Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Pope and the Devil and the Associated Press

Did Pope Francis Perform An Exorcism?

The AP refers to his "obsession" with the devil.

Objective and unbiased reporting, as usual.

Reminds me of a very recondite old Catholic priest joke about the Pope and exorcism. When I tell it, you'll see how very recondite and old Catholic priesty it is.

Pope Leo XIII was receiving distinguished visitors in audience for his blessing --this would be in the 1890's-- when one of his aides realized that a British noblewoman had been admitted whose divorce and remarriage had been a scandal back in England. What to do? The Pope motioned his aide to stand aside and  not worry.

When the lady appeared before him, she knelt and kissed his ring and waited for her blessing. His Holiness raised his hand and made the sign of the cross over her and said: Benedicaris ab illo in cuius honore cremaberis...the blessing used in the traditional Mass when incense is placed in the censer: May you be blessed by Him in Whose honor you shall burn.

Now that's religious. Not spiritual.

And very recondite old Catholic priesty.

--

PS. Mr. Poor Church Pope Francis lashed out at the inordinate love of money that characterizes our world...As if this were some awful novelty that never happened before. Reminds me of the ravings of the apocalyptic type evangelicals who are always finding 'the signs of the last days' in the newspaper. Any day of the week, of any year, will do.

Ex Cathedra's declinism is exempt from this critique because, well, I'm right.


'via Blog this'

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

A much needed laugh, Ex. I've never heard that story. Small wonder, seeing as kids at my Catholic high school were permitted, even silently encouraged, to voice their opposition to doctrine and dogma, and to give their muddled, hormone-addled justifications. A Catholic school that gives Protestant students the same standing as orthodox Catholic students has serious problems.

Maybe that's what the souls of the damned are- thuribles for use by the Church Penitent and Church Triumphant. Not a bad deal- at least you get a good seat. :)

-Sean

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