I firmly believe, to this day, that Benedict XVI had a mystical experience in which he was told to step aside, so that the restrainer could be removed and the satanic forces invading the Church and the world blossom and could be revealed. And that eventually, soon now, God would uproot and destroy them through the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart and we’d have an era of peace and a profound final evangelization, until the coming of the AC and Christ’s Second Coming.
I've often had the same thoughts on the resignation. "Let all the poison that lurks in the mud hatch out".... Then, it can be completely washed away as the Good Lord see fit... Stay in a state of grace, because a gentle wave is better that a tsunami full of debris, if you get my drift..
This quote from “I Claudius” haunted me for a while as things grew worse in the Church. It seems the only explanation of why God allows the current situation. I agree with Brian that it is likely that Benedict had some sort of mystical experience before resigning. Otherwise we may conclude that he ran for fear of the wolves. Which I don’t believe. Having watched the video in the first post, it’s clear that Mazza has continued his researches to the point where he should be taken seriously. “The Mazza Hypothesis“ was at first just that, an interesting theory.
Yet, if we don't speak up when we believe strongly that someone is deceiving innocent people and causing them to fall into mortal sin, who will? We must be willing to stand up and risk persecution to reveal that the emperor has no clothes. I believe what we are experiencing is a final test for Catholics. "To whom much is given, much is expected." We have the Truth, the Catholic Faith. We have the Catechism. We have a Vicar of Christ, who is suffering right now, praying that we recognize him as our true leader. If we are silent in the face of evil, and leave the hard stuff to others, are we really following Jesus on the road to Calvary as He expected us to? Or are we scattering and hiding like most of the disciples did?
The church as we know, is at this present time going through its Holy Week. I believe that Pope Francis to be truly the Pope. Maybe he will end up like St Peter, denying Christ and the faith, but will repent afterwards, so pray for his poor soul. I know that there is something very very wrong at the present time in the Church. So for me I keep it simple, leave the Papacy to the relevant church authorities while remaining as always in the bark, but in equal measure defending the truth with all your might leading others on the right path. God needs faithful Catholics unboard the ship. Be careful not go left or right, to cut yourself off from the church or to fall into error, remain rooted in what the church has always held thought. God's Blessing upon you all, Peace.
L Well yes, we certainly should never condone evil. I’m not sure in what way, practically speaking, you think we layfolk can take action. Write letters? Placards in public places? How would you go about ‘not being silent’? Orthodox organisations like EWTN and Lifesite News do much good but we can’t all do that work. Each of us has a part to play and it’s for every person to discern what that is. Like the wise virgins we must stay awake, but we aren’t bishops with authority in the Church. St Paul write that he opposed Peter to his face, but we don’t have this authority. We must pray for those who do. Some time ago one of my traditional Facebook friends said of this pontificate: I’m sitting this one out. For my own peace of mind so am I. I am not sure what else I can reasonably do without losing my sanity.
And in all things, Charity. We MUST be incredibly patient with our fellow MOG members, especially right now. We have to be able to discuss these issues with kindness while being dispassionate and keeping our peace. Some things are going to be said with which we may vehemently disagree, but that doesn’t make anyone “inside” or “outside” the barque, and it’s not ours to label anyone else as such just because we’ve taken a different position. Please, everyone, think and pray before judging any other forum member or their positions. This thread has been exemplary in this regard. No one has crossed over any lines and the posts in this thread have been commendable in the patience exhibited. But this ongoing discussion has the potential to divide and degenerate quickly. Let’s all be on guard that does not happen going forward.
