Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for December 14, 2023

Some love the trappings of power, and some are truly called to serve.

Francis has just announced that his final move (after death) will be to Sta. Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St Mary Major), not the Vatican.

Cardinal Burke has been called to serve.

There’s a satirical account asserting that Monsignor Burke went missing for several days. He was ultimately rescued, having been lost in his cappa magna, cold and hungry.

Residences for clergy should be simple and practical. A 5000 sqft home, with servants and a car, plus a $68,000 salary, is living high off the hog, and can’t be good spiritually.

“The cappa magna, always without ermine, is no longer obligatory; it can be used only outside of Rome, in circumstances of very special solemnity.”

Patheos.com

With the cost of some of those vestments, how many poor people can they help?

https://www.ncronline.ORG/news/editorial/editorial-cardinal-burke-living-symbol-failed-version-church

I saw this news story. Kicking that dude out was long overdue.

Interesting. Hadn’t heard of the cappa magna. Even though a lifelong Catholic I often learn something here.

IMHO, no cardinal or otherwise in the Vatican should own yards of silk. They should set an example and sell all of the rich trappings to lead a life of reflection and “poverty.”