There photos are from the Flickr Profile dennis_raymondm30. These images are from the Parish of Our Lord of Divine Mercy, Sikatuna, Q.C., Philippines.
Monday, July 13, 2009
There photos are from the Flickr Profile dennis_raymondm30. These images are from the Parish of Our Lord of Divine Mercy, Sikatuna, Q.C., Philippines.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Today I travel to St. Stanislaus in Milwaukee, WI as I did last year. In Milwaukee I will be watching the Brewers v. Dodgers. So, there will not be any other posts today.
Read more >>
Friday, July 10, 2009
Today Pope Benedict XVI met with President Barack Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama. Of note, the First Lady wore a veil while in the presence of the Holy Father. I am quite pleased to see this tradition being observed.Related Posts:
Image Source: Getty Images
Motu Proprio "Ecclesiae Unitatem" - in EnglishAPOSTOLIC LETTER ECCLESIAE UNITATEM OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF BENEDICT XVI GIVEN MOTU PROPRIO
My comments are few and in red below. Please comment with your thoughts on this development.
__________________
1.The goal of guarding the UNITY OF THE CHURCH, with the solicitousness of offering to all the aid to responding in opportune manner to this vocation and divine grace, belongs in a particular way to the Successor of the Apostle Peter, who is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the unity both of Bishops and of the faithful1. The supreme and fundamental priority of the Church, in every age, of leading men towards the encounter with God must be favored through the effort of uniting the common witness of faith of all Christians.
2. In faithfulness to this mandate, following the act with which Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, on June 30, 1988, illicitly conferred the episcopal ordination on four priests, Pope John Paul II, of venerable memory, instituted, on July 2, 1988, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei "whose task of collaborating with the bishops, with the Departments of the Roman Curia and with the circles concerned, for the purpose of facilitating full ecclesial communion of priests, seminarians, religious communities or individuals until now linked in various ways to the Fraternity founded by Mons. Lefebvre, who may wish to remain united to the Successor Peter in the Catholic Church, while preserving their spiritual and liturgical traditions, in the light of the Protocol signed on 5 May last by Cardinal Ratzinger and Mons. Lefebvre"2.
3. In this way faithfully adhering to the same purpose of serving the universal communion of the Church also in her visible manifestation and making every effort so that to all those who truly desire unity it is made possible to remain in it or to find it anew, We have desired to widen and renew, with the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, the general indications already contained in the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei regarding the possibility of using the Missale Romanum of 1962, through more precise and detailed rules3.
4. In the same spirit, and with the same commitment of favoring the surmounting of each fracture and division in the Church and to heal a wound felt in an always more painful way in the ecclesial tissue, We have desired to remit the excommunication of the four Bishops illicitly ordained by Mons. Lefebvre. With such a decision, We have intended to remove an obstacle which could prevent the opening of a door to dialogue, and thus invite the Bishops and the "Fraternity of Saint Pius X" to find anew the path towards full communion with the Church. As We explained in the Letter to the Catholic Bishops of past March 10, the remission of the excommunication was a deliberation in the area of ecclesiastical discipline which could liberate the weight of conscience represented by the gravest ecclesiastical censure. The doctrinal questions, however, obviously remain, and, until they are not clarified, the Fraternity does not have a canonical status within the Church, and its ministers cannot exercise any ministry legitimately. [a bold claim. Is this infallible though? Why does Rome continue to paint Archbishop Lefebvre and the Society of St. Pius X as rebellious for simply desiring to pass on that which they had received. It was because of Paul VI and John Paul II that arguments arose because at times they did not teach what the Church has traditionally taught.]
5. Since the questions which must be dealt with the Fraternity are of an essentially doctrinal nature, We have decided - twenty-one years after the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei, and as We had planned to do4 - to restructure the Commission Ecclesia Dei, linking it more directly with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
6. Therefore, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei will be constituted thus
a) The President of the Commission is the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
b) The Commission has its own order, including a Secretary and Officials.
c) It belongs to the President, aided by the Secretary, to present the main events and questions of a doctrinal nature to the study and discretion of the ordinary instances of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as well as to submit the conclusions to the superior judgment of the Supreme Pontiff.
