Saturday, August 27, 2005
Today's Catholic Cultural Heritage Images
I'm on a Pugin kick lately.
Chasuble and Stole designed by AWM Pugin for the Diocese of Hobart (Australia) c. 1843.
Exterior, St. Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Interior, Our Lady and Saint Wilfrid's church, Warwick Bridge, Cumbria c. 1841
Side chapel, St. Giles, Cheadle 1846
Chasuble and Stole designed by AWM Pugin for the Diocese of Hobart (Australia) c. 1843.
Exterior, St. Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Interior, Our Lady and Saint Wilfrid's church, Warwick Bridge, Cumbria c. 1841
Side chapel, St. Giles, Cheadle 1846
A Good Discussion Of the Issue of Giving Communion To Frere Roger
For All Those Liberals Who Prate About the Church's Opposition To the Death Penalty
Read about Pope Sixtus V.
End of argument. Total opposition to the death penalty was John Paul the Great's private conscience, based on his experience of World War II, Naziism, and Communism.
It is not the historic position of Holy Mother the Church.
End of argument. Total opposition to the death penalty was John Paul the Great's private conscience, based on his experience of World War II, Naziism, and Communism.
It is not the historic position of Holy Mother the Church.
Frankly, I Think This Is Going Too Far
It is too great a stretch of the definition of martyr.
After all, the shooting took place in 1981. He died in 2005. And the cause of death had nothing to do with the earlier shooting. This isn't like Civil War hero Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who actually died of his wound more than 40 years after being shot. Pope John Paul the Great fully recovered from the shooting.
I think he is a saint, and will be quickly raised to the altars of the Church. But he is not a martyr, though he would gladly have given his life for the Faith, I think.
After all, the shooting took place in 1981. He died in 2005. And the cause of death had nothing to do with the earlier shooting. This isn't like Civil War hero Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who actually died of his wound more than 40 years after being shot. Pope John Paul the Great fully recovered from the shooting.
I think he is a saint, and will be quickly raised to the altars of the Church. But he is not a martyr, though he would gladly have given his life for the Faith, I think.
Some Recipes For A Laid-Back Summer Saturday
Here are some ice cream recipes that you might enjoy trying. What better way to enjoy a quiet summer Saturday? Ice cream freezers like Donvier make everything so easy.
Orange Ice Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup thin cream
2 cups orange juice
1 cup Sugar
Add cream slowly to orange juice, sweeten to taste, and freeze. Follow the instructions for your ice cream freezer. Serve with canned strawberries or fresh fruit mashed and sweetened.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Ice Cream
4 slightly beaten eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups half-and-half or light cream
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vanilla
4 cups whipping cream
1 10- to 12-ounce jar strawberry ice cream topping (about 1 cup)
Combine eggs, sugar, and half-and-half or light cream in a heavy medium saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat about 12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cover and chill mixture for 1 hour.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the cooled egg mixture. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Stir in whipping cream.
Freeze in a 4- or 5-quart ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer's directions. When mixture is frozen, remove the dasher and stir in the strawberry ice cream topping with a long handled spoon until marbled but not thoroughly mixed. Makes about 3 quarts.
Cardamom Ice Cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
4 beaten egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
3 cups whipping cream
1-1/2 cups sugar
In a large saucepan stir together sugar and flour. Gradually stir in 2 cups of the milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook 1 minute more. Stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks; return to remaining hot mixture in saucepan. Cook and stir just until mixture returns to boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, cardamom, lemon peel, and remaining milk. Cool slightly. Cover the surface with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Stir in whipping cream. Freeze in a 4- or 5-quart ice cream freezer according to manufacturer¿s directions. Makes about 2 quarts (16 servings).
Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
6 oz unsweetened chocolate
4 cups table cream.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of instant coffee*
1 cup raspberries**
1/4 cup sugar
Beat sugar into eggs. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Put the chocolate in a sauce pan with a small amount (half cup) of cream, vanilla extract, and instant coffee. Melt the chocolate over low heat, mixing chocolate into cream. If the chocolate "clumps", then add more cream (and next time, start with more cream in the chocolate).
Add more cream and again stir until mixed.
Repeat adding cream, until you have added 3 cups. Increase heat to medium high, and stir continuously until cream/chocolate starts to steam. Stir in hot chocolate/milk mixture into eggs. Stir in remaining cream. Cool.
Mash raspberries together with 1/4 cup sugar.
Just before adding mixture to ice cream maker, stir juice from berries into mix.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Just before frozen, add berries.
*The instant coffee gives the chocolate a bit more "bite". The trick is to give it a bite without giving it a coffee flavor. I've found that using more instant coffee will impart a coffee flavor.
**Fresh raspberries produce better ice cream, but frozen raspberries will still make an excellent treat. However, don't use raspberries frozen in syrup).
Orange Ice Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup thin cream
2 cups orange juice
1 cup Sugar
Add cream slowly to orange juice, sweeten to taste, and freeze. Follow the instructions for your ice cream freezer. Serve with canned strawberries or fresh fruit mashed and sweetened.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Ice Cream
4 slightly beaten eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups half-and-half or light cream
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vanilla
4 cups whipping cream
1 10- to 12-ounce jar strawberry ice cream topping (about 1 cup)
Combine eggs, sugar, and half-and-half or light cream in a heavy medium saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat about 12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cover and chill mixture for 1 hour.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the cooled egg mixture. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Stir in whipping cream.
Freeze in a 4- or 5-quart ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer's directions. When mixture is frozen, remove the dasher and stir in the strawberry ice cream topping with a long handled spoon until marbled but not thoroughly mixed. Makes about 3 quarts.
Cardamom Ice Cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
4 beaten egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
3 cups whipping cream
1-1/2 cups sugar
In a large saucepan stir together sugar and flour. Gradually stir in 2 cups of the milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook 1 minute more. Stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks; return to remaining hot mixture in saucepan. Cook and stir just until mixture returns to boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, cardamom, lemon peel, and remaining milk. Cool slightly. Cover the surface with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Stir in whipping cream. Freeze in a 4- or 5-quart ice cream freezer according to manufacturer¿s directions. Makes about 2 quarts (16 servings).
Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
6 oz unsweetened chocolate
4 cups table cream.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of instant coffee*
1 cup raspberries**
1/4 cup sugar
Beat sugar into eggs. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Put the chocolate in a sauce pan with a small amount (half cup) of cream, vanilla extract, and instant coffee. Melt the chocolate over low heat, mixing chocolate into cream. If the chocolate "clumps", then add more cream (and next time, start with more cream in the chocolate).
Add more cream and again stir until mixed.
Repeat adding cream, until you have added 3 cups. Increase heat to medium high, and stir continuously until cream/chocolate starts to steam. Stir in hot chocolate/milk mixture into eggs. Stir in remaining cream. Cool.
Mash raspberries together with 1/4 cup sugar.
Just before adding mixture to ice cream maker, stir juice from berries into mix.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Just before frozen, add berries.
*The instant coffee gives the chocolate a bit more "bite". The trick is to give it a bite without giving it a coffee flavor. I've found that using more instant coffee will impart a coffee flavor.
