The Pope and exorcism

Denials are always difficult in public relations. Today's big denial from the Vatican is to say that the Holy Father did not carry out an exorcism. More or less every major news outlet seems to be carrying the story of the non-exorcism: after all, exorcism, even if it didn't happen, is a subject which is exciting for many people.

The Vatican news site continues with a short interview with Fr. Bernd Hagenkord, SJ which is very sensible. As a teacher of sacramental theology, I include an excursus on exorcism in my course. Fr Hagenkord rightly and briefly states that exorcism is not a sacrament. An interesting point for theologians is the question of whether exorcism is a sacramental. It is usually listed as such in the manuals, including that of the most excellent Felix Cappello. However, the highly respected theologian, Dr Manfred Hauke wrote in the periodical Antiphon (Vol 10. 2006) arguing that it was a specific priestly power given by Christ, not simply a sacramental instituted by the Church. I am sure he is correct in this.

Quite rightly the Church tries to avoid sensationalism on this subject. In fact, the devil's work is not an exciting horror-movie spectacular, it is sick, nasty, destructive, (and often revoltingly petty.) I think that the adversary's work is often accomplished most effectively in causing discord, jealousy, and hatred between good people. You don't have to be a tree-hugging hippy to draw the lesson from St John that the remedy is that we should love one another. This includes forbearance when we are wronged, patience with those who annoy us, and the spiritual scud missile of conscious acts of supernatural charity (however small and hidden) carried out with the motive of the love of God. Prayer to Our Lady, to the holy angels, the use of holy water and so on are all vitally important, but active charity is what really gets the tracks moving.

The video of Pope Francis praying over the disabled man does unfortunately give people a bit of spectacle (the disabled man's own physical reaction makes wild speculation possible but it may perfectly well be a purely natural reaction to the event of the Holy Father's attention.) To me Pope Francis' action looks very like the sort of prayer that happens at charismatic healing services - not surprising given the Holy Father's charismatic background. It might therefore be a prayer for deliverance if not strictly a simple exorcism (it is not a solemn exorcism because for that, the Pope would have the liturgical book to hand, put on a stole and read the prescribed prayers.)

I wrote a while back about Fr Jeremy Davies' good pamphlet on exorcism published by the CTS. It is worth remembering that any priest may carry out a minor exorcism if he prudently deems it appropriate. It is always important for him is to rely entirely on the power of Christ and to be ruthless in excluding any pride - especially the slightest thought that the good achieved might be anything to do with his own personal qualities.

The importance of St Simon Stock

The Shrine of Aylesford in Kent is used by the Archdiocese of Southwark for some big events, it is a place of local pilgrimage for the Union of Catholic Mothers, the Knights of St Columba and other excellent Catholic organisations. Still I feel that it is not given the prominence that it should have.

Aylesford was confiscated by Henry VIII and became a private house for several centuries before being bought back by the Carmelites in 1949 when it came on the market. The Carmelites, including the saintly Fr Malachy Lynch raised money for its purchase and fine renovation in what could justly be included in the New Liturgical Movement's "other modern" category.

But the reason Aylesford should be known and celebrated more widely is its association with the brown scapular which is used by millions of Catholics throughout the world. The story is disputed in scholarly terms, dating as it does back to the 13th century, but essentially it is St Simon Stock of Aylesford who is supposed to have had the vision of Our Lady favouring him and the Carmelites with the brown scapular which is now a worldwide devotion.

Aylesford has a place in my heart because it was the venue for some retreats in my youth that were formative of my spiritual life and vocation. I never tire of visiting, and am grateful to the Friars for their unfailing hospitality to guests. May St Simon Stock assist them with his powerful intercession.

Further on bullying from Michael Coren

My good friend Michael Coren sent me over an article he wrote last year on the question of bullying: The bullying of schools has just begun. Here is a sample:

The alternative to a gay kid being bullied is not a gay-straight alliance but an end to bullying. But then this isn’t about children being bullied and hasn’t been from the beginning. It’s about government and activists bullying others into acceptance of homosexuality.

On bullying in Catholic schools

There are reports today that Stonewall has been invited into St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Wimbledon. The Telegraph and others added a human interest note to the story, saying that Stonewall had been invited in after a boy called another pupil's shoes "gay" but Pink News reports that the Headteacher has denied that such an incident happened. Pink News goes on to report the Head as saying that

Stonewall’s programme was tailored specifically for the Catholic school and did not mention same-sex relationships or equal marriage.

Naturally, I would not want to question the Headteacher's word on this, but it is surprising in view of Stonewall's published material which makes a particular point of saying that failure to talk about gay partnerships is part of the problem. (I know of at least one other Catholic school in the Diocese where posters saying "Some people are gay. Get over it." were posted on classroom notice-boards.)

