Habemus Papam!: Michael II

On 29 July 2023, Archbishop Rogelio del Rosario Martinez Jr (b. 1970) was elected the successor of Pope Michael (David Bawden) and took Michael II as his papal name.

In February 2023, I wrote a substantial piece on Pope Michael for the World Religions and Spirituality Project. Pope Michael (David Bawden, 1959-2022) was elected in a small conclave in Kansas in 1990 and, for the last decade, based in Topeka. He claimed the papacy from his Vatican in Exile until his death on 2 August 2022.

From the time of his passing away, his group of adherents declared the Holy See vacant and began planning for a new conclave. Until recently, no date was fixed, but the group officially announced it in the June 2023 issue of the Olive Tree newsletter.

“On Conclave
It’s almost a year ago when His Holiness Pope Michael of happy memory met his Creator. We are dilapidated by his passing away but we are grateful to the Lord for giving him to us. Pope Michael has left us a legacy that is priceless. That is from mere sedevacantism to conclavism. He did not mind the persecution, what matters is the good of the Church. His reputation was maligned yet what matters to him is ” sentire cum ecclesiae ” i.e.thinking with the mind of the Church.
Taking the above consideration, conclave is a necessity which cannot be set aside. And in this period of apostasy, since no appointed Cardinals can gather to elect the new Pope, Canon Law dictates that the Church supplies what is lacking. And so the ball is on the lay people and clergy to elect a successor to Pope Michael.
The electors are members of the laity and clergy who rejected the Second Vatican Council and the Novus Ordo Missae.
The procedure that will be followed after Holy Mass in honor of the Holy Spirit is casting lots or Cleromancy. It is the ancient and scriptural procedure performed by the eleven apostles in Acts chapter one in order to replace the position left by Judas. The nominees are bishops and priests in communion with Pope Michael. The Conclave shall commence on July 25th, feast of St. James the Apostle and it will be held in Vienna, Austria.
There will be series of cleromancy to be held. For example, Fr. John Doe’s name was picked up in the first casting lot, there will be two or more casting lots to be made. If his name John Doe is consistent in three casting lots, he will be proclaimed the Pope. Habemus Papam.
Position in the Catholic Church is not a prestige but of service. Remember in Mark 10:45, ” I have come to serve and not to be served but to offer my life for the ransom of many. ” Hence, whether one likes it or not, one has to obey out of submission to the will of God.
Oremus ut habeamus Papam.

A conclave update was published in The Olive Tree, July 2023 issue.

” On Conclave
July 16, 1990 was the day His Holiness Pope Michael got elected as successor to Pius XII after a long interregnum. August 2, 2022 was the day Pope Michael passed away. These two days are significant to us in as much as Pope Michael has left us a legacy that is priceless : courage to move from sedevacantism to conclavism.
The world that we live in now is ego centric. What seems to matter most is pleasure. What is good for the self. What is good for the body. It is no longer surprising if submission and obedience are not popular now a days. Thus, it is one of the reasons sedevacantism is popular among traditionalist. Nobody wants to obey a living and breathing Pope. They are stuck in following the precepts of the past. But remaining sedevacantism is tantamount to unwillingness to die to self. With sedevacantism , lawlessness become the rule of thumb. ” you want it, then, do it. ” However, freedom does not mean anarchy.
When July 1990 conclave was held in Delia, Kansas, many personalities were invited to participate. But, only six people manifested their interest. Then, when election of Pope Michael was over, many bashed and criticized him. This was not a surprise since nobody else wants to obey an authority. Everybody wants to be ” the boss”. Everyone wants independence from authority especially the Supreme Pontiff. Nonetheless, the conclavist six that July 1990 has chosen the road less traveled.
Thirty three years have passed, but the lesson must not be forgotten : sedevacantism is not good enough. Hence, this forthcoming July 25, 2023 we shall choose the successor to Pope Michael of happy memory. The electors will be those who are in communion with Pope Michael. Other sedevacantists are no longer invited in as much as they were invited before yet they snubbed the invitation.
We are inviting all of you to pray that we may have a Pope. A Pope after the heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Pastor Bonus. Pray to the Holy Spirit that whoever may be elected among the clergy may sanctify, teach and govern after the image of Apostle Peter not Emperor Constantine.
Service is an offshoot of Charity. It’s a virtue. But Authority is necessary. The Lord Jesus Christ said, ” …teach them to observe all things whatsoever i have commanded you ” ( Matthew 28:20 ). We need a successor to the chair of Peter. In as much as he will be the visible sign of unity.”

