… Report: Catholic Identity Conference [on September 28-30] in [Weirton] WV
Posted by Adfero at 10/04/2012
rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2012/10/you-report-catholic-identity-conference.html
From our friends at the Knights of Columbus, Woodlawn Council 2161, Traditional Latin Mass Guild:
The Catholic Identity Conference 2012 was held in Weirton, West Virginia, September 28-30. The Conference brought together speakers from various aspects of the Catholic traditionalist movement and opened with a reception on Friday evening at which those attending had an opportunity to meet the speakers in an informal setting. On Saturday morning, Fr. Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP, offered a low mass for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel at St. Joseph Church in Weirton. Following mass, the following speakers addressed the conference: Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant; John Vennari, editor of Catholic Family News; Christopher Ferrara, president of the American Catholic Lawyers Association; Dr. John Rao, director of the Roman Forum; and James Vogel, editor of The Angelus. Each spoke regarding the essence of Catholic identity during the reign of Pope Benedict XVI.
During the Saturday evening dinner, Christ Schulte made a presentation regarding the traditional Knights of Columbus initiative and Fr. Pendergraft addressed the gathering. People traveled from as far as California, Texas, and Florida to attend the conference. On Sunday morning, Fr. Pendergraft offered a Missa Cantata at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Weirton. It was the first traditional mass ever offered in that church, which was dedicated in 1967, after changes to the mass had already been implemented. A small schola of students from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, did a magnificent job of singing for the mass.
More details on the talks from the Conference website (www.catholicidentity2012.com):
Michael Matt: Faith, Family and Freedom
The Remnant’s Michael Matt spoke on “Faith, Family and Freedom,” and the threats to the Faith in our increasingly anti-Christian environment. He spoke of the advances of the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the world, as well as the Christophobic forces that are an increasing menace to those professing Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father Gregory Prendergraft, FSSP
Father Prendergraft’s presentation was a beautiful after-dinner speech that called for fidelity to the Faith, an increase of prayer and sacrifice, and pointed to Jacinta of Fatima as an example of heroic sacrifice.
John Vennari: Catholic Identity Theft: The Components of Liberal Catholicism
CFN’s John Vennari spoke on the Six Components of Liberal Catholicism as outlined by the great Msgr. Joseph Clifford Fenton in 1958, who laid bare the pretensions of liberalism Vatican II even before the Council was called. Liberal Catholicism is so pervasive that it is almost invisible. Thus Fenton’s prophetic warning about Liberal Catholicism is especially necessary, since Blessed Pius IX said that liberal Catholicism would lead to the ruin of religion and prevent us from meriting the blessings of God. The talk also spotlights the Council’s new ecumenical approach to Judaism, as exemplified by the highest Church leaders, liberal Catholicism in action — from Nostra Aetate through John Paul II to the present. It was Rabbi David Rosin who praised Pope Benedict XVI’s ecumenical approach as “institutionalizing revolution.”
Christopher Ferrara: Escape from Flatland: How to Recover the Third Dimension of the Catholic Simpleton
Christopher Ferrara speaks of “Flatland”, which is the modern nation-state wherein today’s man is a two-dimensional creature – the citizen-voter and worker-consumer – whose private third dimension (religion and spiritual life) has no bearing on his public life. This all-important third dimension is left behind whenever he exists his home or place of worship. Mr. Ferrara explains this two-dimensional approach ends up in the atomization of society wherein the citizen ultimately answers only to the state, and leaves behind the rich social complexity that was Christendom. Mr. Ferrara explains that we have to key to free ourselves from this hideous Flatland if only we would use it. He debunks numerous myths on the American system and American history.
Dr. John Rao: These Ruins Are Inhabited! Historical Precedents For Catholic Re-Emergence From The Abyss
Dr. John Rao discusses precedents in history when there was great crisis in the Church, and yet there would be a small group of Catholics relatively unknown, perhaps even to each other, who would be the beginning of a great restoration. During such periods, there is often confusion between what is genuine Tradition, and what has become mere (and perhaps corrupt) custom that is mistaken for Tradition. When those fighting to restore genuine Tradition begin to make their presence felt, they are often resisted by those who have become attached to mere custom. This is an inspirational presentation that focuses on the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ.
James Vogel: The Role of the SSPX in the Church of Today
The Angelus’ James Vogel focused primarily on the life of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, founder of the Society of St. Pius X. He traces his life from his birth in France on November 29, 1905, the impact of World War I on the family; and his study at the French Seminary under the great Father Henri LeFloch who formed him in the counter-revolutionary teaching of the Popes. Marcel Lefevre’s life is traced from his work as Apostolic Nuncio in Africa, his participation in Vatican II, the crisis of Faith that Vatican II produced, his founding of the SSPX, the conflicts with Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and the Episcopal Consecrations of 1988. Mr. Vogel also covered the work of the SSPX from the death of Archbishop Lefebvre up to the present, including the recent discussions with Rome.