TUESDAY

November 18, 1997   vol 8, no.33     SECTION ONE

To print out SECTION TWO, Click here.

     Today is the 69th anniversary (birthday) of Mickey Mouse, the brain-child of Walt Disney when he debuted "Steamboat Willie" in New York in 1928. Those were the days, and the five decades that followed, when Disney was synonymous with family values and all that was good in the world. Once Walt was six feet under the entire corporation plummeted in morals and are falling faster as the years, albeit months, even days go by. They tout their theme parks as the "happiest kingdoms on earth" but we know where the happiest kingdom on earth truly is: at every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each and every day in every parish throughout the world where the greatest King comes to us Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. In the last twenty years or so in some parishes the sanctuary has resembled more of an ensemble a la Disney-like circus atmosphere as too many Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist parade around diminishing the role of the priest. The Vatican is out to restore the sacred to this holy time of the Mass and to this lay ministry which was not instituted for the reasons many think today. Therefore the Holy See released last Thursday a 37-page instruction on the Laity's role in assisting the priest to stem the abuse. We continue bringing this entire document to you in small installments each day with part two of the PREMISS. Click on THE VICAR OF CHRIST SPEAKS

     The present reality is that there has been an astonishing growth of pastoral initiatives in this area. This is especially true after the notable impetus given by the Second Vatican Council and the Pontifical Magisterium in this regard.

     The priority of the task of the New Evangelization, which involves all the People of God, requires that, today in particular, in addition to a "special activism" on the part of priests, there be also a full recovery of the awareness of the secular nature of the mission of the laity. (9)

(9: Cf. Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium, n. 31; Pope John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles laici, n. 15, l.c., pp.413-416.)

     This enterprise opens vast horizons, some of which have yet to be explored, for the lay faithful. The faithful can be active in this particular moment of history in areas of culture, in the arts and theatre, scientific research, labor, means of communication, politics, and the economy, etc. They are also called to a greater creativity in seeking out ever more effective means whereby these environments can find the fullness of their meaning in Christ.(10)

(10: Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree Apostolicam actuositatem, n.24.)

     In this great field of complementary activity, whether considering the specifically spiritual and religious, or the consecratio mundi, there exists a more restricted area namely, the sacred ministry of the clergy. In this ministry the lay faithful, men or women and non-ordained members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, are called to assist. The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council refers particularly to this when it teaches: "The hierarchy entrusts the laity with certain charges more closely connected with the duties of pastors: in the teaching of Christian doctrine, for example, in certain liturgical actions in the care of souls".(11)

(11: Second Vatican Council, Decree Apostolicam actuositatem, n. 24.)

     Since these tasks are most closely linked to the duties of pastors, (which office requires reception of the sacrament of Orders), it is necessary that all who are in any way involved in this collaboration, exercise particular care to safeguard the nature and mission of sacred ministry and the vocation and secular character of the lay faithful. It must be remembered that "collaboration with" does not, in fact, mean "substitution for"

NEXT ISSUE: Premiss -part three

     Both were English. Mary Poppins, a Disney by-product in the clean-cut days; and Pope Adrian IV the first and only British pope ever. He succeeded Pope Anastasius IV way back in 1154, clashing with the German Emperor in striving to maintain papal supremacy. The story of this 169th successor of Peter can be found in the forty ninth installment of our mega-series on THE HISTORY OF THE MASS AND HOLY MOTHER CHURCH. Click on Pope Adrian IV: a rose to the Church, a thorn to the German King .

     For the first time ever an Englishman was chosen as the successor of Peter. It hasn't happened since. During the five year reign of Pope Adrian IV Rome teetered on revolt once again as an uneasy alliance with the Germans forced an unlikely alliance with Sicily. Under this English pope Ireland became a British territory and the beginning of strife that continues today in Northern Ireland...but don't blame Adrian so fast since the supposed bull proclaiming this has never been documented and many think it was the English King Henry II using the supreme pontiff to attain his own goals. Nevertheless, Adrian, a staunch defender of the faith, was not one to shy away from controversy as we shall see in...

     The English monk Nicholas Breakspear, who had served as papal legate to both Pope Blessed Eugene III and Pope Anastasius IV was the logical choice to succeed the latter. A day after Anastasius’ death, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Breakspear unanimously on December 4, 1154, thus becoming the first and only English pontiff ever. He chose the name Pope Adrian IV, the first Adrian since late in the eighth century. Some have called these popes Adrian, others Hadrian. We defer to the Vatican records which states "Adrian."

