Sacred Tradition & Sacred Scripture…EQUAL?

Q. The quote I am posting below proves that the R.C. church teaches equality between scripture and the catechism.

The Documents of Vatican II

Hence there exist a close connection and communication between Sacred tradition and sacred Scripture. For
both of them, flowing from the same divine wellspring, in a certain way merge into a Unity and tend toward the
same end. For sacred Scripture is theWord of God inasmuch as it is consigned to writing under the inspiration
of the divine Spirit. To the successors of the apostles, sacred tradition hands on in its full purity God’s word,
which was Entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit . . . Consequently, it is not from
sacred Scripture alone That the Church draws her certainty about everything which has Been revealed.
Therefore both sacred tradition and sacred Scripture are to be accepted and venerated with the same sense of
Devotion and reverence. Sacred tradition and sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God,
which is committed to the church (p.117).

The Question and Answer Catholic Catechism

59. Where do we find the truths revealed by God?
We find the truths revealed by God in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

60. How does Sacred Scripture compare with Sacred Tradition?
Both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are the inspired word of God, and both are forms of divine
revelation. Sacred Scripture is divinely inspired writing, whereas Sacred Tradition is the unwritten word of
inspired persons.

89. Why is Sacred Tradition of equal authority with the Bible?
The Bible and Sacred Tradition are of equal authority because they are equally the word of God’ both derive
from the inspired vision of the ancient prophets, and especially from the infinite wisdom of God incarnate who
gave to the apostles what he came down on earth to teach, through them, to all of mankind.

A. I do not deny that they are of equal authority. But, many imagine that because of the equality of Scripture and Tradition, Catholic doctrine could be almost anything. And that the Catholic Church therefore, ends up with all kinds of Doctrines diametrically opposed to Sacred Scripture. But that is NOT how it works. The beliefs of the the Church existed FIRST. Scripture and the Teaching of the Apostles or Sacred Tradition are cited to support these doctrines.

Jesus—>Christian Faith—> Authentic Apostolic Teaching—>Oral and Written =Tradition and Scripture

And I can assure you NOTHING that the Church believes contradicts one thing in Sacred Scripture.

It is the BELIEFS of Protestants and their INTERPRETATION of scripture that contradicts Catholic Doctrine.

The reason for this is that both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition were DERIVED out of the FAITH and the CHURCH founded by Jesus Christ. So, the Bible does not contradict Catholic Doctrine and Catholic Doctrine does not contradict the Bible.

The only thing that contradicts Catholic Doctrine are Protestant Doctrines derived from various interpretations of Sacred Scripture 1500-2000 years after they were written.

Q. How do you relate John 21:25 to oral teachings?

A. John 21:25

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

The reason for citing this verse is to point out that Jesus did and said many, many things that did not get written down in John’s Gospel or even the rest of the NT. For instance, all that Jesus explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Now Protestants will just say “We don’t need anything more than what was canonized.” But Catholics would disagree saying that the fullness of the Faith did not get written into the Canon of Scripture. Nothing in scripture says Scripture is enough. Therefore, this passage in John shows that there is nothing wrong with accepting unwritten teachings of the apostles which we call TRADITION. Traditions of men is something completely different. And St. Paul even exhorts the Thessalonians to hold firmly to what he taught them, both written and ORAL.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Q. What about 2 Thess. 2:15? Remember scripture backs scripture.

A. I agree.

Q. Oral traditions get lost over time, but the written word of God has withstood time and persecution.

A. I would have to say the same thing about the Catholic Faith. Where in scripture does it teach that oral traditions get lost over time? I would contend that the Oral teachings of the Church were eventually written down and God has by HIS power protected and preserved the TRUTH within the One,Holy,Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Q. How can you possibly follow “oral” traditions handed down over 2000 years ago?

A. I believe that God protected the purity of the Faith handed on by word of mouth just as St. Paul taught in Scripture. You believe in the inspiration of the Old Testament don’t you? Moses wrote down the first five books of the OT. The events he recorded were thousands of years before his time. We both believe that God safeguarded the truth to Moses several thousand years later. While on the other hand Sacred Tradition began to be written down within one hundred years after Christ’s resurrection. We reject any and all writings, no matter how old they are if they do not align with scripture and the Faith as always believed and taught. I am sure you believe God could have done this. The question you must decide is, “Did He?”

Muslims are Easily Confused-Update

While Malaysia has backed down from its requirement that the  Herald, in its Malay edition refrain from use of the word Allah to refer to any god but the Muslim god, on the ground that Muslims might get confused, Christians may now only use the word Allah if they clearly state that the material is for use by Christians.

The word Allah predates Islam and has a history of hundreds of years of use in Malaysia to mean God, generally. Its use should not be restricted and Christians should not be required to issue disclaimers about use of the word.

If Muslims are that easily confused, it’s no wonder that people have to be forced to remain Muslims; they might easily go to the market and return home as adherents to another faith. To me, requiring a disclaimer reinforces possible confusion.

What are Muslims afraid of? Truth?

Blessed Tymoteusz Trojanowski, February 28

Blessed Tymoteusz Trojanowski Religious and Martyr

Sadlowo, Plock, 29 July 1908 – Oswiecim, 28 February 1942

Roman Martyrology: In the Auschwitz death camp near Krakow in Poland, Blessed Timoteusz Trojanowski, a Brother of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and martyr, who, during the domination of his homeland under a regime hostile to humanity and religion, exhausted by tortures suffered for confessing his Christian faith, brought to fruition his martyrdom.

Saint Gabriel Possenti, February 27

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Religious
Assisi, March 10, 1838 – Isola del Gran Sasso, February 27, 1862

Francesco Possenti was born in Assisi in 1838. He lost his mother at age four. He went on frequent trips with his father, Governor of the Papal States, and his brothers. They settled in Spoleto, where Francis attended the Christian Brothers and Jesuit schools. At 18 he entered the novitiate of the Passionist a Morrovalle (Macerata), taking the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. He died in 1862, at 24, in Isola del Gran Sasso, having received only minor orders. He is revered there, in the sanctuary that bears his name, which is a place of pilgrimage, especially for youth. Caonized in 1920, and Catholic Action Co-patron of Abruzzo.

Roman Martyrology: At Isola del Gran Sasso in Abruzzo, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (Francesco) Possenti, acolyte, who rejected all worldly vanity, the teenager entered the Congregation of the Passion, where his brief life ended.

Deep In History Conference 2009 – Mark Your Calendars!

Deep In History Conference 2009 – Mark Your Calendars!

Since the Deep in History Conferences began we have journeyed together from the time of the Early Fathers to the beginning of the Catholic Church here in North America. October 23rd 2009 marks a new beginning in our journey to the past as the Deep in History Conference turns to the theme of the History of Catholic Doctrine.

Once again the focus of these weekends is to assist both Catholics and non-Catholics in their understanding what it means to be Deep in History, Deep in Scripture and Deep in Christ. In 2009, we will begin on the “rock” looking to understand the question of Authority: The Pillar and Bulwark.

Deep In History Conference 2009 – Mark Your Calendars!

Deep In History Conference 2009 – Mark Your Calendars!

Since the Deep in History Conferences began we have journeyed together from the time of the Early Fathers to the beginning of the Catholic Church here in North America. October 23rd 2009 marks a new beginning in our journey to the past as the Deep in History Conference turns to the theme of the History of Catholic Doctrine.

Once again the focus of these weekends is to assist both Catholics and non-Catholics in their understanding what it means to be Deep in History, Deep in Scripture and Deep in Christ. In 2009, we will begin on the “rock” looking to understand the question of Authority: The Pillar and Bulwark.

Roast & Eat Jesus!!!???

Q. Jesus talked in many parables during his ministry. I do not think that Jesus wanted the disciples to tie him up and roast Him over a fire so they could literally eat him or drink his blood.

A. I had to smile when I saw this and not for the reason many might think. But several years before I was received into the Catholic Church I was calling and talking to people at local denominations. I had heard good things about a Lutheran Church in town. So I called and got to speak to the pastor. I asked questions and his answers were very good. Since I had already visited the church I had picked up a brochure about what they believed. So, I asked about their belief that Jesus was present in communion. After he affirmed this belief I asked, “How can you believe that. If Jesus had meant for us to take Him literally then why didn’t He just cut off His arm and pass it around?”

For you Catholic readers you are probably aghast right now by the irreverence of both the questioner and me. Now I will admit to a bit (a lot) of condescension on my part when I asked my question but I meant no disrespect and I suspect neither does the inquirer. It is an honest question.

