A Catholic Life

Cardinal Brandmuller: "Not all of Vatican II is binding"

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:18:00 +0000

A good read to start the day:

Here we have yet another prelate re-emphasizing the fact that the texts of the Second Vatican Council are not binding. Though these admissions would have been welcome even earlier, the growing number of such statements shows that perhaps the wind is starting to blow in a different direction. One can imagine how much differently the 1970’s and 1980’s may have been if one did not have to pretend that Vatican II contained the same doctrinal content as Nicea or Trent.

The 16 texts of Vatican II are titled in different ways. Here are a few examples among the most controversial texts: Some are called: Dogmatic Constitution (Lumen Gentium), Decree (Unitatis Redintegratio) Declaration (Dignitatis Humane; Nostra Aetate), and Pastoral Constitution (Gaudium et Spes.)Obviously they do not have the same value and the same level of importance. For instance, the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium speaks about the nature and definition of the Church whereas its equivalent, Gaudium et Spes, speaks of the Church in its relation with the present world.

Continue Reading

Has Bishop Fellay Betrayed Archbishop Lefebvre?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:38:00 +0000

The following article is taken from a 2007 book by Fr. Celier, SSPX, and counters the claim that Bishop Fellay has abandoned the principles of Archbishop Lefebvre by his attitude and position towards Rome and the Holy Father. It's particularly good because Fr. Celier has been a priest for over 25 years, and knew Archbishop Lefebvre personally.

Please see http://www.sspx.org/archbishop_lefebvre/interpreting_words_of_archbishop_lefebvre_part_1_5-22-2012.htm

Marriage in the Heart and Mind of the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:52:00 +0000

CatechismClass.com and The Goldhead Group Ltd are pleased to announce the publishing of its newest book entitled “Marriage in the Heart and Mind of the Church.”

Written by Preston E Wiggins, Jr, Marriage in the Heart and the Mind of the Church is a series of reflections on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Intended for couples preparing to receive the Sacrament, this guide prepares the couple for the Sacrament of Matrimony and the interior dispositions necessary for marriage.

Available in a 94 page paperback, this book draws upon the writings of Pope John Paul II, Pope Paul VI, Pope Pius XII, and Christopher West to present a comprehensive marriage preparation aid. A must read for all couples and a great resource for parishes to use with couples!

The following is taken from the book's forward:

In his 1978 Apostolic Exhortation Catechesi Tradendae(On Catechesis In Our Time), Pope John Paul II proclaimed “the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” This sounds like a high and lofty goal, but what does it look like? Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught using parables; this helped His audience to understand because parables bring the supernatural into the natural realm. His technique was to use a situation that His listeners would be familiar with in order to unveil certain supernatural truths (cf. Mt 11:25). Can we use this method to find a modern day “visual” (parable) of what exactly does an intimate communion look like?

We are all called, by virtue of our Baptism, to be in an intimate communion with Jesus Christ. I did not really begin to understand what this entails until I was granted the great privilege of being united as one with the former Susan Kamaski. I had spent two years in a pre-theologate program in serious discernment for the priesthood. The time was well spent as I drew closer to the Lord, fellmore in love with His Church, and built a life firmly anchored on the Rock foundation that is Jesus Christ. I had no doubt that God, our Father, truly loved me as a beloved son, as did the Blessed Mother. A relationship I had, but I was not sure just what the nature of that relationship was.

A week after our marriage, I began to realize that there was a different quality to our relationship; we had a union that did not exist before we said, “I do.” This new intimate communion with Susan was the catalyst for reflection and meditation on the nature of one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Two titles of the Church have been the primary fuel of my reflections: the Bride of Christ and the Body of Christ. In recent years, there has been a widespread discovery of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body,which gave credence to my conviction that the nature of our relationship with Jesus is spousal.

This book is a tribute to those reflections, guided by the Holy Spirit with frequent contact with Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These reflections are augmented by the reality of the emotional and psychological damage that children experience due to an unstable family life that my wife has witnessed as a mental health counselor, our own experience as mentors for engaged couples and our involvement in Engaged Encounter. I have brought these reflections into talks and teaching with head bobs of agreement from the participants. Hopefully, you, too, will bob your head in agreement and be motivated to do whatever you can to strengthen marriages and families as God has planned from the very beginning. There is little that is more powerful than prayer and witness of faithful Catholics madly in love with Jesus Christ.

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You may purchase physical paperbook books at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/6r4xkja or a PDF ebook at the following: http://catechismclass.com/lesson/234

King Henry VIII was The King with a Pope in His Belly

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Are you keen to know really happened during the so-called Reformation in England? Tired of the Protestant propaganda which says that it was a good thing? If you want to know the truth about what really went on, two new books by English historian, Dr Bella d’Abrera are a must. They are short, easy to read, highly entertaining, and will give you an excellent grasp of the facts, as well as the characters, both good and bad, of this religious revolution.

‘A King with a Pope in His Belly’ and ‘Papists, Spaniards & Other Strangers.’

In ‘A King with a Pope in His Belly’ Dr d’Abrera treats the violent reign of Henry VIII, his break with Rome and destruction of monastic life in England. Continuing in the second volume, ‘Papists, Spaniards & Other Strangers,’ the author presents meticulously researched and documented accounts of the short reign of Edward VI, the struggles between the contenting survivors of the throne, culminating in Mary Tudor’s bloodless victory over her enemies.

Copies are available through the Angelus Press; http://www.angeluspress.org/ or http://www.hillhouse-publishers.com/catalog/revisiting-history-series.

Or alternatively downloadable as an e-book for $3.99 each on www.amazon.com where you can look inside, or www.smashwords.com

Review from Angelus website:

If you really want to understand The Reformation, the way it actually happened, this is the book you need. So often, studying history means laboring through long, tedious volumes, filled with facts but not life; not so with this book. Once you pick it up, you will find it hard to put down. It is like reading a great tale of adventure, with real, human characters, not abstract heresies. Instead of a list of dry dates and facts, you will know the major characters almost personally. This book will provide you with a much better, deeper understanding of how The Reformation happened. Even is you already know a fair amount, even if you have read quite a few other good books on the subject, this book will bring it all back to life, and in sharper focus. It is an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

About the Author

Bella Wyborn d’Abrera, who is based in London, is a graduate of Monash University in Melbourne. She completed her Masters degree at the University of St. Andrews, and was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Cambridge in 2003. She is also the author of The Tribunal of Zaragoza and Crypto-Judaism 1484-1515

Understanding Ascensiontide: Ascension Thursday through Vigil of Pentecost

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Of all the seasons that the Modern Novus Ordo Catholic Calendar has neglected to properly retain and celebrate, Ascensiontide has, like Epiphanytide, unfortunately fallen by the wayside. But, for those Catholics committed to the Sacred Traditions of the past, Ascensiontide holds a special length of time.

