Office of Lauds: Feast of Ss Peter and Paul

Today is the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (Double of the I Class with Octave).  Today is a holy day of obligation in the universal Church.  In England and Wales the feast is observed as a holy day of obligation while in the United States and Canada, it is not. In Malta it is a public holiday.  This is the day of the liturgical year on which those newly created metropolitan archbishops receive the primary symbol of their office, the pallium, from the pope.

Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent His Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (From the introit of the day's Mass, Acts, 12. 11)
[Click to listen to it chanted]

Lauds
The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary
Ant.    Petrus et Joánnes * ascendébant in templum ad horam oratiónis nonam.	Ant.    Peter and John * went up together into the temple at the ninth hour, being the hour of prayer.
Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se. 2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur. 3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es. 4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam. 5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum. 6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus. 7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.	Psalm 92.  Dominus regnavit The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength. 2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved. 3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting. 4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice. 5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters. 6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high. 7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.
Ant.    Petrus et Joánnes ascendébant in templum ad horam oratiónis nonam.	Ant.    Peter and John went up together into the temple at the ninth hour, being the hour of prayer.
Ant.    Argéntum et aurum * non est mihi : quod autem hábeo, hoc tibi do.	Ant.    Silver and gold * have I none, but such as I have, give I thee.
Psalmus 99.  Jubilate Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia. 2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne. 3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos. 4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi. 5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.	Psalm 99.  Jubilate O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness, 2  And come before his presence * with a song.. 3  Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. 4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him. 5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Ant.    Argéntum et aurum non est mihi : quod autem hábeo, hoc tibi do.	Ant.    Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee.
Ant.    Dixit Angelus ad Petrum : * Circúmda tibi vestiméntum tuum, et séquere me.	Ant.    The Angel said unto Peter : * Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo. 2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea. 3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam. 4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te. 5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas. 6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum. 7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus. 8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua. 9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt. 10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.	Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day. 2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways. 3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory. 4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee. 5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name. 6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. 7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper. 8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me. 9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes. 10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.
Ant.    Dixit Angelus ad Petrum : Circúmda tibi vestiméntum tuum, et séquere me.	Ant.    The Angel said unto Peter : Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Ant.    Misit Dóminus * Angelum suum, et liberávit me de manu Heródis, allelúja.	Ant.    The Lord hath sent * his Angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, alleluia.
Canticum trium Puerorum Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56 Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula. 2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino. 3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino. 4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino. 5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino. 6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino. 7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino. 8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino. 9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino. 10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino. 12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino. 13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino. 14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino. 15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino. 17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino. 18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula. (Fit reverentia:) 19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula. 20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula. Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.	The Song of the Three Holy Children Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56 O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever. 2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord. 3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. 4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord. 5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord. 6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord. 7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord. 8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord. 9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord. 10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever. 11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord.  12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord. 13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord. 14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord. 15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever. 16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. 17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord. 18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever: (During the following verse, all bow:) 19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever. 20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Here is not said Amen or Glory be.
Ant.    Misit Dóminus Angelum suum, et liberávit me de manu Heródis, allelúja.	Ant.    The Lord hath sent his Angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, alleluia.
Ant.    Tu es Petrus, * et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.	Ant.    Thou art Peter, * and upon this rock I will build my Church.
Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis. 2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus. 3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen. 4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini. 5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt. 6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit. 7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi. 8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus: 9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri. 10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ: 11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ. 12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus. 13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui. 14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.	Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height. 2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host. 3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light. 4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord. 5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created. 6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away. 7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps; 8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word; 9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars; 10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls; 11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world; 12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted. 13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people. 14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.
Ant.    Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.	Ant.    Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.
STAND
Capitulum           Act. 12. 1-3. Misit Heródes rex manus ut afflígeret quosdam de Ecclésia.  Occídit autem Jacóbum fratrem Joánnis gládio.  Videns autem quia placéret Judæis, appósuit ut apprehénderet et Petrum. R.  Deo grátias.	The Little Chapter        Acts 12. 1-3. Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church.  And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. R.  Thanks be to God.
HymnusBeate Pastor, Petre, clemens áccipe Voces precántum, criminúmque víncula Verbo resólve, cui potéstas trádita Aperíre terris cælum, apértum cláudere.	The Hymn To Peter, shepherd good, was first by thee assigned By apostolic word to loosen or to bind; And him thou didst empower, by thy divine decree, The heavenly gate to shut or open wide and free.
Egrégie Doctor, Paule, mores ínstrue, Et nostra tecum péctora in cælum trahe ; Veláta dum merídiem cernat fides, Et solis instar sola regnet cáritas.	By holy lore may Paul, thy Church's Doctor, teach Our earth-bound souls to strive the heavenly goal to reach: Till that which perfect is shall shine with fuller glow, And that be done away which here in part we know.
Sit Trinitáti sempitérna glória, Honor, potéstas atque jubilátio, In unitáte, quæ gubérnat ómnia, Per univérsa sæculórum sæcula.  Amen.	Now to the Trinity eternal glory sing; All honour, virtue, might, and hymns of gladness bring; He rules the universe in wondrous Unity, And shall, through all the days of vast eternity.  Amen.
V.  Annuntiavérunt ópera Dei. R.  Et facta ejus intellexérunt.	V.  They shall say, This hath God done. R.  For they shall perceive that it is his work.
Ad Bened. Ant:  Quodcúmque * ligáveris super terram, erit ligátum et in cælis ; et quodcúmque sólveris super terram, erit solútum et in cælis : dicit Dóminus Simóni Petro.	Ant. on Bened:  Thus said the Lord unto Simon Peter : * Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
BENEDICTUS	THE BENEDICTUS
Oremus. Deus, qui hodiérnam diem Apostolórum tuórum Petri et Pauli martyrio consecrásti : da Ecclésiæ tuæ, eórum in ómnibus sequi præcéptum; per quos religiónis sumpsit exórdium.  Per Dóminum.	Let us pray. O God, who didst hallow his day by the martyrdom of thine holy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant unto thy Church, whose foundations thou wast pleased to lay by their hands, the grace always in all things to remain faithful to their teaching.  Through.

