Encyclical Letter

Of Pope Michael II. on

On Catholic Social Action

To Our Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops

In Communion with Us

Brothers and Sisters

Health and Apostolic Benediction

1.  Cleansing of the Temple was the first activity of Our Lord Jesus Christ when He entered Jerusalem, and due to this action, He was considered a “threat” by His enemies, the religious leaders at that time. In John 2:14-16, we read, “Then in the temple He found people selling cattle, sheep and pigeons and also the money changers sitting at their tables. So He made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle; He overturned the tables of the money changers and scattered their coins; and He ordered those who sold the pigeons, `take them out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!’”

2. Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, historically speaking, because He made a whip from cords and overturned the tables of money changers. On Good Friday, people have chosen to free Barabbas and crucify Christ as a retaliation to Christ’s action of disturbing the “status quo” and comforting the uncomfortable in His time. (cf Luke 4:18-19).

3. More often, the image of our Lord Jesus Christ is projected as “meek and humble“ ( Matthew 11:29) as if He is not capable of showing an indignant character. But the gospel pericope we have in the foregoing (John 2:14-16 ), John illustrates another side of Jesus: Jesus became angry with those who disrespected the temple. This is not the only instance where Our Lord was critical of the religious authorities. In chapter 23 of St. Matthew, He criticized and condemned the hypocrites and predicted their punishment.

4. At present, the catholic sense of militancy seems to be passive; the popular mode is “tolerance”, if not tolerance, “compromise“ and everything serious is treated as parody; acceptance of the unjust situation is considered “the new normal“ like corruption in government of the State and in the Church. However, the Catholic Church is a militant church. In our Catechism, there are three classifications of the Church: namely, the Church Triumphant, the Church Suffering and the Church Militant. The Church Triumphant pertains to saints in heaven; the Church Suffering pertains to those in purgatory; and the Church Militant pertains to the faithful still alive.

5. Saint John the Baptizer, remember, was beheaded by  Herod at the request of Herodias’ daughter, since John condemned the adultery of Herod. (cf. Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9). Like Saint John the Baptist and Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles were also persecuted. Even in the early Church, the Apostles were not exempt from persecution. In Rome, they had their Eucharist in the catacombs because Christianity was an illegal religion at that time. Christians were arrested, tortured and killed. Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned and later killed.

6.  The concept of militancy of the Church seems to be unpopular, or if not unpopular, it is tied to issues related to religiosity but has nothing to do with denouncing injustice done to the oppressed, depressed and suppressed. That is the reason why the social teaching of the Church is called “Best kept secret”. But Our Lord Jesus Christ came not only to save souls but also to save the physical needs of the people. That is the reason why He cured the sick and fed the hungry. Even raising the dead person to life.

WHAT CAN THE  CHURCH REALLY DO?

7. Watch. Let us teach our people to be observant of the situation. Let us help them to go out from their selfish character and reach out; Haste is the enemy of sanctity. If we want to be a saint, let us learn to appreciate every moment of our lives. And part of this appreciation is our awareness of what is going on inside and outside of us.

8. Discernment. After observing ourselves and society, let us ask ourselves, Does the will of God happen in our circumstances? Where is the following of Christ? What concrete action can we apply which will bring Glory to God ? Here enters the value of prayer: we consult the Lord about our plan. Does our plan bring us closer to God? Or will it be for our selfish motives?

9. Work. Love is not seen in words but in deeds. True love is manifested in works of charity and justice. Yes, many people are agitated by injustices; many people are active in giving their suggestions about the plan of action to be taken, but few people are really decisive to commit themselves. This is a crucial element of being a catholic: to lay down our lives for our friends. ”The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them.” ( John 15:13 ).    

