Wednesday, November 23, 2016

EXCLUSIVE: The Okie Traditionalist Interviews "Pope Michael" of Kansas, USA

Disclaimer: consider this is a "Catholic human interest story" to give ya'll some momentary relief from the latest ecclesiastical gaslighting coming from Francis. I'm not a proponent of the papal claims of one Pope Michael.  Its just that I think he's thought-provoking and refreshingly genuine.  I address him as "Pope Michael" since that's the name he's been going by for decades.  


Introduction:  So, there's a traditional Catholic man who, for over 25 years, has been living his life in rural Kansas with the earnest conviction he was validly elected to the papacy in 1990.  Over the years, I couldn't help be curious about his story since he lives just one state north of mine, and turns out was born and raised in Oklahoma City.

I recently pondered his story here: LINK. A fellow trad blogger Mahound's Paradise followed suit here LINK. And Kudos to Canon 212 blog for picking up our posts.


Pope Michael Documentary.  About an Hour Long. 

He has almost entirely been characterized over the years as a bizarre, loonie phenomenon of the traditionalist movement.  I understand that.  But to me there's something beneath the common laughable caricature of him--a quiet, humble, devout man who has something relevant to say, to whom at least some traditional Catholics can relate during this time of ecclesial crisis.   I know I've personally found his youtube videos edifying over the years.  I may be risking my blog stats on this one, but my bet is you'll find his willing interview compelling and elevating.

Without further ado, I give you Pope Michael the First, of Topeka, Kansas...


Interview with Pope Michael:

Thank you Pope Michael very much for granting The Okie Traditionalist blog this interview.  Perhaps past interviews with others have focused more directly on your claim to the papacy, and contesting the legitimacy of the popes and bishops following Vatican II.  But I’d like this interview to be a bit different.   I would like to get your insights as a man, as a Catholic--who yes I believe sincerely believes he was actually elected to the office of pope--but who, like many of us confessing the traditional Catholic Faith, is first and foremost trying to become a saint.

Can you tell us where you are now living? About the house you’ve settled into? What your day-to-day life is like?


I live in an old Victorian house built in the late 1800's in the neighborhood of Oakland in Topeka. It is four bedrooms and three baths and in need of a bit of work yet as it was a repossession. I live with Frater Francis Dominic, who joined me over a year ago to work for the Church. Our life is simple. We rise about 6:30 and have an hour of prayer from 7:30 to 8:30 followed by Mass. After Mass we eat breakfast and are off to work. Frater Francis Dominic now manages www.VaticaninExile.com. I write and study, as well as run Christ the King Library www.ChristtheKingLibrary.com. This is what feeds us. We are bringing out of copyright Catholic books back into print, because truth is timeless.

We have Rosary together at three in the afternoon in conjunction with one of our priests, who prays from his home at the same time. We plan dinner for around seven in the evening. Before dinner we may sit on the porch in the summer or in the living room in the winter for a spell. We retire about nine in the evening. Some times we will watch a religious video on the internet or even a movie to relax, as we have no cable television.


I’ve heard your mother’s health has declined. How is she doing? She strikes me as a salt-of-the-earth Catholic with a warm heart. PS My condolences on your brother’s passing. May he rest in peace.

Mom started slowing down shortly after her 83rd birthday in 2011. When I moved to Topeka in 2013, she moved into independent living. She drives over for Sunday Mass every week, unless snow is expected. Then I pick her up the day before and she spends the night in our main floor guest room. She will also come occasionally and spend the night or even a day or two and participate in prayers as well as eat some of her favorite foods. During the All Souls Octave, we took a trip out to visit Dad's and my brother's graves and pray to gain the plenary indulgence for the All Souls Octave. Mom and I made it to a cemetery every day of the octave as we both have a special devotion to the Poor forgotten Souls in Purgatory.


This may be a challenging question. Can you relate to us on a human, personal level what it has been like to live life for over a Quarter of a Century in Kansas, USA believing you are actually the pope, while almost everyone dismisses you as either "crazy" or an "anti-pope." Can you share with readers what this has been like for you?

