tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35555642012-01-27T09:27:08.586-05:00<img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/britishgrenadier/Banner%20Images/Irland6.jpg"><br> <br> <br> Lamenting nearly every moment lost<br> Since the end of the Fifteenth Century<br>G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comBlogger111561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-53769862414571150242012-01-27T09:20:00.002-05:002012-01-27T09:21:06.164-05:00

How Thick Is Your Bubble? » Make A QuizTip of the gold-laced cocked hat to Dale Price!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-59734870780608471542012-01-27T05:26:00.000-05:002012-01-27T09:27:08.589-05:00

The Golden Legend on this Doctor Of the ChurchSaint John Chrysostum, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-15183839997353633932012-01-27T05:22:00.001-05:002012-01-27T09:25:40.853-05:00

O God, Who didst will to hallow the standard of the life-giving Cross by the precious Blood of Thine only-begotten Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that they who rejoice in honoring the same holy Cross, may rejoice also in Thine ever-present protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-91883076647638810862012-01-25T05:17:00.000-05:002012-01-25T09:19:05.281-05:00

Gosh! It has been a month since Christmas. And Septuagesima is fast approaching: Super Bowl Sunday is also Septuagesima Sunday, and the Alleluia is deposited the night before.Saint Paul, please pray for us!Saint Peter, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-60308697825183206192012-01-21T05:39:00.000-05:002012-01-22T10:39:27.205-05:00

The Golden Legend on Saint AgnesSaint Agnes, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-82908778939848081102012-01-21T05:19:00.000-05:002012-01-22T10:24:43.374-05:00

O all-excelling, most glorious, most holy and ever inviolate Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, Queen of the whole world and Mistress of every creature; thou forsakest no one, thou despisest no one, thou sendest away disconsolate no one who comes to thee with a pure and lowly heart; despise me not for my countless grievous sins, neither forsake me for my exceeding iniquities, nor for

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-76760491158893997192012-01-20T06:37:00.000-05:002012-01-20T08:43:25.349-05:00

We offer Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of Mary, Thy mother and ours, as she stood beneath the Cross, in order that, by her tender intercession, we may obtain the happy fruits of Thy Passion and Death. Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-50543329695818009712012-01-20T05:29:00.000-05:002012-01-20T08:30:28.706-05:00

Saint Sebastian, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-17440800806781938482012-01-18T05:34:00.000-05:002012-01-18T08:34:35.215-05:00

V. Tu es Petrus.R. Et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.Saint Peter, please pray for us!Saint Paul, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-55629006796838315092012-01-17T05:06:00.000-05:002012-01-17T08:08:10.007-05:00

Today is the feast of the father of all monks living in community.See Catholic Tradition's page on him. Saint Anthony the Abbot, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-7379817131615606972012-01-15T05:07:00.000-05:002012-01-15T11:10:35.525-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:THE third Mystery of the Epiphany shows us the completion of the merciful designs of God upon the world, at the same time that it manifests to us, for the third time, the glory of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The star has led the soul to faith; the sanctified Waters of the Jordan have conferred purity upon her; the Marriage-Feast

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-81810232679161585542012-01-14T05:05:00.000-05:002012-01-14T05:05:00.775-05:00

This is the feast of a bishop, confessor, and Doctor of the Church, who lends his name to the academic term beginning in January each year: Hilary Term.Saint Hilary, pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-79183211388628628212012-01-13T05:50:00.002-05:002012-01-13T08:53:00.949-05:00

Today is the traditional date for the Baptism of the Lord, occurring on the Octave date of the Epiphany. It is the close the second part of the Christmas cycle of the liturgical year. The third part runs from St. Hilary's Day until Septuagesima Sunday. One of the things I dislike about the Ordinary Form is that it lends itself too much to spiritual laziness by making things too easy, by moving

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-57870149826310235732012-01-09T05:15:00.000-05:002012-01-09T10:15:32.628-05:00

Another Plough Monday, and the end of Christmas festivity and vacation for another year. One is reminded of the line from W. H. Auden's Christmas Oratorio, that, though we are now in the merry season of carnival, there is vague awareness of the "whiff of apprehension at the thought of Lent and Good Friday."Here is Auden in full:Well, so that is that. Now we must dismantle the tree,Putting the

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-11632128732722760122012-01-07T04:53:00.000-05:002012-01-07T17:23:37.336-05:00

O most excellent, most glorious, most holy and ever inviolate Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, Queen of the whole world and Mistress of every creature; thou forsakest no one, thou despisest no one, thou dismissest disconsolate no one who comes to thee with a pure and lowly heart; despise me not for my countless grievous sins, neither forsake me for my exceeding iniquities, nor for

