Russia and Fatima – No other Possibility In a speech which we made several years ago we observed: ‘Yet the emphasis today is not so much on the fact that a large tranche of the prophecy [regarding Russia] has been realised. It is inclined to centre on the apparent fall of communism and this in turn is held as proof of the conversion of Russia. This is to ignore the evidence that, whatever state Russia may be in now, she has already spread her errors throughout the world. What we have witnessed over the past eighty odd years since the Russian Revolution has been the spread of Russia’s errors throughout the world like a raging contagion. What are Russia’s errors? These are merely a variation on the theme of those revolutionary doctrines which manifested themselves during the French Revolution. The predominant error which Russia unleashed on the world was not so much atheistic … Read More
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Carlist Requeta In our last posting we carried an article about Brent Bozell which referred in passing to the Carlist Requetes in the Spanish Civil War. We recently came across a photograph of a young requeta who had lost his upper limbs and possibly an ear too. Our correspondent, Charles Kerr, of Kerr’s Musings’ fame, remarked that this photograph reminded him of Solzhenitsyn’s remark about the Kengir marriages: Too pure for the modern age. Alpha et al In our previous posting we made reference to The Catholic Herald editor’s endorsement of the Alpha scheme, and the Holy Father’s warm words of approval for Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The following issue of The Catholic Herald, on July 11th 2014, carried an article by a member of the Ordinariate criticising Alpha for much the same reasons as we had advanced. We have reproduced that article here for the benefit of our readers. Another apology in the … Read More
We apologise for the delay in this posting. The delay has been occasioned by what is called the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) which causes one’s computer to crash without warning and which, for the relatively amateur computer user, becomes a repetitive nightmare. As we write it is still unresolved. Trojan Horses If anyone is in any doubt about the strength of masonic/secular humanist influence in the United Kingdom, one has only to reflect on the reaction to the so-called ‘Trojan-horse’ affair in Birmingham State Schools – an affair which has arisen because of an alleged plot by Islamists to make certain public schools in Birmingham conform to an Islamic ethos. Some of these schools have a population which is well over 90% Muslim and reflect the areas in which they are situated. This in turn has led to calls by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, among others, calling for … Read More
St Joan of Arc The 16th May was the anniversary of the Canonisation of St Joan of Arc. This remarkable young lady had to await 500 years to be canonised, a fate not suffered by some late candidates for canonisation. There are two quotations from St Joan which ought to be the watchwords of our beleaguered faith: the first is that ‘God must be served first’, the second is that ‘the men at arms will fight and God will grant victory’. That God must be served first derives, of course, from the First Commandment – ‘And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength’ (Mark 12:30). In accordance with the doctrine of the Kingship of Christ this applies not only to individuals but to every element of society including the state. Modern … Read More
To Scotland’s great shame, the devolved Scottish Parliament, voted for the legalization of same-sex ‘marriage’ on the 4th February 2014. The new Scottish legislature, which prides itself on proportional representation, indicated by this vote that its decision did not reflect the proportion of the Scottish electorate opposed to this measure. An 83% vote in favour far exceeded even the most optimistic poll ratings allegedly in favour. In addition, while the proponents of the Bill had the vast resources of the State, a politically-correct education system and the liberal media in their favour, the opponents had to finance their case through donations from an economically-depressed nation. The Parliament consistently refused to consider amendments, to the law, which would protect those opposed to same-sex ‘marriage’.The Scottish parliament and Government has shown itself to be no friend of the traditional family nor of the moral law, we therefore ask all our readers to … Read More
The Feast of the Purification Today’s feast day is listed in the post-conciliar calendar as the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. As one born on that day in the pre-conciliar era I prefer to keep to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Candlemas, even though it also undoubtedly features the Presentation of Our Lord. I attach a link to an article which appeared in the SSPX website for the District of the USA regarding this feast and which allows us to reflect on it. In the antiphon of today’s Mass we are told that ‘the old man held the Child in his arms, but the Child governed the old man’. Might that be a rule for us all. Independence Referendum – Scotland The referendum on Scottish independence looms later this year. Thus far, and we expect till the end, the principal arguments seem to be less about independence per se and the … Read More
We wish all former Apropos subscribers, readers and benefactors (spiritual and material) a happy and Holy Christmas and every best wish for the coming year. We reproduce below a verse or two from Scott MacCallum’s (RIP), Good Bye Beloved World, which evokes the nostalgia of a time gone by and the essential innocence and awe of children; a child-like trust and appreciation of the Christmas message which we must all retain. Let us pray this Christmas for all those who through whatever fault, whether their own, or that of parents or pastors, have lost that faith in the Christmas message, and pray that they may respond to the graces available to them so that they may adore once more the Christ-Child as their God and Saviour. By contrast, and with no thought, believe me, Of holier than thou, I remember going to Midnight Mass last Christmas In a remote hamlet up in … Read More
Mandela Mania The death of Nelson Mandela (RIP) one fears has led to a suspension of critical faculties by many including Churchmen. A BBC commentator has described Mandela as a secular saint but he is already being almost lauded as a real saint by some Catholics. To redress the balance we reproduce below an article from Life Site News and also from John Smeaton’s Blog: Life Site News article CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 6, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – (John Henry Westen) The death of South African former President Nelson ‘Madiba’ Rolihlahla Mandela on Thursday has led to an outpouring of glowing praise for the man most known for ending apartheid – a system of racial segregation. However, pro-life leaders have warned that praise from Christian leaders is inappropriate given Mandela’s role in bringing abortion-on-demand and homosexual “marriage” to South Africa. According to official statistics, nearly a million unborn children have … Read More
The South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference last week issued a statement of support for Nelson Mandela, the former South African president, following reports that he had been hospitalised. The statement said: “Former President Mandela means different things to different people. To his family he is a veritable Patriarch who stands for and is an example of the virtues of a truly great and loving Father, who cares for all near and dear to him. To the Nation, he is a great and inspiring leader, a true icon of the…reconciliation which we still need urgently. To the international community, he is a unique African and global statesman who rose above personal, tribal, race and party interests in order to lead the South African nation through a difficult transition from apartheid to Democracy.” I am disturbed by this glowing tribute to Mr Mandela, in the light of his record on pro-life/pro-family issues (see below). … Read More
November being the month of the Holy Souls we have asked that a traditional Mass be offered for the repose of the souls of all deceased Apropos and Approaches readers, subscribers and benefactors. We ask our readers to pray too for that intention. Thank You. Hermeneutic of Discontinuity in Papal Statements Many Catholics have been dismayed by statements made by Pope Francis in recent interviews which seem to have greatly heartened progressives within the Church. But, as Sandro Magister reported very recently in his article ‘Even the Pope Critiques Himself’, the Pope or his representatives have begun back-tracking even to the extent of the Pope acknowledging and welcoming criticism from a hierarchical friend. The notorious interview with Scalfari has been removed from the Vatican website and an admission has been wrought from Scalfari that his record of what the Pope said was not exactly accurate. Magister also indicates that the Pope appears to have retracted … Read More