Catholic Medical Weekly

Feast days of the week 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Saturday, 13 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST LUCY, Virgin and Martyr (III)
"Born at Syracuse in Sicily of noble parents, St. Lucy gave herself to Jesus and chose death rather than lose the incorruptible treasure of her virginity, A.D. 303. Her name occurs in the Canon of the Mass."

Collect: Hear us, O God, our Saviour: and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Lucy, Thy Virgin and Martyr: so we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 10:17-18.
[Jesus is the heavenly Bridegroom of chaste souls.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parable of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-12T00:01:00.003-05:00

Friday, 12 December, 2008 (Advent)
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, Patroness of the Americas (III)
(in U.S.A.)
Collect: O God, Who hast willed that, under the special patronage of the blessed Virgin Mary, we be laden with perpetual favors, grant to Thy suppliants that, as we this day rejoice in her commemoration on earth, we may enjoy the vision of her in heaven. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:23-31.
[As Wisdom the Blessed Virgin sets forth her origin, her dwelling, her dignity, and her fruits.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.
[The Visitation of our Blessed Lady. The Blessed Virgin Mary visits Elizabeth and Jesus visits and sanctifies John. Wherefore St. John leaps with joy and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Ghost exclaims: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.’]

FERIAL (Comm.)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Thursday, 11 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST DAMASUS, Pope, Confessor (III)
"St. Damasus became Pope in 366, after the persecutions were over. He condemned Arianism, commanded St. Jerome to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin, and composed inscriptions for the sepulchres of the Roman martyrs. He died A.D. 384."

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Damasus, Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 5:1-4; 10-11.
[Christ is the model for the Pope. The Pope directs the Church with love according to the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by Our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, 10 December 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

ST MELCHIADES, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Melchiades died peacefully, after undergoing great sufferings in the persecution of Maximian, A.D. 314.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Melchiades Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, 9 December, 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Monday, 8 December, 2008
Holy Day of Obligation
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (I)
"’I will put enmities between thee and the woman.’ In these words, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was announced to our first parents. It was to be the reversal of the friendship with the serpent contracted by Eve, when she listened to his voice and fell under his power. The second Eve was never to be under the power of the devil; the enmity between them was to admit of no possible exception. This involved the grace of being conceived immaculate. Mary’s Immaculate Conception was the foundation of all her graces. The absence of any stain or spot of sin distinguished her from all the rest of mankind. It distinguished her from the holiest of Saints, since they, one and all, were sinners. Her perfect sinlessness was the source of all her glory and all her majesty; it was this which opened the door to the unlimited graces that she received from God; it was this that raised qualified her for her divine maternity, and raised her to the throne as Queen of heaven.

‘O Queen, conceived without original sin, pray for us, who have recourse to thee.’”

Collect: O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, didst prepare for Thy Son a worthy habitation, we beseech Thee, that as Thou didst preserve her from every stain by the foreseen death of this Thy Son, so Thou wouldst grant that we also being cleansed from guilt by her intercession, may come to Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Proverbs, 8:22-35.
[The excellence of Wisdom. The Church applies this lesson to Our Lady.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-28.
[The Angelical Salutation: Our Lady is “full of grace”.]

FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sunday, 7 December, 2008
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (I)
"Numerous allusions appear in the Liturgy of this day to Jerusalem and her people. Let us be filled with the sentiments of hope and of joy, for the coming of Jesus is nigh. Let us prepare the way in our hearts for the Messias: Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ.”

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
[“A root of Jesse shall rise up” for the salvation of Hebrews and Gentiles.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.
[John the Baptist, sent “to prepare the way for the Messias”, puts the question to Jesus: “Art Thou He that art to come?” Reply of Jesus to the Precursor.]

ST AMBROSE, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"This Bishop of Milan was one of the four great doctors of the Western Church. As an orator he opposed the heretics, as a writer he enriched Latin literature with his sacred Hymns. He died A.D. 397."

Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father 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. Matthew, 5:13-19.
[Like the Apostles, the Doctors of the Church are the salt of the earth and the light of the 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 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Saturday, 6 December, 2008 (Advent)
First Saturday
ST NICHOLAS, Bishop and Confessor (III)
"The Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is one of the most popular oriental saints. The spiritual and temporal needs of his flock were the first object of his pastoral care. This worker of miracles died A.D. 342; his body was eventually enshrined at Bari in Italy."

Collect: O God, who didst adorn the blessed Bishop Nicholas with countless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 13:7-17.
[The faithful are exhorted to honour and obey their prelates.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:14-23.
[The parable of the talents is applied to Confessor Bishops.]

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 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Friday, 5 December, 2008 (Advent)
First Friday
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 121:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

ST SABBAS, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Sabbas organized monastic communities in Palestine and was famous for his virtues and austerities. He died A.D. 531.”

Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Sabas, Thy Confessor which we are now keeping: mercifully grant on this day of his heavenly birth that we may grow like him in deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father 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. 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)

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

Thursday, 4 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"The holy Bishop of Ravenna was one of the most eloquent preachers of the Church (Chrysologus means ‘golden speech’). He died at Imola A.D. 450."

Collect: O God, who didst choose blessed Peter Chrysologus, the illustrious Doctor, and miraculously point him out as one fit to rule and instruct Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have had him for our teacher on earth, so we may have deserve to have him for our advocate in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: 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. Matthew, 5:13-19.
[Like the Apostles, the Doctors of the Church are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.]

ST BARBARA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“This Virgin and Martyr died at Nicomedia about 235 A.D.”

Collect: O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed St. Barbara, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may be her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father 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, 25:1-13.
[The parable of the ten virgins. They that were ready went in with the heavenly Bridegroom to the Eternal Banquet.]

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 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-03T00:01:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, 3 December 2008 (Advent)
ST FRANCIS XAVIER, Confessor (III)
"One of the first companions of St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, preached the Gospel in India and Japan. He converted innumerable pagans and died in 1552 on his way to China."

Collect: O God, who by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis, wast pleased to join to Thy Church the nations of the Indies: mercifully grant that we who venerate his glorious merits, may likewise follow through the example of his virtues. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 10:10-18.
[“How beautiful are they that preach the Gospel of peace”, the faith in Christ.]
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 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-12-01T23:59:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, 2 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST BIBIANA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
"St. Bibiana was martyred at Rome under Julian the Apostate A.D. 363."

Collect: O God, the giver of all good gifts, who in Thy handmaid Bibiana didst to the flower or virginity join the palm of martyrdom: do Thou, through her intercession, so unite our minds to Thee by the bonds of charity, that we may be shielded from every danger and reap eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:13-17.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.
[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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)

Why can't I marry my tractor?

2008-12-01T01:54:00.005-05:00

In every state where the question of “homosexual marriage” has appeared on the ballot, it has been voted down. Nevertheless, the powerful and well funded homosexual lobby, abetted by a credulous, pliant and willing media, screams like a spoiled child, and will push and shove our soporific population until it gets its way. And, if it cannot have its way in the charade of the legislature it will, sooner or later, get its way by appeal to the true rulers of these United States, the judicial class. So much for the political scene.

Why is should the Catholic care about this? First, because homosexuals are men who engage in grave sin and I must, as a Catholic, hope and pray that they will find their way out of their sin just as I hope and pray that every sinner bound up in grave sin (myself, when it applies, included) will find his way out of the sin to confession, repentance, absolution, forgiveness, and penance. In that respect I do not view the man who engages in homosexual activity any differently than the man who engages in, say, adultery. The difference lies in the politics, and that is the second reason the Catholic should care about this.

An adulterer is an individual who engages in a grave sin. He may identify himself based on his philandering and may even - correctly - claim that his is a special “lifestyle”. But he doesn’t claim special privilege because of it. No one hears any discussion about “adulterer’s rights” because, in fact, there is no legal difference between the person who practices adultery and the one who does not. The adulterer can vote in an election, and so can the non-adulterer. The non-adulterer cannot break traffic laws with impunity, and neither can the adulterer. On an individual level, the act places the adulterer in a different place than the non-adulterer with respect to God and His judgment, but on a societal level adultery is invisible to the law, and only becomes a problem if it becomes widespread and accepted, because it is destructive to the general good order.
Likewise homosexuality. To be clear, homosexuality is a behavior in which an individual chooses to engage. The reasons that he chooses to do so may be as varied as those of the adulterer and, like the adulterer, the homosexual may identify himself based on his behavior, claiming that he has a different “lifestyle” than the man who does not engage in that activity. Like the adulterer, the act places the homosexual in a different place with respect to God and His judgment. Like adultery, homosexuality is generally invisible to the law, and only becomes a problem for society if it becomes widespread because, like adultery or any other immoral sexual activity, it is destructive to the general good order.

Consider: the homosexual claims he is discriminated against because he cannot marry another homosexual. However, what we really have is a man who desires to marry another man. So, we have a man, let us call him Joe, who wants to marry another man, and claims he is discriminated against because he cannot. But, I cannot marry another man either, so how is Joe discriminated against? Joe will say that the reason he cannot marry another man is because he and the other man wish to engage in homosexual activity. Well, suppose I wish to marry another man because he is a squash player and will play squash with me if I marry him. I still cannot marry him. I can claim that the reason I cannot marry him is because he is a squash player but the true reason that I cannot marry him is because he is a man. Besides, I do not need to marry him to play squash with him. Likewise, the man who engages in homosexual activity does not need to marry another man in order to copulate together. They can do it without being married. Where I live that goes on all the time. But for a man to marry another man is destructive to the institution of marriage in specific, and societal good order in general. Why? Marriage is a unique societal institution whose function is the renewal of society through the begetting, raising and educating of children. This bears repeating: the purpose of marriage is the renewal of society. There are wholesome and legitimate marriages which are for whatever reason childless, but that doesn’t change the primary purpose of marriage. It is also true that children can be begotten in ways other than marriage. They can be created quasi-synthetically, or they can be produced outside of natural marriage using the old fashioned methods of fornication or, perhaps, adultery. But the production of children leaves open the question of how they are to be raised (and, thus, how the society will renew itself), and there are only three answers to that question: the family, the state (which would include various state-derived experiments like communes and “same sex couples” raising children), or the street. Experience across all stable societies and thousands of years has shown the first choice to be, in general, the best one by far. So, marriage is central to the good order of society be cause it is central to the orderly renewal of society. A family comes from a marriage, and a marriage is between a man and a woman because children are produced only by a man and a woman.

