At the conclusion of our meeting at St. Michael's Abbey

Dear Friend, 

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Burke here in California while he was visiting St. Michael’s Abbey for a few days. Our meeting was very inspiring as we discussed plans and activities for Catholic Action in the upcoming year, as well as the current state of the Church and the world.

His Eminence shared his insights and concerns regarding the recently concluded Synod on Synodality in Rome. If you have been following in the news you are aware that there are many, including hierarchy, who want to define the Church and its teachings as seen through something being defined by synodality, a term which has no history in the doctrine of the Church and for which there is no reasonable definition. Cardinal Burke reiterated that synodality and its adjective, synodal, have become slogans behind which a revolution is at work to change radically the Church’s self-understanding, in accord with a contemporary ideology which denies much of what the Church has always taught and practiced. 

He elaborated on that only the truth of Christ, as it is handed down to us in the unchanging and unchangeable doctrine and discipline of the Church, can effectively address the situation by uncovering the ideology at work in our world, by correcting the deadly confusion and error and division it is propagating. Also, by inspiring the members of the Church to undertake the true reform which is daily conversion to Christ alive for us in the Church’s teaching.

We made plans to resume the monthly “Conversations with Cardinal Burke” productions with him as we head into the new year. Soon we will be soliciting your input for questions to pose to His Eminence. I also presented an overview of Catholic Action’s activities to publish his book on the Holy Eucharist in several foreign languages overseas as well as our ongoing outreach to clergy and much more.

Gianna, Cardinal Burke and me before a painting of St. Norbert

Accompanying me to meet with Cardinal Burke was Gianna Emanuela, the daughter of St. Gianna Molla. She is visiting my wife and me for two weeks as she works on the founding of an institute in the U.S. to promote the Catholic faith through the inspiration and virtue of her saint mother and holy father. It is called the Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family and Life. Following my meeting she met with Cardinal Burke who serves as the president of the foundation.

Visiting Mission San Diego de Alcala.

After Sunday Mass, visiting La Jolla coastline.

Gianna Emanuela and me with our god-daughter, Gianna.

My wife Bridgette and me cooking with Gianna Emanuela

I am blessed to have friends like Cardinal Burke and Gianna Emanuela with whom to work and collaborate to further the Kingdom of Christ. As you are a member of our family of souls, and are with us in the “vineyard,” I wanted to share this update with you.

In closing I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family for a very blessed Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for and let us always keep that as an inspiration.

Promising prayers,

Thomas McKenna

Founder and President

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
https://www.catholicaction.org/

Follow us on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram