Cathedral Calendars

News that Westminster Cathedral has produced a 2010 wall-calendar featuring pictures of the local clergy (see here) had us thinking about a Coo-ees Calendar - although that would rather compromise our anonymity, which we prize.

Instead, we propose an Australia-wide version of the Westminster Cathedral calendar, featuring pics of your favourite cathedral clergy. Pilgrims are encouraged to suggest suitable candidates and two obvious faces for the Coo-ees Australian Cathedrals Calendar would seem to be this former Dean of Melbourne:

and this Dean of Brisbane:and perhaps also this former Dean of Parramatta (who we notice still hasn't received his post-WYD papal honour):

We look forward to your suggestions in the Comments box, or you can email a picture by clicking on the Coo-ees confidential link in the sidebar.

Stop Press... Jesus revealed as Iron Man!

In what some are claiming as only further proof that God is Australian, a 44 year old 'cafeteria catholic' woman in the US who recently separated from her husband and had her hours cut at work says an image of Jesus Christ she sees on her iron has reassured her that "life is going to be good".

No its not an advertisement for LG Electrical Australia (Life's Good), or evidence that Jesus ever participated in 'nippers', rather Mary Joe Coady says the brownish residue on the bottom of the iron looks like the face of a man with long hair... which clearly must be Jesus!

Along with her two college-age daughters Mary Jo believes the image looks like Jesus and is proof that "he's listening". Coady says she hopes her story will inspire others during the holidays. She says she plans to keep the iron in a closet and buy a new one.

While St Magdalene has been furiously going through the many retired irons in The Cloister laundry looking for the face of Christ, the rest of the Cloister just hopes Mary Jo might take better care of her new iron...

Paganism in Westminster

Seems like Westminster has similar problems to Bendigo!

"Yogvivek Swami guided the Archbishop around the Mandir complex, including the sanctum sanctorum where the Archbishop offered flowers at the altar to the deities."

details here.

Doppelganger

The Warden doesn't like us getting into politics publicly, especially when we have old papal decrees on litugy to read. And Br. Pelagius, true communinist as he is, will be furious at this post but since Shadow Minister Hockey claims to be Catholic, I thought I should publish this well known doppelganger.

News is that Hockey will be running against Abbott, but is he too green and prone to belief in fairy-tales?

40 years on and still "this novelty is no small thing"!

Address to a General Audience, November 26, 1969

Our Dear Sons and Daughters:

1. We ask you to turn your minds once more to the liturgical innovation of the new rite of the Mass. This new rite will be introduced into our celebration of the holy Sacrifice starting from Sunday next which is the first of Advent, November 30 [in Italy].

2. A new rite of the Mass: a change in a venerable tradition that has gone on for centuries. This is something that affects our hereditary religious patrimony, which seemed to enjoy the privilege of being untouchable and settled. It seemed to bring the prayer of our forefathers and our saints to our lips and to give us the comfort of feeling faithful to our spiritual past, which we kept alive to pass it on to the generations ahead.

3. It is at such a moment as this that we get a better understanding of the value of historical tradition and the communion of the saints. This change will affect the ceremonies of the Mass. We shall become aware, perhaps with some feeling of annoyance, that the ceremonies at the altar are no longer being carried out with the same words and gestures to which we were accustomed—perhaps so much accustomed that we no longer took any notice of them. This change also touches the faithful. It is intended to interest each one of those present, to draw them out of their customary personal devotions or their usual torpor.

4. We must prepare for this many-sided inconvenience. It is the kind of upset caused by every novelty that breaks in on our habits. We shall notice that pious persons are disturbed most, because they have their own respectable way of hearing Mass, and they will feel shaken out of their usual thoughts and obliged to follow those of others. Even priests may feel some annoyance in this respect.