ISSUES  TO BE CONSIDERED

10. At present, there are a variety of issues on which the Church can be vocal in raising her voice: The abolishment of divorce, euthanasia, abortion, contraception, and same-sex unions. Aside from these, the issue of poverty and social injustice can be included. As We mentioned foregoing, we seem to be passive with particular issues and we remain silent as if we see nothing or hear nothing. However, as true Catholics, we need to be militant on these issues because we desire the glory of God in all. ”Let your light shine before all men” said the Lord (Matthew 5:16).

11. The issues we mentioned here are not new; they are already issues before, but We just want to shake or rock the boat of complacency and indifference. And so, We brought them here.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

12. Matthew Chapter 18, verses 15 to 17, provide us with the necessary steps when someone sins. Number One, Talk to the person privately; Two, Take one or two other persons with you; Three, tell the whole thing to the church. If he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector. ”Remove the evil person from your group.” (1 Corinthians 5:13). Excommunication is literally “out of communion”. This judgment is administered for the salvation of the person cut off from communion so that it will bring the culprit into conversion. As we can see here, the principle of Exhaustion of Administrative remedies is applied here.

13. In our civil society or even in our Church, we apply the principle of Exhaustion of Administrative remedies inasmuch as the source of this is the Roman Law. The observance of due process must always be the number one step. Hearing must come first before judgment.

14. But after the administrative remedies have been exhausted, a meta-legal course could be considered, so long as it remains a peaceful expression of freedom. The Philippines became an “Idol“ of the world in 1986 because of a peaceful, non-violent revolution.  

VIOLENCE

15. The use of arm struggle should not be the end in itself. Let us commit to memory that violence is only a means to an end if all peaceful remedies have been exhausted. In the medieval ages, the Pope himself was a leader of chivalry in order to save and defend the Holy Land. The use of arm struggle is not evil in itself if and only if it is used to defend life, liberty and property. Some may ask, “Thou shalt not kill according to the Decalogue, so why kill?” It is true that the essence of the commandment of God is to protect and save lives. However, part of protecting and saving life is defending our lives, liberty and property from our enemies just like in the case of self-defence. As much as possible, we do not want to harm anyone by force or through violent means; however, if our life, liberty and property are threatened by an aggressor, then the last and ultimate resort is the use of violence.

16. Let us distinguish between cosmetics and surgery. Cosmetics are used to fix the ugly into the beautiful, yet there are instances where cosmetics do not make sense, and we would like to resort to surgery. In surgery, we remove in a painful manner an object which is the real cause of the disease. Likewise, in a society wherein all administrative means have been exhausted to attain a just society, the use of armed struggle or violent resolution is the last option.

CONCLUSION

17. We wish to end here. We do not want to write long encyclicals because We know many do not want to read long exhortations. Yet We are appealing to all Catholics to restore militancy as a way of life. Always remember, evil triumphs when good people do nothing. Let Saint Michael the Archangel be a reminder to us to apply justice. The Lord said, ”Make it your aim to do what is right, not what is evil, so that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will really be with you, as you claim he is” ( Amos 5:14 ).

18. And as a sign of Our affection, We wish to bless you with the blessing of the Triune God.

Given in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines, at the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, 29^th of September, in the year 2025, the Third of Our Pontificate.

MICHAEL  II.

What Does “In Communion With The Pope” Really Mean?

By His Holiness Pope Michael II.

Our Society is characterized by plurality, multi-cultural and diversity of beliefs. But this plurality and diversity ends in anarchy. Our rich history and present circumstances authenticate this.

Our God is a God of order, unity and harmony. Our world was created beautiful, yet due to the lawlessness of our proto-parents, suffering and death came in. In order to regenerate the world, Jesus the Christ came into the world, incarnated and was born of the Virgin Mary in order to manifest God’s unconditional love. Because of this, Jesus Christ is the primordial sacrament of the Father. Christ is the best example of sonship. Hence, “This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased…” (Mark 1:11). “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).

The Church as the assembly of believers is the sacrament of Christ. The Church as the mystical body of Christ is continuously witnessing to the presence of Christ until the end of time. (Matthew 28:20). Within the Church, we have the Seven Sacraments.

