In today’s episode, on the 4th Sunday after Easter, I address the following:
- The Propers for the 4th Sunday after Easter
- Seasonal Variation in the Prayer before and after Meals
- SS. Philip and James on May 1st
- The Finding of the Holy Cross on May 3rd
In today’s episode, on the 4th Sunday after Easter, I address the following:
In today’s episode, on the 3rd Sunday after Easter, I address the following:
This episode is sponsored by PrayLatin.com. PrayLatin.com offers Latin prayer cards to learn and share prayers in the sacred language. Learn your basic prayers in Latin conveniently on the go. Practice your pronunciation with easy-to-follow English phonetic renderings of Latin words. PrayLatin.com offers prayer cards in various formats, including Latin-English rosary pamphlets with the traditional 15 mysteries. Shop for additional Latin resources like missal booklets, server response cards, and more. Visit PrayLatin.com today.
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In today’s episode, on Good Shepherd Sunday, I address the following:
I would like to thank CatechismClass.com for sponsoring this episode. CatechismClass.com, the leader in online Catholic catechism classes, has everything from online K-12 programs, RCIA classes, adult continuing education, marriage preparation, baptism preparation, confirmation prep, quince prep classes, catechist training courses, and much more. Use discount code Easter25 to save 25% off the Easter Season Course.
In today’s episode, on Low Sunday, I address the following:
This episode is sponsored by PrayLatin.com. PrayLatin.com offers Latin prayer cards to learn and share prayers in the sacred language. Learn your basic prayers in Latin conveniently on the go. Practice your pronunciation with easy-to-follow English phonetic renderings of Latin words. PrayLatin.com offers prayer cards in various formats, including Latin-English rosary pamphlets with the traditional 15 mysteries. Shop for additional Latin resources like missal booklets, server response cards, and more. Visit PrayLatin.com today.
Subscribe to the podcast on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, I-tunes, and many other platforms!
In today’s episode, on Easter Sunday, the most glorious all feastdays, I address the following:
And be sure to check out Episode 8 from last year, which covered:
I would like to thank CatechismClass.com for sponsoring this episode. CatechismClass.com, the leader in online Catholic catechism classes, has everything from online K-12 programs, RCIA classes, adult continuing education, marriage preparation, baptism preparation, confirmation prep, quince prep classes, catechist training courses, and much more. Use discount code Easter25 to save 25% off the Easter Season Course.
In the heart of Italy, where the echoes of ancient traditions reverberate through cobblestone streets and historic cathedrals, lies a cherished artistry deeply intertwined with faith: the crafting of Catholic religious items. From intricately carved crucifixes to delicately painted icons, these handcrafted products serve as tangible expressions of devotion and artistic excellence. Rooted in centuries-old techniques and infused with spiritual significance, Italian-made Catholic artifacts continue to captivate believers worldwide, offering a connection to both the divine and the rich cultural heritage of the country.
The tradition of crafting religious artifacts in Italy can be traced back to the early days of Christianity, when skilled artisans dedicated themselves to creating sacred objects for worship and reverence. Over the centuries, this art form evolved, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural influences and artistic movements while remaining steadfast in its commitment to preserving the essence of Catholic faith.
One of the most iconic symbols of Catholicism, the crucifix, holds a special place in Italian craftsmanship. Crafted from various materials such as wood, marble, or precious metals, each crucifix is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of reverence and contemplation. The artisans, often working within family-owned workshops passed down through generations, imbue these sacred symbols with profound spiritual meaning, paying homage to the sacrifice of Christ and the redemption it represents. Many beautiful options are available from this religious e-shop that offers over 80,000 handcrafted Catholic items, religious gifts and church supplies.
In addition to crucifixes, Italian artisans excel in crafting a wide array of religious items, including statues, rosaries, and religious jewelry. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the artisan's reverence for the subject matter and dedication to their craft. Whether it's a marble Madonna delicately sculpted to perfection, or a rosary intricately crafted from Venetian glass beads, these handcrafted treasures serve as tangible reminders of faith and devotion.
