Tulsa Bishop, Bishop Konderla Suggested for Papal Nomination for Synod-2018, by George Weigel. One Tulsan's Argument to the Contrary.

This story popped up on my phone this morning, as I did my morning constitutional, which customarily includes checking Canon 212, an invaluable traditional Catholic news aggregation website.  The title the website's administrator (who I really respect personally) gave to the link was:

"Weigel:  Bishop Konderla would make a very apt papal nominee to Synod-2018?!"

Seems like a reasonable question to me.  It is after all now 2018!  Here is the LINK to Weigel's blog post, in which he recalls the scandal of the rigged 2014 Synod, but then does an About-Face, turning optimistically to the next Synod, opining:

But, hey, memory is a tricky thing and this is the season of mercy, so let’s let bygones be bygones and concentrate now on Synod-2018, which will discuss youth ministry and vocational discernment. Those are very important topics.

5 Paragraph's down Weigel writes:

Bishop David Konderla of Tulsa was the director of campus ministry at Texas A&M for eleven years, where St. Mary’s Catholic Center has set the gold standard in traditional campus ministry and created a model for others to emulate. Over the past twenty years, Konderla and his predecessors have fostered more vocations to the priesthood and religious life than that school with the golden dome in northwest Indiana, while helping many Aggie men and women prepare for fruitful and faithful Catholic marriages. Bishop Konderla would make a very apt papal nominee to Synod-2018.  (emphasis mine)

So of course, being the Diocese of Tulsa's effective Traditionalist Blogger here in the Heartland, I could not refrain from comment.  So folks, here goes.  I'm on vacation, and blogging is good R&R, sitting here in my Okie Armchair sipping diet Coke.

The Okie Traditionalist's Argument to the Contrary:

First, I must preface this post by assuring the reader, including my bishop if he reads this, and my pastor, I am committed to due respect of my Local Ordinary, who is now the recently consecrated Bishop David Konderla, formerly college chaplain and priest at College Station in Texas. 


I'm thinking I'll use the scholastic method to structure my argument, mixed with a bit of satire.  Why not?  It is after all an excellent way to boil down issues.  My approach will decidedly not be traditionalist criticism of + Konderla himself, but about the progressivist orientation of current Vatican Synods, and Weigel's own reputation for pollyanna optimism about the current state of the Church, post-Vatican II.

My Argument:

Question:  should Bishop Konderla of Tulsa be Nominated for the 2018 Synod?  It would seem Yes.

One, Mr. Weigel argues the scandal of the 2014 Synod should be forgotten, and the 2018 Synod approached in an optimistic way, which includes focus on young adults and youth, of which Bishop Konderla has had great experience.

Two, Mr. Weigel argues for Bishop Konderla's role in the Synod, since he apparently fostered more vocations to religious life at College Station than the priests at Notre Dame.

On the contrary, recall that Cardinal Burke, Bishop Schneider, and other cardinals and bishops have condemned the scandal of the 2014 Synod, as a kind of Revolution under Pope Francis to institute a progressivist pastoral policy on moral issues throughout the Church Universal, in particular regarding human sexuality.  They have also issued grave warnings about plans for the next 2018 Synod.  And this is now 2018.

In fact, Pope Francis himself has confirmed that the next Synod will continue the general agenda of the last one, explaining the theme:

"The theme, an expression of the pastoral care of the Church for the young, is consistent with the results of the recent Synod assemblies on the family and with the content of the post-Synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia.   (emphasis mine)   LINK

I would argue that Bishop Konderla, my bishop, should not be nominated to any special role in the next Vatican Synod.  Accepting such a nomination would mean the Tulsa bishop and Local Church objectively endorses the work of the next Synod, not to mention the work of the last one which it is continuing.  

Of course the crux of the argument over the next Synod is one's view of the last Synod and its outcome.  Weigel somehow takes a positive view to the outcome, in particular Amoris Laetitia, insisting being in denial there is any sort of rupture from the Magisterium of John Paul II, et al.  

Hello.  Where can I buy some smelling salts?  :)

Others disagree, including prominent Cardinals, plainly reading what Francis has stated about the document's interpretation, including elevating his famous Letter to the Argentinian bishops (confirming sacriligeous communion) to the Acts of the Apostolic See.


The agenda has already been established, to deepen even more a liberal, Francis-style pastoral policy towards modern ills.  That should be obvious, and require no more demonstration. This likely includes considering official Church endorsement of the heretical position of so-called "civil unions," which the Holy Office (CDF) has already clearly condemned in past pontificates.  After all, young adults also deal with the same sexual, moral issues presented in Amoris. 

