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Modernists pushing for culture to replace liturgy in Churches. ""Playing" with the special space".

Culture instead of liturgy – A future model for rural Churches?
Many churches in rural areas will no longer be needed for religious services in the future. Does this mean the demise of churches is imminent? A research project is investigating whether and how churches can become cultural venues instead.
The Jesuit St Peter's Church in Cologne. "A Culture Station"
The exact number of churches in Germany is unknown. However, estimates suggest there are around 45,000 places of worship in the Federal Republic. Many of them have shaped their surroundings for centuries – especially in rural areas. There, the church towers, usually located in the center of small towns and villages, have been important landmarks, and the associated places of worship have been places of encounter and community for generations. However, the population decline caused by migration and aging, particularly in structurally weak rural areas, coupled with the persistently high number of people leaving the two major …

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Cardinal Fernandez maintains that Francis is not dead- metaphorically

"One year later, Francis is not dead. It's dishonest to say that Leo wants to erase him."
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández: "Prevost asks us to follow his lesson in humility."
Someone should tell him- Francis is dead in every sense leaving behind a trail of moral devastation extensively detailed on this blog.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, April 21st will be the first anniversary of Pope Francis's death: what is your last memory?
"In one of the last audiences I had with him, when he was almost silent, he looked at me, smiled, and repeated a phrase he had already said to me in the past, at very important moments: 'Humble yourself and trust.'"
What did he mean?
"Renounce all pride and show signs of humility, because in this way God could accomplish a great work through you."
Looking back on these 12 years of pontificate, what is the moment that has remained most memorable for you?
"The first time he called me as Pope, my first …

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Prevost's secret and unpublished letter to Benedict XVI on the day of his resignation: "Thank you for your courage."

On the 99th anniversary of his birth, the 2013 letter resurfaces: "Determined to confront abuses in the Church."
Seeing a Pope under attack, as he has these days, has brought back to mind for those with a good memory the constant criticism leveled at Benedict XVI during his pontificate. Among the often unfair and sometimes slanderous accusations leveled against Ratzinger was even that of having covered up for a pedophile priest in Germany. A lie that was revived even a few months before his death, causing the now elderly and frail Pope Emeritus profound pain. In reality, Benedict XVI—whose ninety-ninth anniversary of birth is celebrated today with a Mass in St. Peter's presided over by Cardinal Kurt Koch—was the Pope who did the most to combat the scourge of abuse in the Church. This recognition was bestowed upon him by his future successor, Robert Prevost, in a letter dated February 22, 2013, which remained unknown to the general public.
The day after the news of his resignation from …

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Priestly Society of Saint Peter on Priestly Society of Saint Pius X's episcopal consecrations

Are the consecrations prescribed by the SSPX legitimate?
The work of a group of theologians (Theologus), this article received a strong endorsement from Cardinal Sarah:
“A huge thank you for this illuminating text. It will enlighten souls desiring to live their Faith in the Truth, that is, in Christ and in His Church. Since 2001, I have been among those who assist the Sovereign Pontiff in choosing candidates for the episcopate, after a long and meticulous investigation of each candidate. I am painfully surprised and shocked that a simple decision by a Superior of a Community can ordain ‘truly Catholic Bishops.’ Thank you for this wonderful, clear, and well-researched text. We must know that it is not we who save souls. It is Christ alone who saves. We are merely instruments in His Hands. Let us continue to pray that the Body of Christ will not be torn apart again.” Cardinal Robert Sarah
Cardinal Sarah
What is the fundamental argument of the SSPX in defense of the planned consecrations …

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"Trump's attack on the Pope could mark the beginning of the end for the President" claims modernist theologian

