Bergoglio, Vatican II, and Hell - Fr. Germán Fliess 09-13-20

SummaryFr. Germán Fliess presents a critical examination of the modern Catholic Church’s (specifically the Novus Ordo or post-Vatican II Church) treatment and teaching of the doctrine of Hell. He argues that, contrary to the clear and repeated warnings of Hell in Sacred Scripture and traditional Catholic teaching, the contemporary Church largely denies or downplays the reality and seriousness of Hell. Fr. Fliess contends that many Novus Ordo clergy and laity do not truly believe in Hell or the possibility of eternal damnation, which results in the near absence of preaching about Hell from modern pulpits and religious instruction. This neglect is seen as a departure from the Gospel teachings of Christ, who frequently and explicitly warned about Hell and eternal punishment. Fr. Fliess provides a personal anecdote illustrating this denial of Hell within Novus Ordo clergy and highlights how such a stance contradicts fundamental dogmas, including the immortality of the soul and the eternal nature of Hell. Finally, Fr. Fliess reaffirms the biblical teaching that individuals will reap the consequences of their earthly actions, emphasizing the spiritual battle between flesh and spirit and the necessity of vigilance against mortal sin.HighlightsThe modern Novus Ordo Church largely denies or minimizes the doctrine of Hell.Official Church documents mention Hell but rarely emphasize its reality or danger.Novus Ordo clergy, as a rule, do not preach or even believe in the real possibility of going to Hell.Pope Francis’s teaching on the annihilation of souls contradicts key Catholic dogmas.Sacred Scripture and Christ’s teachings consistently and explicitly warn about Hell and eternal punishment.The failure to preach Hell undermines the spiritual urgency necessary to combat mortal sin.The author’s personal experience reveals the practical denial of Hell within the modern Church’s clergy.Key InsightsSystematic Denial of Hell in the Novus Ordo Context: Fr. Fliess reveals a widespread phenomenon where Hell is effectively removed from the spiritual discourse in the Novus Ordo Church. This denial is not just an absence but an active disbelief among clergy and laity alike, which results in an altered understanding of salvation and damnation. This shift undermines traditional Catholic eschatology and pastoral practice, diminishing the urgency of repentance and the fear of divine justice.Contradiction with Catholic Dogma by Modern Leadership: Fr. Fliess highlights a significant theological crisis whereby Pope Francis’s assertion that unrepentant sinners’ souls are annihilated denies two essential Catholic dogmas—the immortality of the soul and the eternal punishment of Hell. This contradiction is profound because it challenges the continuity of Catholic teaching and the authority of the Church’s magisterium, raising questions about doctrinal fidelity in the post-Vatican II era.Scripture as the Foundation for the Doctrine of Hell: Fr. Fliess underscores that the reality of Hell and eternal punishment is one of the most explicit and frequently repeated teachings of Christ in the Gospels. By citing the Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the ten virgins, the marriage feast, and the final judgment, the text stresses that the neglect of Hell in modern preaching contradicts the very heart of the Gospel message. Jesus’ repeated warnings about Hell demonstrate its crucial role in Christian moral and spiritual formation.The Role of Fear and Remorse in Spiritual Discipline: Fr. Fliess argues that Christ’s insistence on warning about Hell is a pastoral strategy addressing human weakness and the power of sin. Fear of eternal punishment serves as a necessary deterrent against sin and a motivator for spiritual vigilance. Ignoring or softening this warning diminishes the spiritual battle between flesh and spirit and encourages complacency, weakening the resolve to live a holy life.Failure of Religious Education in the Novus Ordo: Fr. Fliess presents the observation that children raised in the Novus Ordo often lack foundational knowledge about Hell and eternity, indicating a failure of catechesis. Since early religious education shapes lifelong belief, this omission results in a generation of Catholics unaware of critical aspects of their faith, which can lead to spiritual indifference or error.Personal Testimony as Evidence of the Problem: Through the author’s anecdote of requesting the brown scapular and encountering disbelief from a Novus Ordo priest, the text illustrates the practical consequences of this doctrinal neglect. The priest’s shocked response that “we do not believe in that anymore” reveals how deeply entrenched this denial is among clergy, highlighting a pastoral crisis that affects the faithful’s ability to seek spiritual protection and assurance.The Spiritual Battle and the Necessity of Vigilance: Fr. Fliess closes with a reflection on the Pauline epistle that exhorts believers not to be deceived, warning that what one sows in the flesh will reap corruption, but what is sown in the Spirit will reap eternal life. This teaching encapsulates the core spiritual reality that human beings face a continuous struggle against sin, and the eternal consequences of that struggle must be clearly understood and preached to encourage perseverance in holiness.Additional ReflectionsThe homily can be viewed as a critique of the post-Vatican II Catholic Church’s approach to doctrine and pastoral care, particularly regarding eschatology. It calls for a return to traditional teachings that emphasize the reality of Hell and the consequences of mortal sin as essential for authentic Catholic faith and moral living. Fr. Fliess’ perspective aligns with a traditionalist critique, warning that the modern Church’s omissions lead to spiritual laxity and doctrinal confusion. It challenges clergy and catechists to restore the full Gospel message, including its most sobering truths, to preserve the soul’s salvation.TrueCatholicFaith.com