Helen Howell, an avid piano player,
performed at an anniversary party for Father Frederick Schell.
At the time of this recording, she was likely 84 years old. (1987)
The Story Behind "The Secret of the Rosary"
"The Secret of the Rosary" is one of Catholicism's most cherished books, but its remarkable history is not widely known. I am excited to share the story behind this beloved spiritual classic.
In the mid-1960s, my grandmother, Helen Howell, a convert to the Catholic Faith, and her son, J. Bruce Howell, affectionately called Uncle Bud, discovered the 1954 hardcover edition of "The Secret of the Rosary" published by the Montfort Fathers. Moved by the book’s powerful message and deep devotion to the Rosary, they were inspired to make it more accessible and affordable, hoping to spread St. Louis de Montfort's teachings and honor Our Lady of Fatima's requests.
As the owner of Christ and Country Books, a small Catholic publishing company in Rockford, Illinois, Uncle Bud decided to publish "The Secret of the Rosary" in paperback. Thousands of copies were printed and stored in Grandma’s basement before being distributed. The now-iconic cover image of Our Lady of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary was discovered by Uncle Bud at a rummage sale at St. Thomas School in Rockford. Both he and Grandma, with their deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title, knew it was the perfect choice.
Between 1965 and 1969, five editions of the paperback were printed. My grandmother, Helen, who was friends with Thomas A. Nelson, the founder of TAN Publishers, passed the torch to him in October 1970. TAN Publishers released the sixth edition, retaining the same beautiful image of the Blessed Mother on the cover. Since then, "The Secret of the Rosary" has gone on to over 30 printings and has sold more than 5.3 million copies worldwide.
May Grandma Helen and Uncle Bud now rest in the peace of Heaven, enjoying the fruits of their labor of love for Our Lady. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Helen & J. Bruce Howell, Mother & Son
SHOP NOW
BLACK ADVENT - 1964 by H. Howell
Dear Family,
I have never spent such a black Advent before; felt as though I died that First Sunday of Advent when officially the Mass was changed. We’re past the point of no return and I tremble for the future chaos that could happen to our Holy Faith. Never thought it would go this far. The attached copies of letters were sent to several priests with a copy to our Pope with Christmas cards.
The Wanderer has mentioned our Holy Father (Pope Paul VI) was seen weeping at the dissension in the Church and the verbal attacks made against him by the liberal element. My Advent has been spent doing all I can to win souls for Christ by prayer, sacrifice and daily Masses, the best Christmas we can give Him; I’m so aware to that our Mass could become obscured altogether and I want to take advantage of the privilege as long as possible.
We must do more and inspire others too; the situation is serious but God can do nothing for us until we heed His Mothers wishes. Never before has it become so important to root yourself deeply in the Faith, a building of a Kingdom of God within. . Pray, pray much, especially the family Rosary for world peace.
Love,
I have never spent such a black Advent before; felt as though I died that First Sunday of Advent when officially the Mass was changed. We’re past the point of no return and I tremble for the future chaos that could happen to our Holy Faith. Never thought it would go this far. The attached copies of letters were sent to several priests with a copy to our Pope with Christmas cards.
The Wanderer has mentioned our Holy Father (Pope Paul VI) was seen weeping at the dissension in the Church and the verbal attacks made against him by the liberal element. My Advent has been spent doing all I can to win souls for Christ by prayer, sacrifice and daily Masses, the best Christmas we can give Him; I’m so aware to that our Mass could become obscured altogether and I want to take advantage of the privilege as long as possible.
We must do more and inspire others too; the situation is serious but God can do nothing for us until we heed His Mothers wishes. Never before has it become so important to root yourself deeply in the Faith, a building of a Kingdom of God within. . Pray, pray much, especially the family Rosary for world peace.
Love,
"SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD" by Helen Howell (1964)
Editor, The Wanderer:
To confuse issues is one of the most successful ruses of the Devil. In our activities to expose Communism, has he beguiled us into too much "beating of the air" in that direction, with the result that we are ignoring the real evil, of which Communism is but the symptom --- the moral decay all around us ---Satan's conquest for souls?
We fall into his snare when our message to others does not stress this spiritual combat --we don't go far enough after alerting others to the nature of Communism; or, having that knowledge ourselves, do not employ every spiritual weapon in the heavenly arsenal to obtain a victory that depends solely on God and our cooperation with Him, as His instruments, for the spiritual rebirth needed which concerns the temporal and eternal design of so many souls.
One of the most inspiring tapes available with this clear focus on conditions in the world today is entitled "Nuclear War, A Communist America, Or The Peace Plan from Heaven," a tape recorded lecture by Mr. Stephen Oraze, editor of Divine Love, P.O. Box 24, Fresno, California. One side, which lasts an hour, covers world affairs, the moral problems, and the solutions to be found in the Fatima message, and in the mercy of God for poor sinners. Side 2 contains about forty minutes of answers to questions most frequently asked, including one on the Fatima secret. It is well worth the price of $5.00. Everyone, without exception, should hear this vital message for the most important consideration at any time -- our eternal salvation.