Is he a heretic? I believe so but the main question to my mind is: Was his election valid? And my answer is: fairly clearly, no. St. JPII laid down clear rules and, even according to their own reports, Francis and his supporters rode the proverbial 'coach and horses' through them. The rules totally ban any 'canvassing' and collusion between electors and asking likely candidates if they would accept if elected. Some members of the 'St. Gallen Mafia' have almost bragged about the fact that they did these things and Archbishop Vigano, for one has said that he believes that an investigation into both the resignation of Pope Benedict and the election of the putative Pope Francis should be initiated. Abp. Viganò questions whether Francis' election was valid, urges next pope to 'stop referring to Vatican II' - LifeSite (lifesitenews.com)
The way I see it there are three distinct questions regarding the validity of this papacy: 1) Was Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation valid? Were there any errors involved in his resignation or was it under duress? Remember, the international banks turned off all the Vatican banks’ taps in the weeks leading up to the resignation of BXVI, and turned them back on 1 day after he resigned. And rumors of a possible assassination attempt on him were actively being investigated in the year leading up to his resignation. 2) Was the conclave and election of Francis invalid (for the reasons Steve just pointed out above)? and 3) Has Francis forfeited the papacy because of manifest heresy? See again the video at the beginning of the thread. So the questions about the legitimacy of this papacy are numerous and not to be so lightly dismissed.
Hi Clare A. You ask how "we layfolk can take action?" I will not answer for myself. I will allow the 1983 Code of Canon law give the answer: Can. 212 §1. Conscious of their own responsibility, the Christian faithful are bound to follow with Christian obedience those things which the sacred pastors, inasmuch as they represent Christ, declare as teachers of the faith or establish as rulers of the Church. §2. The Christian faithful are free to make known to the pastors of the Church their needs, especially spiritual ones, and their desires. §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons. So we DO have this authority to speak the Truth to anyone who will listen. This authority is given to us (the laity) in Canon 212. I don't judge you for taking whatever path you decide to take. But I believe the safer and more perfect course, for me and for you, is to speak up and, hopefully, help others see the Truth in this matter. May God continue to bless you and give you the courage to shout your convictions from the rooftops.
I was going to say I'm sitting this one out. I've tried several times to reply but my thoughts seem to stray in all kinds of areas maybe off-topic. So I guess I'll just put down some kind of meandering thoughts or as Roger Buck might say, a stammering of words. I guess I have to say it's above my pay grade. Let the future Magisterium and the few good Bishops like Bishop Schneider and Cardinal Mueller etc. deal with it. I take on board PNF''s concerns about our responsibility under Cannon 212 to make our concerns known to our Pastors and Bishops. I wonder how many here have spoken to their Parish Priest or written a letter to their Bishops? I'd like to see the contents of such a letter. Maybe it's copy and paste from Archbishop Vigano's. It is widely acknowledged that the problem is much wider than just Pope Francis. In fact I do not have great hope that the future Magisterium will be significantly different than Pope Francis. How wide this problem goes is something for discussion. I was thinking how I, and it would seem so many nowadays, are so compromised by living in God-less societies. We all to a large extent just go-along to get-along. In my case, why would I bite the hand that feeds me. Having been dependent on social welfare for quite a long time, I don't think I could survive without it. It's the same with the medical health system although I try to resist its attempts to ensnare me in drug dependencies. I am thinking now about St. Paul saying: "Come out from them". "What fellowship can good have with evil". Perhaps Rod Drehyer is right - that we need to withdraw from society if only for formation and regeneration (the Benedict Option). Anyway, it is perhaps only a kind of utopian, quixotic type of ideal. I think for the Benedict Option to work it would need a Holy Christian Monarch as head of a state. And that State would be hounded as a pariah State. I remember watching a film when I was young, called the Poseidon Adventure. There is a scene in it that left a strong impression on me. In fact it seems to be all I remember about the film. Two groups of people, searching for a way out of the submerged ship meet on an upside down stairwell. The ship is floating upside down in the water. A passionate conversation ensues between the leaders of the groups. Each trying to persuade each other of the way to safety and salvation. In the end, both groups continue on their way without a U turn; one group to salvation, the other group to their doom. There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12) Robert who is calling men to Derry on the 19th November. Makes a similar point. He says that what we are dealing with is literally life and death. If I believe in the 'blessing and the curse' set before us, in the messages of Fatima and other apparitions, why then am I not out on the streets somewhat like that man in Torch of Christ Ministries youtube channel? Yes, to whom much is given, much is expected. Lord have mercy.
