Pope Benedict XVI - Visit to Lourdes

Where the Pope has already been and how they welcomed him.

2. Lourdes September 2008

This one's especially for my dear friend Pelerin who was there in the thick of it. She did some crowd control of her own although sadly the camera didn't catch it! Perhaps she'll tell you all about it in a comment here.

(btw No computer man yet, even though he promised to come today at the latest. Offereing up worry and frustration)

The Pope and his former students reflect on the interpretation of the Se...

Lovely to hear THAT bit of the 2005 speech again, but why couldn't Rome Reports, name any of the other attendees apart from Cardinal Schonborn?

btw, does anyone know whether our Nuncio has returned to Wimbledon after his post-stroke convalescence? If not, who will be there to air the beds and welcome the Holy Father when he arrives?

Thousands Attend Papal Mass in Paris

Where the Pope has already been and how they welcomed him.

1: Paris - September 2008

Blessed Dominic Barberi pray for him and for England. St. Ninian pray for him and for Scotland.

The Pope's book will be published on March 13

Feast of Saint Bartholomew

R. When you are brought before governors and kings, do not consider anxiously what you are to say or how you will say it: "words will be given you when the time comes.

V. The words you speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking in you: words will be given you when the time comes."
(From the Common of Apostles)

A happy and holy Feast day to everyone.

(Computer update: Will be without my computer all day tomorrow OR Friday. Not yet clear which. Hope to be back to normal by Saturday.

In Christo pro Papa

Regensburger Domspatzen: Denn er hat seinen Engeln

"He hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone." Matt. 4 6 (Douay version)

Pope Benedict listens to Mendelssohn's setting of the text.

If you haven't seen this clip before, don't miss the end. He becomes aware that the camera is on him and looks resigned. Then almost immediately cannot prevent his profound appreciation of the music from showing in his expression.

May Our Lord comfort, guide, strengthen and protect our beloved Holy Father during his imminent trip to Britain. Our Lady Queen and Mother, pray for him.

Have a happy and holy Feast day everyone.

Defend Pope Benedict & Fifth Marian Dogma pt2- Dr. Miravalle

Begins with a repeat of end of last video. Stay with it!

Fr. Lombardi's interesting statement...(entr'acte between Dr. Miravalle videos)

Yesterday the Catholic Herald carried a report on Fr. Lombardi's recent interview with Vatican Radio, the main purpose of which seems to have been to make clear that the Vatican is not responsible for the charges being made to pilgrims during the Pope's visit. These are being made by the 'local Church' and have nothing to do with the Pope. Further, the ticketing system had to be introduced to satisfy the security demands of the British civil authorities. I've said repeatedly on this blog that I think security has been the driving force behind all the plans. And thank God for that.

But the interesting statement of Fr Lombardi, according to the Herald is as follows:
"He also stressed that restrictions on the media and on journalists were more demanding than they had been on other trips, but these did NOT DEPEND ON THE VATICAN OR ON THE LOCAL CHURCH. " (my caps.) Therefore one has to assume that these extra restrictions are being imposed by 'civil authorities'/Government. Of course they may just be to ensure the safety of the press corps.............One only prays that as a result, their hostility will be reduced rather than increased.

Some good news.
'Our Sunday Visitor' has just published a book that outlines the long battle of Benedict XVI against sexual abuse. Rome Reports (see link at very top of sidebar here) has a video and interview with its editor.

And Zenit has at least one heartening story today:
EWTN will televise the UK Papal visit, so you'll be relatively safe with them if you're worried about the BBC's possible lack of balance/ignorance in commentary. http://www.zenit.org/ Of course they may be fair and sensible and take the Vatican commentary. At least that way our National network will not be responsible for any infuriating gaffes.

Finally and most importantly the calender invites us to storm heaven with the help of Our Lady and many saints............
August
20 Saint Bernard Abbot and Doctor
21 Saint Pius X Pope
22 OUR LADY QUEEN AND MOTHER
23 Saint Rose of Lima Virgin
24 Saint Bartholomew Apostle
26 Saint Joseph of Calasanz Priest
27 Saint Monica
28 Saint Augustine of Hippo Bishop and Doctor
29 Saint John the Baptist Martyr
September
3 Saint Gregory the Great Pope and Doctor
8 THE BIRTHDAY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
13 Saint John Chrysostom Bishop and Doctor
15 OUR LADY OF SORROWS
16 SS Cornelius Pope and Martyr and Cyprian Bishop and Martyr
17 Saint Robert Bellarmine Bishop and Doctor
19 Saint Januarius Bishop and Martyr

And supremely on
14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Defend Pope Benedict & Fifth Marian Dogma pt1 - Dr. Miravall

Apologies for abrupt ending. To be continued, tomorrow D.V.

In Christo pro Papa

One month for the beatification of Cardinal Newman

'The Pope made an exception.'

So far as I know, no-one has thanked him, so I will.

Thank you Holy Father for this great gift, which God willing, and thanks to your decision, will take place on September 19 on English soil. May God comfort, strengthen and protect you.

Pope Celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin at Castel Gand...

Well, I'll just try one more!

Yesterday's bomb scare in Lourdes; further posts here a rarity until next Monday evening

Our local paper the 'Charente Libre' reports a bomb scare in Lourdes yesterday on the afternoon of the Assumption and in the middle of the French annual national pilgrimgage. Authorities received a warning via a call-box that bombs would go off in the Sanctuaires at 3pm. 30,000 people were evacuated, whilst a search was conducted. Nothing was found, no bombs went off and no-one was hurt, Deo gratias.

Many of you will know that Philip Johnson has been in Lourdes for the last three weeks and may already have left when the scare took place. I know that my regular commenter Pelerin is in Lourdes at the moment and have no doubt she will tell me more about it on her return.

Blogging and emailing are becoming very difficult because of problems with my computer. It will not be dealt with until next Monday. Until then, posting here will be a rarity.

God bless all here.
In Christo pro Papa

Solemnity of the Assumption: Roses for Our Lady

The last couple of days have wonderully concentrated the mind and spirit. Yesterday in the early afternoon I was able to gather from the garden, a whole basket of repeat-flowering roses for our Blessed Mother, and make two displays from them. In our church across the road, these are now on either side at the foot of the altar in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, where, as some of you already know, Our Lord is present in the tabernacle.

I'm sorry not to be able to post photographs, but the colours of the roses with their names are as follows:
The Pilgrim - Pale yellow
Compassion - Coral- to pink when fully open
Metanoia - A deep and vibrant coral
New Dawn - Palest pink blush, almost white
Iceberg - White

From this list you will not be surprised to learn that I never plant anything, rose or not, without a spiritual significance. Even Iceberg was planted for the remembrance of the victims of the Titanic disaster.

Sadly there was no lift to Mass this morning but when I went across the road for the Divine Office, on approaching the altar I was enveloped in the 'incense' of these roses, symbolic of prayer rising to heaven in the sheer joy of this great Solemnity. For me it is always an occasion of intense joy and thanksgiving, beause it was on the feast of the Assumption that I first heard Mass, (fifty one years ago today). The Mass took place in the large chapel of a convent of the Daughters of Charity. Indelible in my memory ever since then, have been its tabernacle and the huge and beautiful mural of the Assumption on the wall behind it...

"Great Mother of God, so wondrously united with Jesus Christ, from all eternity, by the same decree of providence: in her conception immaculate, in her divine motherhood a virgin most pure, the noble associate of our Redeemer in his victory over sin and its conseqences - what reward awaited her at last? For the crown of all her graces, she was exempted from the sentence of decay; shared her Son's victory over death, and was carried up to heaven, soul and body, there to reign as queen at his right hand, who is the King of Ages, the immortal."

(Closing words of today's second Office reading taken from the Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

I pray that you are all enjoying a happy and blessed Feast day.

Splintered Sunrise and the Apostolate of the Laity; plus an unacceptable comment yesterday

I don't want to spend long on this but feel it's necessary to report results of my investigation since yesterday. Those of you who are following this subject will know that my own experience of the two sites led me to feel uncomfortable about both of them, but for very different reasons. I had left Splintered Sunrise on my bloglist because Aposolate of the Laity's comment on the latter had been removed from Fr Blake's combox. Thanks to epsilon, I was encouraged to look again at the matter. A. of the L. had posted a link on Fr Blake's blog and epsilon transferred it to my com box. This link leads to other posts by SS which are definitely pornographic. According to another private correspondent these SS posts are now nowhere to be found at SS, and she thinks he has removed them. So far today, SS has not posted. Nevertheless I removed SS from my list last night. Pornography aside, it has always worried me that SS speaks with great confidence as an informed 'insider' but never, if memory serves correctly, does he give any links, sources or other proof of his statements.

