Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, the former head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who was recently fired by Pope Francis, recently wrote a magnificent “Manifesto of the Faith.”
This video was written and produced as a response to the unfortunate confusion in the Vatican today. It is an excellent audio-visual presentation of the orthodox doctrine, a manifesto of the Catholic faith. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth 22 minutes of your time. Share it with others who may be confused by this Vatican.
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Love this truth
STEVE RAY HERE:
First, I appreciate Jim writing and respect his opinion and his right to express it. However, I disagree with Jim and affirm that Muller is not only correct, but he is doing exactly what all the bishops should be doing. Don’t forget what St. Paul did and said publically to Pope Peter, Galatians 2:11 “But when Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.”
In my latest book “The Papacy” I deal with the issue of criticism of a pope. Also in my talk “How Does a John Paul II Catholic Survive in a Pope Francis World.” I suggest that Popes have never been immune from criticism.
JIM WRITES:
One thing is sure. Muller is not a good son of e Church and a good Catholic. Unlike padre pio who was doubted by his own superiors, prevented him from saying mass for years etc. he never attacked them but in humble obeisance submitted himself quietly .
Muller makes this veiled attacks and even outspoken publicly against the pope.
He is not a good son of the Church.
If he thought the pope was in error, he should confront the pope in private. Never publicly oppose him.
Bring a cardinal of such high rank and knowledge, he cannot control his tongue. he should know more than do such shameful acts.good son, by accusing the pope in public, he made himself unworthy to be cardinal. He made an act of betryal because A cardinal by virtue of his office should be willing to die for the pope.
He was not even willing to hold his sharp tongue.
“Unlike padre pio who was doubted by his own superiors, prevented him from saying mass for years etc. he never attacked them but in humble obeisance submitted himself quietly .”
There is considerable difference between humbly bearing actions against oneself and remaining silent while Church teachings are misrepresented, people are misled and confused, and faithful Catholics are called names and insulted.
Incidentally, Padre Pio and Mass are supposed to be capitalized.
If Canon Law grants the faithful, the ability to express criticisms of the hierarchy (in a respectful, and charitable way), then I think a bishop deserves the same liberality towards other bishops, even, and maybe especially, if that fellow bishop is the Pope.
STEVE RAY HERE: Well said!
It's so sad to see some Catholics (a vociferous minority) talking out against Pope Francis. In my opinion, and it appears the opinion of vast numbers of Catholics and non-Catholics, he is the future of the Church. I pray for him that he is given full support and not subtly undermined by this small minority. I have to agree with Jim above. Public attacks on Francis by disgruntled curia should not happen. Of course, people will have their noses put out of joint if they are put aside as some of the top curia like Burke and Muller have been. But the Holy Spirit is moving the Church in a certain direction and it is not of those gentlemen.
STEVE RAY HERE: No Pope in recent history has caused more division and confusion than the current pope and the current Vatican. The lurch to the Left has brought the church in conflict with her own 2000 year history. You may want to listen to my talk entitled “How Does a John Paul 2 Catholic Survive in a Pope Francis World.“
Galatians 2:11
"But when Cephas [The Pope] came to Antioch I [Paul, a bishop, i.e., curia] opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned."
When the Pope is wrong, bishops are obligated to confront him.
Thomas Aquinas and Augustine
“If the faith were endangered, a subject ought to rebuke his prelate even publicly. Hence Paul, who was Peter’s subject, rebuked him in public, on account of the imminent danger of scandal concerning faith,
[QUOTES AUGUSTINE] and as Augustine says “Peter gave an example to superiors, that if at any time they should happen to stray from the straight path, they should not disregard the reproof of their subjects.”
Catechism 907 — “In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of faith and morals and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons.”
This is a beautiful reminder of exactly what our Catholic Faith is and always was. Some people do not want to hear the truth and do so to the detriment of their eternal salvation. Is it more important to follow the opinions of a pope, who is clearly not supporting the teachings of Jesus Christ, or to follow Jesus Christ? I will follow my Lord and Savior and not someone who is obviously in error on many accounts.
Jesus was very clear about His teachings and the consequences of not following them. And certainly any priest, bishop, cardinal and especially the pope should be aware of them. To follow someone blindly into error is unacceptable just because they happen to be pope. Francis has strayed from the Truth in many areas, and I pray that he will realize this fact and correct his errors. To continue on this path can only lead to disaster. Please pray for Pope Francis.
Brian Hutching: Allow me to re-phrase one of your sentences: Public attacks on Peter by disgruntled curia (i.e., Paul) should not happen.
STEVE RAY HERE with further help for Brian:
Galatians 2:11
"But when Cephas [The Pope] came to Antioch I [Paul, a bishop, i.e., curia] opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned."
When the Pope is wrong, bishops are obligated to confront him.
homas Aquinas and Augustine
“If the faith were endangered, a subject ought to rebuke his prelate even publicly. Hence Paul, who was Peter’s subject, rebuked him in public, on account of the imminent danger of scandal concerning faith,
[QUOTES AUGUSTINE] and as Augustine says “Peter gave an example to superiors, that if at any time they should happen to stray from the straight path, they should not disregard the reproof of their subjects.”
Catechism 907 — “In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of faith and morals and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons.”
There are times when being liberal is good and constructive, but am afraid that this is not one of them.
The above discussion is why I have always enjoyed the deep conviction that we are all in God’s Church, one which, emphasizing free will, asks us, with each new day, to continue to seek God, with the knowledge that our Church, manned by humans, including the Pope, will always be overseen and protected by The Holy Spirit. Thus, our Church, as taught to us so well in our Catechism, itself astutely quoted in part above, confirms that the word of God continues to be made known to us. Thank you for making this site available for us to share in our ongoing dialogue, we who come together in giving thanks to the Almighty, recognizing the Holy Trinity, and partaking in his greatest gift, the nutrition of life, the Holy Eucharist.
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