A few days ago, I was told that the sanctuary in the parish of St Catherine Laboure in Balornock, Glasgow, where I grew up, was about to be demolished by the current parish priest, Father Angus MacDonald. I checked out the parish website, and, sure enough, in the “Church Projects” section, there was a picture of the proposed new sanctuary. Click here to view
In case you missed it, here’s the text with the picture:
A Possible Vision of the Future? We continue to reflect on the arrangement of the Sanctuary of the Church and on how to make the best use of our gathering place of worship. Please view this treatment and let Father MacDonald know of your opinions.
I wasted no time in letting Father MacDonald know my opinion of this “treatment”. No time at all. He took his time replying, though, and it was an insulting reply. More on that in a moment.
Firstly, I can’t pretend that the sanctuary is perfect right now. It’s not. They removed the high altar years ago, but two key things remain which need to be protected: (1) the Blessed Sacrament in the centre of the sanctuary with a wooden backdrop and hood, with lighting, to highlight the Tabernacle; (2) the marble altar rails. As you can see from the proposed changes, both the backdrop/hood and the altar rails are set to disappear.
Unconfirmed rumour has it that Father MacDonald intends to remove the Tabernacle to a side altar, as he did in St Roch’s (oh yes, he’s got “previous” on this) and the reason the rumour is unconfirmed is because Father MacDonald is playing silly games and not answering my emailed questions. Instead, he replied to my first email by telling me how privileged I was to have St Catherine Laboure parish as part of my “faith story” (whatever that means) and that the people are the salt of the earth, or words to that effect. Calculated insult, I thought, but then, that’s me. To date, no reply to my follow up email.
Well, having failed to obtain answers to my simple questions, I went up there yesterday evening, to the Sunday evening (6.30 pm) Mass and after observing the usual novus ordo debacle, spoke to some parishioners, all of whom were adamant that the Blessed Sacrament would not be consigned to a side altar or side worship space or whatever it’s called. Innocents abroad.
Anyway, it got me thinking. I’d got it into my head that this sort of “re-ordering” was a thing of the past, that the revolutionaries had settled down with their hollow victory. They do have the churches, after all, albeit empty or with congregations easily mistaken for a Senior Citizens’ sing-a-long. But no. Here’s two parishes, within inches of each other (St Roch’s and St Catherine Laboure’s) victims of the “re-ordering” frenzy that is, after all, alive and well. Blow me. And here’s me thinking that, what with earthquakes and recessions, increased unemployment and a pensions crisis, the Archbishop of Glasgow would be warning his priests not to waste money on unnecessary projects. But then I remembered that other unnecessary project – the “refurbishment” of the cathedral, with its accompanying Italian Garden. Sigh.
The dishonesty,though! This proposed vandalism is being sold to the parishioners as a “restoration” – the notice in the bulletin said so and the big box with the words “Vision for the Future” and the website mock-up plastered over it, is billed as the “Restoration Fund” and placed in a prominent position at the front of the Church. None of the parishioners I spoke to realise that what Father MacDonald proposes is bulldozing, destroying, not “restoring”. They trust him. Yet, the fact is that if he wants to restore the sanctuary, he needs to reinstate the high altar – not remove the altar rails. One lady explained that the seating would be semi-circle (when the pews have been removed) because “that is more friendly”. Ridiculous? Did I say so? Don’t put words in my mouth…
If you know of any other churches in Scotland where this kind of ecclesiastical vandalism is being proposed, please let us know – and send photos. I took some photos in St Catherine’s which we hope to publish in the March edition, to highlight the “before” and “after” scenario, but right now the key thing to discuss is what to do now that we are faced with yet another set of perfectly good altar rails being chucked out with the garbage. And that, at exactly the same time that the Pope is making it very clear, by his own example, that he wants the faithful to kneel to receive Communion and to receive Communion on the tongue. This, I put it to you, is wicked. Wicked. Wickedly defiant. It is, in effect, telling the Pope to blankety blank off.
Click here to see some real restoration and then click on ‘comments’ to tell us what you think we can do about this uniquely Catholic crime.
What – if anything – does this destruction of the sanctuary tell us about the faith of the priest? And don’t gimme “judgmentalism, lack of charity” and other such nonsense, for asking the question. A church is a public place and a priest is a public figure. Better that we ask the questions now, than he is faced with them, cold, at his Judgment.