5. So what is to be done on this special and historical occasion? First of all, we must prepare ourselves. This novelty is no small thing. We should not let ourselves be surprised by the nature, or even the nuisance, of its exterior forms. As intelligent persons and conscientious faithful we should find out as much as we can about this innovation. It will not be hard to do so, because of the many fine efforts being made by the Church and by publishers. As We said on another occasion, we shall do well to take into account the motives for this grave change. The first is obedience to the Council. That obedience now implies obedience to the Bishops, who interpret the Council's prescription and put them into practice.

6. This first reason is not simply canonical—relating to an external precept. It is connected with the charism of the liturgical act. In other words, it is linked with the power and efficacy of the Church's prayer, the most authoritative utterance of which comes from the Bishop. This is also true of priests, who help the Bishop in his ministry, and like him act in persona Christi (cf. St. Ign., ad Eph. I, V). It is Christ's will, it is the breath of the Holy Spirit which calls the Church to make this change. A prophetic moment is occurring in the mystical body of Christ, which is the Church. This moment is shaking the Church, arousing it, obliging it to renew the mysterious art of its prayer.

7. The other reason for the reform is this renewal of prayer. It is aimed at associating the assembly of the faithful more closely and more effectively with the official rite, that of the Word and that of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, that constitutes the Mass. For the faithful are also invested with the "royal priesthood"; that is, they are qualified to have supernatural conversation with God.

8. It is here that the greatest newness is going to be noticed, the newness of language. No longer Latin, but the spoken language will be the principal language of the Mass. The introduction of the vernacular will certainly be a great sacrifice for those who know the beauty, the power and the expressive sacrality of Latin. We are parting with the speech of the Christian centuries; we are becoming like profane intruders in the literary preserve of sacred utterance. We will lose a great part of that stupendous and incomparable artistic and spiritual thing, the Gregorian chant.

9. We have reason indeed for regret, reason almost for bewilderment. What can we put in the place of that language of the angels? We are giving up something of priceless worth. But why? What is more precious than these loftiest of our Church's values?

10. The answer will seem banal, prosaic. Yet it is a good answer, because it is human, because it is apostolic.

11. Understanding of prayer is worth more than the silken garments in which it is royally dressed. Participation by the people is worth more—particularly participation by modern people, so fond of plain language which is easily understood and converted into everyday speech.

12. If the divine Latin language kept us apart from the children, from youth, from the world of labor and of affairs, if it were a dark screen, not a clear window, would it be right for us fishers of souls to maintain it as the exclusive language of prayer and religious intercourse? What did St. Paul have to say about that? Read chapter 14 of the first letter to the Corinthians: "In Church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue" (I Corinthians 14:19).

13. St. Augustine seems to be commenting on this when he says, "Have no fear of teachers, so long as all are instructed" (P.L. 38, 228, Serm. 37; cf. also Serm. 229, p. 1371). But, in any case, the new rite of the Mass provides that the faithful "should be able to sing together, in Latin, at least the parts of the Ordinary of the Mass, especially the Creed and the Lord's Prayer, the Our Father" (Sacrosanctum Concilium n. 19).

14. But, let us bear this well in mind, for our counsel and our comfort: the Latin language will not thereby disappear. It will continue to be the noble language of the Holy See's official acts; it will remain as the means of teaching in ecclesiastical studies and as the key to the patrimony of our religious, historical and human culture. If possible, it will reflourish in splendor.

15. Finally, if we look at the matter properly we shall see that the fundamental outline of the Mass is still the traditional one, not only theologically but also spiritually. Indeed, if the rite is carried out as it ought to be, the spiritual aspect will be found to have greater richness. The greater simplicity of the ceremonies, the variety and abundance of scriptural texts, the joint acts of the ministers, the silences which will mark various deeper moments in the rite, will all help to bring this out.

16. But two indispensable requirements above all will make that richness clear: a profound participation by every single one present, and an outpouring of spirit in community charity. These requirements will help to make the Mass more than ever a school of spiritual depth and a peaceful but demanding school of Christian sociology. The soul's relationship with Christ and with the brethren thus attains new and vital intensity. Christ, the victim and the priest, renews and offers up his redeeming sacrifice through the ministry of the Church in the symbolic rite of his last supper. He leaves us his body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine, for our personal and spiritual nourishment, for our fusion in the unity of his redeeming love and his immortal life.

