O'Malley to preside at Kennedy funeral

How nice-O'Malley is showing his support for abortion.

As at any funeral Mass the purpose should be to pray for the repose of Ted Kennedy’s soul and should not turn into a long winded eulogy. That being said for the good of the Church if homilist brings up any good works Kennedy did he should also bring up how he went directly against the Church with many of his political stands.

There is a proposal to link our beloved Ted's name to the Health Care plan. To link this freedom killing monstrosity of a health rationing plan to Kennedy is an insult even to his memory. If you have not yet scanned H.R. 3200, here is a list of some of new big spending bureaucratic boards and programs it would have control our lives.
1. Health Choices Administration
2. Health Choices Commissioner appointed by President
3. Health Benefits Advisory Committee
4. Assistant Secretary for Health Information
5. Office of the Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange
6. Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange - appointed by President
7. Public Health Workforce Corps
8. School-Based Health Clinics
9. Center for Quality Improvement
10. Qualified Health Benefits Plan Ombudsman
11. Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment
12. Task Force on Clinical Preventive Services
13. Task Force on Community Preventive Services
14. Core public health infrastructure program
15. Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund
16. Office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance
17. Public Health Investment Fund
18. Prevention and Wellness Trust.
19. Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund
20. Retiree Reserve Trust Fund
21. Account for … the operation of the public health insurance option
22. Public Health Investment Fund
23. Pilot program … to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of skilled nursing facilities…
24. Frontline Health Providers Loan Repayment Program
25. Shared decision making demonstration program
26. Primary care training and capacity building program
27. Program for the training of medical residents in community based settings
28. Dental medicine training program
29. Cultural and linguistic competency training program for health care professionals
30. Innovations in interdisciplinary care training program
31. Programs to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for …
32. Process under which …individuals and employers may file complaints

Why do I even bother going to this Catholic church with all of it's rules of right and wrong if at the end of the day the guy who broke all the rules gets Mister Big presiding over his funeral??

This is why this old altar boy doesn't go to church anymore. I'll read the Bible and St Thomas Aquinas and St Paul's writings and figure it all out on my own..

The one and only time Jesus of Nazareth ever lost his temper was when he came upon the hypocrites.

He's certain not to mention the word abortion lest he be booed out of the church.

I'm preaching this Sunday and Sen. Kennedy will be a large part of what I have to say. You can see my blog here at boston.com (JaneXJoness). Sen. Kennedy and I disagreed about almost everything. I will focus on him as a child of God, as are we all.

What a weird looking photo. It looks like it has been very, very poorly photoshopped.

Will non-Catholics be told of the rules on receiving communion?

Earlier generations of Kennedys and Fitzgeralds were also BC alumni and helped build the school long before it became the "Jesuit Ivy" (a nickname itself coined by JFK). Teddy's (and Jack's and Bobby's) grandfathers and great-grandfathers attended Boston College, and the south wing of what is now Campion Hall still incorporates the former Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial building. Teddy and all the Kennedys, even those that went to Harvard, were true friends of Boston College.

With all due respect to the late Sen. Kennedy, it should be noted that during his career, he rabidly opposed the Catholic Church's positions on moral truths including abortion, same-sex "marriage," and stem cell research. So it's unfortunate and confusing that in his passing, he would be honored by the Cardinal/Archbishop of Boston in this manner.

You forgot to mention that his grandfather went to bc.

Archdiocese of Boston is going the way of Notre Dame. A sinful tragedy for American Catholicism.

Well all those Kennedy boys went to Harvard but they're Eagles at heart!

I suppose all you Catholic anti-abortionists who believe a pope is infallible and that , therefore, the church's dogma is "God's word", need to crack open some history books.

Perhaps these wacko "catholics" should come into the modern world.

A murderer, an adulterer in the eyes of the Catholic Church, supporter of same sex marriage, pro-choice and stem cell research....and he gets Cardinal O'Malley to preside over his service...go figure ??

Y'all should remember that Sen. Edward Kennedy did more to promote the core values of Catholic social teaching than any other senator or member of Congress. That there are Catholics who have the audacity to question whether or not Kennedy deserves a Catholic funeral is beyond comprehension. Abortion isn't the only issue in town...

As someone who lives 3000 miles from Boston now, I came to boston.com to leave a remembrance. What a mistake: the previous comments are hideous. Would that I could have stood in line at the JFK Library.

We are no longer Roman Catholics when the Cardinal, Monan and Hession preside over this Mass. Boston College is not the Catholic college that my father and brother attended. Why does the press call us the American Catholic Church, because they believe in abortion? I am, and will always consider myself a Roman Catholic. This man, not only was for abortion, but he left a young girl to die at Chappaquick, he took his nephews, on Holy Saturday night to a night club and back to Palm Beach house for sex. All I can say, is God help this country and our church.

Tell Mr. "Right" to get his head out of the SAND.

O'Malley and the priests, as Kennedy, who witnessed to a life of giving scandal and publicly opposing Church teachings and promoting pro-death positions (privately repentant before death or not) will as all of us, be judged.

We can be pro abortion and Catholic! See what the Bishops and Priests teach us even from the Altar! Human Sacrifice is a Virtue!!!

May the floor of hell be paved again with their skulls!

#3 Ed: If the President (and his family), all members of Congress (and their families), and all federal employees (and their families), give up their current health plans and allow their health plans to be administered under the Medicare/Medicaid systems with all proposed changes in the proposed health reform of Obama, then I support Obama's plan. I want to see the President and all his supporters have the same skin in the game (and seeing the same group of doctors) as the most elderly person that will be affected by their health bill.

I'm actually surprised at all of the vitriol. The man is dead. It's his funeral mass. These people were his friends. Hard line Catholicism and abortion talk is super self serving of all of you--AND completely transparent.

The entirety of the Funeral Liturgy focuses on prayers for the Repose of the Soul of the deceased. You see, in the Catholic Church, we have this thing called the Virtue of Hope. We also believe that prayers for the dead are efficacious. We do not know, with certainty, whether the deacesed is in heaven or not. What's important is the charity of prayer for the deceased. We also have what we call the Virtue of Love, which is not conditional. How many have not loved a flawed person? We also have the Virue of Faith. That Christ conquered death and rose again. RIP Ted

The Catachism of the Catholic Church teaches:
2322 From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.
Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 5, SubSection 3, Heading 2
Since Mr. Kennedy is directly complicit in passing laws that enables abortion, is he not excommunicated? If so, how can any priest celebrate and honor an excommunicated person through a public Sacrifice of the Mass? Private, yes for the repose of the soul. Public, no as it entails scandal.

No surprise that Fr. J. Donald Monan will be involved. After all, he was in charge of BC when the crucifixes were yanked out of the classrooms. But Cardinal O'Malley? That's just despicable. I agree totally with iamjohngalt. This type of thing is what drives the faithful to stay home on Sundays. "Those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a grave and clear obligation to oppose any law that attacks human life” -- Pope John Paul II. What a slap in the face to this former Pope, now on his way to Sainthood.

Hey, Kath, Get a life and read the dogmas of the Catholic church before you condemn them. Yes we are anti-abortionists because abortion destroys a life and doesn't allow the soul earthly living. Ted Kennedy has by now met his Maker and knows the errs of his way. I hope and pray that Cardinal O'Malley has the courage to tell the world that Ted Kennedy, as a human sinned not only against his Church but his God. But then again, we are all sinners, huh, Kath. God Bless
P.S. The history books were written by men and some women and that makes them fallible.

May God have mercy on his soul.

Yo-Yo Ma? Well that makes no cents to me...but for their will to acquiese to a falser and familiar refrain that 1st come is 1st served...

"Ave Maria"? Now THAT will make a hill of beans less against itself...but for my own "How Great Thou Wert"...

or 'en the masterful "Amazing Grace" and "come thou font" to petrify all faces in the mass'd need for acquiese to a littler truth now.

Indeed how unfortunate to hear these low IQ Catholics tossing stones at glass houses over hypocritcal issues such as abortion and a less than intelligent understanding of the health care bill before Congress. I am deeply embarrassed at the poverty, mean spiritedness , and crass voices of these lost and vacant minds. Too, why the need for projecting these evil
and spiteful words over the spirit of Ted Kennedy; look within and see yourselves.

Clearly there are two types of Catholics--those who live the faith diligently, responsibly and, as best they can, faithfully. Then there are America's 'politician Catholics,' those who pick and choose of Catholicism what they agree with, or like; and discard, ignore and dis-avow what they don't like or accept, or what makes their politics tougher. Regardless, it seems the hierarchy of the Church makes no distinction--and will 'preside' over the funeral Mass of a murderer, adulterer, divorcee who marries another divorced, yet claims to be 'Catholic.' How confusing, how strange it all seems to be. And the Church wonders why fewer attend?