Further investigation of A. of L today, shows a series of posts about St. Maximilian Kolbe. Checking back it is quite clear that the author follows the Catholic calender and posts accordingly. However on checking the profile one finds that he has placed the site under the patronage of Our Lady Co-redemptrix. I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but strictly speaking do we not need a fifth Marian Dogma to be proclaimed before using the title?
I have been unable to find the identity of A. of L. All it says on his profile is that he is male and is based in London. I fully realise there may be very good reasons for his not revealing who he is, and will read him occasionally. At the moment I don't plan to add him to my bloglist.

Yesterday I received an unpleasant comment which I have not published because its language is vulgar. This person tells me that the Holy Father's visit is nothing to do with me because I live in France. I should therefore find something else to worry about, like girl alatar servers and lack of lace cottas. Obviously this person has me down as some kind of rabid ultramontanist. Clearly
(s)he hasn't been paying enough attention before making such a judgment. On the subject of my right to be concerned and to comment about the Pope's visit and English Catholicism:

Firstly the Church is universal. I have the joy, albeit the unmerited privilege and grace, of being in full communion with her. Where I live has no relevance whatsover.
Secondly, I am English and spent a career of 44 years teaching in England. I live in France because I have to, not that I don't love France. Of course I do, but for all its faults and troubles I love England more.
Thirdly, I pay British taxes and have the vote.

I will not be silenced or disenfranchised from blogging by the unpleasantness of that commenter, who incidentally also concealed his/her identity.

Now, let's get back to praying for the Holy Father and the British flock who want to give him a wholehearted and loving welcome.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
Our Lady help of Christians, pray for us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

In Christo pro Papa

Being loyally Catholic, reasonable and realistic....

In my view anyone who claims these three things should follow the Protect the Pope site (see sidebar here) authored by Nick Donnelly, who is a permanent Deacon of the Lancaster Diocese. Often Rev. Donnelly's reports do not make comfortable reading, but they are indeed loyally Catholic, reasonalble and realistic. There is a total absence of sensationalism. Facts are reported and the Protect the Pope comments are eminently sensible. The site is an excellent way of keeping up with the activities and statements of the opponents of the Pope's visit. It is surely our duty to be informed of what these are. Doing so is not to retreat into the ghetto. Quite the reverse, it is to be aware of elements in our society who would like to see Roman Catholicism, silenced and forced back into a ghetto, with the eventual intention of exterminating it altogether. These elements may not represent great numbers of the British population, but they are extremely vocal and widely reported by media also largely hostile to Catholics and their Pope. One might say that together they have embarked on a propaganda war. There is a much reduced chance of their victory if Catholics keep themselves informed of enemy tactics. And there is much greater chance of security for us and for the Pope if we know what we are up against and are properly and quietly on our guard.

Thank you to Deacon Donnelly for his valuable contribution at this time.

We love you

In her comment on my last post Mary referred to a formu which has been 'debating' whether or not the Pope should be touched. She clearly disapproves of the tone of that 'debate' and sent me a link asking for my comments. Ii have to say I agree with Mary, but was also exasperated by those who criticise Monsignors Ganswein and Marini for 'unnecessary' fussing over the Holy Father. The clip in this post proves that it can never be known in advance when their ministrations may be necessary! And I think it shows what a perfect team they make. In any case I'm sure the two Monsignors do nothing which the Pope himself regards as unnecessary. They wouldn't do it if he did. He is 83 and would love to bound about like a man of 43. Since nearly falling over a plant pot at L'Aquila last year I think he's decided to accept with grace and gratitude the security of Msgr Marini's supporting hand under his elbow.

In any case my own attitude to whether the Pope should be touched is demonstrated in the last post. It entirely depends on the occasion and the disposition of those involved.

In times past we used to hug our church buildings. Most of us will not get within 'hugging' distance of our Holy Father, but God knows we 'hug' him in and by our prayer. And the stronger that prayer is, the more Pope Benedict feels it too.

Hope you enjoy this clip. If you don't understand French or Spanish, just watch and listen to the crowd and pray that the English can respond to our Holy Father so spontaneously in a few week's time. He is not concerned about himself. His happiness is shown when people show their commitment to Christ.

Les amies clarisses de Benoît

On the feast of St. Clare, fifty secondsworth of mutual spiritual love being demonstrated. A happy and holy St. Clare's day everyone.

Saint Clare intercede for us, and especially for all your Franciscan daughters and for Pope Benedict.

Papal Visit to UK: B-Day -37

After last evening's good news about the Telegraph Group, I went to bed and had a reasonably peaceful night. But at the back of my mind there remained a sense of affront about the way attendance at the Papal events has been 'organised'. Ever since we were told that ordinary Catholics would be charged to exercise their right to be with the Holy Father, but that so-called VIPs would not, I have been battling to control my feelings. Nevertheless I thought I would be able to continue today with my series of positive posts in the lead-up to Pope Benedict's arrival. Well, what actually happened?

At the Office of Readings in church this moning, I found myself struggling NOT to give a current interpretation to the first reading from Micah 3: 1-12, The second reading from Theodore of Cyr was equally challenging but I will not labour its point here. After the Office I came home to find James Preece's post about the further shrinkage of numbers at the Beaticication Mass. from 80.000 to 65,ooo. On the whole James' commenters seem unable to decide whether the Catholic Church authorities in England and Wales have deliberately set out to make it seem that British Catholics are insufficiently interested to make the Papal visit a resounding success. So now they preside over a situation in which, whilst publicising the reduced number, tickets are now being handed out more freely. The other obvious interpretation is that they couldn't run a drinks party in a place where real ale is brewed.

I think there is probably an elemtnt of truth in both readings, but I still maintain that the security issue has played into the hands of people who do not much like our Holy Father and what he continually attempts to teach the flock. Whatever the truth, I pray it will be made manifest to him.

It is the idea of hypocrisy that really sickens me. That people who are against him will be presented to him, have smiling photographs taken with him, will receive Holy Communion from him, kneeling and on the tongue, without having seen the inside of a confessional for longer than dare be mentioned. In the meantime orthodox catholics will largely be kept from these privileges.

But in spite of all the above, and in spite of Dawkins' C4 rant against Faith schools, the following news managed to pierce the gloom: the Kentucky law suit against the Vatican has been dismissed as unsound; and at home Mulier Fortis informs us about the new blog of the Southwark Papal Visit team.

We live to fight another day. Prayer IS the only answer. As Pope Benedict himself recently said, the proper reaction to attacks on the Church is to draw closer to Christ. And let it be said, that is the exact effect of this situation, and of Benedict's Petrine ministry.

(News permitting will return to Positive Post series tomorrow.)

On the whole, I'd say: Benedict 16 - Media channel 4

In Christo pro Papa.

At last! The Telegraph seems to have come out on the side of truth and fair play

Huge hat-tip to Protect the Pope.

Pontifical March - The anthem of the Holy See

The Pontifical March was composed by Charles Gounod in 1869. In 1949 it became the official anthem of the Holy See, replacing the Marcia Trionfale of Austrian composer/bandmaster Viktorin Hallmayer. I've been unable to find a video of the old anthem, but from all accounts the Gounod is a great improvement. What I like about it, is that depending on interpretation, tempo, instrumentation etc. it is adaptable to the mood and atmosphere required at different occasions, be they solemn or joyous. Even so, it can sound banal and clunky if played without any flare or imagination. It will be interesting to see which band is chosen to play it when the Holy Father arrives in Scotland. (I preseume it WILL be played.and I also wonder whether it will be followed by the Scots' National Anthem, or that of the United Kingdom.)

More details of the history of the Pontifical marches/antems are to be found here, together with words in Latin, Italian and English translations thereof.

On Feast of Transfiguaration: Pope's private visit to Abruzzo

See Vatican Radio report here

Pope Benedict on the UK visit: " I shall be able to see for myself."

The Pope made this remark during the Ad limina visit of the English and Welsh bishops' to Rome early this year. Whatever happens, he will indeed see for himself.

Vatican Radio, as a preliminary to a series of interviews with several of our Bishops , has posted extracts from his Ad limina address to them. In the light of present circumstances they are worth reading again. See here.

As the next 40 days unfold, I expect it will be impossible to avoid occasioanal mention of actual events, but as already indicated ,this 'Oasis' will feature a series of positive posts in the run-up to the papal visit. Tomorrow DV, I hope to consider the relative merits of two well known hyms in honour of the Successor of Peter.

