Posted on 08/31/2017 12:14:41 PM PDT by ebb tide
Pope Francis granted a long, private audience to a relatively unknown Catholic writer who, one month earlier, had denounced three cardinals who have questioned Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, claiming that they have incited “satanic abuse” of the pope.
The “dubia cardinals” have never been granted an audience with the pope to discuss their concerns.
Stephen Walford, who appears to work full-time as a piano teacher, and his entire family were given 45 minutes with Francis in which Walford offered gifts and received blessings while his children frolicked and took selfies with the pope.
Such meetings are very rare privileges for lay Catholics and even clergy, who normally are able to meet the pope only as members of large groups in which they may individually exchange a few brief words with the pontiff.
Walford’s article, written for Vatican Insider, is presented as an “open letter” to the three cardinals who have submitted a series of dubia, or questions, to Pope Francis asking him to clarify statements he makes in Amoris Laetitia, which appear to excuse acts of adultery and to allow those living in adulterous unions to receive Holy Communion.
In his “open letter,” Walford lectures the cardinals on Catholic doctrine and scolds them for being “role models” for “traditionalist blogs” that reject the pope’s apparent embrace of Holy Communion for adulterers.
Walford laments that there exists “a growing section of traditionalists and even some conservative Catholics who see you as the standard bearers for the rejection of this papacy,” calling it a “deeply troubling” phenomenon.
“The abuse from many, including those who run websites and Traditionalist blogs aimed at the Holy Father and those who are loyal to him, is nothing short of satanic,” Walford tells the cardinals.
He advises the dubia cardinals to get with the times, claiming that “we must realize that in the real world – where most of us laypeople live and work – the old ways of converting no longer work.”
“We have no choice but to meet people where they are and work from there. We cannot preach hell to people who consider an eternity of heaven as dull and pointless ... What I see is a Pope of true Christian realism,” Walford tells the cardinals.
Walford is the author of two books on Catholic topics for Angelico Press and characterizes himself as a “theologian” in his Vatican Insider article, although it is not clear if he has any academic background in theology. It appears that his full-time job is teaching piano to private students.
Walford now proudly displays his photos with the pope and his family on his Twitter feed and his Facebook page.
“Congrats!” wrote a priest to Walford on his page. “It looks like you garnered Papal curiosity … not everyone can claim that; not by a long shot.”
The poor pope is beset by demons. I don’t doubt for a second his lack of faith. In fact, his utter disdain for it.
More proof that the fix is in. You are not going to get this pope to resign or correct himself via the dubia.
One can judge a man by the friends he keeps.
So, God would have given Moses a different set of Ten Commandments (or fewer) nowadays? Jesus would have taught things differently if he'd been born now?
The heresy of Modernism. The guy's a heretic.
Nice to see heretics get audiences with the Pope.
Given that it's now 348 days since Francis received the dubia, I'd say that's a safe bet.
Oh c’mon now folks, we know that Francis granted him a private audience so that he could denounce him privately for his words.
/s
He’s not beset because he’s not resisting, He’s so swamped in arrogance and pride that the devil didn’t even have to abuse him.
What in the world are we going to do? Everything is so crazy now.
Agree 100%. Frankie is no victim. Although I believe he is sane, I do think he’s getting loopier and more brazen by the day. His latest, “Hear the cry of the earth” is truly bizarre.
It’s only bizarre for a Catholic to say.
I think he’s sane but just into self-aggrandizement and loves the fanboys in the media. He never seems to think about what effect his words will have on Catholics, however. I guess he’s too busy with the “cry of the earth.”
That could be a good thing. He may make a fatal mistake that knocks him out of the papacy.
“He may make a fatal mistake that knocks him out of the papacy.”
If it were possible for Pope Francis to be knocked out of the papacy, he’d be gone by now. Unfortunately, it seems we’re stuck with him. Further, we can’t even console ourselves that his successor will be better, given that many Cardinals Pope Francis has appointed as bad as he is, but shrewder...which may make them more dangerous. I’ve reached a point that I am so aghast at this Pope and the state of the Church that, as nuts as it sounds, I’ve decided to be inspired by the Michael Jackson song “Man in the Mirror” and be a better Catholic by praying harder and going to weekly Mass more frequently. The alternative would be to leave the Church, which I’ll never do.
Thank you for your thoughtful post, utahagen.
you wisely wrote: “...given that many Cardinals Pope Francis has appointed....” Yes, Pope Francis has been appointing those who share his world view to Cardinal, thus keeping conservative/traditional Cardinals in a decreasing minority. Unfortunately I don’t expect to see Cardinal Sarah ever having a chance to elected pope, based upon the continuing “liberalization” of the College of Cardinals.
Hope it was helpful to you...I could use some prayers for myself! I am having a tough time with this papacy myself. Let’s all pray for each other!
My head is in my hands...I agree...let’s keep praying...
Amen to that! Thanks, utahagen!
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