On 27 July 2023, as the conclave had started, Archbishop Martinez emailed an update

The death of Pope Michael and situation of sede vacante occurred on August 2, 2022.Public announcements followed on August 9,2022
A meeting of electors was announced for April 2023. Meetings were held in St. Helen Catholic Mission House, Topeka, Kansas, USA from April 13- April 24, 2023. Papal election was postponed. 
 As new date for a conclave The 25th July 2023, Feast of St James, was fixed. The process of finding the successor of Pope Michael via five rounds of lots drawing and a list of candidates was proposed by Archbishop Martinez. The clergy raised no objections against the method or on the selection of candidates before the conclave began. Also, Archbishop Martinez announced Vienna, Austria as venue for the election. 
 There were four candidates at the Conclave. Two American priests and Two bishops. 
 On the Conclave itself, after Mass of the Holy Spirit at 9 in the morning, profession of faith was done by the participants. 
Litany of the saints was sung. A priest was elected in that moment. But could not be contacted. A 48 ( Forty eight ) hour rule is given to the selected candidate for him to reply but during the midnight, the priest refused to accept his election.
 We will be meeting again at 11:00am 7/27/2023 27 Vienna / Austria. Thank you for your continued prayers.

On 29 July 2023, Archbishop Rogelio Martinez was selected and accepted his election. He took the papal name Michael II. The August 2023 edition of The Olive Tree included the following summary

Report on the Conclave in Vienna to find the successor of Pope Michael
Short Summary
On 25 July 2023 the Conclave in Vienna, chaired by Archbishop Rogelio Martinez, opened the first session with Veni Creator Spiritus and closed on 29 July 2023 with the prayer of the new Pope Michael II. Attendees were candidates and three witnesses.
Pretext
The death of Pope Michael I and situation of sede vacante occurred on 2 August 2022. Public announcement followed on 9 August 2022 (Olive Tree, Newsletter of the Holy See).
A meeting of electors was announced for April 2023. Meetings were held in Topeka / Kansas / USA from 10 April 2023 to 24 April 2023. Papal election was postponed.
As new date for a conclave the 25 July 2023, Feast of St. James the Apostle, was fixed. The process of finding the successor of Pope Michael via five rounds of lots drawing and a list of candidates was proposed by Archbishop Martinez. The clergy raised no objections against the method or on the selection of candidates before the conclave began. Also, Archbishop Martinez announced Vienna / Austria as venue for the election, which was also not challenged by clergy. The upcoming conclave was publicly announced in the July 2023 issue of Olive Tree.
 
Conclave Vienna / Austria,
First Session, 25 July 2023
Schedule
9.00 am, Opening (Veni Creator Spiritus)
Holy Mass (Holy Spirit), Archbishop Martinez
Profession of Faith prescribed by Pope Michael
Litany of the Saints
Information about procedure
Drawing of Lots
Contacting candidate
10.15 am, Closing of the session
At the fifth round of drawing, the lot fell on one of the candidates, not physically present. Archbishop Martinez requested a participant who was present to contact the candidate. After failed attempt Archbishop Martinez closed the conclave for 48 hours in order to reach the candidate and clarify his acceptance.
 
