Testimonies from ex-Roman Catholic Priests

CARM ^ | 1997 | Richard Bennet

[Gamecock]

The following quotes are taken from the book by Richard Bennet, Far from Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of 50 Converted Roman Catholic Priests, Carlisle, PN: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1997.  They are quite interesting and valuable since they give an insight to Catholicism from those who were priests in the Catholic Church and then left it to find salvation in Jesus.

Following are excerpts from only a few of the fifty testimonies in the book:

1. Henry Gregory Adams.  Born in Saskatchewan, Canada. He entered the Basilian Order of monks and adopted the monastic name of "Saint Hilarion the Great."  He was ordained as a priest and served five parishes in the Lemont, Alberta area. 
   1. Sacraments.  "The monastic life and the sacraments prescribed by the Roman Catholic Church did not help me to come to know Christ personally and find salvation...I realized that the man-made sacraments of my church and my good works were in vain for salvation.  They lead to a false security." (p. 3)
2. Joseph Tremblay.  Born in Quebec, Canada, 1924.  He was ordained a priest in Rome, Italy and was sent to Bolivia, Chile where he served for 13 years "as a missionary in the congregation of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate."
   1. Salvation by works.  "My theology has taught me that salvation is by works and sacrifices....my theology gives me no assurance of salvation; the Bible offers me that assurance....I had been trying to save myself on my works...I was stifled in a setting in which I was pushed to do good works to merit my salvation." (pp. 9, 11-12)
3. Bartholomew F. Brewer.  He applied to the Discalced Carmelites, a strict monastic order.  He received training of "four years of high school seminary, two years in the novitiate, three years of philosophy, and four years of theology (the last after ordination)."  He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Washington, D.C.  He eventually served as a diocesan priest in San Diego, California and entered the Navy as a Roman Catholic chaplain. 
   1. Upon questioning Rome's Beliefs, "At first I did not understand, but gradually I observed a wonderful change in mother.  Her influence helped me realize the importance of the Bible in determining what we believe.  We often discussed subjects such as the primacy of Peter, papal infallibility, the priesthood, infant baptism, confession, the mass, purgatory, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven.  In time I realized that not only are these beliefs not in the Bible, they are actually contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture." (pp. 21-22)
   2. Relying on works.  He left the Roman Catholic Church, got married and through conversations with his wife and other Christians, "I finally understood that I had been relying on my own righteousness and religious efforts and not upon the completed and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  The Roman Catholic religion had never taught me that our own righteousness is fleshly and not acceptable to God, nor that we need to trust in his righteousness alone...during all those years of monastic life I had relied on the sacraments of Rome to give me grace, to save me." (p. 25)
4. Hugh Farrell.  Born in Denver, Colorado.  Entered the Order of our Lady of Mount Carmel, commonly called the Discalced Carmelite Fathers.  Ordained as a priest.
   1. Priestly power to change elements:  "The priest, according to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, has the power to take ordinary bread and wine, and, by pronouncing the words of the consecration prayer in the sacrifice of the Mass, to change it into the actual body and blood and soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.  Hence, since one cannot separate the human nature of Christ from his divinity, the bread and wine, after being changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ, are entitled to the worship of adoration." (pp. 28)
   2. Temporal punishment due to sins. "I knew from the teachings of the priests and nuns that I could not hope to go directly to heaven after my death.  My Roman Catholic catechism taught me that after death I had to pay for the temporal punishment due to my sins.  The Roman Catholic Church teaches that 'the souls of the just which, in a moment of death, are burdened with venial sins or temporal punishment due to sin, enter purgatory.'" (p. 29)
