My dear friend,

   We read in St. John: “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, that his deeds may not be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, for they have been performed in God” (3:20-21).

   I asked some priests whether or not I should do what I’m doing.  One priest said: “Who else will do it?” Another priest said: “I do not have the ‘guts’ to do what you do.” The reasons are obvious to anyone who cares to understand. You know them as well as I do. Some do not want to admit them, to their shame.

   I’m 83 years old, and have been in the priesthood for 55 years.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy with high honors and a Master’s Degree on Liberal Modernism. I know whence I come theologically and morally. Even though I’m retired, I, however, do not, as you see, waste my time in retirement. I do not want to go into eternity, saying to the Lord: “I did nothing for Thy cause. I had to protect my health and to make sure that I made good use of my pension, which I did not want to lose.  After all, who would take care of me? And what would my confreres say if I attempted to express my zeal?  Above all, what would my bishop say? I must be very careful in this area. I shall trust that the Holy Spirit will take care of the Church. I don’t want to be labeled as a 'fanatic.'

   Isn’t that a general idea as to today’s clerical thinking? The old axiom still holds: “MALUM E CLERO.” When clergymen try to “reform” the Church, they usually “deform” her. They are unmindful that only “worthy and holy” priests will reform Christ’s Spouse, as Jesus said to St. Catherine of Siena.

   Who can deny that the Church needs reform?  She is like a ship on a rough sea, which, after it had pulled into harbor, must be cleaned off. It must be in a place of security and comfort. It must be shielded from all foreign elements that could endanger her next trip to the sea. It will sail safely if its captain knows its workings.  His skill is highly required. There can be no allowance for error. The passengers could be in danger of losing their lives.

   You know as well as I do that the Church today is in a terrible crisis. As Silvio Cardinal Oddi once said: “The Church is sick.” She needs skilled spiritual physicians who will not compromise on what is absolutely necessary for a cure. I know what thoroughly skilled surgeons are like, for they operated on me for cancer in the colon. Fortunately, I recovered completely. That happened three times. Only God Himself knows why I’m still alive. I will not question His Will. I’ll do what I can possibly do for the remaining years of my life.  God’s cause is my cause. I’ll not let Him down.  I’d rather die.

   I do not know how many years I have left.  However, I never want to become lukewarm and indifferent. Jesus said of such souls to Blessed Mary Faustina: “These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My Soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass by.’”

   I do not hate anyone, just like a doctor who does not hate his patient.  He only seeks what is best for him or her. He will not give poison; rather, he will, if possible, give the best medicine. He cannot do less.*

*We urge you to read what Father Horvath says in his articles following.

Return to
Table of Contents