Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas 2007: Urbi et Orbi


Here is the text of Pope Benedict XVI's 2007 Urbi et Orbi Address for Christmas:

“A holy day has dawned upon us.
Come you nations and adore the Lord.
Today a great light has come upon the earth.”
(Day Mass of Christmas, Gospel Acclamation)

Dear Brothers and Sisters! “A holy day has dawned upon us.” A day of great hope: today the Saviour of mankind is born. The birth of a child normally brings a light of hope to those who are waiting anxiously. When Jesus was born in the stable at Bethlehem, a “great light” appeared on earth; a great hope entered the hearts of those who awaited him: in the words of today’s Christmas liturgy, “lux magna”. Admittedly it was not “great” in the manner of this world, because the first to see it were only Mary, Joseph and some shepherds, then the Magi, the old man Simeon, the prophetess Anna: those whom God had chosen. Yet, in the shadows and silence of that holy night, a great and inextinguishable light shone forth for every man; the great hope that brings happiness entered into the world: “the Word was made flesh and we saw his glory” (Jn 1:14).

“God is light”, says Saint John, “and in him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5). In the Book of Genesis we read that when the universe was created, “the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” “God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Gen 1:2-3). The creative Word of God is Light, the source of life. All things were made through the Logos, not one thing had its being but through him (cf. Jn 1:3). That is why all creatures are fundamentally good and bear within themselves the stamp of God, a spark of his light. Nevertheless, when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, the Light himself came into the world: in the words of the Creed, “God from God, Light from Light”. In Jesus, God assumed what he was not, while remaining what he was: “omnipotence entered an infant’s body and did not cease to govern the universe” (cf. Saint Augustine, Sermo 184, No. 1 on Christmas). The Creator of man became man in order to bring peace to the world. For this reason, during Christmas night, the hosts of angels sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those whom he loves” (Lk 2:14).

“Today a great light has come upon the earth”. The Light of Christ is the bearer of peace. At Midnight Mass, the Eucharistic liturgy begins with this very chant: “Today true peace has come down to us from heaven” (Entrance Antiphon). Indeed, it is only the “great” light manifested in Christ that can give “true” peace to men: that is why every generation is called to welcome it, to welcome the God who in Bethlehem became one of us.

This is Christmas – the historical event and the mystery of love, which for more than two thousand years has spoken to men and women of every era and every place. It is the holy day on which the “great light” of Christ shines forth, bearing peace! Certainly, if we are to recognize it, if we are to receive it, faith is needed and humility is needed. The humility of Mary, who believed in the word of the Lord and, bending low over the manger, was the first to adore the fruit of her womb; the humility of Joseph, the just man, who had the courage of faith and preferred to obey God rather than to protect his own reputation; the humility of the shepherds, the poor and anonymous shepherds, who received the proclamation of the heavenly messenger and hastened towards the stable, where they found the new-born child and worshipped him, full of astonishment, praising God (cf. Lk 2:15-20). The little ones, the poor in spirit: they are the key figures of Christmas, in the past and in the present; they have always been the key figures of God’s history, the indefatigable builders of his Kingdom of justice, love and peace.

In the silence of that night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and lovingly welcomed. And now, on this Christmas Day, when the joyful news of his saving birth continues to resound, who is ready to open the doors of his heart to the holy child? Men and women of this modern age, Christ comes also to us bringing his light, he comes also to us granting peace! But who is watching, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a vigilant, praying heart? Who is waiting for the dawn of the new day, keeping alight the flame of faith? Who has time to listen to his word and to become enfolded and entranced by his love? Yes! His message of peace is for everyone; he comes to offer himself to all people as sure hope for salvation.

Finally, may the light of Christ, which comes to enlighten every human being, shine forth and bring consolation to those who live in the darkness of poverty, injustice and war; to those who are still denied their legitimate aspirations for a more secure existence, for health, education, stable employment, for fuller participation in civil and political responsibilities, free from oppression and protected from conditions that offend against human dignity. It is the most vulnerable members of society – women, children, the elderly – who are so often the victims of brutal armed conflicts, terrorism and violence of every kind, which inflict such terrible sufferings on entire populations. At the same time, ethnic, religious and political tensions, instability, rivalry, disagreements, and all forms of injustice and discrimination are destroying the internal fabric of many countries and embittering international relations. Throughout the world the number of migrants, refugees and evacuees is also increasing because of frequent natural disasters, often caused by alarming environmental upheavals.

