Anyone who has been in a position of authority—parent, manager, pastor—can relate to Saint Peter in this 17th Century painting from the School of Rubens.  The Fisherman, grasping firmly but gently the keys given to him by Christ, looks upward to God.  He is not 'white-knuckling' the keys, nor is he loosely holding them, about to let them slip out of his hands.   They are part of his identity. 

Peter's countenance entails anguish and pain.  But there is also hope and trust in his eyes.  He desires relief; relief not for himself, but for his flock.  He knows this relief will come, even if it is on the other side of eternity.

A New and Relocated Tabernacle for the Church

Friends,

I would like to propose for the parish obtaining a new tabernacle and relocating it to the center of the church, behind the altar and recessed into the wall.

First, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The tabernacle is to be situated ‘in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.’ The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar” (CCC 1183).  

Going to confession can be a harsh experience.  It is painful to recall our sinfulness and shortcomings, and even more painful to articulate them aloud.  But we are healed when we do this.  And the alternative—remaining in our sin—is worse.  If we hold onto our sins and are not absolved from them, we will deteriorate.

To what can we compare this reality? Well, I just finished a book on the history of Australia, so how about the 'land down under'? 

I am aware the term 'traditionalist' has a bit of a negative connotation, but here is an example of one traditionalist I admire.  In 1943, Archbishop Damaskinos of the Greek Orthodox Church had been hiding Jews in residences around Athens.  The Nazis finally arrested the Christian and put him before a firing squad.