Traditional Mass Propers: Quinquagesima Sunday

Vestments: Violet

INTROIT
Psalm 30: 3-4
Be Thou unto me a God, a Protector, and a place of refuge, to save me: for Thou are my strength and my refuge: and for Thy Name's sake Thou wilt lead me, and nourish me. -- (Ps. 30. 2). In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in Thy justice, and save me. V.: Glory be to the Father . . .



COLLECT - We beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously hear our prayers: and releasing us from the bonds of our sins, guard us from all adversity. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE
1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 13
Brethren, If I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know all mysteries and all knowledge: and if I should have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind: Charity envieth not, dealing not perversely, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

GRADUAL
Psalm 76: 15, 16
Thou art the God that alone doest wonders: Thou hast made Thy power known among the nations. V.: With Thine arm Thou hast delivered Thy people, the children of Israel and of Joseph.

TRACT
Psalm 99: 1, 2 - Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. V.: Come in before His presence with exceeding great joy: know ye that the Lord He is God. V.: He made us, and not we ourselves: but we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

GOSPEL
Luke 18: 31 - 43

At that time Jesus took unto Him the twelve men and said to them: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man. For He shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked and scourged and spit upon: and after they have scourged Him, they will put Him to death, and he third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of those things, and this word was hid from them, and they understood not the things that were said. Now it came to pass, when He drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the wayside, begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace. But he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto Him. And when he was come near, He asked him, saying: What wilt thou that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight, they faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he saw and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Commentary by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B.

The Church gives us today another subject for our meditation: it is the vocation of Abraham. when the waters of the deluge ahd subsided, and mankind had once more peopled the earth, the immortality, which had previously excited God's anger, again grew rife among men. Idolatry, too, into which the antediluvian race had not fallen, now showed itself, and human wickedness seemed thus to have reached the height of its malice. Foreseeing that the nations of the earth would fall into rebellion against Him, God resolved to select one people that should be peculiarly His, and among whom should be preserved those sacred truths, of which the Gentiles were to lose sight. This new people was to originate from one man, who would be the fathers and model of all future believers. This was Abraham. His faith and devotedness merited for him that he should be chosen to be the father of the children of God, and the head of that spiritual family, to which belong all the elect of both the old and the new Testament.

It is necessary that we should know Abraham, our father and our model. This is his grand characteristic: fidelity to God, submissiveness to His commands, abandonment and sacrifice of everything in order to obey His holy will. Such ought to be the prominent virtues of every christian. Let us, then, study the life of our great patriarch, and learn the lessons it teaches.

OFFERTORY
Psalm 118: 12, 13
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy justifications: with my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of Thy mouth.

SECRET - May these Offerings, we beseech Thee, O Lord, cleanse us from our sins: and hallow the bodies and minds of Thy servants for the celebration of this Sacrifice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of . . .

PREFACE (Preface of the Most Holy Trinity) - It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:

COMMUNION
Psalms 77: 29, 30
They did eat, and were filled exceedingly, and the Lord gave them their desire: they were not defrauded of that which they craved.



POST COMMUNION - We beseech Thee, almighty God, that we, who have received this heavenly food, may be safeguarded by it against all adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

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Ceremonial Notes for Ash Wednesday

Fasting of St. Charles Borromeo
With Ash Wednesday nearly here, I'm pleased that our friends over at Romanitas Press have put together serving notes for those saying the Traditional Latin Mass for Ash Wednesday.  Pass these documents along to any sacristans, servers, or priests that you think may benefit from this.

Click here to see their ceremonial notes.

You can see my post on the Rules of Abstinence & Fasting for Ash Wednesday as well as the Mass Propers by clicking here.

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Extract from the Sermon of Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the SSPX, for the feast of Candlemas, Feb 2nd (2012)

"The Society of St. Pius X has been founded by the Church and in the Church, and we say this Society continues to exist, despite the fact that there is a pretense that it does not exist; that it was suppressed in 1976 (but obviously with total disrespect of the laws of the Church itself). And that's why we continue. And our dear Founder insisted many, many times on the importance of this existence of the Society. And I think, as time evolves, we must keep this in mind -- and it is very important that we keep this Catholic Spirit.