   3. Penance.  Regarding life in the monastery and doing penance.  "These penances consist of standing with the arms outstretched to form a cross, kissing the sandaled feet of the monks, receiving a blow upon the face from the monks, and, at the end of the meal, lying prostrate before the entrance to the refectory so that the departing monks must step over one's body.  These, and other penances, are supposed to gain one merit in heaven and increase one's 'spiritual bank account.'" (p. 36)
   4. The Mass and sorcery.  "According to the teaching of the Roman Church the priest, no matter how unworthy he may personally be, even if he has just made a pact with the devil for his soul, has the power to change the elements of bread and wine into the actual body and blood, soul and divinity, of Jesus Christ.  Provided he pronounces the words of consecration properly and has the intention of consecrating, God must come down on the altar and enter and take over the elements." (p. 39)
5. Alexander Carson.  Baptized into the Roman Catholic Church as an infant.  His priesthood studies were at St. John's seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts.  He was ordained by Bishop Lawrence Shehan of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1955 and was a priest in Alexandria, Louisiana.  Also, he was pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rayville, Louisiana.
   1. Bible or Tradition.  "...the Holy Spirit led me to judge Roman Catholic theology by the standard of the Bible.  Previously, I had always judged the Bible by Roman Catholic doctrine and theology." (p. 53)
   2. Mass contrary to scripture.  "In my letter of resignation from the Roman Catholic Church and Ministry, I stated to the bishop that I was leaving the priesthood because I could no longer offer the Mass, as it was contrary to the Word of God and to my conscience." (pp. 54-55)
6. Charles Berry.   He entered the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine and became a priest after 17 years.  He was given orders to continue studying until he achieved a Ph.D. in chemistry and was then "transferred to the headquarters of the Augustinian order in the United States."
   1. Superstition.  "In the United States the Roman Catholic Church is on its best behavior, putting its best foot forward because of its critics and opponents.  In a Roman Catholic country, where it has few opponents or critics, it is a very different matter.  Ignorance and superstition and idolatry are everywhere, and little effort, if any, is made to change the situation.  Instead of following the Christianity taught in the Bible the people concentrate on the worship of statues and their local patron saints." (p. 59)
   2. Idols and Statues.  "When I met in Cuba a genuine pagan who worshiped idols (a religion transplanted from Africa by his ancestors), I asked how he could believe that a plaster idol could help him.  He replied that the idol was not expected to help him; it only represented the power in heaven which could.  What horrified me about his reply was that it was almost word for word the explanation Roman Catholics give for rendering honor to the statues of the saints." (p. 59)
7. Bob Bush.  He went to a Jesuit Seminary and studied for 13 years before being ordained in 1966.  He entered a post graduate program in Rome.
   1. Works:  "When I entered the order, the first thing that happened was that I was told I had to keep all the rules and regulations, that to do so would be pleasing to God, and that this was what he wanted for me.  We were taught the motto, 'Keep the rule and the rule will keep you.'" (p. 66).
   2. Salvation is by faith:  "It took me many years to realize that I was compromising by staying in the Roman Catholic Church.  Throughout all those years I continued to stress that salvation is only in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and not in the infant baptism; that there is only one source of authority which is the Bible, the word of God; and that there is no purgatory but rather that when we die to either go to heaven or hell."  (p. 69)
   3. Salvation by works:  "The Roman Catholic Church then goes on to say that in order to be saved you must keep its laws, rules and regulations.  And in these laws are violated (for example, laws concerning birth control or fasting or attendance at Mass every Sunday), then you have committed a sin....'individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary way by which the faithful person who was aware of serious sin can be reconciled with God, and with the church' (Canon 9609)." (p. 75)
   4. Works: "The Roman Catholic Church adds works, and that you have to do these specific things [keeping its laws, rule and regulations] ]in order to be saved, whereas the Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that it is by grace that we are saved, not by works." (pp. 75-76)