Second Session: Vienna, 27 July 2023, 11 am.
On 26 July Archbishop Martinez invited attendees of the first session for an online-meeting on the next day at 11 am, when the 48 hours pause expired.
Schedule
9 am, Holy Mass
Meeting started 11 am, ended 11.30 am
Topics: The participants conversed on current state of Papal Election and exchanged information about interested public outside the Conclave.
While drawing lots in this session was considered, the participants agreed that a witness for this process should be invited. Hence it was agreed to postpone the next election to the next day.
It was agreed to send participants an email invitation for the online-meeting and try to contact the participants in the USA.
 
Third Session: Vienna, 28 July 2023, 11 am.
On 27 July Archbishop Martinez and the other attendants agreed to meet on the next day to proceed with the election of the new Pope. A laywoman was invited as a witness. In the meantime the chosen candidate of the first session contacted Archbishop Martinez via email.
Schedule
09.00 am, Holy Mass
11.10 am, Archbishop Martinez opens the session with a prayer
11.40 am, Archbishop Martinez closed the session
Topics: After prayer Archbishop Martinez read aloud the emails which he had received since the last session. The situation was discussed. Participants concluded that the status of the decision of the chosen candidate was not sufficiently clear. A native speaker will read the emails of the candidate to clarify potential misunderstandings. Archbishop Martinez closed the session until next day, same time.
 
Fourth Session: Vienna, 29 July 2023, 11 am.
Schedule
09.00 am, Holy Mass
11.10 am, Archbishop Martinez opens the session with a prayer
Clarifications about situation
Profession of Faith prescribed by Pope Michael
Details about procedure
Drawing of Lots
Declaration of acceptance
12.00 pm, Session closed
Topics: After opening prayer a participant reported about his phone call with the candidate of the first session. He came to the certain conclusion that the candidate declined. Hence the list of candidates was adapted, and three candidates remained.
The same drawing procedure as in the first session was applied. After four rounds the lot fell on a candidate present. Archbishop Rogelio Martinez asked the chosen candidate if he accepted the election. The chosen candidate declined.
A second drawing procedure with two candidates was held. After five rounds the lot fell on Archbishop Rogelio Martinez.
A participant asked the chosen candidate if he accepted the election. After the affirmative response, the participant asked the elect which name he as the Supreme Pontiff will take. The Vicar of Christ on Earth took the name Michael II.
Next steps on adoration, coronation and public announcement were discussed. The session was closed with prayer of Pope Michael II.

Habemus Papam!

The August 2023 edition of the Olive Tree also includes an article on Michael as the papal name.

The Name Michael
The name Michael comes from a Hebrew phrase which means, “who is like God?” declaring the essential sovereignty of almighty God. None can usurp His throne, and none can “play God.” It is a cry of magnification. The new Pope has chosen the name Michael II for the following reasons :
 
1. Magnifying God means Humility. The more a person is exalted, the more he should be humbled, and we become humble by magnifying God alone. Scripture and history attest to this. Such it was as at the Visitation, where we see the Blessed Virgin Mary praised by St. Elizabeth, “Who am I to be visited by the mother of my Lord?” and Mary immediately replied, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” (“Magnificat Anima mea Dominum.”) In justice, we have to attribute all good things to God. He is so good all the time. He has blessed the world and His Church with good people. He has given us delicious food. He has given us the beautiful mountains and trees. He provides the good rivers and streams. We are blessed indeed! But do we appreciate it? Do we have the gratitude to recognize the God Who is the source of all these things? 
 
2. Humility is acknowledging that you are a sinner. Without God, I am nothing: this must be our attitude. It is a sign of the soul that is drawing nearer to Him. Whenever a person is used to cleanliness, he can easily detect germs. But whenever a person is in state of sin he cannot see that he is sinning. St. Michael is a reminder to us not to play God. He reminds us not to be ahead of God in decision making. When we pretend to be wiser than God by controlling our life we eventually pretend to be God. 
 
3. Humility is obedience. Obedience is derived from two Latin words, “ob” which means “to or towards” plus “audire” which means “listen” Hence, obedience is to “listen to.” To listen is to obey. In the gospel of Luke, Mary was told by Gabriel that she will bear a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary did not rationalize. Mary did not complain. When we follow the Lord Jesus Christ we cannot complain or ask many questions. We just follow Him. That is our business and nothing more. And so Mary said to the Archangel in reply, “Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.” (Be it done unto me according to Thy word). 
 
Michael II is the name chosen by the new Pope to signify a message: let us acknowledge God and magnify Him, let us admit our imperfections and lastly, let us obey Him by renouncing everything. The sword of St. Michael reminds me and you to strike out whatever is not of God and contrary to the name Christian. 

In The Olive Tree, May 2022 issue, Archbishop Rogelio Martinez, now Pope Michael II, wrote about his background under the heading ”My Vocation Story”

”In 1983 I was then Elementary School graduate when my parents decided to go back to my father’s province in Bulakan Bulakan, Philippines due to closure of textile company they are working with. It was a very lonely for me because I’m leaving my friends and classmates in Manila. That time I was already joining bible study groups with the Baptist Church. (I was baptized Roman Catholic and my family is a Roman Catholic).
However, out of respect for my parents, I stayed in Bulakan Bulakan. In 1984 September I and my brother became acolytes in our parish. Since I have a passion for apologetics, I found myself engaging in debates with my protestant classmates. That passion to defend the Catholic religion grew stronger so I decided to enter the seminary. That was in 1987 after I graduated from high school. I entered in Immaculate Conception major seminary.
My seminary life run smoothly from 1987- 1997. Though I experienced difficulties in Latin and College Algebra. It took me almost ten years because I took a regency period after second year in Theology to teach at Catholic School.
After graduation from Theology, I didn’t submit myself for ordination to diaconate. I taught at Centro Escolar University. I got married to Lynn Jacinto and our union was blessed with one child. While teaching at the University, I enrolled in College of Law in year 2000 and graduated in 2004.
Nevertheless, my desire to serve as a priest still lingers. All the while I thought priesthood is not for me but in 2002 a former nun helped me to get in touch with Old Catholic priest that introduced me to his bishop, Bishop Joseph V. Galaroza of Brazilian Church. I was ordained deacon in December 7, 2002 and a priest in 2003. I served as assistant priest at Novaliches, Quezon City and subsequently in Sta. Mesa Manila.
By the grace of God, I was installed first parish priest at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan in 2004. Seven years after, I was ordained a bishop by Archbishop Joel Clemente and Bishop Heyward Ewart in February 6, 2010 at St. Andrews Seminary in Quezon City.
Upon the retirement of Archbishop Joel Clemente as an Archbishop of Catholic Charismatic Church (CCC) due to health, I was then appointed Archbishop by the Patriarch Augustine I (John Walzer) in 2012.
Part of my episcopal agenda is to be reconciled with the Pope. Yet, my research lead me to sedevacantism i.e. the see of Peter is vacant due to heresy. Since October 9, 1958 the Vatican drifted apart from the Catholic Faith. In 2017, I issued a motu propio that Our congregation will embrace Tridentine Latin Mass and other traditional rites of the Catholic Church and Baltimore Catechism. We rejected the Novus Ordo Missae because it is protestant. In 2019 I learned about His Holiness Pope Michael and immediately contacted him. After several months of exchange of ideas, I made my profession of faith and His Holiness has received me into full communion with him and to the Catholic Church in 2020.
Archbishop Rogelio Martinez”

The August 2023 edition of the Olive Tree also includes a brief article on the need for the papacy in the current era:

