Friday, March 30, 2007
The Future of Catholicism: Vatican Council III?
The Second Vatican Council was somewhat ambiguous. It opened the windows to other Churches, to the modern world and to the future. Such action has led to many changes in the life of the Church, some new emphasis on official doctrine; in some ways it also appears that the Council seemed to have acknowledged some pluralism in the Church’s life. The Council raised much hope or fears of more radical changes, the situation back then could have been one of considerable uncertainty.
Yet, the Council was often conservative, taking great care to be loyal to the papacy and to previous councils. In fact it is this conservative side that the new catechism proclaims! This was done either by the changing of the order of the subject matter, the selection of one quotation over another, placing stress on old doctrines that have been left untouched, or by reviving doctrines that the Council left unmentioned. The mood was probably different from the confusing but ‘creative’ 60’s. The intention of John Paul was to stabilize and unite the Church in one theology and one discipline. Personally, I liked the fact that the Vatican did not bless what has become the current usage where the language reflects the challenge of feminism. For example, the translation refers to ‘men’ instead of ‘people’ or ‘all’.
Yet, the Council was often conservative, taking great care to be loyal to the papacy and to previous councils. In fact it is this conservative side that the new catechism proclaims! This was done either by the changing of the order of the subject matter, the selection of one quotation over another, placing stress on old doctrines that have been left untouched, or by reviving doctrines that the Council left unmentioned. The mood was probably different from the confusing but ‘creative’ 60’s. The intention of John Paul was to stabilize and unite the Church in one theology and one discipline. Personally, I liked the fact that the Vatican did not bless what has become the current usage where the language reflects the challenge of feminism. For example, the translation refers to ‘men’ instead of ‘people’ or ‘all’.
Despite this restoration- a genuine catechism faithful to the essential content of Revelation and up to date in method. There seems to be some danger that the detailed catechism which has been authorized solemnly may be used in a manner that would be alien to the spirit of the majority in the council, by not allowing enough local liberty.The most significant change in Church history could probably be change from the Church as being a fortress repelling enemies by firing off dogmas to being the Church as the pilgrim people of God, loving God and God’s world, moving into a future with joyful faith. To this change, I sing te duem. This is also a ‘sign of the times’. In the 90’s two-thirds of Catholics lived in Europe and North America. Now more than three-quarters of the much larger numbers live in Latin America, Asia and Africa. As the Council registered, “the Church has become more educated and humble”. The Second Vatican II Council is likely to be the last Council to be dominated by Europe. The Church has become less white, less rich and more distant from the Vatican. The consequences of both these revolutionary developments will set the agenda for future Popes. Many of the challenges that will confront the Church and the Holy Father will be more or less the same throughout the Church, regardless of locality.
Future Popes would have inherited a severe decline in the number of priests. Many are leaving the priesthood. This decline has encouraged lay movement, like in the days of the apostles; a small compensation. However, priests- no matter how young or dedicated- would be too few to provide the sacraments, care and teaching to those who look to them. The Vatican estimates one priest to seven thousand Catholics in South America as a whole, and one to four thousand in Africa. I’m not advocating, but could this be inter alia, due to the restriction on priests to marry? This could have been the wishes of potential priests to carry out their human right of marriage.
The rising movement to release female talent in Church (as well as society) would be another issue. Certainly (and hopefully) the option of Priesthood is closed. However, an easier option to consider would be the deaconate, as Phoebe certainly was when St. Paul wrote to the Church over which you now preside (Romans 16:1-2).
Perhaps one of the hardest decisions that would have to be made would be the from the multitudes of Catholic laity that sexual intercourse which transmits love need not be always be open to the transmission of life. Would artificial contraception be allowed? In all the weight of Roman authority the answer would definitely be a resounding ‘No’. However, considering the expected doubling of the world’s population (at least twelve billion), how are Catholic clergy to regain the respect of the laity as teachers of sexual morality?
Our future Pope, whoever he may be, would inherit the legacy of many centuries. Will he be open to the possibility of substantial changes or remain conservative- faithful to Roman Catholic tradition?
We are not far from the day where we’ll hear the wide ranging criticisms coming from all corners of the Church. We need to ask ourselves: What is the authority of Sacred Scripture and of the Church? What is the heart of the Christian faith? What diversity in its expressions is right? What is sex for and what is the priesthood for?
In the sixteenth century, nationalist policies increased the force of the Protestant question: What is the authority of the Bible? In the twenty-first century, the importance of sexuality in human life may fuel explosive power to the Catholic question: What is the authority of the Church?
It can be foreseen that the future Popes would have voices coming from their own heart, warning him not to divide the Church whose unity is entrusted to him. He would also look upon Protestantism and be reminded of the innumerable divisions that we created by men and women who followed their own private judgments in defiance of the mind of the Church. He would be warned not to sacrifice the truth entrusted to his guardianship for modernism, post-modernism, agnosticism, materialism, and other passing fashions of a godless age.
We need to pray unceasingly that the ‘deposit of faith’ will be guarded conservatively, as it was under John Paul II or Paul VI or John XXIII as well as Pius XII and his predecessors.
Many marvelous and creative changes have taken place in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, including the papacy. It is Divine Will that the Church has survived the might of the Roman Empire’s persecutions, and the corruption of her own wealth and power, to be the centre of great civilization of medieval Europe. It was by the grace of God that the Council of Trent inaugurated a Catholic Reformation, pouring new energy into the life and mission of the Church after a period when it had seemed that despite many scandals reform was impossible. Likewise, it was grace that brought forth the Second Vatican II Council, changing Catholic thought and life, after a period when it was widely assumed that no further council would be necessary and the only tendency would be an ever-increasing weight of authority and dogma.
Would it be too bold of me to suggest the dangerous duty to convene the Third Vatican Council? In like of (true) ecumenism, which Vatican II blessed, it seems logical that a third council be convened to have many uncomfortable voices heard. And that dialogue could mark the beginning of full restoration of communion with each other and with the Christ who cannot be divided.
Echoing the words spoken in Rome in 1967 by Athenagoras, Patriarch of Constantinople:
The Bishop of Rome who is “the bearer of apostolic grace and the successor to a shinning company of holy and wise men who have shed lustre on this see which, by honor and rank, stands first in the living body of Christian Churches dispersed throughout the world; and whose holiness, wisdom and valiant fight for the common faith of the undivided Church are a permanent asset and treasure for the entire world”. May God the life-giving Holy Spirit guide our Popes
so that they may teach truth and practice love.
Labels: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic Belief, Eucmenism, Holy Father, Priesthood, Second Vatican Council, Thoughts, Vatican
The Eucharistic, life for “sterile arbitrator” and disillusioned man
(By Bernardo Cervellera)
“The triumph of the Eucharist”, the great fresco by Raphael which can be admired by visitors to the Vatican rooms depicts a “militant” Church below – a little agitated – a on high the Church “triumphant”, with Christ gentle and invoking a blessing, surrounded by Mary, John the Baptist, the apostles and saints. All the lines, movements and spaces of that great fresco, culminate in the monstrance.
With this apostolic exhortation “Sacramentum caritatis” Benedict XVI has created a similar fresco, using words, theology and the bishops propositions from the 2005 synod, which had as its theme “The Eucharist source and summit of the Churches Life and Mission”.
The dictate “source and summit” first appeared in the documents of the second Vatican council. It met with great success among theologians and priests, yet it did not help in the subsequent veritable marginalization of the Eucharist in favour of doctrinal explanations, from group’s experience, from social denunciation to an almost complete abandonment of the sacrament, considered a private and useless devotion
Benedict XVI ‘s successful undertaking lies in having explained, as in a short catechism, that everything, really and truly everything subsists in and is held together thanks to the Eucharist: action and contemplation; mysticism and social obligations; marriage and celibacy; religious and lay faithful; authority and obedience.
Priests choosing celibacy; indissoluble marriage for wed couples; virginity as a free gift that is not imposed by external forces, are explicit elements relay the truth container in the Eucharist, the place where for eternity – that is in every moment even now - we receive God’s life, gifted to us by Christ. By eliminating, reducing, refusing, and rendering banal any of these elements we are suppressing the greatness of this gifted Life.
This Life – which is truth and love – there for our taking, is the most precious treasure the Church has to offer the world. Followers of Buddhism or Hinduism find themselves disillusioned when faced with reality, in Islam or Marxism, followers are tempted to destroy the present so that his god or idealism may triumph; post modern man, who has destroyed all “orientations” finds himself with a freedom that is a “sterile pleasure”. The Pope speaks of the Eucharist as the beginning of a new world, as a taste of beauty and life which we can partake of now, because “in the sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus shows us in particular the truth about the love which is the very essence of God. It is this evangelical truth which challenges each of us and our whole being” (n. 2).
