“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Mac and me are old enemies when it comes to Pope Francis. I love and admire our Pope. I do not believe our Pope has put a foot wrong. My only concern is the way of his enemies in and out of the Vatican. Pope Francis is constantly misquoted, quoted out of context, accused of heresy and misinterpreted. His latest work is attracting the same. Satan is an extremely powerful being. Even in the prayer to St Michael we ask not for isolated protection from this magnificent archangel but through "the power of God." In the rite of exorcism engagement with evil is kept to a minimum. The identity of the entity is established, it is bound and cast out. Now I am pretty sure Mac is not possessed but for me sticking to the issue of the thread is too much like engaging with the devil☺ I am in danger of being late again. I will have to wait til later in the day to read posts on this site. Good luck with Mac and his ilk. PS I still like Mac. Just in case there is any doubt, I do see the thread as a serious concern. Just trying to lighten up.

 

Great conclusion to your post, MMM!

Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

 

Mac, he speaks everyday at Mass when he deliveries his homilies! I am being well fed by Francis. Quite honestly and perhaps to my shame, who really reads Encylicals! Sure these are helpful and maybe even important but the average in the pew Catholic is not reading them. I do however, read and even watch the short clips of his sermons and I find them very helpful and yes they are challenging at times. Unfortunately, I think Francis is in a very tough spot - he is feeding us, but sone are regurgitating it. Peace.

 

Vatican Summit: Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity. The Moral Dimensions of Climate Change and Sustainable Development

http://www.focolare.org/en/news/201...-dimensioni-morali-dei-cambiamenti-climatici/

24 April 2015
28 April 2015
Organised by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, SDSN and Religions for Peace, the goal of this summit is to raise awareness and build a consensus that the values of sustainable development cohere with values of the leading religious traditions. Maria Voce has been invited to attend.
The summit will have a special focus on the most vulnerable; to elevate the debate on the moral dimensions of protecting the environment in advance of the papal encyclical; and to help build a global movement across all religions for sustainable development and climate change throughout 2015 and beyond.

The desired outcome is a joint statement on the moral and religious imperative of sustainable development, highlighting the intrinsic connection between respect for the environment and respect for people – especially the poor, the excluded, victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, children, and future generations.

PROGRAM

10:30 – 11:00

Welcome by H.E. Msgr. Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo

Chancellor of the PAS

Opening addresses by

Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary General

H.Em. Card. Peter Turkson

President, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

11:00 – 11:15

Brief statements by

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs

Director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Dr. William Vendley

Secretary General of Religions for Peace

President Margaret Archer

Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences

Prof. Veerabhadran Ramanathan

Pontifical Academy of Sciences

11:20 Panel 1: Technical aspects

(evidence on social exclusion and climate science)

12:50 Lunch at Casina Pio IV

14:00 Panel 2: Justice and Responsibility

(leading representatives from the major religions)

15:30 Panel 3: Practical aspects from local to global (proposed solutions and follow up)

17:00 Panel 4: Eliminate Human Trafficking and Resettle its Victims: Next Steps Towards Sustainable Development

18:00 Discussion of joint statement

18:30 Reception and refreshments
http://www.focolare.org/en/news/201...-dimensioni-morali-dei-cambiamenti-climatici/

 

I have not read all the remaining posts on this subject, but I have a theory on why he is writing this encyclical.

One only has to understand that indeed we are in the end-times and with high probability one can conclude from a number of modern day prophets that we are only 4-5 months from ongoing major climate and geographical changes. From prophetic messages coming from heaven one knows many of the initial climatic changes that are forthcoming are man-made because of sin, evil, nuclear and even unintended things like fracking.

Because the Church has a moral obligation to help protect the environment that we live in she is obligated to speak out and warn mankind what the effects of this global change could bring about. Especially since so many innocent humans will be helplessly exiled, killed or injured through man-made disasters upon the near horizon.

