St. Valentine's Day Prayer & History

Simple (1955 Calendar): February 14

Happy St. Valentines Day to all!

On the Traditional Catholic Calendars, today is a day to Commemorate St. Valentine, priest and martyr.

Today, although many don't realize it, St. Valentine's Day is based on the life of St. Valentine, a Roman martyr who was beheaded in c. 269-273 AD. Emperor Claudius II declared that unmarried men were potential soldiers, so he outlawed marriage. However, St. Valentine abhorred his outrageous action and continued to marry young couples. Claudius attempted to convert St. Valentine to paganism, but St. Valentine resisted and attempted to bring Claudius to the Church and Jesus Christ. For this, the Emperor had St. Valentine beheaded.

In prison, he helped the imprisoned soon-to-be martyrs. The jailer saw that Valentine was a man of learning, so he brought his daughter, Julia, to Valentine for lessons. Julia was a young girl, who had been blind since her birth. During the lessons, St. Valentine would read to her about the history of Rome. And, he taught her about God. The following is an account of St. Valentine that was emailed to me:

"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.

"Yes, my child, He hears each one."

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!" She knelt and grasped his hand.

They sat quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see!"

"Praise be to God!" Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.

On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world."

After her healing, the jailer too was converted to Christianity.

Prayer:

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God: that we, who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Valentine, Thy Martyr, may, through his intercession, be strengthened in the love of Thy name. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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Returned From SSPX Retreat

 Our Lady Immaculate Church (SSPX), Oak Park, IL

I have just returned from my week-long retreat at the SSPX Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center in Phoenix, Arizona.  The time was one of great consolation and some of the greatest graces that I have yet received. 

The retreat took place from February 6 - 11th although most of us arrived on Sunday evening prior.  Starting Monday morning we were fed three excellent meals a day and we lived in humble, though still very comfortable conditions.  The 80 degree weather certainly helped the experience (since I'm always a fan of escaping the 30 degree weather in Chicago).

Each day consisted of rising at 6:15 with optional Prime at 6:45.  Morning prayers followed at 7:00 AM and Mass was usually said at 7:30 (except for a special High Mass Wednesday evening said after each of us made our general Confessions in the morning).  The day consisted of approximately 5 - 6 conferences using the St. Ignatian model.  Each conference helped explain the mysteries of the Ignatian Spiritual exercises, and we then meditated on the mysteries for 20 minutes.  There was a daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament as well.  Compline was prayed together each evening at 8:30 PM and then all returned to their rooms.

The time was kept in prayerful silence and each of us maintained a contemplative and prayerful state of soul.  Yet even in the silence, one could feel the charity towards our neighbor.  Truly, this is how traditional communities like the Benedictines in Silver City live! With the Spiritual Exercises and frequent prayers - along with daily reception of the Most Holy Sacrament - it was one of the greatest sources of graces in my life.  In our general confessions, as we confessed all of the sins of our lives, I could not help but feel unbelievably sorrowful and humble in the presence of Almighty God.  Our Lord has given us through His Incarnation, Life, Passion, and Death an inexpressable and unrepayable model and source of grace.  I have updated my 2012 Catholic Resolutions in light of my retreat.

If you have never attended an Ignatian Retreat, you simply must attend one of these.  You can be certain that the Sacraments of the SSPX are licit and valid (unlike those in the Novus Ordo) and you can also be certain that they maintain true doctrine (unlike so-called "indult" Traditional Masses that still teach religious liberty, ecumenism, and other false doctrines).

And I must also mention that Bishop Fellay even joined us for lunch on Monday.  He was in town for Confirmations the previous day.  What an example of grace!  Just his very presence was a source of hope for the Church.  The Church is in Her passion.  She is suffering even to this day unlike anything She has ever suffered and few remain faithful to her.  Yet, just like our Lord in His Passion, those around us don't see the divinity in the suffering.  Few people on Calvary saw in the Dying Savior the Divinity of the Second Person of the Godhead.  And few today see through the modernist Church and her sins to the Catholic Church founded by Christ and still keeping the True Faith and the True Mass.

Deo Gratias for the SSPX!  Sign up for a retreat and/or please get a copy of "Christian Warfare."  This was the copy of the book that we used for all the prayers and Spiritual Exercises for the week.

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Liturgical Changes for Septuagesima

Starting with First Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday on Saturday evening, the Alleluia now ceases to be said until we proclaim our Lord's resurrection! At first Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday, two alleluias are added to the closing verse of Benedicamus Domino and its response, Deo gratias, as during the Easter Octave. Starting with Compline, the word Alleluia is no longer said until the Easter Vigil and the proclamation of the Lord's Resurrection!
 

