Fr. Richard Perozich [retired priest of the diocese of San Diego] comments —
Below is a letter to his flock in the diocese of Tyler Texas from Bishop Joseph Strickland.
He is one of the clerics, now of the episcopal rank, who received the ire of Rome with an “apostolic visit”, which is done when serious problems exist in a diocese. In his case, major problems did not exist. It was used as an intimidating act by Rome, just as bishops intimidate priests who preach the classic Catholic faith as does bishop Strickland.
He lists 7 points to keep Catholics faithful in advance of those in the synod on synodality who will try to overturn church teaching by ignoring it and substituting new practices even if they do not change any dogmatic statements.
Bishop Robert Barron has said that there will not be new dogma. There does not have to be new dogma. Just ignore, substitute and move on to a new church.
Ignoring and substitution form a classic technique to impose a novelty. In the seminary we read the documents of the second Vatican Council and some post conciliar documents. None of what I understand in the current liturgy and now the new morality are contained in those documents. You may read them yourselves.
Yet the ignoring and substitution of the documents and the substitution of new practices form worship and teaching today.
Words like Vatican II and Synod on Synodality are repeated so often as if they are sacred revelations from the Lord Himself, so that no one feels he can challenge anything to which they are attached in order to impose what the speaker is saying. They are used as a stick to beat into submission anyone who questions what current leaders are imposing.
Stay faithful.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas
August 22, 2023
My Dear Sons and Daughters in Christ:
May the love and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you always!
In this time of great turmoil in the Church and in the world, I must speak to you from a father’s heart in order to warn you of the evils that threaten us, and to assure you of the joy and hope that we have always in our Lord Jesus Christ. The evil and false message that has invaded the Church, Christ’s Bride, is that Jesus is only one among many, and that it is not necessary for His message to be shared with all humanity. This idea must be shunned and refuted at every turn. We must share the joyful good news that Jesus is our only Lord, and that He desires that all humanity for all time may embrace eternal life in Him.
Once we understand that Jesus Christ, God’s Divine Son, is the fullness of revelation and the fulfillment of the Father’s plan of salvation for all humanity for all time, and we embrace this with all our hearts, then we can address the other errors that plague our Church and our world which have been brought about by a departure from Truth.
In St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes: “I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by (the) grace (of Christ) for a different gospel {not that there is another]. But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed!” (Gal 1:6-9)
As your spiritual father, I feel it is important to reiterate the following basic truths that have always been understood by the Church from time immemorial, and to emphasize that the Church exists not to redefine matters of faith, but to safeguard the Deposit of Faith as it has been handed down to us from Our Lord Himself through the apostles and the saints and martyrs. Again, hearkening back to St. Paul’s warning to the Galatians, any attempts to pervert the true Gospel message must be categorically rejected as injurious to the Bride of Christ and her individual members.
Christ established One Church–the Catholic Church-and, therefore, only the Catholic Church provides the fullness of Christ’s truth and the authentic path to His salvation for all of us.
The Eucharist and all the sacraments are divinely instituted, not developed by man. The Eucharist is truly Christ’s Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, and to receive Him in Communion unworthily (i.e. in a state of grave, unrepentant sin) is a devastating sacrilege for the individual and for the Church. (1 Cor 11:27-29)
The Sacrament of Matrimony is instituted by God. Through Natural Law, God has established marriage as between one man and one woman faithful to each other for life and open to children. Humanity has no right or true ability to redefine marriage.
Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God, male or female, and all people should be helped to discover their true identities as children of God, and not supported in a disordered attempt to reject their undeniable biological and God-given identity.
Sexual activity outside marriage is always gravely sinful and cannot be condoned, blessed, or deemed permissible by any authority inside the Church.
The belief that all men and women will be saved regardless of how they live their lives (a concept commonly referred to as universalism) is false and is dangerous, as it contradicts what Jesus tells us repeatedly in the Gospel. Jesus says we must “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.” (Matt 16:24) He has given us the way, through His grace, to victory over sin and death through repentance and sacramental confession. It is essential that we embrace the joy and hope, as well as the freedom, that come from repentance and humbly confessing our sins. Through repentance and sacramental confession, every battle with temptation and sin can be a small victory that leads us to embrace the great victory that Christ has won for us.
