Helen Howell * Militant Defender of the Catholic Faith

✠ A REFLECTION ON HERESY

Drawn from the writings of Fr. Frederick William Faber (1857–1860), this meditation compiled by Helen Howell calls the faithful to a deeper love for divine truth and a holy hatred of heresy—a virtue born only of an undivided heart for God.

HERESY

The crowning disloyalty to God is heresy. It is the sin of sins, the very loathsomeness of things which God looks down upon in this malignant world. Yet how little do we understand its excessive hatefulness! We take the worst of all impurities, the most revolting of God’s truth, which is the worst of all impurities, and we do not shudder. We look at it, and no fear. We see it touch holy things and we have no sense of sacrilege. We breathe its odor and show no signs of detestation. Some of us affect its friendship; and some even extenuate its guilt.

We do not love God enough to be angry for His glory. We do not love men enough to be charitably truthful for their souls. Having lost the touch, the taste, the sight, and the sense of heavenliness, we can dwell amidst this odd plague in imperturbable tranquillity, reconciled to its foulness, and without some boastful professions of liberal admiration, perhaps even with a solicitous show of tolerant sympathy.

Why are we so far below the old saints and even the modern apostles of these latter times, the abundance of our conversions? Because we have not the antique sternness. We want church-spirit, the old ecclesiastical genius. Our charity is untruthful, because it is not severe, and it is unpersuasive because it is untruthful. We lack devotion to truth as God’s truth.

Our zeal for souls is puny because we have no zeal for God’s honor. We act as if God were complimented by conversions, instead of trembling souls rescued by a stretch of mercy. We tell men half the truth, the half that best suits our own pusillanimity and their comfort; and then we wonder that so few are converted, and that of those few so many apostatize.

We are so weak as to be surprised that one half-truth has not succeeded as well as God’s whole-truth. WHERE THERE IS NO HATRED OF HERESY, THERE IS NO HOLINESS. A man, who might be an apostle, becomes a fester in the Church for the want of this righteous abomination.

WE NEED ST. MICHAEL TO PUT NEW HEARTS INTO US IN THESE DAYS OF UNIVERSAL HERESY. Whoever drew his sword with nobler haste, or used his victory more tenderly than that brave archangel, whose war-cry was ALL FOR GOD!

— Fr. Faber – “The Precious Blood,” 1860

HATRED OF HERESY

This is peculiarly offensive to the world. So especially opposed is to the spirit of the world, that, even in good, believing hearts, every remnant of worldliness rises in arms against this hatred of heresy, embittering the very gentlest of characters and spoiling many a glorious work of grace. In the judgment of the world, and of worldly Christians, this hatred of heresy is exaggerated, bitter, contrary to moderation, indiscreet, unreasonable, aiming at too much, bigoted, intolerant, narrow, stupid, and immoral. What can we say to defend it? Nothing which they can understand. The mild self-opinionatedness of the gentle, undiscerning good will also take the world’s view and condemn us; for there is a meek-looking positiveness about timid goodness which is far from God, and the instincts of whose charity is more toward those who are less for God, while its timidity is daring enough for a harsh judgment. HERESY CAN ONLY BE HATED BY AN UNDIVIDED HEART!

— Fr. Faber – “The Colors of Mary,” 1857

* BLACK ADVENT - 1964 by Helen Howell

Written in1964, Helen Howell’s “Black Advent” captures her deep sorrow at the first official changes to the Holy Mass. Her letter reveals both grief and resolve — a call to prayer, penance, and fidelity in a time of upheaval within the Church.

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. [November 29, 1964] 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,

THE SADDEST DAY - NOVEMBER 29, 1964

A letter written in 1964 by Helen Howell to several priests, with a copy sent to Pope Paul VI. Written at the dawn of the liturgical changes following the Second Vatican Council, this heartfelt plea reflects her deep sorrow over the loss of the Latin Mass she so dearly loved, and her unwavering devotion to the preservation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in all its reverent splendor.

The first Sunday of Advent [November 29, 1964] was the saddest I can ever recall, the beginning of a Soviet America, when the Church officially changed the glory and splendor of our Holy Mass, that could very well end in chaos and a total obscurity, another time in the history of the Church when it would seem to be all but dead and buried.

Our Liberal Catholic press quotes and misinterprets Pope John’s “Pacem In Terris” to suit their own ends. Nothing is ever mentioned about his papal document “Verterum Sapientia” forbidding efforts to supplant Latin as the language of the Church, the English text of which appeared in the Tablet on March 3, 1962.

