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Monday, October 17, 2011
On the authority of bishops, from St. Ignatius of Antioch
32 comments:
- Toma Blizanac said...
I don't think a bishop would have the authority to forbid pro-life activity of lay Catholics. He could forbid priests to join them or the use of church properties.
I do agree that we should pray for our local bishop, that we should always try to understand what he says in the most positive way and in the spirit of docility. However, if we believe a bishop to be doing something wrong, there is a sensible way of proceeding, first in private conversation with some knowledgeable priest, then addressing the bishop in private, then writing to the Holy See if that is possible and finally publicly rebuking him. This last step should, of course, not be done lightly and we should always examine our motives very carefully. - October 17, 2011 at 4:43 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
you are correct, a bishop could not forbid pro-life activity of all the people.
He could forbid it insofar as it is Catholic, however. He could say that it is not to be promoted in parishes and he could ask all the priests to give a message at Mass requesting that Catholics do not get involved in pro-life work.
But, of course, he does not have the authority to control every moment of a lay person's life -- so, he could not forbid all pro-life activity in general, only pro-life activity that is presented as "Catholic".
Regarding the public correction of a bishop ... if writing to the Holy See did nothing, then I cannot hardly imagine a case in which it would be appropriate for a priest or lay person to publicly criticize the bishop.
Look at your own hypothetical ... you propose that the lay person has greater authority in judging the situation than even the Pope himself! If the Pope does not correct the bishop, how on earth does a lay person (or even a priest) have the right to do so? Let alone publicly!
Peace and blessings to you. + - October 17, 2011 at 9:08 AM
- Toma Blizanac said...
Maybe I chose the wrong word, but I believe CIC canon 212 §3 says it best:
"According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons."
So, in the hypothetical case when they disagree with their bishop and after previous steps have been tried, they should "make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful" but always with "reverence toward their pastors". - October 17, 2011 at 11:22 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
Certainly, you are correct that the laity are not to be in any way suppressed by the bishops.
Still, if a member of the laity (or even a priest) has a dispute with the bishop ... and if the Vatican, and even the Holy Father himself, side with the bishop when the dispute is brought to the Holy See ... then I just don't see how the individual can have any right to publicly rebuke the bishop.
If the Holy See sides with the bishop (as in the hypothetical you proposed), then the individual lay person (or priest) would almost never be justified in making his opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful ... his personal opinion is contrary both to that of the bishop and of the Pope, end of story. - October 17, 2011 at 12:23 PM
- Laura said...
Bless you, dear author!
In fact, the globe boasts of approximately 5100 Bishops (Roman and Eastern combined). Why not invoke the Holy Spirit daily in humble prayer for the Sanctification of their priesthoods! - October 17, 2011 at 3:56 PM
Father, thank you for writing this. It is much needed. I am afraid that the laity have gotten into a bad habit of criticizing, especially the past fifty years. Since when, pray tell, have we al become such experts?
It is a hard habit to break...believe me, I know...but I am working on it.
Obedience and humility. Never have we seen less of them and never have the both of these been more needed in Holy Mother Church.
P.S. Welcome back, Father! - October 17, 2011 at 4:06 PM
- Cassandra said...
So what is your take on the words of Thomas Aquina? S.T. II-II, 33, iv. (you had to know this was coming)
Whether a man is bound to correct his prelate?
On the contrary, Augustine says in his Rule: "Show mercy not only to yourselves, but also to him who, being in the higher position among you, is therefore in greater danger." But fraternal correction is a work of mercy. Therefore even prelates ought to be corrected.
I answer that, A subject is not competent to administer to his prelate the correction which is an act of justice through the coercive nature of punishment: but the fraternal correction which is an act of charity is within the competency of everyone in respect of any person towards whom he is bound by charity, provided there be something in that person which requires correction.
Reply to Objection 2. To withstand anyone in public exceeds the mode of fraternal correction, and so Paul would not have withstood Peter then, unless he were in some way his equal as regards the defense of the faith. But one who is not an equal can reprove privately and respectfully. Hence the Apostle in writing to the Colossians (4:17) tells them to admonish their prelate: "Say to Archippus: Fulfil thy ministry [Vulgate: 'Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.' Cf. 2 Timothy 4:5." It must be observed, however, that if the faith were endangered, a subject ought to rebuke his prelate even publicly. Hence Paul, who was Peter's subject, rebuked him in public, on account of the imminent danger of scandal concerning faith, and, as the gloss of Augustine says on Galatians 2:11, "Peter gave an example to superiors, that if at any time they should happen to stray from the straight path, they should not disdain to be reproved by their subjects."
In this terrible day and age when bishops are so remiss in their duties to proclaim the gospel, and the terribly inadequate and confusing statements of the USCCB, does a layman not sin by remaining silent? Has Rome not fiddled while the Church burns? - October 17, 2011 at 6:56 PM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
If I was the spiritual director of the USCCB, I might have some challenging words to say to the bishops.
However, I am writing for lay Catholics ... and for priests. Therefore, I will comment on what our response ought to be.
You are correct to quote the passage form St. Thomas ... you may have seen my commentary on fraternal correction from about a month ago ... this question from the Summa (and also this particular article) featured prominently in that post.
St. Thomas says that the correction should be "respectful" ... do you think that calling the USCCB's statements "terribly inadequate and confusing" is respectful? Are you a theologian or a pastor yourself? By what authority do you make such definitive and sweeping judgments? You accuse them of grave sin (saying that they are "remiss in their duties to proclaim the gospel") ... this boarders on calumny and is at the very least a sin of detraction on your part -- in such a serious matter, this sin could very easily become mortal; you need to be more careful.
In any case ... you don't stop at judging the bishops of the USA, but you even rebuke the Supreme Pontiff himself ... as you state that Rome is simply fiddling while the Church burns.
Please, come to your senses!
The USCCB has not ordered us to commit any direct sins ... perhaps some documents are not as good as they could be, but "less good" does not equal "objectively sinful" or "contrary to the faith".
Since, the bishops have not objectively and conclusively strayed from the faith -- and since Rome (i.e. the Pope) has not condemned them -- I just don't see how you (or anyone else) are justified in rebuking them in such a manner.
Moreover, you go too far when you claim that those Catholics who do not publicly rebuke their bishops (contrary to the wish of Rome) are sinning by remaining silent.
Prayer, Cassandra, prayer is what we need. + - October 17, 2011 at 8:03 PM
This discourse is both enlightening and beneficial. The key words are humility, obedience and charity. Now it is evident why the church around any bishop is called a local church. It is obvious what would result when people insist in publicly criticising and disobeying their bishop: work-outs, pull-outs and of course, division and proliferation of faiths and beliefs. Humility, obedience and charity will help us avoid these pitfalls.
- October 18, 2011 at 6:45 AM
- Cassandra said...
Fair enough, Father. So let me address your concerns with some concrete examples. I have not read your commentary on fraternal correction, and I do take very seriously the points raised in this posting as well as your warning about venturing into mortal sin.
First of all, your statement, Are you a theologian or a pastor yourself? By what authority do you make such definitive and sweeping judgments? borders a bit on the fallacious. It undermines the teaching on sensus fidelium by suggesting that without "credentials" a Catholic can have no true sense of the Faith. For the record, however, I do have an M.A. in theology, although I prefer to let my arguments stand on their own merit and not on my "credentials". Extending your position only a little, anyone who posts anything contrary to your statements as a priest is already guilty of public rebuke, and yet you allow comments to be posted inviting just such comments. Isn't that encouraging your online sheep into occasions of sin on your part?
So let me start defending my position. I am not expecting you to respond to every statement that follows, only to read them as a whole and ask whether there is not evidence of inadequate and confusing teaching.
Example one. A few years ago the bishops released Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper and Married Love and the Gift of Life Here is an excerpt from an unpublished response of mine detailing their inadequacy:
Happy Are Those, does not address the use of artificial contraception, and news reports state that the bishops explicitly rejected an amendment to correct that. The concurrently released Married Love also dodges the subject. While it does once call contraception "objectively immoral" (p. 4), it does not actually call it sin and certainly doesn't categorize it as a serious matter capable of causing mortal sin. Instead it speaks of doing "harm to the couple's unity" (p.3) and making sex no longer "fully marital" (p.3). I'm confused by this teaching. On behalf of the faithful of the diocese, I am requesting public clarification on the following questions from our bishop who is the "authentic teacher of the faith" in the diocese (CIC 753, 756 §2).
Is the use of artificial contraception a grave matter in which one commits a mortal sin (notwithstanding a mitigating lack of full knowledge)?
