I don’t know, guys… A lot of nonsense was revealed in this past week.
Westen still seems like a standup guy in my opinion. Even looks better these days. That being said, John-Henry, take note. I learned from fifteen years of working in and running Catholic schools. The “hierarchy of the laity” at the helm of Catholic institutions (specifically non-profit structures) are fundamentally assholes. Chris Jackson, I am not. Sorry, friends, but there’s no other word for it. I remember as a young-er teacher one day telling my wife about some such nonsense in the admin at the school where I was working and finishing the thought with, “The mafia ain’t got nothin’ on this lot.” And I grew up in Jersey!
Bishop Strickland? How sad. That leaked audio did not do you any favors. The man I heard on that tape resembled someone far more concerned with his own image then with defending a fellow man who was in the process of being actively railroaded.
Deacon Keith Fournier? He just comes across as a creep. But I’ll put it in terms he can understand. “Ghstindjahkoibbbee! Slay, Spirit, Slay!”
These are all just one man’s opinions, by the way.
The lady who ran the leaked audio of the board meeting on her YouTube channel? I don’t think she expected to get ratioed in the comments.
Fr Altman? I know you’re wondering how he figures into all of this. Late last week he gave an interview on YouTube commenting on the matter. Guess what? He’s still sounding like a strangely rational man. More importantly, he sounds like a man. It could just be that he’s already been tested in this crucible.
Am I ready to re-subscribe to the LifeSite YouTube channel and email distribution list? Not at the moment.
I have a typical “garage gym”. It is not the one pictured below but not dissimilar. Thank you, ChatGPT.
I typically lift during the middle of the day when no one is home in the neighborhood so no one complains when I play my tunes on a speaker with the door up. I also jump rope in the driveway.
This week, I switched gears a little. I lifted much later in the day. Plenty of folks out in their yards, working on cars, bringing in groceries, practicing for a Quincinera. You know, basic Texas stuff.
Instead of the usual selection of Hi NRG disco synth pop (don’t judge), I blasted…
First, I would like to point out that what he says is true. Seminary formation in the Novus Ordo church it’s not only a joke, it is seriously deranged. I have said in the past, and I will repeat it here. Young men training for the sacred priesthood used to be formed according to The Imitation of Christ and other such masterpieces. That was all deliberately thrown out the window – the same one John XXIII wanted opened? – and the result is what we see here.
Second, a blood oath? Are you kidding me?! What human being with a functioning brain in his head and professing the Catholic faith would listen to someone tell him he has to swear a blood oath – or any oath for that matter – and simply acquiesce? And yet, 14 out of 15 such young men did just that. The one who didn’t? He got the boot.
Finally, the obvious cover-up and obfuscation on the part of the archdiocese clearly speaks for itself. “It was a prank, sillies! He was just being imprudent! No harm, no foul! Just guys being guys, right?” Also, “It was imprudent to film it”?
I have to tell you. I sometimes enjoy a well played joke. And although I generally find the sight of anyone wearing a gorilla costume to be absurdly, hilarious, there is no universe in which I can imagine this kind of scenario playing out in front of my eyes where I don’t grab my keys and run for the door. The only thing that shocks me with this story is that nobody was made to undress that we’re aware of. I mean, that sounds like a fitting addition to what is obviously a pseudo-Freemasonic ritual. 
I happened to be on the phone last evening with a fellow trad blogger whom I greatly admire. We discussed the fact that in the past several months there is a tendency to feel completely isolated. TradInc has fully manifested itself. Anyone left in the hierarchy who might have made a peep about the aberration of doctrine marching right off the edge of a cliff has fallen silent. There are the Chris Jackson’s of the world and thank God for that; but this is becoming a lonely endeavor. Of course, we are not alone. There are a few of us left and willing to call out evil. And we have faith. Our Lord has promised us His Mother’s Immaculate Heart will triumph. I wonder how that one seminarian felt when he realized the satanic nonsense in which he was enmeshed. He probably felt isolated. But I don’t have to wander too hard. I was also kicked out of a seminary. I got out with my dignity intact. I pray he did as well. Some of my friends gave in and went to a beach house with a predator. His? They seem to have engaged in bizarre satanic theater. The only thing that would’ve made this story better would be if that guy had been dressed like Mummenschanz instead of a yeti.
18 years ago today, I stood before the altar at the Sheine of St. Rita in Philadelphia and vowed to loved honor, and cherish the woman who in that moment became my lawful wedded wife.
And what a ride it’s been!
One apartment, three houses, a dog, six cars… Two amazing children, I’ve switched jobs, moved across several states, tradded. And the constant through it all has been the woman God graciously prepared for me nine months before my own birth (she’s a totalcougar). And I didn’t just get the girl. I came to find the best friend in my mother-in-law who has been such a dear companion and in her brother, his wife, their kids, her sister and son and husband, the cousins, the friends, the colleagues. When a man turns himself over to the Will of God, the surprises may give him whiplash, but the joys are never ending.
And why this date? When I got engaged, it was just two months after a terrible tragedy had claimed the life of my precious twenty-three month-old niece Fiona. She was my goddaughter. I was devastated as anyone would be. So young. But I took comfort in two things. Our faith teaches us that a baptized child before the use of reason must go straight to heaven and a spiritual bond exists between godparent and godchild. Although my prayers for her formation were now rendered moot, her prayers for me would be invaluable before the throne of the same Lord who beckoned that little ones like her be allowed to come to Him. I chose this date because it was her third birthday.
So, to my beautiful wife for whom I will never be quite what she deserves and who has lived beyond expectations to be my helpmate and partner, happiest of anniversaries, darling! And to my beautiful little saint, happiest of birthdays in a place where those things don’t really matter.
Today, I raise a glass to both of you!
Slainte!
Here now a passage from Proverbs 31: 10-31
10- Who shall find a valiant woman? far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. 12 She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. 14 She is like the merchant’s ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. 15 And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens.
16 She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. 17 She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. 18 She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. 19 She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. 20 She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor.
21 She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. 22 She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her covering. 23 Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. 24 She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. 25 Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day.
26 She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. 27 She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. 28 Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. 29 Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.”
John-Henry, I don’t imagine you’re reading this tiny little blog but on the off chance you come across these words, please know that many, many people think the world of you. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you several times (none of which would stand out for you I am sure) but on every occasion, you were gracious, kind, and humble. The short you dropped today is further proof of that for those who do not already know.
If you live your life in Christian virtue, you will not go wrong. Friends, he’s as genuine as they come from my perspective.
Folks, I got off all that social media nonsense a while ago. Sorry but I'm not on Twitbook, Facepalm, YouHu, WingWang or any of the others. Maybe an event will happen to make me change my mind like Peter and Paul coming down with flaming swords and commanding it be so. Until then, read the blog and if you feel a comment is in order or you feel like sharing a tip or suggestion for a topic, email me at harvey@harveymillican.com.
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 