So what exactly is Ascensiontide and what customs do traditional Catholics observe during this time?

Ascension Thursday

Taking place 40 days after Easter Sunday, the Church celebrates Our Lord's Glorious Ascension into Heaven. The Ascension has three principal parts: the departure of Jesus from earth, His going up into heaven, and taking His place at the right hand of the Father. Let us not forget the importance of celebrating this feast on Thursday - as opposed to the following Sunday. In so doing, the Faithful lose the significance and importance in the fortieth day after the Resurrection. It was precisely on the fortieth day after our Lord's Resurrection that He ascended into Heaven.

Regarding the place from which Christ ascended, Sulpicius, bishop of Jerusalem, says, and the 'Gloss' also says, that when a church was built [on the Mount of Olives] later on, the spot where Christ had stood could never be covered with pavement; and more than that, the marble slabs placed there burst upwards into the faces of those who were laying them. He also says that footmarks in the dust there prove that the Lord had stood on that spot: the footprints are discernible and the ground still retains the depressions his feet had left.

Fisheaters further shares some of the great regional customs for this High Feast Day and Holy Day of Obligation:

Something else wonderful happens in Italy on the Feast of the Ascension and the days following: in Venice, there is a clock tower in the Piazza San Marco. This marvelous clock, made in A.D. 1499 (and recently restored) indicates not only the minutes and hours, but the days, months, Zodiacal signs, and phases of the Moon as well. At the top of the tower are two large figures known as the Moors ("Mori"), who signal the hour by striking a large bell. Underneath them is a large, golden lion -- the symbol of St. Mark, patron of Venice. Underneath this is a niche which holds a figure of Our Lady and her Son. Twice a year -- on the Feast of the Epiphany and during the festivities surrounding the Ascension (known as "la Festa della Sensa" in Venice) -- doors on either side of Our Lady open up, and out come the three Magi, led by an angel. The angel and Kings make their way around Our Lady and Jesus, the angel regaling them with his trumpet, and the Kings bowing and removing their crowns

Season of Ascensiontide

For this season of Ascensiontide, Catholics are welcomed and encouraged to immerse themselves in the devotions appropriate for the season. For example, during this season there are special prayers for Grace Before and After Meals.

In the pre-1962 calendar this was an 'octave', and remnants of the octave can be found in the Office as it now stands. The appropriate texts for the minor hours (except for the collects) are set out in the psalter. For the collects, Lauds and Vespers however, you need to keep your ribbon on the page for the Ordinary of Ascensiontide. The key points to note are set out below.

At Lauds

the antiphons are as for Eastertide;
the chapter is Conresuscitavit..., MD 384*
the short responsory is Ascendit Deus, MD 384*
the hymn is Iesu, nostra redemptio, MD 384-5*
versicle Dominus in caelo, MD 385*
Benedictus antiphon (note that this is used each day except where displaced by a feast, Sunday etc), Ascendo, MD 386*
the collect for Friday is on MD 386, for Saturday is of the Little Office of Our Lady, for Sunday, of the Sunday, MD 391* (except in places where Our Lady Help of Christians or another feast is celebrated), for the week after, MD 386*

At Prime

the antiphon is as noted in the psalter, Alleluia

At Terce, Sext and None

the antiphon is alleluia, as noted in the psalter
note that the chapters and versicles are in the psalter for Ascensiontide (Tempore Ascensionis).

At Vespers

the (single) antiphon is alleluia, as for Eastertide;
the chapter is Conrescuscitavit, as for Lauds, MD 384*
the responsory is Ascendens, MD 388*
the hymn is Iesu, as for Lauds, 384-5*
the versicle is Ascendit, MD 388*
the antiphon for the Magnificat each day (unless displaced) is O Rex, MD 388*
the collects are as for Lauds.

Via Saints will Arise

Vigil of Pentecost and Octave of Pentecost

The Mass for Pentecost was formerly celebrated during the night and has since been anticipated. It seems that the Vigil was modeled on that of Easter. As on Holy Saturday, a vigil was kept during the night of Pentecost Sunday to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. The Feast of Whitsun - the term Whitsunday is another name for Pentecost alluding to the white vestments of the neophytes - is as ancient as that of Easter. The Saturday following the Octave of Pentecost officially begins the Season After Pentecost.

While the Novus Ordo calendar unfortunately only has 2 octaves, traditional Catholics will be familiar with the idea of multiple overlaping Octaves. The practice of celebrating an Octave, while not only traced to the time spent by the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary awaiting the Paraclete, also has its origins in the Old Testament eight-day celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:36) and the Dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:9). Very truly, Christ did not come to abolish the Old Law but to fulfill it.

By the 8th century, Rome had developed liturgical octaves not only for Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas, but also for the Epiphany and the feast of the dedication of a church.

After 1568, when Pope Pius V reduced the number of octaves (since by then they had grown considerably), the number of Octaves was still plentiful. Octaves were classified into several types. Easter and Pentecost had "specially privileged" octaves, during which no other feast whatsoever could be celebrated. Christmas, Epiphany, and Corpus Christi had "privileged" octaves, during which certain highly ranked feasts might be celebrated. The octaves of other feasts allowed even more feasts to be celebrated.

