Lex Orandi Lex Credendi

Christmas Home Altar 2010

2010-12-23T17:11:00.008-05:00

These are a few pictures of my family's home altar in our new house. Our family's pump organ (around 100 years old) serves as our altar. My great great grandparents bought it for my great aunt and took it by horse and buggy from Grand Rapids to Cadillac (about 120 miles). For a bunch of years it was stored in a garage with paint spilled all over it until my grandpa found it and restored it to its original state. It now has immmense pride of place in our house.

I decided to frame and put up a picture of St. John Cantius on the top of our altar after my incredible visit to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius this past week.

The Heart of the Mass

2010-10-22T20:51:00.004-04:00

Anybody that wants to learn more about what occurs during a Tridentine Mass (and the history and reasons behind it all) should definitely buy THIS book (only $10.00 too!). I have a copy of this book and love it.

I know some parishes bought this book to use in classes to teach their parishioners about this Holy Mass and what goes on and why.

"If we would live the Mass, we must assist at it. And if we would assist at it, we must understand it. If Mass for you has become routine, a conforming to anything custom, simply a family habit, or to avoid mortal sin. "The Heart of the Mass" is the book to read.

This book dissects the Holy Mass into its component parts, prayer by prayer, phrase by phrase, in Latin with parallel English. Just what are we praying? Why? When? For whom? With whom?

It synthesizes explanations from the Fathers and Doctors, revelations to Saints, teachings of the Church, history and mystic commentary. Tells you what the celebrant and ministers are doing and the symbolism of their gestures. A chapter on articles used for Mass and their spiritual significance. Proposes meditations and the benefits of devout participation. Acts of oblation."

St. Dominic and the Devil

2010-10-22T20:27:00.002-04:00

Today my family went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. My favorite painting was Vecchia's "St. Dominic and the Devil." It's a Renaissance oil painting done around the year 1630 in Italy.

The story of the Devil's appearance to St. Dominic in the form of a monkey is derived from a medieval legend, according to which the saint seized his tormentor and forced him to hold a lit candle while he studied. St. Dominic released him only after the candle burned down and scorched his fingers.

Long Time Since I've Done This

2010-09-26T21:51:00.003-04:00

...So long, I forgot my password. ;)

I don't know how many people still check in on this site anymore, but I think I'm going to try to get back in the habit of writing on here again. I've been very busy lately and there's been a lot going on, but it is definitely for the better! I must remember to not only turn to God in my distress, but also in times of great joy. So, I will hopefully be writing more on here. This blog has been a good thing for me, and I think I should try to write more often.

Meeting Fr. Fessio

2010-04-17T12:12:00.007-04:00

Last night I had the privilege of going to a lecture by Fr. Joseph Fessio held in Newman's Bookstore, in Downtown Kalamazoo.

Fr. Fessio's lecture was over the recent accusations against the Pope, along with an overview of his relationship with the Pope, and the Pope's book, "The Spirit of the Liturgy." He discussed aspects of the book such as: the need for the "reform of the reform," Ad Orientem worship, translations, and other various topics.

"The Spirit of the Liturgy" is an amazing book; one of the best books ever produced in dealing with the importance and the different aspects of the Mass. If you do not own a copy, I strongly urge you to obtain one. I have already read this book twice and will still refer back to it in my studies and writings.

For those of you who do not know of him, Fr. Fessio grew up in California and entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1961. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in philosophy from Gonzaga University, along with a M.A. in Theology (which he received in his studies in France). He was ordained on June 10, 1972.

In 1975 he earned his doctorate in Theology from the University of Regensburg, West Germany. His thesis director was Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI (with whom he has remained close friends with).

Fr. Fessio has taught at many different colleges and also had his share in founding many colleges and other programs. One of his biggest accomplishments was made in 1978 when he founded Ignatius Press. Ignatius press is one of the world's largest publishers of catholic books and articles.

Fr. Fessio is a very outspoken, and intelligent priest who holds the Mass very dear to his heart as his mentor and friend, Cardinal Ratzinger, has.

Photos from Holy Week at St. Mary's Kalamazoo

2010-04-09T09:24:00.011-04:00

Holy Thursday
The Holy Thursday Mass was celebrated by Fr. David Grondz, the associate pastor of St. Mary's Church and was concelebrated by Fr. Robert Sirico, the pastor of St. Mary's. The Mandatum (washing of the feet) took place after the homily. The Blessed Sacrament was taken, in procession, to the Altar of Repose at the conclusion of Mass. Then after the Mass the altar and sanctuary was stripped.

Good Friday

Fr. David Grondz said the service of our Lord's Passion. The congregation participated in the Veneration of the Cross, and some relics were put on display for veneration by the faithful afterwards.

Easter Vigil

Fr. Robert Sirico celebrated the Mass of the Paschal Vigil. The service began with the blessing of the Easter Fire out in front of the Church then a procession lead into the Church for Mass.

Throughout the triduum Mass was said Ad Orientem with Latin chant sung in various places of the Mass by a full choir. Fr. Sirico and Fr. Grondz celebrated the Masses along with eighteen (plus) servers (one cross bearer, two acolytes, one/two thurifers, one boat bearer, one M.C., six torches, and the rest in choir). Fr. Sirico said a High Tridentine Mass on Easter Day.

I am sorry to say that I do not have any more pictures of the triduum. Being that I served at all of the Masses I was not able to take any more pictures of the liturgies myself (those photos above I did not take). All of the Masses were beautiful and carried out with extreme reverence and piety towards the Blessed Sacrament.

Holy Week at SJC

2010-04-09T09:02:00.001-04:00

Here are some photos of Holy Week from the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius in Chicago Illinois who have also made a wonderful photo gallery of all of 2010 HolyWeek on their parish website.

Commiting Ourselves to God Amongst Our Sufferings

2010-04-08T22:29:00.016-04:00

Now is the time in which we will have to prove our devotion to God, and trust in him. This suffering and dark valley that we may be amongst is for God's sake and of his will. Men of this time should embrace God, cling to Him, and trust in His just will.

God is love. Deus Caritas Est. So if God is love, and all that happens to us is of God, then all that happens to us is out of God's love for us. We may not be able to see His intention or purpose of His love for us in the middle of our uncertainty and sufferings, but in the end, "after we fail in the eyes of men and are wasted with sufferings and weakness, we will rise with Thee O God in the dawn of the new light, and be glorified in heavenly places." (Kempis 154).

We are not of the world. We are of another world, Heaven. So it is only fitting that we do not go through this world with complete happiness and ease. "Our souls aren't at rest until they rest in thee O God." It is for this reason that we should suffer and be troubled in the world for the sake of God's love, how often soever, and by whomever.

It is good for us that we be in trouble, and that we learn God's statues, and that He may cast away all pride of heart in us. It is profitable for us that confusion and darkness has covered our faces, that we may seek God for consolation rather than men.

This habit of embracing the Now and glorifying God through His demands is an act of our loving will. We do not need to know God's plan in order to accept it. We can be cured by a medicine without knowing its prescription or its ingredients. just our will to be resigned to Him and to suffering for Him will give us a far greater understanding of theology than anything else.

"Some souls will gain peace and sanctity from the same trials that make others rebels and nervous wrecks." (Fulton Sheen)

Neither the devil nor God can take our will. We are absolute owners in deciding whether we offer our will to ourselves or to God. Our will, operating under our own power, may be busy doing many things, but in the end they amount to nothing. But our will operating under God's will and power can amount to such great things we cannot even conceive until we reach heaven.

If we follow completely in God's will we should be able to escape from the accidents that caused us pain and anger. Our life will be carried out in accordance to God's will. No longer will things "Not go according to our plan." People of God's will utter no complaint; whatever comes along.

In God's divinity, there is nothing accidental. There is, instead, the meeting of a divine will and the offering of our own to God. In this, we become content, because we know that God knows what is best for us, and our family. So then the bitter and the sweet, the joys and the sorrows or each and every moment are viewed as sacred.

"Only God changes things for the better. But He does this through us if we give Him the opportunity to use us. There is no limit to how much God gives us except that which we put before ourselves." (Groeschel).

This entire process and complete trust in God is the center behind the entire meaning and purpose of life. It is a mentality and challenge that mankind has been grappling at since the dawn of Adam. It encircles every aspect of our actions, thoughts, deeds, way of life, and spirit into one, big, eternal battle for our soul.

We should be glad at the sufferings and trials that God has bestowed upon us. We should embrace these sufferings with open and loving hearts;! For they are sent to us from God, so that His will be done. Each suffering and temporary dryness or blindness to the future is from God, and contains His love for us. So why is it that we would approach such sufferings with despair and gloom?

Because we are human.

There lies the eternal conflict. To see God in everything, including our sufferings (maybe not at first, but to have faith in Him) is to die to ourselves; so that He may increase in us.

We must say, "Thanks be to you God! Because thou hast not spared my sins, but hast beaten me with stripes of love, inflicting pains, and sending troubles upon me and within. So that I may be sanctified to enter your heavenly kingdom," (Kempis 155). See the parallel to Jesus' suffering and death on behalf of mankind? We too must take up our cross and be purged.

But we must stay strong, for if we lack faith surely the fires of Hell will swallow us whole, and from there there is no means of escape. Have faith in God; He will provide. Our only job is to live each day in fullness of Him, and to bear our daily sufferings in accordance to His will.

God will always meet our needs (see Mathew 6:25-34). He will never give us anything we can't handle, or anything that is bad for us. All spiritual, or even secular setbacks and trials that He bestowed upon us are for the ultimate good. The real trial is not in overcoming those setbacks but in whether or not we kept faith in Him through those and remain to.

We should not fear. We should not hide and lay worried and afraid of what's to come.

God will provide.

All we need to do is to keep focused on Him, and remain faithful to His will.

My Lord God, I have no idea where i am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. (Merton)

An Earlier Post

2010-04-05T14:22:00.000-04:00

When we see crowds of people rushing into theaters, charging into their local bars, or seeking new thrills, we see that they have not yet found happiness, otherwise they would not be looking for it.

The fact that we can think of a greater happiness than we posses now is proof that we are not happy. If we were perfect we would be happy all the time. At one time or another in our lives we have tried to obtain what would make us happy, but when we get it, are we happy?

Remember how we look forward to a vacation or Christmas, and we thought about how great a time it was going to be and how happy we were going to be? But then as our vacation ended, or we are falling asleep in our beds after Christmas day, we feel that somehow or other it did not meet our expectations.

We want to be perfectly happy, but we are not. Our lives have been a series of disappointments, shocks, trials, sufferings, and disillusions. The real question lies in how we reacted to our disappointments; either we became cynical, or religious.

If we decide to become cynical, we decide that, since life is a snare and a delusion, we ought to get as much thrill and fun out of it as possible! In a case such this we grab at any excitement we see, making our lives a consistent search for a "good time." This would be the right attitude if we were just an animal. But we have a soul as well as a body. So there are joys in life as well as pleasures.

There is a world of difference between these two. Pleasure is of the body; while joy is of the mind and heart. One can become quickly tired of pleasures, but you can never tire of joys. A pleasure can keep building until it reaches a point where it stops being pleasure it may even begin to cause pain if carried beyond a certain point. Therefore, if we live focused on pleasure we are missing the joys of life.

Have you noticed that as our desire for pleasure increases, the satisfaction from the pleasure decreases? The drug addict, to have equal pleasure from his drugs, must increase his dose or kind of drug. Otherwise the thrill runs off. Any addict deals with this. You keep searching for the next big thing because the pleasure of the last wore off.

On the other hand, one will react to disappointments in a religious manner. If we see that we haven't found the happiness we are looking for we come to the conclusion that, "If we want happiness, we must have been made for happiness." We realize that we have been looking for happiness in all of the wrong places. Therefore we look for happiness somewhere else, in God.

If our philosophy is always to have a "good time," we have already learned long ago that we will never really have a "good time," because we are always in the pursuit of happiness without ever capturing it. We will spend our whole lives searching for happiness, and what ends up happening is that we go through life without noticing how happy we could be if we look to God for our happiness. "We turn the pages of life, without ever reading the book." --Fulton Sheen.

This is why those who live for pleasure become cynical. They blame things, rather than their self, and they end up chasing mirages until death overtakes them.

Our whole lives will be disordered and miserable if we base them on the principal of always having a good time, simply because happiness is an end product, not a goal. One should not seek happiness, but rather seek good and happiness will come as a result. From all of this comes the question; "Why am I disappointed and unhappy?" The reason for this is simple; because we have such a large unbalance between our desires and our realizations.For example, one would look forward to some earthly pleasure, or position, but once they attain it, they begin to feel the large unbalance between the idea they desired and the reality of what actually happened. This causes disappointment. The more material and earthly our goals are the more disappointment follows; the more spiritual and "God-centered" our goals are the less disappointment there is. That is why, if we devote our lives to God and His will we can ultimately find happiness in everything.

Certainly we would never want this perfect life, perfect Truth, perfect Love unless it existed. The very thought that we enjoy these things to the best of our abilities means there must be a place where we can enjoy these things in complete happiness. That's heaven! Would there be an eye if there was no beauty to behold? Then would there be a craving for unending life, perfect Truth, and ecstatic love unless perfect Life and Truth and Love existed?

In other words, we are made for God. Nothing short of the infinite satisfies us, and to be asked to satisfy with anything less would be to destroy us. That's why there is a heaven!While we are on earth, we dream of heaven; we are creatures of time, and we despise it. We are constantly looking for the source of Life, Truth, and Love, and that something is God; and the times when we have been disappointed are when we have lost sight of Him!

It is God that we are looking for. Our unhappiness is not due to our want of a fortune, or a high position, or fame; it is not due to a want of something outside of us, but rather a want inside of us. We are made for perfect happiness. That is our purpose. No wonder everything short of God disappoints us!

But have you noticed that when you realize you were made for perfect happiness, how much less disappointing the pleasures of earth become? Once we realize that God is our end, we are no long disappointed! "This causes us to see that friendship, the joys of marriage, the sunset and the stars, masterpieces of art and music are all gifts from God! He dropped them into our life to remind us that these things beautiful. It is a small foretaste of His eternal kingdom in heaven!"

Life is not filled with disappointments- unless you expect more than what you have at that very moment. Disappointments are merely parts of life saying: "Perfect Happiness is not here." Every disillusionment, every destroyed earthly hope, every frustrated human desire points to God. Though our passions may be satisfied by things of this world, we are never satisfied until we are at peace with our One True God in His eternal Kingdom.

St. Mary's Altar of Repose

2010-04-05T13:28:00.006-04:00

Resurrexit Sicut Dixit, Alleluia!

2010-04-03T18:41:00.003-04:00

Rejoice heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

It is truly right
that with full hearts and minds and voices
we should praise the unseen God,
the all powerful Father,
and his only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

For Christ has ransomed us with his blood,
and paid for us the price of Adam's sin
to our eternal Father!

This is our Passover feast,
when Christ, the true Lamb, is slain,
whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers.

This is the night
when first you saved our fathers:
you freed the people of Israel from their slavery
and led them dry-shod through the sea.

This is the night
when the pillar of fire
destroyed the darkness of sin!

This is the night
when Christians everywhere,
washed clean of sin
and freed from all defilement,
are restored to grace
and grow together in holiness.

This is the night
when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death
and rose triumphant from the grave.

What good would life have been to us,
had Christ not come as our Redeemer?

Father, how wonderful your care for us!
How boundless your merciful love!
To ransom a slave you gave away your Son.

O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam,
which gained for us so great a Redeemer!

Most blessed of all nights,
chosen by God to see Christ rising from the dead!
Of this night scripture says:
"The night will be clear as day:
it will become my light, my joy."

The power of this holy night
dispels all evil, washes guilt away,
restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy;
it casts out hatred, brings us peace,
and humbles earthly pride.

Night truly blessed
when heaven is wedded to earth
and man is reconciled with God!

Therefore, heavenly Father,
in the joy of this night
receive our evening sacrifice of praise,
your Church's solemn offering.

Accept this Easter candle,
a flame divided but undimmed,
a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God.

Let it mingle with the lights of heaven
and continue bravely burning
to dispel the darkness of this night!

May the Morning Star which never sets
find this flame still burning:
Christ, that Morning Star,
who came back from the dead,
and shed his peaceful light on all mankind,
your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Hosanna Filio David!

2010-03-28T22:00:00.002-04:00

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love towards us you sent your Son to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross; grant that we may follow the example of his great humility and share in his glorious resurrection: through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

Altar Candles

2010-02-21T20:37:00.004-05:00

An altar-candlestick consists of five different parts; the base, the stem, the knob in the middle of the stem, the bowl to collect the wax drippings, and a tube to hold the candle. In the early days of the church candles weren't allowed on the altar. Instead they used the light from candles that were hung in chandeliers above or next to the altar. The acolytes (candle bearers) would carry the candles in procession to the altar then set them next to the altar on the floor of the sanctuary, as is still the custom in the Eastern Church. It wasn't until the tenth century that candles were permitted to be placed upon the altar because beforehand people felt that only the relics of saints and the book of Gospels should be placed upon the altar.

The custom of placing two candles on the altar became general in the sixteenth century. These two candles are meant to represent "the joy of two Peoples who rejoiced at the birth of Christ," (i.e. Mary and Joseph). This is also where the Marian shrine, or altar on the Gospel side of the sanctuary and the shrine or altar dedicated to Joseph on the Epistle side also came from.

Only two candles were used then because Mass were being said as Low Mass. But on feast days and holy days four or six candles were used. So with the spread of the High Mass came the use of six candles set upon the altar.

According to the "Caeremoniale Episcoporum" (I, xii, 11), there should be on the high altar six candlesticks and candles of various sizes, the highest of which should be near the cross. If all six be of the same size they may be placed on different elevations, so as to produce the same effect; a custom, however, has been introduced of having them at the same height and this is now permissible (Cong. Sac. Rit. 21 July, 1855).

On the other altars of the church there should be at least two candlesticks, but usually four are used; on the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, if the Blessed Sacrament is not kept on the high altar, there should regularly be six.

The Roman Missal (Rubr. 20) says also that a third candle should be placed on the epistle side, and that this extra candle should be lit at low Masses from the consecration to the consumption of the Precious Blood. The third light is not usually placed on the altar itself, but on the credence, or on the step of the altar at the place where the altar-boy kneels. But in roman custom the extra candle may be set on the epistle side of the altar because in most churches in Rome there is no space for credence tables, and the sanctuary's were not designed for them, so the epistle side of the altar is used to set the water and wine, this extra candle, and any other items necessary to say Mass on.

The altar boy would light this candle at the consecration and hold onto it, carrying it next to the priest and other altar boy (who held the paten) as the priest distributed communion. This way the Eucharist always has a candle to signify the real presence of Jesus in it and it represents the faithful, who are represented by the candle as having their thoughts and prayers and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The same concept is applied to the votive candle placed besides the tabernacle. It's as though the altar server takes that votive candle next to the Blessed Sacrament wherever it travels, such as communion.

(Which by the way, is what Fr. Grondz has done on both the Mary and Joseph side altars along with the use of unbleached candles for the Lenten season.)

Happy Carnival!

2010-02-16T15:25:00.006-05:00

Here's to a prayerful and holy Lenten season!!

Latin 101

2010-02-04T16:48:00.002-05:00

I've begun my first Latin lessons this week. I changed my schedule around so that I could take Latin 101 (an online class -- public schooling). Although the class is teaching me classical Latin and not ecclesiastical I am still learning a lot. I do well at knowing and deciphering the Latin stem of a word, and am now learning how to put words together and how to conjugate my verbs and declensions.

It's fairly easy stuff actually!

This class is already helping me to understand English grammar better along with the little bit of Spanish and Italian I know. The hardest part is knowing what is different in classical Latin compared to ecclesiastical.