Historian of religions Faggioli has extensively studied the relationship between Christianity and the MAGA phenomenon: "With the invective against Pope Leo XIV, the unimaginable has become part of everyday life. The triggers were the Pope's calls for peace and multi-lateralism. Now the religious right will realize that it has been used by the president."
"Trump's attack on the Pope could mark the beginning of the end for him"
"A historical paradox." This is how Massimo Faggioli defines the Trump administration's stance toward Leo XIV. "The first American Pope must propose a vision of the world radically different from the one currently being promoted by the United States. Leo does so not to protect the interests of the Holy See but in the name of a community much broader than Catholics themselves: he speaks on behalf of all human beings sacrificed in wars and trampled in their dignity. This is the Vatican DNA, which each Pontiff interprets in his own way. For Robert Prevost, this …

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Modernists at war in Vienna. Archbishop Grünwidl turns on Vienna Cathedral priest Faber over celibacy vow.

Archbishop Grünwidl confirms problems surrounding celibacy with Vienna Cathedral priest Faber
The new Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, has publicly confirmed for the first time that there are apparently problems surrounding the celibacy of Vienna Cathedral Priest Toni Faber. In an interview with the Tiroler Tageszeitung on April 5, Grünwidl stated that Faber had “found a solution regarding priestly celibacy that I find difficult to accept. We are in discussions to find a solution.”
Grünwidl did not explicitly say that Faber is breaking his vow of celibacy.
He had previously praised Faber's priestly commitment: "I greatly value Toni Faber; we were ordained priests together. He is very hardworking, constantly on the go, and in conversation with many people. He baptizes, celebrates weddings, and accompanies people through illness and bereavement."
Faber, known beyond Vienna as the "society priest," regularly appears at Viennese social events accompanied by a woman. When asked if …

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Report on Heiligenkreuz ran to several hundred pages. Rome continues to watch them closely

Deep “pain points” behind high monastery walls
The Papal visitation to Heiligenkreuz Abbey has ended for now: Concrete steps remain vague, and the entire report is sealed in the Vatican.
The major apostolic visitation has concluded, but instead of clarity, tension continues to prevail in Heiligenkreuz (Lower Austria). Concrete reforms and transparency are promised, but specific steps cannot yet be named. The several-hundred-page report from Rome also remains sealed – and with it, many answers to pressing questions. Officially, the report speaks of “impulses” and a “framework for action.”
Unofficially, observers say: This is still too vague. The listed points – better communication, strategic planning, spiritual reflection – sound like typical church management platitudes. "There are real pain points. Concrete measures will be discussed during a further visit by the inspectors," emphasizes a man with inside knowledge.
Proper procedures, trust problem persists
Particularly sensitive …

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Bishop lays out full extent of persecution of Christians in Algeria. Shocking decision by Pope Leo not to visit Tibhirine Monastery where all but two of the community were martyred in 1996.

Bishop Rey: "The pressure from the Algerian authorities is unacceptable; this is a state that wants to impose the Muslim faith."
"I deeply regret that Pope Leo XIV is not going to visit Tibhirine."
On the occasion of Pope Leo XIV's trip to Africa, and more specifically his visit today and tomorrow to Algeria, we wanted to hear a voice other than the general consensus that some are trying to project. Beyond the official pronouncements, this interview gives a voice to Bishop Rey, former bishop of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, who is attentive to the reality experienced by the Christian communities there:
Why did you co-sign this opinion piece in the JDD (Journal du Dimanche) dedicated to the threat of religious freedom in Algeria?
I know several Arab and Kabyle Christians who have opened up to me and shared their perspectives. I am deeply moved by their testimonies and the overall situation of Christians in Algeria, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox. I am particularly concerned …

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German theologian lays siege to the whole basis of Catholic morality and teaching

