Pope Francis and Fr Sean McDonagh
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Conclusion of the Synod of Bishops; address of Pope Francis
Time will judge the impact of the synod. The Pope’s closing comments stand for themselves but perhaps many will read as much into what he left unsaid as what he said.
“Surely it was not about finding exhaustive solutions for all the difficulties and uncertainties which challenge and threaten the family, but rather about seeing these difficulties and uncertainties in the light of the Faith, carefully studying them and confronting them fearlessly, without burying our heads in the sand.”“It was about trying to open up broader horizons, rising above conspiracy theories and blinkered viewpoints, so as to defend and spread the freedom of the children of God, and to transmit the beauty of Christian Newness, at times encrusted in a language which is archaic or simply incomprehensible.”
“The Synod experience also made us better realize that the true defenders of doctrine are not those who uphold its letter, but its spirit; not ideas but people; not formulae but the gratuitousness of God’s love and forgiveness. This is in no way to detract from the importance of formulae – they are necessary – or from the importance of laws and divine commandments, but rather to exalt the greatness of the true God, who does not treat us according to our merits or even according to our works but solely according to the boundless generosity of his Mercy “
“The Church’s first duty is not to hand down condemnations or anathemas, but to proclaim God’s mercy, to call to conversion, and to lead all men and women to salvation in the Lord (cf. Jn 12:44-50).”
ACTA Conference, (the Catholic Church Reform Movement of England and Wales)
Tony Flannery reports on the conference in Birmingham organized by ACTA, the Catholic Church Reform Movement of England and Wales.
The main theme was to reflect on the future of parishes in the context of the rapid decline in numbers of priests available for ministry.Horrific Disaster in the village of Dalama, Philippines
Seán McDonagh draws our attention to the disaster that has befallen the village of Dalama, Philippines on December 22nd , 2017.
“The tragedy of what did happen in barrio Dalama during Typhoon ‘Vinta’ in 2017 was a direct result of logging on the mountains in previous decades.”How can we protect the Oceans?
Seán McDonagh continues to draw our attention to the wealth of knowledge and teaching there is to be gleaned from ‘Laudato Si’ and to the urgency of Pope Francis’ message.
“Coral reefs, for example, have declined by 40 percent worldwide. This has been caused by climate-change warming of the oceans and deforestation in the tropics. Even though they constitute only 1 per cent of the ocean seabed, coral reefs are home to 25 percent of the species of the ocean.”
“there is time for humans to halt the damage with effective programmes limiting the exploitation of the oceans.”Another side of Pope Francis
Brendan Hoban writes in his column in the Western People about the decisive actions of Pope Francis in facing down disobedience amongst some Cardinals.
Also included are links to;
La Croix International Cardinal Müller’s self-delusion and sense of entitlement
and
www.tonyflannery.com Muller complains of lack of due process in his sacking!!!!!!No white smoke at synod
Jesuit Thomas Reese writes a fairly gloomy report in NCR on the possible outcome of the synod.
“The bishops are currently trapped in the old theology they learned in the seminary. They are afraid of new ideas and are not consulting with theological experts who could show them other options. As a result, it is unlikely that new pastoral approaches will be coming forth from this synod.”
“Never in my lifetime have I heard of bishops and cardinals being so disrespectful of a pope, challenging his organization of this synod, even a few referring to him as a Protestant and threatening a fractured church if he goes against their wishes.”