What this class has really helped me with is learning the definitions and sentence structures of Latin words or phrases that I apply weekly (sometimes daily) at Mass or in prayer. I knew before what most words meant, but now I can see their true definitions and purpose in certain contexts along with picking more and more words up as I go along because I am becoming more familiar with them.

Which also allows me to see all of the terrible and (in some cases) liturgically wrong translations that the English Mass uses, the ones I was (sadly) brought up on.

Septuagesima

2010-02-02T17:38:00.002-05:00

Happy (be-lated) Septuagesima!!! 30 days till Lent!!!

St. Blaise

2010-01-31T21:07:00.005-05:00

Did you get your throat blessed today?!?!

O glorious Saint Blase, who by thy martyrdom didst leave to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. Thou who didst miraculously restore a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us thy mighty protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of Christian mortification together with a faithful observance of the precepts of the Church, which may keep us from offending Almighty God. Amen.

As a footnote: This week I've decorated our home altar with two St. Blaise candles that a dear friend gave to me from her travels in Europe.

Hats off to you!

2010-01-31T20:48:00.011-05:00

The Biretta

The Biretta is a square cap with three ridges or peaks on its upper surface. It is worn by clerics from cardinals to seminarians. The use of such a cap is prescribed by the rubrics both at solemn Mass and in other ecclesiastical functions. At first the birettum was a kind of skull-cap with a small tuft, but it developed into a soft round cap easily indented by the fingers in putting it on and off, and it acquired in this way the rudimentary outline of its present three peaks. The Bishop's biretta is a hard square cap. For a bishop, it is purple in color with a pom of the same color as the biretta. A bishop on the inside of a church uses the biretta, when he is not in vestments. Priests' birettas are black with a pom, while Seminarians and Deacons' are black with no pom. In addition, Cardinals have red birettas with no pom.

The priest (Bishop, Cardinal or Seminarian) all wear the Biretta outside of Mass. In the extraordinary form of the Mass the priest is required to wear a biretta which he wears processing up to the altar, during the homily and for the procession out of Mass. The priest also wears the biretta outside of the church in the public eye as another piece to his "clerical garb."

The different times that clergy wear their birettas is due to the importance of what is taking place in front of them (and for priests) in them. At Mass the priest acts in persona christi, so it is only fitting that the priest "opens up himself" symbolically through the removal of the biretta. In this action he loses himself and his humanity and Christ takes over as the priest-victim. Then when Mass is over the priest enters back into his second identity as the priest-human which is symbolically shown in the use of the biretta.

The Miter

The mitre is a kind of folding-cap that consists of two like parts, each stiffened by a lining and rising to a peak; these are sewn together on the sides, but are united above by a piece of material that can fold together. Two "lappets" trimmed on the ends with fringe hang down from the back. The mitre is, theoretically, always supposed to be white.

The official "Cæremoniale Romanum" distinguishes three kinds of mitres: the mitra pretiosa, auriphrygiata, and simplex. The first two differ from each other only in the greater or less richness of the ornamentation; the mitra simplex, or simple mitre, is one of white silk or white linen entirely without ornament. The fringe on the lappets at the back should be red. The bishop must wear the mitra pretiosa on those days on which the hymn Te Deum is used in the Office, the mitre auriphrygiata in the seasons of Advent and Lent, on fast days and during penitential processions, the mitra simplex on Good Fridays, at funerals, and at the blessing of the candles on Candlemas-day.

The Zucchetto

The zucchetto (Italian for "small gourd"), is a small skullcap worn by clerics of the Roman Catholic Church. It was first adopted for practical reasons — to keep the clergy's tonsured heads warm in cold, damp churches — and has survived as a traditional item of dress. It consists of eight panels sewn together, with a stem at the top. Its name may derive from its resemblance to half of a pumpkin, or from the fact that it covers a larger "pumpkin" (i.e., the head). Its appearance is almost identical to the Jewish Kippah, though its significance is quite different.

All ordained members of the Roman Catholic Church are entitled to wear the zucchetto.

As with much ecclesiastical apparel, the colour of the zucchetto denotes the wearer's rank: the Pope's zucchetto is white, those worn by cardinals are red or scarlet, and those of bishops, territoria abbots and territorial prelates are purple. Priests and deacons wear a black zucchetto although the use of the zucchetto by priests in actual practice is extremely rare aside from abbots, and the custom is even rarer among deacons. A black zucchetto with red piping was formerly the mark of a canon, but this is no longer authorized. A brown zucchetto-like garment and similar black skullcap is sometimes worn by Franciscan friars and Benedictine or Trappist monks respectively, but this is usually a more substantial cap used for actual head-warming rather than as a ceremonial accoutrement.

All clerics who hold the episcopal character (that is to say, bishops — whether the Pope, cardinals, titular bishops or diocesan bishops) wear the zucchetto throughout most of the Mass, removing it at the commencement of the Canon and replacing it at the conclusion of the Communion. A short stand placed on the altar (usually made of brass or wood and known as a funghellino) is used in some churches to hold the zuchetto during that part of the Mass. No other people are permitted to wear the zucchetto at Mass. Also, the zucchetto continues to be worn while the mitre is being worn; it is placed inside it (a mitre is bottomless, so the zuchetto sits on the head while the mitre is around it).

The late Pope John Paul II often gave guests the zucchetto he was wearing as a keepsake if presented with a new one as a gift. Other recent popes have also held the same practice. If visiting the pope, one may wish to speak with his secretary beforehand about the practice, and confirm that the new zucchetto is the correct size and is otherwise appropriate.

(I believe I saw Fr. Grondz wearing one last Sunday into church...)

The Cappello Romano

This is a picture of my dad and Fr. Stanley (wearing a saturno he bought on their trip to Rome.)

A cappello romano (literally Roman hat) or saturno (because of the similarity to the ringed planet Saturn) is a hat with a wide, circular brim and a rounded rim worn outdoors in some countries by Catholic clergy. It is made of either beaver fur or felt, and lined in white silk. Unlike many other articles of ecclesiastical attire, it serves no ceremonial purpose, being primarily a practical item. (The galero is a ceremonial wide brim hat no longer worn.) The cappello romano is not used in liturgical services. Since the general abandonment of the cassock as street dress, it is very uncommon.

There are some, mostly minor, differences in the designs of cappelli, depending on the rank of the wearer. The pope wears a red cappello with gold cords. Cardinals formerly also had the privilege of wearing a red cappello, but this rule was overturned by Paul VI, and now Cardinals' cappelli are black, as are those of all other clerics. A cardinal may have a cappello with red and gold cords with scarlet lining. A bishop's may have green and gold cords with violet lining. A priest may substitute black lining for his. Cappelli for deacons and seminarians have no distinguishing items.

And finally, the Papal Crown- Although few wear this one ;)

Papal tiaras were worn by the popes of Rome from Pope Clement V (1314) to Pope Paul VI, who was crowned in 1963. Pope Paul VI abandoned the use of his own tiara after the Second Vatican Council, symbolically laying it on the altar of St. Peter's Basilica, and donating its value to the poor. However, his 1975 Apostolic Constitution Romano Pontifici Eligendo on the manner of electing the Pope, still envisaged that his successors would be crowned.

However his immediate successor, Pope John Paul I, decided against a coronation, replacing it with a ceremony of what was called "Inauguration of the Supreme Pontificate"; and after John Paul I's sudden death, Pope John Paul II told the congregation at his Inauguration:

"The last Pope to be crowned was Paul VI in 1963, but after the solemn coronation ceremony he never used the tiara again and left his Successors free to decide in this regard. Pope John Paul I, whose memory is so vivid in our hearts, did not wish to have the tiara; nor does his Successor wish it today. This is not the time to return to a ceremony and an object considered, wrongly, to be a symbol of the temporal power of the Popes. Our time calls us, urges us, obliges us to gaze on the Lord and immerse ourselves in humble and devout meditation on the mystery of the supreme power of Christ himself."

Though not currently worn as part of papal regalia, the continuing symbolism of the papal tiara is reflected in its use on the flag and coats of arms of the Holy See and the Vatican. Until the reign of Benedict XVI the tiara was also the ornament surmounting a Pope's personal coat of arms, as a tasselled hat surmounted those of other prelates. In a break with tradition, Pope Benedict XVI's personal coat of arms has replaced the tiara with a mitre. This particular mitre contains three levels reminiscent of the three tiers on the papal tiara. However, in the coat of arms of the Holy See and of the Vatican City State Pope Benedict XVI decided to keep the tiara, not a mitre.

Okay Okay!!!

2010-01-27T22:27:00.002-05:00

Listen my dear friends, between athletic practices, band, exams, and my "oh so important" engagement to the Taco Bell family I have had little to no time to write lately. However, I hear your cries (anonymous' included) and I promise I will be posting on here very soon.

Some of the topics you can look forward to in the upcoming weeks: my impressions of the movie "The 13th Day," serving High Mass at St. Mary's, St. Blaise, and random tangents that I often tend to get on.

In the meantime, enjoy the music on my blog, review some of the older articles I have posted, and spend more time PRAYING!

In Christ,
Nate

Dominus Vobiscum

2009-12-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

Dominus Vobiscum; "The Lord be with You"

It is not enough to just say "dominus vobiscum," we must also apply it to our actions. We must suit the action to the word. We have to set the example of what we teach or believe.

Which means that we need to know exactly what this "dominus vobiscum" or any other circumstance requires of us.

To "be with the Lord" means to always be with Him and do all for Him. Imagine standing at a friends side, and yet planning or working against him-- That's treachery and wrong.

Jesus even said, "He who is not with Me, is against Me."

It is impossible to be neutral in times of reality and importance. We need to stand up for what we believe is right 100%. Not 80%, or even 95% because if we only stand up for what we believe 95% then we do not fully understand or really believe what we say we believe.

We cannot stay neutral in the times we are facing right now. The line is being drawn in many different aspects of our lives and we need to pick a side 100%.

Not to say that this is something easy to do! This is very hard, and involves immense pain and suffering. But if we are not willing to commit 100% to one side (hopefully the right side) than we are not for that side we may say we are for.

There is no gray area. Only black and white.

We need to decide now.

New CD's!!!

2009-12-30T18:29:00.002-05:00

For Christmas I got some new CD's that I absolutely adore!!!

They are different CD's of gregorian chant, organ, choirs, music from Christmas and Holy Week all done by the Canons of Saint John Cantius.

(Links will take you to the SJC Webstore to sample and see the music available)

CHRISTMAS MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN CANTIUS
Various traditional carols and motets from SJC Christmas season.

IN QUIET CONTEMPLATION
Quiet and meditative sacred music CD of Gregorian Chant, Sacred Polyphony and Organ Music to calm the soul and draw the spirit into the presence of God.

MISERERE
This recording is of the six major services of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

ECCE REX
A fantastic collection of Christmas hymns, carols, and motets demonstrating the dynamic quality of the choir and the superb acoustics of St. John Cantius Church

DUO SERAPHIM
The Cantate Domino Choir of St. John Cantius Church of Chicago along with Organ Masterworks, and works by the Resurrection Orchestra. Music of Haynes (SJC), Dering, Albinoni, Haydn and Mozart.

I have to say that the "In Quiet Contemplation" CD is by far my favorite- although they are all very excellent and are well worth their price.

*Remember- Proceeds go to help the Canon's Regular of Saint John Cantius*

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T10:35:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to wish all of my readers a Blessed and Merry Christmas!! I'm leaving in a matter of minutes to go to St. John Cantius in Chicago for Midnight Mass. I am SURE I'll write about it when I get home.

St. Mary's had such a wonderful Solemn High Rorate Mass last night. There were two seminarians in choir, six servers, the church lit solely by candlelight, and such care was taken in portraying the beauty and importance of the Mass. We are truly blessed there at St. Mary's.

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Christmas Altar

2009-12-24T10:26:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of our home altar decorated for Christmas. It took me a while to finally decide on this- I could spend all day trying to "perfect" it. ;)

Rorate Mass

2009-12-19T18:30:00.005-05:00

On the Wednesday of Ember week in Advent, the Mystery of the Annunciation is commemorated by many Churches. The Mass is usually sung early in the morning (although can be said at night), and the Church is illuminated with only candles, as a token that, "the world was still in darkness when the Light of the world appeared." The Mass is sometimes called the Golden Mass, possibly because in the Middle Ages, the Mass, or at least the initial letters, were written in gold — or on account of the solemnity and the special, ‘golden’ grace which, at that Mass, is obtained by numerous prayers. It is also called the Rorate Mass after the first words of the Introit of the Mass, Rorate Cœli:

Rorate cœli, désuper, et nubes pluant justum: aperiátur terra, et gérminet Salvatórem. Cœli enárrant glóriam Dei: et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.

"Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just: let the earth open and bud forth a Savior. The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the work of His hands." (Is. 45:8; Ps. 18:2)

(Photo of a Rorate Mass 2006 at Assumption Grotto, Detroit)

St. Mary's in Kalamazoo is having a High Tridentine Rorate Mass on December 23 at 7 p.m.

Gaudete in Domino semper

2009-12-13T16:03:00.008-05:00

The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. It is so named after the first word in the Introit: Gaudete (Rejoice!).

The Introit from the usus antiquior Romanus
(ancient Roman use):

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in everything by prayer let your petitions be made known to God. Ps. 84:2 Lord, Thou has blessed Thy Land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.

Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. Modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus enim prope est. Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione petitiones vestrae innotescant apud Deum. Ps. 84:2 Benedixisti, Domini, terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Jacob.

Advent still has most of the characteristics of the penitential season, which make it a kind of Lent, the middle (or third) Sunday corresponding with Laetare or Mid-Lent Sunday. On it, as on Laetare Sunday, organ and flowers, forbidden during the rest of the season, are allowed to be used; rose-colored vestments are allowed instead of purple.

This distinguishing liturgy is a present discipline of the Church. Gaudete Sunday, therefore, makes a break, like Laetare Sunday, in the midst of our penitential rites, and signifies the nearness of the Lord's coming.

In both the Divine Office and Mass throughout Advent, there is reference made to our Lord's second coming, and this is emphasized on the third Sunday by the additional signs of gladness and joy permitted on that day.

I already decorated our home altar with a rose cloth and Father had on rose colored vestments and a rose chalice veil at Mass. :)

Prayer for Chaplains

2009-12-13T15:57:00.005-05:00

I just got off the phone with CH (CPT) Brian L. Stanley USA. He is finished with his basic training and leaves for Germany tomorrow morning at 11 and will arrive in Germany the following day. Please keep him, and his fellow comrades in your prayers!

PRAYER FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS

O God, Who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for the glory of Thy Majesty and the salvation of mankind; grant that they whom He hath chosen to be His chaplains and the stewards of His mysteries, maybe found faithful in the fulfilment of the ministry which they have received.

Grant, O Holy and Mighty Trinity, that they may never lose that purity of heart with which they were ordained, though all around them lie terrors and the uncertainty of war. Give them an abundance of wise counsel, fortitude, temperance and justice and supernatural charity. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rising Above It All

2009-12-02T19:18:00.004-05:00

In this post I may sound like I'm talking directly to YOU (the reader)-- but really, all that I write is being said right back to myself.

This Sunday I will be serving my first TLM High Mass. I know it's not much different than a low Mass (which I've served several times) but I'm still looking forward to it. I haven't served in a really long time. In the past I used to not want to, but as things change and our outlooks turn from gloom and self despair to courage and faith, I am really starting to miss it.

I feel so connected at Mass. At every Mass I go to I don't want it to end. I feel a calling to be at Mass, and yet, a feeling of unworthiness to be within God's presence so intimately as the TLM presents itself. Mass is what keeps me going; in my spiritual life, emotional life, and even in how much I write on here. I've been up and down with my motivation to write and talk about Catholicism for a long time now. But I'm getting back into it.

Easier said than done. ;-)

Home Altar Decorated for Advent

2009-11-29T20:04:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of our home altar decorated for Advent (Rose is to come for Gaudete Sunday).

(I like the little nativity below the crucifix, while Jesus, on the cross, is looking at it. It shows a kind of foreshadowing of His purpose in the incarnation.)

Midnight Mass- Christmas '09

2009-11-29T18:37:00.014-05:00

This year for Christmas my family is going to Chicago to attended Midnight Mass at St. John Cantius and then returning home to family the following day. At 11 o'clock St. John Cantius is carrying out the ancient tradition of "Lessons and Carols."

The ancient tradition of "Lessons and Carols" is exactly what the name implies. It is a service in which the congregation can come to hear wonderful homilies, and sing Christmas Carols outside of the Mass.

At 12 o'clock (Midnight) the Solemn High Latin Mass for Christmas will be offered by Rev. C. Frank Phillips, CR, Pastor of St. John Cantius Church. And the choir will be singing the famous "St. Nicholas Mass" by Franz Joseph Haydn.

Somehow I think Fr. Sirico will understand our absence from St. Mary's Midnight Mass compared to where we are going. ;) (Which by the way, if you're near Kalamazoo you should go to St. Mary's Church for a Solemn High Tridentine Midnight Mass. I'm sure it will be beautiful!!)

UPDATE: St. Mary's is having a Novus Ordo Mass for Midnight Mass this year- I just found out my mistake a few days ago.

Music is Back Up!!

2009-11-29T18:26:00.002-05:00

Well, Obviously...

Enjoy!!

Spammer...

2009-11-24T07:07:00.003-05:00

I'll be spending my time today deleting every comment that a spammer posted on every single one of my posts.

I embrace my suffering with open arms God!! ;)

-Does anyone know how to permenantly block a URL? Or any other way to protect my blog from this? Please let me know!!! :)

Catholic Information Center

2009-11-14T13:30:00.004-05:00

Go HERE to go to the new website for Kalamazoo's Catholic Information Center. They have a new location that my dad says is just wonderful (I haven't had a chance to stop in yet). They also host lectures and talks for free- so check out their schedule online to see what events are coming up! So please! If you get chance stop in!!

340 E. Michigan Ave. (p) 269/553-0482 (f) 269/553-0483

Open: M-F: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM

Not to mention they sponsor a Catholic radio show every Sunday morning!

The BEST in Catholic-radio programming every Sunday!
10:30-11:00 AM on WKZO, AM590

St. Michael's Roses

2009-11-14T13:17:00.003-05:00

Our family planted roses in the St. Michael garden earlier this past spring... and they are are still here!!!

...Half way through November... Coincidence?? ;)

Prayer of Surrender

2009-11-08T21:10:00.004-05:00

Lord Jesus Christ, I ask the grace to accept the sadness in my heart, as your will for me, in this moment. I offer it up, in union with your sufferings, for those who are in deepest need of your redeeming grace.

I surrender myself to your Father's will and I ask you to help me to move on to the next task that you have set for me.

Spirit of Christ, help me to enter into a deeper union with you. Lead me away from dwelling on the hurt I feel: to thoughts of charity for those who need my loveto thoughts of compassion for those who need my care, and to thoughts of giving to those who need my help.
As I give myself to you, help me to provide for the salvation of those who come to me in need.

May I find my healing in this giving.
May I always accept God's will.
May I find myself in you by living in a spirit of sacrifice and suffering.
May I die more fully to myself, and live more fully in you.

Requiescat In Pace

2009-11-04T16:49:00.018-05:00

Yesterday morning my great grandma, Mrs. Bernice Mary Brunner Hills died at the age of 97. The last anyone saw her she was playing skip-bo (her favorite card game) with her friends after attending a dance that afternoon.

Bernice Hills was born of March 20, 1912. She was the third of seven children in her family and was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

At the age of 15 she began to work at Globe Knitting Works where she met a co-worker whom she fell in love with, Henry Brunner. They began dating and after a few months the two decided to elope. While on their way, their car got hit by a train. They then took her father’s car and continued on to Bristol, Indiana where they were married on June 19, 1930 when Bernice was 18 and Henry was 24.

(Bernice and Henry in front of their car demolished by train)

After their marriage, they settled in Comstock Park where they raised their children; Sally, Richard, Kurt, Walter, and Alma.