In the meantime, God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa

Papal Visit Promotional

A librarian eh?

But man (and cardinal) proposes; God disposes. Thanks be to Him that it was 'Habemus Papam' instead.

And...sorry for the repeat video. Just couldn't resist it.

Further appropriate and positive videos and music to follow regularly over the next 44 days.

God bless, preserve, comfort, guide and strengthen our Holy Father Pope Benedict, and grant him many more years as our chief shepherd.

In Christo pro Papa

Benedict XVI wanted to be a librarian

Pope Benedict wanted to be a librarian? Well not just any old librarian....

Rome Repots video following.

Papal tickets

A few days ago in a Holy Smoke post, Damian Thompson raised the issue of what would happen to the tickets for the Beatification Mass which have already been allocated, but which people, for resaons of frailty and/or age, have begun to turn in. These are loyal Catholics who want to support the H0ly Father and be with him as he celebrates the Mass. These people are beginning to turn in their tickets out of fear they will not be able to manage; they are unclear about how far they will have to walk from the coach dropping off point and what facilities will be in place at the site if they eventually reach if. And that after a journey during the night by arguably the most uncomfortable method of modern travel. So far no individual seems to be complaining about the £25-£30 charge to travel on diocesan/regional coaches, although the imposition of this levy is questionable at the very least. But what is confusing people and putting them off, is the difficulty of getting clear information from anywhere. Damian's concern was that as a result of this there will be many empty places at the eventual Mass. He challenged Chris Patten to sort it out. Personally I don't think it's part of Patten's responsibility to sort it out. The responsibility lies firmly in each Diocesan office. And judging from the Anonymous commenter's report in the combox of an earlier post here, there is at least one diocese that is content to sit back and do nothing. THEY WILL ONLY DO SOMETHING IF INDIVIDUALS PRESS THE ISSUE for themselves.

I am still waiting for news that giant screens will be put up for those who are unable to gain admittance.

Readers will know from my previous posts that I've long hoped for the red hat for Archbishop Nichols. Unfortunately we seem to have two Archbishops of Westminster, the one emeritus and the other actual. Until there is only one, the actual Archbishop cannot be his own man, let alone the Pope's man, whatever he said months ago in his first interview after appointment, about his determination to follow the Holy Father, rather than the British political establishment.. Over recent months he has said and done nothing to convince me of the position he avowed on that occasion. It is perhaps still not too late for the Pope to raise him to the College of Cardinals at the next consistory. But the days grow short as we approach September.

I have always believed that the Pope knows what is going on and cares about it. If a cerain Msgr, as is rumoured, will be made a bishop after this fiasco of the 'organisation' of the Papal visit to UK , even I will think, at the very least, that the Holy Father has been manipulated. Nevertheless I trust him as I trust no other living earthly creature. God help him and God help us all.

In Christo pro Papa

Saint Mary Major

Sorry to be late. Hope you are all having a happy and holy Feast day.
Intend to have another post (or two) up before bedtime.

In Christo pro Papa

We had a little supper party tonight.........

It went on for longer than I expected. Hence no post until tomorrow. My apologies.

In Christo pro Papa

Thanks to Leutgeb of the 'Bara Brith' blog

Profound thanks to Leutgeb at Bara Brith for linking to the video in the previous post.

Papal Visit Promotional

Rencontre avec les séminaristes

44 days to go and still wanting to stand up and be counted!

But even were I at home that would be difficult, if not impossible. (Dominic Mary makes the points well tonight at Libara Me.) But I really feel we have to ask why things have come to this very un-pretty pass. I really think it's a question of security and money.

I suspect that British security has told the Catholic leadership that it will only be possible to guarantee the safety of the Holy Father and the Catholics who have the nerve to attend the venues on the proposed itinerary, if numbers are contained, and the restrictive, if not draconian methods of limitation are put in place. Some time ago, I hinted that although this may not have been the intention of the Conference, it may perhaps suit their agenda. All they need to do is keep stum and let the wagons roll. I fervently wish to be wrong about this.

Furthermore, I think there has been an argument as far as the costs are concerened and the Catholic leadership has lost it. I leave it to you to decide how hard they fought. But:

Catholic leadership: 'Your guy Brown, invited him. You should pay.'

Government: 'No.'

C.L: OK well, we won't either, because we can't afford it anyway.'

As it is, we are being told that there will be no facilities at the Beatification site: no seating and a walk of a mile from the coach dropping off point (for many people) after a journey through the night to get within that distance. Not only that, but the people will be penned in for hours on either side of the Mass.

So far there has been no mention of giant screens being put up, as they normally are in places where the Holy Father goes that cannot accommodate the large numbers wishing to be present.

Never mind, it will all be all right, so we are told by Chris Patten, and I am informed, by Archbishop Nichols, although I have been unable to find the latter's most recent interview on Vatican Radio.

Hey-hoh! Tomorrow is another day.

I have a very precious video of our Holy Father laughing. Listening to that sweet sound will help me sleep tonight and I will post it here at the next oppportunity.

In the meantime, the Holy Rosary.......

God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa

Why the feeling, particularly at this time, of wanting to come home?

Firstly, I think the reaction is instinctive.. It's to do with how I regard myself as a human being. I am a Catholic Englishwoman. I embraced this state when I was sixteen years old, independent of upbringing, just before Vatican II began, and have never regretted the decision, which was very definitely intellectual as well as spiritual. The transition from the low Church of England to Catholicism was essential when I realised that all the history books I had been fed up to the point of my 'conversion' had been written as if the Faith began with the Reformation! I very soon realised that pre-reformation Faith had effectively been blotted out. I have spent the rest of my life trying to reconnect the links. No Catholic Priest or nun ever thought they needed to put this to me. I think they must have known that I would work it out for myself. Anyway the result is that not only am I a pre-Vatican II catholic, I am a pre-Reformation Dowry of Mary Catholic!. This does not mean to say that I am a rabid Tridentinist or that I ignore or dispute Vatican II, properly interpreted, (and for that interpretation I look to the Holy Father). It does mean to say that as much as I know that the faith did not begin when Protestantism took grip of my country in the reign of Elizabeth I, so too it did not begin in the mid-19 sixties when Protestantism began to take hold within Holy Mother Church.

I hope this goes some way to explaining the emotional reasons for my wanting to be at home at the present time. Even if I could fulfil the wish, it would make not the slightest bit of diference to the present situation. But I hope you will not be surprised, nor condemn me for the desire.

My second reason for wanting to be there, is that although I read everything that is said on the Internet, it is almost impossible to know what to trust. If you were to believe Vatican Radio you would think that everything was hunky-dorey. One is left with the uncomfortable concern that they are going along with an anti-propaganda 'campaign'. Most importantly, by no means is one convinced that the Holy Father knows what is going on. The idea that he may not, fills me with dread. Deep inside me, I know that I could only really trust the impressions gained from actually being in the streets and 'tube' of London, and from going to Mass in various churches. That way I could get the feel of what is going on..

It is not to be. And so I pray the Rosary and a Novena every day before the Blessed Sacrament in the church of St. Romain for the intentions and safety of Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to England during September this year.

God bless all here,
In Christo pro Papa

The EMG Presents: Noel Coward - There are Bad times just around the Corner

"Bad Times Just around the Corner" Noel Coward

Ironically truthful, truthfully ironic it always was. It still is. But in August 2010, much of it would seem a fairly accurate description of the feeling of many English Catholics, if posts in the blogosphere and my inbox is anything to go by! Some of you may wish 'the rats' WERE ACTUALLY preparing to leave the BBC'! From all accounts I have to sympathise with you. Also I'm of the opinion that England has quiet enough 'manure' to be going on with.

(Coward video following.)

Why on earth then, do I want to come home? I will attempt an explanation this evening.

Cardinal Newman Society delivers spiritual bouquet to pope

I have never wanted to 'come home' so much as I do now

Explanation following in next two posts.

In Christo pro Papa

The pope is writing a book about the infancy of Jesus

Pope's new book: rich spirituality about the Passion and Resurrection

Fr. Blake's Initiative: Open letter of English/Welsh priests in support of Pope Benedict's visit to UK

For more details and links to this important development please see Spiritual Mothers of Priests.

