+Gregory Designates the US Capitol "A Sacred Place"

 

+Gregory really does not know when to stop.  

He got caught in a lie about the President's visit to the JPII Center.  

Did not quarantine when he returned to DC from Rome.

Makes another plea for funds, due to low donations.

And now...decides that the Capital, like a Church, is a sacred place.

Should it be place of peace and non-violence.  Yes, I would agree.

Should it be a place of respect?  Yes.

Is is a place like a Church or a battlefield, in which many American's died?  No.

But, he has determined that it is a "sacred space."

Oh, do you notice he condemned the violent rhetoric due to the unrest/violence, but over the summer, gave that same stuff a pass.  

You can read the story from CNA.

The McCarrick Report and +Gregory

 Well, by now, you know that the McCarrick Report has been out.  

In case you did not read it, let me share with you the section which mentions +Gregory:

In early 2004, Cardinal McCarrick and then-USCCB President Bishop
Wilton Gregory (2001-2004) traveled to Rome to meet about the issue with
CDF Prefect Cardinal Ratzinger and Congregation for Bishops Prefect
Cardinal Re.641 In June and July 2004, some Catholic groups, which self-identified
as “conservative,” accused McCarrick of having mis-characterized
a private letter, later divulged by a news organization but never published by
either the USCCB or the Holy See, that Cardinal Ratzinger had provided to
McCarrick and Bishop Gregory following their Rome meeting.
McCarrick, who has stated that he had remained in close contact with
Cardinal Ratzinger regarding how to address the issue, was never reproached
by the Holy See for his handling of the matter.643 Nonetheless, McCarrick’s
interpretation was thereafter referred to by some as mis-representative of
what Cardinal Ratzinger had intended and as a distortion of Catholic
teaching.

 

Personally, I don't believe it.  If this is the case, then the easiest way to clarify the matter would be to release the letter.  However, they won't because, as I believe, it will show that +Gregory hid vital information from his brother bishops.

 

 

MoCo Gov't Reduces Mass Attendance

 Yesterday, the government of Montgomery County Maryland decided that due to COVID (aka the Wuhan Virus) that all indoor religious activity must be reduced to 25% of capacity.  However, to my knowledge, there has been no indication that religious activities have helped to increase the spread of the Wuhan Virus.

As of this writing, I have not heard any comment from +Gregory, but I doubt he will say anything. 

A Letter re Msgr. Rossi Investigation

How can Archbishop Gregory answer for a legal action that was recently taken against BNSIC during the Monsignor Rossi investigation and how he didn't make that public.

Why is the Catholic Church Pushing Anti-Racism? (Updated 6/7/2020)

So, let's be up front about this.  

The killing of Mr. Floyd was a horrible thing and should not have happened.  The police officers involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  

Period. 

End of story.

Over the last few days, the Catholic Church has picked up the mantle of anti-Racism in a big way.  
 
Now, it is not that they should not speak out about it, as we are all brothers & sisters in Christ, but that this has become the overall focus over all else.  For example, you no longer hear about the pandemic.  The importance of social distancing, wearing masks, not holding Masses, has disappeared.

Why?

Why is this issue - racism - the biggest problem our country faces, among all of the others?

Over the last few weeks, I have spent a great deal of time reading Twitter, which I swore I never would. But it has been a learning experience.

And one of the things that I noticed, were marketing/communication themes pushed by the Church, via their various communications channels -- social media representatives, main stream Catholic media, etc.    They all seem to push the same set of stories and push the same ideas.

Here were the some of themes that I noticed being pushed:   

• Forming Consciences.  People were laughing at the USCCB.  It died.  
• DACA and Illegal Aliens.  Things were not going their way on this.  Worried about the lost of $$, which means a shrinkage of the SJW agencies.   
• The pandemic.  We need to keep everyone safe and we all obeyed the government officials.  The economy was dying but make certain that you donate.  Parish donations were drying up.  That too got lots of blow-back.
• Environmentalism & the Fifth Anniversary of LaudatoSi. Again, it did not gain any real traction, and push-back, no matter how many stories, quotes from +Francis, etc.  

Then came the death of Mr. Floyd.  Suddenly, this is the biggest problem that has ever been seen.

Why?

Why This?

So here are my thoughts...

1. Too Many Lost Members.  Like many organized religions, the Church has lost too many members over the last 30 years.  Some to other faiths, and many just simply are no longer interested.  They are using this to show the relevance of the Church again. 
2. Sexual Abuse Scandal.  Due to the Sexual Abuse Scandal, the Church has not only lost members but has lost a huge amount of influence and $$$.  Just when you think it is over, something else appears.
3. Donations Down.  Loss of members, means loss of $$$.  No $$$, means fewer parishes, schools, cut backs on SJW agencies, etc.  If the liberals win again, they will go to them and say: "See, see what we did!  Now, it is payback." 
4. Hatred for President Trump.  They hate him, in part, because (1) he is not as refined as they are; yes, he can say the wrong things at times, but see him as a low life; (2) they were hoping to get Hillary, even though she stands against our moral codes, so they can use it to excuse their failures; (3) the economy was doing good for most, not all, but most;  if that is the case, how do you fund your anti-poverty programs; and (4) finally, he does not like illegal aliens and the money that supports them, is a cash cow for the Church.