When I read messages, like Pedro Regis, Luz de Maria or the messages from the Amazon, they speak of horrible geographic changes in the very near future. Perhaps Holy Father is aware of this and is doing what any good father would do..... warn his children.

 

For sure, if one looks at the environmental disaster left after the collapse of the Soviet bloc, one could concur socialism and communism are more destructive than capitalism. Also look at the pollution of communist China. At least capitalism provides incentives for environmental cleanup. When I grew up in Ohio, Lake Erie caught on fire because of pollution. But now you can eat the fish in Lake Erie. I think the problem is more multinational corporations taking advantage of 3rd world countries who have no environmental policies. These corporations are no longer operating on the economic principles of Adam Smith, but are destructive monopolies that have destroyed all competition. One only has to look at the monopoly of Monsanto and realize the goal is to destroy all competition and innovation from competitors. Recent, lawsuits are starting to expose this agenda of Monsanto. In most socialist or communist countries this would not even be a practical consideration. Also, environmentalism is being touted by the United Nations as a vehicle to implement Agenda 21 and sustainable development, which would destroy national sovereignty and lead to nations probably being governed by the world courts and fine for infractions ie carbon taxes. This Pope pointed out for people to read the Lord of the world. If I recall environmentalism was a vehicle for the antichrist to come to power. Maybe, the Pope is writing about environmentalism to warn us about what will happen if we should approach this topic in the wrong way. After all, we are stewards of this earth. This may be one the last chances for the church to try and stop the formation of this anitchrist enslavement. No wonder maybe, this is why the Pope has the hectic schedule of addressing the UN and the USA before the start of the year of mercy.

 

Member States Object to UN Reproductive Rights Agenda
by Colleen Leahy
Posted on May 7, 2015


The United Nation’s 48th annual Commission on Population and Development concluded April 17 without any adopted resolutions after two weeks of negotiations at UN headquarters in New York City. Participation of many pro-life organizations, including Human Life International, yielded opportunities to promote respect for human life from conception to natural death as delegates discussed plans and recommendations for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The commission’s theme, “Realizing the future we want: integrating population issues into sustainable development,” was in preparation for slated adoption of the United Nation’s post-2015 agenda goals this September. However, no resolutions were agreed upon.

UN meeting held recently in New York City.

Reproductive rights, comprehensive sex education, and access to contraception were controversial topics. Several member states opposed language that promotes sexual and reproductive rights and comprehensive sex education because of their incompatibility with their country’s laws and ethical norms.

Reproductive rights, comprehensive sex education, and access to contraception were controversial topics. Several member states opposed language that promotes sexual and reproductive rights and comprehensive sex education because of their incompatibility with their country’s laws and ethical norms.

full story http://www.hli.org/2015/05/member-states-object-to-un-reproductive-rights-agenda/

 

Feel free to quote me to prove your point, but do not paint me a sedevacantist or a rad trad by associating me with posts others have made or links others have posted. To do so would be grossly dishonest on your part.

That being said, do you also mock our Popes for their concerns over Freemasonry?

Regarding Pope Francis:

Pope Francis: ‘Masonic Lobbies … This Is The Most Serious Problem for Me’​

Regarding Pope Benedict:

Dr. Robert Moynihan, editor and founder of Inside the Vatican, reported the following in an email entitled "What Pope Benedict Fears"

In an article published on the internet in three parts beginning on May 21 and concluding on June 22, the writer Antonio Margheriti Mastino presents what he says are the words and thoughts of Spanish Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, currently the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship in the Vatican.
Among the many interesting statements made in this report, one stands out: the statement that Pope Benedict, who is known to regard Canizares with favor, told Canizares personally meeting that he (Benedict) has three great fears:
(1) The secularization within the Church;
(2) The peaceful invasion of Europe by Islam;
(3) The ever-greater control -- and the next words are within quotation marks, meaning Margheriti Mastino is presenting these words as an exact quotation of what Cardinal Canizares said to him -- "of freemasonry on the cultural level and of the centers of power of the European Union."
​

In your desire to win points of debate, you don't seem to have any scruples about deliberately misrepresenting the person you are debating. I am not a rad trad. I go to a diocesan parish and I am a Faithful, obedient Catholic.