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-87011692664849102402012-01-06T05:47:00.000-05:002012-01-06T05:47:00.675-05:00

In the US, the USCCB has moved Epiphany to the second Sunday after Christmas Day. But in the universal Church, January 6th remains Epiphany. And Epiphany at Recta Ratio always immediately follows Twelfth Night, not before, not after, no matter what the benighted American bishops vouchsafe to decree.Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1470-75, Florence, from the UffiziThe Golden

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-63581875957189022332012-01-05T05:40:00.000-05:002012-01-05T05:40:01.278-05:00

This is the last day of Christmas festivity. Tomorrow is Epiphany, which has a joy of its own. The wassail flows again tonight, and the enormous fruitcake, wrapped in layers of marzipan and iced in Royal Icing and often decorated, known as the Twelfth Cake is served. The Twelfth Cake itself was the center of games related to the feast. Symbolic items were hidden in the cake, much as with an

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-31208049413691154012012-01-05T05:36:00.000-05:002012-01-05T05:36:00.561-05:00

The Twelve Days Of ChristmasThe Three Kings

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-12793683389381892092012-01-05T05:34:00.000-05:002012-01-05T05:34:01.028-05:00

Saint John Neumann was part of the generation(s) when beauty in Catholic worship continued to mean something, and was sought out. When looking over some sites about Saint John, I came across a couple of images I wanted to share. Saint Philomena's, Pittsbugh, a church Saint John built on a wing and prayer, and precious little money in 1846.Exterior of Saint Alphonsus, Baltimore, a German parish

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-10880177486948775832012-01-04T09:02:00.003-05:002012-01-04T09:18:32.071-05:00

Have not said much about politics since Obama was elected. I have not been entirely satisfied with the Republican field, but felt better about some candidates than others. Bachmann is a waste of time, a complete non-starter. Perry might have been the man if he had not acted like a buffoon once in the national spotlight. I deeply distrust the judgment of libertarians in general and Ron Paul in

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-38847654097165645202012-01-04T05:20:00.000-05:002012-01-04T05:20:00.155-05:00

Maureen Hegarty, O Holy NightAnne Murray, Joy to the WorldMonteverdi Choir, Lo How A Rose E'er BloomingMaureen Hegarty, Ave Maria (Shubert)

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-90154627113530512222012-01-03T05:17:00.001-05:002012-01-03T05:17:00.478-05:00

The Chieftains with Burgess Meredith, Don Oiche Ud I mBeithilChoir Of Saint Paul's Cathedral, Once In Royal David's CityDavid Archuleta, Pat-A-PanFrederica von Stade & Kathleen Battle-I Wonder as I Wander, Mary Had a Baby It is back-to-work day, the modern equivalent of Plough Monday (which is traditionally observed next Monday) in the secular world, but Recta Ratio is still in full Christmas

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-31710939303877838222012-01-02T05:25:00.000-05:002012-01-02T17:26:55.838-05:00

Discourse On the Name of JesusFrom The Incarnation, Birth and Infancy of Jesus Christ, by Saint Alphonsus de LiguoriVocatum est nomen ejus Jesus."His Name was called Jesus."----St. Luke, 2:21.This great name of Jesus was not given by man, but by God himself; "The name of Jesus," says St. Bernard, "was first preordained by God." [1] It was a new name: A new Name, which the mouth of the Lord shall

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-63614070872525987522012-01-02T05:13:00.000-05:002012-01-02T17:15:35.567-05:00

Celtic Woman, Away In A MangerAndrea Bocelli, Angels We Have Heard On HighHark, The Herald Angels SingAndrea Bocelli, Adeste Fideles

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-65261305725242613282012-01-01T03:50:00.000-05:002012-01-01T03:50:00.316-05:00

Celtic Woman, The Wexford CarolVienna Boys' Choir, Still, Still, StillMannheim Steamroller, Master's In This HallNashville Early Music Ensemble, In Dulci Jubilo

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-11455894232608119182011-12-31T05:45:00.000-05:002011-12-31T05:45:00.101-05:00

The Clancy Brothers, The Lovely Far Off CityGeorge Winston, The Holly and the IvyThe Chieftains, The Holly She Bears A BerryJethro Tull, Bouree

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-32563498481467087572011-12-31T04:47:00.000-05:002011-12-31T04:47:02.043-05:00

My father, George Thomas Senior, died twenty-two years ago this morning. He had just returned from 9:30 Mass with my mother, and went around the corner to chip ice away from the door of an elderly neighbor. Moments later, there was a frantic phone call that he had collapsed. I dressed and rushed to the scene and arrived just in time to see the ambulance crew carry him in. Efforts to revive

