I meant to post at length on both these issues, but have been called away unti tomorrow afternoon (European time). However, before going 'off air' until then, I must make one or two two things crystal clear.
First, I wish to distance myself completely from anyone claiming that Cardinal Schonborn sent his 'apology fax' to the Bishop of Mostar as the result of being 'carpeted' by Pope Benedict. I said in my first post on this issue that it was probably just a coincidence that H.E. had been in private audience with the Holy Father hours before sending the fax. It is not our business to know the details, and it is certainly not at all acceptable to put words into the Pope's mouth, as some seem to have been doing. In any case only part of that fax has been published on the Mostar bishop's site, and this part does not really constitute an apology. Its publication does indicate that whatever the Cardinal said in the rest of the fax has satisfied the Bishop. And that is enough. We do not need to know more, or indeed make up what we do not know. The corner of the orthodox Catholic blogosphere, which does everything it can to use the internet wisely and unsensationally in its work for the Church and in loyal support of our Holy Father, (in which corner I count my own blogs), avoids such fabrication at all costs. Anyone who doesn't, risks descending to the level of many of the Media outlets that so distress us.
We do not need to know everything, we do not need to know whether a cardinal abased himself before a junior bishop, but we do need to trust our Holy Father who has to know a great deal more than we do, and then take wise action. It seems he is now aware that he must somehow inculcate the need for circumspection and wisdom in the Catholic blogosphere. (see Fr Tim's latest post and several other papal actions and statements over recent months) Our Holy Father knows what he is doing. Trust him; follow him; be loyal to him and obey him. Then you will help him in his ministry as Successor of Peter. It also seems that he sees a particular opportunity for priests to evangelise through this medium and I think it highly likely that he knows about those in the anglophone blogosphere who have been taking that opportunity for some time.
On the subject of the upcoming ad limina of the English and Welsh bishops, the same things apply. Yes there is worry and tension about their perceived action or inaction, particularly over their apparent negative attitude to the Summorum Pontificum . The extremes of view about what may happen at the ad limina indicate either some sort of grand show-down betwwn Pope Benedict and the E & W Conference, or a 'Vatican tea-party', after which our bishops will return home, and nothing will change. Oh ye of little faith in our Pope! Have you not yet noticed that he has already achieved great things, but in neither of those ways? This ad limina is only a few days away, beginning on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, which surely nobody could count as inappropriate. The Pope knows the cut of our bishops' gibs better than any of us. If he didn't, as Pope, appoint them himself, he certainly had to do with them for years when he was Prefect of the CDF. And we know his memory is legendary. Our job over the coming days is to pray for him, for them and for ourselves, the English and Welsh flock. I beg those prayers of my compatriots and also of my many friends in the USA and throughout the world. Pray to the Immaculate Mother of Walsingham that her Dowry may not be lost and that she will continue to cast her protecting mantle over our dear Holy Father.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Vatican DVDs & Books: English/French speaking contact details
My contact is Caterina Giobbio.
Her email address is c.giobbio@hdfcommunications.it
Her phone number 0039 02 583059 49 (I expect if phoning from outside Italy you omit the zero after the international code 0039
Caterina was so good as to phone me so I didn't need to test her number.
Her email address is c.giobbio@hdfcommunications.it
Her phone number 0039 02 583059 49 (I expect if phoning from outside Italy you omit the zero after the international code 0039
Caterina was so good as to phone me so I didn't need to test her number.
Holy Father's Visit to Rome Synagogue: Update and DVD details
First, the promised DVD details:
It's available in English with the title : "Pius XII and the Holocaust: the Secret History of the Great Rescue". The supplier is HDF Communications who advertise on Vatican Radio's site as Vatican DVDs and Books. You can arrange to receive their newsletter by email which is how I learned of this DVD. If you have any difficulty, I have a contact number to ring. They're actually in Milan, were very friendly and helpful and have English speaking staff. I made a pre-Christmas order and paid by giving them my credit card number over the phone. Will try to find it later and post it for you here.
Zenit has several items today about the Pope's visit to the Synagogue and its aftermath. All highly encouraging and recommended reading. As to the aftermath, two things stand out. First is the Media disappointment that the anxiety and near-crisis atmosphere they had been stirring up was proved to be completely unfounded. Second, it seems I was right to highlight the Grand Rabbi's repeated calls for the Vatican Archives to be opened. There has now been the same call from the Israeli ambassador to the Holy See. I really do believe that they are not making these calls in order to create more difficulty, but because they feel that information released from that source would help to reduce, even further, the tensions in Jewish-Catholic relations. Both the Grand Rabbi and the ambassador are to be applauded. Of course there are people from both communities and in the Media who use this Vatican archive thing as a way of stirring up trouble for the Vatican and for Pope Benedict. They are to be deplored.
Fr. Lombardi has responded with the usual explanation that there are still some years of work to do in cataloguing the vast documentation. Mmm. Is there really no way of hastening the process? If there is one, I trust Pope Benedict, if he deems it wise, will ensure that it is followed. In the meantime, it appears that there is great trust and respect between the Bishop and the Grand Rabbi of Rome. After the warmth and cordiality of the public meeting, they went into a side-chambe for a private talk. kto cut its trnsmission at this point and I haven't read any details of how long they spent together. Clearly each felt there were things they still wanted and needed to say to each other.
There's been a bit of confusion about where to find the text of the Holy Father's address to the Synagogue assembly. Earlier today, I checked vatican.va, that is the official site of the Holy See, and they still have not moved out of 2009! You can however find an 'unofficial' English translation at Vatican radio. Here's the link. Or to go direct to the English translation click the link to Vatican's YouTube channel at bottom of sidebar here, click Vat Radio and scroll the items on the right hand until you come to the translation. Even more highly recommended reading!
To end on a lighter note, Fr. Tim at 'The Hermeneutic of Continuity" has a good post with a photo of Pope Benedict and the Grand Rabbi. The Holy Father appears to have whispered a joke into the Rabbi's ear. I think he may be explaining the difficulty of getting things moving in the Vatican.
"Did you know," he has just said to the Rabbi, "The Vatican Post Office only yesterday reached the bottom of its backlog. They found a letter addresed to 'The Romans' from a man called Paul!"'
It's available in English with the title : "Pius XII and the Holocaust: the Secret History of the Great Rescue". The supplier is HDF Communications who advertise on Vatican Radio's site as Vatican DVDs and Books. You can arrange to receive their newsletter by email which is how I learned of this DVD. If you have any difficulty, I have a contact number to ring. They're actually in Milan, were very friendly and helpful and have English speaking staff. I made a pre-Christmas order and paid by giving them my credit card number over the phone. Will try to find it later and post it for you here.
Zenit has several items today about the Pope's visit to the Synagogue and its aftermath. All highly encouraging and recommended reading. As to the aftermath, two things stand out. First is the Media disappointment that the anxiety and near-crisis atmosphere they had been stirring up was proved to be completely unfounded. Second, it seems I was right to highlight the Grand Rabbi's repeated calls for the Vatican Archives to be opened. There has now been the same call from the Israeli ambassador to the Holy See. I really do believe that they are not making these calls in order to create more difficulty, but because they feel that information released from that source would help to reduce, even further, the tensions in Jewish-Catholic relations. Both the Grand Rabbi and the ambassador are to be applauded. Of course there are people from both communities and in the Media who use this Vatican archive thing as a way of stirring up trouble for the Vatican and for Pope Benedict. They are to be deplored.
Fr. Lombardi has responded with the usual explanation that there are still some years of work to do in cataloguing the vast documentation. Mmm. Is there really no way of hastening the process? If there is one, I trust Pope Benedict, if he deems it wise, will ensure that it is followed. In the meantime, it appears that there is great trust and respect between the Bishop and the Grand Rabbi of Rome. After the warmth and cordiality of the public meeting, they went into a side-chambe for a private talk. kto cut its trnsmission at this point and I haven't read any details of how long they spent together. Clearly each felt there were things they still wanted and needed to say to each other.
There's been a bit of confusion about where to find the text of the Holy Father's address to the Synagogue assembly. Earlier today, I checked vatican.va, that is the official site of the Holy See, and they still have not moved out of 2009! You can however find an 'unofficial' English translation at Vatican radio. Here's the link. Or to go direct to the English translation click the link to Vatican's YouTube channel at bottom of sidebar here, click Vat Radio and scroll the items on the right hand until you come to the translation. Even more highly recommended reading!
To end on a lighter note, Fr. Tim at 'The Hermeneutic of Continuity" has a good post with a photo of Pope Benedict and the Grand Rabbi. The Holy Father appears to have whispered a joke into the Rabbi's ear. I think he may be explaining the difficulty of getting things moving in the Vatican.
"Did you know," he has just said to the Rabbi, "The Vatican Post Office only yesterday reached the bottom of its backlog. They found a letter addresed to 'The Romans' from a man called Paul!"'
Monday, January 18, 2010
Pope Benedict with the Grand Rabbi at the Synagogue of Rome
There is no way I can begin to do justice to this event tonight, or on any night for that matter. Even to attempt this, I would need to study the text of the Holy Father's speech first. Unfortunately the Vatican website hasn't published any texts of Papal speeches so far this year - not in any language. It really isn't good enough. We are more than half way through January and you'd think from the Vatiican Site that Benedict hasn't said anything since December 31st last year. Nevertheless I watched the Synagogue event on kto and understood the French translation as it happened. Here, I can only share one or two impressions.
First it was a much warmer occasion than I'd feared it might be. Before entering the Synagogue our Holy Father was greeted most generously and enthusiastically. Once he entered the Synagogue, the assembly rose to him, as they did at the end of his speech, which was the last in a series of four, the first three being given by diffferent and eminent Rabbis. Actually the major part of the Holy Father's address was a homily on the Decalogue, but given so gently and humbly as to be unnoticed as such by the majority of his hearers, or perhaps not...........?
Tonight, I'll deal with the one thing that worries and grieves us, namely how Pope Benedict's clearing the way for the Beatification of Pope Pius XII would affect Jewish-Catholic relations. As it happened, there were only two veiled references to this matter, and they were buried in the speeches of the Grand Rabbi (I think) and of Pope Benedict in response. The Rabbi mourned the silence of Pope Pius in regard to the Shoah, referring to it as a dolorous omission and then he yet again pleaded for the Vatican to release its archives covering the period. As I say, these were two sentences buried in his text. In response, the Holy Father only said in veiled reference to his predessessor of that period: "The Holy See itself provided assistance, often in a hidden and discreet way." Clearly he believes and knows that had Pius behaved in the way some think he should have done, the situation of the Jews would have been even worse. As it was Pius himself was nearly arrested and carried off by Hitler's forces. He actually left instructions as to what the rest of the Hierarchy were to do in such a circumstance.
These two references by the Rabbi and Benedict XVI, highlight the essential argument. On the one hand you have Jew, and Gentile, myself among this group, who have proof that Pius XII would not have been able to do any good at all, had he been more openly vociferous against the Nazi regime. As it was he was able to do a great deal. We do not need to go into the Vatican Archive to prove that. It is already in the public domain. On the other hand, you have both Jew and Gentile who insist that Pope Pius should have spoken out. I have yet to read a satisfactory explanation as to how a more vociferous Pius could have improved the situation for anyone, let alone the Jews..
Personally I think Pope Benedict and the Grand Rabbi well know what they are doing., thank God. The latter is known to respect Pope Benedict's scholarship and willingness to acknowledge differences, rather than indulge in a cosy yet sterile 'ecumenism' that blows nobody any good.
Well, that's it tonight for what it's worth and with so much left unsaid.. There is a new DVD available from the Vatican about Pope Pius and the Shoah. Tomorrow, I'll publish details of how you may buy this. And then DV, I'll confront the issue of the upcoming ad limina visit to the Pope by our English and Welsh bishops. My hair is already white and blood pressure healthy so please God I'll survive that exercise! (Probably our dear Holy Father thinks and prays similarly.)
In Christo pro Papa
First it was a much warmer occasion than I'd feared it might be. Before entering the Synagogue our Holy Father was greeted most generously and enthusiastically. Once he entered the Synagogue, the assembly rose to him, as they did at the end of his speech, which was the last in a series of four, the first three being given by diffferent and eminent Rabbis. Actually the major part of the Holy Father's address was a homily on the Decalogue, but given so gently and humbly as to be unnoticed as such by the majority of his hearers, or perhaps not...........?
Tonight, I'll deal with the one thing that worries and grieves us, namely how Pope Benedict's clearing the way for the Beatification of Pope Pius XII would affect Jewish-Catholic relations. As it happened, there were only two veiled references to this matter, and they were buried in the speeches of the Grand Rabbi (I think) and of Pope Benedict in response. The Rabbi mourned the silence of Pope Pius in regard to the Shoah, referring to it as a dolorous omission and then he yet again pleaded for the Vatican to release its archives covering the period. As I say, these were two sentences buried in his text. In response, the Holy Father only said in veiled reference to his predessessor of that period: "The Holy See itself provided assistance, often in a hidden and discreet way." Clearly he believes and knows that had Pius behaved in the way some think he should have done, the situation of the Jews would have been even worse. As it was Pius himself was nearly arrested and carried off by Hitler's forces. He actually left instructions as to what the rest of the Hierarchy were to do in such a circumstance.
These two references by the Rabbi and Benedict XVI, highlight the essential argument. On the one hand you have Jew, and Gentile, myself among this group, who have proof that Pius XII would not have been able to do any good at all, had he been more openly vociferous against the Nazi regime. As it was he was able to do a great deal. We do not need to go into the Vatican Archive to prove that. It is already in the public domain. On the other hand, you have both Jew and Gentile who insist that Pope Pius should have spoken out. I have yet to read a satisfactory explanation as to how a more vociferous Pius could have improved the situation for anyone, let alone the Jews..
Personally I think Pope Benedict and the Grand Rabbi well know what they are doing., thank God. The latter is known to respect Pope Benedict's scholarship and willingness to acknowledge differences, rather than indulge in a cosy yet sterile 'ecumenism' that blows nobody any good.
Well, that's it tonight for what it's worth and with so much left unsaid.. There is a new DVD available from the Vatican about Pope Pius and the Shoah. Tomorrow, I'll publish details of how you may buy this. And then DV, I'll confront the issue of the upcoming ad limina visit to the Pope by our English and Welsh bishops. My hair is already white and blood pressure healthy so please God I'll survive that exercise! (Probably our dear Holy Father thinks and prays similarly.)
In Christo pro Papa
Haiti: A special report from French Missionaries on the Island
Spiritual Mothers and friends, please follow the link at the top of the sidebar, to the website of this Order of French Missionaries, the Spiritains. They have been a permanent presence in Haiti and it seems many of them are still alive. This special report lists the human and material loss of the Church in Haiti as the result of the earthquake. It opens with a list of priests, seminarians and religious who lost their lives last Tuesday and since. The report is in French but I do not think that will hinder your understaning, compassion and prayer for each individual concerned.
