THE RED DRAGON, IS IT COMING TO A CHURCH NEAR YOU

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Yesterday (Monday) I visited three churches in the Hastings Parish of Palmerston North Diocese. After dropping a Uzbekistani friend off at the hospital for chemo - with her Kazakhstani friend for company - I wanted to pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament.

I went around the corner, sort of, to St Peter Chanel. Closed. Then having gone as far as Farmers' in the CBD for eyebrow pencil, I thought I'd put aside my squeamishness and darken the door of the Pretender Protestant, main parish church of Sacred Heart. 

Closed. So was its office, secure behind its grille with notices making it clear that if the office wasn't open, any penitents wanting absolution for mortal sin would just have to pray they didn't die in the night.

By then I was fired up. I reckoned I had just enough time to get to Our Lady of Lourdes in Havelock North, pray the Rosary and be back in time to collect Nara and (sounds like) Eyeken after the chemo. 

There were three cars in OLOL's well-groomed carpark (presumably their owners were tending the garden or the 'gathering space') and the door to the church stood ajar. Deo gratias. 

Following instructions from a medically-minded son, to lie flat on my back for ten minutes every day, I lay down on the woollen-carpeted floor near the tabernacle. I was fairly sure I wouldn't be discovered and I wasn't - and while I was praying the Rosary, flat on the floor, I heard rain on OLOL's iconic aluminium spire, the rain our Hawke's Bay pastures and gardens have so desperately needed. 

OLOL may have lost its resident priest, the much-loved Father Pat Cooke who returned to the Ould Sod, but obviously not its Catholic morale. Is it just that in green and leafy Havelock North, parishioners have more leisure to devote to Our Lord in the Eucharist than in Pasifika-style Raureka, or in Hastings' CBD, or is vandalism less likely in 'the village', or both? 

If vandalism's the reason for locking churches, why not roster parishioners for, say, half an hour each a week to keep them open? In our aging, comparatively affluent society are there not many pensioners fully capable of simply sitting for a while with the Lord? What benefits would accrue to parishes and priests alike!

It's good of people to take Holy Communion to the house-bound but the fact is, Our Lord and Saviour is church-bound, waiting in the tabernacle for company with infinitely greater longing and blessings for His visitors than any of the sick and elderly.

I suspect it's the Novus Ordo ('New Mass') which has drained us of all enthusiasm for such enterprise, and that to a large extent, by boring the faithful to tears and into missing Mass over the past 50 years, the NO has in itself contributed to the scourge of vandalism. I'm telescoping the scenario, but you get my gist. The devil makes work for idle hands - and also for idle souls. 

We now take God for granted. We take our Catholic Faith for granted. The Catholic Church in New Zealand is almost completely comatose, and I fear that one day we might find ourselves woken from our stupor by the heavy tread and flaming breath of the Communist Red Dragon of China.

The world was first warned of Communism by Our Lord Himself, in March 1847, when he "commanded" the French Carmelite nun Sister Saint-Pierre "to make war on the Communists, telling me they are enemies of the Church and of her Christ"-
https://fatima.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BT041_Revelations_of_the_Holy_Face_of_Jesus.pdf

- and much more famously, Our Lady echoed that same warning at Fatima in Portugal in 1917. "The name Russia in the Fatima message represents the political system of a militant godless materialism", says Bishop Athanasius Schneider (funnily enough, considering my companions yesterday) of Kazakhstan, in his new book, Christus Vincit. It applies now to China.

Cardinal Joseph Zen has written to his fellow cardinals, "begging you on my knees", to prevent the "killing of the Church in China". He speaks of her "long history of persecution" under Communism, and asks, "Is there anything logical in totalitarian systems? The only logic is that ... a white cat is the same as a black cat, so long as it serves the purposes of the Party.

"In everything the orders of the Party will be followed, including the prohibition of minors under the age of 18 from participating in any religious activity."

How cunning are the Commos! They know that when children are deprived of Catholic teaching (as they are pretty much, in NZ's 'Catholic' schools) they will be deprived of God, which is Communism's main aim - and incidentally of eternal life, but the Party's not interested in that; the Party doesn't believe in eternal life. 

Do we? Really?

Last year, the retired Cardinal Zen called on Catholics to "fight" for their faith as harassment of the underground church increases in the wake of Pope Francis' 'Pastoral Guidelines of the Holy See Concerning the Registration of Clergy in China'. He has warned that the Pope's "strategy was wrong", that the agreement is "all about compromise and surrender".