DEAR iamjohngait,

JESUS, WHO HAND PICKED THE 12 APOSTLES, KNEW THAT FROM HIS FIRST 12 PRIESTS, ONE WOULD BETRAY HIM FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER, HIS FIRST POPE WOULD DENY HIM 3 TIMES BEFORE REPENTING OF HIS SIN AND THE OTHER NINE WOULD RUN AWAY FROM HIM IN HIS HOUR OF NEED. ONLY ONE, JOHN THE BELOVED, WOULD FOLLOW HIM TO THE CROSS. EVEN THOUGH CHRIST KENW THIS WOULD HAPPEN, HE STILL CALLED THESE 12 TO BE HIS FIRST PRIESTS. HE FOUNDED HIS CHURCH UPON PETER AND STILL TODAY CALLS WEAK MEN, WHO SOMETIMES SIN AGAINST HIM AND HIS CHURCH. HE COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN EVERY DAY AND MAKES HIMSELF PRESENT, BODY, BLOOD, SOUL AND DIVINITY FOR US MERE MORTALS, THORUGH THE WORDS AND HANDS OF HIS PRIESTS.
WE GO TO CHURCH TO RECEIVE JESUS SACRAMENTALLY, NOT FOR THE PRIESTS HOMILY, HUMOR, HOLINESS OR LACK OF HOLINESS.
JESUS IS CALLING YOU BACK. COME HOME.

You people with negative statements: JUST SHUT UP!! I didn't know we had so many Saints commenting here! Like God says, He does not judge like man judges, and does not think like man! That means you negative commentors are happily playing the part of the prosecutor, the Devil!
None of you know, unless you are St.Padre Pio, or St.Sister Faustina, where Ted is, or how he was judged by our Merciful Saviour who's Divine Mercy is for ALL sinners. None of you were at Ted's last confession before he died. But I know one thing that Jesus made CLEAR, you will be judged as you judege others!

As a Boston College alumna and person of faith, I have rarely been prouder of my Alma Mater. Ann Bowler: I thank God Almighty that BC is not the same place it was when your father and brother attended. More importantly, I thank God for the life of Ted Kennedy whose faith guided him to bring about the kingdom of God. I pray that, in his words, "the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” May he rest in peace in Your company, O Lord.

Canon 1184:
"#1. Unless they have given some signs of repentence before death, the following are to be deprived of ecclesiastical funeral rites: notorious apostates, heretics, schismatics;...

Talk about notorious apostates! The man spent the better part of his life as the errand boy for the abortion industry. He publicly rejected Church teachings on the most important moral issues of the day. Yet not only does he get a Church funeral, but the cardinal presides. Incredible.

"When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Ted Kennedy's continued support for abortion, stem cell research, same-sex marriage,....etc. (all of which are in direct contradiction to Catholic Teaching) is scandalous. If the scandal is public (and it is) then the redress should be public as well. Ted Kennedy had the opportunity to publicly recant his position regarding his support for abortion, stem cell research,....etc., but chose not to.

I hope for the sake of his immortal soul that he repented and made a proper confession before he died. That being said, in the absence of publicly recanting his numerous positions, why is he (a Catholic heretic by the Church's definition) being honoured with a Catholic funeral Mass presided over by Bishop O'Malley? What kind of message does that send to other Catholics (and non-Catholics)?

I humbly stood among the 50,000 who waited to attend the wake of Edward M. Kennedy. I am humbly honored to have been among the masses.

I also work in healthcare and must inform Ed Grund that of the 32 items listed from HR 3200, the majority already exist in one form or another in Massachusetts. Perhaps you should leave the state.

Finally, I encourage the remaining vitriolic "Catholics" to re-read the following:

The Book of John states - 1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

And so Ted left his life of sin and dedicated himself to the good deeds of the common man. He at oned for his sins. Thank you Senator Kennedy for leading so many by your example.

It is always important that we pray for the soul of the deceased, but I would also encourage folks to pray for the millions of innocent babies murdered by abortion - abortion legislation supported and promoted by the late Senator. I wonder what his reaction will be when he stands before these holy innocents. He spoke often about compassion for the poor - but showed none for these little ones. May God have mercy on his soul.

This is a reply to mike,when he says that aboprtion is not the only thing in town ,he should know that without the gift of life nothing else matters.

"It is not enough that you suffer with the Church, or for the Church; no, faith requires that you must suffer from the Church." Fr. Sertillanges, French Dominican

It is amazing to me how many folks who regard themselves "good" Catholics disregard the Church's ancient sacramental practice in such cases. None of us was present at the Senator's last confession and viaticum. Presumably, he made a good confession and died relying on God's mercy, as any Christian hopes to do. He will be buried in that light. In that light, we pray for him. Those of us who share the faith should remember "judge not, lest ye be judged." God forgives and judges, we simply pray to be forgiven as we forgive others - the ultimate application of the golden rule. God have mercy on the Senator and all those who die, their faith known only to God, and may the Senator's family and friends know God's consolation in this time of loss. Prayer for the dead and God's mercy is at the heart of Catholic practice and spirituality. Leave the judgment to God.

I agree with those who are confused. Here is this public figure openly opposed to the teachings of the church and yet a very public mass. I don't understand it myself it's almost like all the things we are taught and try to follow don't mean anything in the end. A divorced and remarried catholic without an annulment cant recieve communion but a person who opposed so many teachings gets this fanfare of a funeral mass. WHAT IS THE MORAL LESSION HERE???

that's why i left Catholicism - all you hypocrites throwing around religion...

Abortion absolutely is not the only issue in town! And neither is slavery! I mean, I'm personally opposed to slavery, but I really don't think I should force my views on other people. The important thing is that we love each other, you know, in the final analysis. Rest in peace, Senator.

To all Catholics who have been as disturbed as I have at the apparent hypocrisy among the clergy of the church, remember that Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail aginst it. Although it is a stretch to believe the errant clergy can actually deliver a valid liturgy, we have to trust that his membership through the sacrament of Holy Orders supercedes his weakness in other areas of faith and the Holy Eucharist is valid when received by the communicant. Don't despair. God is there.

Praying for Ted Kennedy (a leading American abortionist who never saw an abortion bill he couldn't support and sign into national law) is like asking me to pray for Pontius Pilate who knew Jesus was innocent, yet to appease the Jewish crowd, condemned Jesus to death so as not to upset them and perhaps Caesar.

Kennedy lived and gave to Caesar what was Caesar’s. He opposed the Catholic Church on abortion his whole career to be a Senator rather than a Christian follower of Jesus’. Now you expect this to be swept under the abortion clinic like it didn’t happen? You expect me to pray for a national leader fostering this monstrosity? I’d no more pray for Stalin or Hitler for their crimes too.

Gimme a break. I refuse to be turned into a hypocrite and forget these murderous acts against innocent lives. Kennedy’s life is now over; it’s done, gone, kaput, finished. Why deny him the reward he worked so hard for?

To Michael Christiana SJ: Would you honor Ted Kennedy and say he supported the "core" values of Catholic Christianity if he worked as hard as he could to roll back the civil rights of African-Americans and did everything in his power to make slavery legal again? Would you have said that we should get over people praising him because the rights of black humans is JUST one issue? My dear brother/priest, Ted Kennedy was responsible for the deaths of millions of unborn children and the exploitation of millions of their parents by the abortion industry. In addition to this, many of these parents and babies are members of the minority community and it is a well known fact that the abortion industry is targeting that population. As as other human being made in the Image and Likeness of God, Mr. Kennedy deserves a Catholic funeral, but in private and with no fanfare.

All I can say is SHAME ON ALL OF YOU that post such negativism! You, that are SO PERFECT ! SINNERS are WE ALL ! Ted is a man that was able to accomplish GREAT THINGS for the good of all. Your comments insult me not only as an American, but a member of the human race. Get Over your pathetic selves.

The Diocese of Boston = covering up for child abuse

The Diocese of Boston = HONORING THE MASS MURDER OF ABORTION

The Catholic Church specifially FORBIDS giving any eulogy at a Catholic Funeral. Why is Obama being allowed to give a eulogy?

Let us pray that Ted Kennedy made a good confession renouncing the evil, abortion, the support of homosexuality etc before receiving the last rights of the Church. If he did because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross all of his sins and reparations for his sins are forgiven and atoned for by Christ's sacrifice.

If he did not may God have mercy on his imortal soul. Life is about heaven or hell. Which path are you on?

God's Divine Mercy is always available until your last breath and Ted might have made a good confession before he died, but to honor him with a big funeral is scandalous. Add to that, having the most pro-abortion president, Barack Hussein Obama give the eulogy, really makes me sick. Ted should be having a funeral in his local parish with no media coverage allowed in the Mass. Let's face it, he was a terrible sinner and acted against the Church.