The main problem with Weigel's personal nomination of Bishop Konderla is that Weigel is in a serious state of denial at how scandalous the outcome of the last Synod is.  Loui Verrechio has discussed this at his AKACatholic Blog, i.e. Weigel's effective dissent from Catholic teaching about marriage, in his blind, "neoconservative" adherence to Francis' policy.

Reply to Point 1.  The problem of Bishop Konderla having a special voice at the next Synod, on behalf of the youth, is that he was appointed by Francis, who Cardinal Burke, three other Cardinals on record, and other prelates, are basically rightly accusing of a heretical position on communion-for-the-divorced-and-remarried-without-annulment, among other positions. 

The point being, it is reasonable to suspect the modernist powers-that-be in the Vatican (and the Local Church), got the good Fr. Konderla appointed as the new bishop, because he does have a somewhat progressive approach to ministry, but more importantly because he is a team player, and someone that could be wrongfully manipulated to help advance the next phase of the great apostasy in the Church. 

Reply to Point 2.  Being a member of the Tulsa Diocese, having read a good deal about and by our new bishop these last couple years, my personal impression is that, yes, Bishop Konderla is committed on a personal level to orthodoxy and saving souls, in particular young people, as he did in fostering vocations.  That was clear from his successes at College Station.  

But, personal orthodoxy does not always equate to orthodox diocesan policies or pastoral decisions, especially during this Crisis in the Church.  This is especially the case when the bishop is under the control of a presbyteral council that is as a whole, by-and-large committed to Catholic modernism, and holds sway over their Successor to the Apostles in the name of collegiality.  Surely, Weigel would agree on some level this is the dynamic in virtually every diocese in the world, including at the level of Bishop Synods, even in the Vatican, as it was in 2014. 

Conclusion:

I would support an initiative of faithful, Tulsa Catholics appealing to our bishop, Bishop Konderla, to join with Cardinal Burke and other Prelates, in their defense of marriage and the Blessed Sacrament, here in the Heartland, but also if he attends this year's Synod.  Oh, and to refuse participation with Cardinal Cupich in Chicago leading the American Episcopate in the implementation of the next revolutionary "paradigm shift" in the Church.  Read about his Program HERE.  

Emailing this post now to Mr. Weigel, to ask for a response...

St. John Cantius in Chicago. In the News. The Okie Traditionalist Ruminates and Reflects.

Fr. Z was the first to clarify the story HERE.   And now Newsweek has made it national news.  Thanks secular press, now we have to comment.  Mahound's Paradise was one of the first blogs to do so, in a very balanced way.


Background:

For many years, I have only heard the best comments about the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in Chicago. They are a Latin Mass community of priests and brothers who run St. John Cantius parish near downtown Chicago,  while training priests from all parts of the world to offer the truly extraordinary form of the Roman rite.  Aka the Traditional Latin Mass.

In fact,  Fr. Davison of the Tulsa diocese recently sent his associate pastor at the time, Fr. Elmer Rodriguez, to learn the TLM from the Canons,  to offer the traditional Mass in his place before he went on sabbatical.

I myself have visited St. John Cantius and can verify they are at the forefront of preserving our Catholic heritage, and perhaps the main stronghold of orthodoxy left in the archdiocese, just 1.5 Miles from the Archdiocesan Chancery no less.  The sanest place for a Catholic to attend a still faithful parish, I'd think.

And I always heard the best regard for the founder and parish pastor Fr. Frank Phillips,  for his holiness and pastoral care,  and commitment to preserving Catholic tradition,  during this universal Modernist Crisis.   He has served as St. John Cantius' pastor for an impeccable...30 years.

The late Cardinal George (RIP) seemed to hold him in high regard,  being a special patron of Fr. Frank Phillips and his traditional apostolate.

In fact just the other day,  Fr. Z wrote about his high regard for Fr. Phillips and his work.


The Archdiocese of Chicago,  post-Vatican II:

That said,  many informed, orthodox Catholics are acutely aware of the plague of modernist, actively homosexual clergy that have treated the Chicago diocese as their own devil's playground since the days of Bernadine, decades ago.   Talking to my well-followed trad blogger colleague, Oakes Spalding from the Windy City,  it is public knowledge that this is still the case. 