That said, people need to educate themselves on this issue:
Can a Catholic Criticize the Pope?

 

I once read that "Ad hominem is the refuge of scoundrels." Hopefully that's not the case here.

 

I have to admit too I never real read Encyclicals myself , Mike. The my shame I am sure. To be honest the only two I ever read were, 'Pacem in Terris' by St Pope John 23rd and 'Humanae Vitae' (Human Life) by Pope Paul 6th.

I found Pacem in Terris such a beautiful simple document that spoke to my heart...and in fact it has even been set to music. Brought out in a time when we had the horrors of the Cuban Missile crisis.

I read Humnae Vitae inch by inch because I did not believe in it. It took many, many years to accept it after much soul wrestling.

But frankly I find Papal Encyclicals boring and tedious. I find myself nodding off from the very first line. The same for the Letters of my Local Bishops down the years.

I always think we have a duty when we communicate with people to at least try to be a little bit interesting. For it seems to me that to bore people is not only uncharitable, but it shows a certain arrogance.

I just wish people would write simply and be interesting. Look at the posts on this forum for instance. We may not agree but 99....999999 per cent of the posts are simple, down to earth interesting and easily digested.

When Jesus talks in scripture a two year old child could take it in.


I am sorry I am off on a ranting hobby horse again.

 

Wow...first I've heard this! Oh my gosh....scary

 

Attending the secret "shadow council" in Rome a month ago, which was called to promote heterodoxy on marriage and homosexuality at the upcoming October Synod, should disqualify anyone from being appointed an archbishop.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishop-heiner-koch-a-german-delegate-to-family-synod-appointed-berlin-archbishop-41830/

Bishop Heiner Koch, a German delegate to Family Synod, appointed Berlin archbishop

Berlin, Germany, Jun 8, 2015 / 01:37 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican confirmed on Monday, June 8 that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Heiner Koch of Dresden-Meissen as Archbishop of Berlin.

As Archbishop of Berlin, he will shepherd a population of 5.7 million, of whom 407,000 are Catholics. The Berlin archdiocese also has 421 priests and 668 religious.

Bishop Koch was born in 1954 in Duesseldorf, and studied theology in Bonn. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Cologne on his 26th birthday, in 1980.

Bishop Koch, who is 60, served as a parish priest and a youth chaplain, and was on the organizing committee for the 2005 World Youth Day, held in Cologne. In 1996, he was named a monsignor.

In 2006 he was consecrated a bishop, and appointed auxiliary bishop of Cologne. In January 2013, he was made Bishop of Dresden-Meissen.

In 2014, Bishop Koch was appointed by the German bishops conference as chairman of the Commission for Marriage and the Family.

Bishop Koch is also involved in preparations for the Synod on the Family being held in Rome in October, and joins Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising and Bishop Franz-Josef Bode, of Osnabrueck as the bishops who will represent Germany at the synod.

All three delegates are known to support the 'Kasper proposal', which would allow some divorced-and-civilly-remarried Catholics to receive Communion after a period of penance.

According to a list of participants compiled by Edward Pentin and published by the National Catholic Register, Bishop Koch was present at the “Shadow Council” held May 25 at the Pontifical Gregorian University. That meeting aimed to promote “a pastoral opening on issues such as communion for the divorced and remarried, and the pastoral care of homosexuals,” according to one of its participants.

And in a February interview with a German newspaper, Bishop Koch called for changes in the pastoral care of homosexuals, saying that to “portray homosexuality as a sin is hurtful,” adding that the Church “needs a different language when it comes to homosexuals … I know gay couples who value reliability and commitment and live these in an exemplary manner.”