As the Holy Spirit is the invisible sign of unity, the Pope and the bishops are the visible sign of unity. The Pope and the bishops are acting “in persona capitis” (Headship of Christ). The Pope and the bishops are reminders of unity between the Head and its body. The Pope and the bishops are called to establish order, unity and harmony for the sake of “Salus Animarum” because “Salus Animarum est Suprema Lex.” (“The Welfare of the Soul is the Supreme Law”).

In communion with the Pope means:

You mention the name of the Pope and of your bishop at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This is elementary but important. The faithful are obliged to pray for the pope and for all your bishops. However, you must realize that “The authority of the Roman Pontiff is supreme, universal, independent; that of the Bishop’s limited and independent” ( Pope Leo XIII, Satis Cognitum).

In the Pope resides the Three powers of the Government: The Executive, Legislative and Judicial. “It is absurd to claim that a Pope must obey Canon Law, or that he can be censured by the Church: for it is because of him that canon law exists.”

Docility and Obedience. Obedience means listening and listening means obedience. Obey first before you complain. Docility means submission and as a sign of gentle compliance, you need to wait for his orders, “Don’t take it ahead.” For example, a deacon is the one dictating the schedule of his ordination to the priesthood.

Another is Preempt the announcement of the Pope. Hence, “synodality” can be misleading. The Pope alone is the supreme authority in the Catholic Church. Before “Roma locuta est, causa finita.” (“When Rome speaks, the case is closed”) but now, “When Rome speaks, the argument begins.” That should not be. The authority in the Catholic Church is NOT collegial in nature, or the Supreme pontiff is just the first among many equal bishops. Hence, the College of Bishops must obey the Pope.

Support the “Saint Peter’s Charity.” The Pope has no salary but he has works of charity. Hence, your financial support to the Pope is necessary and mandatory.

CONCLUSION

Plurality of opinions or beliefs ends in confusion. Sedevacantism is wrong in as much as it leads to anarchy. Protestantism is anarchy. Therefore, an orthodox (adjective) Catholic Pope is essential to establish order and unity in the church to safeguard the deposit of faith for the sake of Salus Animarum.

Working for God vs. Doing God’s Work

By His Holiness Pope Michael II.

September 15, 2025

In the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican ( cf.Luke 18:9-14 ), a person who is really sincere in his love for the Lord would be shocked why in the end of the parable the Lord praised the publican and despised the Pharisee. In as much as if we live in the time of the Lord, we might as well emulate the Pharisee as well as the scribes because they really struggled to apply the mosaic law to the letter. Imagine from the ten commandments, they translated it into 613 laws in order to make sure that they will not miss anything. Yet in the end, it was the tax collector, despised by many jews who got the “cum laude” from the Lord.

It is not enough that we work for God. We must be doing God’s work. That is the secret. Working for God is the mode of expression of devotion of a follower to God by choosing a particular apostolate according to his taste and not according to the taste of the Lord. Whereas, doing God’s work is serving the Lord according to the manner the Lord wishes a person to serve. By simple analogy, Ana would like to give a present to her professor, Mr. Castro, and so she bought a T-shirt with stripes as a birthday gift, yet when Mr. Castro received her gift, he secretly gave it to his brother, for he did not like a shirt with stripes. When another student, Shirley asked Mr. Castro what gift he would like, and Mr.Castro replied, “I want a navy blue polo.” Shirley found it strange for Mr.Castro but since that was the type Mr. Castro preferred, she bought that polo as a gift. In the illustration above, Ana is an example of “working for God” while Shirley is an example of “doing God’s work”.

In our apostolate, we need to be prayerful in order to be discerning. We need to clarify which particular mode of action we must apply in a particular circumstance. It is not enough that we are working for God, we must be doing God’s work so that we can be effective and efficient co-workers of the Lord. That is why Saint Ignatius prayed, “Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as I should, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and ask not for rewards…” Please underline: To serve you as I should or to serve you as you deserved. This reminds us that we need a discernment of what kind of service is really pleasing to God. Because in the end, it is God’s glory which is our goal.