7. With this decision, We have desired, in particular, to display our fatherly solicitousness to the "Fraternity of Saint Pius X" so that in the end it may come to full communion with the Church. [And we should pray for the Church to be reformed in many places of the world too]
We earnestly invite all to pray to the Lord incessantly, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, "ut unum sint".
Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on July 2, of the year 2009, the fifth of Our Pontificate.
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
__________________________
1. Cfr Conc. Oecum. Vat. II, Const. dogm. de Ecclesia, Lumen gentium, 23; Conc. Oecum. Vat. I, Const. dogm. de Ecclesia Christi Pastor aeternus, c. 3: DS 3060.
2. Ioannes Paulus II, Litt. ap. motu proprio datae Ecclesia Dei (2 Iulii 1988), n. 6: AAS 80 (1988), 1498.
3. Cfr Benedictus XVI, Litt. ap. motu proprio datae Summorum Pontificum (7 Iulii 2007): AAS 99 (2007), 777-781.
4. Cfr ibid. art. 11, 781.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I have been told the following:Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 259 Oliver Street, Newark, New Jersey, will hold a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass in honor of its patroness, on the titular feast of the parish, July 16 at 12 noon. The Mass will be immediately followed by a procession with the Statue of Our Lady through the parish accompanied by a full symphonic Italian feast band and fireworks.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It had come to my attention this afternoon that my sidebar's Paypal Donation Button was not working properly. It would not allow anyone to connect to the donation screen. So, I have corrected the html error and the donation feature is working.
However, anyone who had attempted to donate to the blog in the past two months, approximately, would have been unable to do so. So, if you encountered problems when attempting a donation, please try again.
Your donations help keep this blog operating. I remain extremely grateful for all donations.
Read more >>
However, anyone who had attempted to donate to the blog in the past two months, approximately, would have been unable to do so. So, if you encountered problems when attempting a donation, please try again.
Your donations help keep this blog operating. I remain extremely grateful for all donations.
A Catholic Life would like to thank Fr. Michael Troha for writing the following article, in honor of the 2 Year Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. Please pray for and support Father in his ministry as he serves as Pastor for Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby.
Read more >>
Fr Michael Troha
Immaculate Conception Church
Willoughby OH
July 7, 2009
Over the past few years several parishioners had asked me about the possibility of having a Tridentine Mass at our parish of Immaculate Conception in Willoughby, Ohio. At that time my response was that we should support the efforts at Immaculate Conception church in Cleveland, where I was formerly the pastor, which has a Tridentine Mass three times a week. But with the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum I began the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy every first Friday evening. Having had very good attendance over the first year I decided to have the Tridentine Mass every Friday evening at 7:30 PM.
Our number of people attending is about 50 people each Friday. When I am away from the parish it has not been a problem to enlist the help of other priests in the diocese who are willing to help and enjoy the opportunity of celebrating the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy.
This past December the parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of our “new” church. To commemorate the day I celebrated the extra-ordinary form of the liturgy at the regularly scheduled 8:00 AM Mass. The same crowd that attends the 8:00 AM Mass year round was there for the Mass. I did not receive any negative comments. I did receive a few very positive comments. I think that if the parishioners are supportive we could have a Tridentine Mass at one Sunday liturgy every week.
Today the Church observes the second anniversary of the publishing of Summorum Pontificum, the long-awaited motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI replacing all former "indults" and freeing the Mass of All Times, the Traditional Latin Mass. No longer would a priest have to ask permission of his bishop to say the Mass as the Mass is to be readily offered and available to all of the Faithful.
In honor of this two year anniversary, I offer the following reflections on those individuals who have made such a celebration possible.
The Saintly Example of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
It is at this time that I wish to especially remember Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who resisted the Second Vatican Council's false propositions of ecumenism, religious liberty, and the altering of the Mass of All Times. It is through his witness and the formation of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X (SSPX) that the Mass of All Times has spread. And, I will venture to say that without Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre's role, the Traditional Latin Mass would have been at last forgotten and no organized resistance to the change would have existed.
Archbishop Marcel LefebvreIt is Archbishop Lefebvre who has been slandered in recent years. The cause of canonization of his saintly mother has long been forgotten. Instead, in the words of Bishop Bernard Fellay during a sermon in Paris following Archbishop Lefebvre's death said, "Archbishop Lefebvre has gone, but the Mass is saved, the Catholic priesthood is saved..." Because of his resistance to all of changes affecting all of the Sacraments, the Society of St. Pius X is largely responsible for Pope Benedict XVI's issuance of the motu proprio and then the clear declaration that the Bishops of the Society of St. Pius X consecrated by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre are not excommunicated.
