Brotherly Love

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Sacred Heart

He should be honored under the figure of this Heart of flesh, and its image should be exposed…He promised me that wherever this image should be exposed with a view to showing it special honor, He would pour forth His blessings and graces. This devotion was the last effort of His love that He would grant to men in these latter ages, in order to withdraw them from the empire of Satan which He desired to destroy, and thus to introduce them into the sweet liberty of the rule of His love, which He wished to restore in the hearts of all those who should embrace this devotion.”….. “The devotion is so pleasing to Him that He can refuse nothing to those who practice it.” (Devotion to the Sacred Heart)

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Conversi ad Dominum

It is not without reason or by chance that we worship towards the East…
Since, therefore, God is spiritual light, and Christ is called in the Scriptures Sun of Righteousness, and Dayspring, the East is the direction that must be assigned to His worship.

Moreover the Scripture also says, And God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed, and when he had transgressed His command He expelled him and made him to dwell over against the delights of Paradise, which clearly is the West. So, then, we worship God seeking and striving after our old fatherland.

Moreover the tent of Moses had its veil and mercy seat towards the East. Also the tribe of Judah as the most precious pitched their camp on the East. Also in the celebrated temple of Solomon the Gate of the Lord was placed eastward.

Moreover Christ, when He hung on the Cross, had His face turned towards the West, and so we worship, striving after Him.

And when He was received again into Heaven He was borne towards the East, and thus His apostles worship Him, and thus He will come again in the way in which they beheld Him going towards Heaven; as the Lord Himself said, As the lightning comes out of the East and shines even unto the West, so also shall the coming of the Son of Man be.

So, then, in expectation of His coming we worship towards the East. But this tradition of the apostles is unwritten. For much that has been handed down to us by tradition is unwritten. (St. John Damascene: Orthodox Faith)

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Protection of the Heavenly Mother

When the impious Mohammedan power, trusting in its powerful fleet and war-hardened armies, threatened the peoples of Europe with ruin and slavery, then — upon the suggestion of the Sovereign Pontiff — the protection of the heavenly Mother was fervently implored and the enemy was defeated and his ships sunk. Thus the Faithful of every age, both in public misfortune and in private need, turn in supplication to Mary, the benignant, so that she may come to their aid and grant help and remedy against sorrows of body and soul. And never was her most powerful aid hoped for in vain by those who besought it with pious and trustful prayer. (Pius XI: On the Rosary)

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Catholics local to NYC

First Friday Traditional Solemn Mass
Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
With Solemn Benediction after Mass

June 6th, 2008 at 6:30PM
*
Presented by
The Oratory of the Sacred Heart
at
The Church of the Guardian Angel
193 Tenth Avenue at 21st Street,
New York City
†
Celebrant: The Very Reverend Gilles Wach,
Superior General of the Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest
Deacon: Father Andreas Hellmann
Subdeacon: Father Cyprian La Pastina
†
Please join us at a convivium in the church hall immediately following Solemn Benediction

1, V, F, C, E trains to 23rd Street Station
M23 Bus to 10th Avenue
*
For information: (917) 535-2054

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Pacelli in New York

But don’t look for Pope Pius XII’s bust alongside Pope Paul VI or John Paul II. You’ll need to exit out the cathedral’s side door, cross 51st Street and venture to the back of the other cathedral gift shop. (Article about monuments in St. Patricks Cathedral)

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Valiant Ones

Thy fairest men also shall fall by the sword, and thy valiant ones in battle. (Isaiah 3:25)

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Memorial Day: Keep it as a Memorial, not just a day to BBQ, and drink beer in the backyard.

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Orthodoxy = Vocations

Ordination: the largest St. Louis ordination class in 25 years and one of the largest in the U.S. It’s also the same number of ordinations in St. Louis as the last three years combined….. The student body at Kenrick-Glennon, which includes the undergraduate Cardinal Glennon College and graduate-level Kenrick Theological Seminary, is 112 students, the largest enrollment in two decades.

Why: At Kenrick, it’s not just Burke’s involvement that is cited for the turnaround in enrollment. The archbishop’s conservatism, too, is an appealing aspect to young seminarians.