Normally, we choose our own preference then we say it’s for the glory of God but we set aside that since the goal is for the glory of God, we shall ask God first what is his will for us to undertake. It should be : the horse first before the cart and not the other way around

In the parable of the Pharisee and Publican, the Lord praised the publican because of his humility. “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” That should be the attitude of a person following the Lord, “Lord, teach me what you want me to do.” Salvation is actually one percent work of man and 99 percent work of God.

DIGNITATEM HUMANAE NATURAE TUENDAM

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
ON GOD’S PLAN FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY

To My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

1. UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN NATURE is the basic call of the Mother the Church in announcing the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In creation, humans were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). In other words, humanity by nature is the image of God. Yet, through sin, this image and likeness was broken. However, when “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the process of restoration of human dignity was started, and through the Sacrament of Baptism the human person becomes a child of God. For “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12). It is explicit here that a person once born through the biological mother is not automatically a child of God. Due to original sin, the person remains in darkness, and once he is baptized he is no longer in darkness, but becomes a child of God. Nevertheless, becoming a child of God is a continuous process. Christian formation is a daily cross which a human person needs to bear.
2. The issue of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) is currently contentious. The Pride month asserts that LGBTQIA must be accepted by society-at-large and never be discriminated against. And other groups are pushing for same sex union.
3. We generally respect each human being, whatever their status in life. However, we cannot water down the divine truth which says “He created them male and female” (Genesis 1:27). Those who want to remain a Christian and a Catholic should uphold this revelation, and anything contrary to this must be set aside. It is not for modern man to determine what gender he wants to choose. The Sacred Scripture explicitly says male and female. And so, as a loyal child of God, we accept this truth without reservation.
4. In Matthew 19:4-6 the Lord Jesus Christ said: “Haven’t you read the scripture that says that in the beginning the Creator made people male and female? And God said ‘for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.’ So they are no longer two but one. No human being must separate what God has joined together.” Procreation is the one reason why God has joined the opposite sex together. The second reason is mutual support for sanctification. Homosexuality defeats the Divine purpose. Hence it is not just against natural law but against the will of God.
5. In the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans, he said: “In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing.” (Romans 1:27). In his first letter to the Corinthians, he said: “Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God’s Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God’s Kingdom.” ( 1 Cor.6:9-10 ).
6. We are inviting LGBTQIA+ members to “Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15). This is an invitation for all of you to accept our Lord Jesus Christ in your life by practising the virtue of purity. We know that self-control is not easy, but we do believe that the power of the Holy Spirit shall provide you with the strength necessary for you to overcome yourself. The power of prayer shall help you fight the temptations of the flesh.
7. The people of God shall pray for you too to remain steadfast in the virtue of purity and will continue to encourage you in answering the call to holiness. We beg the intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary to aid us in following God’s plan by our life of purity.
   Given at the City of San Jose Del Monte this 6th day of August 2025 Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the second year of our pontificate.

MICHAEL II.,

By the grace of God, Pope

September 15, 2025

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
DECLARING THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL NULL AND VOID

BY HIS HOLINESS POPE MICHAEL II

BRIEF HISTORY

When Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, or Anti-Pope John XIII, claimed the papacy on October 28, 1958, he immediately called a council on January 25, 1959. This council was called as the Second Vatican Council. It began on October 11, 1962 and ended on December 8, 1965. The purpose of the council is the so called “aggiornamento” or “updating” in Italian. In the mind of John XXIII, it is modernizing the Catholic Church teachings and practices and structures to better engage with the modern world. Some of the results are:

1. Sacrosanctum Concilium. The Mass of Pius V (Tridentine Latin Mass) shifted to the Mass of Anti-Pope Paul VI (Novus Ordo Missae), which increased participation of laity and use of vernacular languages. But Novus Ordo Missae, according to the Ottaviani Intervention, lacks expression of the Catholic faith. It is more protestant than Catholic, which is now prone to abuses due to the too much leeway it allows. (Inculturation in liturgy).
2. Unitatis Redintegratio. Unity among Christian denominations.
3. Nostra Aetate. Inter-Religious dialogue. Dialogue with Non-Christian Religions such as Judaism and Islam.
4. Dignitatis Humanae. Recognition of Religious freedom
5. Lumen gentium. Emphasising the role of the laity over the clergy.