**Fresh raspberries produce better ice cream, but frozen raspberries will still make an excellent treat. However, don't use raspberries frozen in syrup).
The Sox Beat the Tigers Last Night
But remain a perilous 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees.
The Holy Jokester
This is from Zenit. It is the Holy Father's opening to his address to an ecumenical meeting in Cologne last week:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Permit me to remain seated after such a strenuous day. This does not mean I wish to speak "ex cathedra."
I'm sure it is an old joke around the Vatican, but it is the first time I have heard it.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Permit me to remain seated after such a strenuous day. This does not mean I wish to speak "ex cathedra."
I'm sure it is an old joke around the Vatican, but it is the first time I have heard it.
Understanding The Half-Blood Prince and Looking Forward To Harry Potter 7
John Granger has a very interesting essay in which he makes some suggestions that did not directly occur to me about what is really going on in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Many spoilers if you have not read the book yet.
Fascinating theorizing. We have a couple of years to wait to see if he is right.
Which reminds me. I took the Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is... quiz, and came up as Snape. I can't post the results, as the html would push my links to the bottom of the page. Snape 90%, Hermione 85%, Dumbledore 75%.
Many spoilers if you have not read the book yet.
Fascinating theorizing. We have a couple of years to wait to see if he is right.
Which reminds me. I took the Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is... quiz, and came up as Snape. I can't post the results, as the html would push my links to the bottom of the page. Snape 90%, Hermione 85%, Dumbledore 75%.
Setting the Record Straight On The Apostolic Visitation
Jamie Blosser at Ad Limina Apostolorum tracks down the source of the "Bruskewitz to head visitation" rumor that I, among other bloggers, saw and ran with.
Well, there was a lot of wishful thinking going on there.
Well, there was a lot of wishful thinking going on there.
Saint Monica
Today is the feast of the persistent mother of Saint Augustine, Saint Monica. This holy woman prayed incessantly for 17 years for Augustine's conversion. A year before she died, her prayer was granted, and the Church obtained one of its greatest doctors. But her constant prayers also obtained the conversion, on his deathbed, of her abusive husband. She is a patron saint of alcoholics, of people in difficult marriages, and of abuse victims.
Her son's feast day would be tomorrow, if tomorrow were not Sunday.
Here is a short biography of Saint Monica from Catholic On Line:
St. Monica was married by arrangement to a pagan official in North Africa, who was much older than she, and although generous, was also violent tempered. His mother Lived with them and was equally difficult, which proved a constant challenge to St. Monica. She had three children; Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. Through her patience and prayers, she was able to convert her husband and his mother to the Catholic faith in 370· He died a year later. Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious Life. St. Augustine was much more difficult, as she had to pray for him for 17 years, begging the prayers of priests who, for a while, tried to avoid her because of her persistence at this seemingly hopeless endeavor. One priest did console her by saying, "it is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." This thought, coupled with a vision that she had received strengthened her. St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387. St. Monica died later that same year, on the way back to Africa from Rome in the Italian town of Ostia.
Saint Monica, pray for us!
Friday, August 26, 2005
The Skull As Christian Symbol
From Father Tucker's archives over at Dappled Things.
Not a detailed study, but a good short explanation.
Found via the Sacred Weblog of the Universal Inquisition.
I Am Beginning To Be Tempted By the Prospect Of Food Once Again
Specifically, cooking it. The summer is too hot for comfortable cooking. Meals have been fruit, bread, cheese, cold cuts, cold cereal, dark chocolate, and lots of iced tea for a while. But with the end of summer in sight, the prospect of cooking no longer turns the stomach.
Here is an interesting recipe that I came across at Double Thoughts blog:
Guinness Stout Ice Cream.
I saw a recipe for Port Ice Cream served with a Hot Chocolate Sauce elsewhere, but I will have to transcribe it when I find it again.
Here is an interesting recipe that I came across at Double Thoughts blog:
Guinness Stout Ice Cream.
I saw a recipe for Port Ice Cream served with a Hot Chocolate Sauce elsewhere, but I will have to transcribe it when I find it again.
A Contrast By A.W.N. Pugin
Housing for the poor in Catholic England versus Victorian England
Rather Dickensian.
Pugin pulled no punches in his contrasts. Even the detail of the bodies of the poor buried by chanting monks in Catholic England is contrasted to their being crated up for dissection in Victorian days. It leaves me with no doubt which I would prefer.
Interesting Story About A Clash At Fatima
Seems as if the Fatima Shrine people need to be sacked. A thorough housecleaning is, I think, in order.
1) You don't open the place up to pagans. It is a Catholic Marian shrine. Pagans are free to pray there as individual pilgrims, but not as organized pagan groups using pagan prayers. I'm using the term "pagan" broadly to refer to all heathens.
2) When you agree that a traditionalist Catholic group can use the facility, you don't go back on the agreement and try to obnoxiously disrupt its prayers. If you can believe everything in the story, it looks like the Fatima Shrine folks made three efforts to disrupt the pilgrimage: barricades, nuns singing their own prayers over the Rosary, and the loud speaker system.
No matter what else you think about the SSPX, I think most people at St. Blog's agree that the Fatima Shrine leadership needs to be flushed.
The only thing I wonder about is whether the pilgrimage was indeed approved. Did the SSPX people just tell the Shrine they were coming on a certain date, and not get approval? I would not put it past them.
1) You don't open the place up to pagans. It is a Catholic Marian shrine. Pagans are free to pray there as individual pilgrims, but not as organized pagan groups using pagan prayers. I'm using the term "pagan" broadly to refer to all heathens.
2) When you agree that a traditionalist Catholic group can use the facility, you don't go back on the agreement and try to obnoxiously disrupt its prayers. If you can believe everything in the story, it looks like the Fatima Shrine folks made three efforts to disrupt the pilgrimage: barricades, nuns singing their own prayers over the Rosary, and the loud speaker system.
No matter what else you think about the SSPX, I think most people at St. Blog's agree that the Fatima Shrine leadership needs to be flushed.
The only thing I wonder about is whether the pilgrimage was indeed approved. Did the SSPX people just tell the Shrine they were coming on a certain date, and not get approval? I would not put it past them.
Rich Leonardi In The Cincinnati Enquirer
Today's Catholic Cultural Heritage Image
Reliquary Shrine, second quarter of 14th century
Attributed to Jean de Touyl (French, died 1349)
French; Made in Paris
Gilt-silver, translucent enamel, paint; H. 10 in. (25.4 cm), W. (open) 16 in. (40.6 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1962 (62.96)
This sumptuous reliquary sets the Virgin and Child, accompanied by angels, within an elaborate architectural shrine. The arches, vaults, and sculptural decorations are of gilded silver; translucent enamel panels on the wings depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin and the Infancy of Christ evoke stained-glass windows. This example, one of only four such shrines to have survived, is recorded in the eighteenth-century inventories of the convent of the Poor Clares of the Order of Saint Francis at Buda (part of the modern city of Budapest), founded by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in 1334.
From the Metropolitan Museum Cloisters Collection
But what relic or relics did it hold?
We Have Been Blessed With Great Weather
Temps between 70-80 with low humidity. Very little rain lately. But we should be getting the remnants of hurricane Katerina Tuesday or Wednesday. And starting Sunday, it will be a little more humid, and warmer.
