What Do You Say To This?

[Monica4U]

So, back when Pope Benedict XVI was visiting the US, I was at an RCIA meeting. (We help out with the RCIA classes at our Church.) During some down-time before the session began, our priest brought up the Pope's visit, expressed his great dislike of B16 and then joked that he shouldn't be driving around in a popemobile because, after all, if he got knocked off we might get someone decent. After our priest had his little rant, it was time to get started, so that was the end of the discussion.

I've been troubled about this situation, especially since I've noticed that in smaller groups he can from time to time launch into uncharitable attacks on other Catholic people or groups that he happens not to like very much. But this time I was even more bothered than usual by his comments because of his half-wish that we could just get rid of B16 and get someone else to be our Pope.

I understand that no one is perfect and all of that, but I can't help feeling that his attitude towards the Pope was disrespectful. In such a situation, is there anything that I can or should do? Had there been more time to actually have a discussion, I would have put my 2 cents of positive comments in. But I don't like confrontation, and don't savour the idea of taking my priest aside to tell him that I felt his comments were out of line...

What do you all think?

[Alycin]

Talk to your bishop immediately!

[kujo]

[quote name='Alycin' post='1529202' date='May 15 2008, 03:38 AM']Talk to your bishop immediately![/quote]

Word.


Or you can give me his address. My New York Italian-Irish heritage makes me far more intrigued by confrontation.

[Justin86]

[quote name='Monica4U' post='1529199' date='May 15 2008, 04:31 PM']So, back when Pope Benedict XVI was visiting the US, I was at an RCIA meeting. (We help out with the RCIA classes at our Church.) During some down-time before the session began, our priest brought up the Pope's visit, expressed his great dislike of B16 and then joked that he shouldn't be driving around in a popemobile because, after all, if he got knocked off we might get someone decent.[/quote]


That priest needs to be made to resign immediately. What he said was completely unreconcilable with Catholicism, and espicaily scandalous in front of the laity.

If we were in the Middle Ages, he'd be burned at the stake for saying something like that. Pity it's 2008.

[kujo]

[quote name='Justin86' post='1529211' date='May 15 2008, 04:55 AM']

That priest needs to be made to resign immediately. What he said was completely unreconcilable with Catholicism, and espicaily scandalous in front of the laity.

If we were in the Middle Ages, he'd be burned at the stake for saying something like that. Pity it's 2008.[/quote]

I don't think he should be burned, but the Bishop should introduce him to the 5-4 formula....five finger slap and the four finger backhand!

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='Alycin' post='1529202' date='May 15 2008, 03:38 AM']Talk to your bishop immediately![/quote]
I disagree. This isn't something you write to the bishop about. For one, the bishop has much more serious matters to attend to (believe it or not). Secondly, the priest is not teaching heresy, he's just sharing his very ill-informed opinion. Thirdly, it will just look bad if you go to the bishop without talking to the priest first. I don't even think you should talk to the priest about it; very little if anything will come of it. You, being a volunteer, are certainly in no position to correct his opinion about the Pope. Most DRE's can't even take that liberty. I know this all sounds very negative and pessimistic, but that's the reality of the parish dynamic nowadays.

I think the best thing you can do is praise the pope whenever you get a chance to and be ready to answer any questions that the candidates and catechumens may have about him. Your best weapon in this situation is your own Christian witness and your love of the Holy Father.

Pax Christi,
phatcatholic
[url="http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com"]http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com[/url]

[Ziggamafu]

[quote name='phatcatholic' post='1529230' date='May 15 2008, 03:53 AM']I disagree. This isn't something you write to the bishop about. For one, the bishop has much more serious matters to attend to (believe it or not). Secondly, the priest is not teaching heresy, he's just sharing his very ill-informed opinion. Thirdly, it will just look bad if you go to the bishop without talking to the priest first. I don't even think you should talk to the priest about it; very little if anything will come of it. You, being a volunteer, are certainly in no position to correct his opinion about the Pope. Most DRE's can't even take that liberty. I know this all sounds very negative and pessimistic, but that's the reality of the parish dynamic nowadays.

I think the best thing you can do is praise the pope whenever you get a chance to and be ready to answer any questions that the candidates and catechumens may have about him. Your best weapon in this situation is your own Christian witness and your love of the Holy Father.

Pax Christi,
phatcatholic
[url="http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com"]http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com[/url][/quote]

::sigh::

I know that, realistically and practically speaking, this issue will be ignored or downplayed...but the priest was being scandalous with detraction / calumny - towards the Holy Father, no less. And not just any pope, but one that may eventually be made a Doctor of the Church. I was just thinking yesterday about how thankful I am that Ratzinger, now Benedict, got the job. I would consult my local canon law specialist about the issue; I think that this priest's error may have deeper implications (juridically) than we're taking the time to consider, here. [i]I mean, he implicitly approved of the pope's assassination[/i] ::shudder:: Surely there is something buried in clerical laws authorizing the immediate reprimand (or even removal) of such a person?

I will say this much; if Monica takes any action, she should be prepared for a lot of drama she may not want to deal with. My sponsor tried painstakingly to aid in the correction of the innumerable abuses going on at his old parish - he actually did manage a sit down with an auxiliary bishop - and his long-suffering was not rewarded (to say the least) in this life. He finally switched parishes. Now his priest is John Riccardo (lol). Point being: you may not be able to do this anonymously (or at least, you may not be able to preserve your anonymity) and need to realize how perturbed your liberal priest will be at your attempt to correct the situation. Oh, and certainly you should speak with him alone before going to the bishop - and if it does come to the bishop, you should have the support of several other laymen.