The Catholic Church vs. Liberation Theology

by Chris Dickson, F.L.A.

I am appalled by the naivete of our Church being duped into anti-Christian communism. Liberation theology is a threat to free society by its undermining of the Church and its Magisterium through attempting to redefine moral issues (changing the Gospel to support theology opposed to shaping theology as a result of the Gospel.)

Ignorance is not bliss and unless we familiarize ourselves with the dangers, then future generations will demand answers as to why we threw away our freedom in lieu of communism.

To quote Gustavo Gutierrez (the "father" of liberation theology,) "There is no evil in being subversive, struggling against the capitalist system...Liberation leads to reinterpreting the Gospel...As I have witnessed the power of Marxism to provide motivation for a life of service where none existed before, I have come to a new appreciation of this part of my own history. I cannot settle for any story of America that fails to give a central place to this vision."

Again, Roger Garaudy (one of France's foremost Marxist intellectuals) wrote, "Socialism is a traditional stage in the passage from capitalism to communism." Also, "When the established order involves such injustice that millions of men are exploited, oppressed, mutilated, and humiliated by this order, a revolution, even armed revolution, can be less costly and in the long run less 'violent' than this established disorder, which has become pure violence. Of this, incidentally, many Christians are today becoming conscious, including, for example, even priests and bishops in Latin America."

Charles E. Curran, no longer permitted by the Church to teach moral theology at Catholic universities, has stated,"Questions arise in the light of both the importance and the limitations of Scriptures. In the light of the most striking development has been the emergence of dissent within the Roman Catholic theological community from the teachings of the hierarchical magisterium on specific moral issues."

One cannot help but feel an air of approval when local archdiocesan newspapers print articles written by these people. Already we have seen a swing by our priests and educators away from the Church's doctrine of "norma normans non normata"(the Scriptures being the norm above all other norms by which all norms are taken) and are thus shown to question the Scripture's relevance in our daily lives.

Perhaps we need to seek the definition of a couple terms which seem to have taken on good and bad connotations in complete reversal of their intended meanings:

First of all, the term orthodoxy means "right praise," or consistency with the faith of the Church as embodied in Sacred Scripture, the Fathers, official teachings and the liturgy.

Libertaion theology, on the other hand, is defined as a new type of theology which emphasizes the motif of liberation in both Old and New Testaments and which reinterprets all doctrines in terms of that motif. Forms of liberation theology include Latin American, black and feminist.

Jesus "liberated" all of us from the bonds of oppression. Rather than reinterpreting the Gospel, perhaps we would be better served to "live it." This idea may not be popular with some in the Church today, but by returning to the basics of our faith, we will be truly liberated through the instruction of Sacred Scriptures if only we would accept Jesus as the catalyst of our lives.

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Blessing Bags

 

 

Blessing Bags to keep in the car when you pass homeless people. Something special you can do with the kids to teach them about caring for others.


 INGREDIENTS

• band aids
• mouthwash
• coins or predetermined dollar amount, say 5.00 (could be used to make a phone call, or purchase a food item)
• hand wipes
• you could also put in a warm pair of socks
• a packet rain poncho
• tampons (for women)
•  Gallon size Ziplock bags
• chap stick
• packages of tissues
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• comb
• soap
• hotel size shampoos
• trail mix
• granola bars
• crackers
• pack of gum

The ideas could be endless!

 

 Assemble all the items in the bags, and maybe throw in a note of encouragement. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of providence.

White Cord of St. Francis of Assisi now available through the Portiuncula Hermitage

The Cincture, or White Cord, is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, Consecrated Virgins and religious wear cinctures, and the wearing of cinctures in honor of a particular saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore the cincture in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity. Franciscans wear a White Cincture called a 'Cintura Bianca' (pronounced Chin-Torah-Bee-Anka) which translated means 'White Rope.' The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chatity and Obedience, the three Conerstones of the Franciscan Order.

To order your own 

White Cord of St. Francis 

The Portiuncula Hermitage 

simply go to 

Penance Cilice 

http://www.cilice.co.uk/hairshirts.php

St. Dominic once asked St. Francis of Assisi for his White Cord he wore over his tunic. Dominic, the Founder of the Dominican Order,  wore this White Cord under his habit for the remainder of his life in honor of St. Francis, whom he so greatly admired and respected. This White Cord can be worn inside trousers or under a dress without anyone having knowledge that you are doing so.

