Twice before on this blog (HERE and HERE) there have been references to troubles in Austria, specifically the Diocese of Linz. Here is something of an update on the situation and Roman attempts to address the problem in the latest issue of Gloria TV News
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone has warned Austrian bishops against loss of faith. The Cardinal preached in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 15, the first of two consecutive days of meetings between Pope Benedict XVI and some bishops of Austria on the situation in the Diocese of Linz. Bertone reminded that faith is a gift that is not acquired once for all. Its truth can be lost, adulterating it, polluting it, confusing it.” The Cardinal also admonished the bishops with reference to St. Paul to be focused on the judgment of God as pastoral work is conducted.
This video is almost 9 minutes but if you have a chance to view it, it is a very inspirational look at the challenges and charisms of the Church in Belize (Central America). Almost 70% of the population is under 35 but most of them are unchurched and uncatechized. The SOLT (Society of our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) Fathers are featured here as well as their evangelization project to blanket Belize and surrounding countries with Catholic radio programming. Pray for the SOLT Fathers and their work in Belize, make watching this video your prayer for the people and the priests there.
You may recall that I posted (HERE) a few days ago on the rather Bizarre Eucharistic Procession held in the diocese of Linz, Austria. Yesterday Pope Benedict XVI met on June 15 with a group of bishops from Austria, led by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna. The meeting was scheduled in response to severe problems facing the Church in that country. The top item on the agenda was reportedly the situation in the Diocese of Linz, where an open rebellion among the clergy prompted the withdrawal of the Pope’s decision to name Msgr. Gerhard Wagner as an auxiliary bishop earlier this year. The Austrian bishops had criticized the appointment, faulting the Vatican for a lack of consultation. The Church in Austria has been troubled by heavy defections and widespread dissent for years.
Other items in this edition of Gloria TV News include a new personal physician for the Pope and a rather sickening “Gay” protest against the Church in Rome.
If wedding bells are ringing in your near future, getting spiritually prepared is essential. Getting married isn’t just about preparing for a ceremony or a reception. It isn’t just even about preparing for a live together. It is ultimately about preparing for eternal life. Marriage is a call to holiness. What are some of the things you should know? When should you call the Church. What does the process of preparing look like? What are some “must have” conversations? What exactly in the Christian and Catholic understanding of marriage?
Questions like these and more are dealt with at the Marriage Matters web page at the Website of the Archdiocese of Washington. You can find it here:MARRIAGE MATTERS.
At the site are links to other sites and resources including the Bishop’s Website on Marriage: FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Websites such as these are efforts to spend extended time teaching on Marriage. It is clear today that many marriages are in crisis. Further there are attempts to redefine marriage. It is essential that we return to teaching on Biblical and doctrinal roots of this sacrament for many have more secular notions of marriage. In the predominant secular view the earthly happiness of the couple is paramount and children are more of a way of “accessorizing” marriage should this enhance the couple’s happiness. Missing from this notion is any concept of sacrifice, self-giving, the common good, and the call to holiness (as distinct from mere emotional happiness).
It is to be hoped that we can begin to more systematically and creatively teach on the Sacrament of Marriage and recover a more Biblical, traditionally and doctrinally correct understanding of marriage. If you are married, or thinking of getting married or if you know of anyone in these categories visit the site, click on the Links and spread the Word: Marriage Matters!
In Marriages, little sacrifices can mean a lot and make a big difference. This video from the Bishop’s Website makes that point
Here is a powerful rendering of the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6. This excerpt is from the movie The Gospel of John The Movie is a worthy addition to your collection and the two volume CD is only $9.99 at Amazon. This clip captures the power of Jesus’ words and the reaction of crowd in the synagogue that morning.
The following report gives highlights of Pope Benedict’s Corpus Christi Homily along with other activities of that day, this past Thursday. The video is about a minute and a half. Give ear to the Pope’s exhortation to faith and prayer.
