O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church ... give us holy priests. You yourself maintain them in holiness.
O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil's traps and snares, which are continually being set for the souls of priests.
May the power of Your Mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring the naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priest, for You can do all things. - St. Faustina (Diary, 1052)
JANUARY 12, 2012 PRESS RELEASE by Father Michael Rodríguez
It is unfortunate that Bishop Armando Ochoa, Administrator of the Diocese of El Paso and no longer our bishop, has decided to pursue legal action against me. Such legal action is unjust. Over the course of 9 1/2 years as the parish priest of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, I poured my heart and soul into caring for this parish, both in terms of temporal goods, and especially spiritual goods. I’m confident that hundreds of my former parishioners will eagerly testify to this. In his January 11, 2012, press release, Bishop Ochoa stated, “Fr. Rodríguez’s handling and use of donated funds has compromised the financial integrity of San Juan Bautista.” This is not true. Bishop Ochoa’s statement also refers to “Fr. Rodríguez’s mishandling of funds.” Again, this is not true. I have always honored, respected, and made good use of the financial patrimony of San Juan Bautista. I stake my entire reputation on this claim. On September 20, 2011, I opened my heart to my bishop, like a son to a father, and was completely honest and forthcoming with him as to the financial affairs of San Juan Bautista. I told him everything. He chose not to believe me. For the past four months, my canon lawyer has made repeated efforts to resolve this matter with Most Rev. Armando Ochoa, and he has refused. I have a great love for my former parish of San Juan Bautista, and my former parishioners. I am ready to fight for and defend them, whatever the cost. I am also ready to protect my own good name and reputation. I have never misappropriated or misused parish funds. Finally, I am convinced that the real reason for my former bishop’s actions against me is due to my defense of the Catholic Church’s teaching with regard to homosexuality as well as my adherence to the Roman Liturgy of 1962. If necessary, I will present prodigious evidence to support this contention. I will continue to do my best to be a good and holy priest, no matter the cost. I will continue to proclaim and teach the truths of the Roman Catholic Church, especially in the area of sexual morality, no matter the cost. I will continue to adhere to the Ancient Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, no matter the cost. Please keep me in your prayers during this difficult trial. Please entrust me and my priesthood to the loving protection of Sancta Dei Genetrix, the Most Holy Mother of God. Thank you and may the good Lord bless you as this joyous Christmas season continues.
Fr. Michael Rodríguez,
Parochial Vicar, Santa Teresa de Jesús Parish
Presidio, TX
___________________________
Please only forward to prayer warriors who will pray for these two servants of God. Please do not FaceBook this.
1. I urge all of the Catholic faithful to treat homosexuals with love, understanding, and respect. At the same time, never forget that genuine love demands that we seek, above all, the salvation of souls. Homosexual acts lead to the damnation of souls. Any Catholic Who Supports Homosexual Acts
2. Furthermore, a Catholic would be guilty of a most grievous sin of omission if he/she neglected to actively oppose the homosexual agenda, which thrives on deception and conceals its wicked horns under the guises of “equal rights,” “tolerance,” “who am I to judge?,” etc. Any Catholic Who Supports Homosexual Acts
3. Remember: Every single Catholic, out of fidelity to charity and truth, has the absolute duty to oppose (1) the murder of unborn babies, and (2) any and all government attempts to legalize homosexual unions. Any Catholic Who Supports Homosexual Acts
4. “I was ordained to the Catholic priesthood to offer sacrifice and teach the only truth which brings salvation and happiness. . . The priesthood is my greatest joy. In the present circumstances, I intend to try even harder to be a good, holy priest. Obedience to my bishop is essential to the priesthood.” Bishop Publicly Disciplines Fr. Rodriguez
5. “Today, throughout 21st century America, elementary school children are being indoctrinated by homosexual activists that there are “different kinds of families.” Jesus Christ preached against the man who looks upon a woman and lusts after her. (Mt 5:28). Today, 21st century man, a slave to the fires of his passion and lust, cries “equal rights” in order to justify the abomination of male-male or female-female “unions.” The stench of moral decadence surrounds us, and yet we insist on spreading the lie that we of the 21st century are “enlightened and progressive” because we’ve “moved beyond the prejudices of the past.” The Truth About Homosexuality, Part IV
6. A truly pastoral approach will appreciate the need for homosexual persons to avoid the near occasions of sin. We wish to make it clear that departure from the Church’s teaching, or silence about it, in an effort to provide pastoral care is neither caring nor pastoral. The Truth About Homosexuality, Part IV
7. Above all, we are to show love and compassion towards homosexuals by leading them to the truth, and helping them to reject sinful homosexual activity. Remember, it’s about saving souls! We must be firm, yet humble, patient, and caring. Love and compassion means assisting the homosexual person to live chastely, form wholesome friendships, and grow in the virtues: peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, and modesty. (Gal 5:22) Happiness and self-fulfillment can never be gained through sinful relationships and disordered sexual activity. The Truth About Homosexuality
8. Under no circumstances can sinful homosexual acts ever be approved. Woe to the Christian who denies the reality of sin! It is never loving and respectful to lie to homosexuals by telling them that homosexual behavior is o.k. or “normal.” Don’t be fooled by the well-orchestrated campaigns of misinformation and deceit by pro-homosexual groups which have infested the media. Instead, trust in God and His commandments! Trust in the teachings of His Church! Homosexual acts were, are, and always will be an abomination before God and man. This is an infallible moral teaching of the Catholic Church to which every Catholic must give assent. The Truth About Homosexuality, Part II
Bishop Armando Ochoa Has Been Transferred To The Diocese of Fresno, California by Pope Benedict.