Huge thanks to my dear friend 'Pelerin' for the link. She has a friend who works for the Spiritains in Paris and was thus able to send it to me.
Sorry this post should have been at the SMP blog. However, I think it bears the unintentional repetition.
Huge thanks to my dear friend 'Pelerin' for the link. She has a friend who works for the Spiritains in Paris and was thus able to send it to me.
Sorry this post should have been at the SMP blog. However, I think it bears the unintentional repetition.
Hait: Report from French Missionaries inside Haiti
Please go here to read the report. It's in French but you should be able to get an idea. I'll read it thoroughly as soon as possible and then post translation as necessary.
This is the site of the French Missionary order, Les Spiritains who work within Haiti. Thank God they have been able to get news the their Order's website. The Holy Father said yesterday that he's being kept up to date by his Nuncio. We are being kept up to date, specifically about the Church's human and material loss, by my friend Pelerin who knows someone who works for the Order in Paris. Huge thanks to Pelerin for the link.
This is the site of the French Missionary order, Les Spiritains who work within Haiti. Thank God they have been able to get news the their Order's website. The Holy Father said yesterday that he's being kept up to date by his Nuncio. We are being kept up to date, specifically about the Church's human and material loss, by my friend Pelerin who knows someone who works for the Order in Paris. Huge thanks to Pelerin for the link.
Pope appoints Bishop Leonard to succeed Cardinal Danneels
News received from VIS 3pm European time this afternoon.
Well, he's done it. No 'Wagner wobbles' this time. I wondered at the time whether he gave in over Fr Wagner because it wasn't worth having a fight over the appointment of an auxiliary, who would have had no power or influence to change things. More important appointments in Germany need to be carefull watched! And another reason for a Consistory fairly soon!
In the meantime God bless and strenghen our Holy Father, the Church in Belgium and the Archbishop-elect of Mechelin Brussels.
Deo gratias!
Well, he's done it. No 'Wagner wobbles' this time. I wondered at the time whether he gave in over Fr Wagner because it wasn't worth having a fight over the appointment of an auxiliary, who would have had no power or influence to change things. More important appointments in Germany need to be carefull watched! And another reason for a Consistory fairly soon!
In the meantime God bless and strenghen our Holy Father, the Church in Belgium and the Archbishop-elect of Mechelin Brussels.
Deo gratias!
Cardinal Schonborn sent a fax to the Bishop of Mostar.
Thanks to Sandy for responding so quickly with the information that according to Diane who authors 'Te Deum Laudamus!', the Cardinal sent a fax from Rome soon after his audience with Pope Benedict. How Diane got hold of this fax (or part of it) is beyond me, but the text reprinted on her blog is still equivocal and doesn't really amount to a proper apology.
see http://te-deum.blogspot.com/
It's halfpast midnight here. I'm off to bed. More 'in the cold light of day'.
Thanks again Sandy!
see http://te-deum.blogspot.com/
It's halfpast midnight here. I'm off to bed. More 'in the cold light of day'.
Thanks again Sandy!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Cardinal Schonborn sends letter of apology to Bishop of Mostar
One of my friends in combox of previous post says that HE sent this letter after his recent meeting with the Holy Father. I've asked her for her source. It's very important because if true, it proves that Pope Benedict means business. AND it would be very encouraging for those of us who are worrying about the upcoming ad limina of the English and Welsh bishops. The 'rumour mill' is already grinding on that one. More as news is available.
May God bless, guide, strengthen and protect our Holy Father.
May God bless, guide, strengthen and protect our Holy Father.
Heartfelt thanks for your appreciative and kind comments with a couple of points in clarification
- Truly I've been amazed at the favourable response. You certainly made the old girl feel of some use when the chips were down! And some of you weren't even known to me until this, what shall we call it, erm, 'The Schonborn Hiccup"? Furthermore the statcounter tells me that it has generated the highest readership since Mark installed the 'gadget'. Anyway thanks to you all for keeping an eye on me.
A couple of points though:
First an answer to Epsilon's question about why I didn't post on Fr Blake's combox, drawing attention to my own blog. When I found Fr Blake's post it had already slipped into his archive. He posts so successively fast that even if you look twice a day, you are likely to miss something, which I did on the day in question. I don't think people go back to earlier posts much unless it's a matter of especial interest to them and Father only has one post per page. It was difficult late at night to know what to do, so I decided to post 'at home'. And I'm very glad I did.
Second: Many of you seem to think that the lack of comments was my main concern. If you gained that impression, that's my fault and I'm sorry. No, I'm used to that and it doesn't bother me in itself, particularly now I have the statcounter. No, the main point of frustration was caused just by the way things are. It doesn't matter how well you post. If you are not well-known much of your hard work and dedication will be lost. Father posted briefly on a subject on which I'd spent a great deal of thought and time, and got a whole load of uninformed comments. I felt it would have helped to dispel ignorance if some of them could have read the Oasis. Never mind.
The most important lesson I've learned from this is to continue the blog for those of you whom I know DO read it, and not to worry too much about the others. It's for the Lord and for you, not for me. btw, I referred to 'legs up' from the 'big boys' in my earlier post. I should have mentioned a very important girl, named Mac of Mulier Fortis who has always been a wonderful support to me, both technologically and spiritually. Thanks Mac!
Anyway with the blessing of Fr Mark and Fr Michael, I simply can't give up, can I! To have their priestly support, answered my prayers as to whether I've been doing the right thing with the blog.
I will now proceed with due caution.
God bless you all. The sand-storm in this little part of the desert has died down thanks to you.
Perhaps a post later about the Holy Father's visit to the Rome synagogue........but maybe I'll take Umblepie's advice and post less frequently. It's difficult because there's so much going on........ Also one of my correspondents has first hand news of what's going on in Haiti. That is the matter of first concern. They had a minute's silence in the Rome synagogue before all the speeches began...........
.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Cardinal Schonborn: Jane says she may close this Oasis blog.
As you know, I posted twice about Cardinal Schonborn on January 14, and once again on January 15. All these posts were considered, balanced and informative. I had 1 comment. Fr Blake also posted on Schonborn on Jan 15, but only to report that the Cardinal had private Audience with the Pope that morning, (which I had already advertised before it took place). Father's post invited comment as to why this meeting had happened, a question I had already asked. He had 16 or 17 comments, most of which displayed ignorance of the rules of ecclesial courtesy, which Fr Blake has corrected in his own combox. DO NOT GET ME WRONG. I'M ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT FATHER BLAKE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT MY POSTS WHICH PREDATED HIS. He knows me personally and my blog is on his sidebar list. However I know he is just too busy to read me.
Father Blake is a 'big blogger', respected and popular. Absolutely right that he should be. I read him at least once a day myself and he is brilliant.. However, this instance proves that for a small blog like mine, it is very difficult to be noticed. One needs the occasional 'leg up' from the 'big boys' if one's efforts are to be worthwhile the expense of care and time one puts into the composition of posts, not to mention the careful research that I always do. On this occasion, and I believe on this important subject, I think my postings would have been more useful to the commenters on Father's own post. But only one of them knows about me, and she obviously hasn't read me on the subject of Cardinal Schonborn.
It is dispiriting and at the moment I'm wondering whether I should close this Oasis, but CERTAINLY NOT THE SPIRITUAL MOTHERS OF PRIESTS BLOG, and spend more time in the garden. The other thing is that people who do not run blogs themselves do not realise, as 'Fr Mildew' has twice said in recent months, that comments are the lifeblood of blogs, even if they are only to say that you agree with what the blog author has written. The statcounter tells me that my readership is fair and increasing, but that is certainly not reflected in the com box, except by a very few 'faithfuls' to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude. You andd I know who you are!
I'm now going to 'sleep on it' and continue worrying AND PRAYING about the things which would have been in my next post, namely a) the Holy Father's visit to the Rome Synagogue tomorrow b) the upcoming ad limina visits to Rome of the English, Welsh and Scottish bishops c) the Pope's visit to England and Scotland in the autumn of the current year.
As always, God bless all here.
P.S. I have to say that this is not the first time such a thing has happened, although the previous occasions involved other blogs.
Father Blake is a 'big blogger', respected and popular. Absolutely right that he should be. I read him at least once a day myself and he is brilliant.. However, this instance proves that for a small blog like mine, it is very difficult to be noticed. One needs the occasional 'leg up' from the 'big boys' if one's efforts are to be worthwhile the expense of care and time one puts into the composition of posts, not to mention the careful research that I always do. On this occasion, and I believe on this important subject, I think my postings would have been more useful to the commenters on Father's own post. But only one of them knows about me, and she obviously hasn't read me on the subject of Cardinal Schonborn.
It is dispiriting and at the moment I'm wondering whether I should close this Oasis, but CERTAINLY NOT THE SPIRITUAL MOTHERS OF PRIESTS BLOG, and spend more time in the garden. The other thing is that people who do not run blogs themselves do not realise, as 'Fr Mildew' has twice said in recent months, that comments are the lifeblood of blogs, even if they are only to say that you agree with what the blog author has written. The statcounter tells me that my readership is fair and increasing, but that is certainly not reflected in the com box, except by a very few 'faithfuls' to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude. You andd I know who you are!
I'm now going to 'sleep on it' and continue worrying AND PRAYING about the things which would have been in my next post, namely a) the Holy Father's visit to the Rome Synagogue tomorrow b) the upcoming ad limina visits to Rome of the English, Welsh and Scottish bishops c) the Pope's visit to England and Scotland in the autumn of the current year.
As always, God bless all here.
P.S. I have to say that this is not the first time such a thing has happened, although the previous occasions involved other blogs.
Haiti Papal Nuncio: Further detailed report
Please read at Fides Service-Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples
As you know nervous about these links but thought it worth the shot.
As you know nervous about these links but thought it worth the shot.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cardinal Schonborn's recent 'private' pilgrimage to Medjugorge
How can a pilgrimage be private when you are a high profile Cardinal and choose to celebrate Mass in public and to speak to the faithful in a homily which could be interpreted as favourable to the alleged apparitions at Medjugorge? And yet Cardinal Schonborn said it was private.
I find it hard to believe that his Eminence could have been so naive as to allow himself to be manipulated by the pro-faction in the place. The fact that there are two opposing views surrounding the site is worrying enough in itself. With the Church in the process of trying to settle the matter, it seems distinctly unhelpful for a Cardinal to go there at this moment unless specifically and officially sent by the Holy See to investigate matters. But no, his Eminence said it was private.
Perhaps he is not yet web-savvy enough to know that the days when such actions could be private, are well and truly over. That said, were the Cardinal's actions merely ill-judged, deliberately provocative, or a blind for the schemes of other 'heads' in the Vatican, not, I hasten to add, THE Head, who received said Cardinal in audience today? I trust Mgr Ganswein was at the ready with his trusty 'flit-gun'* contra all the would-be flies on the wall!
Also to be noted is the circumspect, but nevertheless intrinsically critical reaction of Cardinal Saraiva Martins to his 'brother's' actions, see here . Cardinal Martins is sceptical about Medjugorge, but is clearly upset at his 'brother's' lack of courtesy to the local Ordinary, (who has also complained) in arriving in another bishop's diocese completely unannounced. It's difficult to know how a Cardinal could behave in this way, particularly one who is 'nobly born'. Cardinal Schonborn is the son of a Count of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic, where he was born.) He is an aristocrat. In England we used to say, that nobility is demonstrated not by your blood, but in your behaviour, particularly towards those whom the world perceives as your subordinates.
I've been puzzled about Cardinal Schonborn for some time. His attitudes seem equivocal. See his CV at Wikipedia, which isn't holy writ, but at least is usually a good factual guide. I also checked Cardinal Martins' there, and have to say which Eminence I would vote for if it were a question of unequivocal loyalty to the occupant of the Chair of Peter. Cardinal Schonborn was also at Ars a few months ago, presiding over an International Priestly retreat. The positive reaction of the priest retreatants, as demonstrated in the kto video which I chose as one of my Epiphany joys, warmed my heart toward him. But then with this Medjugorge news I became worried again about him.
The other thing is that Cardinal Schonborn is travelling rather a lot when you consider the recent news about Austrian Catholics deserting the Church in droves. See http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=5163
This link, if it works (!) will lead to a more complete report on the Austrian situation.
IMHO it seems that Cardinal Schonborn would do better to stay at home and start being unequivocal in his support of our Holy Father, unequivocal in the Catholic faith. I'm told that when Pope Benedict (or perhaps God) chooses, he fixes people with a look that penetrates to their very souls, if their souls are receptive. I pray that Cardinal Schonborn may have been the privileged recipient of that look a few hours ago. We shouldn't forget either, that his Eminence was a pupil of Fr. Ratzinger many years ago.
Of course, the fact in this Medjugorge story, that Cardinal is seen to be opposed to Cardinal, is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Our Lady of Akita (Japan}, accepted by the Church relatively quickly as these things go, and whose Archbishop said at the time of acceptance, that Our Blessed Mother's message there was the same as at Fatima.
More on these matters as news dictates and/or time allows.
*Oh, and the flit gun? This was the precursor of the aerosol and will be remembered by anyone over the age of 50? Not sure they had them in Bavaria but I do like the idea of Mgr. G. brandishining one that began its useful life in Marktl am Inn, and is still in good working order.
I find it hard to believe that his Eminence could have been so naive as to allow himself to be manipulated by the pro-faction in the place. The fact that there are two opposing views surrounding the site is worrying enough in itself. With the Church in the process of trying to settle the matter, it seems distinctly unhelpful for a Cardinal to go there at this moment unless specifically and officially sent by the Holy See to investigate matters. But no, his Eminence said it was private.
Perhaps he is not yet web-savvy enough to know that the days when such actions could be private, are well and truly over. That said, were the Cardinal's actions merely ill-judged, deliberately provocative, or a blind for the schemes of other 'heads' in the Vatican, not, I hasten to add, THE Head, who received said Cardinal in audience today? I trust Mgr Ganswein was at the ready with his trusty 'flit-gun'* contra all the would-be flies on the wall!
Also to be noted is the circumspect, but nevertheless intrinsically critical reaction of Cardinal Saraiva Martins to his 'brother's' actions, see here . Cardinal Martins is sceptical about Medjugorge, but is clearly upset at his 'brother's' lack of courtesy to the local Ordinary, (who has also complained) in arriving in another bishop's diocese completely unannounced. It's difficult to know how a Cardinal could behave in this way, particularly one who is 'nobly born'. Cardinal Schonborn is the son of a Count of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic, where he was born.) He is an aristocrat. In England we used to say, that nobility is demonstrated not by your blood, but in your behaviour, particularly towards those whom the world perceives as your subordinates.
