Nicola Sturgeon: Worship Virus, Not God – Bishops Must Refuse To Comply…
Summary, Edinburgh Evening News (note: no mention of ban on church-attending)
Lockdown may last longer than January
Scotland’s new lockdown may last longer than initially intended, Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs.
A legal requirement will be in force to ensure Scots living in Level 4 areas remain at home as much as possible during January.
However, the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament that these changes will be kept “under review”.
She said: “However, I cannot at this stage rule out keeping them in place longer, nor making further changes. Nothing about this is easy.”
Comment:
As expected by those of us who are totally cynical about the Scottish Government and its leader who is well overdue an Emmy Award for best Scottish TV Actress, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that we are going into full lockdown from midnight tonight. While Boris/England is agonising over whether or not to introduce another full-blown lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon – ever anxious to portray herself as the decisive-if-reluctant-bearer-of bad-tidings- leader, has plunged Scotland into another lockdown.
Frankly, I don’t believe the propaganda about the NHS being in peril – but even so, that’s not my problem. I’ve been paying into the NHS for years and I’m not one bit pleased that my contributions apparently mean nothing, that the NHS is not fit for purpose, it can’t deal with a simple virus. It’s not my job to protect the NHS. It’s my job to be suspicious of Government and believe me, suspicious is the understatement of the year, since I can no longer describe myself as a free person living in a free country.
Sturgeon has the temerity to once again ban worship in churches, and the bishops will no doubt yet again, be obedient servants of the State. Then she has the added temerity to say that the most painful decision was the restrictions on schools and nurseries. Honestly, you couldn’t make this stuff up.
Catholic Truth calls on the Bishops and, indeed, all those in positions of religious authority from priests to religious superiors to bishops, to refuse to comply this time. No matter the legal consequences. We cannot replace the worship of God with the worship of a virus. Speaking for myself, if our priests decide to defy this unlawful and – I would say – blasphemous action, I will be at Mass on Sunday as I am required by God’s law.
Our blogger, Athanasius, is preparing a second Open Letter to the Bishops of Scotland, which we will publish as a separate thread as soon as he submits it, within the next day or two, but in the meantime, please make clear your own position on this latest blow to our person and religious freedom. Are you going to sigh and accept it all – again?
Comments (61)
Sturgeon’s comedy routine reminds me of Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown, who keeps trying no matter how often she does it. The Scots are Charlie Brown, and Sturgeon is Lucy, who keeps promising these lockdowns are only temporary…until the next renewal date…
RCA Victor,
I’m not usually a “LOL” person but that is a bit of a game-changer – LOL! (I’m more of a “ha ha” person, but I’m making an exception this time!)
And, by the way, Athanasius emailed to assure me that he is working hard on his latest Open Letter; he’s had a lot of interruptions and was feeling tired but added that he would have a bit of a rest and “then back to business with, hopefully, a fresh mind like Joe Biden’s!”
I thought our resident American would enjoy that. Nobody at the BBC would get the joke 😀
Editor,
I am very much looking forward to Athanasius’ MOAL (Mother of All Letters), but given that he is seeking a mind as fresh as Biden’s, I have to ask: is he working in his basement??
RCA Victor,
LOL! Athanasius might be working in basement but he’ll still be head and shoulders above Sleepy Joe, LOL!
RCA Victor,
I think Josephine has given the perfect answer there – I should be miffed but, hey, I can always fall back on my American accent to raise a laugh; she’s stuck with making jokes 😀
Am most certainly against this Draconian Wummin who i thought was on a Roll Before but She if that’s Politically Correct to use She, as everything is now BS ,is now just upped The Game . I read of a Hospital down in England ( which was supposed to be overcrowded with The Chinese Virus Patients lying Practically Empty) so who do we Believe. I also notice in The Statements that although outside Gatherings Must Not Take Place that Professional Football is not Banned. That of course wouldn’t have anything to do with Sky Sports or BT Sports losing Money 💰 now would it ,of course not . That would be presumptuous of me and we know that’s a Sin . I personally like many others have to travel on a Bus either Tomorrow or Wednesday God Spare . And am most certainly more at risk of Catching this Chinese Disease on a Bus than I am attending Holy Mass .
So what really is the score here with this Power Mad S.N.P. Wummin. Also if and I mean IF Nippy is being advised by Medical Professionals Why o Why are the Peasants not being told to at least Boost Our Immune Systems by taking very cheap Vitamin D on a Daily Basis. Something just doesn’t smell right ( if you get what I mean ) by the Whole lot of this . Will our Bishops speak out . No they’ll just say that their followings the Boss and of course I don’t mean God .
FOOF
And am most certainly more at risk of Catching this Chinese Disease on a Bus than I am attending Holy Mass.
Got it in one.