Video del Botafumeiro de la catedral de Santiago

Coming soon before bedtime, the giant censer (botafumeiro) of Santiago Cathedral in live action

I've known about it for years, but this is the first time I've ever seen it live, courtesy of kto at the end of this morning's Mass from Santiago. (Please God I will see it again when our Holy Father visits in November.) The thing weighs about 175 pounds and is about 5 feet tall. It takes eight men at the end of ropes in the sanctuary to control it. The present version was cast in 1851 and is suspended from a pulley, put there in 1604, in the dome of the Cathedral

The video I will post was made on the feast of St. James three years ago. The colour is poor but the tremendous excitement is conveyed, as is the faith of Spain... and also the power of the thing as it comes low enough towards the end of its flight for one of the 8 to grab hold of it and stop its motion. Its power twirls him round three times. The same effects were palpable and visible this morning.

Here, we usuall have fireworks to celebrate July 25. Who needs them, when you can have the botafumeiro!

God bless Spain, and of course , all here.

On the feast of St. James: recent news about the old Pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella and other relevant musings

A happy and holy feast of St. James to everyone.

Last week Zenit reported that 7 Spanish and 7 French bishops met for the second time to further plans for a joint effort in preserving the old Pilgrim routes and to develop their potential as a 'privileged place for evangelisation'. The bishops are to be thanked and encouraged for this response to one of the major emphases of Pope Benedict's pontificate. Not only are the bishops making their initiative during the Jubilee Year of St James in Santiago itself and which the Holy Father will himself visit in November, but it is a POSITIVE response to his recent announcement of a new dicastery for the re-evangelisation of Europe, and shows up the critical statements from other English episcopal quarters as negatively unhelpful.

(Instead of rubbishing the Pope's lead, it would be much more constructive to take a leaf from the Spanish and French bishops' book and start looking at our own pilgrim routes in England and Wales, to Canterbury for instance, particularly since the Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury has recently been properly restored to our national calendar. The English and Welsh conference asked for this. Why is it that they do not all seem able to 'join op the dots' here? Don't they remember that until Henry VIII despoiled Canterbury and had all references to St. Thomas a Becket removed from the liturgical books, there were four major centres of Pilgrimage in Christendom: Jerusalem and Rome of course, and Santiago and Canterbury, the latter remaining fixed, at least in our literary patrimony, by Geoffrey Chaucer. But I digress.)

THE FRENCH BISHOPS AND THE SANTIAGO PILGRIM ROUTES.
Only one the French bishops is mentioned by name in the Zenit report and that is Cardinal Archbishop Ricard of Bordeaux. The other diocese involved is that of Toulouse. As yet I've been unable to find out who the other five prelates are and will ask Pere Marchand about it the next time I see him. St. Romain is only 2km away from a pilgrim route which runs through Aubeterre and that is the resaon why its parish church is dedicated to St. Jacques. (It has a 14th century facade. The rest of the church was destroyed during the Wars of Religion but was rebuilt during the 17th century.) I once saw a map of three major routes that traverse France, and I have to admit to disappointment that only seven bishops were at these meetings. I should imagine that at least double that number occupy relevant sees. One hopes that the seven will evangelise and encourageme their brothers! So far no word has reached me of anthing being planned in this diocese of Angouleme.
The full Zenit report is here.

In Christo pro Papa









)

Benedict XVI enjoys his vacation at Castel Gandolfo

Special prayers and get well wishes Mac

See Mulier Fortis for details of the horrid first day of Mac's summer holiday.

Tagged for Mac's Prayer Meme by 'Stella Maris'

Before I wade into the tagging and linking, a note about why Meme's can be productive, particularly at this time when orthodox catholics need to get together, and nail their colours to the mast of the Barque of Peter as publicly and as definitely as they can. So special thanks to Mac for starting this one.

To start with, the Meme is a way that better known and more widely read bloggers can give 'a leg up' to lesser known blogs. Sometimes one's attention is drawn to like-minded blogs about which one had not previously known. This has just happened in my own case. I've been tagged by Fr Abberton who writes the 'Stella Maris' blog, and I was delighted, more because I now have him on my bloglist than because of the meme itself. (Not only that, but it turns out that Father was born in Sheffield, as was I, and that he is still in Yorkshire. A real find. )

Before giving my three favourite prayers and the taglist I must say a thank you to Father for including in his post, a clear set of instructions for exercising the meme

Of course Mac must know what a difficult task she has set us. To begin with, what does 'favourite' mean. Does it mean those prayers we love to offer because we find them consoling, or does it mean those which we love to say with great frequency as part of our daily routine? If one lists the Rosary as one of one's favourites a difficulty arises because whilst the Rosary IS a prayer of a most special kind it is actually made up of several prayers, including the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Salve Regina at the end. It is indeed a favourite of mine; so is the Angelus, so is the Litany of Loreto. These three are part of my daily routine, so perhaps that could be my list of three, The Rosary, the Angelus, the Litany. However, I think I'll try to interpret Mac's 'favourite' as meaning single, discrete prayers, and even then it's a difficult choice to make. In the end I decided to solve the problem by making my list of three prayers which I first committed to memory more than fifty years ago and which I have consistently prayed ever since. Of course I imbibed the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory be before thatYou'll just have to take it that they are the bedrock and excuse me if you think I've chaeated.

So here are the three, not in any order of preference.

1. The Memorare
I love this because it always fills me with peace, confidence and security in Our blessed Mother's concern for us and protection of us. It makes me feel connected with that moment at the foot of the Cross when our Lord spoke to the disciple he loved and to His mother.

2. Prayer to the Holy Spirt. 'Come O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of thy love. etc.I love this because otherwise I might forget the powerful fire of creativity of the Spirit. And it reminds me that the Holy Spirit is Wisdom and Consolation.

3. The Commendation
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.

When I was young, I prayed this with some trepidation. Now I pray it with great urgency. It is very precious to me.


Here are the people I have tagged: Richard Marsden of 'Bashing Secularism';

Annie of the LMS Arundel and Brighton blog;

Fr S. of 'Clerical Reform';

Fr. Sean of Valle Adurni

and Brian of 'Whitesmoke Ahoy'.

If any of them have already been tagged,please let me know and I'll find other candidates!

Protect the Pope through Prayer, Truth and the Law.
God bless all here
In Christo pro Papa
J

The Priests and Faithful of the UK: Prayer request

Please see my Spiritual Mothers of Priests blog.

St. Mary Magdalene

"Addressed by her own name, Mary recognises her maker and straightaway calls Him 'Rabboni', that is, 'Teacher'. Outwardly it was he who was the object of her search, but inwardly it was he who was teaching her to search for him." (Pope St. Gregory the Great, Homily 25)

Have a happy and holy feast day everyone.

(And protect the Holy Father through prayer, truth, and the Law.)

In Christo pro Papa.

Return to Blogging; a Rosary from Knock

Quick update on health: Vast relief and thanks be to God, tests showed blood to be absolutely normal. Cause of vertigo still undiagnosed - dosage of medication increased; may have to see a specialist if no real improvement before next Tuesday when I'm to see the doctor again.

In the meantime during enforced 'stand-off' there have been two things which have impressed me and in very different ways. Firstly, there has been a news item warning of danger to the Pope and his Catholic flock, as the result of possible extremist action on behalf of certain groups during the Holy Father's visit to the UK in September. Two days ago, a dear friend in Philadelphia sent me a link to the National Catholic Register I read the article, worried, watched and waited and then Fr. Tim Finigan posted a most helpul link to a new site, Protect the Pope (see top of sidebar here and also in alphabetical bloglist.) Thank you Father. I pray that everyone reading this will make sure they follow that site.

From the very beginning, I have worried that something like this may be round the corner. And I have suspected that it may be one of the reasons why the whole Papal visit is being so tightly controlled and scaled down. I'd say the Brit Security system is finding 'the stiff upper lip' difficult to maintain at the moment. From this standpoint the opinions of our English and Welsh bishops are almost totally irrelevant. (That's a complex matter, and impossible to treat here, although I will do so if anyone challenges me.)

The second thing that has been so precious to me over the past few days of not knowing what's wrong with me, is the most marvellous torrent of love and prayer I have had in your private messages. There is no way in which I can properly express my thanks.

And this morning the postman brought me the Knock Rosary. It is so beautiful and reminiscent to me of the one our Holy Father used in Fatima two months ago..............

God bless all here. I hope to be back tomorrow.

No more blogging until have bloodtest results

Further explanations here

In the meantime, have a happy and holy feast of St. Benedict.

God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa
J

Papal visit to UK: Holy Father will not fly home via BA

This according to Catholic Herald today.

It is the first of the Holy Father's voyages from which he will not return by courtesy of the hosting country's airline. It may seem a small matter but I think it is indicative of the prevalent attitudes in our country. Chris Patten, also in today's Catholic Herald, says that Britain's international reputation rests of the way it handles this historic visit. (Too true, as I hinted on this blog some weeks ago.)

