Last Tuesday I visited a fellow blogger, the creator of Devotional Catholicism, in Chicago, IL and both of us visited the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, which is free and open to the public on Navy Pier.
Below you will find a selection of some of the stained glass which I photographed while visiting the Museum with the creator of Devotional Catholicism. Remember that earlier this summer I mentioned that I am in Chicagoland for the summer months and if anyone would like, I would be happy to visit with them in Chicago.
Some of the stained glass featured picturesque landscapes:
Most of the available stained glass depicted iconic moments in Christianity such as the Magi's Adoration of the Christ Child (pictured below).
St. Patrick was honored with several images available for viewing in the Museum:
Three Persons in One God, the Blessed Trinity:
Even the Old Testament figure of King Solomon - who is venerated as a saint in Catholicism - was prominently featured in a Stained Glass Window.
Our Lord and the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane:
Above all, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows reinforced the idea that one's environment is conduce to one's prayer. If we only frequent buildings that have eliminated statues, icons, paintings, stained glass, etc., then we are depriving our senses of the joy that can be obtained through the viewing of such a masterpiece. Such masterpieces transcend the typical and force us to contemplate the wonders of the Divine God, who is rightfully honored with many beautiful paintings, icon, glass windows, Cathedrals, and other wonders throughout the world.
Q. Is it allowed for a parish church to held two sung masses (either one Solemn High Mass and another in Missa Cantata; or both Missa Cantata) in Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite on Sundays, important/great feasts and other holy days of obligation? Assuming that the church will only have two masses for those days mentioned.
A: It seems pretty clear that according to Summorum Pontificum, this is allowed for the typical parish, so long you are not "depriving" people who want to attend the Novus Ordo of that opportunity.
Looking at rubrics alone, indeed, you may have as many Sung (Missa Cantata) or Solemn Masses (Missa Solemnis) each day as you wish. You need to have a schola for each, so that may be a problem to get singers.
One Mass on any day is the "parochial", "community" or "conventual" Mass. This is the Mass which is the primary Mass of the day. If there is a Missa Cantata or Solemnis, the more solemn form would be automatically designated as such.
Q: If the parish church has two masses in Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite on Sunday, is it allowed that both masses have the Asperges before the mass proper?
A: The Asperges/Vidi Aquam is done only once and only on Sundays. It is done only before the principle of main Mass, as defined above. For additional Masses it is omitted. If no Sunday Mass is sung, it is omitted completely, as it is never done unless at a Sung Mass or Solemn Mass.
Q: Typically, how long does a chanted Matins and Lauds will take, assuming that it is chanted in Latin and following the 1962 Roman Breviary?
A: It varies a bit. Generally, for a feria or a third class feast (one nocturn - three lessons), Matins would take about an 45 mins- 1 hr. For major feasts (three nocturns - nine lessons), figure about 1 hr - 2 hrs. Lauds is about like Vespers, perhaps 30 - 45 mins.
Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain Q&A Source: Taken from Fish Eaters Forum with permission of answerer
I have recently been following a discussion over which music to include in a Traditional Nuptial Mass. I have heard a few varying recommendations that I would like to pass along. Please include your recommendation in the comments. What Kyrie, Credo, Sanctus, etc. would your idea nuptial Mass include...
Credo: Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli or Credo IV if the choir is unable to sing the first choice
Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli
Credo IV
Sanctus:
Sanctus IV
Then some may prefer the glorious solemnity of Mozart's Coronation Mass
Coronation Mass Kyrie
Though I am a fan of Mozart's Mass in C Minor:
Mass in C Minor - Kyrie
Recommendation from a Blog Reader:
I wish to aid you in this effort by mentioning that the Mozart requiem Mass is not the first thing that comes to mind for a nuptial Mass. The Sanctus for that Mass would work, but the Kyrie and Agnus dei seem a little too mounrful. The C minor's solemnity is better suited to the occasion, though it is incomplete. You might want to add Haydn's Kleine Orgelmesse to the list. It clips along at a nice pace and is decently suited to the character of the liturgy.
Polyphonic settings are always a plus and preferred by the Church. In general, I try to avoid symphonic settings, though for a wedding, something out of the ordinary would be nice. One thing I learned while in Chicago [at the Sacred Music Colloquium] is that symphonic Masses are NOT suited to a Novus Ordo Mass. There is so little liturgical action that the priest finds himself waiting for the music to end. Back to polyphonic Masses, one that I sang recently that is very well done is the Mass for five voices by Byrd. I tried looking for it on Youtube to no avail. Perhaps you will fare better. Schubert is lovely but I hesitate to recommend it as he makes inappropriate textual changes (leaves out a portion of the Credo and includes the intonation for the Gloria).
