Sign of Peace in the Mass - Bishops ordered to catechise and regulate abuses

 Parishioners offer each other the Sign of Peace during Mass for the World Day of Peace Wednesday
at Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. (CT Photo/E.L. Hubbard)

The Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments Antonio Cardinal Canizares Llovera (with the approval of Pope Francis on June 7 has issued a letter regarding the Sign of Peace during the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. 

It's all about you and me and we and community: Not!

The Cardinal Prefect's original letter, in Spanish, can be read here.

In the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite the Sign of Peace is only in the Solemn Mass between the Sacred Ministers and can be extended to those in choir, but it is not intended between the people. Prior to the institution of the Missal of Paul VI in 1969 it became "ad experimentum" ad nauseam in the truncated Tridentine liturgy of 1965. It began in earnest, given to the altar boys (I was one) by the priest with clasped hands and then taken by each to the first person in the pew who was to extend it one at a time giving the clear sign that "Peace" only comes from Christ at the Altar. Since then in the Ordinary Form it has become a glad fest of peace signs, waves across the church, noise and total distraction when Christ is present on the Altar (whether they believe it, or not!). I some cases, it even involves groping and kissing. What about Jesus?

For these reasons of distraction, Pope Benedict XVI asked about the possibility of moving it before the Offertory hearkening the words of scripture about making peace before offering a sacrifice which is where it is placed in the Ambrosian Rite. However, this would put it out of context with the traditional liturgy (EF). At as well requiring a structural change in the current Missal. It is interesting that the Prefect has chosen the words "en estos momentos" -- "right now" as far as changing the place in the Mass; leaving our beloved Benedict's option open for some point in the future. The intent is to "moderate the excesses" and limit the "confusion" in the liturgy just before Holy Communion.

The peace is to be short and take place only to those immediate and the priest must not leave the sanctuary -- even in the case of funerals to greet the bereaved.

It is important for priests and all to remember, and this is in the Missal, the GIRM (General Instruction) and this letter, the Sign of Peace is optional.

Peace, yes, but without confusion. Francis adjusts the liturgy

The sign of peace in the Roman Rite of the Mass will remain the same moment in which he is still placed before the distribution of the Eucharist. But it must be corrected the abuses that have registered so far, especially with regard to the confusion that often characterizes this time of the liturgy.

This is the meaning of a letter sent by the Congregation for Divine Worship to the bishops' conferences of the world, which you can read here in its Spanish version:

> "A los señores Obispos ..."

In the letter, signed by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera Prefect and Secretary Archbishop Arthur Roche, it should be noted that the study of this issue was initiated in the course of the Synod on the Eucharist in 2005.

And what is mentioned in paragraph 49 of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation of 2007, "Sacramentum Caritatis," Benedict XVI wrote:

"During the synod of bishops was the appropriateness of greater restraint in this gesture, which can be exaggerated and cause a certain distraction in the assembly just before communion. It is important to remember that nothing is lost when the sign sobriety needed to maintain a climate suitable for celebration, for example by making sure to limit the exchange of peace to those who are closest. "

Pope Joseph Ratzinger was then added in a footnote:

"Taking into account ancient and venerable customs and the wishes expressed by the Synod Fathers, I asked the relevant departments to study the possibility of moving the sign of peace to another place, such as before the presentation of the gifts to the altar. This choice, however, would not fail to elicit a significant reminder of the Lord on the reconciliation required prior to any offer to God. "

Before the offertory is also the time when the peace sign is placed in the Ambrosian liturgy, in force in the diocese of Milan.

The circular, the contents of which have been approved by Pope Francis during an audience granted to Cañizares June 7, explains that - after consultation with the episcopal conferences and after a deep reflection - it was decided to keep the exchange of peace before Communion not to introduce structural changes to the Roman Missal.

At the same time, however, some practical guidelines are given to overcome the drawbacks encountered.

And that is:

1. Should be noted that it is not necessary to invite mechanically every time the faithful to exchange the sign of peace, and then if it is deemed convenient to omit it.

2. Should be noted that the opportunity in the publication of the new edition of the missal going episcopal conferences will change for the better the ways suggested above: for example, from family and profane gestures of greeting gestures more appropriate.

3. This indicates the need for the exchange of peace is to avoid the introduction of a song of peace that does not exist in the Roman rite; the displacement of the faithful from his seat; the abandonment of the altar by the priest to give peace to some of the faithful. In addition, it is recommended to avoid that in certain circumstances - such as the feast of Easter or Christmas, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, ordinations, religious professions, the funeral - the opportunity to give peace be congratulate or to express condolences among those present.