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-52540628385292135212011-12-30T05:43:00.000-05:002011-12-30T05:43:01.257-05:00

Loreena McKennit, The Holly And the IvyCeltic Woman, In the Bleak Mid-Winter/The First NoelLoreena McKennit, The Gloucestershire WassailThe Clancy Brothers, Angels We Have Heard On High

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-15742564614800620192011-12-30T04:59:00.000-05:002011-12-30T04:59:00.126-05:00

What child is this, who, laid to rest,On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the king, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-78965267653937297252011-12-29T06:40:00.000-05:002011-12-29T06:40:00.182-05:00

Christmas with a French touch for today.Il Est NeLoreena McKennitt - Noël Nouvelet!Bring A Torch Jeanette, IsabellaPavarotti, O Holy NightThe Chieftains, The Breton Carol

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-55445581287036073972011-12-29T05:41:00.000-05:002011-12-29T05:41:00.622-05:00

From The Golden LegendFrom Catholic On LineRemember the especial vehemence with which English protestants attacked the cult of Saint Thomas a Becket, because Henry VIII saw it as a potential rallying point for anti-royal Catholic revolt. So celebrate this great martyred with special emphasis.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-18859806767151524782011-12-28T06:00:00.000-05:002011-12-28T06:00:07.919-05:00

The Deller Consort, It Came Upon A Midnight ClearThe Boar's Head Carol/Here We Come A'WassailingPavarotti, from the famous 1978 concert at Notre Dame du MontrealThe Clancy Brothers, The Christ Child Lullaby

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-70028587365001826592011-12-28T05:54:00.000-05:002011-12-28T05:54:00.242-05:00

The Coventry Carol1. Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,By, by, lully, lullay.Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.By, by, lully, lullay.2. O sisters, too, how may we do,For to preserve this day;This poor Youngling for whom we sing,By, by, lully, lullay.3. Herod the King, in his raging,Charged he hath this day;His men of might, in his own sight,All children young, to slay.4. Then woe is me, poor Child, for

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-45708034872619368592011-12-27T05:52:00.001-05:002011-12-27T05:52:57.983-05:00

Annie Lennox, God Rest Ye Merry, GentlemenBangers and Mash and Fezziwigger Dancers, Sir Roger de CoverleyThe Clancy Brothers, The Holly Bears A BerryThe Chieftains, Past Three O'Clock

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-91313076230605720002011-12-27T05:50:00.000-05:002011-12-27T05:51:04.920-05:00

This is the feast of one of my special patrons, Saint John the Evangelist. John is my confirmation name. From The Golden LegendA prayer to Our Blessed Lady and to her adopted son, Saint John (translation by Michael W. Martin):O IntemerataO UNSPOTTED and forever blessed, unique and incomparable virgin Mary, Mother of God, most graceful temple of God, sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, gate of the

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-66777790099482627452011-12-26T05:47:00.001-05:002011-12-27T05:48:08.183-05:00

Liam Clancy in an early solo versionAnd just so that your Irish Christmas needs don't go unfulfilled, here are the Clancy Brothers singing Jingle Bells In Gaelic:The Chieftains, The Bells Of DublinThe Clancy Brothers, Curoo, CurooTHIS JUST IN:The West Clare Wren Boys. West Clare: I wonder if the assembly includes any Fitzpatricks from Lahinch, or Shanahans from Letterkelly

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-9606863611743990342011-12-26T05:43:00.001-05:002011-12-27T05:45:53.154-05:00

The Catholic EncyclopediaThe Golden LegendSaint Stephen, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-5398594141753861002011-12-25T05:39:00.000-05:002011-12-27T05:39:52.643-05:00

Sting, I Saw Three ShipsCeltic Woman, Carol Of the BellsThe Clancy Brothers, Christmas In CarrickMannheim Steamroller, Silent Night

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-83771709780277582222011-12-24T05:36:00.000-05:002011-12-27T05:37:32.597-05:00

For me, Christmas Eve is the holiest time of the year, saving only the Easter Triduum. It is a time for beginning the Christmas feast, after the first Christmas Masses have been said. It is the occasion for opening a single Christmas Eve gift, for reading the Nativity Story, for putting the Chrisat Child in the crib, for lighted candles, enjoying the Christmas Tree, and the most treasured

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-72048513212461431882011-12-23T05:09:00.000-05:002011-12-23T05:09:00.597-05:00

December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God! Latin version: O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster. From Godzdogz:

