March 2010 Archives

Depoistion of the Cross Fr Angelico.jpgSt Catherine of Siena Church and Priory has announced its liturgical program for the sacred Triduum Services (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday).

The celebrant and preacher this year is Father Bruno Mary Shah, OP, ordained priest 2 years ago and from New York. Father Shah, with his family, is a convert to Catholicism, and brings a unique experience to these sacred days.

The Dominican Friars will be available for Confessions and food blessings.

Schedule of Services:

Holy Thursday 5:15 pm
Good Friday
         Stations of the Cross 11:45 am
         Seven Last Words 12-3 pm
         The Lord's Passion 3 pm
Easter Vigil 8:00 pm
Easter Sunday is the normal parish schedule

The Director of Liturgy and curate, Father Jordan J. Kelly, OP, will direct the choir and the Dominican schola. The program put together by Father Jordan can be viewed here Holy Week 2010 Program St Catherine of Siena NYC.pdf.

The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena
411 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065

"Spy" Wednesday

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Spy Wednesday.jpgThe Church as often called today "spy Wednesday"  because of the betrayal of Christ one hears made by Judas. The name Judas is forever linked with the concept of betrayal. In Dante's Inferno (Canto XXXIV) we see Judas in the lowest circle of Hell being eternally consumed by a three-faced winged devil. Imagine the affective hurt of being betrayed by a friend!

The Church prays

O God, who willed Your Son to undergo on our behalf the gibbet of the Cross so that You might drive away from us the power of the enemy, grant to us Your servants, that we may obtain the grace of the resurrection.

sanctuary, St Patrick's Cathedral.jpgThe Sacrifice of the Mass with the Rite of Blessing of Oils at St Patrick's Cathedral was celebrated by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan and concelebrate by the four active NY auxiliary bishops. This year we were blessed to have with us Bishop-elect Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, 48, (of Ondo, Nigeria). Bishop-elect Jude  has been the parish administrator of an Elmsford, NY parish until his recent appointment to Nigeria, for which he leaves for in the middle of April; his ordination to the episcopacy is May 6. Cardinal Edward M. Egan presided in choir robes (his 78th birthday is April 2). About 400 secular and religious order priests concelebrated the Mass and renewed their commitment to priestly service.

Dolan squarely set the theology tonight's sacred rites in the context of the loving obedience of Christ on the cross leading to the resurrection, reminding us that we are saved by the wounds of Christ.

In speaking of the holy oils and the priesthood, the Archbishop said the holy oils are the sacramental icons for the entire Church of the Sacraments and that the priesthood is about calling, consecration and consolation. It was significant that the sacred Chrism consecrated tonight will be used to consecrated the hands of the 10 deacons to be ordained priests on May 15.

Once again Archbishop Dolan focussed our attention on the trials of the Church today and called us to stand with the Church amidst her struggle. Likewise, the renewal of the request for a prayerful solidarity with the Pope was well received.

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Seminary tradition has it that the third year theology class distributes the newly blessed oils.
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Saint Peter Regalado

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The upright live forever, their reward is with the Lord and the Most High has them in His care.

Father, You lifted up and enflamed Saint Peter Regalado with the gifts of heaven. Through his loving intercession and by the example of his mortified life, may we come to eternal blessedness with all Your holy ones.


From a wealthy family and having lived in an era of history making (the Western Schism), Peter entered the Conventual Franciscans but later joined a reformed group of Franciscan friars. He inspired and educated his brother Franciscans by his life. He lived with significant mortifications; his biographers note that Peter lived with hunger, subsisting on bread and water. Solitude and a devoted life are key aspects of Saint Peter Regalado's life.

His body is incorrupt. In some places Saint Peter's feast day is May 13.
In the School of Community Sunday evening --the weekly catechetical meeting for members & friends of Communion & Liberation-- we discussed Traces' April editorial, "Greater than Sin." The editorial is an attempt to put words to an experience and to remind ourselves of the workings of grace and sin.

The more I look I these accusations of sexual misconduct and other sinful behavior by priests (and even the laity), I am inclined to say that it's more than a question of homosexual priests or affectively retarded individuals who have had positions of pastoral authority in the Church, and much to do with our faith in Christ as the answer to limited humanity. In other words, there has been a significant lack of faith in the Incarnation and Christ as the answer to my nothingness. For some, this assessment makes no sense because if you are ordained a priest or a vowed religious, one expects that you would have an intimate experience of the workings of God and His love. BUT this can't always be assumed. The more I sit with the problem I am curious to know the depth of relationship with God existed with those who committed these sexual crimes and the church leaders who had oversight. Could it be that those who abused children or scandalized the faithful in other ways didn't have a living faith in Christ who is alive today, right now? Could it be that for some of these people God is dead in the conscience? More questions surfaced than I have answers for. For example:

Are we certain about the Catholic faith we are living? Are certain about what we are saying?

What has been happening with the sexual abuse crisis is the direct result of a lack of certainty of faith in Christ. We the Church, laity and clergy, have demonstrated a real lack of faith in the saving promises of Christ than in the offer of communion with Him. Our sense seems to indicate that the hundredfold Christ speaks of is a complete fabrication.

Key to understanding our Catholic way of living is that we have a different standard of measuring things: justice, mercy, forgiveness, love are the measures. Priesthood is a total, permanent change in a man's being, a permanent change in character, not a career, not something temporary, not something magical, not something esoteric; the priesthood means being configured to Christ in a permanent way.

In our discussions we asked the Christological question: who is Christ and how does Christ act in my and how do I know Him. Do we believe Christ is for all people? Do we believe Christ is alive right now, in front of us, in the person next to us? Is Christ recognizable? Do we believe that Christ redeemed us through his death and resurrection?

The question of forgiveness surfaced in our School of Community based on the fact that Christ tells us to forgive and He himself is the pattern of reconciliation. Is forgiveness possible? Is it possible to live in an attitude of forgiveness? Is forgiveness familiar to me (us)? Do we have an experience of forgiveness? Can we hold that what we believe as true --Jesus Christ-- is for everyone?

The we dealt with the problem that for many people it is impossible to accept the Church as a mother who cares for her children, educates her children, who disciplines her children but doesn't throw the problem child under the bus. The Church's maternity seems not only to be less understood today if not completely rejected by many of the faithful and the media. Maternity is reduced to giving birth and completely neglecting the moral motherhood. The Church, since Christ founded her, has neither said nor indicated that she was a perfect mother. She is divinely instituted but populated by sinners trying to be holy and at times missing the mark. The Church like the rest of the world is daily pursuing justification in Lord's cross and resurrection.

The attacks the whole Body of Christ --the Church-- is facing these days attempts to pervert people's faith and confidence in the Church and therefore to prevent the Church from caring for all her children --the victims, the perpetrators, bystanders, etc.

An answer to some these questions is 'yes' if we know that only with Christ is forgiveness, conversion possible.

We need to understand ourselves in action, in concrete ways, in the ways in which Providence has deemed to give us the grace to live...otherwise we live in the abstract and God, therefore has no real bearing on our life.

Beautiful words don't save us, Jesus does, who is alive right now.

So, I think the Pope is correct in recommending a spiritual renewal program (see the Letter to Ireland) to regain, or just to establish for the first time a real relationship with the Christ. His aim is to ask the question, do you know Christ? if so, do you know how to live according to the pattern of Christ's sacrificial love?
Absolution will not the only remedy for the a group like the Legion of Christ as it had in 1956 when another apostolic visitation happened. True, substantive reform of the spiritual life and formation will have to take place if it hopes to survive. Legion can't continue in the way has been for the last 50 years; the old guard can't run things any more, and honesty has got to reign. AND God willing Pope Benedict will demand changes.

Sandro Magister's piece today is an eye-opener. Read "Legionaries. The 'Nomenklatura' That Must Disappear." If everything Magister says is true --and there is no reason to doubt his facts-- then there's no reason to believe that the Legion of Christ will survive present scrutiny. Plus, a cosmetics' change will only be more deception than the current issues: sweeping things under the rug are just not tenable.

The problem, as I've said in the past, is what to do with all the young men who in good faith , honesty and certainty entered the Legion of Christ to pursue a vocation to religious life and priesthood not knowing the details of their founder's sinful past, the Legion's suspicious ways of proceeding when it comes to accounts of conscience, reading of the seminarian's mail, radical separation from family, etc...all the cult like aspects one hears about.

I'm hearing that a few local dioceses are getting requests of current Legionary priests for incardination. But how much can a diocese absorb? Well, we have a need and many of the guys seeking a change are excellent, well-trained men who love sincerely love Christ and the Church...but they have baggage. In my own diocese we've already taken in three former legionaries and in another diocese there is as many a five seeking a transfer.

Holy Spirit, advocate for us!

No Catholic should be surprised that there is filth in the Church for Our Lord Himself told us that this would be so in the parable of the weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30). AND it's no surprise that the Church is full of sinners, sinners who commit grave sin.  And yes, some who claim to follow Christ commit evil and everything possible must be done to stem the evil and to make amends for that pain generated by that evil.

Furthermore, no Catholic should be surprised that the Faith should once again be attacked during Easter because this is an annual event.  However, this year's annual Easter attack on the Faith has taken the form of one upon the person of the Pope, Benedict XVI, himself.

What truly saddens me, however, is that there are many within the Church herself, those who should know better, that are once again attempting to create a Christianity without Christ.  But if we forget Christ, if we do away with the wholly different measure that He introduces into the world now, through the Church, then we no longer have the terms on which to judge the Church.

Palm Sunday 2010

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Palm Sunday.jpg

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In October I posted a piece on the Franciscan Friars' wine making hobby. Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Brother Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi had an idea a few years ago to make homemade wine when he wasn't hitting the theology books. The friars do more than study, serve the poor, run the Catholic Underground-- they cheer the heart with their wine which is a very human thing to do. This is the second year for Our Lady of Cana wines. Perhaps this may be a new franchise for the friars!!! I'm looking forward to a 3rd year of winemaking. AND I am willing to be the wine-quality control guy.

With grapes handpicked and materials donated by friends, and help from the other friars, Brother Giuseppi made a great barrel of wine. Of course, nature did her part and God His... For the last six months the wine has matured --and we've been eagerly waiting for the maturing process to work-- in a basement corner in an oak barrel. The wine now sufficiently mature, today was the time to bottle.

Deacon James Ferreira, Ken Riello (a 1st yr Dunwoodian) and yours truly set out to watch, assist and taste the fruit of the earth. James was most kind in bringing some great bread, cheese and soppressata.

fr Giuseppe & JFerreira ciphening.jpgfrs John Paul & Ignatius bottling.jpgfr Bonaventure corking2.jpgPAZ & fr Charles satisfying a thirst.jpg

We had great fun bottling nearly 275 bottles of wine. James, I hear, has a case of wine for his first Mass in May! AND this event was SO Catholic!

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Always thinking liturgically, the soon-to-be-priested, Friar Deacon Charles blessed the new wine using this text, but here is another version of the blessing of wine:

The Blessing of Wine in Honor of Saint John the Evangelist

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Pray Psalm 22 and then the Our Father

V. And lead us not into temptation.

R. But deliver us from evil.

V. Preserve thy servants.

R. That trust in thee, my God.

V. Send them aid, O Lord, from heaven.

R. And from Sion watch over them.

V. Let the enemy be powerless over them.

R. And the son of evil do nothing to harm them.

V. And should they drink anything deadly.

R. May it not hurt them.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with your spirit.

Let us pray.