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White Cord of St. Francis of Assisi now available through the Portiuncula Hermitage

The Cincture, or White Cord, is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, Consecrated Virgins and religious wear cinctures, and the wearing of cinctures in honor of a particular saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore the cincture in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity. Franciscans wear a White Cincture called a 'Cintura Bianca' (pronounced Chin-Torah-Bee-Anka) which translated means 'White Rope.' The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chatity and Obedience, the three Conerstones of the Franciscan Order.

To order your own 

White Cord of St. Francis 

The Portiuncula Hermitage 

simply go to 

Penannce Cilice 

http://www.cilice.co.uk/hairshirts.php

St. Dominic once asked St. Francis of Assisi for his White Cord he wore over his tunic. Dominic, the Founder of the Dominican Order,  wore this White Cord under his habit for the remainder of his life in honor of St. Francis, whom he so greatly admired and respected. This White Cord can be worn inside trousers or under a dress without anyone having knowledge that you are doing so.

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How To Size Your White Cord of St. Francis

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The Cord of St. Francis

Walfred, who lived in Cita' della Pieve, a devout and God-fearing man, as was his household, had a cord with which the blessed Francis had been girded at one time. It happened that in this place many men and women were afflicted with various illnesses and fevers. This man, after dipping the cord in water or mixing some strands of the cord in the water, would give the water to the sick to drink; and thus all of them were healed in Christ's name. These thing took place in the absence of Blessed Francis, and many more things happened too which we could not tell adaquately even at great length. 

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, First Life

Chapter XXII

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White Cord of St. Francis of Assisi now available through the Portiuncula Hermitage

The Cincture, or White Cord, is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, Consecrated Virgins and religious wear cinctures, and the wearing of cinctures in honor of a particular saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore the cincture in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity. Franciscans wear a White Cincture called a 'Cintura Bianca' (pronounced Chin-Torah-Bee-Anka) which translated means 'White Rope.' The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chatity and Obedience, the three Conerstones of the Franciscan Order.

To order your own 

White Cord of St. Francis 

The Portiuncula Hermitage 

simply go to 

Penannce Cilice 

http://www.cilice.co.uk/hairshirts.php

St. Dominic once asked St. Francis of Assisi for his White Cord he wore over his tunic. Dominic, the Founder of the Dominican Order,  wore this White Cord under his habit for the remainder of his life in honor of St. Francis, whom he so greatly admired and respected. This White Cord can be worn inside trousers or under a dress without anyone having knowledge that you are doing so.

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Fox News - GoodShop for the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage

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Please remember

the

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center

Donates 10% of their Income to

BirthRight

 (a loving alternative to Abortion)

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The Stigmata of St. Francis

"I was praying on that spot where the Chapel of Count Simon of Battifolle is now, and I was asking my Lord Jesus Christ for two graces. The first was that I should feel in my soul and in my body, as far as possible, all that pain which He had felt within Himself during His most hly Passion. The second grace I asked was that I should likewise feel in my heart that most intense love which He enkindled within Himself so as to endure such suffering for us sinners. And then God put it into my heart that He would let me feel both the one and then the other, as much as possible for a mere creature. And that was fully accomplished in me during the imprinting of the Stigmata."

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Little Flowers of St. Francis 

Part II

The Considerations of the Holy Stigmata

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The Way of Simplicity and Humility

When blessed Francis was at the Chapter General held at Saint Mary of the Portiuncula - known as the Chapter of Mats, because the only shelters there consisted of rush-mats, which were used by five thousand friars - a number of prudent and learned friars went to the Lord Cardinal of Ostia who was present, and said to him, 'My Lord, we wish that you would persuade Brother Francis to follow the advice of the wiser brethren, and allow himself to be guided by them.' And they quoted Rules of Saint Benedict, Saint Augustine, and Saint Bernard, which lay down the principles of the regular life.

Saint Francis replied, 'My brothers! My brothers! God has called me by the say of simplicity and humility, and has in truth revealed this way for me and for all who are willing to trust and follow me...The Lord told me he wished me to be a new kind of simpleton in this world, and He does not wish us to libe by any other wisdom but this. God will confound you through your own prudence and learning.'

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 68

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Cells Built Only of Wood and Clay

One day, when Francis had left the cell, one of the friars went to look at it, and afterwards came to the place where blessed Francis was. Seeing him, the holy Father said to him, "Where have you come from, brother?" "I have come from your cell," he replied. Then blessed Francis said, "Because you have called it mine, some one else shall use it henceforward, and not I." For we who were with him have often heard him quote the saying, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have resting-places; the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head... So, after His example, he would not have any house or cell that could be called his own, nor did he ever have one built. 