Is it a grave mortal sin of omission on the part of bishops and priests who do not
adequately teach the faithful about artificial contraception so that they might have full
knowledge? (an omission alluded to in Married Love p. 4).
Can someone who engages in the use of artificial contraception worthily receive
Holy Communion without first going to confession?
Would the intention to use artificial contraception in the future invalidate the
Would the failure to confess the use of artificial contraception invalidate an
otherwise valid confession requiring the penitent to re-confess everything?
If the use of artificial contraception is a grave matter, why did the USCCB refuse
to teach on this crucial matter which is linked to abortion (Married Love, p. 8) especially since it found room in the document to list "verbal abuse" as sufficient to make one unworthy?
By failing to teach on this matter (and explicitly refusing to do so), doesn't the
USCCB cause scandal to the faithful who might now be led to believe that the use of
artificial contraception is not a grave matter and does not make one unworthy to receive
Holy Communion?
(continued in next post) - October 18, 2011 at 7:58 AM
- Cassandra said...
(continued from previous post)
Example number two: the Faithful Citizenship document by the USCCB. It is noteworthy that Cardinal Burke has called this document inadequate now that he is in Rome, although oddly he didn't seem to while in St. Louis, because he said no such thing as a US bishop. Apparently the air is clearer in Rome. Here we run into the situation where the bishops have sold the voice of the Church for a tax deduction. While a careful reading of the document does reveal a full teaching of the Church, it is guilty of obfuscation. In fact some bishops such as Olmsted have found it inadequate enough that they have released their own documents. In my field of software development there is a technique used to prevent reverse-engineering of software called "code obfuscation". This compiles into the release code confusing and irrelevant commands in order to make it more difficult to determine the actual executing code. Faithful Citizenship uses that same technique. Prior to the 2008 election, I toyed with the idea of publicly asking my bishop if it would objectively be a sin to vote for Obama. If it really was an objective sin, do not our spiritual fathers have the obligation to warn us explicitly of sin? Do not the bishops actually have more information about the candidates than the laity? Is it not an excellent teaching method to take an abstract document like Faithful Citizenship and apply it to the practical example of an election to show the faithful how they should be interpreting it? Is not Faithful Citizenship giving meat to those who are only capable of spiritual milk?
The bishops are now making explicit calls to the faithful to political action in order to object to certain mandates of the Obama administration. Yet the American voter has no ruling power at all once officials are elected. There is only the implied threat that if officials do not respond to voter calls for action, they will not get votes in the next election. The statement that bishops do not get involved in the selection of candidates is actually false. The call to contact elected officials is only an obscured call to oust obstinate officials at a later election. When such grave matters of life are now at stake in our country, do the bishops not sin against the unborn by refusing their duty to speak out prior to elections? A pope once defended his intervention into a quarrel between kingdoms by stating that "where sin is involved, the Church has jurisdiction". It would be enormously ignorant to deny that sin is not at stake in American elections today.
I have more examples I could give. In fact they are nearly endless. Grave matters of the Faith , and therefore the souls of the faithful, are in danger because of the negligence of the USCCB bishops. I await your response. - October 18, 2011 at 8:00 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
@Veronica, Vincent, and Laura,
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad that this article was helpful! + - October 18, 2011 at 11:24 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
You are right, I should not have said "are you a theologian?", I should have said, "have you received a Papal mandatum as a theological adviser to the Vatican so as to have the authority to make definitive judgments about the USCCB?"
It's not degrees I am concerned about ... it is the charism of governing the Church which has been entrusted to the bishops. This is why I said, "Are you a pastor?", i.e. "Have you been called by the Holy Spirit to teach, sanctify, and govern?"
Regarding your particular examples ... you have failed to show where the bishops specifically told us to sin. They did not say that contraception was ok, they just failed to mention it.
Perhaps you would have condemned St. Basil and the council of Constantinople which failed to say explicitly that the Holy Spirit is "consubstantial" with the Father and the Son -- even though many heretics were denying the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and even though many lay faithful were beging the bishops to use the word "consubstantial" for the Holy Spirit in the Creed, St. Basil (and St. Gregory of Nyssa) was set against it and refused to bring up the controversial issue.
St. Gregory Nazienzen wanted "consubstantial" in there, but he was forced to compromise (I guess he is your "Cardinal Burke" ... a good man at heart, but too weak).
Well, did your two extra-long comments (bold words and all) do any good? Did your rant help anyone (did it help the bishops)? Do you think that the USCCB is going to be more likely to "change there ways" by your approach?
Finally, when the bishops say that contraception is "objectively immoral" that is theologically more precise and stronger language than to say "sinful" ... because a sin can be a sin by virtue of the intention, but the bishops specify that the act itself is wrong [i.e. "objectively"] (regardless of any supposedly good intention).
Since you have an MA in theology, I should think you would have recognized this. - October 18, 2011 at 11:33 AM
- Cassandra said...
""have you received a Papal mandatum" No, but neither does Thomas state that a special mandatum is necessary. Catherine of Sienna (a laywoman) did not have one either when she rebuked the pope to get his butt back to Rome. "I am concerned about …the charism of governing the Church" Again, Thomas insists on no such qualifications, but rather whether the the faith were endangered and the fraternal correction which is an act of charity is within the competency of everyone in respect of any person towards whom he is bound by charity The salvation of souls is at stake here and Charity demands the laity speak up.
you have failed to show where the bishops specifically told us to sin. … they just failed to mention it. I don't have to show a command to sin, I only need to show the Faith is endangered. But if you want a concrete example of where the bishops are commanding Catholics to sin, I will give you one. It concerns Canon 915. Only a few bishops are willing to refuse communion to those in manifest public sin and even then do not fully teach the ordinary and extraordinary ministers of communion on the matter. Have you read (then) Archbishop Burke's canon law treatise on the matter? http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/holycom/denial.htm
"no ecclesiastical authority may dispense the minister of Holy Communion from this obligation in any case, nor may he emanate directives that contradict it"
"the burden is on the minister of Holy Communion who, by the nature of his responsibility, must prevent anything which profanes the Blessed Sacrament "
"Father Felice Cappello, S.J., ... reminds us that the minister of Holy Communion is held, under pain of mortal sin, to deny the sacraments to the unworthy"
In other words, while a bishop has full authority to control who are the ordinary and extraordinary ministers of communion in his diocese, once the ciborium is passed to the minister, the full responsibility of protecting the sacrament from being profaned on pain of mortal sin rests with the minister. The bishop cannot command that communion be given to those in violation of Canon 915. Period. How many ministers are now being unlawfully commanded to profane the sacrament, Father?
did two extra-long comments (bold words and all) do any good? Did your rant help anyone (did it help the bishops)? …USCCB is going to be more likely to "change there ways"? I used bold words to distinguish italicized text within an italicized excerpt and to better show a break in questions. Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt. No, I don't think the USCCB can be helped. They don't want to be helped. That's why I don't write the bishops. However, being concerned with the salvation of souls, I do try to reach individuals who are in danger from lack of clear and vigorous teaching. I also am concerned about people like you who try to misuse teachings of the Fathers to stifle any outcry. It was just that kind of unthinking submission that led parents and secular law officials to participate with the bishops in keeping the sex abuse crisis under wraps so long. They trusted and obeyed their untrustworthy bishops, and look where that led.
A rant ? Really. Funny how you didn't address my pointing out your creation of occasions of sin (according to your reasoning) by allowing comments on your blog. If you really took seriously your preaching on the matter, you'd disable all comments on the blog.
"objectively immoral" is theologically more precise and stronger language Yes, I figured you'd quibble about that. Sin is a more visceral term better suited for a pastoral document. The laity need milk, not meat. Milk starts with the very basic admonitions against serious sin, stated clearly and vigorously. First save the soul from destruction, then work on a more nuanced catechesis. The bishops have forgotten the word Hell. - October 18, 2011 at 2:54 PM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
I did not address your point about comments on my blog because I simply did not have the time to read your comments carefully ... I'm sorry, but I am busy saving souls, I don't have time to listen that carefully to rants.
[as I look back and read your argument, I see it is ridiculous and undeserving of a response]
Regarding the commanding of sin ... if the bishops specifically command sin (i.e. if they said specifically that communion must be given to those who are not to receive it), then the bishop cannot be obeyed ... this is clear enough from St. Thomas and the whole tradition.
Finally, you said, "No, I don't think the USCCB can be helped" ... don't you realize how serious of a statement that is? Do you not see that you are despairing of their salvation? You have to stop speaking/writing such things.
I'm glad you are worried about "people like me", I hope it leads you to prayer (i.e. I hope you have not despaired of my salvation as well) ... I'm sorry you think I am trying to stifle outcry ... if you had come to me as a sheep asking for care, then I would have treated you differently (much more gently); instead you came as a wolf (indeed, I say it, you are a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing), detracting against not only the bishops but also against Rome ... since you came as a wolf, I fight you off as a wolf.