17. But there is still a practical difficulty, which the excellence of the sacred renders not a little important. How can we celebrate this new rite when we have not yet got a complete missal, and there are still so many uncertainties about what to do?

18. To conclude, it will be helpful to read to you some directions from the competent office, namely the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. Here they are: "As regards the obligation of the rite:

1) For the Latin text: Priests who celebrate in Latin, in private or also in public, in cases provided for by the legislation, may use either the Roman Missal or the new rite until November 28, 1971. If they use the Roman Missal, they may nevertheless make use of the three new anaphoras and the Roman Canon, having regard to the provisions respecting the last text (omission of some saints, conclusions, etc.). They may moreover recite the readings and the prayer of the faithful in the vernacular. If they use the new rite, they must follow the official text, with the concessions as regards the vernacular indicated above.

2) For the vernacular text. In Italy, all those who celebrate in the presence of the people from November 30 next, must use the Rito delta Messa published by the Italian Episcopal Conference or by another National Conference. On feast days readings shall be taken: either from the Lectionary published by the Italian Center for Liturgical Action, or from the Roman Missal for feast days, as in use heretofore. On ferial days the ferial Lectionary published three years ago shall continue to be used. No problem arises for those who celebrate in private, because they must celebrate in Latin. If a priest celebrates in the vernacular by special indult, as regards the texts, he shall follow what was said above for the Mass with the people; but for the rite he shall follow the Ordo published by the Italian Episcopal Conference.

19. In every case, and at all times, let us remember that "the Mass is a Mystery to be lived in a death of Love. Its divine reality surpasses all words. . . It is the Action par excellence, the very act of our Redemption, in the Memorial which makes it present" (Zundel).

With Our Apostolic Benediction.

Paul VI

Taken from:
L'Osservatore Romano
Weekly Edition in English
4 December 1969

Here in The Cloister as we reflect on the 40th anniversary of the promulgation of the Novus Ordo we look forward with great anticipation to a more precise translation of the "language of the angels" to which Paul referred as we do a more precise interpretation of the Council's intent and dare I say 'spirit'

It is also our hope that the progressives of 40 years ago can embrace change with the same vigour they forced it on others those many years ago now!!!

Opposition Leaders UPDATED

Isn't it interesting who the current and possible future leaders of the Liberal Party are and the most likely future leader of the National Party is?

Yes, I know they have various 'views' about "...et in unam Sanctam Catholicam et Apostolicam Ecclesiam" but still - very interesting.

UPDATE

One of our regular readers pointed out that I forgot to include South Australian MP Christopher Pyne. However that is incorrect. I did not forget Christopher Pyne it is just that this is a post about future opposition leaders.

But something that I also suspected is also verifiable. All these men have been (cue spooky music) formed by.....

No explanation required

Thankyou to the pilgrim who dropped by with the link to the Bendigo Weekly's note about the venue change of this Saturday's Anglican ordinations.

The following is from a statement from +Joe:

"Over the past weeks, the Diocese of Sandhurst has been working with Bishop Andrew Curnow, Anglican Bishop of Bendigo to find a suitable place for the Bendigo Anglican community to hold their diaconate (deacon) ordination including that of four women," he said.

"However after further consideration and discussion of this matter with the people involved it was thought best not to proceed with these plans so that any possible misunderstanding of the church’s teaching about diaconate and priestly ordination be avoided.

"Both bishops acknowledge the good will of the people involved and pledge to continue working together to promote Christian unity."

Still really no explanation as to why St Kilian's was even considered, and don't hold hopes of getting one.

Ecumenical Tantrums in Bendigo

It seems that the Diocese of Sandhurst and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Lazzarotto is perhaps being somewhat over-enthusiastic in its interpretation of the new Vatican document on the pastoral concerns of certain Anglicans.