FACT: Jesus took bread, blessed it, and said, “Take, Eat, THIS IS MY BODY”

FACT: Jesus took the cup, blessed it and said, “Take, Drink, THIS IS MY BLOOD”

FACT: Cannibalism was just as repulsive to the ancient Jews as it is to us today. They understood Jesus to be speaking literally. That is why many of them left Him at this time.

FACT: Drinking blood was prohibited by the OT Law

So, WHAT DID JESUS MEAN? He meant that he would take on the appearance of bread and wine to spiritually nourish His children for their perilous journey to Heaven. This fulfilled many Old Testament events and sacrifices. The God of the Universe further humbles Himself by becoming a perpetual sacrifice for sin.

FULFILLMENT OF OLD TESTAMENT SACRIFICE

IN

CHRIST

• Perfect Lamb slain for sin on Day of Attonement—>Lamb of God slain to attone for all sin
• Sin offering eaten—>Body and Blood of the Lamb of God eaten
• Passover lamb eaten to escape Angel of Death—>Christ is our Passover Lamb whoever eats will live forever I Cor. 5:7
• Blood of Lamb on the doorposts –>Cup of wine is the blood of Jesus.
• Blood put on the doorpost with a branch of hyssop—>Jesus on the cross offered wine on a branch of hyssop
• Water of Nile turned to blood—>Jesus turns water into wine–>Eucharistic cup of wine become blood of Christ
• The Bread of the Presence, kept in the holy of holies—>We keep the Presence of Christ under the appearance of bread The NEW Bread of the Presence, in our tabernacles in every Catholic Church.

By becoming present under the appearance of Bread and Wine in communion, Jesus fulfilled all of the OT types while at the same time keeping the OT Law against drinking blood.

Blessed Piedad della Croce Ortiz Real, February 26

Blessed Piedad della Croce Ortiz Real

Bocairente, Valencia, Spain, November 12 ,1842 – February 26, 1916

The Spanish founder of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Their charism is to love and serve the Heart of Jesus in the orphan girls, the younger workers, the sick, the abandoned elderly.

Roman Martyrology: At Alcantarilla near Murcia in Spain, blessed Piedad of the Cross (Tommasina) Ortiz Real, virgin, who for love of God zealously devoted herself to the education and catechesis of the poor and founded the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Blessed Avertano di Lucca, February 25

Blessed Averto di Lucca

February 25

Roman Martyrology: In  Lucca, Avertano blessed pilgrimage and religious of the Order of Carmelites.

Source: Santi e Beati

Truth & Religion

 

Q.There are so many religion in the world. If we select the ones which produce a good/better person, is God now looking at the religion itself or the good/better person produced?

A. God looks at the HEART. He has revealed to man through His Chosen People and Prophets of the Old Testament and also, even more clearly through His Son Jesus what He requires in order for a person to save his soul from eternal damnation. But He did not stop there. He founded a Church on Earth to be a light to the nations to show them the way to Heaven. He promise to be with His Church until the end of time and that the Gates of Hell would never overcome it. He did not stop there either. He gave us sacraments to impart grace in order to strenghthen us to stay ON the path to Eternal Life. He gave us priests. He gave us Holy Scripture. He gives HIMSELF to us at every mass. We have the very best chance of attaining Heaven in the Chruch He gave to us.

We don’t choose our religion based on which people seem to be the best sort of people. Time may prove our choice very wrong. We should choose our religion based on which one is TRUER than the rest. Which one is the ONE God started? And that would be the Catholic Church.

Q. In spiritual learning, is listening to what is preached or written more absolute than what is experienced?

A. Yes. We might have a true experience but it may be an experience produced by the Enemy or just our own imagination. Feelings come and go. We must search for TRUTH.

Q. A Family in the deepest jungle living from generation to generation without exposure to Religion and the modern world, knows only to care lovingly for their young with great morality. Because they lack any knowledge of R.C., are they destined to hell or purgatory?

A.Hell no. Purgatory, probably, just like the rest of us. God will judge all people based on what they knew and how they responded to that knowledge -not on what they did not know. He has written His laws on our hearts. No one will go to Hell just because they are not Catholic. That is heretical. Catholics, Protestants, Pagans, and everyone will be judged on what they did about what they knew. Listen to that still small voice of conscience.

 

Q. Being a God to the people is probably like being a Parent to children, don’t you think? Being a parent, never in my deepest heart would I want to send my children to hell for their wrongdoings.

A. God does not want anyone to go to Hell. He wants everyone to come to Heaven and be with Him. But some people do not want God and God will not override their freedom to choose Him or reject Him. Their souls, being eternal have to go somewhere.

Q. As Jesus would say, “Lord forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing”. If a soldier abused a person as he was ordered to do, does he know what he’s doing?

A. Yes. He knows. He may try to ignore this knowledge. He may try to rationalize his actions. But God KNOWS what the soldier knows and what he truly does not know. It won’t be any use trying to fool God on Judgment Day.

Q. If a person forces his freewill upon other person for control, does he knows what he’s doing?

A. I cannot say. Only that person knows. If he is forcing the other person to sin then he will be more responsible for the sin than the person forced to sin. If, indeed they are truly forced and not just persuaded or coerced. For instance, a mother who forces her daughter to have an abortion. Abortion is always a grave sin but guilt would be less for the daughter than for the mother.

Blessed Arnaldo Da Carcassona, February 24

Blessed Arnaldo Carcassone Mercedario

February 24, XIII Century

Cousin of the Holy Father Founder Peter Nolasco, Blessed by Arnaldo Carcassone, took the dress Mercedario the same day as the foundation of the Order. Interest as the second monastery of Valencia (Spain) and promoted the monastic discipline, not so much with the teaching of the rules but with the pursuit of virtue. Imposed the habit of a Saint Peter Paschasius in the Cathedral of Valencia in 1250.

The Order celebrates him on February 24.

Source: Santi e Beati

Large Families

A few years ago, I went to an annual Christmas display at the local department store. In line ahead of us there was a family. My mom said the kids couldn’t all be theirs; there were 8. The line we were in was quite long, and I heard the family talking. The girls had names like Ann, Catherine and Bridget…typical Catholic names. We just speculated but someone ahead of us in line asked.

The children, plus another, who was babysitting somewhere else, all belonged to these parents. They were polite in responding to the nosy questioners, but admitted they tell rude people that they’re on welfare.

To most people, large families are suspect. There must be something wrong with those people. They’re following neither the mandate of the Chinese nor recommendation of the British, thus are irresponsible. Maybe they’re adhering to Catholic teaching?

Nah, that’s crazy.

Blessed Wincenty Stefan Frelichowski, February 23

Blessed Wincenty Stefan Frelichowski

Chelmza (Poland), January 22, 1913 – Dachau, February 23, 1945

Roman Martyrology: In the prison camp near Dachau Monaco of Bavaria in Germany, blessed Vincent Frelichowski, a priest who, during the same war, deported to several prisons, never lost faith or his pastoral ministry, suffered from disease while he provided assistance to the sick, after long suffering came to the vision of eternal peace.

It can be said that his priestly ministry was mainly in German concentration camps, only a little over three years, his young priesthood, was played among the faithful in Poland, the others all spent six years as a prisoner until his death at 32.

What Scriptures Prohibit Contraception?

Q. I would be interested to see biblical proof that God is against contraception. I know that Genesis 38:8-10 talks of Onan spilling his seed, but God was mad at Onan for not obeying him, I don’t believe it was necessarily the act he committed. If you read the verse prior in 6 & 7 it says that Judah’s firstborn was wicked so God put him to death. This is what he was indicating when he said he slew him too.

A.Yes, Onan too was wicked. Onan partook of sexual pleasure with his brother’s wife but contracepted by spilling his seed. That was his explicit intent. He was not obligated to give his brother’s wife an heir upon pain of death. God did not kill him b/c he didn’t want to give offspring to his brother. This is explicitly laid down in the Law. Punishment for not giving a dead brother offspring was a ceremony of humiliation, not death.

Deut 25:5“When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, …Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her 6“It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel 7“But if the man does not desire to take his brother’s wife, …8“Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her, 9 then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face; and she shall declare, ‘Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house. 10“In Israel his name shall be called, ‘The house of him whose sandal is removed.’

That is a far cry from execution.
Q. I also believe that God would not look down on a woman who prevents pregnancy because she has a medical condition that would either cause harm to her or the baby.

A. I agree with you.

Q. I had a friend who had 8 miscarriages because of a medical problem. It would be unwise for her to try for any more.

A. Unwise? If she just can’t bear another miscarriage or it would truly be a threat to her life, then her husband and she must agree out of charity to either adopt in order to have a child and/or abstain from intercourse during fertile times using NFP.
Q. I also have a friend who has a rare blood clotting disorder that endangers her life each time she gets pregnant. She has come close to dying with each child. After having her second child, she threw blood clots to her lungs and legs. They cannot give her any more medication for these clots again. If she has another child, she will sentence herself and her child to death. She will also leave her other two children motherless and her husband wifeless.