4. The episcopal conferences are invited to prepare liturgical catechesis on the meaning of the rite of peace in the Roman liturgy and proper development in the celebration of mass.

The letter is dated June 8. And the news of its existence was leaked to Spain where he was sent to individual bishops in a letter dated July 28.

Now we will see if and how it will be applied, in Spain and elsewhere.

"I send you out as sheep amongst wolves."

Where is the President of the United States? 

Where is the European Union?

Where is Putin?

Enough!

Where's the love, empathy, kindness? -- Indeed Michael Coren, indeed!

Roberta Flack once asked in a song, "Where is the Love?" My old friend Michael Coren asks the same thing in today's Catholic Register. Unfortunately, he has not asked it of himself.

In his latest diatribe, Michael reveals how thin-skinned he really is. As for this "extreme right wing Catholic blogger," there were months of resistance despite requests to challenge his new found support for so-called same-sex marriage. However, a few weeks ago, his words became so radical that my own conscience could not longer allow me to remain silent.

Michael Coren has made tens of thousands of dollars on Catholics. We have bought his books and appointed him as guest speaker for fees at our events; he was given a vehicle to sell his books and raise his profile. For this, Coren has misrepresented the teachings of the Catholic Church in terms of homosexual lifestyle and has insulted and defamed on social media many Catholics who have gone to him respectfully and in charity to ask him, question him and discuss with him, his positions.

He has become harsh and rude, even publicly insulting and uncharitable.  He retorted to the world that I was nothing more than a "strange man" whom he "feels sorry for" and as someone whom "he tried to befriend." Thank you Michael, but I have everything and need no pity party.

Today, he writes again about his own "change" in thinking and how all Catholics choosing to disagree with him are extremist and even like unto, the "Taliban" though he tries to disguise it by invoking a certain priest that used the phrase.  A more "broken and dysfunctional group" Michael Coren cannot find.

According to Coren, all Catholics hate homosexuals and wish them damned. It is such a preposterous position as to simply be impossible to challenge.

His column is nothing more than a whine and whimper from a man that takes relish in insult and hyperbole to those having the temerity to challenge him. He is obviously less intelligent than he lets on; or he would debate rather than poke fun, insult and defame as he does to others in public. 

He speaks of his closeness to the Saviour as being the reason for his changing views on the homosexual lifestyle, yet he turns his venom on his fellow Catholics. What about all that "love, empathy and kindness,"  eh Michael?

Coren's latest includes the absurd statement that "one particular sexual act is actually fairly rare among gay men and impossible among gay women." Rare, really? Is that why there were hundreds of thousands of Toronto World Pride condoms made and distributed?

Do you really expect us to believe that being gay is about poetry and nice wine and love and wallpaper and his and his towels and nothing else? 

If two people wish to engage in sodomy is it my business? 

They've had the legal right since 1968, to be sure; but Michael, "error has no rights." I have no "right" to sin. The law of God as defined through His Church comes first and as Catholics there is no choice about that. It is not "legalistic" or "hateful" to say it or to have an opinion. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

It becomes my business when what began as a movement to secure "civil rights" and promote "tolerance" now would see my rights for a contrary opinion to be taken away. The gay movement along with most liberalised causes has become fascist in practise. Our culture has been irrevocably changed and not for the better.  Coren has used the same tactics as these liberal fascists right out of Alinsky's Rules for Radicals to target and defame the enemy.

Michael Coren complains that people are writing to the Catholic Register to have him fired and that churches are being urged to cancel his appearances.

Should he be fired? 

That is not up to me; however, if I were the Editor of the Catholic Register, his latest column would have been spiked and he would have been given notice; -- "Michael, if you wish to write in a secular manner then you cannot write for the Catholic Register."

Should Legatus, Una Voce, and various right-to-life groups and parishes cancel his appearances? 

That is up to them but they should look up the word scandal in the Catholic Encylopaedia and they will find their answer. I can tell you that I won't pay him again to speak as I did previously. He has betrayed those that were his greatest supporters. 

His whining and "shock" with those who disagree with him whilst tens of thousands of Catholics have been driven from their homes and murdered is trite and embarrassing. 

Michael Coren is simply, a well-spoken bully.