From this rediscovery of the Eucharist Benedict XVI awaits a resumption of the Christian mission towards all cultures, religions and societies, he even speaks of it in terms of a “challenge a” (n. 78). To make the Eucharist known and understood throughout the world, there is a need for “recognisable” witnesses, not simple bearers of ideas, or protagonists of exceptional experiences, but priests in love with Christ, lay people in love with live and children, politicians capable of belonging to the Church without “ifs” or “buts”.
The true sign that Christ is present in the Eucharist, that “glimpse of heaven on earth” (n. 35) is manifest in the architectural beauty of Churches, in our care of the rite, in our carrying signs of hope to the abyss in which humanity carries out its debates. The Pope asks that the “strengthened by the mystery” believers denounce poverty, the arms race, the lack of religious freedom, the pollution of creation; that we favour the refugees and the sick. He reminds us that everything succeeds from adoration, not by pushing the Eucharist aside but by placing it at the centre of our lives and the life of the world. Humanity’s “true joy” lies in “recognizing that the Lord is still with us, our faithful companion along the way” (n. 97).
Labels: Eucharist, Holy Father
Episcopalian Bishop Joins the Roman Catholic Church
The Rt. Rev. William H. Love, Bishop of Albany, has appealed for unity following news that his predecessor has entered into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
The Rt. Rev. Daniel Herzog retired as Bishop of Albany Jan. 31. Bishop Love said he learned of Bishop Herzog’s decision in a letter dated March 19 which he received upon his return from the spring retreat of the House of Bishops.
“The recent retirement and subsequent departure of both Bishop Dan [Herzog] and Bishop Dave [Bena] from The Episcopal Church can’t help but have a major impact on each of us and our diocese,” Bishop Love stated in a letter. “One of my greatest concerns as your new bishop is that others in the diocese are also struggling with the current issues that threaten to divide the Church. Please know that I am here for you as we work through these issues.
“As your bishop and brother in Christ, I appreciate and give thanks to God for you and every member of our diocesan family. I need you as we move forward.”
In his letter to Bishop Love, Bishop Herzog stated that his decision was based on more than three years of focused prayer and study.
“My sense of duty to the diocese, its clergy and people required that I not walk away from my office and leave vulnerable this diocese which I love,” he wrote. “I believed that it was my responsibility to provide for a transition to the future. Your subsequent election and consecration discharged that duty and has given me the liberty to follow my conscience, and now resign my orders and membership in the House of Bishops.
“It is certainly no reflection on you or your ministry which Carol and I both admire and respect and for which we pray daily. Needless to say, we have only fondness and appreciation for you and the diocese in whose ministry Carol and I have invested the past 35 years of our lives.”
Bishop Herzog’s departure comes less than a month after it was revealed that before his retirement, Bishop Herzog had agreed to transfer the canonical ministry license of Bishop Suffragan David Bena to the Anglican Church of Nigeria. Bishop Love said both former bishops remain “good friends” and will continue to be welcome at all diocesan functions.
Labels: News, Protestants
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sacramentum Caritatis: Vocation and Seminary Formation
Apostolic Exhortation "Sacrament of Love" - Pope Benedict 2007
The clergy shortage and the pastoral care of vocations
25. In the light of the connection between the sacrament of Holy Orders and the Eucharist, the Synod considered the difficult situation that has arisen in various Dioceses which face a shortage of priests. This happens not only in some areas of first evangelization, but also in many countries of long-standing Christian tradition. Certainly a more equitable distribution of clergy would help to solve the problem. Efforts need to be made to encourage a greater awareness of this situation at every level. Bishops should involve Institutes of Consecrated Life and the new ecclesial groups in their pastoral needs, while respecting their particular charisms, and they should invite the clergy to become more open to serving the Church wherever there is need, even if this calls for sacrifice.(78)
The Synod also discussed pastoral initiatives aimed at promoting, especially among the young, an attitude of interior openness to a priestly calling. The situation cannot be resolved by purely practical decisions. On no account should Bishops react to real and understandable concerns about the shortage of priests by failing to carry out adequate vocational discernment, or by admitting to seminary formation and ordination candidates who lack the necessary qualities for priestly ministry (79).
An insufficiently formed clergy, admitted to ordination without the necessary discernment, will not easily be able to offer a witness capable of evoking in others the desire to respond generously to Christ's call. The pastoral care of vocations needs to involve the entire Christian community in every area of its life. (80)
Obviously, this pastoral work on all levels also includes exploring the matter with families, which are often indifferent or even opposed to the idea of a priestly vocation. Families should generously embrace the gift of life and bring up their children to be open to doing God's will. In a word, they must have the courage to set before young people the radical decision to follow Christ, showing them how deeply rewarding it is.
Labels: Holy Father, Priesthood, Seminary, Vocation
A Fruitful Absence
I apologize to all my readers for having left the posting stagnant for such a long time. The lack of posts was the result of my retreat with the CSsR in their Seminary at Punggol. My stay there enabled me to have a conversation with Rev. Fr. Simon Pereria who had first contacted me via e-mail as well as experience first hand Redemptorist work such as School and Parish Missions.
In other news, the Archdiocese of Singapore has lost another brother priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Lu of St. Stephen's Parish. Fr. Peter Lu was 86. This is the second passing of a priest in the last 3 months. His body was brought into The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary last night at 2200hrs, after the celebration of a Latin Mass in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation.
Here are some photos of the CSsR School Missions (at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Toa Payoh) and last night's Annunciation Latin Mass:
C.H.I.J. Toa Payoh
Inscensing of the Altar
Inscensing of the gifts
Consecration of the Bread (The Latin Mass was translated into both Chinese and English as Nativity Church is traditionally a Teochew Parish)
Consecration of Wine
The procession out as the recessional marian antiphon is chanted (In the background, the verger can be seen laying the stands for the reception of Fr. Peter's coffin.)
Labels: Miscellaneous, Personal, Photos, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Of Translations...
For a long time I have warned people about bad English translations of papal documents.
There are methodological problems in that the documents are no longer composed in Latin.
The Latin text, which is the official text, is itself a translation.
However, since no on refers to the Latin text… few people know this. Thus, they are always working with compromised versions of documents.
Moreover, the texts they are working with were those released at the time of the presentation of the document, even though the LATIN is itself revised before publication in is final official form in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis. But no one goes back to revise the vernacular versions in keeping with the changes in the Latin Lot’s of people are misquoting documents because the vernacular docs themselves were never updated.
That said, let us take a look at the Exhortation’s paragraph on Latin in the liturgy and see if there is a disconnect. I tip my biretta to "stefano" who was alert and caught this before I did.
Latin: exceptis lectionibus, homilia et oratione fidelium, aequum est ut huiusmodi celebrationes fiant lingua Latina.
In Latin, the phrase aequum est means "it is reasonable, proper, right". It can be rendered as "it is becoming", to use a somewhat archaic turn of phrase.
German: es ist gut, wenn außer den Lesungen, der Predigt und den Fürbitten der Gläubigen die Feier in lateinischer Sprache gehalten wird.
Italian: eccettuate le letture, l’omelia e la preghiera dei fedeli, è bene che tali celebrazioni siano in lingua latina.
French: excepté les lectures, l’homélie et la prière des fidèles, il est bon que ces célébrations soient en langue latine
Spanish: exceptuadas las lecturas, la homilía y la oración de los fieles, sería bueno que dichas celebraciones fueran en latín
Portuguese: exceptuando as leituras, a homilia e a oração dos fiéis, é bom que tais celebrações sejam em língua latina
Polish: z wyjątkiem czytań, homilii oraz modlitwy wiernych, dobrze będzie, jeśli takie celebracje będą odprawiane w języku łacińskim (Literally: "It will be good, if such celebration will be officiated in Latin language").
Are you sensing a pattern in the rendering of aequum est, or rather how aequum est in Latin is more than likely the accurate reading of the original language of composition of the Exortation?
Let’s see the English.
English: with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, such liturgies could be celebrated in Latin.
WOAH…. wait a minute… "could be" celebrated? That changes the entire impact of what the Pope said. All the of the other languages reflect one concept and the English alone says another thing entirely. The English implies that the value of Latin is, at best, a neutral thing. The Latin and all the other languages imply that Latin is positive.
I think we must conclude that whoever did the translation into English chose not to stick to the original text which they were given to work from.
Labels: Latin, Miscellaneous, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Totus Tuus
(By H.H. Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae)
The Rosary mystically transports us to Mary’s side as she is busy watching over the human growth of Christ in the home of Nazareth. This enables her to train us and to mold us with the same care, until Christ is fully formed in us (cf. Gal 4:19). This role of Mary, totally grounded in that of Christ and radically subordinated to it, in no way obscures or diminishes the unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. This is the luminous principle expressed by the Second Vatican Council which I have so powerfully experienced in my own life and have made the basis of my episcopal motto: Totus Tuus. The motto is of course inspired by the teaching of Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, who explained in the following words Mary’s role in the process of our configuration to Christ: Our entire perfection consists in being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus Christ. Hence the most perfect of all devotions is undoubtedly that which conforms, unites and consecrates us most perfectly to Jesus Christ. Now, since Mary is of all creatures the one most conformed to Jesus Christ, it follows that among all devotions that which most consecrates and conforms a soul to our Lord is devotion to Mary, his Holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to her the more will it be consecrated to Jesus Christ. Never as in the Rosary do the life of Jesus and that of Mary appear so deeply joined. Mary lives only in Christ and for Christ!
