What was the reason to bring that discussion to the broader forum like this? So people could talk about something they do not fully know or understand while partisans of one side or the other sally forth into battle while others egg them on? All this shows is a distinct lack of charity, wisdom and, moreover, a love of scandal. Whoever these people are they want to talk about the board as "money grubbing" and "power hungry" without giving thought or care for the years that the board and their families have put into this Chapel along with Fr. Schell and Fr. Perez. What "power" and what "money" could they expect to obtain? All they were trying to do with their priests was to establish an oasis of the Catholic Faith for their families, themselves and others.
I don't know anything about the chapel in question, but I know this:
Seeking "power" at a chapel is CERTAINLY a "thing". And even "money", to an extent, insofar as countless parishioners over the years have sought influence over how money is spent. So yes, that's seeking after money in a way. Certainly power and influence.
But my point:
seeking power and influence in a chapel, intrigues, politics, etc. are CERTAINLY a "thing" at Traditional chapels -- that much is NOT OPEN FOR DEBATE. Now we
could debate about
how much of a problem it is at this
particular chapel. But don't act like there's no tendency or reason, anywhere, for Trads to fall into that vice. Because they do so, all over the country, ON THE REGULAR. It seems to be an inescapable part of human nature, when thrown into a situation like this one (Trad chapels that are more-or-less independent islands unto themselves, no Roman authorities over them, etc.) Even SSPX has this problem, and they're a professional organization that operates like they ARE the Catholic Church most of the time. They have hierarchy and structure. But still each chapel is on its own more or less, so parishioners jockey for power and influence with the priest, etc.
Right here in San Antonio, at least one estate was donated with the proviso that "Fr. Zigrang be transferred away from the chapel". Interestingly, he WAS transferred away for a couple years, but then was transferred back. I would laugh my butt off if that was only done to get that inheritance from that parishioner.
What's insane is that Fr. Zigrang wasn't even controversial. There were no scandals or even problems at the chapel during his 10 year tenure. The closest thing to a problem was the overcrowding -- but that wasn't his fault. I don't know what would cause a parishioner to dislike him so strongly. Was the parishioner just flexing their muscles, a raw exercise of power for power's sake? It had to be.
I spoke with another priest who said the SSPX wanted to know his "assets" -- right after he received an inheritance. His exact words: "They can SMELL it". The SSPX is really into money and real-estate grubbing these days. But I'm getting off-topic.
In both these cases, you have the NATURAL taking center-stage. Money, influence, power. When a parishioner, priest, or organization loses sight of the spiritual dimension, all you have left is the natural. And it's completely natural for people in large groups (larger than, say, 20 or 25 people) to "play politics" and jockey for influence. It happens everywhere.
Even Ham Radio groups apparently have "politics", though I haven't experienced it personally. So much so, that my local group of hams goes out of their way to stay informal, have no organized group, meetings, or dues, so as to eliminate politics. But I bet there are still some politics under the surface. Everyone knows who has money to donate for prizes, who has a tractor/shredder, who has the land for the Field Day events, etc.
Topic: OLHC laypersons attempting to take over chapel CENSOR Fr. Starbuck's sermon (Read 66604 times)