AN APPEAL FOR THE CHURCH TO THE WORLD
How to get the Churches re-opened now.
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, May 13, 2020
This week Charlotte’s abortion facilities remain open yet normal public Masses inside a parish remain restricted for the 9th consecutive week. Something isn’t right.
On Good Shepherd Sunday (May 3) priests in the Diocese of Charlotte began to pose some insightful observations in their homilies about the effects of the lock-down on the faithful:
- We are not dumb sheep – Fr. John Putnam, St. Mark parish (homily link)
- We are losing our humanity – Fr. Timothy Reid, St. Ann parish (homily link)
A few days later on Thursday May 7, several prominent clergy in the Catholic Church, including several Cardinals, Bishops, and priests, released a letter to governments across the world condemning the excessive government intrusions and actions, while also addressed several pro-life matters. This letter is of utmost importance.
We encourage you to read all of it:
APPEAL FOR THE CHURCH TO THE WORLD – To Catholics and all people of goodwill
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/four-cardinals-several-bishops-sign-appeal-against-coronavirus-restrictions
Here are some important excerpts – especially about respect life and the rights of the Church.
Abortion/Population Control:
- In particular, citizens must be given the opportunity to refuse these restrictions on personal freedom, without any penalty whatsoever being imposed on those who do not wish to use vaccines, contact tracking or any other similar tool.
- Let us also consider the blatant contradiction of those who pursue policies of drastic population control and at the same time present themselves as the savior of humanity, without any political or social legitimacy.
- Let us also remember, as Pastors, that for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses.
Rights of the Catholic Church:
- Finally, as Pastors responsible for the flock of Christ, let us remember that the Church firmly asserts her autonomy to govern, worship, and teach.
- For this reason, as Pastors we firmly assert the right to decide autonomously on the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction, such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments.
- The State has no right to interfere, for any reason whatsoever, in the sovereignty of the Church.
This last remark is critical for us faithful to understand.
What these Cardinals and Bishops are stating is that the Church (i.e. a diocese) has the authority right now to re-open the parishes as normal and as they see fit, regardless of the government advisories or re-opening plans. No waiting for Phase 1 or 2 plans necessary.
Re-opening normal public Masses depends on a Bishop.
Writing to the Governor or County Commissioner is not necessary at this point.
Regardless of how this virus began, it has now morphed into an abuse of public authority toward the Catholic Church and an affront to the human dignity of all citizens (especially the unborn).
In an election year, where North Carolina is a battle ground state, and another Supreme Court vacancy looms on the horizon, this suppression of the liberties of the Church and its faithful is a serious cause of concern.
Let us pray for all bishops and priests – including those in the Diocese of Charlotte that they will have the courage to act in this critical moment.
Let us remember the words of Pope St. John Paul II in his inaugural homily in 1978:
DO NOT BE NOT AFRAID. OPEN WIDE THE DOORS FOR CHRIST.
Our Lady of Fatima & St. John Paul II, pray for us!