So why can’t a man marry a man? Because the definition of marriage is a man married to a woman. I can cohabitate with another man, and I can engage in sex with another man, but by definition I cannot marry another many. Why can’t we broaden the definition? First, because changing the definition nullifies the definition. The “union” becomes a contract between two individuals, nothing more, and whatever it is you have, it is not a marriage. It is something else. Second, if two men can “marry”, there is no logical limit to who, or what, can be “married”. Why can’t three men get “married”? Three men and a boy? Three men and a teenage girl? A woman and a dolphin? Indeed, why I can’t I marry my tractor? I love my tractor, and we are in a stable long term relationship. But this is silly, you say. Well, so is marriage between two men.

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-11-30T23:59:00.002-05:00

Monday, 1 December, 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

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)

Sunday, 30 November, 2007

2008-11-30T00:02:00.001-05:00

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[i]

I. SEASON OF ADVENT

Sunday, 30 November, 2007
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (I)
"This First Sunday of Advent or the Fourth before Christmas, is the first day of the Liturgical Year. The Mass prepares us this day for the double coming (adventus) of mercy and justice. That is why St. Paul tells us, in the Epistle, to cast off sin in order that, being ready for the coming of Christ as our Saviour, we may also be ready for His coming as our Judge, of which we learn in the Gospel. Let us prepare ourselves, by pious aspirations and by the reformation of our life, for this twofold coming. Jesus our Lord will reward those who yearn for Him and await Him: ‘Those who trust in Him shall not be confounded.’”

Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.

[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)

Advent

2008-11-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Notes from the Roman Missal (1962): Advent (The Christmas Cycle)

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[i]

I. SEASON OF ADVENT (from the first Sunday of Advent to December 24).

"The liturgical texts used during the four weeks of the season of Advent remind the faithful of the ‘absence of Christ.’ The Collects of Advent do not end with, ‘through our Lord Jesus Christ,’ as during the rest of the year. In a spirit of penance and prayer we await the Mediator, the God-Man, preparing for His coming in the flesh, and also for His second coming as our Judge. The Masses for Advent strike a note of preparation and repentance mingled with joy and hope; hence, although the penitential purple is worn and the Gloria is omitted, the joyous Alleluia is retained. The readings from the Old Testament contained in the Introit, Gradual, offertory, and Communion of the Masses, taken mostly from the prophecies of Isaias and from the Psalms, give eloquent expression to the longing of all nations for a Redeemer. We are impressed by repeated and urgent appeals to the Messias: ‘Come, delay no longer.’ The Lessons from St. Paul urge us to dispose ourselves fittingly for His coming. The Gospels describe the terrors of the last Judgment, the Second Coming, and tell of the preaching of St. John the Baptist ‘to prepare the way of the Lord.’

In Advent, the Greek Church celebrates particularly the ancestors of Our Lord – all the Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament, but especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Latin Church also mentions them often in this period. In the Breviary, many texts are taken from Isaias (Introit of the second Sunday, Communion of the Third Sunday).

The idea of Advent is ‘Prepare you for the coming of Christ.’ Therefore the very appeals of the Patriarchs and the Prophets are put in our mouths in Advent. Prepare for the coming of Christ the Redeemer, who comes to prepare us for His Second Coming as Judge.

When the oracles of the Prophets were fulfilled and the Jews awaited the Messias, John the Baptist left the desert and came to the vicinity of the Jordan, bringing a baptism of penance to prepare the souls for the coming of Christ. The world took him to be the Messias, but he replied with the words of Isaias: ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord.’

During Advent we make straight for Christ the way to our souls – and behold, our Lord will come at Christmas.”

[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)

Just be good for goodness sake.

2008-11-24T20:45:00.004-05:00

Why believe in a god?

As a part of my daily commute in and around the environs of Our Nation’s Capitol, I have the opportunity to stand at a bus stop, waiting patiently with my fellow wage slaves (he also serves who only stands and waits) for the sometimes reliable cross town J1 bus. While serving each morning by standing and waiting, I am entertained by scanning the ads plastered on the sides of the non-J1 busses (there’s always so many of them) as they swish by. There are lots of ads for the new James Bond movie. There are ads for television shows, some apparently featuring many girls with few clothes. There are ads for the local taxpayer-funded left wing NPR propaganda outlet, (which is not, I don’t believe, under any threat from the threatened “Fairness” Doctrine). There are ads asking me to be kind to turkeys this Thanksgiving and go vegan, and there’s an especially pleasant series of ads which feature pairs of healthy young men of various ethnic backgrounds, shown from just above the nipple line up. The young men are naked (at least the parts of them you can see in the ads) and they have some sort of stuff on them that makes their skin and hair slightly shiny. They are in intimate poses – holding hands, for example - and the ads exhort us to show our love and get tested together. Presumably somebody in the District Metro approves these things.

Today, though, I made a positive sighting of what heretofore had been mere rumour – a large ad in very seasonal red and green Christmas colouring, which said, “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness sake.”

Why, indeed. I’ll just be good. However, as the J1 had not yet appeared (this by no means unusual) I had forced upon me a moment to reflect. What, exactly, is good? Is letting the little old lady who got on after me have my seat good? Why? After all, I was there first, and first come, first served is fair. Isn’t fair good? What about a phone call from work I had last night – is pouring tens of thousands of dollars into the NICU care of a 30 week premature infant with a massive bleed into her brain good? She’ll probably die anyway, and if she lives she’ll have all kinds of problems. Suppose, instead, her mother had chosen to have her partially delivered, and then chose to have the physician stick a sucker in her baby’s head, and suck out her brains. Is that good? Many English people, most English politicians, and virtually all of the English media and academic elite in the 1930’s thought the former German Army corporal with a flair for speechifying named Adolph Hitler was good. Not a few of the U.S. academic and media elite in the same time period thought Joseph Stalin was good. Was that good? What, exactly, is good?

The ad, of course, answers its own question, although I doubt in the way its sponsors (whoever they are) intend. The question posed is, “Why believe in a god?” The answer, so simple that it would fit on the side of a bus, is this: without God, we have no idea what good is.

Sunday, 23 November, 2008

2008-11-23T01:00:00.001-05:00

Feast days of the week 23-29 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Sunday, 23 November, 2008
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (I)
“Easter being variable, the number of Sundays to the First Sunday of Advent is, of course, variable also; but there cannot be less than 23, nor more than twenty-eight. The Mass for the Last Sunday after Pentecost is always said on the Sunday preceding Advent. If there are more than twenty-four Sundays after Pentecost, the Introit, Gradual and Communion of the twenty-third Sunday are repeated on all the remaining Sundays. But the Collects, the Epistle and the Gospel are taken from the Masses of the Sundays omitted after Epiphany.”

Collect: Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful to seek more earnestly this fruit of the divine work, that they will receive more abundantly healing gifts from Thy tender mercy. 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 Colossians, 1:9-14.
[St. Paul exhorts the Christian people to bring forth all manner of good works, in order that strengthened by the glorious might of our Saviour, they may bear all adversities with patience, joy and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:13-25.
[Jesus foretells the destruction of the world, and His second Advent, when all nations shall see the eternal Judge coming with power and majesty in the clouds of heaven.]

ST. CLEMENT I, Pope. Martyr (III)
“St. Clement I was a companion and a disciple of SS. Peter and Paul, and the third successor of St. Peter. He was exiled by the emperor Trajan and cast into the sea A.D. 100.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Clement Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. 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 Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 3:17-21; 4:1-3.
[Destruction is the end of those who are enemies of the cross.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew,16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by Our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]

ST. FELICITY, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Felicity, the mother of the Seven Holy Brothers, martyrs, was beheaded shortly after her sons A.D. 150.”
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who are keeping the feast of blessed Felicity Thy Martyr, may be shielded by her merits and prayers. 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, 51:13-17.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parable of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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)

Saturday, 22 November 2008

2008-11-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Saturday, 22 November 2008
ST. CECILIA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“St. Cecilia (or Cecily), of an illustrious Roman family, converted her husband, Valerius, and her brother-in-law Tiburtius, preserved her virginity, and was beheaded during the pontificate of St. Urban I A.D. 230.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Cecily, Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant that we who honour her by this solemn rite, may follow the example of her godly life. 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, 51:13-17.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.
[The parable of the ten virgins. They that were ready went in with the heavenly Bridegroom to the Eternal Banquet.]

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)

Better than nothing: Maine's Bishop Malone on homosexuals and marriage.

2008-11-21T02:06:00.000-05:00

Maine diocese against gay marriage. So notes the Lewiston, Maine SunJournal. The text of the Bishop's homily is here, and can be found on the website for the Diocese of Portland, Maine.

Now, Maine is my home of legal record, and has been for over 20 years, despite the fact that I haven't actually lived there full time for quite awhile. Nevertheless, God willing, I will live there full time (and raise my family there) in the not too distant future so the antics of the Diocese of Portland and its Bishop are of great interest to me. Maine's diocese, you see, is more like the norm in the American Church than otherwise, meaning it is ultra liberal, filled with Catholic communities and "cluster parishes" where deadly boring homilies are delivered every Sunday by fewer and fewer priests on obscure or irrelevant topics. The fruits of the Second Vatican Council. However, the recent elections seem to have made even Bishop Malone realize that things might be getting out of hand, and he delivered the homily linked above. A ringing condemnation of homosexual "marriage" it is not, but considering that this is the same Bishop who endorses a Maine law requiring companies to extend benefits to homosexual "domestic partners" of their employees it is a small lurch in the right direction. President Obama, his Catholic vice-President Joe Biden, and Catholic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will very soon challenge the Church for the souls of the faithful in ways that have never before happened in this country. Perhaps this threat will stiffen the spine of Bishop Malone and his confreres.

Friday, 21 November 2008

2008-11-21T01:00:00.004-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Friday, 21 November 2008
THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (III)
“Truly Mary became the Lady above all creation in her role as the Mother of the Creator. She was born in Joachim’s house near the Probatica, and was presented in the temple. Thereupon ‘planted in the house of God’ and nurtured by His Spirit, like a fruitful olive tree she flowered forth in all virtues.”

Collect: O God, who didst will that this day the ever blessed Virgin mary, dwelling place of the Holy Ghost, should be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech Thee, that through her intercession, we may be worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy 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, 24:14-16.
[Wisdom, seen as 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)

Thursday, 20 November 2008

2008-11-20T01:00:00.003-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Thursday, 20 November 2008
ST. FELIX OF VALOIS, Confessor (III)
“St. Felix, of the royal family of France, with St. John of Matha founded the Order of the Trinitarians for the ransom of captives. He died A.D. 1212.”