Then the death of Mr. Floyd happens (again, a terrible crime).  

They see how the main stream media picks up on this, how their are huge protests and BINGO, they see how they can become relevant again!  

This is what they need.  The need to show relevance to the world.

Suddenly, they (our prelates) are all over the issue, like "a cheap suit."   Every Catholic media person, every social media person, every radical leftist catholyc is on this.  Almost every story and every tweet is about the Church and their efforts.  

And, just as important, they ignore the rioters, anarchists and looters.  They ignore the destruction of neighborhoods, businesses, and the loss of jobs.  Why?  For two reasons.  

• First, because if they condemn it, they will be attacked.  So, they remain silent to keep in the graces of the leftists.  
• Second, and even more important, they are silent because it is a way of getting back at the President. Either the looting & rioting makes him look weak, and if he takes control, then he is a dictator.  Either way, they win.  And yes, the destroyed business, lost jobs, etc., they are just collateral damage.  Like they say, things happen in war.

This is how they get back into the good graces of the media and others,  and hide the sexual abuse scandals. 

This is how they redeem themselves to the mainstream media, the swamp, etc. 

Anti-Racism is their path to taking back the moral high ground, having everyone forget about the sexual abuse scandals, and electing a liberal, who will give them lots of contracts to take care of illegal aliens, homeless, etc.  

But they will not remember, that the "mob" loves you one minute.  Then, when you of no more use to them, they will simply abandon and ignore you.   If you make some perceived mistake, they will turn on you and destroy you.

Many may call me a racist, disgusting to think this way, etc.  (I don't care what you call me, as long as you don't call me late to dinner)

But I have seen this over and over.   It will come back to haunt them.  Not today, or tomorrow.  But down the road.  

As my father would say:  "Mark My Words."

Catholic Standard Update (Feb. 6, 2020 Edition)

Well Folks, let the trumpets blare and the children scream in delight, as I bring you another Catholic Standard update.  I do it, so that I will suffer for you, so that you don't have to, unless you want to. 

• Still no mention of the Msgr. Rossi investigation

• Still no mention of the stabbing at the National Shrine

• Still no mention of how much was raised in the 2019 Annual Appeal

• Do you get the impression that there is a lot not being said these days?  

• Nice articles on Coach Wootten's legacy

• Follow-up articles on Catholic Schools Week.  +Gregory was everywhere visiting children, getting photo ops, etc.  That must be why he hasn't mentioned the Msgr. Rossi investigation.  He is sooooo busy.  

• Recognizing religious priests, brothers and sisters, who celebrated 25 or more years.  Congratulations.

• Articles on the deaths of two prominent Catholics: Mary Higgins Clark & Kobe Bryant.  Did you know that they were Catholic?

• Two articles on President Trump speaking at the Pro-Life March.  What I find interesting about this article, was the fact that there were a number of quotes by priests, who attacked/question his being pro-life. I don't remember this when were were talking about "health care for all."  For example, you have protests by a couple of Franciscans, who are also protesting about climate change, immigration, etc.  My question, and I don't know the answer, were these Franciscans protesting in previous years, and if yes, why are you taking away from the messaging of the day?    If they weren't protesting the same way in previous years, why?     In addition, there was some priest from Annapolis ranting about how Trump was not pro-life.  Wonders if he said the same about Obama.  

Annual Appeal Has Begun - Don't Give

Well folks, the Annual Appeal has begun.

The Catholic Standard (Arch. of Washington Official Newspaper) in their last edition, did a HUUUGE spread on what the appeal spends their money on.  

This is a HUUUGE change from when I first started to write about this in 2008 or so.  Back then, it was a one page flier and no questions were asked.

I remember asking questions, sending emails, and not getting much of a response, until I started to blog about it.  Then, we began to see more marketing on it.  However, the marketing is basically the same, year after year.

This year (2020) the Archdiocese did not publish -- anywhere -- how successful they were in 2019.  Why?  Because they only reached about 70-75%% of their goal -- that is my estimation.   

Considering how +Gregory talks about being open and honest, we still know nothing about the Msgr. Rossi investigation and the Archdiocese did not talk about (in any manner) the injuring of guards at the National Shrine.  

In addition, although +Gregory loves to talk about Catholic Schools, he was willing to let one close and left it up to the pastor and parents of St. Bartholomew to figure it out.  For shame.

And remember, +Gregory is a supporter of James Martin and loves +Bernadin.

As usual...

