From Vatican II Exposed as Counterfeit Catholicism by Frs. Francisco and Dominic Radecki, CMRI

CARDINAL CUSHING, cont’d

Cardinal Cushing founded the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle in 1958 with diocesan priests and others from Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, the Philippines and Wales to be missionaries in the United States, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. This organization promotes Ecumenical dialogue and inculturation, and spreads Modernist beliefs worldwide. The cardinal believed differences in religion were cultural, not religious. When the famous Jesuit author, Walter Abbott, asked why he frequented Protestant churches, he replied, “…we are not trying to make converts.” Pope Pius XII opposed Cushing’s ecumenical views. On August 8, 1949, the Holy Office wrote him a letter reprimanding him and reminding him of the doctrine that the Catholic Church is the one, true Church. It quoted the pope’s encyclical Mystici Corporis Christi of June 29, 1943.

Only those are really to be included as members of the Church who have been baptized and profess the true faith, and who have not had the misfortune of withdrawing from the body or for grave faults been cut off by legitimate authority.

COLLEGE FOR BISHOPS?

Since Cardinal Cushing’s Latin was very poor, he left the First Session of Vatican II after three weeks. He returned during the Fourth Session to support religious liberty and claimed he lost $400,000 in donations by being away from his archdiocesenduring that time. A story surfaced during the Council that Cushing, not understanding Latin well, asked a nearby bishop what was being discussed. The prelate replied, “College of Bishops.” Cushing, not realizing this referred to Collegiality, and not to a physical structure, is claimed to have said, “Fine, if that’s what they want, tell them I’ll raise the million dollars to build it.”

A MAN WHO WORE MANY HATS

Enjoying the spotlight and public acclaim, Cardinal Cushing took every opportunity to make himself the center of attention. He often donned the hats of bystanders, while wearing his episcopal robes. This practice was used by John Paul II and Francis. To his credit, Cardinal Cushing wrote an inspiring book on Pope Pius XII in 1959 that is loaded with photos and wonderfully portrays his life. The prelate was deeply moved by his sanctity and admired his practical nature in leading the Church in troubled times.