In the words of Father Franz Schmidberger at the Requiem Mass of Archbishop Lefebvre, "The work of the Archbishop on this earth is accomplished. Now begins his ministry as intercessor in eternity. He has given everything he could give...the miracle of a new generation of priests."
Archbishop Lefebvre only wished to teach that which he himself was taught in seminary. He wished to hand on the Catholic faith as taught and celebrated for the past centuries. And his resistance has directly led to the establishment of the Ecclesia Dei Commission and the motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum. I highly encourage the reading of Apologia Pro Marcel by Michael Davies as well as Open Letter to Confused Catholics and The Mass of All Times.
Mortal Remains of Archbishop Lefebvre"I will finish with my testament. I would like that it be an echo of the testament of Our Lord: a New and Eternal Testament...the heritage that Jesus Christ gave us, His Sacrifice, His Blood, His Cross. I will say the same for you: for the glory of the Holy Trinity, for love of the Church, for the salvation of the world: keep the Holy Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Keep the Mass forever!" (Archbishop Lefebvre, 23rd September 1979)
"Amen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20)
Related Posts:
The Saintly Example of Pope Benedict XVI
The response to Pope Benedict XVI's motu proprio Summorum Pontificum shows his wisdom and foresight in freeing the Old Mass in Latin.Our Holy Father has shown us that through his pontificate, the Sacred Traditions of our Holy Faith are being rightfully restored to their former glory. Let's look at some example of restoration by Pope Benedict XVI.
The document was issued 7 July, 2007. Since then, the list of Diocesan Masses offered in the United States in the Extraordinary Form has grown by over 100 new Sunday Masses every week. In 30 dioceses, the Mass is now offered where none were said before Summorum Pontificum
The Old Mass in Latin is said daily at 56 locations in 47 dioceses across the United States.
Source: Pamphlet from the Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei (May 2009)
In August 2006, Pope Benedict XVI abolished the Christmas concert featuring "pop" music established by Pope John Paul II. In January 2007, he called on the Vatican Courts to tighten up the annulment criteria, as annulments have exponentially increased following Vatican II.
Pope Benedict XVI has further restored the use of the Pascal Mozetta in the Octave of Easter 2008.Examine the vestments used by the Holy Father at the 3rd Anniversary Mass of John Paul II's death in 2008 (below). At this Mass the Holy Father has discontinued using the staff of Pope John Paul II featured a bent Christ on the Cross, aesthetically unpleasant, and replaced it with a new beautiful pastoral staff (ferula).
(Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi)
Notice in the above image Pope Benedict XVI is using a papal asteriscus, an item that, in addition to practical applications, symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. He has restored it to use in the Papal Liturgy at times.On the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul 2008, Pope Benedict XVI introduced a different Papal Pallium, establishing better continuity with the past than with the Pallium that became used during the pontificate of John Paul II. "This is the development of the Latin form of the pallium used up to John Paul II," explains the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Guido Marini.
Former Pallium
Restored PalliumIn 2009, the mosaic depicting Pope Benedict XVI in the line of papal portraits in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has been changed to reflect this shift in the Papal Pallium.(Above Images from St. Paul Outside the Walls by Pope Benedict Forum user "Benodette".)
And remember that in January 2008, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the Baptism of the Lord ad orientem in the Sistine Chapel.
Believed to be Associated Press (AP) In January 2009, His Holiness wore a fiddleback chausible on the Feast of the Epiphany. This was another return back to prior Traditions. Pope Benedict XVI again shows his desire for a restoration of the Sacred Liturgy. And while vestments may seem unimportant, continuity with the past and symbolism is highly important. Each vestment has its own vesting prayer, and each particular garment holds symbolic importance (e.g. the maniple symbolizes Christ at the Pillar of Flagellation, the cincture symbols the rope by which Our Lord was bound and dragged in the streets, et cetera).
Therefore, the exteriors again are an expression of the interior. And, in the past 40 years we have lost not only the interior aspects of the Faith (e.g. lack of knowledge of integral Catholic beliefs such as Transubstantiation, etc) and a decrease in devotion but also exterior aspects of the Faith (e.g. vestments, proper Sacred Liturgy, Rosaries, etc). Coincidence or has the loss of exteriors contributed to the loss of interior Faith?