Labels: Holy Father, Mary
Personal call, Personal love, Personal mission
(By Fr. Anthony Bannon, from his book 'Peter On The Shore')
He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)
Christ first verifies Peter's love for him, and then gives him his personal mission to preach and spread the kingdom. He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17) Christ first verifies Peter's love for him, and then gives him his personal mission to preach and spread the kingdom.
Christ himself in the hours of his agony in Gethsemane has words that allow us to see that he lives the same order in his own life and action: he is in prayer, his human nature is rebelling against the suffering and death he sees before him, but his love for his Father brings him to say not my will but thine be done. In his encounter with his Father in prayer he renews his love, and in that love his human will finds reason and strength to do what his Father wants, despite the personal revulsion he experiences.
Our encounter with Christ is an encounter which takes place through the exercise of the gift of faith we received in baptism, which allows us to discover him in the eucharist and in the gospel, principally, and converse with him there, nourishing our love.
It is in this encounter, as you grow in your love for him, that you will discover the concrete thing he wants you to do. By learning to love him you will learn what he would have you do. Not that he is suddenly going to map out for you in detail your whole life; that can only be discovered one step at a time, and by taking each step he prepares you for the next. But the more we love him, the more we will think like him, and the more we will want to do what he wants.
He said some words to Peter which tell us where our concerns should lie: not in figuring everything out, wanting to know what he is asking of everyone else, but in living our own personal mission. When Peter saw him (the disciple whom Jesus loved), he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" (John 21:21-22)
We must seek Christ. Nothing else matters, and everything else falls into place when we have him. As the Holy Father repeats: Be not afraid! Open the doors of your heart to Christ. In prayer. In action. In charity.
Labels: Books, Priesthood, Vocation
The Mass: Pre & Post Vatican II
Notes on "The Mass: Pre & Post Vatican II" Part I.
Notes on the recent talk by Fr. Paul Staes, C.I.C.M.
NOTE: The information presented by the author does contain truth about the situation back then, however, it appears that he did not record the good points which Fr. Staes discussed during the talk.
Notes on the recent talk by Fr. Paul Staes, C.I.C.M.
NOTE: The information presented by the author does contain truth about the situation back then, however, it appears that he did not record the good points which Fr. Staes discussed during the talk.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Salve Regina
Salve Regina at the end of Compline,Church of San Clemente, Rome. Eve of the Feast of St Clement, 2006
Labels: Gregorian Chant, Latin, Music, Video
Homosexual Bible
The biblical illustration of the destruction of Sodom. Homosexual Bible? The New Oxford Annotated Bible is a hit with homosexual activists.
NOTE: The author of this blog does not endorse everything presented in the pages of the link above.
Labels: Links, Miscellaneous
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Altar Revamp
Acolyte Duties
The Society of Servers meeting today discussed the roles and duties for the upcoming Holy Week Masses and Processions. I've shall be carrying out the following duties:
- Palm Sunday: Crucifer [Procession + Mass]
- Maundy Thursday: *Forgotten* [Mass]
- Good Friday: Crucifer [Procession + Communion Service]
- Holy Saturday: *Forgotten* [Easter Vigil Mass]
- Easter Sunday: Crucifer [Procession + Mass]
*St. Joseph's Feast Day, Archbishop's Mass (3/18, Sunday): Crucifer [Procession + Mass]
Knowing that I'll be the Crucifer for most of the services is indeed a great relief; my fellow acolyte readers out there would know why.
Crucifer is a Latin word meaning cross-bearer, used for the acolyte who carries the cross in a church procession.
Have a great week ahead!
Labels: Liturgy, Miscellaneous, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Where are we now?
Where has the road taken us?"Even today. I’m just telling you what Scripture people tell me about their surveys. It’s a wonderful thing having small groups study Scripture—which I certainly encourage. But in terms of instruction in schools, etc., and familiarity with the Scriptures, I am told that there’s significantly less today compared to before the Council," Cardinal Willian Keeler. Funny isn't it? Considering that the Church accepted a renewed approach to sacred Scripture after the Council. "An ignorance of the Scriptures," says St. Jerome, "is an ignorance of God".
"Part of the implementation of Vatican II’s liturgy reforms meant also having a deepened sense of the sacred, of the transcendent, of the God-presence in our worship," Cardinal William Keeler. Periods of silence that were urged by the Council are still not being observed in many places. What's worst, is that the sense of sacred seems to have been dissolved, not deepened; how many people don't talk in Church, how many people don't genuflect when walking across the tabernacle, how many......
In response to the question of Catholics losing their faith, Cardinal William Keeler had this to say, "With respect to the doctrinal issues and that sense of fuzziness, there was enormous support for Cardinal Law’s suggestion for a catechism of the Catholic Church that would integrate the conciliar insights with those of Catholic teaching that went before. The synod endorsed this and now we have the Catechism of the Catholic Church." The CCC is indeed a wonderful tool to help those who want to become more familiar with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. However has catechisis been effective? How many young Catholics can go beyond explaining that the Mass is a Celebration? The Mass is not only a celebration, but a sacrifice as well. In the Mass, it is Jesus Christ, God, as well as Man, who is our Intercessor, our Priest, and our Victim. Being God- as well as Man- His prayers merits, and His offerings are infinite in value. How many can recite the Rosary? Who knows what Purgatory is? This list can go on and on...... Also, there is no point having a wonderful CCC when we have Catechists who are not orthodox or promote their own ideas/beliefs. I was scandalized last night during a discussion at Church when I was told that all Catechists are required to watch a video by an ex-priest who says that not many people go to Hell and that even in Hell, God offers Salvation. God offers salvation to those in Hell?! This is heresy! CCC1033, Hell is to be "seperated from Him forever". Jesus will "gather His angels, and they will gather... all evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire, (Matt 13:41-42)" where is will pronounce condemnation, "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire." (Matt 25:41). CCC1035 "affirms the existence of Hell and its eternity"...."eternal seperation from God". Apparently, this video has been used for years in 'training' Catechists. Down in the Catholic Spirituality Center, there is a Bible Study leader (note position) who does not believe in devotions to the Saints and the Blessed Mother. How can such a person hold positions in the Church? Apparently, they can when those at the 'managerial' level are strong liberals. Looks like when we stopped calling others heretics, we began breeding our own.
Mother Dear, pray for us!
St. Pius X, pray for us!
I know that some readers know Cardinal William Keeler personally. I have nothing against the good Cardinal, I'm merely using his statements to reflect the present state of 'disarray' (O God... I thought I'd never have to use this term... regular readers whould know that I label the Anglican Church likewise) in the Catholic Church.
Labels: Quote, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Friday, March 9, 2007
Pope Lists 2 Rules for Movements to Grow: Respect Charisms, Remember That Church Is One.
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 23, 2007 (Zenit.org) For ecclesial movements to flourish, new charisms and the unity of the Church must be respected, says Benedict XVI.
The Holy Father made this comment Thursday, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, during a question-and-answer session with the Roman clergy in the Hall of Blessings.
Father Gerardo Raúl Carcar of the Schoenstatt Fathers, a native of Argentina working in a parish in Rome, asked the Holy Father how movements can work together with the hierarchy of the Church.
In his answer, Benedict XVI presented two rules for a successful relationship between the two. First, quoting St. Paul´s first letter to the Thessalonians, he said: "Do not extinguish charisms."
The Holy Father said: "If the Lord gives us new gifts we must give thanks.... And it is something beautiful that, without an initiative of the hierarchy ... new forms of life are born in the Church, as they were born in all the centuries."
"Movements have been born in all the centuries," the Pope said. "They integrate in the life of the Church, though at times there is no lack of sufferings and difficulties." As an example, he said that when the Franciscans and the Benedictines were founded, they were also new movements.
"Thus, also in our century, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, has given us new initiatives with new aspects of Christian life: On being lived by human persons with their limitations, they also create difficulties," the Holy Father added.
Born to serve
Commenting on the unity of the Church, the Pontiff said: "If the movements are really gifts of the Holy Spirit, they integrate and serve the Church, and in the patient dialogue between pastors and movements a fruitful form is born, in which these elements become edifying elements for the Church of today and tomorrow."
