Return to Tradition – “The renewal of the Church begins at the altar — when we worship with awe, humility, and a heart open to mystery.”If God Is Lost, All Is Lost — Seek Him in Silence and Beauty at Mass (National Catholic Register)
The Rupnik Case – “How will the pontiff handle a notorious abuse case?” On Pope Leo’s Desk: Rupnik (The Pillar)
Precious in God’s Eyes – “In this 1700th anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea, at which the majority of the bishops attending were from the East, Pope Leo reminded the whole Church of the “glorious history and bitter suffering” of Eastern Christians.” The Two Lungs of Pope Leo (The Catholic Thing)
The Augustinian Tradition – “Long before his election, Pope Leo XIV was reflecting on authority, obedience and communion. His 1987 doctoral dissertation offers a striking preview of the leadership now unfolding.” How Leo XIV’s Rarely-Seen Thesis Sheds Light on His Vision for the Church (National Catholic Register)
Falsely Accused – “In the 20+ years of publishing our web site and spotlighting numerous cases of falsely accused priests, we have never encountered a case quite like that of Rev. Jay Fostner from Wisconsin.” A Message of Victory and Hope: Wisconsin Priest Wins Defamation Lawsuits Against False Accusations Then Writes Book to Support Others (The Media Report)
A Palpable Sense of Hope – “Support for the new Pope, who is seen as a conciliatory figure, accelerated after the second ballot and coalesced into a large winning majority on the fourth ballot.” Cardinals’ Voting Patterns Emerge as Leo XIV Is Welcomed as a Pope of Peace (National Catholic Register)
Neopaganism’s Dark Enchantment – Whether we realize it or not, the West has entered a new, post-Christian era. What does that mean, exactly? To begin with, it means Christian morality will no longer shape our public life. America After Christianity (Touchstone)
Just War Tradition – “More than merely (merely?!?!) the good news of personal salvation, the Gospel involves the restoration of all things. Humanity, especially Christ-followers, have a responsibility in this, not an ultimate or primary one, but a pen-ultimate and delegated one.” Where Will Leo XIV Stand on War? (Providence)
Jesuit Education – “And though I have known Jesuits who fit the stereotypes, I have known more who have constantly bolstered my faith, who have turned to me with the eyes of Christ and said “follow me” in such a way that I heard and was changed and went.” Educating for eternity (Dappled Things)
Popes’ Point of Origin – “It begs the question: how does a pope’s hometown shape his leadership – and how are those hometowns changed in return?” From Chicago to Châteauneuf-du-Pape: What does a pope’s hometown reveal? (BBC)
Young Adult Converts – “Amid rising numbers of Catholic converts, a Catholic professor at Word on Fire and Loyola Marymount University wrote that the Church is becoming increasingly attractive to young people around the world because it is real and cannot be digitized.” Catholic philosophy professor offers insights on young adult converts to faith (CatholicVote)
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@ The Rupnik Case
A must prosecution. Leo XIV is indebted to the Church and his commitment to Christ, the religious sister victims to adjudicate this outstanding travesty. It marks a bellwether for his pontificate.
Furthermore as addressed elsewhere, in the essay Leo XIV names Cardinal Reina chancellor of John Paul II marriage and family institute in Rome, Cdl Reina Interviewed by America Mag’s Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell, vowed to continue Francis’ legacy. O,Connell: “Some cardinals charge that Pope Francis created too much confusion, and say his papacy was marked by rupture, and now we need order again. They accuse him of having internally polarized the church. Do you feel this way, too?
Absolutely not. Pope Francis always described the scene of Pentecost. He would say the Holy Spirit came to shake things up. I absolutely do not see this confusion. Pope Francis was always in line with the [church’s] doctrine, with the magisterium, with the church’s tradition”. If Reina is intent on carrying out Francis’ policy, then the subversion of John Paul’s Institute on marriage and family will continue.