In any case, our first duty of charity is to God Himself; that is, in fact, by definition, what “charity” is – it is the love of God. And St Paul teaches us that if we have faith to move mountains, and knowledge to die for, it is as nothing unless we love God because if we truly love God, we will love – in a right-ordered way – everyone else. Thus, a priest who wishes to rip out the altar rails, to make it virtually impossible for me and others like me, to kneel for Communion, to demonstrate our love for God, to worship Him as Catholics have always worshipped Him – on our knees – begs the question: why?
I’ll be absolutely clear: I cannot believe that any priest involved in ripping out altar rails and demoting the Tabernacle, holds to Catholic doctrine on the Eucharist and Real Presence. I simply cannot square that circle. If you can, tell me how. I’d love to know your secret.
“I would like to ask forgiveness – in my own name and in the name of all of you, venerable and dear brothers in the Episcopate – for everything which, for whatever reason, through whatever human weakness, impatience or negligence, and also through at time partial, one-sided and erroneous application of the directives of the Second Vatican Council, may have caused scandal and disturbance concerning the interpretation of the doctrine and the veneration due to this great Sacrament.”
John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Dominicae Cenae, 1980
Tags: eucharist, re-ordering, Real Presence, sanctuary, st catherine laboure
-
It looks like the Archbishop is sending Father MacDonald round parishes to modernise them.
It is a disgrace that people are being asked to cough up their hard earned money for this pointless project.
I wonder what the real motivation is, is it panic to do everything possible to prevent Summorum Pontificum being implemented?
-
Some one ought to tell this priest that if he goes ahead, a campaign will be organised amongst the parishioners to reduce their collections to 1 penny per head indefinitely. He will then be unable to repay the loan and will wish he hadn’t been so defiant.
Isn’t the parish pastoral council supposed to be a two way interface, or are its members all pro-priest and anti-Rome?
A referendum might be a good idea, but it would need to be administered by a trustworthy body, such as Catholic Truth.
-
“Gathering place of worship”? “Faith story”? Sorry, this “priest” is a Protestant. That’s exactly the flaky ersatz warm and fuzzy terminology my old pastor used to use back in the mid-90s, and he picked it up from books exhorting pastors to adopt, in effect, marketing strategies to increase church membership. Well whaddya know…..now where was that Dan Graham article……Isaac…….?
You know, Editor, Mark Twain said he wanted to die in Cincinnati, because we were always 20 years behind the times. Sounds like old Mark could have also fulfilled his wish in Glasgow (but I doubt he knew the population size either).
-
I was a parishoner of Saint Catherine Laboure some years ago, so had to have a look at the proposed changes. I’m not impressed at all. This is sheer vandalism, rather than a supposed “restoration”.
rebel, that is a good question about motivation and panic to prevent the Summorum Pontificum being implemented. I wish I knew, but will they have the honesty to give us an answer. Somehow I don’t think so.
In any case I have emailed Father MacDonald too. I did ask the cost of the proposed changes to the Sanctuary of Saint Cather Laboure. Wonder what the answer will be. -
I’ve just checked the St Roch’s website, and copied the link to the “restoration” there. Bare just like the proposed changes at St Catherine’s
http://www.strochs-garngad.org.uk/bulletin.htmI’m glad you asked Fr MacDonald about the costs, gloria. I hope he tells you and you can tell the rest of us.
-
I think the convert’s strategy is sound. Council tenants might not baulk at being given a good justification for why they should put less money in the collection, and a penny a week sounds about right. Their parish priest would soon get the message, especially if they had a dress rehearsal around the traditional time of the Easter Offering.
I remember a former parish priest of mine berating us all on the grounds that the Easter Offering would not even have bought his curate a new pair of bicycle clips! Imagine if you were the parish priest trying to meet a large monthly bill for “restoration” work and the collection suddenly dropped to less than a pound a week! Go to it!
-
“Senior citizens’ sing-a-long” – You have me chuckling away with this priceless comment.. It is certainly no laughing matter though. Is there any way that we can have the parishioners oppose the plans?
(PS I am a regular reader, but as the next step on my “faith journey” I have decided to now register in order to participate in the discussions).