The process of creating these exquisite pieces often begins with the selection of the finest materials. Italian artisans have access to a rich array of resources, from Carrara marble to Florentine gold leaf, allowing them to bring their artistic visions to life with unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship. Many artisans also draw inspiration from Italy's rich artistic heritage, incorporating elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles into their work to create truly timeless pieces.
What sets Italian-made Catholic products apart is not just their aesthetic appeal but also the deep spiritual significance imbued into each creation. Every stroke of the brush, every chisel mark, carries with it a sense of reverence and devotion, elevating these artifacts beyond mere objects and transforming them into vessels of faith. For the artisans, crafting these religious items is not just a profession but a sacred calling, a way of honoring their faith and contributing to the spiritual lives of others.
Beyond their spiritual significance, Italian-made Catholic products also serve as ambassadors of Italian culture and craftsmanship to the world. Renowned for their quality and beauty, these handcrafted treasures have found their way into homes, churches, and museums across the globe, showcasing the enduring legacy of Italian artistry and devotion.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional craftsmanship, fueled by a desire for authenticity and a deeper connection to the past. As mass-produced goods increasingly dominate the market, discerning consumers are turning to artisanal products, drawn to their unique character and the stories they embody. In this age of mass production and rapid consumption, Italian-made Catholic products stand as a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship and the timeless appeal of faith.
Moreover, the purchase of these handcrafted items not only supports local artisans and their families but also helps preserve a centuries-old tradition for future generations. By investing in Italian-made Catholic products, consumers become custodians of a cultural heritage that spans centuries, ensuring that the artistry and devotion of Italy's artisans continue to thrive in the modern world. Use code CAT10 for 10% off an order on www.holyart.com today!
In conclusion, the tradition of crafting Catholic religious items in Italy is a testament to the enduring power of faith and artistic expression. From the humblest crucifix to the grandest cathedral, these handcrafted treasures embody the beauty, reverence, and devotion that have defined Italian craftsmanship for centuries. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing world, the timeless appeal of Italian-made Catholic products serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the enduring legacy of faith and the enduring power of the human spirit.
In today’s episode, on this solemn Palm Sunday, I address the following:
This episode is sponsored by PrayLatin.com. PrayLatin.com offers Latin prayer cards to learn and share prayers in the sacred language. Learn your basic prayers in Latin conveniently on the go. Practice your pronunciation with easy-to-follow English phonetic renderings of Latin words. PrayLatin.com offers prayer cards in various formats, including Latin-English rosary pamphlets with the traditional 15 mysteries. Shop for additional Latin resources like missal booklets, server response cards, and more. Visit PrayLatin.com today.
Subscribe to the podcast on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, I-tunes, and many other platforms!
Many people today desire a simple life that is closely connected to land, whether it be gardening, farming, or ranching. There is a spiritual draw to a non-consumeristic lifestyle that places God, the family, and the home at the center of all activity. This “agrarian conversion” has led many families to seek out rural communities and leave behind the suburban life.
Over ten years ago, two Catholic friends, Jason M. Craig and Thomas D Van Horn, experienced a similar agrarian conversion inspired by past Catholic land movements and a growing desire to work with their wives and children, going deeper than just “supporting” them financially. Both began a journey, perhaps with a tad too much romanticism, toward land-based life on farms. All these years later, the two have been tempered by the unyielding realities of land and limitations and have gained significant insights into the reasons, challenges, and possibilities of homesteading and farming.