Just finished "School of Darkness" ~ Bella Dodd I had read it before years ago, but reading it with "fresh eyes" tonight has really brought home the recent message of Our Lady of Akita. Penance, penance, penance ~~ While reading it, it felt like watching the building of the Tower of Babel. The "builder" slowed down for awhile, but it seems it's all steam ahead now, more than 65 years after she wrote this in 1954...And strangely enough, the last lines she wrote were full of hope..... Here's a quote or two: "Call it mass hypnosis (we've heard this lately, as "mass formation psychosis") if you like, but the important thing is to recognize this appeal to the good in human beings and to realize how it can be used. " Pg 66 "Trachtenberg once said to me that when communism came to America it would come under the label of “progressive democracy.” “It will come,” he added, “in labels acceptable to the American people.”" pg69 Replace "American people" with (insert country here) people and you're in 2022 And hope, in 1954: "New armies of men are rising, and these are sustained not by the Communist creed but by the credo of Christianity. And I am keenly conscious that only a generation of men so devoted to God that they will heed his command, “Love one another as I have loved you,” can bring peace and order to our world." It's plainly obvious, imho, why the beatification of Archbishop Sheen was nixed. And, again imho, why Derry on Nov 19th is so very important. Anyway, here's a link to it if anyone wishes to perhaps read it again. It re-emphasized for me how important it is not to judge anyone's stance on how and why we got to where we are now. https://ia800905.us.archive.org/13/items/SchoolOfDarknessBellaDodd/SchoolOfDarkness_Bella_Dodd.pdf
Wow. Everyone needs to read this and note well the dates: https://sfero.me/ MESSAGES FROM OUR LADY OF THE PINE TO GIUSEPPE AURICCHIA ON THE FATE OF POPE BENEDICT XVI. As many will recall, in the years between 1988 and 2012, Mr. Giuseppe Auricchia, who passed away in May 2012 at the age of 96, had a repeated series of encounters with Our Lady of the Pine in the countryside in the Mammanelli district. The Madonna that oozed holy oil together with other objects and documents already in Mr. Auricchia's possession were left in the church of St. John the Baptist in Avola, at Mr. Auricchia's own wish with the agreement of the parish priest, Don Maurizio Novello, awaiting examination. Below are some of the messages that Giuseppe Auricchia received from Our Lady during the years of his pontificate 2006 / 2012 concerning Pope Benedict XVI. MESSAGES: Avola, 28 September 2008 - Our Lady: "Stay close to Pope Benedict XVI, he is a holy man and is very close to My Motherly Heart. My sons and daughters, you must be careful as the last times draw near. He will suffer much for My Son Jesus, he is always ready to reserve the teachings of the Church but he will be persecuted. Do you not see what is happening around you? I intercede with My Son to protect him from evil. Do not be surprised if one day he is isolated, and this may happen in the near future. There will be in the world a political uprising of the godless, at that time in Italy the hatred of the godless will be seen, in its place they will install a false prophet of the people of evil. This event and others will occur before the triumph of My Son, who in His Glory will come among you, then all evil will disappear. Pray, pray, pray for My Son Benedict XVI". And Again... Avola, 25 March 2010 - Our Lady: "My beloved children, you do not have to change the scriptures and sacred institutions to suit those who wish to destroy My Vicar. The true path of you priests is to lead them back to the narrow way". Avola, 28 of March 2010 - Our Lady: 'Those who have strayed will follow the impostor. Be careful! Do not follow him! Do not obey his words, follow in these times my son, Pope Benedict XVI, surrounded by enemies and traitors, pray stay close to him with your prayers that he is not replaced. He will guide you to the salvation of your souls and of the entire Church". Avola, 9 of April 2010 - Giuseppe Auricchia: "At these words the Blessed Virgin shows me the square and the basilica of St. Peter's and then a room where the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, slumped down, was sitting in an armchair. He looked very ill and worried, while two prelates, dressed in red purple with round hats on their heads, after entering, carried a document and tried to get the Pope to sign