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We keep complaining that +W refuses to "lead the Resistance" while he says that "a loose association of independent priests" for now, might be the surest model to employ for at least a while.
Originally, Fr Pierre-Marie designed last week’s meeting for the French priests, but I suggested to him that resistant priests from outside France might also be invited for a double reason: the priests from outside would be encouraged to see the “Resistance” stirring in France, where it has stirred little – outwardly – up till now, and the French priests in turn might be reminded that there is not only France. Fr Pierre-Marie accepted my suggestion, and that is how it turned out, some 18 priests in all.
..in other words, while perhaps H.E. is not the acknowledged "leader of the Resistance," nonetheless, such an important meeting as this has become something it "Originally," would not have been. For as it had been designed for the French priests exclusively
in principio, after his observation of the plan and his subsequent suggestion to modify it for two good reasons, which see, an adjustment was made, and other priests from outside of France were included as well.
IOW even if H.E. is not the acknowledged leader of the Resistance, in France, the Resistance listens to +W's suggestions on important matters. The Menzingen-denizens might have attempted to exile H.E., but all they've managed to do is provide the Resistance with a wise counsel, one that is
anything but exiled from the Resistance.
What were the two reasons, again? You didn't miss them, did you, perhaps reading this EC too hastily?
1) The first of the "double reason" is, '
The priests from outside would be encouraged to see the “Resistance” stirring in France, where it has stirred little – outwardly – up till now.' First things first. How long have we been waiting for the Resistance to "stir" in France? "How long, O Lord, how long?" "Those who persevere to the end shall be saved." This is the first thing because, when France stirs, the Church moves. The Eldest Daughter of the Church, with faith of a mustard seed, can move mountains. Last week's meeting was the faith of a mustard seed in France. Mountains shall be moved.
2) The second reason of the "double" was as follows: "
the French priests in turn might be reminded that there is not only France." For the French sometimes think of France as being a place unto its own, a kind of island, or a separate reality. But France, while distinct, must not be misconstrued as separate, because, in the Catholic Faith,
we distinguish but we do not separate. While +W did not go so far as to pronounce these words of wisdom, nonetheless, he has what it takes to apply them when the time comes............ The time came, and he did so. He did so in precisely the same way the Leader of the Resistance would have done so, even while not leading with a heavy hand. His leadership is wise and his counsel sound. And when the Resistance listens, everyone wins.
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