According to a phone call to the general secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington D.C., the meeting of the Special Assembly of U.S. bishops will take place in California this June.
The meeting will be held from Monday through Friday, June 10 – 14 at the Loews resort in Coronado, across from San Diego.
The hotel is built on a man-made island in San Diego Bay connected by a narrow isthmus to the Silver Strand peninsula and the Pacific coast beach .
From the hotel’s website:
“Showcasing Coronado Bay’s vibrant seascape, this luxury resort features on-site dining and spa services. Cooking classes and gondola rides are available. A flat-screen TV is featured in all guest rooms.
“Comfortably furnished, each room at Loews Coronado Bay Resort includes a minibar. All rooms feature gourmet tea and coffee-making facilities. A spa quality bathrobe and toiletries are provided.
“Guests of Coronado Bay Loews Resort can relax in the large outdoor pool and hot tub. A sauna is on site. A tennis court offers recreational fun.”
I can’t believe this but on second thought of course they are going to do this at the resort – A few days on San Diego Bay, wonderful weather, and world class restaurant’s available and all expense’s paid – This is a downright ridiculous waste of a few million dollars that could be used to help our poor and our schools – This is another example of how much trouble our Church is in – We need leaders to follow the principals Christ established 2000 years ago and a week at a resort is not on the list – Very sad –
true. true. They are certaintly not following the way of Pope Francis.
Have you been there? It’s not too far from Logan Heights, a poor area, it’s on the other side of Coronado’s exit which is over the bridge. It’s near Imperial Beach, even though a beach area but not a good area to be honest, it’s no La Jolla.
I’m wondering if this is privately owned resort, if it’s Catholic Owners and maybe they got a good discount? Who knows but I don’t see any issues of them picking this place. If it was something more expensive like some of the hotels in New York with private suits and such, then that is when we could question something.
It’s also near or on Silver Strand Beach … There ain’t much better a beach that that anywhere.
If they go dipping their tootsies in the surf on Silver Strand, maybe they’ll finally find that M-60 that a colleague dropped and lost there in 1966 (he later became an FBI agent, which explains a lot about our govt).
Geez … geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzz … that’d be fortyseven years ago … dang, time reeeeeely flies along like they say. I wonder if he really ever had to pay for that lost govt property.
Skai I like your sense of humor….I laughed and laughed….it is good medicine…it helps us release those tight muscles that all this immoral world is pushing on people now a days. LOL
Thanks Abeca, for your insights. Most of us had no idea. I just saw the photo and it looked expensive. haha
Your welcome Dana….it’s really not that extravagant as people believe, it is a nice area, Coronado is a nice island with expensive homes but that is irrelevant, it is also near the military base on that island, i also worked there too as a temporary…..I know that some disagree with me, I am sorry but have anyone have the facts of who or what company has actually planned this for them? I don’t think a bishop did this, it takes a lot of work to organize it, get a good bid on it etc…..I doubt that they will get all the perks that these hotels offer because they are expensive. Just because someone is staying there, it doesn’t mean they will get to use all the extra’s either.
I wish people would get mroe informed before they react. It’s what they do their or say and what they will plan to do to feed Christ’s sheep that I’m interested in knowing….
Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:3
You couldn’t have said anything nicer Abeca. I’ve watched several conf. On EWTN over the years and never gave any of these inner workings, expenses or planning necessary for such an event but just thinking of Mary putting the costly oil on The Lord using her hair puts the role of the bishops and our appreciation of them in perspective.
Thanks Dana…. : )
What else do you expect from the Church Golfing?
These fellows used to be in the Church Militant — but it split 60 years ago in this country into the Church Militant and the Church Golfing.
Yes — where is the “Preferential Option for the Poor?”
This is what happens in a country where everyone has so much privilege that even the Bishops don’t grasp their extravagance and how off the mark they are from any sense of the gospel message.
Maybe the Bishops can hold their next meeting at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and talk about pressing matters of faith and “leading” their flocks.
I wonder what our down-to-earth Pope Francis would think of this. As for me, it sure doesn’t fit with what I expect of our church leaders!
They should have picked Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace.
“They should have picked Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace.”
You’re right Skai! They might as well have picked Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace since they seem to enjoy gambling with how very worldly this makes them look. There is never enough money to build more decent Catholic schools so Catholic parents don’t have to homeschool their children to keep them from having their Catholic faith destroyed but there is certainly plenty of money to live it up at a luxury resort while pretending that you are accomplishing something that will help people get to heaven besides clean air emissions. Something is very wrong yet they cannot see this. They seem blind to the reality of how bad this looks when they are the leaders, who should know better.
