Saturday, March 29, 2008
Prayer for the Dignity of the Mass
We beseech You, our Almightly Lord and King, to defend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass from all abuses and sacrileges. Arise Lord, and deliver us, we humbly pray, from these detestable and abominable acts of impiety that threaten the blessed memory of Your sorrowful passion, cruel death, and glorious resurrection.
Send forth Your Holy Spirit to illuminate the hearts of all Your priests. Give them a spirit of reverence, humility, patience and love. Enkindle in their hearts a more fervent love for the Eucharist. Lord, You are the True Light of the world, radiate Your Light now to dispel the traps and snares that the evil one has set before Your priests. We pray especially pray for Your priest(s), N., the shepherd(s) to whom You have entrusted the duty of the salvation of souls.
O Lord, grant all of us true faith. May we always celebrate the Eucharist in reverence, love, care, devotion, and orthodoxy. St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Francis Fasini, St. Padre Pio, St. Josemaria Escravia, St. Benedict, and all ye other Eucharistic Saints, pray for us! Amen.
- the Author-
Labels: Eucharist, Litugical Abuse, Liturgy, Prayer
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Another Year...
I thank the Lord for another year of LIFE. Even though sometimes, life is bleak and there seems no hope of moving on. I also thank Him for the blessing of encountering so many wonderful- and instrumental- people who have in one way or another helped me in my Christian journey.
In the course of my growth in maturity of faith, mind and body, I find myself more open to the promptings of the Spirit as I continue to discern His materplan for my life.
I enjoy the fact that my birthday is a day after the Feast of the Conversation of St. Paul, my patron saint. It reminds me of the need to be converted before being able to receive the new life that God has in plan for me and to accept all the challenges- come what may- in order to feel the exhilaration of victory and direct it Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
My birthday wish/prayer is for all YOUR wishes/prayers to come true. Please continue to keep this aspirant in your prayers.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have wished me a very happy birthday via text message and e-mail.
Special thanks goes to Darren, Melvin, Philip, Graeme, and Ajay who made this day a memorable one (and that does not include singing "Happy Birthday to Father Paul at Hagen Daz" hahaha...). Special thanks also go out to Angela whose constant prayers for me before the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday enables me to continue to do His holy will.
Heartfelt appreciations to Fr. Andrian Wee who offered the Holy Sacrifice specially for me, to Revd. Frs. Edmund Chong, Augustine Tay, Michael Teo who have helped me in both my vocation discernment and my personal walk with the Lord, to my parents who taught me the values and principles of life, to my grandmother for the generous gift of her Honda Accord, and to the Holy Spirit whose loving presence is like a spring in the desert.
God grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
Labels: Birthday, Personal, Prayer, Testimonials, Thanksgiving
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Readings:
First Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Responsorial: Psalm 22 R/ v.1
Acclamation: Matthew 11:25
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30
Introduction
St. Margaret M. Alacoque was born at Verosvres, France in 1647 and entered the Order of the Visitation in 1671. Jesus appeared to her in numerous visions, displaying His Sacred Heart, sometimes burning as a furnace, and sometimes torn and bleeding on account of the coldness of the sins of men. In 1675 the great revelation was made to her that she, in union with Father de la Colombiere S.J., was to be the chief instrument for instituting the Feast of the Sacred Heart and for the spreading of the devotion throughout the world. St. Margaret M. Alacoque died on October 17, 1690.
“It is the ingratitude of men which has hurt Me more than all the suffering I underwent during My Passion. If only they would make some return for My love, I should think but little of all I have done for them and would wish, were it possible, to suffer still more. But the sole return they make for all My eagerness to do them good is to reject Me and treat Me with coldness. Do thou at least console Me by supplying for their ingratitude as far as thou art able.”
Contemplation
The contemplation of the benefits of Jesus towards us ought to become the source of our practical devotion to the Sacred Heart. For only love alone can respond to love. In his appearance to St. Margaret, Jesus 'complains' of the lack of love in return for His love: "Behold this heart that has so loved men and which receives from them only ingratitude." Thus, it is clear that it is only by love, by the gift of the heart that we should respond to Christ Jesus. The suggested hymn for the feast of the Sacred Heart rightly expresses this by the following words, "Who will not love in return for the one Who loves him? Who being redeemed will not love His Redeemer?" Today we question our love for Jesus. Do we really love Him? Can we assuredly say that if we were on Calvary 2000 years ago, we would have embraced the cross on which hung our Lord?
“Behold this Heart, Which has loved men so much, that It has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify to them Its love; and in return I receive from the greater number nothing but ingratitude by reason of their irreverence and sacrileges, and by the coldness and contempt which they show Me in this Sacrament of Love. But what I feel most keenly is that it is hearts which are consecrated to Me, that treat Me thus...”
Love of God
The love we offer God if to be perfect must bear a double character. A great English abbot once explained that there is "first of all, affective love; it consists in the different feelings which move in the heart towards a person loved." I would believe such feelings to include: admiration, joy, and thanksgiving. The other character, he explained is praise. Such a love as described above gives birth the praise. For we want to praise the works of His hands, the blessings He has bestowed upon us, our loved ones, and for the simple fact that He and only He is God.
“My Divine Heart so ardently loves men that, unable to contain within itself any longer the flames of its burning love, it needs must spread them with your assistance, and thus it will show itself that all men may be enriched with its most precious treasures...”
Our Response
Today, we rejoice in the perfections if the Heart of Jesus, we celebrate it's beauties, and grandeurs, we delight in the magnificence of it's benefits. And in union with St. Peter Julian Eymard, the Eucharistic saint of reparation, we unite ourselves with all the sufferings of Jesus as we draw closer to His Most Sacred Heart. Amen.
Oremus
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who to the blessed virgin Margeret Mary did in a wondorous manner reveal the unsearchable riches of Your Heart: by her merits grant, that loving You after her example in all things and above all things, we may obtain an abode in Your Heart for evermore. Amen. St. Margeret Mary, pray for us.