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Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Declared Venerable

Image Source: Facebook Page of Andy Schmalen

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's Cause of Canonization.  On June 28, 2012, the Holy Father officially declared Fulton J Sheen as "Venerable", bringing him one step closer to sainthood.

In a private audience today with prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, Pope Benedict XVI approved the “heroic virtue” Fulton J. Sheen, thereby officially opening his cause for canonization.

The American archbishop and former bishop of Rochester New York lived from 1895-1979. He was best known his 20 years of evangelical work on radio and television. Before Archbishop Sheen’s cause can advance towards beatification, the Pope must approve at least one miracle attributed to his intercession.

Others honored in the same decree as servants of God include the first prelate of the Personal Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei, Alvaro del Portillo y Diez de Sollano (1914-1994), a Canadian widow and founder of the Handmaidens of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Marie of the Sacred Heart (1806-1885), and American founder of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Mary Angeline Teresa (1893-1984). There were also a number of martyrs on the list, including 154 martyrs of the Spanish civil war.

Zenit News

CatechismClass.com proudly include excerpts from Sheen's many literary masterpieces, including his Life of Christ, throughout its lessons.

We are all very pleased to celebrate this year the 10th Anniversary of the Opening of his cause.  Please join with us in praying for his canonization.

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication.  You have blessed your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.  He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.

If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint.  We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen

Imprimatur:

+Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
Bishop of Peoria

In honor of the life of the Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen, CatechismClass.com is offering 30% off on its summary of Sheen's Life is Worth Living and their series on The Life of Christ. 

Simply enter discount code SheenCause10 and receive 30% off either of these items.  This discount, which is in honor of Fulton J Sheen's Cause of Canonization, will only last for a week!

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Fr. John Berg on Ss Peter and Paul and the Fraternity's Coat of Arms

Today is the Vigil of Ss Peter and Paul.  Here is a recent Letter from the Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Fr. John Berg, on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul.  It is worth reading on this day:

This month of June closes with the great feast of Saints Peter and Paul on the 29th. Those who have visited Rome know firsthand the importance to the Eternal City of these two great martyrs. Because the rite we celebrate is truly Roman, this feast has also always held a particular pride of place in the liturgical calendar.

It is, of course, also the principle feast of our Fraternity of St. Peter, and we have considered ourselves fortunate to have such a great intercessor and example in the Prince of the Apostles. The choice of taking on the title of St. Peter for our institute was really a rather audacious one. Just as no Pope has dared to take the name Peter II for two millennia, so too, no institute or religious order has taken the title of the one chosen to be the first Vicar of Christ. But given the circumstances of our inception, our founders were encouraged to choose as our patron the one upon whom Christ chose to build His Church.

Continue reading...

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Fr. Francis Gallagher's (SSPX) 25th Anniversary of Ordination

St. Vincent de Paul Church in Kansas City, MO joyfully celebrated the 25th priestly ordination anniversary of Fr. Francis Gallagher with a Solemn Mass and banquet in the parish hall on Sunday, June 24.

These photos of Fr. Gallagher are from the website of the SSPX.

 May the God of life pour out grace upon him,
may he feel God’s hand upon him
and be strengthened by the things God’s loving presence.

May the Son of God be Lord in all his ways;
may Christ shepherd him,
and in his heart may Jesus receive the praise.

We pray that God’s grace will abound
and that the fullness of Christ’s love
will continue to be shared through him.

May God the Holy Spirit comfort him, and make him strong,
and may in his heart the Spirit of love be a song.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.+

[Adapted from a Celtic blessing.]

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SSPX June 2012 Ordination Photos

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, July 15, 2012, a total of 8 new priests and 12 new deacons were ordained by Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Winona, Minnesota.  Please join me in praying for these priests to always remain close to the Sacred Heart of our Lord.  May they always remain a priest after His Most Holy Heart.  A list of the names of these new priests is available by clicking here.