It was July 3 when Cardinal Zen met with the Pope, who promised to "take care of that; I am going to look into the matter", said the Pope. So far, he hasn't.  It strikes me as highly likely that the Asian woman who grabbed at the Pope's hand, in that highly publicised incident, and spoke to him so urgently, was begging him to "take care of that", as he'd promised Cardinal Zen. It would explain his reaction, would it not? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WySwhj2SwE

The US ambassador for religious freedom has stated that since this 'provisional deal', the Chinese government's abuse of Catholics has continued. "We see no signs that will change." 
 https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cdl-zen-urges-loyal-chinese-catholics-to-fight-for-the-faith-amid-worsening-persecution

"You can never renounce your faith; says Cardinal Zen, who however advises Catholics not to rebel, and priests who are not allowed to say Mass, because they refuse to register with the communist government according to the deal struck by Pope Francis, should "go home". 

"In difficult times you can renounce the benefits of the sacraments (because they are not available) and God is able to give grace even outside the sacraments. Catholics should not trust those who want to destroy their faith. "You have to be dissident. You have to defend yourself."

Now, in Communist China there's not much difference between 'Chinese corporation' and 'the Chinese government'. In 2011, 43% of profit in China was produced by companies controlled by the government. Bear that in mind, then think on:

• A Chinese company has bought the largest pork producer and processor in the world
• A Chinese company controls more movie ticket sales than anyone else in the world
• Many US communities are now heavily dependent on local but China-owned businesses
• China is mining for coal in Tennessee
• China is building a city larger than Manhattan just outside Minsk, capital of Belarus
• China is now the number one trading nation on the planet
• China has more foreign currency reserves than any other country on the planet
• China now has the largest new car market on the planet
• China is the number one gold producer on the planet
• China now consumes more energy than the United States
• China is now in aggregate the leading manufacturer of goods on the planet 
• China uses more cement than the rest of the world combined
• China is the number one producer of wind and solar power on the plant
• China produces more than 90% of the global supply of rare earth elements
• China is the number one supplier of components critical to the operation of any national defence system
• Very soon, China is expected to become number one on the planet in publication of scientific research articles
• Beijing is providing governments around the world with technology and training in controlling their own citizens
• China has managed to take down targets in space
• By 2030 China's navy will be twice the size of the US navy
• A British consulate staffer was tortured in China by police who insistedhe was "a mastermind and British proxy to incite and organise the protests" in Hong Kong
• One million Turkic Muslims in China are detained in 'political education' camps where they are forcibly indoctrinated to rid them of what President Xi Jinping calls 'extremist religious thought".

Do we think it's about time we NZ Catholics began to live what Jinping might call our 'extremist religious thought' - our faith - to prepare for a day when we might have to "renounce the benefits of the sacraments"? 

Let's reflect on the 'necessity' for Sunday Liturgies of the Word, for example, when Mass is celebrated 35 minutes away, and then on being Catholic under Communism in the Soviet Union, as shown in the following excerpt from Christus Vincit (expect many more Schneiderisms to be paraded on this blog before I finish the Bishop's book).

"My parents went to look for the Catholic church; they were searching almost the entire day and finally found it, an old Catholic church in the Gothic style which the government had allowed to remain open. They came home and said to us, "Oh, children, we are so happy! We have a church so close to us. Only 100 kilometers!" I remember this. "So close to us. Only 100 kilometers!" We were all so happy. 

(On Sundays) we went in the morning by train while it was still dark ... It was not permitted for minors to go to Church. ... And then we came back at night once evening had fallen and again it was dark. 

This is also one of the most beautiful memories of my life, those Sunday Mass trips" ('Christus Vincit' by Bishop Athanasius Schneider in conversation with Diane Montagna, Angelico Press).


Let's us NZ Catholics find out what we've got before it's gone.

Teresa Coles says:

Well Julia you would have found the doors of St Patrick's open yesterday, as it is most days in Taupo....Maybe because our Mons lives on the grounds...

Bob Gill says:

I complain a lot (act pro-actively) about practices in my local church, but have to admit the doors are open daily. A great consolation, I feel, for having to put up with the Protestant association of the Novus Ordo. We do have security cameras, which I expect all New Zealand churches would have these days – as an effective deterrent?

I say: No security cameras in Holy Trinity. I suspect the Parish Council wouldn't see a need to justify the expense, and I think maybe Dannevirke's were installed by Fr Brian Buenger (of fond memory).

Philippa O'Neill says:

How blessed we are in Dunedin. I can go to 8.30, 9.30 or 11am at Little Sisters and starting Feb I can go to 12.10 at the Moran Chapel. So spoilt for choice. A 6pm would be brilliant too though, for workers not near the Octagon! 

Julia, I do feel for you... Thank you, great info on China (very influential in the Pacific too... lending money to poor Pacific countries... selling themselves to the devil no doubt) and I do believe that's why she grabbed his hand. Desperate lady.

