MD Catholic Conference WILL NOT Oppose MD Bill Funding Planned Parenthood

By Georgia Kijesky

Dear Friends for Life ~

Charles County Right to Life reports that the MD State Legislature plans on specially protecting funding for Planned Parenthood in our state by replacing their federal funding with our state tax dollars if the Federal Government follows through with their plan to defund the abortion giant. As of today, 3/24, the bill (HB 1083) passed the house (90-54), a veto-proof majority if Gov. Hogan were to veto the final bill. The companion bill, SB 1081, was given a favorable report by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and now awaits a Senate vote. 

The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC), the lobbying arm of Archdiocese of Washington, Archdiocese of Baltimore and The Diocsese of Wilmington (Eastern shore of MD), 

has publicly stated that theywill not oppose this abomination.http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-planned-parenthood-20170308-story.html

Maryland Democratic leaders support Planned Parenthood funding bill www.baltimoresun.com As Congress and the Trump administration move toward a possible cutoff of federal money for Planned Parenthood, Democratic leaders in the General Assembly are rallying around a planto have the state fill the funding gap.

(**Anna Kephart, interviewed in this Baltimore Sun article, showed up & spoke at the St. Mary's Library Board Public meeting this past

Tuesday, wearing her bright, hot pink Planned Parenthood T-Shirt***)

Please contact these Dioceses and express your outrage with the MCC's disregard for this crucial pro-life issue. Then, call your Senator and ask him

to oppose this legislation (see contact info below). 

Also, let your Pastors know the MCC's position concerning their official stance. There is NO mention of these bills on their website:www.mdcathcon.org

The Maryland Catholic Conference www.mdcathcon.org The Maryland Catholic Conference advocates for the public policy positions of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Diocese of Wilmington.

http://www.cdow.org/

Catholic Diocese of Wilmington www.cdow.org 1,000 Catholic youth will join Bishop Francis Malooly and carry a 10 by 6 foot wooden cross over three miles through the streets of Wilmington on the day before Palm ...

http://www.archbalt.org/

The Archdiocese of Baltimore www.archbalt.org Homeless Jesus. The Archdiocese of Baltimore exhibits a copy of the “Homeless Jesus” statue created by sculptor Timothy Schmalz. MORE »

http://adw.org/ 

Home - Archdiocese of Washington adw.org The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, DC, and five Maryland counties

https://www.senate.gov/

U.S. Senate www.senate.gov Monday, Mar 20, 2017. 10:00 a.m.: Convene for a pro forma session. Previous Meeting. Thursday, Mar 16, 2017. The Senate convened at 11:30 a.m. for a pro forma session.

Maryland March for Life Rescheduled for Monday, April 3rd

Maryland March for Life RESCHEDULED 

NEW DATE - The Maryland March for Life has been rescheduled for the evening of Monday, April 3rd, 2017! 

40 Days for Life founder David Bereit will now speak at the Rally on Lawyer's Mall. 

Additional details will be forthcoming; please be on the lookout for a follow-up email later in the week.

Maryland March for Life Cancelled for Tonight

MD March for Life Cancelled for tonight

A message from the Maryland March for Life:

"Due to safety concerns brought about by the winter weather advisory that will be in effect this evening for most of the state of Maryland, the Maryland March for Life and all surrounding activities are cancelled for Monday, March 13, 2017. We are exploring the possibility of rescheduling for an upcoming date--please stay tuned."

Leonardtown Board Meeting on Sex Ed in public libraries: Eyewitness report from Georgia Kijesky

WOW!! Last night was TRULY something to behold!!!!!! (For those who were unable to be there, and who did 

no see it TV last night, it will be uploaded on YouTube within 24-48 hours for you to view)) 

And THANK YOU

to all those who helped spread the information of this important event like wildfire!!!! This would not have been

a success without your efforts. 