Image Source: SSPX USA District Website

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First Holy Communions for the SSPX in Phoenix, Arizona & Edmonds, Washington

Please keep this children in your prayers as they have received the Sacred Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.  May they always remain close to the Sacred Heart of our Lord.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds, hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me. To come to Thee, bid me, That I may praise Thee in the company Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.		Anima Christi, sanctifica me. Corpus Christi, salva me. Sanguis Christi, inebria me. Aqua lateris Christi, lava me. Passio Christi, conforta me. O bone Iesu, exaudi me. Intra tua vulnera absconde me. Ne permittas me separari a te. Ab hoste maligno defende me. In hora mortis meae voca me. Et iube me venire ad te, Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Phoenix, AR (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Photo Source


Edmonds, Washington (Corpus Christi Church)

 
 Photo Source

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Blessing of a Bonfire for St. John's Eve

The following is an excerpt from the book My Nameday, Come for Dessert containing suggested family prayers for St. John's Eve:

Blessing of a bonfire.  This blessing may be conferred by the priest outside of the church on the vigil of St. John's feast.  A parent may lead the prayer after lighting a family bonfire.

Father:  O Lord God, Father almighty, unfailing ray and source of all light, sanctify this new fire, and grant that after the darkness of this life we may come unsullied to You who are Light eternal. Through Christ our Lord.

All:  Amen.

Family prayers on the vigil.

Father:  I summoned you from your father's house, says the Lord, and made you shepherd of My people

All:  I granted you such renown as comes only to the greatest on earth, and no longer did your enemies trouble you.

Father:  From the writings of St. Ambrose:
Holy Scripture teaches us to praise not only the lives of those whom we honor, but also the lives of their parents.  Then that flawless purity which has been handed down to them as an inheritance will stand out even more clearly in those whom we would praise.  What other intention can the evangelist have had in the passage of the Gospel read today, save that of making John the Baptist renowned for his parents as well as for his miracles, his way of life, his mission and his death?

All:  Our hearts must wait in readiness on the Lord and serve Him only.  Then will He deliver us from our enemies' power.

Father:  Let us pray. Grant, almighty God, that Your household may tread the path of salvation, and by following the counsel of John the Precursor, come safely to Him whose coming he foretold, Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You forever.

All:  Amen.  Christ conquers, Christ reigns!

Image Source: Transalpine Redemptorists at Home

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Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

As June 24th approaches, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, similarly advances. Along with solely the sinless Blessed Virgin Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Church remembers the birth of St. John the Baptist. Together, the Church only liturgically celebrates these three holy births.

In the Traditional Catholic Calendar, June 23 is the Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. From the propers of the Mass for June 23, the Introit occupies a place of importance, expressing comfort and hope:

Fear not, Zachary; thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John; and he shall be great before the Lord, and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb; and many shall rejoice at his birth. V. (Ps. 20: 2) In Thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Fear not, Zachary...

Please see my post from last year and attempt to participate in the ancient tradition of a Bonfire this evening.

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Traditional Propers: Octave Day of the Sacred Heart

 Introit from the Mass of the Sacred Heart, Missa Cogitationes cordis 

Prior to the 1955 reforms, today was the Octave Day of the Sacred Heart.  As previously explained, the Octave of the Sacred Heart was a Privileged Octave of the Third Class.  Pope Pius XII raised the feast to the highest rank, Double of the First Class, and added an octave - that octave was later suppressed in the 1955 reforms under the same Holy Pontiff, which removed all but three octaves.

Octaves were classified into several types. Easter and Pentecost had "specially privileged" octaves, during which no other feast whatsoever could be celebrated. Christmas, Epiphany, and Corpus Christi had "privileged" octaves, during which certain highly ranked feasts might be celebrated. The octaves of other feasts allowed even more feasts to be celebrated.
 

Ever mindful of our past Traditions, let us spiritually unite ourselves this day to the Sacred Heart.
 

Traditional Propers - Octave Day of the Sacred Heart

Vestments: White

INTROIT
Psalm 32: 11, 19
The thoughts of His heart to all generations: to deliver their souls from death and feed them in famine. (Ps. 32: 1) Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just, praise becometh the upright. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- The thoughts of His heart . . .

COLLECT- O God, who in the Heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost mercifully vouchsafe to bestow upon us the boundless treasures of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now render Him the service of our devotion and piety, may also fulfill our duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth . . .

Attached to the above Collect is an indulgence of 5 years. -- Plenary, under the usual conditions, if this prayer is recited daily during a month. -- P.P.O. n. 233.

EPISTLE
Ephesians 3: 8-19
Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Brethren: To me, the least of all the Saints, is given the grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: and to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, Who created all things: that the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the Church, according to the eternal purpose which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord: in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom all paternity in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened by His spirit with might unto the inward man, that Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that being rooted and grounded in charity, you may be able to comprehend with all the Saints, what is the breadth and length, and height and depth: to know also the charity of Christ which surpasseth all knowledge. That you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL
Psalm 24: 8, 9
The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore He will give a law to sinners in the way. V. He will guide the mild in judgment: He will teach the meek His ways. Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Matthew 11: 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. Alleluia.






GOSPEL
John 19: 31-37

At that time: The Jews (because it was the parasceve), that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath day (for that was a great sabbath day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken: and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came: and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers, with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he knoweth that saw it, hath given testimony: and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true, that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "You shall not break a bone of Him." And again another Scripture saith: "They shall look on Him Whom they pierced."

OFFERTORY
Psalm 68: 21
My heart hath expected reproach and misery: and I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.