@ The Augustinian Tradition
About Pope Leo XIV’s doctoral dissertation, we read: “At the heart of this vision is a distinctive ecclesiology — an understanding of how the Church is structured and led. Leo XIV’s dissertation presents a vision of the Church not as a hierarchy of command, but as a communion of communities, bound together by authority that is at once legal and pastoral, spiritual and institutional.”
For those in search of a GEOMETRIC IMAGE, oversimplifications are the “pyramid” of authority (clericalism), the Francis “inverted pyramid,” and even Pope Benedict’s more intriguing unity of an “ellipse” with two centers (the papacy and the apostles, as in Lumen Gentium’s “hierarchical communion”).
But, now, Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian thought, do we see a “fractal” Church where “solidarity” and “subsidiarity,” fully both, are contained within each other? Where “guardianship” and “attentiveness”, and where the “charismatic” and “structure” are evident and fully intact—at all “levels”?
As an analogue, what about “FRACTALS,” or a thing’s “self-similarity” to itself at all levels or scales.…Here’s how this analogue replaces even digital mathematics in the physical universe—Isaac Asimov, the science fiction writer, on fractals as microcosms: “I believe that scientific knowledge has fractal properties; that no matter how much we learn, whatever is left, however small it may seem, is just as infinitely complex as the whole was to start with. That, I think, is the secret of the [physical] Universe.”
AND, theologically about the self-donating Creator of the entire universe, this: “For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). AND, personally, the “echo” (Pope John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor) of the divine within each of ourselves, as if the inborn and universal Natural Law and moral absolutes involve loyalty to both the true God and each of our true selves. AND, sacramentally, each Mass across space and all of history—rather than simply a mass-produced facsimile—is in concrete fact a “continuation and extension” of the once-only (!) Self-sacrifice of the Triune One, on Calvary (Catechism on the Real Presence, n. 1374).
SUMMARY: Think “fractal”…rather than a flat-earth der Synodal Weg or a circular and self-ratifying Synod on Synodality (say what?). Instead, the charismatic “ecclesial assembly” (Pope Benedict’s wording for communio) within the intact “structure” of the Church—and vice versa! In “Lumen Gentium,” was the Council onto something really big and permanent—and really local and personal—when it affirmed the Church as a “hierarchical communion”?
Under Pope Leo XVI’s ecclesiology, neither a pyramid nor a roundtable, is each consecrated host also just a little bit like a fractal?
@ The Rupnik Case
Then Fr Baldassare Reina first met Francis on the Isle of Lampedusa 2013. Reina, a Sicilian priest from Agrigento, wrote glowingly of Francis, calling Francis’ pontificate ‘something great’. Since, extolling him as a reformer. In 2022 Pope Francis elevated Reina an auxiliary bishop for the Rome diocese. January 2023, the pope appointed him cardinal viceregent with a mandate to reform the diocese. His rise was sudden and meteoric, one of several cardinals personally chosen by Francis to preach the Novendiales.
Reina’s sentiments expressed to America Magazine’s vice editor Gerard O’Connell took place May 1. During that interview he held the conviction that the next pope “must continue the reform Francis began”. Pope Leo XIV must have interviewed Cdl Reina prior to his appointment as chancellor of John Paul II marriage and family institute in Rome. Perhaps he received the appropriate assurances of fidelity to doctrine from Cdl Reina. Perhaps restoration of the institute as intended by John Paul II. At this moment that’s speculation. We can only hope.
We read: ” Perhaps he received the appropriate assurances of fidelity to doctrine from Cdl Reina.” Certainly! And, surely, the assurance that there will be no contrary signaling to undermine such moral theology and intact doctrine (!) with flat-earth social science—and then with separated “pastoral” practices.