In light of the recent momentous events in the Diocese of El Paso, TX, I would like to present a special plea to faithful Roman Catholics from around the nation. On December 1, 2011, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, appointed Bishop Armando X. Ochoa as the new bishop of Fresno, California. Sursum corda! Now is the time to lift up our hearts to almighty God and beg Him to have mercy on us, poor sinners that we are. In order to protect and promote the precious Catholic religion, outside of which there is no salvation, it is imperative that all of us storm heaven with fervent prayers, especially the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary, begging God to send El Paso a holy, zealous, and fearless new shepherd.
Unfortunately, the Diocese of El Paso continues to be plagued by very serious problems and grave sins against God and the Faith. We desperately need a spiritual leader who will address these issues with honesty, determination, perseverance, and absolute fidelity to Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Church.
It is of utmost importance to draw attention to three areas in the life of the diocese that are particularly infested with the vermin of modernism: (1) the Liturgy, or worship of God, (2) Catholic doctrine, or the teaching of the truths of the Faith, and (3) the priesthood.
The Liturgy
The Diocese of El Paso needs a new bishop who will begin to take the necessary steps to correct the moral and spiritual disorder of liturgical abuses in the celebration of the Holy Sacraments of salvation, especially Mass and Confession. For example, it is commonplace in our parishes to find priests celebrating Mass and hearing Confessions carelessly and with no apparent faith, love, and devotion. The reckless and scandalous manner in which many priests and laity handle the precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is, objectively, not only sacrilegious, but diabolical.
In addition, I urge the faithful to implore the powerful aid of Sancta Dei Genetrix, the holy Mother of God, so that El Paso’s new bishop, obedient to the liturgical directives of Pope Benedict XVI, will be supportive of the 1962 Roman Liturgy, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass. Hundreds of Catholics in El Paso are, at present, petitioning for the establishment of a traditional Catholic parish dedicated exclusively to the Usus Antiquior of the Roman Rite.
Pope Benedict refers to the Roman Missal promulgated in 1962 as “a precious treasure to be preserved” (Universae Ecclesiae 8, April 30, 2011), and declares that it “must be given due honor for its venerable and ancient usage” (Summorum Pontificum, art.1, July 7, 2007). The Roman Pontiff instructs us further in regard to the Usus Antiquior of the Roman Rite, “what earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too” (Pope Benedict’s July 7, 2007 letter to the world’s bishops). As the glorious Ancient Rite spreads its divine aroma and becomes more available throughout our diocese, it will prove to be a heavenly “leaven,” more than capable of restoring beauty, dignity, reverence, sacredness, and truth to the celebration of all the sacraments.
Catholic Doctrine
El Paso needs a new bishop and Successor to the Apostles, who will begin to take the necessary steps to correct the moral and spiritual disorder of watered-down, partial, false, and even heretical presentations of Catholic doctrine at our Catholic schools, Tepeyac Institute, and parish catechetical programs. Grave sins against the Faith include belittling, ridiculing, or obstinately questioning the salvific teachings of Holy Mother Church, as well as intentionally ignoring or maintaining silence on certain doctrinal or moral truths. We are in urgent need of a wise bishop who will make it clear that any form of dissent from Church teaching is unacceptable and inexcusable. It is not “pastoral” or charitable to sidestep or veer away from proclaiming the truth. If “love and compassion” are not grounded in the one truth taught by Jesus Christ and His Church, then “love” is a lie and “compassion” an illusion.
Given the raging forces unleashed by our three spiritual enemies—the devil, the world, and the flesh—it should come as no surprise that the holy sacrament of Matrimony is under vicious attack. First, the sin of divorce, and the denial of the indissolubility of marriage. Next comes the sin of contraception, with its refusal to accept the procreation and education of children as the primary ends of marriage. Finally, we’re now facing hell’s ultimate assault on marriage: the detestable sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the natural, anthropological foundation of marriage is rejected and destroyed.
As in many other parts of the country, there is an ongoing effort in El Paso, on the part of city officials, to legitimize homosexual unions under the pretext of extending “health-care benefits” to “unmarried partners” of city employees. This is disgraceful, totally irresponsible (society has a fundamental duty to protect and foster marriage and the family), and gravely immoral. Rome has made it very clear that every single Catholic has the obligation to oppose any government attempt to legalize homosexual unions. The mayor of El Paso, John Cook, is purportedly “Catholic,” yet he is the driving force behind the city’s attempt to sanction sodomy. We must pray for a heroic bishop who, strengthened by apostolic grace, will stand tall and defend God’s holy Law. He will first have to work prudently and patiently to win over the minds and hearts of the city’s many “Catholic” politicians who are on the brink of moral and spiritual ruin. However, if the mayor and other government officials remain obstinate in their sin and persist in giving public scandal, our new bishop must exercise his apostolic authority for the good of souls and issue the necessary excommunications, always with the hope of the sinner’s eventual repentance and conversion.
The priesthood
The Diocese of El Paso needs a new bishop and spiritual father who will begin to take the necessary steps to correct the moral and spiritual disorder of rampant homosexuality within our presbyterate. The abomination of actively homosexual priests is a sin that cries to heaven for vengeance and is crippling our diocese. El Paso needs a new shepherd who will demand of us priests what Christ demands: obedience, celibacy, a profound life of prayer, simplicity of life, a spirit of continual conversion, pastoral charity marked by kenosis (death to self), sacrifice, service, and true holiness in our public and private conduct. God willing, our new bishop will insist that we priests give priority to the spiritual dimension of our priestly life and ministry: offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily, administering the sacrament of Confession, guiding the parish’s life of prayer, and instructing the faithful according to the full and authentic doctrine of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Good, pious, holy, and masculine priests are a priceless gift to Mother Church and the surest guarantee of success in fostering future vocations to the priesthood.