 

Another heretic elevated by the Vatican, this time to the archbishopric of Berlin.

Unbelievable.

 

David,
Did you mean Martin Luther King?

The assasinated African American civil rights activist who was a wonderful God fearing man, if so I agree too!

 

I think very good advice from The Anchoress here. Come down off that ledge

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/theanc...tholic-ledge-for-every-koch-there-is-a-sarah/

 

If someone asks me if I am conservative or liberal (or any other label you want to use), I answer with something similar to this response –
“I am Catholic. I believe what the Church believes, teaches, and proclaims.” Of course, the saints say it even better:

“There are many other things which most properly can keep me in the Catholic Church’s bosom. The unanimity of peoples and nations keeps me here. Her authority, inaugurated in miracles, nourished by hope, augmented by love, and confirmed by her age, keeps me here. The succession of priests, from the very see of the apostle Peter, to whom the Lord, after his resurrection, gave the charge of feeding his sheep [John 21:15–17], up to the present episcopate, keeps me here. And last, the very name Catholic, which, not without reason, belongs to this Church alone.” – St. Augustine

“Do not hold aloof from the Church; for nothing is stronger than the Church. The Church is your hope, your salvation, your refuge. It is higher than the heaven, it is wider than the earth. It never waxes old, but is always in full vigour. Wherefore as significant of its solidity and stability Holy Scripture calls it a mountain: or of its purity a virgin, or of its magnificence a queen; or of its relationship to God a daughter; and to express its productiveness it calls her barren who has borne seven: in fact it employs countless names to represent its nobleness.” – St. John Chrysostom

http://www.aggiecatholicblog.org/2010/06/being-catholic-more-than-liberal-and-conservative/​

 

I find Patheos to be Catholicism lite at times. A bit too lukewarm and comfy, unwilling to take a serious look at what is really transpiring around us.

If the following isn't reason for grave concern, then nothing is:

For Pope's Environment Encyclical, an unusual line-up of presenters for official Vatican press conference, including climate change radical.

The Vatican has just revealed in today's Bollettino the line-up of speakers for the official presentation of the "Environment Encyclical", Laudato Si, on June 18 at the New Synod Hall.

- Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace;


- His Eminence Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church;


- Prof. John Schellnhuber, Founding Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Metropolitan John, 84 years old, is the Patriarchate of Constantinople's leading figure in ecumenical discussions and has long been close to the Catholic ecumenical establishment. However this is the first time that an Orthodox metropolitan would be officially co-presenting a papal Encyclical. There arereports that the Encyclical will draw upon the teaching of Patriarch Bartholomew (whose interest in environmental issues is well known) and that there was even a proposal -- which proved to be "not possible" -- that the Encyclical be jointly promulgated by both the Pope and the Patriarch.

Perhaps of far greater interest to most of our readership would be the presence of Prof. Schellnhuber on the panel. The father of the "two-degree target" to stave off global warming, he is the founding director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany (which is funded by the German government), Chair of the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU), and a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He was one of the experts (alongside Jeffrey Sachs) tapped by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences to write their joint statement on climate change published in April of this year, titled"Climate change and the common good: a statement of the problem and the demand for transformative solutions".

A description of the final document's call for a "zero-carbon world" can be found here; the final published version seems to have been removed from the official website Pontifical Academy of Sciences, but to our knowledge has never been retracted.

In the words of the New York Times, Schellnhuber is "known for his aggressive stance on climate policy" and famously declared in 2009 that the "carrying capacity" of the Earth is less than one billion people.

 

Wonder which 6 billion of the earth inhabitants the Pope's advisor would like to eliminate?

And just how does one interpret the Pope's "three children are enough" and "breeding like rabbits" comments in light of these population control / sustainable development advisers working with him on this encyclical?

 

When did he say 3 children are enough? He told a couple who have 8 children that they should have more.