Collect: O God, who by the voice of an angel didst recall Thy blessed Confessor Felix from the desert to undertake the ransoming of captives: grant, we beseech Thee, that by Thy grace we may be freed from the bondage of sin through his intercession, and may be guided safely to our heavenly country. 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 Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 4:9-14.
[Like the Apostles the Confessors were renowned for their holiness and their sufferings.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:32-34.
[Be not solicitous for earthly things, but make yourselves a treasure 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)

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

2008-11-19T01:00:00.003-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
ST. ELIZABETH, Widow (III)
“St. Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, king of Hungary, was given in marriage to the holy landgrave of Thuringia, Louis IV. After the death of her husband, she entered the Third Order of St. Francis, and died in poverty and humiliation, exiled by her brother-in-law A.D. 1231.”

Collect: Shed Thy light upon the hearts of Thy faithful people, O merciful God, and through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, grant that we may despise worldly success and find our joy in heavenly consolation. 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 Proverbs, 31:10-31.
[Description of all the necessary duties and virtues of the valiant woman.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

ST. PONTIANUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Pontianus was exiled under Emperor Severus and was eventually scourged to death, A.D.235.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Pontianus, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. 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. Peter The Apostle, 5:1-4; 10-11.
[Christ is the model for Popes. The Pope directs the Church with love and according to the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew,16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by Our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]

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)

NYT: Doctors who won't perform abortions don't need any more protections.

2008-11-18T19:36:00.005-05:00

A friend sent me this link to a New York Times article here. The upshot of the article is that doctors (and other medical professionals) who oppose (and won't perform) abortion and contraception on moral grounds don't need any protection. Not too surprisingly, the Obama administration is in favor of forcing medical professionals to engage in these acts; sadly, the medical establishment (e.g., the AMA and its organs such as the New England Journal of Medicine, which is heavily pro-abortion) is in line with the Obama administration. This battle has been going on for years; it will heat up in the new year as the new Administration has stated that getting FOCA passed will be a priority. And how, you might ask, can a physician be forced into such things? Simple: medicine is the most highly regulated profession out there. Physicians can lose privileges for any number of reasons; hospitals can lose certification for any number of reasons. And, if that doesn't work, you just don't pay them (this may happen under the new administration anyway, but that is a separate topic). Some years back I saw an article in a Catholic bioethics journal arguing that the day may soon come when Catholic physicians and Catholic hospitals simply can't practice medicine. This is a distinct possibility. Perhaps we can all get a job at GM.

Remeber, American Catholics put the President-elect in power.

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

2008-11-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Tuesday, 18 November 2008

THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICAS OF SS. PETER AND PAUL (III)
“The two Basilicas, of st. Peter on the Vatican Hill and of St. Paul without the Walls, on the Ostian Way, were erected by Constantine on the site of the martyrdom of these Apostles. They were consecrated by St. Sylvester on November 18 A.D. 325.”

Collect: O God, who, though unseen, upholdest all things, and yet for the salvation of mankind dost visibly show signs of Thy power: give glory to this temple by the might of Thy indwelling, and grant that all who in their deep distress shall come and call upon Thee here, may receive Thy goodly comfort. 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 the Apocalypse of Blessed John the Apostle, 21:2-5.
[The new Jerusalem, the Church described.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 19:1-10.
[This day is salvation come to this house, the Church.]

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)

Monday, 17 November 2008

2008-11-17T01:00:00.001-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Monday, 17 November 2008
ST. GREGORY THAUMATURGUS, Bishop, Confessor (III)
“St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (the Wonderworker) was Bishop of Neo-Cesarea, his native city, in Pontus. He died famous for his missionary labours A.D. 276.”

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of blessed Gregory, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. 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 Blessed James the Apostle, 1:12-18.
[God is the Author of all good, but not of evil. The benefit of tribulations, of martyrdom.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 11:22-24.
[Pray and you shall receive.]

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)

Fr. Jay Scott Newman, Catholics, and BHO (Follow up)

2008-11-16T10:35:00.004-05:00

My understanding is that Fr. Newman's Diocese has no Bishop, but an Administrator. I assume he's the one mentioned in the story, and I am so thankful that he, too, is supporting this courageous priest. As is pointed out in another LifeSite article here, these are not times for the hierarchy of the Church, from His Holiness on down the chain of Command, to be "nuanced" about Church teaching. Nuance has already done too much damage, to the Church, and to souls - sinners, I foremost among them, look to nuance for the loopholes which allow me to continue in sin. The lines are clearly drawn. The opposition will push as hard and as far as they can. The pushback must be unambiguous and strong.

Followup on Fr. Newman (link from LifeSite).

Sunday, 16 November, 2008

2008-11-16T01:37:00.000-05:00

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Sunday, 16 November, 2008
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (II)
(When there are 28 Sundays after Pentecost, the 27th Sunday uses the Mass of the 6th Sunday after Epiphany.)
"Our mother the Catholic and Roman Church is permeated with the word of Christ, and is admirably represented by the three measures of meal, which the energy of fermentation wholly leavened; and by the mustard tree, the greatest of its species, where the birds of heaven are glad to find shelter. May the ‘leaven’ of the doctrine of Jesus penetrate and transform our souls!"

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that thinking everything over in our minds, we may accomplish, both in words and works, that which is pleasing in Thy sight. 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 Thessalonians, 1:2-10.
[The word of God produces in the hearts of Christians the wonders of faith, hope and charity.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:31-35.
[Jesus reveals to us ‘things hidden from the foundation of the world.’ Parables of the three measures of meal and of the mustard plant.]

ST. GERTRUDE, Virgin (III)
“St. Gertrude, born in 1256 in Germany, was a Benedictine abbess celebrated for her revelations concerning the Sacred Heart. Her writings are very important for mystical theology. She died A.D. 1334.”

Collect: O God, who in the heart of the holy Virgin Gertrude didst provide for Thyself a pleasant dwelling: through her merits and intercessions, do Thou, in Thy mercy, wash all stains from our hearts and grant us joyful fellowship with her. 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 Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 10:17-18; 11:1-2.
[Jesus is the heavenly Bridegroom of chaste souls.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.
[The parable of the ten virgins. They that were ready went in with the heavenly Bridegroom to the Eternal Banquet.]

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)

Why doesn't the Pope fire these people?

2008-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Bishop Crispian Hollis of the Portsmouth diocese in southern England has said he is “thrilled” at the election of Obama. The bishop’s message, posted on the website of the Portsmouth diocese, says, “With millions of others, I have been thrilled by Barack Obama’s victory and I thank God for it. For me, it represents a rare moment of hope and optimism which shows American democracy at its best and it is of seismic significance and potential for the whole global community. And so, more than ever now, he deserves and needs us to keep him in our prayers.”

Monsignor W. Francis Malooly, the Catholic bishop of Wilmington in Delaware, said he would not ban Joe Biden, the Vice President elect and a Roman Catholic, from taking Communion because of his stand on issues such as stem cell research and abortion. Mr Biden, a Senator from Delaware, lives in the Wilmington diocese. The bishop was quoted as saying that "the Eucharist must not be politicised".

Fr. Jay Scott Newman, Catholics, and BHO

2008-11-13T19:30:00.006-05:00

Just a day or two ago I was complaining about how BHO and his Democratic machine have cowed the Catholic hierarchy, and then along comes this priest at St. Mary's in South Carolina who has the stones to come out and say it: you can't vote for BHO and simultaneously be in be in a state of grace to receive the Blessed Sacrament. That's because in giving him your vote, you have materially cooperated with the most radical pro-abortion politician in the nation in helping him further his Godless agenda. I have no doubt that Fr. Jay Scott Newman will come under severe attack for this, and that many of the attacks will come from those who call themselves Catholic. I hope his Bishop has the courage to support him. I wish, oh I wish, that His Holiness would make men like Fr. Newman (and others, there are others, a few others, with courage) Bishops, and retire some of the nincompoops who currently hold the offices.

Sign the petition to stop FOCA!

2008-11-11T20:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to the petition at Americans United for Life to stop FOCA (thanks to Children of God for Life for the link, which is now pasted on the sidebar).

Catholic Bishops oppose Catholic pro-abortion politicians.

2008-11-11T20:24:00.003-05:00

I gratefully applaud those bishops who are showing some spine in this business of "Catholic" politicians and so-called abortion "rights".

Understanding abortion.

2008-11-09T11:45:00.005-05:00

"The appellee...argues that the fetus is a "person" within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment...If this suggestion is established, the appellant's case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed... All this...persuades us that the word "person", as used in the Fourteenth Amendment, does not include the unborn."
-Roe v. Wade

The question of abortion is not a religious issue. It is a secular one. To understand this, one must understand the question that the 1972 Supreme Court decision known as Roe v. Wade was answering. The question decided by Roe was simply this: can the Federal Government define and identify a group of human beings to whom the legal rights and protections of personhood do not apply? This question is manifested in Blackmun’s own words, which form the header of this piece, and which bear repeating: "The appellee...argues that the fetus is a "person" within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment...If this suggestion is established, the appellant's case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed..." What was the point of this phrase?

On March 6, 1857, United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney handed down the Court’s decision regarding the case of one Dred Scott, a black slave who had sued for his freedom based on his residence for a period of time in the free territory of Wisconsin. The Court’s decision was that Dred Scot was, and had always been, property, and the fact that his owner had temporarily resided Scott in the free territory of Wisconsin did not change that. The central point in all this was not whether Scott was a human being, a person – the Court clearly said that he was, and referred to him as such. The question was whether this person could also be property and as such be ineligible for full protection under the laws of the United States. The Court’s answer was, “yes”, as long as he is a member of a particular subset of persons, specifically, blacks of African descent. Further, the Court endorsed the right of a person to choose to own a member of this particular subset of persons. One of the central disputes in the Civil War was the issue of states’ rights vis a vis the Federal Government: the Confederacy had some very legitimate beefs regarding the expanding powers of the Federal Government. Unfortunately, the right that the Confederate States chose as a vehicle to launch what was, in principle, a legitimate complaint was the right to choose to own another human being, provided he was a member of a defined subset of human beings.

Subsequent to the Civil War, the Congress recognized this problem, and the 14th Amendment was born. It goes like this:

Section 1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States and the States wherein they reside... nor shall any State deprive any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

And so the matter stood in our nation for 104 years. Not all persons were citizens, but all persons were given equal protection under law. Thus, a man who climbs over the border fence into Texas is not a citizen (not as of this writing, anyway), but he is a person. As such, if I shoot him I am just as liable to prosecution as I would be if he were a citizen and I shot him. That the framers of the 14th Amendment simply assumed that the definition of “personhood” extended to include unborn babies is supported by the simple fact that virtually all the States in the Union already had laws outlawing abortion and there is no record that anyone in the late 1860’s felt any need to alter that. By 1973, though, things had changed: the power elite wanted abortion legal. Justice Blackmun realized that he couldn’t do this because the 14th Amendment stood in the way. Notice that nowhere here is anyone talking about whether the unborn child is human or not, or alive or not, because it so obviously is both of those things. So, to get around the question of personhood, the Court simply, unilaterally, declared the unborn child an unperson to whom the protection of the law did not apply. As Justice Byron White noted in his written dissent, this was an exercise in raw judicial power.