Sensitive to identity: a new approach to Catholic sexual doctrine
The author: Holger Dörnemann is a moral theologian and teaches and conducts research at the Institute of Anthropology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
The Catholic Church's sexual doctrine was long considered unchangeable and fixed. However, the first changes occurred at the beginning of Pope Francis's pontificate and were further developed in the following years.
"How can one find a common language on a topic like marriage, family, and sexuality given this diversity of cultures? From the perspective of socio-cultural differences, it is almost impossible." Cardinal Reinhard Marx expressed himself in this way shortly before the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in 2014, at the beginning of the synodal process that was already underway at the universal Church level.
That a common language—despite the "cultural pluralism that now grips the entire world"—is not entirely illusory was demonstrated just a year and a half …

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Scandalous sale of historic Church on internet. The carnage continues in the declining Church in Germany

Erfurt Parish offers Saint Crucis Church for sale online
"We already have many new ideas"
Children's clothing, coffee machines, pressure washers, and now a church. The Erfurt city center parish is offering the Crucis Church for sale on classifieds site Kleinanzeigen.de to reach potential buyers outside the church community.
DOMRADIO.DE: Why are you taking this unusual approach?
Claudia Meindl (Parish Council, St. Laurentius Parish, Erfurt): For the past two years, St. Laurentius Parish has been undergoing a consolidation process. At the end of this liturgical year, we will be closing four of our seven churches for parish use and are looking for new uses for them.
Since the beginning of this year, we have already secured potential uses for three churches, with whom we can negotiate effectively. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for St. Crucis Church. This led to the idea of ​​expanding our pool of interested parties and gathering more ideas.
"Behold the Cross of the Lord"
No
"Let's now …

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German Nuncio talks about the challenges he will face

Nuncio van Megen: “I am looking forward to the German Church”
The new diplomatic representative of the Holy See in Berlin, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, is looking forward to his new assignment in Germany. He sees himself as a bridge-builder within the Church, who will initially focus on listening in order to understand the concerns of the faithful, the Dutchman told Vatican Radio.
Modernism grows the Church one tree at a time, Catholicism one soul at a time
Pope Leo XIV appointed van Megen as the new Papal Nuncio to Berlin this Thursday. He succeeds Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, who held the office for 13 years. He knows that the Church in Germany is “confronted with problems,” but that ultimately applies to all churches, van Megen said. “And yes, as nuncio, I am called to be something like a mediator, a bridge-builder between the local church and the universal church,” said the new nuncio to Germany.
“I want to understand”
“This is a great challenge. There are certain tensions, …

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Theologian justifies his distaste for the Latin Mass in entirely political terms. Needs to find something to hate and then hates it!

Gregory Solari: The liturgy is always 'political'
In the disputes surrounding the celebration of the Tridentine Mass before the Second Vatican Council, the issue at stake is indeed the vision of the Church, notes Gregory Solari. For the theologian, the liturgy can be understood as a mirror of a culture or a society. Paying attention to political co-optations, in Europe as well as in the United States, is essential.
Theologian Gregory Solari is very familiar with traditionalist circles
You explain that the Mass or the liturgy is a mirror of a Church or a society.
The bodily and symbolic attitude of the congregation gathered in the nave is never neutral. It reflects a certain way of inhabiting the world, of conceiving authority, participation, and responsibility. In this sense, the liturgy is always already political: it shapes ways of being together, stages a vision of the city, and silently educates bodies and minds in a certain regime of relationships.
It is in this sense that the …

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Apostolic Visitation at Heiligenkreuz Abbey concluded (8 April 2026)

Proposals for the positive development of the community delivered
By decree of 5 June 2025, the Dicastery of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life ordered an Apostolic Visitation of Heiligenkreuz Abbey and appointed Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB and Sister Christine Rod MC as visitors. Following in-depth discussions with 90 monks and numerous external individuals, the visitation concludes today. The Abbot President of the Austrian Cistercian Congregation, Abbot Pius Maurer OCist, today presented the Dicastery's letter to the monks of Heiligenkreuz during a chapter meeting of the abbey. Visitor Sister Christine Rod MC addressed initial questions from the monks and explained the findings of the visitation. Abbot Primate Jeremias and Sister Christine Rod will discuss the results of the visitation in more detail with the community at a later date. In the coming months and years, the monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey will engage intensively with the instructions of …

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German Bishops' Conference (DBK) Queer Commissioner warns against patriarchy and "tradiwives"

German Bishops' Conference (DBK) Queer Commissioner warns against patriarchy and "tradiwives"
Has the Church betrayed its own message for centuries? Auxiliary Bishop Ludger Schepers warns against "tradwives" and emphasizes that sexual diversity is "not a modern construct."
The "tradwives" trend, prevalent on social media, is considered a problem for freedom and equality by Auxiliary Bishop Ludger Schepers.
The German Bishops' Conference's (DBK) queer commissioner, Ludger Schepers, considers a return to traditional gender roles a "dead end." The auxiliary bishop of Essen calls for a change of course by the Catholic Church on gender issues. This was reported by the Catholic News Agency (KNA).
The Church has not only tolerated but actively promoted patriarchal structures for centuries, Schepers explained. This view of humanity has nothing to do with the Christian faith but serves power interests. Anyone who clings to it "betrays its own message." The Church must take a clear stance and …

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Catholic women at war with each other in Germany. The Synodal way of doing things comes at an enormous cost.

Catholic women at war with each other in Germany. The Synodal way of doing things comes at an enormous cost.
Why Anne König resigned as Chairwoman of the Catholic Women's Association of Germany (kfd)
She wanted cost-cutting measures and more services for local groups instead of political campaigns – and encountered internal resistance. CDU Member of Parliament Anne König explains to COMMUNIO why she stepped down from the leadership of the Catholic Women's Association.
Anne König, the national chairwoman of the Catholic Women's Association of Germany (kfd), has resigned from her position, as the association announced on Friday – at her own request and with immediate effect. The CDU Member of Parliament from Münsterland was only elected to the position last June. The trigger for her resignation is internal conflict, as König confirmed to COMMUNIO. This involved the finances and the direction of the women's association.
These conflicts were triggered by internal disputes, as König confirmed …

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Synodalist on Synodality without reference to God. Beyond parody.

The Linz-based pastoral theologian Klara-Antonia Csiszar is committed to ensuring that the results of the Synod on Synodality are implemented in the practice of the Church. She is a driving force in this area across Europe.
What has changed in your life since you were appointed by Pope Francis to the theological advisory team of the Synod on Synodality in the fall of 2023?
Prof. Klara Csiszar: A whole Catholic world has opened up to me, which I find very fascinating. I am now increasingly confronted with a theology that did not originate in Central Europe. It is enriching to broaden my horizons. The world has become larger, and my working style has also changed.
In what way?
Csiszar: I'm finding it increasingly difficult to make decisions on my own. In my role as Dean and Vice-Rector at the Catholic Private University of Linz, I feel the need to consult more, to involve the students more, and to include my colleagues more. Even though I sometimes feel impatient because processes slow …

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DJ priest's tribute to Francis

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Modernist warns of parallel traditionalist Church. But favours the Benedict solution over the Francis solution.

Theologian Tück warns of parallel church to the right of Rome
Viennese dogmatic theologian sees dialogue with traditionalist Society of St. Pius X as "effectively failed" - Pope Leo XIV under pressure to decide
No sense of irony. Modernism has created a shadow church.
Jan-Heiner Tück considers the dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Society of St. Pius X to have "effectively failed." The Society of St. Pius X's announcement that it intends to consecrate more bishops puts Pope Leo XIV under pressure to decide. "The consecration of new bishops would mean that a parallel church, structured episcopate, would be established to the right of the Catholic Church, with around 600,000 members and 700 priests," the Viennese theologian told the Catholic weekly newspaper "Die Tagespost" on Thursday.
Benedict XVI offered the Society of St. Pius X a dialogue in 2009 on contentious issues of conciliar interpretation. In February, Cardinal Víctor Fernández, Prefect of the Vatican's …