Meanwhile, today has been a bad hayfever day for me, the dry air and breeze bringing with it lots of ragweed pollen.
Meanwhile, today has been a bad hayfever day for me, the dry air and breeze bringing with it lots of ragweed pollen.
Consecration Bells
Head on over to Roman Catholic Blog for a good discussion of the ringing of bells at the consecration.
It was one of the things that the late Father Flaherty brought back to St. James in Salem.
I was one year old when Vatican II ended in 1965, and my parish (Our Lady of the Assumption, Lynnfield) also did not sweep everything away at once. Bell ringing at the consecration was retained until about 1990.
It is, of course, a major feature of the traditional Latin Mass at Holy Trinity. In fact, there they don't just ring the hand bells, but also the church's main bell. Plus you have the Sanctus bell, Hanc Igitur bell, and Domine Non Sum Dignus bells. The traditional Mass is really a liturgical feast that engages (and delights) all the senses.
It was one of the things that the late Father Flaherty brought back to St. James in Salem.
I was one year old when Vatican II ended in 1965, and my parish (Our Lady of the Assumption, Lynnfield) also did not sweep everything away at once. Bell ringing at the consecration was retained until about 1990.
It is, of course, a major feature of the traditional Latin Mass at Holy Trinity. In fact, there they don't just ring the hand bells, but also the church's main bell. Plus you have the Sanctus bell, Hanc Igitur bell, and Domine Non Sum Dignus bells. The traditional Mass is really a liturgical feast that engages (and delights) all the senses.
The US Government Isn't the Only Entity That Would Like To See the Back of Mr. Chavez
How Do the World Champions Lose 2 Out Of 3 To Cellar Dwellers?
Well, the Red Sox managed it, and shaved their own lead over New York to just 2.5 games, going in the weekend.
With woeful, if not dreadful Kansas City, Detroit, and Tampa Bay on the schedule, this should be the time that they fatten their lead, so that the upcoming series against the Yankees won't be make-or-break. But, the Red Sox being the Red Sox, you know how these things work. Why win it in a rout when you can give the other side a chance to make it interesting?
Schilling was dreadful last night.
With woeful, if not dreadful Kansas City, Detroit, and Tampa Bay on the schedule, this should be the time that they fatten their lead, so that the upcoming series against the Yankees won't be make-or-break. But, the Red Sox being the Red Sox, you know how these things work. Why win it in a rout when you can give the other side a chance to make it interesting?
Schilling was dreadful last night.
Pope Benedict Will Visit Poland
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Pontifications Features Some Knox Today
A good discussion of Catholics' casual irreverence in church.
I suppose not much has changed in the 50 years since Monsignor Knox was around. It sounds as if some Catholic children were permitted to wander around during Mass back then, too (though I never saw it until I reverted around 1997).
The topic brings to mind something I recall reading from a protestant author (I don't remember who it was). The gravamen was: "My heavens, if I actually believed that God Himself was in that tabernacle and in the Communion Host, I'd crawl, licking up the dust all the way to the pew, and remain prostrate throughout Mass, never even venturing to raise my eyes to the altar."
Well, Catholics ought to have more reverence and ought to behave better in Mass. No gossiping old ladies, no wandering children, or children playing with toys, no male eyes wandering to the hem of the skirt a few pews in front, no cell phones, no improper dress: only profound, engaged reverence.
But even so, Catholics from long practice, develop an intimate familiarity with Jesus, Mary, and the Saints that, I think, eludes protestants. Because Mary is our Mother, Jesus is not just our Lord and Saviour, but our Brother. When a protestant asks you if you have a "personal' relationship with Jesus Christ, I think the best answer is, "Of course, the deepest relationship, as we have the same Mom."
The saints, from long invocation, are not just our heroes, or our patrons, but our friends. We read and reread their lives, drawing inspiration from them. We ask for their help, but especially the Blessed Virgin's, again and again.
So Catholics do not grovel at Mass, even though we believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Ours is a manly love, with nothing obsequious about it. We come, we genuflect, we kneel, sit, or stand before the monstrance with the Host, or before the Tabernacle, and we contemplate, pray, adore, petition, give thanks, beg forgiveness, and just talk as we would with a dear friend, our Brother. Then we turn to our Mother and ask for her prayers, in case our Brother seems unwilling to grant what we want, as we know He will accede even more willingly to her requests than to ours.
And our acknowleged unworthiness is offset by something else protestants don't have: the sacrament of penance. We know we are sinners. We know that, left to our own devices, we ought every one of us to spend eternity in Hell. We were all born stained with original sin. Time and again, we fall into the same sins. St. Augustine tells us that this has always been the way in the remarkably insightful Threnus Prayer. But we are not left to our own devices. We have the sacrament of penance to absolve us of our sins when we are ready to be absolved of them. We have indulgences, gained mostly by prayer, to remit the temporal punishment due from our sins. And much Catholic time in church is spent trying to rack up those indulgences, and in penance after confession. So, though we are unworthy of Christ's sacrifice, we know we are not entirely despicable, ought not treat ourselves as less than human, ought to come forth with love and repentence and pray to a God who loves us and wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
There is a line between familiarity and irreverence. Genuine Catholic devotion as it has always been practiced does not cross that line. It is not idol worship. Nor should we treat God the way the Persian emperors wanted to be treated. God does not want grovelling. He wants adoration, repentence, and prayer. And that is just what most Catholics feel and do in church.
I suppose not much has changed in the 50 years since Monsignor Knox was around. It sounds as if some Catholic children were permitted to wander around during Mass back then, too (though I never saw it until I reverted around 1997).
The topic brings to mind something I recall reading from a protestant author (I don't remember who it was). The gravamen was: "My heavens, if I actually believed that God Himself was in that tabernacle and in the Communion Host, I'd crawl, licking up the dust all the way to the pew, and remain prostrate throughout Mass, never even venturing to raise my eyes to the altar."
Well, Catholics ought to have more reverence and ought to behave better in Mass. No gossiping old ladies, no wandering children, or children playing with toys, no male eyes wandering to the hem of the skirt a few pews in front, no cell phones, no improper dress: only profound, engaged reverence.
But even so, Catholics from long practice, develop an intimate familiarity with Jesus, Mary, and the Saints that, I think, eludes protestants. Because Mary is our Mother, Jesus is not just our Lord and Saviour, but our Brother. When a protestant asks you if you have a "personal' relationship with Jesus Christ, I think the best answer is, "Of course, the deepest relationship, as we have the same Mom."
The saints, from long invocation, are not just our heroes, or our patrons, but our friends. We read and reread their lives, drawing inspiration from them. We ask for their help, but especially the Blessed Virgin's, again and again.
So Catholics do not grovel at Mass, even though we believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Ours is a manly love, with nothing obsequious about it. We come, we genuflect, we kneel, sit, or stand before the monstrance with the Host, or before the Tabernacle, and we contemplate, pray, adore, petition, give thanks, beg forgiveness, and just talk as we would with a dear friend, our Brother. Then we turn to our Mother and ask for her prayers, in case our Brother seems unwilling to grant what we want, as we know He will accede even more willingly to her requests than to ours.
