Sunday, July 22, 2007
That's the Spirit!
Way to go Fr. Michael Teo!
Fr. Teo made a comment after a screeing of the video, 'Euchristic Miracles' in the rectory's meeting room this afternoon. "When I was training as a priest, we did everything in Latin. Now there's the vernacular; we cannot acheive the same with the vernacular. The latin (Eucharistic Hymns) can really make you cry!" said a the teary rector.
Spirituality appeals to the imagination that is why the modern rites are so lack the feeling that the latin hymns of old conjure up; giving one the concept of a timeless sacred space that connects one with other believers through the ages.
"Holiness is what we are seeking to attain and our thoughts drawn into at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is not a party or any worldly celebration, so why should our music sound worldly? We don't want to get distracted by music that has worldly connotations, so we should avoid instruments and musical selections that would have those connotations," PBXI
We must bring the sacred to the secular,
not put the secular into the sacred.
Labels: Liturgy, Music, Quote, Quotes, Spirituality, Video
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Ad Orientum & Versus Populum
Instruction of the Liturgy issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites on October 16, 1964.
95. Reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist
The most holy Eucharist shall be reserved in a solid and inviolable tabernacle placed in the middle of the main altar or of a minor, but truly outstanding, altar, or, according to lawful customs, and in particular cases approved by the local ordinary, in some other noble and properly adorned part of the Church. It is lawful to celebrate Mass facing the people even if there is a tabernacle, small but suitable, on the altar.
Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments,
"Whatever may be the position of the celebrating priest, it is clear that the Eucharistic Sacrifice is offered to the one and triune God, and that the principal, eternal, and high priest is Jesus Christ, who acts through the ministry of the priest who visibly presides as His instrument. The liturgical assembly participates in the celebration in virtue of the common priesthood of the faithful which requires the ministry of the ordained priest to be exercised in the Eucharistic Synaxis. The physical position, especially with respect to the communication among the various members of the assembly, must be distinguished from the interior spiritual orientation of all. It would be a grave error to imagine that the principal orientation of the sacrificial action is [toward] the community. If the priest celebrates versus populum, which is a legitimate and often advisable, his spiritual attitude ought always to be versus Deum per Jesus Christum [toward God through Jesus Christ], as representative of the entire Church. The Church as well, which takes concrete form in the assembly which participates, is entirely turned versus Deum [towards God] as its first spiritual movement."
Cardinal Schonborn FAITH Magazine May-June 2007,
"Both directions of celebration are justified and neither should be suspected or “ideologized” . Mass isn’t celebrated “to the people” or “to the wall”, but to God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. The celebration turned “to the people” has the meaning that we all, priests and laypeople, gather around Christ who symbolizes the altar and whose Body and Blood become present on the altar. The celebration “with the back to the people” is not a turning away from the faithful but facing in the same direction in prayer, expressive of the path we walk towards God as pilgrims, His wandering people."
Labels: Ad Orientum/Versus Populum, Altar, Liturgy, Official Documents, Quote, Quotes, Sacred Congregation of Rites, Second Vatican Council, Tabernacle
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?
Many of us who are interested in the use of latin in liturgy may not be able to explain why we like it. I mean, how interesting could a dead language make the Mass- which is already so boring in English- more interesting? And why should we pray in a language we do not understand?
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
Prayer Primer: Igniting the Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Bubay, SM
Labels: Books, Languages, Latin, Liturgy, Novus Ordo, Prayer, Quote, Quotes, Thoughts, Traditionalism
Saturday, June 2, 2007
The Blessed Trinity
"BLESSED be the Holy Trinity, and the undivided Unity:
we will give glory to Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us.
O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in all the earth!"
Tob 12:6, Ps 8:2
we will give glory to Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us.
O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in all the earth!"
Tob 12:6, Ps 8:2
We have celebrated the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost last Sunday. Today, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is the fundamental dogma of our Faith.
"This time is well chosen," says St. Rupert, "for, immediately after the descent of this Divine Spirit, began the preaching and belief and Baptism and confession in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
At today's vigil Mass- which I served- at St. Joseph's, PM, Father Rector Michael Teo gave an illustrous homily on the the "Godhead" (Fr. Teo likes to refer to the Trinity as the Godhead three-in-one).
The Father, Son & Holy Sprit is the Trinity. To the non-believer, the concept of the Trinity may be polytheistic.
The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is NOT POLYTHEISTIC. The Trinity is a strict monotheism; there exists in all the universe a single being known as God who is self-existent and unchangeable (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8). Therefore, it is important to note that the doctrine of the trinity is not polytheistic as some of its critics proclaim. Trinitarianism is MONOTHEISTIC by definition and those who claim it is polytheistic may demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it really is.