Pope St. John Paul II already foresaw such duplicity (Fiducia Supplicans, 2024) in his encyclical Veritatis Splendor (1993):
“A separation, or even an opposition [!], is thus established in some cases between the teaching of the precept, which is valid and general, and the norm of the individual conscience, which would in fact make the final decision [no longer a ‘moral judgment’!] about what is good and what is evil. On this basis, an attempt is made to legitimize so-called ‘pastoral’ solutions [!] contrary to the teaching of the Magisterium, and to justify a ‘creative’ hermeneutic according to which the moral conscience is in no way obliged, in every case, by a particular negative precept [thou shalt not!]” (n. 56).
@ Neopaganism’s Dark Enchantment
No Faith, No Republic. Federalist Vieille garde John Daniel Davidson forecasts replacement of Christianity with witchery [if we reduce his arguments for Christian decline and resurgence of pagan religiosity].
Like Zarathustra Bernie Sanders has spoken. The Democrat Party is anti democracy. So what else do we turn to when Christ has spoken and no one anylonger listens? Davidson is on the mark in his analysis of the debacle. If the progressive Left has radicalized beyond reason turning against its own ideals what’s left is the contrary to reason and justice. To what by our nature we know inwardly as good. To what by our nature we know is evil.
Trump’s unique phenomenon seems a glimmer of hope, as does the change of management at the Vatican. It all depends if during this epochal moment Christ’s voice regains clarity – most significantly within and from the Vatican.
The Rupnik Case – “How will the pontiff handle a notorious abuse case?” On Pope Leo’s Desk: Rupnik (The Pillar)
Question: Does “Enter Leo XIV” end the article? Or is a lengthier article for paid subscribers only? [Subscriptions cost $60 now but will increase to $96 this fall.] Most Pillar articles are longer than this Rupnik snippet.
The Pillar’s debut was marred by an ‘anonymous’ source. Now, I’m prone to prudential questioning.
About Reina, the College of Cardinals Report (also subject to skepticism in these days of subjective notions of truth) says:
“While not directly addressing abortion or euthanasia, Cardinal Reina has shown support for the sanctity of life. He spoke positively about Chiara Corbella Petrillo, a young Italian laywoman being considered for sainthood who chose to carry two terminally ill babies to term, having them baptized immediately before their deaths less than one hour later. While pregnant with a healthy third child, Chiara was herself diagnosed with cancer and died one year later after giving birth to a healthy boy.
‘We commit ourselves to imitating Chiara, because we are all called to holiness in our daily lives, in difficulties, in problems, in illnesses,’ he said. ‘Chiara teaches us, together with an infinite host of men and women, that holiness is a possible path. It is the only path that makes us happy.’
In 2024, Cardinal Reina was reportedly accused by a former seminarian, now an ‘LGBT’ activist, of forcing him to undergo conversion therapy in order to cure him of his homosexuality.”
Perhaps Reina carries baggage; perhaps Leo does too. I’m willing to hope and maybe bet that Reina and Leo lean more orthodox than Paglia and Frank ever did.
“Let me make clear that I offer hear no wholesale apology for every action of every member of the Society of Jesus.”
I’m guilty of drawing lines, red, in sentences. I’m persnickety. My age and English-teacher-training lead me to question this wonderfully engaging dappled writer.
Earlier this morning–or late last night–I wrote. I wrote the implication. I implied that Jesuit universities and students bear audacious errors, most all of them.
As lovely and as endearing as all stems from UPenn (My roots sprout from there.), as lovely and as beautiful as Dappled Things be, my red line in writing lays bare a blot, a splotch, a spade.
About our post-Christian world and nation, we read:
“The contest, then, is not between secularism and Christianity, or liberalism and Christianity. Secularism and liberalism were both creations of Christendom, and as Christendom fades, so will they. There will simply be no basis for their claims of human equality and dignity, just as there was no basis for such claims in pagan Rome . . . . The contest is between a pagan vision of the world and a Christian one.”