To reduce the repetition of the same liturgy for several days, Pope Leo XIII and Pope St. Pius X made further distinctions, classifying octaves into three primary types: privileged octaves, common octaves, and simple octaves. Privileged octaves were arranged in a hierarchy of first, second, and third orders. For the first half of the 20th century, octaves were ranked in the following manner, which affected holding other celebrations within their timeframes:

Privileged Octaves
- Privileged Octaves of the First Order
  - Octave of Easter
  - Octave of Pentecost
- Privileged Octaves of the Second Order
  - Octave of Epiphany
  - Octave of Corpus Christi
- Privileged Octaves of the Third Order
  - Octave of Christmas
  - Octave of the Ascension
  - Octave of the Sacred Heart
Common Octaves
- Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
- Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph
- Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
- Octave of Saints Peter and Paul
- Octave of All Saints
- Octave of the Assumption of the BVM
Simple Octaves
- Octave of St. Stephen
- Octave of St. John the Apostle
- Octave of the Holy Innocents

As one can notice, the Octave of the Pentecost ranked even higher than the Octave of Christmas!

Traditional Latin Masses in Tacoma, Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 20 May 2012 18:38:00 +0000

This message comes from a reader. If you know of any information for him, please post it in the comment box.

Hi Matthew,

Are there any plans to bring the TLM to Tacoma, WA ?? There are some in Seattle. There is one in Tacoma called St. Marys; however I believe they are sedevacantists and are in schism. Seattle in quite the drive though 30 + miles one way. I am a Traditional Roman Catholic.

Thank you,
Sincerely Robert

Extensive Interview with Fr. Rostand

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:36:00 +0000

From the interview (in answer to a question about Archbishop Lefebvre), Fr. Rostand says:

"He has always expressed a desire to subordinate ourselves to the Pope, granting protection for the growth of Tradition, the existence of the Society, and guarantees that we will not be asked to minimize the fight, nor to compromise on the Faith. As he said in 1987: “If Rome really wants to give us true autonomy, like we have now but with our submission—we would like to be submitted to the Holy Father, and we have always wished for it...if Rome agrees to let us try this experiment of Tradition, there will no longer be any problem.” (Fideliter no. 60, Nov./Dec. 1987) "

Source: The Remnant

Ascension Thursday Sermon by St. Leo the Great (Sermon 74)

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:35:00 +0000

This Holy day of Obligation, 40th day of Easter, commemorates Christ's Ascension into Heaven from Mount Olivet 40 days after He rose from the dead (Mark 16:14-20). After the Gospel is sung, the Paschal Candle, lit from the New Fire of the Easter Vigil, is extinguished to symbolize the departure of Christ (if you use a Paschal candle at home, it should be put away today, too).

Please see my post on Ascension Thursday for information on this High Holy Day.

I. The Ascension completes our faith in Him, who was God as well as man

The mystery of our salvation, dearly-beloved, which the Creator of the universe valued at the price of His blood, has now been carried out under conditions of humiliation from the day of His bodily birth to the end of His Passion. And although even in "the form of a slave" many signs of Divinity have beamed out, yet the events of all that period served particularly to show the reality of His assumed Manhood. But after the Passion, when the chains of death were broken, which had exposed its own strength by attacking Him, Who was ignorant of sin, weakness was turned into power, mortality into eternity, contumely into glory, which the Lord Jesus Christ showed by many clear proofs in the sight of many, until He carried even into heaven the triumphant victory which He had won over the dead. As therefore at the Easter commemoration, the Lord's Resurrection was the cause of our rejoicing; so the subject of our present gladness is His Ascension, as we commemorate and duly venerate that day on which the Nature of our humility in Christ was raised above all the host of heaven, over all the ranks of angels, beyond the height of all powers, to sit with God the Father. On which Providential order of events we are founded and built up, that God's Grace might become more wondrous, when, notwithstanding the removal from men's sight of what was rightly felt to command their awe, faith did not fail, hope did not waver, love did not grow cold. For it is the strength of great minds and the light of firmly-faithful souls, unhesitatingly to believe what is not seen with the bodily sight, and there to fix one's affections whither you cannot direct your gaze. And whence should this Godliness spring up in our hearts, or how should a man be justified by faith, if our salvation rested on those things only which lie beneath our eyes? Hence our Lord said to him who seemed to doubt of Christ's Resurrection, until he had tested by sight and touch the traces of His Passion in His very Flesh, "because you have seen Me, you have believed: blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed John 20:29 ."

II. The Ascension renders our faith more excellent and stronger

In order, therefore, dearly-beloved, that we may be capable of this blessedness, when all things were fulfilled which concerned the Gospel preaching and the mysteries of the New Testament, our Lord Jesus Christ, on the fortieth day after the Resurrection in the presence of the disciples, was raised into heaven, and terminated His presence with us in the body, to abide on the Father's right hand until the times Divinely fore-ordained for multiplying the sons of the Church are accomplished, and He comes to judge the living and the dead in the same flesh in which He ascended. And so that which till then was visible of our Redeemer was changed into a sacramental presence , and that faith might be more excellent and stronger, sight gave way to doctrine, the authority of which was to be accepted by believing hearts enlightened with rays from above.

III. The marvellous effects of this faith on all

This Faith, increased by the Lord's Ascension and established by the gift of the Holy Ghost, was not terrified by bonds, imprisonments, banishments, hunger, fire, attacks by wild beasts, refined torments of cruel persecutors. For this Faith throughout the world not only men, but even women, not only beardless boys, but even tender maids, fought to the shedding of their blood. This Faith cast out spirits, drove off sicknesses, raised the dead: and through it the blessed Apostles themselves also, who after being confirmed by so many miracles and instructed by so many discourses, had yet been panic-stricken by the horrors of the Lord's Passion and had not accepted the truth of His resurrection without hesitation, made such progress after the Lord's Ascension that everything which had previously filled them with fear was turned into joy. For they had lifted the whole contemplation of their mind to the Godhead of Him that sat at the Father's right hand, and were no longer hindered by the barrier of corporeal sight from directing their mind.' gaze to That Which had never quitted the Father's side in descending to earth, and had not forsaken the disciples in ascending to heaven.

Bishop Williamson's Rogation Day Sermon, May 14th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Exclusive interview with Bishop Bernard Fellay

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:04:00 +0000

An exclusive interview with Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the Society of St. Pius X, at the society's headquarters in Menzingen, Switzerland. Bishop Fellay has been at the heart of a drama within the Catholic Church since he was ordained by the group's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, in 1988, protesting the modernizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Since 2009, he has been involved in private doctrinal talks with Rome in an effort to overcome the division between his traditionalist society and the Vatican. An announcement is expected by the end of May regarding the outcome of those talks.