Let me say this, though, I think a lot of us are angrier than ever before about this latest lockdown, with the singling out of “worship”.
I would say this to those of you who are worried, e.g. about getting to Confession.
I will ask around and do my best to find a priest who is willing to take the risk of being “caught” doing something holy. If anyone would like to be given access to any such priest, if he exists, email your phone number and I will encourage said sainted priest to contact you.
For now, though, no, I do NOT believe for a single second that the hospitals are overwhelmed or likely to be, or any of the other guff she spouted. She’s a great actress, that’s about all the praise she’ll ever get from me OR from moi…
Ed thanks very much for that . Unfortunately you yourself said in an earlier article WE have to be careful of what we say . Where we’re from. What Priest is doing what Etc Etc Etc . But to quote a Woman with a Degree ( I don’t suspect it was a Masonic Degree as that’s reserved for Men only) lots of Sexism going on their i imagine. Will Nic look into that I suspect not . Who said when she was going on about Animals Being Slaughtered ” We really have to stop this Cruelty ” when I posted Back to Her and said ” Animals being Slaughtered are not Chopped up like Babies During an Abortion ” as I worked in Abbotoirs. She then said ” Well it’s a FREE. Country and we’re all entitled to our opinion ” That conversion BTW took place during the first Lockdown. I then of course said to Her that if I voiced my opinions of the Letters from the A to Z Mob that I could at least be fined and even jailed. Silence. A Free Country ,my God ,the C.C.P could never have imagined beyond their wildest dreams how successful they would be and how easy it would be to more or less control the Whole World when they let this Disease loose . As for Our Leader . What can anyone say that hasn’t been said before. Just like your good self I WASHED my Hands of our so called Leader many years ago .Godless and Marxist to The Core . God Bless You and Take Care Please , these are now Dangerous Waters we are treading of that we can be sure of .
What is happening now is without question iniquitous. If the bishops and priests go along with this outrageous crime any longer then I fear their own souls are in danger of being lost for abandonment of duty. Absolutely scandalous – Sturgeon should be standing trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity. She can keep her NHS, it was outdated decades ago and is no longer fit for purpose. But it’s not about health or the NHS, as we know, this is about “The Great Reset” and a new totalitarianism long planned by Socialist elitists everywhere together with their boss in Beijing. If people put up with this Covid con any longer then they really do deserve everything that Nicola Sturgeon, Johnson and the rest of them still have up their sleeve for the future.
The Bishops will fail you; they had the Catholic Churches shut in Scotland the weekend before the lockdown was announced March 2020.
What you, the Lord’s true sheep, I believe, must consider, is trying to form groups. You will need to pray hard in the next 1/2/3 weeks through the Rosary for real priests to show themselves. What do I mean?
You, the laity, will need to approach/find such priests and ask if they have the courage and true calling to come and celebrate the Sacraments for you gathered as a small group in someone’s house. As told “You need to be as cunning as serpents and as gentle as doves.”
Sadly, we have returned to Catecombs times. If you wants the grace of the Sacraments, you are going to have to search for real shepherds and organize venues to celebrate. Don’t expect any support from the Bishops or the vast, vast majority of Priests.
Scots Padre,
On paper, that’s a very good idea, but if you knew some of the neighbours people have, they would take great delight in snitching if they saw a priest and group arriving at someone’s house for “communal worship” which is now illegal in this god-forsaken country.
Boris Johnson has gone one better than Nicola Sturgeon saying the English lockdown is likely to last until mid-February. She hinted that the end of January might be stretched, so I’m taking it that we will be in lockdown at least as long as England, if not longer.
This is downright evil. I also can’t see how any priests will get away with doing what you suggest, since the bishops are fully with the government on all of this.
It’s terrible, this feeling of helplessness. I will never forget that the bishops and priests let us down at this very time when they should be defending God’s right to our worship.
Obviously, if you really are a “Scots Padre” (a priest in Scotland) then you’re not to blame but how many are there like you, I wonder? Not many, I bet.
Lily,
That’s easy: the priest can dress like a health inspector and carry with him some PCR tests to make it look legit!
Seriously, the persecution of Catholics under the new Cromwell is in full swing.
Victor without a doubt it is the New Cromwell. We have a Mass Rock not far from where I live and am sure Scots Padre knows of its Location. Maybe it’s time for its use again as it was in Cromwells Time . As for myself I have a good pair of Binoculars and while The Mass is being said could ( as in Cromwells Day ) keep a lookout for the Law . As the Mass Rock of course is outside then Worshippers could attend Mass their within the letter of the Law . I E Social Distancing Etc .
Well done Scots Padre! I believe this is one of the answers to the crisis we face today. It is now absolutely clear that we are living under a Communist Dictatorship. The only way we will have access to a true Mass will be as suggested.