Consider these two statements, both from the United States Supreme Court, the firts from Roe v. Wade, the second from Scott v. Sanford:

"All this...persuades us that the word "person", as used in the Fourteenth Amendment, does not include the unborn."

"A free negro, of the African race, whose ancestors were brought to this country and sold as slaves, is not a "citizen" within the meaning of the Constitution of the United States."

What both Scott v. Sanford and Roe v. Wade were about was deciding whether the Government could identify groups of biological human beings who were not protected under the law. In both instances, the Court’s answer was, “Yes, we can. We can identify subgroups of human beings to whom the protections of the law do not apply." This point cannot be overemphasized. In the 19th Century the identified subgroup was blacks of African descent. In the 20th, they were unborn children unwanted by their mothers. At the dawn of the 21st Century – who knows? Anyone can be an unperson. There is no meaningful logical difference between a man’s right to choose to own a member of a specified subgroup of humans, and a woman’s right to choose to kill a member of a specified subgroup of human beings. Indeed, as evil as slavery is, abortion is even more evil. In slavery, the slave is not condemned to death. In abortion, the child will die.

The question of abortion is not a religious issue, but a secular one. The question, simply, is this: do the legal protections of “personhood” extend to all biological human beings, or can some groups be exempted? How we answer this question has profound implications for the society our children will inherit.

Thought you'd like to know.

2008-11-09T10:22:00.001-05:00

President-elect Obama's transition chief said Sunday the incoming administration is looking to reverse President Bush's executive orders on stem cell research, oil and gas drilling and other matters.

St. Charles Borromeo and the USCCB

2008-11-05T19:01:00.008-05:00

“St. Charles, Cardinal Archbishop of Milan, was one of the greatest and holiest prelates of the years when the great Council of Trent was being completed and its enactments put into execution. He reformed the clergy and renewed the spirit of the monasteries in his diocese. He died A.D. 1584.” (The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, Baronius Press, 2004)

The other day, while in discussion with a colleague, the subject of religion came up. He asked if I was Catholic.
“Why, yes,” I quipped. “Can’t you tell? All those children (we have five).”
“Oh,” he said, “but the American Church allows contraception.” It is worth noting here that my colleague is also Catholic, of the “cradle” variety.
“No,” said I, “that’s not correct. The Church does not allow contraception, and the ‘American Church’ would have no authority to do such a thing.”
“Well, I didn’t know that,” he replied. “But”, he observed, “everyone does it anyway.”

That, of course, is true. Contraception rates among Catholic women are actually slightly higher than among women at large, 70% among Catholic women according to a 1995 study, compared to 64% among women at large.[i] A pretty sad state of affairs, but similar trends are seen regarding divorce and remarriage (everyone knows that “annulment” is simply “the Catholic divorce”), abortion and, if the composition of our elected officials is any indication, willingness to continue with abortion as the law of the land. In short, Catholics look no different demographically than any other identifiable group in this land.

I write this the morning after the election. The reason, the pundits say, that the Republicans have lost it all is because they have not been true to their base, trying to curry favor with the opposition by disregarding traditional conservative principles. It is certainly possible that if the Republicans had remained true to themselves they would have lost the elections anyway – after all, the opposition has a well documented abhorrence of those principles, and they won a majority – but at least the Republicans could look at themselves in the mirror. Currently, they have the worst of both worlds: abandonment of their principles, and loss of the election. So be it.

There is a parallel with the Catholic Church. The Church has largely abandoned her principles, at least for purposes of public discourse, anyway, and tries to appease her opponents, who have no interest in being appeased. This represents a failure in leadership. Starting at the top, with the Pope, and proceeding down throughout the ecclesial chain of command (bishops are, after all, put in their positions by the Pope) the hierarchy has diluted Church teaching and in so doing she has lost her ability to speak definitively and clearly to the Catholic on matters of faith and morals, matters which in turn guide the Catholic in the choices of day to day life. None of this is to say that the current Pope, any of his predecessors, or any of the bishops are in any way illegitimate. They are not. They are duly and legally appointed, and regardless of whatever shortcomings they may have as men, we owe them all the respect due their offices. But the simple fact is the recent Popes have appointed to high authority men who are, more often than not, incompetent to do their duties, and the Church and the faithful have suffered for it.

However, the Church is not a political party or a secular government, superficial resemblances notwithstanding. The Church is instituted by God, and is protected by Him from destruction, despite the foibles of the weak and willful men entrusted with her care. No political party, and no nation, can make the same claim. That doesn’t mean God won’t allow the men of the Church to make some grievous mistakes before things are set right. After all, it was decades of bad judgment by Church leadership which led to the Protestant Revolt and, only after this pain was inflicted did the Church right herself with the Council of Trent. Which brings us to St. Charles Borromeo and the American Church. St. Charles was one of the many true leaders of that time, the time of the dissolution of Christendom, who stepped forward and helped right the Church with clear and uncompromising teaching on matters of faith and morals. The Church had nothing to lose, after all; the fracture had happened, and was (and remains) beyond the grasp of men to correct. But the Church could to her own self be true, and that she did. Today the Church lacks true leaders, men who can stand unflinchingly against the forces arrayed against her. At least, she doesn’t have very many. There are a few, to be sure, and they deserve our support. But for the most part we have got not leaders in the USCCB but administrators and politicians, men who are primarily concerned with preserving their personal offices. Most are incompetent. And now we in the United States are faced with an Administration and a Congress which plans to make a centerpiece of the devaluation of human life, the redefinition of a legal person from a human being to an entity defined by the State, and to force those who would oppose these things to legal sanctions under the Freedom of Choice Act. And, the Vice President-elect, and the Speaker of the House, major architects of the monstrosities which await us, are Catholic. They were voted in by American Catholics. The Speaker received the Blessed Sacrament at the Papal Mass in the United States this past summer, and bragged about it. One hopes, and wonders, and prays, that the US Council of Catholic Bishops will have the stones to directly and clearly confront these people in their iniquity.

[i] Data from the National Center for Health Statistics, published in Fehring, R. and Schlidt, A.M. "Trends in Contraceptive Use Among Catholics in the United States: 1988-1995" The Linacre Quarterly - Journal of the Catholic Medical Association Vol.68 No. 2, May 2001. Pp. 170-185.

NSF

2008-11-04T19:54:00.003-05:00

Perhaps now we shall find out exactly what he means by this.

Flu vaccines 2008

2008-11-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

Ever since I first became aware of the vaccination question, I have dreaded the arrival of the "flu season", and its attendant, required flu shots. Some sort of flu vaccine, either the shot or the snorted version, is required for pretty much anyone who works in a hospital, whether you're a physician, nurse, or work in the laundry. Getting the shot per se doesn't bother me. It may even almost make sense from an epidemiologic standpoint. What bothers me is the fact that - sooner or later - the shot is going to be manufactured using cell cultures derived from aborted babies, and that will put it on the "morally tainted" list. When this happens, I will no longer be able to passively roll up my sleeve and let the corpsman jab me in the arm (full disclosure: I'm too old for the snorted version). Rather, I shall have to refuse on moral grounds and this shall jam me up with my bosses for sure: I have no doubt that I will find myself standing, not sitting, in front of the big boss's big wooden desk, trying to explain why, as a Catholic, I should refrain from partaking of a vaccine whose manufacture involved the use of cell lines derived from aborted babies. Not being of martyr material, I dread that this day may come, as I have many mouths in my house who depend on me for their daily bread. So, for the past year or two have found myself reviewing the package inserts for all the year's current crop of flu vaccines so as to see where I stand. This year is no different. I went to the FDA's "Resources for health professionals" and obtained the list of all the vaccines and inhaled mists for this flu season. Then I checked their package inserts, generally a pretty good way of finding out what you need to know about a thing. Whew! They're all manufactured the good ole' fashioned way, culturing the viri in embryonated chicken eggs. That's bad news if you're a chicken embryo, but it's good news for me: I can put off doing the rug dance in the boss's office for another year.

Obama's abortion stance sends young evangelicals to McCain

2008-11-03T02:38:00.001-05:00

So reads the header of a story in the 30 October edition of the Washington Times. The centerpiece of the article is a Greenberg Quinlan Rosner poll which says that two thirds of all Catholics and white evangelical Protestants of all ages oppose funding for poor women overseas, and 70% of evangelicals say abortion should be illegal in all of most cases. The implication is that these people will vote for McCain over Obama, though I was unable to convince myself that the poll results say precisely that.

Evangelicals, in general, take their religion far more seriously than Catholics do theirs. It is the evangelicals, not the Catholics, whom the abortionists fear. While a few Catholic groups and some individual Catholics (and the all too rare Bishop) are quite staunch and heroic in their opposition to the murder of unborn children, as a group, American Catholics are, well, toothless. Certainly the hierarchy is wishy-washy: if the Catholic hierarchy were starched regarding settled issues of the faith (including, but by no means limited to, abortion), the elite and the media would be ridiculing the US Council of Catholic Bishops as fiercely as they do Focus on the Family, and Nancy Pelosi would not have received the Blessed Sacrament at a Papal Mass. But they don't, she did, and Catholic Church parking lots are filled with cars sporting Obama bumper stickers. Just so we're clear - Hussein Obama is arguably the most radical, pro-abortion politician to have ever held office, and will far and away be the most pro-abortion President if we are so unfortunate as to have him elected. And, if that misfortune befalls us, Catholics will have contributed greatly to his victory.

Daylight Savings Time 2008

2008-11-01T07:34:00.002-04:00

For those of you who, like me, can never remember this stuff, I have the following from our friends at the U.S. Naval Observatory:

"Starting in 2007, daylight time begins in the United States on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. On the second Sunday in March, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the first Sunday in November, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These dates were established by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. no. 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005).
Not all places in the U.S. observe daylight time. In particular, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not use it. Indiana adopted its use beginning in 2006.

In 2008, daylight time begins on March 9 and ends on November 2.

In 2009, daylight time begins on March 8 and ends on November 1.