Minor Rogation Days: May 14 - 16, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:44:00 +0000

While no longer required after Vatican II, the observation of Rogation Days is still encouraged. This year the Minor Rogation, the days leading up to Ascension Thursday, are May 14-16 inclusive. Today is the first day of the Minor Rogation, a day which should be a day of fasting.

These were traditionally days of penance, fasting, and praying litanies. If you are in good health, please remember to observe these days. Again, while not required until penalty of sin by the Holy Church, these days can still be observed. I am greatly encouraging them. For more information on Rogation days, see the links in my post entitled Rogation Day: Fasting and Penance.

I greatly encourage people to observe these days and spend time praying the Litany of Saints not only for a bountiful harvest but also for mercy and repentance.

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION (1962 Missal)

Mercifully grant us our requests, O Lord, that the consolation we receive in our grievous troubles may increase our love for You.

First Apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima : Sunday, May 13th, 1917

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:54:00 +0000

Today is the anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary's first apparition to Fatima on May 13th. See my post on Fatima for more information and photos.

Sr. Lucia narrated the following:

While playing with Jacinta and Francisco on the hill, near Cova de Iria, we were building a wall with stones around a blooming plant, all of a sudden we saw a light like lightning.

“It is flashing,” I said. “A storm can come. It is better to return home.”

“Oh, yes, alright,” my cousins responded. We started to come down from the hill taking the sheep down the path. In the middle of our way on the slope, near the evergreen oak which still exists today, we saw a flash of lightning and after we took some more steps over the slope, we saw a Lady dressed in white, more brilliant than the sun, scattering clear and intense light, more than a ray of sunlight through a glass of water.

We were so close that we were in the light She irradiated. Our Lady said: “Don’t be afraid. I will not harm you.” I asked her: “ Where are you from ?” “I’m from Heaven.”

Source: Pierced Hearts

Image Source: Take from the Facebook Page (Marian Events). The one who designed the photo is Mr. John Ryan M. Debil from the Philippines.

Help the SSPX US District Stop the Spread of False Information

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:05:00 +0000

As I’m sure you’ve seen, there is a lot of news coming out in both national and Catholic media outlets about discussions between Rome and the Society. Too often these blog posts and news reports take the form of sensationalism, gossip, rumor-mongering, etc. and seem to have as an aim to put undue pressure on those charged with leading the Society.

I understand that many may come to different conclusions, but I don’t think anyone would argue that we can use different facts to come to those conclusions. For this reason, I’m encouraging you to join theSociety’s email list. Regardless of what side of the fence people fall on, the current news and information on events between Rome and the Society is certainly historic. For that reason, the email list will deliver official Society information and commentary as it becomes available on any breaking news, new articles, events, etc.

Click here to join.

Holy Cross Weather Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:59:00 +0000

From May 3rd, traditional feast of the Finding of the Cross, until September 14th, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a special blessing beseeching God’s protection against violent and damaging storms may be given with a relic of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This blessing from the Roman Ritual will be given after Mass on Fridays at the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (as well as other oratories for the Institute of Christ the King).

In light of this, I wanted to share this beautiful prayer from the Rituale Romanum. Share with your priests and encourage them to say this blessing as per the above rubrics.

Holy Cross Weather Blessing

V. A fúlgure, grádine et tempestáte.

R. Líbera nos, Dómine Jesu Christe.

V. Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam.

R. Et salutáre tuum da nobis.

V. Dómine exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat.

V. Dóminus vobíscum.

R. Et cum spíritu tuo.

Orémus. Quaesumus, omnípotens Deus, ut, intercessióne Sanctae Dei Genetrícis Maríae, sanctórum Angelórum, Patriarchárum, Prophetárum, Apostolórum, Mártyrum, Confessórum, Vírginum, Viduárum, et ómnium Sanctórum tuórum, contínuum nobis praestes subsídium, tranquíllam auram permíttas, atque contra fúlgura et tempestátes désuper nobis indígnis tuam salútem effúndas de caelis, et géneri húmano semper aemulas, déxtera poténtiae tuae, aéreas cónteras potestátes. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum.

R. Amen.

V. Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum.

R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

V. Adjutórium nostrum in nómine Dómini.

R. Qui fecit caelum et terram.

V. Benedíctio Dei omnipoténtis, Patris + et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti, descéndat super vos, locum istum et fructus terrae et máneat semper.

R. Amen.

____________________________

V. From lightning strikes, hail, and violent storms.

R. Deliver us, O Lord Jesus Christ.

V. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.

R. And grant us Thy salvation.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray. We beseech Thee, O Almighty God, through the intercession of Holy Mary, the Mother of God, of the holy angels, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, widows, and of all Thy saints, that Thou show us Thy continuing protection, permit tranquil winds, and also pour out to us, Thy unworthy servants, Thy safety from heaven above against lightning strikes and violent storms, and that Thou remain always protective of the human race and crush down the aerial powers by the right hand of Thy power. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen

V. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

R. Now and forever.

V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend upon you, this place, and the fruits of the earth and remain forever.

R. Amen.

First Communions at St. Vincent's SSPX Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:23:00 +0000

On Sunday, May 8, 2012, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Kansas City, Missouri, 22 children received our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. Also receiving her First Communion was a 94-year old lady (an adult convert), the great-grandmother of two of the children.

Please keep these 23 souls in your prayers - that they will always remain in God's grace. O Lady, Mediatrix of all Graces, ora pro nobis!

Source: SSPX

How to Altar Serve a Traditional Latin Mass: Comprehensive Resource List

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:14:00 +0000

As an altar server myself, I have long wanted to put together a Comprehensive List of Resources for young men wishing to serve the Tridentine Latin Mass. And here is my attempt at such a list. Please leave additional suggestions in the comment box.

This list, importantly, includes cards, DVDs, and books. Thus, it is meant to provide a comprehensive list of resources for all learners.

1. How to Serve Low Mass and Benediction by Rev. William A. O'Brien

Personally, this is the resource I used to learn to serve. It is inexpensive and easy to use. In fact, I kept it with me to study when I had downtime. Highly recommended.

Assist at the Sacred Mysteries with precision. Pictures of the sacristy, sanctuary, sacred vessels, and vestments. Teaches the necessary Latin (with pronunciation guide) and the movements and responses for serving Low Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, Requiem Mass, Mass in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed, Low Mass with 2 servers, and Benediction.