We should pray for his soul because he could be in Purgatory. I hope that the media tells it like it is. Obama should not be allowed to give the eulogy. This whole thing is making me sick... just like the Notre Dame ordeal.

The anti-Christ has been unleashed and all hell is about to break loose.

As a devout Catholic, I pray that Senator Kennedy will receive the mercy of God. He was once a hero of mine as were his brothers, but his extreme support for abortion and gay marriage disappointed me greatly. Though I am uncomfortable about him being buried out of the Catholic Church, whose teachings he opposed, perhaps the Lord will touch many souls who view the solemn funeral Mass which centers on the love of God for us all.
Rest in peace, Senator. I do believe the prayers of many will be answered by the Merciful Father on your behalf. Only God can render the final judgemtn when all is said and done.

A question to Michael Christiana, SJ.
Social Justice trumps abortion?

There is no question that the liberal part of Mr. Kennedy's life was not obedient to the church. I daresay he came by that honestly from his own upbringing. He learned what he "preached". But...we must all be careful to remember Paul the Apostle when he said "the greatest of these is love". As praying Catholics we have an obligation to pray diligently for all who have gone before us, no matter our assessment of their lives, Mr. Kennedy has my prayers as he is much smarter now and will be praying for all of us. Pray, Pray, Pray...

Michael Christiana, SJ, while abortion isn't the only issue in town, it is certainly the biggest. I adjure you to name any other combination of social issues (wars included) that has resulted in 50 million innocent deaths in the United State alone.
How anyone can be so lukewarm about abortion and smugly convince themselves that "there are other issues" that matter more, is beyond me. And I presume SJ means you are a Jesuit priest? May God have mercy on the Jesuits. Your legacy will be lukewarmness.

Please, please, please,...everyone, remember we are called upon to live as good christians. This vomit that is spewing from the hearts and minds of people who otherwise would be charitable, is only hurting YOU!. Do not bash the Catholic church which Jesus founded. Its tradition from the bible and its precepts handed down thru apostolic succession still hold. The sacraments still hold. The Body and Blood of Christ is still there each time you receive the Eucharist. Leave the judgements to Our Lord. Each one of us will see his face at the time of death. Remember the churches teachings as handed down thru the apostles and guided by the light of the holy spirit is infallible. But we as members here on earth are not infallible. Do not taint your soul with this bickering and anger.

How very sad to read some of these posts. Isn't it God's job alone to judge? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

May God bless the Kennedy family in their time of grief.

Yes, and the Senator spoke out against diddling children, too, another reason for the church to turn its back on him. All I know is Gov. Cellucci was forbidden from giving the graduation address at his alma mater, Hudson Catholic High School, because of his views on abortion and gay rights. The kids wanted him there so he met with them off campus. At face value, looks like a bit of a double standard there, eh, boyos?

I'm quite amused by the right wing "catholics" on this site, who, to be quite frank, I doubt are Catholic at all. The right wing ala carte approach, of quoting the Pope on abortion, but avoiding all reference to the Church's teaching on war, capital punishment, social justice is really quite fascinating. Mr. Kennedy embodied the best of modern Catholicism. The rabid right wing that can justify the most abhorrent behaviors, then hide behind the cloak of being "pro-life" is just the embodiment of hypocrisy. I would ask those who would refuse Mr. Kennedy a Catholic funeral how they justify going to communion given their support of the Iraq war, the death penalty, or other abominations.

The Catholic funeral mass is not offered to honor the deceased but to offer the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for the salvation of the deceased, to beg God's mercy on his soul through the merits of Jesus Christ. Though Ted Kennedy defied the Church on basic moral teachings, he apparently received the last sacraments of the Church before death. So without approving all of his deeds, we commend him to God's mercy, and offer the Eucharistic sacrifice for his benefit.

There are many reasons why I left the Catholic Church. Mainly it was due to the systemic hypocrisy of the institution.

History is replete with the failings of the institution, and recent events merely cement my confirmation that the organization has lost its purpose, to the extent that it ever had a noble purpose. Sadly, there are some fine people in that institution who have dedicated their lives in service to Christ, but I am referring to the leadership and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, not particular individuals. The wheat and the tares shall be separated.

My grandmother and my father dedicated an enormous amount of time to their parish. They both truly lived their faith in word and deed. It was difficult to find a priest to preside over each of their funerals. I was told it was due to a shortage of priests. I should pray for more men to enter the priesthood. Okay, what can you do, if there are no priests available?

Funny though, huh, there doesn't seem to be a shortage of clergy available to send the Massachusetts Senator off to his appearance before the Lord.

I guess I do not fully understand why the Senator desired the relationship with the Catholics, and, given his vociferous opposition to the Magisterium, I am likewise puzzled by the attraction and praise being heaped on the man by a parade of so-called clergy.

So I ask myself WWJD? I am fairly certain He would let the dead bury the dead and He would tend to His flock.

Melida,

The issue isn't whether Ted Kennedy was a sinner or not. We are all sinners. The problem is that Ted openly opposed Church Teaching on matters of doctrine (i.e. abortion is an intrinsically evil act) but continued to call himself Catholic and present himself for reception of the sacraments. His behaviour was scandalous (i.e. it was publicly damaging to the Church).

Secondly, when Jesus said "Judge not lest ye be judged" that means "condemn not lest ye be condemned'. The word judge, like love, has different layers of meaning. We will be condemned to the degree that we condemn others. If Christ meant that we weren't to form moral judgements about someones behaviour then he would not have said "if your brother sins, go and rebuke (admonish) him". How do you rebuke your brother unless you first form a moral judgement about his behaviour? To admonish the sinner is one of the spiritual works of mercy.

I have no idea what you mean by Ted Kennedy atoning for his sins. Judging by your use of the passage from the Gospel of John, I sincerely doubt that you know what the word "atonement" means. You should look it up in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, along with the definition of Heretic.

Regards,

Matt in Calgary

Although I agree that the Teddy may have made an honest confession, why is it than when we are about to meet our maker that we can all of a sudden be repentant for actions carried out over the last 40 years?

I am one not to judge but the sincerity of that confession perhaps was too little, too late.

I'm sorry iamjohngalt that you choose not to go to church because of those reasons you mention. But the real reason we go to Mass is to offer to God what is most perfect and pleasing to Him, his Son Jesus and to receive Him in the Eucharist so that we can be transformed to be like Him. God bless you.

I not being Catholic but Buddhist, cannot comment one way are the other about the belief system of your "church" but what I can comment on is, Teddy Kennedy was a good man. Teddy had a value system that helped common man become what we are today. Civil rights would not exist were it not in part for his work.
I believe that man is remembered not for how he dies, but the legacy he leaves. Sen. Kennedy left a legacy that most can't even begin to live up to.

I get sick of people who complain about this or that such as all you holier then thou folks above. Holding on to ill will is far worse then any sin you think Sen. Kennedy may have been guilty of.

Rest in Peace Teddy and Thanks for making America a better place to live !

A confusing spirit is not the holy spirit. Abortion is THE issue of our time. Any thinking person who considers actual "Catholic Social Teaching" and the order of things in the real world understands this. Only a highly trained Jesuit mind could come up with the intellectual gymnastics that hopes to refute this, and fails; because even children know; 'Babies are a good thing". Pathetic. Regarding dear Cardinal Sean - I find him to be very photogenic and little else. FYI for all you disillusioned fallen away Catholics - rediscover the Latin Mass.

I will absolutely pray for the countless lives of the unborn who were the lambs slaughtered by Ted Kennedy's political and personal actions. As far as I am concerned, Ted Kennedy was a heathon, who had ample occasion and ability to change his evil ways and live in step with the teachings of the Church. He did not- therefore I shall not give him another thought- only the innocent victims left in his monstrous wake.

Of the thousands of sermons at Mass since childhood in Ireland, I remember but a few. One which does stick in my mind however is when the priest recalled a visit to a family where the children no longer went to church because its full of hypocrites and liars. 'Oh do come he said, we can always find room for another one''

"Judge not lest ye be judged"--why is that so difficult for people to understand? "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"--shouldn't that ring a bell all who castigate a fellow traveler on the journey?

I'm appalled by the total lack of Christian charity demonstrated by those for whom abortion and sex are the only issues that matters. What about the "immoral and unjust war"--as identified by none other than Pope John Paul II-- that the Senator denounced from the floor of the Senate? Doesn't that count for anything? And what about the death penalty--why aren't your voices raised so loudly against that abomination? His was! And the issue of guns--they take human lives too on a daily basis, as the Senator knew all too well.
Senator Kennedy did his best to promote the social teachings of the Catholic Church --he's not just talked the talk, he's walked the walk. That he wasn't in lock step with each and every teaching is between him and God and NO ONE has the right to interfere with that relationship by their hateful comments.
That Cardinal O'Malley and Father Mark Hession, (my beloved parish pastor), will commend this man's soul into heaven is a testament to the beauty of the Catholic faith. After the horrible church scandals of recent history, this is an opportunity to show the world what Catholic faith is REALLY all about-- the love of Jesus Christ, who died that ALL men might be saved.