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God! Who didst will that thy Son, equal to thee in eternity and substance, should descend from heaven and in the fullness of time take temporal birth of the most holy Virgin Mary, so that He could seek the lost and wayward sheep and carry it on His shoulders to the sheepfold, and could cure the man fallen among robbers of his wounds by pouring in oil and wine-- do thou bless + and sanctify + this wine which thou hast vintaged for man's drink. Whoever partakes of it on this holy solemnity, grant him life in body and soul. By thy goodness let it be to him strength in the pilgrimage to prosper him on the way, that his journey may come to a happy termination. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst call thyself the true vine and thy holy apostles the branches, and didst desire to plant a chosen vineyard of all who love thee, bless + this wine and impart to it the power of thy benediction.+And as thy beloved disciple John, Apostle and Evangelist intercedes for them that partake thereof, grant them security from all deadly and poisonous afflictions and constant good health of soul and body. Who lives and reigns forever.

R. Amen.

Let us pray.

O God, thou gives to man bread to eat and wine to drink -- bread to nourish the body and wine to cheer the heart. And as thou didst confer upon blessed John, thy beloved disciple such favor that not only did he himself escape the poisoned potion, but could restore life to others so overcome; do thou grant to all that drink this wine spiritual joy and eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with Thee, lives and reigns, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

R. Amen.

Who is Benedict XVI?

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I bet you can't answer that question in a 5 minute video!!!! 4 university students from the University of Navarra (Spain) try to answer this question. You've got to watch this VERY fun video on Pope Benedict.

Thanks to Miguel Rojo, Santiago Gonzalez-Barros, Juan  Camino Pedraza and Alvaro Piquer. 
LSquarcia2.jpgLast November I posted a story about a priest, Father Luigi Squarcia, 66, a priest of the Diocese of Viterbo, who was living with Lou Gehrig's Disease relating that Father Luigi was determined not to be defined by the ravages of a disease, nor to give into the nihilism of sickness and forthcoming death. What he did was remarkable: Father Luigi lived as a true Christian. He gathered up his sufferings for the life of the Mystical Body of the Church and gave them to the Lord in the person of Pope Benedict.

I received word today from friends of his letting me know that Father Luigi died on Wednesday and his funeral is today. My correspondent said that his funeral was concelebrated by four bishops. "He was loved by everyone and a real priest, since he offered and prayed until the last the minute." I hope that can be said of me when I meet the Lord face to face. In his funeral homily Bishop Chiarinelli likened Father Luigi to Job: tested and found faithful. The bishop also noted that Father's life was courageous, full of hope and complete in the Cross of Christ.

Providential that I receive this note from Italy about Father Luigi's death because in my Christian Anthropology class these last days we've been speaking of suffering, uniting our suffering with that of Christ's for the salvation of the world. We're reading John Paul's Salvifici Doloris and CS Lewis' The Problem of Pain trying to understanding the mystery of suffering and pain and how it is redemptive and has radical meaning in a world that rejects suffering and meaning.

Offer a prayer for Father Luigi Squarcia who, indeed, did not squander the gift of suffering.

O God, Who did raise Thy servant Luigi Squarcia to the dignity of priest in the apostolic priesthood, grant, we beseech Thee, that he may be joined in fellowship with Thine Apostles forevermore.

I ask you to pray for a friend, also a priest, Father David Borino, who living with the same disease as Father Luigi.

In the above picture, courtesy of the sisters of the Immaculate Heart Monastery in Acquapendente, has Father Luigi walking with Archbishop Boccardo praying the rosary. In 2005, while processing with the Blessed Sacrament to conclude a Marian year, Father felt a change in feeling in his arms.
The Holy See has put the "official documents" online. The three acta noted below contain the principal decrees, encyclicals, decisions of the Vatican offices and other notices of ecclesiastical appointments and interests. Church laws contained in the Acta are considered promulgated when published in these organs of communication and official three months from the date of publication unless otherwise mentioned. The Vatican's website is not part of the official documentary services of the Holy See; it is a method of communication. So, access to this information online is an incredible gift:

Acta Sanctae Sedis (1865-1908)


Sanctuary, Holy Innocents Church NYC.jpgCardinal Edward Michael Egan, emeritus archbishop of New York, preached at Mass tonight observing the the 15th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae at The Church of the Holy Innocents (West 37th Street, NYC). Holy Innocents is a beautiful church consecrated in 1901 by Archbishop Michael Corrigan.

The Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by the Rev'd Father James Miara (a man ordained by the cardinal), assisted by the Rev'd Father Michael Barrone (Newark Archdiocese) and the Rev'd Father Richard Trezza, OFM, deacon and subdeacon respectfully. Nearly 400 people were in attendance.

The Cardinal focussed his homily on three points: the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord,  the 15th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (1995) and the Mass. All three foci speak one language of obedience, though not an obedience of acquiescence to the will of another, but of an obedience that is filled with joy, done willingly and loyally.

The Blessed Mother sets the tone; some might say her life is a poem of love. From the earliest days of the Church the BVM has been an example of how to obey. She is an example for Catholics, particularly in difficult times, of how to live in manner filled with joy by abiding by God's law joyfully, willingly, enthusiastically and loyally.

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The late Pope John Paul II's encyclical Evangelium Vitae taught that every human person is precious beyond expression, a mirror held up to the divinity. And thus, every person deserves respect. The encyclical opens with the words "The incomparable worth of the human person," and then proceeds to lay out for the reader the roots of human dignity from Genesis, Deuteronomy, the Gospels, Saint Paul, Saint John and the natural which is written in the heart of all people.

In fact, the cardinal used an architectural image of sculpting to speak of the natural law being in our hearts and minds paying close attention to the reasonableness of the natural law which guides the human faculty of understanding. The natural law for us, pre-dates the fact of religion. That the natural law is written on the human heart we understand it's function as being protective of life. People of reasonable mind, therefore, argue that the natural law applies equally to the baby in the womb as to the elderly woman in the wheelchair. Egan's mantra becomes ours as it is our humane job is to protect life joyfully, willingly and loyally. And as the Blessed Mother gave her 'yes' to God, we ought to do the same for ourselves and for all of life at all its stages.

Apparently the cardinal watches National Geographic films these days. He highly recommended 2 films: "In the Womb" and "In the Womb - Multiples." Both of these films show the great miracle of new life-- alive, innocent and smiling. Only Egan would talk about Aristotle's quip that the sign of a human being is his ability to smile. One would think that man's ability to smile is linked to rationality and that the high tech photography of pre-born babies show them smiling would convince the cold rationalist to admit that which is in the woman womb is not fleshy stuff but a human being, an innocent baby. I suppose the non-smiling among us aren't human yet. I wonder. Could Aristotle be correct?

Egan uttered the pious ejaculation: "Yes, Lord, we will defend children from conception to their natural end.

Ordained a priest in Rome in 1957 by Archbishop Martin J. O'Connor, a man for whom His Eminence has had the "greatest respect," the themes imprinted on Egan's heart were that of loyalty and obedience (lived joyfully and willingly, of course). Egan expressed his love for the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Forms of the Mass. As he said, he's an obedient and loyal son of the Church and since Pope Benedict has determined the Church needs two forms of the Mass, he abides. In fact, the cardinal indicated that he "hears the voice of the Church as the will of God." Benedict's motu proprio Summorum Pontificum allows for the Mass of Blessed John XXIII to flourish and it deserves all people's respect and love. Egan encouraged all to follow and truly embrace the faith as it is lived in sacred Scripture, sacred Tradition and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Brought together, the priest and the faithful are to adjust to the leadership of the Catholic Church as Mary was obedient to God in Gabriel announcement of the Day of Redemption and as Pope John Paul II taught in Evangelium Vitae and as Pope Benedict in making the 1962 Missal a respectable form of worship consistent with theological and liturgical tradition.

These pictures are extremely hard to look at, they are extremely graphic!!!

Let's pray for the miracle of peace between Muslims & Christians in northern Nigeria. 

Unbelievable the depths to which human misery and animalistic passions can sink.

The pictures of the horrific murders of the Nigerians posted by the Anglican Diocese of Jos.

What are we doing about it?????

The Order of Friars Preachers (the Dominicans) of the Province of Saint Joseph are now showing renewed interest in their own liturgical patrimony.

See this page for list of resources The Dominican Rite: A Guide to the Low Mass

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One of many reasons this is good news to me is that finally the Dominicans are beginning to address their own liturgical tradition viz. their life and mission in the Church. The Liturgy has and ought to continue to be a central source of contemplation and worship of God that will influence all aspects of their life (the so-called 4 pillars) and their preaching. Time will tell on how this renewed interest in the Dominican Liturgy will impact life in the priory, the monasteries, the parishes and even Providence College. Some of the friars are not going to be all that pleased about the old Dominican Rite and will likely be obstructionists. But we need to pray for these poor souls.

One last reason this is a good thing, the good and excellent Liturgy is not only essential to the fraternal life, evangelization, personal conversion but it also inspires solid vocations. I have met a number of men who were turned-off by the Dominicans because of their refusal to entertain the possibility of a richer, more historic use of the Dominican liturgical tradition. The vocation director aborted the vocations of a number of men because of his dim understanding of the Liturgy; with renewed liturgical verve the Dominicans will likely flourish in great proportions. Sadly, the Dominicans' loss is the gain of dioceses and other religious orders.

Blessed Humbert of Romans, pray for us!!!!

Annunciation of the Lord

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Cestello Annunciation detail SBotticelli.jpgAs Christ came into the World, he said: Behold! I have come to do your will O God.


The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that "The Annunciation to Mary inaugurates 'the fullness of time,' the time of the fulfillment of God's promises and preparations. Mary was invited to conceive him in whom the 'whole fullness of deity' would dwell 'bodily.' The divine response to her question, 'How can this be, since I know not man?' was given by the power of the Spirit: 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you.'" (484)


God our Father, Your Word became man and was born of the Virgin Mary. May we become more like Jesus Christ, whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.


Edward M Egan.jpgNew York's Agnus Dei Council of the Knights of Columbus announced that Edward Cardinal Egan would attend and preach the homily at a Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation but that he would not celebrate a Pontifical Mass as planned and announced. This Mass will mark the 15th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), the pro-life encyclical by Pope John Paul II issued on March 25, 1995.

In a brief statement received last week, the Cardinal asked that his celebration of the Pontifical Mass "scheduled for March 25th at Holy Innocents Parish be postponed to a later date."  The statement to the Knights explained the reason for postponing the Pontifical celebration:

"Because of so many commitments over the last several weeks, the Cardinal has not had time to prepare for the Mass properly.  He looks forward to arranging another date with the Knights of Columbus . . . whose invitation he deeply appreciates."

His Eminence will nevertheless attend and preach the homily at a Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation according to the 1962 Missal celebrated by Fr. James Miara of the Archdiocese of New York.

The Solemn Mass begins at 7:30 PM at the Church of the Holy Innocents, 128 W. 37th Street, in Manhattan, home to New York City's Shrine of the Unborn.  Before Mass, there will be a Rosary for Life at 7:00 PM.

WHAT:    Solemn Mass for Life, Edward Cardinal Egan, Homilist
WHERE:  The Church of the Holy Innocents, 128 W. 37th Street, Manhattan
WHEN:  Thursday, March 25th; Rosary for Life, 7 PM; Solemn Mass, 7:30 PM

For more information, call (212) 569-1252 or visit www.traditionalknight.com.
Óscar Arnulfo Romero.jpgToday is the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Oscar A. Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, in El Salvador. He was murdered while celebrating Mass at a cancer hospital where he lived. Finishing the homily, a group of military death squad shot Romero. 

Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez was the fourth archbishop of San Salvador, (August 15, 1917 - March 24, 1980). It is noted that during his time as the archbishop he had a conversion in which the Lord gave him the grace to be closer to his people and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ which sets people free from those things which shackle us: the disordered desires of money, power, and fame. Also, the murders of 12 Catholic priests during his three years as archbishop of San Salvador. Romero denounced injustice and violations of human rights in El Salvador and supported public demonstrations for of the people for freedom. He was the voice of the Salvadoran people when all other voices were killed off or otherwise silenced.

