VIDEO: Michael Matt on the passing of Pope Benedict XVI

Yesterday I posted a few words on the death of Pope Benedict XVI, RIP. It was all I had time for. More to the point, I have mixed feelings about the papacy of Pope Ratzinger, and needed time to sort out my feelings. Even more to the point, I could never write a clear and objective analysis of the Benedictine era so well as others, notably Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant newspaper. 

In this special edition of The Remnant Underground, Mr Matt says that, for some, Benedict was a saint, while, for others, he was a villain. What cannot be denied, Mr Matt says, is that his intervention on behalf of the Latin Mass changed history and breathed new life into the Catholic counterrevolution.

   

In an e-mail received here today, Mr Matt outlines the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI: 

* An entire generation of young Catholics were reconnected to the Mass of our fathers, thanks to Benedict. 

* As Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, he was instrumental in the founding of the Fraternity of Saint Peter. 

* He made it clear that the Latin Mass was never abrogated, and never could be. 

* He lifted the excommunications of the bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X. 

But in the end (Mr Matt writes), he left the Church in the hands of the worst pope in history. So where does one stand on the pontificate of Pope Benedict, and how will history judge the man who restored the Latin Mass on the one hand, and saddled the Church with Francis on the other?

Let us pray: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

“Death, Judgment, Hell and Heaven” - Lenten Mission - Fr Isaac Relyea Saint Catharines, Ontario - 20-23 February

February 26th is Ash Wednesday. What better way to get ready for this season of reflection and repentance than by hearing a soul-stirring Catholic mission -- "Death, Judgment, Hell and Heaven" -- preached by Father Isaac Mary Relyea. This series of four powerful talks will be given at Holy Face of Jesus Church (SSPX) in Saint Catharines ON, from February 20th to 23rd.

Father Relyea is a traditional Franciscan priest from New York. After a successful secular career, Father entered religious life following a reversion to the Catholic Faith.

He is well known as a powerful speaker, who has travelled internationally since ordination to preach traditional missions and speak at conferences, particularly on the Four Last Things. Father has not given this Mission since 2013. It's definitely one you don't want to miss!

"Death, Judgment, Hell and Heaven" is a stirring wake-up call to modern society, which has desensitized itself to the realities of sin, death, man's immortal soul, and the life hereafter! Father Relyea follows the wisdom of saints such as St. Alphonsus de Liguori and St. Leonard of Port Maurice. Attending this Mission has helped many people. It has brought about conversions, changed life-styles, increased fervor, and helped people commit themselves to living a life centered on Christ.

Holy Face of Jesus Church
181 Lake Street
St. Catharines, Ontario
120 km from Toronto and
45 miles from Buffalo.

Thursday, February 20th - Rosary 7:00 pm, Conference 7:30 pm
Friday, February 21st - Rosary 7:00 pm, Conference 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 22nd - Rosary 10:30 am, Conference 11:00 am
Sunday, February 23rd - Rosary 12:30 pm, Conference 1:00 pm

"Death, Judgment, Hell and Heaven" is sponsored in part and promoted by the Fatima Center, founded by Father Nicholas Gruner+. For more information, including information on accommodations at special rates, visit the Fatima.org website.