A. Then both her husband and she have a duty to avoid pregnancy. They may need to live as Mary and Joseph lived–in complete chastity, devoting themselves to God and their family in order to preserve the life of the mother. They will not die from abstinence. In fact, the self denial involved in this life will undoubtedly lead them closer to God, each other, and holiness.
Q. Yes she has faith, which is the reason she did not abort when so many specialist said it was the only way she could survive.

A. A noble, and holy woman.

Q. But, although we live by faith, we have to use common sense.

A. You mean that the husband should be allowed to indulge himself ?

And which methold of contraception would you stake your life on?

Abortion as a back up? Killing an innocent child just so they can have pleasure?

Q. I have faith that God will protect me, but I will not stand in the way of a moving train and expect to be saved from death.

A. Just don’t do it, then.

This just in: January 13, 2009

New study links oral contraceptives to increased incidence of breast cancer. But will we hear about this in the politically correct press?

Click HERE for the aticle at American Journal of Epidemiology

Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, February 22

Roman Martyrology: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, to whom the Lord said: “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church.” On the day on which the Romans used remember ttheir dead, we honor the place of birth to the sky quell’Apostolo, taking the glory from his victory on the Vatican Hill and asked to preside over the universal communion of charity.

Consistory on Canonisations Scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2009, Updated

CONSISTORY ON SEVERAL CAUSES OF CANONISATION

VATICAN CITY, 16 FEB 2009 (VIS) – In the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace at 11 a.m. on Saturday 21 February, an ordinary public consistory will be held for the canonisation of the following Blesseds:

– Blessed Zygmunt Szczesny Felinski, Polish former archbishop of Warsaw and founder of the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary will be canonised on October 11, 2009.

– Blessed Arcangelo Tadini, Italian diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of Worker Sisters of the Holy House of Nazareth will be canonised on April 26, 2009.

– Blessed Francesc0 Coll y Guitart, Spanish professed priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be canonised on October 11, 2009.

– Blessed Jozef Damian de Veuster, Belgian professed priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and of the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar (PICPUS) will be Canonised on October 11, 2009.

– Blessed Bernardo Tolomei, Italian founder of the Olivetan Benedictine Congregation on April 26, 2009 .

– Blessed Rafael Arnaiz Baron, Spanish oblate friar of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance will be canonised on October 11, 2009.

– Blessed Nuño de Santa Maria Alvares, Portuguese religious of the Order of Friars of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel will be canonised April 26, 2009.

– Blessed Gertrude Comensoli (nee Caterina), Italian virgin and foundress of the Institute of Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament will be canonised on April 26, 2009.

– Blessed Mary of the Cross Jugan (nee Jeanne), French virgin and foundress of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be canonised on October 11, 2009.

– Blessed Caterina Volpicelli, Italian virgin and foundress of the Institute of Handmaidens of the Sacred Heart.

OCL/CONSISTORY CANONISATION/… VIS 090216 (270)

SOURCE: Australian News

Lutherans and Gay Clergy

How is it helpful that Lutherans are talking about making gay clergy a local decision? I understand why they wouldn’t want a big split in their denomination but I envision local splits, based on clergy hiring decisions which would result in people from whichever side lost the argument moving on to a different church or to forming a new church. I doubt it would be any less contentious.

Mary Was NOT Sinless!

Bread From Heaven: If all (all have sinned Rom 3:23) means, absolutely all, no exceptions, then in order for Jesus to be fully human He would have sinned. But we all agree that Jesus’ humanity is an exception to this verse. But, if there is one exception, why not two? or three? Nothing in scripture specifically says Jesus is the only exception. In general it is certainly true that most people, nearly all people have sinned. But the passage does not state that there are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.)

Q. Nothing is scripture points to anyone other than Jesus being sinless.

A. Actually there is. See this POST & this POST.

Q. And to use the justification that the Bible doesn’t say there aren’t exceptions to the rule as your logic is ridiculous.

A. That is your opinion. And I agree, an argument from silence is not a good argument. But, you are the one who only accepts Scripture. But we accept scripture and the teaching of the Apostles as taught orally. So for us this is not an argument from silence but you will not accept our documents. So, based on what we know about the Faith as believed and taught from the beginning, we are not swayed to abandon our beliefs just because they are not explicitly stated in Scripture. They are explicitly stated or alluded to in the ancient prayers, songs, and writings of the Church Fathers.

Q. Jesus is God and God is Jesus. God is perfect and has no darkness that dwells within him which means that Jesus doesn’t as well.

A. We agree.

Blessed Louis Mzyk, February 20

Blessed LOUIS MZYK,  Priest

Novice Master, Society of the Divine Word

Chorzow Story 1905-Poznan, February 20, 1940

His martyrdom occurred in the maximum security prison in Poznan. A priest who was imprisoned together with Fr. Mzyk testified to his death. One guard in the camp seemed to derive a special pleasure in persecuting Fr. Louis. He went out of his way to insult our confrere and to attack him. On February 20, 1940, this guard came back drunk to the prison. He met three prisoners, among whom was Fr. Mzyk. He sent the other two away and began shouting at him, beating him, and kicking him. Then the guard threw him down a flight of stairs, dragged him to the gate, and twice shot him in the head. Fr. Louis was 35.

Blessed Józef Zapłata, February 19

Blessed Jozef Zaplata, Religious and Martyr

Jerka, Poland, March 5, 1904 – Dachau, Germany, February 19, 1945

Blessed Jozef, professed religious of the Congregation of the friars of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was born in Jerka at Koscian March 5, 1904 and died in Dachau, Germany, February 19, 1945. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Warsaw (Poland) on June 13, 1999 with 107 other Polish martyrs.

Roman Martyrology: In the prison camp near Dachau Monaco of Bavaria in Germany, blessed Joseph Zaplata, religious of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and martyr, who tranferred for his faith with violence from Poland, his homeland, to a cruel imprisonment, suffering from disease brought to completion his martyrdom.

Source: Santi e Beati

Confession

That Catholic Show – I Confess

Blessed Jerzy Kaszyra, February 18

Blessed Jerzy Kaszyra priest and martyr

Aleksandrow, Lithuania, April 4, 1904 – Rosice, Poland, February 18, 1943

Blessed Jerzy Kaszyra, professed priest of Chierici Mariani under the title of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM (Mariani), was born in Aleksandrow (Vilnius), Lithuania, April 4, 1904 and died in Rosice (Poland) February 18, 1943. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Warsaw (Poland) on June 13, 1999 with 107 other Polish martyrs.

Roman Martyrology: A Rosica Poland, Blessed George Kaszyra, a priest of the Congregation of Marian Clerics and martyr who, nell’infuriare of war, set on fire by the persecutors of the faith, Christ died for the Lord.

Blessed Luca Belludi, February 17

Beato Luca Belludi Franciscan

February 17

Roman Martyrology: At Padua, blessed Luca Belludi, a priest of the Order of Minors, disciple and companion of Saint Anthony.

Of the noble family of Belludi of Padua, entered the Franciscan Order at 25, tradition has it that it was the same Saint Francis to dress him with the habit. Of high culture because he is likely to have attended the renowned University of Padua.

He was ordained a Priest in 1227, Luke met with Saint Anthony of Padua, where he became a faithful disciple to his death so he was called “Luke of St. Anthony.” He was one of the editors of Sermons of the Santo.

With his prayers and St. Anthony’s intervention in a dream, Padua was freed from the tyrant Ezzelino bullied by Romano, June 20, 1256. Blessed Luca died on February 17, 1286.

His body was buried in the same urn which had contained the body of Saint Anthony. In 1971 it was transferred into another tomb ever in the Basilica of the Saint in Padua. Always considered blessed, the title was confirmed after due process by Pius XI on May 18, 1927.

Remain with him the “Sermones dominicales” which are kept in full in the Library of St. Anthony of Padua. It has been said about him from time immemorial, “He was a disciple and companion of Saint Anthony, a man dottissimo truly excellent and among the preachers in the doctrine and life little different from his Master. “

He is called upon by students for success on their exams.

Source: Santi e Beati

Doctrinal Changes vs. Infallibility

Q. Christ established the catholic church (small “c”), not the Catholic church. Does the “Church” since the time of the Council of Carthage on look like the church of Christ? No.