Conclusion
In spite of the difficulties, obstacles, and sin which we currently face in El Paso, it is a great joy to be a priest of God. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the priesthood, and I love Holy Mother Church. There’s nothing sweeter. Let us never lose Christian joy and hope. We cannot allow ourselves to become bitter. With confidence and trust in God, we must continue laboring and praying, come what may, conscious that it is all done for the honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Sursum corda! Let us lift up our hearts to the brilliant mystery of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and entrust our filial petition for a pure and saintly bishop to the sinless Mother of God. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
“If I’m . . . slightly worthy to suffer for the Faith . . .
I will consider myself profoundly blessed.”
(www.RemnantNewspaper.com) Michael J. Matt (MJM): First off, Father, I’d like to thank you for the stand you’ve taken in recent months in defense of the Church’s moral teaching, especially with respect to so-called ‘gay marriage’. Catholics all across the country have been following your case, and we’re delighted to have a chance today to ask you a few questions. Before we get into the “controversy”, however, I wonder if you’d mind telling us a little something about your personal background?
Fr. Michael Rodriguez: Picture from the El Paso Times
Father Rodriguez (FR): Not at all. I was born in El Paso, Texas, on August 23, 1970, the middle child of five. Many years later my parents adopted a sixth child, my youngest sister. As I grew up in the early ’70s, I was completely unaware of the disastrous post-Vatican II revolution that was sweeping throughout our beloved Catholic Church. Thanks be to God, I was raised by parents who were staunch Catholics with their childhood roots in the pre-Vatican II Catholicism of México. An example of the depth of these roots is that my maternal grandmother (born in 1906, in Aguascalientes, México) never accepted the Novus Ordo. She left this passing world in August 2002, always true to the Ancient Rite. Requiescat in pace. Even though my parents had accepted and adapted to Novus Ordo Catholicism during their post-collegiate years, they nevertheless raised us similar to how they had been raised: fidelity to Mass (albeit the Novus Ordo) and Confession, praying the Holy Rosary at home in the evenings, praying novenas and the Stations of the Cross, etc. As I reflect back on my childhood, it was a time of great grace and blessings. Even though my parents failed to hold fast to all the venerable traditions of our Faith and the Ancient Rite, they still did an excellent job of instilling the Faith in us. Interestingly enough, we four older children (born between ’67 and ’74) are now ardent supporters of the Traditional Latin Mass, even more so than our parents.
MJM: And are there one or two persons in your life that mentored you and helped you to remain open to God’s call?
FR: My parents, Ruben and Beatrice, were the ones who were most instrumental in my eventual discernment of a vocation to God’s holy priesthood. Through my father, God blessed me with discipline, fortitude, perseverance, and a love for study. Through my mother, God graced me with the convictions of faith, awe for the Catholic priesthood, a tender devotion to our Blessed Mother, and a love of religion.
MJM: At what point in your life did you know you had a vocation?
FR: I was raised in El Paso, TX, but spent four years (1981-1984) living with my family in Augsburg, Germany. We returned to El Paso, and I began high school. Following my junior year, I spent the summer (1987) at M.I.T. University in Cambridge, MA. I was participating in a special program for gifted minority students from around the nation. The program was geared to recruiting us to study engineering and science at M.I.T. as undergraduates. Well, our good God had different plans for me! I left El Paso that summer thinking I’d study electrical engineering (like my father) upon graduating from high school, only to return from Boston six weeks later, announcing that I wanted to enter the seminary! My mother was overjoyed.
MJM: Clearly, someone was looking out for you. Do you have a favorite saint, by the way?
FR: My favorite saints are: St. Michael the Archangel, St. John the Baptist (largely due to my 9 1/2 years at this El Paso parish), St. Paul the Apostle, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and, to no surprise, the holy Curé of Ars. I have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under three of her specific titles: Immaculate Conception (I was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 8, 1996), Mater Dolorosa, and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
MJM: And, liturgically—where would you place yourself? I know you offer the traditional Latin Mass, but is it accurate to describe you as an outright “traditionalist”?
FR: Liturgically, I’m 100% behind the Traditional Latin Mass, which is without question the true Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. Theology, liturgy, Catholic spirituality and asceticism, and history itself all point to the obvious superiority of the Classical Roman Rite. Unfortunately, all of my seminary formation was in the Novus Ordo, and I only “discovered” the Latin Mass about six years ago, so I still have a lot to learn in terms of “real Catholicism,” i.e. “traditional Catholicism.”
MJM: What was it initially that led you to begin offering the old Mass?
FR: About six years ago, several members of the faithful began asking me if I would be interested in offering the Traditional Latin Mass. At the time, there was serious concern on the part “El Paso’s remnant” of traditional Catholics that the Jesuit priest who was offering the Latin Mass twice a month (under the 1988 Ecclesia Dei “Indult”) was going to be transferred. Thus, they were looking for another priest who would be willing to offer the Latin Mass. At first, I declined, not so much because I wasn’t interested, but due to the immense workload which I was already carrying.