Included also is a beautiful, clear explanation of consecration to Mary, a devotion little understood or practiced by most, but one of the most powerful means of obtaining graces for ourselves and others when our prayers and sacrifices are offered to Our Lord through her hands. Stressed also are the expressions and thoughts of love that can be sent heavenward by each and everyone of us throughout the day to offset the blasphemies; a veritable tidal wave of love against all the hate, so powerful in obtaining God's mercy in keeping evil from overbalancing the scales, and so easy to do even when we are busiest.
This, then, is the perspective that should be our greatest concern. "Seek first the Kingdom of God," should be our rule. By example and efforts we should lead others to this full knowledge of the real issues at stake. The greatest temptation is to believe we haven't time to put these "first things first" -- another delusion of the Devil; once this principle is adhered to, we will find more direction, time and energy will be spent with less tension and concern -- we are not fighting alone now; God is waging the battle, and we will be filled with new hope and confidence.
It is because our task is desperately difficult, our enemies numerous, with seemingly inexhaustible resources and organized with such diabolical cleverness that it is important our every step and move yield the most fruit to obtain this complete victory in the cause of Christ and souls.
Mrs. Helen Howell
NEW VIDEO ADDED (1967) "Conciliar or Catholic" by Father Gommar A De Pauw, Professor of Theology and Doctor of Canon Law
Fr. Gommar De Pauw's talk "Conciliar or Catholic" is just as relevant today as it was in 1967, if not more so. More of his videos are posted below.
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM (1969) by H. Howell
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM (written by Helen Howell, 1969)
“By their fruits” they should have been recognized. All of our recent Popes have clearly defined and condemned all the errors prevalent in the Church today. Most that is being promulgated follows the plan and strategy, successfully used in other countries, to water us down in to the Nationalist church of the enemy.When will we realize our warfare is with principalities and powers, a diabolical intellect far superior to man’s, satanically organized in a concerted effort to destroy God’s Church?
Satan has always quoted scripture when it suits his purpose, so of course he stressed the importance of the great central act of Catholic worship, our Holy Mass when he wishes to drop prayers and devotions, then nullifies its power with externals that cheapen, degrade and distract.
Our Catholic identity ceased on the first *Sunday of Advent 1969 when the “point of no return” was inaugurated – a regimented invasion of privacy wherein it is impossible to contemplate the divine mysteries of our Faith in union with God, WHICH IS A NECESSARY PRELIMINARY, if we would reap the abundant fruits of Holy Communion. It is like seeking an intimate conversation with a close friend but never getting more than a glimpse at regular social gatherings. “Then see Him afterward, at other times”, says the seducer, knowing full well his whole program has eliminated the fruits of Holy Communion that inspire the faithful, instead has given them, disappointment, frustration, disgust and that they will be more inclined to seek their consolation in his world of sensual pleasure.
The Sacred Rites of the Altar, the Holy of Holies, the intimate identity of Christ with His “other Christs”, which fostered that love and respect for our priests as such, now profaned, exhibited to the eyes of the curious for the contempt that familiarity breeds, all diabolically conceived to place the Celebrant in a position to obscure the throne of our Lord, a literal turning of his back on God, the sly insinuation that he is as God (Lucifer’s great crime).
“To Me, every knee shall bend”, says our Lord. When, anymore? The last Gospel dropped, proof of our Lord’s divinity. Externals, music, art, everything contrived to grate the finer sensibilities of man in his relationship to God, so beautifully expressing in the splendor of our traditional Mass.
He has all but perpetrated the perfect crime – the greatest denial and betrayal since Judas.
By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Matthew 7:16
Written by Helen Howell
* The first Sunday of Advent, November 30,1969, the Novus Ordo Missae took effect.
LETTER TO SR. MARY TREA - 1965 by H. Howell
My aunt, Helen's daughter was a Sinsinawan Dominican teaching nun.
PHOTO - Jack Howell, Sr. Mary Trea, Helen Howell
8-15-1965
8-15-1965
My Dear Daughter,
...I have been thinking how very wonderfully I have been blessed in comparison to what other mothers who do have with problems in the family - either members outside of the Faith, or, particularly today, many separated by Liberalism which divides and splits. This was particularly noticed at the (Wanderer) Forum with the different ones I met - all conservatives, but many members of their families were not; even husbands and wives at opposite poles. Have decided this is too rare a blessing to go unheeded. It constitutes my complete moral foundation. It deserves my undivided attention and in the future it will be my main objective - as many prayers and good works as I can give for the good of all, with a closer union in contacts and whatever else I can do to help, particularly since you younger ones have all the energy to accomplish "great things for God".
Have spoken out with all the information necessary for others. The Liberals can take care of themselves from here on out, they've received far more consideration that they ever give anyway. The moral foundation which is already established within our family unit IS the motivating force which will carry all of us successfully through these times, and that is where all my energy will be focused in the future. Hear! hear! and you've got it in writing!
Have been disturbed at times in giving you the truth concerning the Church and our country lest it interfere with your vocation, but am no longer concerned in that respect. Who knows from day to day what the will of God is for each and every one of us? How much I believed nothing would ever cease my activities as a Legionary (of Mary) , outside of physical inability, and yet the road since has been the most unexpected, heartrending, and fantastic of anything that I would ever have imagined. No, I can certainly leave that matter entirely in the good Lord's hands. I am accountable for truth only. The results may mean added hardships for you, but truth has always been in the minority, it is never the popular road, and I can only hope by my prayers, correspondence, contacts whenever possible to help in whatever way morally is necessary to continue on your path to holiness, which is the only goal for any of us.