In 1997, Archbishops Arturo Rivera and then Fernando Sáenz Lacalle (a priest of Opus Dei) opened and fostered the cause for canonization for Romero, and Pope John Paul II gave him the title of Servant of God. The process continues, even surpassing certain hurdles.


Watch a Rome Reports video on the Romero cause
Yesterday's blog post by Archbishop Dolan is worth reading. In "Nobody, Nowhere, No Time, No Way, No How..." Dolan talks about the recent issues pertaining to the sex abuse crisis by clergy.
Bl Diego Joseph Cadiz.jpgO God, who did endow Thy blessed confessor, Diego, with the science of the saints and didst work wonders through him for the salvation of his people, grant us through his intercession to think those things that are right and just, so that we may arrive safely at the kingdom of Thy glory.

The wiki article on Blessed Diego

According to the OFM liturgical ordo Blessed Diego's memorial is observed on January 6 but other liturgical sources note his feast is on March 24.
This afternoon, the Rector of Saint Joseph's Seminary (Yonkers, NY) The Most Reverend Gerald T. Walsh, MSW, told seven deacons (the 4th year class) that the Archbishop of New York, Timothy M. Dolan, has called them to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. So, we say that they have "received the call."

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The deacons are: James Ferreira, George LaGrutta, Steven Markantonis, Fredy Patino-Montoya, Thomas Roslak, Enrique Salvo and Daniel Tuite. All seven deacons will serve in the Archdiocese of New York.

Also to be ordained and part of the 4th year class are three Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Brothers Albert Osewski, Charles-Benoit Reche and Isaac Mary Spinharney. Our Franciscan friars have been assigned to Nicargua, Ireland and Honduras, respectively.

"The priest, who is called," Pope John Paul II said in Pastores Dabo Vobis, "is to be a 'living image' of Jesus Christ, head and shepherd of the Church, should seek to reflect in himself, as far as possible, the human perfection which shines forth in the incarnate Son of God and which is reflected with particular liveliness in his attitudes towards others as we see narrated in the Gospels. The ministry of the priest is, certainly, to proclaim the word, to celebrate the sacraments, to guide the Christian community in charity 'in the name and in the person of Christ,' but all this he does dealing always and only with individual human beings .... In order that his ministry may be humanly as credible and acceptable as possible, it is important that the priest should mold his personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity."

The ten deacons will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan, PhD, on May 15, 2010, at The Cathedral of Saint Patrick at 9 a.m.

We know by experience that we have not sufficient strength in ourselves to bring to a successful completion our chief Lenten duty, which is to die fully to sin in order to live fully in the risen Christ. But Christ himself, before leaving his own, prayed to his Father to preserve them from evil and from the evil one, from the seductions of the world and the attacks of Satan. He taught them to ask, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Obviously he did not intend that his disciples be spared every kind of temptation and danger, for this would be impossible in this life; besides, God himself permits it to test our virtue, but he wanted to assure them sufficient strength to resist. The evil from which he desired to free them was sin, the only real disaster, because it separates us from God.

Divine Intimacy

Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD

Santo Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo.jpgLord. through the apostolic work of Saint Turibius and his unwavering love of truth, You helped Your Church to grow. May Your chosen people continue to grow in faith and holiness.


A 1000 times a day I pass by a statue of a saint I really have no particular devotion to, nor do I know much about. At least not until I looked more closely at the place these holy men and women have in our daily living the other day.

At the main entrance of the seminary, there are four statues which act as sentinels of faith and Christian perseverance: Saint Rose of Lima, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Isaac Jogues and Saint Turibius de Mogrovejo. The link among these saints and blessed is their work of evangelization in the new world. They all had an experience of Christ and then set out to share that experience to others. They all worked for the salvation of humanity, even to the point of death (Jogues). Two of these saints are natives of the new world, two are immigrants from Europe, two are women and two are men and priests (one's also a bishop), BUT all responded to Christ's call to discipleship, to sahre in the cross and to shared the faith with others. And two lived and worked in Lima, Peru. Saint Turibio was the first to establish a seminary in the new world, following the mandates of the Council of Trent. And so, Saint Turibio has a special place in the life of seminarians in the USA and in particular to the seminarians of Saint Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers.

Saint Turibio de Mogrovejo, pray for us!
Seal of Confession and Canadian Law.jpgThe Seal of Confession and Canadian Law by Gregory Zubacz (Wilson & Lafleur, 2009)

This book is a study on the seal of confession. This topic goes to the root of the relationship between Church and State, which has challenged and troubled law makers, politicians, judges and scholars since the Reformation of the 16th century. It traces the development of the sacrament of confession from its beginnings in the early Christian Church both in the East and the West. The author follows the developments of the historical Church Councils, Pontiffs and scholars, directing confessors to maintain absolute confidentiality, privacy and silence concerning what is heard in confession from a penitent. Civilly, the work explores the threads from the English speaking legal jurisdictions around the world. This book is a compelling read for every student of the law and human nature.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Gregory J. Zubacz has taught several courses on canon law at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute at Saint Paul University in Canada. His work experience includes work for the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and other federal branches of government. In canon law, he had served as the Defender of the Bond for the Marriage Tribunals of Ottawa and Winnipeg. 

From the Author

"Not only does the secular world need to have a clear understanding of the canon law; the Church and its clergy also need an accurate perspective on their rights and obligations at civil law with regard to the seal of confession."
My friend George asked me the other day about the tradition of covering the statues, images and crucifixes (sacred images) -but not the Stations of the Cross--before Holy Week. He told me that the nuns told him that the Church covered sacred items because Christ went into hiding before his arrest. Well, that's true but incomplete. The tradition of veiling finds its source in John 8:46-59 where the Jews attempt to stone Jesus because of his claims of being the Son of God, but he hides from view. As point of comparison, you will notice in Mark's gospel our focus is on the Lord's crucifixion because it is there that we learn the true identity of Jesus as being man and divine. The covering of sacred images, therefore, is to illustrate the increasing tension we find ourselves in the Liturgy as we move toward of the Lord's own Paschal Mystery. The veiling actually reinforces the verifiable fact of the Incarnation.

Paul Marx.jpgSaturday morning the great Benedictine monk and priest and Pro-life advocate died at the age of 90. Pray for Father Paul, his monastic community and the on-going work of the Culture of Life.

O God, Who did raise Thy servant Dom Paul Benno Marx to the dignity of priest in the apostolic priesthood, grant, we beseech Thee, that he may be joined in fellowship with Thine Apostles forevermore.

Father Paul Benno Marx's obit from Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN

A brief piece on Father Paul Benno Marx, OSB.

He was a fascinating man and priest. May God have mercy on him.

PAX

Benedict to Ireland

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Following a tough meeting with the Irish bishops a few weeks on clergy sexual abuse, Pope Benedict wrote to the Church in Ireland. I think it is an amazing pastoral letter--all people should read it. 

The text is here.
Britain's Catholic Herald reports today that John Henry Newman's beatification ceremony, conducted by the Holy Father himself, will happen at Coventry Airport, while the pope is visiting England and Scotland from 16-19 September 2010. As we all know, the Pope is dispensing himself of his own rule for beatification ceremonies. Newman's beatification is a great grace not only for the Congregation of the Oratory (Oratorians) but for England and the theological world.

Thumbnail image for San Jose El Greco.jpgTo you, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we seek with confidence thy patronage also. By that affection wherewith you were united to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God; by the fatherly love with which you did embrace the Child Jesus, we humbly beseech you to look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased for us by His Blood, and to help us in our need by your powerful intercession.

Defend, O you most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, O you our most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old you did rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, so that imitating thy example and strengthened by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g., Ad te, beate Ioseph).
In contrast to the various dissenting sisters' statement in support of the 153 page HR 3590, the group representing American Catholic physicians spoke against the US Congress proposal to reform of healthcare in the United States. Read what is proposed in this bill.

The doctors who belong to the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) say that HR 3590 is "substantially flawed and [a] unacceptable piece of legislation" because it provides various ways to fund abortion, it introduces new ways to restrict the freedom of conscience clause as it is applied by healthcare workers and the bill is financially problematic, to say the least. Please don't confuse this organization with the Catholic Health Association which holds opinions contrary to the Church.

Furthermore, the CMA also contends that the Obama administration's healthcare reform bill will take away from healthcare providers the ability to make sound decisions on a patient's healthcare. And insult to the American taxpayer, the HR 3590 gives healthcare to illegal immigrants without weighing the cost that would be sustainable and reasonable for the average worker. Healthcare expenses will rise!!!!

What are Catholics for? The bishops have wanted healthcare reform for decades, especially healthcare that assists the common good, that is accessible, affordable, and that has respect for life at every stage of life. Catholics want conscience protection and no funding of abortions. Catholics want the Hyde Amendment to  remain in place. In this case it's not about the legal status of abortion --because all reasonable people would say that abortion should be reduced-- but the point is to not have the taxpayer fund abortions; an abortion is not healthcare, it is killing a person. 

Catholics ought to properly form their consciences with genuine information (from informed news sources) and make voices heard. Catholics make up 20% of voting America!!!

The US Bishops' analysis of the healthcare bill states:

1. there is an appropriation of $7 billion for community health services that can be used for  elective abortions;
2. there are federal funds to subsidize health programs that cover abortions which can expand in time;
3. the bill has the power to over-ride taxpayers' desires not to fund abortions. 


Read Archbishop Charles Chaput's insight/leadership in the healthcare reform debate.
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Joseph, arising from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him and took unto him his wife.


We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be helped by the merits of the Spouse of Thy most holy  Mother, so that what we cannot obtain of ourselves may be given to us through his intercession.


Consider reading last year's post on Saint Joseph.

(The Blessing of the Altar frequently takes place the evening before the feast, March 18th. If there is a procession to the Altar, a hymn may be sung on the way.)

Celebrant

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O, glorious Saint Joseph, we stand before this Altar with joyful and grateful hearts. We lovingly present to you the labor of our hands and the dedication of our hearts that have fashioned this Altar in your honor. We again place ourselves under your powerful protection. Help us follow your example of complete trust and faith in Divine Providence. Open our minds and hearts to love and serve the poor, the suffering and those rejected or ignored by society. As a family, teach us to love and honor each member of our families with the love and reverence you had for Jesus and Mary. As a nation, inspire in us the will and the way to live in peace with all nations of the world that in our day we can experience the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer--"Peace be to you." Grant this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. 

V. O, Glorious Saint Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and the glory of His name,

R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.

Celebrant

Lord Jesus, bless this Altar, all this food, the candles and all those who visit it. We ask this in the name of the Father, + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


(As the Altar is being blessed and incensed, the Litany of St. Joseph is said or a hymn is sung.)

All

Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my sweet protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you and humbly supplicate you. O, despise not my petitions, foster father of our Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

(Now that the Altar is blessed, guests are invited to visit the Altar and offer their own prayers to Saint Joseph.)

Yesterday, Network: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, released a letter in support of Obama's bill (HR 3590) to overhaul US healthcare. Obama proposal and the bill put forward is morally flawed.

The signatories claim that they represent 59,000 --an overstated number-- religious sisters while they join the Catholic Health Association which has 1200 healthcare related organizations and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) directly oppose the Catholic teaching. The letter advocating the passing of the healthcare bill is being delivered to each member of Congress today. The text of the letter can be read here.

The Council of major Superiors of Women Religious rejects the position of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and all other groups who stand against the Church and her bishops.