Here is a better idea. Take all of the money that is being wasted for this luxury resort meeting and use it to fix up the white elephant Crystal Cathedral purchase in Orange County, Ca. The faithful did not ask for that endless and needless money pit purchase yet they are the ones being fleeced ad nauseum even during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to pay for this wild purchase. Widescreen tv’s placed in the sanctuary and fundraising. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the reenactment of Calvary but the bishop has instructed pastors to fundraise during the 1 hour Mass time that is meant for God and for God alone. AND please don’t tell us that the money is being used for God. The moneychangers in the temple tried that one too with Jesus but apparently it does not matter to some. This is telling Christ, “Excuse me Jesus, I know this is the reenactment of your death on the cross but would you hold off for a few minutes during this Mass, as long as we have a captive audience here let’s kill two birds with one stone so we can fundraise millions of bucks on this altar for our bad purchase mistakes.”
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is NOT the time to fundraise or fleece the entire flock of innocent sheep to compensate for the bad decisions of a few.
If they need the millions of dollars that they are claiming to need to fix it up then they should not have purchased this white elephant in the first place. There always seems to be plenty of money for luxury resorts but not good Catholic schools where the Catholic faith should be taught as well as taught by example in the home.
Reenactment? Probably not the right word. It is the same Sacrifice made present.
I am sorry that you received such very poor formation. It probably isn’t your fault. It is a good thing that you found the website CCD in order to help you embrace “all” Church teaching.
When asked of what mind we should be when we attend Mass, St. Padre Pio replied – “the same as if you were at Calvary.”
Taken from ‘The Catholic Church Has The Answer’
“Why do Catholics believe that Christ is sacrificed in each and every Mass, when Scripture plainly states that He was sacrificed on Calvary once and for all? Most non-Catholics do not realize it, but Christ Himself offered the first Mass at the Last Supper. At the Last Supper He offered (sacrificed) Himself to His Father in an unbloody manner, that is, under the form of bread and wine, in anticipation of His bloody sacrifice on the cross to be offered on the following day, Good Friday. In the Mass, not now by anticipation, but rather in retrospect, Christ continues to make that offering of Himself to His Father – by the hands of the priest. “And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:26-28). Christ ordered His Church to perpetuate that sacrificial rite for the continued sanctification of His followers, saying, “Do this for a commemoration of me” (Luke 22:19) – so the Catholic Church complies with His order in the Mass. *In other words, every Mass is a RE-ENACTMENT of Our Lord’s one sacrifice of Calvary.* The Mass derives all its value from the Sacrifice of the Cross; the Mass is that same sacrifice, not another. It is not essentially a sacrifice offered by men (although men also join in), but rather it is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ”
Nihil Obstat: Rev. Edmund J. Bradley Censor Deputatus
Imprimatur: + Timothy Manning, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, Vicar General
April 13, 1961
The US Bishops should have chosen a less opulent and resort-like place to meet. Someplace more connected to the people. Their choice exudes bad form on their part. I suspect Pope Francis would have chosen someplace like downtown Los Angeles — or downtown Detroit.
Stop living like privileged individuals, US Bishops! Get down in the trenches where the Church is actually alive and needs your help!
I would think meeting in a monastery where they could fast and pray and have time for contemplation would be the most suitable, and the money donated to the monastery would ‘keep it in the family”. Thanks CCD for keeping us informed. It makes me really sad for these men that they’re so cut off from the rest of us, and though I know Jesus can be found everywhere somehow some hoity toity resort is not where most of us would seek Him.
Dana I didn’t think about that idea. That is a good idea Dana, staying in a monastery would be a much better choice but they didn’t pick it. I wonder if they have a secretary that set this all up.
When I was an administrative assistance, before I became a stay at home mum, I worked with CEO’s, they left me to choose where they stayed, so it all depends I suppose on how they allow to make those choices for them, men are usually simple because when they have secretary’s they usually let them make those choices. But I do like your idea…that would have been a better choice. More fitting now that you say so. Maybe we can send them a suggestion letter about that?
Maybe the monks wouldn’t have them.
Skai you are funny…. : ) lol
That’s so true, Abeca. How many times can we think where the ‘boss’ gets the blame when it was an ‘underling’ who made the decisions. I see that in our local politics around here. Then when something goes wrong, the boss can blame the underling…if it goes right he/she gets the credit. That’s pretty much the case everywhere at every level, don’t you think? As to the suggestion, I’m sure they’d think it really a waste of time, and there wouldn’t be late-night tv movies. heh heh
Dana,
I don’t know of any Monastery that could accommodate all the American Bishops, do you? Otherwise a Monastery is a great idea. I know there are many less expensive, less luxurious hotels in that area that could accommodate them.
Can anyone tell me what the layout of the land around that Hotel is? Would it be accessible so that the bishops would be able to see demonstrators demonstrating in favor of full enforcement of Canon 915, and the Moto Propio? If so, would someone from that area be willing to coordinate the planning of such a demonstration with Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.? Please contact us at:714-491-2284/714-260-3821 (Cell) or crcoa@att.net if you are willing to help.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Mr Fisher I was just thinking of that….it is hard to get parking from what I remember the last time I was there..that was many years ago before I became a stay at home mum. I don’t have time to coordinate such gathering but I like your idea, I just thought of that today. See that is what we should be more concerned about. Getting them to listen to the faithful on real important issues….if we remind them to walk in holiness….then we can see an improvement not only in them but also in us. God bless you.
