The Church will never fail; it will indeed prevail against even the gates of Hell.
I understand what you’re saying. I’m just
describing my utter stunned heartbreak and
outrage from personal experiences I’ve had
with several priests over the last 5 years.
They are, after all, our closest connections
on earth to the Church. They’re supposed to
be our faith leaders .. and I know they’re flawed
humans as we all are.
And though there are many, and I know some who
are clearly devout, resolved, with total fidelity
to the faith that’s very tangibly demonstrated
in their words and actions, those pastors who
obviously show weakness and lack courage have
discouraged me tremendously.
For example, 2 weeks ago, a wonderful, very
actively pro life young priest and I were
talking after Mass just after this dictate
appeared. We were both so upset. He told me:
make sure you come to my Mass next Sunday ..
I’ll be hitting this hard.
So, I was relieved and made plans to attend
his specific Mass, awaiting with prayer his
strong message to the congregation. I even
went up to him before Mass to tell him I was
praying for him .. to inspire the parishioners
with courage, that this is war.
And do you know ... he must’ve shriveled a bit
inside, as he didn’t even give the homily, and
he sure knew it at the time. The deacon gave a
totally inane, wandering sermon about a generic
topic.
After I saw the pastor at the end of the Mass
and asked what I described and was treated to a
brick wall, it was clear that this devoted young
priest had been silenced. Poor guy. How must
he look at the Church hierachy when he lives
with such devotion and fidelity to the Church’s
principles and theology, yet he’s muted by his
superior? What a letdown for him. I’m very
very let down and depressed by all of this.
God have mercy on us .. bless and protect us all.