I like to talk big, and me thinks I have fooled myself when I say I am entirely detached because I find I am NOT AT ALL in regard to my family. This is my whole moral footing to see all of you doing so much for the honor and glory of God. This is the greatest. It is the real strength of unity so necessary to continue in the great challenge of this present day living. Perhaps I have never quite realized all the blessings that have been mine; have always been too careless about charity beginning at home. That was too true as a Legionary, I know, and now I am brought up short again. Well, never too late to do something about it, I hope; maybe the Blessed Mother did want those few seeds I have planted in the past to get out before she gave me this insight now, but then I never can differentiate too well between what is inspired and what is self-assertion, but am most suspicious of the latter. Anyway, it was grand having you home, and hope, before school starts, you will benefit much in getting set for the year ahead of you.
Love and prayers always,
Mother
LETTER TO FAMILY - 1965 by H. Howell
Years ago when I was caught up in the hectic pace of Christmas, I regretted I could not live more intimately the spirit of Advent, for the true meaning of this holy season. It is possible now, and has been these last few years, for a richness that so obscures the false glitter that has replaced sanctity. The world around me has become the most unreal and undesirable.
If I were foolish enough to listen to all the news reports, the rising crime rate in this area, and of course all must be reported most vividly, I would no doubt suffer the same tension and apprehension that seems to dominate most lives.
I’m sure that is the longest sentence of all my two long ones; in fact, I noticed the beginning one isn’t any shorter. Guess that’s why nobody knows what I’m writing about. By the time they reach the end of the sentence, they can’t recall the subject at the beginning. It’s not limited to just my writing, to be other worldly-wise in eternity, priorities; it is to speak and think differently than others, a natural or maybe supernatural result of the great mercy of God as we grow older and He helps us to become detached from the passing things of this world.
There is always a generation gap. Age can better understand youth having experienced that period, but it is surprising how few do. But there are not many that lean on the Blessed Mother for everything, the instruction and guidance she gives that signifies the will and pleasure of her Divine Son. It is never the self love that likes to believe erroneously it is doing God‘s will, our worst enemy, but poses as our dearest friend. If we could always remember to direct our concern from self to God and His Mother, their honor and glory, how simple life would become as it is meant to be. End of sermon, for myself mostly!
Written by Helen Howell (1965)
TV SURVEY - 1965 by H. Howell
The following is Helen Howell’s written response when she was asked to participate in a TV survey back in 1965.
“ For those of us who “keep up on our homework” in spite of the “boob tube”, we know the liberal establishment is in complete control of all communications media.
A survey will disclose only one important fact to them: how well have they succeeded in brainwashing, manipulating, demoralizing, and tranquilizing the American people into complete submission?
Our country is no longer governed “by the people, for the people“ and TV edition has done more to hypnotize a once free people into apathy and complacency in a false sense of “peace and security“.
An instrument that could’ve done so much in preserving the American ideal, personal responsibility to God and neighbor, has been turned into a Frankenstein of horror with its deadly intent.
Dissenting voices have long ago been tabulated for future use, but we have no intention of adding our identity, another important feature of such a survey is yours.
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty“.
“ For those of us who “keep up on our homework” in spite of the “boob tube”, we know the liberal establishment is in complete control of all communications media.
A survey will disclose only one important fact to them: how well have they succeeded in brainwashing, manipulating, demoralizing, and tranquilizing the American people into complete submission?
Our country is no longer governed “by the people, for the people“ and TV edition has done more to hypnotize a once free people into apathy and complacency in a false sense of “peace and security“.
An instrument that could’ve done so much in preserving the American ideal, personal responsibility to God and neighbor, has been turned into a Frankenstein of horror with its deadly intent.
Dissenting voices have long ago been tabulated for future use, but we have no intention of adding our identity, another important feature of such a survey is yours.
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty“.
Written by Helen Howell (1965)
IF I WERE THE DEVIL (1965) by Helen Howell
(with all due apologies to Paul Harvey)
With such fantastic success in deceiving Catholics, I would now evaluate and plan my strategy to ensnare those who call themselves “traditionalists”. The liberals are already serving me, so my efforts are free to concentrate on those who THINK they are immune against me.
“Divide and conquer” will be just as effective with them because too many DID listen to my lies. They thought that they had to delve into them to defend truth; they even repeated my “cliches” instead of their truths, all devised to shake firm convictions, “water them down” for compromise; how many “staunch” ones fell victims for that snare! And discussion I always urge – conflicting opinions, strife, contention, disagreement, even amusement and indulgence – what difference just as long as no one is HORRIFIED at my perpetrations! COMPROMISE! CONCESSIONS! Look at all I’ve gained! Anyone I can get to “shake hands with the ole’ devil” might as well concede victory now!
For those few who have remembered and believed God instead of me, I will have my vengeance. They will taste of the fury of Hell. They will be isolated and suffer the wrath and scorn of their former associates. Who, among traditionalists have not accepted my version of CHARITY – Offend God for love of neighbor (which is SIN, my specialty). And how I gloat at this success. Who is not mocking, defying, and even blaspheming Him for love of neighbor? FRATERNAL CHARITY – BROTHERHOOD at all costs especially to God Himself. Who would DARE offend neighbor for love of God which is so stigmatized by me? Yes, that has been my most successful ruse – FEAR OF HUMAN RESPECT – MY charity which convinces the “offended neighbor” you are being attacked personally, go up in arms, how dare they! -- anything to keep them from seeing my evils!