SECRET - Have regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the inexpressible love of the Heart of Thy beloved Son: so that what we offer may be a gift acceptable to Thee, and an expiation for our offenses.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE (Preface for the Feast of the Sacred Heart) - It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who didst will that Thine only-begotten Son, while hanging on the cross, should be pierced by a soldier's spear, that the Heart thus opened, a shrine of divine bounty, should pour out on us streams of mercy and grace, and that what never ceased to burn with love for us, should be a resting-place to the devout, and open as a refuge of salvation to the penitent. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNION
John 19: 34
One of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water.

POST COMMUNION - May Thy holy mysteries, O Lord Jesus, impart to us divine fervor: whereby having tasted the sweetness of Thy most loving heart, we may learn to despise earthly things, and to love what is heavenly: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945

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Lauds of St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Please join me in praying Lauds this morning in honor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga's whose feastday is today.  St. Aloysius Gonzaga was canonized on December 31, 1726, Rome, Italy by Pope Benedict XIII. His relics are entombed under the altar of Saint Ignatius Church in Rome.

Prayer:

Lauds
V.  Justum dedúxit Dóminus per vias rectas. R.  Et osténdit illi regnum Dei.	V.  The Lord guided the righteous in right paths. R.  And shewed him the kingdom of God.
Ad Bened. Ant:  Euge, serve bone * et fidélis, quia in pauca fuísti fidélis, supra multa te constítuam, intra in gáudium Dómini tui.	Ant. on Bened:  Well done, good and faithful servant: * thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord.
BENEDICTUS	THE BENEDICTUS
Oremus. Cæléstium donórum distribútor, Deus, qui in angélico júvene Aloísio miram vitæ innocéntiam pari cum pœniténtia sociásti : ejus méritis et précibus concéde ; ut, innocéntem non secúti, pœniténtem imitémur.  Per Dóminum.	Let us pray. O God, the giver of all spiritual gifts, who in the angelic youth of thy blessed Saint Aloysius didst unite a wondrous penitence to a wondrous innocence of life : grant, by his merits and intercession ; that although we have not followed the pattern of his innocence, yet we may imitate the example of his penitence.  Through.

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Tridentine Mass in Calumet City, IL (June 2012)

Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, said the regularly scheduled First Saturday Traditional Latin Mass at St. Andrew's Church in Calumet City, IL on June 2, Ember Saturday in the octave of Pentecost.

The Ecclesia Choir, conducted by Mr. Timothy Woods, sang 'Missa Super Laudate Dominum' by Orlando de Lassus, while the regular schola of six years chanted the propers of the Mass. This marked the sixth anniversary of the Latin Mass in this location, which was started in June 2006. St. Andrew's is located at 768 Lincoln Avenue in Calumet City, Illinois. The regular celebrant of this mass is Fr. Bernard Danber, O.S.A., but occasionally there is an alternate celebrant.

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Octave of the Feast of the Sacred Heart

As many of you may have noticed in my post yesterday for the Mass Propers for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, commemorations were present for the Octave of the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

The Institution of the Feast of the Sacred Heart was a result of the appearances of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675. St. Margaret Mary suffered contempt from many people who refused to believe the authenticity of the visions. In these appearances, Our Lord told her twelve graces that He would give to anyone devoted to His Sacred Heart. She died in 1690 and it was not until 1856 that the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was placed officially on the Church calendar. However, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back even to the Middle Ages.

In 1693, three years after the death of St. Margaret Mary, the Holy See imparted indulgences to the Confraternities of the Sacred Heart, and in 1697 granted the feast to the Visitandines with the Mass of the Five Wounds, but refused a feast common to all, with special Mass and Office. The devotion spread, particularly in religious communities. The Marseille plague in 1720 furnished perhaps the first occasion for a solemn consecration and public worship outside of religious communities. Other cities of southern Europe followed the example of Marseille. In 1726 Rome was again asked for a feast with a Mass and Office of its own; this was refused in 1729, but granted in 1765. In that year, at the request of the queen, the feast was received quasi-officially by the episcopate of France. 

In 1856, at the urgent entreaties of the French bishops, Pope Pius IX extended the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the Latin Church under the rite of double major. In 1889 it was raised by the Latin Church to the double rite of first class. In 1928, Pope Pius XI raised the feast to the highest rank, Double of the First Class, and added an octave; the 1955 reforms of the general Roman calendar suppressed this octave and removed most other octaves. On November 9, 1921, Pope Benedict XV established the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.

Up until 1955 but after the time of Pope St. Pius X, Octaves were arranged in the following hierarchical order:

• Privileged Octaves
  • Privileged Octaves of the First Order
    • Octave of Easter
    • Octave of Pentecost
  • Privileged Octaves of the Second Order
    • Octave of Epiphany
    • Octave of Corpus Christi
  • Privileged Octaves of the Third Order
    • Octave of Christmas
    • Octave of the Ascension
    • Octave of the Sacred Heart
• Common Octaves
  • Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
  • Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph
  • Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
  • Octave of Saints Peter and Paul
  • Octave of All Saints
  • Octave of the Assumption of the BVM
• Simple Octaves
  • Octave of St. Stephen
  • Octave of St. John the Apostle
  • Octave of the Holy Innocents

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Traditional Mass Propers: Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart (Third Sunday after Pentecost)

Vestments: White

The 1962 Missal used with Green Vestments for Third Sunday after Pentecost. Pre-1954 would be white vestments for the Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.

