The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which was published in 1992 AD, is the definitive statement and application of the teachings of the Catholic Church. We must follow that teaching in order to give honor and glory to God and therefore to save our own souls and be a positive influence in saving other souls. There is often discontent and division in the Catholic Church about the true teaching and what St. Paul says about those who go around with itching ears trying to falsify the true teaching. St. Paul is very blunt in his condemnation of those who falsify this teaching. He tells them, in effect, they should ruin themselves because of what they do to the souls of the faithful.

Since we are in a controversial period of Church history and that controversy has spread to our own diocese, let's be clear on what Church teaches. Our Lord says the following to St. Peter (notice I write in the present tense to demonstrate that what Jesus proclaims for us is now). Our Lord says to St. Peter:

Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.I give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (St. Matthew 16:18-19)

For the beloved members of St. Mary's Shrine Parish, those words become the heart of the present controversy in the diocese of Camden. When we only get a passing reference to the words of Pope Benedict XVI from the chancery, and when our souls are not being nourished by the sound teaching of the Catholic Church, we must respond with the Truth. The final statement on any controversy comes from the Holy See: "Roma locuta est, causa finita." Rome has spoken, the cause or controversy is closed. It has always been that way and it will always be that way.



The late, great Servant of God, Pope John Paul II tells us: "Do not be afraid" because Jesus protects us through His Immaculate Mother. Let those at the chancery, misguided by people from other parts of the country where there has been disaster to the Church in places like the Archdioceses of Los Angeles and Seattle, heed the words of Our Lord and Savior:

Go behind me Satan: thou art a scandal unto Me, because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men. (St. Matthew 16:23)

The Catholic Church is made up of human beings, but it rises above humanity by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Often little voices like St. Therese awaken the snoozing bodies of the powerful. The little way of the saints will always emerge victorious despite the apparent obstacles that confront us. We live because of Our Lord's death on the cross. From that water and blood that flows from His side we are forever strengthened. We don't use arguments with ambiguous meanings--no maybes. If we live with a pure heart, only attained through the consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart, we will attain the true, final victory of the Kingdom of Heaven, so help us God.

Praised be Jesus Christ1 Now and Forever.
Fr. Jerome Charles Romanowski, Pastor




Date to Remember: Rosary on Delsea Drive noon Saturday October 11th.