No, I did not go to the Funeral Mass for Cokie Roberts. Did not know when it was to take place and not certain, if I knew, that I would have the time.
However, after watching it on YouTube, I do have some observations:
- Did you notice that the great catholyc theologian, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was allowed to give a eulogy? Why?
- Did you notice that the cameras covered the entire altar during the entire Mass, except for one part? Did you notice what part it was? If you guessed Holy Communion, then you were right. Makes me wonder that they do not cover it, as it will show how all sorts of pro-abortion, pro-homosexual receiving Holy Communion, and causing greater scandal.
- Did you notice, that there was no body. It was just a funeral urn of her ashes. I had to do some research, but this is allowed.
- Archbishop Wilton Gregory presided. Guess he did not have much else to do, other than rooting out the lavender mafia.
There has been a great deal written about Cokie Robert's, who passed away recently. In particular, about her Catholicism. I don't know her, never met her.
However, none of the reports talk about what she thought of Catholic teaching:
Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News and National Public
Radio, has publicly attacked Pope Benedict XVI as "really lacking in the
theological virtue of charity," "an extremely controversial choice" and
"the most conservative voice of Catholicism." In her syndicated column
with husband Steve Roberts, she has espoused abortion rights and
ridiculed pro-lifers as "extremists." The Robertses characterized the
federal ban on partial-birth abortion as "off the track" and "cynical
games-playing" by pro-life activists. They have argued that the
authority of the Catholic bishops has been significantly weakened, in
part because of their teaching on homosexuality and contraception: "It’s
as if they are asking to be ignored."
To read the entire article, you can go to LifeSite News.
Last year at this time, the Catholic blogging community was up in arms over the fact that Cookie and Steve Roberts were to be given an award by Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR). In addition, we discovered that Archbishop Wuerl was right there honoring them -- although SOAR, the Catholic Standard and his PR person -- all attempted to hide the fact. Nevertheless, the truth did come out (and still we have not forgotten this Cardinal-elect Wuerl). It was not only a wake up call but a real black eye on an organization that can do some good.Well, look at what a year does for an organization.First, they have a new president. The past president has stepped down. Second, the people/groups who will receive this year's awards have not (at least as I an tell) publicly criticized The Holy Father and Church teaching. (But I may be wrong on that matter.)What a difference a year makes.
According to this week's Catholic Standard, Archbishop Wuerl presented a check to the a group of religious before the annual SOAR (Support our Aging Religious) Dinner. Note that the Catholic Standard was very careful NOT to say (1) who the honorees were and (2) did not come out and say if he actually attended the dinner. (Wonder if the caption for the photo on page 12 was written by the Standard or the Office of Communications?)As you may be aware of, I pointed out the fact in August that SOAR would honor Cokie and Stephen Roberts - both whom support abortion, homosexual marriage and have publicly criticised the Pope.Personally, I believe that he did attend the dinner, which is really terrible. What type of message does it send to the faithful? That is it okay to honor those who support these terrible things because they donate money to us? It is just like the way the Archbishop honored John Sweeney. Now, if he did not attend the dinner, I would love to receive some communication from the Archdiocese but I doubt that they will.
Some of the greatest unsung heros of the Catholic Church are our the nuns who taught in Catholic Schools. They worked very hard, for many years.According to a small story on Page 16 of the Catholic Standard, SOAR (Support Our Aging Religious) will award the 2009 Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to Cokie and Steve Roberts.Both are strong pro-abortion supporters and have criticized the Church on various teachings. This is from LifeSite News:Saint Michael's College (Vermont): Journalist Cokie Roberts (commencement speaker & honorary degree), Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (honorary degree), May 17Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News and National Public Radio, has publicly attacked Pope Benedict XVI as "really lacking in the theological virtue of charity," "an extremely controversial choice" and "the most conservative voice of Catholicism." In her syndicated column with husband Steve Roberts, she has espoused abortion rights and ridiculed pro-lifers as "extremists." The Robertses characterized the federal ban on partial-birth abortion as "off the track" and "cynical games-playing" by pro-life activists. They have argued that the authority of the Catholic bishops has been significantly weakened, in part because of their teaching on homosexuality and contraception: "It's as if they are asking to be ignored."This is, in my opinion, a disgrace to honor those who look to kill the unborn, while attempting to raise funds the our elderly sisters.Either SOAR does not know about the Roberts' criticism of the Holy Father and their support of abortion, or they did not do their homework.Once again, this shows that you can be a well known person, who goes against the teachings of the Church, and be honored. The Chair of SOAR is Msgr. John J. Enzler of the Archdiocese of Washington DC.For Shame on SOAR. For Shame on Msgr. Enzler. For shame on Archbishop Wuerl for allowing this to happen in the Archdiocese.PS: You can write to them at info@soar-usa.org