And our acknowleged unworthiness is offset by something else protestants don't have: the sacrament of penance. We know we are sinners. We know that, left to our own devices, we ought every one of us to spend eternity in Hell. We were all born stained with original sin. Time and again, we fall into the same sins. St. Augustine tells us that this has always been the way in the remarkably insightful Threnus Prayer. But we are not left to our own devices. We have the sacrament of penance to absolve us of our sins when we are ready to be absolved of them. We have indulgences, gained mostly by prayer, to remit the temporal punishment due from our sins. And much Catholic time in church is spent trying to rack up those indulgences, and in penance after confession. So, though we are unworthy of Christ's sacrifice, we know we are not entirely despicable, ought not treat ourselves as less than human, ought to come forth with love and repentence and pray to a God who loves us and wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
There is a line between familiarity and irreverence. Genuine Catholic devotion as it has always been practiced does not cross that line. It is not idol worship. Nor should we treat God the way the Persian emperors wanted to be treated. God does not want grovelling. He wants adoration, repentence, and prayer. And that is just what most Catholics feel and do in church.
Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus
An excellent examination on the history of the doctrine that outside the Church, there is no salvation, and the amount of wiggle room there is within that doctrine.
Father Feeney, the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart, and the Boston Heresy Case are given prominent mention.
This is a seminarian's term paper (and a very good one) but you have to bear with various typing errors. Readers of my blog ought to be used to that, as I'm an abysmal typist, forever transposing letters and mangling words like "the". I'm only dyslexic when I type. As with my blog, the thought behind the presentation helps you look past the typing mistakes.:)
Found via Two Sleepy Mommies.
Father Feeney, the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart, and the Boston Heresy Case are given prominent mention.
This is a seminarian's term paper (and a very good one) but you have to bear with various typing errors. Readers of my blog ought to be used to that, as I'm an abysmal typist, forever transposing letters and mangling words like "the". I'm only dyslexic when I type. As with my blog, the thought behind the presentation helps you look past the typing mistakes.:)
Found via Two Sleepy Mommies.
Check Out Sandro Magister's WYD Take
Saint King Louis IX of France
Images from Grandes Chroniques de France
Coronation
Serving the poor
Setting out for the 8th Crusade
At prayer
Meeting Pope Innocent IV at Cluny
Death of Saint Louis
Here is a short biography of Saint Louis.
And check out what Penitens has to say about St. Louis, being sure to follow the link to La Sainte Chapelle.
How's that for vaulting?
Overdosed On Traditional Catholic cultural images yet?
Coronation
Serving the poor
Setting out for the 8th Crusade
At prayer
Meeting Pope Innocent IV at Cluny
Death of Saint Louis
Here is a short biography of Saint Louis.
And check out what Penitens has to say about St. Louis, being sure to follow the link to La Sainte Chapelle.
How's that for vaulting?
Overdosed On Traditional Catholic cultural images yet?
Oh My!
A week from today is the first of September. Where did August go?
Another Reason To Love Pope Benedict
When introduced to Pele, the soccer player, he had no idea who he was.
If I were introduced to almost any athlete (unless a member of one of our Boston teams), American actor (I might know a Brit), or popular musician today, I also would have no clue. I take not knowing about modern popular culture as a badge of honor.
If I were introduced to almost any athlete (unless a member of one of our Boston teams), American actor (I might know a Brit), or popular musician today, I also would have no clue. I take not knowing about modern popular culture as a badge of honor.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Father Tucker Makes Sense
Regarding the Pat Robertson comments on the US offing Chavez.
Chavez is no favorite of mine, and no tears would be shed at Recta Ratio if he should not come down for breakfast some morning, no matter who did it. But he isn't a big enough threat to justify the US government taking matters to such an extent now. Unless there are important plans of his that we are not privy to.
Chavez is no favorite of mine, and no tears would be shed at Recta Ratio if he should not come down for breakfast some morning, no matter who did it. But he isn't a big enough threat to justify the US government taking matters to such an extent now. Unless there are important plans of his that we are not privy to.
A Bad Hit For St. Blog's
Bryan Jerabek has been forced to shut down his excellent Quodlibeta by order of the authorities at his seminary. Archives gone and all!
He will be missed greatly.
I suspect that the same thing may be happening at Rantings Of An Obnoxious Seminarian. But there is nothing official yet.
In Pectore and Deus Volent are also folding up the tents.
Less permanent blog stoppages are going on at Dyspeptic Mutterings, From Among the Exiles, Land Of Hope And Glory, and The Evil Traditionalist. Who knows whether Mark Shea is coming back, or if he does, for how long.
On the positive side, Dom Bettinelli is back from his honeymoon. Congratulations, Dom!
And Lane Core has made a cameo appearance, anyway.
He will be missed greatly.
I suspect that the same thing may be happening at Rantings Of An Obnoxious Seminarian. But there is nothing official yet.
In Pectore and Deus Volent are also folding up the tents.
Less permanent blog stoppages are going on at Dyspeptic Mutterings, From Among the Exiles, Land Of Hope And Glory, and The Evil Traditionalist. Who knows whether Mark Shea is coming back, or if he does, for how long.
On the positive side, Dom Bettinelli is back from his honeymoon. Congratulations, Dom!
And Lane Core has made a cameo appearance, anyway.
Today's Catholic Cultural Heritage Image
This is a very baroque altar from a church in Germany that must have been visited by the Juventutem group, as it is among the photos from the young Dutch pilgrims' photo cache.
Does anyone know what church this is? E-mail me if you do.
I think it might be a detail of the altar I posted from the same site the other day.
A riot of cherubs, pink marble, and gold!
Update:
A reader informs us that it is the Wieskirche in Bavaria. That means the Meadow Church, but the official name is “Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Savior in the Meadow.” It is one of the finest examples of late baroque architecture in the world. It was completed in 1754, during the lifetime of our US Founding Fathers, as well as St. Alphonsus Liguori.
Here is another image. Sadly, I had to reduce this. The original was a glorious 1200 pixels wide, which would have played Old Harry with my links column. The links end up being pushed to the bottom of the posts column if I have an image that exceeds 500 pixels.
But you can see the original here.
And there are a few more images here for your enjoyment.
Bartholomew Fair
The great London fair began in the 12th century, traditionally on the 24th of August, as a cloth fair. But it quickly grew to include all sorts of products and performances. Charles II, at the restoration, lengthened it from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Read Chambers' Book of Days' account of the history of the fair (scroll down).
Lammas fairs are winding down, but the fair season is in full swing. King Richard's Faire opens next weekend (not this coming weekend). And before King Richard's closes, the Topsfield Fair will open. And by the time that ends, Halloween in Salem will be in full swing. But All Saints' Day brings the fair season to a screeching halt.
Read Chambers' Book of Days' account of the history of the fair (scroll down).
Lammas fairs are winding down, but the fair season is in full swing. King Richard's Faire opens next weekend (not this coming weekend). And before King Richard's closes, the Topsfield Fair will open. And by the time that ends, Halloween in Salem will be in full swing. But All Saints' Day brings the fair season to a screeching halt.
Saint Bartholomew
August 24th is the feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle (also called Nathaniel)
By Bernardo Pinturicchio, 1454–1513
The Golden Legend has this to say about St. Bartholomew.