Those who are frustrated and need support and encouragement to strive for the truth in the midst of a difficult period in Church history, to such persons as these I am much more generous and gentle.
You came in on the attack, so I rebuff you as a wolf. Come back looking for healing, and I will treat you as a sheep.
Prayer, Cassandra, prayer.
Stop ranting, pray more ... the biggest problem in the Church (at least the biggest problem you can solve) is your own hard heart -- just as the biggest problem I know of is my own hard heart.
Stop trying to reform the Church, reform yourself and then the Church will be reformed.
Goodbye. + - October 18, 2011 at 5:10 PM
- Gretchen said...
I am saddened, but not surprised that Cassandra has been so mistreated here. She has not ranted. She has spoken boldly and with truth. The response to her comments could more truly be considered a rant.
But who am I, only an ignorant, no doubt poorly formed Catholic laywoman. - October 19, 2011 at 6:14 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
It has nothing to do with gender -- I am insulted that you would insinuate such.
Second, neither does it have anything to do with lay vs. cleric -- it was clear from my post that my main criticism is of priests (specifically diocesan priests) who show disrespect to their bishops.
Cassandra did not speak with truth, she committed the sin of detraction ... first against the USCCB and then against the Holy Father himself (saying that Rome twiddles while the Church burns).
Are you sure you want to join her camp? Do you believe that Pope Benedict is woefully neglecting his duties as supreme pastor? Are you suggesting that our Holy Father is well on the way to hell? Because he surely would be, if he was allowing the bishops of the US to command their flocks to commit mortal sins.
I am saddened, but not surprised, that someone like Cassandra would come along and make these comments ... such is the state of the Church these days -- you're not really "conservative" until you rebel against your bishop! - October 19, 2011 at 6:21 AM
- Iowa Mike said...
Just a thought. I wonder what St. Ignatius would think about today's bishops? The divide between bishops seems huge to me and it brings to mind the letter to the angel of the church of Sardis found in the Book of Revelations. This letter severely reproaches the bishop, Rev 3:1-3,22 "And to the angel of the church of Sardis write: These things saith he, that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast the name of being alive: and thou art dead. 2 Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God. 3 Have in mind therefore in what manner thou hast received and heard: and observe, and do penance. If then thou shalt not watch, I will come to thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come to thee." 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches." This seems a clear warning to bishops.
St. Jerome (Lib. IV. comment. in cap. 23 Mt) says of hypocritical bishops of his time "vae vobit miseris, ad quos pharisaeorum vita transierunt". I'm no latin expert but this roughly translates as "Woe to you, the wretched, to whom they passed over the vices of the Pharisees".
I watch as prominent Catholics publicly defy Catholic doctrine e.g. Governor Cuomo, Nancy Pelosi etc. to promote abortion, contraception, homosexual marriage etc. while our bishops remain silent, fail to admonish these public figures and sit back as the scandal spreads.
Not a good thing. - October 19, 2011 at 7:03 AM
- Gretchen said...
Father, I can see that you are frustrated and insulted. I apologize for adding to that. I did, perhaps, express a bit of cynicism.
First, you assumed that I mentioned I was a laywoman as a subtle attack. I did not. It is simply a correct description of my position in the Church. I am not a feminist and never thought you were attacking Cassandra because she is a woman (and she may not be, who knows)!
Second, Cassandra gave numerous examples to support some of her points. Understanding that you are busy with your duties, nevertheless, you did not address them but have focused on her "sin of detraction."
Third, I like to think of myself as in the 'camp' of the Roman Catholic Church and not your camp or Cassandra's camp.
Fourth, living in the Diocese of Rochester in New York (surely you have heard of our situation) there are many suffering Catholics who are tempted to believe that 'Rome fiddles while the Church burns.' That kind of comment has been on many tongues here due to the ongoing destruction of the Catholic faith in our diocese. I personally do not hold to that view now, but I did in the past. Much prayer and a great love for Pope Benedict XVI (when I was confirmed in the Church in 2008 I took the name Benedict as my confirmation name) helped me to see that our little corner of Catholicism, while all important to us, must be seen within the larger picture of the universal Church that our Pope must contend with.
Fifth, the problems within the USCCB, some of the positions that have been taken, the ambiguous teaching statements that have come out, the refusal to consistently apply Church teaching as it pertains to things such as allowing pro-abortion politicians to receive Communion, has chipped away at the authority of our belabored bishops and scattered the faithful.
In essence, the lack of moral authority from which they suffer has been occasioned by their own policies and actions. It will be difficult, but not impossible to regain the high standing that all Catholics surely desire for them.
The Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent partially defines the sin of detraction as "the unjust damaging of another's good name by the revelation of some fault or crime of which that other is really guilty or at any rate is seriously believed to be guilty by the defamer."
Is it your contention that the public discussion here by Cassandra and others of issues that have been widely publicized in the press and online for some time now, is to be considered "unjust damaging of another's good name?"
If I am sinning for simply pointing out what the world already knows, then what hope is there, ever, for an honest dialog between the laity and clergy? - October 19, 2011 at 7:55 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
First, I apologize ... I took the final line of your previous comment (Oct 19, 6:14am) -- "But who am I, only an ignorant, no doubt poorly formed Catholic laywoman." -- as a cynical statement. But, you say that you did not mean it that way, but only as a statement of fact ... indeed, then it was an act of humility.
Second, I am truly edified by your choice of the name Benedict and your love for our Holy Father ... that is really wonderful! :)
Let us pray that the Lord give him wisdom and fortitude ... and many years!
Third, Cassandra failed to show that the bishops are explicitly demanding us to commit sin ... at most they are simply remaining silent in the face of sin and heresy ... St. Basil and St. Gregory of Nyssa also remained silent as to whether the Holy Spirit was consubstantial with the Father and the Son -- I'm just glad that Cassandra wasn't at the Council of Constantinople to condemn them too!
Fourth, the USCCB is in great need of our prayers ... especially, we need to pray that they have the fortitude to stand up for the truth ... let us pray for them every day.
Certainly, it will do no good to abandon the USCCB as "beyond help" (as Cassandra claims) ... God is powerful enough to save even the USCCB! :)
Finally, (and these are my words of encouragement), I want to remind you and others that things are indeed turning around for the better.
It is not at all uncommon for young priests to preach against contraception, and to do so with great boldness and clarity. [I'm a bit of a coward, and even I preach very strongly on the subject]
Likewise, younger priests have begun a great renewal in adoration and in the Rosary ... the family Rosary is considered a must by many of the young clergy.
Moreover, the all the basics of the faith (the knowledge of Christ, the real presence, the authority of the Pope, etc) are accepted by the younger priests.
In other words, things are turning around very fast. Much faster than I expected.
When I first entered theology training in seminary, I was on the fringe because I had a love for the Traditional Mass ... but by the time I was ordained a priest (2 years ago), nearly half of the seminarians were excited about the Extraordinary Form -- things are changing very quickly!
So, especially since things are turning around for the better, now is not the time to abandon hope for our bishops and our priests -- things are not as bad as they were 20 or even 15 years ago ... Pope Benedict (and, from heaven, John Paul II) is doing many good things and having a huge impact on the younger clergy (and, soon enough, on the bishops).
Now would be the worst time to rebel and criticize the bishops ... why burn the bridge just as Christ is finally rebuilding it?
So ... don't be discouraged ... things are looking up ... there is a great renewal at hand ... strong and clear teachings are on there way! And it is all thanks to the prayers of the laity who have remained faithful (in humility and obedience, and also in fortitude and zeal) through the hard years!
[this is my best attempt at being open to honest and clear dialog between the laity and the clergy]
Peace and blessings to you! + - October 19, 2011 at 9:15 PM
- Gretchen said...
Thank you, Father. I do agree that there is a great amount of good happening in the Church, and I attribute that to our Pope and the faith and courage of clergy and lay folks who have held fast.
We do need to keep in mind the big picture, which can be difficult when one is on the ground in the midst of the battle, so to speak.
I will pray for the bishops. I don't do that often enough. - October 20, 2011 at 12:01 AM
I think it is certainly not good for anyone to just lambast the pope, their bishops, nor their priests. However, it does not seem good either to stick your head in the sand and follow blindly. One need not speak up and such, but neither should one chide those who do not wish to just follow blindly.
I think of where we would be if not for courageous people who stood up to the hierarchy in these last 50 years. I'm thinking of, for example, Michael Davies and others like him. Then Cardinal Ratzinger even praised his contributions to the liturgical/church debate after his death yet if more liberal prelates had their way, such people would be cast into the outer darkness for their "disobedience".
