My Semester II Work:
US CATHOLIC HISTORY: SEMESTER II EXAM
Taught by: Fr. Francis Gloudeman, O’ Praem
Why Study US Catholic History?
So that the Catholic Faith may be better known, loved, and lived in the United States and beyond.
How, Who, and What we study?
We study not as antagonistic or non Catholics in a secular viewpoint, but as Catholics using Faith and Reason.
We study Catholic People, canonized saints, and un-canonized Catholics, including native Americans and settlers.
We study the life of American Catholicism in seven different American periods. During the Second Semester we discussed three of these periods, the Industrial, the Cosmopolitan, and the Contemporary.
-The Industrial Period (1865-1921)-
Liberals and Conservatives
The words “Liberalism and Conservatism” have three definitions: THE IDEAL DEFINITION, THE INDUSTRIAL DEFINITION, AND THE MODERN DEFINITION.
Ideal Definition: Liberalism strives for progress and growth, and trying for the better, while Conservatism keeps the good, tried and tested methods for preserving society, while focusing on the good of the past.
The Modern Definition: Liberalism sees Conservatism as judgmental, ridged, merciless, spiritless, acting in blind obedience, and dwelling too much on the past, while Conservatism sees Liberalism as disobedient, abusive, lacking morals, and traditionally, theologically and liturgically impaired.
The Industrial Definition: The Catholic Industrial Definition differences on a shift on emphasis.
Here are some primary examples:
Liberals were pro: action, the here and now, on earth, public schools, separation of church and state, unity, “out of the pews into the streets, bringing redemption abroad”, “Take culture in”, “Take people where they are, give the Faith slowly”, “Flow the Holy Spirit within”, the active virtues (such as feeding the poor, charitable deeds, etc), the natural virtues (purity, justice, kindness), Labor Unions, linked to workers
Conservatives were pro: Contemplation ,hoping for Heaven, Baltimore Councils to the letter, parish schools, unity of church and state, patience, “support parish life and community”, Labor Unions are bad because they are associated with Masonic Groups condemned by the Church, ethnicity (national churches), be cautious about the new, “Don’t hide the truth” “Put all your cards out there”, “Follow external authority”, passive virtues (obedience, submission), supernatural virtues (Faith Hope Charity)
3 Archbishops
Archbishop John Ireland (Liberal)
Archbishop of Saint Paul, MN
Built Saint Thomas College and Saint Paul Seminary
Built Saint Paul Cathedral
Built Pro-Cathedral of Saint Mary in Minneapolis
He swayed the Pope not to excommunicate Father Macglin, who was from New York, and was considered a socialist
Was a fan of Public Schools
Unsupportive of National Parishes
Friend of Cardinal James Gibbons (Baltimore)
Friends with The First Rector of the Pontifical North American College, Rome
Friends with the first president of C.U.A., Father Keen
Friends with Mother Seraphine, the Superioress of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Corondele
Cardinal James Gibbons (Liberal)
Second American Cardinal after Cardinal John McCklosky of NY
The Face of American Catholicism for over 100 years
Wrote a book on the Faith. “Faith of Our Fathers”
Archbishop of Baltimore
The U.S. Capitol building closed to honor his 50th Priesthood Anniversary
He got C.U.A off the ground
Archbishop Michael Corrigan (Conservative)
Archbishop of New York, surprisingly not a cardinal unlike his predecessor
Big on planning, organization and bureaucracy
Prepared for Plenary councils of Baltimore
Visit4ed every parish in his diocese
Friendly towards nationalism
Against secret societies
Invited the Scalibrians (Saint Peter’s Italian CC in LA) AND Mother Cabrini to USA
Opened 99 parishes
Invited 24 religious communities
Built Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoody, NY
The Baltimore Councils and the Baltimore Catechism
What is a Council?
Definition: A Council is a legally convened assembly of ecclesiastical dignitaries, gathered for the purpose of discussing and regulating matters of Church doctrine and discipline.
What is the difference between a Synod and Council? From Trent until after Vatican II Synod and Councils were used interchangeably, but now the distinction is that Synods are more on advisory, while councils are more on putting out decrees.
Kinds of Councils and Synods:
Ecumenical Councils (Convened by the Pope)
General Synods (Advise the Pope-Synod of Bishops)
Plenary Councils (USCCB)
Provincial Council (Metropolitan Archdiocese)
Diocesan Synod (Local bishop/priests/ experts of his diocese)
D. There were 10 councils in Baltimore during a 50 year period:
The Seven Provincial Councils: 1829-1849
The Three Plenary Councils: 1852,1866, 1884
What: The Baltimore Councils were a series of ecclesiastical councils held throughout the 1800’s, and served as opportunities for US Bishops to discuss and deal with pastoral concerns in the US Church.
Who: The Presider of the provincial councils was always the Archbishop of Baltimore as it was the only Archdiocese of the country with a Metropolitan Province for 80 years. After 1850 when there were more US Archdioceses, it became a Plenary Council, but it was still presided by the Archbishop of Baltimore. The the bishops of the US as well as invited prelates, and priests participated.
Where: It was always held in the Cathedral of Baltimore, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Basilica. To this day, the annual plenary assembles of USCCB is held in Baltimore.
Why: The idea was originally conceived by Bishop John England, who wanted to promote unity and harmony between the US hierarchy, and it was also planned by Archbishop John Carroll, but it was interrupted by the War of 1812, and thus never came about until 1829. It also was initiated to organize and discipline the US Church.
Provincial Councils (1829-1849):
Selected Main Decrees:
Trusteeism should be resisted by ensuring that new churches are established in the bishop’s name.
Priests should remain in their dioceses.
The Douey-Rhiems version of the Bible should become standard.
Registering of Baptisms, Confirmations and Marriages should be made uniform.
A UNIFORM CATHECHISM SHOULD BE INSTITUTED
Catholic Schools should be established to teach Faith to all Catholic Children
Faithful must support their parish
Pastors shouldn’t use inappropriate music at Mass
Endorse Patriotism
Membership in Secret Societies was forbidden
Catholics who attempt marriage after divorce is excommunicated
Confessionals should be in each church
Immaculate Conception chosen as US Patroness
The Immaculate Conception should be defined by the Pope
The Three Plenary Councils (1852-1884)
In 1852 there were six Archdioceses in the United States: The Archdioceses of Baltimore, Saint Louis, New York, Cincinnati, Oregon, and New Orleans
After these raisings of these archdioceses, Plenary Councils were held for all the metropolitan provinces.
Selected Main Issues (Not Decrees):
Confronting Problems in the growth of the US Church
Catholic involvement in the Reconstruction after the Civil War
Immigration
Anti-Catholicism
Hope of the initiation of Vatican I and spirit of Pope Leo XIII
Selected Main Decrees:
The Pope is the head of the Church (Argument used to combat Americanism)
Establishment of the Chancery Office
Parochial Schools should be initiated
Uniformity in Liturgy
Secret Societies were condemned
The Baltimore Catechism
What is a Catechism? : A Catechism is a concise summary of Catholic teaching as described in four parts, Belief (the Creed), Worship (Sacraments), Morals (10 Commandments), and Prayer (Our Father).