Bernices eventually got a job working at American Seating where she worked until she retired after 22 years.

Life unexpectedly changed for Bernice and her children in 1964 when Henry died of heart failure when he was just 60 years old.

Although she was deeply saddened, Bernice continued on with her life sustained by both her faith and the love of her family. A couple of years after Henry’s death Bernice became reacquainted with a friend she babysat for as a girl, Harold Hills. He was a widower with grown children and the two began dating, fell in love, and were married on May 14, 1966.

For many years later Bernice suffered from her own heart problems, as well as from macular degeneration which eventually led her to lose her ability to drive at the age of 93.

Grandma loved to knit. She knitted hundreds of newborn caps for babies and donated them to area hospitals-even when she was almost completely blind. Both of my sisters have winter caps that she made near the end of her life that have mis-stitches and holes because of her blindness. It's such a wonderful thing to have those hats to remind us of her.

Bernice Brunner Hills was a lovely woman who was treasured by so many. She loved sharing her love and her talents with those in her life. Bernice possessed a vibrant faith that brought her both joy and strength when her days became more challenging.

Bernice Mary Brunner Hills leaves behind her children, Sally Thelen, Kurt Brunner, Walter Brunner, Alma Verner; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine,

et lux perpétua lúceat eis.

Requiéscat in pace. Amen.

Relic of St. Charles Borromeo

2009-11-04T16:15:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago a close friend of ours loaned us a relic of St. Charles Borromeo. So it came to stay with my family for a little while. He is shown in a previous post of pictures depicting our home altar (for those of you who've asked).

He's quiet, doesn't need much, and hardly takes up any space. An excellent house guest!! ;)

I thought today was a proper day to write about St. Charles relic since it's his Feast Day.

You can go HERE to see more pictures of St. Charles' remains and his relics at NLM.

Pray for the Souls of Priests

2009-10-31T11:42:00.002-04:00

Please pray for the souls of deceased priests especially in the next week to come following All Souls Day. This is the Year for Priests, and what's a better time to pray for deceased priests than right now!?! :)

O God, Thou didst raise Thy servants to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving them the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward their faithfulness and to forgive their faults, admitting them speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of their labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Photos of Our Home Altar- All Soul's Day

2009-10-30T20:41:00.003-04:00

All Soul's Day

2009-10-29T19:42:00.006-04:00

All Souls Day is celebrated on this upcoming Monday for those of us following the usus antiquior calender (November 3rd).

The day purposely follows All Saint's Day in order to shift the focus from those in heaven to those in purgatory. It is celebrated with masses and festivities in honor of the dead. While the Feast of All Saints is a day to remember the glories of Heaven and those there, the Feast of All Souls reminds us of our obligations to live holy lives and that there will be purification of the souls of those destined for Heaven.

Many people decorate their home altars for this Feast by putting up pictures of deceased relatives, lighting candles for them, burning incense, or setting up certain flowers, and decorative coloring (Black).

I'm going to decorate our home altar tomorrow, and try to get some pictures of it up.

"The theological basis for the feast is the doctrine that the souls which, on departing from the body, are not perfectly cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for past transgressions, are debarred from the Beatific Vision, and that the faithful on earth can help them by prayers, alms deeds and especially by the sacrifice of the Mass" (Catholic Encyclopedia).

At All Soul's Day Mass the Priest (Sub-deacon and Deacon) will be wearing black vestments that are representative of fundamental Christian realities. While Christians are a people of hope, we are also a people aware of the reality of sin and God's judgement. It also is a reminder and symbol of our belief in purgatory where suffering souls require our prayers and especially Masses.

The sombre tone of the black vestments can be understood as a reminder of our sin (personal and original) and the reality of death. It emphasizes the reality of purgatory and the need for prayers which we should offer for the dead. Also, we, the living, are thus reminded of the need to care for the state of of our own souls.

Another symbolic tradition is the use of a catafalque or cenotaph representing a coffin for the deceased members of the world. It is covered with a black cloth or pall, on which there is a cross either of white or some other color. The catafalque is usually placed immediately outside the sanctuary, and is the center of the ceremonies of that part of the Mass known as the absolution, receiving the same attention as the corpse would if present. So, candles are burned all around the catafalque during the function, and it is blessed with holy water and then incensed.

Here is a beautiful video of a Solemn High Requiem Mass on All Soul's Day at St. John Cantius in Chicago. While the Mass is being prayed, Mozart's Requiem Mass is being preformed by choir and orchestra in the balconies.

Solemn High Requiem Mass for All Soul's Day at St. John Cantius, Chicago.

Those Mysterious Priests!

2009-10-20T20:35:00.004-04:00

As of the moment I am reading, "Those Mysterious Priests," by Fulton Sheen. I just finished reading, "A Priest is Not His Own," by Sheen as well. Both books are very similar, but each is just as wonderful as the other!

Although,

I have a tendency to imagine a priest giving a loud evil laugh, disappearing around a dark corner when I hear the title, "Those Mysterious Priests."

;)

UPDATED:

My point exactly! (Photo: AP)

Marching Band Festival Today

2009-10-14T07:18:00.002-04:00

St. Cecilia Pray for us!!!!!

Instructional Video- St. Michael Chaplet

2009-10-11T19:38:00.002-04:00

HERE is an instructional video on how to pray the Chaplet of Saint Michael for anyone interested.

-Does anyone know how to post a youtube player on my blog without having it stall and freeze when I play it on here??

Chaplet of St. Michael

2009-10-11T19:04:00.007-04:00

O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father.... etc.

Then one 'Our Father' and three 'Hail Marys' are to be prayed after each of the following nine salutations.

1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.

2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.

3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.

4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.

5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.

6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.

7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.

8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.

9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.

Next one Our Father is to be said in honour of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

"The history of this Chaplet goes back to a devout Servant of God, Antonia d'Astonac, who had a vision of St. Michael. He told Antonia to honor him by nine salutations to the nine Choirs of Angels. St. Michael promised that whoever would practice this devotion in his honor would have, when approaching Holy Communion, an escort of nine angels chosen from each of the nine Choirs. In addition, for those who would recite the Chaplet daily, he promised his continual assistance and that of all the holy angels during life." (EWTN)

Music's Down

2009-10-06T19:39:00.002-04:00

My computer Crashed the other day, and I lost all of my iTunes Music. So there won't be any music until I upload all of my music back onto my computer (over 3,000 songs) and then upload them back onto my blog.

So basically, there won't be music playing on here for a while. :-)

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Carthusian Monk's Feast Day

2009-10-06T19:01:00.005-04:00

Today is the Feast of St. Bruno, the Carthusian Monk's Patron Saint.

The Carthusian Order, also called the Order of St. Bruno, is an order of cloistered monastics. The order was founded by Saint Bruno of Cologne in 1084 and includes both monks and nuns. The order has grown all around the world, and there is even one started in the United States!

In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. His film about them and their daily lives is caused "Into Great Silence." I have a copy of it, and I love it. Make sure when you watch it there are no distractions around, and that you have time to devout to it, it's a little long, but worth it!!

I briefly wrote about the movie HERE.

More and more I am attracted to an intimate, and more secluded life of prayer. Probably not as a Carthusian (maybe not yet), but maybe something that shares a similar lifestyle or principles that the Carthusians have. But then the question is raised, if I'm trying to be not of the world, than how could I stand to be halfway in it, or a quarter in it? Living "in the world" is not what I'm called to do, but how much I am supposed to be out of it is something that I need to discern.

To see more pictures or read a little bit more about St. Bruno, and this order go HERE to a NLM post that will give you links to previous archives on the Carthusian Monks. Or I suggest reading "Halfway to Heaven: The Hidden Life of the Carthusians." I read it and it's amazing!

Today's Feast

2009-10-04T20:17:00.005-04:00

Today was the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Did you get your pet blessed?! ;)

Weighted Breviary

2009-09-29T20:31:00.003-04:00

Over the past few months I haven't been praying my offices. There are countless reasons why I haven't, but those really don't matter. Along with not praying my offices, I haven't been reading any spiritual writings. A few days ago I came out of whatever "funk" I was in and went to pick up where I left off reading in Fulton Sheen's "A Priest is not his own," and it just happened to be that the chapter that I left off on was talking about praying the divine offices. (That's God!)

A lot of people have trouble praying the offices because it is sometimes tiresome and not as intimate a prayer as one can achieve (in most cases). But we need to remember that in it we gather up not only the intentions of the Church, but also all of the the sinners, those who turn away from God, and those who physically and emotionally can't pray.

Sheen relates this to Our Lord who was sinless, yet he took on the sins of the world. When we pick up the breviary we are picking up all unbelievers, fallen-away Catholics, and the burden of the Church throughout the world.

The breviary is not a personal prayer; it is an official prayer, that's why it's called "The official prayer of the Church." When we pray the divine offices we are praying for everyone else, and in a sense, isn't praying for others over our own personal prayers a good thing? If all of our prayers were personal wouldn't that be selfish?

In the breviary we are making an act of love not only for the Church, but for her enemies. The breviary is a test of our strength. It helps one to die to oneself for the betterment of humanity, the good and bad. We shouldn't look at praying these prayers as some kind of consolation, but rather as a struggle, as a little piece of the cross. In doing so, we will in turn learn to enjoy it and turn it to the glory of God.

What is so amazing about the divine offices is that it is the universal prayer that all religious take vows to pray all around the world. That means that 24/7, 365 days a year every second someone is praying for the Church and for the whole of humanity.

Not everyone is called to pray the divine offices, and that is perfectly fine! The clergy take care of that for us (the laity). They pray the offices for us who can't, who don't have time. The majority of the laity work inside "the world," and aren't able to pray for their redemption and the world's redemption all of the time. That's why there are monks and nuns! They take care of us who aren't able to pray. While we in turn carry out our lives in a christian manner and spread that faith to everyone else.

It is a bloodline that pumps the faith through the whole of humanity.

The church is the Body of Christ. So to have a body you need a heart, and that's the cloistered nuns and monks who pray for us who can't pray all of the time. They pump the blood (the faith) out to everyone else. The skin is the laity. The laity (or skin) is what everyone sees, it is the face of the church. We need lots of people to be laity so that they can spread the good news and live a christian life. Likewise, we don't need as many people to be the heart and live a cloistered life. Then all of the other religious are at different locations in the body, the diocesan priests are like the muscles who are closest to the skin (we need lots of muscles, but not as much as we need skin), while the deeper you go into the body the more of a monastic life you live until you reach the heart.

So, there are many reasons to pray the divine offices, and I'm going to try to get back to praying them, I really do love to pray them.

Act of Consecration to Jesus Christ the Incarnate Wisdom, by the hands of Mary

2009-09-29T20:21:00.003-04:00

O Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom! O sweetest and most
adorable Jesus! True God and true man, only Son of the
Eternal Father, and of Mary, always virgin! I adore thee
profoundly in the bosom and splendors of Thy Father
during eternity; and I adore Thee also in the virginal
bosom of Mary, Thy most worthy Mother, in the time of
Thine Incarnation.

I give Thee thanks for that Thou hast annihilated
Thyself, taking the form of a slave in order to rescue me
from the cruel slavery of the devil. I praise and glorify
Thee for that Thou hast been pleased to submit Thyself
to Mary, Thy holy Mother, in all things, in order to make
me Thy faithful slave through her. But, alas! Ungrateful
and faithless as I have been, I have not kept the promises
which I made so solemnly to Thee in my Baptism; I
have not fulfilled my obligations; I do not deserve to be
called Thy child, nor yet Thy slave; and as there is
nothing in me which does not merit Thine anger and Thy
repulse, I dare not come by myself before Thy most holy
and august Majesty. It is on this account that I have
recourse to the intercession of Thy most holy Mother,
whom Thou hast given me for a mediatrix with Thee. It
is through her that I hope to obtain of Thee contrition,
the pardon of my sins, and the acquisition, and
preservation of wisdom.

Hail, then, O Immaculate Mary, living tabernacle of the
Divinity, where the Eternal Wisdom willed to be hidden
and to be adored by angels and by men! Hail, O Queen
of Heaven and earth, to whose empire everything is
subject which is under God. Hail, O sure refuge of
sinners, whose mercy fails no one. Hear the desires
which I have of the Divine Wisdom; and for that end
receive the vows and offerings which in my lowliness I
present to thee.

I, (name), a faithless sinner, renew and ratify today in
thy hands the vows of my Baptism; I renounce forever
Satan, his pomps and works, and I give myself entirely to
Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross
after Him all the days of my life, and to be more faithful
to Him than I have ever been before.

In the presence of all the heavenly court I choose thee
this day for my Mother and mistress. I deliver and
consecrate to thee, as thy slave, my body and soul, my
goods, both interior and exterior, and even the value of
all my good actions, past, present and future; leaving to
thee the entire and full right of disposing of me, and all
that belongs to me, without exception, according to thy
good pleasure, for the greater glory of God, in time and
in eternity.

Receive, O benignant Virgin, this little offering of my
slavery, in honor of, and in union with, that subjection
which the Eternal Wisdom deigned to have to thy
maternity, in homage to the power which both of you
have over this poor sinner, and in thanksgiving for the
privileges with which the Holy Trinity has favored thee.
I declare that I wish henceforth, as thy true slave, to seek
thy honor and glory and to obey thee in all things.
O admirable Mother, present me to thy dear Son as His
eternal slave, so that as He has redeemed me by thee, by
thee He may receive me! O Mother of mercy, grant me
the grace to obtain the true wisdom of God; and for that
end receive me among those whom thou lovest and
teachest, whom Thou leadest, nourishest and protectest
as thy children and thy slaves.

O faithful Virgin, make me in all things so perfect a
disciple, imitator and slave of the Incarnate Wisdom,
Jesus Christ Thy Son, that I may attain, by thine
intercession and by thine example, to the fullness of His
age on earth and of His glory in Heaven. Amen.

Does God exist?!

2009-09-28T15:56:00.001-04:00

So awesome.

(Taken for Te Deum Laudamus!)

Alright...

2009-09-27T17:56:00.004-04:00

I'm sick of it. I'm not going to let the devil keep me from carrying out writing on my blog. I've had enough of it. I was knocked down pretty hard over the past month, but I'm starting to get back up and I'm ready for the fight. I'm going to do what God calls me to do, and I think continuing my writing on here is one of His callings.

When everything is taken away from us we always have God. If God IS, then that means that God IS in all that we receive, good or bad. Even when it feels as though the "perfect storm" hits, and every aspect of "our life" is falling apart, we still have God who is there for each of us intimately.

Frankly, I don't know how pagans do it!?!? How do they live their lives without God to help them? If there was no God, then life wouldn't be worth living. I couldn't do it! How would one keep going if God didn't exist!? Then again, one wouldn't be here if God didn't exist so one wouldn't have the chance to endure life without God... Hmm...

Anyways,

The devil is REALLY good at what he does. That's why he's the devil. But we have God on our side, who will ultimately prevail! We just need to stay strong and true to Him and we will come out of the fight with His abundant love and graces.

In the past I have talked about growing battles and trials that will ultimately cause us to stand up for our faith and how great suffering will come to the church, and we will reach a point at which we will have to stand up for our faith, and remain true to God and His teachings.

Well, it has begun. We are in the middle of it. We must stay strong and remain consecrated to Mary, the Saints and God. We mustn't stray away from His guiding light.

We are in a time of spiritual warfare. Whatever others may say, the devil, as far as Christian belief is concerned, is a puzzling but real, personal and not merely symbolical presence. You can't have one without the other. There is no good without bad. He who does not believe in the devil does not believe in the Gospel. We have to believe in both, and act on both rather than covering our ears to the thought of evil people who are actually trying to destroy us. This is a reality that we all face. The devil and his demons are real.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus, hear me; within your wounds, hide me; let me never be separated from you; from the evil one, protect me; at the hour of my death, call me; and bid me to come to you; that with your saints, I may praise you forever and ever. Amen.

Alma Redemptoris Mater

2009-09-26T13:34:00.003-04:00

"Loving Mother of the Redeemer, gate of Heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners."

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo: tu quae genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.

Taking up our Cross

2009-09-04T10:15:00.002-04:00

From St Faustina's Diary for February 8:

True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering, Jesus. I thank You for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretations of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans.

Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for terrors, fears, and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior night, for temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to describe, especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of death with its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.

I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will. Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last drop, and seek not to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness over consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight to fix my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God. . . .

O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else. I can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God Himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a bottomless ocean.

The Mystics

2009-09-02T20:49:00.006-04:00

My dad is in the process of writing a four movement choral piece using four mystics and what they said. The piece will be in each of the mystics own language, and will have very unique styles and dynamics pertaining to the text being sung.

Here are the movements in their order (and some info. about the mystics):

I. Maria Faustina- Divine Mercy

"Jezu, Ufam Tobie"

(Jesus I trust in you)

II. John of the Cross- Noche Oscura

"En una noche oscura,
Con ansias, en amores inflamada,
!oh dichosa ventura!
Sali sin ser notada
Estanda ya mi casa sosegada.

A oscura y segura,
Por la secreta escala disfrazada,
!oh dichosa ventura!
A oscura y en celada,
Estando ya mi casa sosegada."

(One dark night,

Fired with love's urgent longings

--ah, the sheer grace!--

I went out unseen,

My house being now all stilled.

In darkness, and secure,

By the secret ladder, disguised,

--ah, the sheer grace!--

In darkness and concealment,

My house being now all stilled.")

III. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

"Non sopporto più la mia croce"

(I cannot bear this cross anymore.)

IV. Venerable Solanus Casey

"We must be faithful to the present moment,

or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives.
Blessed be God in all His designs!"

He is planing on having the Balladiers (Coldwater High School's top choral ensemble of sixteen) sing this. When we do, I will record it and post it on here for you to listen to. I will also be writing more about each of the four mystics, in relation to their writings being used, sometime in the near future.

A mediator with our Mediator Jesus Christ

2009-08-29T18:14:00.003-04:00

I have been reading St. Louis-Marie De Montfort's "The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin" over the past few days (Now I'm reading, "A Priest is Not His Own" by Sheen) and came across this truth that I thought I would share with you. So I will give credit where credit is due. Although this is my writing, it is based on his book and what he writes about.

When we approach God, it is right and humble to approach Him not by ourselves. That is, without a mediator. Our human nature is so corrupt that if we rely on our own works and efforts in order to reach God, our works will ultimately become tainted.

God gave us mediators for a purpose! He has seen our unworthiness and He has had pity on us. So to give us access to His mercies, He has provided us with powerful intercessors in able to obtain His mercies. So, to not use or recognize these mediators, and to approach Him directly is to fail in our humility and in our respect for God.

It is the same as if we were to approach some earthly king. We would not wish to approach him without some friend or some person to speak for us.

Our Lord is our mediator with God our Father. It is through Jesus that we ought to pray. It is by Him that we have access to God. "We should approach Him supported and clothed by the merits of His Son."

But we also need a mediator with the Mediator Himself! Is He not God, and in all respects equal to His Father, including all worthiness of respect as His Father is?

We need a mediator with the Mediator Himself, and the divine Mary is the most capable of fulfilling this position. It is by her that Jesus Christ came to us, and it is by her that we must go to Him. If we fear to approach directly Jesus Christ who is God either because of His infinite greatness or because of our lowliness or sins, we should seek out the aid and intercession of Mary our Mother. She is kind and tender, there is nothing too sublime that we can't handle. "When we see her we see our own human nature."

She is not the sun nor its heat or light, which by the brightness and intensity of itself could blind and burn us because of our weakness. Rather, she is sweet and gentle like the moon, which receives the light of the sun (Son) and softens it in order to adapt it to our limited capacity.

All of this has been taught by St. Bernard and St. Bonaventure. According to them, we have three steps to take when we go to God: the first and nearest to us, is Mary; the second is Jesus Christ; and the third is God the Father. To go to Jesus we must go to Mary, our "mediatrix of intersection." To go to God the Father, we must go to Jesus: He is our Mediator of redemption. This is the order to be observed and practiced.