While the + of the Diocese of the Big Drain was stopped from confirming in the Anglican cathedral in Newcastle, it seems that the same rules don't apply in Bendigo.

While we await an influx of traditionally minded Anglo-Catholics into these 'Personal Ordinariates', it seems that the good Bishop of Bendigo has been making his own personal decision about the Anglican communion of late.

Since the poor old Angicans in Bendigo are refurbishing their cathedral, they needed somewhere to ordain some new 'deacons' and 'deaconesses'. For some reason, it seems no Anglican Parish church in Bendigo meets the requirements for an Anglican 'ordination' so the 'ordinations' have been arranged to take place at St Killian's Catholic Church.

Bishop Grech said no concerns had been raised regarding the involvement of women in the ordination.

“In a sense it’s not in our tradition to do that, but it’s a question of our gesture of friendship,” Bishop Grech said.

We here are wondering in what 'sense' it is in our tradition.

"Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Bishop Joseph Grech said he consulted with Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto after being approached by Bishop Curnow about using a Bendigo church.

Bishop Grech said no concerns had been raised regarding the involvement of women in the ordination."

The Parish Priest of St Killian's is quoted as saying:

“We are delighted and we think our only response should be a formal welcome to the Anglican Church, particularly in their time of need,” he said.

One wonders what this priest means by 'time of need'. Perhaps old bully boy benny has been pandering to naughty naughty traditional Anglicans, so he hopes to write his own constitution and keep the 'Old Ecumensim' aflame. And it seems his bishop and our Nuncio are on the same bandwagon.

Yet our Catholic brethren seem to have not realised that the reason these Angicans probably prefer St Killians' over their own parish churches is not because of a desire to be ecumenical or to join forces; it is most likely simply because the church has a decent organ.

In the meantime it is funny to see the Australian hierarchy, parish clergy and even the Nuncio making such decisions in an obvious tantrum at Pope benedict taking away their 'Old Ecumenism' dummy.


What is even more suprising is that the aCatholics don't seemed to have picked up on it. Seems they musn't like pipe organs much!

Stretching the Boundaries of "Medieval"

I recently read - again - that clerical celibacy was a medieval invention. It seems to be one of those truisms which people rely on. So I'm not sure how this fits the thesis: It is decreed that bishops, priests, and deacons, as well as all clerics placed in ministry are to keep themselves from conjugal acts and are not to beget offspring. Whoever does this shall be removed from clerical status. (Synod of Elvira, circa 301AD).
No doubt someone can explain this away.

Haven't we heard this before?

Just a few years ago? There was a different PM then but good to see the Australian bishops haven't changed.

Yesterday CathNews ran the story from the Port Pirie local paper that Bishop O'Kelly has urged "perspective" in the case of asylum seekers because Jesus was one - "technically".


But I guess Bishop O'Kelly was still just a Jesuit Headmaster then.

Blood Pressure - (New Medicated Version)*

The Cloister’s doctor is worried about my blood-pressure, which he thinks is too high. It may be that I will have to cut back on surfing.

I like to surf the Web, and on the principle that you should keep an eye on foolish people, lest they hurt themselves or others, I have been in the habit of viewing some websites which, Doctor thinks, may have been causing the “hypertensive issues.”

It is usually not the mainstream Catholic sites which cause the problem. No, the problem is the sites of people or groups that claim to be genuine Catholics but in fact are on their way out of the Church or have effectively cut themselves off from her already by drifting off into a la-la land of error, heresy, apostasy, schism, or just plain weirdness.

One example is the aCatholic Catholica website. Those folk just get more and more implausible as Catholics. At the moment they are advertising their new “Spiritual Marketplace”, which seems about right. Just at present there’s a “commentary”, under the banner “spirituality for adults” (because the rest of us are “immature”, don’t you know) headed “Was Roman Christianity Founded by a Woman?”, from Dr Ian Elmer who lectures at St Paul’s College, Australian Catholic University. Reading his analysis, it is clear he likes to "draw a long bow." But a bit of scriptural study, even if it is deliberately provocative, and loose on logic, doesn’t really raise my blood pressure.