As the weeks passed, I began to study the prayers and theology of the Traditional Latin Mass. The more I studied, the more my awe and amazement grew. I was “discovering” not only the true Catholic theology of the Mass, but also the true Catholic theology of the priesthood, and so much more! Throughout my first nine years of priesthood, I had struggled to make sense of the very serious problems which exist in the Church. At this point, it was obvious that an extreme crisis pervaded the Church and her hierarchy, but why? I just couldn’t quite understand how all of this “diabolical disorientation” had come to pass . . . until the brilliant light of the true Catholic Mass (“Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam . . .”) began to penetrate my priestly soul. This “discovery” of the Traditional Latin Mass has been, by far, the greatest gift of God to my poor priesthood.
MJM: So this gives us an idea of how Pope Benedict’s motu proprio Summorum Pontificum can and does impact priests who might otherwise never have had the opportunity to discover this great treasure. Given how it impacted you, how do you believe Summorum Pontificum will impact the Church long term?
FR: Unfortunately, both Summorum Pontificum and Universæ Ecclesiæ have plenty of weaknesses. Nevertheless, these documents do represent an initial step in what will probably still be a long and arduous “Calvary,” i.e. the quest of traditional Catholics to restore the Cross, the Mass, the kingship of Jesus Christ, and true Catholic doctrine, outside of which there is no salvation. In Article 1 of Summorum Pontificum, Pope Benedict XVI writes that “due honor must be given to the Roman Missal promulgated by St. Pius V for its venerable and ancient usage.” This directive of our Holy Father is currently being disobeyed almost universally. In the accompanying letter to the world’s bishops (July 7, 2007), Pope Benedict XVI writes, “What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place.” These remarkable words of our Holy Father are also being disrespected and disobeyed almost universally, especially by many bishops. Finally, Universæ Ecclesiæ, No. 8, states very clearly that the Ancient Rite is a “precious treasure to be preserved” and is to be “offered to all the faithful.” Where in the entire world of Catholicism is this directive actually being obeyed? The same number from Universæ Ecclesiæ emphasizes that the use of the 1962 Roman Liturgy “is a faculty generously granted for the good of the faithful and therefore is to be interpreted in a sense favourable to the faithful who are its principal addressees.” This is an astounding statement. This statement from Rome means that the use of the 1962 Missal doesn’t depend on a particular bishop’s liturgical views, preferences, or theology. It’s not about the bishops! On the contrary, it’s about the faithful! Where in the entire world of Catholicism is this directive actually being obeyed?
MJM: Are you now able to offer the old Mass exclusively?
FR: Since I began my new assignment (Sept. 24, 2011) out in the rural, isolated missions of the El Paso Diocese, I’ve offered the Traditional Latin Mass exclusively. I consider this to be a marvelous and unexpected blessing from Providence in the midst of a very difficult trial. I hope to continue offering the Traditional Latin Mass exclusively. If it were strictly up to me, I would never celebrate the Novus Ordo Missæ again. However, the sad reality of having to “obey” in the Novus Ordo Church that has largely lost the Faith, and the need to reach out patiently to Novus Ordo faithful who have been so misled, means that I will probably be “forced” to celebrate the Novus Ordo occasionally. In these instances, however, it will be the Novus Ordo ad orientem, with the Roman Canon, the use of Latin, and Holy Communion distributed according to traditional norms.
MJM: Up until last year, I believe, things were pretty quiet in your priestly life. What happened to change all that?
FR: The local, and even national, “controversy” that has engulfed me is due to the fact that I have been vocal in promoting what the Roman Catholic Church teaches in regard to the whole issue of homosexuality. It’s a disgrace, but the City Council of El Paso has been adamant in trying to legitimize same-sex unions. This goes completely contrary to Catholic Church teaching. I’ve made it clear to the Catholics of El Paso (and beyond) that every single Catholic has a moral obligation before God Himself to oppose any government attempt to legalize homosexual unions. A Catholic who fails to oppose this homosexual agenda, is committing a grave sin by omission. Furthermore, if a Catholic doesn’t assent to the infallible moral teaching of the Church that homosexual acts are mortally sinful, then such a Catholic is placing himself / herself outside of communion with the Church. These are the Catholics who are actually excommunicating themselves, not the Society of St. Pius X!
MJM: I can understand why the civil authorities and media might find this “controversial”; but why would your ecclesial superiors find it so?
FR: The dismal response of both civil and ecclesiastical authorities to the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church in regard to homosexuality demonstrates how extreme the current crisis of faith actually is. It really can’t get much worse. There’s hardly any faith left to lose! Even a pagan, bereft of the light of faith, can arrive at the conclusion that homosexual acts are intrinsically evil. Reason, natural law, and consideration of the male and female anatomy more than suffice to confirm this moral truth.
MJM: And yet you must go where the bishop tells you to go. Is this difficult for you?
FR: In my particular circumstances, obedience to my bishop has been incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, obedience is essential to the priesthood, and I intend to be obedient. One consoling aspect of “sacrificial,” “death-to-self” obedience, is that the Holy Ghost will always come to one’s assistance. I’m reminded that my poor sufferings are nothing compared to those of Mater Dolorosa and our Divine Redeemer. If I’m counted as one even slightly worthy to suffer for the Faith and the Traditional Latin Mass, I will consider myself profoundly blessed. God is so good.
MJM: As you are already living through a form of persecution, I assume you foresee more to come not only for you personally but for all Catholics who stand in defense of Church teaching. But what about the future? Any hope?
FR: Yes, I do foresee plenty of persecution still to come for all those who remain steadfast in the Faith and in their adherence to the Ancient Rite. However, the promise of our Savior cannot but fill our souls with hope, “Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for My sake. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.” (Mt 5:10-12)
MJM: How can lay Catholics best survive this crisis of faith?