Related Link: The Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Labels: Links, Prayer, Saints, Spirituality
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saint Thérèse de Lisieux
Introduction Mary Frances Therese Martin was born at Alencon, France. Her parents were pious individuals who were well endowed with a confortable amount of the goods of the world. Despite all the material possessions, she entered the Carmelite Convent in Lisieux at the age of fifteen; she would spent the next nine years of her life in holiness and humility before expiring at the age of twenty four.
Her ambition to love God perfectly and to conquer souls for Jesus was fulfilled when she died in the odor of sanctity aftering wisphering her very own words of commendation, "My Lord, my God... I love Thee!"
Self-Abandonment
The spirit of self-abandonment that St. Thérèse possesed led her to holiness. What is self-abandonment? Can we abandon ourselves in today's context?
Holy abandonment is one of the purestforms of love; it is the height of love; it is loveing giving to God, unreservedly, our whole being, with all it's energies, activities, concerns, etc... in order that we may be a true and worthy sacrifice to God.
The for example the lives of the monks or cloistered nuns. What makes them holy? What drives them to their lives apart from the world? To do nothing else but pray, meditate, and work? Because these prayer warriors have been given a special grace, the grace of self-abandonment. When the spirit of self-abandonment to God animates a monk's/nun's whole life, that monk/nun has attained holiness.
Holiness
Being holy does not make one a living saint. Being holy also does not mean that a person does not sin; he may sin less, but sins nonetheless. Being holy is substantially the conformity of all our being to God; it is amen said by the whole being and it's faculties to all the rights of God. This is somewhat like Mary's fiat, a fiat full of love, whereby the person responds unceasingly and unfalteringly, to the Divine Will of God.
Our Amen, our Fiat
Dear friends, if we want to do God's Will, if we want to be holy, we must say amen with St. Thérèse and utter our fiat with her. In other words, we need to offer our lives to God like she did. Together with her, let us shout a resounding amen and humble offer our fiat in a spirit of perfect donation whereby the whole being to God is the spirit of abandonment, a spirit which is the sum total of faith, confidence and love. Amen.
Let us pray. O Lord, who had said, "Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven". Grant we beseech you, so to follow in humility and simplicity of heart the footsteps of Saint Thérèse, the Virgin, that we may obtain everlasting rewards. Saint Thérèse, pray for us. Amen.
Labels: Prayer, Saints, Spirituality
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Happy National Day!
Let us pray for our nation:
Lord God of Heaven, who has so lavishly blessed this land, make us, thy people, to be humble. Keep us ever aware that the good things we enjoy have come from thee, that hour didst lend them to us. Impress upon our smugness the knowledge that we are not owners, but stewards. Remind us, lest we become filled with conceit, that one day a reckoning will be required of us. Sanctify our love of country, that our boasting may be turned to humility and our pride into a ministry to people everywhere. Help us to make this God's own country, by living like God's own people. Amen.
Opening prayer of National Day Mass:
God our Father, we are the work of your designs. Your will is to gather all of us as one family in yourself. Open us to your love and life given for free as a gift. May we learn from you and your Son to give ourselves totally and freely to working for justice and equlity for our brothers and sisters. Grant that we may also contribute our share in building up a just and united society based on your commandments and the precepts of your Holy Church. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ... Amen.
Labels: Miscellaneous, National Day, Prayer
Friday, July 13, 2007
Preparation for Holy Mass
O LORD Jesus Christ, King of everlasting glory,(PROFESSION)
Thou art the Triune God in whom my mind and heart remain fixed, firm and rooted immovably for evermore.
(DIRECT YOUR INTENTION)
Behold I desire to come to Thee this day to commemorate all Thy sufferings, and receive Thy Body and Blood in the heavenly Sacrament.
(INVOCATION)
Send down upon this sacrifice your Holy Spirit. May He declare the Bread we eat to be the Body of Christ,and the cup we drink to be the blood of Christ. May He fill me with His presence to make me worthy of Thy promises, and obtain for me life everlasting.
(PETITIONS)
(OFFERING)
Gracious God after whom my hart and soul panteths,In union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer this Mass for: STATE YOUR INTENTION(s). Grant that the insurmountable graces hidden behind this Eucharistic Celebration be directed to these intentions; as Thou willest.
(THANKSGIVING)
(PRAYER OF CONFIDENCE)
Grant that I may one day see Thee face to face. May nothing in life, or death separate me from Thee. AMEN.
A compilation from the prayers of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Includes my own compositions.
Labels: Liturgy, Photos, Prayer, Spirituality
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Examen
The Examen comes in two parts: The General Examen and the Particular Examen.
The general examen, as the name implies, is a general overview of my moral behavior during the past day. We must assume that our conduct has been both praiseworthy and blameworthy. We should also look forward to the next day and prepare ourselves beforehand on how we should do God's will in the immediate future that awaits us.
The particular examen of conscience follows logically on the general examen. Some are more prone to pride than to lust. Some are more prone to anger than to greed. Some are more prone to envy than to sloth. In fact, each one of us changes from time to time in what failure of our moral conduct is dominant, depending on the circumstances and persons who enter our lives.
The particular examen concentrates on coping with the predominant moral weakness of our own personality.
Below is a prayer I composed. For each of the five wounds of Christ and the elevation of the Cross, we reflect on our obligations to God and to Man. The title Heart to God, Hand to Man- the motto of the Salvation Army- reminds us that our actions must always be two pronged.
HEART TO GOD, HAND TO MAN
(For Private Use)
1) General Examen: Thanksgiving, Failures, Resolutions
[Thank the Lord for the graces He has given to us, whether pleasant or painful]
BEHOLD, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight. With deep affection and grief of soul, I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy crucifixion.
For the times I have failed to keep thy passion in my mind and ignored the cries of my neighbors, Lord Jesus, thy hallowed crown was pierced.