This is not about mere differing views on a hot topic. It is about faith AND reason, doing justice in an effort to safeguard the dignity of each person, from conception to natural death. No healthcare bill can be supported with provisions for abortion or any other medical procedure that offends life. We have a right to good healthcare but not at the expense of the unborn and morally unsound principles. This is a matter concerning the well-being of those who are vulnerable, poor and everyone else because they have a right to life and a right healthcare. What the Church wants most of all is a healthcare bill that protects life, dignity and freedom of conscience of each person with an ethically sound judgment on healthcare.

The letter the sisters are giving today to Congress is an act of disobedience toward the leadership of the US Bishops and against solid, verifiable Catholic teaching. The sisters neither represent the Church nor are they charged with the salvation of souls as ordained bishops are and therefore are purposely misleading the faithful and any other person of good will. Do not be fooled into thinking that the congregations of sisters think with the Church for the good of salvation. These religious orders of sisters have set themselves against communion with the Catholic Church and against the US bishops position for a comprehensive, wholistic healthcare package that is affordable.

The US Catholic Conference statement on the healthcare bill under consideration
Family Life & Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of New York has a good plan of action.

St Patrick's Day 2010 NYC

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TMD & child St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
EMEgan & NYPD2 St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
USA Color NY Fire St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
Patric, GTWalsh, Fredy St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
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Michael Martine St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
Chris Sheridan & Claudia McDonald Catholic NY St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
parade people St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg

MMartine & EME St Patrick's Day 2010.jpg
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Old St Patrick's Basilica.jpgGreat news for the Archdiocese of New York: Old St Patrick's Cathedral (since 1809) has been a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.

Old St Patrick's is the first church in the Archdiocese of New York to have the honor of being so connected with the Holy Father.

Congrats to Archbishop Dolan, Monsignor Donald Sakano!

You may recall recently that I mentioned that the Bridgeport Diocese had one of their churches raised to a minor basilica.

Take a look at the document on what it takes to be a minor basilica, Domus Ecclesiae or "On Granting of the Title of Minor Basilica."

This is terrific news on the Solemnity of Saint Patrick!

Blessed be God in His angels and in saints!

Saint Patrick

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The servant of Christ is captured and sold as a slave; he feeds the king's swine; he, whom Christ has chosen, and foretold to be the pastor of his flock.



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Hail, glorious Saint Patrick, dear Saintt of our isle!
On us, thy poor children bestow a sweet smile;
And now thou art high in the mansions above,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.


Hail, glorious Saintt Patrick, thy words were once strong
Against Satan's wiles and a heretic throng;
Not less in thy might now in heaven thou art,
Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part.


In war against sin, in the fight for the faith,
Dear Saint, may thy children resist to the death;
May their strength be in meekness, in penance, and pray'r,
Their banner the cross which they glory to bear.


Thy people, now exiles on many a shore,
Shall love and revere thee till time be no more,
And the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright,
Its warmth undiminished, undying its light.


Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth,
Where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wast on earth,
And our hearts shall yet burn, where-so-ever we roam,
For God and Saint Patrick and our native home.

(Sung for 1st Vespers of the Solemnity of Saint Patrick at St Joseph's Seminary.)

It was announced this morning by the Holy See that Pope Benedict XVI will beatify John Henry Newman on 19th September 2010, during his visit to the U.K., in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The Cause of Newman's Canonisation has released the following statement:

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The Fathers and many friends of the English Oratories are delighted by the official announcement that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI will beatify our founder, the Venerable John Henry Newman, in the Archdiocese of Birmingham during his visit to Britain in September. Newman made his home in the Archdiocese for all his adult life, first in Oxford, where he lived as an Anglican and was received into the Catholic Church, and later in Birmingham itself where he founded and worked in the Birmingham Oratory for over forty years.

The Holy Father's life-long devotion to Newman has made a profound contribution to understanding the depth and significance of our founder's legacy. His decision to beatify Newman in person confers a unique blessing upon the English Oratories and all who have drawn inspiration from Newman's life and work.

We joyfully look forward to welcoming the Holy Father, as well as the many pilgrims and visitors who will come to the Beatification ceremony and visit Newman's shrine at the Birmingham Oratory.

We also look forward to the challenging work of preparing for the Beatification in conjunction with Church and civil authorities. We pray that the Beatification will fittingly reflect both Newman's significance for the Universal Church and the honour paid to our Archdiocese and our country by the Holy Father's presence among us.

Very Rev. Richard Duffield

Provost of the Birmingham Oratory and Actor of the Cause of John Henry Newman


Additionally, the Procurator of the Congregation of the Oratory, Very Reverend Father Edoardo Aldo Cerrato, CO, has written to the all the Oratories of the world on this great gesture of Pope Benedict XVI in personally beatifying the Venerable Servant of God John Henry Newman. The letter is here: Letter-of-the-Procurator-General-of-the-Oratory-Confederation-March-2010.pdf

Sandro Magister, a favorite journalist of matters Catholic, published a startling story today, "The Legion Awaits a New General. And Trembles." In a few a words he reviews the moral and theological decay in the Legion of Christ. Magister gives an anatomy of the current situation and gives a likely cure to the illness the Legion is living with these days. Magister confirms my suspicions that some Legionary priests still refuse to accept that the founder, Father Maciel lived a second life, that the Congregation is flawed and it has dragged its feet in making the radical changes the Holy Father has asked for. From what I can gather there needs to be a total revolution in the Legion if it's going to survive.

I continue to pray for the men who found their call to serve the Lord and the Church in the Legion of Christ. I think it's possible to separate out the duplicity of the founder from the good the Legion has done but the possibility rests on the honesty of the Legion to face reality as it is and not what they think it should be. My advice: simply state that Father Maciel founded the Legion of Christ and move on and sever all ties with Maciel and his cronies. Or, disband the congregation and start anew. Many lives hang in the balance and we have to show our solidarity in this time of need.

Pedro Arrupe documentary

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The film, Pedro Arrupe: His Life and Legacy, was produced in 2008 by Georgetown University and features rare footage of Father Pedro Arrupe and interviews with his closest advisers. 

Pedro Arrupe.jpg

Father Arrupe was the 28th superior general of the Society of Jesus, from 1965-1983. Born in Bilbao, Spain in 1907, he studied medicine prior to entering the Jesuit order.  Before his service as superior general, he served as Japan's first Jesuit provincial; but a defining moment in Arrupe's life was his work caring for the victims of the Hiroshima's atomic bomb. He died in Rome on February 5, 1991, after suffering the effects of a debilitating effects of a stroke on August 7, 1981 just as his airplane landed from an exhausting trip to the Far East. He was succeeded as Father General of the Society by Father Peter Hans Kolvenbach.

Father Arrupe's writings are some of the best works on Ignatian Spirituality there is. One memorable piece is his reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Before Father Kolvenbach was elected general, Father Arrupe's prayer was read to the elected delegates of the 33rd General Congregation, marking his true identity of being totally free to do God's will: "More than ever I find myself in the hands of God. This is what I have wanted all my life from my youth. But now there is a difference; the initiative is entirely with God. It is indeed a profound spiritual experience to know and feel myself so totally in God's hands."

This five-part documentary on Father Pedro Arrupe, SJ, is now available online on the Jesuit Channel, which is sponsored by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

St Peter Lepori.jpg

Ignatius Press recently published a new book on Saint Peter called, Simon, Called Peter: In the Company of a Man in Search of God by a Cistercian Abbot with roots in Communion and Liberation, Dom Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, O.Cist.

Dom Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, O.Cist. writes of his book: "At every stage of my life as a man, a Christian, a monk, an abbot, I have found Saint Peter to be a companion to walk ahead of me... Peter is the Gospel saint who is more 'us' than any other, closer to our own humanity, yet so close to Christ. Peter is the one we can always follow."

What others have said

You are carried into the events narrated here... and you see them with your own eyes and heart, more than if you had been there.

from the Foreword by Cardinal Angelo Scola, Patriarch of Venice

Dom Lepori's account of Peter reminds us of just how often this first of the Apostles appears in the Gospels. When we see Peter spelled out in his encounters with Christ, we realize that this 'Rock' is being formed, but also that he was someone who could be formed. It is not without interest that the Church is founded on Peter, a solid man, yet also a sinner. With Lepori's guidance, we realize that Peter's life is a portrait of how God deals with men. We cannot but be moved by this Peter, a man like unto us, sin included, but a brave man who acknowledges, who learns, who, in the end, is 'the Rock' that he was called to be from the first time Christ saw him.

James V. Schall, SJ, Author, The Order of Things

About the author

Dom Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, O. Cist., is the abbot of the Cistercian Abbey of Hauterive outside of Fribourg, Switzerland. He received his licentiate in philosophy and theology from the Catholic University of Fribourg and as a layman was an active member of Communion and Liberation. In 1984, he entered the Abbey of Hauterive and ten years later was elected abbot. Written originally in Italian, Simon Called Peter has been translated into both French and German. Other works by Lepori include L'amato presente.

An interview with Dom Mauro-Giuseppe at the Rimini Meeting.

A brief essay by Dom Mauro called "The Re-Creation Brought about by Christ," published in Traces.

Gary Krupp.jpgIn some places you will get shouted down for supporting Pope Pius XII and his cause for sainthood. For some, Pius is a lightening rod and no amount of reasonable-ness will quiet their anxiety. I find this is especially true for the New York area. Undaunted by the challenge of the truth, Gary Krupp, founder of the Pave the Way Foundation, is working to get the truth of what Pope Pius XII did and didn't do into the public forum. He's trying to clear the air. For many the conversation is hard and painful but truth needs to be told and told with clarity, charity and firmness. 

Read the article on Gary Krupp and his work.

Novena to Saint Joseph

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March 19 is the solemnity of the Saint Joseph, husband of Blessed Virgin Mary. Time has gotten away from me and I am only now able to post a set of novena prayers to Saint Joseph. This solemn feast is a special feast and one that should not get away from us because of Saint Joseph's special care for the Church and personally for each one of us. While the days prior to the feast won't constitute nine days of prayer, perhaps this year we could begin the novena on the feast itself and next year start on March 10. These prayers were sent to me a kind Canadian reader of the Communio blog.

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The daily novena prayer Saint Joseph

Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen

Day 1

O Saint Joseph, Pillar of Families! Foster Father of Jesus, protect our families from the sufferings of separation and divorce. Be a lighthouse for fathers and father-figures alike, so that they may lead virtuous lives and be good role models to our children. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be [these three prayers are to be said each day after the novena prayer]

Day 2

O Saint Joseph, Guardian of Virgins! Loving, chaste spouse of our Blessed Mother, protect the chastity of marriages so that our children may grow up in strong united families. We also ask you to protect the virginity of the youth so that they may be spared from unnecessary sufferings, and to help those living the consecrated life to be ever more faithful to their vocations. Amen.

Day 3

O Saint Joseph, Patron of the Unborn! Your faith was necessary to bring about the glory of the incarnation. Teach us all to have unbending confidence in the promises of Christ. May we submit ourselves wholeheartedly to His will and trust that His providence will see us through in difficult moments. Amen.

Day 4

O Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons! Help us defeat our untamed passions, imaginations and memories. Teach us to listen to the voice of our Father in the silence of our hearts, and give us the strength to have dominion over our senses. In times of weakness, may we closely depend on our intellect and will, and most importantly the graces generously given to us through prayer by our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 5

O Saint Joseph, Hope of the sick and the dying. Heal us from our bodily ills, emotional troubles and worldly fears.  Be with us in times of frailty, and comfort us with hope in eternal life. May our hearts be anchored in Jesus every day of our lives and may we never be separated from him. Amen.

