So, reading between the lines, at best we can believe that Cardinal Brenes somewhat spinelessly tries to appease the Ortega regime out of some sense of self-preservation and protection of his priests - which I can moderately understand, even if I don't really like it.
But at worst, we could draw the conclusion that he's quietly supportive of the left-wing dictatorship under which he serves and is willing to act as a toady or lackey, even if it means throwing his own priests and brother bishops under the bus.
Exhausted, cut off from the support of his brother bishops, subject to the same temptations to discouragement as any other man, and in need of our prayers, seems like a possible situation as well
Probably a lack of compassion on my side, but I kind of lumped your version in with my first case scenario. I certainly won't pretend that I would do better under his circumstances, but I also won't go out of my way to excuse him for it either. Prayer is always in order.
This is a pretty pathetic lie, unless he's just trying to talk in code (e.g., blink twice if you need help). Could have at least have made up something that would not be obviously false, or something that would technically be true, like a scheduling conflict.
Agreed. I make zero judgment here as to how the Cardinal is handling the situation in his country, but surely he could've come up with a better explanation. On the other hand, maybe he's not lying--perhaps he made it clear to the Vatican that he shouldn't be invited, so he wasn't invited, and he's telling the truth.
Trying to be objective, and not harshly critical. But isn't this a case of a Prince of the Church, a successor to the Apostles, possibly uttering a grievous falsehood that seems accusatory towards the Holy Father in not "inviting" him? If that's the case, he is giving tremendous scandal to the church at large, and that of his country. I can't know what's in his heart, and will not denigrate him or call him names, but over the centuries, the Church has had many martyrs offer their lives in defense of Our Lord's Holy Church. A better explanation than he is providing is in order.
I am delighted to read your thoughts and feelings. I am a foreign student learning about Nicaragua and its people.
I understand that some priests, not immediately supported by Rome, helped the revolution and were instrumental in establishing the government. The current situation makes sense if the church is now aligned with Western (US) ideology which has essentially declared war on all of Latin America.
Nicaragua impresses many who are interested in human wellbeing.
One notable example is gender equality, equity, and safety. Nicaragua is ranked in the top five globally. I have noticed that a culture of sufficiency in Nicaragua provides access to essentials of health care, education, clean energy, clean water.
So, reading between the lines, at best we can believe that Cardinal Brenes somewhat spinelessly tries to appease the Ortega regime out of some sense of self-preservation and protection of his priests - which I can moderately understand, even if I don't really like it.
But at worst, we could draw the conclusion that he's quietly supportive of the left-wing dictatorship under which he serves and is willing to act as a toady or lackey, even if it means throwing his own priests and brother bishops under the bus.
Exhausted, cut off from the support of his brother bishops, subject to the same temptations to discouragement as any other man, and in need of our prayers, seems like a possible situation as well
Probably a lack of compassion on my side, but I kind of lumped your version in with my first case scenario. I certainly won't pretend that I would do better under his circumstances, but I also won't go out of my way to excuse him for it either. Prayer is always in order.
In all cases, we should probably pray for him
This is a pretty pathetic lie, unless he's just trying to talk in code (e.g., blink twice if you need help). Could have at least have made up something that would not be obviously false, or something that would technically be true, like a scheduling conflict.
Agreed. I make zero judgment here as to how the Cardinal is handling the situation in his country, but surely he could've come up with a better explanation. On the other hand, maybe he's not lying--perhaps he made it clear to the Vatican that he shouldn't be invited, so he wasn't invited, and he's telling the truth.
Fear or no fear, it can be difficult to tell whether the correct choice is to keep your head down for another day, or to sell your life dearly now.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/cardinal-porras-detained-barred-from
Remember this story last month?
Trying to be objective, and not harshly critical. But isn't this a case of a Prince of the Church, a successor to the Apostles, possibly uttering a grievous falsehood that seems accusatory towards the Holy Father in not "inviting" him? If that's the case, he is giving tremendous scandal to the church at large, and that of his country. I can't know what's in his heart, and will not denigrate him or call him names, but over the centuries, the Church has had many martyrs offer their lives in defense of Our Lord's Holy Church. A better explanation than he is providing is in order.
I am delighted to read your thoughts and feelings. I am a student of Ni
I am delighted to read your thoughts and feelings. I am a foreign student learning about Nicaragua and its people.
I understand that some priests, not immediately supported by Rome, helped the revolution and were instrumental in establishing the government. The current situation makes sense if the church is now aligned with Western (US) ideology which has essentially declared war on all of Latin America.
Nicaragua impresses many who are interested in human wellbeing.
One notable example is gender equality, equity, and safety. Nicaragua is ranked in the top five globally. I have noticed that a culture of sufficiency in Nicaragua provides access to essentials of health care, education, clean energy, clean water.
Useful idiot comes to mind
As a child who grew up with Bozo the Clown, I was mildly triggered by the photograph of His Eminence.
It would seem the good Cardinal has forgotten the significance of why he, and his confreres, go about robed in red.