Image Sources: Franco Origlia/Getty ImagesAnd of substantial importance, Holy Communion is to be given only to those kneeling henceforth, when Pope Benedict XVI distributes Holy Communion. EWTN reports, "To receive Communion from Pope Benedict at Papal Liturgies one will have to receive on the tongue," which is a fantastic affirmation of the Real Presence of our Lord. And as the Body and Blood of Jesus, nothing is of higher value than the Most Holy Eucharist.
St. Thomas Aquinas: "Out of reverence towards this Sacrament, nothing touches it but when it is consecrated" - Summa, Pt III Q, Q2 Art. 3
Also from Wikipedia, "Each year a papal tiara is placed on the head of the famous bronze statue of Saint Peter in St. Peter's Basilica from the vigil of the Feast of the Cathedra of Saint Peter on February 22 until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. Although this custom was not observed in 2006, it was reintroduced in 2007."
Finally in this example, compare the below progression of photos of the Urbi et Orbi addresses given on Christmas Day by Pope Benedict XVI.
2005, Source: MSNBC
2006, Source: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Handout
2007, Source: CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters
2008, Source: REUTERS/Osservatore RomanoThe photos are from 2005 - 2008, and there is a progression in these photos. Tradition is being restored.
Therefore, on this day, July 7, 2009, we remember 2 years of Summorum Pontificum, in large part due to the saintly wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI as he seeks to reform the Church in Her Sacred Liturgy.
The Saintly Example of the Average Priest and Bishop:
Under "Catholic Categories" in the sidebar is a permanent link to the post Tridentine Latin Mass, which features numerous links that I update as often as possible. In this post is a list of parishes, chapels, etc. which have begun to offer the Tridentine Latin Mass during these past two years. Please take a moment to look through this list and consider the impact of the motu proprio. We have parishes from around the country and the world. Remember, this is not a complete list, but only the list which I currently have collected.
And we must not only remember these priests but the many others who began offering the Mass of All Times despite persecution, rejection, and hostility. At this time I can think of Fr. Robert Altier (Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis) as well as Fr. Scott Archer (Diocese of Peoria). But these are just two of the many priests who encountered rejection from those around them because they sought to make available the Mass of All Times. Let us honor them at this time. Also worth remember, the Faithful in Niafles attached to the Traditional Mass were driven from their Church less than a week before the Motu Prorio was signed.
Of note among the bishops, Bishop Robert C. Morlino responded to the Holy Father’s motu proprio by designating Holy Redeemer Catholic Church as the site for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass for the Madison area. Bishop Morlino inaugurated the use of the Tridentine Mass at Holy Redeemer by celebrating a Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Throne there on the Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2007) [Source].
Consider visiting these parishes and/or writing to the pastors to express your support. I have written around half of these parishes, inviting them to share how the Traditional Latin Mass has benefited their parish. If anyone responds with an article, I will publish them on the website as they become available. And do remember to pray for these bishops and priests as well as all priests and bishops who celebrate the Mass of All Times. At this time I also request prayers for the priests and bishop of the Society of St. Pius X, so that they may no longer be slandered and detracted.
