By Francis X. Rocca
By Robert Duncan
ROME, ITALY (CNS) – Referring to the Synod of Bishops on the Family that will convene in 2015, Cardinal George Pell wrote that the task for Catholics “over the next 12 months” is to explain “the necessity of conversion, the nature of the Mass,” and “the purity of heart the Scriptures require of us to receive holy Communion.”
“We will be counterproductive if we have anger or hate in our hearts, if we lapse into sterile polemics against a surprisingly small number of Catholic opponents,” the cardinal wrote.
Cardinal Pell’s remarks appeared in a homily he prepared for his celebration of Mass in the extraordinary form October 24 for the 2014 Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage to Rome.
The cardinal was unable to celebrate the Mass on account of bronchitis. In an additional prepared text, he assured those present that his sickness was the only reason he was unable to attend.
In the cardinal’s absence, his personal secretary Father Mark Withoos celebrated the Mass and read the homily.
The “college of bishops and all synods work by consensus,” Cardinal Pell wrote. Before next October, Catholics have to work to build a consensus “out of the present divisions,” he wrote
“Pastoral practice and teachings can only be changed by consensus,” he wrote.
“Doctrine does develop, we understand truth more deeply, but there are no doctrinal backflips in Catholic history,” the cardinal wrote. “The apostolic tradition announced first by Christ and founded in the Scriptures is the touchstone for truth and genuine pastoral practice.”
“We, and especially you young people, must live this in love, giving reason for your hope,” he wrote. “This is a unique opportunity, which we must seize in God’s name.
Cardinal Pell also spoke about the importance of the papacy in resolving doctrinal disputes.
“The role of the successor of St. Peter has always been vital to Christian and Catholic life, especially as the touchstone of doctrinal fidelity and as a resolver of disputes, pastoral as well as doctrinal,” the cardinal wrote.
The cardinal spoke about the correct way to view the papacy.
“The church is not built on the rock of Peter’s faith,” he wrote, “but on Peter himself, despite his faults and failings.”
“Pope Francis is the 266th pope and history has seen 37 false or antipopes,” he wrote.
“The story of the popes is stranger than fiction,” the cardinal wrote, and today “we have one of the more unusual popes in history, enjoying almost unprecedented popularity. He is doing (Read More)
Source: http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/cardinal-pell-promises-no-doctrinal-backflips-at-next-family-synod/
On Sale
-
Oberammergau Quantity Pocket Pieces - "Passion of Christ, Strengthen Me" $33.00$25.95 -
Oberammergau Pocket Piece - "Passion of Christ, Strengthen Me"
$4.00$3.50 -
Wedding Rings Plaque $39.00$29.00
Featured Items
-
Angel of Affection Miniature $26.00
-
Our Friend Jesus Cross $47.00
-
Good Samaritan Resin Statuette $195.00