In order to follow Jesus Christ, we must willingly choose to take up our cross instead of attempting to avoid the cross and suffering that Our Lord offers to each of us individually in our daily lives. The mystery of redemptive suffering-i.e. suffering that Our Lord allows us to experience and accept in this world and then offer back to Him in union with His suffering-humbles us, purifies us, and draws us deeper into the joy of a life lived in Christ. That is not to say that we must enjoy or seek out suffering, but if we are united to Christ, as we experience our daily sufferings we can find the hope and joy that exist amidst the suffering and persevere to the end in all our suffering. (cf. 2 Tim 4:6-8)
In the weeks and months ahead, many of these truths will be examined as part of the Synod on Synodality. We must hold fast to these truths and be wary of any attempts to present an alternative to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or to push for a faith that speaks of dialogue and brotherhood, while attempting to remove the fatherhood of God. When we seek to innovate upon what God in His great mercy has given us, we find ourselves upon treacherous ground. The surest footing we can find is to remain firmly upon the perennial teachings of the faith.
Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed. Be assured, however, that no one who remains firmly upon the plumb line of our Catholic faith We must remain unabashedly and truly Catholic, regardless of what may be brought forth. We must be aware also that it is not leaving the Church to stand firm against these proposed changes. As St. Peter said, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn 6:68) Therefore, standing firm does not mean we are seeking to leave the Church. Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church, and they are indeed the true schismatics.
I urge you, my sons and daughters in Christ, that now is the time to make sure you stand firmly upon the Catholic faith of the ages. We were all created to seek the Way, the Truth and the Life, and in this modern age of confusion, the true path is the one that is illuminated by the light of Jesus Christ, for Truth has a face and indeed it is His face. Be assured that He will not abandon His Bride.
I remain your humble father and servant
Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland Bishop of Tyler
Phenomenal letter. Bravo, Bishop Srickland.
America’s Bishop has it right again. The synod on ignoring and substitution will result in the Church abandoning her doctrines while still keeping them on the books officially.
Well done Bishop Strickland!
Keep an eye out for revenge coming from the Vatican. Pray for strong leaders like Bishop Strickland.
I read Bishop Strickland’s excellent letter the other day– and just loved it. It is beautifully written, and gave me so much hope, reassurance, and support. I will keep a copy of this, and read it again, whenever I feel badly about the Synod on Synodality, and similar things in the Church. Bishop Strickland– affectionately dubbed “America’s Bishop”– is a tremendous blessing for us, especially in today’s troubled times, in our Church. I pray that the outcome of his recent, seemingly unjust Vatican Apostolic Visitation, will turn out well for him– and will soon be forgotten. Let the pope instead investigate bad priests and prelates, like Jesuit Fr. James Martin, Cardinal Hollerich, and the German Bishops’ Conference. Shame on them.
He is not America’s Bishop as he himself has said.
it does not say much for your faithfulness that you would use that term.
Follow Christ and His Church.
It is my choice to join with thousands of others, who love and appreciate Bishop Strickland, to call him “America’s Bishop.” That is a rightfully-earned term of endearment. Just as Rev. Billy Graham, in his time, was rightfully dubbed “America’s Pastor” and “Pastor to the Presidents.” Rev. Billy Graham was an absolutely outstanding Christian leader and evangelist. He was friends with Bishop Sheen. In Bishop Sheen’s era, his enthusiastic admirers– which included me– rightfully dubbed Sheen “America’s Bishop.” I just adored Bishop Sheen, lifelong. I always thought he was a Saint. Abp. Sheen, “America’s Bishop,” was a beloved, tremendous catechist and evangelist for Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother — and so is Bishop Strickland. We are blessed, in every era, to have one or two outstanding clerical leaders, for Christ. Love other fine Catholic prelates, too. I have an attractively-designed refrigerator magnet that says, “Don’t mess with Texas Bishops. I stand with Bishop Strickland. There are also bumper stickers, T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. available, at various Catholic stores, with this saying. I put my Bishop Strickland refrigerator magnent next to some attractive ones of Pope Benedict, Christ in the Divine Mercy, the Prayer of St. Francis, and a few other favorites. Would also love to find something that says, “I stand with Cardinal Zen and Jimmy Lai.” And poor Bishop Rolando Alvarez, of Nicaragua, and others, too, who are selflessly, bravely enduring a terrible Cross of persecution, for Christ. They are our tremendous Christ-like Catholic leaders and role models, to follow. We all should daily pray for our heroic, suffering, persecuted Catholic leaders. I am so thankful for the beautiful gift of his recent letter to his dear flock, of the Diocese of Tyler. I consider myself, along with thousands of others– to be one of his flock, too. And we love, respect and appreciate our own Archbishop Cordileone.