Catholic OnLine has this short biography.
By Bernardo Pinturicchio, 1454–1513
The Golden Legend has this to say about St. Bartholomew.
Catholic OnLine has this short biography.
Dunkin' Donuts Looking Better All the Time
Starbucks is promoting the homosexual lifestyle with some of their marketing.
I'll take a Mocha Coolata over a Mocha Frappachino anyway.
I'll take a Mocha Coolata over a Mocha Frappachino anyway.
Beauty v. Aestheticism In The Liturgy
Paul Lew has a good discussion at Contemplata Aliis Tradere.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Argentinian Bishop Resigns
Because of videotape documenting the 64 year-old bishop's sexual relationship with a 23 year-old man.
We still have a way to go before the filth that then-Cardinal Ratzinger mentioned in his Good Friday Stations meditations is all washed out of the Church, if it ever all can be.
We still have a way to go before the filth that then-Cardinal Ratzinger mentioned in his Good Friday Stations meditations is all washed out of the Church, if it ever all can be.
Frere Roger Given Catholic Funeral
Taize founder Frere Roger, though born a protestant, was given a Roman Catholic funeral Mass in accord with his own wishes.
I have seen speculation in various corners of St. Blog's that he was about to "Pope." However, the man was 90 years old. Talk about leaving deathbed conversions to the last minute!
He was murdered by a deranged woman who had applied to become a nun at several convents but was turned down because of mental instability.
I have seen speculation in various corners of St. Blog's that he was about to "Pope." However, the man was 90 years old. Talk about leaving deathbed conversions to the last minute!
He was murdered by a deranged woman who had applied to become a nun at several convents but was turned down because of mental instability.
Visitation To Be Headed By Archbishop O'Brien
Not Bishop Bruskewitz.
Archbishop O'Brien, in case the name isn't ringing any bells, heads up the US miltary chaplaincy.
Archbishop O'Brien, in case the name isn't ringing any bells, heads up the US miltary chaplaincy.
More Juventutem WYD Photos
A Dutch site this time.
Almost as baroque as it gets.
The official Juventutem site has really slipped from the good start it made in making WYD images available.
Almost as baroque as it gets.
The official Juventutem site has really slipped from the good start it made in making WYD images available.
The Holy Father's Underlying WYD Message:
The cafeteria is now closed. No more ordering a la carte off the menu.
Another WYD Photo Album
But this one is special. "Monsignor Ratzinger" took the time to lovingly compile every unflattering photo of the Holy Father from the 4-day event, and "our Papa Ratzi" posted them over at Musum Pontificalis.
Very funny. I'm sure we'll all pray to get him out of Hell for this.
Very funny. I'm sure we'll all pray to get him out of Hell for this.
Saint Sidonius Apollinaris
Today is the feast day of a saint I am very familiar with from my first medieval history class in college. We spent more than a week under Professor William Daly, who was preparing a scholarly biography of Sidonius, studying this saint as a case study in the "fall" of the Roman Empire and the transition to early medieval Europe.
The following brief biography is from Catholic Exchange's Saint of the Day feature:
I find helpful this more detailed essay by Erik Goldberg on how Sidonius was typical of Gallo-Romans who, once the structure of Empire collapsed, came to identify with the Romanitas of the orthodox Catholic Church against the ascendant Arian barbarians taking power around them. A more secularist view of Saint Sidonius' career can be found in this essay by Lynn Harry Nelson, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at the University of Kansas.
I've often liked to compare Saint Sidonius with the slightly earlier Gallo-Roman nobleman Ausonius of Bordeaux. Ausonius was also a poet. His work is correct in form, but often base in subject. He went through the hoops held out for a nobleman from the provinces on the make. But he achieved nothing of value. He could see the end coming for his way of life, and lamented it. But was too busy with his Germanic slave/mistress to rouse himself or his contemporaries to defend his way of life. Sidonius, on the other hand, after becoming Bishop of Clermont, organized resistance to the Arian Goths, at first in the name of holding the Empire together, and later in the cause of the trinitarian Catholic Faith.
He was just too late to stop the process, and too early to see his cause triumph, in a way, via the conquest by the orthodox Clovis and his Franks. Judge Robert Bork, in Slouching Towards Gomorrah, discussed the negative example of Ausonius. The more pro-active response of Sidonius is not mentioned. Those of us who see civilization being rent to tatters around us by modern barbarians engendered from within our own society have much to contemplate from the Fall of Rome, Sidonius, and Ausonius.
Cathlic Exchange offers a prayer to Saint Sidonius Apollinaris. Professor Daly would be pleased to see one of his former students invoking Sidonius' aid:
The following brief biography is from Catholic Exchange's Saint of the Day feature:
Caius Sollius Apollinaris Sidonius was born on November 5, 430, in Lyons, Gaul to a noble family. He was educated at Arles and was a student of Claudianus Mamertus of Vienne. Later, he married a woman named Papianilla, a daughter of Avitus, who became Emperor in the year 455.
St. Sidonius lived at the imperial court at Rome, served under many emperors and later became prefect of Rome in 468. The following year, however, after retiring to the life of a country gentleman, he was named bishop of Avernum (Clermont) against his will, because the people felt he was the only one able to defend the Roman prestige against the Goths.
A prolific writer, he was quickly recognized as a leading ecclesiastical authority. He became a benefactor of monks, gave much of his wealth to charities, and provided food to thousands during a great famine. He led the populace against King Euric of the Goths, but was defeated. Cleremont was overtaken and Sidonius exiled. He returned in 476 and spent the remainder of his days in Cleremont speaking and writing. Many of his masterful poems exist to this day.
I find helpful this more detailed essay by Erik Goldberg on how Sidonius was typical of Gallo-Romans who, once the structure of Empire collapsed, came to identify with the Romanitas of the orthodox Catholic Church against the ascendant Arian barbarians taking power around them. A more secularist view of Saint Sidonius' career can be found in this essay by Lynn Harry Nelson, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at the University of Kansas.
I've often liked to compare Saint Sidonius with the slightly earlier Gallo-Roman nobleman Ausonius of Bordeaux. Ausonius was also a poet. His work is correct in form, but often base in subject. He went through the hoops held out for a nobleman from the provinces on the make. But he achieved nothing of value. He could see the end coming for his way of life, and lamented it. But was too busy with his Germanic slave/mistress to rouse himself or his contemporaries to defend his way of life. Sidonius, on the other hand, after becoming Bishop of Clermont, organized resistance to the Arian Goths, at first in the name of holding the Empire together, and later in the cause of the trinitarian Catholic Faith.
He was just too late to stop the process, and too early to see his cause triumph, in a way, via the conquest by the orthodox Clovis and his Franks. Judge Robert Bork, in Slouching Towards Gomorrah, discussed the negative example of Ausonius. The more pro-active response of Sidonius is not mentioned. Those of us who see civilization being rent to tatters around us by modern barbarians engendered from within our own society have much to contemplate from the Fall of Rome, Sidonius, and Ausonius.