I awoke this morning with one BIG regret: That I failed to publicly express to all those present last night just how uplifting and consoling it was

to witness so many people [especially MEN] 

come together and speak up for good, wholesome, moral, family values and how PROUD I am to be

a part of such a wonderful, GODLY community!! I was feeling that way throughout the night, tearing up at times as I listened intently to everyone's

genuine, heartfelt opposition to the classes--- repeatedly thanking GOD for 

all you brave warriors---but it never came out because my nervousness & concern to engrave a few one-liners into the

minds of the commissioners & librarians got the better of me. *sigh* Oh well. The most IMPORTANT point was made collectively with

our voices, applause & our presence. It TRULY *was* something to behold!!! 

I was told this morning by a gentleman working there for the past 6 years, that this was the longest public forum he's ever

seen.

Now. For the gloomy news:

While we were effective in making noise, HOWEVER, after the meeting, one of our County Commissioners advised us that:

WE NEED TO STAY VIGILANT TO ENSURE THAT THE LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION GETS THE
MESSAGE. 

And here's why:

Mr. Blackwell came up to me after the meeting, declaring emphatically: 

"don't worry. I don't plan on doing anything like this for a LOOOOONG time!"

... and without taking a breath, 

he proceeded to ask me what I thought about the library

providing sex ed for parents!!!

WHAT IS WITH THESE PEOPLE AND SEX????????????????????????

Clearly, Satan will not rest until this sick agenda makes its' way into our county. 

So, unfortunately, I'm sorry to report: our fight cannot end here. 

We must continue to put pressure

on either our County Commissioners or State Delegates (or both)

getting them to put into place

protective measures so that we don't have to keep

revisiting this EVERY 6 months!!!! 

I'll keep you posted & ask your continued prayers for this

effort!!!

In Christ the King,
Georgia 

''I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the Truth and will be diverted to myths" (2 Timothy 4:1-4). 

  

                     

Death of Monsignor Richard Hughes of the Archdiocese of Washington

In a letter sent to priests Cardinal Wuerl today announced "with sorrow" the death of Reverend Monsignor Richard A. Hughes on March 6, 2017. He was 88 years old and a resident of Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Monsignor Hughes was born on October 10, 1928 in Washington DC. His seminary studies were at St. Charles college, Catonsville, Maryland, St. Mary's Seminary, Paca St., Baltimore and at the North American College in Rome with classes at the Gregorian University. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1952 o'at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

His first assignment as parochial vicar was at the church of the Little Flower, Bethesda and in 1962 as parochial vicar at Saint Reese of Avila Parish, Washington, DC. In 1965 he was named pastor of Holy Angels Parish, Avenue, Maryland and in 1968 pastor of Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish, Seat Pleasant, Maryland. He was named pastor of Saint Mark the Evangelist parish, Hyattsville, Maryland in 1970, then pastor of Saint Michael parish, Baden, Md in 1987 and in 1994 as pastor of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He retired in 2007 and resided in Mount Calvary Parish,  Forrestville, Maryland. In 2013 he moved into Sacred Heart nursing home, Hyattsville, Maryland.

Monsignor Hughes was named a papal chamberlain a 1972 and domestic prelate in 1978. He served on the Priest Senare, as Censor Librorum for the Archdiocese of Washington and was a member of the archdiocesan Board of Education as parish priest examiner. He was dean of southern Prince George's County, a chaplain of the Maryland Knights of Columbus Councils 4076, 3022, 1955 and on many boards and councils for Prince George's County.

The Vigil will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017, 3 to 7 PM at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The vigil Mass will be at 7:30 PM. Cardinal Wuerl will celebrate the funeral Mass at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 10, 2017. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.

come together & let our County Commissioners know: WE DO NOT WANT SEX ED IN OUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: attend meeting March 7

Sex Ed in our Public Libraries will be open for televised discussion with St. Mary County Commissioner's Tuesday night (tomorrow night, March 7th) at 6:30 at the 
Leonardtown Gov't Center, Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldrigde St., Leonardtown MD 20650

ALL concerned citizens of the state of Maryland are welcome to attend. (Library employees are STATE employees). 