     Pope Adrian was born in Langley, England near St. Alban’s where he had been educated. He had applied at the same monastery to be a monk but was refused. Britain’s loss was France’s gain and eventually all of Christendom for Nicholas eventually ended up as abbot of St. Rufus outside Avignon, France. However, his strictness to following the rule and insistence to obedience caused his ouster as the rest of the monks gained up on him and petitioned Pope Eugene to remove him. This the Holy Father did, but rather than demoting the ostracized holy monk, the Pope promoted him to the rank of cardinal, appointing him Bishop of Albano. Seeing his loyalty beyond question, the Pope sent him as a papal legate to Scandinavia to calm problems that had arisen in Norway and Sweden. His wise diplomacy was so well received that he became an official papal legate.

     Like many others before him, when first notified that he had been chosen as the successor of Peter, he respectfully declined, not feeling worthy. But when pressed he accepted and the Church was the better for it for he became a strenuous defender of Papal supremacy. He was a strong-willed pontiff who would not compromise when it came to asserting the principles and principals of the Church. One of his first acts was to renew the Treaty of Constance with the German king Frederick I Barbarossa since Adrian needed his aid in quelling the insurgence of Roman families who were once again stirring the pot, as well as attacks on the papal states by good old William I of Sicily. With the Holy Roman Emperor in his corner, Adrian turned to the task at home, arresting Arnold of Brescia the leading agitator of the revolt. Yet the Roman families had dreams of power despite Arnold’s incarceration and sought to negotiate clandestinely with Frederick who had visions of restoring the empire as it was in the days of Charlemagne. The Pope and Emperor met at Sutri on June 8, 1155. Frederick was cold and distant and mistrust of him set in, especially in light of the fact Frederick had not kept his end of the bargain in supplying troops. The emperor refused the custom of holding the reins of the Holy Father’s mule, and Adrian retaliated by not giving him the customary kiss of peace. Undaunted and to counter this impasse, Pope Adrian arranged to have Frederick officially crowned Emperor at St. Peter’s on June 18, 1155. The ceremony was worded and performed so that it looked to all the world that the emperor was subservient to the Pope as it should be. Adrian knew what he was doing and had to assure the cardinals that he was in charge. This did not sit well with Frederick, but Adrian had other plans since he mistrusted the German king so. The first was to make peace with William of Sicily which was accomplished at the Treaty of Benevento exactly a year to the date he had crowned Frederick. Frederick did not take kindly to this "sharing of power" which he had assumed was singular from the Treaty of Constance. Frederick mistook Adrian’s promise of "benefits" as meaning fiefdom and a battle of words and will was underway. Things came to a head at the Diet of Besancon in October 1157 when both sides accused the other of dastardly deeds. Adrian was upset that Frederick did not seek justice when the Archbishop of Lund, to whom Adrian had appealed and won over as a papal legate in Scandinavia, was murdered by a robber baron. The thread of accord had totally unraveled and a year later in November 1158 Frederick captured Milan, claiming all of northern Italy and Corsica as his territory at the Diet of Roncaglia. This, of course, infringed on the Pope’s right to the territory and Adrian would not approve Frederick’s nominee to the see of Ravenna. Frederick threatened the Pope by stirring up the Roman families against him, forcing Adrian to flee Rome for the refuge of Anagni, Italy where the now-exiled Pope tried to rally the Lombard cities against Frederick, even issuing in October of 1159 an excommunication verdict against the Emperor unless he rescind the Roncaglia degrees within forty days from the Pope’s decree to him. Unfortunately, neither took place for Adrian died at Anagni on November 1, 1159.

     While Adrian’s papacy was often embroiled in heated controversy with Frederick and trying to convince the curia that alignment with Sicily was a good thing, Adrian was a generous and forgiving pontiff. He bestowed favors and privileges on the two monasteries that would not have him and he encouraged annexation of the country of Ireland by the English king Henry II through his "phantom" encyclical Laudabiliter which no one can authenticate. This staunch pope He feared no one, yet was open to constructive criticism which was often wisely and discreetly imparted by his closest counselor Cardinal Roland who would become his successor. It was Adrian who coined the title for the popes that has been used ever since: Vicar of Christ.

NEXT ISSUE: Cardinal Roland becomes Pope Alexander III.