This is a challenging question. I am a veteran in the movement, leaving Novus Ordo 44 years ago at age 13. This was an unpopular decision and not 'religiously correct' nor acceptable. We believed that we are in the Great Apostasy (II Thessalonians 2) and were ready to be persecuted and possibly even martyred. And this shaped my thinking. In making the decision the question is not whether or not anyone will accept, but is this God's will.

Several times I had to make unpopular decisions, that brought ridicule and even shunning, because of my position. “And you shall be hated by all men for my name' s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) And so, when I realized we needed to organize the election of a Pope, I was ready to be hated. I was ready to be called every name in the book, and this for helping organizing the election of a Pope. When three quarters of those showing solid support began making excuses why we should not proceed now, I knew it would be difficult. Most were based on human respect, which we know is worse than worthless. It has not been easy. Many surrounding me for a quarter of a century wanted an easy way to end the problem, when God expects us to be faithful to His holy will and do the work He gives us.


Turning to the issue of Francis in Rome. Overwhelming evidence suggests he holds a heretical opinion on Communion for the divorced-and-remarried. 4 cardinals have publicized their dubia. A line has been drawn in the sand. Aside from the question who is currently the true pope, what are your thoughts on this situation?

For many, this will be a time of decision.  We all had these times in the past, which is why we are where we are today. In 1972 for my family it was whether or not to depart Novus Ordo, which we decided to do. Traditional Catholics know the true doctrine, that the divorced and remarried may not receive Holy Communion while living in sin. In fact, in the United States there is an excommunication from the Second Council of Baltimore for those who divorce and remarry. (Under Paul VI, the US Bishops asked for this excommunication to be removed, and Paul VI removed it.)

It is my opinion that Francis will reaffirm his heretical position, which will make it clear that he willfully adheres to heresy. Saint Robert Bellarmine states that a man cannot be head of a Church, which he has departed by heresy. It will be time for people to deal with the fact that Francis is not Pope and then look into the matter more closely.


I’m curious what you think of President-elect Donald Trump? Did you vote for him? Do you think his unexpected election was perhaps a divine intervention for the good of our country?

First of all President-elect Trump is one of the things wrong with this country. He is a public adulterer as was one other president in history, Ronald Reagan. Trump is on his third 'wife', while Reagan was on his second. “[16] Jesus saith to her: Go, call thy husband, and come hither. [17] The woman answered, and said: I have no husband. Jesus said to her: Thou hast said well, I have no husband: [18] For thou hast had five husbands: and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband. This thou hast said truly.” (John 4:16-18) Note both men are 'conservatives', which means conservatives have lost sight of the doctrine that marriage lasts until death. None of the Democratic Presidents have been divorced and attempted to remarry.


The family seems to be one of the main institutions under attack by Satan today and the enemies of the Church. What counsel can you offer married people and parents at this moment in time, 2016?

First of all, pray for your family and for yourself. Daily family Rosary is not enough. If the schedule allows add morning and night prayers. Marriage is a school of selflessness, especially once you have children. Learn the Faith thoroughly, especially in matters regarding marriage and raising a family. I recommend getting rid of the television. You do not have time for the TV. Married couples need to spend quality time together and parents need to spend time with their children.

You need to do little things with your children. I have seen too many parents become so involved in trying to 'save' the Church or in fighting abortion, that they lose their own children. Parents, do your home work. Can we expect our children to come to us with serious questions, if we do not have a strong bond with them already? We need to make our own family our first priority after our own salvation. We need to stop getting distracted by 'side' issues. Instead we need to build strong families and prepare the children to follow our own good example.


Looking out across America and the world, you yourself are observing spiritual darkness. Disbelief, atheism, even public acts of satanism. What advise can you give to those professing the Catholic Faith, trying to become saints during these times?

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying: Go out from her, my people; that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.” (Apocalypse 18:4) We need to spiritually step away from the world. We need to spend our time on task, the task of becoming a saint. Some want to protest the public acts of satanism, but let us look to the early Christians. How did they counter a pagan world? They became saints, standing firm for the Faith when called. There were no protests in front of pagan temples, but prayers ascended from their homes.

We need to study the science of the saints and become masters of this science. We need to tend to our own duties and let the rest of the world do what it will. We need to live the Catholic way of life and preach by our good example, ready to put in a word when God gives an opening. An hour a day in prayer, true prayer would be a good idea. Begin with meditative reading of good spiritual books, such as Soul of the Apostolate. Meditation is nothing more than a sermon we preach to our own self from which we draw resolutions to conform our will more to the will of God.