A few of the commissioners confirmed with me (as well as in the below article, page 3)
that they are on our side with this, however, we need to show-up to give them political support for any actions that they
might want to take on this issue.

A County Commissioner also confirmed with me today via text
that "the other side is expected to attend, in numbers" who are trying to make this
"a First Amendment" issue.  

The below article reveals that our Library Board & Directors intend to facilitate Sex-Ed in our library in the future.
This *absolutely* cannot stand.

Let's
Libraries usually benefit from silence but, in this case, we must be loud and clear in the correction of their error.

 http://countytimes.somd.com/read/

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Washington are dispensed from the obligation to abstain from eating meat on Friday, March 17, 2017

Dear Brother Priest, 

As we begin this season of Lent, it is good to be reminded of the Church’s call for all Catholics to animate this time of grace with acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church invites us to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and to express our love of God in our love of our neighbor, especially the poor, whom we assist through almsgiving.

The Church also calls us to deny ourselves of some of the physical comforts we have become accustomed to through fasting. The requirement set forth in the law of the Church asks us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, which amounts to only eight days of abstaining from meat out of the whole Year. 

Having acknowledged the importance of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this time of Lent, sometimes, for pastoral and cultural reasons, we are asked to reconsider the rules and regulations, especially regarding abstinence, and consider granting a dispensation. This year, the memorial of Saint Patrick, March 17, falls on a Friday, and we have received several requests for a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on this day.

For pastoral reasons, all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Washington are dispensed from the obligation to abstain from eating meat on Friday, March 17, 2017, the memorial of Saint Patrick. Catholics who avail themselves of this dispensation are encouraged to consider abstaining from eating meat the following day. 

May the Lord bless you and the people you serve with many graces during this holy season of Lent.

With every good wish, I am

                                                    Sincerely in Christ,
                                 
                                                    Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
                                                    Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia 

Washington archdiocese warns priests against inappropriately associating the Church's Liturgy with political protest

February 22, 2017

Dear Brother Priest,

Recently, Catholic Mass was celebrated in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, for people who were protesting and exercising their free speech rights.

As you can understand, this type of event can cause confusion among the faithful and can potentially diminish the dignity of our liturgical worship by inappropriately associating the Mass with political protest.

It is good to be reminded that the Liturgical Norms and Policies of the Archdiocese of Washington provide that "Every legitimate celebration of the Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Washington is directed by the Archbishop, either in person or through priests who are his helpers” (Norms, 6.3.1); and, “for the celebration of the Eucharist, the people of God normally are gathered together in a church or, if there is no church or if it is too small, then in another respectable place that is nonetheless worthy of so great a mystery.” (Norms, 6.17.1)

If you are approached by a person or group to celebrate Mass anyplace other than an approved Catholic church or Catholic place of worship, please contact my office so that we might assess whether or not to grant permission for the celebration.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. With kind regards, I am

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Auxiliary Bishop of Washington 

Stop Sex Ed for 12-18 year olds at Waldorf Public Library

From Georgia Kijesky:

See all contact information below);

Sex-Ed class (March 6th, 6-7:30pm)

is sponsored by the Waldorf West Public library & co-sponsored by a LUBRICANT company.

The "educator" is a self-described "vivacious queer, feminist, & dancer." (see below) Twitter account shows she supports abortion. The talk will include "info on local clinics.." The decision to host this "workshop" was made by Ashley Teagle & Sarah Guy, AFTER investigating & reviewing the material Bianca Palmisano would be presenting, Ms. Teagle informed me. She is confident that Ms. Palmisano is an expert on this topic; that the information needs to be available to all members of the community.

It should be noted that this class is advertised ONLY for teens, BUT, Ms. Teagle 

assured me a security officer is present at our facility during the workshop to ensure safety of children. 

Ashley Teagle, Branch Manager of Waldorf West Library, *refuses* tocancel the class, wholeheartedly believes this "safe-space" needs to be provided for
teens interested in this topic so they have access to the information they want that they cannot find anywhere else (same opinion
espoused by St. Mary's County Deputy Director, Maryann Bowman.).
In a nutshell, she apologized & politely told me to go pound sand. How "PC" of her.