Church of the Sacred Heart, Cutchogue, NY
Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexico
Mount St. Francis Hermitage, New York
Our Lady of Lourdes, Massapequa Park, NY
St. Andrew the Apostle, Clifton, VA
St. John the Apostle, Leesburg, VA
St. John the Baptist, Costa Mesa, California
St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, McLean, Virgina
St. John the Evangelist, San Diego, California
St. Joseph Parish, Apple Creek, Missouri
St. Leo the Great, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
St. Maurus, Biehle, Missouri
St. Matthew, Dix Hills, NY
St. Mary, Alexandria, VA
St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Chicago, IL
St. Mary’s By the Sea, Huntington Beach, California
St. Rita, Alexandria, VA
St. Therese in Alhambra, CA
Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington, CA
Holy Rosary Parish, Sacramento, California
Our Lady of Lourdes, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Holy Angels, Aurora, IL
Sts. Peter and Paul, Naperville, IL
St. Bernard, Joliet, IL
Holy Rosary, Cedar, Michigan
St. Jospeh's Parish, Middletown, NY
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Carmel, IN
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Birmingham, Al
St. Mary of the Visitation, Huntsville, Al
St. Silvia, Tivoli, NY
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish, Detroit, MI
Immaculate Conception Church 4129 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH
St Stephen Church 1920 W 54th St. Cleveland, OH
St Mary Church 750 S. Main Street Akron, OH
Immaculate Conception Church 37932 Euclid Ave. Willoughby, OH
Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston, ME
St. Kevin's Church, Harrington Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
St. Ann's Parish, 125 Richardson Ave., Shohola, PA
Mater Dolorosa Church, South San Francisco, CA
St. Peter the Apostle, Merchantville, NJ
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Swedesburg, PA
Chapel of Windermere on the Mount, London, Ontario, Canada
Holy Family Catholic Church in Seattle, WA
Church of North American Martyrs at St. Alphonsus Church, Seattle, WA
Holy Redeemer Cathedral Parish, Madison, WI
St. Norbert Church, Roxbury, WI
Sacred Heart, Dunn, NC
Sts. Peter and Paul, Palmyra, VA
Benedictine Monastery, Norcia, Italy
St. Paul Parish, Philadelphia, PA
Looking Ahead:
Remember that it has only been two years since the promulgation of the motu proprio on July 7, 2007, which took effect on the Feast of the Holy Cross, September 14, 2007. It was on September 14 that countless numbers of Tridentine Masses were celebrated such as the following one.
Here is a list of some of the many places that offered the Tridentien Mass on September 14, 2007.
Assumption Grotto, Detroit, Michigan
Bishop Finn, Kansas City, Missouri
Brompton Oratory, London, England
Franziskanerkirche, Vienna
Holy Trinity German Church, Boston, Massachusetts
As you watch some of the scenes from this Mass in Honor of the Promolgation of the Motu Proprio at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, please enter into the spirit of joy event in the Liturgy and the music. Even though this Mass remembered the death of our Lord, it focused more particularly on the Cross as the Instrument of our Salvation.
Let us now move forward, seeking to help the restoration of all things in Christ (i.e. E Supremi, Encyclical of Pope St. Pius X). A Catholic Life Blog is willing to publish any and all photos of Traditional Liturgies and articles concerning them, in an effort to help this Restoration. For all such inquiries, please write me through the email address in my Blogger Profile.
Monday, July 6, 2009
On July 4, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Solemn Vespers to commemorate the restoration of the Pauline Chapel, which contains the last frescoes that Renaissance artist Michelangelo painted, the Conversion of St. Paul and the Crucifixion of St. Peter. The five-year restoration project cost the equivalent of $4.5 million.
"Benedict XVI has put the previous altar back in its place, although still a short distance from the tabernacle, restoring the celebration of all "facing the Lord." He has had the ambo removed, and the communion rail put back in its place. The red carpet has disappeared from both the floor and the walls, which have been restored to their original appearance" (Pauline Chapel Reopened for Worship, Renovated by Sandro Magister)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Image Source (1 & 2): Getty Images
Image Source (3 & 4): Reuters
Read more >>
"Benedict XVI has put the previous altar back in its place, although still a short distance from the tabernacle, restoring the celebration of all "facing the Lord." He has had the ambo removed, and the communion rail put back in its place. The red carpet has disappeared from both the floor and the walls, which have been restored to their original appearance" (Pauline Chapel Reopened for Worship, Renovated by Sandro Magister)
Image Source (1 & 2): Getty ImagesImage Source (3 & 4): Reuters
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Image Source: Enthronement of Patriarch Krill in February 2009, via Wikipedia
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill gave the message of solidarity and unity in their meeting in Istanbul on Saturday.
Patriarch Kirill arrived in Turkey on Saturday for a three-day visit and met with Barholomew. Kirill also attended a religious service before the meeting, the state-run Anatolian Agency reported.
They were expected to discuss the sensitive issue of the churches in Ukraine and Estonia during the visit of Krill who enthroned in February to lead the Russian Orthodox Church.
Priests kissed Kirill's hands and children gave him flowers when he arrived to the sound of bells ringing at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, where he blessed parishioners and prayed at icons, Reuters reported.
