Video: Things got really weird at San Bernardino’s synod opening Mass last week. And was that...

[Michie]

...the Aztec demon Texcatilpoca beating on the drum?


The Diocese of San Bernardino says its opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality Oct. 17 sought to celebrate the California diocese’s rich cultural diversity and welcome those on the “periphery” of the Church.

But the liturgy’s unusual pageantry, featuring liturgical dancers, a Native American prayer to the “four directions,” and the appearance at the end of Mass of a colorfully costumed figure that resembled traditional representations of an Aztec demon, has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism on social media.

“Paganism in full bloom,” read one comment on YouTube. “This is an absolute disgrace to God and His Holy Church,” stated another.

The Synod on Synodality is a global consultative process that Pope Francis initiated earlier this month to gather input from Catholics and others around the world about important issues confronting the Church. Many U.S. dioceses held Masses last weekend to inaugurate a yearlong period of listening sessions and other means of soliciting feedback.

Continued below.
Indigenous prayers, dancing in San Bernardino Synod Mass spark backlash

 

[rturner76]

So many from Middle and South America were converted to Catholicism but they kept some of the old traditions.

 

[Mark Quayle]

So many from Middle and South America were converted to Catholicism but they kept some of the old traditions.

From what I have observed, living in South America, the Catholic 'Saints', complete with images, are by many simply added to the list of idols already worshiped. The mindset of many, and maybe most, in these places is hardly Christianity, but superstition and even a form of Pantheism or Polytheism, with the notion that there is a spirit (or god) behind (or in) rocks and trees. To them Jesus is just another saint/god to be prayed to, though special, always depicted or sculpted on the cross.

 

[rturner76]

From what I have observed, living in South America, the Catholic 'Saints', complete with images, are by many simply added to the list of idols already worshiped. The mindset of many, and maybe most, in these places is hardly Christianity, but superstition and even a form of Pantheism or Polytheism, with the notion that there is a spirit (or god) behind (or in) rocks and trees. To them Jesus is just another saint/god to be prayed to, though special, always depicted or sculpted on the cross.

I wouldn't say that for the Catholic ones who have been baptized and confirmed. But some local traditions do hang around.

 

[Lost4words]

Yikes!

 

[Carl Emerson]

From what I have observed, living in South America, the Catholic 'Saints', complete with images, are by many simply added to the list of idols already worshiped. The mindset of many, and maybe most, in these places is hardly Christianity, but superstition and even a form of Pantheism or Polytheism, with the notion that there is a spirit (or god) behind (or in) rocks and trees. To them Jesus is just another saint/god to be prayed to, though special, always depicted or sculpted on the cross.

Yes - in India also the God of the Christians as added to a pantheon of existing Hindu gods.

In Japan during the 250 years when Christianity was driven underground, the locals reverted to amalgamating Christianity with Buddhism and had statues that amalgamated the face of Mary with the body of Buddha.

 

[chevyontheriver]

...the Aztec demon Texcatilpoca beating on the drum?


The Diocese of San Bernardino says its opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality Oct. 17 sought to celebrate the California diocese’s rich cultural diversity and welcome those on the “periphery” of the Church.

But the liturgy’s unusual pageantry, featuring liturgical dancers, a Native American prayer to the “four directions,” and the appearance at the end of Mass of a colorfully costumed figure that resembled traditional representations of an Aztec demon, has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism on social media.

“Paganism in full bloom,” read one comment on YouTube. “This is an absolute disgrace to God and His Holy Church,” stated another.

The Synod on Synodality is a global consultative process that Pope Francis initiated earlier this month to gather input from Catholics and others around the world about important issues confronting the Church. Many U.S. dioceses held Masses last weekend to inaugurate a yearlong period of listening sessions and other means of soliciting feedback.

Continued below.
Indigenous prayers, dancing in San Bernardino Synod Mass spark backlash

I think I am on the periphery now. As in maybe a remnant.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

My fears are being realized in that Synodality is nothing but a smoke screen to completely liberalize the church. The attack both from outside and within.

 

[Andrei D]

Praying for you all with all my heart and with no dissimulation.

I can't really express any opinion, otherwise.

 

[Lost4words]

I will still stand by the Catholic church.

Why?

Because Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against it.

Trust in Jesus

Viva Cristo Rey

 

[chevyontheriver]

My fears are being realized in that Synodality is nothing but a smoke screen to completely liberalize the church. The attack both from outside and within.

God wins. But it isn't looking good at the moment.

 

[pdudgeon]

God wins. But it isn't looking good at the moment.

Praise God.
Yes, the storms will come.
And before the end, satan will be given freedom to do what he wants.
But God is still all powerful, and He will triumph in the end.
There will be a Remnant of His people preserved unharmed, and others He will rescue from satan's grasp.
But this is happening so that the result of people making bad choices can be clearly seen by all.

 

[Michie]

Indigenous prayers, dancing in San Bernardino Synod Mass spark backlash

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

welcome those on the “periphery” of the Church.

No one is on the periphery.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light

We need to preach the gospel in spirit and truth.



The whole periphery is an excuse . It’s also patronizing .

 

[Thatgirloncfforums]

No one is on the periphery.




We need to preach the gospel in spirit and truth.



The whole periphery is an excuse . It’s also patronizing .

I was going to say, if people are on the periphery it's bc they choose to be. The doctrines of the RC church are fairly clear cut.

 

[Thatgirloncfforums]

...the Aztec demon Texcatilpoca beating on the drum?


The Diocese of San Bernardino says its opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality Oct. 17 sought to celebrate the California diocese’s rich cultural diversity and welcome those on the “periphery” of the Church.

But the liturgy’s unusual pageantry, featuring liturgical dancers, a Native American prayer to the “four directions,” and the appearance at the end of Mass of a colorfully costumed figure that resembled traditional representations of an Aztec demon, has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism on social media.

“Paganism in full bloom,” read one comment on YouTube. “This is an absolute disgrace to God and His Holy Church,” stated another.

The Synod on Synodality is a global consultative process that Pope Francis initiated earlier this month to gather input from Catholics and others around the world about important issues confronting the Church. Many U.S. dioceses held Masses last weekend to inaugurate a yearlong period of listening sessions and other means of soliciting feedback.

Continued below.
Indigenous prayers, dancing in San Bernardino Synod Mass spark backlash