Pope Benedict on Religious Liberty

The Holy Father just finished his address to the United Nations General Assembly. My friends we need to take this to heart. Don’t let the secularists shut you up.

It is inconceivable, then, that believers should have to suppress a part of themselves - their faith - in order to be active citizens. It should never be necessary to deny God in order to enjoy one’s rights. The rights associated with religion are all the more in need of protection if they are considered to clash with a prevailing secular ideology or with majority religious positions of an exclusive nature. The full guarantee of religious liberty cannot be limited to the free exercise of worship, but has to give due consideration to the public dimension of religion, and hence to the possibility of believers playing their part in building the social order. Indeed, they actually do so, for example through their influential and generous involvement in a vast network of initiatives which extend from Universities, scientific institutions and schools to health care agencies and charitable organizations in the service of the poorest and most marginalized. Refusal to recognize the contribution to society that is rooted in the religious dimension and in the quest for the Absolute - by its nature, expressing communion between persons - would effectively privilege an individualistic approach, and would fragment the unity of the person.

The Spirit of Chivarly in Action

Hartford Courant photo by Shana Surek, 7/26/07

Peter Wolfgang, the executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut will be at our Holy Hour tomorrow night (Thursday, April 17) and after will speak about his work. We have always conceived the spirit of the Knights of Lepanto to be one of both prayer and action, and this spirit is exemplified by Peter and his colleague Larry Taffner.

Many of us know and appreciate the work FIC does, because we know how hard the anti-family and anti-life forces work to undermine traditional values, and we also know that without FIC, those forces would have been far more successful than they have been up to now.

Anyone who has spent even a modicum of time at the capital in Hartford knows how the same-sex marriage lobbyists walk around the State House as if they run the place and yet their schemes have been so often thwarted by the persistent efforts of just a couple of guys at FIC who keep up the fight everyday, while the rest of us show up now and again for the easy stuff. The efforts of those who donate, or show up at rallies and lobbying days, who volunteer to stuff envelopes and flood the legislature phone boards with calls to their legislators are not to be minimized; however, few of us realize how quickly Connecticut would be overrun by those who hate our values if it weren’t for a couple of guys that just won’t quit.

The fact is that the day to day work on the ground, in the State House and in the midst of enemies is being done by a couple of guys who bear up under the weight and keep going. This is a real knighthood, where men of honor do the right thing, no matter what the cost in the face of hopeless odds and push forward.

I really am urging the guys local to Connecticut to make the effort to come and pray with us during the holy hour and to hear Peter speak afterward. He really needs your prayer and support.

MaryVictrix News: Holy Hour, Catholic Action and KL Formation

Several things or going on this week. First of all, I am on my way up to our friary in Maine NY, Mount St. Francis to visit our friars there before my trip to Rome during the first part of May. I will be there for our general chapter, which will conclude on Pentecost. Please pray for our community during this important time.

I will be back for the Third Thursday Night Holy Hour for the Fathers of our Families (program). This will be the third holy hour of the novena which will conclude in October just before the presidential election.

I have long encouraged the Knights of Lepanto to engage in Catholic action and our Third Thursday Meetings have been oriented in that direction. It is, however, far more important to pray and I have not wanted to neglect this. Hence the novena.

This particular month, I have invited Peter Wolfgang of the Family Institute of Connecticut to speak following the holy. I will be putting up a post shortly on the work of Peter at FIC. I am inviting all local men to come and learn more about how you can help to protect marriage and family life in Connecticut.

Thirdly, on Saturday, April 19 I will be directing a day of recollection at the friary for the Knights of Lepanto, specifically for all the first year members who are in need of their basic formation. This is open to all those who are formal MIM members and who attend the Knights’ meetings, including those who have already finished the first year formation and would like to review or just attend for their spiritual benefit.

We are planning on an early day, so that the whole Saturday is not shot for the guys who have stuff to do around the house. WE BEGIN AT 8:30 AM.