-
It’s pretty sad when the most effective way to stop these clerical vandals is through the almighty pound sterling, or whatever your Scottish currency is. But if that’s the language they speak, rather than the Catholic language, then so be it.
-
Theophilus – welcome to the blog. We are blessed to have you!
-
I meant to post this short email from Father MacDonald, received yesterday. I’d asked him to answer the following two questions:
(1) would you please advise whether or not the photograph on your website is a depiction of the sanctuary as it is at present?
(2) do you intend to move the Tabernacle to a side altar?This is Father Angus MacDonald’s reply:
Your latest mail has alerted me to a possible source of misunderstanding.The parish commission for Fabric and Finance has been consulting the parish over the past year and we have endeavoured to keep the parishioners fully informed.The website is relatively recently set up and it seems has assumed a well informed readership and not fully appreciated the needs of those who are interested outside of the parish.We will certainly rectify this as soon as possible.Thank you for your interest in our parish.
There’s a reward for the first blogger to find the answers to my questions, or any part thereof, in the above email.
Welcome to our blog, Theophilus. I’m very glad indeed that you have moved from being a passive participant to actively contributing. God bless you! And He will!
As for your question about getting the parishioners to oppose the plans, we are working on that. It is a simple fact, though, that these forty-odd years in the spiritual wilderness has left the faithful confused and weakened. I spoke to a number of people after Mass on Sunday and, God love them, they are truly sheep without a shepherd.
One lady had nothing but praise for Father MacDonald because he has reinstated some social or other (dances, I think). It is absolutely incredible to see pure dynamite washing over them. Nothing that is said about the crisis in the Church raises an eyebrow: not even the reminder that Our Lady of Fatima came to warn us that the Church was about to enter a period of diabolical disorientation; not even the news that the Pope is trying to restore the traditional Mass and return the faithful to kneeling etc. – none of that took away from the fact that Father has reinstated the dances. God love her – a really lovely lady who – like many others – has had her Confirmation militancy for the Faith knocked out of her and a wishy washy “collect money for the latest disaster in the world” put in its place.
However, we don’t give up easily, here at Catholic Truth, so watch this blog thread!
Have you, by any chance, any connection with St Catherine’s Theophilis?
Pity I won’t find out the answer to that question until next weekend, since I’m about to close down the blog until early Friday morning. But, know that you are very welcome here. Until next weekend, then… Oops…
Torkay, trust you to get the last word! However, given that it is very true that “money talks” I think that your observation is a very appropriate note upon which to end this weekend’s deliberations…
-
I clicked on the photo of the proposed sanctuary and that is just plain hideous! It doesn’t even look like a Catholic Church, but I presume that is what they want, given that their ashamed of the history of our faith. I sense that the innovative semi-circle Church’s are built so that the naïve flock can gaze across at each other, instead of fixating their attention on the altar.
Michael Matt of the Remnant, describes in the video –WHAT WE HAVE LOST, how the Church he grew up in was wreckovated. A hack saw was used to obliterate the marble altar and the crushed pieces were then taken to the parking lot to be used as curb stones.
All of this demolishing of the once beautiful Church’s is a repugnant ABOMINATION!
http://paramedicgoldengirl.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-we-have-lost-and-road-to.html –What we have lost and the Road to Restoration.
-
“This is sheer vandalism”
Gloria, I strongly agree!
-
Editor
Do you think modern priests are trained at seminary to reply to questions without giving an answer? I’m sure there’s plenty of space on the seminary timetables since they have all but removed anything remotely Catholic.
Like MCS, I’m disgusted at the proposed destruction of the sanctuary. It brings back memories of the destruction of my own home parish, Saint Augustine’s in Milton. We lost the High Altar before I was born, but the tabernacle remained in the centre and the marble altar rails remained in tact. Of course, the modernist PP, Fr. Gerard Hill, wasted no time in de-catholicising the sanctuary. The altar rails were ripped up and the tabernacle was shunted out into a side room. The statue of the Sacred Heart was punted into a side alcove. In the tabernacle’s place, on top of the three steps which once led to the High Altar, was placed the celebrant’s chair. I’m afraid the church now has a greater resemblance to a Masonic hall than a Catholic Church.