“The people who are attracted to the priesthood today tend to be much more conservative than their peers,” said the Rev. Thomas Reese of the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington.

Seminarians say Burke’s conservatism helps him connect with them. The seminarians openly discuss how they see Burke as a spiritual father and embrace the traditional atmosphere Burke has championed in the archdiocese and the seminary. (Read the rest)

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Corpus Christi 2008

(2 above are from Brindisi, Italy)

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Her Perennial Magnificat

The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium. It is an echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb. With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer. (John Paul II: Rosary of the Virgin Mary)

(Notice in 2 above joined thumb & forefinger after consecration)

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“Seperated Brethren”

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The times, they are a-changin

Some news: At confession this past Saturday, at my regular parish on Staten Island (not St. Agnes in Manhattan). Sitting there with the usual sinners I see every few weeks (5-6 elderly people, that’s it in one of the largest parishes in the NY Archdiocese). Sitting in the back praying, and waiting for the priest to come in at 3:30. Then low and behold at 3:15, I hear the door to the chapel swoosh open. I did not look as I knew it was too early for the priest to show up. But, a couple of the older folks did turn around, and gestured that Father was here. Since I was there first they nodded for me to get going. As I got up, the priest was half way into the confessional. However, I did manage to glimpse a few things: 1: He was young, 2: He was an American (a causian at that!, I mention this as most of the newer priests in the diocese came from someplace else, and that someplace else is almost never Europe. Also, most of us in NY grew up with an almost entirely Irish priesthood. Now, an Irish priest younger than 60 would be as rare as hens teeth!) 3: He was wearing a Cassock!

You might say: So, Ken what’s the big deal? Well, outside of where I attend the Latin Mass, I have never seen a cassock on a priest. Certainly not at a typical suburban NY parish. 31 years in NY, and this is the first “non-trad” priest I have seen wearing a cassock. From what I gather he is a newly ordained Diocesean priest. And to top it all of, after the absolution, he said “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, and His mercy endures forever”. I don’t know if I should have, but right before I left the box, I commented it was “nice to see a cassock”. He gave a cursory “thanks”, and that was that. The times indeed are a-changing.

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Flabellum

Not the papal ones. The  Flabellum of Saint Philipert of Tournus. I remember being at Mass during the summertime a few years back, and I saw a fly land on the Host after the consecration. It really bothered me, not that you can stop a fly from doing what a fly does I suppose. Evidentally, that was the original use of Liturgical Flabella.

New Advent article: It was in use in the sacrifices of the heathens and in the Christian Church from very early days, for in the Apostolic Constitutions, a work of the fourth century, we read (VIII, 12): “Let two of the deacons, on each side of the altar, hold a fan, made up of thin membranes, or of the feathers of the peacock, or of fine cloth, and let them silently drive away the small animals that fly about, that they may not come near to the cups”….

When, in 1777, Martène wrote his “Voyage Littéraire”, the Abbey of Tournus, on the Saône in France, possessed an old flabellum, which had an ivory handle two feet long, and was beautifully carved; the two sides of the ivory circular disc were engraved with fourteen figures of saints. **I believe the one in the above pic is one in the same. **

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Pope of the Internet

You have probably heard Catholic blogs being critiqued for their “radical” tendencies, and just general overly opinionated blabbering. Some have even referred to an elusive figure of the “pope of the blogosphere”. While some would say this is only a term to personify this blight, and is not an actual being, I present to you a picture of this quite real, flesh and blood character. Indeed I have had the honour working closely with His Holiness in the past. His papal name, for those in the know is Squirrelius II (there was a first one, but we don’t speak of him since his re-union with “Modernist New Rome”, he was ran over by a car while foraging for nuts shortly after his modernist apostasy. The Lord doth smite him for his capitulation!).

He extends to all His Apostolic Benediction for the Feast of the Blessed Trinity
(Plenary Indulgence with usual requirements)
(Have a Good Weekend!)