(Even at the time of his death Francis had it written in his Testament that all cells and houses of the friars were to be built only of wood and clay, the better to safeguard poverty and humility.)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 9

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Knights of the Round Table

Portiuncula Hermitage and Retreat Center 

Jerusalem, Ohio

 

St. Francis said, "There are many brothers who day and night put all their energy and all their attention into the pursuit of knowledge, thereby abandoning prayer and their holy vocation. And when they have preached to a few men or to the people, and learn that certain ones were edified or converted to penance through their discourse, they are puffed up and pride themselves on the results and works of others. For, those whom they think they edified or converted to penance by their discourse were actually edified and converted by God through the prayers of the holy brothers who are completely ignorant of it; God wishes it this way for fear it should be grounds for pride for them. Behold my Knights of the Round Table: the brothers who hide in abandoned and secluded places to devote themselves with more fervor to prayer and meditation, to weep over their sins and those of others. Their holiness is known only to God, but most often unknown to the brothers and to men."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 71

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The Devil Made Me Do It!

Many people blame the devil or their neighbor when they fall into sin or are offended. But that is not right. Everyone has their own enemy in their power and this enemy is our lower nature which leads us into sin. Blessed are you who keep this enemy a prisoner under your control and protect yourselves against it. As long as you do this no other enemy, visible or invisible, can harm you.

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Admonitions

Admonition X

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Can You Affrord Just $5.00 a Month to Help Us Build Our Chapel?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It's times like these that tempt Catholics to throw in the towel and give up on the culture of despair.
Greed and corruption have wreaked havoc on our nation's economy. Euthanasia just received Washington State's stamp of approval. And all the pro-life victories of the past decade are now in jeopardy. It's the perfect storm for despair. But despair is the last thing we should do.
In troubled times, Christ calls us to pray, to trust in his perfect will, and to cooperate with his grace.
Ultimately, Christ calls us to hope. He calls us to remember that for Christians, peace does not rest on who wins an election or on the value of our stock portfolios, but in a loving God who “in everything...works for good.”
Of course, God doesn't just call us to hope. He gives us reasons to hope and signs of the good things to come.
I truly believe one of those reasons, one of those signs, is the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center.
While many other Catholic institutions have sold out to the culture of death, the Portiuncula, along with a few others, has fought steadfastly for a culture of life. It has faithfully stood alongside the Church, forming men and women capable of true leadership and committed to bringing Christ to the culture.
But the Portiuncula Retreat Center can't be built alone. To build, we need your help! And that is why I'm writing you today: To invite you to join me in helping our culture through these troubled times by helping build the Portiuncula Retreat Center.
United in the Roman Catholic tradition and obedient to the Magisterium of the Church and the Bishop of Steubenville, we are committed to our Lord and Savior in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church and in our Brothers and Sisters.
With God's grace and your help, I believe past Portiuncula retreatants and those soon to follow in their footsteps will lead our culture and our country out of these troubled times.
That is why I invite you to share the work of these Catholics and the Portiuncula Hermitage that is forming them.
First, allow them to pray for you.
Prayer is the lifeblood of the Portiuncula Hermitage, and the Franciscan family would be honored to include you in their prayers. Please e-mail your most pressing intentions to: hermitage@parallax.ws
Everyone at the Portiuncula will pray for your intentions before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass.
In turn, please pray for the Portiuncula, that it might continue to form leaders who can be salt and light to our world.
Finally, I would be grateful if you supported the work of building the Portiuncula Chapel with a generous financial contribution.
Your support of the Portiuncula will make it possible for the sons and daughters of the Church to grow in faith during their retreats, and become the courageous Catholic leaders the world desperately needs.
Today, I want to ask you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply donating $5.00 $10.00 or $15.00 a month.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION

Or mail your Alms to:

Portiuncula Hermitage
% 508 South 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374

Please, become a part of the Portiuncula Hermitage's work today. Don't let this chance to turn the culture around pass you by.
Pax Et Bonum!

Fra Chris

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"Come to the Quiet" 2011 Retreat Schedule

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"Come to the Quiet” 

2011 Retreats

May 20-22

Men Only

June 24-26

Women Only

July 15-17

Men Only

July – Reserved:

Married Couples Only Retreat – TBA

(We are limiting this to only Three Couples)

August – Reserved:

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Grad Students - TBA

September – TBA

Women Only   

What is a “Come to the Quiet” Retreat?

