In proclaiming the faith and in administering the sacraments every priest speaks on behalf of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ.
Assuredly, the word of truth can be painful and uncomfortable. But it is the way to holiness, to peace, and to inner freedom. A pastoral approach which truly wants to help the people concerned must always be grounded in the truth. In the end, only the truth can be pastoral.
No one is forced to be a Christian. But no one should be forced to live according to the "new religion" as though it alone were definitive and obligatory for all mankind.
A civilization inspired by a consumerist, anti-birth mentality is not and cannot ever be a civilization of love.
Certainly, it is difficult to make the demands of the Gospel understandable to secularized people. But this pastoral difficulty must not lead to compromises with the truth.
A man who has no regard for the words of Christ, or the decrees of His Holy Church, obviously will not take anything else seriously. It is in this way we must approach the news that Oscar Romero is going to be canonised.
Distinctions Matter
Distinctions Matter Forward
Missale Romanum
Pre-1951 Calendar