Replies

I acknowledge the distinction, and so the suffering is not proof of anything. But for those of us who think the "plene esse" of the Church is found among those in Communion with the Holy See the gratuitous insult and cruelty are privilege and confirmation. As I'm sure the meanly intended snake-handling jibes are for those of your persuasion.
(MY snake-handling jibes are entirely different. Yes, they are. [nods earnestly])

As for Christmas Wishes. Yeah BABY!

Roráte caéli désuper,
et núbes plúant jústum. ...

Víde Dómine afflictiónem pópuli túi,
et mítte quem missúrus es:
emítte Agnum dominatórem térræ,
de Pétra desérti ad móntem fíliæ Síon:
ut áuferat ípse júgum captivitátis nóstræ.
Alleluia!

Shower, O heavens, from above
And may the clouds rain justice. ... (Isaiah 45:8a)

Behold, Lord, the affliction of your people,
And send him whom you will send:
Send out the Lamb, the ruler of the earth,
From the deserts of Petra to the Mountain of the
daughter of Sion
That he may bring us out from the yoke of our captivity.
Alleuia!