Today, Father Mark (Vultus Christi) has yet again posted most beautifully, valuably and appositely. In giving us the translation of our Holy Father's address at Pompeii last evening, he has drawn us back to the only Thing which will help us in 'a sea of troubles'. Yes, last week was remarkable. But although, during it we had the Sistine Chapel Vespers with Benedict and Bartholomew, the Beatification of Louis and Zelie Martin and everything else mentioned by Father Mark, we also had the dark side, and I commend these aspects to your prayers, just as they inform my own:
1 In spite of earlier promises about their being able to practice the Faith, thousands of Christians have had to flee Iraq.
2 Benedict's speaking out against the brutal persecution of Christians in India is condemned in that country.
3 Certain groups of Jews are making problems for our Holy Father in connection with the possible beatification of Pope Pius XII
4 Meanwhile at home there has been the 'Youth Sunday' Liturgy Resources Pack Row. The pack contains suggestions, apparently sanctioned by the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, as to how Holy Mass can be celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King (November 23rd) Many of the suggestions would appear to exceed and /or ignore, the norms laid down by the Vatican for the Novus Ordo, that is the vernacular Mass celebrated almost exclusively in England and Wales for at least 30 years.
5 The intervention, on Damian Thompson's Daily Telegraph blog, by an anonymous 'eminence grise' warning Catholics not to be too vociferous or public in their objections to 4 above because it might derail Pope Benedict's long term plan for a 'reform of the reform'. (Most regular commenters on Holy Smoke including the present writer have heeded the advice.)
6 The HUMAN EMBRYO BILL GOES BEFORE THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT ON OCTOBER 22ND AND MOST RIGHT THINKING CATHOLICS ARE LENDING THEIR SUPPORT TO DEFEAT IT, EITHER BY PRAYER OR ACTIVE WORK TOWARDS THE SAME.
7 In the USA Catholics are being asked to fast for three days during the Presidential elections.
Clearly several posts could be written about all the above issues and more that I have not mentioned. In the face of them, as Catholics our first (and not our last) resort should be to Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar where we will find his love for us ever streaming and where we will find strength and courage to endure until the end.
An incident occurred many years ago. I am sure Father Mark will not mind my citing it, since he has described it in an article published on the Internet, (The Sacred Heart in the Theology of Benedict XVI)Father was in the bookshop of one of the Abbeys in Solemnes (yes there are two, one male and one female). He was approached by a nun who turned out to be the Abbess of the female Monastery and very well respected for her own scholarship and publications. She asked Father if he had read any of the works of one Cardinal Ratzinger. Father indicated that he had read some, not all. The Abbess then said a remarkable thing, to the effect that Father should watch this Ratzinger because he would eventually be a great gift to the Church. (Sorry Father can't find the exact quote now, but the point is made I think. You received a prophecy and so it has proved.)
A gift beyond all expectations and imaginings. Give thanks for him and pray for him, and for Father Mark.
In Christo pro Papa
If anyone requires links to things in the above please ask.
J
3 comments:
2 Benedict's speaking out against the brutal persecution of Christians in India is condemned in that country.
Hi Jane,
Can you please provide a link to the above story, as well as the one about USA Catholics being asked to fast for three days during the election? Thanks!
My prayers are with your friend in Singapore.
In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Thanks Jane for a clear and very interesting post. Much to think on and pray for, with certain conviction that one day Christ's Kingship will reign supreme over all creation.
Confiteor:
Your prayers for my friend Des are most gratefully received. There is still no news.
The USA one was on Fr Z I think. It may even have been in a comment, so could be hard to get back to.
The India one was on my Google Alerts for Pope Benedict XVI. Think I've still go it. (It really is a good idea to set up one of these for yourself They don't always pick up everything and sometimes the news is old by the time they put it up. But it is a good resource.)
I'll backtrack on both later and let you know what I find. Have to write to another friend in Birmingham UK. She doesn't have a computer and will be feeling neglected!
Umblepie: T
Thanks. Felt I had to sort out all the impressions in my own mind. Glad it worked for you too.
Haben sie einem guten tag!
ICPP
J
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