It's an act of charity to pray for his soul. I too feel there is something not right, though, when a man who has consistently and relentlessly pursued an agenda of promoting abortion is practically canonized by a fawning media and the bishop says nothing. I hope Cardinal O'Malley will speak up in an appropriate way. If he doesn't, it will be all to sadly apparent that the Church's shepherds are once again failing in their duty. No wonder people are confused and scandalized.

by his life and belief's he was not a Catholic as he rejected Catholicism. To call him Catholic is an insult to all who hold firm to the truths of Catholicism.

I pray that Teddy made a good confession, but he owes the Catholic Church in America a public apology not only for his scandalous behavior (last month was the 40th anniversary of the drowning of Mary Jo Kopechne at Chappaquiddick) but for his abandoning Church teaching on life issues.
No other teaching is as central to the Gospel as the sanctity of human life; you can help the poor and the immigrant, but if you murder the innocent babe in the womb, you have committed a sin which cries requires a public apology. In the absence of such a subdued funeral would be appropriate.

Devout conservative catholics puzzle me. They support an institution that not only helped facilitate the escape of Nazi war criminals to South America, but then turned around and made the "Grand Inquisitor", an ex-Nazi soldier and a member of Hitler's Youth their spiritual leader. The murder of 6+ million Jews is of no consequence. Yet, they condemn a man for supporting legal abortion because his concience couldn't condone the deaths of women who died from illegal abortions. Criminalizing abortion will not make it go away, but it will put women at risk again.

I am appalled at the mean, vile, horrific, judgements being passed in this blog by people who claim to be catholic and who have been so brainwashed by their religious instructors (i.e. Sunday sermons) that they have no conception of their Church's unique teaching on Social Justice...which Ted Kennedy, a man of great faith, tried so hard to implement in his public life. You speak as if abortion and National Health Care were equal affronts to your catholic sensitivities, and you preach at us in such an uncharitable, self-righteous way, it is obvious that your catholic religion has only taught you hatred and contempt for your fellow man. What a compliment to the Catholic Magisterium which claims to be the only valid truth on earth, and which has succeeded in turning out haters like you. As for abortion, apparently life only has value before birth, because as the Irish Government's official report on clergy abuse clearly shows, once you're born, catholic nuns and brothers are free to abuse the hell out of you, with impunity, and with complete disregard for the sanctity of your life. And as for an American National Health Care System, health care is a right, just like the right to life, so why aren't you out there fighting for that, just like Ted Kennedy was doing? Or don't your handlers care?

Well the only good thing I can see from this is that God is showing us that he is making it very clear that He is currently separating the wheat from the chaff. Those who follow his teaching as given and handed down through the Apostles from those who don’t. Where will you be on your deathbed? Your deeds in the flesh follow you. 1 Corinthian 3:10-15, The foundation you build on will be tested by fire and the fire (itself) will test the quality of each one's work. If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, 8 but only as through fire.
Gods Mercy gives us purgatory which ultimately ends in Heaven. Let us pray that he is a now starting to accept the fullness of the Truth as taught by the Church that he professed to be a part of.

Amazing, in your midst you had a man, who tried to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, provide for the least of thee and make the world a better place than he found it. He was a flawed man, which still allowed him to be a child of God. Jesus came not only to love, but also to forgive as well. Examine your hearts, the one with the power to Judge sits to the right of Jesus, who said you need only to go through me to reach the Father. No need for a fallable human being to interprete and mandate rules, just leave everything a follow Jesus. Ted Kennedy deserves all the salutes, tributes and accolades that are being bestowed upon him, his work and his family. A rich guy, who looked out for the little guy may the Lord Bless his soul.

I am a Republican and a former Bay Stater who didn't like Ted Kennedy's politics, but c'mon, you people who spew vitriol against a dead man...it is unbelievable. You have the right to say what you want...after all, this is America and free speech is protected by the Constitution...but some of the vile comments I have read just now make me want to throw up.

kath,
You are a person of faith... in regard to your comment.. "Do not bash the Catholic church which Jesus founded. Its tradition from the bible and its precepts handed down thru apostolic succession still hold."...

I will say there is a marked difference between the Catholic Church that resides in Boston and that one that still resides in Rome... I also believe that Jesus speaks to us the truth through his disciples if only we listen...
"Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you"..

I was so moved by the Pope's words concerning Mister Kennedys passing, weren't you ??

Sometimes absolute silence sends it's own message to the faithful.

Wow this is starting to sound like a modern day -
'ABOMINATION IN THE HOLY PLACE.'

The Catholic Church offers forgiveness to all catholics who choose to confess and repent. Sen. Kennedy reformed his life (much thanks to Victoria) and gave great service to our country. Our country is better for his service. His legacy continues in the service given by his family and those of his siblings and hopefully will continue in the next generation.

If all those who have offered opinions here today were to give one day of service to either honor or (if you choose) spite Sen. Kennedy's memory, the world would be a better place.

thanks, Steve in Milwaukee.

blah-blah-blah-blah.
The man is dead. This article is about arrangements for his funeral, apparently what he and/or his family wanted. Contain your rage against Catholicism, hold the long-winded editorials on Kennedy's politics, and the other stuff that's been dragged into the mix.

These blogs are very entertaining, though.

To Michael Christiana, SJ

Please reconcile your comments with "What you do to one of the least of my brethren, you do unto me" (Mt. 25:40). I look forward to reading your response. Be careful about what you write. Remember we are our brothers and sisters keepers.

Rest In Peace Senator Kennedy.
Eoghan Kelly. Quincy, MA (and Mayo Ireland)

lamjohngall., We don't go to Church because this priest or that Bishop and so on snd so on are doing good or bad.. We go to Church and to Mass because Jesus said, do this in memory of me,Sometimes many may prists and religious are great example to follow, sometimes they betray Him also..When there are good priests there is no reason to abandon the Church. But when reigious servants, do not fullfilled their vows and scandalized, is when our Lord Jesus deserve our company more. If you were in jail and condemmed unjustly dont you will appreciate a friend's company, When Jesus is mocked our presence is required. more thn efer

Remember there were two others that were crucified with Jesus and one of
the others did not believe Jesus was
the Son of God but the other one did
and said to Jesus,"Lord remember me
when you come into your kingdom".
And Jesus answered,"this day thou wilt
be with me in Paradise."
Pray for the dead and leave the souls to God who will judge all!!!

As our Jesus hung on the cross dying for each of us, gasping for His every breath, He prayed this prayer..."Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." As I read the comments above I hear the mocking voices of the pharisees and sadduccees as Jesus died for them. He spoke those words for them, for Pontius Pilate, for the theives dying next to him, for Senator Kennedy, for Barak Obama, for our beloved priests and clergy, for our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and for each of you. I don't know what my final day of judgement will be, I only pray that my Jesus whom I love with all my heart will speak again those precious words for me. May he speak them for Senator Kennedy. For this may we all pray. May we Catholics and all Christians be granted the grace to truly live our faith, our call- to love as Christ loves- to love our enemies. Even when Jesus admonished a sinner, He never stopped loving them. "For there are but three things that last, Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love. May we always remember to Love first for He loves us first and foremost. My prayer for the late Senator is this: May the Mercy of God be poured out upon his soul and may he finally know rest in the loving arms of the God who forgives him. Christ's Peace and Love to all.

The objections to the public Catholic funeral honoring the pro-abortion Catholic Ted Kennedy are not hateful as characterized by the above comments. The concern is valid and just that the pro-abortion Kennedy and Obama are using a Catholic funeral to advance political agendas of pro-abortion policies contrary to Catholic Church teaching and the Catholic hierarchy are too weak to prevent it. What is transpiring is the sin of Human Respect, giving deference to the royalty position of the Kennedys in American public life. Kennedy was just another pathetic pro-abort. Without wishing to sound histrionic, the spectacle of the funeral reminds me of that line from the book of Revelations in the Bible about the abomination set up in the holy place. I agree with the comments that the Catholic clergy including the Archbishop/Cardinal will have a lot to answer for to the Lord for spinelessly allowing this travesty.

Tens of millions of innocent unborn human children met their deaths with the assistance of Ted Kennedy, as did Mary Jo Kopechne. He should have spent years in prison.