Benedict XVI continued: "This dialogue takes place at all levels. Beginning with the parish priest, the bishop, the Successor of Peter, the search takes place for the appropriate structures: In many cases, this search has already borne fruits. In other cases, it is still being studied."
The Holy Father gave as an example the process of approving the statutes of the Neocatechumenal Way: "It has been a long way, with many complications which are still occurring today, but we have found an ecclesial way which has much improved the relationship between the pastor and the Way. And so we go ahead!"
"The same is true for the other movements," he added.
On summarizing the two fundamental rules, the Pope suggested that both the movements and parish communities continue with "gratitude, patience, and acceptance of sufferings, which are inevitable."
Benedict XVI continued: "Also in a marriage there are sufferings and tensions. And yet, they continue, and thus true love matures. The same happens in the community of the Church: Together, let´s have patience."
"Let us be obedient to the voice of the Spirit," the Pope added, "but let us also be clear when it comes to integrating these elements in life: This criterion serves, in the end, the concrete Church and in this way, with patience, courage and generosity, the Lord will guide and help us."
The Holy Father made this comment Thursday, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, during a question-and-answer session with the Roman clergy in the Hall of Blessings.
Father Gerardo Raúl Carcar of the Schoenstatt Fathers, a native of Argentina working in a parish in Rome, asked the Holy Father how movements can work together with the hierarchy of the Church.
In his answer, Benedict XVI presented two rules for a successful relationship between the two. First, quoting St. Paul´s first letter to the Thessalonians, he said: "Do not extinguish charisms."
The Holy Father said: "If the Lord gives us new gifts we must give thanks.... And it is something beautiful that, without an initiative of the hierarchy ... new forms of life are born in the Church, as they were born in all the centuries."
"Movements have been born in all the centuries," the Pope said. "They integrate in the life of the Church, though at times there is no lack of sufferings and difficulties." As an example, he said that when the Franciscans and the Benedictines were founded, they were also new movements.
"Thus, also in our century, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, has given us new initiatives with new aspects of Christian life: On being lived by human persons with their limitations, they also create difficulties," the Holy Father added.
Born to serve
Commenting on the unity of the Church, the Pontiff said: "If the movements are really gifts of the Holy Spirit, they integrate and serve the Church, and in the patient dialogue between pastors and movements a fruitful form is born, in which these elements become edifying elements for the Church of today and tomorrow."
Benedict XVI continued: "This dialogue takes place at all levels. Beginning with the parish priest, the bishop, the Successor of Peter, the search takes place for the appropriate structures: In many cases, this search has already borne fruits. In other cases, it is still being studied."
The Holy Father gave as an example the process of approving the statutes of the Neocatechumenal Way: "It has been a long way, with many complications which are still occurring today, but we have found an ecclesial way which has much improved the relationship between the pastor and the Way. And so we go ahead!"
"The same is true for the other movements," he added.
On summarizing the two fundamental rules, the Pope suggested that both the movements and parish communities continue with "gratitude, patience, and acceptance of sufferings, which are inevitable."
Benedict XVI continued: "Also in a marriage there are sufferings and tensions. And yet, they continue, and thus true love matures. The same happens in the community of the Church: Together, let´s have patience."
"Let us be obedient to the voice of the Spirit," the Pope added, "but let us also be clear when it comes to integrating these elements in life: This criterion serves, in the end, the concrete Church and in this way, with patience, courage and generosity, the Lord will guide and help us."
Labels: Holy Father, News, Religious
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Upcoming Events
Please take note of the upcoming events:
- Lenten Stations of the Cross
- St. Joseph's Feastday Celebrations
- Latin Mass (Novus Ordo) with Gregorian Chant
Labels: Announcements, Events
Notes of the True Church: Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus
"When the devil saw that the worship of idols was abolished, and the temples emptied, he bethought him of a new poison, and led men into error under cover of the Christian religion, the poison of false doctrine and pride, through which more than 200 Churches have started up in opposition to the true Church founded by Christ," St. Cyprian.
God has ordained that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth; i.e. of the true Church as distinguished by the following marks:
- The true Church is one which is most persecuted by the World, and which has received God's seal in the form of miracles.
Christ often talked about persecutions (John 15:20, 26:2, 15:19, Matt 10:17-22). Never in the history of the Catholic Church has it been free from persecution. The Apostles were hated by the Jews and the Romans killed many Christians in the early foundations of the Chruch. The present day is not wanting in examples in the sufferings inflicted on the Church, in the interference of secular governments in things spiritual, in the oppisition to processions, meetings, and other devout practices. Can any Church be the true Church which does not oppose the spirit of the world?
As for miracles, it is the Catholic Church that has miracles: those, for instance, of the Apostles, all the Saints worked both in their lifetime and after death, either at their graves or bythe application of their relics. - The true Church is that one in which St. Peter is to be found.
The Church rests on a rock and that rock is Peter: "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church" (Matt 28:20). "Where Peter is, ther is the Church" says St. Ambrose. - The true Church is known by the following four marks: she is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
The Church is One. She has at all times and in all places the same worship (Sacrifice of the Mass; not rite per se) and the same doctrine, the same means of grace (Sacraments), and only one Head (Vicar of Christ- the Pope).
Since truth can only be one, the teaching of the Church cannot be changed. Christ wished for His Church to be one (John 27:20, 10:16) and appointed one head for the Church (John 21:17). When we say that the Church is one, we are refering to the same doctrines that are being taught in the Catechisms all over the world, the same sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, the same feasts and ceremonies that are observed all over the world, the acknowledgement of the Pope as the Head of the Church by all Catholics.
Not even heresy can never destroy the unity of the Church, for the heretic who refuses to submit to is no longer a member of the Church.
The Catholic Church holds fast by its old established doctrines; there is no progress in giving up the truth and adopting error. The truth cannot change. Thus, "Protestantism, thou art changeable, therefore thou canst not be the truth!"
The Church is Holy. She has the means and the endeavor to lead all men to holiness. Christ founded the Church for one purpose, that is to make all men holy.
The in all the Catholic Chruch's lofty and pure teaching is the great underlying principle of self-denial and the love of one's neighbour; all the Sacraments- especially Penance and Holy Eucharist- are great aids to the sanctification of mankind, and the complete following out of the evangelical councels (for religious especially) can lead men to the highest point of perfection. The Church's host of Saints whose holiness is attested by miracles is a testimony to the Chruch's holiness.
But how can the Chruch be holy if there are abuses and misdeeds by clergy? Simple, these acts are not due to the Church but to the perversity of men. Even among the Apostle there was a traitor- Judas Iscariot.
Can any Church which adopts Luther's teaching on faith alone is sufficient for salvation, and good works unnecessary? or Calvin's doctrine that some men are predestined by God to hell fire? or any Church which on it's own confession, owns that none of its members have been saints and their sanctity confirmed by miracle, be holy?
The true Church is universal or Catholic. She is empowered to receive men into her bosom in all place and all times. Christ gave the Apostles the mission to teach all the nations till the end of time. Hence, His Church was meant to be for all nations. Being a universal Church, the teaching of the Catholic Church applies to all peoples, the polished Greek, the victorious Roman, the rude barbarian as well as the outcast slave. "By the fruits you will tell". The Catholic Church today is spread over the whole world.
"Heretics are everywhere" said St. Augustine, "but no particular heresy is everywhere." The Church has close to a BILLION members, hence, is more widespread than any other religion or religious system. Despite this number, the Church does not rest on her laurels and is continnually sending missionaries to the heathen. Can any Church that depends entirely on the government as for instance, the Anglican Church, which is wholly national in England, be the true Church? or can one who has no real success among the heathen have claim to truth?
The Church is Apostolic. She comes down from the time of the apostles and her teaching is always what it was in the time of the apostles, and her ministers are legitimate successors of the apostles.
The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles of which Jesus is the corner stone (Eph 2:20). "That is the true Church," says St. Jerome, "which was founded by the apostles and endures unto the present day." The Catholic Church is Apostolic; lasting 2000 years, Luther himself confessed that it was the oldest. The teaching of the Fathers agrees perfectly with the modern day Catechism, and our services are substantially the same as those of the first ages.
The consideration of these notes has in the course of ages, led many of the noblest of men into the bosom of the Catholic Church. It is so remarkable that men of the greatest learining and virtue have, even in the face of sacrifices entered the Catholic Church, while those who have deserted it have generally shown by their lives what they really were.
As Roman Catholics, we have reason the rejoice in our religion that it offers us such a special consolation in trouble and at the hoour of death. Thus Philipp Melancthon (one of Luther's contemporaries) wrote to his Catholic mother, "The Protestant faith is the best one to live in, but the Catholic faith is the best to die in," and again, "The new religion makes the best show, the Catholic gives the most security."
Because of the assurance the notes of the true Church displays and of Divine Revelation, we can proudly and boldly make the statement, "Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus " or "Outside the Catholic Church there is no salvation".