Many other countries observe some form of "summer time", but they do not necessarily change their clocks on the same dates as the U.S.
Daylight time and time zones in the U.S. are defined in the U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 6, Subchapter IX - Standard Time.
History of Daylight Time in the U.S.
Although standard time in time zones was instituted in the U.S. and Canada by the railroads in 1883, it was not established in U.S. law until the Act of March 19, 1918, sometimes called the Standard Time Act. The act also established daylight saving time, a contentious idea then. Daylight saving time was repealed in 1919, but standard time in time zones remained in law. Daylight time became a local matter. It was re-established nationally early in World War II, and was continuously observed from 9 February 1942 to 30 September 1945. After the war its use varied among states and localities. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 provided standardization in the dates of beginning and end of daylight time in the U.S. but allowed for local exemptions from its observance. The act provided that daylight time begin on the last Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October, with the changeover to occur at 2 a.m. local time.
During the "energy crisis" years, Congress enacted earlier starting dates for daylight time. In 1974, daylight time began on 6 January and in 1975 it began on 23 February. After those two years the starting date reverted back to the last Sunday in April. In 1986, a law was passed that shifted the starting date of daylight time to the first Sunday in April, beginning in 1987. The ending date of daylight time was not subject to such changes, and remained the last Sunday in October. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed both the starting and ending dates. Beginning in 2007, daylight time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
For a very readable account of the history of standard and daylight time in the U.S., see
Ian R. Bartky and Elizabeth Harrison: "Standard and Daylight-saving Time", Scientific American, May 1979 (Vol. 240, No. 5), pp. 46-53."

Freedom of Choice Act

2008-10-29T19:39:00.007-04:00

I will admit, I've been pretty discouraged about the current election. It's true, I am not a huge fan of John McCain. Many years ago, while going through the Naval Flight Surgeon training program down at Pensacola, we had a lecture from one of the long term Hanoi POW's from the Viet Nam war (this particular speaker is since deceased). One of the people who came up in his talk was Naval Aviator John McCain, a man whose story is pretty well known now. McCain was a true hero in those days, meaning one whose actions put him in danger of immediate damage or death, and he was an inspiration to his fellow prisoners. What happened to those most heroic and admirable traits once he became a politician I do not know (I am reminded of John Glenn, another man with admirable qualities in his youth which were shed in the interest of politics) but J. McC. is, for better or for worse, the Republican candidate. Whatever his shortcomings, though, I believe in my heart of hearts that John McCain believes in his heart of hearts that he is, in the final analysis, a man, nothing more.

I do not believe that's true of B. Hussein Obama. I believe that he believes that he is not just a man, but perhaps something more. Certainly great heaps and piles of his fawning disciples believe that. Make no mistake, a man who is both President and under the impression he is more than a mere man is a dangerous combination, especially when he has as compliant and radical a Congress as BHO is likely to have. Whether it will be as grim as Mr. Buchanan predicts predicts remains to be seen, but make no mistake, change we foolish Americans want, and change we shall get.

What affect us Catholics, though, in an immediate way, is the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). All the details are available at the USCCB website here. Read about it. I am appalled at the number of Catholics who are voting for BHO despite his oft repeated support for so many "causes" so strongly in direct opposition to settled Church teaching, but this reflects the sad times in which we find ourselves. Nevertheless, educate yourself, on this and all the other issues, before you pull the lever.

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

2008-08-09T01:00:00.001-04:00

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).

2008-08-08T01:00:00.001-04:00

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).

2008-08-07T01:00:00.004-04:00

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).

2008-08-06T01:00:00.002-04:00

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).

2008-08-05T01:00:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-04T02:00:00.004-04:00

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.pdf Back 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).

2008-08-04T01:00:00.007-04:00

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

2008-08-03T18:58:00.004-04:00

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"

2008-08-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

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

2008-08-03T12:24:00.003-04:00

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)

2008-08-03T11:00:00.001-04:00

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)

2008-02-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

Friday, 29 February, 2008
FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, bless our fasts with Thy gracious favour: that as in body we abstain from food, so we may fast from sin in our 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 Numbers, 20:1-3; 6-13.
[During the forty years passed in the desert, Moses and Aaron asked God to bring forth from the rock (a figure of Jesus Christ) a spring of living water, so that all the people could quench their thirst.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 4:5-42.
[During these forty days of Lent the Church entreats our Lord Jesus Christ to give us the living water about which He spoke to the woman of Samaria near Jacob’s well, the water which quenches the thirst or our souls for ever.]

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)

2008-02-28T01:00:00.003-05:00

Thursday, 28 February, 2008
THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Jeremias the Prophet, 7:1-7.
[Let us pray to the Divine Physician, that the severe abstinence of the Lenten fast may cool the fever of our passions and assure our salvation.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:38-44.
[We must imitate the example of Jesus, and during Lent follow Him with the holy liturgy in His ministry of redemption. Let us love to listen to the word of God: it will cure our souls and secure them from the Devil who seeks to reign therein.]

ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS, Confessor (III)
“St. Gabriel, born at Assissi A.D. 1838, was guided by Our Lady into the Passionist Institute and became a veritable Apostle of her Sorrows. His life was throughout perfect and irreproachable. He died at the age of twenty-four and many miracles bore witness to his holiness. He was canonized by pope Benedict XV, who gave him as a pattern to young people.”

Collect: O God who didst teach blessed Gabriel to think continually of the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother, and didst exalt him through her by the renown of holiness and miracles: grant us through his intercession and example so to join Thy Mother in her grief that we may be saved by her maternal protection: Who livest and reigneth with Thy Son Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. John the Apostle, 2:14-17.
[We must not love the world, but do the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 10:13-21.
[Give to the poor whatsoever thou hast, and come, follow me.]

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)

2008-02-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, grant us that taught by wholesome fastings, and abstaining from harmful vices, we may more easily obtain 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins. ]

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)

2008-02-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, 26 February, 2008
TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Graciously hear us, O almighty and merciful God: and in Thy loving kindness grant to us the fruits of wholesome temperance. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 4:1-7.
[This Epistle shows us in the wondrous increase of a small quantity of oil at the word of Eliseus, by the sale of which a poor widow was enabled to pay an inhuman creditor, a figure of the mercy of our Lord, whose infinite merits supply the ransom for our sins.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 18:15-22.
[The clemency or mercy of the Jews was content to forgive three times; Jesus says here in the Gospel that we are to forgive seventy times seven times, that is: always.]

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)

2008-02-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

Monday, 25 February 2008
ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle (II)
“Matthias, one of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus, was chosen as Apostle in the place of Judas. St. Matthias preached the Gospel for more than thirty years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. he was stoned, A.D. 80.”

Collect: O God, who didst join blessed Matthias to the company of Thine Apostles, grant, we beseech Thee, that through his intercession, we may ever be conscious of Thy loving kindness towards us. 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 Acts of the Apostles, 1:15-26.
[Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.
[Christ calls to Him such as are sensible of their burdens.]

MONDAY IN THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Pour forth in Thy mercy, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thy grace into our hearts: that as we abstain from bodily food, so we may also restrain our senses from hurtful excesses. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 5:1-15.
[This Epistle speaks to us of Naaman, the general of the King of Syria’s army. He was cured by bathing in the Jordan, although he did not belong to the race of Israel. Naaman is a figure of the heathen or Gentile whom the Church by baptism cures of the leprosy of sin.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:23-30.
[Naaman, the general of the king of Syria, did not belong to the race of Israel, but he was cured by bathing in the Jordan. Let us renew ourselves in the spirit of our baptism by cleansing our hearts in the salutary bath of penitence. This will cure us of the impurity, the leprosy of the soul, called sin]

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)

2008-02-24T01:00:00.002-05:00

Sunday, 24 February, 2008
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"We see Jesus today in open conflict with Satan and his works. So also during Lent, which is a time when the struggle against the old man is more intense, should we ‘live as children of the light”, performing actions good, just and true.”

Collect: We beseech Thee, O almighty God, look upon the desires of the humble: and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense. 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 Ephesians, 5:1-9.
[Let us live as children of the light, performing actions good, just and true.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 11:14-28.
[Our Lord is in open conflict with Satan, He disarms him and expels him from the body of one possessed.]

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)

2008-02-23T01:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday, 23 February, 2008
SATURDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast-traditional)

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, give a healing effect to our fasts: that the chastisement of the flesh which we have taken upon us, may bring new life to our souls. 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 Genesis, 27:6-40.
[The Epistle sets forth in the figure of the catechumens and public penitents how they are to take the place of the Jews in the Kingdom of God. Isaac has two sons. The elder Esau represents the people of God who sell their birthright to gratify their carnal appetite. Jacob represents the Gentiles who check their passions and are blessed by God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 15:11-32.
[Parable of the prodigal son. The elder son is the Jewish element of the primitive Church which is scandalized at the vocation of the Gentiles; the prodigal son is the pagan element.]

ST.PETER DAMIAN, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (III)
“Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk, was nominated Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia on account of his learning and high virtues. He rendered immense services to St. Gregory VII in his struggle for the rights of the Church. He retired to his abbey of Fonte Avellano and died A.D. 1072.”

Collect: Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, so to follow in the counsels and example of blessed Peter, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may, by despising earthly things, obtain everlasting joys. 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 to 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. Matthew, 5:13-19.
[Like the Apostles, the Doctors of the Church are the salt of the earth and the light of the 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)

2008-02-22T01:00:00.002-05:00

Friday, 22 February, 2008
THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER (II)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
“The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair in Antioch formerly on this day, has been merged with that of his Chair in Rome, formerly on Jan. 18th. The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair is now kept on Febr. 22nd."

Collect: O God, Who by delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst confer upon him the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that, by the help of his intercession, we may be freed from the bonds of sin. 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. Peter the Apostle, 1:1-7.
[The first Pope gives thanks to God for the benefit of our being called to the true Faith and to eternal life; into which we are to enter by many tribulations.]
Gospel: Continuation of the hoy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee O almighty God, that cleansed by this holy fast, we may arrive in the right dispositions at the holy Feast which is to come. 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 Genesis, 37:6-22.
[Joseph and his brethren.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 21:33-46.
[Parable of Christ: the destiny of the heathen and that of the Jews.]

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)

2008-02-21T01:00:00.002-05:00

Thursday, 21 February, 2008
THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Prophet Jeremias, 17:5-10.
[The Prophet speaks to us of two men, one of whom put his trust in himself and the other in God; the first dries up like the heather in the desert, and the second bears the abundant fruit of his good works.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 16:19-31.
[There were two men, says Jesus in the parable, one of whom enjoyed life instead of doing penance, and the other suffered: the first went to hell, whilst the second was carried by the Angels into Abraham’s bosom.]

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)

2008-02-20T01:00:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, 20 February, 2008
WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Favourably regard Thy people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and grant that they who at Thy command abstain from food for the body may also abstain from the poison of vice. 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins.]