I say: 

What a luxury, to have the Mass so available. I've been driving 20 minutes to an 8 a m Mass (no options) for a couple of weeks now.  
But in a city the size of Dunedin there would surely be a need as you say, for an evening Mass. 

Bob Gill says:

I do envy you being spoiled for choice, Philippa. I see you have Michael Joseph Dooley as Bishop who obviously determines the flow of things in the diocese. I didn't miss your point about a needed evening Mass to cater for non-retirees - the main of the Catholic population. I hope we end up being so lucky in the Palmerston North Diocese.

I say:

I'm always saying there's no such thing as luck. Everything's either ordained or permitted by God's Providence. We need to pray for a holy bishop.

Philippa O'Neill says:

You have a lovely priest from here heading your way - or close to you I think. Fr Vaughan Leslie. Such a shame for us to lose him when we really need more priests.

I say:

Yes, I attended Fr Leslie's weekday Mass a couple of times at OLOL in Palmerston North. I was very impressed. 
I believe OLOL would love to have him back - but for his sake I'm glad he's going to Whanganui, where he will have the holy SSPX priests handy, not to mention Fr Nathaniel Brazil. 
Whanganui could be the place to live, were I not living where God has put me.   

Bob Gill replies: 

Father Leslie is moving to Wanganui, which is some distance from Dannevirke. I recently visited the beautiful SSPX church there, but was unable to be there at Mass time, so my immediate goal is to return to the SSPX to hear a Mass as soon as I can this year.

I say:

Try to make it a Sunday Mass, when you'll get a sermon. A proper sermon. 

Philippa O'Neill says:

My hubbie's parents used to have the Latin Mass in their chapel in their home said by SSPX priests when they could visit Dunedin. I now understand why ... at the time I was not too sure about this ... maturity makes me more understanding.
Being a recent convert to the beautiful Latin Mass, I'm so happy that we have a weekly Sunday Latin Mass here. Blessed as! 

Clare Omvig says:

One day I will go to my first Latin Mass.

Can I go to the LIttle Sisters at 8.30 a m?

Philippa O'Neill says:

No, Clare ...it's 11  M. 8.30 is the Latin Mass in the wee chapel behind the cathedral. Might be an 8.30 at Holy Name ... or is it 7.30 ... not sure. 

Roseanne Sheridan says:

Perfect love drives out all fear. There is only one Mass. It is the Sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ once and for all time. This is the only Mass.
 I hope you find out what time the Mass is that you want to attend. I don't see why this all has to be oppositional. I have been to Mass, in different rites, in many languages and with a variety of music styles. Yet, every time, Jesus is present, to offer His Sacrirfice in the Mass. Every time, Jesus joins His Life to our lives, His Sacred Heart, to our hearts in Holy Communion. Every time, Jesus calls us to follow Him in through Baptism.

Bob Gill adds:

 Clare, I would encourage you to go to your first Latin Mass soon, and relish the experience! For the first time since before Vatican II, this morning I attended a Latin sung High Mass - in St Anthony’s SSPX church in Wanganui. What an experience!

Helen Carver says:  Sounds wonderful🎵

Philippa O'Neill says:

Roseanne, why are you suggesting it is oppositional ... we all have different tastes and this is our taste ... the Latin Mass. Are we not allowed to express our love for what we love? God bless.

Roseanne replies:

Not at all, Philly. No one needs to defend the Mass in any form to me, Latin or otherwise. It's all the one Mass. People themselves are able to relate to God in different ways at different times as they grown in their relationship with God. Our Catholic faith has such a rich heritage that is beautiful. Sadly there are some, however, who oppose the Mass in the present rite. We are all Catholics together, united in the beauty of the Mass. God's blessings to you too.

The Mass is one in Christ,, regardless of the people involved or their views. For example, the Mass at Lanciano, when celebrated by a Priest who did not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, was not less because of his unbelief. Then one day, at the Consecration, the bread and wine changed physically into the visible Body and Blood of Christ. Was this more Holy? No. The Presence of Christ in His Priesthood, perfects the Mass. Should we celebrate Mass in giving of ourselves in the best way possible? Indeed! Those who are better able, need in love, to help those who struggle. We are each called to come to God in our imperfection, so we can be perfected in Christ.

Philippa O'Neill: I  never mentioned more holy?

Roseanne replies (again):

I wasn't referring to you, Philly. I have been on a page where there are people who think this way in extreme ways, sadly. Judging the "holiness" of a Mass by what they view as anything from how decorative the church building is, to the music, the manner of the Priest, the rite or language or style of the Mass. People who state that if people attend Masses in certain rites, that are authenticated by the Church, are committing a mortal sin.This of course, is not true. It makes me very sad. In Masses, most people are genuinely trying their best for God, imperfect as we all are. The holiness of a Mass, the perfection, is in Jesus, in His Sacrifcie made once for all time. So every Mass is that one Mass.

