From the Holy See today, Saturday, November 11, 2023:
From a friend of a friend who moved to the Diocese of Tyler because of Bishop Strickland:
- “The failure to give any reason, and the fact that it goes into effect immediately feels very brutal.”
- “Our big Newcomer dinner is tonight. It will be our third annual, since the huge exodus began after 2020. Hundreds of families left everything behind in places like California and New York to come to the Diocese of Tyler where their faith would be protected and they could raise their children safely as Catholics. The bishop will be there tonight [Saturday 11 November 2023], as he is very solicitous of Newcomer families. I will be interested to hear what he will say.”
- “He is a genuinely holy and obedient son of the church. He has a gentle nature, and never goes outside kindness.”
- “I know that the faithful people who work in diocesan capacities, and all the traditional Latin Mass families are concerned, if not downright afraid.”
- “Living under a shepherd, who, genuinely, truly, authentically cares about us, is a completely unique experience in my Catholic life. The people who have taken him away from us can have no idea what a True shepherd really looks like.”
- “The various ways we have to communicate with each other in this diocese are overflowing this morning.”
- “There is no doubt in my mind at all that the Bishop is on his knees right now. He told one of our ladies that he is at complete peace in the will of God. I suppose we can do no less.”
- “I’m sure there will be commentary coming out all day today.”
For some early commentary from LifeSite: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-pope-francis-personally-removes-americas-bishop-joseph-strickland/
As for me, I truly felt nauseous. Chocked up. Eyes bad. Felt devastated, aghast, destroyed, gutted, heart ripped out. That’s because I’m evil and bad. Meanwhile, the good bishop is in total peace with our Lord Jesus. Is some anger also justified? Sure. You know the kind, like when Jesus cleansed the Temple.
Usually in such announcements a reason is referenced. There is no reason given because the good bishop was trounced because he is a good bishop.
Bishops and priests must vocally stand with Bishop Strickland. If not… just… wow…
If Bishops and priests were vocal about following the “Magisterium of Pope Francis” – whatever the hell that is – why don’t do up a little accompaniment of Bishop Strickland? No? That’s not what synodality spirit is all about?
Meanwhile, I remain with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Apostates like Bergoglio only bother me because I see the bad effects of all his scandalous words and behavior. Too sad.
So very sad that Bishop Joseph Strickland is smacked down so brutally by nice guy Bergoglio.
UPDATE: This is from AP:
- “After their [the bishops’] investigation, a recommendation was made to Francis that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” DiNardo said in a statement Saturday.”
- “The Vatican asked Strickland to resign Nov. 9, but he declined, prompting Francis to remove him from office two days later, DiNardo’s statement said.”
Get that? Bishop Strickland already told Francis “No.” Francis insisted.
ARISE! LET US BE GOING! 
This came in from Father Gordon MacRae:
After the Conclave of 2013, I wrote many posts in defense of Pope Francis. Now I feel thoroughly betrayed. No good shepherd intentionally wounds his sheep. This is but the latest of a series of wounds designed to undermine and demolish fidelity. “By their fruits you will know them.”
Thank you for writing this.
With fraternal Blessings,
Father Gordon
Now I understand why Pope Leo XIII went into a catatonic state when he had a vision of this present time. Faith and prayer are our only weapons.
Yes, to have such a man at the helm of the Church is shockingly terrible!
Fr George, A papal warning to all bishops to do what the pope wants you to do or you are out. I believe Bishop Strickland will continue speaking the truth about what the Catholic Church teaches. He will not be silenced. Bishops that want to support our faithful priest are also in trouble. Thank you for this post. Claire
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I woke up to this news a little while ago (presently around 8:30 am here) and feel ill after being unwell overnight.
Pope Francis is behaving as a wolf going after the sheep entrusted to his care. I am shocked yet not surprised – shocked that such a man is at the head of the Church militant and so blatant in his hatred of all that is good and holy (he obviously thinks he can get away with it and remain Pope Popular), but not surprised in as much as as we have seen this coming for sometime; still, it is a shock when it happens.
Poor Bishop Strickland and the other faithful bishops and priests who will be forced out of their diocese and parishes.
This Pope is also a health hazard: how he is a hazard to one’s soul is obvious and that hazard is far worse than any other; less obvious is how he affects one’s physical health. I have a heart condition, my pulse is presently racing and beating out of rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation). I am trying to relax but finding that very difficult.
What terrible times we are living in!
Prayers for peace of heart …
Thank you, Father
You’re right of course…
Like the agony in the garden.
Father George, you speak for many, many of us who either felt we had no voice in these matters or had not been able to FIND our voice until these moments. So often, it feels like we are just waiting for someone to DO SOMETHING. Prayer is of course our strongest weapon – I am also encouraged by the letter in link below and hope that perhaps others who read it will be inspired (and less afraid), to join us in confronting evil. No matter where we find it. The emperor has no clothes, and everyone knows it. Please know that we are here to support you and our parish in any and all ways necessary. https://nonvenipacem.org/2023/11/11/full-text-of-bishop-stricklands-letter-from-a-friend-i-hope-he-reads-it-again-today/
What a shame to remove such a faithful bishop
I could not sleep and so got up, prayed and read, and came across this article not long before dawn (see link below). It is titled “Convoluted trial may boil down to simple question: Is the Pope above the law?”
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2023/11/convoluted-trial-may-boil-down-to-simple-question-is-the-pope-above-the-law
Lately it seems that the angry mob rules. I guess it’s today’s version of the squeaky wheel. The angry mob protests against Israel, and for Hamas. The angry mob rips down statues. The angry mob protests against police. The angry mob declares the Latin Mass the ritual of a hate group. The angry mob declares Cardinal Ratzinger “the Pope’s Rottweiler.” Where the angry mob rules, the TLM doesn’t exist.