As you can see, even Roman Catholic Priests can discover the truth found in God's word and escape the error of the Roman Catholic system of works righteousness.  To God be the glory.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast," (Eph. 2:8-9).

[CynicalBear]

Well done sir!!!!!!!!!!! I agree wholeheartedly. If you don’t mind I would like to save that and may use it myself with attribution of course.

[Earthdweller]

I got a line for ya..

the Romans killed Jesus..who was a Jew and only a Jew. So thinking they got rid of another threat to their power, the Romans instead made Jesus, the Jew, more powerful in death.

So instead of embracing Judaism..the religion of Jesus, the Romans created a religion in his name that they could control.

To sweeten the control pie, they added their version of events in book form and even added "interpreters" to keep the sheep further in line. Tricky little killing machine boogers those Romans.

OK..so how many shots is that good for?

[WVKayaker]

We can all play the narses game, but where does it lead?

Do you have an abundant supply of childish graphics to post?

It’ll take a ton of them :o) -E-S

Here's a few of my responses to that foolishness! He has even used some in return (fractal)! Narses and Verga are the "you must be wrong, because you are not RC's" twins!

[verga]

On second thought, never mind, I'm not in the least interested in anything you would have to say concerning it, for I have heard enough from you and many others here, to be able to predict well enough what the answers would be like.... Do us both a favor though, if you would. Spare me the repetitious, Romanist boilerplate promotional pleadings and bleats. I have heard them all, already, thousands of times, and at some time or another, have thoroughly investigated each and every one of them.

No one is forcing you to either read anything I have written nor are they forcing you to reply.

by which I mean, hawk your wares elsewhere. Spare us also of the public announcement of how you'll be doing all this "praying" for me.

From James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, pray for us

And most important; Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

[verga]

God must really get a kick out of protestants, since he made so many different varieties.

John 17:20-21 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

[BlueDragon]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[verga]

They seem to get really upset when we offer to pray for them and quote the Bible to them. I thought they claimed to love the Bible and use it as their sole rule of faith...tsk...tsk.

[Bob Eimiller]

Now it's a single "Family" of Catholics? Another "wide" cross section. There are MANY "Catholics" that aren't even close to being "practicing" Catholics.

I always chuckle when some so called "Catholics" smugly state.... "I'm a pro choice Catholic"... lol Because someone is BORN and baptized Catholic doesn't mean they ARE Catholic.

Does anyone really think Nancy Pelosi is a practicing Catholic?

These polls mean absolutely nothing because a personal delusion or a designation at birth does not mean Catholic.

By the way, the Catholic Church and that means EVERY Catholic Church, over a three year period... EVERY three year period reads through the entire Bible at daily Mass.... How many protestant and /or Evangelical Churches do the same...

[narses]

:)

+

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Magníficat ánima mea Dóminum,
et exsultávit spíritus meus
in Deo salvatóre meo,
quia respéxit humilitátem
ancíllæ suæ.

Ecce enim ex hoc beátam
me dicent omnes generatiónes,
quia fecit mihi magna,
qui potens est,
et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericórdia eius in progénies
et progénies timéntibus eum.
Fecit poténtiam in bráchio suo,
dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui;
depósuit poténtes de sede
et exaltávit húmiles.
Esuriéntes implévit bonis
et dívites dimísit inánes.
Suscépit Ísrael púerum suum,
recordátus misericórdiæ,
sicut locútus est ad patres nostros,
Ábraham et sémini eius in sæcula.

Glória Patri et Fílio
et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio,
et nunc et semper,
et in sæcula sæculórum.

Amen.

[Luircin]

1: I have NO idea what you’re talking about.

2: Every Protestant church I’ve attended in my life has read through the entire Bible in three years and sometimes less.

[Luircin]

Oh, I don’t get upset at the Bible. I just get upset at being condescended at.

If you’re trying to win converts to Christ, you sure as hell are doing a piss-poor job at it, especially since you’re in danger of drowning every time it rains because your nose is stuck so high in the air.

[BlueDragon]

No one is forcing you to either read anything I have written nor are they forcing you to reply.

The issue is Romish sumpremacy claims, made six ways from Sunday, continually bandied about on the pages of FreeRepublic, polluting the atmosphere, the very air we here breath with the relentless repetitions of the same, with some FRomans playing the "Protestants are stupid" card while others play the "I'll pray for you (to convert to Roman Catholicism)" card.