He needs to tell people to not sell things like that.
You need to get in line with Catholicism.
Get in line– No. I suggest you take a coffee mug of the Little Flower (another beloved Saint, with a term of endearment) or the Divine Mercy, or any other beloved Catholic figure, to your office. Use it on breaks and at lunch. Others may notice. You may have some delightful, inspirational conversations, and results!
Or people will consider you a freak and you’ll be shunned. That happened to me when I was known to oppose gay marriage at the office. I was immediately shunned by the other employees. By the way, that office was a Catholic high school called Mitty.
Having a mug with the Little Flower or Divine Mercy is not the same as buying something that promotes a living person in the Church-maybe the Pope.
But those who are selling them-that is kind of iffy.
I know people sell Bibles and rosaries and statues but they need to be very pure of heart.
A lot depends on intention.
You can make or buy things to declare your support for anyone you are enthusiastic about, living or dead. Millions of people have bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, coffee mugs, t-shirts, etc. of Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and thousands of other famous figures. I had a beautiful fridge magnet of Pope Francis, when he got elected– but finally removed it, when I became alarmed at his beliefs.
There are many ways to enjoy your faith and share it. Nobody has ever confronted me, about Church teachings on the gays. If they do, all you have to do, is say, “oh, God loves all people. The LGBTs are His beloved children, too.” Then, kindly explain Catholic teaching, if they are truly interested. Maybe they will share some of their religious beliefs, too. You might share some wonderful stories of miracles and healings, through our way of prayer. People like to hear about prayers answered at Lourdes, the miraculous “shower of roses” of St. Therese, the Little Flower, her “Little Way” of love, the loving ways of St. Francis of Assisi, and his beloved, beautiful “Prayer of St. Francis,” etc. etc. The conversation should be kept pleasant. Mitty sounds like a violently rebellious, anti-Catholic, “Catholic” school, not a normal secular workplace, with a typical mix of people of different religions and beliefs. I would not go anywhere near Mitty.
Today I read that over 400 Catholic families have recently moved to the Diocese of Tyler, because of Bishop Strickland.
There is no such thing as “America’s Bishop.”
Stop making things up.
144,000 twitter followers does not make him popular.
Fr. James Martin has twice as many followers and that does not make him ‘America’s priest”.
“America’s Bishop” is a perfectly good term of endearment. Loved Ven. Abp. Sheen, who was likewise dubbed “America’s Bishop,” in his era. Pope St. John XXIII was often referred to as “Good Pope John.” You do not have to use these terms of endearment. Religious leaders, all through the centuries, and famous saints, such as the “Little Flower”– often have terns of endearment ascribed to them, by admirerers. A very common practice.The nunber of followers of an admired Saint, priest or prelate, may be large or small– but they are enthusiastic! Ascribing terms of endearment to a beloved religious figure, is very common.
To Love Bishop Strickland and all other sillies:
I know how to push all of your buttons.
I know how to appeal to your patriotism, your sincerely held beliefs on CRT, trans, LGBTQ, school, libraries, loss of morality, loss of safety, mutilating surgeries, drag queens, abortion,
I know how to get you to open your wallets.
But I will never exploit you like that.
Because it is unrighteous.
I have refrigerator magnets and pretty coffee mugs, of Pope Benedict, and Pope St. John Paul II— love them! I have a key ring with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have blessed Miraculous Medals on certain items– even on a music bag, and on a gym bag, on pet carriers, luggage, and a winter jacket zipper! (Etc.) I also give them to people, too. They always ask about the beloved Miraculous Medals– even at the vet’s office! I also have Divine Mercy trinkets– people love them! I do not use any secular trinkets. How about you– do you have some beloved Catholic saints or beloved Church leaders — and trinkets you love, regarding them? If not– get some! It will brighten your day– and brighten the day for others, too! I have been told, even by the mailman– how beloved my beautiful stickers are, of the Miraculous Medal, on all my correspondence! Others also have adopted this custom, too — or have decided to put a beautiful religious sticker of Jesus on all their correspondence. St. Anthony is a common Saint, to ensure that correspondence gets delivered, for anyone concerned about that. These little things are all a part iof daily practice and expression of our Faith.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is another very, very popular, beloved figure, that you see everywhere, on stickers, decals, bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, coffee mugs, keychains,
t-shirts, etc. etc. Almost all Mexican restaurants and cafes have a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, displayed in some form.