St. Montfort's book is a wonderful read! This book presents and talks about Mary being the essential and infallible key to the heart of Jesus. I highly recommend it for anyone who questions Mary's role in the Church and for anyone wishing to grow in a closer and true devotion with our lady.

Feast of St. Augustine

2009-08-29T17:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the Feast of my patron saint, St. Augustine of Hippo! No I didn't forget! I posted this late last night, but for some reason it didn't publish... So I'm re-posting it now! =D

"Lord, give me what you ask of me and ask me what you will."

May we obtain from God's mercy a true love for Jesus Christ our Lord and that He may receive the burning prayer which we offer with St. Augustine and all who truly love God today, on his feast day.

"Thou art Christ my Holy Father, my tender God, my great King, my good Shepherd, my only Master, my best Helper, my most Beautiful and Beloved, my living Bread, my Priest forever, my Leader to my country, my true Light, my holy Sweetness, my straight Way, my Excellent Wisdom, my pure Simplicity, my peaceful Harmony, my entire Protection, my good Portion, my everlasting Salvation.

Christ Jesus, sweet Lord, why have I ever loved, why in my whole like have I ever desired anything except Thee, Jesus my God? Where was I when I was not in spirit with Thee? Now, from this time forth, do ye, all my desires, grow hot, and flow out upon the Lord Jesus...

O sweet Jesus, may every good feeling that is fitted for Thy praise, love Thee, delight in Thee, admire Thee! God of my heart, and my portion, Christ Jesus, may my heart faint away in spirit, and mayest Thou be my life within me! May the live coal of Thy love grow hot within my spirit and break forth into a perfect fire; may it burn incessantly on the altar of my heart; may it glow in my innermost being; may it blaze in hidden recesses of my soul; and in the days of my consummation may I be found consummated with Thee! Amen."

Happy feast day to all those in the Augustinian family!

Two Words....

2009-08-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

Band Camp....

Doctor's Homily

2009-08-26T21:06:00.003-04:00

Here's Father Doctor's homily from last week. It's excellent! It needed to be said. I feel this is just a taste of what's to come. Pray for Fr. Doctor, and for all priests.

"Every time we come to Mass we are facing a challenge and must make a decision - will we serve the gods of this world and culture or the Lord who saved us and redeemed us?

Each Mass calls us to make a choice, or to renew a choice, to follow the Lord and not the sins and enticements of this world.

Each Mass is a chance to rise above this world and culture that has no real destination or plan for us and traps and destroys so many lives on a daily basis.

Each Mass calls us to make a choice - to answer the question

Do you also want to leave? Do we want to leave our Lord?
because the priest isn’t holy or attractive, or the music is bad
or we hate Spanish or Latin. or the church isn’t pretty enough

Do we want to leave Our Lord, giving up the Eucharist because for whatever reason we aren’t happy or entertained.

Decide today - Who are you going to serve. The culture and a world of sin and death or Christ the Lord

Do you really want to leave? Then go!! No one is holding you here
No one is forcing you to stay.

Decide - are you going to be a Catholic or a half baked, wishy-washy one with no chance of salvation?

Decide - are we convinced like St. Peter that the Catholic Church is the true Church of Jesus Christ? That Christ is really present in the Eucharist - Body, blood, soul and divinity?

Decide - Is Mass all about you…or is it about God - ?
Is the Church – St. Charles in Coldwater, MI or is the church far bigger, far holier marked as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic?

The One Church with over a billions members.

The Holy church that offers sacrifice not according the whims of the people or the culture, or the time period but under the direction of God’s representatives.

The Catholic Church that stand against sin and evil and chooses and rightfully so – to worship God as he requires!

The Apostolic Church that follows the directives of our Holy Father
when it come to faith and morals, and liturgy

Decide - Don’t sit on the fence not committing to either side

Decide for yourself. Who is your God? Who do you serve?
and then make your choice

As for me – like Joshua - I choose God. I choose to serve the Lord
to stand with St. Peter and all the Popes who came after him. I have decided to stay because I know that only in Christ are the words of everlasting life. Only in Christ have I become convinced and believe
that there is a God - who is real, true, loving, and merciful

I am convinced that there is no salvation for me anywhere else but in Christ. I believe that the Spirit of God is the one who gives me life; who will reward me with happiness; who is my peace in this life
who is my joy and my all in the next.

I choose to serve the Lord because He is my God. I choose to stay because there is nowhere else to go.

I have found my treasure…have you found yours?

Decide…"

For Your Information;

2009-08-23T20:06:00.004-04:00

I will be posting on here much more frequently in the weeks to come. We are done with our week-long vacations over the summer (which bring a week-long lack of posting) and I will be able to post much more consistently on here. =D

So please keep checking in and commenting!!

St. Anne's and the Sisters of Charity

2009-08-23T19:47:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday my brother and I were invited to serve a Mass and a Holy Hour of Exposition at St. Anne's Chapel in Lawton (Owned by SJC). Fr. Adam's was called in to pray the Mass for seventeen Sisters of Charity (Mother Theresa of Calcutta's order) from Chicago who came there for a retreat on their order's feast, the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

After the Mass and Holy Hour the Sisters talked to our family and gave us some prayer cards with pieces of Mother Theresa's clothes inside (hopefully soon to be second class relics of a saint!) and they just happened to have Mother Theresa's rosary with them as well (it is passed around from order to order--they just happened to have it) so we kissed it.

My little sister has said that she wants to be a nun. Specifically, a "Dominican Tertiary." Remember, she's eight! =D She was so happy to meet these Sisters, and to talk to them. We don't have any sisters around us or our parish so we don't see them that often. Oh, how many vocations are lost due to this!!

Soon afterwards we left because the Sisters went to go fishing over in the pond near the chapel. They saw the row boat over by the pond and insisted that they wanted to go fishing. One said she had never been fishing before!!!

It was a very special day filled with God's graces.

New Playlist

2009-08-23T16:17:00.003-04:00

I ask for your patience. I am installing a new Music Player that will have far more songs on it than the old one (better songs too!). It will have over seven hours of music for you to listen to. The only thing is, I have to enter each song individually. So it may take a while.

Sorry about the inconvenience.

Tulsa Bishop Explains Why He "Faces East"

2009-08-23T14:25:00.003-04:00

A reader sent this to me and I thought you might be interested in reading it as well. It is rather long, but worth the time.

It's encouraging that there are Bishops supporting the recovery of this "authentic worship."

TULSA, Oklahoma, AUG. 19, 2009 (Zenit.org).

The bishop of Tulsa explains his decision to celebrate Mass at the diocesan cathedral "ad orientem" -- facing east -- as an effort to recapture a "more authentic" Catholic worship.

Bishop Edward Slattery affirmed this in an article featured in the September edition of the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, titled "Ad Orientem: Revival of Ancient Rite Brings Multiple Advantages, Some Misperceptions."

In a discussion about liturgy, the prelate said, it is necessary to grasp this "essential" truth: "At Mass, Christ joins us to himself as he offers himself in sacrifice to the Father for the world's redemption."

He reminded his readers that "all of the faithful offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice as members of Christ's body" through baptism.

The priest has a unique role in this offering, the bishop affirmed, to stand "in the person of Christ, the historic Head of the Mystical Body, so that, at Mass, it is the whole body of Christ -- Head and members together that make the offering."

Bishop Slattery explained that "from ancient times, the position of the priest and the people reflected this understanding of the Mass."As well, he added, "everyone -- celebrant and congregation -- faced the same direction, since they were united with Christ in offering to the Father Christ's unique, unrepeatable and acceptable sacrifice."

The prelate continued: "When we study the most ancient liturgical practices of the Church, we find that the priest and the people faced in the same direction, usually toward the east, in the expectation that when Christ returns, he will return 'from the east.' "At Mass, the Church keeps vigil, waiting for that return. This single position is called 'ad orientem,' which simply means 'toward the east.'

"This traditional posture lasted for nearly 18 centuries in the Church, he noted, as something that was handed on from the time of the Apostles.

The bishop observed that this single eastward position "reveals the nature of the Mass" as an act of worship shared by the priest and the congregation.

However, he said, this "shared orientation was lost" as the priest and people became accustomed to facing opposite directions.

Bishop Slattery explained, "This innovation was introduced after the Vatican Council, partly to help the people understand the liturgical action of the Mass by allowing them to see what was going on, and partly as an accommodation to contemporary culture where people who exercise authority are expected to face directly the people they serve, like a teacher sitting behind her desk."Unfortunately, he added, this change had some "unforeseen and largely negative effects."

Not only was it a "serious rupture with the Church’s ancient tradition," the prelate asserted, but it also "can give the appearance that the priest and the people were engaged in a conversation about God, rather than the worship of God."

He stated that it also "places an inordinate importance on the personality of the celebrant by placing him on a kind of liturgical stage."

The bishop noted Benedict XVI's appeal to "draw upon the ancient liturgical practice of the Church to recover a more authentic Catholic worship."

He continued, "For that reason, I have restored the venerable 'ad orientem' position when I celebrate Mass at the cathedral."

This gesture, he stated, is not one of rudeness or hostility toward the faithful, nor an attempt to "turn back the clock."

Rather, Bishop Slattery affirmed, it represents the fact that "we journey together to God."

As well, he continued, it is an attempt to respond to the Pope's invitation to "discover what underlies this ancient tradition and made it viable for so many centuries, namely, the Church's understanding that the worship of the Mass is primarily and essentially the worship which Christ offers to his Father."

Website on New Mass Translations

2009-08-23T14:10:00.003-04:00

It finally happened!!!!!

This website has been made to help prepare us for the transition into the use of these translations. This is merely a website that will be a resource for the faithful, for the clergy, for parish and diocesan leaders, and for music publishing companies so that they may become familiar with these translations.

Here's the article from CNA:

U.S. bishops launch website on new Mass translation

Washington D.C., Aug 21, 2009 / 11:14 am (CNA).- After years in the making, the English translation of the new Roman Missal is nearing its completion and is now awaiting the final approval of the bishops and the Vatican. In an effort to begin educating the faithful and clergy on the new translation, the U.S. bishops have launched a website.

The new website, which was launched on August 21, includes background material on the process of the development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the Missal, a glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions.

A press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says that content will be added to the website on a regular basis over the next several months.

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, who chairs the bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, welcomes the faithful to the new site in a video, saying, "In the years since Vatican II we have learned a lot about the use of the vernacular in the liturgy and the new texts reflect this new understanding." Describing the translation, Bishop Serratelli says, "The new texts are understandable, dignified and accurate. … They not only strive to make the meaning of the text accessible for the listener, but they also strive to unearth the biblical and theological richness of the Latin text."

The process of translating the new Missal began in 2003 and has been ongoing since then.

Now that they have studied, reflected and adjusted the translation for five years, the bishops are expected to conclude their review and approve the final portion of the translated texts at the end of this year, the USCCB says in a press release.

Following the approval of the bishops, the translation will require a final approval (recognitio) from the Holy See before the texts can be published and used in the liturgy.

Speaking in the video, Bishop Serratelli explains that he sees this time of waiting as an opportunity for the faithful to learn and prepare."

We have a great opportunity during this period not only to learn about the changes, not only to learn about the revised texts, but also to deepen our own understanding of the Liturgy itself," he says. "We encourage priests, deacons, religious, liturgical ministers, all the faithful to avail themselves of the information that we are making available."

The website dedicated to the new translation can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal

(Click on "Examples," it will walk you through the Mass and what is to be changed)

Wonderful!!! God's Graces are at work.

Serving the TLM

2009-08-15T11:04:00.003-04:00

This past week I was trained and served at my first, second, and third Tridentine Mass. It was truly an incredible experience!!

While we were camping my Dad and I have been going to daily Mass in Paw Paw. One morning Fr. Adams (newly ordained priest!!) came over to me and asked if it would be alright if I served a TLM with him. I told him I never have before, but I would love to! So later that day he taught me and another boy to serve the TLM Low Mass. After our training he prayed Mass, and I was serving it.

Who would've thought that just a few hours after he asked me randomly I would be trained and be serving the TLM? Truly it was God's Grace at work. It came through Fr. Adams. He is a very Holy man. He gives off holiness, and compassion like an aroma. He is such an inspiration to me, and sets an example of what kind of a priest I want to be. Yet with such a GREAT love of God, there comes the GREAT power of the devil. The holier you are and the closer you are to God, the more the devil will work at pulling you away from Him. Pray for Fr. Adams and for all priests.

Words cannot describe the emotions felt in a TLM Mass. It is truly Right and truly Perfect. To serve at it, is amazing. You get IT!! You see the faith in the TRUE presence, the entering before God with fear and trembling, and Jesus being revealed to us all. He is the rising SON coming over the mountains to shine forth His light to the world. How amazing is that!? All of the actions have specific purpose and meaning. There is no room for personal preferences, or changes.

Everything makes sense in the TLM. It flows and moves with ease and gentleness. It shows absolute reverence, and puts the priest, servers, and faithful back to where they are meant to be. The priest becomes the person we shove up there before God. We say, "Here!! You go up there with God! You do it!" The congregation is praying for the priest and the servers while they, in return, carry out the sacrifice of the Mass and bring back from Calvary Jesus (LITERALLY!) and distribute Him to the faithful!! How AWE some!?

Anyways, it was an incredible grace and experience. Actually, the Mass was very simple to learn. I had it down the first day. I just need to work on my Confiteor. =D I hope to serve the Mass several more times this next week (we are going back to Paw Paw on Monday). It will be hard afterwards to not be able to serve it.

The Feast of the Assumption

2009-08-15T10:43:00.003-04:00

The ark which God has sanctified,

Which He has filled with grace,

Within the temple of the Lord

Has found a resting-place.

More glorious than the seraphim,

This ark of love divine,Corruption could not blemish her

Whom death could not confine.

God-bearing Mother, Virgin chaste,

Who shines in heaven's sight;

She wears a royal crown of stars

Who is the door of Light.

To Father, Son and Spirit blest

may we give endless praise

With Mary, who is Queen of heaven,

Through everlasting days.

For hundreds of years, Catholics observed the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death -- but it was not until 1950 that the Church proclaimed this teaching a dogma of the Church.

Mary's Assumption is a sign to us that someday, through God's grace, we too may join the Blessed Mother in Heaven. The Assumption is a source of great hope for us. It points the way for all followers of Christ who through her take obedience to God's will. Where she is now, we are meant to eventually be, and may hope to be through God's grace. We must try to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible faith and her perfect obedience.

Line in the Sand--Revisited

2009-08-15T07:51:00.006-04:00

Here is a post that I wrote back in June. I think needs to be said again. It is what we are facing at this very moment. It is what we need to prepare for. "God will prepare our arm for battle."

"More and more I am beginning to believe that we as a Catholic people, as moral people, are going to begin facing challenges and trials that will ultimately cause us to draw that line in the sand. There are always instances and times in our lives that call us into an act of faith and loyalty to our faith, but as I grow I sense a great suffering of the church, and a point at which we will have to stand up for our faith, and what the Church truly teaches.

In the past it seems as though we have followed an extremism in which we have cared and nurtured our emotions rather than our intellect. This, I believe, caused many problems to thus erupt, the main being the misunderstanding of Vatican II. One can still see the effect our emotions play in our logic and morality that we use everyday.

I'm not saying emotions are a bad thing. On the contrary, I think emotions are a wonderful thing. They are what drive us to love God. I am saying that we need to build these emotions, on Truths. Moral Truths.

If we as Catholics, and as Christians, use our intellect, with all emotions aside, we start to understand what the Church has to teach and why. Knowing this creates a stronger faith inside of the individual.

I believe we need both emotions and intellect. But, I believe we need to always rely and base our emotions off of our intellect and reasoning. For emotions with no (good) reasoning behind them are pointless and uncalled for.

The tide is shifting. Soon, I believe, we will be forced to fall back to our intellect and to then either stand up for our faith, and the Truth. Or, we run away, and fall. Sadly enough I think this is where most of the people who "leave" the Catholic Church digress. They do not have the faith in God, nor the strength. But would rather flee and run from the trial (even though, I believe trial will reach you in one form of another-- you can't out run it).

Notice I quoted ..."Leave" the Catholic Church. The reason I wrote it this way is because I believe one does not "leave" the Church, just the same as one does not enter the Church. We are all Catholics. Whether we accept it (know it) or not. We are all Catholics born into this world, and coming out of it. The Church consumes us. The Church takes us on. We do not take on the Church.

The Church has always gone through trials and hard times. Thus it still expands after 2000 years. With this growth in reform and tension in culture will come conflict. This conflict, I believe, will result in a great suffering and trials that we will have to endure.

Even though the church does not seek to be counter-cultural, but when the church is countered by society and culture of our day, it has no choice. The Church IS, and will never change. The church doesn't wish to create conflict between different standpoints. Really, the Church has, in the past forty years, been too tolerant and accepting of others' views.

But, in another sense, if the culture of our church - its practices, traditions, and moral thoughts- is the culture that is the One True Truth, then it is not a matter of the church being counter cultural anymore. Some would call this an extreme way of thinking, but it is that same extremism that says that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Christ IS the Church, so thus, our extreme claim for Christ becomes our extreme claim for His Church.

Today there is much that is counter to the Catholic way of being. Every day I encounter something that pushes me (us all) closer and closer to that line; whether it be ignorant teachers or other classmates. The moral Truth is not very popular right now, nor was it ever. But, ironically, it is we who try to follow our moral Truths that are questioned and seen as the "outcast" or "pessimist" to the rest of society's views.

Great trials have begun to come, and will continue to come in bigger forms. I think we as Catholics, as people, and as a country, need this. It is time for us to grow up and stand up for what we believe. We all need to strengthen our faith and catechesis - or else we have nothing but the fire. But I am not afraid. God will deliver. God will bestow upon us however much we can handle."

It continues...

2009-08-15T07:39:00.004-04:00

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host

by the Divine Power of God

cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

O Jesus, our great High Priest, Hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priests, Give them a deep faith a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life. In their loneliness, comfort them In their sorrows, strengthen them In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church, they are needed by souls, they are needed for the work of redemption. O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination, and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christin a world which needs him so much.

Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and especially help him to live and to defend the ideals of the Catholic Church. Amen.

Holy Virgin Mary, you are reigning in Glory, with Jesus, your Son. Remember us in our sadness. Look kindly on those who are suffering or fighting any difficulty. Have pity on the loneliness of our hearts; have pity on our weakness of our faith and love. Have pity on those who are weeping, on those who are praying, on those who are fearful. Holy Mother, please obtain for all of us hope and peace inside justice. Amen.

I'm off to...

2009-08-10T16:17:00.004-04:00

"Castel Gandolfo!!!" (Also known as our trailer on the lake) :-)

So that means there will be no posts until next Saturday!

I'll be sure to keep you in my prayers!!

Ad Orientem Resources

2009-08-10T16:11:00.002-04:00

I had an inquiry regarding resources about Ad Orientem posture in relation to the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM). I've written about Ad Orientem a couple of times before, but here are some additional links.

First, go HERE to Fr. Zuhlsdorf's Blog---He has answered this question many times. When you go to this page, be sure to click on the link half-way down that says "What does GIRM 299 really say?" Or for more information go HERE.

Next got to this LINK on Amazon that allows you to read Chapter 3, "The Altar and Direction of Liturgical Prayer," of Cardninal Ratzinger's "The Spirit of the Liturgy."

HERE is a link to my blog where I made a very big post about Ad Orientem. It talks about all aspects of it, and I quote the Holy Father and his writtings about the subject (Spirit of the Liturgy), along with others.

For any more reading on this topic please read:

“Turning Towards the Lord” by Fr. Uwe Lang
“Spirit of the Liturgy” by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

(I quote these two books throughout my blog entry)

There's a case study regarding canon law, in which the bishop of Birmingham, Alabama decreed that Ad Orientem was NOT allowed, especially at televised Masses (remember this is where EWTN films their liturgies). Follow THIS link to see how canon law 838 pertains.