Also some weeks ago, Archbishop Nichols spoke on Vatican Radio, evincing confidence that Britain would extend every politeness and hospitality to the Holy Father. This little news item about the homeward flight indicates that he maybe disappointed. In any case, I pray that Scotland will distinguish itself, and that England may not disgrace itself. Wales of course has been left out of the loop. Another bad mistake in my view. I have some Welsh blood, and I admit it boiled in the face of Archbishop Smith's Vatican Radio interview after the imposition of his Pallium for Southwark.

And is today really the right day for Bishop Conry to tell the world that he thinks the New Evangelisation Dicastery is an ill-conceived idea? (Again reported in the Catholic Herald.) This is the man who some months ago said that we shouldn't have too much concentration on Confession, a view in diract opposition to that of the Holy Father, who is aware that the Sacrament of Confession has all but disappeared in many places.. Bishop Conry is the same man who said that it's impossible to speak to young people about Salvation. Pope Benedict does exactly that, and brilliantly, every time he has the opportunity, the most recent example being at Sulmona.

(Personal health note: Have low blood pressure. Full diagnosis cannot be made until results of blood tests come through. Blood taken today so maybe not long to wait. In meantime vertigo continues.)

Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us.

In Christo pro Papa

Bishop Koch (Cardinal Kasper's successor) makes a wholesome beginning.

Well his article 'What moves me? More honesty please!' is undated at Catholic Culture, so it may not be his first statement since the beginning of his new tenure, but rather, an influential factor is his appointment. We will see, but for a long time, I have not seen anything so refreshingly straightforward and unequivocal on the subjects he treats, e.g. attitudes (within the Church) to the present Pope, interpretations of Vatican II etc.. An excellent and encouraging read. Highly recommended.

In Christo pro Papa

Doctor's appointment 10.15am Thursday

I am going in to his surgery, so hopefully he won't be able to avoid seeing me! Another doctor btw; and I'll be driven there by a friend. Next post asap.

God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa

After meeting with Sulmona youth Pope Benedict goes 'home'.

I haven't seen any official translations yet but here follows a little of my understanding of what he said to them in farewell.

"Now I must go home and I am most sorry to have to leave you............ But I go home as a serene father, knowing that his children are growing up well."

At that point, whilst Benedict smiled more broadly and naturally than I've seen him do for months, I burst into tears. Tears of happiness that this beautiful exchange had taken place, but also, tears of anxiety that he will not leave England in September with the same serenity. Prayers, prayers, prayers, that for the Lord, he may.

Papal Mass at Sulmona: Times

Today (Sunday): France 10am; UK 9am; EWTN (ET) 3.30am

The Pope is NOT considering abdication: So says Dr. Moynihan (ITV editor) and I wholeheartedly agree with him..

However, tomorrow for the second time in 15 months Benedict XVI will venerate the relics of Pope Celestine V, the only one of his predecessors to have resigned the papacy, in the face of ungovernable corruption and a bunch of cardinals who 'were no better than they should have been', which is to put it mildly.

You can read the story here at Zenit, and Dr. Moynihan's full text here at the Canterbury Tales blog, courtesy of Taylor Marshall..

Pope Benedict's visit to Sulmona will be broadcast live by EWTN and kto tv tomorrow - 9.30am French time, 8.30 British, and 3.30 Tulsa time (with the usual encore later on in the day)

The last time he was there, our Holy Father left HIS OWN PALLIUM on the tomb of his predecessor Saint Celestine. Doctor M. invites us to consider the message he was sending us through this action.

More tomorrow, DV.

God bless our Pope.

Non-appearance of Doctor; report on Mass

We spent a most frustrating day yesterday, waiting for Doctor Derouet, who never arrived. We know he is under great pressure because his partner-in-practice has just retired. He is therefore trying to do the work of two men. He hasn't contacted us so we don't know whether to expect him today or not.

There were only ten of us at the Mass. This was disappointing but not unexpected. For one thing it was the hottest day of the year so far (33 in the shade); for another, many of those who attended in February are of 'a certain age' and are away staying with their younger family members. I had all of you with me in my heart and the thought was comforting that in this way you filled the church to overflowing. It was a quiet and very recollected Mass, lit by the evening sun and accompanied by the most melodious bird-song streaming in through the open west doors. The birds seemed to be concentrated round the church building and only fell completely silent at the Consecration.

Yesterday we were celebrating the feast of St. Cybard who is patron of our diocese and Protector of Angouleme. He was a sixth century Benedictine monk, thought to have been from the Perigord region. After profession at the Abbey in Angouleme that now bears his name, he spent 44 years as a hemit in a grotto beneath the ramparts of the city. One can still visit his grotto and the bishop offers Mass there every year on July 1st.

St. Cybard Abbey, close to the Grotto. is among the oldest in southwest France. One of the reasons why I love living here is that one has a really strong sense of connection with Christian antiquity. Of course the known history of the area goes back to before the first Christian evangelisation. Nevertheless it is through the many ancient abbeys and churches that St. Cybard and many other local saints come alive to us. They are not merely stone ciphers from a dead past. They are not cut off from us by the passage of centuries. They are like roots which reach deep deep down into the soil and soul of France and I love them both for themselves and for their achievements. It is because of this personal experience that I understand Pope Benedict in a very special way when he talks of need not to lose touch with 'the Christian roots of Europe'. To me it is not only a question of academic fact, but of the very air I breathe. To me those roots are spiritually tangible.

Of course, yesterday evening I could not forget that on July 1st the old calender celebrates 'The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ'. In my old St. Andrew Missal the feast is introduced as follows:
"The feast............was instituted in 1849 by Pius IX and raised to the rank of a double of the first class by Pius XI on the occasion of the nineteenth centenary of our Saviour's death.
By reminding us of the scene of Calvary and of the blow from the lance which pierced our Saviour's side, the liturgy of this feast is at pains to emphasize the meaning and tremendous significance of this fact in relation with our salvation......our Redemption, effected by the Blood and the love of our Saviour."

I had assumed that Abbe Marchand would bring consecrated Hosts with him for the Communion at Mass. I didn't realise that he had reposed sufficient Hosts in the tabernacle of Our Lady's chapel. When he approached it and reappeared with the Ciborium my heart lurched and I almost didn't want our Lord to be taken from the safety and purity of the tabernacle. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion but in those moments I realised that He could and must be taken because He allows it............because of the indescribably, incomprehensibly great love He has for us. Then came a further inexpressible shock and joy.................... I was to receive a Host before Whom I had adored and prayed every day since Palm Sunday. Totally incapable of saying more I conclude here with the final prayer from the Litany of the Precious Blood, a Litany which I will pray every Friday from now on.

"Almighty and everlasting God, You have appointed Your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and have willed to be appeased by His Blood; grant us, we pray, so to venerate the price of our redemption and to be defended by its power against the evils of this life, that we may enjoy its fruits for ever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen."

Tomorrow: Doctor in the morning; Holy Mass in the evening

The doctor will pay a house-call tomorrow morning. He is very busy and was unable to give any idea of what time he will get here. Fortunately I finished the flowers in church today in time for tomorrow evening's Mass - the first one we've had here in St. Romain since the day after Ash Wednesday - at 6.30pm French time, 5.30pm UK time and around 11.30am Tulsa time. Will be praying for you all especially at that time.

Reports to follow as soon as possible.

In Christo pro Papa

Confession time:

I'm afraid I have to admit that for the past two or three weeks I have not been very well. I'd hoped that whatever it is would have cleared up by now. If it doesn't improve within the next few days I will have to see the doctor. I tell you only to explain my relative silence during a particularly difficult time for the Church and for our Holy Father.

In the meantime, God bless all here. Please pray for me.

In Christo pro Papa

Sunday's Sibelius: Inspiration, explanation, reflection

I turned 67 on Sunday and would not be mentioning it now, but for the fact that I need to thank everyone who sent me messages on Facebook. I was very surprised indeed and was thus lifted out of the doldrums! Paul aka OTSOTA sent me a link to part of Sibelius' 6th Symphony, saying that it made him feel alive and young. I don't think Paul realised that Sibelius is one of my favourite symphonic composers. Anyway Paul's gift inspired me to find two other favourite bits which would express my feelings before and after its receipt that day.

'Valse Triste' definitely reflected my morning mood. So many memories of the past 'waltzes' of life are wrapped up in this piece. And the graphics on the video were a reminder of things that currently worry me, attack the Faith and threaten to deny Catholics in England and Wales the chance to assist at the Holy Father's Masses, when he visits the UK in September. There is a sensation that they are being penned in and prevented from showing him how much he is loved. The flat promontory of rock being thus threatened by the fierceness of an inimical ocean brought all this to mind. I could not avoid equating that rock with Pope Benedict, the rock that is Peter.