An old parishioner, now deceased, once advised me, "don't trust that man." 

She was right.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA CONDEMNING RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN IRAQ

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA CONDEMNING RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN IRAQ

   

Ottawa, Ontario

22 July 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement condemning the recent campaign of religious persecution in Iraq:

“Canada condemns the systematic campaign of persecution that is being perpetrated in the city of Mosul, Iraq, by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“Its ultimatum – pay the jizya (tax on non-Muslims), convert, leave the city, or be killed – is the most recent measure aimed at forcing hundreds of thousands of Christians to convert to ISIS’ nefarious brand of Islam.

“Forced conversions, by threat of death, are an egregious violation of the fundamental human right to the freedom of religion.

“The very notion of religious freedom is what ISIS is working to eradicate and what the Iraqi people and the international community cannot surrender.

“Canada calls on the Iraqi Government to govern for all Iraqis, regardless of ethnic origin or religious belief, and to take immediate, effective measures against ISIS and the terrorists that it supports. ISIS’ ever-increasing campaign of violence endangers all individuals who do not share its beliefs, and threatens the very foundations of Iraq’s future as a secure, democratic and prosperous country.”

HT to Toronto Catholic Witness

Just because

Let us all be Nazarenes!

The post below and the photo to the right show the Arabic letter "nun", the first letter of the world Nazarene which has been sprayed on the doors and buildings of homes and businesses of Christians in Mosul. This is reminiscent of the Nazi treatment of Jews in the years leading up to the war when the yellow Star of David was smeared on their businesses and the Jewish people were ordered to wear one. I have chosen, as have thousands of others, to change my Facebook picture to that in the post below as an act of solidarity with our Chaldean Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq and our Syriac brethren in Syria. 

We are witnessing a genocide and the world stands by.

An interesting report follows below of sincere Muslims holding signs; "I am Iraqi; I am Christian" as an act of solidarity, the report even identified the same "nun" on many facebook pages and below as a popular social-media act of solidarity.

You and I can do little directly but we can pray, we must pray; and we can also show our solidarity by this symbol and to show our politicians and these evil perpetrators that we stand with our sisters and brothers but also that we will not be moved.

Are there good Muslims? 

Of course there are, and there are bad Christians.

But, where there are good Muslims, it can only be because of natural law and a sense of justice and truth that is somewhere written upon their hearts in spite of; and not because of their religion. 

Islam's view of God is false, it cannot be otherwise. 

It's founder was a murderer, a child-molester, a thief and warlord. No "prophet" from God would do what he did, nor have put in a book the lies which exist in it (Mahomet himself was illiterate). There was no appearance by the Angel Gabriel and even the so-called prophet, disposed of the Satanic Verses from his own book because he believed that Satan had appeared to him disguised as an angel. Perhaps, he was always disguised as one, eh? 

Truly, we cannot both be right. If Islam is true, then Christianity is a lie. That is how opposed the two are.

Islam denies the revealed truth of the Holy Trinity, the Triune Godhead of FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT: 

"O People of the Scripture! Do not speak lies against Allah, but speak the Truth. That Jesus Christ, son of Mary, was a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not ‘Trinity.’ Desist! It is better for you. For Allah is one God." An-Nisa 4:17

Islam denies the Divinity of Jesus Christ, His Kingship and His Sonship and His equal part of the Godhead.

The Apostle Paul tell us clearly:

"I wonder that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel. Which is not another, only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so now I say again: if any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema." Galations 1:6-9.

The Second Vatican Council document on the Relations of the Church with Non-Christian Religions (Nostra aetate) has this to say about Muslims:

Church regards with esteem also the Moslems who adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself, merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, and has spoken to men take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God point of reference. Jesus whom, indeed, they do not acknowledge Him as God, they revere Him as a prophet, honour Mary, His virgin Mother; sometimes they even call on her with devotion. In addition, look for the day of judgment when God will reward all men raised. From that time, they value the moral life and God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting worship them. 


But if in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and for all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom. P3 Nostra aetate.

Who am I to contradict this document?  Well, we cannot place a non-doctrinal document which was loaded with politics above revealed truth as in Holy Scripture. Reading St. Paul and then reading Nostra aetate, who are we to believe? Clearly, there was a desire to have the Council reject any antisemitism of the past directed towards are "elders brothers in the faith;" but in order to achieve this, there was a negotiation with the Catholic bishops, Latin and Eastern Rite of the Arab countries -- something needed to be said for them living in the midst of the Islamic world. Something else about Nostra aetate? It was the ranked as a "Declaration" not a "Constitution" and does not carry the same weight.  