There is a beautiful story that has appeared in several Catholic publications, of a Catholic airline stewardess, who always wears a small monstrance pin on the lapel of her uniform. Many airline passengers have expressed gratitude and appreciation to see this little pin, as it brings them comfort and reassurance, on their trip. Also, the stewardess has explained all about her tiny monstrance lapel pin, to non-Catholics who ask, and are interested. Some have even converted to our Faith, and have bought little monstrance lapel pins also, to wear! And have begun regular Eucharistic Adoration, too! Plus, some lapsed Catholics have decided to return to Mass. Wonderful!
Here is a link to a wonderful video from St. Michael’s Church, in Livermore, CA, of the beautiful and famous story, of the Catholic airline stewardess, Mrs. Stacey Piper Kupski, who wears a small Monstrance pin on her lapel. Her husband, John, gave her the pin as a gift when she became a Eucharistic Minister at their church.
https://stmichaellivermore.com/StaceyEnglish
Oh, sorry, this is a print version of the interview, not a video! I believe that Stacey Piper Kupski, the Catholic stewardess with the Monstrance pin, flies with American Ailirlines, and lives in Livermore, CA.
I’m amazed people pay attention to lapel pins on flight attendants, which is the more politically correct term nowadays than “stewardess”. I barely notice the color of their uniforms. The guys are mostly gay, so I just mind my own business and keep my nose in my book.
Many years ago, I did a lot of flying — that’s when they had stewardesses, not female and male flight attendants. The word “gay” was not yet applied to homosexuals. Men were men, and women were women. Passengers always dressed up nicely, to fly. Women wore nice dresses and heels, and men wore business suits. Young ladies often dreamed of becoming airline stewardesses, and we all talked about the requirements for applying to become one– would a friend of yours pass the test? A friend of mine, actually did apply, and passed the test! She wanted to see the world! She loved her job as a stewardess– and even met her future husband– a businessman– who happened to be a passenger, on a flight! They got married, and had children, and she became a happy homemaker.
Does Stacy Piper Kupski want you publicizing her name and hometown on the internet?
Don’t be ridiculous. This is a lovely Catholic lady, who deserves recognition. Her story has appeared in many places. Her hometown church is proud of her.
Some of the people who have been invited by the pope himself to participate in the synod are public heretics. Fr. James Martin, for example. Tell me that doesn’t mean something.
This is the best example of a church FAFO notice that I’ve ever seen. The synod and Rome have been put on notice by America’s Bishop.
They are shaking in their boots.
Bishop Strickland has some support but it is from fringe Catholics.
He betrayed faithful Catholics who thought he was orthodox.
When I read this letter, I got the same thrill going up my leg that Chris Matthews got hearing Obama speak. Momentous. It doesn’t happen often at all.
Interesting, isn’t it, that this straightforward message from Bishop Strickland strikes a chord of resonance the way no other bishop’s statement can?
Because it plays into people’s fears and sinful doubts.
You need to really know the Catholic Faith.
Study the Catechism. Read the bible.
Bishop Strickland is having a 54 day Rosary for the Synod delegates.
I hope you will join.
You mean Cardinal Mahony’s “Gather Faithfully Together” didn’t do anything for you?
Just remember that a lot of the synod participants from America are people who think that Joe and Hunter Biden are great Catholics.
God help us!
This is what it’s all about for you? Politics? Many who have attached themselves to this bishop are more concerned about their political agenda than the Gospel.
This makes no sense. At. All.
I can only speculate about why he did this.
I think this site has become overrun by Trads. The bias in the comments is off the rails.
What is going on in the Diocese of Tyler that he felt the need to write this?
Lots of devout, faithful Catholics,
all over the world, are upset with the Synod on Synodality. Many churches have been holding Rosaries, Novenas, Adoration, and prayer vigils, before the Synods of Pope Francis. We had a big one, before the Synod on the Family, at Star of the Sea church in SF. Plus– much more. Good churches and good priests and bishops always support, nurture and guide their parishioners in the true Catholic Faith. They always explain Church events well, to help everyone understand everything. And they may also host big devotions and prayers, (Rosaries, Novenas, etc.) to pray that all will go well, with an important Church event.