-There are two types of Catechism, Local (Baltimore, Belarmine, Canissium) and Universal (CCC, Roman Catechism)
The History of Catechism:
1529: Martin Luther writes a Lutheran Catechism
1566 Roman Catechism from the Council of Trent (Focus on the Sacraments)
1885 the Baltimore Catechism, which was revised in 1941 and 1949
1992 The Catechism of the Catholic Church after Vatican II (Focus of Ecclesiology)
Basics of the Baltimore Catechism:
Used to Unify US Catechicatics
Standard for US immigrants
The Baltimore Catechism was sought to be in tune with Vatican I
Production began after the Third Provincial Council in 1884
It is built upon Q and A format
Main Writers were Bishop Spalding (Peoria, IL) and Msgr. Concilico (Jersey City, NJ)
Imprimatur given in 1885
Continuous revision from 1885-1941
Remained in use until after Vatican II
Three versions were made (1st communion, Elementary, and High School) The main audience in Jr.High
Saints Katherine Drexel and Francis Xavier Cabrini
Saint Katherine Drexel (1858-1955):
“Called Million Dollar Nun”
Born to very wealthy businessman Francis Drexel in Philidelphia, and her mother died soon after she was born
Francis Drexel remarried and raised Katharine and her sister in the Faith, but here step mother died soon, as well as her father who died in 1901.
Drexel Heights today in Arizona is named for her Father
Katharine’s sister died, and she inherited all of the family inheritance which was close to $250 million in today’s money
She wanted to be missionary, but Pope Leo XIII told her to minister to the blacks and Indians of Wyoming and the West.
She entered the Sister of Mercy
2 years later she founded her own community called “The Sister of the Blessed Sacrament” to minister to blacks and Indians She opened her headquarters near Philadelphia
The order opened 65 schools
In addition to the Evangelical Counsels, she added a fourth vow: “To be a mother and servant of the Indians and Negro Peoples”
Befriended and listened to advice from Mother Cabrini
She founded Xavier University the first US Catholic Academic Institution for blacks
1935 Suffered a heart attack and lived for 20 years as a contemplative in ded
Died in March 3rd 1955, at age 95, and was canonized in 2000 by JP2
Major project: Xavier university
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917):
Francesca was born in Lombary, IT, the youngest of three children and weak and frail
At age 13 she heard a sermon from a missionary to China which inspired her to seek a missionary vocation.
After working for six years in charity, she was asked by the local ordinary to start a religious community
She began “The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart” and took the name “Frances Xavier, for she wished to be a missionary to Asia.
When in Rome seeking a mandate for her order, Pope Leo XIII who asked her to take her order to the USA, instead of Asia to minister to Italian immigrants, first in New York under Archbishop Michael Corrigan
Despite her hydrophobia she crossed the Atlantic numerous time
Eventually houses of her Order were established in 8 US cities as well and Central and South America.
Known as a “shrewd business woman”
In 1909 she became a US Citizen
She founded schools, clinics, and charitable institutions
Worked in CA, CO, IL, LA, SY, NJ, PN, WA
Died at 67 at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL
She was canonized the first American Saint and citizen by Pope Pius XII, and later declared “Patroness of Immigrants” in 1950
Major Project: Columbus Hospital
The Saints of Molokai and Father Edward Flanagan
Saint Damien of Molakai
Feast: May 10th
Born: 1840 in Belgium
Died: 1889 in Molokai
Canonized 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI
Patron: Lepers, AIDS, HIVS, Outcasts, State of Hawaii
Early Life:
Born Joseph De Veustur as a farm boy in Belgium as a 7th child
He attended college in Belgium and then joined the SSCC and took the name Damien, named after Saint Damienus (and his brother Cosmos), early Christian martyr, who were Physicians and are in the Roman Canon
He sought missionary, praying to Saint Francis Xavier
His brother, Fahter Augistine De Vestur, SSCC, was chosen to go to the missions, but because of his health could not go. Thus Damien took his place and was sent to Hawaii.
The Hawaiian Missions
He landed on Saint Joseph’s Day (March 19th), 1864 in Honolulu, HI
He was ordained at priest at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace of the Diocese of Honolulu
Along with other priest, he volunteered to be sent to the leper colony on the island of Molokai, to the lepers who had been sent there per order of the government of Hawaii “the Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy” but he alone was chosen to minister to the peoples there. Although this was virtually a death sentence
From 1866-1960 there were 8000 lepers
Sources say that by 1968 “The good-natured, easy-going people, soon resorted to drunkenness and immorality”
Founded the parish of Saint Philomena in the island and acted a a grave digger, medic, builder, teacher, farmer, and coffin-maker
He was well loved by the lepers and volunteered to stay there
His confessions stories….
Illness/Death and Legacy
In 1884 he contracted leprosy (“We lepers…..”) (How he realized it…..)
He continued working in Molokai for four years
Four people eventually came to help him: Saint Marianne Cope, a priest to help him, a construction-man, and a nurse
After his holy death, his body was sent to Belgium
After his death he received a high honor by the King of Hawaii
Protestants even helped donate to his cause, although some Congregationalist crtized him
Robert Louis Stevenson, Gandhi, and even Barack Obama have admired and defended his work.
Along with Marianne Cope, he is venerated in the Episcopalian Communion
The Colony of Lepers is now a US Historic Site under the National Park Service
Many films and books have been based on him
Called by some as “The Greatest Belgian”
SAINT MARIANNE COPE WAS BORN IN GERMANY AND DIED IN HAWAII. SHE IWAS CONONIZED IN 2012 BY POPE BENEDICT XVI. SHE BELONGED TO THE SISTER OF SAINT FRANCIS AND IS THE PATRON OF THE SAME THINGS AS SAINT DAMIEN. SHE WAS THE FIRST PERSON BEATIFIED BY POPE BENEDICT XVI, AND THE LAST CANONZIED BY HIM.
Servant of God Monsignor Edward Flanagan
He was born in Ireland in 1886 to a herdsman family
He was very bright and attended Summerhill College in Ireland, and after coming the US and becoming a citizen, attended Mount Saint Mary University in Emmetsburg, MY, as well as Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoody, NY , Gregorian University, Innsburk College, Austria
1917 He founded an orphanage for boys in Omaha, NE
A few years later he founded Boys Town, NE 10 miles west of Omaha
Boys Town was a large community with its own, Chapel, school, mayor, post office, gym, and trade school.
He was named a Monsignor by Pope Pius XI
Became an advocate of child’s welfare, travelling to Japan and Korea after WWII to help in situations there.