Day 6

O Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church! Protect the intentions of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, our Cardinals, Bishops, priests and all religious who work faithfully to shepherd the people. Keep them away from temptation, and deliver them from all unholy and corrupting influences. May our Church remain free from all contagion of error and be constantly reinvigorated by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 7

O Saint Joseph, Patron of Workers! Comfort us during the desolation of unemployment, and bring compassion into our hearts during times of prosperity. Teach us the right paths and the right words, so that we may be able to meet our temporal needs. We also ask that you keep our hearts aflame with the Word of God, that we may always be conscious that our need for daily bread is not restricted to bread alone, but Jesus in the Eucharist. Amen.

Day 8

O Saint Joseph, Lover of Poverty! Solace of the wretched! Be our friend in time of suffering, and help us appreciate the virtues we can harvest through struggle and sacrifice. Keep us away from the snares of pride and self-importance. Let us remember the poverty of our Lord so that we can dutifully imitate his life in humility and obedience. Amen.

Day 9

O Saint Joseph, humble, poor, and obedient servant of the God the Father! We praise you participation in the glory of the Incarnation, as faster father of Jesus Christ and most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Keep us all close to your heart, and may the faithful works of Blessed Brother André continue to bring glory to God for years to come. May all those who seek your intercession and his be met with expedient relief or consolation. Amen.

I was reading the current issue of L'Osservatore Romano and I noticed a striking title of brief article: "First ever Catholic school in Laos." Something in me went, "really, wow!!!" In the States so many of our dioceses are merging or closing Catholic schools we forget that in other parts of the world --Laos for example-- education is not a possibility on a large scale. Where education is given, liberty happens. So, when the people of Laos can open a school as part of an initiative of the "Circolo San Pietro" (Circle of St Peter), I am extraordinarily happy. Wouldn't you be?

The article in L'Osservatore Romano reads:

The first ever Catholic school in Lao was recently opened in Ban Simang. The school was inaugurated on 10 February and is an initiative of the Circolo San Pietro (Circle of St Peter), which also recently received recognition as an ecclesiastical organization from the Italian Government.

The school building, which had previously been used as a chicken-run, was turned into a school for children between the ages of two and five that can accommodate 80 students. There, a group of Caritas sisters will manage both school and a medical care centre.

The project was financed by the Cicolo's Commission for international aid, which in the past has also funded projects such as creating scholarships for Lithuanian seminarians, providing hospitality for child victims of the nuclear diaster at Chernobyl, and contributing to a professional school in Malindi, Kenya. This year, Circolo San Pietro celebrates the 141st anniversary of its founding.

In an unusual step, the Vatican official who deals with matters of justice at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith speaks publicly on the sexual abuse crisis we are facing. Prayers, please! This is going to be a bumpy ride. John Allen's article on this subject may be helpful.

Vatican City, March 13, 2010 (VIS) - Given below is the text of an interview, published today by the Italian newspaper L'Avvenire, with Msgr. Charles J. Scicluna, promoter of justice of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, concerning the investigative and judicial activities of that dicastery in cases of "delicta graviora", which include the crime of paedophilia committed by members of the clergy:

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Msgr. Charles J. Scicluna is the "promoter of justice" of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He is effectively the prosecutor of the tribunal of the former Holy Office, whose job it is to investigate what are known as "delicta graviora"; i.e., the crimes which the Catholic Church considers as being the most serious of all: crimes against the Eucharist and against the sanctity of the Sacrament of Penance, and crimes against the sixth Commandment ("thou shall not commit impure acts") committed by a cleric against a person under the age of eighteen. These crimes, in a "Motu Proprio" of 2001, "Sacramentum sanctitatis tutela" [the Vatican Latin version is here], come under the competency of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In effect, it is the "promoter of justice" who deals with, among other things, the terrible question of priests accused of paedophilia, which are periodically highlighted in the mass media. Msgr. Scicluna, an affable and polite Maltese, has the reputation of scrupulously carrying out the tasks entrusted to him without deferring to anyone.

Question: Monsignor, you have the reputation of being "tough", yet the Catholic Church is systematically accused of being accommodating towards "paedophile priests".

Answer: It may be that in the past - perhaps also out of a misdirected desire to protect the good name of the institution - some bishops were, in practice, too indulgent towards this sad phenomenon. And I say in practice because, in principle, the condemnation of this kind of crime has always been firm and unequivocal. Suffice it to recall, to limit ourselves just to last century, the famous Instruction "Crimen sollicitationis" of 1922.

Q: Wasn't that from 1962?

A: No, the first edition dates back to the pontificate of Pius XI. Then, with Blessed John XXIII, the Holy Office issued a new edition for the Council Fathers, but only two thousand copies were printed, which were not enough, and so distribution was postponed sine die. In any case, these were procedural norms to be followed in cases of solicitation during confession, and of other more serious sexually-motivated crimes such as the sexual abuse of minors. [The 1962 text of Crimen sollictationisCrimen sollicitationis.pdf]

Q: Norms which, however, recommended secrecy...

A: A poor English translation of that text has led people to think that the Holy See imposed secrecy in order to hide the facts. But this was not so. Secrecy during the investigative phase served to protect the good name of all the people involved; first and foremost, the victims themselves, then the accused priests who have the right - as everyone does - to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The Church does not like showcase justice. Norms on sexual abuse have never been understood as a ban on denouncing the crimes to the civil authorities.

Q: Nonetheless, that document is periodically cited to accuse the current Pontiff of having been - when he was prefect of the former Holy Office - objectively responsible for a Holy See policy of covering up the facts...

A: That accusation is false and calumnious. On this subject I would like to highlight a number of facts. Between 1975 and 1985 I do not believe that any cases of paedophilia committed by priests were brought to the attention of our Congregation. Moreover, following the promulgation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, there was a period of uncertainty as to which of the "delicta graviora" were reserved to the competency of this dicastery. Only with the 2001 "Motu Proprio" did the crime of paedophilia again become our exclusive remit. From that moment Cardinal Ratzinger displayed great wisdom and firmness in handling those cases, also demonstrating great courage in facing some of the most difficult and thorny cases, "sine acceptione personarum". Therefore, to accuse the current Pontiff of a cover-up is, I repeat, false and calumnious.

Q: What happens when a priest is accused of a "delictum gravius"?

A: If the accusation is well-founded the bishop has the obligation to investigate both the soundness and the subject of the accusation. If the outcome of this initial investigation is consistent, he no longer has any power to act in the matter and must refer the case to our Congregation where it is dealt with by the disciplinary office.

Q: How is that office composed?

A: Apart from myself who, being one of the superiors of the dicastery, also concern myself with other matters, there are the bureau chief Fr. Pedro Miguel Funes Diaz, seven priests and a lay lawyer who follow these cases. Other officials of the Congregation also make their own vital contribution depending upon the language and specific requirements of each case.

Q: That office has been accused of working little and slowly...

A: Those are unjustified comments. In 2003 and 2004 a great wave of cases flooded over our desks. Many of them came from the United States and concerned the past. Over recent years, thanks to God, the phenomenon has become greatly reduced, and we now seek to deal with new cases as they arise.

Q: How many have you dealt with so far?

A: Overall in the last nine years (2001-2010) we have considered accusations concerning around three thousand cases of diocesan and religious priests, which refer to crimes committed over the last fifty years.

Q: That is, then, three thousand cases of paedophile priests?

A: No, it is not correct to say that. We can say that about sixty percent of the cases chiefly involved sexual attraction towards adolescents of the same sex, another thirty percent involved heterosexual relations, and the remaining ten percent were cases of paedophilia in the true sense of the term; that is, based on sexual attraction towards prepubescent children. The cases of priests accused of paedophilia in the true sense have been about three hundred in nine years. Please don't misunderstand me, these are of course too many, but it must be recognised that the phenomenon is not as widespread as has been believed.

Q: The accused, then, are three thousand. How many have been tried and condemned?

A: Currently we can say that a full trial, penal or administrative, has taken place in twenty percent of cases, normally celebrated in the diocese of origin - always under our supervision - and only very rarely here in Rome. We do this also in order to speed up the process. In sixty percent of cases there has been no trial, above all because of the advanced age of the accused, but administrative and disciplinary provisions have been issued against them, such as the obligation not to celebrate Mass with the faithful, not to hear confession, and to live a retired life of prayer. It must be made absolutely clear that in these cases, some of which are particularly sensational and have caught the attention of the media, no absolution has taken place. It's true that there has been no formal condemnation, but if a person is obliged to a life of silence and prayer, then there must be a reason...

Q: That still leaves twenty percent of cases...

A: We can say that in ten percent of cases, the particularly serious ones in which the proof is overwhelming, the Holy Father has assumed the painful responsibility of authorising a decree of dismissal from the clerical state. This is a very serious but inevitable provision, taken though administrative channels. In the remaining ten percent of cases, it was the accused priests themselves who requested dispensation from the obligations deriving from the priesthood, requests which were promptly accepted. Those involved in these latter cases were priests found in possession of paedophile pornographic material and, for this reason, condemned by the civil authorities.

Q: Where do these three thousand cases come from?

A: Mostly from the United States which, in the years 2003-2004, represented around eighty percent of total cases. In 2009 the United States "share" had dropped to around twenty-five percent of the 223 cases reported from all over the world. Over recent years (2007-2009), the annual average of cases reported to the Congregation from around the world has been two hundred and fifty. Many countries report only one or two cases. There is, then, a growing diversity and number of countries of origin of cases, but the phenomenon itself is much reduced. It must, in fact, be borne in mind that the overall number of diocesan and religious priests in the world is four hundred thousand, although this statistic does not correspond to the perception that is created when these sad cases occupy the front pages of the newspapers.

Q: And in Italy?

A: Thus far the phenomenon does not seem to have dramatic proportions, although what worries me is a certain culture of silence which I feel is still too widespread in the country. The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) offers an excellent technical-juridical consultancy service for bishops who have to deal with these cases. And I am very pleased to observe the ever greater commitment being shown by Italian bishops to throw light on the cases reported to them.

Q: You said that a full trial has taken place in around twenty percent of the three thousand cases you have examined over the last nine years. Did they all end with the condemnation of the accused?

A: Many of the past trials did end with the condemnation of the accused. But there have also been cases in which the priest was declared innocent, or where the accusations were not considered to have sufficient proof. In all cases, however, not only is there an examination of the guilt or innocence of the accused priest, but also a discernment as to his fitness for public ministry.

Q: A recurring accusation made against the ecclesiastical hierarchy is that of not reporting to the civil authorities when crimes of paedophilia come to their attention.

A: In some English-speaking countries, but also in France, if bishops become aware of crimes committed by their priests outside the sacramental seal of Confession, they are obliged to report them to the judicial authorities. This is an onerous duty because the bishops are forced to make a gesture comparable to that of a father denouncing his own son. Nonetheless, our guidance in these cases is to respect the law.

Q: And what about countries where bishops do not have this legal obligation?

A: In these cases we do not force bishops to denounce their own priests, but encourage them to contact the victims and invite them to denounce the priests by whom they have been abused. Furthermore, we invite the bishops to give all spiritual - and not only spiritual - assistance to those victims. In a recent case concerning a priest condemned by a civil tribunal in Italy, it was precisely this Congregation that suggested to the plaintiffs, who had turned to us for a canonical trial, that they involve the civil authorities in the interests of victims and to avoid other crimes.

Q: A final question: is there any statue of limitation for "delicta graviora"?

A: Here you touch upon what, in my view, is a sensitive point. In the past, that is before 1889, the statue of limitations was something unknown in canon law. For the most serious crimes, it was only with the 2001 "Motu Proprio" that a statute of limitations of ten years was introduced. In accordance with these norms in cases of sexual abuse, the ten years begin from the day on which the minor reaches the age of eighteen.

Q: Is that enough?