INTROIT
Psalms 24: 16, 18
Look Thou upon me, O Lord, and have mercy on me: for I am alone and poor. See my abjection and my labor; and forgive me all my sins, O my God. -- (Ps. 24. 1, 2). To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, my God, I put my trust: let me not be ashamed. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- Look Thou upon me . . .

COLLECT - O God, the Protector of those who put their trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: multiply upon us Thy mercy, that with Thee as our ruler, and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we may not lose those which are eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART- O God, who in the Heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost mercifully vouchsafe to bestow upon us the boundless treasures of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now render Him the service of our devotion and piety, may also fulfill our duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth . . .

Attached to the above Commemoration is an indulgence of 5 years. -- Plenary, under the usual conditions, if this prayer is recited daily during a month. -- P.P.O. n. 233.

EPISTLE
I Peter 5. 6-11
Dearly beloved, Be you humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in the time of visitation; casting all your care upon Him, for He hath care of you. Be sober and watch, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith; knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto the eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To Him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL
Ps. 54. 23, 17, 19
Cast Thy care upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee. V.: When I cried to the Lord He heard my voice, from them that draw near to me. Alleluia, alleluia. V.(Ps. 7. 12). God is a just judge, strong and patient: is He angry every day? Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 15: 1-10
At that time, the publicans and sinners drew near unto Jesus to hear Him: and the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And He spoke to them this parable, saying: What man is there of you that hath a hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing an coming home, call together his friends and neighbors, saying to them: Rejoice with me because I have found my sheep that was lost? I say to you that even so there shall be more joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon niney-nine just who need no penance. Or what woman having ten groats, if she lose one groat doth not light a candle and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it? And when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbors, saying: Rejoice with me because I have found the groat which I had lost? So I say to you, there shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.

OFFERTORY
Psalms 9: 11, 12, 13
Let them trust in Thee who know Thy Name, O Lord: for Thou hast not forsaken them that seek Thee: sing ye to the Lord, who dwelleth in Sion: for He hath not forgotten the cry of the poor.

SECRET - Look, O Lord, upon the gifts of Thy suppliant Church: and grant that they may with constant hallowing be received unto the salvation of those who believe. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART- Have regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the inexpressible love of the Heart of Thy beloved Son: so that what we offer may be a gift acceptable to Thee, and an expiation for our offenses. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . .

PREFACE (Preface for the Feast of the Sacred Heart) - It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who didst will that Thine only-begotten Son, while hanging on the cross, should be pierced by a soldier's spear, that the Heart thus opened, a shrine of divine bounty, should pour out on us streams of mercy and grace, and that what never ceased to burn with love for us, should be a resting-place to the devout, and open as a refuge of salvation to the penitent. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNION
Luke 5:10 
I say to you: there is joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.

POST COMMUNION - May Thy holy Gifts, O Lord, which we have received, give us life: and having purified us, prepare us for Thine everlasting mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART- May Thy holy mysteries, O Lord Jesus, impart to us divine fervor: whereby having tasted the sweetness of Thy most loving Heart, we may learn to despise earthly things, and to love what is heavenly: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

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US Ordinations for the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)

Ordinations to the priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Winona, MN.  Please pray for these deacons to be ordained to the priesthood today, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of our Lord. 

Please join me in praying for these men as they receive Ordination to the Priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the SSPX

Rev. Mr. Nicholas Gardner

Rev. Mr. Leo Haynos

Rev. Mr. Christopher Polley

Rev. Mr. Scott Graves

Rev. Mr. John McFarland

Rev. Mr. Steven Reuter

For the Benedictines of Silver City, NM

Br. Elias Campbell, OSB

Br. Andrew Menage, OSB

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Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (May 5, 2012)

Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass and Crowning of Our Lady at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral last May 5, 2012, after the conclusion of the Annual May Procession. Mass was sung by the choir and choristers of St. Stephen the First Martyr Parish of Sacramento, California, USA. Father McNeely, FSSP, celebrant, is the pastoral administrator of St. Stephen the First Martyr in Sacramento.

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St. Anthony & the Mule: A Eucharistic Miracle

St Anthony of Padua The Miracle of the Mule by Joseph the Younger Heintz

A story of St. Anthony involves a mule. While St. Anthony was preaching, a local heretic came to him and stated that he would not believe in Our Lord's Real Presence in the Eucharist unless a mule would kneel before the Blessed Sacrament. St. Anthony prayed and then brought a mule in to the heretic. In St. Anthony's right hand was the Blessed Sacrament, and in his left, he held oats. The mule refused the oats and knelt before the Blessed Sacrament. The heretic repented and submitted himself to the Catholic Church.

St. Anthony died on June 13, 1231, at a young age. On January 19, 1946, St. Anthony was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony:

"Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints" O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

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Traditional Mass Propers: Second Sunday after Pentecost (Sunday within the Octave of Corpus Christi)

Vestments: Green

INTROIT
Psalms 17: 19, 20
The Lord became my protector, and He brought me forth into a large place: He saved me, because He was well pleased with me. -- (Ps. 17. 2, 3). I will love Thee, O Lord my strength: the Lord is my firmament, and my refuge, and my deliverer. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . The Lord became my protector . . .