Here are the topics I will be covering on Saturday:

1. What is the group, The Knights of Lepanto? (Article 1 and 2, KL Directory)

• History
• The Name
• Nature and Purpose

2. Is there such a Thing as Catholic Masculinity?

• The Problem within the Family and the Church
• The Fatherhood of God
• Reclaiming Masculinity and Fatherhood

3. Do Grown Men Need Our Lady?

• The Imitation of Christ
• Mary and the Church
• Motherhood and Femininity

The Oprahfication of Gender Identity

I debated whether I would say anything at all about this and just decided that I must. St. Paul makes a rather paradoxical statement in regard to the discussion among Christians of the sin of impurity:

But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. . . . Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light (Ephes. 5:3, 11-13).

Several times in this passage he says not to even name or mention the shameful deeds of impurity, but on the other hand he also commands the followers of Jesus to expose such deeds to the light. Perhaps the explanation is this: when such sins are committed in secret, we should not bring the scandal to light, but when they flagrantly committed before all to see, then it is necessary to overcome the scandal already given. Thus this post.

When I heard about the “pregnant man” my inclination was to leave well enough alone. But since the issue has been “Oprahfied,” and spread to the four winds, I figure its time to say something. It is also an issue appropos to this blog, as gender identity must be presumed if it is at all possible to speak of masculinity and femininity.

Political Theology

The Master speaks:

I don’t think it [a same-sex union] should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state,” said Obama. “If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans.

He is jokingly being referred to as the Messiah. Or is it a joke? Or is he something else? Lord of the World comes to mind:

“Towards the close of the fourth verse, a figure in a plain dark suit was observed ascending the steps of the platform. For a moment this attracted no attention, but when it was seen that a sudden movement had broken out among the delegates, the singing began to falter; and it ceased altogether as the figure, after a slight inclination to right and left, passed up the further steps that led to the rostrum. Then occurred a curious incident. The organist aloft at first did not seem to understand, and continued playing, but a sound broke out from the crowd resembling a kind of groan, and instantly he ceased. But no cheering followed. Instead a profound silence dominated in an instant the huge throng; this, by some strange magnetism, communicated itself to those without the building, and when Mr. FELSENBURGH uttered his first words, it was in a stillness that was like a living thing. We leave the explanation of this phenomenon to the expert in psychology.

“Of his actual words we have nothing to say. So far as we are aware no reporter made notes at the moment; but the speech, delivered in Esperanto, was a very simple one, and very short. It consisted of a brief announcement of the great fact of Universal Brotherhood, a congratulation to all who were yet alive to witness this consummation of history; and, at the end, an ascription of praise to that Spirit of the World whose incarnation was now accomplished.

“So much we can say; but we can say nothing as to the impression of the personality who stood there. In appearance the man seemed to be about thirty-three years of age, clean-shaven, upright, with white hair and dark eyes and brows; he stood motionless with his hands on the rail, he made but one gesture that drew a kind of sob from the crowd, he spoke these words slowly, distinctly, and in a clear voice; then he stood waiting.

“There was no response but a sigh which sounded in the ears of at least one who heard it as if the whole world drew breath for the first time; and then that strange heart-shaking silence fell again. Many were weeping silently, the lips of thousands moved without a sound, and all faces were turned to that simple figure, as if the hope of every soul were centred there. So, if we may believe it, the eyes of many, centuries ago, were turned on one known now to history as JESUS OF NAZARETH (Book II, chapter 1).

Never mind that the Sermon on the Mount says little–oh yes, actually NOTHING–about homosexuality, but of course the Messiah need not explain his use of Scripture. Never mind that the first chapter of Romans is only obscure to someone who has not read St. Paul, after all, he’s the Messiah. Sigh . . .

When Our Lord referred to his followers as His sheep, it was no compliment. Anyone who has been around sheep knows that they are really, really dumb. Fortunately, Our Lord is the Good Shepherd. One who fools with Sacred Scripture has not entered by the gate but is a “thief or robber” or worse. Hopefully, the sheep are at least smart enough to recognize the true Shepherd’s voice.