I myself recall sitting down with the late Fr. Charles Fiore (RIP) who later worked with the FSSP and said the TLM,  as he talked to our group about how he and the Wisconsin traditionalist Fr. Alfred Kunz(RIP), both exorcists, once did secret,  official missions in the archdiocese.  Their goal was to put a dent in the underground,  satanic,  pedophaelic, clerical cabal that operated there.  What he related made the hairs on the back of my arms stand on end, literally.  I would learn later this became widely, publicly known,  which is why I can share it.

And we are also acutely aware that their relatively new Francis-appointed bishop,  now a cardinal,  is one of the most influential members of the hierarchy to promote the heterodox policies and outright heresy found in Amoris Laetitia.

In fact,  Cardinal Cupich is officially leading the implementation of the document here in America, for all American bishops (Tulsa bishop too?),  including Francis' official, heretical clarifications of it.  The program includes a progressivist "accompaniment" of Catholics dealing with same sex attraction.  Openly gay Catholics,  including priests,  are to be treated with the utmost pastoral concern,  and incorporated as much as possible into the ecclesial life of the local church, says Francis in his document.

The Francis-appointed prelate in fact has publicly promoted a a conference in Chicago to promote the controversial,  progressive James Martin, S.J.'s approach to pastoral care of Catholics with SSA.

You can't make this stuff up.

Non-Descript Allegations.    

All I am reading is that Fr. Phillips allegedly had improper interactions with certain males.  That. is. all. we. know.  

There is no explanation of the nature of the conduct or how that would warrant an actual suspension from acting as a priest.  

No public allegation has been made that Father used force or manipulation in whatever he is said to have done.

In fact, Father is not charged with either a canonical or civil penalty.  Yet he is somehow suspended from all public ministry.

Naturally, we should be concerned.  Priests in the past have abused others using their authority, even traditionalist priests in certain instances.  Of course there has to be procedure.  

However, the allegations are decidedly non-descript.  The archdiocese is offering no clarity.  Yet, anyway.  Fr. Phillips' reputation of 30 years is impeccable.  

For all we know he likes to give men hugs.  In the meantime, if you google his good name, that excellent reputation has been presently erased doing a google search.   Can it be restored, or has the damage already been done to him and the Canons Regular he founded?


Where's the "Accompaniment" Cardinal Cupich?

Fr. Z was the first to report the public announcement of Fr. Phillips' suspension,  asking for prayers for Father, a swift inquiry, emphatically defending his innocence, and giving his impression the decision seems "pretty sudden and draconian."  Draconian.

I talked to Oakes Spalding, blogger and St. John Cantius parishioner for 9 years,  who attends with his wife and children.  He was present for a meeting with diocesan representatives,  and has interviewed a number of people.  In his opinion, while the allegations are concerning,  overall they come across very questionable.  This situation naturally begs the question, if the allegations are trumped up as a political attack on the work of preserving our Catholic tradition in Chicago,  including the Mass of the Saints.  That is Oakes' perspective, at least.

You would think the diocese, if it was consistent,  would show as much "accompaniment and discernment" to the Catholic in question as it would to any other Catholic, be they traditionalist,  conservative,  or progressive, laity or priest.

According to Oakes, no assuring,  positive signs of "accompaniment" have yet to be shown to the accused pastor or the affected families of the parish.


Last Thoughts:

Myself,  having witnessed a verifiable rejection of two Latin Mass-devoted religious communities in my own local Church, recently,  without clear reasons given to the laity of the diocese, it does beg the question,  under the current pontificate:

Is there an open season on traditionalist communities in the wake of the current heresy/schism dividing the Church today?

This remains to be verified in Chicago,  under new church leadership.

But should we moderns who depend greatly on the internet world just ignore the bloggers,  pray,  and keep our protests to quiet whispers in the church parking lot?

Fr. Z himself thinks not,  calling for a public effort to address the authorities, to defend a good priest's rights and the good name of St. John Cantius as a Latin Mass community:

Everyone who can do something in addition to praying should also prompt, move, push and plead that this be swiftly investigated and swiftly resolved. In justice, this must not drag out, to the detriment of his good name and the good works which have multiplied over the years at the now world-famous St. John Cantius.

Folks, hopefully the suspension will end "swiftly" (Fr. Z's word),  but I'll follow the story again on the blog.  We Okie Trads here in the Heartland live 12+ hours away,  but this may as well be affecting our own local Church, and our own Latin Mass community.  I am convinced the same battle inside the Church, to further suppress Catholic tradition, is unfolding more and more in every single diocese, which is not a reason to despair,  but to act.  Yes pray,  but to voice our concerns to the pastors. 