My impression of Catholics before I knew anything about the Church was that they were ashamed of their Faith. This was even more evident when I became one. Yes, this could be a very just punishment from God for not appreciating the truth, to have it obscured to us entirely. In the hierarchy of authority in the Church, it would be most complete.

Personally, I disliked the participation Mass from the beginning, not the responses, anyone who intelligently follows Mass can easily do that. The faithful, as a whole disliked it as we found in our active Legion of Mary work. Knowing obedience to God is preferable above all personal feelings, that was my attitude and advice to others, but I looked to my week day Masses to make up for the emptiness of Sundays.

Liberalism is the brainwashing of the enemy within our ranks. Its first object is to confuse, then to distort, and eventually to destroy. The main focus at Mass was always on the tabernacle and the crucifix above. With our turned-around altars, the priest has become the center of attention — the Liberal thesis of placing man above God. The singing and constantly changing rubrics are distractions which only cater to those who come to be distracted. Perhaps the greatest avenue of activity for the enemy is found in the Laity Movement (the Commies always pick a good and noble cause and use it for their own ends). This is a field into which they can easily insert themselves, resulting in the sickening articles that are published everywhere — debunking and ridiculing everything that we hold most dear in the eyes of both the world and the faithful. Satan is successfully undermining the power of the Church against him in every way, eliminating prayers and reducing our Faith to the social gospel of the materialistic world around us.

I am humbly begging, that whatever influence you have, to do what you can to restore and save the only Heavenly Oasis we have in the exile on earth - the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as we have always loved it.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Helen Howell

"SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD" by Helen Howell (1964)

In this 1964 letter to The Wanderer, Helen Howell reminds readers that the true battle is not political but spiritual. Communism, she writes, is only a symptom of a deeper moral decay — the real enemy is sin. Her call is to prayer, consecration to Mary, and complete trust in God’s victory.

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

The Story Behind "The Secret of the Rosary"

A mother and son’s love for Our Lady transformed a humble publishing effort into a worldwide apostolate of prayer — The Secret of the Rosary reborn for the modern age through Helen and Bud Howell.

St. Louis de Montfort’s masterwork, The Secret of the Rosary, written in early 18th-century France, remains one of Catholicism’s most enduring spiritual guides. This treasured manual, which unveils the profound theology and practice of the Rosary, has transformed countless lives through its journey from handwritten manuscript to global spiritual classic. Its modern resurgence — rekindled through one American family’s devotion — reveals how Divine Providence often works through faithful souls who labor to preserve the Church’s perennial devotions amidst times of great change.

Origins and Early History

In 1716, just months before his death, St. Louis de Montfort completed his manuscript explaining the history, prayers, and mystical meanings of the Rosary. Known for his deep Marian devotion, the saint wrote the text to help both beginners and advanced souls grow closer to Jesus through Mary. The work circulated among French Catholic communities and was later translated into other languages, though its reach remained limited for more than two centuries.

A Family’s Divine Mission

In the mid-1960s, the book’s destiny changed through an unexpected channel. Helen Howell, a convert to Catholicism, and her son, J. Bruce “Bud” Howell, discovered the 1954 hardcover edition published by the Montfort Fathers. Distressed by the growing confusion in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, the Howells saw in this timeless work a means to rekindle authentic Catholic devotion and to strengthen souls through Our Lady’s Rosary. They believed the faithful needed clear, traditional teaching and a return to prayer — the very message The Secret of the Rosary embodies.

The Apostolate Begins

As owner of Christ and Country Books in Rockford, Illinois, Bud Howell took the bold step of publishing an affordable paperback edition of The Secret of the Rosary. His mother, Helen, shared deeply in the vision and the work — assisting with editing, coordinating distribution, writing promotional material, and personally encouraging others to rediscover the power of the Rosary. Together, they transformed what began as a modest local printing project into a true family apostolate dedicated to preserving and spreading devotion to the Blessed Mother.

The editions gained their now-famous cover image when Bud discovered a striking portrayal of Our Lady of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary at a St. Thomas School rummage sale — a providential find that would become iconic.

A Legacy Continues

Between 1965 and 1969, the Howells produced five editions of their paperback version. Helen’s friendship with Thomas A. Nelson, founder of TAN Publishers, proved pivotal for the book’s future. Recognizing TAN’s growing reach and its commitment to traditional Catholic publishing, Helen arranged for TAN to assume publication in October 1970. This ensured that The Secret of the Rosary would continue to reach souls throughout the world while remaining faithful to the Church’s timeless spirituality.