FR: In order to overcome this crisis of faith, we must (1) do everything in our power to recover the Catholic Faith: the Ancient Rite, traditional Catholic teaching in doctrine and morals, the theology and philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, traditional Catholic piety and devotions, and a traditional Catholic “code of living” or “rhythm of life.” (2) On a daily basis we must strive to pray, study, fast, do penance, and practice charity with the aforementioned goal in mind. Finally, I strongly urge all faithful Catholics to (3) pray the Holy Rosary daily and heed our Blessed Mother’s Message at Fatima.
One of the hallmarks of the Traditional Latin Mass is its exquisite and concentrated focus on eternity. If we are to survive and overcome this terrible crisis of faith in the post-Vatican II Catholic Church, we have to keep our intellect and will focused on eternity. We cannot lose hope when, from a worldly perspective, all seems lost. Jesus Christ promises “the kingdom of heaven” to those who endure persecution, and “a great reward in heaven” to those who suffer for His sake. (Mt 5:10-12) The final goal is heaven! Like St. Paul, we must press ahead towards the ultimate “prize” (Phil 3:14) and never cease to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.” (Col 3:1)
MJM: Like so many others, Father, I find myself deeply moved by your powerful witness not only to the Faith itself but also to the Catholic priesthood, which, as you know so well, is under diabolical attack. Thank you for this example of what it means to be a Catholic in an era of persecution. May all of us have the courage to follow your lead through the rough seas still ahead.
Internal Revenue Code Now Supersedes Gospel of Jesus Christ?
May God bless Bishop Ochoa! He is doing his best to make Fr. Rodriguez a Saint. First, he publicly admonishes him, then the Vicar General publicly criticizes him and now he publicly and formally disciplines him.
Bishop Armando Ochoa: The Saint Maker
EL PASO, Texas — The Rev. Michael Rodriguez was transferred to a new parish because his stance on morality and the upcoming recall election “raised serious issues regarding whether his participation could be attributed to the Diocese of El Paso” and his parish, El Paso Catholic Bishop Armando X. Ochoa said.
Since 2010, Rodriguez had publicly condemned homosexuality during city council meetings and wrote several guest columns in the El Paso Times as a response to the city’s decision to extend health insurance benefits to all its employees, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, which he called, “gravely harmful to the common good of our city.”
Wednesday, he announced he had been reassigned away from San Juan Bautista Church, where he served.
“I was ordained to the Catholic priesthood to offer sacrifice and teach the only truth which brings salvation and happiness,” Rodriguez said in a statement that was emailed to ABC-7. “The priesthood is my greatest joy. In the present circumstances, I intend to try even harder to be a good, holy priest. Obedience to my bishop is essential to the priesthood.”
Rodriguez’s most recent columns were featured in several quarter-page ads in the newspaper. According to the El Paso Times, a couple from Plano, Texas, paid for the advertisements.
In a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Bishop Armando X. Ochoa said Rodriguez was re-assigned to a new parish in West Texas in response to the pastoral needs of the diocese and its faithful. The statement made it clear that Rodriguez was the administrator of San Juan Bautista Parish, not its pastor.
“(Father) Rodriguez has recently challenged certain city officials to participate with him in a partisan debate on issues related to an upcoming election,” said Ochoa. “This type of intervention in the political in the political process by religious organizations such as the Diocese of El Paso and San Juan Bautista Church is not permitted under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.”
Word of Life Church, headed by one of the leaders in the recall efforts, Pastor Tom Brown, has been reported to the IRS for suspicion of campaigning to recall El Paso Mayor John Cook and City Representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega. Non-profits are prohibited from making donations or contributing to political campaigns. The Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State accused Brown of using his church to advance the recall movement. Brown denies any wrongdoing.
In his statement Wednesday, Bishop Ochoa said the diocese had received “credible information and documents” showing Father Rodriguez had failed to comply with diocesan policies.
In his columns, Rodriguez has said that all Catholics are “obligated to undo the wrong” and fight homosexuality.
One column was titled “Every Catholic Must Oppose Certain Things.” In it, he wrote that, “Any Catholic who supports homosexual acts is, by definition, committing a mortal sin and placing himself/herself outside of communion with the Roman Catholic Church.”
Rodriguez ended the column by calling homosexuality, “An unequivocal intrinsic moral evil,” and “frighteningly, if the majority chooses to deny the objective moral order, then we will all suffer the pestiferous consequences.”
by Fr. Michael Rodríguez: “In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made.” (Gn 1:1-3) “And God created man to His own image: to the image of God He created him: male and female he created them.” (Gn 1:27) “And God blessed them,saying: Increase and multiply.” (Gn 1:28)
In the beginning, our loving God created man in His own image and likeness: male and female. Today, at the outset of the 21st century, man in his insolent pride contends that God got it wrong. In the fullness of time, “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” (Jn 1:14) The shepherds went in haste and found the Holy Family: Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. (Lk 2:16) Today, throughout 21st century America, elementary school children are being indoctrinated by homosexual activists that there are “different kinds of families.” Jesus Christ preached against the man who looks upon a woman and lusts after her. (Mt 5:28). Today, 21st century man, a slave to the fires of his passion and lust, cries “equal rights” in order to justify the abomination of male-male or female-female “unions.” The stench of moral decadence surrounds us, and yet we insist on spreading the lie that we of the 21st century are “enlightened and progressive” because we’ve “moved beyond the prejudices of the past.”