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-41669067255642639042011-12-22T05:07:00.000-05:002011-12-22T05:07:00.553-05:00

December 22 O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth! Latin version: O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-28231037566876706532011-12-21T09:09:00.001-05:002011-12-21T09:10:37.271-05:00

You might have noticed that, unlike in some past years, I have been very good here, scarcely mentioning Christmas throughout Advent. No posts devoted to Christmas videos, or Christmas Cookie recipes, or Santa Claus retrospectives, or antique Christmas postcards, no serializations of Washington Irving, or Dickens, not even a mention of Colonial Williamsburg decorations. So I've been wicked good

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-63546911831623701652011-12-21T09:06:00.000-05:002011-12-21T09:06:00.560-05:00

December 21 O Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death! Latin version: O Oriens, splendor lucis æternæ, et sol justitiæ: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-86223374467457537662011-12-21T08:19:00.000-05:002011-12-21T09:20:31.996-05:00

I'm pretty abstemious in my personal habits. A bottle of 18 year old single malt scotch can last me 2 years. But there are a few occasions when I will moderately indulge, and the Twelve Days of Christmas are one of them. I have an eggnog recipe coming at you in the next couple of days, and it is very easy to make, but today I want to post some other choices.Smoking Bishop Punch6 Clementines1/2

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-51214084789777687882011-12-21T07:18:00.000-05:002011-12-21T09:18:46.138-05:00

Honey Cookies1C butter1C sugar2 eggs2 C honey2/3 C water7 C flour4 t baking soda3 t cream of tartar1 t salt1 T cinnamon1 t ginger1 t nutmegCream the butter and sugar. Add eggs, honey, & water. Add flour to baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, & spices. Add the dry mix to the creamed mix. Blend thoroughly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick and cut to desired shapes. place on

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-36683896311937467122011-12-21T05:12:00.001-05:002011-12-21T05:12:01.460-05:00

Today is the feast in the traditional ordo of one of my primary patrons, Saint Thomas the Apostle.Saint Thomas, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-55922493406589723812011-12-20T06:03:00.000-05:002011-12-20T06:03:00.464-05:00

December 20 O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Latin version: O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-86415678664235281042011-12-19T06:02:00.000-05:002011-12-19T06:02:00.695-05:00

December 19 O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry. Latin version: O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem Gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-70039085760160302622011-12-18T05:59:00.000-05:002011-12-18T05:59:00.480-05:00

December 18 O Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm! Latin version: O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammæ rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento. From Godzdogz:

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-8125197919667323052011-12-18T05:21:00.001-05:002011-12-18T05:21:00.329-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:(If this Sunday fall on December 24, it is omitted, and in its place is said the Office of Christmas Eve)We have now entered into the week which immediately precedes the birth of the Messias. That long-desired coming might be even tomorrow; and at furthest, that is, when Advent is as long as it can be, the beautiful feast is only seven

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-87567803616553113512011-12-17T06:31:00.001-05:002011-12-17T06:31:01.234-05:00

Last Ember Day until after Ash Wednesaday 2012!Lots of Lessons in today's Mass readings.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-69733106567009056532011-12-17T05:53:00.001-05:002011-12-17T05:53:00.416-05:00

December 17 O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence! O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ. From Godzdogz:

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-60799744216314035722011-12-17T05:36:00.001-05:002011-12-17T05:36:01.456-05:00

Ave, Solomon's Throne!Pure Ark of the lawfair Rainbow and Bush,which the patriarch saw!Ave, Gideon's Fleece!Ave, blossoming Rod!Samson's sweet Honeycomb!Portal of God!Well-fitting it wasthat a Son so divineshould preserve from all touchof original sin.Nor suffer by smallestdefect to be stainedthat Mother, whom Hefor Himself had ordained.Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-68007178834016653222011-12-16T05:29:00.000-05:002011-12-16T08:31:16.993-05:00

After a one-day break for Thursday, we are back to the Embertide regimen of intense prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and abstinence as we mark the change from Autumn to Winter and prepare for the coming of the Lord at Christmas.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-24426274744972751462011-12-16T05:04:00.000-05:002011-12-16T08:28:26.942-05:00

Prayer by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori:Behold, my Jesus, at Thy feet the ungrateful sinner, the persecutor who kept Thee in continual affliction during all Thy life. Rut I will say to Thee with Isaias: But Thou hast delivered my soul that it should not perish; Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. I have offended Thee, I have pierced Thee through with all my sins; but Thou hast not refused to

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-17934775359813280672011-12-15T05:58:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:02:30.704-05:00

