Posted on 09/15/2015 5:13:11 PM PDT by ebb tide
Rorate Caeli just translated an article that appeared in L'Ossevatore Romano on September 8. It was written by Msgr. Pio Vito Pinto, the head of the Commission for the reform of the canonical process--in other words the point man for the recently announced annulment reforms.
What he writes is stunning. And chilling.
The three main points are these:
+The annulment reforms are not merely procedural reforms to introduce more fairness and efficiency in the process, but a full-scale revolution in thought and practice towards the marriage validity question, designed to radically increase the number of annulments.
+It is Christ, acting through Francis, who wills this. Disobedience is disobedience to the Holy Spirit.
+Initial absence of "faith" (in the marriage bond?) is declared a valid reason for a judgment of nullity.
Here are the most important passages, as translated by Rorate (my emphases in red):
... But there exists an essential novelty that is defining Pope Francis actual mission. It is no longer time simply for analyses, it is time for action in order to begin that work of justice and mercy so long awaited - by re-ordering the pastoral practice and canon law, to a large extent in effect for almost three centuries. Francis had already announced this at that the beginning of his pontificate on July 28th 2013, at the conclusion of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.
So, with this fundamental law, Francis makes a real beginning to his reform: by putting the poor at the center, that is, the divorced and remarried, considered set apart and distant, and asking bishops for a true and proper metànoia. That is to say, a conversion, a change of mentality which convinces and sustains them in following the invitation of Christ, present in their brother, the Bishop of Rome, to pass from the restricted number of a few thousand annulments to that immeasurable [number] of unfortunates who might have a declaration of nullity -- because of evident absence of faith as a bridge to knowledge and thus to the free will [necessary] to give sacramental consent -- but are left on the outside by the current system.
But how will the bishops or eparchs, most of all in large dioceses, be able to guarantee, at least in part and as a sign, their role as shepherds and judges? What is important is that the spirit of collegiality and communion among bishops under obedience to the Pontiff, begins to permeate the hearts and minds of the shepherds. The faithful are waiting with eagerness and love for such a metànoia and will nonetheless be patient in the Lord when faced with the good faith of their shepherds. The Jubilee Year of Mercy expects this sign of humble obedience (on the part of the Churches shepherds) to the Spirit who speaks to them through Francis.
The reform holds in consideration the main reason for the request of the (declaration of) matrimonial nullity: this is requested for reasons of conscience, for example: to receive the Sacraments of the Church or to improve a new stable, happy bond (relationship), different from that of the first.
So, there it is.
Francis has reportedly said that as many as 50% of all marriages are invalid. Could that be that "immeasurable" number of which Pinto speaks? And while this may not be a change of doctrine, it is a revolutionary change willed by Christ and the Holy Spirit. And Francis speaks for Them.
Has any Papal proposal on canon law ever been announced by claiming that the Pope is directly channeling Christ? (I should say I wouldn't doubt it, but I would be interested in seeing examples.)
I suppose we might also ask, where has Christ been for the last 300 years?
Or was He just waiting for Francis?
No, I don’t care.
Pope Francis' actual mission?
Mercy so long awaited?
Does Francis view himself as some sort of merciful savior?
Seems like narcissism writ large.
I’m not channeling anyone. I am a Spirit filled redeemed child of God however. And I know which Spirit fills me.
Where do you stand with Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI?
bumpus ad summum
Scripture is clear about the qualifications for any man who is to be an elder or deacon in the church.
He didn’t meet them.
Besides, what has that got to do with the whole issue?
How is that relevant to Catholics passing judgment on their pope?
I’m not Catholic so I am not required to be in submission to him or any other pope. Catholics are.
Non-Catholics get taken to task regularly for their own personal interpretation of Scripture and for judging Catholics. So that leaves one to wonder on what basis Catholics feel themselves to be permitted to pass judgment on the pope of their church to whom they are required to be in submission.
They must have an interpretation of Scripture by which to measure him, and then they must have to pass judgment on him as to whether he is qualified to do the job, whether he is doing his job, and whether he is doing it in the name of Christ.
If the pope claims that he is acting by the leading of the Holy Spirit, on what basis and by what authority does the average Catholic have to challenge that and determine that it is not so?
Absolutely, sister.
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
How is "denying sacraments" (as if a human can forcibly wrest communion with God from His children) different from what the Westboro "church" does in trying to force other's hands?
Is doctrine designed to help folks who need His Love get closer to the Lord or to put a wall between the "undeserving" and God?
“It is Christ, acting through ______, who wills this. Disobedience is disobedience to the Holy Spirit.”
The gambit of every false Christian teacher. It is actually them who are disobeying the Spirit, since lies do not proceed from the Spirit of Truth.
"denying sacraments" is a Catholic thing. Not a word about it in Scripture, therefore, it's irrelevant to one's salvation.
One doesn't enter heaven based on their submission to Catholic doctrine, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross and HIS righteousness imputed to them.
Am listening to ROMANS while I work and that truth—imputed righteousness— is repeatedly emphasized.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are Gods possessionto the praise of his glory.
Awesome!
Thank God for imputed righteousness because I certainly don’t have any of my own to contribute.
Thank you - exactly my point.
Well, actually.. it does seem as if you have some of Satan's vanity in you.. see your screen name, vainly boasting of your job title...
Unlike you, I’m sure......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.