Recently in Dominicans Category

"Among the means of holiness most useful and opportune for the defense of and progress of Christian faith and morals in our day, we recognize the Dominican Third Order as one of the most eminent, easy, and secure."

The link this article, "For Friars, Finding Renewal by Sticking to Tradition," leads you to a story about the Irish Dominicans who have had a resurgence in vocations by a keen attention to their tradition and the Church's. While the author concentrates on the wearing of the habit, there are other things that have been recovered: an authentic companionship (communal life), faithfulness to the Church, the wearing of the habit and the common, evangelical mission and conversion of mind and heart. Kudos for the Irish OPs in recognizing the signs so as not to diminish further, or even die.

I can't help but think that George Weigel's latest book, Evangelical Catholicism, reflects what the future of the Church will be, including life in religious orders, not only in the USA, but around the world. You have to read, and re-read this book. Plus, I am tending to think that Cardinal Dolan was correct in saying that the Church in the USA is more concerned with the institution than she is with being missionary. Would that it be the case that the Benedictines could recognize what the Irish OPs did. I offer this article so that we all may share in the Irish OPs joy for their own renewal. We can benefit by their witness.

Pope Gregory XVI, a Benedictine monk, made gambling on papal elections punishable by excommunication.

Gregory I, Boniface IV, Adeodatus II, Leo IV, John IX, Leo VII, Stephen IX, Gregory VII, Victor, III, Urban II, Paschal II, Gelasius, II, Celestine V, Clement VI, Urban V, Pius VII, Gregory XVI

Honorius II, Innocent II, Lucius II, Adrian IV, Gregory VIII, Eugene IV

Nicholas IV, Sixtus IV, Sixtus V, Clement XIV

Secular Franciscans have 2

Pius IX, Leo XIII

Innocent V, Benedict XI, Pius V, Benedict XIII

Eugene III, Benedict XII

Paul IV

Francis

The life of the Church is very interesting. Even such obscure things, seemingly that is, like that of the Papal Theologian, piques my wonder and awe at what is expected in our communal pursuit of Truth. And that's what the Papal Theologian helps us to do: seek the face of God. Perhaps in your seeking Truth, Beauty and Goodness you are genuinely curious about how the Church works and the people behind the work being done?

The Papal Theologian emeritus of the Papal Household, Georges Cardinal Cottier, OP, gave an interview to Jose Antonio Varela Vidal at Zenit (11 July 2012) about Blessed Pope John Paul II, with whom he worked intimately: "...he was a man of hope. When he said: 'Do not be afraid,' he certainly said it for the countries occupied by Communism, but he also said it because he saw that there was a certain decadence in the West. I would say he awakened the Church everywhere. Then, his love of life, this was fantastic and he witnessed this love of life in a life profoundly marked by illness, and young people understood him."

For centuries the Church has blessed olive oil as a sacramental for healing. Some will have oil blessed for lighting a lamp, bodily healing, and even some will use it in cooking. As a sacramental, oil is used in the same way we'd use Holy Water, Holy Salt, and holy images. The blessing given by the priest beseeches God through the intercession of Saint Jude to heal those who use the Oil protecting them from evil and giving the gift of good health of both mind and body. The Bible also speaks of the healing power of oil and its use also reminds us of our own consecration at the time of Baptism and again at Confirmation. This oil is blessed with the relic of St. Jude but is not to be confused with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Today, asking for Saint Jude's intercession and using the relic of Saint Jude, Father Ken blessed Saint Jude Oil for the Dominican Shrine of Saint Jude. The Shrine is a ministry of the Church of Catherine of Siena --NYC.

If you would like to get Saint Jude Oil, write to the Shrine at 411 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065. A $5.00 donation is requested to cover costs of mailing the Oil.

Blessing of Saint Jude Oil

Priest: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. God's creature, oil, I cast out the demon from you by God the Father + almighty, who made heaven and earth and sea, and all that they contain. Let the adversary's power, the devil's legions, and all Satan's attacks and machinations be dispelled and driven afar from this creature, oil. Let it bring health in body and mind to all who use it, in the name of God + the Father almighty, and of our Lord Jesus + Christ, His Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, as well as in the love of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who is coming to judge both the living and  the dead and the world by fire. 

All: Amen.