An ad hoc journal/newsletter by His Grace, ✠Jerome Seleisi, providing informative news and thoughtful reflections to enlighten, educate, and inspire action.

w/c 06.xi.23

Newsletter Update

The previous edition of this informal newsletter covered a two-week period, including a vacation and subsequent events. Likewise this edition will cover a two week period as various events in the life of the wider Church occurred simultaneously during this period, and I was in Rome during some of these revelations.

Synod on Synodality

During the month of October the infamous “Synod on Synodality” took place with much anticipation the whole Catholic world waited for news. Would the synod approve the ordination of women or the blessing of same sex unions? Well the jury is still out as the synod won’t be finalised until next year, October 2024. But there is plenty to be concerned about until then. The following presentation by British journalist Ed Pentin is well-worth viewing as he provides some deep insights into the organisation and implementation of the synod and the initial preliminaries of this intriguing development in the fight for the faith.

Rorate Edward Pentin Exposes the Synod on Synodality
The Pillar Broglio, Pierre spar on synodality in the US Church

Cavite New Chapel Building Project

Our Old Roman apostolate serves one of the poorest populations in Bacoor City, Cavite, Luzon Province, Philippines, confronting a range of social problems. Poverty is one of the most pressing issues, affecting a significant portion of the population and leading to malnutrition and food insecurity. The lack of access to basic healthcare services and education further compounds the challenges faced by these communities. Moreover, unemployment and limited job opportunities exacerbate the situation, making it difficult for people to break out of the cycle of poverty.

The Old Roman mission in Bacoor runs several clinics and regularly distributes food throughout the year. But to really tackle these interconnected issues, comprehensive efforts are needed to improve access to healthcare and education, create sustainable employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty in the area. By addressing these challenges, we can help the impoverished communities in Bacoor to lead better lives. A community centre to host, coordinate and focus such efforts is desperately needed.

So I was delighted to be informed by ✠Joash Jaime. episcopal administrator of the Old Roman apostolate in the Philippines, that our new chapel and community centre building project in Bacoor, Cavite is beginning to advance. Already several people have signed and pledged funds toward the project and now the land next to the current plot and chapel, has become available. ✠Joash is meeting with the landlord to discuss the possibility of paying down a deposit to secure the plot.

The following are initial drawings created by an architect assisting the project. These have since been modified to take into account the possibilities the further plot of land may provide. A campaign will be launched soon for others to donate to this worthwhile cause.

The Deprivation of Bishop Strickland

Perhaps one of the most shocking developments in this week was the announcement of the deprivation of Bishop Strickland of his see by Pope Francis from the diocese of Tyler, Texas.

Following a visitation conducted by Bps. Kicanas and Sullivan of Camden earlier this year, concerns about “administration” were initially suggested as cause to question Bishop Strickland’s leadership of the diocese. Subsequently, a meeting was held in September in Rome between the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to the USA with Pope Francis. On November 9th, Bishop Strickland was invited to resign, he refused and now on November 11th an edition of the Vatican’s Bollettino announces his deprivation.

Various canonical commentators have opined that the deprivation is without grounds, certainly the decree seems light on actual charges. It would appear that the main reasons are a lack of fraternity regarding other bishops, probably put out by Bishop Strickland being labelled “America’s bishop” and his denouncement of progressivist trends, most notably of Pope Francis’s own confusing commentary on theology and the Church.

National Catholic Register Bishop Strickland Saga: Ousted Bishop Speculates on the Reasons the Vatican Removed Him
Rorate Cardinal Müller on Strickland’s Sacking: “It’s an abuse of the Divine Right of the Episcopate.”

Emotionalism in the academy

I already reflected on the Pope’s new Motu Proprio Ad theologiam promovendam indicating how theology today “is called to a turning point, to a paradigm shift.” The pope signalled how this shift must foster a “fundamentally contextual theology” based on a nexus between relationships, experience, and no longer being self-referential. It is of course highly problematic, but it also gives an indication of the Pope’s way of thinking – or at least of those he listens to and who ghostwrite his texts.