Then I had to find an 'afterwards' video. The Colin Davis chose itself really for several reasons. Sir Colin is British and is junior to the Holy Father by only five months. At about the same age both men decided how they would dedicate their lives. Added to that, he was once conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. He is noted as a conductor of Sibelius and for his work with youth orchestras. In this video he has brought the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra to a Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. They are full of energy and talent and irrepressible in their enthusiasm and love of making music. And they seem genuinely bowled over by the warmth of the reception they are given by the Prom audience.

Meanwhile, the Holy Father undauntedly 'keeps at it'. See the text of his homily at Sunday's ordination here and his outline of the duties of a bishop given last week at the ad limina of the Brazilian episcopate here.

All in all Sunday was a beautiful day. A truly Holy Father, good friends and good music. What more can one ask on one's birthday!? Or any day for that matter?

(And Paul, thanks for the Mahler link as well.)

God bless alll here. Hope you are having a happy and holy feast. St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More pray for the Holy Father and for us his British flock.

In Christo pro Papa.

Sibelius Symphony No. 2 - Finale (3/3) - Davis/GMJO

Jean Sibelius, Valse Triste (orch.Herbert von Karajan)

Please help Bishop Coutts fight a Pakistani Islamic law that permitted a 5 year old child to be burned to death for blasphemy.

Link to ways in which you can help, here at the Transalpine Redemptorist blog.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

A very happy and holy feast day to everyone.

Please see here for a Reflection on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The author is the well-known Marian theologian, Dr. Mark Miravalle.

Holy Mary, Mother and Queen of priests, intercede for our Holy Father, for all priests and especially for Fr. Mark Kirby who is honorary spiritual director of this blog.

In Christo pro Papa.

O Sacred Heart - Hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This is a beautiful hymn written by F Stanfield (1835 - 1914) in honour of the Sacred Heart. This hymn was written particularly for English speaking Catholics asking for the conversion of England.

Novena for Pope Benedict

This is the Novena I pray everyday at the end of my Holy Hour. It is available on many sites but here I include (in brackets) the additions that I make in my private prayer to Our Lord in His Real Presence.

+
(Beloved) Lord Jesus, source of eternal life and truth, (I entreat you most earnestly and lovingly, at the end of this holy hour), to give unto our shepherd Benedict (whom you have appointed), a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love, (strengthen and guide him) that by governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, he may (as successor to your apostle Peter, and your vicar on earth) build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen.

(Beloved Lord, I implore You), preserve our holy father, Benedict; give him (health and energy to the end of a) long life. Make him blessed upon the earth, and let him not be delivered up to the power of his enemies, ( nor let him flee for fear of the wolves). May Your hand be upon Your holy servant and upon Your son whom you have anointed. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Salve Regina
Memorare
(After this I make my specific petition regarding the Litany of Loreto and the success of the Holy Father's visit to England and Scotland, and as from today I add: Venerable Mother Mary Potter, intercede for these my intentions.)
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. ( 3 times)
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on Pope Benedict and upon us all. (3 times)

+In the name of the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit, AMEN

After Cyprus, the end of the Year for Priests, a good rest and then England.

I cannot post tonight as I promised because my English Catholic soul is in turmoil.

The Pope's visit to Cyprus left me in no doubt as to the real battle faced by Christianity in this world and it threw into a horrid relief the rottteness of my own country in this regard: how inward-looking it is, how self-serving, how mean-spirited, how small-minded, how intolerant in its vaunted tolerance, and how boorishly inpolite. The fear really shakes me to the roots that these descriptions do not apply only to the secularist/atheistic society that is now my England, but also to many who still call themselves Catholic and purportedly lead us in the Faith.

Is England going to be the first country, on his 17th international voyage, that will treat Benedict XVI unjustly and ignorantly, where the media, and I'm afraid, some within the Church, will do their best to make sure he is not heard? Fear of it makes me ashamed to be English. It has come to the point where I too wish with many others that our gentle, supremely intelligent and holy Pope, was not going to visit England in September. I cannot bear the idea that it is those who privately oppose him who will be at the forefront during his visit, whilst those of us who truly love him and adhere to his magisterium will be kept out of sight and mind.

'Pearls before swine' does not even begin to describe it. We simpy do not deserve his presence, leave alone that he should have waived his own rule and be willing to beatify Cardinal Newman personally. And yet 'a dog's breakfast' is being made of something which should have been the most amazing highpoint of Catholicism in our country since the first Reformation. Never forget that the State's side of things seems to be going ahead with all due discretion, now the FO has been sorted out. It is the Catholic side of things that is in disarray. From all accounts Rome is trying to help, but whether that help will be received with grace is another matter.

For the past several nights my husband has been trying to comfort me. He is convinced that Catholics will turn out in force in September to show solidarity with their Holy Father, particularly since it seems they are to be denied tickets for the events. I pray that he is right, but then he does not read as much on the Internet as I do.

In the meantime I pray a daily Novena for Pope Benedict and will try to put up its text tomorrow.

God bless all here,

In Christo pro Papa

Corpus Christi 2010: Stormy Weather

It was indeed stormy in Rome yesterday evening and this was given as the reason for cancellation of the Corpus Christi procession from St. John Lateran to St Mary Major, in front of which, in keeping with tradition, Benediction had originally been planned to take place. As it was Pope Benedict led Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and gave the Benediction service at the end of the Mass in St. John Lateran. The cancellation was a tremendous disappointment and I felt particularly sorry for those who had travelled especially from outside Italy in order to be present for the Procession. I trust that in spite of the weather many will have been outside St. John Lateran and will have viewed the proceedings on the usual giant screens. It might have been thought that in view of his imminent journey to Cyprus, the Holy Father would have taken the opportunity to go back to the Apostolic Palace earlier than the appointed time. No such thing. The kto broadcast that I watched did not end until the scheduled time, (although rather abruptly) as the Holy Father began to leave the basilica.

He had given another stunning homily during the Mass. (A big thank you to the Rorate Caeli blog for publishing the full text.) Towards the end of the Mass it occurred to me why I find the preaching of Benedict XVI so holy, moving and of lasting spiritual value. I think it is because one is conscious that he does not cease to pray whilst he is speaking, and therefore nor do we. This has the effect of making his homilies seamless with the Mass, and not some additional extra which we are obliged to sit through. Instead his homilies thus become part of an interior, active participation entered into by his listeners.

After the Corpus Christi broadcast there was a news flash about the murder of Bishop Padovesi, president of the Turkish Conference of Bishops. He was stabbed to death by his driver only a few hours before he had planned to leave Turkey and join Pope Benedict in Cyprus. At Vatican Radio, I learned that the alleged assailant had previously shown loyalty to the bishop, although recently he had given the impression of being depressed. Fr. Lombardi has opined that we can therefore discount any political motive for the murder. Of course, Father may have other unpublished informationr. All the same I found his judgment a little premature.

And then there is the brewing storm surrounding the 'organisation' of the Catholic aspects of the Pope's visit to England in September. Many thanks are due to Fr. Tim Finigan who in a post today, not only gives a link to the full text of Damian Thompson's article in the Spectator, but to several other blog and newspaper comments, including those from Fr. John Boyle, Joanna Bogle, and Reluctant Sinner. To save repetition you can take it that the analysis to be found at these four links expresses my own suspicions, views and feelings. As far as suspicions are concerned I'm afraid that this whole 'mess of potage' is the result of intention rather than mere ineptitude. Apart from anything else, these developments also seem to expose Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor as continuing to be a powerful influence behind the scenes. Archbishop Nichols cannot be his own, or properly the Pope's man, whilst that influence continues.

To end on a more constructive note, Father Mark has an excellent argument at Vultus Christi as to why it has been wrong to move the Solemnity of Corpus Christi from Thursday to this coming Sunday.

Next post on Monday (DV) (the Holy Father is due back from Cyprus on Sunday). I hope to return to the question: 'Why doesn't the Pope make a clear statement on some of the 'vexed issues' that were raised by my earlier post on practice at Papal liturgies.

Corpus Christi

O Sacrum Convivium - Richard Farrant (1530 - 1585)

Rendering unto Caesar.......................