In The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead, Craig and Van Horn present the practicalities and theological aspects behind the desire for a productive, holy home. Our current culture understands the economy in efficient consumeristic terms, but our Catholic Faith tells us differently. The productive homestead is the center of economic life, and the family is at the center of the homestead. This book aims to bring the stories from their experience into a presentation and proposal of homesteading as a way of life, considering the principles (why?) and the practicalities (how?). May we do so under the patronage of St. Isidore the Farmer, who is honored in some places on March 22. And here is just one great excerpt worth meditating upon today:
Most people know that our technology-loving, post-industrial society is new. For centuries upon centuries prior—literally from the beginning of time—the work com- mon to most men the world over was finding, growing, securing, and preserving food. These acts were foundational for staying alive, but providing for bodily needs also grew into beautiful and intricate cultures where food wasn’t just important for staying alive but for living a life. This is because we, as man, must provide food like the beasts, but our work builds up into culture because we have souls. Intertwined with and sanctified by the Church, the life of prayer, work, fasting, and feasting formed a single life, an inte- grated whole. In the vast countryside of Christendom, the work of God (worship) and the work of the land was the life of the people, a single life undivided.
I was given an advanced copy of some of the text and I have to say it is quite inspiring and something I do recommend. Please check it out through Tan Books, especially as we are now in the spring season.
Since St. Joseph’s Day falls during Lent, it coincides with the traditional Lenten fast which traditionally required 40 days of fasting and 46 days of abstinence from meat. Per the 1917 Code of Canon Law, Friday abstinence is still required on St. Joseph’s Day even where it is kept as a Holy Day of Obligation. And would the fast of Lent still be observed? The answer is unequivocally yes.
The question of whether Holy Days of Obligation abrogate the requirement of Friday abstinence outside of Lent is mentioned in the 1917 Code:
On [Sundays] or feasts of precept, the law of abstinence or of abstinence and fast or of fast only ceases, except during Lent, nor is the vigil anticipated; likewise it ceases on Holy [Saturday] afternoon (1917 Code, Canon 1252 § 4).[1]
The 1917 Code is explicit – feasts of precepts do not remove the requirement to fast or abstain during Lent. The only way that the obligation would be removed during the season of Lent would be if a dispensation would be specifically offered by the lawful Church authorities for a particular day.
It must be further noted that the removal of the obligation of penance on Holy Days of Obligation outside of Lent only applies to areas that observe the day of precept. It is not based on the Roman calendar, as affirmed by the Commission on the Code in a 1924 article in the American Ecclesiastical Review. Hence, when January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, falls on a Friday, it is still a mandatory day of abstinence in America and France and other places where it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. In contrast, Canada, Rome, and places that keep it as a Holy Day do not have to observe fasting and/or abstinence on that particular Friday. This, however, only applies to Holy Day of Obligation outside of Lent. And this change only started with the 1917 Code – beforehand, it was still a day of abstinence on Fridays regardless if it was a day of precept or not, unless a specific dispensation was issued by the Pope himself.
In 1954, Pope Pius XII issued such a decree granting bishops the permission to dispense from Friday abstinence for the Feast of St. Joseph which that year fell on a Friday. A March 26, 1954, article of The Guardian elaborates:
“Bishops throughout the world have been granted the faculty to dispense their faithful from the law of abstinence on the Feast of St. Joseph, Friday, March 19. The power was granted in a decree issued by the Sacred Congregation of the Council, which said it acted at the special mandate of His Holiness Pope Pius XII. The decree published in L’Osservatore Romano made no mention of a dispensation from the Lenten fast.”
As such, St. Joseph’s Day did not permit the faithful to eat meat on Fridays in Lent unless such a specific dispensation were offered, which was very rarely done. Likewise, to those who maintain the 1917 Code’s requirement to also fast all forty weekdays of Lent – which was observed since the Early Church – St. Joseph’s Day remains a day of fast. Surely St. Joseph would want us to produce worthy fruits of penance during this holiest season as we prepare for the Pascal mystery.
Unfortunately, the 1983 Code of Canon Law which aligns with the many Modernist changes in the Church weakly states:
The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent. Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (1983 Code, Canons 1251 – 1252).
It should be noted that traditionally St. Joseph’s Tables, even when transferred to Sunday, were always meatless. For centuries, even Sundays in Lent were days of abstinence – just not fasting.
Want to learn more about the history of fasting and abstinence? Check out the Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting and Abstinence.