tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post2348571930188477753..comments2024-03-12T19:57:41.861+00:00Comments on THINKING CATHOLICISM: THE SAD STORY OF PHILADELPHIA CHURCHThinking Catholicismhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589713565062075036noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-28072416456108355472017-12-07T00:02:35.147+00:002017-12-07T00:02:35.147+00:00None of your commentators, nor you refer to the op...None of your commentators, nor you refer to the opening part of this post '....THE ALTAR BOY WAS LYING.. Lots of nasty stuff has occurred but several priests are in US prisons because the US dioceses and legal system stopped asking any questions whatever but found the priest guilty and the diocese paid 6 figure sums to accusers. No witnesses, no evidence except the word of a guy who would be at least $100,000 in pocket. <br />There is also the usual cant about following Jesus not the Church and being spiritual not religious. Jesus quoted words in Scripture mention hell, its reality and its foulness more than any other subject. Any seminarian doing the same would last a fortnight so let's not hear this 'I follow Jesus and he is so sweet' nonsense. When the priests said what Jesus said, the churches were full and now they are empty. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-82794553988490601222017-12-05T22:59:27.053+00:002017-12-05T22:59:27.053+00:00Oh, you can rest assured of that.Oh, you can rest assured of that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-35947250502536134062017-12-05T19:24:55.135+00:002017-12-05T19:24:55.135+00:00Need ...not endNeed ...not endAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-27398284784932658182017-12-05T19:23:53.348+00:002017-12-05T19:23:53.348+00:00I’ve done my bit over the years...almost 40...in m...I’ve done my bit over the years...almost 40...in my profession.<br />Please address the content instead of trying to dissect me, the anonymous poster.<br />I in no way have allegiance to Pat.im very much my own person<br />Advent or no Advent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-54644551053541104882017-12-05T00:34:02.110+00:002017-12-05T00:34:02.110+00:00The poster was not "ranting"
You seem on...The poster was not "ranting"<br />You seem only interested in discussing the faults of others and in welcoming scandal. <br />What a nasty attitude to have. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-50186946212829488442017-12-05T00:30:39.166+00:002017-12-05T00:30:39.166+00:00@ 19.04
Thank you for that inspiring comment.
You...@ 19.04<br />Thank you for that inspiring comment. <br />You're in a different league! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-30365317089861680242017-12-05T00:24:54.358+00:002017-12-05T00:24:54.358+00:0020.55. You should get back to education. Your chea...20.55. You should get back to education. Your cheap unintelligent one liner shows you to be shallow and lacking insight. Teigh ar ais go scoile.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-85972039945793700652017-12-05T00:21:17.835+00:002017-12-05T00:21:17.835+00:0022.26 - A little bit of spirituality in Advent and...22.26 - A little bit of spirituality in Advent and daily prayer would get you out of your blind allegiance to Pat who is not the icon we look up to. You ibviiusly love the art of condemning. What are you doing to make society a better place?. Carping from the sidelines!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-72730066081717362462017-12-04T22:42:01.326+00:002017-12-04T22:42:01.326+00:00Another disgraceful occurrence, I take it. Another disgraceful occurrence, I take it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-55506511297857080392017-12-04T22:26:18.063+00:002017-12-04T22:26:18.063+00:0021.19
Repent then, but please stop telling Pat how...21.19<br />Repent then, but please stop telling Pat how he should behave.<br />Was it you ranting on about advent on the previous blog.<br />We end to know of all these corruptions.<br />Sweeping them under the carpet isn’t good.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-48324398410884972852017-12-04T21:19:51.954+00:002017-12-04T21:19:51.954+00:00No one Pat is suggesting a holy joe piousity! Just...No one Pat is suggesting a holy joe piousity! Just a break from the rolling negative soundbytes and a constant trawling through the failings of others. There are procedures and courts of law to deal with wilful and criminal wrongdoing. I cannot comprehend your obsessions! We all want TRUTH but truth with justice, fairness and mercy. Yes, corruption is unacceptable but you've beaten this drum too frequently on your blig. Advent indeed calls us to repentance - all of us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-38313008056693803702017-12-04T21:00:52.029+00:002017-12-04T21:00:52.029+00:00You wouldn't know 'holy Joe piousity' ...You wouldn't know 'holy Joe piousity' if it jumped up and bit you in the arse!<br />You're a damaged personality spewing bile in all directions. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-50008407943255128192017-12-04T20:55:37.420+00:002017-12-04T20:55:37.420+00:0019 .04’
What a load of claptrap.