A few years ago Fr Linus Clovis addressing a Catholic Truth conference advised us to “prepare for martyrdom”. He told us to think of this at the Nobis quoque in the Mass where we ask a share in the fellowship of the Holy Apostles and Martyrs. The time has come when we must remain close to all the Martyrs of the Church from the period of St Agnes, St Cecilia, St Lucy through to the English Martyrs, St Edmund Campion, St Nicholas Owen, St Thomas More, St John Fisher, our two Scots, St John Ogilvie and St George Douglas, right through to the Chinese Catholics who died since the CCP took over in 1950. These mentioned are only a very few. We have a tremendous population of these Martyrs in Heaven. We are Blessed to have them intercede for us during this time of trial.
If we take up the Scots Padre’s suggestion and form groups to pray together and perhaps be also privileged to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass we can implore the help of those who have gone before us. Notably the Holy Women, St Margaret Clitheroe, St Margaret Ward, St Anne Line and Blessed Margaret Pole. These women risked their lives by sheltering priests, in fact gave their lives in this cause.
We can receive great comfort and inspiration from reading the lives of these great saints. One thing that always amazes me is how joyful they were. But that comes from being on the side of Truth. Our Blessed Lord is the Way the Truth and the Life. So that joy comes from being on His side.
I think it is also a time to really think how we are co-operating with this Communist regime. Over the past few months many have compromised with these unjust laws, mask-wearing, booking seats for Mass, hand sanitising, distancing etc.etc.etc. All this because we are only concerned for our health, not our souls. Now is the time to stop this compromise. It takes courage to speak out when others are listening to the lies being fed to them by all the evil sources. Even members of our own families are mocking us by asking when did we qualify as doctors.
It reminds me of previous battles defending the Faith and being told that I thought I was more Catholic than the Pope.
Sadly, our Bishops have chosen to desert us, we must try to forgive them for their lack of courage and faith. We must pray for them and all our enemies in the Government and the media.
Long live Christ the King!
LittleBellsofGold,
Well said. We are considering a number of “resistance” possibilities as well as that suggested by Scots Padre, the details of which, for obvious reasons, we won’t be publishing here or in any other public forum – we will give thought to ways of “spreading the word” when the time comes, but first, a challenge to Nicola Sturgeon’s ban on church worship from Catholic MP, Sir Edward Leigh, in England. There is just NOBODY in politics in Scotland who is remotely religious, never mind Catholic: here’s Sir Edward on his Twitter account, where he posted a copy of the letter.
Sir Edward Leigh, an English Member of Parliament and the President of the Catholic Union of Great Britain, has written a letter to Scotland’s First Minister to suggest she show evidence that the heavily restricted religious services of recent months are indeed a danger to the public.
“I hope that in closing places of worship to the public, you will be presenting evidence for this decision to the Scottish Parliament in order for people to understand the public health requirement for this action,” Sir Edward wrote. “Freedom to worship in accordance with religious belief is one of the most fundamental and most precious freedoms that we enjoy. Interference or suspension with this right should not be done lightly.”
Leigh pointed out that Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights forbids governments from interfering with religious practise unless the restriction “is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”
He suggested that it is not lawful for Scotland to ban public worship, therefore, without ascertaining that “churches are a significant source of spread of the virus.”
https://twitter.com/EdwardLeighMP/status/1346143339138187264
Littlebellsofgold,
Excellent post, but part of the problem here is that very few people recognize this as Communism. Some of them may indeed want to resist the unjust decrees of the self-appointed dictators, but I’d bet that if you told that this is Communism you would get a blank stare (I’m being optimistic – “blank stare” would be on the polite end of the reaction spectrum).
To make matters more complicated, Pope Francis has become the Catholic (??) mouthpiece of this Communist scam, and that makes it even more difficult to apply the “Communist” label.
(Just as he’s become the mouthpiece of the climate change scam – another appearance of Communism in disguise, which few will identify as Communism.)
The only improvement I can think of is to point out, as we have done here, that the Western response model to the alleged pandemic was created by Communist China, who also lied about its results.
LittlebellsofGold,
I’m very impressed with your post, and I sure hope our Bishops and Priests and Laymen take your advice. We are now living through times where we have to be true soldiers of Jesus Christ, we have to be prepared to lay down our lives which will be hard but we need to pray for courage amongst other virtues to see us through this crisis. I believe we are living through the chastisement of Fatima.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Scots Padre
Absolutely spot on!
Well, here’s one bishop who will never comply:
https://thenationalpulse.com/exclusive/the-great-reset-bannon-vigano-biden/
RCA Victor,
I printed off that interview with Steve Bannon and Archbishop Vigano – terrific. Many thanks for posting.