Likewise, violet vestments are worn, except on feasts, from Septuagesima Sunday until Holy Thursday. As during Advent and Lent, the Gloria and Te Deum are no longer said on Sundays. The readings at Matins for this week are the first few chapters of Genesis, telling of the creation of the world, of Adam and Eve, the fall of man and resulting expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and the story of Cain and Abel.

In the following weeks before and during Lent, the readings continue to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The Gospel reading for Septuagesima week is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

Click here for Septuagesima Sunday's Mass Propers.

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Psalm 115: The Prayer of Offering of the Chalice

I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly.I said in my excess: Every man is a liar. What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things he hath rendered unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the name of the Lord. [This prayer is prayed at the Traditional Latin Mass as the priest raises the Chalice up in offering to God immediately after the water and wine have been comingled] I will pay my vows to the Lord before all his people: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

O Lord, for I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds: I will sacrifice to thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all his people: In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

Psalm 115

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Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center February 5 - 11

In the past I have mentioned the need for donations to help finish the construction of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Arizona.  Well, they are also home to a wonderful Ignatian Retreat House.  I will be going on the silent 5 day retreat and gone from February 5th through the 11th.  Please keep me in your prayers!



More information on the retreats through the retreat house are available here: Retreats through the SSPX.



If you would like for me to pray for your intentions during this time, please either comment below with your intentions or email them to me no later than Saturday.  I will bring all of these intentions with me and keep them in prayer.

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Susan Komen & Planned Parenthood

Updated: Bowing to liberal pressures, it appears that Susan G Komen will reverse its decision and amends its rules to continue funding the abortion business of Planned Parenthood even when PP is under Congressional investigation.  This story is extremely fluid and changing by the minute.  The latest update from Rev. Pat Mahoney:

"Ok people "stop the presses" on the Susan G. Komen controversy. I have been on the phone with pro-leaders all day and this story is really "fluid" as they say here in D.C. This is what I am hearing. The Komen Foundation has said they will only honor the existing contracts they have for this year while revising grant applications for next year. However, it is there intention NOT to fund Planned Parenthood after their existing contracts with them expire. This is a fascinating story in which I am asking of you to diligently be praying about. I will keep you updated. Blessings."

Original Post (January 31): January The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has finally decided to stop its funding of Planned Parenthood, thus allowing for Catholics to support this organization in good conscience.  However, while we can fund Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we can not fund any of their affiliates. Below is what their Connecticut affiliate stated:

The decision regarding the funding of Planned Parenthood was made by Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Headquarters. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut enjoys a great partnership with Planned Parenthood, and is currently funding Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. We understand, and share, in the frustration around this situation. We hope that any investigation prohibiting Planned Parenthood from receiving Komen grants is promptly resolved.

Send a Letter/Email

Please take a few moments and send an email to news@komen.org thanking them for their decision.  A sample letter is below:

To whom it may concern:

I wish to express my deepest gratitude for Susan G. Komen for the Cure for de-funding Planned Parenthood.  As a Catholic unable in conscience to support an organization that in any way funds the largest abortion provider in the world, I have been unable to donate to your organization.  Now I can at last in good conscience donate to your work and participate in your Save Lids to Save Lives Campaign.  Please realize that if you resume any form of donations to Planned Parenthood, I will immediately end my support for your organization.


Sincerely,

Name

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History & Symbolism of the Candlemas Liturgy

History

Egeria, whose writings date from c. AD 380, attests to a Feast of the Presentation in the church at Jerusaelm forty days after Christmas.  In 542, Emperor Justinian introduced the feast to the entire Eastern Roman empire in thanskgiving for the end to a horrible pestilence afflicting Constantinople.  Pope St. Gregory the Great (590 - 604) brought the Feast to Rome.  Later, Pope Sergius (687 - 701) introduced the procession to the Candlemas service. The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western Liturgy. The blessing of candles came into common use throughout the Western World in the 11th Century.

Symbolism in the Liturgy

The blessing of the candles (one of three principle blessings of the liturgical year, the others being that of the blessing of Palms on Palm Sunday and the blessing of Ashes on Ash Wednesday), is given by a priest vested in a cope.  Standing at the epistle side of the altar, the priest chants 5 prayers before sprinkling the candles thrice with holy water.  The candles are then incensed.

The symbolism of the candles is described by Dom Prosper Guéranger, OSB, in his "Liturgical Year":

The mystery of today's ceremony has frequently been explained by liturgists, dating from the 7th century. According to Ivo of Chartres, the wax, which is formed from the juice of flowers by the bee, always considered as the emblem of virginity, signifies the virginal flesh of the Divine Infant, who diminished not, either by His conception or His birth, the spotless purity of His Blessed Mother. The same holy bishop would have us see, in the flame of our Candle, a symbol of Jesus who came to enlighten our darkness. St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking on the same mystery, bids us consider three things in the blessed Candle: the wax, the wick, and the flame. The wax, he says, which is the production of the virginal bee, is the Flesh of our Lord; the wick, which is within, is His Soul; the flame, which burns on top, is His divinity.