DON"T GIVE

Figure out a way to give directly to your parish -- and mark your donation as such:

• Pay for the sacramental wine for one or more months
• Pay for the hosts for one or more months
• Sponsor an edition of the Parish Bulletin
• Pay for the tabernacle candle
• Pay for a piece of equipment that may be neeed
• Pay for some new signage
• Purchase a couple of cases of copier/printer paper.  That is something that parishes always run through.

The key is to ensure that your $$ stays in the parish and does not go directly to the Archdiocese.   Make certain to indicate that the donation is for that item specifically.

What +Gregory has time for and no time for.

+Gregory posted on twitter (January 7th) that he had spent a few hours visiting the African-American Museum.  

Now, I have nothing wrong with him visiting the museum.  

However, I do have an issue, and I let him know that via Twitter.

How can he spend time visiting the museum but has not had any time in the last five (5) months to even mention, the investigation of Msgr. Rossi at the Shrine.

Of course, there was no response.  

You claimed that you would be open but you have not.  

For shame.  

Catholic Standard (Dec. 19th Edition)

I was shocked to see that there was a Dec. 19th issue of the Catholic Standard, when the last one was on the 12th. 

Must be working hard to hide the:

• Msgr Rossi Investigation.  It is over 4 months since it was announced by the Diocese of Scranton and still no announcement by the Archdiocese of Washington.  
• No announcement about the stabbing at the National Shrine.  Even though it seemed to be a domestic dispute, and another fallout from the poor hiring practices at the Shrine, still no word.

We have seem to have a lot of stories recently promoting +Francis, +Gregory and Catholic Charities. 

The new Catholic Standard almost reminds me of the Pravda days.  

Catholic Standard Update for Nov. 28th

Well, let's start off with the obvious: There is no mention of the Msgr. Rossi investigation at the National Shrine.  He continues just as he has done for years and +Gregory is just enabling it.  Even the advertisement regarding Mass times has Rossi's name still on it.  The Archdiocese has no shame. 

Let's take a look at some of the other stories in the Catholic Standard:

• 125th Anniversary of St. Cyprian
• There is a page and a half article on the Francis Factor with +Gregory, as part of a panel discussion.  One of the panelists is John Carr.  You may remember his, as being part of the USCCB, where he was responsible for shaping the political message.  He was a leftist, and still is.  From the USCCB he went to Harvard and is now at left leaning Georgetown.  You can read the nonsense from +Gregory and Carr there.  However, you probably should save your time.
• A short article about the Pope's visit to Japan and nukes.
• An article on retired sisters.
• A Capuchine priest sentenced to 15 years for child sex abuse in August.  He served at the Shrine from 2014 to 2018.  Wonders if Msgr. Rossi knew anything about this?
• Full page article on St. Cyprian and diversity
• Article on St. Martin's in Gaithersburg and diversity
• Article on one of the Sisters of Mercy. 
• Interfaith Council of Washington.  Again, taking the que from +Francis, we seem to have more and  more about the feel good interfaith meetings, etc.  
• Victory Housing marks 40 years.  
• Leo Nester's death.  

Guess What is Still Missing from the Catholic Standard?

Yes, you guessed it, there is still no mention of the investigation of Msgr. Rossi, assigned to the National Shrine.

We have stories on:

• the Kidane-Mehret Ethiopian Catholic Church
• a Midway battle veteran (thank you for your service!)
• the priest convocation
• DACA (which BTW was an illegal action, but tell that to CLINIC)
• Carmelite Cloister at Port Tobacco

And yet, there is no room for a story on the investigation of Msgr. Rossi.

You think that they are covering it up????

BTW, Archbishop Gregory will be at Christ the King Church on East-West Highway in Silver Spring this weekend.  

Wonder if I should set-up a large sign, asking about the investigation.

Guess What's Missing from this Week's Catholic Standard?

Well, the Catholic Standard came out this week and I was unable to get it on Friday's like normal (bad, Melvin, bad).

And after looking through it there was not one, but two things missing:

Yep, you guessed it, there was still no story on the investigation of Msgr. Rossi at the Basilica.  

Not a peep, not a word. Silence.  

It has been over 2.5 months since the investigation was announced by the Diocese of Scranton.  However, not a word from the Archdiocese of Washington.

Wonder if they have interviewed George Neumayr.  Probably not!

It will be a whitewash and at most, just a slap on the wrist.

Now, there is something else missing from the Catholic Standard:  No mention of Fr. James Martin, SJ, speaking at Holy Trinity in DC on Oct. 20th.   There was no mention of it in the story (Oct. 17th edition) on the 225th anniversary of Holy Trinity.   Nor is there any mention of it in this week's edition.  (Got a screen shot of the bulletin, just in case.)

I mean, I though everyone loved Fr. James!  +Gregory has welcomed him when he was in Atlanta.  +Francis has a one-on-one convo with him.  

But, this is typical of the Catholic Standard.  Do I think that the editor, Mark Zimmerman, is behind this.  Nope, this comes from the top.