Pope Benedict begged us that we pray that he not flee for fear of the wolves. If you’ve been following my posts on Pope Benedict XVI, you know that I contend that he did not flee. /// Being from Minnesota, I know something about wolves. They are opportunists, and total cowards, though in groups they lose all fear. This works for them, since they know how to work brilliantly as a team: while a half-dozen distract you by lunging from this side and that, another jumps from behind and breaks your neck in his jaws while slicing through your jugular veins. Fortunately, human beings, should they decide to be evil — and it is a decision — aren’t quite so apt at teamwork when it comes to evil, though the Evil One, unfortunately, can be there as a guide for them.
- On 28 February 2013 at 8:00 PM Rome Time, or 2:00 PM EST in the USA, I’ll be a sede vacantist regarding the See of Rome. And while I am distraught with the statement of abdication, a vacant See, a family without a father (though we always have our Heavenly Father), we continue to pray for Benedict and also for the successor of Saint Peter, known to Jesus and His dear Immaculate Mother. I was reeling when I heard that most unexpected news. And then…
- As of Ash Wednesday morning, 2013, I’m also a sede vacantist regarding the parish in whose territory the hermitage is situated. I’m told that a statement was read at that Mass by a priest who was kind enough to fill in at the absolute last second. This was most unexpected. The local people are as distraught over this as they are for the abdication of the Holy Father. As with the Holy Father, this had nothing to do with child protection. That was made very clear. O.K. But, I’ve been reeling with this information for the last few days as well. This priest was, in fact, my Confessor. Gone. Just like that. We continue to pray for him and for his successor as well. There but for the grace of God, go I, we should all be saying. Right? If not, go to confession while you can.
- Update: Another great priest I know in a country very far from the USA, this time from a TLM community, didn’t show for Mass. He’s also on a leave of absence. Yikes! Just like that.
Circumstances can change radically within seconds. And we priests need prayer.
All this has gotten me a bit more in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament, as it should be.
Much of today is dedicated to collecting wood. It’s a saw, haul, split, haul and stack day. It’s going to be cold for the next few days. Brrrrr!!! I do have a reserve stack of wood, but I don’t want to touch that right now. That’s the “What if I get the flu?” pile of wood. I didn’t get the flu shot and I didn’t get the flu, so far, anyway!
Even with the humdrum of activity, I’m still thinking of this:
UPDATE: Bill Foley has added some great comments on some Cardinals who are papabile. Well worth the read. Click on the comments link for this post. Thanks, Bill!
Accompany me, Father George David Byers, S.S.L., S.T.D., as I begin life as a Catholic Priest-Hermit by choice. Holy Souls Hermitage is dedicated to the sanctification of my fellow priests, bishops, deacons & seminarians going through the purgatory of this life or the next. Prayer and sacrifice go up, of course, for both Benedict XVI and the next Successor of Saint Peter. 
Hi Fr. George,
I have added your former confessor to my prayer list.
About that flu shot Father George. Nothing is as it should be. Remember the day on public T.V. when President Obama said that he and his family wouldn’t take the shot but then he did an about turn and appeared on camera to have the shot in order to encourage others to have it? That was a real eye opener and warning. Despite that warning, I took the flu shot for three years running because my doctor advised it. I am now crippled up with ostreoarthrisis. My doctor said that I should be thankful that it wasn’t reheumatoild arthritis! Two beautiful ladies at my past church died that year within months of each other of reheumatoid arthritis…they dutifully had the flu shot too. Also, the nurse who administered the shot was described as being so sick that she will never be able to work again. I don’t push people not to take the shot but I warn them that there are very serious side affects and too many people are suffering from them. It’s great for the pharmaceutical companies to be pumping out pain killers and medicines to combat all these strange diseases that people are coming down with. Money the root of all evil.
I wanted to note also, that ever since our dear Pope announced his resignation, my prayer life has been under attack through interruptions and distractions. I thought it was just me but I have read that other people are also experiencing the same problem. For instance, yesterday I had finished praying the Communion Sorrowful Mysteries Rosary at home, and with it being Friday, 3:00 p.m., I then offered up the Divine Mercy Chaplet Way of the Cross, I was on the internet at an adoration site…. at exactly 3:30 pm. the power went out for two hours. I did finish it in silence without the benefit of seeing Jesus on the screen in the Monstrance. Later, a lady on a blog from a different part of the country was commenting that she was having trouble with the internet all week and therefore unable to blog on her religious site. There seems to be “trouble in the air”. A lot of religious people have been warning people that we may not be able to exchange religious blogs soon and to be prepared spiritually for it. Also the weather has been a huge factor in preventing me from attending three Sunday Masses in a row because our area has been hit by record snow storms. I can count on one hand how many Sunday Masses I have missed since my conversion to the Catholic Church close to fifteen years ago. So this too is a strange occurance.