While one's bishop might not command sin, still, I'd rather not ride along with someone who is peddling furiously towards Niagra Falls. I cannot be all about his program if it is obviously not in line with what Catholicism should be. I can hold my tongue, but I cannot actively support the continued "auto-destruction" perpetuated by the hierarchy.
Of course, I've found a way around this-I go to a traditional parish. It is in completely good standing with the diocese and everything is kosher so we are good there. However, practically nothing diocesan applies to us. They do their thing, we do our thing and everyone is happy. I do not have to put up with all the nonsense that goes on in the usual parishes, I do not have to deal with any of that stuff and when His Excellency comes to visit, he does things the old way, and we certainly appreciate his generosity!
Same with the USCCB, great for them the organization itself has no authority in and of itself. They can issue all the documents and whatnot they want, no one commands us to ditch our Tridentine Catechism or our older papal encyclicals and adopt their stuff. They can do their thing, we can do ours and I'm cool with that.
I guess in this way I think very "Jesuitical". There is plenty of leeway such that one can be both properly obedient yet not a blind follower. All the great work in revisiting the Second Vatican Council, in restoring the traditional Mass, etc. walks this line. Again, where would we be if not for our courageous forebearers who continued to speak the truth in spite of accusations of "disobedience"? - October 20, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Forgive the anonymous comment: Rev. Father, it seems that you are judging quite harshly the lay-women (ridiculous rants?) and at the same time giving a gratuitous stamp of approval to the USCCB, which is - even in modern Canon Law - not an automatic authority, i.e., whose statements bind no one unless a particular bishop decides to make them his own.
One more thing: Rev. Father, you are guilty of several theological anachronisms, which - caveas - is always something the modernists will sling at us Thomists; e.g., St. Basil (obiter dictum, my thesis was on his De Spiritu Sancto) was dealing with an issue that had YET TO BE DEFINED. This makes a great difference. It is much more difficult for one to be "guilty" of neglect in a yet-to-be-defined dogma, if you will. As a student of Thomas and a believer in the Imm. Conc. you should understand the import here.
By the way, this comment comes from a brother with an STL who teaches at a Catholic institution, mandatum oblatum ... so no need to quibble about authority with me. - October 21, 2011 at 6:13 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
@Forgive the anonymous comment,
Ok, you are correct in that I should not have used the word "ridiculous" ... in truth, there is nothing in the comments which should make anyone laugh -- it is far too serious a matter to give room for laughter, when slander against the bishops and open despair of their salvation (e.g. saying that they are "beyond hope") is common-place.
Further, I never claimed authority for the USCCB -- I only said that each bishop has authority and that we ought not to speak of the bishops together in such disrespectful terms.
In fact, I find it mildly entertaining that the majority of people who criticize the USCCB for not making strong enough statements almost immediately turn around and declare that the USCCB doesn't have the authority to make any such statements in the first place!
You can't have it both ways: Either the USCCB has the authority, and therefore also the duty, to speak declaratively on issues; or the USCCB does not have such authority, and therefore neither does that body have the duty to do so.
Regarding the case of St. Basil ... it is not analogous to the situation with the Immaculate Conception ... St. Basil (and all the other faithful theologians) knew full well that the Holy Spirit is consubstantial with the Father and the Son, but he refused to include it in the Creed because he didn't want to upset those who were on the fringe ... at St. Thomas' time, on the other hand, (as you know, I am sure) the dogma wasn't at all clear -- even many who held for the IC, believed that our Lady didn't need to be redeemed (and, hence, fell into an even worse error than did St. Thomas).
Peace. + - October 21, 2011 at 8:29 AM
From "forgive the anonymous comment": Rev. Fr. you obviously are not getting "le jeu" - the homoousion twi patri of THE SON was still being debated, "homoousion [to hagion pneuma]" had never been defined, thus one would not have sinned by ommission by not professing it explicitly - that is the analogy to the IC controversy amongst Thomas and Duns Scotus, obviously admitting the differences in time, place, etc. of the two controversies. My STL is with a specialisation in Patristics, so I insist on this point: as dogmas are defined, there is a greater moral duty to proclaim them from the housetops, b/c such doctrines - as experience shows - have been impugned in the past. That, correlatively, is the problem with the USCCB: as Cassandra poignantly pointed out, they are not proclaiming the most necessary truths, considering our culture, nation, and religious surroundings.
- October 21, 2011 at 12:57 PM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
1) one minute you say that the USCCB has no authority ... the next, you say that they are failing in their duty to exercise their authority ... you don't get to have it both ways.
2) The case with the bishops is a matter of pastoral prudence ... St. Basil made a similar prudential judgment in his time -- though, I do readily admit, in other respects the cases are quite different.
3) I simply cannot agree with you that "the most necessary truths" for our time are things like contraception and voting records -- don't get me wrong, people are certainly throwing themselves into hell because of these things, but they are not the most important necessary truths of our time or of any time.
For example: I am far more concerned about the multitude of errors regarding Christ's knowledge which have become so common place that even bishops preach them (and they are taught in even "conservative" seminaries) ... the corruption of Christological doctrine is (to my mind) a much more serious problem than the lack of preaching against contraception -- the one is (to my mind, again) a result of poor prudential/pastoral judgment, the other is a direct proclamation of theological error. - October 21, 2011 at 1:14 PM
- Marko Ivančičević said...
But what if a bishop is disobeying the Pope?
It is a case with traditionalism. A number of faithful wants the TLM and the bishop refuses to provide them the space and the priest. The faithful appeal to Ecclesia Dei, ED writes to the bishop and the bishop still forbids the TLM in his diocese.
Then what?
I'm always for prayer for our bishop. That should be in the first place. Then we should try with a private dialogue in the manner of letter or direct conversation, but we should never go in public with our problems with our bishops if there are any.
That is how i think. - November 1, 2011 at 4:53 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
If a bishop separates from the Pope (either through formal schism or heresy or apostasy, etc.), then that bishop no longer had authority and the faithful ought not to follow him.
You are certainly correct in your intuition to write the bishop personally rather than making the matter public.
Yes, let us pray together for all the bishops and (especially) for our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI! + - November 1, 2011 at 12:04 PM
- Iowa Mike said...
Fr. Erlenbush,
My comment may be a bit broad for this forum but I think I have a valid point to make. I frequently write to bishops and priests in opposition or support of one issue or another. I always maintain charity but I don't mince words; probably a personal failure. Having said that I want to raise the issue of scandal.
As you are aware one of the nine ways one can be complicit in anothers sin is through silence.
Please help me understand why I shouldn't publicly complain to and about bishops of people like Governor Cuomo, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Kathleen Sebelius who are manifest in their dissent from Church teaching on abortion, divorce, homosexual marriage, Catholic conscience protections, embryonic stem cell research while publicly declaring that they are faithful and compliant Catholics. In the face of this public obstinate dissent please explain the public silence of their bishops. Please explain why the silence of the bishops is not sinful. Please comment on the scandal this inaction clearly spreads amongst the faithful. Please explain why the 30 page plus USCCB voter's guide 'Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" is so long, so confusing and so ambiguous that most Catholics either don't read it or don't understand it. Please explain why so many who do read it come away believing that other social issues like racism, poverty, etc. rise to the same level as abortion, euthanasia etc. Please help me find the words to explain to my adult children who argue that why silence of the bishops is really tacit approval and a sign that the Church's teachings are more accepting these days. Please explain how their lack of public condemnation advances the gospel?
Finally are we headed for two Catholic Churches in America as now exist in China? In Fr. James Schall's article, "Legal Persecution" http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/legal-persectution.html he thinks we might be? In this article he makes the point that one Catholic Church will publicly conform and support government policy even when it conflicts with Church teachings. The other Catholic Church will be an underground church that remains faithful to the Magesterium and the immutable teachings of Christ.
These are the issues of the day. In my opinion the silence of the bishops is creating a schism. I'm hard put not to be critical especially when doctrine is clear, public dissention is clear and the bishops are silent.
God Bless, - November 2, 2011 at 7:55 AM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
Iowa Mike,
My response is that we have a great duty to pray for our bishops.
I do have a question: How is it that so many can, on the one hand, claim that the USCCB (and the US Bishops generally) have little or no authority, but then turn around on the other hand and rebuke the USCCB for not exercising their authority to condemn birth control, etc.
I asked this earlier and no one responded ... I think that this question points to the insincerity of many critics. + - November 2, 2011 at 1:00 PM
- Marko Ivančičević said...