- The Catholic Church alone gives salvation as she possesses those means which lead to salvation; the doctrine of Christ, the means of salvation appointed by Christ, and the teachers and guides of the Church established by Christ.
The true Church (which we have already defined as the Roman Catholic Church) cannot teach that truth and error cannot lead equally well to salvation. No declaration is made as to who is saved, instead, she states only what is necessary for salvation. Only God who is able to search hearts (Psalm 7:10) is able to make the last judgement of a particular individual. This doctrine of faith is not a declaration of intolerance of an individual but an intolerence of error. So far is the Church from hating those outside her pale that in her public prayers on Good Friday she begs God's mercy for them.
The Catholic Church does not point the way to salvation like certain religions or denominations. She is the way to salvation! What makes the Catholic Church distinct from heretical churches which have corrupted Christ's doctrine and have rejected the means of grace, especially the Mass and penance. Such a way is the wrong way. "The further one goes out of the right parth," say St. Augustine, "the further he is from the goal of his journey." - Hence every person is bound to be a member of the Catholic Church.
Some people will tell you that a man ought not change his religion; they might as well argue that a man may keep an inheritance which his faher obtained unjustly. Others say, "One faith is as good as another, and all lead equally to heaven." (Sounds farmilar? Ecumenism? Religious Liberty?) This is to profess indiffentism. Having discussed the notes of the True Church we can now be certain that there can only be one true religion, the one revealed by God; and reason alone would tell us that the truth is what we should aim at.
It is totally absurd to suppose that God is unconcerned whether man adore Him or sticks stickes and stones, or wheter Christ be regarded as His Son or as a liar. Why should Christ and His apostles preach the Gospel amid so much persecution? Why were the apostlse so vehement in donouncing those who perverted the Gospel of Christ (Gal 1:8, 2 John 1:10)? Why should have God converted Saul, and sent an angel to Cornrlius?
The apostles gave the reason, "There is no other name under heaven given to mean whereby they must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me." (John 24:6). It is so eminent that people enter the Church, despite certain sacrifices that will follow. A great example would be Queen Christina, only daughter of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the arch-enemy of Catholics. Queen Christina studied the Catholic faith and was persuaded by its truth. Since the laws of Sweden forbade Catholicism, she resigned her crown and spent the rest of her life in Rome. In England, during the last few decades, distinguished men have entered the Church, especially Cardinals Newman and Manning. Even from Judaism, we have those of Ratisbonne and Liebermann. - Whoever through his own fault remain outside the Church will not be saved.
A man who, knowing that the Catholic Church to be the ture one, leaves it for some unworhty motive will not be saved. So too a man who cowardly fear the reproaches or disesteem of others, does not enter the Church. The same is true for the man who having solid doubts as to whether his Church is the true one, takes no pains to find out the truth. St. Cyprian teaches that a man "cannot have God for a Father if he has not the Church for a Mother". St. Augustine elabortes by saying, "He who has not Christ for a Head cannot be saved; and he who does not belong to the body of Christ, i.e., to the Church of Christ, has not Christ for his Head."
"He who breaks away from the Church speprates himsepf from Christ" Lateran Council VI.
However, as Andrew rightly pointed out here, a man through no fault of his own, remains outside the Church may be saved... if he lead a God-fearing life; for such a one is to all intents and purpose of the Catholic Church.
The majority of men who have been brought up in heresy think that they belong to the true Church; their error is not due to the hatred of God. A man who leads a good life and has the love of God in his heart, really belongs to the Catholic Church, and such a one is saved, not by his heresy, but by belonging to the Church. (c.f. Acts 10:35). "The Catholic Church," says St. Gregory the Great, "embraces all the just from Abel to the last of the elect at the end of the world." The 'godless' who live up to their lights are Christians who though do not belong to the body of the Church, are in union with the soul of the Church; sharing the same sentiments members of the Church should have.
Therefore, the Cartholic Church is visible and invisible.
Visible members include those who have been received into the Church by Baptism. The unbaptized (heathens, Jews, Muslims), formal heretics (Protestants), and schismatics, those who are excommunicated are not members.
The invisible members are those who without any fault of their own are outside the Church leading God-fearing lives.
*It is not enough to be a member of the Church; a person should live up to his or her belief, otherwise his or her membership will help only to greater condemnation.
Ora pro nobis Sancta Dei Genitrix
Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi
Labels: Catholic Belief
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
This goes out to certain members of the Catholic clergy and religious in the Archdiocese of Singapore who are pushing for women ordination.
The priesthood. Why is it not open for women? Here's a summary of it.
Reason #1
Men and Women, are equal in dignity but not in their roles. We know, even from our appearances, the difference of a man and a woman. But being different does not mean being lower or higher than the other. We all got our roles to play. Look here, Mary, was the Immaculate, no sin was in her, wouldn't it be great if she would be a ordained? Who could outdo her in purity? But she did not become a 'priestess'. Her role was to bear the Son of God. The same principle applies today. Here's an example, men cannot become mothers. hehe... No matter, how we long for it, we won't be able to do that. We won't be able to nurture a child as a woman does, cos that's not our role. It may seem a lil extreme, but I'm just trying to make a point. We are equal, but not the same.
Reason #2
The Church is founded by Jesus, and He has given authority to the Apostles, the power to bind and loose. "whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven." (Mt 18:18) The apostles of the modern day are the pope and his bishops. They are also the teaching authority of the Church. We, as the faithful should trust the promise of Jesus, that He would always be with the Church, "even to the consummation of the world."(Mt 28:20) The magisterium, the teaching authority of the Church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit would not go wrong. The Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, has affirmed that the Holy Orders are reserved only for men. Jesus in on the side of the Church, we should submit ourselves to their teachings.
Reason #3
If you think the pope has the power to change anything, you're so wrong. The pope is the guardian of what has been handed down to him by the Apostles. "I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful."(Ordinatio Sacerdotalis) As the guardian of the Church, his duty is to safeguard the faith, not to change it. "The authority of the pope is not unlimited; it is at the service of Sacred Tradition" (Pope Benedict XVI) The priesthood is a ministry instituted by Christ, and Christ chose men for it. And so, the pope is merely doing his job in safeguarding what has been handed down to him by the apostles.
Reason #4
Jesus chose the 12 apostles and all of them were men. At the Last Supper, Jesus said,"Do this in memory of me," The orders were given to the apostles, to celebrate the Eucharist. If Jesus meant women to be part of the priesthood, He would have said so. It might seem harsh, but look at it this way. "The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are not the ministers but the saints."(Ordinatio Sacerdotalis) Just think about Judas, he was there too, at the Last Supper, I don't have to tell you what happened to him.
Reason #5
The Priesthood is a gift from God. Some women might say that they feel 'called' to the priesthood. But the priesthood is a privilege, not a right. This Sacrament is not something that you could get if you just wanted to, but a gift bestowed upon by God through His Church. It is God who chooses whom to be His ministers' not men; male nor female.Perhaps such discernments of the feeling of being 'called' should be purified by the teachings of the Church.
Labels: Priesthood
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus
Revelation is defined as the voice of the Creator God who is outside time and space, yet, who speaks to His people. Hence, faith is put forth as a supernatural virtue which is submitted to revelation, which is proposed by the Church to the faithful based on the authority of God and His revealed Word. from this authoritative revealed Word and upon the authority of God Himself, the Church forms dogma, which are unchangeable truths that the faithful accept in full not in part.
Because of this clear and unshakeable stand that the Church makes, the only way one can get to heaven and receive the salvation of their soul is through the Cross of Christ and the Blood that was shed at the Calvary event. The truth in this instance is very objective and undeniable. Hence, out of this the Church boldly makes the stand: Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus (outside the Church there is no salvation).
Labels: Catholic Belief
Fr. Anthony Bannon on High School (Minor) Seminaries:
When I was thinking of opening a high school seminary I asked an archbishop his opinion and he gave me this unexpected answer (everyone seemed to be closing their high school seminaries at the time). He said, "I went to a high school seminary myself and I don't regret it one bit, I may never have gotten to be a priest otherwise. High school seminaries when I was young were good things, today I think they are absolutely necessary!" He then went on to speak about his concern with the trend towards older vocations that was taking place at the time, "We don't get to know them well, there are things many don't seem to grasp, many come with baggage they could do without."
Labels: Priesthood, Seminary, Vocation
Mass with Gregorian Chant
- St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
19 March, Monday
8.00 pm
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - The Annunciation of the Lord
26 March, Monday
8.00 pm
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church of the Nativity of the BVM is a short walk from Hougang MRT, or you may transfer to buses 74, 112, 113, 147 from Hougang Central. Translations will be provided for all events.
Labels: Events, Gregorian Chant, Liturgy, Novus Ordo
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Hang Tough: Can Nice S'pore Afford to Be Naughty?
"IRs (Intergrated Resorts) should not be in risque, edgy shows."