I just had the opportunity to read and review John C. Maxwell's "How Successful People Think". As a relatively small book (approximately 130 pages), it is an excellent "pocket-guide" resource for anyone interested in stimulating creative thought. Critical thinking is appropriately encouraged to the point of adoration in the American education system, though many students still fail to develop effective thinking. As a practical thinker myself, I believe Maxwell's guide is a fantastic resource to anyone interested in learning how to think.
Greetings in Christ and our Lady! The 'LittleOffice of Christ the King' which I compiled is based on various devotional 'Little Offices' from before the Second Vatican Council. There were, to my knowledge, such 'Offices' for the Immaculate Conception, St Joseph and the Holy Angels, with possibly others as well. They were designed as devotions to be said after the corresponding Hour of the Divine Office.
If you are not yet bound, under pain of sin, to recite the Divine Office, there would be no problem in substituting, but I would highly recommend either saying the Divine Office or the full LittleOffice of our Lady and then saying the appropriate hoiur(s) of the LittleOffice of Christ the King afterwards.
Also, I should point out that, while everything in the Office is taken directly from sources approved by the Church, namely the Roman Breviary, the whole compilation has never been submitted for approval by any competent ecclesiastical authority.
Visit Devotional Catholicism for a contest featuring as its prize a Statute of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The contest involves posting the name of a devotion that is not already listed on the list started by the site's founder.
A blog to promote vocations to Traditional societies and religious orders using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, including religious communities for women. We have featured just about all communities we can find in English, but it would be helpful for others to pick up news from near and far, especially translations of non-English material.
A specialist blog to foster Priestly Vocations to the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP) from Scotland and Ireland; however, we are looking at changing this to either be the whole of the UK, or just everywhere (i.e. non-geographic). Particular help would be appreciated here to include a balanced set of news, and also information about the various Apostolates around the world and any Vocation retreats, should we go that way. We'll also need a new, but as tasteful, header image.
Anyone interested in helping out, please reply or message me. ...also, if anyone is interested in helping out with In the Sight of the Angels, then let me know, but Jane'll have to vet you first!!
This evening a Missa Cantata was celebrated at St. Gabriel's, Stamford in honor of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. The pastor, Fr. Cyprian LaPastina, was the celebrant and deacon Aaron Huberfeld of the Institute of Christ the King preached.
According to the Associated Press, "Pope Benedict XVI broke his right wrist in a fall in his chalet while vacationing in the Italian Alps and underwent successful surgery Friday, hospital officials and the Vatican said." He was taken to Umberto Parini hospital in Aosta (pictured above). Let us pray for the Supreme Pontiff's recovery. Image Source: Getty Images
Update: In the above image, Pope Benedict XVI greets Dr. Amedeo Mancini who performed the operation on his wrist. This image was taken as the Holy Father was leaving the hospital; he is expected to make a smooth recovery. His wrist will be in a cast for approximately a month.
Flower of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor of heaven, Childbearing yet maiden. None equals thee.
Mother so tender, Who no man didst know, On Carmel's children Thy favors bestow. Star of the Sea.
Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart That in weakness turns and trusts in thee.
Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee.
Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned, Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see.
Prayer to Elijah from the Traditional Carmelite Rite:
Deign, we beseech thee almighty God, that we be brought to the same place in heaven as your prophet and our father blessed Elijah, who we believe to have been marvelously taken up in a fiery chariot, and rejoice in the fellowship of your saints. Through our lord Jesus Christ your son...etc."
Image Source: Our Lady of Mount Carmel by Pietro Novelli
This is an image of a Solemn High Mass for the feast of Sts. John Fisher & Thomas More, in the parish church of St John Fisher (built 1962-64) in West Heath, South Birmingham. The Mass was said by Fr. Philip Cleevely. In the roles of deacon and subdeacon are Fr. George Grynowski and Fr. Anton Guziel respectively. Fr. Grynowski is the pastor of the parish and preaced the sermon.
Note: The blue pole is there because it is to become part of a new baldachino.
Image Source: Flickr profile of birmingham_IMS_rep
When I visited the Basilica of St. Josaphat this past Sunday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I picked up this prayer card. I am glad to see that this ornately decorated and beautiful testament of Catholicism is promoting the Year for Priests (June 19, 2009 - June 19, 2010).
Today Pope Benedict XVI met with President Barack Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama. Of note, the First Lady wore a veil while in the presence of the Holy Father. I am quite pleased to see this tradition being observed.