I’ve copied this couple of paragraphs: but the entire interview is well worth reading – it’s dynamite. Archbishop Vigano says…
In order to put an end to the deep church and restore the Catholic Church, the extent of the involvement of the leaders of the Church with the Masonic-globalist project will have to be revealed: the nature of the corruption and crimes that these men have carried out, thereby making themselves vulnerable to blackmail, just as happens in a similar way in the political field to members of the deep state, beginning with Biden himself. Thus it is to be hoped that any proof of such crimes that is in the possession of the Secret Services would be brought to light, especially in relation to the true motives that led to the resignation of Benedict XVI and the conspiracies underlying the election of Bergoglio, thereby permitting the expulsion of the mercenaries who have seized control of the Church.
American Catholics still have time to denounce this global subversion and stop the establishment of the New Order: let them think about what sort of future they want for the coming generations, and of the destruction of society. Let them think about the responsibility that they have before God, their children, and their nation: as Catholics, as fathers and mothers of their families, and as patriots.
The waters just get murkier and murkier…
It will be very interesting indeed to see if the bishops of Scotland change course this time or will they continue to go along with this Marxist Government? To allow the State to ban worship again would be unconscionable, IMHO.
Our OVER RUN HOSPITALS. Watch this to see the truth.
https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/vide-hospig-3.mp4
Should have added that the lady who took the video above was arrested and bailed with condition set that she is not allowed to enter any NHS site witout a pre-aarnged appointment. Shocking!
https://video.recaimthenet.org/articles/vide-hospig-3.mp4
Have tried reposting webpage so the extra brackets etc saying video . . . don’t appear. If they do please help me for next time try to do.
Scots Padre,
I can never open those mp4 links – in any case, I suspect that’s the same case that was posted on another thread. I’ve copied the link here, to that report. There is a video clip embedded in the report.
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/12/31/woman-arrested-for-filming-inside-empty-hospital-in-england/
It’s a disgrace but not surprising these days – we’re being told lies all the time about the NHS – Dr Mike Yeadon pointed this out on one of the early videos posted here. Speaking of Boris’s “experts”, namely Sir Patrick Vallance and Sir Chris Whitty, Dr Yeadon said openly: “They are lying to you”
You can say that again. I’ll try to find that video tomorrow and re-post it here. I’m sure he’s said it more than once in various interviews, so won’t be hard to find.
The trouble is, incredible as it seems, the majority want to believe the Government and “experts”. I said a while back, and it’s even more true now, although I say it myself, it really does take a particular type of “stupid” to believe any of this baloney any more. Don’t new strains of any virus get weaker – not stronger? Check it out, folks.
Thank you editor: that is the correct video.
I got it from a site/group called “Reclaim the Net” which are trying to shown such suppression of the lady, suppression of freedom of expression; and the big boys intimidation – Facebook, Google and Twitter which shut down sites/accounts that try to show facts that most of the time are against the Governments’ of the world positions/stance.
Well worth taking a look at Reclaim the Net site if not seen already.
What a brave women!
Reblogged this on Nelson MCBS.
Nelson,
Thank you again for re-blogging this thread.
Welcome 🙏
Well, today I’ve been out and about … er, all essential stuff, assuming that nobody noticed the packet of biscuits I slipped into my trolley…
Here’s the difference, though, between this shopping trip and previous, even relatively recent trips.
I did not see one person in the supermarket, without a mask. Not a one…
Incredible. But here’s one of the (many) pitfalls of these masks.
I spotted a relative of mine whom I haven’t seen for a while. She looked at me, as we passed in the main “path” alongside the check-outs. Amazed that she hadn’t stopped, I called out her name. She still ignored me. I was stunned so I followed her, as she turned into the aisle (for soups and sauces, in case you’re interested 😀 )
Anyway, not one to be fobbed off, I doggedly followed her and called out her name again – this time, peeking round to see her face. She looked puzzled. Again I said her name. This time she pulled her mask down and I realised that I’d never seen this woman before at any time in my entire life. I had to laugh and explain that she looked to be the double of a relative of mine; she smiled and walked on. Wondering what kind of soup she likes, I headed for the checkout to avoid the possibility of being arrested for stalking.
Elsewhere – in another shop, queuing outside – I had a conversation with a woman who agrees that this latest lockdown is a disgrace, we’re all being conned etc. but she, too, was wearing a mask. When I pointed out that I’d read an article by a neuro-physician detailing the brain damage that these masks cause, the man in front turned round (masked) and said “I’ve had that for years now, anyway!” He was his own comedy routine, and I did laugh; however, irreversible brain damage is really no joke, as, sadly, too many people will find out in the years to come. Instead of people becoming more aware and realising they ought not to comply with these totalitarian rules, they are (some of them) realising that this is not really about a virus, but still obeying – even more so now, judging by the number of masked faces.
