12 September 2009

USEFUL IDIOT: THE OPRAHESQUE RAMBLINGS OF A CANADIAN CLERIC








Since you are neither hot nor cold, but only lukewarm, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:16




I. For the last four decades or so there has been a report floating around that, at Fatima, Portugal in 1917, Our Lady had voiced "poor Canada" to the three sheppard children – Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco [1]. Whether or not the Blessed Virgin made this statement has yet to be formally acknowledged by the Vatican. It is a well–guarded secret of the Holy See. However, after reading a recent article by the Canadian priest Fr. Thomas Rosica, the phrase "poor Canada" is nevertheless an appropriate characterization of the state of Catholicism in my beloved country.

II. This is what Fr. Rosica said with respect to Catholics who were appalled by the Kennedy funeral fiasco:
Leading up to the Kennedy funeral last weekend, and in its aftermath, many so–called lovers of life and activists in the pro–life movement, as well as well–known colleagues in Catholic television broadcasting and media in North America, have revealed themselves to be not agents of life, but of division, destruction, hatred, vitriol, judgment and violence… Civility, charity, mercy and politeness seem to have dropped out of the pro–life lexicon… Through vicious attacks launched on blogs, a new form of self–righteousness, condemnation and gnosticism reveals authors who behave as little children bullying one another around in schoolyards casting stones, calling names, and wreaking havoc in the Church today! What such people fail to realize is that their messages are ultimately screamed into a vacuum. No one but their own loud crowd is really listening. We will never change laws and bring about conversion of minds and hearts with such behavior. We make the Church and our efforts for life look ridiculous and terribly anti–Christian. Sowing seeds of hatred and division are not the work of those who wish to build a culture of life.[2]
III. Here we see the standard tactic used to vilify pro–lifers and, by implication, indirectly sanctify the pro–abortionists. Rosica accuses pro–lifers of committing ad hominem attacks, of being uncharitable, but at the same time castigates them as “agents… of division, destruction, hatred, vitriol, judgment and violence.” Not only this, these “so–called lovers of life” are also gnostics, bullies and stone throwers who are “wreaking havoc in the Church today!”

IV. But what is the real intention behind Fr. Thomas’ emotionally–charged, condescending, moralistic outburst? Well, of course, to enforce silence. He wants pro–lifers to shut up, hold it in, grit your teeth and bear it. Indeed, had he lived during their times, Fr. Rosica would have condemned the holy and justified vehemence of SS. Paul, Irenaeus and Athanasius. Oh, yes, Fr. Rosica is pro–life, and has done some good work in the past. But when it comes to the crunch, when it comes down to the most important battle in the Church today – namely the sanctity of life – his so–called mode of approach is “civility, charity, mercy and politeness”. What Father Rosica does not realize – or more so refuses to admit – is that pro–lifers are, have always been, and will continue to be, civil, charitable, merciful and polite. They have been as such for the four or so decades since abortion was legalized.

V. Have not the peaceful protests outside of abortion clinics been enough evidence? What about programs such as Rachel’s Vineyard, which compassionately assist post–abortive mothers? What about the quiet suffering pro–lifers undergo whilst continually being damnified by the media, the judiciary, politicians, feminist activists and celebrity tools? But why should pro–lifers be precluded from expressing anger at the obvious liturgical fiasco that was the funeral of an unrepentant enabler of abortion who, at the same time, deviously proclaimed to be faithful to the Magisterium? Are not Catholics told to admonish the sinner? Did not Our Lord also say that he came to bring a sword? Yes, there must be mercy. But should not it be balanced with justice? Did not Chesterton say that the Roman Catholic Church "gets every kind of man to fight for it"?[3] But why should all Catholics have the pacifist disposition of a Father Rosica?