It’s the other stuff, like the contribution of that wacky old Californian ex-priest Tom McMahon whose latest twaddle includes this: “I’m glad I no longer belong to this pathologically sick Roman institution.” I would take that as meaning he’s not a Catholic….but I don’t think that’s what HE means!

And the guff from the editor, Brian Coyne, who this week asks “Is Dan Brown someone who has an important contribution to make to the great discussion going on in society at the moment about the place and meaning of religion and spirituality in our lives?” Well, Brian, the answer is pretty flaming obvious: No.

Then there are the other websites the aCatholic site links to, such as the group of Brisbane people who left the Catholic Church to follow Kennedy & Fitzpatrick. Against my doctor’s advice I clicked on the link to their latest newsletter. Here are a couple of quotable quotes from it:

“If you wish to comment about our liturgy please contact the Liturgy group.... This group meets weekly to plan the liturgies, welcomes feedback and asks that you bring your concerns to them, not the presiders (Peter or Terry), as it is the liturgy group who make any changes.”

And:


“It was at St Mary’s [that] Narelle heard proclaimed that women should have no less a role than men in church ministry. She began to explore further how this could happen for her which lead her to the Independent Catholic Church. On Sunday 22 November 2009 in the Hemmant Community Church commencing at 10am Bishop Anthony MacKillop will ordain Narelle a priest of the Independent Catholic Church. She welcomes members of St Mary’s in Exile who wish to attend to share in the joy of this occasion. Because of the limited seating capacity of the old Methodist church, please let Narelle know if you plan to attend.”


How on earth can these people behave like this and still THINK that they’re Catholic? THAT’S what raises my blood-pressure.

So Doctor tells me I should just not visit these websites and make another appointment with Nurse Diesel and her sphygmomanometer for next week.
But it won't be easy.

(And how can Mr Schutz live with himself, having a link on aCatholica to his nice thoughtful intelligent Catholic blog “Sentire Cum Ecclesia”? )

*Now FRIENDLIER to the Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia, who's new Leadership Team picture appear on the earlier version. Don't say we aren't sensitive.

Things that Make Me Wince

1. Catherine Deveny

2. Fairfax Media

3. Rubbish Op- Eds

4. The Fact that Rubbish Journalists get paid

(for context, click here)

ANGLICANORUM COETIBUS

PRESS RELEASE - November 9 2009 (Rome)

On October 20, 2009, Cardinal William Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, announced a new provision responding to the many requests that have been submitted to the Holy See from groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world who wish to enter into full visible communion with the Catholic Church.

The Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus which is published today introduces a canonical structure that provides for such corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow the above mentioned groups to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony. At the same time, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is publishing a set of Complementary Norms which will guide the implementation of this provision.

This Apostolic Constitution opens a new avenue for the promotion of Christian unity while, at the same time, granting legitimate diversity in the expression of our common faith. It represents not an initiative on the part of the Holy See, but a generous response from the Holy Father to the legitimate aspirations of these Anglican groups. The provision of this new structure is consistent with the commitment to ecumenical dialogue, which continues to be a priority for the Catholic Church.

The possibility envisioned by the Apostolic Constitution for some married clergy within the Personal Ordinariates does not signify any change in the Church’s discipline of clerical celibacy. According to the Second Vatican Council, priestly celibacy is a sign and a stimulus for pastoral charity and radiantly proclaims the reign of God (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1579).

The documents make interesting reading and The Cloister wonders what the varieties of 'Collins Mix' including the irregularly 'Coyned' at aCatholica will make of pearls such as these...