And, so, we find that the radically pro-abortion tribe of “Catholic” Pelosi (late term abortions are “sacred ground”) and rosary-toting President Biden is followed by the Silicon Valley’s Auschwitz miniaturized into a mail-order pill (mifepristone). And then, the IVF eugenics of rocket-man Elon Musk—who has in tow a novice-Catholic Vice President and a President.
Instead of Biden’s old-fashion and one-at-a-time abortions, why not “efficient,” bulk rate cancellation on a Petri Dish?
J.M.J.
“His leadership model conveys a clear pastoral approach, but it is anything but improvised.”
When it comes to The Truth Of Perfect Divine Eternal Love, First Principles Matter.
This clear pastoral approach must always begin and end with The Word Of God, In The Unity Of The Holy Ghost, The Spirit Of Perfect Divine Eternal Love, Who Proceeds From The Father And His Only Begotten Son, in order to be, in essence, pastoral.
This statement, which denies we are Called to be Temples of The Holy Ghost in all our relationships, is the ideology of those who deny Christ’s New Commandment, “Love one another as I Have Loved You”, and by denying The Unity Of The Holy Ghost, denies Salvational Love, God’s Gift of Grace And Mercy, available to all those who desire to repent and believe The Good News!
“He Is Risen!”
I am now, more than ever, convinced that Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the children of Fatima in anticipation of this exact issue, and that only a True Vicar of Christ and those Faithful Bishops in union with him and thus in union with Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic, And Apostolic Church, have both the ability and desire to do The Consecration of Russia to Our Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Heart, exactly as Our Blessed Mother requested, visibly separating the counterfeit church with its counterfeit magisterium that denies The Unity of The Holy Ghost (Filioque), and thus denies The Perfect Divine Eternal Love Between The Father And His Only Begotten Son, Who Proceeds From Both The Father And His Only Begotten, Son, In The Ordered Communion Of Perfect Complementary Divine Eternal Love, The Most Holy Blessed Trinity, restoring Unity and Peace in Her Son’s Church , by affirming The Unity Of The Holy Ghost(Filioque ), By accepting The Grace that comes with The Office Of The MUNUS and thus The Unity of The Papal Office and The Magisterium, grounded in Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture , and thus accepting The Ministerial Office, affirming the fact that can be known through both Faith and reason, “it is not possible to have Sacramental Communion without Ecclesiastical Communion”, due to The Unity Of The Holy Ghost; for it Is Through Christ, With Christ, And In Christ, Oh God Almighty Father, In The Unity Of The Holy Ghost (Filioque), that Holy Mother Church Exists. To continue to allow the counterfeit church to subsist within The One Body Of Christ which exists for The Salvation of Souls is to deny The Divinity Of The Holy Ghost, The Spirit Of Perfect Divine Eternal Love Between The Father And His Only Begotten Son.
“Penance, Penance, Penance.”
We are Called to be Temples of The Holy Ghost in all our relationships, thus in all our relationships there will always be a “Third Party”, despite the claims of those Baptized Catholics who deny , The Holy Ghost, and thus The Divinity of The Most Holy Blessed Trinity, and thus their Baptismal Promises, resulting in a state of apostasy.
At the heart of Liberty Is Christ, “4For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5Have moreover tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come…”, to not believe that Christ’s Sacrifice On The Cross will lead us to Salvation, but we must desire forgiveness for our sins, and accept Salvational Love, God’s Gift Of Grace And Mercy; believe in The Power And The Glory Of Salvation Love, and rejoice in the fact that No Greater Love Is There Than This, To Desire Salvation For One’s Beloved. “Hail The Cross, Our Only Hope.” “Blessed are they who are Called to The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb.” “For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”
Prayers for Pope Leo IV , that The Holy Ghost will pour down God’s Perfect Divine Eternal Love From Heaven so that Our Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Heart, Always In Communion With The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Will Triumph For The Salvation Of Souls. Amen.
I’m sorry to inform you ND. Apparently, you haven’t received the news. Dear Pope Leo IV left this world in 855 AD.