On this day of peace, my thoughts turn especially to those places where the grim sound of arms continues to reverberate; to the tortured regions of Darfur, Somalia, the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia; to the whole of the Middle East – especially Iraq, Lebanon and the Holy Land; to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to the Balkans and to many other crisis situations that unfortunately are frequently forgotten. May the Child Jesus bring relief to those who are suffering and may he bestow upon political leaders the wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions. To the thirst for meaning and value so characteristic of today’s world, to the search for prosperity and peace that marks the lives of all mankind, to the hopes of the poor: Christ – true God and true Man – responds with his Nativity. Neither individuals nor nations should be afraid to recognize and welcome him: with Him “a shining light” brightens the horizon of humanity; in him “a holy day” dawns that knows no sunset. May this Christmas truly be for all people a day of joy, hope and peace!

“Come you nations and adore the Lord.” With Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, with the Magi and the countless host of humble worshippers of the new-born Child, who down the centuries have welcomed the mystery of Christmas, let us too, brothers and sisters from every continent, allow the light of this day to spread everywhere: may it enter our hearts, may it brighten and warm our homes, may it bring serenity and hope to our cities, and may it give peace to the world. This is my earnest wish for you who are listening. A wish that grows into a humble and trustful prayer to the Child Jesus, that his light will dispel all darkness from your lives and fill you with love and peace. May the Lord, who has made his merciful face to shine in Christ, fill you with his happiness and make you messengers of his goodness. Happy Christmas!

© Copyright 2007 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Image Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
Second Image Source: AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO
Third Image: CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters
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Holy Christmas Carols


Hark the Herald Angels Sing



Glory to God




Once in Royal David's City

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Monday, December 24, 2007
Back After a Long Absence: The Traditional Latin Mass in Mexico City

Published: December 5, 2007
California Catholic Daily
Republished with Permission


"For first time in more than 40 years, traditional Latin Mass celebrated at Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral; extraordinary form now to be offered once a week

"For more than 400 years, the Tridentine Latin Mass was celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City -- until 1965, when all masses in this and all the other Catholic churches around the world began to be celebrated in their respective vernacular languages as part of the Vatican II liturgical reforms. Forty-two years later, on the morning of Nov. 29, on the high altar of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Latin Mass was once again celebrated at the most important Catholic house of worship in Mexico.

"The traditional mass, which thousands of Catholics in Mexico still long for, was celebrated by Msgr. Rudolf Michael Schmitz, Vicar General and Superior of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, according to the weekly publication of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, Desde la Fe (“From the Faith”).

"The same day, Msgr. Schmitz celebrated Latin masses in three other Mexico City churches of historical and religious significance. The first was at La Profesa, an educational and religious center of the Society of Jesus since 1574. From La Profesa, some of the most daring and fruitful missionary enterprises of Mexico’s evangelization were launched, including into the then-remote areas of Baja California and Sonora. La Profesa was also the center of the famous “La Profesa Conspiracy,” which led to the final victory for Mexico’s independence in 1821.

"Two other Latin masses were celebrated at the Ville de Guadalupe -- one at El Pocito chapel, built in the 17th century on the site where the image of the Virgin Mary was miraculously stamped on Juan Diego’s tunic; the other in one of the lateral chapels inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

"For the celebration, Msgr. Schmitz wore the traditional biretta, rochet and cassock. At the altar were six processional candlesticks, with all the sacred ornaments necessary for the Eucharistic consecration.

"At the end of the celebration, Msgr. Schmitz thanked the faithful for their warm welcome, as well as authorities from the Archdiocese of Mexico for making available the high altar of the Metropolitan Cathedral for the celebration.

"As the gestures and forms of the extraordinary form of the Mass differ from the present day liturgy, for many faithful the Tridentine Mass was a little complicated to follow. Msgr. Schmitz explained, “The Mass cannot be completely understood because it is a mystery of faith; but the faithful do not need to understand each and every Latin word to take part in the Mass. Instead they have to get used to the rite, and live it with respect. The Mass, prayed in Latin, has helped in the conversion of many people, especially youth.”

"Rev. Francisco Beccerra, major sacristan of the Metropolitan Cathedral, announced that the traditional Latin Mass will now be celebrated once a week at the cathedral.

"Celebration of the traditional Latin Mass came just two weeks after archdiocesan authorities had indefinitely closed the Metropolitan Cathedral following an attack by a left-wing mob during a Sunday Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera.

