Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

INTRODUCTION

        Pat Ludwa, a committed lay Catholic from Cleveland, has been asked to contribute, on a regular basis, a lay person's point of view on the Church today. We have been impressed with his insight and the clear logic he brings to the table from his "view from the pew." In all humility, by his own admission, he feels he has very little to offer, but we're sure you'll agree with us that his viewpoint is exactly what millions of the silent majority of Catholics believe and have been trying to say as well. Pat puts it in words that help all of us better understand and convey to others what the Church teaches and we must believe.

        In today's issue Pat Ludwa turns his attention toward the right, the ultra conservative side of the Church which, as he points out, can be just as disobedient if they fail to heed and recognize the Holy See. As often as he has raised the caution flag about the liberal left, he likewise today warns all to be very, very careful in being trapped into thinking those who profess "sedavacantism" are being obedient. They are not for, in effect, they refuse to obey - refuse to serve ('non serviam'). Many on the right use as their rationalization the abuses wrought from Vatican II to declare not only the Second Vatican Council illegal but those who served on the throne of Peter as illegitimate. They claim from Blessed Pope John XXIII on that the true papacy has been vacant, including our present Holy Father Pope John Paul II. This is interesting considering the Pope has done all he can to accommodate those wishing to celebrate the Mass from the Council of Trent. One of the main problems have been the bishops who, despite the Holy Father's directives in Ecclesia Dei, refuse to budge while allowing terrible abuses by the left. Nevertheless, even though there is a need to provide the Tridentine Mass to so many who were weaned on it, disobedience to the Church is never right as Christ asserted in Matthew 16: 19-20. Therefore, even on the right one can leave the Church and many in the Society of St. Piux X have by their blatant refusal to recognize the present Sovereign Pontiff as the legitimate and rightful Vicar of Christ. That is the gist of his column this week, The pendulum swings painfully but properly!

        For past columns by Pat Ludwa, click on VIEW FROM THE PEW Archives   If you want to send him ideas or feedback, you can reach him at ludwa@core.com


    Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

    Return to Front Page of Current Issue