Reply to, some people are crying before they are hurt and they have no faith in God.
They believe in God but they do not have confidence in Him.
That is very common.
One sincere Hail Mary should help a lot.
This really seems like both of the men have severe anxiety.
@ anxiety — You malign Bishop Strickland and Fr. Perozich. They are good priests.
That is not maligning. It is love, care and concern.
@ love. Don’t pretend to show loving care and concern when you’re actually being disrespectful.
Are you one of those people who think there is a stigma to anxiety?
Everybody gets anxiety.
You have to deconstruct what you are worried about, what if what you are worried about actually happens.
What is the root of the fear?
Whatever happens, God is with you. And God is with the Church.
No disrespect intended.
You have many commenters reading the same thing I am reading and not being concerned.
Actually, supporting it (whether they even read it.)
People with anxiety overestimate the risk of what they are afraid of and underestimate their ability to deal with it.
A quote attributed to Mark Twain: “I have had many worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
Zorro, I think all good priests are anxious. The writings of the saints are full of anxiety for their own and other’s salvation.
I don’t want to malign anybody but since I am not worried at all about the Synod…and they are, I have to ask why?.
Other people are too. If you are, ask yourself why? What are you afraid is going to happen?
Read the Instrumentum Laboris for the Synod.
There are two sessions, so the earliest anything could happen because of the Synod would be probably 2025.
A few weeks ago, someone said that they were afraid that because of the Synod, the Church would start to bless gay unions.
The Church has already said no to that.
This person said they would leave the Church if that happened. So I agree that going to hell is something to be afraid of but it is not because of the Synod that he would go to hell. It would be his own choice to go to hell.
If you are anxious that certain delegates might go to hell, pray for them.
Father Perozich mentions a new church. Pretty shocking coming from a priest. It is contrary to Scripture and Tradition to believe that there can be a new church.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/scharfenberger-hubbard-not-uncontroversial
Interesting story.
If Bishop Strickland actually wrote this, I would like to know what is really going on.
The letter says “The evil and false message that has invaded the Church, Christ’s Bride, is that Jesus is only one among many, and that it is not necessary for His message to be shared with all humanity. This idea must be shunned and refuted at every turn….”
Jesus is only one among many…what?
It is not necessary for His message to be shared with all humanity. His…message? Message?
Maybe it is just poorly written. But this is serious.
I know if my pastor or my bishop wanted to clear up errors about Jesus and they felt the best way was to send a letter to all registered families (and put it in the bulletin for those who are not registered), they would write a letter with Scripture, Catechism quotes, Saint quotes clearing up any misconceptions about what the Church teaches about Jesus and His Person, His purpose in becoming man, His Sacrifice, His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, His Presence in our lives and the duty of all Catholics to share the Good News.
And Bishop Strickland does say that this is the priority and after this is addressed then other errors can be addressed. He says that Jesus is the only Lord (he does not say Savior) and I don’t think he is denying the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Do you have polytheists going to Church there in Tyler?
Maybe if you live in the diocese it makes sense.
It’s because the synod is being hijacked to bless gay sex.
Says who?
So that is your fear?
I do not believe that is going to happen because the Vatican and the Pope already said “We cannot bless sin.”
But what is the worst that will happen if your fear is realized?
If the church blesses gay sex, it will show that Catholicism is fake. That’s not something to fear? I’d be angry and I’d leave the church because it would be proven to be fake. Blessing gay sex would be the church nuking itself. Many American and Western European participants are going to the synod with the firm resolve to put language into the final document that will approve of gay sex and set the stage for its blessing.
Think about this.
If it was fake, wouldn’t you want to know?
I do not believe it is fake and I would not believe it even if they blessed gay unions (I can’t see that they would ever bless gay sex, just like they do not bless any sex).
You would no longer believe in God, or Jesus or what?
No, I wouldn’t believe in anything religious at all in that case. Either the Church is divinely protected from grave error, or it isn’t. If the Church is divinely protected, it won’t commit grave error. If it does commit grave error, then it doesn’t have divine protection, as it claims to have, and the whole thing is one falsehood built on top of another.
P or not P.
If P then Q.
not Q
Therefore, not P.