The Trinity:
- God is three persons
- Each person is divine
- There is only one God
Each- Father, Son, or Holy Spirit- is fully divine in nature, but each is not the totality of the Trinity. In other words, the Father is not the same person as the Son who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit who is not the same person as the Father. Each is divine, yet there are not three gods, but one God.
We can refer to the three different 'entities' of the Trinity as either: Person or Subsistence. The word "subsistence" means something that has a real existence. The word "person" denotes individuality and self awareness. (The latter has become a more common term to describe the Trinity.)
The Doctrine on the Trinity is difficult to grasp as the Trinity is a mystery that cannot be fathomed by the human intellect. The fact that it is a mystery is an argument for its truth.
Sacred Scripture is the self revelation of an infinite God. Therefore, we are bound to encounter concepts which are difficult to understand; especially when dealing with an incomprehensible God who exists in all places at all times.
"The Trinity cannot be understood by the human intellect, it is not a mathematical problem, even if it were, we could not solve it mathematically. The Trinity is a mystery. St. Thomas, one of the great Doctors of the Church tells us that 'we cannot walk around the mystery, we need to enter the mystery- enter into a relationship with God.' " Rev. Fr. Michael Teo, in his homily today.
Oremus:
O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who has enabled Thy servants, in confessiong the true Faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of Majesty to adore Its Unity: we beseech Thee, that be steadfastness in the same Faith, we ever be defended against all adversity. Through our Lord. Amen.
In the Holy Trinity,
J-PDM
The Most Holy Trinity 2007
Labels: Apologetics, Catholic Belief, Quote, Spirituality, Trinity
Friday, June 1, 2007
St. Justin, Martyr
Today, the Universal Church commerates St. Justin, martyr. St. Justin was born of pagan parents in Flavia Neapolis in Samaria and died in the year 165.
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
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
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
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
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
His Apostle
(By Rev. Fr. Marcial Maciel)
"It hurts me to see the suffering people undergo because of injustice, abuse and lack of love. It hurts me to see that Christ does not reign in the hearts of people, to see the obstinacy so many people mount against him, to see their indifference when faced with his call."
"For me, being a priest means being an apostle, working ceaselessly for him, and fighting so that everyone knows and accepts him. I don’t care whatever kind of cross comes my way, or isn’t the priest another Christ?"
Labels: Priesthood, Quote, Spirituality, Vocation
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Protestant Doctrine
(via Memoirs of a Neophyte)
The entire Protestant theological system rests on one single doctrine: Sola Scriptura. The other core Protestant doctrine, Sola Fide, is somewhat derived from Sola Scriptura, so demonstrating how Sola Scriptura is self-contradictory discredits Sola Fide as a Biblical doctrine.
Sola Scriptura, which is Latin literally meaning "Scripture Alone", hinges mainly on denying two things: history, and logic.
The entire Protestant theological system rests on one single doctrine: Sola Scriptura. The other core Protestant doctrine, Sola Fide, is somewhat derived from Sola Scriptura, so demonstrating how Sola Scriptura is self-contradictory discredits Sola Fide as a Biblical doctrine.
Sola Scriptura, which is Latin literally meaning "Scripture Alone", hinges mainly on denying two things: history, and logic.
Labels: Links, Protestants, Quote
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Blessed Sacrament
"When you approach the Tabernacle remember that he has been awaiting you for twenty centuries." St. Josemaria Escriva, Opus Dei.
Labels: Quote
Dom Christian de Chergé
Dom Christian de Chergé, Prior of the Monastery of Notre Dame de l'Atlas (Tibherin, Algeria)
The Trappists of the Monastery of Notre Dame de l'Atlas in Tibherin (Algeria) had devoted their lives to dialogue with Islam and had chosen to remain in their monastery, even though it was located in the mountainous region of Medea, a high-risk area.
Dom Christian de Chergé had written:
"Our state as monks [ruhban] binds us to the choice which God has made for us, which is for prayer and for a life of simplicity, manual labour, hospitality and sharing with all, especially the poor..."
Seized by armed terrorists on the night between March 26 and 27, 1996, they were killed on May 21, 1996.
In his spiritual testament, Dom Christian de Chergé had written:
"When the time comes, I would like to be able to have that moment of lucidity which would permit me to ask forgiveness of God and of my brothers in humanity, forgiving whole-heartedly, at the same time, whoever strikes me. I do not see in fact how I could rejoice in the fact that this people whom I love should be accused of my murder. It would be too high a price a pay, to owe what might be called 'the grace of martyrdom' to an Algerian, whoever he may be, above all if he says he is acting in fidelity to what he believes to be Islam [...].
And you too, friend of the last moment, who will not know what you are doing, yes, even for you I wish to say this THANK YOU, and this A-DIEU, commending you to God in whose face I look upon you.
And may it be granted us to meet anew, joy-filled thieves, in heaven, if it pleases God, our Father, the Father of us both. Amen."