2. Instructional DVD on How to Serve the Traditional Latin Mass

While I don't have details on this item, I have seen this item recommended before. See above link for more information.

3. Letters to an Altar Boy by Fr. David E. Rosage

This is a book of letters for all altar boys who, from the smallest one up, are the most important people in their parishes. God's Minutemen is what the author affectionately calls them, for he knows that they are always ready for duty as altar boys, no matter what the personal cost. The author writes this book with the hope that in these letters all acolytes may find encouragement to continue being loyal and faithful in their service of our Lord. Father Rosage shows them that while serving Mass is the greatest honor and the biggest job in the parish, it does demand sacrifice. He knows that being on call for duty isn't always easy, and he aims at convincing the boys who have to get up on cold winter mornings to serve early Mass of the great privilege that is theirs.

Written in an easy flowing style intelligible to even the very young boys, the book is full of helpful pointers about the correct manner of serving, the necessity of being on time, and many other details on which a boy may slip. It offers inspiration and high motivation for living up to the ideals that a Mass server is committed to follow. An extremely practical book, it leaves not one phase of the altar boy's life untouched. . .120 pp. Softcover. Color photographs.

4. How To Serve - In Simple, Solemn and Pontifical Functions by Dom Matthew Britt

Every altar server of the Traditional Latin Mass needs a well-worn copy of HOW TO SERVE by Dom Matthew Britt. This classic handbook by a master teacher presents a wealth of practical instruction on what to do in the sanctuary and how to do it well. Dom Britt was probably the greatest authority on serving Mass, and this book, though originally published in 1934, is still the best book of its kind.

This edition has been re-typeset in a beautiful user-friendly format featuring new photos taken at St. John Cantius parish in Chicago. In 18 chapters the author walks the server step by step through Low Mass with one or two servers, Nuptial Low Mass, High Mass (Missa Cantata), Solemn High Mass, Requiem High Mass, Pontifical High Mass, Benediction and Vespers of varying levels of solemnity. He tells how many servers should be in the sanctuary, which servers (acolytes, thurifer, book-bearer, etc.), what those servers should do and when they should do it.

Dom Britt cover vesture, postures, positions, genuflections, bows, steps, bells, candles, cruets, books, the thurible, the censer and more, also explaining the details of assisting the various ministers of the altar priests, deacons, bishop. Photos illustrate specific actions, and diagrams show the sanctuary positions of acolytes, thurifer, master of ceremonies, etc. Also included are the Latin responses at Mass. Plus, the author shares the sources of his immense knowledge in extremely interesting footnotes.

HOW TO SERVE will become an indispensable resource for priests and for all Latin Mass servers as they carry out the sacred functions of the sanctuary.

5. Romanitas Press Altar Server Card

In the past I have mentioned Romanitas Press, and I wish to again mention their products. The company offers a highly practical SERVERS' MASS RESPONSE CARD which is explained below

AN EASY-TO-USE training guide for teaching the proper liturgical pronunciation of the Latin responses made by the altar server at Mass.

The card's exterior partitions contain the Latin responses with their corresponding English phonetic renderings per the more romano (like the Romans) liturgical pronunciation as endorsed by Popes St. Pius X, Benedict XV, and Pius XI.

Also included are expanded rubrical instructions for the liturgical gestures and reverences made in connection with the responses, and the responses made when serving for a bishop. The layout of the exterior partitions was carefully arranged to allow card’s use at the altar if necessary.

The card’s inside partitions contain helpful explanations and basic rules about making the responses, more romano pronunciation, a list of common pronunciation mistakes made by English-speakers, and even several informative and authoritative footnotes.

Red and black text was printed on heavy matte paper stock (to keep the card stiff when being held), then coated with a matte varnish to increase the anti-glare property and protect the card from moisture and frequent use.

Measures folded at 11 14/16" x 4¼" (folds out completely to 17” wide).

Subscribe to A Catholic Life via Twitter & Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:06:00 +0000

Remember to follow the tweets of A Catholic Life on Twitter, as I send updates when new posts are published and older posts are edited. Some content is available only to my Twitter followers and does not make its way to my news feed.

That being said, please also consider subscribing to the blog via Feedburner. Simply insert your email address below and you will receive an email in the mornings on which a new post has been published. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.

I also have a special newsletter that I send out to my readers to update you on events in my life, on events in the Church, and other related events. If you would like to be on my special contact list, please let me know and I will add you to my email list. This is a list people that I consider not only my readers but also my friends. It is more personal than any of the other forms of contact mentioned above.

Bishop Wiliamson Visits South Korea (May 4, 2012)

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

State of Relations of SSPX with Rome is Entrusted Singularly to Bishop Fellay (not the media)

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:56:00 +0000

With the Catholic media abuzz over the discussions between the SSPX and the Roman officials, I wish to publish here the recent letter from Fr. Arnaud Rostand, District Superior of the US SSPX. His words can help us steer away from media bias and emotionalism. And don't forget to please join us in praying the Rosary Crusade in anticipation for its end this Pentecost Sunday!

Remember unity is not possible between those who adhere to Tradition and those who adhere to new modern versions of the Faith. We must pray through this all for the Holy Church - that She may be protected and defended.

Dear Friends and Benefactors,

A lot of rumors are being spread regarding the relations between the Roman authorities and the Society of St. Pius X. On this regard, I wish to simply remind the communiqué from the General House of the Society of April 18, 2012:

In a letter dated April 17, 2012, the Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X responded to the request for clarification that had been made to him on March 16 by Cardinal William Levada concerning the Doctrinal Preamble delivered on September 14, 2011. As the press release dated today from the Ecclesia Dei Commission indicates, the text of this response “will be examined by the dicastery (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) then submitted to the Holy Father for his judgment".

The matter is in the hands of the Holy Father and we are waiting for His decision.

Let us remember that it is to our Superior General, and only to him, that has been entrusted by the law of the Church and the will of Archbishop Lefebvre the delicate task of our relations with Rome. As such, he is the only competent authority to take prudent decisions for our Society. Because of his function and his 18 years of leadership in keeping the Faith and seeking the common good of the Church, we renew to him all our confidence, trust and respectful obedience in this difficult time. Our filial piety to him, as to the Sovereign Pontiff, pushes us to do more than usual in these unusual circumstances: we desire to bring to them the support of all your prayers.

