Discuss

This post at Rorate Caeli caused me to reflect on the fate of the formerly Catholic parish of Holy Innocents, where my eldest daughter was baptized. That place, with the phrase "The House of God and the Gate of Heaven" emblazoned above the door, was closed many years ago. Another victim of the terrible loss of faith caused by having nothing to do with the Second Vatican Council and the decline in Mass attendance resulting from destroying the Mass changing demographics.And yet, the building and school are not abandoned. There is a Protestant group of some kind using it. The place now goes by the name, "The Journey". I always picture a group of rain-soaked survivors led by Pastor Viggo Mortenson struggling to get to the post-apocalyptic ocean while eluding cannibals. Catholics aren't using the Church, you see. I had heard from sources long ago that the SSPX tried to purchase it (before settling on its current church) but was turned down. To which I have to ask: Really? In favor of The Journey? I mean, even if you as a diocese wouldn't like to sell it to the SSPX because you think they are "schismatic", or "irregular", or whatever other term appeals to you, why in the world would you sell it to an openly heretical group? It makes no sense. Regardless of the canonical situation of the Society, if it controlled that building, the Catholic Mass would be offered there. Our Lord would reside in that tabernacle. How about having the courage of one's convictions? If the SSPX is unfit to buy it, then act like you really believe that: instead of selling to a non-Catholic group which by definition is further from true and pleasing worship of God than a Catholic, or even a schismatic, one (if you believe your catechism, that is), tear the buildings down and eat the cost. Of course, finances being what they are, that is not possible. No diocese can afford to turn its nose up at buyers of properties it can no longer keep open. At least not every buyer. Just some, I guess. A few years back there was a campaign in the Archdiocese to make a pilgrimage to the church of one's baptism. A nice idea, but of course my daughter was unable to make that Journey. You'll pardon me for saying this, but the fate of Holy Innocents, like situations describe at the post linked above, is a scandal. Discuss.