I found it very disturbing on Ash Wednesday after Mass to find I was the only one who stayed behind in the church to pray and offer up the Way of the Cross in Church. The church is usually so full that it is standing room only. .When I left the church I stood for a moment in the silent outdoors and saw my car in the middle of the parking lot all by itself. It made me feel so lonely. On Ash Wednesday, no one sang at the Mass either. It is actually very creepy how dead the faith and piety seems to be these days. I have a prayer area in my home with religious pictures, holy water etc.in order to have a holy place to pray because the church is closed more times than it’s open these days. I feel badly that Jesus is alone in the Tabernacle and no one stays to keep him company.
I have you in my prayers Father George along with the Pope, his successor and holy Mother Church. I can’t even seem to rely on Mass to strengthen me these days, so I offer up a lot of Communion Prayers. I just finished a 33 day Novena of Consecration to the Blessed Mother. I’m hanging on to her coat tails and not letting her out of my sight for a second. If anyone can get us through these days, it is her. Keep safe Father George because the devils are unchained. I have been asking the Blessed Mother to send her legions of angels to you and the hermitage. Thank goodness you have Jesus in the Tabernacle.
Thanks, Jim. Yikes!
Dear Father Beyers, I feel so very stupid!!!!! #1, I do not know what a sede vacantist is.
. and I am failing to read between the lines of this post. Ummm, did this priest blaspheme the Pope? did he insinuate that this has to do w/child protection in the sense of what is happening regarding this very thing?. Also not sure if the parish is for the Pope leaving for the wrong reasons, or what. I read it twice and cannot decide these questions, and no I have not followed all your previous posts, some of them but not all (to my loss!!). thank you Father and may the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother Mary continue to bless you and protect you against ALL that is not holy.
Judy: Sede = chair // vacantist = one who holds something to be vacant — So, a sede vacantist is one who holds that the chair is vacant, so that, as applied to the chair of the Successor of Saint Peter, it would mean that there is no reigning Pope in Rome. When the 28th of February rolls around, this will be one of those rare occasions when it is good to be a sede vacantist. You have to know that there are those who hold that there has been no legitimate Pope since say Pius XII, or Pius X, or Pius V, etc.
The Pope abdicated for the reason that he simply doesn’t not have the stamina to continue.
The priest left for reasons of discernment. It was stated specifically that his departure had nothing to do with child-protection issues, since it is that subject to which many people jump in such a circumstance. Unfair? Sure. But that’s the way it is.
Circumstances can change radically within seconds. And it often seems that only bad things happen quickly. We all need to trust in God. I am praying for the pope, and his worthy successor.
Dear Father,
You might want to visit the web site Mary Victrix to see a 7-minute video of Pope Benedict going down the aisle after the Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Peter’s. It brought tears to my eyes but not for the reason you might think; it was in gratitude to God for guarding us with the “sacrament of truth” (per the late Cardinal Gilroy), which is the papal magisterium. One can read the wonderful short essay on this subject at the EWTN web site; simply click on Document Library, and enter Gilroy as author.
Since I am 72 years old, I think that this is possibly my last papal conclave. We are living in a golden age of the papacy since and including Blessed Pius IX; he and the subsequent popes have been outstanding pontiffs–some even saints. I have looked up the ages at which these popes were elected. John XXIII was 77, and Benedict was 78. I believe that the next pope will be much younger, but I feel that one will not be chosen at the same age as Pius IX–54- or John Paul the Great-58. The other Holy Fathers of this era were all in the 60′s–with an average of 65. I have done research on the Internet of all the cardinals who are in the 60′s, and I have discovered some very capable and holy men. I know that the Holy Spirit has complete control, and I am not the least bit worried. However, I do have a favorite, namely, Cardinal Ranjith of Sri Lanka. One can read some of his articles on the Adoremus Bulletin web site, which show a depth of spirituality. He is a third world bishop who is fluent in 10 languages and who mandated Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling in his diocese. By the way, I attend and prefer the ordinary form of the Mass.
If you are interested, Father, I can give you some of the results of my research on this matter. Of course, I am only a fallible human, and I by no means the last word on this matter.
Father Byers, it seems in recent history, Lent begins with the declaration of a particular removal of a priest from ministry who has been a great consolation to the faithful. I can’t help but to forget Lent two years ago regarding news surrounding Father Corapi, and, at the local level, attending noon Mass during Lent, only to hear of a priest being removed from ministry due to an accusation from way back. I can’t help but to compare this to Our Lord’s being driven into the desert – not a place of great consolation – in fact, being far removed from any worldly consolation in order to be tempted. Learning to tell oneself “no”, is a great sacrifice at Lent. The loss of a consoling relationship can be a greater weight, a shaking of one’s faith, an agony and a desert where too often curiosity and temptation take hold and being right about a person and those who have found consolation in them becomes more important than loving them rightly. Prayers abounding for all, God bless you!