I've been puzzled about Cardinal Schonborn for some time. His attitudes seem equivocal. See his CV at Wikipedia, which isn't holy writ, but at least is usually a good factual guide. I also checked Cardinal Martins' there, and have to say which Eminence I would vote for if it were a question of unequivocal loyalty to the occupant of the Chair of Peter. Cardinal Schonborn was also at Ars a few months ago, presiding over an International Priestly retreat. The positive reaction of the priest retreatants, as demonstrated in the kto video which I chose as one of my Epiphany joys, warmed my heart toward him. But then with this Medjugorge news I became worried again about him.
The other thing is that Cardinal Schonborn is travelling rather a lot when you consider the recent news about Austrian Catholics deserting the Church in droves. See http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=5163
This link, if it works (!) will lead to a more complete report on the Austrian situation.
IMHO it seems that Cardinal Schonborn would do better to stay at home and start being unequivocal in his support of our Holy Father, unequivocal in the Catholic faith. I'm told that when Pope Benedict (or perhaps God) chooses, he fixes people with a look that penetrates to their very souls, if their souls are receptive. I pray that Cardinal Schonborn may have been the privileged recipient of that look a few hours ago. We shouldn't forget either, that his Eminence was a pupil of Fr. Ratzinger many years ago.
Of course, the fact in this Medjugorge story, that Cardinal is seen to be opposed to Cardinal, is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Our Lady of Akita (Japan}, accepted by the Church relatively quickly as these things go, and whose Archbishop said at the time of acceptance, that Our Blessed Mother's message there was the same as at Fatima.
More on these matters as news dictates and/or time allows.
*Oh, and the flit gun? This was the precursor of the aerosol and will be remembered by anyone over the age of 50? Not sure they had them in Bavaria but I do like the idea of Mgr. G. brandishining one that began its useful life in Marktl am Inn, and is still in good working order.
Cardinal Schonborn continued....
Apologies for delay. Post will follow this evening French time.
VIS has just reported that Cardinal Schonborn was received in private audience by the Holy father today. Mmmm? Probably just coincidence?
VIS has just reported that Cardinal Schonborn was received in private audience by the Holy father today. Mmmm? Probably just coincidence?
Haiti: Apostolic Nuncio offers first hand account.
I'm rather tired of links not working. Nevertheless, I pray that this one does, and that you all may read it.
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25793&lan=eng
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25793&lan=eng
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Breaking the cardinal rules of ecclesial courtesy: His Eminence Christoph Schonborn visits Medjugorge without informing the local bishop
This is the subject of my next post which will follow later this evening or tomorrow morning. It has little to do with his, my or your attitude to the Medjugorge phenonenon and everything to do with simple good manners, which for some reason Cardinal Schonborn decided he needn't observe. Why? Surely not because the Pope asked him to go and have a private 'look'. Even if he had, I doubt he would have wanted statements made during a homily given at Mass, which would exacerbate the present sensitive situation. In any case I read somewhere that Cardinal Ruini had been put in charge of 'looking into' the matter. Even the Holy Father himself does not, and would not, go anywhere without first being invited or expressing a desire to go, and this is as much the result of the innate courtesy of Pope Benedict, as it is of his observance of an unwritten ecclesial code of conduct.
More later as promised.
More later as promised.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tissot video
Please note that this 7 minute video of Tissot's paintings appears UNDER the post about the papal baptisms in the Sistine Chapel, that is as the post before last.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Infants Baptized by Pope: Parents Reflect on the occasion
This moving testimony to faith, Christian marriage, parenthood, and Pope Benedict's affection and closeness can be read here. The reference to the babies' crying and babbling during the two hour ceremony, doesn't at all capture the effect of the sounds, which were more like a calling out. In the potentially daunting environment of the Sistine Chapel, they added to the dignified and loving family atmosphere which Pope Benedict's very presence and sacramental mien did so much to create.
Clearly he made a great impression on the mother of newly-baptized Gabriel Grilone. "I like the way..... he expresses himself with little gestures...........Those who do not see him personally do not notice these little details." (Oh yes, we do!!!) "Even though he didn't know us he expressed much affection with his look. I will always carry this in my heart, my whole life." Actually, you can see this happening on the video. It is hard to watch the tenderness with which the Pope baptizes the children and welcome their parents, without coming close to tears. It is no surprise that little Gabriel's mother felt as she did.
Clearly he made a great impression on the mother of newly-baptized Gabriel Grilone. "I like the way..... he expresses himself with little gestures...........Those who do not see him personally do not notice these little details." (Oh yes, we do!!!) "Even though he didn't know us he expressed much affection with his look. I will always carry this in my heart, my whole life." Actually, you can see this happening on the video. It is hard to watch the tenderness with which the Pope baptizes the children and welcome their parents, without coming close to tears. It is no surprise that little Gabriel's mother felt as she did.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tissot Video. Enjoy!
I'm trying to find out where Tissot is buried. It looks as if I'll have to write to the mayor of Chenancey. A graceful mantilla twitch to Pelerin in thanks for finding this video. Most of it is not of his Bible art, although there is a central section that shows some of his 'Life of Christ' work. The woman in red is St. Mary Magdalen; will identity the other Biblical subjects when I've time.)
The slow movement of Brahms Violin concerto is a very suitable accompaniament I feel.
Next Tissot painting should be up here on the Feast of the Conversion of Paul.
The slow movement of Brahms Violin concerto is a very suitable accompaniament I feel.
Next Tissot painting should be up here on the Feast of the Conversion of Paul.
Holy Father visits Cardinal Etchegaray
Zenit has the full report here
Wonderful news which I've been looking out for since the Cardinal's operation! Most touching that his Eminence was strong enough to walk Pope Benedict to the door at the end of the visit and a great blessing that he is likely to be discharged from hospital during this coming week.
Wonderful news which I've been looking out for since the Cardinal's operation! Most touching that his Eminence was strong enough to walk Pope Benedict to the door at the end of the visit and a great blessing that he is likely to be discharged from hospital during this coming week.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
On the trail of Tissot; taking down the decorations; and an afternoon with the 'Holy Face' of Manoppello
My researches into the life and death of James Tissot continued yesterday. I found that his parents were in the 'fashion business' in Nantes which perhaps in part explains his skill in protraying the texture of fabrics and their arrangement on the female form; whilst in London he did a series of caracatures for 'Vanity Fair' magazine under the pseudonym 'Coide' (final 'e' acute); that he did indeed die in Chenancey-Bouillon as Pelerin said but have not yet managed to establish than he is buried there. Thanks also to Patricius for his contribution in the combox. Also discovered that there are still Tissots living in the area: Dominique and Alain Tissot run a gite there. Also discovered that the area is a clock-making region. Is this connected to the famous Tissot watchmakers. I always thought they were Swiss. If I can't find more on the web, having found the address of the Mayor of Chenancey I may well write to him and ask whether Tissot is buried in the commune cemetery.
The decorations?
Fr Blake asked about this recently on his blog. Here in St. Romain, up until very recently, the custom was to leave things up until Candlemas. The street lights, yes we have them in St. Romain, were not taken down until Feb 2. I knew about the custom which dates back to the time when Christmastide lasted until then and I rather appoved of observing it. In recent years they have been taken down sooner, although they are still there as I write. The custom here is to have decoration outside as well as inside the house, usually in the form of decorated greenery from the forest. This too is of antiquity. So our custom now is as follows: when the commune takes down the village lights, we take down our external decorations; when the Vatican takes down the Crib and tree in St. Peter's Square, we take down the internal decorations.
I spent this afternoon researching the Sanctuary of the Holy Face at Manoppello. Further explanation and details at my 'Spiritual Mothers of Priests' blog.
The decorations?
Fr Blake asked about this recently on his blog. Here in St. Romain, up until very recently, the custom was to leave things up until Candlemas. The street lights, yes we have them in St. Romain, were not taken down until Feb 2. I knew about the custom which dates back to the time when Christmastide lasted until then and I rather appoved of observing it. In recent years they have been taken down sooner, although they are still there as I write. The custom here is to have decoration outside as well as inside the house, usually in the form of decorated greenery from the forest. This too is of antiquity. So our custom now is as follows: when the commune takes down the village lights, we take down our external decorations; when the Vatican takes down the Crib and tree in St. Peter's Square, we take down the internal decorations.
I spent this afternoon researching the Sanctuary of the Holy Face at Manoppello. Further explanation and details at my 'Spiritual Mothers of Priests' blog.
Baptism of Our Lord
(image: Baptism of Our Lord (Baptême de Jésu) from Tissot's "Life of Christ" series, Brooklyn Museum/Wikipedia Commons)We are posting the painting today in order to accommodate both forms of the Roman Rite and their different calendars. Whether you celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord today or this coming Wednesday may it be a happy and holy time for all.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The 'Vision' of James Tissot
In this post I will concentrate on those aspects of Tissot's life and work which are of spiritual interest, not to mention sympathy and compassion. Here are links to some sites that give biographies of various detail and/or reproduce many of his paintings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jame_Tissot
New York Times article
Mezzo-Mondo - Biograpy
http://www.jamestissot.org/biography.html
artmagic image gallery
Brooklyn Museum Exhibition and Life of Christ Exhibition
New York Times Art Criticism
Born in Nantes France, Tissot met Kathleen Newton during his eleven year period as a highly successful society painter in London. He fell in love with her and it seems that he remained in that state for the rest of his life. They were both from Catholic backgrounds but she was a divorcee and so they never married. They lived together in blissful domesticity at his house in St. Johns Wood and she is believed to have borne him a child. This was her second child, the first having been the result of a shipboard liaison during her voyage to India where she was to be married. This marriage had been 'arranged' by her father. After the wedding Kathleen confessed to her husband about her affair at sea and he immediately divorced her. Tissot's brief period of earthly happiness ended when Kathleen, having contracted tuberculosis, ended her own life at the age of 28. Her suicide at that time meant that she could not be buried in consecrated ground.
After his bereavement a distraught Tissot returned to his native France. Some time later he had what some sites call a 'vision' in which he saw Our Lord comforting people in a large temple-like building. (His painting of the vision is called 'Christ the Comforter'. I have not yet been able to find it on the Net but continue my search.) At this point Tissot seems to have re-embraced his childhood faith and from then on his art was to be dominated by paintings of people and events in both the Old and New Testaments. There are 350 watercolours in his 'Life of Christ' series and the present exhibition in Brooklyn is showing about a third of them.
At one point Tissot became interested in Spiritualism and claimed to have 'contacted' Kathleen. I pray that he found solace in the orthodox faith before he died. I have so far been unable to find out where or how he died, or where he is buried. My researches continue, as does my hope that the Lord in his mercy grants heavenly peace and joy to Kathleen Newton and James Tissot.
In tribute to Tissot's work, watercolours from his Bible series will appear on my blogs throughout the coming year.
-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jame_Tissot
New York Times article
Mezzo-Mondo - Biograpy
http://www.jamestissot.org/biography.html
artmagic image gallery
Brooklyn Museum Exhibition and Life of Christ Exhibition
New York Times Art Criticism
Born in Nantes France, Tissot met Kathleen Newton during his eleven year period as a highly successful society painter in London. He fell in love with her and it seems that he remained in that state for the rest of his life. They were both from Catholic backgrounds but she was a divorcee and so they never married. They lived together in blissful domesticity at his house in St. Johns Wood and she is believed to have borne him a child. This was her second child, the first having been the result of a shipboard liaison during her voyage to India where she was to be married. This marriage had been 'arranged' by her father. After the wedding Kathleen confessed to her husband about her affair at sea and he immediately divorced her. Tissot's brief period of earthly happiness ended when Kathleen, having contracted tuberculosis, ended her own life at the age of 28. Her suicide at that time meant that she could not be buried in consecrated ground.
After his bereavement a distraught Tissot returned to his native France. Some time later he had what some sites call a 'vision' in which he saw Our Lord comforting people in a large temple-like building. (His painting of the vision is called 'Christ the Comforter'. I have not yet been able to find it on the Net but continue my search.) At this point Tissot seems to have re-embraced his childhood faith and from then on his art was to be dominated by paintings of people and events in both the Old and New Testaments. There are 350 watercolours in his 'Life of Christ' series and the present exhibition in Brooklyn is showing about a third of them.
At one point Tissot became interested in Spiritualism and claimed to have 'contacted' Kathleen. I pray that he found solace in the orthodox faith before he died. I have so far been unable to find out where or how he died, or where he is buried. My researches continue, as does my hope that the Lord in his mercy grants heavenly peace and joy to Kathleen Newton and James Tissot.
In tribute to Tissot's work, watercolours from his Bible series will appear on my blogs throughout the coming year.
-
Friday, January 8, 2010
Latest Epiphany post; belated mantilla twitch to Mulier Fortis; Fr Tim takes some Roman time;Tissot tomorrow D.V.
The latest Epiphany post describing my second four joys of the Solemnity is now up on the SMP blog.
In my haste to post about Fr Tim Finigan's doings in Rome, I omitted to thank Mac for having posted about it on Mulier Fortis. Mea maxima culpa and a belated mantilla twitch to you Mac and thanks as always for your blog. (As for your post about the complexities of the old 'Pie', I'm sure others will enlighten you. But if they don't I'll comment as soon as time allows.)
On his blog, 'The Hermeneutic of Continuity', Fr Tim has published a most moving and illuminating post about his reactions to the experience of assisting as sub-deacon at Cardinal Llovera's Mass. These were such that instead of going on the organised conference pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Bonaventure, he decided on a private day in Rome. Judging from the itinerary he chose for himself, it will have been most necessary and fruitful, and an opportunity that comes too rarely to any parish priest, least of all to Father Tim with his multifarious commitments. May God bless and strengthen him and may Our Lady protect him always.
I hope to post about Tissot tomorrow.
In my haste to post about Fr Tim Finigan's doings in Rome, I omitted to thank Mac for having posted about it on Mulier Fortis. Mea maxima culpa and a belated mantilla twitch to you Mac and thanks as always for your blog. (As for your post about the complexities of the old 'Pie', I'm sure others will enlighten you. But if they don't I'll comment as soon as time allows.)
On his blog, 'The Hermeneutic of Continuity', Fr Tim has published a most moving and illuminating post about his reactions to the experience of assisting as sub-deacon at Cardinal Llovera's Mass. These were such that instead of going on the organised conference pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Bonaventure, he decided on a private day in Rome. Judging from the itinerary he chose for himself, it will have been most necessary and fruitful, and an opportunity that comes too rarely to any parish priest, least of all to Father Tim with his multifarious commitments. May God bless and strengthen him and may Our Lady protect him always.
I hope to post about Tissot tomorrow.