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died on the Cross to save mankind. By His suffering, death, and resurrection, the Son of God instituted the Seven acraments of Salvation, one of which is Matrimony. The Sacrament of Matrimony is essential to God’s Plan of Salvation, and ALL CATHOLICS MUST respect, defend, and live by this great Sacrament of Christ’s love. No earthly power—no king, president, parliament, congress, judge, no overnment—has the authority to change or undermine marriage.
Jesus bequeathed all His power, celestialhim and terrestrial, to Peter and the Apostles (Mt 16:18-19, 28:18-20). With this authority, the Roman Catholic Church teaches, “The importance of the family for the life and well-being of society entails a particular responsibility for society to support and strengthen marriage and the family. Civil authority should consider it a grave duty to acknowledge the true nature of marriage and the family, to protect and foster them, to safeguard public morality, and promote domestic prosperity.” (Catechism #2210)
Here in El Paso, civil authority, by promoting the social acceptance and legitimization of homosexual unions, is acting immorally and completely contradicting its responsibility to “support and strengthen marriage and the family.”
The legalization of homosexual unions is a lethal strike against the common good of society: it severely weakens private and public morality, undermines marriage and the family, and is a crime against children.
Instead of acknowledging the true nature of marriage and the family, the civil authority in our city is promoting “domestic partners.” Rather than protect and foster marriage and the family, they are undermining these most sacred gifts of God. Instead of safeguarding public morality, they are opening the floodgates to a final dismantling of whatever private and public morality we have left. Rather than promote domestic prosperity, they are choosing to give sanction to “unions” which are sure to wreck final chaos and dysfunction in the family.
Long ago, near “the beginning,” the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with the pleasures of the world and the flesh. They succumbed. They disobeyed God. As the 21st century enfolds, the serpent’s maleficent lies have intensified, leading man to strike against God’s supreme work of creation: male and female! It’s no longer about forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil; nay, it is now an attempt to uproot the very Tree of Life, the Cross of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Our Lady of Fatima, you promised the triumph of your Immaculate Heart, ora pro nobis.
Fr. Michael Rodríguez is the parish priest at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church.
In the Letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, dated October 1, 1986, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (headed by then-Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI) wrote, “We encourage the Bishops to provide pastoral care in full accord with the teaching of the Church for homosexual persons of their dioceses. No authentic pastoral program will include organizations in which homosexual persons associate with each other without clearly stating that homo-sexual activity is immoral. A truly pastoral approach will appreciate the need for homosexual persons to avoid the near occasions of sin. We wish to make it clear that departure from the Church’s teaching, or silence about it, in an effort to provide pastoral care is neither caring nor pastoral. Only what is true can ultimately be pastoral. The neglect of the Church’s position prevents homosexual men and women from receiving the care they need and deserve.”0
The Catholic Church shows particular maternal solicitude towards homosexual persons. In other words, as a loving Mother, she cares more than anyone else about homosexuals. The above directive makes it clear that anyone who dissents from Church teaching or is silent about it, is neither loving nor showing care to homosexuals. Only what is true can ultimately be pastoral. If one neglects to preach the truth, one is committing a grave disservice, even injustice, to homosexual men and women, depriving them of “the care they need and deserve.”
Only what is true can ultimately be loving. Let’s review the truth about homosexuality.
(1) Homo-sexual acts are acts of grave depravity; they are mortal sins which cry to heaven for vengeance. Under no circumstances can they be approved;
(2) Homosexuality is an objective disorder;
(3) The Church gives no definitive teaching as to the origin or cause of homosexuality;
(4) Homo-sexual persons are to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity;
(5) Homosexual persons are called to chastity and growth in virtue. Aided by sacramental grace and prayer, they are to strive for Christian perfection. (Catechism #2357-#2359)
Anyone, it does not matter who, anyone (e.g. whether Catholic or non-Catholic, whether family members or support-groups, whether academic institutions or civic associations, whether government agencies or the United Nations) who does not adhere to the above “summary” of Catholic Church teaching, is a foe of homosexuals, not a friend.
The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, teaches that the greatest evil in the world is sin, “to the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin and nothing has worse consequences for sinners themselves, for the Church, and for the whole world.” (Catechism #1488). Unfortunately, for those with little or no faith, it’s extremely difficult to realize and accept how terrible and destructive sin is. This however, doesn’t change the facts. Engaging in depraved and unnatural sexual acts will lead directly to the ruin of both the homosexual’s body and soul. If you love the person how can you possibly ie to them and tell them something different? Our very anatomy cries out against the lie that homosexual acts are “o.k.” Remember, only what is true can ultimately be loving.
Sin breeds sin, and the devastating consequences of personal sins spread to society, poison the world, and even stain Holy Mother Church. It’s downright shocking to find “Catholics” who are dissenting from Catholic Church teaching on homosexuality. This is an additional wound inflicted upon the Body of Christ, because now these “Catholics,” by rejecting the truth of Jesus Christ, have placed themselves outside of communion with the Church! It gets worse.
Reflect, first there are (a) individuals committing mortal sins of a homo-sexual nature; next, evil extends its tentacles to
(b) society as a whole accepting homosexuality and homo-sexual activity as “normal”; and finally, iniquity’s victory is all but sealed when
(c) laws are enacted which impose the putrid homosexual ideology on everyone, while those who, rightfully resist it, are ridiculed, attacked, and persecuted.
We are fast becoming a godless society. History does indeed repeat itself, another Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sancta Maria, Refugium peccatorum, ora pro nobis.
Fr. Michael Rodríguez is the parish priest at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church.
This was printed in the El Paso Times as a paid advertisement.