I didn't read all comments concerning the USCCB but my opinion is that they have all the authority possible to them as bishops but that they are exercising that authority in a way that is not prudent enough and are making mistakes(it is very possible for them to make mistakes since they are not infallible).
- November 5, 2011 at 2:46 AM
- Marko Ivančičević said...
Hm. I wanted to make a small contribution. From ST on Fraternal correction.
"I answer that...Since, however, a virtuous act needs to be moderated by due circumstances, it follows that when a subject corrects his prelate, he ought to do so in a becoming manner, not with impudence and harshness, but with gentleness and respect.".
So according to st. Thomas a private correction of a prelate is admissable if it is charitable, and if the faith is endangered it can be publically(but also with charity). I would personally refrain from public correction but i do believe it is a posibillity.
As for Cassandra, i don't think she was focused on trying to prove that any bishop wanted us to commit sin, but that in excersising their office they were acting in an imprudent and ambiguous fashion that could endanger faith of many - especially in these times when many of the faithful are affected with modernistic thought and that such excersise of office required a fraternal correction in all charity and gentleness possible.
As we can see, st. Thomas distinguishes between correction in charity(fraternal correction) and the one done as an act of justice, the latter not pretaining to be done by laymen.
Also, for thinking that one is better than his prelate st. Thomas brings up his reply to obj. 3.
I am sorry if i'm opening this discussion anew. - July 4, 2012 at 6:10 AM
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text:
Try this inexpensive and fresh version of a chicken casserole--no need for processed soups or sauces!
An experiment with leftovers yields a delightful, filling vegetarian meal.
This is THE most popular recipe on SparkRecipes. We've added more vegetables and reduced the sodium drastically to make it even better.
A yummy way to start the day with very little fat and lots of flavor!
A much quicker version of the Italian classic; less time, but no less taste.
Delicious and quick, this dish is a great way to get more fish into your healthy meal plan! We think this baked tilapia recipe can't be beat!
This is a delicious chicken recipe that my family loves
Six ingredients, 5 minutes of hands-on cooking, and dinner is served!
Technically this is a crustless quiche, but the addition of flour makes for a delicious crusty bottom and sides.
This quick and healthy side dish takes just minutes to prepare! And as a bonus, it's an easy way to get the kids to eat their vegetables. (And if you don't like using butter spray, you could melt a few pats of butter and brush the butter on with a pastry brush - whatever your preference!)
The same great taste of the Italian favorite, but with fewer calories and less fat!
This quick Southern dish contains no added fat and very little added salt in its spicy tomato sauce.
Serve up creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas, and no one will be late to dinner!
A quick and easy dinner that is also low in fat, this chicken casserole is perfect for busy nights.
In 15 minutes, this easy recipe will take the chill off a cold evening.
Who can resist thick, creamy decadent cheesecake? Try this low-fat version in the single-serving size.
Five ingredients, 10 minutes of work. One delicious dinner.
These pumpkin muffins are so simple to make. They will fill your house with a sweet aroma, too!
Frozen bananas rival soft serve when given a whirl in the food processor. No cholesterol and no added sugar, just creamy and sweet bananas!
An easy slow cooker recipe that the family will enjoy!
4 ingredients, 20 minutes and dinner is served! If you're looking for the perfect boneless pork chops recipe, this is it!
Chicken that's easy to make and low calorie.
Celebrate spinach season with this lean and green scramble. Salty feta and velvety eggs combine beautifully with wilted spinach for a filling breakfast that's high in protein.
This healthy apple crisp recipe is sweet and simple to prepare but uses very little added sugar.
Sweet and tangy, this chicken takes less than five minutes to prep!
Forget fancy spices--four ingredients are all you need to make this deliciously simple supper.
These spicy and moist boneless pork chops are made with no added fat, egg whites, evaporated skim milk, and a lively herb mixture.
I am known for my pancakes, so trust me on this one!
A healthy and filling middle eastern dip! Eat it as an appetizer or snack with some pita. Why buy your hummus ready made from the store, when you can make it yourself?
This is a delicious, light, refreshing dessert. It's low cal and sugar and can be made with the lite pie filling in any flavor. Note that this needs to be made the night before to soften the graham crackers.
I don't like fish much, but I love this baked tilapia recipe! I think the sauce can be used with other fish/seafood.
This roasted chicken gets its sticky coating from the juices it releases while being baked.
This is the perfect meal for those days when you desperately need to go to the market for fresh ingredients. Five cans, five minutes, and you're ready to eat!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When the states top lawyer offers his legal opinion on a hot-button issue, its sure to be an attention-grabber. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinellis recent advisory opinion on the role of local law enforcement officials in immigration matters was no different.
Prompted by Prince William County Del. Robert Marshall, Cuccinelli wrote on July 30 that, in his opinion, Virginia law enforcement officers in a vein similar to the Arizona law passed earlier this year may inquire into the immigration status of individuals they have either stopped or arrested.
While uplifting for proponents of more active immigration-control measures, Cuccinellis opinion also sent ripples of fear throughout certain corners of Alexandria, where the immigrant community makes up about a quarter of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The background level of fear in the community is at an all-time high, said Simon Moshenberg, a lawyer specializing in civil rights issues with local firm Victor M. Glasberg and Associates.
According to Moshenberg, the weight of the statement from the attorney generals office especially since the news that came out of Arizona has been too easily construed to carry the abiding force of law.
In Alexandria, billed as a sanctuary city because of its standing policy on immigration issues, Chief of Police Earl Cook acknowledged Cuccinellis opinion, but, without actual changes to existing laws, said nothing would change.
We respect the attorney generals opinion, however, state and local laws have not been changed, Cook said in a written statement last week. Alexandria residents and those who work or visit our city can be assured that our police departments actions and policies remain unchanged.
Those policies date most recently to a 2007 City Council vote stating, the city and its various agencies will neither make inquiries about nor report on the citizenship of those who seek the protection of its laws or the use of its services.
Within the citys police ranks, Cook said, Our current policy is that we do not ask about immigration status unless it is relevant to the situation or would assist us in solving a crime.
If an arrest is made, then that individuals immigration status is verified as part of the booking procedures at the adult detention center through the Alexandria Sheriffs Office. If that person is found to be illegal, then their information is referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Cooks response would likely please the American Civil Liberties Union, which weighed in on the issue several days after Cuccinelli offered his opinion.
The ACLU sent a letter to police chiefs around the state that advised them to ignore the attorney general on the matter because the opinion is legally faulty and would lead to adverse public safety consequences.
Still, Moshenberg said he harbors fears despite the standing orders for Alexandria police.
He is concerned that Cuccinellis advice to Prince William County, where headlines were made two years ago for an attempt to curb the rising number of immigrants, could sow dissension within the ranks of police agencies in places like Alexandria where internal policy prohibits the very inquiries that Cuccinelli said are permissible.
I fear that what Cuccinelli is trying to do is basically empower individual officers who themselves hold anti-immigrant sentiments of which there are inevitably some in any department to empower them to violate their orders, Moshenberg said.
To empower police officers to buck the command, to buck their brass, is dangerous, he added.
Three days after Cuccinellis opinion went public, Tenants and Workers United, the community activist group based in Arlandria-Chirilagua, held a press conference to clear up misconceptions and also establish their opposition to what they saw as a clearly anti-immigrant political maneuver.
Particularly, for the immigrant community, we wanted to calm peoples fears if they had confused the opinion with actual laws and practices, said Jon Liss, the advocacy groups executive director. They thought there had already been a change in practice and there hadnt.
Liss said TWU is now moving to educate our local political leaders to do the maximum they can to ensure that Alexandria continues to be a welcoming community.


text:
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bumblebee Soup - A Hearty Bacon, Black Bean and Corn Chowder
One great thing about this chowder is the thick, rich texture isn't dependent on any blender action. I always cringe when I read a recipe that has the reader pour the soup into a blender and "blend until smooth." All I see is scalding hot liquid flying out the top of the blender at 500 RPM (been there, felt that).
As you'll see, this soup is thickened with a safe, simple, and gentle mashing in the pot, with a potato masher. The other great thing with this bumblebee soup is that it tastes like it was cooked for hours, but is actually relatively quick - perfect if you're busy as a, well, you know. So, make this for your honey, and enjoy!
4 strips bacon
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart chicken stock
1/2 tsp chipotle pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
2 (15-oz) cans black beans
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
47 comments:
- Unknown said...
Thank you Chef John, this one looks delicious!
- November 12, 2008 at 2:04 PM
- Timmy said...
you seem to love bacon.
- November 12, 2008 at 3:00 PM
- Chef John said...
i will not dignify that with a response.
- November 12, 2008 at 3:12 PM
- Mikkel Østman said...
