Sungenis and the Jews

Catholic apologist Robert Sungenis writes to Cardinal Levada, disturbed at some statements in the official United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. He assumes the “recognitio” by the Vatican is a preliminary step that would precede a doctrinal review of the text. In fact, that doctrinal review took place, and is the basis for the “recognitio.” This is an official Catholic text, approved by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and recognized by the Vatican. He is concerned by the statement, “the covenant that God made with the Jewish people through Moses remains eternally valid for them.” This, he says, is “an erroneous, if not heretical, doctrine.” His letter goes on for 12 pages giving scriptural citations and quotes from Catholic authorities which he believes say something different.

Catholic Liturgy Battles

Some things from Fr. John Z.

Canadian Catholics have been using the NRSV for many years; the Vatican has now given final approval to their practice. American Catholics, meanwhile, are forbidden from using it, and must suffer through the abominable New American Bible.

Archbishop Pilarczyk of Cincinnati is adding layers of requirements to priests who want to celebrate the Tridentine mass. He wants priests to demonstrate that they can actually understand the Latin they are saying. Fr. John Z. points out that Cardinal Egan of New York, on the other hand, thinks it enough if priests can merely pronounce the words correctly, even if they don’t understand them.

Frank Beckwith on Catholic Answers

James White takes note of Frank Beckwith’s appearance on Catholic Answers. I listened in to the recording.

Beckwith does a lot of squirming when asked if he has “developed a love of Mary.” He says he hasn’t prayed the rosary–even though he was raised as a Catholic and has been back about 4 1/2 months now. He has a greater appreciation of the role of Mary in the life of the church, he says, and believes in the communion of saints, but he says this is something that just isn’t important to him right now.