Last week, a funeral Mass for former Mayor Kevin White was celebrated at the infamous St. Cecelia's, whose pastor is, the infamous Fr. Unni. TTC readers will remember Fr. Unni for scheduling a clapping fornicators Liturgy last June.
While no doubt Kevin White was a liberal Democrat, I don't ever recall an instance when he used his pulpit to take whacks at the Catholic Church or Catholic teaching. I would credit Mayor White for kicking off the redevelopment and transformation of the City of Boston,particularly our Waterfront, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. He suffered many years with Alzheimer's. May his soul and the soul of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Though Mayor White never caused a scandal with Catholic teaching, several Catholics raised concerns to the Archdiocese due to the combination of Fr. Unni's terrible discretion, unfaithfulness to salvation theology and the fact that several local politicians who have caused scandal were scheduled to hijack the funeral to give speeches at Mayor White's Funeral.
I am happy to report that our Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated with dignity, respect and protocol it deserves. It was clear that much went on behind the scenes to avoid a repeat of the disaster at Ted Kennedy's funeral.
Barney Frank and Mayor Tom Menino were permitted time to speak prior to the start of the Liturgy. I wasn't there, but to the best of knowledge and what is reported, other than telling a story using the word 'bleeping', the moments were not used to say something scandalous about Church teaching. They were real eulogies. I suppose you could gripe that they were given the time to do so, but I can truly see it as an act of pastoral compassion. I can't say for sure, but it is my guess, they were given guidelines about what could be said.
To the best of my knowledge, our the Rite of Christian Burial burial was respectfully executed. Bishop Hennessey filled in for the Cardinal who was...ah...you guess it, on a jet somewhere.
We've had a rough couple of years here in Boston. Ok, a rough decade. Catholics who have been robbed of their faith have taken, how shall I say this...unusual methods to expose the dishonesty, dysfunction and corruption that exists internally.
We have a new Vicar General with a kind heart and a no-nonsense reputation. The jury is still out but we are starting to see a few signs that are hopeful.
I thought it was important to salute the obvious efforts behind Mayor White's funeral Mass and to express our gratitude. Thanks to Monsignor Deeley, Bishop Hennessey and others who were behind the orchestration of our beautiful rite.
Pray for us.
8 comments:
Good! Maybe there's hope for the Archdiocese...
Do we know whether Frs. Unni and Monan complied with Canon 915 or were the pro-abortion "Catholic"politicians in attendance (Menino, Kerry, et al.) welcome to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of God Himself?
I was trying to link to the "clapping fornicators". Except for the draped coffin (& not even sure about that one - could be some kind of MA/Irish flag) hard to tell these people were even in a church. No clergy visible. Not sure if it was purposeful or not on the diocese's part - but can't disagree w/you more - if rite has no meaning, doesn't matter whether it's "beautiful" or not - not an opera/ballet. Might as well rent out a concert hall for the funeral. Everyone who took part knows the hypocrisy of the so-called "Catholic" family and the Catholic church. Rather than worrying about the public scandal, they should worry about the stink arising to God and the stink of this man's flesh and all his family, Barney Frank & John Kerry and all the other child murderers gathered there burning in hell for all eternity.
I was trying to link to the "clapping fornicators". Except for the draped coffin (& not even sure about that one - could be some kind of MA/Irish flag) hard to tell these people were even in a church. No clergy visible. Not sure if it was purposeful or not on the diocese's part - but can't disagree w/you more - if rite has no meaning, doesn't matter whether it's "beautiful" or not - not an opera/ballet. Might as well rent out a concert hall for the funeral. Everyone who took part knows the hypocrisy of the so-called "Catholic" family and the Catholic church. Rather than worrying about the public scandal, they should worry about the stink arising to God and the stink of this man's flesh and all his family, Barney Frank & John Kerry and all the other child murderers gathered there burning in hell for all eternity.
Oh, Anonymous (5:34 p.m.), get a hold of yourself. The funeral was fine. Stop clutching your pearls long enough to do something charitable. You're an embarrassment to the faith.
Whoopsies. It seems I made a boo boo with my links. I've fixed them. Sorry for the confusion!
5:34 Anon - John Kerry does seem to be wearing a long face!
Seriously, There is a lot of water over the dam so I understand where you're coming from. We don't know, but this is the way I look at it: Great care was taken to protect the Liturgy from scandal. Much discernment was put into such thoughtful planning, guidance. That speaks volumes to me. In the absence of a scandal, that is all I really feel entitled to know.
BCI is encouraging people to e-mail Fr. Unni and someone is suggesting cc'ing the Vicar General. Go take a look. Not a bad idea.
If there is anyone out here who is willing to conduct a little experiment, call St. Cecelia and ask when confessions are heard. When you are told that there are no specific times for confession, ask if you can come in to go to confession. Then report back here what you're told. Just try it.
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