In this post I continue to report on the apparent injustice perpetrated by the Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, against 'The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer. FssR.' otherwise known as the 'Transalpine Redemptorists'.
In my previous post of 28 November, I included details as far as I was able, of events leading up to the present disastrous situation in the Roman Catholic Christchurch diocese, New Zealand, which denigrates the remarkable spiritual achievements of the 'Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer', since their arrival in Christchurch more than 10 years ago. The ruthless and disproportionately severe 'punishment' imposed by the Bishop for an apparently unknown, unstated, and unproven offence, imposed with disregard to strict rules of Canon Law in matters procedural, has unjustly deprived a large and established Catholic lay community of the services of several experienced priests, religious brothers and professed devout women, all of whom with the congregation, share a deep love of the traditional Latin Mass and liturgy, which form the very basis of their parish life.
I emphasise that I report on this matter not out of a sense of personal vindictiveness towards the Bishop of Christchurch nor the Roman Catholic Church, of which by God's grace I am privileged to be a member. I love my Church, but am aware that individually we all make mistakes, sometimes of little or no consequence, but sometimes of a very serious nature, as in this case involving the Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand. His recent discourteous and grossly heavy-handed treatment of the 'Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer', who are based in Christchurch and have been fully approved and authorised by previous Bishops, is a case in point. I believe that in this case justice has not been done, and it is incumbent on all who share this view, to speak out. editor
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
'Reflections by Father Michael Mary'
The slander persists. Accusations, detractions, and calumnies. I read them, and each word feels like a thick glob of spit. I can wipe it from my face, brush it away, but it still seeps into my mind and soul. And I know that anyone for ever searching the Internet could read it and doubt me; mock me and scorn; spit again behind my back.
So, how do I feel about it? It is not easy but it is getting better.
Tonight, I reflected on the prophet who was handed a scroll inscribed on both sides. He was instructed to eat it. It tasted bitter in his mouth, but it turned into something sweet in his stomach. Beautiful image! I believe this is the intended lesson from my experiences.
I confront the detractions and calumnies, swallowing them despite their bitterness and the humiliation they bring. The process of assimilation is gradual. Yet, little by little, with the help of Our Lord, they will transform into blessings, and for this, I pray. For He said: Blessed are you when you endure such trials for His sake, and prepare to rejoice. This is my perspective on it all. It's the arduous "Yaka" in our journey with Christ.
I am not alone in this ordeal. Many endure even worse slanders. We should all accept what is written against us, out of love for Jesus. I remind myself, "It's beneficial for me!" regardless of its nature. Let us pray and allow Our Lord's Crowning with Thorns and Mockery to guide us from the painful digestion of the scroll to a state of tranquillity and spiritual delight, and ultimately to rejoicing in His love. This is the path we must follow for the salvation of our souls, the path for anyone who endures slander and calumny out of love for Christ.
And let's not forget the lesson from St. Alphonsus: He observed that a dog only bites the stick that strikes it, oblivious to the hand that wields it. This suggests that it is unwise for us to react with anger and retaliate against those who slander and malign us. They are merely the sticks. But the hand that hits is the Hand of God. Since God gives us this thrashing, we should submit to it for His glory and in submission to His purposes. It sounds tough and it is tough, but it is right and just and true. That's us. Forgiveness is a work. We must pay well for the grace to get it right.
But there is more. It would be incomplete to avoid the charity of stating that every detractor has a moral obligation to reparation. I fear for our enemies. I say that in charity.
We have now reached a depth of detraction and calumny that is gravely immoral, way over the top. Now deep damage has been done and continues to mount. St Alphonsus teaches that each priest and monk possesses nothing in this world except his reputation. The reputation of our community members has now been most unjustly and gravely wounded, practically destroyed. Catholic media calls a Catholic Religious Congregation a "sect". We have become the offal of Christchurch diocese, and now is true that "Any stone is good enough to throw at a dog!"
Be that as it is. May our enemies know that I love and pray for them, that I would willingly talk with them and help them to undo the damage that they have caused or contributed to knowingly or unknowing. As God Wills, that the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts.
Devotedly.
Father Michael Mary.
ember also what St Alphonsus teaches: He says that the dog only bites the stick that hits him andoe that hits. Which means
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