Motu Proprio "Ecclesiae Unitatem" - in English APOSTOLIC LETTERECCLESIAE UNITATEMOF THE SUPREME PONTIFFBENEDICT XVIGIVEN MOTU PROPRIO
My comments are few and in red below. Please comment with your thoughts on this development. __________________
1.The goal of guarding the UNITY OF THE CHURCH, with the solicitousness of offering to all the aid to responding in opportune manner to this vocation and divine grace, belongs in a particular way to the Successor of the Apostle Peter, who is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the unity both of Bishops and of the faithful1. The supreme and fundamental priority of the Church, in every age, of leading men towards the encounter with God must be favored through the effort of uniting the common witness of faith of all Christians.
2. In faithfulness to this mandate, following the act with which Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, on June 30, 1988, illicitly conferred the episcopal ordination on four priests, Pope John Paul II, of venerable memory, instituted, on July 2, 1988, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei "whose task of collaborating with the bishops, with the Departments of the Roman Curia and with the circles concerned, for the purpose of facilitating full ecclesial communion of priests, seminarians, religious communities or individuals until now linked in various ways to the Fraternity founded by Mons. Lefebvre, who may wish to remain united to the Successor Peter in the Catholic Church, while preserving their spiritual and liturgical traditions, in the light of the Protocol signed on 5 May last by Cardinal Ratzinger and Mons. Lefebvre"2.
3. In this way faithfully adhering to the same purpose of serving the universal communion of the Church also in her visible manifestation and making every effort so that to all those who truly desire unity it is made possible to remain in it or to find it anew, We have desired to widen and renew, with the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, the general indications already contained in the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei regarding the possibility of using the Missale Romanum of 1962, through more precise and detailed rules3.
4. In the same spirit, and with the same commitment of favoring the surmounting of each fracture and division in the Church and to heal a wound felt in an always more painful way in the ecclesial tissue, We have desired to remit the excommunication of the four Bishops illicitly ordained by Mons. Lefebvre. With such a decision, We have intended to remove an obstacle which could prevent the opening of a door to dialogue, and thus invite the Bishops and the "Fraternity of Saint Pius X" to find anew the path towards full communion with the Church. As We explained in the Letter to the Catholic Bishops of past March 10, the remission of the excommunication was a deliberation in the area of ecclesiastical discipline which could liberate the weight of conscience represented by the gravest ecclesiastical censure. The doctrinal questions, however, obviously remain, and, until they are not clarified, the Fraternity does not have a canonical status within the Church, and its ministers cannot exercise any ministry legitimately. [a bold claim. Is this infallible though? Why does Rome continue to paint Archbishop Lefebvre and the Society of St. Pius X as rebellious for simply desiring to pass on that which they had received. It was because of Paul VI and John Paul II that arguments arose because at times they did not teach what the Church has traditionally taught.]
5. Since the questions which must be dealt with the Fraternity are of an essentially doctrinal nature, We have decided - twenty-one years after the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei, and as We had planned to do4 - to restructure the Commission Ecclesia Dei, linking it more directly with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
6. Therefore, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei will be constituted thus
a) The President of the Commission is the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
b) The Commission has its own order, including a Secretary and Officials.
c) It belongs to the President, aided by the Secretary, to present the main events and questions of a doctrinal nature to the study and discretion of the ordinary instances of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as well as to submit the conclusions to the superior judgment of the Supreme Pontiff.
7. With this decision, We have desired, in particular, to display our fatherly solicitousness to the "Fraternity of Saint Pius X" so that in the end it may come to full communion with the Church. [And we should pray for the Church to be reformed in many places of the world too]
We earnestly invite all to pray to the Lord incessantly, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, "ut unum sint".
Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on July 2, of the year 2009, the fifth of Our Pontificate.
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI __________________________ 1. Cfr Conc. Oecum. Vat. II, Const. dogm. de Ecclesia, Lumen gentium, 23; Conc. Oecum. Vat. I, Const. dogm. de Ecclesia Christi Pastor aeternus, c. 3: DS 3060. 2. Ioannes Paulus II, Litt. ap. motu proprio datae Ecclesia Dei (2 Iulii 1988), n. 6: AAS 80 (1988), 1498.
3. Cfr Benedictus XVI, Litt. ap. motu proprio datae Summorum Pontificum (7 Iulii 2007): AAS 99 (2007), 777-781.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 259 Oliver Street, Newark, New Jersey, will hold a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass in honor of its patroness, on the titular feast of the parish, July 16 at 12 noon. The Mass will be immediately followed by a procession with the Statue of Our Lady through the parish accompanied by a full symphonic Italian feast band and fireworks.