A “Come to the Quiet” Retreat is a SILENT RETREAT which means no cell phones, beepers, computers, and no talking except when we come together to pray the Office of the Hours. To be fair to the other Retreatants, these rules must be vigorously adhered to. Joining together with God and being able to listen to Him as He speaks to us in the Silence of Prayer is the sole purpose for this retreat.

What is the Schedule:

Fr. Todd will be offering us Reconciliation at St. Andrew's at 11:00 A.M. on Friday and we will be leaving St. Andrew's at 12:00 Noon “SHARP.” There can be no exceptions! Even if you don't plan on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please plan on arriving with the rest of the group at 11:00 A.M., so that we don't hold the rest of the group up! We will close the retreat at Sunday morning Mass at St. Sylverster's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio.   

What should I bring?

1. Your bible
2. Any medications you may require
3. Shaving Kit
4. Extra change of clothing for Mass on Sunday - Casual (Tan Colored Clothing preferred)
5. Sleeping bag and pillow
6. Extra pairs of dry socks and underwear
7. Towels and washcloths
8. Extra sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly
   

What is the Cost?

The cost is  $110 per person ($40 non refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration).

Your Registration includes Saturday and Sunday Morning Continental Breakfasts, your Saturday evening meal, along with healthy drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.

Please makes checks payable to:

The Portiuncula Hermitage

% 508 South 16^th Street

Richmond, IN 47374

Occupancy is extremely limited, so please get your Registration in as soon as possible!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _________________________State: _____Zip: ________

Phone: (____) - _____- ______________

Preferred Weekend: First Choice:_____________________

Second Choice:_____________________

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Tender Affection for Irrational Creatures

 St. Francis Preching to the Birds
in Spoleto, Italy

On another occassion, St. Francis was journeying about the valley of Spoleto preaching, when he came to a place near Bevagna in which a huge flock of birds of various kinds had gathered. The moment he saw them, the Spirit of God came upon him and he hurried to them. He greeted them cheerfully and told them to be quiet and listen to the word of God attentively. He spoke to them at length about the benefits God bestows on His creatures and the praise which they owe Him. The birds showed their pleasure in a wonderful manner; they stretched out their necks and flapped their wings, opening their beaks and looking at him closely. It was only right that St. Francis, who was so full of God, should have felt such tender affection for these irrational creatures; in their turn, they were so attracted towards him that they listened as he taught them and obeyed when he commanded them.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Minor Life

Chapter V

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Live The Life Of The Gospel

When God gave me some friars, there was no one to tell me what I should do; but the Most High himself made it clear to me that I must live the life of the Gospel. I had this written down briefly and simply and his holiness the Pope confirmed it for me.

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Testament of St. Francis

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St. Francis and the Swallows

Continuing his journey, Francis preached in the neighboring villages, and eventually he came to Alviano. Here he summoned the whole population and called for silence, but he could scarcely be heard above the cries of the swallows which were nesting there and making a lot of noise. He spoke to them, while the crowd was listening, and said, "My sisters, it is my turn to speak now. You have said enough already. Listen to God's word and be quiet until the sermon is over." Immediately they became silent, just as if they unsterstood, and they never moved until the whole sermon was finished. The onlookers were amazed and gave glory to God. The story of this miracle was told far and wide, so that people had great reverence for the saint and were moved to greater faith.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter XII

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The Tongue That Pours Out The Poison Of Anger

It happened that a certain brother named Barbaro once hurled an abusive word against another brother in the presence of a certain nobleman from the island of Cyprus. When he saw that brother somewhat hurt by the conflict of words, he took some asses' dung and put it into his mouth to be eaten as vengeance upon himself; and he said: "Let the tongue that poured out the poison of anger upon my brother eat dung." Seeing this, the knight was struck with astonishment and departed greatly edified...

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter CXV

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St. Francis and the Vase

One Lent St. Francis made a little vase, using just the little time he had to spare, so that he would not be completely taken up with it. One day, while he was devoutly saying Tierce, his eyes turned to look at the vessel, and he felt that the interior man was thereby impeded in its fervor. Sorrowful therefore that the voice of his heart had been interrupted in its speaking to the ears of God, when Tierce was finished he said before the listening brothers: "Alas, what a worthless work that has such power over me that it can twist my mind to itself! I will sacrifice it to the Lord, whose sacrifice it has impeded." When he said these words, he took the little vase and threw it into the fire to be burned. "Let us be ashamed," he said, "to be caught up by worthless imaginings, for at the time of prayer we speak to the great King."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter LXIII

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