And for those who would DARE try to remind others of what is most pleasing to God or that Mother of His, whom I hate most – no one believes me once they turn to Her – I will see to it there is raised the usual hue and cry of UNCHARITABLENESS. Most have been convinced BY ME that their actions ONLY will defeat me, into which I inject that pride of accomplishment, personal glory, frenzied activity that allows no time whatever to think about God. Of course, I always mix good with my evil. I don’t discourage prayer entirely, just enough to keep them complacently comfortable, that they are “good enough”; God certainly wouldn’t expect more when they are WORKING so hard for Him! These are the ones who can serve me now - by rejecting completely any message that would encourage them to put on the COMPLETE ARMOR OF GOD! At all costs, this must not be. It would spell my defeat. There are so few who believe in it any more – it shouldn’t be too difficult – but let that message spread – AND I AM DOOMED!
Sure, I know truth, and at Calvary was almost defeated in complete despondency that I could ever ensnare Catholics who had been given so much protection against me; but down through the centuries, have been amazed at how much they prefer my version of the gospel to that of God’s. Today my success is all but realized even though I know that WOMAN, will crush me in the end, look at the harvest of souls that are mine now with more promised in the future if I just keep them believing EVERYTHING is more important than God.
Yes, if I were the Devil, I’d keep right on doing just what I'm doing.
Written by Helen Howell (1965)
THE ECUMANIACS by REV. GOMMAR DePAUW (1965)
GOMMAR A. De PAUW (11 October 1918 - 6 May 2005) was a traditionalist Catholic priest and founder of an organization that he called the Catholic Traditionalist Movement.
AS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE RECORD LP JACKET: In the record trade, commentary on the reverse side of an album jacket is generally written by and signed by a person with an obvious intellectual or artistic relationship with the principal personality projected in the record.
"THE ECUMANIACS" by FATHER GOMMAR A. DePAUW, J.C.D. (1965)
Who and what are the forces behind
the English Mass Texts and other radical new liturgical practices in the Roman Catholic Church?
Devout Traditionalist Catholics demand an honest answer. Here it is.
AS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE RECORD LP JACKET: In the record trade, commentary on the reverse side of an album jacket is generally written by and signed by a person with an obvious intellectual or artistic relationship with the principal personality projected in the record.
Frankly, I don't fit the description. I am not a Catholic, I have never even met the Reverend De Pauw. I've never been inside a Catholic church for purposes other than a wedding or a funeral...with the single exception of having recorded the Christmas midnight Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, December 1944, when Latin was still in style.
Why, then, am I presumptuous enough to write these words of preface to Father De Pauw's epic defense of the Catholic Traditionalist posture? Because I see at work in the Catholic Church the same forces of evil which have already subverted some of the best of our Protestant churches.
Father De Pauw resents and detests what he terms "The Hootenanny Liturgy." He is offended by the egregious downgrading of the altar, the desecration of the statues and the rosary beads. So am I. For a conspiracy which damages any sincere religion inevitably must contribute to the decay of all faiths.
A Belgian born U.S. citizen, Father De Pauw is descended from a long line of early American settlers, including Washington Charles De Pauw, for whom De Pauw University is named. Father De Pauw distinguished himself with participation in major battles of World War II. Since 1952, he has held the chair of Moral Theology and Canon Law at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland.
If you're a hi-fi buff, please don't become unglued when you hear extraneous thumping sounds in the background of the speech. Father De Pauw is an enthusiastic man. Sometimes he expressed himself not only vocally, but with some resolute hard-banging on the lectern as well. I'm all for it.
Father De Pauw will prove to you that the vernacularized Liturgy is not subscribed to by His Holiness Pope Paul VI. He will show you how and why it is essentially a wedge, designed to set the precedent for more drastic changes.
Again, I am not Catholic, but my own faith has found renewed vigor and dedication in the wise words of this great priest.
VICK KNIGHT, Composer
Born: August 5, 1908 in Moundsville, West Virginia, USA
Died: May 17, 1984 (age 75) in Los Angeles, California, USALETTER TO WANDERER PRINTING CO. (June 1966) by H. Howell
Dear Friends,
Most informed Catholics, like yourselves, have to keep in view the total picture in the struggle today. My only concern has been the Church, a picture that was just as clear at the very beginning of these changes; it only come into sharper focus with each passing day.
The greatest danger to Catholics living in a country where the predominant atmosphere was a constant threat to their Faith, few could escape its rationalizing, popular opinion and few have done so in one degree or another. Few are looking at things completely with the eyes of Faith; few have been in a position to keep this vision pure.
Convinced converts are better armed, we know these liberal errors because too many years were spent wallowing in them. We paid the price that is demanded in acceptance of Truth, and therein lies the difference. This is the measure of our love for our Holy Faith that makes us so zealous in defending it which many of us have been doing all along in sharing it with others; but for the most part, found it was a case of upholding it to Catholics themselves which today has expanded considerably but with a greater penalty in that we are viewed now as not being “Catholic minded” – we have “lost the Faith”.