ERRORS OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL

1. False Ecumenism. The Catholic concept of Ecumenism is Ecumenism of return, meaning a protestant or schismatic must return to the Catholic Faith. But today, no conversion is necessary. Remain protestant if you like, then it is alright. If that is the case, we affirm that the protestant is right. And Catholic Faith is wrong.
2. False Inter-Religious Dialogue. From Anti-Popes John XXIII to Leo XIV, they affirmed that the Jews were the chosen people of God and no need to be Christians. If that is the case, Our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we proclaim as True God and True Man, is false. Because the Jews did not believe in and accept Jesus Christ as the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. The Jews crucified Jesus Christ because, for them, Jesus Christ was an impostor.
   With regards to Islam, the Conciliar Church believes that the Mohammedans worship the true God, Allah. If the Conciliar affirms that, they simply deny that Jesus Christ is true God, inasmuch as for Islam, Jesus is only a prophet and not God.
3. False Religious Freedom. According to the Novus Ordo Sect, follow your conscience. But what if the conscience of the person is erroneous? Still, Obey your conscience? Hence, confusion is spreading in our world. What is right can be wrong, and what is wrong can be right? There are so many genders nowadays. No longer Man and a woman, but LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (person who still questions their gender identity) plus the asexual, pansexual and more. And if you tell them the truth (God made only man and woman), you are discriminating against them, and that is against human rights?
4. Collegiality. The real Catholic position is that the Pope alone decides in matters of faith and morals. But now, the bishops, together with the Pope, discern under the guise of collegiality. Now this becomes worse by introducing synodality. It is not the pope who decides alone, but together with the bishops and the clergy, plus the laity. But this sounds like conciliarism? Is the general council of the church greater than the Pope?

From the above considerations foregoing, We, as successor of Saint Peter and Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ on earth, do solemnly decree and declare that the pastoral council called as Second Vatican Council in 1965, together with its sixteen documents, are Null and Void. And so, from now thereon, there are only twenty councils we recognise, and he who still abides to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council is declared Anathema.

Signed and given this Fourth of June, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines. The Second Year of Our Pontificate.
MICHAEL, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, POPE.

Implementing rules and guidelines for the optional celibacy

This is with regard to the mandate we issue about optional celibacy.

1. The candidate for the priesthood must be married before the diaconate.
2. The marriage is not civil marriage but church marriage. Catholic marriage. We do not recognize civil wedding.
3. The wife of the candidate for the diaconate must have a written consent before the ordination take place.
4. The married priests from the Anglican Church and Orthodox Church are accepted.
5. All married priests must have one wife. And if the wife dies ahead of them, the priest must remain celibate for ever.
6. Those who are ordained deacon and priest in the single status and desired to get married must seek an application to the Pope for the dispensation. And once permitted by the Pope, he should wear a layman’s attire during the marriage ceremony in the Church. He should not wear his priestly vestments during the wedding ceremony wherein he is the groom.

So ordered. Any contrary notwithstanding.

In Christ,

Michael II Pp.

June, 27, 2025

Apostolic Constitution on Abolition of Mandatory Celibacy and institution of Optional Celibacy for Clerics in the Catholic Church

From His Holiness Pope Michael II, Servant of the Servants of God, To all faithful Catholics in communion with us : Peace and Apostolic Benediction!