HERE is Fr. Longnecker's Blog where he has posted his letters to his parish about implementing Ad Orientem at Mass. Fr. Longnecker is an excellent resource as well.

Feast of St. Lawrence

2009-08-10T11:41:00.006-04:00

St. Lawrence was a deacon of the Roman Church, and was one of the victims of the persecution of Valerian in 258.

At the beginning of the month of August, 258, the emperor issued an edict, commanding that all bishops, priests, and deacons should immediately be put to death. This command was immediately carried out in Rome. On August sixth Pope Sixtus II was apprehended in one of the catacombs, and executed. Four days later, on the 10th of August, Lawrence, the last of the seven deacons in Rome, also suffered a martyr's death.

Lawrence is said to have been martyred on a gridiron. During his torture Lawrence cried out "Turn me over, this side's done!" ("Assum est, inquit, versa et manduca.") This is the legend often quoted explaining why Lawrence is the Patron Saint of Comedians.

St Lawrence is one of the most widely venerated saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Devotion to him was widespread by the 4th century.

St Lawrence is especially honored in the city of Rome, where he is one of the city's patrons. There are several churches in Rome dedicated to him, including San Lorenzo in Panisperna, traditionally identified as the place of his execution. The picture above is of the stone where St. Lawrence was laid after his death.

Here's the shrine in Rome containing the gridiron said to have been used to grill Saint Lawrence to death.

St. Lawrence, pray for us,

that the flames of Divine love may burn away all traces of vice within us,

and that we may be practical and zealous in the service of the poor.

Amen.

(Info. to Catholic Encyclopedia)

Virtual Tour Under St. Peter's

2009-08-09T08:34:00.005-04:00

I found THIS, and thought that it was really cool!!!! It starts off with some videos and explanations then moves on to the virtual tour with things to click on that will explain things along the way. This is so wonderful!! Enjoy!!

Another Push

2009-08-08T20:09:00.004-04:00

Last week my dad and I went to daily Mass in Paw Paw. We were planing on visiting St. Anne's Chapel in Lawton while we were there, so I asked Fr. Stanley if he could get us inside to take a look (He knows the couple whose property it is on).

One of the days we were at Mass we noticed a man (who I thought looked like a canon from St. John Cantius) in the back of the church who was in cassock and collar with a rosary on his cincture. Sure enough, he was: Brother Chad! Brother Chad was in Michigan on retreat to take care of the grounds around St. Anne's. Fr. Stanley talked to him and asked if he could show my dad and I inside St. Anne's.

Brother Chad was more than happy to give us a tour and talk with us, so about half an hour after Mass we met with him at the chapel. The chapel is just gorgeous inside!!! Amazing! He was one of two men who built the chapel. The chapel is designed after the polish mountain chapel.

It is intended to have a nailed on wood roof with no metal on top. But after the first rainstorm it drenched the inside. So Brother Chad and a few others spent almost a month caulking every crack in the roof. After that it leaked a little bit. Eventually the Superior, Fr. Phillips, decided that they would put on a copper roof over top of plywood. This caused so much additional weight that the walls started to bend out. They put in more braces at the top of the roof and put iron tension beams from one wall to the other to bring the walls back in.

Regardless of the beams and such, it is a beautiful little chapel! It has a choir set up before the altar rails and even has a small choir loft with an organ in the back of the chapel. It is such a wonderful place to send these priests and brothers away on retreat from the city!

We had a chance to talk with Brother Chad about vocations for about a hour and a half. It was just what I needed. I needed to talk to someone and ask them questions about SJC after my visit there a few weeks ago. He answered all of my questions and was very helpful.

Brother Chad is a very holy and loving man. They all are at SJC! We told him, "Ya know, we've noticed that you guys are always so joyful!" He replied with, "Well, I just think we're down-to-earth!" That's exactly it! The men of St. John Cantius are just "down-to-earth," joyful men. They love God and the church's liturgy, but they do not approach it with faces and attitudes of such somber seriousness as others do. They are joyful in their works and liturgies while still being very serious about them. They are just regular guys who are called to be priests and brothers.

Brother Chad gave a very wonderful analogy that I thought I'd share with you. It helps me to explain why I'm interested in SJC and their works. Along with how they fit into the church and it's mission.

He said that the church is the Body of Christ. So to have a body you need a heart, and that's the cloistered nuns and monks who pray for us who can't pray all of the time. They pump the blood (the faith) out to everyone else. The skin is the laity. The laity (or skin) is what everyone sees, it is the face of the church. We need lots of people to be laity so that they can spread the good news and live a christian life. Likewise, we don't need as many people to be the heart and live a cloistered life. Then all of the other religious are at different locations in the body, the diocesan priests are like the muscles who are closest to the skin (we need lots of muscles, but not as much as we need skin), while the deeper you go into the body the more of a monastic life you live until you reach the heart. Brother Chad said that the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius are like the veins that bring out the faith from the heart to the rest of the religious on to the laity.

This is why I find SJC so appealing! They set an example for other religious who in turn set an example for the laity! They live both a monastic and a diocesan lifestyle. They minister to people, yet their mission is to keep that Catholic bloodline pumping out to the rest of us.

It was an excellent visit and an excellent talk. Just another push from God.

Four Newly Ordained Priests!!!

2009-08-08T11:18:00.003-04:00

"Transitional deacons James Francis Adams, Christopher John Ankley, Joseph Bernard Gray and Harold Graham Potter will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Kalamazoo by Bishop Paul J. Bradley on August 8 at St. Augustine Cathedral.

The Ordination will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a reception immediately following at the Crowley Cathedral Center.

James Adams, 26, St. John Bosco, Mattawan, is the son of Jim and Kris Adams and graduated from the Pontifical North American College of Rome. Christopher Ankley, 42, is originally from Imlay City, and the son of Carol Ankley and the late Paul Ankley. Chris graduated from Blessed John XXIII Seminary, Weston, Mass. Harold Potter, 43, from Harbor Springs, Mich., is the son of Roger and Roberta Potter and also graduated from St. John XXII Seminary. Joseph Gray, 60, from Eaton Rapids, Mich., is the son of Mary Gray and the late Tracy Gray and graduated from Holy Apostles Seminary, Cromwell, Conn." (Diocese of Kalamazoo)

Praised be Jesus Christ! Now and Forever!!

The Church is blessed to have such fine men like these enter into her Holy Priesthood!

Sadly, I was not able to attend the ordination Mass (My high school marching band had a parade to play at). But I will be attending Fr. Adam's (bottom left in picture) first Mass in Paw Paw: Sunday the 9th at 2pm. I know Fr. Adams personally, and he is a VERY holy and loving man. He is what I aspire to be.

Congratulations to you all!! Ad multos annos!

Are We Happy?

2009-08-07T10:41:00.006-04:00

When we see crowds of people rushing into theaters, charging into their local bars, or seeking new thrills, we see that they have not yet found happiness, otherwise they would not be looking for it.

The fact that we can think of a greater happiness than we posses now is proof that we are not happy. If we were perfect we would be happy all the time. At one time or another in our lives we have tried to obtain what would make us happy, but when we get it, are we happy?

Remember how we look forward to a vacation or Christmas, and we thought about how great a time it was going to be and how happy we were going to be? But then as our vacation ended, or we are falling asleep in our beds after Christmas day, we feel that somehow or other it did not meet our expectations.

We want to be perfectly happy, but we are not. Our lives have been a series of disappointments, shocks, trials, sufferings, and disillusions. The real question lies in how we reacted to our disappointments; either we became cynical, or religious.

If we decide to become cynical, we decide that, since life is a snare and a delusion, we ought to get as much thrill and fun out of it as possible! In a case such this we grab at any excitement we see, making our lives a consistent search for a "good time." This would be the right attitude if we were just an animal. But we have a soul as well as a body. So there are joys in life as well as pleasures.

There is a world of difference between these two. Pleasure is of the body; while joy is of the mind and heart. One can become quickly tired of pleasures, but you can never tire of joys. A pleasure can keep building until it reaches a point where it stops being pleasure it may even begin to cause pain if carried beyond a certain point. Therefore, if we live focused on pleasure we are missing the joys of life.

Have you noticed that as our desire for pleasure increases, the satisfaction from the pleasure decreases? The drug addict, to have equal pleasure from his drugs, must increase his dose or kind of drug. Otherwise the thrill runs off. Any addict deals with this. You keep searching for the next big thing because the pleasure of the last wore off.

On the other hand, one will react to disappointments in a religious manner. If we see that we haven't found the happiness we are looking for we come to the conclusion that, "If we want happiness, we must have been made for happiness." We realize that we have been looking for happiness in all of the wrong places. Therefore we look for happiness somewhere else, in God.

If our philosophy is always to have a "good time," we have already learned long ago that we will never really have a "good time," because we are always in the pursuit of happiness without ever capturing it. We will spend our whole lives searching for happiness, and what ends up happening is that we go through life without noticing how happy we could be if we look to God for our happiness. "We turn the pages of life, without ever reading the book." --Fulton Sheen.

This is why those who live for pleasure become cynical. They blame things, rather than their self, and they end up chasing mirages until death overtakes them.

Our whole lives will be disordered and miserable if we base them on the principal of always having a good time, simply because happiness is an end product, not a goal. One should not seek happiness, but rather seek good and happiness will come as a result.

From all of this comes the question; "Why am I disappointed and unhappy?" The reason for this is simple; because we have such a large unbalance between our desires and our realizations.

For example, one would look forward to some earthly pleasure, or position, but once they attain it, they begin to feel the large unbalance between the idea they desired and the reality of what actually happened. This causes disappointment. The more material and earthly our goals are the more disappointment follows; the more spiritual and "God-centered" our goals are the less disappointment there is. That is why, if we devote our lives to God and His will we can ultimately find happiness in everything.

Certainly we would never want this perfect life, perfect Truth, perfect Love unless it existed. The very thought that we enjoy these things to the best of our abilities means there must be a place where we can enjoy these things in complete happiness. That's heaven! Would there be an eye if there was no beauty to behold? Then would there be a craving for unending life, perfect Truth, and ecstatic love unless perfect Life and Truth and Love existed?

In other words, we are made for God. Nothing short of the infinite satisfies us, and to be asked to satisfy with anything less would be to destroy us. That's why there is a heaven!

While we are on earth, we dream of heaven; we are creatures of time, and we despise it. We are constantly looking for the source of Life, Truth, and Love, and that something is God; and the times when we have been disappointed are when we have lost sight of Him!

It is God that we are looking for. Our unhappiness is not due to our want of a fortune, or a high position, or fame; it is not due to a want of something outside of us, but rather a want inside of us. We are made for perfect happiness. That is our purpose. No wonder everything short of God disappoints us!

But have you noticed that when you realize you were made for perfect happiness, how much less disappointing the pleasures of earth become? Once we realize that God is our end, we are no long disappointed! "This causes us to see that friendship, the joys of marriage, the sunset and the stars, masterpieces of art and music are all gifts from God! He dropped them into our life to remind us that these things beautiful. It is a small foretaste of His eternal kingdom in heaven!"

Life is not filled with disappointments- unless you expect more than what you have at that very moment. Disappointments are merely parts of life saying: "Perfect Happiness is not here." Every disillusionment, every destroyed earthly hope, every frustrated human desire points to God. Though our passions may be satisfied by things of this world, we are never satisfied until we are at peace with our One True God in His eternal Kingdom.

St. Anne's Chapel

2009-08-03T15:23:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow I'm going to visit St. Anne's Chapel in Lawton, MI. We are leaving tonight to go camping and the chapel is only ten minutes away. So after daily Mass tomorrow we're hoping to go visit the church.

The church is used by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. St. Anne’s Chapel is a quiet retreat location for the members of the Canons Regular. In 2001, the Dietz family donated to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius 96 acres of farmland in Lawton, which will be the site of a future retreat center. Because the parents of the Dietz family were named Anne and Thaddeus, the new chapel was dedicated to St. Anne and a statue of each of their patron saints has been enshrined in the chapel.

The St. Anne Chapel, crafted in the mountains of southern Poland in 2003, and reassembled on the Lawton property, features the traditional style of architecture that has been employed in that region since the Middle Ages.

(Info. From SJC)

Fr. Solanus Casey

2009-08-03T14:15:00.005-04:00

Fr. Doctor talked about this Capuchin Friar today at daily Mass. I was interested to learn more about him so I googled his name! I thought you might find it interesting too! I got this information about him from the official site of the Fr. Solanus Guild and the Cause for Beatification of Venerable Solanus Casey.

Fr. Solanus Casey, Capuchin Franciscan, was born Bernard Francis Casey on November 25, 1870 on a farm near Oak Grove, Wisconsin. He was the sixth child in a family of ten boys and six girls born to Irish immigrant parents. Bernard left the farm to work throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota as a logger, hospital orderly, street car operator, and prison guard.

At the age of 21 Bernard entered St. Francis High School Seminary in Milwaukee to study for the diocesan priesthood. Five years later he contemplated a religious order. Invested in the Capuchin Order at Detroit in 1897, he received the religious name of Solanus.

After his ordination in 1904, Fr. Solanus spent 20 years in New York, Harlem, and Yonkers. In 1924 he was assigned to St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit where he worked for 20 years.

Fr. Solanus spent his life in the service of people. At the monastery door as porter he met thousands of people from every age and walk of life and earned recognition as "The Doorkeeper." He was always ready to listen to anyone at any time, day or night.

During his final illness, he remarked, "I'm offering my suffering that all might be one. If only I could see the conversion of the whole world." His last conscious act was sitting up in bed and saying, "I give my soul to Jesus Christ." He died at the age of 86 on July 31, 1957 at the same day and hour of his First Holy Mass 53 years earlier.

After his death the fame of Fr. Solanus continued to spread and many people visited his simple grave in the Friars’ Cemetery. Three years after his death many friends formed the Fr. Solanus Guild to preserve his memory and ideals (which you can visit HERE). The Guild sparked the movement to present Fr. Solanus as a candidate for Sainthood.

By 1981 Cardinal Dearden was ready to petition the Congregation for Causes of Saints to open the Cause. Permission was granted in 1982 and instructions were sent to Edmund C. Szoka, the new Archbishop of Detroit, to begin the Diocesan investigation. After interrogating 53 witnesses the Process was completed and taken to Rome in October 1984.

The canonical exhumation and examination of Fr. Solanus’ body took place on July 8, 1987 in the presence of Archbishop Szoka and Archdiocesan officials. Solanus' body, found to be quite intact, was clothed in a new habit, placed in a new steel casket, and sealed with the Archbishop’s seal. The casket was reinterred in a cement vault beneath the floor of the north transept of St. Bonaventure Church where many people continue to pray for the intercession of Fr. Solanus.

The Positio documentation of the Cause, was studied and approved by the Congregation for Causes of Saints in 1995. On July 11th of that year Pope John Paul II promulgated the Decree of Heroic Virtue for Fr. Solanus and declared him “Venerable.” One miraculous cure attributed to the intercession of Venerable Solanus, then approved by the Congregation will advance the Cause to Beatification and the title of “Blessed.” Another approved miracle after that will advance the Cause finally to Canonization or Sainthood.

Keep courage—rather confidence in God—which is courage divinely reinforced.

Feast of St. John Vianney

2009-08-03T12:00:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the Feast of St. John Vianney. St. John Mary Vianney was ordained a priest in 1815. Three years later he was made parish priest of Ars, where his reputation as a confessor and director of souls made him known throughout the Christian world. His life was one of extreme mortification.

"Accustomed to the most severe austerities, beleaguered by swarms of penitents, and besieged by the devil, this great mystic manifested a imperturbable patience. He was loved by the crowds, but he retained a childlike simplicity, and he remains to this day the living image of the priest after the heart of Christ." (Catholic Online)

He heard confessions of people from all over the world for sixteen hours each day. His life was filled with works of charity and love. He died August 4, 1859, and was canonized May 31, 1925.

St. John Vianney is the patron saint of priests, and this year is specially dedicated to him and his works as it is the "Year of the Priests."

Prayer of St. John Vianney-

I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life.

I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You.

I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally...

My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You,

I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.

Fiat Voluntas Tua

2009-08-02T08:50:00.012-04:00

All unhappiness (when there is no immediate cause for sorrow) comes from excessive concentration on the past or from extreme preoccupation with the future.

A conscience burdened with the guilt of past sins is fearful of divine judgement. But God in His mercy has given us two remedies for such an unhappiness. One is the sacrament of penance, which blots out the past by remission of our sins and lightens the future by means of hope through an amendment of our lives.

Nothing in human existence is as effective in curing our memory or imagination as confession; it cleanses us of our guilt, and if we follow Christ, we shall be put completely out of mind of our confessed sins.

The second remedy is stated by Fulton Sheen as, "The Sanctification of the Moment"--or the "Now." Our Lord even spells out for us what we are to do:

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Mt 6:34).

This means that each day has its own trials; we are not to borrow troubles from tomorrow because that day will soon have its cross. We are to leave the past to God's mercy and to trust in Him for the future, whatever its trials may be.

Each minute of life has its particular duty--whatever the appearance that duty may take. The Now-moment is the moment of salvation. Each will of God is a dreaded command to us, but we should wish that the wills of God were multiplied, that there might be more frequent opportunities for our service to Him. Those who truly love God will not protest, no matter what He may ask of them.

A sick person takes medicine without asking the doctor to justify its bitter taste, because the patient has trust in the doctor's knowledge; in the same way the soul that has faith accepts all the events of life as gifts from God, and embraces them with open arms.

This is no small task, no doubt!! If you were to read any doctor of the church you would find them writing about the same thing we are discussing right now. This is something human beings will always be fighting to overcome. It takes a lifetime, and we will not know the fruits of our labor until we reach our eternal kingdom.

But each of these trials and sufferings carries a message God has directed personally to us. Nothing is more individually made to our spiritual needs than the Now-moment.

Those who sanctify the moment, and offer it up in union with God's will, never become frustrated--they never grumble or complain. They overcome all obstacles by making them occasions of prayer. What are often "hard-times" are then made opportunities of growth and trust in God.

It is strange how we accept misfortune--or even an insult. For example; if someone were to stomp on our foot accidentally we would become resentful and upset; but if it were a movie star that accidentally stepped on our foot we would probably boast about the moment to our friends!

So, we are able to adapt with grace to the demands of every Now-moment when we recognize God's will and purpose behind the trials and tribulations of life.

We are all hungry to do great things for God, and we complain that we have no opportunities to carry out such a great mission. But whenever the food is overdone, no good parking available, or the event cancelled we become upset for the rest of the day. We miss our opportunities to love and serve God in the little things He asks of us. God speaks to us in a whisper, but we don't hear Him because we are too busy listening for a trumpet. We should quiet our own wills so that we would be able to hear the will of the one who is really important!

It is in these little daily chores that saints find holiness. To accept the crosses of our state of life because they come from an all-loving God is to have taken the first step in the reform of our world. It is the reformation of the self.

This habit of embracing the Now and glorifying God through His demands is an act of our loving will. We do not need to know God's plan in order to accept it. We can be cured by a medicine (staying with the doctor examples! =D) without knowing its prescription or its ingredients. Just our will to be resigned to Him, and to suffering will give us a far greater understanding of theology than anything else.

"Some souls will gain peace and sanctity from the same trials that make others rebels and nervous wrecks." (Fulton Sheen-- Yes i started reading some of his writings! =D)

Neither the devil nor God can take our will. We are absolute owners in deciding whether we offer our will to ourselves or to God. Our will, operating under our own power, may be busy doing many things, but in the end they amount to nothing. But our will operating under God's will and power can amount to such great things that we cannot even conceive until we reach heaven.

Fiat Voluntas Tua; "Thy will be done." What a wonderful phrase. To say and mean this is to put an end to all complaining; for whatever the moment brings to us is now borne by the Divine will of God.