COLLECT

Make us, O Lord, to have both a perpetual fear and a love of Thy holy Name: for Thou dost never deprive of Thy guidance those whom Thou dost establish steadfastly in Thy love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

O God, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us the memorial of Thy Passion; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood as to experience continually within ourselves the fruit of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

(unless the Feast of Corpus Christi is transferred to the 2nd Sunday After Pentecost, in which case only the propers for the Feast are said today) 

EPISTLE
I John 3. 13-18
Dearly beloved, Wonder not if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the charity of God, because He hath laid down His live for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his brethren in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him, how doth the charity of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

GRADUAL
Ps. 119: 1, 2

In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. V.: O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips and a deceitful tongue. Alleluia, alleluia. V.(Ps. 17. 2). O Lord, my God, in Thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 14: 16-24
At that time, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees this parable: A certain man made a great supper, and invited many. And he sent his servant, at the hour of supper, to say to them that were invited, that they should come, for now all things were ready. And they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I have bought a farm, and must needs go out, and see it; I pray thee hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them; I pray thee hold me excused. And another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant returning, told these things to his lord. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. But I say unto you, that none of these men that were invited shall taste of my supper.

OFFERTORY
Psalms 6:5
Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul, O save me for Thy mercy's sake.

SECRET

May the offering, to be dedicated to Thy Name, O Lord, purify us, and day by day, carry us on the observances of a heavenly life. Through our Lord

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Graciously bestow on Thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gifts of unity and peace, which are mystically shown forth in the gifts now offered. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

PREFACE (Preface of the Most Holy Trinity)

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:

COMMUNION
Ps 12:6 I will sing to the Lord, who giveth me good things: and I will sing to the Name of the Lord Most High.

POST COMMUNION 

We who have receive the sacred Gifts, beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the frequenting of the Mystery, the fruit of our salvation may increase. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to be filled with the eternal enjoyment of Thy Divinity, which is prefigured by the reception in this life of Thy precious Body and Blood. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

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Corpus Christi at St. Vincent's Chapel (SSPX)

These beautiful images from yesterday's High Mass in honor of our Eucharistic King are courtesy of the SSPX's website.

Today's feast has 3 purposes:

1) To honor Our Lord, who is truly present in the Holy Eucharist
2) To instruct others on the faith, mystery, and devotion concerning the Holy Eucharist
3) To show our appreciation for the great gift of the Holy Eucharist

The Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted in the 13th Century to commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist. While we remember this on Holy Thursday, we also remember Christ's coming passion and death as well as the institution of the priesthood. For the sublime gift of the Holy Eucharist, we need another just set aside just to praise God for His unlimited humility and love. Imagine that bread and wine become the God of Heaven and Earth!

Around the early 1200s, Saint Juliana of Mont Cornillon received a vision concerning this feast at a young age. St. Juliana always had a strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. In her vision, she saw the Church under the appearance of the full moon. One large, dark spot was in the moon - symbolic of the absence of a solemnity to honor the Holy Eucharist. St. Juliana became an Augustinian nun in Liége, France, in 1206. Corpus Christi became a feast for the Diocese of Liege in 1246, and later in 1312 Corpus Christi became a mandatory feast in the Roman Catholic Church

Many parishes will have Eucharistic processions. These processions are endowed with indulgences by Popes Martin V and Eugene IV.

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St. Edmund Campion Missal & Hymnal

The St. Edmund Campion Missal & Hymnal is an upcoming 800-page Pew Book for the Traditional Latin Mass.  Commissioned and overseen by Corpus Christi Watershed, the project will feature a one-of-a-kind color missal (not only black and white).

I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to browse the website.  And, the website features a good number of beautiful images of the Traditional Latin Mass formatted to serve as screensavers.  Please browse those and consider them for your computer's background image.

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New Interview with Bishop Fellay (June 2012)

This interview is via DICI.  Please visit their website for a complete transcript. Below is an excerpt from His Excellency's comments:

DICI: While awaiting the Roman decision, what are your interior dispositions? What dispositions would you wish for the priests and the faithful who are devoted to Tradition?

Bishop Fellay: In 1988, when Archbishop Lefebvre announced that he would consecrate four bishops, some encouraged him to do it and others tried to dissuade him from it. But our founder kept the peace, since he had nothing in view but the will of God and the good of the Church. Today these are the same interior dispositions that we should have. Like its holy Patron, the Society of Saint Pius X has the desire to “restore all things in Christ”. Some say that now is not the time, while others on the contrary say that this is the opportune moment. For my part, I know only one thing: it is always the moment to do God’s will, and He makes it known to us at an opportune time, provided that we are receptive to His inspirations. For this reason, I asked the priests to renew the consecration of the Society of Saint Pius X to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on His feast day, June 15, and to prepare for it by a novena, during which the litanies of the Sacred Heart will be recited in all our houses. Everyone can join in asking for the grace to become docile instruments of the restoration of all things in Jesus Christ. (DICI no. 256 dated June 8, 2012)

Image Source: Bishop Bernard Fellay (CNS photo) via Catholicherald.co.uk

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Preparatory Novena for the Consecration of the SSPX to the Sacred Heart

Dear Faithful,

Our Superior General, His Excellency Bishop Fellay wishes to renew the Consecration of the Society of St. Pius X to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 15, the Feast of the Sacred Heart. This will be done in all our houses during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

His Excellency asks that this renewal be preceded by a novena, to start immediately this Wednesday, June 6. The novena is to consist simply in the daily recitation of the Litany of the Sacred Heart in all our houses for the intention indicated. The Society was first consecrated to the Sacred Heart in 1992, and this consecration was renewed in 1994. The circumstances in which we currently find ourselves bring us, at Bishop Fellay’s request, to renew it once again, imploring blessings and graces from Heaven for our dear Society.