It’s day 1 logic.
The people who will be the worst off are those true believers who are not considering the possibility that the Church might commit grave error. It’s coming so close to doing it that it’s only wise to consider what you would do if it occurs. The Church should not even be entertaining the possibility of grave error. But we’re going to have a worldwide meeting in which grave error is going to be proposed for acceptance.
We’ll see. I’m ready. I know what I will do.
Then you don’t really have faith. I will pray for you.
You are going through a period that almost every one goes through.
You should know by your own encounter with Christ that it is all real.
You are still relying on someone else telling you He is real?
Are you doing Holy Hours?
Just go into the Church, kneel before the tabernacle and ask Jesus to tell you if it is all true.
Do not be afraid.
Yes, if it were fake I would want to know. But I don’t want it to be fake. I want it to be true. If it’s fake, then life is meaningless, and I’ve wasted my whole life as a Catholic believing in it.
It is not fake. You can always talk to Jesus. And Mary.
Silence, Solitude. Give up anything getting in the way.
1 Peter 5: 6-7 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
1Peter 5 gives good advice to the presbyter and the younger men
In the second to the last paragraph has a sentence that is not finished in this posting. It should read: Be assured, however, that no one who remains firmly upon the plumb line of our Catholic faith is a schismatic.
I don’t know what he means by plumb line but according to the Catechism:
A schismatic is someone who refuses submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him. Schism is a mortal sin
From the Roman Catechism (also known as the Catechism of Trent and the Catechism of Pius V):
. Heretics and schismatics are excluded
from the Church, because they have separated from her and belong to her only as deserters belong to the army
from which they have deserted. It is not, however, to be denied that they are still subject to the jurisdiction of
the Church, inasmuch as they may be called before her tribunals, punished and anathematised. F
Can. 753 Although the bishops who are in communion with the head and members of the college, whether individually or joined together in conferences of bishops or in particular councils, do not possess infallibility in teaching, they are authentic teachers and instructors of the faith for the Christian faithful entrusted to their care; the Christian faithful are bound to adhere with religious submission of mind to the authentic magisterium of their bishops.
The synod process revealed a belief that overall the Church listens first to priests and pastors. This was seen in
a positive light. It was also commonly noted that the Church seems to be listening to individuals who have
influence through money, social positions, or politics. There was a common belief that the Church listens to
secular and Church media (participants often mentioning YouTube and social media personalities), negative
divisive voices, and what participants often described as “loud” or “noisy” voices. At an overwhelming rate, it is
the recommendation within our local Church through the fruits of the synodal process that the Church make
more efforts to listen to children and youth. Themes emerged again here regarding the absence of young
people in the Church, combined with the absence of efforts to ask young people what keeps them away. At a
somewhat frequent rate it was recommended that the Church listen to the elderly, minorities, the poor and
other marginalized populations.
From the Synod report of the Diocese of Tyler
I invite everyone to join in a 54 Day Rosary Novena beginning on August 27, the Memorial of St Monica and ending on October 19, the Memorial of Martyrs, St John de Brebeuf & companions. Pray that the hearts of all Synod delegates will be drawn closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Whatever our concerns for the Bride of Christ and the upcoming Synod let us constantly be reminded that our greatest power is prayer. I was inspired to encourage this 54 Day Rosary Novena so that all of us could pray fervently for all involved in the Synod on Synodality being held in Rome during October of this year. Starting the Novena on the Memorial of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine reminds us of the power of prayer in a beautiful way. Saint Monica prayed fervently and faithfully for the conversion of her son Augustine and her prayer was so effective he not only converted but became a saint.
I definitely need to be reminded to pray for all who are involved in the Synod and for all of us who are part of the Mystical Body of Christ which is the Church. Rather than becoming angry and lashing out at those who seem to be pushing an effort to change the beautiful truths of our faith, let us pray for them to instead embrace that truth more and more deeply.
Ending the Novena on October 19, the Memorial of the Martyrs, Saint John de Brebeuf and Companions, is a reminder of the sacrifices that so many have made through the ages in order for the Deposit of Faith to be passed on to us. Let us pray that the blood of the martyrs may become the seeds of deeper faith for all the delegates at the Synod.