Why wasn't he excommunicated years ago? It's too late now to make a "statement" against Kennedy's abandonment of the true faith, so having the Cardinal slap the family in the face would be truly cruel and morally wrong.

I can barely bring myself to pray for Kennedy, but I know that I must, and Christ will give me the strength and faith I need to do so. And what's more, I will understand his will for all of us more deeply by giving up *my* will and doing as the Church asks.

Toni

The majority of comments left so far make me a shame to be a Catholic where is the Christian spirit. Ted acted more like Jesus then most of people who have left comments I have read so far

I think it is in poor taste that Cardinal O'Malley will even be at the funeral Mass. Edward may be entitled to a Mass of Christian Burial but he is not entitled to be honored by with presence of the Church hierarchy. As for Edward's checkered past with regards to his respect for human life... I know God's Justice and Mercy will reign supreme and Edward's complicity in millions and millions of abortions will be dealt with justly and exactly. May God have mercy on his soul.

Shame on all those who posted negative disgusting comments here. Who are you to judge anyone? You are a venimous lot who sit at a feast, devour a meal and then negate the chef. Your judgements magnify the stain and state of your own soul. Woe to you!

A Catholic who believes in Jesus Christ!

There are things that I do not understand. I only try to follow the way of Christ. Others may abuse children or promote abortion or who knows what else. That is not for me to judge. God will only ask me how well I folllowed Christ. So no matter what others do and no matter what others say, that will not prevent me from trying to live my life plagued by human weakness to the best of my ability. And yes I am a priest.

Thank you for the enlightenment with the comments here. It has made me understand why I cringe when I admit I'm a Catholic. It is an embarrassment to be associated with people who stand in such critical judgment of others. After reading these comments I renounce my Catholicism. I will no longer call myself a Catholic. I'm a Christian. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I don't ever want to be linked with those who lay out their negative opinions of others to only lift themselves up and out of the quagmire of their own sins.

No wonder Catholics are leaving the Church, that there are less men entering the seminary when we have all you sanctimonious Opus Dei-type judges leaving such ignorant, hypocritical comments against another soul. Whatever happened to Jesus' reason for coming to Earth, love? I am appalled.

Tom Harris - about praying for Pontius Pilate, I believe Jesus did, i.e., "Father, forgive them..." Praying for one's enemies and forgiving those who wrong you are at the heart of Jesus' teaching. There's no way around that very difficult teaching.

Matt in Calgary & Leticia - correction of the sinner in life and demanding public apologies from the deceased is not what praying for the dead and celebrating a funeral are concerned with. It seems widespread knowledge that many people corrected Senator Kennedy when they saw him go astray. He often spoke publicly of his failings and his struggles with those failings. The point of the article is the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial.

I defer to his confessor, the pastors of the parishes in which he worshipped for many years, and the Cardinal archbishop of Boston about whether or not the Senator is to be denied a Catholic funeral. They knew him and his conscience far better than I. As for the tone of so many posts concerning this topic, perhaps calling to mind and reciting the prayer of St. Francis might provide some insight into a Christian attitude towards forgiveness, humility and judgment.

Our own Catholic Christian witness would do well to remember the attitude of the Amish community of Nickel Mines, PA after the killings at the school there in 2006. Their witness to the gospel's values of reconciliation and forgiveness shone a light on sincere Christian belief that even hardened cynics found compelling. Our focus should be on providing consolation to the living and commending the dead to the mercy of God.

Go figure: We blast off another rocket to the space station for what? Consider that all that money could have given every hard working adult American a decent job and pension and home, starting first with the Native American who was here first and reformed our health system so everyone can find the best of care as well as alternative care, plus replace all the GE food with wholesome nutrition but no, we need more research and more padding of the big guys' pockets then eulogize a guy who's zeal was human ambition with God's standard riding along in the backseat! I was no longer puzzled about the continued Kennedy tragedies when I looked up Eunace's obit to learn about the sister whom her parents found to be inconvenient so they arranged for her to undergo a labotomy and turn her into a vegetable the rest of her life and she was conveniently forgotten. Should we be so surprised at the scandals accompanying Kennedy? His first wife was apparntly inconvenient so he ditched her, and all the other sick stuff.... so whose side was he on anyway? God's or his? Nothing should really be a surprise. May he rest in peace. I hope the Lord gave him the light to see....and be able, in a humble heart, to ask for mercy.

Who and what does the Cardinal serve?
How does the Cardinal's example define a Catholic in his Diocese?
Is the Cardinal unaware of Mr. Kennedy's pro-life senatorial record?
This the shepherding that Christ calls for from His Apostles?
WOE!

The statement "Social Justice trumps Abortion" .......What a terrible thought. .War is awful but the killing of the innocent who didn't do anything to deserve their fate can never be justified. It is never OK.
As for Kennedy it is too bad that there is so much confusion about his funeral. The fanfare is too much, quiet and private would make more sense because of his situation with the church. There are mixed messages
because of it. Prayer is what is necessary. God be merciful.

Being the patriarch of a rather old Boston family which has genererously funded several parishes and countless appeals, I consider this event with the Archbishop presiding a blatant scandal as active, supportive complicity with an anti-Catholic agenda. We are no longer contributing to the Archdiocese. I am sure that the Missionaries of Charity will reflect our intentions and our funding as Catholics in their conduct and ministry.

Father Monan is a wonderful choice for a celebrant and Father Hession for a homilist. I am sure they will live up to the honor that has been bestowed on them by the Kennedy family.

Ted Kennedy's inspiring commitment to peace, compassion for the most vulnerable, unwavering efforts to bring about health care for all, improve public education, promote civil rights, provide services for the disabled, passion for justice, stalwart efforts to protect the constitution, amazing outreach to so many, provide a model of what it means to be a true Christian. He truly lived out the gospel message to love one's neighbor. Both he and his siblings provide powerful testimony to their deep and abiding faith and their commitment to others, virtues nurtured in them by their dear mother Rose. My hope is that Ted's untimely death will be finally bring the Congress and the President together to create a truly comprehensive and fair health care bill that Ted worked so tirelessly to bring about. There is no more fitting way to honor his legacy.

Mr. Kennedy even refused to support the ban on partial birth abortion. He had no problem with the idea of an innocent, helpless, full-term baby being barbarously done to death in the very act of being born, i.e. the abortionist puncturing the skull while holding the baby with only the head still in the birth canal, then suctioning the brain from the lifeless child. Murder, murder, and only murder. The man did not want to ban child murder! A Catholic? I think not!!! Yet, to be buried with public Mass and high honors. It is to weep. Hypocrisy of the highest order!

I agree with Steve from Milwaukee. Whenever you see a curb-cut in a sidewalk or a ramp to a building, you can thank Ted. I'm sure people in wheelchairs are grateful even if many on this comment string aren't.

Not a good idea, having a "Mass" at Kennedy's funeral at all. Too many will make sacreligious communion's in the state of mortal sin, which will be mortal sin on top of mortal sin to receive Christ while in that state.
Lord have mercy on their soul for the disrespect and irreverance shown to the Body and Blood of Jesus.

The Church has always taught that abortion is an offense against God and intrinsically evil, whereas matters of social justice such as war and poverty and the death penalty are open to opinion and various interpretations within certain parameters according to Catholic teaching. To promote abortion is an evil act and incurs automatic excommunication. Holy Mother Church lovingly calls such people home to the sacrament of confession where the sin can be forgiven by God through the priest.
The stain of sin will then be removed in Purgatory before entering Heaven and the love of God.

Yes, I was once told that " Hell is paved with the skulls of bishops and priests who have failed to uphold the teachings and traditions of the Church". May God have mercy on their souls.

well the old bafoon is dead, God and only God will judge him,but with obama giving the eulogy i think he that is punishment equal to hell.

Reading all these comments, it's hard to know who to agree with. On the one hand, some of the of conservatives are pretty much condemning Kennedy to hell, and saying he shouldn't even have a funeral Mass. I agree with those who say we can't judge the man, and we don't know the state of his soul. No matter whether he made a good confession or not, we should pray for God to have mercy on him.

But on the other hand, I find it a bit sanctimonious when people preach about Kennedy's opposition to the the Iraq war and capital punishment, and about his tireless crusade for social justice, as if these things cancel out his efforts to promote abortion and gay marriage. When you're talking about the murder of innocent life and about positions that go against the heart of the Church's teaching on sexual morality, you have to call a spade a spade. You have to mention the bad as well as the good. He's a public figure and his actions as a public figure are fair game. I don't blame people for making angry comments. It's not so much Ted Kennedy they're angry at, after all....it's the fawning, hypocritical media that is practically making him a god.

Please PARY for the soul of Ted Kennedy for now he as seen the TRUTH!
We all will have much to suffer for what we have or have not done in our lives! May God have MERCY on us all!