I was talking about this to a Protestant friend just recently and she was absolutely appalled. She said it reminded her of the destruction of Catholic churches at the Reformation period. A few years ago, she went for a guided tour of a pre-reformation Cathedral in England. The explained how the statues of Our Lady and the saints were ripped out and the altars smashed up. My friend saisd she felt ashamed of being a Protestant. Doesn’t it speak volumes that a Protestant can see the similarities between what happened at the Reformation and what is happening today, but some Catholics can’t? A tragic example of the loss of the Catholic sense and the diabolical disorientation.
I had a look at St. Catherine’s website. Something about the website, the wording, not even the pictures, gave me the impression that St. Catherine’s was a Protestant church. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I do know that Fr MacDonald was involved in ecumenical enterprises with a woman minister of the Church of Scotland. A Church of Scotland minister I know went to a course run by Fr MacDonald and his lady minister friend on “spiritual direction” and couldn’t praise him highly enough. Considering that this Church of Scotland minister I know is no fan of Catholicism, I think it is rather alarming that he lavished such praise on Fr. MacDonald. Perhaps this ecumania explains why Fr MacDonald is intent on protestantising Saint Catherine’s!
-
Petrus, I know exactly what you mean about the wording on that website. I noticed that the Christmas Mass notice said everyone was welcome to the Mass, especially families with children, as if attending Mass on a holy day of obligation is an option.
That was one thing. Also the way St Catherine’s life is told, with a big quote from Matthew’s gospel on “I was hungry and you gave me food” passage, whereas St Catherine’s mission was to have the miraculous medal made and distributed. Anything spiritual, they just do not understand. The links to prayer as you go, or something like that, was to a Jesuit site where it is all about posture, breathing, all that kind of thing, not a word about the Rosary or any Catholic devotion.
I agree with you that the website has a definite Protestant feel about it and what you say about the Protestant minister is very very interesting indeed and explains a lot.
-
Returning to rebel’s first comment on this thread – I wondered the same thing when I first visited the new parish church at Walsingham in Norfolk (not the shrine, the parish church). It is very Summorum un-friendly, to say the least. The tabernacle is at the front of the sanctuary on the right-hand side, so those going up for Holy Communion from the right side of the church have to file right past the tabernacle.
The stained glass windows all represent post-conciliar events, such as the 20 (including the ‘luminous’) mysteries of the rosary, and also the new liturgical year. But also – and I’ve never heard of this before – the circular altar has the relics of the saints (St Peter Chanel, St Marcellin Champagnat, St Therese of Lisieux and Ss Felix and Constantia) actually set in an altar stone in the floor in front of the altar. Has anyone ever heard of this?
It basically means that if a priest were to offer the Traditional Mass there, he’d have to stand on the relics in order to do so. I think some hoped that the ‘re-ordering’ and ‘modern’ churches were coming to a end, but it looks like that was wishful thinking. As for St Catherine Laboure’s church, send an e-mail prayer petition to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal in the Rue du Bac. The sisters there put the petitions in the sanctuary near St Catherine’s incorrupt body. http://www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/h3_Your_intentions.asp
There’s also this novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal which I’ve used for a long time:-O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in Thy all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we Thy loving and trustful children, implore Thee to obtain for us the graces and favours we ask during this Novena, if they be beneficial to our immortal souls and the souls for whom we pray. (name request) Obtain for us Mary, a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone, so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial so that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin, and at length attain to that blessed abode, where Thou art the Queen of Angels and of men. Amen.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). St Catherine Laboure, pray for us. -
kevin1, thanks for that e-petition link. I’ve just sent one in. Thanks also for that lovely prayer.
I hope Catholic Truth is going to fight this battle and with all the prayers, who knows, maybe Father MacDonald will think again.
-
I have often been told that I was indoctrinated because I learned the Penny Catechism. And of course the fear of hell was put into me. The truth is when I was older I was able to think through the issues and make up my own mind. Pity then poor Fr MadDonald. He went to a seminary, and he might have been a sincere person and they turned him into a robot. Father is unable to think for himself. Despite the amount of evidence there is there for him to examine that what he is doing actually empty churches he must obey his `conscience` formed by his seminary professors. He has been taught how to be a `very nice man` who can use this to ignore all who oppose him. He is probably very `ecumenical` and understand and sympathises with Protestants as they `search for truth and unity` but showing that ecumenical spirit to his fellow Catholics – well that is a bit much. So the Pope in Rome allows people to kneel and receive communion on the tongue – too bad, he knows what is best for Scotland.