For some of us it was the Pearl of Great Price”; it was an insatiable “thirst” for naught else and we eliminated all things that would tarnish or destroy it – secular reading material in any form, all unnecessary social contacts and curiosity that was deemed a waste of time when such an inexhaustible treasure remained to be explored in its every depth. Dependence upon a hearing device was a further heavenly protection which was used more to “tune out” the world, the flesh and the Devil, particularly his most deadly too, the “boob tube” in the living room. And I find now that as things become progressively worse in the Church, so does my hearing. You have no idea of what one is spared with a flick of a switch.
This vigilance is even more important today when the Catholic press in general has become tainted. All have been eliminated when found to contain liberal articles which include many favorites of the past, but it does give ample room and clear vision of the Wanderer at all times. This protection is important for other members of the family, visitors, but paramount is the burning desire to preserve the dignity and reverence for my Holy Faith intact within my own home. This is one liberty that has not been violated – yet. There is a dignity and nobility in suffering “darts and slings” in upholding Truth. The abasement endured today with the spectacle of appeasement that merits nothing but the scorn of others, as all groveling does, cuts deeper in a shame that is unclean, unwholesome, a defilement of the purity and Holiness of God.
This is the deep affliction of those who truly love their Holy Faith, but like all suffering endured in union with our Mother who knows the way so well, it brings enlightenment, the wisdom of the cross, a greater love for the cross, to participate more deeply by immersing our sorrows in Theirs; to feel keenly the indignities again suffered by Them by an ungrateful people, to share that “thirst” for souls that constituted Their greatest agony. It is still a convert’s zeal that compels one to share this knowledge with others, that same yearning that all know, love and appreciate the great treasures of our Holy Catholic Faith. “It behooves watchdogs to bark” – I Howl (my feeble jest)
Sincerely in Christ through Mary,
Helen Howell
A CONVERT'S DILEMMA (1966)
How cleverly Satan has exploited the misconceptions that exist in the minds of Catholics concerning their Protestant neighbors, thus overlooking the wide chasm that does separate us. In magnifying non-essentials, such as scripture quoting, the biggest bluff that has always been used in recruiting Catholics, we hear much of Bible Vigils, which implies of course that we are more deficient in that respect than they.
Catholics have always been encouraged to read the Bible, contrary to their usual accusations. Any Catholic who attends Mass regularly, attentively and interestedly, is far better instructed in the Bible than a Protestant. Their knowledge of Old Testament stories may be greater (but only in that category) because this is stressed more than the contents of the New Testament. Right of private interpretation is always claimed, which gives rise, of course, to the many sects.
What do they really prove? Exercise of memory, literal translations, overlooking the deep things of God contained, the prophecies and real “meat” and wealth which is given in our interpretations, both traditionally and scripturally. They insist on answers, reject mystery, miracles, and many have for long promoted much of what we are hearing today in refuting these things. This is a conceit of knowledge only, has nothing to do with spirituality, a personal God, or salvation, and even your best Protestants, these who are sincere, are left barren in comparison with the richness of truth which we possess.
A Protestant will invariably seek that Catholic who is weak in his faith to overcome him with this age old weapon, but let that Catholic become deeply rested in truth, and that same Protestant will avoid any discussion of religion with the plea he doesn’t want an argument. What he really means is, he knows that he can’t win it.
But for these outsiders honestly interested with their questions of the faithful, it is a deplorable fact that Catholics too often saw only a personal affront, exposing touchiness and suspicion, a lack of conviction, but mostly a feeble love of God, His Truths and the only real charity for neighbor.
This is the true picture of the barriers that did exist, mostly of a Catholic’s own making – their compromise rather than be different, the desire to be accepted, popular; envy of a Protestant easier way of life, all of which Satan could easily distort in the false ecumenism of today. But we are far less able to cope with the real challenge; the solid ground of faith needed, with the watering down that is given us, victims rather of all the errors around which are given pride of priority, even primacy of eternal truths.
This MYTH of Protestant superiority is best understood by these who once believed it –the converts who look back with shame at their stupidity, ignorance and insufferable pride, the blindness of conceit that rarely admits God and His Truths. This is the “mea culpa” of our past, all freely admitted, but we never brag about it with a yen or nostalgia for something that constitutes our most painful memories. Perhaps that is why our suffering is so keen – we don’t like to see our past reviewed so realistically, all the follies, the deceits, the complete emptiness and hollowness of a mere existence. We know all about the “meeting places” without God’s presence, the self-glorification of a social gospel, the plain altars that looked more like tables, the vagueness of God’s Commandments, the lengthy sermons that said little about Him, the brotherhood that noted who was there, what they wore, the handshaking, visiting in church with one another, a departure of “feeling good”, a sentiment aroused by contact with others, a most noble sense of self-satisfaction that for one Sunday at least we attended church, but God certainly received the scantiest consideration of all.
This is the mess of pottage that is Protestantism - mere husks – no wonder we writhe in agony and protest: “They who had led us into captivity require of us the words of songs.” At least Protestant hymns are noted for more beauty than that which we are given now. “Lead Kindly Light” could be profitably used, written by Cardinal Newman, poignant in its plea for truth before his conversion – we need it now to find our way back.