We are not an independent group. Even if we are fighting with Rome, we are still, so to say, with Rome. We are fighting with Rome; or, if you want, against Rome, and at the same time with Rome. And we claim and continue to say, we are Catholic. We want to stay Catholic. Many times I say to Rome, you try to kick us out. And we see it would be much easier for us to be out. We would have many more advantages. You would treat us much better! Look at the Protestants, how they open the churches to them. To us, they close them. And we say we don't care. We do things in front of God. We suffer from the Church, fine. We don't like that, of course. But we ought to stay there in the truth. And we have to maintain that we do belong to the Church. We are Catholics. We want to be and we want to stay Catholic, and it is very important to maintain that."

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Bishop Williamson Saying Mass in St. Louis, Missouri (March 2011)

The following photos of His Grace saying the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are taken from True Restoration.  Please see their album for more photos from this Mass.  If you are not already subscribed, His Grace publishes a weekly column delivered via email called Dinoscopus.  To learn more and subscribe for free, please see Dinoscopus.

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Angelus Press 2012 Conference: October 19-21

As reported on the SSPX.ORG website:

On the weekend of October 19 through 21, we will host our third annual Angelus Press Conference, with this year's theme on the Papacy. Located in the heart of the country, our annual conference in Kansas City draws not only some of the best thinkers and speakers in the Catholic world, but also hundreds of fellow Catholics eager to enjoy a weekend of doctrinal, theological, historical, and practical talks, but also a weekend of friendship and camaraderie.

We are pleased to announce that His Excellency, Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X, will be this year's keynote speaker and will also offer a Pontifical High Mass on the Sunday of the conference.

I will likely be in attendance at this year's Conference.   Recall that last year's Conference on the Kingship of Christ featured a Pontifical High Mass said by His Excellency Bishop Tissier.  Here are some of the photos from that Mass:

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Commemoration of Ss. Faustinus and Jovita

Simple (1955 Calendar): February 15

Today is the Commemoration of Ss. Faustinus and Jovita, martyrs.  While the modernists in 1969 suppressed the veneration of these saints for historically unsound reasons (along with an obvious departure from the Faith passed down through the Traditions of the Church), traditional Catholics on this day recall their heroic martyrdom.

Born to the nobility in 2nd century Italy, St. Jovita was the younger brother of Saint Faustinus. St. Jovita was an ordained deacon and a zealous preacher in Brescia, Milan, Rome, and Naples. St. Faustinus was a priest.  Under the persecution of Emperor Hadrian, Ss. Jovita and Faustinus were condemned to die for adherence to the Catholic Faith. 

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow.  Finally in the Year of Our Lord 120, the brothers were beheaded for the Faith of Christ and died as martyrs.  They have been venerated widely since ancient times.

The Roman Martyrology (as read at the Office of Prime) declares of them:

At Brescia, in the time of Emperor Adrian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Faustinus and Jovita, who received the triumphant crown of martyrdom after many glorious combats for the faith of Christ. 

Prayer:

We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy martyrs Faustinus and Jovita. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through Our Lord...

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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New Blog Banner Unveiled

Today I'm pleased to unveil this new blog banner in honor of the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother.  The banner also displays the latin phrase "Salus animarum, suprema lex" which translates to: "The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law."

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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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Bishop Fellay receives Orthodox prelate into Full Communion

In an interesting development reported by various sources and being circulated on the Traditional Catholic web network, His Excellency Bishop Fellay of the Society of St. Pius X has received a former Orthodox Prelate into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

Most important to note, this action has received the recognition of Cardinal Levada and his Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.  Such an action drastically calls into question their alleged stance that the Society of St. Pius X is itself not in full communion with the Church. 

How can someone outside of the Church receive someone into the Church?  He can't. 

Of course the Society and its supporters have long fought the hated vile thrown at them by modernists in Rome and around the world.  This development is another reason to question the accuracy of those same modernists from Rome. 

Recall these were the same one said that the Traditional Latin Mass was forbidden - that is until His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI declared in Summorum Pontificum that it was "never abrogated."  These were the men to have said that the Society of St. Pius X was in schism.  Then they changed their minds and said that only the priests were in schism.  These were the men who said that those who receive the Sacraments offered by the Society are in schism.  His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, in response to the Hawaii Six, declared otherwise saying that reception of the Sacraments by any Society priest or bishop is not schismatic.  These were also the same men to say that the Society priests and bishops was in schism to then change their stance to not say they are instead "not in full communion."