So, the class is still on. I find it curious that such "workshops" would need a parent to sign a waiver for their child to attend, however, this workshop is open to ANY child from 12-18 yrs of age. MINORS. This is borderline sex-offender, no? Despite my concerns, Ms. Teagle "respectfully disagreed," and proceeded to assure me the class will still be on.

So, I contacted; spoke with President of Charles County Commissioners, Claudia Bellony-Atanga. Out of everyone I spoke with, she is the *only* one who actually sounded disturbed, and said as much. Although she did use some PC language, like having to remain biased and open, and actually asked me if I'd be just as concerned if Bianca were straight, she took the time to go to Bianca's twitter page while i was on the phone with her and vocally sounded shocked; repulsed. (Understandably so.).

I also spoke with Janet Salazar, Director of Charles County Libraries. She listenedand reservedly expressed shock asked to investigate on her end; will be calling me back.

Neither has--as of yet--committed to cancelling the class, so we must keep the pressure on. As of 2:45pm Tuesday, Feb. 21st, the class is still being advertised made available to our precious children.



Bianca Palmisano: https://twitter.com/Fun_Size_SexEd
is a self-described "vivacious queer, feminist & dancer"
Her FB page (which I do not have access to, but was told,
shows her involved in "safe-sex space for workers" = prostitution.
https://about.me/biancapalmisano

"If the Pope, remiss in his duties and neglectful of his and his neighbour’s salvation, gets caught up in idle business, and if moreover, by his silence ... he leads innumerable hordes of people away from the good"

"If the Pope, remiss in his duties and neglectful of his and his neighbour’s salvation, gets caught up in idle business, and if moreover, by his silence (which actually does more harm to himself and everyone else), he leads innumerable hordes of people away from the good with him, he will be beaten for eternity with many blows alongside that very first slave of hell. However, no person can presume to convict him of any transgressions in this matter, because, although the Pope can judge everyone else, no one may judge him, unless he, for whose perpetual stability all the faithful pray as earnestly as they call to mind the fact that, after God, their own salvation depends on his soundness, is found to have strayed from the faith."

[10] (Gratian, Decretum, Part 1, Distinction 40, Chapter 6.)

Apostolic letter on the Holy Family by Pope Leo XIII

From the Apostolic Letters of Pope Leo XIII

Breve Neminem fugit 14 Junii 1892
When God in his mercy determined to accomplish the work of man's renewal, which same had so many long ages awaited, he appointed and ordained this work on such wise that its very beginning might shew to the world the august spectacle of a Family which was known to be divinely constituted; that therein all men might behold a perfect model, as well of domestic life as of every virtue and pattern of holiness: for such indeed was the Holy Family of Nazareth. There in secret dwelt the Sun of Righteousness, until the time when he should shine out in full splendour in the sight of all nations. There Christ, our God and Saviour, lived with his Virgin Mother, and with that most holy man Joseph, who held to him the place of father. No one can doubt that in this Holy Family was displayed every virtue which can be called forth by an ordinary home life, with its mutual services of charity, its holy intercourse, and its practices of godly piety, since the Holy Family was destined to be a pattern to all others. For that very reason was it established by the merciful designs of Providence, namely, that every Christian, in every walk of life and in every place, might easily, if he would but give heed to it, have before him a motive and a pattern for the good life.