The Trappists of the Monastery of Notre Dame de l'Atlas in Tibherin (Algeria) had devoted their lives to dialogue with Islam and had chosen to remain in their monastery, even though it was located in the mountainous region of Medea, a high-risk area.
Dom Christian de Chergé had written:
"Our state as monks [ruhban] binds us to the choice which God has made for us, which is for prayer and for a life of simplicity, manual labour, hospitality and sharing with all, especially the poor..."
Seized by armed terrorists on the night between March 26 and 27, 1996, they were killed on May 21, 1996.
In his spiritual testament, Dom Christian de Chergé had written:
"When the time comes, I would like to be able to have that moment of lucidity which would permit me to ask forgiveness of God and of my brothers in humanity, forgiving whole-heartedly, at the same time, whoever strikes me. I do not see in fact how I could rejoice in the fact that this people whom I love should be accused of my murder. It would be too high a price a pay, to owe what might be called 'the grace of martyrdom' to an Algerian, whoever he may be, above all if he says he is acting in fidelity to what he believes to be Islam [...].
And you too, friend of the last moment, who will not know what you are doing, yes, even for you I wish to say this THANK YOU, and this A-DIEU, commending you to God in whose face I look upon you.
And may it be granted us to meet anew, joy-filled thieves, in heaven, if it pleases God, our Father, the Father of us both. Amen."
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Climate Protection is a Moral Obligation
Says Cardinal Wetter (no pun intended!).
As Cathcon mentioned, "Leave the greens to save the planet, how about saving souls?"
As Cathcon mentioned, "Leave the greens to save the planet, how about saving souls?"
Friday, January 5, 2007
Incorruption of Tradition
Msgr. George Agius, Tradition and the Church (Adapted):
The Traditions of the Catholic Church consist of the Constituition which Christ Himself instituited and which the Apostles established throughout the world (as it was known back then). Even after the death of the Apostles, their commands were carried out by their successors. It would be unlikely that in the first centuries, the fundementals and principals of Christianity would become corrupted as to allow way for a different order of things in terms of Church governance. Some of the Apostles and their immediate successors lived to an old age, allowing the intermingling of one generation of Christians with another. This meant that a new generation of Christians would likely be brought up and instructed as were the first generation of Christians.
This affirmation about the impossibility of change in the government of the Church may also be applied to the impossibility of corruption of Apostolic teaching in the early centuries- and thus also down to our day. As no man can reject historical documents, we must take the writings of the Chruch Fathers for what they are worth- as historical documents and not as revealed truths. A destruction of historiacal certitude? I think so. We accept the Fathers' writings just as we accept those of Caesar or Flavius. There isn't a reason why we should believe those authors more than we do theearly writers of the Church. The Church Fathers' enlightened the Church and glorified the Faith!
Among the writings of the Fathers is the Canon of St. Vincent Lerin. In his Commonitorium, St. Vincent discerns what is pure from what is corrupt, to distinguish truth from plain opinion, to determine orthodoxy from faulty. "We must hold what has been held always, every-where and by all; this is truly and properly Catholic... this can be obtained if we follow universality, antiquity, consent."
Labels: Books, Quote, Traditionalism
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
GK Chesterton on the New Year
"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. Unless a man starts on the strange assumption that he has never existed before, it is quite certain that he will never exist afterwards. Unless a man be born again, he shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." GK Chesterton.
Labels: Quote
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Immaculate Conception
"The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin." H.H. Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus (1854).
This is the reason, my dear Protestant visitors, that she was able to bear the sinless Christ, Son of the Living God.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
History & the Church
“To immerse oneself in history is to cease to be Protestant,” Cardinal Newman.
Here is his glowing praise for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Labels: Quote, Traditionalism
When doing apologetics... ...
"... ... the first thing we need to remember is that when aberrant histories are presented to us, the burden of proof IS NOT for us to “disprove” the errant histories. The burden of proof is on them to prove their theory," Hermit, Bro. Ignatius Mary.
"Nice theory, prove it!"
Our first Pope, St. Peter tells us always to defend the true religion:
"But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame." (1 Peter 3:14-16)
"Nice theory, prove it!"
Our first Pope, St. Peter tells us always to defend the true religion:
"But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame." (1 Peter 3:14-16)
Labels: Apologetics, Quote
Pope John Paul II on Jesus & the Internet
“The Internet causes billions of images to appear on millions of computer monitors around the planet. From this galaxy of sight and sound will the face of Christ emerge and the voice of Christ be heard? For it is only when His face is seen and His voice heard that the world will know the glad tidings of our redemption. ...Therefore,... I dare to summon the whole Church bravely to cross this new threshold, to put out nto the deep of the Net, so that now as in the past the great engagement of the Gospel and culture may show to the world ‘the glory of God on the face of Christ’,” H.H. Pope John Paul II. Labels: Holy Father, Quote
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