He died of a heart attack in Berlin in 1948
He is buried in Boys Town, ne
He was honored on the Four-cent stamp, and was placed in the NE Hall of Fame
Boys Town has satilite locations in CA, NV, TX, IW, LA, IL, DC, NY, and throughout New England
In 1972, the institution went from Orphanage style to family-care system
In 1974 Boys and girls were admitted to Boys Town, and girls now make up 40% of the population.
Two films, “Boys Town” and “Men of Boys Town” have been made after this place
It is a Us National Historic Landmark
Today the city of Boys Town, NE had 745 residents
The Archbishop of Omaha opened the cause of canonization of Father Flanagan, and he is now a Servant of God.
The Order of the Knights of Columbus
I. Definition /Reasons for Existence and Introduction
The Order of the Knights of Columbus is a society of Catholic men that embrace four principles: charity, patriotism, unity, and fraternity, that support member’s families and other marginalized or needy peoples.
To provide financial assistance to members’ families through life insurance
To promote education
To promote charitable, social and religious welfare by forming a fraternal society for the purpose of assisting their Church, Country, and Families though their Catholic identity and Faith, and by following the ideal of Christopher Columbus, who first brought Christianity to the new world.
There are four different kinds of orders in the Church:
Holy Orders (Deacon, Priest, Bishop)
A Religious Order such as those who take the vows of the evangelical counsels. (the Norbertines, Benedictines, Carmelites)
Military Orders such as the Knights of Malta of Knights of the Holy Seplecure
Lay Orders: There are two kinds of Lay Orders: 1. A secular or ‘third order’ branch of a religious community (OCDS, Lay Norbertines), which are people who do not make vows but aspire to live in closer communion to a communities charism. 2. Lay groups such as the Knights of Columbus
Why Knights? The name Knights was chosen to show the order’s concern for the helpless and to model after the medieval knights from Europe who were ideally chivalrous, chaste, courageous and gentle, who strove to “defend the defenseless” .
Why Columbus? The name “Columbus” is to show the order’s connection to Christopher Columbus, to proprietor of American Catholicism, as well as to combat anti-Catholicism to show anti-Catholics that America would not be without the Catholics.
II. Founder
Early Life:
Michael McGivney was born in Waterbury, CT IN 1852 to an Irish working class family. His father worked at a Brass Mill, and he was the eldest of 13 children, six of whom died in childhood.
He found his vocation at an early age and began attending minor seminary at 16, at the College of Saint Hyacinth in Quebec, Canada,
He then entered the Our Lady of the Angles Seminary at Niagara University, before being transferred to Saint Mary’s College in Montreal
In 1873, his father died, and because women’ wages were half of that of men’s, Michael was needed to return to his home, as his family could no longer afford to send him to seminary.
But Bishop McFarland of the Diocese of Hartford offered to pay for the boy’s education and thus continued his schooling at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore.
In 1877 he was ordained in Baltimore by Cardinal James Gibbons.
He returned to his hometown to celebrate Mass a few days later.
Priesthood:
He was given work at prishes and in jail/youth/labor ministries
He began to realize the working men needed a society to aid their families, much like a “secret society” except not anti-Catholic. (Secret Societies provided insurance for worker’s families is the member got hurt on the job, but they were condemned by the Pope, and those who participated in a society such as the Masons, even for family insurance, were automatically excommunicated).
The First Council was called the San Salvador “Holy Redeemer” Council after the island where Christopher Columbus landed first in the New World.
With permission he founded the Order of the Knights of Columbus on October 2, 1881 at a basement in a debt-ridden parish, called Saint Mary’s.
By February the Oder began appearing in local newspapers, and Father McGivney began travelling around Connecticut spreading the Order.
Even as the Order grew and he became the Supreme Chaplain, he remained very much as people-oriented, zealous pastor.
After his death his two younger brothers, who were also priests, became the next two Supreme Chaplains.
Death
Because of over-working, he developed pneumonia, on top of his already fragile health in Jan. 1890.
He died that summer after 13 years as a priesnt at 38 years old
His cause for canonization was opened in 2000, and he is currently a venerable, but there is a miracle awaiting approval from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, of a person healed in the Philippines in 2014.
III. Legacy
After Father McGivney’s death, the Order began implementing the “Commission of Religious Prejudices” and began donating hospital beds, medicines, and insurances for the destitute.
In 1917 for WWI Vets, the Knights sponsored recreational opportunities for returning solders, spending a total of $53 Million.
They began fighting against Communism on radio programs.
During the Great Depresion, the prvoded services for the needy
In WWII, they supported the war-effort and provided scholarships to veteran’s children. (They continue to provide sch0olarships for member’s children for college and they also help to pay off debts and to pay seminary expenses for aspiring seminarians)
In the 40’s, they began the “Columbian Squires” for boys.
During the turmoil of the Vatican II aftermath, they remained Faithful to the Holy See, and Saint John Paul II called them “the strong right arm of the Church”
Their magazine ‘Columbia” is the most read Catholic magazine in the USA.
IV. Today and Statistics
Supreme Grand Knight: Carl Anderson
Supreme Chaplain: Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore
Members as of 2014: 1.6 Million+
Members in the United States: 1.4 Million
Councils: 12,000 across the globe
Between 2000-2010, they donated over $1 Billion to charities
They are active in the pro-life movement
The funded the restoration of Saint Peter’s Basilica
They funded in the 1950’s the Bell Tower of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. “Columbia Tower”
They have helped in Haiti, Katrina, and Newtown, 9/11
Continue to provide life insurance
V. Famous Members
Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley of Boston
Cardinal William Leveda (Prefect-Emeritus of CDF)
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore
Governor Jeb Bush (Convert and broth of President George Bush)
Coach Vincent Lombardy of the Green Bay Packers
Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees
President John F. Kennedy
Super-Liberal Senator Ted Kennedy
Father Leonard Feeney and the Feeneyites
Priesthood and Life:
Leonard Feeney was born in 1897 in Lynn, MA
He entered the Jesuits in 1914
He was an intellectual and attended Oxford University and Weston College in England
He was ordained in 1928
He very quickly became an inspiring and attractive writer and speaker
Known as a poet and became president of the American Poetry Society, as well as the editor of the American (Jesuit) Magazine
In 1940 he was given a teaching position at Boston College and became a student chaplain to a youth group which included young Avery Dulles
Together with students on campus he founded the Saint Benedict Center
His popularity became even more famous as he soon befriended Cardinal Richard Cushing, JFK, and Robert Kennedy.
Heresy:
He spoke once to a Protestant minister who confessed to his face that the Catholic Church was the true church, but for various reason, refused to enter thre Church. This discussion got Father Feeney thinking more rigidly of the Church doctrine “Extram Ecclesiam Nulla Salvus”, and soon believed that NO ONE except baptized WITH ONLY WATER IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH could be saved. All else were bound for Hell.
This heretical view caused his suspension from the Jesuits in 1949
It soon became known as the “Boston Heresy”
After receiving ecclesiastical censure, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Pius XII to clarification on the matter.