In any case, Stonewall and its materials have no place in a Catholic school. Catholic moral teaching is quite clear on the sinfulness of calling other people nasty names. We do not have to invite a homosexual campaigning organisation into our schools to help us on that.

Catholic schools are generally well regarded for providing a good environment in which children tcan flourish academically. Where many fall down is in providing a good environment for children to flourish in their Catholic life. The vast majority of children have stopped going to Mass by the time they leave Catholic school, even if they had to have a form signed when they were admitted, testifying to weekly Mass attendance. That can, of course, be blamed on the parents, but such an excuse would not be accepted if they left school unable to read.

If Catholic schools are going to focus on bullying, one area would be the victimisation of children whose families have a conspicuous commitment to the faith. By all means let us banish "gay" as a term of abuse; as long as "holy boy" and other insults are also regarded as "bullying."

Pope Francis gives pro-life witness

The Italian March for Life in Rome last Sunday had the best possible support when Pope Francis turned up unannounced to join them and encourage them.

Pro-Lifers who do marches, vigils and the like often feel a little nervous and unsupported. Opposition, though generally small and sporadic, can be quite vehement. Several of our own Bishops in England and Wales have given great example by attending vigils and it is always much appreciated. How wonderful it must have been for the Marcia per la Vita to have the Pope himself turn up to support them.

By doing so, Pope Francis has not only sent a message about the importance of the pro-life cause, but also an endorsement that taking to the streets to give witness is the right thing to do.

Liking and disliking the Pope

Bishop Mark Davies has given a very sensible homily to the Union of Catholic Mothers today, pointing out that when it comes to the Pope, Catholics do not base their loyalty on personal "likes" or "dislikes." He said:

I can’t remember how many times I have been asked everywhere from radio stations to petrol stations whether I liked the new Pope? To the Catholic mind this is a strange question as the loyalty we owe to the Pope is not based upon personal “likes” or “dislikes”. My invariable reply is that “We love the Pope whoever he is.” This may seem just as puzzling to my questioners. Those long experienced in the media warn of something we may already see taking shape and will require of us the very supernatural perspective Pope Francis urges. They tell of how a public personality can be built up in the media. In this case, it is based on the Pope’s evident goodness and an informal style which is then contrasted even with his most saintly predecessors. Expectations are subtly or less subtly raised that this is the man who will change the Catholic faith itself in accordance with the commentator’s own wishes and agenda. However, when the Pope fails to conform to these false expectations a souring begins to take place. I noticed only last week a concern being expressed in our national media that our Holy Father is proving as “hard-line” as his predecessors. “Likes” may quickly turn to “dislikes” in the public forum.

The Shrewsbury Diocesan website has the full text of the homily.

Cardinal O'Malley's straightforwardly correct statement

It is refreshing to see a senior ecclesiastic make a plain and obvious response to a scandalous action by a Catholic College.

Boston College is a Jesuit run university, though you don't actually find that out from their About page. They have invited Enda Kenny, Taoiseach of the Irish Republic, to receive an honorary degree. Enda Kenny has aggressively promoted abortion legislation. Cardinal O'Malley was invited to join the celebrations. He has refused because of the confusion, disappointment and harm caused by this disgraceful act by the university.

Spiders and vocational discernment

I thought this was a priceless question from a young girl who is pondering a possible call to religious life.

"Mummy, the problem with being a religious sister is... WHO catches the spiders?"

You see: at home it is normally Daddy.

St Catherine's Trust weekend

A couple of weeks ago, one of the families of my parish was missing for the weekend. This was not a case of football, dancing or a taekwando competition but an event organised by the Latin Mass Society for families.

As a parish priest on my own in the parish, I cannot get to these wonderful weekend events but I am glad when my parishioners take advantage of them. I was impressed by Joe Shaw's appeal to people who do not have any affiliation with the older form of the Mass to come along anyway to see what is on offer. I would endorse that encouragement for good Catholic families.

I enjoyed seeing one of my altar servers assisting the great Fr Hunwicke.

Parody of Dan Brown

On Twitter today I found this fun parody of Dan Brown by Michael Deacon: Don’t make fun of renowned Dan Brown. Ages ago, when The Da Vinci Code was popular, I published my notes on Answering the Da Vinci Code. I was mainly concerned with the inaccuracies in Brown's portrayal of the Catholic Church.

Michael Deacon focusses on his writing style with devastating effect. I particularly liked this passage:

Renowned author Dan Brown gazed admiringly at the pulchritudinous brunette’s blonde tresses, flowing from her head like a stream but made from hair instead of water and without any fish in.

The whole thing is a hoot. Do have a look.