A. There was no ecumenical Council of Carthage. There were local bishop’s councils in Carthage, Africa. The first of these was held nearly a hundred years before the Bible was canonized. If, as you say the Church established by Christ was already lost to history, then how can you trust the canon of the New Testament? This same Catholic, universal Christian Church closed the canon of scripture in the early 400’s. Who Decided the Books of the Bible? This was a major factor in my entering the Catholic Church. I could find no way to accept the authority of the Canon of Scripture while at the very same time saying that the Church, the bishops, the council, the Popes who decided the canon and closed it, were supposedly apostate already. How can Protestants trust the canon and not trust the people who made the decision by the power of God?

But of course, I do believe that Hell has not overcome the Church established by Christ, just as He promised in Matt. 16:18 so I believe it has existed continuously since it was founded by Him.

Q. Purgatory was not taught until the 4th century and was not formally recognized until the 16th century.

A. This is simply not historically true. Please see my post: Early Fathers on Purgatory taken from Catholic Answers

Q. If the Catholic church is governed by “infallible” men, then how can the church traditions and doctrines change?

A. Catholic Doctrine does NOT change. Please see this POST. What doctrine do you think has changed? Over time we as we study scripture and teachings of the Fathers, our understanding deepens and develops. But all of our doctrines remain. And the Tradition of the Church with a capital “T” does not change either. Our practices and disciplines can and do change. Like eating fish on Friday. And no pope has taught error to the whole church. Please see my post
Infallible?

Q. How could Popes be excommunicated if they are infallible.

A. Easy. There might even be popes in Hell. I hope you will read the above post but to be brief, infallibility refers to the fact that God protects His Church by ensuring that the pope, whenever he teaches on Faith and Morals to the Whole Church will never teach error. God will prevent this. The Pope is not perfectly sinless. Neither is every word from his mouth infallible. He only exercises God’s empowering infallibility when he teaches on faith and morals to the whole church.

Q. God is the only infallible One. He is the same today as he was yesterday, and will remain the same for all of eternity.

A. God is certainly infallible but He is able to produce infallibility in a man to accomplish His purposes. For instance, sacred scripture is all written by men who, we both believe, were used by God to teach infallibly in the written word even though they were sinners.

Q. I thank you for such a kind intelligent debate!

A. You are most welcome.

Blessed Giuseppe Allamano, February 16

Blessed Giuseppe Allamano

Castelnuovo d’Asti, January 21, 1851 – Turin, February 16, 1926

Roman Martyrology: In Turin, Blessed Giuseppe Allamano, a priest, who, led by tireless zeal, founded two congregations of the Consolata Missions, one male and one female, to spread the faith.

He was the contemporary of two fellow saints: Don Bosco, who was a student at Turin, and Joseph Cafasso, who is also his maternal uncle. Ordained a priest in Turin in at 22, he graduated in theology at 23, was spiritual director of the seminary at 25, at 29 he became rector of the sanctuary becomes more expensive to Turin (the “Consolata”) and the Children’s Church for neosacerdoti. But the sanctuary is to reorganize and restore the Convitto is very serious crisis. With hard work that never ceased, he revitalized the sanctuary, and the Convitto flourish, as when he was taught by Cafasso.

Blessed Michal Sopocko, February 15

Blessed Michal Sopocko

Jurowsczyzna, Lithuania, November 1 , 1888 – Białystok, Poland, February 15, 1975

Blessed Don Michal Sopocko, confessor and spiritual director of Sister Faustina, and was directly linked with the mystery of the apparitions of Merciful Jesus. God gave him an extremely important role – to carry out the mission that the Lord Jesus entrusted to Sister Faustina. At this devoted almost his entire life. The solemn beatification of the Servant of God Don Michal Sopocko which took place on 28 September 2008, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy at Bialystok, pushing to make him known to the faithful, especially to those who have a particular devotion to Divine Mercy.

Scripture Disproves Purgatory

Q . Regarding, 1 Peter 2:5 and “spiritual sacrifice”it is my understanding that this is an act of giving up and offering to God our time and effort in a way that is pleasing to Him. A spiritual sacrifice must be offered in an attitude of obedience, humility, and reverence. These sacrifices need to be acceptable to God THROUGH Christ. Through= something we do in relation to our relationship with Christ. Is that right?

A. Yes it is, absolutely right.

Q. But the verse you quote clearly states that our sacrifices are something we do through Christ. According to the Catholic explanation we are purified through fire and not through Christ.

A. No, you are misunderstanding. All purification is “through Christ” in a universal or global theological sense. But He uses various methods to purify or discipline us. The idea of fire comes directly from sacred scripture:

1. Matthew 3:11
   “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
   
   
2. Matthew 3:12
   “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
3. Mark 9:49
   “For everyone will be salted with fire.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:13
   each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.
   
5. 1 Corinthians 3:15
   If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
6. 1 Peter 1:7
   so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

7. Jude 1:22-24 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh

   
   

The above verse we see as a fire of purification for our God is a consuming fire. He will purify us. Fire may be literal or not but it images for us better than anything else how this purification is accomplished. It is not pleasant, fun and easy. The impurities are burned up including many things we cling to and work so hard for in this life.

Q. The tense of the verse is in the present not in the future. If it referenced an event to come, the tense of the verse would also reflect that. “Offer spirtual sacrifices”

A. I am not sure what tense the Greek is in but there is a Greek tense that is present with effects into the future. But it doesn’t really matter because the present tense surely does not render us incapable of offering spiritual sacrifices now and in the future. You see, in Catholic theology, it is NOT that we believe Purgatory is ONLY in the Future. Our purification or Purgatory can begin right now in our lives as we strive to rid ourselves of every sin that clings to us and offer our suffering up to Christ. The concept of Purgatory being in the future is because, after death it is likely that we will still be in need of purification, before we enter into the GLORY AND HOLINESS OF GOD.

Q. But our purification occurs through our relationship with Christ here on earth.

A. Agreed.

Q. Hebrews 10:26-31 “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will DEVOUR (it doesn’t state purifiy) the adversaries…..

A. “…if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin.”

This verse needs careful interpretation because I don’t think either of us believes that any Christian who commits a willful sin, after he becomes a Christian is damned b/c “THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS”.

We do believe that if the sinner repents he will be forgiven and restored to life. v. 18

So what is the apostle saying?

That if one has truly received the knowledge of the Gospel but goes on sinning that ONE sacrifice is useless for him.

We KNOW that it cannot possibly mean NO OTHER SACRIFICES EXIST because this would contradict

1 Peter 2:5

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Q. You said that accepting Jesus as Savior “DOES NOT MAKE YOU HOLY” But please read :

Heb 10:10 And by that will we are sanctified [made holy] through the offering [sacrifice] of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

I believe that God states we ARE in fact made Holy through Christ’s sacrifice.

A. Of course, in one sense we are sanctified, set apart, and made holy because we are now children of God. However, we still are not suddenly transformed into sinless human beings. He could have zapped us and removed our sin nature, our fallen nature, but according to His perfect wisdom He desires that we, with His grace struggle against sin in order to progress in holiness.

1. Ephesians 6:12
   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
2. Hebrews 12:4
   In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Now we believe that those who demonstrate heroic virtue, by the power of God and their obedience to Him have attained to a state of holiness in no need of Purgatory. But even the Saints sin venially. But for most of us something is going to need to be done, for most of us after death, in order to perfect us in holiness.

Q. That “something” was already done on the cross by our Lord and Savior Christ. Your use of the words “most of us” implies that some people on earth don’t require purification, but the Bible clearly states that ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. That term ALL really means everyone. There is no exception, no rank in church office will save a person from the judgement of our Holy God.

A. I beg to differ of course that All have sinned has no exceptions. Please see my post All Have Sinned, Except Mary?

Protestants believe sanctification or holiness is optional but we believe it is required in order to enter into God’s presence.”

Q. You belittle Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary with this sort of theology. Please do not be fooled into thinking that His sacrifice was not enough. This way of thinking is exactly the “trampling underfoot the blood of Christ” that Hebrews 10:26-31 is referring to, and God makes clear that there is horrible judgement that will follow this line of thinking and insulting the Spirit of Grace.

A. I understand that from your perspective it seems like we belittle Christ’s sacrifice because of your theology. But, remember, your understanding of scripture is only 500 years old. But that is just not at all true. In the Catholic Church every single mass, every single day, in every church, in every country around the world we celebrate Christ’s ONE sacrifice on the cross.

And every single Sunday around the world the Catholic Church celebrates His resurrection. And every single Friday we offer some little sacrifice in union with Jesus’ death on the cross on Good Friday. We even have crucifixes in every single Catholic Church. They are REQUIRED to be present and visible at every mass. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the Source and Summit of our faith. If you had any real first-hand understanding of the Catholic Faith you would never have said that we belittle His sacrifice. On the contrary we honor it far more than any other religion.

