Here are a couple of items which may be of interest to some of our readers. The first is an excerpt from TLM Friend Jim Sebastian’s remarks at the recently-concluded St. Patrick-St. Joseph dinner. The second is some news and commentary from TLM Friend Terry Nelson.
Why TLM-Friends?
“The Friends of the Traditional Latin Mass is a 501-C-3 organization whose charter it is to ‘Support those who say, pray, or chant the Traditional Latin Mass in San Diego County and throughout the United States.’
“What does that mean? Well, we are supported by donors and use those funds for events which bolster our Faith and support TLM communities. The Lenten retreat held earlier this month at Pala, or the concerts by Harpa Dei that some of you might have attended last fall are a couple of examples. We sponsor individual groups and charities as well, like the Padre Pio hospital, traditional scholas, and individual TLM communities. You can visit our website, TLM-Friends.org to find out more.
“And, quite frankly, there’s another reason. If you’ve been paying attention to recent events in the Church, you’ll know that the chain of events which began with the Motu Proprio Traditiones Custodes a couple years back hasn’t exactly stopped.
“That process is continuing. We keep hearing of traditional masses being shut down here in the US—the faithful in Texas are getting clobbered—and around the world. Is there going to be another decree coming in which further restricts—or even seeks to eliminate altogether—the Mass of Pius V? Only our Merciful Lord knows the answer to that.
“But we want to prepare as best we can. The day may come when our community at Pala is asked to leave. It could happen. If and when that or some other crisis strikes, TLM-Friends hopes to have a little nest egg of funds available to assist our local TLM community in whatever way divine Providence might lead. Hopefully we don’t end up having our mass in the Flamingo Room at Joe’s Bowling Alley in El Centro, but wherever we might end up, TLM-Friends will be ready to assist our community in that relocation effort.
“But let’s banish that grim picture from our minds for the moment. Sure, we’re saving for a rainy day, but we’re also supporting all sorts of initiatives right now! There’s the serious stuff like supporting parishes, seminaries, traditional fraternities. And there’s the fun stuff like our first annual TradFest picnic coming up in April. You can find more details by visiting our website or seeking out world-famous Irishman and blarney-speaker Jim Donovan.
“And one final safety note: When the step dancers take center stage, please keep your hands and feet clear of the dance floor. We don’t want anyone accidentally being trampled to death. Step-dancing is exciting but dangerous stuff. Kids, don’t try this at home!”
The Struggle for Life Continues…
The Alabama Supreme Court issued a ruling on February 16 declaring that embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) should be considered children. Several of the state’s IVF clinics have since paused services, and lawmakers, doctors, and patients are raising concerns about the far-ranging impacts of the ruling on health care, including reproductive technology.
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The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that couples who were trying in vitro fertilization and lost frozen embryos in an accident at a south Alabama storage facility can sue under the state’s wrongful death law.
Since then, three providers have paused the often-used fertility treatments while they sort out the legal implications.
The ruling is the first of its kind and extends a theory championed by some anti-abortion groups — that embryos and fetuses should be considered children and be afforded legal protections — into a new realm.
While the decision was narrow, some legal scholars think there’s potential for wider impact.WHAT DOES THE RULING SAY?
The Alabama Supreme Court said three Alabama couples who lost frozen embryos during an accident at a storage facility could sue the fertility clinic and hospital for wrongful death of a minor child.
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A concurring opinion confirmed the “public policy of this state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life” , saying that “the word “sanctity” cannot be understood in anything other than a religious context .. … including the famous verse from the Book of Jeremiah: “When I had not yet formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
This is not “theocracy.” It is basic American history — basic historical literacy.