It had come to my attention this afternoon that my sidebar's Paypal Donation Button was not working properly. It would not allow anyone to connect to the donation screen. So, I have corrected the html error and the donation feature is working.
However, anyone who had attempted to donate to the blog in the past two months, approximately, would have been unable to do so. So, if you encountered problems when attempting a donation, please try again.
Your donations help keep this blog operating. I remain extremely grateful for all donations.
A Catholic Life would like to thank Fr. Michael Troha for writing the following article, in honor of the 2 Year Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. Please pray for and support Father in his ministry as he serves as Pastor for Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby.
Fr Michael Troha Immaculate Conception Church Willoughby OH
July 7, 2009
Over the past few years several parishioners had asked me about the possibility of having a Tridentine Mass at our parish of Immaculate Conception in Willoughby, Ohio. At that time my response was that we should support the efforts at Immaculate Conception church in Cleveland, where I was formerly the pastor, which has a Tridentine Mass three times a week. But with the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum I began the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy every first Friday evening. Having had very good attendance over the first year I decided to have the Tridentine Mass every Friday evening at 7:30 PM.
Our number of people attending is about 50 people each Friday. When I am away from the parish it has not been a problem to enlist the help of other priests in the diocese who are willing to help and enjoy the opportunity of celebrating the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy.
This past December the parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of our “new” church. To commemorate the day I celebrated the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy at the regularly scheduled 8:00 AM Mass. The same crowd that attends the 8:00 AM Mass year round was there for the Mass. I did not receive any negative comments. I did receive a few very positive comments. I think that if the parishioners are supportive we could have a Tridentine Mass at one Sunday liturgy every week.
Today the Church observes the second anniversary of the publishing of Summorum Pontificum, the long-awaited motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI replacing all former "indults" and freeing the Mass of All Times, the Traditional Latin Mass. No longer would a priest have to ask permission of his bishop to say the Mass as the Mass is to be readily offered and available to all of the Faithful.
In honor of this two year anniversary, I offer the following reflections on those individuals who have made such a celebration possible.
The Saintly Example of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
It is at this time that I wish to especially remember Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who resisted the Second Vatican Council's false propositions of ecumenism, religious liberty, and the altering of the Mass of All Times. It is through his witness and the formation of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X (SSPX) that the Mass of All Times has spread. And, I will venture to say that without Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre's role, the Traditional Latin Mass would have been at last forgotten and no organized resistance to the change would have existed.
Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
It is Archbishop Lefebvre who has been slandered in recent years. The cause of canonization of his saintly mother has long been forgotten. Instead, in the words of Bishop Bernard Fellay during a sermon in Paris following Archbishop Lefebvre's death said, "Archbishop Lefebvre has gone, but the Mass is saved, the Catholic priesthood is saved..." Because of his resistance to all of changes affecting all of the Sacraments, the Society of St. Pius X is largely responsible for Pope Benedict XVI's issuance of the motu proprio and then the clear declaration that the Bishops of the Society of St. Pius X consecrated by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre are not excommunicated.
In the words of Father Franz Schmidberger at the Requiem Mass of Archbishop Lefebvre, "The work of the Archbishop on this earth is accomplished. Now begins his ministry as intercessor in eternity. He has given everything he could give...the miracle of a new generation of priests."
Archbishop Lefebvre only wished to teach that which he himself was taught in seminary. He wished to hand on the Catholic faith as taught and celebrated for the past centuries. And his resistance has directly led to the establishment of the Ecclesia Dei Commission and the motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum. I highly encourage the reading of Apologia Pro Marcel by Michael Davies as well as Open Letter to Confused Catholics and The Mass of All Times.
Mortal Remains of Archbishop Lefebvre
"I will finish with my testament. I would like that it be an echo of the testament of Our Lord: a New and Eternal Testament...the heritage that Jesus Christ gave us, His Sacrifice, His Blood, His Cross. I will say the same for you: for the glory of the Holy Trinity, for love of the Church, for the salvation of the world: keep the Holy Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Keep the Mass forever!" (Archbishop Lefebvre, 23rd September 1979)
"Amen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20)
The response to Pope Benedict XVI's motu proprio Summorum Pontificum shows his wisdom and foresight in freeing the Old Mass in Latin.
The document was issued 7 July, 2007. Since then, the list of Diocesan Masses offered in the United States in the Extraordinary Form has grown by over 100 new Sunday Masses every week. In 30 dioceses, the Mass is now offered where none were said before Summorum Pontificum
The Old Mass in Latin is said daily at 56 locations in 47 dioceses across the United States.
Source: Pamphlet from the Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei (May 2009)
Our Holy Father has shown us that through his pontificate, the Sacred Traditions of our Holy Faith are being rightfully restored to their former glory. Let's look at some example of restoration by Pope Benedict XVI.