Josephine Dickson says:

Yes I would hate to see that in our churches ..it is all about personalities and entertainment and i never want that in our true Catholic churches...but I have already seen a little creeping in. 

Bob Gill:

  We are sick of the Mass being butchered. Have we not a responsibility to express feelings about some aspects of the liturgy that have been deliberately modified by some priests and laity over the last 50 years or so – without permission of Rome? Isn’t it our duty to speak out about such abuses of the Mass in order to protect our God-given gift – for ourselves and for future generations? Only by overcoming these abuses can we hope to “….celebrate Mass in giving of ourselves in the best way possible?”

Philippa O'Neill:

Bob, this YouTube Clip sums up some of them ... but many abuses are missing, like the priest and the 'Eucharistic Ministers' taking Communion after they have given it to the faithful; the priest changing the word 'many' in the Canon to 'all' and lately the Creed being changed from 'and became man' to 'became human'. None of these is correct and right. 

One point on this clip I don't agree with, Fr Pagano (with respect, dear Father) is lay people coming up to give the sermon. That could be open to huge abuse - the mind boggles.

https://catholictalkshow.com/15-things-that-need-to-stop.../


Roseanne Sheridan says:

In having specific concerns Bob, have you spoken to your Bishop or written to Rome in what you feel are actions not approved by the Church? If so, what response have you had? It can be distressing when changes are made and adequate reason is not given. What "butcherings" do you see as happening that concern you? The events in the Church, particularly recently, have caused many people a crisis of faith.

Bob Gill replies:

I moved to the Palmerston North diocese just over three years ago and have had a few concerns during visits to my local Dannevirke church and the Cathedral in Palmerston. These concerns were made known to my parish priest initially, then to Bishop Charles Drennan in writing. Mark Richards responded to me on behalf of the Bishop initially, a response I found unsatisfactory. The Bishop failed to answer any other of my emails on the same concerns over the last couple of years. I tried writing to the Liturgy Office on a couple of occasions about the same concerns, but still no response to my emails. For the record, I have never had a response in writing over the years on any request for information from the Liturgy Office.

Things that concern me? I will mention one, otherwise I will be filling pages! As you know, blessings of people in the Communion queue have become so common that many people think it is an acceptable Mass practice – which it isn’t. The problem is that many celebrants and lay ministers touch people’s bodies, and then use that same hand to rummage around in the chalice to pick up a Host for handing out to the next recipient – thus deliberately contaminating the Blessed Sacrament. And because people like to add their own interpretation of the practice, you get teachers at school Masses herding out the school children row by row for a blessing so that you end up with more people in the Communion queue going for a blessing than those waiting to receive Communion. What happened to the old system of giving out blessings at the end of Mass? Alternatively, why can’t we follow what Phoenix, Arizona diocese does? Bishop Thomas Olmsted there instructs all ministers to raise a hand above those wanting a blessing and to say: “Receive the Lord Jesus in your heart.” Most of the lay ministers are now doing this in St Joseph’s Dannevirke, but none of the celebrants.

Since discovering that Bishop Lowe is now secretary of the Bishops Conference I have requested that he bring up for discussion at the next meeting in February two of my concerns for discussion. Bishop Lowe is well-known for his love of the Eucharist (one of his first moves after becoming Bishop was to introduce Exposition six days a week), so as one of my concerns is to do with Communion abuse I am hoping he will respond to my request. From previous correspondence with him I do know he will at least respond in writing.

Unfortunately, priests and lay people have been allowed to make many unauthorised changes to the Novus Ordo liturgy since Vatican II. A few dioceses in the States, though, seem to have resisted these changes, remained orthodox, and are not suffering the lack of priests situation associated with liberal dioceses elsewhere. Little wonder, then, that many of us are attracted to the unchanging, orthodox Latin Mass.

Philippa O'Neill says: And school Masses... aaargh... the worst.

Bob ... looks like the Mass is the least of the problem at the moment: 

 https://www.lifesitenews.com/.../breaking-vigano-comes...

Roseanne Sheridan says:

Such divisiveness amongst the clerical hierachy in the Church needs a great deal of prayer, especially from the laity. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide and protect the Church no matter what crises raises its head. Even in the face of all, we know, that the Body of Christ, the Church, will not fail to triumph in the Mass of Resurrection. I think of our Bishop's motto, "We trust in God."

Correspondence on this post is now closed.

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