Not only is Nostra aetate not doctrinal, it is political and it cannot be placed over Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.

There are some that believe that Islam's god is the ancient moon-god of the pagan Arabs, clearly, Mahomet knew this "god" from his own pagan background and he mixed this paganism with what he knew of Judaism from trading with the Jews and what he learnt from Bahira, a heretical Christians monk fused with Arianism and Nestorianism. Bahira was the one that put the poison fruit of false Christianity in the mind of the young "prophet." There can be no doubt as Catholics; we must not call Mahomet anything other than what he is -- an antichrist!

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist cometh, even now there are become many Antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us; but that they may be manifest, that they are not all of us. But you have the unction from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is Antichrist, who denieth the Father, and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. He that confesseth the Son, hath the Father also. As for you, let that which you have heard from the beginning, abide in you. If that abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, you also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. 

1 John 2:18-24

Islam will explain this simply, -- the apostles were liars and there is a mask on the real Jesus.

What we are seeing in all of this violence and bloodshed is in fact, the true Islam.  Islam was founded by the sword and spread by the sword. Mahomet was an antichrist, his book is the same and those who would preach to you that they are not ignorant of history. 

Throughout history, Islam has been the purveyor of death and murder. We are seeing the early centuries of it replayed before our very eyes.

Our governments are impotent because they have no understanding of the Social Kingship of Christ. They cannot deal with this because they cannot understand its roots. 

Our people are suffering and dying. 

Will we at least be strong enough to stand up for them?

God grant us courage and peace.

17th century pulpit, sculpted in wood by Mattheus van Beveren from the Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde, Flanders showing Mahomet and the Koran crushed by two angels. 

I am a Nazarene

As a Christian.

In solidarity with our suffering Christian sisters and brothers of Chaldea, Persia and Antioch.

In condemnation of the demon inspired system called Islam and its murderous, lecherous, deceitful Christ-hating founder Mahomet.

I am a Nazarene!

Francis Speaks, Scalfari Transcribes, Brandmüller Shreds

Pope Francis has again given an interview that has caused consternation.

The official Vatican communications department cannot clarify what he did or did not say.

The reporter may be distorting the facts.

A Cardinal sets all of them straight.

Vatican Radio changes profane web page after being called out

It seems that the culprits at Radio Vatican's German branch have realised their egregious and profane error. Too bad the bishop has not.

For the original, see the post below.

Who are these idiots?

Fire them, Holy Father! 

Out them and get on with it!

Clean up this filth!

Now about that title?

For what it is worth, this is Bishop of Trier, Stephan Ackermann being annointed by a protestant laywoman Lutheran minister.

Vatican communications out of control - "Homosexuality must not be 'cured' " -- Disgraceful picture on Vatican site!

The Vatican carnival continues!

What a filthy disgrace!

Now playing in the Vatican City State

Silly you; you thought he said that the "carnival" was over.

What he really said was that it had just "begun!"

Having fun yet?

Thank you Papa Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger!

On this blessed day, let us remember seven years ago on July 7, 2007 and what our beloved Pope, Benedict XVI did for us!

Personally, this is what he did for me (below)! This rite was my right and I did not have to beg or grovel before any bishop to be denied it as as I had to do for my mother's funeral, which was denied because they could not be "disturbed" due to the CCCB plenary.  

Thank you Lord for Papa Joseph Ratzinger, may you be consoled and know how much you are loved and missed.

Never again will we allow our "rite" to be taken away.

Never again.

Coren's quotes

A tip of the hat to J.D. for these links:

First from Catholic Insight:

“A first column for a new year for a Roman Catholic magazine. Let’s ask a few basic questions about what it means to be Catholic, because as much as it pains me to admit it, a lot of alleged members of the Church seem to be absolutely bewildered. My opinion, by the way, is irrelevant here. It’s Church teaching that matters, not how any of us feel or think on one day or another.” 

“Look, it comes down to this. If you wish to live as a Christian but reject the authority of the Catholic Church, have the courage and integrity to leave the Church and become a Protestant—where, I assure, you will find something else to complain about and reject, so you can go to another Protestant church, and then another.”