For the times I failed to lift my hands to thee in worship and refused to lend assistance to my neighbors, Lord Jesus, thy sacred palms were pierced.
For the times I failed to love thee and my neighbors as thou hast commanded, Lord Jesus, thy precious side was opened.
For the times I failed to live the life of Christian poverty- by being tempted by material possessions- and not coming to the aid of my neighbors, Lord Jesus, thy linen was stripped away.
For the times I walked away from thee or from my needy neighbors, Lord Jesus, thy anointed feet were pierced.
For the times I failed to live a life of humility, Lord Jesus, thou went through the greatest mock trial and was crucified on Calvary
I BESEECH Thee therefore, my sweet Lord Jesus Christ to grant that thy Passion may be to me a power by which I may be strengthened, protected, and defended. May thy five sacred wounds be to me food and drink, by which I may be nourished, inebriated, and overjoyed. May the sprinkling of Thy Blood be to me the washing of my sins. May Thy death prove to me life eternal. Thy cross be to me an everlasting glory. In these be my refreshment, my joy, my preservation, and sweetness of heart. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Particular Examem: Predominant Tendencies
[Examine predominant moral weaknesses in your own personality]
3) Concluding: Supplication for Grace and Salvation
[ALL: Confeitor* V/ Miseratur**… R/ Amen]
*Note: Any one of the formulas (Rites A, B, C i-viii) given in the Missal may be used.
Some Formularies
- Rite A
ALL: I confess to Almighty God,
and to you here present
that I have sinned through my own fault
[Strike Beast Thrice]
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do;
and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin,
all the angels and saints,
and you, here present,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
-OR-
ALL: I confess to Almighty God,
o blessed Mary ever virgin,
to blessed Michael the archangel,
to blessed John the Baptist,
to the holy apostles Peter and Paul,
to all the saints and to you, brethren,
that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed:
[Strike Beast Thrice]
through my fault, through my fault, through my own most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin,
blessed Michael the archangel,
blessed John the Baptist,
the holy apostles Peter and Paul,
all the saints and you, brethren,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
(Missal of Bl. John XXIII)
V/ May Almighty God have mercy on me,
forgive me my sins,
and bring me to everlasting life. R/ Amen.
- Rite C(i)
C/ You were sent to heal the contrite:
P/ Kyrie eleison
C/ You came to call sinners:
P/ Christe eleison
C/ You plead for us at the right hand of the Father:
P/ Kyrie eleison
V/ May Almighty God have mercy on me,
forgive me my sins,
and bring me to everlasting life. R/ Amen.
- Anglican Use Liturgy, Rite 1 (With Ecclesiatical Approvial)
ALL: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remebrance of them is greivous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
V/ May Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
References
- Roman Catholic Daily Missal, Angelus Press
[Texts: "Behold" & "I Beseech"] - The Sunday Missal, Collins Liturgical Press
[Formularies] - The Book of Divine Worship (Anglican Use Liturgy)
- Examen of Conscience
[Definations/Introduction]
Labels: Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours, Examen, Prayer, Spirituality
Friday, June 29, 2007
SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles
PETER THE APOSTLE AND PAUL THE TEACHEROF THE NATIONS TAUGHT US YOUR LAW, LORD.
Intrioit: These men, conquering all human frailty, shed their blood and helped the Church to grow. By sharing the cup of the Lord's suffering, they became the friends of God.
Today, the Universal Church commerates Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the princes of the apostles, from whom we dervie our Christian faith. In the Gospel reading (St. Matthew 16:13-19), we will learn how Jesus prepared the fervent Apostle, St. Peter, for the supreme office of the Papacy.
It may be interesting to note that traditionally, this feast was almost entirely devoted to St. Peter, Bishop of Rome, rather than St. Paul, the great apostle of the Gentiles who was more specially honoured on June 30. Today both the Saints receive the same devotion and commemoration. This makes sense as the theme for the Mass recalls the same effect of the Lord's presence in their lives; the Lord always stood by them giving them power so that through them the whole message might be proclaimed for all the world to hear.
This feast marks the day of translation of their relics.
St. Peter
St. Peter preaced the Gospel in Judea after the descent of the Holy Spirit and was cast into prison by Herod Agrippa. Miraculously, an angel delivered him, enabling him to establish his first see at Antioch, and then finally Rome. St. Peter exercised the Supreme Authority vested in him by Christ for twenty-five years before being arrested. He received the crown of martyrdom in 65.
St. Paul
St. Paul was once known as Saul of Tarsus. Saul was a great persecutor of the Christians and wrecked havoc in the Early Church. After a miraculous encounted with God, Saul begain his three great Apostolic Voyages and wrote his Epistles (Paul is the author of many of the Epistles found in the vault of Sacred Scripture). Arriving in Rome after two years of captivity in Caesarea, he travelled to that part of the Church situated beyond Italy before being beheaded in 65.
Let us thank our Heavenly Father for SS. Peter and Paul:
O God who hast made this day holy by the martyrdom of Thine Apsotles Peter and Paul: grant that Thy Church may in all things follow the precepts of those through whom she received the beginnings of the Faith. Keep us true to their teaching so that we may be enabled to share their joy in following the Lord to the unfading inheritance reserved for us in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
SS. Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Labels: Apostles, Catholic Belief, Early Church, Martyr, Prayer, Quote, Saints
Thursday, June 28, 2007
St. Irenaeus, Bishop, Martyr
IRENAEUS, IN KEEPING WITH HIS NAME, WAS A MAN OF PEACE; HE FOUGHT STRENUOUSLY FOR THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH
Today, the Universal Church commerates St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr. St. Irenaeus was born at Smyrna about 130 to Grecian Christian parents who were probably from Lesser Asia. His parents placed him under the care of St. Polycarp (the bishop of Smyrna at that time), whom St. Irenaeus became a disciple of. He was well educated and probably knew and was influenced by men who knew the apostles; especially St. Polycarp, who had been a pupil of St. John.