Would you be open to more interviews in the future? What websites can readers look at to learn more about you? I’m sure readers would be interested to hear your views on church and world events as they unfold in the months and years to come.

Yes I would be willing to discuss issues as they arise.

www.VaticaninExile.com

www.Pope-Michael.com

www.Pope-Speaks.com


Thank you again Pope Michael for this interview. I hope it will give readers a chance to know more about you. God bless.





Friday, November 18, 2016

"The Four" Ask Pope Francis for Clarification--a Watershed Moment?

(Update:  10/22/16.  Head Bishop of Greek Episcopal Conference accuses The Four of apostasy, heresy, and schism.  As reported by Steve Skojec over at OnePeterFive.  LINK)

Whew, thank God for an end to a long work week!  I'm kickin' back in my Okie armchair this chilly Friday evening puffing away on a Swisher Sweet cigar. They're cheap but make for a good long smoke.

So folks it looks like we may be witnessing a potential Watershed moment in the Francis Papacy.  Coming down the pike this very week, a group of senior, conservative Cardinals--now called "The Four"--led namely by Cardinal Burke--upped the ante and called Pope Francis' bluff, making their doctrinal Dubia public.  Francis had not given any definitive, Yes-or-No answers to their simple, crafted doctrinal questions Re Communion-for-the-Divorced-and-Remarried, or what I like to call the Francis Heresy.  The Remnant Reports About it Here

dambreaks.jpg (500×375)

Watershed Moment??

The Four have got the progressivist pontiff backed into a corner in plain view.  If he doesn't answer, his silence proves that his Amoris Laetitia document on the family in fact does officially permit sacrilegious reception of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in certain circumstances.

I'd bet a months wages Francis RIGIDLY remains closed-lipped.  But wait,  didn't he recently call young Catholics devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass rigid?

Will more cardinals and bishops publicly and openly join The Four?   Behind every orthodox bishop is a Catholic who knows his faith, but the question will be, will they be brave enough to unite once and for all in publicly defending that Faith?

Something must be stirring in the minds of many at least conservative-leaning cardinals right now after The Four confronted Francis.  I can imagine them asking "Is it time to consider the possibility we're dealing with an effectively heretical pope?"  For decades, virtually no prelate (well I can think of one or two exceptions!!) has had the balls or doctrinal clear-mindedness to publicly confront the Vatican modernists!  ............UNTIL NOW!

cardinals_810_500_55_s_c1.jpg (810×500)

"The Four"

Think of all the apostasy coming out of the Holy See itself these last five decades. Think of all the homosexual prelates (still) in the Vatican, and those prelates (still) criminally covering up Universal Clerical Pedophilia from the Top-Down!  But chew on this:  UNTIL NOW, no Vatican cardinal has summoned the courage, bravery, fortitude, grit, or guile to publicly confront the modernist Powers-that-Be on any of it!

Turning to Cardinal Burke, he strikes me as committed to the end to see this Initiative finalized.  I believe he's got the wisdom and cojones to go the distance on this.  What other cardinal or bishop is so poised to lead the confrontation of Francis' revolutionary pontificate?

pic003.jpg (708×475)

Kind of Reminds Me of Archbishop Lefebvre 

Momentum Growing?

If by a miracle, conservative, patriotic Americans can get Trump elected last week (!!!), stepping on the head of the all-powerful liberal Establishment, what if--I say what if--we traditional, conservative Catholics can similarly galvanize orthodox cardinals and bishops to FINALLY stand up to the Modernist Revolution under the Francis Pontificate?!!  Miracles do happen--like they did on November 8th.  I'm still pinching myself.

800,000 have signed this PETITION to Pope Francis on behalf of the Family!

This Watershed Moment would take a concerted, global unity of sorts, united at least in spirit.  The SSPX, FSSP, and other traditionalist organizations, all the pro-life/pro-family Catholic apostolates, all the disenfranchised, orthodox Catholics wanting answers, uniting behind The Four--with Cardinal Burke at the helm!