The rationale presented here aligns with a prevailing pattern in academia, as elucidated during my attendance at the inaugural national conference of Academics for Academic Freedom on November 11th at City University, London. At this event, scholars from diverse fields and universities across the UK deliberated on the prevalent issue of emotions and sentiments being accorded equal significance to scientific approaches, analysis, and methodology within the academic sphere. Together with the prevailing zeitgeist of identity politics and wokeism, freedom of speech and enquiry are being threatened in our academic institutions.

The keynote speakers at the conference were James Murray, Legal Director at Doyle Clayton, and one of the architects of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, who explained the Act and its ramifications, and Baroness Claire Fox, Director of the Academy of Ideas, who chaired a panel debate on ‘What is the way forward for free speech and academic freedom?‘ Members of the excellent panel discussion were, Dr Bryn Harris (Chief Legal Officer, Free Speech Union); Professor Dennis Hayes (Director, AFAF); Omar Mohamed (joint founder of Speak Easy) and Akua Reindorf KC (Cloisters Chambers). There was ample opportunity too to hear from branches and members around the UK sharing experiences and ideas.

There was a major announcement at the conference, AFAF proclaimed May 20th 2024 as the first “International Academic Freedom Day“. The 20 May is the birth date of John Stuart Mill (pictured) the author of On Liberty (1859) which is still essential reading for all lovers of freedom today. AFAF asks all relevant organisations and universities to support this initiative and to organise lectures, seminars and debates on that date every year.

Armistice Day chaos

The remembrance of the fallen of war was considerably marred this year by the prospect and subsequent realisation of protests and counter protests in London. The solemn occasion, which is traditionally marked by a sense of unity and reverence, was overshadowed by the presence of opposing groups expressing their divergent views.

This predictable turn of events added a layer of complexity and tension to the commemoration, as emotions ran high and conflicting ideologies clashed in the heart of the city. The significance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice was momentarily overshadowed by the discord and division that unfolded on the streets. Nevertheless, amidst the turmoil, there were still individuals and organizations who remained steadfast in their commitment to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. They persevered in their efforts to ensure that the memory of those who gave their lives for their country was not forgotten, despite the disruptions caused by the protests.

Attending the AFAF conference (above) required me to embark on a journey that involved traveling to and through the bustling city of London. Fortunately, I was able to navigate a route that skillfully circumvented the problematic areas, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free commute both to and from my destination. However, despite successfully avoiding any potential disturbances, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease when it came to traversing the streets of London itself.

This uneasiness stemmed from the countless videos that inundated social media platforms, showcasing ordinary citizens falling victim to unprovoked attacks or being subjected to distressing anti-Semitic remarks. The power of these visual narratives, captured and shared by individuals from all walks of life, served as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers that can lurk within the urban landscape. It was disheartening to witness such incidents unfold, as they highlighted the unfortunate reality that even in a city as diverse and cosmopolitan as London, prejudice and hostility can still rear their ugly heads.

Despite my reservations, I remained determined to fulfill my professional obligations and attend the conference, but the lingering concern for my personal safety cast a shadow over my otherwise exciting journey. Nevertheless, I pressed on, hoping that my experiences would serve as a catalyst for change and a reminder of the importance of fostering a society that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity.

The events of this year’s remembrance serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing societal divisions and the need for dialogue and understanding. As we reflect on the significance of this solemn occasion, it is crucial to remember that the remembrance of the fallen should transcend political differences and serve as a unifying force, bringing people together in a shared commitment to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our collective future.

w/c 12.xi.23

Visit to Rome

From November 13 – 17 I had the opportunity to visit the eternal city, Rome. Although primarily a personal pilgrimage, I also had some informal meetings arranged. During these critical times for the Church I embarked on a journey to the heart of Catholicism to pray at the four major basilicas. This visit marked my first time returning to the city in several years. Sad to say, the atmosphere in the city is changed, more tourists than pilgrims in the once popular places of pilgrimage, many closed and disrepaired churches and a sense of fatigue from the clergy. I will report on my trip and impressions in a separate post.