Cool name for a soup! I'm definitely gonna try that one day
- November 12, 2008 at 4:57 PM
I know this soup will be delicious because your other Split Pea Soup just became my all-time favorite soup! Already made it four times... Could you try and make some clam chowder, Chef John?
- November 12, 2008 at 6:12 PM
- Greg said...
C'mon admit it. You named this in honor of The Bumblebee Guy on the Simpsons.
- November 12, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Just curious, Chef: is there a number to the range of dishes you can make? Do you have an idea of how many recipes you'll ultimately post and create? I do like watching your cooking videos and just thought I'd ask. Looking at the archives is like leafing through a really great cookbook.
- November 12, 2008 at 9:59 PM
- Chef John said...
No es verdad
- November 12, 2008 at 10:41 PM
- Chef John said...
"A number to the range of dishes you can make?"
No, it's infinite. There are a million recipes just for soup.
"Do you have an idea of how many recipes you'll ultimately post and create?"
I estimate 1,263 more before I die.
"I do like watching your cooking videos?"
I do like watching them... sometimes I have to watch a couple times to get all the jokes. - November 12, 2008 at 10:45 PM
- listress said...
"..so make this for your honey..." no pun intended? :P
Thanks for a wonderful blog + recipes. - November 13, 2008 at 8:04 AM
- Chargeorge said...
Black beans + corn + smoked something is one of my favorite flavor combinations. If you upped the spice, added some chilis,chile powder, and tomatoes you'd probably have a great chili too!
- November 13, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Can you use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher?
- November 13, 2008 at 2:05 PM
- Chef John said...
you can, but it will puree some of the corn and onions which will change the color, but if that's not a prob. go for it. or mash some beans before you add.
- November 13, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Thanks, chef. I made this with beef stock, which is what I had on hand, & really enjoyed the smoky- sweet counter point. A nice, quick soup with no-hassle ingredients.
- November 13, 2008 at 11:20 PM
omg, I love soups. Have to make this one right tomorrow. More drive on the soup-culture front please, mister chef! :)
- November 14, 2008 at 5:36 PM
I did it! And 3 things I haven't thought of:
* corn wasn't frozen -> not "crispy" anymore when the soup was finished (and probably released more starch?).
* meshed half of the beans before adding them to the soup -> I think i did it a bit too good, so the soup got very thick.
* no Mexican oregano -> don't know how it tastes.
Anyway, the soup was simple delicious.
Had to restart twice because the bacon disappeared mysteriously every time before I could continue prepping the recipe.
Greets from Berlin - November 15, 2008 at 8:43 AM
- Chef John said...
wow, magic bacon!
- November 15, 2008 at 12:14 PM
This was lunch today. I was forced to use 6 slices of bacon because they were frozen together & hey what would I do with only two leftover pieces of bacon anyway.
I also had to sub canned kidney beans (too lazy for a trip to the market) and Greek oregano. Kidney beans were too firm (no surprise) but soup was great anyway. The cable guys came after we finished the soup & they said something smelled wonderful.
Luisa Vacaville - November 16, 2008 at 10:38 PM
- Rosko said...
Chef, this recipe worked will sans bacon and with veggie broth. NO! I'm not a vegan, but I'm Orthodox Christian and we fast from time so it's good to have vegan recipes on hand. Thank you very much.
- November 22, 2008 at 3:29 AM
Chef thank you so much for sharing this...I just tried it out tonight and they loved it!
- December 6, 2008 at 5:01 AM
Thank you Chef, my wife and daughter loved it. Thanks again.
- December 17, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Thank you!!! I said i was gonna make it.. and i did! i was watering just smelling it ^_^ delishmus!!! (that by the way... isn't a word XD)
My food wish?... A chocolate Tort!!! **drool** - January 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Thank you!!! I said i was gonna make it.. and i did! i was watering just smelling it ^_^ delishmus!!! (that by the way... isn't a word XD)
My food wish?... A chocolate Tort!!! **drool** - January 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM
The video no longer exists.
- February 11, 2009 at 12:49 PM
- Chef John said...
does too!
- February 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
this looks greaaaaaaat!
- August 30, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Is there any possibility that the making of this soup might actually anger bees?
This is a true story.
Last Sunday night, my wife made your bumblebee soup for the first time (I personally had made it for her a couple times before). It was delicious. I ate two big bowls.
Yesterday, the very next morning in fact, I was stung by a bee without provocation. He got me on the top of my foot whilst I sat in the park.
Could this possibly have been some sort of retribution?
My ankle is swollen, and the pain in my ankle joint is only now subsiding.
Why, Chef John? Why?
By the way, I will continue to make and enjoy your soup.
-Kyle - September 30, 2009 at 2:42 AM
- Chef John said...
lol, thanks!
- September 30, 2009 at 7:52 AM
- Jette said...
Really wonderful recipe. Thank you for sharing!
- December 8, 2009 at 3:36 PM
- Seth Jordan said...
This soup was great! I've been wanting to make one of your recipes for a while, so I finally chose this one because it looked delicious and easy, and it was just that. I think I'll double it next time though, cause it made about 4 good servings, and I'd like to have leftovers to eat for a couple days. Thanks for the hard work!
- May 14, 2010 at 12:07 PM
- Unknown said...
Chef John,
I made this delicious soup for lunch today -- pairing it with some BLTs, since, come on, who doesn't love a BLT? When I came back to my kitchen to deal with the leftovers, I found that the soup had thickened up significantly in the meantime, almost to the point of becoming the thickness of a dip.
So I decided to take the thick leftovers, stuff them in a pepper with some boneless pork ribs, and then -- kinda, sorta -- follow the technique for your stuffed peppers.
These peppers were definitely delicious, and a nice change of pace from using ground beef. I would say that the ground beef peppers were a little bit heartier, but that's a small complaint.
Thanks again! - May 28, 2010 at 11:39 PM
We've been having a week or so of unusually chilly weather here in Minneapolis again. Or, as I like to call it - free air-conditioning! It's was the perfect opportunity to try a new soup recipe before it gets too hot to want to.
How can you NOT make a recipe called Bumblebee Soup? I loved it. The gang at worked loved it. I didn't have any frozen or canned corn but I did have fresh corn on the cob so I used that. I also used six strips of thick-cut hardwood smoked bacon because, well, bacon makes everything better! More bacon = more better!
Seriously, this was delicious and a definite keeper. Will it be in the new cookbook? And, when does it finally come out? Of course I'm impatient... I'm hungry! - June 14, 2010 at 10:51 PM
- Paul D said...
Hi Chef John,
"The other great thing with this bumblebee soup is that it tastes like it was cooked for hours, but is actually relatively quick" - Chef John
I have a very basic culinary question, but it is one of those things which has come to confuse me these days, since tomato sauce no longer needs to be cooked for 3 weeks to taste great, so here we go:
When making soup, does cooking the soup for a long time really matter? I understand that to tenderize meat it needs to cook for longer, but with non-meat soups, does it really make a difference?
In advance, thank you for taking the time to answer this question...I love the internet sometimes. - January 11, 2011 at 12:33 PM
- Chef John said...
Sorry, no way to answer that. Every soup is different but usually when everything is tender it's done.
- January 11, 2011 at 1:06 PM
- Jesse from Detroit said...
Totally making this for dinner tonight... YAY! I wanna eat bumblebees!
- January 14, 2011 at 4:47 PM
- Big Jim said...
If even after mashing it wasn't as thick as you would like it to be. Could you mix some cornstarch with a bit of the cooking liquid and then pour it back in?
- February 3, 2011 at 3:09 PM
- tons of flavor said...
Chef John, you make it so easy to follow and everything looks so good.Best site ever!!
- July 8, 2012 at 9:27 AM
- Holly J said...
Chef, I have been using your site for almost a year now and it just gets better and better. My husband tried this soup and loved it even though he hates beans!
- January 7, 2013 at 11:09 PM
- Chris K. said...
So I adapted this recipe tonight for using up some leftover smoked chicken from the weekend. Here's how I tweaked it:
- 3 cups chopped smoked chicken
- 1/2 tsp. each cumin and coriander
- Only 1 can of black beans in the pantry. Crap! But I also had a can of refried black beans, so I chucked that in there too.
- some extra water to thin out the refried beans
Garnished with some fresh cilantro and lime for acidity. Turned out really well, nice easy weeknight meal. Would've loved to add some chipotles in adobo, but not everybody loves the spicy in my house. - January 21, 2013 at 8:22 PM
- TentativelyTypingRandomThoughts said...
I made this soup the other day with minor adjustments. In addition to the bacon, I added chorizo (a got the raw links and took the meat out of the casing and fried it up) and lawd have mercy is was more than delicious.