Fr Tim Finigan sub-deacon at Cardinal's Mass in the Lateran
A quick comment:
Congratulations to Father Tim. What a great honour for him and wondeful news for us all at home. Father is also giving one of the talks at the current conference of English-speaking priests in Rome.
However, now that Father is personally known to Cardinal Llovera, how long before his name reaches the ears of our Holy Father? The Archdiocese in which Father is a priest is vacant and................. ?
Unlikely I know, but many other important posts also need filling. If I were a Blackfen parishioner I'd be very nervous of losing my parish priest ! As for Father himself it's definitely a case of, "Be sure your virtues will find you out! "
Congratulations to Father Tim. What a great honour for him and wondeful news for us all at home. Father is also giving one of the talks at the current conference of English-speaking priests in Rome.
However, now that Father is personally known to Cardinal Llovera, how long before his name reaches the ears of our Holy Father? The Archdiocese in which Father is a priest is vacant and................. ?
Unlikely I know, but many other important posts also need filling. If I were a Blackfen parishioner I'd be very nervous of losing my parish priest ! As for Father himself it's definitely a case of, "Be sure your virtues will find you out! "
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Wondrous Epiphany..........3: The first four joys; and the Tissot Exhibition in Brooklyn
The joys of Epiphany post is now up on the Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog.
The Tissot Exhibition of water colours from his series of 350 on 'The Life of Christ' is on at the Brooklyn Art Gallery until January 17, so if you are fortunate enough to live in NY you'd better get your skates on. I suspect that at this time of year skates, if not skis, might be the best form of transport!
Over the past days I've become fascinated by Tissot's biography. Earlier today, which I had already decided on the advice of friends to 'take things easy', I enjoyed doing some Tissot research and will report on it as soon as possible.
We hope to have his 'Baptism of Jesus' up on both blogs in time for this coming Sunday.
The Tissot Exhibition of water colours from his series of 350 on 'The Life of Christ' is on at the Brooklyn Art Gallery until January 17, so if you are fortunate enough to live in NY you'd better get your skates on. I suspect that at this time of year skates, if not skis, might be the best form of transport!
Over the past days I've become fascinated by Tissot's biography. Earlier today, which I had already decided on the advice of friends to 'take things easy', I enjoyed doing some Tissot research and will report on it as soon as possible.
We hope to have his 'Baptism of Jesus' up on both blogs in time for this coming Sunday.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Epiphany joy unabated: It's all right. Everything's back to normal!
For the time being anyway! Please see explanatory post on Spiritual Mother's for Priests blog.
God bless you and thanks for your patience.
God bless you and thanks for your patience.
Machina Diaboli
There is a saying here in Scotland, "the best laid plans o' mice and men, gang aft agley" (are oft to go astray).
Sadly, Jane's computer has taken a diabolical whim of its own and seems out of action for the near future. Jane is the main contributor to this blog, so you will all have to bear with us for a while.
Though it be a material concern, please storm the Gates of Heaven, for a swift recovery to the machine!
Sadly, Jane's computer has taken a diabolical whim of its own and seems out of action for the near future. Jane is the main contributor to this blog, so you will all have to bear with us for a while.
Though it be a material concern, please storm the Gates of Heaven, for a swift recovery to the machine!
An Epiphany Treat
A treat for Epiphany: The Three Kings (Cornelius/Finley) King's College Cambridge, 1997:
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Eucharistic Novena begins tomorrow, The Solemnity of the Epiphany
For background details and text of the Novena, please use link at top of sidebar here.
Thanks to Father Mark for alerting me to this. I will definitely be joining him in praying the Novena
Thanks to Father Mark for alerting me to this. I will definitely be joining him in praying the Novena
+ Tempus Epiphaniae +
Introitus: "Ecce Advenit":
(image: Rembrandt, Adoration of the Magi, 1632;
video: Schola Gregoriana Mediolanensis, Milan, Italy)
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A new intercession?
Please see my Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog (sidebar link) for more details.
Hope to be back here tomorrow.
God bless all here.
Hope to be back here tomorrow.
God bless all here.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year...." M.L. Haskins
On New Year's Eve 2008 I posted this much loved quote on 'The Oasis". Having decided against repeating it this year, I was delighted to find it on the blog of the 'Transalpine Redemptorists at Home". Here it is again with some reflections and information about the poet.
"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: 'Give me a light that I may tread safetly into the unknown.' And he replied: 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.' "
Minnie Louise Haskins 1875-1957 (from "The Desert: Introduction" c.1908)
Even with the Internet it is difficult to find much biographical detail about Miss Haskins. She was a graduate of the London School of Economics and most of her subsequent academic career was spent lecturing there in the fields of Sociology and Philosophy. Writing poetry was her spare-time pursuit. She was English, and not American or Canadian as some have claimed. Born in the Gloucstershire village of Bitton, now on the eastern edge of Bristol, she later lived in Crowborough, Sussex. (Does anyone know whether she is buried there?)
Minnie was neither Catholic nor Anglican, but a Non-Conformist. She never married.
Those of us who were alive during WW2 or who were born during it, find double poignancy in these words because they were famously quoted by King George VI during his Christmas Day speech 1939, that is the first Christmas of a war whose length could not be predicted. They were a perfect choice, through which our sovereign encouraged his subjects to faith. Only that could save us, whatever lay ahead. That is one part of the poignancy. The other lies in our affectionate memories of King George himself, a man who never expected to accede to the throne and one who found the role nerve-wracking, not the least because of all the public speaking he had to do and the necessary personal battle he waged in order to conquer his stammer. Miss Haskins' words are engraved on the entrance to King George's Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
I was eight years old when he died and we were allowed to sit cross-legged on the floor of the school hall as we listened to his funeral on a utility radio. No TV at that time but we'd seen pictures of the Abbey and so had images in our minds. We sat in awed and sad silence, paying absorbed attention throughout the long service. There was no fidgeting, and I believe that this was not because of an enforced external discipline from the teachers, but because of a genuine inner reaction to the solemnity of the occasion and at least some understanding of its national and historic significance. A sad memory yes, but a deeply etched and treasured one.
I don't recall the occasion of first hearing Miss Haskins' words but I've known them for most of my adult life. When we used to run Christmas and New Year house-parties here in France, we always had a New Year's eve celebration during which her words would be read out. Then, as now, it is difficult to read them without a lump in the throat and misted eyes. Of course this reaction is partly due to nostalgia, but there is more to it than that. The words are stirring as an affirmation of the faith of an English king, with which he knew he could inspire the Nation in the face of the physical and moral threat of the war ahead of us.
It occurred to me last night that the words are even more important now, when Faith itself is being systematically attacked and eroded by an ever growing number of Britons themselves, many of whom are in dangerous positions of power and influence.
With gratitude and admiration I pray that the souls of Minnie Louise Haskins and of King George VI may rest in peace.
I pray to all our British saints and martyrs for the British Isles and their inhabitants.
St. Michael defend us in these days of spiritual battle and help us to 'put on the whole armour of God't.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and may Your Face journey with us.
Amen
"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: 'Give me a light that I may tread safetly into the unknown.' And he replied: 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.' "
Minnie Louise Haskins 1875-1957 (from "The Desert: Introduction" c.1908)
Even with the Internet it is difficult to find much biographical detail about Miss Haskins. She was a graduate of the London School of Economics and most of her subsequent academic career was spent lecturing there in the fields of Sociology and Philosophy. Writing poetry was her spare-time pursuit. She was English, and not American or Canadian as some have claimed. Born in the Gloucstershire village of Bitton, now on the eastern edge of Bristol, she later lived in Crowborough, Sussex. (Does anyone know whether she is buried there?)
Minnie was neither Catholic nor Anglican, but a Non-Conformist. She never married.
Those of us who were alive during WW2 or who were born during it, find double poignancy in these words because they were famously quoted by King George VI during his Christmas Day speech 1939, that is the first Christmas of a war whose length could not be predicted. They were a perfect choice, through which our sovereign encouraged his subjects to faith. Only that could save us, whatever lay ahead. That is one part of the poignancy. The other lies in our affectionate memories of King George himself, a man who never expected to accede to the throne and one who found the role nerve-wracking, not the least because of all the public speaking he had to do and the necessary personal battle he waged in order to conquer his stammer. Miss Haskins' words are engraved on the entrance to King George's Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
I was eight years old when he died and we were allowed to sit cross-legged on the floor of the school hall as we listened to his funeral on a utility radio. No TV at that time but we'd seen pictures of the Abbey and so had images in our minds. We sat in awed and sad silence, paying absorbed attention throughout the long service. There was no fidgeting, and I believe that this was not because of an enforced external discipline from the teachers, but because of a genuine inner reaction to the solemnity of the occasion and at least some understanding of its national and historic significance. A sad memory yes, but a deeply etched and treasured one.
I don't recall the occasion of first hearing Miss Haskins' words but I've known them for most of my adult life. When we used to run Christmas and New Year house-parties here in France, we always had a New Year's eve celebration during which her words would be read out. Then, as now, it is difficult to read them without a lump in the throat and misted eyes. Of course this reaction is partly due to nostalgia, but there is more to it than that. The words are stirring as an affirmation of the faith of an English king, with which he knew he could inspire the Nation in the face of the physical and moral threat of the war ahead of us.
It occurred to me last night that the words are even more important now, when Faith itself is being systematically attacked and eroded by an ever growing number of Britons themselves, many of whom are in dangerous positions of power and influence.
With gratitude and admiration I pray that the souls of Minnie Louise Haskins and of King George VI may rest in peace.
I pray to all our British saints and martyrs for the British Isles and their inhabitants.
St. Michael defend us in these days of spiritual battle and help us to 'put on the whole armour of God't.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and may Your Face journey with us.
Amen
Friday, January 1, 2010
"The Gates of Hell shall not prevail...."; and the Anthem of the Holy See: Two stirring videos for New Year's Day
Thanks to Fr. Anthony Ho who alerted me to these YouTube videos by posting them on his own blog. I dedicate them to Pope Benedict, the Swiss Guard and the Papal Gendarmes.
A holy, peaceful and happy New Year to you, our beloved Holy Father Benedict and may God bless all who protect and defend you. With the assurance of the prayers, love and filial loyalty of all at this Anglo-French Oasis and at the Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog. In Jesus Christ, Emmanuel and our Saviour. Amen
Sacrosancta Ecclesia Dei - the Gates of Hell shall not prevail
Pontifical March - Anthem of the Holy See
A commenter on this second video seems to indicate a rumour that the Papal Gendarmes are to be given a stronger role in protecting the Pope. If true, it is excellent news.
Happy New Year again everyone. Follow the example of our wise and holy Pope. Long may he lead, guide, teach and counsel us. Be strong and of good courage.
A holy, peaceful and happy New Year to you, our beloved Holy Father Benedict and may God bless all who protect and defend you. With the assurance of the prayers, love and filial loyalty of all at this Anglo-French Oasis and at the Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog. In Jesus Christ, Emmanuel and our Saviour. Amen
Sacrosancta Ecclesia Dei - the Gates of Hell shall not prevail
Pontifical March - Anthem of the Holy See
A commenter on this second video seems to indicate a rumour that the Papal Gendarmes are to be given a stronger role in protecting the Pope. If true, it is excellent news.
Happy New Year again everyone. Follow the example of our wise and holy Pope. Long may he lead, guide, teach and counsel us. Be strong and of good courage.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Pope Benedict at First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God in St. Peter's Basilica
In his Meditation, the Holy Father again made an appeal for more people to give their 'whole being' as priests or in living the consecrated life. (Translation of the relevant paragraph can be seen at Fr Z's blog 'What does the Prayer Really Say?') The Pope's exhortation was particularly fitting I thought. A New calendar year is about to begin but the Church is now at the heart of the Year for Priests.
More security men were in evidence, and in the processions the group immediately surrounding the Pope seemed more tightly formed that has been the case for some time.
I will keep an eye on the news and post if there is pressing need, but otherwise may give myself a couple of days break from blogging.
May Our Lord answer our Holy Father's prayer for more vocations and may He continue to bless, defend and strengthen His vicar on earth and grant him a peaceful and happy New Year . May Mary, the Holy Mother of God continue to spread her mamtle over our beloved Benedict XVI.
More security men were in evidence, and in the processions the group immediately surrounding the Pope seemed more tightly formed that has been the case for some time.
I will keep an eye on the news and post if there is pressing need, but otherwise may give myself a couple of days break from blogging.
May Our Lord answer our Holy Father's prayer for more vocations and may He continue to bless, defend and strengthen His vicar on earth and grant him a peaceful and happy New Year . May Mary, the Holy Mother of God continue to spread her mamtle over our beloved Benedict XVI.
Consistory 2010? And an unexpected New Year's gift
Our Holy Father is set for another busy year. In an article outlining the events already in his diary, Catholic News Service considers the possibility, if not probability of a Consistory in 2010. See the article's last three paragraphs here You will note that CNS only considers the possible American candidates for 'the red hat'. Had they thought about the English situation, it may have encouraged them to speculate that Pope Benedict may choose a date before the summen holidays rather than waiting until November, when there would be 19, rather than 12 vacancies in the college of those eligible to vote in a conclave. Were it not for this difference in number, I would be praying for a 'red hat' for Archbishop Nichols at the earlier rather than the later date, and for reasons which I may post about later. However, the possibility of 7 more 'Benedictine' appointments to the voting body at the next conclave, must be regarded as having considerable significance as to its potential outcome, and therefore to the choice of date for the next Consistory. Pope Benedict's age and medical history will make the decision more difficult for him, unless he knows how much longer he is going to live! We can be confident that as with all his decisions, he will make this one only after long and profound prayer. That is why in all my Rosaries, I unite myself to his prayer intentions, published or not, rather than framing my own.
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New Year's Eve in St. Romain
My husband went across the road to the village shop this morning to buy milk and the newspaper. He came back with two gifts from the Patron and his assistant. These were a set of 6 tall whiskey glasses bearing the J&B logo, and two miniature cups and saucers for the imbibing of cafe cognac!
What a lovely gesture as a way of saying thank you for our custom and conveying New Year's greetings. I went across straight away to express my thanks and wish them 'Bonne Annee'.
We already have cognac in the house but it strikes me now that I should have bought a bottle of J&B! Just off to get it now so that we can 'toast' you all just after midnight!
In the meantime, thank you for your readership and may God bless you and send you a Happy New Year.
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New Year's Eve in St. Romain
My husband went across the road to the village shop this morning to buy milk and the newspaper. He came back with two gifts from the Patron and his assistant. These were a set of 6 tall whiskey glasses bearing the J&B logo, and two miniature cups and saucers for the imbibing of cafe cognac!
What a lovely gesture as a way of saying thank you for our custom and conveying New Year's greetings. I went across straight away to express my thanks and wish them 'Bonne Annee'.