Bishop Meikle’s Letter

An Old Roman bishop in Florida, ✠Edward Meikle caused a storm this week over a pastoral letter expressing support for Bishop Strickland over the injustice inflicted upon him by Pope Francis. Initially picked up by traditional Catholic social media, the letter was perhaps misportrayed as having been written by a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who were meeting in Baltimore this week. Resulting in a “pile on” of ad hominem polemic by neo-Conservative Catholic commentators berating the messenger and entirely missing the message i.e. the content of the letter.

Needless to say, I expended a significant amount of energy and effort in addressing and confronting the naysayers who were spreading false information and misconceptions about Bishop Meikle and the Old Roman tradition. It was crucial for me to set the record straight and correct their ignorance and deliberate misrepresentation of our beliefs and practices. Throughout this process, I encountered numerous strawman arguments that were aimed at defaming the good bishop and discrediting our venerable tradition. These individuals intentionally conflated us with the apostate Old Catholics, despite the clear distinctions between our respective doctrines and theological positions. It was disheartening to witness the deliberate misrepresentation of our doctrinal stances, as well as the false accusations labeling us as schismatics. Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast in my commitment to defending the truth and ensuring that our tradition was accurately portrayed.

Bishop Meikle expressed his concerns about the dismissal, stating that a bishop should only be removed for grave moral failings, not for defending the faith. He also criticized Pope Francis’s stance on transgenderism, stating that it fails to uphold Catholic teaching on sexual morality and the nature of the sacraments. Additionally, Bishop Meikle argued that Pope Francis is promoting the adaptation of theology to modern cultural trends, which he believes goes against the firm foundation of Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium. He emphasized the importance of faithfully presenting the liberating Truth of the Gospel and urged the church to call all people to encounter Jesus Christ on His terms

Reflections

The term “pater familias,” alternatively spelled as “paterfamilias” (plural “patres familias”), denoted the leader of a Roman household. It typically referred to the eldest surviving male, who possessed the legal authority to wield absolute control over his extended family. This term has its roots in Latin and translates to “father of the family” or “owner of the family estate.” In the early days of Christianity, the episcopi, or “overseer,” of a local church also held the status of “pater familias.” As a result, the term “papas” or “pope,” signifying “father,” became linked with this role.

The word “pope” has its roots in Church Latin “papa,” signifying “bishop” or “pope” (in classical Latin, “tutor”), and is derived from the Greek “papas,” originally denoting “patriarch” or “bishop,” and subsequently “father.” The designation “Pope” was initially employed for bishops in Asia Minor and subsequently embraced by the Bishop of Alexandria around 250 AD. In the Western Church, it became closely linked with the Bishop of Rome, particularly during the time of Leo the Great (440-461).

It is important to explore the historical roots of the term “pope” in order to gain a deeper understanding of the overarching roles of the Pope and bishops. Throughout history, the Bishops of Rome were often seen as authoritative figures, akin to monarchs, until the establishment of the Vatican State. But their papal title originated from their primary spiritual responsibility as the earthly representative of God, the “paterfamilias” of the Church on earth. Such a role may be likened to the representation of God the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as well as Christ’s instruction to Peter, the first Pope, to “feed My sheep,” and his directive to his successors and all the successors of the apostles, namely the bishops, to “confirm the brethren.” This underscores the significant role of the principal pastors as exemplifying fatherliness, mercy, and compassion.

Published in 2017, “The Dictator Pope: The Inside Story of the Francis Papacy” is a highly critical biography of Pope Francis by historian Marcantonio Colonna, a pseudonym for H. J. A. Sire. The book presents Pope Francis as a tyrannical and unprincipled pontiff, claiming that he manipulates the Church for his own power and has obstructed reforms. It also explores allegations of financial corruption and the influence of certain Vatican figures. The book has received mixed reviews, with some praising its insights and others questioning its claims. The author, Henry Sire, faced suspension and expulsion from the Knights of Malta due to his critique of Pope Francis.