St. Irenaeus became a priest at Lyons, France by the year 177, during the time of persecution there. A powerful defender of the faith against the heresies of the Gnostics, he was soon made bishop of Lyons after his predecessor, St. Pothinus, was martyred.
As bishop he carried on a great and fruitful work: converting all Lyons to Christianity and devoting particular attention to trying to reconcile the numerous sects which menaced the existence of the church. His five-book treatise against the heresy of Gnosticism in Gaul conveys the apostolic tradition in it and is a powerful testimony to the primacy of the Pope.
St. Irenaeus suffered martyrdom about the year 202, under the Emperor Severus, at Lyons.
Let us thank our Heavenly Father for St. Irenaeus:
O God who didst enable the blessed Irenaeus, Thy Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresies by the truth of doctrine (II Tim. 3:14-17, 4:1-5) and happily to establish peace in the Church: we beseech Thee, give to Thy people constancy in holy religion, and grant us Thy peace in our time. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Irenaeus, pray for us!
Labels: Bishops, Catholic Belief, Early Church, Martyr, Prayer, Quote, Saints
Friday, June 8, 2007
Why Latin?
To understand this we have to thrust ourselves into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. To enter the Celebration is to enter a sacred mystery. Latin is able to give the Mass a holistic sense of mystery. But, can't other vernacular languages acomplish that too? To answer that question we need to look at what worship and prayer is and how they work.
In his book, Prayer Primer, Rev. Fr. Thomas Bubay SM, talks about interpersonal union and intimacy in prayer. In chapter 9, Fr. Bubay explains that contemplation is, "a real awareness of God, desiring and loving Him...", "... there are no words." If we read the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and some modern writers such as Evelyn Underhill and Dom John Chapman OSB, we will see that God does not communicate to the human soul by words or via our intellect.
Would you believe me if I told you that worship that remains at our human intellectual level is not really prayer? Such worship is only a mutual admiration and exhortation.
Genuine Catholic worship is "a deep absorption, so deep that any distractions cease for five to ten minutes," Fr. Thomas Bubay SM. Genuine prayer also lifts us out of ourselves and to the incomprehensible and indescribable God.
The forms, words and actions we use are only symbols that help us raise our heats, minds, and soul to God. Prayer is a matter of the heart, not head. Even when we pray using words, etc... the real business should be taking place in the heart; at a much deeper level.
Fr. Thomas Bubay SM, explains in Prayer Primer, the traditional three kinds of prayer: vocal, meditation, and comtemplation. Vocal prayer is one that remains mainly in the head. Meditation, exercises the intellect- one thinks profoundly about God. Contemplation (which will be emphasised here) is a purely wordless prayer. In contemplation, "we open our hearts and minds to God, " says Fr. Francis Randolph (author of Know Him in the Breaking of the Bread), we "are aware of His presence and are longing for His love; there are no conscious or intellectual thoughts. Words mean very little; glancing lightly off the surface."
Contemplative souls find it very difficult to keep attention on the the intellectual surface of the mind and still be able to pray. A contemplative person will be frustrated if natural contemplation is forced to remain at a level of vocal prayer. He or she will feel as if he/she has not prayed at all.
This is the problem with the new Mass in the vernacular. Contemplatives are agonized when they are 'forced' to keep in touch with the words; they are 'prevented' from praying. In a Latin Mass, which is mostly silent, a contemplative will find attendence and assistance more relaxing. They wouldn't mind going to Mass again!
The problem is that many people have not read St. Thomas or Abbot Chapman, thus, they feel guilty attending a Latin Mass. Fr. Francis Randolph explains that in his experience of many years of confessions, he has been convinced that a very large proportion of people are natural contemplatives but do not know it.
The Catholic Church is a diverse community of believers, we need to respect the mode of prayer of others and cannot insist that one form of prayer is better that the other. Let the vocal/intellectual Catholic worship in the Vernacular Mass, let the contemplative Catholic worship on the Latin Mass. His Holiness, the late Pope John Paul II, the Great, acknowledged that mistake that the Church by forcing the changes the Mass without any sensitivity to the feelings of the people. In a letter to the Bishops on Holy Thursday, 1980, Pope John Paul II wrote, "I would like to ask forgiveness- in my own name and of all of you, venerable brothers in the Episcopate- for everything which, for whatever reason, through whatever human weaknessimpatience, or negligence, and also through the times at partial, one-sided and erroneous application of the directives of the Second Vatican Council, may have caused scandal and disturbance concerning the interpretation of doctrine and the verneration due to this great Sacrament." and also “to all those Catholic faithful who feel attached to some previous liturgical and disciplinary forms of the Latin tradition, I wish to manifest my will to facilitate their ecclesial communion by means of the necessary measures to guarantee respect for their rightful aspirations. In this matter I ask support of the Bishops and of all those engaged in the pastoral ministry in the Church.", "By virtue of my Apostolic Authority I Decree... Respect must everywhere be shown for the feelings of this who are attached to the Latin liturgical tradition, by a wide and generous application of the directives already issued some time ago by the Apostolic See, for the use of the Roman Missal... of 1962.” Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia Dei.
An International Language
This is an entire different consideration. In our globalized, modern world, we need a language that does not carry any political implications with it. Three of the world's most dominant languages are French, English and Spanish. But to use these languages isn't fair to those who speak minority languages and tongues. For this, Latin has the advantage. No one race or political system can claim the language. Latin belongs to the world that has already gone by- the old world.
Our cosmopolitant world, filled with migrants, refugees, tourists, etc... the abolition of an international language is absolutely absurd! I don't think it is too late to repair the damage.