VI. What Fr. Rosica really means by the phrase "civility, charity, mercy and politeness" is a kind of pantywaist political correctness, void of testicular fortitude, that is so afraid to identify and call out blatant evil in the public square. Why? Because he wants to be held in respect, to be loved by his peers, he wants to be everything for everyone. He does not want to be labelled as “one of them”, as one of those “religious fanatics”. For you see Fr. Rosica has become quite the celebrity in recent years. He is head honcho at Canada’s Salt + Life television network, a copycat version of EWTN, started by the excellent Mother Angelica. But excellent Salt + Light is not, and this is best explained because Fr. Rosica is on it alot. Salt + Light broadcasts a wishy–washy, easy–listening, borderline–dwelling Catholicism. But make no mistake: enemies of the Catholic Church have been positively portrayed on this network. One example would be David Suzuki, a fanatical environmentalist, nature worshipper and known rabid anti–Catholic.[4]
VII. The battles lines in the culture war have been drawn. Sides are selected and true colors are coming into full bloom. This is especially true in the fight for the protection of human life. All the evidence has been afforded in the court that is the public square – theological, philosophical, social, moral and medical. All of it, without exception, shows that abortion is the killing of a human being. Plain and simple. And the pro–abortionists understand this all too well. But it does not matter to them. Facts will not assuage them. Reason and logic does not work with them. To them it is all emotional and political. It is a combinatorial attitude of paganism and nihilism. The berserkers are now running the show – and if Fr. Rosica does not understand this, then I strongly suggest that he remove his head out of his ass. The “spirit” of post–Vatican II playtime is over and Fr. Rosica, like a spoiled little child, refuses to come back inside the house, and is oblivious to ever increasing assaults being directed against the Catholic Church in the modern era.

VIII. But, of course, admitting his error is unlikely. So, then, what is the consequence? Well, Catholic peoples, that is an easy one. Fr. Rosica then becomes the classic "useful idiot". Proof occurred just eight days after he posted his article. In the National Catholic Reporter – that bastion of hilarity and heresy – an article was written on Fr. Rosica’s response to Kennedy affair, stating that, if one thinks that he is an enemy of the faith, “it’s time for a reality check”.[5] And what a surprise! Guess who wrote that statement? That’s correct, Catholic peoples… it was John L. Allen, Junior. You know – that “middle of the road” guy that “everybody likes”. However, in the final analysis, the fact that Allen writes for NCR shows where his true loyalty resides. Let’s not pretend anymore.

IX. For American and international readers, it must be emphasized that the viewpoint of Fr. Thomas on this issue is not an anomaly. Rosica only made the news because he is a celebrity. This “neither hot nor cold” attitude, this vile lukewarm approach, is common amongst the Canadian clergy, including many bishops, who, ultimately, are the most responsible for letting Rosica spew his irrationalism against faithful Catholics without due punishment. And this pathetic state of affairs is rooted in the notorious Winnipeg Statement, issued by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) on September 27, 1968. It was a response, rejection and revolt against Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Humanae Vitae. It effectively told His Holiness to “get lost”. Its issuance is unprecedented in the history of the Church, and perhaps this is why Our Lady said "poor Canada" to the three sheppard children at Fatima. To this day, the Winnipeg Statement has not been formally retracted, and neither is it to be found on the CCCB website.

X. Some may think that TH2 was unnecessarily mean to Fr. Rosica in the preceding. In defense to this accusation, I quote Aquinas:
Fraternal correction is a work of mercy. Therefore even prelates ought to be corrected… if the faith were endangered, a subject ought to rebuke his prelate even publicly… he offers his help to one who, being in the higher position among you, is therefore in greater danger.[6]
You said it, Tommy.

XI. If, God willing, Fr. Rosica has a change of heart and realizes the grievous affront he has committed against those in the prolife movement; if by some miracle he would finally understand the damaging effects to the Holy Faith by advocating a lukewarm Catholicism; and thereafter experience the vilification by heretics and other enemies of the Catholic Church I would expect that, soonafter, Rosica would be in for one hell of an existential tailspin. If this occurred, my response would be this: Welcome to the party, pal.


NOTES / REFERENCES

1. J. Godbout, "Five civilizations are already taking shape on Canadian soil
", The Toronto Star, December 30, 1972, p. 19. See also J.R. Colombo, Colombo's Canadian Quotes (Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1974).

2. T. Rosica, "Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral: On mercy and misery", Salt + Light Television (online), September 3, 2009. LINK

3. G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1993), pp. 183184.

4. One example of Suzuki’s antiCatholicism: "...the pope’s pronouncements to the impoverished masses of people in large parts of the Third World will cruelly worsen and condemn them to a life of squalor that will only worsen while hastening us all on a path of planetary ecocide. We must condemn the reprehensible and suicidal policy of the Roman Catholic Church’s opposition to birth control. That is what I call an ecosin".

5.
J.L. Allen, Jr., "Incivility hurts the pro
life cause", National Catholic Reporter, September 11, 2009. LINK

6.
Sum. theol., ii
–ii, q. 33, art. 4.

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23 comments:

Al said...

Where do I start???