Dangerous Dad

David Parker is a man’s man, a go-getter and a defender of the innocence of his children. He has not counted the cost, but has gone to the ends of the earth to make sure that the pro-gay marriage, homosexual teachers in Massachusetts don’t have the right to indoctrinate children in public schools into the homosexual lifestyle.

If you doubt that the morals of children are being corrupted via the gay lifestyle by homosexual teachers in Massachusetts where same-sex marriage is legal, then let me attest to the fact that it is happening. Teachers are instructing young children in the mechanics of homosexual acts. I would be happy to provide evidence of the fact to anyone interested. I will not post the link here, as sometimes young people frequent this blog.

Here is part of the article linked to above about David Parker’s plight:

A Massachusetts father who was handcuffed and arrested after objecting to teachers and school managers indoctrinating his 5-year-old son in the homosexual lifestyle will be appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn his case because of the “national significance” of the precedent.

“[Unless the case is overturned,] it now would allow teachers in elementary schools to influence children into any views they wanted to, behind the backs of parents, to a captive audience, and against the will of the parents if need be,” David Parker told WND.

Men at Arms Unite at HolyLeague.org

Update Added

Here is the announcement as I promised.

Father Rick Heilman, founder of the Knights of Divine Mercy has been in touch with many Catholic men’s organizations, trying to band together a New Holy League in order to protect the public order by praying a nine month rosary novena preparation for the national election. MaryVictrix is privileged to be counted among the League, and you will find Radix with Doug Barry enlisted as well. Father Heilman was kind enough to post The Spirit of Lepanto post as an explanation of the spirit of this New Holy League.

I urge all the Knights of Lepanto and all men at arms who read MaryVictrix to go to HolyLeague.org, join the league and pray the rosary novena. I am posting below, Fr. Heilman’s launch announcement.

Update: Join the Holy League by clicking on the membership tab and sign up.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Now is the Time! Christ put it this way, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

On the eve of Super Tuesday, and exactly nine months from election day, the sense of urgency could not be greater.

I am asking all men who truly believe that “nothing is impossible with God,” to join me, in this critical election year, to reclaim surrendered ground from the culture of death.

This clarion call is not for those who are too absorbed in their own lives, or for those who have long since lost the belief in answered prayer. This is for those who have been waiting for just such a campaign that asks them be a part of something so important … possibly the most important thing.

Here it is, quite simply …

Drawing inspiration from the epic Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which called on all Catholic warriors and knights to band together to form an armada to combat spiritual error and fight for Truth. This faithful remnant was dubbed “The Holy League.”

In the Spirit of Lepanto, we are compelled to re-ignite the warrior spirit in all of us and take a stand against the mighty forces of spiritual error and the dictatorship of moral relativism. Do I have your attention? Good!!

The battle today is a spiritual warfare and is fought, by and large, on our knees. Please go to this brand new website, launched just today, and join ranks with the new armada of life as we gather the warriors and knights once again to form the new “Holy League” for today. We are appealing to every catholic man and every Catholic men’s apostolate and organization with this clarion call to join ranks in this new “Holy League.” Don’t be found outside looking in … stand up and be counted!

The story of Lepanto, the prayer campaign, the weapons of spiritual warfare … it’s all there on this exciting new website.

Please join, and please do all you can to spread the message of this clarion call to join the “Holy League.”

Domino Gloria!

Fr. Rick Heilman

Major Election Announcement for Men

No, I am not running for president. Against the Rule of St. Francis.

Tomorrow, Monday, February 4 at sundown, an eminent league of Catholic men’s organizations, banded at the behest of one fine inspired priest, will announce a nine month novena of Rosaries for a favorable outcome of our national elections, one that will bring about a greater respect for human life.

Stay tuned. I will post a link to a website created for this purpose. I am asking all Knights of Lepanto, near and far, to participate.

Empty the armories. Clean and load your Rosaries.

This will correspond nicely to our Novena of Holy Hours.

