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The Reign of Mary

Vol. XLII, No. 141: Letter from the Editor

February 22, 2011
St. Peter’s Chair at Antioch

Dear friends in Our Lady,

Praised be Jesus and Mary. In the year 1870 the first (and only true) Vatican Council defined infallibility and the teaching authority of the Church. It explained that all things must be believed by the faithful, which are taught by the Church, “in a solemn pronouncement or in her ordinary and universal teaching power.” Sadly, few Catholics today seem to understand what is meant by the “ordinary” teaching magisterium. Consequently, they dismiss the numerous heresies of the false popes and the modern church as not having been ex cathedra — as though Christ would allow His Church to officially teach the faithful throughout the world heretical things day after day. Such a concept isn’t even logical.

Yet, that is exactly what is believed by the “recognize but resist” crowd. They believe Benedict XVI is pope and the Conciliar Church is the true Church of Christ, while at the same time decrying the heresies, outrages and sacrileges which proceed from them on a daily basis. It is for this reason that we re-publish in this issue the first part of a lecture given by John Daly nine years ago. The transcription of the lecture first appeared in The Four Marks newspaper two years ago. We have decided to reprint it here for the benefit of those who have never read it. And for those who did read the article or hear the original lecture, the topic bears repeating, especially as there are so many would-be traditional Catholics today who do not fully understand papal infallibility and authority and who mislead so many others on this topic.

I also wish to take this opportunity to express our deep sorrow on the occasion of the recent death of Abbot Leonard Giardina, OSB, of Cullman, Alabama. The abbot, who journeyed to Mount Saint Michael twice, once speaking at the annual Fatima Conference (1997), was a true friend of our religious congregation. His spirit of charity was evident to all who knew him. He was a genuine religious, and his example will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!

Shortly, we will enter that blessed time of year — the season of Lent, during which we prepare for Easter. Incidentally, this year’s Easter date will be one of the latest in our lifetime — you will have to wait until 2038 to see a later Easter, for it will fall on that year on the 25th of April! At any rate, let us use well the blessed time of Lent — a time for spiritual renewal and penance. Especially resolve to spend it in union with Our Lady of Sorrows, who best can help us understand all that her Son suffered. And remember — only they truly rejoice on Easter, who have spent Lent well. May we be among their number.

In the service of Jesus and Mary
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
(Email Father)

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