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)

2008-02-19T01:00:00.004-05:00

Tuesday, 19 February, 2008
TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Mercifully perfect within us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the aid given us by this holy observance: that what by Thine instruction we know we should do, by Thine assistance we may do it. 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 Third Book of Kings, 17:8-16.
[The lesson tells of Elias going to a heathen woman, a poor widow of Sarepta, to ask for nourishment, when a drought had fallen on impenitent Israel. The widow took two pieces of wood and prepared a hearth cake for the Prophet and one for herself. Her charity and compassion were rewarded, for never after did she want for bread.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 23:1-12.
[Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ declares that the Jews who profess the law of Moses did not observe it. The Kingdom of God is open to the heathen, who by baptism become disciples of Christ and accomplish His works.]

ST. SIMEON, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
"St. Simeon, who was closely related to the Blessed Virgin, became Bishop of Jerusalem after St. James. As martyr of the Faith, he was crucified under Trajan at the age of 120 years A.D. 106."

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of blessed Simeon, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. 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 Blessed James the Apostle, 1:12-18.
[God is the Author of all good, but not of evil. The benefit of tribulations, of martyrdom.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.
[The necessity of renouncing all to follow Christ. The martyr carries his cross.]

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)

2008-02-18T01:00:00.007-05:00

Monday, 18 February 2008
MONDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that Thy household, in mortifying the flesh by fasting from food, may follow after Thy justice by abstaining from sin. 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 Prophet Daniel, 9:15-19.
[The wrath of God, the Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth, which fell the first time on Jerusalem at the time of the captivity into Babylon, was renewed against Israel at the burning of the Temple. Like guilty Christians, they would only be able to return to the Lord by penance, while the heathen are called instead to believe in Jesus, to become part of His people by baptism.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 8: 21-29.
[Our Lord Jesus Christ foretells that the Jews will lift Him up on the cross, and thrice He says that they will die in their sin, because they have not believed in Him and have neglected to do His works.]

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)

2008-02-17T01:00:00.004-05:00

Sunday, 17 February, 2008
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"Let the sight of the grandeur of Jesus transfigured prepare us for a brief contemplation of the humiliation of His Passion.”

Collect: O God, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us within and without: that we may be defended in body from all adversity: and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts. 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, 4:1-7.
[God our Creator and our Lord “hath called us not unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”]
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.]

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)

2008-02-09T01:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday, 9 February, 2008
SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY ((III)
Day of fast (Traditional).

Collect: O Lord, hearken to our supplications: and grant that we may celebrate with devout service this solemn fast, which Thou hast ordained for the healing of both soul and body. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 6:47-56.

ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, fought with his pen and his eloquence against the Nestorians. He presided in the name of Pope Celestine at the great Council of Ephesus, where the heresy of Nestorius was condemned, and he successfully defended the truth concerning the Mother of God and our Saviour in His twofold nature of God and Man. He died A.D. 444."

Collect: O God, who didst make blessed Cyril, Thy Confessor and Bishop, the invincible champion of the divine Motherhood of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary: grant that by his intercession, we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be saved by her motherly protection. Through the same 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.

ST. APPOLONIA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Appolonia, Virgin of Alexandria, after having her teeth broken, cast herself into the flames prepared for her, under the Emperor Decius, A.D. 259.”

Collect: O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant: that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Appolonia, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

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)

2008-02-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, 8 February, 2008
FRIDAY AFTER AS WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast and abstinence.

Collect: Further with Thy gracious favour, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the fasts which we have begun: that the bodily observance which we keep, we may be able also to practice with sincere intention. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:1-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:43-48; 6:1-4.

ST. JOHN OF MATHA, Confessor (Comm.)
"With St. Felix of Valois, St. John founded the Order of the Trinitarians for the ransoming of captives who had fallen into the hands of the Mohammedans. He died in A.D. 1213."

Collect: O God, who through St. John didst from heaven deign to institute the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for ransoming captives from the power of the Saracens: help us through his merits, we beseech Thee, to freedom from bondage of body and of souls. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.

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)

2008-02-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 7 February, 2008
THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast (Traditional).

Collect: O God, who by sin art offended and by penance appeased, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people: and turn aside the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins. 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 Prophet Isaias, 38:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 8:5-13.

ST. ROMUALD, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Romuald founded the Order of the Camaldoli, one of the branches of the Benedictine Order, in which the eremitical life is united with the cenobitical. He died at the age of 120, A.D. 1027.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Romuald, the Abbot, commend us unto Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. 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, 45:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew , 19:27-29.

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)

2008-02-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 6 February, 2008

ASH WEDNESDAY (I)
Beginning of Lent
Day of Fast and Abstinence.
“Ash Wednesday is from a liturgical point of view one of the most important days of the year. In the first place this day opens the liturgical season of Lent, which formerly began with the First Sunday and comprised only thirty-six days. The addition of Wednesday and the three following days brought the number to forty, which is that of our Lord’s fast in the desert.
In the Old Law ashes were generally a symbolic expression of grief, mourning, or repentance. In the Early Church the use of ashes had a like signification, and with the sackcloth formed part of the public penances. The blessing of the ashes is one of the great liturgical rites of the year. It was originally instituted for public penitents, but is now intended for all Christians, as Lent should be a time of penance for all. The ashes used this day are obtained by burning palms of the previous year. Traditionally they are blessed by four ancient prayers, sprinkled with holy water and incensed, and then placed in the form of a cross on the foreheads of each of the faithful with the words: ‘Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.’ The ancient prayers of the blessing suggest suitable thoughts for the opening of Lent. They are summarised here:
‘Almighty and everlasting God, spare the penitent ... bless these ashes, that they may be a remedy to all who invoke Thy Name ... O God, who desirest not the death but the conversion of sinners, look in kindness upon our human frailty ... and bless those ashes, so that we, who know ourselves to be but ashes ... and that we must return to dust, may deserve to obtain pardon and the rewards offered to the penitent.’”

Collect: Grant, O Lord, to Thy faithful people, that they may undertake with fitting piety this period of fasting, and complete it with steadfast devotion. 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 Prophet Joel, 2:12-19.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 6:16-21.

ST. TITUS, Confessor, Bishop
"St. Titus, Bishop of Crete, was one of the most faithful disciples of St. Paul The Apostle wrote to Titus a letter included in Holy Scripture. He died A.D. 101."

Collect: O God, who didst adorn blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, with apostolic virtues: grant by his merits and intercession, that a life of duty and justice here below may win for us our heavenly home. 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, 44:16-27; 45:3-20.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 10:1-9.

ST. DOROTHY, Virgin, Martyr
"St. Dorothy of Caesarea in Cappadocia was beheaded at the end of the third century. She died A.D. 275."

Collect: May blessed Dorothy, Thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: for she merited Thy constant good pleasure by her life of chastity attributed by her to Thy power. 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 51:13-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 10:1-9.

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)

2008-02-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, 5 February, 2008
ST. AGATHA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“Born in Sicily of noble parents, St. Agatha suffered dreadful torture at the hands of her persecutors, but she was healed on the following night by a vision of St. Peter. Other sufferings were inflicted upon her, and from these she died A.D. 254.”

Collect: O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant: that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by her example draw nearer to Thee. 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 Corinthians, 1:26-31.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:3-12.

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)

2008-02-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, 4 February 2008
ST. ANDREW CORSINI, Bishop, Confessor (III)
“St. Andrew, in his youth, led a dissolute life. Through the unceasing prayers and supplications of his mother, he was converted, and became a famous Carmelite friar and was raised later to the dignity of Bishop of Fiesole. He died A.D. 1373.”

Collect: O God, who dost ever show forth in Thy Church new examples of virtue: grant that Thy people may so follow in the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that they may obtain a like reward. 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 Corinthians, 4:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12: 32-34.

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)

2008-02-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, 3 February, 2008
QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY (II)
"The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.

Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.

On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent."

“It is Jesus who, by the merits of His Passion, is to open the eyes of man as He did those of the blind man of Jericho, and deliver him alike from the bondage of sin and error.”

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously hear our prayers: and releasing us from the bond of our sins, guard us from all adversity. 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 Corinthians, 13:1-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 18:31-43.

ST. BLAISE, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
(Blessing of throats)
“St. Blaise, bishop of Sebaste, was beheaded after terrible torments, under Licinius, A.D. 317.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feats of blessed Blaise, Thy Martyr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. 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 the Corinthians, 1:3-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:24-27.

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)

2008-02-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, 2 February, 2008
FIRST SATURDAY
PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
CANDLEMAS DAY (II)
“The Feast of Candlemas, which derives its origin from the local observance of Jerusalem, marks the end of the Feasts included in the Christmas cycle of the Liturgy. It is perhaps the most ancient festival of Our Lady. It commemorates not only the obedience of the Blessed Virgin to the Mosaic Law in going to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of her Child and making the accustomed offerings, but also the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, and the meeting of the Infant Jesus with the old man Simeon - the Occursus Domini, as the Feast was anciently termed. This is the principal theme of the liturgy on this day: Jesus is taken to the Temple 'to present Him to the Lord.' So the Lord comes to His Temple, and is met by the aged Simeon with joy and recognition.

The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western Liturgy. The blessing and distribution of candles, to be carried lighted in procession, precedes the Mass today - a symbolic presentation of the truth proclaimed in the Canticle of Simeon: Our Lord is the 'Light for the revelation of the Gentiles.' The anthems sung during this procession, eastern in origin, will express the joy and gladness of this happy festival, and the honour and praise we give to our blessed lady and her Divine Son by its devout observance.”

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty, that as Thine only begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so Thou wouldst cause us too with purified hearts to be presented unto Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Malachias. 3:1-4.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:22-32.

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)

2008-02-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, 1 February, 2008
FIRST FRIDAY
ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"Like St. Polycarp, Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch, was a disciple of St. John the Apostle. His letters are precious documents for our Faith. He was sent in chains to Rome and, when condemned to the wild beasts, exclaimed: 'I am the wheat of Christ; may I be ground by the fangs of wild beasts and become agreeable to my Lord!' A.D. 110."

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the intercession of blesses Ignatius, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. 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 Romans. 8:35-39.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 12:24-26.

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)

2008-01-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 31 January, 2008
ST. JOHN BOSCO, Confessor (III)
"Don Bosco founded the Salesian Fathers and the Order of Our Lady, Help of Christians, for the education of poor boys and girls. He died A.D. 1888.”

Collect: O God, who didst raise up Saint John Thy Confessor to be father and teacher of youth, and by him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, didst promote new families in Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that inflamed by the same fire of love, we may win souls and serve Thee alone. 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 Apostles to the Philippians, 4:4-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 18:1-10, down to +

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)

2008-01-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 30 January, 2008
ST. MARTINA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
"This noble Roman Virgin was beheaded after the most atrocious torments, A.D. 228."