Next, the celebrant distributes the candles to the clergy and the laity whilst the choir sings the Nunc dimittis.  As the faithful take the blessed candle from the hand of the priest while kneeling at the Communion rail, they first kiss the candle (since it is a sacramental) and then the hand of the priest (which represents the hand of Christ).  During the mass, the candles are lighted and held during the reading of the Gospel and then again from the Canon of the Mass to the Communion of the Priest.

There follows the distribution of candles with a profession and the chanting of anthems.  The Cross goes first, followed by the clergy and the celebrant.  The faithful walk behind the celebrant carrying their newly blessed and lit candles.  The Church bells ring out in joy.

Recall the first of the five prayers of Blessings for the Candles:

O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, who hast created all things out of nothing, and by Thy command hast caused this liquid to become perfect wax by the labor of bees: and who, on this day didst fulfill the petition of the righteous man Simeon: we humbly entreat Thee, that by the invocation of Thy most holy Name and through the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin whose feast is today devoutly observed, and by the prayers of all Thy Saints, Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bless + and sactify + these candles for the service of men and for the health of their bodies and souls, whether on land or on sea: and that Thou wouldst hear from Thy holy heaven, and from the throne of Thy Majesty the voices of this Thy people, who desire to carry them in their hands with honor, and to praise Thee with hymns; and wouldst be propitious to all that call upon Thee, whom Thou hast redeemed with the precious Blood of Thy Son; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

A procession reminds us that our whole life on earth is a homeward pilgrimage to Heaven.  The Candlemas procession represents the entry of Christ the Light of the World, into the Temple of Jerusalem.  It reminds us that the baptized faithful must walk as children of Light.  As St. Paul declares: "For you were darkness before, but now light in the Lord.  Walk then as children of the light."  And our Lord said, "Yet a little while, the light is among you.  Walk whilst you have the light, that darkness overtake you not.  Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be children of the light" (John 12:35-36).

Thus, the Candlemas procession also symbolizes our entrance into the eternal light of Heaven - the Church bells and chants during the procession make us think of the heavenly experience which will be our reward for the blood, sweat, and tears of the earthly journey (cf. Apocalypse 22:3-5).

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St Jude Votive Candles Wanted

Update: To the reader that has sent me the candles, thank you!  They arrived in the mail today - just in time for them to be blessed for Candlemas!  I will remember you in my prayers as I enter my retreat next week

As many of you are aware, I pray the Divine Office each day at my home Altar.  Well, my current votive candles of the Sacred Hearts are nearing the end of their useable life.  A quick search of Amazon.com revealed some cheap but nice votive candles for St. Jude.

If anyone is willing to purchase two of these from my Wishlist for me, I'll gladly offer my prayers (Rosary and the Divine Office) for one day for your intentions.

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Video: Traditional Blessing of Throats on the Feast of St. Blaise

BLESSING OF CANDLES
on the Feast of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God, almighty and all-mild, by your Word alone you created the manifold things in the world, and willed that that same Word by whom all things were made take flesh in order to redeem mankind; you are great and immeasurable, awesome and praiseworthy, a worker of marvels. Hence in professing his faith in you the glorious martyr and bishop, Blaise, did not fear any manner of torment but gladly accepted the palm of martyrdom. In virtue of which you bestowed on him, among other gifts, the power to heal all ailments of the throat. And now we implore your majesty that, overlooking our guilt and considering only his merits and intercession, it may please you to bless + and sanctify + and impart your grace to these candles. Let all men of faith whose necks are touched with them be healed of every malady of the throat, and being restored in health and good spirits let them return thanks to you in your holy Church, and praise your glorious name which is blessed forever; through Christ our Lord.

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Confirmations by Bishop Fellay in San Jose, CA

On Saturday, January 21, His Grace Bishop Fellay administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large group of confirmand.   Let us pray for these men and women who are now true soldier for our Lord Jesus Christ.  May they serve Him worthily and attend to the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Q. 670. What is Confirmation?

A. Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Q. 671. When was Confirmation instituted?

A. The exact time at which Confirmation was instituted is not known. But as this Sacrament was administered by the Apostles and numbered with the other Sacraments instituted by Our Lord, it is certain that He instituted this Sacrament also and instructed His Apostles in its use, at some time before His ascension into heaven.

Q. 672. Why is Confirmation so called?

A. Confirmation is so called from its chief effect, which is to strengthen or render us more firm in whatever belongs to our faith and religious duties.

