared a letter that he received from an unidentified priest, “Father Anonymous.” If you haven’t yet had a chance to do so, please check it out.
In the article, Michael informs us:
“Father Anonymous is not a traditionalist, by the way; he offers the New Mass but, like us, is more than merely apprehensive over the direction in which Francis appears to be taking the Church.”
I think this piece of information is rather relevant, but we’ll come back to that in a moment.
Fr. Anonymous makes some bold statements in his letter, saying, among other things, that he experiences “ill-will coming from the Holy See,” and there is “something sinister” about the pope’s actions.
From there, he even goes so far as to say:
When I look into Pope Francis’ eyes I do not see love and compassion, I see vainglory and cunning … All over the world we’re seeing cardinals, archbishops and bishops affirming behaviors which are unequivocally condemned by Popes and Councils in previous centuries. As I listen and watch these events, in my mind, over and over, I hear the phrase, “the smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary.” Could it be that all that is happening is truly the work of Satan?
I feel for this priest and others like him.
For laity like me, the crisis in the Church is a source of unspeakable pain. Being aware of the degree to which the Bride of Christ has been unfaithful to her Divine Spouse over the last half century, thanks to the weak and sinful men who comprise the sacred hierarchy even to the highest places, is a source of true suffering.
And yet, as considerable as that suffering is, I am certain that it is exponentially greater for the priest who has a similar awareness due to his profound configuration to Christ in Holy Orders.
Fr. Anonymous, for his part, is apparently growing in his awareness of just how grave the situation is.
“I’m not ready to affirm that it is [the work of Satan],” he writes, “but in my heart I fear that it may be true.”
Well, forgive me for ratcheting up your fear, Father, but of course it is true.
That the path traveled by the Church from the time of the Council forward is not the work of the Holy Ghost who leads her into all truth is entirely obvious to all but the invincibly ignorant, the diabolically disoriented (stress diabolical), and those whose eyes the Lord has yet to fully open.
Consider, for example, Pope Francis’ direct hand in the shameful proceedings of the Extraordinary Synod, and the lineamenta for the upcoming Ordinary Synod stating that the bishops should “avoid, in their responses, a formulation of pastoral care based simply on an application of doctrine.”
If indeed our leaders are not moving according to the promptings of the Lord, and of course they are not, who then are they following?
There is but one other choice.
Are they following Satan knowingly, such that they are subjectively guilty of forming an alliance with the Evil One?
That is not mine to know, but objectively speaking, nothing could be more obvious.
None of this is especially shocking to readers of this space, much less is it news to readers of the Remnant.
The portion of Father Anonymous’ letter that seems to be getting the most attention, and deservedly so, is the following:
One of my priest friends asked me during a conversation what I would do if the Church does formally approve what it previously formally condemned. I had to confess in all honesty that I’d probably have to leave priestly ministry. He admitted that he’d probably have no choice but to do the same.
This gives rise to a number of thoughts.
First, I have more bad news for Father Anonymous as it relates to “the Church formally approving what it previously formally condemned.”
That ship sailed a long time ago, beginning at Vatican II.
Note, however, that a “formal” approval of formerly condemned propositions, attributable to the actions of sinful men such as at the Council, and a dogmatic approval of the same, which would mean that the Church is not indefectible, are two very different things.
Secondly, while it is encouraging to know that even some “non-traditionalist” priests are having their eyes opened to the crisis at hand, the fact that Fr. Anonymous and his friend can imagine a day when they will “probably have to leave priestly ministry” tells me that these men don’t quite know who they are in Christ.
Not yet, anyway.
By contrast, I offer here some comments recently made by a priest friend who shall remain nameless. Let’s call him Fr. Intrepid.
Fr. Intrepid is a diocesan priest who also sees the crisis at hand and shudders at the sheer gravity of the situation.
In reaction to Fr. Anonymous’ letter, Fr. Intrepid wrote concerning those in the hierarchy who are laboring to subvert doctrine in the name of “pastoral” practice:
What they don’t know is that there are many of us that will work behind the scenes to undo their evil plot to modernize and destroy the Church; many of us who see that the Novus Ordo has to go. Be assured that many of my priest friends are aware and look forward to the next conclave!
Already it may be clear to many of you what distinguishes these men from one another:
Fr. Intrepid celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass regularly.
I am sure he would say that doing so has made him all the more aware of his priestly identity. The idea of running for the hills at a time when the souls in his care are under attack, therefore, is out of the question.
Furthermore, Fr. Itrepid, again, very likely thanks in large measure to his attachment to the Mass of Ages, knows very well that the Novus Ordo Missae is like poison in the Body of Christ; capable of infecting the Catholic faithful with a deadly degree of modernism.
So, Fr. Anonymous, if you are reading this post, please know that while the Lord has chosen to open your eyes, allowing you to see many things for what they are, your journey is just beginning.
You’re not, however, alone.