If the Church is failing it is because of society, because of traditional catholics. If children are not taught doctrine in Catholic Schools it does not matter, he knows there is not point to it since the new catechesis has meant that nine out of ten children who start school are Catholic only in name- they were baptised. He is not going to do anything about that. But he will have school Masses galore and join in the delusion of a strong Church and mutter about `Catholic ethos`, and `a good Catholic education. Children will be dragged to the altar to receive holy communion whether they want to do so or not – the show must go on – and of course the state of their soul – sorry for mentioning soul they probably did not mention that in the seminary.
But Father you can be sure is an expert on `community`. It is the `gathering community` that is important on a Sunday. They are the Body of Christ – so let us remove all these altar rails, get rid of the sanctuary and make Christ a part of them. Of course the trouble with Christ is that he has all these doctrines about divorce, adultery, and life may be precious to him rather than abortion. So his presence could divide the community of all beliefs – so let us remove him after all, for to be sure Father`s next move will be to remove the Blessed Sacrament to a side altar. So pray for Father, after all he is doing what is expected of him. If he could think he would probably be a sincere and honest man but unfortunately he became a priest in the wrong country and likes to please the Archbishop.
-
I was baptised in this parish, and I am disgusted to hear of this awful news. It’s not a fund for restoration – It’s a fund for destruction. The PP should not get away with this, otherwise they will move on to more parishes and do the same – they have to be stopped. Fr MacDonald can’t get away with it – and Archbishop Conti must have given his approval for this!
-
Petrus, and others who raised questions, I think you’ll find the answer to why we have priests like Father MacDonald right here in a recent editorial in the hateful (and I DO hate it) Tablet.
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/14221The sheer contempt for the Church pre-Vatican II stands out and screams loudly from this disgraceful piece of writing – every word of which, remember, the Scottish (and UK) bishops agree with wholeheartedly.
Once you get that into your heads – that the bishops actually HATE the Church as it was before Vatican II, then it is easier to understand what is going on.
I am so outraged about this Tablet editorial (which actually arrived in today’s post, hard copy, sent by a reader, without comment – what is there to say?) that I am now going to post the link on the Groome thread as well.
kevin1, thanks for posting that e-petition link – I have posted a prayer petition for the intercession of St Catherine Laboure in the hope that she will obtain the necessary grace for Father MacDonald to think again.
By removing altar rails and preparing (as he is clearly doing) to remove the Tabernacle, this priest (like many before him) is doing immense spiritual damage.Not something you want on your CV at your judgment.
-
I heard recently that St Patrick’s Anderston is also fund-raising for restoration work but I think it is only the outside of the building.
Does anybody know if the sanctuary is to be re-done?
-
Saint Patrick’s in Anderston would do well being re-consecrated. Father Hill, like his cousin, the other Fr Hill who vandalised my own home parish, should hang his head in shame.
-
There is to be a fund-raising Ladies’ Lunch at Christ the King, Kings Park, at 1.30pm on March 21st. It is in aid of the restoration fund for St. Patrick’s in Anderston. Tickets are £15 each, but it might be a way of discovering exactly what the raised funds will be used for.
-
Funny, isn’t it Ed, how the bishops hate health and love disease?
-
I emailed Canon Hill and he has confirmed that the restoration work is for the roof only and there are no plans to re-order the sanctuary. My Dad was brought up in that parish, so it’s quite close to my heart.
-
Petrus,
Thanks for checking that out. It would be criminal to permit any further assault on St Patrick’s. Restoring the roof is fine. We can live with that…
Leprechaun, it sounds like you’re about to attend a Ladies’ Lunch? We await your first hand report….!
Torkay: “funny…how the bishops hate health and love disease”? You say “funny”, I say “hilarious”…
-
I’m glad to hear that the restoration at St Pat’s is for the roof only, although I have a feeling that they don’t have altar rails in there any more, anyway. Does anybody know? I think the tabernacle is still in the centre, but no altar rails. Am I right?
-
Well, folks, I have a little news for you all.