Kenneth, its in your back yard for gosh sakes. Only a hundred miles down the road. Get a grip man. Do some quick research and then drive down for lunch. It is a beautiful place. I have stayed there for several corporate events, although the last one was nearly twenty years ago. I suspect they were able to get the rooms for less that $150 per night which is a bargain nowdays for meeting facilities. Go look it over. You will like it. I suggest that you rent a room and put up a table in the lobby to do your protest.
SICK!! “The poor you will always have with you”!! Meet in retreat house, better yet, A JAIL!!!!
TEM, they are meeting in a jail, although a lavish oppulant luxury jail where the shakles are spiritual and not steel.
Hi TEM…in one way they’re helping the poor as they’ll leave gratuities and it does help the hotel industry. Also, Abeca said it’s not such a fancy place. Maybe we’re too hard on the bishops. Let’s keep remembering them in our prayers.
Rodda come on Downtown Detroit? Have you been there, it’s crime infested…give me a break…now way, is this how we treat our Bishops? There are more important issues than this…their focus should be on those important issues not worry if people are gonna get upset because they are staying at a decent place in Coronado. It’s not all that fancy as people think it, it’s nice yes and I would say just right, it;s not like a Ritz or other real high end hotels. This is perfect for our Bishops, I would say.
Or even if they stayed with the monks and supported them….maybe we can write and send them better suggestions…but since we don’t know why they chose this place…well what can I say…I just care that they finally take heed to Christ’s calling and be more faithful, which they have been disappointing us all the more on those moral issues. God have mercy!
Lets keep them in our prayers…
They could meet at the cathedral in Downtown Detroit. Plenty of decent and safe hotel rooms nearby.
Think before you type.
Think before I type……well that’s a thought…what a concept……
Phillipians 4:12-13
That is too far away for US bishops to travel for conferences, Anonymous.
And do we really want our bishops to be mugged? Truck drivers don’t even drive into downtown Detroit to make deliveries after hours.
Yes Dana I agree with you there….it’s silly that someone suggested Detroit? is that how we treat our Bishops? I do like your suggestion and also from another blogger who suggested another city or state would of been better…maybe people want something more humbling I suppose but trust me, this place is no big deal. Everything is expensive now a days. Check out the Hotel Del of Coronado, now that one is expensive!
Dana Rodda clarified…I didn’t think about the Cathedral but I don’t think you can hold a conference in the Cathedral? I don’t know if it’s proper or big enough etc etc
Maybe while they’re there they can saunter over to USD and see an encore of the drag show they recently had on campus or perhaps visit a high school with a pro-abortion politician on their advisory board?
Maybe they can have a few of California’s “illustrious” politicians come by and explain why they are pro-abortion and for SSM and the bishops can explain why they continue to allow them to take communion?
Maybe then the bishops can explain why they persist in ignoring their jobs and creating scandal?
I guess perceptions are everything. Perhaps the bishops managed to get a very good rate at a time when higher rates are available all over the country, including Detroit, LA, etc. In my experienc it sometimes cost much more money to satisfy some people’s desires that they bishops “be with the more.” my recommendation I that people should get the facts first, e.g. Rates, etc. San Diego properties are quite cheap at this time of the year. I hope that in the future the bishops will have meetings in different parts of the country.in the meantime we all have better things to do than criticize our bishops as if we are beyond reproach.
Thank you Tim..I agree. This article makes this hotel seem so high end, it is not….it’s decent. That is all I got to say, I know some may be surprised by my comments.
Tim, where have you been? The bishops follow the lead of their Catholic Conference leaders. They always want to be upscale. It adds to their importance. In California, I’m sure that Mr. Dolejsi of the California Catholic Conference can afford the fee. His $144,000 annual salary could take care of it. But wait … Catholics’ dollars in the collection box will take care of if!! Keep this in mind next Sunday!
Marie I think that when we donate in the basket it is for the local parish that one attends and then they have their annual Dioceses collection or what have you that is separate, I usually don’t give to them anymore…I prefer donating the money to other Catholic organizations that I feel that are truly fight the good fight….
All for only $200-300 per day!
Warren I have stayed in 4 star hotels for $55.00 a night. How? I used price line and got blessed that they accepted my bid. It doesn’t always happen but I was blessed. So please don’t bring out the horns so people will continue to slander…..
Abeca,
Honestly did you really find that much diffence in the 4 star hotels as with the 3 and even 2 star hotels. When I was corporately traveling and even now when I sometimes travel for CRCOA, I sure didn’t.
I remember the KofC convention in Dallas, we stayed at a lesser hotel and, because we had a member staying with the KofC in their chosen hotel, I was able to compare the two. The difference was really only in the price.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
That’s true Mr. Fisher but depending on the area because I recall paying more for a 3 star a few times than for a 4 star. The difference is the 3 star had refrigerators and the 4 star didn’t. The 4 stars make you pay for everything and sometimes the 3 star hotels served free continental breakfast.