"I hope my visit will be the start of a renewal in our relationship," Kirill told reporters before his talks with Patriarch Bartholomew.
He said he agrees with the message of Bartholomew that the two institutions find themselves as members of a joint church.
Bartholomew, an ethnic Greek but a Turkish citizen, said Kirill's presence in Istanbul is a message of unity. "Your visit to the patriarchate and the mother church is a source of great joy and deep emotion. Your presence here carries the message of unity, togetherness and fraternity with the Holy Russian Church," Bartholomew was quoted as saying by the news agencies.
Relations between the Churches have been strained in the past because Churches in some former Soviet states, such as Estonia, have broken away from the Russian Orthodox Church and tried to pledge allegiance to Bartholomew instead.
A spokesman for Bartholomew said the Churches of Estonia and Ukraine were expected to be on the agenda during the talks, Reuters also reported.
Ukraine and Russia have long been in dispute over the ex-Soviet state's right to its own independent church. The global Orthodox Church does not recognize the Ukrainian Church.
Kirill will attend a joint mass with Bartholomew on Sunday and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul when he then visits Ankara.
Kirill, leader of 160 million Russian Orthodox believers, is seen as an outspoken modernizer who may thaw ties with the Catholic Church. He was de facto "foreign minister" of the Moscow patriarchate for two decades before succeeding Alexiy II.
Source: Hurryiyet Daily News
Today we celebrate the life of St. Anthony Zaccaria. See my posting from last year for a brief biography of this saint and holy words written by this saint.St. Anthony Zaccaria is the the founder of the Barnabite Fathers, the Angelic Sisters, and the Laity of St. Paul. In honor of his feastday, A Catholic Life has conducted an interview with Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP. Through A Catholic Life's Partnership with Fr. Kosek's blog Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, three articles have be written in honor of this saintly man for his feastday. These reflections should force ourselves to ask, "What more can we be doing for our Lord?"
Prayer:
Make us, O Lord God, learn in the spirit of Paul the Apostle the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasseth all understanding, wherein blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously versed and formed in Thy Church new religious congregations of men and women. Through the same our Lord.
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal
Friday, July 3, 2009
On July 3, 987 he was crowned as King of France and is regarded as the founder of the Capetian dynasty. His Royal Highness, King Hugh Capet died on October 24, 996 in Paris, France and was interred in the Saint Denis Basilica. The Capetians ruled France from 987 to 1328. All French kings up through King Louis Philippe have belonged to this dynasty. Currently members of the Capetian dynasty are still states of the kingdom of Spain (in the person of the Bourbon Juan Carlos) and of the grand-duchy of Luxembourg. The Capetian Dynasty remains the oldest continuously reigning dynasty in the world.
Image Source: Hugh Capet of France by Steuben Charles de baron
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Spain under the Catholic Franco was much more of a Catholic state than it is today. Remember, July 3, 2005, the law legalizing same sex marriage took effect. Nowadays, Spain is far removed from its period of glory - in terms of the supremacy of Catholicism and the superiority of its Navy.There is even a Cause for the Canonization for Queen Isabella I, husband and co-monarch with King Ferdinand, of Spain, who ruled in the 15th century. Isabella, the Catholic, pray for us.
MADRID - Madrid's city hall on Monday stripped former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco [a shame! Falling down to modern pressure it seems. Franco was a true Catholic] of his title as honorary mayor and adopted son of the capital, 33 years after his death began the transition to democracy.Councillors of all political colours unanimously voted to remove the titles, as well as medals Madrid conferred on the right-wing general, a spokesman for the council said.
"The capital of Spain is now clean of support for dictators," left-wing Councillor Milagros Hernandez, was quoted as saying on the website of TV news channel CNN+.
The move is the latest in a effort spearheaded by the Socialist government to remove traces of Franco in street names, statues and other symbols glorifying the dictator who gained power after a three-year civil war which ended in 1939 and ruled until his death in 1975.
The removals started under a law passed in 2007 by the government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, whose grandfather was killed by Franco's forces.
The push reverses an unspoken understanding after Franco's death that his supporters would relinquish power on condition that future democrats would not rake up the past.
Members of the conservative Popular Party have criticised the socialist law for, as they see it, needlessly dragging up the wounds of the past. However, the PP -- which rules the local authority in Madrid -- backed the proposal to strip Franco of the city's honours.