Cathe, take heart in knowing that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church; while church may decline in parts of the world, certain dioceses or a parish may close, the Church as a whole will still be there. This is a difficult time for many.
I noted that the saints raised to the altars at the time of Papa’s announcement were Antonio Primaldo and companions, martyred by Muslims solely due to their Christian faith and right now there are many middle eastern Christians being martyred for the same reason; Laura di Santa Caterina da Siena who was called to Carmel but diverted to missionary work and is the first Colombian saint and right now mission areas such as Africa are experiencing great growth. Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala, foundress of a religious congregation for the care of poor hospital patients who risked her life by sheltering priests during Mexico’s persecution of the Church; we’re now experiencing behaviors that many believe will lead to overt persecution and death for the Faith.
It’s no accident that he announced his resignation at the time of these canonizations. The bottom line is that we need prayer more now than ever.
All the candles on the sides of that Chair! Would love to gaze at all the activity around the Chair and the depiction of the Holy Spirit. It’s got to be the ‘company of Heaven’ – somehow the way it is there with our Father in Heaven.
Night before Ash Wednesday, our Pastor was hospitalized – with the flu onset as it turns out. Thankfully, he’s recuperating while other Priests are able to fill in for him.
Cathe, coincidentally, I had the first time shot this year on a reg. visit one stop with bronchial flu after years of no flu , same day as a shingles vaccine, after total denial previously. I am aging into my sixties, but will say that now there’s a limpy hip and can’t bear to do anything but hope it goes away. For stairs, learned that my mother’s advice works – up with the good (leg) and down with the bad. Who on earth can figure it all out?
Just have to keep taking care of things and all during this extraordinary Lent in this year of faith.
And, Fr. George, glad you aren’t blindfolded with the wood work.
I prayed for you at Eucharistc Adoration today, Father George. God bless you, may you remain in His love forever.
It’s certainly been a week of absolute awesome and extraordinary events at every turn. Now as some of the shock and awe ebbs I am consoled that Pope Benedict XVI will be cloistered in the Vatican’s very own back yard. I like to imagine Pope Benedict XVI serving as the next Holy Father’s confessor and or spiritual advisor. I also like to imagine him, along with his supremely efficacious prayer, keeping up his illustrious writing and wonder what new publications we might enjoy? Although his vocation has shifted or changed I certainly don’t imagine him any less powerful or effective.
Father, it’s interesting to note that there was a 4.8 earthquake felt from Rome to Naples tonight.
Whatever the reason, I feel better that you are sharing some of the sorrow of the situation. First the news of the Holy Father, than our parish priest, after only six months here. The daily mass crew may be carpooling to Hendersonville to get in at least one daily mass during the week.
Sure, Bill. That would be cool. And yes, our Sri Lanken friend is wonderful. I had a long conversation with him a couple years back in Rome. He understands and is a believer.
Nan:
Dismas: In fact. But I think if we have someone like Cardinal Burke, there’s no way that Benedict will be allowed to stay anywhere except on the terzo piano of the Apostolic Palace, so that consultations might go on morning, noon, and night. That would be absolutely wonderful.
Carolyn: Indeed. Father was wonderful. I shall miss him around the parish. He almost made it to the hermitage. I rode in his vehicle with him pointing out this and that bit of interesting this and that all around the country side and up into the mountains.
Hmmm, brings to mind images of a double bolt of lightning or a simultaneous asteroid and meteorite appearance.
Cardinal Search
Since I am 72 years old, I think that this is possibly my last papal conclave. I want to state categorically that I absolutely believe and assert that the Holy Spirit has complete control of the election process for the next Holy Father. We are living in a golden age of the papacy beginning with Blessed Pius IX; he and the subsequent popes have been outstanding pontiffs–some even saints. (In fact, I can never thank God enough for allowing me to live during the papacy of Blessed John Paul the Great. I anticipate that his canonization will be shortly forthcoming, and I would rate him and Mother Teresa as the two great saints of the twentieth century.) The Holy Spirit will make sure that the next Vicar of Christ will be faithful to the deposit of faith and that he will guide the Catholic Church in the perennial teaching on doctrine and morals.
I have done an Internet research on the current cardinals, but I have especially zeroed in on those in the 60-year old age bracket. The reason for this is the following: I have examined the ages of the popes of the modern era at the time of their election, beginning with Blessed Pius IX. Pius IX was 54, and John Paul II was 58. Both had unusually long pontificates, but I do not think that the cardinals will elect someone who will be in the office for 20+ years. John XXXIII was 77, and Benedict XVI was 78. I do not believe that the electors will chose an elderly person. Leo XIII was 68; Pius X was 68; Benedict XV was 60; Pius XI was 65; Pius XII was 63; Paul VI was 66; John Paul II was 65; the average of these is 65 years old. This means that of the past 11 pope, 7 were in their 60’s when elected; therefore, I believe that there is a strong possibility that the next pontiff will be someone in his 60’s. Of course, this does not mean that someone at age 70 or 71 might not be chosen.