Examine the vestments used by the Holy Father at the 3rd Anniversary Mass of John Paul II's death in 2008 (below). At this Mass the Holy Father has discontinued using the staff of Pope John Paul II featured a bent Christ on the Cross, aesthetically unpleasant, and replaced it with a new beautiful pastoral staff (ferula).
(Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi)
Notice in the above image Pope Benedict XVI is using a papal asteriscus, an item that, in addition to practical applications, symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. He has restored it to use in the Papal Liturgy at times.
On the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul 2008, Pope Benedict XVI introduced a different Papal Pallium, establishing better continuity with the past than with the Pallium that became used during the pontificate of John Paul II. "This is the development of the Latin form of the pallium used up to John Paul II," explains the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Guido Marini.
Former Pallium
Restored Pallium
In 2009, the mosaic depicting Pope Benedict XVI in the line of papal portraits in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has been changed to reflect this shift in the Papal Pallium.(Above Images from St. Paul Outside the Walls by Pope Benedict Forum user "Benodette".)
In January 2009, His Holiness wore a fiddleback chausible on the Feast of the Epiphany. This was another return back to prior Traditions. Pope Benedict XVI again shows his desire for a restoration of the Sacred Liturgy. And while vestments may seem unimportant, continuity with the past and symbolism is highly important. Each vestment has its own vesting prayer, and each particular garment holds symbolic importance (e.g. the maniple symbolizes Christ at the Pillar of Flagellation, the cincture symbols the rope by which Our Lord was bound and dragged in the streets, et cetera).
Therefore, the exteriors again are an expression of the interior. And, in the past 40 years we have lost not only the interior aspects of the Faith (e.g. lack of knowledge of integral Catholic beliefs such as Transubstantiation, etc) and a decrease in devotion but also exterior aspects of the Faith (e.g. vestments, proper Sacred Liturgy, Rosaries, etc). Coincidence or has the loss of exteriors contributed to the loss of interior Faith?
Image Sources: Franco Origlia/Getty Images
And of substantial importance, Holy Communion is to be given only to those kneeling henceforth, when Pope Benedict XVI distributes Holy Communion. EWTN reports, "To receive Communion from Pope Benedict at Papal Liturgies one will have to receive on the tongue," which is a fantastic affirmation of the Real Presence of our Lord. And as the Body and Blood of Jesus, nothing is of higher value than the Most Holy Eucharist.
St. Thomas Aquinas: "Out of reverence towards this Sacrament, nothing touches it but when it is consecrated" - Summa, Pt III Q, Q2 Art. 3
Also from Wikipedia, "Each year a papal tiara is placed on the head of the famous bronze statue of Saint Peter in St. Peter's Basilica from the vigil of the Feast of the Cathedra of Saint Peter on February 22 until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. Although this custom was not observed in 2006, it was reintroduced in 2007."
Finally in this example, compare the below progression of photos of the Urbi et Orbi addresses given on Christmas Day by Pope Benedict XVI.
The photos are from 2005 - 2008, and there is a progression in these photos. Tradition is being restored.
Therefore, on this day, July 7, 2009, we remember 2 years of Summorum Pontificum, in large part due to the saintly wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI as he seeks to reform the Church in Her Sacred Liturgy.
The Saintly Example of the Average Priest and Bishop:
Under "Catholic Categories" in the sidebar is a permanent link to the post Tridentine Latin Mass, which features numerous links that I update as often as possible. In this post is a list of parishes, chapels, etc. which have begun to offer the Tridentine Latin Mass during these past two years. Please take a moment to look through this list and consider the impact of the motu proprio. We have parishes from around the country and the world. Remember, this is not a complete list, but only the list which I currently have collected.
And we must not only remember these priests but the many others who began offering the Mass of All Times despite persecution, rejection, and hostility. At this time I can think of Fr. Robert Altier (Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis) as well as Fr. Scott Archer (Diocese of Peoria). But these are just two of the many priests who encountered rejection from those around them because they sought to make available the Mass of All Times. Let us honor them at this time. Also worth remember, the Faithful in Niafles attached to the Traditional Mass were driven from their Church less than a week before the Motu Prorio was signed.
Of note among the bishops, Bishop Robert C. Morlino responded to the Holy Father’s motu proprio by designating Holy Redeemer Catholic Church as the site for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass for the Madison area. Bishop Morlino inaugurated the use of the Tridentine Mass at Holy Redeemer by celebrating a Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Throne there on the Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2007) [Source].