Join the Online Prayer HERE.

And I would encourage readers to respectfully contact Cardinal Cupich to express any concerns, as I will.

Contact Info HERE.    Free Internet Fax HERE.

10 Things I'd Rather Be Doing than Reading about Benedict XVI endorsing the "Theology of Pope Francis."

I'm one of those trads whose serotonin levels do not elevate reading the current news about the current pontificate.  They decline, worse than one of those cloudy, sopping wet, dreary days.  If you need your critical Catholic news fix, I understand.  Whatever keeps the mind in this modern mosh pit afloat. 

As usual, hard-core trad bloggers sound the alarm, like my trad blogger colleague out of Chicago, Mahounds Paradise, while Fr. Z practice's spin control (scroll down).  Oakes Spalding in Chicago is circulating the story out of Rome that apparently Benedict XVI has endorsed in writing the "theology of Pope Francis."  Fr. Z goes so far as to suggest the letter doesn't sound like Ratzinger, while commenting on his travels and food adventures.  

Went to Mohawk Park Again, in Tulsa

I want to share this experience because I think this hidden gem is an excellent place in particular for a family outing.  It is a wholesome, frugal place to connect with the Creator by means of His Creation.

Wrote about this Oasis, recently.
HERE.

God's providence is a marvel, how it directs us in all the minute circumstances of daily life.  It was a cold, Sunday afternoon in early January, and I had an itch for re-connecting with the great outdoors, also known as Creation.  If you're a Tulsan like me, and live anywhere near Midtown like me, you know there aren't a lot of choices if you need a super Walmart.  The one at 81st and Lewis is just about as shady as the one on north Memorial, so I usually venture to the Memorial location since it's closer.  

That Sunday, I bought a small, backpacking-size fishing pole at Walmart.  As I walked to my car, I wondered where would be a good choice nearby to go fishing, and I thought of Mohawk Park on the north side of the city, in the countryside attached to the Tulsa Zoo.

I didn't catch anything that late afternoon, but I was really inspired by the place, how much is there:  the large park, picnic cabins with fireplaces,  a meandering stream, the city zoo, Oxley nature center/hiking trails, a golf course, and a neat Knights of Columbus lodge on the edge of the park.

Went to Mohawk Park Again, Yesterday.

So we packed one of those old-fashioned picnic baskets with chicken legs, brats, and mackerel, bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, plus some beer and pop.  I grabbed the charcoal, and out the door we went, arriving shortly later at a cabin, picnic shelter, the second to last cabin as the road veers to the right towards Oxley nature center.  Having analyzed the park, I highly recommend this spot.  A grill is very close to the cabin, and the creek runs feet behind it. It is more quiet and removed, as the park can really fill up with people on nice days like this weekend.

Here is a picture of the cabin area:

I like how these big cabins are FREE, and the whole park is open until 9 pm.  You can actually have more than a picnic experience, but the whole gamut of camping activities, minus the overnight stay.

Here is our meal:

While I unpacked our goods, started the coals, gathered firewood, and built a fire in the cabin's fireplace, the Mrs. was good to prep the food and grill.  The weather was really divine, the setting simple but picturesque.  It was a welcome retreat from the modern grind.

Here is the fire I built, and how I built it:

Got to use my new bushcraft saw.  Built my go-to fire design, a tee-pee built inside a log cabin.

Managed to catch a little time before dark to fish in the stream behind our spot:

I hear tale there are a good # of fish in this stream.  One gentleman related to me catching several large catfish there, once upon a time.

Deo gracias.  Thank God.  This was a bless-ed re-creation.  Hope you all can check out Mohawk Park one day, with you and yours.

Have a good week.  Enjoy the longer days! 

Calling all Clear Creekers! In Need of Land. Want to build a Cabin!

Hey Fellow Okie Traditionalists.  Do any of you live out by Clear Creek Abbey?  I am looking for land to build a small, weekend cabin, now or in the foreseeable future.  Either to buy, or with permission to use a remote spot in the wilderness, to make a small camp and hike around a bit.  Do you know of any land for sale, or anyone who might let me build something like this in their woods?  Would be greatly obliged for any feedback.

Clear Creek Workday Yesterday. I'm in a Body Cast.

At least I feel like I should be in a body cast, I'm so sore, even 24 hours after returning from Clear Creek Abbey for their Annual, March Workday, where hundreds of visitors come together for a long day of ora et labora.  Well, from past experiences, it definitely leans heavily towards 
labora, in a good way!