Collect: O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may be her example draw nearer to Thee. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 25:1-13.

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)

2008-01-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, 29 January, 2008
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
“St. Francis, Count of Sales, Bishop of Geneva, patron of Catholic writers, preached the word of God to the Calvinists and brought back sixty thousand to the Catholic faith. He founded with St. Jane Fremiot de Chantal the Order of the Visitation. He died A.D. 1622.”

Collect: O God, by whose will blessed Francis Thy Confessor and Bishop became all things to all men in his zeal for souls: graciously fill us with the sweetness of Thy love, and grant that by the light of his counsel and with the help of his merits we may attain 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.
Epistle: From the Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 4:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 5:13-19.

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)

2008-01-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, 28 January 2008
ST. PETER NOLASCO, Confessor (III)
“St. Peter, instructed by the Blessed Virgin, founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Redemption of Captives. When all funds for the work were exhausted, the religious were bound by their rule to take the places of the prisoners of the infidels. St. Peter Nolasco died A.D. 1256.”

Collect: O God, who after the example of thine own love didst from heaven teach blessed Peter to enrich Thy Church with a new family founded to ransom the faithful: grant by his intercession that we may be set free from the bondage of sin, and may rejoice in lasting freedom in our heavenly home. 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 Corinthians, 4:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12: 32-34.

ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”

Second Collect of St. Agnes: O God, Who year by year dost gladden us with the festival of blessed Agnes Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech Thee, that as we honour her through this rite, so we may follow the example of her holy life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

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)

2008-01-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, 27 January, 2008
SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY (II)
"The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.

Jesus is our Redeemer, and by His saving doctrine gives life to souls.

On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent."

Collect: O God, Who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do: mercifully grant that by the protection of the Doctor of the Gentiles we may be defended against all adversities. 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 the Corinthians, 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 8: 4-15.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church
“The holy Patriarch of Constantinople received his surname 'Chrysostom (golden-mouth)' because he was the most eloquent preacher and the most prolific writer of the Greek Church. He was persecuted by the empress Eudoxia and her courtiers. He died in exile A.D. 407”

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, let Thy heavenly grace give increase to Thy Church, which Thou wast pleased to adorn with the glorious merits and teaching of Blessed John Chrysostom Thy Confessor and Thy Bishop. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 5:13-19.

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)

2008-01-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, 26 January, 2008
ST. POLYCARP, Bishop, Martyr (III)
“St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, was Bishop of Smyrna for seventy years, and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius A.D. 169.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Polycarp, Thy Maryr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. 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. John the Apostle, 3:10-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 10:26-32.

[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)

2008-01-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, 25 January, 2008
THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (III)
"Saul of Tarsus was full of hatred for Jesus and His Disciples. From a bitter persecutor he became an ardent apostle and the irresistible preacher of the Gospel."

Collect: O God, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his Conversion, may through his example draw nearer to Thee. 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 Acts of the Apostles, 9:1-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:27-29.

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)

2008-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 24 January, 2008
ST. TIMOTHY, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"St. Timothy, who is the best-known disciple of St. Paul, was Bishop of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He was stoned to death by pagans A.D. 97.”

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Blessed timothy, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. 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 Timothy, 6:11-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.

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)

2008-01-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 23 January, 2008
ST. RAYMOND of PENNAFORT, Confessor (III)
"St. Raymond, eminent minister of the sacrament of Penance, was a priest of the order of St. Dominic, celebrated for his virtues, his miracles, and his writings on Canon Law. He died A.D. 1275.”

Collect: O God, Who didst choose blessed Raymond to be eminent as a minister of the sacrament of penance and didst lead him in wondrous wise upon the waves of the sea: grant that by his intercession we may be able to bring forth worthy fruits of penance, and to reach the port of everlasting salvation. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.

St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr, foster-sister of St. Agnes, was stoned to death at the tomb of her friend. A.D. 304.”

Collect: May the blessed Emerentiana, Thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: for she merited Thy constant good pleasure by her life of chastity attributed to her by Thy power. 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, 51:13-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.

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)

2008-01-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, 22 January, 2008
SS. VINCENT and ANASTASIUS, Martyrs (III)
“St. Vincent, deacon of Saragossa in Spain, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian A.D. 304.
St. Anastasius, a monk of Persia, was put to death with seventy other Christians under Chosroes A.D. 628.”

Collect: O Lord, listen to our supplications: that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins, may be delivered through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. 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 3:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 21:9-19.

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)

2008-01-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, 21 January 2008
ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong: mercifully grant, that those who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience her advocacy with Thee. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.

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): Lent (The Easter Cycle)

2008-01-19T16:30:00.000-05:00

SECOND PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE EASTER CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE REDEMPTION).[i]
I. Season of Lent

The Christmas Cycle celebrates the Mystery of the Incarnation. The Easter Cycle celebrates the Mystery of the Redemption and has the following subdivisions:

1. Season of Lent (Includes [I] Season after Septuagesima, [II] Season of Lent, and [III] Passiontide)
2. Eastertide (Begins with the Mass of the Easter Vigil and ends on the Saturday after Pentecost, a.k.a. Whitsunday)
3. Season after Pentecost (Begins with Trinity Sunday and is the longest of the Liturgical Year, extending 24-28 weeks.)

I. - Season of Lent.
Introduced by three Sundays (Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima), the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the death of Jesus in Passion Week. The struggle between our Lord and Satan ends with the victory of the Savior at Eastertide. During the period from Septuagesima to Ash Wednesday, the liturgy speaks no more of our greatness but contemplates the misery of fallen humanity - the fatal consequences of original sin and actual sin - and the sacrifice that God asked from the faithful Melchisedech, symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus brings for the whole of humanity.

In this period we also prepare for the fasting and penance of the season of Lent. The season can be recapitulated with the words of the Preface of Lent: 'Who by this bodily fast dost curb our vices, lift our minds, and bestow strength and rewards.' Our souls are slaves of the Devil, flesh and the world. Jesus came into the world, not to be crowned king of the Jews, but to deliver us from this threefold bondage and to restore to us the divine life which we had lost.

The season of Lent ends with Passiontide (from Passion Sunday to Easter). The Judica me... and the Gloria Patri are omitted because the very ancient Masses of Passiontide date from an age before these prayers were added to the Roman Mass. The Liturgy commemorates the sorrowful events of the last week of Jesus' mortal life. On Thursday evening, He had the Last Supper with His Apostles, and on the following day He was crucified on Calvary.

'Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on a tree of the Cross, that whence death came thence also life might arise again, and that we, who were overcome by a tree, by a tree might also overcome.'

The struggle between our Lord and Satan ends with the apparent success of Satan on Good Friday. The priests are robed in vestments of mourning, and the whole Church wears an aspect of sadness. But by the sacrifice of Himself, the Son of God triumphs and gloriously comes forth from the sepulchre on Easter morning.

The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.

Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.

On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent.

It is Jesus who, by the merits of His Passion, is to open the eyes of man as He did those of the blind man of Jericho, and deliver him alike from the bondage of sin and error.

Ash Wednesday is from a liturgical point of view one of the most important days of the year. In the first place this day opens the liturgical season of Lent, which formerly began with the First Sunday and comprised only thirty-six days. The addition of Wednesday and the three following days brought the number to forty, which is that of our Lord’s fast in the desert.

In the Old Law ashes were generally a symbolic expression of grief, mourning, or repentance. In the Early Church the use of ashes had a like signification, and with the sackcloth formed part of the public penances. The blessing of the ashes is one of the great liturgical rites of the year. It was originally instituted for public penitents, but is now intended for all Christians, as Lent should be a time of penance for all. The ashes used this day are obtained by burning palms of the previous year. Traditionally they are blessed by four ancient prayers, sprinkled with holy water and incensed, and then placed in the form of a cross on the foreheads of each of the faithful with the words: ‘Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.’ The ancient prayers of the blessing suggest suitable thoughts for the opening of Lent. They are summarized here:
‘Almighty and everlasting God, spare the penitent ... bless these ashes, that they may be a remedy to all who invoke Thy Name ... O God, who desirest not the death but the conversion of sinners, look in kindness upon our human frailty ... and bless those ashes, so that we, who know ourselves to be but ashes ... and that we must return to dust, may deserve to obtain pardon and the rewards offered to the penitent.’

[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)

Feast days of the week 20-26 January, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-01-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

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

I. LENT (SEASON AFTER SEPTUAGISIMA)

Sunday, 20 January, 2008
SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY (II)
"The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.
Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.
On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent."

Collect: Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy people, that we, who are justly afflicted for our sins, may for the glory of Thy Name be mercifully delivered. 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 Corinthians, 9:24-27; 10:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:1-16.

ST. FABIAN, Pope, and ST. SEBASTIAN, Martyrs (III)
“St. Fabian, Supreme Pontiff, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Decius, A.D. 250.
St. Sebastian, an officer in the imperial cohort, was pierced with arrows in the persecution of Diocletian; but he recovered, and the emperor condemned him to be flogged to death. A.D. 284.”

Collect: O almighty God, have regard to our weakness: and since the weight of our own evil deeds is oppressive, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs, Fabian and Sebastian, protect us. 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 Hebrews, 11:33-39.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 6:17-23.

Monday, 21 January 2008
ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong: mercifully grant, that those who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience her advocacy with Thee. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.

Tuesday, 22 January, 2008
SS. VINCENT and ANASTASIUS, Martyrs (III)
“St. Vincent, deacon of Saragossa in Spain, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian A.D. 304.
St. Anastasius, a monk of Persia, was put to death with seventy other Christians under Chosroes A.D. 628.”

Collect: O Lord, listen to our supplications: that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins, may be delivered through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. 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 3:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 21:9-19.

Wednesday, 23 January, 2008
ST. RAYMOND of PENNAFORT, Confessor (III)
"St. Raymond, eminent minister of the sacrament of Penance, was a priest of the order of St. Dominic, celebrated for his virtues, his miracles, and his writings on Canon Law. He died A.D. 1275.”

Collect: O God, Who didst choose blessed Raymond to be eminent as a minister of the sacrament of penance and didst lead him in wondrous wise upon the waves of the sea: grant that by his intercession we may be able to bring forth worthy fruits of penance, and to reach the port of everlasting salvation. 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.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.

St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr, foster-sister of St. Agnes, was stoned to death at the tomb of her friend. A.D. 304.”

Collect: May the blessed Emerentiana, Thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: for she merited Thy constant good pleasure by her life of chastity attributed to her by Thy power. 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, 51:13-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthw, 13:44-52.