Consider visiting these parishes and/or writing to the pastors to express your support. I have written around half of these parishes, inviting them to share how the Traditional Latin Mass has benefited their parish. If anyone responds with an article, I will publish them on the website as they become available. And do remember to pray for these bishops and priests as well as all priests and bishops who celebrate the Mass of All Times. At this time I also request prayers for the priests and bishop of the Society of St. Pius X, so that they may no longer be slandered and detracted.
Church of the Sacred Heart, Cutchogue, NY Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexico Mount St. Francis Hermitage, New York Our Lady of Lourdes, Massapequa Park, NY St. Andrew the Apostle, Clifton, VA St. John the Apostle, Leesburg, VA St. John the Baptist, Costa Mesa, California St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, McLean, Virgina St. John the Evangelist, San Diego, California St. Joseph Parish, Apple Creek, Missouri St. Leo the Great, Pawtucket, Rhode Island St. Maurus, Biehle, Missouri St. Matthew, Dix Hills, NY St. Mary, Alexandria, VA St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Chicago, IL St. Mary’s By the Sea, Huntington Beach, California St. Rita, Alexandria, VA St. Therese in Alhambra, CA Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington, CA Holy Rosary Parish, Sacramento, California Our Lady of Lourdes, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Holy Angels, Aurora, IL Sts. Peter and Paul, Naperville, IL St. Bernard, Joliet, IL Holy Rosary, Cedar, Michigan St. Jospeh's Parish, Middletown, NY St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Carmel, IN Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Birmingham, Al St. Mary of the Visitation, Huntsville, Al St. Silvia, Tivoli, NY Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish, Detroit, MI Immaculate Conception Church 4129 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH St Stephen Church 1920 W 54th St. Cleveland, OH St Mary Church 750 S. Main Street Akron, OH Immaculate Conception Church 37932 Euclid Ave. Willoughby, OH Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston, ME St. Kevin's Church, Harrington Street, Dublin 8, Ireland St. Ann's Parish, 125 Richardson Ave., Shohola, PA Mater Dolorosa Church, South San Francisco, CA St. Peter the Apostle, Merchantville, NJ Sacred Heart of Jesus, Swedesburg, PA Chapel of Windermere on the Mount, London, Ontario, Canada Holy Family Catholic Church in Seattle, WA Church of North American Martyrs at St. Alphonsus Church, Seattle, WA Holy Redeemer Cathedral Parish, Madison, WI St. Norbert Church, Roxbury, WI Sacred Heart, Dunn, NC Sts. Peter and Paul, Palmyra, VA Benedictine Monastery, Norcia, Italy St. Paul Parish, Philadelphia, PA
Looking Ahead:
Remember that it has only been two years since the promulgation of the motu proprio on July 7, 2007, which took effect on the Feast of the Holy Cross, September 14, 2007. It was on September 14 that countless numbers of Tridentine Masses were celebrated such as the following one.
Here is a list of some of the many places that offered the Tridentien Mass on September 14, 2007.
As you watch some of the scenes from this Mass in Honor of the Promolgation of the Motu Proprio at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, please enter into the spirit of joy event in the Liturgy and the music. Even though this Mass remembered the death of our Lord, it focused more particularly on the Cross as the Instrument of our Salvation.
Let us now move forward, seeking to help the restoration of all things in Christ (i.e. E Supremi, Encyclical of Pope St. Pius X). A Catholic Life Blog is willing to publish any and all photos of Traditional Liturgies and articles concerning them, in an effort to help this Restoration. For all such inquiries, please write me through the email address in my Blogger Profile.
On July 4, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Solemn Vespers to commemorate the restoration of the Pauline Chapel, which contains the last frescoes that Renaissance artist Michaelangelo painted, the Conversion of St. Paul and the Crucifixion of St. Peter. The five-year restoration project cost the equivalent of $4.5 million.
Benedict XVI has put the previous altar back in its place, although still a short distance from the tabernacle, restoring the celebration of all "facing the Lord." He has had the ambo removed, and the communion rail put back in its place. The red carpet has disappeared from both the floor and the walls, which have been restored to their original appearance.
ISTANBUL - Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill gave the message of solidarity and unity in their meeting in Istanbul on Saturday.
Patriarch Kirill arrived in Turkey on Saturday for a three-day visit and met with Barholomew. Kirill also attended a religious service before the meeting, the state-run Anatolian Agency reported.
They were expected to discuss the sensitive issue of the churches in Ukraine and Estonia during the visit of Krill who enthroned in February to lead the Russian Orthodox Church.
Priests kissed Kirill's hands and children gave him flowers when he arrived to the sound of bells ringing at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, where he blessed parishioners and prayed at icons, Reuters reported.
