Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Saturday, 9 August 2008
THE VIGIL OF ST. LAURENCE, Martyr (II)
“St. Laurence, Deacon, is one of the most famous Martyrs of the innumerable Roman persecutions Uniquely among feasts of the second class he has a vigil Mass which follows:”

Collect: O Lord, give ear to our prayers, and by the intercession of blessed Laurence, Thy Martyr, whose festival we anticipate, graciously bestow upon us Thine everlasting mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

ST. ROMANUS, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Romanus, a Roman soldier, converted by St. Laurence, was cruelly beaten, and beheaded A.D. 261.”

Second Collect of St. Romanus: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God: that through the intercession of blessed Romanus, Thy Martyr, we may be delivered from all harm to the body and all uncleanness of mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:1-8, 12.
[The Church, in union with the Virgin martyrs offers to the Lord praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:24-27.
[All the followers of Christ must, like the martyrs, deny themselves.]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Friday, 8 August 2008
ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY, Confessor (III)
“The Cure d’Ars was born at Dardilly, near Lyons, in 1786. The sanctity of St. John Vianney gives to the obscure village Ars a universal fame. As parish priest he converted sinners and directed souls, not only those of his own flock, but people of all nations and conditions who came to consult this Spiritual Director. He died on August 4, A.D. 1859, and was canonized A.D. 1925.”

Collect: Almighty and merciful God, who didst make St. John Mary wonderful in his pastoral zeal and constant prayer and penance: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example and intercession we may be able to win the souls of our brethren for Christ, and together with them attain to everlasting glory. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11.
[The just man that hath not gone after earthly things is praised on earth and shall have glory everlasting.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.
[Christ admonishes all to watch and be ready for His coming.]

SS. CYRIACUS, LARGUS AND SMARAGDUS, Martyrs (Comm.)
“St. Cyriacus, Deacon, and his two companions, Largus and Smaragdus, were put to death in the persecution of Diocletian A.D. 303.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the yearly festival of Thy holy Martyrs Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus: mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate their heavenly birthday, may also follow the example of fortitude they showed in their martyrdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, 2:13-16.
[St. Paul was gladdened by the fortitude of the Christians.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 16:15-18.
[“Preach the Gospel of peace throughout the whole world.”]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com

Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Thursday, 7 August 2008
ST. CAJETAN, Confessor (III)
“St. Cajetan founded the Order of Theatines, who endeavoured to imitate the Apostles in absolute poverty, trusting alone in the divine Providence. The “Hunter of souls” as he was called, died A.D. 1547, after a life of extraordinary austerity and mystical experiences.”

Collect: O God, who didst grant to blessed Cajetan, Thy Confessor, grace to lead the life of an Apostle: grant by his intercession and example that we may always trust in Thee and desire only heavenly goods. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11.
[The just man that hath not gone after earthly things is praised on earth and shall have glory everlasting.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 6:23-33.
[“You cannot serve God and mammon.” “Therefore be not solicitous for your life … nor for your body … for your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things Seek ye therefore first the Kingdom of God and His justice.”]

ST. DONATUS, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Donatus, Bishop of Arezzo, in Tuscany, was beheaded under the Emperor Julian the Apostate A.D. 361.”

Collect: O God, the glory of Thy priests, grant, we beseech Thee: that we may experience the aid of Thy holy Martyr and Bishop Donatus, whose feast we are keeping. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. James the Apostle, 1:2-12.
[The benefit of tribulations. Prayer with faith.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 13:33-37.
[Take ye heed, watch and pray.]


Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Wednesday, 6 August 2008
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (II)
“The Gospel of this Mass gives a full description of the wonderful Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mount Thabor.”

Collect: O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thine only-begotten Son didst confirm the Mysteries of the faith by the witness of the fathers, and in the voice which came down from the shining cloud, didst wondrously foreshow the perfect adoption of sons: vouchsafe in Thy loving kindness, to make us coheirs with this King of glory, and to grant that we may be partakers of that same glory. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Epistle: From the Second Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 1:16-19.
[The Apostles were eyewitnesses of the majesty of our Lord at the transfiguration.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 17:1-9.
[Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor; manifestation of the divinity of Jesus.]