Before I disclose the results of my research, I want to make a disclaimer. I am a fallible human being, and perhaps I have made a poor judgment about one or more cardinal. Also, there are several cardinals in the 60-age bracket for whom I could not find enough information to make a decision. There are also fine candidates aged 70 and 71. My criteria are based on what the man has done, said or written and also about what others have stated or written about him in areas of doctrine, morals, liturgy, spirituality, and discipline. The overall results are wonderful and positive because they reveal that there are some outstanding cardinals. The following is a list with my comments.
Marc Ouellet (69); Canadian; Prefect of the Congregation of Bishops; formerly archbishop of Quebec; a linguist; when a bishop comes to Rome of the ad limina visit, his first question is: “How is your prayer life.” has come out strong against euthanasia, abortion, and homosexuality.
Antonio Canizares Lovera (67); Spanish; Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments; formerly archbishop of Toledo; supports Holy Communion on the tongue and while kneeling; has come out strong against abortion; strong supporter of the extraordinary form of the Mass; supports liturgical reform in music, art, and architecture; known as the “little Ratzinger.”
Mauro Piacenza (68); Italian; Prefect for the Congregation for the Clergy; has produced very spiritual writings about the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist; sent out a beautiful letter to the mothers of seminarians and priests.
Philippe Barbarin (62); archbishop of Lyons; made cardinal at age of 52; one of 11 children; has a seminary in which the future priests are trained in the ordinary form and in the extraordinary form of the Mass; fluent in French, English, Italian, German, and Malagasy (was a priest in Madagascar for a while); very strong in defense of marriage; have viewed him on video—seems kind, spiritual, highly intelligent, and full of energy; my dark horse.
Raymond Burke (64); we all know about him; an acquaintance of mine, who is a close friend of Cardinal Burke, has visited him in Rome, and Italians have told him that Cardinal Burke is “papabile.”
Juan Luis Cpriani Thorne (69); Archbishop of Lima; member of Opus Dei; has mandated Holy Communion on the tongue for his diocese; would not allow a homosexual group to have official status at the Catholic University.
Kurt Koch (63); President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity; formerly bishop of Basel, Switzerland; strongly defended Pope John Paul the Great when Swiss theologians called for his resignation in 2004; supported the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith when it defended “subistit” in Lumen Gentium; has stated that progressives and traditionalists suffer from the same ailment.
John Njue (68); Kenya; very strong against abortion and condoms for aids.
Polycarp Pengo (68); Tanzania; sent letter to priests to not perform weddings if bride and bridesmaids not modest; called homosexuality a most heinous sin; very strong against condoms for aids;
Malcom Ranjith (65); archbishop in Sri Lanka; spent time in Vatican; fluent in 10 languages; mandated Holy Communion on tongue and while kneeling for his diocese; writings show great spiritual depth—see Adoremus Bulletin; supports the reform of the reform in liturgy; my preference is for a third world pope, and this is my choice—forgive me Holy Spirit!
Stanislaw Rylko (67); Polish; President of Pontifical Council of Laity; speaks Polish, Italian, German, English; said: “Christians must be valiant witnesses of Christ.”
Robert Sarah (67); from Guinea, Africa; President of Pontifical Council Cor Unum; speaks French, Italian, English; made bishop at 34 years of age; said: “Clergy who fail to preach against abortion and homosexuality will be condemned by God.”
By the way, I attend and prefer the ordinary form of the Mass.
Most excellent, Bill. Thank you!
Bill Foley has made me think as being only 2 years younger than him I had not even thought that this conclave may be the last I live through.
Interesting to see his list and to note his comments on Cardinal Barbarin as a possible dark horse. Barbarin is particularly popular with the young people of his diocese and I understand he meets with them regularly to answer questions. He talks at an amazing speed so if he were to be elected the interpreters would have an extremely tough time!
I think my only criticism is perhaps his taste in vestments but then perhaps it may not be his choice! Celebrating one Mass in the Basilica in Lyon his vestments looked more like a magician’s robe with stars and moons decorating it.
My preference also is the Sri Lankan Cardinal or Cardinal Burke but in secular terms ‘may the best man win!’
:Another Feb 28 deadline ….”Obama raised expectations among opponents of the Proposition 8 ban when he declared in last month’s inaugural address that gays and lesbians must be “treated like anyone else under the law.” The administration has until Feb. 28 to intervene in the case by filing a “friend of the court” brief.” From Yahoo News article.
All of these little ‘coincidences’ are starting to unnerve me a bit. RA