That is the view of Mr. Christohper de Souza, Member of Parliament (MP) for Holland-Bukit Timah. A Catholic husband who immerses himself into parish activities with his family implied in his comments made in Parliament that conservative Singapore should not allow liberal world-class acts.
In an impassioned speach, he refered to Crazy Horse's failure "a clear signal to the ministry handling IRs that strip shows (however artistically staged and choreographed) are not a popular form of entertainment here". Hence, unnecessary. Crazy Horse, a Paris-based nude Cabaret closed it doors for good on 31st January.
Mr. Christopher de Souza sent a clear warning how a small country like Singapore was "especially vulnerable" to "how quickly the forces of moral corruption can spread." Thus, "for both ethical and commercial reasons, we should not allow the IRs to bring in such shows in the future."
In reply to those who say that a Singapore cannot be a world-class city if it bars world-class entertainment, Mr. de Souza replied, "Visitors don't come to Singapore for naughty nights out. These are qualities not 0associated with Singapore... We don't need to resort to scantily dressed women to pull in the crowds."
In a declaration, Mr. de Souza said that "clean IRs" would be "a unique proposition and can be a huge attraction simply because such IRs are not easily found elsewhere."
Mr. Baey Yam Keng, MP for Tanjong Pagar, said in response to Mr. de Souza, "Singapore might end up too conservative compared with other global cities, and our rules become a convenient hitting bag for any business failure."
I think that the worst case scenario Mr. Baey Yam Keng illustrated would be a better path for Singapore to end up in rather than moral corruption and degradation of soicety that Mr. de Souza rightly pointed out in Parliament.
MP's like Mr. Baey Yam Keng need to be on the ground to see the cesspool of filth that Society- the only resource we have- is already in. Just over 3-4 weeks, we read reports of pro-abortion, rampant pre-marital sex between 13-15 year olds, the rise of promiscuous sexual behavior, etc... We cannot afford to have the scales tipped any further.
Catholic politicians should take after Mr. de Souza, and not be afraid to be a contridiction.
Mater Dei, ora pro nobis.
List of Catholic MP's/Ministers (not exhaustive):
- Christohper de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah Representation Constituency)
- Cham Hui Fong (Nominated Member of Parliament)
- Cynthia Phua (Aljunied)
- Eunice Elizabeth Olsen (Nominated Member of Parliament)
- George Yeo (Minister for Foreign Affairs)
- Jessica Neo (East Coast Group Representation Constituency)
- Sylvia Lim (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament)
- Teo Ser Luck (Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency)
- Yeo Cheow Tong (Hong Kah Group Representation Constituency)
* Catholics make up a small portion of the mainly Evangelical Protestant Christian majority.
Novus Ordo Facing East?
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 1975)
115. After the prayer the priest genuflects, takes the eucharistic bread, and, holding it slightly above the paten while facing the people, says: "This is the Lamb of God." With the people he adds, once only: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you."
116. Next, facing the altar, the priest says softly: "May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life" and reverently consumes the body of Christ. Then he takes the chalice, saying: "May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life," and reverently drinks the blood of Christ.
An indication that the Novus Ordo was meant to be said facing East?
115. After the prayer the priest genuflects, takes the eucharistic bread, and, holding it slightly above the paten while facing the people, says: "This is the Lamb of God." With the people he adds, once only: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you."
116. Next, facing the altar, the priest says softly: "May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life" and reverently consumes the body of Christ. Then he takes the chalice, saying: "May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life," and reverently drinks the blood of Christ.
An indication that the Novus Ordo was meant to be said facing East?
Labels: GIRM, Liturgy, Novus Ordo, Official Documents, Second Vatican Council
Modern Worship Music
"Most worship songs fail the standard of doctrinal scrutiny"... "We humanized Jesus to a lover, however, it is God who loves us so much that He gave his Son to die for us. The focus of modern worship appeals to the emotions, and violated sound teachings of the Apostles and that alone, is a cause of concern for doctrinal heresy." Protestant, Daniel Ho.
If a Protestant could bring himself mto make such a comment, I wonder if the Charismatic Catholic Communities have thought this over before they commence their 'jumping-jack-sing-a-long' sessions each time in the presence of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar? Who checks to ensure that such music does not contradict Catholic doctrine?
I feel that the word 'Worship' should not even be in the title. The only songs of worship we have are in the responses of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass- the highest form of Worship. To say that Charismatic Singing is Worship deviates from 2000 years of Catholic tradition.
I am of the opinion that everything outside the Mass is devotional.
"The Holy Mass is a prayer itself, even the highest prayer that exists. It is the sacrifice, dedicated by our Redeemer at the cross, and repeated every day on the altar. If you wish to hear Mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart and mouth all that happens at the altar. Further, you must pray with the priest the holy words said by him in the name of Christ and which Christ says by him. You have to associate your heart with the holy feelings which are contained in these words and in this manner you ought to follow all that happens on the altar. When acting in this way you have prayed Holy Mass."
His Holiness, Pope Saint Pius X.
Labels: Music, Quote, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Monday, March 5, 2007
The Mass Matters
Celebrated beautifully and reverently. By Una Voce in Poland. Notice that the Priests ascends the pulpit during his homily. According to Catholic 'mystic' Maria Simma, the Holy Souls in Purgatory tell her that the reason why priests are no longer highly respected and have diminished control/authority over their flock is becuase of the abandonment of the pulpit.
This video only shows the Mass of the Catechumens up to the Homily.
Labels: Liturgy, Traditionalism, Video
A Simple Letter to 'The Straits Times Forum'
5th March 2007
The Forum Editor
The Straits Times
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Forum Editor
The Straits Times
Dear Sir/Madam,
Tall Corn Plants Obstructing Beautiful National Monument
I am writing this letter with regards to the Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph’s in Victoria Street. This beautiful gothic Cathedral Church which was opened in 1912 (replacing the old church building) is an architectural marvel and a part of (Portuguese) Eurasian Community's heritage in Singapore. This was emphasized in 1993 when the Church- structured in the form of a Latin cross- was gazetted as a conservation building in 1993.
The view of this beautiful National Monument from Victoria Street is obstructed by Corn plants, more common known as tie shu. From a pedestrian’s view, these tall Corn plants obstruct the central lower dome and its two small towers. The beautiful statues of the three saints and the Church’s insignia are also being blocked.
This is truly a waste. Many people (tourists and locals alike) who walk pass are not able to appreciate the beauty of this architectural marvel or have a Kodak moment.
As a National Monument, it should be given pride of place and showcased to everyone. Therefore, our suggestion (the Rector’s and mine) is to replace the tall Corn Plants with shade-loving shrubs to enhance the distinct charm of the Old Portuguese Mission. This will solve the problem of the obstruction as well as enable people (Catholics and non-Catholics) alike to view the well attended Good Friday Processions that take place through the grounds of the Church without having to scale the Church’s fence.
I hope that the National Parks Board or any relevant authority will look into this matter.
Labels: Miscellaneous, Open Letter
Our Lenten Worship: The Prayer of St Ephrem
I always recite the following prayer before saying my Office. I didn't know that the Byzantines say it during Lent, Constatine has more...
This prayer is considered, in the Byzantine tradition, to be the most succinct summation of the spirit of Great Lent and is hence the Lenten prayer of the highest quality, prayed during all Lenten weekday services, and many more times in private.
O Lord, and Master of my life,
give me not the spirit of slothfulness, faint-heartedness,
lust of power, and vain talking;
but instead grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity,
humility, patience and love;
O Lord and King, grant that I may see my own
faults, and not judge my brother,
for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest recites this prayer audibly, unlike most prayers offered aloud in our services. Customarily, we make prostrations after each clause, three in all. The prayer is repeated at virtually every service on the weekdays of Lent. We (or rather, the pious among us) say this prayer several times a day, wherever we happen to be.
The prayer begins with a reaffirmation of our acceptance of God as our Lord and Master over our entire life, all that we are, have and do:
"O Lord, and Master of my life"
At the same time, we come to Him acknowledging our sinfulness and the great sins to which all humanity is inclined as a result of our fallen state - sins that lead us to commit all others, in fact:
"the spirit of slothfulness, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and vain talking"
Slothfulness - i.e. laziness! The Christian life is an effort (which does not mean to say we cannot enjoy life). Christ has promised to give us joy, but joy - real joy - has nothing in common with laziness. Laziness steals our time and gives no joy, one discovers only one has done nothing. Exercise is a good cure for laziness - and Lent is a spiritual exercise.
Being faint-hearted is to ask "Why should we try? What for? We will only fail, so why make the effort?". It is a notion that we cannot accomplish anything. God does not demand success; God is always there to pick us up with His love when we fail.
Lust of power is not only something that characterizes military dictators and control freaks but it is also the foundation of "spiritual independence" to which it ultimately leads. The way of humility and obedience is based on our sense of "need" for God, our dependence on Him and the means He has placed at our disposal to achieve union with Him, by means of and in His Church.
