Popery:
B-16's off on vacation, which affords a chance to catch up on our Ratzi-reading. The biggest stories others have covered better than I, so follow the links to read more on:
- Letter to Chinese Catholics reaction (government embarrassed, people happy --that's gotta be good, right?) . No one is saying much, even though this is arguably the most important of the 3 recently released documents --our press thinks the only thing interesting about religion is its capacity to ruffle feathers, and thus misses it entirely when the Pope throws a powerful punch at the Chinese Communists. Maybe if Chinese Protestants could feign offense the letter would get some attention. Cardinal Zen's response here. And an excellent commentary from Mirror of Justice on the wider application of the letter here.
- Motu Proprio mania. Best round-up here. Continuing commentary, always insightful, often biting, here. And of course, Fr. Neuhaus on the topic.
- The simple Q&A clarifying Church doctrine and changing nothing whatsoever, but generating much heat. Press gets story wrong, try to be shocked. Good round-up here, from whence comes George Weigel's summary:
There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NEW in this document. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a theological illiterate who equates ecumenism with political correctness. Period.
Find all the documents in question at Zenit in (logically) the documents section. Meanwhile, the weekly audiences have continued.
- Last week's was on St. Basil, whom he holds out as a model for bishops and pastors.
- The July 1 Angelus message takes up my favorite theme for meditation lately: the freedom of Christ:
Who is freer than he, who is omnipotent? He did not live his freedom, however, as license or dominion. He lived it as service. In this way he "filled" with content a freedom that would have otherwise remained an "empty" possibility to do or not do something. As the life itself of man, freedom takes its meaning from love. Who is more free? The one who holds onto all possibilities for fear of losing them, or the one who "resolutely" gives himself in service and thus finds himself full of life because of the love that he has given and received? The apostle Paul, writing to the Christians in Galatia, in present day Turkey, says: "You were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love" (Galatians 5:13).
- The following week's Angelus suggested we use our freedom in missionary service, and he also prayed that we all get a little vacation --especially some time spent in nature-- to restore our energies.
Potpourri:
- China: Underground bishop released from prison, responds to Pope's letter. Cardinal Zen grants an interview to Asia News. Regarding the Pope's letter he says:
marvellous equilibrium between clarity of principles and courtesy of expression.
Meanwhile, part of Beijing's pre-Olympics clean-up involves deporting missionaries. And two Protestant pastors were condemned to a year's hard labor for "using an evil cult to obstruct the law." (Attention MSM: now that's harsh)
The Holy Father has truly produced a masterpiece: the entire address is pervaded by a lofty tone of religious discourse, practically a theological contemplation. No one should suspect that there are hidden political motives: it is purely a very dignified depiction of the traditional doctrine of the Church, accepted and lived throughout the world. - Iraq: kidnapped Chaldean Christians released, thanks to help from sheiks in Kirkuk. 59 first communicants in Baghdad, and an ordination for Mosul. New priest promises to continue the work of Fr. Rageed. The Syrian-Catholic bishop explains why the first communion wasn't cancelled: Do not succumb to the threats of the evil-doers.
- Philippines: kidnapped Fr. Bossi is alive. The Pope says he prays for him every day.
- USA: B-16 accepted Cardinal Keeler's resignation this morning, and named Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, of the diocese of the Military Services, as his successor.