Quo Primum Tempore: Apostolic Constitution of His Holiness Pope St. Pius V

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Sat, 05 May 2012 12:57:00 +0000

In honor of Pope St. Pius V, who codified for all times and all peoples the Tridentine Mass on this his feastday, May 5th.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

QUO PRIMUM
Pope St. Pius V - July 14, 1570

From the very first, upon Our elevation to the chief Apostleship, We gladly turned our mind and energies and directed all out thoughts to those matters which concerned the preservation of a pure liturgy, and We strove with God's help, by every means in our power, to accomplish this purpose. For, besides other decrees of the sacred Council of Trent, there were stipulations for Us to revise and re-edit the sacred books: the Catechism, the Missal and the Breviary. With the Catechism published for the instruction of the faithful, by God's help, and the Breviary thoroughly revised for the worthy praise of God, in order that the Missal and Breviary may be in perfect harmony, as fitting and proper - for its most becoming that there be in the Church only one appropriate manner of reciting the Psalms and only one rite for the celebration of Mass - We deemed it necessary to give our immediate attention to what still remained to be done, viz, the re-editing of the Missal as soon as possible.

Hence, We decided to entrust this work to learned men of our selection. They very carefully collated all their work with the ancient codices in Our Vatican Library and with reliable, preserved or emended codices from elsewhere. Besides this, these men consulted the works of ancient and approved authors concerning the same sacred rites; and thus they have restored the Missal itself to the original form and rite of the holy Fathers. When this work has been gone over numerous times and further emended, after serious study and reflection, We commanded that the finished product be printed and published as soon as possible, so that all might enjoy the fruits of this labor; and thus, priests would know which prayers to use and which rites and ceremonies they were required to observe from now on in the celebration of Masses.

Let all everywhere adopt and observe what has been handed down by the Holy Roman Church, the Mother and Teacher of the other churches, and let Masses not be sung or read according to any other formula than that of this Missal published by Us. This ordinance applies henceforth, now, and forever, throughout all the provinces of the Christian world, to all patriarchs, cathedral churches, collegiate and parish churches, be they secular or religious, both of men and of women - even of military orders - and of churches or chapels without a specific congregation in which conventual Masses are sung aloud in choir or read privately in accord with the rites and customs of the Roman Church. This Missal is to be used by all churches, even by those which in their authorization are made exempt, whether by Apostolic indult, custom, or privilege, or even if by oath or official confirmation of the Holy See, or have their rights and faculties guaranteed to them by any other manner whatsoever.

This new rite alone is to be used unless approval of the practice of saying Mass differently was given at the very time of the institution and confirmation of the church by Apostolic See at least 200 years ago, or unless there has prevailed a custom of a similar kind which has been continuously followed for a period of not less than 200 years, in which most cases We in no wise rescind their above-mentioned prerogative or custom. However, if this Missal, which we have seen fit to publish, be more agreeable to these latter, We grant them permission to celebrate Mass according to its rite, provided they have the consent of their bishop or prelate or of their whole Chapter, everything else to the contrary notwithstanding.

All other of the churches referred to above, however, are hereby denied the use of other missals, which are to be discontinued entirely and absolutely; whereas, by this present Constitution, which will be valid henceforth, now, and forever, We order and enjoin that nothing must be added to Our recently published Missal, nothing omitted from it, nor anything whatsoever be changed within it under the penalty of Our displeasure.

We specifically command each and every patriarch, administrator, and all other persons or whatever ecclesiastical dignity they may be, be they even cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, or possessed of any other rank or pre-eminence, and We order them in virtue of holy obedience to chant or to read the Mass according to the rite and manner and norm herewith laid down by Us and, hereafter, to discontinue and completely discard all other rubrics and rites of other missals, however ancient, which they have customarily followed; and they must not in celebrating Mass presume to introduce any ceremonies or recite any prayers other than those contained in this Missal.

Furthermore, by these presents [this law], in virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We grant and concede in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure, and may freely and lawfully be used. Nor are superiors, administrators, canons, chaplains, and other secular priests, or religious, of whatever title designated, obliged to celebrate the Mass otherwise than as enjoined by Us.

We likewise declare and ordain that no one whosoever is forced or coerced to alter this Missal, and that this present document cannot be revoked or modified, but remain always valid and retain its full force notwithstanding the previous constitutions and decrees of the Holy See, as well as any general or special constitutions or edicts of provincial or synodal councils, and notwithstanding the practice and custom of the aforesaid churches, established by long and immemorial prescription - except, however, if more than two hundred years' standing.

It is Our will, therefore, and by the same authority, We decree that, after We publish this constitution and the edition of the Missal, the priests of the Roman Curia are, after thirty days, obliged to chant or read the Mass according to it; all others south of the Alps, after three months; and those beyond the Alps either within six months or whenever the Missal is available for sale. Wherefore, in order that the Missal be preserved incorrupt throughout the whole world and kept free of flaws and errors, the penalty for nonobservance for printers, whether mediately or immediately subject to Our dominion, and that of the Holy Roman Church, will be the forfeiting of their books and a fine of one hundred gold ducats, payable ipso facto to the Apostolic Treasury. Further, as for those located in other parts of the world, the penalty is excommunication latae sententiae, and such other penalties as may in Our judgment be imposed; and We decree by this law that they must not dare or presume either to print or to publish or to sell, or in any way to accept books of this nature without Our approval and consent, or without the express consent of the Apostolic Commissaries of those places, who will be appointed by Us. Said printer must receive a standard Missal and agree faithfully with it and in no wise vary from the Roman Missal of the large type (secundum magnum impressionem).

Accordingly, since it would be difficult for this present pronouncement to be sent to all parts of the Christian world and simultaneously come to light everywhere, We direct that it be, as usual, posted and published at the doors of the Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles, also at the Apostolic Chancery, and on the street at Campo Flora; furthermore, We direct that printed copies of this same edict signed by a notary public and made official by an ecclesiastical dignitary possess the same indubitable validity everywhere and in every nation, as if Our manuscript were shown there. Therefore, no one whosoever is permitted to alter this notice of Our permission, statute, ordinance, command, precept, grant, indult, declaration, will, decree, and prohibition. Should know that he will incur the wrath of Almighty God and of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul.