If we follow completely in God's will we should be able to escape from the accidents that caused us pain and anger. Our life will be carried out in accordance to God's will. No longer will things "Not go according to our plan." People of God's will utter no complaint; whatever comes along they welcome it.

In God's divinity, there is nothing accidental. There is, instead, the meeting of a divine will and the offering of our own wills up to God. In this, we become content, because we know that God knows what is best for us. So then the bitter and the sweet, the joys and the sorrows of each and every moment are viewed as sanctity.

Even the bitterest of life's punishments are known to be joys in the making under their harsh and ugly appearances. Even our enemies can become occasions of advancement in union with God. Each trial is an occasion for faith and love in God.

"Only God changes things for the better. But He does this through us if we give Him the opportunity to use us. There is no limit to how much God gives us except the limits that we put on Him by our self-centeredness and lack of trust. We must constantly be aware of the limits we place and must relentlessly push thier limits back." (Fr. Groeschel--"The Reform of Renewal")

How can we be called to embrace suffering? How can we be called to love to suffer or endure slander? The only answer lies in our love of God. God will only give us what we can handle.

Mother Angelica once said, "Often, in the gray light of dawn, a chill comes over me. I ask what more I could have done if I had really trusted God."

At first thought one thinks of this being a touching act of humility, but if we are to look closer at what she said we find that she was right. We can always do more if we try to push back the limitations set by our own fears and shame.

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life with fear. Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise, God to whom you belong will in his love enable you to profit by them. He has guided you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all trials. Whenever you cannot stand, He will carry you lovingly in his arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same Eternal Father who takes care of you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day of your life. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then, and put aside all useless thoughts, all vain dreads and all anxious imaginations.

Attitude at Mass- Revisited

2009-08-02T08:20:00.003-04:00

-Here's a post that I wrote over a year ago. I was scrolling through my past writings and stumbled upon this. It is something I feel needs to be said again (along with some more additions to it).

There's an attitude that is very disturbing to me, and it SHOULD be disturbing to us all.

The attitude in which people, sit there, waiting at the end of Mass, glancing over their shoulder and as soon as Mass has ended they dart from their pew, not even bothering to bow or even genuflect, not even seeming to realize that the King of Kings was present, not giving Him another thought.

Maybe it's unfair for me to assume they don't know He is present, but then again; we tend to pay attention to those things we think are important. Is it fair to suggest, that, given the lack of reverence, perhaps people don't realize that Christ is Truly Present in the tabernacle? I won't say it's a deliberate rude gesture towards Our Lord; but the behavior of all too many Sunday-Mass-attending Catholics simply suggests that if they have any faith at all, it is something they do not understand at all.

I say this because even a small understanding of what happens at Mass and WHOM is present is a life-changing realization, and the first thing we tend to do once we realize that Jesus is really there is to do things as a signal of what has gone on inside of us. As in genuflect, or bow, or make the sign of the cross. It may be small, and doing this might make us feel weird; for we might wonder what our friends or family will think of us if we suddenly realize that we've been ignoring Christ and experience even a small change in behavior that signals an even greater change in our hearts.

But, I have learned, it's not easy to be Catholic, even in a Catholic church! Those who actively pursue holiness are often regarded as being "odd" or even "a fanatic”.

It is for this reason I question why people don't genuflect; is it that they don't believe or don't understand, or is it that they are afraid of being seen as a “fanatic”?

I suspect that the answer leans more towards the first, although I'm certain there are a great number of Catholics afraid to practice their faith out loud, the idea that surrounds them and tells them (and all of us!) that "faith is personal".

Yes, faith IS personal...and it is also social. For if the social aspect isn't expressed then faith dies from the act of showing and professing our Love to Our Lord. If we're afraid to even genuflect because of what other Catholics might call us or think about us, then how can we possibly take the next step and be willing to verbally proclaim Christ?

The culture of the lukewarm is in charge. The "lukewarm" are those who claim to be "good Catholics" because they attend Mass "most Sundays and some Holy Days if convenient", send their children to Catholic school, support the school and church sometimes, all if it's fun (and convenient socially!). Yet, they pick and choose what they want to believe. Because of their high status as "church-going Catholics" they also get to sit in judgment and gossip over those Catholics who spend more time working hard to BE Catholic as opposed to talking about or thinking about what good Catholics they are.

In reality, most Lukewarm Catholics aren't so vile; and so they go about their lives, not even considering that they should be genuflecting when they arrive at Mass and when they leave...for they don't even realize Jesus is Present. They don't go to Confession because they think Vatican II "did away" with the sacrament.

We also ALL have the responsibility to educate ourselves (Biggy!); we all have questions. The bad news is that the Church is over 2,000 years old, with theology that goes back to the beginning of time. The GOOD news is that all of the questions we have, in reality, have been asked before. The most common questions are those too many people are afraid to ask...yet if they did, they would be changed forever.

There's a lot of fear out there among the Lukewarms. It's ALL ABOUT fear for them; about what their friends and family will think, about having to change, about those questions they have about the answers they think they should know...but have never been taught.

Catechesis needs to happen, but we have a couple of lost generations out there, adults running around knowing that they should go to church, wanting to raise their children Catholic, but having NO IDEA what it really MEANS to be Catholic! The result is a sort of spiritual standstill as these adults struggle to live a life of faith in a culture that says faith (and life! Did you see a dig there?) has no value.

It's an outright battle for the souls of Catholics and those on the frontlines are taking a beating most people can't even imagine. How do we inspire conversion in those we love, those who can't seem to break out of the relativism that holds them bound? Some get ticked off and leave the Church if they are provided with authentic teaching. Some get ticked off and, through argument and discussion, eventually convert. Others simply disconnect and practice their faith with all the passion and understanding of a headless zombie.

I don't know what the answers are; I'm constantly stressing out my brain trying to figure out how to reach people through the barriers they've put up. Yet, I'll keep trying; over and over again.

I can't help but think of the early martyrs, and all the martyrs throughout the history of the Church, even those of today. They were and are Catholics like all of us, but whose practice of the faith led and leads to death in horrible ways. They were men and women who stepped forward even as their bishops were torn apart by lions, and there, in the face of that reality, in that very presence, they were not afraid to declare themselves to be Christians and follow the bloody footprints into the arena.

Do I think I'd be strong enough to be one of those martyrs? I don't know. I hope so. Because I think a larger persecution is coming and those of us who believe all that the Church teaches and try to embrace it, and seek to preach it and live it...I think we're going to suffer. And I believe that that needs to happen.

Patience

2009-07-31T22:51:00.002-04:00

Please forgive me for my lack of posting these past few days. My mom is currently taking some online classes to renew her teaching degree. So, I haven't been able to get on to write anything. I will be back soon...

Check back in soon and I'll have more posts up!! (Like Saturday or Sunday! =D)

Thank you for your patience!

In Christ-

Ascension and the East Homily

2009-07-29T16:15:00.005-04:00

"Ascension and the East" homily
Fr. Dennis Kolinski, SJC
25 May 2006
St. John Cantius

Until recent years, the debate about which direction the priest should be facing when celebrating the Mass was usually about the difference between the Tridentine Mass and the Novus Ordo Mass. But more and more one is hearing this discussion even in reference to the post-Vatican II Mass. There is growing concern for a return to the sacred and a return to this traditional orientation in the Mass is a significant part of it. Our present Holy Father, Benedict XVI is among its notable proponents.

Many people talk of celebration of the Mass in the traditional manner as Mass celebrated facing the tabernacle or as Mass in which the priest's back is to the people to conceal the Sacred Mysteries. But neither of these descriptions gets to the core of why we celebrate Mass in this manner.

Mass in the traditional manner is called "ad orientem", which literally means "to the east", and from the very beginning of Christianity orientation of worship to the East held a profoundly mystical significance. It was the ancient and universal practice of all Christians. They didn't worship in that direction because of the tabernacle because it wasn't until the Middle Ages that the tabernacle was put at the back of the altar as it is now. Worship facing the east had a great cosmological significance because of the great event we commemorate today. Christians believed that when Christ ascended into heaven, He ascended toward the east and that when He would return in His Second Coming, He would come from that same direction. By always facing to that direction in worship, they were, therefore, always standing ready for the return of their Lord. The East represented the anticipated Second Coming of Christ, the King.

The first Christians were Jews and the orientation of prayer to the east was a concept that was not at all foreign to them because Jews believed that Eden was located to the East. (1) Christians worshiped to the east not because it pointed to the earthly paradise as the Jews did, but because it now pointed to the new paradise in Heaven to which Christ had arisen on Ascension Day.

Early Christian literature has many references to worship facing east. The Apostolic Constitutions state that a church should be built "with its head to the East". (2.) St. John Damascene wrote that while we wait for the coming of the Lord "we adore Him facing East" because it is a tradition that was passed down to us by the Apostles. St. Augustine wrote, "When we rise to pray, we turn East, where Heaven begins." (3.)

The rising sun in the east as an image of Christ the Light of the world was also a potent symbol for the early Christians. In the third century, Origen wrote that we ought to pray in the direction of the rising sun because it is an act which symbolizes the soul's gaze towards the rising of the true Light, Jesus Christ. The writings of other Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria and St. Basil, confirm this practice.

This symbol of the sun as an image of the Divine Light is found throughout the Bible. In the Book of Psalms we read about "The sun, which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber". (5.) In the book of the prophet Malachi we read that the "sun of righteousness shall rise." (6.) In his mystical vision, Ezekiel saw "the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east" and it "entered the Temple by the gate facing east." (7.) And in the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, Christ's face "shone like the sun." (8.)

The sun is a cosmic symbol of the light of the resurrected Christ, who dispels the darkness of sin and death. When the sun sets in the west, the world sinks into darkness, which we equate with death. That is what happens when a souls shuts out the Light of Christ. Darkness envelops the soul and leads to spiritual death. The east, on the other hand, brings the rising sun and its energy for a new day. So, by turning toward the rising sun when we worship, we turn toward Christ, whom it symbolizes.

The east is the same direction to which Christ ascended from the Mount of Olives on the day of the Ascension and is the direction from which He will return on the Last Day. (9.) In the book of Revelation we read that the east will be the direction from which the Angel of the Lord will come in the end time "ascending from the rising of the sun." (10.) And Christ Himself told us that "as the lightning comes from the east so will be the coming of the Son of man" (11.) and his face will be like "the sun shining in full strength." (12.)

The structures in which Christians traditionally worshipped were not just functional buildings as they often are today. The church building and everything in it reflected a very deep symbolism. We call the body of the church the "nave", which is a word derived from the Latin word for ship - navis. So, we can say that during our short time on earth, we are on a journey and the church building in which we worship is, so to speak, the ship by which we sail to the east to the port of our eternal rest in heaven. It is in this sacred space that the Christian body constantly voyages to the East (13.) to the Heavenly Paradise and to the Rising Sun.

The early Church believed that it was from the east that Christ would return in glory. For Christians the east has historically always been the direction of heaven, so that by facing east, Christians - both priest and layman alike - would be able to participate in the mystical liturgy of Heaven. Both priest and laity looked toward the East in unity as if in procession because it was the gateway to heaven, their destiny. The altar was the place where heaven is opened up, leading the Church into the "eternal liturgy." (15.)

NOTES:

1. Gamber, Msgr. Klaus, The Reform of the Roman Liturgy: Its problems and background (Una Voce Press, 1993, and Kocik, Father Thomas "Re(turn) to the East?", Adoremus, November 1999
2. Hassert, Maurice M. "History of the Christian Altar", Catholic Encyclopedia, 1999
3. Augustine "De sermone domini in monte" , p. 80
4. Kocik, "Return"
5. Psalm 19
6. Malachi 4:2
7. Ezekiel 43:4
8. Matthew 17:2
9. Acts 1:11
10. Revelation 7:2
11. Matthew 24:27
12. Revelation 1:16
13. Jungman, Joseph "The Mass of the Roman Rite", p. 180
14. Ratzinger, "Spirit of the Liturgy", 70-71

Excellent--Cathy (a reader of my blog) sent this to me after she read my earlier post on "ad orientem."

Sancta Missa

2009-07-28T13:55:00.002-04:00

Ever since Pope Benedict XVI issued Summorum Pontificum in 2007, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius have been hard at work in educating priests how to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum.

Their multi-media website, www.SanctaMissa.org, has already given assistance to priests throughout the world learning to offer the usus antiquor. The web site has also provided education to so many of the faithful to learn how to pray the Mass with greater devotion and fervor.

Since many approach the Canons Regular to learn more about the Extraordinary Form, it is advantageous to offer group workshops for priests, deacons, seminarians, and for the lay faithful so that Catholics will better appreciate the celebration of the Classical Roman Rite.

(Explained more HERE)

For anyone, priests or laity, who want to learn more about the Traditional Latin Mass you should check out the website!! This is a website started and maintained by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. It is excellent!! I'm sure many of you already know about the site, but for those of you who don't--it is a very good source to read and to reference.

It has online tutorials, books, videos (DVD's to purchase), FAQ's, and written explanations of everything pertaining to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. It also has explanations of every item used during Tridentine Mass, and video's talking about the

One can visit the Canon's web store to buy all of these Latin Mass resources. They have books, DVD's, 1962 Altar Missal, Altar cards, and so much more.

-Here is a letter to priests and faithful (on the website) from the order's superior Fr. Phillips:

Dear Brother Priests and Faithful,

In thanksgiving for Our Holy Father's recent Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, we are pleased to have the opportunity to train priests to celebrate the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. We hope that this tutorial, which provides a study of the the rubrics in a multimedia format, will assist priests in praying the Mass of the Ages with deeper reverence and love, so that the faithful attracted to this venerable rite might more profoundly enter into the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Those devoted to the study of the rubrics of the 1962 Missale Romanum will notice that, according to local custom, there are some variances in the expression of the rubrics. In this tutorial you will see the Tridentine Latin Mass offered according to the customs of the Archdiocese of Chicago as practiced in 1962. As other dioceses or religious communities may have other customs, I hope that these differences will not cloud the purpose of guiding priests in praying the Traditional Latin Mass.

As a seminarian, I had the privilege to work with Monsignor Martin B. Hellriegel, P.A., who was a noted liturgical giant of his time. He taught me that while rubrics are vital to offering the Mass with reverence and devotion, one must not act robotically and mechanically in their execution. The rubrics are the shell protecting the kernel.

By the diligent study of the rubrics, priests will be able to grasp the structure of the Mass and perform well the many intricacies of the sacred liturgy. Moreover, the external ceremonies of the Mass should always lead the priest to discover its rich treasures.

Finally, this presentation of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will form the laity, both intellectually and spiritually, to understand its sacred ceremonies, and to be transformed by its inestimable beauty.

In Christ,

Rev. C. Frank Phillips, C.R., Superior
The Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius
Chicago

--I have the Canon's website, their web store, and Sancta Missa linked on the my right side bar for anyone looking for quick access!!

Prayer of Trust

2009-07-27T20:44:00.004-04:00

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

--Thomas Merton

I love this prayer!! My dad showed it to me today. He came across it while looking in our "Manual of Prayers" book. It says exactly what most of us feel or think, and puts us in a place where we can do nothing but trust in God. We follow Him even if we don't know where or what we are doing. We should desire to do good, and to love God in everything we do. If we do, He will always be there as our help and our shield. I'm going to be saying this prayer much more often!!

Home Altars

2009-07-26T17:04:00.008-04:00

Each Christian family is considered a Domestic Church, being the smallest unit of Christian community, faith, and practice. It is in the Christian home that one lives out the Catholic faith. Each family, being part of the Church, is charged with much the same ministry as the parish church; namely worship, Christian fellowship, charity, education in the faith, growth in virtue, evangelism, hospitality and works of mercy. (Orthodox Wiki)

The "religious life" is not limited to those who have taken monastic or priestly vows. Rather, this shows that all Christians are called to religious and prayerful life.

Worship in the traditional home generally centers around the "Icon corner" (or sometimes called a "home altar"), which is typically placed in a prominent place in the living room or dining room of the home. This usually consists of one or more icons and often a shelf or table on which are placed various devotional items.

A Home Altar is a place where the focal point of a Catholic home should be -- a place where the family can gather to offer up their prayers to the Most Holy Trinity and to ask the Saints to pray for them. Morning Offerings, family Rosaries, prayers for special intentions, family novenas, Lectio Divina, etc., can all be made here. Family altars, ideally, should be on the Eastern wall of a home, in the same orientation as church buildings. The altar can be as simple or as elaborate as one desires.

A home altar is not intended to be used for Mass. Although, Mass can be said anywhere--so Mass could be said there. Rather, a home altar is a shrine that allows a family a quiet place to keep relics, icons, and other prayerful objects on display in one area. This area is used for prayer. What better place to contemplate and pray than among images of our Lord, and the saints around us?

Many Catholics have sacred images or icons all over their house. All a home altar does is take most of those objects and put them into a prayerful and sacred area. It is not uncommon for Catholics to have a home altar in their house. It is the same as having a crucifix in every room, or a small shrine in your bedroom where you pray.

I love the idea of a Home Altar.

Here are some pictures of our family's Home Altar:

We have a gold crucifix with two candles, and another wall mounted votive candle that can be changed out for different feast days, along with an incense burner and holy cards set on the table. On the right wall we have a small Holy Water Font below an icon of St. Anthony along with a relic of St. Anthony. The left wall has a few shelves holding statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Charles Borremeo, and St. Padre Pio. We are looking for a statue of Mary, but haven't decided on one yet.

Here is a closer picture of our home altar....

We just recently added St. Padre Pio to our shrine. We bought him a few days ago when we went to visit "Cross in the Woods." He is a wonderful addition! I personally have a special devotion to the pious friar too.

A Birthday Present

2009-07-25T20:28:00.003-04:00

It says:

"What part of HOC EST CORPUS MEUM don't you understand?!"

I love it!!! I think I'm going to wear it everyday! ;D

Purification of dropped or spilt Species

2009-07-20T14:07:00.003-04:00

A reader has asked me to explain the exact procedure after the Host falls to the floor during Communion. There is not much written in the Roman Missal, but I do know what should be done.

This subject is addressed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 280:

"If a host or any particle should fall, it is to be picked up reverently. If any of the Precious Blood is spilled, the area where the spill occurred should be washed with water, and this water should then be poured into the sacrarium in the sacristy."

I know that the fallen host should be consumed by either the priest or the communicant (whoever can get to it) as quick as possible. Afterwards the priest (or servers) should cover the spot of the fall with a purificator (preferably two and lay them over each other in the shape of a cross). Same goes with the spilling of the precious blood (only you can use a corporal to cover a larger area so that the blood isn't trampled on). Then the priest will clean the area removing all fragments and washing it with holy water.

I do not know about the priest prostrating himself to kiss the area in which the Body or Blood had fallen. Yet, it is a wonderful gesture!! As you said, "Those priests established a firm belief that Christ is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament!"

We should pray for priests to have such faith in the Blessed Sacrament as the ones you have described! It all comes back to whether or not we really believe that we are dealing with the True Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Updated Music

2009-07-19T20:09:00.002-04:00

I just updated my music player down below. There are quite a few more songs I added-- One's that should've been on there a while ago =D. I'll be adding more on eventually-- I just need to have more time to sit and search for them. If you get tired of hearing the same series of songs over and over again there is a shuffle button down there that will mix them up for you.

Any other suggestions for me to add on there??

Enjoy!!!

Ad Orientem

2009-07-19T17:19:00.009-04:00

Before you start…

Use the restroom, get a cup of coffee, then put your feet up-- this one’s gonna take a while to read!

In most major religions, the position taken in prayer and the layout of holy places is determined by a "sacred direction." In the Catholic Church it is a place in which both congregation and celebrant face a central goal that all strive for throughout the actions and liturgy of the Mass.