“We are to Show Love and Compassion Towards Homosexuals by Leading them to the Truth, and Helping Them to Reject Sinful Homosexual Activity.”
by Father Michael Rodriguez; This is a 4 part series that was published in the El Paso Times as a paid advertisement.
As our Savior hung from the Cross, His Precious Blood streamed forth to pay for all the crimes of a lost world. Who, after this, would continue in sin, and so renew the cruel crucifixion of the Son of God? After His death, Jesus Christ’s sacred side was pierced by a lance, “and immediately there came out blood and water.” (Jn 19:34) The Son of God, showing the depth and breadth of His love, shed His Precious Blood down to the last drop in order to redeem man from sin. What inexpressible love! The Most Precious Blood of our Savior is a testament to the immensity of God’s love. It is simultaneously a testament to the reality and horror of man’s sin.
Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice on Calvary and the shedding of His Most Precious Blood are made present daily on the altars of His Church! Holding the Precious Blood in her chalices, the Roman Catholic Church continues to teach the truth about God’s love. She shall do so until the end of time. She likewise continues to teach the truth about the gruesomeness of sin.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents the truth about homosexuality in three paragraph numbers, #2357-#2359. We can summarize this truth in five points:
(1) Homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity; they are mortal sins which cry to heaven for vengeance. Under no circumstances can they be approved;
(2) Homosexuality is an objective disorder;
(3) The Church gives no definitive teaching as to the origin or cause of homosexuality;
(4) Homo-sexual persons are to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity;
(5) Homosexual persons are called to chastity and growth in virtue. Aided by sacramental grace and prayer, they are to strive for Christian perfection.
The shedding of our Savior’s Precious Blood witnesses to the unending love of God. Every baptized soul is a child of God. Without question, God loves all of His children, regardless of sexual “orientation.” We Catholics must show charity,respect , and understanding towards our homosexual brothers and sisters. As baptized Catholics, they too form part of the Mystical Body of Christ.
Above all, we are to show love and compassion towards homosexuals by leading them to the truth, and helping them to reject sinful homosexual activity. Remember, it’s about saving souls! We must be firm, yet humble, patient, and caring. Love and compassion means assisting the homosexual person to live chastely, form wholesome friendships, and grow in the virtues: peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, and modesty. (Gal 5:22) Happiness and self-fulfillment can never be gained through sinful relationships and disordered sexual activity. True and lasting happiness is found by following Christ, denying oneself, carrying one’s cross, and being faithful to God’s holy law. Jesus Christpromises, “For he that will save his life, shall lose it; and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall findit.” (Mt 16:25)
We practice charity towards homosexual persons by helping them strive for Christian perfection. We should be ready to kneel with them before the healing Cross of Christ, which is the source of supernatural grace: frequent attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Confession, fervent Holy Communions, praying the Holy Rosary daily, abundant acts of penance and mortification, and a tender devotion to the most pure Mother of God. Never forget that it is she, conceived without sin, who is crushing the infernal serpent’s head.
Although the Church gives no definitive answer as to the cause of homosexuality, she does teach that it is objectively disordered. It follows logically, then, that someone’s sin (even society’s sins) plays a primary role in giving rise to the homosexual disorder, e.g. dysfunctional parent-childrelationships, divorce, absent fathers, and sexual abuse. It’s probable that many homosexuals don’t consciously “choose” their sexual “orientation.” However, it’s a certainty that many have been profoundly wounded by the sins of others, even since the earliest years of their lives.
Fr. Michael Rodríguez is the parish priest at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church.
by Aaron Bracamontes \ El Paso Times – A recent series of advertisements attacking homosexuality has dragged the Catholic Diocese of El Paso into a citywide political recall debate.
The advertisements, titled “The truth about homosexuality,” were written by the Rev. Michael Rodriguez of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church and published in four parts in four consecutive editions of the El Paso Times. The ads started running on Saturday and ended Tuesday. The advertisements were also on elpasotimes.com.
While Rodriguez maintains the ads represent the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, officials of the Diocese of El Paso said they do not.
“These paid advertisements are the personal views and opinions of Father Michael Rodriguez,” said the Rev. Anthony C. Celino, the vicar general and moderator of the curia for the diocese.
Celino said the Catholic Church is not taking and cannot take a side in the recall effort.
The advertisements quote several Bible passages and denounce homosexuality and any encouragement of homosexuality. It also alluded to Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, who are currently the target of a recall petition, organized by Word of Life Church Pastor Tom Brown.
“All Catholics have a moral obligation before God to oppose any government attempt to legalize same-sex unions,” Rodriguez wrote in part two of the series. “Here in El Paso, certain City Council members have remained obstinate in promoting public recognition and legitimization of homosexual unions. Whether
they realize it or not, their actions are objectively immoral and gravely harmful to marriage and the family. It should be obvious to all Catholics what our duty is with respect to these members of City Council.”
Rodriguez said he wrote the pieces but did not pay for the advertisements or submit the writings to the Times.
A couple from Plano, Texas, paid for the advertisements.
“I decided to write these articles primarily because it’s my duty as a Catholic priest to teach the truth when it comes to faith and morals,” Rodriguez said in a written statement to the Times. “My mission is to labor for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. That’s why I wrote the articles. The government has no right to undermine or redefine the institution of marriage. This is beyond the scope of their competence.”
Rodriguez said he also did not like the precedent the City Council is setting.
“Furthermore, the government has no right to undermine basic public morality,” Rodriguez said. “Unfortunately, members of El Paso’s City Council have made decisions that are immoral, irrational, and contrary to the common good of our city.”
Byrd said the advertisements are a political action because they alluded to the recall effort.