I would like to invite the faithful to join in this novena with the same generosity they have shown in the Rosary Crusades. I am honored and pleased to announce that the United States District prayed over 4 million rosaries in the most recent Crusade. I am grateful to all of you and convinced that this generosity will be source of many graces for the Society here in America. Please recall that 8 new priests, 6 for the Society of St. Pius X and 2 for Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, will be ordained in Winona on June 15.

I encourage you to come in great numbers for this joyous event, and together with us renew the Consecration to the Sacred Heart requested by Bishop Fellay for that day. I assure you of my prayers and give you my blessing, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Fr. Arnaud Rostand
District Superior

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Glorious St. Norbert, Founder of the Premonstratensians

Today the Holy Catholic Church remembers the life of St. Norbert (c. 1080 - June 6, 1134). Born at Xanten, Germany into nobility, St. Norbert served as an almoner for Emperor Henry V. Living a worldly life, St. Norbert decided to receive Holy Orders only as part of a career move. St. Nobert joined the joined the Benedictines at Siegburg and after a narrow escape from death, took his vows seriously and experienced an interior conversion.

Continue reading his biography...

In the United States, there still exists vibrant Norbertine communities.  I was given the opportunity back in 2009 to review "Anthology: Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael's Abbey". The CD features the recordings of the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey. While I have heard first-hand experience of the Norbertine order falling headfirst into liberalism, St. Michael's Abbey remains as a beacon of hope for the order. The CD features 18 beautifully Catholic titles including Exultet, Attende Coelum, Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria, Verbum Caro, and more! I highly recommend this CD to all Catholics.

This same community released a CD on Gregorian Chant from the Requiem Mass last year and I reviewed and endorsed that CD as well.

Saint Norbert, Bishop and Confessor
(from the Liturgical Year, 1904)

The helpful influence of the Holy Ghost is more and more multiplied, along the Church's path. It seems as though He would show us today, how the divine power of His action is not crippled by lapse of years: for here we have, twelve centuries after his first coming among us, miracles of grace and conversion quite as brilliant as those that marked His glorious descent upon earth.

Norbert, in whose veins flowed the best blood of emperors and kings, was, from the very breast of his mother, Hedwige, supernaturally invited to a nobility loftier still: yet did he devote, to the unreserved enjoyment of pleasure, three and thirty years of a life that was to number but fifty in all. The Holy Ghost at length hastened to the conquest. There bursts a sudden storm, a thunderbolt falls right in front of the prodigal, throwing him to the ground and making a frightful chasm, between him and the point whither, a moment ago, he was hastening in pursuit of new vanities that needs must fail, as all others had done, to fill the hopeless void in his heart. Then, in the very depths of his soul resounds a voice, such as Saul once heard on his way to Damascus: "Norbert, whither goest thou?" Like another Paul he replies: " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? " He is answered: " Depart from evil and do good; seek after peace and pursue it." Twenty years later, and Norbert is in heaven, seated amidst pontiffs, upon a glorious throne, and all radiant with that special brilliancy, that distinguishes the Founders of the great Religious Orders, when they have reached the eternal Home.

Deep are the traces left by him on earth, of his few years of penitential life. Germany and France receive his preaching; Antwerp is delivered from a shameful heresy; Magdeburg is rescued by this her Archbishop, from the irregularities that were sullying the House of God: such are his works; and though these alone would have sufficed to a long life of holiness, yet they are not the only titles, nor the most brilliant which Norbert has to the Church's gratitude. Before being called, against his will, to the honours of the episcopate, this once gay courtier, made choice of an uninhabitable solitude amidst the forests of the diocese of Laon, wherein to devote himself to prayer and to the maceration of his flesh. The renown of this holy penitent gained rapidly; and Premontre soon beheld her swampy marshes invaded by a vast multitude, formed of the fairest names of picked nobility, pressing thither to learn the science of salvation, from the lips of the saintly anchorite. There too, did Our Lady show to him, in vision, the white habit wherewith his disciples were to be clothed; and Saint Augustine, in like manner, delivered to him his own Rule. Thus was founded the most illustrious branch of the Order of Canons Regular. They add to the obligation of solemnizing the Divine Office, the austerities of an uninterrupted penance; and devote themselves, moreover, to the service of souls, by preaching and the administration of parishes.

In the foregoing century, the episcopacy and papacy had been raised by the monks, from out the reach of feudal servitude; and Norbert was now raised up, to give the needed completion to their work. Although, on principle, the monastic life excludes no sort of labour useful to the Church, the monks could not (however numerous they might be) quit their cloisters, in order to undertake charge of souls. Yet, great were the wants of the lambs of the flock, at that time, for many unworthy pastors of secondary order, slaves to simony and immorality, still continued to lead astray the simple laity. The religious life was alone capable of raising the priesthood from such degradation, whether on the pinnacles of the hierarchy or amongst the lowest degrees of sacred Orders. Norbert was the man chosen by God to effect, in part at least, this immense work: and the importance of his mission explains the sublime prodigality wherewith the Holy Ghost multiplied vocations to his standard. The number and rapidity of foundations, permitted succour to be promptly and everywhere afforded. Even into the far East did the light of Premontre reach, almost at its first dawn. In the eighteenth century, notwithstanding the devastations of the Turks and the ravages of the pretended Reform, the Order, divided into twenty-eight provinces, still contained, in nearly each one of its houses, as many as from fifty to one hundred and twenty Canons; and the parishes that continued under their care, might be counted by thousands.