1st of all, down here, I have never seen any of the programing. Checking out their schedule on their website left me singularly unimpressed. Except for the Rosary, the Mass, Ralph Martin's The Choices We Face & a couple other things, I didn't see much of anything that impressed me or much variety & quality like EWTN has. S+L reminds me more of what the USCCB tried to do to compete with EWTN. & we know where that ended up.

As for the civility claim, maybe Fr. Rosica might want to see what the pro-aborts wrtote on HufPo about the murder of Jim Pouillon. Or see the way pro-aborts treat us when we are standing arround peacefully protesting. They are the uncivil ones, not the Pro-lifers.

I am sick & tired of us being expected to apologize for telling the truth. Fr. Rosica strikes me as the type that would criticize Jesus for kicking the money changers out of the temple, or for His calling the Pharasees a brood of vipers.

Fr. Rosica also strikes me as a Canadian equivalent of Fr. McBrien. & as you know, that iis anything but a complement.

PS I wonder how much of his attack on Raymond Arroyo was motivated by jealousy. I know EWTN has been trying to get on cable networks up there. How are they doing? & am I right is suspecting that where they are on EWTN is doing much better than S+L?

TH2 said...

Thanks for taking the time for comment, Al.

As you indicate, there are a few good programs on S+L, but it is in the main wishy-washy when it comes to the affairs of the day.

Good point on the USCCB vs. EWTN. Arroyo touches on this in his biography of Mother Angelica.

Rosica does not consider what the pro-aborts say. As I mentioned, he does not fathom that reason and logic don't work with them. But, then again, Rosica's article contained neither reason nor logic.

Jealousy with Arroyo could be involved. EWTN was allowed (finally) by the CRTC (equiv. of your FCC) to broadcast up here in the late 90's early 20's. No surprise - opposition at the time came from habitless hussies. One name I even remember - Sr. Stephanie Vinec.

Reagrding the EWTN vs. S+L thing again. I recall, interestingly, seeing a friendly conversation between Rosica and Doug Keck, executive producer at EWTN. Can't recall if this was broadcasted on EWTN or S+L. Wonder what Keck's take on this would be.

Has Arroyo responded yet?

Kevin Whiteman said...

Excellent commentary. Simply excellent.

Mary said...

You're the first person I've read who doesn't think John Allen is the Fairest Reporter Ever!

Nice work as always, TH2.

I offered two rosaries for you - one while mowing on a tractor :-), and the other at Adoration.

TH2 said...

Thanks, Mary. Yes, my spidey senses begin to tingle whenever I read Allen's stuff.

Apologies for late response - my computer crashed on Sunday and I have been in crisis / recovery mode ever since. Got a new computer, etc..

Especially thank you for the Rosaries - 2 of them ! And Adoration as well. God bless you, m'lady. Methinks you are a supersaint.

Mary said...

I'm very happy that you're up and running again.

Supersaint - I wish. I need MANY prayers.

Fr. Rosica is such a busy fellow! http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091408.html

God bless you, TH2.

Al said...

I see in LifeSiteNews today, that according to Fr. Rosica, any of us who have criticized him are responsible for the death threats he is getting, & that we have set ourselves up above the Church.

The 1st part is reminiscent of what the Pro-abortion gang said after Tiller's murder. & the 2nd part is patently false as we are the ones dfefending the authentic teaching of the Church.

Sadly, he is sounding to me like he is on the edge of a total breakdown & ready for a padded cell. I don't say that to make light of him, but because he is sounding more & more paranoid & delusional. & part of that delusion seems to be that he is the only authentic spokesman for the Catholic Church in (at least) North America. He is the 1 setting himself above the Church.

i'd ask where the Candien Bishops are, but I think we both know the answer to that 1.

TH2 said...

I confess that I did not think Fr. Rosica would go this far. S+L TV is middle of the road, but I have been totally astonished at his subsequent reactions. He is getting quite extreme now and, as in the commentary on your blog on the matter (I put comment there), there is something else at work here. I still think that wanting to be popular and liked by everyone is a major part of the situation.

As for the so-called death threats he is getting, I would bet my money that they are coming from pro-abortion trolls pretending to be orthodox Catholics.

I am waiting for Abp. Collins, of the diocese of Toronto (where Rosica is), to jump into the ring. If so or when, and what he says, will say alot.

Al said...

TH2, I am sure that some of his comments are coming from the pro-aborts, the rest from those who are radically on the fringe. I just posted my latest on his latest. It is sad to see him do what he does.