Vain talking - the Spiritual Fathers of the Philokalia, the great teachers of the spiritual way rooted in the constant invocation of the Name of our Lord Jesus, take extra care to warn us of this sin! The harm done to individuals, families and communities by foolish words, often spoken in haste, is countless. Christ in the Gospels warned the people of His day who were very concerned with the sins committed by what went into the mouth that what comes OUT of the mouth is what should be guarded against.
All four of these sins represent the four corners, so to speak, of the fundamental "window" that leads us into sin and spiritual tragedy.
We also ask for specific virtues:
"the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love"
As God's servants, we ask God to reflect in us His Grace through the virtues that run counter to the four vices we enumerated in the first verse.
Integrity is the virtue by which we recognise God's plan for us and do our best to live in accordance with that plan.
We often think of "humility" as the opposite to integrity. Genuine humility is not at all undignified - humility is freedom from illusion. Humility is being prudent. Humility is being clear-sighted. Humility is ultimately realizing that we are called to sanctification and Divinization in Christ, as He demonstrated on Mount Tabor.
Patience comes from the Latin "patient" - "to suffer". It also means not losing hope that God will answer us and keep His Promises to us, no matter what befalls us now. Suffering, in fact, far from being something to be shunned, is an experience that teaches us how truly dependent we are on God and His Mercy.
We ask for the gift of real, authentic love. Christian love is not a sentiment nor an emotion - it is an act of the will, a virtue. It is a gift of God's grace, but we must make the effort to exercise that gift of grace.
After praying for these 4 virtues, we make two more requests:
"grant that I may see my own faults, and not judge my brother"
We can only truly answer for our own sinfulness, for our own intentions. Only God may judge others. This is why we never say, in public prayer, "have mercy on us sinners" but only "have mercy on me a sinner".
The Bible asks us, "who are you that you should judge another man's servant? (Romans 14:4)" Each of us shall answer to the Lord; God forbid that we should judge each other. Christ warns us, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged! (Matthew 7:2)"
Instead of judging, let us pray to God to make us always merciful, as He is merciful to us.
O Lord, and Master of my life,
give me not the spirit of slothfulness, faint-heartedness,
lust of power, and vain talking;
but instead grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity,
humility, patience and love;
O Lord and King, grant that I may see my own
faults, and not judge my brother,
for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest recites this prayer audibly, unlike most prayers offered aloud in our services. Customarily, we make prostrations after each clause, three in all. The prayer is repeated at virtually every service on the weekdays of Lent. We (or rather, the pious among us) say this prayer several times a day, wherever we happen to be.
The prayer begins with a reaffirmation of our acceptance of God as our Lord and Master over our entire life, all that we are, have and do:
"O Lord, and Master of my life"
At the same time, we come to Him acknowledging our sinfulness and the great sins to which all humanity is inclined as a result of our fallen state - sins that lead us to commit all others, in fact:
"the spirit of slothfulness, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and vain talking"
Slothfulness - i.e. laziness! The Christian life is an effort (which does not mean to say we cannot enjoy life). Christ has promised to give us joy, but joy - real joy - has nothing in common with laziness. Laziness steals our time and gives no joy, one discovers only one has done nothing. Exercise is a good cure for laziness - and Lent is a spiritual exercise.
Being faint-hearted is to ask "Why should we try? What for? We will only fail, so why make the effort?". It is a notion that we cannot accomplish anything. God does not demand success; God is always there to pick us up with His love when we fail.
Lust of power is not only something that characterizes military dictators and control freaks but it is also the foundation of "spiritual independence" to which it ultimately leads. The way of humility and obedience is based on our sense of "need" for God, our dependence on Him and the means He has placed at our disposal to achieve union with Him, by means of and in His Church.
Vain talking - the Spiritual Fathers of the Philokalia, the great teachers of the spiritual way rooted in the constant invocation of the Name of our Lord Jesus, take extra care to warn us of this sin! The harm done to individuals, families and communities by foolish words, often spoken in haste, is countless. Christ in the Gospels warned the people of His day who were very concerned with the sins committed by what went into the mouth that what comes OUT of the mouth is what should be guarded against.
All four of these sins represent the four corners, so to speak, of the fundamental "window" that leads us into sin and spiritual tragedy.
We also ask for specific virtues:
"the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love"
As God's servants, we ask God to reflect in us His Grace through the virtues that run counter to the four vices we enumerated in the first verse.
Integrity is the virtue by which we recognise God's plan for us and do our best to live in accordance with that plan.
We often think of "humility" as the opposite to integrity. Genuine humility is not at all undignified - humility is freedom from illusion. Humility is being prudent. Humility is being clear-sighted. Humility is ultimately realizing that we are called to sanctification and Divinization in Christ, as He demonstrated on Mount Tabor.
Patience comes from the Latin "patient" - "to suffer". It also means not losing hope that God will answer us and keep His Promises to us, no matter what befalls us now. Suffering, in fact, far from being something to be shunned, is an experience that teaches us how truly dependent we are on God and His Mercy.
We ask for the gift of real, authentic love. Christian love is not a sentiment nor an emotion - it is an act of the will, a virtue. It is a gift of God's grace, but we must make the effort to exercise that gift of grace.
After praying for these 4 virtues, we make two more requests:
"grant that I may see my own faults, and not judge my brother"
We can only truly answer for our own sinfulness, for our own intentions. Only God may judge others. This is why we never say, in public prayer, "have mercy on us sinners" but only "have mercy on me a sinner".
The Bible asks us, "who are you that you should judge another man's servant? (Romans 14:4)" Each of us shall answer to the Lord; God forbid that we should judge each other. Christ warns us, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged! (Matthew 7:2)"
Instead of judging, let us pray to God to make us always merciful, as He is merciful to us.
Labels: Lent, Orthodox, Prayer, Spirituality
LC Priestly Ordinations 2006
A wonderful sight to behold! These 55 newly ordained priests join the 650 Legionary priests already engaged around the world in a wide variety of apostolic works to help the Church and society.
The Ordination Video has been attached below. Click here to view the photo gallery.
Labels: Links, Ordinations, Photos
Giving and Commitment
(By Rev. Fr. Marcial Maciel, LC)
Look at Christ on the Cross and learn from him what it means truly to love. He did not redeem us with promises, feelings of compassion or desires to give himself, or with his high-sounding words; and he could have done so, since he was God. But, since he loved us and love is gift without limits, he willed to show us his love by loving us with concrete acts: becoming man, living and suffering our human condition, giving himself out of love for his Father and each one of us, obeying, forgiving, turning the other cheek, enduring terrible humiliations in silence, offering his back to the fury of the whip, opening his hands to be pierced ... out of love for me, to save me.
Otherwise, where else would the martyrs have found the courage to die with pardon on their lips and praising God if they did not have before them the words and example of Christ’s death? What would happen to the dying and the sick if in the midst of their suffering they could not clasp the crucifix in their hands? How could we fulfill God’s will in our daily lives, especially when it causes our hearts to bleed, if Christ in Gethsemane had preferred his will to his Father’s, without his It is consummated from the Cross (John 19:30)?
How easily we deceive ourselves thinking that we love God when in reality we take love for an emotion, a moment of psychological freedom or an occasional burst of generosity! There is so much egoism disguised as love! So when you want to know if you really and truly love, look at Christ crucified. If your love is like his, that is, total self-giving with concrete deeds, then your love is authentic, and you are real Christians. It might well be that you don’t have lots of feelings and emotions, that at times your love stands on the rock of a faith stripped of all human consolation, but it is love because there is giving and commitment.
Labels: Lent, Spirituality
Sunday, March 4, 2007
On Weight Loss
Parish Transformation
How a Parish transformed from this...
into this...
Click here to visit Andrew's post or here to visit this Parish's Website. The parish is run by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province.
Now, only if the Franciscan Parish of St. Mary of the Angels, Singapore, hadn't done the reverse by transforming the entire Church into this:
Labels: Churches, Photos, Traditionalism
More On The Motu Proprio
(via Ecce Agnus Dei)
THE MOTU PROPRIO LIBERALIZING THE MASS KNOWN AS THAT OF ST. PIUS V, SO MUCH AWAITED, WILL BE PUBLISHED BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY.
Our Holy Father is holding fast to this [decision]. Another bit of excellent news, [concerning which] we had been mistaken! IN EFFECT, THE MOTU PROPRIO WILL HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW. Pope Benedict XVI considers it regrettable that [the Motu Proprio] of July 1988 did nothing but invite the bishops to accomodate the faithful attached to the Tridentine Rite. The Motu Proprio will not be satisfied by this simple invitation. It will be obligatory!What will we find in this text?