Under TAN’s stewardship, The Secret of the Rosary has flourished, with over thirty printings reaching more than 5.3 million readers worldwide. The book continues to fulfill its original mission: to draw souls into the mysteries of Christ through the intercession of His Blessed Mother.

Impact and Spiritual Legacy

The influence of The Secret of the Rosary extends far beyond statistics. It has renewed the Rosary devotion in countless parishes, inspired prayer groups, and offered spiritual strength to those seeking to hold fast to the faith handed down through the ages.

Helen and Bud Howell’s labor of love remains a shining example of how Divine Providence can use the dedication of ordinary believers to preserve the treasures of tradition for future generations.

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

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Freedom and the Airwaves:1965 Letter to the Joe Pyne Show

In 1965, my grandmother, Helen Howell, wrote this letter during a time when free speech was fiercely debated but not yet shadowed by the violence and censorship of our own era. Her words remind us that ordinary Americans have long felt compelled to speak out when they perceived dangerous philosophies taking root in the culture. To understand her reflections, it helps to know who Joe Pyne was. Joe Pyne (1924–1970) was a pioneering talk show host and radio commentator, remembered as the “father of confrontation talk shows.” His program, The Joe Pyne Show, thrived on heated exchanges. He invited controversial guests, confronted them with biting, patriotic bluntness, and became a lightning rod in 1960s public discourse. Many admired him as a voice of clarity in a confusing era, while others criticized his methods as harsh or combative.

Her letter, then, stands as both a product of its time and a prophetic witness across generations: a reminder that while the voices may change, the struggle between truth and deception, freedom and tyranny, continues.

________________________

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Last June 12, on Channel 11—KTTV Los Angeles, I watched with astonishment the appearance of Robert Vaughn as guest moderator for the “Joe Pyne Show.” I was so upset by what I heard and saw that I decided I had to put down my impressions in words. I feel it my duty as an American to speak out, in my own small way, against the decadent philosophy I saw beamed out to thousands of people.

The segment of the program in question opened with a half-clad female slithering to-and-fro, flapping her di-store eyelashes. Then, while all the bloodshot eyeballs in the audience were still bulging from their sockets, Mr. Vaughn cleverly presented some films of his recent visit to Moscow. “How nice,” we all thought, “they’re just ordinary people like us, and they seem so happy — what an interesting travelogue.”

Now Mr. Vaughn had our attention. He then presented a professor of political science from one of our prominent universities. This man is teaching our young citizens and, incidentally, is being paid by our taxes. He went into a long lecture on the history of communism. It was filled with impressive pseudo-intellectual jargon and terminology that confused everyone; but my, he sounded so much like an authority on government, and such a charming personality. Then he categorized the “types” of democracy, putting the socialistic state somewhere in the list. The outcome of the description was utter confusion, which I feel was the intention in the first place. Both men were charming, which made the audience receptive. But whenever an embarrassing question was asked, a convenient “capitalistic commercial” was flashed on the screen. When accused of being a “leftist,” they didn’t know what this meant, but if it meant being for civil rights then they were for it; again using the Negro as a scapegoat. Please understand I am not implying or calling anybody a communist — I am only reporting what I saw and heard and my impressions.

I know that little can be done about stopping these people from expressing their views; unfortunately, our system of government allows anyone to speak out even if they preach our eventual destruction and the abolition of that freedom they used to destroy us. However, much can be done about exposing this philosophy for what it is and what it teaches. A great deal can be done by exposing those that present this evil disguised as Utopia and gilded in gold. Many will reach out for it before they realize what lies beneath the surface. It’s our duty to seek out and destroy this malignancy that has run rampant and engulfed the world.
My words are few, my voice is small, and I don’t know how much good I’ve done by writing this letter, but it was something I had to say, and now that it’s said, I feel better for it.

Helen Howell

Editorial Note:
This letter was written in 1965 and reflects the language of its time. The word “Negro” appears in the text. In that era, it was a common and accepted term used even by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., though it is now considered outdated. It is preserved here exactly as written, to maintain the historical integrity of the document.

Letter to St. Patrick Catholic Church - Rockford, Illinois – September 1, 1965

In this 1965 letter to her parish priests, Helen Howell pleads for reverence before the Real Presence, calling Catholics to guard the sacred beauty of the Traditional Mass and the dignity of Holy Communion.