ST. SIXTUS II, Pope, Martyr and SS. FELICISSIMUS and AGAPITUS, Martyrs (Comm.)
“St. Sixtus (or Xystus) II and two of his deacons, St. Felicissimus and St. Agapitus, were martyred during the persecution of Decius A.D. 258.”

Collect: O God, who dost permit us to celebrate the heavenly birthday of Thy holy Martyrs, Sixtus, Felicissimus and Agapitus: grant that we may rejoice in their fellowship in everlasting bliss. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Wisdom, 5:16-20.
[The reward of the just and the reprobation of the wicked.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 6:17-23.
[The persecuted disciples of Christ will be rewarded in heaven.]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Tuesday, 5 August 2008
THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE SNOWS (III)
“This Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, called also St. Mary Major, was built on the Esquiline at Rome by St. Liberius, Pope from 352 to 366. Popular tradition relates that the site was traced out by a miraculous fall of snow on this date, which is that of the Church’s dedication.”

Collect: Grant to us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body: and through the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin may be delivered from present sorrow and possess eternal joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:14-16.
[Wisdom (here a figure of the Blessed Virgin) speaks of herself: her origin, her dwelling, her dignity and her fruits.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 11:27-28.
[The holy Mother of God is blessed among women.]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

from LifeSiteNews.com

I have heard it said that the true key to power lies in the ability to form the minds of the young. The powers that be wish to form the minds of our young in the modernist worldview, and so homeschooling represents to them a very grave threat, because they have little or no control over the formation of young minds. That power, instead, resides precisely where it belongs: with the parents. Homeschooling is far more accepted than it was 20 years ago, but the battle for the minds of the children is far from over. Perhaps it is just warming up. - TC

D.C. State Board of Education Approves New Restrictive Homeschool Regulations
By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 1, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The State Board of Education in the District of Columbia has approved the State Superintendent of Education's final draft of home education regulations that significantly increase restrictions on homeschooling families.
The proposed regulations have been a controversial topic since January, when the State Superintendent's Office created a first draft of new rules that sought to heighten restrictions and regulations on parents who choose to homeschool their children. The first draft included regulating the subjects parents must teach their children and a requirement that parents must permit home visits by D.C. school officials.
The Home School Legal Defense Association, spearheaded by HSLDA Staff Attorney Mike Donnelly and Senior Counsel Chris Klicka, launched a nation-wide campaign requesting homeschoolers across the country contact the D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
According to an HSLDA communiqué, thousands of families responded with calls and emails to the mayor, SBOE, and OSSE.
After three public sessions held to discuss the regulations, which resulted in some of the stricter proposals being removed by the OSSE, the Board passed the new regulations.
Among other things, the new regulations require annual notification of a parent's intent to homeschool on a form to be developed by the OSSE, maintenance of a portfolio of schoolwork, and up to two annual portfolio reviews by the OSSE to determine whether a homeschool program, in OSSE's opinion, is providing "regular, thorough instruction" in the required subjects.
“The participation of the homeschooling community was a very significant component of this process. The voice of the community helped to ensure that we approved regulations which are sound and balanced. We must make sure that our work with the community continues on this issue,” said DC State Board of Education President Robert Bobb.
However, some homeschooling groups who were heavily involved in the process of developing the regulations, including HSLDA, say they are far from satisfactory.
According to an HSLDA report, no guidelines are provided by the Board on the regulations, giving the OSSE arbitrary discretion to implement these new provisions.
Chris Klicka of HSLDA, testified before the board against the document, stressing the fact that homeschooling has a proven track record of success and therefore does not require further government interference.
"Homeschoolers throughout D.C. and the 50 states in scores of studies and surveys have scored 20 to 30 points above the national average, on the average, on national standardized achievement tests. Also, the publishers of the SAT and ACT College Entrance Exams have tracked homeschoolers for the last 10 years and found that on average they score above the national average. Furthermore, homeschool graduates who enroll in universities also do above average as the various studies and surveys in universities of their student body have shown," Mr Klicka said in his statement.
He also emphasized that parents should not be further burdened with arbitrary, overly intrusive, vague or restrictive rules.
Mike Donnelly, a staff attorney at HSLDA, added, "These regulations create situations where educational bureaucrats are violating the fundamental constitutional rights of parents, and are unnecessarily broad and difficult to manage. They have breached the trust between the District's government and its citizens."To read Christopher Klicka's written testimony go to: http://www.hslda.org/Legislation/State/dc/2008/NewRegs/Klicka_testimony_7-16.pdf
To read the new regulations go to: http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx?agency=seo&section=2&release=14329&year=2008&file=http://www.osse.dc.gov/seo/lib/seo/notice_of_proposed_rulemaking__dc_home_schooling_062708.pdfBack to Top Print this Story Email to a Friend View Story on LifeSiteNews.com