LETTER TO IMMACULATE HEART CRUSADER, CHICAGO IL. (1966)
Gentlemen:
I have
received the first copy of Immaculate Heart Crusader, and though it contained
excellent articles, like most Catholic periodicals today, you included two liberal
ones which are not acceptable to traditional Catholics, who like the good woman
mentioned “is going to hang on to the Church that she joined 25 years ago”.
For myself,
it has been 24 years. Converts particularly underwent a great deal of anguish
in total capitulation, the prerequisite of the Catholic stand that is absolute.
One is either Catholic all in all, or not at all. Nothing can change it nor has
the Council done so, but the popular news media, including most of the Catholic
press, has distorted everything in a misrepresentation that few bother to check.
Mary is also
Queen of Militants (a word most repugnant to the Liberals who castigate all
forms of extremism) but few there are, even among her devotees who fearlessly
uphold the Honor and Glory of God and Eternal Truth for which Her Son died. How
quickly the word “obedience” is injected in every liberal article to force
conformity to their will, and yet they are defying the authority of the Council
and Rome with innovations to destroy the Church perpetrated by the “wolves”
within.
The True
Church is already silenced and underground – the traditional voices harassed,
ignored and stigmatized by the liberal segment, many more than what they have
led others to believe. They are being raised, organized for the mutual support
of one another and now we do have the leadership of informed priests who do not
hesitate to brand liberalism for the heresy it is.
The
subscription list sent you were those of my family. We stand united
traditionally because as a Catholic parent I taught them as a Catholic we are different,
that we had to dare to be different even among our own for the edification of those all around us; and that is exactly what we are doing today. We are Catholic. We
are different, uncompromising when all about us is appeasement, refutation of
truth, and distortion of our Holy Faith. We have no intention of selling our
Birthright for a mass of liberal pottage. When Catholic periodicals fail to be
Catholic all in all, they are not upholding their mission as the voice of the
True Church and are just as disappointing and unacceptable as all other “strange
noises” within the visible form presented today.
Even your
editorial on “Tolerance”, which is true in that no devotion can be forced, even
to God Himself. Religion is caught, not taught, but it is a word that is gaining
momentum in its implications and smacks of the complacency that is festered by
the Devil instead of the Christian concept of working out our salvation in “fear
and trembling”. It ignores the Devil’s activity in discouraging devotion to
Mary, thus making souls more accessible to his guiles and eventual enslavement.
Her exemplary position was assigned by God Himself for the protection and
salvation of all men, the fountain of all His mercy and love. Much of what
Catholics misinterpret as devotion to Mary is nothing more than Satan’s
distortion for their ruination. To serve Mary faithfully, one has to combat her
strongest adversary, the Devil, whom she does know and understand and also
imparts to those who are loyal to her. And this is the crux of the situation
today. We are shaking hands with the Devil rather than resisting him with the
Invincible Weapon of Truth.
Traditionally
yours, Helen Howell
LOVE IS THE ONLY YARDSTICK (1966) by H. Howell
LOVE (THE UNION OF HEART, SOUL, AND MIND) IS THE ONLY YARDSTICK necessary to judge all things correctly -the "fruits" of hirelings, wolves, and false shepherds. We know our Divine Shepherd's Voice, the LANGUAGE OF LOVE that cannot be deceived! It is SIMPLE FAITH as He meant it to be, a language without words, the solitude of Nazareth, the center of which is the Adorable Species, the Holy Sacrament of the Altar which we can preserve within our hearts for all the plenitude of its riches when God's Holy Will decrees that course! He can and does give abundantly to those who still BELIEVE in His Omnipotence, united in heart and will, with no other desire but His Honor and Glory even though we cannot always understand incidentals of the tests He is giving us. Our Blessed Lord foresaw and lamented the lack of faith that BELIEVES in spite of evidence to the contrary, shaken because we allowed the first temptation of Satan instead of giving him the contempt he deserves.
A weak faith is easily scandalized. When we love, we do not doubt! To read past history of our popes is a test in itself. The scandal is not of God, but the enormous evil which He does allow for our good if we take advantage of every opportunity to grow in His love, clinging more tightly to Him and His Mother for all that is necessary in any battle. If we kept our eyes on them instead of self how differently would be our perspective. The Master teaches in the school of sorrow. We learn in union with Mary at the foot of the cross the price of love. He died for us but asks so little in return for a proof of our own - our hearts, our mind, our will. WE don't realize how much or self love opposes Him. That is why he has to force what we are not willing to give on our own. Like Job we can reach that total abandonment - "Even though He slay me, yet will I trust Him". Perfect rust never entertains doubt. Truth triumphs as the senses recede. How much has not Satan's contradiction of "we must understand"contaminated us. Our Lord said "BELIEVE for the faith that is firm, immovable as a rock! Circumstances today are just that to build this firm edifice.
We fear the wrong things. Self is the deadliest of enemies but poses as our dearest friend - the human spirit that "blinds" us in our own conceit. Love of faith embraces all truths in a whole. Obedience was loved as much as all our other treasures, the loss of which caused the greatest pain and suffering, the fear and trembling of a responsibility in interpreting rightly God's will when we no longer had this anchor to safely guide us.