I’ve lost track of the number of priests I’ve heard from over the years who are also in various stages of traveling that very same road.
As for the possibility of one day leaving priestly ministry – put that thought out of your mind immediately; it comes from the Devil himself.
If you wish, get in touch with me and I will help you connect with other priests in similar situations.
It would seem that you very much need one others fraternal support and counsel, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that we the faithful are counting on all of you to persevere.
He has not left us orphans…
ATLANTIC
AURORA
Jewel of the west
On eastern coast
Atlantic aurora
Our Mother’s boast
The proud are scattered
In conceits of their heart
Blind to Melchisedech’s
Priests thou art
Jewel of the west
On eastern coast
Atlantic aurora
Our Mother’s boast
A light to the Revelation
Of faithful Gentiles
Angels sing canticles
Simeon smiles
Jewel of the west
On eastern coast
Atlantic aurora
Our Mother’s boast
Root of Jesse
Gate of morn
Unworldly womb
The skulkers scorn
Jewel of the west
On eastern coast
Atlantic aurora
Our Mother’s boast
And we your daughters
Comely and fair
A terrible army
Birthing His heir
Jewel of the west
On eastern coast
Atlantic aurora
Our Mother’s boast
For our sons’ inheritance
Roman men toil
A Cathedral of cassocks–
Catholic priesthood all Royal!
— http://tinyurl.com/mpylgy4
We are part of The Passion of the Church. Christ as Head suffered, we as members of His Body are to suffer like Him. The Mystical Body of Christ IS the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church IS the Mystical Body of Christ. Outside of her, there is no salvation. So, Father Anonymous, there is no leaving your priesthood. Where would you go? The fact that we need you so badly is not the point. Your own soul would be compromised.
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The pain, suffering, sorrow, despondency, loneliness, exhaustion, horror, fear – all were Christ’s to bear as Head. But these are ours too, to bear as His Members.
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Father A, we will all pray for you. May Our Dear Lord strengthen you, and Our Lady comfort you.
Leaving the priesthood is not the answer. This is what the modernists want good, holy priests to do. This priest, and the many like him, must become leaders in the counter-revolution. Abandon the false religion of the post-conciliar “church”, join forces with the Traditional (truly Catholic) Church, re-discover your priestly vocation. Lead confused Catholics to their rightful home in the Holy, Roman Catholic Church as founded by Christ Himself, not the man-made, man-centered “religion” of the N.O. mess. Speaking up is not enough—Action, action, action. We need Saints!!!!
March 13, 2013, Francis appeared on the balcony. Remember that. Let’s paraphrase Neil Armstrong: “One small step for a Modernist, one giant step for Modernism.”
The first giant step was, of course, Vatican II. We had to go through a series of conflicted papacies first, before a full fledged Modernist triumphed. It was just a matter of time.
For Fr. Anonymous, perhaps it is time for some virtuous disobedience.
Deliver us, O LORD, from the negligence of the bishops.
Here’s the link to a mission preached by another anonymous priest called The Passion of the Church (referenced above): http://www.audiosancto.org/mission/ThePassionOfTheChurch
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The first 13 minutes, the Introduction, is worth a listen but the whole thing is wonderfully consoling and instructive.
No need for that, Brian. Many priests are trapped in situations where disobedience would lead to disaster – Father Michael Rodriguez comes to mind. Rather this good priest might contact others who suffer as he does, through Louie, or Michael Matt, for some support. He might learn the Traditional Catholic Mass as well, on his own if necessary, and say it often. He might think of asking his Bishop to release him so he could join the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. This could take a long time though as most Bishops are reluctant to let priests go.
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I wonder how many lonely, fearful priests are out there? Maybe a decade of the Rosary just for them?
Fantastic post. I will be sharing this one.
That is a superb blog entry, Louie.
And your response, as well as the response by readers, to Fr.Anonymous dilemma is a truly Christian one.
We need to pray for Father Anonymous and pray for all clergy throughout the Church. And we need to pray for the formation of seminarians too.
As crazy as everything seems IMO this is going to come to some kind of a crescendo in October. If PF and his cabal of jackals actually formally promulgate “heresy” (by any other name) then it’s time to put on your britches, belt and suspenders and man-up. Wimps need not apply. You are either in or out of the OTF. There is no maybe. No dancing. No mental gymnastics. No NADA. Actually, That will be healthy thing for the wolves and jackals will have to show themselves. There will be no place to hide even if your the Pope. Check that..Especially if your the Pope. You can’t spin your way out this type of in your face heresy. The laity should double down and take a page from the liberal radicals. How, you say? Easy. Stay in the Church no matter what and start raising “Holy Hell” aka The traditional version of “Make a Mess”. Use the social media as St Paul would. Organize and ratchet up the pressure of Truth backed up by letting your pocket book do your temporal talking. Target and Stop donations as needed. Money does talk with the “pastoral” chanceries. It will effect their lifestyle. Starve the beast but directly support any priest, bishop or program that actually stands unapologetically with the OTF. Under no circumstances leave the Church. We must stay the course and change it from within…one person at a time no matter how long it takes or the cost. The facade being duped into acting out of a sense of “false obedience” rather than supernatural faith will finally be out in the disinfectant of “sunlight” We play this game on the traditional terms of it’s founder and His Mom…not on the apostate jackals. This fight has been brewing for decades. Let it commence for in the end we know the outcome. We win. Let the games begin so we can end the last 50+ years of novelty, nonsense and apostasy. It’s only our eternal salvation.