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Yes, I Kinda Like "Pope Michael" of Kansas! :)

I may be the only one.  His parent's elected him pope.  He spends his day divided between his private library and chapel.  He wears a white cassock.  He's got what five followers in the world including his mother?  Its obviously an odd story.

POPE.jpg (400×300)

Pope Michael of Kansas

But to me this guy in the state just north of mine, is sorta cool, in a quirky kinda way. Gotta admit, he's likable.  I'm willing to stake my blogging stats and go out on a limb with this one.  The guy is more of a knowledegable sage than say the Dimond bros., or whoever is running Traditio.com.

Pope Michael on Youtube

To me, the guy is harmless, and in a way I can understand his mental universe.  I mean, if I were a sedevacantist (only this current pope could tempt me to consider that thesis), and if the Church is supposed to have permanent successors to St. Peter--right?--then logic would dictate to me there'd need to be an extraordinary papal election of some sorts.  Would make sense.

I suppose if I had thought the chair was empty for several decades, I'd probably have been a "conclavist" too.  David Bawden, pardon me Pope Michael the First, took the next step and researched the issue, wrote a book about it, sent it out around the world.  But only a few people responded showing up to the Kansas conclave back in 1990.  So by default, he got the vote.  At least there's some logical consistency in the narrative.

And then the poor guy gets no followers, but continues to believe he was validly elected pope, so he plugs away since 1990! at his Vatican-in-Exile from rural Kansas.  And he's still pluggin' away in 2016.  Man oh man, think about it.  What if he were somehow actually pope (he's not, I'm being ironic), can you imagine the absurdity of living in his shoes when no one will believe you, but you are actually the Vicar of Christ?

The Moral of the Story:

I emailed him once out of curiosity and to challenge him, and he responded with manners and civility. A wacky friend, tempted by idleness I suppose, visited him once from Oklahoma for kicks just to get out of town.  Pope Michael put him up for the night, allowed him to attend his Mass (it was a "dry Mass," this was before somehow he got ordained a priest and later a bishop), the guest bedroom was laid out very nicely, and the pope's mother made a fine dinner, and breakfast the next morning.  I hear she is a good cook.

Every time I hear the story of Pope Michael its about an eccentric, anomalous guy from Kansas, a sedevacantist (i.e. until he filled the chair), traditionalist Catholic with the idiosyncratic belief he is somehow the pope.  But I think this characterization misses a deeper story.  His story is that of a lot of traditional Catholics out there--including me--understandably crazed by the Crisis in the Church, shifting back and forth across the traditionalist, polemic spectrum, yet trying to be faithful and holy. Some just go a bit too far.

I think this soul doesn't even rise to the level of an anti-pope.  He's an interesting, at times edifying fellow from rural Kansas who has a few things to say to Catholics.

A few years back, some students from Notre Dame made an entertaining, sleepy kind of documentary about David Bawden, uhum I mean "Pope Michael."  I think its somewhat telling of the absurd times we are in, and I bet some of you could kinda relate to this guy, as traditional Catholics.  Without further ado...


Full Documentary.  Pop some Popcorn!


As Always, the Comment Box is Open!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

TULSA DIOCESE UPDATE: What's Going to Happen to Fr. Ripperger's Exorcist Order, or Mother Miriam's Community??

Re: the Doloran Fathers:

Most-Sorrowful-Mother-3-980x551.jpg (980×551)

(Former) Monastery for the Doloran Fathers, Northeast Oklahoma.  Once a refuge for troubled souls seeking spiritual support.

I've been getting emails asking for updates on the new situation in the Tulsa diocese.  I've felt the pulse of my fellow Okie Trads, and its irregular and elevated.   As for the Doloran Fathers, all I know objectively at the moment is that they have reopened their website (LINK):

During their time of transition from Tulsa, the priests of SMD request your prayers.  During the transition period, we have been informed that the society remains a Public Association of the Faithful.

In my mind's eye I'm looking across the Okie landscape imagining the Monastery established in the countryside by the Exorcist priests.  I am imagining them waking early to say their private Latin Masses and then spending the rest of the day packing up their belongings, explaining to donors and supporters what happened, reserving U-hauls, and making last-ditch efforts to find a sympathetic bishop that will take them in.