A: Practice has shown that the limit of ten years is not enough in this kind of case, in which it would be better to return to the earlier system of "delicta graviora" not being subject to the statue of limitations. On 7 November 2002, Venerable Servant of God John Paul II granted this dicastery the power to revoke that statue of limitations, case by case following a reasoned request from individual bishops. And this revocation is normally granted.

Prayer for Pope Benedict

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B16 Eastertide.jpgGiven the recent problems for the Church in Germany, not to mention the USA, Netherlands, England and Ireland, I think we should offer a daily prayer for the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Confidently we can say that the current events weigh heavy on his heart; accusations and verifiable incidents of sexual and physical abuse by clergy is a dreadful experience to live through, especially if the problems are rampant in the Church, particularly with a brother being in the middle of controversy. Plus, Benedict turns 83 on April 16 and begins his 5th year as Pontiff on April 19. The prayer below use Psalm 40:3 for its content; there is a partial indulgence* attached the prayers.

V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict.
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify hose over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

*The indulgence is given to those who in a spirit of filial devotion devoutly recite any duly approved prayer (as in above) for the Pope.

Benedict XVI addressed participants in a short course on the internal forum on March 11 hosted and organized by Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli and Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, OFM Conv., of the Apostolic Penitentiary. Next to the celebration of the Mass, there is likely no other important work of a priest than to reconcile sinners to God. This is a helpful teaching of the Pope's since at the seminary dinner table these days there's much conversation about the priest's ministry of forgiveness. Note what I think are the important points the Holy Father makes regarding the dialogue of salvation.

Your course is placed, providentially, in the Year for Priests, which I proclaimed for the 150th anniversary of the birth in heaven of St. John Mary Vianney, who exercised in a heroic and fruitful way the ministry of reconciliation. As stated in the letter of proclamation: "All of us priests must hear those words which regard us personally that he (the Curé d'Ars) put in Christ's mouth: 'I will charge my ministers with proclaiming to sinners, whom I am always ready to receive, that my Mercy is infinite.' From the Holy Curé d'Ars we priests can learn not only an inexhaustible trust in the sacrament of penance, which drives us to put it at the center of our pastoral concerns, but also the method of the 'dialogue of salvation' that should be carried out in it."

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Where do the roots of heroism and fruitfulness sink, with which St. John Mary Vianney lived his own ministry of confessor? First of all in an intense personal penitential dimension. The awareness of one's own limits and the need to take recourse to Divine Mercy to ask for pardon, to convert the heart and to be sustained on the path of sanctity, are essential in the life of the priest: Only one who has first experienced its greatness can be a convinced herald and administrator of the Mercy of God. Every priest becomes minister of penance by his ontological configuration to Christ, High and Eternal Priest, who reconciles humanity with the Father; however, fidelity in administering the sacrament of reconciliation is entrusted to the responsibility of the presbyter.

We live in a cultural context marked by a hedonistic and relativistic mentality, which tends to cancel God from the horizon of life, does not favor the acquisition of a clear picture of values of reference and does not help to discern good from the evil and to mature a correct sense of sin. This situation makes even more urgent the service of administrators of Divine Mercy.

We must not forget, in fact, that there is a sort of vicious circle between obfuscation of the experience of God and the loss of the sense of sin. However, if we look at the cultural context in which St. John Mary Vianney lived, we see that, in several aspects, it was not so dissimilar from ours. Also in his time, in fact, a hostile mentality to faith existed, expressed by forces that sought actually to impede the exercise of the ministry. In such circumstances, the Holy Curé d'Ars made "the church his home," to lead men to God. He lived radically the spirit of prayer, the personal and intimate relationship with Christ, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration and evangelical poverty, appearing to his contemporaries as such an evident sign of the presence of God, as to drive so many penitents to approach his confessional.

In the conditions of liberty in which it is possible to exercise today the priestly ministry, it is necessary that the presbyters live in a "lofty way" their own response to their vocation, because only one who becomes every day the living and clear presence of the Lord can arouse in the faithful the sense of sin, give courage and have the desire born for the forgiveness of God.

Dear brothers, it is necessary to turn to the confessional, as place in which to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation, but also as place in which to "dwell" more often, so that the faithful can find mercy, counsel and comfort, feel loved and understood by God and experience the presence of Divine Mercy, close to the real Presence in the Eucharist.

The "crisis" of the Sacrament of Penance, so often talked about, is a question that faces first of all priests and their great responsibility to educate the People of God to the radical demands of the Gospel. In particular, it asks them to dedicate themselves generously to the listening of sacramental confessions; to guide the flock with courage, so that it will not be conformed to the mentality of this world (cf. Romans 12:2), but will be able to make choices also against the current, avoiding accommodations and compromises. Because of this it is important that the priest have a permanent ascetic tension, nourished by communion with God, and that he dedicate himself to a constant updating in the study of moral theology and of human sciences.

St. John Mary Vianney was able to establish with penitents a real and proper "dialogue of salvation," showing the beauty and greatness of the Lord's goodness and arousing that desire for God and heaven, of which the saints are the first bearers. He affirmed: "The good God knows everything. Before you even confess, he knows that you will sin again and yet he forgives you. How great is the love of our God, which drives him to willingly forget the future, so as to forgive us" (Monnin A., Il Curato d'Ars. Vita di Gian-Battista-Maria Vianney, Vol. 1, Turin, 1870, p. 130). 

It is the priest's task to foster that experience of "dialogue of salvation," which, born of the certainty of being loved by God, helps man to acknowledge his own sin and to introduce himself, progressively, into that stable dynamic of conversion of heart, which leads to the radical renunciation of evil and to a life according to God (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1431).

Dear priests, what an extraordinary ministry the Lord has entrusted to us! As in the Eucharistic Celebration he puts himself in the hands of the priest to continue to be present in the midst of his people, similarly, in the sacrament of reconciliation he entrusts himself to the priest so that men will have the experience of the embrace with which the Father receives the prodigal son, restoring him the filial dignity and reconstituting him fully heir (cf. Luke 15:11-32).

Blessed Angela Salawa

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Bl Angela Salawa.jpgCome, blessed of my Father, says the Lord: I was ill and you comforted me. I tell you, anything you did for one of my brothers, you did it for me.

Lord God, You teach us that the commandments of heaven are summarized in love of You and of our neighbor. By following the example of blessed Angela, the virgin, in practicing the works of charity may we be counted among the blessed in Your kingdom.

Blessed Angela's life (1881-1922) is striking because of its simplicity and the felt sense of love. Some parts of her family history, though, was tough: she was the youngest child of nine brothers, often undernourished, weak and sick, she was unruly and capricious. Angela received some schooling and learned to read, but spelling was not a skill she could take pride in. Angela learned to be a pious woman and in time she was eager to read good book. By her late teenage years, she entered to the Association of Saint Zita (caring for sick people.)

Little by little she understood that her vocation was to suffer with Christ, and accept it resolutely, but conscious of its weakness. She spent many hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and read books of spiritual depth, taking copious notes. By order of her confessor, Angela began to make notes of the mystical experiences. When one of the people she was looking after died, interpersonal difficulties with the deceased's family surfaced for Angela. She wrote that it feels suddenly that Jesus says to her: "Daughter, why do you worry? I have not left to you."

In order to follow more closely Christ crucified and poor, she joined the Secular Franciscan Order on March 15 1912, and is professed vows on the 6th of August of 1913. As a lay woman consecrated to Christ living under the Rule of St Francis for the Laity, Angela is an example to all of us that obstacles can be overcome with grace.

At her 1991 beatification in Kraków, Pope John Paul II said: "It is in this city that she worked, that she suffered and that her holiness came to maturity. While connected to the spirituality of St. Francis, she showed an extraordinary responsiveness to the action of the Holy Spirit" (L'Osservatore Romano, 34.4, 1991).
In a galaxy far, far away, a new pope takes the reigns... Because you need a good laugh.

Paul's conversion (and let me echo the words of St Augustine used speaking about his own conversion) is simply the passage from his dedication to God to recognition of what God has done and does in Jesus.

Augustine describes his conversion thus: "When I read the apostle Paul [and immediately afterwards -because it is not enough to the Scriptures--he adds:] and when Your hand healed the sadness of my heart, then I understood the difference inter praesumptionem et confessionem / between dedication and recognition." Praesumptio does not indicate a bad thing. In the long term it decays into bad presumption, but initially it indicates a person's attempt to achieve the good ideal intuited. Christian conversion is the passage from this attempt to do good (good works, said Pope Benedict) to the simple recognition of the presence of Jesus. From praesumptio, dedication, to confessio, recognition. The confessio, recognition, is like when the child says, 'Mamma." As when the mother comes towards the child and it says, 'Mamma."

Christian conversion, for Augustine and Paul, is (let me use the image of Don Giussani's that, in my opinion, has no equivalent) the transition from the enthusiasm of dedication to the enthusiasm of beauty; from the enthusiasm of one's own dedication, which in itself is good, to the enthusiasm aroused by a presence that attracts the heart, a presence which gratuitously comes forward and gratuitously makes itself recognized. Paul had done nothing to meet Him. His gratuitous coming forwards accomplishes the transition from our dedication to the beauty of His presence that makes itself recognized through attraction. And between recognition and dedication there is no contradiction. Giussani says simply that "enthusiasm of dedication is incomparable with the enthusiasm of beauty." It is the same term St Augustine uses when he describes the relationship between the virtue of men and the first steps of those who put their hope in the grace and mercy of God.

We might also say that when by grace a person happens to live the same experience that Paul went through, his same experience, in the infinite remove from him, it is as if all the Christian words, the word of faith, the word salvation, the word Church, were transparent of the initiative of Jesus Christ. It is He who stirs faith, Faith is His working. It is He who saves. Bestowing salvation is His initiative. It is He who builds His Church. "Aedifcabo ecclesiam meam" (Mt 16:18). Aedificabo is a future tense [verb]: "I will build my Church" on the profession of faith of Peter, on the grace of faith given to Peter (cf. Mt 16:18). It is He who builds personally, in the present, His Church on a gift of His.

Giussani was speaking to a group of young people. At a certain point he asked: "What puts us in relationship with Jesus Christ? What, now, puts us in relationship with Jesus Christ?" People said: "The Church," "The community," "Our friendship," and so on. At the end of all the suggestions, Giussani repeated the question: "What puts us in relationship with Jesus Christ?" And then gave the answer himself: "The fact that He is risen." Because were He not risen, were He not alive, the Church would be a merely human institution, like so many others. One burden more. All things merely human in the become a burden. The Church is the visible term of the gesture of the living Jesus who meets the heart and attracts it.

Don Giacomo Tartandini, 30 Days, no. 6/7 2009

The liturgical landscape on certain Jesuit university campuses has changed dramatically in the last few years. It is a new world! In my time of studying with the Society of Jesus the Mass of Blessed John XXIII would never have been a possibility (until about 4 years ago). It fact, the Jesuits would have marginalized you to Pluto for suggesting it or sent you to a shrink for thinking about the venerable form of the Mass. Now it seems that Georgetown, Fordham AND now the College of the Holy Cross are willing to occasionally have the 1962 Missal Mass. I wonder how long it will take Boston College, Fairfield, Loyola Chicago, St Louis Universities to pray this Mass publicly????

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On 15 December 2009, Pope Benedict made public some "clarifications" (revisions?) he made to the 1983 Code of Canon Law in a motu proprio titled, Omnium in Mentem. To date, no English translation of the motu proprio has been made available, until now that is.

We are happy to have said document in English thanks to the work of Mr. Paul Haverstock. You can read it here: Omnium in mentem trans Haverstock.pdf.

While Mr. Haverstock's translation is not an official translation of the Holy See, it is a gift to have it now in well written English.

