Cardinal Duka Calls out Evil Cardinal Marx

Cardinal Dominik Duka accuses Cardinal Marx of apparently defaming Pope Benedict XVI..

(Munich/Prague) The Czech bishops are jumping to Benedict XVI's side to protect him because the German bishops are obviously unable or unwilling to do so. Cardinal Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague, defends Benedict XVI. in an open letter against the dirt bucket campaign that is underway in Germany against the former head of the Church. At the same time, he accuses Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the incumbent Archbishop of Munich and Freising, "of having defamed and tarnished his reputation".

The heckling from Prague shook the bishop's palaces in Munich and Limburg like thunder. Cardinal Duka, the primate of Bohemia, reads his German brothers the riot act in an open letter. Even more: He practices devastating criticism of one of the most powerful bishops in Europe.

The report with which Benedict XVI. is "unjustly slandered and hurt," as far as is now clear, is not worth the paper it is printed on. This report "probably cost hundreds of thousands of euros," said Cardinal Duka. The words weigh as heavy as lead: The Czech cardinal says frankly that apparently a lot of money was paid to drag Benedict XVI. through the dirt.

Cardinal Duka, persecuted by the Communists, knows how directed discrediting campaigns work. The Munich lawyers who prepared the report were unfair to Benedict XVI. because, as the cardinal implies, they apparently already had the intention of pillorying the former pope. The motivation remains unclear for the time being. Cardinal Duka ignores it. Do the lawyers just want to attract attention in a cheap way, make themselves important? One thing is certain, according to Duka: "No evidence" was presented, only an "opinion" was given.

The canon lawyer Stefan Mückl, who in the course of the dirt bucket campaign against Benedict XVI.  explored the allegations made in detail, meanwhile, came to a clear conclusion: More than 40 years ago, the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, had "no knowledge of the criminal acts of these priests", contrary to the assumption in the Munich report.

Specifically, there are four cases. The report scandalized the fact that the archbishop at the time knew about the cases but did nothing to counteract them. "But it's not true. He didn't know what these priests did," said Mückl after studying the files.

Monsignor Bätzing, Bishop of Limburg and President of the German Bishops' Conference, plays an opaque role in the matter. In any case, he did nothing to improve and defend the reputation of Benedict XVI. On the contrary, after the publication of the dubious allegations by the Munich report, he was ready to join the chorus of critics of Benedict. Cardinal Duka does not mention Bätzing by name, but the head of the German bishops is also washed with it. 

Far more serious is the accusation that Cardinal Duka makes against Cardinal Marx. Marx, former President of the German Bishops' Conference and representative of Europe in the Council of Cardinals, which advises Pope Francis in the governance of the universal Church, was guilty of "defamation", the defamation of his predecessor as Archbishop of Munich and Freising and later Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Marx, who has twice offered his resignation to Pope Francis in connection with the cases of sexual abuse by clerics, albeit only pro forma, is standing in front of a pile of rubble. Cardinal Duka's accusation weighs heavily: the Archbishop of Prague says that Cardinal Marx has lost his credibility.

It really is time for Marx to resign.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image : Wikicommons

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

Cardinal Duka of Prague Banned by Twitter for Praising Trum's Supreme Court Pick

Dominik Cardinal Duka, the Archbishop of Prague, fell victim to Twitter censors.

(Prague) First, the social networks as Facebook, Twitter et al. praised as “the” forms of communication appropriate to democracy. As soon as the masses were attracted, but no longer ticked their boxes as requested during elections, the trap then snapped shut. The communication giants have become censors who are carrying out more and more systematic orgies of deletion in order to silence undesirable opinions. The Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague and Primate of Bohemia, also fell victim to this censorship.

As his press spokesman Jirí Prinz announced, the cardinal's access to his Twitter channel was blocked. A reason for the blocking was not given by Twitter. Nor did anyone approach the cardinal to draw his attention to this. At the end of last week, a meeting was held in the archdiocan ordinariate to discuss possible steps to solve the problem.

The Czech news site Echo24 speculated that the blocking with a product of the Czech Internet newspaper Konzervativní noviny (Conservative newspaper) might have something to do with it.  Cardinal Duka had linked an article this past October 1st. This article welcomed Amy Coney Barett's nomination as a US Supreme Court Justice. Apparently, Twitter wanted to "curb" the spread of this article, as is concluded from the overall behavior of the microblogging service. The cardinal's spokesman did not want to speculate about it, as Twitter did not officially give a reason. The fact is, however, censorship was exercized.