Like you said, i suspect he wants to be liked does play a part. But the reality is, if you stand up for the truth, you will make enemies. & if you are promoting something that goes counter to what the Catholic Church actually teaches you better be ready to hear those voices saying you are wrong.

I am also more convinced that S+L is the Canadian equivelent of the USCCB's attempt to counter EWTN. & it is failing just as much. & he knows it.

Meanwhile, I guess Fr. Rosica can add rick santorum & Fr. Roger J. Landry, editor at The Anchor, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River to his list of enemies for their comments on the Kennedy funeral.

Anonymous said...

Curious....Heresy Hunter, when was David Suzuki every featured--positively or negatively--on S and L? I don't remember seeing that. Or for that matter, any heresy on the channel.

ps: Did all Canada miss this?
http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/humanae_vitae_en.pdf

Anonymous said...

Regrets, bad URL. Here's the document.
http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/humanae_vitae_en.pdf

TH2 said...

Anonymous -

(1) Suzuki - I distinctly remember promotion spot for a piece on his work and views.

(2) You said: "I don't remember seeing ... any heresy on the channel." I did not write that heresy was on the channel, but emphasized that it broadcasts a middle-of-the-road Catholicism.

(3) You said: "Did all Canada miss this?"... That CCCB pastoral letter you refer to is an affirmation of Humane Vitae on its 40th anniversary. No mention is made of the Winnipeg Statement. No admission of grave error. No sorrowful apology or retraction.

I see clearly your tactics, and so, Anonymous, I think you're going to have to find another sucker.

Anonymous said...

No tactics here, Heresy Hunter, unless that's what you call questions. I'm just wondering if you can provide more info about Suzuki on S and L. What was he promoting? Do you remember any details? Anyone else heard about this?

Further, if it's a pro-Humanae Vitae statement, that's a good thing, right? Besides, aren't most or all of the signers of the Winnipeg Statement dead or retired? And generally speaking, how effective are institutional apologies for past generations, anyways?

TH2 said...

Anonymous -

S+L lists videos on their website. Did a search for Suzuki and did not find anything. If you find anything, then revisit and comment on your findings. I will repeat what I said: "I distinctly remember promotion spot for a piece on his work and views."

There is nothing wrong with a pro-Humanae Vitae statement. But that is not the focus. Unlike the Philippine bishops in 1990, no admission of error was made. It was an attempted diversion from the elephant in the room.

Whether the bishops are quick or dead is irrelative to the issue. Bishops form an "unbroken succession going back to the beginning", (Catechism, 1555) meaning one continuous body. Your statement on old/dead bishops makes the temporal override the eternal.

I find it very interesting that, though the Pope/Church has in recent years has apologized for past sins committed by its members (so much enforced by the left-liberals), that the sins of liberal-leftist disobedient bishops are nonchalantly overlooked. "Let's give them a break." All mercy, without justice, and no consideration to the moral damage done over 4 decades as a result of this disobedience. Same old story that is becoming very boring.

Al said...

TH2, this evening something crossed my mind that could be part of the answer to why Fr. Rosica has so veheminantly attacted LifeSiteNews.

Over the last few months LSN has been at the forefront of uncovering the CCCB's Development & Peace scandal. & in doing so, I know they have been attacked by people within D&P for doing so.

Next, I admit I am not very familiar with S+L. But, I always had the impression that it had some connections with the CCCB. Checking the S+L website I came accross the following: "Supported and encouraged by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)". Elsewhere it does say it is endorsed by the CCCB. While it does confirm some of my suspicions, that doesn't fully clarify the relationship. Could you clarify it for me?

But based on what I have seen, I suspect that Fr. Rosica may have some connections with people connected to D&P who are not happy with what LSN did to bring the scandal to light. It would be interesting to see what those connections are if they exist. It would explain a lot.

Also: On the website they also claim to be endorsed by " the Vatican Television Centre (CTV), many departments of the Vatican, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,". My question is, what do they define as endorsed. For the Vatican the reality could be simply they are willing to work with S+L. What documentation does he have? Also, why would the USCCB endorse him unless it goes back to what I said in an earlier comment about how the USCCB isn't happy with EWTN. (Note: EWTN does have some Bishops on its board. Their relationship with individual Bishops & the Vatican is good. The problem is mainly with the USCCB bureaucracy & some of the leadership.)

