If You Can Find It...You need to see this Modernist nightmare
Many years ago, I read about some flick out of the early 70's based (and titled) on the book Catholics. Since it was shifted over to DVD, it's been renamed The Conflict. I finally saw it for sale the other day, and of course had to buy it. And am I glad I did, even if the DVD version is poorly edited.
The story takes place in far-away 1999, right after the closing of The Fourth Vatican Council. The Catholic Church has officially renounced Transubstantiation, private Confession, Papal authority has been surrendered to some shadowy Ecumenical Council in The Hague, priests openly declare that Social Justice is more important that personal salvation, a melding of Buddhism and Catholicism is all the rage among priests, etc, etc.
A group of Monks living on an island off the west coast of Ireland still cling to the Traditional Latin Mass. Modernist Rome really doesn't care, until throngs from around the world start making pilgrimages to their little corner of the world. And that's when the Ecumaniacs move to shut them down. Rome's uber-liberal hired gun is played Martin Sheen, and it's obvious he didn't have to do much to get into character.
But why I think it's important for all Catholics to see this movie is because much of it really has come true.
According to every survey, study and poll conducted, most practicing Catholics don't even believe in The Real Presence of Christ in The Eucharist. Go to any parish and you'll see with frightening regularity that just a handful of The Faithful partake of the Sacrament of Confession, yet hundreds take Holy Communion. Many priests, bishop and cardinals routinely ignore The Holy Father with impunity. Social Justice and embracing Buddhism really is all the rage for many priests.
Like I said, Catholics/The Conflict is a must see. And the ending is rather Hitchcockian, much like The Birds. The viewer is scratching his head and saying "but what the hell happens from here!!??"
Cavey,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to wake up this morning! "Catholics" has been one of my favorite films for years. It first came out in (I think) 1973as a made-for-TV movie. I remember reading an article in TV Guide prior to it coming out, praising the important and timely nature of this work. I saw it, and as a young Anglican, still knew that what I was witnessing was the destruction of a once great religion.
Twenty years later, I found "Catholics" on VHS, and picked it up. As a much older, and much more informed Traditional Roman Catholic, it breaks my heart every time I see it, because it is now, so true to life!
For all you folks unaware of this film, pick it up. But be prepared to weep for Holy Mother Church.
Another prophetic movie is the 1968
ReplyDelete"The Shoes of the Fisherman." It too shows and tries to promote a new kind of Catholic Church that we are now living in today.
Dave
I saw this on TV right after I was recieved into the church. Then a couple of months ago I rented it on DVD and watched it with my Fam.
ReplyDeleteIt's wierd, because much of what was depicted has come true--but at the same time I see a tide turning within the church.
I also see people swimming against that tide, against tradtion and papal authority. It will end, of course, in Schism. and, I'll actually heave a sigh of relief, becuase then I will know who I can trust, which I don't now.
I thought this post was a spoof at first, but I guess not (depressingly real); so I just ordered it, new DVD for $1.99
ReplyDeleteIf you see this as prophetic, spend a dollar or two and buy Msgr Kelly's 1978 "The Battle for the American Church" - The pope has read it and made reference to it (pay attention to B16's footnotes!).
Spoiler: Kelly says that the enemy is the bishops - and names names!
Just a guess, but I'd expect Bishop Thomas Gumbleton to be on Msgr Kelly's list.
ReplyDeleteNo, but McManus is...
ReplyDelete