A great many are sickened by it all...
So whether you care to recognize it or not, I am rather forced to respond (at least from time-to-time) lest FR be turned into some extension of "catholicculture" web pages.

All the listings of prayer reference, since your own prayers for me arise within context that I surrender that which I already possess (given to me by the hand of God) in exchange for the privilege of my own unilateral submission to all which the theologians of Rome deem their own prerogative to proclaim is "truth" itself, are thus rendered moot -- for lack of righteousness as to cause, aim, and purpose.

Yourself and others may confuse submission to the bishop of Rome (and Roman Catholic theology -- what a big 'ol mess of a piled heap that is!) be fully equal to submission to God Himself --- but I do not make that same mistake.

As I stated, those claims (the particularly Romish flavored ones) I have previously gone to some lengths to investigate, and found to be not *quite* as advertised, time and again, concerning many issues. At other times, the theology itself makes the Gospel itself of little to no effect --- if it not be accessed only under the watchful eyes of some hireling priest, appointed by Rome.

I'll be having nothing much to do with those whose spiritual forebears burned Jan Huss at the stake, for his daring to openly oppose certain particular *developments* and attitudes within the Roman Catholic priesthood and theology as applied in his own day (and rightfully so, in many aspects -- though perhaps not in his own each and every sentence or paragraph), regardless of a recent apology from a previous bishop of the church of Rome.

It's all too little, and far, far TOO LATE, regardless if after these many centuries, a few of the complaints of Huss's time have been addressed (albeit reluctantly, with legalistic qualifiers and restrictions --as much as Rome can get away with, in any given set of circumstance --- leaving them as much "control" as anyone will cede to themselves on any issue on cares to mention, or even think about)

While on the other hand, the excesses and mistakes of the Roman Catholic Church (in past history, at the least) are all far and away, far too much.

As for righteousness (you bring scripture reference mentioning the prayers of a righteous man) itself, I claim none for myself, other than the blood of Jesus, to whom I need give my own accounting for.

Never in a million years would I agree or acquiesce to "Rome" concerning "itself" -- for I am far too convinced she tells blasphemous lies concerning "herself", doing as much violence to the Gospel itself which she can get away with, while simultaneously maintaining the masquerade that she is it's (the Gospel's) only true and proper font.

As I made previous mention of --- I have found the Lord (or He found me?) elsewhere.

He (God Almighty) is still fully capable of "moving" other than at the beck and call or command of some Romanist adherent or priest clown.

[Luircin]

So is that a genuine prayer, or is that just a patronizing ‘bless your heart’?

[Luircin]

At least four or five. I’ll have to add a few more to the list for that, once I can see clearly again.

[verga]

If you’re trying to win converts to Christ, you sure as hell are doing a piss-poor job at it, especially since you’re in danger of drowning every time it rains because your nose is stuck so high in the air.

I can't win an single convert, it is strictly up to the Holy Spirit. As for me being arrogant, I have nothing to be arrogant about. You must be projecting.

[verga]

Always genuine never patronizing.

[verga]

I am sure you remember your Shakespeare about protesting to much.

[BlueDragon]

Really? Too much? After how many freepers now, whom you have offered to "pray for" on these pages in the recent past (since if they are not [Roman] Catholic, they must be wrong, wrong wrong, while of course, since you are RC, that automatically makes you "right" being in the "right" club and all) --- then when I call that out --- it's "too much" of a protest?

Really? phhhffft. A bronx cheer in your direction.

Is that succinct enough? What if it were only a bronx cheer protest, and nothing else? What then? would it be as --- "look! yet another "protestant" (whatever the heck those are) "...who is incapable of expressing himself!" "yup, it's like the rest of the club members have been saying...Cafo-licks or smart --- everyone else, dumb" "listen to that bronx cheer. it's all the dummy can summon up to say" etc.

A more real problem perhaps, is that I have not "protested" strenuously enough!

[verga]

I guess the only questions I have to ask is why are you still reading and replying if it bothers you so much?

[BlueDragon]

You asked — and I answered. Gotta’ problem with that, wise-guy?