Q. 673. Why are we called soldiers of Jesus Christ?

A. We are called soldiers of Jesus Christ to indicate how we must resist the attacks of our spiritual enemies and secure our victory over them by following and obeying Our Lord.

Q. 674. May one add a new name to his own at Confirmation?

A. One may and should add a new name to his own at Confirmation, especially when the name of a saint has not been given in Baptism.

Q. 675. Who administers Confirmation?

A. The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation.

Q. 676. Why do we say the bishop is the "ordinary minister" of Confirmation?

A. We say the bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation because in some foreign missions, where bishops have not yet been appointed, the Holy Father permits one of the priests to administer Confirmation with the Holy Oil blessed by the bishop.

Q. 677. How does the bishop give Confirmation?

A. The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead of each with holy chrism in the form of a cross.

Q. 678. In Confirmation, what does the extending of the bishop's hands over us signify?

A. In Confirmation, the extending of the bishop's hands over us signifies the descent of the Holy Ghost upon us and the special protection of God through the grace of Confirmation.

Q. 679. What is holy chrism?

A. Holy chrism is a mixture of olive-oil and balm, consecrated by the bishop.

Q. 680. What do the oil and balm in Holy Chrism signify?

A. In Holy Chrism, the oil signifies strength, and the balm signifies the freedom from corruption and the sweetness which virtue must give to our lives.

Q. 681. How many holy oils are used in the Church?

A. Three holy oils are used in the Church, namely, the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and holy chrism.

Q. 682. What constitutes the difference between these oils?

A. The form of prayer or blessing alone constitutes the difference between these oils; for they are all olive oil, but in the Holy Chrism, balm is mixed with the oil.

Q. 683. When and by whom are the holy oils blessed?

A. The holy oils are blessed at the Mass on Holy Thursday by the bishop, who alone has the right to bless them. After the blessing they are distributed to the priests of the diocese, who must then burn what remains of the old oils and use the newly blessed oils for the coming year.

Q. 684. For what are the holy oils used?

A. The holy oils are used as follows: The oil of the sick is used for Extreme Unction and for some blessings; the oil of catechumens is used for Baptism and Holy Orders. Holy Chrism is used at Baptism and for the blessing of some sacred things, such as altars, chalices, church-bells, etc., which are usually blessed by a bishop.

Q. 685. What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

A. In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: "I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Q. 686. What is meant by anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross?

A. By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross is meant that the Christian who is confirmed must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it; and rather die than deny it.

Q. 687. When must we openly profess and practice our religion?

A. We must openly profess and practice our religion as often as we cannot do otherwise without violating some law of God or of His Church.

Q. 688. Why have we good reason never to be ashamed of the Catholic faith?

A. We have good reason never to be ashamed of the Catholic Faith because it is the Old Faith established by Christ and taught by His Apostles; it is the Faith for which countless Holy Martyrs suffered and died; it is the Faith that has brought true civilization, with all its benefits, into the world, and it is the only Faith that can truly reform and preserve public and private morals.

Q. 689. Why does the bishop give the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek?

A. The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Q. 690. Is it right to test ourselves through our imagination of what we would be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ?

A. It is not right to test ourselves through our imagination of what we would be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, for such tests may lead us into sin. When a real test comes we are assured God will give to us, as He did to the Holy Martyrs, sufficient grace to endure it.

Q. 691. To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?

A. To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace.

Q. 692. What special preparation should be made to receive Confirmation?

A. Persons of an age to learn should know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian, and be instructed in the nature and effects of this Sacrament.

Q. 693. Why should we know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian before receiving Confirmation?

A. We should know the Chief Mysteries of Faith and the duties of a Christian before receiving Confirmation because as one cannot be a good soldier without knowing the rules of the army to which he belongs and understanding the commands of his leader, so one cannot be a good Christian without knowing the laws of the Church and understanding the commands of Christ.

Q. 694. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?

A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations.

Q. 695. What do we mean by "these evil days"?

A. By "these evil days" we mean the present age or century in which we are living, surrounded on all sides by unbelief, false doctrines, bad books, bad example and temptation in every form.

Q. 696. Is Confirmation necessary for salvation?

A. Confirmation is not so necessary for salvation that we could not be saved without it, for it is not given to infants even in danger of death; nevertheless, there is a divine command obliging all to receive it, if possible. Persons who have not been confirmed in youth should make every effort to be confirmed later in life.

Q. 697. Are sponsors necessary in Confirmation?

A. Sponsors are necessary in Confirmation, and they must be of the same good character as those required at Baptism, for they take upon themselves the same duties and responsibilities. They also contract a spiritual relationship, which, however, unlike that in Baptism, is not an impediment to marriage.

Q. 698. Which are the effects of Confirmation?

A. The effects of Confirmation are an increase of sanctifying grace, the strengthening of our faith, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

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