In the words of another comic, who would have believed that the day would come when we could go into a bank wearing a mask and demand money and all with the blessing of the Government 😀
One of those days, folks. One of those days…
I agree with Editor’s comments about the NHS in the introduction. All this “protect the NHS” stuff is nauseating and even idolatrous. The NHS is there to look after us, not vice versa. There are many impressive people in it’s ranks, but on the whole it is a very attention seeking and self-regarding organisation.
Fire safety adverts do not beseech us to “protect the Fire Brigade” and so how has the cart gotten in front of the horse when it comes to the NHS?
I also agree that it is a stick on that the Bishops will fail the faithful yet again by shuttering up Churches, chasing away the few remaining people who attend them. Being seen to jump through hoops for “No Deal Nicola” is what they think it means to be relevant. Fools!
They are so very clearly faithless and fearful men, whose priority is always to seek to ingratiate themselves with politicians. (The same politicians who would metaphorically cut their throat as soon as look at them).
Their antics do provide a laugh however, in so much as they show up Bergoglio’s waffle about the Church being a “field hospital” for the nonsense it is. Some field hospital, being shut in the face of the needy with such indecent haste.
Gabriel Syme,
I totally agree. I find the NHS nothing short of disgraceful now. People are not being treated for all sorts of illnesses. If you don’t have Covid, you don’t matter, is the message coming through. I wish I could afford private health care, I really do because I don’t want to set foot in any NHS building again.
Thank you to all who agree/support what I suggested about gathering in a small group somewhere to celebrate the Sacraments.
Lily, without meaning to be derogatory to you, it is no longer a question of good ideas on paper, but accepting what we, as individuals, must physically do in the flesh, to practice our Catholic Faith, feed our souls with God’s grace.
Seeing the example from history of the Catecombs gives us, I believe, a great example of how to try and tackle present circumstances. Yes, some may be found out by the world’s authorities and punished, but don’t forget, “You/They are not of the World, no more than I am of the world” – John 17
Remember also that the early Church was viciously punished for celebrating the Mass in those times, but FLOURISHED, because it was the will of the Father, shown by His Son Jesus, our Saviour.
Grace poured forth because God’s will was being done, not the will of the world.
I asked pray that a few priests may come forward to such a calling, BUT it will need to be the laity getting together, forming such groups. Hopefully, some of we priests may truely realise the grace we will receive in serving you, the flock, in such difficult times, and the joy that our souls would find in copying the priests of the early Church in just a little way of what they did, often in Martyrdom.
Scots Padre,
I am as keen as any Catholic should be to find ways to celebrate Mass and the sacraments during this persecution (that’s what it is) but I’m wondering what the duty is for the mother and father of a large family, with some very young children.
Our Lady of Fatima said that our first duty is our duty of state, i.e. in such a case the duty of the parents would be first and foremost to their children.
Therefore, would it be heroic for such parents to risk their children being taken away from them or in any other way cause their family to suffer, in order to attend Mass in these circumstances?
I am genuinely curious. If a parent of a large family, living in an ordinary three bedroom house or flat, offers to have a group come for Mass, say, and the police arrive to arrest everyone, would that parent be acting as a good, faithful Catholic, or would she be considered imprudent? I feel that I instinctively know the answer to that question but I’d like to hear the answer from a priest. Thanks.
That is why you have to be as cunning as serpents, but as gentle as doves.
Clearly, going to a house where children could lose their parents because of arrest, would not be wise. But that is why you need to get together in groups and decide upon a venue where the Mass could be celebrated like they did in the Highlands and Glens of Scotland at the time of the Reformation. I am not saying there physically, but in similar style.
And obviously all would have to work at not drawing attention to the venue, and probably have to move between/travel to a few venues, so as to be as non detectable as possible.
A lot of work! But it looks like that is the only way you will be able to receive the Sacraments in present times.
And regarding duty of state, remember Christ praying to the Father, for His disciples, knowing what they were going to face:
“I am not asking you to remove them from the world,
but to protect them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world any more that I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth.”
And also never forget
“Truly, truly I tell you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man,
You shall not have life within you.”
Scots Padre,
I don’t think we need to jump the gun. I’ve just been told that our Mass in Glasgow will be offered tomorrow evening, for the Feast of the Epiphany, so I’m hoping we will have good news about Sundays as well.
Sturgeon is a dictator. Boris has not banned church-going in England, so clearly the “highly dangerous” virus must be Scots. The more gentle English virus isn’t bothered about doing the rounds in churches, just his/her Scots cousin. The whole baloney is crackers.
As I say, Sturgeon is a dictator, and she’s now dictating to President Trump. Apparently, the American news media is reporting that he plans to visit Scotland in the event of a Biden inauguration. The White House is “downplaying” these reports, which is not quite the same as denying them. Sturgeon, however, has put her foot down – he won’t be welcome on Scottish soil… She is an absolute disgrace…
It’s been announced on the FSSPX Facebook page that Scottish churches are closing after Epiphamy.