When I reported their Shut Down back in September, I learned a lesson in prudence and choice of words, being schooled by Mother Miriam (who's also been trying to start an Order in Tulsa) of the Daughters of Mary.  And so if/when there is more news to report, I want to make sure I have very concrete details, which are of certain public knowledge, about the fate of these traditional Catholic communities.

4178107-Exact-measurement-of-inch-2-54-centimeters--Stock-Photo.jpg (1300×1005)

Want to Get the Details Right

If you can help me with any of these questions, please either Comment below or email me (see email upper right corner).

1. Has Bishop Konderla publicly explained yet in detail his decision?

2. Do we know yet what is +Konderla's attitude towards the Latin Mass and trads in his new diocese?

3. Is there any chance the Exorcists priests will find a new home?  Or will they have to return to their former dioceses or religious communities?

Re: Mother's Miriam (renowned Jewish convert/EWTN contributor), and the Daughters of Mary (also attached to the Latin Mass):

1. Do we know yet if/when Mother Miriam's Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel's Hope community will be permitted by Bishop Konderla to take the habit and to take religious vows?

2. Has the new Bishop given any assurances (including to the donors and supporters in the diocese) that he will not also shut them down?

Again, if you have any concrete, public info, please email me or comment below.



Saturday, November 12, 2016

Pope Francis Characterizes Young People Attached to the Latin Mass as "Rigid"

I'm sure a bunch of you are like me, in the category of "young trad."  It seems the Holy Father, Pope Francis, thinks we're "rigid" for preferring the Traditional Latin Mass.  What a pleasant thing to read about this restful Saturday morning.

pope-francis-interview-1980284w300.jpg (300×200)

Here's what he said the other day in an interview, as reported on Rorate Caeli Blog.

My Comments: 

I take the pope's comment as an insult to traditional Catholics.  And if you're a Latin Mass Catholic pretending this pope respects you or the Latin Mass, think again.  This pope looks down on you.  You are full of human weaknesses beyond saving.  He is not trying to counsel or convert you from your "rigidity."  He's rejecting you as a Weirdo.

It all baffles the mind.  Christ's Vicar repeatedly insulting Catholics trying to be faithful to the timeless teachings and practices of Christ and His Church, to save their souls.

Whatever.  I'm still celebrating the Election, basting my slow-roasting fatted calf in my backyard, drinking Rum 'n Cokes.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Election Day has Arrived

The annoying NeverTrumpers and despairing Naysayers have been salivating in their prediction of a Trump loss.  Yet, I'm praying my rosary and holding out hope. Or perhaps I'm holding my breath, like a Cubs fan going into the World series. The clock ticks.  By the end of Tuesday, tomorrow night, we will know the fate of our country.

tick-tock-Google-Search.png (475×260)


If Hillary Wins:

Satanic black masses will be said around the country in celebration.  Hillary will bow in thanksgiving before her private altar to the Evil One.  Soros, et al will throw an all-you-can snort orgy for the New World Order elite--Billy (and Jeb) Bush will be the guests of honor.  Millions of unborn children otherwise saved under different election results will await their bloody slaughter. Polygamists will make a bee-line for the Supreme Court.  Russia will continue preparing for World War III.  Political correctness will go on a raping rampage against conservative Christians like you and me.

leadspiritcooking-696x604.jpg (696×604)

The Next Secretary of State?

And I'll have to buy land out by Clear Creek monastery, or move to St. Mary's, Kansas.  Something.  I will further retreat and adapt.   Sacks of rice, treated water, and ammunition.  It will mean a major defeat in this culture war.  It will mean chastisement rather than some relative relief.  God's Will be done.

If Trump Wins:

BUT, WHAT IF, just WHAT IF...tomorrow night these ongoing polls are proven fraudulent, and Trump wins those key states??  It could happen.  All the unborn babies around the country will leap in their mothers' womb.   Day One, Trump will repeal all illegal Obama Executive Orders. The building of "the Wall" will ensue.  Maybe it'll be the 8th Wonder of the World.  If so, I'd bet Trump will literally have Big Gold Doors for the legal immigrants.  A one-man War on the Establishment and Globalism will be waged from the Oval office.  What entertaining consolation, at least for the next 4 years!