Burying your head...19 .04’<br />What a load of claptrap.<br />Burying your head in the sand like some of the characters in the blog Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-42171747462251949342017-12-04T20:49:07.028+00:002017-12-04T20:49:07.028+00:00To poster 19.04
Your comment was like a breath of...To poster 19.04<br /><br />Your comment was like a breath of fresh air. Thank you! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-53109646364216798912017-12-04T19:20:21.945+00:002017-12-04T19:20:21.945+00:00I accept your challenge.
However, The Jesus we ar...I accept your challenge.<br /><br />However, The Jesus we are awaiting is the Jesus who challenges as well as comforts.<br /><br />Surely He expects his Church, and all of us in it, to change?<br /><br />He Himself was not happy with the status quo of His day.<br /><br />Not everything is achieved by an acceptance of corruption by the adoption of Holy Joe piousity. Thinking Catholicismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16589713565062075036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-16482116417194685312017-12-04T19:04:23.971+00:002017-12-04T19:04:23.971+00:00Pat, I thought the season of Advent was meant to b...Pat, I thought the season of Advent was meant to be a reflective time as we, followers of Christ, prepare to celebrate the great feast of Christmas. Part of this preparation is about building people up, not tearing them down, giving hope, inspiring trust and confidence in a God who is with us always. Your preparation and mine as a Priest surely requires an inner, personal transformation of spirit so that we radiate the mercy, compassion and "loving kindness of the heart of our God".(Benedictus psalm of morning prayer) - even if only for Advent & Christmas. I think we should seek to imitate what we pray. Throwing innuendo, untruths, unverified facts around like confetti is far from the true spirit of Advent and far removed from the mind and heart of the One whom we await. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-68663273619481312952017-12-04T18:50:12.467+00:002017-12-04T18:50:12.467+00:00Ok. Heard of a new D&C scandal today. Not West...Ok. Heard of a new D&C scandal today. Not West Belfast???Thinking Catholicismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16589713565062075036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-29666342412433281942017-12-04T18:21:26.273+00:002017-12-04T18:21:26.273+00:00West Belfast Pat, West Belfast !! Scandal bubbling...West Belfast Pat, West Belfast !! Scandal bubblingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-22327804664758859622017-12-04T17:35:27.033+00:002017-12-04T17:35:27.033+00:00We all could make quips about that visit of MB.