In the Gospel according to Matthew chapter 19 verse 10 Our Lord’s disciples said to Him, ” If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But He said to them, ” All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: ” For there are eunuchs who were born this from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it. ” ( Matthew 19: 10 – 12 ). It is very explicit here that the Lord praises those who made themselves celibate by their own free choice but our Lord does not impose celibacy as mandatory.

2. Since the selection of the twelve apostles, the Lord Jesus Christ had selected men who were married and had families except John, the younger apostle who was in charge to take care of His blessed mother, the Theotokos. In as much as the Holy Matrimony is a sacrament and not holy virginity. In the book of Genesis, the Almighty God the Father did not will Adam to be alone but given a companion, Eve. Because God himself is a family, a community of persons, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and therefore He wanted to teach us to create a family and not to live in isolation to one another. God the Father himself wanted His children to be selfless and not selfish, to be for others not for oneself ( in se ipsa ).

3. Before He ascended into heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded his disciples, ” Go and make disciples, baptized them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” ( Matthew 28: 19 ). He explicitly mandated His disciples to create a family of God, which is also become a Church ( Qahal Yahweh, Ekklesia ).

4. The Church being the bride of Christ must be without blemish and chaste as a Virgin. However virginity here is greater than physical virginity. It must be chastity. Because nowadays there are those who profess to be a virgin yet do not live in chastity. Their activities are not congruent with their vocation.

5. Even though the issue on chastity is never new, the 21st century is a vivid testimony that mandatory celibacy should be optional and never imposed. In as much as it created another problem in the Catholic Church like homosexuality and pedophilia.

History of Mandatory Celibacy

6. From the Apostolic era to the first one thousand years of the Catholic Church, Celibacy was not imposed. We have mentioned from the above that the apostles themselves were married including St. Peter, the first Pope. It was only in the Eleventh century that celibacy was mandatory in the Latin rite. In fact in Europe, many priests were still married even in the 12th century and their children followed their path wherein reforms became difficult to implement. The last married pope was Adrian II ( 867- 872 ) , who was married to Stephania, with whom he had a daughter.

7. The earliest documents for married priests to observe continence were in fourth century, namely Council of Elvira ( 305 AD ) , Southern Spain and Council of Carthage ( 309 AD ). During the reign of Pope Damascus ( 305- 384 ) , son of a priest himself, St. Lorenzo, introduced the rule of continence. It was only in 1139 at the Second Lateran Council, celibacy became mandatory in the Catholic Church. But as early as 1074 , Pope Gregory VII ordered that anyone who shall be ordained priests must pledge celibacy. Pope Gregory invented celibacy in order to prevent the wives and children of married clerics from inheriting some of the clerics’ properties upon their death. Wealth should only be brought into the Church not out of the Church.

8. Karl Rahner , SJ , a theologian, traced the original rationale for celibacy. According to him, celibacy was required for all clerics to prevent alienation of church properties. Since before, when married priests and bishops die, their possession passed unto their families. Such scenario would be very disadvantageous to the Church. And as an antidote for this problem, in 1074 the Catholic Church forbade marriage of priests.

9. Several spiritual justifications have been used just to impose celibacy and glorify celibacy. For example, Our Lord Jesus Christ was not married throughout His life and so, priests must remain single. A priest is married to the Church and so, he can no longer marry a woman. But these are all sugar coated idea to hide the materialistic agenda of the greedy.

10. In the book of Genesis, Adam was not happy being alone and since nothing from animals and plants could make him happy, God gave to Adam, Eve. Man needs a woman, a woman needs a man. Could you say to a baby not to cry ? Could you tell a normal man not to fall in love with a woman? God is love.

11. In the Philippines, we have several vocations to the priesthood. But yours truly realized, most of them are willing to take the vow of celibacy because they do not want to marry a woman but man ! ( Since many of them are homosexuals ). It is no longer Adam and Eve, but Adam and Steve! May the Lord forgive them. This is hypocrisy. Before their parishioners, they look saintly because they are singles but in God’s eye, it is hypocrisy. In as much as they are not chase because they maintain male live-in partners.