He refused, and was excommunicated under grave disobedience to the Pope.
With Catherine Clarke he founded a schismatic group for men and women religious called the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Still River, MA.
The Order’s initials are MICM: M (Mancipia-Slaves), I (Immaculatae-Immaculate), C (Cor-Heart), M (Maria-Mary)
He later became anti-semetic and endorsed Hitler.
Restoration?:
In 1972, the excommunication was lifted by Pope Paul VI and most of his followers, but they never recanted their belief.
Feeney died in 1978 and upon his grave it reads “Extram Eccleicam Nulla Salvus”
Two Interpetations of ‘Extram Ecclesiam Nulla Salvus’:
There are two interpretations of this doctrine-the True one and the heretical (Feeney) one
True: No salvation is found outside the Church to those, who know the truths of the Catholic Faith and are properly exposed to them, refuse to believe in them. Thus “Extram Ecclesicam Nulla Salvus”. Also, Baptism of Water, Blood and Desire are all approved means of salvation. This is state in the CCC and Lumen Gentium, as well as some of this in the Council of Trent and the Roman Catechism. Thus an idian on Bornea, who follow his conscience to the best o his abilities, without ever hearing the Gospel, may be saved.
Heretical: Taking “Extram Ecclesia Nulla Saluvus” to the letter. No one, except those baptized with water in the Catholic Church, may be saved.
The Americanism Heresy
Definition and Summary of Belief
Americanism is a list of errs condemned in an apostolic letter by Pope Leo XXIII, written in 1899 addressed to Cardinal Gibbons.
Americanism is the belief that Catholicism should be adapted as much as possible externally to the modern cultural ideas and value of American, even though such cultural traditions were at times contrary to Church Teaching.
Supported:
Sociopolitical Values
Democracy
Humanitarian Work
Separation of Church and State
Relaxation of requirements of the Church for converts
Relaxation of liturgical rubrics
Many bishops including Archbishop John Ireland sought to support these ideals, while other American bishops opposed such accommodations and sought to preserve Faith and Society against social trends.
List of Major Errors
Americanism sought to water down the Faith, belittle or wipeout Church teaching, thinking that these actions will help more people come into the Church. Thus their goal of more converts was good, but their dissenting means was flawed. This was the main err of Americanism: the others follow it-
Religious Life is a hindrance to Religious Liberty. The active life is far superior to the contemplative one. -----How to refute this? Mary and Martha! Who had chosen the better part? Mary, who CONTEMPLATED AND LISTENED TO Christ’s words! Also Saint Paul reminds us of this when he says “pray without ceasing…”Although the active life is important, the contemplative life is higher.
Active and Passive Virtues- Active Virtues are higher: According to Saint Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica, no virtue is passive! By its origin (strengthen, courage), virtue is an active thing. It is an ACT of the Will! Americanists of this time criticized what they saw as “passive virtues” such as submission, obedience and meekness.
The Natural Virtues are above the Supernatural Ones. --- They believed that the Natural Virtues such as chastity, industriousness, truth, and patience were above the Supernatural Virtues such as Faith, Hope, Love, and Mercy.
In order to Evangelize we need a Protestant Liturgy. --- Pope Leo XIII wrote “It is err to abandon the ancient method of defending the Faith” What these old methods? A life of Virtue! A True Liturgy! Prayer!
The Church is the United States is different from the Church Universal----Americanists thought the the US Church was: more democratic, less hierarchical, separated from the Pope, contained different doctrine and worship.
The History of and the Combating of Americanism
Father Isaac Hecker wrote a series of books which were sent to France after the French Revolution, which fell into the hands of the Monarchists (who opposed democracy and supported aristocracy) and the Progressives (who supported Democracy and Church Rights).
The Progressives invited Archbishop Ireland to preach on Father Hecker’s books, but his talk stirred controversy, as it was seen to contain heretical teaching.
The Monarchists combated this ideology, which became known as Americansm, by attacking Father Hecker and calling him as dissenter. Thus began the so called “War of the Pamphlets” Pope Leo XIII later stated the Father Hecker’s book (as interpresated by the Progessives) was wrong, and that this false teaching must not reach America.
Pope Leo XIII wrote the first Apostolic Letter to the United States in 1899 called “Testem Benevelincium” (Witness to Truth), in which he first affimed the Faith of the people, and then clarifys, corrects and then cautions against errs. This letter was sent to Cardinal James Gibbons, and he, along with other liberals were surprised at the apperence of such a letter and assured the Holy Father that none of these practices were going on in the USA. Conservatives on the other hand, were very happy because of this chastising letter. After this letter, Americanism died off.
Thus Americanism is also known as Heckerism, because of the Progressive French’s interpretation of his book.
Cardinal Francis Spellman and Cardinal Richard Cushing
Francis Cardinal Spellman
Early Years:
Francis was born in 1889 in Whitman, MA
He was bright boy and studied at Fordham College and later the North American College in Rome, earning a doctorate in Theology. .
Despite an illness in his college years he worked at Propaganda Fide in Rome
Preisthood:
He was ordained in 196 in Rome and sent to Boston as a parish priest for 2 years.
He soon became the Vie-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Boston
After that high title he became a secretary to the newly formed Vatican City State, and was named a Monsignor by Pope Pius XI.
While in Rome he made very powerful friends such as Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, the later Pius XII.
Monsignor Spellman was given the secret job of smuggling Pius XI’s encyclical condemning socialism from Mussolini-Controlled Italy to Paris for global distribution.
Bishop and Cardinal:
He was soon named the Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and was consecrated a bishop in Rome by Cardinal Pacelli.
It was no surprise when the Pope named him Archbishop of New York in 1939, and later the Vicariate of the Military Services (This was before the Archdiocese of Military Services USA as ordered by JP2 IN 1984. He was the spiritual father of 2 millions solders and visited them around the world for 24 years.)
He was made a Cardinal in 1946, and became the most powerful Catholic leader in the United States since Cardinal Gibbons, fifty years before.
He had great fiscal and building abilities as was nicknamed “The Powerhouse”, “Cardinal Moneybags”
He was a friend of FDR, and was used as a personal embassy to foreign countries by him, as well as his personal confident.
He spoke out against Communism
He wanted the US Government to fund Catholic Schools, and had disagreements with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who refused to fund him.
He diputed with JFK in this same issue, and thus publically endorsed Nixon for president.
He helped elect Saint John XXIII (Angelo Cardinal Roncalli) and Paul VI (Giuseppe Montini) as well as a participant in Vatican II.
He consecrated the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC in the 50’s.
Along with Cardinal McIntyre of Los Angeles, Cardinal Spellman strongly opposed the Liturgical Changes of Vatican II.
He endorsed Lyndon B. Johnson for president and supported the Vietnam War as a just war to stop Communism.