it. The Pope does not sign that document. The Holy Virgin explains to me:" Our Lady: "There are many traitors in the holy city who prevail much over the Holy Father, who, surrounded by enemies, is undergoing a great trial. Those he can trust can be counted on the tip of one hand's fingers. It is strange to see your house falling into the hands of Satan; the house is the Church". Avola, 26 of February 2012 - Our Lady: "Dear children, My messenger is permitted to say these words after receiving a secret message that He will publish on the 25 of March. The men who govern feel themselves wise, they do not recognise that they are guided by Satan. Among them is a group of planners who want to build a universal republic. Their plan is to eliminate the true Church of God. They would obtain it quickly if the Seat of Peter were abandoned, that is why they announce the death of the Pope, but know that they no longer know how to study within themselves how to save themselves. Humanity stands with its feet in the dock and awaits its sentence before the Court of God". Avola, 25 of March 2012 - Our Lord Jesus: "My son, it is time for the political upheaval that you are experiencing and the internal struggle of men to be revealed in Rome, but more importantly, it was a conspiracy of error and deception, which Satan and the princes of darkness will one day order, in order to destroy My House, to establish a union under a one world government, a single Church of God that will be without God. They will want to take My Vicar out of the way to be ruled by those who hate the Son of God". St Michael the Archangel: "Your Vicar is surrounded by traitors, who have chosen his successor. Great are the sufferings for the Pope. Pray much that Pope Benedict XVI not be removed. Woe to the world! The Mystical Body of Christ will be re-crucified". Avola, 30 May 2010 - the Holy Virgin: “My children, walk on this bridge that I have indicated to you, to share with Us the joy and your era of peace on earth. Evil will be cast out and My Son's victory will set you free, but you must pray for guidance, because you will soon see the schism of My Church. My faithful remnant follows the current Pope, Benedict XVI, whom they want to eliminate. Continue to follow him and remain faithful to him and to the teaching of My Church, established by the Apostles. Do not be sidetracked by apostasy and heresies. I tell you that the next Pope will be the impostor and the evil forces are behind this schism. My children, be prepared, so you can follow those priests faithful to the Pope and to the teaching of the Church. Preserve the holy missals and the books of the old Holy Mass, because the apostates will change the dramatic words." Avola, January 6, 2011 - Lord Jesus: "They lie shamefully about Me. With the power given by the dragon, they indulge relentless hatred and the spirit of vengeance, waging war on all the saints and those of the group, who refuse to worship the statue of the beast and do not cry out. death to Christians. I have come to rekindle this weak flame of Love, before the false prophet extinguishes it all. After this Easter, you don't know when, the world will tremble for My power. I will revolutionize what I myself have created ”. Avola, March 26, 2006 - the Holy Virgin: “I invite you to leave the vain things of this world, there is only one way that you must follow, that of My Divine Son who tells you: “ I am the Way, the Truth, the Life ”. Listen to these immutable words, but in truth I tell you: the true wolves have entered the sheepfold causing excruciating pain and suffering to the pastors of the Church. The worship of GOD is outraged because the impostor wants to appropriate it. Many of you get lost doing his will " September 15, 2006 - Lord Jesus: "Look at the world as it catches fire, look at Jerusalem as it drips, how much blood flows in Palestine, Israel, Syria, the Asian world, Iran, Turkey all on the move to destroy the Church." Monday 18 September 2006, 05.30 am - the Holy Virgin: “You with your madness want to shake the throne of My Vicar and the foundations of the Vatican. Wise hypocrites, theologians, philosophers, modern writers who make threats with vandalism to scare the world but you are nothing without God. With violence you will find bad and inhuman things. God looks at you, his justice will be horrible. Do not think of destroying the Church, you can only persecute it and give martyrdom to My children, because your teacher is Satan, and you are his servants."