Cathlic Exchange offers a prayer to Saint Sidonius Apollinaris. Professor Daly would be pleased to see one of his former students invoking Sidonius' aid:
St. Sidonius, you were a gentleman of great wealth and prestige who could easily have fallen prey to pride and selfishness as so many do. Instead, you remained compassionate and generous to those in need. We thank you, St. Sidonius, for your contribution to the world. We ask for your prayers that we may be ever mindful of others in need as well as careful not to fall victim to selfishness, greed and power..
Amen
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Archdiocese Strikes Again
Another Catholic parochial school told not to re-open two weeks before school starts.
More kids in tears. More parents madder than wet hens.
Good timing continues to earn good PR and help people feel warm and fuzzy about the Archdiocese of Boston!
In a few years, the last 6 Catholics in Boston will be celebrating Mass in space they have to rent from the Episcopalians, because the Archdiocese has closed all our churches. Beancounting is no way to run a religion.
More kids in tears. More parents madder than wet hens.
Good timing continues to earn good PR and help people feel warm and fuzzy about the Archdiocese of Boston!
In a few years, the last 6 Catholics in Boston will be celebrating Mass in space they have to rent from the Episcopalians, because the Archdiocese has closed all our churches. Beancounting is no way to run a religion.
The King of Old Boston On-Line Photo Essays
Medieval Boston features great images of old (pre-"Urban Renewal") Boston and shows how much history and culture was destroyed in the name of making money for politically connected developers and giving avant garde city "planners" a venue to play with. It highlights what Russell Kirk said about the destructive power of the automobile on urban architecture.
What pitiful replacements City Hall Plaza, and Charles River Park are for Scollay Square and the West End neighborhood!
North Street, formerly a major connector between the North End and Downtown.
Big hat tip to Mark Sullivan at Irish Elk for finding this gem.
Read Russell Kirk's The Architecture of Servitude and Boredom for a fuller view of what "Urban Renewal" has butchered.
What pitiful replacements City Hall Plaza, and Charles River Park are for Scollay Square and the West End neighborhood!
North Street, formerly a major connector between the North End and Downtown.
Big hat tip to Mark Sullivan at Irish Elk for finding this gem.
Read Russell Kirk's The Architecture of Servitude and Boredom for a fuller view of what "Urban Renewal" has butchered.
Some Juventutem WYD Photos
For those disappointed that the images were not updated daily on the Juventutem website, here are some images from the Mass with Archbishop Haas, from the Polish contingent.
Found via In Illo Tempore.
Found via In Illo Tempore.
Cell Phone Idiots
Read what Christus Vincit has to say about the obnoxious jerks who leave their cell phones on while they are in church.
If Dante had only known about the technology, I'm sure he would have envisioned a special place in Satan's Inferno for these people.
If Dante had only known about the technology, I'm sure he would have envisioned a special place in Satan's Inferno for these people.
Today's Catholic Cultural Heritage Image
Not all the great Catholic churches in the US are right on the East Coast. Cincinnati's Old Saint Mary's is a parish with a history almost as old as the oldest Boston area parishes, and The Catholic Monarchist tells us something about the history of its altar.
Young and "Ultradevout" Catholics
In Bael Na M Blath In the Year '22
Eighty-three years ago today, Michael Collins, driving force of Irish independence and first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Army was murdered in an ambush by the IRA. Collins had been instrumental in negotiating the treaty by which Britain recognized the Irish Free State within the Commonwealth and in urging Irish voters to accept the treaty. But the IRA and de Valera, demanding a complete break no matter what the realities, would not be satisfied with the results of the election, and began a civil war in the summer of 1922.
Collins, a native of Cork, was driving along rural areas in an inspection tour to gauge sentiment and to do some secret negotiation with the IRA. In fact, he was travelling under a guarantee of safe conduct from the IRA. He was certain that he was safe in his own home county.
In Bael na m Blath, the small convoy was ambushed. Collins took cover behind his car. The attack lost steam, and Collins' guard began to take the initiative. Just then, Collins stood up to either order his men to go up into the hills after the attackers, or call on the partisans to surrender. He was shot through the head. Ireland was doomed to 50 years of corruption and stagnation under de Valera and his successors.
The story has a personal side for me. My grandfather (who was from Ennis, Co. Clare) had taken the British civil service exam with Collins and the two became friends. Granddad Fitzpatrick was a golf professional, but worked for the Royal Postal Service in Co. Clare as his day job. Collins took a job with the postal service in London.
They went their separate ways during the Great War, with Collins agitating and becoming a leader in the Easter Rebellion. My grandfather joined his brothers in enlisting in the Connaught Rangers and fighting on the Western Front (and become a gas casualty at the Battle of Ypres).
After the treaty was approved, Collins sent my grandfather a signed photo clipped out of the newspaper of himself in his new uniform as Commander-in-Chief. Collins was murdered within ten days. Ten days after that, my grandfather and grandmother decamped for America. The photo of Collins is one of my family's treasured possessions.
Read more about Collins at this Fine Gael Party website.
Collins, a native of Cork, was driving along rural areas in an inspection tour to gauge sentiment and to do some secret negotiation with the IRA. In fact, he was travelling under a guarantee of safe conduct from the IRA. He was certain that he was safe in his own home county.
In Bael na m Blath, the small convoy was ambushed. Collins took cover behind his car. The attack lost steam, and Collins' guard began to take the initiative. Just then, Collins stood up to either order his men to go up into the hills after the attackers, or call on the partisans to surrender. He was shot through the head. Ireland was doomed to 50 years of corruption and stagnation under de Valera and his successors.
The story has a personal side for me. My grandfather (who was from Ennis, Co. Clare) had taken the British civil service exam with Collins and the two became friends. Granddad Fitzpatrick was a golf professional, but worked for the Royal Postal Service in Co. Clare as his day job. Collins took a job with the postal service in London.
They went their separate ways during the Great War, with Collins agitating and becoming a leader in the Easter Rebellion. My grandfather joined his brothers in enlisting in the Connaught Rangers and fighting on the Western Front (and become a gas casualty at the Battle of Ypres).
After the treaty was approved, Collins sent my grandfather a signed photo clipped out of the newspaper of himself in his new uniform as Commander-in-Chief. Collins was murdered within ten days. Ten days after that, my grandfather and grandmother decamped for America. The photo of Collins is one of my family's treasured possessions.
Read more about Collins at this Fine Gael Party website.
Queenship Of Mary
This feast, decreed by Pope Pius XII, replaced the Feast of the Immaculate Heart on August 22nd (the Octave of the Assumption), when the Immaculate Heart was moved to the Saturday following the Feast of the Sacred Heart, thus unifying the feasts of the two hearts.
Regina caeli, laetare: alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare: alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit: alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum: alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria: alleluia,
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere: alleluia.
Oremus
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut, per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Regina caeli, laetare: alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare: alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit: alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum: alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria: alleluia,
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere: alleluia.
Oremus
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut, per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Our Lady of Knock
If today were not Sunday, it would be the feast of Our Lady of Knock. Thanks to Der Tommissar for sending me a reminder.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Knock, one of the better-documented Marian apparitions of modern times.
