Dear Friends of UbiPetrusVT,
Perhaps you saw my private litany to Saints Peter and Paul (posted July 4th). The role and intercession of Saint Peter has been very significant for me lately. The name of this blog came, in part, from my Diocesan connection to Saint Peter. What connection? Well, see the introduction to this blog for starters. But then, download and read this work by Bishop DeGoesbriand!
(Prints with 23 pieces of paper in “booklet print mode.”
Better yet, download on a tablet or device.)
I think prayers to Saint Peter, the intercessory prayers of Saint Peter, are all the more needed now, when fresh new rounds of controversies in the Church are swirling, some coming “to” Pope Francis, some “from” Pope Francis, and some “around” Pope Francis. e.g. The religious syncretism of the 70s and 80s is back, and how shall we have beneficial inter-religious dialogue without endorsing that syncretism? e.g. The moral meaning of the sacraments is in question, and can those Catholics in objective conflict with “what has passed into the sacraments” be reconciled without excommunications and schisms en masse? e.g. The dilemma of the “internal forum solution” is back, now on a broader scale through interpretations of Amoris Leititia, and how shall we be pastoral and also uphold the indissolubility of marriage? e.g. Questions about Vatican II are swirling now as much as ever. I say no more.
I don’t have all the answers. Only, I know of many parts needed for answers, with a faithful study of Scripture and the Tradition of the Church. I try my best to give those smaller answers. I often feel called to do so when our Holy Father speaks – rightly as far as I can say – in a mode of encounter and dialogue, yet in such a way that presumes that all Catholics know their catechism. Only, it seems to me few Catholics do know their catechism.
Hence, the more lengthy posts on this blog.
Hence, presentations such as this, newly made:
Most of all, I know I need to grow in prayer and humility as a priest.
It’s easy to make one’s online witness “Oh So Catholic and appropriate.” It’s another thing to die to self, to live for Christ, and truly to contribute to the Church by sanctity, even when the only witnesses are those of the “cloud of witnesses” from Hebrews 11.
So, last of all, without really deserving the opportunity, I’m taking the opportunity to go to Rome on Sabbatical. I’m taking a devotion to Saint Peter and to Bishop DeGoesbriand with me.
Feel free to send your prayer intentions with me.
Let’s pray for Pope Francis. Let’s pray for our bishops and priests (including yours truly). Let’s pray for each other.
Saint Peter, Pray for Us.
Our Lady of Mercy, Pray for us.
In Christ,
Father Tim Naples
September 24, 2021
Ubi Petrus VT 