www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Bishop Refuses Communion to politicians

Dear Pilgrim:

I think there is a sufficient identification of the "individuals" concerned, who are members of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

This is NOT pre-judgment: the legislators involved have shown, consistently and without rancor, their pro-abortion agenda.

Please read again the news item at:

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=42694

AmdG

Dear Ghazar,

A belated Happy Armenian Christmas - and a Happy Christmas to the Armenian Community in Israel this coming Sunday!

The cult of St Louis of France was widespread throughout the United States in what was formerly all one big "Diocese of Quebec" that stretched, at one time, all the way down to New Orleans.

St Louis' care for the poor (his mother made him give alms to the poor when he was a child and she would get him to eat all his vegetables by telling him she would allow him to go and give alms to the poor if he behaved ).

St Louis' devotion to God was remarkable. He prayed the Divine Office with his Chaplain daily and, each night, said the Angelus prayer 50 times or 150 Hail Mary's.

He also heard TWO Masses daily, each morning.

Once, after returning to his room after the second Mass, someone rushed in to tell the king that Christ had just appeared over the Altar in the Royal Chapel and that everyone was going to see this miracle . . .

King St Louis IX simply told the messenger that he had already SEEN Christ twice at the Altar that morning, in faith - and he didn't go to see the apparition.

Also, Fr. William McNichols SJ has written a Byzantine icon of St Louis IX of France:

http://puffin.creighton.edu/Jesuit/andre/louis.html

Cheers.

Alex

That reminds me of a quote from Fr. Benedict Groeschel (who, thank God, seems to be recovering from his accident!) -- directed at "apparition chasers":

"If you want a miracle, go to Mass! If you want a message from God, read the Bible!"

Mr. Pilgrim,

This has always been the position of the Church both East and West. Good job Cantoress Sharon.

Ltrad

Pilgrim,

Be forewarned that this is strictly from a Western perspective, but perhaps it'll help you to grasp the situation:

When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ while in a state of mortal sin, we only eat and drink judgment upon ourselves - - - we condemn ourselves. It is publically known with certainty that the invidividuals in question are in a state of mortal sin. Thus, denying them Communion is really doing them a favor, protecting them. And it is the job of every Catholic priest to "protect," if you will, all the souls he can.

Logos Teen

My friends,

A big thank you to all who responded to my concerns with regard to this issue. Once again, your collective wisdom has opened this ol' pilgrim's eyes to a new way of looking at things!

A special thank you to Amado who posted the link to the article in question - this was my first opportunity to read the actual article that prompted this discussion.

Many blessed years, one and all!

Hopefully more Bishops will follow the lead of Bishop Burke. Nobody is stopping politicians from voting what there conscience dictates, but it would be great way to show the world that one cannot be a pro-choice or pro-gay Catholic.

Dear Daniel,

I am familiar with this text and it is beautiful! That entire passage is very moving and exemplify a man devoted to God. Thanks for reminding me of it!

This might have been broached before. In my Catholic education, I had thought that excommunication in regards to abortion was restricted to those who procure the abortion and those who Directly help a person to procure one (frind who drives the person to a clinic, advises her to have an abortion) I don't see how a politician, whatever his views in this, can be said to earn this type of excommunication if the first 2 actions are not met.

Can someone help me out here??

Brian

I believe it's at the discretion of each individual Bishop within his Diocese. Bishop Burke so far is only denying or threatening to deny Holy Communion to politicians who are pro-abortion.

Beginning in the 1920's a number of American Bishops began denying Holy Communion and Catholic funeral masses for known and alleged gangsters within there Dioceses, but the policy was not strictly applied everywhere in the country.

Alex...
See, I knew there was something special about you(besides the fact you have my oldest son's name)...St. Thomas More is my favorite saint and my role model and the quote you posted is my second favorite of his...the first being :"And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for following your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not following mine, will ye not join me, for fellowship's sake".

If only we had Catholic politicians who were brave enough to follow St. Thomas' path...

Vie

Actually, what the Bishop is doing is just making public something that the politicians have already done themselves. Anyone who takes part in an abortion, or supports it in any way, is, according to Canon Law, is ipso facto excommunicated. As soon as these politicians vote in favor of pro-abortion legislation, they made took themselves from the Sacraments. What Bishop Burke is doing is reminding the priests that until these pols recant and receive absolution, they can not receive the Sacraments. He's denying them nothing...they have made their own choice.

Vie

Brian,
I was told that when a politician votes for pro-choice legislature he is in a sense, aiding in the procurement of an abortion and for that reason is excomminicated.

Vie