In Knock, County Mayo, on August 21st, 1879, The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of the parish church to 15 people over a period of 2 hours. Two ecclesiastical commissions have looked into the Knock apparition, and have endorsed it as authentic.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II said Mass in Knock. Knock has become, after Lourdes and Fatima, the most popular Marian pilgrimage site.
Knock's official website is here.
Here are the words to the hymn honoring the Blessed Mother's appearance at Knock, in both English and Gaelic.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Knock, one of the better-documented Marian apparitions of modern times.
In Knock, County Mayo, on August 21st, 1879, The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of the parish church to 15 people over a period of 2 hours. Two ecclesiastical commissions have looked into the Knock apparition, and have endorsed it as authentic.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II said Mass in Knock. Knock has become, after Lourdes and Fatima, the most popular Marian pilgrimage site.
Knock's official website is here.
Here are the words to the hymn honoring the Blessed Mother's appearance at Knock, in both English and Gaelic.
This One Had Me ROFLing
A Perfect Story For This Sunday
The Gospel reading in the normative mode of the Latin Rite today is Our Lord giving Peter the Keys of the Kingdom and the binding and loosing power. And today is the vigil of the feast of the Queenship of Mary (in the traditional calendar, August 22nd is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart).
This comes from Our Lady of the Rosary Apostolate (part of a series of inspirational stories originally published in 19th and early 20th century American Catholic publications that they are reprinting):
The Hail, Mary Of A Protestant
This comes from Our Lady of the Rosary Apostolate (part of a series of inspirational stories originally published in 19th and early 20th century American Catholic publications that they are reprinting):
The Hail, Mary Of A Protestant
A little six-year-old Protestant boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer "Hail Mary." He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day. "Look, Mommy, what a beautiful prayer," he said to his mother one day.
"Never again say it," answered the mother. "It is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who adore idols and think Mary a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. Come on, take this Bible and read it. It contains everything that we are bound to do and have to do." From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily "Hail Mary" and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead.
One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady. Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: "Mommy, I have found the 'Hail Mary' in the Bible which says: 'Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.' Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?"
On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary and the wonderful canticle MAGNIFICAT in which Mary foretold that "the generations would call her blessed."
He said no more about it to his mother but started to recite the "Hail Mary" every day as before. He felt pleasure in addressing those charming words to the Mother of Jesus, our Savior.
When he was fourteen, he one day heard a discussion on Our Lady among the members of his family. Every one said that Mary was a common woman like any other woman. The boy, after listening to their erroneous reasoning could not bear it any longer, and full of indignation, he interrupted them, saying:
"Mary is not like any other children of Adam, stained with sin. No! The Angel called her FULL OF GRACE AND BLESSED AMONGST WOMEN. Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ and consequently Mother of God. There is no higher dignity to which a creature can be raised. The Gospel says that the generations will proclaim her blessed and you are trying to despise her and look down on her. Your spirit is not the spirit of the Gospel or of the Bible which you proclaim to be the foundation of the Christian religion."
So deep was the impression which the boy's talk had made that his mother many times cried out sorrowfully: "Oh my God! I fear that this son of mine will one day join the Catholic religion, the religion of Popes!" And indeed, not very long afterwards, having made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism, the boy found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles.
Some time after his conversion, he met his married sister who rebuked him and said indignantly: "You little know how much I love my children. Should any one of them desire to become a Catholic, I would sooner pierce his heart with a dagger than allow him to embrace the religion of the Popes!"
Her anger and temper were as furious as those of St. Paul before his conversion. However, she would change her ways, just as St. Paul did on his way to Damascus. It so happened that one of her sons fell dangerously ill and the doctors gave up hope of recovery. Her brother then approached her and spoke to her affectionately, saying:
"My dear sister, you naturally wish to have your child cured. Very well, then, do what I ask you to do. Follow me, let us pray one 'Hail Mary' and promise God that, if your son recovers his health, you would seriously study the Catholic doctrine, and should you come to the conclusion that Catholicism is the only true religion, you would embrace it no matter what the sacrifices may be."
His sister was somewhat reluctant at the beginning, but as she wished for her son's recovery, she accepted her brother's proposal and recited the "Hail Mary" together with him. The next day her son was completely cured. The mother fulfilled her promise and she studied the Catholic doctrine. After long preparation she received Baptism together with her whole family, thanking her brother for being an apostle to her.
The story was related during a sermon given by the Rev. Fr. Tuckwell. "Brethren," he went on and said, "the boy who became a Catholic and converted his sister to Catholicism dedicated his whole life to the service of God. He is the priest who is speaking to you now! What I am I owe to Our Lady. You, too, my dear brethren, be entirely dedicated also to Our Lady and never let a day pass without saying the beautiful prayer, 'Hail Mary', and your Rosary. Ask her to enlighten the minds of Protestants who are separated from the true Church of Christ founded on the Rock (Peter) and 'against whom the gates of hell shall never prevail.'"
A Dominican Moment
Putting together two unrelated postings at different St. Blog's sites.
This image of Dominican saints adoring the Crucified Lord that I found over at Cyntr.
And this Dominican Joke from Donegal Express:
And I would never have made any connection, but for the accident of the two blogs being a few places apart in my list of links.
This image of Dominican saints adoring the Crucified Lord that I found over at Cyntr.
And this Dominican Joke from Donegal Express:
Two men considering a religious vocation were having a conversation.
“What is similar about the Jesuit and Dominican Orders? ” the one asked.
The second replied, “Well, they were both founded by Spaniards — St.
Dominic for the Dominicans, and St. Ignatius of Loyola for the Jesuits.
They were also both founded to combat heresy — the Dominicans to fight
the Albigenisians, and the Jesuits to fight the Protestants.”
“So what is different about the Jesuit and Dominican Orders?”
“Met any Albigenisians lately?"
And I would never have made any connection, but for the accident of the two blogs being a few places apart in my list of links.
Sox Still Holding On, And the Rotation Is Stronger
Since the last time I checked the standings, the Boston Red Sox are still holding a 3-game lead in the AL East over the Yankees. Toronto is 7.5 games back, with Baltimore now a dismal 10.5 back. The Devil Dogs are bringing up the rear, and face mathematical elimination very soon.
The big news is that ace starter Curt Schilling, who has been injured most of this year, and has been doing yeoman duty in the bullpen after his rehabilition (because Keith Foulke, the ace reliever, has been down with an injury) is returning to the starting rotation.
The big news is that ace starter Curt Schilling, who has been injured most of this year, and has been doing yeoman duty in the bullpen after his rehabilition (because Keith Foulke, the ace reliever, has been down with an injury) is returning to the starting rotation.
Are We Going Back To Two Confiteors At Mass?
If I. Shawn McElhinney's correspondent is correct, we are.
And I like that. It takes care of the venial sins we have been entertaining during the course of the Mass as our mind wanders and thoughts inspired by anger, pride, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, and covetousness inevitably pass through, perhaps being entertained for a few minutes.
I also like the old form, with the confession to "Almighty God, Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and All the Saints." Though the translation I memorized says, "all the angels and saints."
Even better news is that the Credo translation is being reformed, so that, as the Latin says, "I believe" not "we believe."