One of the speculations about Bishop Strickland’s deprivation suggests his criticism of Pope Francis’s pontificate may be the real reason rather than any – as yet unsubstantiated, misgovernance of the diocese of Tyler. Certainly, Bishop Strickland at the recent Roman Forum seemed to lend support to a negative appreciation of the validity of the Pope’s reign when he read from a letter sent to him by a sedevacantist. However, Bishop Strickland has repeatedly stated his acceptance of Francis’s papacy. For example, he tweeted the following after Patrick Coffin’s promotion of the Beneplenist thesis, ‘Please allow me to clarify regarding, “Patrick Coffin has challenged the authenticity of the Pope Francis.” If this is accurate I disagree, I believe Pope Francis is the Pope but it is time for me to say that I reject his program of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus.’

Canon is the Greek word for rule, norm, standard or measure, canon law is how the Church organizes and governs herself. It was the first modern Western legal system and is the oldest continuously functioning legal system in the West. Canon law includes divine law prescriptions that no pope can overturn (see cc. 330, 925, 849, 864, and 1024 in the 1983 Code). The Code’s ecclesiastical law applies to the universal Church, and the pope must set a good example by following it. The pope can change ecclesiastical law by officially abrogating or derogating from it. However, if the pope were to decree something that violated existing ecclesiastical law without expressly derogating from it, canon law states that such an action would have no effect, even if done by a competent authority like the pope (c. 38, 1983 Code; c. 46, 1917 Code).

“During the clerical sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, the Holy See deftly escaped direct criminal liability in US courts — for potentially $hundreds of billions — by arguing, amongst other things, that a pope doesn’t have the power to remove a bishop against his will. This was necessary to demonstrate that bishops aren’t employees of the Vatican. Many years later and [Francis ] has just done precisely that by sacking the holy Bishop Strickland.”

Benjamin Harnwell

The Italian magazine Il Regno reported in 2017 that Pope Francis had issued 50% more legislation than Benedict XVI, and in half the time. However, the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts has effectively been sidelined and reduced to an “office,” with no mechanism in place to ensure that new rules align with the existing legislative framework. Francis has taken to a new level the concept of the Pope being “above” the law, i.e. by acting unilaterally without reference to canon law, setting aside decisions made by other legitimate bodies, and imposing new legislation without reference to previous precepts. He has closed down religious orders, e.g. the Friars of the Immaculate, Familia Christi, intervened in trials, e.g. Cardinal Becciu, Fr Rupnik, and protected accused clergy, e.g. Bishop Juan Barros Madrid, Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, and Fr Grassi or those involved in the abuse at the Provolo Institute School for the Deaf, and famously the former cardinal, Ted McCarrik.

I don’t say that Pope Francis isn’t the Pope, but I do say that his words and actions do not “confirm the brethren” Luke 22:32 or “feed My sheep,” John 21:17 nor do they adhere to “let your yes be yes and your no, no” Matthew 5:37.

✠Jerome Seleisi

So in these challenging times, characterized by uncertainty and questioning, it is only natural for us to grapple with the words and actions of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We recognize the concerns raised about his leadership and the impact of his statements on our faith, and it’s important to acknowledge the unease that some of us may feel. However, amidst these concerns, we must remember that our faith is not solely based on the actions of one individual. Our Catholic faith is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the rich traditions of the Church, which transcend any one person and stand as enduring pillars of our belief system.

Let us remember that our faith is not solely dependent on human leadership, but on our unwavering devotion to Christ and His teachings. As we navigate these challenges, let us hold fast to the principles of love, humility, and grace that are at the core of our faith, and may the grace of God sustain us, and may our commitment to the Catholic faith remain unshaken in the face of adversity.

Miserere nobis