1. Any priest wishing to say the Tridentine Mass will be able to do so privately.
2. Any group of faithful attached to the Rite of Saint Pie (Pius) V will be able to go to see the pastor of his parish or a priest of his town to request this Rite of him. The priest will be able to accept [the request to celebrate] without referring to his bishop about it.
3. If the priest and other diocesan priests, do not want to celebrate in "the old rite", they will be able to accomodate any priest from a [traditional] community [of religious, e.g., FSSP]wishing to do so.
4. If a group of faithful requests the Rite of rite known as of saint Pie (Pius) V, but cannot find any priest, nor a place, nor a [member of a religious] community, being able to respond to their wishes; this group will be able to write to the Commission Ecclesia Dei which will work to find a solution, a priest, or a community [member]. [The article ends by commenting that if their local bishop is ignoring them, at least the Holy Father is doing something about it].
THE MOTU PROPRIO LIBERALIZING THE MASS KNOWN AS THAT OF ST. PIUS V, SO MUCH AWAITED, WILL BE PUBLISHED BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY.
Our Holy Father is holding fast to this [decision]. Another bit of excellent news, [concerning which] we had been mistaken! IN EFFECT, THE MOTU PROPRIO WILL HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW. Pope Benedict XVI considers it regrettable that [the Motu Proprio] of July 1988 did nothing but invite the bishops to accomodate the faithful attached to the Tridentine Rite. The Motu Proprio will not be satisfied by this simple invitation. It will be obligatory!What will we find in this text?
1. Any priest wishing to say the Tridentine Mass will be able to do so privately.
2. Any group of faithful attached to the Rite of Saint Pie (Pius) V will be able to go to see the pastor of his parish or a priest of his town to request this Rite of him. The priest will be able to accept [the request to celebrate] without referring to his bishop about it.
3. If the priest and other diocesan priests, do not want to celebrate in "the old rite", they will be able to accomodate any priest from a [traditional] community [of religious, e.g., FSSP]wishing to do so.
4. If a group of faithful requests the Rite of rite known as of saint Pie (Pius) V, but cannot find any priest, nor a place, nor a [member of a religious] community, being able to respond to their wishes; this group will be able to write to the Commission Ecclesia Dei which will work to find a solution, a priest, or a community [member]. [The article ends by commenting that if their local bishop is ignoring them, at least the Holy Father is doing something about it].
Labels: Holy Father, Liturgy, News, Traditionalism
Da Pacem Domine (Give Peace, Lord)
Thanks to the author of EJVideo-Place for the link he left in the comment box of 'Gregorian Chant Is Returning from Exile. Maybe.'
Labels: Churches, Gregorian Chant, Music, Religious, Video
Friday, March 2, 2007
Seperation of Church & State: It's Impact on the Arena of Politics
(By Apb. Leonardo Medroso, DD)
The present code of canon law, on its part, maintains and rightfully claims the moral personality of the Catholic Church and the Apostolic See by divine ordination which serves the basis for the autonomy of its jurisdictional authority and character and independence in the human community . It further lays claim, among others, the freedom to preach the gospel and to render moral judgment on any matter of human affairs ; to establish and direct schools; to promote formation and education in the Catholic religion at all levels of education; to train its own ministers; to appoint and send papal legates; to establish the matrimonial regimen for its faithful; to acquire, retain or sell temporal goods for the attainments for its own goals; to punish with penal sanctions those of the faithful who commit delicts; and to judge its own cases. It goes without saying that that each of these stipulations presupposes the fundamental purpose of affirming the Church’s autonomy vis-à-vis temporal powers, and, its “inherent,” “exclusive,” “native,” “original” freedoms and rights “independent of civil power.” They are not actual presentation of the relations between Church and State, nor are they practical guidelines on how separation of Church and State should be carried out in day-to-day transactions and political interactions. But they do provide the ready foundation for the establishment of such relation together with the Church’s conviction that it has supreme authority over its juridical code. By virtue of her mission to spread the gospel message and to unify the spirit of all, the Church stands forth as sign of that unity which allows honest dialogue. It requires mutual esteem, reverence and harmony through the recognition of lawful diversity.
The present code of canon law, on its part, maintains and rightfully claims the moral personality of the Catholic Church and the Apostolic See by divine ordination which serves the basis for the autonomy of its jurisdictional authority and character and independence in the human community . It further lays claim, among others, the freedom to preach the gospel and to render moral judgment on any matter of human affairs ; to establish and direct schools; to promote formation and education in the Catholic religion at all levels of education; to train its own ministers; to appoint and send papal legates; to establish the matrimonial regimen for its faithful; to acquire, retain or sell temporal goods for the attainments for its own goals; to punish with penal sanctions those of the faithful who commit delicts; and to judge its own cases. It goes without saying that that each of these stipulations presupposes the fundamental purpose of affirming the Church’s autonomy vis-à-vis temporal powers, and, its “inherent,” “exclusive,” “native,” “original” freedoms and rights “independent of civil power.” They are not actual presentation of the relations between Church and State, nor are they practical guidelines on how separation of Church and State should be carried out in day-to-day transactions and political interactions. But they do provide the ready foundation for the establishment of such relation together with the Church’s conviction that it has supreme authority over its juridical code. By virtue of her mission to spread the gospel message and to unify the spirit of all, the Church stands forth as sign of that unity which allows honest dialogue. It requires mutual esteem, reverence and harmony through the recognition of lawful diversity.
Labels: Catholic Belief, Politics
Fasting vs. dieting
Friday after Ash Wednesday: Isa 58.1-9 and Matthew 9.14-15
Fr. Philip N. Powell, OP
St. Albert the Great Priory and Church of the Incarnation
PODCAST!
[NB. The preacher preaches to himself first…]
More on fasting, uh? Well, it’s only right since it is Lent and all. But you’d think that we would have the whole fasting/contrite heart thing down by now, wouldn’t you? I mean, it’s not a difficult concept. It’s not like trying to grasp double predestination or the state of the soul before the general resurrection or the mystery of the theological Trinity. It’s just fasting. Don’t eat as much as you usually do and do this because it helps you to stay focused on what’s important in your growth in holiness: your total, undiluted, raw dependence on God for absolutely everything. Of course, we also fast to show honor, obedience, the strength of a beggar’s heart, humility in need, gratitude in abundance, sorrow and grief, solidarity with the suffering, a heart turned from sin and rushing to the Lord in tears.
Brothers and sisters, fasting w/o true contrition and true repentance is called Dieting. And the Lord wants us to understand the difference between the prophetic act of fasting and the often-times vain act of dieting. The Lord tells the prophet Isaiah to say to us: “Would that today—Friday, February 23, 2007—would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high!” You bow your head like a reed and slob around all day in sackcloth and ashes! “Is this the manner of fasting I wish […] Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” So how do you fast today so as to make your voice heard on high? Isaiah cries out full-throated and unsparingly, like a trumpet blast: release those who have been imprisoned unjustly! Untie their yokes. Set free the oppressed. Share your bread with the hungry. Shelter the homeless. Clothe the naked. Help your own. Fast as the Lord wants you to fast! And your innocent verdict will go before you and God’s glory will come behind you and when you call on His name for help, He will say, “Here I am!”
So, will you fast or will you diet? Jesus says that we cannot fast so long as the Bridegroom is with us. Is he with us? Well, no. He departed for the throne and sent us his Holy Spirit. So, we can fast and mourn his absence. However, he’s with us now. Present because we are more than two and gathered in his name. He’s fully present in the Eucharist. So, we cannot fast or mourn. The Bridegroom has not been taken from us! Isn’t this the Christian life exactly? We are called to be prophetic witnesses, to stand up and shout out the truth of the gospel victory of sin and death. Yes, Christ is gone from us. And no, he is here. The battle is won and it is not yet fought. This is what it means to live in the meantime of God’s plan for us: we free the unjustly imprisoned now b/c they have all been freed by Christ in his victory. Their imprisonment is doubly unjust.
Dieting will not help them. Dieting will break no yokes, cancel no debts, fill no empty stomachs, nor will dieting free anyone from Satan. In fact, Satan counts on us spending this Lenten season dieting. It’s his best time of year for ripe self-righteousness and hypocrisy. John’s disciples and the Pharisees are worried about Jesus’ liberal band of party animals—why aren’t they fasting like we do?! Jesus says, in effect, “Don’t worry. They are my disciples and they will fast when I am gone.” We know what that means; what it means for his friends to drink his cup, to carry his cross, to die preaching and teaching the Good News of God’s mercy. Our Father wants a humble and contrite heart. Not a diet plan. He wants obedience and service. Not mumbled prayers and luke-warm sentiments. He wants laborers for his Lenten and His Easter fields. Not religious dilettantes and mystic wannabes.
Take your diet. Turn your heart and mind to the service of God in humility. And change that diet into a fast worthy of your soul! Thirty-eight days and counting...and the cup is yours is bear...
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