Ever since the Office in church this morning, I've been haring about like a mad thing today, making arrangements to pay the latest electricity bill which I had not realised was so imminent. This involved a morning trip into Aubeterre to transfer the money between accounts, and after that was sorted, there was the weekly shopping trip this afternoon. (Everything takes so long here because of distances and a sort of 'Lady Fortescue sensation' comes over me at these times.) It was a vast relief to return from the latter in time for Holy Hour before cooking supper. Thank goodness I usually remember to put "DV" when promising future posts. Fotunately on Sunday and Monday I had more or less completed the flower arrangements in church for Corpus Christi, and it looked really good for the Visitation yesterday. I will finish it tomorrow morning before the broadcast General Audience. I just wish you could all share the perfume of the roses which surround Our Lord in the chapel of the His Blessed Mother in our little church. Tomorrow afternoon is given over to teaching so I think it will be Thursday before I post again.

In Christo pro Papa

Music for the Beatification Mass

First of all many thanks to commenters on my earlier post about this matter, paricularly to 'Anonymous' who gave me a very useful and important link. By the time I followed it, yesterday afternnon, the latest revised list had been published on Holy Smoke. There seems to be general agreement that it is far better than many of us had feared and I concur in that. Here is the link to abcm.org and once there you can go to ABCM Rehearsal Resources and listen to the tunes (all four parts available separately where relevant). When I last looked, the list was still awaiting final approval from Rome. (Mark, I knew the 'back story' and felt the English were being lazy. That's all. At least we have a strong piece of Byrd, some Gregorian chant, some sound hymns and the wonderful Papa Haydn at the end. Please forgive me for wanting a scrap of Tallis, whose absence from the list I still mourn!)

I agree with Anonymous that some of the 'invective' expressed about the 'pre-MacMillan plan' arose through selective reporting and perhaps through the unfortunate naming of Nick Bayly's blog about the subject. I do hope that my own post was not counted as invective by Anonymous or any of my readers and assure you all that I wrote in sorrow and hope, not anger!

See also The New Liturgical Movement for comment about the apparent absence of sung Propers from the proposed Mass.

Have just discovered that the link destination given above, has changed since yesterday. Will try to sort this out before the end of today.

Next post, probably 'Vexed Issues 4', on Tuesday, D.V.

In Christo pro Papa

Vexed Issues 3: Communion in the Hand

My main concern in this series of posts is practice at Papal Masses, although much of what I say has relevance at the smallest parish Mass as well.

Those of us who prefer to receive Communion on the tongue, and kneeling, if at all possible, were relieved and overjoyed when Pope Benedict made clear his own feelings on the matter and began to 'lead by example'. Since then many more people, judging from all his televised Masses, are following him in this leadership. And yet even in St. Peter's Basilica, with his example before their very eyes, many take absolutely no notice. At the very least it seems to me the height of discourtesy to continue doing something in his presence which he is known not to favour. At one point in Portugal, the Holy Father said, "We impose nothing; we propose ceaselessly....." The trouble with those who do not follow the Pope's way, on this, as on many other things, is that they are content to accept the first part of his remark as an endorsement of their own behaviour, whilst totally ignoring its second part, which is an invitation to examine his propositions.

I agree with Mary who asked in a response to an earlier post, why Pope Benedict doesn't speak out on this, perhaps by devoting a Wednesday General Audience to his REASONS for giving Communion in the way he does. At the moment it could still be claimed that people are ignorant of these reasons. As things are, at least in UK and France, the bishops and priests who could be robustly supporting the Pope in this matter, or at the very least opening an honest discussion on the manner of receiving Communion, largely do not seem to be doing anything of the kind. Why is this? I'm afraid my own answers to the question fill me with dread.

1. Many of those priests and bishops do not agree with the Pope. Worse, they are reluctant to listen to him, leave alone to explain/pass on his teaching to the faithful, thus showing scant respect for his age, holiness, wisdom, experience and scholarship.
2. Communion in the Hand began BEFORE the Holy See gave permission for it, initially to the French Bishops Conference, and then over 40 years it gradually became common practice. The Holy See never said that it wished that to happen, quite the reverse in fact. See the original document here.
3. Many priests, laypeople, and even bishops maybe, have no recollection of the former practice, or at least none in their adult catholic lives. Those of us old enough to have these memories have had to watch in sorrow and dismay, as reverence for, and even belief in, the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, has persistently dwindled. It is this latter which really alarms me. From my own observations over four decades in England and France. I cannot help but think of Communion in the Hand as a strong influence in this direction.

A note about these large open-air Papal Masses: One still sees many people turning away from the person who has given them the Host in the hand, without consuming It first. Added to this, surely an insistence that Communion be received on the tongue would cut down the factor of risk to the Sacred Host.

Finally, on a more encouraging note, at least in one sense: In the general Communion melee in St. Peter's on Pentcost Sunday, the camera showed a young boy accepting Communion and immediately turning away with the Host still in his hand. He was grabbed, yes grabbed, by a male lay assistant to the distributing priest, and made to consume the Host there and then. The boy looked astonished and one wondered about the catechesis he had previously received.

Vexed Issues 3

Apologies for delay. Today passed in a welter of unexpected demands on my time and tomorrow is a teaching day. So 'Vexed Issues' will be continued on Thursday, DV.

In the meantime, God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa

Pentecost

Sequence: Veni Sancte Spiritus



Veni Creator Spiritus

The Papal Mass in Coventry.(Vexed Issues: Part 2)

Like many others, I was vastly relieved that the list of possible music to be dished up to our Holy Father, is now likely to be dignified by the inclusion of work by MacMillan. However the news raises certain other questions.

1. To have the same Mass setting both in Glasgow and Coventry, is to say the least of it, rather poor. It makes it look as if England itself has nothing to offer. It smacks of laziness and not caring enough about our own culture, maybe even ignorance of it.

2. In other countries the Holy Father has visited, (and in Rome itself) we've become used to bits of De Angelis for the Ordinary, and 'do what you must' for the Propers. Is England going to do something spectacular and have the MacMillan Ordinary with Gregorian Propers? I'm not holding my breath, but it is in fact the perfect opportunity, to show awareness of the links between MacMillan, the Chant and even Renaissance Polyphony. If we did that, we'd really show the Holy Father that we know what we're about.

3. Benedict XVI continually tells us we must not lose touch with the Christian roots of Europe. Who, in a position of influence in England & Wales has taken the blindest bit of notice, specifically in the musical realm? From Nick Bayly's blog 'Music for the Community', to which Damian linked for a list of proposed music for the Coventry Mass, you would think that our Catholic culture began after 1962. He actually refers to these pieces, written in the 70s and 80s as 'classics', although he does not have the grace to put the word in inverted commas. And he actually condemns one piece as being a mere sop to 'nostalgia' for people from the early post Vat II years. That actually made me laugh, although with hollowness.

4. Are we not in danger of missing a most perfect catechetical, and generally educative opportunity here? This cutting off of everything that happened up until Vatican II and its quite clearly faulty implementation, has meant, among many other things, that it is unfashionable for English Catholics to honour their Martyrs. When I was a young woman, we prayed daily for their canonisation. By the time Paul VI did this, I think in 1971, their martydom already seemed to have been forgotten, a rather embarrassing excess.

5. Christian England, such as remains of it, needs to face the fact of her history during the first Reformation. An excellent way to do this is to listen t0 her greatest Christian composers, Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. To me, it is a gift from God that they lived through that horribly cruel period and did not have their heads struck from their shoulders. It is unlikely that the Holy Father will be offered the precious peak of our musical creativity when he visits England. He will not hear the 'Spem in Alium' of Thomas Tallis sung on English soil. This afternoon when choosing the video which Mark posted so quickly, I wept bitter tears, that for countless reasons we are unable, or unwilling to give our Holy Father such a gift. (As I've already said, the capability and talent is there. It is just not being asked to come forward.)

6. But you know, the thing about Tallis and Byrd, is that they both wrote sublime music to English as well as Latin words, (Byrd being the younger by, I think, about 35 years). Now wouldn't it be a real sign of healing, of mutual forgiveness for all the horrors of that first Reformation, during which English soil was soaked with the blood of martyrs on both sides, if we could have, at some point during Pope Benedict's visit, one motet by each man: from Tallis in English, "If ye love me, keep my commandments", and from Byrd in Latin, his "Ave Verum".

Now, wouldn't that reflect true Ecumenism?

Please join me in praying that we will see something of the kind.

In Christo pro Papa

Spem in alium

Spem in Alium (Thomas Tallis)

A busy day in St. Romain

Suffice to say that it is Pentecost in two days' time, but on Tuesday I was informed there would be a wedding in our church, the first one for at least five years, on the day preceding the Solemnity, for which I'd already decided to make a bit of a floral fuss, - for Our Lord, you understand. Unfortunately our locals do not yet come to adore Him..