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Ever The Path That Leads To Christ

Mary remains ever the path that leads to Christ. Every encounter with her can only result in an encounter with Christ Himself. For what other reason do we continually turn to Mary than to seek for the Christ she holds in her arms — to seek in her, through her and with her the Savior to Whom men, in the perplexities and dangers of life here below, must of necessity have recourse, and to Whom they feel the ever recurring need of turning as to a haven of safety and an all-surpassing source of life? (Paul VI: Mary in the month of May)

Kind of Looks like the Cameleaucum here

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Put Christ At The Center

The Holy Rosary is not a pious practice banished to the past, like prayers of other times thought of with nostalgia. Instead, the Rosary is experiencing a new Springtime. Without a doubt, this is one of the most eloquent signs of love that the young generation nourish for Jesus and his Mother, Mary. In the current world, so dispersive, this prayer helps to put Christ at the centre, as the Virgin did, who meditated within all that was said about her Son, and also what he did and said. When reciting the Rosary, the important and meaningful moments of salvation history are relived. The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced. With Mary the heart is oriented toward the mystery of Jesus. Christ is put at the centre of our life, of our time, of our city, through the contemplation and meditation of his holy mysteries of joy, light, sorrow and glory. (Pope Benedict XVI: On the Rosary)

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Smells & Bells, But Not Much Else

Some guy in Spain who called himself “Pope Gregory XVII” having a supposed “vision”. Creepy. If you’re out of real, full, juridical union with Rome long enough this is what you will end up with sooner or later.

More info about this cult, from an ex-member (who posted the Youtube clip).

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How Profound Is The Darkness (Cultural Catholics?)

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There are large numbers of Christians in our own time who are entirely ignorant of those truths necessary for salvation. And when we mention Christians, We refer not only to the masses or to those in the lower walks of life — for these find some excuse for their ignorance in the fact that the demands of their harsh employers hardly leave them time to take care of themselves or of their dear ones — but We refer to those especially who do not lack culture or talents and, indeed, are possessed of abundant knowledge regarding things of the world but live rashly and imprudently with regard to religion. It is hard to find words to describe how profound is the darkness in which they are engulfed and, what is most deplorable of all, how tranquilly they repose there. They rarely give thought to God, the Supreme Author and Ruler of all things, or to the teachings of the faith of Christ. They know nothing of the Incarnation of the Word of God, nothing of the perfect restoration of the human race which He accomplished. Grace, the greatest of the helps for attaining eternal things, the Holy Sacrifice and the Sacraments by which we obtain grace, are entirely unknown to them. They have no conception of the malice and baseness of sin; hence they show no anxiety to avoid sin or to renounce it. And so they arrive at life’s end in such a condition that, lest all hope of salvation be lost, the priest is obliged to give in the last few moments of life a summary teaching of religion, a time which should be devoted to stimulating the soul to greater love for God. (St. Pius X: Teaching Christian Doctrine)

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Heaven and Earth Are United

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At the hour of Sacrifice, in response to the priest’s acclamation, the heavens open up; the choirs of angels are witnessing this Mystery; what is above and what is below unite; heaven and earth are united, matters visible and invisible become united. (Pope St. Gregory the Great)

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This is a new blog I am starting to hold “larger than usual pictures” that are used on new posts on this site.

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Pentecost

And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them. (Acts 2:1)

And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth: and with labour do we find the things that are before us. But the things that are in heaven, who shall search out? And who shall know thy thought, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above (Wisdom 9:16)

But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you. (John 14:26)

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Closest Of All To Christ

When we have recourse to Mary in prayer, we are having recourse to the Mother of mercy, who is so well disposed toward us that, whatever the necessity that presses upon us especially in attaining eternal life, she is instantly at our side of her own accord, even though she has not been invoked. She dispenses grace with a generous hand from that treasure with which from the beginning she was divinely endowed in fullest abundance that she might be worthy to be the Mother of God. By the fullness of grace which confers on her the most illustrious of her many titles, the Blessed Virgin is infinitely superior to all the hierarchies of men and angels, the one creature who is closest of all to Christ. (Leo XIII: MAGNAE DEI MATRIS)

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Some Good News: Africa

The Command: And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt 28:18

Holy Mother Church

The Initiative: Zeal for missionary activity and the Catholic spirit are one and the same. A principal note of the Church is catholicity; consequently, a man is no true member of the Church unless he is likewise a true member of the entire body of Christian believers and is filled with an ardent desire to see her take root and flourish in every land……