In Christo,
J-PDM
Acknowledgements/References:
Know Him in the Breaking of the Bread by Fr. Francis Randolph
Labels: Books, Languages, Latin, Liturgy, Novus Ordo, Prayer, Quote, Quotes, Thoughts, Traditionalism
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Prayer Request
Thank you and God bless.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Quia Rex Sum Ego
This month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart falls on the Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost. This year, the celebration of the Sacred Heart will take place on 15th June.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart was established in order that the faithful might honor with more devotion and zeal, under the symbol of the Sacred Heart, the love of Jesus Christ, which induced Him not only to suffer and to die for the redemption of mankind, but also to institute the Sacrament of His Body and Blood in commeration of His death.
"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth," Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart was made public by the holy Margaret Mary Alacoque of the Order of the Visitation. In the year 1690, during the Octave of Corpus Christi, our Blessed Lord appeared to His devoted handmaid, disclosing His heart to her saying, "Behold this Heart, which, notwithstanding the burning love for man with which it is consumed and exhausted, meets with no other return from the generality of Christians than sacrilege, contempt, indifference, and ingratitude. My desire is that you should make reparation to my heart for this ingratitude, and induce others also to make reparation."
In several subsequent apparitions our divine Lord repeated this injunction, and made the most unbounded promises in favor' of all who would apply themselves to this office of reparation to His Sacred Heart. The following are some of His promises;
- I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
- I will establish peace in their families.
- I will console them in all their pains and trials.
- I will be their assured refuge in life, and especially in death.
- I will shed abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
- Sinners shall find in my Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.
- Lukewarm souls will be rendered fervent.
- Fervent souls shall rise rapidly to greater perfection.
- I will bless those houses where the image of my heart shall be exposed and honored.
- I will give to priests the gift of moving the hardest hearts.
- Persons who propagate this devotion,. shall have their names inscribed on my heart, never to be effaced from it.
"The Lord retained until these late centuries the devotion to His Sacred Heart, as a last effort of His divine love," St. Gertrude
The venerable P. Simon Gourdan tells us that it is,
- The most sacred devotion, for by it man venerates the holiest sentiments and emotions of the Heart of Jesus, by which He has sanctified the Church, glorified His Heavenly Father, and presented Himself to us as the perfect model of the most exalted sanctity.
- The oldest devotion of the holy Church, which, instructed by the great St. Paul, has at all times recognized the munificence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- The most approved devotion, for the holy Scriptures everywhere exhort us to renew our heart by changing our lives, rendering them contrite by true penance, inflaming them with the fire of divine love, and adorning them by the exercise of all virtue. Therefore a new heart is promised on which to remodel our Heart. That Heart can be no other than the Heart of Jesus, which is given us as an example of all virtue, and which we must imitate if we wish to be saved.
- The most perfect devotion, for it is the: source of all other devotions; the Heart of Jesus is that inexhaustible treasury from which the Mother of God and all the saints have drawn their graces, their life, their virtues, and all spiritual blessings. Filled from this treasury, other servants of God have instituted different devotions.
- The most useful devotion, for in it we have the Fountain of Life itself before our eyes, from which we can draw directly, and increase in all virtue by adoring this divine Heart, meditating on its holy desires, and seeking to imitate it.
- The devotion most pleasing to Christ, for by it we honor God, as Christ requires, in spirit and in truth, because we adore the interior power of God, seeking to please His heart.
- Finally; the most necessary devotion, for its object is that we become intimately connected as members with Jesus, our Head, that we live by and according to His spirit, and have only one heart and soul with Christ.
Gospel of St. John 29. 31-35
At that time, The Jews, that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath-day, besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. The soldiers, therefore, came, and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it hath given testimony: and his testimony is true.
St. Augustine says: "The Evangelist is very careful in his expression; he does not say, the soldiers pierced or wounded His side, but he o p e n e d it, as if to open for us the door of life, from which flow the Sacraments of the Church, without which there can be no access to the true life."
"Let us remember that the Heart of Jesus has called us not only for our own sanctification, but also for that of other souls. He wants to be helped in the salvation of souls," St. Padre Pio.
Consecration to the Sacred Heart
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.
I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and insconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.
I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.
Documents on the Sacred Heart:
- Annum sacrum (1889) - Pope Leo XIII
- Caritate Christi Compulsi (On The Sacred Heart) - Pope Pius XI
- Miserentissimus Redemptor (On Reparation To The Sacred Heart) - Pope Pius XI
- Haurietis aquas - Pope Pius XII
- Message on the centenary of the consecration of mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1999) - Pope John Paul ll
Dear readers let us unite our hearts with that of Jesus as we pray: Dear Lord, may the precious rays of water and blood that flowed from your pierced side indue us to pray more fervently and humbly, that we may be induced to discover the treasures of Your heart. Holy Spirit, infuse into our souls the great gift of true compassion for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Blessed Mother pray for us and with us as we make this devout homage of affection to the Most Sacred Heart of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may fulfill our duty of worthy satisfaction. Amen. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us.
Acknowledgements/References:
Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine
1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal, Angelus Press
A Catholic Life
Miracle of the Rosary Mission
Labels: Catholic Belief, Official Documents, Prayer, Quotes, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saints
Monday, June 4, 2007
'15 Steps' to Becoming a Seminarian
You may like to read: SFX Academic Prospectus 2007-2008.
The information presented below reflects the admission process for St. Fancis Xavier Major Seminary, Diocese of Singapore.
DISCERNMENT
Months 1 to 6
- Step 1: Attend vocation retreats and recollections
- Step 2: Journeying with appointed Vocation Discernment Director
- Step 3: Introduction to Seminary Fathers
Months 7 to 9
- Step 4: First personal interview with Fathers of Admission Board
- Step 5: Invitation to stay in the Seminary (weekend or one week)
April
- Step 6: Aspirant indicates his desire to be admitted
- Step 7: Psychological test
May
- Step 8: Second personal interview with Fathers of Admission Board & Preliminary deliberation of the Admission Board
June
- Step 9: 8-day discernment retreat
APPLICATION
July
- Step 10: Formal application to join the Seminary
August
- Step 11: Request confidential reports from referees
September
- Step 12: Medical examination and report
October
- Step 13: Final Deliberation of the Admission Board
November
- Step 14: Official interview with Bishop
December
- Step 15: Tender resignation to employer (if the candidate is working)
Janaury
- CANDIDATE IS ADMITTED
Prayer for Seminarians
O Jesus, Eternal High Priest,I offer You through Your Immaculate Mother Mary, Your Own Precious Blood, in all the Masses throughout the world, as petition for graces for all seminarians, Your future priests.