Yesterday, I did the greenery collection and arranged the backgrounds in the vases and today hauled up from the garden, buckets of roses with which to complete the displays. When I arrived with the first load, Abbe Marchand was there waiting to greet the nuptial pair and take them through a rehearsal. And so it happened that I did the remaining floral work, hidden in Our Lady's chapel with Our Lord, whilst he gave them their last instruction before their marriage. They were in front of the high altar with him, and sufficiently far away for me not to be able to hear what was being said, only the steady hum of their voices. And meanwhile, I got on with the little bit of work it was my privilege and pleasure to do. So peaceful, so right, so normal, those young ones, guided by a priest of Our Lord in preparation to embrace the sacrament of marriage, and the 'old handmaid' in the background doing her stuff!

Before they finished, I took away a bucket of discarded foliage. When I came back with a broom to sweep away all the little bits and pieces from the chapel floor, the Abbe was in his car and about to drive off. Just as I approached the church door he lowered his window and said to me, (translation) " I find what you have done, most beautiful. Thank you." And all the time with a seraphic smile on his young face. I know he understands why I do it, and with God's help, I always will. It's nothing to do with his saying nice things to me so that I can puff up my feathers. I trust in Our Lord that Abbe Marchand knows that mine aims to be a quiet participation. So why am I telling you this? Just, I suppose, so that you can be certain that it exists. God help me.

Tomorrow, I hope to comment on Communion at the Holy Father's Masses, and the latest news about the forthcoming Mass in Coventry. It would have been done today, but as you see other matters have intervened. Deo gratias.

In Christo pro Papa

Music for Papal Liturgies in Portugal

Thank you to Mark for arranging the two videos in the previous post.

As already acknowledged, I was for the most part, uplifted by the music during the most recent Papal trip, but I maintain that it lost a golden opportunity to let the Holy Father hear at least one piece that would have demonstrated beyond doubt, that Portuguese composers hold an indisputable place as jewels in the crown of renaissance polyphony - Cardoso, Escobar, Fonseca, Lobo (Duarte, not to be confused with the Spanish Alonso) to name but a few.

The Holy Father congratulated the Portuguese on the strength of their culture, but they had not let him hear in public, any of this important aspect of it. Surely, they could have produced a choir capable of singing this music just once during the trip. Of course it is quite right that everyone should be able to sing in joy before the Lord and, His Blessed Mother, in the company of the Holy Father, when the opportunity presents itself. I am not disputing that at all. I just find it depressing that some of the most exquisite treasures remain hidden on these occasions. After the Communion (I think at Fatima) would have been the perfect time to place one of them. Instead we had a beefy operatic rendering of 'Panis Angelicus' from a soprano who had so much vibrato that she was actually out of tune for 50 per cent of the time, making poor old Cesar's tune almost unrecognisable, and that's saying something! (Sorry I can't stand vibrato in a liturgical setting and in any case, what has Franck to do with Portuguese culture?) On the other hand the woman's voice was suited to the Magnificat which followed. Whether post Communion was the right place for it is another matter. I suspect not, considering Pope Benedict's plea for silence at this point in the proceedings, a plea which seems to be increasingly ignored, even in St. Peter's.

As far as the upcoming trip to England is concerned, taking notice of what the Pope proposes about the Mass is one thing, but to subject him to music with which he is known not to be personally comfortable, is to me the height of discourtesy and inhospitality. It is not the way this most honoured guest should be treated. Judging from what Damian Thompson says about the music being prepared for the Beatification Mass at Coventry airport, it seems that the intention is to present him with a diet he will find indigestible. The furthest we will go back in OUR culture is to a piece by Elgar. And here was I (silly me) praying for the 40 part 'Spem in Alium' of Tallis, and maybe Byrd's Ave Verum. Perhaps there's still a chance that we'll have them at a Vespers somewhere during the visit. Make no mistake, there is enough choral strength and expertise in Britain to carry it off. (It is not a question of whether I like what is apparently being proposed, but of whether the Pope, and above all, Newman himself ,would like it.) It will be tragic if the 'powers that be' decide not to harness the necessary talents and experience that are obviously available to them, particularly when it is English choirs, notably that of Westminster Cathedral and New College Oxford, who have promoted the works of the Portuguese composers who inspired this post in the first place. If in the UK, the Pope is given a menu of what he once called 'utility music' (Ratzinger Report, 1985), you will never again see me criticising what happened in Portugal!

In Christo pro Papa

Portuguese Polyphony: two outstanding examples

Hodie Nobis (de Cristo) and Alma Redemptoris Mater (Fernandez)

~~*~~

Quid hic statis (Cardoso)

Thank you to my commenters on previous post

I will respond tomorrow, D.V.

God bless all here.



In Christo pro Papa

Girl Altar Servers and Extraordinary Ministers.

Both of these were seen at the Papal Masses in Portugal: the first at Fatima and the second at Porto.

I am shocked and puzzled by both things, not because I could not be open to them if properly prepared for them in the context of a Papal Mass, and they were really unavoidable. In my knowledge Pope Benedict has never countenanced either of these things before. Why did he apparently do so on this Portuguese trip?

The extraordinary ministers are one thing. I suppose it would be fairly easy to make a case that there weren't enough priests to go round, but I'm not convinced, particularly not in the Year of the Priest.

The girl altar servers are another matter. If the Pope has decided that they are acceptable, then the Vatican should issue a clear statement so that we all know where we are. If on the other hand this was just some of the 'powers that be' in Portugal pushing their luck, and the Pope didn't know about it before it happened, then there should also be an explanation. I'll have to look at the video again but I'm pretty certain that one of the servers who brought him the cruets at the lavabo at Mass in Fatima was a girl, and absolutely certain that girls brought him the incense for incensing the altar and Blessed Sacrament during the Benediction which followed the Mass. I must admit to thinking at the time, and this in all seriousness, that he is so holy as to not recognise the difference anymore between a girl and a boy.

Maybe we'll never know what went on here. I would be most grateful for comments about what you saw and how you felt about it. Has the Pope changed his mind, or was he manipulated? If the first, I go along with him. If the second, I am deeply worried.

I'm upset, not by the things themselves, but that they happened without warning, when we have been constantly reminded that they are not to be considered as norms.

In Christo pro Papa

J.

Update on my 'unanswered' papal letter.

Shortly after my last post on this subject, I was given two contacts in Rome, for which help I am most grateful. One is at the Congregation for Clergy, and the other at the Pontifical Commission 'Ecclesia Dei'. I have written to both and will keep you posted as to any reply I may receive.

Volcanic Dust Cloud heading for Lisbon and Rome

This according to our French Sunday newspaper 'Sud-Ouest Dimanche.' If the prevailing wind continues in an easterly direction, both cities may have flight problems and the Holy Father's trip may have to be postponed. Northern Spain is already affected. Madrid is OK so far but 19 airports including Barcelona, are closed.

Here in the S.E. Charente we are just on the edge of the cloud. Bergerac Airport in the Dordogne is already closed.

Kasper and Fellay; "The Bishops Themselves"; Preparing for Portugal

My apologies for absence. Explanations would be complicated and time consuming. Please forgive me.

To my mind Cardinal Kasper and Bishop Fellay personify extremes of the Holy Father's most difficult problem within the Church. Cardinal Kasper has recently given a press conference in Paris and Bishop Fellay has written to his supporters in the SPPX. I cannot agree with the bishop's critical remarks about the Pope having visited the Synagogue and the Lutheran community in Rome, but at least his letter was an internal affair, whereas the Cardinal's statements were deliberately public on the doorstep of another cardinal who dislikes the fact that the SSPX is so strong in France. We know the talks are difficult, but Cardinal Kasper is not involved in them. Speaking as he did just makes them more difficult. I'm sorry, but I must say that I do not trust his possible motives. Believe you me the previous sentence is the mildest expression I can manage of very much stronger feelings.

I am still fretting about bishops generally so I was glad this morning to read Jeff Mirus on the sixth document of Vatican II - 'Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops'. Chapter 2 is entitled 'The Bishops Themselves" and here you can read what Vatican II thought they should be and do to satisfactorily fulfil their office. My own reading made me feel better about Vatican II, but I'm afraid, worse about some of our bishops. For example, "Bishops must guard Church Doctrine, teaching the faithful to defend and propagate it."

Preparing for Portugal
Turning to the immediate future, John Allen has an excellently helpful piece on Portugal and what we may expect the Holy Father to do and say whilst he's in the country next week.