This (Sunday, 7th February) evening, a group of Catholic Truth readers (including some bloggers from the Glasgow area) went along to St Catherine Laboure’s parish to hand out some leaflets to alert them to some of the facts about the proposed work in their sanctuary. I’ve posted a copy of the leaflet, linked to our homepage in the short piece about St Catherine’s – see “click here to read the leaflet…”
We were a varied group, youngest being blogger Gemma, 13, and the oldest… well, that would be gloria (!)
As each parishioner exited the 6.30 pm Mass (around 7.30) we handed them a leaflet. Only one man refused to take it (from teenage Gemma) but I’ll leave her to tell you about that while a lady willingly took a bundle to give out to other parishioners who’d attended the morning Masses, but, again, I’ll leave blogger, Bernadette to tell you about that.
Several other readers who are not signed up for the blog, also distributed the newsletter (one of those, a young man of 17) and even Miss McMoneypenny did her bit, handing out leaflets from her wheelchair.
It was a very cold night, so all are to be commended for coming along to help us educate and alert the parishioners of St Catherine’s to the facts about the complete LACK of any need for the re-ordering of the church sanctuary.
I was personally delighted with the friendliness of the parishioners who took the leaflets and, in one or two cases, where they entered into conversation on the matter, I was delighted with their correctly Catholic response. One man said resignedly that he agreed with what I was saying “But this has been going on for years…” Truly, sheep without a shepherd.
Father Angus MacDonald arrived out at the door to greet parishioners at the end of Mass and I handed him a leaflet at the outset and made a jokey remark about this new democratic church being great stuff, wasn’t it…
He said it would have been the courteous thing to do, to have asked permission before giving out the leaflets. I said I’d be happy to discuss “courtesy” with him (intending to point out that it was less than courteous to defy the Pope’s clear wishes for the faithful to kneel for Communion, going ahead, instead with ripping out the altar rails) but I didn’t get the chance because I’d only got half way through the sentence when he gently pushed me, asking if he was going to have to eject us from the premises. I retreated, in total agony from that (gentle) push…
We then distributed the leaflets to the exiting parishioners. Four of our group had gone – in two’s – to each of the side entrances and another three or four were outside the front gate, with the rest of us spread across the large car park/yard.
At the end of the distribution, as Father was about to close the doors, I approached him and said I would like a word, since I really didn’t want there to be any bad feeling. He let me into the porch. I explained that I’d been raised in that parish, from around the age of 8 and had never felt that I belonged to any other parish. Involuntarily, I felt choked – tears – but he was completely unmoved. Me, I could hear violins.
Then I heard “courtesy” again. It would have been a courtesy to ask permission before distributing the leaflets so I asked him if he’d have given permission. “That” he said, “is not the issue”. “Courtesy” was, the issue, and was to be, as I found out in due course, the buzz word of the evening.
I said maybe we should test this “courtesy” thing to see if it worked. I told him that we’d have problems attending his morning Masses, since we had to get to Mass ourselves and our TLM was bang in the middle of the morning, but, in the event that we could arrange something, may we have permission to distribute more leaflets at his morning Masses?
Reply: “no”.
So much for “courtesy” I thought. Not my cup of tea at all. A girl likes to get her own way, and this courtesy business doesn’t seem to be conducive to that, so it’s not on.
Anyway, he went on and on and on about it. Courtesy, courtesy, courtesy.
I pointed out that Our Lord had been less than courteous when he took a corded whip and chased the money changers out of the temple and this (I said pointing into the church) is the modern equivalent.
“Courtesy…” (This was the response to almost everything I said.)
The exception was when I pointed out to Father MacDonald that I had been in the parish of St Catherine’s much longer than he’d been there.
That threw him for about three seconds then he reminded me that I was no longer a member of the parish and that he had kept his parishioners fully informed. He noted that I’d dismissed his email telling me that his parishioners were fully informed but I reminded him that HE had ignored MY email saying that they would only be fully informed if he’d told them that there was nothing in any Church document that required this “restoration” work. Had he told them that?Silence.
Exactly.
“Courtesy” again. Blow me.
I then asked Father MacDonald if I’d been in any way rude to him, because that was certainly not my intention but if I’d been rude, please to tell me so I could apologise. I most certainly did not want to be discourteous.