He and Archbishop Sheen were once friends but because of a public incident they were silent opponents…The issue was that Sheen, when he was in charge of Propaganda Fide in New York, received a large donation of powdered milk from the US Government, but Spellman wanted the money from Sheen. Sheen replied that their was none, for it was a gift. Nonetheless, Spellman heavily criticized Sheen, even going to Pope Paul VI to side with him. Paul VI however sided with Sheen, and to let the incited cool off moved Sheen out of New York.
He submitted his resignation in 1966, but requested to stay longer as bishop.
He spoke out against discrimination
He died at 76 years old as one of the greatest American Catholics.
The President LBJ, V.P. Hugh Humphrey, Robert Kennedy, Gov. Rockefeller and 100+ bishops attended his funeral at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in NY.
His Episcopal Motto was: “Follow God”
Known as Ambitious and self-centered---using people for what he could get out of it.
Richard Cardinal Cushing
Early Life:
Richard was born in S. Boston in 1895
He was an Honors student in Latin and Greek
He attended Boston College and later Saint John’s Seminary in Boston
Priesthood:
He was ordained in 1921, and assigned to Proganda Fide
He served also in the Archdiocesan Chancery Office
His main job was to raise $ for missions and poor
Bishop and Cardinal:
In 1939 he was consecrated the Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, replacing Bishop Spellman who went to NY.
Was apostolic administrator of Boston after the death of Cardinal O’Connell
Archbishop of Boston in 1944
He was made a Cardinal by John 23
He was known as affectionate, affable, and outgoing.
He was a TV/Radio pioneer
He was influential in Politics
He had a very close relationship with JFK and presided at his funeral and invocation Mass .
He was an out-spoken anti-communist
He was too optimistic, opening too many dioceasen facilities, emassing in huge sums of debt.
He cared for the sick and crippled and mentally ill, leading a 100 person pilgrimage with such people to Lourdes once.
His main goals were: improvements in Jewish/Protestent Realationships, unity between the rich and poor, a builder and fundraiser
His major weakness was over expansion and a bit of liberalism.
He married JFK and Jaquilene Kennedy
He also was chastised by the Vatican for causing public scandal by marrying Jacquie Kennedy to a divorced-Orthodox man.
He was a major author of Nostre Aetata, the Vatican II Document on the Jews
He was very Pro-Jew
He was very ecumenical and encourage Catholics to attended Billy’s Graham’s Talks.
He was VERY Pro-Mission
He would take nuns to Red Sox games
Liked Vatican II
His motto was “That all may know Thee”
He was known to accept people for who they were and loved all people
Father Solanus Casey and Father Paul Watson
Father Solanus Casey
He is known as the “Wonder Worker” He is the First US Man declared Venerable
Born Bernard Casey “Barney” in Oak Grove, WI of 16 children
At age eight he got diphtheria, leaving his voice permanently wispy
At 17 he left home to be a lumber jack, hospital orderly, jail guard, and street car operator.
When working as a street car oprtator, he witnessed a murder that made him rethink his life.
He discerned the priesthood and applied for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, but the classes were taught only in German or Latin, and since he didn’t even have a High School Diploma, left because of the rigourous studies.
He joined the OFM CAP (Order of Friars Minor Brown) and was ordained a ‘sacerdotus simplex’ (a priest who can say Mass, but not preach or hear confessions).
He went through 20 years of assignments in New York and was known as an inspiring speaker.
He came later the Saint Bonaventure Monestary in Detroit , MI serving there as a porter.
Each week he would see the sick, and he cured many ill (mentally, physically, and spiritually)
After his death in 1957 in Indiana, 20,000 people passed by his coffin.
Sacristan
Doorkeeper
Director of Young Ladies
Directors of Altar Servers
Family Support
Mission Promoter
Miracle worker
Healer
Knew Father Groschell story……
Prophet
Converter
Father Paul Watson “Prophet of Unity”
He was born the child of an Anglican “Priest” in Maryland during the Civil War and named Lewis Thomas Watson.
He is known as the ‘Father of the Week of Christian Unity”
Along with Mother Lorena White he founded the Society of the Atonement under a Fransiscan Spirituality
He truly believed he was Catholic, because he saw three Catholic branches: the Roman Branch, Eastern Branch and the Anglican Branch.
The Original week of Christian Unity started on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter and ended on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. It was founded in 1908.
Soon, he and Sister Lorena were received into the Catholic Church, and he was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1910, where Father Solanus Casey, who wasn’t normally able to preach, said the homily.
His order was eventually approved by Rome and they are no known as the Greymoor Friars, because of their habits. Their initials are S.A.
Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
I. In General
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was the face of American Catholicism from the 50’s-70’s.
He touched millions of lives
He wrote about 70 books
He was granted an Emmy Award for best show, where he thanked his writers: the 4 evangelists.
He received 15,000 letters a day.
Was the inspiration for thousands of priests
Converts? Who knows!
II. About
Peter Fulton Sheen was born in El Paso, IL in 1895
He took his mother’s maiden name “Fulton” for his first name.
His father worked as a farmer, inventor and owned a hardware shop.
When he was 5 years old, he moved to Peoria, IL and became a server at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Bishop Spalding Story……… U. of Levene ---bishop
He graduated at the top of all his classes and was known as a debator and scholar by the end of High School (Valedictorian)
He entered Saint Paul’s Seminary in MN
He attended the Angelicum in Rome ,and a university in Paris
He also attended the University of Luevene in Belgium
By the time he was 30, he had a PhD in Philosophy with Honors
After his ordination, he was sent to a very poor parish in Peoria where only 25% of the people spoke English. After a short time, the bishop told him “I only sent you here to see if you would still be obedient even after all your achievements...”
Sheen then began full time teaching at CUA and was a spellbinding teaching, and his classes always overflowed.
He began soon speaking as a radio evangelist with 4 million listeners.
He soon became also a TV Evangelists, paving the way for future evangelists.
His award winning show “Life is Worth Living” went on for 13 years
He sought Common Ground with Protestants and Jews
He was funny, comical and witty
He served as the Director of Propagandae Fide for 15 years
He donated all his money to the Church and Missions
He was both a Preacher (Heart) and a Teacher (Head)
His major fault was pride.
Loved reading
Always studied
Towards the end of his life he gave extensive retreats to priests, after his fallout with Cardinal Spellman.
Gave all his books to Mary
Was a Prophet of Mercy
He was a personal friend of Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI and knew John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
He was a poor administrator, and resigned from bishop of Rochester, NY after three years.
Spoke against Nazism, Communism, and the Vietnam War
He was known as a prophet, especially in the Stalin Story…….
Pope John Paul II said to him “You have spoken and written well of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church”
III. Reforms
Venerable Sheen taught that there were four reforms during major problems every 500 years in the Church. Here they are:
-The Carolinian Reform (500 AD-THE FALL OF ROME)
Problem: Barbarians and the Dark Ages
Counter Attack: Opening of Monasteries, and missionaries to the British Isles to preserve civilization while the rest of Europe was sieged.
