Fr. Simplicius

Guardians of Tradition or Traitors

DVRodriguez2022-10-06T10:10:25-04:00

Divide and conquer is an age old strategy. It is frequently used in politics and now we see it in our beloved Church. The goal is to make groups disagree and fight with one another so they don't unite against the real enemy. A fictional reality is propagandized to vilify part of the group, a 'crusade' is launched against them, and people are forced to choose. As the president seeks to divide a political party, so certain hierarchs strive to divide traditional Catholics from the general Catholic population and against each other. Yet to advance forward, under God's providence, one must [...]

Guardians of Tradition or TraitorsDVRodriguez2022-10-06T10:10:25-04:00

Saintly Monarchs and Machiavellian Apostates

DVRodriguez2022-09-22T07:40:56-04:00

The Church recently celebrated two great monarchs: St. Louis IX of France and St Stephen of Hungary. What a great blessing for a nation to have a virtuous Catholic ruler! But what a curse it must be to have an bad [apostate] Catholic in power – as we do today. Apparently heeding Machiavelli's advice, he acts as if the ends justify the means and prefers to be feared than loved. He eschews natural and divine laws, following instead Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. His cruel methods serve to anger, hurt and polarize. Might this signal a twilight of 'The American Experiment?'

Saintly Monarchs and Machiavellian ApostatesDVRodriguez2022-09-22T07:40:56-04:00

New Mass Amtrak and Coke

DVRodriguez2022-09-06T09:28:27-04:00

Why do we not learn from two colossal business failures (new coke and Amtrak)? The New Mass is not a "change" rooted in any apostolic tradition but an utterly new man-made rite of a committee's innovation. Despite hierarchical subsidies and elimination of 'competition,' churches with the New Mass continue emptying. The New Mass does not interest the youth or generate vocations. The Traditional Mass is the most significant area of growth in the Church, yet ecclesial leaders are now seeking to contain and eliminate it. We must persevere in the True Faith!

New Mass Amtrak and CokeDVRodriguez2022-09-06T09:28:27-04:00

Dignity and True Liberty

DVRodriguez2022-07-31T08:01:42-04:00

The immeasurable dignity of the unborn is markedly clear at the Visitation. Yet even 2500 years ago, the pagan Hippocrates vowed to oppose abortion. Pope Sixtus V explained that abortion is a 'double murder,' for it prevents the aborted baby from ever enjoying eternal life with God. Abortion is a terrible hallmark of the 'culture of a death.' To overcome it, we need to acknowledge true liberty. It is not just physical, or psychological, but a moral freedom (the power to do the good). Despite the eradication of Roe v. Wade, the unborn children remains a target. To recover his dignity, [...]

Dignity and True LibertyDVRodriguez2022-07-31T08:01:42-04:00

Roe vs Wade is Dead

DVRodriguez2022-07-22T17:39:03-04:00

What an extraordinary 'miracle' on the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the Nativity of John the Baptist. These feasts teach us many pertinent lessons. There never was a right to murder the unborn. This 'constitutional right' has been forever eliminated. Truth is on the side of life. Now the real battle begins, in the political area and to win minds and hearts. We must cry out in condemnation of the culture of death and the demons behind it: 'Non licet!' Now is our time to act.

Roe vs Wade is DeadDVRodriguez2022-07-22T17:39:03-04:00

Motherly Instinct and Abortion

DVRodriguez2022-06-12T14:20:28-04:00

Saint Monica is a mother par excellence. Her prayers, tears, and sacrifices ultimately converted her husband and children. Today we celebrate motherhood, remembering our mother's love and her labor pains (which often endure into our adult years). Yet our world is trying to destroy femininity and the motherly instinct. Abortion has even become an explicit satanic ritual act. This culture of death is in desperate need of much healing. Even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, we need to win hearts and minds.

Motherly Instinct and AbortionDVRodriguez2022-06-12T14:20:28-04:00

A New Pentecost People

DVRodriguez2022-06-07T12:50:58-04:00

When John XXIII announced Vatican II, he spoke of a 'new Pentecost.' Many believed a 'new springtime' was due. Such slogans conveyed a general euphoria. Yet to think there can be a greater 'new' outpouring of the Holy Ghost is a grave and condemned error. Sadly, men are fascinated with 'new age' movements, e.g. Joachim de Fiore (+1202). Today's 'new spirit' is an impure spirit of rupture. It has borne the 'fruit' of apostasy and a hemorrhaging of Church membership like never before. Let us instead pray for the promised Age of Peace under Our Lady's Immaculate Heart.

A New Pentecost PeopleDVRodriguez2022-06-07T12:50:58-04:00

Vox Clamantis in Deserto

DVRodriguez2022-04-10T13:18:36-04:00

Each candle on the Advent Wreath represents a millennia and bears a name. The third candle is named after St. John the Baptist. This great prophet and martyr gave his life for the sanctity of marriage. On account of his moral courage, he was imprisoned and decapitated. He was also the Precursor of Christ. His spirit, which we are called to emulate, is embodied by his words: "I must decrease, He must increase."

Vox Clamantis in DesertoDVRodriguez2022-04-10T13:18:36-04:00

A Formless Liturgy is Unacceptable

DVRodriguez2022-02-21T05:16:53-05:00

Who could be so barbarous as to destroy his own past? I am angry at those who seek to destroy the Traditional Mass. They have not been satisfied by an iconoclasm in which ugliness reigns. Now they insist that their formless liturgy is the unique and only liturgical expression of the Latin Rite. I say a liturgical revolution is unacceptable. Yet a righteous anger is not easily controlled. We must have charity. We can be thankful for the clarity this has yielded: they are two different Rites which can't coexist for long. Heed the example of St. Francis de Sales, who [...]

A Formless Liturgy is UnacceptableDVRodriguez2022-02-21T05:16:53-05:00

Holy Mother Church Amidst the Storms

DVRodriguez2022-01-31T07:35:57-05:00

The Church has many names, each giving insight into her mysteries. Perhaps the most beautiful is 'Holy Mother.' She gives us spiritual life, nourishes us, heals us, and strengthens us. If we make it to Heaven, it WILL be because of Her. Therefore we should truly love her! Never lose sight that she is the perfect and immaculate Bride of Christ despite the sinfulness of her members. No matter how terrible the storm, Christ will preserve and save her. Have confidence too in the powerful intercession of Our Lady and St. Joseph!

Holy Mother Church Amidst the StormsDVRodriguez2022-01-31T07:35:57-05:00