Before speaking (writing) further ill of the dead let us listen to the voice of Jesus speaking through the Archdiocese of Boston as to why decisions in relation to Senator Kennedy's funeral arrangements were taken.

The voice of Jesus speaking through the Archdiocese of Boston has often been blocked by the failings of human nature and sinfulness. (Exhibit A: sexual abuse crisis). How many people were aware that Sen. Kennedy worked to oppose the Church on letting people vote on gay marriage?

http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=95626

It is not charity, neither does it show genuine compassion, to take money by threat of force from one person to give to another.

The Apostle Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 9:7, "Every man as he purposeth in is heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Charities are far more efficient at helping the poor than the government.

We can all pass all kinds of judgments, as to why the leadership of our church has chosen to officiate at such a funeral under the circumstances, and as to why a man who was so openly pro- abortion would shockingly garner such admiration & praise , however, it is not our place on earth to do so. Leave the judging to the one that matters and remain still. He will judge all in this matter. In the meantime, let us all do what we were told to do since the beginning of time. Remain faithful and Pray.

Private Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is appropriate. Public Political fiasco is not. Even the thief on the cross made a public act of asking for forgiveness. Teddy had more time than the thief. Christianity requires one to love the sinner and hate the sin, but if a Christian ignores the sinful actions of the sinner, the Christian also commits the sin by supporting it. We have many more like Teddy in office. Speak out against them with your votes. But then...didn't 51% of Catholics vote for abortion leaders? Are you asking for forgiveness?

"Confident that God remembers the good we've done and forgives our sins."
This is out of the funeral rites of the Church, and it's our belief. I'm sure God will remember all the good Sen Kennedy has done and will forgive his, just as you hope for the same yourself. These unforgiving scolds make Christianity so unattractive, and they usually seem to be people who live double lives or in glass houses.

If this is true - that a Cardinal will preside over this baby butcher's funeral - the apostacy has begun.

I assume he made a good confession before he died. If so, he can enjoy the full rites of the Church. I do think that there should have been a public repudiation of his stand against the Church but likely he was too ill at the time of his final confession to issue a statement. The priests are bound by the seal of confessions so they cannot say anything about his final repentance.

Let's pray for Mr. Kennedy and that God has mercy on his soul. Let's also remember that his support for abortion will have to be answered for on his new journey. That support for abortion still affects those among us. Many thousands of abortions will occur today as a result of his and others support. Life will never be the same for those would-be mothers and fathers. Of the 50 million aborted babies who knows what they would have become. We have very likely snuffed out the life of the next great golfer, athlete, scientist, doctor, president, pope, inventor, mayor, well you get the picture.

There is no "Catholic social doctrine" more important than defending the very lives of innocent children. Ted Kennedy relentlessly supported their bloody slaughter. He even supported forcing decent people to pay for it with their tax dollars! Give him a funeral mass, but not one that makes him look like a hero in the church's eyes. He wasn't one.

Cardinal O'Malley, you give tremendous scandal to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike by your actions. You bring shame and discredit on the church of God and on your office.

I wonder why all of the people who speak out so vociferously on the abortion issue are relatively silent on in the issue of sexual abuse of children.

We must all speak up and out against what is wrong .........but in the end we must not pass judgement.

Ted Kennedy's guiding faith was not Catholicism, but secular liberalism.

Let the Unitarians conduct his funeral.

Re Fr. Paul's post (post#25), I too believe in the Virtue of Hope. But in the very least Cardinal O'Malley should have released a statement explaining the purpose of his attendance and take advantage of the national attention given to his death and use it as a teachable moment on the moral truths of the Faith which Kennedy never believed and fought hard in his political life to keep from impacted the culture and the laws of this country.

What a scandal this is. The archdiocese of Boston has been co-opted by the Democratic party and the Culture of Death. But who expects any more from them? They have used and abused the Catholic Church to garner votes for generations.

Shame on Archbishop O'Malley for allowing this to happen and participating in it. Just another weak shepherd allowing the wolves to prey upon his sheep.

May God have mercy on his soul and that of Senator Kennedy.

It's awful that there is so much bitterness and ugliness in this world, perpetuated by people who base their morality on ancient myths rather than forming their own ideas through observation, thought, and empathy.

Ted Kennedy was a flawed person, as we all are, but he was a generous and thoughtful one as well. The principal failing of the kind of dogma represented in a lot of these comments is that it allows no room for complexity or reason. And why should it? It's a device for controlling masses of complacent people, so of course it keeps them on a short leash.

Meanwhile, Kennedy did more good for more people than any of you commenters can even imagine, but you continue to pass harsh judgment on him, even in death. I can't even imagine how terrifying it must be to view the world through the tiny peephole afforded by that kind of religion.

I look back with respect on the era when the Dies Irae was chanted at funerals and people were called to contemplate good and evil, right and wrong, justice and judgment.

It is the Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist, beheaded because of his "politics", calling ALL to repentence and returning one's life to God.

One day we will all stand alone before God to account for our lives... without the pomp and the roast and the politics of it all. I pray for the repentance of Ted Kennedy, and all those who have come to pray with the Holy Church for his repose.

I am confused, to say the least, by the participation of Cardinal O'Malley; his red garments symbolize a willingness to die for Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. More than those members who may also have been scandalized by his action here, I fervently pray that every possible care had been taken to protect Our Precious Lord - His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - from outrage and sacrilege in the reception of Holy Communion this day.

May His Divine Mercy be poured out upon all of us this day!

I can't believe this pro-abortion man was given such a grand funeral in our Catholic Church. Thank God Mr. Obama did not go to communion.

Many of us have prayed that EMK would repent. His sins were legion, and millions denied the light of day in our existence are now facing him. Has he been cleansed because of contrition during his last earthly days ? Only those close to him know, and they are able to put into effect the restitution called for in the redemption of his soul for the wrong he has done. We shall see in the weeks ahead. In any case, I will rely on the justice and mercy of Our Creator to judge him, while working tirelessly in defense of innocent human life and to bring an end to what this man helped to foist on our society.

I suspect that if a powerful politician had voted to authorize the dismembering of a very moderate number of journalists --- on an annual basis--- their response would be, "But he had a good stand on the Minimum Wage."

Let me see if I have this right, a prestigious catholic institution gives the pro-abortionist president an award, and now the same pro-abortionist president gives a political speech in a catholic church for a pro-abortionist senator in front of a Cardinal who has shown less compassion to his priests or to those catholics that are divorced and remarried? Eulogies are prohibited in the Order of Catholic funerals, but because Kennedy was infamous, the rules are broken so a pro-abortionist president can talk at a catholic funeral. Man, am I proud to be a catholic priest today!

The Roman Catholic Church is by it's very nature an extension of Jesus Christ who commissioned St. Peter and the other apostles.

Do we really know the heart of any other human being, or is that God's role?

Without a doubt the viewpoints of Ted Kennedy that are in conflict with the social teachings of the Church should be condemned. The Church teaches that all life (from conception to natural death) should be respected.

With that said -- a priest was with Ted Kennedy in his final hours. I assume that Anointing of the Sick was administered. As faithful Catholics, should we continue to speculate?

Those of you using Ted Kennedy''s death for your own purposes and for right wing politics should be ashamed of yourselves! All I can say is KARMA is alive and well!

One should also look at the nuances of the Catholic Church's response to the passing of Ted Kennedy. As pointed out by Raymond Arroyo of EWTN.
The funeral was not at the Cathedral, but at the Mission Church instead.
The Cardinal was in attendance, and was thus the "official" presider, but the working elements of the mass were conducted by other priests.

Also, the Vatican has been silent.. a statement that should be heard loud and clear.

To all of the "orthodox Catholic right" ... You can be sure that YOU HAVE CREATED GOD IN YOUR OWN IMAGE AND LIKENESS when God hates the same people that you do. Just a thought ......

The Catholic Church has gone underground in America. Today is the feast day of the Beheading of John the Baptist. (tridentine calender). Cardinal O'Malley is another Herod. Yes, it is our duty to pray for sinners but when they destory the least among us they will serve their god in the pit for all eternity.

FYI: In the Scripture passage that describes the attempted stoning by the Pharasees of the women of sin where Jesus says, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," Jesus was directing that statement to the Pharisees who thought themselves "as being without sin."

To: Marlene W.

First of all there is no such thing as KARMA!!! Second, your post reads like a left-wing Obama-cult member, who want to censor others, if their opinions do not agree with you. SHAME ON YOU!

This post is also addressed to Terry who posted 8/28/09 at 6:48 pm.