Fr. Uwe Lang is a published author who wrote “Turning Towards the Lord: Orientation in Liturgical Prayer” explaining the need for our proper orientation in the Liturgy of the Mass. Fr. Lang explains how the practice of celebrating the liturgy "ad orientem," or "facing east," developed in the early Church in an interview with the online Catholic news source, Zenit:

“The sacred direction in Judaism is toward Jerusalem in the Holy of Holies of the Temple. Jews pray toward Jerusalem, Muslims pray toward Mecca, and Christians pray toward the East.

The early Christians no longer turned toward the earthly Jerusalem, but toward the new, heavenly Jerusalem. It was their firm belief that when the risen Christ would come again in glory, he would gather his faithful to make up this heavenly city.

They saw in the rising sun a symbol of the resurrection and of the second coming, and it was a matter of course for them to pray facing this direction. There is strong evidence of eastward prayer in most parts of the Christian world from the second century onward.

In the New Testament, the special significance of the eastward direction for worship is not explicit.

Even so, tradition has found many biblical references for this symbolism, for instance: the "sun of righteousness" in Malachi 4:2; the "day dawning from on high" in Luke 1:78; the angel ascending from the rising of the sun with the seal of the living God in Revelation 7:2; and the imagery of light in St John's Gospel.”

One can see this when the priest consecrates the host upon the altar, hidden from the view of the congregation, and then he suddenly elevates it after the consecration. The elevation reminds us of something wondrous, like the sun suddenly rising.

There are two forms of worship which we are dealing with here: versus populum (facing the people), and ad orientem (facing liturgical east).

Many people believe that Vatican II specifically mandated the use of versus populum in the Novus Ordo Liturgy (The Mass most people are familiar with since the Second Vatican Council.) and that it “did away” with the Old Mass (The Tridentine Mass celebrated before Vatican II), and ad orientem worship. These assumptions are completely inaccurate.

Rather, the documents of the second vatican council gave no mandate about the direction of the celebrant during Mass. Vatican II only gave priests the option to say Mass versus populum, but never mandated it.

The cause of this change is attributed to the way Mass is celebrated at the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, to face physical East the Holy Father must face the congregation. There is no tabernacle behind the pope either, so there really is no direction of orientation in that church except to look to the pope and the altar.

People and the media misunderstood this and pushed for a renewal in which priests could face their congregations from behind the altar.

Doing such seemed to cause an “open dialogue” between the priest and the congregation. Rather than the priest going to God on behalf of the faithful and speaking to God directly, he became a “show man.”

This is where I think the priest lost his purpose in the Mass. He was no longer a man put up by the faithful to go before God and act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) carrying out the sacrificial actions of the Mass. The priest became a “personality,” who in essence becomes the main focus of the Liturgy.

Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) has this to say in his “Spirit of the Liturgy” (Ignatius Press, 2000) about the priest facing versus populum:

“Everything depends on him (the priest). We have to see him, to respond too him, to be involved in what he is doing. His creativity sustains the whole thing..... Less and less God is in the picture. More and more is done by human beings that meet here and do not like to subject themselves to a “predisposed pattern.” The turning of the priest to the people has turned the community into a self-enclosed circle. In its outward form it no longer opens out on what lies ahead and above, but is closed in on itself.”

The Mass then becomes filled with distractions to the faithful, who are distracted by the priest’s “shtick”, and the priest, who feels compelled to put on a show and has to face the people and their reactions to what he does. All this does is cause distraction and blatant disregard for what is actually going on at Holy Mass. Even when the priest has best intentions, he still feels pressure to cater to the emotional needs of the congregation.

The way to fix this problem (that we have created) is to re-orient ourselves to our Lord, toward our ultimate goal. We, as priests and congregation, focus ourselves on the sacrificial actions occurring before us and look to see the second coming of Christ at the end of this world(the eschatological aspect of Mass).

One of the main problems people mistakenly have is their claim that the priest "is turning his back on the people." This statement misses the crucial point that the Mass is a common act of worship in which priest and people together reach out for a God, who reveals Himself through the Eucharist. By facing the same direction as the faithful when the priest stands at the altar, the priest leads the people of God on their journey of faith.

Fr. Lang says, “Looking out for the Lord keeps the eschatological character of the Eucharist alive and reminds us that the celebration of the sacrament is a participation at the cross at Cavalry and the second coming of Christ. The Mass occurs outside of time, linking both past, future and present into one action.

Churches have traditionally been constructed facing the rising sun as explained above. Facing east we are turned in expectation toward the Lord who is to come (eschatology) and we show that we are part of an act that goes beyond the church and community where we are celebrating, to the whole world (the cosmos). In churches not facing geographical east, the Cross and Tabernacle become ‘liturgical east’.

This gives the Eucharist its greatness, saving the individual community from closing in upon itself and opening it toward the assembly of the angels and saints in the heavenly city. We are not alone in our worship at Mass. All of the saints and angels join with us in Mass.” (Zenit interview)

The whole point of facing east is to emphasize the essential character of the liturgy: that of a procession out of time and into eternity in Heaven. The priest, standing in the person of Christ, leads the way, but we are all moving together, as a community and as the people of God, as part of the same procession that begins at the Introit, continues through the Offertory, and culminates with our reception of Holy Communion.

An example of this is how the military sends forth a general to lead his army into battle. The people appoint someone that is trained to go forward and lead the faithful (the Church Militant) toward their goal.

The main principle of Christian worship is the dialogue between the people of God as a whole, including the celebrant, and God, to whom their prayer is addressed.

French liturgist Marcel Metzger argues that the phrases "facing the people" and "back to the people" exclude the One to whom all prayer is directed, namely God.

In the document of the second Vatican council, Eucharisticum Mysterium (May, 1967) the expression “active participation” is discussed. Since then, many have maintained that this "active participation" by the faithful demanded celebration toward the people.

Recent critical reflection on the concept of "active participation" has revealed the need for a theological renewal of this important principle. In his book "The Spirit of the Liturgy," then Cardinal Ratzinger drew a useful distinction between participation in the Liturgy of the Word, which includes external actions, and participation in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where external actions are quite secondary, since the interior participation of prayer is the heart of the matter.

The practice of ad orientem offers a psychological and spiritual benefit as well. It permits the worshipper to contemplate the purely sacramental character of the Mass and focus less on the personality of the celebrant. From the celebrant's point of view, it permits a more intense focus on the mystery of the sacrifice taking place rather than on the personalities of the worshippers.

I think there is great aesthetic beauty when the priest says Mass facing the Lord. Everything comes together up at the altar: the beautiful backs of the vestments used as a living iconostasis; the elevation of the Host in front of the crucifix, calling to mind the sacrifice of Christ; the unity of the priest, servers and entire congregation praying and orienting themselves towards the mystery being accomplished on the altar.

The priest acts as a living iconostasis. The back of his vestments are even covered in icons. His vestments are those icons that the Eastern Church has on their walls. He serves as a living wall, he serves as that iconostasis between congregation and God. (To read more on revelation and iconostasis go to another of my posts HERE.)

The combination of all of these elements makes the experience something transcendent – takes our attention from the face of the priest, and refocuses it on the sacrifice of Christ. This reminds us that the Mass is not about the priest or his “performance,” but about Jesus’ offering of Himself to God the Father. The point of liturgy is to create an encounter with mystery. If liturgy doesn’t do that, it has failed.

I ask for your forgiveness in making such a long and drawn out post. But this is something very important. It’s a piece of our Liturgy that many parishes are missing. I have witnessed the transcendence of ad orientem worship personally in the Mass, in both Ordinary and Extraordinary forms (both the "old" and "new" Masses). It is something that changes the entire tone of the whole Mass. I don’t think we can understand its role, importance, and beauty in the Mass until we experience it. When one does, however, one must experience it by setting aside all personal “bug-a-boo’s” and “issues.” One needs to take a deep breath and focus on the fact that the Mass ISN’T ABOUT US- it’s about GOD!

No one can sum it up better than Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI:

“The Lord is the point of reverence and reference. He is the rising sun of history. That is why there could be a cross of the passion, which represents the suffering of the lord who for us let his side be pierced, as well as a cross triumphant, which expresses the idea of the second coming and guides our eyes toward it. For it is always the one Lord: Christ yesterday, today and forever.” (Spirit, p. 84)

For any more reading on this topic please read the two books I have been quoting throughout this post:

“Spirit of the Liturgy” by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

“Turning Towards the Lord” by Fr. Uwe Lang

(Thanks to Fr. Doctor for the great pictures of the stained glass windows!!)

Holy Father Falls

2009-07-19T10:14:00.005-04:00

I'm sure many of you already know this ...

The Holy Father fell and broke his wrist and has had some surgery. It sounds as if the Holy Father’s fracture wasn’t that bad… He went to the hospital the next morning after he said Mass and ate breakfast. There he found out he had a slight fracture to his wrist and would have to have surgery. He was on vacation too!!! Poor guy!

Please pray for the Holy Father and his swift recovery!

My Visit to St. John Cantius

2009-07-18T21:03:00.011-04:00

Last Wednesday my family took me on a day trip to Chicago to visit St. John Cantius Parish run by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, for my birthday. It was truly amazing, breathtaking, and overwhelming.

We arrived there just after vespers; entering into this beautiful church to the sound of about twelve men singing the prayers of the church.

Afterwards they all left for dinner, and our family stayed to take a look around. We got a chance to meet briefly with the Pastor of the parish and Superior of the order, Fr. Phillips, until he left to eat.

The church is such a testament to what their order's mission is: to bring back the sacred in every aspect of our Liturgy. The place is just gorgeous. It contains many different pieces rescued from closing churches and parishes throughout Europe- including a "pieta" from Bavaria and statues of Padre Pio, St. Therese, and so much more.

After we had a look around (the church was empty while we were there) we sat in the first few rows of pews to pray. I picked a row off by myself, and my parents gave me some extra time to go and pray by myself.

At this point I was feeling very overwhelmed. The thought of being colleagues with these men, and possibly spending the rest of my life here was too much. I felt so tiny and insignificant compared to the church and the order. How could I be worthy enough to stay there? I asked God to give me some sort of sign or something to make me not feel so overwhelmed.

When I was done praying we went back to the car to relax a little before Mass (which was in only half an hour). Then we came back in for Mass. On our way in we met a priest who heard from Fr. Phillips that we were from Michigan; he talked to us and my dad told him why we came to visit.

The priest immediately took me for a tour in the sacristy to show me all of the vestments and sacred vessels stored there. We entered into this giant room to the left of the altar and the room is just filled from floor to ceiling with wooden shelves and closets holding vestments of all sorts. He showed me beautiful sets of vestments from Italy and Poland that are over a hundred years old, with beautiful lace and gold details. He showed me the chalices and ciboriums held in a special shelf and we met another priest setting vestments out for Mass (low Tridentine Mass).

Then he took me to a small door that led behind the altar. There was a small dark hallway that led right behind the tabernacle. The tabernacle is double sided and opens up into this hallway where any priest can come and get Holy Communion and go on a sick call, or whatever the circumstance is, while Mass is being celebrated. There is also a flip up table back by the tabernacle and the priest joked that if anyone were to attack Chicago they could still say Mass back there in secret. =D

We kept following the hallway into another sacristy that had even more closets and shelves holding more vestments, surplices and cassocks (but not as nice as the ones in the first room). Then afterwards we talked a little bit and I told him how I was interested in the order. He talked to me a little bit about it, and then I left because he had to go prepare for Mass (he was serving).

While I was back out praying in the pews before Mass, Fr. Phillips came over to me and talked to me, asking me about my interest in the order and telling me that if I ever want to take a "vocational visit" I should just contact him and he'll work it out. Not much more I could ask for than that!

If I thought getting a tour of the sacristy and meeting talking to Fr. Phillips were the only signs from God that I was going to get that day, I was wrong!

Two minutes later Fr. Phillips came back out and thumped me on my shoulder (I was praying with my hands over my face so I didn't see him coming). He had a book that was just released showing and explaining the art and architecture of St. John Cantius. He handed it to me with a smile and said, "Now don't say I never gave you nuthin' on your birthday!"

The Mass was beautiful. The most beautiful Tridentine Mass I've ever been to. I didn't want it to end. It is something that cannot be described, but has to be experienced and lived. Something I wish to share with every person I come into contact with, but few seek or even know this feeling. The feeling I'm talking about is Love. It is God.

Whether I will join the order or not, I leave the whole experience and visit all up to God.

His will be done.

St. John Cantius!!

2009-07-13T17:40:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow my family is taking me to St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago! We are going to attend Tridentine Mass at 7:30 (after a dinner at Giordano's! ;D) and visit the seminary there. I'm really excited! I've heard of this order before, but I never really looked into them...

Now that I have looked into them, and are going to visit them, I find the religious community VERY appealing!! The parish is run by the Canons Regular of St. John Catius. They are something that I'm looking into entering. My dad also knows Fr. Phillips, the Superior there.

They look wonderful! The priests and brothers of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius serve in parishes and help Catholics to rediscover a profound sense of the Sacred through solemn liturgies, devotions, sacred art and music, as well as instruction in the heritage of the Church, catechetics and Catholic culture.

You can find the Canons website here at... http://www.canons-regular.org/

I don't know too much about them, except what I've read on their website. Do any of you have any comments about them, and info?

Here is an overview of the order from their website written by Fr. Dennis Kolenski SJC;

One of the guiding principles for canons regular is the common life, which finds its inspiration in the common life of the early Church described in the Acts of the Apostles: “Before all else, live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God. For is it not precisely for this reason that you have come to live together?” Canons, originally groups of clerics gathered around a local bishop, were an ancient phenomenon and theirs is the oldest form of clerical religious life in the West. St. Augustine was the first to do this, and in order to help his clergy, who lived the common life together with him, he wrote a Rule of Life for them to follow.

Another element that is essential to this type of religious life is the clerical state of life. Although some communities of canons regular include religious brothers, the majority of its members are normally destined for the priesthood in fulfillment of the Church’s duty to give praise to God through liturgy, which is central to the concept of a priestly vocation in the Church. And although religious brothers cannot serve at the altar as priests do, the liturgy is also central to their vocation, which they fulfill by means of other non-sacerdotal roles in the sanctuary. Therefore, because the spiritual life of canons regular centers on the service of the sanctuary in the solemn celebration of the Mass and the Divine Office, the solemnity and liturgical splendor of their service in the sanctuary was especially important for them.

In keeping with the tradition of canons regular, which have their roots in the earliest centuries of the Church, the spirituality of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius is therefore essentially liturgical by means of the solemn celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Divine Office in the full richness of the Church’s liturgical heritage. For us, these two official liturgies of the Church are the perfect fulfillment of the church’s unceasing obligation of praise due to our God who is the source of all life. They are the center of our spirituality and religious life by being for us the primary means by which we are daily drawn closer to God. An essential aspect of this liturgical apostolate of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius is the celebration of the Church’s liturgies in conformity and faithfulness to Her directives, as well as in their full richness as found in the Church’s liturgical tradition.

In a broader sense, the mission of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius is to help Catholics rediscover a profound sense of the sacred through solemn liturgies, devotions, sacred art and sacred music, as well as instruction in Church heritage, catechesis and Catholic culture in the context of parish ministry. Because the Eucharistic Sacrifice “is the summit and the source of all Christian worship and life,” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 897) members of the Canons Regular order their own lives, as well as their pastoral work, above all to the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and the sacraments—the primary sources of life and grace within the Church. The sacrament of Penance plays an especially prominent role in the pastoral ministry of the Canons as a rich source of grace, particularly for those approaching the Eucharist (from the Constitutions of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius).

The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius feel that the call to holiness is addressed to all people in all ages. It is a radical call to not only follow Christ in His teachings but also to follow His example—to “be holy as [He] is holy.” They answer this call and seek personal sanctity by imitating Christ in radical opposition to the values of this world. They wish to Restore the Sacred in the Church, in the world and in their own lives in pursuit not only of their own sanctification, but also the salvation and sanctification of all. They desire to be faithful to the call they have received from God to “Restore the Sacred” and seek to nurture a continuing renewal of the Christian life as fed by the mysteries of the liturgical patrimony of the Church (from the Constitutions of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius).

Wonderful! I'm excited to visit! I'm going to be camping after my visit so I won't be home until Saturday. But when I do get home I will be sure to write about my visit and impressions.

I think next summer I will attend a "Vocational Visit" there for several days!!!

Rather than attend a vocational retreat, young men visit the community and participate in the “restoration of the sacred” by praying and working with the members of the Canons Regular according to the daily schedule.

During this “Vocational Visit,” applicants meet with the Superior to ask questions and learn more about the community, its formation, charism and apostolate.

Do We Really Believe?

2009-07-12T18:26:00.019-04:00

Do we really believe that what we consume and what some handle at Mass is truly the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then why do we approach it with such an informal manner and even touch the species and consecrated vessels that contain God without any sort of reverence or knowledge of what we are doing?

_____________________________________________________

The Sacred Species or Sacred Vessels are not to be touched by anything that isn't consecrated, including the lay people. We are not priests!!

That is the whole purpose of having a priest in the first place! We put forth a trained and ordained man, to go before God and act in persona christi consecrating the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The priest's hands were consecrated at his ordination Mass, allowing him to touch and hold the Sacred Species and Vessels. We, as lay people, are not consecrated to do such tasks. So then comes the question, "Why do we receive Jesus in our hands?" The answer is, we shouldn't.

Some are thinking, "well, our tongue isn't consecrated either, so it doesn't matter what we receive from." But this has an explanation! (I love being Catholic) In the old rite, at a child's' baptism, the priest would exorcise salt, and put it on the infant's tongue, thus consecrating the communicant's tongue so that it could receive Holy Communion. Sadly, we've done away with this tradition.

Not only are we not consecrated to hold the Sacred Species and Vessels, but it is also impractical (clunky) and disruptive to receive in the hands. People don't take reverence in what they are receiving, when they see the physical actions of walking up the aisle, and putting their hands out like they are entitled to receive something (Do we really believe?). Some communicants even go to an extent of putting out only one hand, or don't pay attention, and fumble around with the Host, and almost (and in some cases) dropping it.

There has also been an increase in the Host being stolen, to be sold, or desecrated, since receiving in the hands was allowed. I'm not blaming the desecration entirely on receiving in the hands, but it is a major contributor to that act. Instead of people being physically oriented (educated or not--- which is the faithful's responsibility, whether it be privately, or contacting your priest) to receive our Lord and having the priest put Him where He needs to be, and not have the chance of something sacrilegious occurring, we put ourselves in a position for spiritual failure.

One point from my own observation as a altar server is that in using the Paten, it is hard to catch or prevent dropping the Host, when people are fiddling around with it in their hands. Part of this is due to the faithful's orientation when receiving. If one were kneeling, and receiving on the tongue, then there would be NO question as to where the Host was going, and prevent the Host from being dropped as often. There should be no question or worry about where the Host is to be or how it is to be handled at all times. But I digress...

Another issue is lay men and women touching the Sacred Vessels, whether it be in the role of Eucharistic Ministers, or in removing the Vessels, uncleaned, from the altar. In both cases of Eucharistic ministers distributing and cleaning the vessels it becomes a more serious issue.

The lay take it upon themselves to touch (with their unconsecrated hands) Jesus, and distribute Him to the faithful, as if they were ordained. This is where one would see how priests lose focus in the meaning of their role. If any Joe-schmo can walk up on the altar and handle Jesus, then what is the purpose of a priest? It becomes confusing for the priest to know where his role is in the Mass...-- This is one reason why I feel that deacons (permanent) are very important to the Mass. They can help distribute Communion in place of lay men and women if done correctly and appropriately.

(And if you really think about it, it wouldn't take that long for a priest and deacon to distribute communion-- if it did take a longer period of time, isn't it worth it to take that time in distributing our Lord in a worthy and exact manner?)