"Even the elect will be deceived" is a frightful warning with evidence all around us. We can so easily be misled through an attitude of "non serviam" that becomes a defiance and ends in obstinancy of will. The fear of God that protects us from ourselves is the self knowledge and conviction of our nothingness, our total dependence upon His graces and mercy that "trembles" at our own weaknesses and infidelities, pleading constantly for His help or the strength and wisdom to remain true to Him and our Holy Catholic Faith within its proper structure as instituted by Him.
To have experienced this danger, that of being deceived into an organization outside of the truth faith, has deepened this awareness of a peril most to be feared, that of schism.
Father Grau who lived in times similar to ours, died in exile, wrote: "As regards those who at the sight of the scandals which reign in the fear either for her or for themselves, I say: their faith is weak and they are but little instructed in the events of previous centuries, if they are shaken by the events before their eyes. Have they forgotten the assurances given to His Church by Jesus Christ Himself, that the gates of hell shall never prevail against her, and the promise which He made to her pastors, to be with them even to the consummation of the world? Do they not know that the Church was born amidst the most terrible persecutions and that she grew by their very means was so cruelly persecuted St. Athanasius and the other defenders of the divinity of the Word, there has perhaps never been a century which has not offered the respectable, in the episcopal body, both of great virtues and of great vices, the murmurs of such souls and to reassure their wavering faith, I will bid them attend to Calvary. Who is He whom they see thus fixed to a cross as a blasphemer? Who are they who condemned Him to so infamous a death? Are they no the Pontiffs, the High Priests, the Doctors of the Law - in a word the Synagogue, which at that time represented, and indeed was, the Church among the Jews? Are they not those who sat upon the chair of Moses, and whose doctrine had been canonized by Jesus Christ Himself when He said to the people: "Do all that they tell you, but do not what they do"? And it was by this enormous scandal, by this Deicide, that was wrought the redemption of the human race. After this, is there anything with the power to shake our Faith?"
How can we, who know the importance of prayer and reparation in atonement for the offences against our Blessed Lord, fall victim to Satan's snare of rejecting the Holy Father? (Pope Paul VI) The general rebellion against him is the most serious consideration of reparation. Love knows that whosoever honors and love him honors our Lord, and by this filial love enraptures His Heart.
We need to deepen our truths for the loyalty of LOVE That conquers. Pick up any former book on the faith and see what is expected of us as Catholic in all trust, hope and confidence, the consoling doctrines of our belief:
Faith of our Fathers: "The Pope in every age, like his Divine Master, has his period of persecution and his period of peace. Like Him, he has his days of sorrow and his days of joy, his days of humiliation and death, his days of exaltation and glory. Like Jesus Christ, he is one day greeted with acclamations as King, and another day crucified by his enemies."
"But never does the Holy Father exhibit his title as Vicar of Christ more strikingly than in the midst of tribulations. If he did not suffer, he would bear no resemblance to his Divine Model and Master, and never does he more worthily deserve the filial homage of his children that when he is heavily laden with the cross!"
Father Faber expressed our need of triumph: "We are vowed by the dominance of heresy. It tarnishes our faith. It chills our love. It chokes, checks us, and galls us, and unmans, us, at almost every turn. No on comes quite unscathed out of the trial, least of all, those who think they do and have no fear."
We need the SPIRIT of faith, the adoration that acknowledges the dominion of evil nowhere, nowhere leaves the devil to himself or in possession, withdraws from no ground, but everywhere plants Gd's banner, and everywhere makes open acknowledgement of His universal sovereignty. A mind, ever brooding on God, saturated with the thought of God, and tho whose reasons God is the swift conclusion of all premises, has a science of its own and is a power on earth to which neither rank nor genius may compare. They must like and dislike, unerringly, they know nothing, and yet the future will show that God's glory was concerned, and that they judged as love and truth and clear light would have had them judge.
Faith of our Fathers: "God estimates men not by their numbers, but by their intrinsic worth. It is no credit to us to belong to the body of the Church Catholic if we are not united to the soul of the Church by a life of faith, hope and charity. It will avail us nothing to be citizens of the Kingdom of Christ which encircles the globe, unless the Kingdom of God is within us by the reign of the Holy Spirit in our hearts."
"The Holy Father may live and die in the catacombs, as the early Pontiffs did for the first three centuries. He may be dragged from His See and perish in exile, like the Martins, the Gregories, and the Piuses. He may wander a penniless pilgrim, like Peter himself. Rome itself may sink beneath the Mediterranean, but the Chair of Peter will stand, and Peter will live in his successors."
A weak faith is easily scandalized. When we love, we do not doubt! To read past history of our popes is a test in itself. The scandal is not of God, but the enormous evil which He does allow for our good if we take advantage of every opportunity to grow in His love, clinging more tightly to Him and His Mother for all that is necessary in any battle. If we kept our eyes on them instead of self how differently would be our perspective. The Master teaches in the school of sorrow. We learn in union with Mary at the foot of the cross the price of love. He died for us but asks so little in return for a proof of our own - our hearts, our mind, our will. WE don't realize how much or self love opposes Him. That is why he has to force what we are not willing to give on our own. Like Job we can reach that total abandonment - "Even though He slay me, yet will I trust Him". Perfect rust never entertains doubt. Truth triumphs as the senses recede. How much has not Satan's contradiction of "we must understand"contaminated us. Our Lord said "BELIEVE for the faith that is firm, immovable as a rock! Circumstances today are just that to build this firm edifice.