Article 6
§2. Those who have been previously ordained in the Catholic Church and subsequently have become Anglicans, may not exercise sacred ministry in the Ordinariate. Anglican clergy who are in irregular marriage situations may not be accepted for Holy Orders in the Ordinariate.

Article 11
§1. A married former Anglican Bishop is eligible to be appointed Ordinary. In such a case he is to be ordained a priest in the Catholic Church and then exercises pastoral and sacramental ministry within the Ordinariate with full jurisdictional authority.

All this and a new English translation of the Missal! Might the Archbeard of Canterbury be expecting a call from aCatholics anytime soon looking for a formal communion?

Didn't anyone think to tell Hockey the cafeteria is closed?

The Age says that Coalition leadership hopeful, Joe Hockey, will tell guests of the Sydney Institute tonight that an overly literal interpretation of the Bible by church leaders, especially evangelicals, was causing a decline in the Christian faith, obscuring the true messages of the Scriptures, and providing ammunition to the Hitchens and Dawkins of this world who are empowered by fundamentalists who wrongly use faith to justify and explain war, cruelty and calamity.

IN true cafeteria style, Hockey says "The God of my faith is not full of revenge as the Old Testament would suggest with a literal interpretation. [He] does not cause earthquakes or tsunamis as acts of retribution". His ignorance is laid bare when likening the 'habit' to the hijab, Hockey who was raised a Catholic, goes on a rant about "the true messages of religion - compassion, justice, equality, dignity, forgiveness, charity and respect for others."

Here in The Cloister, far from supporting the 'evangelical' position, we suspect that Mr Hockey is himself somewhat of a personification of why established religious Traditions such as Catholicisim and perhaps even Islam are suffering in staunchly secular democracies such as Australia...

Ignorance and a cafeteria attitude, especially among those in public office!

While we apreciate Hockey is keen to improve his leadership credentials, perhaps he might take up a pew for the next few Sundays in his local parish and hear the Word of God before attempting to apply his intellect to such complex a discourse!

That's just Shocking!

The spring racing carnival is nearly over but it's certainly time to check in with paddypower.com and their Novelty Betting.

They are currently taking money on who will win the next Australian election (Family First are at 250/1); how many people will attend The Pope's Wembley Mass (it should fill, right?); and the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop Elliott wasn't named as Archbishop of Westminster however the real exciting movements have been in the odds for the next Bishop of Rome.

Cardinal Pell may be at short odds to become the next Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and replaced by Archbishop Colleridge in Sydney but he is slidding further down the list of favourites. Six months ago we reported that he was 50/1 however Paddy Power is now offering $66, closer to the bottom of the field near Fr Dougal Maguire.

Go on, back the good Cardinal... give a boost to his morale!

"Catholics... do still demonstrably believe in something."

Never before has anybody here had the need or desire to 'cut and paste' entire articles from the media, let alone from The Age of all places. However I am doing thus and an article by someone from the Australian Catholic University at that!

While the recenty appointed Vice-Chancellor of the ACU has been well known to us as a man who leans towards a respect for the Magisterium of the Church, it is very satisfying to see his deft and unabashed penmanship brazenly declaring war on atheism in a style - and playing them at their own game at that!

FROM time immemorial, this world has been troubled by plagues. From bogong moths in Canberra to frogs in biblical Egypt, unwelcome and unlovely creatures have the awkward habit of turning up in bulk.
Just now, we are facing one of our largest and least appealing infestations. Somewhat in advance of summer's blowflies, we are beset by atheists. Worse, they are not traditional atheists. These tended to be quiet blokes called Algie with ancillary interests in nudist ceramics, who were perfectly happy as long as you pretended to accept a pamphlet in Flinders Lane.

No, the new hobby atheist is as brash, noisy and confident as a cheap electric kettle. They want everyone to know that they have not found God, and that no one else should. Their particular target seems to be Catholics. On the surface, this is odd, as there are plenty of other religious targets just waiting to be saved from a vengeful, non-existent deity. Smaller herds, such as the Christadelphians or the Salvation Army, might seem more manageable. But the Catholic Church has two incomparable advantages as an object of the wrath of proselytising atheists.

