Human Rights, Ramadan & Two Lucys

Dear Atila,

I read with interest the article on J.P.'s blog about the US Bishops' Conference and its erroneous idea that St Thomas More died for Religious Liberty." It instantly called to mind Pope John Paul II's Apostolic letter of 31 October 2000 proclaiming St Thomas More Patron of Statesmen and Politicians, in which he stated that the reason for More's martyrdom "was precisely in defense of the rights of conscience." The Pope was evidently not referring to a Catholic conscience, for his Letter was composed in response to a petition by “people from different political, cultural and religious allegiances” to honor Thomas More.

The Pope's Letter gives ample evidence of the confusion generated by Vatican II's teachings on Ecumenism and Religious Liberty. For John Paul II, everything is based on human rights and the dignity of man.

The Pope confuses the supernatural with the natural (which, by the way, he presents as "harmony") by stating: "The defense of the Church’s freedom from unwarranted interference by the State is at the same time a defense, in the name of the primacy of conscience, of the individual’s freedom vis-à-vis political power. Here we find the basic principle of every civil order consonant with human nature."

But proclaiming individual freedom is the basis of anarchy in the civil order and rebellion against God. If anyone were to object, the Pope had an answer: he stated "One might even dare to say that the rights of man are also the rights of God" (Speech, 7 April 1998)."

As if that were not bad enough, the Pope reinforces his error with a quote from Gaudium et Spes:

"In the Constitution Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council notes how in the world today there is'a growing awareness of the matchless dignity of the human person, who is superior to all else and whose rights and duties are universal and inviolable' (No. 26)."

If the dignity of man is "superior to all else," where does that leave God?

     Cordially,

     Carol (Dr. Carol Byrne, Great Britain)

TIA,

Regarding the last news on the beatification of Paul VI and John Paul I, it appears that would be a sign that all conciliar popes are legitimized as to their doctrine. Would the Vatican under a real Catholic Pope ever un-beatify JPII? Could he ever be anathamized by some future Pope?

     B.R.

TIA,

You will be happy to know that the University of Peru, to which you referred recently,  directed by the Holy See through the Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, has been required to remove both "Pontifical" and "Catholic" from its name.

      B.B.

Dear TIA,

Thank you for posting my last commentary on modern music.

I don't mean to bombard you with information. I simply wanted to inform you and your readers about the modern music industry and who controls it. Mr Arnold Jr. published an important article recently alerting to the dangers of modern music.

One article (graphic images) is here:

Another regarding how the big name "stars" are treated and manipulated by the powers in the industry is here. Their lives are not as glamorous as they appear:

     Sincerely,

     P.F., Australia

TIA,

This is what we were told by the Vatican: Catholics can learn during Islam's “holy month” of Ramadan that started July 20 in many countries.

Msgr. Khaled Akasheh, of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, made this statement on behalf of the Vatican: "Ramadan is also an opportunity for Catholics to learn from Muslims' example of obedience to the Almighty -- and thereby strengthen their own Catholic faith ... One of the most important aspects of Vatican II, was that the church accepted all that is right and beautiful in religions."

Msgr. Akasheh went on to “explain” that Catholic Prelates engaged in dialogue do not make any "explicit appeal to others to embrace our religion, but this does not mean that we are not faithful to our faith and our mission, because in dialogue we say what we are." Essentially he admits the missionary mark of the Church has changed: There is no more open mission to convert others to the Catholic faith.

Msgr. Khaled Akasheh runs the section for relations with Muslims at the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, an office founded by Pope Paul VI in 1964, during the Second Vatican Council.

Read the news release here

      Mark Stabinski

Dear Dr. Horvat,

My gratitude for your discernment on the matter of the two Lucys remains. I am seventy-nine in October 2012. Over twenty years ago, I had nose reconstruction on the advice of my doctor. If you compare my post surgery nose, alone, with the pre-op pictures, you will note a difference. However, these remain: the apple cheek smile, the shape of my eyes, the forehead hairline, the laxity of the left side of my mouth (there since infancy), the brow shape even though I have significant hair loss.

My chin line has changed due to weight gain, but essentially remains nonetheless. What has made me essentially look different is my expression. I am in constant pain and my facial musculature shows it. My daughter tells me I look as though I am irritated or angry; gone is the innocent and serene look.

Since childhood, Sister Lucy’s countenance and body posture was indelibly and consistently marked by extremes that may be a combination of being unwell and/or possessing seriousness of the kind when you have information that your fellow man kind is headed for hell. If Lucy suffered from binocularity difficulties or light sensitivity, I would expect to see that famous frown and head adjustment. In my case, age and pain has changed me as well as light sensitivity. But, in all, you can tell post-op my structures are the same.

Of course there are two Lucys. Anyone with eyes to see can see that. Thank you for your due diligence. I am going to do my share to keep the question alive (blog and face book) until there is a forensic investigation. It is unthinkable that any Catholic would be content to let our martyr die without determining/acknowledging the cause. I want an investigation! It would be appropriate. One is required! Going forward there are two Lucys in my mind’s eye. God bless you Marion Horvat for your Catholic Militancy.

     S.J.