To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit, and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, who was subject to his parents, the children of the family have a divine pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence, and imitate. Those who are of noble birth may learn, from this Family of royal blood, how to live simply in times of prosperity, and how to retain their dignity in times of distress. The rich may learn that moral worth is to be more highly esteemed than wealth. Artisans, and all such as are bitterly grieved by the narrow and slender means of their families, if they would but consider the sublime holiness of the members of this domestic fellowship, cannot fail to find some cause for rejoicing in their lot, rather than for being merely dissatisfied with it. In common with the Holy Family, they have to work, and to provide for the daily wants of life. Joseph had to engage in trade, in order to live; even the divine hands laboured at an artisan's calling. It is not to be wondered at, that the wealthiest men, if truly wise, have been willing to cast away their riches, and to embrace a life of poverty with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

From the foregoing it is evident how natural and fitting it was that devotion to the Holy Family should in due time have grown up amongst Catholics; and once begun, that it should spread far and wide. Proof of this lieth first in the sodalities instituted under the ínvocation of the Holy Family; then in the unique honours bestowed upon it; and above all, by the privileges and favours granted to this devotion by our predecessors to stimulate fervour and piety in its regard. This devotion was already held in great esteem in the seventeenth century. Widely propagated in Italy, France, and Belgium, it spread over almost the whole of Europe; thence, crossing the wide ocean, through Canada it made is way in the Americas, and finding favour there, became very flourishing. Indeed, among Christian families, nothing more salutary nor efficacious can be imagined than the example of the Holy Family, where are to be found all domestic virtues in perfection and completeness. When Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are invoked in the home, charity is likely to be maintained in the family through their example and heavenly entreaty; a good influence is thus exerted over conduct; the practice of virtue is thus incited; and thus the hardships which are everywhere wont to harass mankind, are both mitigated and made easier to bear. To increase devotion to the Holy Family, Pope Leo XIII prescribed that Christian families should be consecrated thereto. Benedict XV extended the Mass and Office to the whole Church.

Homily of St. Bernard on the Holy Family

Homily of St. Bernard Abbot

Homilia super Missus est, n. 7-8
And he was subject unto them. Who was subject? And to whom? God to man! God, I repeat, to whom the Angels are subject, whom the Principalities and Powers do obey, was subject to Mary; and not only to Mary, but to Joseph also for Mary's sake. Marvel, therefore, both at God and man, and choose that which giveth greater wonder, whether it be the most loving condescension of the Son, or the exceeding great dignity of his Mother. Both amaze us, both are marvellous. That God should obey a woman is lowliness without parallel, that woman should rule over God, an elevation beyond comparison. In praise of virgins it is sung of them alone, that they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Of what praise do ye judge that woman to be worthy who is thus placed before the Lamb of God.

Learn, O man, to obey! Learn, O earth, to be subject! Learn, O dust, to submit! The Evangelist speaking of thy Creator saith: And he was subject unto them. And there is no doubt that this sheweth us that God was subject to Mary and Joseph. Shame on you, ye proud entities of dust and ashes! God abaseth himself, and dost thou, O creature sprung from the earth, exalt thyself? God maketh himself subject to man, and dost thou, who art always so eager to lord it over men, set up thyself to lord it over thy Creator? For as often soever as I desire pre-eminency over men, so often do I strive to excel God. For of him it was said: And he was subject unto them. If thou disdainest, O man, to follow the example of man, at least thou canst follow thy Creator without dishonour. If thou canst not, perchance, follow him whithersoever he goeth, deign at least to follow him in this thing wherein he hath emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation, for the sake of such as thou.
If thou canst not enter upon the lofty paths of virginity, at least follow God by the most safe road of humility. If any turn aside from this straight way, though they be virgins, they do not follow the Lamb, if the truth be told, whithersoever he goeth. The humble man, though stained with sin, followeth the Lamb; the virgin, though proud, also followeth; but neither of these twain followeth whithersoever he goeth. The former cannot attain unto the purity of the Lamb, for he is without spot; the latter deigneth not to descend to his meekness, who was dumb, not before the shearer, but before the murderer. Yet the sinner who followeth in humility hath chosen a more saving way than the proud man who followeth in virginity; for the humble one maketh satisfaction, and is cleansed of his impurity, but the proud one's chastity is stained by his pride.