"I hope my visit will be the start of a renewal in our relationship," Kirill told reporters before his talks with Patriarch Bartholomew.
He said he agrees with the message of Bartholomew that the two institutions find themselves as members of a joint church.
Bartholomew, an ethnic Greek but a Turkish citizen, said Kirill's presence in Istanbul is a message of unity. "Your visit to the patriarchate and the mother church is a source of great joy and deep emotion. Your presence here carries the message of unity, togetherness and fraternity with the Holy Russian Church," Bartholomew was quoted as saying by the news agencies.
Relations between the Churches have been strained in the past because Churches in some former Soviet states, such as Estonia, have broken away from the Russian Orthodox Church and tried to pledge allegiance to Bartholomew instead.
A spokesman for Bartholomew said the Churches of Estonia and Ukraine were expected to be on the agenda during the talks, Reuters also reported.
Ukraine and Russia have long been in dispute over the ex-Soviet state's right to its own independent church. The global Orthodox Church does not recognize the Ukrainian Church.
Kirill will attend a joint mass with Bartholomew on Sunday and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul when he then visits Ankara.
Kirill, leader of 160 million Russian Orthodox believers, is seen as an outspoken modernizer who may thaw ties with the Catholic Church. He was de facto "foreign minister" of the Moscow patriarchate for two decades before succeeding Alexiy II.
Today we celebrate the life of St. Anthony Zaccaria. See my posting from last year for a brief biography of this saint and holy words written by this saint.
St. Anthony Zaccaria is the the founder of the Barnabite Fathers, the Angelic Sisters, and the Laity of St. Paul. In honor of his feastday, A Catholic Life has conducted an interview with Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP. Through A Catholic Life's Partnership with Fr. Kosek's blog Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, three articles have be written in honor of this saintly man for his feastday.
Please see the articles linked above, written by Sr. Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP and Mary Gambino.
Dear Matthew,
Greetings in the Lord!
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I am submitting three articles as per your request dated June 25, 2009. The articles are the reply to the two questions you posed, namely:
1. How does the life and example of St. Anthony Zaccaria help the average Catholic in living a more Catholic life?
2. How does the life and vocation of St. Anthony Zaccaria inspire priestly and religious vocations?
On this occasion I have asked a religious sister a member of the Angelic Sister of St. Paul Congregation to address the two questions and a member of the Laity of St. Paul to address the first question.
I hope that your Readers will find them interesting and informative. I want to thank you again for your gracious invitation to your Blogs to interact with Catholics and Christians who seek for solid spirituality. It is very encouraging to see lay faithful people like yourself working as an arduous disciple in the Lord’s vineyard.
Matthew thank you for your example.
I want to assure you of my prayers in your intentions.
Yours in the Lord,
Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP
P.S. I hope that we will continue our apostolic cooperation.
Prayer:
Make us, O Lord God, learn in the spirit of Paul the Apostle the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasseth all understanding, wherein blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously versed and formed in Thy Church new religious congregations of men and women. Through the same our Lord.
I have a free copy of the Advent/Christmas 2007 magazine (Vol 16, No. 5) [pictured above] as well as the Fall 2008 magazine (Vol 17, No. 4).
I have read both of these copies and immensely enjoyed them, but I would now like to pass them along to anyone else that could benefit from them. These are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Please comment below or contact me via email (address is accessible via my Blogger profile).
In return I only ask for $3.00 USD to cover the shipping and packaging charges (domestic US Shipping). I can be paid either via Paypal or a check mailed to my address.
On July 3, 987 he was crowned as King of France and is regarded as the founder of the Capetian dynasty. His Royal Highness, King Hugh Capet died on October 24, 996 in Paris, France and was interred in the Saint Denis Basilica. The Capetians ruled France from 987 to 1328. All French kings up through King Louis Philippe have belonged to this dynasty.
Currently members of the Capetian dynasty are still states of the kingdom of Spain (in the person of the Bourbon Juan Carlos) and of the grand-duchy of Luxembourg. The Capetian Dynasty remains the oldest continuously reigning dynasty in the world.
Image Source: Hugh Capet of France by Steuben Charles de baron
Spain under the Catholic Franco was much more of a Catholic state than it is today. Remember, July 3, 2005, the law legalizing same sex marriage took effect. Nowadays, Spain is far removed from its period of glory - in terms of the supremacy of Catholicism and the superiority of its Navy.
MADRID - Madrid's city hall on Monday stripped former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco [a shame! Falling down to modern pressure it seems. Franco was a true Catholic] of his title as honorary mayor and adopted son of the capital, 33 years after his death began the transition to democracy.