And with this development, it's apparent that the Society is not in "not full communion."  So what slander will be brought against the lawfully founded and canonically recognized Society of St. Pius X and its Econe seminary next?  Only the demons know.

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Dreams and Miracles of St. John Bosco

Today is a feastday (III class) of the holy St. John Bosco (1815 - 1888). St. John Bosco was a man of God, who besides his many miracles and ordinary life of holiness, received visions of Mary and numerous prophetic dreams. One of these is a famous dream of a Pope dying with another pope rising up to steer the Church to safety. This famous dream is called the Two Pillars.

St. John Bosco worked countless miracles. He had the gift of multiplication of the loaves, and St. John even raised a boy from the dead to give him the chance of a good confession. The boy confessed his sins and died, but this time he went straight to Heaven.

St. John Bosco was ordained a priest in 1841, and he worked tirelessly with young boys in his neighborhood. His goal was to make saints out of them and at least one of his boys became a saint, St. Dominic Savio. St. John founded the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales and was the chaplain there. He opened up workshops there for tailoring and shoe-making to help the boys not only grow spiritually but also have enough money to live.

St. John lived daily for Jesus Christ. He would rise early, hear Confessions, and write letters to those in need for hours into the night. He wrote over 130 works defending the faith, and for that, he was hated by the enemies of the Church of God. There were numerous plots to kill him though none succeeded.

Some of his famous dreams included the following:

The Dream of the Two Columns (i.e. Two Pillars): In this dream, Don Bosco saw a large ship (representing the Church) being attacked by enemy vessels. The ship was guided to safety by anchoring between two columns: one topped with the Eucharist and the other with the Blessed Virgin Mary, symbolizing the importance of devotion to the Eucharist and Mary for the Church’s protection and guidance.

The Dream of the Ten Diamonds: This dream depicted a majestic figure adorned with ten diamonds, each representing a different virtue. The dream emphasized the virtues needed for a true Christian life, such as faith, hope, and charity.

The Dream of the Oratory: Don Bosco dreamed of a large field filled with boys and a majestic figure telling him to lead and care for them. This dream inspired his mission to work with disadvantaged youth and led to the founding of the Salesian order, dedicated to the education and spiritual development of young people.

The Dream of Hell: This dream showed Don Bosco a frightening vision of hell, filled with young people who had fallen away from the faith due to neglect or bad influences. It served as a warning and motivated him to intensify his efforts in guiding and educating youth toward a virtuous life.

The Dream of the Roses and the Thorns: In this dream, Don Bosco walked along a path lined with beautiful roses, but hidden thorns caused him pain. The dream symbolized the challenges and sacrifices involved in his mission but also the rewards of perseverance and dedication to God's work.

In 1854, St. John Bosco formally banded together under the patronage of St. Francis de Sales. With Pope Pius IX's encouragement, St. John Bosco founded the Salesians in 1859.

I highly recommend the book The Forty Dreams of Saint John Bosco

Prayer:

O God, Who didst raise up saint John Thy Confessor to be father and teacher of youth, and by him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, dist promote new families in Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that inflamed by the same fire of love, we may win souls and serve Thee alone. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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Ceremonial Notes for Candlemas

Image Source: AllSaints.net

For those of us praying the Divine Office and attending frequent Mass, we recognize the importance of the Feast of Candlemas.  The spiritual focus of the season of Epiphanytide through Candlemas is essentially a continuation of Christmas and contemplation of the Divine Childhood. After Candlemas (February 2nd), the celebration of events of His young life gives way to a focus on His adult life.

The Feast of Candlemas, exactly 40 days after Christmas, commemorates Mary's obedience to the Mosaic law by submitting herself to the Temple for the ritual purification, as commanded in Leviticus.

The Feast of the Purification, is called Candlemas for the traditional blessing and distribution of candles on that day.  It is customary to bring candles from home to be blessed -- at least 51% beeswax candles that one uses for devotional purposes (candles for the family altar, Advent candles, etc.) -- so they can be lit after dusk on All Saints' Day (1 November), during the Sacrament of Unction, and during storms and times of trouble.  Nowadays, though, for those few parishes continuing this ancient observance, the parish will provide the candles.

Mass on Candlemas is typically preceded by a procession with the lighted candles and the singing of anthems. The lighted candles are held during the reading of the Gospel and from the beginning of the Canon of the Mass to Communion.

Romanitas Press has put together these Ceremonial Guides for the Feast of Candlemas in PDFs. See here.

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