12. My predecessor, His Holiness Pope Michael of happy memory , wrote in February 14, 2012 on Admission of Married Man to the priesthood: ” As pope, we have removed some obstacles to pursuing a vocation since vocation to marriage and the priesthood are not necessarily mutually exclusive. True celibacy is an honorable state, but it is not a doctrine of the Divine and Catholic faith. Celibacy is a discipline of the Church and therefore when the needs of the Church require, it is not insisted upon. ” Therefore, from the considerations above foregoing, We hereby solemnly declare that Celibacy is only now optional and not mandatory for all the clerics in the Catholic Church as much as it is in accordance with the mind of the Lord Jesus Christ that not every one can accept mandatory celibacy.

 

Given this 5th day of May 2025, feast of St. Pius V, Pope and First year of our pontificate.

Michael II, by the grace of God, Pope

APOSTOLIC LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS

 

 

 

 

 

TO ALL FAITHFUL CATHOLICS IN COMMUNION WITH US 

PEACE AND APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION 

1. THE FOURTY DAYS OF LENT is always a grace filled moment to meditate our baptismal promises. In as much as in baptism, we become children of our Heavenly Father whom we call ‘Pater Noster “. There is no other greater dignity than to be called children of God. However due to consumerism worldwide, we become forgetful of this truth. We see each other as a commodity rather than sons and daughters of God; the truth is we are royal priesthood dedicated to offer a sacrifice of praise 

2. In this season of Lent We would like you to consider the Stairway to Heaven which the Mystics of the Church have been contemplating upon : Purgation, Illumination and Union. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, ” Whoever wishes to follow me must deny himself, carry his cross and follow me.” ( Luke 9:23 ). These very words of our Lord give us the ladder to assent if we wish to be with him so much so that the goal of human life is “Deification. Remembering the words of Saint Athanasius: “The Son of God became man so that man might become son of God.” 

3.Purgation.Self-Denial. ” Whoever wishes to follow me must deny himself..” But did our Lord say, ” Love your neighbor as yourself “? How can a person love himself and deny himself at the same time? The former is a virtue, the latter is saintly. Love of oneself which is opposed to self-love is not self-centered but rather a prerequisite in becoming man for others Ne mo dat quod non habet. You cannot give something which you do not have. How can you give authentic love if you do not experience it ? You have to love yourself first before you share it with others. 

4. Nevertheless that love of oneself called to be authentic by practicing asceticism. The test of that love is through the path of self-denial. The best sign of love of oneself is when you tan give yourself away. The practice of mortification like fasting , abstinence, vigil and what have you are necessary in the formation to discipleship. Remember a disciple can be a disciple through discipline. Thus the training to the priesthood is rigid. The life of a religious is measured by obedience. The life of God’s worker should be characterized by ” killing the serpent’s seed” or the “Ego”, Anyone who wishes to be Christ’s follower must be Christ-centered, not self- centered. Immature. Spoiled-brat 

5. In lsaiah chapter 58 tells us about true fasting. There Prophet Isaiah underscores that fasting is to ” remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppresseo go free.” ( Isaiah 58:6). As you can see, fasting is not just making yourself suffer hunger but rather denying yourself of pleasure in order that others might be full. Examples : A mother would deprive herself of sleep in the riddle of the night just to take care of a sick daughter. Or a Father who would deny himself of drinking alcohol in order to provide tuition fee for his children. Studying can also be a form of asceticism 

6. lam telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains.”( John12:24 ). Mortification, being an old practice by early Christian mystics, is killing the self- centered self so that we can be other-centered like Christ. Purgation is a constant self-denial in order to lead us to the next ladder: lllumination 