Give them humility, meekness, prudence, and a burning zeal for souls.
Fill their hearts with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to know and love the Church, that they may always and everywhere speak, act, and think with her, the glorious spouse of Christ.
Teach them generosity and detachment from worldly goods; but above all, teach them to know You and to love the One and Only Eternal Priest.
Good Shepherd of Souls, hear this my prayer for saintly priests.v Amen.
(Taken from "Prayers for Today," published by Leaflet Missal Co.)
Labels: Prayer, Priesthood, Seminarian, Seminarians, Seminary, Vocation, Vocations
Friday, June 1, 2007
St. Justin, Martyr
This great saint was converted from pagan philosophy to Christianity after finding the Christian faith to be "the one certain and profitable philosophy." He St. Justin became one of the most important Christian writers of the second century and was an illustrious opponent of pagan philosophers.
He is most celebrated for the two Apologies (Defences of the Christian faith) which he was courageous enough to address in sucession to the persecuting emperors, Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. One of them contains a description of the rites of baptism and the ceremonies of Mass, thus constituting the most valuable evidence that we possess on the Roman liturgy of his day.
St. Justin on the Mass,
"And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place. And the memoirs of the Apostles or the writings of the Prophets are read, as long as time permits. Then, when the reader has ceased, the priest verbally instructs us and exhorts us to imitate these good things. Then we all rise together and pray. And, as we said before, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought. Then, the priest in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability. And the people assent, saying 'Amen.' Then, the Eucharist, is distributed to everyone, and everyone participates in that over which thanks has been given. And a portion of it is sent by the deacons to those who are absent." St. Justin Martyr ("First Apology," c. 160 A.D.)
Let us thank our Heavenly Father for St. Justin:
O God, Who through the foolishness of the cross didst teach the blessed Martyr Justin the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ: enable us by his intercession to put away all deceits of error and obtain steadfastness of faith. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Justin, pray for us!
Acknowledgements:
Labels: Catholic Belief, Early Church, Martyr, Prayer, Quote, Saints
Thursday, May 31, 2007
SFX Seminary Academic Prospectus (2007-2008)
Here are some pieces of information I've extracted from the local seminary's- St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary- academic prospectus for the year 2007-2008.
Year 1: Initiation Year
A paranomic overview of the Church's teachings complemented with other courses such as language, human and growth development and communication skills.
Year 2-3: Philosophy Year
Understanding Man and the principles of living from a philosophical standpoint. Elementary biblical exegesis of Sacred Scriptures is initiated at this level, including books from the Old and New Testament
Year 3-7: Theology Cycle
Consists of Sacred Scripture and other essential theological subjects such as Dogmatic Theology, Moral Thoelogy, Sacraments, Spirituality and Pastoral Theology.
Admission Criteria
- Clergy Recommendation: Letter of recommendation and sponsorship from parish priest or priest in charge of Diocesan organization.
- Church Involvements: Applicant must be actively involved in diocesan or parish ministry
- Academic Requirements: At least General Cambridge Examination 'A' level or it's equivalent.
Examinations & Assessments
- Oral
- Written
- Assignment
- Class Presentation
Courses for 2008
Initiation Year
- Mystery of Salvation
- Divine Office
- Psalms
- Personal Growth & Relationship
- Introduction to Spirituality
- Speech and Communication I
- Methodology of Studies
- Latin
Philosophy Cycle
- Scripture: Introduction to New Testament, Gospel of Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts
- Biblical Greek
- History of Philosophy: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Contempory
- Cosmology
- Philosophical Anthropology
- Moral Philosophy
- Logic
- Speech and Communication II
- Psychology and Spirituality
- Non-Christian Religion: Islam, Buddhism
Theology Cycle
- Scripture: Pauline Literature, Catholic Epistles
- Christology
- Marialogy
- Protology
- Eschatology
- Ecclesiology
- Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony
- Fundamental Morals
- Bioethics
- Sexual Ethics
- Religious Ethics
- History and Theology of the Mass
- Church History: Reformation
- Patristics Fathers
- Mystical Theology
- Theology of Religion
- Theological Research
- Catechetics
- Pastoral Theology
- Speech and Communication III
Let us keep all our Seminarians in our prayers as they continue to discern the Lord's will in their lives. May they be holy and humble priests after the heart of Jesus Christ!
O Lord Jesus Christ, great High Priest, I pray that You call many worthy souls to Your holy priesthood. Enlighten the Bishop in the choice of candidates, the Spiritual Director in molding them, and the professors in instructing them. Lead the seminarians daily in Your unerring footsteps; so that they may become priests who are models of purity, possessors of wisdom and heroes of sacrifice; steeped in humility and aflame with love for God and man; apostles of Your glory and sanctifiers of souls. Amen.
Open to God's call for you? Pray for your own vocation:
God our Father, life is your gift to me. Through baptism, you invite me to share in the gift of my life in service to others. Be with me as I choose each day to show your presence in our world. Give me the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call. I pray especially for those who serve you as priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and lay ministers. Keep them close to you. Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women that they may accept your challenge to build the Kingdom. Amen.
Coming up next: What it takes to admitted to the Seminary.
UPDATE: '15 STEPS' to Becoming a Seminarian
Labels: Prayer, Priesthood, Seminarian, Seminary, Vocation, Vocations
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
History and Graces received from Altar Serving
For hundreds of years, the usage of altar servers has brought about countless priestly vocations. In the words of the Archbishop of Westminster, Bernard Cardinal Griffen, "To serve at the altar, as to sing in the choir, is next to the priesthood the highest privilege which a human can enjoy. He represents the faithful and takes a most intimate part in the rich treasures of the church's liturgy and ceremonial. Those sacred ceremonies should be carried out with devotion, dignity and attention to detail."