My Dear Reverend Fathers,

Thank God I found TRUTH when it was still untarnished—the one TRUE, UNIVERSAL, APOSTOLIC CHURCH of Christ. There was not a facet of this beautiful truth explained that did not impress one with all the grandeur and beauty which was the greatest proof of being Christ’s own Church—only a loving God could ever have thought of it.

Unlike my past gropings, there was no choice of what I could believe. It had to be all Catholic or not at all—in ceremony and creed—for such represented the fullness of Christ’s teachings, as He has never left a choice of what we were to believe and practice.

It is a psychological truth that when outward expressions of inward sentiments are eliminated, it will tend to strangle and ultimately destroy those sentiments themselves. Postures, beauty, the awesome rites of our Traditional Mass were ripe fruits of nineteen centuries of the experiences and strivings of the human soul to articulate its love and devotion to its God and Savior. It summed up man’s complete dependence on his God, body and soul, in his adoration, worship, and reverence which in all justice is due Him as our Creator.

“To Me every knee shall bend,” says our Lord. How many of these gestures are already eliminated in the Mass today, and now we are asked to express our thoughts about the manner of receiving Communion, our Blessed Lord Himself. I can only wonder: do we still believe in the REAL PRESENCE? What would be our attitude if our Lord suddenly revealed Himself in full splendor and glory before coming to us in such an intimate manner?

If we truly treasured this UNSPEAKABLE GIFT OF GOD, we would not have to ask ourselves in what manner we should receive Him, nor would we have allowed the other desecrations that aim to destroy His divinity.

Sincerely,

A Faithful Catholic, Helen Howell

HELEN HOWELL AT THE PIANO KEYS -1987

Helen Howell, age 84, playing an upbeat piano piece at the anniversary party for Father Frederick Schell in 1987 — a joyful glimpse of her lifelong love for music and for life.

(1967) "Conciliar or Catholic" by Father Gommar A De Pauw, Professor of Theology and Doctor of Canon Law

Father Gommar DePauw’s landmark talk “Conciliar or Catholic?” remains as timely and thought-provoking today as it was in 1967—perhaps even more so. His clarity and conviction continue to resonate in an age still grappling with questions of faith and fidelity.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE VIDEOS BY FR. DE PAUW

BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM (1969) by H. Howell

Written at the dawn of the new liturgical era in 1969, Helen Howell’s “By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them” reflects her anguish over the loss of reverence and sacred tradition in the Holy Mass. With clarity and conviction, she warns that the true battle is not against men, but against the powers that seek to obscure the face of Christ in His own Church.

“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

In this heartfelt 1965 letter to her daughter, Sr. Mary Trea — a Sinsinawan Dominican teaching nun — Helen Howell reflects on the blessings of a family united in the Catholic Faith. Writing as both mother and convert, she rejoices in her daughter’s vocation, warns against the rising tide of liberalism within the Church, and entrusts all to Our Lady’s guidance. Her words reveal the strength of a matriarch whose steadfast faith became the moral foundation of generations to follow. (Left to right: John S. (Jack) Howell, Sr. Mary Trea, Helen Howell)

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

Writing to her family in 1965, Helen Howell contrasts the false glitter of the world with the enduring light of faith, calling souls to simplicity and trust in Our Lady.

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“.

Written by Helen Howell (1965)

IF I WERE THE DEVIL (1965) by Helen Howell

In this 1965 reflection, Helen Howell imagines the Devil’s own strategy against both liberals and traditionalists within the Church. Written with piercing spiritual insight, her words reveal how pride, compromise, and fear of human respect can destroy faith from within. Her warning remains as prophetic today as when she first penned it.

(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.

"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, USA

LETTER TO WANDERER PRINTING CO. (June 1966) by H. Howell

“It behooves watchdogs to bark,” wrote Helen Howell in 1966 — a gentle yet fearless warning to defend the Faith with clarity and devotion.

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)

In this 1966 reflection, Helen Howell exposes the subtle deception of false ecumenism and recalls the emptiness of life before conversion—contrasting Protestant “husks” with the fullness of Catholic truth.

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)

In this impassioned 1966 letter, Helen Howell writes to the editors of a Catholic publication, defending the integrity of the traditional Faith against creeping liberalism. Speaking as a convert who had surrendered everything for truth, she warns that obedience must never become a disguise for compromise—and that fidelity to Mary, Queen of Militants, demands courageous resistance to error.

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,