Great People: Pope Saint Gregory I, Charlemagne
-The Gregorian Reform (1000 AD-THE GREAT SCHISM)
Problem: 1052- the division of the East and West, Simony, Clerical Incontinence, lay investiture
Counter Attack: Reforms and Laws of Pope Greagory VII
Great People: Pope Saint Greagory VII
-The Tridentine Reform (1500 AD- THE DEFORMATION)
Problems: Split-North and South of Europe. Growth of Protesentism
Counter attack: The Council of Trent, the Roman Catechism
Great People: Pope Saint Pius V, Saint Robert Bellarmine, Saint Francis De Sales, Etc.
-The Vatican II Reform (2000 AD- CURRENT CRISIS PREDICTED BY FULTON SHEEN)
Problems: Everything!!!!
Counter Attack: Vatican II, CCC
Great People: Pope Paul VI, Pope Saint John Paul II (whom he predicted would be a saint), Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis
FATHER PATRICK PEYTON
Was born in 1909
Entered the Congreation of the Holy Cross (CSC)
Was diagnosed with incurable tuberculoses, and prayed to Mary and was cured- he vowed to spend the rest of his life spreading the Rosary
Promised Mary 10 Million Rosary-Praying Families daily
Started Family Radio Theatre in Hollywood with featured famous actors such as Bing Crosby .
Coined “Family the Prays together, stay together” “A World Praying the Rosary is a world at PEACE”
1950 started the Family Rosary Crusade gathering up to 2 million people.
Made films on Christ’s Life
Died in San Pedro in 1992 and is buried in MA
THOMAS MERTON
Thomas Merton was born in 1915 in France
In his early years he was a wild, and while a young man fathered a child
He became a literary major in college.
Believed all religions lead to God
At 23 he converted influenced by Thomistic spirituality
He became a social activist
He joined the Gethsemane Abbey Trappists in KY at the start of WWII, for he knew he needed discipline. His religious name was Mary Louis
In 1948 He wrote the Seven Storey Mountain (seven storey’s after Dante’s 7 stories of purgatory), It was translated into 15 languages, and Sheen called it a 20th century Confessions.
The book takes Catholic Theology and combines it with modern thinking and has a Carmelite and Thomistic Spirituality, which sees the value of contemplation alone.
He became open to Eastern, Zen and Buddhism Spirituality
When he entered the monastery there were 70 monks, when he died there where 200
He struggled with chastity throughout his life
He died in 1968 in Thailand.
THE CATHOLIC PRESS
Catholicism is the only religion in the USA with such as widespread press.
1820 The Catholic World Magazine
1822 First Catholic Newspaper
1829 Jesuit Sentential
1831: The Cincinatti Register
1865: the Ave Maria Magazine
1912: OSV
1923: The Register
FRANK SHEED AND MAISE WARD
Frank was born in Sydney, Australia to a Catholic Mom and a Marxist Dad
He moved to London and as a young man began street preaching
He was trained in public speaking and gave over 7000 speeches in his life
He met his wife Maise Ward and they began a printing press “Sheed and Ward Publishers, INC”
They moved to NY and published Dorothy Day, Catherine de Hueck, Chesterton, Augustine, as well as themselves
He received a Pontifical Doctorate in Theology from the Vatican.
DOROTHY DAY
Dorothy Day was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1897, and soon moved to San Francisco where she survived the 19006 earthquake.
She attended the U. of IL, but dropped out after 2 years
Joined the Socialist Party and became a socialist reporter for “The Call” Newspaper in DC.
She was continually jailed until she was 75 y.o. for protesting various things
She became an un-wed mother and had an abortion, which she always regretted.
She became aware of the Faith, by her roommates, but still not well enough to practice Christian Virtue, as she had a child out of wed-lock
In 1927 both she and her child were baptized Catholics.
In 1932, while reporting on a hunger strike in DC, she stopped to pray in the National Shrine, where she met Peter Maurin, the man who would help her start the C.W.M.
Together they became the CWM and started communes for workers as well as Houses of Hospitality.
She was an extreme pacifist speaking out against all war including WWII, KOREA, AND VIETNAM.
She supported communist and socialist leaders, even as a Catholic.
She recived the “Women of Peace” Award from Saint Pope John XXIII in 1563.
Along with Caesar Chavez, she was a civil rights, labor union organizer.
Blessed Mother Theresa made her an honorary member of her community.
She died in 1980, and was made a S.O.G. in 2012 by the USCCB
CAESAR CHAVEZ
He was born in Yuma, AZ IN 1927
His family lost their farm during the great depression, and they lived a migrant workers in California
He attended 65 schools, culminating in a 7th grade education.
He joined the navy for 2 years calling it the worst days of his life.
He married Helna Tabela and they moved to Deano, CA where they had 7 children
He met Fr McDonald, who taught him social doctrine and Fred Ross, who taught him peaceful-protests in the Bay Area
He soon began marching for farmer’s rights and fair wages, starting the United Farm Workers Association
He lead marches and protests around the country for rights of farmers
He began a 36 day fast for rights, in which he almost died.
He was a vgan, supported animal rights, and allegedly the gay movement.
He also became a daily communicant at the end of his life
He is buried at Caesar Chavez National Monument in Tehachapi, CA under the NPS.
Carrie Doheney
She was born in 1875 in Philly
In 1900 she married billionare Edward Doheny in CA.
She was friends with the Vincentian Order and built, Saint Vincient’s Church (LA), San Vincent’s Hospital (LA)< AND Vincentiant run Saint John’s Seminary. To which she gave a Gutenberg Bible and rare and historical church treasures. Cardinal Mahony in the 1980’s sold the collection without Vatican permission.
She and her husband lived on a Hacienda near Ojai and now the land is TAC.
Mr. Doheney was found involved in the Teapot Dome Scandal in Wyoming, which took a tremendous toll on his health.
She was named a Papal Countess in 1939 by Pius XI
She donated the USC Library.
San Second d’ Asti and Mr. Secondo Guasti
A. San Secondo
Saint Secondo was a convert who died in 119 AD, who was beheaded for the Faith near Turin, IT.
His relics lay in the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Asti Diocese in Piedmont
Feast is March 30th
B. Asti,IT
C. Mr Guasti and Legacy
Mr Guasti was born in 1859
Born poor and uneducated
Came to the US via Mexicamarried a waitress in LA
Started “Italian Vineyard Co.” In Ontario
He had 5000 acres of grapes, producing 5 million gallons of wine/year
It was the most successful and largest vineyard in the world
Opened d the town of Guasti
He lived in the Guasti Mansion
Supported and beloved by Mussolini
He was kind to his Mex./It workers
Dedicated the Church in 1926
It was given to the LA Diocese of 1935 (now SB)
San Antonio -> Baldy
Modeled after Church of Saint Secondo of Asti in Asti, IT
US NORBERTINES
Norbert was born in 1018
Struck by lightning on a horse and reformed his worldly ways
He was ordained a deacon and priest at the same time
He founded the Norbertine in 1120 in France near Leon in Premontre
He was appointed Archbishop in Germany
And by his death there were 500 Norbertine abbeys in Europe and Asia
What is a Canon? A General Canon is one who chants the Divine Office
A Secular Canon is one who chants the Divine Office in a Cathedral
A Religious Canon is one who chants the Divine Office in a monastery or Priory.