Nuns, whose holy life and prayers are the ornament and aid of the Church militant, occupied from the very beginning, the place deservedly their due in this numerous family. In the time of the founder, or soon after his death, there were more than a thousand of them, at Premontre alone. Such an incredible sum gives us an idea of the prodigious propagation of the Order, from its very origin. Norbert moreover extended his charity to persons, who like Thibault Count of Champagne, would gladly have followed him into the desert, but who were retained by God's will in the world; he thus made a prelude to those pious associations, which we shall see Saint Francis and Saint Dominic organizing, in the thirteenth century, under the name of "Third Orders."

The Liturgy thus condenses the life of this great servant of God:

Norbert, born of parents of the highest rank, thoroughly educated in his youth, in worldly knowledge, and then a member of the imperial court, turned his back upon the glory of the world, and chose rather to enlist himself as a soldier of the Church. Being ordained priest, he laid aside all soft and showy raiment, clad himself in a coat of skins, and made the preaching of the word of God the one object of his life. Having renounced the ecclesiastical revenues which he possessed and which were very considerable, he distributed likewise his patrimony among the poor. He ate only once a day and that in the evening, and then his meal was of Lenten fare. His life was of singular austerity, and he was used even in the depth of winter, to go out with bare feet and ragged garments. Hence came that mighty power of his words and whereby he was enabled to turn countless heretics to the faith, sinners to repentance, and enemies to peace and concord.

Being at Laon, the bishop besought him not to leave his diocese, and he therefore made choice of a wilderness, at a place called Premontre, whither he withdrew himself with thirteen disciples, and thus he founded the Order of Premonstratensians, whereof he received the Rule in a holy vision, from Saint Augustine. When, however, the fame of his holy life became every day more and more noised abroad, and great numbers sought to become his disciples, and the Order had been approved by Honorius II. and other Popes, many more monasteries were built by him, and the Institute wonderfully extended.

Being called to Antwerp, he there gave the deathblow to the shameful heresy of Tauchelin. He was remarkable for the spirit of prophecy and for the gift of miracles. He was created, (albeit against his will,) archbishop of Magdeburg, and as such, was a strong upholder of the discipline of the Church, especially as regards celibacy. At a council held at Rheims, he was a great help to Innocent II, and went with other bishops to Rome, where he repressed the schism of Peter de Leon. At last, this man of God full of good works and of the Holy Ghost, fell asleep the Lord, at Magdeburg, in the year of Salvation eleven hundred and thirty four, on the sixth day of June.

Prayer:

Thou didst indeed know how to redeem the time (Eph. v. 16), as was fitting in those evil days, wherein thou thyself, O Norbert, led away by the example of the senseless crowd, hadst for so long frustrated the designs of God's love. Those years, at first refused by thee to the true Master of the world, thou didst at length return unto Him, multiplied a hundredfold, through those countless sons and daughters thou didst train up in sanctity. Even thy personal works, in but twenty years' space, filled the whole earth. Schism crushed; heresy confounded to the glory of the Most Holy Sacrament which it had already dared to attack; the rights of the Church, intrepidly defended against worldly princes and unjust retentions; the priesthood restored to its primitive purity; the Christian life strengthened on its true basis, namely prayer and penance; such and so many victories achieved in so few years, are due to the generosity which prevented thee from looking back, for one moment, from the day where in the Holy Ghost touched thy heart. Do thou make all understand that it is never too late to begin to serve God. Were it even, as in thy case, the evening-fall of life, what yet remains of time would quite suffice to make us saints, if we would but generously give that little, fully to Heaven (1 St. Pet. iv. 2).


Faith and Patience were thy cherished virtues; make them flourish once more, in this sad world of ours, which vaunts itself on doubting of everything, and with gibe and jeer hurries onward to the abyss of hell. Forget not, dear Apostle, now that thou art in heaven, the countries thou didst formerly evangelize: we implore this of thee, despite their forgetfulness, despite their criminal return to the deceits of the devil.


Holy Pontiff, Magdeburg has lost her ancient faith, and therewith, the precious relics of thy body, which she no longer deserved to possess: Prague is now the favoured spot of thy repose. But, whilst blessing this hospitable city, pray still for the ungrateful one that has cast aside her double treasure. O thou Founder of Premontre, smile once more on France, who derives from thee one of her fairest glories. Obtain of God, that for the salvation of these calamitous times, thine Order may recover something of its former splendour. Bless, few as they are, those sons and daughters of thine who, despite the ridiculous hostility of the powers that be, seek to shed once more their beneficent influence on France. May our own England benefit also of their return to her midst, and may their fruits be multiplied in every direction. Maintain thine own spirit among them; may they find in interior peace, the secret of triumph over Satan and his crew; may the full magnificence of the divine worship solemnly carried out, be ever unto their souls, as the dearly loved mount, whence Moses like, they may declare the Will of the Lord, unto the new Israel, the Christian people.

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