     Maybe at Disneyland and Disney World, but not in God's heart as His Blessed Mother explains in describing her Divine Son's Infinite Divine Mercy which she imparts to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart in Lesson/Meditation #61 of THE HIDDEN WAY. Click on Living the Fifth Beatitude: DIVINE MERCY

Lesson/Meditation #61:

Living the Fifth Beatitude: Divine Mercy

(Imparted on January 28, 1995
to the Hidden Flower by Our Lady)

      Beloved Hidden Flower of my Immaculate Heart, I am here with you. No, do not fear. In God’s time that which is your greatest suffering will become for you, my child, an eternal joy. To all of my little ones whom I love with all Motherly love, I say: Be merciful in all things, following all the examples my Divine Son has given to you. Learn well from the Gospel how beautiful it is to be merciful, because a merciful heart is so dear before the Throne of God. There is no limit to Divine Mercy. To God, to whom all things are known, one who lives mercy causes the Almighty to bend down, to pick up His merciful child in His arms and to comfort, console, forgive and strengthen.

     O! Hear my Motherly words and pray very much that all my Divine Son has told you shall take firm root in your soul and bring mercy to this sorrowing world.

     Mercy must have its roots in prayer which unites the soul to God. Pretense of human actions and speech which look and sound like Mercy, but is nothing more than a masquerade to conceal human pride, ego, self-righteousness and judgmentalness is truly the opposite of Mercy. Pretense of Mercy is self-love. True Mercy from God is love of God expressed with charity toward your neighbor. True Heavenly Mercy does not look at self. It is blind to self. It is blind to all uncharitableness and seeks only to radiate the True Light, my Divine Son.

     Pray daily that Mercy may fill you and will not be found lacking in you at the time of judgment. Seek to root out all of the world and your own human frailties which prevent Divine Mercy from glowing in your soul.

     It is through Holy Mass and the full Sacramental life of my Divine Son’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and through prayer and sacrifice that Mercy dominates and swiftly leads you to unity with God.

     With what tenderness does my Divine Son behold the merciful child. This child is in the Refuge of His Most Sacred Heart. Mercy is then poured out in ever-greater degree upon this soul, who accepts Divine Mercy for its own salvation, and also pleads for Mercy for all the world. Keep control over your thoughts, words and deeds by means of the power of Divine Mercy. If you would be merciful that you may receive Mercy, then come to my Divine Son’s Sacred Cross. Cling to this Sacred Cross where all Mercy was opened for all the world. From my Divine Son’s Cross you will learn what Mercy is. You will take it, treasure it and spend it for all the suffering souls, for you will comprehend that Mercy given freely to others is always replaced by even more Divine Mercy which has no limit.

     Therefore, little children, live my Messages. Pray, sacrifice, fast and do penance and the Infinite Divine Mercy of my Divine Son shall come upon you and all the world, for it must precede Divine Justice. Please heed my words for you cannot conceive of the critical times in which you live and the shortness of time left for all men to come to my Son.

     May Divine Mercy mark the immediate coming years, for I solemnly tell you that if it does not then the sufferings shall increase for every nation, and the souls of many shall be lost. I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

NEXT WEEK: Lesson/Meditation #62:

THE ESSENCE OF THE SIXTH BEATITUDE:"Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God."

     That is what our souls are when we are baptized into the Church and receive God's graces. Continuing with our capsules on the Sacraments with Baptism, we take a few more capsule paragraphs today from the new Catechism of the Catholic Church and the old, but still very applicable Baltimore Catechism so all can better digest what Holy Mother Church teaches concerning the great graces inherent in the Sacraments, a true mark of our faith. Click on Catechism Capsules for the second installment on Baptism.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

      The Sacraments are part and parcel of our lives and so we begin a "capsule series" on each of the Sacraments, bringing you a few capsule paragraphs each day from both the new Catechism of the Catholic Church and the old Baltimore Catechism.

No. 1278 and 1279, page 325 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery; Libreria Editrice Vaticana: Urbi Et Orbi Communications:

[1278]
     The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[1279]
     The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.

---

[633]
Q. Who can administer Baptism?
A. A priest is the ordinary minister of baptism; but in case of necessity anyone who has the use of reason may baptize.

[638]
Q. How is Baptism given?
A. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

[647]
Q. What are the chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism, and what do they signify?
A. The chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism are: (1) A profession of faith and renouncement of the devil to signify our worthiness; (2) The placing of salt in the mouth to signify the wisdom imparted by faith; (3) The holding of the priest's stole to signify our reception into the Church; (4) The anointing to signify the strength given by the Sacrament; (5) The giving of the white garment or cloth to signify our sinless state after baptism; and (6) The giving of the lighted candle to signify the light of faith and fire of love that should dwell in our souls.

To print out SECTION TWO, Click here.

November 18, 1997 volume 8, no. 33         DAILY CATHOLIC