SF
Thank you for that information. Disappointing. Maybe there will be a change of heart, who knows.
Semper Fidelis,
Thank you for emailing me after posting the above comment, attaching a notice that the SSPX Masses in Scotland would be returning to live-streaming as from today.
I searched high and low but could not find any Masses in Scotland; in fact, I ended up in Florida where they need to employ a new technician. Seeing might be believing, but it’s helpful to have sound as well. The banging was a tad distracting.
So, since you seem to be the Society’s Envoy in Scotland, are you able to tell those of us in the inferior classes if and when we may be able to either attend Mass in person with the upper classes – i.e. the
frozenchosen few – or when we may be able to participate as best we can online. Please and thank you!Scots Padre,
I see you clearly believe a parent or parents should do everything they can to get to Mass in a group, just be careful, but no matter how careful you are, if they get caught, they could lose their children. The martyrs were caught – that’s why they became martyrs! But they were mostly priests, and therefore did not have the responsibility of having to preserve their own life for the sake of their children. That was priests living according to the duty of their state in life. For parents of large families to try to move to different venues at a time when they should be in their own homes, hoping not to be stopped, hoping nobody reports them, and risking the parents being thrown in jail and the children put into care, is a tall order, but I think the bishops and priests would be OK with that, as long as their quiet lives are not interfered with.
It is clear that we cannot save our souls without the Mass and the Eucharist, as you say quoting Jesus’s words about eating the flesh of the Son of Man, or you shall not have life in you. So, the conclusion has to be that it would be God’s will for parents to take the risk, in order to get to Mass. I’m quite surprised at that answer because a friend told me that she thought it would be acceptable to offer spiritual communions at a time like this, when it would be not prudent to put your family at risk.
Personally, I will never forget that it is priests and bishops who have put parents in the position of having to decide to risk losing their children when they could have said no to the government and kept the churches open. They are abject cowards, in my book.
Lily,
Your reference to spiritual communions interests me because I was speaking about this matter recently. Great saints promote the practice:
Saints throughout the ages have witnessed to the value of spiritual communion… In a vision, Our Lord explained it to St. Catherine of Siena by showing her two chalices: one made of gold, the other of silver. He told her that her sacramental Communions were preserved in the gold chalice and that her spiritual communions were in the silver chalice. He told Blessed Jane of the Cross that each time she communicated spiritually, she received graces of the same kind as those received in sacramental Communion.
https://www.ncregister.com/news/follow-the-saints-make-a-spiritual-communion-jtejczau
I owe an apology to those with whom I discussed the issue because I mistakenly attributed that St Catherine of Siena quote to St John Vianney. I’ve just searched for his teaching about spiritual communions – here it is…
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/e4/99/16/e49916ed057531b91f4802296c174b26–john-vianney-catholic-quotes.jpg
So, a parent(s) such as you describe would please Our Lord greatly by seeking to keep united to Him through various devotional practices, including, very especially, spiritual Communions, during a time of trial such as we are experiencing at the present time. .
Those of us without such family and domestic responsibilities can do the heroic stuff 😀 So, no need for those with children to look after to worry about it or feel guilty, if they cannot attend “Mass groups” at this time. God is just, and He is not going to punish anyone in the circumstances which you describe, if they are unable to attend Mass without endangering their children.
Editor,
I remembered that Saint Thomas Aquinas taught about Spiritual Communion, so I went to find the quote, and I found this very good article which quotes other saints as well. Also Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/two-days-after-receiving-covid-19-shot-healthy-41-year-old-mother-dies-in-portugal_3644867.html?utm_source=newsnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-2021-01-05-5
I think now that the bishops have written to ask for the ban on worship in churches to be reviewed, the First Minister might remove that restriction, because Boris isn’t doing it anyway, so we may only have to suffer this for a couple of weeks.
Nicola Sturgeon is a really sinister character. I’ve thought that for a long time, especially when I see her appearing before a microphone with an affected worry look, so concerned for us all. I wouldn’t trust her to tell me the time of day.
I didn’t know things were really as bad as they are, though until I found this news online – she wants Gaelic speakers only in certain housing areas. It’s like, she didn’t get the Named Person Scheme through so she’s going all out now to find something even more ridiculous. She must think the history books will pain a great picture of her. Well, they won’t – most of the people I speak to cannot stand the woman, her insincerity is so plain for all the world to see. This is the Gaelic housing information:
Fidelis,
That’s the first I’ve heard of any of that – Sturgeon really needs help. Of the professional sort. Housing for Gaelic speaking people only! How crazy is this woman? As the narrator says, how inclusive is any of this?
As for history – she will be judged as the very worst ever leader … ever, anywhere!