Thanks Chef John! - February 27, 2013 at 5:05 PM
- Jeannie said...
So I have been on a soup kick the last 2 weeks. This is the fifth soup I have made and it may just me my family's favorite. Chef John is right, is comes together very fast is very satisfying. I served it with a green salad and chicken breast. Toward the end of my soup I dumped the rest of my grilled chicken breast into my soup, and that just put it over the top. Then my husband and son did the same. My husband (who is not a soup person) says with the added chicken this soup would be a complete meal. He really loved it and claimed the leftovers to be his – not that there was much leftover. The ½ teaspoon of the chipotle pepper was just the right amount for me and my son. Neither of us likes food to be very spicy and this added just enough heat without being too spicy. Even my husband who does like spicy food was happy with this amount of chipotle pepper.
- January 19, 2014 at 6:07 PM
- Rob said...
Is the chipotle pepper you use a dry spice or the one in adobo sauce?
- January 22, 2014 at 6:40 PM
- Chef John said...
The dry! :)
- January 22, 2014 at 10:24 PM
- LuisaCA said...
Made again today for the many-th time. Thanks again for an easy delicious soup.
- January 5, 2015 at 6:44 PM
- Unknown said...
Wow!! So simple, so delish.
Thanks for a great, easy, healthy soup! - February 1, 2015 at 11:33 AM
- Unknown said...
This really was quite delicious.
I had a large piece of marinated skirt steak leftover from dinner and cut it into bite sized pieces and added it to the pot.
Added a fresh loaf of homemade bread and that made a complete meal.
Another great recipe from Chef John. Thanks.... - February 16, 2015 at 7:11 PM
- pellia said...
I tried this with some added black eyed peas on New Year's and this was fantastic. It complements steamed tamales well. Thanks, Chef John!
- January 2, 2018 at 10:13 PM


text:
Salmonella cases decline, but other food contaminants on the rise
The government's latest report card on food poisoning shows a dip in salmonella cases but an increase in illnesses from bacteria in raw shellfish. The report counts cases in only 10 states for some of the most common causes of foodborne illness, but is believed to be a good indicator of national food poisoning trends. Highlights from Thursday's report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Salmonella remains at the top of the chart, far ahead of most other foodborne germs. Only campylobacter - a bacteria commonly linked to raw milk and poultry - comes close. Other causes, listeria, shigella and E. coli, trail behind.
Overall, no. Last year, there were no significant changes in most kinds of food poisoning, compared to the previous three years. The new report tallied about 20,000 illnesses and 80 deaths in the 10 states, similar to previous years. The CDC estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food each year, though most cases are not reported.
Yes, for salmonella. The rate of new cases dropped 9 percent - the biggest drop in about a decade. But officials are cautious about making too much of it, since it was compared to a time period that included a big outbreak linked to eggs in 2010. Last year's rate is similar to what it was about five years ago. CDC officials hope new regulatory proposals, like one to prevent salmonella in chicken parts, will keep pushing rates down.
There was in increase in infections from vibrio bacteria found in raw shellfish, like oysters. Last year, cases were up 32 percent from the previous three years and 75 percent from about five years ago. But the numbers remain very small - only 242 of the 20,000 illnesses recorded in the 10 states. Climate change is warming coastal waters in some places, and that may be helping spread some vibrio strains to new locations, said Dr. Robert Tauxe, a CDC food-germ expert. "The warmer the water, the more vibrio," he said. A strain traditionally found in the Pacific Northwest, is now showing up along the East Coast. Tauxe said it might have been spread through water in ships' ballast tanks.
Carefully wash and clean food, and cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly. Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized juices. Promptly refrigerate leftovers. A government report last year showed leafy greens like lettuce and spinach were the leading source of food poisoning, and produce in general accounted for nearly half of all illnesses. There were slightly more deaths attributed to poultry than to vegetables in the decade studied.


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Welcome to the month of October, where the crunchy leaves drift across the road and the faint smell of pumpkin spice drifts through the air. October tends to be a fan-favorite month. Whether it's watching football games, heading out to the pumpkin patch or getting dressed up for Halloween, there are lots of fun, family-friendly activities to do during October. And of course, one thing you can always do is volunteer to give back in your community.
Sometimes, we want to volunteer, but aren't quite sure where to start. Should you volunteer with an organization, or come up with a project on your own? The options are endless, and it can be daunting to figure out. But, there are plenty of ways to get involved in your community this month. To get you started, we came up with six spooky-fun volunteering ideas for October.
1. Help clean up the neighborhood.
Fall tends to bring seasonal changes that affect the neighborhood. Leaves fall, gardens start to freeze and plants start to get crisp in the cool air. Volunteer to give back this month by helping clean up the neighborhood. For instance, offer to help your elderly neighbor rake up leaves in the front yard; or, help clean up the community garden and prepare it for winter. By cleaning up the neighborhood, you can embrace the season and give back at the same time.
2. Run in a fundraiser race.
Many nonprofit organizations—both local and national—offer fundraiser races during the month of October or the fall months. Volunteer to give back by running in a race you enjoy. Raise money to support the cause you care about and engage your family and friends. Then, show your support by running. Even if you're not a huge runner, these events are fun to be a part of—and you can always raise money without actually lacing up your shoes.
3. Host a "paint your own pumpkin."
What's the first thing you think of with the month of October? Pumpkins, of course! Get into the spirit of the month by hosting a paint (or carve) your own pumpkin event. For example, contact your local school or community center to see if they would like to put on a pumpkin event for the children. Then, invite friends and family to bring their kids—and their pumpkins—while you supply the paint or carving equipment. Add in a few drinks or snacks and you have a fun event the whole community can enjoy!
4. Volunteer with a haunted house.
Throughout the month of October, plenty of pumpkin patches and haunted houses look for team members to help them get the show running. While some of these members are employed, you can give back by volunteering to work with a haunted house or pumpkin patch. Help bring smiles—and maybe a few screams—to children in your area, all for just a few hours of volunteering. Whether you dress up as a scarer, serve hot chocolate or drive the hayrack ride, your volunteering commitment can definitely brighten someone's day.
5. Serve at a local kitchen.
Of course, with October comes cooler weather, which can often drive people in need indoors to local shelters or soup kitchens. Give back and show you care by volunteering to serve at a local kitchen. This can be as simple as a few hours on one single day, or as complex as a weekly commitment. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is a great way to consistently get involved in the community.
6. Trick or treat with a purpose.
With the end of October quickly approaching, we look forward to one of our favorite holidays—Halloween! Volunteer to trick or treat with a purpose this year by signing up to raise money for a cause you care about. Lots of organizations have trick-or-treat programs on Halloween, or you can create your own by raising money for something unique. You could even volunteer to trick or treat for children who aren't able to go out on Halloween. No matter how you choose to give back, Halloween is a great time to get involved.
October is officially here, which means there are plenty of ways to give back and volunteer. Try out some of these ideas this month to show others you care and make a tangible difference in your community.


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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Italian Easter Bread - The Resurrection of a Great Family Recipe
I've always enjoyed the simple pleasure of a properly cooked hard-boiled Easter egg, and its colorfully decorated shell. And, of course, there's the chocolate eggs, tucked down in pink plastic excelsior grass.
Remember how you would slowly lift the egg out of the basket and immediately gauge the weight. In a millisecond you knew if it was a feather-light, hollow chocolate shell, or heavy and dense - filled with solid chocolate or some other exotic goo.
If you were lucky enough to grow up in an Italian-American home, there's a good chance you got to enjoy the smell of freshly baked Easter bread, with its unmistakable anisette aroma filling the air.
The smell was heady, but so was the sight of those glossy iced braids, bejeweled with candy sprinkles (click here for the icing recipe). The sweet, spicy, eggy, buttery taste was complex, but at the same time, familiar and comforting.
This loaf of Easter bread is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and an authentic family heirloom recipe. Made the same way as my mother, and her mother, and her mother's mother made it. I hope you give this a try, and remember, it's never too late to start and old family tradition. Happy Easter! Enjoy!
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (100 degrees F.)
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp aniseeds
1 1/2 tbsp anise extract
1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
6 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup milk
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
*CLICK HERE for the icing recipe!
36 comments:
- Luatica said...
Interesting, flavouring wise is not that different from Galician baking with lemon and anise flavors being the main ones.
It reminds me slighly of a easter bun my mom makes, though hers have the tendency to be toughish. I might take some of the techniques of this video and see if one day I can make a nice easter bread. - April 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM
- An Ng. said...
It looks so cute with the pink glaze and the sprinkles. Reminds me of Homer's favorite donuts.