I usually can find deals and I’ve gotten 4 stars for a better deal, I think that sometimes business is low in the 4 stars that sometimes they prefer giving out the deals so their rooms won’t be empty and they can keep their Hispanic employee’s employed. Which is a good thing. Business is slow for them so we the consumers benefit with deals. : )
I’m speaking from experience. Plus back in the days when I was a temporary Administrative Admin assistant employee, when I would book event for my CEO’s, I was given that upper hand on that, I was given a budget and since I wanted to impress them, I would work so hard to get the best deal at a high end place. Bingo! I usually got it! That is why I am not harsh with the Bishops on this one because who knows who is in charge of planning these conferences for them, if I was their secretary or what have you, and I didn’t know all the stuff I know about them now, I would try my best to take care of our shepherds of the church by arranging a decent place for them.
I worked 9 month for a very humble CEO, he was a Christian man, he trusted me in planning what needed planning and never questioned me, so I didn’t want to let him down and did my best for him..during a dinner conference, he would pray and thank God for my hard work and care that I took to make sure he was safe.
So that is it……
Meetings, Benefits, Fund Raisers it doens’t matter. I wonder if P-Bo will be attending or better yet Mrs. Clinton, they have the ability to sway Catholics into voting for what is evil. Lets crack open a Budweiser oh wait how about a Martini.
Why could they not have chosen a pro-life and pro-family state to hold their meeting? It would have saved money and made a statement on the values of the church. On second thought this resort sounds like just the place Jesus would have chosen.
Yes that is true too, there are other parts of the country that has decent hotels and that are family values promoters but who knows why they picked this place…it is our business? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with salvation issues…there is where they need improving right?
They deserve to reward themselves for their hard work protecting the Eucharist from abortionist homosexual politicians.
They should go to the Holiday Inn in Barstow (if there is one there). They are supposedly going there to work, not live in luxury for a week on other people’s money. Who do they think they are, government employees ?
Ted,
Do you know of any Holiday Inn type hotel that can accommodate such a large group? I don’t.
However, I hope and pray we don’t get another report from an insider on how much porno pay TV was utilized by them as has happened in the past. Pray for them.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Wow Mr. Fisher I didn’t know that…you are right, we need to pray for them. Its really sad
If you live in a very upscale estate-like house such as Bishop Gerald Barnes of San Bernardino Diocese, then you would hate to stay at Motel 6.
I wouldn’t even stay at a motel 6 JOHN, they have prostitutes sometimes do their business there. It’s not safe for me nor my family, if that was the only choice, then I would rather stay home. So I don’t expect our Bishops to stay even there especially since they don’t have the capacity to hold a conference room for them…it may not be safe for them either. So your comments are irrelevant. But I do like Dana’s suggestion and also from another poster, wondering why in California…but only God knows.
These bishops are showing us what heaven is like. Or the chancery bureaucrats are showing the bishops what the world is like. Reminds me of the First of the Three Temptations of Jesus Christ. Well, since the bishops are men of this age, worldly men, one can only wonder who is running the Church.
The resort is rather plush, and it can be rather expensive as well. On the other hand, over the years I have found that it is difficult at best to find a venue that can accomodate large crowds. There are many facilities like that, but in truth, they are all expensive. Let’s assume that the event coordinator was competent, and negotiated the best price possible. Those prices are usually much below the rack price of the hotel, and a lot of perks are thrown in gratis. A venue in the middle of the country would have been just as expensive, but plane tickets about half the cost.
Bravo Bob one, I agree with you here because today what is affordable? Especially with trying to accommodate them with large conference room and safety etc…you bring up all good points. Have you read Dana’s comments, I really like her suggestion…it was a good one to consider.
Plus I heard that some hotels in Coronado were struggling because of today’s economy, you never know what deal they got just so they can have those rooms filled, they may have had a good deal ….also near there is the famous Hotel del Coronado – A KSL Luxury Resort, that one is the real expensive one…which as you noticed, our Bishops are not staying there. Now that one I would be concerned about because it is truly fancy and expensive! But where they are staying at is no Hotel Del either!
USCCB Conference rate $189.
I don’t get all this big fuss about people upset at where they are staying. I’ve been there, it was a gift to use their massage treatment, given to some employee’s before I became a stay at home mum. It’s actually not as fancy or anything like that,it’s nice place just like any 3 start hotel. I’ve been there, its decent, it’s not as a big hype as this article makes it seem. It’s not like the Bishops are gonna go surfing or get body massages, come on folks lets get off our high horse here. There is nothing wrong with them staying there but what I care more about is what they do about the issues we are facing in our country to day that are affecting our values.
It’s a decent place to have it and it also has big conference rooms, usually small motels don’t have the capacity of good size conference room. What matters to me most is moral issues, not where they stay, I know people have a view that if they are not humble that they won’t grow in holiness or what have you but even there is the real test. Plus it’s a safer area too.