We already have cognac in the house but it strikes me now that I should have bought a bottle of J&B! Just off to get it now so that we can 'toast' you all just after midnight!
In the meantime, thank you for your readership and may God bless you and send you a Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Vatican controls all the live film we see? Part 3
You will note the addition of a question mark to the title above. It is there because judging from comments on this blog and remarks made to me privately, by both French and British friends, it now seems that the title is inaccurate as a statement. For instance, the Vatican did not control the South African channel that was watched by our commenter Fiona, nor did it prevent France TV2 from showing even more detail of the attack on the Pope, despite the fact that the French programme was aired two hours after the event and which the channel claimed in its advance schedules to be a live' broadcast. What happened on EWTN? Can anyone tell me? Was kto, the only station to exercise obvious censorship? And in the bizarre way I have already described? Was it a policy decision of their own, or was it at someone else's behest?
The conduct of this French Catholic channel may seem unimportant in the USA or the UK. Quite to the contrary it is extremely important that a station which has been helping to re-catholicise France for the past ten years, should retain its integrity and the trust of its viewers. The standard of its programmes is consistently high, even though one may not always agree with some of the views expressed. Its series of separate interviews with French bishops is particularly telling and informative as to the present and varied complexion of the French. episcopate. And up until Christmas Eve, it has been second to none in its live broadcasting of Papal events. For instance tomorrow it will air live broadcasts of Papal Vespers and on New Years's day, the Pope's 10 am Mass in St. Peter's. Normally it has hit just the right balance in the amount of commentary during liturgical events. It doesn't talk-over and waffle through the most sacred moments, as I have seen and heard on EWTN. I've seen recent complaints on other blogs about the tendency on EWTN to over-talk. Generally kto could teach it a thing or two.
In the build up to Christmas I had been planning to post in praise of kto, and to ask why we could not have such a channel based in the UK. We need it in all conscience. Perhaps such a thing could be inaugurated to mark Pope Benedict's visit and the Beatification of Cardinal Newman. It seems a terrible omission for posterity, and with present technology, that these historic events will not be commented on by British Catholics on their own independent channel.
For some time I thought that kto was run by the French bishops Conference. Apparently this is not strictly true. kto itself declares on its site that the bishops 'recognise' it, not that they control it. One sincerely hopes that if any such enterprise is planned in the UK, that it will be organised on the same lines, independently of the Bishops Conference.
The kto site has a photograph of its team. Allowing for absences it probably has at least 50 major personnel. Just for fun the other night I make a list of Brits on the Blogosphere whom I would respect as qualified and competent to run the presentation of such a channel. After less than five minutes I had a list of over twenty names, male and female, clerical/religious and lay, even two good candidates for the Anglican Ordinariates. The list also represented a good spread over the age range. Apart from proven communication skills many of these people have their own specialist areas relevant to the case.
Oh well, I thought, perhaps I'll try to do something about it after Christmas. I don't think I'm mad, but I do wonder sometimes!!
In the meantime, I'm watching for more news from kto and/or the Vatican. Will post anything relevant.
The conduct of this French Catholic channel may seem unimportant in the USA or the UK. Quite to the contrary it is extremely important that a station which has been helping to re-catholicise France for the past ten years, should retain its integrity and the trust of its viewers. The standard of its programmes is consistently high, even though one may not always agree with some of the views expressed. Its series of separate interviews with French bishops is particularly telling and informative as to the present and varied complexion of the French. episcopate. And up until Christmas Eve, it has been second to none in its live broadcasting of Papal events. For instance tomorrow it will air live broadcasts of Papal Vespers and on New Years's day, the Pope's 10 am Mass in St. Peter's. Normally it has hit just the right balance in the amount of commentary during liturgical events. It doesn't talk-over and waffle through the most sacred moments, as I have seen and heard on EWTN. I've seen recent complaints on other blogs about the tendency on EWTN to over-talk. Generally kto could teach it a thing or two.
In the build up to Christmas I had been planning to post in praise of kto, and to ask why we could not have such a channel based in the UK. We need it in all conscience. Perhaps such a thing could be inaugurated to mark Pope Benedict's visit and the Beatification of Cardinal Newman. It seems a terrible omission for posterity, and with present technology, that these historic events will not be commented on by British Catholics on their own independent channel.
For some time I thought that kto was run by the French bishops Conference. Apparently this is not strictly true. kto itself declares on its site that the bishops 'recognise' it, not that they control it. One sincerely hopes that if any such enterprise is planned in the UK, that it will be organised on the same lines, independently of the Bishops Conference.
The kto site has a photograph of its team. Allowing for absences it probably has at least 50 major personnel. Just for fun the other night I make a list of Brits on the Blogosphere whom I would respect as qualified and competent to run the presentation of such a channel. After less than five minutes I had a list of over twenty names, male and female, clerical/religious and lay, even two good candidates for the Anglican Ordinariates. The list also represented a good spread over the age range. Apart from proven communication skills many of these people have their own specialist areas relevant to the case.
Oh well, I thought, perhaps I'll try to do something about it after Christmas. I don't think I'm mad, but I do wonder sometimes!!
In the meantime, I'm watching for more news from kto and/or the Vatican. Will post anything relevant.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
In the Aftermath of the attack on the Pope: Vatican Preoccupations.
Well, at least I know more about what happens when a Pope is attacked on Vatican soil, than I did in the wake of the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II. Surely there's no doubt that the Internet is to be thanked for this. I've no idea of the actual figures, but when the Vatican Press spokesman makes a statement these days, his words reach a vastly wider audience than they did in 1981.
The Holy See Press Officer and his deputy have an unenviably difficult task. In the aftermath of the Christmas Eve attack on the Pope, they are having to deal with two major matters of concern following that event. Firstly there is the question of what the Vatican can and possibly may do, once it has received medical reports on the state of mind of Susanna Maiolo when she lunged at the Pope; secondly Catholics must be assured that something will be done to improve the Pope's security in St. Peter's Basilica. The first matter has now been dealt with and we have been clearly informed of the necessary legal procedures. At first, the Press Office was not clear and we had to interpret a vague statement about being charitable and non-judgmental. Then, yesterday we were assured that there would be a full review of Vatican security. That is all we needed to hear. We did not need to hear stuff about a hundred per cent security being unattainable. We know it is always possible that security systems will be defeated. We live in the same world as Fr. Lombardi. We are not blind, deaf and daft. We are upset that this happened, but the more so because Susanna Maiolo was known to Vatican security forces. How and why could they possibly have allowed her to slip through their net a second time? That is what upsets us and makes us angry. We are not angry with Susanna, but with a system that could have allowed the same assailant such close access to the Holy Father a second time. And in any case it is disingenuous to claim that, 'Well , you know St. Peter's is a place of worship; the people must not be prevented from seeing the Holy Father; he would not want such restrictions'.
The fact remains, that the security forces responsible for the Pope's safety this last two years, did in fact achieve a hundred per cent security for him, and in at least six major basilicas and sites of Christian worship, in the US, France and the Czech Republic, not to mention those in Jerusalem, probably the most difficult of all places to protect him. Of course these forces were more rigorously preventative than the Vatican has so far been.
We will have to wait to see if they tighen up their act. Most of us, although frustrated by increased and time-consuming security at airports, accept these things because we know it is for our own safety. How much more patient would we Catholics be to have to wait another hour or so to get into St. Peter's, if we knew it was for the Pope's safety.
The Holy See Press Officer and his deputy have an unenviably difficult task. In the aftermath of the Christmas Eve attack on the Pope, they are having to deal with two major matters of concern following that event. Firstly there is the question of what the Vatican can and possibly may do, once it has received medical reports on the state of mind of Susanna Maiolo when she lunged at the Pope; secondly Catholics must be assured that something will be done to improve the Pope's security in St. Peter's Basilica. The first matter has now been dealt with and we have been clearly informed of the necessary legal procedures. At first, the Press Office was not clear and we had to interpret a vague statement about being charitable and non-judgmental. Then, yesterday we were assured that there would be a full review of Vatican security. That is all we needed to hear. We did not need to hear stuff about a hundred per cent security being unattainable. We know it is always possible that security systems will be defeated. We live in the same world as Fr. Lombardi. We are not blind, deaf and daft. We are upset that this happened, but the more so because Susanna Maiolo was known to Vatican security forces. How and why could they possibly have allowed her to slip through their net a second time? That is what upsets us and makes us angry. We are not angry with Susanna, but with a system that could have allowed the same assailant such close access to the Holy Father a second time. And in any case it is disingenuous to claim that, 'Well , you know St. Peter's is a place of worship; the people must not be prevented from seeing the Holy Father; he would not want such restrictions'.
The fact remains, that the security forces responsible for the Pope's safety this last two years, did in fact achieve a hundred per cent security for him, and in at least six major basilicas and sites of Christian worship, in the US, France and the Czech Republic, not to mention those in Jerusalem, probably the most difficult of all places to protect him. Of course these forces were more rigorously preventative than the Vatican has so far been.
We will have to wait to see if they tighen up their act. Most of us, although frustrated by increased and time-consuming security at airports, accept these things because we know it is for our own safety. How much more patient would we Catholics be to have to wait another hour or so to get into St. Peter's, if we knew it was for the Pope's safety.
Feast of St. Thomas a Becket
"And specially from every shires ende*
Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende,
The hooly blisful martir for to seke,
That them hath holpen whan that they were seeke.
(And specially from every shire's end
Of England they to Canterbury do wend,
The holy blessed martyr for to seek
Who helped them when they lay so ill and weak.)"
Geoffrey Chaucer (d. 1400) from the beginning of the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende,
The hooly blisful martir for to seke,
That them hath holpen whan that they were seeke.
(And specially from every shire's end
Of England they to Canterbury do wend,
The holy blessed martyr for to seek
Who helped them when they lay so ill and weak.)"
Geoffrey Chaucer (d. 1400) from the beginning of the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
Students of Chaucer prefer the original version. For anyone unfamiliar with Middle English, the trick is to enunciate sounds omitted in modern English.
So:
And specially from every shirez enduh
Of Enguhlond to Caunterb(u)ry they wenduh
The hooly blisful martir for to sekuh
That them hath holpen whan that they were seekuh.
Better. Scans and with greater econony of words than the modern version.
I love that phrase 'hooly blisful martir'. Even more do I love St. Thomas himself. Would that Chaucer's words were still true and we all made the pilgrimage to Canterbury at lease once in our lives. I suggest we need the prayers of St. Thomas a Becket, just as much, if not more so, than did our medieval ancestors.
Almost time to go shopping. This afternoon must make a pork pie. When it's in the oven I'll return here and do the post on Vatican statements since Christmas Eve.
St. Thomas a Becket, Holy 'blisful martir' of Canterbury, pray for England and for us who are born of her.
So:
And specially from every shirez enduh
Of Enguhlond to Caunterb(u)ry they wenduh
The hooly blisful martir for to sekuh
That them hath holpen whan that they were seekuh.
Better. Scans and with greater econony of words than the modern version.
I love that phrase 'hooly blisful martir'. Even more do I love St. Thomas himself. Would that Chaucer's words were still true and we all made the pilgrimage to Canterbury at lease once in our lives. I suggest we need the prayers of St. Thomas a Becket, just as much, if not more so, than did our medieval ancestors.
Almost time to go shopping. This afternoon must make a pork pie. When it's in the oven I'll return here and do the post on Vatican statements since Christmas Eve.
St. Thomas a Becket, Holy 'blisful martir' of Canterbury, pray for England and for us who are born of her.
~~*~~
Thomas Tallis - Miserere nostri. Clangat pastor in tuba - Responsory & Prose for the feast of St. Thomas à Becket. Gabrieli Consort & Players. Dir. Paul McCressh.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Vatican controls all the live film we see Part 2
I admire Cardinal Bertone and I am fond of him. He's a good 'Benedictine' man, and a Salesian who loves football. His recent interview with kto was excellent. However the Zenit report on this did not include his answers to two questions. The second of these which ended the interview is the most important in the present context. He was asked by Philippine de St. Pierre how he thought a Catholic Television channel should properly conduct itself. He answered in Italian and there was a simultaneous French translation. Here is an English rendition of his reply: " A Catholic TV station should broadcast what the Holy Father does and says without any interruption, editing or manipulation of his words or of the events as they happen."
Up to this point kto could be proud that for the ten years of its existence it had fulfilled these terms in exemplary fashion. Of course the Cardinal was making indirect reference to secular channels who do the opposite things. and I applauded his response. The broadcast, or not broadcast, events on Christmas Eve prove that the Vatican itself breaks the Cardinal's rules, that is the ones that it hopes everyone else will obey. And the result this Christmas was to make kto look absolutely stupid and dishonest. (see previous post.) And it was made to look like that by the master it has obeyed so faithfully. I should be surprised if it is not a little miffed.
Of course the Holy Father must be protected at all costs but can anyone explain how a total blanking of live news protects him? Seriously I really would like to consider any such explanation, but at present it is totally beyond my understanding that the kto commentator, even though we were not allowed to see the close details of what was happening, was prevented from giving a calm explanation of what we actually saw. For instance could he not have said, "There seems to have been an incident which has disrupted the procession. We will keep you informed." (Bring back Richard Dimbleby. All is forgiven!) That at least would have been truthful and would have protected the station's reputation. In any case we didn't see this ludicrous piece of television until Christmas morning. No wonder kto didn't release their full video until then. But as I said yesterday, why do so at all except to draw attention to Vatican censorship, and to anyone with a reasonable IQ, to its effects, which would be risible were they not so serious. The result is that in future we will not be so convinced as to what we see. I'm sure that Pope Benedict would not want that doubt to exist in our minds.
Tomorrow, further considered comment on recent statements from Fr Lombardi Holy See Press spokesman, and a little bit of Chaucer in memory of St. Thomas a Becket.
God bless all here.
Up to this point kto could be proud that for the ten years of its existence it had fulfilled these terms in exemplary fashion. Of course the Cardinal was making indirect reference to secular channels who do the opposite things. and I applauded his response. The broadcast, or not broadcast, events on Christmas Eve prove that the Vatican itself breaks the Cardinal's rules, that is the ones that it hopes everyone else will obey. And the result this Christmas was to make kto look absolutely stupid and dishonest. (see previous post.) And it was made to look like that by the master it has obeyed so faithfully. I should be surprised if it is not a little miffed.