The example illustrates the extent of censorship that was established within a few years. The specific reason for this was the election victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election in November 2016. The day after, the New York Times blamed social networks for the victory of Trump, the political left and Washington's establishment were shocked. The social networks had made unfiltered news distribution possible. This characteristic of democracy and the fundamental right to freedom of expression was suddenly no longer “in fashion.” Conversely, the left-liberal world leading medium had declared that public opinion had to be controlled, which had previously been done through the published opinion of the mainstream media. This control is endangered by the establishment of new media with the help of social networks and must urgently be regained.

A cardinal of the Catholic Church has now also fallen victim to this censorship, which has since become more and more intensive, because he linked to an article whose opinion the establishment obviously does not like. The cardinal writes in Czech and sits in Prague, far from the USA. However, the internet giants' censorship algorithms don't seem to notice any difference.

Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed just a week ago as a judge and sworn in on the same day by US President Donald Trump. The censorship process against Cardinal Duka is all the more obvious and raises questions that require answers.

The new censorship doesn't even require the push of a button. It is largely dehumanized and left to computers.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Wikicommons / Twitter (screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

Cardinal Duka Recalls the Catholic Roots of the Czech Republic

Prague archbishop reproaches in pastoral letter, that the Church does not sufficiently recall the anniversary of the Republic

Prague (kath.net/KAP) Cardinal Dominik Duka commented on the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Czechoslovak Republic with a pastoral letter. The proclamation of the republic on October 28, 1918 had taken place at the foot of the St. Wenceslas Memorial in Prague's Wenceslas Square, and the Vatican was one of the first states to recognize the new state, Duka recalled.

The Pastoral Letter, dated 28 October, and published only on Duka's personal homepage, is signed by him only in his capacity as Archbishop of Prague and Primate of Bohemia, but not as President of the Czech Bishops' Conference, which only took place on the 23rd and held its 115th Assembly on 24 October.

First of all, Duka is reproachful that the Church does not sufficiently commemorate the anniversary of the republic. For, “together with a number of institutions and commissions, they were not only informed about the intended actions, but also shared information among themselves.” For the Catholic Church, "it was especially important to point out the roots of Czech statehood in connection with the worship of St. Wenceslas to the full extent of our early history and their continued existence until the founding of Czechoslovakia or Czech Republic.” This requirement was met in particular with the celebrations for Wenceslas Day (28 September).

The Primate Cardinal recalled the presence not only of Church  organizations, but also of the military and the Sokol ‘Movement at the solemn Mass in Stara Boleslav on the 28th of September. It was the members of this Christian-oriented movement who fought for the rebuilding of the sovereign republic during the First World War and during the Second World War. Thus, the continuity of the cult of Wenceslas was made visible during the celebrations.

Duka also mentioned the problem of founding the state 100 years ago. The festive atmosphere had been clouded by the not yet consolidated demarcation. But the federalization proclaimed by Kaiser Karl at the last moment "could not seal the fates of our peoples, but Karl's earnest efforts to conclude peace were undeniable.” He wanted to emphasize, “Charles’ renunciation of the throne of Bohemia, who had sworn allegiance to the dynasty, and were thus free to decide without inhibition,” said the cardinal.

The Primate cited in detail from the last pastoral letter of his predecessor Archbishop Paul Huyn (1868-1946) and from the first of his Vicar General Moric Picha (1869-1956) from the days of separation of 1918. Two days before the proclamation of the republic, on the 26th of October, the Archbishop of Prague described the war as a "just defensive war", which Catholics in particular must "do their utmost to be victorious.” It was the "last cause of hatred of the enemies" that "we were lucky enough to have a Catholic Emperor and a Catholic Empress." Huyn had then not returned from a visitation to Prague and officially resigned on September 19, 1919.

The Ecclesiastical Loyalty Promise of December 1918

On December 8, 1918, Vicar General Picha struck a new tone, Duka said. One sees "in the destinies of nations, and especially of our people, the hand of Divine Providence"; they wanted and will "wholeheartedly love our country in its new form, live in harmony and justice with all the citizens of our state and stand with due respect and sacrifice to the appointed government," Cardinal Duka quoted. He concluded his pastoral letter "with thanks for 100 years of honest work, bravery and courage, but also forgiveness where we failed.”

