Clear ideas on vaccines, masks, and more…
The COVID Crisis: Advice for Traditional Catholics from Fr. Stephen McKenna and Dr. Daniel Stanislowski
Frequent visitors to this web site may recall that in late 2020, we published a post on the morality of vaccinations. It featured an episode of True Restoration‘s podcast program in which Fr. Stephen McKenna laid out and explained the principles of Catholic morality that govern the use of vaccines:
Although released later in the year, the episode had actually been recorded in January of 2020, weeks before Coronavirus/ COVID-19 was an issue in most parts of the world; wherefore it did not address the topic of COVID-19 specifically, much less that of the COVID-19 vaccines that are now available.
For that reason, Fr. McKenna has now followed up with four full episodes in which he discusses the moral and medical aspects regarding the ongoing Coronavirus drama. In the first two episodes, Father is joined by Daniel Stanislowski, Ph.D., an American biochemist and molecular biologist, who is competent to speak about the pertinent medical/scientific points. Among the questions tackled in these episodes are the following:
- What is the Corona Virus? How dangerous is it?
- How do vaccines work, and how do the COVID-19 vaccines work specifically?
- Are masks effective in preventing the spread of viruses? Are they dangerous?
- What about that “Great Reset” we keep hearing about?
- How should a Catholic react spiritually to all these things?
- How much obedience does a Catholic owe to government mandates?
- …and many others!
The episodes were first released Feb. 5-24, 2021 on True Restoration, but they were restricted to paid subscribers. We decided to sponsor them, thereby making them available to the public for free, as we believe that it is extremely important that Catholics be informed as to the moral, medical, and spiritual dimensions regarding Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).
Before listening, please be sure to read the important disclaimer found further down below.
Important Disclaimer: In making these audios available, Novus Ordo Watch’s intent is to inform the public as to what moral principles govern the decision-making of a Catholic when it comes to the issues discussed therein, in the professional judgment of Fr. McKenna, as well as what the medical/scientific facts are, in the professional judgment of Dr. Stanislowski; so that Catholics can form their consciences in accord with facts, reason, and the rule of Faith. All socio-political claims and personal opinions expressed in these episodes are the views of the people articulating them and not necessarily those of Novus Ordo Watch. We wish to state very clearly that Novus Ordo Watch is not encouraging anyone either to take or refrain from taking any particular vaccine, whether for COVID-19, the flu, or any other disease or condition. Novus Ordo Watch explicitly disclaims any and all liability that may arise from the use or non-use of vaccines.
In January 2021, after consulting with Dr. Stanislowski, Fr. McKenna had released a seven-page paper explaining why, in his opinion, people ought not to rush into receiving a COVID vaccine:
Receiving proper moral guidance on any matter, but especially on something as serious and controversial as the Coronavirus crisis, is paramount for Catholics. After all, we have an obligation to form our consciences in accord with the Church’s moral theology, “in season, out of season” (2 Tim 2:4). We must resist the temptation to go instead by personal preferences, feelings, or socio-political trends.
When the Church is our guide, we can be assured that we will not be misled. As Pope Pius XI said, “a characteristic of all true followers of Christ, lettered or unlettered, is to suffer themselves to be guided and led in all things that touch upon faith or morals by the Holy Church of God through its Supreme Pastor the Roman Pontiff, who is himself guided by Jesus Christ Our Lord” (Encyclical Casti Connubii, n. 104).
An excellent resource for the Church’s traditional moral doctrine is the 2-volume compendium Moral Theology: A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by the Dominican Fathers John McHugh and Charles Callan (imprimatur 1958). The full text of both volumes is available for free online at Project Gutenberg. People interested in printed copies may obtain them here:
McHugh and Callan’s discussion of cooperation in sin can be found in nn. 1506-1544. These sections are particularly applicable in regard to vaccines derived in immoral ways, and readers will find the principles enunciated and explained by Fr. McKenna verified there.
Please say a prayer for Fr. McKenna and Dr. Stanislowski in gratitude for providing helpful guidance in these difficult times.
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