- April 9, 2009 at 6:19 PM
- Michael said...
Chef, Does this taste like black jelly beans?
- April 9, 2009 at 7:39 PM
- Chef John said...
anise has a sorta licorice flavor
- April 9, 2009 at 7:44 PM
- Unknown said...
This looks so good!
Where do i find the recipe for the icing on top?? - April 9, 2009 at 8:33 PM
- Chef John said...
i'll post the video tomorrow
- April 9, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Sadly, I dont recall ever uncovering a perfectly cooked hard boiled egg in all my childhood Easter Egg hunting career. They all bore the sin of over-cooking. Thank God for mayo and butter.
Ill try out the recipe if I ever get over my phobia of baking bread. Anyone who has tried attacking the bricks I produced all those years ago will understand. - April 9, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Looks like a tastee bread there Chef, Thanks! Can't wait to see the icing vid. Ny the way--how did the Wolfgang Puck interview thing go for you?
- April 9, 2009 at 10:00 PM
- Chef John said...
even you couldn't screw this one up. ;-)
- April 9, 2009 at 10:02 PM
- Chef John said...
Puck interview will be done via email, and wont happen for a couple weeks. I'll post a link when it's up.
- April 9, 2009 at 10:36 PM
- Unknown said...
You just have to love anything with pink icing.
- April 9, 2009 at 11:13 PM
- blogagog said...
Haha! It's kind of funny that you'd make Jewish bread (challah) for Easter! This is just about the only time of the year that they can't eat the stuff and *BAM* here it is on Food Wishes.
Funny :). - April 10, 2009 at 5:55 AM
- blogagog said...
Hey, I hope you'll let this comment through for us licorice haters, Chef John. Michael, what Chef John meant by "anise has a sorta licorice flavor" is that 'yes, anise tastes exactly like black jelly beans.'
If you don't like black jelly beans, you won't like anything with anise in it. You won't like anything with star anise in it. You won't like anything with fennel in it. You won't even like anything with tarragon in it.
Give up on all of those spices. If you (like me) do not like black jelly beans, then you will never approve of this flavor, no matter what you try. If a recipe calls for one of those evil licorice flavored things, either leave it out or substitute caraway seeds for it.
Blech. Man, I hate licorice. - April 10, 2009 at 6:07 AM
- Ciao Chow Linda said...
I like the anise flavoring your family used. It's different from what I grew up with where hardboiled eggs are braided into the bread.
- April 10, 2009 at 7:43 AM
- Chef John said...
i don't like black licorice, but LOVE tarragon, fennel, etc. So, put that in your jelly belly and digest it! :-)
- April 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
- Chef John said...
Easter bread is always Kosher with me.
- April 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
- CollegeGourmet said...
I hate black licorice, but I had this bread at my grandma's house a long time ago. I recall enjoying it quite a bit.
- April 10, 2009 at 11:42 AM
hey chef john, will it be okay if i leave the anise seeds and anise extract out? cause it would be quite hard for me to look for those two items here. will i get a nice plain bread this way or it just won't work?
- April 11, 2009 at 10:05 AM
- Chef John said...
leave it out, no prob
- April 11, 2009 at 12:14 PM
- Charlemange said...
I remember various Easter and challah breads from my childhood. Some had hard boiled eggs baked into them. I will definitely make this bread this week. I will probably use orange extract, as I have no anise.
- April 11, 2009 at 3:02 PM
- Unknown said...
hey chef john!
i just want to say that i tried out the recipe and it came out really good, exactly the way my grandmother used to make it! Definately a keeper!!
THANKS!!! - April 11, 2009 at 4:31 PM
i love easter bread and have been eating my grandmother's from before i can remember. I have just taken over making it for my grandmother who is not up to making it anymore. thank you for posting such a delicious bread, and for sharing the importance of tradition!
- April 13, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I too hate fennel, black licorice, and certain anise flavored items. That being said, I have always loved Italian Easter Bread and traditional biscotti, another Italian treat that has anise in it. SO - even if you hate anise, fennel, licorice, etc., you could end up loving Easter Bread, its definitely worth a try. additionally, i personally have always loved tarragon, especially in eggs with a mild cheese.
- April 15, 2009 at 1:44 AM
Hey Asian Malaysian. I understand you very well. In the Shona language, very dry roasted grasshoppers are called 'chambisa'. Thats the term people in my house used to use to describe my bread, scones etc. I have listened and learned from all beautiful people like chef John who put stuff on the internet and my baking has improved a lot. Things may not be perfect at first, but they will improve. So like chef John always says, give this a try.
Only problem in my family is they think that everything I bake, including bread, should be sweet! I will be nice and bake this once a fortnight.Thanx chef John for great recipe. - July 9, 2009 at 9:46 AM
- Unknown said...
Thank you for your recipe for Easter Bread. We grew up and had this delicious bread every Easter! The recipe was lost and I have tried searching the web sites for one.This is the closest one, almost the same ingredients that my Mom used except for the anise seeds. She also brushed the top of the loaves with egg wash before putting them into the over. Now I know the amount of the ingredients that goes into the recipe.
- February 10, 2010 at 9:48 PM
- Jessica said...
ok so I just tried this, and the dough, like always, stuck to my hands and pretty much everything else it touched in the process. my braids turned into ugly lumps that did NOT look better after 2 hrs. any suggestions? I'm ready to give up making any kind of bread. ever.
- April 2, 2010 at 1:26 PM
- Chef John said...
if the dough sticks to your fingers every time you try to make bread it means you simply need to add more flour when you make the dough. Bread making isn't an exact science and you have to keep adding flour until you have a smooth, very soft dough, but one you can handle.
- April 2, 2010 at 2:03 PM
- Angela Andersen said...
As someone who WAS fortunate enough to grow up in an Italian American family, I still have never had this bread. I feel so cheated!
Anyway, my italian grandmother made a wonderful cheese bread for Christmas every year, and no one seems to have the recipe for it. It seems to me like it had a swirl of grated romano or parmesan cheese actually baked into it. My grandmother never needed a recipe in the kitchen, and I have looked and looked for a similar recipe online, but can't find anything (actually, I've found a lot of recipes for my favorite snack - cheese toast). I've wanted to make this for Christmas for my family ever since she passed away last September. So I don't know if requests are allowed, but if they are, I'm making one. Have you (or your readers) ever heard of anything like it? - April 14, 2011 at 7:16 PM
I grew up under the guidance of an Italian Grandmother and Grandfather. They always took great care with their Easter bread, braiding Crosses and Rings, with and without Colored Eggs baked in. Theirs was glossy and without icing, but even as a kid I loved it. The bread I grew up with had a cinnamon flavor to it, and while they used anise in lots of things, I don't think it was n this particular bread. I am not sure mixing cinnamon with anise would provide a good result, nor am I certain that replacing anise in this recipe with cinnamon would work. Any thoughts?
- April 15, 2011 at 4:31 PM
I am not a baker and have tried variations of this family Easter bread several times....BRICKS!!!
Is it necessary to allow the bread to rise for 12 hours?
Has anyone just waited for the doubling in size as an endpoint?
I welcome your comments.
Buona Pasqua! - April 21, 2011 at 4:54 PM
how you make the pink glaze? and the ingredients? thank you.
- December 7, 2011 at 5:09 PM
- Chef John said...
Search "icing" in sidebar
- December 7, 2011 at 5:42 PM
Chef John,
Maybe a silly question but here goes. I am about to make this Easter cake and want to make sure.... In the video you are adding sugar twice - the ingredients show sugar listed once for a 3/4 cup only - take 'some' sugar from the 3/4 to add to yeast mixture or ....
Made lots of your recipes successfully due to your great video direction and needless to say, all the humor that goes with them! - April 9, 2012 at 6:35 PM
- Unknown said...
amateur baker here,
(help from anyone would be appreciated!)
I've tried to make a few types of bread (mostly your recopies) and they always come out pretty good but I am looking at making them great! after making this recipe (i'm just about to bake it!) I get the sneaking suspicion that I am not adding enough flower during the kneading process. I am thinking this because my dough is generally very glossy like it was covered in butter.
It passes the poke test and rises alright but its just never really tall and fluffy... mostly my bread turns out hard and dense.
Thanks all,
Chris (amateur baker) - April 20, 2014 at 12:29 PM
- PJ said...
Is this a version of Panettone?
- April 20, 2014 at 10:26 PM
- Unknown said...
HELP!!!! Chef John, I'm a jersey girl who moved out to Denver and I'm worried this isn't going to turn out right in high altitude. What should I do to tweak so it's just right ?
Nicca - April 1, 2017 at 3:02 PM