History:
An altar server is a lay assistant to the priest during the Mass or to other members of the clergy in other religious functions including Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration. An altar server is not to be confused with an acolyte. Before the Second Vatican Council, the acolyte was the highest of the minor orders, having duties including the lighting of the altar-candles, carrying the candles in procession, assisting the subdeacon and deacon, and the ministering of water and wine to the priest at Mass. Acolytes wore either the alb or the surplice over a cassock. The order of acolyte was conferred on a seminarian at a minor ordination. After the reforms of the minor orders in 1972, the acolyte survived but became one of two lay ministries (along with that of lector) instead of an order. Today, Indult Catholic societies such as the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter are still permitted to ordain seminarians to all the minor orders, including the acolytate. Therefore, the acolyte is not to be confused with the altar server even though the altar server can do the already mentioned duties of the acolyte.
In the post-Vatican II Church, an acolyte has all the responsibilities of an altar server except a few additional ones. The acolyte is also permanent extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and can also be entrusted with celebrating Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. He is also the only lay minister who can do the purification of the vessels at Mass. Furthermore, an acolyte is given a priority to lead blessing ceremonies (Book of Blessings, Introduction, n. 18). In the absence of both a priest and deacon, the acolyte has priority to lead Sunday Celebrations (Directions for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest, 1988, n. 30).
Traditionally, the role of altar server has always been reserved to males and rightfully so. By having males serve at the altar, a young man is better able to discern the priesthood since he is involved with the Liturgy. Personally, I support the return of an all-male group of altar servers for the entire Catholic Church. Some parishes are even returning to the practice of all-male altar servers. Historically, the role of altar server has always been reserved to males. In the Encyclical Allatae Sunt on July, 26, 1755, Pope Benedict XIV stated in paragraph 29:
Pope Gelasius in his ninth letter (chap. 26) to the bishops of Lucania condemned
the evil practice which had been introduced of women serving the priest at the
celebration of Mass. Since this abuse had spread to the Greeks, Innocent IV
strictly forbade it in his letter to the bishop of Tusculum: "Women should not
dare to serve at the altar; they should be altogether refused this ministry." We
too have forbidden this practice in the same words in Our oft-repeated
constitution Etsi Pastoralis, sect. 6, no. 21."
Graces:
To serve at the altar as an altar server is one of the greatest sources of graces. The altar server assists the priest at the Sacred Liturgy; he is privileged to walk into the sanctuary. Remember, the Mass is the Sacrifice of Calvary. It is not a memorial but rather the Mass truly is the Sacrifice of Calvary. For that reason, all altar servers must display the utmost respect and reverence. For example, each and every single time that the server walks past the Tabernacle, he is to genuflect on his right knee to our Lord who is truly present in the Eucharist.
All altar servers must listen attentively during the Mass and should remain in a state of prayer with their hands in a prayer position. Talking amongst each other is absolutely forbidden. Likewise, all altar servers should wear proper shoes and never flip-flops, sandals, boots, or gym shoes. An altar servers must also learn the proper name to all of the items used during the Liturgy. Such items are listed at the bottom of the webpage of the Altar Server Manual. Altar Servers must ensure that no particle of Our Lord's Body or Blood falls to the ground. With the use of the paten, altar servers perform an extremely important sacred ministry. They must ensure that no particle of the Eucharist is desecrated accidentally at any portion during the Mass. Furthermore, altar servers must know the basic prayers of the Mass at least in the vernacular and perhaps some of them in Latin. The altar server must have a basic understanding of the Catholic Faith and understand the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
To all altar servers, please take these suggestions to heart. I strongly suggest you read the words expressed on the article Advice for Altar Servers. Remember, as an altar server, you stand next to the priest who stands at the Cross of Calvary. At the Consecration, you stand near the altar on which the Bread and Wine become Jesus Christ. You should humble yourself and bow your head before the power of God. You are assisting at the Holy of Holies. Display reverence and worship Our God. Undoubtedly, altar servers receive countless blessings from Almighty God from serving devoutly at Mass. Even attending Holy Mass is the source of numerous graces. It is certainly more grace-filled for altar servers.
Prayer before Serving:
Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing upon us, that we may serve at your altar with reverence, attention, and love, in order to draw others to do the same. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Additional Information:
- Advice for Altar ServersHandbook for Servers by the Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen
- How to Serve the Latin Mass by Rev. H.E. Calnan, D.D.
- Manual for Altar Servers by CEI Publishing
- "Prayer Book for Young Catholics" by Fr. Robert J. Fox
"To serve is beautiful,but only if it is done with joy
and a whole heartand a free mind." Pearl S. Buck
Labels: Altar, Altar Serving, Links, Liturgy, Prayer, Priesthood
Sunday, May 27, 2007
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Our Lord, being sitted on the right hand of God, sent, as He promised, the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, who, after His Ascension, continued in prayer at Jerusalem, in the company with the Blessed Virgin Mary, awaiting the fulfillment of His promise.
Let us in like manner with the Church: "Come O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Acts 2:2, 4 "SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming where they were sitting, alleluia: and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking the wonderful works of God, alleluia, alleluia"
Acts 2:2, 4 "FACTUS est repente de coelo sonus, tamquam advenientis spiritus vehementis, ubi erant sedentes, alleluia: et repleti sunt omnes Spiritu Sancto, loquentes magnalia, alleluia, alleluia."
Dear friends, may the infusion of the Holy Ghost, cleanse our hearts and render them fruitful by the inward sprinkling of His dew. Amen.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Pentecost: Novena to the Holy Ghost
Dear friends, let us recite this Novena in honour of the Holy Spirit together on Saturday, 19th of May '07. In one voice, let us lift up the intentions of the Holy Father and pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Opening Prayers
Gloria Patri, et Filio et Spiritui Sancto,
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, in saecula seculorum. + Amen.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Mentes tuorum visita,
Imple superna gratia,
Quae tu creasti, pectora....