It is not an Ember Day. Thursday is never included in Embertide, even though the Wednesday and Friday bracketing it are. This is because Our Lord celebrated the first Mass on Maundy Thursday. Sort of the same thing as Sunday never being a fast day because He rose on a Sunday. Eat that beef and chicken today, because the next two days are days of fasting and abstinence.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-10199237243963662862011-12-14T05:27:00.002-05:002011-12-14T08:29:09.987-05:00

Today is the beginning of the Advent Embertide, as the Church marks the passing of Autumn and coming oif Winter, and intensifies its preparation for the great feast of Christmas with days of specially intense prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and abstinence.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-59850893032468221342011-12-14T04:30:00.001-05:002011-12-14T04:30:02.007-05:00

Advent Edition Part 3: The O Antiphons by the Dominican Friars of Blackfriars, England via their YouTube channel, Godzdogz.O Sapientia, December 17thO Adonai, December 18thO Radix Jesse, December 19thO Clavis David, December 20thO Oriens, December 21stO Rex Gentium, December 22ndO Emmanuel, December 23rd

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-42944585727463575632011-12-13T05:56:00.000-05:002011-12-12T07:38:47.575-05:00

From The Golden LegendSanta Lucia customs. Scroll down for lots of links.St. Lucia's Saffron BreadOn December 13 people in Sweden celebrate St. Lucy's Day. They remember how Lucia, a young girl, brought food to persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs in Rome during the time of Emperor Diocletian. In order that she could carry the food and see where she was going in the dark, Lucia wore

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-75303900340100702452011-12-12T06:40:00.000-05:002011-12-12T07:42:58.505-05:00

Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week constitute the Advent Embertide, special days marking the change of season from Fall to Winter, and in preparation for the major feast of Christmas. Ember Days feature fasting, abstinence, and increased prayer and almsgiving.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-38107343431634147492011-12-12T05:58:00.000-05:002011-12-12T07:39:14.098-05:00

Read about this feast of Our Blessed Lady at Catholic Tradition.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-48743258585333407702011-12-11T05:38:00.003-05:002011-12-11T05:38:00.441-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:Today, again, the Church is full of joy, and the joy is greater than it was. It is true that her Lord has not come; but she feels that He is nearer than before, and therefore she thinks it just to lessen somewhat the austerity of this penitential season by the innocent cheerfulness of her sacred rites. And first this Sunday has had the

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-37818680884761960932011-12-10T05:51:00.000-05:002011-12-10T05:51:00.275-05:00

Taken from His Favorite Prayers: St. John Neumann, C.SS.R.O my Mother Mary, Mother of God, turn not thine eyes from me on account of my sins. I desire to love thee as a little child. I am not worthy that thou shouldst think of me. How can I say that I love thee when my sinful life proves the contrary. I weep but what do such tears as mine avail me. Are they tears of penance? Alas, how

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-42113673632172583952011-12-09T06:50:00.000-05:002011-12-09T09:50:57.550-05:00

December 9th is the anniversary of his death, and presumably will be his feast day if he is officially canonized.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-43916888031653406672011-12-09T05:44:00.001-05:002011-12-09T09:48:09.297-05:00

Prayer by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori:My beloved Redeemer, I am also one of those ungrateful wretches who have repaid Thy immense love, Thy sorrows, and Thy death, with offences and contempt. O my dearest Jesus! how is it possible that, seeing as Thou didst the ingratitude that I should show Thee for all Thy mercies, Thou couldst yet love me so much, and resolve to endure so much contempt and

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-61026654699438660202011-12-08T05:34:00.000-05:002011-12-08T05:34:00.369-05:00

Today is one of the principal feasts of Our Blessed Lady, and a Holy Day of ObligationFrom Dom Prosper Gueranger's The Liturgical Year.Prayer For the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius XIIEnraptured by the splendor of thy heavenly beauty, and impelled by the anxieties of the world, we cast ourselves into thine arms, O Immacuate Mother of Jesus and our Mother, Mary, confident of finding in thy

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-17352034764033558502011-12-07T05:32:00.000-05:002011-12-07T05:32:01.116-05:00

The Catholic EncyclopediaThe Golden LegendThis prayer of his is a weekly part of my prayer life, as I pray it before Mass, even though I only communicate sacramentally 2-3 times per year.Saint Ambrose's Prayer Before the Most Blessed SacramentO loving Lord Jesus Christ, I a sinner, presuming not on my own merits, but trusting in Thy mercy and goodness, with fear and trembling approach the table

