Gus reads a recent quote Pope Francis made while visiting African Jesuits in Mozambique. During a Q&A, the pope responded to a question posed by Fr. Lucas Joaquim Biriate. He asked the holy father how priests can avoid falling into clericalism during formation for priestly ministry. The pope responded by saying, "Clericalism has a direct consequence in rigidity." He then asked, "Have you never seen young priests all stiff in black cassocks and hats in the shape of Saturn on their heads? Behind all the rigid clericalism there are serious problems." Gus was a bit taken aback by the statements. It seemed to be a very judgmental generalization from the "Who am I to judge" pope, as if the clothing makes the man. Clericalism is obviously a problem that needs to be addressed but it's mostly in priests and bishops covering up for others and not so much priests in cassocks. Gus asks listeners what they made of the pope's statement.
Also, Gus goes over a news item out of the state of Michigan where a judge ruled in favor of St. Vincent Catholic Charities and their practice of not adopting to same-sex couples and receive state funds. Judge Robert Jonker ruled that Catholic Charities is not being discriminatory by referring same-sex couples to other adoption agencies who can better assist them. Back in the general election of 2018, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel went off on Catholic Charities and the law that allows them to continue facilitating adoptions, calling it "discriminatory" and those who support it as "hate mongers who disliked gay people more than they care about children." Gus, in turn, went off on Nessel, pointing out that states who barred Catholic Charities, and other faith-based adoption agencies who refuse to adopt to same-sex couples, saw a precipitous drop in the number of adoptions. Gus says if Dana Nessel and people like her truly put the children first, she wouldn't attempt to make laws that would decrease the number of adoptions.
It is disappointing your broadcast’s focus was on the superficial common 6th century Roman dress that clerics of that era chose to retain, rather than Pope Francis’ very beautiful words about what it means to be a shepherd.
I would be very cautious of overlooking the meaning behind Pope Francis’ and the Lord’s words. Jesus’ harshest words were directed against religiosity. The words below fit this topic, but they are mild compared to others Jesus spoke.“All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,…”
Another way of saying it, “sometimes you need to be in the middle of the flock, not always at the front.”
I love him! I hope he’s Pope for a long time! Best Pope ever! Too bad if you’ve had it with Francis, Gustavo. Many of us celebrate the realistic attitude he has brought to Catholicism.
Gus, I’m glad that you brought up this subject. I’m of the more traditional persuasion and I think a priest should wear a cassock. I’m also fed up with Francis and his fake humility. I still pray for him but I can’t say I love him.
I’ve so had it with Francis.