“When the shepherd becomes a wolf, the flock must defend itself”: Dr. Michael Fiedrowicz

The following essay by the eminent patrologist and scholar of the Roman liturgy, Michael Fiedrowicz, discusses classical theologians on the right of resistance to the abuse of ecclesiastical authority. It was written prior to the release of the CDW document but in anticipation of it. First published in IK-Nachrichten of Pro Santa Ecclesia, December 2021/January 2022, the translation appears exclusively at Rorate Caeli.—PAK

Saints Athanasius & Cyril

“When the Shepherd Becomes a Wolf, the Flock Must Defend Itself”

Prof. Dr. Michael Fiedrowicz

Expect the worst

New translation of St. Robert Bellarmine autobiography (and more reader discounts!)

We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Catholic author and publisher Ryan Grant of Mediatrix Press for a few years. And we are pleased to bring to you his latest work, the first English translation of The Autobiography of St. Robert Bellarmine. Check out his site now, as he's added a number of new titles to the "Rorate Discount Page."

CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOK & RORATE DISCOUNT PAGE

Besides the Saint's autobiography, this work also includes his model for composing sermons, and 7 sermons on the Annunciation which have rarely been seen before in Latin, and never before in English. The Autobiography was written by St. Robert in 1613-1614, at the request of some Jesuit brothers that wanted an account of his life. It is not terribly long, nor exhaustive of the Saint's life, but it is an account written by his own hand of the recollections he had as he approached 70. To this Mr. Grant has added numerous footnotes and some appendices so as to aid the reader in gathering the historical details surrounding St. Robert's life.

St. Robert Bellarmine was also an excellent preacher -- considered one of the best of his age -- and it is fitting that, as he speaks of preaching so frequently in the autobiography, that his Guide to Composing Sermons has been provided, along with 7 sermons on the Annunciation so as to demonstrate these principles in action. The Sermons combine St. Robert's considerable erudition and knowledge of Holy Scripture with his great piety, but simplified for to be for all.

In a special just for Rorate readers, you can now purchase this book by clicking here to receive a 20% discount ($15). Additionally, our readers can take advantage of special discounts explicitly for you, on other books published by Mediatrix Press. 

Lastly, the foreword for this book has been written by Fr. Philip Wolfe, FSSP, who is well known for his excellent traditional sermons. See the forward below:

NEW: St. Robert Bellarmine's long Catechism in English -- and a Rorate reader discount

We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Catholic author and publisher Ryan Grant for a few years. And we are pleased to bring to you his latest work, a translation: "Christian Doctrine: The Timeless Catechism of St. Robert Bellarmine."

Rorate readers can now purchase this book by clicking here to receive a 20% discount ($16). Also, for our readers to consider, is the foreword to the book written by another friend of this blog, His Excellency Bishop Athanasius Schneider, posted below. 

Introduction 

By His Excellency Bishop Athanasius Schneider

“THERE is nothing more effective than catechetical instruction to spread the glory of God and to secure the salvation of souls” (Pope Benedict XIV, Apostolic Constitution, Etsi minime). Saint Pius X said, that the great loss of souls is due to ignorance of divine things (cf. Encyclical Acerbo nimis).

Deutschland—Church of the Rich or Church of the Poor?

News reports have been showing us for some time now that the rich German church is the main mover and shaker behind the synodal armageddon, past and future.

As we know, there are two kinds of poverty: material and spiritual. The African church, in many ways materially poor (certainly as compared with Germany), is spiritually rich, with Catholics striving, often in terribly difficult circumstances, to live what Pope John Paul II called as “the Gospel of life.”

The German church, in contrast, appears to be spiritually impoverished in proportion to its immense material assets, once more establishing a law as old as divine revelation: “One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing: and another is as it were poor, when he hath great riches” (Proverbs 13:7). “Better is a little to the just, than the great riches of the wicked” (Psalm 36:16). “And that which fell among thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit” (Luke 8:14). The earthly riches of the German church will be the millstone that drags it down to Gehenna—all but the remnant that, despising these vain pomps, cleaves to the untarnished Word of God.

In his magnificent little work On the Perfection of the Spiritual Life, St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us about the dangers of material wealth and the urgent need to abandon them for the sake of Christ:

St. Robert Bellarmine on One Wife and a Large Family

While reading St. Robert Bellarmine’s superb Commentary on the Book of Psalms, I came across a passage that struck me as worthwhile to share with readers. The Society of Jesus has produced two Doctors of the Church, and it would be wise for today’s Jesuits, at all levels, to drink in their healthful doctrine.

127:1 “Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways.”