"The cathedral reopened on Nov. 24 following assurances from Mexico City authorities that they would beef up security around the cathedral. Mexico City police chief Joel Ortega said 46 police officers will be present at the cathedral and four police cars will patrol the surrounding area during Masses. People entering the cathedral are also subject to police searches of any bags they are carrying."
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Pray on Christmas for the Souls in Purgatory

Please pray for the souls in Purgatory on Christmas Day and throughout the Octave of Christmas! For more information, visit my post Pray for the Souls in Purgatory.

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus Christ, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, for those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
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Christmas Proclamation

On this holy night, I wish all of my readers a blessed Christmas as the penitential time of Advent closes. Gaudete! This night we celebrate the birth of the only-begotten Son of the Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ!!

For information on customs this day and for all days in Christmastide, please visit Fish Eaters.

Luke 2:10-14:

"And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will."

The Christmas Proclamation:

* The twenty-fifth day of December.

* In the five thousand one hundred and ninety-ninth year of the creation of the world from the time when God in the beginning created the heavens and the earth;

* the two thousand nine hundred and fifty-seventh year after the flood;

* the two thousand and fifteenth year from the birth of Abraham;

* the one thousand five hundred and tenth year from Moses and the going forth of the people of Israel from Egypt;

* the one thousand and thirty-second year from David's being anointed king;

* in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel;

* in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;

* the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome;

* the forty second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;

* the whole world being at peace,

* in the sixth age of the world,

* Jesus Christ the eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception,

* was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary, being made flesh.

* The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
New Cardinals Named in October 2007

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has named the following Cardinals on October 17, 2007.

* John Patrick Foley, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy
Sepulchre (USA)
* Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston (USA)
* Giovanni Lajolo, Governor of the Vatican City-State (Italy)
* Paul-Josef Cordes, president, Pontifical Council Cor Unum (Germany)
* Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St Peter's Basilica (Italy)
* Stanislaw Rylko, president, Pontifical Council for the Laity (Poland)
* Raffaele Farina SDB, top archivist (Italy)
* Agustin Garcia-Gasco y Vicente, archbishop of Valencia (Spain)
* Sean Brady, archbishop of Armagh, "Primate of All Ireland"
* Jose Lluis Sistach, archbishop of Barcelona
* Andre Vingt-Trois, archbishop of Paris
* Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa
* Francisco Lopez Ortega, archbishop of Monterrey (Mexico)
* Leonardo Sandri, prefect, Congregation for the Oriental Churches (Argentina)
* Odilio Pedro Scherer, archbishop of Sao Paulo
* John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi
* Theodore-Adrien Sarr, archbishop of Dakar
* Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay

And the honorary cardinals over the age of 80:

Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylonia of the Chaldeans (Iraq)
Abp. Giovanni Coppa, (retired) apostolic nuncio (Italy)
Abp. Esteban Karlic, of Parana, Argentina (ret.)
Fr. Umberto Betti, OFM, rector-emeritus of the Pontifical Lateran University
Fr. Urbano Navarrete, SJ, rector-emeritus of the Pontifical Gregorian University
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Msgr. Michael Hoeppner Appointed Bishop of Crookston

On September 28, 2007, the blogger at Whispers in the Loggia wrote, "As intimated last night (see next post), Crookston's day has arrived. This morning, the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Victor Balke, who turns 76 tomorrow, naming in his stead Msgr Michael Hoeppner, heretofore vicar-general of Winona. A native Minnesotan, the 58 year-old bishop-elect comes with a background steeped both in parish work and administration, and with a good bit of teaching ministry, to boot. An alum of the Pontifical North American College, Hoeppner is yet another member of the class of 29 June 1975 -- when Pope Paul VI ordained 359 priests to mark the Holy Year -- to be elevated to the episcopacy, and the second US appointee this year to come from the group..."

I know little about the life or beliefs of His Excellency Michael Hoeppner. I particularly would like to hear opinions from my readers in regards to his position towards Traditionalism.
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Pembroke Bishop Michael Mulhall



PEMBROKE, ON, September 21, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Immediately after his ordination today as the new bishop of the Catholic diocese of Pembroke, a small diocese in Canada's Ottawa Valley district, Bishop Michael Mulhall emphasized that the pro-life issue is a very high priority for him.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tridentine Mass Celebrated in Vienna

Here is a Pontifical High Mass from September 2007, where the celebrant was the Apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Edmond Farhat. The music was by Joseph Haydn, and the Mass took place at Franziskanerkirche, Vienna. All photos are from the The Cafeteria is Closed [Blog is now defunct]. These particular photos are of superior quality and capture the mystery, reverence, and holiness that permeates the Tridentine Latin Mass. 





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Saturday, December 1, 2007
Solemn Vespers for the First Sunday of Advent

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