The former Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, who spoke at a festive session of the Parliament as honorary president of the party TOP 09, also recalled emperor Karl. 1918 had allowed “a very civilized overthrow" and one must be "thankful to the Emperor Karl of blessed memory, that he had forbidden the use of force.”

In a TV interview in the news service CT24 also greeted Karl Habsburg, the current head of the House of Habsburg, and the historical role of his grandfather. The Emperor "in addition to his deep faith, also believed that, however bad the situation may be, one must endeavor to make the best out of it.” On this basis, one must "also consider the various peace efforts that emanated from him.” Karl came to power in a situation when - after the death of Emperor Franz Josef - the war was essentially beyond salvation."

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

Cardinal Duka Levels Criticism Against "Welcoming Polity" and Islamism and Was Censored by His Own Newspaper

Cardinal Dominink Duka was censored because of his criticisms
of Islamism and Mass Immigration by his own Catholic Newspaper

(Prague) Novinky , the most important Internet portal of the Czech Republic reported yesterday on an article by Cardinal Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague and Primate of Bohemia, he had written after the assassination of the French priest, Abbé Jacques Hamel. Abbé Hamel had his throat cut on July 26, while celebrating Holy Mass in the church Saint Etienne du Rouvray in Rouen. The priest was then beheaded. The two murderers were shot dead by police. The  Islamic State(IS) took credit for the act. Cardinal Duka sent his response to the renowned Catholic weekly Katolický Týdeník . This, however, refused to publish the article. The cardinal then published it on his Facebook page.

The Catholic cardinal had expressed himself critically in the past about Pope Francis' "welcoming culture". In his article, he warned of a "disproportionate and ruthless welcome policy". An expression which the Cardinal apparently was missed by the censorship of his own subordinates.

The caution and wisdom expressed by the Primate of Bohemia against Islamic immigrants sparked polemical attacks. The advocates of "welcoming culture" are well organized and deeply rooted, especially in the media, even in the Catholic media, as the Cardinal's  bitter experience demonstrated.

Cardinal Duka was bitterly attacked by  Msgr. Tomas Halik, one of the most famous Czech priests. The sociologist and philosopher of religion, who was ordained a priest in the 70s underground, became the General Secretary of the Czech Bishops' Conference and advisor to President Vaclav Havel in the 90s. Halik is Professor of Sociology at Charles University and rector of the University Church. He attacked his bishop: "The real allies of the Islamic State against the Western world are those who do not know the difference between Islam and jihadist terrorists."

Murder of Rouen: "All who have downplayed such acts, should now think"

Czech Catholic weekly Katolický Týdeník

Full disagrees Cardinal Duka. For him, the killing of Abbé Hamel was a "lesson" for all be those who previously downplayed similar incidents and downplayed the perpetrators as mentally ill and frustrated.  Furthermore, to remain silent "would be suicide for our society," said the Archbishop of Prague. He also called for more to pray for the victims of terrorism and to seek fewer excuses and apologies for terrorists.

The Cardinal ends with a reminder and an invitation: In Islam, says the primate,  there are hidden  violent tendencies, which is why those Muslims who do not share these tendencies, should react against if they wish have any share in credibility.

It is piquant to note that the weekly Katolický Týdeník, which imposed censorship on the cardinal for his critical attitude towards  mass immigration and the Islamization of Europe, belongs to the Czech Bishops' Conference.

In the time of the Czechoslovak Soviet Republic there had indeed been a Catholic journal, but one which had been controlled by the communist regime. It had the task to drive a wedge between Catholics, which is why it enjoyed little prestige among  these. After the collapse of the communist dictatorship, the new Catholic weekly was founded by a private publisher.

As Katolický Týdeník got into financial difficulties in the 90s, the paper was adopted, rescued and supported by the Czech Bishops' Conference. The journal is in fact the Church newspaper for the entire Czech Republic. Chief Editor Antonin Randa censored not only his own bishop but also his own publisher.  Cardinal Duka is namely, also, President of the Czech Bishops' Conference.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Picture: Youtube / Katolický Týdeník (screenshots)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG

Merkel Causing the Division of German Society Says Czech Cardinal

The Prague Cardinal Dominik Duka is defending his country against the accusation of lack of receptivity to refugees. In an interview with the newspaper "Lidove noviny" (Saturday) he charged, according to  Kathpress, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) with complicity for the division of  German society and the fear of Europeans for the refugees.