V/ Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur.
R/ Et renovabis faciem terrae.
- or -
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. + Amen
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator, come
From thy bright celestial throne!
Come take possession of our souls,
And make them all thine own! …
V/ Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R/ And thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Invocation
Psalm 103:30
- or -
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love. Amen.
V/ Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created:
R/ And thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
(Pope Pius X, May 8, 1907)
Let us pray:
O God, thou has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. + Amen
Prayers for The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Day One (19/5) - Spirit of Wisdom, preside over all my thoughts, words and actions, so that in all things I may love God for His own sake above all things. Amen.
V/ Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Two (20/5) - Spirit of Understanding, teach and enlighten me, so that I may never waver in my faith, but enjoy true peace of mind and heart.
V/ Holy Mary, Queen of Peace,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Three (21/5) - Spirit of Knowledge, teach me how to look at things in their true light, so that I may not be bound by earthly attachments, but ever rejoice in thy heavenly comforts.
V/ Holy Mary, Cause of our Joy,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Four (22/5) - Spirit of Counsel, grant that I may always seek thy guidance, that my thoughts and actions may be informed by good judgment, and that whenever my advice is sought by others, it will be offered with kindness, prudence, truth, and in accordance with God’s will.
V/ Mother of Good Counsel,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Five (23/5) - Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen my weakness, so that I may never be discouraged by obstacles in the path of holiness and virtue, but may willingly accept the trials and difficulties of this life.
V/ Holy Mary, Queen of Matyrs,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Six (24/5) - Spirit of Piety, implant in my soul filial love toward God my heavenly Father, and brotherly love for all, so that I may delight in the service of God and my neighbor.
V/ Mother of God, our Mother,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Seven (25/5) - Spirit of Holy Fear, keep me mindful of the infinite Majesty of God, keep me from all selfish desires and evil actions, that I may humbly serve God and others with a clean heart and clear mind.
V/ Immaculate Mary, Help of Christians,
R/ Pray for us.
Day Eight (26/5) - O Divine Comforter, we come to thee in our trouble and distress. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, come to our assistance and console us in all our trials and sufferings. Amen.
Day Nine (Pentecost Sunday: 27/5) - Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, come into our hearts; give to all people the brightness of thy light, that they may be pleasing to thee in the unity of faith. Amen.
(Pope Leo XIII, July 31, 1897 )
Concluding Prayers
For all who work for the Church:
O Holy Spirit, Creator, graciously aid and inspire those who are engaged in fulfilling the mission of the Church, who work to build thy Kingdom by teaching and evangelizing others. Grant that by thy supernal power, they may be strengthened and confirmed against the assaults of the Enemy. By thy mercy and grace, renew the spirit of thy servants to whom thou hast entrusted this labor, that in thee all their works may glorify the Father and His only begotten son, Christ our Lord. + Amen.
Saint Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, sweet Hope of the afflicted, Descend this day into my heart and establish therein thine amiable empire. Enkindle in my soul — alas! so tepid! — the salutary flames of thy love, that I may be inflamed and that my soul and body may be subject to thee. I believe that when thou dwellest in us, thou dost prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign then to come to me.
Come, O sweet Consoler of abandoned souls!
Come, O Protector of those who are in need!
Succor of the afflicted, come and purify me; suffer no evil desire to take possession of me; heal all my wounds.
Come to me, Strength of the weak, Support of the wavering;
Come to me, O thou who lovest the humble and resistest the proud;
Come to me, Hope of the needy, Father of orphans;
Come to me, Star that guidest the mariner in his way, and offerest a secure harbor to the shipwrecked;
Come to me, True glory of the living, sole hope of the dying;
Make me all that thou wishest me to be, and conduct me by thy grace, so that I may be ever pleasing to thee. Amen.
Closing Prayer
May the power of the Holy Spirit ever be with us, we beseech thee, O God. Cleanse our hearts and save us from all dangers; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. + Amen.
Hymn: Come Holy Ghost
Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest,
And in our hearts take up thy rest,
Come with thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which thou hast made.
O Comforter, to thee we cry,
Thou heavenly gift of God most high!
Thou font of life and fire of love
And sweet anointing from above.
Drive far away our deadly foe,
And peace for evermore bestow;
If thou be our preventing guide,
No evil can our steps betide.
Praise we the Father and the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in one;
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow. Amen.
Acknowledgements:
Labels: Novena, Pentecost, Prayer
Monday, May 7, 2007
Annual Diocesan Vocation Retreat
I'll be heading for the annual Diocesan vocation retreat this weekend after being invited by a Seminarian friend. It will be held at Saint Francis Xavier Major Seminary in Ponggol.
The retreat commences on Friday (11th May '07) at 1930hr and ends on Sunday (13th May '07) at approx. 1700hr with the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist and High Tea.
Do keep me in your prayers as I continue to discern the Lord's call.
A prayer for the retreatants:
Almighty God, Loving Father & Creator of all.
St. John Vianney, St. Alphonsus, St. Ignatius, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John of the Cross, pray for us.
Note: Blogging resusmes after May 13.
Labels: News, Personal, Prayer, Priesthood, Retreat, Seminary, Vocation
Integrity of the Psalms
Those of you who pray the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) probably learned that the Office is a systematic praying of the Psalms in union with the whole Church. What they probably didn't tell you, if you are using an edition revised since Vatican II, is that you're not actually praying all the Psalms. Some of the Psalms have been edited to remove unpleasant parts, and two Psalms have been dropped altogether.
Tim Cravens, who is a blogger and apparently a bishop in the Independent Catholic movement, is quite right when he argues for maintaining the integrity of the Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Labels: Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours, Prayer, Psalter, Second Vatican Council, Traditionalism
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