You can’t be serious – it’s more than a three star hotel it’s a resort on San Diego Bay with waiting lists going back a year for spring/summer vacations – There is no, repeat, no excuse, for these spiritual leasers to have a 5 day meeting there – I wonder if they have ever heard of VIDEO CONFERENCING!!!!!
Its a 4 star technically but it seems more like a 3 plus star or 3 Eric. I’ve been there, I can speak because I have been there. But it’s OK if you don’t like that idea but I do appreciate Dana’s suggestion and would be nice to send that suggestion to the person or persons who set this up for the Bishops.
Taken from “Why Scandal Can’t bring down the Catholic Church”
“The Church isn’t ignorant of the scandal issue. Many fallaciously claim that the Church is hesitant to admit that scandal exists within her. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Church . . . clasping sinners to her bosom, at once holy and always in need of purification, follows constantly the path of penance and renewal. All members of the Church, including her ministers, must acknowledge that they are sinners” (CCC, no. 827). In Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter Tertio Millenio Adviente, he affirmed that “…the Church should become more fully conscious of the sinfulness of her children, recalling all those times in history when they departed from the spirit of Christ and his Gospel and, instead of offering to the world the witness of a life inspired by the values of faith, indulged in ways of thinking and acting which were truly forms of counter-witness and scandal.” He went on to say, “Before God and man she always acknowledges as her own her sinful sons and daughters. As Lumen Gentium affirms: “The Church, embracing sinners to her bosom, is at the same time holy….”
Yes, Dana you are right. There are many other places where our bishops could give greater witness to living the Gospel. This luxury resort hotel example is a “counter-witness” or departing from the true spirit of the Gospel. R.B Rhodda is right. This is not the witness of the servant who came to serve Christ. This is the witness of the privileged. Some years ago when the Bishops from the western United States attended the Ad Limina visit, Blessed Pope John Paul II specifically asked them to demonstrate and live the same examples as the early apostles who lived humble and austere lives. Our world is in chaos. Our world is in great need of many St. John Vianneys. Can you imagine right after the ground has just barely stopped it’s trembling from the explosive public and spiritual damage of the worldwide known sex abuse scandals, envisioning St. John Vianney heading off to a luxury resort hotel donning a luxurious spa bath robe after wine, dinner and a massage? Is this the example of how our modern day apostles teach the pagans of society who clamour to kill unborn babies and redefine the meaning of marriage? There is a specific reason that Pope Francis shuns this type of worldly looking appearance. He is the Vicar of Christ on Earth and it was the True humility of Christ that Redeemed the world and the new Pope is prudently exemplifying Christ. The early apostles followed the example of Christ. Given all of the negative publicity of shepherds who did not keep proper watch over the children in their own flock, shouldn’t today’s apostles also be following the Vicar of Christ on earth with an even greater spirit of poverty and humility?
We have our new Pope who is setting the example showing that the spirit of poverty and humility are virtues that inspire and transform hearts. Prudence is also a virtue and holy prudence dictates a holy awareness to not to partake in anything that might give even the glint or the appearance of scandal that causes a distraction from carrying out the Church’s first and primary mission on earth which is the salvation of souls.
One can hope and pray that they will avoid the pools and Jacuzzi’s where almost naked women cavort in their sinfulness!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Catherine I love your faithfulness, I just don’t get all the outrage on this? Maybe I’m not humble enough anymore, who knows but I wanted to take into consideration all other facts/details that we do not know about and frankly I am more interested on what they are gonna do to improve their calling. I did appreciate the suggestions from many who thought that they could have picked a different spot…yes that is my thoughts too but knowing this spot too, I think it sounds more extravagant than it really is, even the comment about the Las Vegas, which I never been there frankly, that place is actually more fancier than this one in Coronado. But Coronado being an Island is a nice decent place. Well it doesn’t matter, I do respect your sentiments on this as well. I just see it differently but I do not disregard what you are saying, they are important points too! : )
When Mum Theresa was alive, I remember her being invited to a very fancy fundraiser of a sort, which in fact she stayed at even a higher caliber hotel, but even her presence there she represented great humility and love. Some of the bishops have yet to imitate that tone that she set but I do know that there are also good humble Bishops in other parts of the USA that do try and seek to be holy. What I loved about Mum Theresa was that even though there were also liberals there raising money to the poor, that she still spoke with eloquence the truth and reminded everyone there to defend life from the moment of conception until natural death…..even the liberals respected her and would not get angered by her sweet gently voice. The whole dinner conference attendee’s would listen attentively as she spoke. If only more of our Bishops would follow that great example even if they were attending a conference or not. Mum Theresa never changed what she stood up for. No matter if she was a guest at a fancy fundraiser dinner, or when she was given the Nobel prize, or even if she was the guest at someone’s house who was very poor and they were sharing with her their last meal. She knew that if she allowed them to share with her what little that they had that perhaps the next day they may not have any food at all but she also knew that if she would say no thank you, that it would insult them….she knew best….what a beautiful gift of discernment. We miss her!