Q. If you dig deep enough into the realms of “historical Christianity”, you will find the truth.

A. That is exactly what I did nine years ago. And I discovered that the Church that existed, in the first centuries after Jesus, was… lo and behold…Catholic!!!! It was just not Protestant in any way, shape, or form. I dearly wanted it to be. But it was not. So, I had no choice but to enter into the ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH founded by Jesus Christ Himself.

Q. The truth does not lie within the words and traditions of men, but in the word of God.

A. Amen!

Blessed Vicente Vilar David, February 14

Blessed Vicente Vilar David

Manises, Spain, June 28, 1889 – Valencia, Spain, February 14, 1937

Blessed Vincenzo David Vilar, secular, during religious persecution housed the priests and religious in his home , and preferred to die rather than renounce the faith of Christ. John Paul II beatified him on October 1, 1995.

Roman Martyrology: At Valencia in Spain, blessed Vilar David Vincent, martyr, during the persecution of religion in his house welcomed the priests and religious and preferred to die rather than renounce his faith.

“Romanism at its finest”

“Romanism at its finest”

“Romanism”?

Classy, Photius.  Real classy.

Right up there with “Does Ratzinger understand 1 Cor 3?”

Why use a regnal name?  Why NOT use a slur?

Sad.
UPDATE: From Perry Robinson, the owner of Energetic procession this morning I recieve the following email:

This is regarding your comment on our blog. You are perfectlyfree to disagree and make an argument to that effect. What you are not free to do is to post rhetorical cheap shots that do not advance the conversation. Consequently your post has been deleted. And such posts will continue to be deleted. Continued rehtorical comments and ad hom statements will result in banning.
 
Perry Robinson

My rhetorical cheap shot? As follows:

Romanism?
Classy!

Tell ya what, fellas, why not just avoid slurs and cheap shots as the very titles of your posts?

Blessed Berengar of Assisi Mercedario, February 13

Blessed Berengar of Assisi Mercedario

February 13

Preacher in the city of Granada, Valencia and Murcia, Blessed Berengar of Assisi, often visited the ergastolani bringing them comfort and the word of the Lord. Freed from the hands of the Saracens, and finally 358 slaves with many works and full of merit in the convent of Santa Maria Guardia Pratorum, he reached the crown of glory.

The Order celebrates him February 13.

Source: Santi e Beati

What is Still Lacking In Christ’s Afflictions?

Q. In Col 1:24, “lacking in regards to Christ’s afflictions” references Christ’s limitations on this earth. Christ had to die for our sins which left his message with the apostles or the saints (body of believers).
A. What you have given is an interpretation of Col 1:24. Let’s take a look at it again.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

I am mystified how you came to the interpretation that “what was ‘lacking in Christ’s afflictions’ refers Christ’s limitations on this earth. What limitations might those be, since He was fully God and fully man? The phrase “Christ’s afflictions” is more appropriately interpreted to mean his suffering and death. I have never heard that it referred to His limitations. Do you have a scripture to support this?

And St. Paul is clearly saying that his (Paul’s) sufferings in his (Paul’s) flesh is somehow filling up or filling to the full what was “still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of …the Church.” This verse does not in any way shape or form fit Protestant theology. But it does fit Catholic theology.

Q. Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary wasn’t “lacking”, but his time on earth to complete God’s mission was.

A. But how can “what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions” possibly refer to a lacking of time? Can you support this with scripture?

Q. If you believe, God meant Christ’s death wasn’t enough then you believe, God to be a liar and a hypocrite. For God’s word clearly states that Christ’s sacrifice was enough “once and for all”.

A. I am not saying something was “lacking in Christ’s afflictions”. St. Paul says it. In Scripture. In Infallible Scripture.

Of course, this in no way means that somehow Jesus failed to complete what He came to do. Absolutely NOT. What I am saying is that by the sovreign plan of God, there WAS SOMETHING FOR MAN TO DO TO COMPLETE our perfection to complete the salvation gained for us by Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that each of us must be perfectly purified before we can come into the presence of God. This purification occurs in our life through our sufferings offered in reparation to Christ in this life and the next for our purification.

We both must interpret this scripture in order to make sense out of it and still glorify Christ. The Catholic interpretation just makes more sense to me.

Blessed John Munden, February 12

Blessed John Munden, Martyr

12 February 1584 at Tyburn, England

Studied at New College, Oxford. Teacher and schoolmaster. Studied for the priesthood at Rheims, France, and Rome. Ordained in 1582.

Beatified in 1929 by Pope Pius XI

Source: Patron Saints Index

Blessed Bartolomeo di Olmedo Priest Mercedario , February 11

Blessed Bartolomeo di Olmedo

+ Mexico,  November 1524

Blessed Bartholomew di Olmedo was the first priest who came to Mexican soil, he came to America in 1516 at the age of 31. During the conquest of the Aztec a lot of praise went to this young Mercedario for his activities, which were carried out with intelligence and care in special situations between Spanish and arborigeni. He brought the devotion to Our Lady of Mercy to the Mexicans, who fell in love with it, thus bringing people to the knowledge of God, and teaching the principles of the faith by preaching tirelessly. He baptized more than 2500 arborigeni, including the famous Malinche, who, because he knew the Spanish language interpreter for Cortés and gave her the name of Marina. Blessed Bartholomew died in Mexico in November of 1524 at the age of 39 and amid tears from all the Indians. He was buried in Santiago de Tlatelolco.

The Order celebrates him on February 11.

Source: Santi e Beati

How Can You Believe in Purgatory?

Q. I believe that you are truly reaching for truth where none lies. Please read the Greek Interlinear translation of Luke 23:42-43 And he said to Jesus “Be reminded of me whenever you may be coming into the kingdom of you’ 43 And He said to him “Amen to you I am saying today with me you shall be in the park (paradise)” Jesus is not a liar and this may simply be some aspect of the bible that we do not understand how, but need to trust that because Jesus said it that it is true.

A. I have a Greek Interlinear. The fact is Jesus and the Thief did NOT go to Heaven on Friday, as many Protestants contend to try to discredit the Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory. However, perhaps they went to the blessed part of Sheol so that Jesus could preach the Gospel to them, on Friday. Or perhaps, it could be read as “Today I tell you, you will be with me in Paradise.” And even if the Thief did go straight to Heaven I have read Catholic Commentary to the effect that his suffering on the cross may have sufficed, to purify his soul.

Q. Hebrews 12:14 asks us to ‘pursue’ peace and holiness.

14. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord

Are we to aim or pursue after purgatory?

A. No, we are not to pursue Purgatory but pursue holiness in this life in order to avoid Purgatory altogether or lessen our need for purification after this life.

Q. Or does this verse truly mean that we are to live pure and holy lives on earth to the best of our ability?

A. Yes, of course.

Q. Does God not know the hearts of men? Isn’t God able to discern whether we are lover’s of God or the world? We are told by the Bible to strive for holiness. This is an action, something that WE are to DO. Not something that happens to us!

A. Yes God knows us and we are to Do all we can to be holy. But if at the end of our lives we are not bad enough for Hell but not pure enough for Heaven.

CCC 1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.⁶⁰⁶ The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:⁶⁰⁷

As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.

Q.Once again you quote an action that we need to do.

2 Cor. 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

This is the dedication of ourselves to Christ and living righteously. Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from DEAD works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened…..if they FALL AWAY, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put HIM to an open shame.

A. Agreed, it is something WE must DO after we are saved.

Q. You truly must read the whole text not just one line. This verse is referencing how we LOVE others, and how our Heavenly Father expects us to love others as he has loved us.

Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as you Father in heaven is perfectt ”

A. That is your interpretation, but I should think PERFECTION in loving others would in fact be sign of purification from all sin.

Q. Matthew 12:36 references the judgment we will all face for our utterances. It has no reference to purification, but to judgment day.

6 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

A. I agree. I used this verse to point out the Jesus’ death does NOT remove all judgment of our souls.

Q. Man must do his part which is to accept Christ as our Savior. Our lives should reflect that relationship which means we do our best to be obedient to God. (don’t; fornicate, get drunk, lie, steal, worship idols, envy, be prideful, etc…..).

A. Absolutely.

Q. God does not expect us to be perfect, but we become worthy of his all sufficient grace by the blood of Jesus.

1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son CLEANSES us from ALL sin…..If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1-2 And if anyone sins, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Hebrews 10:26 For is we sin WILLFULLY after we have received the knowledge of truth, there NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS. (God is pretty clear about this)

Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

A. I agree of course with Scripture as does the Catholic Church. You are right, God does not expect us to be perfect in order to access His grace and salvation. But we must be perfect in order to enter into His presence in Heaven.

We INTERPRET these scriptures differently. Protestants generally interpret these all literally (except Hebrews 10:26) to prove the absence of Purgatory but they rarely interpret the Hebrews passage literally because that would mean that ANY sin no matter how small, since they believe all sin is equal, would cause a loss of salvation.