Source: Reuters - Tuesday, June 30. My comments in red
For the faithful, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on the opening and closing days of the Year for Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.
To obtain the indulgence the faithful must attend Mass in an oratory or Church and offer prayers to "Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to his heart."
The conditions for the faithful for earning a plenary indulgence are to have gone to confession and prayed for the intentions of the Pope.
Source: Zenit
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and recall Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. The event is recorded in Luke 1:39-57. Feeling the presence of his Savior, John leaped within the womb of his mother Elizabeth upon Mary's arrival; John was then filled with the grace of God.The Feast of Visitation was first commemorated in the beginning of the 13th century, when St. Bonaventure recommended it, and the Franciscan chapter adopted it. The Francisian breviary spread it to many churches, but it was only universally adopted in the 14th century, when Urban VI extended it.
See my prior posting on this Feast.
Prayer:
Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of Thy heavenly grace: that as the childbearing of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of our salvation, so the solemn feast of her Visitation may bring us an increase of peace. Through our Lord.
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal
Image Source: Unknown
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A reader of "A Catholic Life" asked me whether or not a non-ordained male could serve as a subdeacon at a Solemn Mass. After doing some research in "The Celebration of Mass: A Study of the Rubrics of the Roman Missal" by Rev. J B O'Connell, I found the following on page 398:Only a priest may act as a substitute for a deacon but a cleric in minor orders or at least tonsured may, for a reasonable cause (see S.R.C. 4181), act as substitute for a subdeacon (See S.R.C 2002, 2525, 2965, 3525, 3832, 4181). He may wear the alb and tunicle but not the maniple. During the Mass he may do all that a subdeacon does except:Image Source: Unknown, Found via the blog Munda Cor Meum
(a) wipe the chalice and pour the water at the Offertory
(b) touch the chalice again after having brought it to the altar, until after the ablutions
(c) uncover and cover the chalice during Mass
(d) wipe the chalice after the ablutions, although he may arrange and veil it, and carry it to the credence (S.R.C 4181)
S.R.C = Decrees of the Congregation of Sacred Rites
Today, according to the Traditional Catholic Calendars of 1962 and previous, is the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. After Vatican II, this feastday was combined with Corpus Christi. In the 1969 Calendar, Corpus Christi is officially called the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. However, for those Catholics who like to follow the Traditional Calendar, today is a day to especially remember the price of our salvation - the Blood of Jesus Christ. Today we remember His blood spilt not only on the Cross but also in the Circumcision, Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Scourging at the Pillar of Flagellation, and the Crowning with Thorns.See the History on this Feast.
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Christ, have mercy.
R/ Christ, have mercy.
V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Jesus, hear us.
R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.
V/ God, the Father of Heaven,
R/ have mercy on us.
V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.
V/ God, the Holy Spirit,
R/ have mercy on us.
V/ Holy Trinity, One God,
R/ have mercy on us.
R/ for ff: save us.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father,
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.
R/ spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.
You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.
R/ And made us, for our God, a kingdom.
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A Catholic Life has updated the list of "Other Catholic Blogs" in the sidebar, and I wish to add additional links to the list.If you have a blog that links to A Catholic Life, then please let me know. I want to link to those blogs who provide links to A Catholic Life. So, please add a link to this blog in your sidebar and then comment below. I am especially interested in finding other traditional-focused blogs with an emphasis on the Traditional Liturgy; it will especially be my pleasure to link to these type of blogs.
Monday, June 29, 2009
I have just read "The Education of an American Dreamer" by Peter G. Peterson, the Former US Secretary of State under President Nixon. Peterson held several positions including his earliest job in marketing before eventually becoming the CEO of Bell & Howell, at that time a major US camera company. Peterson's determination and success in the Chicago area led to President Nixon offering him a $42,500 a year job (several millions less) where he focused on economics before becoming Secretary of State. Peterson's resolve brought him from the rural, impoverished life of Nebraska to MIT and then Northwestern (Chicago). Peterson is truly an example of achieving the American Dream.
A good, interesting read, especially for those old enough to remember politics and business around the time of President Nixon and thereafter.
His Excellency Bishop Babel Bishop Athanasius Schneider, O.R.C. conferred the Holy Orders.Image Source: Henri de Villiers (Schola Sainte Cécile)/NLM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