Religions, great and small, can be prone to engender false and potentially destructive “cults of personality” as well. Horrors like the Jonestown mass murder are easily seen. But there is plenty of evidence of alarming “cult of personality” problems emerging from within the Church herself.
https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2017/02/05/a-temptation-the-cult-of-personality/
Scott Hahn got in trouble with Mike Lewis for sharing this letter.
I don’t know who Mike Lewis is but some of the letter is OK and some of it is very puzzling.
So, two men engaging in anal sodomy… degenerate, disordered mortal sin? Or a beautiful expression of divine grace? It can’t be both. By embracing the former view, the Catholic Church distinguished itself from the pagan world of the Roman era. But now, nearly 2,000 years later, we’re told that the Church got it wrong and the pagans had it right all along. This is the pivot that Pope Francis and his Synod are preparing. Will you follow them? Or will you follow what the Church has always taught? And be labeled a rigid backwardist, obsessed with “sins below the waist” that aren’t actually sins anyway because doctrine can evolve and the Holy Spirit and/or The God of Surprises is telling us we need to make this pivot.
Stop inventing things.
pivot, this is very sinful to bear false witness against God’s Holy Church and the Vicar of Christ.
Pope Francis follows what the Church has always taught.
The Catechism makes plain what the Church has always taught.
If Pope Francis and the Synod change church teaching, then do we become Protestant? Or Orthodox? If the Catholic Church teaches serious falsehood at the highest level, to whom shall we go?
I don’t want a God of that kind of surprise. I wouldn’t worship a God who surprised with falsehood. That wouldn’t be God.
So, assuming the Catholic Church apostatizes, to whom shall we go?
Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Francis:
May the Lord preserve him and give him life and make him blessed upon the earth. And yield him not up to the will of his enemies.
We fly to Thy patronage, o holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions in our necessities but deliver us always from all dangers, o Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle.. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the enemy and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the earth seeking the ruin of souls.
Jesus. Mary. Save all souls and protect them from the lies of the devil. St. Joseph, Protector of the Church, intercede for us.
Knock it off.
I am afraid there are people who faith is so weak that they will fall for your temptations.
Never leave the Catholic Church, even if its leaders’ teaching should obscure the truth. Find those who believe what the Church has always taught, who worship as the Church has always worshiped, who are charitable toward the poor materially and in spirit, and walk with them. Common sense tells me I don’t need to believe everything that comes from the mind of a man in power in the church, rather I must believe the truth of Jesus when such a man declares it, and that I cannot stop him speaking his personal opinions even when they do not reflect what Jesus taught in the bible and in the deposit of faith. Such opinions neither lead me to Jesus nor to eternal life, but I cannot stop authorities from expressing them, so I don’t let them bother my spirit. I live God’s revealed Truth while others live their opinions, their mindsets, their experiences, and their chosen lifestyles.
Thank you.
Thanks, Fr. Perozich.
The Catholic Church has not changed its teaching. Period.
You should not promote sodomy.
And really the Catholic Church distinguished itself from the pagan world by monotheism and having a Savior.
Only to introduce Pachamama.🤣👍😘
The Pope’s enemy never sleeps.
Simony is a mortal sin. Selling spiritual things for money is really really bad. But it also includes doing spiritual things for public acclaim.
I think the persons selling his name on items are probably committing a sin but I hope it is not intentional.
He really needs to reign these people in.
Does that also apply to selling Trump merchandise like mugs with his mugshot on it? I kinda want one. They’re cool.
No.
I saw a short on Youtube where Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank fame, who made her money in real estate in NYC at the same time Trump did, where she said that Trump is a phenomenal salesman, not just a great salesman. He can sell anything. He has the ability to spot a person’s weakness or vulnerability very quickly and “touch it”.
Honest people call that exploitation and do not consider it good character.
We grew up in the time where people were wary of salesmen. They were considered dishonest. We had the expression “salesmen talk” for people who were trying to manipulate you into buying something or believing something.
We were wary of politicians. They were considered dishonest. We weren’t as taken in as the people are now.
Don’t mess with Texas Bishops. I stand with Bishop Strickland. There are also bumper stickers, T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. available, at various Catholic stores, with this saying.
And now the person who posted this is pretending that it is the same as a religious article.
I am curious. Who are they standing with Bishop Strickland against? Who is messing with Texas Bishops?
Decades ago, we had a very liberal bishop. but I will give him this: he never criticized the Pope (JPII) or contradicted him or tried to make him look less than.