Marian Chivalry and a Pro-Life Judge

Judge Andrew Napolitano has recently written a book, A Nation of Sheep, in which he “frankly discusses how the federal government has circumvented the Constitution and is systematically dismantling the rights and freedoms that are the foundation of American democracy.” Sound’s like a good read.

More interestingly though is his recent interview with Celebrate Life Magazine, in which he manifests a very bold pro-life perspective. Most interesting is the end of the interview where predictably and wisely commends the pro-life leadership provided by women. Surprising, at least for me, is who tells us his favorite pro-life leader is:

On that note, Judge Napolitano’s favorite pro-life leader is a woman. He explained, “I say that because it’s politically wise and because the Church teaches that we should go to our Lady, the Blessed Mother. Not a Mass should be said without reference to her. Not a war should be waged, not a prayer should be uttered, not a contact should be sought without her assistance.

That pretty much elicites a “wow!” from me. He states himself simply without explanation, but his words say volumes. I have scattered a lot of ones and zeros across cyberspace trying to get across this very important Catholic male intuition. The Judge must have had a pretty traditional Italian upbringing. This certainly is my choice for “quote of the year,” so far. Let’s scatter those digits one more time:

Not a Mass should be said without reference to her. Not a war should be waged, not a prayer should be uttered, not a contact should be sought without her assistance.

Get that through your heads gentlemen. Memorize it. Engrave it on your hearts. Keep it by your side, as a sword, and let it guide you by day and by night.

Thanks to an Other Mary for the lead on this one.

Who is Like Unto God?

Times are tough. Our enemies are relentless. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this darkness, against the spirits wickedness in the high places (Ep. 6-12).

I hate to say it, but emergency contraception has been dispensed in Catholic hospitals for years. The 1995 Peoria protocol was instituted to actually tighten up the reins. The horse is in Mexico by now, and we are just noticing that the barn is empty.

Tomorrow is the Feast of St. Michael. We will be celebrating a Mass from the Missal of John XXIII, Missa Cantata at 7:00 pm in Griswold. Who is like God? No one. Even so, the most God-like creature ever was told to expect miracles, because no word shall be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Oremus.

It is time to invoke the Holy Angels and to fast. That would be a manly thing to do.

Robert Hugh Benson (d. 1914) was the son of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and brother to E. F. Benson the novelist and author of many great ghost stories. Robert Hugh converted to Catholicism and was ordained a priest. In his own right became an eminent literary man of the Catholic persuasion.

One of his best known works is Lord of the World. It is a story about what would happen if the principles of secularism were to gain the upper hand over religion, specifically over the Roman Catholic Church. Benson, writing in 1908, shows himself a prophet.

On February 8, 1992, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger spoke at the Catholic University of Milan. There he recalled Robert Hugh Benson’s little masterpiece in the context of discussing current predicaments. He said it described “a similar unified civilization and its power to destroy the spirit. The anti-Christ is represented as the great carrier of peace in a similar new world order.” So here we are.

In the book, one of the secularists who has been completely indoctrinated by the Anti-Christ, Felsenburgh, ruminates on the “wickedness” of Catholic belief and its effect on the public order:

But the very essence of the Catholic Religion was treason to the very idea of man. Christians directed their homage to a supposed supernatural Being who was not only–so they claimed–outside of the world but positively transcended it. Christians, then–leaving aside the mad fable of the Incarnation, which might very well be suffered to die of its own folly–deliberately severed themselves from that Body of which by human generation they had been made members. They were as mortified limbs yielding themselves to the domination of an outside force other than that which was their only life, and by that very act imperilled the entire Body. This madness, then, was the one crime which still deserved the name. Murder, theft, rape, even anarchy itself, were as trifling faults compared to this monstrous sin, for while these injured indeed the Body they did not strike at its heart–individuals suffered; but the very Life was not struck at. But in Christianity there was a poison actually deadly. Every cell that became infected with it was infected in that very fibre that bound it to the spring of life. This, and this alone, was the supreme crime of High Treason against man–and nothing but completed removal from the world could be an adequate remedy.

We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now (1 Corinthians 4:13). So what else is new. I am serious about the fasting. Think about it.