I ...We all could make quips about that visit of MB.<br />I could do with a laugh today.<br />And it is almost Christmas.<br />So come on , let’s have a few.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-646247325935659292017-12-04T15:24:28.406+00:002017-12-04T15:24:28.406+00:00From what you say Anon@14:03 I think you are the k...From what you say Anon@14:03 I think you are the kind of priest and counsellor of most use to those in need of guidance and leadership. <br />I was particularly struck by the fact that you consulted with trusted couples. I assume this related to sexuality, something neglected in your seminary training as was certainly the case in mine. Well done.<br />In doing so you show a level of self awareness and humility I think rare among the clergy.<br />I won't quote them Now, but leave you with the words Dave Allen used sign off with: " May your......."<br />MMM MournemanMichaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-8198634970344534902017-12-04T14:12:00.177+00:002017-12-04T14:12:00.177+00:00Indeed.. I don't doubt any of what you say... ...Indeed.. I don't doubt any of what you say... Daily prayer is the essential nourishment that keeps our Faith alive and strong. So it should be always a priority.<br />In the absence of regular meaningful contact with God, of course the garden becomes an arid desert, doubts get a foothold and Satan sees an opportunity to tempt the already weakened soul. Unlike us, he doesn't seem to suffer from laziness! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-88415962188181575802017-12-04T14:10:07.041+00:002017-12-04T14:10:07.041+00:00A long drawn out story but it does paint a disturb...A long drawn out story but it does paint a disturbing picture. I think back of the medieval times in the church and wonder were they all mad. IT seems as time has evolved People are still strange and a disturbing undercurrent of behaviours and attitudes still exists in certain quarters. I wonder if if this happens in other organisations religions or sectors of society and if so how it is being addressedFly on Th Wallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12520198020314816276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-54200466558690122812017-12-04T14:03:55.498+00:002017-12-04T14:03:55.498+00:00MMM - your observations are interesting. I started...MMM - your observations are interesting. I started out my life as a priest in the late 70's. I was trained reasonably well academically but not in human, emotional awareness to give me the necesssry resources to live celibacy and the challenges I would encounter in my life. Sexuality and any reference to psychological human development was only at text book level, for exam purposes. However, I began to become aware of my own humanity with all its flaws, strengths, creativity, idealism, my capacity to lead well, my inner vulnerabilities etc...I tried to learn much from wiser priests and thankfully I worked with many of great calibre. I also ensured I'd learn from lay people and when necessary approach trusted couples for advice. Through a lot of personal struggles, grief, doubts, questioning and searching I was guided safely by a wise counsellor. I now care for my own humanity in all its brokenness, faults but also with its strengths and potential. I have "refined" and "redefined" many of my original inherited beliefs and the accepted truths and teachings of my Church. Life is always evolving as is the understanding of who we are as created human beings. We cannot stay set in any particular, received teachings. The truths that enrich my life are The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the challenge that evokes for every moment of my lufe. My reference point now is Jesus and his gospel. I don't disregard the teachings of the Church but I try to mould them into more relevant, meaningful truths for the 21st century. This learning anew continues through life. Yes, as life changes, so too do human beings. It is sensible therefore for priests to be forever renewing their ideas, vision, prayer and understanding of service and leadership. As a poet said: "Life is a lesson in the art of letting go". I believe many priests have let go of some teachings but have discovered enriching ways of being more fully human. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-63497268346195513862017-12-04T12:06:10.920+00:002017-12-04T12:06:10.920+00:00MMM,
I know you also understand that I am uber hu...MMM,<br /><br />I know you also understand that I am uber human with many failings and contradictions.<br /><br />The questions you ask are VERY important.<br /><br />I have certainly met priests who say they are atheists!<br /><br />I and others no longer believe in the integrity of the RC institution.<br /><br />Many priests go through motions they do not believe in.<br /><br />Many priests have reservations in talking about their doubts for the reasons you specify.<br /><br />There are also a group of sadistic, cynical priests and bishops who use their ministry for a fine lifestyle :-( - power, prestige, money and sex.Thinking Catholicismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16589713565062075036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543129696041324861.post-50795335047373890742017-12-04T11:52:06.850+00:002017-12-04T11:52:06.850+00:00Pat: your actions over many years show a consiste...Pat: your actions over many years show a consistency of belief and integrity, and I acknowledge and respect this.<br /><br />But how many clerics, on reading my questions above, will have integrity and courage to:<br /><br />A) Openly admit they no longer believe in the core elements of the RC religion, the divinity of Christ, the existence of a deity etc etc;<br />B) Say they no longer have any belief in the validity of the RC institutional hierarchical Roman church;<br />C) Say that with respect to how they behave, they believe in and follow the essence of Christianity, as promoted by the gospels and while having serious reservations to much of the 'external trappings' of orthodox RC practices, nevertheless feel obliged to follow its prescriptions;<br />D) Have reservations about admitting any doubts anonymously or in public, either from fear of opprobrium, or of 'giving 'scandal' to the 'faithful'.<br />I suspect very many just 'keep their head down', and in that well known Norn Iron phrase: "Whatever you say; say nothing".<br />MMMMourneManMichaelnoreply@blogger.com