Have the bishops "written her off"? If so, why?

[Laura_B]

Hi:
Our pastor is a very good priest who has done a lot for our parish. His style is more contemporary than some. He seems to have a bee in his bonnet about EWTN and its founder, whom he consistently calls “Mother A”. He claims “there’s a reason the bishops have written her off long ago”, at one time staying “where there’s big money, there’s always an agenda.” This same priest also does not care for Catholic Answers’ founder. I seem to have “black collar syndrome” (think white-coat syndrome (fear of doctors)) and don’t have the guts to call him on it. But perhaps here, you won’t mind my asking: what do you think he is talking about? Have the bishops written her off – and why? I just want to understand where he’s coming from. It’s okay with me if “Mother A” is not his cup of tea, but what’s with the negativity over someone trying to serve the church?
Thanks for any (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[ThornGenX]

I really like Mother Angelica (even quote her in my signature) but she does tend to be very conservative (but still in union with the Pope and Rome). My parish pastor does not like her or Catholic Answers much either. In my parish priest’s case I think it’s because he leans liberal on many things that clash with EWTN/Catholic Answers.

My pastor has said some things that make me uneasy (like questioning that Mary remained a virgin all her life and all but saying there is no mortal sin unless you totally deny God) so I like EWTN and Catholic Answers to balance that out.

I subscribed to this thread so I can read what others say about Mother Angelica.

 

[JimO]

Our Pastor likes EWTN and Catholic Answers and is orthodox; however, he is cautious about Mother Angelica because he believes she speaks too much from emotion and says some off-the-wall things sometimes. I think that although he supports her ministry, he thinks that she’s a bit imprudent at times.

I’m just thankful that he promotes EWTN and Catholic Answers.

 

[ThornGenX]

JimO:

Our Pastor likes EWTN and Catholic Answers and is orthodox; however, he is cautious about Mother Angelica because he believes she speaks too much from emotion and says some off-the-wall things sometimes. I think that although he supports her ministry, he thinks that she’s a bit imprudent at times.

I’m just thankful that he promotes EWTN and Catholic Answers.

I know she does show quite a bit of emotion on her “Mother Angelica Live” shows, admitting to her Italian temper. My pastor also told us about some kind of conflict she had with Cardinal Mahoney (not sure of spelling) of Los Angeles, CA though I am not sure about the details on the conflict. Anyway, thanks for your reply.

 

[4_marks]

Laura B:

Hi:
Our pastor is a very good priest who has done a lot for our parish. His style is more contemporary than some. He seems to have a bee in his bonnet about EWTN and its founder, whom he consistently calls “Mother A”. He claims “there’s a reason the bishops have written her off long ago”, at one time staying “where there’s big money, there’s always an agenda.” This same priest also does not care for Catholic Answers’ founder. I seem to have “black collar syndrome” (think white-coat syndrome (fear of doctors)) and don’t have the guts to call him on it. But perhaps here, you won’t mind my asking: what do you think he is talking about? Have the bishops written her off – and why? I just want to understand where he’s coming from. It’s okay with me if “Mother A” is not his cup of tea, but what’s with the negativity over someone trying to serve the church?
Thanks for any (name removed by moderator)ut.

Probably too conservative and simplistic for their tastes. Many priests have been taught to be skeptical of absolutes, to shun what could be called anti-progressive Catholic “triumphalist fundamentalism.” They have great disdain for a cut and dry approach to theology in faith and practice. More often than not, a metaphorical and symbolic rather than a literal and historical approach to scripture and theology is adopted. For these men, priesthood is seen more as a profession than a vocation. They often read National Catholic Review and America magazine and are fans of Father Andrew Greeley and Father Richard McBrien.