We fear the wrong things. Self is the deadliest of enemies but poses as our dearest friend - the human spirit that "blinds" us in our own conceit. Love of faith embraces all truths in a whole. Obedience was loved as much as all our other treasures, the loss of which caused the greatest pain and suffering, the fear and trembling of a responsibility in interpreting rightly God's will when we no longer had this anchor to safely guide us.
"Even the elect will be deceived" is a frightful warning with evidence all around us. We can so easily be misled through an attitude of "non serviam" that becomes a defiance and ends in obstinancy of will. The fear of God that protects us from ourselves is the self knowledge and conviction of our nothingness, our total dependence upon His graces and mercy that "trembles" at our own weaknesses and infidelities, pleading constantly for His help or the strength and wisdom to remain true to Him and our Holy Catholic Faith within its proper structure as instituted by Him.
To have experienced this danger, that of being deceived into an organization outside of the truth faith, has deepened this awareness of a peril most to be feared, that of schism.
Father Grau who lived in times similar to ours, died in exile, wrote: "As regards those who at the sight of the scandals which reign in the fear either for her or for themselves, I say: their faith is weak and they are but little instructed in the events of previous centuries, if they are shaken by the events before their eyes. Have they forgotten the assurances given to His Church by Jesus Christ Himself, that the gates of hell shall never prevail against her, and the promise which He made to her pastors, to be with them even to the consummation of the world? Do they not know that the Church was born amidst the most terrible persecutions and that she grew by their very means was so cruelly persecuted St. Athanasius and the other defenders of the divinity of the Word, there has perhaps never been a century which has not offered the respectable, in the episcopal body, both of great virtues and of great vices, the murmurs of such souls and to reassure their wavering faith, I will bid them attend to Calvary. Who is He whom they see thus fixed to a cross as a blasphemer? Who are they who condemned Him to so infamous a death? Are they no the Pontiffs, the High Priests, the Doctors of the Law - in a word the Synagogue, which at that time represented, and indeed was, the Church among the Jews? Are they not those who sat upon the chair of Moses, and whose doctrine had been canonized by Jesus Christ Himself when He said to the people: "Do all that they tell you, but do not what they do"? And it was by this enormous scandal, by this Deicide, that was wrought the redemption of the human race. After this, is there anything with the power to shake our Faith?"
How can we, who know the importance of prayer and reparation in atonement for the offences against our Blessed Lord, fall victim to Satan's snare of rejecting the Holy Father? (Pope Paul VI) The general rebellion against him is the most serious consideration of reparation. Love knows that whosoever honors and love him honors our Lord, and by this filial love enraptures His Heart.
We need to deepen our truths for the loyalty of LOVE That conquers. Pick up any former book on the faith and see what is expected of us as Catholic in all trust, hope and confidence, the consoling doctrines of our belief:
Faith of our Fathers: "The Pope in every age, like his Divine Master, has his period of persecution and his period of peace. Like Him, he has his days of sorrow and his days of joy, his days of humiliation and death, his days of exaltation and glory. Like Jesus Christ, he is one day greeted with acclamations as King, and another day crucified by his enemies."
"But never does the Holy Father exhibit his title as Vicar of Christ more strikingly than in the midst of tribulations. If he did not suffer, he would bear no resemblance to his Divine Model and Master, and never does he more worthily deserve the filial homage of his children that when he is heavily laden with the cross!"
We need the SPIRIT of faith, the adoration that acknowledges the dominion of evil nowhere, nowhere leaves the devil to himself or in possession, withdraws from no ground, but everywhere plants Gd's banner, and everywhere makes open acknowledgement of His universal sovereignty. A mind, ever brooding on God, saturated with the thought of God, and tho whose reasons God is the swift conclusion of all premises, has a science of its own and is a power on earth to which neither rank nor genius may compare. They must like and dislike, unerringly, they know nothing, and yet the future will show that God's glory was concerned, and that they judged as love and truth and clear light would have had them judge.
Faith of our Fathers: "God estimates men not by their numbers, but by their intrinsic worth. It is no credit to us to belong to the body of the Church Catholic if we are not united to the soul of the Church by a life of faith, hope and charity. It will avail us nothing to be citizens of the Kingdom of Christ which encircles the globe, unless the Kingdom of God is within us by the reign of the Holy Spirit in our hearts."
"The Holy Father may live and die in the catacombs, as the early Pontiffs did for the first three centuries. He may be dragged from His See and perish in exile, like the Martins, the Gregories, and the Piuses. He may wander a penniless pilgrim, like Peter himself. Rome itself may sink beneath the Mediterranean, but the Chair of Peter will stand, and Peter will live in his successors."
Written by Helen Howell (1966)
Faith of our Father by Rev. Frederick William Faber
Based on Hebrews 11:6
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Our Fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our Fathers! Mary's prayers
Shall win our country back to thee:
And through the truth that comes from God
England shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our Fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife:
And preach thee too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life:
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.[5]
Faith of our Father by Rev. Frederick William Faber
Based on Hebrews 11:6
 |
| Rev. Frederick W. Faber Photo Credit: Henry Hering |
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Our Fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our Fathers! Mary's prayers
Shall win our country back to thee:
And through the truth that comes from God
England shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our Fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife:
And preach thee too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life:
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.[5]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)