The Catholic Church and the Danger of Freemasonry

In the book The Herald of Fatima: John Haffert, which was recently reviewed by me, there is a chapter on the smoke of Satan infiltrating the Catholic Church to paraphrase Pope Paul VI. One such evil has to do with Freemasonry.

The following is in reference to John Haffert's book which he wrote in order to stress the urgent message of Fatima. The book referred to by author Edna McGrew was "To Shake the World".

"...John says that an interview given by Cardinal Edward Gagnon published in April 1991, gives us a rare glimpse into the power of Masonry within the Church. John writes that Cardinal Gagnon said that: 'Masonry still wields real power which is all the greater because it is never talked about.'

In his early years in Canada, in his capacity as Cardinal Leger's canonist, Cardinal Gagnon often had to help people who wanted to return to the Church after they had been excommunicated for stealing the Sacred Host on Masonry orders. These Hosts were to be used in 'black masses.' John thought that such masses were only celebrated by a handful of Satanists. But His Eminence implicated the Masons as well when he added that: 'Some forms of Masonry also celebrate black masses.' The Cardinal elaborated that his personal experience was in Canada 'where Masonry is not believed to be anti-religious and where [even] some chaplains are Masons.'

Moreover, John quotes Pope John Paul I as saying: 'Do not forget that Masonry, whether it be above board or underground, is more active than ever now...It is a power of evil. We must face its perverse actions with courage.' Cardinal Gagnon, who agreed with Pope John Paul I revealed that in Europe this secret cancer of Masonry had 'crept into the highest levels of the Church.' Their power was so strong in the Church that the New Code of Canon Law issued in 1983 removed the previous Code's condemnation of Masonry. When the New Code was approved, John relates that one Italian Bishop who was opposed to Masonry received a call from 'an influential Vatican official' who gloated that the Bishop would finally 'have to stop battling against Masonry.'

...Fortunately, matters did not end there The Congregation of the doctrine of the Faith immediately issued a condemnation of Masonry. However...according to Cardinal Gagnon: 'some prelates still make regular visits to the Vatican today...to convince the hierarchy that collaboration with Masonry is possible'.

It should be clear to everyone that it is a very grievous sin for a Catholic to be a mason.

The following will help clarify the reason for this:

TEN REASONS CATHOLICS CANNOT BE MASONS

Freemasonry, contrary to public perception, is a secret society rather than a fraternity. Its principles are fundamentally contrary to the Catholic faith and explicitly deny key tenets of Christianity. Below are ten reasons why Catholics cannot be Masons or participate in their activities.

1). The Holy See on Nov. 26, 1983, at the direction of the Pope, issued a "Declaration on Masonic Associations" restating the Church's position condemning the basic principles of Freemasonry. It also states that Catholics who join Masonic organizations are in a state of grave sin and are automatically denied Holy Communion.

2). God as described in Masonic works is an impersonal "Great Architect of the Universeî," not the personal God of the Patriarchs, the One True God of Revelation, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

3). Masonic writings specifically deny that God has revealed Himself and His truths to us, or that He ever established a Church.

4). In Masonry Jesus Christ is portrayed as merely a man, a great teacher, on a par with Buddha or Mohammed and His Divinity is denied.

5). The Trinity is denied and compared to the "trinitiesî"of pagan religions. The Holy Spirit is blasphemed by Masonry's denial of the Divine Inspiration of Scripture.

6). Christianity is considered a derivative of ancient pagan religions and like all religions deliberately ladens itself with error. God is portrayed as a deceiver who leads many men away from truth as not all are worthy of it.

7). All truth is relative according to Masonry, thereby rejecting objective, absolute truth and therefore the dogmas of the Catholic faith.

8). Freemasonry is portrayed as the foundation of all religion and it is built on Naturalism, a system of belief that makes human nature and human reason supreme in all things.

9). At the various degrees when an oath is sworn, even the initial ones, it is a blood oath swearing for example, "binding myself by no less penalty than that of having my throat cut from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the sands of the sea..." This is a real oath sworn with one's hand on the Bible or Torah, etc.

10). One can easily be deceived by Masonry's rituals and symbols that an objective transformation of man is being carried out. This will lead one away from the workings of God's grace especially manifested in the Sacraments instituted by Christ. Remember, Masonry denies Christís Divinity and therefore His role as our Savior.

For further information the book "Freemasonry: Mankind's Hidden Enemy"can be obtained from TAN BOOKS, Rockford,IL., ($8.00 retail). Your local bookstore can order it for you.

Source Consecration to the Milia Immaculata