“To me, that is not the most terrible thing about the ad,” Byrd said. “What is, is the fact that he spent a lot of time and money to harm a group in our community.”
Ortega said he does not believe that religion should be mixed with government.
“I haven’t read his opinion pieces,” Ortega said. “I firmly believe in the principle of separation of church and state and therefore his opinions, as a priest, carry absolutely no weight with me as a public official.”
Brown said the advertisements came as a pleasant surprise.
“I think it’s wonderful. It is freedom of speech,” Brown said. “Ultimately, I agree with Rodriguez.”
Brown said the diocese should not remain silent on the recall because it goes against the Catholic faith.
“I think the Catholics should have an opinion,” he said.
Paul Landernan, an adviser for the El Paso chapter of the Stonewall Young Democrats, said that his organization — a youth-based organization that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in the United States — is disappointed that Rodriguez is still stuck in the 19th century.
“He has official duties for the people of his parish,” Landernan said, “some of whom are parents of gay people, related to gay people or work with gay people every day.”
Rodriguez’s words can divide communities, Landernan said.
“Why would a person like this have that level of a violent reaction to the evolution of our society?” he asked. “He suddenly turned the clock back 40 to 50 years to a time when the Jim Crow-type of thinking was acceptable.”
In two weeks, recall petitions for Cook, Byrd and Ortega will be due at City Hall. Landernan said the advertisements’ timing was “curious.”
“It would have been a blip on the radar” if Rodriguez were not a priest, Landernan said. “And really, the church is almost a victim in this. He has almost used the name of the church without authorization.”
The controversy was not limited to the paid advertisements.
On Aug. 21, members of St. Raphael Catholic Church found fliers on their car windshields after church services.
The fliers said, “Éour popes and bishops have reminded us that we must oppose all government efforts to legitimize homosexual unions by attempting to equate them with marriage.”
The fliers also said, “Members of the City Council and the mayor have violated our rights and overturned our popular vote. We must hold our politicians accountable and insist that they truly serve our people.”
The church’s head priest, Monsignor Francis Smith, and the diocese said the fliers were not approved by or affiliated with the church.
“The diocese does not endorse or oppose candidates, political parties, or take actions that can be construed as endorsement or opposition,” Celino said. “Recall fliers claiming to be ‘Catholic’ were not authorized by the Diocese of El Paso.”
Smith said the people who distributed the fliers sneaked into the church’s parking lot during that Sunday’s two largest Masses.
“I always tell my people that if they stick it under your windshield, I did not authorize that,” Smith said. “If it is something worthwhile, then why be sneaky about it.”
The message on the fliers is not what Smith preaches at his church, he said.
“We have been asked several times to take their stance, and we will not,” Smith said. “I do not agree with that lifestyle (homosexuality), but I will help anyone who needs it.”
The fliers also list names and numbers of individuals who filed the intent to recall Cook, Byrd and Ortega.
Two of those individuals, Ben Mendoza and Nacho Padilla, said they had no prior knowledge of the fliers. Neither did Brown, he said.
“I personally would not authorize that,” Mendoza said. “I can see handing it out on the sidewalk, but not on cars.”
Mendoza said he is for the recall because the people’s vote was overthrown and he believes that should be the main issue.
Padilla said the fliers led to more individuals signing petitions.
“What they did has worked really positive,” Padilla said. “We have gotten a lot of signatures. We won’t deny that.”
Brown said he was proud that those who support the recall are acting on their own.
“It’s a free country, and people are free to promote however they want,” Brown said.
Brown said “we’d like to make more progress” as the deadline nears to turn in recall petitions.
“I’d like to say we can predict victory, but we are not there yet. We need to keep working.”
Fr. Michael Rodriguez: “Take the Necessary Steps NOW To Defend Marriage!”
Fr. Rodriguez confesses that “there was so much that I wasn’t taught” in his priestly formation.
Challenges all Priests and laity to “know their Catholic Doctrine well.”
Notice: Email subscribers will need to click the headline to watch the video. Be sure to check it out.
Time saver tip: Start at 1:27 and stop at the second question (it doesn’t get answered on this video)
ON THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
Father Michael Rodriguez Interview by JMJHFPRODUCTIONS – “Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died on the Cross to save mankind. By His suffering, death, and resurrection, the Son of God instituted the Seven Sacraments of Salvation, one of which is Matrimony. The Sacrament of Matrimony is essential to God’s Plan of Salvation, and ALL CATHOLICS MUST respect, defend and live by this great Sacrament of Christ’s love. No earthly power – no king, president, parliament, congress, judge, no government – has the authority to change or undermine marriage. Related to defending marriage.
ALL CATHOLICS MUST oppose any government attempt to legalize homosexual unions. It is gravely unfortunate, but certain El Paso City Council members have been obstinate in imposing a homosexual agenda on our city. Insofar as it is in their power, they have been seeking to legalize homosexual unions. Whether they realize it or not, their actions are objectively immoral and constitute a wicked attack upon marriage. It should be obvious to ALL CATHOLICS what our duty is with respect to these members of City Council. If you are a registered voter, make sure you fulfill your CATHOLIC DUTY. If you are a registered voter, make sure you take the necessary step NOW to defend marriage and oppose those elected officials who are pushing for the social acceptance of homosexual unions, something gravely harmful to the common good.”
The advertisements, titled “The truth about homosexuality,” were written by the Rev. Michael Rodriguez of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church and published in four parts in four consecutive editions of the El Paso Times. The ads started running on Saturday and ended Tuesday. The advertisements were also on elpasotimes.com.