In 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to 3 children in Fatima, Portugal. During one vision, Lucia, the oldest of the 3 children, asked the Blessed Mother if they go to heaven? Lucia also asked where a couple of people from their village who had recently died were? The Blessed Mother told them that one, a young school-aged child, was already in heaven and a girl in her late teens or early twenties would be in Purgatory until the end of the world. In Purgatory until the end of the world! And that was in 1917. How much worse morally is the world today! As mother Theresa said, "We are called to be faithful; we are not called to be successful. Was Ted Kennedy faithful to the Church's teachings? May God have mercy on the whole world! and on Ted Kennedy's soul.

We, in the Catholic Church have been taught not to judge. However, that being said, I find it hard not to judge a man who supported abortion, same sex marriage, stem cell research, oh what a weave we web when we first try to deceive - our faith and that of many church goers is truly being persecuted. We need to pray, pray and pray and reach out to Christ and His Blessed Mother.

I gather Kennedy repented of his pro-abortion stance before death or Archbishop O'Malley would not have presided. Now to make atonement for he public scandal it caused.

The Holy Spirit is present at the election of a Pope, but obviouly isn't always present at the selection of one to be made a Cardinal.

I used to be anti-abortion but all the celebrations of Ted's life and have made me realize that it's OK to be Catholic and pro-legal abortion. I will now fight for it like Ted did.

Holy Moses. I was searching the internet for info on whether any non-Catholics received Holy Communion at the Kennedy funeral. I hope not! It is good to see that people do speak out on issues. How else do we learn. For you left leaning blokes, speaking against the morality of the those in the Catholic Church is not hated, it’s moral outrage. No problem with that. The Catholic Church will bury anyone with full honors especially if they pony up with good money during their lifetime. In Phila they buried Testa, the mobster, with full regalia. It is true that in addition to abortion there are other important issues. But we can’t trade one for another. Abortion kills innocent children. Also war kills innocent people. There are many problems that need attention but in the meantime we should not lose our moral compass.

Did Kennedy ever resign from the Knights of Columbus because of their diametrically opposed policies on abortion? or did the Knights of Columbus ever expel him? For sure, he was a long-time member: see Wikipedia, for example.

All Catholics are against abortion. However, while the bishops focus on making it illegal, Kennedy focused on making it unnecessary.
I happen to think far more lives have been saved by Kennedy's efforts than by those of our bishops. Ted, may you rest in peace.

I did not see eye to eye with Senator Kennedy on much. I wrote of my struggle supporting him; however, I acknowledge what he has meant in the life of my disabled child. Please read my blog entry for more. Thank you!

/disabledinthechurch.blogspot.com/2009/08/senator-kennedy-advocate-for-teh.html

Frank, there is medication for that thought process. Sin promoting sin is not the answer. The word of our Lord is the truth. I agree that the Bishops need to get there act together on some issues but abortion is illegal in the eyes of God period.

TO ALL YOU WHO CALL THE PASSIONATE CATHOLIC HYPPOCRITE. YES, WE ARE ALL SINNERS, WE DO NOT DENY THAT, BUT THERE IS A CLEAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR HUMAN NATURE TO SIN VS KNOWING BUT STILL APPROVING OF A SIN AS IF IT IS SOMETHING GOOD. WOE TO THOSE WHO CALL GOOD EVIL AND EVIL GOOD! WOE TO THOSE.!!!!! ABORTION WAS GOOD ON THEY EYES OF KENNEDY.

As I have listened today to the many expressions of appreciation for Ted Kennedy's life, his capacity for 'brotherhood' and friendship with not just his supporters but his opponents, my hope is that we Catholics can also recognize and appreciate in one another the same brother and sisterhood. After all, was it not said that Christians were recognized by how they loved one another?

Jesus, have mercy, forgive us our sins? So much hate expressed on this blog. Even to the point of attacks on our Cardinal, a man filled with love and compassion for all. Yes, Cardinal O'Malley was presesent. Did you notice, Jesus was there, too? Our Teacher, " Father forgive them they know not what they do." Sad, judgemental opinions, a poor example of true Catholic Christians. Followers of Christ, "You will know them by their love." We are quick to critiize, rather, let us give thanks to God for the life of service given by Sen. Edward M Kennedy.We all do our lousey best. Only God is perfect.

First of all, you guys all know that abortions being legal has nothing whatsoever to do with Ted Kennedy, right? We have this thing called the Supreme Court here, which rejected the ability of state legislatures to coerce women's activities in their own womb.

Second, I can understand the anti-choice aspect. Obviously, nobody is really pro-abortion, and everyone realizes the cost. But the hatred for the same-sex marriage issue, get over yourselves. Why do you think that's wrong? It's obviously not inherently wrong, because it doesn't hurt anyone. The biblical case against gays is pathetically thin, not to mention the heavy reliance upon the Greek philosophers in early Christian theology, who nobody accuses of being 100% straight (also, I encourage you to look at early Christian theological teachings regarding sex and married priests for a few more eye-openers).

Oh my God, that Ted Kennedy was such a monster for supporting the ability of gays to marry. I mean, it has really affected each and every one of you so much. Look at what a horrible society we live in now here in Massachusetts.

So, since its clear that being gay isn't a choice, are you really accusing God of creating these people with a sexual attraction they may never act upon?

Are you saying that homosexually-inclined people have no choice over what they do? You mean like an alocholic or something? That is quite insulting.

Wow. Teddy basically apologized to the pope for his errant ways. very moving.

No, of course not. I'm saying that they have no choice over whether they are homosexual or not. Do you honestly think God made them that way but will send them to hell if they enter into such a relationship?

To those Catholics reading this blog who have fallen away or who have expressed the intention to leave the faith for whatever reason, including being put off by what they consider to be hypocritical comments / actions of other Catholics, I urge you to reconsider leaving the faith / consider coming back to the faith. Visit www.catholicscomehome.org for inspiration, and prayerfully consider the richness that is the Catholic faith.

It is sad to see these sanctimonious, self-righteous individuals criticizing Cardinal O'Malley and bad mouthing the late senator.
I just listened to the senator's letter to the Holy Father and the Holy Father's words to the senator as delivered through a Vatican interlocutor. We should all listen to this exchange before coming to such harsh judgments. If the Holy Father did not condemn, but praised, Senator Kennedy, and if the Holy Father did not object to Cardinal O'Malley officiating, could it be that the Church is wrong or that you all are?

I prayed for Ted Kennedy's repentance months ago and did not hear of any public repentance for the grave stances that he supported - totally in opposition to the Catholic Faith. I pray for the repose of his soul, because I do not know what his confession consisted of. Anyone who sincerely repents on his/her deathbed can be saved. However, it is irritating to see comments on here that do not properly quote scriptures in this instance. "judge not, lest ye be judged" means not to judge someone's motives - it does not mean that we cannot judge right or wrong. It also says in scripture - "judge just judgement".

Continued: With that being said, I do find it scandalous that he is being treated like a saint. In just about every Kennedy funeral something has been done that is out of whack with what the Church says is appropriate. I am a native of Massachusetts and I must say I have never thought of the Kennedys as good role models when it comes to the Catholic Faith. Perhaps Caroline and Rose were - but other than that, they have always chosen to believe what they want and do what they want when it comes to Church teachings. This is not judgement - it is simply the truth.

As a Roman Catholic Church musician and liturgist (just retiring after 30 years in this position), I am wondering why they did not sing the Responsorial Psalm, the Alleluia and Verse, and the Eucharistic Acclamations. These are part of EVERY Catholic Mass and are among the FIRST things that should be sung by the assembly with leadership from a cantor. We do these at ALL Masses in our area; the Kennedy liturgy had only performance music except for the opening and closing hymns. Liturgical guidelines were disregarded; what a shame since so many people viewed this on TV.

Ted Kennedy spent his life violating the Catholic Church's teaching on life.

I think his Funeral Mass should have been private because Kennedy life was such a scandal.

Also having Obama, the notorious proabortionist, speak in a Catholic Church is a great scandal.

Ted Kennedy was a great man. All these crazy religious types making comments should show some respect.

In response to Richard who wrote "If the Holy Father did not condemn, but praised, Senator Kennedy, and if the Holy Father did not object to Cardinal O'Malley officiating, could it be that the Church is wrong or that you all are?"

The retired cardinal of Washington (not the actual one) who presided at the internment read only an excerpt of the response to Ted's letter to the Pope.

Likewise it appeared to me that O'Malley attended but did not preside at the funeral mass. Maybe someone can clarify this.

Why was Ted Kennedy even considered a Catholic? Virtually nothing in his public or private life reflected the Church's teachings. If membership in groups like Planned Parenthood is enough to deny communion, how much more awful to be one of the prominent politicians who led the pro-abortion debate?

Tonight I prayed a rosary and a Divine Mercy chaplet for Ted Kennedy as I drove in torrential thunderstorms to my parents’ nursing care facility. One of my favorite prayers in the rosary is "Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the powers of hell, lead ALL souls to heaven, especially those MOST IN NEED of Thy Mercy"(emphasis mine).