So, just as you do not interpret Hebrews 10:26 LITERALLY we interpret the other passages to be referring to the ETERNAL consequences of sin ONLY and not to the temporal consequences of sin.And we base this on Historical Christianity.

This PROVES to be true since repentance and acceptance of the forgiveness of Jesus DOES NOT magically make all the temporal consequences of sin disappear, like an STD or out of wedlock pregnancy etc. We just cannot see the all the spiritual consequences of sin so easily.

Q. Can you honestly tell me that you believe in the depth of your soul that; our Father in Heaven, the most supreme being of all time, stepped off his thrown to become the lowest of men, a baby, lived a sinless life, suffered as we suffer through trials and tribulations, KNOWINGLY accepted his fate to be ridiculed, spit on, mocked, have the flesh torn from his body, carry his own cross while he is half dead, hung to die a thief’s death, mocked while dying for those laughing at him, and willingly giving up his life so that WE may live, conquered death through the resurrection, fellowshipped with his disciples after his death and ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. Can you honestly tell me that His sacrifice was not enough? Your answer is either yes or no. If your answer still remains yes, my heart aches for you, and I pray that God will have mercy on you for trampling underfoot the sacrifice of Christ, God’s only Son. God’s word never ever in it’s entirety states that Christ’s sacrifice was not sufficient. The Bible in fact states exactly the opposite.

A. Well,…Yes, because that is what the Christian Church has believed since the time of the disciples. And this verse:

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what islacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, still for the sake of his body, which is the church.

But, of course, God could have decided to save us in the way the Protestant Churches teach. Christ’s death COULD have sufficed completely, in the way Protestants believe and reject the necessity of absolute, real, material, holiness and perfection and purification…GOD COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO DO IT THAT WAY. And we admit that He certainly could have chosen to let us into Heaven putrid with sin but accept Jesus’ covering. But scripture would have been written very differently then, in that case.

It is not that we trample the sacrifice underfoot. We simply submit to what the Church has always taught and believed.

I entered the Catholic Church because I could not find a way to believe that Martin Luther, and John Calvin could possibly have more authority and a more accurate understanding of what the apostles taught after 1500 years had passed than the Early Church Fathers.

I said to myself that I would find out what the Church believed in the very earliest centuries. If it was Protestant beliefs I found I would stay Protestant but if it was Catholic, if they believed Catholic doctrines, foreign to what Protestants believed , I would have to seriously consider whether the Catholic Church was in fact the Church founded by Jesus Christ HIMSELF.

Blessed José Sanchez Del Rio, February 10

Blessed José Sanchez Del Rio

Sahuayo, Mexico, March 28 1913 – February 10, 1928

José Luis Sanchez Del Rio was born in Sahuayo, Michoacan (Mexico), March 28 1913 by parents Macario Sánchez, María del Río. Visiting the tomb of the blessed martyr Anacleto González Flores, he asked God to die in defense of the faith. Just fourteen, José Luis was murdered February 10, 1928, during the religious persecution in Mexico, as belonging to the Cristeros, a large Catholic group that was opposed to the oppression of President Plutarco Elías Calles regime.

One year before the martyrdom of José Luis, he had joined the Cristeras of General Prudencio Mendoza, whose base was at the village of Cotija. The tragic event attended by two children, respectively, seven and nine years, which in future would religious congregations. One of them was Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, born in Cotija, which in the interview-book “Mi Vida es Cristo” ( “My life is Christ”) revealed the decisive role for his vocation was witnessing the death of martyred little friend. “He was arrested by the forces of government, which wanted to give an exemplary punishment on the civilian population that supported the Cristeros” said the founder who was just seven years old at the time. “They asked him to renounce his faith in Christ under the threat of the death penalty. José did not accept apostasy. His mother was torn from the penalty and by anxiety, but his son said. Then they peeled the soles of the feet and the obligation to walk in the country, on the road to the cemetery. He cried and moaned in pain, but not sold. From time to time he stopped and said: If you shout, ‘Christ the King dies’ it will save lives. Tell them ‘Christ the King will die’. But he replied: ‘Long live Christ the King’. Reaching the cemetery, before he was shot, they asked him for the last time if he wanted to deny his faith. And he did not so they killed him right there. He died then by shouting, like many other Mexican martyrs: ‘Christ the King lives!’. These are indelible images from my memory and the memory of the Mexican people, although there is no mention of them in official history. “

The other eyewitness was a child of nine years, Enrique Amezcua Medina, who later founded the Priestly Confraternity of Workers of the Kingdom of Christ, now present in both houses of formation in Mexico, Spain and several other countries around the world. In the biography of the Brotherhood he founded, Father Amezcua remembered his providential meeting with José Luis Sanchez Del Rio. As stated in that testimony, he knew the child martyr which proved decisive for his choice of priests. He then created the “Seminary of Christ the King” on Salvatierra for the Training of Workers, whose internship was dedicated to “José Luis”. The mortal remains of José Luis Sanchez Del Rio, still resting in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in his hometown, became a pilgrimage site.

The martyrdom of the victims of religious persecution caused by the new Mexican Constitution of 1917, was approved on June 22, 2004 by Pope John Paul II and he was beatified on November 20, 2005, under Pope Benedict XVI, with the ceremony presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints Cardinal José Saraiva Martins in Guadalajara in Mexico.

Author: Fabio Arduino

SOURCE: Santi e Beati

A View From The Catholic Trenches on Bishop Williamson of the SSPX

Recent stupid comments by an illicitly consecrated bishop that helps to oversee a canonically irregular group of priests that have placed themselves outside the jurisdiction of the local ordinaries or direct obedience to the Holy See has created quite a dust-up… Made all the worse by the fact that it comes in tandem with a lifting of the excommunication incurred by this man and other bishops with whom he was illicitly consecrated. When the Only Tool You Have is a Hammer, … The writer is dead on: We don’t excommunicate people for being idiots. If we did, many are the times I would be worried for myself. That being said, if Bp. Williamson of the Society of Saint Pius X wanted to go become a hermit, I would help him find a cave, so long as he promises to never leave it.

Blessed Luis Magaña Servin, February 9

Blessed Luis Magaña Servin

Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico, August 24, 1902 – February 9, 1928

Luis Magaña Servin was born in Arandas August 24, 1902. Christian was an integral, responsible and caring husband. He never denied his Christian convictions, even in times of trial and persecution. He was an active member of the Mexican Catholic Youth (ACJM) and Confraternity of Adoration Night of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish of Los Cabos. From his marriage to Elvira Camarena Méndez, celebrated January 6, 1926, were the first-born male Gilberto and a daughter, Maria Luisa, born after the death of his father.

On February 9, 1928, at the height of religious persecution, a group of Federal soldiers occupied the town of Los Cabos. He ordered that they be immediately arrested Catholics who sympathize with the active resistance against the government, which was Frai precisely Luis Magaña Servin. When they came to his house, not because he had found refuge very well and then caught in return the younger brother. Venutolo to know Luis is presented before the General asking to be able to replace his brother.

Said: “I have never been a rebel cristero as you think, but if I was accused of being Christian, then yes, they are, and why should I be killed, well-being. Long live Christ the King and Holy Mary of Guadalupe. ” Without delay, the military ordered his death. Shortly before the execution, in the atrium of the church, Luis said the word and said: “squad that you have to kill me: I want to tell you that by this time you lose and I promise you that I will be just the presence of God be the first to which intercedes. Long live Christ the King and Holy Mary of Guadalupe. ” It was 15 hours, February 9, 1928.

Luis Magaña Servin was beatified on November 20, 2005, under Pope Benedict XVI, along with other victims of that persecution.

Author: Fabio Arduino

More information

SOURCE: Santi e Beati

Sola Scriptura and Purgatory

Q. What scriptures support the Doctrine of Purgatory?

A. You ask for this because you are convinced that the final authority for your beliefs is scripture. And I know you are sincere in this because I was also, when I was a Protestant. But this practice would never have caught on if it had not been invented 1500 years after Christ, after the canonization of the Bible, and also, after the invention of the printing press. Because most people could not even read let alone afford a Bible. See my post on Sola Scriptura.

I want to be very clear about a very fundamental difference between the Protestant Churches and the Catholic Church. Starting in the years after 1517 Protestants began to sit down with Sacred Scripture and REJECT ALL HISTORICAL CHRISTIAN BELIEFS they did not like or that they could not find explicitly in Scripture. They mistakenly believed that they were deriving their new religion OUT OF SCRIPTURE. But this is simply not the case. As can be seen by the following evidence.