“Nobody has to be a Catholic, unless you are a Catholic. Then, sorry, you have no choice. There is no such thing as a Kennedy Catholic, a Dalton McGuinty Catholic, a cafeteria Catholic. It’s Catholic, or not.”

“This year may be one of the most challenging and pivotal for Canadian Roman Catholics. We are likely to lose more of those who like to select which parts of the Church please them. We’ll lose those not committed to human life, those not glued to the cross, those not convinced that a Papacy that has never taught heresy in 2000 years can be trusted.”

“We will also witness more attacks from federal and provincial politicians, the increasing triumphalism of sexual minorities, and more aggression from organized atheism. But we will also gather more converts from failing Protestantism, and more committed young people: briefly, more and better and real Catholics. It is never easy, but more exciting and rewarding than ever.”

From the Catholic Register:

“In mid-October I was part of a panel at a Toronto university discussing how the world views the Church. It was all pretty good stuff with some faithful and successful Catholic writers on the platform. The academic present, however, was not known to me. But her views were. Not that I had ever heard of the woman before; what I mean is that her opinions on Catholicism were entirely typical of an attitude that has caused colossal damage to the Church in recent years. While discussing abortion, for example, she said that there were “gradations” within Catholicism and implied that supporting the rights of the unborn or promoting their slaughter were various and valid Roman Catholic positions.”

“You can have all sorts of opinions on all sorts of subjects but the fundamentals of Catholicism are just that and if you reject them you are not a Catholic in good standing.”

“Selfishness and fad posing as Catholicism is becoming less common and has been exposed as the intellectual and theological fraud that it is.”

“He (Raymond Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura) made it abundantly clear that the “hypocrisy” of those who claim to hold personal Catholic beliefs but publicly support same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia is unacceptable. Speaking of pro-choice and pro-same-sex marriage politicians, business people and doctors he continued, “It is not possible to be a practising Catholic and conduct oneself publicly in this manner” and “When a person has culpably espoused and co-operated in gravely sinful acts, leading many into error and confusion over fundamental questions regarding respect for life and integrity of marriage and family, his repentance of such actions must also be public.”

“Thank God for Archbishop Burke, thank God for the Church, thank God for His Son who gave it to us and thank God it is never too late to say sorry and get it right.”

Your words Michael, not mine.

Recommended reading at Toronto Catholic Witness: "Michael Coren and the inconvenient Catechism of the Catholic Church."

Coren and the truth

Dear Michael,

Thank you for the "Tweet"; it will drive many readers to my site and I am sure that it will result in a lot of hate mail.

As I wrote to TH2, I've long resisted commenting on this because of our friendship and fraternity. However, my conscience can no longer allow it. It is one thing to have a private opinion and dissent on the truth, it is quite another to make it public and at the same time continue to attest to be Catholic. Your latest column directly contradicts the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You have determined that you have a right to publicly dissent and I have a right, as do others in your parish, to call you out with fraternal correction.

Taking advantage of goodwill

It boggles my mind how you could write the books which you have and take the funds of charities to speak at our meetings ( as you have with the one in which I am President ) and then turn around and create a public scandal and distort the teachings of the Church. You have made money on Catholics and now that your public writing and broadcasting has caused the cancellation of appearances, you lash out. What did you expect?

Saul Alinsky tactics

You can opine that because one wishes to follow the true teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and its Catechism they must be hateful but that is a lie and you, my erudite friend, know this. I hate no individual and criticism of your public scandal does not equate with the "haters coming out" as you so arrogantly state the Arena and in social media. You are using Alinsky's tactics and you should know better.

You've chastised people in your own parish because they've actually had the temerity to disagree with you, whilst agreeing with the Church. You silence those who disagree with you and insult them publicly in response on social media. 

The difference is you are a Catholic and profit from it!

If you were a protestant, atheist or secularist and undertook what you've done in the last few months, I would disagree with you but I would ignore you and what you've written, but this is not the case. You are a Catholic and have made that well known. You have created a public scandal in its truest definition and it deserves a public response. You have earned money off of Catholics and their charities and you have taken a public position opposed to Catholic beliefs. 

The link with the murder of Emanuel Jacques is, in fact, very relevant in the larger picture; just as the abuse of  boys by priests that were ebophiles and pederasts is relevant. It is all part of the whole realm of a loss of the sense of sin and the reality of evil. The "acceptance" of so-called, same-sex marriage, the public displays of nudity, the endorsement of that which is against the Church is a grave matter for a Catholic. You have chosen a wrong road.