Given at St. Peter's in the year of the Lord's Incarnation, 1570, on the 14th of July of the Fifth year of Our Pontificate.

7 Catholic Devotional Books I Couldn’t Live Without

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:27:00 +0000

A reader recently asked me a very interesting question, "What are the devotional prayer books that you use most often?" That question started a thought process that has led me to compile this list - 7 Catholic Devotional Books I Couldn't Live Without.

These are all items on my current book shelf that I use at least weekly (if not daily). Some are strictly "prayer" books while others are a little more broad in scope. Regardless, here is my list of the Top 7 Catholic Prayer Books that I use most often. They are listed in no particular order.

1. Manual of Prayers

This book produced by the Midwestern Theological Forum has been on my shelf for nearly 5 years. The preface is written by now-Cardinal Dolan. Used by the students and faculty of the North American College in Rome, this book is considered a must-have for priests and seminarians. It includes an extensive collection of prayers in English, Spanish, Italian, and Latin drawn from the Liturgy and the writings of the saints. I have used it for the Stations of the Cross each week on Friday as well as for other feastdays.

2. St. Jude Thaddeus: Helper in Desperate Cases and St. Rita: Advocate of the Impossible

Never overlook the power of little prayer booklets. When I visited Conception Abbey and the nearby Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration (Clyde, MO) in 2006, I picked up a copy of a 10 cent prayer book entitled "St. Jude Thaddeus: Helper in Desperate Cases and St. Rita: Advocate of the Impossible."

I have used this book nearly weekly since then. In front my home altar (which now has candles dedicated to St. Jude), I recite the prayers to St. Jude mentioned in this little booklet. The booklet has little sections on How to Obtain the Aid of St. Jude, Devotions in honor of St. Jude, An Explanation of St. Jude's Epistle, and other little sections. It's a very nice devotional book that I'm very glad to have picked up.

3. Miracle Hour

This little booklet I received way back in 2005 - in fact, it is one of the first devotional books that I ever received as a gift. "Miracle Hour: A Method of Prayer That Will Change Your Life" by Linda Schubert takes an hour and divides it evenly into 12 forms of prayer. There is a section for prayers on praise, on signing, on surrender, on forgiveness, on listening to our Lord's voice, on intercessions, thanksgiving, etc. This nicely structured prayer booklet has accompanied me many times to Eucharistic Adoration. I recommend it.

4. Chalice of Strength

Chalice of Strength: Prayers for Priests was published in 1996 by Opus Sanctorum Angelorum Gethsemani Adoration Chapel. Besides the beautiful introduction by Fr. John Hardon, the book contains many prayers to be said for priests. It includes the Litany of the Precious Blood as prayers composed by Pope John Paul II, Paul VI, and Venerable Pope Pius XII. It's a very nice 31 page booklet to use during Eucharistic Adoration.

5. Roman Catholic Daily Missal

I said that I was not going to write my top seven in any particular order. Well, I know that someone is probably still wondering which of these titles I use the most. And that would be my Roman Catholic Daily Missal (1962) produced by Angelus Press. I use it daily for the morning/evening prayers, weekly for the Devotions for Confession/Holy Communion, and daily to pray the daily Mass Propers. No Catholic should be without a copy of this Missal. Period.

6. Breviary

I have often mentioned that I pray the Breviary throughout the day as my schedule allows. I strive to say the Divine Office (Divinum Officium) daily. While I typically will not say any of the nocturns of Matins, I will say the office of Lauds and Vespers. I will also almost always say Sext and None. Terce is typically difficult to fit in since I usually say Lauds at 8 AM and I miss 9 AM Terce. But, on a given week, I'll say Terce 3 times. Compline I will say occasionally but sometimes omit it from my daily prayers and add in devotions instead.

I use a Breviary that follows the 1962 rules and calendar for Lauds and Vespers. My prayers at other hours use a Breviary that follows the 1955 rules. Since my Latin is far from perfect, I use the Morning and Evening Prayers of the Divine Office: Lauds, Vespers, and Compile for the entire year from the Roman Breviary. It is produced by Benzinger Brothers from 1965. I picked it up at Loomes Books. I'm uncertain how to recommend buying this one since copies will be hard to find. But it is great - try to find one.

7. Lives of the Saints

No Catholic bookshelf is complete without a copy of the Lives of the Saints. I encourage you to research online to find one (if you don't have one) and pick up a copy of Father Hugo Hoever's "Live of the Saints," from which I read daily. While the book does not include saints canonized in recent years, it is something that I am highly recommending. It is based on the pre-Vatican II calendar so the feastdays will match with the Angelus Press calendar that I recommended earlier.

First Friday Devotion for May

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Today is the First Friday of May. Because today is the first Friday of the Month, many Catholic parishes will have special Masses today for the First Friday Devotion.

Beginning on December 27, 1673, through 1675, Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque asking her to receive Him in Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month and to meditate on His passion from 11:00 PM to 12:00 midnight each Thursday. He also revealed to her twelve promises for all who are devoted to His Sacred Heart; he asked for a Feast of the Sacred Heart to be instituted in the liturgical calendar of the Church. Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque with twelve promises for those devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.

Promises for those devoted to the Sacred Heart:

1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

Prayer of Reparation:

O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore thee profoundly. I offer thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of thee the conversion of poor sinners. Amen.

What is the SSPX?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:18:00 +0000

In honor of the media attention given as of late to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), I wish to present the following excerpts and links from the website of the SSPX. In the words of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre himself, we see the purpose and mission of the Society. And that mission is none other than the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who attack the Society under some pretense of upholding unity or out of obedience fail in understanding the very mission and the purpose for which the Society exists.

1974 Declaration

We hold fast, with all our heart and with all our soul, to Catholic Rome, Guardian of the Catholic faith and of the traditions necessary to preserve this faith, to Eternal Rome, Mistress of wisdom and truth...

1979 Priestly Jubilee Sermon

It is necessary that we undertake a crusade, a crusade which is based precisely upon these notions of immutability, of sacrifice, in order to recreate Christianity, to reestablish a Christendom such as the Church desires, such as she has always done...