7. Ilumination. The next step mentioned by our Lord, after “deny yourself” is “”Carry your cross” In the Gospel according to St.luke, he added the word”daily”. Carrying ones cross is not only once but daily. But how can carrying ones’ cross a path to illumination? In the first letter of St.John chapter 2 verse 10 says :”If we love others, we live in the light”. Our daily cross pertains to our responsibilities. Your cross can be your spouse, your cross can be your parents who are elderly and ill, your cross can be your incorrigible son or your cross can be your workers in the company. Nonetheless, we are called to carry them. It means to love them. Not to hate them. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the lord will save his people.”‘ ( Luke 4:18-19 ). The Jubilee year’s essence is love of the poor. The jubilee year is meant to alleviate the sufferings of the poor. (Diakonia) 

8. The vow of poverty of the religious is practiced by detachment from worldly goods and pleasures. But this is a medium to be free or available in serving the poor. It does not mean becoming miserable by having a home like a dog cage. Or the poverty here is not practising detachment to be attached to exclusive relationship with the powerful and influential elite class. Poverty is more of an attitude. It does not mean automatically that rich people is evil or categorized with oppressors and the poor is the superman. Wrong. There are so many rich people who are altruistic and there are poor people who are self-centered and lacking in discipline. But of course, there are poor people who are happy in serving God and the Church. Despite of their lack of material blessings. 

9. What we are emphasizing here is authentic poverty which the Lord pleases is not simplistic acceptance of our poor condition but working hard to develop ones’ lifestyle which is comfortable for everyone. It is not appropriate for the children of God to live in shanties; it is not appropriate for the children of God to be jobless. And therefore, We are inviting the poor to help themselves by disciplining themselves. Limit population growth. The well-off should share with the poor. Correct graft and corruption. And correct unjust structures. These are the correct attitude of the Anawim( the poor in spirit mentioned by St.Matthew chapter 5 ). These are the crosses we need to carry. 

10. We have mentioned already the two ladder to heaven : Purgation and illumination We go now to the third ladder: Union. In the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola particularly on Contemplation to obtain the love of God, he pointed out that love is an exchange of gifts; the lover and the beloved are continuously sharing whatever they have and accepting whatever is given. Our Lord God is so good to us; he gave His only begotten Son to us( John 3:16). Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His body and blood on the cross for our salvation and continuously giving Himself through His Real Presence in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass plus the material and spiritual blessings which we receive every day. Now the question is, What now can we offer to God in return? Love is simultaneously exchange of self in order to accomplish union and the best we can give to God is to do His will not ours. We remember here the motto of our predecessor His Holiness Pope Michael of happy memory, ” Fiat voluntas tua” ( Thy will be done). The best gift we can give to God is to do His will not ours. 

11. Hence, the life of prayer is very necessary for all seriously following the Lord. In as much as in prayer, action and prayer meets. This is what we call Discernment. In our continuous prayer, we can clearly identify the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the devil. In our continuous prayer we can hear clearly the voice of God speaking to us. 

12. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest form of prayer. Because it is the unbloody sacrifice of Christ on the cross at the Calvary. It is on the crucifixion our Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the will of the Father. Whenever we pray the Holy Mass, we institute the Crucifixion on our Altar. We offer Christ and Christ himself is offering on our behalf through the person of the priest. 

13. At the reading of the epistle and of the Holy Gospel, the Lord is revealing himself to US as ro loving father ready to embrace us; at the offertory we respond to that very love in union with Christ. And in the Holy communion, God the Trinity and man becomes one. At the consecration, The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ and we His people who received His body and blood become the body and blood of Christ. 

14. As we come to the conclusion of this letter, we invite you to change your attire. Remove the old garment of sinfulness and dressed-up the garment of Christ-like character of obedience to the will of the Father through obedience to the Pope and to bishops in communion with him. 

15. The modern world does not need instructors but people filled with the Holy Spirit; persons filled with Christ-like attitude. By so doing, we transform the world into Christ. 

Given this 28″h day of March, 2025 the First year of our pontificate. 

Michael II Pp.

MICHAEL II, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, POPE