I don't know what the other people in the congregation believe deep in their hearts, nor do they know what I believe. Belief is not a communal statement, but personal. Likewise, salvation is a personal, individual matter, not a communal matter. My salvation is what matters to me. If everyone else in the congregation ends up among the blessed in Heaven, great. But that is their business, not mine, except to the extent that I have to live a good Christian life that includes setting examples for them. I don't want to be responsible for what others believe or associate myself in what they believe. It is enough for me to know what I believe. And ultimately I will be held responsible for my adherence and submission to the Twelve Articles of Faith, not the adherence and submission of the lady in the next pew.
"Et cum spiritu tuo" is finally getting a proper translation! This is another immensely good thing. The response to "Dominus vobiscum" ("The Lord be with thee"), is not "And also with you," as we have been saying for 35 years. If it was, the Latin original would have been "Et etiam tecum." But it is not. It is "And with thy (or your) spirit," as any first-year Latin student ought to be able to tell you.
So keep the fingers crossed on this count, too.
And I like that. It takes care of the venial sins we have been entertaining during the course of the Mass as our mind wanders and thoughts inspired by anger, pride, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, and covetousness inevitably pass through, perhaps being entertained for a few minutes.
I also like the old form, with the confession to "Almighty God, Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and All the Saints." Though the translation I memorized says, "all the angels and saints."
Even better news is that the Credo translation is being reformed, so that, as the Latin says, "I believe" not "we believe."
I don't know what the other people in the congregation believe deep in their hearts, nor do they know what I believe. Belief is not a communal statement, but personal. Likewise, salvation is a personal, individual matter, not a communal matter. My salvation is what matters to me. If everyone else in the congregation ends up among the blessed in Heaven, great. But that is their business, not mine, except to the extent that I have to live a good Christian life that includes setting examples for them. I don't want to be responsible for what others believe or associate myself in what they believe. It is enough for me to know what I believe. And ultimately I will be held responsible for my adherence and submission to the Twelve Articles of Faith, not the adherence and submission of the lady in the next pew.
"Et cum spiritu tuo" is finally getting a proper translation! This is another immensely good thing. The response to "Dominus vobiscum" ("The Lord be with thee"), is not "And also with you," as we have been saying for 35 years. If it was, the Latin original would have been "Et etiam tecum." But it is not. It is "And with thy (or your) spirit," as any first-year Latin student ought to be able to tell you.
So keep the fingers crossed on this count, too.
Keep Your Fingers Crossed
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam is reporting that Bishop Bruskewitz will be chairing the Apostolic Visitation of US seminaries.
Great news, if it is true. But there is no confirmation yet.
Can't think of a single American bishop I would prefer to see doing this
Great news, if it is true. But there is no confirmation yet.
Can't think of a single American bishop I would prefer to see doing this
Mass For A Million: A World Youth Day 2005 Photo Essay
The Holy Father ended the World Youth Day pilgrimage with Mass for about a million people at the Marienfeld (Mary's Field), a former open coal mine. His homily urged young people to not pick and choose what they want from religion, or come up a do-it-yourself spirituality, but to remain true to the true Faith.
All photos courtesy of the Associated Press
Absolution being given Saturday night
What a crowd of a million looks like from above
"But religion constructed on a 'do-it-yourself' basis cannot ultimately help us. Help people to discover the true star which points out the way to us: Jesus Christ."
"We entrust to the maternal guidance of Mary most holy, the future course of the young people of the whole world."
"Freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness so that we ourselves can become true and good."
"Even in traditionally Catholic areas, the teaching of religion and catechesis do not always manage to forge lasting bonds between young people and the church community."
A pilgrim like my fathers
"At the celebration of the Eucharist, we find ourselves in the “hour” of Jesus, to use the language of John’s Gospel. Through the Eucharist this “hour” of Jesus becomes our own hour, his presence in our midst."
"If the Church tells us that the Eucharist is an essential part of Sunday, this is no mere positivism or thirst for power."
Next WYD: Sydney, Australia, 2008
I may post a few more pictures Monday, after I sort through the hundeds available.
All photos courtesy of the Associated Press
Absolution being given Saturday night
What a crowd of a million looks like from above
"But religion constructed on a 'do-it-yourself' basis cannot ultimately help us. Help people to discover the true star which points out the way to us: Jesus Christ."
"We entrust to the maternal guidance of Mary most holy, the future course of the young people of the whole world."
"Freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness so that we ourselves can become true and good."
"Even in traditionally Catholic areas, the teaching of religion and catechesis do not always manage to forge lasting bonds between young people and the church community."
A pilgrim like my fathers
"At the celebration of the Eucharist, we find ourselves in the “hour” of Jesus, to use the language of John’s Gospel. Through the Eucharist this “hour” of Jesus becomes our own hour, his presence in our midst."
"If the Church tells us that the Eucharist is an essential part of Sunday, this is no mere positivism or thirst for power."
Next WYD: Sydney, Australia, 2008
I may post a few more pictures Monday, after I sort through the hundeds available.
We Don't Need To Fear An Invasion of Vandals, Not When We Have the Archdiocese of Boston
From the Boston Herald (via Save Holy Trinity Yahoo Group).
No savior for Jesus as statue pulverized
By Marie Szaniszlo and Laura Crimaldi
Boston Herald
Friday, August 19, 2005 - Updated: 12:40 PM EST
Since he was 3 years old, Gloucester fisherman Jason Polisson could
look next door to the Sacred Heart Church and see a statue of Jesus
blessing every pedestrian, car and creature passing by.
Then one day earlier this month, Polisson, 53, was pulling in
his driveway after a fishing trip and heard a deafening ``rat-a-tat-
tat'' coming from the church next door.
``I walked up and they had taken the statue and pushed it off
and down on the ground and there was a young man jackhammering it. I
said, `What are you doing and who are you working for?' ''
The man told Polisson, a lifelong Catholic, he'd been told to
jackhammer the statue at the Washington Street church, which was
closed and merged with another parish this year by the financially
troubled Archdiocese of Boston.
``I just shook my head, I asked if I could have that statue, and
he said, `You know, I would rather have given it to you than doing
what I'm doing,' '' said Polisson.
The Boston archdiocese acknowledged yesterday the statue of
Jesus, which was described as having sustained ``serious damage,''
was destroyed after attempts to move it to another parish failed.
``When workers attempted to move it, they discovered the statue
was constructed around a core of steel-bar-reinforced cement through
its pedestal and into its foundation,'' church spokesman Terry
Donilon said in an e-mail.
``It is meant to keep the structure stable in spite of surface
deterioration. The workers could not cut through it, they could not
dig into it nor could they tip it onto a rigging. No one intended for
this to happen. It was impossible to move the statue intact and it
could not be left there as the property was changing hands,'' he
said.
Polisson rejected the archdiocese's explanation. He said he
asked the welcoming parish, Holy Family, and the Codman Group, the
property management company in charge of Sacred Heart, if he could
move the statue onto his property several weeks before it was
destroyed. He said he offered to take the statue in lieu of a $200
paycheck that the Codman Group owed him for snow plowing.
While the property management company never returned his call,
Polisson said Holy Family called back and said a new home had been
found for the statue.
``It was not deteriorated. I will guarantee you I could have
picked that up, lugged it over my shoulder and brought it into my
yard,'' he said.