Nicola Sturgeon definitely is a dictator, I’ve just been reading this report, she’s shameless. She obviously doesn’t care about people maybe losing their employment.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/nicola-sturgeon-warns-scottish-firms-not-to-seek-lockdown-loopholes/ar-BB1cuu9c?ocid=entnewsntp
The Bishops have now released a statement regarding Church closures. Essentially, they bleat that the situation is unfair and ask Sturgeon to reconsider “later”.
There is some merit, I think, in that they unfavourably contrast Sturgeon here with the UK Govt and note that the Church restrictions are presented without evidence. They also note that public worship is a human right and a duty owed to God by humanity.
I saw the news on The Herald website, but here is the statement direct on the SCMO website:
https://scmo.org/news-releases/perma/1609848000/article/catholic-bishops-question-scottish-governments-clo.html
Gabriel Syme,
As usual, you are much too charitable. Yes, the bishops have pointed out the difference south of the border, but I’m not impressed with their recourse to asking for our “human rights” – we have a serious obligation to worship God; that should have been driven home to her. She wouldn’t understand of course, but “obligation” is in all the dictionaries. She could have looked it up.
Thank you for posting the link.
Editor,
I’m not impressed with their recourse to asking for our “human rights” – we have a serious obligation to worship God; that should have been driven home to her
They did say that (as above):
” Public worship is a human right and is a duty humanity owes to God”
(not that it will impress Godless Sturgeon!)
Gabriel Syme,
Oops!
Still, in the words of my (now deceased) former Parish Priest who was inclined to say (often!) “while I may not be always right, I’m never wrong”, do you think that the bishops are “driving home” our obligation to worship God, to one Mz Sturgeon?
Signed, Clutching At Straws, Glasgow…
Editor,
The plot thickens:
At lunchtime today, Bishop Keenan has shared an update (via facebook) regarding further government info sent out late last night: (Extra Government statement in bold:)
Although the First Minister announced to Parliament that places of worship must close on Friday, the situation appears to have changed. Late last night the Scottish Government sent the following note to faith communities:
“It is now a legal requirement to stay at home unless it is essential. The Stay at Home guidance is now in regulations and came into force at 0001hrs today and there is no exemption to attend a place of worship between now and Friday.
This effectively means that Places of Worship should be closed for both congregational worship and individual prayer with immediate effect.
Additionally given the current position in relation to the pandemic the Scottish Government would also discourage more than 5 (or 6, if an interpreter is required) from attending a marriage in a level 4 area before Friday.
All associated guidance is being amended now to reflect what will be the regulatory position from Friday.
We apologise for the degree of inconsistency in messaging from government but hope that this clears this anomaly up.”
And so the SNP response to the Bishops’s letter has actually been to bring forward Church closure by two days!
Wow talk about showing their contempt!
I am told that a scheduled sung mass in St Brigid’s Toryglen has been cancelled as a result, presumably it will be the same with the St Andrews SSPX mass.
How will the Bishops respond?
Editor,
Further to my post above, regarding “Sturgeon’s slap down” to the Bishops:
Canon Thomas White has this evening begun a crowdfunding exercise, seeking to raise a £50,000 legal fund to oppose the new restrictions on worship.
Here is the link:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/freedomforfaith?utm_term=Bv8rJ4vV8
Please could everyone try to pass on / publicise the link as well as make a donation!
Gabriel Syme,
It’s good that they have made a move at last, but, sorry, I’m not donating a penny. Apart from the fact that I am unable, in good conscience, to support the whole novus ordo support system, this is no more than their elementary duty, and it should not require legal action at all.
In any event, since there have been plenty of question marks placed over the way the archdiocese has managed its (our) finances in the past, I’m not remotely interested in helping them to “build back better” now!
Sorry, Gabriel – your charity keeps getting the upper hand, you’ll need to keep it in check 😀
PS – regarding your previous comment, yes, the SNP Govt has shown its utter contempt for the bishops. Maybe that realisation lies behind this attempt to raise funds for legal action. Interesting…
Editor,
How is it credible, having spent months criticising a lack of action from Bishops, to immediately refuse to support such action when it belatedly arrives?
The mind boggles!
Gabriel Syme,
On the contrary, those who lack credibility are those who say that they believe the novus ordo to be displeasing to God (the only possible reason for objecting to it) but who want to pay money to keep it going! To financially support their belated move would compromise my conscience, big time. Even if I could afford it! The fact is, they have some nerve asking for money for a lawsuit to take on the Government, having first closed the churches before mandated, back in March. Why don’t they simply exercise their authority against a bad [Covid-inspired] law and risk prison? This lawsuit, with the begging letter attached, smacks of theatricals – “I want my day in court”…
I said that it is good that the bishops have made a move at last to protest the Government’s unlawful takeover of the Church, but – just as I would not have attended the novus ordo before lockdown, nor would I encourage others to do so – it would be illogical for me to suddenly support it now.