I will kill a fatted calf and host a week-long block party in my neighborhood with overflowing liquors and wine.  All personal debts and harbored injuries will be forgiven.  By a miracle of God, tomorrow just might end up being one of the happiest days of my OUR life.  Dare we hope?

HERO_IBIZA_CLOSING_PARTIES_Privilege.jpg (1600×900)

As Always, the Comment Box is Open!

Friday, November 4, 2016

An Okie Traditionalist Mother Writes into the Blog

Last week I decided to step out on my front porch and blast my trumpet across the Traditional Latin Mass Movement of Oklahoma, to offer what help this little blog might give our Local Church. (Calling All Okie Traditionalists).

One devoted Catholic Mother named Andrea, from a RURAL parish south of Oklahoma City, as she describes it, responded expressing her experience as a traditional Catholic riding the Back Pew in her local, modernist parish.

Michelangelo-pieta-detail-2.jpg (600×600)

A Mother Writes In (emphasis mine):

Joseph, 
You describe our situation exactly. We would be the traditionalist sitting in the back row of the Novus Ordo, cringing as we try not to notice the gum chewer to our left, the short skirt and low-cut blouse to the right . . . here comes the part where everyone holds and lifts hands, another Protestant infiltration, Our Sacred Lord placed in dirty hands and flopped in the mouth . . . Even the hymns are not reverent; "They will know we are Christians by our love" was written by an ex-priest (Peter Scholtes). One gets weary having to sing Protestant hymns every Sunday. Coming out of mass, I feel saddened and worn out. So much disrespect for the Eucharist. How does one block every bit of it out? It is difficult and with 4 children in tow, everything matters so much more.....The Oklahoma parish we currently attend is VERY tiny. We are the only family with younger children there. I had a conversation with one of the older parishioners (she is in her late 60's). She seemed angry when I mentioned my love of the Latin mass. Her comment was how horrible it was, how she was just a "spectator" and didn't get to be "involved". I pondered her comment for a good long while. This, indeed, is the root of the whole problem. The mass, that was once solely "about" Christ, is now about US or ME. I'm bored, I want to be a part of it too, I want to pass communion out too, I want to do this and that, etc. It's all me, me, me. And there you have it: altar girls, lay ministers, musicians with guitars only a few feet from the altar, which family gets to carry up the gifts this Sunday . . . and the list goes on and on. And then, somewhere in all of this distraction, is our Precious Lord.
We are all suffering. I hold on to what Christ said, "...the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church." And so, I wait . . . patiently at times, and not so patiently at other times. And once in a while, we get to attend a Traditional Latin Mass . . . the mass that my generation was robbed of..

Thank you Andrea for standing up and sharing your story from Rural Oklahoma. I'd estimate there are on the order of Thousands of traditional Catholics here in Oklahoma like this mother, "sitting in the back row of the Novus Ordo," with very similar experiences.

ok-largemap.png (756×550)

My Thoughts:

Allow me to add some comments on the sections I underlined above.  I think it can be easily forgotten--I know I do--that perhaps far more traditional Catholics across the RURAL parts of our state (as in other states) are enduring the mental-spiritual torture of their local Novus Ordo Mass, then the hundreds of urban Trads blessed by Providence to be able to make it regularly to their TLM in the city.

This devout Catholic Mother asks how she can "block every bit of it out" with 4 children?  Coming out of Mass she feels "saddened and worn out."  The realist in me, who sees no way to divorce the mind from reality, sees no way to "block out" the pervasive Ecclesiastical Mental-Spiritual Abuse, except by staying home on Sunday to pray.

Her anecdote about the angry, older woman in her parish bashing the Latin Mass of her youth, makes me want to go outside and scream.  But considering its 11:30 pm, that might not be the best idea.  I find it ironic those who disdain our Catholic Tradition are often our church elders (lay and ordained alike), while those reconnecting with Tradition tend to be the younger generations.

Anyway, its getting late and I better wrap it up.

If you ever have a similar experience at your own "local, modernist parish," please stand up and share to help readers better re-orient themselves towards the traditional Faith/Church.

Have a restful, cool (finally, thank God), Fall weekend!  I'll be making chili and lighting a fire tomorrow evening!