The Church in Africa, as well as in other parts of the mission field, needs missionaries. Hence We appeal once again to you, Venerable Brethren, beseeching you that with every resource at your command you show your zeal in supporting all those who have been divinely called to undertake the burdens of the missionary apostolate, whether they be priests or religious men and women. (Pius XII: FIDEI DONUM)

The Sowers:

The Fruit: Africa has witnessed the most explosive growth. In the 20th century, Africa went from a Catholic population of 1.9 million in 1900 to 130 million in 2000, a staggering growth rate of 6,708 percent. Half of all adult baptisms in the world, the surest sign of missionary expansion, are in Africa. (2006 Article)

At my local parish 3 of the 4 priests are African

(Past Post about Africa)

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Your Sacrifice

But every Lord’s day do ye gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations. (Didache: 1st Century).

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She Brought Forth a Man Child

And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne. (Apoc 12:1)

Holy Mary, now we crown you, Honored Queen of all our race; Noble Virgin, may our tribute Win your love and gain us grace.

On this day we sing your praises, Purest maid of all the earth; While the beauty of the springtime Tells your joy at Jesus’ birth.

Stain of sin has never marred you, Nature’s only spotless bloom; God, whose might exceeds the heavens, You have sheltered in your womb.

Glorious Queen, look down in kindness While before your throne we stand; Bring God’s blessing to your children; Watch our homes and guard our land.

Gate of heaven, you were Mother To the King of heaven and earth; Now be Mother to your subjects, In our souls give Jesus birth.

Queen of heaven, while creation Speaks the grandeur of God’s love, Mold our hearts to seek his glory Till we reach our home above. (Song I remember singing as a kid in Parochial School)

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Become as Little Children

And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18:3)

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What happened to this?

What happened to this? The Popes always used the three finger raised blessing (The 3 fingers up=Trinity, 2 fingers down=the 2 natures of Christ). Then it just kind of disappeared. Does anyone know when/why? Out of curiousity, not a critique.

JPII seemed to have used the 3 finger blessing early in his Pontificate (above pic in 1979). But, he seemed to have stopped doing it later on.

Benedict XVI has yet to bring it back

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But Still Tradition Pure

Le Officiants by Pascua Eugene

The strangest things are happening to the rubrics of the Mass!
Old men like me don’t understand we thought our days would pass
Without disturbance of the way we learnt to celebrate.
Now worship, like the world itself, is in a dreadful state.

Some time ago the priest was sure of what was his to say,
And also that the altar-boys would answer up his way:
Now anything can happen from a hold up to a strike.
Or someone making comments through a nuisance-making mike.

The people used to keep their place, and did not interfere
Except perhaps to cough or sneeze or snore, But only in the rear:
They wouldn’t dream of singing out or butting in with noise,
Or talking up in Latin like the Clerk and altar-boys.

Young Curates now don’t seem to mind if Mass is started late,
Provided that the people who are there “participate”:
And some would like motets, and psalms and hymns and chants.
Distracting to the celebrant and pious maiden aunts.

A plague upon those liturgists and all their fussy ways.
There’s nothing solid in them, ’tis a passing whim or craze:
Old men like we have battled for our faith and fatherland
With nothing but the Scripture and the Sacraments in hand.

Of course we had the Liturgy, a makeshift to be sure,
And more or less a native growth, but still Tradition pure;
We said the Mass and let the people pray as best they could.
That was the way in Penal times, and surely it was good.

The world is moving on, no doubt, and times have changed a lot.
The Church of Christ must follow – if her net is in a knot
She’ll never catch the fishes that are milling round the boat:
She needs a change of tackle, sweeter bait and lighter float.

So say professors and divines, who ought to know a lot:
Perhaps old trowlers like myself should try to change our trot:
I’ll read that journal “Worship” and some book on Liturgy,
And maybe when I understand ‘twont seem bizarre to me.

Nihil Innovatur by Father Fennelly circa 1956. Imagine his lyrics when things really started to change!

Organic Development of the Liturgy by Alcuin Reed

From Ignatius Press

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Ascension

And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)

The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 109)

Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be. (John 14:2)

Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God: Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth. For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory. (Col 3:1)

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