I am very thankful to have been sent these beautiful images of a procession that took place earlier today.
(Image by Mateusz Szymkiewicz)§1. Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation. The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.In 1642, Pope Urban VIII reduced the number of holy days of obligation (not including Sundays) to approximately 36 days. Nearly all nations were granted dispensations in the ensuing years from certain days and there was little uniformity.
§2. With the prior approval of the Apostolic See, however, the conference of bishops can suppress some of the holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday.
1983 Code of Canon Law: Canon 1246
Today is the Feastday of St. Anthony of Padua. Please see my 2006 Post on St. Anthony for more information applicable to today, including prayers, readings, a brief biography of St. Anthony, and an explanation of the meaning behind the above image.Readings:
"Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions."
"The saints are like the stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ."
Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
In prepartion for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on June 15, the following Novena is prayed from June 6 - 14. Even if though it is after June 6, it is never too late to pray!Dear Matthew,
Hello, could I please ask that you pray for me this week, and if you know anyone else who is willing to pray too. I've my assessment on [removed for privacy] which will decide if I get into Seminary or not. Thanks very much in advance and God bless you,
in Christ,
[Anonymous]
His Excellency Bishop Bernard Fellay (FSSPX/SSPX) was received last Friday at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This is certainly part of the doctrinal talks set to take place between the Holy See and the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X. Rorate Caeli has reported on this.
1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."Below is a list of previous posts in honor of the Sacred Heart, which are worthy of reading again during this time.
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
Quiz:Update (June 2, 2009 3:00 PM CDT): 4 Copies Remain!
1) What is the motto of A Catholic Life? To whom is this quotation attributed?
2) What post of mine was featured on Spirit Daily in 2007, which increased my page views that day to 12,071?
3) What is the date that I started my time at the diocesan college seminary? What date did I leave the seminary after a period of discernment?
4) What date did the First Pontificial Nuptial Mass using the Tridentine Mass since Vatican II take place? [Note: I posted a video by Quis Non Amantem on this]
5) What is your favorite post on A Catholic Life? How long have you been a reader of the blog?
I recently had to read "Aristotle's Children" by Richard E. Rubenstein for a Medieval Philosophy course at my university. The text was read chapter by chapter throughout the semester, and overall, Rubenstein clearly achieves his goal of outlining the development of Aristotelian thought. Chapters focus on topics such as Aristotle himself, the condemnation of Peter Abelard by St. Bernard, the deep tensions and confrontations between the Franciscans and Dominicans at the University of Paris, St. Thomas Aquinas, the rise of modern Philosophers such as Hobbes, and many others in between these. 
As part of my Pentecost Photo Submission Request, the above photos are from Christopher M. of the blog Lost Lambs. These photos are taken at Old St. Patrick Oratory, under the care of the Institute of Christ the King.
This is fantastic news. Pray for this Latin Mass Community and all Latin Mass Communities. As we approach 2 years after Summorum Pontificum, we see a clear increase in the number of Tridentine Masses offered around the world. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
