POPE BENEDICT DESCRIBED THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL OF THE MEDIA VERSES THE ACTUAL COUNCIL AND WE CAN SAY THE SAME ABOUT POPE FRANCIS OF THE MEDIA AND THE REAL POPE FRANCIS

This CBS news report really manipulates the facts. Some of these couples may be living in sin, but not all and certainly the presumption is that they are no longer after this wedding ceremony, the primary reason for it being to redeem a sinful situation and to make their living together sacramental including sexual intercourse.

The pope has made a prudential pastoral judgment about these couples and the pastoral program His Holiness has initiated symbolized as the Church both as mother and field hospital. Key to this is God's mercy granted through Mother Church especially in the Sacrament of Penance and the other sacraments and the healing and redemption that the Sacraments bring about for those the field hospital of the Church offers her healing and reconciliation.

But my point goes to the general ignorance that the press and Catholics in general, including bishops, priests and deacons, concerning the Mass. We've made such a big deal out of the laity receiving Holy Communion and making it exceptionally possible even apart from Mass, that Catholics now feel if they can't receive Holy Communion there is no reason to attend Mass!

Prior to all this meal nonsense shoved down our throats by liturgical elitists after Vatican II, we had a lengthy fast prior to Mass itself. Most people who went to the later High Mass did not receive Holy Communion because they ate breakfast. It was no big deal. And most people could figure out the mortal sins they had committed and erred on the side of actually committing a mortal sin if there was a hint of doubt. They did not go to Holy Communion.

People approached the altar railing when they felt ready to do so, so there was no lockstep procession with ushers forcing people out of the pews.

I seldom went to Holy Communion in those days as a teenager. I knew though that I had to go once a year during the Easter Season to make my Easter duty.

I knew there was much, much more to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass even if one did not receive Holy Communion. Simply being in the sacramental presence of the Lord was and is a big deal. And being at Calvary in an unbloodied was and is a great, great grace!

Why don't we know this anymore and why do people prefer Communion Services to the actual Mass and feel that if they can't receive Holy Communion they shouldn't come to Mass?