Rebellion
I have long believed that the problems that Bishop Braxton has faced in Belleville, IL since his installation were motivated by his orthodoxy and demands for fidelity to the faith. Now comes further evidence that this is so. Many have probably already read the Bishop’s Holy Thursday letter, but if not here is a link to it along with some relevant snippets:
There was, however, one experience associated with my Installation celebration that is unknown to you. It is something that I have kept to myself for nearly three years. I now think it might be helpful for you, the Christian Faithful, to know about this experience. Just days before my Installation, the Administrator of the Diocese informed me that a group of priests wanted to meet with me in the rectory of what would soon be my Cathedral Church. I went to the meeting with no knowledge of what the meeting was about. The meeting was with a group of priests who I did not know at all, having never met them or spoken to them before. They certainly did not know me. To my surprise, the purpose of the meeting was to inform me that I should reject the appointment by the Holy Father to be your Bishop that I should cancel the Installation ceremony and step aside so that a more suitable Bishop could be chosen. For a period of more than two hours, these priests told me that there was a “firestorm of hatred” against me in Belleville, that I was not welcome here, that I would never be welcome here, that very few people would attend my Installation, and that they had investigated my history and could not find even one person from anyplace where I have served around the country who had anything positive to say about me. They also told me they had incriminating information against me which might be released, if I did not heed their words. They were quite insistent that I had no choice but to leave.
I listened to their entire startling presentation without interrupting any of the speakers. Before I spoke, I asked if everyone had finished with their comments. I then informed them that it is the unique ministry of our Holy Father, the Pope, to appoint and transfer bishops, or to ask for their resignations. No one else in the Church has the authority or the responsibility to do so. I told them that in my life as a Priest and as a Bishop I have always sought to be completely obedient to the Holy Father and completely faithful to the magisterium of the Church. I stated clearly that it was my intention to serve the Diocese faithfully for as long as the Holy Father wanted me to do so. I now repeat to you today what I said to this group of priests. It is my intention to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for as long as the Holy Father wants me to do so. Shortly after this meeting, perhaps unprecedented in the history of the Church in the United States, I received an anonymous phone call on my private line. The message was simple. “We will not rest until we get rid of you.” Recently, I received the same message from the same anonymous caller. I have shared this experience with you with some hesitance. However, it may help you to understand more recent experiences.
One need not venture very far to guess who these priests might have been as they have signed their names regularly and publicly to complaints against the Bishop since he first arrived. Bishop Braxton ends his letter with words from St. Thomas More indicating that he will remain faithful to the Holy Father and the Church even in the face of this white martyrdom to which he is being subjected. Please pray for Bishop Braxton and the Diocese of Belleville.
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I’ve just about had enough of these liberal heretics (I refuse to call them ‘dissenters’; that term has a positive historical connotation that allows them to think they’re right. Heretic is the proper thing to call them, they chafe under it because they know that’s what they are, so let’s call a spade a spade.)
I think an cleansing of these gravely disobedient priests is well in order, and long overdue. I pray His Eminence will soon give these men their walking papers; it is long overdue.
Comment by Steven Cornett — March 31, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
God Bless Bishop Braxton. It must be a very painful time for him right now. I agree with Steven’s comment - it’s about time to get rid of disobedient priests and restore the right of a bishop in his own diocese, unhindered.
Comment by Cindy — April 1, 2008 @ 9:05 am
The sentiments are fine–but there is a practical problem–same as the one facing Abp. Dolan in Milwaukee.
Let’s say for the sake of argument that there are 100 parishes in Belleville Diocese and 150 priests. If 50 of those priests are ‘heretics’ worthy of forced expulsion, that leaves only 1 priest/parish (for the time being.)
20% of the remaining priests are likely over the age of 65, meaning that only 80 parishes will be served by a priest in the next 10 years or less.
Another 10% of the remainder will be ill, or infirm, for SOME period of time in the next few years.
Meantime, the RC population of Belleville will not decrease.
So what’s a Bishop to do? Firing the priests would be immensely satisfying to a lot of folks. But what of the sacramental life of the Diocese?
Here in Milwaukee, 165+ priests belong to a “union.” While it would be inaccurate to characterize all of them as ‘heretics,’ it IS accurate to say that they are less-than-100% devoted to their vocation. These guys run a lot of Parishes, baptizing, shriving, and administering the Rites to a lot of people.
What’s a Bishop to do?
Comment by dad29 — April 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Wow, I had no idea! I will pray for him.
Dad - you certainly have some points worthy of consideration. Perhaps some solutions include removing the worst offenders first. Some will snap into shape (enough so, at least) after seeing that. Some won’t, they’ll go next.
To fill in, you make use of Opus Dei, LC, and priests from orders. Even the retired priests who are often capable and happy to cover one mass a week. You maximize the deacons as best you can. And in the interim, you have your parish praying especially for vocations.
That’s exactly what we are doing at our parish. We just went from two priests to one. We had to cut out one mass and pull in visitor priests every weekend.
Comment by Monica — April 1, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Re: Monica
You forgot the most important thing. Have my Seminary be my top priority, especially its curriculum. Remove the Lay Pastorial Ministry programs and focus on educating priests and deacons.
I’d also make sure the role of men in the Church was front and center. For one thing, no altar girls…that’s a big factor right there.
Comment by Steven Cornett — April 1, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
Perhaps some solutions include removing the worst offenders first. Some will snap into shape (enough so, at least) after seeing that. Some won’t, they’ll go next
Now and then I have humorously suggested that the Abp. of Milwaukee simply execute a Leading Wacko Priest (pick one…) in Cathedral Square. Happily, he has not acted on this suggestion.
I agree that one or two highly visible smackdowns may motivate other dissenters to “discern” their true vocation. And bringing in Orders is helpful.
Sadly, the Orders can only provide so many people–they are in demand, believe it or not.
And the Sem is critical, which is why Abp. Dolan closed the cesspool called “St Francis Major Seminary.” There was simply no way to redeem it, after 125++ years.
Comment by dad29 — April 2, 2008 @ 11:54 am