Of course the Holy Father must be protected at all costs but can anyone explain how a total blanking of live news protects him? Seriously I really would like to consider any such explanation, but at present it is totally beyond my understanding that the kto commentator, even though we were not allowed to see the close details of what was happening, was prevented from giving a calm explanation of what we actually saw. For instance could he not have said, "There seems to have been an incident which has disrupted the procession. We will keep you informed." (Bring back Richard Dimbleby. All is forgiven!) That at least would have been truthful and would have protected the station's reputation. In any case we didn't see this ludicrous piece of television until Christmas morning. No wonder kto didn't release their full video until then. But as I said yesterday, why do so at all except to draw attention to Vatican censorship, and to anyone with a reasonable IQ, to its effects, which would be risible were they not so serious. The result is that in future we will not be so convinced as to what we see. I'm sure that Pope Benedict would not want that doubt to exist in our minds.
Tomorrow, further considered comment on recent statements from Fr Lombardi Holy See Press spokesman, and a little bit of Chaucer in memory of St. Thomas a Becket.
God bless all here.
The Vatican controls all the live film we see Part 2
This will follow later this evening. Spare time today has been taken up with posting about the Holy Father's visit to the St. Egedio soup kitchen on Sunday. As you can see on the Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog, my morning's research into the visit led to some interesting discoveries. See post entitled: Pope Benedict: A Father and Friend in the Soup kitchen, or unwittingly in the "Ant Heap"?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Vatican controls all the live film we see of Papal events. Part 1
All the live film we see is fed to stations like EWTN and ktotv by Vatican TV. If an incident occurs that involves the person of the Holy Father, they do their best to make sure that pictures on the monitor showing the actual events, are not broadcast. If there isn't time to do that, the camera personnel seem to have instructions to veer away from the Holy Father and focus on something else. An example of this was the footage of Pope Benedict's visit to earthquake stricken L'Aquila earlier this year. As usual I watched the event on kto. I don't think EWTN carried it. After his speech the Pope almost dashed away from his position on the podium and tripped, I think over a decorative plant pot, but could not be certain because the camera jerked away so quickly that the screen blurred. There was a collective gasp from the crowd as he began to fall and there was no concealing it. Fortunately he righted himself as he has done on several other occasions, including at one of the several celebrations of Vespers in St. Paul-outside-the-Walls this year. I watched the whole thing and it was not shown. I only came to know of it from a friend who was actually there. Obviously it is easier to conceal certain shots at a big liturgical event than it is at a small intense gathering like the L'Aquila one, where the camera is focused almost exclusively on the Holy Father.
To some extent, I agree with this policy of the Vatican when it comes to what is seen on TV. Nobody, except the sensationalist or malicious would wish to see our Holy Father in a position where he is stripped of his dignity. Of course, the mass secular media appear to want us to see such things, which explains why Sky TV apparently gave so much time to the incident on Friday night. Ironically this meant that they showed more of the Mass than they normally would have done but one is left with the unpleasant suspicion that on Christmas Eve especially, they would have loved to send images round the world of the Pope spreadeagled on the floor of St. Peter's nave. At least Vatican policy prevented that. The secular media fail to understand, that Catholics, however much or little they were allowed to see from Vatican TV, immediately thought of their Holy Father as vulnerable and accepting of whatever happened to him, and in his own way reflecting his Master, who fell on the road to Calvary and was stripped of all dignity on His arrival there. Images are one thing, but I do not think it acceptable that we be denied audio commentary, to the extent that most of us apparently knew nothing of what had happened until Christmas morning.
It's now time to descibe my own experience, one that I'm sure many readers share.
Christmas Eve. 9pm UK time:
The kto programme did not commence as scheduled at 10pm our time. It always brings my heart to my mouth when they are late like this, but on Chrismas Eve? The programme eventually started about ten minutes late. At this point the Holy Father had almost arrived at the altar end of the nave. He looked a little serious. Normally he is wreathed in smiles when arriving to celebrate one of the two most joyful Masses of the Christian year, but I was glad and relieved to see him, and so looking forward to the Mass that I did not think to question the ten minute delay, or to realise that the commentary must have already begun because there wasn't the usual welcome to viewers. At the altar the Holy Father looked serene. He smiled at the thurifer before the incensing. (Now I know that he was probably encouraging the poor chap and saying with his eyes, "Look, you can see I'm all right. That's all over. Let's get on with the most important thing.") The Mass began and I was able to put earlier anxieties out of mind. Everything appeared to be completely normal.
Christmas Day 7.45am UK time:
I found the special email that Catholic Culture had sent to its subscribers. It led me to that chilling little video. Even though I trust Catholic Culture as responsible purveyors of news, I admit that it flashed through my mind that this was some kind of mock-up, a sick joke. And yet once the video began I knew it was real. It was indeed raw and from a cell-phone. Father Lombardi says the Pope stumbled. From what I saw, he went down like a ninepin. I don't think any of us will ever forget the lurching of our hearts as the woman leapt the barrier, and seconds later, as he fell and his mitre disappeared from view.
You know it took me some time to recover sufficiently to post about it. I had to do that as my bounden duty. This Oasis is dedicated to Pope Benedict. I was angry that we had been deprived of this news the previous night; upset that we had been prevented during that 'Midnight Mass' from offering thanksgiving to God for his preservation; and distressed that we had been lied to by omission and prevented at the time from a full appreciation of our Holy Father's strength, courage, fortitude and focus. For this reason I decided to watch the kto repeat video and it was then that I made an even more exasperating discovery.
This video, which had still not been edited when I last checked, actually begins before the Procession starts. The organ strikes up and the Choir begins the 'Tu es Petrus'. They have time to sing only the first two phrases. The camera is looking down the nave. The papal group is not on vision. And then a collective reaction of horror goes up. Clearly something has happened. We see the procession halt. The servers ahead of the Pope freeze to the spot. Discipline and/or shock prevents any of them from looking back to see what has happened. Security men start running from all directions. The soundtrack tells you there is a kerfuffle going on which you cannot actually see. Eventually, as we now know courtesy of Orbis Catholicus, after 51 seconds a roar of applause goes up. We see things start moving again. The choir begins the Introit. We see the part of the procession that had been thrown into disarray regrouping and then there are shots of happy faces in the crowd applauding the Pope. And then at last we see him again. It is the same shot which began the broadcast the previous night.
But the most astonishing thing was, that whilst we were actually SEEING ALL THIS, the commentator ignored it totally and prattled on about how many cardinals were at the Mass etc. etc. It was as if he were at another event altogether, certainly not the one we were watching.
He did not commentate on what we were being shown. Have a look at the video yourself, unless of course they've edited it since I last checked. It flies in the face of any claim to journalistic integrity. But most of all why show this video after the event? Why not clip it first, unless to show the kind of thing the Vatican insists upon in such circumstances.
More questions arise from these of course and I intend to approach them in a post tomorrow. In the meantime I hope you have all had a holy and happy Feast of The Holy Family and are ready to enter into the mystery of the massacre of the Holy Innocents tomorrow.
To some extent, I agree with this policy of the Vatican when it comes to what is seen on TV. Nobody, except the sensationalist or malicious would wish to see our Holy Father in a position where he is stripped of his dignity. Of course, the mass secular media appear to want us to see such things, which explains why Sky TV apparently gave so much time to the incident on Friday night. Ironically this meant that they showed more of the Mass than they normally would have done but one is left with the unpleasant suspicion that on Christmas Eve especially, they would have loved to send images round the world of the Pope spreadeagled on the floor of St. Peter's nave. At least Vatican policy prevented that. The secular media fail to understand, that Catholics, however much or little they were allowed to see from Vatican TV, immediately thought of their Holy Father as vulnerable and accepting of whatever happened to him, and in his own way reflecting his Master, who fell on the road to Calvary and was stripped of all dignity on His arrival there. Images are one thing, but I do not think it acceptable that we be denied audio commentary, to the extent that most of us apparently knew nothing of what had happened until Christmas morning.
It's now time to descibe my own experience, one that I'm sure many readers share.
Christmas Eve. 9pm UK time:
The kto programme did not commence as scheduled at 10pm our time. It always brings my heart to my mouth when they are late like this, but on Chrismas Eve? The programme eventually started about ten minutes late. At this point the Holy Father had almost arrived at the altar end of the nave. He looked a little serious. Normally he is wreathed in smiles when arriving to celebrate one of the two most joyful Masses of the Christian year, but I was glad and relieved to see him, and so looking forward to the Mass that I did not think to question the ten minute delay, or to realise that the commentary must have already begun because there wasn't the usual welcome to viewers. At the altar the Holy Father looked serene. He smiled at the thurifer before the incensing. (Now I know that he was probably encouraging the poor chap and saying with his eyes, "Look, you can see I'm all right. That's all over. Let's get on with the most important thing.") The Mass began and I was able to put earlier anxieties out of mind. Everything appeared to be completely normal.
Christmas Day 7.45am UK time:
I found the special email that Catholic Culture had sent to its subscribers. It led me to that chilling little video. Even though I trust Catholic Culture as responsible purveyors of news, I admit that it flashed through my mind that this was some kind of mock-up, a sick joke. And yet once the video began I knew it was real. It was indeed raw and from a cell-phone. Father Lombardi says the Pope stumbled. From what I saw, he went down like a ninepin. I don't think any of us will ever forget the lurching of our hearts as the woman leapt the barrier, and seconds later, as he fell and his mitre disappeared from view.
You know it took me some time to recover sufficiently to post about it. I had to do that as my bounden duty. This Oasis is dedicated to Pope Benedict. I was angry that we had been deprived of this news the previous night; upset that we had been prevented during that 'Midnight Mass' from offering thanksgiving to God for his preservation; and distressed that we had been lied to by omission and prevented at the time from a full appreciation of our Holy Father's strength, courage, fortitude and focus. For this reason I decided to watch the kto repeat video and it was then that I made an even more exasperating discovery.
This video, which had still not been edited when I last checked, actually begins before the Procession starts. The organ strikes up and the Choir begins the 'Tu es Petrus'. They have time to sing only the first two phrases. The camera is looking down the nave. The papal group is not on vision. And then a collective reaction of horror goes up. Clearly something has happened. We see the procession halt. The servers ahead of the Pope freeze to the spot. Discipline and/or shock prevents any of them from looking back to see what has happened. Security men start running from all directions. The soundtrack tells you there is a kerfuffle going on which you cannot actually see. Eventually, as we now know courtesy of Orbis Catholicus, after 51 seconds a roar of applause goes up. We see things start moving again. The choir begins the Introit. We see the part of the procession that had been thrown into disarray regrouping and then there are shots of happy faces in the crowd applauding the Pope. And then at last we see him again. It is the same shot which began the broadcast the previous night.
But the most astonishing thing was, that whilst we were actually SEEING ALL THIS, the commentator ignored it totally and prattled on about how many cardinals were at the Mass etc. etc. It was as if he were at another event altogether, certainly not the one we were watching.
He did not commentate on what we were being shown. Have a look at the video yourself, unless of course they've edited it since I last checked. It flies in the face of any claim to journalistic integrity. But most of all why show this video after the event? Why not clip it first, unless to show the kind of thing the Vatican insists upon in such circumstances.
More questions arise from these of course and I intend to approach them in a post tomorrow. In the meantime I hope you have all had a holy and happy Feast of The Holy Family and are ready to enter into the mystery of the massacre of the Holy Innocents tomorrow.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Pope Benedict:: Security issues in St. Peter's Basilica
It wasn't as if this was the first time such a thing had happened. Last year, the security men managed to prevent a deranged woman from reaching the Pope as he processed down the nave of St. Peter's. There must be film and documentation of that first incident. Surely the security teams have studied these with the intention of learning from them and tightening things up so as to avoid future attacks. At least we have every right to expect that they did. And yet another and more serious incident was allowed to occur. It will be the worse for them if it does turn out to have been the same woman this year. The bald fact is that the events of Christmas Eve represent a gross failure on the part of those who operate a security system which is meant to protect the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica.
Everywhere Pope Benedict has been out of the Vatican and Italy, security has been impeccable. All the governments involved made absolutely sure of that, well as far as is possible. The French even had a satellite watching things during his visit to Paris and Lourdes last year. Loyal and loving Catholics throughout the world know this and most of them know how much it cost, and yet this latest incident was allowed to happen in the Vatican, in the Pope's own home. We should be ashamed.
No wonder such Catholics are united (for once) in demanding that something more be done to ensure the safety of their Holy Father. In general it seems that although some would like a return of the 'sedia gestatoria', most realise that carrying the Pope aloft would expose him to snipers, and a commenter who said that such a worry in the basilica was over-dramatic is not living in our present world. No, in my view, our Holy Father should remain firmly on the ground. The monarchical symbolism of the former ceremonies, whilst comprehensible and valued in tradition, would be totally against his personality and the spirit of his pontificate. However, he should be closely flanked, as in the past, by the Swiss Guard and the Noble Guard. Unless of course the men in black suits are in mufti, which I doubt. Anyone leaping a barrier is more likely to be deterred by a Swiss Guard doing the job he is vowed to do, that is to defend the Holy Father, first with his pike, and if necessary with his own life. I say the Swiss Guard should be given back their teeth and free exercise of their holy vow. They are not, and should not any longer be merely decorative symbols. (And did you know that the majority of Swiss vocations to the priesthood come from their ranks after they have served their year?
Tomorrow: the peculiar matter of media coverage of Christmas Eve in St. Peter's.
Everywhere Pope Benedict has been out of the Vatican and Italy, security has been impeccable. All the governments involved made absolutely sure of that, well as far as is possible. The French even had a satellite watching things during his visit to Paris and Lourdes last year. Loyal and loving Catholics throughout the world know this and most of them know how much it cost, and yet this latest incident was allowed to happen in the Vatican, in the Pope's own home. We should be ashamed.
No wonder such Catholics are united (for once) in demanding that something more be done to ensure the safety of their Holy Father. In general it seems that although some would like a return of the 'sedia gestatoria', most realise that carrying the Pope aloft would expose him to snipers, and a commenter who said that such a worry in the basilica was over-dramatic is not living in our present world. No, in my view, our Holy Father should remain firmly on the ground. The monarchical symbolism of the former ceremonies, whilst comprehensible and valued in tradition, would be totally against his personality and the spirit of his pontificate. However, he should be closely flanked, as in the past, by the Swiss Guard and the Noble Guard. Unless of course the men in black suits are in mufti, which I doubt. Anyone leaping a barrier is more likely to be deterred by a Swiss Guard doing the job he is vowed to do, that is to defend the Holy Father, first with his pike, and if necessary with his own life. I say the Swiss Guard should be given back their teeth and free exercise of their holy vow. They are not, and should not any longer be merely decorative symbols. (And did you know that the majority of Swiss vocations to the priesthood come from their ranks after they have served their year?
Tomorrow: the peculiar matter of media coverage of Christmas Eve in St. Peter's.
Pope Benedict: Christmas Eve assailant named.