Saint Norbert Reformed the priesthood
First Religious Order to appraise the Immaculate Conception
Almost all Norbertines were wiped out during the reformation and the French Revolution
Father Pennings was called in 1893 to Green Bay, WI to minister to Dutch Immigrants, and he soon brought more priest and they opened the first priory there along with Saint Norbert’s College.
In 1957 Hungarian Norbertine came to California fleeing Communists, hiking and crossing over many mountains ad rivers. They were welcomed by Cardinal McIntyre and taught at Mater Dei H.S.
In 1984 the Priary of Saint Michael was raised to an Abbey, and Abbot Parker was elected the first Abbot.
FATHER JOHN COURTNEY MURRAY, SJ
He was born in NYC in 1904
He became a smart college professot
He had major disagreements with Cardinal Ottavianni of the Holy Office over the issue of the Separation of the Church and State.
He was censured (silenced) by him and order tnot to preach about Rel. Luiberty again
He was the main author of The Vatican II Document on Religious Liberty, and was a theological advisory to Cardinal Spellman.
He was for separation of church and state along with most American bishops. They agreed onb Religious Liberty based on Natural Law, which is found in Chp. 1 of the Doc.
The opposition to his view was found by the bishop of Spain and Italy, who supported Rel. Lib. As revealed by Divine Revelation, and these view is found in chp. 2 of the doc.
He was sadly pro-contraception and believed that it was a matter of personal choice
Differences:
Religious Liberty: The Catholic Church has the fullness of Truth and should be treated as a higher religion, then any other church
Religious Freedom: All religions are equal in weight and value.
Shrine of the United States
What is a Shrine? According to the Code of Canon Law –“a Shrine is a church or other sacred place, with the permission of the bishop is because of special devotion, visited by the faithful as pilgrims. For a shrine to be national it needs the approval of the bishop’s conference. For a shrine to be international it needs the approval of the Holy See. “
Oldest US Churches:
San Miguel Mission (1610)
San Augustine Cathedral (1763)
Saint Louis of France Cathedral (1789)
Cathedral of San Fernando (1750_
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (1521), PR 2ND OLDEST CHURCH IN W. HEMISPHERE
Shrines:
Loretto……
NA MARTYERS
CA MISSIONS
OUR LADY OF GUDELUPE, WI
SNOWS, IL
National Shrine of I.C.
IDEA: 1913
Land Grant from C.U.A
Architecture Finalized (Neo-Byzantine)
1959 Spellman consecrates Church
1979: JP2 VISITS
1990: Named Basilica
2008: B-16 Visits (2nd largest Church in USA after Saint the Divine Episcopalian in NY)
Not the local Cathedral (st. matts…)
Largest CC in the Western Hemisphere
WERE THE 40-50’S THE GOLDEN YEARS OF AMERICAN CAHTHOLICSMS?
Yes, because of the promotion of good Catholic values in the media. Priests were seen as good, manly models
No, because the same problems we have now were present, but they were more subtle.
No, the problems were there, but just not shown publically.
I. Overall
Before the 40/50’s
The problem was rooted in negativity. A negative view of God, the Church was due the remnants of the Heresy Jansenism.
As God was seen, so was all authority. Authority was too harsh in their thinking (bishops, priests, in confession, pulpit etc.), parents were in general too harsh.
“You don’t need an explanation, you do it because I say so”
A Black and White thinking
Catholics are good and holy, all else are mediocre at best.
Differences were not tolerated.
Negative in the Church: demons, Hell, justice, rules.
Extreme Fear of God “A lot of Fear, but not much Love”
Lots of Vocations-All those with an interest in a vocation got in! even those without a true vocation! They stayed because the thinking if you left was “Don’t be a failure! please your parents!”
Fear for the laity….” You’re not a religious or priest, it’s harder for you to be saved!”
During the 40/50’s
Everything looked good! Marriages were were sky-high
Media portrayed the Church well!
Behind the “nice façade”, was really a storm brewing, cracks and problems were silently growing.
After the 40/50’s
The Complete opposite!
We went from only Fear to No Fear!
The Church went from cowardliness to risky and from fear to tepidity
The Church was at one extreme and it swung to the opposite overnight! (Because of false reports of VII and people were fed up with fear! Also the culture was changing….)
The Pre VII period was one of fear
The VII Period was one of transition
The Post VII period was one of liberalism
Vatican II was blamed for all the problems because it coincided with the transition from extreme conservatism to liberalism.
II. Specifically
Salvation- Pre: Few shall be saved Post: All will be saved
The Church- Pre: Focus on the Church “way up there the invisible Church or the Roman Church-Post: The Visible Church, the one I can see.
Truth- Pre: Truth was seen scholastically, looking at truth OBJECTIVLY: This is how it is with or without me. Using definition, being, scientific, and categorical Post: Truth is about feeling, no definitions for all (we all define truth ourselves) Truth was seen SUBJECTIVLY. If it doesn’t pertain to me, why learn it?
General Worldview- Pre: Black and White alone. Post: Grey alone.
Moral Absolutes- Pre: There are Moral absolutes! Truth is of essence! Post: Truth is relative…Truth is evolving!
Scripture: Pre: Scripture was not to be studied but only believed. If the sun ‘rises and sets’, then the earth must be flat. Post: “Make up your own translations!” Believe what you want in the Bible!
Sacrifice: Pre: The sacrifice was seen as “I am doing this for the good of the Church and souls” Post: “I am doing this because it fulfills me…”
The Mass: Pre-The Sacrifice of the Mass Post: The Celebration of the Mass- a banquet
Confession: Pre: People went to confession for dinky things! Scrupulosity abounded. Post: What is a sin?
The Eucharist: Pre: We can’t receive our Lord, one communion per confession and strict fasting rules Post: All can receive even those in Mortal Sin and non-Catholics!
Virtue: Pre: The Theological Virtues. Post: Social Justice Virtues
Authority: Pre- “You do it because I said so” Post: Why???????
Differences Pre: Only focus on the differences. Post: Dialogue and celebrate the differences, even the bad.
Afterlife: Pre: Hell, Long Purgatory, Wrath Post: No Hell, all will go to Heaven, False Confidence.
Feelings: Pre: “Don’t listen to your feelings…use logic, listen only to your priest and spiritual directors” Post: Feeling before Faith or reason
Rights: Pre: Rights of the Church and of God. Post: Rights of the Individual.