“Luther removed seven OT books and five NT books. Not because he found a table of contents in scripture alone but because these books contradicted his new religion.

The Protestants kept the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation because they agreed with them and they were hinted at in scripture but not because they were stated clearly and unambiguously in scripture, the way Protestants demand scripture for Purgatory or the Immaculate Conception. As proof of this take the Jehovah’s Witnesses who reject the Trinity and Incarnation on the basis of scripture alone.

Luther and Henry VIII kept the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Eucharist based on their Interpretation of scripture alone but later reformers rejected this Historic Christian Doctrine based on their INTERPRETATION of scripture alone. And so the division of Christ’s Church began in earnest despite:

John 17:20-23“My prayer is …. 21 that all of them may be ONE, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. … I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be ONE as we are ONE: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete UNITY to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

…which Protestants ignore or interpret away despite their proclamation of Sola Scriptura. Once Sacred Scripture was unhinged from Historic Christianity anyone’s interpretation was just as good as anyone else’s. No final authority existed anywhere in Protestantism. So division was unavoidable.

So, regarding Purgatory I cannot give any scripture that categorically teaches the Doctrine of Purgatory that would satisfy a sola scriptura Protestant. I can show you verses that imply the doctrine HERE. I can show you writings of the early Church fathers from before the time when the Bible was canonized HERE or HERE at Catholic Answers. I can show you that the concept, of the need for purification before attaining Heaven, has roots in the Jewish Faith HERE.

If you are able to believe it is possible to sit down 2000 years after the birth of Jesus and read scripture and interpret it infallibly all by yourself, disregarding what Christians believed in the years immediately following the death of the apostles, you have more faith than I do. But, by what authority do you claim infallibility? Or does Luther claim infallibility? Or Calvin? Or any of the Protestant sects?

Blessed Giuseppina Gabriella Bonino, February 8

Blessed Josephine Gabriella Bonino

Savigliano, Cuneo, September 5, 1843 – Savona, February 8, 1906

Roman Martyrology: At Savigliano Piedmont, Blessed Josephine Gabriella Bonino, virgin, religious founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth for the education of orphans and assistance to the poor sick.

The religious vocation of the Blessed Josephine Gabriella Bonino was a happy combination of contemplative prayer and active engagement in the vineyard of the Lord among the people and for the people.

She was born in Savigliano (Cuneo), diocese of Turin, September 5, 1843 into a wealthy and deeply religious family. At the baptismal font were given the names of Anna Magdalena Maria Giuseppina. As was customary at the time, she had her first instruction in the home. A special privilege was having her First Communion at seven(compared to ten, which was planned), the following year she received her Confirmation. Since she was very little she was devoted to Our Lady.

Blessed Wojciech Nierychlewski, February 7

Blessed Adalbert (Wojciech) Nierychlewski priest and martyr

Dabrowa, Poland, April 20, 1903 – Auschwitz, Poland, February 7, 1942

Wojciech Nierychlewski was born in Dabrowa, around Lodzkie Poland, April 20, 1903. Priest of the Congregation of Saint Michael Archangel, at the time of the Nazi military regime contrary to human dignity and religion, he was arrested in October, 1941 and deported to the extermination camp at Auschwitz, near Krakow. Here, because of his faith in Christ, he died because of the atrocious torture February 7, 1942.

Pope John Paul II on June 13, 1999 raised to the altars far 108 victims of the Nazi persecution, including Blessed Adalberto Nierychlewski, who is therefore now celebrated on the anniversary of his martyrdom.

Roman Martyrology: Close to Cracow in Poland, Blessed Adalbert Nierychlewski, priest of the Congregation of St. Michael and martyr who, on his faith in Christ, victim of a military regime against human dignity; deported because of his religion to Auschwitz extermination camp, where he died under torture.

Inspired Writings After the Close of the Canon

Q. Please consider the following verses:

Revelation 22:18-19 “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book”
Proverbs 30: 5-6 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
Isaiah 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to THIS word, it is because there is no light in them.”

If you would, please provide me with scriptural evidence in which God states men will come after the completion of the Bible and create other inspired writings.

A. The Catholic Church does not claim that any other inspired writings have been created by men after the close of the canon. So, Protestants and Catholics agree that public revelation ended with the death of the last apostle.

You may mistakenly think that the Catholic Church has added to the scriptures because we believe doctrines that Protestants reject. But what the Catholic Church teaches is the whole deposit of faith just as Paul exhorts us to do in:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

We adhere to both the oral and the written teachings of Jesus to His apostles. And as St. John says:

John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.

So, we know that there is more than just what got written down. The Catholic Church has the Fullness of the Truth. We have both the Oral and the Written Tradition that St. Paul speaks about.

The reason that the Catholic Church has doctrine that Protestants do not have is not because we have added to the Deposit of Faith, after the Bible was canonized (400 A.D.) but because Protestants have rejected the oral traditions recommended by St. Paul in 2 Thess. that have always and everywhere been believed by historical Christianity.

Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco, February 6

Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco

March 23, 1839, Angri, Salerno-February 6, 1910, Angri, Salerno

Alfonso Maria Fusco, the oldest of five children, was born on March 23, 1839, in Angri, in the province of Salerno, in the Diocese of Nocera-Sarno. His parents, Aniello Fusco and Josephine Schiavone, were both of peasant stock but were raised from their infancy with strong Christian principles and with a holy fear of God.

They were married in the Collegiata of St. John the Baptist on January 31, 1834, and for four long years the cradle they had lovingly prepared remained painfully empty. In Pagani, only a short distance from Angri, the relics of St. Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori were preserved. It was to his tomb that Aniello and Josephine went in 1838 to pray. While they were there, the Redemptorist Francesco Saverio Pecorelli told them: “You will have a son; you will name him Alfonso; he will become a priest and will live the life of Blessed Alfonso”.

Blessed Elisabetta Canori Mora, February 5

Blessed Elisabetta Canori Mora

Rome, November 21, 1774 – Rome, February 5, 1825

Wife and mother of the secular SS.ma Trinity.

Roman Martyrology: At Rome, Blessed Elizabeth Canoro Mora, mother of the family, which, having long suffered because of her husbands infidelity, for financial and cruel harassment by the family, bore all with unsurpassed love and patience and gave life to the Lord for the conversion, salvation, peace and the sanctification of sinners joining the Third Order of the Holy Trinity.

Thief on the Cross Did Not Go to Purgatory!

Sarah: Regarding the idea of the “reparation for the temporal consequences of sin” please see Isaiah 53. I would suggest you read the whole chapter, but I will emphasize verse 5 “By his wounds we are healed”. The term “healed” cured: freed from illness or injury.

BFHU: But, Sarah, the reality is that we are NOT truly healed because we still sin. If everything was healed, cured, completed in the life of a Christian as soon as they believe in Christ and repent of sin, then why are there so many verses in the NT that urge us to increase in holiness?

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.

Matthew 5:48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Philippians 3:12-15 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I could go on. In all of God’s activity in Scripture He does His part but He always requires Man to do the part God gives to him.

• God gave Adam and Eve all they needed but they were required to NOT eat from one tree.
• God promised to rescue Noah and family but Noah had to build an ark.
• God promised to free the Israelites from slavery but they had to observe the Passover.
• God promised to give the Israelites the Promised Land but they had to go into battle.

If we must pursue that holiness without which no one will see God, something IS STILL NEEDED–complete holiness, perfection, purification. We both know about sanctification but most Protestants are taught it is optional for salvation and for entering into the presence of God. Catholics, take these verses, along with hundreds of other verses, to be holy as He is holy, literally. So, we are supposed to strive for holiness in this life, and what is not accomplished for our purification in this life, will be completed in Purgatory. The rejection of the need for purification can be supported only if we concentrate on certain verses. But, it doesn’t hold up if one tries to reconcile it with all of scripture.

SARAH: Another verse; Luke 23:43TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE” Jesus does not go on to say after a couple hundred years of purification. JESUS states, “today”. Is Jesus capable of lying? misquoting the truth? Or is the son of God simply mistaken?

BFHU:I understand why you ask these questions. You are convinced that your interpretation of these verses leaves no other possibility than to believe that Jesus was a liar or at least not omniscient if Catholic theology is accepted. But, there are some other possibilities, after all. First of all, Jesus did not go to Heaven that very Friday as we find out when Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, on Sunday, that He has not ascended to the Father yet. Therefore, Jesus and the thief did not go directly to Heaven on Friday. The possibility is that the Greek should be read: “I tell you today, you will be with Me in Paradise” rather than “I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”. There are no commas in the Greek. Both are legitimate interpretations but the second one doesn’t line up with scripture.