The Holy Father was assailed by a 25 year old Swiss/Italian named Susanna Maiolo. She has a long history of psychiatric instability. This information is reported in our local newspaper, the 'Charente Libre'. According to the same paper she also collided with 87 year old Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who broke his femur as a result. Some are saying that it was his hip, but since the Cardinal is French, I tend to trust the French press. I'm sure my readers are with me in prayer for the poor cardinal and for Susanna Maiolo. I read somewhere earlier today that he had tried to prevent her reaching the Pope and was knocked down as a result.
There appears to be no statement yet to confirm or deny the rumour going around that this woman is the same as the one who attempted an assault on the Pope last year. I should not be surprised to find that she is the same. The exaxt place, style of attack and colour of clothing were all the same, and yet again she went for the Holy Father's neck. Last year it was stated that she wanted to bite it. This year she pulled so violently at the part of his vestments near his throat, that she caused him to fall on the hard marble of St. Peter's nave. 20 years ago I fell on both knees on the tiled floor of our kitchen and I remember the pain to this day. There is no way I could have got to my feet in less than a minute and continued as if nothing had happened. The video that I saw early on Christmas morning caused a physical nausea that lasted at least two hours and for half an hour afterwards I was shaking too much to type the previous post. The Holy Father must have fallen differently. Perhaps his staff and the thickness of all the vestments helped to cushion the impact. Those reactions of mine were an expression of the shock, dread, and then relief that we all felt when it became apparent that our beloved Pope was unhurt and the procession recommenced. As you know I was worried that the Holy Father would suffer a delayed reaction once the Mass was over and he was back in the Apostolic Palace. He has appeared twice since then, once at the "Urbi et Orbi" and again at today's midday Angelus and on both occasions he showed no adverse effects from the incident on Christmas Eve.
This seems miraculous to many, including myself.
After he broke his wrist, the Holy Father said that his guardian angel had permitted it to happen in order to send him to the 'school of humility and patience'. Privately, he is probably now equally convinced that his angel and perhaps many others, if not even higher heavenly Authorities were most definitely looking after him . As for us, it is as if we have been told yet again that the world has desperate need of this most holy Shepherd of love, peace and hope. As many have said before me, he is a precious gift to the Church and the world. The night of December 24th was not the time for him to be taken from us.
Deo gratias! Deo gratias! Deo gratias!
I found Fr. Lombardi's remark that the assailant 'meant no harm' hard to accept. How did he know? Has he interviewed her? Even if she did mean no harm, the truth on all of our minds is that she could have done it, and one shudders to contemplate just how serious that harm may have been. She certainly did great harm to Cardinal Etchegeray.
The whole incident raises issues of the Pope's security, particularly in St. Peter's Basilica, but it also highlights and calls into question the media's policy and practice as regards so-called live coverage and commentary on papal events, particularly when something goes as wrong as it did on Christmas Eve. I hope to cover these issues in another post later today.
A Happy and Peaceful Feast of St. Stephen to everyone.
There appears to be no statement yet to confirm or deny the rumour going around that this woman is the same as the one who attempted an assault on the Pope last year. I should not be surprised to find that she is the same. The exaxt place, style of attack and colour of clothing were all the same, and yet again she went for the Holy Father's neck. Last year it was stated that she wanted to bite it. This year she pulled so violently at the part of his vestments near his throat, that she caused him to fall on the hard marble of St. Peter's nave. 20 years ago I fell on both knees on the tiled floor of our kitchen and I remember the pain to this day. There is no way I could have got to my feet in less than a minute and continued as if nothing had happened. The video that I saw early on Christmas morning caused a physical nausea that lasted at least two hours and for half an hour afterwards I was shaking too much to type the previous post. The Holy Father must have fallen differently. Perhaps his staff and the thickness of all the vestments helped to cushion the impact. Those reactions of mine were an expression of the shock, dread, and then relief that we all felt when it became apparent that our beloved Pope was unhurt and the procession recommenced. As you know I was worried that the Holy Father would suffer a delayed reaction once the Mass was over and he was back in the Apostolic Palace. He has appeared twice since then, once at the "Urbi et Orbi" and again at today's midday Angelus and on both occasions he showed no adverse effects from the incident on Christmas Eve.
This seems miraculous to many, including myself.
After he broke his wrist, the Holy Father said that his guardian angel had permitted it to happen in order to send him to the 'school of humility and patience'. Privately, he is probably now equally convinced that his angel and perhaps many others, if not even higher heavenly Authorities were most definitely looking after him . As for us, it is as if we have been told yet again that the world has desperate need of this most holy Shepherd of love, peace and hope. As many have said before me, he is a precious gift to the Church and the world. The night of December 24th was not the time for him to be taken from us.
Deo gratias! Deo gratias! Deo gratias!
I found Fr. Lombardi's remark that the assailant 'meant no harm' hard to accept. How did he know? Has he interviewed her? Even if she did mean no harm, the truth on all of our minds is that she could have done it, and one shudders to contemplate just how serious that harm may have been. She certainly did great harm to Cardinal Etchegeray.
The whole incident raises issues of the Pope's security, particularly in St. Peter's Basilica, but it also highlights and calls into question the media's policy and practice as regards so-called live coverage and commentary on papal events, particularly when something goes as wrong as it did on Christmas Eve. I hope to cover these issues in another post later today.
A Happy and Peaceful Feast of St. Stephen to everyone.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Holy Father knocked down entering Basilica for Christmas Eve Mass
Our beloved Papa was apparently unhurt and got to his feet within moments. kto did not show the incident and so I've only just found the news. He showed absolutely no sign on arrival at the altar that anything untoward had happened. Pray that he does not suffer from delayed shock.
I believe he is protected by God-given inner strength, and by the wall of our prayers which surrounds him.
Catholic Culture has reports here This will also lead you to a raw Youtube video of the incident but there's a better one at http://www.usatoday.com/ Better, because it shows Pope Benedict's amazing composure as he began the Mass, which of course he maintained throughout it.
I believe he is protected by God-given inner strength, and by the wall of our prayers which surrounds him.
Catholic Culture has reports here This will also lead you to a raw Youtube video of the incident but there's a better one at http://www.usatoday.com/ Better, because it shows Pope Benedict's amazing composure as he began the Mass, which of course he maintained throughout it.
"Christians awake, salute the happy morn!"
After the Holy Father's Mass was over last night, unable to sleep straight away, I turned my mind to a Christmas Day post for the Oasis, and the title above kept repeating itself in my mind, with its music of course.
My European readers will probably all be up by now but the first line of the Christmas song will still be appropriate for our friends in the US.
With my best wishes to all of you for a holy and happy Christmastide.
My European readers will probably all be up by now but the first line of the Christmas song will still be appropriate for our friends in the US.
With my best wishes to all of you for a holy and happy Christmastide.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Our Holy Father recalls childhood Christmas in Tittmoning
I found this charming little video several months ago and have been saving it for Christmas. Does anyone know where and when it was made and who was in the audience? He seems very relaxed so perhaps he was addressing students, seminarians or a group of priests and religious. I don't understand it all but he appears to be making mild and affectionate fun of his child-like reactions to the Christmas tree and to the person dressed up as St. Nicholas, whom the young Joseph believed really was the saint.
(We will attempt an English transcript before Christmas.)
The Holy Father recollects his childhood in Tittmoning
I think the Holy Father mentions singing in the choir in this first video, so the one that follows seems an appropriate musical accompaniament, particularly since the little boy next to last on the left looks a bit like the child Joseph Ratzinger. (Thank you again Mark!)
Vienna Boys Choir sings Tannenbaum, 1977
Willkommen, Vatican Tannenbaum
Very many thanks to Mark Miles, the Oasis is pleased and proud to welcome the Vatican Christmas Tree, see left. As the Holy Father said a few days ago, it has been brought from the darkness of the Ardennes Forest to symbolise the Light of the Incarnation in St. Peter's Square.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Pope Benedict and Walsingham: Things on my mind Part 2
In all the speculations about venues which our Holy Father may visit, if and when he comes to the UK next year, I have not once seen a mention of Walsingham. He has made a habit of visiting the most important national shrine of every country he has visited. He probably knows and values the significance and history of Walsingham better than many English Catholics do these days. I will find it very hard to believe that he will set foot in the 'dowry of Mary' and not visit Walsingham. It would probably have to be a private un-televised visit because the infra-structure of the place could not cope with vast crowds. Nevertheless, please join me in praying that Pope Benedict will be the first pope since the Reformation to be a pilgrim there. If he is not, it will be a missed opportunity of gargantuan proportions. My hopes are high that he will risk no such thing.
The other point is of course, that there is an Anglo-Catholic shrine at Walsingham. In the present 'climate' a papal visit to this and to the pre-reformation Slipper Chapel where pilgrims used to leave their footwear before completing the final stage of the pilgirmage, would speak volumes. Other places in England that I would wish him to visit, unfettered by politics and the 'establishment'? St. Dunstans in Sussex which has the head of St. Thomas More , St. Etheldreda's church, the only pre-reformation church in London still in Catholic hands, and of course the shrine of St. Thomas a Beckett at Canterbury. But most of all, please - Walsingham!
Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us and for England, thy Dowry..
The other point is of course, that there is an Anglo-Catholic shrine at Walsingham. In the present 'climate' a papal visit to this and to the pre-reformation Slipper Chapel where pilgrims used to leave their footwear before completing the final stage of the pilgirmage, would speak volumes. Other places in England that I would wish him to visit, unfettered by politics and the 'establishment'? St. Dunstans in Sussex which has the head of St. Thomas More , St. Etheldreda's church, the only pre-reformation church in London still in Catholic hands, and of course the shrine of St. Thomas a Beckett at Canterbury. But most of all, please - Walsingham!
Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us and for England, thy Dowry..
Monday, December 21, 2009
"Gregorian" Mass from Notre Dame Paris on Christmas Morning
kto will broadcast this Mass at 9am UK time on Christmas Day. It remains to be seen and heard whether "Gregorian" is meant in the sense of Cardinal Castrillon's coinage for the EF, or whether it simply means that Plainchant will be sung - probably the latter. That said, Cardinal Vingt-trois has already celebrated two EF Masses this year, although not in Notre Dame. and neither was televised so far as I know. Are we about to see him make history in his own cathedral? If not, it will still be worth tuning in, for the spiritually and aesthetically uplifting experience of hearing the Chant in that setting.
The broadcast will finish in good time for the channel to go ove to Rome for the "Urbi et Orbi" at 11am, again UK time.
The broadcast will finish in good time for the channel to go ove to Rome for the "Urbi et Orbi" at 11am, again UK time.
A "Goodnight" thought from Pope Benedict, given in English at today's Angelus
"Like Mary, who travelled the hill country of Judea to viisit her cousin Elizabeth, the Church is called to journey through history proclaiming the wondrous message of Salvation."l
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tenth Anniversary Celebrations on kto: Interviews with Cardinal Bertone and Cardinal Ouillet of Quebec
ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE UK TIMES.
Today:
2.3o pm Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State.
A good report on the interview is available in English at Zenit
7.30 pm Cardinal Marc Ouillet, Archbishop of Quebec
These are both repeat broadcasts and can also be viewed as videos on kto at any time.
N.B. There may be slight adjustments in statedscheduled times.
Tomorrow:
10 am kto will broadcast the ceremony in Rome as the Pope conveys his Christmas wishes to the Roman Curia. Even if you don't understand Italian or French you can enjoy it visually.
Naturally kto will also cover Wednesday's General Audiece (9.30 am); Christmas Eve Midnight Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica by Pope Benedict (9pm); Christmas Day - His "Urbi et Orbi" from the central Loggia (11 am)
Today:
2.3o pm Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State.
A good report on the interview is available in English at Zenit
7.30 pm Cardinal Marc Ouillet, Archbishop of Quebec
These are both repeat broadcasts and can also be viewed as videos on kto at any time.
N.B. There may be slight adjustments in statedscheduled times.
Tomorrow:
10 am kto will broadcast the ceremony in Rome as the Pope conveys his Christmas wishes to the Roman Curia. Even if you don't understand Italian or French you can enjoy it visually.
Naturally kto will also cover Wednesday's General Audiece (9.30 am); Christmas Eve Midnight Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica by Pope Benedict (9pm); Christmas Day - His "Urbi et Orbi" from the central Loggia (11 am)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Pope Benedict and Venerable Pius XII: Things on my mind Part I
The news is but a few hours old and it is no surprise that already 'Jewish groups' are registering their outrage at the Pope's decision to sign the decree which makes Pius XII Venerable. The reasons why they react in this way are not the point of this post. Its point is that it astonishes me that anyone in his or her right mind would think that Pope Benedict would have done such a thing had he not been certain of facts.
We all know how long, in the normal way, the Vatican takes to dig up relevant records. Does anyone really think that the Supreme Pontiff cannot command that these records be presented for his inspection as and when he wishes? (In any case, there are already enough records in the public domain that militate against the disgraceful smear campaign that has been conducted against Pius XII for decades.) Does anyone really think that Joseph Ratzinger, arguably the most intellectually gifted, cautious and balanced Pope since Pius himself would take risks in this matter? Jewish groups had asked him to delay this decree until THEY had been able to examine the Vatican records. I pray that the more sensible ones among them will realise that the Pope himself has seen them, and THAT IS ENOUGH. To suggest otherwise is to question the integrity of the Pope himself and it is my belief that informed Jews would wish to do no such thing.
Finally, can anyone really imagine that Pope Benedict would want to die with a distorion of the truth upon his conscience, to the endangerment of his own immortal soul and thereby the eventual bringing of the Papacy itself into irredeemable disrepute? And this a man whose entire life has been 'a love affair with the truth'? It does not bear thinking about.
May God bless, defend and strengthen our beloved Holy Father, and may we, whilst it is God's will to keep him with us, listen to him, learn from him and love him.
We all know how long, in the normal way, the Vatican takes to dig up relevant records. Does anyone really think that the Supreme Pontiff cannot command that these records be presented for his inspection as and when he wishes? (In any case, there are already enough records in the public domain that militate against the disgraceful smear campaign that has been conducted against Pius XII for decades.) Does anyone really think that Joseph Ratzinger, arguably the most intellectually gifted, cautious and balanced Pope since Pius himself would take risks in this matter? Jewish groups had asked him to delay this decree until THEY had been able to examine the Vatican records. I pray that the more sensible ones among them will realise that the Pope himself has seen them, and THAT IS ENOUGH. To suggest otherwise is to question the integrity of the Pope himself and it is my belief that informed Jews would wish to do no such thing.
Finally, can anyone really imagine that Pope Benedict would want to die with a distorion of the truth upon his conscience, to the endangerment of his own immortal soul and thereby the eventual bringing of the Papacy itself into irredeemable disrepute? And this a man whose entire life has been 'a love affair with the truth'? It does not bear thinking about.
May God bless, defend and strengthen our beloved Holy Father, and may we, whilst it is God's will to keep him with us, listen to him, learn from him and love him.