Catholic Prayer: Christmas Day Three ~ Blessing of Wine for the Feast of St. John the Apostle

Description:

St. John the Apostle, is the disciple "whom Jesus loved". It is a custom in the old countries to drink of "St. John's Love". The Church provided a special blessing of wine in honor of the Saint. According to legend St. John drank a glass of poisoned wine without suffering harm because he had blessed it before he drank. The wine is also a symbol of the great love of Christ that filled St. John's heart with loyalty, courage and enthusiasm for his Master; he alone of all the apostles was not afraid to stay close to Our Lord during the Passion and Crucifixion.

Prayer:

St. John's wine, blessed by the priest or sprinkled with water by the father of the family, is served with the main meal. In Catholic sections of Europe, even the children receive a little sip of it after the main course of the dinner. The wine is poured in glasses and passed around to the family and guests. As each glass is given, say:

"I drink you the love of St. John."

Response will be "I thank you for the love of St. John."

The following prayer is said over the wine:

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All: Who has made heaven and earth.

Leader: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Leader: Let us pray. Be so kind as to bless and consecrate with Your right hand, Lord, this cup of wine, and every drink. Grant that by the merits of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, all who believe in You and drink of this cup may be blessed and protected. Blessed John drank poison from the cup, and was in no way harmed. So, too, may all who this day drink from this cup in honor of Blessed John, by his merits, be freed from every sickness by poisoning and from any harms whatever. And, when they have offered themselves in both soul and body, may they be freed, too, from every fault, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Leader: Bless, Lord, this beverage which You have made. May it be a healthful refreshment to all who drink of it. And grant by the invocation of Your holy name that whoever tastes of it may, by Your generosity receive health of both soul and body, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

Prayer Source: Feast Day Cookbook by Katherine Burton and Helmut Ripperger, David McKay Company, Inc., New York, 1951

Holiday Christmas Concert featuring the Chesapeake Orchestra Brass Players on Wednesday, December 28th, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, Md

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

Sacred Heart Church in Bushwood, Maryland is hosting a Holiday Christmas Concert featuring the Chesapeake Orchestra Brass Players on Wednesday, December 28^th, starting at 6:30 pm. The concert will feature works of Bach, Handel and Holiday Favorites at the beautifully decorated Sacred Heart Church in the heart of the Maryland country. Performers will be Music Director of the River Concert Series, Jeffrey SIlberschlag, trumpet, with Zachary Silberschlag,trumpet, Nathaniel Silberschlag, Horn, and Bryan Bourne, trombone. Admission is free and doors open at 5:45pm. Check us out on Facebook or at sacredheartbushwood.org for more information. 

St. Francis de Sales on so-called "ostentatious" and "worldly" priestly garb

“Saint Francis of Sales, the bishop of Geneva, while on a journey during Lent, went to a church that was attached to the monastery of Capuchin friars. He arrived at sermon time; the preacher had taken ostentation in dress as his sermon’s theme and was inveighing vehemently against prelates and ecclesiastical dignitaries who, instead of setting an example of humility, wore splendid garments.

“When the sermon ended, the bishop went into the sacristy and summoned the preacher. Once they were alone, Saint Francis said, ‘Reverend Father, your discourse was edifying. It may also be true that we who are in authority in the Church are guilty of sins from which the inmates of the cloister are exempt. Nevertheless, I consider it highly unwise to say such things as you did on this subject from the pulpit to the common people. Moreover, I wish to call your attention that for many reasons it is a matter of necessity that the princes of the Church should keep up an appearance befitting their rank. Besides, one never knows what may be hidden beneath a silken robe.’

“Saint Francis unbuttoned the upper part of his purple cassock, and let the monk see that he wore a ragged hair shirt next to his skin.

“‘I show you this,’ Saint Francis added, ‘so that you may learn that humility is quite compatible with the rich dress of one’s office. From henceforth, see that you are less harsh in your judgements and more prudent in your speech.'”

“If the dignitaries of the Church were wretchedly dressed, they would lose the respect due to themselves and to their office. Therefore it is not only permissible, but obligatory upon them, to dress in accordance with the official rank they hold.”