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-73024253855613053202011-12-07T04:28:00.000-05:002011-12-07T04:28:01.303-05:00

Advent Edition Part 2Pia Skibdahl, Benedictus Es DomineSchola Cantorum Riga, Veni Redemptor Gentium Lorena McKennitt, Veni, Veni EmannuelJohn Williams, Wachet AufTe Lucis Ante TerminumIntroit For the Second Sunday Of AdventChoir Of King's College Cambridge, The Cherry Tree CarolIntroit For the Third Sunday Of AdventNext week: All the O Antiphons (though I will still publish one each day while

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-71230504862200006212011-12-06T05:31:00.000-05:002011-12-06T05:31:00.690-05:00

Today is the feast of probably the most popular saint in Christendom, the patron of children, young people, poor people, prisoners, thieves, murderers, pawnbrokers, and those seeking marriage, Saint Nicholas of Myra.This is what The Golden Legend has to say about him.The Saint Nicholas Center is your go-to resource on Good Saint Nicholas.Wilson's Almanac also has a great deal of good material.On

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-57107463440871852412011-12-04T05:34:00.000-05:002011-12-04T05:34:00.159-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:The History Of AdventThe name Advent (From the Latin word Adventus, which signifies a coming) is applied, in the Latin Church, to that period of the year, during which the Church requires the faithful to prepare for the celebration of the feast of Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. The mystery of that great day had

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-78052379367153848602011-12-04T05:06:00.000-05:002011-12-04T05:06:00.261-05:00

It would be liturgically observed as the Feast of Saint Barbara!Here is what The Catholic Encyclopedia has to say about the patroness of artillerists.Happy Feast of Saint Barbara to all my gunner friends in the Royal Artillery, the Royal Irish Artillery, and those who have served and are serving in the Artillery branch of the United States ArmySaint Barbara, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-62276757452303075132011-12-03T05:07:00.001-05:002011-12-03T13:13:05.146-05:00

Hail, Queen of the Heavens!Hail, Mistress of earth!Hail, Virgin most pureof immaculate birth!Clear star of the morningin beauty enshrined!O Lady make speedto the help of mankind. Thee God in the depthof eternity chose;and formed thee all fair,as His glorious spouse; And called thee His Word'sown Mother to be,by Whom He createdthe earth, sky, and sea.Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-34904337716081231012011-12-03T05:05:00.000-05:002011-12-03T05:05:01.074-05:00

Read what The Catholic Encyclopedia has to say about this great missionary and apostle.BTW, his last name is properly pronounced in English "Zaahviar," or "Zaahviah" if you speak with with a Boston accent. It is never "ExAvier." The X is always pronounced like a Z. You can trust me on this one. I went to a prep school run by the Xaverian Brothers, and for 3 of my four years, my Latin class

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-30918739675289047992011-12-02T05:39:00.001-05:002011-12-02T08:54:16.360-05:00

Stir up Thy might, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come so that we may be rescued by Thy protection from the danger of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance.Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-33482252635388620572011-12-02T05:03:00.000-05:002011-12-02T05:03:00.283-05:00

The Catholic Encyclopedia on this Roman martyr.Saint Vivian, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-50384701404720486562011-12-01T05:02:00.000-05:002011-12-01T09:03:26.122-05:00

The Catholic Encylopedia on this heroic martyred priest.WikipediaHere is the text of Campion's Brag, his defense of the Faith against the English protestant establishment.To the Right Honourable, the Lords of Her Majesty's Privy Council:Whereas I have come out of Germany and Bohemia, being sent by my superiors, and adventured myself into this noble realm, my dear country, for the glory of God and

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-21248313326671662982011-12-01T04:54:00.000-05:002011-12-01T09:01:56.224-05:00

I am repeating last year's banner image because I like it so muchImportant feasts celebrated during December include:1st St. Edmund Campion3rd St. Francis Xavier4th St. Barbara6th St. Nicholas7th St. Ambrose8th The Immaculate Conception9th Ven Fulton Sheen12th Our Lady of Guadalupe13th St. Lucy16th St. Adelaide21st St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Peter Canisius22nd St. Frances Xavier Cabrini23rd

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-4288713310873397512011-11-30T05:34:00.001-05:002011-12-03T13:07:24.067-05:00

The feast of Saint Andrew is one of the four saints' days commemorated in the messes of the British Army. Andrew is the patron of Scotland. Saint George (April 23rd) is the patron of England. Saint David (March 1st) is the patron of Wales. Saint Patrick, of course, is the patron of Ireland. Saint Andrew's Day is the only one of the four not in late-winter/early-spring. Artillerists, who have