Glad…….. to see these guys……. are taking time for themselves…..away from the office….St. Char Sem class of 1997….
Shame on them. This clearly shows what their values are.
What happened to the “preferential option for the poor”? For a taste of the treats in store for our shepherds, just google Loews Coronado and look at the photos. Incredible!
Perhaps Coronado was chosen since the resort is basically safe from protestors and other Catholic rabble who might want to say a thing or two to the collective (collectivist) bishops, archbishops and cardinals.
Perception IS reality…. with all the Seminaries around the country essentially empty in June/July, this is a no-brainer. Privacy behind gates like at St. John’s in Camarillo, excellent food a few steps away, beautifl church, quiet gardens, large meeting rooms, etc…. what are we missing here? This resort is the ultimate “in your eye” poke at the new Holy Father… Shame on the event planner who made this decision .. There is still time to change.
Is there a Bishop’s Pence collection? How about sending to the USCCB a buck for every letter you have written to a bishop that was never even acknowledged. All that money should at least help pay for a few days at this absolutely outrageous conference. And guess what the main subject will probably be? Immigration!
Perhaps the bishops and their entourages should have had their meeting just a few miles south of Coronado – in Tijuana. That would have accomplished three things:
1. They would be closer to the subject of their meeting.
2. They could have contributed dollars to the Mexican economy.
3. It would have cost a heck of a lot less.
I am absolutely stunned at this. Our Bishops are pushing this immigration bill that is going to cost the taxpayers million, if not billions of dollars. They are always asking for money (eg. “Bishop’s Ministry Appeal”), and then they want to spend a fortune when it’s something for them. What is wrong with this picture. With our Church and our Faith square in the spotlight, couldn’t they practice a bit of discretion themselves?!!
Yes, the American Bishops should have chosen the Motel Six in Fresno, and met in the parking lot. Maybe a tailgate party for dinner?
Too many of them, Michael, have had tailgate parties … that was the problem with the Mahony devotees.
No matter how we feel about this, lets remind our Bishops this:
“‘Through the love of God and His Son Jesus Christ Our Saviour, Christian charity embraces all men, comforts all, and leads all to the same faith and same heavenly happiness.
By separating fraternity from Christian charity thus understood, Democracy, far from being a progress, would mean a disastrous step backwards for civilization. If, as We desire with all Our heart, the highest possible peak of well being for society and its members is to be attained through fraternity or, as it is also called, universal solidarity, all minds must be united in the knowledge of Truth, all wills united in morality, and all hearts in the love of God and His Son Jesus Christ. But this union is attainable only by Catholic charity, and that is why Catholic charity alone can lead the people in the march of progress towards the ideal civilization.’~~~~Pope St. Pius X, ‘Our Apostolic Mandate’
How about a collection of bishops, not for bishops, and then sending that collection to the govt in return for all the govt gratuities and monies given the bishops by the govt … oops, forgot, that has already been done.
Could it be that the Mexican govt is paying the bishops under the table to call for more Mexicans in the USA, since they all send the dollars back to Mexcico?
I wish there was a wonderfully peaceful monastery in the mountains: prayerful environment, not lavish, not exposed to a lot of distractions… where the USCCB could meet for prayer and discerntment with a good bit of rest and fresh air. Can’t this be suggested?
Doc Mugwump,
I have visited many Monasteries, and except for maybe Monte Casin, none are big enough for such a Conference.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
I meant “Monte Casino”!
Kenneth M. Fisher
I don’t think they’re looking for prayer and discernment. Although it’s a linguering noble thought to hope most of these bishops will shape up according to the Popes’ requests they do so, the odds are much better that their eventual replacement bishops step into the episcopal life after years of prayer and discernment, not to mention after having become holy and practicing what they preach.
abeca, you have done a wonderful job at searching for the truth and defending the bishops.
At least they didn’t choose PALM SPRINGS….CARDINAL MAHONEY chose this site for the priest’s yearly retreat…the epicenter of homo-sexuality..
I thought San Francisco was the epicenter of sodomy … maybe the two cities should settle the question by throwing a hissy fight.
Remember the dates – – JUNE 10 – 14 – – Mon thru Friday.
Although there are executive (closed/private) sessions, the open sessions are usually televised on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network).
You can find EWTNs stations available on the internet and perhaps being video broadcast on the internet.
(There are many States that have facilities that are much less expensive than CA for all US Bishops travel; lodging and food expenses. For an overview of what the resort and accommodations the Bishops have chosen – on the net search: “LOWES Coronado Bay”.)
Can we get a complete AGENDA for this USCCB conference prior to June 1, so that we can contact our own Diocese Bishop in accord with CODE of CANON LAW ?
THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF ALL THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL
“212 § 3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church
and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful,
without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
VERY IMPORTANT – – – – I hope we can get the COMPLETE AGENDA made public prior to the 1st of June.