You simply cannot expect Catholics to sit by and say nothing, whilst you distort teaching and make money on us.

Michael, your friends care about you and regret that you have taken such a public position over the last few months that is distorting the Church's teaching. People are keeping you and your family in prayer.

Be well my friend,

Vox

Michael Coren‏@michaelcoren

This is the sort of thing I face. Someone using the murder of a child to attack my views on gay people: http://voxcantor.blogspot.ca/2014/06/the-scandalising-of-little-ones.html … #pride2014

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3:03 AM - 30 Jun 2014

1. Darren ‏@Purdy890321  6h

   @michaelcoren Apparently they forgot that Jesus also taught forgiveness, mercy, love, above laws. There are no levels to sin.

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2. Mark Ferro ‏@MrSteel79  5h

   @michaelcoren one event to stereotype an entire segment of society?! Why do they care how others live. I guess they are perfect

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3. Dave Dawkins ‏@DawkinsDave  4h

   @michaelcoren No worries, Michael. Religious fanaticism and hateful intolerance plague all faiths. Reasoning with them is pointless.

The Scandalising of Little Ones

Our Toronto blogging Barona, at Toronto Catholic Witness exposes a raw event in this City's history and has reminded us of a great tragedy that has been all but forgotten, the sodomy, rape and murder of a little boy of twelve years. A boy of an impoverished family from Azores helping to make ends meet in a new place; even this little boy was helping his family by shining shoes.

For the last ten days, culminating today, a world event is taking place in this City; I will not name its name. In my own neighbourhood, 12 kilometers from downtown, the poles are decorated with rainbows, some businesses (which will now be boycotted) are flying pennants and one youth centre has posted in its windows rainbow art made by children -- children no doubt around the age of the child pictured below. Today a parade will wind it's way past the place where the little Martyr of Yonge Street was murdered and nobody there will know, let alone care. 

In this same City of Toronto, a friend and prominent Catholic writer and media personality has written, this very day on his Facebook:

"Nobody believes the story of Sodom refers to consensual homosexuality any more and Jesus never mentions the subject. He does, however, repeatedly condemn judging others and - oh yes divorce. Quite a lot of both in Christian circles these days. (St) Paul's writing may well refer to the use of young boys by adult heterosexual men and not adult, gay partnerships. Thing is, we need to discuss all this and not just smugly point fingers."

My friend is wrong and he needs to be corrected. He has been upsetting a lot of  Catholics lately. He is creating scandal in public by its very definition and is distorting the truth and the Catechism. He has bought into and is promoting an agenda by suggesting that the sin of Sodom was a lack of hospitality.

This is a lie! 

The sin of Sodom was exactly what it was, the oral and anal rape of young men by older men. They were not "heterosexuals" because there was no word "homosexual" until 100 years ago from which to distinguish it. It was a grotesque evil, it was sinful and it was and remains an "abomination" that cries out to God for justice. Our Blessed Lord did not use the word "homosexual" because the word did not exist. He condemned sodomy because He condemned Sodom in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit when Sodom was destroyed by God. He condemned sodomy and what it entails when he condemned sin, many times. He commanded us not judge the person's soul which is His alone to do; he did not tell us to not call sin, sin or evil, evil and to say otherwise is to call Jesus a liar. Those who would believe such things have fallen for the Father of Lies who was a "murderer from the beginning."

Last night, some friends were over for dinner and they brought me a little book on Our Lady of Good Success. Given my other friend's national and international influence, this quote from our Blessed Mother to Sister Mariana in 1594 at Quito, Ecuador is most appropriate. Please note that Our Lady specifically told Sister Mariana that she was speaking of our time, not Sister's:

"Wealthy and powerful Catholics will stand by and witness the oppression of the Church, the persecution of virtue, and the triumph of evil without employing their resources to oppose evil and restore the Faith."

It is one thing for "wealthy and prominent Catholics" to stand by, but to engage in it -- the "persecution of virtue" and the acceptance of "evil"? Do we know need to include my friend with Justin Trudeau, Nancy Pelosi and the Kennedy clan amongst so many others?

Love of and respect for the individual human person are one thing friend but to support this "abomination" in God's eyes and what has become fascist tyranny is quite another. This distortion of Catholic truth must be corrected and on this day, when the "world" emboldened by its prince celebrates its "pride," the source of all sin, let us take a moment and remember this little boy.

Emanuel Jacques