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-12510330865674699732011-11-30T05:29:00.000-05:002011-11-30T05:29:00.121-05:00

From The Golden LegendToday, the Church celebrates Saint Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, disciple of John the Baptist, and Apostle of the Lord.Andrew was a fisherman from Capharnaum. He was with John the Baptist at the time of the baptism of the Lord, and followed Him from that time, later bringing Peter into the fold of the apostolic college. It was Andrew who reported the state of the food

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-34277235235706311152011-11-30T04:26:00.001-05:002011-12-03T16:27:37.170-05:00

Advent Edition 1Giovanni Vianini, Creator Alme SiderumAlma Redemptopris MaterChoir Of Litchfield Cathedral, Lo, He Comes With Clouds DescendingRorate Caeli De SuperBrother Alphonsus Mary, On Jordan's BankChoir Of King's College, Cambridge, Gabriel's MessageGiovanni Vianini, En Clara VoxConsortium, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-50372760469316101032011-11-27T07:25:00.001-05:002011-11-27T07:25:00.423-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:Act Of Communion During AdventIt is true that everything in Advent is so arranged as to be a preparation for the coming of the Saviour at the feast of Christmas, and that the spirit of the faithful should be one of earnest expectation of this same Saviour; and yet, such is the happy lot of the children of the new Law, that they can, if

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-5067537053070853172011-11-26T04:52:00.003-05:002011-11-26T07:07:49.404-05:00

LANGUENTIBUS IN PURGATORIOThose languishing in Purgatory,who are purified in a fire beyond measure,and are tormented in grevious suffering,may thy compassion relieve: O Mary!Thou art the clear fountain that washes sins away,thou assisteth all and reject none;extend thine hand to the dead,who languish under continual pains: O Mary!The dead piously sigh unto thee,longing to be delivered from their

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-75320995524708430962011-11-25T05:36:00.001-05:002011-11-25T07:43:55.435-05:00

LORD God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious blood which Thy Divine Son shed on this day, upon the wood of the Cross, from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that soul for which I am most bound to pray; that the blame rest not with me that Thou bringest it not forth to praise Thee in Thy glory and to bless Thee forever.Amen.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-18082317495580538472011-11-24T05:01:00.000-05:002011-11-24T05:01:00.282-05:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my readers and loved ones a happy and joyous Thanksgiving. Even in tough times (and we are not quite out of the woods yet) and in war, we have much to be thankful for in this wonderful country.May God, in His mercy, through the graces imparted by Our Blessed Lady, grant us reconciliation, peace, harmony, and renewed joy. May He bind up old

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-18519865485462364922011-11-24T04:59:00.000-05:002011-11-24T04:59:00.493-05:00

On this Thanksgivng Day, Lord, we Thy people count our blessings, which Thou hast given us. With joyful gratitutude, we raise our voices in praise of the Author of Creation.We thank Thee for the gifts of life, free will, and good health of both body and mind.We thank Thee for the bountiful food we eat, the warm clothes we wear, the shelter of our homes, the love and comfort of our families.We

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-73118427578686837132011-11-24T04:57:00.000-05:002011-11-24T04:57:00.593-05:00

A Psalm of ThanksgivingMay God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.That we may know Thy way upon earth: Thy salvation in all nations.Let people confess to Thee, O God: let all people give praise to Thee.Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for Thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-32210839012133050982011-11-24T03:15:00.000-05:002011-11-24T09:16:02.487-05:00

The Catholic Encyclopedia on this great Carmelite reformer and mystic.Here is the Wiki.Saint John of the Cross, please pray for us!

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-771232107781736752011-11-23T07:55:00.000-05:002011-11-23T07:55:00.212-05:00

The first is from Governor William Bradford's history of the Plymouth Colony. The second is from Mort's Relation. "They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being well recovered in health & strenght, and had all things in good plenty; for some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-11470855966464026632011-11-23T07:03:00.000-05:002011-11-23T07:03:00.164-05:00

A Thanksgiving theme for this week's edition.Over the River and Through the WoodsWe Gather TogetherHarvest HomeCome Ye Thankful People, ComeAll Things Bright And BeautifulMel Torme, Sleigh RidePerry Como, There's No Place Like Home For the HolidaysBing Crosby, Faith Of Our Fathers

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-81988387264272460462011-11-23T06:53:00.000-05:002011-11-23T06:53:00.355-05:00

The Horkey by Robert BloomfieldThe first Thanksgiving was really just an English Harvest Home celebration, and probably occurred in either late September, or October, when the harvest is all in here in Massachusetts.