Blessed Anthony Neyrot

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Bl Anthony Neyrot.jpegLoving God, you called Blessed Anthony back to the light of your truth and made him an illustrious martyr. May we learn from his trials and by our self-denial come to love you above all things with all our heart.
B16 Notker Wolf & Elias Lorenzo.jpgMy friend Dom Elias Lorenzo, monk of St. Mary's Abbey (Morristown, NJ), is currently serving as the Superior and Prior of the Abbey of Sant'Anselmo in Rome, Italy, the headquarters of international Benedictine Confederation and home to the Pontifical Liturgical Institute.

In his capacity as Father Prior of Sant'Anselmo, Dom Elias recently (February 17, 2010) welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to Sant'Anselmo on the Aventine Hill. The Pope's visit to Sant'Anselmo is an annual event to begin the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday with a procession from the Abbey Church to the Church of Santa Sabina, the headquarters of the Order of Friars Preachers (the Dominicans) where the Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated.

The Holy Father was greeted by Abbot Primate Notker Wolf (also German) and Dom Elias, who escorted him into the basilica where he prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. There the Pope stopped for a brief prayer, before beginning Mass at the chair. Dom Elias said, "This is a unique liturgy in that the Pope intones a penitential litany and the monks, visiting bishops and cardinals process from Sant'Anselmo to Santa Sabina for the rest of the Mass." The pope vests for Mass at Santa Sabina.
Mass23.jpgHave you ever thought of Pope Benedict XVI's liturgical "style"? Or have you asked yourself, "What does Pope Benedict think about the sacred Liturgy?" Or have you asked yourself, "Do I know what the meaning of Catholic Liturgy is for the Church? Good. I want you to ask these questions because I want to encourage you to read some good things on the Liturgy and not the crap you generally find in the NCR or America Magazine. You can read longer works of Ratzinger's like A New Song for the Lord, The Feast of Faith, The Spirit of the Liturgy, Looking Again at the Question of the Liturgy with Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World (Ch. 17), among others.

BUT for a short piece on the subject you may be interested in reading the article by John Allen, "Liturgist: Pope aims to "propose' practices," where he speaks with the Pope's Master of Ceremonies, Monsignor Guido Marini. Plus, there's the "Q&A with Msgr. Guido Marini, papal liturgist."
Getting to the bottom of the story, or at least approaching the bottom, is welcomed news as to the validity of the alleged apparitions at Medjugorje by the Blessed Mother. Remember these apparitions have been going on since 1982! Are these apparitions or hallucinations? The answer may come if the reports that a Vatican commission has been established are true. An Italian media group is reporting that the Vatican is setting up a commission to be headed by Cardinal Camillo Ruini.

CNA speaks about some recent issues pertaining to the hallucinations, I mean, alleged apparitions. I am of the opinion that these events at Medjugorje are not true but I am willing to say that the Holy Spirit can bring good out of bad.

Saint John of God

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St John of God.jpgFather, You gave John of God love and compassion for others. Grant that by doing good for others we may be counted among the saints in Your kingdom.


Saint John of God made his conversion at the age of 40 (there's hope for those of us who are older) and is famously known for founding a group of brothers whose work is to serve the sick and the dying, especially the homeless and those on the margins of society. The order is known as the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God. A statue of St John of God is positioned among the great founders of religious orders at Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

Today, there are provinces of the brothers around the world, and in the USA, they can found here: The Hospitaller Brothers of Saint John of God.

Saint John of God is the patron saint for heart patients, hospitals, nurses, firefighters, printers and booksellers.
We beseech Thee, almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birth of the blessed English Cistercian Martyrs, may be strengthened by their intercession in the love of Thy Name.

English Cistercians.jpgUnder King Henry VIIIs order, many Cistercian monks were cruelly put to death for Catholic faith, the some may argue about pretexts. In the months of March and May 1537, died for the Catholic faith

Dom John Harrison, Abbot of Kirkstead, with Dom Richard Wade, Dom William Small and Dom Henry Jenkinson;

Dom John Paslew, Abbot of Whalley, with Dom William Haydock and Dom Richard Eastgate.

The Abbot of Fountains and a monk of Louth Park.

In 1538, these Cistercians were martyred:

Dom Robert Hobbes, Abbot of Woburn, with Dom Rudolph Barnes and Dom Laurence Blunham.

The Church also acknowledges as authentic confessors of the faith: Dom Thomas Mudd, monk of Jervaulx, who died on September 7, 1583;

Dom John Almond, who died on April 18, 1585;

Dom Gilbert Browne, the last Abbot of Sweetheart, who died on March 14, 1612.
Sts Perpetua & Felicity.jpegTheirs is the kingdom of heaven who despising a worldly life have attained the rewards of the kingdom, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb.


We beseech Thee, O Lord our Savior, grant us to revere with unceasing devotion the glorious victories of Thy holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity; may we at least honor with our lowly homage those whose praises we can not sing worthily.


Reading the Roman Martyrology (2004) today I also note that the Church remembers among others, the death of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Cistercian monastery of Fossanova, the Martyred priests in London under Henry VIII, Blesseds John Larke, John Ireland, Germain Gardiner, Discalced Carmelite nun Saint Terese Margarita Redi, in Russia Blessed Leonid Fedorov, bishop and martyr of the Russian Byzantine Catholic Church.
" . . . the glory of God is assumed fully, without limits and determinations . . . For us, the glory of God, being our end in all its breadth, is the measure of the quest for our own salvation and perfection, as well as for that of others."

~Achille Gagliardi, S.J.

Seminary and Sex

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Creation of Eve Michelangelo.jpgSexuality is a beautiful part of being human and it is a gift from God that needs to be known, understood, appreciated and embraced (no pun intended). Sexuality is a holy part of being a man or a woman. Unfortunately, that's not the message we receive in secular society and it is infrequently heard from the pulpit in Catholic churches and very likely not in other Christian communities. Unheard of from the pulpit, that is, until Pope John Paul II introduced his monumental work, Theology of the Body. But that's a topic for another time. Sexuality is not just a religious issue, it is a human issue and everything human is of our interest.

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly ran an interesting story on sexuality. I will say it makes some good points BUT there are some views that are inconsistent with Catholicism. OK, but that's a not a good reason not to watch the story! Familiarize yourself with the issues --watch the video and read something on the Theology of the Body. AND don't be scared.

At places like St Joseph's Seminary there's a course on human sexuality taught by Father John Bonnici, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York. Father Bonnici deals with the physiological, psychological, relational, spiritual and theological aspects of human sexuality viz. priestly ministry. AND I am glad to have the class. It is a forum for us to intelligently speak about human sexuality matters while considering the pastoral issues at hand that we will encounter in the parish setting. Learning on the job is not an adequate response any longer... sorry....
The Secretariat of State of the Holy See has asked me to convey the following message:

Way of the Cross 2010.jpg
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI sends greetings and the assurance of closeness in prayer to all attending the Good Friday Stations of the Cross organized by Communion and Liberation in New York City and in the other cities throughout the United States. It is his hope that by accompanying the Redeemer along the path leading to calvary they will draw ever closer to Him in His loving obedience to the Father's Will and His redemptive solidarity with suffering humanity, and be led to deeper conversion, more fervent faith and generous commitment to the spread of God's kingdom of reconciliation, justice and peace. Commending all present to the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of Easter joy and hope.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State

With prayerful good wishes, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop Pietro Sambi Apostolic Nuncio

NB:

There is a plenary indulgence granted to the faithful who

1. devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday; or

2. personally make the pious Way of the Cross, or devoutly unite themselves to the Way of the Cross while it is being led by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live on television or radio.
St John Joseph of the Cross.jpg

He was in prayer and even spent the night praying and giving thanks.

Father, You raised Your servant Saint John Joseph of the Cross through the rugged way of poverty, humility and patience to heavenly glory. Grant us the grace to follow his example so as to share in eternal joy.


Saint John Joseph comes from the island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples. Some might say it is better than Capri. Virtuous from his earliest days he followed the path set by Saint Peter of Alcantara -the same person who was a spiritual father to Saint Teresa of Jesus-- who developed a strict observant Franciscan fraternity which emphasized contemplation and penance. John Joseph was such an exemplary friar that he was asked to be ordained a priest and to make Franciscan foundations. In time he was appointed both master of novices and provincial superior. His humility endeared him to others; he insisted on menial tasks even though he had noble birth and positions of influence. John Joseph was zealous for souls and it is reported that he had the gift of prophecy and healing. As an insightful confessor John Joseph would encourage people to pray, live simply and be devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

More on Saint John Joseph can be read here.

Thumbnail image for Pope working for Alitalia.jpg

In the famous Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks of the three important spiritual exercises: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Here I want to write about fasting. And over the many centuries that the Catholic Church has existed, there has been development in the teaching based on experience.


Jesus' teaching on fasting is this:


*Fasting is an extremely important means --not an ends-- of resisting sin and the threat of hell.


*Fasting is practiced as a memorial of Christ's death on Good Friday; it ought to be practiced each Friday but the Church only requires fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.


*Fasting is intimately linked to prayer and almsgiving as spiritual exercises.


In paragraph of 2043 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting the Code of Canon Law, states, "The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart."


Our Church still believes that fasting is not only helpful, but is required because it forms and reforms a sense of faith, hope and charity. Serious Christians will not abandon the practice of fasting, especially before significant events in life like baptism, confirmation, marriage, ordination, etc. So what does the Church believe about fasting? Fasting means...


*There are two fast-days on which we are allowed but one full meal but person can have one full meal, take two other meatless meals, to maintain strength, according to one's needs. Taken together these two meatless meals should not equal another full meal.


*All people over 18 and under 59 years of age, and whose health and occupation will permit them to fast. (Abstinence begins for those who are 14.) The Church, showing mercy, does excuse certain persons from the obligation of fasting on account of age, health, work, or the circumstances in which they live. Children, from the age of seven years, and persons who are unable to fast are bound to abstain on days of abstinence, unless they are excused for sufficient reason. If questions persist, please find a parish priest for consultation.


*Fast-days occur during Advent and Lent, on the Ember days and on the vigils or eves of some great feasts. A vigil falling on a Sunday is not observed.


Fasting is often seen by some people as antiquated, harmful, or a waste of time. To think that fasting is only about the legal requirements of the faith, is a serious reduction of the practice of religion to ideology. Moralism is shallow and gets us no where. I will say, fasting is an essential part of being formed in the Catholic faith, adhering closely to Christ. No one who takes seriously their faith can dispense themselves without good reason from fasting as Christ fasted. Yes, it is hard and yes it is annoying but the pay-off is profound because it opens the body, the heart and the mind to grace. Fasting allows us to see more deeply and clearly the conversion we are called to work on, and to be less satisfied with the status quo. Fasting assists our restlessness in tending towards God by stripping away sin (and a little weight comes off, all the better). 


I have to say there is a beauty in fasting because it is a method in emptying myself of that which weighs me down either with food --which makes me sluggish and at time incapable of listening to the movements of the Holy Spirit in my life-- or fasting from sinful tendencies which can also make me sluggish but there is a significant risk in not fasting from sin because sin leads away from God and from the heart of the Church, the sacrament of Christ on earth.

Saint Katharine Drexel

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Ever-loving God, You called Blessed Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to the African American and Native American peoples. By her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and the oppressed, and keep us undivided in love in the eucharistic community of Your Church.
A homage to Saint Katharine can be viewed here.

Read last year's entry for Saint Katharine.