Still my heart grieved today watching Ted Kennedy’s funeral. I look at my parents who gave so much of their time, love and what money they could spare to the pro-life cause. The fact that they took in young unwed mothers into our home when I was in high school influenced me greatly. Their example along with reading Dorothy Day's autobiography in college inspired me to commit to full time volunteer service after graduation. My father especially was tireless in his fundraising efforts to convert an abandoned convent to a home for young mothers in need. He gave everything he possibly could until dementia from strokes left him unable to care for himself. His influence in my life led me to my greatest blessing, the daughter my husband and I adopted from China and no doubt my brother and his wife to their two children from Korea.

I prayed the rosary and the chaplet tonight not just for the soul of Ted Kennedy but also for myself that I not have anger in my heart for those who flaunt the laws we believe as Catholics that God has written in our hearts.

I know Ted Kennedy was one of many Catholic politicians who have claimed they are personally opposed to abortion but do not wish to impose their beliefs on others. Yet for one who was personally opposed to abortion and worth reportedly hundreds of millions of dollars I would have had more respect for him or other wealthy Catholic Democrats like Kerry or Pelosi if they would use a portion of their wealth to open a shelter for unwed mothers so those mothers might actually be able to choose life for their child rather than legislating that more taxpayer dollars be used to subsidize the abortion industry via Planned Parenthood and others or via this proposed “healthcare” plan.

My political hero for many years has been the late Robert Casey Sr. As Governor of Pennsylvania he worked for many of the same social causes that Ted Kennedy worked for in the Senate. He was also unashamedly pro-life.
Imagine if Ted with his family’s power and prestige behind him had been as proudly pro-life as Casey Sr. ? It saddens me that things could have been so different and so many people’s heart could have been transformed by one man’s influence.

I will keep praying for him and his family

SADLY: SEVEN PRIESTS INCLUDING CARDINAL SAY MASS FOR KENNEDY IN HOLY MISSION BASILICA

When Prime Minister Trudeau was given his grand Catholic funeral he carried with him the legacy of ushering abortion into Canada. Now Ted Kennedy is getting his big farewell as an elitist among political abortion promoters. What a sham! These Catholic politicians are public supporters of killing off human life in the womb. As such, they deserve no Catholic funeral, nor any Roman Catholic accolades. Supposed Pro-Life Catholic leaders involved in the Kennedy funeral send a milquetoast mixed message to their followers. It is time for North American Cardinals, Bishops and Priests to grow a backbone. But I fear it is too late. The culture of death is in full bloom. We are entering into a remnant Catholic Church.

Respectfully submitted by,
Deacon Jeff Pearce

That is correct. McCarrick only read an excerpt. The pope also did not "praise" Kennedy, he merely assured him of his concern and prayers. This is hardly surprising. The effort to turn the late Senator into Thomas More or John Fisher is not going to fly. He was the exact opposite of St. Thomas More in so many ways.

I also noticed the drastically modified mass. How does this happen for the Kennedys? Do they get to make changes to the Order of the Mass because they are Kennedys? It's kind of bizarre.

And Obama. Obama. He can't resist alluding to a lesbian relationship at a Catholic funeral mass. How tactless and arrogant and stupid.

Cardinal O'Malley ,Father Hession and other attending priests.
To officiate at Ted Kennedy's funeral may have been an honor for you but in fact it is a travesty to all of who are for the unborn and against abortion.
I wonder how you can justify your actions. I'm appalled that he was buried from the Church much less one named for the Blessed Mother.

I am glad that Jesus Christ was sent here to forgive us of our sins and our sinful ways. I am glad that we have the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes to instruct us in the God's will and way for our lives. I am glad we have the Holy Spirit, to help us understand God's laws and the way God wants us to live, as the Holy Spirit is our teacher, counselor and comforter. I give praise and thanks to God, the Father, the Almighty, who created us in his image, knows our strengths and weaknesses. I am sure Sen. Kennedy was glad, also. Follow the example of Christ, not men.

Alot of posters here believe that the American Catholic Church provides, along with evangelical churches, religious cover for the anti-social policies of the Republican Party. If we want right wing politics we can listen to Rush or Sarah Palin, but it's time that the American Catholic Church left right wing politics to the Republican Party.

EMK was the only prominent catholic who opposed and voted against the war on Iraq. That alone qualifies him for a Catholic funeral. Even the hierarchy did not have the brains or guts to support the Holy See on this.
Here in Washington even the archdiocesan newspaper opposed the Holy See and the cardinal said NOTHING.

To the pro life people I say you must be pro ALL lives

The Jesus in my bible is inclusive, not exclusive. I am appalled at the arrogance and judgmental tone of so many of these posts. Can you who call yourselves Catholic Christians simply let God be God and stop pontificating? As for Teddy, can you find it in your hearts to let the poor man rest in peace?

I think there was a name in the scriptures for folks who thought they had the "in with God." I believe they were called Pharisees.

Previous Poster - Ave Maria - My sentiments exactly. This public spectacle made me feel sadness and shame for our Catholic Church, of which I am a lifelong member and follower.

"A murderer, an adulterer in the eyes of the Catholic Church, supporter of same sex marriage, pro-choice and stem cell research....and he gets Cardinal O'Malley to preside over his service...go figure ??"

Where does this ridiculous idea come from that we cannot judge? We most certainly can judge fellow Christians. Especially those who claimed to be a member of the same church we belong to. If you see you brother err you correct them, to do any less is uncharitable.

Mr. Kennedy partook of the Holy Eucharist without ever showing any public remorse for his very public sins. Even if he confessed these things in private he was still committing the sin of scandal by recieving the Eucharist. Just reading these posts I can see the huge amount of scandal Kennedy has generated amongst my fellow believers.

Pray, pray for our country, for its leaders and for its future. Keep in mind that the world and its opinions do not matter and that our Lord, Jesus Christ has already won. No matter how dark it seems Christ is victorious.

To CMM, and to Joe: Cardinal O'Malley did not preside. He was invited and could not have refused even for an adulterer or a murderer. Priests bury the dead and God judges them. Further, do we know if the senator had confessed his sins and was absolved? So why judge? Knowing the cardinal well, he would be the last person to compromise his principles.
Further, the Holy Father did praise the late senator for his work on behalf of the poor. I will try to obtain a copy of the letter. This is not a defense of the senator, but we need perspective, charity, and no to be judgmental.

This is typical for the hypocrites in the Boston Diocese.

Don't forget the phony attempt at "annulment" for Joe Kennedy II.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1634956,00.html

What a travesty.

Jesuit teaching...see God in all that happens. Ted Kennedy asks the Vatican to pray for him....shortly thereafter he is dead, a storm named "Danny" rains on his funeral, and the "healthcare" joggernaut loses its trump card of 60 votes...

I recently read a book in which an obstetrician, who did his residency in Boston in the 1960s, said he witnessed young women dying from septic and infection at Boston City Hospital as a result of abortions. This is still happening in many third world countries. For all of you who are so ready to judge (particularly men) ponder these realities before you lash out.

People,....let it rest. It is done. It is over. The soul of Senator Kennedy has left this earth, just as ours someday will. This lynch mob mentality has got to end. Stop now,...say a prayer and ask God to forgive you if you were uncharitable in your remarks, lest you be judged harshly when your time comes. Jesus was crucified for just this reason. To pay the debt for all of our sins,....no matter how great, if we repented, we would be forgiven. Do not be so presumptious as to think that God would not forgive Ted Kennedy, or you surely do not realize the greatless of God. (For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son) It is over. Let it be. Kath

kennedy was divorced-I had to go through annullment procedings
Kennedy was given communion-according to the church, I had to be annulled first, otherwise I was commiting a sacreledge

If I supported abortion I was to be ex communicated- not kennedy
his actions are a direct result of the death of millions of the innocent.
I never personally killed anyone- He was given the once over lightly
by the law, no serious investigation. His first wife was given pass on a drunk driving charge after Chappaquitic. Quote "because she was having such problems." Well after all, the judge was a personal friend of the kennedy family. He is now married again (no annullment) and still goes to communion every week.--according to the church I had to wait till my wife was annulled before I could recieve communion otherwise it is a sacriledge but Hey! Its okay this is a kennedy! He doesn't have to do the rules!!
Well Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Mabe you could go against all the church rules for me too. I'm 100 percent Irish! Oh! I forgot . I'm just a basic roman catholic.
who has to go by the rules. I'm not a hierarchy friend of yours. When you
die and face your maker I'd like to be there,
Tell Christ because your SEAN O" MALLEY and a friend of the kennedy
family, you can do what you want! Its okay Lord!