The LCWR, NETWORK, and Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (RSM) have infiltrated the USCCB, many State Bishop’s conferences, and many Diocese as employees. They have put themselves in positions to influence many Bishops, with full knowledge in advance of those things being considered. This is one reason why some recommendations come out of USCCB Committees that do not adhere completely to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” and ” Code of Canon Law” – both of which can be found on the Vatican web site.
It is also another reason why the CCHD (of the USCCB) violates the Church legislation “On the SERVICE of CHARITY” so often.
Remember the USCCB got permission from the Vatican to have us stand in the USA rather than kneel when receiving Holy Communion, Altar girls, etc., etc, etc.
We must take back our Church from those who would destroy it from within.
We must be vigilant, and stay in contact with our own Diocese Bishops.
Use the Bible, CCC, and Code of Canon Law for documentation.
I’m called to jury duty that week, sort of the same thing in that both gatherings are discussing sin and salvation.
I feel confident that the facilities at the former Crystal Cathedral would have been more than adequate for their meeting and they could have had a wide choice of hotel accommodations nearby.
USCCB always holds its spring/summer mtg in different places throughout the US. Hasn’t met in CA in some years. San Diego is much cheaper than most places in CA when it comes to hotels. A monastery wouldn’t do since it would be disruptive to the monks lives w/all the cameras, public, others besides Bishops in attendance who normally like to stay at one place. A special rate is given for all conferences everywhere. Bishops need to meet where local press etc can also be readily accommodated. Most comments sound like few if any watch the USCCB conferences which are on all Catholic TV (4 stations) and Internet sites. You might do well to watch. CatholicTV.com; TelecareTV.org; EWTN.com; Saltandlighttv.org And if you have EWTN TV station; or CatholicTV station (BOS);or TelecareTV station BALTIMORE; or Saltandlighttv station (CANADA). Please don’t comment on things you know little of nothing about. CalCa is the worst site for attacks against the faith on the Internet due to the comments which are most usually merely opinion based w/o merit.
Sam,
Re.: “Please don’t comment on things you know little of nothing about. CalCa is the worst site for attacks against the faith on the Internet due to the comments which are most usually merely opinion based w/o merit.” What is good for the goose is good for the gander!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
“If it ain’t being persecuted for expressing true faith, then it ain’t worth much” (me).
I am with you Sam. You make excellent points. I am amazed by the uncharitable comments that have been made with complete lack of information. The Bishops are pastors of a huge religious organization and deserve a comfortable place as they will be working many long hours. The venue will provide the support services required by such an important meeting. I have stayed at the venue before and despite the ratings and description (and the comments made), I do not consider it extraordinary. I am delighted that the bishops will be smack in the middle of the “real world” in one part of the country. Finally, I am confident that the organizers sought competitive bids from various venues and chose the best venue for the price. And I hope they see many women in bathing suits as this is they should not be frightened by that. This is the US, not Saudi Arabia. Our bishops are human beings, not angels descending from heaven. Let them do their work in peace. Let us stop the venom and harassment.
The bishops do not deserve anything. The Pope has called them to practice what they preach, and the Pope Emeritus has called them to become holy.
How about a Catholic university with it’s EMPTY lecture halls, conference rooms and dormitory rooms this time of year?
This is why the Church doesn’t improve in this country. Stuff like this happens and then people stretch to justify it. Utter nonsense.
Yes that is true Rodda….I wish I knew all the details first though before I make any judgement. Oh well I think I said enough on this subject at hand. God bless you all.
There are many places in Southern California that are not right on the beach!!!! Will they be able to concentrate on the business at hand in the midst of God’s beautiful creation???
Thank you MIKE and ANNA for your recent posts on May 7 & 8 trying to direct the conversation on the topics of most importance –
Opulence is not the issue for most of us. This spending of Catholic dollars will speak for itself – for those who care and donate to the USCCB through forced Parish and forced Diocese contributions.
What is most important is that we all pay attention to the AGENDA,
and contact our own Diocese Bishop on topics of importance –
or we will lose and the LCWR will win (as usual).
If we care about the Church we will pay attention before, not after it is too late.
Our bishops work very hard and have many challenges in our culture of death. They should be able to be in a beautiful place and enjoy God’s creation. We are to be joyful Catholics! This hotel is not extravagent. Would being in a flee bag hotel increase their productivity or does being in a relaxed surrounding help them communicate with each other? We also don’t know what their expenses are. They may be getting a very good deal from Catholic friendly owners. I don’t feel we are at liberty to judge here.
In addition, I believe last year they were in uber irrational Bellevue/Seattle Wa area. I can comment about the culture because this is where I live. They deserve a break after this venue. God help this State. If I could move, I would!
Bishops “deserve a break”: That is what Heaven is all about; they can wait.
If you believe that, Isabella, you need to go and find out what Catholicism consists of … it is different.
I’m glad to see that my parish / diocese / USCCB funding is going to support our bishops in some degree of comfort which they deserve, plus supporting American businesses and workers. Hopefully they’ll leave some nice tips for the wait staff and housekeepers who will be immigrants, Hispanic and Catholic. I will be on San Diego Bay myself, but the week before.
I wonder how many gorgeous Catholic universities clear-out about this time each year? Plenty of large lecture halls and conference rooms, along with dormitory rooms to for the bishops to use.
More and more this is absolutely disgusting — no matter if they got a “good deal” or not.
They should consider an elementary school on summer recess rather than a university. Holiness is elementary and they need to begin there.
maybe a suggestion letter to who is in charge would fit best…perhaps they will give a good reason as to the why’s too to put many to peace.
First it was Blessed Jon Paul II who asked the bishops to follow the example of the early apostles and they did not listen. Now the Vicar of Christ on earth Pope Francis is sending an even clearer message to the careerists, the elitists, and social climbers who appear to the world as if they came to serve themselves at beach resort hotels that publicly advertise to the world ….vibrant beaches luxurious spas, wide screen TV’s and massages where they will be attending. This perception does great damage to the Church.
Pope: No Room for ‘Careerists, Social Climbers,’ Among Clergy
Pope Francis is greeted by bishops during his general audience in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, May 8, 2013.
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Reuters
May 08, 2013
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said on Wednesday that clergy who were “careerists” or “social climbers” were doing serious damage to the Catholic Church, his latest utterance aimed at instilling a sense of frugality and service in the Vatican and beyond.
Francis, 76, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, made the comments while addressing a gathering of superiors general of orders of nuns from around the world.
“Men and women of the Church who are careerists, social climbers, who use the people, the Church, brothers and sisters – those they should serve – as a springboard for their own ambitions and personal interests do great damage to the Church,” he said.
“We learn poverty from the humble, the poor, the sick,” he added, urging clergy to work with those on the margins of society and shun the “idols of materialism” that cloud the true meaning of life.
“We have no use for theoretical poverty,” Francis said, departing from his prepared text.
Since his election on March 13, Francis has made it clear through his words and example that he wants clergy to live simpler lives, to serve the poor and shun temptations of power.
He has decided NOT to live in the spacious, luxurious papal apartments in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, opting instead for a small suite in a guest house, where he shares meals with other residents.
In his address, Francis appeared to be sending a message not only to priests, nuns and bishops around the world who serve the 1.2 billion-member Church, but also to bureaucrats in the Vatican itself.
Francis has inherited a Vatican rocked by a scandal in which documents leaked to the media spoke of alleged corruption in its administration and depicted prelates as fighting among themselves to advance their careers.
Last month he set up an advisory board of eight cardinals from around the world to help him reform the Vatican administration, known as the Curia.
They will help him put into place changes in an administration which has been held responsible for some of the mishaps and scandals that plagued the eight-year reign of Pope Benedict before he resigned in February.
Benedict left a secret report for Francis on the problems in the administration, which came to light when sensitive documents were stolen from the pope’s desk and leaked by his butler in what became known as the “Vatileaks” scandal.
Before the conclave that elected Francis, cardinals called for changes to the Curia to make it a model of good governance, including introducing term limits on Vatican bureaucrats.
Anger at the mostly Italian prelates who run the Curia was one of the reasons that cardinals chose the first non-European pope for 1,300 years and quashed the chances of one of the front-runners, Milan Archbishop Angelo Scola.
So, who are Pope Francis’ new close advisors?
Many of the preceding comments are emblematic of the low esteem our bishops enjoy these days. They have brought much of it unto themselves.
Fortunately Anton, it is not ALL US Bishops, unfortunately it is many.
Each must be evaluated separately according to their upholding everything in the CCC (Catechism) and Code of Canon Law.
1) Pray for our Bishops.
2) Everyone should send an email to their own Bishop prior to early June for the USCCB conference asking them to adhere to the CCC and Code of Canon Law in entirety in all that they decide. (Provide them with links to both from the Vatican web site.)
Write to your Diocese Bishop and ask him to have the USCCB VOTE to CHANGE receiving Holy Communion at all Masses in the USA – back to kneeling.
Both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis require those who receive Holy Communion from them to KNEEL to receive the Lord.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 – “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”
EPHESIANS 3;14 – ” When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father”
PSALM 95.6 ” Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker”.
Cardinal Bernardin and the USCCB under his influence did much damage in the USA trying to make us more Protestant.
We can all kneel now to Receive Holy Communion at the Ordinary Form of the Mass by permission of Pope Benedict, and ignore the standing directives of the USCCB. :)
Let us all kneel before the Lord regardless of what others do or say.
These men should be careful in knee deep water…they should shuffle their feet, as I assume they will be relaxing on the balmy, palm filled beach’s of Coronado…maybe at the Del. Be that as it may…a little charmer by the name of “Urobatis halleri” hangs out in the shallows, and can give a nasty “sting” to beach waders and the unwary…
Isn’t it unusual that unlike past meetings, EWTN is not broadcasting this
week’s meetings of the bishops?