Reported from Rome are terrible and seemingly impious things at worst, and confusing and ambiguous things at best. In the final document of the synod are included proposals for married priests on a wide scale and women “deacons.” The Church is currently deeply divided and, I would argue, on the brink of schism, if the Pope includes such proposals in his apostolic exhortation and plan. We must pray for him as never before to hold the line, much as Pope Paul VI miraculously held the line in 1968 when he wrote Humanae Vitae, upholding the Church’s perennial view of the nature and purpose of human sexuality and the ancient forbiddance of contraception. He did this against pressure from the spirit of the age — a pressure that was even stronger than the pressure Pope Francis currently encounters. And, like Francis, Paul VI was no conservative and was very friendly with the agents of radical change. This makes Humanae Vitae all the more miraculous, and we must allow this to give us hope now that Pope Francis will issue a document that does not take us over the brink.
But frankly, it would seem it is going to take a miracle. (Read Msgr. Pope’s article HERE)
Fr. John Zuhlsdorf writes,
I have in the past written, when writing about miracles, that it we don’t pray for miracles, we won’t receive them. Praying does not compel God to grant them, but praying prepares us to accept all that God grants and does not grant.
But God also works miracles. He pours out extraordinary, undeserved graces.
My friend Msgr. Charles Pope penned a thoughtful and also heartfelt reaction to the Synod, the antics in and around in, and its closing document, to which I subscribe. He contextualized it against the background of those things Francis has been rumored to have said, things hardly to be believed about the divinity of Christ and the annihilation of the souls of sinners rather than damnation.
Msgr. Pope recognizes, as so many do, that these are times of unprecedented uncertainty and disorder, and much of that disorder is coming from the top. Ex capite.
Pope Francis has said that his Apostolic Exhortation will be released at the end of the year. This is Christmas time.
My friends, we need a “Christmas Miracle!” So, that is exactly what we will be praying for.
Providentially, a 54 Day Rosary Novena that leads up to Christmas, begins on the Solemnity of All Saints (Nov. 1 – Dec. 24). Let’s ask the Saints and Holy Souls to join us in prayer!
54 DAY NOVENA FOR THE HOLY FATHER’S APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
NOVEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 24, 2019
The world-wide prayer campaign – Novena for the Holy Father’s Apostolic Exhortation – begins on November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, and will end on December 24, Christmas Eve.
Prayer Intention: May the Holy Spirit guide the Holy Father as he writes the post-synodal apostolic exhortation.
Here’s how the 54 Day Rosary Novena works (it is really very simple) …
First, we have added a short 1-2 minute reflection for “Basic Training in Holiness.” So, participants are not only praying for our nation, but receiving a quality 54 day basic training for becoming the saints we are called to be.
Second, you will pray a rosary, each day for 54 days, in one of two ways (Modern or Traditional) …
Third, we ask that you add the force of fasting in whatever way God is calling you.
“Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety; it is the comrade of watchfulness and the artificer of chastity. In war it fights bravely, in peace it teaches stillness.” – St. Basil the Great