"I think that a large proportion who have  this fear are exactly those people who say: We have to accept all. Who has provoked the split in the German society?" asked the cardinal recalling Merkel's welcoming culture. It was the German Chancellor, "who undermines a number of fundamental principles of the European Union, security issues and Schengen Agreement." The interventions had consequences.

"Development has proved us right"

Meanwhile, there had been a reversal, says Duka: "We all see how now the EU speaks, as the head of the EU Commission Juncker, like Merkel, or Austria, talk. The development has proved us right," said the Archbishop of Prague.

Duka also makes  certain distinctions between European Catholics and Pope Francis on the refugee issue in the interview, "The sensitivity of Francis for the social problem is different from ours in Europe." This had to do with the origin of the pope from Latin America;  where the gap between rich and poor there is much greater.

Duka recalled that "in the past 20 years, nearly half a million new citizens" have come to the Czech Republic. The first were people from the East. Remonstrations that Czech citizens only want Christians is based on "disinformation", the Cardinal said. "We have said that we have to take Christians primarily because this is the most persecuted group who fear for their lives." The Czech Republic was not able to absorb large amounts of refugees, stressed Duka. "We have no tradition in this and no people who could communicate with the refugees."

(APA)

Cardinal Duka: "The Dissolution of the Family is a Civil Hiroshima"

Chairman of the Czech Bishops' Conference: The "planned destruction of the family" by "certain ideological currents" is "a civil nuclear war,"  that is "a larger and more painful reality than any economic crisis".

Prague (kath.net/KAP) On the occasion of the Church's "Year of the Family" a National Family Pilgrimage was held in the Czech Republic. These gathered in Zdar nad Sazavou (Saar at the Sázava) more than 5,000 children, parents and grandparents, to jointly lay a commitment to family. Just before the event the complex on the Zelena Hora (the Green Mountain)in the Diocese of Brno had been handed back into the care of the Catholic Church. The President of the Czech Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Archbishop of Prague Dominik Duka (photo) gave the sermon last Sunday on both occasions.

The "planned destruction of the family" by "certain ideological currents" is "a civil nuclear war," said Duka. Because it will put society in the same "state as Hiroshima after the atomic explosion". This decline has been "a larger and more painful reality than any economic crisis."

Attacks on the family set the stage where man is isolated and enslaved, said the Bohemian Primate. The first step in the subjugation of African slaves was not by chance the destruction of their families, reminded Duka.

Motioning to the event location the cardinal said, the restitutions presented "a gradual termination of the financing of Church operation by the state". What Church and society would most need is a "return of marriage and family in their original condition".

Designed by the Prague architect Giovanni Santin Aichel, the pilgrimage complex on the Green Mountain at Saar is a major work of the so-called Bohemian Baroque Gothic. Its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was 20 years ago this weekend, was a commemoration for the festivities from the 5th to 7th of September.

The transition of pilgrimage area, the cemetery and the property to the Church is a sensitive issue, says local pastor Vladimir Zalesky. Above all, we strive to return to regular pilgrimages, church services and an expansion of the spiritual and cultural offerings outside the tourist season.

Particular attention will be given to the selection and training of church leaders. They should learn to master its renunciation, the numerology and ascenticism of John of Nepomuk Church and communicate to the Faithful as well as those not close to the Church through its strange enclosure wall.

Copyright 2014 Catholic Press Agency, Vienna, Austria All rights reserved.
Link to Kath.net...
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

3 Billion in Reparations Paid to Church for Damages Caused by Communism

WARSAW, Poland – A Czech cardinal welcomed final court approval of government plans to pay billions of dollars to churches in compensation for their losses under communist rule.

On June 3, the Constitutional Court cleared the way for the implementation of a 2012 law that says 56 percent of assets, valued at $3.8 billion, will be returned to Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Jewish communities, with $3 billion paid out over a 30-year period as compensation for the rest of the properties. During that same period, annual government grants to churches will also be phased out.

“This ruling on the law for property settlements closes one of the infamous chapters in our history,” said Cardinal Dominik Duka of Prague. “Our society can congratulate itself (that) it has finally resolved this problem and remedied the damage done to churches under communism.”

Link...