Saint Aelred of Rievaulx

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Aelred Cap.png2010 marks the ninth centenary of the birth of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, an extraordinary English monk of the twelfth-century. At Ampleforth Abbey, a noted English Benedictine abbey, today marks the saint's birthday; and since I like Aelred and have a friend at Ampleforth, I am mentioning the saint again this year to mark his anniversary. (As an aside, his year of birth is variously noted as 1109 or 1110.) In Saint Aelred's time and location priestly was not universal, even if some scholars try to posit such a thought. Aelred's father and grandfather were both proprietary priests of Hexham in Northumberland. Aelred joined the newly founded abbey of Rievaulx, and because of his many gifts and influential friends (St Bernard of Clairvaulx and King David of Scotland and England whose mother was St Margaret, starters), he became the abbey's third abbot in 1147 after serving as abbot of Revesby Abbey. He was abbot for twenty years. Rievaulx became the mother house of other Cistercian monastic houses which fostered the Benedictine reform in England and Scotland. As abbot, Aelred was responsible for vast holdings of property and an abbey with 600 lay brothers and choir monks. In the Cistercian system of governance, abbots are required to be the Father-Immediate (an official visitor) to other communities in order to maintain the monastic way of life as established in the Charter of Charity (their constitution). The amazing part of Aelred's life became even more amazing when you consider that he was an author many works, most notably Christian Friendship (also called On Spiritual Friendship, which some say is a Christianized version of Cicero's De Amicita) and The Mirror of Charity written at the command of St Bernard and in-print today. Father David Knowles, OSB, called Aelred the "St Bernard of the North." Rievaulx Abbey no longer exists except in magnificent ruins located not far from Ampleforth Abbey.

Saint Aelred died on January 12, 1167. His feast day is January 12.
Yesterday, Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM, Cap, Archbishop of Denver, spoke to Houston Baptist University. His talk, "The Vocation of Christians in American Public Life," is read and/or watch it here.

He gets it right....
Cardinal Francis E. George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke to more than 12,000 people at BYU in Salt Lake City on February 23, 2010. His full address, "Catholics and Latter-Day Saints: Partners in the Defense of Religious Freedom," is found here: Cardinal George to BYU 2010.pdf.

Archimandrite Manuel Nin, rector of the Pontifical Greek College, Rome, Italy, published the following article in L'Osservatore Romano English Edition on February 24, 2010. The Church is more than a western experience and Nin's article brings a richness here for reflection and appreciation.

 

Lent in the Western Syriac tradition is preceded by a tradition that begins with the Fast of the Ninevites, which has as its reference and model the people of Niniveh who converted after hearing the Prophet Jonah's preaching.

 

In these days of fasting the deceased -priests, foreigners and faithful-- are commemorated and this means that the Church and Western Syriac liturgical tradition are closely bound to pilgrimages to the holy places and the tombs of martyrs.

 

The Lenten Liturgy begins with what is called the "Monday of oil" and one of the hymns of St Ephrem gives us the key to its interpretation: "stained bodies are anointed with sanctifying oil with a view to expiation. They are purified but not destroyed. They descend marked by sin and arise as a child."

 

This was originally a rite of anointing for catechumens that was later extended to all the faithful: the Liturgy also links it to the anointing at Bethany: "How gentle is the voice of the sinful woman when she says to the perfumer: "Give me the oil and tell me the price; give me the best quality oil and with it I shall mingle the sorrow of my tears, the better to anoint the first-born of the Most High; I trust in the Lord that through this oil he will forgive me my sins. The Lord see her faith and forgives her."

 

The six Sundays of Lent take the name of the Gospel passage that is read: the miracle of Cana, the healing of the leper, the healing of the paralytic; the healing of the Centurian's servant, the raising of the son of the widow Nain; the healing of the blind Bartimaeus. The Syriac Liturgy is intended to shed light light on the thaumaturgical and judicial aspects of Christ.

 

Rabbula Cana Feast.jpgThe miracle of Cana of Galilee begins the series of miracles contemplated in Lent to indicate mercy, forgiveness, salvation and life, which are given to us by Christ, the physician of humankind.

 

At Vespers of the First Sunday of Lent this aspect is developed at length: "Good Physician who heals all through repentance, Lord, sovereignly good and the First Physician, source of life and fount of healing, who heals our souls through our physical illness. You who have been called our true Samaritan and who, to deliver us from the wounds of our sins, have poured upon them mysterious oil and wine. You, Doctor of hearts and Healer of suffering, have marked us with the sign of the Cross, sealed with the seal of the holy oil, nourished with your Body and your Blood; embellish our souls with the splendor of your holiness; protect us from every fall and every blemish and bring us to the blessed inheritance reserved for those who have done acts of penance."

 

Furthermore, the Syriac tradition sees in the miracle of Cana the spousal union of Christ with his Church, and with the whole of humanity; at Cana the true Spouse  is Christ himself who invites suffering and sinful humanity to be united with him in order to bring it to the true nuptial chamber which is the Garden of Eden.

 

St Ephrem.jpgSt Ephrem sings: "Blessed are your guests, beautiful city of Cana! They enjoy your blessing and the jars filled with your word proclaim that in you are found the heavenly gifts that gladden the heavenly banquet."

 

The new wine that unites the fellow guests at the banquet is a symbol of the precious Blood that unites us with Christ himself: "You who, as the promised Spouse redeem the Church with your Blood, you who gladden the wedding guests of Cana, may you make your Church rejoice with your Body." The Syriac Liturgy still sees the jars as a model of the soul that becomes the place of a wonderful transformation in which Christ himself renews all that is old.

 

On all the Sundays in Lent prior to the celebration of the Lord's Passion, death and Resurrection, the Western Syriac tradition wishes to celebrate the miracles with which the Savior desired to manifest his divine mission among human beings. The Morning Office of all the Sundays in Lent contains this prayer:

 

"Merciful Lord, who came down to earth, in your compassion for human nature, you who purified the leper, opened the eyes of the blind and raised the dead, obtain that our souls may be purified and bodies sanctified; that the eyes of our hearts may be opened to understand your teachings so that, with repentant sinners, we may raise our praise."

 

The miracles recounted and celebrated on these Sundays lead us to contemplate the wonders of divine grace in human souls; thus many of the liturgical texts of Lent always end with the same conclusive refrain:

 

"We, too, Lord pray to you: touch our spirit and purify it from every stain, from every impurity of sin, and have mercy on us."

Around the world in past 2 weeks Communion and Liberation's Schools of Community have been praying for the good of Communion and Liberation while remembering the 5th anniversary of death of Monsignor Luigi Giussani. In the Archdiocese of Ottawa last Monday (February 22) Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ celebrated Mass for CL-Ottawa and here is a portion of his homily. One of the touching points in His Grace's homily is the phrase, "to follow Christ." The same phrase I used for my coat of arms; see above.


Five years ago today, Don Luigi Giussani, the founder of a movement that came to be known as Communion and Liberation was called home to God by the Lord Jesus Christ. Cardinal Ratzinger, our present pope was sent by Pope John Paul II as his legate to the funeral ceremony in Milan. On that occasion, he testified to the way in which Don Giussani had allowed himself to be led by Christ in a loving relationship from his earliest years, just as Peter had from the moment of his first encounter with Jesus: "This love affair with Christ, this love story which is the whole of his life, was however far from every superficial enthusiasm, from every vague romanticism. Really seeing Christ, he knew that to encounter Christ means to follow Christ. This encounter is a road, a journey, a journey that passes also-as we heard in the psalm-through the 'valley of darkness.' In the Gospel, we heard of the last darkness of Christ's suffering, of the apparent absence of God, when the world's Sun was eclipsed. He knew that to follow is to pass through a 'valley of darkness,' to take the way of the cross, and to live all the same in true joy."

St. Francis Xavier expressed this in a lovely poem, "O Deus, Ego Amo Te," translated touchingly by his brother Jesuit, the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins: 


O GOD, I love thee, I love thee-

Not out of hope of heaven for me

Nor fearing not to love and be

In the everlasting burning.

Thou, thou, my Jesus, after me

Didst reach thine arms out dying,

For my sake sufferedst nails, and lance,

Mocked and marred countenance,

Sorrows passing number,

Sweat and care and cumber,

Yea and death, and this for me,

And thou couldst see me sinning:

Then I, why should not I love thee,

Jesu, so much in love with me?

Not for heaven's sake;

not to be out of hell by loving thee;

Not for any gains I see;

But just the way that thou didst me

I do love and I will love thee:

What must I love thee, Lord, for then?

For being my king and God. Amen.

Blessed Agnes of Prague

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Bl Agnes of Prague detail.jpgLet us rejoice and shout for joy, because the Lord of all things has favored this holy and glorious virgin with his love.

Heavenly Father, You drew blessed Agnes away from the pleasures of royalty, and through the lowly way of the cross led her on the path of perfection. Grant that in imitation of her we may depreciate transitory things and always strive after those of heaven.


Blessed Agnes is known for her poverty and humility. She was an obedient daughter of the Franciscan charism. 

A portion of Blessed Agnes' life and deeds can be read here.
May the Lord grant you His peace!

Great news echoes in the heavenly courts: 16 Franciscan Friars of the Renewal novices professed temporary vows (poverty, chastity and obedience) today at Saint Antoninus Church (Newark, NJ). Newly elected Community Servant (Fr. Provincial) Father Mariusz Koch received the vows. A reception followed at the novitiate of the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary also in Newark, NJ. Bishop Emmanuel Cruz, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark was present. Here are some pics of the community.

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The Friars also invested 10 new men as novices on Saturday. Names are always fun, especially when you think, "where did they get that name from?" Read the new names:

Br Frantisek Marie Chloupek, Br Vittorio Maria Pesce, Br Jude Thaddeus Boyden, Br. Tobias Marie Redfield, Br Simeon Mary Lewis, Fr. Maximillian Mary McGoldrick, Br Seamus Mary Laracy, Br Mark-Mary Maximilian Ames, Br Angelus Immaculata Montgomery, Fr Felipe Immaculee Casadia.

May Saints Francis and Clare bless the new friars abundantly!
The tragic death of Michael Blosil, 18, son of Marie Osmond, the other day brings light to the sad reality of teen suicide. Noted by friends and family of the Osmonds, Michael had been battling the demons of depression.

The seriousness of the problem is seen in the statistics by the National Conference of State Legislatures:

19.3 percent of high school students have seriously considered killing themselves.
14.5 percent of high school students made actual plans for committing suicide.
900,000 youth planed their suicides during a major depression episode.

The Center for Disease Control said that suicide is the third leading cause of teen deaths between the ages of 15 and 24 behind accidents and homicide. And it is the fourth leading cause of children age 10-14.

For those interested in the subject, the Catholic Information Service published a booklet on suicide, Coping with a Suicide: Catholic Teaching and Pastoral Practice. You can also listen to the booklet as a download.

This booklet provides a helpful look into defining suicide and it helps the reader to identify the signs while giving some helpful resources.
 
May the saints lead Michael into paradise.

What is penance?

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Penance, essentially, always requires a change of life: from sin to virtue, luke warmness to fervor, fervor to sanctity. This interior change cannot be effected without divine help, but the Lord is not stingy in this regard, and even as he is calling a man to penitence, he is offering the grace necessary for this conversion.

For the Christian, to heed the call to do penance and to open his heart to the grace of conversion, means living his baptism, the sacrament through which men are plunged into the paschal mystery of Christ; they die with him, are buried with him, and rise with him. It is for this reason that during Lent the Liturgy often dwells on baptismal themes.

Death and resurrection in Christ, which are operative from baptism, are not a static fact which happened once for all, but a vital dynamic fact which should involve the Christian in the Lord's death and resurrection every day.

Divine Intimacy

Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD

March 2010.jpgUnited in prayer to God the Father, we ask Him to hear the pope's prayers for this month, especially,

 

The general intention

 

That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.

 

The missionary intention

 

That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent.

About the author

Paul A. Zalonski is from New Haven, CT. He is a member of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation, a Catholic ecclesial movement and an Oblate of Saint Benedict. Contact Paul at paulzalonski[at]yahoo.com.

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