Posted on 09/03/2009 6:57:00 AM PDT by TaxachusettsMan
Cardinal OMalley issued a forceful defense of his decision to participate in the funeral of Senator Kennedy; revealed the substance of a conversation he had with President Obama: Catholic bishops are anxious to support a plan for universal health care, but we will not support a plan that will include a provision for abortion or could open the way to abortions in the future.
But the most impassioned part of the cardinals blog post is a de facto plea for greater civility among Catholics when discussing divisive issues. He warned against harsh judgments and attributing the worst motives to people with whom Catholics have disagreements, saying these attitudes and practices do irreparable damage to the communion of the Church.
OMalley said he regretted Kennedys support for abortion rights. But As archbishop of Boston, I considered it appropriate to represent the church at this liturgy out of respect for the senator, his family, those who attended the Mass and all those who were praying for the senator and his family at this difficult time. We are people of faith and we believe in a loving and forgiving God from whom we seek mercy.
Raymond Arroyo at EWTN wrote: The prayer intercessions, endless eulogies, image of the cardinal reading prayers, and finally Cardinal McCarrick interring the remains sent an uncontested message: One may defy church teaching, publicly lead others astray, deprive innocent lives of their rights, and still be seen a good Catholic, even an exemplary one.
Also praise. Rev. James Martin, associate editor at America magazine, wrote, Cardinal OMalleys decision to attend the funeral is large-hearted, compassionate, pastoral, sensitive and, above all, Christian.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
Sorry, dear, the celebrants was Father Monan, SJ, former president of Boston College. The parish was built and staffed by the Redemporists.
Neither point having anything to do with this discussion, of course.
This is not a case of someone striving to meet Catholic teachings and failing then repententing and seeking reconcilation. No this is a case of stubborn, willfull, knowlegdable rebellion against clear teaching of the Church and of universal moral natural law. That the Cardinal does not distinguish between the two is in itself a scandal.
Like many higher-ups in the clergy, the good Cardinal has become more obsessed with rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful. I can assure you that the middle america priests who tend to their flock on a daily basis don’t agree with elitists like O’Malley.
You just summed it up nicely! Good check list. Thanks.
Certainly wish he could read your response - it’s right on!
You ain’t no marshmallow when it comes to speaking Truth! ;)
As I said on other threads, I really do believe that Cardinal O'Malley knew Kennedy has received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and/or the Sacrament of Reconciliation -- we don't know that yet.
Kennedy was a Catholic in Name Only (CINO) during his life of politics.
Whether he asked for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick remains to be known.
Some background on these sacraments for some of you.
Beginning Catholic: The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Rising Again to New Life [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Anointing of the Sick: Comfort and Healing [Ecumenical]
Amen! Amen!
I stand by my original comments. In MA, especially the Boston area, and at that level of authority, everything is political.
Goodness, there is JUST NO CONVINCING you that THIS has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with anything!
I've done my best to explain that ANY BAPTIZED CATHOLIC has a right to a Funeral Mass.
THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE.
The issue is the MUTILATION of the OFFICIAL FUNERAL LITURGY of the Church into a Kennedy Praise Fest and Democrat Party Talking-Points Symposium.
THAT'S THE ISSUE!
What is it about this that you just don't get?!
So true...
Exactly! And we are talking about a ‘lifestyle’ of greed/power and then using his power to make laws for all of us to follow his evil and anti-American agenda from abortion to gov’t controlled education and healthcare. He forced sin on this nation, IMO.
Do not use potty language - or references to potty language - on the Religion Forum.
I think there are more than just Kennedys who believe it is righteous
shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach
to steal from all in order for them to tithe to their "church" of Satan.
I am afraid that waiting to bring comfort was too late. The Catholic church in Massachusetts did not shepherd Kennedy. They let him down and any other Catholic by their lukewarm attitude. It was not just about abortion, Kennedy supported abortion at any time, any way,plus taking money from the abortion industry. He also supported embryonic cell research which has nothing to offer when compared to adult stem cells. He supported gay marriage and cloning. All of these issue goes directly against the church and brings public scandal and minimizes the authority of the church. Kennedy made the way for the rest of the Catholic politicians to go against the church teaching and feel good about it. We as Christians cannot go about life thinking we can be one person in public profession advocating against the church and then somehow say we are Christians. Judgment will be on one person the whole person, politician and Catholic Christian. The church should have had moral courage and outrage on what Kennedy was supporting since he had so much political power when he was alive. Now they talk about comforting? Judgment is now, who is there to comfort Kennedy when he is now before the seat of justice and mercy? Then ask yourself what would John the Baptist have done with Kennedy? He would have challenged him just like Pilate, even at the lost of his life.
Exactly! My heavens we are talking about eternal salvation.
Of course, it’s more than just the Kennedy’s! However, this thread is about Kennedy. The church got the OK that all is well and not make a ‘fuss’ - accept it for the common good. So expect to see more of it. The church is to see no evil - turn a blind eye. Notre Dame, Georgetown, etc.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
It’s amazing the ones who are leading people to the pit, isn’t it?
Yes, I know.
However, if Mr. Kennedy(and I have no way of knowing this) made a good and heartfelt confession where he repudiated everything in his life that separated him from the Church, and it was deemed a good confession by his confessor, then he should have been absolved of his sins.
Remember, if you die with a mortal sin on your soul, you are condemned to Hell. By then, it IS too late.
I am presuming that all of this occurred.
Christ would have told Mr. Kennedy, “go and sin no more.”
Perhaps, some day, you and I will know the answer?
By that do you mean a person who wields a lot of power and then supports the death of babies and lives of women who have died from abortion? And let us not forget very very young girls. Or who was complicit in the murder of another woman because of drinking and immorality? I mean let’s be serious yes we are all sinners but I know many people who live truly Christian lives in private and public. We all are fragile creatures and in need of a savior but we have to be able to humble ourselves to God and accept his grace to live a life of a Christian and be an example to others. If not then what’s the point?
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