Feast days of the week 3-9 August, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Monday, 4 August 2008
ST. DOMINIC, Confessor (III)
"Dominic Guzmanan, born in Spain, opposed the errors of the Albingenses. He founded the Order of the Friars Preachers, contributing to devotion to the rosary, saving the Western Church from heresy and anarchy. He died A.D. 1221.”

Collect:O God, who has vouchsafed to make Thy Church illustrious by the merits and teaching of blessed Dominic, Thy Confessor: grant that, through his intercession, she may not be deprived of temporal help, and may ever advance in spiritual increase. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 4:1-8.
[St. Paul admonishes Timothy to hold firmly the sound doctrine of the Gospel. The Doctors of the Church were also renowned for their orthodoxy and their theological learning.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.
[Christ admonishes all to watch and be ready for His coming.]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Latin Mass in Ireland

The following came to me as a comment, but I thought I would put it out there as a separate post. -TC

"Saint Conleth’s Catholic Heritage Association invites you to honour the Holy Year of St. Paul by attending Holy Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite (Missal of Blessed John XXIII) on Saturday, 30th August, 2008, at 11 a.m., in St. Paul’s Church, Emo, Co. Laois, Ireland, followed by a tour of Emo Court House and Gardens.

For the past 15 years, St. Conleth’s Catholic Heritage Association has been working prayerfully for the provision of the Traditional Latin Liturgy in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.

Please confirm your attendance to: catholicheritagegroup@catholic.orgFor further details consult:www.catholicheritage.blogspot.com"

Humanae vitae at 40: the words of Pope Benedict XVI (courtesy of Rorate Caeli)

Sunday, 3 August, 2008
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENECOST (II)

"We have been initiated into spiritual life by the sacrament of Baptism, and strengthened, perfected, by the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Feast of Pentecost has celebrated the efficaciousness of Baptism and Confirmation: the graces and fruits given by the Holy Ghost. The Church recalls in the Liturgy today the duty of charity which derives from them."

Collect: O almighty and merciful God, of whose gift it cometh that Thy faithful do unto Thee worthy and laudable sThe Daily Missal and Liturgical Manualervice: grant us, we beseech Thee, that we may run without stumbling towards the attainment of Thy promises. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 3:4-9.
[The law of our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect development of the Law of Moses. Let us not follow a pharisaical interpretation of the law which reduces our religious duties to a few outward practices. “The letter killeth, the spirit quickeneth”.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 10:23-37.
[The parable of the good Samaritan shows us that our neighbor is every man, known or unknown, friend or enemy, to whom we are united by the bonds of Christian charity.]

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962 (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Notes from the Roman Missal (1962): Season After Pentacost (The Easter Cycle)

SECOND PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE EASTER CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE REDEMPTION).[i]
III. SEASON AFTER PENTACOST

This season begins with the Feast of the Blessed Trinity and is the longest of the Liturgical Year. It may comprise from twenty-four to twenty-eight weeks and differs considerably from the other liturgical seasons.

In the Liturgical Year there is a historical progression, beginning in Advent with the waiting for the coming of the Messias, followed by His birth at Christmas. During the Sundays after Epiphany, the Holy Childhood is commemorated, while during Lent we are reminded of the fasting in the desert and the Passion of Our Lord. The sacred cycle is completed at Eastertide, when we celebrate the Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord and the Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles.

In this last part of the ecclesiastical year, the Church, guided by the Holy Ghost, continues the work of redemption, realised during the preceeding part of the Liturgical Year.

“The Holy Ghost, whom the father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind whatsoever I have said to you.”

This last season of the Liturgical Year is filled with feasts of major importance: those of the Blessed Trinity, Corpus Christi, the Sacred Heart, the Assumption and Nativity of Our Lady, All Saints and All Souls.
[i] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)