The fact that the bishops are demeaning their authority by allowing the Government to run the Church, is a different issue.
The bishops should be the people running the Church, not Nicola Sturgeon. THAT is the issue.
Our criticism has been of that dereliction of duty. If the bishops had announced that they were continuing to keep the churches open because they refuse to compromise the Church’s rights, then they would have earned some praise from me.
I think there is a clear distinction to be made here because the distinction involves the refusal to accept Communist totalitarian dictatorship.
If I’m not being clear, please let me know and I’ll try again. I’m nothing if not extremely trying 😀
PS In order to avoid two conversations on the same topic going on at the same time, it might be best to continue (if necessary) this conversation on the latest thread, which features Athanasius’s Open Letter to the Scottish Bishops
https://catholictruthblog.com/2021/01/07/open-letter-to-the-scottish-bishops-demand-end-to-govt-abuse-of-power/
The Bishops complain, even whine, but do not resist. While stating that “Public worship is a human right…” the Catholic Bishops will close the churches. The word “pusillanimous” comes to mind, as does the word “hypocritical”.
They conclude by saying, we urge the Scottish Government, when the present measures are reviewed later in January, to reconsider these restrictions…”
In my view this is utterly pathetic. They clearly state where their duty lies, which is to keep the churches open and unrestricted, yet equally clearly they have locked up the churches.
Serve God or Mammon. Render unto Caesar…
Have our Bishops ever read the New Testament?
Had they an ounce of Catholicism, a gram of right-thinking, they would open the churches wide and dismantle the nonsensical barriers, distancing, et al.
If it means prison, then that is how it is. Time for our Hierarchy to do their jobs and not just sup with the Devil.
Antoine,
Well said. Instead of begging for our “human rights” they should have pointed out that we have an obligation – a very serious obligation – to worship God and that there is no evidence whatsoever that congregations have fallen prey to this (very strange) virus. If there is, the Government needs to present that evidence without delay. Otherwise, we’re staying open – not asking for permission Mzzz Sturgeon.
That these bishops would ignore the Ten Commandments in order to observe the ever evolving and senseless Sturgeon rules, speaks volumes about their own (lack of) faith.
There I go, repeating myself again…
Dear Editor and all,
A happy Epiphany to all.
As regards the Stalinist Scottish lockdown the following may be instructive.
http://Www.Breitbart.com/21/01/05/greek-church-rebels-reject-government-lockdown-measures/
The Greeks are refusing, the Scots bishops are snoozing, and the French are revolting.
Patrick,
Don’t have time to read the link just yet but had a great laugh at your closing line. Given the “Ault Alliance”, though, I won’t comment on the revolting French 😀
Happy Feast of the Epiphany to you, as well.
Patrick,
Tried to call up the internet page you listed but says Not Found.
Sure it is correct address?, or maybe it has been removed/taken down by suppressive dictators that control the Net.
Give it a wee check for us to see please. Thanks
Dear Editor/Scots Padre,
Sorry getting non working links is my party piece.
Try using a search engine like duckduckgo which I use
http://www.breitbart.com/europe/2021/01/05/greek-church-rebels-rejects-government-lockdown- measures
When I try that in duck it works fine.
One will recall that Ms Sturgeon was embroiled in what looks like a conspiracy to bring charges against Alec Salmond. The multiplicity of charges was subsequently dismissed by a jury. The background to that affair is murky and the consequences may be ongoing.
More recently…
Margaret Ferrier MP has now been arrested by Police Scotland for an offence that allegedly took place three months ago. Why has action only just been taken? One might question why any action is being taken at all, but lay that aside for a moment. Ms Ferrier has apparently admitted that she travelled from London to Scotland after a positive Covid test, when she should have self-isolated.
Ms Ferrier is an MP for the SNP. Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP and First Minister has repeatedly urged Ms Ferrier to resign her seat and leave Parliament.
Ms Ferrier has refused to do so, as she is entitled to do. She was elected by her constituency. But, an election for the Scottish Parliament is coming up shortly in May 2021 and Ms Sturgeon almost certainly wants Ms Ferrier gone by then.
Ms Ferrier is to be charged with “culpable and reckless conduct” which is a very wide-ranging catchall. Also referred to as “reckless endangerment” it can carry a sentence of life imprisonment, although that would be very unusual. (One case did result in 5 years.). A sentence of, say, 13 months would be very satisfactory however as it would result in the automatic expulsion of Ms Ferrier from Parliament. Did Ms Sturgeon influence the police? Has Ms Sturgeon had a wee quiet word with the Lord Advocate? Bear in mind that the position of the Lord Advocate is in the gift of the First Minister. Scotland is very small, very cosy.
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