He replied that I was no longer in the parish, so I was a guest and I should act like a guest and leave (pointing to the door).
Well, if there’s one thing I’m good at, folks, it’s taking a hint. So, I extended my hand (to shake his) and he (not exactly bursting with enthusiasm) reciprocated.
When I turned to walk away, I found our beloved band of CT helpers waiting for me at the foot of the steps and so we all went off to a lovely Italian restaurant in nearby Bishopbriggs where we wined and dined away what was left of the bitterly cold night.
Keep praying for Father MacDonald and for the lovely parishioners of St Catherine Laboure in Balornock. They deserve better than a bare, soul-less sanctuary.
And so, more to the point, does Our Lord…
St Catherine Laboure, pray for us.
-
“This (Sunday, 7th February) evening, a group of Catholic Truth readers (including some bloggers from the Glasgow area) went along to St Catherine Laboure’s parish to hand out some leaflets to alert them to some of the facts about the proposed work in their sanctuary. ”
Editor- I’m proud of each of you!
-
Editor, whatever do you mean? “The eldest would be gloria”.
Sssh, don’t be fooled by the make-up and hair colour out of a bottle, I prefer my twenties really. Sorry about the lateness of the hour giving the timing of your and Miles Christi Sum’s posts, but I really do need my beauty sleep to keep young and beautiful.I was one of those in the vanguard at the front gate, making sure that those parishoners who were leaving had in fact already received the leaflets. Those who were in the car park area had done a sterling job in handing out the leaflets, for the parishoners who certainly friendly, had not had time to put them in bags or pockets on leaving by the gate. Many a pleasant word was spoken about the cold night in passing us.
And yes one lady stopped and chatted and took quite a few leaflets, but I too will leave Bernadette to tell you about that.
Though I did not speak to Father Angus MacDonald myself and saw him only as I stood at the front gate, and I don’t think that he was too happy about our presence at Saint Catherine Laboure, and am not sure if he knew how many of us were there handing leaflets.
It was a welcome change to be in a warm Italian restaurant after the cold weather outside, to be wineing, dining and chatting. I do confess that our editor and I had two scoops of delicious vanilla icecream and I think Gemma had something fancy too, but can’t remember what it was. My memory does let me down on occaisions.
-
Hello all,
THERE IS A CRISIS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND WE MUST ACT
I was one of those Catholic Truth supporters who gathered outside St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church to hand out leaflets to fully inform those parishioners of the awful changes that are planned to destroy the Church sanctuary. I was baptized in St. Catherine’s’ in 1976 and am appalled to find out that Fr. MacDonald has the audacity to rip out the marble alter rails and destroy such beauty and even move the Tabernacle to a side alter – I am ashamed of Fr. MacDonald and all those who condone such destruction of God’s house. The altar should glorify God and not diminish his existence, and when I heard that he has already ripped out the altar rails and dismantled God’s altar at St. Rocks in Glasgow, I thought- ‘what an evil act’- ‘ The priest is supposed to represent Jesus Christ but Jesus Christ would not do what he is doing’!
As I was growing up, I was always taught that you should have respect for a priest as he represents our Lord Jesus Christ – well, I will continue to have respect for every priest I speak with, however, we Catholics have a duty to defend our faith and save our souls, and the souls of others, especially if our bishops are approving of such action, therefore, if our priests and religious fail in their duty to honour God and deny us our true faith, we must act accordingly.
I was overwhelmed at the positive response we received from the parishioners of St. Catherine’s’- one parishioner engaged in a conversion with a few of us at the front gates and showed some awareness of what was REALLY going on with this ’so-called’ restoration, and after gloria (one of our CT supporters) asked that she take some leaflets to give out to other parishioners, this lovely lady volunteered to take extra leaflets and distribute them through her neighbours doors and as well as to other parishioners that attend this Church. ‘Catholic Action’ is one of our duties in passing on the Faith, especially when it is in danger of destruction. This parishioner, is fulfilling her Catholic duties with her Catholic Action’ – I wish there were more people like this willing to stand of for their Faith! If all of us stand silent and allow this destruction to continue, there will be no Faith to pass on to the next generation, and, I for one, will not allow this to happen. I have three young children and I will not let any priest or member of the Church rob my children of the traditional Catholic Faith and risk their souls going to Hell – no way!