Thursday, 24 January, 2008
ST. TIMOTHY, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"St. Timothy, who is the best-known disciple of St. Paul, was Bishop of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He was stoned to death by pagans A.D. 97.”

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Blessed timothy, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. 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 Timothy, 6:11-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.

Friday, 25 January, 2008
THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (III)
"Saul of Tarsus was full of hatred for Jesus and His Disciples. From a bitter persecutor he became an ardent apostle and the irresistible preacher of the Gospel."

Collect: O God, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his Conversion, may through his example draw nearer to Thee. 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 Acts of the Apostles, 9:1-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:27-29.

Saturday, 26 January, 2008
ST. POLYCARP, Bishop, Martyr (III)
“St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, was Bishop of Smyrna for seventy years, and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius A.D. 169.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Polycarp, Thy Maryr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. 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. John the Apostle, 3:10-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 10:26-32.

[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)

2008-01-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, 19 January, 2008
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

SS. MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX and ABACHUM, Martyrs (Comm.)
“The Persian nobles Marius and Martha came with their sons Audifax and Abachum to Rome, to visit the tombs of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul. They were cast into prison, tortured and martyred A.D. 270.”

Collect: Give ear, O Lord, to Thy people when with Thy Saints as advocates we humbly pray: that Thou wouldst grant us in our present life joy and peace and growth of life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

ST. CANUTE, Martyr (Comm.)
"This King of Denmark sought to spread the faith in his kingdom and therefore his enemies put him to death, while praying at the foot of the altar, A.D. 1086."

Second Collect of St. Canute: O God, who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 10:32-38.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:3-13.

[1] 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)

2008-01-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 17 January, 2008
ST. ANTHONY, Abbot (III)
“The Father of community life led the life of a hermit from the age of eighteen, but later he instituted the monastic life in common. He died at the age of 105 years A.D. 356.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Anthony, the Abbot, commend us to Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.

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)

2008-01-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 16 January, 2008
ST. MARCELLUS
“St. Marcellus I defended the rights of the Church with heroic resistance. On this account he was exiled by the heretical Maxentius. He died A.D. 310.”

Collect : We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully hearken to Thy people praying for help through the merits of blessed Marcellus Thy Martyr and Pontiff, in whose martyrdom we rejoice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.

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)

2008-01-15T06:52:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, 15 January, 2008
ST. PAUL, the first Hermit, Confessor (III)
“The founder of the eremitical life retired at the age of fifteen into the desert and lived there in exercise of prayers and penances for more than a hundred years. He died in A.D. 343.”

Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Paul Thy Confessor which we are now keeping: mercifully grant on this day of his heavenly birth that we may grow like him in deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

St. Maurus, Abbot (Comm.)
“One of the first disciples of St. Benedict, he introduced the Holy Rule of the latter into France. He died A.D. 584.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Maurus, the Abbot, commend us unto Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 3:7-12.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.

[1] 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)

2008-01-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

The day after January 13th (The Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in 2008 falls on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family) begins:
III. SEASON AFTER EPIPHANY (from January 14 to Septuagesima Sunday).

"This period, which begins the day after the Octave of Epiphany (a.k.a. Baptism of Our Lord – TPC), is an extension of Christmastide. Jesus asserts His Divinity - not by the appearance of angels or the Star of the Magi, but speaking Himself as God. He subjects our hearts to His teachings, explaining His Divine doctrine with parables and manifesting the truth of His words and works by many miracles.
At the time of our Lord, Palestine contained four provinces: Peraea, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. It was in the province of Galilee that the miracles and preaching of Jesus took place.
At Cana, He changed water into wine - His first miracle - at the request of His mother. At Nazareth, He preached His doctrine - and 'all wondered at these things that proceeded from the mouth of God,' says the Communion of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Sundays after Epiphany with the words of Luke. In Galilee, a word from our Lord cleansed the leper. From the shore of the Lake of Genesareth, He miraculously stilled the storm. All these miracles He performed to show His Apostles that He was God.
The Christmas cycle has a fixed character, and the Feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany always fall on December 25 and January 6."

Monday, 14 January 2008
ST. HILARY, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (III)
“The Bishop of Poitiers was one of the most able and eloquent opponents of Arianism. Therefore he was exiled by the heretical emperor. He died A.D. 368.”
St. Felix of Nola, Priest, Martyr (Comm.)
“Born at Nola, he bears the title of Martyr although he survived the most cruel torments. He died A.D. 312.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the example of Thy Saints may stir us up to a better life, so that we may imitate the good deeds of those whose festivals we celebrate. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father 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
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.

[1] 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 13-19 January, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

Sunday, 13 January, 2008
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
The Feast of the Holy Family. (II)
"The special devotion which sets forth the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model of virtue for all Christian households began in the seventeenth century. It commenced almost simultaneously in Canada and France: - the Association of the Holy Family being founded in Montreal in 1663, and the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. Numerous other congregations and associations under the Patronage of the Holy Family have been established since that time, and they are spread over the world. The archconfraternity was established by Bl. Pius IX in 1847. In 1893 Leo XIII approved a Feast for Canada, and Pope Benedict XV extended the Feast of the Holy Family to the whole Church and ordered its celebration to take place on the Sunday after Epiphany."

Collect: O Lord Jesus Christ, who, being subject to Mary and Joseph, didst sanctify home life with ineffable virtues: grant that, with the aid of both, we may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family, and attain to eternal fellowship with them: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, 3:12-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:42-52.

The day after January 13th (The Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in 2008 falls on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family) begins:
III. SEASON AFTER EPIPHANY (from January 14 to Septuagesima Sunday).

"This period, which begins the day after the Octave of Epiphany (a.k.a. Baptism of Our Lord – TPC), is an extension of Christmastide. Jesus asserts His Divinity - not by the appearance of angels or the Star of the Magi, but speaking Himself as God. He subjects our hearts to His teachings, explaining His Divine doctrine with parables and manifesting the truth of His words and works by many miracles.
At the time of our Lord, Palestine contained four provinces: Peraea, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. It was in the province of Galilee that the miracles and preaching of Jesus took place.
At Cana, He changed water into wine - His first miracle - at the request of His mother. At Nazareth, He preached His doctrine - and 'all wondered at these things that proceeded from the mouth of God,' says the Communion of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Sundays after Epiphany with the words of Luke. In Galilee, a word from our Lord cleansed the leper. From the shore of the Lake of Genesareth, He miraculously stilled the storm. All these miracles He performed to show His Apostles that He was God.
The Christmas cycle has a fixed character, and the Feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany always fall on December 25 and January 6."

Monday, 14 January 2008
ST. HILARY, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (III)
“The Bishop of Poitiers was one of the most able and eloquent opponents of Arianism. Therefore he was exiled by the heretical emperor. He died A.D. 368.”
St. Felix of Nola, Priest, Martyr (Comm.)
“Born at Nola, he bears the title of Martyr although he survived the most cruel torments. He died A.D. 312.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the example of Thy Saints may stir us up to a better life, so that we may imitate the good deeds of those whose festivals we celebrate. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father 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
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.

Tuesday, 15 January, 2008
ST. PAUL, the first Hermit, Confessor (III)
“The founder of the eremitical life retired at the age of fifteen into the desert and lived there in exercise of prayers and penances for more than a hundred years. He died in A.D. 343.”

Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Paul Thy Confessor which we are now keeping: mercifully grant on this day of his heavenly birth that we may grow like him in deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

St. Maurus, Abbot (Comm.)
“One of the first disciples of St. Benedict, he introduced the Holy Rule of the latter into France. He died A.D. 584.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Maurus, the Abbot, commend us unto Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 3:7-12.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.

Wednesday, 16 January, 2008
ST. MARCELLUS
“St. Marcellus I defended the rights of the Church with heroic resistance. On this account he was exiled by the heretical Maxentius. He died A.D. 310.”

Collect : We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully hearken to Thy people praying for help through the merits of blessed Marcellus Thy Martyr and Pontiff, in whose martyrdom we rejoice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.

Thursday, 17 January, 2008
ST. ANTHONY, Abbot (III)
“The Father of community life led the life of a hermit from the age of eighteen, but later he instituted the monastic life in common. He died at the age of 105 years A.D. 356.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Anthony, the Abbot, commend us to Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.

Friday, 18 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)
ST. PRISCA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who celebrate the birthday of blessed Prisca, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may rejoice in her yearly festival and profit by the example of her outstanding faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, 3:12-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:42-52.

Saturday, 19 January, 2008
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

SS. MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX and ABACHUM, Martyrs (Comm.)
“The Persian nobles Marius and Martha came with their sons Audifax and Abachum to Rome, to visit the tombs of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul. They were cast into prison, tortured and martyred A.D. 270.”

Collect: Give ear, O Lord, to Thy people when with Thy Saints as advocates we humbly pray: that Thou wouldst grant us in our present life joy and peace and growth of life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

ST. CANUTE, Martyr (Comm.)
"This King of Denmark sought to spread the faith in his kingdom and therefore his enemies put him to death, while praying at the foot of the altar, A.D. 1086."

Second Collect of St. Canute: O God, who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 10:32-38.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:3-13.

[1] 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)

2008-01-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday, 12 January, 2008
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

[1] 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)

2008-01-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, 11 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

ST. HYGINUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“Pope in the second century, St. Hyginus suffered martyrdom under the emperor Hadrian A.D. 142.”

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Hyginus, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mathew 16:13-19.

[1] 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)

2008-01-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 10 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[1] 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)

2008-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 9 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[1] 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)

2008-01-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, 7 January 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[1] 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 6-12 January, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

2008-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

Sunday, 6 January, 2008
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD (I)
"The word 'Epiphany' means 'manifestation'. The Church in the Mass, commemorates a triple manifestation of Christ: to the Magi, to the Gentiles; in His Baptism, when the Voice from heaven declared, 'This is My Beloved Son'; and in the miracle of changing water into wine at Cana."

Collect: O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Monday, 7 January 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Tuesday, 8 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12

Wednesday, 9 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Thursday, 10 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Friday, 11 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

ST. HYGINUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“Pope in the second century, St. Hyginus suffered martyrdom under the emperor Hadrian A.D. 142.”

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Hyginus, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mathew 16:13-19.

Saturday, 12 January, 2008
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

[1] 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)

2008-01-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, 5 January, 2008
First Saturday
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

ST. TELESPHORUS, Pope and Martyr (d. 137; Comm.)

[1] 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)

2008-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, 4 January, 2008
First Friday
FERIAS (IV)

Collect: O God, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord: Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle (from The First Mass of Christmas): Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:21.

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)