Source: Father Francis Spirago’s 
Anecdotes and Examples Illustrating the Catholic Catechism(New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904), 187-188.

Francis Repeats Use of Vile Words Associated with Sexual Perversion in a Public Forum

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

On November 9, 2013, this reporter wrote an Open Letter to Pope Francis “On a Papal Commission of Inquiry into Homosexuality, Pederasty 

and La Lobby Gay in the Catholic Church”  http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/engel/131110 . A member of the pope’s Council of Eight brought the Open Letter to the attention of the pontiff, and a short time later the Vatican announced the creation of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (and vulnerable adults). 

At the end of my 2013 Open Letter to Pope Francis, I wrote the following commentary regarding the use of the words “coprophilia” and “coprophagia” made in a news interview in 2012 by the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. 

It might surprise you Holy Father, that until quite recently, I still hoped that despite your obvious sympathy for the Homosexual Collective, you nevertheless might find some merit in the concept of a Papal Commission of Inquiry into Homosexuality and Pederasty which I have briefly described in this Open Letter.

Unfortunately, that glimmer of hope was wiped out when by chance a close friend of mine, Marielena Stuart, a multi-lingual journalist and creator of the exquisite blog, Roman Catholic World, sent me a copy of an interview you gave to Rome reporter Andrea Tornielli of the Vatican Insider on February 2012 while you were still Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

In an interview titled "Careerism and Vanity: Sins of the Church," Tornielli's last question to you was: Can you tell us how the Roman Curia is perceived from the outside?

And you, Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, replied:

I see it as a body that gives service, a body that helps me and serves me. Sometimes negative news does come out, but it is often exaggerated and manipulated to spread scandal. Journalists sometimes risk becoming ill from coprophilia and thus fomenting coprophagia: which is a sin that taints all men and women, that is, the tendency to focus on the negative rather than the positive aspects. The Roman Curia has its down sides, but I think that too much emphasis is placed on its negative aspects and not enough on the holiness of the numerous consecrated and lay people who work in it.

Now the term "coprophilia" which you used spontaneously in the interview refers to a sexual perversion (fetish) by which a person 

derives sexual excitement from the presence of feces. The term "coprophagia" pertains to the actual act of eating excrement. Both 

paraphilias are commonly associated with homosexual behavior and are a regular feature of homosexual pornography.

That a bishop should so glibly refer to such disgusting and perverted practices in a public interview clearly indicates to me that 

you are not unschooled in the ways and dangers of sexual perversion, and hence, have no real need for me to instruct you on the 

perversity of homosexual behaviors, nor on the grave necessity of combating the Homosexual Collective and other forces of organized 

perversion.

And so it is with great sorrow that I bring this Open Letter to a close.

Whether or not it will have any salutary effect upon your pontificate, especially as regards the establishment of a Papal 

Commission of Inquiry into Homosexuality and Pederasty, only time will tell. ...

Sincerely in Christ,
Randy Engel

It was, therefore, with a great sadnessand deep sense of outrage that I sawthat in the December 7, 2016, interview for the Belgian Catholic weekly, Tertio , the occupant of the Chair of Peter repeated the very same terms, coprophilia and coprophagia, in almost the same context that he used them more than four years ago in reference to the Roman Curia, before he became pope.          

There is no question that the pope knew exactly what he was doing when he chose to deliberately link a disgusting and perverse nomenclature to the communication issue of false news. What other objective is there in doing such a dastardly deed than to desensitize the faithful to the 

horror of sexual perversion and to attempt to introduce perverted words and acts into normal Catholic parlance?   

I called the pope out in 2013 in my Open Letter on this very subject, and I’m calling him out again in 2016. 

Francis needs to offer a prompt apology, first to God and then to the faithful Catholics everywhere, for his misuse of the Papal Office to 

promulgate such perverted and degrading terminology in a public forum. I respectfully suggest, for his eternal welfare, that the apology come sooner than later.

Sincerely in Christ

Randy Engel

December 8, 2016

Export, PA 

USA