Councillors of all political colours unanimously voted to remove the titles, as well as medals Madrid conferred on the right-wing general, a spokesman for the council said.
"The capital of Spain is now clean of support for dictators," left-wing Councillor Milagros Hernandez, was quoted as saying on the website of TV news channel CNN+.
The move is the latest in a effort spearheaded by the Socialist government to remove traces of Franco in street names, statues and other symbols glorifying the dictator who gained power after a three-year civil war which ended in 1939 and ruled until his death in 1975.
The removals started under a law passed in 2007 by the government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, whose grandfather was killed by Franco's forces.
The push reverses an unspoken understanding after Franco's death that his supporters would relinquish power on condition that future democrats would not rake up the past.
Members of the conservative Popular Party have criticised the socialist law for, as they see it, needlessly dragging up the wounds of the past. However, the PP -- which rules the local authority in Madrid -- backed the proposal to strip Franco of the city's honours.
Source: Reuters - Tuesday, June 30. My comments in red
For the faithful, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on the opening and closing days of the Year for Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.
To obtain the indulgence the faithful must attend Mass in an oratory or Church and offer prayers to "Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to his heart." The conditions for the faithful for earning a plenary indulgence are to have gone to confession and prayed for the intentions of the Pope.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and recall Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. The event is recorded in Luke 1:39-57. Feeling the presence of his Savior, John leaped within the womb of his mother Elizabeth upon Mary's arrival; John was then filled with the grace of God.
The Feast of Visitation was first commemorated in the beginning of the 13th century, when St. Bonaventure recommended it, and the Franciscan chapter adopted it. The Francisian breviary spread it to many churches, but it was only universally adopted in the 14th century, when Urban VI extended it.
Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of Thy heavenly grace: that as the childbearing of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of our salvation, so the solemn feast of her Visitation may bring us an increase of peace. Through our Lord.
A reader of "A Catholic Life" asked me whether or not a non-ordained male could serve as a subdeacon at a Solemn Mass. After doing some research in "The Celebration of Mass: A Study of the Rubrics of the Roman Missal" by Rev. J B O'Connell, I found the following on page 398:
Only a priest may act as a substitute for a deacon but a cleric in minor orders or at least tonsured may, for a reasonable cause (see S.R.C. 4181), act as substitute for a subdeacon (See S.R.C 2002, 2525, 2965, 3525, 3832, 4181). He may wear the alb and tunicle but not the maniple. During the Mass he may do all that a subdeacon does except:
(a) wipe the chalice and pour the water at the Offertory (b) touch the chalice again after having brought it to the altar, until after the ablutions (c) uncover and cover the chalice during Mass (d) wipe the chalice after the ablutions, although he may arrange and veil it, and carry it to the credence (S.R.C 4181)
S.R.C = Decrees of the Congregation of Sacred Rites
Image Source: Unknown, Found via the blog Munda Cor Meum
Today, according to the Traditional Catholic Calendars of 1962 and previous, is the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. After Vatican II, this feastday was combined with Corpus Christi. In the 1969 Calendar, Corpus Christi is officially called the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. However, for those Catholics who like to follow the Traditional Calendar, today is a day to especially remember the price of our salvation - the Blood of Jesus Christ. Today we remember His blood spilt not only on the Cross but also in the Circumcision, Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Scourging at the Pillar of Flagellation, and the Crowning with Thorns.
V/ God, the Father of Heaven, R/ have mercy on us.
V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, R/ have mercy on us.
V/ God, the Holy Spirit, R/ have mercy on us.
V/ Holy Trinity, One God, R/ have mercy on us.
R/ for ff: save us.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness. Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, Blood of Christ, victor over demons, Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world. R/ spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ have mercy on us.
You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood. R/ And made us, for our God, a kingdom.
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. R/ Amen. Image Source: Unknown
Matthew is an undergraduate student seeking a B.A. Major in Accountancy from a private Catholic University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Matthew lives in both St. Paul, Minnesota and Chicagoland, Illinois, although he is usually only in the Chicago area during the summer months. Matthew's personal interests include seeking a preservation of authentic traditional Catholicism, as practiced before the Second Vatican Council. He attends the Tridentine Latin Mass offered by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), and various other orders and priests. Matthew is a writer of catechism lessons for CatechismClass.com and is available for speaking at conferences, retreats, and other gatherings around the United States. He is also available to assist any parishes seeking to start the Tridentine Latin Mass and is able to assist as an altar server at the Tridentine Latin Mass. Specific requests should be directed to Matthew through email.
Note: Any and all donations to Matthew are highly appreciated. These donations will assist me in providing my online services and paying for college-related expenses. These are not tax-deductible donations.
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