I witnessed Fr. MacDonald’s face from outside the Church steps, and he was livid. He did not expect anyone to alert his parishioners of his true plans – I do hope he does not manage to convince them that what he is doing is for the good of God and for his parishioners – “.By their fruits you shall know them”. Matthew 7-16 (Douay-Rheims Bible)
I do hope that Fr. MacDonald is not let loose in any more Churches with these awful plans, and hope that Fr. MacDonald has a change of heart and stops before he does any more damage. I will pray for him in my family rosary.
THERE IS A CRISIS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND WE MUST ACT
-
Bernadette
what a fantastic post. You will certainly be rewarded for your efforts last night, as well as you efforts as a mother and blogger.
Well done to everyone who made it along last night, I was proud of you all.
-
God bless all of you leaflet-ers! And to know that Dear, Sweet Miss McMoneypenny was among you was the coup de grace! (pun intended, Ed.)
Gloria, did you check Editor’s driver’s license to verify who, in fact, was the group’s elder?
I offer the following aria to inspire your next foray into apostatized clergy-land. Perhaps even Father MacDonald’s heart will turn as he listens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RORLXYmXkNQ&feature=PlayList&p=396EBDBF8C2A96AD&index=8
-
Bernadette :
I agree with Petrus. A fantastic post!!
-
Yes Editor I was appalled to see an elderly man refusing myself. People are meant to be able to look up to a priest and when I saw Fr. MacDonald’s anger because we were warning the congregation, I would think twice. I am glad I took part in giving out the leaflets, and all thanks to the Editor!
It was sad to see a priest actually wanting to destroy the sanctuary, just like they did at the time of the Reformation. I can’t believe these so-called priests don’t believe in the Blessed Sacrament.
God Bless
-
Gemma
That’s very good analogy, linking the current destruction of sanctuaries to what happened at the Reformation. This, sadly, is the Reformation Part II. The Council of Trent, followed by Popes Pius IX, X and others, halted the Reformation, but Vatican II has unleashed it again. We should count ourselves very lucky that we have the Society of Saint Pius X. Thank God for Archbishop Lefebvre!
Well done, Gemma. You have really done your Catholic duty and you should be proud of yourself.
-
Yes I agree that both Bernadette and Gemma have given excellent posts.
It is going to take a great miracle to reverse the damage done, with the loss of faith in the Dogmas of the Catholic Church, and the loss of so many souls. Russia would need to be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary must happen, and the sooner the better.Tomas de Torkay, I’ve never seen our editor’s driving license, but as to who is the eldest, it’s only a matter of a couple of months difference, but I think I’ll shtum as to who is the eldest.
-
Petrus,
Gemma says “thanks to/for the Editor”.
You say “Thank God for Archbishop Lefebvre”.
Why do you keep angling to get put into the doghouse? There are no armchairs in there, you know…
And gloria – I am 29 years old. I have been for a long time and I WILL be for an even longer time. Say no more…
-
Editor
I type so fast, you know. I meant to say Archbishop Lefebvre and the Editor!
-
Petrus,
I knew you were much too (how can I put it….) oh yes…intelligent to make such a mistook!!
-
Editor
I done wrong and I seen that peoples pointed out my mistake. i intellgently decided to change my post.
(did you notice I “split the infinitive”?)
-
Split the infinitive, Petrus? Is that another word for “forever”? How do you split “forever”?
I suppose we should stop taking the michael now – our super-intelligent friend will have gotten the massage by now…
-
Editor
Since you seem to have located the fabled Fountain of Youth, perhaps you should change your blog name to Ponce de Leon?
Petrus
To infinitive, and beyond! (know what movie that’s from?)
-
I believe you are referring to “Toy Story”?
-
Petrus
Yep. A rather strange movie, if I remember correctly.
-
Editor,
That pamphlet you handed out at St Catherine`s was a masterpiece. I have never read the case for tradition and the reality of Vatican II put so well. If you do not mind I want to copy and paste and send it to my English colleagues.
-
Thank you, jkearney, for your kind words about our leaflet.
Certainly, feel free to copy it to others. I’ve already had requests to do the same from others, so it is very encouraging to know that it may be put to good use elsewhere.
Comments are now closed.
46 comments