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-58320434194419405392011-11-23T06:49:00.000-05:002011-11-23T06:49:00.417-05:00

Benjamin Franklin caused a minor commotion in objecting to the adoption of the bald eagle as the symbol of the United States. He preferred our favorite Thanksgiving fare, the turkey. "For my part, I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character....For in truth the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird withal, a true

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-77386660922531107692011-11-23T05:48:00.000-05:002011-11-23T05:48:00.273-05:00

Over the river and through the woodsTo Grandfather's house we go.The horse knows the wayTo carry the sleighThrough white and drifted snow.Over the river and through the wood --Oh, how the wind does blow!It stings the toesAnd bites the nose,As over the ground we go.Over the river and through the woodsTo have a first-rate play.Hear the bells ring,Ting-a-ling-ling!Hurrah forThanksgiving Day!Over the

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-81440081326028071122011-11-22T06:45:00.000-05:002011-11-22T06:45:00.382-05:00

Pies are not only the primary dessert for Thanksgiving, but are very popular year-round throughout New England. Unlike the author of the following doggerel, I love pies. Bring them on. The more, the merrier. In Massachusetts, sad to say From Gloucester down to Cape Cod Bay They feed you 'til you want to die On mincemeat and pumpkin pie. Until at last it makes you cry, "What else

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-9767063077006907422011-11-22T06:43:00.000-05:002011-11-22T06:43:00.130-05:00

by John Greenleaf WhittierOh, greenly and fair in the lands of the sun,The vines of the gourd and the rich melon run,And the rock and the tree and the cottage enfold,With broad leaves all greenness and blossoms all gold,Like that which o'er Nineveh's prophet once grew,While he waited to know that his warning was true,And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vainFor the rush of the

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-21050917723376760932011-11-22T04:31:00.000-05:002011-11-22T04:31:00.275-05:00

Raphael, 1514, BolognaSong For Saint Cecilia's Dayby John Dryden From harmony, from heavenly harmonyThis universal frame began:When Nature underneath a heapOf jarring atoms lay,And could not heave her head,The tuneful voice was heard from high,"Arise, ye more than dead!"Then cold and hot, and moist and dry,In order to their stations leap,And Music's power obey.From harmony, from heavenly

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-64212979485746472742011-11-21T06:41:00.000-05:002011-11-21T06:41:00.197-05:00

By Felicia Hemans The breaking waves dash'd high On a stern and rock-bound coast, And the woods against a stormy sky Their giant branches toss'd; And the heavy night hung dark, The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moor'd their bark On the wild New-England shore. Not as the conqueror comes, They, the true-hearted came; Not with the roll of the stirring

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-28328184183519107802011-11-21T06:39:00.000-05:002011-11-21T06:39:00.077-05:00

The persistence of American Thanksgiving customs is impressive. While cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie may not have been on the menu at Plymouth in 1621, when venison and an unspecified "fowle"; graced the communal table, Americans have celebrated their unique holiday for giving thanks to God in ways that are highly recognizable from generation to generation, from century to century.An excellent

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-63367056506997408592011-11-21T05:34:00.000-05:002011-11-21T05:34:00.598-05:00

Having a substantial gathering for Thanksgiving Day? Think about this:Appetizer CourseBrie With Table Water CrackersGoose Liver Pate With Club CrackersPepperoni & Cheddar Cheese on Rye RoundsSausage PuffsCranberry Cheddar SnacksRelish CourseCranberry Apple Orange RelishApple SaucePickled Watermelon RindTomato Aspic With Horseradish SauceSoup CourseClam ChowderEntree CourseLarge Roast Turkey or

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-60321771767606567462011-11-20T08:20:00.000-05:002011-11-20T08:20:00.615-05:00

This Sunday, the last of the liturgical year, gets its name from the Collect for today's Mass, which begins, "Stir up, O Lord...". It has nothing to do with cooking. I will point you to Father Zuhlsdorf for an excellent explanation of the Last Sunday After Pentecost.I would just add that the Gospel for today, with its discussion of the end of time, and the Last Trumpet, plus the repetition in

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555564.post-38690726517352972772011-11-20T06:12:00.000-05:002011-11-20T06:12:00.405-05:00

From The Liturgical Year, by Abbot Prosper Gueranger, OSB:...Our readers will remember that, in the time of St. Gregory, Advent was longer than we now have it; and that, in those days, its weeks commenced in that part of the cycle which is now occupied by the last Sundays after Pentecost. This is one of the reasons for the lack of liturgical riches in the composition of the dominical Masses which

G. Thomas Fitzpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467577516360711271noreply@blogger.com