Saint John de Britto, February 4

St. John de Britto

Lisbon, March 1, 1647 – Oreiour, India, 11 February 1693

Roman Martyrology: At Oreiour the kingdom of Maravá in India, St. John de Britto, a priest of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, having converted many to the faith by imitating the life and conduct of the ascetics in the region, was crowned with a glorious martyrdom.

New Xavier called it the Portuguese and the Indians of the seventeenth century the missionary John de Britto, who was born in Lisbon, killed for the faith of Christ at Oreiour in Maravá (India). Ten years later, John fell ill of tuberculosis, and doctors declared his case hopeless. Then the mother petitioned Saint Francis Xavier for healing, in fact, is forced to vote, a dress for one year the son, a grace obtained with the habit of the Society of Jesus. In a few days John left the bed, and, running the vote, appeared at court in black, bringing together a crown of the Madonna. When the year of the vote was finished, he stopped wearing the the religious habit, but not long after, John advanced his application to be admitted to the Society of Jesus. The provincial of the Jesuits had no difficulty with this, but the king, and the infant tried every way to prevent his departure. Nevertheless, December 17, 1662, aged fifteen, John entered the novitiate in Lisbon and then was sent to Evora and Coimbra to wait for the studies and always had the reputation of one of the best talent on campus.

The Four Chaplains

For the repose of their souls…

 Sinking of the Dorchester

The chaplains, who all held the rank of lieutenant, were the Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, the Jewish rabbi Alexander D. Goode, the Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington and the Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling. The four chaplains were sailing on then USAT Dorchester troop transport on February 3, 1943 when the vessel was torpedoed by the Kriegsmarine’s U-223. As the vessel sank, the four chaplains calmed the frightened soldiers and sailors, aided in the evacuation of the ship, and helped guide wounded men to safety. The chaplains also gave up their own life belts.

As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.

—Grady Clark, survivor^[2]

On December 19, 1944, all four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross.^[3] The Chaplain’s Medal for Heroism was authorized in 1961 and posthumously presented by the President of the United States to the families of the chaplains.

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Chaplains

Blessed Marie Ann Rivier, February 3

Blessed Marie Ann Rivier

Motpezat-sous-Bauzon (Viviers) France, December 19, 1768 – Bourg-Saint-Andéol, February 3, 1838

Roman Martyrology: At Bourg-Saint-Andéol the territory of Viviers in France, Marianna Rivier blessed, virgin, who, at the time of the French Revolution, when all religious orders and congregations were closed, founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary to instruct the Christian people in faith.

Jesus says in the Gospel teaching to his disciples: “Ask and it shall be given” and Marie Rivier was the most striking example of this constant and confident demand, which resulted in her body the signs of normal life un’impossibile.

How Long Has Intercession of the Saints been in Place?

Q. Does anyone know how long this Catholic practice has been in place and why it was instituted? To be honest, it seems to me that the information I have come across to support it is flimsy at best.

A. It has been practice, documented from the very earliest centuries of Christianity. This practice predates the canonization of the Bible. Not only that but everyone who has lost a loved one longs commune with them in a holy way.

Clement of Alexandria

“In this way is he [the true Christian] always pure for prayer. He also prays in the society of angels, as being already of angelic rank, and he is never out of their holy keeping; and though he pray alone, he has the choir of the saints standing with him [in prayer]” (Miscellanies 7:12 [A.D. 208]).

Origen

“But not the high priest [Christ] alone prays for those who pray sincerely, but also the angels . . . as also the souls of the saints who have already fallen asleep” (Prayer 11 [A.D. 233]).

Cyprian of Carthage

“Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides [of death] always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord, and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy” (Letters 56[60]:5 [A.D. 253]).

Anonymous

“Atticus, sleep in peace, secure in your safety, and pray anxiously for our sins” (funerary inscription near St. Sabina’s in Rome [A.D. 300]).

“Pray for your parents, Matronata Matrona. She lived one year, fifty-two days” (ibid.).
“Mother of God, [listen to] my petitions; do not disregard us in adversity, but rescue us from danger” (Rylands Papyrus 3 [A.D. 350]).

“Therefore, we pray [ask] you, the most excellent among women, who glories in the confidence of your maternal honors, that you would unceasingly keep us in remembrance. O holy Mother of God, remember us, I say, who make our boast in you, and who in august hymns celebrate the memory, which will ever live, and never fade away”(Oration on Simeon and Anna 14 [A.D. 305])

Cyril of Jerusalem

“Then [during the Eucharistic prayer] we make mention also of those who have already fallen asleep: first, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive our petition . . . ” (Catechetical Lectures 23:9 [A.D. 350]).

Hilary of Poitiers

“To those who wish to stand [in God’s grace], neither the guardianship of saints nor the defenses of angels are wanting” (Commentary on the Psalms 124:5:6 [A.D. 365]).

Ephraim the Syrian

“You victorious martyrs who endured torments gladly for the sake of the God and Savior, you who have boldness of speech toward the Lord himself, you saints, intercede for us who are timid and sinful men, full of sloth, that the grace of Christ may come upon us, and enlighten the hearts of all of us so that we may love him” (Commentary on Mark [A.D. 370]).

The Liturgy of St. Basil

“By the command of your only-begotten Son we communicate with the memory of your saints . . . by whose prayers and supplications have mercy upon us all, and deliver us for the sake of your holy name” (Liturgy of St. Basil [A.D. 373]).

Gregory of Nazianz

“May you [Cyprian] look down from above propitiously upon us, and guide our word and life; and shepherd this sacred flock . . . gladden the Holy Trinity, before which you stand” (Orations 17[24] [A.D. 380]).

“Yes, I am well assured that [my father’s] intercession is of more avail now than was his instruction in former days, since he is closer to God, now that he has shaken off his bodily fetters, and freed his mind from the clay that obscured it, and holds conversation naked with the nakedness of the prime and purest mind . . . ”

Gregory of Nyssa

“[Ephraim], you who are standing at the divine altar [in heaven] . . . bear us all in remembrance, petitioning for us the remission of sins, and the fruition of an everlasting kingdom” (Sermon on Ephraim the Syrian [A.D. 380]).

John Chrysostom

“He that wears the purple [i.e., a royal man] . . . stands begging of the saints to be his patrons with God, and he that wears a diadem begs the tentmaker [Paul] and the fisherman [Peter] as patrons, even though they be dead” (Homilies on Second Corinthians 26 [A.D. 392]).

Jerome

“You (Vigilantius) say in your book that while we live we are able to pray for each other, but afterwards when we have died, the prayer of no person for another can be heard. . . . But if the apostles and martyrs while still in the body can pray for others, at a time when they ought still be solicitous about themselves, how much more will they do so after their crowns, victories, and triumphs?” (Against Vigilantius 6 [A.D. 406]).

Augustine

“A Christian people celebrates together in religious solemnity the memorials of the martyrs, both to encourage their being imitated and so that it can share in their merits and be aided by their prayers” (Against Faustus the Manichean [A.D. 400]).

“There is an ecclesiastical discipline, as the faithful know, when the names of the martyrs are read aloud in that place at the altar of God, where prayer is not offered for them. Prayer, however, is offered for the dead who are remembered. For it is wrong to pray for a martyr, to whose prayers we ought ourselves be commended” (Sermons 159:1 [A.D. 411]).

“At the Lord’s table we do not commemorate martyrs in the same way that we do others who rest in peace so as to pray for them, but rather that they may pray for us that we may follow in their footsteps” (Homilies on John 84 [A.D. 416]).

From these quotes I hope you can see this practice is very ancient. These comments, except for Jerome’s, speak of the intercession of the Saints matter of factly, indicating its universal acceptance.

The lack of recommendation of this practice in scripture does not prove anything since in John 21:25 the Saint tells us that if all that Jesus did and said were written down the world could not contain the books. This is why the Catholic Church is not restricted only to the written WORD but also accepts what has been passed down to us in the oral WORD.

Little Nelly of Holy God

Little Nelly of Holy God, 1903 – 1908

Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari, February 2

Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari

Plata Piano, Parma, August 1850 – Milano, February 2, 1921

Roman Martyrology: In Milan, Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari, bishop, who valued the religious tradition of his people and opened new avenues to make Christ known throughout the world and love of the Church.

Born in Lalatta, part of the municipality of Prato Piano (Parma) in 1850, Andrea Ferrari crossed the normal “career” Church of the time. Accepted at the seminar in Parma, in 1873 he was ordained a priest, a year later he was appointed parish priest, then vice-rector at the seminar of Parma and professor of physics and mathematics, then he became rector of the institute. In 1890 he was elected Bishop of Guastalla, and was then transferred to Como and later Leo XIII appointed him cardinal; his destination, in 1894, the diocese of Milan and Andrea Ferrari remained there until his death in 1921.