I still think jealousy at EWTN's success is part of the motive for Fr. Rosica's actions. But as I also said, I suspect there is more. & I am beginning to get a glimmer of what it might be. But without more evidence I won't specificly say. Any info you may have to add to what sketchy info I have & shed light on possible motives would be appreciated. I also suspect you already see where I am heading. I honestly hope I am wrong. But suspect I am on the right path. If true, then what he is doing is even worse than what I 1st thought.

TH2 said...

Al, I am so impressed every time you comment. Boy, do you know your stuff. You dig, and you dig deep, to get to the truth.

Yes, the CCCB D+P Scandal is going on (i.e. reports that some of the $ going to it is being used to fund abortions).

Indeed, Fr. de Valk (linked at the bottom of my sidebar), has covered this issue in "Catholic Insight". I do not know the exact nature of the CCCB-S+L connection, but Fr. de Valk is the man who would know. If you want, I can contact him and find out. He would also know as to whether or not there is a connection between D+P and Fr. Rosica, and the relations between S+L and the Vatican.

So, then, I think this where you are going:

Fr. Rosica = S+L
CCCB endorses S+L
LifeSite exposes D+P scandal
D+P part of CCCB
D+P also connected w/Fr. Rosica
Fr. Rosica retaliates

Yes? If so, I too hope your theory is wrong.

Al said...

Over at Fr. Z's blog he put up a post on the Fr. Rosic controversy. Here is what 1 of the comments: "Lets be clear about whats going on here. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has called a closed door meeting on independant blogs and websites… You know who the president of the CCCB is, right? Archishop Weisgerber. Heard that name before? Thats because he was the individual at the center of the “Development and Peace” scandal, where a branch of the CCCB was giving money to pro-abortion groups. Know who was the whistle-blower on that scandal? LifeSiteNews.com
Bishop Weisgerber is livid that LifeSiteNews uncovered the Development and Peace scandal, and he wants nothing more than to silence any online sites which might hold him accountable in the future.
Archbishop Weisgerber took a swipe at Catholic websites earlier this year too. that article can be found here: http://tiny.cc/cg7Xc

Comment by ljc — 18 September 2009 @ 3:07 pm "

I hate to say it, but this adds to my suspicions. Maybe Fr. R doesn't have a direct connection to D & P, but given the in he seems to have with the CCCB, esp if there is a strong link (& yes, please check) between S+L & CCCB, then .... Well, at the least Fr. R is working w/ someone within the CCCB.

The very thought this may be true makes me sick to the stomach. & more than ever, I hope I am wrong, but fear I'm not.

TH2 said...

Al, I had read the comments over at Fr. Z's blog after responding to your comments and I was going to tell you about comments - but you beat me to it.

Another of the commenters said CCCB has very strong connections w/S+L.

Al said...

Not surprized that you also read Fr. Z's post/comments as well.

Even so, much of what I have seen still fits under the definition of circumstantial. Fr. Rosica could be doing this without any direct prompting just to burnish his image in some quarters.

Or he could be part of an all out attack to get those who have spoken up against D & P & other actions at the CCCB & esp those Bishops being wishy washy about abortion & other Catholic doctrine.

Without a smoking gun it is hard to prove the worst. But even if it isn't as bad as it could be, it is still bad. I say that because Fr. R is helping to undermine authentic Catholic teaching as well as those of us who are standing up to defend the Church we love.

& the battle is just going to get more intense. I am sure you have already read the story on LSN about the CSC's 5 year plan to destroy America by undermining morality completely. Have a post on that coming up tonite. It just makes me sick that i have to even speak out to warn about what they are up to. But we must speak up loud & clear even more than ever.

Al said...

TH2, Just been checking my e-mail & read the latest Spirit & Life sent out fr. Fr. Euteneuer. In it he responds to Fr. Rosica. I am posting it on my blog withot comment as it says it all quite well.

Anita Moore said...

Pro-lifers are "gnostics"? I didn't know pro-abortion Catholics had a problem with heretics. Is this on the order of the pro-gay lobby punishing people they don't like by outing them as homosexuals?

Steve said...

Dear Heresy Hunter,
You've hit the nail on the head. I think your diagnosis of Fr. Rosica is accurate.

You should check out Mr. Pacheco's blog. Great minds think alike...
http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/

leeshink said...

you discuss things properly. you really know what your readers want. thank you so much. i'll be looking forward for the next update.

Lee Shin
www.trendone.net

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