First, it is the biggie. Taking out the Catholics is the equivalent of nuking the Pentagon. Guerilla bands of Baptists and Pentecostals can be liquidated at leisure.Second, the Catholics have the undeniable advantage that they do still demonstrably believe in something. Attacking some of the more swinging Christian denominations might mean upsetting people who believe a good deal less than the average atheist.

Mind you, the appeals of atheism as a diverting pastime are not immediately obvious to those of us who are on relatively easy terms with God. Why would anyone get so excited about the misconceptions of third parties as to the existence of a fourth party in which they themselves do not believe?

The answer is twofold. First, the great advantage of designer atheism is that you get to think of yourself as immensely clever. After all, you are at least much brighter than all those dumb-asses who believe in a supreme being, such as Sister Perpetua down the road, Thomas Aquinas, Isaac Newton and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. So satisfying.

The second factor has to do with wit. For some reason, contemporary Australian atheism seems to consider itself terribly funny. Its proponents only have to wheel out one of the age-old religious libels to lose control of their bladders. To outsiders, of course, it is a bit like watching a giggling incontinent drunk at a party. This is not to say that believers - and perhaps especially Catholics - do not get seriously irritated by atheists. They do, but not because atheists are fearfully clever or Wildely funny.

Frankly, the prime reason the average believer finds the common or garden atheist as appealing as a holiday in Birchip is because they consign them to that sorry category of individuals who spend their lives loudly congratulating themselves on their own intelligence without noticing that no one else is joining the chorus. Thus, as a Catholic, I do not normally sense in some tabloid atheist the presence of a supreme discerning intellect. I simply place him or her in much the same pitiable bin of intellectual vulgarians as the chartered accountant who cannot see the art in Picasso, the redneck who cannot admit of indigenous culture, and the pissant who cannot see the difference between Yeats and Bob Ellis.

It is not deep perception we encounter here, but a critical failure of imaginative capacity. It is a bit like the old joke: how many atheists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? None - no matter what they do, they just can't see the light.

The second wearying thing about the new atheism is that it is not new at all. It is so banally derivative of every piece of hate mail ever sent to God that I am amazed Satan has yet to sue for copyright infringement. No old chestnut is too ripe, rotten or sodden, especially when it comes to the Catholics as accredited suppliers of what apparently is the Christian equivalent of methamphetamine.

In an average week of atheistic bigotry in the Melbourne media, we can expect to learn that Catholics endorse child molestation, hate all other religions, would re-introduce the crusades and the auto de fe at the slightest opportunity, despise women, wish to persecute homosexuals, greedily divert public moneys for their own religious purposes, subvert public health care, brainwash children, and are masterminding the spread of the cane toad across northern Australia.

Applied to the average totalitarian dictatorship, this charge sheet would be over the top. Ascribed to virtually any ethnic minority, it rightly would result at least in public revulsion and quite possibly in criminal charges. But applied to Christians, it seems to be accepted as just another modern blood sport, like the vilification of refugees and the elimination of the private life of the families of public figures.

At the bottom, of course, lies hate. I am not quite clear why our modern crop of atheists hates Christians, as opposed to ignoring or even politely dismissing them, but they very clearly do. There is nothing clever, witty or funny about hate.

Greg Craven is vice-chancellor of the Australian Catholic University.

Stoned by Popcorn

Br Momus found an excellent little blog and forwarded the link 'round the Cloister this morning.

Titled Death by Popcorn - Everyday Musings of a Young Catholic the only thing one discovers about the author - the kernel - is that he(/?she) has an excellent sense of humour, an orthodox outlook and some PC/media skills.


The blog contains some excellent commentary, most recently on the dropping of the 'Father' title when addressing priests, but readers should not miss Hummer & Tongue - for all your Praise & Worship needs.






Kudos to the young Catholic!