Who needs a Pope?
Clearly, the perception of the Papacy changed over the last six decades. Not only have infamous anti-popes distorted the public image, also modernist thinking poisoned the mental concept of the Papacy of many. One variant of eroded beliefs in Papacy, which I would call Divinists, stems from the vacancy after Pius XII.
David Bawden, later Michael I, grew up when some clergy and lay people figured out, that the Holy See was vacant and a series of anti-popes has reigned from the Vatican. They searched through Encyclicals, Catholic history books, canon law and writings of the fathers, for guidance in that unprecedented crisis. Naturally, various strands of opinions began to form.
In the late 1980ies, I think that roughly three lines of thought were predominantly discussed in a vaguely defined field – from critics of the current Vatican-regime to committed sedevacantists – to analyze and deal with the situation after the so-called Vatican II council: a) Conclavists: Clergy of the sedevacante position should reach a consensus on proper modalities and carry out a papal election; b) Resisters: Resist Vatican II errors and carry on as traditional as possible; c) Divinists: Wait for Divine intervention;
Documents archived by Pope Michael I and his reports on events of that era suggest that central figures supporting the first line of thought, who deemed a papal election as indispensable, were widely heard. Today, conclavist voices have fallen silent. It seems, that all efforts and activities regarding this line of thought have quietly faded out. In its place, the Divinists thinking has spread, which represents moving away from personal agency to passive coping. Unwilling or unable to accept Pope Michael I, it seems that minds have shifted to a state of reconciling with the crisis and resigned astonishment, witnessing the demise of Catholic culture and everyday-life.
In an article of Doctor Homero Johas of 1991 (“Is A Pope Necessary?”) we read the following, illustrating the concept of Divine intervention of that time: “[O]ne should believe that, in the present crisis, the duty is the abstention of practical actions, we must pray exclusively, until God intervenes …” – “One must reject the ending of the crisis by practical initiative; the crisis cannot be solved at the natural level because it is too big.” – “We should not frustrate the divine plan by natural means, by a conclave.” – “We believe that the crisis will only be ended by God’s intervention.” – “The crisis cannot be solved by natural resources, by practical intervention, because it transcends the natural order, it is extraordinary. It is a lack of faith to affirm that it will be ended by any other way.”
Since that time, the thesis of Divine intervention has grown considerably in followers and ideological facets. Largely beliefs range between two anchors, which facilitate the apocalyptic interpretation of the current situation: Some hold that a 70-year or longer vacancy of the Holy See is predicted in the Bible. Others think that the true Catholic Church is trapped and incapacitated within the Vatican II sect. However, holding such positions – or one of the many individual blends of both – has compelling consequences: Because there is no Magisterium and Authority without a Vicar of Christ on Earth, these beliefs result in confusion and lawlessness.
Now there are many important aspects in conjunction with Divinist beliefs, but I would like to point to one obvious fallacy: Suppose Divinists are correct, and we are living in the foretold last days, which are characterized by deception, false prophets, false signs and wonders etc. How can Divinists distinguish between supernatural intervention to end their crisis and the great false signs and wonders, which are expected in these days? How do Divinist determine, if their independent mode of life needs correction when the time of their savior has come? How could one be saved without the guidance of the Holy Ghost by the Pope? While Catholics can rely on the Church to guide them, where do Divinists turn to?
While a lot of endtimes-talk is produced, I hardly hear calls for guidance and authoritative judgements as remedy against disaster. Who needs a Pope, one might ask? I think that for sedevacantists today accepting Pope Michael II or contemplating a papal election, now almost amounts to sacrilege. So the situation of Divinists seems to offer no clear solution for their crisis, but leads to ever more irrational eschatological mysticism, while clinging to external traditionalist behavior. Is it absurd to think of the time 2000 years ago, when religious leaders couldn´t bring themselves to accept the Messiah of God? What was the consequence of clinging to self-deception and ego-centered believes, but hatred, confusion and lawlessness?

Picture source: Our Lady of Fatima Parish, San Jose del Monte, Philippines, https://www.facebook.com/olfpcarissa6/