Submission: Pre: DO WHAT I SAY Post: Use discernment and personal prayer to decide.
Prayer: Pre: Devotions, Rosary, Mass… Post: Personal Prayer alone…”Me and Jesus”
Saints: Pre: “The saints are way up there” Post: “Nothing special…who needs them?”
The Bad Things after Vatican II
I. List
Decline in priests, even as the Catholic Population went up 30%
Major decline in Seminarians
Major decline in Religious Sisters
Decline in Catholic Hospitals
Decline in Catholic schools.
Major decline in Jesuits and this order practiced: dissent, disobedience, and decline
Rise of liberal bishops especially in the US Church such as perhaps the worst bishop of the 20th century, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, who invented the ‘seamless garment’ and other atrocities, as well as Cardinal Roger Mahony of LA, Archbishop Weakland of Milwaukee, Bishop Gumbleton of Detroit.
The approval of the Abortion Movement in Roe. V. Wade in 1973 and the sexual revolution
The Homosexual Movement
The Environmental Movement
Major Liturgical Abuses
II. Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters
A once good religious community, that wanted a bunch of changes: a bunch of small communities, less Mass and Divine Office, no habit, get rid of their religious names, less teaching and more social work.
They flat-out told Cardinal McIntyre , that they would NOT teach over 35 students.
They took the opinions of wacko priests and psychologists about Vatican II (like most people) and never read the documents.
They openly fought the Cardinal, and he gave them two options: Obey or Leave.
They all left the community in 1968.
III. Contraception
There are three kinds of Contraception: Surgical, Artificial and Natural, all are intrinsic evils condemned in the New and Old Testaments.
In the 1960’s almost all Christians though that ‘the pill’ was OK, but just 60 years earlier, all Christians were against it. At the Lambeth Conference in England, the Anglican Communion approved contraception for use in their Church, becoming the first Christians to approve it.
By 1960 only the RCC opposed contraception
Saint John XXIII began a papal commission on population in the early 60’s, but he soon died and Paul VI took over this work.
80% of the Commission (doctors, lay, priests, theologians), approved of contraception and reported this to the Pope.
Many people in the Church seriously began believing that the Church was about to change its teaching, and many priests got on the band wagon preaching on this, getting people excited. This news was leaked out of the commission to the general public and spread further through the media.
In 1968, Pope Paul VI turned 180 degrees around the issued ‘Humane Vitae” (Life of Humans), and ratted out the evils of contraception and abortion, throwing people who had been told that contraception was about to be usable, into a panic
Priests in order to not injure their pride, still taught Pro-contraception beliefs, which lead to a division between conservatives for the Pope and Liberals.
Paul VI Predictions about if Contraception was to be widespread were:
1. Lowering of Moral Standards.
2. More impurities
3. Abuse of women as objects
IV. Father Charles Curran
He was a professor at CUA and a pro-contraception dissenter
In 1967 the Board of Trustees at CUA (bishops) denies to reinstate him, but the students and professors up rise and say they will quit the school if he gets kicked out. So, the bishops let him stay. This was seen as a major liberal victory.
He soon made a statement with 600 signatures of laity, clergy and bishop denying Humanae Vitae.
In 1969 Cardinal O’Boyle of DC, disciplined 19 dissenting priests, but these priests appealed to the Congregation for Clergy in Rome and were reinstated….this showed goof bishop that even the Vatican Officials are against you. And the there is no punishment for dissenting. Pope Paul VI approved this action in order to not cause a great schism in the American Church. This Action was called the “Truce of 1968”
In 1984, Cardinal Ratizinger publically calls Curran a dissenter.
Two years later Cardinal Hickey of DC, tells Curran he cdan no longer teach in his diocese.
After 30 years, the Board of Trustees finally kicks Curran out of office.
He is currently a Professor at Southern Methodist University
V. Clerical Abuse Crisis
This crisis of priests abusing boys mostly 11-17 is a result of the dissent.
In the seminary in the 50’s homosexual behavior was seen as “not a big deal”
2% of priests of the time did these acts
Most cases were in the 1970’s
This issue was covered up by bishop and no one believed the victims because “Oh, Father would never do that”
If a wacko psychologist said the a priest was fit for office, the bishop said OK
2002 the Crisis of Boston arose where the public was able to see files for the first time.
At the Council of Dallas in 2002, priests needed to be better checked, victims healed, seminarians needed better formation, and ‘0 tolerance’ for offenders
The price was many lost souls, resigning bishops, the lack of trust in future priests, $2 billion in payout including $720 million in LA. And $100 millions in OC. Dioceses were bankrupted such as Wellington, Portland and Spokane.
The Good after Vatican II
The Rise of the Pro-Life Movement: Before Roe v. Wade the movement was just a bunch of rich Catholic people. In 1967 the ‘National Right to Life Commission’ was started. It has been said that it was the Catholic Church that created the Pro-Life Movement, and without it would not exist. The Culture of Life term was coined by JP2 in WYD in Denver in 1993, and is now the slogan of the movement.
The Culture of Life: Promotes: Chastity, Charity, Family Values, and Oran/blood donations. It is against: Abortion, contraception, cloning, stem cell research, euthanasia, unjust way, death penalty, etc.
Rise of Faithful Catholic Higher Education: After the moral decline, conservative colleges began replacing giants like Georgetown and Notre Dame. These “Ex Corde Ecclesia” (encyclical) schools were founded or refound their catholic identity after Vatican II. Some are TAC, Aver Maria U, Christendom College, WCC, Thomas More, Stubenville, Benedictine….
Rise of the Catholic Homeschool Movement: This started in the wake of V2 : Seton (80), Kolbe (80), MODG (95).
Rise of Ex-Protestant Theologians….Scott Hahn, Tim Staples, Jeff Cavis, and the Personal Ordinatiate of the Chair of Saint Peter (for Anglicans est. by B-16)
EWTN. Founded in 1981 by Mother Angelica, it is the world’s largest Catholic TV Network. Catholic Media!!!!!!!!
Ecumenical Dialogue: Ortho-Catholic relations, as well as Prot., LG says “The Church, constituted and organized the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church.”
Lay Involvement; NET, NFP, CHARISMATIC, CHURSIO, OPUS DEI, CARDINAL NEWMAN SOCIETY, ETC.
Popes! John Paul II visited the USA 5X!!!! AS WELL AS B-16
Archdiocese for Military Service USA in 1985
Rise of American Canonized Saints (since VII) and saint in progress such as:
St. Marianne Cope
St Damien of Molokai
St Katherine Drexel
St Rose Duchene
St E Ann Seton
St John Neumann
Pierre Toussaint
Augustus Tolton
Archbishop Futon Sheen
Patrick Peyton
Dorothy Day
Michael McGivney
Cardinal Terence Cook
Solanus Casey
Juniper Serra
Demetrius Gallitzin
Isaac Hecker