1988 Episcopal Consecration Sermon

...it is in order to manifest our attachment to Rome that we are performing this ceremony. It is in order to manifest our attachment to the Eternal Rome, to the pope, and to all those who have preceded these last popes...

June 1988 Public Statement against false ecumenism

..with Vatican II a spirit of adultery has been blowing through the Church, a spirit which in the Declaration on Religious Liberty allows of the principle of religious liberty of conscience for internal and external acts...

Spiritual Journey: Archbishop Lefebvre's spiritual summa

...if it please God... I will be allowed to realize the dream of which He gave me a glimpse one day in the Cathedral of Dakar. The dream was to transmit, before the progressive degradation of the priestly ideal, in all of its doctrinal purity and in all of its missionary charity, the Catholic Priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, just as He conferred it on His Apostles, just as the Roman Church always transmitted it until the middle of the 20th century...

Why is Mary the Mother of God? An Examination in the Divinity Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:22:00 +0000

The Virgin Adoring the Child Jesus, painting by Correggio; in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

Even since the dawn of the Church’s life, Mary has been called lovingly the Mother of God. This title was part of the liturgy and prayer, and most importantly, it was declared as a dogma at the Third Ecumenical Council at Ephesus in 431. A dogma is a divinely revealed truth that is necessary for salvation. A dogma helps make to clearly define an issue of Faith. Dogmas are things like: “Jesus is God,” “Mary is Theotokos,” “God is a Trinity,” etc. We say they are divinely revealed because only God could show them to us. We could not come to know these things without the grace of God and His revelation of Himself. Also, because they are divinely revealed, they are worthy of the utmost trust. It is not something a human mind thought up, and so we do not need to worry if a human mind cannot fully comprehend a dogma. The important thing is that God revealed it, and because He revealed it, we can trust it.

Also, a dogma is a divinely revealed truth necessary for salvation. When the Church declares a doctrine of the faith to be a Dogma, all of the baptized around the world are called to believe it with the full assent of faith. This is because it is revealed by God through the Church. You cannot be Catholic and not believe the dogmas of the Church.

As such, you cannot be Catholic and not believe that Mary is the Theotokos. We believe it not because it makes sense (though it does), or because it has a long history (though it does), but because God said it was true. Here are some of the ways it shows up in history though, and some of the reasons that we call Mary the Theotokos:

The title of Theotokos appears in the earliest liturgies of the Church:

“It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos we magnify you.”
-The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The title of Theotokos was supported by the Doctors of the Church:

“If one does not acknowledge Mary as Theotokos, he is estranged from God.”
-St. Gregory of Nazianzus (Epistle 101)

Mary’s Divine Motherhood

Called in the Gospels “the mother of Jesus,” Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as “the mother of my Lord.” In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly “Mother of God” (Theo-tokos). Catechism of the Catholic Church #495

So now that we know that Theotokos means ‘God Bearer’ and that we call Mary the Theotokos, what does it mean for us? It means a lot. The mystery of Mary is a mystery that is tied up intimately into Christ and the Church. To say that Mary is the Mother of God is to also imply, necessarily, that she is the Mother of Christ’s Body. In fact, Christ’s Body was formed in Mary and took its being from Mary.

So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25-27 RSVCE

What we can learn from Mary as Theotokos is almost endless, but one of the more important points is that all of Mary’s special graces flow from her relationship to Christ. Also, her relationship to Christ defines her relationship to the Church and to us. Mary is intimately tied to the Church, and as we learn more about Mary we will see all the ways in which this affects us as children of the Church and children of Mary!

Our Lady appears in Knock, Ireland

Mary – Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church

Since the Virgin Mary’s role in the mystery of Christ and the Spirit has been treated, it is fitting now to consider her place in the mystery of the Church. “The Virgin Mary… is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and of the redeemer….She is ‘clearly the mother of the members of Christ’… since she has by her charity joined in bringing about the birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its head.” “Mary, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church.” Catechism of the Catholic Church #963

Book Review: After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew) — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:11:00 +0000

About a month ago, I started to read "After Virtue" by Alasdair MacIntyre. Even after just the first chapter, I was quite immediately impressed by his imaginary world where science had been previously abandoned and its resurrected form was only a compartmentalized, poor reproduction of that which existed before. It seemed to me that this is the way that Catholicism is. The Church was struck down in Vatican II and now we see emerging in a slightly more mainstream way the forms of prior Catholicism, namely the Traditional Mass. Yet, do you not also see in so called "Traditional Catholics" how they want a return to the Mass of All Times for merely nostalgic or aesthic reasons? These Catholics are taking the Faith and stripping it of its social and moral implications that must be present in an authentic Catholic culture.

Indeed, I just read from part of the Roman Forum website today the following piece that is along the same line of reasoning: “For forty years, the Mass has been at the heart of the Traditional movement. This is because the Mass is a necessary but not sufficient condition to the restoration of Christendom. Without the Mass, any restoration of politics, education, culture, etc. will not endure. Nothing we do can survive without the Mass. Yet, there is more than the Mass that is necessary for a reestablishment of Christendom…”

I am a strong proponent for Catholics reading philosophical texts from time to time in order to more clearly see the world outside of our modern window. We must see the world as a whole. MacIntryre does a brilliant job presenting the world from a philosophical view.

At the very core of MacIntyre's book is the notion that the Enlightenment project of justifying the existence of morality outside of a teleological context (whether that be for the end of justice, for the end of observing God's revealed Law, etc) has failed. His brilliant examples will allow all readers to see the errors of the Enlightenment. The manner in which the book was written may even lead to the conversion of current Enlightenment proponents!

Just to share some of his reasoning (and style), here is a section from the text on MacIntyre's attack on the existence of "human rights." In short, he does not believe any such rights existence for the mere fact that we are "humans" and he attacks that any such rights can truly be "self evident":

[T]he truth is plain: there are no such rights, [i.e., human rights, natural rights, rights of man,] and belief in them is one with belief in witches and in unicorns. The best reason for asserting so bluntly that there are no such rights is indeed of precisely the same type as the best reason which we possess for asserting that there are no witches and the best reason which we possess for asserting that there are no unicorns: every attempt to give good reasons for believing that there are such rights has failed. (p. 69)

I highly recommend this text for those of you wishing to read a work that is a bit more philosophical as opposed to purely theological or devotional.