Cajetan Rebukes the Sedes (again)

Posted on by Jeff Cassman

Sedes are fond of citing Bellarmine and occasionally, Cajetan, to support their novel theories.  Phillip Campbell has a good article here explaining why this is a problem.

The article argues that sedevacantists misinterpret Cajetan’s views on removing a pope and can’t use his arguments to justify their stance. Cajetan, a 16th-century theologian, indeed discussed the removal of a pope but strictly under the context of heresy, seeing the pope’s authority as directly instituted by Christ, not delegated by the Church. His unique stance was that in cases other than heresy, the faithful should resort to prayer for divine intervention rather than seek human legal mechanisms for removal.

The Conciliarists of his time mocked Cajetan for believing in prayer just as the sedes today mock Catholics for begging God for mercy from evil prelates. This was his response:

It does not follow from the fact that the Church has not been granted the power to depose by human provision that it has not been granted [any] power to depose a pope; for it does so unfailingly by another means, namely, by persevering in prayer.

…Each polity, whether civil or ecclesiastical, can depose one who rules it tyrannically, but in different ways—thr civil one, being perfect and free, by means of power and by human provision, the ecclesiastical, however, by means of the Father’s own power, by perseverance in prayer when it is truly necessary. This mode, more excellent and unable to err as the former can, is better, and, therefore, the

… Read the rest

Deliverance Prayers for the Laity

Posted on by Jeff Cassman

Father Ripperger has created concern in some traditional circles over his Deliverance Prayers for the Laity.

These such prayers are often said to be protestant in origin.  However, Catholics have usually referred to them as prayers of ‘adjuration’.

St. Anthony is well known as the patron of lost items, but he also has a great prayer of ‘deliverance’, which Pope Sixtus V had inscribed on the obelisk in Saint Peter’s Square.

In the original Latin, the prayer says:

Ecce Crucem Domini!
Fugite partes adversae!
Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
Radix David! Alleluia!
And translated, it reads
Behold, the Cross of the Lord!
Begone, all evil powers!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
The Root of David, has conquered!
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Here’s what the Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, the greatest Moral Theologian in Church history and a Doctor of the Faith, said about them (translation by Ryan Grant):

IV. Privately it is lawful for anyone to adjure [bind] a demon; but solemnly only for the ministers of the Church constituted for this purpose, and with the express license of the Bishop. (The Salamancans, ibid. n. 5, in common with others, from Luke 10:19: “Behold, I have given you power to tread over serpents and scorpions, and over every power of the enemy.” And from Mark 16:17: “In my name they will cast out demons.”)
V. Moreover, especially in regard to the adjuration of demons, two things must especially be noted here: 1) That with them the adjuration is
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Four Simple Rules for Success and Peace in Life and Work

Posted on by Jeff Cassman

In today’s fast-paced and quickly-changing world, finding a simple set of principles to navigate both life and work can be challenging. As Catholics, we are continually seeking ways to align our daily actions with our faith and moral principles. It is in this context that the “Four Simple Rules for Life and Work”, can serve us in business and life. These rules, though simple, hold profound implications for how we live our lives and conduct ourselves in our personal and professional endeavors. Let’s explore these rules and understand how they can lead us towards a more fulfilling and righteous path.

1. Be Where You’re Supposed to Be
The first rule calls for presence and punctuality, virtues deeply rooted in respect for others and the responsibilities entrusted to us. Being where you’re supposed to be is not merely about physical presence; it’s about being fully engaged and committed to the moment. For you and I, this means showing up for our families, our work, and our community, ready to contribute our best. It reflects the principle of stewardship, where we are called to manage our time and talents wisely, always mindful of the greater good.

A scriptural passage you might consider for meditation: Colossians 3:23-24.

2. Do What You’re Supposed to Do
This rule emphasizes the importance of duty and diligence. Doing what you’re supposed to do means fulfilling your obligations with integrity and effort, whether in your personal life or professional role. It’s a call to action that resonates with … Read the rest

A Prayer for a Friend

Posted on by Jeff Cassman

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the serene embrace of Your infinite grace, I pen this humble letter, a prayer from the depths of my heart, reaching out to You on behalf of ________. Your omniscience sees beyond my words, knowing the essence of my intentions before they are even formed.

O Lord, the Fountain of all Goodness, I beseech You to bestow upon__________ a cascade of Your choicest blessings. May Your light perpetually shine upon her, guiding her steps on the path of righteousness and peace. Grant her the strength to face the trials and tribulations of this world, with unwavering faith and hope anchored in Your divine providence.

Bless her, O Divine Benefactor, with the wealth of good health, that her body may be a temple of the Holy Spirit, vibrant and full of life, to serve You and Your creation with zeal and joy. Shower upon her the gift of wisdom, that in all things, she may seek Your will, discerning the good and choosing the right, a beacon of Your truth amidst the shadows of uncertainty.

Surround her, O Father, with loving relationships that reflect Your own love for us—relationships that nourish, challenge, and grow in the soil of mutual respect and affection. In times of loneliness or despair, remind her of Your constant presence, that she is never truly alone, for You are with _________, her rock and her comforter.

Provide for ______, O Lord, according to her needs, not only in material sustenance but also in … Read the rest

Silenced Suffering: The Other Casualties of COVID-19

Posted on by Jeff Cassman

A Twitter user shared the horrific true story of how the lockdowns killed his mother:

My mother died from covid while never having covid. At the beginning of the pandemic, she found a tiny lump the size of a dime on the back of her knee. No doctor would see her due to covid. A doctor diagnosed her with a “bakers cyst” on the phone and refused to see her.

Weeks and months went by and it continued to grow. She had zoom calls with doctors, no one would see her and still stuck by the cyst theory. The “cyst” grew outside of her skin and more zoom appointments led to antibiotics being prescribed as it ripped through her flesh. No one would see her. She could not get a doctor to see her and they all dismissed her.

I went and saw a baseball sized tumor on the back of her leg that was four different colors, open and seeping fluid everywhere. I immediately said “that’s cancer” and she said the doctor said it was an infected cyst. I brought her to the ER. I was removed by security because they wouldn’t let me in with her, to advocate for her and I decided I wasn’t going to be removed. She was treated for an infected cyst and released with no biopsy.

I found a dermatologist outside of her insurance and brought her. He immediately diagnosed it as a very likely sarcoma and biopsied it. It was malignant. Later

… Read the rest