Two new 'Venerables'
Pope Benedict signed the decrees today, making Venerable, Pope Pius XII and Pope John Paul II.
Deo gratias.
I received the news by email from catholicculture.org at 3.45pm European time. Special thanks to them.
Deo gratias.
I received the news by email from catholicculture.org at 3.45pm European time. Special thanks to them.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Litany of St. Thomas More by Bishop Michael Salterelli (R.I.P.)
Litany of St. Thomas More, Martyr and patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us
St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr,
Pray for us (repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Spare us O Lord
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Graciously hear us O Lord
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martydom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defence and promotion of the sanctity of human life - the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us
St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr,
Pray for us (repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Spare us O Lord
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Graciously hear us O Lord
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world
Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martydom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defence and promotion of the sanctity of human life - the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers, Pray for us.
"The laws of England are like a grove of oaks. Cut them down and...................." St. Thomas More
Looking back over my fifty years as a Catholic I recognise that not infrequently a certain phenomenon has re-occurred. This has always been manifest in the following way. Over a concentrated period of days or even weeks, a certain Saint or devotion keeps cropping up, quite outside anything for which I have been consciously searching. At first I am surprised and tend to think that it is merely coincidence, then as things develop and the saint seems to be refusing to go away, I realise that Cardinal Newman's term 'God's little providences' is more appropriate. Every time, I have thought, how could I have been so dull, so deaf and so blind? And yet it is good to realise my own spiritual disabilites because that means that I can never become blase, nor expect that these things may happen again. And yet they do. It's as if the saint is saying to me, particularly in this season of Advent, 'Look, you are supposed to be vigilant, awake and listening. Beg my intercession. Have you forgotten me?'
Readers who followed my reports on the recent EF weekend here in St. Romain, will know that the co-patron, of our house chapel, with and under the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is St. Thomas More. Why St Thomas?
When I was sixteen and before we broke up from school in the summer of 1959 we were given a short preparatory reading list for the A level studies that would begin in September. In my case this included History, in particular of the Tudors and the Reformation.. For some months I'd been receiving instruction in the Faith. The reading I did at that time enraged me because I sensed it embodied, condoned and encouraged a lie. The 'establishment' of my own beloved country had been built on this lie ever since. I could write pages about the intellectual and spiritual contortions I went through in succeeding months. Suffice to say that it was the Holy Mass, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ within it, and the deaths of our Martyrs, notably of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher that made me Catholic. Perhaps I respect and love St. John Fisher in a different way because he was first a priest and then a bishop. I chose St. Thomas to be c0-patron of our chapel because he was the father of a family. There are many others of course but in my youth St. Thomas More was for me the quintessence of the English Catholic layman. He still is.
During the EF weekend I felt his presence and after Father had left although I was occupied with the reports and photos, I knew that I wanted to hang the reproduction of the Holbein portrait of St. Thomas in the study which I've been meaning to do for a long time. Then:
December 8:
I read that the Holy Father, during his visit to England in September 2010, will speak to both Houses of Parliament from the very spot in Westminster Hall where St. Thomas was condemned to death. I wept on reading this. St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 13:
In the morning I finally hung the portrait in the study.
In the afternoon did my daily check on Mulier Fortis, to find that she had posted about St. Thomas More. Quite unseasonally because as you know his feast is in June. Her post had been inspired by a conversation with Leutgeb and centred around one of my favourite films of all time 'A Man for all Seasons' in which St. Thomas makes the salutary quip to the betraying Richard Rich, ' But for Wales?' ( I wanted to email Mac there and then, but someone phoned or hammered on the front door and the moment passed. The person from Porlock is ever with us.) St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 14th
Read of the concern of our English and Welsh bishops about legislation that is being considered in UK parliament which would criminalise the Church for its opposition to women priests. (This is the same 'government' that will receive our Holy Father in Westminster Hall? If the legislation is allowed then they should arrest him on the spot for voicing the Church's teaching. Can things get any more illogical or just plain daft?
St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 15th
During a final trawl of my favourite blogs last night I was further disturbed to read on WDTPRS about the White House and Senator Ben Nelson.
And then thanks to Fr. Z, it was there, the thing that I suspect St. Thomas More wanted me to find, to pray and to encourage others to pray too. It is the Litany of St. Thomas More by the late Bishop Michael Salterelli and is at 'The Catholic Key Blog'. I cannot get a workable link and so will type it out tomorrow in a separate post. Please join me in praying it as a Novena between now and Christmas, and not just for Senator Nelson. We are indeed in evil case.
As for the quote which opens this post, I can't remember how it ends! I've searched unsuccessfully for years. If anyone is familiar with it, do please let me know.
Looking back over my fifty years as a Catholic I recognise that not infrequently a certain phenomenon has re-occurred. This has always been manifest in the following way. Over a concentrated period of days or even weeks, a certain Saint or devotion keeps cropping up, quite outside anything for which I have been consciously searching. At first I am surprised and tend to think that it is merely coincidence, then as things develop and the saint seems to be refusing to go away, I realise that Cardinal Newman's term 'God's little providences' is more appropriate. Every time, I have thought, how could I have been so dull, so deaf and so blind? And yet it is good to realise my own spiritual disabilites because that means that I can never become blase, nor expect that these things may happen again. And yet they do. It's as if the saint is saying to me, particularly in this season of Advent, 'Look, you are supposed to be vigilant, awake and listening. Beg my intercession. Have you forgotten me?'
Readers who followed my reports on the recent EF weekend here in St. Romain, will know that the co-patron, of our house chapel, with and under the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is St. Thomas More. Why St Thomas?
When I was sixteen and before we broke up from school in the summer of 1959 we were given a short preparatory reading list for the A level studies that would begin in September. In my case this included History, in particular of the Tudors and the Reformation.. For some months I'd been receiving instruction in the Faith. The reading I did at that time enraged me because I sensed it embodied, condoned and encouraged a lie. The 'establishment' of my own beloved country had been built on this lie ever since. I could write pages about the intellectual and spiritual contortions I went through in succeeding months. Suffice to say that it was the Holy Mass, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ within it, and the deaths of our Martyrs, notably of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher that made me Catholic. Perhaps I respect and love St. John Fisher in a different way because he was first a priest and then a bishop. I chose St. Thomas to be c0-patron of our chapel because he was the father of a family. There are many others of course but in my youth St. Thomas More was for me the quintessence of the English Catholic layman. He still is.
During the EF weekend I felt his presence and after Father had left although I was occupied with the reports and photos, I knew that I wanted to hang the reproduction of the Holbein portrait of St. Thomas in the study which I've been meaning to do for a long time. Then:
December 8:
I read that the Holy Father, during his visit to England in September 2010, will speak to both Houses of Parliament from the very spot in Westminster Hall where St. Thomas was condemned to death. I wept on reading this. St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 13:
In the morning I finally hung the portrait in the study.
In the afternoon did my daily check on Mulier Fortis, to find that she had posted about St. Thomas More. Quite unseasonally because as you know his feast is in June. Her post had been inspired by a conversation with Leutgeb and centred around one of my favourite films of all time 'A Man for all Seasons' in which St. Thomas makes the salutary quip to the betraying Richard Rich, ' But for Wales?' ( I wanted to email Mac there and then, but someone phoned or hammered on the front door and the moment passed. The person from Porlock is ever with us.) St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 14th
Read of the concern of our English and Welsh bishops about legislation that is being considered in UK parliament which would criminalise the Church for its opposition to women priests. (This is the same 'government' that will receive our Holy Father in Westminster Hall? If the legislation is allowed then they should arrest him on the spot for voicing the Church's teaching. Can things get any more illogical or just plain daft?
St. Thomas More pray for us.
December 15th
During a final trawl of my favourite blogs last night I was further disturbed to read on WDTPRS about the White House and Senator Ben Nelson.
And then thanks to Fr. Z, it was there, the thing that I suspect St. Thomas More wanted me to find, to pray and to encourage others to pray too. It is the Litany of St. Thomas More by the late Bishop Michael Salterelli and is at 'The Catholic Key Blog'. I cannot get a workable link and so will type it out tomorrow in a separate post. Please join me in praying it as a Novena between now and Christmas, and not just for Senator Nelson. We are indeed in evil case.
As for the quote which opens this post, I can't remember how it ends! I've searched unsuccessfully for years. If anyone is familiar with it, do please let me know.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fr Mark Kirby O.S.B. on St. John of the Cross
This post of Fr Mark's: "Though it Be Night" was the treasure that awaited me after breakfast this morning. I'm sure you've read it by now, but if not please go to his Vultus Christi blog.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
St. John of the Cross tomorrow
Time to contemplate 'the thicket of the Cross'.
Tango has posted more news in the combox of the most recent post about Fr Blondel (RIP). The Holy Father mentioned him today at the Angelus, and the other priests who have been killed in South Africa this year. Otherwise there has not been much comment here in France. Has anyone picked up anything in the British or American Press or online, apart from Zenit which I mentioned earlier. Thank you Tango. Without you I probably would not know anything about this.
The Angelus in Rome today was a joyful occasion - on Gaudete Sunday what else? And our Holy Father gave himself to it genuinely of course. But on another level we all know he is outraged by the Irish abuse scandal report and that he is composing a letter to the Irish faithful. May this help to dry the tears and bind up the wounds of decades, and may the Irish people actually receive his unadulterated, unedited words. May nobody anymore impede communication between this most holy Pope and his frightened and confused flock.
As I said, now that Gaudete Sunday is over for another year, it is time to renew our contemplation of 'the thicket of the cross'. Surely this can only deepen our understanding of, and joy in, the Incarnation of Our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Tango has posted more news in the combox of the most recent post about Fr Blondel (RIP). The Holy Father mentioned him today at the Angelus, and the other priests who have been killed in South Africa this year. Otherwise there has not been much comment here in France. Has anyone picked up anything in the British or American Press or online, apart from Zenit which I mentioned earlier. Thank you Tango. Without you I probably would not know anything about this.
The Angelus in Rome today was a joyful occasion - on Gaudete Sunday what else? And our Holy Father gave himself to it genuinely of course. But on another level we all know he is outraged by the Irish abuse scandal report and that he is composing a letter to the Irish faithful. May this help to dry the tears and bind up the wounds of decades, and may the Irish people actually receive his unadulterated, unedited words. May nobody anymore impede communication between this most holy Pope and his frightened and confused flock.
As I said, now that Gaudete Sunday is over for another year, it is time to renew our contemplation of 'the thicket of the cross'. Surely this can only deepen our understanding of, and joy in, the Incarnation of Our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
More Photos as promised - 2
Three more of the chapel and three of the library taken from the chapel
1.
More little details
Three more details
Above chaire behind Communion rail - Icon of Elijah and the Raven given as a present by my Spiritual Director.
To the right of this - hanging sanctuary lamp, not yet properly affixed to the beam.
The Communion rail was put in by an English friend who lives across the road. We used an old beam found lying on the property when we bought it in 1989.
3.
Iron plant stands
From a French Brocante site on ebay
4.
A section of the Library
Taken from behind Communion rail in chapel. Apologies for the hoover on the sofa. I didn't have time to move it, or the mat on the red carpet. It looks as if a visiting Moslem has left his prayer mat behind. Not so, I assure you.
5.
Another shot of the Library
Taken from chapel sanctuary. On window sill behind keyboard - statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She spends the winter indoors and goes into the garden for Spring and Summer. There she has her own little grotto.
Centrally on the wall is a painting of a detail of the 14th century facade of Aubeterre St. Jacques Church which is two km away. The white board below the painting and crucifix is a relic from the time I used the library as a classroom, that is up to summer 2008. I wrote something on the board a couple of weeks ago just to amuse myself. It's still there. Any guesses as to what it might be I wonder?
6.
And a final one taken from the gallery - bottom of chapel stairs visible at lower right of picture.
1.
More little details Top left below beam - little shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux
Parially obscured by beam - chair at the wooden prie-dieu - an old replica of the one used by Churchill during WWII. It has a large oval relief of St. George and the dragon in the leather of its backrest. The ebay seller did not know its provenance. He thought it might be the original but described it as a replica in the interests of honesty.
Prie dieu - from Antique Church Furnishings, salvaged from a closed convent.
In foreground left behind beam - one of eight cane French-style prie dieu from Tournai Cathedral, obtained when they were throwing out about 70 of them several years ago.
Centre -hanging from beam in foreground - entrance bell bought at Emmaus Charity near Angouleme.
Above Our Lady of Lourdes - Icon of Christ Pantocrator - from same source as altar icons.
On upright beam, extreme right - Holy water stoup - one of the few things in the chapel without a history - bought new at the CTS London, at least ten years ago.
Sorry you can't see these items in detail. Will try to post close-ups as the months pass.
2.
Parially obscured by beam - chair at the wooden prie-dieu - an old replica of the one used by Churchill during WWII. It has a large oval relief of St. George and the dragon in the leather of its backrest. The ebay seller did not know its provenance. He thought it might be the original but described it as a replica in the interests of honesty.
Prie dieu - from Antique Church Furnishings, salvaged from a closed convent.
In foreground left behind beam - one of eight cane French-style prie dieu from Tournai Cathedral, obtained when they were throwing out about 70 of them several years ago.
Centre -hanging from beam in foreground - entrance bell bought at Emmaus Charity near Angouleme.
Above Our Lady of Lourdes - Icon of Christ Pantocrator - from same source as altar icons.
On upright beam, extreme right - Holy water stoup - one of the few things in the chapel without a history - bought new at the CTS London, at least ten years ago.
Sorry you can't see these items in detail. Will try to post close-ups as the months pass.
2.
Three more details Above chaire behind Communion rail - Icon of Elijah and the Raven given as a present by my Spiritual Director.
To the right of this - hanging sanctuary lamp, not yet properly affixed to the beam.
The Communion rail was put in by an English friend who lives across the road. We used an old beam found lying on the property when we bought it in 1989.
3.
Iron plant standsFrom a French Brocante site on ebay
4.
A section of the Library Taken from behind Communion rail in chapel. Apologies for the hoover on the sofa. I didn't have time to move it, or the mat on the red carpet. It looks as if a visiting Moslem has left his prayer mat behind. Not so, I assure you.
5.
Another shot of the Library Taken from chapel sanctuary. On window sill behind keyboard - statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She spends the winter indoors and goes into the garden for Spring and Summer. There she has her own little grotto.
Centrally on the wall is a painting of a detail of the 14th century facade of Aubeterre St. Jacques Church which is two km away. The white board below the painting and crucifix is a relic from the time I used the library as a classroom, that is up to summer 2008. I wrote something on the board a couple of weeks ago just to amuse myself. It's still there. Any guesses as to what it might be I wonder?
6.
And a final one taken from the gallery - bottom of chapel stairs visible at lower right of picture.
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