As soon as those with vocations face up to the fact that there is a mystical body of the antichrist – as Abp Sheen wrote – that seeks to overshdow the Mystical Body of Christ, and that they must avoid being lured into it at all costs – the better for all. Archbishop Sheen says this counterfeit ‘ape’ church will be emptied of ‘divine content’ -such a thing must start with the priesthood. Montini’s New Order ‘rites’ of ordination – if invalid effectively prevent every would be priest of any sacramental ministry unless he seeks ordination from a Bishop with unadulterated succession. Novus Ordo is trying to mix their religion emptied of divine content with the SSPX as we speak.
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https://damselofthefaith.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/mystical-body-of-the-antichrist/
Dear Louie and all,
We searched the net to get a “feel” for what the non-Traditional Churchmen are saying and doing about problems priests are facing, and found one group in New Orleans, holding seminars for their priests, organized by sociologists along the same lines as the synod–with pre-meeting questionnaires and groupings of priests according to when they were ordained. The classifications all center on VII as the biggest “watershed” moment in recent history.
It’s ineresting to read to gain perspective. We look at the problems and see that going back to what worked is the best solution. They look at them, –even acknowledging that Seminarians going out on weekends with women, and clown Masses, are extremes introduced since VII that helped empty the seminaries–and conclude that going back is NOT the answer, while accepting all their differences of taste in liturgy and clerical life, and coming together in unity, somehow IS.
–The link below talks about 100 priests in the diocese of New Orleans. (Not sure of the year, but it apparently was between 2011 and 2014.http://clarionherald.info/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/2202-priests-of-all-ages-learn-from-each-other
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We need to encourage people like Father Anonymous to find like-minded priests and continue to battle from within. And we need to pray and sacrifice for them. But we also need to be aware of the psychological warfare the N.O. Bishops use on groups of priests and lay people who are directed by sociologists and P.R. people b they hire to conduct these “workshops” and programs designed to eliminate all opposition to VII and it’s “progressive” agendas.
In some of my own darker days I’ve felt that desire(temptation) to withdraw from the field so to speak. But my advice is to resist, undermine, sabotage, ignore the efforts and ethos of the past two years. As “they” resisted even the moderate “conservatism ” of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The Lord has in His inscrutable Providence allowed His Church to suffer even more indignity than before. It would be “nefas” to abandon our post. If we are wrong, God will enlighten us either here or after our death. But in my conscience I believe ( not “feel”) that our task is to stay within the Household of God and fight in even discrete ways for the Faith.
Yes, IF, it’s the “learning from each other” part that is the downfall of this type of sociology. We’re told that we must raise up the thoughts and aspirations of The People of God, and tweak what we do and say accordingly. Just the same for these poor priests.
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Learning from ‘our betters’ as we used to say is the only way. How did holy priests of old conduct themselves? How did Saints conduct themselves? What did they think? What did they say?
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Model myself after them? No way. Each modern must re-invent the wheel, and every morning. What a burden.
Consoling thought, Presbyter. And prayer is the greatest form of action there is. Our Dear Lord prayed with an intensity unmatched, and He did this before every major action, and teaching. A lesson.
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We might pray a decade before opening each blog we follow, to pray for charity, and strength, and that our comments will add something to the learning and/or consolation of others. (Like yours did…)
Spot on Louie.
A priest must be a victim, just like Christ.
Taking one bats and balls and going home is not an option.
Grow a pair, Fr. Anonymous!
And rest assured, you will be in my prayers.
I see two highly problematic statements in this post: Fr. Anon’s regarding leaving the ministry, which seems to be giving up even though he’s a priest forever; The second is where Louie believes his priest friend, Fr. “Intrepid”, “knows” the N.O is “like poison”. I believe that such a simile is extremely dangerous for us to employ. I tried developing a suitable analogy to address this, but instead I found a well developed one here: https://mundabor.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/the-novus-ordo-and-us/ . Anything else I could say would be superfluous.
jacobum…….We need to take on the charism of St. Catherine of Siena. She took on Priests, Bishops and even the Pope. Fact of the matter is, we need to call on her to help us with this ‘catch 22’ they seem to have us in……(key word: ‘seem’) Surely she would be a most powerful ally for the faithful with this Crisis we are in.