Not only is touching the Host an issue, but also touching the Sacred Vessels before, during and after cleaning is an issue. Every fragment of the Host and Precious Blood is 100% God in all of His divinity. This not only gives a reason as to why receiving in the hands is discouraged--because, if you do, you will have thousands of tiny particles on your hands, going wherever your hands touch-- but also touching the sacred vessels, which contain our Lord. Who are we as lay men and women to touch the very consecrated objects which carry God?

It just isn't our place.

Rather it is the place of the clergy. The priest and deacon (if serving at Mass) should be the ones who handle the Sacred Vessels and clean them properly and accordingly. The priest is the one ordained to clean those vessels, and to remove the fragments from them. He is the one ordained to do such, and no one will question whether they have been taken care of properly.

The priest will then wash his hands afterwards to remove all fragments of the Host. That is why we see priests keeping their index fingers and thumbs together after the consecration. This way no pieces of fragments fall. Each of these tiny microscopic fragments are 100% of Jesus's soul and divinity. If we really believe that, then we won't let it fall or be handled improperly.

This is MY opinion. It is what is most respectful to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

To Jesus hidden in the Most Blessed Sacrament;
Saint Faustina Kowalska

"I adore You, Lord and Creator, hidden in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I adore You for all the works of Your hands, that reveal to me so much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord.

You have spread so much beauty over the earth and it tells me about Your beauty, even though these beautiful things are but a faint reflection of You, incomprehensible Beauty.

And although You have hidden Yourself and concealed your beauty, my eye, enlightened by faith, reaches You and my souls recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good, and my heart is completely immersed in prayer of adoration."

Father's Homily

2009-07-12T18:21:00.001-04:00

Here is a copy of Father's Homily from last weekend. I missed the Mass because we were in Grand Rapids. We went to a Tridentine Mass at Sacred Heart Parish. It is wonderful and beautiful! Anyways, I love this homily. A sample of what's to come. Enjoy!!!

Homily: 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

How well do we suffer?
How well do we handle disappointment or pain?
How do we act when we don’t get our way?
What would we do if everyone we knew was gone?
What would we do if everything we owned was taken from us
and we were imprisoned or enslaved?
How would we survive?

How well would we handle the situation
if everything we thought we deserved,
everything we had - everyone we loved - was taken from us…

Throughout the centuries this is how Christians
have been treated for believing in Christ
and practicing their faith…
Throughout the 2000 years of Church history
those pages have become red-
stained with the blood of the martyrs…

Do we think our faith is strong enough that when everything is gone…
everyone taken from us and we are questioned…
“Deny Christ!!!” “Deny your belief in this fake God or die!!”
what would be our answer?

Or maybe it won’t be so traumatic.
Maybe it will be something small,
almost unnoticeable…
a little whisper…a little temptation;
Something small – a little sin
chosen time and time again
until it becomes a habit-
it becomes something we cannot live without
and then we begin to choose our own wants and desires
over a relationship with an infinite God.

God is quite scary in the first reading,
and we don’t like to think of him this way.
We want God to be loving and kind, and He is…
But He is also just and “no one to be playing with”…
we don’t like when God acts this way.

God is sending Ezekiel to a “rebellious house” as he called it…
Rebellious – disobedient – resistant…
but Ezekiel is not told by God
“Oh, don’t worry – they won’t listen so you don’t have to go to them.”

That is the politically correct God we wished existed!
The false God who wants us to stand for nothing
and be stupid enough to fall for everything.

But the true God will show his power through this young weak prophet-
a power so amazing that the people will know
that a prophet is among them because
God is not with the strong.
He is not a part of this culture or the world
or with those who are powerful and prideful;
but as St. Paul says
he chooses the weak to make them strong.

It is not easy being a Catholic
in this culture, in this society,
in this day and age
and it is only going to get harder.

The world with its addiction to sin and vice is unquenchable
and this will only pull our American culture
into a living culture of death.

We as Catholics with the guidance of our Holy Father and Bishops
will have to make a choice-
What are we going to stand for?
And what are we going to stand against?

Because we can choose to be strong in our faith and
win a crown of glory like the saints and martyrs of old….
or we can sell-out and backslide our way into hell.

No one said it was going to be easy--
we believe in a God who was crucified;

The symbol of our faith is a man dead on a cross…

And as Wesley says to Princess Buttercup
in the movie, The Princess Bride:
“Life is pain, princess…and if anyone tells you different…
they are trying to sell you something.”

What have we been buying that has convinced us that:
Life is easy; its a party!
Salvation is simple…
Being a person of good character – virtuous - takes no effort…
Being holy is a piece of cake?

Well, if that is true….why aren’t we all saints?
Because the fact remains that it is hard and painful to be a good Catholic.
It is hard to have to learn new ways of thinking--
it is hard to be pulled and stretched into a conversion of heart.
It is hard to be obedient,
but we are called to be faithful-- not successful.

Being obedient and faithful isn’t silly or childish.
Being obedient is a choice.
Our culture teaches us that being faithful - being obedient
is a sign of weakness;
to be obedient is an insult to our freedoms,
a constraint on our freewill. We have rights!!

But St. Paul answers for us…
“I am content – with weakness, insults, hardship,
persecutions and constraints – for the sake of Christ.
FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.”

We do it for Christ – it is an act of love…
I am not forced - I am truly free…
and I choose Christ - I choose his Church…
I choose to be obedient to the Pope, and my Bishop…
I choose to follow the moral teachings of the Church…
I choose to follow the liturgical norms,
and I am not weak in my act when I choose these, for
to be a faithful Catholic takes courage--
it is not for the fainthearted.

It is in the very act of choosing my faith,
it is in that action that I am strong
because I willingly suffer whatever may come for Christ!!

And there is no greater power than this.

This is why weakness, insults, hardships,
persecutions and constraints and even martyrdom
have no effect on the courageous Christian…
As soldiers of God they know that the one they serve can make them strong.

We do it for Christ!!!
Yes it is hard - but we do it anyway
and we offer it up because in the end we know that it will make all the difference--
because God’s grace is sufficient for us

“There is enough grace to make us all saints…!!”

We have been called to holiness--
we need to respond to that call from God.

In the gospel today, Jesus was amazed
at the lack of faith of those who were members of His extended family…

As members of His body let Him not be amazed at ours.

Precious Blood of Christ

2009-07-06T12:32:00.004-04:00

July is a month that has been especially dedicated to our devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ. The traditional Roman calender states that the first Sunday of July is the feast of the Precious Blood. Let us take some time each day to reflect and meditate on the wounds suffered for our salvation by Christ.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Prayer Request:

2009-07-05T10:10:00.004-04:00

Yesterday evening my dad slipped on some wet grass on the side of a hill and hurt his ankle very badly (an ankle he has had problems with since college). He went to get it checked out this morning, after enduring much pain and no sleep last night. Although it hurts him terribly, I know he is offering his pain to God. He doesn't utter a complaint about it. I only know it hurts him so badly because my mom gets it out of him. =D

He isn't back yet, so I will update you with his condition later. Would you please pray for him in the mean time?

Thank you.

Update:

He tore a ligament in his left ankle. He's on crutches, and will be off his foot for a week or two, whenever it stops hurting. Thank God it wasn't broken!!

Reform and Renewal

2009-07-05T09:20:00.005-04:00

I was reading Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel's book, "The Reform of Renewal." In it he talks about how there is a clear and unequivocal call for personal reform as the basis of authentic renewal in society and in the Church, rooted in several different sources. It is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

Anyways, I was reading it, and I came across a wonderful section I want to share with you. It explains why most of the Vatican II issues took place all in one paragraph.

"Consider the extreme confusion of our time and the scandal and discord in the Church. Consider the decline in piety and religious devotion. Recall that in our country the gap between rich and poor becomes wider everyday, and the number of people falling into the underclass increases. When we consider all of this, it is time to admit that we live in days that desperately need repentance. The word renewal has been used for the last twenty (wrote this in 1990, so since 1965 it will be 44 years). It is a good word. In the Pauline context it means to return to the power of the holy Spirit and let Him make us new again. But before that renewal can happen, reform is necessary. True spiritual renewal is not simply cultural or educational. It is not simply restating truths to make them compatible with a new age. True renewal is above all a return to God. It is a daily, ongoing repentance, an attempt to accept the the Good News in all its unthinkable and incomprehensible grandeur and to pick oneself up and try to respond to that call. Renewal without reform is spiritually devastating."

This is perfect! It shows completely what people were and are missing in this "Age of Renewal!" One cannot have renewal if one doesn't have reform. Isn't that exactly what Vatican II set itself up to do? Now, I'm not condemning Vatican II. It was, I believe, a good and holy thing that happened and many goods have come out of it. I'm just saying that over the course of all that happened during that time period, we missed a central key.

Everyone set out to "renew" the Mass (this same situation happened in many parts of our country and society as well). This renewal happened under no basis of reform. So thus it has crumbled beneath us, and has been spiritually devastating to many people.

Now, here we are with a lacking number of religious piety, reverence, good moral ethics, catechises and clergy. With the Church's numbers dwindling, we ask ourselves "why?"; because we have fallen into a secular position. In both moral, political, and liturgical matters. It is very easy to fall away from the true teachings of the faith, and make them fit our lives and this world when we have no immediate pressure or threat to turn us to our faith. We become "fat, happy, and lazy" catholics when "all's good."

What we need to remember is that we must always be in the form of reform then renewal. The church is constantly in that state because the world is counter to it, to us. So we too must renew our hearts to God, and repent. We as catholics, keep our eyes fixed on the second coming of Christ. We should be in a constant state of reform, and renewal from our repentance, because isn't that what repentance is? It's the renewal and reform of oneself to follow God and His will more closely.

But this is something that begins with the individual first. Then it will spread to the Church as a whole. There is reform happening, one that will help this "age of renewal" go in the right direction. One that is very good and derives from the grace of God. What a time to be living in.

My Brother George...

2009-06-28T20:42:00.002-04:00

We all know so much about Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), but most of us hardly know anything about his brother, Georg... So I thought we'd take a look into his life!

Georg Ratzinger was born in Bavaria to Joseph Ratzinger, Sr., a police officer. Early in his life he showed musical talent, playing the church organ already at the age of 11. In 1935 he entered the minor seminary in Traunstein and had professional musical instruction there. In 1941 he encountered for the first time the choir of the Regensburger Domspatzen, whose musical director he was to become later, when they performed in Salzburg on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mozart's death.

In the summer of 1942 Georg Ratzinger was drafted into the German army. In 1944 he was wounded in battle in Italy. At the end of World War II, he was a POW of the U.S. Army in the vicinity of Naples, but was released, and arrived home in July 1945.

In January 1946 he entered, together with his brother Joseph (later Pope Benedict XVI), the seminary of the archdiocese of Munich and Freising to study for the priesthood. At the same time he pursued his musical studies.

He was ordained priest, together with his brother, in 1951, by Michael Cardinal von Faulhaber and afterwards studied Church Music in Munich, while serving in different priestly functions for the diocese.

Georg completed his studies in 1957 and became chorus director in his home parish in Traunstein. In February 1964 he was made musical director, Domkapellmeister, at St. Peters Cathedral in Regensburg, thereby becoming the chorus master of the Cathedral Choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen.

In 1967 he was named papal chaplain and in 1976 papal honorary Prelate. In that year the choir also celebrated its 1,000th anniversary. In 1981 Georg Ratzinger was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1994, he was named a papal protonotary.

Ratzinger retired from his position as director of the choir in 1994 and is since January 25, 2009 a canon in Regensburg.

In 2005, during a visit to his brother in Rome, worrying symptoms of heart failure and arrhythmia led to a brief admission at the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic.

There is unsourced speculation that his brother will name him a Cardinal, in that he is past 80 years of age and thus ineligible to participate in a conclave. The most recent papal relative to be elevated to the cardinalate was Giuseppe Pecci, a brother of Pope Leo XIII.

Revelation through Veiling

2009-06-28T14:47:00.001-04:00

I borrow this heading from a title of a chapter in Martin Mosebach's book, "The Heresy of Formlessness."

(Mosebach is an accomplished novelist and writer. In "The Heresy of Formlessness" he gives a deep plea for the return of the preconciliar Tridentine Latin Mass (known now as the Extraordinary form of the Latin Rite), and gives a compelling argument against the big break in tradition shown in today's Novus Ordo Mass (known now as the Ordinary form of the Latin rite).

As I read this particular chapter, I began to see several important connections in the actions of veiling something, thus allowing it to be revealed to all. This goes on throughout Mass.

It starts with the priest (and lay people) veiling themselves with clothes that have symbolic character and purpose. As he puts on his different vestments he shows both repentance and reverence for entering the Holy Place, and taking part in the sacrificial actions of the Mass. The priest puts on the "armor of God," and covers himself in virtues such as fortitude, chastity, and humility.

Literally, the priest "puts on" Christ. Of course, this outward clothing also calls for an inside transformation of the same kind. But that doesn't make the outward act not necessary, because graces comes from above. From the outside. A process derived not as man's will, but God's.

The Bishop even covers up his hands (in the traditional Extraordinary form), only taking them off for the sacramental prayers and actions-keeping his hands covered except for sacred actions and materials (the Host and Sacred vessels).

In the case of the laity, we (should) dress ourselves in a respectable and dignified manner to come before the King of Kings. As for women, they cover their heads and shoulders as an act of veiling. For women of the Catholic Church, wearing veils when in church has always been a custom exemplifying their modesty and femininity. It's not that we "put down" or degrade" women by having them wear these veils. We are actually exalting them! We do this as we also do with other things throughout the Mass (which I will talk about later). We are praising them as holy and sacred vessels!

These chapel veils are working in two ways... To humble the women wearing it before the presence of God, and to dress/cover up properly for Mass so as to not distract others and to focus on what is going on. Next is to exalt women as respected and holy beings that bear the sacred fruit of life-as beings of God, and NOT as objects.

The chalice is covered with the Paten, on which that Host lies. It in turn is covered by the pall, and over everything is a large cloth, also called a "veil," of the same color as the other vestments. The veiled chalice then looks like a tent; it's a miniature "tabernacle." In the old rite, whenever the ciborium with the consecrated Hosts inside was moved around it was covered by the sub deacon's humeral veil.

After the Subdeacon brings the chalice to the altar, the priest hands him the paten; which he takes beneath his veil and carries out to the altar steps holding the paten in front of him, still veiled. Two different traditions are shown by this action: First to honor the plate that will eventually bear the body of our Lord. Secondly, it is used as a typically Roman custom showing the the relationship between Masses.

In the first century the Pope would send pieces of Hosts from his Mass to all of the churches in Rome. The subdeacon takes these pieces and does the same actions as talked about above. This shows the relationship between the Mass that has just been celebrated to the Mass celebrated by the pope. This also shows that there is always one sacrifice being offered! Cool huh!? I always wondered why a deacon stood covering something for such a long time at the foot of the altar. Now I (and you) know!!

There are not only physical and immediate forms of veiling shown in the Liturgy. Certain gestures and actions are deliberately kept away from the congregation's view. The priest serves as a living iconostasis.

In the Eastern Church they have walls that separate the "Holy of Holies" from the rest of the congregation. These walls are covered with icons. The difference between the Eastern Church and and Western Church is that in the Western Church we have tall choir stalls, altar rails, and even curtains that serve as our "iconostasis." One can see these curtains being used today. Most of the time they are hanging down from tall baldachinos. The sad thing is that the main "wall" that seperates the lay from the sacrificial actions, the altar rails, have shrunk in size over the years. They are now becoming non-existent in most churches throughout the world. This absence of a physical barrier allows anybody to walk up on the altar.

Another veil, or barrier, between the congregation and the sacrificial action is the celebrant himself. The back of his vestments are even covered in the same design as the tabernacle, and chalice veil. His vestments are those icons that the Eastern Church has on their walls. He serves as a living wall, he serves as that iconostasis.

The tabernacle is also veiled, usually with the corresponding liturgical colors. Most tabernacles have further curtains inside of it veiling Christ inside this sacred space.

The problem that some priests experience is that they see the tabernacle veiling as a waste of a beautiful tabernacle when it is covered up with a cloth. But they must remember who is inside of the tabernacle, and why we are veiling it in the first place. It is not there for our pleasure, but for the glorification of God!

After the tabernacle, altar space, and priest have been veiled, then comes the congregation's turn. After the readings, all un-baptized catholics should exit to the narthex. This way no un-baptized could take part in the sacrificial mystery. With the doors shut, the nave becomes veiled as a holy tabernacle, because we receive the Body of Christ, becoming Christ Himself veiled inside the church. We remain veiled until Mass is ended and we go out into the world to share in God's love. "Go in peace, to love and to serve our Lord."

Even though this has been a very long post (for which I ask your forgiveness :D) I think it is good for us all to make these connections. I hope that I've been accurate in what I wrote in this post. This is what I understand about this topic as of right now. I wonder if I will come back to my blog someday when I'm older and read my writings and find flaw in them. I hope that I won't.

The Vera Crux

2009-06-28T12:42:00.008-04:00

One of the most distinguished, and familiar instances of veneration and veiling for Catholics is the veiling of crosses and holy images from Passion Sunday until Good Friday ending with the veneration of the cross. This veiling and veneration occurs in Lent, when the liturgy is celebrated with a certain emptiness. The organ is silent, as are bells, and certain prayers are not said; and the altar is not vibrantly decorated. This veiling is sometimes called the, "fasting of the eyes." However, it is not intended as a withdrawl from the senses. Rather, it comes from a long line of tradition surrounded by the authentic Cross of Christ that St. Helen found in Jerusalem.

Like most relics, the Holy Cross was wrapped up in cloths and spent its time in Rome's sacristy. On Good Friday it was brought into the church and unpacked in a solemn ritual so that it could be revealed to the faithful. Two deacons would stand on either side of it, as the faithful came up to kiss it, making sure that no one would be tempted to steal a splinter from it. Actually, different Bishops would be tempted (and are known to have been the main culprits) more than anyone to take a piece to bring back home to their territories.

Once the relic splinters were taken back to the Bishop's home territories throughout Europe, they were treated the same as the authentic cross was treated in Rome. The relics were wrapped up in cloth and brought out on Good Friday for veneration.

In the end, this ritual was adopted by communities that had no relic of the True Cross. Instead, the cross above the altar was taken down and wrapped up, to be venerated on Good Friday in the same way the Vera Crux.

The purpose of veiling and veneration was/is not to withdraw the cross from sight, but rather it was so that the cross would be treated like the True Cross; from being a devotional object, a sacred object, it would once again become the real instrument of torture (and salvation) on which Christ died.

"A Priest Forever"

2009-06-27T17:52:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I read the book, "A Priest Forever: The Life of Father Eugene Hamilton." It is a wonderful book written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel that tells the story of one young man's struggle against cancer, and also his lifelong call to the priesthood at the same time. Fr. Hamilton died of cancer only three hours after becoming a priest; a call that he had worked at all his life.

It is a very beautiful story, one that is both faith affirming and shows what the priesthood is really about.

Archbishop Vigneron's new blog; and, the Pallium

2009-06-27T17:25:00.007-04:00

Archbishop Vigneron introduces his blog in this post:

"For me, this event is one of the great graces of my priesthood, and I’m sending this letter to invite you, who are part of my family of faith, to share it with me. To that end, let me say here a word about the meaning of the Pallium. This vestment is a symbol of my pastoral office and of my communion with the Holy Father and the other Archbishops of the Church, a bond that extends all the way back to St. Peter and St. Paul. So, I will come into St. Peter’s Basilica with all of you held in the prayer of my heart. As I kneel on the platform over St. Peter’s Tomb, I will be begging for two things from God: first that He strengthen me to be a good shepherd of His people; and second, that He help all of you and your families to grow in that same life and holiness that the Apostles handed on to us from Jesus. In return, I ask that on June 29 – especially at Mass, if you are able to get to church – you lift up in prayer me, together with all my brother priests, that we be filled with the love and courage and zeal that burn in the priestly Heart of Christ."

You can find his blog here at; http://aodonline.wordpress.com/

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