There is considerable discussion about Church excommunications these days. Many conservatives and orthodox Catholics advocate the excommunication of Catholic legislators who are "personally opposed, but" are willing to permit the slaughter of innocent babies. Frequently, excommunication is portrayed in the secular media as a harsh, un-Christian shunning, causing permanent division, hurt and alienation. It is, in fact, something quite different and in most cases it is a condition that one imposes on oneself.
Among many theological considerations, the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the Eucharist "the source and summit of the Christian life." Among many attributes, "the Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being." Thus, reception of Holy Communion is an affirmation that one is fully united with all that the Church believes and teaches. And unity of belief is essential to the Church's very being. If one does not fully believe those teachings, their reception of Holy Communion is a sham and a lie. This is the reason the Church does not permit inter-communion with other faiths.
When the Church excommunicates a member, it does so to impress upon the individual that their salvation is in jeopardy. The act of excommunication is not meant to be a permanent action. It is an act of charity intended as a sharp warning that one has veered seriously off the path that leads to salvation. It is always hoped that the one excommunicated will recognize their error and return. The path to return is as simple as a sincere, heartfelt confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is always available from any priest.
As a good and loving shepherd, Pope Benedict XVI gently informed Speaker Nancy Pelosi today that her pontifications on Sunday news shows, suggesting that the Church has been ambivalent on questions of life and death, are just plain wrong. She has been clearly told by the highest authority in the Church of which she claims to be an "ardent" member, that she has a responsibility to protect human life at all stages of its development.
Having been clearly warned by the Vicar of Christ, if she persists in her support of the culture of death, she will be excommunicated by her own action, if not officially by the Church itself.
The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
Among many theological considerations, the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the Eucharist "the source and summit of the Christian life." Among many attributes, "the Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being." Thus, reception of Holy Communion is an affirmation that one is fully united with all that the Church believes and teaches. And unity of belief is essential to the Church's very being. If one does not fully believe those teachings, their reception of Holy Communion is a sham and a lie. This is the reason the Church does not permit inter-communion with other faiths.
When the Church excommunicates a member, it does so to impress upon the individual that their salvation is in jeopardy. The act of excommunication is not meant to be a permanent action. It is an act of charity intended as a sharp warning that one has veered seriously off the path that leads to salvation. It is always hoped that the one excommunicated will recognize their error and return. The path to return is as simple as a sincere, heartfelt confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is always available from any priest.
As a good and loving shepherd, Pope Benedict XVI gently informed Speaker Nancy Pelosi today that her pontifications on Sunday news shows, suggesting that the Church has been ambivalent on questions of life and death, are just plain wrong. She has been clearly told by the highest authority in the Church of which she claims to be an "ardent" member, that she has a responsibility to protect human life at all stages of its development.
Having been clearly warned by the Vicar of Christ, if she persists in her support of the culture of death, she will be excommunicated by her own action, if not officially by the Church itself.
Saint Thomas More, patron saint of statesmen, politicians and lawyers wrote:
“Because the soul has such deep roots in personal and social life and its values run so contrary to modern concerns, caring for the soul may well turn out to be a radical act, a challenge to accepted norms.”Mrs. Pelosi has the opportunity to be truly radical, counter-cultural, and to save her own soul in the process. The choice is hers.
The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
"Following the general audience the Holy Father briefly greeted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, together with her entourage.
"His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in co-operation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development".
1 comment:
I can't wait to see what pablum Pelosi will offer in her own press release.
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